Some Chanukah Songs

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XND3Naa6N5o
Orrin Hatch is pretty good with the song writing.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qSJCSR4MuhU&noredirect=1
The Maccabeets are good too!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Jzh-TKzXN2k
The Fountainheads

Cookbooks and Parties

This post is really two posts in one.

CHANUKAH PARTY
I have been to my fair share of Hanukah parties.  Last night I attended the BEST one, that I have ever been to, thanks to TEMPLE EMANUEL in Newton, MA.  The latkes were good (my kids even agreed) and plentiful (in years past, not so plentiful).  The set up was roomy for 700+ people.  Then, we got down to the ruach.  The kids choir and the adults choir, and then THE FOUNTAINHEADS all the way from the land of MILK AND HONEY - ISRAEL!

The children, 100+, were dancing.  There was RUACH.  There was lots of RUACH.  We were celebrating being Jewish, and the kids were singing and dancing, and whooping it up.  It was wonderful.  So glad that I was there to witness my kids, and other kids, dancing like they were dancing to THE BEATLES!  It was wonderful.  The FOUNTAINHEADS really enjoyed themselves too!

COOKBOOKS
I have recently added to my collection:

http://www.amazon.com/Cooking-Everyday-English-Great-Flavor/dp/084873484X/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1324473569&sr=1-1

http://www.amazon.com/Food-Life-Ancient-Persian-Ceremonies/dp/193382347X/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1324473534&sr=1-1

and

soon:

http://www.amazon.com/Roses-Heavenly-Cakes-Rose-Beranbaum/dp/0471781738/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1324473555&sr=1-1

Kitchen Redesign

Do you know anyone like this?

http://www.nedesignbuild.com/blog/newton-home-gets-smart-remodel/

DELIVERY

http://www.templeemanuel.com/Sisterhood_Cookbook

So, the cookbook is about to be delivered to Esther's door tomorrow afternoon.  I am so excited.  I have goosebumps.  Esther and I have worked on this project for almost three years.  Once we get them, we are going to SELL SELL SELL.

You can click the above link to order a cookbook.

You can pick up a copy on SUNDAY DEC 11 at Temple Emanuel in NEWTON, MA from 9 AM to 1 PM.

We accept cash and checks (payable to Temple Emanuel Sisterhood).

I can't wait to feel the pages.  Turn the pages.  Watch others discover the wonerful recipes.

The Jews of Uganda

Usually my blog is about the food I cook, or about my family. Today’s blog is about a talk I went to last night about the Abayudaya, the Ugandan Jewish Village. How this village became Jewish is amazing, and the current rabbi of the village, is amazing. Last night we heard the music of the synagogue from the congregants. We saw videos of the villagers. We learned about their history. We learned that most of them are subsistence farmers, and earn $1 a day. There is no running water in the village and no electricity. But, they are dedicated conservative Jews. They observe kashrut. They observe Shabbat. They know Hebrew. They love Israel. They need our help. They need our help to send their children, to college in Uganda. They have educated their own children to become teachers, principals, doctors, lawyers, engineers, tour guides, plumbers, etc. But college in Uganda is $4,800 a year. However, they cannot afford it. However, there is a way for you to help. Please contact Cindy Paisner at 617-630-1011 if you are willing to donate to the Higher Education Fund.


http://www.shalomboston.com/language/he-IL/Calendar/EventCalendar/ModuleID/566/ItemID/4418/mctl/EventDetails.aspx?selecteddate=03/04/2011

Last night’s talk made me think that my current worries, are my own worries, but yet there are bigger worries in the world. I don’t worry where my clean water will come from. I don’t worry that I don’t have the money for my co-payment for my child to see the doctor. I worry about the insurance claim being denied, but I don’t worry about my access to see the doctor. I am glad that I took the time out of my busy day to learn many new things; but also to be aware of more global concerns.

Dinner Spinach Orchiette

So, besides being very busy with Thanksgiving, and then Chanukah and the release of the cookbook, we are starting the process of a small addition.  So in case you think I have been missing .. . .

Just wanted to share with you a recipe:

 

2 bunches (about 12 oz. each) spinach, rinsed well and drained

 

12 ounces dry orecchiette or ruote (wheel-shaped pasta)

 

1/3 cup olive oil

 

6 cloves garlic, minced or pressed

 

1/4 c. sundried tomato

 

Salt

  

Directions

Remove and discard spinach stems; chop leaves coarsely and set aside.
In a 6- to 8-quart pan, cook orecchiette in 4 quarts boiling water just until tender to bite (12 to 15 minutes); or cook according to package directions.  Just before pasta is done, stir in spinach.
Cook, uncovered, stirring to distribute spinach, just until water returns to a full boil.
Drain pasta and spinach.

While pasta is cooking, heat oil in a wide frying pan over medium heat.
Stir in garlic and sun dried tomatoes.  Cook, uncovered, until garlic turns opaque (about 2 minutes).
Add pasta and spinach to pan; mix lightly, using 2 spoons.  Season with salt.

Thanksgiving - Menu Planning

This is the second time that I am hosting Thanksgiving, and I am really excited.  I have been thinking about the menu and the different components for a while now.  We are hosting some friends also, so this will be very exciting. 

So, first we will start off with hot dogs in a blanket and some tomato-pepper dip.  The dip is the one from the Persian Bride cookbook, which I really like.  It is really easy and dairy free and meat free.

Then we move to knishes from the Butcherie, two kinds of cranberry sauce (cranberry orange sauce that my mom will make, and then the canned jelly stuff for me), homemade bread, pickles and olives.

Then we get down to TURKEY!  I love turkey.  My mom will be bringing the turkey.  I haven't made one myself yet, and Adam doesn't like the smell of it.  Although one of these years he is going to get used to it.  I will be making Adam a curry tofu dish, which is really easy (and much less expensive than the wild mushroom casserole that I made last year).  We will also have sweet potatoes with marshmallows, because I totally love it (sooo not gourmet, but who cares).  Then my mom will make a chestnut stuffing, and I will make a vegetarian stuffing.  And I am also going to have peas.  Maybe another vegetable.

Then, my favorite part - dessert.  We will have fruit, chocolate pie (Mae's recipe from the 1970s that my kids love, love, love), maple cream pie, pumpkin pie (because Naomi is insisting on trying one piece) and candied cranberry chocolate tart.

Time to start my grocery list.

Full Day Kindergarten

It is hard to believe that Newton Public Schools does not offer full day kindergarten. Somehow, our model is that kindergartens attend school until 12:30 every day in September. Starting in October, the kids are divided in half (Team A and Team B). Team A attends kindergarten on Mondays and Wednesdays until 3 PM and Team B attends school on Thursdays and Fridays until 3 PM. Of course the entire Newton Elementary School system is released early on Tuesdays (which is great so teachers can work together, and learn together); and again on 7 Thursdays (not so great).

While some of Newton's officials think that this is a great model, I do not. First, logistically, it is a nightmare, especially for households that having only working parents. Second, and more importantly, we are short changing our children. Study after study say that our early learning years are very important, and even more important for children who have difficulties learning. We need to invest in our youngest learners. By allowing our children more classroom time, we are giving them the support in reading, writing and math. For those who need specialists, the specialists are there, and can offer more support.

Of course this takes money, but if we don't invest in our future, who will? Today's kindergarten students will be tomorrow's leaders, and will be taking care of the world and the older generation. Give them the most that we can offer.

If you live in Newton, write to the school committee, and ask for their SUPPORT FOR FULL DAY KINDERGARTEN.

Zucchini Bread

This recipe was given to me by my mom. When I was little we grew zucchini's in the garden, and they looked like baseball bats. Here is one way to use alot of zucchini (especially if you make two or three batches).

It is dairy free!

3 cups zucchini (NOT peeled, ends cut off)
1 1/2 cups canola oil
3 cups sugar
3 large eggs
4 t vanilla
4 1/2 cups flour
1 1/2 t. baking soda
1 /2 t. baking powder
4 1/2 t cinnamon
3/4 c nuts (walnuts or pecans) (Optional)

Preheat oven to 350.

Combine all ingredients in large mixing bowl. Don't over mix. Bake at 350 for 70 minutes. Check for doneness with a toothpick.

It can be made into muffins - bake for 20 minutes.

The House

Let me give you some history. . . we have lived in our current house since 1998. It is a small house, and an especially small house for Newton. However, we have an amazing neighborhood, and the kids attend a school with wonderful teachers.

But the house is small.

It is also outdated.

Don't get me wrong, we have done work on the house . . . we have a new chimney, a new boiler, a new roof, 8 new windows, painted. . . . insulation. We have painted the dining room, the living room, and the kids rooms. I have a new fridge and stove, and a relatively new dishwasher (2004).

We have the original bathrooms that came with the house.

We also have the same kitchen. I hate the kitchen. I spend ALOT of time in the kitchen. But I hate it. From one spot in the kitchen, I do my prep. . . . and when I want to turn on the stove, I turn to the right. If I want to go to the fridge, I step back one step. If I want to wash a dish, I step to the left. I hover in one spot in the kitchen.

AND, if anyone wants to be in the kitchen to keep me company, they are in the way. Doesn't matter where they stand. They are in the way.

And whoever designed this kitchen, put the bathroom in the kitchen, and the door to the bathroom in the back corner of the bathroom. Which means if ANYONE needs to use the bathroom, I have to move out of the way, so they can pass by. On top of that, my poor husband's spot at the kitchen table is next to the bathroom door. I don't need to say any more than that.

So just move.

I don't want to give up the neighborhood. We have block parties. . . . the kids play outside with others. At a certain age, the kids go outside by themselves. No one drives THROUGH the neighborhood. It is not connected to anything else.

I don't want to leave the Angier school. . . . . and we can't afford anything else in this district.

So just add on . . . .

Hmmmm, now if we had a HUGE plot, that would be easy. But because our house is "cottage-craftman" style, we can't add a block to the back . . . it would be ugly. We can't add to the right, because we are seven feet from the property line.

Which brings us to a Design Build Company.

One company is very willing to work with us. . . . and help us. The other said, you need to dump $250K into the addition, you still won't be happy, but you can think about it. . . . .

What can we do?

So, now I am pondering. Adam is pondering. We want to live here. . . . Our daughter needs a larger room (which is a closet right now), and I need a new kitchen (the cabinet doors are already helping me, by falling off all the time).

Does anyone have any ideas?

Sisterhood Cookbook

Many of you know that Esther M. and I are co-chairing the Sisterhood cookbook. It has been a labor of love. Of course, if the project was a child, it would be walking and talking by now.

I am really excited to see the final product soon. We have reviewed and reviewed the book. This is after we have tested, tested, tested and retested.

As soon as it is out all of you will know!

Will also let you know so you can BUY your own copy, or two or three!

Cooking Up a Storm

This year, not only am I doing Erev Rosh Hashana, but I am also doing the Second Day! Lots of cooking for me.

Erev will be dinner for 8! Second Day will be dinner for 10!

Menu:
2 Homemade Challahs made by me
Knishes
Hummus
Moroccan Tomato Dip - made by me
Mushroom Soup - made by me
Chicken with Tomatoes - made by me
BBQ Tofu - made by me
Basmati Rice
Carrots with honey
Fruit
Homemade apple crisp
Cookie Plate - zucchini bread, brownies and Mandelbrot

Second Day
2 Homemade Challahs - made by me
Pigs in a Blanket
Hummus
Tomato Dip
Chicken Soup - Mady's recipe made by me - will be in the SISTERHOOD COOKBOOK
Roast Chicken
Cranbery Rice Bake - Made by me - will be in the SISTERHOOD COOKBOOK
Roasted Potatoes
Broccoli
Fruit Honey Cake Made by me
Cookie Plate - zucchini bread, brownies and Mandelbrot

Snacks and Lunches

So this year, I now pack a lunch and a snack for Mark; and a lunch and a snack for Naomi. After years of packing lunches, you would think I have this down. But I don't. Naomi is not a big fan of sandwiches. I mean ALL sandwiches. She doesn't mind the stuffings, but she can leave the bread. And she does.

Mark for the most part of his career has eaten either peanut butter and fluff sandwiches or turkey sandwiches. He isn't that picky.

One sandwich that Naomi will eat (and of course Mark) is pastrami. So, I buy a pound of Kosher Pastrami at the supermarket, which both kids are loving. Of course they are getting protein (and more fat that I want), but they are eating it.

However, I like variety. So today's lunch is roasted chicken on the bone. Because they are going to afterschool, where there is a microwave, I am able to do this. I take the chicken off the bone, cut it up and put it in a microwave safe container. Mark likes to take vegetables with his lunch, so today he has some cucumber slices. Naomi, prefers fruit, so she has a big bunch of juicy red grapes.

Snack has gotten easier. The following items are okay for either kid: yogurt and or granola bars. Each one gets either a fruit or a vegetable with the yogurt or granola bar. But again, I like variety. This weekend I made zucchini muffins. Each one has a zucchini muffin, and loves it. Sometimes there a pretzels. Sometimes Pirates Booty.

Mark and Naomi prefer homemade baked goods, so each one for lunch has a chocolate chip brownie.

I hope when they pack snacks for their children, they put in as much thought and love as I do.

Sweet Pototoes

I totally love sweet potatoes. I love them baked. . . I love sweet potato fries. I love sweet potato mash. I LOVE sweet potatoes. To me the fall is the best time to eat sweet potatoes.

Tonight I sliced sweet potatoes, and the put them on an oiled cookie sheet, and baked them.

YUMMY in MY TUMMY. I LOVE SWEET POTATOES.

Here are some other ways to eat them!

Recipe #1

Recipe #2

Recipe #3

CookBook

Now, I love my hubby. . . I really do. . . . but he hasn't bought me a surprise for awhile now. . . (non birthday, non anniversary, etc) surprise gift in a long time.

He emailed me from work a couple of weeks ago, that one of his coworkers brought in this ice cream as a thank you.


http://www.jenisicecreams.com/

And he ordered me the cookbook.

So, it came, and I gave it a whirl.

Salted Caramel Ice Cream

IS

THE

BEST!

Can't wait to have more. . . . and thank goodness it only makes a quart, because I would be eating it morning, noon and night!

http://www.amazon.com/Jenis-Splendid-Ice-Creams-Home/dp/1579654363

MUST BUY IT if you own an ice cream maker!

Lemon Creme Tart

I made the most amazing Lemon Tart last night. So very yummy, and very easy. I found it in the "Bon Appetit Desserts" cookbook. I served it last night, and I can't wait to eat the leftovers!

Here is a link to the book.

Waffles

Today at camp Mark earned his Junior Yeoman (in archery), so he wanted waffles. He got waffles! This time we used a mix that my mother in law purchased for me.

It is really easy. . . but doesn't make enough for my waffle crazy family.

Mark and Naomi love waffles fresh from the waffle iron.

Topia Inn - our weekend getaway without kids

I highly recommend the TOPIA INN in Adams, MA. . . . a great get away in the Berkshires. It is an all organic bed and breakfast, and reasonably priced. Leave YOUR shampoo, conditioner and deoderant at home . . . bring your brush and toothbrush . . . . They need you to use their stuff. . . . and it is okay, and sometimes better. They don't want your stuff messing with their inn.

Once we arrived, we had to take off our shoes, and Nina showed us around. . . our room and the breakfast room.

Our room was CLEAN, and I mean CLEAN. . . like the place had opened YESTERDAY . . . and not three years ago. The bedding is organic. Their cleaning products are organic. The lights are LED lights. They do have A/C and sateliite TV for the flat screens in each room. It is a CLEAN place.

The inn is heated with vegetable oil. They provide their own electricity. They have solar panels on the room, and the breakfast room has the meter.

Our first breakfast was poached pears with a mango syrup, which was totally yummy. Followed by a crustless quiche and banana bread made with applesauce. Again. . . yummy. Organic tea and coffee (with caffeine).

Our second breakfast was a banana smoothie with mango lemonade and then the most amazing STEAMED french toast. OMG. . . . delicisou.

Everything is certified organic, except for the produce that they grow themselves.

Each of the nine rooms have different themes, and we stayed in the french room. Two rooms have floating beds, which would be cool to try.

www.topiainn.com

Read reviews on www.tripadvisor.com

See their article in the NY TIMES!

Really Easy Pizza Dough

DOUGH
1 cup warm water
1 package yeast
1 t. kosher salt
1 t. sugar
3 cups flour

* Preheat pizza stone in oven at 400 degrees for 15 minutes.
* Place warm water, yeast, salt and sugar in bowl, and let sit for five minutes.
* Place 2 cups of flour in food processor.
* Put the yeast mixture in the food processor. Turn on for 10 seconds.
* Put the remaining one cup of flour in the food processor, and process til one ball of dough appears.
* Place on cutting board, and divide in half. Roll each half into a circle.
* Place pizza sauce of choice on dough.
* Place one cup of shredded cheese of choice on top of sauce.
* Place any seasonings or toppings on the cheese.
* Place pizza on stone and place in oven for 25 minutes.

Soba Noodles

Last night I made a fabulous dinner that was very easy. I cut up alot of brocoli florets, because my family loves brocoli.

I also started to boil a large pot of water. Once it got boiling, I put the contents of a box of soba noodles into the boiling water. Naomi declared that the uncooked soba noodles looked like popsicle sticks. I assured her that they would taste better than sticks. Soba noodles take 4-5 minutes to cook. I then drained them, and let some cold water run through them (as instructed on the box).

I also heated up some canola oil in a large wok, and let that get good and hot. I then dumped the brocoli into the oil, and stirred them for about five minutes. I then added some salt, 1 teaspoon of sugar and 1 cup of vegetable stock. I let that heat up for five minutes, and stirred often. I then put in 2 tablespoons of soy sauce, and stirred again.

Then I put the soba noodles in a large pasta bowl, and put the brocoli on top. Although I poured about half of the sauce onto the noodles, and I then left some of the sauce in the wok, and put a bit of corn starch into the sauce, to thicken. Just heat for a few minutes and then pour on top of the brocoli.

The kids and the adults loved the dinner! A new easy dish for the Weitzman family.

Gazpacho - a refreshing cold soup

1 cup freshly chopped, peeled tomatoes
1/2 cup chopped green pepper
1/2 cup chopped celery
1/2 cup chopped, peeled cucumber
1/4 c chopped onion
2 tsp finely chopped parsley
2 tsp finely chopped chives
1 clove garlic, minced
2 1/2 T wine vinegar
2 T EVOO
ground pepper (a few twists)
1 t Worcestershire sauce
2 cup tomatoe soup

Combine all ingredients a glass bowl, and stir to mix. Cover and chill for several hours.

Serve in chilled bowls with croutons.

A GREAT RECIPE

ENJOY this recipe!

Dinner

I really like to bake, however for dinner, one can't dine on chocolate chip cookies. Something about the old food pyramid.

Anyways. . . .

Tonight I made this yummy and simple dinner from one of my cookbooks.

While the pasta is cooking, you heat some EVOO in a saute pan, and add four cloves of garlic, minced. Then some uncooked broccoli. Then some water, and heat til the water is gone. Then you add some edamame, fresh oregano and salt. Once the pasta has cooked, drain it, and put it in a large bowl. Add the cooked broccoli and edamame, and then top with chopped walnuts. Some people add a bit of shredded Parmesan cheese on top. So simple and so yummy.

TROMBONE MAN

Frittata Time

I made a potato onion frittata in my new frittata pan, with a side of white asparagus (the kids had the asparagus with some mac and cheese). I LOVE MY NEW FRITTATA pan.

First you thinly slice the potato, and saute them in oil for 20 min. Then saute the onion. Then add the eggs, and cook and wait.

DELICIOUS!

Random Things

I know that I have been a major slacker. This is a busy time of year. School is winding down. Mark's class is putting on a Cricket in Time play. Mark is also doing his first research project, on a weasel. Each kid needs to do a report on a New England animal. Mark is doing a fabulous, and his teacher is teaching him how to organize all the different parts, and NOT TO WAIT FOR THE LAST MINUTE. Mark's class is also going to have a recorder concert.

AND, let us not forget that Naomi is graduating from preschool in June! Yup. My baby is graduating. So on one morning, I will go from Angier's presentation on New England Animals to the preschool graduation. I am really excited.

And we have my company party.

And Mark and Adam had one boy scout sleepover two weekends ago, and another one in June.

And two trips to FL planned.

And Mark's Little League season is underway (mostly).

Hebrew School is over for the school year.

And the cook book project still looms. Editors needed.

And, I still have to do the cooking and cleaning and laundry.

Recently I made a buttery chocolate chip cake from the Boston Globe which was amazing. Last night I made cheese quesadilla's, which were a big hit. I also made sweet raisin bread, and the jury is still out on that.

Mother's Day

Today is mother's day . . . . nine years ago, I celebrated Mother's Day for the first time, as being a mom.

Today, my crew gave me a Frittata pan, which I have been eyeing for a few years. For lunch, I made an onion and portobello mushroom frittata, which was delicious!!! My mom brought the brownies.

The kids gave me a great card.

The cover said "Good moms let the kids lick the beaters." When you open the card, it says "Great moms turn off the mixer first."

I laughed til I cried!!!!!

***************************************************

Side Note - Mark had a great birthday party with his friends, including a TRON CAKE, and a sleep over. The sleep over went VERY well. Can't wait to have his friend's back.

The first part was laser tag, where the "host" told me that this crew, was the best behaved and least wild party of the day!

*****************************************************

Happy Mother's Day

Birthday Season

So it is birthday season here. Both kids have birthdays the last week of April (and the end of Passover too).

Spring Time!

Spring time means spring cleaning, baseball, and spending time outside. It also means Pesach. Cleaning the house, buying really expensive Passover food, and attending seders, and of course prepping the youngest child for the four questions.

Looking through the recipes that I have collected over the years, and trying to decide what to make for every single meal. Hey, not a big deal to most people. However, during the 8 days of Passover, I have to cook EVERY single meal. There is no going out to eat. There is no school lunch. This is eight days of custom breakfasts, which causes alot of issues in my house. Every day we eat cold breakfast cereal. . . . we have a nice selection. Except during Pesach. Pesach cereal stinks. I have to whip out the Kosher For Passover pancakes, which is time consuming, when we are all trying to get out of the house. I could make eggs, but Naomi doesn't like plain eggs. I could make fried matza, but neither kid likes it, and Adam and I like different preperations.

And then there is dinner. . . . what a pain. I get out of work at 5 PM, and dinner is usually on the table by 6:15 PM. Most of the Pesach dinners require more prep (no frozen pasta, for example), and our favorite meals (homemade blintzes, latkes) take more time to prep. Of course, I have a vegetarian, and a kid who is possibly allergic to eggs.

Snacks aren't a problem. . . .

So what are my yearly favorites to make:
Passover granola - breakfast or snack
Passover Chocolate Chip Cookies
Asparagus "Risotto" made from farfel
Kosher for Passover Blintzes
Potato latkes.

This year I am making this soup.

Sooo, if you have any great ideas for dinners or breakfasts, please let me know!

The last one. . . .

I know that most of the time I write about food, because, I LOVE to eat. This year has been a great year so far. Naomi is finishing her Preschool year at BITC. BITC is our daycare. It is much more than a daycare. Yes, the teachers and staff have cared for our children, however I have found many friends there for me, and my kids, and just had a lovely experience.

Tonight is the annual potluck dinner. . . . the first one I attended was NINE years ago, when Mark was an infant. . . . and now, he is nearly nine years old. And this is our LAST potluck. While I will appreciate the extra cash in my pocket, I will miss the teachers and staff. Leslie, Michelle, Jean, and others who have been there LONGER than us. They make the place tick. I remember Alice, the infant teacher, who left during Naomi's infant year to care for her aging mom. Alice was a great teacher, although I think she should have been a doctor. She knew exactly when Mark was coming down with an ear infections, and was the one Mark puked on the most when he developed said ear infection.

Mary, who cooks, delicious food for the kids. Wayne who comes weekly to sing with the kids. Annalee, Peggy, Kristie, Stephanie, Sarah and many others who I love to see daily (hopefully). I am glad that we will see each of them tonight, and daily until the fateful day in August comes, when I clean out the last Weitzman cubby at BITC. Leslie will be sure to have ALOT of Kleenex that day!

TROMBONE

Purim was a blast

Naomi had a great time.

Mark was on the bima.

A good time was had by all.

Now to clean for Pesach!

Hamentashen

I made lots of them.

Shared them at work.

Will deliver to friends this weekend.

Made chocolate chip, peanut butter chocolate chip, raspberry, apricot and poppy seed!

LOTS AND LOTS.

They are yummy.

Did ya miss me?

Holy smokes. Have I been busy. Any who!

Today, I made lemon scones for brunch. The guests loved them.

The other HIT I made was Tortilla and Butternut Squash Soup from the New England Soup Factory cookbook. HOLY SMOKES! It is amazing! I have been using the Boston Organics for some home delivery, and the last order had the squash. My family doesn't like straight up squash, so I searched for a recipe that would "hide it."

FOUND IT!

The soup is amazing. I can't wait to eat it during the week too. What tasty leftovers.

The cooking and baking have stopped

Now it is time for me, to start eating right. I am starting Weight Watchers at home. I have to lose some weight and get into shape. So I am loading up on cucumbers, baby carrots and grape tomatoes. Dont' fear. There are cool recipes in the WW cookbook I just bought. I am going to try zucchini bread next week. Stay tuned!

Vacation is OVER

Although we spent a lot of time with family, I feel as though I need another vacation.