Good Morning Bubba Sandwich

So its Valentines Day and I figure its been a while and I hadn't posted anything a quiet a while so why not a little story about the love of my life. I have this wonderful man in my life named Robert, but I call him Bubba. Bubba and I have been together for 2 years now and recently moved into our first place together at the beginning of this year.

As you all know I love to cook, so naturally I find any excuse to cook for my Bubba any chance I get. This past Saturday morning I made him the most delicious breakfast sandwich. I made two spicy sausage patties out of some Farmer John pork sausage links, grilled some onions and fried some eggs with cheddar cheese.

Look at that.......that there will  make you want to wake up.

Now the funny part about this story is that I made the mistake of NOT checking if the one of the eggs were cooked all the way through. I presented my love with his breakfast plate and gazed at him as he devoured his first sandwich. While he stepped away to get some ketchup (the ultimate diss) I snapped a pic of the remaining sandwich.

When he came back, he squeezed on his lame condiment preparing for another bite. He bit down and the most yellowish runny egg yolk squirted out onto his face and hands. Needless to say I started rolling on the floor dying of laughter. Oh, but not my bub. He was pissed and immediately spit it out. I tried to get him to eat it because I personally LOVE runny egg yolk and I am always trying to get this boy to eat outside of his comfort zone and try new things, but there was no swaying him. LOL It still makes me laugh. Sorry, Bub. I love you. LOL.

We All Scream for Ice Cream!!!

Chocolate Brownie Ice Cream

For my birthday, or maybe even Christmas a few years ago, my Mudder got me an ice cream maker. I love making everything from scratch, EVERYTHING, I should get DIY tattooed somewhere. LOL. Anyway, I told myself I'd use the ice cream maker before the end of this summer, at least to try it out. And wouldn't you know it, I've become addicted to making it. So far I've made the basics; vanilla, chocolate and strawberry. Overall the process is quite simple; using a basic custard recipe and flavoring as you wish.

The first flavor I made was strawberry (right), using fresh mashed strawberries. I was so impressed with myself. It was rich and creamy and the berries were just slightly frozen. I served it up with a souffle like dessert called Lemon Dream Dessert (left).




The following week I made vanilla (left). One thing I noticed about my homemade vanilla ice cream and typical store bought vanilla, was that mine came out significantly whiter. Most store bought has a yellowish tint to it, perhaps for using more eggs or maybe more vanilla. All I know is, I like mine much better.

 






I started to go a little crazy with the ice cream, because I found myself making another batch the next weekend. My Mudder kept begging me to ease up on the sweets, but I just told her that I would give it all away. Oh hell to the naw.! "Don't give it ALL away!" I knew she would change her mind once she tasted it. Hehehe (sinister laugh). This time Banana (right) and, boy, was it good.







I felt the need to make a little something to go with it. Banana Pudding crossed my mind, so I decided to play on that idea with the ice cream and make a vanilla waffer. I served the banana ice cream with an Almond Toffee Wafer (left) using a recipe I'd found amoungst my recipe cards.The wafers are suppose to be curved slightly, but I struggeled a little with the shaping of the cookie. I still think it looks divine.



More recently, my dad came to visit. For those of you who know me but may not know my background, my dad is Barton Davis. He has been in my life for over a decade, and I love him so very much. Anyway, my dad loves Double Chocolate Fudge Brownie ice cream. So for his visit I want to suprise him with a homemade version. Pictured at the very top is my version of chocolate brownie ice cream. I simply made a chocolate ice cream and some homemade brownies and mixed them together while the ice cream was sort of soft. My Mudder didn't want her portion mixed together. LOL One thing that I will definitely have to work on with the chocolate is the stiffness. I'm not sure if I should have used coca powder instead of baking chocolate or if I over worked the custard. I'll have to improve upon that, and let you know in a future post. Although, its not fesible nor health to make homemade ice cream on a regular basis, I will definitely keep this skill in my repertoire. I also plan to experiment with flavors and sorbets in the future so STAY TUNED!!!

Since You've Been Gone

Hey folks. I know, it HAS been a while. Well, before you start fussing at me, allow me to explain....

The day of my last Wilton cake decorating class...........my grandfather passed away. I needed some time to get emotionally prepared to share with you all. I needed time to be able to write this without breaking down into tears. June 22nd, I received the worse news I ever could have received....my Pawpaw died. He had been in the hospital, but we had anticipate his return home and were planning for a brighter and healthier future. Unfortunately, the Lord saw fit that it was time for my PawPaw to return home.

I'm not going to make this a very long post because I know that this post will turn into a novel. One thing I most most mention... My Pawpaw was an amazing person, and not just to me. Until his memorial service, I never realized how many people he has effected and in such a enlightening way. He inspired soooo many people and loved each one just the same. I am so honored to be his granddaughter, so honored to have had the opportunity to share my life with such a charismatic and loving individual. Not only that, but to see my grandmother receive a standing ovation during the service........People, you had to witness it. It would have given you chills. I must, and will save a special post for who you will all come to love, my Mudder. Oh, yes, I will be sure to explain the name.

 The day of my grandfather's passing was to be my last Wilton Cake Decorating Basics class. At first I wasn't going to go, but my Mudder insisted. It was hard to focus in class, but to be honest it did help to not be around anyone trying to console you. PLEASE, don't get me wrong, I appreciate the empathy; however, I got tired of people asking me if I was okay. I never really knew how to answer because if I say yes, would it appear insentative? On the flip side, saying no would of opened the flood gates for more consoling. Just saying.

So, without futher ado, I present my final Wilton cake. It was the only thing on my mind at the time, but I felt I did a decent job. I plan to write more about this experience as well as share with you what I've been up to and the delightful treats I've been cooking up. Stay tuned.....