ramen

Inspired by my favorite ramen spot in San Fransisco, I did some research. Poured through tons of recipes, watched a few video tutorials and finally decided one weekend to try to make authentic ramen for my family.

I have no idea what I was thinking. After spending considerable time on actually making the noodles, I ended up pitching them and substituting for store bought. What can I say? I accept that those who have studied the art of noodle making for years (collective centuries) are far better equipped than I to make edible udon.

The results were delicious, although not lovely to look at in the least. Although it seems like the simplest thing, the broth is actually a study in patience - of which I have little. Still pleased that I tried - Honey and Monkey had seconds and we enjoyed the practice with chop sticks.

 We had green tea and fortune cookies for dessert and this CD was the highlight of our playlist

during dinner.

There are so few ways to be adventurous during "indoor" season that we take our opportunities to try new things wherever they come.

Best Coffee Ever

I've said it before and I will say it again.

Stumptown = Best.Coffee.Ever.

Beginning Spellers

So I was at the market wrapping up a short shop when I spied the last item on my list.
I laughed so hard strangers began giving me a wide berth.

 

Apparently our second grader didn't want us to forget brown sugar for his oatmeal.
I imagined him climbing up with a step stool to reach where we tend to keep this.
And yes - our on the go handwriting really is this messy!

Homemade Chocolate Chip Cookies

Is there anything better in February than warm cookies from the oven? And none of that pre-packaged cookie dough nonsense. Fresh from scratch with walnuts and pecans. Totes amazing and worth the smell alone to make. Thank goodness the majority will be sent to a good home tomorrow!

Macy's Thanksgiving Parade

Thanksgiving this year was a bit different. As Christmas will be spent with family next month we decided to spend the night in Manhattan and watch the Macy's balloons being inflated near the Museum of Natural History. The entire process is well watched over by NYPD and we thought it very well organised given the extreme crowds. It was literally just walking around the block (or two) and the weather was lovely.

Dinner was a laid back affair. The Shake Shack at 77th did brisk business that night and it was nice to visit the playground next door to run off a bit of energy for our overly excited child. Bouncy castles and monkey bars at night - what's not to love?

It was very cool to see the enormous balloon inflation and so strange to see them folded beneath nets in preparation for their big day. Although crowded, everyone was very nice and it was just a fun family event. Only posting our favorites here...

                                                                      Papa Smurf!

Elf on the Shelf (who should be arriving for his annual visit soon)

 

Buzz Lightyear!

 

Diary of a Wimpy Kid (We've read nearly all of these)

 

                                             As well as the star of this attraction - Santa!

It felt very special to wake up in the morning right in Times Square. We bought a ton of extra hotel points on sale this month so the stay was a bargain. No early morning train and no crowds on the way in! In fact, we found Times Square basically deserted - a prime opportunity to explore. We had a quick breakfast and then stopped into any store Monkey wanted. Which meant, M&M, Hershey, Disney etc...in fact we barely even saw the parade as we were having too much fun away from the massive crowds (have I mentioned that I dislike crowds?)

A really fun moment came when we "played" on the enormous live DunkMe photoscape in Time Square. It looks a bit like Where is Waldo, yet we are somewhere in this photo...

and here as well (hint - we are in the top third of the image and a kiss is involved)...

 

Our photos from the actual parade are not that great so I won't bother to share. Far away or only parts of an attraction. We took the train home and I cooked a massive feast from scratch, trying not to nod off over the scalloped potatoes. We spoke with family and friends and held hands to share everything we are thankful for this year. The evening was capped off with green tea and a Christmas movie - peaceful and perfect. All in all it was a fantastic Thanksgiving and I recommend watching the balloon inflation to anyone at any age. Great memories!

Plants vs Zombies Birthday Cake!

I shared my uber talented friend L's cupcakes, but she also spoiled us by making this incredible birthday cake for Monkey, complete with the humerous note from the silly zombies. Our family has been addicted to this fun game and its hilarous how we all try to "help" each other win. You can see our new hermit crab in the picture as well. This is by far the coolest cake ever. We shared a few pictures and boom! She is a wonder - and the best part is that it was so delicious. I am talking ridiculously yummy. She's agreed to let me share her contact info with anyone interested in having her repeat her talented ways...

Plants Vs Zombies Cupcakes

My amazing friend L is so very talented - and also very generous. She bakes cakes as a side hobby and made these super fun cupcakes for Monkey's school friends on his birthday. Several adults (ahem) had to try one for quality control - yum-oh!

Everything Green!

Have to share these cool seeds I found at Wholefoods. I have no idea what we will be growing, but with names like Green Zebra Tomatoes and Kaleidoscope Carrots, we are eager to find out!

Chicken and Dumplings Recipe

Although I've been trying to eat mostly plants this winter, this past weekend I made
a meal my family occasionally requests on cold, winter Sunday afternoons. 
Chicken and Dumplings are so easy to make and yet one of the ultimate comfort foods. You can leave out the dumplings (or give to someone else's bowl) for a healthier version.

Here is my "go to" recipe:

One organic rotisserie chicken/less bones (or you can cook your own, retaining the broth)

1 teaspoon salt

1/2 teaspoon pepper

1/2 teaspoon dried basil

1/4 teaspoon dried thyme

3/4 pound new potatoes, quartered

3 carrots, cut into 2-inch pieces

2 celery ribs, sliced

1 medium onion, cut into eighths

(shortcut tip - use the ready cut containers from Trader Joe of onions, carrots and celery to save time)

1 (10 ounce) package frozen peas

6 cups organic chicken broth

Dumplings:

 

1 1/2 cups best bread flour

2 teaspoons baking powder

1 teaspoon salt

3 tablespoons butter

3/4 cup milk

1/4 cup minced fresh parsley

Directions:

1. Saute the vegetables in a tablespoon of olive oil for five minutes before adding the chicken, broth and all other ingredients. Cover and cook over medium heat for 20 minutes or until vegetables are tender. Meanwhile, combine flour, baking powder and salt in a bowl; cut in butter until mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Stir in milk and parsley. Drop dough by rounded tablespoonfuls into simmering stew. Cook, uncovered, for 10 minutes. Cover and cook for 8-10 minutes or until the dumplings are tender.      

  
 Note: This recipe is adapted from Ms. Elizabeth Durance via AllRecipes. Thank you, Ms. Durance!

Farmer's Market

Another happy Saturday morning spent at the Farmer's Market. It didn't start happy. Someone wanted pancakes for breakfast and all I wanted to do was get out of the house as fast as possible. Ever have a Saturday like that? Once breakfast was settled we headed over to our local Farmer's Market. The fresh herbs were amazing and we found the most beautiful purple spring onions. There was one lone vendor at a table with the smallest selection I've ever seen. While chatting, he told me (okay I asked) that he had a one acre farm but was working towards expanding. I bought nearly everything he had. Which really amounted to some Kale, the carrots you see above and a few other vegetables. You've got to support someone with such a worthy dream! Monkey got to select nearly everything and I loved seeing his excitement over discovering heirloom tomatoes. He refuses to eat them (thus far) yet thinks they look cool. I spent about forty dollars yet like having vegetables in the fridge that are grown locally, taste like actual vegetables and are as free from pesticides as possible.  It's also an hour during which I refuse to check the blackberry. Now that he has his stitches out (thank goodness!) we are making the most of the summer by spending as much time in the water as possible. And we'll have a fresh salad to go with whatever the men decide to grill. Ahh, Saturdays...