Pie time

I'm not sure why I've been in a baking mood since it's about a million degrees outside. But, for some odd reason, I am really enjoying it.  So far, this week I've made:

Banana cream pies with meringue

 Individual chicken pot pies

I guess the temperature outside is reminding me of the temperature in the oven?! I'm not sure, but I haven't had any complaints about the extra baking!

Wichita Women's Fair

Last Friday, I helped with our admissions staff to promote Tabor at the Women's Fair.  I chose my dinner break very specifically so I could attend a cooking show by Tanya Tandoc, local chef celebrity.  I met her! She has an amazing restaurant, Tanya's Soup Kitchen, and they have several offerings of G-free soups and sandwiches. It's probably best that I don't meet actual celebrities because I'd probably be entirely speechless. :)

Another exciting grocery trip

You may remember this post from awhile back? I had started getting more into coupons, with the ground rules of:

1.  Only buy items and brands we already use
2. Only take quantities we will actually use
3. Not go bananas or obsess over it

I had another great grocery trip today.

I rarely save this much (hence the two blog posts with about the same amount of savings), but it really feels fun when I do!  I enjoy the blog Money Saving Mom (nope, not a mom, but I like to save money too!).  I've gotten some really good heads-ups on a lot of good deals!

Second Annual PVUMC Young Adult Progressive Dinner

Kevin and I hosted the entree of the Young Adult Progressive Dinner this year.  Kevin made short ribs, glazed green beans and mashed potatoes.  I had a ball getting the house all ready for our party of 10!

Cookie Tree

As an engineer's wife, specifically a structural engineer's wife, I'm ashamed of how my cookie tree turned out. 

Yes, that is my doting husband helping the crumbling cookie tree stay upright long enough to get a picture taken.  He had no part in the assembly of the tree, however. 

In my defense, gluten-free cookies are quite different than their gluten counterparts.  I think this would work well about half the size.  Gluten is like the "glue" that holds most bread-like treats together.  Still, I hang my head in shame. :(  It has been a delicious treat all the same, though.

Yes, I cook, too! :)

While it is quite true that Kevin is an excellent cook, I recently realized that many  people assume that I do not cook. Not true :)  Kevin and I actually both enjoy spending time in the kitchen.  I am so happy that we can split the job when it gets busy for one of us, though.

Just to prove my worth in the kitchen, here is something I whipped up last night:

Homemade meatballs with gluten-free fettuccine and marinara

Gluten-Free Heaven

 

 

 

 

 Kevin surprised me Friday after work with these delicious cupcakes from Sweetly Scrumptious in Wichita.  They are a new bakery that offers pre-ordered gluten-free treats.  I was so surprised and happy to see that Wichita now has a local, fresh bakery option for me!  I had no idea it had opened, but Kevin had done a little research.

Then, Kevin decided where we went to eat for lunch on Saturday, but he wouldn't tell me where we were going.  I was at a complete loss when I found us on S. Webb.  I was so excited that Kevin found a gluten-free pizza place in Wichita, Wichita Pizza Company.  DELICIOUS! 

I couldn't decide what to pick, so I got half Hawaiian and half meat lovers. Kevin ordered a calzone, so I have a lot of leftovers!  It was SO GOOD!  I am so lucky that Kevin keeps an eye out for these things, even though he doesn't have to for himself. 

Young Adult Progressive Dinner

Friday night, our young adult group at church had a progressive dinner.  We had delicious appetizers at Britt's house, followed  by a great chicken entree at the Shiedler's house, and had desserts and did a white elephant gift exchange at our house.  We had a great time!

We love having our fireplace on during the holidays!

The torte, whipped cream, gingerbread, and egg nog

Ready for our guests!

It's almost fall!

The changing of seasons is what I love about Kansas best. A few of my favorite things about this time of year?


Ripe, juicy peaches from Colorado



Sweet, gigantic vidalia onions
It's almost fall!

4th festivities

Kevin and I had a wonderful, restful weekend. Saturday, we relaxed most of the day and had a date night. We saw Knight and Day, and really enjoyed it. After the movie, we ate dinner at Abuelo's.

Not the best photo, but we were in a hurry to head to the movie.Sunday, we did some major cooking! Kevin grilled a fabulous flank steak, and we had potato salad, green beans and bacon, watermelon, and blueberry cheesecake for dessert.
We hosted Emily and Jose Sunday evening after going with Kevin's aunt and grandparents to see fireworks (Emily's brother was in a fireworks accident in Manhattan and had to be moved to Via Christi's burn unit in Wichita. Thankfully, he is doing much better now).

Monday morning, Kevin made a wonderful quiche for breakfast, and later I did some shopping while Kevin enjoyed playing video games. It was so great to have a long weekend!
Benton also enjoyed himself, but we found him in a secluded corner Monday morning with his blanket. Apparently, he had about as much fun as he could take!

Valentine's Weekend

Kevin and I had a great Valentine's Day, although it would be more accurate to call it a Valentine's Weekend. Friday, my parents and Grandma came down to visit me during the day. It was great to go to lunch with them, and my dad was really helpful asking questions when we had fence estimates that afternoon. They gave us a cute card and money for a dinner out, so Kevin and I went to On the Border that evening.

Saturday, I had to work until 2 (still getting used to that), but then Kevin, Julie (Kevin's aunt), and I went to see Valentine's Day. It is a great movie! We all had dinner at an amazing modern Thai restaurant (Sit at Thai Bistro), and then Kevin and I watched the Olympics before bed.

Sunday was a fabulous day! After church, Kevin and I exchanged cards. Benton and Kevin got me a beautiful orchid plant! Kevin had hid it in the guest bathroom bathtub for a day (we keep the shower curtain closed and it has an overhead window for light). Too funny!

We then immediately started cooking (with the Olympics in the background, of course) for our special Valentine's dinner. We had cherry lamb in a balsamic reduction, asparagus champagne risotto, and chocolate fondue with strawberries and homemade cheesecake for dessert! We ate it picnic style on our coffee table in front of our fireplace.


My very special furry Valentine! We had to convince Benton that the meal was only for two! :)

Grilled to Perfection

I'm one lucky lady. My hubby loves to cook! Don't get me wrong, I love to cook as well. I've noticed lately though as I've been a stay-at-home wife that I enjoy having some of the cooking duties switched a little more to Kevin.

Last night, Kevin made such a yummy new recipe. It's yogurt marinated chicken with a pineapple and roasted pepper salsa. YUMMY! We ate it with warm apple cider. It was a great meal!