Bonus Baking Day

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

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

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

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

Chocolate-chip cinnamon mandelbrot

This is the photo from the Boston Globe:

Another great hit with kids and grown ups:

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

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

Girlie Night

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

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

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

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

Drummer Naomi

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

This was Naomi's favorite instrument by far.

Hadassah

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

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

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

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

Testing 1, 2, 3

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

So, I have made the following:

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

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

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

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

Farms

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

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

I love farm stores.