My Birthday Recipes

First of all I'd like to say that today is my birthday. All the credit of course goes to my mother for going through thirty-three hours of grueling labor to have me (all of my younger brothers and sisters took anywhere from 2-6 hours, guess what they say about the first being the hardest is true!). Anyway, a tradition in our household is that on someones birthday, they get to choose the meal and what kind of cake they get that evening. Our grandparents usually come up the weekend before or after to distribute their gifts and we go out to lunch with them, but on the actual day our wonderful mother cooks for us.

This year I chose chicken alfredo (my mom makes the best) for my birthday dinner and chocolate-chip-cookie-cake for my, well, cake. these are the recipes that we used:

CHOCLOATE-CHIP-COOKIE-CAKE

2-1/3 cups all-purpose flour
2/3 cup granulated sugar
2/3 cup firmly packed light brown sugar
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional)
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
8 ounces unsalted butter, softened
1 large egg, lightly beaten
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 cups (12 ounces) semisweet chocolate chips
1 cup chopped nuts (optional)

Preheat over to 350*

Mix first five ingredients (see cinnamon) until lightly blended. Add in butter and mix on low speed (of you're using a mixer) until mixture resembles large crumbs. Add egg and vanilla and mix until dough begins to form. Add chips & nuts (see above) and mix on medium. Spread in cake pan. As gross as it sounds, I found that it was easiest to use my hands to get it as even as possible. The tricky thing is actually baking the cake. All ovens and cakes are different, so what I do is I put it in for 20 minutes, and then decide if it needs to left in a little more. Now this is a recipe that i found online, but you can use your favorite chocolate-chip cookie recipe instead, you just really nee to watch the time. My mom says that cookie cake is like brownies, one minute to little and they're mush, one minute to long and they're hard as rocks.


CHICKEN ALFREDO

1 box uncooked fettuccine
2 cups fresh broccoli florets
1/4 cup zesty Italian dressing
1 lb boneless skinless chicken breasts cut into bite sized pieces
4 oz cream cheese cubed
1/4 cup Parmesan cheese
1 2/3 cups milk

Cook pasta according to directions adding in broccoli in the last 2 minutes of boiling. In the meantime add Italian Dressing and chicken to a nonstick skillet, cook chicken until no longer pink (5 minutes or so) stirring occasionally. Add in remaining ingredients. Bring to a boil stirring constantly for 1-2 minutes until sauce has thickened slightly. Remove from heat. Drain pasta/broccoli add sauce and toss pasta. Serve.

Eye of the Sword

Where angels walk the ground and the future is told in song, does a man of low rank have a chance at love with a princess?

In Camrithia, a land of shadows and mystical secrets, Trevin lives to serve King Laetham. But his heart belongs to the princess, Melaia. When the King sends Trevin on on a dangerous quest to find the missing comains—captains in the king’s army—he must leave Melaia to the advances of a swaggering Dregmoorian prince.

Challenged to prove his worth, Trevin throws himself into his quest. Striving to prove his love, Trevin undertakes a second mission—find the harps Melaia seeks in order to restore the stairway to heaven. Through fire caves, rogue winds, and murderous threats, Trevin remains steadfastly dedicated to his quest—even when he is falsely accused of a heinous crime. As Trevin’s time runs out, he realizes he must face the shame and horror of his own past and the nightmare that has come to life. Will he have the courage to finish what he has started?

Taken from the back of Eye of the Sword.


I had the privilege to review the first book in the Angelaeon Circle series, and so I was very happy to discover that the second was also available for review.


The novel picks up several months after the first one ended, but this time instead of Melaia being the main character, a person we saw for only a short period of time in Breath of Angel, Trevin, takes the stage so to speak.

He has just been appointed comain, which is a captain in the Kings army. Several days before his ceremony, however, he finds his drunken brother in a tavern surrounded by three strangers. Several unfortunate things happen to Trevin, and by the time he returns to the castle he smells like a pile of dung. Also, upon returning he discovers that his tormentors are in the castle on official business, for one of the three is the Prince of the Dregmoors.

Not only does the Dregmorian prince seek an aliance with Camrithia, he seeks the hand of the Nephili (half-human, half-angel) Melaia, whose father is the King of Camrithia. Trevin, who is in love with Melaia does everything he can to stop the wedding, until he is forced to flee do to being accused of a murder one of the Prince's henchmen committed. His flee for his life turns into a quest to find himself and save his love. Will Trevin succeed, clear his name, and get to be with Melaia?


I liked the sequel better then the firs. For one thing, the flow of the book is slower, and doesn't seem as rushed. And in Eye of the Sword, you are shown and taken to more locations in this world then in Breath of Angel. Also, you get a better look at Trevin the you did in the prequel, and also a better understanding of his character.

While the book was a bit slower than the last one, it still was a little fast and that disappointed me because it could've had more content. Also, it could have had more of the original characters included in the text. All in all, however, I enjoyed it as much as I usually do.

It was well written, and an excellent sequel, that had a good ending that left me wanting more.

Eye of the Sword will be available on March 13, 2012.

I received a free copy of this book from Waterbrook Multnomah for the purpose of writing a fair and honest review.

Sierra Jensen Vol. I by Robin Jones Gunn

Robin Jones Gunn is one of the greatest Christian authors whose works I have ever read. Her books aren't fantasy, they're a version of reality and this is shown though her characters, Christy Miller, and her good friends Sierra Jensen and Katie. Gunn has written a separate series for each of these fine young women, but the one I'm writing about today is Sierra.

Christy Miller knows a good friend when she meets her,

and so will you—

Get ready for Sierra Jensen!

*Only You, Sierra

The Europe mission trip brought Sierra Jensen the best gift possible: two new friends, Katie and Christy. But now Sierra is headed home, and she can’t help but wonder will her friendships last? And what about her new home? Her family moved while she was gone, and that means facing a new high school. And the biggest question of all: Will she ever find love? Then a chance meeting in a London airport answers that question. Paul makes her heart leap. But she’ll never see him again! Or will she?

*In Your Dreams

Sierra has had it! She’s done everything she can to find the right job, good friends, and most important, true love. But nothing is working out. Now she has to stay home to care for her grandmother. By herself. For the whole weekend! It will be terrible. But a series of startling surprises shows Sierra just how wrong she is—and before she knows it, she’s on her way to the perfect job, her first real date, and an encounter with a mysterious stranger.

*Don’t You Wish

Sierra has three wishes: visit her California friends; have her older sister, Tawni, disappear; and learn more about the mysterious stranger. When Easter break arrives, Sierra’s first wish comes true! She’s headed to Newport Beach for fun, sun, and surf. Unfortunately, not only does Tawni not disappear, she accompanies Sierra on her escape. What’s worse, everyone has a boyfriend except Sierra. But will her wishes begin to change as she realizes God wants to mold her according to His wishes?


We first meet Sierra in the last 'Christy' book, but you really can't get to know her until you read this, based on her very short appearance.
Only You, Sierra; In Your Dreams; and Don't you Wish give us a close look at the life of this wonderful young Christian. There's not as much of the original God Lovers in Sierra's books as I would like, but that's just my opinion. The balance Gunn created between the new characters and old is very good.

While Sierra is like Christy in some ways, they are as different as night and day. While Sierra became a Christian at a very young age, Christy wasn't saved until her teens. Sierra's free-spirited and isn't ashamed of saying what she thinks while Christy is more reserved and quiet.

But Sierra is just as lovable as any of the God Lovers, and it's easy to relate to her both as a person and as a Christian. Robin Jones Gunn's books and characters capture something that isn't found in most books today. They capture a sense of reality, of realism that makes the characters seem to truly exist.

Sierra Jensen, Volume I follows the story of a young woman as she deals with real-life problems and situations. Between work, school,friends, family, and a grandmother who hardly even knows who she is Sierra stays strong and faces it all with a courage that is truly admirable. Read as she encounters them head on with an attitude and flair that could only be Sierra. Travel with her on her journey to be closer to God, and closer to her family and friends. You won't be disappointed.


I received a free e-copy of this book for writing a honest review from Waterbrook Multnomah.

*Taken from the back of Sierra Jensen Volume I.

Departures by Robin Jones Gunn

Departures is a rediscovered book by Robin Jones Gunn, comprised of two novellas that feature her much beloved characters, Christy Miller and Sierra Jensen.




Now Boarding at Gate Ten



After her high school graduation, still aching from Todd's departure, Christy joins her family on a trip to Wisconsin to visit relatives. While there, she reunites with Matthew, and old friend from junior high. When Matthew starts to show a romantic interest in Christy, she realizes this summer vacation could change everything she thought her future would be.




In the Event of a Water Landing



Fifteen-year-old Sierra Jensen can't wait to spend her summer vacation with her best friend Jana at a pristine lake in Montana. But when they arrive, it becomes clear that Jana's only interest is acquiring a boyfriend. Sierra just wants to hang out with the guys as friends, but Jana turns every encounter into a possible romantic relationship. As their friendship begins to suffer, Sierra wonders if it's possible to find a Forever Friend who will listen to you, laugh with you, and keep your confidences.




It was a very good christian read, and as I love all of RJG's books I loved this one as well. At first it was a little weird, for me, because I've read all the books in the Sierra Jensen and Christy Miller series already. These novellas were set during those books, and I have to admit that I missed the usual characters and settings. When I started reading each of them in turn, it felt rather awakward. Several of the main characters did make appearences alongside Christy and Sierra, but the setting was different and if they did appear, it was only for a few pages so it wasn't really the same. However, it was nice to get a fresh look into the lives of the girls. But they were a great set of novella's all the same.



They were awsome little additions to the SJ and CM novels, and it was nice to be able to go back to the girls with a whole new story and new charaters to meet. All in all, I'd reccomend this and any other RJG books to all of my friends.




I recieved a free copy of this book from Waterbrookmultnomah in return for writng an honest review.

Is it August already? Wow 2011 sure is going by fast.



This year sure has been exciting, and I'm sure the rest of the year won't be dull in comparison. This year alone I've gone to two church camps, 4-H camp, and camping in general. Not to mention all the 4-H activities and workshops I've attended this year. My county is so lucky that our local 4-H foundation was provided a grant this year that has made a lot of fun workshops free.

Take the Chef School that I attended through 4-H last week for instance. A two day long, Monday and Wednesday workshop that would have had to have been paid for without that grant. I had a lot of fun attending, even though I was one of the oldest people there. In all, ten people attended.

We kicked off the first day by learning how to properly wash our hands, taking about the different food groups, calorie needs, and food safety. While we did start at nine in the morning, breakfast was not provided that day, instead we got to make some really yummy snacks. We were divided into four teams,with each team assigned to a different snack or beverage. Symphony of Fruit Pizza, Veggies & Dip, Trail Mix, and Bottoms-Up Cherry Limeade was what was on the menu.

While we ate, our Adult Leader, Ms. Jean, along with her daughter Lauren and the Youth Program assistant for Howard County, Lindsay, talked to us about serving sizes, how fruits and veggies are related to color, thinking about what's in our drinks, and how important it is to eat balanced meals. During the break Lauren and I, who have been in 4-H the longest, led the group in singing 4-H songs and some short games to kill time.

For lunch that day we were once again split up into teams, this time making Corner Kick Pita Pockets, Barbecue Bacon Party Spread, Crunchy Munchies, and Lemonade. Once we had cleaned up and done another load of dishes, Ms. Jean told us what was happening on Wednesday. Not only were we cooking our regular meals, but we were throwing a small party for our parents, going shopping for supplies, and having an Iron Chef competition, though not in that order.

Since there were ten of us that day, we were split into two teams of five, given a blank menu and cookbooks, and told we had to plan a meal consisting of a main dish, salad, veggies, dessert, and drinks. We had to have a theme for our meal, so my team decided on Home Cooking, since that is what we are most familiar with. Our meal consisted of Chicken Nuggets (homemade), Garden Salad, Green Bean Casserole, Twice Baked Potatoes, and Peach Cobbler with tea and lemonade to drink.

That concluded Day One.

Day two kicked off with a couple of songs and hand washing routines, which by now all of us were used to. Breakfast was Ready, Set, Go! French Toast, Cheese and Fruit Kabobs, and Frosty Orangeliciousness. Don't worry if you can't pronounce the last one, we couldn't either. After we finished, we loaded up into two vehicles and drove to Walmart. Each team had a shopping list with the ingredients for their meal for the party written down, and $75 to spend. After a brief lesson on how to find the lowest price, we set out to get everything we needed. Since both teams needed some of the same products, we got large containers and only one team bought that items. (Team One bought eggs, team two bought milk.)


Even though my team needed ten pounds of chicken, we still only spent about $56, before tax. Altogether, when we checked out, we had about thirteen dollars left. We went back to the

E-H building to cook lunch, which was Cool Quesa, Summer Salsa, Spanish Rice, Boatloads of Fruit, and Fruit Cooler. We only had about ten minutes to eat lunch, because we were running behind and the judges for the Iron Chef competition were due to arrive soon. Some of us skipped out on half of our food in order to clean the kitchen, I was one of those people. By the time they had arrived, we had the kitchen all cleaned and the dishes were done.

Since there was now nine of us, we were split into three teams of three, and given four items of food in a basket. We were told that we had to use those items, but we could add any items we wished. The things we were given were a raw pie crust, a jar of grape jam, a granny smith apple, and a packet of saltine crackers. My team baled the crust, spread the jam on top, covered it with more crust and served it topped with apples, whipped cream and apples on top with crackers and cheese on the side. All the teams discovered that day that you cannot bake a pie crust in thirty minutes, the amount of time we were allotted. My team didn't win, but we all had fun experimenting.

We cleaned up yet again and set out to make our party food. Everything went smoothly until I started chopping the tomatoes and sliced my finger open. When I was two I broke that same finger and it's always been sensitive, so not only was it bleeding though the towel it hurt like heck. One of the volunteers took me to the first aide station and cleaned me up, but I started to feel queasy and she made me sit down. My friend Sherry's dad came in, and since he's an EMT he checked me out. It wasn't a long cut, but it was deep. Even when I felt a little better, and when I felt up to walking, I sat down for a few minutes, until my mom got there. I offered to help in the kitchen again, but they kicked me out and told me to sit down. According to eye witnesses I was as white as a ghost.

But anyway, everything went smoothly, even if the parents had to wait a while, and the food tasted great. After we were done some of the parents offered to help clean up, and we started to bag up the leftovers. I discovered the one upside I had to cutting my finger, they wouldn't let me do the dishes. After door prizes and certificates of completion, we said goodbye, and thank you and left.

Speaking for myself and my friends, we had a great time. I hope that we get to do something like this again next year.