4-H

My niece, Kiersten and my nephew, Zach are both involved in their local 4-H club. I loved 4-H when I was younger but was never involved as much as they are. Lucky for them, they are growing up on a farm and have had lots of fun raising all sorts of critters. The largest being cows.

Each year they raise a calf and show them at the 4-H fair. This was Zach's first year. That is him over on the right --> Isn't he just the cutest thing ever. Every time I see him I turn into one of those freakish aunts that wants to pinch his cheeks. Sorry bout that Zach :)

Zach had a puny little calf so we all knew going in that he would not win for having a perfect calf. But what the calf lacked Zach was able to show around and he did an amazing job. Even when the calf decided to do his impression of Silver and the Lone Ranger. (Yes, I use to watch that show. Do not laugh) I wish I had a picture of that action but I don't. Instead I have a picture of Zach working hard.






Kiersten had a whopper of a steer this year. Moody as all get out. (listen to me talking as if I know much about cows) All 10lbs of Kiersten had to lay down the law to 911lbs Cranky Mccrankypants. If I knew more about doctorin, I would have slipped ol Mccranky a valium or 10. See that is Mccranky right there--> eyeballin me.









Kiersten went back into the ring for a second time and showed the sweet little calf of Zach's and she did a great job. All smiles and answered
the judges questions like a pro.









Even Kaileigh got in on the action and held puny little sweet calf.
This is when she decided she should have a calf for when she is old
enough for 4-H. or a pig.. or a goat.. or a sheep or or how bout a fluffy rooster! *sigh*

Babycakes, you got the cutest little babycakes!

Tonight, I let Sandra talk me into going to happy hour at Babycakes cupcakery in Patchen Village.
Talk into you wonder? Yeah, I am not a cake person. The thick icing compared to the dryness of a cake is blegh to me. My dislike of cake started early. My brother and I had a deal that he would eat my icing and I would take care of the green items on his plate at dinner. Odd duck? Maybe, but it was a good deal for me. My mother would actually cut me off on how much green beans or kale I was allowed to have at dinner.

Now, if it was one of my grandmother's cakes it would be a different story. She knew how to make a hillbilly cake. All from scratch. No measurements and it was all done in a buttered cast iron skillet. We would sit, wait and drool until the cake was out of the oven and then pounce on it like wolves. Zero icing. to get in your way and the cake was moist. mmmmm

Now back to our story. I was hesitant to go to a cupcakery. How much enjoyment would I, a known cake hater, get from this? Were they going to be all fluffy and pretty and then nasty and crisco-y? Armed with the idea that it was happy hour and the tiny cakes would be half off I decided to go along for the ride. I can splurge on some cake and if it is bad then point a finger at Sandra for years to come. Cause that is just the kind of friend I am.

We were greeted at the door by the super friendly cupcake lady. I can only assume she bakes, is the owner and knows what she is doing because she looks like I do when I bake all day.

I got 4 cupcakes: Key Lime, Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough, Brownie and good ol Chocolate Fudge. So far we are sampling them slowly and the Key Lime was the first one to go. I must say that it was the best darn cupcake I have ever had. The icing was a smooth buttercreme(or is it cream. I hope cream) frosting and the cake was moist. Oh was it ever moist. The lime flavor was not over powering but was nice and subtle.

I will be back cake lady! You can visit Baby Cakes here too. Now go visit her.

Homemade Whities

Chuck is the kind of guy that will happily eat whatever I set in front of him. Never a complaint and very few requests. Easiest man to cook for ever. Whenever he makes a suggestion/request for food I usually jump on it. When he sounded the craving alarm for a round of homemade Whities I wondered how on earth I would make tiny steamed burgers. Alton Brown to the rescue again.

A few years ago, Alton made Mini Man Burgers. These burgers proved to be quite tasty and I doubt I will make regular sized burgers again. I altered it slightly but stuck mostly to his recipe.

Ingredients:
1/2 t onion powder
1/2 t garlic powder
1/2 t freshly ground black pepper
1/2 t kosher salt
1lb ground chuck
1 package Kings Hawaiian Savory rolls
sauted thinly sliced onions
various toppings of your choice (cheese, mayo etc)

Mix together the spices and put in a shaker. Slice your onions and saute them for about 5min or desired doneness. Set aside. Divide your beef into 8 equal parts and pat them out very thin. Think Whities thin here. Lightly oil your cast iron pan and slap your Whities on the heat, sprinkle one side with desired amount of spice mixture. Flip and sprinkle the other side with spices. Slice your rolls in half and fill with your way better Whities and add your toppings.

I really thing the rolls made all the difference. I have never been a fan of commercial buns.
Homemade onion rings would rule as a side. Or you could go and be healthy and have some corn or something. As a major bonus, these do not produce the *ahem* sliding. Not that I ever had that issue.

Thank you Alton for yet another great recipe.