Snow Ice Cream

I live in North Texas y'all. We don't get much snow. It has snowed nonstop since we woke up this morning. So much in fact, I decided to attempt making snow ice cream. I have never (gasp) tried it.

After a morning of playing outside and then inside to warm up by the fire with hot cocoa, I checked our bowl that I had set out back. It was full! Yippee!

This is the recipe I used. Kids pretty much licked their bowls clean. I ate mine out of this glass that my mom gave me about 20 years ago. Just because I am missing her today.

I love snow days, they make me happy shmappy.

Our Annual Valentine's Day Brownies

My mom made a simple yet yummy cake every year for us on Valentine's Day.
When she passed away 3 years ago, I decided to keep the tradition alive for my family. Why the heck not, right?

It is so simple and soooooo very good. Mom always made it in a heart shaped pan, but this year I decided to layer it and switch it up some.

• Make brownies...your choice. I used box mix, but if you feel adventurous by all means..make your own!
• Top with a can of cream cheese frosting (or make your own ya over achievers! hehe).
• Now plop a can of cherry pie filling (jeesh, you aren't going to make your own cherry pie filling now are you?)

Now I switched it up this year because I am wild and crazy like that. I made the brownies in a larger than normal pan, cut them in half...and layered. I also warmed up the frosting so it would would make more of a yummy glaze....and only used a half a can as a result (healthier, right?).

Seriously, make it. It will make you smile.

Have V-Day weekend.

Sweet and Sour Lemon Bars

These were a result of a late night craving. Hehe. My Better Homes and Garden's Cookbook hooked me up.


Ingredients
2 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 cup powdered sugar
2 tablespoons cornstarch


1/4 teaspoon salt
3/4 cup butter
4 eggs, lightly beaten
1-1/2 cups granulated sugar
3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon finely shredded lemon peel
3/4 cup lemon juice
1/4 cup half-and-half, light cream, or milk
Powdered sugar


1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Line a 13x9x2-inch baking pan with foil. Grease foil; set aside. In a large bowl combine the 2 cups flour, the 1/2 cup powdered sugar, the cornstarch, and salt. Using a pastry blender, cut in butter until mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Press mixture into the bottom of prepared pan. Bake for 18 to 20 minutes or until edges are golden.
2. Meanwhile, for filling, in a medium bowl stir together eggs, the granulated sugar, the 3 tablespoons flour, the lemon peel, lemon juice, and half-and-half. Pour filling over hot crust. Bake for 15 to 20 minutes more or until center is set. Cool completely in pan on a wire rack. Grasping foil overhang, lift from pan. Cut into bars. Right before serving, sift powdered sugar over tops. Cover and store in the refrigerator.
3. Makes 36 bars