Month in Review: May, 2017

Month in Review: May, 2017

Oh, what a month! I don’t think I ever stopped to catch my breath! May was a busy month at work as well as at home. After spending long hours in front of the computer working on design projects I was tempted to cancel our evening plans, but looking back over our photos, I’m glad we were able to fit in as many memories as we could!

Our first event of the month was Gallery Night! The evening was devoted to showcasing local artists’ work in downtown shops. A free trolley shuttled us across town as we popped in and out of shops. Then we ended the night down by the food trucks to grab dinner and listen to live music. 

Month in Review: May, 2017

The warmer weather and longer nights also allowed us to skip the gym a few days in favor of dusting off our bikes and hitting the trails! Growing up we went on a lot of bike rides, so peddling along the wooded path always brings back happy memories.

Month in Review: May, 2017

Towards the end of the month Ian and I loaded up the car and made the familiar road trip down to Madison. It was a packed weekend with campfires, mini golf and singing along to songs at a piano bar. Once we made it home my voice was hoarse from all the singing and laughing!

Month in Review: May, 2017

We closed out the month with a trip to St. Louis. It was my first time visiting the city and we were lucky to have our very own personal tour guide – Ian’s cousin! She is currently living in St. Louis with her husband while she earns her Ph.D. and she was gracious enough to show us around town. Trip highlights included eating breakfast at World’s Fair Donuts and wandering around the Botanical Gardens.

Month in Review: May, 2017

Month in Review: May, 2017

Month in Review: May, 2017

Interested in seeing more of our month? Watch the video below the includes a second a day from the month of May!

Mini Heart Shaped Pizzas

Mini Heart Shaped Pizzas

Ever wonder what could make pizza night better? The answer is mini heart-shaped pizzas! While it’s not scientifically proven, I believe miniature food items shaped like hearts tastes better. Right?!

Mini Heart Shaped Pizzas

Surprisingly, it doesn’t take much added effort to make these little dinner delights. Simply buy premade pizza dough, use a cookie cutter to cut out hearts, spread on tomato sauce, layer with toppings and bake! After 25-30 minutes your mini pizzas will be ready to be platted and devoured. These are perfect for a cozy movie night at home or to bring to family gatherings.

Mini Heart Shaped Pizzas

Homemade Bread

Homemade Bread

Maybe it’s due to all my bread fails in the past, but when I crack open the oven door and peak in at my golden loaf, I feel giddy. In the past, I avoided bread out of intimidation, but after binge watching episodes of The Great British Bakeoff I was encouraged to roll up my sleeves and give it another try.

 Homemade Bread

While other recipes can seem daunting, this simple white loaf is easy to follow and perfect for those who are new to baking bread! After a bit of patience, you will have a warm loaf of bread ready to be topped with honey butter and savored.

Homemade Bread

Looking for something a little sweeter? This basic bread recipe can be used to make cinnamon rolls!

Homemade Bread

Ingredients:

  • 1.5 Tbs yeast
  • 1/2 Tbs sugar
  • 1/2 C warm water
  • 5 C flour
  • 1/4 C sugar
  • 1/2 Tbs salt
  • 1.5 C warm water
  • 1/4 C oil

Directions:

  • Mix together the first three ingredients and set aside for 15 minutes until it doubles in size
  • Combine the dry ingredients together in a large bowl, then slowly incorporate the water, oil and yeast mixture. Stir until well combined.
  • Cover the dough and set aside in a warm area for 30 minutes
  • Knead the dough for 3 minutes, cover, and set aside for 1-2 hours until the dough doubles in size
  • Knead the dough and separate evenly into the two greased loaf tins. Cover and set aside for 30 minutes
  • Preheat the over to 375 degrees
  • Place bread into the oven and bake for 20-30 minutes