52 weeks of baking: 14 - coconut bread

You guys. I feel like at this point, I'm a decent baker. Like... relatively experienced and most of the things I bake come out pretty good. But you guys. I cannot bake bread. For some reason, bread and loaves are my baking kryponite. I don't know what the deal is, but every bread I make comes out wrong. This was not an exception. I mean, it's not wrong, it's still bread after all, but it's not how it's meant to be, I'm positive. The crust is all kinds of over cooked, and it just straight up crumbles off in chunks when you cut it. My breads are always so... crumbly. I mean, this loaf is pretty delicious regardless, but it's a hot mess physically. I'm sorry Deb, I let you down. Your recipe was perfect I'm sure, bread just throws me for a loop.

Excuse the lameness of these photos, it was all rainy and gross out when I took them and I totally rely on my tiny kitchen window for natural light to illuminate my baking progress and shine through my images. Joking, but sunlight seriously beats that terrible florescent light circa 1981 I was working with.

Unknowingly (although I had my suspicions) pouring another flop of a loaf into a pan.

Like I said, this nonsense tastes good, just is not cute and the integrity of it is... laughable. But I suggest the recipe if you're not cursed with zero bread making abilities like I am. If you know any bread baking secrets (am I just an idiot? should I lower the temp and lengthen the cooking time? is my nonstick pan screwing me over? WHAT IS THE DEAL?), feel free to share. Because I really like eating bread.

Little blue dress

Hey! I made a dress! Remember when that happened all the time? I got some crafty gift cards for my birthday so I had an excellent excuse to jump back into sewing. However, get this, when I was checking out with my fabric and patterns, a super sweet lady in line behind me bought everything for me! She said she supported what I was doing she thinks more young people should sew. She was so kind and even though I tried to say no over and over she insisted on buying my things for me. We walked out to the parking lot together and she told me about her older daughter who was going to school for art and her younger daughter who she was trying to get into sewing, but didn't seem interested. Her younger daughter was in the car, she refused to go into the store with her mom. It made me a little sad, I know sewing isn't "cool" and all, but dang! One day she'll be grateful and thank her momma for teaching her how to sew. Just like I am extra grateful that my mom taught me. Although I was (am) a nerd and liked sewing.

So this dress means a little something extra to me, because it was paid for by someone who loves her daughters. Someone who went way out of their way to touch my little life. Someone who made my day and reminded me that there is so much loveliness in this sometimes not so lovely world. Thank you random stranger, you're the best. I'll pass it on I promise!

The pattern is SUPER simple. I plan on making other versions, it was sooo easy to make. And it came out nicely! I love the simple clean lines and of course, that collar. I used bright blue and white poplin that was pretty much a joy (and a breeze) to sew on. After taking a rather long break from sewing, this was the perfect dress to get me back into the swing of things. Oh and please excuse my man arms and awkward stance. It was actually real chilly out and apparently that's how I stand when I'm cold.

I AM SO PALE. I promise I am wearing white tights, the scary part is my arms are the same color. But I mean really, I cannot get enough of that scalloped collar. Collars on everything.

Also, cat sweater!!! Thanks Kristy, that sweater is the bomb. Also, an actual cat:

This is the second time we've run into this fellow behind South Congress! If it happens again we might have to take him home. He's super sweet and so handsome. He wouldn't show the camera his eyes, but they are the prettiest sea foam green. Gives Greg a run for his money.

And kudos to my main man for taking pictures of me and my dress. And kudos for sharing cupcakes with me too.

Eggster

Did you guys have a fabulous Easter? We don't really celebrate, but Brendon and I enjoyed the day off together and embarked on our one tradition, dying eggs and then immediately busting them up and deviling them. And eating them. Obviously.

It was slim pickins this year as far as color choices went. I completely forgot that we used most of our food coloring last year so we were just left with green, some blue, and a drop or two of yellow. So green was the theme. Gooooo Slytherin! Hopefully sometime between now and next Easter I'll remember we need more food coloring. Maybe I'll get wild and get a kit!

Creepy much? Don't mind the headphones, our gift from the Easter Bunny was someone hacking our Walmart.com account (why we even have one, I have no idea) and buying some prepaid cell phone plan. So we spent a good chunk of our day on the phone with Wally World, our bank, and the po-lice. Easter surprise!

Hey! Here's what my tiny kitchen really looks like, crap everywhere. I try to avoid the clutter in the food post pics. BUT NOW YOU KNOW THE TRUTH.

Damn I love deviled eggs. I loosely based these guys on Deb's recipe. Emphasis on the loosely, because I sure didn't have anchovies lying around. Although her method of boiling eggs is on point, this is the second batch I've done this way. They peel like champs and the yolks are perfect.

And I leave you with this:

See ya next year Easter! Try to fall in April okay? This March thing is weird.

52 weeks of baking: 13 - strawberry cream cheese cobbler

It's strawberry season, y'all! Do you love strawberries like I love strawberries? They're pretty much the best. Minus the seeds in your teeth.

My mom sent me this little recipe (I think this is the same one) for a simple strawberry and cream cheese cobbler. The ingredients list is small and the directions are minimal. This is one of those recipes that would actually fit on an index card in a recipe box. What happened to those?

This recipe was a breeze to throw together and it will make your house smell heavenly. Better than the priciest yankee candle company candle. Mouth watering. For real. I found myself just staring at the oven.

Also, this cobbler is really good. Like straight up, delicious. The perfect combo of sweet and tart and creamy and crisp and mushy. Way to go Mom, this recipe is a keeper for sure. You all should make it. Right now would probably be best.

The video you've all been waiting for

Here it is. Mr. Hogan, busting a move on stage at the Mr. PharmD pageant. Also featuring, my annoying laugh! My husband has some sweet moves and is excellent at being super awkward. Hip thrusts all day.

You're welcome.