Fingers and Toes

Here a few pictures form my most recent photoshoot with a new born. I would love comments and criitques!

Sunsets and Man Made Wind

We had the pleasure of attending a dear friends graduation party a few weeks ago and though it was extremely hot, there was a lovely sunset and I was able to capture a few shoots. Because it was so hot that day our hosts brought out a giant fan so we'd be nice and cool. The second photo is a product of that man made wind.

Rabbit Food

Here is an absolutely Delicious recipe I found on the "How Sweet it is" website. These are delectable Sweet Potato Quinoa Cakes. I made them for dinner and my normally "anything that looks good for you and might be rabbit food" resistant family liked and requested them again!! Hope you enjoy!



Sweet Potato Quinoa Cakes
[adapted from Heidi Swanson]
makes 4 cakes, is super easily multiplied
1 medium sweet potato (about 6 oz), peeled and chopped
1/2 red onion, diced
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon pepper
2 garlic cloves, minced
1 tablespoon olive oil
1/2 cup cooked quinoa (let it cool before using!)
1/4 cup whole wheat bread crumbs
1/4 cup finely grated Parmesan cheese
2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro
2 tablespoons chopped fresh basil
1 large egg, lightly beaten
Heat a large skillet over medium-low heat and add 1/2 tablespoons olive oil. Add in sweet potato, onion, 1/4 teaspoon of salt and 1/4 teaspoon of pepper, stir, cover and cook for 10-12 minutes, or until potato is just soft. Remove lid and add garlic, cooking for 30 seconds.
Transfer potato mixture to a large bowl (slightly mashing potato with a fork) and let it cool for about 20-30 minutes (you can skip this if you don't have the time). Then add quinoa, breadcrumbs, cheese, herbs, remaining salt and pepper and mix well. Once combined, add in egg, then mix until moistened. Using your hands to bring it together, form four equally-sized patties. Heat the same skillet over medium heat and add olive oil. Add cakes and cook for 3-4 minutes per side (I cooked them longer, about 6-8 minutes on each side), or until golden to dark brown.

Love

I took this picture this morning. I love how it captures her love for her little brother!

Pig Tails

I took this photo a couple weeks ago. I think she's so precious! Here is the unedited and edited photo I took of her.

Naan of Your Buisness

Hey everyone! I've discovered a new recipe that my family and I enjoy. It's Naan! Naan originates in Central, east and southern Asia. I first tried it in an Indian restaurant in Greenwich, CT. That  was a few years ago and I forgot about it for a few years; until, I roasted lamb a couple weeks ago and thought it would be a lovely accompaniment to the meal. I know I certainly enjoyed it. I thought I'd share the recipe with you all. This recipe is courtesy of All Recipes.com. Happy Memorial Day!

Ingredients

• 1 (.25 ounce) package active dry yeast
• 1 cup warm water
• 1/4 cup white sugar
• 3 tablespoons milk
• 1 egg, beaten
• 2 teaspoons salt
• 4 1/2 cups bread flour
• 2 teaspoons minced garlic (optional)
• 1/4 cup butter, melted

Directions

1. In a large bowl, dissolve yeast in warm water. Let stand about 10 minutes, until frothy. Stir in sugar, milk, egg, salt, and enough flour to make a soft dough. Knead for 6 to 8 minutes on a lightly floured surface, or until smooth. Place dough in a well oiled bowl, cover with a damp cloth, and set aside to rise. Let it rise 1 hour, until the dough has doubled in volume.
2. Punch down dough, and knead in garlic. Pinch off small handfuls of dough about the size of a golf ball. Roll into balls, and place on a tray. Cover with a towel, and allow to rise until doubled in size, about 30 minutes.
3. During the second rising, preheat grill, pan or griddle to high heat.
4. At grill side, roll one ball of dough out into a thin circle. Lightly oil grill, pan or griddle . Place dough on grill, pan or griddle , and cook for 2 to 3 minutes, or until puffy and lightly browned. Brush uncooked side with butter, and turn over. Brush cooked side with butter, and cook until browned, another 2 to 4 minutes. Remove from grill, pan or griddle and continue the process until all the naan has been prepared.

Snails and Puppy Dog Tails

First, I hope I'm not the only one who knows where the title of this post comes from, otherwise, it will make no sense. Second, because I've been busy I forgot to post the pictures of some children I get to babysit quite often. Enjoy!