Wrapping up the month.

I am happy to report that this week is off to a good start. Any week that has homemade cream puffs with vanilla pudding (cooked on the stove...not instant) and real whipped cream is a good week in my book. =)
I grew up loving cream puffs and often requested them instead of birthday cake for my own birthday. In making this batch of cream puffs, I really did have Chip in mind and knew they would make him happy. We had an early birthday celebration sharing dessert with the kids tonight, because tomorrow Chip and I will be going out for dinner with some friends. The kids didn't mind singing and having fun early. For me, the memories are more important than the date. =)
As we close this month of March, I am looking forward to April and hoping that spring shows up in all its glory. We, like everybody we know it seems, are anxious for sunshine and fresh air. I again want to thank many of you for taking on some of the little 'challenges' I posted here- from sending a card to Lois to help lift her spirits as she battles cancer, to the donations made for the childrens' hospital in Uganda, to your own personal reflections. I love that each day, each week, each month, we have the opportunity to make new choices, discover new things and take on challenges that can stretch and change us in many ways. I wish you all a Happy April!
If you must have the recipe for cream puffs, here it is...enjoy!
Preheat oven to 400 degrees. In a heavy saucepan, combine 1/2 cup butter (1 stick) with 1 cup of water and bring to boil. Next, add 1 cup of flour and stir until it forms a ball of dough. Add 4 eggs, mixing in one at a time, until the dough is smooth. (It will be slightly sticky.) Drop large spponfuls of dough onto a sheet pan...makes about 12-16.
Bake for 20-25 minutes.
Allow to cool for as long as you can before filling them with your favorite pudding, whipped cream, mousse or whatever else you love. =)