I Want S'more

So I'm trying something different...

S'mores Cake!

I am obsessed with s'mores.  Have been for years and years.  It is a secret obsession.  Recently, Dairy Queen came out with S'mores Blizzards.  OMFG!  A mini does it for me :)

I am really wanting an actual s'mores though so I decided to do some online research.  I've seen a few recipes but none of them seemed perfect... So, I created my own!

Rebekka's I Want S'more Cake

Ingredients:
1 box Chocolate Devil's Food cake mix
1 bag Hershey's Milk Chocolate Chips
1 bag small marshmallows
1 bag large marshmallows
1 box honey graham crackers
1 13x9x1 pan

 Preheat oven 350. Make the cake mix as per the box.

Pour about 1/3 of the cake mix in the bottom of a grease pan.
The break graham crackers in half and place on top of the unbaked cake mix.

 Pour the entire bag of Hershey's Milk Chocolate Chips over the top of the graham crackers.

 Place small marshmallows over the chocolate chips.

Break more graham crackers in half and place on top of marshmallows.

 Pour the rest of the cake batter on top of the graham crackers and spread evenly.

After 30 minutes take the cake out of the and turn oven to broil at 500 degrees.
Place the large marshmallows on top.

 It doesn't have to be pretty but try to space everything out.
Put back in the oven under the broiler but DO NOT leave!  It happens quick!

This gives the "fire" look to the marshmallows and warms them up enough.
Take the back of a spoon and smush them down.

The smushing isn't necessary but it looks good :)

Wait until it cools before cutting because the marshmallows will stick to the knife otherwise and destroy your pretty cake.

This will be a pretty rich cake so small pieces are recommended!  Let me know if you are making it and how it turns out!  I'm pretty sure it will be AWESOME!

Flavored Water

Some call it detox water, I call it flavored.

Whatever you call it, the flavor is great and fresh!

Here is the recipe I found....

3 quarts or 12 cups of water

2 lemons, sliced

1/2 cucumber, sliced

10 mint leaves

Rinse everything really well. Slice lemons and cucumber. Add lemons, cucumber, and mint to pitcher. Cover with 3 quarts of water and refrigerate over night.

Okay, so I tried it.  I have to say YUM!  The flavor is great and there is a sweet/sour base to it.  

The cucumber flavor is subtle.  You can taste it in the background but it's not overpowering.  You can taste the lemon more than anything so next time I will cut the lemon back a little.  I can't taste the mint so I'm wondering if I need to muddle it first.  Just a thought. 

So you are asking yourself, "Why put all those things together?"  Well, I'll tell you why :)

Lemon
1. A great source of vitamin c
2. Balances pH levels
3. Improves digestion
4. Aides weight loss
`Did you know that if your body is out of balance it is incredibly difficult to lose weight? Having a happy, healthy body and mind is one of the fastest ways to weight loss. A more alkaline diet makes for a happier person, and according to Eating Well Magazine, people with more alkaline diets tend to lose weight faster. Also, lemons contain pectin fiber, which helps set your body back to normal hunger levels. On board yet? If not, don't worry there are two more genius benefits coming your way. (My source)

Cucumber
1. Keeps body hydrated as it is 96% water
2. A good source of dietary fibers and vitamins
3. The high water content and dietary fibers are aide in clearing toxins from the digestive system.
4. Diuretic... 96% water anyone :)
5. Contains a hormone that is used in the pancreas to produce insulin

Mint
1. Relieves GI issues
2. High in antioxidants
3. Improves the movement of bile from the liver
4. Also aides in the relaxation of sore muscles

As a note of warning: 1. If you don't like pulpy orange juice, I would juice the lemon instead of let it just hang out in the pitcher.
2. Strain and drain!  I'm using an iced tea pitcher with a tap.  Things are getting stuck in there so it's not draining into the cup well.
3. The acidity of the lemon can break down the enamel of your teeth.  Alternate this "detox" water with tap water.  Also, don't "nurse" the "detox" water, the acid will stay on your teeth longer. 

I hope you enjoy this recipe.  I have been enjoying it today and I've been drinking more water because of it. 

I'm planning on trying others next week and will blog about them as well.

Dirty Girl!

So I managed to do the Dirty Girl Mud Run!

http://godirtygirl.com/

It was so much fun!  My cheeks hurt from laughing and smiling so much.  It took me about 90 minutes to get through it.  5k's don't take me that long but you have to factor in waiting to do the obstacle, doing the obstacle and waiting for each other.

All clean... before!

At the top of "Girl Get Over It"

Climbing into the final mud pit, coved in mud!

Someone clean off my face!

I had so much fun!  I will totally do it again!  Unfortunately, I can't move!  My whole body aches, even right down to my toes.

I can't wait to do it again!

It's been awhile

I have had a lot going on!

#1 I graduated with my Master's Degree in May!!!

President Shonrock and I 

With my hood after graduation

My brother Paul and I.  He graduated too!

#2 I found out I was being transferred to a different school.  I had mixed feelings about being transferred at the beginning.  I feel like it is for the best now.  My health is not what it should be.  I have put on a lot of weight this year.  Not nearly as much I have in the past.

Since I have depression and anxiety issues, this year has been hell.  Lots of problems, lots of questions about my abilities (self directed), and lots of questions about my choice to be an educator.

I will be teaching kindergarten through 5th grade English as a Second Language!  I've taught k/1 for so long that I have to get into the mindset of older kids.  Now I have a reason to read the William Allen White Children's Book Nominees!  I just finished one book!  I did a sort-of-review of it.  http://wawbookreviews.blogspot.com/  Check it out and tell me what you think!

Well, that is about it for now... nothing too exciting.

Just more of the same b.s.... you know, self doubt, self loathing, negative self talk... the usual.

I'll post more often and get back to at least weekly posts.  Promise!