It's a....

GIRL!!

Daddy and Mommy are both extremely surprised! Paul and I both thought BOY all the way. Apparently, we were the only ones who thought boy! Poppy, Tada (Mom's grandmother name), Gigi, NaNa, Aunt Tonya, Aunt Rosie all thought Girl. We couldn't be more excited to welcome this baby girl into our family--she will not lack good loving, a fashionable wardrobe and great eyelashes from her daddy!

18 week Appointment

We were so eager to find out what we are having by the time this week rolled around! Lots of people have an opinion on whether or not they want to find out the sex of their child ahead of time. I'm guilty of not wanting to find out but since I trusted my husband's lead we went ahead with The Big Reveal! And now I just can't wait! I don’t think knowing ahead of time will make the birth any less exciting or meeting our baby less special. We welcome BLUE or PINK!

Hi everyone!

If you haven't heard by now...

Yes, the Comers are EXPANDING! We are thrilled to welcome this baby to our family and could not be happier that God chose us to be parents.

Therefore I tell you, whatever you ask for in prayer, believe that you have received it, and it will be yours. Mark 11:24

First Applesauce

While shopping over the weekend at one of my favorite stores {Marshalls} I found a baby food maker on clearance! I thought about London, my best friends little girl immediately and chose to make one of her favorite foods. And so we started with Applesauce!

The Verdict

London said there is absolutely no comparison in the flavor from this applesauce and the stuff from the jars.Well, that's what I heard her say! Now that I know how easy it is to make —I’m pretty sure I’ll always make homemade applesauce going forward.

4 pounds apples, peeled and cored
4 strips of lemon peel
1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon or 1 cinnamon stick
1 cup water

Peel, core and chop your apples into large chunks, about 8 pieces per apple. Put all of the ingredients in a large pot and bring to a boil. Once boiling, reduce it to a simmer and cover the pot. Cook for approximately 30 minutes, or until apples are quite soft. Fish out the lemon peels and whole cinnamon stick, if you used one, and let it cool. Puree in a food processor, blender or food mill and freeze in small portions.

Hershey Bar Cake

6 (1.55 ounce) Hershey's milk chocolate bars
1-1/2 cups Hershey's chocolate syrup
1 cup butter
2 cups sugar
4 eggs
2-1/2 cups all purpose flour
1/2 tsp baking soda
1 cup buttermilk
2 tsps vanilla extract









Preheat the oven to 300 degrees and grease and flour a tube pan or two bundt pans. Set aside.
In the top of a double-broiler, over hot but not boiling water, combine the candy bars and the syrup. Stir until melted. Set aside. In a large mixing bowl, beat butter and sugar at medium speed with an electric mixer until fluffy. Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Add melted chocolate, beating well.
In another bowl, sift together flour and baking soda. add dry ingredients alternately with buttermilk to sugar mixture. Beat well after each addition. Add vanilla.
Pour batter into prepared pan(s).
Bake for 1-1/2 hours, then cool in pan for 10 minutes. Invert onto wire rack.
Serve warm with whipped cream or ice cream.

Jim n Nicks cheese biscuits

DH and I love the cheese biscuits at Jim N Nicks. I searched the web until I finally found a recipe for them. These were very good, and they taste just like the ones at Jim N Nicks.

Ingredients:

1 1/2 cups flour
1 cup sugar
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
3/4 cup milk (2% works best) UPDATE replace 2% milk with buttermilk for a world of difference!
1 egg, beaten well
4 Tablespoon butter, softened
1 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
1/4 teaspoon vanilla

Directions:

Mix all ingredients together. Pour into greased muffin pan and bake at 400 for 15 - 20 minutes.

This recipe make about 12 muffins.

Pistachio Muffins

Whose in the mood for a green breakfast this week? or snack, treat,

protein (it's a nut, right?)

Yes, you see a green muffin due to the 2 boxes of pistachio pudding I used!! maybe it's mostly because of the green food coloring.

If anyone has had the BEST BREAKFAST MUFFINS on 30-A then you for sure visited 

Modica Market. Well, I did a few weeks ago! And for the less fortunate next time you are headed down 30-A make plans to drop by Seaside.

Well, I drummed up my own concoction, enjoy!  

4 eggs

1-1/2 cups water

1 teaspoon almond extract

1 package butter recipe cake mix

two 3.4 oz. pkg. instant pistachio pudding mix

1/2 cup (1 stick) melted butter

1/4 cup vegetable oil

1/2-1 cup pecans

Preheat oven to 350F. Grease and flour a bundt pan. In a mixing bowl, beat the eggs, water, and almond by hand. Stir in the cake mix and pudding mixes. Slowly add the butter and oil, and mix well. Stir in the pecans. Pour into the prepared pan.

Officially Obssessed

Many of you have probably wondered where on earth I've been? Well...busy as a matter of fact. I have a new obsession with the Oh, so fabulous new Internet inspiration bookmarking tool called Pinterest. 


What is Pinterest? According to their site: "Pinterest is a social catalog service. Think of it as a virtual pinboard — a place where you can post collections of things you love, and "follow" collections created by people with great taste."

Creative.

Customizable.

Intuitive.

If you want to come check out my stuff I am here at pinterest.com/Tarayn_Comer....and if you are on Pinterest also I'd love to know! What kind of inspiring things do you like?

Ahhhhh....

The Royal Barn Wedding went off without a hitch this weekend! It was a fairy tale wedding, right down to the weather. Considering the major damage from tornadoes in our area this week we are blessed to have our homes standing and power. Ben and Heather were all smiles and throughly enjoyed themselves! Everything was beautiful!

CONGRATS to Mr. and Mrs. Ben Stewart!

Stay tuned for more pics...

Trials

I hope you and your families are all safe and praising God for your lives!!! The devastation I've seen is horrendous! Driving down 280 (crying) I was once reminded that MY GOD is in CONTROL and he is a strong tower!!! I've been praying today that I'm changed and don't return to life as normal but rather that I let God work in me and through me ministering for his glory and to help his people. 

I read James 1:1-12 this morning and just wanted to share--

"James 1: a servant of God and of the Lord Jesus Christ, To the twelve tribes scattered among the nations: 
Trials and Temptations: 2 Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, 3 because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. 4 Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything. 5 If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you. 6 But when you ask, you must believe and not doubt, because the one who doubts is like a wave of the sea, blown and tossed by the wind. 7 That person should not expect to receive anything from the Lord. 8 Such a person is double-minded and unstable in all they do. 9 Believers in humble circumstances ought to take pride in their high position. 10 But the rich should take pride in their humiliation—since they will pass away like a wild flower. 11 For the sun rises with scorching heat and withers the plant; its blossom falls and its beauty is destroyed. In the same way, the rich will fade away even while they go about their business. 12 Blessed is the one who perseveres under trial because, having stood the test, that person will receive the crown of life that the Lord has promised to those who love him."

 One of the best things I've learned being a Christian is growth and maturity through troubled times. Through personal trials in my life I've discovered the kind of faith I should possess EVERYDAY!  Trials not only reveal our faith, but they also develop our character. Our Christian joy is produced by the Holy Spirit and is not dependent on circumstances.

Verses 1-12 are speaking of the trials and tests that come into our lives from outside circumstances. What I believe God is trying to teach me in this passsage is how to handle the pain, the distance, the pace, the length of time and the overcoming of the need to stop and rest! Like running a marathon half marathon-endurance, staying power, long distance, joy, accomplishment...God is saying here, "I am working on you with a specific purpose in mind." God is trying to produce in us an everlasting and durable faith.  I'm still human and have to tell myself not to quit when my faith is tested but just think what if Jesus quit? 

Your Great Name!

I hope you all enjoyed this Easter weekend and spent some time with your families. I hope you find this worship as amazing as I did!

Jesus, worthy is the Lamb that was slain for us, Son of God and Man. You are high and lifted up and all the world will praise!

Chuy's Japapeno Dip

We finally made it to Chuy's, for those of you that don't know, it's a new restaurant located at the Summit here in B-Ham. It's an eclectic Tex-Mex chain out of Texas that has a personality of it's own. They have the BEST views--overlooking 280.

I loved the jalapeno dip that they serve with the chips and salsa so much that I went on a hunt for the recipe. I found one on the Pioneer Woman's Tasty Kitchen website that tasted exactly like the Chuy's dip! I can't wait to try to incorporate this into other recipes!

Chuy's Jalapeno Dip

adapted from Tasty Kitchen

16 ounces Light Sour Cream

1 package (1 Oz.) Ranch Dip Mix

2 whole large jalapenos, roughly chopped

2 cloves garlic, minced

1/3 cup fresh cilantro

1 whole lime, juiced

2-4 Tbsp buttermilk

Combine roughly chopped jalapenos, cilantro and garlic in the food processor. Pulse until finely chopped. Add lime juice, sour cream and ranch mix. Pulse until thoroughly combined. Add milk, a tablespoon at a time, until you reach the desired thickness. Pour into serving bowl and enjoy!

Taking it up a notch

The Comers have taken it up a notch! Yes, we have grown our own herbs! :) I know CRAZY..

Expect some fresh dishes soon! We have basil, oregano and rosemary!

I found this wooden box at TJ MAXX for approx. $12 and purchased all the herbs for less than $10.

Here are a few tips for cooking with fresh herbs:

Make a vinaigrette. Take ¼ cup white wine vinegar, ½ cup extra virgin olive oil, ½ teaspoon Dijon mustard and 1-2 tablespoons of chopped fresh herbs and whisk together. Season with salt and pepper, as desired. In just minutes, you will have a fabulous homemade vinaigrette to serve on salad.

Brighten up risotto. The addition of a tablespoon of finely chopped rosemary, sage and oregano can make any batch of risotto simply sublime.

Season your salads. The easiest way to eat herbs with minimal prep is to add the leaves to your tossed salads. Simply tear the leaves from the stems (basil, oregano and cilantro work best for this).

Make an herbed butter. Soften a stick of good-quality unsalted butter and whip it with a tablespoon of your favorite finely chopped herb or herbs or even minced fresh garlic. Season with sea salt. Transfer to a serving dish and chill until ready to use. This is great on fresh bread or grilled steak.

Krispy Kreme French Toast

I think I just died. And went to Heaven. For real!

Do you remember the first Hot Now you had? 

 I heart Krispy Kreme donuts! My lovely father introduced me to these at a VERY young age. Thanks Dad, my butt really says gracias!

You now know why I have to spend hours in the gym every week. Of course, so I can enjoy delish desserts like these on occasion.

Who counts calories?

I'm "dying" to know if the Hot Light is always on in Heaven?!?!

Krispy Kreme French Toast

3 Krispy Kreme Donuts

1 egg

1 tablespoon of vanilla

1/4 cup milk

1 tablespoon butter (melted)

powdered sugar for garnish

Whisk egg, milk and vanilla and cut 3 Krispy Kreme donuts in halves. Dunk the donuts into the egg mixture, cut side down. Then place in skillet and cook for 2 min on each side.

Yum, Yum! P said these are wonderful but don't make them again. Ha!

Shrimp & Gouda Grits

One of my favorite places to visit is Scenic Route 30-A, an 18-mile road that hugs the coastline of the Gulf of Mexico in Northwest Florida. Some of my followers will know this area better by names such as Santa Rosa Beach, Blue Mountain, Grayton, Water Color, Seaside & Sea Grove. Ringing a bell? Paul and I were married along 30A at the Santa Rosa Beach Club almost 5 years ago this coming September! I grew up spending weekends & summers along the sugar-white sand beaches. Since we've been experiencing some summer weather this week here in Alabama I was instantly reminded of this dish! Here's to some warm weather and of course, good food!

Shrimp & Gouda Grits

makes 8 servings

4 cups chicken broth

1 cup whipping cream

1 tsp. salt

1/4 tsp. freshly ground pepper

2 cups uncooked quick-cooking grits

2 cups shredded Gouda Cheese

1/2 cup buttermilk

1/4 cup butter

2 tsp. hot sauce

Bring first 4 ingredients and 4 cups of water to a boil in a Dutch oven over high heat: whisk in grits, reduce heat to medium-low, and simmer; stirring occasionally, 15 min or until thickened. Remove from heat, and stir in Gouda and remaining ingredients.

A few more vinyl projects

I've been having a ball playing with my Silhouette, vinyl cutting machine. I practiced this weekend on a beach bag for my cousin whose getting married in two weeks.

I think she'll love this bag for her honeymoon! It can be used for a beach bag, dirty clothes bag, carry on, etc.

Isn't this cute? I may personalize these bags for my grocery sacks.

This one is for Kyle, my cousins little boy who has a birthday in May! I won't tell you what's going in the bucket but it sure makes for a cute gift!

Shout Out!

My Dad holding a sweet, Guatemalan baby

I'm asking for prayer for my dad whose been in Guatemala on a mission trip for the last 1.5 week--pray for safe travels, health and strength. I have a few verses to share that come to my mind when I'm  thinking about the blessings my dad is recieving down there.

 Proverbs 22:9 

A generous man will himself be blessed, for he shares his food with the poor. 

 

Acts 11:25

 

In everything I did, I showed you that by this kind of hard work we must help the weak, remembering the words the Lord Jesus himself said: 'It is more blessed to give than to receive".

 

Luke 6:38

 

Give, and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over, will be poured into your lap. For with the measure you use, it will be measured to you."

 

Timothy 6:18-19

 

18 Command them to do good, to be rich in good deeds, and to be generous and willing to share. 19 In this way they will lay up treasure for themselves as a firm foundation for the coming age, so that they may take hold of the life that is truly life.

 

I know you will read this daddy, I LOVE YOU and I'm so Proud to call you my earthly Father! <3

Mission Accomplished

If you read Clean & Crisp that I posted a week ago or have recently heard my rant about White Pillows then you know this is an accomplishment! I now know the inventory of pretty much every home store here in Birmingham since I've been everywhere - twice. I decided to go back to Tuesday Morning to pick up these fresh, white pillows that I had seen early in my search. Thank you to all my friends who offered suggestions, help, seamstresses, etc. )

 Feel free to ask me if you are in need of any spring home items!

I'm pretty much an expert now!

The PERFECT Chocolate Chip Cookie

I don't know about you but I am constantly on a search for the perfect chocolate chip cookie recipe. These big, beautiful, bakery-quality chocolate chip cookies get me every time! If you want to be fancy, add a sprinkling of fleur de sel to the top of each cookie before serving. It sounds weird, but trust me, it adds a great little kick of saltiness. 

These oversized cookies are chewy and thick, like many of the chocolate chip cookies sold in gourmet shops and cookie stores. They rely on melted butter and an extra egg yolk to keep their texture soft. These cookies are best served warm from the oven but will retain their texture even when cooled. To ensure the proper texture, cool the cookies on the baking sheet. Oversized baking sheets allow you to get all the dough into the oven at one time. If you’re using smaller baking sheets, put fewer cookies on each sheet and bake them in batches.

Source: Baking Illustrated
Makes about 18 large cookies.

2 cups plus 2 tablespoons unbleached all-purpose flour

1/2 teaspoon baking soda

1/2 teaspoon salt

12 tablespoons (1 1/2 sticks) unsalted butter, melted and cooled until warm

1 cup packed light or dark brown sugar

1/2 cup granulated sugar

1 large egg plus 1 egg yolk

2 teaspoons vanilla extract

1-1 1/2 cups semisweet chocolate chips

1. Adjust the oven racks to the upper- and lower-middle positions and heat the oven to 325 degrees. Line 2 large baking sheets with parchment paper or spray them with nonstick cooking spray.

2. Whisk the flour, baking soda, and salt together in a medium bowl; set aside.

3. Either by hand or with an electric mixer, mix the butter and sugars until thoroughly blended. Beat in the egg, yolk, and vanilla until combined. Add the dry ingredients and beat at low speed just until combined. Stir in the chips to taste.

4. Roll 1/4 cup of the dough into a ball. Hold the dough ball with the fingertips of both hands and pull into 2 equal halves. Rotate the halves 90 degrees and, with jagged surfaces facing up, join the halves together at their base, again forming a single ball, being careful not to smooth the dough’s uneven surface. Place the formed dough balls on the prepared baking sheets, jagged surface up, spacing them 2 1/2 inches apart.

5. Bake until the cookies are light golden grown and the outer edges start to harden yet the centers are still soft and puffy, 15 to 18 minutes, rotating the baking sheets front to back and top to bottom halfway through the baking time. Cool the cookies on the sheets. Remove the cooled cookies from the baking sheets with a side metal spatula.


If you’re like me and you’re afraid that having too many of these cookies around just in case you “accidentally” find yourself surrounded by a pile of crumbs, having eaten through the whole batch by yourself, share them with your friends and family. They’ll love you for it.


 

 

Makes me Smile

Lollie has been such a blessing to me since Weebs passed away back in December. My heart has grown fond of her and I really don't know if I could have handled Weebs passing if she wasn't in our lives. I know this is awful to admit but she was/is such a puppy--ya, know? Not potty trained, barking, always ready to play, never ready to sleep...etc. For all you out there about to say something STOP because I hear you!  :) I was accustomed to lifeless Weebles who slept all day and paced around my feet until I was ready to sit down or his hind legs just gave out. Whichever it is Lollie is preparing us for a little Comer!  

God. Blessed. Me. With. Amazing. Parents.

This pretty much is summed up in one sentence.

I heart the beach--and anything white, turquoise, or a shade of blue. This picture was taken last summer when I vacayed with my mom, aunt and cousins. Kyle is saying, "Arms up for the Beach" or Aunt T! hmmm...not sure which one this was.

This picture is so serene and calming! Our Wedding Day, Sept. 24, 2006! What a special day this is to us--I can't beleive it's going to be FIVE years soon. Wonder if P has big plans? ha!

Well, if you couldn't tell I <3 sweets and pretty much any other food. I'm a Foodie! Or am I a junk foodie? This tee shirt says it all! Cupcakes Make People Happy!

Such a sweet princess! Lillian has our HEART! This special little girl is some of our dear friends daughter who we may have a kid crush on--is that a for real syndrome? I'll Google it! Paul already has her "hooked"!