Pecan Cobbler

After I was gifted a large bag of fresh pecans I decided it was time for me to attempt to re-create the amazing pecan cobbler served at Texas Pride BBQ. I came pretty close and was pleased with the warm, gooey result. I made our dessert on a small scale to prevent Ricky from over eating but I guess you can expand my recipe to serve more than two if you'd like.

You need:

1 cup of chopped pecans
2/3 cup light corn syrup
1 cup of sugar, divided
3 tablespoons of melted butter and an additional 1/2 stick melted butter
2 tablespoon vanilla
1 tablespoon butter flavor
1 cup flour
1 cup of milk
3 eggs
non stick spray
6 x 8 Pyrex dish (or similar size)

In one bowl, combine corn syrup, 3 tablespoons of melted butter, 1 tbsp vanilla, two eggs and 1/2 cup sugar. Blend well. Add chopped pecans and set aside.

In a second bowl, mix 1/2 cup sugar, 1 cup flour, 1 cup milk, one egg, 1 tbsp vanilla and 1 tbsp butter flavor. Spray Pyrex dish with non-stick spray. Pour contents of the second bowl into the Pyrex dish. Pour the pecan mixture (from the first bowl) on top of the batter.

Bake at 375 degrees Fahrenheit for 40 minutes or until edges look crispy. Allow the cobbler to cool for 20-25 minutes before serving.

Let me know what you think!

...and we're back!

I know our blog has been on hiatus but I'm back and ready to blog for the new year! I hope everyone had a safe and restful holiday season. Ricky and I took a wonderful vacation to Costa Rica in December. It was, by far, the most beautiful place we've ever been; we are already brainstorming a second trip. We stayed at the RIU Guancaste (all inclusive resort) which I highly recommend. There are so many outdoor activities to enjoy in Guancaste that we only scratched the surface with: zip lining in the cloud forest, horse back riding, visiting a volcano and bathing in hot springs. We enjoyed lounging around the resort and eating amazing meals too.

For pictures, click here:
https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.614976041425.2085190.50401332&type=1&l=37287949a0

As usual, we set goals for the new year. Last year we gave up fast food so we are having a little splurge today before going back to no fast food. I enjoyed Sonic mozzarella sticks and onion rings and Ricky just polished off some Taco Cabana! Tomorrow, though, it's back to the gym, juicing and eating things that grow out of the ground.

As far as vacations go for 2012, I'm going to Florida in February to visit Erin, we are tentatively planning a trip to San Francisco/Napa Valley in October and a beach trip to South Padre. I'll try to do better this year keeping everyone updated!

And the Heat Goes On....

Man, it is HOT here in San Antonio! I love summer, I really do but we have had triple digit heat for almost two months. I never thought that clear blue skies with lots of sunshine could get annoying but I would LOVE to see some rain clouds right about now!

We have had a busy summer, as usual. We took a wonderful trip to Boston with my parents and Erin (pictures to come), did some tubing/"toobing" on the Comal River, and took a great beach vacation with our pals Nathan and Emily. We also visited the San Antonio wildlife park for some up close and personal time with zebras, ostriches, gazelles and tons of other animals. (for pictures: https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.584097377515.2078472.50401332&l=5d5c27adc4&type=1). I've been working on decorating more of our house but it's hard to get motivated after fighting the heat all day.

I've been looking for ways to spice up my exercise routine. There's nothing more annoying to me than when someone says, "Oh, you're so skinny! Why do you work out?" First of all, I wouldn't look the way I do if I didn't make fitness and healthy eating a priority. Secondly, why would you discourage someone from doing something that is so beneficial mentally and physically? Thirdly, doesn't skinny imply lack of womanly curves? I think my husband would agree I'm not some pre-adolescent string bean either. Anyway, if you're looking to tone it up and feel great, take a look at these websites. They've got some great suggestions!

http://www.womenshealthmag.com/fitness/a-complete-body-toning-workout
http://www.shape.com/
http://topexercisevideos.com/

Has anyone tried the Jillian Michaels workout DVDs? I'm thinking of trying that next.

Summer Zucchini Recipes

**from allrecipes.com**


Oh gosh, our garden is producing zucchini out of control! I love them but I had to find new ways of preparing them so that Ricky and I didn't get totally sick of them. I highly recommend the zucchini cake recipe. It was light, delicious and a great way to have veggies in dessert!

3. Zucchini Cake

Ingredients

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 teaspoons baking soda
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon baking powder
• 3 teaspoons ground cinnamon
• 3 eggs
• 1 cup vegetable oil
• 1 1/2 cups white sugar
• 2 cups grated zucchini
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 1 cup chopped walnuts

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Lightly grease one 13x9 inch baking pan.
2. Combine eggs, oil, sugar, grated zucchini, and vanilla. Beat until well mixed. Stir in the flour, baking soda, salt, baking powder, and cinnamon and mix until just combined. Stir in the chopped nuts. Pour batter into prepared pan.
3. Bake at 350 degrees F(175 degrees C) for 45 minutes.

**Compliments of Allrecipes.com

4. Zucchini Scramble (a twist on my grandmother's recipe)

Ingredients:

1 cup sliced zucchini
1/2 cup sliced onions
1 tsp garlic powder
1 tsp onion powder
coarse ground black pepper and kosher salt to taste
2 eggs
2 tbsp olive oil
1/4 cup feta cheese

Boil zucchini in a large pot until tender. Drain water and season with garlic and onion powders. Add onions. Sautee onions and zucchini together for about three minutes. Crack eggs and scramble in a separate bowl. Add eggs to vegetable mixture and scramble together until eggs are almost done. Add 1/4 of feta cheese and season with salt and pepper. Great for brunch!:)