A Lovely Day

We have an extended long weekend with no school today and tomorrow. This morning we started our day by making goodies for breakfast. We took a can of crescent rolls, put spoonfuls of cherry jam on them, rolled them up, sprinkled with French Toast Sugar & Spice. Once they were baked we drizzled them with icing. The crew thought it was the best breakfast treat ever and it was made more complete with a YOP drink. Fortified by the breakfast they all pitched in to help clean the house.

Afterwards I realized it was Chinese New Year today. So we decided that we should do something to recognize the day for the only Chinese family in our town. La Diva and Kodiak are friends with two of the children from this family. The own the local Chinese restaurant that we frequent quite often. They are a lovely family and we appreciate them! So after some research we headed into town to find supplies to create our gift. We found a fabulous large square vase, some bamboo, oranges and tangerines and some red gerbera daisies. I filled the vase with the oranges and tangerines, centered the bamboo in the vase, put the daisies in water piks and arranged them amongst the oranges, added some bear grass and was quite pleased with the final product. La Diva made a card wishing them a Happy New Year.

While we were away I had pizza dough brewing in the bread machine for dinner tonight. It turned out so well that I have another batch on the go to throw in the freezer for a later day.

Pizza Crust from the Bread Machine

1 1/4 cup water
3 1/4 cups flour
1 tsp. salt
2 Tbsp. sugar
1 1/2 Tbsp. dry milk (I don't have this in my pantry so I just used a splash of regular milk)
1 1/2 Tbsp. oil
1 tsp. italian seasoning
1 tsp. dried marjoram
1 tsp. dried basil
1 tsp. dried thyme
1 1/2 tsp. yeast

Set bread machine to dough setting. Once finished, remove dough and divide in half. Dredge dough in mixture of flour and cornmeal; spread on pizza pan. Top with your favorite toppings. Bake in 400 F oven for approximately 20 minutes.

Makes two 12 inch pizzas.

Can be made ahead and frozen.

The Hero is coming home a day early from his trip so it makes a good day all the more lovely.