Cookies & Cream Mini-Cheesecakes

So I taught Relief Society for the first time, and to prove my full membership as a Relief Society Sister I made treats haha:) I found this recipe for oreo cheesecakes on some random blog while Stumbling: it looked delicious and I figured this Sunday would be the perfect time to try it out!

Here's the recipe I used: http://gracessweetlife.com/2010/07/oreo-cookies-and-cream-cheesecakes/

I made it a few days in advance because my work schedule made the weekend a bit busy and plus I didn't want them to be last minute in case they were inedible. I doubled the recipe, but instead of doing one huge batch, I just did the recommended recipe twice. The first time made 32 cheesecakes and the second made 36, a few more than what the recipe said it would. I've found that most recipes underestimate how much it will provide. In any case, I had plenty and more for Relief Society on Sunday! I actually had enough that a lot of the guys got to eat some as well. Huge Success! :)

I used those foil muffin liners that you can use on a cookie sheet without an actual muffin tin for 20 of the cheesecakes; the things work but those cheesecakes are slightly misshaped. But the shape doesn't affect the taste so I'm fine with it! The oreos on the bottom softened from the baking and sitting in the refrigerator and made the cheesecake so much better! One friend took some of the extra oreos and put an oreo on top of the cheesecake for a sandwich effect that she really enjoyed.

This experience went well and I'll probably use the recipe again in the future. But I will note that it has made me want to buy an apron and a mixer! I have a hand mixer and it worked perfectly well, but now my right arm is slightly more tired than my left haha:)

Institute and Biking

During the summer months, Institute holds one class and it covers the May Ensign which contains all the April General Conference talks. We've had 3 classes so far and I've been able to attend 2 of them. I am so grateful for Institute and the great teachers that are there. I really learn a lot and can feel the spirit so strongly.

I've been able to read the General Conference talks before class and make my own markings based on what sticks out to me at the time. I'm so grateful for prophets today and for the modern revelations that they receive for us and that we can receive personally for ourselves. God and His Son, Jesus Christ, have not abandoned us, but have set out a plan for us to return to live eternally in their presence. That is an incredible knowledge; that there is someone who loves me and everyone who has ever lived and will ever live so much that He wants us to grow and learn and then return to Him. He has established the way in which we can do so if we have the faith to believe in and to follow Him. I am so blessed to have the opportunity to have the Holy Spirit with me at all times. The peace and comfort which comes from that presence in my life is extraordinary. I strive to follow Christ and His prophets' teachings, and I know that I can ask in prayer for guidance to do those things. I am so thankful for the Church being a part of my life and being a support system for me when I am separated by distance from my family. <3

My goal for the summer exercise wise is to bike or walk to Institute each week. It's roughly a 2 mile stretch, but I don't know how accurate that amount is since I cut through campus to get there from my apartment. When I bike I can get there in about 15 minutes, so it's a good bit of a ride :) I'm also continuing my nightly routine of ab exercises and push ups :) As well as almost being done with the Book of Mormon for the first time all the way through (I'm in Ether :D I know this has nothing to do with exercise but it is part of my nightly routine and I'm pretty excited about it)

Anyways, life is grand and I'm enjoying a break from school before I take classes in July. I'm working, volunteering with Family Promise (which I've been doing for about a year and a half off and on; I just sit in their Day Center and answer the phone if it rings), reading a bunch of books, and having a great time!

Cheesy Green Bean Casserole

the finished product

I had a good amount of left over green beans and decided to try out a green bean casserole. I got the recipe from http://allrecipes.com/Recipe/Campbells-Green-Bean-Casserole/Detail.aspx and used the cheese lovers option at the bottom. I also cut down the recipe to 6 servings so that I would only be using 1 can of cream of mushroom soup and ended up using a full 6oz can of french fried onions. I baked it in a circle pie tin and it worked perfectly. Very delicious :)