How do I Love Thee?  Let me Count the Ways....Chocolate.

Just a temporary format change and special feature for Lexi's on this sweet day.

Flowers, cards and chocolates make great Valentine's gifts but homemade gifts show a little more creativity while taking the time to let that special someone know how much you care.  This dessert is found on many great menus from casual to fine dining.  It's rarely cheap to order but surprisingly easy to make at home.  With a little planning and a short grocery list, this will surely impress the Love in your life!

One of the best gifts a person can give another, these days, is their time and attention.  People are working harder and having the ability to always be 'plugged in' blurs the lines between on and off duty.  If a person isn't actually earning money or talking business, the cellular phone has become a primary source of entertainment.  Though I'd never want my ability to Google anything at any time taken away, I sometimes have to remind myself to be in the moment with my family.  Many of these moments take place right in the kitchen. 

Valentine's Day may be a celebration of love and caring for some or annoying and dreaded by others who may be feeling lonely.  Let it be a reminder for everyone, to find love, in moments, every day, throughout the year.  As far as the cake goes, maybe limit that to very special occasions.   

Chocolate Lava Cake

Serves 4

Prep and cook time:  30 min.

Ingredients:

4 ounces of semi-sweet chocolate (find good chocolate in the baking aisle, sold in blocks or bars)

1 stick of butter which is  1/2 cup

1 cup powdered sugar

2 whole eggs

2 egg yolks

6 Tablespoons flour

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Optional: 1 Tablespoon orange liqueur

Directions:

Heat oven to 425 degrees.  Butter or spray 4 custard cups.  Place the chocolate and butter in a small, microwave safe bowl.  Melt the chocolate and butter in the microwave, on high, for about a minute.  Stir with a whisk after 30 seconds.  Melt completely.  Stir in the sugar.  Stir in the whole eggs and yolks.  Stir in the flour.  Stir in vanilla and liqueur, if using.

Divide batter between the 4 custard cups and place cups onto a cookie sheet.  Bake for 13 minutes.  The side of the cakes should be set and slightly pulled away from the cup.   The middle with either be very soft or even sunken.  Remove from oven and allow to rest for 1 minute.  Run a knife along the sides of the cups and carefully invert onto a serving plate.  The custard cup will still be hot!

Top with whipped cream and fresh berries or vanilla bean ice cream.  Take a selfie with your sweetie and enjoy!

Everything is Awesome!

Lego Movie influenced, each week we celebrate Taco Tuesday, resulting in our usual eating out on Friday night at a Mexican restaurant to fall by the wayside.  I'm a little tired of tacos, as good as they are, but heaven forbid we miss a stuffed tortilla Tuesday night because the kids will have a total conniption.  They wouldn't mind eating Mexican food twice a week, but the youngest one only eats a cheese filled tortilla anyway, so I really have to switch things up for him the rest of the week with his other favorite foods like grilled cheese, cheese and crackers, grated cheese in a pile on his plate and string cheese (Napoleon sigh.)

My grocery store sells these.  

Only five ingredients!  Tortillas are the devil.  Take a look at the amazingly long list of ingredients on any tortilla package and you'll find lots of unpronounceable words.  Those delicious flat circles sit on the shelf for a while, needing to not mold and those preservatives prevent that.  I started making my own tortillas but couldn't seem to get the texture right.  I figure it's because I wasn't using lard.  I haven't seen that since visiting my great grandma's house in the early 80's.  Who still buys that?

Cook these bad boys up in a screaming hot pan, 30 seconds for each side.  They are delicious.  I always make extra, wrap and refrigerate for lunchboxes the next day.  They can be warmed in the microwave for about 20 seconds.  Once I fill and roll them, I'll wrap them in plastic to keep them tight until lunch time.  The kids love Wednesday's leftover taco lunches and I don't have to wonder what 's for lunch that day, every....single...........week.

Fun Back to School Lunches

Picked up some cool, new lunch box accessories while we shopped for back to school this year.  We needed another Bento Box since I'll be preparing two lunches now that I have a second grader and a very excited preschooler.  Honestly, the oldest asked me why he can't take a regular brown paper bag to school like some of the other kids (BECAUSE THIS IS LEXI'S LUNCH BOX!  Oooo, deep breath before I scream answer.)  "Uh, because it's friendlier to the Earth."  I have no idea the amount of fossil fuel that goes into these plastic containers but that response sounded reasonable enough and he went on to complain about something else.  : )

 

Turkey sub on wheat, peaches and the angry bird is made from a Babybel cheese

I continue to try to give the kids choices, have them help grocery shop and have a say in what they would like for their lunches.  Although I've found it easier to prepare the lunches after they've gone to bed instead of having them hover over me in the morning when they are supposed to be eating breakfast.  The cutesy lunches are now embarrassing for my oldest so I've had to evolve a bit to still make his lunches appealing and special for him.  He was excited to pick out several new containers such as a mini Thermos to help keep the warm stuff warm.  I usually pack lasagna in that.  He also has small Tupperware cups for dressing and this thing, that helps to just switch things up a bit.

The new bento box

My preschooler is my picky eater so I struggle to think of food to pack that he will eat.  However, his enthusiasm is off the charts so I can turn a little Babybel cheese into his absolute, all-time favorite character and suddenly I'm Mom-of-the-year.  His special talent--long-winded, one-sided conversations about all things Star Wars Angry Birds.  It's incredible.  He never runs out of topic.  Per his request,  I'm stuck trying to figure out how to make a Han Solo Angry Bird frozen in carbonate Halloween costume.  At least he gave me advanced notice.   

G. M. No-No's

 

The Bento box has been handed down (just like everything else) to the youngest.  I bought these crazy eyes in the baking aisle and it's taken lunch box art to a whole new level!

 

A little ham and cheese, IDK, bunny?  Sliced and peeled apples and homemade granola bar for the first day of preschool!  

A friend, who knows me well, sent me a video on genetically modified organisms, which has brought to light another important concern regarding food choices.  Basically, genetic engineering is the science of altering genetic material in food in order to create a more sustainable shelf life, resistance to disease, pesticides and even frost or cold weather in the hopes of gaining a higher yield.  Some have argued the intent is to cure world hunger, while others might feel it's a big-big bottom line deal for major chemical companies.  Either way, it's a controversial topic due to the lack of conclusive research on the long term effects this chemically changed food can have on not only the human body but also to our soil, air quality and overall environment.  Another concern is the general lack of information provided to the consumer about weather any particular whole food or ingredient has been in fact genetically modified.  At this point, it is my understanding there is not yet a law in place requiring GMO labeling.  I'm a compulsive food label reader and I've found these two (2!) processed items my family loves to enjoy with information I'm looking for: 

Speaking of labels, you know that four or five digit number on the little sticker on produce?  This is the easiest clue on how that apple came to be.  If the sticker label PLU has four numbers it means it's been traditionally grown with the use of pesticides.  If there are five numbers on the label beginning with the number nine, it's organic.  Finally, if there are five numbers beginning with the number eight, it is a genetically modified fruit or vegetable. 

This is great once we have this information but think about the food filling the cupboards and pantries.  I've always thought of processed foods as Cheez Whiz, the Tuna Helpers, TV dinners and frozen burritos.  Guess what else is processed?  Yogurt, 100% whole wheat bread, multi grain crackers and no sugar added applesauce, which are all 'healthy' everyday items found in my kitchen. 

It's extremely difficult to find bread, even at a bakery, that does not have soy or canola oil in it.  Try it for yourself.  Same thing with crackers.  Supposedly, a high percentage of corn and soy grown in this country has been genetically modified.  Soy and canola are in so much processed food because it's on the cheap. 

Genetic engineering is remarkable and had created unbelievable advances in technology and life improvement in many living things.  Since it's been introduced into our food supply back in the 90's, maybe coincidentally, there seems to have been an increased percentage of people suffering from something on list of hot health topics.  I personally know at least one or many people with the following health challenges:  infertility, thyroid and hormone problems, food allergies, asthma, Crohn's, ASD, Celiac disease, diabetes, obesity and cancer. 

Panic is clearly my choice of emotion when I hear anything that challenges the healthy choices I thought I was making for my family.  I've seriously gotten on my husband's last nerve with the whole GMO talk but it feels really good to get these thoughts written down, hopefully, in an inoffensive way.   With my husband being an actual chemist, good with numbers and a LOGICAL thinker, he was positively able to talk me down from the ledge.  I can't explain it as well as he, but he reminded me that percentages can seem worse than they are.  Information gathering is better than it's ever been.  Either side of an argument can be filled with numbers data to freak people out and encourage them to join that side. 

Though this genetic modification on food really does bother me, I feel like I'm a more informed consumer.  I have a different (more complete) view on processed foods.  I love that my community has a farmer's market.  What better way to buy fresh food and support and get to know others who like what you like?  I've seen many positive changes while living in this community that gear towards more healthy lifestyles and ultimately that's what I want for my children. 

Already Thinking Spring

The holidays were great, I'm pumped to start a new year and ready for some warm, sunny weather!  Unfortunately, the summer wardrobe remains in deep hibernation for us Northeast Ohioans for quite some time.  We did have a successful thaw that melted the snow in order for me to see the 20 pounds of dog poo I have to pick up, but as usual, these unseasonable temperatures are just a major teaser.

My youngest brother and sister in law came home for the holidays from California.  They left Ohio for the first time ever a few years ago but have quickly been spoiled by the West Coast's gorgeous climate {jealous tone.}  They wore heavy, winter coats here in Ohio, continuously, for 10 days straight (pretty confident my SIL slept in hers!)  They seemed surprised by our tolerance for gloomy days.  Our single sunny day during their visit was not even sunny enough for them.  Really?

My prospective changed a bit during the holidays this year.  It was definitely more about spending time with friends and family than anything else.  The kids are getting older and are better able to handle the 'marathon' celebrations, the whole family took time off from work to be together (extremely grateful for that), and we simply slowed everything down. 

Pasta bird nests, cheese eggs and newborn zombie meatballs (definitely not my best work but was too funny not to post), with black beans for eyes and sliced carrot for open beaks, edamame and cucumbers

My parents gave me a juicer for Christmas (love how my family knows me)!  Now, I've juiced (legally {hee-hee}) in the past, before kids, and yes it was a short lived fad for mostly two reasons:  First, all juicers are a pain to clean, and second, they do take quite a bit of food to make an 8 ounce drink.  The taste and health benefits I love (I'm never going to find a tasty way to chew kale no matter how hard I try but I will drink it with lots of oranges and apples.)

Here are my new predictions of why this time, juicing will play a longer lasting role in my household:  I hate waste.  Tossing food out really bothers me but I also refuse to become a human garbage disposal for fear of turning into the size of a truck.  The kids might eat half of a piece of fruit while the other half goes back into the refrigerator to brown over the next couple of days.  I peeled a whole carrot to make those monster-baby bird beaks.  I try to use those leftovers for dinner but it doesn't always work out.  Have you ever bought one of those wooden boxes full of clementines only to be disappointed that they are past their prime even when they are in season?  Instead of going into the garbage, those go into my juicer.  They are still fine to eat but just aren't as yummy if they're not perfectly ripe.  Juiced, however, they are still delicious!  Therefore, money not wasted. 

Turkey meatball bagel thin with American Cheese, oven baked fries and steamed baby peas

Obviously it is important to eat and chew whole foods for the fiber.  I'm just saying, in moderation with everything else, I'm having a healthful drink with the leftover good stuff!  Now, I'm finding myself craving these fresh, raw drinks.  Some weight loss programs encourage people to not drink their calories and I do agree with that, especially when it comes to soft drinks and alcohol, but why not drink my breakfast on those days I wake up not that hungry and I know how important it is to not skip breakfast?  I've heard before it may take on average 30 days to change a habit.  I feel changed already--kinda like that California sun did to my brother : )

Wha, Wha, What?!

I'm surprised to realize how many times a day I'm so pissed because someone is screaming, fighting, hitting or crying.  Time has gone by so fast since marriage and I was recently scorned by my hubby for saying I can't wait for this 'phase' to pass.  He thinks about how fast our babies have grown and I agree with him but, dang, I'm so over the crying. 

With all this daily rise in blood pressure, there are, of course, those moments.  The ones you might have heard of before, when your little one tells you he loves you, or you're beautiful, or you make the most delicious meals (seriously melts my heart). 

Buttered, peppered, Parmesan noodles with broccoli, and stewed beef

My husband makes fun of me for thinking (believing) most ailments can be cured by drinking water(headaches, blurry vision, constipation, etc.).  I do think  most people, by nature, are dehydrated.  A  busy life entails drinking coffee with breakfast, soda with lunch, coffee for an afternoon 'pick-me-up' and iced tea with dinner.  Where is the water?  Maybe there is water is pop, coffee and tea but I say, "FALSE!"  The caffeine and diuretic nature of the drink cancels out that hydration factor.  I know some people who never have a glass of water.  That really bothers me for some reason.  I'm not a dietitian, nutritionist or doctor, obviously, but OMG, please, please drink water if you want to lose weight, have a good poop, and have clear skin or less wrinkles!     

I have to rant before I get to my point.  My son came home from 1st grade the other day and told me how proud his teacher was of him.  Oh!  What happened?  "Well, (so-and-so) raised his hand and told Ms. Steiner his eyes were bothering him today and he couldn't see very well."  Apparently, before his teacher could respond, my son piped up, "You should drink some water.  You might need some water." 

I was convinced my son absolutely hated everything I said to him.  Has he heard me about this water thing?????  I'm so proud of my boy!  Now, I don't know how the story ends.  I heard the blurry-eyed kid left the room for a while (maybe a trip to the drinking fountain?) and I'm not sure if he felt better once he returned (not so easy getting accurate information from a six year old).

From the sounds of it, his teacher was quite impressed by what my son said.  I can picture her big eyes and wide grin. 

Cheese quesadilla, mixed veggies, celery with peanut butter

 

Out the mouths of babes, so I need to really be careful!!!! 

The School Bus Milestone

Never did I plan on taking such a long break from Lexi's.  The whole family just dove head first into summer and, boy, what a summer we had!  Though we are accustomed to the extreme, inconsistent weather, it almost felt like I no longer lived in Northeast Ohio with this year's heat and drought.  We ordered a pepper barrel online to use as an Eco-friendly water source for the garden.  It sits dry, unused, lonely.

Neglected Rain Barrel

We don't live in the biggest, coolest city but I am very impressed with the amount of free stuff I found within a 10 mile radius to keep the kids entertained the past few months.  We made great use of the area Metro Parks.  We hiked, biked, and illegally fed water fowl.  Simply tossing rocks into a creek provided many, many minutes of fun for us city folk.  We also visited and often would meet the cousins at various playgrounds.

The next city over has a free wading pool.  Many city websites list the parks, trails and playgrounds locations and amenities provided, including fees for the pools, if any.  The same city has a fountain for the children to get wet and play in.

We packed lunches several times to take to a park but their favorite picnic was held in our backyard, on an old blanket, several feet away from the patio table they eat at all the time!

PB&J 'flower,' with pepperoni face, celery, hot dog 'spider,' grapes, bell pepper, and dried apricots

Another popular summer spot was the library.  Besides the summer reading program with goals and incentives, they had free shows that included a Bubble Lady (she uses all sorts of household items to make bubbles and her grand finale is blowing a big enough bubble to fit a kid in), puppet shows, movies, and they even bring in a safari guy with live, exotic animals for the kids to meet and pet.

The kids also enjoyed walking around the fairs and festivals.  Our city has a free festival that ends with a light parade and fireworks.  If you are lucky enough to get a free local newspaper, I find so many activities and events in that more so than online. 

You can register and search for a nearby bowling alley on the website www.kidsbowlfree.com.  I print a coupon that is sent every week via e-mail and my kids get to bowl free!  I just paid for shoes, which my youngest child was too small for anyway so I only paid $3.00 for both of my kids to bowl two games.  Lifting a six pound ball between 20-40 times wore them out more than any of the hiking and swimming did.  This was a great idea.

Other online searches provided me with science experiments using household items and educational games.  My son's kindergarten teacher sent him off with a folder full of worksheets to practice reading and math in order to keep prepared for first grade.  We worked one sheet most days to keep his skills fresh.

The kids also helped out a lot in the vegetable garden.  Starting in spring, they plant the seeds indoors, then help transfer, water, weed and harvest.  Previous years we have had difficulty keeping the animals from destroying our crops.  My hubby reinforced the fence but I think my 6 year old may have caught me several times praying for the animals to stay out!  His idea was to build a scarecrow.  Brilliant!  And we did it for free!  We found scrap wood in the hubby's workshop along with an old pair of jeans.  I had twine in my garden box along with scissors, and found an old shirt, gloves and hat, and safety pins ('cause I don't sew nothing, mmm-kay).  We needed straw to stuff him so the kids and I went to a nearby farm to purchase a small bale which would have been $3.00.  We waited a little bit while another customer was purchasing horse feed.  The owner offered us the straw for free since we were so patient (how nice)!  Once home, we assembled our guy, my son insisted on drawing his face which melted off the first rain we eventually got (those washable markers), and the scarecrow continued to not only keep the animals away, but successfully freaked our neighbors (and us) out several times.  He's a total creeper.



Watermelon

Basil and Thyme

Hot Peppers, Cucumbers, Tomatoes, Zucchini, Green Beans

That was summer in a little more than a nut shell!  Today my big guy got onto the school bus for the very first time, by himself, someone driving him besides his parents, grandparents or Thea (Greek for Aunt).  He went heading out the door 40 minutes early this morning saying, "I'm going to go wait for the bus."  Thank goodness he wasn't nervous because I was.  I'm not walking him in to his classroom.  That is weird (I think my Mom walked my brothers into homeroom until they were like in tenth grade!)  He has to buy milk.  Where do I put the money?  He can buy his entire lunch if he wants to.  Oh no!  Hopefully he won't notice any of the other kids' lunches for a while (and this is the dumbest sentence I've written so far.)

First Day of First Grade Lunch

Alex picked everything that went into his lunch today.  I think his taste is much more sophisticated due to him choosing a grilled cheese made with Colby cheese, along with fresh peaches and pasta salad.  I can't wait to hear how today goes for him!