Happy Birthday to a Wonderful Woman

Photo by Amber Linderman Photography

                                                                                   
Everyday Insanity has been a little quieter than usual for the last few weeks - and there will be a post about that in the very near future!  But today we need to stop and celebrate.  It is Cindy's Birthday!!!  If you know Cindy in real life you know how very kind and thoughtful she is.  If you are lucky enough to live near her - chances are she has stopped by your house with a homemade treat - packaged just right!  And if you don't live near enough for a treat drop off you may have been the lucky recipient of one of her fabulous care packages.

Cindy is not only my Mom, but one of my best friends.  I could (and do) spend hours with her and it never seems to be quite enough!  I live 3 hours away and visit as often as I can.  Being in her home always makes me happy - and I always leave wanting to be a better person.  She is a wonderful, wise mother and has an endless supply of parenting advice.  She has a genuine love for learning and is always reading - often several things at once!  She is creative and industrious and does hard things with class and style. Her grandchildren adore her and she adores them!

I could go on, and on, and on about her fabulous qualities.  They truly are many!  I'm grateful every day that she is my mother and I hope to be just like her when I grow up!!  I wish I was with her today - but I have no doubt she will be well taken care of by my dad.  We all quite adore her!

Happy Birthday Mom - I love you to the moon and back! If I was in town I'd make you a delicious batch of Black Forest Brownies!

My sister, Amber, was in town for a few days last week and took fabulous photos of us all!  Go "like" her page, Amber Linderman Photography, on Facebook! 

Photo by Amber Linderman Photography

Bleu Cheese Dressing

This deliciously creamy dressing was enjoyed even by my hubby who does not like Bleu Cheese. There a no big chunks of cheese just a wonderful flavor in a creamy dressing. This is good on a simple garden salad, with hot wings, on steamed veggies or on a baked potato. It just might be your new favorite dressing--move over Ranch! And it is easy.

Bleu Cheese Dressing
6 ounces bleu cheese
1/2 cup plus 2 tablespoons buttermilk
1 clove garlic, minced
1/2 cup plus 2 tablespoons sour cream
6 tablespoons mayonnaise
1/2 teaspoon sugar
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon pepper
Using a fork mash together the cheese, buttermilk and garlic. It seems impossible but after a few minutes it comes together. Add the remaining ingredients and chill. Enjoy--on many things!
Printable Recipe

Jalapeno Corn Chowder

It is officially 'Soup Weather' in Utah. We had our first skiff of snow this weekend. Hopefully we still have a few warmish days ahead. But I really cook soup year round--I just love it. I made this with fresh corn and it was delicious. If you can find fresh corn use it otherwise use home frozen corn or Costco frozen corn. Any way it will be delicious. A full 5 stars!

Jalapeno Corn Chowder 
6 slices bacon
1/2 diced onion
1 clove garlic
1/4 cup flour
4 cups chicken broth
2 potatoes, cubes (skins may be left on)
2 carrots, peeled and diced
1/2 jalapeno, chopped
3/4 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon pepper
3 cups frozen corn
3/4 cup heavy cream
1 cup shredded Mexican cheese blend 
sour cream for garnish
Cut bacon into small strips. Place in dutch oven and cook until crisp. Remove the bacon with a slotted spoon and place on a paper towel lined plate
Remove all but 3 tablespoons of the bacon grease from the dutch over. Add the diced onion and allow to cook until translucent, about 10 minutes, add the garlic and cook about 30 seconds longer. Add flour, salt, pepper and stir to combine. Allow the mixture to cook about 3 minutes.
Stirring continuously, slowly pour in the chicken broth to avoid clumps from forming. Add the potatoes, carrots and jalapenos and bring to a boil. Once the mixture reaches a boil reduce heat to a simmer, cover and cook for 15 minutes or until potatoes are fork tender. Add the corn, heavy cream and cheese. Stir to combine. Allow the mixture to cook slowly for about 5 minutes until the cheese has melted.
Spoon into soup bowls and top with crisp cooked bacon and a dob of sour cream.
Printable Recipe

Recipe inspired by So Tasty So Yummy 
A blog full of yummy dishes that I need to get to know better!