This is a fun, yummy breakfast or snack for an older toddler (or an adult). Often our snacks and breakfasts are pretty simple–fruit and yogurt, crackers and cheese–so sometimes it’s fun to take a few more seconds to assemble something that will make your little one smile (and grab said snack before you are finished photographing it.)
This snack has it all. Protein, fruit, a little dose of omega-3s, and flavor. Continue Reading »
my pantry
Happy New Year! We’ve left the aughts and have entered the terrific tens.
I’m lukewarm on new year’s resolutions, although it is nice to take a moment to re-focus and re-prioritize.
However, I am making a few food/cooking resolutions. Here’s one of mine:
Meal Planning: As life gets busier, eating healthfully and on a budget gets more difficult.
Scenario 1: It’s 5:00, the kids are hungry (i.e., whiny, obnoxious, and irrational), and before I know it I’m making quesadillas or pancakes (again). Neither are bad dinners, but more than once a week? Not great.
Scenario 2: I didn’t realize we’re almost out of milk. I have to drive 45 minutes to the store, so I should pick up other groceries. I make a quick list and do my shopping, yet after a couple days I’m out of dinner ideas again (and we’re back to Scenario 1.) I also end up purchasing items I don’t necessarily need, and spending more than I should.
Sound familiar? (Minus the ridiculously long drive to the grocery store.) I think if I sit down and plan my meals for two weeks blocks, my family will eat better and we will save some cash.
In addition to planning my meals, I decided to make a concerted effort to use up what is in my freezer and pantry, and not let any fresh items in my fridge go to waste.
And now for a very up close and personal reveal–would you like to know what is in my cupboards right now? I took a complete inventory today. It was eye-opening! Here I am thinking I need to run to the store tomorrow, but as you read below, you will see the making of many, many meals. Continue Reading »
I couldn’t bring myself to bake for a few days after the lively parade of holiday treats, both created by myself and dropped off by neighbors. I simply paced around the kitchen, nibbling carrot sticks and drinking green smoothies.
But before I knew it, a few sticks of butter had crept out of the fridge and landed on the counter. I had leftover coconut from another creation, so you get Cowboy Cookies for Treat Number Eight! My husband argued that these are actually called ‘Ranger Cookies’ (must be a regional thing?) However, since my husband is a park ranger, I think I’m going to create something extra-special to call a Ranger Cookie. Continue Reading »
I haven’t forgotten about Treats Eight through Twelve, truly. With stockings to stuff and a pork tenderloin to roast, I got behind. No fear, my cupboards are re-stocked with flour, sugar, and butter, and more treats are coming over the next few days. We have to squeeze them in before we resolve to eat fewer desserts in the new year, right? Right? Nah, we’ll just exercise more! (Or in my case, start exercising.)
I received a few books this Christmas that I wanted to share with you, in case you received a gift certificate that you need to spend. I’ve dug into each of them already, and am quite pleased.
Dorie Greenspan’s Around my French Table
This is a fantastic book, and I know I’m going to be cooking from it all year. Over 300 recipes from Dorie’s time in France–traditional favorites, restaurant standouts, and contemporary takes on iconic French dishes/ingredients. There are some recipes that will be wonderful for a Sunday when you have a leisurely day to spend in the kitchen, but plenty for weeknight suppers too. And each is accompanied by a delightful little anecdote.
Dorie is a skilled cook, and a skilled writer. My only complaint is that there aren’t more photos of finished dishes, but with so many recipes, that would make this book the size of the LA phonebook.
Mad About Macarons by Jill Colonna
I am enchanted by macarons, yet kind of terrified to try to make them. I’m hoping having a book devoted to the topic will help. While the writing is over-exuberant! A lot of exclamation points! I’m willing to forgive–macarons are exciting, so I’m sure the author could not help herself. This book does provide no-nonsense advice on how to create lovely little macarons (with perfect little feet), but I do need to purchase a few supplies first (a digital scale, and a new pastry tip.) Keep watching for my first macaron foray.
Will Write for Food, by Dianne Jacob
A great handbook on food writing, from blogs to recipes. I highly recommend it if you are interested in the genre, and if not, hopefully you’ll benefit by seeing an improvement around here .
Did you get any interesting cookbooks or gadgets for the holidays? I’d love to hear about them!
I try to pretend I’m a high falutin’ foodie, with my fancy salts and rare grains. The truth is, I love recipes printed on the sides of cereal boxes–especially the kind that involve butter, sugar, and not much else.
My sister-in-law made this a few years ago for the holidays, and I couldn’t stay out of it. I’ve adapted it a bit (swapped maple syrup for corn syrup, and added vanilla), but it’s still pretty much butter, sugar, and cereal.
It’s yummy. Continue Reading »
