Crunchy Peas

scones

These are one of our favorite morning treats. I love them because:

A) They are easy!!

B) They are vegan.

C) They are yummy!

D) My kids eat them. (You can't say that about very many things that I make)

This recipe is adapted from the original Raspberry Scone recipe found in Babycakes (awesome cookbook for yummy treats!)

Berry Scones

2 cups whole wheat spelt flour

1 T baking powder

1/2 tsp salt

1/3 cup coconut oil, plus more for brushing (I've used veggie oil in a pinch)

1/3 cup agave nectar

1 T vanilla

1/4 cup hot water

1 cup fresh or frozen berries (we love using blueberries, but raspberries work well too)

1/4 cup raw sugar

**Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Line a baking sheet with parchment or use a silpat. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Add the oil, agave nectar, and vanilla and stir together until a thick, slightly dry batter is formed. Pour the hot water into the batter and mix. Using a rubber spatula, gently fold in the berries just until they are mixed into the batter.

    For each scone, scoop 1/3 cup batter onto the baking sheet. Space them 1 inch apart. Lightly brush the tops with oil and sprinkle them with raw sugar. Bake the scones on the center rack for 7 minutes, then rotate the baking sheet 180 degrees and bake for another 7 minutes. Let them cool on the baking sheet for about 10 minutes.

But who wants to eat them at the table? They are best enjoyed on a rainy morning, in a fluffy nest like this.

With strong coffee and slouchy sweatshirts.

And maybe a great story told by a little boy, who loves talk about an airplanes flying by.

And of course, you should share them.

Enjoy!!    

the weekend and things that go together

tomatoes + fresh mozzarella + basil + olive oil + balsamic vinegar

meat + a grill

dinner + the deck

me + him

these rocks + a wheelbarrow + my arms and legs (okay Carl helped too). we moved them from our neighbor's yard to ours. wonder how it's going to feel tomorrow?

these girls + laughs

april + tree blossoms

this salad + my mouth!

a beer (bought for you by your friend because "it matches your hair") + a porch swing

yellow scarves + yellow sandals 

ian + the bath (all this playing outside can really get a boy dirty!)

emma + her tether ball + all the neighbor kids-- we've become very popular

And me + you. Thank you for coming here so often and reading- even the boring parts. Thank you for letting me be real and honest. Thank you for encouraging me. Thank you for every word that you've typed to me. Technology is so great. Thank you for being close even though we may be far apart.

you are what you eat

Something changed in me earlier this year.  On New Years Eve I remember writing:

"Twenty Twelve is going to be about: reinventing, reigniting, dusting off, peeling layers, walking upright, smiling, laughing, trusting, and loving with an open hand."

Any you know what? Four months later it has been about all of those things. I'm feeling a little proud for keeping a resolution for the first time ever. I don't really know what my motivation has been (I'm not even sure that I can articulate what has changed) other than I just knew I wanted to be different. 

I'm dreaming more. I'm taking risks. I'm doing things for the first time. I'm pushing myself. I'm getting stronger. I'm getting faster. All the while I'm feeling like me. A better version of Me. A version that I haven't known in a long time. 

(out to lunch a few weeks ago.)

One of the specific areas of my life that I have remodeled since the first of the year has been my diet and my exercise routine. Many of you have asked me to share more about this. I'll do my best. 

The first thing to go was sugar. That's just a no brainer. I use a smidge of agave nectar here and there, but no sugar, no fake sugar, not really any honey either.

I've always known that I'm sensitive to carbohydrates. I cannot eat them in moderation. I eat them in binges. So, I cut out all wheat, grains, beans, and pasta. Just in the last few weeks I've begun to add oatmeal and brown rice back in tiny portions. I allow myself 1/2 cup every other day. I have to watch it because it gets out of control fast! So no crackers, no bread, no tortillas, no muffins, none of that stuff. I know, hard! The first 2 weeks were terrible. But once I came through it got easier.

I pretty much stick to lean meat (mostly poultry and fish) and occasional small portions of red meat. I love eggs and eat them everyday! Hard boiled, soft boiled, scrambled, fried- they are a great source of cheap protein.

(Ready for roasting. I love to cook up huge batches of veggies so that I have them on hand all throughout the week.)

I eat tons and tons of veggies. There's no limit to veggies, but I don't eat potatoes and corn which are very starchy/sugary. Leafy greens are the greatest base layer to any meal. I try to cover at least 3/4 of my plate with veggies. It's so easy to make a salad out of left over chicken or salmon. I usually cook extra for that reason. The possibilities are endless. I love pinterest for new recipe ideas. 

I also limit myself to two servings of fruit a day because I can go overboard. They so readily turn to sugar. In fact I don't eat them after 2 pm for that reason. 

I love cheese but my body isn't crazy about dairy. I usually just use it as a garnish in small bits. I do eat yogurt and cottage cheese with live cultures every day. I love both with a little fruit and a sprinkle of ground flax. Sometimes I put a little agave nectar on too. I only have milk (whole milk) in my coffee. I never drink it by the glass or eat cereal.  It just doesn't agree. Recently, I've developed a weak spot for froyo. Bad, bad, bad.

Speaking of coffee I drink 2-3 cups of decaf a day. I love it. Can't imagine giving it up. I also drink green tea after lunch. It gives me a little boost to make it through the afternoon.  I love licorice tea in the evening. It is sweet and satisfies my craving for treats. Other than that I love to drink sparkling mineral water. The bubbles make me feel full. I usually take one with me in the car when I'm driving kids around or doing errands. I limit alcohol to 1x week and even then, I don't drink much. 

In terms of snacking I love grapefruit, larabars, cocoa almonds, celery + peanut butter, string cheese, smoothies, flackers, artichoke hearts from the jar, pickles, olives, and cut up veggies with guacamole. My weakness is anything salty/crunchy. I do nibble on dark chocolate from time to time too. 

I usually eat breakfast, lunch and dinner and 2 snacks. I try to stay out of the kitchen after dinner (which we eat around 6pm). I'm a hungry girl come breakfast time!

In terms of exercise, it's just about doing it. In the beginning it was drudgery. Once I got going it became something I couldn't live without. I am a pretty high energy person and I really need this outlet. Growing up I was a ballet dancer and had classes/rehearsals almost every day of the week. I've always thought of myself as an athlete, but motherhood has taken a toll. It feels good to see my muscles again, and to feel strong. I'm training for a triathlon this summer so I'm swimming, biking, and running (a little- I'm not an endurance athlete. I have more short-twitch muscle fibers and so I'm doing my darnedest to just make it 3 measly miles). More than anything I just try to break a sweat everyday. Sometimes that simply means cleaning, or having a dance party with the kids. I've had to sort of let go of this "all or nothing" ideal in my mind. Realistically there are days where time is short or I can't break away from the kids for an hour or more to workout. Even if I only get out for a quick walk or have time to do a few lunges...it's better than doing nothing! This video rocks. It's only 20 minutes and it can really kick my butt. Who doesn't have 20 minutes? 

(mid pirouette during a back yard ballet session)

So that's it. I feel amazing. I have so much energy. I've lost 20lbs. I'm still working at it. It's been hard, requiring pure discipline and willpower... but it's so encouraging to see results. This is not to say that I am completely without insecurities or bad days (ask me how many chocolate Easter eggs I ate today?!). I think I'll always have hang-ups when it comes to my physical appearance. But for now, nothing in my closet fits me-- in a good way. It's been a great excuse to start building a new spring/summer wardrobe!! 

between 8:00- 9:00am

 

Oatmeal for two.

Ian leads the way.

We walk a little.

He loves the drains.

The "kerplunk" sound that the pebble makes when it hits the water below cracks him up.

Me explaining the difference between a pebble (found on street edge) and the gigantic river rocks (found in our neighbor's landscaping). Bigger rocks= bigger "kerplunks". You can't blame him for trying.

Picking chives.

Not enjoying the onion-y taste of chives.

The rhythm of our day is changing. We are spending more time outside, and earlier too. In fact, sometimes we barely make it through breakfast before we throw something under or over or jammies and head out. Oh man, Ian loves it. Loves it. He is so much happier exploring, getting dirty, and just roaming around.

It's warming up and things are turning green-- at about 1500ft elevation I guess it takes a little longer. I'm not good with patience, but you already knew that. You'd be proud of the way I've vowed to settle down and just play it cool-- greeting Spring with nonchalance. "Oh, it's you? Huh. I'd forgotten that you were out there somewhere. Temperatures in the low 70s? Eh, take it or leave it."  That's a total lie. I'm afraid it's been quite the opposite. The verbs "hunting down" and "pestering"  and "begging" come to mind. And after yesterday (when I bought some tomato plants) I'm afraid I might be rushing it. I really only have one pace. Fast. It gets me into trouble.

My brain is a bit muddled. I've been distracted all week...in a good way-- the best possible way (read: lots of amazing ideas and images floating through my brain but not much productivity coming out.)  I know that you were hoping to hear my whole diet/exercise spiel. It's coming. I promise. I just don't have it all together yet. In the mean time...go watch this. So, so awesome! (I cried.)

the best kind of dinner

In typical Sunday evening fashion, we gathered with friends for dinner. (Post coming soon about that chalkboard wall- I painted it myself!) You'll remember last week had hot dogs around a bonfire.

This week was fish tacos with lime-cilantro crema at our house.  I've made these several times now and they have become one of our favorites! (We used halibut.) I also made this cabbage salsa two hours before everyone came. Yum yum. 

Besides good food, we had a kazoo concert courtesy of Hannah and Nicole.

And Andrew busted out his best moves that earned him applause and cheers for more. 

Laurel and Emily spent the evening in a squeeze. Not a bad idea.

It was the kind of meal with stimulating conversation, lots of laughing,

And just enough action to make taking a decent picture nearly impossible.

Good thing we didn't run out of pound cake and strawberries. The night could've ended badly.

But it didn't, thankfully. 

It would've been fun to have you there too. I wish you could. Next Sunday?

work to be done

Yesterday there were apples to be peeled.

bananas to mash,

lettuce to wash,

veggies to be stir-fried,

And that was just in the kitchen...If I look outside I get a little overwhelmed.

The chives are coming up, which is always a sign that it's nearly time to plant.

The beds have been turned and a fresh layer of compost has been raked in. (Thank you husband.) They sit ready and waiting. I haven't even ordered seeds yet. I may just buy starts this year.

I'm starting to get anxious for the growing season to begin. Reading this book has provided inspiration. Check out this awesome website for planting dates in your area (Sign up for free! You get customized planting schedules!)

The pool is completely thawed. It will need a good shock and vacuum. Looking forward to many, many days of floating there.

The snow is gone, and there is concrete to pour for a patio, railing to build on our deck, and lots of potted plants to revive.

Good thing I have many happy helpers.

Happy  First Day of Spring to you!!

grey and quiet

More wind.

More snow.

It's days like this that bring out the home body in me. I was happy that we didn't have to leave the nest.

Hard to stray too far from warm covers. Another benefit of homeschooling: we can tackle a lot of schoolwork in our beds or snuggled on the couch.

I was in the mood for something earthy and simple, so I made some egg drop soup for lunch.

It is so easy, and there really aren't any rules. Here's how I make it- feel free to embellish.

Saute some veggies (I like water chestnuts, green onions, and mushrooms.

Add 2 cups chicken broth and bring to a simmer.

In the meantime beat two eggs and pour them into a Ziploc bag.

Snip a tiny bit off the corner of the bag and slowly pour them into the hot soup, stirring all the while with a chopstick or a knife (not a spoon). The eggs will turned into "cooked ribbons" as you stir them.

Garnish with more green onions. Um, easy right? Warm goodness.

It was good with this roasted cabbage. Don't skip the fennel seed, it's key. Perfect for a cozy, quiet day. 

muffin monday

Washing walls (and painting them- I'll show you later this week!), tilling the garden, steam cleaning all of the window tracks, cleaning out cars, laundry, lesson planning...it was a productive weekend for us.

Carl is doing a bit of traveling for work this week. Knowing that I'll be flying solo for a few days sent me scrambling back to the kitchen to get some meals ready before he leaves.

I set Hannah to work on making muffins.

We gathered/measured the ingredients together.

I found a great one bowl "base" recipe that makes 12 muffins. We decided to make two batches of carrot/raisin and one batch of blueberry. So we had 3 bowls going. Honestly, it just is so easy doing it this way. It really doesn't take any more time to make 3 batches than it does to make one. Everything is out anyways. Why not just make a mess once instead of multiple times throughout the week?

I left her to assemble each batch,

and scoop them into the paper liners. She loves working in the kitchen- but can be a bit possessive. She fended off the other interested people passing by that tried to get in on the action. "No, you can't help! This is MY project. Maybe I'll let you eat some when they are done." 

We froze these raw in their pans, and then popped them out and into freezer bags. Then, in the mornings, we just pop them back into their pans and bake them! I like them better this way rather than baking them first and then freezing them. I think it's a texture thing.

I also made/assembled 5 dinners, boiled eggs for snacks, chopped veggies for quick munching, and made yogurt. I just cannot tell you the amount of stress this erases from my life. Everything feels so much lighter knowing that dinner is covered for the week. 

It wasn't all work this weekend. We watched this movie with the kids, and this one by ourselves. Which provoked the purchasing of these from zappos and this from itunes.

Yehaw! We're off and running! 

breakfast, lunch, and dinner

Breakfast: 

These just came out of the oven. I'm having a hard time resisting!

Lunch:

This has become a staple around here! We eat it at least once a week!

Dinner:

Strawberry salad. Mixed greens + strawberries + red onions + chicken + chopped nuts + goat cheese + this dressing + lots of pepper! Springy!

It's been a smooth sailing kind of week in the kitchen- mostly because of the pre-planning I did over the weekend. Sometimes I'm tempted to skip this prep work... but with some of our evening activities in full swing, it really has become a necessity!  

Sometimes I make the whole dish ahead of time and freeze it. Other times I just prep the veggies/make marinades/and otherwise get it all ready for cooking. Whenever I can, I double the recipe and save one of the dishes for another day later in the month. So worth the effort.

Here are some of our favorites that can be made or prepped ahead of time:

lasagna roll ups 

chicken and beans 

turkey lettuce wraps 

honey chicken

turkey and black bean enchiladas

baked rigatoni primavera

zesty chicken salad

protien power salad

hoppin' john

 

Now get cooking!!

crepes our way

It's no secret I have a love affair with breakfast. When I was a little girl my mother used to make crepes. I loved those mornings. They felt special, as if to say, "this day is meant for something fruffy-- it is going to be a day too good for cereal."

I've been feeling a little worn thin lately. I guess there are spaces of time when it you just have to give more, where personalities and circumstances make everyone around you somewhat of a taker. I'm happy to do it, but it can wear a girl out. Oh, and I miss my mom. She was always a giver. 

I made crepes yesterday morning (as I often do). It was my attempt to start happy, to start again, to anchor myself to a little message of love that my mom used to put on my plate. And even if I wasn't going to eat them-- it did me well to make something pretty.

These are by no means authentic or overtly french...but something about them just feels indulgent. Here's how we make them.

This is my favorite recipe. I mix it up in the blender and usually have to make 2 batches one at a time.  I use lots of butter or spray oil to make my 10" pan non-sticky. The burner temperature is crucial. You have to fuss with it a little bit-- somewhere between medium and medium low. I just pour the batter into the pan, swirl to coat the bottom, and then flip it like a pancake when the edges are all bubbly.

It's good to have some helpers in the process. I usually assign someone to the jam and sugar station so I can go back and pour batter in the pan for the next crepe. My people are not patient about these! I have to crank them out. I'm not kidding! They are literally waiting in line with their plates in my kitchen.

Slather butter all over and warmed jam down the center.

Fold the sides over and sprinkle with powdered sugar. (We keep powdered sugar in a parmesean cheese sprinkler jar thingy.)

There you have it. Yummy as can be. Just ask Hannah. She ate 4!

I made use of the discarded egg whites and scrambled them up for myself. Not quite the same... 

Inner dialogue

Why does the good stuff have to be so bad? Why do I crave what I shouldn't be craving? Why can't I just want a huge pile of broccoli instead? Why do I even tempt myself? Who bought this anyways? Do I eat some because I just worked out? Do I say no for the same reason? Isn't there some kind of health benefit to dark chocolate? Do I have just one bite to satisfy my taste buds? Do I go all the way (as long as I'm at it) and eat the whole thing? Because if you are going to cheat, shouldn't you just enjoy it? Shouldn't it be worth it? Will I be disappointed in myself when the carton is empty? Is there any way that I could convince myself that the calories don't count? I deserve this right? Can't I just rationalize it by saying, "oh stop obsessing, it's really not going to hurt anything in the long run. It's just a little gelato." ? Do I need therapy?

Torture.

Are you sure there isn't any way to have your gelato and eat it too?

(In case you are wondering, I took the picture and put it away. The carton is still full in the freezer...for now)

Morning!

The sun is coming up a little earlier each day. Love that. With the sun comes a miriad of people who wander from their beds hungry!

For them: Pancakes. (Which, let's just be real, are merely a vehicle for butter and syrup. I allow it)

For me: 2 eggs, asapargus, lemon zest, cayenne, salt and pepper, and a splash of half and half. Bake at 400 in a buttered dish until set.  Mmmm, mmmm.

I know you are there and that I am here...but I really wish you could come for breakfast. 

It's my favorite time of the day and I make a pretty good latte.

I probably don't have a cup with your initial on it... but we could just stay in our pajamas all day. So what do you say?

dinner prepping

Putting food together for dinner  (didn't have lemons so I used oranges and traded the fennel for some potatoes). Also taking in a little inspiration (because it is February, and February is a grueling "not quite spring" month for homeschooling). I've only had time to watch a couple of these videos- and with a toddler on my lap, but so far SO good.

Here'something new. We've tried bulletin boards, clip boards, file folders, baskets, binders, etc.  None of those solutions have been as cute and functional as this for our assignment sheets. It was easy and cheap! I'm loving it. Instructions here.

I'm going to try and get the girls to clean all the nooks and crannies in their room today. School room tour coming soon! 

sometimes you just know...

waking up in your favorite pjs. 

slurping up the yummiest smoothies known to man (neon green straws make them better).

(note to self: take care of that manicure right away!)

having the time to settle in for a good cereal box read.

getting a brain freeze over and over again, just for fun.

finding all your favorite shirts in the clean pile of laundry.

Sometimes you just know the day is going to be good.

There are some crazy messes around here today, I mean crazy. This week has flown by. I've pretty much just been keeping my head above water. I'm thankful for the people around here who quietly fished a bowl out from under all the dirty dishes and just washed it for themselves this morning.

Carl and I will be down to one kiddo this weekend as the girls have a "girls only" adventure planned with their grandma. Rest assured that we won't be moping around here without them. There are some pretty fun people coming to crash here tomorrow night. I can't wait to hang with them. Guess I'd better go wash some towels or something. 

Hope you can feel your good day coming on!

Happy Weekend.

 

BLTA + BC + RRP

(Bacon Lettuce Tomato Avocado + Blue Cheese + Roasted Red Pepper)

The days are warming up, and quickly too. I am happy for that. It is high time for some summer eatin'.  This was last night's dinner.  Pretty tasty if you ask me!

Here is the recipe for 4 sandwiches:

8 slices of crusty white bread (I used toasted sourdough)

1/4 cup mayo mixed with 1 tsp dijon and 2 tsp worcestershire and 1 small clove of garlic minced

1/4 cup crumbled blue cheese (I used about 1 Tbs per sandwich)

cooked bacon (I used two pieces per sandwich- but knock yourself out)

4 leaves romaine or green leaf lettuce

cooked and sliced chicken (a great way to use left-overs!)

8 roasted red peppers (I used the kind from the jar and put about 2 on each sandwich)

1 avocado sliced

There you have it.  Just toast your bread, slather the mayo mixture, sprinkle the blue cheese. Then layer the lettuce, chicken, peppers, avocado and bacon. So yummy!

Want another great sandwich?  Alicia posted this recipe a few weeks back and we've eaten it twice since then.  Delish.  Even the kids gobbled it right up!

The kids are out of school come friday.  I am beside myself with excitement!  I'm also gathering my thoughts for a year-in-review post to culminate our first (and perhaps only) year in the public system. I'm also working on teacher appreciation gifts.  Go make a sandwich and come back!

Sorry, a date, and some cake

** I'd like to start by appologizing for my lack of discretion yesterday.  I am sincerely sorry if it offended anyone. I really do not condone foul language nor would I allow my children to speak in such a manor. I was mostly just being cheeky and could've done a better job of keeping things wholesome.

Moving on to something more plesant...

Birthdays are abundant around here during the Spring. It was Carl's day yesterday. We spoiled him with a massage at the tennis club on his way home from work, homemade mac n' cheese and an ice cream cake. We have dinner out planned for just the two of us this evening...would you believe it's been more than a year since I've been with this man without our children present? I am a teensy bit nervous, and almost bashful. It is kind of like dating all over again- but better. Better because we are married. Better because I don't have to worry that I have something green in my teeth, or stinky garlic breath (he'll tell me). Better because I don't have order cheap because he's paying (we're paying). Better because I don't have to expend so much energy trying to keep the conversation going (oh the blessed, BLESSED silence). Better because I don't have to wonder if he'll kiss me (he will). Just better, you know?

My mom used to make this cake for me all the time as a kid.  I would request it year after year.  It is so easy to make...thought I'd share.

Cookies and Cream Ice Cream Cake:

2 pkgs chocolate wafers (I use these)

2 T butter melted

1/2 gal of cookies n' cream ice cream (chocolate chip mint is also yummy)

1 C heavy whipping cream

6 T powdered sugar (or to taste)

*Coat a springform pan w/non-stick spray, and place it in the freezer.

*Put one package of cookies in a gallon ziploc bag and crush with a rolling pin. 

*Mix melted butter and crushed cookies and press into the bottom of the springform pan to form a crust. Return the crust-filled pan to the freezer.

*Pull the 1/2 gallon of ice-cream out of the freezer and let it soften for 15 minutes or so. When it reaches a spreadable consistency spoon half of the ice cream over the frozed crust.

*Then, layer whole uncrushed cookies on top of the ice cream creating a thin middle layer.

*Spread the remaining ice cream on top of the cookies and freeze for a minimum of 2 hours. 

*A few hours prior to serving mix the whipping cream and the powdered sugar until stiff peaks form. Spread it on top of the ice cream cake and top with a handful of crushed cookies.

*Put it all back into the freezer for an hour or so.

*When it's time for the Birthday Song and candles, unlatch the springform pan and light it up baby!

Enjoy.

the whole paleo deal

A couple weeks back I decided to try transitioning to a paleo diet.  Okay, I didn't transition.  I basically just went cold turkey. A paleo diet consists of veggies/fruits, meat/eggs, nuts and seeds. In other words, "anything that you can kill or hit out of a tree with a stick". Read: no wheat, no sugar, no grains, no beans, no legumes, no dairy. I didn't really have any type of expectation or commitment.  I just wanted to try it out and see how I felt. It was hard. Super hard. By the third day I was in full-on withdrawals. I had the shakes, a headache, dry-mouth, and I was really REALLY grumpy.

By the fifth day things were better and I felt good. I was eating a whole lot more veggies and my blood sugar felt stable- no more ups and downs. I've always known that I had some sort of dairy intollerance or sensitivity. I know this is disgusting...but the phlem is gone!

I found a couple of great websites/blogs that were filled with recipes and information:

Robb Wolf- shopping lists and quick start guide

Everyday Paleo

Growing up Paleo

Dino Chow

(kale chips. I know you think I'm crazy...but these are yummy)

 
(I told you she eats anything!)

Okay here's the downside of this whold deal:

I am not really excited about eating so many animal products.  I don't naturally like meat. I'm not an animal rights activist or anything (although there are some environmental implications of eating so many animals)...I just don't really like the taste of a big ol' hunk of steak. Or chicken. Or pork.

I also haven't found an affordable source of grass-fed beef or pastured chickens. I can afford occasional portions of these animals, but not in the quanity that this diet requires.

In order to feel full and make enough milk for Ian, I found that I really did have to eat a lot of eggs/meat/and nuts.  I've gone a bit overboard with the nuts. I am sure that I am eating more than usual and consuming more calories just because I am so limited in what I can eat. Scarcity principle for sure.

The things that I miss are not over-processed or junky. Oatmeal. 1/2 and 1/2 for my decaf. Yogurt. Dave's killer bread.

So here's my take, and I'm still thinking this through.  I am going to stay away (mostly) from dairy and scale way back on wheat. I'd like to be able to eat oatmeal, or a sandwhich, or some brown rice, or quinoa...but not all of them. Not in one day.

I'd like my diet to remain plant-based with an occasional portion of meat, and free from processed and sugary foods. Ultimately, I just need something more balanced and less extreme in order to make a long-term commitment. This fits in better with how the rest of my family eats. It is a whole lot more cohesive.  I'm all about making only one thing for dinner- for all of us!!

Okay, moving on.

a bowl of borscht

Let me just start out by saying: I AM NOT A FAN OF BEETS. I have never liked them.  My grandmother pickles them, and bless her heart for doing so, but I just think they taste like stinky feet or something. Not that I've tasted stinky feet- but you know. Gross.

However, I can do borscht.  And we did do borscht.  And I LOVED borscht.

Laurel loves cooking and I've been trying to give her more responsibility in the kitchen. She is so proud to serve a meal that she had a hand in preparing.  She is also more likely to eat it (Laurel will pretty much eat anything except tofu. She hates it with a passion.)

She peeled the carrots and potatoes and I took care of the beets. Beets are so beautiful!  They leave the most vibrant color behind everywhere.  Even the sink filled with peels was mess of magenta. Ian hung out in the girasol wrap for about 15 minutes and then he was down on the floor dragging out all the pots and pans and kitchen towels.

What I like about this recipe was that the majority of the ingredients were shredded up.  I think this helped them to cook more quickly and not be so overpowering (ie, stinky/gross beets).  I chose not to add the sausage and just left out meat completely.

In the end, I added about 3-4 tablespoons of white wine vinegar. I liked the sour zip that it added.  I also dumped quite a bit of dried dill in, and sprinkled just a dab of chicken bullion in. I completely left out the sugar.  Sour cream would've been heavenly, but I have cut out all dairy from my diet. No matter, I thought it was delish.

Laurel wasn't a huge fan, and neither was Carl (who came home for lunch). So, when I got paged to the birth center I took the rest with me. Isn't it pretty in a jar like that?  I wonder if you could can it?

I made it to the birth center just in time to see the mama and dad with the baby in their arms! Ugh, I just hate missing that moment of birth.  I am starting to take a few sporadic days back on call. Mostly weekends when Carl is available to hold down the fort. I've yet to catch an actual baby though. So frustrating!  I'm missing it bad.

minty fresh

It's Spring. 

My buddies and I have been enjoying the fresh air!

We've been taking a walk every day.  Either down by the river or in our own neighborhood. It feels so good to shed some of those winter layers.

Laurel saved up her birthday money and bought that scooter for herself! She is crazy fast.  This mama has to run sometimes to keep up with her! (not a bad thing)

This time of year, I always find myself falling in love with mint all over again.

My current favorite salad: salad greens, peas, sunflower seeds, chopped mint, and dressing (2tsp dijon mustard, 1T lemon juice, 1T olive oil, salt and pepper).

My current favorite soap.

My current favorite tea.

I am also loving honeydew melon with a little chopped mint mixed in. It is a nice sweet treat without being too heavy (bathingsuit season is right around the corner. eek!)

I made some more homemade cleaner last night.  I scented it with peppermint essential oil.  It makes the house smell so nice and fresh.

I'm off to make some borscht, which I love...but have never actually made. Doesn't this look lovely? I'll let you know how it turns out.

Other posts all cued up and coming your way in the next week or so:

eating paleo

homeschooling using montessori

kid's apron sewing

my new fitness philosophy

See you soon!

Cookus Love

There is something about having a baby in your life that makes you nutritionally conscientious.  Ian's body seems so pure. I scrutinize everything that goes into his mouth. (Is it a real food?  Will it help him to grow? Is it organic? Does it have hormones, antibiotics, hydrogenated fats, corn syrup, food dyes, or genetically modified ingredients?) It has definitely inspired me to do a better job of asking those questions for myself and everyone else that I feed.

I love Cynthia Lair's book Feeding the Whole Family. I've relied upon it for years as a great resource for whole foods cooking. She is not pretentious like some healthy chefs are.  I love her suggestions for substitutions if you don't have a particular ingredient on hand.  Her recipes are yummy, good for you, and frugal.  A trifecta.

Did you know that she has a fabulous website?  There are tons of hilarious videos just waiting for you.  I've been sucked into the continuing storyline, and was somewhat heartbroken to learn that the folks in the videos with her are not her real family- but just actors.  They had me fooled!

She even has some really simple "how-to" videos.  Pay attention to the messy countertops in the background.  I love that!

 

For some reason, food is way more fun when Cynthia cooks it.  Or at least that is what my kids think.  They love seeing a preview of what is for dinner. They gather around the laptop in the kitchen and tune in as I'm prepping. No one blinks an eye when Cynthia adds leafy greens to a recipe (as opposed to the whining that I am on the receiving end of).  My daughter actually said, "Mom we should try those pancakes!" after watching a video showing sprouted buckwheat groats as one of the main ingredients. Um Ok.  Add buckwheat groats to nexts week's grocery list.  And so it has gone since I discovered the site a few weeks ago.

A fresh new year is waiting right around the corner, go get some healthy cooking inspiration. (subscribe to her email list and they'll send you updates whenever a new video recipe is posted.)

our favorites:

chicken stir fry

three sisters stew

hoppin' john

soba noodle salad

"soda"

brownies

Smooth Sailing

I really only "made" one or two gifts this year. I'm glad that I didn't try to do more, it ended up being a little bit crazy with everyone feeling so sick.

I was happy with the way these little bread bags turned out.

 

The instructions came from Home Sewn.  The pattern called for hemp which I had exactly zero yards of.  I used linen instead. These whipped up quick- maybe an hour for one bag start-to-finish.

The cool thing about these bags is that there is a little compartment of flax seeds sewn into the bottom so that you can heat the bag and keep your bread warm. I gave the bags of bread with some balsamic flavored olive oil for dipping.

What is Christmas without some cookies and fudge? These plates went to our friends. I thought they looked pretty. I bought the plates, ribbon, and ornaments at Target.

Lastly, I made cleaning kits for teachers. (and forgot to take pictures)

The last four days have passed quietly.  I've not left the house since Monday morning. The girls have been happily playing with the neighbors and enjoying an abundance of free time. Ian started crawling this week.  The Christmas tree is coming down on the 26th!!!

The dishes are done. The laundry is mostly caught up.  My house is fairly tidy. The last bottle of amoxicillin disappears tomorrow. There is approx 12-18 inches of snow in my back yard.  We've got sleds, and movies, and cocoa, and THE NEXT FOUR WHOLE DAYS to celebrate together. Ahhh, I'm gonna soak it up.

For Dinner

I'm all about quick and comfy food on these cold, snowy days.  Nothing like a little pasta to warm the heart.  Make it. (I added peas, because, well, it had to have something green in it.) Carb up friends.  It's gonna be a long cold winter.

sparkly sparkle

Q:Why am I posting a picture of my kitchen sink? 

A: Because it is clean!

Q: So what's the big deal about a clean sink?

A: Um, right. It is NEVER that clean. And it is especially out-of-this-world because I DIDN'T HAVE TO CLEAN IT!

My husband hired a bi-weekly housekeeper for me as an anniversary gift (12 years last month!). Wasn't that sweet?  AHHHH-mazing! But really, it is sort of a gift for him too right? Who doesn't love to see their face in the shiny kitchen faucet?

Now I'm off to soak up a little more of this:

Oh those dimples....just wanna gobble those boys up!

Happy Weekend.

New Favorite

Just checked this book out from the library.

 

Since the birth of the wee one, I haven't been much of a champ in the kitchen.  In fact, it is close to a miracle if dinner even makes it to the table in one piece.  Several nights we have survived on cereal.  But, I am starting to feel the wind come back into my sails thanks to this book:

Kitchen Express by Mark Bittman.  First of all, can I just say how much I love Mr. Bittman?  I listed to a podcast a while back as he talked about trying to eat more fruits and veggies and consuming fewer animal products. He doesn't depart from his unstuffy style in this cookbook. 

I love that the recipes (divided according to Summer/Fall/Winter/Spring so you can eat seasonally) are in paragraph form and that he offers a lot of ideas for substitutions should you not have the exact ingredients on hand (I rarely do).

And yet, the food represented in this book is generally whole (think of shopping the perimeter of the grocery store), fresh, interesting (no more repeating the same 5-6 dinners), and really very simple. What more could you ask for?  It is my new favorite.  Going now to Amazon to buy one for keeps.

::32::

It was my birthday today...

So I made a cherry-cheesecake pie.  Sure wish I could've shared a slice with you! How 'bout the recipe instead?

Cherry Cheesecake Pie

1 box refrigerated ready-to-bake crusts (I know...this is really cheating!)

1/2 cup sugar

1 T cornstarch

2 bricks (8oz each) softened cream cheese

1 egg

1/2 t almond extract (this is really a key ingredient- don't skip this one!)

1 can (21oz) cherry pie filling

Egg white

1/2 cup sliced almonds

Heat oven to 350 degrees. Prepare 9" pie plate. Fit 1 crust into pie plate.  Unroll or unfold remaining crust on a cutting board; cut in 1/2 inch wide strips. Set aside.  Mix sugar and cornstarch in a medium bowl.  Add cream cheese and beat until smooth.  Add egg and extract, beat until just blended. Spread batter evenly in crust; spoon pie filling evenly over the top. Beat egg white and brush over the strips of pie crust.  Arrange 8 strips across the pie.  Then place 8 more strips on diagonally over the first strips to form a lattice. Trim ends and press into bottom crust. Brush rim with egg white and press on almonds. Bake 50-60 minutes until crust is golden and filling is bubbling. Cool on rack. (I like to serve this cold so I pop it in the fridge overnight.)

Enjoy!

coming off the grill

There is something really right about barbecuing in the summer.  Kids in the pool, husband at the grill, me rocking on the deck with baby. (Did you catch that-- I don't do the grilling :) There seem to be far fewer messes in the kitchen when we cook outside as well. 

I don't know about you, but I'm a little burned out on the regular barbecue fare. I'm not a huge fan of meat to start with; so how many steaks, burgers, dogs, and chicken breasts can a girl eat anyways? Not many.

When the 4th of July rolled around, we were all ready for something different. 

Grilled pizza.  It had to be easy though, with baby in tow I wasn't up for some grand and fancy feast. I just bought ready-made pizza crust in the refrigerator isle (near the cinnamon rolls and biscuits) and ready-made pizza sauce--the squeeze kind even!

We unrolled the crust, plopped it on the grill and cooked one side.  Then we brought them in, flipped them over, and heaped toppings on the cooked side (fresh mozzarella, basil, tomatoes, artichokes, asparagus, sun-dried tomatoes, goat cheese, avocados, pepperoni, and canadian bacon & pineapple). We slathered them with olive oil and sent them back out to the grill to cook the bottom of the crust.

Thank you to our friend Marc who did a great job at the grill.  It was windy and my husband is only a fair-weather griller!

One thing that would've made it easier is this.  I don't have one.  We made do with spatulas, tongs, and inverted cookie sheets (with a lot of giggling along the way). We never lost one though, they all made the transfer in tact!

It was so refreshing to try something different! Easy, yummy and pretty too!

So Much Love

Breakfast with my Loves.

 

Wishing you pink, heart-shaped sweetness today and everyday!

**this breakfast delight brought to you by a few drops of pink food dye, a makeshift pastry bag (gallon-sized zip-lock bag with the corner cut open), and nice warm griddle.

roughage

I am absolutely in love with this book!  I found it at the library last week.

Where has Ina Garten been all my life?  I seriously think she may be my new best friend. I love the way she talks about her home in the Hamptons and her "off season" home in NY (not to mention the lovely little flat she keeps in Paris) like her readers most certainly have a similar situation. Um not quite.  But that is where her pretentiousness seems to stop.  I was delighted to find that most of her recipes are simple, the ingredients attainable. 

My Saturday lunch:

A little greek salad with warm goat cheese on toast.  I adapted the recipe in the book to include many of my favorite flavors right now.

Toss together: I don't measure anything, just dump in what looks good to you.

Mixed Greens (I am loving the artisan lettuce tub at costco right now...stays fresher longer than the pre-cut stuff)

Artichoke hearts (mine were from a jar, packed in oil)

Kalamata olives

Garbanzo beans

Then mix dressing: (I measured all ingredients into a jar, then put the lid on and just shook it up. This will make enough dressing for salads all week- time saving!)

6 T white wine vinegar

1 t dijon or seedy brown mustard

1 t mince garlic

1 C olive oil

Coarse salt and pepper to taste

Toss Salad and dressing together.

Then I brushed a few pieces of baguette with olive oil and topped them with sliced goat cheese and baked them at 450 for 8 mins.  This is long enough for the goat cheese to warm and the bread to toast.

It was divine. I really did feel "Barefoot in Paris" versus just "Barefoot and Pregnant".  Going back to the library to find more of Ina.  Any recommendations?

Heaven on a cracker

Lately, I'm big on snacks, little meals, and eating several times a day.

Try this: whole grain crackers, thinly sliced pears (ours were red anjou), and blue cheese (all that was available at my grocery store was crumbled...I would have preferred a block that I could slice). And, if I were allowed...and tasty sip of white wine. 

Yum.

not another boring sandwich

It has been a bit drab around here.  They skies are grey, the fog is dense, and the sun slips behind the mountains at 3:30pm. With all of our Christmas decorations packed away- we needed some color.

Enter: rainbow wraps.

red= apples  orange= mandarin oranges  yellow=pineapple  green=kiwi  blue=blueberries

 

We had some left-over raspberry sauce from our holiday cheesecake, so we drizzled that on top.

I think that they would be tasty with some garlic/dill tofutti and veggies as well.

Make some of your own!