Pioneer Woman, take 1

I went home so excited to cook out of this new cookbook, so I found a reason to cook last night. A cute gal in my ward was in desperate need for a treat :), and she would be my excuse to make this wonderful thing!
My grammy made something similar called Texas sheet cake, but I haven't gotten out the rec. to see just how similar they are.
This only took about 30 min to prepare, and was super yum! Instead of using a jelly roll pan, I divided it into two 9X13, and sent the other one wtih Jayson to work. Enjoy!

Pioneer Woman Chocolate Sheet Cake
Combine in a mixing bowl:
2 cups flour
2 cups sugar
1/4 teaspoon salt
In a saucepan, melt:
2 sticks butter
Add 4 heaping tablespoons cocoa.
Stir together. Add 1 cup boiling water, allow mixture to boil for 30 seconds, then turn off heat. Pour over flour mixture, and stir lightly to cool.

In measuring cup,
pour 1/2 cup buttermilk.
Add:2 beaten eggs
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon vanilla
Stir buttermilk mixture into butter/chocolate mixture.

Pour into sheet cake pan and bake at 350-degrees for 20 minutes.

While cake is baking, make icing:
Chop 1/2 cup pecans finely.
Melt 1 3/4 sticks butter in a saucepan.
Add 4 heaping tablespoons cocoa, stir to combine, then turn off heat.
Add:6 tablespoons milk
1 teaspoon vanilla
1 lb minus 1/2 cup powdered sugar
Stir together. Add pecans, stir together, and pour over warm cake.

Cut into squares, eat, and totally wig out over the fact that you’ve just made the best chocolate sheet cake. Ever.

Pioneer Woman

I am so excited! I pre-ordered this cookbook 3 months ago....and it's here! Remember how I thought I felt a fall cooking day coming on...well, this just puts the cherry on the cream. Saturday will be a great day.

hot to cook!

As I am sure you are all aware, we moved into our new home last Friday. This past week has been so much fun, learning where I put everything. My kids are loving having that ENTIRE basement to themselves, and I am enjoying a bathroom that is my very own...with the fact that I do have to share with a boy!
I promise...I will post this weekend with pics of the house. I really wanted to get it all decorated before I did that however. I went from 2 very small houses, to this one that feels like a mansion. All of my home decor goes on "smaller" walls, so It's a little bit of a challenge. I'm working on it though...and will keep you all updated!
As for the kitchen...ah...true love! Double Ovens, Butcher Block, and Gas Stove Top...HEAVEN! As for the dishwasher, well...not love! I know, how? what? why? Well, I have been hand washing dishes in scalding hot water for my ENTIRE married life...all 10 years! Plus, years before that because my mother had severe arthritis, and her dishwasher didn't work. I have found myself the past few evenings washing dishes by hand. It does something to my soul. Calms me, relaxes me, puts me a peace. Plus, I KNOW how clean they are. I have found myself only putting utensils, cups, and bowls in the dishwasher. This might take some getting used to!
Now, for the butcher block, I could kiss this baby! I think I should name her since we are becoming such close friends. Together, in one week, we have made cinnamon rolls, orange rolls, 30 min rolls, and pumpkin pie (from REAL pumpkins). This weekend I feel doughnuts coming on...that's right...OPEN INVITATION TO COME GET SOME HOT SPUDNUTS SATURDAY MORNING! I'm not sure what else I will work up, but I feel a fall baking day coming on!

I-Fly'd

Ashton has been wanting to "fly" FOREVER! On Saturday we went down to Soloman Center in Ogden to i-Fly. Joslynn, Ashton, Celeste, Brady and I all flew! It was so much fun. I was so nervous, but I figured if my little man could do it, so could I. Ashton was AWESOME! He held his body the "right" way, and got the full flight advantage. His instructor was so great with him. We all had so much fun and can't wait to go back!

Little Man

I can not stand that this little guy is now 5! He is growing up way to fast.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY MOMMAS MAN!