Christmas Tradition: Homemade Noodles

Since it's the last day of 2009, I figured I better get in some last blog posts.

I grew up helping my mom make homemade noodles on Christmas Eve. We would have my Dad's family over and have homemade noodles and my dad would de-bone a turkey and cook it in the dutch oven. We no longer celebrate with my dad's family on Christmas Eve, but we do still have that yummy goodness for dinner with them. I love making noodles with Mom and Heather. Mom always talks about how her Grandma would always make noodles. They'd go over to her house and there would be noodles drying on every flat surface in the house.

Here's the recipe and some pictures from our noodle making day. I've posted the recipe below. We usually mix a double batch in one bowl and roll out two noodles. One noodle makes two hearty servings. For our Christmas Eve we made 20 noodles and had plenty of leftovers.

To cook the noodles you put them in boiling chicken broth. You'll need at least a quart of broth for two noodles, but may need to add more broth. Cook for 20 minutes or until done.

Start with at least two scoops of flour. You'll most likely need to add more, don't want it too sticky.

Flour the surface and roll out the dough.

Place the noodles on wax paper and let them dry for 4-6 hours (flip noodles over half way through to help them dry.

Beware of cats. Kitty footprints in noodles are not uncommon at our house.

Cut the noodle into wide strips.

Then cut layer the strips and cut into small noodles.

24 before 25

I have almost 7 months before I turn 25. I got the idea to make a list of 24 things to do before I turn 25 from Elsie and Heather, listing goals, dreams and silly to-do's. I've finally completed my list. Some of them are simpler and more realistic than others. Like Heather said, they can kind of be considered resolutions for the new year.

1 get out of credit card debt

2 start a bible study/quiet time routine

3 re-read twilight series *december/january

4 get a job

5 learn photoshop (class spring semester)

6 blog 3x/week

7 create photo concepts for photoshoots (1x/month)

8 trade in my car for a hybrid

9 catch up on photo albums

10 update my love journal

11 prep for a half marathon

12 go on a hike

13 start crocheting a blanket and a monkey

14 go to tablerock

15 send cards/care packages to soldiers serving overseas

16 take fashion/style pictures (1x/week)

17 work on DIY projects (necklaces, bows, pompoms, knitting, headbands, ipod cozy, old quilt, laptop sleeve, crochet circles)

18 catch up on gossip girl (seasons 1-3)

19 sew a dress

20 get A's for spring and summer semesters

21 visit my girls in seattle (january 21-25, jenny's birthday)

22 start paying my own phone bill (mom says i have to pay it myself by my birthday)

23 buy a new camera lens

24 pick a focus for my MFA program and a thesis idea

source

Windows 7 Ultimate Black Edition High Definition Wallpapers

Windows 7 Ultimate Black Edition High Definition Desktop Wallpapers, Black Wood, Black Skin Texture, Golden Windows Logo, Computer High Resolution Backgrounds HD.

Looking Back at 2009: January-June

This past year was amazing. Looking back, I almost can't believe it all happened. I am truly blessed. Here's the first half:

JANUARY

The year started with a weekend visit from some of our Seattle girls. Heather, Jenny and I took a spontaneous overnight trip to Vegas for Jenny's birthday. We saw Barcelona at The Troubadour. Jenny, Heather and I got matching tattoos at Six Feet Under.

FEBRUARY

Went to LACMA to see the fabulous Vanity Fair exhibit. Braved Hollywood during the Oscars to see all the chaos.

MARCH

Heather and I went to Disneyland with our aunt who was in town for the weekend. Heather, Jenny and I went on a beautiful hike down to Sturtevant Falls.

APRIL

Jenny, Heather and I hiked Big Sycamore Canyon. We met Curtis Stone at William's Sonoma book signing in Rancho Cucamonga. At the end of April we flew to Seattle to see our wonderful friend, Caitlin, get married.

MAY

Went to two Barcelona shows. Jenny's parents came to visit. We hiked the Pacific Crest Trail and went to Disneyland. We ended the month with an Owl City show and were lucky enough to meet him.

JUNE

We had an impromptu family trip to St. George, Utah. Janelle came to visit. We saw Mitchell Musso and Miley Cyrus perform at The Grove and had dinner in Hollywood at Ketchup. Jenny, Heather and I saw Frank and Derol and Billy Ray Cyrus at HOB in Anaheim. Then Heather and I flew home to Idaho for our friend Jennifer's wedding.

Cupcakes & Cake

Since Heather already posted this, I figured I should post it too. I'm not really a copier, but we both did this together (well, I took the pictures). :) Anyway, we decided to make cupcakes for our Rohnert Christmas dinner we had Sunday night with my dad's family. We ran out of cupcake wrappers so made half of the batter into a cake. The creative and talented Elsie posted these cupcake toppers a while ago. We thought it'd be the perfect time to use them. They were a big hit with the four little boys. They thought it was the funniest thing ever. One put a mustache on his forehead and another one put it in his armpit. Ohhh boyyyssss!!!

Recipe: Hot Fruit Punch

This hot fruit punch is one of mine and Heather's favorites, especially during the holidays or when I'm sick. Like Heather said, it's a great wintertime alternative to cider or hot chocolate. This recipe serves about 12 people. Enjoy!