Where Have You Been?


Create Your Own Visited States Map

Where have you been?!

After going through this little fun web app. I see that I need to do some traveling within the United States! By far my most memorable visit anywhere would have to be to China for 3 weeks back in 2007. So It is time to start traveling closer to home!

I want YOUR recommendations on where to go! Tell me your best travel experience, place, visit, anything about Travel!!

As I write this post, I’m thinking it is a little early into the Winter to be feeling the NEED for Travel!

Recipe Share

I have to apologize for being so in and out with posting and updating you all!  I have not only expanded my list of Ranch Wife “duties,”  but also have become quite handy with a tape measure on the house project.  For those that know me personally you are probably scared right now!

But alas, I would LOVE to do a Recipe Share on the Blog this week!  In honor of Thanksgiving coming up (and just buying my turkey), I thought what better way to get new recipes for the Winter Season!   I’m pretty certain my family is bored with my current lineup for meals – – – ok, so maybe I’M the one who is bored – – – So please Join me in sharing!  You can share to our Facebook Page, This post, Email to me at justinekougl@Hotmail.com and I will add it to the recipe list!

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Keep in mind we have a Recipe Page started and would love to expand on it (and I will be working to revamp the looks of it in the upcoming weeks!).

I would like to share a new one (I honestly haven’t made yet but its on my agenda!).  This was shared with me by one of my best friends from my school days and honestly I really enjoy sugar cookies, just not all the work that goes into them.  So this is the best of both worlds!

Sugar Cookie Bars!

Ingredients
  • Cookie:
  • 1½ cups sugar
  • 1 cup butter, softened
  • 8 oz cream cheese, softened (I used light)
  • 1 egg
  • ½ tsp almond extract
  • 1 tsp vanilla
  • ½ tsp baking soda
  • 1 tsp baking powder
  • 2½ cup flour
  • Frosting:
  • ½ C butter softened
  • 4 oz cream cheese, softened
  • 3½ C powdered sugar
  • 1 tsp vanilla
  • 1-3 Tbsp milk
  • food coloring, if desired

Instructions

  1. In a large mixing bowl or stand mixer combine the butter, cream cheese, sugar, and egg blend with a mixer until nice and smooth. It will almost resemble frosting.
  2. Add the vanilla and almond extract and beat for 1 minute more.
  3. Add the flour, baking powder and baking soda. Beat for about 2 minutes.
  4. Spread or press the dough evenly into a jelly roll (13 x 18) pan. I found it easiest to spread it with an offset spatula.
  5. Bake at 350 degrees for 20 minutes or until golden brown. Test with a toothpick for doneness.
  6. Let the pan cool completely.
  7. For the frosting, in a large bowl (or your stand mixer) beat the butter and cream cheese until smooth.
  8. Add the powdered sugar, milk, vanilla and food coloring, if desired. Beat for about 4 minutes until noce and fluffy.
  9. Frost cooled pan of cookies. Cut the cookies into bars and serve! Makes 40 bars.

This recipe is borrowed from http://realmomkitchen.com/