Stroopwafels

I know I’ve mentioned it before, my fascination and appreciation of the Dutch stroopwafel. Visiting that street vendor was a highlight of my trip to the Netherlands. New York has its hot dogs. Paris has its crêpes. And Amsterdam has its stroopwafels. If you haven’t tried one before, imagine being attracted by a similar smell of an ice cream shop that is making its own waffle cones. But instead of cones, they are making fresh waffled cookie type sandwiches with a thin caramel-esque syrup-y  inner layer that you can hold in your hand while you walk around the outdoor market or town. They can be purchased in different sizes, but the stroopwafels are globally known for their cup-sized roundness; because the idea is that they come back to life as they are warmed through while resting on the rim of your morning (or afternoon… or evening…) coffee or tea. And the unfortunate truth is that I haven’t had any stroopwafels since being stateside that tasted remotely like what I remembered in Holland. Until now. When these are fresh, they are incredible.

As found on Food.com

Waffle cookies

4 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1 cup unsalted butter
2 large eggs
1 (1/4 ounce) package active dry yeast
1/2 cup warm water
Filling

1 1/2 cups packed brown sugar
1 cup unsalted butter
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
6 tablespoons dark corn syrup

DIRECTIONS

Preheat a pizzelle iron. Or in my case a Belgian Cookie Iron.
To Make Waffles: Dissolve the yeast in the warm water.

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Cut butter into the flour.

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Mix in the sugar, cinnamon, eggs and yeast mixture.

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Mix well and set aside to rise for 30 to 60 minutes.

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Roll dough into 12 small balls.

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Squeeze each ball into the preheated pizzelle (or Belgian cookie) iron…

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and bake for about 30 seconds.

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Place the little beauties onto a wax paper.

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To make perfectly rounded edges, use a large biscuit cutter to trim off the excess. (Optional)

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Using a butter knife or the like, cut (or separate) the waffles into two thin waffles.

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Spread the filling…
To Make Filling: In a saucepan boil the brown sugar, the remaining one cup of the butter, cinnamon (this is a must-have ingredient), and dark corn syrup until it reaches the “soft ball stage” (234-240°F, 112-115°C), stirring constantly.

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To Assemble: Cut each waffle (or separate) into 2 thin waffles and spread with filling.

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I used an offset spatula and my fingertip table…

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Repeat this process until all the filling is used. If using store bought, simply spread about 1 tablespoon of filling on one waffle cookie, and place a second cookie on top.

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Makes about 12 servings. Look at these!!!

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Tip: Try eating stroopwafel by resting it over a warm cup of coffee or tea — the steam will warm these up just right.

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Loving Lately ?

Loving lately: Clothes Recycling
I love getting rid of stuff. Decluttering is like the best part of organization; which I think is directly related to my good mental health. 


I’m a part of this very well orchestrated system of clothes recycling. In a group of friends of mine, I have the oldest son and my sister has the oldest daughter. It all kind of branches out and braids back in from there. 


I pass the outgrown clothes of my oldest son to my sister’s son and likewise she passes her daughter’s clothing to my daughter. Then when her son outgrows the attire, they get passed back to my third child, my second son. After that, it starts to get fun because when my second son gets too big for his wardrobe, it is passed to my sister’s sister-in-law, Annie’s oldest son. 


When he’s finished they get pass back to my back fourth baby and final son. Anything that is worth passing, which always seems like a lot because things are always being added, gets moved to my sister’s other sister-in-law, Erica’s baby boy. I also pass anything from my daughter to Erica’s oldest child and daughter. 

She passes those close back to Annie who has a baby girl. And I’ll admit I feel very good about our system, because everything gets good use. For those of you keeping track, that is a total of 10 boys and girls. 


The kids have clothes. It’s a blessing. It’s also a big head ache. My basement is like a storage unit. I could probably use a better labeling system. But the best part of my organizational day is when I pass my only daughter’s or my last son’s clothing on- because I know they’re never coming back. What Annie and Erica do with the clothing after that, I don’t care. Good riddance! And sure there might be a day when I’m’s stricken with grief for times gone past about my kids who are all grown up and don’t fit into those baby clothes anymore. 

But today’s not that day. Today is the day I pass on totes or large plastic bags or even a little grocery bags with stuff that I don’t have to see again or at least isn’t taking up space in a drawer for a child who can no longer wear it.
(Healthy sigh of relief)

And thank you to my brother-in-law, Ryan, for many of these adorable pictures of all the clothed children.

Loving Lately ?

Loving Lately: Fall Baking – Encore

I’ve been going a little crazy with the baking. We actually can’t eat as fast as I’ve been pulling baked goods out of the oven. We need a dog. Or a hungry neighbor… But look how cute these molds are!

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I love them.

L.O.V.E.

I also bought the new 70th Anniversary Nordic Ware bundt pans.

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Because I needed them. It’s the season! I’m inspired! (Or I’m ridiculous and I can’t help myself.)

But I’m not just limiting myself to shaped cakes and breads. Au contraire.

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We’ve had cinnamon rolls! I’ve been practicing pie crusts!

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I love the smell of my kitchen.

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And the smiles on my kids’ faces.

We’ve actually been baking and not taking pictures… or writing down ingredients.

Just enjoying the fruit cookies of our labor.

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Except this apple crumble, I’m going to share this. Soon.

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Sault Ste Marie Hot & Sweet Breakfast Sausage

Nick, my husband’s Canadian coworker, is rapidly becoming a favorite and preferred contributor to Sadie’s Nest. I’ve told you before about the great support I receive from my husband’s colleagues. It’s awesome. This is the second recipe Nick has passed along. (The first is a bread recipe which I have yet to post… Some of you know my mental angst with my bread making skills.) Not only did he give step-by-step instructions for the sausage, but he sent pictures! And btw, it’s really delicious. I love this simple spicy and sweet breakfast sausage, but not nearly as much as I love Nick’s description, “Enjoy with a loved one. Goes with anything: coffee, red wine, white wine, gin and tonic, beer, eggs, homefries, can also have for breakfast, lunch, supper, snack.” How can I beat that? Brilliant. Thank you Nick!

3.3 lbs (1.5 KG) hot italian sausage
1/4 cup Fennel
2/3 cup Maple Syrup
Remove sausage from wrapping. (I used a knife… Nick used scissors… Whatever works for you!)

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Add fennel (adjust amount as you like)

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Add syrup.

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Mix by hand.

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Make a ball about size of a baseball. (I laughed really hard at this instruction.)

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Put 3 in a large frypan at med heat.

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Cook for 1 min, flip, flatten with spatula for faster cooking.

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Cook for 5 minutes, flip and cook for 5 minutes more.

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Move to a plate and let sit for a few minutes.

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Enjoy with a loved one. Goes with anything: coffee, red wine, white wine, gin and tonic, beer, eggs, homefries, can also have for breakfast, lunch, supper, snack… I enjoyed mine with a large slice of raw milk organic cheddar and a biscuit. It was stellar.

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Thanks again Nick!

Entertaining the Kids: Pumpkin Fun!

It’s pumpkin time! Woohoo! I am not a pumpkin carver. Boo, hiss, say what you will. It is no secret that I’m not a craft lover. Thankfully I have creative people in my life who enhance the creativity in my children. For example my mother, who found this activity on Pinterest. Hurray for grandmas! As it is, I have young children not ready for carving themselves. So this is a perfect option, even for last minute too.

What you need:

plastic/cloth or newspaper

pumpkins

glue stick

crayons

hair dryer

Oh, and that secret ingredient: enthusiasm!

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Place the plastic or cloth on your workspace. This doesn’t have to be fancy. It could be a garbage bag on your kitchen table. Place the pumpkins in go position (on top of your prepared workspace). Tip: Use room temperature pumpkins

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Unwrap and break the crayons in half. My kids liked this part best.

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Use the glue stick around the top of the pumpkin stem to get a sticky surface for the crayons. Place the crayons around in your own artistic color pattern. And hey, if you want to use a pumpkin with a nicer fuller stem than ours, that’s your prerogative.

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When crayons are set, bust out that hairdryer and blow! This could get messy (hence the table cover).

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You’ll naturally find that you need to adjust the hairdryer angle to work the drips, mostly from directly above facing down. We also found that working one section at a time seemed easier than letting the wax harden again as you try to go around.

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Have fun! Then admire your work Picasso!

It’s Here! There’s Still Time to Win!

 

Contest is closed.

It’s here! Hurray! And I’m having a giveaway! I can hardly contain my excitement (enter excited emoji). You know what never mind, enter this:

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No wait! This:

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Don’t worry, that is not the copy I’m giving away.

You might be thinking “Sadie, you haven’t posted a picture of yourself in almost a year.” (I remember because I posted me in antlers for Noah’s birthday.) “What’s with the onslaught of selfies?”

I can’t answer that… I really don’t know what got into me. Just excited about this new arrival I guess. I’m feelin’ it!

I mean, if I would have thought it out, I would have moved that high chair… or done my makeup.

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I would also like to add that at the time of creating this post my babies have had on-going high fevers and I’ve hardly slept in 3 days. It could be clouding my judgment. But really this is about Cooking for Jeffrey, and if you haven’t entered the giveaway yet, click here!

Contest is closed

Loving Lately Cookbook Giveaway!

Congratulations Gingy! You won a copy of Cooking For Jeffrey!

Contest is Closed

First, let me start by saying I am overwhelmed with the amount of support I have received from family and friends recently, specifically with my Facebook page. Thank you so much! For those of you new to Sadie’s Nest, every Thursday I share what I am “Loving Lately”. It could be anything; a drink, a restaurant, …a city! Of course, I am outrageously fond of cookbooks (addicted is such a strong word). I don’t know how many I have, and they keep making more! One of my all time favorite cookbook authors is Ina Garten of Barefoot Contessa. She makes everything so approachable, and even more appealing is that the results are always tasty. I read a review on B&N.com that summed it up perfectly, “I have never made a Barefoot Contessa recipe that did not turn out as promised.” And on October 25, 2016 she released a new cookbook! So in honor of my appreciation for my supporters new and old, and my excitement about the new cookbook release: I’m giving away a copy of the hot off the presses, Cooking For Jeffrey, a Barefoot Contessa Cookbook!

Entry rules are easy! Answer this question: How do you prefer to look up recipes? The Internet? Classic print and paper? Do you wing it? Just leave a comment at the end of this post or on the Sadie’s Nest Facebook Page. Only one comment per person please. (Please note I will not be replying… to not mess up the count!)

One lucky winner will be announced on SadiesNest.com on Monday, October 31, 2016!

To participate: You must live in the U.S. or Canada, and must be able to provide a valid mailing address. All eligible entries will be accepted from the time of this post on October 27, 2016 until contest closes at noon (12:00 pm EST) on October 30, 2016. The prize is a copy of “Cooking For Jeffrey, a Barefoot Contessa Cookbook” by Ina Garten. It cannot be exchanged and has no monetary value. Winner must contact Sadie’s Nest within 72 hours to claim their prize or another entry will be drawn. Good Luck!

 

Featured Image Courtesy of Amazon.com. You may also purchase a copy by clicking here!

 

 

 

Unbirthday Buttermilk Waffles

We all know the Mad Hatter was onto something brilliant with the celebration of the “Unbirthday”. The whole concept is awesome! You only get to enjoy your birthday one day a year, but your unbirthday party can last all year long. That alone is worth celebrating! (Ok, I’ll stop.) The same idea goes for these waffles. They are definitely any day of the week buttermilk waffles… but whipped cream and sprinkles make anything special, am I right? (Caramel sauce doesn’t hurt either.) Of course, you can use any topping of your choice. It’s YOUR unbirthday after all. 😉

As organic as possible:

1 3/4 cup Flour

2 Tbsp Sugar

1 1/2 tsp baking Powder

1 tsp baking Soda

1/4 tsp Salt

2 Eggs, beaten

2 cups Buttermilk

1/2 cup Sunflower oil (or subtle oil of your choice)

1 1/2 tsp Vanilla

Caramel sauce, whipped cream and sprinkles (optional, along with any other toppings of your choice!)

Preheat your waffle maker. Lightly coat with non-stick spray. I use a Krups Waffle Maker, you can find it by clicking here.

In a large bowl add flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt to a bowl and whisk together.

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Add eggs, buttermilk, oil, and vanilla to dry ingredients and stir until incorporated. (Little lumps are okay!)

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Using a 1 cup measure, scoop the batter onto each waffle grid square.

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Close lid and don’t peak until indicator shows done! (Or according to manufacturer instructions.)

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Remove with tongs or fork.

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Repeat until batter is gone. Serve warm with your favorite toppings! Makes about 12 waffles.

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Happy Unbirthday! (Or birthday… if it just so happens to be!)

 

 

Wayfair, You’ve got just what I need!

You may have noticed a subtle hint in a recent post of mine, My Blogging Space. I participated in a challenge sent out from the media department at Wayfair.com, where they asked bloggers to share their own inspirational spaces. You know, a sneak peek into where all of the magic happens. 😉 If you read my post, you understand that I really don’t have one specific space where I let all of my creativity flow. I’m a like chameleon, I have to adapt to my environment. The situation works most of the time. What is not copacetic is my entertainment center. Ahem.

Current TV Stand

Current TV Stand

 

Aria Entertainment Center (same as featured image) image courtesy of Wayfair.com. I love how much storage this unit has!

Our current solution is a Pier 1 purchase that happened over a decade ago. Originally it housed our radio/CD player and speakers. It was perfect in the little space of our first home. It matched our hefty entertainment center, back when TVs were big and boxy, heavy and square (at least ours still was). Shortly after we moved into our new home we decided to join in with the Millennium and purchase one of those large HD movie style television sets. (Do they still call them that?) And I’ll tell you why, because all of the sudden we noticed the words on commercials were out of the picture, and even more upsetting (to my husband) was that he would actually miss the catch of a touchdown pass.

Flattop TV Stand by Loon Peak courtesy of Wayfair.com

Flattop TV Stand by Loon Peak courtesy of Wayfair.com. They suckered me in with that dish… always need room to store more dishes.

So there we were, forced to purchase a TV set conducive to the rules of new world media. In turn, our “entertainment center” was instantly obsolete. The new TV just wouldn’t fit! So, that fine piece of furniture became a storage piece for my large dinner platters and such. (Really not a disappointment, because they needed a place to go anyway.) And our little shelving unit for our radio became a stand upon which to set our new HDTV. For the record, I’d like to add that our old TV that I kept from college still works, and we’ve gone through 2 of those HDTV sets in less than 5 years. Just sayin’.

Old TV cabinet (repurposed as a dish cabinet, and possibly to be recycled into a wardrobe cabinet for my husband).

 

 

Brackenridge TV Stand by Alcott Hill courtesy of Wayfair.com. It’s basic and simple… it could do the job.

This is what I like about our unit, it shuts. I don’t want to look at all of those movie and video game boxes. We have cable TV, Apple TV, Netflix, and VidAngel via Amazon Fire TV. Yet we still manage to have 10,000 boxes. (Ok, I’m exaggerating. But that’s what it feels like.) I like to entertain, so shutting the door to the chaos and mess is key. I have four kids. Even if I organized those darn boxes on a biweekly basis, they are a disaster within minutes. Oh, a day in the life! As if seeing an orderly stack is an invitation to throw them on the floor. Next I yell, “Put them back!” Then they are thrown inside every which-way, followed by the door slamming shut and an avalanche left waiting to happen.

Saffron Apothecary TV Stand by Wildon Home courtesy of Wayfair.com. I like that this piece has character, I’m drawn to pieces that have something to say.

It is the slamming of the door, repeatedly, that has left it completely off of it’s hinges. Purely cosmetic. Beyond repair. Already been screwed back on several times. It’s just time for an upgrade. So, I got this idea: I’ll appeal to the the Wayfair powers that be! This could get interesting… I have found a few units of interest on Wayfair.com. Clearly I am drawn to the natural wood look, and units that have closing doors. I’d really be happy with any of them. Although, there is one I ❤️ more than the rest.

Aria Entertainment Center courtesy of Wayfair.com

Aria Entertainment Center courtesy of Wayfair.com. I love everything about this. It has style, it makes everything disappear. It’s perfect… It’s also the most expensive, naturally.

Loving Lately ???

Loving Lately: Our Annual Fall Drive

It’s official, because now we’ve gone two years in a row. We turn off the DVD player, take away electronics, set the phones down and tell the kids to look out the window. We spend almost the whole day explaining that the journey is the destination. The venture promised to bring donuts and apple cider, which we probably shouldn’t have mentioned early on… because for the duration the question du jour was “How long ’til we’re at the donuts?”

The day was gray and blustery, a perfect environment to be warm inside the car. It set a dramatic tone for the drive, adding an extra element of excitement. (This is what I am.) Our first stop, before heading out, was lakeside. The waves were really crashing, and one can’t help but get caught up with enthusiasm.

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And I’ll tell you something else. I could never get tired at looking at the tall seaside grasses blowing in the wind. Any season. Monet had his lily pads. I should have a gallery dedicated to grasses.

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After a hearty breakfast we continued north, to try and catch more of the color change. We had no place we had to be, the world was our oyster. Since we weren’t getting off the beaten path, this translates into stopping at those scenic views advertised along the highway. I love those nostalgic bella vistas! (And the kids don’t have a choice.)

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We eventually did make it up through the Leelanau Peninsula, which is one of my favorite places in the whole world. And it was a lovely blend of still green trees with bursts of those that peaked early. It was really beautiful. To give you an idea, a friend of mine captured this shot at Thumb Lake, not too far away, last week with his drone.

Image courtesy of Alex Childress Photography

Being that we couldn’t hold the kids off any longer we did find a picturesque road side stand, Farmer White’s in Williamsburg.

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Farmer White’s served excellent fresh cider, which I confess I really enjoyed. But most importantly, they served donuts.

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It was a nice stop, and it hit the spot. However, we still had daylight and open road. We continued further north and met some of our friends from Petoskey at another roadside gem, Friske’s Orchards in Ellsworth, Michigan. The orchard was huge and offered a lot of entertainment for the kids; such as, tractor rides, a corn maze, tetherball, and a playground; which is awesome; because kids that sit in the car for hours have some energy to burn. A successful color tour if I do say so myself.

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