2011 and baking treats

I don't know what it is about 2011 that is making me want to bake - from scratch! Ewww ;) Here's a fantastic Chocoalte Chunk Pecan Pie recipe - the new 'birthday cake' of choice in my house now. I found the recipe in a - ready for this one? - scrapbook magazine on a layout! You just never know when that hobby is going to come in handy. Enjoy!

1 pie crust

3 eggs
3/4 C corn syrup
1/2 C brown sugar
2 Tbls butter
2 tsp vanilla
1/2 tsp salt

Mix ingredients in a medium sized bowl with a wire wisk.

Layer 2 C pecan halves and 8 oz chocolate chip in pie shell.

Pour mixture into pie shell.

Bake at 375 degrees for 35 minutes.

Cool on wire rack for 2 hours - refrigerate until serving. YUM!

Fluffy Peanut Butter Frosting

Is even better than it looks!!! Here's the recipe:
1/2 C softened butter
1 C creamy peanut butter
3 Tbls milk, as needed
2 C confectioners sugar

Beat butter and peanut butter. Gradually mix in sugar. As it starts to thicken add milk one tablespoon at a time until the sugar is mixed in and the frosting is thick and spreadable. Beat for at least 3 minutes to get it good and fluffy. Enjoy - we did!

Anything goes and it goes a long way...

is a great way to start off the new year and so is the first challenge of the year by Guylou's Inimitability. This is how you can play along:


Just upload any new project to your blog or online gallery. Link it here and your entry will count as follows:

Any project entered counts for one entry.

Use a Guylou's Inimitablity digistamp and it counts for two.

Use 'Angela' and it will count for three!!!


If you don't have a GI image, you can visit Guylou's Inimitability Store or you can look for a freebie in her group on Crafters Digital Arts Center!


The winner will be awarded a digital stamp of her choice from Guylou's Inimitability Store and will also be invited to be a guest designer on an upcoming challenge and will get another GI digistamp to make a card or project along with the DT. That's how I got here and here's my project using Angela!


























Be sure to stop by and check out the DT projects. Thanks Guylou - I had a blast.

*Wink *Wink Ink is having a birthday bash

A great source for digital images and fun challenges too. Stop by to check out their new website and some birthday fun. You might even win some free images!!

January 7th is a big day...

Not only is it my DH's birthday AND Russian Christmas...

but it's also the day I will be a Guylou's Inimitability Guest Designer!!

Be sure to come check out my project and those of the Design Team Members starting January 7th. It's going to be a great year.

Welcome 2011

we have so much hope for you - more relaxation, less stress, more fun, making the most of every day.... - yep, you've got your work cut out for you. So far you are doing a pretty good job except for the more relaxation thing for me. Cooking a big family dinner, fighting Mount Washmore, visiting my big bro and his family, a bad movie = early bedtime, more cooking, a bunch of boys playing paintball all day, balancing the checkbook, a bit of catch up cleaning, spelling word studying along with minute math encouragement for a long while makes for a busy year so far. So, although we need to work on that one - ok, add the stress thing in there too (see above), it's been a good one so far. Filled with family, hugs, smiles, fun, games, walks, exercise, organizing, and even a little scrap time. Off to work tomorrow........