Hey pals! Happy Fourth of July! I have to fill you in on my adventures with some very special people while I’ve been in Seattle.
Yesterday I spent the afternoon with Princess Briella. We had the ultimate girl date which consisted of shopping at the Disney Store, Justice and Claire’s, and she even got her ears pierced! She was so brave the whole time and I was so proud of her. We got cupcakes afterwards to celebrate. 🙂 This girl lights up my life and I have been so blessed to be a mentor for her the past few months. 
Today I was honored to spend the afternoon with President and CEO of Miss America, Sam Haskell. My family took him to Snoqualmie Falls for lunch where we all enjoyed hamburgers. We adopted him into our family as Uncle Sam (haha get it?) since he can’t be with his family today.
I have looked up to Sam for many many years, so to be able to hang out with him was like a dream come true. He really is the coolest person in the world. Although his accomplishments in life and in the entertainment industry are very impressive, what I found most fascinating about Uncle Sam is that he’s a real, genuine human being with such a kind and generous heart. 
He saved the Miss America Program when it was at it’s weakest point and does so much to help young people succeed. His stories about all the things he’s seen and done are so inspiring, but it’s obvious he doesn’t let them get to his head or in the way of making new relationships. His selflessness and warm spirit is so contagious, it makes you want to be a better person. He likes catfish and chicken and dumplins’ just like everyone else, too. 😉 I really admire him and hope I can make a positive difference in the world like he has.
Remember to cherish the present moment wherever you are and be friends with people. Show them how much you appreciate them and continue to build people up. It’s not important how many times you tell someone you love them, but how many times you show them that you do. We keep asking for answers and God keeps giving us people. Use them! 
On a completely unrelated topic, who wants a new recipe?! Well even if you don’t I’m going to give you one. These are my cookie version of a German Chocolate Cake. YUM. I know. Because the cookies are pretty thin, make sure to not overload with too much topping because the cookie will break. I went a little coconut crazy and when I picked up my cookie, it all went tumbling down.
German Chocolate Cookies
Cookies
-2 sticks butter, softened
-1 cup light brown sugar
-1 cup granulated sugar
2 teaspoons vanilla
-2 large eggs, beaten
-2 1/4 cups all purpose flour
-1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
-1 teaspoon baking soda
pinch salt
German Chocolate Frosting Topping
-1 cup evaporated milk
-1 cup sugar
-3 egg yolks
-1/2 cup butter
-1 teaspoon vanilla
-1 1/3 cup sweetened shredded coconut
-1 cup chopped pecans
Chocolate Ganache Drizzle
-1/4 cup chocolate chips
-2 tablespoons heavy cream
Directions:Â Preheat oven to 375 degrees F. Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
In a stand mixer or large bowl, beat the butter and both sugars together. Add the vanilla and eggs. In a medium bowl whisk flour, cocoa powder, baking soda and salt. Gradually add the flour mixture into the butter mixture until combined.
Drop the dough in tablespoonfulls onto the baking sheet and bake for 8-10 minutes. Cool on a baking rack.
For the Topping: Add evaporated milk, sugar, egg yolks, butter and vanilla in a large pan over the stove top on medium heat.
Stir so that it becomes well combined, stirring constantly until mixture thickens. (About 11 minutes) Once it thickens, remove from heat and add the coconut and pecans.
Spread the topping over the tops of cooled cookies.
For the drizzle: melt chocolate chips in the microwave with the cream and stir together. (About 30-45 seconds) Put melted ganache in a ziploc baggie and snip one of the bottom corners and drizzle chocolate on your delectable cookies. 
And that’s it!! Enjoy!! Don’t forget to “do stuff” this summer! You can follow my adventures on Instagram and Twitter as well @nicoleerenard. Sweeeeeeet!
Peace Out girl scout!
Nicole #dostuff
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