Irene's Brownies (German Chocolate)

We've been through a lot since last Tuesday.  First, there was the earthquake.  I'll admit for a split second I too thought that we were being attacked, but then I realized what it was.  I realized that everything was fine.  And I didn't feel the need to tell everyone in the world that I felt a shake (Yes, I realize the irony of this post because of course, I am doing exactly that.  Nonetheless...).

Then on Friday we had to make hurricane preparations.  Having never been in a hurricane before, I didn't really know what to expect.  I can now say that there was a bit of over-preparation in DC for Irene, but I gave in and filled my bathtub with water too.  I sat around all day Saturday watching the Weather Channel as they tried desperately to hold onto their spike in ratings for as long as possible.  When we got bored of that, we went up to the roof to really feel it.  You know what a hurricane feels like when your are at a safe distance inland?  Windy.

Uncle Don

This weekend, Austin and I went up to my aunt's house and visited with all of my family.  Unfortunately the reason for going up there was not a good one.  My uncle passed away a couple of weeks ago and his house and the weekend felt lacking because of it.  We had a nice service and and spent a lot of time reminiscing about all that Uncle Don taught us.  Most importantly for me personally, he taught me to love and appreciate nature.  It always felt like we were out in the wilderness at his house in the woods, and he really did start my passion for the outdoors.  I am so grateful for all of the wonderful memories and I will miss him always.

Banana Bread

I do this thing when I go to the store.  I buy bananas.  I have big plans to eat those bananas everyday and I think they are going to be so good and they're going to be so convenient.  Here's the thing.  I don't really like bananas that much.  And I will never even think about eating a banana that has a brown spot on it.

But have no fear, those brown bananas that sit on your counter are not destined for the trash.  In fact, those are the best bananas to cook with!  Wait until they are really overripe, and the flavors are more concentrated.  Then whip yourself up some delicious quick bread!

Peach Cobbler

I talked to my mom since my last post (of "my dad's macaroni and cheese") and I was politely informed that, "he's not the only one who makes that."  So anyway, today I thought I would share a recipe that I can credit to my mom.

I'm not saying that my dad never made it, but I did always remember watching my mom put it together and thinking it was magic how the peaches start on top and get to the bottom.  Still don't quite understand that one!

I guess we'll just call that one of life's little mysteries.  Don't look it up on your iPhone...it's ok to just not know.  I promise, it will all be ok.

You know what the best part of this recipe is?  It's mostly fruit.  You know what that means?  You could call it breakfast and I wouldn't judge you for it.  Warm it up and pour some milk over it call it hot cereal. Who could argue with that?  No one, that's who.

Macaroni and Cheese, Please!

Are you in the mood for comfort food too?  That's so cool that we can be twinners!

Sometimes you just need a big plate of carbs, right?  I have eaten this macaroni and cheese a thousand times and yet never made it myself.  For some reason, watching my dad make it, I always thought it was much more involved than it really is.

It really is a perfect weeknight dinner, especially when you are needing a little taste of home!

Catoctin Mountains

On Sunday, Austin and I went up into northern Maryland to the Catoctin Mountains State Park for a long day hike.  We have been a little afraid to hike here because so far it has paled in comparison to Utah, but we were pleasantly surprised by the trails through the park.

It was a nice 8.5 mile loop that had some really nice overlooks.  The best part was that it was about 10 degrees cooler than DC and most of the time the trail was far enough away from roads that you couldn't hear the traffic.  I'm sure it would be a beautiful place to visit again in the fall when all the leaves are changing too!

It's about an hour and a half outside of DC and completely worth the drive! - which is easy for me to say since I slept through the whole thing :)