An easy recipe, which the crowds love, just ask my co-workers

Today was the holiday party at work. Work supplies the salad and main course, and those who want to bring desserts, bring desserts.

I brought a carload of goodies.

The best seller of the day: Oreo Balls

8 oz. softened cream cheese (I did use the low fat kind, if that helps you)
1 package of oreo’s (I think they were 16 oz), crushed. Crush the entire cookie, don’t remove the filling
2 cups semi sweet or milk chocolate chips
1 T shortening (I use Crisco)

Mix cream cheese with electric mixer until fluffy. Add the crushed Oreos and beat on high until well mixed. Chill for at least 2 hours in the freezer. Then roll Oreo cookie mix into one inch Oreo Balls.
Next, melt the chocolate chips and shortening with a double boiler or in the microwave.
Dip the Oreo balls completely into the melted chocolate using tongs or a toothpick.
Put on wax paper. After the Oreo balls harden, keep them in the refrigerator.

Makes about 3 or 4 dozen Oreo Balls, depending on the size

Rebecca is mentioned in the Wall Street Journal today - How cool is that????

Read all about it!!!!!!!

http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052748703766704576009522429956708.html?mod=googlenews_wsj

Perplexus

Sooo, apparantly I am soooo very trendy. We have gotten this toy for three of Mark's friends.

And he wanted it. . . . so last night he opened it for Chanukah.

My friend just told me it was on Good Morning America today. . . . as a great toy. Annabelle from the Green Planet in Newton Highlands recommended it, and now I know that she is brilliant. This was back in June!

Naomi got a Pinkalicious Dolly, and she is happy as a clam!

Half Baths - which some call powder rooms

http://www.designtrackmind.com/2010/08/7-tips-for-perfect-powder-room.html?utm_source=BP_recent

LOVE the need for a LOUD FAN!

Proposed Thanksgiving Menu - Looking for Input

Carrott puree with spices (from Spice Cookbook - Oleana)
Knishes (vegetarian)

Homemade bread
Turkey and Gravy (my mom is making)
Stuffing - Hazelnut and Apricot
Shiitake Pot Pie (Vegetarian Times Thanksgiving Cookbook)
Sweet Potato with Gingersnap Crust
Asparagus
Cranberry sauce

Fruit
Candied Cranberry Chocolate Tart
Chocolate Pie (Mae's recipe)
Apple Pie (from the Pie and Pastry Bible)
Oreos (made from Flour Cookbook)
Chocolate Chip Cookies (from the Flour Cookbook)
Mandelbred (from the Boston Globe)
Brown Butter Pecan Tart

Challah

I love challah.

My family loves challah.

I make a great challah in the bread machine. The bread machine mixes, kneads and rests the dough. Then I shape it, let it rise again, and POP it in the oven for 25 minutes.

Yesterday I made that challah and another challah. It was a challah throw down!

Vegetarian Empanadas

A few years back, a new neighbor made homemade empanadas, that were out of this world. Of course, they were filled with meat, so my hubby couldn't try them. I kept saying how amazing they were!

Of course, I had to make them, and needed a recipe. I did find a recipe years back, that involved premade puff pastry dough! A blessing!!!!!

So, to make the empanada, you defrost the package of puff pastry for about 45 minutes (or an hour), and then start to make the filling, which is 3/4 cup of chopped onion, sauteed, and then mixed with a can of drained black beans, cumin, salt and pepper. Pour the onion and bean mixture into the food processor, and pulse (don't make cat food).

Roll out the dough, and cut into squares (I usually get nine squares out of a sheet). Put the a small dollop of filling onto the dough, then shred some cheese (cheddar for me), and then paint the edges with egg wash. Fold. Crimp. Put on a greased cookie sheet.

Put in the oven at 350 for 15 minutes (turning the pan once).

COOL or you will burn your tongue!

Serve with rice and a side veggie (asparagus is a favorite)

Waffles

Working moms . . . . dinner is always a rush. Right now I seem to be in a rut of the same things that are quick and easy to make.

WAIT. I decided to make breakfast for dinner. I used Alton Brown's waffle recipe (and doubled it) for last night's dinner.

http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/alton-brown/basic-waffle-recipe/index.html

SUCCESS. No photos because the waffles are GONE.

A Halloween Favorite

Bonus Baking Day

Last night I attended the annual client meeting at the DeCordova Museum, and had fun sitting and talking with clients over a yummy dinner. Of course, there was a lot of prep work, but the event was wonderful.

When I was on my way to work today, my boss called me, to let me know that the power was out in the building (the whole building). Work from home. Fine, but I could not log onto my machine at work (since it too was off).

Went home, and started laundry, and set off to test another recipe in the upcoming Temple Emanuel Sisterhood Cookbook. This time, I made hamantashen. I love my recipe, but this one yielded a dough that was even easier to work with, so this is my new favorite.

I am sure my coworkers will enjoy the fruits of my labor tomorrow!

Chocolate-chip cinnamon mandelbrot

This is the photo from the Boston Globe:

Another great hit with kids and grown ups:

http://www.boston.com/lifestyle/food/articles/2009/09/16/recipe_for_chocolate_chip_cinnamon_mandelbrot/

Very easy to make. I have made this recipe often, and is almost as good as chocolate chip cookies.

Girlie Night

Naomi and I had a girlie night with Auntie Missy and Miranda. And what did we do??? This is Naomi's dream girlie night.

1. Playing games
2. Then watching Disney's Little Mermaid in a princess dress up costume.
3. Eating parfaits, Kraft Mac and Cheese for dinner.
4. Eating Pinkalicious cupcakes.

Going to bed late. . . . (8:30 PM, normal bedtime is 7:30 PM).

(Mark and Adam were at a boy scout overnight in a cabin.)

Drummer Naomi

Naomi and I went to the Boston Civic Symphony last weekend, and before the concert, there was an instrument petting zoo.

This was Naomi's favorite instrument by far.

Hadassah

I have been a member of Hadassah, since the day I was born. My grandmother made sure of that. Last night, was my first official Hadassah event (if you don't count a challah making lesson at an apartment in Cambridge years ago).

What is Hadassah? It is an amazing group of women, from around the world, to help Israel, and Hadassah Hospital. Before I went to the event I explained to my son, how important Hadassah Hospital is to Israel and the world. One of the amazing things about Hadassah Hospital is that Israelis, Jewish people, Muslims, Christians, Arabs, and everyone else work together and help everyone. It is not unusual for an Israeli doctor to treat an Arab patient. In the Hadassah Hospital everyone is a person. And you help people.

So, off I went to the Windsor Club, all dressed up, and no kids in tow. Met up with friends, new and old. Bid on some interesting items, drank some fabulous Israeli wine, and ate some chocolate. All during the event, I thought of my grandmother. My grandmother who was active in the same chapter 60 plus years ago. I wonder if this is what she had in mind when she made me a life member the day I was born. Not only is Hadassah about helping Israel and Hadassah Hospital, but also the wonderful women, here and everywhere that care about Israel and the future. Thanks Grandma for a great gift, and I miss you.

NOTE: My mom made Naomi a life member, which makes Naomi fourth generation Hadassah life member.

Testing 1, 2, 3

So, I am one of the co-chairs of the sisterhood cookbook. We have collected about 200 recipes, with a few more coming here and there. Now is the fun part. TESTING! I am coordinating the testing, and emailing recipes to my great group of testers. There are the funny emails "I was going to make this chicken recipe, but the list of ingredients doesn't list chicken." Great!

So, I have made the following:

1. Chocolate Spice Squares - they were okay according to my family. No the hit that I was looking for.

2. Persian Rice with Potatoes - thank goodness this recipe makes alot, since all four of us LOVED it.

3. Chicken with Peppers and Balsamic Vinegar - Mark and I really enjoyed this!

4. Roasted Sweet Potatoes and Butternut Squash - another hit!

Farms

So, a few weeks ago, I made my first visit to Russo's in Watertown, which I loved, loved, loved. I just wish it wasn't so far out of my daily routine. . . . the fruit and veggies were amazing. I can't wait to try the homemade pasta, on my next visit.

Today we went to Wilson's Farm in Lexington, MA to pick out pumpkins. And we got some sort of awesome tomatoes . . . and purple cauliflower.

I love farm stores.

A creative dinner

I love baked potatoes. . . . love em. But I wanted to be more creative than just a plain ol' baked potato.

Sooo, last night I created a potato bar for dinner. Each child/adult was given one baked potato. Then the fun started. I had shredded cheddar cheese, sour cream, facos (fake bacon bits), salsa, BBQ sauce, hot sauce, brocoli, cucumbers, salt, pepper,etc.

The one rule was that if you make a gigantic thing, you MUST eat it. . . .

The kids really enjoyed designing their own dinner. We must do it again!

School

Last night we attended Mark's Curriculum night. I was so impressed with his teacher, and what they are going to do this year. Adam and I left feeling so impressed and in awe. His teacher is strict and structured, but fair and flexible. I am soooooo looking forward to having a whole year of Ms. Powell.

She even has an easy button for the kids to push . . . . once they figure out a problem . . . . that was easy.

Vacation

So, we took our annual (but probably our last) vacation to Storyland. It was HOT HOT HOT. I mean it was HOT! I did not know that New Hampshire got this hot.

On Sunday we checked into the Seasons Condo resort, and then off to Storyland. The kids had a great time. It was hot, but fun. Then off to Red Fox for dinner.

On Monday, we went to Storyland, and at 3 PM we were all hot. Too hot to continue (even with multiple trips on the raft ride) and went to the condo's pool. I have known Adam since Oct 1994, and I have NEVER seen him in a pool. Well, after 6 hours of walking around a HOT Storyland, the man got into his bathing suit, and went into the pool. I nearly fainted!!!!!! Then off to dinner, which was not as good as Red Fox.

On Tuesday, we ventured up to Mount Washington. We took a coach, and were very thankful someone else was doing the driving. The road was narrow (yes, I know two cars can pass each other, but too close for me), steep and at the top FOG covered. Naomi hated it up at the top. I mean HATED it. It was nice - 50 degrees with a 45 mph wind. Not so bad for the ol' mountain.



After that we went to Christie's Sugar Shack and had maple ice cream. Tasty. Went for another swim, and then off to dinner.

On Wednesday, we went to Glen Junction for breakfast, a favorite for the kids. Then off to Lost River and Gorge. Perfect for an eight year old boy. Not so perfect for Naomi. But she made the most of it. It was HOT again, and a bit humid for cave exploring. A great day.



All in all the vacation was a hit.

I am thankful

I might not be made of money, and have less of it due to our expenses this year (two floods, two bats, two water leaks, one broken computer, one tire replacement, new glasses for Mark, four plane tickets to FL)

But I have heard bad news this week: friend of the family has breast cancer (I grew up with her kids); Naomi's teacher for Pre-K is missing the first six weeks of school due to surgery (must be scary, due to the timing of it) and good kid in city wrapped car around tree and died (no drugs, no alcohol, just slippery roads).

Florida

So we are back from Florida, but I can't share any photos. . . . our computer died. . . . Adam is busy trying to figure out what we "need" and what we can afford.

But, here is a photo from my mother-in-law's cell phone. Pure bliss if you ask me.

More details when I get a computer!

Fenway Park

So we took the kids to their first Red Sox game at Fenway Park. . . . everyone had fun . . . . everyone ate something they liked!

I don't know if I would take Naomi again til she is older, but an afternoon game was great.

Mark's first slumber party

Somehow I forgot to tell you all about Mark's first slumber party. His friend, J, was turning 9, and he wanted to have a slumber party, just like his big brother. I dropped off Mr. Mark at the party at 4 PM. Birthday boy was waiting eagerly outside his out. Brought up the gear (sleeping bag, pillow and backpack containing PJ's, underwear, two pairs of shorts and shirts, toothbrush, toothpaste). Mark was wearing his bathing suit. Once the party members were all there, they did water balloon fights, etc. Then pizza for dinner, and Cabots Ice Cream Cake for dessert. Then movie night. The boys fell asleep between 9:30 PM and 10 PM.

The boys were awake by 6 AM the next morning, and the hostess made chocolate chip pancakes for breakfast! I was called to pick up Mark . . . and when I arrived he was there with all his stuff, except his sandals. Long story short, another child wore home Mark's sandals, and had his own in his bag. Sooo at 8:00 AM on a Sunday morning, I had to drive with Mark to another family's house and get the sandals back.

Mark had an a super time at his sleepover. And would do it again.

Naomi during the time, was brought to Johnny's for dinner, where she had her favorite dish there - mac and cheese. We then went to JP Licks. . . . and as she was eating her ice cream announced loud enough for others to hear "Cabots has the best ice cream."

I pointed out that we were at JP Licks, and she said "I know. Cabots has the best ice cream."

Point taken . . . . I love both ice cream places (heck, I like every ice cream I eat), but the girl likes her Cabots.

Captain Bill and Sons - Whale Watch

So, the four of us, plus my parents went on the whale watch yesterday, which was FOUR hours long. On a SUPER hot day, it was a great activity. The kids learned so much about whales and their behaviors. Our boat had two naturalists on board, who talked first about Gloucester Harbor, and then about the whales. What types of whales are up here, their feeding habits, their mating habits. It was very interesting. For instance, the female whales teach the calves how to feed, and where to find the food. So if the dad is from Norway and the mom is from New England, the calf will learn how to eat and migrate to Stellwagen bank. Female whales are larger than male whales. Baby whales are not named until their second season at Stellwagen.

At first we saw LUKOS the whale and her baby, and then we traveled to see Cosmos, where we watched him gather his fish and then eat it.

I highly recommend this whale watch. There was no reason to take a jacket, since it was 90+ degrees at the coast. It was about 70 degrees out at the bank.

Movie Time

Adam and I really enjoy NETFLIX. This week we watched two movies.

Movie #1 - IRON MAN. Yes, it was the classic, BIG explosions and well, you know the drill. We saw IRON MAN 2 in the theater this year, and we both wanted to see the first one. The sub woofer got a real work out.

Move #2- MILK. Another great movie. Sean Penn was unbelievable. . . . so unbelievable though that I forgot it was him! It was definately worth the rental. Did not need the big screen for this one.

Too hot to bake

The last few weeks made my kitchen TOO hot. It was closed for baking. Tonight it re-opened. I have a bread in the bread machine for the family. Then at work, two guys, have really helped me out, and to say thank you, I am making them a plate of goodies. The goodies are blueberry muffins, chocolate cinnamon brownies and rice krispie treats.

What did these two do?

First, one of them, helped my boss design a new report for our quarterly reports. Not only that, but he is there to trouble shoot when the spreadsheet doesn't do what I want it to do. He is very patient, and kind, and well, I want him to know that I appreciate it.

The second one of them found out what I was doing to publish our monthly FLASH REPORT. He volunteered to build something that would save me 90 minutes when doing this monthly project, along with 75 sheets of paper. Again, he did not have to do it. . . . he volunteered, and I want him to know that I appreciate it.

And, it doesn't hurt that others will see the baked goods and hopefully one day want to help me out!

DS

So, Mark last year requested a DS. We wanted to teach Mark that money does not grow on trees. We had been giving him an allowance of $2/week, plus the soda bottle money. After a long time, Mark has SAVED up for not only the DS, but the "bundle" that comes with an accessory pack and 2 games. It arrived today. It is charging, and then Mark can use his new toy.

Now he wants to save up for a Charm City Cake, which is over $1,000, plus $175/hr for delivery (from Baltimore). He might need a real job for that!

Summer Update

Summer is going well. Mark is loving camp, and I am loving that he is exhausted when he comes home. (BONUS) Naomi is enjoying summer also. Over the Fourth of July, we went to Marblehead - my brother was in town. The four kids really enjoy each other. They had a great time at the JCC pool and on the Marblehead Festival of Arts Trolley. I really enjoyed the church's lobsta' roll (best one EVER). We went to the Newton Fireworks, and all had a blast. Naomi fell asleep on the car ride home. Mark stayed up to watch the Boston Fireworks on TV.

Next week Mark will be doing a tennis clinic after camp, so he should come home extra sweaty and extra tired.

Gymnastics

Gymnastics has ended for both kids. There was a bit of a show on Saturday morning. One of the reasons, I love Energy, is that it is focused on children and their abilities and growth, and less on showmanship. Each group rotated through the equipment - floor, beam, trampoline, bars and running. I am proud of each of the kids. Both progressed nicely through the year.

They will continue next year.

Another Great Meal at Thistle Hill Tavern

This time we took my parents and the kids. . . . and it was fabulous!

For starters we had - grilled asparagus, green pea falafel, zucchini pancakes and fried fennel. All were excellent. Both kids loved the fennel.

Salad - (1) Romaine salad with tristar strawberries (my favorite strawberry); (2) roasted red beet salad and (3) peach and buratta cheese salad (which was superb).

Dinner
Mark had the grilled octopus and loved it. . . . . ate the whole thing, except for two bites (one for me and one for my dad)

Papa - HAND MADE PAPPAREDELLE braised Fazio Farms rabbit, hen of the woods mushrooms, fava beans, peas, mint, pecorino

Adam - the best vegan burger he has ever had

Grandma -The trout

Naomi - the gratin, but Dave noticed that she did not like it, and asked if Rebecca could make a grilled cheese sandwich . . . . nice save Dave!!!!!

Me - Sea Bass - yummy

Desserts - one of everything! The cookie plate (one sandwich cookie, one biscotti and one vanilla wafer all homemade) with steamed caramel milk; two chocolate panna cottas (one for each kid), goat cheese tart with fresh blueberries and honey (to die for), buttermilk biscuit with rhubarb and the dessert special - fresh berry compote, which we all loved!!!!

A great dinner! It was nice for the kids and us to see Rebecca. The kids can't wait to go back again. Dave was really nice, and let Mark follow him outside to watch him work the awning.

Thanks for a great dinner!

Mark in a few years

Right now, Mark is at Camp Grandma, also known as the "Spa." There is a week between when school ends and camp starts. On Day 1, Mark went to Five Guys for lunch and had a double burger. Then he went swimming at the JCC pool. For dinner that night he had London Broil.

Today he saw Toy Story Three, and then did some bike riding.

Tomorrow is a bake-a-thon.

Last weekend we went to Canobie Lake Park, where Mark has grown tall enough to go on many of the larger rides, and he can go on many rides alone. One ride that he loved was the Canobie 500, which is driving a race car.

Photo included.

The Blind Side

I just rented that movie, and LOVED it. Oh my. Such a great movie. This is one of the best movies I have ever seen. I loved Sandra in it!

Excellent Customer Service - JetBlue

I just have to tell everyone, what a great phone call I had with Sharon, of JetBlue. In this day and age, I believe customer service has gone down the toilet. I hate waiting on hold, and I hate that no one on the other end of the phone cares, or can do anything about anything.

The other night, Adam and I booked our flight to FL with the kids to see Adam's grandfather. We finally had enough points on USAA to earn ONE FREE FLIGHT. Yes, I am excited about that. To save money, we are flying mid week . . . . to say even more money we are taking our two kids on an 8 PM flight (and if all goes well lands at 11 PM). However I wasn't willing to save even more money by booking a flight with a layover. Soooooooo hopefully that all goes well. And yes, I will blog about that also.

Getting back to my story . . . . . USAA and JetBlue. Got our emails with the confirmation of the flight, but no seat assignments. The last time that happened with United, I believed the company that I would have seats. . . . . together. HA. I must have been stupid, because first we did not have seats, and then once we got seats, we were all spread out. Amazingly people did swtich with us, once they figured out that the two year's olds mom was not sitting with the two year old.

So, I called JetBlue. . . . Sharon answered, and not only got us seats, but seats all together. On both our flight to FL and home. She was awesome. I did email JetBlue to let them know how happy I was that she helped me. I know she could have said "You will get seats when you get to the airport." But she did not. We have four seats together (two and two), and I am one happy camper.

Lets hope the rest of the trip goes this well.

Naomi

says the cutest things.

"When am I going to Drugland Farms" when in reality it is Drumlin Farms.

Another good one was Mark trying to explain that a baby grows in a womb and not a stomach. Naomi did not believe him. She kept looking at me thinking that Mark was fibbing.

Such a cutie pie. I think I will keep her.

Mark - I remember

Mark is about to finish second grade. I can't believe that. I remember so much about his past life, and how fast he is growing up.

I remember, how he was born three weeks before his due date.

I remember, that he slept through the night for the first time, on his two month old birthday, at my parent's house, while Adam and I slept at home for the whole night in two months.

I remember, his first airplane ride, at three months to FL, to visit his great grandparents.

I remember, his flapping.

I remember, how he learned how to read - he taught himself, by smooshing the letters together.

I remember, how excited he was when we got the mini van.

I remember, how much he ate in Denver when he was 18 months old - his favorites being white bean pate with truffles. On that same trip, I remember how after he ate a HUGE helping of black beans he slept in my inlaws room . . . . and he slept as he passed gas, all night long.

I remember his first day of daycare (and his last day).

I remember his first day at Angier.

I remember when he got ear tubes.

I remember, how they did NOT fall out, and he had to have them removed surgically.

I remember how he asked when he saw Naomi for the first time (all wired up) "Cool my sister has batteries. . . . will we go to CVS for new batteries?"

I remember how he told his friend this year, how he was in my womb, and came out (and how) and then proceeded to explain a C-Section is a special door.

I also remember how he asked recently, "I know how babies come out of the womb, but how do they get inside?"

Memorial Day

Memorial Day in peaceful May
We honor the soldiers, the blue and the grey
and other great soldiers
who kept our country victorious!

Naomi Stories

Naomi recently asked Adam "Why did the company that make me, make me a girl?" Adam told her that a company did not make her. . . . which led to "Daddy, why did you make me a girl?"

Another question to Adam: Daddy, why am I a girl and not a clown?

Adam "What? You can be a clown."

Naomi says "You can be a girl, or a boy, or a clown." I think she is trying to say it is a third gender.

Adam tells her that a clown is a boy or a girl wearing a costume. . . .

Naomi "oh"

Amazing Dinner at Thistle Hill - SUPER YUMMY

Shared Among Four people:

SPICED NUTS & SEEDS
FRIED FENNEL
GREEN PEA FALAFEL
HOUSE MADE PICKLED VEGETABLES
ZUCCHINI PANCAKES
Octapus

Salad Course:
SPRING LETTUCES fresh herbs, apple tree dairy goat cheese, citrus dressing
CHOPPED ROMAINE cucumbers, radishes, feta, mint, yogurt dressing
SHAVED MARKET SALAD: kale, beets, carrots, apples, sunflower seeds, herb vinaigrette

Main Course:

Gnocci (Adam)
Muscles (Jeff)
Rib Eye Steak (Stacey)
Diver Scallops (Stephanie)

Desserts:
Cinnamon - Chocolate Panna Cotta
Cookie dish
Goat Cheese yummy thing
Savory Buttermilk Buscuit with salted brown sugar mascarpone!

More later!

Mark and Adam . . . a conversation

Mark: Daddy, is the tooth fairy real, or is it just your parents?

Me: What makes you think it's just your parents?

Mark: Well, Santa Claus is just your parents. Plus, you usually get what you tell your parents about, like, if I say I want a dollar, the tooth fairy usually gives me a dollar. Like when kids ask for Christmas presents.

Me: Well, since you seem to have it figured out, do you want to know the truth?

Mark: (pushes the button on his "dreidel") This is how they have to spin a dreidel in space.

Me: I wonder why. I would think you could impart enough force on it by hand.

Mark: No, they have to do it this way...
(conversation about dreidel-in-space physics continues, tooth fairy conversation left at cliffhanger)

Stupid people

Luckily I had enough warning that 128 in Waltham last night was a parking lot. . . . so I went through the center of Waltham, to pick up a child . . . .

I thought I had made it. I got to daycare before closing, and was looking forward to going home and cooking a quick dinner, before Mark's swim lesson.

FOILED AGAIN.

The daycare parking lot is NOT huge, although in 8 years, I have always either been able to get a space in the lot or on the street. Last night, I pulled into a spot, and picked up The Girl. I walked back to the car, and noticed, a white new Subura Forester, had blocked me and a few other cars. I buckled the girl, and I waited. And I waited. Then I called the daycare office. . . . to hurry the owner up. No answer.

I waited.

And FINALLY, a woman appears with an infant, and another child. I turn and ask if she is leaving, and she casually says yes. Of course, she has to buckle in her child (turns out there are two, an infant and a three year old).

Traffic was bad on the local roads, so, my kids had sandwiches for dinner. . . to get Mark to swim on time.

Turns out the mom who blocked me in is new to daycare and has a language barrier. Well, I know of NO language barrier that prevents people from being nice. She was thinking about herself as she blocked me and two other cars in. Again, there was plenty of street parking, and I hope daycare can communicate that if there are NO spots in the lot, there is plenty of street parking.

And I hope Wednesday is better (traffic wise).

Maple Walnut Cake

An amazing cake. . . . .made it for the neighborhood pot luck . . .

http://www.bonappetit.com/recipes/2010/04/maple_cake_with_maple_syrup_frosting

Cookies

My inlaws ordered my this for Valentine's Day:

LINK

and it has been backordered since then. It just arrived, and I made my first batch of cookies.

It was very easy to use. I put "I LOVE YOU" in the heart one; Mark in the star and Naomi in the rectangle.

Can't wait to use it again!

Don't read this if you did not watch Rebecca's CHOPPED!

SHE WON!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

And we will be at her new place on May 22! My inlaws are going today (May 12).

So exciting!

Mark's new wish . . . .

http://www.williams-sonoma.com/products/star-wars-cookie-cutter/?pkey=ccookie-cutters-pancake-molds

He wants these now. . . . would have been great for his birthday present two weeks ago . . . will try to find an excuse to buy them . . . . how can I say no? I am a child of the 70's!

BIRTHDAYS

In the last four days we celebrated Naomi's fourth birthday and Mark's eighth birthday. There is NO way, that my "baby" is 8. Seems like yesterday I was in labor. . . . seems like yesterday I was pregnant with him.

He is now eight, and my other "baby" is four years old . . . going on 15, between the clothing and the whims and the arguments. . . .

But I love them both.

They bring such joy to my life.

CupCake Camp

Wish I could go to this!

http://cupcakestakethecake.blogspot.com/2010/03/cupcakecamp-boston-coming-up-april-15th.html

Sounds like fun.

EASY PEASY

http://easypeasyblog.com/2010/04/giveaway-spirit-of-boston-princess-lunch-cruise/

My daughter would SIMPLY LOVE this. It is a day before her birthday, so what an awesome birthday present this would be!

Naomi and her new bike

My baby is growing up:

Too Good to be True

So, last month, my mom won a raffle prize. A Kosher for Passover Seder for 10, from a local butcher on the north shore. My mom was thrilled. No need to cook! She called the butcher, and they decided on a menu (more sides, especially vegetarian sides, and no desserts). She picked up the meal on Sunday. In fact it was so nicely organized in her fridge, she took a photo! In years past, we had to play, try to fit all the Kosher for Passover food in the fridge. Instead of spending days cooking, she was free to do whatever!

Last night was the big meal!

First course - gefilte fish. Mark and I thought it was good. Mom and Dad did not share our love for it.

Second course - chicken soup with matzah balls. It was okay. It was a broth with NOTHING in it. No carrots, no parsnips, no chicken bits. My mom quickly cut and added some carrots. But still the flavor was okay and I missed my bits.

Main Course - chicken, meat tzimmes, potato kugel and brocoli kugel. The chicken was good. The meat tzimmes was disgusting. Tasted like NOTHING. So disappointing. I had never met a tzimmes I did not like! The potato kugel was bland, tasteless and not great. Adam said that the brocoli kugel was the same. Actually it looked like the same kugel, except dyed green.

Desserts - Mom provided a chocolate sponge cake and mandelbrot (yum), I provided a honey cake (YUM-O). My inlaws provided a lovely fruit platter.

http://www.epicurious.com/articlesguides/holidays/passover/passoversweets/recipes/food/views/Passover-Honey-Nut-Cake-in-Soaking-Syrup-109151

Passover

So, I was supposed to host Seder #2 this year. I had invited my parents, and some friends.

And then the flood happened. My entire basement was brought upstairs and placed into my dining room. It is still there.

I called my mom . . . . "I can't host seder. Can we come to your house?"

She of course, said yes.

I then asked "Can I invite our friends that I had invited to our house?"

She said "Yes."

Great.

On top of that, my mom won a raffle prize: free seder for 10! Kosher for Passover. What luck!

BUT, Passover still requires alot of preparing. This weekend I am making the following Passover foods:

Potato Latkes (to freeze for later in the week when I am rushed)
Granola (double batch - Mrs. Sachar's recipe)
Chocolate Chip Cookies (A Martha recipe)
Charoset with dates, raisins and nuts (a double recipe of course)
Flourless Chocolate Torte from the Cake Bible
Cranberry Orange Sorbet

This will be done Sunday, since Passover begins Monday evening.

Flying Glasses

Surprises. I like certain surprises, but for most things I like to have things planned out. I like knowing all the details.

Imagine my surprise, when I get a call from Mr. Mark’s After School Director on Wednesday afternoon at 2 PM. She started out the call by letting me know that Mark was fine. Super. Mark showed up to the program without his eye glasses.

I thought, how unusual.

She said let me put him on the phone . . . .and the next thing I hear is Mark’s voice, except it is a smaller version of his voice. It was very quiet and squeaky. I am then speaking to the director. She is explaining that Mark’s glasses fell out the window of the school bus on the way to After School.

Let me pause for a moment.

Yes, my son’s $300 eye glasses fell out the window of a school bus.

How is that even possible???? Of course, I am creating lots of stories in my head, but push comes to shove, the kid needs eyeglasses, and I am going to have to pay for a new pair. (Side note, he has had these glasses since November, 2007, so they have lasted a long time.) Now I am pondering, what was he doing on the bus?

I am steaming mad. Plus, I also am thinking that he has to pony up some money for these new glasses. He has $86 saved in his bank account. He is saving for a DS system. I am not about to drain his whole bank account, that has taken over a year of saving, however, I want him to know that this is going to be painful to our bank account also.

I try to get back to my work.

Finally 5 PM is here. I rush out of work and to After School. Mark is standing next to the director, finishing his homework (a sigh of relief from mommy). We gather his stuff, and out the door we go, on our way to Weston Optical.

I calmly ask “What happened on the bus today?”

His response “I was sitting in the back of the bus (the second to last row), and I was explaining to E (name of friend) how the Weight Loss Machine that Rube Goldberg designed worked. I was rubbing my hands against my checks, and the glasses flipped off, and out the window.”

I ask “What happened next?”

Mark – “I was very upset.”

I ask “What did you do?”

Mark “I cried alot.”

I ask “Then what.”

Mark “The bus driver could hear me, so he sent T and A back to me. They are fifth grade boys who are the bus monitors. They tried to make me feel better, but they were telling me that glasses cost a lot of money and how made you and daddy would be.”

Pause

Mark “Then we got to Rec Place and K asked where my glasses went.”

Back to the beginning of the story.

It was not malicious.

Funny, if it did not cost me $300+.

New Thing

Mark's class is studying Ghana. Last week some of the parents made some food from Ghana, including a dish of black eyed peas and rice. Mark said he really liked it, so tonight, I will be making Rice and Beans from Ghana.

Hope it is as good as he remembers.

We love Purim!

Mark is George Harrison on the Beatles.

Naomi is Sleeping Beauty.

Street Light

Just received an email from the DPW. . . . the light will be fixed by March 1!

Will keep you posted!

A Mark and Mommy Day

So, after a great breakfast of homemade lemon scones, Mark and I ventured out to the movies, to see Tooth Fairy. Not a movie I would recommend unless you are between the ages of 6 and 10. Mark really enjoyed the movie. At the end, I asked him what his favorite part was. His reply was "When the really old man, shrunk down and was on the puck."

Hmmmmm. The really old man was Billy Crystal . . . . who I don't think is very old. Perspective. Gotta have perspective.

Yummy Menu

Last night we had guests for dinner, and I went to town. For the first course, I made Oleana's Carrot Puree and spice mix. Delicious. Easy!

Then we had a typical salad.

Then, cranberry wild rice back, with honey glazed carrots and homemade challah. The kids had hot dogs.

Dessert was homemade oreo cake and fresh fruit.

Everyone had a great time and enjoyed the food.

Naomi

So last night, Naomi stated that when she grows up and gets married, she is NOT sleeping with ANYONE. She is going to have her own room, and her own bed. No sharing.

My goal is to get this on video!

How Many People Does it Take to Repair a Street Light?

On January 21, I reported to the City that there was a broken street light at the corner of X and Y. The representative at the DPW said that it should be fixed in 7-10 days. SUPER! Because it is really dark there now.

On February 4, I contacted the City again . . . . and the same rep said that they would look into this light. No response back . . .

On Feb. 8 I emailed her again. Nothing from her.

On Feb. 12 I emailed her again. No response.

On Feb. 17, I called the DPW. The rep on the phone said that X (the original rep) was not in today, and I should call back the next day, because she can't access the computer (?????)

Today I call the DPW. The original rep is not in today either, and was told to call back tomorrow. I asked if I could check the status of a light repair. The new rep. said that she could do that. . . . great.

Guess what. She found NO record of my original request. She asked if she could enter it into the system, and I said, yes. I then requested to speak to her supervisor, letting her know that I was not upset at her.

Got the voicemail of the supervisor. "Hi this is X. I am in and out of the office sporadically. (No dates mentioned). Please let a message, or call back the main number."

Now, if I was treated like this by a company, you can be sure I would take my business somewhere else. But, it is the city, and I am stuck. I just want the street light repaired.

And hey, if the original rep. had told me it was a three month wait, I would have believed her! But, she said 7-10 days. I am on day #28. Will keep you posted.

Museum of Science Overnight

Mark (and Adam) slept over at the MOS on Saturday night, through boy scouts. Mark had an amazing time. He loved the whole thing. They arrived around dinner time, and explored. At 9 PM, Mark was eating Dipping Dots, and then off to an electricity show. Lights out was at 11 PM (Mommy had been asleep for a bit).

Mark's pack slept in Science in the Park, which is one of Mark's favorite exhibits.

At 7 AM, they all woke up, and the boys were home by 11 AM.

Naomi and I took the opportunity to have girlie night. We watched Snow White and Annie. I also painted Naomi's fingernails and toe nails.

Then I got to watch the movie "The Painted Veil," which I loved.

Valentine's Day - The Dinner

So, Adam and I continue to celebrate Valentine's Day. Some years, we get a sitter for the night on a weekend before V-Day. This year it fell on a Sunday night during vacation week, so my parents offered to take the kids! YEAH!

We went to Temple Bar on Mass Ave in Cambridge, which is between Harvard Square and Porter Square. We loved it! First off, they are vegetarian friendly. They have FREE parking. And the food is amazing.

For the first course, I had an AMAZING baked clam. I nearly licked the shell clean. It was delicious. Adam had a pear and cheese Tartan with micro salad, which was also fabulous.

For the main course, I had AMAZING scallops. They were cooked to perfection. I thought they were the best!!!! I have had alot of scallops in my time, and these were fabulous!!!! Adam had homemade herb gnocci which were great. (IMHO, not as good as the scallops, but he doesn't do seafood.)

For dessert we shared an order of French crepes with espresso mousse and fresh berries, which were great, and an order of the homemade chocolates, edible flowers and homemade marshmallows. We were so stuffed we had to take some of the chocolates home. It was an amazing meal, and I highly recommend Temple Bar.

Here is the website:

http://www.templebarcambridge.com/

Valentine's Day

Adam and I traditionally buy each other Valentine's Day presents and ship them to each other's office. Today, the receptionist drops off a box. . . . it is from the company that I ordered Adam's present. Oh shoot. . . . I sent it to myself instead of Adam!!!!!

Nope, turns out he had the same great idea, and bought me Dancing Deer baked goods. I open the box, and it is the same cookies that I have ordered for him!

Guess we are meant to be together!

Reading

My goal is to read a book a month. This month I am reading Anita Diamant's "Day After Night." I am a big fan of Anita's. I loved the Red Tent. Also read Good Harbor. I also try to read in front of the kids, to show them, even though I am not in school, I still like to read.

Mark was reading in preschool, and Naomi has pre-reading skills. I am convinced that my love of reading helped. I read to Mark and Naomi on the first day home. Pat the Bunny was one of the books I read early on to both of them, and of course, Good Night Moon.

Mark right now is a big biography fan. Naomi loves anything Fancy Nancy. She has memorized the book Pinkalicious. She memorized it three days after getting it at age 3.

My Baby Is Growing Up

So, this past month, I filled out Naomi's last preschool enrollment form. Sept 2010 starts our last year at BITC, and then Naomi goes on to Angier (Newton Public Schools). Adam and I have waited so long for this upcoming year. When Naomi graduates, we will have been there for 9 years! What a record!

We will miss BITC terribly, but know that we can visit any time, and that they gave our kids the best place to grow (when not at home).

The wild, wild west of the suburbs

You may recall that last spring, we had a mommy turkey lay some eggs in our yard. Well, now I am letting you all know that an injured cayote has taken up in our neighboorhood. Luckily, I haven't seen it personally, and I would like to keep it that way.

http://www.thebostonchannel.com/video/22243980/index.html

Basically the neighborhood has been told by police that we have to live with it. Nice of them to say that! Our children and pets are now inside . . . The police say the animal is too large to snare, and they won't shoot it in a residential neighborhood. So, live with it. It roams our street, my backyard and the elementary school, middle school and high school bus stops. Sooo, I want to know what you all would do if this animal was in your neighborhood, injured, and out during the day.

Happy New Year!

New Year's Eve - We had guests over. The kids played in the basement with the Wii and other toys with two boys. They ate pizza. They had fun.

The adults had salad, delicious wine, tortellini with tarragon and peas, carrots. For dessert the kids had chocolate pie (made from silken tofu - a big hit) and the adults had hand made chocolates from Natick, MA and candied cranberry chocolate tart.

After our company left, we all got into PJs. Naomi was ushered to bed. Then I went to bed. According to Mark, Adam fell asleep while watching a movie, and at 11:50 PM, Mark woke up Adam to change the channel and watch Dick Clark's Rocking New Year's Eve. Mark had a blast. Then they went to bed.

Today we saw the Princess and a the Frog.

Happy New Year!