Red Velvet Whoopie Pies

So, I actually had some free time this weekend as you could probably tell from the out of no where blog posts. I decided to bake a dessert I had actually planned for Valentine's but never got too. They turned out really good and easy.

Speaking of Valentines Greg's mom made us this dish towel so cute the little love birds.
preheat oven to 350 degrees. Mix together 1 box red velvet cake mix, 1/2 cup butter softened to room temp, and 2 eggs.


Look how pretty. LOL I totally got caught sneaking batter-Greg asked me if I was wearing lipstick ;) It winds up being the same consistency as a thick brownie mix.

Drop spoonfuls of batter on cookie sheet and bake 10-12 minutes.

For the inside filling cream together 1/2 cup softened butter(if your keeping count were up to two sticks used...so it's gotta be good) 1 8 oz package of cream cheese and 1 tsp vanilla.

When mixed slowly add 1 1lb. box of powdered sugar.

Once sandwiches are cooled, fill the insides with the frosting and stack and then yell whoopie!

25...and I still need my mommy

This past weekend we had a much needed visitor ... my mom! We have been trying to get her and Dale up here since it has been a YEAR that we have lived here now (ok pause I can't believe it has been a year already! it's been a trying year, but worth it) and they drove to come see us!

old Sacramento

cheese.


Boys looking at the toys, we had to get a picture of Greg by the Hello Kitty stuff.

Had to have my mom look like a tourist. This picture was taken after the infamous taffy incident...let's just say I had to make a dentist apt. that Tuesday.

The men thought we were being a little too girly and took us to the Nimbus fish hatchery to look at some fish.

Luckily we had some good weather off and on, but right when we got there it started sprinkling.

Now you might think it sounds boring, but we can find a good time anywhere...

here.

and here...hey that fishes bottom looks familiar.

Watch out!

Mom being sushi :).

We went to San Fran and saw the Golden Gate.

ate at the wharf, got some sourdough bread YUM!

passed by some chocolate.

I wish we could of done more, but I think everyone had the same idea as us and Betsy (my car) and Greg were overheating from the crowds. LOL

We sent them home with some freshly picked oranges.I guess I should point out that the boys did beat my mom and I at hand and foot ...twice.

Thank you again for coming I know it's not any easy trip, but we are glad you made it. I am so proud that I didn't cry when you left...well at least in front of you lol.

I wonder if I ever will get to the point where I don't cry when I say goodbye to my family? Greg just better have the tissues ready. Love you xoxo

Daddy O and some chicken wings

I start this blog off with a disclaimer... there is video attachment and it is of my dad. LOL as your watching this video be reminded that he didn't even know I was video taping this is his natural character and charisma...:)

OK secondly, this post is way overdue it was back from Superbowl, things have been way busy...but I think I am back ! lol

For an appetizer we had French Onion Soup stuffed mushrooms. This came about because I went to dinner with the ladies from work awhile back and one of them was nice enough to let me taste her french onion soup because I have never tried it before. YUM it was so good, then I saw this recipe posted on PW and thought I would give it a go.

They were good, but I like the sausage stuffed mushrooms I have made of hers better...oh and I think I needed more cheese as is always the case!

Eileen, my dad's girlfriend told me about this drink using my favorite magical elixir lol...so we got the stuff and I am in LOVE! Sparkling apple cider and strawberry daiquiri mix (w/ the alcohol already in it). Yummy a real reason to get giggly!

I allowed my dad to come under an ultimatum, that he makes his famous chicken wings. Look at what type of daughter I am he says yes and I make him wear this beautiful apron (made by my big sis)...and I make him pose for pictures!


Step one-chicken wings, foster farms party packs are already trimmed up and ready to go ;)


Sauce as easy as can be: Franks hot sauce (regular not the wing sauce) and butter. The more butter the weaker the sauce...I was the taste tester yum!

Put enough oil in the pan to coat the bottom and throw those little babies in.

Mix with a beer.

Once browned on one side, flip.

Smile they are almost done!

Oh yummy in my tummy, mix with homemade ranch...heaven.

Love you dad thank you!