And I wonder why I'm gaining weight...

I find myself cooking a lot lately...and not the healthy recipes I was having so much fun whipping up this summer. Nope, lately I'm in the mood for high-calorie, oh-so-delicious, pack-on-the-pounds comfort food. Maybe it's because the holidays just call for rich satisfying foods, or maybe it's because cooking provides a nice outlet from the stresses of doctor school. Whatever the reason, one of my New Year's resolutions will be to revert back to healthier cooking. But I still have one more month to indulge, and I plan on making this holiday classic at least once more.

Sweet Potato Pie

1 large sweet potato or 2-3 small ones (need about 3 cups, mashed)
3/4 cup sugar
2 Tablespoons flour
3 eggs, beaten
3 Tablespoons butter, melted
1 small can of evaporated milk
cinnamon to taste

Peel and slice potatoes and boil in water until tender. Drain and mash.

Mix flour with sugar and add to mashed potatoes. Add eggs, melted butter, and evaporated milk. Beat with a mixer for several minutes until mixture is fluffy. Add cinnamon (I like cinnamon so I use between 1/2 to 1 teaspoon). Pour mixture into unbaked pie crust and sprinkle top with cinnamon. Bake at 350 degrees 45-50 minutes.

It's important to check on your pie while it's baking, as baking time may vary. If you notice crust getting too brown, you may need to lower oven temperature and increase baking time. As easy way to tell if it is done is to lightly shake the pie plate...if the middle wiggles, it's not done yet.

My Letter to Santa

I seriously must have spent 3 hours the other night making my Christmas list for my husband. It was totally indulgent and so satisifying. Naturally, my list contained many items that I just can't live without. Here are a few of my favorites that I'm hoping Santa doesn't forget to put in his sleigh:
Prada Infusion D'Iris--I'm not usually a fan of floral perfumes, but this scent is light and clean.

Martha Stewart Cooking School--I'm a huge Martha fan and can't wait to get my hands on this book!
Hunter wellies--I reside in a state that has an actual "rainy season", so these wellies will keep me looking stylish as I trudge through downpours and hurricanes.

Juicy Couture fleur de lis necklace--This delicate little necklace will be a sweet reminder of my heritage on days when I am homesick.
Marc Jacobs watch--I have been addicted to watches lately. I love the classic shape of this one and think it will go perfectly with my "professional doctor wardrobe".

Foley + Corinna Mid-City Tote--I love the butterly leather and roomy shape of this bag.

What's on your list for Santa this year?

Giving Thanks

When I found out I wasn't going to be able to go home for Thanksgiving, I was quite depressed. But the day turned out to be great after all. Hubby and I woke up and noshed on orange cinnamon rolls while watching the Macy's parade together. We then had a big dinner with my husband's family and filled our stomachs with deep fried turkey, dressing, green bean casserole, and cheese muffins. For dessert, I made sweet potato pie and chocolate gingerbread bars. I will be sharing the recipes for those soon.

I am still undecided as to whether I'm going to venture out into the hords of shoppers for Black Friday. I loved Black Friday when I was a child, but now I'd rather pay the extra bucks and shop in peace on a less crowded day. Hubby and I exchanged Christmas wish lists the other day, so I may just sit in front of the computer with a big mug of hot chocolate and online shop to my heart's content.

On this day I am thankful for these things (among many others):

--My family
--My wonderful husband
--My precious little dog Heaven
--My faith
--Amazing friends
--The fact that I am almost one semester closer to being done with doctor school

Heaven and I after stuffing ourselves with Thanksgiving dinner

HAPPY THANKSGIVING!!

I love you, dumpling

Southern belles love classic comfort foods, especially chicken and dumplings. I love to make a big pot of these when the weather cools off a little. Since cool weather is a rare event in Florida, I took full advantage of the dropping temperatures this weekend and made one of my favorite recipes.

Chicken & Dumplings

Boil chicken approximately 2 hours until chicken is very tender and falling apart. I usually use about 3 frozen boneless skinless chicken breasts.

For the dumplings you need:
2 cups flour
1 egg, beaten
4 tablespoons oil
7 tablespoons cold water
1/2 teaspoon salt


Mix together ingrediants until a soft dough forms.


Roll out the dough and cut into thin strips. Let the strips sit for a while, about 30 mins to an hour.


After chicken is tender, remove from broth and pull apart. Add 1/2 stick of butter to the broth and return broth to a boil. I also like to add a couple of chicken bouillion cubes to the broth. Drop dumplings into the boiling broth. Keep broth boiling until all dumplings are submerged, then reduce heat. Add 1/2 cup of milk. Return chicken to broth, cover, and cook until dumplings are tender (about 20-30 minutes).

Add black pepper to taste.


I served my dumplings with these cheese muffins. It was a delicious supper and even better the next day.

Enjoy!!

Getting in the Swing of Things

I decided to start this blog as a result of my love for reading the blogs of others. I want this to be a place to share adventures, inspiration, recipes, and things that bring me joy. Learning to do this blog will definitely be a process of trial and error, so hang with me as I get this thing up and running and looking more snazzy!

Visions of Sugar Plums

With Thanksgiving less than a week away, thoughts of Christmas are already filling my head. December just might be my favorite month of the year because of all of the fun holiday activites. Here are some of my favorite things about Christmas time:

Christmas parties like this.

A chance to see the Sugar Plum Fairy.

Going home for the holidays.

Remembering the true meaning of Christmas.

Listening for the sound of reindeer on the roof.

Believing Christmas can bring out the best in people, even the Grinches.

Making delicious goodies to share with family and friends.

What are your favorite things about the holidays?