Gregory and Kathleen: Before the Wedding

It's so much fun to photograph a wedding party and wedding preparation! The beautiful bride and bridesmaids, the handsome groom and groomsmen, the flowers, the nervous excitement in the air...

I think they were having fun, too. :) 

Gregory and Kathleen: Sneak Peek

The Ceremony:

The Guys:

The Girls:

Greg and Kathy's wedding was beautiful. I have over 1,000 photos to go through, but I couldn't resist posting a couple pictures to preview.

Homemade Bagels and Japanese Pancakes

I own one cookbook. It's a cookbook my church compiled, and in the two years I've had it, I've opened it about 3 times. Each time was to use the same recipe. As I've mentioned before, I rarely try new recipes. My friend Mary, on the other hand, loves new recipes, especially if they have an unusual title. We love cooking together. I voice all the reasons it won't turn out, and lament the missing ingredients. Mary just laughs and assures me it will be fantastic. 

Yesterday my phone rang. 

"I'm going to make bagels," Mary cheerfully informed me. "Want to come over?"

"O......kay. I've never made bagels."

"I haven't either."

"Do you have bagel flour? I've heard they turn out much better if you use bagel flour...whatever that is."

"No."

"Well, should I get some? I'm driving by the store."

"No, I already started them."

Bagel flour or no bagel flour, it was a blast. After letting the dough rise...and mixing in more flour and letting the dough rise...and punching it down and letting the dough rise...we reached the fun part. Each little ball was rolled into a rope, pinched together (harder than it sounds!), dropped in boiling water for 10 seconds to give them "that awesome bagel crust", brushed with egg, dotted with sesame or poppy seeds, set out to rise again, and finally, baked. 

As we finished a warm bagel with cream cheese, Mary opened the cookbook again. "What should I make for supper...Japanese Pancakes?" She slid the book toward me.

I like pancakes. There was just one problem. The first ingredient was...cabbage. Then celery, carrots, and onions! Add a half cup of meat, or fish, or "whatever you want". What legitimate recipe called for a half cup of whatever you want?! It sounded terrible. Once I passed my initial reaction, I realized I was fine with the recipe as long as I ignored the word "pancake". I re-named it "Mixed-up, Fried Casserole" (to Mary's chagrin) and started dicing celery. The flavor and texture was reminiscent of Chicken Pot-pie.  And the best part? It was delicious! 

Redridge Exploring

Yesterday was one of those amazing January days. The last snowstorm was over and everything was covered in a sparkling, white blanket. It was 30 degrees, the sun was shining, and I was itching to ignore homework get outside and enjoy some winter exercise. I picked up a friend and some snowshoes and we decided to venture out to Lake Superior. On the way, we passed a sign pointing to Redridge. Neither of us knew where or what that was, but it sounded adventurous so I turned around and took some back roads until we arrived a spot that seemed like a good place to hike. It was beautiful and perfect. 

School starts Monday!

For the next 4 months I plan to be buried in these (and similar) books. I love learning. I love applying what I'm studying to daily life, to my work environment, to conversations with peers. I love the whole new world that college has opened up to me. (Remember the final scene of "Men in Black II" when Tommy Lee Jones opens the door marked "Do not Enter"? That is the closest way I can explain my experience starting college !) A year ago I was at a crossroads and had no idea what direction I was going to go. I was hitting a dead end at everything and it was almost on a whim that I decided to go back to school. So far, I've thought often that this has been one of the best decisions I've made!

I love the cute food that always appears around Christmas, so last week I tried my hand at making some party appetizers. I usually refuse to use new recipes but these turned out so well I just might be hooked! The peanut butter Hershey's kiss cookies (a random recipe from a web search) turned out picture perfect. The ham roll-ups (a slice of ham, pickle, and cream cheese) I copied from a cookie party I attended. And the eggs...I started with 18 farm fresh eggs, which, for the record, is the wrong way to start hard-boiled eggs. They are next to impossible to peel--it's better to use eggs that have sat in the fridge for a couple weeks. That minor detail aside, I looked for a recipe with a little "kick" since deviled eggs can be somewhat bland. This recipe was a.w.e.s.o.m.e! My little sister tried one, and as her beautiful blue eyes widened in disbelief, she gasped, "I don't even like deviled eggs, but these are amazing!" The secret ingredient was horseradish sauce.

The other secret ingredient? Food always tastes better when it is shared with friends!

Happy New Year!