Banoffee + Rock Band = Warm Fuzzies

This is a seriously effective formula.

What in the world is BANOFFEE, you ask??

Allow me to change your life!

Last weekend we had some friends over for dessert after hearing the shocking news that they had never experienced banoffee. If this word doesn't make sense to you, just smush the words "banana" and "toffee" together and imagine the magic of that union.

Matt and I learned about this delectable dessert about a year ago in Arizona when we went out to eat at a British pub/restaurant called "The Cornish Pasty". (A pasty is kind of like a calzone, but better!) Their featured dessert is banoffee pie, which originated in a British pub. I wasn't too excited to try it because my usual dessert motto is: If it's not chocolate, it's not worth it. However, this one is a true exception. The combination of homemade caramel sauce, buttery graham cracker crust, and fresh ripe bananas topped with real whipped cream is positively sinful! And double bonus: it's ridiculously easy to whip up! (Depending on how "homemade" you want to go.)

After looking through a bunch of recipes and not really finding one that matched our vision, here's the recipe we came up with:

Ingredients:

2 cups crushed graham crackers (about 14 big crackers?)

2-3 tablespoons sugar

1 stick of butter, melted

a bunch of ripe bananas, sliced

8 oz. heavy cream for whipping

about 2 cups homemade caramel sauce (We used the "buttermilk syrup" recipe from OurBestBites.com, just thickened it a little more.)

**All these amounts depend on your preferences and how many people you are feeding. We did a build-it-yourself bar and doubled everything for 10 adults, and still had plenty of extra. This recipe would probably feed 5-6 people.

CRUST ~ Crush up graham crackers in a sealed zip-top back. This is really fun for the kids to help with. When it resembles coarse crumbs, pour graham into 9"x13" pan. Mix in the sugar. Pour the melted butter on top and mix until all the crumbs are moist. Then press down evenly in the pan and bake at 350 for about 10 minutes or until golden brown.

This step is just to toast the graham so it's nice and crispy. If you want to cut calories you can just use plain old graham cracker crumbs without any baking. It still tastes good...just not ASgood.

CARAMEL SAUCE ~ While the crust is baking, you can get started on the caramel sauce. Like I said, we used the "buttermilk syrup" recipe from Ourbestbites.com because it is much more like caramel than syrup. And it's really quick and easy to make. Check out the link. Otherwise, just pop open and heat a jar of your favorite caramel ice cream topping from the store.

WHIP ~ Pour the heavy cream in your mixer bowl and beat it for a few minutes until it thickens into the consistency of a whipped topping. If you want it to be a little sweeter, add a couple teaspoons of powdered sugar and a little vanilla extract. Again, I'm sure pre-made whipped cream from a can would work too, I'm just not a fan.

ASSEMBLY for individual servings ~ Take a bowl, dump in some graham cracker crust, layer bananas on top, then pour desired amount of caramel over all. Top with whipped cream (and a few more graham cracker crumbs or even Heath bar chunks if you want it to look fancy).

Lots of people do this layering in a pie plate and then chill it like a pie, but I figure if you do it assembly-line-fashion, everyone can create their own perfect ratio of crust to bananas to caramel. What I love about this dessert is that it is SO quick and easy to make. You only need a few ingredients on hand and it can be assembled in time to calm your craving. Especially if you make a lot of the caramel and keep it in your fridge.

Now enjoy, and feel good about yourself because half of this dessert is fruit! Just make sure you're in a comfortable chair when you sit down to eat, because you'll probably want to scarf enough to put you in a sugar coma for the night.

I'm pretty sure our friends loved the banoffee too, since this post is partially in response to requests for the recipe. Nothing like sharing a great dessert and a hard-core Rock Band jam session to make you appreciate good friends. It was a fun night.

There are so many things I love about this picture:

1. Vanessa's hard core rocker face, pouty lips and zoned-in expression unaffected by the cute little crazed fan trying to climb up her arm. She was rockin' that bass!

2. Lincoln's face, totally in character, probably straining to hit a high note perfectly, while his left hand throws out gang-like signs to emphasize the lyrics. He's a natural rock star!

3. Adorable little Brooklyn sitting behind her daddy taking a picture of the TV. She was our little photographer all night. I think she captured every last inch of our apartment, including the nastiness of our garbage can.

4. Matt sitting tight in "ready position" with his drum sticks, waiting for his moment of glory.

5. Sam biting his lower lip in deep concentration and determination. He's the only one of us who actually has been in a rock band. He's got crazy skills. That kind of reputation adds pressure to the task of performing in a music video game, so I can understand the intensity.

6. Joshua sitting in the middle of everything, yet not giving a hoot about any of it. It's kind of nice when he enters his own little world like that.

Too bad I wasn't in the picture to be made fun of. I guess that's my reward for taking the pictures and sitting out for a while. (...Matt!)

***Note: I did NOT take the beautiful photos of the food above. Found 'em online. Sorry if that's cheating.

AZ Family Graduation and the Shirtless Wonder

December graduates don't get much of a hurrah for finishing mid-year. Especially the ones who finish up through Independent Study. I have the option of flying out to BYU to walk at graduation in April, but that would be expensive, bad timing, and just not worth it for me.

However, my graduation did not go uncelebrated. In Redding, my mom took me shopping and called all my new clothes Christmas/graduation presents. Matt's parents sent me a beautiful gardenia plant in November after I sent in the portfolio for my very last class. And finally, in Arizona, they held a surprise graduation ceremony for me in Judge Snow's courtroom!

It was on a Sunday after church so we were all still dressed up in our fancies and no business was going on in the court house. The family all took their seats in the jury box, except for Murray who was the honorable master of ceremonies. Andrew played "Pomp and Circumstance" on his ipod while I marched through the big back doors, down the isle, and up to my comfy rolling chair in front of everyone. I'm a little bit nervous about being the center of attention, so I felt kind of silly, but it was fun. Unfortunately (or fortunately), the bright yellow cap and gown I was supposed to wear (a set from Matt's high school) was forgotten at home. Darn.

To my surprise, this was a legitimate, planned program. Matt's grandma stood up and told a story about her own experience going to BYU, and the struggle and sacrifice she faced to attend this school without any support from her parents. It really made me appreciate the support system my family has been and the fortunate circumstances in my life that have made it fairly easy to get an education. Then Matt's dad said a few words about how proud he was and the determination it takes to finish school once you've left campus and started a family. He mostly just puffed up my ego so I won't mention any more details here. It was very, very nice.

Then apparently it was my turn to give an off-the-cuff "valedictorian" speech. This was difficult, since I'm the kind of person who can't even bear my testimony in church without thinking it through first. I kind of just spit out some thank-yous and didn't know what else to say, especially since I didn't have any fellow graduates to congratulate. A big "Yay me!" London-Tipton-style didn't seem quite appropriate, even though that's secretly what I wanted to do.

After the "speeches", Matt posed in the tradition of shaking my hand and handing me a diploma, and the family brought me some gorgeous flowers and loaded gift cards. Yes, I've already spent them. Josh had the most fun strolling around with my little pink and red gift bag slung over his shoulder like a true shopaholic. A little too femme for Matt's liking, but I thought it was cute.

And of course, what's a party in the courthouse without some pictures sitting on the judge's throne?

My real diploma came in the mail yesterday. Look, Mom and Dad! PROOF that I was really doing schoolwork this whole time! I wasn't making it up just to make you proud!

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Now for a couple of random AZ moments. One day over break, the three of us were able to drive to Gilbert to visit some of our friends from Matt's Accenture days. Jack and Megan recently had their first baby, a beautiful little boy they call Trey. He was so precious! I was a little worried that Josh wouldn't like me holding another baby and would get jealous and aggressive. But when he noticed me sitting on the floor with little Trey, he walked over, bent down really close, seemed to evaluate the situation in his head for a minute, then pointed to Trey's little ear and said "baby's ear!" He was sooooo sweet and gentle as he stroked the baby's hair and pointed out all his facial features. He even gave Trey a little kiss on the forehead! That just melted my heart. Nothing makes you baby hungry like watching your little one act so grown up and gentle with a newborn.

There were a lot of gorgeous Arizona days around Christmas. One day the family decided to hit the driveway to play some basketball. Playing sports with family has got to be one of my favorite things. When we grow up and become a real family with a real home, we will definitely have a sport court available for our enjoyment 24/7. Anyway, Josh really got into it. He worked up a sweat chasing balls all over the yard.

A gentle game of tug-o-war?

Josh and his best friend (Grandma or the dog? Which picture is this caption for? I guess we'll never know...)

I can't. Get. Over. This. Picture. He looks like such a big boy with a secret agenda. Such an expression of mischief and avoidance of guilt. I don't know who he's looking at, but he's pointing at Matt as if to blame him for something that Josh clearly did. Two pointed fingers + shifty eyes + furrowed brows + bulging gut = "Don't MESS with the boss!"

Andrew teaching Josh a new cheer?? Keep those arms straight and strong!

Watch out for this sneaky little prowler peeking through your window.

Matt and Josh hogging some Christmas popcorn while Bailey watches with longing eyes. Matt really is the best dad there ever was. I don't know where that comment came from. I guess this picture reminds me how much fun they have together.

We miss you, Arizona. And sunshine. Hopefully we'll see you soon.

Christmas Snapshots

I'm still trying to catch up from Christmas so I don't forget any of the wonderful details of our trip. Matt's family has a few unfailing Christmas Eve traditions. Way more than in my house growing up, so it's really fun to play along. A big one is their Christmas Eve dinner and program. Each year they invite a bunch of people over who, as my in-laws explain it, "don't have anywhere better to go" (as if there were such a thing as a better offer). Usually it's a random assortment of ward members and old friends. Matt's dad always make Swiss steak and a yummy yule log cake, which are traditions he learned on his mission in France. After dinner, everyone there has to perform some kind of talent, whether it's singing, sharing a Christmas story, or something more creative. One year someone actually taught a quick origami lesson, and another ate an entire pumpkin pie for his talent. It's always a good time. This year, like most years, I played the piano while Matt and his siblings sang. I almost broke out "Joy to the World" on the harmonica, but didn't want to ruin the nice reverent feelings that developed. Here are the pictures from that night...

Laughing with funny Aunt Stephanie

With this expression, I feel like Josh should have a cigar in his mouth instead of a sippy cup. He looks like a mobster offering someone a sleazy deal.

Steph's devious grin shows how much fun she had with that whoopy cushion. I still have no idea where it came from.

The Ma and Pa working in the kitchen.

Some of our lovely dinner guests...

Every year, this wonderful woman makes the most delicious twelve-layer jello and brings it over. It's legendary. It's worth more than gold at the Snow house. Really -- if you don't stuff your face as fast as possible as soon as it's served, someone else might eat your share and you definitely have no hope of getting seconds. It's that good.

A tradition with the yule log involves a small toy that is hidden inside the cake. Whoever finds the toy in their piece gets to be "king/queen for the day." It just so happens that this lovely lady found the toy and got to proudly wear a crown all night. (A little secret: it was her birthday! We totally rigged the tradition for her. Sneaky, I know.)

Christmas morning was a hit! Josh was old enough to actually enjoy the wrapping paper AND the toys this year. And I wish I wish I wish I had captured the look on his face when he came out Christmas morning and saw the treasures Grandma and Grandpa had set out for him. This picture in his new little tent and tunnel set will have to do. I think the drool and wide eyes capture his excitement pretty well.

Crossed eyes? They won't let him fly a real plane like that.

Matt found a yummy can of cream of chicken soup in his stocking. Lucky boy.

Mr. and Mrs. Claus were pretty pooped later that morning. And with good reason! (Sorry Cheri, I couldn't resisit!)

It was so nice to be somewhere warm enough to play outside with Josh! He loved that old swing set!

Josh with pretty Aunt Michelle, all dressed up in their Christmas presents for a family lunch date at Red Robin.

How 'bout that? Warm enough outside that the fountain water combined with the wind doesn't freeze a toddler's hand off!

Our little African tribal prince! He would put this box on the ground and then turn almost upside-down to jam his big head into it. Weird kid.

One more post about Christmas coming soon! Then I'll be done. Promise!

Winter Projects

Recently, since I've no longer been obligated to spend my free time reading/writing/studying, I have gone on a creative BINGE. I say "binge" because I can't think of the right word to describe the disgusting amount of yarn and fabric I've handled in the last two months. It's like all of my schoolwork was suppressing every creative desire I've had for years, and suddenly when I finished school, my inner-grandma exploded out of my skin and started working as if there were no clothing stores for a hundred miles and everything had to be hand-made.

I had quite a bit of free time over Christmas break with so much family around to occupy Josh, so here is what I did:

I made these ties for my little man to wear to church. They really aren't that hard or time consuming, once you get the first one down. Thanks so much to my dear friend Amber for providing the tutorial on her blog! (She's a genius seamstress.)

Here's a secret....This one I actually started making for someone else, but I liked it so much that I kept it for myself! (Don't tell me you've never done that.) I learned to crochet in November, so for me, this shell stitch was new and exciting.

I didn't get a picture of the finished product, but I knit a scarf for my eleven-year-old sister Julia out of this bright yarn. The colors reminded me of something Hannah Montana would wear, and I just couldn't resist!

This was my first, and therefore least attractive, project. I tried to knit a nice warm scarf for Matt, but I didn't realize that the stockinette stitch would curl so much. So...

...I tried again a couple of days ago and crocheted this one for him instead. I made another one just like it for Matt's sister Stephanie for Christmas, except it was pink and white (no picture available).

I kind of wanted to keep this curly one too. It went to my big sister. She has gorgeous auburn hair, which I think will look great with the colors.

It turns out that I had just enough extra yarn to make a baby hat for my cousin's new little girl.

My mom helped me sew this cute jean skirt. She actually did all the hard parts so it would be finished before I left. I just did the simple tedious work. WAY cheaper than buying a skirt in a store, and easier than finding one that actually fits the right way. I don't think this set me back more than $4.

You see these colors and think "grandma", right? I hope so, because that's who I gave it to.

This was my second attempt to crochet a hat for my teenage brother, Steven. The first was too big, and this one ended up looking too girly, so I made a flower and stuck it on there for Julia. In my third attempt, I just ended up knitting a beanie for Steven on the loooong ride to the airport. The stitch looked more manly, but I'm still not sure if it actually fit him. Good practice anyway.

This was a little Christmas present I made for Matt's brother Andrew. He likes green.

And here is Matt's sister Michelle wearing her new scarf on Christmas morning (probably to humor me). I made all of his siblings things to keep them warm since they are all living in Provo this winter. Plus they are cheap gifts and we have no money.

After all that, you'd think I would be tired of yarn. Not just yet. Inspired by my lovely friend Carina, a few days ago I ordered this book:

There is so much more to learn! I always like to have my hands busy, so crocheting is great while chatting, watching Josh at the Tot Lot, or riding in the car (but not driving). I have a lot more winter ahead of me, so I'm glad I found an indoor activity that I enjoy.