Chicken and Olive Tamale Pie

I almost took a picture of it 

before

I put it in the oven.

Instead I took one after it

came out.

 Nuff said.

French Bread,

Presidents Day

and 

Ava.

You have to keep on your toes to keep this one 

busy, otherwise you get this;

We made necklaces, 

bracelets,

gave the dogs baths,

played Monopoly,

went to the movies,

and,

apparently, 

made necklaces for the dogs.

It was going downhill fast.

Cook!

Bake!

Make the kid kneed bread!

Yes!

That kept her busy for like, 

5 minutes!

Chocolate Bundt Cake

For the past few years I have been in

purge mode.

Getting rid of all that extra *stuff*

that just clutters your house and your mind.

Well, maybe not my mind so much.

But house stuff for sure.

I have a system by which I put clothes

in a box in the basement.

If I don't open that box for two years

it goes to Goodwill.

No ifs, ands, or buts.

I should do that with kitchen 

accoutrements as well.

(man, had to Google that one!)

I decided to make this cake.

Thing is, this cake requires a very specific

piece of equipment. 

Namely, its namesake.

A 

Bundt pan.

I had one. 

Once upon a time.

Facebook to the rescue and

Amy loaned me hers.

On to the cake.

It had every reason to succeed:

four eggs, 

pudding mix,

sour cream,

vegetable oil.

Oh, and chocolate.

It did not disappoint.

The original recipe just called 

for a dusting of powdered sugar

on top. 

I poured 

ganache over it before the sugar.

Why wouldn't you?

Oh, and I put a hit of rum

in the ganache.

Again, 

why wouldn't you?

http://savoringtimeinthekitchen.blogspot.com/2013/02/easy-chocolatey-bundt-cake.html
Heads up if you choose to make this cake,
note the cake mix package size,
all boxed cakes are not created equal.

Some Combinations Work Better Than Others

Like this;

is way better than this;

But you don't know until you try.

Just consider this a public service announcement. 

You are welcome.

Some Pictures for Mom and Big

 I think she's saying, "What you talkin' 'bout?"

 This is the smile she gave her Papa when he came home for lunch.

 First time in our highchair.

 Story time with Gaye

 The jeans from the rummage sale.

 With her best friend Eliana

 Her Papa loves her.

 Happy baby

I love you, 

Great Grandma and Meme

There's A Progression To These Things

I *think* it's done.

Sales Meeting?

 It was time to plan the annual sales meeting

for my husband's company.

Honey suggested Florida was nice this time of year.

Having just gotten back from a business trip

to Orlando, he should know.

The powers that be took him up on the suggestion.

He sent me this picture the first day.

It's the view from his lunch table.

This one came today followed by this:

They caught the fish and then took them here

to be cooked up for their dinner.

I can't wait to see what he sends tomorrow.

I don't know about the other guys but my husband

is one of the hardest working men you will find.

I'm thrilled he is

warm, 

relaxed,

having some fun,

team building

and 

being shown some appreciation for his hard work.

Keep the good times rolling Honey, 

you deserve it!