Rare Snow Day in Texas: Building Our First Snowwoman

Oh, how can we think about school work on a day like this?? It's snowing outside!

Snow Days Are a Rare Treat in Texas

Snow isn't something we see very often here in Central Texas, which makes days like this extra special. When the flakes begin to fall, it's amazing how quickly the entire neighborhood seems to come alive. Children rush outdoors, snowballs begin to fly, and every patch of snow becomes an opportunity to build a snowman—or in our case, a snowwoman!

One of the things I enjoy most about unexpected winter weather is how it encourages us to slow down. School lessons can wait for a little while. Some memories are simply too important to miss. After spending time outside, there's nothing better than coming back indoors for a warm mug of hot cocoa, a bowl of popcorn, and a favorite book.

Looking back at these photos reminds me that some of the best family memories aren't expensive vacations or elaborate plans. Sometimes they're simply the unexpected moments that nature gives us, especially on a rare snowy day in Texas.

My 12-year-old daughter got to build her FIRST snowwoman!

Will anyone complain if I suggest we play outside today, then warm up later with some hot cocoa, popcorn, and a good book??

PS) Mrs Frosty is fashionably modeling an American Girl hat and scarf. For eyes, she's sporting raisins, and a delicious Hershey's white chocolate mint nose!

Sizzlin Hot Cheez Burger: Low-Carb Buffalo Burgers with Feta Cheese

One of the things I enjoy most about low-carb cooking is that meals don't have to be complicated to taste good. This burger recipe comes together quickly with just a few simple ingredients and has become one of our favorite comfort meals.

Why This Recipe Works

The combination of butter and Frank's RedHot sauce creates a rich, flavorful buffalo-style sauce without adding sugar. Crumbled feta cheese adds a tangy contrast, while crispy turkey bacon provides extra flavor and crunch. Served with celery and a fresh salad, it's a satisfying meal that's naturally low in carbohydrates.

Sugar-Free Chocolate Whipped Cream

This simple whipped cream has become one of my favorite low-carb desserts. It also makes a delicious topping for fresh berries, sugar-free cheesecake, or a cup of coffee. If you freeze it for a short time, it becomes a light, mousse-like frozen treat that's perfect on a hot summer day.

One of the biggest surprises when I first started eating low carb was discovering that desserts didn't have to disappear. With a little creativity, it's easy to enjoy satisfying treats without relying on refined sugar.

Here's a wonderful Low carb recipe.

Fry burgers and drain. Heat real butter in a saucepan till melted. Add as much Frank's hot sauce as you want. The melted butter will soften the heat, and make an incredible sauce.

Add burgers to sauce and cover both sides. Top with Feta cheese, and garnish with turkey bacon. Serve wtih celery and cream cheese, or with a salad.

For a creamy sugar free lowcarb dessert, whip about 2 cups of heavy whipping cream, add 1 tablespoon of cocoa, and two teaspoons of powdered Stevia. Blend till firm.

Great added to the Lowcarb cheesecake or eat by itself. Can freeze to make ice cream.

Thank you, Nate, for the recipe! ;-)

A meal only a LOSER could love: Blueberry Cheesecake

For my son Joshua's 21st birthday, he requested LOW CARB for his dinner party. Seems everyone's on a diet these days, so I was happy to comply! We had 3 cooks in the kitchen today (4 - if you count Joshua peeling the boiled eggs, and helping with the preparations...)

We whipped up a lowcarb meal of fried sirloin steak, Parmesan chicken wings, buffalo hot wings, and a chef salad of lettuce, cabbage, grated carrots, grated cheddar cheese, Feta cheese, chopped red onions, radishes, fresh spinach, boiled eggs, fried turkey bacon, and ranch!

For dessert, I made a blueberry cheesecake - Lowcarb, using the natural herb Stevia for sweetener. YUM!

Blueberry Cheesecake

INGREDIENTS:
1 pkg unflavored gelatin
1 cup of boiling water
16 oz cream cheese (room temperature)
1 tsp vanilla
1/2 tsp Stevia concentrate powder

TOPPING:
1/2 tsp Stevia concentrate powder
1/8 tsp salt
1 1/2 tablespoon cornstarch
1/2 cup water
2 cups blueberries
1 tablespoon lemon juice
1/2 tablespoon butter

INSTRUCTIONS: Dissolve gelatin in boiling water, add cream cheese and vanilla. Beat well. Add Stevia and continue to beat. Place into dessert dish or cake pan. Cool for one hour in the refrigerator.

TOPPING: Mix Stevia, salt and cornstarch in a saucepan. Place on medium heat and add water, stir until thickens. Add blueberries, lemon juice and butter. Continue to stir as it thickens. Remove from heat, cool, serve over cheesecake base.