Exciting things!

Hello ladies, I am the new blogger, Melissa Lowry, and I'm hoping to make it something you want to read every week {because Relief Society is that exciting}

Unfortunately, I don't have any pictures to post yet, because I have failed at bringing my camera to events such as our fabulous Johnny Lingo Night a couple of weeks ago, but starting now, we will have more pictures of all of us! {because a blog without pictures of people you know is simply boring}. 

So, as for announcements, we have our Temple Trip in two weeks on September 17th! I feel like this has been announced forever, but it is finally coming upon us. Get your recommend out, put it in your wallet, and drive through the dreadful San Francisco traffic to come to this beauty: 

{doesn't this pictures just get you excited to go there? I personally have never been to the Oakland temple, so it will be a treat for me} 

Even if you don't have a recommend, come go through the Visitor's Center, or come help play with all the cute Primary kids like my spouse and I will be doing, due to our lack of babysitters =) 

And, put on your calendar our Super Saturday on October 15th. Yes, this may seem ages away, but we all know how things come up at the last minute. And besides, you wouldn't want to miss all of the awesome crafts I'm teaching {Three to be exact}. =) Just kidding, but it will be really awesome. We have lots of demonstrations/crafting going to happen, but we could use more input for what you want to do/see! If you're reading this blog, you have the opportunity to stalk much more of the blog world and see what's peaking your interest in terms of maybe DIY decorating, or making headbands, or festive fall decorations, or party planning, or anything else! The possibilities are endless, so please provide us with what you want to do! Leave a comment on this blog, or email the secretary a link, if you find something you just have to do =) 

Because I know you are wondering "What can Super Saturday really give me?", I shall give you a little sneak peek of what's in store, does this look like something that you need on your door?? Because if so, I'm teaching it. {And if not, well.... then give me another idea that you would actually want to do!}

That is all of the announcements for the moment, I will begin to update this more frequently now, so stay tuned, and if you'd like, leave me some feedback =)

I will leave you with this amazing quote from Joni Hilton: 

"Remember that God loves you more than can be described. His love is more than enough to make up for any loss you’ve suffered. His love alone is sufficient for a sense of well-being, and the peace of mind all men seek. Bask in it, glory in it, and let it fill you with joy." 

Thursday Thoughts

I thought this was pretty funny and wanted to share.

Monday Musings

Jumping for Joy is good exercise.

Author Unknown

Foodie Friday's

Here is some of the yummy food and recipes we enjoyed at the Relief Society Progressive Dinner!

Baked Potato Soup

• 2/3 cup butter
• 2/3 cup flour
• 7 cups milk (you can use 2%, but whole milk does make this soup really creamy)
• 4 large baking potatoes, baked, cooled, and cubed, about 4 cups ( you can use red potatoes as well, and if you do not like the skin on your potatoes you can peel them)
• 4 green onions, thinly sliced
• 10 – 12 strips bacon, cooked, drained, and crumbled
• 1 ¼ cups shredded mild cheddar cheese
• 1 cup (8 oz) sour cream
• Salt & pepper to taste
Preparation:
• In a large stockpot over low heat, melt butter.
• Stir in flour; stir until smooth & bubbly.
• Gradually add milk, stirring constantly, until sauce has thickened. (you are basically making a white sauce at this point)
• Add potatoes & onions.
• Continue to cook, stirring constantly, until soup begins to bubble.
• Reduce heat; simmer gently for 10 minutes.
• Add remaining ingredients; stir until cheese is melted.
• Serve baked potato soup immediately.
• Recipe serves 6 to 8.

Green Salsa Tortilla Soup

Serves 4

Ingredients:
12 oz salsa verde
3 cup rotisserie chicken (cooked chicken pieces 1 small deli counter)
15 oz cannellini beans (drained)
3 cup chicken broth
1 tsp ground cumin
2 green onions (chopped)
1/2 cup sour cream
tortilla chips (optional)

Method:
1- Empty the salsa into a large saucepan.
2- Cook 2 minutes over medium-high heat, then add the chicken, beans, broth, and cumin (if desired).
3- Bring to a boil, lower heat to a simmer, and cook for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
4- Top each bowl with a sprinkling of onions, a dollop of sour cream, and some tortilla chips (if desired).
5- (For a soupier dish, use 4 cups of broth).

Cold Cauliflower Soup

*I made it Dairy-free by using soy milk and soy cream instead of milk and fresh cream.

Ingredients for 4-5 people cf. 1cc=1ml, 1oz=about30ml, 1.7oz=about50ml

Cauliflower ..... 300g (I used more than double this amount.)

Laurier/Bay leaf ..... 1 leaf

Bouillon cube ..... 1 (I substituted vegetable broth for the bouillon cube and water.)

Milk ..... 500cc (1cup = 200cc, 2 1/2 cups in Japan. 1cup = 236cc in USA. So, 2 cups & 28cc, a little more than 2 cups in USA.)

Fresh cream ..... 300cc (1 1/2 cups in Japan. 1 cup & 64cc, 1 1/4 cups in USA.)

Salt ..... 1 tsp

Black pepper ..... a little

How to cook it:

1. Divide the cauliflower into small pieces and put in a pan. Add enough water to almost cover cauliflower. Add Bay leaf and bouillon cube. Boil until a toothpick can easily be inserted into the stems. Once soft, remove Bay leaf.

2. Pour mixture into mixer, liquid included. Add milk, cream and salt. Blend until smooth.

3. Once smooth, pour into bowl and refrigerate. Once chilled, seperate into soup bowls. Season with green onions and black pepper to taste.

ALL WERE YUMMY!!!!  Leaves you wanting MORE!

Foodie Friday

Chocolate Creme Brulee

Directions

Spoon prepared chocolate pudding into ramekins. Sprinkle each with 1 heaping tablespoon turbinado or raw sugar. Caramelize the sugar with a kitchen torch. Top with raspberries.  Mmmmm ...

Thursday Thoughts

It is as simple as Just Keep Smiling!

Monday Musings

THANK YOU to all who came and participated in the Helping Hands at Pacifica Pier on Saturday.  You all ROCK, get it, Rock?  Ha ha