Christmas Traditions and Recipes: Chocolate Spice Cookies

The most difficult cookie that my family makes each year is by far the chocolate spice cookie.  These cookies require the most work, and are still the cookies that I have yet to master on my own due to their complexity.  But, they are by far my favorite and we often double or triple the amount that we make in comparison to the other cookies because of the amount that we eat.  In our home, the smell of the chocolate spice cookies is Christmas, not the smell of a pine tree or the smell of any of the other cookies that we bake.  This cookie is the quintessential Christmas cookie that brings the family together.  But, over the years, this cookie has also been the source of family conflict.

The original spice recipe for the cookies themselves remains intact today, and is just as good as it was in the beginning.  The perfect combination of the cloves and the cinnamon mixes together to create no only an aroma that creates nostalgia, but also tastes just so sweet that you can’t help but grab another cookie.  But, on the road to perfection, the made from scratch frosting recipe (because we’re just too good for canned) has undergone extreme changes.  Originally, the frosting had no butter which caused major consistency and color issues with the substance and was immediately changed.  But minor tweaks and changes have also been made up until a few years ago- to the point where I myself even remember some of the last changes to the recipe.  This is a reminder to me that I will not be the last generation to make these cookies- I am merely a link in a long line of generations to experience the wonder of the chocolate spice.

After the dough had been made, it needs to be rolled into large log formations before it can be baked.  This is perhaps the hardest part of the process, as the dough does not like being formed into logs and has a tendency to break as you are rolling it.   This is the point in which I personally require my mother or grandmother’s help in order to complete the baking process as I have proved unable to roll a decent log (but perhaps this year will be THE year!).  Over the years, the size and the shape of the logs is yet another thing that has also required some adjustment in order to prevent the cookies from burning in the oven and from becoming too dried out on the inside.

While I do not remember my first taste of a chocolate spice cookie, or any Christmas cookie for that matter, I do know what it tastes like to have my first bite of one every year.  Technically, my first bite of the chocolate spice occurs before the cookies are even baked, as if not hinted at before, I am a cookie dough monster.  The chocolate spice has a unique grainy texture to it, which helps it to remain in log formation.  But the taste.  The spices truly come out when it is in dough form, and it is mouth watering.  If you decide to try these cookies out this year, embrace the dough and give it a try.  Just do it.  Please.  Do it for me.  You won’t regret it.

Chocolate Spice Cookies

2 cups sugar

1 cup cocoa

1 ½ tsp cloves

1 ½ tsp cinnamon

1 ½ tsp baking powder

½ tsp baking soda

½ cup oil

1 cup milk

2 tsp vanilla

Frosting:

2 tbs softened butter

¼ cup cocoa

1tsp vanilla

2 cups powdered sugar

Milk to consistency (start with ¼ cup and add more as needed)

Colored sprinkles, or other colored decorations

1.      Mix all dry ingredients together

2.      Add milk, oil, vanilla.  Mix thoroughly.  (If dough is extremely crumbly, add a tsp more vanilla and milk)

3.      The dough will NOT be in one large clump.  Work the dough into 4 large balls.

4.      Put in refrigerator for 30 minutes

5.      Using wax paper to assist, shape dough into 10 in long logs, that are 4 inches wide

6.      Place logs on ungreased cookie sheet

7.      Bake 350 degrees for 12-14 minutes.  The top of the cookie may crack, but be sure the cookie is not too mushy at the touch.

8.      Let cool for several hours, or overnight.

9.      Do not make frosting until it is about to be used.  To make frosting, simple mix all the ingredients together.

10. Frost logs to create a thick layer of frosting and immediately decorate with sprinkles or decoration

11. Let dry thoroughly

12. Cut cookies on a 45 degree angle for added design

Video Game Review: Mario Party 6

This is my absolute favorite game in the Mario Party series.  Enough said?  I think so.  But seriously, I’ll tell you why I love it. 

This game involves both a switch between Day and Night when you are playing on one of the six boards that are available to you, which is unique to this game.  That alone makes the game fun.  Out of all of the boards, my favorite on this particular game is “Faire Square,” the first ever board to veer from the traditional board with a ‘star space’ and contains a star location in which stars can be purchased for an ever changing price depending on the time of day.

Are you a fan of the Mario Party series?  While I admit they are not the most challenging of games, they can get pretty competitive between my friends and I, and they are super fun to play.  They are friendly games and great for people who are not super-into video games, but still want to have fun with friends playing a simple game.

If you’ve never played a video game in your life, or want to give the Mario Party series a try, I highly recommend this one, or even Mario Party 7.  Both games are very user friendly, and pretty similar in use.  But, like I said from the start, 6 is my favorite.  You’ll see why.

Christmas Traditions and Recipes: Sugar Cookies

Since Christmas is only about a week and a half away, (eeek!) I thought I’d share with you all some of my family’s traditions and ways of celebrating the holiday.  One of the most special ways of celebrating the holiday includes baking Christmas cookies.

When I was younger, I used to love the preparation of Christmas cookies almost as much as Christmas itself.  It was a day which my parents, grandparents, brother, and I spend mixing dough, rolling it, cutting it out in festive shapes, and baking it to perfection.  I find it impossible not to cherish the memories created each year.  Each year, we go to the extreme, baking approx. 3-4 batches of 5 different kinds of cookies: sugar, gingerbread, angenette, crinkle, and the ever popular chocolate spice cookies.  However, in our defense, we do give plenty of our cookies away in gift baskets to family and friends.

My family’s sugar cookie recipe comes from a side of a Domino’s powdered sugar box dating back to who-knows-when.  A classic Christmas cookie, I have yet to find a sugar cookie that compares with the one that my family makes.  They are not flakey as some cookies are, yet they are not hard as others can be.  They are the perfect combination of soft and firm, and have the perfect balance of sugar and flour, giving it the perfect sweet taste.  Combined with the sugar crystals that used on top of the cookies for decoration, the create the perfect cookie.

One of my favorite things about baking sugar cookies is eating the cookie dough.  When I was younger, this was something that my parents introduced me to, and allowed me to do in small amounts. Now that I am older, each year I still look forward to that first taste of dough that hits my tongue.  Out of all the dough’s that we make, the sugar cookie dough tastes the best, perhaps due to its’ simplicity.  I look forward to the day when I have the opportunity to introduce the taste of this dough to my own daughter.

When my family rolls out the cookies, typically the manual labor falls upon my father and me.  We are the ones left to roll out the dough countless times until it reaches the perfect thickness, and gently press our enormous cookie cutter collection into the dough in order to create the cookies.  Then, we sprinkle red and/or green sugar crystals over the cookies and send them to my mother, who typically is in charge of the oven.  When the cookies come out of the oven, they look pristine.  And if they don’t, it’s o.k.  any and all burnt cookies officially become property of my grandfather, or Poppy, as we kids call him, and he quietly sits on the couch and munches away while watching FOX news.  This system, perfected over decades, has been in place for ‘cookie weekend’ and has proved to be quite successful.  The players in the game have changed over the years as grandparents become unable to do the physical work, and new generations, such as myself, entered the game, eager and ready to play.  But the game has always remained the same.

Sugar Cookies

1 ½ cups flour

2 tsp baking powder

½ tsp salt

1 ½ cups Dominos confectionary 10x powdered sugar

1tsp vanilla

1cup butter softened

1 egg

Domino granulated sugar for sprinkling or sugar crystals of choice

1.      In large bowl, stir flour, baking powder, salt, and sugar together

2.      Add butter, vanilla, and egg

3.      Mix thoroughly until well blended

4.      Shape into 4 balls and chill 2 hours

5.      Roll dough on lightly floured surface to 3/4in thickness

6.      Cut using various desired cookie cutters

7.      Place on lightly greased cookie sheet

8.      Sprinkle with granulated sugar or sugar crystals as desired

9.      Bake 8 min. or until edges are slightly golden brown in oven that is 375 degrees

10. Transfer to wire cooling rack.  Store in airtight container.

Yield 60 cookies.

The Study Abroad Experience Pt.3: The Premiere

As I said before, I had absolutely no problem doing things on my own during my time abroad.  Often times, those were the times that I enjoyed the most.  When I found that the red carpet premiere of the final Harry Potter film would take place when I was in London, I just had to go.  The only problem was, I had class at the same time.  Being the obsessed Potter fan that I am, I wasn’t going to let that get in my way.  So, I spoke with m professor and explained how much it meant to me, and he said I could go.  So, the morning of the premiere, I went to my internship as usual, and then headed to Trafalgar Square (where the premiere was held) after working. 

The day before the premiere, I had to go and get a wristband that was required to enter the square on the day of the premiere.  My boss let me leave work early so that I could run to the square and get one.  I was a bit nervous there wouldn’t be one because someone else from work had come in late because she’d been waiting in a massive line to get one.  But, luckily, there was absolutely no line that I had to wait in, and I got one immediately. 

The day of the premiere, when I arrived in the square, it was a torrential downpour.  I was not looking forward to waiting for hours in the rain until the stars arrived, but nothing was going to keep me from having that experience.  I battled the rain and the crowds and managed to get into a really great spot along the center red carpet.  The red carpet wrapped around the entire square and then down the center of the square where I was.  And after 3 hours of standing around waiting, the stars finally arrived.

Rupert Grint was the first to arrive in the square, and soon after him, Tom Felton.  Emma Watson came about 30 minutes later, and let me just say, she is more beautiful in person than I could have ever imagined.  It took about an hour before the two other people that I most wanted to see came, but when they did, they blew me away.  Daniel Radcliffe entered with his usual awkwardness and adorable personality that makes me love him so, and J.K. Rowling herself arrived with all the grace and elegance that I’d imagined her to have.

The stars and J.K.R. all circled around the red carpet, taking pictures, doing interviews, and most importantly, spending time with the fans.  I’ll never be able to put into words how incredible it was to be there, knowing that the people that I admire most in the world were only mere feet away from me.  While I didn’t get to get any autographs or take any pictures with the stars, I had a prime location.  I was able to see the stars doing interviews without using the big monitor that was set up, but could use it if I wanted to, and had the perfect line of vision for the big speeches.  And If you don’t know the speeches that I’m talking about, click the link below.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DKXuOj9d5o8

While the speeches were happening, I couldn’t control my emotions.  There had been times while standing and waiting that the soundtrack playing in the background got me choked up, but when the speeches began, and especially when Emma Watson broke down, I couldn’t help it.  I was embarrassed at first, crying in the middle of Trafalgar Square, until I realized something.  Every single person in the area was crying too.  I felt truly at home and with people that were exactly like me in their love for this incredible franchise. 

While going to the premiere had its downfalls (I had a stomach virus for days after from standing in the rain and the emotional stress), I would never trade that experience for anything.  Being in that square was truly one of the best moments of my life, and I can’t believe it was over a year ago now.  I still can’t believe that the Harry Potter series has come to an end.  I still find myself waiting for yet another book or another film.  The series took me from childhood to adulthood- something that only my direct peers will understand.  

People younger and older than me have sat and judged, including my own family, and that is simply because they do not understand.  The books and films began when I was at the perfect age to get into them, and they ended just as I truly became an adult.  I always consider myself having left the states a kid, and returning as an adult.  Nothing ever gave me more of a sense of finality of my childhood than the end of this series.  Harry and his friends were there for me through thick and thin, and made my childhood and teen years better.  I can’t imagine what I would have done if this series never existed.  And all I can say is that my children will never have to answer that question.  I will introduce the books and films to them in the same way they were introduced to me: little by little, day by day.  I just hope that one day, they will be able to say they had just as meaningful experience with the series as I did.

AllisonFit: Jillian Michaels, 30 Day Shred

Welcome back to another segment of AllisonFit!  Today I want to talk about a workout dvd that I’m sure many of you have heard of before, Jillian Michaels’ 30 Day Shred dvd.  This workout is so challenging that I finish is feeling so winded and tired, that I practically need a nap afterwards!

The dvd comes with 3 levels on it, 1, 2, 3, and as you become stronger in each level, you progress forward.  I’m still on level one (sad, I know), but I was at one point on level 2.  Right now, the thought of moving up to level two makes me a bit sick though.  However, this video is a great workout, and does really work your entire body in around 30 minutes, including both a warm-up and cool-down.  Not much time at all when you think about it. 

The workout is based off a 3-2-1 interval system, which means that there is 3 minutes of strength training, 2 minutes of cardio, and 1 minute of abs work.  And let me just say it again, this workout is tough when you first start.  But, if you’re diligent with it and don’t give up, which I admit is a challenge, you can literally feel you’re body becoming stronger from day to day.  It is literally the coolest feeling. 

I highly recommend this workout, even if you’re just starting out a fitness program.  When I bought this dvd and starting doing it for the first time, I hadn’t worked out seriously in years.  And in about a week I was stronger than I’d ever been.  It works that fast.  It doesn’t matter where you are when you start, you’ll see results and get to a great point in the end, even if you only stay at level one for the entire 30 day challenge.  I’d heard incredible things about Jillian Michaels’ workout dvds but I was always skeptical until I experienced one for myself.  Once I did, I became someone that saw my fitness differently.  It is possible to get in shape and change my body for the better.  I can get the body that I want, I just have to be willing to do the work to get it.  And you can too.

Video Game Review: Just Dance 3

The third game in the Just Dance series, this game is packed full of hit songs, and awesome dance routines that are sure to challenge your fitness, stamina, and dancing abilities.  Even as a former dancer, there are many routines that I find myself struggling on and I’m often out of breath after a dance or two.  Which makes playing this game a great workout.

Like I said, this game, or any of the Just Dance games are a great workout.  Because they have the Just Sweat feature, you can track your physical fitness levels and experience as you play the game, making it easy to play the game as a workout routine.  I especially love using this feature, as it helps me get moving in my day to day life, and it doesn’t really feel like I’m doing a workout at all (except for the sweating part- because yes, you WILL sweat). 

In addition to a great fitness feature that comes on the game, the game also has a great basic game feature.  If you don’t feel like playing for your health, you can select the Just Dance mode and rock out to your favorite songs.  The game has many hit songs on it from popular artists from all ages such as Cee Lo Green, Jessi J., Bananarama, and Kiss.  With such a wide selection of songs and artists, there is surely something for everyone to enjoy jamming out to.  

The Final Test

By the time this is posted it will be hours later, possibly days later, after writing this.  Let me just say that right now.  And let me also say that the following things I could perhaps be feeling only in the moment and not in actuality.  But right now, they are very raw and real to me. 

I am about to take my one and only final exam of the semester.  It is in my mythology class and I don’t think I could be more terrified.  Seriously.  I have never been more nervous about an exam in my entire undergrad career.  Why am I so freaked out you ask?  I have absolutely no idea.  I know that I haven’t done the best job on the quizzes in class (ok, I failed most of them) but I’ve done really, really, well on both of the papers we’ve had for the class, which count towards much more of our grade.  I also know that grades don’t define who you are, so should I even care?

But, unfortunately, for me, I do care.  I do let my grades define how I think of myself at least partially.  And if I don’t do well on this exam, I’ll hate myself for it.  In general with grades I never seem to do very well, and it’s not for a lack of trying on my part.  I just never seem to, I don’t know… get… things as quickly as others do.  And it makes classes really frustrating to the point where I’m so done with school.

But back to this final exam.  I’m not expecting to get a perfect grade on it.  But believe me, I’ll be jumping for joy if I manage to scrape up a C.  That’s how worried I am about how well I’m going to do.  Even a D I’d gladly accept.  At least that’s a passing grade.  I just can’t fail.  Failure is not an option.  Is this some form of extreme stress of anxiety that I am feeling?  I’ve never felt anything even remotely like this before – so this is all brand new to me.  I have no idea what is going on.  It’s almost as if I were graduating this semester- this is more of how I imagined I would feel walking into my last final exam ever, not just a regular old final exam. 

All I know are a few things.  Grades ultimately don’t matter.  Despite the pressures you put on yourself now, they will eventually fade away (and thank god for that), so being the perfect student is basically a waste of energy.  Not that you shouldn’t try in school, it’s just that perfection is overrated.  Trying hard is great, but not to the point where you physically and mentally hurt yourself.  Because believe me, it can happen. 

To everyone out the enduring the hardships of final exams – GOOD LUCK!!! Know that I am thinking of you as you go through what I just went through today.  You are not alone!

Video Game Review: Super Mario Sunshine

A classic game for the Nintendo Gamecube, Super Mario Sunshine is guaranteed fun for all ages.  Rated E for everyone, this game is a blast. 

When I first received this game as a Christmas gift a few years back, I admit I was pretty horrible at it.  While my skills haven’t improved to the point where I can complete the entire game on my own (I need my brother’s assistance), I still love the game.  I love the concept, the levels, the graphics… everything.  Going from the N64 to the Gamecube and this game, the technology and graphics were such an improvement I was just amazed and blown away.  Anything would have probably impressed me after the N64, not that I didn’t love that system.  And I still do.

But let’s get to the game itself.  For those of you that have never played before, I highly suggest that you get on Ebay (because finding the game at a local GameStop is pretty difficult now) and purchase the game for a few bucks.  The game starts with a tutorial on how to use FLUDD, your brand-spanking new water-jet-like pack.  This new device is used to spray, shoot, and propel water at a sludge that is destroying the Isle Delfino.  It is your job to save the Isle and return all of the Shine Sprites to the land.  The game goes on from there to open up various levels in other locations in the Isle as you progress through the game. 

If that doesn’t make sense, then check out the game for yourself.  It’s definitely worth a shot, and at this point in time, since the game has been out for so long, it’ll be cheap.  In case you haven’t picked up on it yet, let me reiterate: I highly recommend this game!

Book Review: Style by Lauren Conrad

Ok, so I told you I was reading this book forever ago, and I finally finished it!  I admit, I wasn’t actively reading it; I was more reading it little bits and pieces at a time.  Overall, the book was great for style, fashion, and beauty tips and tricks that I had no idea about.  The book also had some great websites included in it (the ones that I’d mentioned in my previous blog post about the book) that had great discounted goods.

I’m not going to go into super amounts of detail about the book.  IF you’ve read it, then you’ll probably know why.  The book has so many components- it discusses wardrobe, accessories, makeup, hair, travel, events/parties, and much more.  But all chapters in the book have great advice.  If you’re looking for advice in the makeup/fashion realm, or are interested in learning more on those topics, then I highly recommend this book.  Lauren is a great teacher, and includes expert advice in every section.

So again, sorry for the super short review, and if you haven’t already, go check out this book!  I know I can’t wait to check out Lauren’s other book, Beauty!  Let me know if you’ve checked out either book from her in the comments below and what your thoughts are!

Update!

Hey Everyone!

Just thought I’d write a quick little update for you guys today since as usual, I’m super bored in my mythology class.

So right now one of my big projects is looking for an ‘after-school-job’ for next semester.  I desperately need the extra cash from an extra job and I know money that I’m making during my winter break won’t be enough.  So, I’m in the process of applying to over 15 different local stores in the hopes that one of these places will hire me.  So please wish me luck!  I could definitely use it!

In addition to the great job search, I’ve also been busy finishing up classes and preparing portfolios and studying for finals.  Today was my last day of classes, and next week is our finals week.  Lucky for me, I only have 1 final in my mythology class.  I’m a little concerned about it because it’s a lot of quote identifications, which I’m not very good at.  So hopefully God will be on my side and I’ll manage to do well.  On the bright side, I got a 96% on my science test I took yesterday!  So yay for me!

I’m also trying to learn to crochet.  Because I’m a crotchety old lady.  Just kidding.  But seriously.  I feel like a little old lady, sitting with my cup of tea attempting to crochet.  But I’m failing in my attempts.  It’s pretty bad.  I’ve watched countless YouTube videos, and even bought a book with a ton of patterns and an instruction section in the back, and still no luck.  Does anyone have any tips?  Anyone?  If you know how to crochet, please let me know and give me some tips!

Recipe Corner – Chunky Monkey Shake

For those of you that follow me on Pinterest, you may have seen this delectable treat on my “Yummy” board.  But, if you don’t, or didn’t see it, have no fear, for it is here!

Chunky Monkey Shake

1 Banana

1 tbs peanut butter

1 cup chocolate milk

1 cup ice

Blend well.

Enjoy!

I absolutely love making this shake, especially for breakfast, or even as a mid-afternoon snack.  One of the best things about the shake is not only does it taste amazing, but it is also packed with protein.

I hope everyone that tries this recipe out enjoys it!  Let me know what you think of it in the comments below!

Another YouTube Channel

In case you couldn’t guess from the title, I’ve created another YouTube channel!  I’ve mentioned it briefly before, but I wanted to make an official announcement.

In addition to allisoncomments, my vlog channel, I now have allisonbeauty1, an all-things beauty and fashion channel.

This new channel will be modeled after my favorite beauty channels on YouTube like Miss Glamorazzi, Amarixe, and 11^th Gorgeous.  So, if you like those channels, or have any interest in channels like them, please go check out my new channel.  I also have a couple of GIVEAWAYS coming up!

Thanks for reading and thanks for taking the time to check out my new channel!

http://www.youtube.com/channel/UCvYW93dheSu1IbKcy2YL8cQ/featured

The Goot Experience

Attending An Evening with Alex Goot was an incredible experience.  Not only was alex Goot an incredible performer, but I was lucky enough to see Luke Conard perform, but also got to meet him and MissGlam.  Those of you who have watched my videos and read my blog previously know how much of a big deal this was to me.

Seeing Luke conard perform was amazing.  He is so great with the crowd and is really entertaining on stage and off.  He played many of my favorite songs, including Ministry of Magic’s “Don’t Leave,” the song that led me into this side of YouTube.  A few of Luke’s songs are featured in my Vlogsgiving Day 11 Video, linked at the end of this post.  Go check it out!  I was also lucky enough to be featured in on of Luke’s on vlogs!!!!!  That was an even bigger deal for me!  I couldn’t contain my excitement when he pulled out that infamous red camera and instantly became one of those typical screaming fangirls. (sigh, I know)

In that link of my own Vlog video, I also have featured footage of Alex Goot’s performance.  Alex’s performance was so much fun to watch, especially when he performed two of my favorite songs, “Lightning,” and “Sensitivity.”

But the most special part of the night was meeting both MissGlamorazzi and Luke Conard.  They were both so incredibly kind and fun to talk to.  We actually had a great conversation and they were both nich enough to take pictures with me!  Needless to say, I was so happy and was shaking after speaking with them.

If you have the chance to go to the concert when it comes to you area, I strongly encourage you to do to so.  It’s a great, enjoyable show with incredibly talented people.  And if you’ve never heard of these people, then you’re missing out.  Go check out my old posts on these people and see which videos I love.  This is a great group of kind, talented people, and they truly deserve your support.

Hitting Home...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l1LnVSXbhXU

Introducing… Fleur de Force

Fleur is a British girl who is another YouTube beauty guru.  Being international, she has a unique perspective on beauty and fashion that makes for great videos.  She recently got engaged, and now has her own bridal channel in addition to her main channel and vlog channels.  While not all of her looks are manageable since many of them rely on British-based products, it is easy to find American dupes for her looks.  Let me know what you think of this beauty girl!  Be sure to tell her I sent you to her channel!

Here are some of my favorite videos of hers:

Mike’s Master Makeup Class http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q_W4dazRovY

                Because men doing makeup is always a good time.

Blindfolded Makeup Challenge http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bT2tq1Lwrlc&feature=plcp

                It’s unreal how good she is when she can’t use her eyes to do makeup.  Watch and be amazed as she puts makeup on Luke Conard.

My Makeup Collection! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oQO12hjS_Ic&feature=plcp

                Because who doesn’t love a good collection video?

My nail polish collection and Storage! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y_glJh_9lts&feature=plcp

                The inspiration for my own polish solution.  Let me know in the comments below if you’d like to see my own personal nail polish collection and storage system!