Honesty

We walk up to order and I already know what I want and know that I won't be disappointed. I order a cheese burger, fries and a water- because it's healthy, especially in combination with my burger and fries. Mmm. I get my cup and when I get to the drink machine I start to think about all of my options. "Oooh, root beer sounds good.". So I go ahead and fill my cup, put my lid on and take a sip. "good choice.". Oh! Wait! NO! I ordered a water... I had a mini panic attack. "I'm going to get in trouble...or at least that 'she ordered a water and got soda' stare." Nothing happens. Regardless of anyone else noticing this faux pas I go up to the register and tell them what happened, offering to pay. The woman sort of laughed and looking confused said "Oh, don't even worry about it. Thank you." Nothing changed, I could have just not said anything and it would have been the same. No one would have really noticed...right? Wrong. To me it made all the difference in the world. I felt good knowing that I was honest and honestly I think the woman behind the counter felt good. Honesty feels good-whether giving or receiving it- it just feels good. So, after clearing that up I could enjoy my delicious meal and root beer from Five Guys. I love Five Guys!

Life-Saving Pancakes

I've been reading Martha Stewart Living since I was 16 years old. Compulsively reading and saving these little bits of information for the future. Some things have saved my life (yes, I'm being extremely dramatic...well maybe only a little) and others have, well, become more of a nice thought than a reality. Martha Stewart is forever a huge inspiration in my life. One of these "life saving" things is a basic pancake recipe! Yes, pancakes saved my life. This is really the best pancake recipe I've made! Super easy make-you-look-awesome type of recipe. Amazing. Seriously, make these and you will see.

Basic Pancakes

Ingredients

• 1 cup all-purpose flour, (spooned and leveled)
• 2 tablespoons sugar
• 2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup milk
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted, or vegetable oil
• 1 large egg
• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
• Assorted toppings, such as butter, maple syrup, confectioners' sugar, honey, jams, preserves, sweetened whipped cream, or chocolate syrup

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 200 degrees; have a baking sheet or heatproof platter ready to keep cooked pancakes warm in the oven. In a small bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt; set aside.

2. In a medium bowl, whisk together milk, butter (or oil), and egg. Add dry ingredients to milk mixture; whisk until just moistened (do not overmix; a few small lumps are fine).

3. Heat a large skillet (nonstick or cast-iron) or griddle over medium. Fold a sheet of paper towel in half, and moisten with oil; carefully rub skillet with oiled paper towel.

4. For each pancake, spoon 2 to 3 tablespoons of batter onto skillet, using the back of the spoon to spread batter into a round (you should be able to fit 2 to 3 in a large skillet).

5. Cook until surface of pancakes have some bubbles and a few have burst, 1 to 2 minutes. Flip carefully with a thin spatula, and cook until browned on the underside, 1 to 2 minutes more. Transfer to a baking sheet or platter; cover loosely with aluminum foil, and keep warm in oven. Continue with more oil and remaining batter. (You'll have 12 to 15 pancakes.) Serve warm, with desired toppings.

I Love Food

I love food. Cooking, eating, seeing and photographing it. I just LOVE food! This is both good and bad. Good because...well...I don't know... It's delicious and that's good! Bad because...well, you know. We all get a little carried away sometimes. Last week I had the pleasure of cooking with a good friend. We made Vietnamese food, and it was delicious! Of course, I took some pictures- so here they are in a little collage!