The Constant Princess

I am so in love with these books. This is actually the first book that I should have read before The Other Boleyn Girl. This story was about Queen Katherine of Aragon. Her story was amazing. She was so strong and did so much in her life. Here is the synopsis from the book.

I am Catalina, Princess of Spain, daughter of the two greatest monarchs the world has ever known...and I will be Queen of England."

Thus, bestselling author Philippa Gregory introduces one of her most unforgettable heroines: Katherine of Aragon. Daughter of Queen Isabella and King Ferdinand of Spain, Katherine has been fated her whole life to marry Prince Arthur of England. When they meet and are married, the match becomes as passionate as it is politically expedient. The young lovers revel in each other's company and plan the England they will make together. But tragically, aged only fifteen, Arthur falls ill and extracts from his sixteen-year-old bride a deathbed promise to marry his brother, Henry; become Queen; and fulfill their dreams and her destiny.

Russian Proverb

I heard this quote on 102.7 KIIS.FM this morning...

"Nothings interesting if your not interested." -Russian Proverb

Snickerdoodle Cupcakes

I found this recipe on MarthaStewart.com and I am so excited to try this... I just need an occasion.

Ingredients:

-1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour

-1 1/2 cups sifted cake flour

-1 tablespoon baking powder

-1/2 teaspoon salt

-1 tablespoon ground cinnamon

-2 sticks unsalted butter, softened

-1 3/4 cups sugar

-4 large eggs

-2 teaspoons vanilla extract

-1 1/4 cups milk

-1/2 teaspoon cinnamon for dusting

-2 tablespoons sugar for dusting

Martha's Seven Minute Frosting

Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Line standard muffin tins with paper liners. Sift together both flours, baking powder, salt and cinnamon.

2. With an electric mixer on medium-high speed, cream butter and sugar until pale and fluffy. Add eggs, one at a time, beating until each is mixed well, scraping down the sides of the bowl as needed. Beat in vanilla. Reduce speed to low. Add flour mixture in three batches, alternating with two additions of milk, and beating until combined after each.

3. Divide batter evenly among lined cups, filling each three-quarters full. Bake, rotating tins halfway through, until a cake tester inserted in centers comes out clean (about 20 minutes). Remove from oven and allow cooling before removing cupcakes.

4. To finish, combine remaining 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon and 2 tablespoons sugar. Using a pastry bag with a large plain tip, pipe frosting on each cupcake. Dust cinnamon-sugar onto the cupcakes.

Daddy McGregor's Pasta Salad

Ingredients:

Ringlet Pasta

Canned Artichoke Hearts

Sliced Olives

Chopped Salad Toppings (includes carrots, cucumber, broccoli, etc. and found in salad isle.)

Parmesan Cheese

Italian Dressing

Salami

Directions:

Boil water and cook the pasta until firm. Drain the water and rinse the pasta in cool water until the pasta becomes cold. Place cooled pasta in a bowl. Add the artichoke, olives, salami, and chopped salad toppings. Mix well. Add Italian dressing until the pasta looks well coated. Mix everything well. Cover the pasta with plastic wrap and place in the refrigerator over night. The next morning add a little bit more Italian dressing if it looks like it needs more. Stir well and place back in the refrigerator until needed. Before serving sprinkle the parmesan cheese on top.