Father's Day Cookies

What a great day to cook on the grill!  I asked my husband what he wanted me to grill for Father's Day and he said, "hamburgers and  hot dogs...REAL hamburgers."  He said that because I always make turkey burgers.  I was thinking he would say steaks or shish-kabobs, but nope, just REAL burgers.  So, I got some ground sirloin and he got his wish.  We had my mom and dad over too, to celebrate Father's Day.  I made LOTS of food.  I always overdo it.  BUT, it was yummy and now I don't have to cook tomorrow.

Here are my naked ties.  I ordered the tie cookie cutter, but it didn't come in time, so I just carved them out.  Not difficult at all, especially since they are all straight lines!

Anyway, I made potato salad, two bean salad, deviled eggs, homemade salsa, lime cupcakes, cookies, and corn on the cob.  Plus we had strawberries, watermelon and chips.  Basically all your grilling necessities.  Plus, I sauteed some mushrooms and onions to go on the burgers and served lettuce from the garden and sliced tomatoes too.  Mmmm.....it was good.  Hebrew National hot dogs are the only ones I buy.  Guys said they were good, so I'll take their word for it.

These cookies were decorated for my hubby.  He is a suit and tie guy.  I love the old cliche that you buy your dad a tie on Father's Day.  He would actually like a tie! 

My dad, on the other hand, would NOT like a tie.  I don't think I have seen him in one more than twice.  So I made these cookies for him:

My dad taught me to build lots of things growing up.  I can handle tools as well as a lot of guys and maybe better than a few!  He also is a retired bricklayer (thus the bricks and mortar with the trowel).  He gets a kick out of my cookies...but really likes eating them.  I thought he would like his very own tool box of cookies, so went for it.

I think they all turned out cute.  I wish I had gotten the cutters, but I think I did okay freehand.  I wonder if they will last till tomorrow?

This is my husband Rafael with his tie cookie.

Happy Father's Day, Rafael.  Your boys think the world of you!  And so do I!

Prince Cookies

Anyone who knows me, knows I am a HUGE Prince fan.  I love any and all things Prince.  So when my favorite local band (The Unit) was doing a Prince Tribute, I had to make these for the event AND the bassists birthday.  :)  I had a blast making these.  There will be more purple to come too, I had lots of ideas as I made these!

People referred to Prince as The Artist Formerly Known as Prince when he changed his name to this symbol.  It is known as the LOVE SYMBOL.  Although he is back to his old name, I still think this looks awesome and had to make a cookie featuring it!  lol

Free hand Love Symbol is not easy!  Some looked better than others, but I think they turned out great anyway.  Can't go wrong with Prince and Purple!!

The guitars were a must for me too!  Initially I wanted to do the yellow cloud guitar...my favorite guitar (from the Get Off video), but then I came across this and went with it.  To make this cookie, I printed out a picture of this guitar on card stock and used it as a template to make the guitar.  I cut the dough with a pairing knife.  (Yes, each one was cut out by hand.  Yes, it was a bit of work.  BUT, for any Prince fan....soooo worth it!  lol)

I wanted to put strings on these, but the neck of the guitar was so thin, it just looked a mess when I tried it.  So, I left them with naked frets! 

Here's Jen and I in our PURPLE attire for the Prince Tribute.  

 Such a great hubby...he takes me all the way to Chicago! 

Enjoying the band and people watching. 

If you want to see all of the pictures go to:  Chrome Kiss Photos.  My friend Heidi is an awesome photographer and takes pictures at a lot of gigs. 

Spring Rolls and California Rolls

I LOVE sushi, spring rolls, all things a Japanese restaurant has to offer.  What I could do without is the high price.  Spring rolls and California Rolls are very easy to  make if you have the tools.  You can fill them with anything you like.  

I found the spring roll wraps and the sushi wrap at Meijer in the international isle.  I looked at a few recipes on line for both, but adapted to what I had in the house and what my kids would like.

I filled these with shredded carrots (used a julienne peeler), cucumbers (cut into thin strips or you could use your julienne peeler), baby spinach (cut into thin strips), shrimp (cooked for two minutes or less in boiling water and halved). rice noodles (about 1/4 cup per roll), and chopped scallions (white and green).

You get the paper wet and it softens.  Add your filling and roll, fold in the sides, then continue to roll. Once you make one you will get the hang of it.

For the California Rolls you put the square of nori down and add about 1/4 cup of rice (I used brown rice, but use what you like).  Fill with your choice of veggies and crab meat.  I used imitation crab, cucumber, carrots, red pepper, and forgot the avocado!!!  They were still good though.  You just roll them up and cut them in pieces.

I served them with these dipping sauces:  Teriyaki, Sweet and Sour, and Light Soy Sauce.  I used the Pampered Chef Teriyaki and Sweet and Sour Sauces, but you can use whatever you like.  I like these because there are no additives in them.

I also made a quick soup for my youngest.  He loves rice noodles in soup.  For a super fast soup warm vegetable or chicken broth. Add veggies, noodles and seasoning.  I put what I had leftover from the rolls into the soup.   He loved it.