Favorite Places - The Drive Home

Now that I am no longer in the Army I will miss one of the best parts of my day, the drive home. I love driving by all the drop zones and seeing the sun set as the Airborne drop out of planes. It is really stunning. There is no brochure or Army video that can truly show the beauty of watching an evening jump. It was also a time to reflect on my day and wind down so that when I made it home. The drive took about 40 minutes. By the end, I was able to appreciate and enjoy my life at home without bringing work stress with me. I will truly miss my drive home.

Favorite Places - Barnes & Noble

I'm a Nerd. I admit it and say it with pride.  My bed is usually covered in books and magazines I am reading. Not to mention all my favorite blogs are usually open in different windows on my computer. I am a certifiable book crazy nerd. Needless to say I love Barnes and Noble.

I have to say I love B&N for many reasons. One, there is a Starbucks in them. Two, I can get a coffee and flip through magazines all I want for free. It is seriously one of my favorite ways to waste away an afternoon. I could get lost in all sorts of bookshops and libraries, but at my B&N I have a little spot in the corner I like to call my own. I can't wait to go again this week.

I always hope everyone out there has a spot they love. Just like I do at my B&N.

End of Year Inventory

via PostSecret.com

As the end of the year comes to be I like to look back on what the past year has brought and what it has been to me. I'm not going to sugar coat it, this has been a rough year for me. I lost my way. I lost myself. There were times I wasn't sure how to go on. I made poor decisions and fell down on my heart.

Even though some of the events from the past year bring tears to my eyes and pain to my heart, I want to focus on what good came of them. I rekindled my love of photography and cooking. I found a bit of the girl I was before but found there was a better girl here on the other side. A wiser friend. A better mother. And someone I can be more proud knowing and being. It has taken a lot of time alone and searching my soul to get here. I'm not done with my journey, but I have some direction.

As the new year starts I look forward to the challenges to come and I am excited to see where I will be next year at this time. The girl I was last year didn't survive intact, but I do think she got a little better at living the life she wants and being the girl she wants to be.

Much love and success to all in the year to come.

<3 Nerd Kitty

Nummy Mini Pecan Pies

When my good friend Scott decided to have a Welcome Home Party for his Wife Natalie on her return from Iraq, I jumped at the opportunity to try out a few new recipes. One that worked so much better than I thought it would... Mini Pecan Pies.

They were much easier than I had imagined. I found it in an old Cuisine At Home special edition. I changed up a few things, like made the pies in regular muffin pans versus mini muffin pans. They still turned out fantastic. I think I'll try to see what else I can make that would work as a cupcake??? Humm....

Enjoy the recipe!

Mini Pecan Pies

2 sticks   unsalted butter, softened
2/3 c       brown sugar
2  2/3 c   all-purpose flour
1/2 t        salt
6 oz        pecan halves
1/2 c       sugar
1/2 c       brown sugar
3             eggs
1/4 c       pure maple sugar
2 T         unsalted butter, melted
2 T         burbon (optional)
1 t          vanilla extract
1/2 t       salt


1. Preheat oven to 350. Coat muffin pan with nonstick cooking spray
2. Cream 2 sticks butter and 2/3 c brown sugar for the crust in a bowl with a mixer until blended. Add the flour and 1/2 t salt; mix until sandy.
3. Press 3 T dough into each well of the prepared muffin pans, shaping up the sides. Prebake the shells for 8 min or until set and lightly golden brown.
4. Remove shells from oven and pat bottoms down lightly (best to used the back of a spoon, they are a bit hot) Set shells aside.
5. Chop pecans coarsely.
6. Whisk both sugars, eggs, syrup, melted butter, burbon, vanilla, salt and chopped pecans together in a bowl. Pour filling into each shell and top each with a pecan half.
7. Bake each mini pie for 15 min or until filling is set and crust is browned.
8. Let cool in pan for 15 to 20 min. run knife around edge to loosen and carefully lift out.

Enjoy these babies warm or cool. However you prefer. If you are making this for company, I'm sure they will love them.

Have a lovely nummy day!

Happy Holidays!

Happy Holidays to all from Nerd Kitty and friends!

Nummy Nutella Cake

I made this amazing Marble Nutella Poundcake, dubbed the most blogged about Nutella recipe. Seriously, there are a million versions of this on different websites. Google it. (I dare you. ;-) )

Anyway... One of my best buddies, Scott, loves me to make this for him. (He has been known to horde it from guests.) It really is Nummy! I thought I would share so you can make some for yourself.

Notes from the cook: (that's me if you were wondering) I have made this with varying amounts of Nutella and it mainly changes how well the Nutella part either stays in the cake or migrates towards the bottom. The more Nutella the heavier the batter and the more likely it is to sink. Just something to keep in mind when thinking of presentation.

Enjoy!

Nutella Marble Pound Cake

Makes 1 (9x5 inch loaf)

1 1/2 Cups All-Purpose Flour

4 Large Eggs, room Temp

2 Tsp Pure Vanilla

1 Tsp Baking Powder

1/2 Tsp Salt

2 sticks Butter (1/2 pound), softened

1 1/4 Cups Sugar

1/2 Cup Nutella Spread

3 Tbs Unsweetened Cocoa Powder

Preheat the oven to 325. Lightly greese a 9x5 in pan. 

In a large bowl, beat together the butter and sugar until fluffy.

Beat in the eggs one at a time and then add the vanilla.

In a separate bowl, mix together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Add this to the egg/butter mixture in three batches, beating just until mixed.

Remove one third of the mixture to a separate bowl, stir in the Nutella and cocoa powder to the smaller portion.

Pour half the remaining pound cake mixture into the prepared pan. Top with the Nutella mixture and gently smoothing to cover. 

Pour remaining pound cake mixture on top. Use a knife to swirl the Nutella mixture through the cake. DO NOT Overmix.

Bake the cake for about an hour and 15 minutes until a toothpick comes out clean.

Cool for 15 minutes then remove from pan. 

Allow to cool to room temperature before serving.

Store in airtight container for 3 to 4 days

The New Old Fashioned Holiday Cards

Once upon a time... Ok, so every year since 2000

I have attempted to send Christmas cards to my near and dear. Usually I get through about six and lose steam. Then I feel really bad because the time I realize that I haven't finished my Christmas cards it is already past Christmas. OOPS!

Along came Sincerely Ink. I am not sure I can adequately describe my relief and love for this app. I was able to take a photo of me and my kiddo and design a card all on my iPhone. The only other requirement of me was to add addresses in and press send. So easy!

The cards cost around $2. However, you can buy in bulk and get extra cards for free. I love it!

If you are like me and get too busy to finish your foray in to the old fashioned practice of Christmas cards this app is for you. I love hearing someone received one. Gives my heart a little warmth in this cold month. Try it out and see for yourself.