I intended to make both of those desserts listed below, but I was missing an ingredient for the banana pudding recipe. So I just fixed those carrots (that I've been raving about) and the cookie dough cheesecake bars. I still can't decide if I like the bars or not. One of my cousins had a bite of one when he first came over, and he was quick to say that they were a bit dry lol...but he said they were still good. So, I'm not sure if I'll make that again or not. Even though cookie dough and cheesecake are two of my favorite sweets....we'll have to see.
I had family from my dad's and mom's side come over to the house. I was really excited about those from my dad's side coming over. We rarely ever get together for family functions. We had a family reunion a few years ago, and people from the local area didn't really come; however, there were folks from out of state travelling to attend. Something's wrong with that picture. A lot of my dad's family lives within 5-15 min away, and years will go by without seeing them. Smh. My dad even has a twin sister, and I don't think I've seen her since my grandpa's funeral last December. It's so sad.
Since my grandpa passed, I've been praying earnestly that my family would grow closer. And I think we have. Numerous events including graduation celebrations, birthdays, Christmas brunch last year, getting my hair braided (by my cousin), and just visiting each other more often have taken place this year. And I'm so thankful. I've always wanted a big close-knit family, extended and immediate. I want to be able to hang out with my cousins more, and not just because we're brought together for the next holiday on the calendar.
This year was great. Good eats and great convo over dinner. I don't like those awkward moments where it's a silent dinner. Ugh! I know the food is good, but...it's better (in my opinion) if there's laughter and a good conversation going along with it.
I don't know why, but I always seem to get nervous when entertaining folks at my house. I don't want them to get bored easily. I want them to enjoy themselves, and not think my event was a waste of time. So, I was wondering how everything would flow after dinner. Those "eat and run" dinners are kinda awkward too, so I was hoping no one would do that. The guys, of course, made their way to the basement to engage in that good ol' football. **I'm gonna get into football one day. I'm gonna be rockin' a Redskins (my household's team) snapback, yelling at the TV with the guys, and giving a detailed response when someone asks me, "How 'bout that game last night?" Being that I'm a girl not associated with football, they probably won't ask. I guess I'll have to start that convo or somethin...I'll know the ropes one day. :) **
Fortunately, it wasn't awkward after dinner. We played Jenga and Pit, so that was fun. I'm just thankful for how the day played out. Just perfect.
Here's the recipes I used for the carrots (courtesy of Essence mag November 2011 edition) and the cookie dough cheesecake bars (mybakingaddiction.com).
Orange-Glazed Carrots
Makes 10 servings.
Prep time: 10 min
Cooking time: 25 min
2 pounds baby carrots
1/2 cup orange juice
1/4 cup brown sugar
1/4 cup butter
2 pinches salt
Boil the carrots in a shallow saucepan until tender. Drain and return carrots to pan. Simmer in orange juice over medium heat for 5 min. Stir in the brown sugar, butter and salt. Heat until butter and sugar melt.
Per serving: 100 calories, 14g carbohydrate, 12mg cholesterol, 5g fat, 1g protein, 102mg sodium
The recipe for the cookie dough cheesecake bars is kinda long. You actually make the graham cracker crust, the cheesecake filling, and the chocolate chip cookie dough. Feel free to click the link above, where you'll find the complete recipe. Here's a few of my own pictures, regarding this dessert.
Crushing graham crackers for the crust
Before placing the dish in the oven to cook
Out the oven and ready to eat! Disregard the missing left corner. Had to taste test! lol
