July 31: National Mutt Day

While I don't think "mutt" is a very nice word, it refers to any mixed breed dogs.

My favorite "mutt" is Roxy. I don't actually have a dog. But Roxy is as close to a dog as I have. I get to take care of her a lot and I think she likes me. She is believed to be an Australian Shepherd mix. She has a lot of attitude and is a little bit sassy. She is also super sweet and absolutely adorable. That's the way I like my dogs.

She likes to hike around Suttle Lake with my mom and I. Notice how my mom is holding Roxy's face. That's because she was displaying a little bit of her attitude and refusing to look at the camera.

The above photo is one of my all time favorites. We were on our way to the lake and obviously we were practicing our selfies. Note: I was not driving at this time. I was stopped at the gas station. Never take selfies while driving. That's dangerous.

So next time you decide to get a dog, consider adopting a so called "mutt" from your local Human Society. These dogs need homes. And maybe, you will just get lucky enough to get a Roxy.

July 30: National Cheesecake Day

I've been making (and eating) a lot of desserts lately. So in honor of today, National Cheesecake Day, I'm directing you to a previous post where I made blueberry cheesecake.

I was so tempted to make a new type of cheesecake to celebrate today, but I'm super busy because of my summer work schedule, I've been sick, and too many desserts.

Here's a tempting picture of this fabulous cheesecake though.

To see the recipe and the original post, Click Here.

July 28: National Milk Chocolate Day

Milk chocolate is my favorite type of chocolate. And since I am a big chocolate lover, I knew today was going to be fun.

I had a little help celebrating today.

Did you know that moose absolutely LOVE milk chocolate?
Well they do. (I think it has to do with the alliteration, Moose and Milk).

Now you might be able to see the big Hershey's bar sitting on Christopher Henry's snout. But can you see the other hidden candies?

Christopher Henry is also hiding a milk chocolate in each of his nostrils and there is one sitting on top of his head. I don't think he thought I would notice.

Thanks for helping me celebrate National Milk Chocolate Day, Christopher Henry!

Have you been following the story about the Milwaukee Lion? There has apparently been a large cat seen on the loose in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. They actually think it is a young, male African lion that probably either escaped or was released as an exotic pet. It's been almost two weeks since the first sighting, and they still haven't captured it. Click here, to go to the funny Facebook page people made for the lion.

I personally think African Lions like chocolate.

Shout out to my mom's friend Cindy, who lives in Milwaukee! You better not eat too much milk chocolate Cindy, or the Milwaukee lion may find you!

July 27: National Creme Brulee Day

I have never made Creme Brulee before. Heck, I'm not even sure I have had it before.

But it sounds fancy. So you know it must be good.

I decided I should buy some ramikins, so I ordered a whole creme brulee kit.

Isn't it cute?

JazzyJ's Creme Brulee:

Ingredients:
- 6 egg yolks
- 2 cups heaving whipping cream
- 1/3 cup sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla
- boiling water
- 8 teaspoons sugar

Broiling in the oven!

Directions:
1.  Heat oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Place four 6 ounce ramikins in either a ramikin pan (like I have pictured above) or a 13 x 9 inch pan.
2. Lightly beat the egg yolks with a whisk. In a separate bowl, mix together the whipping cream, sugar, and vanilla until well mixed. Add in the egg yolks and mix until completely combined.
3. Pour mixture evenly into the ramikins. Add boiling water around the ramikins so the water is about 2/3 of the way up the ramikins. Bake in the oven 30 to 40 minutes or until the sides are set, the middle is slightly jiggly, and the top is lightly browned.
4. Transfer ramikins to a cooling rack and cool until room temperature, about 2 hours. Lightly cover with saran wrap and place in the refrigerator until completely cooled, preferably over night.
5. Remove from fridge, uncover ramikins and blot any extra moisture from the top. Sprinkle two teaspoon sugar on top of each creme brulee. Either broil in the oven for about 2 minutes, or use a torch and heat the top. The sugar should melt and crystallize on top.

An important note: I was anxious and only let them sit in the fridge for about two hours, as a result of my haste, the middle was not set at all and was very runny. Back in the fridge they went. The next day however, they were perfectly set and well worth the wait. 

For best results, eat immediately!

YOU WILL NOT BE DISAPPOINTED!

Straight out of the oven, before broiling the sugar on top.

Right after the broiling. See how the tops are crystallized?

MY BABY!

Every time I went to eat my creme brulee, I told my self since it was rich, I would only eat half and save the rest for later. That never happened. I ate the whole thing every single time. They were to die for.

My mom described them as,  "heavenly creamy, delectably delicious, and bursting with flavor."

I felt very fancy eating this. And now I can say I have both made, and eaten, creme brulee. You bet my creme brulee ramikins will be getting good use!

July 26: National Bagelfest Day

Happy National Bagelfest Day!

I'm not quite sure how this day differs from National Bagel Day. Click on the link to read about my adventures making bagels way back in February.

This time, I decided not to home make bagels. I just popped one out of the freezer, defrosted it a little bit, put it in the toaster.

Now I have to stop right here. My dad has a funny issue with our toaster. He insists, that after it is used, it is stored in a cupboard out of sight. The coffee machines are apparently the only small appliances allowed to permanently occupy the counter. It bothers me because it is a pain to dig the toaster out of the back of the cupboard each time I want to use it. But it's not my house, so I guess I can't complain.

Anyways,

I decided to put butter and cinnamon and sugar on top of one half. And blackberry jam on the other half of the bagel.

It was tasty. So Happy National Bagelfest Day! I hope you enjoyed a bagel today.

Do you have a favorite type of bagel or a favorite topping you put on your bagel?

July 25: National Hot Fudge Sundae Day

Mmmmmm......hot fudge.

I decided to make my own.

Now what is better than home made hot fudge?

Home made hot fudge on home made vanilla ice cream.

 
I don't use my ice cream maker that much. I don't know why.

Because every time I do make my own home made ice cream, everyone always tells me how good it is. I vow to make it more often. And then time runs away from me.

My friend Courtney once helped me make some home made ice cream for a game night I was having. The first one we made was a bluish color. We named it "Blue Dragon." The second batch we made was a faint purpley color. We named that one "Faded Unicorn." Courtney came up with the name Faded Unicorn. Unfortunately Blue Dragon was forgotten about in the freezer. I went back to college at the end of that summer and several months later, mom came across this much freezer-burned, bluish thing. She had no idea what it was so she threw it out. When I came home for Christmas Break, I hunted for Blue Dragon and that is when mom finally figured out what it was.

Anyways, I found a really easy fudge recipe.

JazzyJ's Easy Fudge Recipe:
- 1 can (14 ounces) sweetened condensed milk
- 8 ounces semi-sweet chocolate
- 1/8 teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon vanilla

Directions:
1. Melt condensed milk, salt, and chocolate in the top pan on a double boiler. Stir often. Cook for about 8 minutes or until mixture is pretty thickened.
2. Remove from heat and stir in vanilla.

And that's it!

 Of course I put sprinkles on the top. Sprinkles always make everything better.

The extra fudge stored well in the refrigerator for about 5 days, and by that point, it was gone. 

July 24: National Tequila Day

Tequila is one of my favorite alcohols. I don't know why. It doesn't taste that good. But I love that warm feeling it gives you as it makes it way to your stomach. It was my go to shot in college.

In honor of today, National Tequila Day, I made dad take a shot of tequila with me. Dad isn't the most experienced with shots. He prefers wine or beer to hard alcohol. I prefer hard alcohol. Always.

First of all, we listened to this song. (To tell the truth, I forgot to play this song until afterwards but let's pretend we listened to this song as we took a shot.)

Jose Cuervo Song

We took a shot of tequila the correct way. Complete with the lime and salt.

In case you don't know the correct way to take a shot of tequila, I will tell you.

Take a slice of lime and rub the lime juice on your hand between your pointer finger and your thumb. Pour some salt on top.

Three Easy Steps To Take A Tequila Shot:

1. Lick the salt and lime juice from your hand.
2. Take the shot.
3. Put the lime slice in your mouth and suck on it.

I think dad was a little nervous.

For some reason, I don't think dad will be taking a shot of tequila again anytime soon...

Meanwhile, let's just all appreciate the beauty that is this bottle of tequila.

Did I buy this bottle of Jose Cuervo just for the bottle?

Yes. Why yes I did.