Archives for 2011

Recipe: Almost But Not Really Guilt-Free Fried Chicken

October 18, 2011 · Narrative

Mystic says that I can rationalize anything.

He may be right.

But I prefer to think of it as explaining.

Defending.

Proving my case.

Showing the light.

Such was the case with this here fried chicken.

It’s almost positively healthy.

Or as healthy as fried chicken is ever going to get.

You feel me?

Like, it could have been completely fried from start to finish.

But it’s not.

It only fries for a few minutes and then cooks in the oven until done.

That’s better, right?

I see you nodding. It’s like girl math, you know?

Another recipe courtesy of Pinterest via the Handmade from the Home blog. I would definitely make it again. But I think it needs more salt.

But don’t mind me.

I think everything needs more salt.

October 18, 2011 – Bonus Photo

Madeline had a lunchtime playdate today. As soon as I saw how beautiful the light was, I silently cursed myself for not having my long lens with me. Man, was it ever gorgeous! Want this for your very own? The print is available right this very second in my Etsy shop. Use code OCTSAVINGS at check-out this month for free shipping during October in the US.

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Recipe: Boiling Cookies (aka No Bake Cookies)

October 17, 2011 · Narrative

I thought I first fell in love with these cookies when I discovered them at Governor’s restaurant on one of our trips to visit my sister at college in Maine many years ago. But then come to find out, that my mom used to make them for us when we were kids. My memory is apparently spotty. I have yet to find a recipe that is as awesome as the ones from Governor’s, but this recipe is a mighty fine close second. That and it saves that pesky 8 hour trip to Maine to visit Governor’s.

Mix a few pantry ingredients in a pan on the stove. Drop by spoonful onto some wax paper. Wait for them to set. And try to hold yourself back from eating your weight in cookies. Nick loves these. I love them. Madeline loves them. Needless to say, we don’t make ’em too often. Make them and devour. Share with your friends, neighbors, and those who you need to say a special thank you to. Or hoard them all to yourself while watching the Real Housewives of New Jersey duke it out during their reunion special. I won’t tell. Swear….

Weekend Photos in Review

October 16, 2011 · Photos

When looking for an outfit for a photo shoot, Madeline requested a dress. Did you see the pigs flying? We did!

I bought these for me. The kids stole all but the last package.

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Awkward and Awesome #1

October 15, 2011 · Narrative

I’ve seen the Awkward and Awesome weekly theme floating around other blogs for awhile now, and always meant to join in, but you know how that goes. It won’t be a weekly feature here ’cause I’m way too behind on other content as it is, but it will be occasional easy way to share some new things with you.

Awesome

Discovered these SmartBagels last week and they were gone in two days between me and the kids. Low calorie, and without all the extra fluff inside that bagels usually have. Which means the kids had them for breakfast and managed to finish them, and when I had a carb craving, I could make a sandwich and not feel too guilty about it. So far, I’ve only see this particular brand at ShopRite, although a few other companies (Thomas’, for example) make similar versions.

On most last visit to Red Mango, I noticed these little pearl toppings in the case next to the fresh fruit. They’re called boba, and are tapioca in nature. They burst once you bite into them, kind of like Fruit Gushers, ‘cept much more healthy. Anyone know if they can be bought on their own, and where?

A very brave little girl during Flu Shot 2011….

How to Have Uncomfortable Conversations with Your Children

October 13, 2011 · Narrative

Madeline and I have the best conversations early in the morning, on the ride to drop her off at school. And by “best,” I mean the type of conversations that are impossibly uncomfortable and have me searching for the nearest distraction exit.

The kids were definitely hit hard by Eli dying in August, and he is a topic that comes up often. And, unfortunately, death comes right along with it.

“Mommy, when I die, I can go see Eli in heaven, right?”

Yes, you can, but unfortunately it will be a very long time before that happens.

“If you die, Daddy will need to take care of me and Nick because we’re not tall enough to cook dinner.” Then she paused for a minute. “Or take baths by ourselves.” Yes, my daughter is all about the practical aspects of death. Forget, you know, the fact that she might love or miss me. It’s all about who is going to cook dinner. “And Daddy doesn’t know where my school is. Or what time I wake up. So you’ll have to tell him.”

Um, ok, but I wasn’t planning on dying any time soon, ok?

“Ok. When I die, I can go see Eli and tell him all about Maxwell, right?”

Yes, honey, you can.

And then there was this morning… Big props to Z100 radio for giving me topics to talk about with my daughter. I owe a debt of gratitude.

“Mommy, what is s-e-x?”

Um, well, it’s what people do when they love each other. They kiss, they hug, they do stuff that you can do when you’re a grown-up and married. (Thank goodness her brother wasn’t in the car, because I knew this explanation wouldn’t fly. But of course my answer prompted this reply from her…)

“Oh, so you and Mystic (no, she doesn’t call him that) do s-e-x.”

Well, honey, we’re not married.

“Yes, you are. You kiss him…”

Yes, I do, but that’s not quite the same thing.

She then looked out the window at the cemetery we were passing (perfect timing, I know), and got lost in her thoughts. Goodness knows what she was thinking, or now what stories she’s telling her “homies” at school now.

* * * * *

Last year, when Rihanna’s song S & M was popular, Nick caught some of the lyrics and asked me what s-e-x was.

“Well, it’s something that two people do when they really love and care for each other, and they’re married.”

Like kissing?

“Um, no, not really.”

Then what is it?

“It’s a way to show affection and love for someone.”

And…?

“And, Nick, I promise to answer whatever questions you have in as much detail as I can, but I’m not really comfortable talking about this at your age.”

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Recipe: Roasted Cauliflower, Manchurian Style

October 12, 2011 · Narrative

Sometimes when I sit down to write, I know exactly what the topic will be. Other times, I don’t. I want to write about something that moves me. Whether it be food, the kids, divorce, parenting, what have you. Because, to me, that is the truest way to remain authentic. I never want to come here and write something for you that is forced. Over the past couple of years, you may have noticed, I haven’t always talked about food. Because, to me, there is so much more going on. You’re more than that. And so am I. So if it’s a day when it’s about cute things the kids have done, a memory card dump from my camera, or dating after divorce, it’s because that’s what has moved me. To remain true to myself, it’s just not always going to be about food. But today? I was planning on just putting up a photo, submitting a link to Wordless Wednesday, and calling it a night. But then I made a new recipe tonight. And that’s what moved me. And, like, way more than last night’s “here’s some healthy food” recipe.

Tonight’s recipe is, actually, healthy too, but in a completely different way. When it comes to roasting and simmering ingredients, it’s all about making those ingredients sing. To bring out the most flavor impact possible. And this recipe completely and utterly delivers. And it actually wasn’t even part of tonight’s dinner. I am, surprisingly, one meal ahead, since this is our side dish for tomorrow, and the main course is already marinating in a tub of buttermilk. Some days, I am a little more organized. Some days, I am most decidedly not.

While we were eating dinner, I had the cauliflower roasting in the oven. With the kids clearing the table, I got to work on the sauce, which took about 20 minutes (only 5 minutes of hands on time). As I was making the sauce, I was looking at it, quite skeptical. After the fifteen minutes of simmering was up, I mixed it with the cauliflower and snuck a bite. Oh.my.god. The flavors deepened and intensified and just made a puddle of liquid awesome. It’s stupid simple to make. Good for you. Using readily available ingredients. You may even have the ingredients on hand. Make it. ‘Nuff said.

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Recipe: Healthy Baked Broccoli Macaroni and Cheese

October 11, 2011 · Narrative

“What are you doing?” I asked Mystic after watching him for a few minutes.

Taking the onions out of Nick’s sandwich.

“Why?”

Your son doesn’t like onions.

This was totally news to me, and I’ve known the kid for 9 years. I know he doesn’t like the smell of onions, and usually vacates the premises as quickly as possible when they’re cooking, but he’s never said he didn’t like the taste, and I’ve never noticed him pick them out of a meal.

But darn it if Mystic wasn’t right. Confirmed by the fact that I watched Nick carefully remove the little onion pieces from tonight’s dinner. Mystic is crazy observant. I thought I was, but he has me beat.

The first time Mystic cooked for me at his house, I was keeping him company in the kitchen while he finished plating the food. He stopped for a minute to rummage around in a drawer and handed me a little light bulb.

“What’s this for?”

Your ice maker light is out.

“I have a light for my ice maker?”

Um, yeah, observant like no other.

So tonight’s dinner had onions. And broccoli. In a healthified version of macaroni and cheese, courtesy of Skinny Taste. The broccoli cooks in the pasta pot, making it very soft when it’s done and super tiny. While I’m not hiding vegetables in this dish (I personally abhor that concept), they’re still visible. The kids did notice the broccoli, and I explained that if they took a bite of the broccoli with the pasta, they wouldn’t even be able to tell they were eating it. Most of the broccoli cooks down to smithereens, so they’re really getting plenty of broccoli in every bite. Two heads of broccoli went into this dish. Nick said it was good, and Madeline tried to pick out the broccoli, then we negotiated a bit, then I fed her, and she ended up cleaning her whole plate.

While this is not the end-all-and-be-all, stop the presses recipe for mac and cheese, it’s a creamy casserole type version that you can serve your family and skip the guilt. Because the cheese is low-fat, it’s not going to have the sharp punch of a traditional Cheddar, but it’s easy to make, tasty, and if it gets some extra broccoli in their little bellies, I’m there.

For those following Weight Watchers, this one clocks in at 8 points per one cup serving….

Kid Conversations

October 10, 2011 · Narrative

I love listening in on the conversations Nick and Maddie have in the backseat of the car.

Madeline: “Nick, can I have more cookies?”

Nick: “I gave you one. Here’s one more. That’s it.”

Madeline: “That’s not fair!”

Nick: “Life isn’t fair. Get over it.”

Ouch.

* * * * *

Awhile back, we picked up my Mom and head to Target. She opened the passenger door, put her purse on the floor of the car and started to get in, at which point I started the car.

“Wait, Mommy, Mimi (grandma) needs to get in the car!”

Apparently I seem to have picked up a mistaken reputation for driving off when people are only halfway in the car.

* * * * *

“Peace out, homies.”

I gotta say, I was a little surprised to hear that little gem come out of Madeline’s mouth the first time over a year ago. Not sure where it came from, but it makes still me giggle a little to hear her say it now.

* * * * *

“Nick, can you run these two containers of food over to the neighbors?”

What is it?

“Spinach Cheese Squares and Chocolate Sin Cookies.”

We always have enough food to give to somebody else.

I loved that he said that. And he’s right. In more ways than one.

* * * * *…

Weekend Photos in Review

October 9, 2011 · Narrative

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Recipe: Old Fashioned Potato Candy

October 6, 2011 · Narrative

Every once in awhile you come across a recipe that is so weird and so I’ll-never-make-that, that you kind of just have to. Make it, that is. You know? And such is the case with this recipe for Old Fashioned Potato Candy. I had a vague recollection of seeing it on Pinterest, and a few weeks ago, when we had leftover mashed potatoes (you know, because my kids won’t touch the stuff), I knew exactly what I was going to make it with. I was curious as to the origin, and a Google search will tell you that it hails from the South. Or the Amish. And even Maine. The origins of the original idea appear almost as endless as the varieties. I saw some recipes with walnuts, or coconut, or even dipped in chocolate.

There is so much sugar in the recipe that I assure you, you won’t even be able to tasted any hint of mashed potato. I gave a piece to a few co-workers and asked for guesses on the secret ingredient, and nobody could name it. The candy is very, very, very sweet, sweeter than fudge, but in the same family, so small pieces are better. Nick loved it and asked when we could make more. I liked it, but was good after a piece or two. Total cavity seeker. Are YOU brave enough to make Potato Candy?

The details:
Original Pinterest pin is here.
The recipe I used is from Wenderly, found here.
Need more Pinterest inspiration? Come follow my boards here.

And yes, you’re right … where the heck is MY picture of potato candy? It just wasn’t up to snuff. Can I distract you with something else?

Ziploc has this new line of sandwich bags called Evolve. Better for the environment, green, and all that. I don’t use disposable stuff much, but found a box clearanced at Target awhile back and bought it just as back-up. This is the fourth bag that I have used from the box that has torn. Tonight it was when I was trying to stuff cupcakes before my parents came over. The other times? When I’ve put a sandwich in them, which is crazy. Not very green if I have to go through twice as many. Not impressed, Ziploc, not impressed.

With that, my friends, I’m signing off for the weekend. We have a full weekend of nothingness planned, which is absolutely, positively what we need right now. Hope you get exactly what YOU need. See you Sunday!

Random Wednesday Happenings

October 5, 2011 · Wordless Wednesday

This little one fell at school today while dancing, and got a busted, bloody, swollen lip in return. I talked to her a few minutes after it happened, and she was happily sucking on an ice pop. The Director put Madeline’s hair up to keep it from getting bloody and darn it, she looks so cute. I try every day to coerce her into letting me do something, ANYTHING, with her hair, to no avail. Her teacher said after everyone saw her with her hair back, and her gorgeous eyes showing, all the kids kept coming up to her to tell her how beautiful she looked, so maybe there’s hope for tomorrow morning.

She picked these ~~weeds~~ flowers for me this afternoon and said, “Mommy, you can carry these when you marry your boyfriend.” Calm yourself, it doesn’t mean I have an announcement. It just means a very adorable little girl has a romantic streak. And gosh, when did she stop looking like a baby?? She needs to stop this growing up stuff. I’m not nearly ready for her to look so grown-up.

A few of you asked questions about Maxwell. He is a 75 lb Golden Retriever. We adopted him from a rescue group that a friend recommended. He was lucky in that his history isn’t as terrible as they usually are when they’re rescued. He was one of two goldens owned by a husband and wife. The husband is very sick and they were no longer able to care for their dogs. Tomorrow will be two weeks that Maxwell has been with us. The kids adore him, and he has definitely acclimated himself really well. When his previous owners noted, in a letter direct from the dog to us, that he is a 75 pound lap dog, they weren’t kidding. If you’re on the couch, he will climb right on your lap. If you’re lying in bed, he gets as close as he can to you without being on top of you. As long as he learns to leave Madeline’s toys, for, well, Madeline, we’re golden. Ha.

People, we have a 9-year-old boy in the house. And I think there is a girl on his radar. Or something. Because the cologne and deodorant ritual has started. Lord help us. Not sure if this Mama is ready.

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Starbucks Therapy Session

October 4, 2011 · Narrative

Mystic and I escaped to the movies a week ago. Let me save you twenty bucks … skip Kevin Hart’s Laugh at My Pain. The only reason we chose it it because it had been probably a good two months since we went out, just the two of us, and movies have become one of our “things.” Well, the Dine-In Cinema at least. Not a regular movie theater. A full-on straight-up comedy routine sounded perfect, just what we needed. Yeah, well, not so much.

On the way home, we were one block away and he asked me if I wanted a frappuccino. It was only 830 pm. I wasn’t ready to go back home yet. Starbucks sounded perfect. After we ordered our drinks (that new gargantuan size that Starbucks unleashed a little bit ago is pretty perfect for Mystic), he led us to the outside tables. I’ve lived in town for 10 years now, and have only sat outside the Starbucks one other time. We watched the passers-by, the sky darken, the traffic, and talked about some of life’s great topics. (There was a picture of all that in last weekends’ round-up here)

Responsibility.

Respect.

Character.

Things which are huge to us. Both for us. And for our kids. We shared stories. Ideas. Connections. And talked about people we admire. Moments that deserve respect. That left us in awe. Both good and bad.

I can’t tell you what a high it is to have a conversation, an adult conversation. Knowing the little people at home were being taken care of. Being able to finish sentences, thoughts. I tweeted later that night, something short and simple … “Heart. Full.” And I meant it.

Mystic has many pretty awesome qualities, but one of the top three that I’m most attracted to is his ability to know what I need, sometimes before I even realize it. Whether it’s a light bulb for my refrigerator that I didn’t even realize was out or a one hour chat session lit only by the headlights of oncoming cars, he is completely there.

* * * * *

Speaking of respect, one of the stories that I shared was a part of a recent episode of Giuliana & Bill. Reality tv is one of my guilty pleasures, sue me. Giuliana threw her husband Bill a surprise birthday party to celebrate his 40th. A gathering of close friends and family led way to several toasts about Bill and his character. To hear the way they talk about him totally choked me up. One of Bill’s friend’s mentioned something he learned about Bill recently. Bill was on a flight, in First Class, and noticed a serviceman board the plane and sit in coach. At some point, he spoke to the flight attendant and said he wanted to switch seats with the serviceman, but didn’t want him to know he was doing it. He didn’t want the thanks. Or the acknowledgement. Or the tabloid story the next day. He just wanted to do it. And he did. The only reason Bill’s friend knew about what Bill had done is that he had overhead a conversation between Bill and his wife. It was a silent moment about showing respect.

It took me forever to find online clips of that part of the episode. You can watch part of Giuliana’s speech to Bill right here, and you can watch the whole episode right here:

To skip to the speeches, scroll over to minute 36 and watch from there. (There is only one pop-up on this site, just close it and all will be fine). The toasts from Bill’s friend, his sister, and Giuliana, and later his to his mom, just speak to what a stand-up, grounded, loyal guy he is and it was heartwarming to watch. To me, that’s what it’s all about.

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