So yesterday was Part I of our Valentine's Day. We got so much work done around the house! We madea huge list and accomplished it all. This past weekend was pretty busy altogether. On Friday night I had an awesome "Lost" marathon (we watched 3 episodes and decided we were falling asleep too much) with a dear friend. Then on Saturday M (husband) and our friend F and I went hiking. M and I wore 20lb backpacks in training for summiting Mt Rainier. It wasn't too bad, but it definitely added another element to the hike. We then all came back to the house, had amazing burgers for lunch and watched "This is it" the Michael Jackson tribute movie. Maybe we were just exhausted and not in the right mood, but that movie was not so great. It was neat seeing MJ do all of his crazy moves. He still had it at 50, that's for sure! But the whole movie was just a really extreme example of idol worship. Everyone tip toed around him and put all of their worth and happiness in this show. It's so sad to see. I wonder how they are all doing considering they invested so much (financially and emotionally) in that show. On Sunday we spent all day at church! M and I went to the 0900 service and then rushed back for lunch and then back to church for Biblical Marriage class, and then back home for a quick 40 min break and then back to church for out Community Group Leader interview. M is trying to become a Community Group leader and it's pretty interesting to watch. We really love hosting people and sharing time and food and good words. But it's going to be a big change (if that is indeed what comes out of our interview)! THe hardest part is going to be leaving our current Community Group. We love the friends we've made. It's going to be hard starting over.
So by Mon evening M and I were pretty exhausted. But I couldn't resist making a yummy dessert for Valentines Day. Luckily it was a v. easy recipe and didn't take much time, energy or patience!
Strawberry Shortcake:
recipe adapted from Better Homes and Gardens Cookbook
Ingredients
5-6 c sliced strawberries
1 c sugar
2 c flour
1/2 c sugar
2 tspn baking powder
1/2 c butter
1 egg
2/3 c milk
1 c whipping cream
2 tspn sugar (optional)
Preheat over to 450 degrees. Combine strawberries and 1 c sugar in a saucepan and simmer on low heat until sugar melts (dont let the strawberries get mushy!). Remove from heat and place in a bowl in the fridge to cool.
Stir together flour, 1/2c sugar, and baking powder. Cut in butter until mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
In a seperate bowl, beat egg and add milk. Add egg mixture to flour mixture. Stir just until moistened. Spread the dough into an 8.5" square or circular baking dish.
Bake for 15 min, until a wooden toothpick just barely comes out clean. Let cool for about 10 min.
Meanhwile, whip whipping cream and 2 tspns sugar together until the cream is the right texture for you (approx. 5 min?)
Cut the shortcake into 6-9 servings, and split each serving into 2 layers. Distribute strawberries in between the layers and on top of each serving. Top with a dollop of whip cream and enjoy!