Yes, I'm doing it again - I signed up for the 2009 Breast Cancer 3-Day! I had such an incredible experience doing the 3-Day last year that I'm going back for more. I'm so excited about this event, even though this year I really know what I've gotten myself into.

This year, however, my purpose for walking became even more personal. Just a few months after I signed up for the 3 Day, I got some news I new expected to receive. My mom was diagnosed with breast cancer. Not in one breast, but both breasts. From what we hear it is very rare to have cancer in both breast at the same time. In February my mother underwent a bilateral mastectomy. I was able to be by her side throughout the whole process. It was truly a scary time, but when her surgeon told us that it had not spread to her lymph nodes, we were so relieved. She is now in the process of her reconstruction and undergoing drug therapy. I can't begin to sing the praises of her doctors and the amazing nurses of the LD Breast Center, where she had her surgery and treatment. Watching my mom go through this process only made my desire to do my part in finding a cure for this disease even stronger.

I need your help. I am planning on surpassing the $2260.00 that you - my friends and family - gave so generously last time around to help fight breast cancer.

Just follow the link above to visit my personal fundraising page and make a donation. I know times are tough right now, but what ever you can give either big or small is appreciated more than you will ever know. Thanks for all of your support. I'm incredibly lucky to have people like you in my life!

Love,
Lisa

ANZAC Biscuits

In honor of ANZAC Day on Saturday. I made some ANZAC's. When we were in Australia we were there on the 25th of April, ANZAC Day. We were lucky enough to be a part of this celebration (here, this is what it's all about). My friends mother- in-law made these cookies (biscuits) for us. They are by far the best cookie I have ever tasted. They are crunchy on the outside but chewy on the inside and believe it or not they get better with age, they keep forever, but not in my house because they are eaten up within the first two days. They require an imported ingredient called golden syrup. My friend brings me cases of golden syrup from Australia when she comes to visit, but you can check your local british market and you may be able to find it. You can also substitute half dark corn syrup and half molasses, I have never tried it but I hear it's a pretty good alternative. Here is how I make them:

Anzac Biscuits

2 cups Flour
2 cups Oats
1 3/4 cup sugar
2 cups coconut
2 sitcks of butter
4 tablespoons golden syrup
4 tablespoons boiling water
2 teaspoons baking soda

The key players

Mix all of your dry ingredients

Don't be messy like me.....

Sugar, flour and oats

Don't forget the coconut!

Mix it all up

Get your 2 sticks of butter, not that gross margerine or Cri$co butter flavored crap. REAL butter!

Melt your butter

To your butter, add the golden syrup

Give it a good swirl, until fully incorporated

In a separate bowl, nuke your water until boiling lava hot and add the baking soda. Mix thoroughly.

Pour your water/baking soda mixture into the butter and golden syrup

It will get all foamy and bubbly

Pour into your dry ingrdients

Mix well

Drop by rounded spoonfuls (I use a scooper)

Pop in a 325 degree oven for 20-22 minutes

Voila, ANZAC Biscuits!

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