The first Weed of February
January 30th -- February 5th

Another normal and somewhat mundane week has past again.  #1 Gonzaga played #xxxxx BYU on Thursday night.  It was a really late game.  Danny, Katie, and I (Danny and Katie just started dating again so we'll see how it works out this time) got in line at 5:30pm for the 9pm tip off.  We were very near to the ASB building.  The line went up the cream-colored over pass and all the way around to the Marriott.  President Worthen's car was parked right in front of where we were sitting so he came and talked to us.  He told me that I looked very domestic (I was working on my crochet blanket at the time.)

The beginning of the game was awesome.  It reminded me of the San Diego State game during the Jimmer year -- energy was so high.  That lasted until we started playing.  I ended up leaving at half time, but the beginning was well worth standing in line.

Us in line

 I was able to spend time of Thursday making a double batch of granola to replace mine that I had eaten.  It turned out quite tasty.

I also made treats for my visiting teachers.  I used the recipe on Sam's Creative Compassionate Happy site and changed out the chocolate bar for valentine M&M's and added sprinkles.  So cute!

I also crochet'd ties and hot-glued hearts on the bottom of them just for cuteness factor

Saturday, I ate some of the best things I had eaten ever... Kolaches.  They are a soft and sweet dough filled with savory or sweet stuff.  I had half of a chicken cilantro and half of a pulled pork.  I also had a piece of a cream cheese preserve one.  They are absolutely delicious.  I found a recipe to post below in case anyone wants to attempt them.

Traditional Kolaches
Ingredients:

1 package of active dry yeast
1 cup of warm milk
1/2 cup sugar
4 cups of all-purpose flour (I always need 4 cups)
2 eggs for dough
1/2 cup melted butter
1 teaspoon of salt
1 egg for egg wash

This will make about 24 kolaches. I recommend doubling the recipe. They are always gone within a day or two.

1. In a large bowl, combine yeast, warm milk (105-110 degrees) sugar and one cup of flour. Cover and let it rise until doubled in size.

2. In a small bowl beat the 2 eggs, slowly add the 1/2 cup of melted butter and salt.
3. Add egg mixture to yeast mixture and mix.
4. Mix in the flour, 1/2 cup at a time. I usually have to knead the last cup in by hand. It is a really soft, slightly sticky dough.
5. Knead dough for about 10 minutes on a well floured surface. Place dough in a well greased bowl. Cover with plastic wrap and let rise until doubled in size - about an hour.

While the dough is rising, get your fillings ready. Some of our favorites are:
-Buffalo chicken and blue cheese
-ham and cheese
-cheese and hotdogs (cut in half)
-sausage and cheese
-milk chocolate
-pepperoni, pizza sauce and mozerella
-chopped chicken and alfredo or pesto
-taco
-chicken curry
-spinach and feta
The possibilities are endless! We haven't found anything we don't like in a kolache! 

After dough has risen, punch it down and pull off egg-sized pieces. In your hands, roll pieces into balls and then flatten to about 4 inches in diameter. Spoon about 1 to 1 1/2 Tbls of filling. 
Close dough around filling. Pinch it shut and place seam side down on greased cookie sheet. Cover with plastic wrap and let rise 20 min. Preheat oven 375 degrees.

Beat the third egg. Before you bake the kolaches, brush with egg. If you are making a couple different flavors, you may want to mark them. We sprinkled Italian seasoning on top of the pizza flavored one, and paprika on the cheese and chorizo kolaches. 

To make the more traditional Kolaches, make flattened balls of dough. Let them rise. Right before you bake them gently make a little well in the center and fill with low sugar preserves.