Dinner at our House: Christmas Brunch

This Christmas I had both my parents and Tim's family over for Christmas breakfast. Lots of goodies were made including pancakes, quiche, bacon, Chocolate Chip Ricotta muffins, hashbrown casserole, and more. Two of the items I made were from my beloved addiction, Pinterest. One turned out AMAZING, the other was disgusting. I'll go ahead and rave about my favorite first.

Mmmm! Sticky cinnamon breakfast ring!

I found this gem on pinterest, and I am sooooo glad I made it. Was definitely my favorite part of the breakfast goodies.

Ingredients:

• Pillsbury Grand Biscuit (large)
• Pillsbury Grand Biscuit (small)
• 3 Tbsp. butter, melted (I use yogurt butter)
• 1/2 C. pancake syrup (I use lite syrup)
• 1/3 C. packed light brown sugar (I only had dark brown)
• 1/2 tsp. cinnamon

Directions:

1. I sprayed down my brand new Bundt pan. 
2. Melt the butter and combine with the syrup. 
3. In a different bowl, mix the sugar and cinnamon. 
4. Drizzle half the syrup mixture into the pan. Then sprinkle some of the sugar mixture. 
5. Place the biscuits on the bottom of the pan to form the "ring." 
6. Drizzle the rest of the mixture and sprinkle the sugar. 
7. Bake at 375 degrees for approximately 20-25 minutes or until golden brown. I took mine out after 22 minutes.
8. Let cool for a minute, then flip over on top of a plate (I used my glass plate as seen above).
9. Consume and enjoy the gooey sugary love.

And now for the ugly:

French Toast in a crock pot?

First off, I don't eat French Toast. Tim does. I wanted to include something he might enjoy. Well, I don't think FT was meant to be made in a crock pot. This photo is actually when I first put it all in. I forgot to take a photo of the pinstrosity that arrive after the six hours in the crock pot. Tim gave it a 2 out of 10. Here is the original pin link.

Overall, it was a Christmas full of food and yummy goodness. In fact, I spent most of today in a food coma on the couch watching Nip/Tuck on Netflix. :)

Eleven in 11: Evaluating March

I don't want to jinx it this early in the game, but 2011 is GREAT! As usual, I want to be accountable to my Eleven in 11 goals.

The breakdown:
1. Volunteer opportunity- This month I attended a YP meeting for servant leadership and I think there are a few opportunities for me to do some volunteer work. Also, at work this week I put my name in to be part of Relay for Life. 
2. The weight loss one- I have lost 14 pounds since January, which means I'm right on track with my goal. Overall, I've lost 31 since October. I've never been so proud of myself. I feel great, my knees are so thankful.
3. Plan and take honeymoon- New plan: Amelia Island in May. I'm so excited!
4. Trying four new recipes- We did four new ones, but I think I left one off the blog because it was only so-so:

• Tortilla Pie/Fiesta Lasagna
• Creamy Basil Chicken
• Baked Onion Rings
• and the one I didn't post, but you can find online- Blondies with Chocolate Chips 

5. Blog three times a week- We've picked right back up and I'm always trying to think of new and somewhat useful or entertaining content. Feel free to make suggestions!

6. Student loan- Check :)

7. Savings!- Check check :)

8. Read 52 books- I'm failing. I did buy the new J.R. Ward book two nights ago. I will finished that one over the weekend!

9. Facebook birthdays- Doing well :)

10. Visit 12 new restaurants- LOVED Old Siam!!! I think we're going to try Woodstone in April- anyone been?

11. Etsy- Def. falling behind, but now that its getting pretty out, and soon I'll have Fridays off, I think I'll get back into this.

Hope your March was eventful and fun! Here's to April!

Restaurant Review: Old Siam

I realize that I haven't reviewed this place yet, but we did enjoy trying it out this month. We went to Old Siam before a hockey game this month. I had NEVER had Thai food before in my life. I always hear "it's spicy, really spicy" when people describe it. But, I also know it similar to Chinese food, and I like spicy Chinese food...so why not try it out?

First of all, this place has AMAZING SERVICE. Props to our young gal server who was extremely kind and accommodating. She asked if it was our first time and we said yes, and she even asked if it was our first time eating Thai and we said yes. She asked us questions about what we like and don't like and her recommendations were perfect.

Tim had the Spicy Basil Chicken and I had Red Curry Pineapple Chicken. Both were delicious, but I was more of a fan of Tim's dish.

All in all, it was a great evening. The service was good, the setting is cute, the food is great and we tried something new- and liked it!