DIY Baptismal Gift

For our niece and nephew's baptism earlier this year, we thought and thought about what we would want to give as a gift that they could keep and look at daily as a reminder of their baptism.  I finally did a little research on Pinterest and found this link.
Here's the version that I created:

Homeade Pita Chips and Avocado Hummus

T and I got together recently for our latest installation of our "unofficial cooking quest."  We decided to tackle hummus and pita chips as well as sweet and spicy pepita clusters (next post).
Everything was relatively easy and delicious.  However, here's a little disclaimer about the hummus.  With the avocado, it ended up tasting more like guacamole and less like hummus.  Still good none the less.

Here's the delicious recipe:

Ingredients

Pita Chips:

• 1/3 cup extra-virgin olive oil
• 1 teaspoon chili or dried chipotle powder
• Zest of 2 large limes, optional
• 2 whole wheat or plain pita breads, split in half horizontally
• 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
• 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

Hummus:

• One 15-ounce can cannellini beans, rinsed and drained
• 1 large or 2 small avocados, seeded, peeled and coarsely chopped
• 1/2 packed cup arugula
• 1/3 cup fresh flat-leaf parsley leaves
• 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
• 1 clove garlic, smashed
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt, plus extra for seasoning
• 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper, plus extra for seasoning
• 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil

Directions

For the pita chips: Place an oven rack in the center of the oven and preheat to 350 degrees F.
In a small bowl, whisk together the oil, chili powder and lime zest if using. Brush the mixture on both sides of the bread halves using a pastry brush. Sprinkle the breads with the salt and pepper. Cut each bread half into 8 wedges and place in a single layer on a baking sheet. Bake until crisp and golden, 15 to 18 minutes.
For the hummus: Combine the beans, avocado, arugula, parsley, lemon juice, garlic, salt and pepper in the bowl of a food processor. Pulse until the mixture is coarsely chopped. Gradually add the olive oil until the mixture is creamy. Season with salt and pepper.
Spoon the hummus into a serving bowl and serve the pita chips alongside.

3 Years and Counting!

B and I just celebrated our 3rd wedding anniversary.  I know for a fact that today we are more in love with each other than we were on our wedding day.  Our love just keeps growing and deepening as time goes on!

I can't believe that it's been 3 years since our wedding day.  I love thinking about that day and looking back at pictures of all our family and friends who made that day so, so special! 

Milestones from the first three years of marriage:
     - Bought our first home
     - M got her first teaching job
     - B got a new job with "real" hours (not 2 a.m. anymore)
     - Joined a church that we love!
     - Purchased a our first car together
     - Ran our second (to be third after July) 5K together.
    

I found a really good quote on marriage:

 “A long-lasting marriage is built by two people who believe in -and live by- the solemn promise they made.”

Goodbyes

It's the end of the school year and I have to say goodbye to my lovely music room and all my kiddos.  I'll be moving on to two new schools next year.  Hard to say goodbye to my kids and staff, but I am looking forward to new adventures next year!

How Does Your Garden Grow?

An old coal bucket I bought at an antique store and turned into a planter.

The sign says it all.

My first run to the nursery for this year!

Isn't this beautiful?  From my parent's garden!

This is from B's parent's house, by their barn.  Just a lone tulip, growing by itself!

Lime Shortbread Cookies

Delicious cookies.  This was part of our cooking adventure earlier this summer.  These cookies are perfect on a hot and humid summer day :)

Chocolate Melting Cups