Happy Veteran's Day

Today was such a great day. I got to sleep in. I woke up, showered and chatted with two of my favorite girls, Monica and my Tee girl. Then I ran out real quick, visited with my hairdresser and came back home. My fam and I went to Best buy to look at some new computers, then to Applebee's to eat some free food, to the library, and then the mall. As I sit here typing, I feel so incredibly blessed. Although America isn't perfect, I love my country. I enjoy some freedoms I know women in other countries could only dream of. I also know this freedom came with a cost and I don't take that for granted. As I enjoyed my day with my husband, I know some wife just said goodbye to hers as he headed to Iraq. As I laughed at my babies, I know there is a mother who patiently waiting for a from her daughter who is in harms way. So today, I take the time to pray for all those who serve, who are serving, and who will one day serve to keep this country free. Q

The news said that the sky is falling....

Man it has been one of those days. I'm sure you all have heard about the tragedy at Fort Hood today. Well it hit close to home. My father in law retired from the army a few years ago at Fort Hood. My mother in law works on base at the clinic and he is a civilian worker as well. So many thoughts rushed through my mind as I tried to get in contact with them. Although my gut told me they were okay. I finally got the confirmation in the form of a phone call from my MIL. Things could have been bad for her. The gunman bypassed her building and then another before taking aim. From what she described, those soldiers didn't have a chance. I am emotionally drained right now.

It's times like these I really wish Jesus would return. I don't know or understand why things like this happens. But what I know is God is real and we must always be ready. No one knows when their life may end. My thoughts and prayers goes out to all the people affected today. Q

Let's hear it for the Yankees!!!

#27 Nuff said. Q

When will I see Vince Carter play? Part 2

Southwest Airlines had a special on tickets for 72 hours. I booked some from T and I to go to Phoenix in December to see Orlando play the Suns. I'm waiting to hear from someone I know there about the game tickets. I may be able to actually meet him as well. Either way, just seeing him play is more than enough for me. Now I have to arrange for a house and babysitter, book our room, and hotel. I'm so excited!!! Q

Buttermilk Biscuits

2 cups all purpose flour
1 T of baking powder
1/4 tsp sugar
1/2 tsp salt
1 stick of butter
3/4 cup buttermilk

Preheat oven to 400. Combine all of the dry ingredients in a bowl. Cut butter into mix using a fork or pastry blender until you see fine crumbs. Stir in buttermilk making a soft sticky dough.

On a lightly floured surface, knead dough over gently about 3-4 times. Roll out until 3/4 inch thick and cut with a 3 inch biscuit cutter. Place dough 1 inch apart on un-greased baking sheet. Brush with butter and bake for 15 minutes. Q

Remixed Coconut Cream Cake

So I searched the web for a coconut cream cake recipe. I believe a cake like this should have real coconut cream in it. I have some tropical traditions coconut cream and I am determined to use it. Me being me, I found a recipe that was simple enough but made a few tweaks I think will work well. Here is my tweaked version of the recipe:
Ingredients:
2 sticks unsalted butter, at room temperature, plus more for greasing the pans
2 oz coconut oil
2 oz of coconut cream
2 cups sugar
5 extra-large eggs, at room temperature
3 teaspoons pure coconut extract
3 cups all-purpose flour, plus more for dusting the pans
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
1 cup coconut milk
4 ounces sweetened shredded coconut

For the frosting:
1 pound cream cheese, at room temperature
1 stick unsalted butter, at room temperature
4 oz coconut cream
1 teaspoon pure coconut extract
1 pound confectioners' sugar, sifted
6 ounces sweetened shredded coconut

Directions

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Grease 2 (9-inch) round cake pans, then line them parchment paper. Grease them again and dust lightly with flour.

In the bowl of an electric mixer fitted with a paddle attachment, cream the butter, coconut cream, coconut oil and sugar on medium-high speed for 3 to 5 minutes, until light yellow and fluffy. Crack the eggs into a small bowl. With the mixer on medium speed, add the eggs 1 at a time, scraping down the bowl once during mixing. Add the coconut extract and mix well. The mixture might look curdled; don't be concerned.

In a separate bowl, sift together the flour, baking powder, baking soda and salt. With the mixer on low speed, alternately add the dry ingredients and the milk to the batter in 3 parts, beginning and ending with dry ingredients. Mix until just combined. Fold in the 4 ounces of coconut with a rubber spatula.

Pour the batter evenly into the 2 pans and smooth the top with a knife. Bake in the center of the oven for 45 to 55 minutes, until the tops are browned and a cake tester comes out clean. Cool on a baking rack for 30 minutes, then turn the cakes out onto a baking rack to finish cooling.

For the frosting, in the bowl of an electric mixer fitted with a paddle attachment, combine the cream cheese, butter, coconut cream, coconut extract on low speed. Add the confectioners' sugar and mix until just smooth (don't whip!).

To assemble, place 1 layer on a flat serving plate, top side down, and spread with frosting. Place the second layer on top, top side up, and frost the top and sides. To decorate the cake, sprinkle the top with coconut and lightly press more coconut onto the sides. Serve at room temperature

Thanksgiving Menu is set

I'm late posting this and I'll have all of the recipes up tomorrow. Here is my final list. I decided to do it simple this year.
Roasted Turkey
Cornbread Dressing
Gravy
Mashed potatoes
Collard greens with smoked turkey wings
Macaroni and cheese
Buttermilk biscuits
Coconut Cream Cake
Red velvet cake
Caramel apple pie
Sweet potato pie

So what are you guys making? Q

B's Christmas list

So all of the girls have turned in their lists. But yall know with the Supremes, comedy is never far behind. B turned in her list yesterday. On the front page was her items at the top. On the bottom it read:

Mom and Dad you do not have to give me any of this stuff. But since you love me, you probably will buy me one thing on this list. Either way, I'm okay with whatever you get even if it's not on my list. Anyway, I love you.

Then she had an arrow to turn it over. On the back it read:

All the things on this list can be found at Toys "R" Us (most of them) or at Walmart (maybe). Now go find them (if you want me to have them)(see the gesture on front.)

What is we gone do with these kids?!!! Q

When will I see Vince Carter play?

Oh yes I hear the sounds of my friends giggling. I can imagine them shaking their heads and praying for me. Well keep on heffas. LOL Anyone that knows me, knows I love Vincent Lamar Carter. (Yes I did use his gubment name.) Ever since I first saw him playing over 12 years ago at UNC I've been a fan. I followed his career from being Rookie of the year, to the Slam Dunk Champ (I have it bookmarked on youtube), an Olympic medalist, a philanthropist, a husband, a father, numerous All Star appearances (although they went lame on him last year) and so on and so forth.

I've tried countless times to see him play in the past but with so many things going on, it's been so hard trying to plan it all. Well after a year of losing some great people like MJ who I never got a chance to see, I decided to get moving on seeing VC. One of the things I hate about this state is, it doesn't have any professional teams. So right now my best bet is to head to Arizona, or Denver to see him play. Both are a straight shot plane ride from here and also less than 8 hours driving. Right now I am leaning towards seeing him play in AZ on December 11th.

I've already priced the plane tickets, $137 round trip, and the game tickets about $200 each. I think this will be a Christmas present to myself along with a b-day gift for dh. His birthday is on the 13th and he also wants to see a pro b-ball game as well. He wishes it wasn't because of VC but hey, beggars can't be choosers. LOL That's the first part of my goal, the second is meeting him. Whooo saaaaa I'll talk about that in a later post. Yall pray for me. Q