Who's got molars and loves Christmas trees? THIS GUY!
Saturday, December 8, 2007
Wednesday, December 5, 2007
Cheesy
The other night we made ricotta cheese and anyone who enjoys food should try this. It was fun, easy and yum. Here's the story:
Heat 1 quart whole milk, 1 cup heavy cream and 1 tsp coarse salt in a saucepan over medium heat. As soon as the milk starts to simmer (little bubbles all over) turn off the heat and pour in 2 TB white vinegar. Just let it sit quietly for 1 minute, then stir gently for about 2 minutes until you see the curds and whey start to separate. Pour the mixture into a colander lined with cheesecloth (oh, that's why they call it that) that is set in a bowl to collect the whey. Wait a minute and pour out the whey. Then, let the curds drain for another 15 minutes and you, sir, have some homemade ricotta cheese!
What will you do with this ricotta cheese?? Well, you can use it to make complicated things like lasagna or cheesecake, but I suggest something more simple like drizzling it with some nice olive oil, a sprinkle of salt and pepper, maybe some fresh herbs if you want to get fancy, and then spreading it on some crusty bread. Or maybe just drop a few spoonfuls in your mixed-greens salad. Or, sprinkle some sugar, cinnamon and chocolate shavings on top for a simple dessert. Leftovers will be happy in your fridge for a week, so you have plenty of time to enjoy your homemade treat.
Heat 1 quart whole milk, 1 cup heavy cream and 1 tsp coarse salt in a saucepan over medium heat. As soon as the milk starts to simmer (little bubbles all over) turn off the heat and pour in 2 TB white vinegar. Just let it sit quietly for 1 minute, then stir gently for about 2 minutes until you see the curds and whey start to separate. Pour the mixture into a colander lined with cheesecloth (oh, that's why they call it that) that is set in a bowl to collect the whey. Wait a minute and pour out the whey. Then, let the curds drain for another 15 minutes and you, sir, have some homemade ricotta cheese!
What will you do with this ricotta cheese?? Well, you can use it to make complicated things like lasagna or cheesecake, but I suggest something more simple like drizzling it with some nice olive oil, a sprinkle of salt and pepper, maybe some fresh herbs if you want to get fancy, and then spreading it on some crusty bread. Or maybe just drop a few spoonfuls in your mixed-greens salad. Or, sprinkle some sugar, cinnamon and chocolate shavings on top for a simple dessert. Leftovers will be happy in your fridge for a week, so you have plenty of time to enjoy your homemade treat.
Tuesday, December 4, 2007
Monday, December 3, 2007
Sadie and the Helmets
Sadie is becoming more mobile and coordinated every day. It's exciting and fun and reminds me of Jake at this stage. She's been pulling up onto furniture, and taking steps while holding on. And over the past few days she's been standing up by herself for a few seconds before plopping back down. Jake took his first step at 9 months, and was walking more than crawling by 10 months. I think Sadie is probably on about the same timeline, with the added encouragement of keeping up with her big brother. Tonight was one of those nights where they were both in great moods and were playing together really nicely. Ali promises me it wasn't like that the whole day, so I guess I was just lucky enough to catch them that way.
Anyway, we were goofing around on the floor, playing tigers and scary animals and Jake said "let's play papachoot!" It took me a few guesses but I finally figured out he was talking about the parachute that Aunt Deni got us. I pulled it out and we all played under it for a while and then Jake sat on one end so I could pull him around the floor, as we often do. I caught Sadie's glance and she was giving me that "whatchoodoing Daddy?" look so I put her on too, for the first time. I put her on Jake's lap, and told him to hold her tight. I pulled them around and around the floor and they loved it. Until Jake bonked his head. Not a big bonk, just a normal five-times-a-day bonk. I jokingly said they should probably wear helmets, but I forgot he takes everything literally. I didn't feel like going down to the garage to get their bike helmets so I said that brown napkins work just as well as helmets. He bought it, so we all tied on our "helmets" and kept playing. Of course, now I run the risk of Jake insisting on wearing one of these brown napkins next time he rides his bike...
Anyway, we were goofing around on the floor, playing tigers and scary animals and Jake said "let's play papachoot!" It took me a few guesses but I finally figured out he was talking about the parachute that Aunt Deni got us. I pulled it out and we all played under it for a while and then Jake sat on one end so I could pull him around the floor, as we often do. I caught Sadie's glance and she was giving me that "whatchoodoing Daddy?" look so I put her on too, for the first time. I put her on Jake's lap, and told him to hold her tight. I pulled them around and around the floor and they loved it. Until Jake bonked his head. Not a big bonk, just a normal five-times-a-day bonk. I jokingly said they should probably wear helmets, but I forgot he takes everything literally. I didn't feel like going down to the garage to get their bike helmets so I said that brown napkins work just as well as helmets. He bought it, so we all tied on our "helmets" and kept playing. Of course, now I run the risk of Jake insisting on wearing one of these brown napkins next time he rides his bike...
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