Wait, what are Haole Brownies?

Holy Moly!  This whole Hawaii obsession is out-of-control.  I came across this recipe from the Kamehameha School District and was intrigued ... I grew up in Tucson and had my list of favorite school meal recipes ... Little Smokies with baked beans, tortillas, and a piece of sheet cake.  Super simple but looking back it was really fun.  So, naturally when I came across a school recipe, I had to try it.  I'm sure somewhere this means something to someone.

Since lord only knows I do not need 48 brownies ... I'm going to half it.   Let's do this!

Haole Brownies Makes 48 2" x 2" brownies 2-1/2 cups brown sugar (packed) 2 cups granulated sugar 1/2 teaspoon salt 2-1/2 sticks (10 oz.) butter or margarine 1 level tablespoon baking powder (double acting) 4 cups all-purpose flour 6 large eggs 1-1/2 cups diced walnuts Cream together brown sugar, granulated sugar, salt, butter (or margarine) and baking powder. Add and mix all-purpose flour until incorporated. Add and mix eggs until creamy. Add diced walnuts. Mix on low with paddle for 30 seconds if using KitchenAid-style mixer. If not available, then mix with wooden spoon to incorporate, but if mixing by hand, add eggs before the flour. (A hand held mixer may not be powerful enough for this heavy batter, but try if you like.) DO NOT OVERBEAT! Scrape down sides of bowl and then mix on medium speed for 2 minutes or by spoon for 5 minutes. Grease two 13" x 9" x 2" pans and preheat oven to 375-400 degrees. (Note: If pan sizes are different, pour batter to a maximum of 3/4 of an inch deep.) Divide mix evenly into pans and place on bottom rack and bake. Brownies will rise gradually for about 25 minutes and then flatten.  Wait for 3 minutes after they have flattened completely, then remove from oven and place on rack to cool. When warm to the touch, cut to desired size.  From Kamehameha Food Services:  http://kapalama.ksbe.edu/foodservices/recipes/haole_brownies.html And, as you can see from above I had to sneak a little taste before the rest of the crowd got to it.  Quality Contol.  Well, let's just say, by the time it was time to be served ... The whole top row was gone, vanished.

Embroidered Wood Baby Sign

A few months ago I made a little sign for my cousin and his girlfriend who were expecting a little girl.  I was so excited to be able to contribute to their little girl's room.  This was the easiest project and no one else at the shower had anything like it.

1. I went to Lowe's and select a piece of wood - any size that works for your pattern.   For me - I got a single piece and asked them to cut the piece to 3.   If preferred, craft and hobby stores also have pre-cut and sanded pieces.
2. I printed out the name "Ella Rose" in the font and size I liked.  In this case, it was League Script in 250pt.  Once printed, center and tape to board.   
3. Use an awl to score the board - I placed dots evenly throughout the name.
4. I used a Dremel to drill wholes through the board.
5. Stain the board to the color desired.  Let dry.
6. Embroider the board using 6 strains of embroidery floss.
7. Drill holes to hang sign... Add ribbon.  

And, it's done!  And it was right in time for the little lady's arrival!