Fun and festive study breaks

Management, evaluation and environment - I guess flashcards aren't a very advanced studying technique, but until someone gets me and iPad, these are the best way for me to study while waiting in line at the post office or doing cardio at the gym.

Management, evaluation and environment - I guess flashcards aren't a very advanced studying technique, but until someone gets me and iPad, these are the best way for me to study while waiting in line at the post office or doing cardio at the gym.

This may sound crazy, but studying for exams has been surprisingly relaxing. Not the actual studying or exam taking, since ya know.. grad school ain’t cheap and I’d like to graduate sometime this decade, but being able to clear my calendar for designated “Study Time” and “Break Time.”

I’ve also had the opportunity to spend a lot more quality time with my friends and family in the last two weeks, and that really means a lot. I guess it is the season of gatherings, out of town visitors and commiserating study groups.

This week, my semester exams are done and now I’m reviewing for my OMG-Big Mama-Comprehensive Exam. Tomorrow, I’ll sit in an icy computer lab for hours, cranking out essays about public health program planning, theory and evaluation. And then? I’ll wait to see if I get to graduate in May. I’m happy to report that I’m almost finished wrapping up the loose ends for my field placement next semester. I can’t say much about it, but I’m excited to do something new and to work on a program addressing health disparities, which is one of my main areas of interest.

But, Ok, enough about school…

Last week I baked my mom's oatmeal-coconut Christmas cookie recipe for Kat's cookie swap. It is hard to explain why these are so good, but really they are so. good.

Last week I baked my mom's oatmeal-coconut Christmas cookie recipe for Kat's cookie swap. It is hard to explain why these are so good, but really they are so. good.

It isn't the holiday season without cookies and festive booze.

It isn't the holiday season without cookies and festive booze.

Yesterday, my friend from my FloMo days, Michael came to visit. We went to the Body Worlds Vital Exhibit at the SC State Museum. I know this is going to sound either nerdy or disturbing depending on how well you know me, but..It was really interesting to see what disease looks like inside the body.

Photography wasn't allowed in the exhibit, but lucky for you, we have these other charming photos of our day.

Photography wasn't allowed in the exhibit, but lucky for you, we have these other charming photos of our day.

I’ve also being trying to get in the holiday spirit as much as possible by surrounding myself with glittery things lit by twinkle lights. It helps!

Sparkly trees fight SAD!

Sparkly trees fight S.A.D.! Try it.

And I’m really excited to announce that I was chosen as a grand prize winner for the “Lee Brother Your Holiday Recipe” contest from the Lee Brothers and the SC Department of Agriculture. They wanted recipes that used local ingredients, so I submitted my vegetarian collard recipe and won my category! My family is amused by this because growing up I hated collards, and now I’m spreading my love for greens all across the state.

And now.. I’m off to get in some movement and relaxation (cardio and yoga!) before I have to go back to studying!

Make Cupcakes, Not War Entry: Give Peach a Chance Cupcakes

Just Peachy Cupcakes: Peach cupcakes with peach cream cheese frosting

Give Peach a Chance: Peach cupcakes with peach cream cheese frosting

The flavor for my entry in Jaclyn’s “Make Cupcakes Not War”-Bake-Off Contest was inspired by my latest grocery find: S.C. Peaches!  The contest rules state that your cupcakes should be tasty enough to inspire peace. I think if I were attempting to make peace with someone, I would want to bring them something sweet from my part of the world so they would be reminded of how sweet I am. (Sometimes.)

My first S.C. peaches of the season!

My first S.C. peaches of the season!

I’d bring this peachy peace offering, since everyone knows S.C. peaches are the best. (Sorry, Georgia!)

My cupcake recipe is from Smitten Kitchen, except that I reduced the recipe to only make 6-8 cupcakes and used regular flour instead of cake flour. The frosting is a basic cream cheese recipe with an additional peachy ingredient. They are just sweet enough, and sans-frosting they would be excellent with sliced peaches and vanilla ice cream.

Peachy deliciousness.

Peachy deliciousness.

Give Peach a Chance Cupcakes with Peach Cream Cheese Frosting

Makes 6-8 servings

Cupcake Ingredients

1 cup flour (or cake flour)
1/2 tsp baking soda
1/2 tsp baking powder
1/2 tsp salt
Pinch of nutmeg
1/2 stick room temperature butter
1/4 cup sugar
1/4 cup brown sugar
1 egg, beaten
1/2 tsp vanilla
1/2 cup buttermilk
1 large peach, peeled, cored and sliced into small pieces

All peach everything!

All peach everything!

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 350*. Place cupcake liners into muffin tin.

2. Mix salt, flour, baking powder, baking soda in a bowl, and set aside.

3. Cream together butter and sugar with mixer.  Mix in beaten egg, buttermilk and vanilla.

4. Slowly add wet mixture to dry mixture. Mix. Fold in peaches.

5. Bake for 18-22 minutes on 350* and then let them cool before adding frosting.

Frosting Ingredients

5 oz Neufchatel (light cream cheese), softened

3 Tbls butter, softened

2/3 cup powdered sugar

1/2 tsp vanilla extract

1/2 large peach, peeled, cored and sliced into very small pieces (Peach shouldn’t be super ripe – If your peach is too juicy, drain the peaches before adding them to the frosting.)

Directions: Cream together neufchatel, butter, powdered sugar and vanilla until light and fluffy. Stir in peaches. Refrigerate until ready to frost cupcakes.

I really enjoyed these! Sure, I don’t meet many cupcakes I don’t like, but I was really impressed with myself after making these.  I would recommend serving soon after frosting or sticking them in the refrigerator until ready to serve.

I’m lucky to live in an agricultural state where local produce is available most of the year. Tell me, what does your state grow or produce that makes it special?