Ask and ye shall receive

I don’t have very many random readers of this blog. Most people who read this know me or are friends of a friend. At least I didn’t think I had any random readers. Then I realized it was probably because my blog was not being picked up by search engines and now it is. And now I have random readers.

Well, I use the word “reader” loosely because these random people stumble upon this page and realize it’s a blog- not a very interesting one either - and leave. I don’t know if they actually read.

However, I do have a tracker on this blog and now that this blog is being picked up on search engines, I can see how. For instance, there are a ton of people looking for sample questions for the Newlywed Game. Instead of getting sample questions, they are getting The Newlywed Game blog. Sorry about that. Lame name for a blog, I know!

So, after looking at the most recent search words/phrases that are directing people to my blog, I figured I could at least attempt to give them what they are looking for.

1) “Questions to ask while playing a game like the newlywed game” and a million other word combinations all looking for the same thing:

Well, I did my own Google search and was not referred to my blog. I found Party 411 which seems to have a lot of questions that can at least get you started. I’d like to play this game myself although I do think a couple of the questions are just asking for trouble. For example, “What is one funny or embarrassing thing about your spouse that everyone knows that your spouse thinks no one knows?” and “Which one of your wife’s friends would look best in a bikini?” Yikes. You’ll have to tell me how that question goes down at your next party.

2) Pillsbury Crescent Roll Recipes:

I’d like to meet the person looking for these recipes. We could swap recipes and be friends for life.

Pillsbury Crescent Rolls (PCRs) are a staple on my shopping list these days. I never thought I would be so excited about bread in a can. I like to make pizza rolls, chicken parcels, pinwheels and pigs in a blanket. I used to associate PCRs with only savory dishes but then I discovered this recipe. Anything containing cream cheese is a winner in my book.

Cream Cheese Squares
Ingredients:
2 cans refrigerated crescent dough
2 packages of cream cheese
1 cup white sugar
1 tsp vanilla extract
1/2 cup margarine, melted
1/4 cup white sugar
1 tsp cinnamon

(I also like to add a couple spoonfuls of lemon curd in the cream cheese mixture. You can add whatever you want or have in the pantry, such as strawberry jam.)

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Grease a 9×13 inch pan.
2. Press one can of the crescent rolls into the bottom of the prepared pan. In a medium bowl, mix together the cream cheese, 1 cup of sugar, and vanilla until smooth and creamy. Spread over the crescent layer. Unroll the second can of crescent rolls and lay them on top of the cream cheese layer. Do not press down. Pour the melted margarine over the entire pan. Combine the remaining 1/4 cup of sugar and cinnamon; sprinkle over the top.
3. Bake for 25 to 30 minutes in the preheated oven, or until the top is crisp and golden.

3) Difference between crescent rolls and croissants:

Do not be fooled by the greatness of PCRs. They are not comparable to croissants. Especially fresh croissants. If you’re looking for something to make for a bridal shower or give your house guests in the morning, go for the croissants. Use the PCRs as part of something better like the cream cheese squares or pinwheels. While the PCRs can be eaten alone, they must be hot out of the oven. It pains me to say this but when in doubt, go for the croissants.

I really do not know how the UK distributors of Pillsbury can call them croissants. It’s very misleading and anyone in the UK who buys them will be disappointed because they aren’t croissants at all. So why not sell them as crescent rolls and give people a chance to appreciate them for what they are?

4) Baking powder US vs UK:

They sell baking powder in the UK. It’s called baking powder. It’s in a little round pot in the baking aisle. It is not the same as baking soda, which is called Bicarbonate of Soda in the UK. It’s also in a small pot in the baking aisle. If your recipe calls for baking powder, use it. Do not try to substitute it for baking soda. How many more times can I say baking?

5) How much would it cost to ship a package to England from VA?

First, is this package for me?

Second, it depends what you’re putting in there. It’s pricey so be prepared. I have a few tips that might help you figure out what to send and how to send it. Do you need my address?

6) Irish Mastiff and Mastiff Eyes:

My blog will be of no help to you. I only mentioned the Mastiff to give readers a visual of a mean postal worker. I know nothing about the breed except that they are big and wrinkly and could fit about four more heads into the skin they have around their face.

7) Am I brushing too hard:

Are your gums bleeding? Does your hand hurt after brushing? Are you going through toothbrushes every week? If so, you probably are. Stop looking for answers on the Internet and go to the dentist.