clear pink

perfect : accessories

2010-03-16T14:36:00.004-04:00

Pink bunny crochet knit coin purse (perfect for the easter basket!).

photo by paper source

menu : week eleven

2010-03-14T14:18:00.000-04:00

SATURDAY
Open tacos with refried beans (The Joy of Cooking)

SUNDAY
Beff Bourguigon
Mashed potatoes

MONDAY
Pasta and sauce

TUESDAY
Leek and cheese tart (The Kitchen Bible, page 229)
Roasted beet salad over mixed greens

WEDNESDAY
Breakfast night
Belgian Waffles (The Joy of Cooking)
Simple homemade sausage (The Art of Simple Food)

THURSDAY
Baked Shrimp Scampi (Back to Basics, 128)
Rice

FRIDAY
Sauage, bean and cheese nachos (Food Everyday, January 2010, page 33)

menu recap : week ten

2010-03-13T13:57:00.000-05:00

The end of our week got a bit messed up. We were all set and ready to drive down to Richmond yesterday for my oldest sons soccer tournament, however, early Friday morning just a few hours before we would have left we got a call saying that it was cancelled due to the bad weather that was heading there and scheduled to come our way. I had nothing planned for the weekend so we headed out for pizza on Friday night and I put together a menu for the rest of the week.

SATURDAY
We do not eat steak here very often, but when we do the kids love it. We made a bit extra to use for sandwiched on Sunday night. The corn pudding was not a bit hit with the kids.

SUNDAY
Our day was a mess. Everyone had to be somewhere different and no one seemed to be home at the same time. No. one and my husband had to head to the soccer field for training from six until eight so it was not a good night for a nice sit down dinner. I made the kids steak sandwiches and they ate when they were home.

MONDAY
Broccoli and cheese and bacon and cheese loaded potatoes came out great. The kids loved them. They were a lot more work than a thought they would be, but I like to mix things up once in awhile.

TUESDAY
I thought the roasted potato leek soup was amazing. No. two does not care for soup, so I knew going into it she would not like it. However, I was a bit surprised when no. one did not care for it. The other two ate tons. However, it made a ton, so in order for no. three not to have to have it for lunch everyday for a week I gave some to a friend, I never heard back so maybe she did not like it either. My husband was out that not and did not have any, so while I was reheating it the next morning I made him try it and he was nice enough to give it a try and said that it was the best soup I have made recently.

WEDNESDAY
The chicken parmesan burgers were a hit with the kids. It is served on a french bread and it fell apart on then a bit. Next time I think I would just serve it on rolls for them.

THURSDAY
I switched up what the plan was. I spent hours outside cleaning up the yard and decided to just do a clean up the fridge night. I wanted to get as much as I could done outside since we were scheduled to be away all weekend and the weather did not look good for the next few days.

crumb topping

2010-03-12T13:42:00.000-05:00

I some nice blueberries and blackberries left that I needed to get rid of so I decided to bake a batch of muffins for the kids. I uses the recipe for the muffins that I posted about here, and I added a good crumb topping to them. The recipes makes enough for twelve muffins, but the crumb topping is the only part of a muffin that I like, so next time I will make one and a half times the recipe.

CRUMB TOPPING
5 tablesppons unsalted butter, melted
2/3 cup flour
2/3 cup powdered sugar
1/4 teaspoon cinnamon

Combine all the ingredients in a bowl and mix until mixture is moist and you can form crumbs.

Press topping on top of each muffin before baking.

signs of spring

2010-03-11T13:35:00.000-05:00

No. four and I have been spending lots of time outside. During the big snow strom we lost lots and losts of pine branches (I think at least fifty) and now they need to be cleaned up. It is a boring and messy job, but it is nice to finally be outside.

While doing our work we spotted signs of spring!

baked blintzes

2010-03-09T14:54:00.005-05:00

This past weekend I made baked blintzes with blueberry sauce from Barefoot Contessa Back to Basics. My husband and the girls really liked them. They are a bit time consuming to make, but they would be perfect to serve at a brunch. They made a ton (9 x 13 baking dish) and my husband ate them with maple syrup for dessert and I sent the rest in with the girls for lunch.

spring

2010-03-08T14:51:00.000-05:00

My husband brought me home some lovely sorry you hurt your hand flowers last week. They were a nice way to kick off the great weather we have had the past few days.

menu : week ten

2010-03-07T14:46:00.000-05:00

I did not make two of the meals last week, so I carried them over to this week.

SATURDAY
Steak with chimichurri sauce
corn pudding

MONDAY
Broccoli and cheese and bacon and cheese loaded potatoes

TUESDAY
Roasted potato leek soup (Back to Basics, page 63)

WEDNESDAY
Chicken parmesan burgers (Bon Appetit, March 2010, page 48)
Homemade fries
Broccoli

THURSDAY
Vegetable soup

menu recap : week nine

2010-03-06T14:24:00.000-05:00

The menu was a bit of a bust this week. On Tuesday night I fell in front of the kids school on the way into the science fair (damn fair) and may or may not have fractured my hand. I decided that it was not broken because it would be too much of a pain if it was. However, it was really messed up for several days and since it was my left hand and I am sadly left handed, I was unable to get much done for a few days. Dinner was one of the things that suffered.

SUNDAY
The oven roasted pull pork sandwiches turned out great. We used a pork should that was almost eight pounds (we could not find any smaller) put we split it in half and saved the other half for the pulled pork tacos.

MONDAY
The pasta with pecorino and black pepper was not a huge success. I cut back by almost half on the pepper, but it was still too much spice for two of the kids.

TUESDAY
A mess of a day.

WEDNESDAY
Luckily I had some dim sum in the freezer that I steamed for the kids. I spent a lot of the day trying to get my hand looked at with no luck.

THURSDAY
The pulled pork tacos were really good. I knew I was going to have a hard time rolling out the tortillas so I enlisted the help of no. one who did a great job. Earlier in the day I went to a few place to try and find a press, but I had no luck. However, this past weekend my husband stopped into the mexican stall at the farmers market to get some tamales for lunch. The place is no bigger than 6 feet by ten feet, but they make awesome food. We thought they only made tamales but they were out by the time he got there and he came out with a bunch of other amazing food and a TORTILLA PRESS. I was so excited. Those things are hard to find, go figure.

FRIDAY
NYC

nyc

2010-03-05T14:17:00.000-05:00

The kids had a half day today and since there were no activities after school I decided to take them into the city to meet my husband for dinner. We took the train up, which went better than it usually does. We then hit a few stores on our way down to his office. The kids and I hung out for a bit and then we went over to Crumbs and we let the kids each pick out a cupcake (they lasted the kids three days). Their cupcakes almost make me wish that I liked cake. We then all headed back towards mid-town for some dinner. We decided on Korean BBQ. We all really like it and we do not have a place around us that we can get it. There is a good Korean market, H Mart, that is near us and we sometimes go there for lunch. We hit the place that we went to last time. I have the name and once it is located I will post it, it is worth a stop if you are in the area.

perfect : dress

2010-03-04T19:03:00.003-05:00

Homegrown dress.

photo by anthropologie

ricotta pancakes with blueberry sauce

2010-03-03T12:16:00.000-05:00

For breakfast this past weekend I made ricotta pancakes with blueberry sauce for breakfast. The kids and my husband said that they turned out great. Next time I will have to make a double batch, this did not make nearly enough. I had to give them a blueberry muffin on the side.

Ricotta Pancakes
Makes about twelve 3- to 4-inch pancakes.

For the pancakes
4 large eggs, separated
1 1/3 cups ricotta
1 1/2 tablespoons sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla
1/2 cup all-purpose flour
Melted butter for brushing the griddle

In a bowl whisk together the egg yolks, the ricotta, the sugar, and vanilla, add the flour, and stir the mixture until it is just combined.

In a bowl with an electric mixer beat the egg whites with a pinch of salt until they hold stiff peaks. Fold about one fourth of the whites into the ricotta mixture, then fold in the remaining whites gently but thoroughly.

Heat a griddle over moderately medium heat until it is hot enough to make drops of water scatter over its surface and brush it with some of the melted butter. Working in batches, pour the batter onto the griddle by 1/4-cup measures and cook the pancakes for 1 to 2 minutes on each side, or until they are golden, brushing the griddle with some of the melted butter as necessary.

Blueberry Sauce

2-1/2 cups fresh blueberries
1/3 cup sugar
1/2 cup fresh orange juice
1 tablespoon cornstarch
2 teaspoons fresh lemon juice

In a medium size pan combine the berries, sugar and 1/4 cup of the juice. Heat over medium heat and cook until the berries start to burst.

In a small bolw combine 1/4 cup of the orange juice and the cornstartch. Mix until the starch has dissolved. Add to the blueberry mixture and cook for one minute.

Reduce the heat and add the lemon juice to the mixture. Continue to cook for about 10 minutes.

Serve warm over pancakes.

perfect : jewerly

2010-03-02T12:24:00.000-05:00

Necklace by eninaj.

photo by eninaj.

blueberry muffins

2010-03-01T12:01:00.000-05:00

I often make muffins for the kids. They are a good snack to send into school for lunch. Sometime they also get them for dessert. I tried tons of recipes and have finally come up with one that is a hit round here.

Blueberry Muffins
adapted from The Joy of Cooking
Makes: 2 dozen 2-inch muffins

1-1/2 cup all-purpose flour
1/2 cup whole wheat pastery flour
1 tablespoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt

2 large eggs
1 cup milk
8 table spoons butter, melted
2/3 cup of light brown sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla

1-3/4 cup fresh blueberries

cinnamon sugar

Preheat oven to 400 degrees.

Either line or butter a 12-muffin pan.

In a large bowl mix together the two flours, salt, and baking powder. Take one tablepsoon of this misture and toss with the blueberries in another bowl and set aside.

In another bowl whisk eggs add melted butter and whisk. Then add the milk, sugar, and vanilla and whisk until combined.

Combine the liquid and flour ingredients with a few swift strokes, do not over mix. Fold in blueberries into the batter before the dry ingredients are completely moist.

Fill cups two-thirds full, sprinkle tops with cinnamon sugar and bake 18 to 25 minutes.

menu : week nine

2010-02-28T14:52:00.004-05:00

SUNDAY
Oven roasted pull pork sandwiches
coleslaw
homemade fries

MONDAY
Pasta with pecorino and black pepper (Back to Basics, page 143)

TUESDAY
Vegetable soup

WEDNESDAY
Broccoli and cheddar and bacon and cheddar loaded baked potatoes

THURSDAY
Pulled pork tacos
black beans and rice

FRIDAY
I am going to make another attempt to take the kids into NYC to meet my husband for dinner.

menu recap : week eight

2010-02-27T12:06:00.004-05:00

SUNDAY
The indian dinner that I made turned out great. It is a ton of work and took hours to make that many dishes, but it was worth the effort. Everyone loves indian food and there was just a bit left that I packed in the lunch boxes.

MONDAY
Pasta with roasted vegetables and arugula was just a ok. I will not make it again.

TUESDAY
The Pan Bagnat was a success. It is a great make ahead meal. Everyone likes theirs a bit different, but they are not hard to make so it is fine. I can never make enough rosti, all four love it.

WEDNESDAY
Pork Stir Fry over Crispy rice is a fast and good dinner that all the kids love.

THURSDAY
Pasta with sauce is one of my husbands favorites. I made a big pot of sauce that allows me to freeze some to use for other dishes.

FRIDAY
I tried a new pizza dough but was not impressed with the recipe. I will go back to mine. It took me almost a year to come up with the one that I use all the time now. See below for my recipe for dough.

Pizza Dough
3/4 cup warm water (105 to 115 degrees)
1 envelope active dry yeast

2 cups (or more) all purpose flour
1-1/4 teaspoons sugar
1 teaspoon salt
3 tablespoons olive oil

Cornmeal

Pour the warm water into the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the dough hook. Stir in yeast. Let stand until yeast begins to foam, about 5 minutes.

Add sugar, salt, and olive oil into the yeast mixture and mix. Add 2 cups of flour and mix until dough forms a ball. Test dough to make sure it is not to sticky. If it is, add more flour by tablespoons until dough is no longer sticky. Mix for a few more minutes until dough is smooth.

Lightly oil a bowl with olive oil. Transfer the dough to the bowl and turn dough in bowl to lightly coat the dough with the oil. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and then cover with a dish towel. Let the dough rise in a warn draft-free area until doubled in size.

After the dough has risen punch the dough down. Split the dough into 2 or 3 balls. Cover the balls that you are not using. Dust working surface with flour and roll out the dough. Start in the center and work your way out. Make the dough a little smaller then your baking sheet.

Preheat over to 550 degrees.

Sprinkle baking sheet lightly with cornmeal, this will prevent the dough from sticking to the pan. Transfer rolled out dough to pan.

Top with whatever you desire.

Bake pizza until it is browned on the bottom and cheese is melted, about 10 minutes.

Enjoy!

perfect : decor

2010-02-26T15:16:00.002-05:00

Wall art by Prairie Path.

photo by prairie path.

perfect : garden

2010-02-25T14:22:00.001-05:00

Seeds by The Balcony Gardener.

perfect : fabric

2010-02-24T13:25:00.001-05:00

Gnomes white and green by Heather Ross.

treat

2010-02-23T18:20:00.002-05:00

Today was the kind of day where you think to yourself I really need a treat. However the day was such that it has drained me and even looking for a treat is a task. If I could treat myself to a treat I would have one of these.

photo by levain bakery

menu : week eight

2010-02-21T17:29:00.000-05:00

SUNDAY
Onion Bhajis (Food Bible, page 50)
Naan (The Joy of Cooking)
Raita (The Joy of Cooking)
Chana Masala (The Smitten Kitchen)
Aloo Patak

MONDAY
Pasta with roasted vegetables and arugula (Food Everday, January 2010, page 13)

TUESDAY
Pan Bagnat (Food Bible, page 89)
Rosti

WEDNESDAY
Pork Stir Fry over Crispy rice

THURSDAY
Pasta with sauce

FRIDAY
Homemade pizza

menu recap : week seven

2010-02-20T16:33:00.001-05:00

SATURDAY
The roasted turkey, avocado, bacon and balsamic onion marmalade sandwiched from 'wichcraft were really good. I could put the onion marmalade on everything. The kids always love homemade fries.

TUESDAY
The pork dumplings turned out well. I changed the recipe a bit, but I think it was for the better. I also made my new favorite scallion pancakes that I posted about already.

WEDNESDAY
Prosciutto ravioli are easy and a hit with everyone. I made a sage brown butter sauce to serve them with for the kids. I then made a fast fresh tomato sauce for my husband.
spinach

THURSDAY
Tuscan bean salad with crispy italian sausage is a dish I make often. No. one decided he did not wnt to eat it this week. Whatever!

FRIDAY
The stir fried turkey in lettuce wraps turned out to be a huge, huge hit. They are crzy easy to make. I made white rice and we put it in the wraps. Next time I will double the sauce so we have more to serve on the side.

etsy

2010-02-18T13:18:00.000-05:00

I added these note cards to the shop. They are a new product.

scallion pancakes

2010-02-17T13:14:00.000-05:00

The last time I made scallion pancakes I thought they were bland and I knew I needed to find a new recipe for the next time that I made them. This week I tried them again using a recipe that I found here, they were so much better. The new pancakes have much more flavor and also have a better texture. Give them a try!

more winter

2010-02-16T13:25:00.001-05:00

The snow never seems to stop around here.

menu : week seven

2010-02-15T13:51:00.000-05:00

SATURDAY
Roasted turkey, avocado, bacon and balsamic onion marmalade sandwiched ('wichcraft, page 122)
homemade fries

TUESDAY
Pork Dumplings (Family Fun, February 2010)

WEDNESDAY
Prosciutto ravioli (Everyday Pasta, page 103)
spinach

THURSDAY
Tuscan bean salad with crispy italian sausage
crusty italian bread (I might try to make some)

FRIDAY
Stir fried turkey in lettuce wraps (Food Everyday, January 2010, page 92)
rice

happy valentine's day

2010-02-14T13:26:00.000-05:00

What can be better than a Krispy Kreme heart shaped doughnut for Valentine's day?

menu recap : week six

2010-02-13T13:31:00.000-05:00

I switched the menu around a bit this week. After being snowed in on Wednesday and outside playing and shoveling, a pasta salad did not sound good, so I switched the meal to the three bean chili. Then on Friday I had to make eighty cupcakes for the kids Valentine's Day parties at school. They had a two hour delay that day and then I went with no. four who had no school and ran my seven miles. After that we headed over to the school for the parties and for some reason they take a lot out of me. Trying to organize two of them and then running around to three of them is not my idea of fun. By the time I got home from the school it was late and I was drained, so we ordered pizza that night. Saldy we are no longer a two pizza family (only with the trenton style) and I only got a slice because the kids were hungry. Next time I know to get three.

MONDAY
Tuna and roasted tomato melt was a hit. It is easy to make, but the roasted tomatoes take a long time.

TUESDAY
Potato gnocchi with pork and wild mushroom ragu was a hit with no one and three as well as my husband. No. two was sick, so she did not eat it and for some reason no. four did not care for it. It is time consuming to make. I think next time I would make the gnocchi the day before.

WEDNESDAY
Three bean chili over rice was perfect for a snowbound evening. I put out salsa, cheese and sour cream to top the chili with.

THURSDAY
The Antipasto Salad is always a hit. I have made this a few time before. It is a good dish to make ahead if you need to. I think that it gets better as it sits.

winter

2010-02-12T13:21:00.000-05:00

winter

2010-02-10T13:18:00.000-05:00

menu : week six

2010-02-09T09:20:00.000-05:00

MONDAY
Tuna and roasted tomato melt ('wichcraft, page 113)
homemade french fries
roasted beets and celery root

TUESDAY
Potato gnocchi with pork and wild mushroom ragu (Bon Appetit, February 2010, page 73)

WEDNESDAY
Antipasto Salad (Everyday Pasta, page 81)

THURSDAY
Pork Dumplings (Family Fun, February 2010)

FRIDAY
Three bean chili over rice

The other day my son had to bring his favorite chocolate item into school for a chocolate party. They have recenly read a chocolate themed book and the teacher thought it would be a fun treat for them all to share their favorite. He decided to bring in Heath Bars. I had a half of bag left over and decided to make some heath bar cookies. They were a huge hit.

Heath Bar cookies

1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, at room temperature
3/4 cup dark brown sugar
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1 large egg
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
1/2 - 1 12-ounce package small heath bars, coarsely chopped (use as much or as little as you would like)

Directions
Heat oven to 375° F. Line 2 baking sheets with parchment paper. In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt.

Using an electric mixer, beat the butter and sugars until creamy. Add the egg and vanilla and beat to combine. Gradually add the flour mixture, mixing until just incorporated. Fold in the heath bars.

Drop tablespoon-size mounds of dough 2 inches apart onto the prepared baking sheets. Bake until light brown around the edges, 12 to 15 minutes. Transfer to a baking rack to cool.

project : valentine's day cards

2010-02-08T07:27:00.000-05:00

Still don't have the Valentine's Day cards done? Print out these colorful Valentine’s Day gift tags from Hello, Good Gravy and attach to a pencil or sweet treat.

new

2010-02-07T13:48:00.000-05:00

New item added.

menu recap : week five

2010-02-06T15:22:00.005-05:00

SUNDAY
Grilled cheese and short rib sandwiches with pickled caramelized onion and arugula were crazy good. We will make these again. I only made half of the short ribs which was plenty. Also, instead of slicing the onions, I would dice them next time.

MONDAY
Rigatoni with sausage, peppers and onions is an easy and good pasta dish.

TUESDAY
Cheddar, bacon and chive biscuit ham sandwiches were delicious. The recipe makes a lot of biscuits, so I gave them to the kids for lunch the next day.

WEDNESDAY
I changed the dinner to grilled cheese and bacon panini. Our schedule changed and I needed a fast dinner.

THURSDAY
Shrimp dumplings, rice and scallion pancakes turned out well. The kids loved the scallion pancakes. I thought that they were a bit bland. If I make them again I will look for a different recipe.

FRIDAY
Mac and cheese is always a hit. I have a few different recipes that I use, but this one is our favorite. I served it with spinach on the side so there is something a bit healthful.

project : valentine's day cards

2010-02-05T07:23:00.000-05:00

More free printables for Valentine's Day.

Love and Rockets printable Valentine’s Day cards by Cameron of Cottage Industrialist.

project : valentine's day cards

2010-02-04T13:15:00.003-05:00

Free printables for Valentine's Day.

Sweet owly Valentine’s Day cards and bookmarks by Amy at Living Locurto.

spring

2010-02-03T18:35:00.000-05:00

Thinking of spring.

two years

2010-02-02T13:57:00.003-05:00

It has been two years since I started selling on etsy. The first year went well, but this past year was a disater. I think I spent more money trying to sell stuff than I actually made.

Here is to a better third year.

I added these italian print tags over the weekend. I love the patterns.

In celebration of the third year, buy and three items and get free US shipping. Just mention third year in the message to seller. I'll keep this offer up until Sunday.

etsy

2010-02-01T07:38:00.000-05:00

Still adding new items to my shop.

menu : week five

2010-01-31T19:24:00.002-05:00

SUNDAY
Grilled cheese and short rib sandwiches with pickled caramelized onion and arugula (bon appetit, february 2010, page 18)
fries

MONDAY
Rigatoni with sausage, peppers and onions (everyday pasta, page 95)

TUESDAY
Cheddar, bacon and chive biscuit ham sandwiches (bon appetit, february 2010, page 44)
homefries
roasted asparagus

WEDNESDAY
Ravoli with red pepper sauce

THURSDAY
Shrimp dumplings, rice and scallion pancakes

FRIDAY
Mac and cheese (Tyler Florence's Ultimate)

menu recap : week four

2010-01-30T19:17:00.002-05:00

SATURDAY
Pasta with walnut ricotta sauce was only a medium success. Only half liked it enough to have it again.

SUNDAY
Pizza:
Potato bacon, Three cheese, Plain, Puttanesca with cheese
Homemade pizza is always a good dinner. My favorite is the potato and bacon.
MONDAY
Tortellini with brown butter sage sauce is good when I need a fast dinner.

TUESDAY
Pork paillards with sour cream paprika sauce over noodles was a hit. Everyone liked it. If I make it again I will double the sauce.

WEDNESDAY
Miso soup with shrimp and vegetables is another good dinner for a busy school night.

THURSDAY
Chicken quesadillas always a good dinner to make. I roast the chicken breasts with olive oil, lime juice, cumin, salt and pepper and then shred then for the quesadillas. I serve them with sour cream, salsa, and guacamole.

FRIDAY
Sadly we did not make it into the city. I was way to cold to take the kids in and walk around. Instead we went out to a new mexican place when my husband got home. The place was good. It is not our new favorite, but is a place to go again. We are lacking for restaurants in this area.

perfect : crafts

2010-01-28T08:18:00.000-05:00

You're a fox craft kit available at Red Velvet Art.

photo from Red Velvet Art

etsy

2010-01-27T14:08:00.002-05:00

I pretty much gave up on trying to sell cards and some how this month, out of the blue, I sold seven packs. In full disclosure, four were to my sister-in-law (thanks!!), but I'll take what I can get.

Inspired a bit, I listed a few sets and will try to get some more up.

project : barrettes

2010-01-25T14:44:00.003-05:00

These are sweet. You can learn how to make them over at The Purl Bee.

photo by the purl bee

menu : week four

2010-01-24T14:35:00.001-05:00

SATURDAY
Pasta with walnut ricotta sauce

SUNDAY
Pizza:
Potato bacon, Three cheese, Plain, Puttanesca with cheese

MONDAY
Tortellini with brown butter sage sauce

TUESDAY
Pork paillards with sour cream paprika sauce over noodles (MS Living, January 2010, page 61)

WEDNESDAY
Miso soup with shrimp and vegetables

THURSDAY
Chicken quesadillas
Mexican rice

FRIDAY
Dinner in NYC (fingers crossed)

menu recap : week three

2010-01-23T14:18:00.001-05:00

SATURDAY
Burgers and fries

It was mild enough to grill, so who does not love burgers on the grill. I make my own fries, very easy. Just cut up the potatoes into long frie shaped slices, toss with olive oil, salt and pepper and roast in a four hundred degree oven for about 40-50 minutes, or until crip outside and soft inside.

SUNDAY
(Birthday dinner)
Roasted duck and mushroom gravy
spaetzle
roasted beets
chocolate and pistachio cream pie

As I wrote before this dinner was a hit. I call it the white meal.

TUESDAY
Italian white bean, pancetta and tortellini soup

This was a hit. Very easy to make. Serve with a good crusty bread.

WEDNESDAY
Confetti Chili

I make this a few times every winter. The kids love it. I served it over rice and topped with cheese and sour cream.

THURSDAY
Spaghetti Puttanesca

This turned out fine. The boys were not crazy for it, but the girls loved it. I had a bunch of sauce left, so I will use it for the girls lunch.

FRIDAY
Chicken tikka masala
basmati rice
spinach
naan

This meal turned out well. The sauce was pretty spicy. Luckily my kids can take a decent amount of heat. Th naan was killer. I will make it again. I tried the sauce and was not thrilled with it. I was wishing it wad more like the one that we get at the Indian place we like. I have come across a few other recipes for the chicken, so I will give one a try in a few weeks.

birthday part two

2010-01-22T14:09:00.000-05:00

Along with the scarf that I made for my friend I also got her a six pack of cupcakes from Crumbs. She has a sweet tooth like no one I know. My husband was kind enough to run and pick them up for me and I dropped them off when he got home. He picked out six different types: red velvet, s'mores, sprinkle, apple pie, snowcaps, and peanut butter cup. I hope that they were a success.

birthday

2010-01-21T14:00:00.000-05:00

A friend is having a birthday on sunday so I made her this felted scarf. No pattern, I just made it up. I think that this is the fifth or sixth scarf that I have made her (along with two hats). She is the only person that I know who wears scaves as much as I do.

beauty

2010-01-20T13:09:00.000-05:00

It is a week of beauty for me. I cashed in my two gift cards and got my hair cut (well over six inches chopped) and my nails done both in the same week. I think that this is a first for me.

photo from NYT style magazine

perfect : kids

2010-01-19T20:03:00.001-05:00

Mushroom pouf @ anthropologie.

photo by anthropologie

2010

2010-01-18T16:43:00.003-05:00

I found this free calendar design from something's hiding in here. Print them out and share with friends.

pie

2010-01-17T16:33:00.001-05:00

The birthday dinner was a success. My husband said that everything turned out well. The kids love duck (I pass on the duck, I am not a meat, poultry or fish lover, I could easily give them up) and are always happy when we make it, once a year.

The pie was just a mild success. It is not a make again as is. I think if i tried it again I would use pecans instead, but I am not sure I would even try it. Can't win them all.

menu : week three

2010-01-16T17:07:00.001-05:00

SATURDAY
Burgers and fries

SUNDAY
(Birthday dinner)
Roasted duck and mushroom gravy
spaetzle (The Joy of Cooking)
roasted beets
chocolate and pistachio cream pie (Pie by Angela Boggiano)

TUESDAY
Italian white bean, pancetta and tortellini soup (Everyday Pasta, page 67)

WEDNESDAY
Confetti Chili (The Food You Crave, page 187)

THURSDAY
Spaghetti Puttanesca (Wlliams-Sonama)

FRIDAY
Chicken tikka masala (MS Living, January 2010)
basmati rice
spinach
naan (The Joy of Cooking)

menu recap : week two

2010-01-15T16:49:00.000-05:00

SUNDAY
Spaghetti and meatballs is always a family favorite. I make a huge pot of sauce and freeze what we don't use for other dinners.

MONDAY
Leek, bacon and pea risotto was good. It made a ton, so I sent it with the kids for lunch.

TUESDAY
Pork tenderloin, spinach and polenta was good. Only two of the kids liked the polenta. The recipe made a ton of polenta, which I poured half of into an oiled baking dish and left to set. I fried it in some butter and put honey over it for breakfast on Friday morning. Two out of four liked the breakfast polenta.

WEDNESDAY
Tex-mex cornbread skillet was a hit. I changed the recipe a bit and sprinkled some cheddar over the top of the cornbread before baking. I just served it with some sour cream on top, a very easy dinner.

THURSDAY
Roasted tomato and cipollini tuscan bean salad with tuna is a great make ahead dinner. The kids were all in different places after school, so I made this and just served it to them when they were able to sit down to eat.

FRIDAY
One skillet pasta with chicken and broccoli is a really good dinner. My husband loved it and said it would even be great without the chicken.

perfect : decor

2010-01-14T14:08:00.000-05:00

heart garland at oeuf.

perfect : decor

2010-01-13T13:48:00.001-05:00

astrid chair at anthropologie.

running

2010-01-12T18:31:00.003-05:00

After a three week break (way to cold weather, kids at home and sick) from running , I got back to it today. I will confess, I am a huge baby when it comes to the cold. I have determined that if it is under about thirty four degrees I am not able to run outside, so I had to move it indoors today and run on the treadmill. Not the same, but something is better than nothing.

Jogging in the snow by missimomo

perfect : knitting

2010-01-11T18:26:00.000-05:00

Sweet Pea bulky superwash merino handspun yarn by Marion.

photo by marion

menu : week two

2010-01-10T15:48:00.002-05:00

SUNDAY
Spaghetti and meatballs

MONDAY
Leek, bacon and pea risotto (Food Everyday, October 2009, page 86)

TUESDAY
Pork tenderloin, spinach and polenta (Food Everyday, January 2010, page 73)

WEDNESDAY
Tex-mex cornbread skillet (24 boxes blog)

THURSDAY
Roasted tomato and cipollini tuscan bean salad with tuna

FRIDAY
One skillet pasta with chicken and broccoli (24 boxes blog)

menu recap : week one

2010-01-09T07:44:00.000-05:00

I thought it would make sense to recap how the meals were received and any changes that I made to the recipes.

MONDAY
I make quiche about two or three times a year. I change what type it is, but I know going into it that no. one does not like any kind of quiche. I do not make special meals for whomever decided that they do not care for the dinner, they just eat the other dishes that I serve.

TUESDAY
Skillet Lasagna is so easy to make and a hit with everyone. It makes a ton and we always have some left that I send in the kids lunchboxes.

WEDNESDAY
Chicken Noodle Soup

THURSDAY
The Vegetarian Enchiladas were a hit. It is the first recipe that I have made from The Kitchen Bible. However, I did change the recipe a bit. I used flour totillas that I made, I doubled the sauce and the filling as well. The sauce is great and can now never buy a can of enchilada sauce again.

FRIDAY
I made Penne with Italian Sausage, Cream, Tomatoes and Peas from the cookbook Dinner at My Place once before. It is a good dish. How could something with heavy cream, cheese and pasta not be.

happy birthday

2010-01-08T15:25:00.004-05:00

Today is my husband's birthday. Sadly we are not doing anything fun tonight (a basketball game for no. one) bu we will all go out to eat tomorrow night (his choice) and then he will pick a meal for me to make on Sunday.

Happy Birthday!

perfect : jewerly

2010-01-07T15:49:00.004-05:00

I am not of a decorative jewerly wearer. I have wore the same necklace for over twelve years (never taken if off), but I thought that this was pretty. I think that I was drawn to the color.

Necklace by Orangepoppy.

photo by orangepoppy

cold

2010-01-06T15:08:00.001-05:00

It's cold out, a perfect chicken soup kinda day.

resolutions

2010-01-05T14:25:00.003-05:00

I got a bit behind in posting again. no. one got sick on New Year's Eve day, which killed our trip into the city. I was rather bumbed out. I plan at least two trips into the city every year with the kids, New Year's Eve day and then one at the end of the school year for a happy summer dinner out in NYC. The summer dinner was canceled due to my husbands family coming into town and then our trip the other day. Sooner or later we will get there.

To make things a bit worse, he passed his illness on to me (thank goodness only me, knock wood). I have not been as sick as I was on Sunday in a long while, I was knocked out sick, loose three pounds in a day sick. Sadly, it is a lingering illness and expect for handfuls of pretzels here and there I still can not bare to eat anything, nor do I even want to.

Anyway, what I was going to post about is New Year's resolutions. I usually do not make them, but I have two this year. The first is to get my hair cut more than once this year. I usually go about once a year and when I go I swear that I am going to return to keep it looking good (it never relly looks good, it is just degrees of looking bad) but never make it. I do not like my hair too long and let's just say I am in need of a cut ASAP. The second resolution is to keep running. I have been running on a regular basis since July and plan to keep going.

date books by paper source.

menu : week one

2010-01-04T14:00:00.001-05:00

MONDAY
Bacon and Cheese Quiche (The Joy of Cooking, I have an earlier edition)
Home fries

TUESDAY
Skillet Lasagna (Food Everyday, September 2009, page 97)

WEDNESDAY
Chicken Noodle Soup

THURSDAY
Vegetarian Enchilada (The Kitchen Bible, page 57)
Mexican Rice

FRIDAY
Penne with Italian Sausage, Cream, Tomatoes and Peas (Dinner at My Place, page 180)

menus

2010-01-03T13:33:00.000-05:00

A little over three yeas ago I was in a cooking rut. We would head to the food store every weeknd and just walk through the aisles buying stuff. It is not like I was gooing junk, I was cooking good stuff, but I seemed to be rotating the same dished every few weeks. Also, since we were shopping without a plan we wasted some food.

After we gutted and redid our kitchen I decided to adopt a new approach to cooking for us. I sat down every week and went though my cookbooks and magazines and planned out a weeks worth of meals. I made a shopping list based on what we were having that week. My goal was to try and make something new almost every night, which when you have as many cookbooks and subscribe to as many cooking magazines as I do, is not that hard.

I am happy to say that I am still doing our weekly menus. Last January I got a journal and decided to keep track of what I made, where the recipe is from, if not in my head, and whether or not it was a hit.

I thought it would be fun to share the weekly menus with you this year. I'll try to link any recipes that I use from the web and share some of my own on occasion.

cookies : chocolate chip

2010-01-02T06:18:00.000-05:00

I am still working on the Levain cookie recipe. I have now tried four different recipes. I have read as many blogs as I can on the recipe, but it does not seem like anyone has figured it out.

The biggest problem that I am having is that the cookies are spreading to much. In my next test batch I am going to play around with the temperate a bit. I am running out of time to try these. I am planning another detox for Monday and there is nothing in these that is allowed.

Batch number four was not the one, but it is an awesome cookie. Give it a try.

Batch Four
Makes 7 very large cookies

1 stick unsalted butter, cold, cut into pieces
1/2 cup sugar
1/2 cup + 1 tablespoon brown sugar
1 egg
1-1/2 teaspoon baking powder
1 teaspoon baking soda
1-1/2 cup flour
5 oz semi sweet chocolate chips

Preheat oven to 375 degrees.

In the bowl of a mixer beat butter and sugars until just combined. Add egg and mix. In another bowl mix the flour, baking soda and baking powder. Add to butter mixer and mix until just combined. Add chocolate chip and mix until combined.

Divide dough into seven large balls. Be careful not to pack the dough to tight. Place on a large cookie sheet making sure not to place them to close together.

Bake for 16-17 minutes.

happy new year

2010-01-01T00:01:00.000-05:00

wishing you a happy 2010.

nyc

2009-12-31T07:26:00.000-05:00

We are off to NYC for our annual (this will be our third year) new year eve day trip into the city. The kids and I meet up with my husband after work. We go to a few stores and then head out for dinner. The first year we stayed downtown and ate by the South Street Seaport. Last year we took them to a great place in Koreatown (we have since made two more trips to eat in Koreatown, it is a favorite of the kids). I think we will head back to Koreatown again this year.

The weather was awful last year, very very cold and snowing. I hope today is better.

Happy New Year!

cookies : brownie squares

2009-12-30T11:32:00.003-05:00

I forgot to post the recipe for the brownie squares. These are one of my favorites. I don't care much for brownies, but these are so much better. There is a butter cookie on the bottom and a gooey not to sweet bownie on the top. They are cut into one-inch squares, the perfect size.

Brownie Squares
Gourmet 2003

For crust
Ingredients for basic butter cookies (see below)

For brownie filling
1 1/2 sticks (3/4 cup) unsalted butter
10 1/2 oz fine-quality bittersweet chocolate (not unsweetened), chopped
1 1/2 cups packed light brown sugar
3 large eggs, lightly beaten
1 1/4 teaspoons vanilla
3/4 cup all-purpose flour
1/4 cup plus 2 tablespoons Dutch-process unsweetened cocoa powder
3/4 teaspoon salt
1 1/2 cups walnuts (6 oz; optional), toasted , cooled, and coarsely chopped
print a shopping list for this recipe

Make crust:
Grease a 13- by 9-inch metal baking pan, then line with foil, leaving a 2-inch overhang on both ends, and grease foil.

Follow recipe for basic butter cookies to make dough, then press dough evenly onto bottom of baking pan, using plastic wrap on top to prevent dough from sticking to your fingers, and chill until firm, about 20 minutes.

While crust chills, put oven rack in middle position and preheat oven to 375°F.

Bake until golden brown, about 30 minutes. Cool crust in pan on a rack 20 minutes. (Leave oven on.)

Make brownie filling while crust cools:
Melt butter and chocolate with brown sugar in a 3-quart heavy saucepan over moderate heat, stirring occasionally, until smooth. Remove from heat, then whisk in eggs and vanilla until combined well. Whisk in flour, cocoa, and salt, then stir in walnuts (if using).

Spread brownie batter over cooled crust and bake until set, about 20 minutes. Cool completely in pan on rack, about 1 1/2 hours.

Run a heavy knife under hot water and wipe dry, then cut confection into 1-inch squares.

Squares keep, layered between sheets of wax paper or parchment, in an airtight container at room temperature 1 week.

Basic Butter Cookies

2 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 1/2 sticks (3/4 cup) unsalted butter, softened
1 cup sugar
1 large egg
1/2 teaspoon vanilla

Whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt in a small bowl.

Beat together butter and sugar in a large bowl with an electric mixer at medium-high speed until pale and fluffy, about 3 minutes in a standing mixer (preferably fitted with paddle attachment) or 6 with a handheld. Beat in egg and vanilla. Reduce speed to low, then add flour mixture and mix until just combined.

catching up

2009-12-29T14:05:00.002-05:00

The holiday got the best of me. Every year I hope that this will be the year that I enjoy the holidays but this year was not the one. I hate the craziness of it, and hate the wastfullness of it also. We give and get so much that will never be used.

I seemed swapmed this year more than most. I was busy with the cookies, card orders, buying and wrapping presents and planning parties for the kids classes at school.

That being said, I fell way behind in the posting here. Today is the first day that I have had a minute so I went and posted the rest of the cookie recipes. Happy baking!

cookies : rugelach

2009-12-26T13:57:00.000-05:00

This is one of my husbands favorites.

Once again I make these much smaller than the recipe calls for. The are great to freeze. If you want to freeze them proceed through all the steps until baking. Place cookies an a parchment lined baking sheet and place in freezer until the cookies are frozen through. Place in a freezer bag and bake cookies as needed. If you plan to bake them straigh from the freezer you will need to add a few minutes to the baking time.

Barfoot Contessa Parties

Ingredients
8 ounces cream cheese, at room temperature
1/2-pound unsalted butter, at room temperature
1/4 cup granulated sugar plus 9 tablespoons
1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
2 cups all-purpose flour
1/4 cup light brown sugar, packed
1 1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
3/4 cup raisins
1 cup walnuts, finely chopped
1 egg beaten with 1 tablespoon milk, for egg wash

Cream the cheese and butter in the bowl of an electric mixer fitted with the paddle attachment until light. Add 1/4 cup granulated sugar, the salt, and vanilla. With the mixer on low speed, add the flour and mix until just combined. Dump the dough out onto a well-floured board and roll it into a ball. Cut the ball in quarters, wrap each piece in plastic, and refrigerate for 1 hour.

To make the filling, combine 6 tablespoons of granulated sugar, the brown sugar, 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon, the raisins, and walnuts.

On a well-floured board, roll each ball of dough into a 9-inch circle. Sprinkle the dough with 1/2 cup of the filling. Press the filling lightly into the dough. Cut the circle into 12 equal wedges—cutting the whole circle in quarters, then each quarter into thirds. Starting with the wide edge, roll up each wedge. Place the cookies, points tucked under, on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Chill for 30 minutes.

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F.

Brush each cookie with the egg wash. Combine 3 tablespoons granulated sugar and 1 teaspoon cinnamon and sprinkle on the cookies. Bake for 15 to 20 minutes, until lightly browned. Remove to a wire rack and let cool.

merry merry

2009-12-25T13:52:00.000-05:00

Wishing you a merry christmas.

cookies : thumbprints

2009-12-24T13:45:00.001-05:00

The thumbprints were the last cookies that I made. They are a favorite around here. Somehow I did not get a photo of them and by the time I realized it, they were all gone. I make mine smaller than the recipe calls for, they are very rich.

Barefoot Contessa Family Style

Ingredients
3/4 pound (3 sticks) unsalted butter, at room temperature
1 cup sugar
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
1 egg beaten with 1 tablespoon water, for egg wash
7 ounces sweetened flaked coconut
Raspberry jam

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F.

In an electric mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, cream together the butter and sugar until they are just combined and then add the vanilla. Separately, sift together the flour and salt. With the mixer on low speed, add the flour mixture to the creamed butter and sugar. Mix until the dough starts to come together. Dump on a floured board and roll together into a flat disk. Wrap in plastic and chill for 30 minutes.

Roll the dough into 1 1/4-inch balls. (If you have a scale they should each weigh 1 ounce.) Dip each ball into the egg wash and then roll it in coconut. Place the balls on an ungreased cookie sheet and press a light indentation into the top of each with your finger. Drop 1/4 teaspoon of jam into each indentation. Bake for 20 to 25 minutes, until the coconut is a golden brown. Cool and serve.

photo by food network

cookies : spritz

2009-12-22T13:27:00.000-05:00

This recipes is a classic by now. My mom got a spritz gun in the early 80's and now I have it. I guess at this point it is considered vintage. This is one of my favorite cookies.

Spritz

3/4 cup butter, softened
3/4 cup sugar
1 large egg
2 teaspoons vanilla
2 cups flour
1/4 teaspoon baking powder
1/4 salt

Preheat over to 375 degrees.

With electric mixer beat the butter while gradually adding sugar. Once added, continue to beat until light and fluffy, about five minutes.

Add egg and vanilla; beat well.

In another bowl blend flour, baking powder and salt togehter. Add to the mixer in three additions, mixing well after each one.. The dough will be stiff.

Fill and assemble your spritz gun to make the cookies.

Bake cookies for 10-12 minutes, or until they start to turn golden around the edges.

Makes 6-7 dozen

winter

2009-12-21T16:39:00.000-05:00

Happy first day of Winter.

I hope that it is not a long one.

cookies : final count

2009-12-20T21:41:00.000-05:00

The cookies are all baked. I spent the last few days baking like crazy. By the end of the night everything will be packed up to give out tomorrow. My husband will take three bags into work, three bags will go to the teachers, two bags to friends, one to my parents, and one small bags to no. one's math teacher and one to the bus driver. There are still a few cookies here that the kids can have and just enough to put out for dessert on Christmas eve. My goal is to get them all out of the house.

Here is what I made:

100 chocolate chip cookies
100 double chocolate brownie cookies
100 white chocolate butterscotch cookie
100 peanut butter-cup cookies
100 spritz cookies
100 thumbprints
90 brownie squares
120 sugar cookies
135 rugelach
75 macaroons
90 toffee blondies
75 oreos

I still have a bunch of recipes to post and will do so over the next few days. Stay tuned...

tortilla

2009-12-17T15:50:00.004-05:00

Today has been a busy day. I had a few things to do in the morning, a meeting at school and then had to pick up no. four from pre-school (sadly no run today, a combo of very cold weather and not enough time). When we got home I had to finish up our Christmas cards (I made about thirty today) and started the dough for a cookie (it is not resting in the fridge), I wrapped the presents for all of the brownie leaders and the secret santa swap. Then I had to start dinner. I was planning to make my own corn torillas. I tried one batch, didn't come together, then I tryed a different corn flour and it tasted like dirt. I did not have enough time to run to the store to get some I did a fast google search for flour tortillas and found an easy recipe. I made the dough, rolled them out and cooked them. All I can say about them is that we will never buy them from the store again, they are that good.

Flour Tortillas
Makes about 16

3 cups unbleached flour
2 tsp. baking powder
1 tsp. salt
4-6 Tbsp. vegetable shortening or lard
about 1 1/4 cups warm water

Mix dry ingredients in a large bowl.

Add vegetable shortening. Use a fork or a pastry cutter to cut in the shortening or just use your hands.

Next add warm water a little at a time until your dough is soft and not sticky. You do not need very hot water.

Knead the dough for a few minutes.

Now you will pull off pieces of dough to form about 16 small dough balls. Let them rest for at least 10 minutes.

Heat a non-stick skillet. You will want to set it at medium to high heat. If it is too hot the tortillas will cook too fast.

Now you can roll out the dough with a rolling pin or a tortilla press. It is a good idea to dust each ball with a little flour just before you roll them out. Roll them out fairly thin.

Place rolled tortilla in the skillet, takes just a few seconds to cook. Flip to the other side. When they are done it should have lots of nice brown speckles. Place them in a towel. If you would like you can use a tortilla warmer to keep them warm longer.

They are ready to be served!

cookies

2009-12-15T15:20:00.003-05:00

My husband has brought me home two cookies from Levain Bakery, located in NYC's upper west side, his office has been getting them. One day he brought me an oatmeal raisin and last Friday he brought home one of the walnut chocolate chip. They have two other cookie flavors, but they are not up my alley.

Well, they are the most amazing cookies. They are huge (good thing that I am not near there) and perfect. They are almost raw inside which is how I like them.

Yesterday he sent me a link to their blog and that got me thinking that I could (need to) try and make the cookies. It is beside the point that I am crazy busy. I have make six of the thirteen christmas cookies, which means that I still have to bake and package everything by this Sunday evening. I also am finishing up some Christmas card orders and have to finish our Christmas card which I am on the verge of tossing because it has been very problematic.

I digress. After reading the blog a bit I did a search for the cookie recipe and of course like all great things it is a well guarded recipe. There are some blogs that have copycat recipes so I picked one and got going.

Well they are not really the same. I need to make a few adjustments and perhaps read through all the copycat recipes and see what is the same and what people do different. However, I think this project will need to wait until after Christmas.

happy birthday

2009-12-13T08:04:00.000-05:00

It is hard to believe that this little (not really so little when he was born) monkey turned five today. I think we now officially have big kids.

Happy Birthday!

cookies

2009-12-12T21:48:00.001-05:00

Still busy baking. I have lots of recipes to post next week.

No. four turns five tomorrow so we went into the city for his birthday dinner and then out for ice cream. Tomorrow he will have his birthday dinner that I cook (his choice). Lots of celebration around here for birthdays.

cookies : white chocolate butterscotch cookies

2009-12-11T13:35:00.003-05:00

I am testing a new cookie to add to the mix, white chocolate butterscotch. Last night I was going through all the magazines and books that I am using this holiday to make a list of what I still need to buy in order to get everything made and I spotted this recipe. I like to add at least one new cookie each year and take out one or two that my husband has on the bottom of his list. They have not been given approval yet, I have to wait for him to come home and let me know if they are good enough to go in, I am not a good tester, I don't really eat many of the cookies that I make. If they get a positive review I will freeze them and keep my fingers crossed that they freeze well.

I doubled the recipe and I made the cookies smaller than the recipe calls for and cut the baking time. It is reflected in the recipe below. Also, I never use vegetable shorting and was a little grossed out by it, but I thought it must be there for a reason and changing it to butter might change the cookies too much.

White chocolate butterscotch cookies
Adapted from The Martha Stewart Baking Handbook
(this is for a single batch, like I said I doubled it)

1-3/4 cups flour
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
2 tablespoons unsalted butter, room temperature
3/4 cup vegetable shorting
1-1/4 cups packed brown sugar
1 large egg
1 tablespoon vanilla extract
8 ounces white chocolate pieces

Preheat over to 350 degrees and line a cookie sheet with parchment (I use the mats).

In a medium bowl whisk together the flour, salt and baking soda and set aside.

In the bowl of an electric mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, beat the butter, shortening, and brown sugar on medium until light and fluffy. Beat in the eggs and vanilla until combined. With the mixer on low speed, add the flour mixture in two batches, beating until combined. Stir in white chocolate.

Drop 1 tablespoon of dough on sheet about an inch apart. Bake until golden brown around edges, about 9 minutes. Let cool and sheet for 2 minutes then transfer to a wire rack.

cookies: chocolate chip

2009-12-07T16:09:00.003-05:00

Every year during the holiday season I bake and bake and bake. I make tons of cookies to give as gifts. We give them to the kids teachers, my husband brings them to work, I give some to my parents and a few friends. Last year I make twelve different kinds of cookies and one candy. I mix and bake for weeks. I go through pounds and pounds of butter, flour, sugar, chocolate and eggs.

This seasons baking has begun. I made the first dough, chocolate chip. It has to sit in the fridge for two days, then I will shape the cookies and freeze the dough to be baked closer to when we give them out. I try to freeze as much as I can ahead of time so that I do not have to spend two solid days baking (I pretty much do as it is).

You can get the recipe I used here.

pasteis de belem

2009-12-06T15:56:00.000-05:00

I know I am going on and on about these, but trust me, if you have ever had one you understand.

I am on a mission to try and make these at home. The recipe is secret. There is some information on the web, but I think I need to try something a little different than what I have read. I will try to combined what I have found with some ideas of my own. After the holidays we will have these and I'll report back.

However, if you happen to have a recipe and know more about these, please share!!

lisbon day 3

2009-12-05T15:47:00.000-05:00

On our last morning in Lisbon we decided to go to Belem to try the original pasteis de belem. Everything that we were told and read said that you have to go. The lines are supposed to be crazy, but worth the wait. So we took the tram out to Belem and found the shop right away. The place was not crowed at all and we decided to sit and have our treat. We each ordered one and regreeted not ordering about five each. The ones in the city are good, like nothing we have here, but the original (secret recipe) pasteis de belem might be one of the most wonderful things I have ever eaten, I swear. We paid, went outside and decided to go to the counter and get another, who know when we'll be in Belem again.

The sites were closed on Monday in Belem, so we headed back into the city and spent the rest of the day and night walking around, stopping in shops and eating. We found a shop in the city that had pasteis de nata (what they are called if they are not the original) that were the closest to the ones that we had in Belem, so each got one, then we went back and got two more each, who knows when we'll be in Lisbon again.

It was an awesome trip!

cranberries

2009-12-02T09:18:00.001-05:00

I had some cranberries and lots of half and half left over from Thanksgiving so I decided to make some cranberry scones. The kids all love them and they make a perfect snack to send them in their lunchbox for snack. I made a double batch and freeze some for later. I cut them a little smaller then the recipes says to, I usually get 12 per batch.

Cranberry Scones
Food Everyday
December 2003

Ingredients
2 cups all-purpose flour, plus more for work surface
5 tablespoons sugar, plus 1 tablespoon for topping
1 tablespoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
6 tablespoons chilled unsalted butter, cut into small pieces
2/3 cup (plus 1 tablespoon) half-and-half
1/2 cup halved cranberries, drained on paper towels
Directions

Preheat oven to 425 degrees. In a bowl, whisk together flour, 5 tablespoons sugar, baking powder, and salt. Cut in butter with a pastry blender or two knives until mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Stir in 2/3 cup half-and-half until just moistened. Gently fold in cranberries.

On a lightly floured surface, knead dough gently, 5 to 10 times. Pat into a 1-inch-thick round. Cut into 8 wedges; place on a baking sheet, 2 inches apart. Brush tops with remaining tablespoon half-and-half; sprinkle with remaining tablespoon sugar. Bake until golden brown, 12 to 15 minutes. Let cool on a wire rack.

thanksgiving

2009-12-01T13:57:00.003-05:00

Thanksgiving came and went. It all seems like a blur. I started cooking on Tuesday and finished right before we sat down to eat on Thursday. The dinner was a success, lots on new recipes and lots of old ones also. It was way to much food for our group, but it seems to be the theme for Thanksgiving.

Our menu was:
Roasted turkey
gravy
cream biscuit stuffing (from williams-sonama, recipe here)
mushroom stuffing (from epicurious, recipe here)
cranberry relish
oyster pie
broccoli with hollandaise
mashed potatoes
chestnut mashed potatoes (based on a recipe from Food network magazine, November 2009)
roasted sweet potatoes with brown sugar
creamed onions

mile high apple pie (from Martha Stewart Living, you can find the recipe here)
pumpkin pie (from the Silver Palete Cookbook, you find the recipe here, but it is a great cookbook to have)
pecan pie with cream cheese crust (Martha Stewart Living, November 2009, you can find the recipe here)

If you want any of the other recipes just let me know!

lisbon day 2

2009-11-30T13:34:00.000-05:00

On our second day in Portugal we hopped on the train to Sintra. It is about a 45 minute ride from the city. Sintra lies between the city and the Atlantic and has been described as one of the loveliest spots in the Iberian peninsula. We hit three of the sites while we were there. Our first stop was the Palacio Nacional which was the former royal palace.

After the palace we walked around the town a bit and stopped for a bit to eat. At the cafe we were introduced to our second amazing pastry, queijada finas de sinta. They are very interesting and hard to describe. They have them packaged and they have a bit of a shelf life so we were able to bring some home with us.

Our next stop was the Castelo dos Mouros, which was originally built in the 8th or 9th century. The remains and surrounding flora was impressive. The altitude of the castle is 1408 feet, and for a brief moment (it was very over cast, at some points we could not even see ten feet in front of us) the clouds parted enough that we could see the Atlantic. Our next stop was the Palacio da Pena. It is one of the most interesting places I have ever seen. It is described as a "fairtytale castle" and I would not disagree. The fog was so thick I was not able to take any good pictures.

We had a fast snack and then headed back into the city for a late dinner.

lisbon day 1: evening

2009-11-24T08:52:00.000-05:00

After a great lunch on our first day we wandered over to a funky (and not in a good way) open air market. We spent the rest of the day and night walking up and down the hills and stairs that make up the city. We had a fantastic dinner and then off to bed.

I knew that Lisbon was hilly, but honestly I was not prepared for what it really is. My legs are in decent shape, I am up to six mile runs, but I was afraid that I might not make it out of bed the next morning. We figured that we walked about ten miles our first day.

ten

2009-11-23T10:16:00.003-05:00

It is hard to believe, but no. 1 turned ten today. The past ten years have flown by. It seems like just yesterday that we were without any kids on our way to the hospital to have our first baby.

This weekend we made cookies to send into school for his class. Our idea was to make one's and zero iced cookies but after going to four different stores to find number cookie cutters we had to pick a different shape. He picked dinosaurs from our cutter collection which we made, iced, bagged and tagged for his classmates.

Happy Brithday!

lisbon day 1: afternoon

2009-11-17T13:50:00.009-05:00

After our stop for a bite to eat (it was here that we were first introduced to the pasteis de nata, perhaps my new favorite food in the world, but more on that later) we walked around for a bit and then headed over to the Castelo de Sao Jorge. The castle dates to the 11th and 12th centuries and is amazing. From the castle we had spectacular views of the city.

lisbon day 1: morning

2009-11-13T14:45:00.009-05:00

We arrived in Lisbon early in the morning, 6:00 am local time. We took the bus into the city and checked into the hotel. The key for me overcoming jet-lag is to keep moving, so we dropped our stuff, cleaned up a bit and hit the streets. We walked for a bit and then then stopped in a pastry shop that lured us in by great breads and pastries in the window.

week twenty six

2009-11-12T13:54:00.000-05:00

This is our final share of the season.

We got:
lettuce
arugula
sweet potatoes
spinach
cauliflower
beets
rutabaga

lisbon

2009-11-11T14:17:00.003-05:00

My husband and I just returned from an awesome trip to Lisbon.

The kids return from their trip to Disney late tonight.

I am on my way into NYC to meet my husband for dinner (why not take advantage of no kids).

Lots and lots of details to come...

snapshot of fall: 03

2009-11-10T08:14:00.000-05:00

snapshot of fall: 02

2009-11-09T08:12:00.000-05:00

broccoli

2009-11-08T08:56:00.000-05:00

I do not have many recipes from my husbands family (I think this is the only one). They are secrete. This is one of his favorites and it has become a favorite of the kids. It makes a great side dish. I usually double it.

SESAME BROCCOLI

1/2 pound broccoli
olive oil

2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
1 tablespoon sesame oil
2 tablespoons soy sauce
1-1/2 tablespoons vegatable oil
1 teaspoon toasted sesame seeds
1 teaspoon ground ginger
1 clove garlic

Preheat over to 500 degrees.

Cut broccoli into pieces. Toss broccoli with olive oil to coat and place on a rimmed cookie sheet. Cook for 10 minutes.

While the broccoli is cooking place the remaining ingredients into a blender and blend to mix.

Remove broccoli from oven and drop temperature to 350 degrees.

Pour sauce over broccoli and cook for about 25 minutes.

week twenty five

2009-11-07T08:52:00.000-05:00

Lots of root vegetables.

broccoli
lettuce
arugula
sweet potatoes (about 20 lbs.)
turnips
carrots
radish

bon voyage

2009-11-06T08:09:00.000-05:00

Bon Voyage by No. two.

It reads:
1. "I hope you have fun on your vacation."
2. "You too."
3. " You to Mrs. Peck."
4. "I'm going to Florida."
5. "I'm going to Lisbon."
6. "I hope all of you have a good time."