Teacher Appreciation Week

   

This week is the week to show your favorite teachers a little appreciation! Here is what I will be sending in with my two younger boys. The Red Apple Caramels are from www.sugarfina.com, and the adorable cards are from www.amymillerdesigns.com . Download the printables,print and cut them out! A great project for the kids!
 

Have a great week!

Zoo Cookies

Just a quick picture to share with you today! I spent a fun-filled day with my son and his class at the Bronx Zoo this week. His class then had a zoo party, so naturally, I wanted to send In some cookies....so here they are! 

My New Frame

 

 I love scrapbooking! Unfortunately, like many other busy moms ,I am far behind on all of my projects. I have been spending time, or should I say very little time, utilizing Becky Higgins' new Project Life albums that can be put together quickly. For a look at her products, check out HSN , amazon.com , or her own website, www.beckyhiggins.com .
    While perusing one of my favorite scrapbooking blogs recently, www.Lisabearnson.com ,I came across a frame that I absolutely fell in love with. It was gifted to Lisa by a very talented scrapbooker named Michael Lazorchak. I was able to contact Michael, and ask if he would be able to make one for me as well, and he did!
   What I love about this frame, aside from being unique, is that I am able to change the pictures whenever I want, to reflect the season, or whatever is going on in our lives at the time. I was so pleased when I received it, and had to share it with you!
 

   Michael also included framed quotes to hang in the frame, which I love. If you are interested in finding out more about Michael, and his creative scrapbook/memory creations, you can find him at www.chefmichael.typepad.com . He is a very crafty guy, and I look forward to seeing more of his creations!
 

Communion Cookies

It has been a busy month for me, so I apologize for my less than frequent posts. However, today I wanted to share some cookies I made for a friend who was celebrating her son's First Holy Communion. Unfortunately, the pictures are a bit fuzzy, but I still wanted you to see them! The party was for both her son and a friend, so we made cookies in both blue and pink! The treat bag toppers are from www.starwedd.etsy.com .

For all of those celebrating Communions this month, enjoy your special moment!

Sesame Street Cookies

 

Last year I made Princess crown cookies for a special little girl's birthday party. This year,her theme was Sesame Street. Here is a quick look at the goodies!
   I found the labels on Etsy.  Find them at www.starwedd.etsy.com Here are the finished cookies ready for the party!

Have a sweet weekend!

Autism Awareness Cookies

 

As many of you know, today is Autism Awareness Day. As a mother of a child with autism, I am overwhelmed by the number of people wearing blue, showing support on their blogs and facebook pages, and offering donations and other forms of support to families in need. We have indeed brought this developmental disability to the forefront. I thank you  from the bottom of my heart for that.
   It is my hope, that we will soon find the causes ,as well as a cure for all of those affected by autism. If today's show of support is any indication of what the future holds, I would say we are definitely moving in the right direction.
 

My son Mikey is a cookie monster, so it seemed fitting to make him cookies today. Spread the word and the love...oh, and don't forget to pass the cookies.
  To find out more about our own personal journey with autism ,visit my other blog at www.hopeformyboy.blogspot.com  .

***The puzzle piece cookie cutter can be found at www.autismspeaks.com

Challah

   This is one of my favorite types of bread. It is not only delicious on its own, it also makes great sandwiches, toast and french toast. I found this recipe on Pinterest, which originated from a blog called Andectdotes and Applecores. Although many types of challah are yellow or "eggy" colored on the inside, this one has more of a white bread appearance. Delicious, and not too difficult to make. Makes a great addition to all of your springtime holiday meals.

Ingredients:
6 c. flour
2 Tbsp. active dry yeast
1-1/2 c. warm water(110 degrees)
1/4 c. plus 2 tsp. sugar
2 tsp. salt
1/4 c. honey
2/3 c. canola oil
4 eggs

 Egg Wash:
1 egg yolk
1 Tbsp water
1 Tbsp honey

   In the bowl of your mixer ,whisk together the 1/4 c. honey ,oil,and 1/2 c. warm water. In another small bowl, combine the 2 tsp. sugar, yeast, and 1 c. water. Let yeast mixture sit until foamy, about 5 minutes.

   Add the flour, salt, and 1/4 c. of sugar to the honey/oil/egg  mixture in your mixer bowl. Once the yeast is foamy,add to the flour mixture. Using your dough hook, knead for about 7-10 minutes, until the dough is smooth. It will be slightly sticky...if it appears too sticky, add a little bit more flour.

  Remove from the mixer bowl, and place in a lightly oiled bowl. Wrap tightly with plastic wrap and let rise in a warm place for 2 hours.

   Pour out the dough onto a lightly floured surface. Divide in half. Keep one half covered with plastic while braiding the first half. Divide the half of the mixture into 3 pieces. Shape each piece into a long roll of dough.
Gently braid the dough, and shape into a circle if desired, or leave as a long braided loaf. Place on a parchment lined baking sheet ,and cover with plastic.  Let rise for an additional 20-30 minutes. Repeat with the other half of the dough.

   Once the dough has risen, brush with the egg wash and sprinkle with poppy seeds if desired. Bake at 350 degrees for about 30-35 minutes. The bread should appear golden.

   Remove and let cool.

***This bread can be wrapped tightly and frozen. Thaw, and warm before using. Enjoy!