You might want to avert your eyes…

31 Tuesday Jan 2012

Posted by Jane's Adventures in Dinner in the basement

≈ 9 Comments

Did you take the challenge?

Apparently I really needed to because look at this…or if you’ve just eaten come back later and look at it.

Don’t call the show “Hoarders” on me.

This is not all my mess.

Actually, the majority of it isn’t mine.

This is six months worth of renovation mess and not having time to put things away properly.

This is combining two houses into one while working full time and trying to raise a two year old.

This is six months of tripping over things and this is also known as my pantry.

Yep. This is my basement pantry.

I know, I know. You’re jealous.

Now, as soon as a I have a couple of days I’ll continue painting the floor and hang curtains (that I already have WAITING) to cover these shelves but in the meantime. Everything is sorted.

Camping equipment, ski supplies and the super, duper cold weather gear is ready to go.

The evidence of a mouse that is now “gone to a better place” is dealt (do you have any idea how terrified I am of rodents?!) with and I have a full inventory of everything that I’ve got.

These are my big bins for flour and sugar. AFTER I took the photo I wiped them down.

Pretty bins from IKEA hold canned goods, pasta, vinegar, condiments etc.

Wrapping paper, eco bags and appliances too big for my little kitchen are stowed away but still accessible.

And the floor is still momentarily ugly. Next time.

Very special guest…

31 Tuesday Jan 2012

Posted by Jane's Adventures in Dinner in Uncategorized

≈ 6 Comments

I have a terrific treat today with an extraordinary guest poster. I know that you will have as much fun getting to know Janel as I have. She is snarky (in a great way), generous, funny and VERY talented.

Hi All! So glad to be here! I think Jane is the coolest and am so happy to be able to hang out at her blog for today! I blog over at Hating Martha. My blog is lots of crafts, recipes, homey diy, and more. Stop by sometime for fun and games!

So… I want to show you a great cake idea that is simple enough for even the non-bakery person but it looks fancy, and tastes divine!

Neopalitan Cake.

What you need…
Strawberry Cake Mix and the stuff to make the cake.
Strawberry Jello (sm package)
Chocolate Cake Mix and the stuff to make the cake.
Chocolate chips (1/2 bag)
Vanilla Cake Mix and the stuff to make the cake.
Vanilla Bean.
Raspberry Jam.
Nutella.
Vanilla Bean Buttercream Frosting.

1. Make the strawberry cake according to the box. Add the package of jello.
Make in round cake pan(s) according to the box.
2. Make the chocolate cake according to the box. Add the chocolate chips.
Make in round cake pan(s) according to the box.
3. Make the vanilla cake mix according to the box. Add 1/2 vanilla bean.
Make in round cake pan(s) according to the box.

You are going to stack the chocolate cake with a layer of Nutella.
Put a strawberry cake on top of the Nutella with raspberry jam on top of the strawberry cake.
Top with a vanilla cake and frost the whole thing with Vanilla Bean Buttercream Frosting.

Vanilla Bean Buttercream Frosting…
1 stick of softened butter
3 cups powdered sugar
1/2 tsp salt
1/3 cup whole milk, cream, or half and half
1 tsp vanilla extract
1 vanilla bean
Beat all together until light and fluffy. Add more milk or powdered sugar to achieve desired consistency.

I simply put a doily on top of the cake and sugared the whole thing with colored sugar. Take the doily off and you have a cool pattern on top (where all you can’t see). Some chopsticks with a little pendant ( I had to stick a craft in somehow!) and it is oh so sweet. And tasty too!!! Yum! Doesn’t it look fancy pansy!!

There you have it…a food project. Who knew that this lady would pull that out :).
Only the best for Jane!! (Which is Janel without a L…just sayin)

Get Ready For Romance

30 Monday Jan 2012

Posted by Jane's Adventures in Dinner in Uncategorized

≈ 15 Comments

I know, I know, it’s trite but flowers always make me happy.

To be honest, the husband is not a big, flower guy so I usually end-up getting them for myself.

That’s ok.

He fixes stuff and generally let’s me become obsessed with whatever is going on with my type A brain at the moment.

That spells romance to me.

What screams Valentine’s Day for you?

Here’s a few linky niceties:

1) Link a specific post and not just your general blog address

2) Be a follower of ‘Adventuresindinner’

3) Visit at least two other blogs and leave a nice comment for them to enjoy

4) Have a wonderful Valentine’s Day with the someone(s) in your life

document.write(”);

The Week In Instagram…

29 Sunday Jan 2012

Posted by Jane's Adventures in Dinner in Uncategorized

≈ 7 Comments

Just a quick mention to thank so many fab bloggers out there that teach me something new each week and go out of their way to drop a line and follow.

I’m busily visiting all the amazing projects that people linked on ‘Pin’Inspiration Thursday’ and yesterday to help ‘Beat the Winter Blues’. I promise I’ll make it to everyone in the next few days.

Work, some fun projects and first and foremost small one and husband have needed extra special tending this week.

Made Chicken Pot Pie on Facebook.