The Skinny Beet

So, back in October, I saw a GROUPON, that I thought would be fun.  A cooking demo for the family.  Snatched it up, booked a date in January and waited, and waited and waited.  Last year at this time we had MOUNTAINS of snow, and I was desperate for activities to do with the kids. 

My kids love food.  Both kids have eclectic tastes.  We remind Mark often that when he was 18 months old, we took him to LUCA in Denver, where Aunt Rebecca was working.  Mark demolished the white bean pate with truffles.  I mean DEMOLISHED IT.  I don't think the rest of us had more than a taste.  Last year he tried Aunt Rebecca's octopus, and loved it.  The kid likes food.  The kid DOESN'T like chicken nuggets or Kraft mac and cheese.

Tonight he was a bit skeptical at first of the menu.  But was willing to give it a try.


Chef Richard made this AMAZING white bean hummus with homemade pita.

Then Chef Richard started on amazing ratatouille.

Then Chef Katie made homemade pasta.  She put a well of flour on the kitchen table, broke three eggs into the middle, and put some salt and olive oil.  And then the kids watched, as this pile of a mess turned into PASTA!

Then she kneaded it, and kneaded it.

Then the kids had to do some work of separating the pasta.

And then the final course - dessert.  She made a free form pear tart.

I don't think the kids will forget this meal!  And I was amazed that we all fit IN the kitchen while this was happening.

Thanks Chef Katie and Chef Richard!

Kitchen Redesign

So, Adam and I both had this week off. . . . and my parents were gracious enough to watch the kids for part of the time, so we could start shopping for the new kitchen and Naomi's room.  I have been really excited about this project for 14 years. . . . . and I have been waiting and wishing.  On a bonus note, we are moving the door of the main floor bathroom from the kitchen to our living room (which we use as a family room).

We meet Victoria at our first stop Splash. . . . and I have to tell you that Victoria has patience!!!!  First she arranged with each vendor ahead of time, our style and wants, and our budget.  This was amazing.  We were very good with picking out a new bathroom toilet and sink; kitchen faucet and sink.  That part went quickly.

Side Note - Look up NUMI toilet. . . . on google.  We saw one of them at Splash.

Off to Wolfer's Lighting, and this is where I started to think . . . I am in over my head. . . lights and lights and more lights.  Sooo many decisions.  We made some good head way.  Not all decisions have been made.  I learned ALOT about lighting though!

Then off to Moynihan Doors and Windows.  I had no idea how many choices I had for interior and exterior doors.  Luckily we only need one of each . . . . . and new windows. . . for the whole house.  We made decisions about the doors, and left the knobs for later (another amazing array of choices).

On Friday, we started off with cabinets.  I have to say things went well. . . . until Adam said he likes knobs and I said I like pulls. . . . we have a bit of work to do on that front!  Who knew.  I really liked the woman from the cabinet store.  Again, she knew our style and budget, thanks to Victoria.

Then, off for bathroom floor tile.  The decision for bathroom floor was super easy.  We picked out the same tile as our upstairs bathroom.  The backsplash for the kitchen was a bit more daunting. . . . I really like the glass tiles, but the salesperson said it could be too over powering.  We narrowed the backsplash down to two choices.

Then  . . .. APPLIANCES  . . . YALE APPLIANCE, which is an amazing store, with huge amounts of stuff!!!!  Google it!

Of course, our price range narrows down the choices. . . . . dishwasher and fridge - easy.  Double oven . . .well we have it down to two. . . . and now, this is where I start falling apart.

Right now our stove is against the wall, and we have a simple range hood.  Well, in the new kitchen our cooktop is over the "island" and Adam and I are not liking the prices of the island hoods or the idea of the hood in the way.  But neither of us are sold on downdrafts for the ventilation either.  Sooo, we emailed Dave, the architect, and asked what the options are. . . can we move the sink to the island, and the cooktop to the window. . . . and make changes to the window.  I hate changing things, however (1) this is why we hired a team . . . .  and (2) construction hasn't started so it is okay.

Stay tuned! 

And thanks to Cory, Dave and Victoria of New England Design and Construction.

PS - made some blueberry muffins and chocolate chip mondelbret today, just to keep up with the baking!