Ringing in 2011.

This year went by fast to say the least! It was a big year for both of us as we each graduated from college and moved to new cities; Kristen to Tampa and Kelly to New York.  Looking back it was a great year and we wouldn't change a thing.

These past couple of days, our plans really took a turn.  All of our sisters and Javi (Kristen's boyfriend) had planned to go skiing and spend New Years Eve in New York.  Unfortunately, due to the snow, only Javi and Kristen were able to get out and make it to the city.  This changed our plans BIG time.  This is our first New Years apart and while we would like to have spent it together, we'll make the most of the situation.  Kelly will certainly have a great time in Miami and Kristen will without-a-doubt enjoy New Years in New York.

We look forward to what 2011 has to offer and can't wait to share it with you.  Wishing you all a Happy New Year and a wonderful 2011.

Twin Tales: The Day We Were Born.

Being identical twins, we're constantly asked what it is like. Can you read each others' minds? Have you ever played pranks on anyone? Who is older? Well, we want to share with you our favorite stories about being twins.  We're starting this sporadic "series" off with the story of the day we were born.

Once upon a time, 23 years ago, we entered this world.  We love asking our parents to tell the story because it is quite comical.  We'll give you the kicker at the beginning: my parents didn't know they were having twins!   Back in the 80s my father was skeptical about sonograms and said "Carol, you will not  be having one!" On April 21, 1987 our mother's water broke.  You would think the first thing would be to run to the hospital, but not her.  Instead she showered, did her hair, and put on her make-up so that she would be photo-ready in the hospital.  My mother was told that she was having one BIG baby.  After the doctor delivered Kristen the dialog went something like this:

Mom: "That is NOT a big baby!"
Doctor: "Wait, there's another one in there."
Nurse: "That's not funny.  This lady is nervous!!!"

Notice the lack of dialog from my dad who was was woozy and turning green.  Minutes later out pops Kelly! Our dad made a stop in the ER of the hospital as he was experiencing chest pains, probably due to the unexpected surprise.  For the next few days we shared a cradle until my parents were able to shop and eventually get two of everything. This goes to show that things don't always go as planned!

Mom-Mom's Christmas Anise Toasts.

Each Christmas, for as long as I've been alive, my Grandma (whom we refer to as "Mom-mom") baked us the most delicious cookies made from recipes that have been in our family for many generations. One was a Polish fried bow-tie cookie known as a krusciki and the other was a delicious biscotti cookie known as an anise toast. I had always been eager to learn to bake these family-famous cookies, so finally a couple years ago while I was an undergraduate student, I got a one-on-one cookie lesson from the baker herself (lucky me!). A year-and-a-half ago Mom-mom passed away and since then we've kept her tradition alive by continuing to bake the cookies. Today I am going to share with you the recipe for the anise toasts. Let me tell you, people either love them or hate them. Of course, my family can't get enough of them and we look forward to them every year!

Anise Toasts

2 sticks unsalted butter (softened)
1½ cups sugar
5 eggs
4 cups flour
3 Tsp. baking powder
½ Tsp. salt
1 Tbs. anise seeds (crushed)
1 Tbs. anise extract
Eggs
Sprinkles


Directions
Place butter, sugar, and eggs in bowl. Beat to a fluff. Mix flour, baking powder, and salt together in a separate bowl. Place anise extract and anise seeds into butter mixture. Place flour mixture into butter mixture 1 cup at a time. Blend/mix well. Dough will be soft.

Place dough in a large plastic wrap and place in freezer. Dough should look like a loaf.

When ready to bake, cut dough into long log like pieces. Coat top with scrambled egg yolk and sprinkles. Bake at 350 degrees for about 15 minutes.

Cut loaf into diagonal cookies. Turn cookies on side and bake for about another 10-15 minutes.

Let cool.

The Night Before Christmas.

The two of us eagerly awaiting Santa's arrival many, many years ago.

Oh how we miss the days when Santa would arrive while we were sleeping and leave presents under the tree! It was such a treat to see the cookies and milk all eaten up by Santa.  While Christmas was such a wonderful time for us when we were younger, it is not to say that it still isn't.  I assure you, we eagerly await this holiday every year, just for different reasons than before.  While it was Santa we were awaiting before, it is now the opportunity to get the whole family together under one roof.  As of today, we can now officially say that we are all together for the holidays appreciating each other's company, sharing gifts, and eating lots of yummy food!

Red Velvet on my Mind.

Not too long ago I stumbled across Bakerella's website and fell in love with her cake pops.  It is such a cute and creative idea and I couldn't wait to make my own!  I already made her spider brownie bites but this time I opted to make her Red Velvet Cake Balls since I figured they are slightly easier than the pops.  Beware: it does get messy! I think the red velvet in particular was messy since I seemed to be getting red dye all over myself.  The end product, however, was a delicious success! Initially I wasn't too crazy about them, but I think it was because I first tried them after being in the kitchen making them for half the day. However, after letting them sit in the refrigerator overnight, I found myself craving one all day; I couldn't wait to come home and have one for dessert!  Overall, Bakerella is extremely talented and creative in the kitchen and I can't wait to see what she comes up with next. The next step for me on the other hand are her cake pops!

Red Velvet Cake Balls

1 box red velvet cake mix (cook as directed on box for 13 x 9 cake)
1 can cream cheese frosting (16 oz.)
1 package chocolate bark (regular or white chocolate)
wax paper

Directions
After cake is cooked and cooled completely, crumble into large bowl. Mix thoroughly with 1 can cream cheese frosting. (It may be easier to use fingers to mix together, but be warned it will get messy.)

Roll mixture into quarter size balls and lay on cookie sheet. (Should make 45-50. You can get even more if you use a mini ice cream scooper, but I like to hand roll them.) Chill for several hours. (You can speed this up by putting in the freezer.)  Melt chocolate in microwave per directions on package.

Roll balls in chocolate and lay on wax paper until firm. (Use a spoon to dip and roll in chocolate and then tap off extra.) Refrigerate before serving.

Hope you enjoy them as much as I do!