Trial and Error

If there's one thing I've learned from cooking, it's that it doesn't always turn out as planned.  I'm always hoping for that perfect dish, the one that looks like the picture, but I don't think that has ever happened.  I seem to have better luck with baking, but even that doesn't always turn out as planned (my mom and sister would LOVE to tell you about the time I forgot to add water).  So when it comes to the structured messes in the kitchen, I try to learn from the catastrophes: like the first time I made lasagna and put the ground beef in the piping hot pan, thus creating a cloud of smoke and setting off the smoke alarms.  Despite the first less-than-perfect attempts, I keep going back for more and sometimes lemonade forms out of lemons!

This morning I went and picked blueberries at Hawk Hill Farm.  The bushes are HUGE there!  I recommend it to anyone in the area.

So now I am faced with two large bags of blueberries, and lots of possibilities for what to do with them!  Today's structured messes: Whole Wheat Blueberry Streusel Muffins, and Granola.  The muffins turned out alright, but not great (story of my life :) ).  Good thing I have PLENTY of extra berries to keep trying with!  The granola however is excellent and will be delicious with some of the blueberries and yogurt. 

Next up: Blueberry Cobbler for dessert.  Let's hope hubby B has a high blueberry tolerance!

How Sweet It Is

Happy 4th of July to all!  Unfortunately the rain has pushed us inside, but not before we were able to cookout with the neighbors.  The cornhole on the other hand will just have to wait until another day!  I made these s'mores bars to share and they were a big hit.  Sadly I did not get a picture before they were eaten, but here's the recipe if you want to give it a try (they're delicious AND easy to make):

• 3 cups graham cracker crumbs
• 3/4 cup melted butter
• 1/3 cup sugar
• 3/4 bag miniature marshmallows
• 1 bag semi-sweet chocolate chips

Combine the melted butter, sugar, and graham cracker crumbs and press half the mixture into a greased 13 x 9 pan.  Sprinkle the chocolate chips and marshmallows.  Top with the rest of the graham cracker mixture and press firmly.  Bake at 375 for 10 minutes.  Press top with a spatula.  Cool completely.

*Once the pan cooled completely, I put it in the fridge to firm up more.  Original recipe can be found here: S'Mores Bars


Hope everyone has had an excellent 4th!