Robert & Claire Believe.

Seen the slogan Believe in America lately? Yesterday, Nevada Believed, and so did Mr. Husband-o and I. 
Technically, we didn't do the whole caucus thing because we are still Idaho residents, but we did celebrate. 


Anyone who knows my parents, especially my mom, knows that being their daughter automatically puts us right in the middle of the Romney Campaign or anything politically for that matter. Naturally, my mother has been very involved in the Romney campaign in both 2008 and 2012. Although we hardly see her for about  six months, it does have it's perks!  (Recap of his last visit to Vegas here.) 

We got to be VIP's at the victory party last night! 

Looking at his security guards, the last thing I am worried about it his safety.

Can I also say that his daughter-in-law had on the most adorable dress I had ever seen?! I asked Mitt where she got it. He didn't answer me. 

Happy Sunday!

Faux Olive Garden Breadsticks

Once upon a time I was supposed to be grading Physiology Lab assignments, but decided to experiment instead. With what? (Because the title doesn't give it away) breadsticks. They came out of the oven and I about died. Not kidding.

Just tell me your mouth isn't watering.

Because I am just that awesome, here is the recipe. Keep in mind I just made this up, today. I have tried it once, and it may have just been a "hitting a bulls-eye on the first try" sort of thing. (I don't think so though)


Faux Olive Garden Breadsticks


Dough:
4.5 C. Flour (bread flour or all-purpose). You could also do 1/2 and 1/2 (wheat & white)
1.5 C warm water
1 pkg of active dry yeast or 2 1/4 tsp.
1 T Coconut milk (or milk of choice)
3 T Agave Nectar (or sweetener of choice) - divided
1 T melted butter (unsalted)
2 tsp garlic powder, or more. I eyeballed it, let's be honest.
1 tsp salt
2 tsp dried basil


Topping:
2-3 T melted butter OR Olive Oil
salt
garlic powder


Here is what you do:
1. Prep your yeast. Mix your 1.5 C of warm water (not hot, or else it will kill the poor little yeast) with yeast, and 1 of the Tablespoons of your sweetener of choice. Wait for it to get all bubbly, about 10-15 minutes.
2. Mix the dry ingredients and add the wet last (making the yeast the very last). Mix, and knead. (If you have a handy Kitchen Aid, use your dough hook)
3. Once your dough has formed a slightly (very slightly) sticky ball, let it rise until it doubles in size (about 1-1.5 hours)
4. Roll the dough into breadsticks, making them smaller than usual because they will rise again. I used a class baking dish and found it to work better than a metal cookie sheet (it made the bottom a little harder than the delicious, soft bottom). Cover and let rise for 45 minutes. Preheat oven to 400.
5. Before you put your rolls in the oven, sprinkle them with garlic powder, and basil. Bake for 10-12 minutes.
6. Before the breadsticks finish, melt the butter (if using EVOO, don't melt it:) and combine the salt and garlic. Once removed from the oven, quickly spread the topping on, and just eat one. So. Good.

When Your Sister Leaves Without You

This is my awesome little sister Layne: 

and today, she got her first college acceptance letter!

Because said little sister decided to be galavanting around the East Coast  on they day it came (and didn't take me with her), I got to open it. 

Congrats, Layne!  You got into Hofstra University in NY! 

PS-You also go a fatty scholarship.