Jazz Game

We had a great time at the Jazz game last night with my cousin Sheralee and her boyfriend Casey. Dad was nice enough to let us sit in his 3rd row seats! It was fun getting to know Casey and spending some time with Sheralee, who I never get to see anymore. Thanks for coming guys! It was a blast!

Oh, and the large black guy in the middle of our photo was an announcer who decided to sneak in when we weren't looking. haha we're friends.

Extreme Sledding at Sundance

It pays to know someone in the sign business. Sara got us a couple huge sheets of plastic sign material which we took up to Sundance and used as a giant sled. Four people on a huge sheet of plastic so slippery you can hardly stay on it when it's stationary?! Craziness. I promise you we had to have reached speeds of 30 to 35 mph! The only way to stop (and avoid hitting the trees at the bottom of the run) was to roll off the side of the sled and slide/roll for 30 feet, arms and legs tangling up with the people next to you. By the time you figure out which way is up you are laughing so hard you can barely breathe. It was crazy and really fun. We'll be sad when we go on our internship this summer and won't be able to see Mike and Sara all the time and do crazy things like this. We are definitely four peas in a pod. We love those two. But we will soak it up while we can!

Peanut Butter Bars

This quick treat can be whipped up in under 30 minutes. Thanks Danielle for the recipe!

1/2 cup sugar
1/2 cup brown sugar
1 egg
1 cube butter (1/2 cup)
1/2 cup peanut butter (crunchy or creamy)
1 tsp vanilla
1/4 tsp baking soda
1/8 tsp salt
1 1/4 cup flour
1 cup oats
1/2 cup more creamy PB
1 cup chocolate chips

Preheat oven to 350. Cream sugars, egg and butter. Mix in peanut butter and vanilla. Stir in flour, salt and baking soda till mixed in. Stir in oats. Press into cookie sheet, bake for 10 minutes. Melt chocolate chips on low setting in microwave, 30 seconds at a time, stirring often. (Chocolate is temperamental, so heat slow and low.) When bars come out of oven, let cool for a few minutes, then spread 1/2 cup creamy PB all over, it will melt. Then on top spread the melted chocolate. So easy, quick and very yummy! I made this on a whim last night at 10:45, Klane and I were craving it and it didn’t disappoint!

the Nie is Back!

after 5 months of recovery, Stephanie Nielson is back in action. And I couldn't be happier for her and her family! How exciting. Check out her first post since the crash here. If you haven't heard of the Nielsons' story, check it out, it's a story of love, faith and courage and it will inspire you!

guilty pleasure

I know it is silly but oh i just love american idol. i think watching people make fools of themselves on tv is just so entertaining. I love laughing at the ridiculous people and I like hearing when someone has real talent. Right now i'm watching this boy who totally looks like a girl, wears makeup, and makes homemade horror movies. He has an ok voice.... but he is creepy. Oh I love it. On with the madness!
And may i say i like Kara, the new judge. She is talented and spunky. She had a spontaneous sing-off with a contestant who challenged her and she was good.

Black Bean Chili

From the kitchen of Stephanie Nielson (Nie Nie).

4 tsp olive oil
1 medium onion, chopped
4 garlic cloves, minced
2 tsp ground cumin
1 can (4.5 oz) chopped green chiles
2 cans (15 oz each) black beans, rinsed and drained
2 cans (14.5 oz each) diced tomatoes
salt
1 package (10 oz) frozen corn
1 cup water

In a large saucepan, heat oil over medium heat. Add onion; cook until softened, 5 to 6 minutes. Add garlic and cumin; cook, stirring often, until fragrant, about 2 minutes more.
To the pan, add chiles, beans, tomatoes and their juice, 2 cups water, and 3/4 teaspoon salt. Bring mixture to a boil; reduce heat to medium-low, and simmer, partially covered, until slightly thickened, about 20 minutes.
In a blender or food processor, puree 2 cups of the stew. Return the puree to the pan, and add frozen corn; simmer until heated through, about 5 minutes. Serve hot.

New Year's Party

Where: Lynsie's house.
Who: Harding family.
What: Good food, Guitar Hero World Tour, MarioKart Wii, Great company.
Menu: Orange chicken, egg rolls, rice, teriyaki chicken, edamame, white and milk chocolate fondue.