What Motivates You??

When you are doing something that is tough and challenging...what helps you keep at it??

Today I plan to register for the Long Island half marathon in May. Here is my story:

I ran in junior high and high school and was pretty good at it. Along came college...I studied like crazy, did well in my classes, gained 25 pounds (yikes) and stopped running.

6 years ago I had MissyMiss and when she turned one knew I had to get back into shape. I started running again and slowly got there. I was running 3 times a week, 3 miles each time.
Then came another pregnancy, miscarriage and surgery....gained back the weight I lost. Then came another pregnancy and I had Bubby. When he was a few months old I got back to running...again.

When Bubby was 6 months old I was carrying laundry down the stairs and fell and broke my ankle. I had to take care of a baby and 3 year old with an ankle fracture...if I can do that I can anything!

Once cleared to get back to running I really got into it. I was getting faster and running for longer. I started to have this crazy idea that maybe I could run a half marathon. I stepped up my training and started to think that it was a real possibility. Then I re-injured the ankle I had broken not even a year earlier.

(Here comes the part that I think of every time it gets tough. I thought about it a LOT yesterday when an icy path made me run 6 miles in the snow.)

I went back to the ortho office where I had gone for my original fracture because the ankle injury was still bothering me. The PA looked and it and gave me some treatment ideas. I told him that I needed to get back to running ASAP because I wanted to train for a half marathon. He looked at me and said "I don't know if that will ever happen." Oh no you didn't! I should have told him then and there that he was messing with the wrong girl. After I let the injury heal I resumed my training.

Since then I have had to take time off from running for a cardiac issue (have since been cleared by the cardiologist) and some "girl" issues this summer. My long run was up to 10 miles this summer.

Well...my long run is back to 6 miles and I WILL run a half marathon in May! Every time the going gets tough I think of that PA and his snide comment. I don't think his comment was directed at my ankle issue as much as it was directed at the fact that I was overweight. I intend to run that half marathon and let him know I did.

I want to be an example to my kids of working hard for what you want, even when it gets tough.

So...what keeps you going when the going gets tough??

More Cookie Tips...and a recipe!

I meant to include this with the original baking tips post, but completely forgot.

My brother is a Marine and has done one tour in Iraq. I sent him packages regularly and when I asked him what he would like the most he said homemade cookies...which I can definitely do! My mom actually was the first to send him homemade cookies. She put them in ziploc bags and then inside a cardboard box. By the time they got to him, it was clear mice had gotten into the cookies at some point. His didn't eat them, but his friends did...they must have been really desperate for a homemade cookie. :(

I figured out a great way to send cookies in the mail. I figure if they can make it halfway around the world with how I pack them, they can probably go anywhere.

First...I freeze the cookies the way I previously mentioned. Then, I vacuum seal the frozen cookies. I don't have a fancy vacuum sealer. I was using a Reynolds Handi-vac, which I just learned was discontinued. If he deploys again, I plan to buy a fancy one. Now..if you can't vacuum seal, then just pack the frozen cookies into ziploc bags and get out as much air as possible.

Then, put the ziploc bags into disposable plastic containers. This will make it mice-proof. :)

Be careful to not mix different cookie types within the ziploc bags. I find that the flavors get a bit wacky if you do that.

Then, just pack your plastic containers into a box with some packing material, such as bubble wrap, so things don't move around too much.

Also...if the package will be going through a hot climate, don't pack messy cookies. Sturdy ones like chocolate chip, oatmeal raisin, etc seem to do the best.

Once your cookies are packed get them to the post office ASAP..that way the first day in transit they are just thawing out and I figure at least one day fresher when they get to the recipient.

Now..for the recipe! It is a family favorite here that I posted last Christmas. But..I have a lot of new readers and figured I would post it again...enjoy!!!
http://runningmama-sarah.blogspot.com/2008/12/split-second-cookies.html

Also...if anyone makes any of my cookies, I would LOVE to hear how they turn out!!

Next up...Linzer cookies!!

Ricotta Cheese Cookies

Here is the first cookie recipe...and it is (drum roll please.....) Ricotta cheese cookies!!

My husband's family is 100% Italian and a few years ago I wanted to make an Italian cookie and found this recipes on http://www.allrecipes.com/. It was a hit!!! It is now one of my most requested recipes and my mom's favorite!


The recipe makes a LOT of cookies...5-6 dozen!!


I am not good at taking a picture at every step in the process...that's not how I roll. :) (I usually just completely forget)


First...here is the recipe:



Ricotta Cheese Cookies
Ingredients:
2 cups sugar
1 cup butter, softened
15 ounces ricotta cheese (I use the whole milk kind)
2 teaspoons vanilla
2 large eggs
4 cups flour
2 tablespoons baking powder
1 teaspoon salt
Glaze:
3 cups powdered sugar (sifted)
6 tablespoons milk
Colored sugar and/or sprinkles
Method:
1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees
2. On low speed, beat butter and sugar until blended. Increase to high speed and beat until light and fluffy, about 5 minutes.
3. At medium speed, beat in ricotta, vanilla and eggs until well combined. In separate bowl, combine flour, baking powder and salt. Reduce speed to low and gradually add flour mixture and beat until combined and dough forms.
4. Drop by level tablespoons, about 2 inches apart, onto parchment-lined baking sheet. Bake about 15 minutes, or until just lightly browned. Remove to cooling rack.
5. When completely cool, prepare glaze. Whisk confectioners sugar and milk until smooth. Holding cookie, dip the top into glaze and allow excess to drip off. Sprinkle with colored sugar or sprinkles. Allow to set on wax paper.

Now...for some pictures.

This one is of the ingredients...nothing fancy or expensive here!

Here is the dough....nice and light and fluffy. See my little scooper?? It is PERFECT for this recipe. It is just the right amount and I can crank out the cookies in no time!




This one is the cookies just out of the oven...they should be just beginning to look golden brown.



Here is the finished product! After I dip the tops in the glaze, I put them on cooling racks so the excess can drip off. This way you don't get a soggy bottom. I put wax paper under the cooling rack to catch the glaze, so my counter tops stay clean.

These cookies are buttery and moist and light and just delicious! I have never met someone who has not liked them and the kids love them too! You can change up the sprinkles for the season. I just did them for a fall party and used orange, yellow and green colored sugar.

Enjoy!!

Cookie Know-How

I thought that before I started posting some recipes, that I would go through Christmas baking tips!

First of all, in order to make 15 different kinds, one must use the bake and freeze method. I start about 2 weeks before Thanksgiving and when I defrost the cookies at Christmas, they still taste very fresh!

Here is my best friend during cookie season:

A few years ago when my baking really took off, I quickly realized that my normal freezer didn't have nearly enough room. So...we got this one at Sam's Club. It is very basic, but gets the job done!

Here she is, with what I have made so far:



The containers on the left side are Rubbermaid Takealongs. I usually get them at Wal-Mart and they work great for stacking in the freezer. Whatever containers you use, just be sure they have a good seal.

Here is one with the 5 Layer bars I just made:




What I do is as I make a batch of cookies, I layer them in the container with wax paper between the layers. They go right in the freezer before they can get eaten. :) When I want to make up a tin, the night before I want to deliver it, I open each of the containers and take out 1-2 of each cookie. I put that bunch in a big tupperware on the counter to thaw. The next day the cookies are ready to go! I pack them in a tin, tie a ribbon around the tin, and they are ready to deliver!! I deliver tins to neighbors, family, my husband's work, etc.

As far as the baking goes, I have a very basic oven, nothing fancy. I would love a big fancy one, but well....that ain't gonna happen! :) Here she is:




See? Nothing fancy. It does have a convection feature that I use for baking cookies which helps them to bake evenly, eliminating the need to rotate the baking sheet halfway through.

Here are some of my baking tips:
- Line your baking sheets with parchment paper. The cookies will come right off without any sticking and your sheets will be a cinch to clean.
- Use light-colored baking sheets. The darker ones will produce cookies that are too dark.
- No need for expensive baking sheets. I got great ones for $10 each at Home Goods. Just be sure they are big enough and light-colored.
- Check your cookies a few minutes before the time called for, especially the first batch. Different ovens can cook VERY differently. Cookies that take 10 min in my oven may only take 8 in yours. Nothin' worse than a burnt cookie!
- Buy a cheap oven thermometer and check your oven temp. You may be surprised that although your oven may be set to 350, it may actually be 375, or 325...always good to know!
- You must taste at least one cookie from every batch...it is very necessary. ;)
- I use a small scooper for drop cookies. It just makes life easier. I got mine at Wal-Mart.
- Stand mixers are not a necessity, but make life easier.

O.k...please let me know if there are any questions about my technique.

Next up...recipes! Some of these cookies are so good they'll make ya want to smack your mama!

Some updates!

A few updates:

1. I am so excited that y'all want to see some good cookie recipes! A few people also asked about how I coordinate my baking and freezing. My next post will be about baking tips and techniques and then I will bring on the recipes!

2. I have run twice in my new shoes and LOVE them. I got Pearl Izumi Syncro Pace III at Road Runner and am in love, completely in love. They fit like a glove. Not cheap, but well worth it.

3. I finished this cute wall hanging just in time to put him up for the fall. He is now hanging in my foyer. :)

4. We got a piano!!!! I played for years when I was younger and have really missed it. I found a good used one and it was delivered last week. I am loving it! I have picked up playing again much quicker than I thought. I got a book with some Christmas tunes and have been playing them everyday. MissyMiss is also VERY interested in the piano, so I got her a beginner book and started giving her lessons. She is doing well and very enthusiastic about learning.






That is all for now. Next up....COOKIES!!!!

Sick and Tired...

Things here have been rough lately...lots of sickness. There has been a bug going around my daughter's school. She was sick 2 weeks ago, then Bubby was sick last week. Both had a really high fever with it and Bubby is still dealing with the cough. Neither was tested, but it was probably h1n1. I managed to not get the fever, but have had an awful cough, which was been causing me trouble with my asthma, so no running for me this past week. I went for a walk yesterday and did o.k.

So..not much to report on this front. Once I feel like I am breathing normally again I will try back to running. I am missing it. I just got some new running shoes and have really been wanting to try them out...hopefully in a few days...

In happy news, I start my Christmas baking this week! Last year I baked and froze over 12 different kinds of cookies! Then just before Christmas I deliver tins of assorted cookies to neighbors, family, husband's work, etc. I am hoping to do 13 kinds this year and am thinking of posting some of my favorite recipes. Is this something y'all would be interested in??

Superstitious

Anyone else out there superstitious?

I am usually not. But...2 weeks ago before my long run I ate a half of a peanut butter sandwich, a mini kit-kat bar and drank a Capri Sun juice pouch. (Can you tell I have kids?) Anyhow...I did 6 miles that day and felt great...like I was finally getting my mojo back.

Last weekend I had 6.5 planned. I had my same pre-run food as the previous week and had another great run.

Today I ate the same again. This time I had to go through my son's orange pumpkin full of Halloween candy to find a mini kit-kat, but I found one. And...despite being overdressed and a malfunctioning Garmin, I had another great run!

So...until it stops working, I am sticking with it as my pre-run snack. I even picked up a bag of mini kit-kats from Target tonight so I wouldn't have to steal from my kids. :)

Anyone else superstitious??