New Followers, New Friends

I can't even put into words what this blog means to me. I love being a stay at home mom. It is what I always wanted to be, from a very young age. But what a lot of people don't know is I was an accomplished student graduating at the top of both my high school and college classes. What am I by trade? I have an Associates Degree in Surgical Technology. Yep, that's right, this everyday mom was trained for the operating room, not the kitchen:) And as most other "house moms" know sometimes I don't have the sense of accomplishment I did when I was going through school or working afterwards. I used to be assigned tasks, put forth great effort, and finish knowing I did the best I could. I used to problem solve and brain storm. Do I do those things here? Of course, but trying to figure out how to get the latest grass stain out of little man's favorite shirt, or how to retrieve the stray LEGO from behind the couch doesn't quite take the brain power I used to use on a daily basis. Would I trade it? Would I change it? 100%, ABSOLUTELY NOT. Please don't think for one second I'm complaining, I'm just using these as a way to convey the sense of accomplishment, hard work, effort, success and fun this blog, and all of you have given me. Also--it has allowed me to connect w/ people I never would have had the opportunity to meet otherwise. Talking to other home cooks, sharing recipes and ideas, giving/getting feedback--it's a huge world I'm happy to be a part of. One of these new people I've recently "met" is Nikki over at Chef in Training. She found a recipe of mine on a "linky party" and now I'm a fan of her blog too. She shared this recipe the other day and I knew I had to save it for my sister-in-law and mother-in-law. They are both HUGE brie fans, so I texted my sis and said "check this out" and I copied it down for my MIL. I know she's going to flip when she reads it! The sweetness this is going to have mixed w/ the gooey cheese...Ooooo my mouth is watering just thinking of it! I thought it was perfect for a weekend barbecue, pool party, or Father's Day get together.  For more great recipes and another blog to support, head on over to Chef in Training and check out what Nikki is cooking today!

Baked Brie

1 16 oz. round Brie cheese
1/2 c. brown sugar
1/2 c. chopped pecans
1/2 cup craisins

Sauce:
3 TBS brown sugar
3 TBS maple syrup

Preheat oven to 350. Place cheese on oven safe dish w/ sides. Sprinkle and lightly pat 1/2 cup brown sugar over it and on sides. Bake 15-20 minutes until cheese is soft. Place pecans on a clean baking sheet and bake until toasted, about 7-10 minutes. Sprinkle nuts and craisins over cheese. In a small sauce pan over medium heat, bring sauce ingredients to a boil. Simmer until foamy, about 1-2 minutes. Pour over cheese, nuts and craisins. Serve w/ baguette or crackers.

Photo Courtesy of Chef in Training

Brie Cheese