My Madison

It has been a long, hard, day here at the Brown home. For some reason, the kids are out of control lately. I think with Halloween coming, they are going crazy. I woke up way too early and feel like I have been hearing whining and fighting all day long. I was late to everything and felt like I had no patience.

At one point, this evening, Madison was asking me for something over and over again. I finally turned (of course very lovingly), and said, "I can not do everything for everyone. There are 3 of you and 1 of me!" She smiled and said, "That is why I am only going to have 2 girls. That way, it will not be so hard to do what they need me to do."

Later in the evening, she and I were talking and she asked if she could listen to my phone's music. I told her that as long as it was not too loud. I explained that I had a really bad headache. She responds, "I know mom. That is why I am so excited for when all my kids are at school all day long. Then I can just stay home and relax and not get headaches!" I laughed and asked her how all the food would get in the house and how would she get to her kids classrooms to volunteer? She said, "Oh ya, I guess I would have a couple things to do." Ya...a couple. Like laundry, cleaning, cooking, shopping, laundry, more cooking, more cleaning, callings, etc... I think she is in for a rude awakening one day. She is very cute though. It actually cheered me up a little bit.

Bishop's Pumpkin Patch

We had so much fun this weekend visiting with my parents and family. We did Bishop's Pumpkin Patch on Saturday and the kids LOVED it. Can you believe that it was over 80 degrees and we are in the middle of October??! Crazy. Anyway, here are some pictures from our fun day. Thanks Mom, Dad, Dal and Val for the fun.

Little Logan

Italian Style Chicken Rolls

I have been going through my past recipe exchange folders and am finally trying some of the recipes. This one is from my friend Cori and we LOVED it. Ben LOVES prosciutto so it knew it would be good. I love Chicken Cordon Bleu and this is a variation of that. Next time I make it, I am going to add a Moray sauce to go over it. I think it would be even better!

4 skinless, boneless chicken breasts (I did 3 and I cut them in half so I have 2 really thin breasts. This is easier for the rolling part)

2 thin slices of Swiss cheese or provolone cheese (I used 6 pieces-I wanted more cheese)

2 thin slices of prosciutto or lean ham (I used 6)

1 tsp. paprika
6 T. bread crumbs (I used seasoned but you can do plain)
2 T. grated Parmesan cheese
1/4 tsp garlic salt (or powder)
1/2 tsp. dried oregano
1/2 tsp. dried basil
3 T. of butter (melted)

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Pound each chicken breast to 1/4 inch thickness. (This is really easy after they are cut in half.)

Cut cheese and prosciutto slices into halves. (I did this so they were thinner but I still used 2 halves of each on each breast.)

Layer cheese and prosciutto on chicken; roll to enclose filling. Secure with toothpicks.

Mix paprika, bread crumbs, Parmesan, garlic salt (powder), oregano, and basil in a shallow dish. Dip chicken rolls in butter then roll in crumb mixture to coat.

Place rolls seam side down in a baking dish. Bake for 25 minutes or until chicken is cooked thoroughly and golden brown.

Tip: I find that when I am doing things like this, I like to put my "cooling rack" on the cookie sheet and then put the chicken rolls on it. This keeps the chicken off the sheet and cooks the bottom really well. Otherwise, the bottom often gets soggy or to brown when the butter or cheese comes out a little bit.

OPTIONAL MORAY SAUCE (Serves 4):

1 tbsp. butter
1 tbsp. flour
1 c. milk
1/3 c. Parmesan cheese
1/2 - 1 tsp. garlic powder
Salt and pepper

New Favorite Show

As you know, I have been trying out all the new Fall shows and I think I have found my favorite. It is "Modern Family" on ABC. It is a sitcom and usually I do not like sitcoms that much. This one, has made me laugh each episode. Here is a clip from the pilot that was so funny. Jaynee- I think you will enjoy this!

Chocolate Molten Cake

Thank you Heather! This was so yummy. I LOVE the raspberry syrup. I will use that again and again and again with everything!

Here is what my friend Heather posted:
I lost my old recipe for chocolate molten cake and had to look up a new one. This is from Food Network-Emeril's. It is TO DIE FOR! You have got to make it SOON! It's even good the day after reheated in the micro for 20-30 seconds! Rich, bittersweet chocolaty goodness! AND EASY!!!!

1 1/2 t unsalted butter, plus 1 stick
4 t flour, plus 2 T
6 ounces bittersweet chocolate chips or semi sweet (good brand)
2 T heavy cream
2 T confectioners sugar
2 eggs
2 egg yolks
1/4 C sugar
1 t vanilla
pinch salt

Preheat oven 450. Grease and flour 4 (6ou.) ramekins with butter and flour, tapping out excess flour. Set on baking sheet.

Melt chocolate, 1 stick of butter, cream, powdered sugar, until smooth. Remove from heat.
In bowl, whisk together eggs, yolks, sugar, vanilla, and salt-3 minutes. Sift flour into egg mixture and mix. Fold in chocolate mixture. Pour into ramekins. Bake until sides are set but middle is puffed but still soft-about 12 min. Remove from oven and cool a few minutes before unmolding onto plate and serving with raspberry sauce and vanilla ice cream! I like to dust with powdered sugar before serving!

Raspberry Sauce:
1 small bag of frozen raspberries, thawed
1 t fresh lemon juice
1/4 C powdered sugar

Mix in blender. Push through fine mesh sieve. (I did it right from the blender and it was still yummy!)

My Madison

Madison has been so funny lately. She is growing up so fast but is the funniest girl. I keep forgetting to blog some of her quotes so I thought I would take a moment to put some down quickly so I remember them.

The other day, Ainsley was singing a lot. She LOVES to sing. I said, "Ainsley, you sure do love to sing!" Madison says, "Ya, she does. When she grows up, she should be on American Idol. I will make her!"

Madison was asked last night what she was going to be for Halloween. She says, "The Wicked Witch. Not the one that that house fell on." I was laughing so hard, picturing what a costume would look like for the one that the house fell on!

This morning, we are home enjoying a relaxing Conference Sunday. Madison asked, "Where is Dad and his friend Jeff?" (Jeff is visiting from San Diego for the weekend). I said, "They are down in Logan's toy room." Madison then says, "Yes, and playing a very Un-Sundaylike Game!" They are down enjoying some playstation 3 time. I have no idea where she learned, "Un-Sundaylike." I asked her where she learned it and she says, "Well, there is a lot of killing and stuff on the game. That is definately NOT Sunday-like right?!" Right, Madison. Too Funny.