Archive for December, 2011

December 31, 2011

I <3 Spreadsheets, and other thoughts from 2011

by Stephanie

I cannot believe that 2011 is OVER! (well, almost.)

Yeah, I haven’t even gotten as far as this guy…

I’ve never been one to make resolutions.

Well, if the shoe fits…

I’m totally kidding.  I tend to make lots of small changes throughout the year.

 
This past year I have become…

…less wasteful.

I used to have a terrible habit of not turning off lights.  It all stems from my childhood fear of ET.

Come on, this guy is freaky.

 

…a vegetarian.

The cleaned-up version of this comic… ;)

Yeah, I haven’t discussed it on the blog yet, so SURPRISE!

Sorry meat-eaters, no more Hawaiian Steak Stir Fry recipes.

 

…less of a procrastinator.

Welp, hmmm.  Maybe I’m not as great as I though considering my last point.

Yeah, I’ve been vegetarian for over half a year.

Let’s just say, I’m a little more on top of some areas than others…

…more organized.

This is definitely true.    I’m pretty sure you have gotten that point, as I incessantly rave about my spreadsheets, calenders, to-do lists, and e-mail labeling.

Someone please buy me this.

 

…and a more informed, well-rounded, soon-to-be nutrition professional!

It still boggles my mind when I think about where I am now; the knowledge and confidence I’ve gained over the past year is enormous.

As you know, yesterday was my first Dietetic Internship visit at Idaho State University (more on that later).  To prepare, I have been compiling my work, examining my strengths and weaknesses, and contemplating future paths I may wish to take.  It’s been incredibly eye-opening, and rather fun!  It’s a good feeling to know that my hard work and exorbitant tuition dollars are paying off. ;)

 
And on that note, I will leave you, dear On the Road to RD readers.

At least for 2011. :)

 

Have a wonderful New Years Eve and an even-more rocking 2012!

December 30, 2011

Here’s to Good Food and Good Health!

by Stephanie

Heyo! Happy Friday!

I stumbled across this on pinterest this morning, and thought it absolutely fitting for my ISU visit this morning.

Thank you to everyone who wished me good luck yesterday! I will definitely let you know how it goes! YAY!

Since it’s almost 2012, I think a little reminiscing is in order…

Top 5 Recipes of 2012

5. Frosted Sour Cream Drops

4. Chocolate Oatmeal Protein Pancakes

3. Pumpkin Protein Muffins

2. Homemade Pizza

1. Caprese Pasta Salad

Here’s to another year filled with good food and good health!

Happy New Year!

December 29, 2011

Boots, Bengals, Beekeepers

by Stephanie

Good Morning!

Man! My trip home has been a whirlwind!

Yesterday, we went to Seattle to do a few Christmas exchanges.

I got lots of really, really cute stuff.

Like these…

Ahhhh!!! Aren’t they amazing?! They are more of a grey color with hints of black and brown.  The perfect neutral boot.

I would have never picked them out for myself, but my dear What-Not-to-Wear-watching mother reminded me of the cardinal shopping rule: Don’t judge a shoe by it’s cover! Try it on before you knock it.

And boy, am I glad I did.  I would have never picked these bad boys out for myself, but I am in lovvveee!

Okay, enough gushing about beautiful boots… ;)

I have some exciting news!

Today we are headed to Boise for my first Dietetic Internship visit at Idaho State University!

YAY!

I’ve got my Professional Portfolio lookin’ nice, my resume printed off, and I’ve made a spreadsheet for questions (of course).

I don’t really know what to expect, since it’s not technically an interview.  It’s more of a getting-to-know-you-and-your-program sort of chat.  I’m just going to go in there with my little spreadsheet, and prepare myself to answer any of her questions, too.

My dad is just about as excited as I am.  He has been quizzing me on ISU facts. ;)

 

Let’s hope my interview goes better than this guy’s…

Have a great Thursday!

December 28, 2011

Frosted Sour Cream Drops

by Stephanie

If I had to choose my single favorite cookie in this world, Frosted Sour Cream Drops would be it.

These bad boys are light and fluffy, super soft, and melt right in your mouth.

Mmmmm. So. Good.

It truly would be a disservice if I kept this recipe from you.

Sour Cream Drops

Yield: 5 dozen

Prep: 5 minutes + 1/2 hour to chill dough

Cooking time: 10 – 12 minutes

Ingredients

Cookie Dough

  • 3-1/4 C sifted All-Purpose Flour
  • 1 tsp Salt
  • 1/2 tsp Baking Soda
  • 1 C Butter
  • 1-1/2 C sugar
  • 2 Eggs
  • 1 Tbs Vanilla
  • 1/2 tsp Almond Extract
  • 1 C Sour Cream

Frosting

  • 1/4 C Butter
  • 1-1/2 C Powdered Sugar
  • 1/2 tsp Almond Extract
  • 1 tsp Vanilla
  • 2 Tbs Half and Half
  • Dash of Salt

Instructions

  1. Cookies: Preheat oven to 375 degrees.
  2. Sift flour, salt, baking powder and soda together.
  3. Cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy.  Beat in eggs, vanilla, and almond extract.
  4. Add dry ingredients alternately with sour cream and butter mixture.  Chill thoroughly (about 30 minutes).
  5. Drop level tablespoons, 2 inches apart, on to a parchment paper lined cookie sheet.  Keep the dough well chilled until baked, taking only a portion of dough out of the refrigerator at a time.
  6. Cool cookies before frosting.
  7. Frosting: Cream butter, add the remaining ingredients until mixture reaches a creamy, spreading, consistency.

Brought to you once again by Gramma!

As with the Pink Elephant Punch, this delicious cookie could be brought to all types of get-togethers. Simply add a few drops of food dye into the frosting — the possibilities are endless!

Enjoy!

December 27, 2011

Pink Elephant Punch

by Stephanie

Happy Tuesday!

Only 5 more days left in 2011. Yikes!

I was finally accustomed to writing 2011 on my assignments…

All in all, I think 2011 is wrapping up quite nicely.

Here are the highlights, in case you missed anything:

 

In those posts, I blabbered on about baking tons of cookies and drinking lots of tasty cocktails, so I figured it would only be fair if I shared them with you.

 

Pink Elephant Punch

Makes: 12 – 14 drinks (8 oz each)

Prep Time: 2 minutes

Ingredients

  • 64 ounces Cranberry Juice (1 bottle)
  • 2 C Pineapple Juice
  • 4 C Gingerale (32 ounces)
  • 4.5 C Vodka (about a 5th and a half)
  • 1 bag fresh Cranberries

Instructions

  1. Mix all ingredients in a large punch bowl
  2. Serve over ice
  3. Top with handful of fresh cranberries

 

This is a fun party drink that would be great at all times of the year, not just Christmas.

Other events to serve Pink Elephant Punch:

  • Baby showers
  • Bachelorette parties
  • Bridal showers
  • Office parties
  • Going away parties
  • Birthday parties
  • New Years Eve parties

Another delicious spin is to substitute champagne for the vodka or add frozen berries.

Try and keep it in check people. ;)