Saturday, September 13, 2008

Racing in the Rain & A Block Party

Sorry it has been so long. I have been grumpy. Seriously grumpy. But a nice 5K today with my friend Kathleen sure helped to improve my mood. It was her first road race and she did AWESOME. And I have a new personal best by 15 seconds. And that is even after another week with a very sore quad. Thanks for hanging out in the rain with me today, Kathleen!

This afternoon the sun came out and we had our annual block party. SO much fun. They blocked off a section of street and the kids got tours of a fire engine and a Sarpy County sheriff cruiser. They even spent a little time in a pair of handcuffs (and I hope the experience will be the total of their entanglement with law enforcement. Ever.). I've said it before, and I'll say it again...we have the best neighbors!

Here are a couple of recipes for the goodies we took to the potluck.

Easy Raspberry Brownies

1 box dark chocolate fudge brownie mix (and ingredients to prepare them)
1 (8 oz.) pkg. cream cheese, softened
1/2 cup powdered sugar
1/2 cup raspberry preserves
1 oz. unsweetened baking chocolate
1 Tbsp. butter

Heat oven to 350 degrees. Make and cool brownies as directed for 9 x 13 inch pan. In a small bowl, beat cream cheese, powdered sugar and preserves on medium speed until smooth. Spread over cooled brownies. refrigerate for 15 minutes. In microwavable bowl, microwave chocolate and butter uncovered on medium power for about 1 minute or until mixture can be stirred smooth. Refrigerate about 1 hour or until chocolate is firm before cutting.


And what says love in Nebraska like a Corn Bake! I saw this over at Weasel's Journey and Eloise was gracious enough to share the recipe. It was an absolute hit.

Corn Bake

3 eggs
1 c sour cream
½ c butter, melted
4-oz. can chopped green chilies
8-oz. can creamed corn
2 15-oz. cans whole kernel corn, drained
1 box Jiffy corn bread mix
1 c. grated cheddar cheese, for top

Stir together all ingredients except cheese until well blended. Pour into casserole dish and bake at 350º for 30 minutes. Add cheese and bake 15 minutes more.

10 comments:

Shawna B. said...

Congrats on the run, Amber! It's so fun to beat your fastest time, isn't it? I love that. Glad your thigh was feeling better so you could race.

I am intrigued by the corn bake. Sounds like something I would love! Thanks for sharing another great recipe.

That story about Sam and blue blanket is so sweet. Amber! Can't we just bottle them and keep them young forever? The start of the school year always brings such a mix of emotions for me. I am already overly sentimental, but seeing my brood start a new grade, grow a year older kind of tugs at my heart. I think you are so wise for rescuing blue blanket from the trash and tucking it safely away. Perhaps Sam's own son might want to see it someday.

We were at LaVell Edwards Stadium today watching the Cougs demolish the UCLA Bruins. I know the McIlleces like football season the way the Borgs do! Go Nebraska! Go BYU! Happy Autumn, my friend.

Jeni said...

You grumpy? A run usually does good. My friend Susy...everyday gourmet blog is doing the Air Force Marathon next Friday! You will have to check out her blog. I can't believe you beat your record again. You are getting fast! I still average an 11 1/2 min. mile...maybe one of these days I will make myself speed up...it's so hard and I just get in a groove.

Those brownies are looking good.

Our Complete Family said...

Aww, I hope you have a better week ahead hun! The recipes? I am going to print them tonight! Yummy stuff! Congrats on your new record time. You amaze me! Give me some of your 'oomf' girl! Happy rest of the weekend to you~ Les

April said...

Congrats on your race!

Cara said...

Good work on your run! How fun to do it with a friend. And in the rain. I love rain! :)

Anonymous said...

Ohhhh, a block party. I've always wanted to be invited to a block party. Your recipes sound really yummy,too.

And congratulations on another race with a personal best time. You go, girl.

the mom

Eloise said...

So glad the Corn Bake turned out well and was a hit with your neighbors!

The brownies look and sound wonderful. Thanks for sharing the recipe.

Jenn said...

Way to go on the race! Glad you could do it with Kathleen. Maybe next time I can join you? (although, I'm much slower than you)

Laurel @ Ducks in a Row said...

I love yor blog, I love running - I think I will visit regularly. I especially love the visiting teaching ideas. Thanks

Sonja said...

Congrats on the run! I really need to get back at it. Big time. (no pun intended. :)

But hey, since I'm off the wagon I'm gonna to go make me some brownies. And corn bake. mmmm....