Thursday, December 15, 2011
More Holiday Humor
If you have an Elf on the Shelf and have ever forgotten to move it, read "Overachieving Elf on the Shelf Mommies" at People I want to Punch in the Face. It's hilarious!
My New Project
About a year ago, I was deep into research on the history of slavery in Connecticut, as part of my work on the education committee of a local historic house. I learned how this state was the "Georgia of the North," with more slaves than any other New England colony, and also how slaves continued their West African religious practices such as hiding minkisi under floorboards for protection. I also spent some time looking into pirates and privateers who operated in the waters of Long Island Sound.
Now I'm beginning research on Native Americans in colonial Connecticut, in the 18th-century. It's just the beginning of my research, but with both the Mashantucket Pequot Museum and the Institute for American Indian Studies here in the state, I know I'll turn up some interesting information to share with the fifth graders come April. But one statistic strikes me: there were approximately 30,000 Native Americans here in what is now Connecticut when colonists arrived. By 1762, there were less than 1,000.
We're also going to be including some discussion of archaeology, essentially how we as historians and docents learn about the ordinary people who didn't make it into the written historical record. There have been thousands of artifacts discovered at our site, which should make for wonderful discussion, even if we can't show the classes anything more than pictures of objects or replicas. Of course, when I was in elementary school, Indiana Jones popularized archaeology. I hope our tour will be able to do the same and get the students excited about our local history and how we learn it.
Now I'm beginning research on Native Americans in colonial Connecticut, in the 18th-century. It's just the beginning of my research, but with both the Mashantucket Pequot Museum and the Institute for American Indian Studies here in the state, I know I'll turn up some interesting information to share with the fifth graders come April. But one statistic strikes me: there were approximately 30,000 Native Americans here in what is now Connecticut when colonists arrived. By 1762, there were less than 1,000.
We're also going to be including some discussion of archaeology, essentially how we as historians and docents learn about the ordinary people who didn't make it into the written historical record. There have been thousands of artifacts discovered at our site, which should make for wonderful discussion, even if we can't show the classes anything more than pictures of objects or replicas. Of course, when I was in elementary school, Indiana Jones popularized archaeology. I hope our tour will be able to do the same and get the students excited about our local history and how we learn it.
God, the "God Particle," and Me
I've just completed a UU course in prayer, participating in inner and outer prayer practices such as meditation, using a finger labyrinth, a universal rosary, and guided imagery, as well as discussing readings and our own experiences.
And so, with this in mind, I've been talking with many of my spiritual friends, asking, particularly, "How do you think prayer works?"
One believed in a universal consciousness, with energies directed through prayer that could directly reach their intended recipient. Another believed in an intercessory God but also said that the prayers were as much for her own mental and emotional focus than for direct effect.
As I've mentioned several times before, I don't believe in an intercessory, omnipotent, omnipresent deity. And so I can't conceive of prayer as being directed to God like a phone call is routed through a telecommunications satellite, but I'm learning that you don't necessarily need a deity to pray. My friend, the one who believes in the universal mind, believes my skepticism is a childhood trauma, something that I need to heal from, an energy blockage that needs to be worked out. And so I ask her--in all seriousness--how that energy works, how prayer energy and spiritual blockages work, what part of the body makes that energy? It doesn't work that way, she said patiently, mentioning qi and other metaphysical ideas about spiritual energy. But I asked for evidence, proof, scientific explanation and she said it can't be tested that way.
Just because it can't be tested by traditional scientific means doesn't mean it doesn't exist, she says.
That would be faith.
I take certain things on faith, things I don't understand but can accept, knowing that other people have the answers. Like a car engine. Or particle physics.
Except I'm beginning to understand that, as scientists dig deeper at the far reaches of our knowledge, the questions and answers are as murky as theology and the nature of prayer. I recently read, though I recall not where, that biologists looking at cells in the human body now believe that mitochondria function like viruses, which surprised them.
And then there is the so-called "God particle," or the Higgs boson, that may or may not exist but is central to the Standard Model of understanding the Big Bang and how particles of energy gain mass. (Okay, remember, I'm not a scientist, so I only think I have that correctly). I've been reading several articles about the announcement this week that physicists have tantalizing evidence but no real proof of the Higgs. In one article, which I cannot locate now, a scientist quoted the "unknown principle" in physics--sometimes things happen for reasons we don't understand, in ways and at times we don't understand.
That sounds a lot like prayer.
Oddly, I'm also a skeptic about science sometimes, feeling that science often labels events and systems without actually understanding it. They can call it the Higgs boson without knowing if it is real, how big it is, and where to look for it. Naming something, though, gives you a sense of power over it. (I've long wondered that we can put a man on the moon but can't tell if a woman is pregnant for weeks and weeks after conception.) Still, as Mama points out, science focuses on quantifiable, predictable, reproducible theories.
Prayer is none of those.
My religious friends acknowledge that there is no 1:1 correlation between prayer and outcome. There is always an effect, though, either on themselves or on those for whom they pray, the latter usually being as amorphous as "what is best." In other words, if I pray for a sick friend and the friend dies, some people would say that was the best outcome, even if I don't like it, or that it's part of a larger picture. But if you draw the effects of prayer so broadly and randomly, it seems to water down the power, no? Clearly, prayer doesn't follow scientific principles, even if science has started to study it. There is an oft-referred to study that shows people who are prayed for heal faster, with lower mortality rates, even when they are unaware of the prayers. (Though, a recent article in Woman's Day, given to me by Mommy Goose, says a Harvard study recently refuted that.) There again, I'm focusing too much on proof and evidence and control and rationality.
If I can allow myself to accept the murkiness of biology and physics and to be comfortable with my not knowing the intricacies of said disciplines, why not prayer? Is it possible that spiritual energies exist but that we can't understand how they work? Is prayer the Higgs of the spiritual universe, giving mass to our deepest joys and concerns? Why do I need the proof? Or do I have proof? Lots of people from a variety of religious backgrounds--New Age, Judaism, Baptist, Catholic, LDS, Buddhist, UU--have prayed for me. True, I haven't had a remarkable, miraculous healing, but I am better and it could be worse. Has prayer worked on me? I know it helped me emotionally to know that people were keeping me in their thoughts and so there is a demonstrable effect. And when I pray for others, or even myself, I know that at the very least I remember to do things for them, check in, make a meal, or treat them or myself kindly and compassionately, and so there is an effect, even if it isn't miraculous or divine.
I guess I'm like those physicists looking for the Higgs--I've got tantalizing information about prayer but I need more time to think on and study it.
And so, with this in mind, I've been talking with many of my spiritual friends, asking, particularly, "How do you think prayer works?"
One believed in a universal consciousness, with energies directed through prayer that could directly reach their intended recipient. Another believed in an intercessory God but also said that the prayers were as much for her own mental and emotional focus than for direct effect.
As I've mentioned several times before, I don't believe in an intercessory, omnipotent, omnipresent deity. And so I can't conceive of prayer as being directed to God like a phone call is routed through a telecommunications satellite, but I'm learning that you don't necessarily need a deity to pray. My friend, the one who believes in the universal mind, believes my skepticism is a childhood trauma, something that I need to heal from, an energy blockage that needs to be worked out. And so I ask her--in all seriousness--how that energy works, how prayer energy and spiritual blockages work, what part of the body makes that energy? It doesn't work that way, she said patiently, mentioning qi and other metaphysical ideas about spiritual energy. But I asked for evidence, proof, scientific explanation and she said it can't be tested that way.
Just because it can't be tested by traditional scientific means doesn't mean it doesn't exist, she says.
That would be faith.
I take certain things on faith, things I don't understand but can accept, knowing that other people have the answers. Like a car engine. Or particle physics.
Except I'm beginning to understand that, as scientists dig deeper at the far reaches of our knowledge, the questions and answers are as murky as theology and the nature of prayer. I recently read, though I recall not where, that biologists looking at cells in the human body now believe that mitochondria function like viruses, which surprised them.
And then there is the so-called "God particle," or the Higgs boson, that may or may not exist but is central to the Standard Model of understanding the Big Bang and how particles of energy gain mass. (Okay, remember, I'm not a scientist, so I only think I have that correctly). I've been reading several articles about the announcement this week that physicists have tantalizing evidence but no real proof of the Higgs. In one article, which I cannot locate now, a scientist quoted the "unknown principle" in physics--sometimes things happen for reasons we don't understand, in ways and at times we don't understand.
That sounds a lot like prayer.
Oddly, I'm also a skeptic about science sometimes, feeling that science often labels events and systems without actually understanding it. They can call it the Higgs boson without knowing if it is real, how big it is, and where to look for it. Naming something, though, gives you a sense of power over it. (I've long wondered that we can put a man on the moon but can't tell if a woman is pregnant for weeks and weeks after conception.) Still, as Mama points out, science focuses on quantifiable, predictable, reproducible theories.
Prayer is none of those.
My religious friends acknowledge that there is no 1:1 correlation between prayer and outcome. There is always an effect, though, either on themselves or on those for whom they pray, the latter usually being as amorphous as "what is best." In other words, if I pray for a sick friend and the friend dies, some people would say that was the best outcome, even if I don't like it, or that it's part of a larger picture. But if you draw the effects of prayer so broadly and randomly, it seems to water down the power, no? Clearly, prayer doesn't follow scientific principles, even if science has started to study it. There is an oft-referred to study that shows people who are prayed for heal faster, with lower mortality rates, even when they are unaware of the prayers. (Though, a recent article in Woman's Day, given to me by Mommy Goose, says a Harvard study recently refuted that.) There again, I'm focusing too much on proof and evidence and control and rationality.
If I can allow myself to accept the murkiness of biology and physics and to be comfortable with my not knowing the intricacies of said disciplines, why not prayer? Is it possible that spiritual energies exist but that we can't understand how they work? Is prayer the Higgs of the spiritual universe, giving mass to our deepest joys and concerns? Why do I need the proof? Or do I have proof? Lots of people from a variety of religious backgrounds--New Age, Judaism, Baptist, Catholic, LDS, Buddhist, UU--have prayed for me. True, I haven't had a remarkable, miraculous healing, but I am better and it could be worse. Has prayer worked on me? I know it helped me emotionally to know that people were keeping me in their thoughts and so there is a demonstrable effect. And when I pray for others, or even myself, I know that at the very least I remember to do things for them, check in, make a meal, or treat them or myself kindly and compassionately, and so there is an effect, even if it isn't miraculous or divine.
I guess I'm like those physicists looking for the Higgs--I've got tantalizing information about prayer but I need more time to think on and study it.
Wednesday, December 14, 2011
Advent Activity: The Countdown Continues
Advent Activity: Santa Lucia Day
Yesterday we learned a little about Santa Lucia Day, or Saint Lucy's Day, a holiday observed mainly in Scandinavian countries on December 13. Traditionally, the eldest girl in the family dresses in a white gown dons a wreath of greenery and lit white candles and serves her family coffee and Saint Lucy buns in the morning. Some towns also have processions. Bud was very hung up on the fact that it was the eldest girl, sensing, I think, that he was excluded (though, now I understand boys are more involved in the rituals). Sis was curious about the candles, which gruesomely refer to the failed attempt to burn Saint Lucy. And so, when we got home from NYC with our bottle of Kinder Punsch non-alcoholic Gluwhein (similar to the Glögg we knew from living in Andersonville, the Swedish and lesbian neighborhood where we lived in Chicago), we made a toast to the holiday season.
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Virgin Glögg
a recipe from the Swedish Museum's Jamarkand in Chicago
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Virgin Glögg
a recipe from the Swedish Museum's Jamarkand in Chicago
Glögg
spices (cinnamon, raisins, almonds, cardamom)
2-12
oz. cans frozen cranberry juice concentrate
12
oz. can frozen purple grape juice concentrate
12
oz. can frozen apple juice concentrate
2
tablespoons balsamic vinegar
Thaw and
mix juice concentrates together with vinegar and keep refrigerated.
Simmer
1 package glogg spices in 1 cup water in tightly covered pot for one
hour. Add boiled spices and water to glogg liquid. Bring to a
simmer and turn off heat. Let cool and leave in room temperature for
one day. Strain and pour back into bottles. Save the drunken
raisins to serve with the glogg.
Heat
with water in a 2:1 ratio and serve
The Christmas Marketplace
- sampling salsas and chocolates
- ordering Belgian waffles with gingerbread sauce (speculoos) from Wafels and Dinges and also a variety of Persian soups (vegetable, lentil, and chili), plus the best cookies ever from Rubyzaar (Kashmir with almonds and cardamom: HoiAn with chocolates and espresso) and chewy sweet pastel French macaroons.
- drinking Gluwhein and hot chocolate
- selecting a precious, brightly-colored, whimsical print of two children flying over the Chrysler Building by an artist named Edie (you can purchase prints at her site)
- having a mini-hand spa treatment with Israeli Dead Sea Salt that left my hands feeling so soft (we bought the scrub because it helps with psoriasis and dry skin)
- and just wandering through stalls of knit wear, teas and spices (laid out just like a Silk Road merchant), Celtic and also Tibetan tchotchkes, puppets, toys, jewelery, and so much more, while also people-watching, which is a wonderful sport in NYC
Just a wonderful reminder of why I love NYC (besides, it makes going to the doctor just so much better).
All Bud Wants for Christmas . . .
. . . is to lose his front tooth!
Bud is eagerly, and albeit a little nervously, waiting to lose his first tooth, right up top in the middle. It is very wiggly, especially with all his attentions. He's so excited that he's even written a letter to the Tooth Fairy to tell her it's coming soon.
I hope so.
Bud is eagerly, and albeit a little nervously, waiting to lose his first tooth, right up top in the middle. It is very wiggly, especially with all his attentions. He's so excited that he's even written a letter to the Tooth Fairy to tell her it's coming soon.
I hope so.
I Have a Golden Ticket!
"Mommy, Charlie found the golden ticket!" was the first thing said to me last night by the kids after we got home late from NYC. They've been listening to their teacher read Charlie and the Chocolate Factory by Roald Dahl. I get periodic updates on the plot (I read it years ago and mostly know the story from the original Gene Wilder film, not liking the Tim Burton version as well) and they have been eagerly waiting to see if Charlie would get to go to the factory (being young, I guess they didn't just assume from the title). And one day, when they told me about the workers in the factory that people had only glimpsed in the windows of the factory and I called them Oompa Loompas, they got mad at me because that hadn't been mentioned in the book yet! The kids have even taken to making paper Wonka Bars and hiding golden tickets in them. But in their candy factory, everyone is a winner!
Mommy's Magic Bean Pot
I'm the New England Strega Nona!
I picked up a redware bean pot at Sturbridge Village two weeks ago, wanting to make my very first batch of Boston Baked Beans after attending the New England cooking lecture. So, after prepping the navy beans and mixing in the ingredients sans salt pork, I put my big pot in the oven and left it there for most of a day, just like Yankee goodwives would've done after a day's bread baking (as the hot oven cooled overnight).
MMMMmmmmm, so much better than pork 'n beans in a can! Not too sweet, not too sticky, just right. And it makes a lot.
Even better with cornbread!
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Boston Baked Beans
*I halved the recipe. And I imagine, should you not have a magic bean pot, you could bake this in any covered dish.
1 lb dried navy beans, sorted, rinsed, and pre-soaked using your favorite method (overnight or boiled and simmered), retaining soaking water
1/3 cup brown sugar
1 teaspoon dry mustard
1/4 cup molasses
1 medium onion, sliced
Preheat oven to 300F.
Mix brown sugar, mustard, and molasses with 1 3/4 cup reserved soaking liquid. Then alternate layers of prepped beans with sliced onions and "sauce,"
Cover and bake for 5-7 hours. Add more liquid if needed.
Boston Beanpot Cookery
I picked up a redware bean pot at Sturbridge Village two weeks ago, wanting to make my very first batch of Boston Baked Beans after attending the New England cooking lecture. So, after prepping the navy beans and mixing in the ingredients sans salt pork, I put my big pot in the oven and left it there for most of a day, just like Yankee goodwives would've done after a day's bread baking (as the hot oven cooled overnight).
MMMMmmmmm, so much better than pork 'n beans in a can! Not too sweet, not too sticky, just right. And it makes a lot.
Even better with cornbread!
-=-=-=-=-=-
Boston Baked Beans
*I halved the recipe. And I imagine, should you not have a magic bean pot, you could bake this in any covered dish.
1 lb dried navy beans, sorted, rinsed, and pre-soaked using your favorite method (overnight or boiled and simmered), retaining soaking water
1/3 cup brown sugar
1 teaspoon dry mustard
1/4 cup molasses
1 medium onion, sliced
Preheat oven to 300F.
Mix brown sugar, mustard, and molasses with 1 3/4 cup reserved soaking liquid. Then alternate layers of prepped beans with sliced onions and "sauce,"
Cover and bake for 5-7 hours. Add more liquid if needed.
Boston Beanpot Cookery
Tuesday, December 13, 2011
The Glee Saga
Tonight's "Glee" special was fun, but Artie was right--the Star Wars holiday special in 1978 was fantastic!!!! And I absolutely remember watching it, Wookiees and all.
Today's Specialist
Today, we ventured down into NYC--near Union Square, this time--to see a pain and palliative care specialist who is a neurologist by training. We got to town early and had a wonderful time cruising the Christmas Market in the square, but more on that later. I don't think I've ever seen a more depressing waiting room before--discomfort, pain, suffering, and all the attendant emotions clear on their faces and in their postures. I felt healthy in comparison.
The nurse practitioner saw me first, performing all manner of neurological and physical diagnostics and taking a very complete history after reading the various papers I brought along. Then we met the doctor, who performed even more diagnostics. And said he doesn't believe the pain is from the disc. He thinks the disc pain has pretty much resolved itself (which he said right after I managed to touch my hands to the floor!). He believes the pain is in the coccyx. Though, he isn't sure what the relationshipof the herniated disc and the coccyx pain is though they happened together, saying it was a very good question. He had some ideas for prescription medicines (pain killers and nerve blockers) and wants me to see his colleague who specializes in injections (I have an appointment at the end of January). I'd been pretty conservative about what I'd take (so far, no opiates this year), but I'm ready to try something.
So, I'm supposed to see how the pain meds work and to try a bit of sitting, if I can find a comfortable position and don't hurt (i.e. he doesn't think I'll hurt the disc). I'm not exactly cautiously optimistic, just glad there is a new path to try.
The nurse practitioner saw me first, performing all manner of neurological and physical diagnostics and taking a very complete history after reading the various papers I brought along. Then we met the doctor, who performed even more diagnostics. And said he doesn't believe the pain is from the disc. He thinks the disc pain has pretty much resolved itself (which he said right after I managed to touch my hands to the floor!). He believes the pain is in the coccyx. Though, he isn't sure what the relationshipof the herniated disc and the coccyx pain is though they happened together, saying it was a very good question. He had some ideas for prescription medicines (pain killers and nerve blockers) and wants me to see his colleague who specializes in injections (I have an appointment at the end of January). I'd been pretty conservative about what I'd take (so far, no opiates this year), but I'm ready to try something.
So, I'm supposed to see how the pain meds work and to try a bit of sitting, if I can find a comfortable position and don't hurt (i.e. he doesn't think I'll hurt the disc). I'm not exactly cautiously optimistic, just glad there is a new path to try.
A Huge Thank You
A big grateful thank you to Miss R who babysat the kiddos during a holiday playdate that lasted three hours (about an hour longer than expected, because we got stuck in traffic). My two and her three (well, probably not the baby) played outside, played inside, ate dinner, and watched holiday specials. The kids said it was the Best. Playdate. Ever.
A big thanks also to Mrs. S who met them after school and drove them to the playdate and who stood by in case we might need more help.
Thank you both for making today possible!
A big thanks also to Mrs. S who met them after school and drove them to the playdate and who stood by in case we might need more help.
Thank you both for making today possible!
Right Now
Defrosting ice off windshield so we can head to NYC to see pain and palliative care specialist.
Monday, December 12, 2011
Advent Activity: I'm a Super Dude
As befits my love of stretching out celebrations, we've been celebrating my birthday for days now, especially if you include parties last Thursday and Friday, cookie baking and ballet on Saturday, and then yesterday and today! Yesterday, the kids decorated the house with lots of "Phineas and Ferb" decorations and even gave me a button to wear proclaiming me "Super Dude." Yep, I'm a cool mom. Then we had an elaborate tea with ham and cheese sandwiches, curried egg salad sandwiches, and several little cakes from the bakery. Mmmm, chocolate truffle and also gingersnap with cream cheese frosting and a fruit tart! We hung out making our new Lego holiday village, part of my birthday present. Actually, the kids worked on the Legos while I perused my new books Harry Potter: From Page to Screen and Homesick Texan, the cookbook.
Today, I had a special birthday lunch at school with the kiddos, which was an extra treat for me because I hadn't been to school in a long while. We all sat together at those long cafeteria tables--I brought a cheese sandwich and chips from the deli, Mama got chicken nuggets in the lunch line with Sis. I had brought them both cookies to eat with their lunches. School lunch sure has changed--they eat off styrofoam trays that get thrown away (oh, the waste!), but not by them--they raise their hands and the lunch ladies toss their trash and give them a coloring page or word search to complete while they wait for lunch to be over. And then, if they are still hungry at the end of lunch, they can rush up when their class is called for a snack to eat then and there--chips or ice cream!! I guess I can see not wanting your entire first grade getting up, but it seemed a bit much considering they could easily bus their own stuff, and the need for a coloring sheet to fill the time (maybe they should try talking to one another! Or gasp, shorten lunch and add it to recess!!!!!) and the extra snack is ridiculous (though Sis's tray with 6 tater tots and 6 nuggets and a chocolate milk was hardly a meal; she opted out of fruit . . . and they let her! That'll keep us from letting them have school lunch more than a couple of times a month as is our current custom). Still, it was great fun for me and I hope for them; having Gommie to lunch was very special to me when I was in elementary school.
I fielded calls from England (Hi Lambeth! Thanks for calling!), Austin (Hi Aunt Banana, sorry I missed you!), Houston (Gommie and Pop together), and, the biggest surprise of all from Dallas from my close friend from high school! She's still practicing law and still has the thickest East Texas accent I ever hear. I hadn't talked to her in three years (she says congrats on the baby, Aunt Banana!) so we had a good time catching up. Also, thanks to everyone who emailed (Hi cousin S and Mrs. S!) and who helped me celebrate last week.
Later this afternoon,we had fondue with bread and apples for after-school snack. So tasty! And then they did Legos again, while I napped on the couch. Finally, we ended my birthday extravaganza with pizza and ice cream and called it quits. What a great way to celebrate! I do just love having birthdays.
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UPDATE: I totally forgot some of the most touching highlights:
Today, I had a special birthday lunch at school with the kiddos, which was an extra treat for me because I hadn't been to school in a long while. We all sat together at those long cafeteria tables--I brought a cheese sandwich and chips from the deli, Mama got chicken nuggets in the lunch line with Sis. I had brought them both cookies to eat with their lunches. School lunch sure has changed--they eat off styrofoam trays that get thrown away (oh, the waste!), but not by them--they raise their hands and the lunch ladies toss their trash and give them a coloring page or word search to complete while they wait for lunch to be over. And then, if they are still hungry at the end of lunch, they can rush up when their class is called for a snack to eat then and there--chips or ice cream!! I guess I can see not wanting your entire first grade getting up, but it seemed a bit much considering they could easily bus their own stuff, and the need for a coloring sheet to fill the time (maybe they should try talking to one another! Or gasp, shorten lunch and add it to recess!!!!!) and the extra snack is ridiculous (though Sis's tray with 6 tater tots and 6 nuggets and a chocolate milk was hardly a meal; she opted out of fruit . . . and they let her! That'll keep us from letting them have school lunch more than a couple of times a month as is our current custom). Still, it was great fun for me and I hope for them; having Gommie to lunch was very special to me when I was in elementary school.
I fielded calls from England (Hi Lambeth! Thanks for calling!), Austin (Hi Aunt Banana, sorry I missed you!), Houston (Gommie and Pop together), and, the biggest surprise of all from Dallas from my close friend from high school! She's still practicing law and still has the thickest East Texas accent I ever hear. I hadn't talked to her in three years (she says congrats on the baby, Aunt Banana!) so we had a good time catching up. Also, thanks to everyone who emailed (Hi cousin S and Mrs. S!) and who helped me celebrate last week.
Later this afternoon,we had fondue with bread and apples for after-school snack. So tasty! And then they did Legos again, while I napped on the couch. Finally, we ended my birthday extravaganza with pizza and ice cream and called it quits. What a great way to celebrate! I do just love having birthdays.
-=-=-=-=-=-
UPDATE: I totally forgot some of the most touching highlights:
- The first present I got was actually a "How Much I Love You & I Love You Because" book made by Sis and Bud.
- Sis had made me two great cards all on her own, with the sweetest sentiments--that I'm the best mom (remember, Mama is a "mama") and she loves me with all her heart.
- Neighbor Boy came back to wish me happy birthday when I told him the kids couldn't play because we were doing birthday things.
- Miss K's daughter brought fudge crinkles and Lindt candies as a birthday present.
- The kids in their class wished me happy birthday (some sorta sang), as did several of the teachers . . . because I was wearing my "Super Dude" button at school!
Advent Activity: Spreading the Cheer
We combined two of our Advent activities, wrapping presents for the child for whom we signed up to get toys. The kids even gathered a bag full of candy to send along with the set of Hot Wheels cars and a track. Then this morning, we piled a huge pan with a variety of cookies and made a card for the teachers and staff of their school, which Mama and I deposited in the teacher lounge today. Later, probably tomorrow, we'll drop off tins of cookies for the vet's and the pediatrician's offices, again with cards from the kids.
Finally, we might even be delivering a few Secret Santa surprises today!
Finally, we might even be delivering a few Secret Santa surprises today!
Sunday, December 11, 2011
Baking the Day Away
Before the ballet yesterday, Mama Teacher came over and treated me to a birthday baking extravaganza. We made six kinds of cookies, some double batch: oatmeal with craisins and white chocolate, pecan sandies, chocolate orange dreams, gingersnaps, fudge balls, and cranberry-orange-walnut cookies (those last three using the versatile Domino Sugar 1001 Cookie Starter). The house was redolent with the warm scents of sugar and spices. And the kitchen was filled with dirty bowls, sloppy measuring spoons, damp towels, and little drifts of flour! (All of which Mama Teacher cleaned up as part of her gift while I rested on the couch! Mama Hungry says a big thank you!) Mercy, we had a good time, eating lunch and opening some birthday presents (thank you! Blog readers, you'll hear more about The Happiness Project later) between batches. It was extra-special because I can't really bake that much on my own (and it's not Mama Hungry's favorite activity) and because we didn't have a cookie swap this year (but we will again next year, I promise!). I bet we made over two hundred cookies. And so now we'll have them for teachers, the pediatrician, the vet, and visitors during the holidays. Oh, and for breakfast this morning!
Thanks so much, Mama Teacher!
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I'll get Mama Teacher's recipes later.
Chocolate Orange Dreams
These taste just like those Pepperidge Farm Orange Milano cookies.
4 dozen cookies
Cookies:
1cup Butter flavor Crisco
1 cup sugar
1-3 oz. pkg cream cheese softened
2 eggs
2 t. grated orange peel
2 t. orange juice
½ t. salt
2 cup flour
1 cup chocolate chips
Glaze:
½ cup powdered sugar
2 ½ t. orange juice
1 ½ t. orange liqueur (Grand Marnier)
Pre-heat oven to 350°F. Grease cookie sheet.
Combine crisco, sugar, and cream cheese. Beat on medium. Beat in eggs, orange peel, orange juice, and salt. Add flour. Mix well. Add chocolate chips. Drop by teaspoonfuls two inches apart on cookie sheet. Bake at 350°F for 8-10 minutes or until edges are light brown.
While baking, combine powdered sugar, orange juice, and liqueur. Stir. Brush on cookies immediately upon removing from oven.
American Cookie Celebration II
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1001 Cookie Recipe Mixture from Domino Sugar
The mix makes 10 cups, which usually can cover 3 different kinds of cookies. For more recipes for this mix, see here.
5 cups flour
3 ¾ cups sugar
2 tablespoons baking powder
2 teaspoons salt
1 ½ cups plus 2 tablespoons butter, softened
Spoon flour into measuring cup and level with spatula. Put in large bowl with at least 4 quart capacity.
Measure sugar, baking powder, and salt into flour. Stir until thoroughly blended.
Add butter and use pastry blender or clean hands to work into dry ingredients until mixture resembles coarse meal.
Makes 10 cups. Store covered in airtight container in fridge or freezer. Use mix at room temperature.
Domino Sugar
1001 Fudge Balls
2 cups 1001 Cookie Recipe Mix
½ cups plus 2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa
1 egg
2 tablespoons milk
powdered sugar
***we added 1 teaspoon cinnamon and pinches of black and cayenne pepper to make these Tex-Mex
Preheat oven to 375°F.
Mix together in large bowl all ingredients except powdered sugar.
Shape into 1” balls and roll in powdered sugar to coat lightly. Place 1” apart on ungreased cookie sheet.
Bake at 375°F for about 8 minutes. Cool on wire rack.
Makes about 36 balls.
Domino Sugar
1001 Ginger Snaps
4 cups Domino Sugar 1001 Cookie Mix
1 tablespoon ground ginger
1 teaspoon cinnamon
1 egg
1/4 cup dark molasses
Granulated sugar
Preheat oven to 350°F. Grease cookie sheets. In large bowl, mix together all ingredients except sugar. Drop dough by slightly rounded teaspoons into small bowl of sugar. Roll to coat lightly. Place 2 inches apart on greased cookie sheet. Bake 12-15 minutes. Do not brown. Let cool 2 minutes and remove to rack to cool. Makes 48 cookies.
Gingerbread Men: Prepare Gingery Snaps dough. Divide in half. Cover and chill 1 hour or until dough is easy to handle. Roll dough, half at a time on floured board to 1/8-inch thickness. Cut into Gingerbread Men using cookie cutters. Arrange cutouts 1 inch apart on prepared cookie sheet. Sprinkle with sugar. Bake at 375°F for 8-10 minutes. Do not brown. Cool on wire rack. Makes 48 cookies.
1001 Cranberry Nut Cookies
3 cups – Domino Sugar 1001 Cookie Mix
1 tablespoon - grated orange rind
1 teaspoon - cinnamon
1 - egg
1 cup - fresh cranberries, coarsely chopped
3/4 cup - chopped nuts
Domino(r) Granulated Sugar
Preheat oven to 375°F. Grease cookie sheets. Mix together in large bowl cookie mix, orange rind, cinnamon, and egg. Stir in cranberries and nuts. Shape into 1-inch balls and roll in granulated sugar to coat lightly. Place 3 inches apart on prepared cookie sheet. Bake for about 12 minutes or until lightly browned around edges. Remove at once to wire racks.
Makes about 48 cookies.
Thanks so much, Mama Teacher!
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I'll get Mama Teacher's recipes later.
Chocolate Orange Dreams
These taste just like those Pepperidge Farm Orange Milano cookies.
4 dozen cookies
Cookies:
1cup Butter flavor Crisco
1 cup sugar
1-3 oz. pkg cream cheese softened
2 eggs
2 t. grated orange peel
2 t. orange juice
½ t. salt
2 cup flour
1 cup chocolate chips
Glaze:
½ cup powdered sugar
2 ½ t. orange juice
1 ½ t. orange liqueur (Grand Marnier)
Pre-heat oven to 350°F. Grease cookie sheet.
Combine crisco, sugar, and cream cheese. Beat on medium. Beat in eggs, orange peel, orange juice, and salt. Add flour. Mix well. Add chocolate chips. Drop by teaspoonfuls two inches apart on cookie sheet. Bake at 350°F for 8-10 minutes or until edges are light brown.
While baking, combine powdered sugar, orange juice, and liqueur. Stir. Brush on cookies immediately upon removing from oven.
American Cookie Celebration II
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1001 Cookie Recipe Mixture from Domino Sugar
The mix makes 10 cups, which usually can cover 3 different kinds of cookies. For more recipes for this mix, see here.
5 cups flour
3 ¾ cups sugar
2 tablespoons baking powder
2 teaspoons salt
1 ½ cups plus 2 tablespoons butter, softened
Spoon flour into measuring cup and level with spatula. Put in large bowl with at least 4 quart capacity.
Measure sugar, baking powder, and salt into flour. Stir until thoroughly blended.
Add butter and use pastry blender or clean hands to work into dry ingredients until mixture resembles coarse meal.
Makes 10 cups. Store covered in airtight container in fridge or freezer. Use mix at room temperature.
Domino Sugar
1001 Fudge Balls
2 cups 1001 Cookie Recipe Mix
½ cups plus 2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa
1 egg
2 tablespoons milk
powdered sugar
***we added 1 teaspoon cinnamon and pinches of black and cayenne pepper to make these Tex-Mex
Preheat oven to 375°F.
Mix together in large bowl all ingredients except powdered sugar.
Shape into 1” balls and roll in powdered sugar to coat lightly. Place 1” apart on ungreased cookie sheet.
Bake at 375°F for about 8 minutes. Cool on wire rack.
Makes about 36 balls.
Domino Sugar
1001 Ginger Snaps
4 cups Domino Sugar 1001 Cookie Mix
1 tablespoon ground ginger
1 teaspoon cinnamon
1 egg
1/4 cup dark molasses
Granulated sugar
Preheat oven to 350°F. Grease cookie sheets. In large bowl, mix together all ingredients except sugar. Drop dough by slightly rounded teaspoons into small bowl of sugar. Roll to coat lightly. Place 2 inches apart on greased cookie sheet. Bake 12-15 minutes. Do not brown. Let cool 2 minutes and remove to rack to cool. Makes 48 cookies.
Gingerbread Men: Prepare Gingery Snaps dough. Divide in half. Cover and chill 1 hour or until dough is easy to handle. Roll dough, half at a time on floured board to 1/8-inch thickness. Cut into Gingerbread Men using cookie cutters. Arrange cutouts 1 inch apart on prepared cookie sheet. Sprinkle with sugar. Bake at 375°F for 8-10 minutes. Do not brown. Cool on wire rack. Makes 48 cookies.
1001 Cranberry Nut Cookies
3 cups – Domino Sugar 1001 Cookie Mix
1 tablespoon - grated orange rind
1 teaspoon - cinnamon
1 - egg
1 cup - fresh cranberries, coarsely chopped
3/4 cup - chopped nuts
Domino(r) Granulated Sugar
Preheat oven to 375°F. Grease cookie sheets. Mix together in large bowl cookie mix, orange rind, cinnamon, and egg. Stir in cranberries and nuts. Shape into 1-inch balls and roll in granulated sugar to coat lightly. Place 3 inches apart on prepared cookie sheet. Bake for about 12 minutes or until lightly browned around edges. Remove at once to wire racks.
Makes about 48 cookies.
Advent Activity: Best. Show. Ever.
I also sniffled for other reasons, being a sniffler. I remember the last time I went to The Nutcracker, the only other time actually. I was probably 7 or 8. Gommie and her friend, dear Miss Betty (who died a few years ago), and maybe another adult though I'm not sure, took me and the other neighborhood kids (Aunt Banana, do you remember this at all? Was I older? Were you there?) to Houston's fancy Jones Hall to see the ballet. I felt so grown up being in that big theater and the performance was beautiful and magical. I bought a small red Nutcracker to hang on the Christmas tree that I still have.
And I was so glad that the kids were getting to see the show. They're interested in the story and love to dance around the house. More than that, I hope that going to the ballet (though, it's our least favorite performing art), musicals, the opera, plays, the symphony become a regular part of our lives. Especially with Broadway, Lincoln Center, and Carnegie Hall not so far away.
This production was perfect for us. Small, local, child-friendly. Colorful, vibrant costumes. Loud, fast-paced score (Tchaikovsky on speed!). And with a large children's cast, including two of their little friends from Daisies, that they could identify with. Bud liked the Mouse King best, and even bought a Mouse King nutcracker. Sis liked the finale when they all danced together. I liked the Waltz of the Snowflakes and the Waltz of the Flowers. Basically any scene with the corps de ballet and a principal. And the whole score. Mama, well, I think Mama was caught up in all the body and gender issues inherent in the art art form.
When it concluded, Sis yawned and stretched (she was bored by all the Sugar-Plum Fairy and her cavalier), but Bud proclaimed it, "The best show ever!"
We celebrated afterwards with a run to Pinkberry, the tony frozen yogurt place. Chocolate with M&Ms, peppermint with chocolate, mango with fruit, original with fruit, almonds, and mochi. And then we danced and hummed the rest of the evening away . . . .
Next year, Lincoln Center and Balanchine.
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