The weather outside is frightful, but snow really is delightful. As long as we have warm clothes, let it snow, let it snow, let it snow!
Yep, it snowed in Connecticut today. Not my kiddos first snow, just the first this year, though I doubt they remember the other (because it just didn't snow much last year). We saw the most minute flakes, probably actually frozen rain, coming down and hurried into our coats and hats and mittens. Not the quickest of processes, so that there was real snow coming down when we made it outside.
I think they were a little surprised and didn't know what to expect. Mainly because they kept asking where the snowman was. Sure, right, it was snowing, there should be a snowman. They didn't know you need lots of snow and have to make it yourself. It kind of reminded me of my own Texan misconceptions about snow. When I was a kid, I flew to visit a friend in Ohio and it was cold there. So, I just thought there would be snow. It never got cold in Texas, and we never had snow. I figured if it were cold, there had to be snow. I didn't know it snowed like it rained, with a storm or a front. Of course the babes thought that snow meant a snowman. Well, maybe next time, because there was just a dusting, and it was even too dry to get a handful.
And then we can all build our first snowman together. Because in all my years in snow country, I have yet to build one.
Sunday, December 2, 2007
Saturday, December 1, 2007
Cookie Monsters
We baked several dozen cookies this week for church. And DD and DS were my big helpers. They're getting quite good in the kitchen. They take turns dumping in ingredients and stirring the batter. While Rice Krispie candy is their favorite to make and to eat--and I'm considering having us make big batches of it to take to our pediatrician, vet, community center, and church as holiday gifts--they like cookies too. The dough is their favorite part, better even than the finished cookies. Now, that was fine before we started using real eggs--egg replacer is made of ground flaxseed--but it's been hard to break the dough-eating habit. Who would think I could complain about NOT having an allergy? I think I'd better keep pasteurized eggs in the house for baking (though, I ate dough all the time as a kid and never got sick--the trick is in how you crack the eggs--avoid the outside of the shell where the salmonella is).
Yesterday, we made Ginger Snaps and Orange Cranberry sugar cookies, both starting with gluten free mixes. DD loved stirring and DS was the champion at rolling the balls in the sugar. He'd chant "roll them in sugar and drop them on the tray!" He liked it so much that we rolled both batches, even though the second batch didn't need it.
We all watched them bake, carefully avoiding the oven. And were impatient for them to cool. DD inhaled the ginger snaps but left the cranberry orange alone. DS didn't really like the finished product and ended up playing with his trains.
But they were asking to bake cookies again today.
-=-=-=-=-=
Gluten Free Pantry Gingerbread and Spice Cake mix--follow the recipe for Ginger Snaps. We used pumpkin pie spice instead of ginger.
Namaste Cookie mix--we added about 2/3 cups craisins and the zest and juice of one orange, plus about 2 teaspoons or more of cinnamon.
Yesterday, we made Ginger Snaps and Orange Cranberry sugar cookies, both starting with gluten free mixes. DD loved stirring and DS was the champion at rolling the balls in the sugar. He'd chant "roll them in sugar and drop them on the tray!" He liked it so much that we rolled both batches, even though the second batch didn't need it.
We all watched them bake, carefully avoiding the oven. And were impatient for them to cool. DD inhaled the ginger snaps but left the cranberry orange alone. DS didn't really like the finished product and ended up playing with his trains.
But they were asking to bake cookies again today.
-=-=-=-=-=
Gluten Free Pantry Gingerbread and Spice Cake mix--follow the recipe for Ginger Snaps. We used pumpkin pie spice instead of ginger.
Namaste Cookie mix--we added about 2/3 cups craisins and the zest and juice of one orange, plus about 2 teaspoons or more of cinnamon.
Tidbits
The kiddos love to frolic with DP when she gets home from work. I'm instantly chopped liver, so to speak, and that's just fine. I like watching them play. Well, last night DD wanted a horsey ride on DP's back (I don't give horsey rides; I'm not the "fun mama"). She climbed up with her stuffed white bunny Amy (actually, my bunny, one of four, named after the characters in my favorite book Little Women). DS was desperate for his turn so we suggested he help out. He decided "horsey" needed to be fed. And that horsey was actually a camel. So, acting like the people he'd seen at the Bronx Zoo, he grasped DP by the chin and led her to the fake food, where he fed her broccoli. And when it was his turn to ride, DD did the same thing.
-=-=-=-=-=
The other day, changing DS's diaper on my legs, he complained that I scratched him. Now, like most good lesbians, I don't have fingernails and I didn't think I'd nicked him in any way. When he got up he went straight to my ankles--and the space above my socks but below my pant leg. My skin was exposed. "Scratchy," he said. My legs were scratchy. I shaved that very night. Is this how dads feel about stubble?
-=-=-=-=-=
I have new contact lenses. I used to wear them, starting in high school, and did for years. But when the babes were born, I had trouble with them--tired eyes, dirty hands, who knows--and so I switched to glasses. A few weeks ago, DS broke my glasses, knocked the nose piece off so that we could only superglue it and hope. And so, I went to the eye doctor and got contacts (in an improved prescription--whose eyes actually get better? I bet it's because I don't read anymore!).
DD doesn't like the contacts at all. When I got home from the appointment, she noticed my glasses were missing almost immediately. And she came up to me and roughly patted (well, that's a nice way to put it) my face and started wailing for my glasses. I told her I was wearing new super invisible glasses that would get smudged or break. But she doesn't care. And has complained everyday since the transition. I think I understand though, we had a ritual--she would hand me my glasses in the morning and I would say (or she would pre-empt me), "Now I can see you!" It's just not as fun with contacts.
I'd better not consider lasik.
-=-=-=-=-=
The other day, changing DS's diaper on my legs, he complained that I scratched him. Now, like most good lesbians, I don't have fingernails and I didn't think I'd nicked him in any way. When he got up he went straight to my ankles--and the space above my socks but below my pant leg. My skin was exposed. "Scratchy," he said. My legs were scratchy. I shaved that very night. Is this how dads feel about stubble?
-=-=-=-=-=
I have new contact lenses. I used to wear them, starting in high school, and did for years. But when the babes were born, I had trouble with them--tired eyes, dirty hands, who knows--and so I switched to glasses. A few weeks ago, DS broke my glasses, knocked the nose piece off so that we could only superglue it and hope. And so, I went to the eye doctor and got contacts (in an improved prescription--whose eyes actually get better? I bet it's because I don't read anymore!).
DD doesn't like the contacts at all. When I got home from the appointment, she noticed my glasses were missing almost immediately. And she came up to me and roughly patted (well, that's a nice way to put it) my face and started wailing for my glasses. I told her I was wearing new super invisible glasses that would get smudged or break. But she doesn't care. And has complained everyday since the transition. I think I understand though, we had a ritual--she would hand me my glasses in the morning and I would say (or she would pre-empt me), "Now I can see you!" It's just not as fun with contacts.
I'd better not consider lasik.
Let There be Light
As part of our holiday celebration, we attended our town's tree lighting this weekend. The kiddos aren't very used to being out after dark but love anything we describe as a party. This was a "tree party." To warm our spirits, we sipped our cider--the kids drank cold cider in their little apples and we drank heated "yard of flannel." And then we split up: DD and DS had completely different interests at the party. DD loved the horses of the mounted police and spent the entire tree-lighting talking to the horses. DS wanted to cross the street and see the fire trucks, which kids were allowed to climb. There were also free fire fighter helmets. Soon enough, DD decided to cross the street to see the trucks, and loved climbing up inside. Then we listened to the brass band for a bit. We headed back to town hall to watch Santa arrive on a firetruck but not to stand in the really long line to sit on his lap. You see, we got a phone call from Santa to go home to have dinner and to see him at the mall with Gommie and Pop later.
Judge not lest ye be judged.
Sure enough, Santa in the fire truck, sirens blaring, circled the green several times waving at us. And we waved back, very excited to see him. But when we were heading back to the car, reliving the evening, DD oddly stated that she hadn't seen Santa--he wasn't there--she only saw "Santa's arm."
She persisted with this the rest of the night, even telling Gommie and Pop on the phone that she hadn't seen Santa, only his arm.
Poor thing is going to have nightmares.
-=-=-=-=
"Yard of Flannel"
The mulled cider:
1 quart of apple cider (apple juice will work)
12 cloves
1 cinnamon stick
1 teaspoon nutmeg (fresh is best)
6 cardamom pods (optional)
heavy whipping cream
brown sugar
rum (optional)
Simmer the apple cider with the spices in a medium pot for approximately 15-20 minutes or until spices are aromatic; do not boil. Meanwhile, whip heavy cream with brown sugar to taste (we used approximately 2 tablespoons brown sugar to 1/2 pint of cream). Pour cider into mugs or glasses. Add rum to taste (we like 1/2 oz. or a half jigger). Top with heavy whipping cream.
To make a “Yard of Flannel”: add some unwhipped heavy cream to the cider-rum mixture and top with whipped cream. Do not use anything less than heavy cream, as it will curdle.
Old Sturbridge Village
Judge not lest ye be judged.
Sure enough, Santa in the fire truck, sirens blaring, circled the green several times waving at us. And we waved back, very excited to see him. But when we were heading back to the car, reliving the evening, DD oddly stated that she hadn't seen Santa--he wasn't there--she only saw "Santa's arm."
She persisted with this the rest of the night, even telling Gommie and Pop on the phone that she hadn't seen Santa, only his arm.
Poor thing is going to have nightmares.
-=-=-=-=
"Yard of Flannel"
The mulled cider:
1 quart of apple cider (apple juice will work)
12 cloves
1 cinnamon stick
1 teaspoon nutmeg (fresh is best)
6 cardamom pods (optional)
heavy whipping cream
brown sugar
rum (optional)
Simmer the apple cider with the spices in a medium pot for approximately 15-20 minutes or until spices are aromatic; do not boil. Meanwhile, whip heavy cream with brown sugar to taste (we used approximately 2 tablespoons brown sugar to 1/2 pint of cream). Pour cider into mugs or glasses. Add rum to taste (we like 1/2 oz. or a half jigger). Top with heavy whipping cream.
To make a “Yard of Flannel”: add some unwhipped heavy cream to the cider-rum mixture and top with whipped cream. Do not use anything less than heavy cream, as it will curdle.
Old Sturbridge Village
Tuesday, November 27, 2007
We're a Mess
Throughout this most recent bout of sickness (thank you, the kiddos are much better but I'm coughing a blue streak and therefore still not sleeping), I have relied somewhat heavily on the distracting powers of the tv to get me through the rough bits. There are our usual staples, the much beloved Dora and Diego, plus Barney in the early a.m., Thomas for DS, and Sesame Street when we happen upon it.
And then there is The Big, Comfy Couch for DD. Have you seen this show? Lunette and Molly, a clown and her dolly, explore life's little lessons in clown town where they live. There's her gypsy (definitely a stereotype, and not something the Roma would embrace, I'm sure) grandmother and "Major Bedhead," the unicycling courier, plus dust bunnies, freaky mime dolls in a house, her aunt or uncle (depending on the season), and the cat something-Fritz. It's colorful, lively, and moralistic (keep promises, try new things, etc). I'm sure you know it--she's the clown who does the stretches on the clock mat to the perky music with big huge pony tails coming out of a blue hat.
(By the way, there are actually two Lunettes--I read about it on the internet--but I think I've only seen the first one, Alyson Court--this actually becomes an obsession of mine--is that the right clown?)
Anyway, towards the end of each episode, Lunette notices a mess on the floor of all the things she's pulled out of the couch to play with. "Who made this mess?" she asks. Realizing it is hers, she does a "10 second tidy" and gets it all clean in time-lapsed video.
DD loves this part. Or, more specifically, replicating it. She's been standing around our (rather messy) playroom saying "who made this mess?" and then says, "I'll clean it up." And she does. Sometimes. Other times, she wants you to do a call and response and so I do.
"Who made this mess?" I ask.
"I did!"
"Let's clean it up."
And then we do.
Today she added something:
"But we like it like this."
Maybe that explains the state of the house!
And then there is The Big, Comfy Couch for DD. Have you seen this show? Lunette and Molly, a clown and her dolly, explore life's little lessons in clown town where they live. There's her gypsy (definitely a stereotype, and not something the Roma would embrace, I'm sure) grandmother and "Major Bedhead," the unicycling courier, plus dust bunnies, freaky mime dolls in a house, her aunt or uncle (depending on the season), and the cat something-Fritz. It's colorful, lively, and moralistic (keep promises, try new things, etc). I'm sure you know it--she's the clown who does the stretches on the clock mat to the perky music with big huge pony tails coming out of a blue hat.
(By the way, there are actually two Lunettes--I read about it on the internet--but I think I've only seen the first one, Alyson Court--this actually becomes an obsession of mine--is that the right clown?)
Anyway, towards the end of each episode, Lunette notices a mess on the floor of all the things she's pulled out of the couch to play with. "Who made this mess?" she asks. Realizing it is hers, she does a "10 second tidy" and gets it all clean in time-lapsed video.
DD loves this part. Or, more specifically, replicating it. She's been standing around our (rather messy) playroom saying "who made this mess?" and then says, "I'll clean it up." And she does. Sometimes. Other times, she wants you to do a call and response and so I do.
"Who made this mess?" I ask.
"I did!"
"Let's clean it up."
And then we do.
Today she added something:
"But we like it like this."
Maybe that explains the state of the house!
Sunday, November 25, 2007
Separate but Equal
I think I've blogged about DD's obsession with keeping her food separate, to the point of wanting new or separate plates for different foods. Well, today, DS got into the act. With a twist. He had a plate of jello, a plate of fried rice with a few sliced cucumbers on the side, and a bowl of egg drop soup (they're both sick, so anything to get food and liquids in them).
He would take a spoon of jello, scoop up some rice and place a cucumber on top. Then he'd dip the whole thing in the soup. And devour it.
Not exactly what his sister had in mind.
He would take a spoon of jello, scoop up some rice and place a cucumber on top. Then he'd dip the whole thing in the soup. And devour it.
Not exactly what his sister had in mind.
Saturday, November 24, 2007
Wonders Never Cease
The First Wonder
I had gone yesterday to our local doc-in-the-box walk-in clinic for a raspy throat and persistent dry cough that wasn't responding to anything I was taking. Apparently, I've picked up a virus that causes bumps in the throat and lots of coughing, which is being irritated by allergies (which are not usually a problem for me). I'm contagious and I could be coughing for up to 2 weeks. Yay. So they gave me a prescription to fight the allergies, since you can't take anything for a virus.
And I promptly lost the piece of paper.
After yet another sleepless night, I returned to the clinic to get another copy of the Rx but was early and had to wait outside. While I stood there, in line with other sick people, I started kicking around the pile of leaves on the sidewalk and noticed a piece of paper face down. Wouldn't it be funny if . . . . ?
And it was!
The Second Wonder
I didn't gain any weight this week. YAY! As DP says, staying the same isn't a neutral event, it's a positive one.
The Third Wonder
There wasn't really a third one but these things always seem to come in threes.
So, I guess they do cease.
I had gone yesterday to our local doc-in-the-box walk-in clinic for a raspy throat and persistent dry cough that wasn't responding to anything I was taking. Apparently, I've picked up a virus that causes bumps in the throat and lots of coughing, which is being irritated by allergies (which are not usually a problem for me). I'm contagious and I could be coughing for up to 2 weeks. Yay. So they gave me a prescription to fight the allergies, since you can't take anything for a virus.
And I promptly lost the piece of paper.
After yet another sleepless night, I returned to the clinic to get another copy of the Rx but was early and had to wait outside. While I stood there, in line with other sick people, I started kicking around the pile of leaves on the sidewalk and noticed a piece of paper face down. Wouldn't it be funny if . . . . ?
And it was!
The Second Wonder
I didn't gain any weight this week. YAY! As DP says, staying the same isn't a neutral event, it's a positive one.
The Third Wonder
There wasn't really a third one but these things always seem to come in threes.
So, I guess they do cease.
Thursday, November 22, 2007
We Did It!
For you Dora fans . . . "We made it through the prep, we cooked the bird, oh yeah we did it. We ate it all and cleaned it up, oh yeah we did it. We did it!"
All in all, the day was more "excellente" than "ayudame." The kiddos woke up very excited that it was finally "turkey time," though they looked for Goo, Gong, and Ma right away and we had to distract them. And that parade starts late when you wake up at 6 a.m.! Our guests were here before they cut the ribbon on the Upper West Side but we watched some of it together. Wow, Sesame Street! Wow, Police Officers! Wow, Marching Bands! I love the parade and have been many times (5? 4x in Times Square, 1x in actual seats my sis got at the starting line. Each time a great experience. Though, it'll be awhile before we take the kids--a little taller, fully potty-trained.)--Garfield is my favorite balloon. And Of course, DS was mesmerized and could've sat through the entire parade--the only one in the nation (except the band parents), probably, to eagerly anticipate the marching bands--but that his stomach called. DD was soon playing with everybody, not as entranced with the tv. She'd go from Goo (Uncle), to Gong (Grandpa), to Ma (Grandma) and back again. I always get teary at the end of the parade when Santa Claus appears--no one was watching by this point. DP is so sweet-- she managed to know when Santa came on and called me into the living room so I could see it live, even though we were taping. It's my favorite part.
We snacked early and often as the day progressed. Ma had brought some Thai "khanom" or sweets to share with the kiddos. DS wolfed each piece down while DD waited for her plate to fill first. There was the "green jello" called Kanom Chan, which is multi-layered squares of coconut-flavored gelatin which was DP's childhood favorite. I like Khau-Niew, which is a coconut custard over either red or sticky rice. Kuam Dow comes in either flowers, shredded strings, or little balls and is yellow sweet egg paste, which doesn't sound as good as it really is. Nung Led are like deep-fried Thai rice krispies with palm sugar drizzle. The only ones the kiddos didn't get to try were the Mekrop, which is red, tamarind-flavored deep fried crispy noodles--DP is close to finishing the whole lot of it. Later in the day, Ma made Thai iced tea with sweetened condensed milk and light cream (you can make it with coffee too). And she told how when she was younger, they spread sweetened condensed milk on toast and sprinkled it with sugar.
While DP finished various dishes, the rest of us enjoyed walking in the balmy weather, yellow leaves falling around us like snow. We visited neighbors, took pictures, petted the local inflatable turkey, and played on the playset. The only hiccup was a neighbor's dog. DD continues to be scared of dogs, including the nice, gentle one down the street, after her run in at the mall pet shop this spring (a dog jumped the glass where she was standing, scaring her). So we had to leave visiting with a little friend because she was upset.
We got home, though, and she was thrilled that it was almost lunchtime. She helped DP finish up while DS played on the deck in the sand with Gong--it was that warm! Well, "helped" is an exaggeration. She helped us set the table with paper plates from my folks and then sat asking for turkey every five minutes.
And when we asked her later, at dinner--well, lunch, I'm part of the eat early crowd (we ate at noon, on time--didn't the NYTimes publish an article this week that it was healthier to eat early? The article claims the Pilgrims did it early, after church services, but considering how long those went on, I imagine it was midday at least!)--what she was thankful for, she said, "Turkey." That was her favorite part of the whole day--turkey--I think she ate an entire breast of the 12 lb turkey herself. And gravy--DP had found an organic, gluten free gravy by Pacific which we doctored with drippings--DD loved it on everything. Meanwhile, DS was inhaling Martha Stewart's tangy and sour cranberry sauce--he tried to take it off Goo's and my plates as well as following the dish of sauce around the table with bits of turkey! The turkey was delicious--golden brown, juicy, and perfectly cooked. We even remembered to get a picture this year. DP did a great job. We did a toast in the middle, having forgotten in the beginning, with sparkling cider, which we drank out of little dinosaur dixie cups, the only clean ones we had--but it tickled the kiddos' noses--their first carbonated beverage--and they didn't finish it (actually, I think DS thought it was juice and the bubbles bit him, poor thing). But they do like toasting. It becomes a contact sport.
The menu was perfect--they could eat everything on the table--and I think we'll use it again for Christmas. I will try not to process the veggies for the dressing so small but that was about the only thing (the bread crumbs could've been bigger too--hmm, maybe use vegan cornbread). Oh, and not enough brown sugar in the sweet potatoes. And they loved dessert! DS thought Crown Jewel jello was the best ever--he kept waving cubes of jello and saying he liked that color best. Then he would change colors. He wasn't that interested in the pink jello/cool whip binding as it hid the cubes of jello. Can't wait to see what he does with fruit in jello! DD on the other hand danced around the house when she learned we were having pie. "Pumpkin Pie! For me? PIE!!!" And she ate two pieces--one of regular pie and one of pumpkin fluff pie, which she liked better (mainly because I think she likes cool whip). Later, she asked for pie for snack. And for dinner. With turkey. And gravy.
The rest of the day was spent playing (DS and Gong had a catch and hide the purple bouncing ball game going, while Ma and DD played dolls; everybody played trains) and NAPPING!!!!! Somehow, we managed to get a nap, the first nap in beds in 3 months!!!! DD napped for an hour, DS for 2.5!!!!! And I got an hour. The best early Christmas present ever. Who needs shopping?
By the way, don't get me started on shopping. I'll blog about that later. No, wait, gotta rant now: I think it is pitiful and embarrassing that on the one day off that most of the nation has that is not committed to a kind of ritualistic celebration (i.e. 4th of July picnics, egg-hunting, turkey dinner, present-opening, etc), that as a nation we express ourselves by shopping and watching football. This points to rampant consumerism and the fragmentation of the family or division between the sexes. It's gross. Yeah, yeah, I know, you can save money at Kohl's tomorrow at 4 a.m.. But what does that mean, especially when there are workers who therefore must be there before 4? I won't be spending money tomorrow. We're going to come up with some other way to "spend" the day together as a family. If we didn't have kittens, we might put up the tree or something. Maybe we'll test run salt dough or cinnamon cut out ornaments. Or bake the apple pie we didn't get to today.
So, it's almost midnight now. The cats and kids are sound asleep (or at least in their rooms) and DP is asleep here beside me. We spent the evening watching The Incredibles while I worked on my woven scarf project (more on my weaving class someday). And ate some more leftovers and khanom while reading email replies to our Thanksgiving wishes. I have a lot to be thankful for.
Thank you.
All in all, the day was more "excellente" than "ayudame." The kiddos woke up very excited that it was finally "turkey time," though they looked for Goo, Gong, and Ma right away and we had to distract them. And that parade starts late when you wake up at 6 a.m.! Our guests were here before they cut the ribbon on the Upper West Side but we watched some of it together. Wow, Sesame Street! Wow, Police Officers! Wow, Marching Bands! I love the parade and have been many times (5? 4x in Times Square, 1x in actual seats my sis got at the starting line. Each time a great experience. Though, it'll be awhile before we take the kids--a little taller, fully potty-trained.)--Garfield is my favorite balloon. And Of course, DS was mesmerized and could've sat through the entire parade--the only one in the nation (except the band parents), probably, to eagerly anticipate the marching bands--but that his stomach called. DD was soon playing with everybody, not as entranced with the tv. She'd go from Goo (Uncle), to Gong (Grandpa), to Ma (Grandma) and back again. I always get teary at the end of the parade when Santa Claus appears--no one was watching by this point. DP is so sweet-- she managed to know when Santa came on and called me into the living room so I could see it live, even though we were taping. It's my favorite part.
We snacked early and often as the day progressed. Ma had brought some Thai "khanom" or sweets to share with the kiddos. DS wolfed each piece down while DD waited for her plate to fill first. There was the "green jello" called Kanom Chan, which is multi-layered squares of coconut-flavored gelatin which was DP's childhood favorite. I like Khau-Niew, which is a coconut custard over either red or sticky rice. Kuam Dow comes in either flowers, shredded strings, or little balls and is yellow sweet egg paste, which doesn't sound as good as it really is. Nung Led are like deep-fried Thai rice krispies with palm sugar drizzle. The only ones the kiddos didn't get to try were the Mekrop, which is red, tamarind-flavored deep fried crispy noodles--DP is close to finishing the whole lot of it. Later in the day, Ma made Thai iced tea with sweetened condensed milk and light cream (you can make it with coffee too). And she told how when she was younger, they spread sweetened condensed milk on toast and sprinkled it with sugar.
While DP finished various dishes, the rest of us enjoyed walking in the balmy weather, yellow leaves falling around us like snow. We visited neighbors, took pictures, petted the local inflatable turkey, and played on the playset. The only hiccup was a neighbor's dog. DD continues to be scared of dogs, including the nice, gentle one down the street, after her run in at the mall pet shop this spring (a dog jumped the glass where she was standing, scaring her). So we had to leave visiting with a little friend because she was upset.
We got home, though, and she was thrilled that it was almost lunchtime. She helped DP finish up while DS played on the deck in the sand with Gong--it was that warm! Well, "helped" is an exaggeration. She helped us set the table with paper plates from my folks and then sat asking for turkey every five minutes.
And when we asked her later, at dinner--well, lunch, I'm part of the eat early crowd (we ate at noon, on time--didn't the NYTimes publish an article this week that it was healthier to eat early? The article claims the Pilgrims did it early, after church services, but considering how long those went on, I imagine it was midday at least!)--what she was thankful for, she said, "Turkey." That was her favorite part of the whole day--turkey--I think she ate an entire breast of the 12 lb turkey herself. And gravy--DP had found an organic, gluten free gravy by Pacific which we doctored with drippings--DD loved it on everything. Meanwhile, DS was inhaling Martha Stewart's tangy and sour cranberry sauce--he tried to take it off Goo's and my plates as well as following the dish of sauce around the table with bits of turkey! The turkey was delicious--golden brown, juicy, and perfectly cooked. We even remembered to get a picture this year. DP did a great job. We did a toast in the middle, having forgotten in the beginning, with sparkling cider, which we drank out of little dinosaur dixie cups, the only clean ones we had--but it tickled the kiddos' noses--their first carbonated beverage--and they didn't finish it (actually, I think DS thought it was juice and the bubbles bit him, poor thing). But they do like toasting. It becomes a contact sport.
The menu was perfect--they could eat everything on the table--and I think we'll use it again for Christmas. I will try not to process the veggies for the dressing so small but that was about the only thing (the bread crumbs could've been bigger too--hmm, maybe use vegan cornbread). Oh, and not enough brown sugar in the sweet potatoes. And they loved dessert! DS thought Crown Jewel jello was the best ever--he kept waving cubes of jello and saying he liked that color best. Then he would change colors. He wasn't that interested in the pink jello/cool whip binding as it hid the cubes of jello. Can't wait to see what he does with fruit in jello! DD on the other hand danced around the house when she learned we were having pie. "Pumpkin Pie! For me? PIE!!!" And she ate two pieces--one of regular pie and one of pumpkin fluff pie, which she liked better (mainly because I think she likes cool whip). Later, she asked for pie for snack. And for dinner. With turkey. And gravy.
The rest of the day was spent playing (DS and Gong had a catch and hide the purple bouncing ball game going, while Ma and DD played dolls; everybody played trains) and NAPPING!!!!! Somehow, we managed to get a nap, the first nap in beds in 3 months!!!! DD napped for an hour, DS for 2.5!!!!! And I got an hour. The best early Christmas present ever. Who needs shopping?
By the way, don't get me started on shopping. I'll blog about that later. No, wait, gotta rant now: I think it is pitiful and embarrassing that on the one day off that most of the nation has that is not committed to a kind of ritualistic celebration (i.e. 4th of July picnics, egg-hunting, turkey dinner, present-opening, etc), that as a nation we express ourselves by shopping and watching football. This points to rampant consumerism and the fragmentation of the family or division between the sexes. It's gross. Yeah, yeah, I know, you can save money at Kohl's tomorrow at 4 a.m.. But what does that mean, especially when there are workers who therefore must be there before 4? I won't be spending money tomorrow. We're going to come up with some other way to "spend" the day together as a family. If we didn't have kittens, we might put up the tree or something. Maybe we'll test run salt dough or cinnamon cut out ornaments. Or bake the apple pie we didn't get to today.
So, it's almost midnight now. The cats and kids are sound asleep (or at least in their rooms) and DP is asleep here beside me. We spent the evening watching The Incredibles while I worked on my woven scarf project (more on my weaving class someday). And ate some more leftovers and khanom while reading email replies to our Thanksgiving wishes. I have a lot to be thankful for.
Thank you.
How Am I Going to Eat Turkey Tomorrow?
We've been talking turkey for weeks now. Every morning, the kiddos ask when they are going to see Goo, Gong, and Ma (DP's family)--"is it turkey time?"--not today. We've painted turkeys, glued turkeys, and colored turkeys. Sung songs. Made special trips to view the two different inflatable turkeys in the area--the one without the backpack and the one with. We received a package from my folks tonight with lots of turkey decorations and paper goods and spent the evening prepping the house with the table centerpieces as well as the stuffed turkey toys retrieved from our basement. Tonight we even read about Dora's Thanksgiving and talked about who we were thankful for. Tomorrow we'll watch the parade and the Charlie Brown special on DVD, a tradition from DP's childhood.
Turkeys, turkeys everywhere . . .
and now a bite to eat?
It all almost makes me want to be a vegetarian.
I mean, what other holiday uses its sacrificial victim as the symbol of that holiday?
Oh, except Easter.
Turkeys, turkeys everywhere . . .
and now a bite to eat?
It all almost makes me want to be a vegetarian.
I mean, what other holiday uses its sacrificial victim as the symbol of that holiday?
Oh, except Easter.
And the Winner Is . . .
. . . Crown Jewel Jello!
Who could resist the name? Or the pretty picture on the Jello website.
There were many other contenders, including a family favorite, a relatively healthy one published in the paper recently with applesauce, and an adaptation of the one I usually serve that has cream cheese. In fact, most jello recipes submitted to me had cream cheese, sour cream, or heavy cream. My mom suggested substituting mayonnaise, but I just couldn't. And Cool Whip doesn't have the same consistency.
There was a big family drama, probably complicated by the fact that I didn't even choose the recipe that caused all the trouble. My mom took out pages from her BH&G cookbook, her edition of which is filled with gelatin salads (unlike mine), to photocopy and send to me for future occasions. And she lost them. Before copying them. She's searched everywhere to no avail. And so she began a search online, at her used bookstore, anywhere for a duplicate. But her edition is undated, probably from the early 1960s when she was married, and she doesn't know which is hers. Then she emailed all her friends and family members of approximately the same age. Luckily, my cousin S had the same book and soon scanned in the pages and sent them along. But my mom is still a little heartsick, I think, about the missing pages. I would be upset too.
So I include all the recipes I received and send along a hearty thanks to all those who helped out, especially Mom, Cousin S, Aunt T, V, and A who flagged me down at a red light to tell me about the recipe in the paper (and K who mentioned the same recipe about an hour later).
Bon Appetit!
-=-=-=
Crown Jewel DessertRecipe (The one in my fridge right now).
1pkg. (4-serving size) JELL-O Brand Lime Flavor Gelatin
1 pkg. (4-serving size) JELL-O Brand Orange Flavor Gelatin
2 pkg. (4-serving size each) JELL-O Brand Strawberry Flavor Gelatin, divided
1 qt. (4 cups) boiling water, divided 2 cups cold water, divided
1 tub (8 oz.) COOL WHIP Whipped Topping, thawed, divided
PREPARE lime, orange and 1 package of the strawberry gelatins in 3 separate bowls as directed on packages, using 1 cup of the boiling water and 1/2 cup of the cold water for each flavor. Pour each flavor of gelatin into a separate 8-inch square pan. Refrigerate 4 hours or until firm. Cut gelatin into 1/2-inch cubes. Reserve 1-1/2 cups of each flavor of the gelatin cubes. Cover and refrigerate remaining gelatin cubes for snacking or another use.
ADD the remaining 1 cup boiling water to the remaining package of strawberry gelatin; stir 2 minutes or until completely dissolved. Stir in remaining 1/2 cup cold water. Refrigerate 45 minutes or until slightly thickened (consistency of unbeaten egg whites).
ADD half of the whipped topping and reserved gelatin cubes; stir gently until well blended. Pour into 9x5-inch pan sprayed with cooking spray. Refrigerate 4 hours or until firm. Unmold. Garnish with remaining whipped topping. Cut into 18 slices. Store leftover dessert in refrigerator.
7-Up Salad (my usual jello salad)
I don’t know when I first had this but I fell in love with the funny color and the sweetness. I added it to the holiday menu and it is now one of DP’s favorites. I made this for Thanksgiving 2002, as I always do, but put it in a beautiful Victorian jello mold DP had bought—it looked great.
1-8 oz. (large) package lime jello
2 tablespoons hot water
12 oz can 7-Up
20 oz can drained pineapple
8 oz package cream cheese
1 cup pecans
Heat can of 7-Up. Take off heat and add Jello. Add the cream cheese that has softened in hot water or let sit at room temperature for awhile (you can microwave it for 1-2 minutes to soften). Add pineapple and pecans. Refrigerate.
Note: This looks beautiful in a jello mold. Just spray it with Pam and wipe with a paper towel before filling.
APPLESAUCE-BERRY GELATIN MOLD
2 packages (3 ounces each) strawberry gelatin
2 cups boiling water
1 can (16 ounces) whole-berry cranberry sauce
1¾ cups chunky applesauce
In a large bowl, dissolve gelatin in boiling water. Stir in cranberry sauce and applesauce. Pour into a six-cup ring mold coated with nonstick cooking spray. Cover and refrigerate overnight. Unmold onto a serving platter. Serves 12. - From Gloria Coates of Madison (CT Post)
Aunt T's "Green Stuff"
Lime Jello Salad
2 cups miniature marshmallows
1 cup milk
1 large box lime jell-o
6oz. cream cheese ( or 8 or 9oz. works)
2/3 cup Hellman's mayonnaise
2 l/2 cups undrained, crushed pineapple (a 1 lb. 4 oz. can)
1 cup heavy cream, whipped ( or use cool whip)
Melt marshmallows in milk over low heat; pour over jell-o, stirringuntil dissolved. Combine softened cream cheese and mayonnaise,mixing until well blended. Gradually add jell-o, mixing untilwell blended. Stir in pineapple. Chill until slightly thickened.Fold in whipped cream. Pour into 2 qt. mold or 9" x 13" dish.Chill until firm. Can be served right out of the dish or to make it fancy, cut a square and put it on a lettuce leaf.
V's Aunt Roslyn’s Cranberry-Jello Mold
Get one can of whole cranberries (I use the type that’s almost a solid—without much juice). If you get the type with juice—I would take two cans--drain the juice and save to use to mix with the Jello. Two small boxes or one large box of black raspberry or black cherry jello (good to also use one of each for flavor—can also use sugar-free jello).
Lay cranberries in bottom of a mold. I make the jello (heating and mixing in with water or juice from above according to directions. Cool in refrigerator a bit and stir in 2 cups of sour cream (non-fat works if you want—or it can be left out completely or substituted with cool whip for sweeter more desert-like taste). If no mixing in, just harden mold in the refrigerator—unmold and serve.
And last but not least, the recipe Mom sent:
Aunt J’s Strawberry-Cream Squares
Two 3-ounce packages strawberry jello
2 C water
Two 10-ounce packages frozen strawberries
13 ½ ounce can crushed pienapple
2 large ripe bananas, diced
1 C sour cream
Dissolve jello in boiling water. Add frozen strawberries; stir until thawed. Add pineapple and bananas.
Pour half into 8x8 dish. Chill firm. Spread sour cream on layer; pour remaining jello on top. Chill firm. Cut into squares. Top with sour cream dollops.
Who could resist the name? Or the pretty picture on the Jello website.
There were many other contenders, including a family favorite, a relatively healthy one published in the paper recently with applesauce, and an adaptation of the one I usually serve that has cream cheese. In fact, most jello recipes submitted to me had cream cheese, sour cream, or heavy cream. My mom suggested substituting mayonnaise, but I just couldn't. And Cool Whip doesn't have the same consistency.
There was a big family drama, probably complicated by the fact that I didn't even choose the recipe that caused all the trouble. My mom took out pages from her BH&G cookbook, her edition of which is filled with gelatin salads (unlike mine), to photocopy and send to me for future occasions. And she lost them. Before copying them. She's searched everywhere to no avail. And so she began a search online, at her used bookstore, anywhere for a duplicate. But her edition is undated, probably from the early 1960s when she was married, and she doesn't know which is hers. Then she emailed all her friends and family members of approximately the same age. Luckily, my cousin S had the same book and soon scanned in the pages and sent them along. But my mom is still a little heartsick, I think, about the missing pages. I would be upset too.
So I include all the recipes I received and send along a hearty thanks to all those who helped out, especially Mom, Cousin S, Aunt T, V, and A who flagged me down at a red light to tell me about the recipe in the paper (and K who mentioned the same recipe about an hour later).
Bon Appetit!
-=-=-=
Crown Jewel DessertRecipe (The one in my fridge right now).
1pkg. (4-serving size) JELL-O Brand Lime Flavor Gelatin
1 pkg. (4-serving size) JELL-O Brand Orange Flavor Gelatin
2 pkg. (4-serving size each) JELL-O Brand Strawberry Flavor Gelatin, divided
1 qt. (4 cups) boiling water, divided 2 cups cold water, divided
1 tub (8 oz.) COOL WHIP Whipped Topping, thawed, divided
PREPARE lime, orange and 1 package of the strawberry gelatins in 3 separate bowls as directed on packages, using 1 cup of the boiling water and 1/2 cup of the cold water for each flavor. Pour each flavor of gelatin into a separate 8-inch square pan. Refrigerate 4 hours or until firm. Cut gelatin into 1/2-inch cubes. Reserve 1-1/2 cups of each flavor of the gelatin cubes. Cover and refrigerate remaining gelatin cubes for snacking or another use.
ADD the remaining 1 cup boiling water to the remaining package of strawberry gelatin; stir 2 minutes or until completely dissolved. Stir in remaining 1/2 cup cold water. Refrigerate 45 minutes or until slightly thickened (consistency of unbeaten egg whites).
ADD half of the whipped topping and reserved gelatin cubes; stir gently until well blended. Pour into 9x5-inch pan sprayed with cooking spray. Refrigerate 4 hours or until firm. Unmold. Garnish with remaining whipped topping. Cut into 18 slices. Store leftover dessert in refrigerator.
7-Up Salad (my usual jello salad)
I don’t know when I first had this but I fell in love with the funny color and the sweetness. I added it to the holiday menu and it is now one of DP’s favorites. I made this for Thanksgiving 2002, as I always do, but put it in a beautiful Victorian jello mold DP had bought—it looked great.
1-8 oz. (large) package lime jello
2 tablespoons hot water
12 oz can 7-Up
20 oz can drained pineapple
8 oz package cream cheese
1 cup pecans
Heat can of 7-Up. Take off heat and add Jello. Add the cream cheese that has softened in hot water or let sit at room temperature for awhile (you can microwave it for 1-2 minutes to soften). Add pineapple and pecans. Refrigerate.
Note: This looks beautiful in a jello mold. Just spray it with Pam and wipe with a paper towel before filling.
APPLESAUCE-BERRY GELATIN MOLD
2 packages (3 ounces each) strawberry gelatin
2 cups boiling water
1 can (16 ounces) whole-berry cranberry sauce
1¾ cups chunky applesauce
In a large bowl, dissolve gelatin in boiling water. Stir in cranberry sauce and applesauce. Pour into a six-cup ring mold coated with nonstick cooking spray. Cover and refrigerate overnight. Unmold onto a serving platter. Serves 12. - From Gloria Coates of Madison (CT Post)
Aunt T's "Green Stuff"
Lime Jello Salad
2 cups miniature marshmallows
1 cup milk
1 large box lime jell-o
6oz. cream cheese ( or 8 or 9oz. works)
2/3 cup Hellman's mayonnaise
2 l/2 cups undrained, crushed pineapple (a 1 lb. 4 oz. can)
1 cup heavy cream, whipped ( or use cool whip)
Melt marshmallows in milk over low heat; pour over jell-o, stirringuntil dissolved. Combine softened cream cheese and mayonnaise,mixing until well blended. Gradually add jell-o, mixing untilwell blended. Stir in pineapple. Chill until slightly thickened.Fold in whipped cream. Pour into 2 qt. mold or 9" x 13" dish.Chill until firm. Can be served right out of the dish or to make it fancy, cut a square and put it on a lettuce leaf.
V's Aunt Roslyn’s Cranberry-Jello Mold
Get one can of whole cranberries (I use the type that’s almost a solid—without much juice). If you get the type with juice—I would take two cans--drain the juice and save to use to mix with the Jello. Two small boxes or one large box of black raspberry or black cherry jello (good to also use one of each for flavor—can also use sugar-free jello).
Lay cranberries in bottom of a mold. I make the jello (heating and mixing in with water or juice from above according to directions. Cool in refrigerator a bit and stir in 2 cups of sour cream (non-fat works if you want—or it can be left out completely or substituted with cool whip for sweeter more desert-like taste). If no mixing in, just harden mold in the refrigerator—unmold and serve.
And last but not least, the recipe Mom sent:
Aunt J’s Strawberry-Cream Squares
Two 3-ounce packages strawberry jello
2 C water
Two 10-ounce packages frozen strawberries
13 ½ ounce can crushed pienapple
2 large ripe bananas, diced
1 C sour cream
Dissolve jello in boiling water. Add frozen strawberries; stir until thawed. Add pineapple and bananas.
Pour half into 8x8 dish. Chill firm. Spread sour cream on layer; pour remaining jello on top. Chill firm. Cut into squares. Top with sour cream dollops.
TGIT
Lunch: 12 noon
T-6 hours: soak turkey to complete defrosting
T-4: prep turkey for oven
T-3.5: bake turkey
T-3: Parade begins (I think); hopefully, guests will have arrived; start drinking (mulled apple cider, of course).
T-2: prep dressing
T-1: bake dressing; make green beans
T-.75: bake yams
T-.5: rest turkey; make corn
T-.25: put marshmallows on yams
Lunch is served, probably buffet-style.
Somebody else cleans.
Somebody else entertains kids.
Nap.
Let's hope at least that first part goes smoothly.
T-6 hours: soak turkey to complete defrosting
T-4: prep turkey for oven
T-3.5: bake turkey
T-3: Parade begins (I think); hopefully, guests will have arrived; start drinking (mulled apple cider, of course).
T-2: prep dressing
T-1: bake dressing; make green beans
T-.75: bake yams
T-.5: rest turkey; make corn
T-.25: put marshmallows on yams
Lunch is served, probably buffet-style.
Somebody else cleans.
Somebody else entertains kids.
Nap.
Let's hope at least that first part goes smoothly.
Wednesday, November 21, 2007
Give Us This Day
I can't bake bread.
Sure, I make a mean quick bread--several of them, actually, including the Amish Friendship Bread I've blogged about here (yep, still feeding the starter on my counter, if you want any!). And I can bake cakes, cookies, and a wonderful crumb crust apple pie (albeit with frozen pie crust).
But if the baking requires some actual manual dexterity--i.e. kneading or rolling (as for pie crust)--I don't know how. Apparently, my mom's mom, could bake, and I know that my mom's sister, my Aunt T, bakes, but I have never really gotten a bread baking lesson (though, I did get a wonderful noodle lesson from Aunt T. Homemade croutons are the best. And she makes a wonderful dewberry cobbler). I don't really remember my mom baking, though she says she knows how--I mean, she did teach me the cookies and cakes, but not bread.
I've tried. I followed Laurie Colwin's recipe for bread and it was too hard and chewy--overkneaded, right? I also tried Julia Child's recipe--same results. I think breadbaking is not a skill you can learn from a book or television show. You need numerous opportunities to stand with a real baker and learn as you go along--I think a lot of it is about feel. Something books and tv just don't have.
I haven't tried bread baking in awhile, mainly because of the kiddos' wheat allergy. Seems a waste of time, maybe even cruel somehow, to perfect a skill I can't share with my kids right now. About a year ago, the NYTimes published a recipe that was easy and practically no-fail. But I didn't try it then. I'm reminded of it because today they've published yet another no-fail, no-knead bread recipe. I read the article and that desire to bake my family's own bread crept up on me again. I could be a secret, midnight baker, providing loaves surreptiously for DP and myself. The holidays are coming up. Maybe it's a good time to try again.
-=-=-=-=-=
Recipe: Simple Crusty Bread
1 1/2 tablespoons yeast
1 1/2 tablespoons kosher salt
6 1/2 cups unbleached, all-purpose flour, more for dusting dough
Cornmeal.
1. In a large bowl or plastic container, mix yeast and salt into 3 cups lukewarm water (about 100 degrees). Stir in flour, mixing until there are no dry patches. Dough will be quite loose. Cover, but not with an airtight lid. Let dough rise at room temperature 2 hours (or up to 5 hours).
2. Bake at this point or refrigerate, covered, for as long as two weeks. When ready to bake, sprinkle a little flour on dough and cut off a grapefruit-size piece with serrated knife. Turn dough in hands to lightly stretch surface, creating a rounded top and a lumpy bottom. Put dough on pizza peel sprinkled with cornmeal; let rest 40 minutes. Repeat with remaining dough or refrigerate it.
3. Place broiler pan on bottom of oven. Place baking stone on middle rack and turn oven to 450 degrees; heat stone at that temperature for 20 minutes.
4. Dust dough with flour, slash top with serrated or very sharp knife three times. Slide onto stone. Pour one cup hot water into broiler pan and shut oven quickly to trap steam. Bake until well browned, about 30 minutes. Cool completely.
Yield: 4 loaves.
Variation: If not using stone, stretch rounded dough into oval and place in a greased, nonstick loaf pan. Let rest 40 minutes if fresh, an extra hour if refrigerated. Heat oven to 450 degrees for 5 minutes. Place pan on middle rack.
Dr. Jeff Hertzberg, Artisan Bread in Five Minutes a Day
Sure, I make a mean quick bread--several of them, actually, including the Amish Friendship Bread I've blogged about here (yep, still feeding the starter on my counter, if you want any!). And I can bake cakes, cookies, and a wonderful crumb crust apple pie (albeit with frozen pie crust).
But if the baking requires some actual manual dexterity--i.e. kneading or rolling (as for pie crust)--I don't know how. Apparently, my mom's mom, could bake, and I know that my mom's sister, my Aunt T, bakes, but I have never really gotten a bread baking lesson (though, I did get a wonderful noodle lesson from Aunt T. Homemade croutons are the best. And she makes a wonderful dewberry cobbler). I don't really remember my mom baking, though she says she knows how--I mean, she did teach me the cookies and cakes, but not bread.
I've tried. I followed Laurie Colwin's recipe for bread and it was too hard and chewy--overkneaded, right? I also tried Julia Child's recipe--same results. I think breadbaking is not a skill you can learn from a book or television show. You need numerous opportunities to stand with a real baker and learn as you go along--I think a lot of it is about feel. Something books and tv just don't have.
I haven't tried bread baking in awhile, mainly because of the kiddos' wheat allergy. Seems a waste of time, maybe even cruel somehow, to perfect a skill I can't share with my kids right now. About a year ago, the NYTimes published a recipe that was easy and practically no-fail. But I didn't try it then. I'm reminded of it because today they've published yet another no-fail, no-knead bread recipe. I read the article and that desire to bake my family's own bread crept up on me again. I could be a secret, midnight baker, providing loaves surreptiously for DP and myself. The holidays are coming up. Maybe it's a good time to try again.
-=-=-=-=-=
Recipe: Simple Crusty Bread
1 1/2 tablespoons yeast
1 1/2 tablespoons kosher salt
6 1/2 cups unbleached, all-purpose flour, more for dusting dough
Cornmeal.
1. In a large bowl or plastic container, mix yeast and salt into 3 cups lukewarm water (about 100 degrees). Stir in flour, mixing until there are no dry patches. Dough will be quite loose. Cover, but not with an airtight lid. Let dough rise at room temperature 2 hours (or up to 5 hours).
2. Bake at this point or refrigerate, covered, for as long as two weeks. When ready to bake, sprinkle a little flour on dough and cut off a grapefruit-size piece with serrated knife. Turn dough in hands to lightly stretch surface, creating a rounded top and a lumpy bottom. Put dough on pizza peel sprinkled with cornmeal; let rest 40 minutes. Repeat with remaining dough or refrigerate it.
3. Place broiler pan on bottom of oven. Place baking stone on middle rack and turn oven to 450 degrees; heat stone at that temperature for 20 minutes.
4. Dust dough with flour, slash top with serrated or very sharp knife three times. Slide onto stone. Pour one cup hot water into broiler pan and shut oven quickly to trap steam. Bake until well browned, about 30 minutes. Cool completely.
Yield: 4 loaves.
Variation: If not using stone, stretch rounded dough into oval and place in a greased, nonstick loaf pan. Let rest 40 minutes if fresh, an extra hour if refrigerated. Heat oven to 450 degrees for 5 minutes. Place pan on middle rack.
Dr. Jeff Hertzberg, Artisan Bread in Five Minutes a Day
Tuesday, November 20, 2007
Are They Twins?
It was lunchtime today, after a small but delightful playgroup, and we were having ground turkey burgers, mixed veggies, and ketchup. They devoured the burgers and ketchup, which surprised me because we'd inhaled a whole bowl of fruit salad earlier. They even ate some of the veggies (the mixed veggies--typical corn, carrots, and peas--are hard to eat because they are so small--they actually prefer big broccoli and cauliflower because they're easier to munch).
DS finished first, as is usual, and started to play. It's been a struggle to get him to finish, meaning to announce that he is done and then wash hands. Often he hops up and runs off. But we all like them in big kiddo chairs instead of the booster seats with straps. It's more flexible when other people visit. And it's cleaner because there aren't all these straps and nooks.
DD has been finishing much more slowly. I'm not sure it's because she actually eats more slowly or more food. I think it's because she likes to sit with me. When DS runs off in the playroom, I often sit with DD in the kitchen. At the least, I'll clean up and go back and forth. But it is quality singleton time. And so she has gotten slower and slower at eating.
Today, seeing a long pause in her picking at the carrots, I asked if she were done. Yes, she was, and wanted to wash hands.
Then I made the mistake.
"Okay, now it's time for rest time."
"Don't wash my hands, Mommy, I'm not done." Nope, needed to eat every last small veggie on her plate. DS, sensing things going on longer than usual, kept coming back in to check. She even fed him some of the peas, like you'd feed a puppy dog from the table (one of these days I'll get to blog about DP's theory that DS is a puppy and DD is a cat).
But DS was looking so tired that I decided to take him upstairs to start rest time, hoping he'd get a nap, which has not happened in the three months they've been "resting" together. He wasn't thrilled about that, asking where sis was as we climbed the stairs.
I was surprised to hear from downstairs, "I'm done, Mommy, I'm done. Come wash my hands."
Then, "Brother, I'm coming!"
I guess they really are twins.
DS finished first, as is usual, and started to play. It's been a struggle to get him to finish, meaning to announce that he is done and then wash hands. Often he hops up and runs off. But we all like them in big kiddo chairs instead of the booster seats with straps. It's more flexible when other people visit. And it's cleaner because there aren't all these straps and nooks.
DD has been finishing much more slowly. I'm not sure it's because she actually eats more slowly or more food. I think it's because she likes to sit with me. When DS runs off in the playroom, I often sit with DD in the kitchen. At the least, I'll clean up and go back and forth. But it is quality singleton time. And so she has gotten slower and slower at eating.
Today, seeing a long pause in her picking at the carrots, I asked if she were done. Yes, she was, and wanted to wash hands.
Then I made the mistake.
"Okay, now it's time for rest time."
"Don't wash my hands, Mommy, I'm not done." Nope, needed to eat every last small veggie on her plate. DS, sensing things going on longer than usual, kept coming back in to check. She even fed him some of the peas, like you'd feed a puppy dog from the table (one of these days I'll get to blog about DP's theory that DS is a puppy and DD is a cat).
But DS was looking so tired that I decided to take him upstairs to start rest time, hoping he'd get a nap, which has not happened in the three months they've been "resting" together. He wasn't thrilled about that, asking where sis was as we climbed the stairs.
I was surprised to hear from downstairs, "I'm done, Mommy, I'm done. Come wash my hands."
Then, "Brother, I'm coming!"
I guess they really are twins.
Monday, November 19, 2007
Holiday WW Recipes
So, I've been having some struggles on WW recently but I'm still going and committed to it. I liked Saturday's meeting because instead of focusing on exercise or portions, we talked food. I was shocked to add up the points (for those of you who don't know WW, each food has a points value. You get so many points a day--for instance, right now, I get 27. There's another plan, too--Core--it's a lot like South Beach). Even with the healthier, kiddo-friendly menu, the meal adds up to 3/4 of my daily allowance easily. Good thing it's the only meal we eat that day!
I came away with some new recipes and lower calorie versions of favorites. I think we're adapting the stuffing recipe for the kiddos (i.e. GF bread crumbs and/or a box of wild rice) and maybe the pumpkin fluff (get this, by loading it with fat and real sugar to avoid the fake stuff). Otherwise, our menu is much as I listed a few posts ago--heavy on the veggies, light on anything starchy. With only the sweet potatoes exactly the same.
Happy Turkey Day!
-=-=-=
Bavarian Cream--3 pts (you know, I hope I copied this down right)
Whip 3 egg whites. Fold into prepared pudding. Mix as trifle with 24 ladyfingers and 3 1/2 cups berries. Try these combos: vanilla pudding with orange sections; white chocolate pudding with raspberries; chocolate pudding with strawberries.
Pumpkin Fluff--2 pts
8 oz ff cool whip
1 pkg butterscotch or cheesecake pudding
15 1/2 oz pumpkin
1/2 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice
Mix.
Banana Split Cake--4 pts
Vanilla pudding
ff graham cracker crust
1 sliced banana
1 cup strawberries
1/2 cup pineapple, crushed I think
1 container ff cool whip
Make vanilla pudding with 1 1/2 cup milk. Pour into graham cracker crust. Layer banana, strawberries, and pineapple. Spread with cool whip. Refrigerate. 4 servings.
Debbie's Dressing--2 pts
2 packages mushrooms
1 big onion
1 whole package celery
low sodium chicken stock
appx 2 cups stuffing (1/2 Pepperidge Farm bag)
Saute veggies in chicken stock. Add stuffing. Bake. Serving is 1 cup.
Other interesting tidbits:
You can substitute ff evaporated milk for heavy cream; 1 egg and 3 whites for 3 eggs; 3 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa for 1 oz baking chocolate.
Try making mashed potatoes with a mix of potatoes and cauliflower, mixed with skim milk and sour cream.
Green bean casserole made with all ff ingredients has 3 pts a serving.
A Bertucci's roll has 9 points!!!!
And totally unrelated to Thanksgiving, a crockpot recipe:
Cheesy Chicken Crockpot--5 pts
2 lbs boneless skinless breasts
2 cans ff cream of mushroom soup
1 can cheddar cheese soup
1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
Combine and cook on low for 6-8 hours.
I came away with some new recipes and lower calorie versions of favorites. I think we're adapting the stuffing recipe for the kiddos (i.e. GF bread crumbs and/or a box of wild rice) and maybe the pumpkin fluff (get this, by loading it with fat and real sugar to avoid the fake stuff). Otherwise, our menu is much as I listed a few posts ago--heavy on the veggies, light on anything starchy. With only the sweet potatoes exactly the same.
Happy Turkey Day!
-=-=-=
Bavarian Cream--3 pts (you know, I hope I copied this down right)
Whip 3 egg whites. Fold into prepared pudding. Mix as trifle with 24 ladyfingers and 3 1/2 cups berries. Try these combos: vanilla pudding with orange sections; white chocolate pudding with raspberries; chocolate pudding with strawberries.
Pumpkin Fluff--2 pts
8 oz ff cool whip
1 pkg butterscotch or cheesecake pudding
15 1/2 oz pumpkin
1/2 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice
Mix.
Banana Split Cake--4 pts
Vanilla pudding
ff graham cracker crust
1 sliced banana
1 cup strawberries
1/2 cup pineapple, crushed I think
1 container ff cool whip
Make vanilla pudding with 1 1/2 cup milk. Pour into graham cracker crust. Layer banana, strawberries, and pineapple. Spread with cool whip. Refrigerate. 4 servings.
Debbie's Dressing--2 pts
2 packages mushrooms
1 big onion
1 whole package celery
low sodium chicken stock
appx 2 cups stuffing (1/2 Pepperidge Farm bag)
Saute veggies in chicken stock. Add stuffing. Bake. Serving is 1 cup.
Other interesting tidbits:
You can substitute ff evaporated milk for heavy cream; 1 egg and 3 whites for 3 eggs; 3 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa for 1 oz baking chocolate.
Try making mashed potatoes with a mix of potatoes and cauliflower, mixed with skim milk and sour cream.
Green bean casserole made with all ff ingredients has 3 pts a serving.
A Bertucci's roll has 9 points!!!!
And totally unrelated to Thanksgiving, a crockpot recipe:
Cheesy Chicken Crockpot--5 pts
2 lbs boneless skinless breasts
2 cans ff cream of mushroom soup
1 can cheddar cheese soup
1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
Combine and cook on low for 6-8 hours.
Sunday, November 18, 2007
I Love Potlucks
I love potlucks. Even the word is cheerful. Seems to recall to mind leprechauns and rainbows and something special in a pot. Or is that just me?
Handy Wikipedia tells me that the word "potluck" does not derive from the Native American potlatch but appeared in print as early as 1592 in England and meant serving whatever you find to guests (I abbreviate the article.) That doesn't sound so lucky.
I'm not sure when I first went to a potluck. We didn't go to church when I was growing up so I have no fond memories of church suppers. We had family gatherings, usually around 4th of July and at Christmas, and everyone took something but no one called it a potluck. I think I first remember a true potluck when DP was invited to one when we were living in separate states. She told me then, and I remember it everytime we go now, that lesbians are into potlucks. Something about the equality of it all. So, she called me to ask what in the world she could take. I suggested a Toll House Pie. Easy. Cheap. Chocoloate. Over a series of days and phone calls, I got her the recipe and the list of ingredients--we were in love so why email when you could talk on the phone? We could pay off our mortgage with what we spent on phone calls then!--and talked to her while it baked. And then talked her down when the smoke alarm went off. What could've happened? I failed to mention she should put the pie on a cookie sheet, thinking she knew that. But of course, this was her first foray into baking and she had no clue. Nor did she have a cookie sheet. All's well that ends well. They liked her pie.
Now I go to potlucks quite regularly. Church, playgroup, neighborhood gatherings. I used to always take dessert--Mexican Chocolate Sheet Cake, some kind of bundt cake, always chocolate, rarely cookies. Now, with the kids' allergies and my being on Weight Watchers (more on that if I have time in another post), I take fruit salad a lot. But I'd love to have a signature dish that everyone always expects and raves about. Like my friend J's cornbread that she serves with peach jam. Out of this world! We moms dig in like we've never eaten when she brings that over. And T's baked good! Very exciting when she goes to playgroup. People at church vary it just enough that I never know what we'll be eating. There will be vegetarian dishes, gluten-free dishes, and the marvelous baked good of Miss L, but it's never exactly the same.
Which is what I love. I love trying new dishes, especially dishes that people are proud enough of (or competent enough to cook) to bring to share. Sometimes it's the very standard cream cheese/salsa/cheese bean dip; other times--like church today--it's something that tastes good but is almost impossible to identify exactly (was it pumpkin or squash mixed with yogurt or sour cream or whipped cream to make that dip that might have had some sugar or some curry? My palate is just not that developed). Of course, there's always a slight fear about the cleanliness of thy neighbor's kitchen or their standards of quality. But I haven't gotten sick yet. Then there's the "that wasn't what I thought it was going to be" knee-jerk reaction when the orange stuff is curry pumpkin dip for veggies and not pumpkin pie dip for fruit. Ugh. It is the surprise factor of potlucks that make it hard to take the kiddos--you just can't be sure what's in a dish if you didn't make it. So, this week found me hovering over the table with a tasting fork asking passers-by if they made the dressing and what's in it. Luckily, everyone knows why I'm asking.
Potlucks do drive me nuts, in one respect, though. I always want the recipes. And I don't always get them. Take for instance a funeral supper we went to this year--amazing almond bar cookies--but despite asking practically everyone (not at the actual funeral but later), I have never found who made them or how. Sometimes, people do promise me the recipe and never follow through. I only feel comfortable bugging someone for a recipe so many times. And sometimes, of course, there is no recipe, like Mr. K's chicken and rice curry bake that he described to me in theory but which I'm not sure I can reproduce. Happily, I do often come away with a recipe. And of course I always share them (see below for Toll House Pie and the sweet potatoes I made this week for playgroup).
Tis the season for potlucking. I have several more and can't wait. But please, if you read this, bring along the recipe!
-=-=-=-=-=
Toll House Pie
½ cup brown sugar
½ cup white sugar
½ cup flour
1 cup chocolate chips
1 cup chopped pecans
2 beaten eggs
2 sticks hot melted butter
1 tablespoon vanilla
Mix all ingredients together. Pour into unbacked pie shell. Bake 45 minutes at 350°F. Top with Cool Whip when serving.
Mexican Chocolate Sheet Cake
1 stick margarine or butter
½ cup vegetable oil
2-1oz. squares unsweetened chocolate or 6 tablespoons cocoa
1 cup water
2 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
2 cups sugar
½ cup buttermilk or sour milk (to sour regular milk, place 1 2/2 teaspoons white vinegar in ½ cups measure, fill with milk)
2 eggs, beaten
1 teaspoon cinnamon
1 teaspoon vanilla
Preheat oven to 350°F. Combine margarine, oil, chocolate and water in a saucepan and heat until chocolate is melted. Combine flour, baking soda, sugar, milk, eggs, cinnamon and vanilla in a large bowl, then blend with first mixture. Pour batter into a greased 12 x 18 sheet cake pan and bake 20-25 minutes or until cake is down (top springs back when touched lightly). Leave cake in pan and frost with Mexican Chocolate Icing while cake is still warm.
Mexican Chocolate Icing
1 stick margarine or butter
2-1 oz. squares unsweetened chocolate (or 6 tablespoons cocoa plus 2 tablespoons
of margarine or butter)
6 tablespoons milk
1 lb. powdered sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla
½ cup chopped pecans
Combine margarine, chocolate, and milk in a saucepan over medium-high heat until bubbles form around the edge. Remove from heat. Stir in powdered sugar, a little at a time (this is important). Stir in vanilla and pecans. Beat to a spreading consistency. Spread warm icing on warm cake.
Mom
Sweet Potatoes with Marshmallows
Yams
No holiday is complete without these. The browning of the marshmallows was always my job. I only found out when I went to make my own Thanksgiving meal in 1997 that Mom always doubled the recipe so I would have enough for leftovers! This is the pre-doubled version.
29 oz. can yams, drained
4 tablespoons brown sugar
½ teaspoon cinnamon
orange juice
Bake at 375°F. Add marshmallows to brown.
Mom
Handy Wikipedia tells me that the word "potluck" does not derive from the Native American potlatch but appeared in print as early as 1592 in England and meant serving whatever you find to guests (I abbreviate the article.) That doesn't sound so lucky.
I'm not sure when I first went to a potluck. We didn't go to church when I was growing up so I have no fond memories of church suppers. We had family gatherings, usually around 4th of July and at Christmas, and everyone took something but no one called it a potluck. I think I first remember a true potluck when DP was invited to one when we were living in separate states. She told me then, and I remember it everytime we go now, that lesbians are into potlucks. Something about the equality of it all. So, she called me to ask what in the world she could take. I suggested a Toll House Pie. Easy. Cheap. Chocoloate. Over a series of days and phone calls, I got her the recipe and the list of ingredients--we were in love so why email when you could talk on the phone? We could pay off our mortgage with what we spent on phone calls then!--and talked to her while it baked. And then talked her down when the smoke alarm went off. What could've happened? I failed to mention she should put the pie on a cookie sheet, thinking she knew that. But of course, this was her first foray into baking and she had no clue. Nor did she have a cookie sheet. All's well that ends well. They liked her pie.
Now I go to potlucks quite regularly. Church, playgroup, neighborhood gatherings. I used to always take dessert--Mexican Chocolate Sheet Cake, some kind of bundt cake, always chocolate, rarely cookies. Now, with the kids' allergies and my being on Weight Watchers (more on that if I have time in another post), I take fruit salad a lot. But I'd love to have a signature dish that everyone always expects and raves about. Like my friend J's cornbread that she serves with peach jam. Out of this world! We moms dig in like we've never eaten when she brings that over. And T's baked good! Very exciting when she goes to playgroup. People at church vary it just enough that I never know what we'll be eating. There will be vegetarian dishes, gluten-free dishes, and the marvelous baked good of Miss L, but it's never exactly the same.
Which is what I love. I love trying new dishes, especially dishes that people are proud enough of (or competent enough to cook) to bring to share. Sometimes it's the very standard cream cheese/salsa/cheese bean dip; other times--like church today--it's something that tastes good but is almost impossible to identify exactly (was it pumpkin or squash mixed with yogurt or sour cream or whipped cream to make that dip that might have had some sugar or some curry? My palate is just not that developed). Of course, there's always a slight fear about the cleanliness of thy neighbor's kitchen or their standards of quality. But I haven't gotten sick yet. Then there's the "that wasn't what I thought it was going to be" knee-jerk reaction when the orange stuff is curry pumpkin dip for veggies and not pumpkin pie dip for fruit. Ugh. It is the surprise factor of potlucks that make it hard to take the kiddos--you just can't be sure what's in a dish if you didn't make it. So, this week found me hovering over the table with a tasting fork asking passers-by if they made the dressing and what's in it. Luckily, everyone knows why I'm asking.
Potlucks do drive me nuts, in one respect, though. I always want the recipes. And I don't always get them. Take for instance a funeral supper we went to this year--amazing almond bar cookies--but despite asking practically everyone (not at the actual funeral but later), I have never found who made them or how. Sometimes, people do promise me the recipe and never follow through. I only feel comfortable bugging someone for a recipe so many times. And sometimes, of course, there is no recipe, like Mr. K's chicken and rice curry bake that he described to me in theory but which I'm not sure I can reproduce. Happily, I do often come away with a recipe. And of course I always share them (see below for Toll House Pie and the sweet potatoes I made this week for playgroup).
Tis the season for potlucking. I have several more and can't wait. But please, if you read this, bring along the recipe!
-=-=-=-=-=
Toll House Pie
½ cup brown sugar
½ cup white sugar
½ cup flour
1 cup chocolate chips
1 cup chopped pecans
2 beaten eggs
2 sticks hot melted butter
1 tablespoon vanilla
Mix all ingredients together. Pour into unbacked pie shell. Bake 45 minutes at 350°F. Top with Cool Whip when serving.
Mexican Chocolate Sheet Cake
1 stick margarine or butter
½ cup vegetable oil
2-1oz. squares unsweetened chocolate or 6 tablespoons cocoa
1 cup water
2 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
2 cups sugar
½ cup buttermilk or sour milk (to sour regular milk, place 1 2/2 teaspoons white vinegar in ½ cups measure, fill with milk)
2 eggs, beaten
1 teaspoon cinnamon
1 teaspoon vanilla
Preheat oven to 350°F. Combine margarine, oil, chocolate and water in a saucepan and heat until chocolate is melted. Combine flour, baking soda, sugar, milk, eggs, cinnamon and vanilla in a large bowl, then blend with first mixture. Pour batter into a greased 12 x 18 sheet cake pan and bake 20-25 minutes or until cake is down (top springs back when touched lightly). Leave cake in pan and frost with Mexican Chocolate Icing while cake is still warm.
Mexican Chocolate Icing
1 stick margarine or butter
2-1 oz. squares unsweetened chocolate (or 6 tablespoons cocoa plus 2 tablespoons
of margarine or butter)
6 tablespoons milk
1 lb. powdered sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla
½ cup chopped pecans
Combine margarine, chocolate, and milk in a saucepan over medium-high heat until bubbles form around the edge. Remove from heat. Stir in powdered sugar, a little at a time (this is important). Stir in vanilla and pecans. Beat to a spreading consistency. Spread warm icing on warm cake.
Mom
Sweet Potatoes with Marshmallows
Yams
No holiday is complete without these. The browning of the marshmallows was always my job. I only found out when I went to make my own Thanksgiving meal in 1997 that Mom always doubled the recipe so I would have enough for leftovers! This is the pre-doubled version.
29 oz. can yams, drained
4 tablespoons brown sugar
½ teaspoon cinnamon
orange juice
Bake at 375°F. Add marshmallows to brown.
Mom
My Needy Children
It's that time of year again. Boxes in church for food and clothing donations. Catalogues from charities touting gifts to support their causes. Craft fair and cookie cafe fundraisers. Toy drives. It is the time of year when we are most encouraged to help others.
But of course, the most desperate people of all are my own children as we walk them past the toy aisle at Target. "Mommy, I need more stuff," DD pleads. Soon, boxes of Diego snow rescue vehicles and Dora's twin siblings are coming off the shelves in twos and threes. No, no, I say, no more toys until Christmas.
They're two and they don't really remember that you get gifts at Christmas. DD eyes me suspiciously.
"That's right, we're not buying anything new until Christmas. But you can make a list for Santa of things you would like."
"But I NEED this," she cries. "I need Dora babies. I need Diego helicopter."
"No, sweetie, you don't need them. You want them."
Soon, DS starts in, "Tell Santa I NEED Diego. Tell Santa I NEED Diego."
They are chanting in unison, a ghastly consumerist carol, "I NEED it! I NEED it!"
It makes me want to give all their toys to tots and never go to Target again.
But of course, the most desperate people of all are my own children as we walk them past the toy aisle at Target. "Mommy, I need more stuff," DD pleads. Soon, boxes of Diego snow rescue vehicles and Dora's twin siblings are coming off the shelves in twos and threes. No, no, I say, no more toys until Christmas.
They're two and they don't really remember that you get gifts at Christmas. DD eyes me suspiciously.
"That's right, we're not buying anything new until Christmas. But you can make a list for Santa of things you would like."
"But I NEED this," she cries. "I need Dora babies. I need Diego helicopter."
"No, sweetie, you don't need them. You want them."
Soon, DS starts in, "Tell Santa I NEED Diego. Tell Santa I NEED Diego."
They are chanting in unison, a ghastly consumerist carol, "I NEED it! I NEED it!"
It makes me want to give all their toys to tots and never go to Target again.
Thursday, November 15, 2007
Beware of Dinosaurs
So, I thought that Barney was pretty simple and easy to understand (too easy, don't get me started on the gender stereotypes on that show). We don't watch it much, just if the kids are up extra-early, i.e. before 6 a.m. As they were today.
Anyway, DD said, "Here comes Barney and his babies." Meaning those other little dinosaurs (Baby Bop, BJ, and Biff? Riff? Whatever).
Sure, makes sense. Anytime there is a grownup and a child, we think of the relationship as parental.
Except, I'm pretty sure in this case, it's not true. Just can't see Barney with kids. Are they cousins? Friends? Do dinosaurs in Barneyland even have children? Does Barney have sex?
Nope, it's way too early in the morning to think about that.
Anyway, DD said, "Here comes Barney and his babies." Meaning those other little dinosaurs (Baby Bop, BJ, and Biff? Riff? Whatever).
Sure, makes sense. Anytime there is a grownup and a child, we think of the relationship as parental.
Except, I'm pretty sure in this case, it's not true. Just can't see Barney with kids. Are they cousins? Friends? Do dinosaurs in Barneyland even have children? Does Barney have sex?
Nope, it's way too early in the morning to think about that.
Tuesday, November 13, 2007
DD's Theme Song
DD: I'm James.
Me: What, sweetie? (because, well, her name isn't James, even if it is a family name).
DD: I'm lots of fun. And Nate is Thomas. He's the cheeky one.
Maybe you have to know the song.
Ten points to you if you can guess.
Me: What, sweetie? (because, well, her name isn't James, even if it is a family name).
DD: I'm lots of fun. And Nate is Thomas. He's the cheeky one.
Maybe you have to know the song.
Ten points to you if you can guess.
The Cat Did It
First, you should know that we have a cat named Albus.
I was in the bathroom the other day with the door open (as is required, even when I just have to pee--some people have a family bed, we have a family bathroom. Privacy is only something the kids get when I change their diapers. And boy are they adamant about that. DD gets upset if the cat walks by) and heard DS making a noise that seemed to indicate something was amiss. I asked DS if he was intentionally dropping food on the floor, and he replied, "It was Albus."
Mind you, the cat was in the bathroom with me.
I was in the bathroom the other day with the door open (as is required, even when I just have to pee--some people have a family bed, we have a family bathroom. Privacy is only something the kids get when I change their diapers. And boy are they adamant about that. DD gets upset if the cat walks by) and heard DS making a noise that seemed to indicate something was amiss. I asked DS if he was intentionally dropping food on the floor, and he replied, "It was Albus."
Mind you, the cat was in the bathroom with me.
DD Doesn't Have Two Mommies
It's happened several times recently: I mention to DD that she has two mommies and she says no. Hmmmm, odd, because, well, she does.
And then she clarifies: she has one "mommy" and one "mama."
And then she clarifies: she has one "mommy" and one "mama."
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