First week of July

We have been home from Cappadocia for about a week now.

Mission: go on adventures = slow go.

I have had terrible sinus pressure...pain.

We have gotten out a few times when it wasn't as hot.

HA!  Who am I kidding, it is always hot in Izmir!

I hear there is a drought at home...  we haven't had a drop of rain since I came here either.

I thought that I would be cooking a lot while I was here,

the problem is that most of the ingredients that I need, I have been unable to find them in stores...

Basil for one.  I love basil.

So the other day I had a major american junk food craving.

I needed pizza.

Last time I got pizza in Turkey, we got some from Dominos in Istanbul.

It.Was.Awful.

This time we again ordered Dominos, hoping that Izmir's restaurant would actually know how to peel an onion and not just throw the whole thing on the pizza.

Lucky me, the pizza was a success!!

It was delicious for an american dying for grease.

In the past week we have also managed to make our way the WHOLE 2 blocks to the fair area.

Hooray!

We went on the roller coaster, where they did NOT check seat belts or harnesses.  There was one tiny loop-de-loop on the ride so I was pretty concerned.

It was, without hesitation, the absolute WORST ride I have EVER been on.

You thought the Iron Wolf was bad?!  Try this ride that is over 15 years old and obviously has never had any maintenance testing done.

I thought my head was going to pop clear off my shoulders.

I'm just saying, I wouldn't be shocked if there have been several concussions.

Rant over, photo below.

After the painful ride, we decided to go on something more... calm.

We went in the fun house.  Let me just say, even after 5 years of haunt experience, I have never seen more... disgusting props.  Rooms were complete with naked women and molesting vampires... I won't continue.  Note: if you ever see a haunted house is Turkey (not likely, but still) do not go in.

We decided to save our last tickets... for later.  I wasn't really in the mood to go on more rides after that.

The following day, Michael and I went shopping at the bazaar.  I came home without any new clothes (sad face) but we did end up buying a toe nail clipper and some clay!

What great finds!

Yesterday, we began making marvelous creations out of the clay.  Michael worked hard on a decorative vase and I... worked on keeping the clay from sticking to my hands.

I did manage to make a little jar, or something, with a lid.  Also, a heart with a cicek (flower) on it for his mother, Anne.  She LOVES flowers.

That was my 4th of July!

Today I made dinner, chicken salad :)

Easy, delicious, and healthy. (no Cesar dressing in sight)

Michael and I then went on a date to see The Amazing Spiderman.

I give it 3.5/5 stars.  Not bad, I liked the actors, but Spiderman made me angry...  I kept saying "What a brat!  I want to smack him!"

Taxi home where we sat on the balcony, as always, and a HUGE moth flew in the house.  Adventures in trying to capture it with a dust pan....

pics later as I said.

Time for bed!

Goodnight!

Harry Potter Cupcakes

Seriously easy to make cupcakes

HARRY POTTER?!

Yes please.

View these yummy samples

Easy recipe?  I may share the moist cupcake recipe soon.

However for the decorating...

Frosting:

1 CUP powdered sugar

1-2 TBSP water (or milk)

1/2 TSP vanilla

Fondant:

4 OZ mini marshmallows

2 CUPS powdered sugar

1 TBSP water

Food coloring to desire

Decorations:

2 CUPS Chocolate or decorating chocolate (from the craft aisle)

First things first, Frosting, mix the powdered sugar, vanilla, and water (or milk) together.

If you would prefer it more runny add more [water or milk]

More dense?  Less water or milk..

Makes sense right?

The fondant is more time consuming.

Melt the marshmallows in the microwave for 30-45 seconds (its ready when marshmallows are puffy)

Mix with spatula (rubber works best) until it is smooth and no longer lumpy.

IF NEEDED, RETURN TO MICROWAVE.

This is the point where you should add your food coloring

(I recommend splitting it up so you can make different colors)

Add the powdered sugar and stir until it becomes too solid to mix

Poor onto wax paper and knead, much like bread. It will help to add powdered sugar to your hands.

Continue until all stickiness is gone.

If you want to add more color to your fondant (or make it brighter) now would be the time to do so.

Shape into a ball.

My favorite part is the decorations.

Melt the chocolate in a double boiler and fill a large Ziploc bag once it is smooth,

cut one of the bottom corned off,

and squeeze your desired shapes onto a sheet of wax paper.

Let it sit for 30-60 minutes.

Ingredients ready?  Great!

Use the frosting as glue for the fondant.

Place fondant in desired shapes and arrangements.

Add decorations.

EAT.

Delicious?  Sugary?  Yes!

Katy's Broccoli Chicken and Cheese Braid

Since my blog title bases a food I thought it might be appropriate for me to post a recipe that I find delicious.

My friends, I introduce you to Katy's Broccoli Chicken and Cheese Braid

• 1 cup Steamed Broccoli
• 1 cup chicken breast
• 1 cup 2% reduced fat cheddar cheese
• 1 can Pillsbury reduced fat crescent rolls
• Olive oil
• Rosemary (fresh is best) and Basil (to taste)
• Ground Pepper and Sea Salt (to taste)
• Parchment paper

Cook chicken in a skillet on the stove top using olive oil.  Cook until it is no longer pink, but do not over cook!

Spread parchment paper over a cookie sheet and lay out crescent roll dough.

Mix chicken, steamed broccoli, and cheese together and spread in the middle of the dough.

Add rosemary, basil, pepper, and salt to desire.

Fold edges of dough over the top of your creation, making it look pretty.

Stick in the oven at 400'F for 12 minutes, or until crescent rolls begin to brown.

Eat and Enjoy!!

Nutrition:
Serves 4 people
422 Calories per serving

34 carbs

21g fat
23g protein

Easy, fast, and delicious.  It won't get better then that!