The Easter Happenings

Easter has come and gone...the kids fell asleep 2 seconds after their heads hit their pillows - surely a result of coming down off the pounds of sugar they inhaled today.
The morning started off with a picture scavenger hunt to get their"prizes," hunting eggs, and a big breakfast.

Tyler with some drinks the Bunny left...see the picture clue ...it tells him where the next prize is. Oh and by the way, our chandelier isn't quite that hideous.

The boys with Enchanted...The next clue was the stove...Alright, our Bunny isn't the most creative guy out there.

After church we had a great Easter dinner at the Menghini's.

I tried a new dessert and it was really tasty... although the picture would convince you otherwise.
If you can get over the gross picture and still want to try it here is the recipe...I promise it really is good!

Chocolate Layered Cheesecake

Ingredients:

• 1-1/2 cups cream-filled chocolate sandwich cookie crumbs
• 1/4 cup butter, melted
• FILLING:
• 1 tablespoon boiling water
• 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 4 packages (8 ounces each) cream cheese, softened
• 1-1/2 cups sugar
• 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
• 4 eggs, lightly beaten
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 2 cups (12 ounces) semisweet chocolate chips, melted and cooled
• GLAZE:
• 1/2 cup semisweet chocolate chips
• 3 tablespoons butter

Directions:

Combine cookie crumbs and butter; press onto the bottom of a greased 9-in. springform pan. In a small bowl, combine water and cinnamon; set aside.
In a large mixing bowl, beat the cream cheese, sugar and flour until smooth. Add eggs; beat on low speed just until combined. Stir in vanilla. Divide batter in half. Stir melted chocolate into one portion; pour over crust. Stir water/cinnamon mixture into the remaining batter; spoon over chocolate layer.
Place pan on a double thickness of heavy-duty foil (about 16 in. square). Securely wrap foil around pan. Place in a large baking pan; add 1 in. of hot water to larger pan.
Bake at 325° for 45-50 minutes or until center is just set and top appears dull. Remove springform pan from water bath. Cool on a wire rack for 10 minutes. Carefully run a knife around edge of pan to loosen; cool 1 hour longer. Refrigerate overnight.
In a microwave-safe bowl, melt chocolate chips and butter; stir until smooth. Spread over cheesecake. Remove sides of pan. Garnish with coffee beans if desired. Refrigerate leftovers. Yield: 16 servings

Lastly, I wanted to share something sweet that Tyler said today.

A Few of Tyler's Observations

Tyler was looking at this picture during Sacrament meeting. Tyler has never been a man of many words...until lately. Now he's really starting to talk and it's so great - I love FINALLY getting to hear what's going on in that little mind of his. So....while he was looking at that picture he said to me
Tyler: "Mama, him has no shoes on." (In an enormous voice...bound to be heard by all)
Me: Nodding and tapping my finger to my lips in an effort to quiet him down.
Tyler: "Him betters gets hims shoes on...dats dangerous!"
Me: Trying not to laugh and still motioning for him to stay quiet
Tyler: "Oh mama,(now in his sweetest and softest voice) hims hands have an ouchie...He needs a bandaid."
How I love that little guy!