year end giving ideas that will nourish another

An article in the New York Times last week cited the sharp incline in subsidized and free meals provided by schools. Unless you live under a rock, this news wasn't surprising...but the image of a child who cannot focus because he/she is hungry sticks with me, perhaps because I place such a high value on nourishing my own children through homemade meals. But a follow-up article by The Lunch Tray is what really got me. In their article, they raise the question of social stigma as it relates to hunger, and bring to light "a troubling, modern-day twist on the problem: on some campuses, hapless kids standing in the federally reimbursable meal line are having their pictures taken by other students’ cell phones, with the photos then uploaded to Facebook and/or texted around the school along with disparaging messages about the child’s economic status. Not surprisingly, students in these schools are willing to forego lunch entirely, rather than risk this sort of high-tech social ostracism." I hate to write a downer of a post, but seriously?

And so, as I wrap up my fall feeling thankful for all that we are able to provide our family, I have done a bit of research and picked a couple of non-profits that we will support, in hopes that a few less children will go hungry. I am sharing them with you too, in case you are making year-end donations, and would like to learn more about these organizations that work to combat hunger with dignity, compassion and resourcefulness.

A few summers ago, I was fortunate to hear the leader of The Blaine County Hunger Coalition speak about one of their most popular programs, "the backpack club". In many cases, states have school breakfast and lunch figured out. There's a ton of debate now on what constitutes good school food, but at the heart of the matter, a child is getting two meals a day. But what happens when the child goes home on the weekend? I had never really thought of that. This program prides itself on being discreet for the 126 children who received their weekend meals in a backpack dropped off for them on Fridays. This year, the need will no doubt be even higher.

And just down the road from us is Person-to-Person, which regularly gets trunk loads of our gently used clothing the boys have outgrown. But did you know that P2P provides clients with a safety net of services, including groceries, to get them through challenging times? In fact, if you are placing a peapod order, you can select non-perishable items and have them delivered directly to Person-to-Person, at 1864 Post Road, Darien, CT 06820. How easy is that?

These are just two of many worthwhile organizations to consider. I would love to hear about organizations that combat hunger, and are meaningful to you, in your communities.

savory roasted apple side

After seeing his ideas in the New York Times' magazine, I couldn't wait to try Mark Bittman's ideas for savory apple sides with our bounty from apple picking this weekend. Of course, when I actually went to make the first recipe, I realized that I didn't have all of the ingredients. Still, they were delicious, and super simple.

Savory Apple Side Dish

(My Take on Mark Bittman's Moroccan Spiced Apples)

apples, cut into chunks
olive oil
garlic, minced
cumin
chili powder
cinnamon
smoked paprika

Heat oven to 425. Spread apples on a rimmed backing sheet, drizzle with olive oil, and sprinkle with garlic and spices. (I trust you to know how much of each spice to add, depending upon your family's tastes. Roast for 10-12 minutes, until apples are tender. (Be careful not to overcook or the apples will become mushy. Then again, if you prefer them more like a savory apple sauce, feel free to leave them in the oven for another 10 minutes, or so.)

I gave a hearty serving of these apples, along with roasted acorn squash and cider vinegar-braised onions to a friend. The combination of these flavors and textures was incredible, if I might say so myself!

late night cake

I have two fabulously creative friends who inspire me with their talents and seeming ability to juggle it all. They are both way more hip than I can ever hope to be, and I always wonder what they are discovering or dreaming up while I am pouring over recipes. One used to run the most wonderful children's art studio and now has a blog that makes me smile with her beautiful imagery. The other is a dedicated mom by day, and talented graphic designer after the kids go to sleep. She just launched a new little business. I love receiving their card each year, and am thrilled that the rest of us can now send out these special postcards too.

(savory) apple ideas

Is there anything better than an early start to a weekend morning...big cup of coffee and something inspiring in the paper? This morning I tore out Mark Bittman's ideas for apple recipes from the New York Time's Magazine. Here is the article. (If you can't see the link for some reason simply search for "Mark Bittman Recipes: Baked, Sautéed, Fried or Roasted Apples".) I cannot wait to make either Moroccan-Spiced Roasted Apples or Brussels-Sprout-Sage Sauteed Apples. Hadn't thought of using apples in a savory way...

could/should

I woke up determined to write a blog post. I have all of these great recipes and summer lunchbox ideas swirling through my head, and a backlog of photos (that I snap before the kids dig in...totally annoying mom move). But first, while my husband was playing tennis and my kids were happily entrenched in Legos, I decided to make myself a cup of coffee and catch up on reading posts from others I admire... and lo and behold, I read this. Hmm, spot on. It's not all skinny jeans and fruit skewers over here. Trust me. Sure, some days it is, but not every day. And there's always that lingering question of what I want this blog to be...how much time should I be spending on it...could it be more...should it be less?

happy?

Spring is here! The sun is shining again, tulips and daffodils have popped up everywhere and the supermarkets have beautiful artichokes and asparagus. Those of you who have been reading my posts as of late know that I have done my own little reawakening. Finally, I don't feel so much like a frumpy mama bear. I have lost the baby weight (never mind that my youngest is now 4), have more energy, am happier, and [drum roll] a friend who came by for tea last week actually went so far as to say I am glowing. (I swear, I didn't pay her to say that.)

In the process of figuring out ways to jibe my needs with my family's needs I have done a bit of reading. Two books, in particular, really resonated and have helped me to be more calm and focused on what is truly important to me at this life stage. The first, I cracked in the New Year. Since reading Gretchen Rubin's Happiness Project, I have given it to several friends who agree that it's fabulous. The second, Sara Avant Stover's new book, The Way of the Happy Woman, is so thoughtful and calming. She is actually coming to New Canaan Library on May 9th and leading a mini retreat at Saraswati on May 14th. I know a lot of you reading this are my friends scattered across the U.S. and beyond so here are the other places you can catch her if you'd like to hear her speak or go to one of her workshops. I am excited to send a copy of Sara's book to one of you who might like to read it as well. Simply leave a comment below letting me know something you have done to bring more happiness into your busy life. I will choose a winner on Monday!

New Food Crush: Rico M. Panada's Empanadas

I love stories like this: boy goes from being high school discus thrower to Argentinean land surveyor to clarinet player in the States…and then has an epiphany while riding the subway, watching two other passengers slop through burger and a slice of jiggly pizza while he neatly eats a homemade empanada. Fast forward through business school, a well-crafted business plan and an entrepreneurship award, and now we can all enjoy Rico M. Panada’s delicious empanadas. Bliss, I tell you. Keep these portable half moon shaped turnovers (which are baked, not fried) in your freezer for a super-easy, portable meal or hearty snack.

Again, as long as you know what’s in them, there’s no guilt in letting someone else do the cooking—particularly if it’s something that would far more laborious for me to whip up, and this guy’s already got it mastered.

The crust of the empanadas is made of: organic whole wheat flour, organic wheat flour, water, canola oil and kosher salt. The fillings are varied. Choose from: Beef, Chicken Pot Pie, Black Bean & Beet, Sweet Corn and Cheese, Spinach & Tofu, or Red Beans & Rice. So far we’ve tried the Black Bean & Beet ones, and the Sweet Corn and Cheese ones. Both were totally different and absolutely delicious, and were gobbled up (one-handed, while shoveling mud) by my little one!!

I found them yesterday when we were running errands out yonder at Whole Foods in White Plains, where a big end aisle freezer display that caught my eye. But good news CT readers: Rico M. Panada's Empanadas can be purchased at Whole Foods Westport, Greenwich, Milford (and soon-to-open Darien). Since I often like to shop in town, I'm going to see if we can't get Alex to stock them at Walter Stewart's as well....

P.S. My camera is off on a father-son Y Guide campout this weekend so these two photos were poached off Rico M. Panada’s blog (which is worth reading for both entertainment, and to be transported to Rico’s tasty business journey).

"If no one's in the kitchen, who's to see?"

Last night I got to see the movie "Julie and Julia". While I attempted twice to read the book, Julia and Julia, I could never get through the first chapter. But the movie was fun. (Shocking, I know, that I would love a movie about food and/or Julia Child…) Afterwards, we went to local French place, Bistro 44, because what other kind of food would you crave after a movie like that? The chef/owner, Alain, cooked a scrumptious dinner for our out of town guests one of the nights leading up to Jeff and my wedding celebration—wow, was that really that many years ago? Anyway, Alain still has his way with food, and the Bordeaux, escargot, halibut in lobster sauce (with a side of pommes frites, of course) and floating island were a perfect way to end a night of babysitting.

If any of you are caught up in the Julia wave these days, I highly recommend “Appetite for Life – The Biography of Julia Child”. In addition to being a phenomenal cook, the background of how Julia got to be this icon of fine food is so interesting...particularly since Julia didn’t even start cooking until she was 40 and her TV career didn’t take off until she was in her fifties! So, for all you moms wondering what to do when your little ones head off to school, imagine all of the possibilities for your second career!

Making your cake, then getting to relax and eat it too

I’m watching the “60 Minutes” episode on Alice Waters and the SlowFood movement, taking a load off after hosting a birthday party at home for 15 little munchkins. Like Alice, I love to feed people and see their joy. Her “Edible Schoolyard” is phenomenal. And there’s no doubt that the eggs she cooked in olive oil on a spoon in an open fire were probably amazing but…are any of us really cooking over an open fire? If you are, fine, please keep it to your (probably smug) self. I give myself a pat on the back when I prepare a frittata and “protein pancakes” on Sunday so I can re-heat them (yes, in my microwave) for the kids throughout the week. For me, preparing something special ahead of time, and then enjoying the time I have with my family (or our young party guests) is the key to feeling good about the healthy things I'm doing. It’s important that after your hard work you also get to enjoy the party, or that time on a week day morning before you kiss your little ones and send them off to school.