Catching Up

Hi All,

Time to get back in the groove of this. I swear, if I miss a day, that's it. So hopefully I can get caught up a bit here. First, I wanted to share one of my favorite recipes. It comes from the Food Network magazine. These breadsticks(an Olive Garden knock-off) are REALLY good. When I make these, I'm able to split the dough in half and make 2 batches on 2 seperate days.

Almost-Famous Breadsticks

Ingredients
For the Dough:
1 package active dry yeast
4 1/4 cups all-purpose flour,plus more for dusting
2 tablespoons unsalted butter,softened
2 tablespoons sugar
1 tablespoon fine salt
For the Topping:
3 tablespoons unsalted butter,melted
1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
1/8 to 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
Pinch of dried oregano
Directions
Make the dough: Place 1/4 cup warm water in the bowl of a mixer; sprinkle in the yeast and set aside until foamy, about 5 minutes. Add the flour, butter, sugar, fine salt and 1 1/4 cups plus 2 tablespoons warm water; mix with the paddle attachment until a slightly sticky dough forms, 5 minutes.
Knead the dough by hand on a floured surface until very smooth and soft, 3 minutes. Roll into a 2-foot-long log; cut into 16 1 1/2-inch-long pieces. Knead each piece slightly and shape into a 7-inch-long breadstick; arrange 2 inches apart on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Cover with a cloth; let rise in a warm spot until almost doubled, about 45 minutes.
Preheat the oven to 400 degrees. Make the topping: Brush the breadsticks with 1 1/2 tablespoons of the butter and sprinkle with 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt. Bake until lightly golden, about 15 minutes. Meanwhile, combine the remaining 1/4 teaspoon salt with the garlic powder and oregano. Brush the warm breadsticks with the remaining 1 1/2 tablespoons melted butter and sprinkle with the flavored salt.

You will not be disapointed in these. I'm planning on making these along with some dips for an upcoming playgroup. I've also included some pictures of my little helper. She likes to roll her dough and then eat it raw. At least she's enjoying herself!

Our weekend was pretty uneventful, as it usually is. I guess that's what happens when you work 3rd shift! Saturday, we ran a few errands and then I was able to get some cleaning done around the house while Riley napped. Sunday, we headed to Sams Club after church to pick up a few things then headed to JCPenney. Funny story here: So we don't usually shop at JCPenney, but I received a coupon for $10 off any purchase in the mail, and Riley needs some new clothes, so I thought this was a good opportunity to pick up a few things for her. So we chose a dress and a pair of pants for Miss Riley. I decided to take Riley back out to the car while Dustin paid because she wouldn't stop climbing the manequins in the store. We're on our way out when Dustin said he lost the coupon I had handed him exactly 15 minutes earlier. The funny thing is (although he denies it) is that Dustin is NOT good with coupons. About 2 months ago, I handed him a stack of coupons to pay for our groceries. Again, I was taking Riley out to the car while he paid. Again, we arrive home when he finds the coupons stuffed in his pocket. I guess you have to laugh:)

That about catches me up. Upcoming busy week! My Wednesday morning Women's group with our church Crossroads begins, there are a few playdates planned and I'm also meeting my Mom and sister along with my niece and nephew in Columbus on Thursday. I'm so excited! I don't see my parents as often as I previously did because I work all weekend, and my sister...well, I haven't seen her since Thanksgiving. So this will be a real treat! I'm going to do my best to not to blow the whistle on my pregnancy (I'll be 8 weeks this upcoming Tuesday) so I can tell everyone on my upcoming trip to Georgia on October 9. At least if I'm tired I can blame it on work. Stay tuned for an upcoming post on our visit in Polaris.

xoxo,

Jackie