Happy...What Makes me So?

What makes you happy?  That is what we are talking about this week on Eat. Live. Be. 

What makes you happy?!  Wow!  Well, I can tell you one thing for sure...spending time with my family!  When I am with them, I am so relaxed.  I am myself.  Some people who don't really know me would be surprised! Unfortunately, with my work schedule, I don't get to spend that much time with them (was sad I had to miss the family reunion for my mom's side this year).  The one thing that I make a priority is Thanksgiving...every year, I have requested vacation at that time. 

It is when my family (dad's side) gets together.  Really important for me.  Time with friends also makes me happy!  This past weekend, I went to Memphis to see Beauty and the Beast with S. 

We love going to musicals - there are more to come!  Last week, I went bowling and then to yogurt with friends. Yes, I had to work the next day...and yes, I didn't get as much sleep as I wanted...but it was fun, needed, and made me happy!  Going to church is another thing that makes me happy and is VITAL in my life.  I don't get to go as often as I'd like due to working (yes, children DO get sick and need hospital care on Sunday!) but when I can, I go.  Being taught from God's Word and fellowship with other Christians is really important for my attitude and relationship with Christ.  The more I get to go, the more joy-filled I am.  This helps me in times when I am NOT happy as well.  Remember what I've been given, Who I am living for, and what He has called me to do - glorify Him with all I have with joy.  It is easier to be happy when I remember this. 

AAAANNNNNDDDD...cooking!  I love it, really.  I bake fairly often and take it to share with my co-workers.  I love sharing my cooking with others. 

It makes me happy to see them enjoy it.  It makes me happy to bring home an empty container. What makes YOU happy?  See if baking these cookies will help!  I made them last month for one of our calls.  Unfortunately, I ran out of hazelnuts, so some didn't get coated in the toasted nuts. 

Surprisingly, it really did make a difference.  Though both versions were good, the coated ones were better!  But really, what Nutella based cookies wouldn't be good!?  Try them, they'll at least make your taste buds happy!

Hazelnut Crinkle Cookies from Southern Living Incredible Cookies
1/2 cup chopped hazelnuts
13 ounces chocolate-hazelnut spread (Nutella)
1/4 cup shortening
1 1/3 cups sugar
2 eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla
3 cups flour
2 teaspoons baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/3 cup milk
2 cups finely chopped hazelnuts (yes, you really need all these!)
powdered sugar

Preheat oven to 350.  Toast nuts for 5-10 minutes and cool.  Raise oven temp to 375. Cream Nutella (or other hazelnut spread) and shortening.  Add sugar, mixing well.  Add eggs and vanilla and beat until blended.  Combine the dry ingredients together.  mix into the Nutella mixture alternating with milk (dry - milk - dry - milk - dry).  Stir in 1/2 cup hazelnuts.  Scoop the dough into 1 inch balls.  Roll in chopped hazelnuts and then in powdered sugar. Place on a baking sheet or stone.  Place stone in oven and bake for 8-10 minutes or until set.  Allow to cool for 2 minutes then remove to cooling rack to finish cooling.  Enjoy!