Jack's Name! Celebrating the 16 year Anniversary.

 We made the final decision on Jack's name after a visit to Michigan during the Summer of '07.  Rick was continuing to subtly push for Bart but it just didn't seem right.  On July 16, 2007 we decided that Jack was it!

Upon hearing our decision, Grandpa Tangeman, expressed excitement through an email.  "Jack is a really good name. Is it John-based like Jack Kennedy or pure Jack?

With Jack now nearly 16 will still agree.  Jack is a really good name!

Junior's French Toast Secret Recipe Reveal!

 

Junior's french toast at Georgia Tech was a staple breakfast for both Dad and I.  Sadly it isn't there any more but I ran across some GT Marketing of this.

TOMMY’S REPLY:

Hmmm… it’s been almost 11 years since we served our last batch and nothing was ever written down. But let me encourage him and those alums willing to use a little “trial and error” approach... it’s very basic!

Many high-end restaurants start by mixing eggs, milk, and a little vanilla extract to dip their French bread... very good! But we needed to feed hungry students fast at a price they could afford, so we took it to another level.

We found that using "complete pancake mix" and adding eggs and milk could make a heartier mix… fluffier. We used Flower’s Bakery regular sandwich bread (day-old holds together better!). Now, as to proportions? Too many variables, but as I stated earlier, trial and error.

Follow directions on any pancake box (complete mix only)... remember we’re starting from a pancake approach… not the fancy egg wash approach. Try to keep the batter slightly sticky (a few more eggs if needed), not too thick… definitely not thin. Depending on your small batch, play with it. You’ll get the results needed after a few trials. Now have your oiled, griddle at 360*). Dip your bread in the prepared batter (don’t soak it too long, dip to cover both sides of the bread) and place it on the griddle. After 1 1/2 to 2 minutes, check to see if it's golden brown, then turn to the other side and cook for the same time. Again this is trial and error... you can do it!

Take it off the griddle, add butter, dust with ground cinnamon, pour syrup as needed, and Viola!

There's a video too which reveals more:

2 cups of "Complete Bisquick"

1-1/3 cup of Water

Beat it lightly

Cook on grill at 360 degress

2 pieces of white sandwich bread - coated well with two pieces laid side by side.

Garnesh with cinnamon, butter and syrup.

Ready for Christmas!

I was a little late in getting the Christmas morning posts up this year!  Excitement levels still run high around 7am on December 25!

Off to Dinner with Mimi and Grandpa!

Off to our favorite, Loosey's!

The Birthday Report: Part 1

Jack and Grandpa prepare for the big day by spelling "CAKE" on his word puzzle.  Jack doesn't really need much help, as a four year old, with such trivial puzzles any more.

"Let's do the birthday cake one!"

More pre-birthday festivities...reading the Seuss Birthday story... which, like all Dr. Seuss books, is surprisingly long.

Elle got in on the Grandpa action too.

People Like to Read to Jack...or vice versa...

Here Granny reads a little Curious George.

Grandpa's turn... with a little Pooh Bear.

Mimi gets a turn next!

Jack, of course, "pays it forward" by reading to his lil' sis'.