Parmesan Pizza Crust

3/31/11

Parmesan Crust Pizza

So the recipe turned out good! It calls for wheat flour, which is what I used, but wheat can be too overwhelming so we didn't really taste the parmesan in the crust. Next time I will just use All-purpose flour. This recipe is taken from a blog I found a while ago How Sweet it is. So here it is....

2 cups whole wheat pastry flour

1 teaspoon active dry yeast

1/2 teaspoon salt

1/3 cup parmesan cheese

1 tablespoon olive oil

1 tablespoon honey

3/4 – 1 cup lukewarm water

In a large bowl combine flour, salt, yeast and parmesan cheese. Mix with a spoon and create a well in the middle. Add in 3/4 cups water, honey and olive oil. Stir with a spoon until dough comes together. Continue to form into a ball with your hands. If more water is needed, add it by the tablespoon.

Knead dough for 1-2 minutes before placing it in a lightly oiled bowl and covering. Let rise for 1 1/2-2 hours.

Here is the bread in the oven rising. I let it rise only about an hour and it was fine.

Then I spread it out on the pan. I spray a light coating of Olive Oil cooking spray so the dough doesn't stick to the pan.

Yummy grated cheese :)

I used Colby Jack and Mozzarella. For extra flavor put about 1/4 a tub of Philadelphia Italian herb and cheese cooking creme. Delish. It doesn't have to add extra fat if you don't put as much grated cheese on it!

I make my own sauces for everything. I just threw this and that in. I used some tomato paste and some petite diced tomatoes along with tomato sauce (I use all-natural sauce and no salt added). I usually throw in some Italian seasoning, basil, oregano, garlic powder, etc.

Yummy...I forgot to take a pic when it came out of the oven. Oops. We liked it though!

My girl and I have been having so much fun during the day while her daddy works hard :)

Lots of playing and laughing. We went on a bike ride for a little bit today and roamed around. Abigail just sat in her trail-behind, bundled in her coat, and didn't make a peep (which is rare now) to watch everything. It was fun. She also LOVES our cat Jules. Abby gets really excited when I take her to the cat to pet her. She is also sitting up by herself but can't stay too long without toppling over yet. I'm sure she'll be a pro in a few days.

So I had to throw in life at the Johnson's. How could I not?!

Playtime with Abigail

3/21/11

This photo characterizes Abigail's new phase...wanting to touch things! I am actually excited about this phase and not upset because I know that it means she is learning like crazy! We are doing a new activity that she's ready for and I see the wheels turning.

I agree and use most of the Montessori teaching style. They have activities to do with your child starting from birth. This one involves a box. Instead of buying the one they offer for $50, I made one from scrap cardboard and paper I had for FREE. Here's the box I made.

You use a ping pong ball and put it in the hole.

They it comes out the hole.

The goal is for her to do it herself. She is doing well with holding the ball and she's put it in the hole 2 times on her own. It's so good for the pincer grip (thumb and forefinger) and for her to learn how things work. I love my girl and we're having fun!!!!

Oh Life...

3/13/11

My princess :)

So it's been a while......a long while. This is not on purpose. Life has been sooo busy. Can I tell you a little bit about it?

Well, my daughter always keeps me busy, but Fit For Life is close behind because of our bootcamp. It is time-consuming to prepare the workouts and then go to do them 2 times a week (but it's so fun!). Also, we have been putting things together for evening classes which start next month. Plus, I exercise on my own almost each day. I have been neglecting my Exercise Therapy Certification, which is a whole other realm....geesh.

With all this, my daughter has been out of my sight a little more and sometimes it's nice but it is hard...for both of us. I can tell it's affecting her cause she seems more clingy. Granted, we're talking a mere few hours a week...and most of that time she is in the same building as me. You can tell we spend 24/7 together. I just love her though.

Ok, personal life now. We're selling our truck and buying bikes to ride more places. Praying the guy who's interested pulls through. Also, read a couple hundred page book the other day....I was really into it! I've started teaching Abigail new stuff so that's a whole program in itself.

On top of all these things there's still all the spring parties I've been invited to, girl's nights, small group, church, spending personal time with the Lord and my hubby, cleaning house, laundry, and taking care of my wonderful husband, I'm one busy lady!

I can see why women get overwhelmed and I don't see how moms work full-time jobs! I'm so thankful that I have the Lord who can help me manage my day and that I can give it to Him. I need His help to balance these things and learn to say no when needed.

oh yeah.

We aren't getting good sleep because we need a new bed really bad. It's old and our bodies hurt when we wake up...this is not fun with how busy things are. The Lord provides though!!