Out on the Town

This year we are spending the December vacation at home.  On Sunday, we decided to go see the Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum with the kids.  It was a fabulous museum, stuffed with art and information.  We got to talk about the March, 1990 art heist and the ramifications of that and also how the museum must stay as she left it. . . .  very interesting.

Then it was time for a late lunch or early dinner.  The museum café was not calling us, and we decided to hop back on the train and bring the kids to Babbo.

We started out with the most delicious bread and breadsticks.  Our appetizers were Farro, Squash & Stracciatella and Suppli Al Telefono (Saffron Risotto, Tomato, Scarmorza).  I would make the worst photojournalist, because we ate the whole farro dish before I realized that I forgot to take a picture of the amazing dish.  But I did snap a photo of the saffron risotto balls:

Next up was the main meal for each of us.  Adam got a mushroom pizza:

Mark ate a margherita pizza:

Naomi ordered a calzone:

I ordered gnocchi ai frutti di mare:

All I can say is that we were all very happy.  And then we surprised the kids by allowing each of them to order a dessert with the understanding that the parents were going to share (more than a bite). Mark ordered the Black and White:  Milk Chocolate Chip Gelato, Crème Fraiche Gelato, Hazalnut Croccante, Chocolate, Caramel Crema and Naomi ordered Gingerbread Coppetta which was Eggnog Gelato, Ginger Molasses Cake, Coconut Crema, Peppermint Kisses.  A great meal was eaten by all!

December 2015

December has been a busy month for all of us.  Naomi was in her first Nutcracker performance and loved it.

Girl Scout Cookie Selling Season has started.  This is a photo of last year's cookie delivery.  There is still time to order!

Chanukah came and went:

The Middle School Band performed:

Thanksgiving Menu

I know, I am late. . . . . . however, my to do list was long and yesterday was too nice to stay inside.

This year's menu:

Hummus
Pickles and Olives
Homemade Challah
Knishes from the Butcherie (Beef Knishes and Kasha Knishes)
Pigs in a Blanket
Canned Cranberry Sauce
Cranberry Orange Relish
Pickled Cranberries
Turkey
Gravy
Tuscan Beans with Sage from Moosewood
Stuffing
Sweet Potato with Marshmallow
Cauliflower and Carrots
Stir Fried Veggies
Green Beans with Crispy Shallots from Kosher By Design



And dessert:
Fruit
Apple Pie from the Pie and Pastry Bible
Pumpkin Pie from the Pie and Pastry Bible
Candied Cranberry Chocolate Tart from Bon Appetite 1999
Mae's Chocolate Pie
Maple Brownie with White Chocolate Chips
Chocolate Brownies
Rugelach
Pumpkin Bread

Two Thumbs Up!

Last night I made two dishes that I had not made in at least 13 years.  I made a wonton dish and a scallion pancake dish, both from the Vegetarian Times Asian and Fast Cookbook.  Please don't tell my kids they ate mushrooms!  Made Alton Brown's classic rice recipe too, which was fabulous.

Mushroom and Black Bean Wontons
1/3 cup water chestnuts
4 oz. firm tofu
8 oz chopped mushrooms
3/4 cup chopped scallions
2 T black bean sauce with garlic
Wonton wrappers
1 T canola oil
Hoisin sauce

In a food processor, put the water chestnuts, tofu, mushrooms and scallions.  Blend til chunky.  Put in a bowl and add the black bean sauce.

Assemble the wontons!  Put a small bowl of water on the counter, and wet all four sides of the wonton wrapper.  Put 1 teaspoon of filling in and form a triangle.  Wrap all wontons.

In a nonstick skillet, heat oil and add 8 wontons (they should not touch each other).  Cook three minutes and flip.  Cook an additional 3 minutes.  Continue til all wontons are cooked.  You can keep them warm in a warm oven.

Scallion Pancake
1 1/2 c flour
1 t salt
1/2 cup + 1 T hot water
1/2 cup chopped scallions
1 1/2 t sesame oil
1 T canola oil

Place flour and salt in food processor.  While running, add water until dough almost forms a ball and then add scallions.  Process until a ball forms.  Knead by hand on a flour board for 1 minute.  Let rise for 10 minutes.

Roll dough on a floured surface into an 8 inch square.  Brush with sesame oil.  Starting at the end closest to you, roll the dough into a right jelly roll.  Slice into three equal parts.  Roll each one on a floured board into a 6 inch oval.

Heat 1 t. of the oil in a non stick skillet over medium heat.  Place one oval in the skillet.  Lower heat to medium- low.  Heat for 4 minutes.  Flip and heat for four minutes.  Cut into triangles.

A Day in the Life

Back when my kids were younger, Adam and I were constantly juggling. . . . pick up and drop off, and dinner time and bedtime.  The best nights at home were when we all ate dinner, we cleaned up (I cleaned up the kids and he cleaned up the kitchen) and we were both home for bedtime and then we got our alone time. . . . . . at 8 PM.

Fast forward a few years, and now we have an 8th grader and a 4th grader. . . .  My new routine is waking up at 4:45 AM so that I can walk a mile on the treadmill before my day really gets started.  This new routine is proving to me that I can squeeze in a few minutes for exercise every day, and I feel good about it!

Then I take a shower, and start getting everyone else up, one by one - first Adam, then the 4th grader and then the 8th grader.  After I am dressed, and everyone else is on auto pilot getting dressed (I hope), I make everyone a lunch to bring to school or work.  We all sit down to breakfast together, and then I am the first to leave. . . . and I get to work . . . . and use our treadmill desk to check my email and get myself organized for the day.

If I am lucky, at lunch I can take a walk . . . . and this week has been beautiful!  Not sure I will be doing this in 20 degree weather in January.

Then we all start coming home (depending on the day), and hopefully by 6:30 PM we are sitting down to a homemade healthy dinner.  And then any unfinished homework is done, and the 4th grader showers and gets ready for her 8:30 PM bedtime.  My 8th grader goes to bed at 9:30 PM.

And if I am lucky, I can go to the gym (I won a one month membership to a fancy gym) and either swim or use the elliptical, and then come home. . . . and if Adam and I are lucky we get 30 minutes of alone time, before I fall asleep.

Even though Adam and I get our chunks of alone time at strange times, I realize that in a few short years, our oldest will be in college and your youngest will be in high school.  The diaper days are behind us, and these current years are the years we drive them around to their activities.  However, I can see from neighbors and friends that the kids grow up, and leave the nest. . . . and then a new schedule starts.

Community Dinners

The elementary school where my daughter attends has an annual Community Dinner, which I always find a lot of fun.  We sign up every year to host a vegetarian dinner.  Appetizers happen at three different homes. . . . . usually with parents in the same grade.  Then we each get an envelope and we are off to dinner.  A mystery of where and with who.

This year we hosted one of the kindergarten teachers, one of the first grade teachers and two couples who each had kindergartners.

What did I serve for dinner????

Two homemade challahs;
Persian Red Pepper Dip (from the cookbook The Persian Cookbook from the Non-Persian Wife);
Carrot Puree and Egyptian Spice Mix with Nuts and Olive Oil (from the Oleana cookbook);
Chickpea salad (from the cookbook The Persian Cookbook from the Non-Persian Wife);
Persian Rice with Tahdig (potato) (From the Temple Emanuel Sisterhood Cookbook); and
Roasted squash and red onion with tahini sauce and zatar (from the Jerusalem cookbook).

We had a great time, and then we were off to the dessert house.  Next year will be my last year attending this great event.

Rugelach

A family friend gave me this recipe a few years ago, and my family loves it!

1 c flour
2 sticks butter
1/2 lb cream cheese
one package of mini chocolate chips
Cinnamon and sugar

Combine flour, butter and cream cheese in food processor.  Wrap ball of dough in plastic wrap.  Refrigerate 8 hours.  Cut in half.  Roll out two thin circle.  Spread 1 cup of mini chocolate chips onto each circle and press them into the dough.  Sprinkle with cinnamon and sugar.  Cut with pizza cutter into wedges (I like doing more than 16 wedges, use your judgement).

Roll up each wedge from the outside to the center.

Place on greased baking sheet.

Sprinkle again with cinnamon and sugar.

Bake 350 degrees for 15-20 minutes - until golden brown.

New Recipe

Sometimes I see a new cookbook at the library, and I check it out.  This time I checked out The Community Table - Recipes and Stories from the JCC in Manhattan and Beyond.  The first recipe I made was really good!  My husband and I really liked it.

Pappardelle with Ragu (originally made with lamb but mine is vegetarian)

2 T olive oil
2 medium carrots, peeled and finely chopped
1 medium onion, finely chopped
2 celery stalks, finely chopped
One package of vegetable grillers (vegetarian ground "meat")
2 t ground coriander
1 t rosemary
1 t thyme
1/2 t ground cumin
salt and pepper
2 T tomato paste
1/2 c red wine
1 28-oz can diced tomatoes
1 1/4 c vegetable stock
one pound of pappardelle pasta

In large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat.  Add the carrots, onion and celery and cook for 5 minutes.

Turn up heat and add "meat" along with the coriander, fennel seeds, rosemary, thyme, cumin and salt and pepper.  Cook for 4 minutes.  Add tomato paste and red wine ad simmer for 25 minutes.

Cook the pasta for 8-10 minutes.  Drain.

Put pasta in the "meat" pot and stir, then serve.

Honey Roasted Carrots with Tahini Yogurt

Another fall dinner for us.  Roasted vegetables remind me of fall.

This recipe is from Yotam Ottolenghi's book - Plenty More

3 T honey
2 T olive oil
1 1/2 tsp cumin seeds, toasted
3 thyme sprigs
2 pounds of carrots - cut into large sticks
salt and pepper

Sauce
3 T tahini
2/3 c Greek yogurt
2 t lemon juice

Preheat oven to 400

In a large bowl, put the honey, oil, cumin seeds, thyme, salt and pepper.  Add carrot sticks.  Stir.  Put on large baking sheet (sprayed with Pam).  Roast for 30-40 minutes, stirring every 15 minutes.

While cooking put all sauce ingredients into a bowl and stir.

Transfer carrots to serving bowl and top with sauce.

Bread Machine recipe - Cinnamon Chip Bread

Fall is in the air.  I can feel it.  I really don't want fall to come, because that means winter is around the corner.  I haven't recovered from last winter.  I don't think any Bostonian has recovered from last winter.

Here is a recipe that is really easy, if you have a bread machine.

Cinnamon Chip Bread

1 cup plus 2 T water
2 T butter
3 cups bread flour
3 T sugar
1 1/2 t salt
1 heaping t cinnamon
2 1/2 t bread machine yeast
3/4 c cinnamon chips (can get from King Arthur Flour)

Use the basic cycle.

This recipe makes one loaf in a 1 1/2 lb machine.  Put all ingredients in the pan, except for the chips.  Start the machine.  Add the chips when the machine beeps to add raisins (some machines have a special place to put the chips).  Remove bread from machine at the end and cool on wire rack.

Excellent toasted with a small amount of butter.

The house will smell amazing.

Slow Cooker Greek Style Cinnamon Pot Roast

I have been MIA for a few weeks, and I am sorry.

Overnight camp ended, and then there was a flurry of activities, followed by a lovely vacation (Niagara Falls - Canadian, Day Trip to Toronto and the Baseball Hall of Fame).  I do owe you all a post about that. . . . . and then we had another week of no camp and no school.

Then school started and now Rosh Hashana is here.

So, I tried this dish at Newton City Hall when Newton honored some great local businesses.  Whole Foods made this, and not only did the kids like it, but I did.

Serves 8

2 t canola oil
2 1/2 pounds of beef chuck roast (trim off the extra fat)
1 t sea salt
freshly ground pepper
2 onions - chopped
3 garlic cloves, minced
28 ounce can of diced tomatoes
3 cinnamon sticks

Heat oil in a large skillet over medium high heat.  Sprinkle beef with salt and pepper.  Cook until browned on all sides.  (About 10 minutes).

Transfer beef to a slow cooker.  Add onions to the skillet and cook, stirring until browned, about 6 minutes.  Stir in garlic and salt pepper.  Transfer onion mixture to the slow cooker.  Add tomatoes with their juices and put in the cinnamon sticks.  Cover and cook until meat is fork tender (8hours on low or 5 hours on high).

Remove from slow cooker and serve.

Summer Camp

My kids LOVED Jewish Overnight Camp - CYJ.  As someone who never attended overnight camp, I could never visualize what happened at camp.

Until this year, when the camp released weekly videos.

This was from week one:

HERE

And here is the one from the last week:

HERE.

Now I can see why both my kids love camp.  I can't wait for them to experience camp next summer, and for me to have a window of what they experience.

Thanks CYJ for a great summer!

Raising Funds for Hadassah

I will be participating in the Hadassah Walkathon on Sunday, September 20 around the Chestnut Hill Reservoir, near BC.  This walk will benefit Hadassah Medical Organization in Israel.  Hadassah Hospital is a special place in Israel because it treats every patient, no matter what their religion, race or gender.  It is the only Level 1 Trauma center in the Jerusalem area.  Following the Boston Marathon bombing, surgeons used triage procedures developed by the Hadassah Hospital doctors.  It is truly a unique place in Israel.  When I was in Israel (years ago), it was one of the highlights of my visit.

I am a third generation Hadassah life member and Naomi is a fourth generation Hadassah life member.

Please give through this website (you will notice people giving in increments of 18, as 18 is a special number in Hebrew):

HERE

And if you are available on September 20, I would love it if you could walk with me and my family!  Please join my team to support this amazing organization!

It is a fun walk and easy - flat surface around the pond.

Yummy Hot Weather Dessert

We were struck with at least three blizzards this past winter.  I am NOT complaining that the Boston area has had a heat wave.  Bring on the heat!  This week I made another new recipe:

Roasted Strawberry Buttermilk Sherbet

1 pound of strawberries, halved

1 cup of sugar

1 vanilla bean cut in half

1 1/2 c buttermilk

1/3 c sour cream

1/2 t kosher salt

Preheat the oven to 425 degrees.  On a cookie sheet, lined with tin foil, place the strawberries, and then cover with sugar.  Put the vanilla bean halves into the sugar.  Roast for 20 minutes, but stir every 7-8 minutes.  Let cool.

Throw out the vanilla bean.  Put the strawberries, juice, buttermilk, sour cream and kosher salt into the blender and whip until smooth.  Then put the mixture into the ice cream maker and churn for 25 minutes.  Transfer to Tupperware and freeze for 24 hours.

Ready to eat!  Delicious!

LLC - Lovely Lemon Cake

Sometimes a good friend will share a great recipe.  This time a good friend shared a great recipe with book club!  We went to discuss a book in the spring, and we all went GAGA over the lemon cake.  We call is LLC, and for now, I will call it Lovely Lemon Cake.

It is VERY easy to make!

Lemon Cake

1 ½ c flour
½ teaspoon baking soda
½ teaspoon baking powder
½ teaspoon salt
3 eggs
1 C sugar
2 tablespoons butter softened
1 teaspoon vanilla
1 teaspoon lemon extract
⅓ C lemon juice
½ C vegetable oil

Icing
2 C powdered sugar
1 T and 1 teaspoon fat free half and half
1 teaspoon lemon extract
1 T I fresh lemon juice

Combine flour, baking soda, baking powder and salt into a bowl.
With mixer, blend eggs, sugar, butter, vanilla, lemon extract and lemon juice
Pour wet ingredients into dry ingredients and blend until smooth.
Add oil and mix well.
Bake at 350 degrees for 45 minutes in a metal loaf pan.  Put it on a sheet pan, because it will leak over.
While baking make the icing.
Let the cake cool 10 minutes in the pan.  Flip out and cool completely and then frost.

While the kids are at camp

Dear Kids,

I hope all is well at camp.  I can see that you are having a lot of fun.  Swimming, arts and crafts, sports, trip day, mitzvah day and Israeli Dancing!  So much fun!

I have sent emails and letters nearly daily.  I have come home every day hoping for a letter from at least one of you.

But there are somethings I haven't included in the letters (and one day you will find this blog post.)

I haven't cooked one meal since you were gone.  That is right, your mom, the cook and the baker has had a 3.5 week vacation (except for one batch of brownies, two batches of cold gazpacho and one salad), I haven't cooked.  What a feeling that has been after 13 years of cooking meals.  Of course, the fridge is bare.  I have purchased fresh fruits and vegetables, milk, cream, coffee beans and cereal.  We haven't starved either.

We have been to:
Otto's pizza in Brookline
Bondir in Cambridge
Ana's Taqueria in Brookline
Boacado in Wellesley
Three Squares (I went with friends)
Barcelona in Brookline (I went with friends)
Carmine's in the North End
The Biscuit in Somerville
Vinebrook Tavern in Lexington
Farmstead Table in Newton
Besito in Chestnut Hill
Sweet Green in Chestnut Hill
The Antique Table in Swampscott/Lynn

I have stayed in bed past 7 AM on Saturdays and Sundays.  Even if I am awake, I watch TV.  In fact one weekend I watched a movie in bed, in my PJ's before breakfast.  It was decadent!  We have seen Jurassic World without needing a baby sitter!  We watched the entire season three of HOUSE OF CARDS.

We went to the SOWA market and ate whatever we wanted, and purchased really cool things.  We then ate at the food trucks (actually we ate at the same one, so we only had to stand in one line).  We then came home, and watched the World Cup of Women's Soccer.  And we ate dinner (lots of interesting things from the SOWA market) in front of the TV on the SOFA!

Of course, you also missed the time that the hot water heater broke, and we had to take a cold shower before the plumber could fix it.

You also missed the neighborhood BBQ, but there weren't that many kids there.  You missed a Red Sox game on July 4.  We went to the U2 concert in Boston without you, and had a great, great time.  You missed out on my car accident (when the person in back of me rear ended me twice at a RED light).

I have only done laundry once a week, instead of my usual every other night!  Of course, I had to bring out the trash cans and bring them back, since you were at camp.  I had to empty the dish washer myself.  Mark wasn't available to do laundry!

We missed you terribly, and we missed the daily conversation of BEST and WORST.  We missed hearing Mark's trombone playing.

I am looking forward to camp pick up/visiting day.  I know that you are both having a great time!  You are missed, but life is a bit different without two kids.

Love,
Mom

My Kids at Camp

Video from this week:
Week 3

Video from last week:
Week 2

Video from the first week:
Week One

As someone who did not attend overnight camp, I am thrilled that the camp started to do this on a weekly basis.  While I love the weekly photographs, I get the sense of camp.  I now know why my son LOVES camp!  The community, the fun, the love, and because we could never see Shabbat at camp, Shabbat!  What fun!

Camp came alive to me.  I looked forward to the weekly videos not just to see my own children, but to feel camp.  It reminded me of USY Pilgrimage to Israel, and it reminded one of my co-worker of his recent Birthright trip.

No matter what it is, Jewish Overnight Camp is a fun and safe place to be.

Things that have kept me busy

Just in case you were all thinking what a relaxing 3.5 weeks this would be . . . . . HA!  Reality check.  On July 3, I was driving the mini van, with my husband, brother, sister in law and niece in the car.  I was stopped at a red light, when we got rear ended. . . . . and then rear ended again!  It was quite a shocker.  No one was hurt, but we were all surprised.  The man that hit us, twice, was 90 years old and his foot slipped off the pedal (twice?).  So, I have been busy speaking with my insurance company (I love USAA), the appraiser and now the auto body shop.  Never a dull moment.

But, if that wasn't enough excitement . . . .  On Monday night, I went to use the bathroom before bed, and when I turned on the hot water, NOTHING came out of the faucet.  Tried the cold water, and it was fine.  Looked under the sink, and no leak.  Stumped.  Called Adam . . . . and he too was also stumped.

We decided to go down to the basement. . . . . and when we opened the door to the unfinished basement, there was a little puddle of water, just outside of the tray that holds the hot water heater.  The tray was full of water.  So, after watching a few online videos we turned off the water supply to the water heater, turned off the gas to the water heater and cleaned up.  We left a voicemail for our plumber . . . . please call as early as possible.

The next morning, I had an email and a replacement would be installed that day.  Amazing.  Federal Plumbing is the best.  Put me back in hot water!

Salted Caramel Brownies

Another to DIE FOR recipe by Ina Garten.

INGREDIENTS
2 sticks unsalted butter
8 oz chocolate chips (in one bowl)
6 oz chocolate chips (in a second bowl)
3 oz unsweetened chocolate
3 large eggs
1 1/2 T instant coffee granules
1 T vanilla extract
1 cup plus 2 T sugar
1/2 cup of flour
1 1/2 t baking powder
1/2 t kosher salt
5 oz caramel sauce
2-3 t flaked sea salt

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.  Spray Pam on a 9 x 12 inch baking pan.

Melt butter, 8 oz of chocolate chips and unsweetened chocolate in a double boiler.  Allow to cool for 15 minutes.  In a large bowl combine the eggs, coffee, vanilla and sugar.  Stir the chocolate mixture into the eggs and cool.

In a medium bowl, stir the flour, the baking powder and salt.  Add to the chocolate batter.  Add in chocolate chips (make sure the mixture is not too hot, or else the chocolate chips will melt).  Spread into baking pan.

Bake for 30 minutes, until a toothpick comes out clean.

Take out of the oven, and put on wire rack, and drizzle the caramel sauce on top of the hot brownies (you might need to heat up the caramel sauce).  Sprinkle with sea salt, and let cool.

Childless Weekend

For the first time in 13 years we had no children for an entire weekend.

On Friday night we went to a Persian restaurant in Watertown, MA.  We started with the homemade pickles which were fabulous and homemade pita bread, which was average.  The waitress brought butter with the pita, which I thought was unusual.  I had a Persian chicken skewer dish with basmati rice and Adam and an eggplant stew like dish, which he really liked, and that also came with the rice.  I thought that the rice was the best part of the meal.  The restaurant tables and chairs were average, but the other diners ranged from families with young kids, to two to three couples dining together.  I would return here again.

On Saturday, after sleeping late, we did our errands which included buying a new lawn mower.  After 17 years, our Toro electric lawn mower, just didn't start.  It was already missing the grass bag.  Time for a new one.  This time we purchased a battery operated lawn mower.

We also went and saw Jurassic World at the Jordan's Imax Theater.  If you are going to see a movie that requires great sound, the Jordan's Imax Theater is great.  The sound MAKES this movie.  And even though you know when the dinosaur is going to try to get the humans, the sounds make it amazing.  An amazing movie theater.  And the dinosaurs were cool too!

Then off to dinner at Vinebrook Tavern in Lexington, MA.  We started off with homemade cornbread (amazing and dense and buttery) and a tomato salad with burrata cheese (yum).  I then had seared scallops with mushroom risotto and Adam had a tofu taco with a side of amazing corn.  It is a farm to table restaurant that we can bring the kids to when they return.

On Sunday we were going to go to the SOWA market, however the tropical downpours changed our plans.  Instead we went to The Biscuit, which used to be Panini's.  This is where we used to go to eat back when we were dating. . . . and home of the original lemon scone, which I had for breakfast.

Sunday was a great day to watch a movie . . . . . I watched, You're Not You, We Bought a Zoo and A Few Good Men.  Flipping the TV brought me to A Few Good Men, and I just can't flip the movie off until I hear Jack say "You can't handle the truth."

And we are also speeding through season three of House of Cards.

Camp Drop Off

Camp drop off went very well.  Naomi kicked me out of her bunk after she was unpacked and was ready to explore camp.  Mark was ready for Adam to leave, so we left.

First stop - Outlet Mall!  Every year I go to the Merrimack Outlet Mall after CYJ drop off.  I have found the Kasper Outlet to have amazing prices, wonderful staff and the clothes fit me!  This year I was shocked to find out that all the Kasper Outlet stores will be closing.  Kasper will be focusing on department stores.  I managed to find a few dresses and shirts.

After we returned home, we realized that we could go any where for dinner.  We decided to hit OTTO's pizza in Brookline.  We love the unusual pizzas there, but our kids our firm cheese pizza eaters.  On Wednesday night we ordered a white bean, spinach and garlic pizza.  It was delicious.  There were large cloves of roasted garlic all over the pizza and the white beans were wonderful.  And we had enough to take home for lunch for the next day.

Thursday morning was strange.  I woke up and realized that I didn't need to pack four lunches and one snack!  Time saving right there.  There was no need to hurry anyone along!  Adam and I had our cereal, read the paper and listened to NPR, which was a treat.  We usually have music playing, because our son, can get sucked into the news stories, which can cause him to be late every day.

Thursday night was a women's dinner for me at 52 Seasons, and movie night for Adam!  We each had a great time.

Who knows what tonight will bring!

No Rest for the Weary

Yes, we are still on the high of the Bar Mitzvah.  Yes, I am still waiting for the photographs.  Yes, the thank you notes have been written.  Yes, I am still reliving that great day in my head over and over again, and yes, I love when people ask me to talk about that special day.  So many great things.  However, as much as I could think about this forever. . . . . . life is speeding by and it hasn't stopped.

Both kids are going to sleep away camp on June 24, which means they have to be packed by then.  I have been packing Mark for three summers, so I thought this would be a breeze, until I realized that Naomi has NOTHING for camp.  So, during the last weeks of prep for the Bar Mitzvah, I started ordering things online (huge duffles from LL BEAN, stadium seat from LL Bean, ponchos from Amazon, pajamas from Target, ec).  Shortly after that boxes were arriving, as we our centerpieces, table signs, hospitality bags.  My dining room was a mess!!!!

Fast forward to June 13 . . . . Naomi and I drive to Target for a few last minute items.  I had forgotten I had only purchased two sets of sheets and she needed three sets.  I had forgotten a rug (which boys don't need or want).  I had forgotten to purchase sunscreen (how that happened, I have no idea).  So, we come home with a few massive Target bags.

On June 14, I instruct both kids to get 16 T shirts from their rooms.  Mark is to leave his in the dining room and Naomi is to start a pile in the living room.  Then they had to get 6 pairs of PJs, 12 sets of shorts each, etc.  The piles were growing, until I asked for 16 pairs of socks. . . . . Mark only had 7 pairs of socks.  Added that to the Target list.  The pile was growing, and I started to label each item of clothing with a LABEL DADDY label.  Added that to a new shopping list for Target.

And now this weekends Target list includes:
Mark socks
Flashlight for Mark (purchased one for Naomi, however Mark's turns out to be dead . . . . new batteries are not making it work).
Soap for Mark
Bug spray (how did I forget that one?)
disposable camera

I am sure that the list will be growing.  Each of them is about 80% packed, and things are in the dining room in a HER pile and a HIS pile.  I am sure I will get everything done, including a hair cut for Mark on Saturday and one for Naomi on Tuesday.  I am sure there will be tears from me on June 24, and I am sure that my back will hurt on June25.

I hope the kids love the time at summer camp.  They have earned it from working hard at school, from snow shoveling and from working hard for the Bar Mitzvah day.

New Side Dish

If you are a frequent reader of my Facebook posts, you will notice that one of my favorite side dishes to make is honey glazed carrots.  Super easy and the kids like them.  I have a few other carrot recipes that I use, but last night I tried a recipe from Boston Organics, and I really liked it as did the kids.

One pound carrots, quartered lengthwise, and then cut into two inch logs
1.5 T olive oil
Salt
Pepper
1 tsp fresh thyme leaves, chopped

Preheat oven to 400 degrees and line a baking sheet with tin foil.  Place the carrots in a bowl and toss with the olive oil, salt, pepper and thyme.

Spread in an even layer onto the baking sheet.  Cover with foil, and place in oven for 25 minutes.  Uncover, and turn down to 375 and cook for ten more minutes.

Serve!

Easy!

The Bar Mitzvah

So after years of planning our family celebrated my son becoming a Bar Mitzvah.  And it was a marvelous event!  I do have to say.  He did a beautiful job chanting the Torah and the Haftorah.  He delivered his dvar (speech) beautifully.  It was a day that we all smiled and felt good.  Years of hard work paid off for him (and us).  The service was beautiful, and our daughter sang Ashrei like a pro. 

And the party was great also - the details really came through to me.

What were the best parts for me?

1.  One of the rabbi's took the four of us into the study before the service, so have a family moment, which included a prayer from her, and then Adam and I said a prayer over Mark.  We stood as a family unit, and we were all smiles.  It was such a moment, that our synagogue builds into the day.  I had no idea how fast the three hour service would fly by, and having that moment was really special for us.

2.  Watching Mark chant a really long aliyah of the Torah.  Watching Mark chant in front of hundreds of people.  Watching him being confident reading, and chanting, and not losing his place.  And in fact, his whole body was at rest at that very moment.  And of course us watching him with an immense sense of price.

3.  Having friends and family come from near and far to share this special moment with us.  Having my cousins from Oregon fly out for their first Bar Mitzvah, meant so much to me and to Mark.  Having them in the row behind us and hearing them throw the candy at Mark when he was done with his part.  And having my Uncle and Aunt from Florida and my cousins from Ohio all be there with us.  Knowing that they were with me growing up, and now having them with me at my son's Bar Mitzvah.  A feeling of being together.  Having my brother, his wife and two kids participate with us, and having my niece sit with us during the service with Naomi.  Having friends there that were at my Bat Mitzvah and Adam's friends that were at his Bar Mitzvah.  Having friends attend that had never attended a Bar Mitzvah. 

4.  Watching my daughter shine while chanting Ashrei.  Another proud moment.

5.  Standing next to my son with my husband as the rabbi delivered a prayer for him in front of everyone.

6.  Our guests feeling welcome at the temple.  Our guests feeling how included we all feel within the shul.

7.  Watching my niece and my daughter plan a sleepover together during the weekend.

8.  Watching at the party, all the details all come together - the flip book, the t shirts for the kids, the food, the color scheme.

9.  Watching my son shine with his friends.

10.  Hearing from congregants that Mark's dvar made a difference to them.

11.  Watching my friends carry Mark in the chair during the Horah, and knowing that he wanted this moment so much.  (And knowing that when I was in the chair, Mark knew I was doing this for him.  I hate that chair.)

12.  Hearing from people who participated in the Candle Lighting how surprised they were to be invited to light a candle.  Mark took this part very seriously and having his friends and family together were so important.

Mark on the chair during the Horah.  Wearing a huge, natural smile.

Mark with his day camp friends.

More posts to come later and of course more photos to come later.

9 days and counting

Nine days to go.  There are a few more details to be done, including our welcome speech for the reception, but I am sure we will have something for Adam to read, while I cry tears of happiness.

Tonight he has another rehearsal at the synagogue.  He is confident that he will do well, and I am confident in his skills.  The synagogue is like his second home.  We have brought him there since he was born, and he feels at home there.

For now, our menus have been picked; the photo montage is complete; the clothes are hanging in our closet waiting for the big day.  Hair appointments have been made.  The centerpieces are complete. 

We are waiting for friends and family to join us from near and far.  All who come will make this day very special.

Nine days and counting.

Seventeen Days and Counting

The event that has been on my mind for 13 years (okay, maybe not all 13) will be in 17 days.  We are in the last details. . . . and I mean the last details, such as:

1.  Place cards - confirming that every body has a table!
2.  Making sure each vendor has a meal for Saturday night.
3.  Making hair appointments
4.  Emailing directions to the museum to local people; and preparing directions for the hotel bags.
5.  Making sure I know all the allergies for each guest. 
6.  Choosing the perfect song for each special guest to light a candle.
7.  Final meal counts!
8.  Suit fitting this weekend for the men.
9.  My dining room can be called the Bar Mitzvah room.  The Bar Mitzvah room holds the kippot for Saturday morning, the socks for Saturday night, the centerpieces for Saturday night, the hospitality bags for the hotel guests and my binder with all Bar Mitzvah related stuff. 

The other thing I am thinking about is the Hora.  I hate that chair.  I know I need to sit on the chair, and smile for the photographer.  But, I hate the chair.  I won't let it mar the event.

In a few weeks I will be posting photos of the event!  And the event will be in the past.  However, in May 2016 we get the date for Naomi's Bat Mitzvah!  Stay tuned!

Stir Fried Portebellos, Carrots and Snow Pieas with Soy Maple Sauce

I heard about  America's Test Kitchen's new cookbook, "The Complete Vegetarian Cookbook" from multiple sources.  I had to order it from the New England Book Fair, and I waited, and it arrived, during Passover!!!!

The first recipe I made from it was amazing!!!!!

GLAZE
3 T maple syrup
2 T mirin
1 T soy sauce

SAUCE
1/2 cup vegetable broth
2 T soy sauce
1 1/2 T mirin
2 t rice vinegar
2 t corn starch
2 t toasted sesame oil

VEGETABLES
2 garlic cloves, minced
2 t grated fresh ginger
a few flakes of red pepper flakes
3 T oil
2 pounds of portobello mushrooms, sliced  - NOTE - I used 1.5 pounds
8 oz snow peas, strings removed
2 carrots, peeled and cut into two inch long match sticks

GLAZE - whisk all together and keep in a small bowl

SAUCE - place all ingredients in a bowl, and whisk.

VEGETABLES  - Combine garlic, ginger, pepper and 1 t oil in a small bowl.  Heat 1 T oil in skillet over high heat.  Add mushrooms and cook without stirring for 3 minutes.  Stir.  Reduce heat to medium and cook for 5 minutes.  Add glaze and cook over medium high heat, stirring, until glaze is thickened, 1-2 minutes.  Transfer to bowl.

Wipe skillet clean carefully.  Add 2 t oil and place over high heat.  Add snow peas and carrots and cook 5 minutes.  Add garlic and cook for 30 seconds.  Stir.  Add mushrooms.  Whisk sauce, and then add to skillet.  Cook for 1-2 minutes.  Transfer to platter and serve over rice.

My Grandma's Birthday Cake

I loved my grandma.  I loved sleeping at her house, and I loved spending time with her and my grandfather.  My grandfather was a joker.  As a child, when I slept at their house, more times than not, he would short sheet my bed, which I thought was hilarious!  Sometimes I got the fly spoon and sometimes my brother did.  Nothing beat the time, when I was three, and I told my grandmother that there was a "B" in my soup (that she had made just for me).  She was horrified.  She came running and I showed her my "B" and she was relieved it was not a "bee."

There are many lasting memories of my grandparents, but one that I get to share with my family is her Chocolate Cake with Mocha Frosting.  Grandma kept kosher which meant no dairy desserts after a meat dinner.  So, for birthday celebrations her cake was dairy free, but delicious!  I share with you her recipe, which is now passed to the fourth generation.

CAKE
1 stick parve margarine (can use butter if desired)
1 c. sugar
4 eggs
1 can of Hershey's syrup (16 oz)
1 cup flour
1 tsp baking powder
1 tsp vanilla

Preheat the oven to 350.  Prepare two nine inch round cake pans (lined with wax paper and covered with Pam with flour).  Cream margarine and sugar.  Add eggs.  Add chocolate syrup and vanilla.  Add flour and baking powder.  Mix, and then pour into the two nine inch round pans.  Bake for 30-35 minutes.

Cool in pan for 5 min, then cool on wire racks.

ICING
1/4 parve margarine
1 T flour
4 T cocoa
2 1/2 c powdered sugar
4 T hot coffee
1 tsp vanilla

Cream margarine.  Add in flour, cocoa and vanilla.  Blend in sugar and coffee, alternating, but ending with sugar.  Beat until light and fluffy.

Preparation - more

Ahhhhh, the weekend.  Most people have tim to relax and do errands and be social.

Saturday - 9 AM - met with invitation supply person.  Picked out placecards for Bar Mitzvah.

Saturday 10 AM - visit Five Below, to buy 40 pairs of socks for the DJ to give out.

Saturday 10:15 AM - visit Christmas Tree Shop and get some food needed for the food pantry baskets.  Have to be careful since many items expire in a month!  Also pick up five out of twenty silver frames.

Saturday 10:45 AM - get to Natick Mall.  My plan to acquire outfit for the morning service of the Bar Mitzvah is to visit my favorite stores, White House Black Market, Macy's, Ann Taylor, Lord and Taylor, J. Jill, Talbots and Chico's.  Find two great dresses that fit at White House Black Market.  Purchase them, black shoes and two shrugs. 

Macy's - Find nothing.  The suits are all pastel colors and patterned.  Not me.  Nothing in the petite area to try on and test.  Go to make up counter.  Try to learn the newest technique in make up.  Purchase new make up to use and test before May 30. 

California Pizza Kitchen - Naomi and I take a lunch break

American Girl - Naomi has some gift cards to spend.  This store is the busiest of all stores so far.  The employees are amazing, and make each customer feel special and unique.  Naomi purchases Grace, Doll of the Year.  Now, I have to carry the bag with the box, while Naomi carries Grace. 

Learning Express- Naomi and I stop in so she can show me what a Shopkin is.

J. Jill - Not one salesperson helps me even though I have an armful of stuff to try on.  The bottoms fit really well, and the tops are way to big.  No one helps me (there are three staff people and only one other customer).  Leave with nothing.

Ann Taylor - like a few things but nothing as much as White House Black Market.

Talbots - I like one dress, but the store doesn't have my size.

Chico's - nothing for Bar Mitzvah, but get a pair of shorts and some shirts.

Leave the mall, and drive to the BARN.  Purchase Naomi new sneakers, sandals, flip flops and crocs.

Go home and crash, and wait for the credit card company to call me that there is a fraud alert, since I never go to the mall.

Sunday - go to Brookline to purchase prayer shawl for Mark.   Then go to Costco for more food for the food pantry.

Seder Time is Almost Here

I am hosting 11 for the first night of Passover.  The menu has been designed.

We are having:

Date Charoset (recipe from my mother in law, Leslie)
Traditional Charoset (the traditional Hebrew School recipe)
Vegetarian Chopped Liver (from the New York Times Passover Cookbook) - first time trying it!
Knishes from the Butcherie - meat and vegetarian
Gefilte fish and horseradish - store bought
Chicken Soup with Matzah Balls (Mady's recipe from the Temple Emanuel Cookbook!)
Carrot Consume (from the New York Times Passover Cookbook)
Mushroom Lasagne - Eric's secret recipe
Chicken with BBQ Sauce - Carol's secret recipe
Fingerling potatoes
Tzimmes - mom's recipe
Cauliflower - from Kosher by Design for Passover

And then

Fruit

and

Dessert, including FLAN!

And my table. . . . . white table cloth, grandma's crystal, grandma's silver, grandma's China and our Seder plate from when we got married.  And the matzo holders that Naomi and I made last year.  The kiddush cup from Adam's grandfather.  All these objects are on the table, and remind us of the past, and then I hear my kids reading from the Hagaddah, and I know another generation will have memories from the Seder table.

Even though my grandparent's are long gone, their love is still here.

Esther's Parve Flan

During the Temple Emanuel Sisterhood retreat, two of the women led a mini cooking class (can't actually cook on Shabbat).  Here is one of the recipes, that I tried:

Orange Flan
(Parve - can be used for Pesach)

Caramel Sauce
1 cup sugar
1/4 c water

In a medium saucepan, cook the sugar and water on medium-high heat.  Do not stir.  Let it boil until the mixture gets brownish (caramel) color.  Carefully take the handle and stir the pan gentle.  Continue to heat until the caramel is the color you want.  Remove from heat and pour carefully into six ramekins.

(You can store an extra in the fridge.)

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.  AND prepare a large pan for a water bath.

Flan
7 large eggs
1 cup sugar
1 cup orange juice

In a bowl, whisk the eggs well.  Beat in the sugar and orange juice.  Pour mixture into the ramekins.  Put ramekins into hot water bath, and bake for 45-60 minutes, uncovered until center part of the flan is more firm, than not.

Remove the water bath and ramekins from the oven.  Let ramekins cool on a rack and then wrap in plastic wrap and store in the fridge.  Bake the night before.  Right before serving unmold from ramekins on serving plates.

An office favorite

Sometimes, I just want to bake, but I don't want to eat it all.  The other day I made two batches of Ruth Wakefield's Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars.  I made some for my contractor, Ryan, of New England Design and Construction, and while I was at it, I made some for my co-workers and some for my husband's co-workers.  I had people asking me for the recipe.  Luckily it is very easy.

2 1/4 c. brown sugar, packed
5 1/4 oz unsalted butter,  (1 1/3 sticks)
3 large eggs
1 t. vanilla
1/2 t. salt
2 1/2 t baking powder
2 3/4 cups all purpose flour
2 cups chocolate chips

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees.  Line a 10 x 15 jelly roll pan with tinfoil, and spray with PAM.

In large bowl, combine the flour, baking powder and salt.  Set aside.

In a large pot, melt the butter and then stir in the brown sugar.  Once smooth, allow to cool for five minutes.  Add the eggs one at a time, and stir.  Add vanilla and stir.  Then stir in flour, and then stir in chocolate chips.

Spread the batter into the pan.  Bake the bars for 24-27 minutes, until the top is shiny and golden.  DO NOT OVER BAKE!  Remove bars from oven and let cool to room temperature before cutting.

More Balls in the Air

So, I have been writing alot about the upcoming Mitzvah.  Of course, there are lots of things to plan, and schedule.  And this has been three years in the waiting.

Today, we have contractors coming (in fact our favorite contractor, Dave Supple and his crew from New England Design and Construction) are coming to remove our water stains from the ice dam.  I can't believe we managed to squeeze in the BEST crew to come over and fix the wall, the ceiling and the interior of the wall and the back gutter.  We are very excited to have them back. Here is a link to our kitchen on their website!

 In addition, we still need to having our roofing company back and fix the roof.  We used a great company years back to install the roof, and we had that company remove snow from our roof.  Their crew damaged our shingles, and the company plans on making it right.  I am so relieved we used a good, reputable company, and that the general manager came to the house to see the shingles himself. 

In addition, I haven't shared much of this, but my parents separated last year, and it appears as though the divorce will be final next month.  It has been a rough time for both of my parents, and for our family in general.  The kids know that each grandparent loves them, but it is different to see them alone.  What really got my emotions, was that Naomi wrote a beautiful story about how the Buchanan Road house was one of her favorite places to visit, and she described my pink room, and my old doll house. 

In addition, still driving the kids around, especially to Bar Mitzvah tutoring, religious school, and other activities.

Looking forward to the day that the water stain is gone!  Thanks Dan and Dave, and your amazing crew.

Weekend Wrap Up

The weekend was great!  No big parties, no big plans.

On Friday night we went to Shabbat Alive at our synagogue, and while we were there a candidate for the open rabbi position was there to meet with our teenagers.  Mark wanted to go, but I hadn't know about it or signed him up.  I told him to ask the rabbi, and Rabbi Robinson was thrilled that he wanted to attend and that he should go up to the youth lounge.  Mark's friend also joined the group.  After an hour long dinner, Mark came home and he said that he had liked him.  Our synagogue is looking to hire a third rabbi, whose primary job would be to engage teenagers of the community, but also to perform life cycle events for the members.

On Saturday night, I started to watch Food, Inc. and I have some new ideas, but I will wait til June for implementation.

On Sunday, Mark, Adam and I met with Rabbi Robinson to jump start his Bar Mitzvah speech (called a dvar torah, when the guest of honor talks about how the weekly chapter has ties to modern times and himself).  I won't give anything away, but Mark has some great ideas and a good start.  Next up - type up an outline.

On Sunday afternoon and evening both of our kids went snow tubing with the temple youth group, which meant we could have date night.  We started to watch the movie Chef, and then we headed to COOK in Newton for dinner.

We had a good weekend, and it always nice to have a date night with my guy.

One Step at a Time

Back in 2002, and my belly was growing because my son was getting ready to debut in April, 2002 (three weeks early), I had many things to worry about, such as who would do the bris, and which crib to buy and which stroller was the best for our family.

Back in 2012, when we got the Bar Mitzvah date I knew I would have a zillion things to think about before the Bar Mitzvah.

In 2015, when I flipped the calendar from February to March, I knew I had calls and emails to make.  I need to contact the caterer, the photographer, the DJ, the venue location, the flip book contractor and the synagogue.

Today, I received my first piece of homework - from the DJ.  I have six page form to complete (not all now, but will be needed two weeks before the date).  The easy questions - guest of honor full name, father's name, mother's name and siblings names.  Easy.  Venue information, caterer information.  How many adults will be there and how many kids will be there.

Does the guest of honor want to be escorted by a dancer?  Ummmm, does my baby boy want to be escorted into the room with a dancer?  Note to self - ask guest of honor at dinner.

Who is saying Kiddush?

Who is saying Motzie?

Who is giving a speech?  Us, but I know I will be crying tears of joy, so I hope Adam can hold it together.

Candle Lighting Ceremony?  Yes, guest of honor wants it with 13 people, however the document says 14 is typical.  Great, get back to you on the groups of 13/14.

Hora - yes!!!!!!!!  Who will go up on chairs and in what order?  All of us. . . .  and if you were at my Bat Mitzvah, you would know I hated it.  I hated being lifted into the air by my friends and family and I was terrified of being dropped.  Not ONE photo of the moment, especially since I ran OUT OF THE ROOM.  Adam convinced me to go up on the chair at the hora at the wedding, and the photographer gave me the cue when he had "the" photo, and I was put down.  I survived.  I am dreading this moment.  The guest of honor wants all of us on chairs.  Does the chair come with a seat belt?

Do we want a video montage - YES, the guest of honor wants one.  How long is the montage?  Enough to make me cry like a baby.  NOTE TO SELF - start putting together the video. 

Guests - how many kids, and where are they from (relatives, friends, school, synagogue, camp).

How many bar and bat mitzvah have your guests attended?  Some friends go to one a month (or a week).  We have a few guests that this is their first one!

Do I want a parent/child dance?  Really?  I thought I had til the wedding, because I know I am going to cry at this one too.  NOTE TO SELF - ask guest of honor what he thinks and honor his request.

Friendship Circle?  Family and friends create a circle at the end of the night to tie the whole party together.  Have to ask guest of honor what he thinks.

Music preference and specific songs:  Need to ask guest of honor.

Game requests - Ask the guest of honor.  I better bring the form with me to dinner, so I ask all of the questions, because I have already forgotten the first question I was to ask.  Maybe I better have a three course meal so I can have enough time to ask all these questions.

Who is the photographer and the contact information.

What is the MOST important thing for us to remember?  I want this day about my boy, who is becoming a Jewish adult.  I want the guests to know that he has studied for a year to read Torah but he has spent his life as a Jewish person.  I want everyone to know he studied hard, and I expect him to be a mensch.

What was the first question again?

Can't wait for the caterer to send me his list of questions.

Done With Winter

Winter - it is time for you to say good bye to us.  Winter wasn't bad in December and early January, and then the snow started in late January, and it kept falling weekly in batches of one to two feet.  And then the cold set in.  Boston spent 40+ days in a row, under 40 degrees.  Our snow piles grew, and our streets grew narrower.  Our snow piles turned into frozen piles of ice-snow.  Our roofs had ice dams with long pointy icicles hanging.  Our area looks like a scene from Frozen, and Elsa should be living with us.

Our streets are so narrow, that when we back out of our driveway, we hit the snowbank.  All of our bumpers have dents and bumps.  We are forced to drive into snowbanks so that oncoming traffic can pass us.

And then on the first day above 32 degrees, many people started having leaks in the house - on ceilings and walls and windows. 

This is after spending hours shoveling and dollars spent on plowing.  And then money spent on raking the roof and removing ice dams.

Now many of us are trying to find reputable contractors to fix the leaks and the damage.

Many of us are concerned about the snow.  When it melts.  Where will it go?  How much can the ground absorb?  How much will run into the storm drains?  How much will run into my basement?

We have had enough snow. 

We have had enough NO SCHOOL - SNOW DAYS.

We have had enough ice dams.

We have had enough leaks.

We have had enough bumps on our cars.

Our backs hurt and our shoulders hurt.  Our wallets are slimmer.  Enough is enough and I am done with winter.

Busy as a Bee

Life here has been busy.  Before school vacation we got the Bar Mitzvah invitations - all printed up and addressed.  I ordered the special stamps.

And then we went on vacation - we managed to fly out of Boston between blizzards and land in Chicago.  We were able to make it to Evan's Bar Mitzvah - he did a fabulous job and we all enjoyed the party.

On Sunday we went as a family and saw the PADDINGTON movie, which we all thought was great.

On Monday we went to the Chicago Auto Show, which is HUGE - we spent a few hours looking at really expensive cars, exploring the new versions of every day cars, gawking at the new concept cars and getting a test ride.  Naomi and I got a test ride in a FIAT, which is cute, but not practical for our family. 

On Tuesday we went to the Art Institute of Chicago, and we saw the Miniatures, which Naomi really liked.  We saw the Chagall windows and spent time in the contemporary wing and the special puppet exhibit.  The kids really like contemporary art, while I love Impressionist Art.  But we all enjoy going to the art museum!

Did I tell you that Chicago was very cold?  Boston was breaking records with snow falls, and Chicago was breaking records with COLD weather.  Chicago Public Schools were closed on Thursday due to cold (-20 F to catch the bus).

One day we went bowling, and another day I got to visit my Spice Store in Evanston.  We went to the original Pancake House and Adam and I had a date night at FOUND, and then we got to see a movie, American Sniper.  I really enjoyed American Sniper.  It did NOT glorify war, and you left thinking about how war really affects soldiers and families.  And of course the end. . . .

And we managed to fly into Boston before another snow storm.

The week of February 23 was the time in six weeks that the kids attended a full week of school.  I am hoping to repeat the same thing this week.

Less than 90 days until the EVENT of the year!

Another great dinner!

Maple-Walnut Chicken with Sweet Potato Aioli (Kosher By Design: Short on Time)

Ingredients
6 boneless, skinless chicken breast halves
1/2 cup chopped walnuts
1/2 cup plus 2 tbsp pure maple syrup, divided
salt
freshly ground pepper
2 tsp vegetable oil
2 tbsp Dijon mustard
1/4 tsp dried thyme
1 cup panko bread crumbs
1 large can of yams, drained
1 1/2 tbsp light brown sugar
2 tbsp of Miracle Whip
1 1/2 tbsp pure maple syrup

Directions
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Line a baking pan with non-stick tinfoil.
- Place a chicken breast smooth-side down on a cutting board. Lift up the tender and if necessary, make a cut to form a long pocket. Repeat with the remaining breasts.
- Stuff each pocket with 1 tbsp walnuts and drizzle 1 tsp maple syrup. Close up the pocket. Place pocket-side down on prepared pan. Repeat with remaining breasts. Sprinkle with salt and pepper.
- In a small bowl combine the vegetable oil, Dijon mustard and thyme. Brush eat cutlet with this mixture.
- Bake for about 18 minutes or until chicken is cooked through.
- While the chicken is baking, heat up yams and then smoosh them with the back of a spoon until smooth.
- Meanwhile, in a small bowl, mix 1/2 cup maple syrup and panko to make a paste.
- After the chicken is baked, remove from the oven and spoon and press on the panko paste to form a crust. Turn the oven to broil, return the chicken to the oven and broil 6-8 inches from the heat source for 3 minutes, until crust is golden-brown.
- Continue to heat the yams, and then mix in the light-brown sugar. Right before serving whisk in the mayonnaise and 1 1/2 tbsp maple syrup.
- Serve each cutlet with a dollop of the aioli.

Another snowy Monday

I haven't been in the office on a Monday in weeks!!!!!  And my team, usually has a Monday morning meeting.  Instead, our team has been working remotely (Newton, Brookline, Somerville, Wellesley) while we each dig out our homes.

Again, and again.

And now that this is our fifth snow day in 11 school days (my kids have had five snow days and six school days, unless you are my daughter, who was sick all last week).  The kids are bored of snow days.  They are old enough to help us shovel, but shoveling gets old - fast.

Today, we had choice time.  They were each given lists of activities (that should take 30 minutes each).  They were to check in with me at the start of the activity, and then again at the end.  We met during the break time, so I could review progress, and make sure the next activity was ready.  Today my daughter did 30 minutes of reading, one your of Khan Academy for math, thirty minutes of type to learn and then 30 minutes of class Valentine's Day cards.  My son did 45 minutes of reading, thirty minutes of researching what the Torah parsha Naso is about, thirty minutes of Hebrew Bar Mitzvah study and talked about his next book report on Mockingjay.

And now it is 2 PM and both are having screen time.  Because I have to get some work done!

Blizzard Baking

The Blizzard of 2015 is in the books.  The snow started on Monday afternoon, and didn't stop til 11 PM on Tuesday night.  My husband and I worked from home, while the kids did homework, reading, and watching TV.  We did some group shoveling.

And I did some baking.

Three loaves of Bread Machine Challah:

http://www.bettycrocker.com/recipes/bread-machine-challah/11ed53fc-166d-408c-9967-e7890973dc5f

I made one Babchallah:

http://www.bonappetit.com/recipe/chocolate-cinnamon-babkallah-dough

I made one batch of Flour Bakery's chocolate brownies.

I made one batch of Flour Bakery's Oreo's.

I made some Hamentashen.

I made one batch of banana chocolate chip muffins.

And school was cancelled on Tuesday and Wednesday, so on Wednesday, I made:

One batch of maple brownies and

One batch of Smitten Kitchen's salted brown butter crispy treats.

And on Thursday I am going to work.  If school is cancelled, my husband will stay home with the kids and eat some of the baked goods.

Catch Up Post

Sorry for not updating you earlier!

1.  Picked up the Bar Mitzvah invitations this past weekend.  They look fabulous.  My son really liked them, which is important.

2.  Made a few new dishes this week.  I made a Kosher By Design - Chicken Oreganato, which was good.  The kids liked the chicken, but not the potatoes.  I also made Smitten Kitchen's Key Lime Pie, which was fabulous.  And I also made a Hershey's Oatmeal Cinnamon bar, which was great.

3.  Naomi has not been able to shake her sinus infection.  Three weeks of anti-biotics has helped it but not cured it.  Now she is taking Flonase.

4.  Attended the City of Newton's MLK Jr. Celebration at Temple Emanuel yesterday with the kids.  It was a very nice event.

5.  Did I tell you that I think I found a dress for Mark's Bar Mitzvah party??????  I love it.

2015 - The Year My Little Man becomes a Jewish Man

We got THE date in the spring of 2012.  And now, the DATE is approaching.  And now, I can call this year, the year of the Bar Mitzvah.  The date - May 30, 2015.  The year my son is called to the Torah to become a Jewish adult like the rest of his family.  The date that we all hear him chant his Haftorah and the Torah.  The date that family and friends will fly and drive to come and hear my baby become a Jewish adult.

My son will be counted as a Jewish adult after that, which means when our family attends Minyan, we are a family of three Jewish adults.  My son is expected to fast on Yom Kippur.  My little man becomes a Jewish man.

Mark started Religious School at Temple Emanuel when he was five, but his Jewish education started before that.  We would chant Shema to him every night and when he became old enough, he chanted with us.  We attended Tot Shabbat with him and later Shabbat Alive (which we all continue to enjoy).  We did Shabbat at home on Friday nights complete with candles, wine and homemade challah.  When he was born it became a goal of mine to have Shabbat at least three times every month.

And as soon as we got THE DATE, I started to plan.  We booked the venue, the caterer, the photographer, the DJ and the hotel.  And now we are getting into finalizing the invitations.  We started looking for a Tallis.  We started looking into purchasing Kipot.  I am working on the hotel bags and the centerpieces.  We have dates to start looking at new suits for the boys and dresses for the girls.  Mark has started his Bar Mitzvah project.  Mark will be writing a sermon. 

The day is coming, and when that date comes, I will be ready.