Picky Eaters

I can't figure out what my kids like and don't like for dinner some nights.  And often one likes a meal, and the other hates the same meal.  I would really like to create some dinners that all four of us like (maybe three of us).

I had each kid write out the top five dinners.  Mr. M likes blintzes, hamburgers, omelettes and pancakes.  Ms. N likes Kraft mac and cheese, pancakes, hot dogs, broccoli and soba noodles and tacos.  They both also like potato rosti and Carol's BBQ chicken (which can be easily made into Carol's BBQ Tofu for Adam).

I don't serve meat and milk at the same meal.  Ms. N doesn't like eggs.  I won't serve hamburgers, hot dogs and veggie burgers on a weekly basis.

Imagine my surprise, when BOTH kids declared their love over tonight's dinner:

Broccoli, Black Bean and Onion topping over a noodle cake.  Doesn't sound like something a kid would like, but I thought I would try.

Noodle Cake:  Cook a package of Chinese vermicelli noodles, or use very thin angel hair pasta.  Once cooked and drained, heat a non stick skillet with 1 T of canola oil.  Press the noodles into the pan to form a pancake.  Fry until golden brown - about four minutes.  Flip with a plate, and cook the other side for another 4 minutes.  Transfer the cake to a cutting board, and cut into six wedges.

Black Bean, Broccoli and Onion Topping:
1 pound broccoli - cut into small pieces
2 t canola oil
1 T minced fresh ginger
1 large onion, cut in half and sliced
1/2 c veggie broth
1 T black bean sauce
1 t sesame oil
1/2 cup chopped scallions

In a large pot of salted boiling water cook the broccoli for 3 minutes.  Drain and rinse with cold water.  Set aside.

In a large work, heat oil over medium heat.  Add ginger and cook for 30 seconds.

Add onion and cook for 4 minutes.

Add broccoli and stir for one minute.  Stir in broth and bean sauce.  Cover and simmer for 4 minutes.  Sprinkle with sesame oil and scallions.

Serve on top of noodle cake wedges.

This serves 4-5 people.

Turkey

I did it.  I made the turkey.  It was awesome.  For my first time....I did it.  I used an Ina recipe.....and I did it.  The meat was moist.  They only thing I would do differently was not buy the gravy.  I want to make my own.

The carving was easier than expected.  I would do a breast again next year.

Planning

I am a planner.  I am a list maker.  Yesterday I brought my ten year old to the supermarket with me to do the Thanksgiving shopping.  This was a huge list. . . . . and I needed his help.  How did I develop the list?

I wrote down the menu, in the order it was being served.  I then sat with each cookbook and reviewed each recipe.  I wrote down all the items on the shopping list.  The shopping list is divided into categories:  produce, dairy, grocery, frozen and other.

With the list and my son, and the shopping bags, we were off to the market.  Checking things off as we went up and down each aisle.  We talked about prices, values and the coupon pile.  We checked out, and we drove home (after making a trip to Whole Foods to pick up an item that the regular market did not have).  My son and husband dragged in the bags and bags, while I put away the items.

Next up, I sat down with my menu, and took another piece of paper and wrote down the days:  Sunday, Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday.  Under each day I wrote what I needed to complete that day, such as Sunday - set the table (china and silver) and make the cranberry sauce.  One night is crust night for the pies.  One important thing on my TO DO list is TAKE OUT THE TURKEY from the freezer.  This list will be an important list this week.

So, after reading all about my planning and my shopping, would you like to know the menu?

Olives/Pickles
Hummus and Pita
Cohen's Appetizers

Knishes
Bulgar salad (Okun's)
Turkey
Gravy
Canned Cranberry Sauce
Homemade Cranberry Sauce
Bread - homemade
Sweet potatoes with marshmallows
Stuffing (mom's)
Stuffing (TJ's)
Cinn glazed carrots
Pomegranate carrots
Bean Chilli
Peas

Fruit
Chocolate Mousse cake
Candied Cranberry chocolate tart
Apple Pie
Maple Walnut Pie
Pumpkin Pie (TJs)

Thanksgiving

I love Thanksgiving.  It is al about the food.  No gifts....no synagogue....just the food, family and friends.  This year I am hosting....for the second year.  This is my first year cooking the bird.  I am nervous about the bird.  But even if I screw up I still have a lot of sides and desserts.

I am cheating this year.  I bought a pumpkin pie.  Naomi really wanted one....but last year she wanted one....I made one....she didn't like it....and only Adam likes it....and only likes one slice.  This year the desserts will be chocolate mousse cake, candied cranberry chocolate tart, apple pie and maple walnut pie.

I will keep you in suspense with the rest of dinner.