Creating memorable and healthy dining experiences.
Spice Up Dinner Time With A Theme Party – johanna
January 5th, 2009 | Filed under: CREATING MEMORIES
Back when I was in college I worked at Rag Tops, a car dealership in West Palm Beach that specializes in convertibles, hence the name Ragtops, and classic cars. When the owners, Ty and Sheri were married they had a reception at Ragtops. The building is from the 1920’s, three stories high and packed with fun and amazing memorabilia from art deco to 50’s retro. I am thinking the same thing they must have thought, “who wouldn’t want to have a party here!” And so Party Perfect was born.
We hosted a myriad of parties centered around themes for fortune 500 companies to private individuals. We had The Great Gatsby, Sock Hop’n 50’s, The psychedelic 60’s, Bar Mitzvahs and Halloween to name a few. When I moved away I took my love of parties with me. Once a month I hosted a theme party for a few friends. Each month the list of invited guests changed. It was not long before friends and acquaintances who had heard about the parties were begging to be on the next months list of invited guests. The parties were simple. Just food and decorations. But, just like at Ragtops, my friends eyes lite up and their spirits danced at the site of good food and fun lovely decorations. It was something different and out of the ordinary.
I can’t think of a kid who does not get excited at the mention of the word party, a majority of adults included. Theme parties need not be confined to holidays and cultural cuisines. There are decades, seasons, special occassions, western, luau, sports, favorite movie, Hollywood, casino, music, everything made like a pie night, sing for your supper, mystery dinner, circus, royalty, alien, safari, pirate and the list goes on.
We like to keep the decorations and menu simple and inexpensive. Balloons and streamers, maybe a strand of lights, homemade hats or centerpieces. When Mason and Adelin hear the words party night they can’t wait to dive into the craft cabinet to make decorations. It is one way we have been able to add a little spice and excitement to dinner.
The Good Fortune Tree – johanna
December 29th, 2008 | Filed under: CREATING MEMORIES
Source: Submitted to the Meridian Magazine by Diane Thomas
Don’t take down that Christmas tree yet. Turn it into a fun New Year’s Decoration!
Leftover Christmas tree, undecorated
Balloons, 6″ to 8″
Chinese fortunes or wishes, typed on small pieces of paper
One-dollar bills
Ribbon
String confetti
Happy New Year’s hat
Remove the Christmas ornaments and lights from your tree and replace them with small balloons filled with New Year’s wishes, Chinese fortunes, and dollar bills. Tie the balloons to the tree with ribbon, being careful not to pop them. Finish decorating the tree with string confetti and a Happy New Year’s hat.
As the New Year rings in, guests can pop the balloons and claim the wishes, fortunes, and money inside.
Chocolate Glazed Doughnuts! – johanna
December 24th, 2008 | Filed under: CREATING MEMORIES, Treats
One of our Christmas traditions has been to rush out a batch of sugar cookies for Santa and a basket of nibbles for the reindeer all last minute. Then we rush the kids up stairs and wait for a scream of delight when they spy a wrapped present on their bed. Faster than you can say eggnog the boxes are ripped open to reveal the first gift of Christmas- Pajamas.
I thought of my sister-n-law who continued a family tradition of serving scrumptious cinnamon rolls and hot chocolate every Christmas Eve. Ever since I saw the doughnut pan in the Pottery Barn holiday catalog last year I have been dreaming of doughnuts and hot chocolate on Christmas Eve. And if we once again forget to make Santa’s cookies until last minute, I am sure he would not mind a oh so yummy chocolate glazed doughnut with sprinkles.
Makes 1 dozen doughnuts
1 (1/4-oz) package active dry yeast (2 1/2 teaspoons)
2 tablespoons warm water (105–115°F)
3 1/4 cups all-purpose flour plus additional for sprinkling and rolling out dough
1 cup whole milk at room temperature
1/2 stick (1/4 cup) unsalted butter, softened
3 large egg yolks
2 tablespoons sugar
1 1/2 teaspoons salt
1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
About 10 cups vegetable oil for deep frying
Stir together yeast and warm water in a small bowl until yeast is dissolved. Let stand until foamy, about 5 minutes. (If yeast doesn’t foam, discard and start over with new yeast.)
Mix together flour, milk, butter, yolks, sugar, salt, cinnamon, and yeast mixture in mixer at low speed until a soft dough forms. Increase speed to medium-high and beat 3 minutes more. Scrape dough down side of bowl (all around) into center, then sprinkle lightly with flour (to keep a crust from forming). Cover bowl with a clean kitchen towel (not terry cloth) and let dough rise in a draft-free place at warm room temperature until doubled in bulk, 1 1/2 to 2 hours. (Alternatively, let dough rise in bowl in refrigerator 8 to 12 hours.)
Turn dough out onto a lightly floured surface and roll out with a lightly floured rolling pin into a 12-inch round (1/2 inch thick). Cut out as many rounds as possible with 3-inch cutter, then cut a hole in center of each round with 1-inch cutter and transfer doughnuts to a lightly floured large baking sheet. Cover doughnuts with a clean kitchen towel and let rise in a draft-free place at warm room temperature until slightly puffed, about 30 minutes (45 minutes if dough was cold when cutting out doughnuts). Do not re-roll scraps.
Heat 2 1/2 inches oil in a deep 4-quart heavy pot until it registers 350°F on thermometer. Fry doughnuts, 2 at a time, turning occasionally with a wire or mesh skimmer or a slotted spoon, until puffed and golden brown, about 2 minutes per batch. Transfer to paper towels to drain. (Return oil to 350°F between batches.) I also fried the doughnut holes for about 1 minute and them tossed them in powdered sugar and cinnamon sugar straight out of the hot grease.
Source: Gourmet, December 2006
Chocolate Glaze: This is enough glaze for a double batch of doughnuts!
1/2 cup unsalted butter
1/4 cup whole milk, warmed
1 tablespoon light corn syrup
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
4 ounces bittersweet chocolate, chopped
2 cups confectioners’ sugar, sifted
Combine butter, milk, corn syrup, and vanilla in medium saucepan and heat over medium heat until butter is melted. Decrease the heat to low, add the chocolate, and whisk until melted. Turn off heat, add the powdered sugar, and whisk until smooth. Place the mixture over a bowl of warm water and dip the doughnuts immediately. Allow glaze to set for 30 minutes before serving. Recipe from Alton Brown.
Christmas Family Traditions: The Countdown to Christmas – johanna
December 19th, 2008 | Filed under: CREATING MEMORIES
When I think of an Advent calendar the first thing that comes to mind is the familiar story “The 12 Days of Christmas.” I have had my fun leaving presents on doorsteps with friends and family as we created our own version of The 12 Days of Christmas or in many an office, Secret Santa. Advent calendars are a fun and can be a magical way to hasten in a holiday such as Christmas.
- Stephen remembers the piece of cardboard with perforated windows when punched out reveal a piece of chocolate. Building paper chains, candy necklaces, felt projects and hanging a decorative stocking or picture hung each day are some ways families countdown Christmas.
- Many years ago Stephen’s mom bought an advent cabinet for all her children and their families. She asked me to help her gather items to put in each box. Each compartment contained an object related to the accompanying story, game, craft or recipe. There was a bag of marshmallows for hot chocolate, mini musical instruments for songs, and the last week had Nativity stories, Bible verses and mini figurines.
- A few years ago my sister-n-law, Alison, sent us a binder filled with 24 tender religious Christmas stories to count down the days until Christmas Eve. Each heart touching story reminds us of exactly why we celebrate Christmas. I loved the book so much I made copies for my friends the following year. I have since added to the binder and instead of ending on Christmas Eve we have enough stories for the whole month of December.
- Last year Mason was old enough to become excited over Santa. I found a really cute little mailbox on a post at Target that became Santa’s mailbox. Periodically a letter would appear in the mailbox from the Elves at the North Pole explaining what was going on around the village. This year as soon as the mailbox went up Mason and Adelin were busily writing many letters to their dear friend Santa explaining what we have been up to and a mention of what they would like for Christmas.
I am always one ready for a party so when I heard about all the year long traditions Stephen’s sister Natalie tries to carry on with her children I was inspired to start organizing my own family traditions. This is the slowest December we have had in ages. It has been nice taking it easy and really having the opportunity to share some magical experiences with my children.
- December 6th was traditionally called a day of feasts. Shoes were filled with candies, nuts and fruit. It is a nice welcome to the month of December when the kids are bouncing off the walls with excitement over Christmas.
- December 13th is known Saint Lucia’s Day. The legend states a young girl dressed in white with an evergreen garland and candles in her hair, carries a tray of saffron buns to the bedside of the members in her family. While she will not be doneing a wreath of candles we will place a halo of flowers like my sister-n-law does in her family.
- In years past we went on an outing on Christmas Eve. One year we took a train ride on the Polar Express, the next year we went to see the WWII planes decorated with lights at the Air Museum. This year will be the first Christmas without my mom. We are planning on spending the evening driving around looking at Christmas lights. Then we will enjoy our new tradition of Christmas Eve doughnuts and hot chocolate.
- The first gift of Christmas is given on Christmas Eve. Our children are met with a surprise gift on their beds. Christmas pajamas from Santa.
- Christmas morning the table is already set with a holiday tablecloth and serveware. A few years ago Stephen’s sister Jennifer gave us snowman plates and mugs and his brother’s wife Alison gave us felt santa utensil holders and santa candle holders. All that is missing is our traditional Ebelskivers or Danish pancakes.
- When I was a teenager I used to babysit for a family, the Bogarts. Their Christmas present to their little children every year was a book. I thought that was coolest idea and now that I have a family we carry on that tradition.
- We save all the bows from Christmas day to make a New Year’s Eve hats to bring in the new year with.
Saint Lucia Day: Serving Up Saffron Buns in Bed – johanna
December 13th, 2008 | Filed under: Breads, CREATING MEMORIES
Saint Lucy of Syracuse Day, also known as Saint Lucia, honors a young Christian woman during the time of the Diocletian Persecution in Italy. The Empire was still housed in Pagan beliefs. The government severely persecuting those who followed Christianity.
Many legends have been passed down through the generations of time. It is unclear, however, which of the details is fact or fiction. We do know, Lucy was martyred for her unwavering devotion to God and her refusal to marry due to a previous commitment to God. According to legends she was denounced for being a Christian, out of spite, by her betrothed.
Some legends tell of several miraculous deliverances from torture and execution. It is said that when the soldiers came to take her away, she was so filled with the Holy Spirit that they could not move her. The guards may have removed her eyes and yet she was still able to see. She was then sentenced to death but the fire was unable to consume her. Consequently she was stabbed to death.
Other accounts describe Lucy dressed in white bearing a tray laden with food for the Christians who where hiding from the Roman persecutors. A crown like garland of candles encircled her head, lighting her way through the dark underground tunnels. While other rumors place her on a ship with her white robes and halo delivering food to starving groups of people in Sicily and as far north as Sweden, Norway and Denmark; who were suffering from famine. Many believe the latter is the result of Viking traders, who traveled the Mediterranean taking her legends home with them.
December 13th commemorates the feast of Saint Lucia’s martyrdom. It is also coincides with the first day of Christmas Celebration or Winter Solstice in Scandinavia. Young girls dress in white and done a halo of evergreen, flowers or candles. In some parts of the world boys and girls gather in a parade to honor Lucy’s love for the poor and testimony of faith by going door to door with a tray of saffron buns and coffee. While others, such as my sister-n-law Natalie, quietly pay homage to the Saint by choosing the oldest or youngest daughter to serve sweet breads and Cuccia (a sweet porridge made with wheat berries, chocolate, sugar and milk) and coffee to all the family members or just the parents in bed.
Natalie was searching for fun year round traditions. In her search she found the story of Saint Lucia. I believe the oldest wears the flower head piece and carries the tray of sweets to the children in their beds. This year we start our own Saint Lucia tradition. I like the idea of the traditional saffron buns and Cuccia. There is something warm and inviting about lit candles but Adelin will not be wearing them. Instead we plan on putting our Christmas lights up outside and battery operated candles in the windows.
Saint Lucia Buns or Saffron Buns:
Cardamon is another common Scandinavian ingredient sometimes added to saffron buns. These buns are meant to be formed in delightful shapes. A fantastic task fit for a kid. Let them get really creative making cats, dogs, the traditional figure eight or in Mason’s case a Clone trooper.
1 package active dry yeast
1/4 cup warm water (105 to 115 degrees)
3/4 cup milk
1/2 cup (1 stick ) butter, melted
1 teaspoon saffron threads (a good pinch)
1/2 cup sugar
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup currants
2 eggs, warmed
4 to 4 1/2 cups flour
1 large egg, beaten
Sugar sprinkles, optional
To make the dough: In a large bowl, sprinkle the yeast over the warm water. Add a pinch of sugar. Heat the milk and add the melted butter to it; cool until the mixture is lukewarm.
Grind the saffron with 1 teaspoon of the sugar, using a mortar and pestle or with the back of a spoon in a small dish. Add 1 tablespoon of the warm milk-and-butter mixture and allow the saffron to steep for 5 minutes.
Add the saffron mixture, milk-and-butter mixture, sugar, salt, currants and eggs to the yeast. Using an electric blender on medium speed, beat until blended. Add 2 cups flour and beat on medium speed for 2 minutes. Add 2 cups of the remaining flour and mix with a wooden spoon to make a medium-stiff dough. Let dough rest for 15 minutes.
Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured board. Knead for 8 minutes or until the dough is smooth and satiny. Place the dough in a clean, lightly oiled bowl. Turn the dough over to lightly oil the top. Cover and let rise in a warm place until doubled in size, about 1 hour.
To make a braided wreath: Punch the dough down and divide into 3 parts. With the palms of your hands, roll and shape each part into a rope-like strand about 36 inches long. Braid the strands by aligning them vertically and alternately crossing each outer strand over the center strand. Shape the braid into a circle and place on a greased or parchment-covered baking sheet. Pinch the ends together where they meet to seal the strands and to conceal the beginning and end of the braid.
Transfer to the baking sheet. Brush with the beaten egg. Sprinkle with sugar sprinkles if using. Let rise for about 45 minutes or just until puffy.
Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Bake for 20 to 25 minutes, until lightly browned, or until a wooden skewer inserted into the center of the dough comes out clean and dry. Cool on a rack. Makes 16 servings.
Note: To make two smaller wreaths: Divide the dough into 2 parts and braid as above. Place each wreath on a baking sheet, allow to rise and bake for about 20 minutes.
Strengthening Family Ties: The Creative Family – johanna
December 6th, 2008 | Filed under: CREATING MEMORIES, THE BOOKSHELF
This year it has been my quest to simplify our lives and home. I used to subscribe to the more playgroups the better school of thought; rationalizing my children needed to be among their peers. That has since changed as I feel we are each others peers.
Back when our oldest was born we were sucked into the toy mania bandwagon that proclaimed “Your child is this many months old, these toys are essential for his milestone development.” The instant Mason was bored we were off to the toy store for something new. Our obsession with buying toys was nothing compared to the hordes of toys given to him from relatives with good intentions. I like playing with the toys as much as any kid, but I am not running a toy store here. I am trying to raise a family and in the process I hope to instill in them good core values while having fun in the process. I confess I am a little relieved the majority of the toys were lost in the move. However, it did not take long for our collection to grow and our home to become overrun once again.
Before moving to a more rural area several years ago, we were used to the fast paced life offered by the city. After the birth of our first son, Stephen and I realized the city life was of no importance. We longed to raise our children in a more simplistic environment. We wanted trails to hike, woods to explore and streams to forge all in our own backyard. I had visions of our little family spending our days outdoors playing and working a garden surrounded by a variety of fruit trees. Mostly I wanted a simpler life with a close knit family. Thus the hunt for a more basic creative and simpler life began.
I have wonderful memories (I am sure at the time it was agony) of all my desires and passion set on a particular toy that my mom refused to buy no matter how enormous a tantrum I threw. Moreover, I remember the abundant joy that raced through my blood as the coveted toy was unveiled Christmas Morning. As a parent I relish giving the kids prizes. I also anguish over Mason’s lack of an attachment to even just one toy. The non birthday or holiday toy buying ceased in hopes that my children would come to discover gratitude for the things they already have. Periodically throughout the year when I am in the mood to purge I sort through the stash tossing anything broken or never played with and boxing up the rest to rotate in and out. Still the clutter was unmanageable. Something had to be done. The toys that managed to survive were in great condition but the question remained, did we really need them all?
As my search into simplistic and creative living ensued I stumbled upon the book “The Power of Play” by David Elkind. The book touches on the importance of letting kids play and the types of environments that inhibit and cultivate true unadulterated child’s play. The boxes of toys were chucked; the TV became obsolete as we spent the majority of our day outside exploring. Excited by the find, as the book was right on course in the direction I was headed, I relayed my delight to a friend of mine. At the mention of the words Montessori and Waldorf education, free play, and the subject of toys, my friend was ecstatic. She proceeded to explain her most recent discovery in the realm of creativity and simplicity.
Patty had just begun reading “The Creative Family” written by Amanda Blake Soule, a mother of three, with one on the way. Patty immediately thought of me when she came across an idea called the “Sound Wall”. (Which by the way was immediately instituted and deemed successful) I could not wait until Patty finished her copy of “The Creative Family.” So I went out and bought my own.
In the book The Creative Family
I came to the realization I need to delve into my creative psyche as much as the children do. Arts and crafts used to be something rare because I thought I had to have a project and I was never prepared. I have learned to use their art time as my preparation time. If there is a project I want to do with the kids, I work on it getting it all together while they are creating their own master pieces. We are all happy and filled. To find out more about Amanda visit her website site at soulemama.com.
Memories, Family and Food – johanna
December 5th, 2008 | Filed under: CREATING MEMORIES
TODAY:
I felt the warmth of Christmas:
I was on my way over to a friends house this evening to help them with a project. As I was driving I noticed the sparkles of Christmas lights and felt cozy. It was a nice end to a hectic day.
Mason created and wrote down his concoction, I mean recipe:
Mason wanted to know if he could help me cook dinner. His recipe was not part of the menu but he was so determined to cook his own “dish” that I gave up all reservations about money. He started out right with sugar, baking powder and flour. Then he went awry with black pepper, vinegar- sesame and apple cider, vegetable oil, vital wheat gluten, vanilla, wheat flour, onions, a boiled egg, asparagus and a few more items I lost track of. Proud of his accomplishment, even after the taste test, he proceeded to write it all down.
I shared a smile with my Gran-daddy:
Every time I look at these glasses I am reminded of my Grandmother and Gran-daddy Jepson, who have since passed on. As far back as I can remember they had a set of polka dot glasses. They were completely from the seventies with the brown and orange but they represented Sunday dinner at my grandparents house. The smell of a pot roast in the oven, paper mache dolls on the shelf, the candy dish, the coolest beaded knick-knack trees and Grand-daddy’s iced tea in a brown and orange polka dot glass cup.
Happy Thanksgiving Kid Style – johanna
November 29th, 2008 | Filed under: CREATING MEMORIES
Thanksgiving is over and I feel like a stuffed turkey. I fasted all day so I could enjoy a few extra calories at dinner time and not feel too guilty. My guilty pleasure was my Grandmother’s blue cheese ball. I nearly devoured half of it single-handedly.
This Thanksgiving was my first. In the past we always went to Stephen’s parents or sister’s houses. This year, with everyone out of state, we wanted a nice relaxing kid friendly Thanksgiving. The meal was simple. I know it is Thanksgiving dinner we are talking about here but I could not bring myself to whip up numerous carb loaded dishes. Besides with four adults and three little children we did not need that much. We stuck to the basics of turkey, stuffing, corn on the cob roasted vegetables and salad.
Here are a few things Mason and Adelin did to help with the decorations.
Fall Harvest Necklaces: Use string or plain dental floss, popcorn, a variety of dried fruits.
Thanksgiving placemats: A fun way to teach patterns and weaving.
Thanksgiving hats. The instructions for the Pilgrim Bonnet can be found here.
The centerpiece: The Mayflower
Making Colored Paper with Food Coloring – johanna
November 20th, 2008 | Filed under: CREATING MEMORIES
The kids were playing with the salad spinner while I was making dinner. Adelin asked what it was so we washed some lettuce and put it in the spinner. Then I remembered a project in Gadgetology. Place a sheet of paper in the spinner, add food coloring and spin. I do not think ours turned out right. Bummed we put the bowl in the sink and cleaned up for dinner. After dinner when I went to wash the bowl we made a lovely discovery. The paper we used had turned yellow from the food coloring and water.
Excited we pulled out baking sheets, paper, food coloring, a spray bottle with water and a squirt bottle with water. We placed our sheets of paper in the baking sheet. Dropped several drops of food coloring and added water. The kids had a blast mixing colors.
We had to carefully remove the paper from the pan to avoid tearing it. We layed them on a sheet of foil to dry overnight.
Gratitude Thank You Cards – johanna
November 19th, 2008 | Filed under: CREATING MEMORIES
It was the beginning of October and I felt I was going to make Halloween without a rush this year. Then all of a sudden it was two days before Halloween and I was in a crunch. If feels like when I fall behind on tasks I am perpetually trying to catch up. Here I am the week before Thanksgiving (I had to catch myself from saying Christmas) and I have yet to sit down and write my yearly gratitude cards.
I have felt a little out of sorts as of late. Falling back into old habits instead of progressing forward. It took our latest trip to the Bay Area to snap out of it. Sometimes I need to step away from the day to day to see what a mess I am making and where changes need to be made. I discovered the kids and I have not created much since Halloween. We have been busy, but; with what I don’t have an answer.
Three years ago I received a card from a friend expressing her feelings of gratitude and a few life lessons learned from…me. Every year she thinks back through the year for people who have been a positive influence on her. I loved the idea so much the following year I started my own tradition. I had a ton of catching up to do. There are so many wonderful people who I have had the opportunity of knowing.
Sitting down and putting my thoughts about why I loved these amazing individuals was a thrilling experience. By the time I finished the last card I was sobbing from sheer joy. Gratitude is a powerful emotion. The key to happiness. When we can step out of the day to day to reflect on our blessings and where they come from we find joy. We want to exhibit kindness. We want to serve and uplift those around us because we care. Our lives become meaningful.
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