Author: Ang Anderson

‘Yes Mom’

Posted on by Ang Anderson

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So, we just got back from a lovely vacation at a cabin up north. (We are already considered “up north” where we live but for us to take our holiday, we most certainly must head in another direction.) We had a relaxing and enjoyable time at Lake Belle Taine near Nevis, MN. Of course, now that we are back, I am feeling the sudden let down of not being on vacation. The After Vacation Blues have nestled in, as I suspected they might. While there are many things to miss from our vacation, one particular aspect was highlighted to me last night in a particularly bright light.

What is that one thing I miss most about being on vacation? I miss being a ‘Yes Mom’. You see, while at home I am constantly calculating how many ounces of juice my children have consumed, how many hours of screen time they’ve had, and how much time they have played outside in any given day. These numbers are all circulating in my head to be pulled forth at the necessary moment, to reiterate, recalculate or refute children’s inaccurate claims. This is exhausting. (Yes, I have their best interests at heart but it’s a tiresome adventure none the less.) But while at the cabin, I just said ‘Yes!’. All. The. Time. I said ‘Yes!’ to copious amounts of juice and sugary soda, to ice cream, to candy, and anything my children’s hearts desired. I didn’t have to keep track of how much time they spent outside. They played board games and card games. They played on the playground. They played on the beach. They played in the water. They went fishing with their dad and uncle and caught plenty of fish to brag about. They canoed and paddle-boated and had wonderful adventures I hope they remember forever.

Do you know what? It felt GREAT. I LOVED it!

That must be akin to the same rebellious excitement I feel when I let the kids have ice cream for dinner.
They love it. I love it. Because I get to say ‘Yes!’. And they get to hear it. Isn’t that what we all want?

P.S. In honor of being a ‘Yes Mom’, we had ice cream for dinner tonight. With chocolate. And sprinkles. And smiles.

Gorgeous Buns

Posted on by Ang Anderson

buns

I love bread. Love. If I were forced to choose one category of food to eat for the rest of my life, it would be bread. If I were stranded on a desert island but could have just one thing to eat, it would be bread. If I were given the chance to break one thing, it would be bread. With friends, of course. (Ha!) The baked goodness of fresh bread is soul-nourishing in every way. Of course, I may end up weighing a wee bit more on the scales than I would consider soul-nourishing…But I’d be happy. Fat and happy. Yes, it would be bread that would be my chosen food companion for the rest of my days.

Dearest Bread, I declare thee winner of the one food I would eat for the rest of my life. Amen.

Please understand that my brain is now going to the logistical arena where it is saying doubtful and dreadful things like, “Yeast? On a desert island? What about an oven to bake the bread?”. But you and I both know this is not reality. It’s just a pretend fantasy of mine where I must choose one food that I love. When I made these gorgeous buns, they reaffirmed my love, and my daydreams of being stranded on a desert island with all the bread-making ingredients I would ever need and all the ovens I could ever want. There would be no scales to weigh the inevitable pounds that would creep on with each loaf. Furthermore, there would be no people to see the breaded, up-sized version of me that would surely follow.

My family has enjoyed these buns with spicy pulled pork and also with hamburgers and all the fixings. They would be delightful served on their own as an accompaniment to a meal. They are also very quick and super easy to make. So, if you are in need of a bread fix or a bun to go with your favorite dish, read on for the recipe. It is extremely likely that all of the ingredients already reside in your pantry, which is why if you don’t have buns but need a bun…Voila! (Plus, I am secretly looking for people to join me in my Fantasy Bread Land.)

Special thanks to Jessie McKenney on Taste of Home for sharing this recipe with the world.

40-Minute Buns

Ingredients
• 2 tablespoons active dry yeast
• 1 cup plus 2 tablespoons warm water (110° to 115°)
• 1/3 cup vegetable oil
• 1/4 cup sugar
• 1 egg
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 3 to 3-1/2 cups all-purpose flour

Directions
• In a large bowl, dissolve yeast in warm water. Add oil and sugar; let stand for 5 minutes. Add the egg, salt and enough flour to form a soft dough.
• Turn onto a floured surface; knead until smooth and elastic, about 3-5 minutes. Do not let rise. Divide into 12 pieces; shape each into a ball. Place 3 in. apart on greased baking sheets.
• Cover and let rest for 10 minutes. Bake at 425° for 8-12 minutes or until golden brown. Remove from pans to wire racks to cool. Yield: 1 dozen.

Delighted Dreamer of All Things Bread –

3rd Annual Garden Party

Posted on by Ang Anderson

In June, the ladies of our clan gathered for our 3rd annual garden party.  My dear mom hosted this year’s event.  Our garden lunch was light and refreshing, accompanied by mimosas and strawberry lemonade.  Featured foods included cucumber sandwiches, egg salad sandwiches, scones, sugared grapes, fresh vegetables with dip, smoked salmon dip with crackers, and blueberry tart.

garden lunch

Part of the garden party adventure is discovering precious items and different varieties of plants and flowers at the hostess’ garden.  Of course, every garden party needs a garden fairy.

garden fairy

Or three!  Eva and Ruthie were happy to fill in with their fairy wings and sweet smiles.

girls

Ladies brought perennials and a few annuals to share with other guests.

goodies

This year we also completed an innovative craft project.  Solar lanterns!

Boy, did we have fun with the wire and beads.  Aren’t they gorgeous?

solar lanterns

One guest, who holds a fascination with toads, decided to hold her discovery captive inside her lantern.  She was eventually persuaded to release him.

toad

We had such a good time at this year’s event!  We always enjoy a reason to don summer hats and sun dresses.

Special thanks to my sister-in-law Jolene for her craft idea.  We loved it!

Solar Lantern Project

Mason Jar with Band
Solar Light
E-6000 Craft Adhesive (use to secure solar light to jar band)
Wire (to form ring around neck and create lantern handle – we used 18 gauge galvanized steel and some used copper, which was found to be more pliable)
Needle Nose Pliers
Wire Cutter
Glass Beads for Inside Jar (reflect light at night)
Beads for Wire
Pencil to Twist Wire