Hi, my name is Caroline. (books and mexican quinoa cakes)

Just in case you had forgotten whose blog this is.  I've taken somewhat of a hiatus from the blog, obviously. But here I am! Bear with me…it's been a while and I'm a wee bit rusty at the whole writing thing.

What have I been up to? Really, not much! It's summer and this teacher has been enjoying waking up early (but not 4:45 early), drinking coffee on the back porch, taking Birdie on morning walks before the sweltering heat sets in, hitting the pool or beach as much as I can, trying new recipes, and reading lots of good books. Isn't that what all teachers do in the summer? Confession: I have been pinning like crazy for my classroom and am kind of itching to get in there and get started with set-up. However, I am making myself wait until next week! But I have so many ideas bouncing around in my head, I think I may go crazy! I'm sure you teachers can relate: there is a sort of love/hate relationship with the end of July/beginning of August.

I could make this a really long catch-up post, or wrap it up by sharing with you a few good books that I have read this summer, and a recipe I came up with that was a huge hit with me and the hubs (and it's healthy and meatless!). So, I think I'll go with the latter.

Books

The Time Between

Karen White

Karen White has quickly become my favorite author. This is partly because many of her books take place in Charleston. However, that is not the only reason. Her use of details and characterization keep me reading and reading…and reading. Just ask my husband…when I start, I can't stop! This book takes place on Edisto Island, which just happens to be my favorite place in the world, not to mention where Andy and I were married.

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Redeeming Love

Francine Rivers

I have to admit, I was skeptical of reading this book. It is in the Christian Fiction genre, and I was skeptical that it would be a little on the cheesy side. But, thankfully, my friend Emily kept insisting that I read it, ensuring me that I would love it. She was absolutely right! This has been my favorite book of the summer…and maybe ever. I cannot say enough about this book, and how it portrays God's amazing love for His children.

Read it!

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These are just two of the 6 books that I've read this summer. If you have any recommendations for me, I appreciate it! I need a new book to read!

On to the recipe. 

This was one of those "I don't feel like going to the grocery store. Let's see what I can whip up with what I already have" recipes. And, it turned out great! I would definitely add black beans next time, and  fresh avocado. Wholly guacamole is the next best thing, though!

Mexican Quinoa Cakes

makes 12-14 cakes

1 cup uncooked quinoa

2 cups water

Bring the quinoa to a boil. Turn to low, cover, and simmer until all the water is absorbed (12-14 minutes).

Allow the cooked quinoa to cool to room temp.

2 canned chipotle peppers, minced

1 cup cooked corn

1 cup Mexican shredded cheese

1 teaspoon house seasoning, or to taste (see recipe below)

1/3 cup bread crumbs

1 (10 oz.) can red enchilada sauce 

3/4 cup panko crumbs

Once the cooked quinoa has cooled, add chipotle peppers, corn, cheese, and house seasoning. Mix well. Add the bread crimps and stir to combine. Stir in the enchilada sauce, a little at a time. I didn't use the entire can. You just need enough to give it a good consistency for making cakes (if you add too much, just add a little more bread crumbs). Taste to check for seasoning. Add more salt & pepper if needed. Form into cakes (tip: wet your hands with water and it makes this much easier). Keep the cakes in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes.

Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium high heat. While oil is heating, place the panko crumbs in a shallow dish, and coat each quinoa cake in the panko crumbs. Cook the cakes until browned and heated through, about 3-4 minutes per side.

I served mine with a salad with honey-lime cilantro dressing.

House seasoning: 1 cup salt, 1/4 garlic powder, 1/4 black pepper

Hope you enjoy!

3 Ingredient Breakfast "Cookies"

 I am really bad about skipping breakfast. I know it's the most important meal of the day, and ironically, it is my favorite meal. Most mornings I just don't seem to have the time to sit down to enjoy a healthy meal to start my day. These little guys have helped tremendously. I eat one of these every morning on my way to work, along with a boiled egg. That grosses some people out, but I love boiled eggs! And all that protein keeps me full and energized until lunch time. As a teacher, it is impossible to snack between meals, so I need filling yet healthy meals that will keep me going.

I originally found this recipe on Pinterest, but changed it just a bit. The original recipe called for 2 bananas and no peanut butter. I only had one banana, and thought peanut butter would be a delicious substitute. These are so easy to whip up on a Sunday night and will last throughout the week. I kept mine in a sealed baggie at room temp and they tasted as good on Friday as they did Monday.

Makes about 7-8 cookies

1 cup quick cooking oats

1 ripe banana

about 1/2 cup peanut butter

*optional: chocolate chips

1. Place all three ingredients in a bowl. 

2. Using a fork, mash the banana and peanut butter until completely mixed into the oats. 

3.  Form into about 1 in. balls and slightly flatten onto a parchment-lined cookie sheet. If using chocolate chips (or blueberries might be yummy), add a few to each cookie.

5. Bake at 350 degrees for 15 minutes.

I used The Bee's Knees, by Peanut Butter & Co. (and it truly is the bees knees). The added sweetness of the honey really adds to the flavor of the cookies. If you don't use this kind of peanut butter, you could add a tablespoon or so of honey, if desired.

tasty tuesday---ain't happenin'

yep. i promised a tasty tuesday today. the pesto ranch crock-pot chicken didn't make it into the crock-pot yesterday. surprise, surprise. it did make it in there today so it's for dinner tonight. i'll decide whether it is blog-worthy and post about it later. i will say, it smells pretty awesome up in here! other than eat this heavenly-smelling chicken (alongside some roasted asparagus and potatoes) here is my to-do list for the remainder of the night and week...oh, and lesson plans. and dodging/dealing with a bus driver strike.

The Saturday Six

I've really been wanting to do a "Friday Five" post that I've seen on a lot of blogs, and had every intention of doing one this week, but of course work got crazy (for real...there has been a threat of a bus driver strike all week so things have seriously been crazy!), and I never got around to it. So I give you "The Saturday Six."


1.  What I've been listening to: "Easy to Love" by Ivan & Alyosha
I cannot get enough of this song. I love his voice, the lyrics, the drum beat, all of it. Another Ivan & Alyosha favorite: "I Was Born to Love Her."

2.  What I've been reading: 
Well, I attempted to read Plain Truth by Jodi Picoult, and I really liked it at first, but I just can't finish it. It hasn't kept my attention, and I can see the ending from a mile away. My guess: the mom did it. Okay, so I skipped to the ending, but it was just what I suspected.
However, I just finished reading The Tale of Despereaux to my class.

One of my favorites! This is the 3rd year I've read this book to my classes, and every year, it is their favorite. This year was no exception. My favorite quote from a kiddo: "Mrs. D, that was SO much better than the movie!!!" It is really good children's literature and a great resource for teaching vocabulary. So far we've used two words from this book as our "Word-of-the-Week": perfidy and dire.  Now we've started a poetry unit so I've been reading a lot of poetry from these two books.

3.  What I've been eating: Apple-Cinnamon Chex
Lots and lots of Apple-Cinnamon Chex. So good. Go buy some!

4.  A Recent Purchase: This vintage Pyrex
I think I have found a new obsession. I love this stuff. It reminds me so much of both of my grandmothers, and my mom. They all used to have tons of this stuff, and, sadly, we got rid of most of it. However, I have found the jackpot at "Main Street Antiques" in Summerville. I will be buying more. And if any family and friends are reading this post, you now know what to get me for my birthday.

5.   Recipe I've been pinning: Pesto Ranch Chicken for the Crockpot
This sounds so good. And I love anything that is remotely healthy that can be made in the crockpot (without anything "cream-of" in it).

6.  What I've been drinking: Vodka & Seagram's Key Lime Seltzer Water with a Splash of Cranberry Juice
This has been my weekend drink of choice lately. I found this Seagram's seltzer water at the store and picked some up in Key Lime, Blackberry Raspberry, and Orange Citrus. I haven't tried the citrus flavor yet, but the key lime was really good! Perfect with some vodka and a light splash of cranberry juice.

I hope you all have a wonderful weekend! Check back for a Tasty Tuesday (the pesto ranch chicken above) and maybe even a Pinterest Recipe Review!

Tasty Tuesday--Bite-Sized Baked Brie

Look at me, two posts in a week!

I have a yummy one for you today. I made these baked brie bites from Joy the Baker for our New Year's "Ski" party (more on that below). They were so good--buttery & flakey pastry, sweet & tangy cherry preserves, and creamy, rich brie. You can't go wrong. And then add some salty with the sweet with a sprinkle of sea salt to finish...even better. And, they were so easy to make. Took no time at all.

I didn't snap a picture of my brie bites, so you'll have to settle for Joy's beautiful picture that is 500x's better than any picture I would post. I also didn't put sticks in mine, but they're pretty cute with them.

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Bite-Sized Baked Brie

makes 24 

2 sheets puff pastry (thawed, but still cold)
1/2 wedge of brie, cold
1/3 cup cherry jam (or any flavor)
1 large egg, beaten
splash of milk
coarse sea salt

Cut the pastry into thirds along the creases of the folds. Cut each panel into four pieces. They'll be 2 1/4-inch tall and 3-inches wide. One sheet of puff pastry will yield 12 rectangles. Cut each rectangle in half. You'll have 24 little rectangles that will create 12 little rectangle pockets for your bites.
Combine the beaten egg and splash of milk. Brush 12 of the small rectangles with the egg wash. Place a small sliver of brie (rind and all) on top of the egg wash. Top with about 1/2 teaspoon of jam. Take another square of pastry and press between your fingers to make the rectangle slightly bigger. Place this puff pastry on top of the cheese and jam. Use a fork to press the edges together. The egg wash will act as glue. Make sure to seal the edges well by crimping with the fork. Prick the top lightly with a fork.
Place a rack in the center of the oven and preheat oven to 375 degrees. Place prepared brie bites on a parchment lined baking sheet. Brush with egg wash. Sprinkle with a touch of coarsely ground sea salt. Bake for 12 to 14 minutes, or until golden brown.

Remove from the oven and allow to cool slightly before serving.
Best served warm, but are also delicious at room temperature.

*Don't be afraid of using too much brie & jam...even if it seeps out the edges! I don't think I used enough, but they were still good.

Now, the New Year's "Ski" party. Wellll, we all wanted to take another ski trip this winter, but with weddings and other expenses piling up, it just wasn't going to happen for us. So, we had a ski party right in Charleston, SC. Thanks to Emily and her crafty-self, we had a beautiful ski-scape--the perfect backdrop for photos. It was so fun...and so awesome to be comfortable instead of in a cocktail dress and heels!

just the highlights

Yes, it has been a while. Instead of a long, boring post catching you up on what's been going on in our household, here are just the highlights of my little blog hiatus.

1.  We took a long weekend and spent some time in Brevard, Asheville, and Lake Lure, North Carolina.

Looking Glass Falls, Brevard NC 

Fly Fishing on the Davidson, Brevard NC

Chimney Rock, where they filmed The Last of the Mohicans.

Drinks at The Grove Park Inn, Asheville NC

2.  Spent Christmas in Summerville with my side of the family this year (we alternate every year).

snuggling with Birdie and her two ornaments she repeatedly stole off the tree.

Christmas morning beignets (ignore the no-makeup morning look)

Lucy helping G open his presents.

Lucy got a dollhouse

Christmas dinner: Frogmore Stew

3.  I went to my 10 year high school reunion. While it wasn't quite the turnout we expected, we had fun nonetheless. My bff Katie planned it and she did a great job. It was great to see some old high school buddies that I don't get to see often.

Katie, me, and softball buddies Alison and Erin

4. I'm taking a graduate course on Nature and Needs of the Gifted Student. Of course, my main reason for taking this course is for recertification points, but I am really enjoying it. I'm learning so much about gifted students and their needs. It is opening my eyes to the needs of gifted students, and the consequences we, and they, face when their needs are not met.

5.  My cousin, Blair, and her two children, Nate (6) and Emery (2), came to visit us last weekend. My Aunt Nita came, also. I love my family so much and love when they come to visit. We had a blast, and Lucy was so happy to see her cousins!

Nate at the park in the Lattimore jersey we got him for Christmas.

Lucy and Emery snappin' green beans for supper.

Cousins at Perfectly Frank's (as seen on Food Network's Diners, Drive-Ins, & Dives)

red boots and curious george!

6.  My brother coaches varsity girls basketball at Summerville High School and just got his 50th win last night!  I am so proud of my big bro!

Sweet daddy & daughter moment after a game.

7.  I'm becoming an aunt to another baby girl in April. I am so excited! There are a few name choices they are deciding on, but Lucy's first pick was "Laundry."

Dr. Lucy will be delivering the baby :)

8.  I got crafty with my nails.

The color looks better in person (Essie "sand tropex" with "cute as a button" polka dots)

Okay, so maybe this wasn't a short post, but there was a lot to catch you up! And maybe #8 wasn't really a highlight, but I'm pretty proud of my first "nail art" attempt and wanted to brag a little.

I promise to talk to you all again soon...

Twas the Night Before Christmas Break

As I am sure everyone else is, I am disgusted by the horrific school shootings in Connecticut. When I heard the news, I had just dropped off my students at the buses to go home for the day. I always hug each one of my little ones before I put them on the bus, whether they like it or not. But when I heard this news, I wished I had hugged each one a little tighter for a little longer. 

I am awe of the courageous stories I am hearing of the teachers who were so brave in protecting the lives of their students. All I keep picturing is my little babies with frightened faces looking to me for answers. I know my babies are going to have so many questions on Monday morning, and I pray that I have the courage to answer them. I do not want this tragedy to cause them to be scared or feel unsafe at school, a place where they should feel the safest. It breaks my heart to think of this. 

I am going to hug my little ones constantly tomorrow.

All teachers know that the week before Christmas break is one of the craziest and most exhausting. However, it is also one of the most fun and exciting. Especially in elementary school, as they still have the excitement of Santa and the love of Christmas. 

I wrote this poem with the help of my kiddos last week. I've assigned each child a line, and I will record them reciting the poem to show to the parents at our Christmas party on Thursday. I have to say, this poem is pretty hilarious and they LOVE it.

All you teachers out there can certainly relate...

2C's Twas the Night Before Christmas Break

Twas the night before Christmas break,

And all through 2C,

Not a student was quiet,

Especially not sweet Kassidy.

The homework was turned in to the basket by the door,

In hopes that Mrs. D wouldn't assign anymore.

The children were restless, not listening to Mrs. D,

Not even quiet Patricia or sweet Pressley.

Arguments were starting: "I was here first," shouted Sandra Gail,

"No, I was!" replied Mason, "I'm going to tell!"

When out on the lawn there arose such a clatter,

Everyone jumped out of their seats to see what was the matter.

And what do you think their sweet little eyes did see?

Mrs. D throwing a tantrum screaming, "These kids are driving me CRAZY!"

Her eyes--how they bulged. Her face grew so red,

Makena declared, "I think Mrs. D has lost her head!"

"What should we do?" asked May, "Our teacher is sad."

"You're right," said Colby, "She really has gone quite mad."

Mrs. D's tantrum continued as she started to sigh,

"Oh Gavin! Oh Tripp! Oh Madison and Eli!

Why won't you listen and do as I say?

Why won't Samuel and Gracie simply obey?"

"I know what to do," said Reagan while Mrs. D's eyes continued to bug,

"What Mrs. D really needs is a big, giant hug."

Will agreed, and so did Gabby,

Then Caleigh said, "I know something else that will make her extra happy."

"We all need to listen and do what we should."

"Yeah," agreed Serenity, "That will make Mrs. D feel really good."

So they all marched outside, with Sam leading the way,

"Excuse us Mrs. D, but we have something to say.

We've been kind of naughty, we know this is true,

But we promise to listen and do what you ask us to do.

We'll be good at home, and listen to mom and dad,

We know on Christmas day, that will make them really glad.

Mrs. D's face brightened, and her eyes started to clear,

Her students had told her exactly what she needed to hear.

And they heard her proclaim, as her eyes filled with tears,

"Merry Christmas, my sweet students, and a happy new year!"