2 short weeks

In 2 short weeks grad school will be over. I walked in graduation ceremony on June 19th, but I'm currently finishing up 1 Project Risk Management class which will end in 2 short weeks.

I'm really looking forward to enjoying weekends and evenings with no homework.

I especially miss cooking and yes, blogging, too.

Hopefully soon you will see new recipes, knitting projects and camping journals. Until then, enjoy this photo of my sweet Bashful Bob at the beach.

• Create your own travel map or travel blog


• Find the best vacation rentals at TripAdvisor

Grad School Interferes with Blogging

Ah yes, who knew that Grad school, work and a 70 mile round trip commute would impede regular blogging.... Or wait, perhaps the true villain is Facebook and silly Zynga games on Facebook.

Needless to say, knitting and blogging have suffered, but the good news is I'll have finished an MISM (Master's in Information Systems Management) with a concentration in Project Management by June 2010.

Other developments:

I LOVE my 2010 Mini Cooper Hardtop. 34.1 mpg, amazing accelleration, phenomenal cornering and unlimited cuteness....

http://miniusa.com/#/MINIUSA.COM-m

I'm just sick about the Supreme Court's ruling last week and I'm convinced our Democracy is now ancient history. As a lovely friend and family member commented on my Facebook page... "Government OF the $, BY the $, FOR the $. ( I agree, Tiff)


Dinner tonight:

Seasoned pork in the crock pot and roasted assorted vegetables. Nothing noteworthy, but healthy, tasty.

Take care and please make it a point to become involved in our Democracy. We need you!

Aunt Melissa

Easy Rice Instructions for Miss Sally

I imagine I'm too late for these instructions to be meaningful, but first rinse the rice, changing water 2-3 times until water is fairly clear. Then add 2x the amount of water as the amount of rice. I don't know metric, but 1 cup rice and 2 cups water usually works nicely. Add a little salt and bring to a boil. Allow to boil until the water evaporates just below the level of the swelled rice, then lower the heat, cover with a lid that fits tightly and simmer on low for 20 minutes. Unless you want gummy rice, do NOT stir. Careful not to allow to cook past 20 minutes without checking first. As a matter of fact, if your low setting is not very, very low, begin checking after only 15 minutes. Watch carefully, because soon after it is cooked completely, it has a tendency to scorch and the pan is difficult to clean. You want the rice to be dry and firm but NOT scorched. Enjoy! =)
For a change of pace, you might try browning non-rinsed rice in a non-stick skillet with 1 T. butter until slightly browned, then add 2 cups of chicken stock. Cover and simmer on low heat until liquid is absorbed. Using this method, I often add dried fruit (apricots, golden raisins, cumin, curry powder, cinnamon) leftover turkey or chicken is great in this dish, as well. Very easy, very fast and tasty, too, Have fun!

Aunt Melissa's Wheat Free Cookies

I LOVE cookies! My new friend Skyller loves them, too. The only problem is, she’s allergic to wheat. So, these cookies are for Skyller:

AUNT MELISSA’S WHEAT-FREE COOKIES
½ cup butter
½ c. brown sugar
½ c. white sugar
1 cup rice flour
¼ cup corn flour
½ t. baking soda
1 t. baking powder
1 t. fresh minced ginger
1 egg
1 cup oatmeal
1 cup sliced almonds
1 cup shredded coconut
1 cup sliced dried fruit (today I used dates and apricots)

Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Cream softened butter and sugars with an electric mixer. Add egg, then flours, soda, baking powder and ginger and vanilla (mixing after each addition. Next, on low speed, add oatmeal, followed by coconut, almonds and dried fruit, incorporating well after each addition (but don’t over mix).
Drop by spoonfuls (I like to use a spring action scoop for melon balls for this). Bake for 8-12 minutes in preheated oven until golden.

Enjoy!

Aunt Melissa