Holiday Treats

Here are some holiday yummies that I'm enjoying...

Ginger Chocolate Chip Bars: I've made this easy recipe twice this holiday season with excellent results. I plan to make another batch for the Baker family Christmas party this weekend. http://food.realsimple.com/realsimple/recipefinder.dyn?action=printerFriendly&recipe_id=1859012

Peanut Butter Balls: These made an appearance at my holiday cookie exchange and they definitely remind me of my childhood Christmases. Speaking of that...when I think back to Christmas as a youngster, I always run into this same memory of watching holiday episodes of old t.v. shows on Nickelodeon with my brother. There was definitely a holiday episode of Lassie, Dennis the Menace, Mr. Ed and Patty Duke among others. Anyway, here's the recipe:

• 1 bag of Hershey Kisses
• 1 can Eagle Brand Condensed Milk (14 oz)
• 3/4 to 1 cup peanut butter
• 1 egg
• 1 tsp. vanilla
• 2 cups baking mix (Bisquick)
• Preheat oven to 350 degrees
• Beat milk, peanut butter, egg and vanilla until smooth. Add Bisquick.
• Chill for one hour.
• Form dough into balls. Bake 6-8 minutes. Place Hershey Kiss in center of cookie while still hot.

Pecan Toffee Fudge: Good news...after a brief hiatus last Christmas season, Mrs. Bailey's treat is back! If peanut butter balls make me think of childhood Christmases, pecan toffee fudge reminds me of teenage Christmases for sure. She won't reveal her recipe, of course, so I had to do my best guess as to what's in this addictive creation. Here are two possible recipes:

http://www.mycookingblog.com/post/1-shirley/16162/Pecan-Toffee-Fudge

http://shaymees.blogspot.com/2006/10/toffee-fudge-squares.html

Gum Drop Pops: I'm planning on making these little do-dads tomorrow with my nephews. It seems like a fun, crafty holiday activity that's not too complicated or too messy. Plus, the treats are dairy-free, which is a must since we have an allergy in the group. http://www.marthastewart.com/goodthings/gumdrop-pops?autonomy_kw=gumdrops&rsc=image_1

Ode to Grandmas (and Great Grandmas, too)

It's time for an ode to Grandmas.  I know two Grandmas who have been under the weather lately and could maybe use a little cheering up.  Here are a few quotes I found that I think reflect nicely on just how special Grandmas are.

• It is as grandmothers that our mothers come into the fullness of their grace.  ~Christopher Morley
  

• It's such a grand thing to be a mother of a mother - that's why the world calls her grandmother.  ~Author Unknown
  

• Nobody can do for little children what grandparents do.  Grandparents sort of sprinkle stardust over the lives of little children.  ~Alex Haley
  

• A garden of love grows in a Grandmother's heart.  ~Author Unknown
  

• What children need most are the essentials that grandparents provide in abundance.  They give unconditional love, kindness, patience, humor, comfort, lessons in life.  And, most importantly, cookies.  ~Rudolph Giuliani
  

Straight No Chaser

I'm always excited when I hear a reference to my home state of Indiana on the national media and tonight was no exception.  The IU men's a capella group, Straight No Chaser, was featured on ABC World News Tonight because they've been signed to Atlantic Records and have recently released a CD.  Here's the link to the story: http://www.abcnews.go.com/WN/story?id=6418550&page=1   

On My Mind

Here's a few things I've been thinking about lately....

• I have an idea for a business venture.  When someone posted a question on my mom's group message board asking if anyone had used the product Your Baby Can Read, the teacher in me wanted to scream from the hilltops, "Run as far away from that product as possible!"  Of course, the mom in me sympathizes with the need to give our children nothing but the best in life.  So, in comes my idea.  Rather than selling parents on misinformation and lofty promises, let's provide accurate, research-based information on how children develop literacy and offer appropriate activities that can support this process-NOT flashcards and DVDs for heaven's sake!  I'd love to have some of my teacher friends join me on this one.  I'm thinking of a three-session workshop where we outline the key components of literacy as well as the stages a child progresses though on their way to becoming a proficient reader.  We could start off on the mom's group circuit and go from there.  Any takers?

• In need of fresh air, we left the house late yesterday afternoon on a Christmas shopping excursion.  There is new play area at the mall meant for children 42 inches and shorter, which I knew my son would love.  I am sorry to report that our experience at this play area was very disappointing.  It seems most parents thought it was meant as a dumping ground for their rowdy school-aged children.  In fact, one child was running around with a toy assault rifle pretending to shoot other kids.  He pretended to shoot my 14 month-old son! This behavior was infuriating and disturbing at the same time, and I didn't see any parents jumping to their feet to intervene. Needless to say, we didn't stick around for long and headed for a ride on the train instead.   
  

• Finally, here's another confession.  I'm a fan of the show Hannah Montana.  Yep, a normal Saturday at my house begins with my son and I enjoying an hour of cheesy tween t.v. beginning with Miley and company followed up with Ashley Tisdale and the gang from the Suite Life of Zack and Cody.  Actually, we first watch Good Morning America Weekend Edition for the Your Three Words segment and stick around for the next hour, too.  I'm happy to report there's usually a nice message the shows are trying to pass along as food for thought.  For example, this week Miley learned to better appreciate the sacrifices her older brother, Jackson, makes on her behalf.   Even though it was a repeat for us, we definitely enjoyed this episode.
  

 

What's Cookin'

It's no secret that I generally take a back seat when it came to making meals in our house.  My husband is an excellent cook who has happily assumed that responsibility while I do the grocery shopping and dishwashing.  Lately, though, I've had an itch to get in the kitchen and experiment with some seasonal flavors and to try some of the recipes that I've seen in my bevy of magazines.  The result?  It's been a really fun outlet to break up long afternoons.  Plus, my confidence is improving and my hubby is happy.  So, here's a look at what's been cookin'.

• Apple Crisp: http://www.bettycrocker.com/recipes/recipe.aspx?recipeId=35368

-I used local apples that I picked up on our trip to the farm this fall including Winesap, York and Rome.

• Pumpkin Soup: http://www.mom-mom.com/simple_pumpkin_soup.htm
  

• Garlicky Butternut Squash: http://allrecipes.com/Recipe/Garlicky-Baked-Butternut-Squash/Detail.aspx

• Roasted Vegetables: http://find.myrecipes.com/recipes/recipefinder.dyn?action=displayRecipe&recipe_id=319897
  

-I've also used beets and pearl onions in a similar recipe.  

• Roasted Brussel Sprouts: http://www.epicurious.com/recipes/food/views/Roasted-Brussels-Sprouts-with-Garlic-and-Pancetta-104566 

• Fettuccine with Artichoke Hearts: http://food.realsimple.com/realsimple/recipefinder.dyn?action=displayRecipe&recipe_id=1840526 
  

-I've added proscuitto for a little extra pizzaz.   

• Roasted Butternut Squash Ravioli: http://www.marthastewart.com/recipe/chicken-with-olives-raisins-and-spinach-rice?autonomy_kw=spinach%20and%20rice%20chicken&rsc=header_1
  

-I cheated a little bit and bought pre-made raviolis.  

• Chickpea and Sausage Stew:  http://food.realsimple.com/realsimple/recipefinder.dyn?action=displayRecipe&recipe_id=1699545
  

-I used a slightly larger bag of spinach (oops!) and sliced chicken sausage instead.  The stew was pretty thick (like a chili consistency) even after adding extra stock so I served it over rice-still yummy.  

• Chicken with Olives and Spinach: http://www.marthastewart.com/recipe/chicken-with-olives-raisins-and-spinach-rice?autonomy_kw=spinach%20and%20rice%20chicken&rsc=header_1
  

-I subsituted the raisins with other items that I found at the olive bar when buying the olives such as roasted garlic and roasted red peppers.