Izzy Eats: The art of raising a gourmand, one bite at a time

A Day On The Slopes - Izzy Skis

2012-02-05T22:03:00.001-05:00

A few weeks ago, Izzy and I joined his great friend J. for their first skiing adventure. We went to a nearby mountain, Campgaw in Mahwah N.J. There, Izzy and J. maneuvered their skis on the ultra-easy, gradual bunny slope, perfect for the smallest of skiers. After their first hour-long lesson the two of them were whizzing down the tiny hill with ease. Although this was a good introduction to skiing, Izzy was eager to try something slightly more daring.

I researched some other local options and this weekend we tried Tuxedo Ridge, perfect for us because you can get there from Hoboken via the NJ transit train. Not only that but the resort offered to send a van to pick us up at the station.

We set out early this morning with a group of Izzy's classmates. Everything went according to plan and we arrived at the slopes by 10:30. This time, I got myself a snazzy, warm ski outfit so that I wouldn't spend my day shivering, sniffly and miserable as I did a few weeks ago. I couldn't ski that day as I didn't have warm enough clothing and wasn't feeling up to it. This time I decided to do it right. I even signed up for a lesson, along with Izzy and his classmates.

Our instructor was a sweetheart and he patiently provided basic beginner skills, such as putting on skis, stopping and turning. Izzy was bored at first as he was eager to get moving, but I appreciated the review. You see I haven't skied in 20 years, since my days on the slope with my old beau Mr. B who was quite the daredevil skier. Back then he managed to get me on the black diamond slopes even though I had very little skiing experience at the time.

Shadowing Izzy....

It was exciting to be out on the slopes after all these years and today was the perfect day for it. At first glance, the bunny slope at Tuxedo Ridge definitely appeared more challenging than the one at Campgaw and it had a real ski lift instead of the "magic carpet"(which is perfect for first-timers or little ones but less so for Izzy). At first I couldn't imagine that Izzy or I would even attempt this bunny slope but after I taught him how to zig-zag, I decided he was ready ( and I hoped that I could manage it myself). By the afternoon, the two of us were gliding down the slopes with ease, Izzy following my trails and eventually going up the lift on his own.

Both of us were thrilled with the experience and hope to return to Tuxedo Ridge soon and check out some other nearby ski areas as well.

If you go:

Campgaw

pros: Bunny slope is ideal for first-time or very young skiers. The snow-tubing area is right next to the bunny slope. Close to NYC.
cons: Lodge is noisy, loud music. Food didn't look great, crowded, no intermediate ski-area.

Tuxedo Ridge

pros: Close to NYC, easily accessible by public transportation. Snow tubing, patient instructors.
Nice-sized bunny slope. Low-key. Two dining options.

cons: Bunny slope may be too challenging for little ones (kids 6 and under may find it difficult without a private lesson or a parent to accompany them).

Also, I recommend packing a lunch and snacks. We spent very little time eating as we wanted to maximize our time on the slopes.

"Please Don't Pass That Gas" (pipeline through Jersey City): Izzy attends a protest

2011-10-19T21:43:00.000-05:00

"Please don't pass that gas (pipeline)"

The Spectra financed natural gas pipeline which is slated to run underneath downtown Jersey City, is a source of great concern and outrage for the city's residents. Today was our chance to speak out against its construction, which would surely do more harm than good, bringing toxins and danger to a densely populated area. The public hearing was scheduled for this evening and since it wasn't too late I decided it would be a good introduction for Izzy, into the world of protests. Although this wasn't the first protest he has attended it will undoubtedly be the first he will remember.

Izzy and his pal Y., waved their signs dutifully and then sat patiently while many of our city's leading politicians spoke out against the pipeline's construction through our city. Many of the speeches were engaging and well-done. But of course the most memorable speaker, from the kids' viewpoint, was the woman who incorporated the phrase "Please don't pass that gas (pipeline)" throughout her speech.

The majority of the attendees were anti-pipeline protesters but there was a small but vocal bunch of pro-pipeline union workers sprinkled amongst the audience. The kids managed to sit through over an hour of the hearing but they began to get sleepy so we had to leave before it ended.

When the final decision regarding the pipeline is made in 2012, let us hope that our voices were heard. May our children learn the importance of speaking up for what they believe in.

Click here for the latest news on the event...

Hurricane Preparedness, Shopping for Irene and An Agonizing Decision

2011-08-27T15:57:00.000-05:00

Most of our summer has been spent elsewhere, Europe or the shore. As a consequence, our pantry and cupboards are shockingly bare. Of late, I have been making daily shopping trips and haven't replenished any dry food goods and other staples. With all of the panic and hoopla surrounding the impending arrival of Hurricane Irene, I decided to make an emergency trip to Shoprite, a place I have managed to avoid for the better part of the past year.

I went there with the intent of picking up water, batteries, cleaning supplies and some canned goods. I assumed others there would be doing the same. What I found however, were shelves empty of gallon water jugs and shoppers piling their carts with all manner of junk food. An acquaintance, whose cart contained the spray cheese of my youth (oh so delectable on a Ritz cracker during those summer camp days of yore), and all sorts of other goods out of my realm, tried to persuade me to throw out my foodie/organic convictions and just stock up. After all, this was about survival. I explained that I didn't just want to buy food that I wouldn't eventually use. Her rationale (and a good one at that), was that if we didn't end up using the food, we could just donate it. Yet I looked around and saw the carts stuffed with all manner of processed foods and couldn't exactly follow suit. In my own fashion, I did shop with abandon, as I purchased some things that would not ordinarily find their way into my cart.

With Izzy at my side, we carted home the following: 13 bottles of fizzy water, a lone bottle of Fiji water, hearts of palm, water chestnuts, olives, chickpeas, cannellini beans, olive oil, canned pink salmon, coconut water, organic granola, blueberry pomegranate juice, organic rice milk, coconut milk and whatever else you seen in the picture. I marveled at the spread and how it differed from what I saw in the carts of my neighbors. I knew that come what may, would we still manage to eat healthfully.

Not only did we shop for groceries, we also managed to snag the last light stick at Sears, get a bag of ice from the bodega and stop at the bank. Yet my efforts were for naught. I have been tracking the storm and reading the dire predictions, wondering if we needed to evacuate or not. This morning, A. insisted that Izzy and I leave Jersey City.

After much agonizing, I have left my stocked pantry and made the decision to leave my kitties and house behind. A. has remained home, guarding the house and the kitties. We chose to go stay with my brother since Flemington is merely a tropical storm zone instead of a category 1 hurricane site. Though the rain is falling steadily around us, inside my brother's kitchen feels like a pretty safe place to be.

May everyone left on 8th Street and elsewhere stay safe and dry. My thoughts are with all of you.

p.s. Thank J. for sharing your bedroom with us!

Paris - Eating In

2011-07-27T17:36:00.000-05:00

For me a trip to Paris usually means a scramble to eat as many fabulous meals as I can. This time was slightly different, given my many and various food limitations, which is one reason I chose to stay in an apartment, allowing me the ability to prepare meals at home -which we did for all breakfasts, most lunches and some dinners. Going to the French market is always fun for me and Izzy got a kick out of helping me select the ingredients for our meals..from gorgeously sweet grape tomatoes to sparkling red currants.

Arugula Salad with Tomatoes and Chickpeas/Green Beans Vinagrette

As you can see, I didn't really do any heavy duty cooking but more of an assemblage - salads, pate, bread and fruit - and one pasta dinner.

Red Currants Snack

Arugula, Cherry Tomatoes,Cucumbers and Tinned Fish

Steamed Artichoke, Rabbit Pate, Duck Rillettes, Beet Salad

Our new Italian friends wondered where we would eat better, in Italy or in France. They were certain the food is better in Italy. What do you suppose they will say now?

From Praiano to Paris - weather or not...

2011-07-25T17:44:00.000-05:00

A rare moment on a carousel in the Marais (note the winter hat)

After our eleven day Italian idyll, we left the brilliant warm sunshine and spectacular scenery of Praiano for my heretofore favorite city, Paris. I toyed with the idea of remaining in Praiano and canceling the trip to Paris but it was impossible. Our apartment was already paid for and we couldn't change our flights. Besides, we had to go to Paris to get our train to London. So to Paris we went and there we were met with an autumnal chill and days of rain. Izzy wondered aloud as to why it had been "summer in Italy and it was now winter in Paris". I wondered the same.

I didn't expect much from Paris, simply some days of meandering, a few good meals, a bit of frolicking in Place des Vosges, Jardins du Luxembourg and Les Tuileries and perhaps a visit to a small museum or two. I also wanted to shop, for Izzy, myself and my friends. Hardly got to do any of those things as the weather foiled most of our plans, except for eating and shopping, of which we did far too much.

Whenever we stepped outside, the sky would darken and the drops would begin falling. I had no choice but to duck into the nearest shop. We spent an inordinate amount of time in bookstores, clothing shops and whatever else crossed our paths. Izzy began to amass a collection of Tintin books, which entertained him during my forays into clothing shops and shoe stores.

Tintin au restaurant

And so we spent our days in Paris, scurrying in and out of shops, escaping the rain, enjoying occasional bouts of sunshine and a few other activities...

A Room With A View (and then some) - Our apartment in Paris

2011-07-22T17:05:00.000-05:00

Whenever I visit Paris, I try to stay either in, or near the Marais ( 4th arrondisement), where I lived many years ago. It was, and still is, my very favorite place to be. This time I selected a little apartment on the Rue des Tournelles, just a few doors down from where I lived way back then. Among other essential features like free Wifi, the apartment offered a classic Parisian street side view. And as Izzy later discovered, a bit more...

We were playing scrabble in the living room the other evening, when out of the blue, Izzy looked up at me, with quite a grin on his face and asked, "Why is the lady across the street cleaning her apartment completely naked?"

Why indeed! It wasn't even particularly hot out (in fact, au contraire) yet there she was, with her backside to us, washing her dishes. Together we giggled over this and Izzy suggested I photograph her for the blog (not a good idea, I explained). He continued to glance over at her and we watched as she turned toward us to sweep the floor. Eventually she realized she was being watched and disappeared into another room, only to return in her pajamas.

Of course I was then left to explain why she might have been cleaning in the nude. I could have chalked it up to a, "Only in Paris" occurrence. However I had to confess that on sweltering days in New York City, long before he was born, when I lived on the 9th floor and the shades were drawn, I had been known to do some cleaning, similarly clad. And so I told him that it was likely she was most comfortable that way and probably didn't realize that all eyes were upon her.

He hoped to catch another glimpse tonight but clearly, she was on to him and didn't make an appearance.

Leaving Praiano - was it meant to be?

2011-07-20T02:27:00.001-05:00

Ancient tower - Praiano

Neither one of us wished to leave Praiano but sadly it was too late to change our plans. We were resigned to leave as planned, far too early on Sunday morning - by taxi at 6 a.m. to catch a 9:20 flight from Naples.

Getting up at 5 wasn't as bad as I thought and Izzy awakened easily. It was getting the hotel staff up to help assist with dragging our luggage up the stairs that proved challenging. In fact, when I told them of our early departure, they seemed quite surprised that anyone would consider leaving so early. They made our early departure seem unheard of and were unsure as to how I would manage. One suggestion was that they carry my baggage up the steps in the late evening, leaving it near a locked gate (no thanks). I was baffled as to their response and as I was recounting this tale to some other hotel guests, a kind fellow from Australia offered to wake up and carry our bags for me. He said he was going kayaking and needed a wake-up call anyway. Ah the kindness of strangers. With that settled, Izzy and I went off to our room. On our way, N., one of the hotel family, stopped me to let me know that HE would be getting up to help with our bags. I was skeptical but he insisted...so I canceled with the Australian and we went off to bed.

The morning of our departure, Izzy and I put all of our bags outside of our room, walked up to the reception area (locked) and peeked around for someone to help us. Nobody was there but I figured N. would arrive shortly. Meanwhile we walked up all of steps in search of the car service - not there either. We walked back down and still nobody had arrived to help. I sent Izzy up and down a couple of more times in search of the car service and still nothing. At that point I began to fear we would miss our plane. I also began to see the error in taking an early flight from Italy. I had no signal on my phone so I couldn't contact the car service and there was no sign of N. to help with our luggage. Little by little, Izzy and I inched our luggage up a few stairs at a time, until we got it to the reception area (not even halfway, mind you). Our car was scheduled for 6 a.m. and it was 6:15. All remained quiet as Izzy and I pricked our ears at the sound of each passing car. Finally we heard a door slam. We ran up the steps to meet Giovanni, our driver. He apologized for his tardiness and came down to carry our luggage (phew). We piled into the car and we were off.

Turns out my worries of lateness were unfounded. The car service had booked us at 6 but it didn't take us very long to get to the airport, even with a stop along the way for Izzy. It seems the early wake-up and winding roads = car-sickness for poor Izzy. Our driver was most sympathetic and helpful with the clean-up, which more than compensated for his tardiness. Not only that but he is an excellent driver, taking extra care along the narrow coastal roads.

In the end, we arrived at the airport with plenty of time to spare and boarded our flight - destination Parigi- on time. As we settled into our seats, I finally began to relax and the fact that we were really leaving this magical locale began to sink in. As the plane took flight I stared out at the shining blue sea and wished we had remained as we were earlier, stuck in Praiano, baggage and all.

Arrivederci Italia.

p.s. When we arrived in Paris, I received a very apologetic email from N., from our hotel in Praiano who had set his alarm to help us with the baggage but never heard it sound - apologies accepted; we love you anyway!

When Life Gives You Lemons - Loll: Of our days in Praiano, Italy - Lemon Groves and Locanda Costa Diva

2011-07-14T13:10:00.000-05:00

Night falls on the lemon grove

We arrived in Praiano a week ago and here we have stayed, nestled amongst lemon groves in our most adorable hotel, La Locanda Costa Diva. It is in fact, a restored farmhouse and the rooms seem to be built around the lemon, olive and other fruit trees which grace this cliffside retreat; the entire property boasting spectacular views of the sea and other local scenery.

Praiano is a small, quiet village along the Amalfi Coast - an easy distance (along narrow, harrowing roads) from its more boisterous neighbors, Positano and Amalfi. At first I wasn’t sure how Izzy and I would fare here, as there is little more to do than go to the beach and figure out our next meal.

For our first 4 days we befriended a traveling mother and her teenaged daughter from Calgary, also at the hotel. It was nice to exchange tales of our daily adventures with them, breakfast time or dinner each day. Once they left I wondered if we would find some other travelers to entertain us, as many of the other rooms here are occupied by honeymooner types. In fact one evening, we heard some loudish music emanating from a room below ours and Izzy went to peek out over the balcony only to discover a couple in their private jacuzzi (not as private as they thought!).

We settled into a routine and each day we have come to appreciate our surroundings all the more. Each morning, we sleep until 8 (or Izzy later if I don’t awaken him accidentally). We make our way to breakfast at around 9 where a copious spread awaits us in the dining room. There is plenty to fuel us for the day - yogurt, blood orange juice, croissants, rolls with jam and butter, fresh fruit cocktail, assorted farm fruits - plums, cherries, etc, cereals, cappuccino, tea and specially for me, rice milk.
After gorging on these delights we usually spend some time in dining room while I use the WiFi hotspot - as there is no free internet in the rooms (something that distressed me at first but is probably for the best as I am forced to limit my time at the computer).

After breakfast we usually meander back to our room and either take a bus on an excursion or go to the beach. Each day there is some small discovery to be made. Often, Izzy wanders along the paths created in and amongst the lemon groves, and takes great pleasure in snitching lemons (which we use in our endless bottles of fizzy water) and other fruits.

Lizards flit along the paths, surprising us at every turn and the hotel dog, “Billy” is our constant companion whenever we approach the dining room. I think he must appreciate our truffle scent (I packed truffle salt in our luggage as gifts and all of our clothing carries the aroma).


"Billy" rolls over for a scratch

The more we learn of this charming locale, the more we have come to love it. We have gotten to know our surroundings and the super-friendly and accomodating staff and we will certainly be sorry to leave here on Sunday.

Travel Indecisions/Decisions: Where do we go from here?

2011-07-12T04:40:00.000-05:00

It has been four years since Izzy and I made our first journey to Europe. Far too much time has passed since that trip and we have longed to take another one. This year, in celebration of my one year cancerversary (Yes! June marked one year since I finished cancer treatment) I decided we would go on a long voyage. Where we would go? I wasn't exactly sure but I knew we would go to Europe.

At home I planned the first and last weeks of our trip. We would start out in Germany where we would visit with Aunt B. and Uncle Rabbit in Altotting. This would be relaxing, or so I had hoped. At the end of our trip we would visit with our old Jersey City friends, Helen, I. et al. in London. We would be gone for five weeks total.

With the first week and the last week of our trip planned, we left Jersey City. I spent that first week in a state of agitation as I tried to resolve the question of where we would actually go. As I had packed far too much luggage, we were somewhat limited to places that would not involve too many train/plane transfers and other maneuvers that would involve carrying the luggage. I had initially imagined a stay in just one place - renting a house or an apartment and exploring one town for a month. I mulled over places like Provence (been there), Apulia (saw great article in the NY Times about it) and Sicily (intriguing), Ischia (worried about getting around) a farmstay in the Sora (sounds wonderful) and Praiano - a small coastal town between Amalfi and Positano which seemed to have the most appeal. I tried to book the farmstay as well as a week in Praiano. At first this appeared to be the perfect plan but I began to worry about the luggage situation and felt that the traveling between place to place would be less relaxing than what I had intended. In the end I booked a ticket from Munich to Naples and we took a car service to Praiano where we would stay for 11 days.

Our flight to Naples was uneventful. We found our luggage and our driver from Italy Limousine, met us and whisked us off to Praiano. He was an expert and I never once felt uncomfortable as we wound our way around the narrow main road of the Amalfi Coast. The scenic drive was merely an introduction to the beauty of this area, where houses are built into the rocks of the cliffs. We arrived at our hotel, La Locanda Costa Diva, at about 8:30 p.m... We set our bags down and looked around. I was relieved to find that I had selected a most beautiful and peaceful locale. Perhaps I would finally be able to relax...

We have now be at La Locanda Costa Diva since July 7th. This small coastal village is a quiet respite from life as we know it... to be continued...

Antics in Altotting: of biking, hiking and picking, or living the country life June 28-July 6 2011

2011-07-08T13:07:00.000-05:00

For the 8 years since Aunt B moved to live with her Rabbit in Germany, I had a certain image of where it was she lived. My mind’s eye envisioned a small, stand-alone house quite like the one she lives in, though hers is attached. Here it is, on our final day.

Little House On the Stinglhammer

The house has three floors. On the first floor is a living room and kitchen, bathroom and backdoor which leads out to a lovely backyard. The second floor houses a sitting room/office and the master bedroom and top floor contains the guest quarters.

During our stay Izzy and I shared the upstairs quarters. Attic bedroom with street view, small bathroom and a room in which to leave our luggage. The light (sometimes sun) shone brightly into our room each morning, awakening me earlier than I would have liked. Though somehow not interrupting Izzy as he slept on.

Each morning Aunt B. prepared our breakfast - for Izzy, a bowl of fruit and yogurt, for me a bowl of fruit and tea. On nice days we could have our breakfast in the backyard - gazing out at the large sunflower patches, mint and other assorted flowers which decorated the grasses. Chickens occasionally clucked by, stopped for some crusts of bread

Each day was a lazy one, in which we wouldn’t usually get out of the house until 11. Should we go to market? Go out to lunch or have an adventure? Before any of that, we stopped at the local bakery to select our daily pretzel snack. Sesame, poppy, salted or pumpkin seed? Izzy and I favored the sesame seed ones which came pretzel-shaped or round, which I daresay are true kin to the bagel.

After our snack we chose an adventure. Our first outing was a visit to the local Wednesday market in Neutotting. There we bought some fixings for lunch etc. - head cheese, bread and other tidbits. That afternoon Brooke and Isadore went for a walk in the woods in search of frogs.

Next day was bike riding in the fields and woods. We met some cats along the way.

Izzy and his new cat friend

One day we visited Burghausen - to see the castle

A highlight of our trip was blueberry picking at a nearby field where rows and rows of plump, juicy berries were ripe for picking. Izzy, Brooke, Peter and I managed to collect about 10 lbs. of berries on our first outing. Half were given away and we managed to eat 5 lbs. in 2 days. They were a steady part of our diet and we liked them so much that we went back a second time to collect more so that we had extra to take with us on our trip to Italy.

Blueberry fields forever

Last but not least, was our hike in the Bavarian Alps, worthy of a post all its own.

So much more to say but have to get to the next part of our trip. Thank you Aunt B. and Uncle Rabbit for a most unforgettable visit. See you next year :)!

July 4th BBQ Celebration: Altotting

2011-07-07T12:56:00.000-05:00

Uncle Rabbit grilled pork filet. Izzy assisted. He especially enjoyed fanning the fire.

There were roasted potatoes and salad too.

I contributed my version of German bruschetta - stale bread, sliced, grilled, rubbed with garlic and topped with chopped salami, basil and olive oil.

For dessert - Toasted Marshmallows!

The evening ended with sparklers - in the light, and later on when it got dark.

Happy Belated July 4th!

Splendid Eats In and Near Altotting: Birni's and Ming's

2011-07-04T17:02:00.000-05:00

It has been nearly a week since we arrived in Altotting, a small village in South East Germany, best known for religious pilgrimages. I have heard tell that the pious travel from far and wide, coming here to be magically cured - evidence of crutches left behind adorn the chapel where people pray, not far from a fountain purported to have healing powers. I couldn't resist a dip but unfortunately have to say I haven't been magic as "the rash" persists (will come to that some other time). In the meanwhile, I have encountered some fine things to eat (other than Miss B's cooking), namely two restaurants, Birni's and Ming's Lounge.

Birni's, which is not actually Altotting but is instead in Neutotting (about 5 minutes away by car) is certainly a destination restaurant - worthy of far longer than a five minute ride to be sure). They offer locally inspired and updated German cuisine - think airy foams rather than heavy sauces - in a lovely, light-filled setting, where wood, candles and flowers abound. This is delightful experience not to be missed if you are within an hour or so. Friendly staff only add to the perfect evening.

Salad with crispy mushrooms from Birni's

Ming's is a more casual option but equally noteworthy. This hip, Thai restaurant offers a nicely rounded menu of expertly sauced Thai dishes. I thoroughly enjoyed my crisp duck with coconut curry and the other dishes looked equally tantalizing. Here too, service was warm and friendly.

Crispy Duck in Coconut Curry

Rest assured, that the next time you visit Altotting, you will be able to find something really good to eat.

Jet lag lazy: First days in Altotting

2011-06-30T17:13:00.000-05:00

My friend H. had counseled me to fly to Europe on a daytime flight, something that in all my days of traveling I had never done or even considered before. We took a 9:00 a.m. flight and arrived at our final destination at 9 p.m. There was no place to get dinner so we had to order room service which turned out to be pricey and mediocre. During past travels, I always enjoyed arriving in Europe for breakfast, where I could have a fresh croissant or baguette to begin a lazy, tired day. This was indeed different though I am still uncertain as to whether it was better.

The rationale for taking the daytime flight was that Izzy's jet lag would be less problematic. I am not sure which I prefer as he now enjoys staying up until midnight and sleeping until 10:30. I, meanwhile can't seem to sleep past 6 a.m. and then become exhausted throughout the day.

Since we are staying with Aunt Brooke and Uncle Rabbit I have had the luxury of just lolling about. I have been mulling over the possibilities for our upcoming travels whilst at times, Brooke entertains Izzy. They have visited a nearby creek in search of frogs and together we have gone bike riding. We biked near farms, passing some chickens and barn cats along the way. Then through a forest where Izzy and I were eaten up itchy by some tiny black insects. On our way out of the forest we stopped at a "Pick your own flowers" farm where Izzy insisted on buying one daisy with some euro change he had in his pocket.

We have also been eating in style, thanks to Miss Brooke who has been cooking up a storm while I sit idly by. She showcases local produce, fish and meats. Dinner our second night...

Moroccan Vegetable Stew, Couscous and Turkey Breast

Dinner our third night...

Trout with Riesling and Shredded Carrots


Tomato and Green Bean Salad

Oh and I forgot to mention our first meal in Altotting... We went to dinner at a local Beer Garden within a forest...quite a Bavarian meal. A very porky experience to say the least! Tomorrow's agenda is too include a visit to long Bavarian castle...stay-tuned.

Wake me up before my blog goes...(New adventures on the horizon)

2011-06-29T08:19:00.000-05:00

This blog has remained dormant for too long.

Why? You ask. I can't say for sure.

I have begun many a blog post, only to leave it dangling, unfinished. Good Eggs have been eaten. Praying Mantises have hatched. Each moment has a story. Thoughts come and then they go. New ones arise and I leave them too. And I do regret not telling many a tale. For several months, the urge to tell tales has fizzled. Perhaps I have need to be quiet.

I started this blog in part as a way of chronicling Izzy's childhood through the perspective of food; which I have tried to maintain throughout. My other goal was to share how I turned the idea of raising a child who is willing to eat most things, and revel in it, into a reality.

My eight year old Izzy, yes indeed he is now EIGHT, is a very fine eater. He regularly orders escargot at our favorite local French restaurant, enjoys making and drinking fresh carrot juice and considers Swiss Chard to be one of his favorite vegetables. I still love the idea of sharing tales of Izzy and his eating adventures yet I also wish to share more.

The good news is that right now I couldn't ask for more inspiration as Izzy and I have embarked upon a month-long adventure in Europe. We arrived in London on Monday, June 27th for an overnight stay at an airport hotel (something I have never done before and hope not to do again) and then a flight to Munich. We are now relaxing in the small Bavarian town of Altotting, where we are staying with my most gracious friend Brooke and her husband, Peter Rabbit.

In the meanwhile, as I seek more blog inspiration, I wonder if I need to begin a new blog, one which will encompass more than just Izzy and our adventures. I hope to share more than just food tales as I make new discoveries of all kinds.

And so dear readers - if there are any of you left.. I turn to you for new blog name suggestions -the sooner the better, as I do plan to keep you abreast of our latest adventures and beyond.

Matzoh For Maira....A Passover Story

2011-04-21T23:28:00.000-05:00

Passover is my favorite Jewish holiday and even last year, in the throes of illness, I somehow managed to host a pseudo-seder. I can't even remember most of what I served but I somehow remember that David Lebovitz's chicken figured into the menu. In any case, this year, now that I am feeling mostly well, I felt inclined to host not only one seder but two. I had my work cut out.

I tried to be organized about it and began my cooking on Friday, with the stock for my gefilte fish. On Saturday I prepared the gefilte fish, horseradish and soup. By Sunday I knew, tedium would be settling in. At least that day would be dessert. Chocolate-Chunk Macaroons and Chocolate-Caramel Matzoh - for no Passover would be complete without it.

At some point over the weekend, my "goyisha"(thank grandma for that term) friend Tracy posted on Facebook, seeking a good Passover dessert to bring to a Seder. I told her of my cooking agenda and invited her to join me for a Chocolate-Caramel Matzoh tutorial. And so it was that she appeared at my house early Sunday morning. During our kitchen chit-chat,as preparations were underway, it somehow emerged that Tracy would be Sedering with none other than Maira Kalman.

Some people girls have all the luck, don't they?!... Still and all, even though I couldn't Seder with Maira myself, I was especially tickled by this news. I so fondly recall my days teaching English at the Lycee and introducing her books to my students. I read "Ooh La-La Max in Love" so many times I practically knew it by heart...And if you love whimsical books or Paris or both, please read it too, along with the rest of her wonderful works.

But wait, back to my Chocolate-covered Matzoh. Knowing that Maira would be sampling it made the preparation that much more fun. Tracy and I each prepared a batch of it and had a grand old time doing so. Having a friend in the kitchen was a treat after several days of solo cooking. And so I mentioned that I would be preparing Chocolate-Chunk Macaroons that evening...figuring that Tracy could be two treats to Maira's Seder and I would have a partner in more cooking!

By the time evening came, I had just about had enough of cooking. When Tracy called to ask if I would be up for baking the macaroons, I was just about ready to take to my bed. Instead I told her to stop by and see if she couldn't just perk me up enough to get it done. When she got here, I had already gone up to bed but tried to muster a second wind. And lo and behold, we whipped up two batches of macaroons in record time.

My cooking student was so pleased with the results of her first Chocolate Matzoh experience that she went on to prepare THREE more batches of the stuff to bring to Maira's Seder. Behold the spectacular results...

I couldn't have asked for a better student AND apparently her efforts were much appreciated and mine were rewarded. The first night of Passover, Tracy sent along this lovely photo of Maira and the matzoh. What more could I ask for!!

Happy Passover to all...

p.s. I recommend Guittard chocolate morsels, the ones in the pink bag if you can find them!

Rue Viet: Haven't been there yet?!

2011-01-17T23:27:00.000-05:00

I have never actually set foot inside Rue Viet but I can't resist welcoming this newcomer to the Jersey City restaurant scene, and that is based upon my take-out experience alone.

My crush with Rue Viet began with the arrival of a courteous, prompt delivery person, who arrived 20 minutes from when I placed my order and actually seemed grateful for his tip. I know one shouldn't judge a book by its cover but when I opened the biodegradable bags and found these lovely brown and white cardboard boxes, thoughtfully labeled inside, I was smitten. Finally, a take-out restaurant in Jersey City with environmentally-friendly packaging, it almost didn't matter how the food tasted...Could it possibly live up to its packaging?

Indeed it can and did. The seafood spring rolls arrived crisp and flavorful. Curried noodles with chicken were well-spiced and plentiful. Mushroom buns were tender. Tofu Banh Mi was packed with carrots, daikon and tofu, which would make an ample lunch (too much for me). The only oddity was the "Pad Thai" noodles with coconut-braised pork. This homey dish was chock full of tender pork chunks but the only thing "Pad Thai" about it was the noodles. Call it something else and it would be fine with a drizzle of hot sauce.

With more cold winter days ahead, Izzy and I look forward to more takeout from Rue Viet. Maybe it will even inspire us to crawl out from hibernation and walk on over to the restaurant. I hear the brunch is good.

A Visit with Uncle G.: Stockton Market and Howell Living History Farm

2010-11-03T22:28:00.000-05:00

The weekend before Halloween, we made a trip out to see my brother G., who just happens to live in the land of farms and pumpkin patches. It is somewhat surprising to find that in less than an hour and half from Jersey City you can be surrounded by, clucking chickens, oinking piggies and horse manure, but indeed we were.

We arrived at my brother's house and quickly started out on our adventures. Our first stop was a pumpkin patch, which we spotted along the way. There Izzy selected a 75 lb. pumpkin to adorn our front stoop. Luckily S. managed to help us take it home!

Our outing continued with lunch and shopping at the Stockton Market, which holds a treasure of tasty comestibles, including local meat, dairy, vegetables, soaps and more. My brother supplied me with yogurt, eggs and other goodies from the market while I was sick and it felt good to finally be able to shop there myself. I even got to meet the folks from Flint Hill Farm, who supplied the luscious yogurt my brother delivered to me on a weekly basis, while I was ill. Their yogurt was one of the few foods that sustained mean while I was unable to eat very much.

After our delicious meal and some shopping, we continued on to our final destination, the Howell Living History Farm, where my brother G. and his wife M., had spent many a day with their own children. It was a glorious fall day and the foliage viewing added additional beauty to the experience. Izzy and I were both entranced by our surroundings. We could not get enough of the country life. To begin with, the chickens were awfully compelling. Izzy took great pleasure in feeding them greens and listening to the sounds of their clucking. When he tired of the chickens, he spotted this red-handled water pump.

He spent a good, long time pumping water from the well. He filled bucket, after bucket, which he carried over to "water the horses", just the way it is done in the Little House on the Prairie books that we have been reading daily. Izzy and I have been immersed in these books for more than a month

now so it was nice to come and get a taste of what life was like so long ago. Pumping the water proved so exciting for Izzy that it was difficult for us to get him to go elsewhere. We did take a break to remove dried kernels from the corncobs for the pig feed - watching them laze about in the mud was also stop on our tour - but what finally managed to draw his attention away from the well was going to see "Daisy" the resident milk cow in action.

I personally found this to be the highlight of our farm visit. I was positively giddy with excitement as I watched the milk spurting into the pail. I even asked the farmer for a turn but apparently visitors are not permitted to touch the teats! Oh! I did wish to try the milk but alas, that was not permitted either.

After Daisy was walked back to her pasture, it was time to leave so as to have time to visit the farm's corn maze, located a ways down the road. Izzy had been looking forward to it all that day and he couldn't have been happier. This large and well-conceived maze, took about an hour to navigate, by which time I was completely worn out, Izzy completely content.

We all piled back into the car for the trip to Uncle G,'s house and then home. Izzy already looking forward to his next trip to the farm.

My Little Bat-Witch Celebrates Halloween

2010-11-01T20:31:00.000-05:00

Izzy awoke slightly sulky on Halloween morning. Instead of eagerly awaiting trick-or-treating, he was fretting over his costume. He had thought he would be his favorite heroine, Franny K. Stein, mad scientist, but decided that since he had already sported that costume for his birthday (and several other times thereafter), it was no longer very interesting. In search of new costume ideas, he emptied out his drawers and turned his room upside down. It was then he came up with this fetching get-up, that of a "Bat-witch". With that out of the way, he could concentrate on the days amusements.

First up was pumpkin carving with this papa. Leave it to A. to come up with a biting pumpkin. Exactly what we needed to complete our festive front stoop display. Seeing it illuminated was even better.

After pumpkin carving, Izzy spent the early afternoon at his friend J's birthday party, revving himself up by eating eyeball cupcakes. After the party, at 5 p.m. it was time for trick-or-treating. Oh, the creatures we saw! In less than two hours, Izzy amassed enough candy to rot his teeth for years to come.

Back at home, warm and cozy, Izzy dumped his spoils upon the floor and sorted them out, putting most of it aside for the Switch-Witch. He knew he could keep a small bowlful for himself but I didn't even have to tell him that he couldn't keep it all. He was more than happy to give it up for the promise of books.

May future Halloweens prove so simple and easy.

Friday Afternoon Excursion: Starn Brothers Bambu Exhibit at the MET

2010-10-29T22:27:00.000-05:00

As Izzy and I walked home from school today, he seemed a bit forlorn. He was feeling left out as he watched his classmates walk off for a playdate, knowing we had no particular plans.

I thought I would cheer him with a cup of hot vanilla (warm milk, honey and sprinkle of cinnamon dust) which we both sipped as I looked through the Weekend section of the New York Times. Yes, I still read the hard copy of the paper. Am I the only one left?

I immediately honed-in on Last Chance section of the Art listings, where I noted that the Starn Brothers Bambu exhibit on the rooftop of the MET would be closing this weekend. I suggested we go since the MET is open until 9 on Fridays and Izzy quickly agreed. We made it there by 5:30, just in time to catch the gorgeous sunset upon the foliage of Central Park. Better yet, A. happened to be working nearby and joined us. Not only did we catch Bambu - which is a wondrous configuration of bamboo poles - but we also managed to peek in a few other places, including the Egyptian section - where Izzy clamored to see the mummies. Izzy was skipping from room to room but I had to cut our visit short since it was already 7 p.m. and we needed to eat dinner.

We hopped in a cab across the park and made our way to Gazala Place which I have been meaning to write about for ages. I discovered this narrow storefront in Hell's Kitchen in springtime and somehow managed to eat there during my treatments. I ate there a couple of times on the days my treatments were canceled and I actually had an appetite. This delicious Middle-Eastern spot features Druze cuisine and it was so delicious, I was eager to have Izzy and A. join me there. We ordered the Mezze plate which showcases many of the wonderful offerings, including the smoky baba-ganoush, meat-filled cigars, Kibbe, falafel and hummous, served up with their incredible version of pita bread, made on the premises. This paper-thin delight is addictive and Izzy held onto the bread basket to make sure he got the last bit before the waitress cleared the table. Meanwhile, we polished off a fresh Fattoush salad (cucumbers, tomatoes, scallions, lettuce, crisped pita), a roasted fish and a lamb/beef kafte platter. By that time, Izzy was falling asleep in the noisy restaurant and it was time to waddle along. Taxi to the Path and we were on our way. Certainly a memorable afternoon/evening for all.

Gazala Place will probably be around for awhile but you can only catch the Starn Brothers exhibit until Sunday. If your kids are over 10 you can even go on the guided tour atop the bamboo poles for a real adventure. Definitely worth the trip!

A Visit From My Cousin Sherri (And her boyfriend Silvio): Long Lost Relatives

2010-10-15T23:19:00.010-05:00

I have but two first cousins. Sherri and Danny. As a child I had heard tell of them but we were never given the opportunity to meet. Distance was a factor since they grew up in Toronto and I, New Jersey. Such a shame since Sherri and I were born only a month apart and it would have been nice to have had a relative, so close in age. We finally met, quite briefly in our late twenties but our meeting didn't amount to much.

Last year, things changed. Sherri, feeling the need for some familial connections, made an effort to get in touch with me and we began a correspondence, via email and phone. We made plans for a visit and then I became ill. We put the plans on hold until I recovered.

Little did I know what I was in for when we arranged to host Sherri and her boyfriend Silvio, this past August. We agreed to spend half of their visit on Long Beach Island (at my dad's) and half the time in Jersey City doing New Yorky stuff.

It all began with picking them up at the airport. Izzy, A. and I went to Newark airport to greet them and it was only then I realized that I had no idea what they looked like. I tried contacting their cellphone but to no avail. Instead I found myself approaching strangers with suitcases, while trying to surmise which ones resembled my cousin. They eventually found A., who found them at customs. We all piled into the taxi and were on our way to the shore. Turns out that Sherri looked pretty much the way I remembered her from our one meeting so many years ago.

Thankfully, we got along swimmingly, catching up on our entire lives along the way. Instantly apparent was that we shared many physical similarities, primarily body shape and size. We also seem to share an immense fondness for cats, both of us calling after them in incessantly high-pitched tones. Of course you won't ever find me referring to my cats as "pussies" and therein lies one fundamental difference between us. Not to mention the disturbing fact that my cousin must rank in the top 3 pickiest eaters I know, far pickier than even some toddlers I have encountered.

Now while we were at the beach, my cousin's picky habits were of little consequence as she selected her breakfast from the options available in my dad's gigantic pantry and we dined out the rest of the time. When we got back to Jersey City, her food issues became glaringly apparent. I didn't really comprehend the extent of it until I noticed that she had been eating the same thing for breakfast every day, toast with either peanut butter or almond butter. When I offered French toast, pancakes or waffles she declined. Now really, who can decline a fresh waffle?

Now despite her picky ways, my dear cousin managed to find a beau, Silvio, who is quite the gourmand. He is game to try most anything and comes from a family of cooks. In fact he showed us photos of his family and their sausage and cured meat cellar. He regaled us with tales of the wondrous foods his family cooks up and we we also discovered what a fantastic cook he is. One Saturday we went to Union Square and shopped together for dinner. We bought lamb chops from 3-Corner Field Farm, along with some purple potatoes to complement other ingredients we had at home. When we got home, I became his sous-chef while he prepared dinner. We had grilled lamb chops with herbs, tomato-basil salad, potatoes with rosemary and a platter of radishes.


lamb chops `a la Silvio

Everything was lip-smackingly delicious. Having Silvio around provided an important counter-balance to the pickiness factor and kept us well-fed and content. From seafood feasts on Long Beach Island, to dinner at ABC Kitchen and a night at Bin 14, overall we ate quite well during my cousin's visit. At least I know Izzy and I did! And I do hold out hope that Silvio's eating ways may one day rub off on my cousin!

Doughnuts and Carnival Kitsch: Doughnut Plant/Park Avenue Armory Carnival

2010-10-10T22:24:00.000-05:00

How can I choose?

Starting at the Doughnut Plant, followed by several hours at The Park Avenue Armory and ending with pizza at Artichoke Basille, today we crammed in as much old school food and fun as we possibly could.

I had earmarked The Park Avenue Armory Carnival as the perfect outing for this three-day weekend. Just the mention of a 50 foot Ferris wheel inside a building was enticement enough. Never one to just go into the city without planning where to eat, I quickly hatched a plan to stop on the Lower East Side for doughnuts, before continuing on to our destination.

The Doughnut Plant has been on my radar ever since it opened so I was anxious to finally give it a try.
We arrived to find a line out the door of the tiny store front. Izzy patiently awaited his turn, spending his time pondering the selection. There were yeast doughnuts and cake doughnuts, glazed and more. With fillings such as blackberry jam, creme brulee or chocolate pudding, it was a tough choice. When it was finally our turn, we chose two creme brulee, one chocolate pudding and a vanilla glazed. By the time we left the doughnut shop, it was already lunchtime and Izzy knew that we needed to eat before we had our treats so I tucked the doughnuts in a bag and we ventured off in search of lunch (which I hadn't exactly planned for since only doughnuts were on my mind).

As we were on the Lower East Side we weren't far from somewhere to decent to eat. We meandered over to Clinton Street and had lunch at Cafe Pedlar. There we lunched on "Lancaster County Eggs" to fortify us for the adventures ahead. Lunch over, we hopped on the "F" train traveling uptown and made our way over to Park Avenue.

Stunned by mirrors and lights

The scene at the Park Avenue Armory was oddly alluring. Crowds thronged the vast hall where there were but a few rides, the Ferris wheel played the starring role, backed up by an elephant ride, a large slide and the Trabant. Yet the other features of the carnival more than compensated. I had the sensation of being privy to a Coney Island sideshow in the middle of Manhattan. The roving hula hoopers were quick to engage kids as they waited for the rides and as you can see, Izzy was always game to join. Oh, and don't let me forget to mention that there were plenty of snacks to be found, including freshly made cotton-candy, popcorn sold in small white paper bags and Prosecco by the glass for the grown-ups.

Izzy hoops

After testing out all of the rides, Izzy led me to the show corner where we watched a contortionist and other circus-type performances. He was particularly entranced by the fellow below, who could not only balance on one chair but also managed to stack up several and do a handstand. Talented as he was, so glad he is not my son, as the worry would be too great!


Please don't fall

When all was said and done, I was exhausted. Izzy, however, wanted pizza. In keeping with my desire to make every morsel count , we cabbed it back down to 14th street where I was able to cross off yet another "must" from my "where to eat" list, Artichoke and Basille. Not surprisingly, we were met by throngs outside this oft-lauded store-front pizzeria with an extremely limited menu. We ordered a slice of their signature artichoke pizza and one Marguerita, and had each cut in two, to share. The artichoke slice was thick, filling and unlike any other pizza I have ever tasted. The Marguerita, on the other hand, was fragrant with basil and somewhat akin to the pie at Di Fara. We finished the former and merely tasted the latter. Our bellies were full and we were happy. We left the second slice in the box. It was time to go home.

Love Is A Vat Of Vanilla Pudding : Snack Mom Has Returned

2010-10-01T21:08:00.000-05:00

I am back. Alive and well enough to resume snack mom duties, something I haven't been able to do since last October. The snack menus for the past week were a mix of old and new.

Monday

Red and Green Grapes,
Cheddar Cheese, Yogurt Cheese
and Trader Joe's Organic Cracker Assortment

Tuesday

Raita (Cucumber/Yogurt Dip)
Carrots
Celery
Jicama
Blue Xochitl Chips

Wednesday

Oatmeal/Prune Scones
Assorted Apples

Thursday

Kale Chips
Popcorn

Friday

Vanilla Pudding topped with wild strawberries
Granola with olive oil, prunes and honey (recipe coming soon)

After dinner last night, I thought I would have enough energy to make the pudding and the granola but by the time Izzy was ready for bed I wasn't sure I could make it back downstairs. I was ready to collapse. Then Izzy offered to help me make the pudding and I couldn't resist. So we made our way back downstairs together and stirred up a big vat of vanilla pudding. It seemed to take a bit longer than usual, perhaps because of the greater volume of liquid.

Izzy served as my stirring assistant and as he stood over the pot, he remarked, "Being snack mom is a lot of work, isn't it?" Indeed it can be. Which is fine for me since I know Izzy appreciates having good things to eat and I take pleasure in preparing them.

There are times, though, like this morning when I have to wonder what it might be like if I just took the easy way out.

The rain poured while Izzy got ready for school and I began to bake the granola. The kitchen was in a particularly chaotic state and Izzy's lunch was as yet unmade. I opted to drop Izzy off with pudding and go back to make his lunch and to get the granola when it emerged from the oven. Meanwhile Izzy packed up several books that he wanted to bring to school and added a large container of tea to his bag. I couldn't help him carry his bag, as I was to busy carrying pudding in glass containers. As we trudged over to his school in the rain, I watched him maneuvering his heavy bag and I had the distinct feeling that something was about to go awry. As I handed the pudding over to the teacher and Izzy took off his raincoat he began to cry. His tea had spilled all over the books. There he stood, teary-eyed before a puddle of tea and it was all my fault ( I had not screwed the top on properly). To make matters worse, I had to hurry home to keep the granola from burning. Another kitchen fire was certainly not part of my agenda.

I delivered the granola and returned home to clean up the mess. When all was tidy, I had a moment to bask in the lingering scent of just-baked granola and envision Izzy and his classmates tucking into spoonfuls of luscious pudding goodness.

ABC Kitchen: An Altogether Perfect Birthday

2010-08-15T20:57:00.002-05:00

Pretzel-Dusted Calamari

Let's go back in time to June, when I set out to chronicle my birthday.... Yes, I managed to make it one more year and my darling friend L. helped me celebrate in style.

First, she took me to dine at ABC Kitchen and we both were bowled over by the entire experience. This restaurant promotes local, sustainable, organic ingredients and products, right down to the bathroom fittings. It is an airy space and our meal was superb. The menu was such that nearly every item was something we wanted to try.

We shared a few dishes, all of which were devoured with relish. Some are chronicled here.


Wood-roasted Maine Lobster

The desserts were inventive and remarkably delicious.

Market Strawberries and Juice, Poppy Seed Sorbet

Sundae - Salted Caramel/Peanut Ice Cream, Candied Popcorn

Belated thanks, L. I could not have asked for a better birthday meal and I must get myself back to ABC Kitchen as fast as I can.

La Festa Italiana 2010: The Tradition Lives On

2010-08-14T22:13:00.000-05:00

Aunt Mary's rice balls are back at the Holy Rosary Church and Izzy and I walked over in the rain, post-fire, to grab a few for dinner the night of the disaster. Somehow they had lost their allure. Perhaps eating them on the couch, after the day's trauma didn't help. Or perhaps just eating them away from the noise and lights of the feast didn't improve their flavor. Whatever it was, I knew that when we returned for a feastly encore I would need to eat something else.

Pure and Simple Flatbreads

I immediately zeroed in on something that I would have to try next time: Pizza from a traveling wood-fired oven, something I have never encountered before. The pizzas emerging from within looked awfully tempting.

When we returned to the Festa tonight I headed over for a closer look. The kiosk for Pure and Simple Flatbreads (no website to be found) offers pizza and pizza alone. The only accompaniment seemed to be large bunches of basil which were set out along the counter. I watched as pie after pie emerged from the oven, looking slightly charred and inviting. I ordered one for Izzy and me and was quite pleased to find pizza far better than any in Jersey City. The $10 price tag might seem a bit steep for a personal-sized pizza but it was definitely worth it.

We took our pizza, along with my glass of peaches and wine and found a place to sit with our friends amidst the exceedingly large crowd of revelers behind the church. Our friends were all about the rice balls which still seemed to delight them, while Izzy ended up sharing pasta with his papa. Dessert was also part of my agenda and I managed to find some just-filled cannoli and some chocolate cream pie. The line was too long for Zeppole which is a good thing since we already ate some on Thursday and I imagine one hunk of fried dough a year is probably sufficient.

Grateful for the short time meeting up with friends (wished it had been longer) but by the time dessert was finished, the lights and noise had begun to overwhelm me. So bellies filled, Izzy hopped on his papa's shoulders and we made our way home. If you haven't made it over there, you still have tomorrow to try out that pizza. In the meantime, I hope that pizza truck makes jersey city its permanent home.

Things Can't Get Much Worse, Can They? Of Kitchen Fires and Other Calamities

2010-08-12T20:45:00.012-05:00

I had been attempting to make today a "lazy day of summer". Izzy and I had no particular plans as we were recovering from an eventful though tiring day spent in the city. We finally got to experience Traveling the Silk Road, an exhibit at The Museum of Natural History (go now it closes Sunday) and today we were just going to take it easy.

We spent the morning reading and Isadore was still in his undies and a t-shirt when I put some frozen pizza (leftover from Di Fara) and some frozen Yonah Schimmel's knishes in the oven for our lunch. We were sitting in the living room reading and I was just getting to the end of The Last of the Really Great Whangdoodles by Julie Andrews when Izzy said, "Mama, I smell something". "What ?" I asked. He just insisted it was "Something" and he looked uncomfortable about it so I ventured into the kitchen.

It was then I saw cascades of thick black smoke emerging from the oven. I just stared, then picked up the fire extinguisher, knowing full well that in my crazed state I would not have the wherewithal to use it.

I instructed Izzy to run outside and ring a neighbors doorbell as I, with extinguisher in hand, grabbed my phone and wallet and followed. I frantically dialed 911 and we stood waiting barefoot in the street. I accosted the first passerby (a young woman who I had never seen before) and asked her if she could operate the extinguisher. She said she would give it a try and entered the house. When she saw the smoke she thought better of it and we both went back outside. She looked at me a moment and then said, "I feel terrible. Can I give you a hug?" Of course she could and she did and went on her way.

Meanwhile, Izzy was hopping on his toes, frightened and nervous. The sirens began wailing and we knew the trucks weren't far behind. At least three trucks arrived and fireman began to flood the house. While they were inside dealing with the smoke, Izzy and I paced about, uncertain of where to go or what to do. Just then, Miss S. arrived to save the day. She is the Director of Izzy's school which is located just a stone's throw away. When the teachers noticed the commotion at our house, she immediately set out to rescue him. She asked if she could take him over to the school and she had him hop, barefoot, on her back and off they went. Never mind that he was still in his undies!

And what was the cause of this unexpected disaster? I had no idea until the firefighters presented the charred remains...which can be explained here.

A few days ago, A. had washed up some grilling utensils (tongs, spatula, etc.) and when I saw them dry in the drainboard I decided they needed a new home. I thought I had found the perfect spot. I placed them in the broiler drawer, not realizing that they weren't fireproof. Why would grilling tools not be fireproof? I haven't any idea. But I digress...

When the firefighters finished their job, I was left with a sooty, filthy kitchen. The white stove was blackened, the walls tinged with dirt and the floors muddied and wet. I didn't know where to turn. Just as I was pondering what to do, the phone rang. It was S., who has been helping us out since I haven't been well. I asked if she had some time to spare and she agreed to come over and help clean up. She scrubbed and mopped, mopped and scrubbed, pouring buckets upon buckets of sooty water down the drain. She took apart the stove, down to the knobs. I worked alongside her, doing the less gritty tasks of cleaning the counters and bric-a-brac. Without her, my kitchen would still be in disarray.

At around six-thirty, I went out to pick up Izzy from his friend I.'s house and to round up a few rice balls and zeppole from this year's Festa Italiana (more on that tomorrow). I walked carrying my money and iphone on a wristlet. When we returned with our spoils, S. was finishing up mopping the kitchen (which is now gleaming) and there was a large bucket of sooty water near the table. When I leaned over to put down the food, the wristlet slipped off and into the water, iphone and all. Just the icing on the cake of a most disastrous day.

And so, weary as I am, I am compelled to tell this tale, as my iphone sputters, soggy and most likely useless on my dressing table and Izzy sleeps peacefully beside me (the trauma of the day keeping him from his own room). May tomorrow bring a hint of sunshine our way.

Please Oh Pretty Please : Make My City Better!!

2010-07-19T12:17:00.019-05:00

My friend C. has spearheaded an event in our fair city of Jersey City to encourage residents to spend their $$$$ in Jersey City instead of traveling across the river or down the road to spend it elsewhere. The challenge is to shop local, July 18th - 24th.

She has contacted various local businesses, some of which are my very favorites, and throughout the week many of them will be offering discounts or promotions to entice you to shop. I urge you to try out something new this week as without increasing business, many of these shops simply might not survive. This initiative, "Make My City" could be just what local businesses need to perk up during the slow summer months

Back when I moved from New York City to Jersey City in 2003, I continued to travel to New York to do the bulk of my shopping. Those were hectic times as I carted nearly all of my groceries and my 6 month old to and fro. Little by little, as I began to discover uniquely Jersey local gems, I decreased my city visits to a more reasonable once or twice a week. Now I combine Jersey City shopping and New York jaunts for the best of both worlds.

I am always surprised when many friends and acquaintances claim never to have shopped at some of my favorite spots. Jersey City has much to offer if you take the time to discover.

Now is the time to dive in...

If you haven't done so, do stop in at Pecoraro Bakery where they now make croissants and muffins, as well as their always fresh Italian loaves and pizzas (some only available on weekends). Next stop, Europa Meat and Provisions where you can discover a world of Polish sausages at your fingertips, perfect for summer grilling. While there you will be across the street from Made With Love Organic Bakery and Cafe, where you can snack on scones nearly as good as mine! Jack's Toys is right next door (though with summer hours will only be open Saturday, offering future discounts) but they are definitely worth a stop anytime you are looking for gifts for the little ones.

Other sweets worth checking out, via their websites or local markets: Sassy Sweet Treats, where you will find home-baked cookies and brownies and Cocoa Bakery where you will find adorable mini-cookies, shortbread, cupcakes and other delights.

After all of the food and sweets, you might possibly be in need of a workout so what better time for me to plug my all-time favorite place to firm up: Project Pilates and their newest venture Hamilton Health and Fitness which I hope to join as soon as it opens!

It is hard for me to end this post as there are so many worthwhile places participating in this event. One new addition that I just can't resist mentioning is Smith and Chang General Goods. Just around the corner from my house, they are a boon to the neighborhood, providing an eclectic, carefully chosen mix of items for the home. Perfect for gifts or for yourself. I can't keep away from the place and even Izzy is attracted to the vintage offerings and purchased an adorable oil can for his Papa for Father's Day.

This is by no means a comprehensive listing of the participating shops and businesses. I frequent many of them but do not have the energy right now to highlight more of them but hope to in the future. Meanwhile check the website for more information. And don't forget to SHOP LOCAL!

First Grade Over: Izzy's End Of Year Picnic and Mini-Strawberry Cheesecakes

2010-06-14T20:02:00.012-05:00

Izzy officially completed First Grade. Granted this is old news as we are already close to mid-July but when I began this post it was a milestone, not to be forgotten.

I had been eagerly awaiting his annual end-of-school-year Potluck picnic and was terribly disappointed to discover that it had morphed into a byop (bring your own picnic) event. No sharing of all manner of ethnically diverse foods and bringing desserts.

I couldn't imagine going to a picnic and not sharing so instead of making my usual large Strawberry-Cheesecake, I made mini-cheesecakes, about 30 of them and we were able to share quite a bit.

Making them was much easier than I had anticipated. I used this recipe, an old stand-by. Instead of making the large crust, I pressed an ample amount of the crumbs into muffin tins. I pre-baked the crusts for about 7 minutes and then poured in the batter as the directed. I adjusted the cooking time to about 30 minutes (check for doneness but it has been over a month and my memory is fuzzy).

The minis worked out just fine, perfect for serving to a large crowd as no messy cutting is involved. Another benefit is that I was able to have more servings which is a huge plus when feeding a crowd. Izzy was able to share the cheesecakes with all of his teachers and the highlight of the picnic was when a butterfly landed on Miss B's head! I guess that was her send off, as sadly she will not be returning to teach at his school next year. She will be missed!

Izzy's teachers will also be pleased to know that we began Izzy's summer vacation with a visit to the library, as per his request. We came back with some of my childhood favorites by
Beverly Cleary; The Mouse and the Motorcycle and Runaway Ralph.

Ah summer...a fine beginning.

Still Life With Chicken Hearts

2010-06-12T21:24:00.009-05:00

What more could I wish for than a friend who would prepare a slew of skewered chicken hearts for me during my time of need?

The call for liver went out and it was answered with hearts, another great source of iron, in case you were unaware. My friend "X" who would rather remain nameless and initialess, invited Izzy and me to dinner the other night. I don't think I have dined at a friend's house for at least six months which made the dinner a real treat. I haven't been able to go out much but since A. was out of town and I was having a good day, I figured I could muster the energy to take the three minute walk to get there.

I had no idea what she was cooking up but was overjoyed to find her grilling several skewers of organic chicken hearts when we arrived. I wasn't even aware that she ate chicken hearts so they came as quite a surprise. And that was only one part of our dinner. She had also prepared a lovely Turbot en papillote along with sauteed spring vegetables.

Now the meal was delightful but the chicken hearts stole the show. I have never seen so many chicken hearts gathered in one place. Yes, I have nibbled on the occasional roasted chicken heart while preparing chicken at home but I am quite certain I have ever ingested as many chicken hearts in all my life as I did the other night. To top it off, I even was able to take some hearts to go since Izzy was not quite as smitten with them as I.

Thanks X for contributing to my (hopefully) rising hemoglobin. Here's to chicken hearts and livers!

The Liver Cure...Liver More?..

2010-06-07T19:53:00.005-05:00

I went in for my blood transfusion this morning. First stop was to draw blood to see if I would even need the transfusion. The results showed that my hemoglobin went up from 7.5 to 7.9 since last week. It needed to be an 8 to avoid the transfusion. I was so close. At least it was a sign that all my efforts to procure liver were not in vain.

I decided to discuss the possibilities with my doctor but she wasn't in, nor was my regular nurse so instead I spoke with the nurse in the transfusion suite and she paged the on-call doctor. They said I should just skip the transfusion and wait until I see my doctor on Wednesday. In the meantime, the doctor suggested that I eat "raw meat" until then. Now eating raw meat would not be wise as my white blood count is low and I am susceptible to infection. However I will certainly continue to eat rare liver, beef and other iron-rich foods.

My liver supply continues to grow. More liver arrived this morning, via my brother G. who brought along a large slab of beef liver from Highland Gourmet Market in Stockton. A. and I were suspicious since it was only $1.99 per lb. Is that liver for human or pet consumption? We have to wonder. Who actually eats beef liver anyway? I think calves liver is strong enough, not sure I could manage the beef. My friend Y. is on her way back from Sap Bush Hollow Farm with a package of chicken livers which are far more palatable.

As I will probably need to continue this iron-rich regimen for at least another month, I am still seeking delicate tender local, organic liver, along with clams and mussels which apparently are also extremely high in iron. If there are other foods you can recommend, send along your ideas. And until Wednesday I am attempting to double my the recommended daily iron consumption which is no easy feat.

Of Blood and Liver: (Looking For Liver In All The Wrong Places)

2010-06-06T19:52:00.009-05:00

You see of have a bit of a problem. My chemo sessions are coming to an end ( only three left, YIPPEE!) which is wonderful but my body is done with it now. My blood counts have dipped so low that I skipped my last session. I was given what I like to call my "get out of chemo free card".

Even though I was thrilled to skip a week, having low blood counts is really not good because I am now scheduled for a blood transfusion, which I would like to avoid if at all possible. Which is where the liver comes in. The doctor has told me that there isn't anything I can do to raise my hemoglobin, which registered 7.5 last week (normal is 11.5-16), and needs to be above 8 to avoid the transfusion. I have trouble believing that nothing will help and have heard tell that copious amounts of iron-rich foods might actually help raise my hemoglobin. Liver tops the list but finding the grass fed/local/organic variety in Jersey City is a different story.

I put out a plea on Facebook and made a few phone calls. A couple of offers came in. M. a teacher at Izzy's school offered to bike some over from Brooklyn and E., a neighborhood friend, offered to make some for me. I was holding out for some from my sister who works at a veritable mecca of local livers and other meaty bits. Sadly I never saw that liver and was forced to send A. out foraging this morning. He went to every local supermarket on his scooter and only unearthed livers of questionable provenance. Best not to eat those conventional livers as they would only be adding more toxins to my body which surely doesn't need any extra. I resigned myself to being liver-less, and continued to gorge on lentils, Floradix, quail eggs and greens.

In the late afternoon, my luck changed. The phone rang. It was E. and she made my day. She was checking in to see if I had procured any liver. When she heard that I hadn't, she offered to stop at Whole Foods and bring some over. She also offered to cook it but I declined, welcoming the opportunity to cook something new with the bit of energy I had. She showed up at my door with a bag filled with the fixins for a Greek feast; a pound of local veal liver, baby spinach, Brussels sprouts and an onion. She explained her method for making liver Greek-style and I followed her instructions. Her liver recipe is quite similar to this one, only she substitutes lemon juice for the vinegar. The heaps of onions are the best part!

She also shared her recipes for the side dishes. The first was Jasmine rice with Baby spinach. I cooked 1.5 cups rice in one pot and in another pan I sauteed 1 diced onion until tender, added a heaping tablespoon of tomato paste, a bit of water, and two large packages of spinach which I cooked briefly until wilted. I sprinkled the spinach with plenty of salt, pepper and chopped fresh dill. Then mixed in the rice and the juice of one lemon.

The other side were simple Brussels sprouts which were blanched and tossed with sauteed garlic, olive oil and lemon.

Aside from a slight overcooking of the liver, the meal was a success. As I ate I imagined each bite of liver boosting my blood cells and I was grateful for having someone like E. to make my liver wish come true. This livery meal is only the beginning of my liver experiments as I am expecting liver deliveries from my brother G. and my friend Y.

Tomorrow I will find out if the liver did the trick. Fingers crossed!

Sheepy Sustenance (or Why It's Better To Shop At A Farmers' Market)

2010-05-18T21:28:00.000-05:00

Not only have I been receiving meals from friends and family but I have also received gifts of sustenance from unexpected places.

When K., the sheep lady from Three-Corner-Field Farm at Union Square, found out I was ill, she immediately offered sheep yogurt and cheeses for me to my friends who continue to shop at the market. In fact, she probably knew about my illness before other people because I was often recounting my inexplicable symptoms when I saw her. She worried that I was losing weight and always asked after my health. It's farmers like her who make traveling to the greenmarket worthwhile. Not only are her products fabulous but she takes the time to build a rapport with her customers. You are not likely to find that connection at the supermarket, which is why I so miss my forays into the city these days, while I am mainly confined to my house.

K. knew I wouldn't be making it into the city for my sheepy fix, so she provided me with one highlight during the beginning of my chemotherapy treatments, the arrival of a large care package filled with goodies from Three Corner Field Farm. Inside there was my favorite Brebis Blanche cheese, along with sheep's milk yogurt, and Izzy's beloved yogurt dip, all kept frozen by a package of lamb chops! I feasted on the dairy and I saved the chops for the day when my taste buds are in good functioning order. I do imagine I will grill them soon!

Many thanks, K.!

Tick Tock: Some idea as to where I've been and what I've been doing

2010-05-17T20:58:00.000-05:00

Time is passing by and so many tales are slipping past my typing fingers. I can only hope that posting about Izzy's birthday has broken the ice. I have been so out of sorts lately I just haven't had the inclination to write. Besides, it's not so appealing to write about food when just trying to eat is a chore.

Aside from my time spent at chemotherapy and doctors' appointments, most of these last two months have been spent at home, either in bed or on the couch, with occasional forays into the kitchen. One of my jobs is making myself eat and drink. I need to drink at least 2 liters of fluids per day and on some days it is quite a struggle. Eating is equally challenging as well, especially on post-chemo days which can last for 10 days. Between trying to keep hydrated and searching for appealing foods, I barely have time for much else. On bad days I only emerge from bed to pee. On good days I make it out to pick Izzy up from school and even spend time on the playground. There have even been occasional outings to restaurants which I hope to post about soon.

The good news is that since I stopped posting in March, I have finished four rounds of chemotherapy (10 sessions) and I am more than halfway done with my treatments. The treatments and side effects can only be described as awful and I am not looking forward to the last 2 rounds which could be comprised of as many as 6 more sessions. I was given a week off last week which is why I have the energy to write. The week off was not because I begged for it but rather as a result of low platelet counts, which are definitely not a good thing but are common with certain types of chemotherapy drugs. Last week my platelets were 82,000 and normal is 150,000-450,000.

One latest tidbit of news is that yesterday I managed to walk to my neighborhood bakery, and back, which is something I haven't done since January. Izzy and A. followed along, on bicycle and scooter, in case I needed some assistance on the way home. Miraculously I did not. What I do need is a pedometer to clock my mileage and inspire me to walk more and regain my strength and stamina.

And food, what about the food? I am still being sustained by meals from friends. Tonight there was grilled chicken, Israeli couscous with roasted vegetables and a mesclun salad, thanks to M. There are several memorable meals to recap which I hope to get to shortly.

p.s This post from the Yummy Mummy most certainly brightened my chemo-dimmed life. Check it out for a good chuckle.

Mad Science Birthday (My Boy Turned 7)

2010-05-16T21:02:00.015-05:00

That was April 19th, 2010, party April 17th. Old news, but still news, even a month later...

Celebrating and preparing Izzy's birthday parties is always great fun. This year I wondered how I would pull it off but I knew I had to, someway, somehow. I figured I could manage since the party fell on one of the better weeks in my treatment schedule.

Izzy requested a "Franny K. Stein" mad science party. I know he was conjuring up explosions in the living room and I knew I wouldn't have the wherewithal to create them. Instead of doing everything myself, I hired a "mad scientist" to help out. I also enlisted the help of friends and family and all I had left to do was bake the cake (with test tubes - which Izzy declared he needed two days before the party), cupcakes and pop up the popcorn. All important to my party plan was keeping the party no longer than two hours (something all parents should consider).

Easier said than done. It was more work than I anticipated but it all came together in the end and I was able to sit through it for the most part.

The party was supposed to begin with snacks but Izzy and friends were so over-excited they had to be herded into the backyard where mayhem ensued. When the mad scientist arrived (which wasn't soon enough) the children settled into rapt attention.

From bubbles to explosions it was just what Izzy had in mind.

Experiments over, next on the agenda was cake and dessert.
My friend L. assembled a most professional-looking fruit arrangement, with beautiful organic fruit.

Too bad Izzy and his pals thought to use the skewers as weapons.

As for the cake it was similar to the one I made last year, Chocolate Layer Cake with Raspberry Filling and Chocolate Frosting. This one was a more classic layer cake, adorned with test tubes which my dad found for me at a medical supply store. Perfect!

Much giddiness ensued and then it was time to sing "Happy Birthday".

So glad it turned out to be just the party Izzy had wished for. So glad that I could be there.

The World's Pickiest Eater

2010-03-18T19:16:00.008-05:00

Here I am. The woman who could and would eat nearly anything, reduced to searching for something, anything, that will taste good or at least good to me. How is it that one of life's greatest pleasures has turned into a chore? No longer can I effortlessly sample anything of my choosing. No. Instead I need to carefully envision what will appeal in hopes that it actually will.

On one recent occasion, I demand smoked oysters with a dab of mayo and A. brings me a platter. Perfection. I gobble them all, artfully arranged with a caper and spinach leaves on toast.

Today I envisioned corned beef, cabbage and boiled potatoes. I thought it would come thickly sliced, from a nearby restaurant. Instead, my dad brought me 2 platters from a pub near his home. It was not at all what I had in mind, as it was presented, cold on a plate. So I asked that he try an order from the restaurant near my house. It was only marginally better, maybe because it was hot. It too, was not thickly sliced or at all what I had imagined. I ended up with an awful tummy ache.

Friends go out of their way to bring me elaborate meals, some quite over the top and inventive. All kinds of extremely healthful meals have come my way. I certainly do appreciate all of the effort that goes into these dishes but I now must confess that simple might be best. I cannot tolerate too many flavors at once. Comfort food tends to be less multi-dimensional and easier for me to tolerate. Ordinarily we are a family of adventurous eaters but in these trying times I think some comfort food might be in order.

Of course comfort food varies according to one's background. For me it conjures up visions of my grandmother's food. If she were here I would be asking for Matzoh Ball Soup, Stuffed Cabbage, Blintzes, and Noodle Kugel.

But I don't only entertain cravings for Jewish foods. Meatloaf, mashed potatoes, a plain roast chicken, macaroni and cheese would please. Roasted vegetables with one herb and a sprinkling of salt. Salads with a simple vinaigrette. Pasta, pierogi, tuna-noodle casserole, potato gratin and chocolate or vanilla pudding, are foods which also tempt my palate, at least for today.

Odd but my cravings match my doctor's latest instructions. Yes. The good news is that I am no longer restricted to a low fat diet, nor am I adhering to all of the Anti-Cancer principles. Instead I have been instructed to eat as much butter, cream, ice cream, sour cream and the like, as I can.
And as long as it is organic, grass-fed, local etc., I will do my best to follow the doctor's orders!

Here's looking forward to eating some fine, fatty foods...

Tonight's Feast: Indian Comfort Food

2010-03-15T19:53:00.005-05:00

Late this afternoon, N. stopped by with her littlest boy to drop off this delightful meal. She stayed for a short visit and it cheered me to see her happy child.

This time, N. wowed us with a super-healthy Indian dinner. There was a Dal/Rice mix, Chana Masala, Cabbage Salad and some Paratha bread. There was even warm banana bread for dessert. How N. managed to cook all that for us with a five month old and two other young ones about amazes me. I didn't think I would be able to stomach the meal as I have been having quite a difficult time lately but she toned down the spice enough for me so that it was entirely palatable.

Izzy, A. and I all dined in the bedroom so I could stay warm and cozy in bed. We were all thankful for our dinner and as always, so grateful for the kindness of others.

The Ant-Cancer Dinner: An outrageously healthy dinner from M!

2010-03-10T21:01:00.006-05:00

My friend M. outdid herself, yet again. Greeting me after the first day of my second cycle of chemo, she arrived with tonight's delivery which included a Three Mushroom Soup, a gorgeous Beet and Citrus Salad with Greens, and a side of Israeli couscous with Baby Garbanzo beans.

It seems that she based chose her recipes based upon items I highlighted as being part of the Anti-Cancer diet I am trying to adhere to. It is important for me (and everyone for that matter) to eat as many vegetables as possible. I have been craving salads and I am thrilled that friends have been providing them.

More on cravings soon...4 days done, 14 to go. Have to rest up for tomorrow.

The Gift That Keeps On Giving: Moose Bolognese

2010-03-08T13:49:00.010-05:00

A few months ago, I received the unlikely gift of a box of moose meat from B., a reader in Wasilla. Little did she know it would sustain me for such a very long while. As I hadn't been feeling that well at the time it arrived, I kept saving the moose for just the right occasion. After all, how often does one receive moose meat, right?!

It wasn't until a few days prior to my surgery that I finally had to have the moose burgers. I least I wouldn't have died on the operating table without having tasted what B. considers one of the best burgers around. The sliders I made were rather tasty so I was glad I did.

After surgery I had very little appetite for much of anything, let alone moose. When I began chemo in February, eating became even more of a challenge as perpetual nausea kept me from eating most things and my taste buds became hyper-sensitive. Flavors that I once loved became repellent and all I wanted was meat. Following chemo treatments, odd and very precise cravings hit me. One of the first things I asked for was crumbled moose meat in a frying pan, with salt. As all we had was a hunk of frozen chopped moose, A. took it out into the backyard and hacked it into chunks with an ax. He took out one chunk and prepared it for me as requested, accompanied by toast points and garnished with spinach. It hit the spot at the time but I will never eat or want that preparation again. So back to the freezer went a all of the hacked moose meat.

I knew that I had to use that moose meat before it suffered freezer burn and the other day I had a hankering for some pasta Bolognese, hence my idea for Moose Bolognese. I even had the energy to make it myself, using Marcella Hazan's already tried and true recipe. With moose meat, or without, give it a try for a comforting meal.

Friends Fatten Me Up: Surprise Dinnners Brighten My Day

2010-03-03T22:38:00.014-05:00

My friends have gotten together to insure that I have a steady supply of dinners throughout my 5 months of treatment. Three nights a week, different friends will be dropping off dinner. The meals started coming two weeks ago and so far I have been enjoying the mystery of it all. I have no idea what I will be getting or who will be cooking so each meal is a surprise.

I have been terribly remiss in not recounting the meals I have received thus far. Tonight I will make amends because I cannot contain myself any longer. This evening my friend M. dropped off a meal worthy of much note and praise. The lady must have cooked all day and she arrived near three o'clock p.m., toting a Whole Foods bag filled with a vegetarian feast. There was a French Lentil soup with butternut squash and sweet potatoes, along with a red quinoa salad and steamed broccoli with a lemon vinaigrette. There was plenty of dinner to share, even with my brother who stopped by to help put Izzy to bed. Not only that but there was an extra-special healthy dessert, a Frozen Blueberry,Banana,Avocado and Date pie atop a granola crust, something I would never consider making myself but I'm glad to have eaten it as it was both healthy and fattening.

My very first delivery was a health, hearty chicken soup from C., my wonderful Pilates instructor. It came packed so prettily in a beribboned glass jar and was accompanied by some uber-healthy bread and fruit. My stomach was most fragile that evening so I never even managed to have a taste.

Next came some Indian victuals from my friend G., followed by an organic Friday night dinner from J., Spaghetti Squash casserole made with a delightfully herby ricotta cheese. This was accompanied by a wonderful Italian salad with artichokes and cucumber.

Monday brought us a Minestrone soup, whole wheat rolls and a Zucchini Bread warm from the oven, prepared by N... Not a morsel was left.

To get me completely up to date (I started this post last Wednesday), Friday's dinner came delivered by my friend A., who stayed for a short visit while dropping off a tureen of some Greek Lemon-Egg Soup.

All of these meals have helped me attain my goal of staying above 100 lbs., to fortify myself for the next round of treatments, after which I have will most likely have some difficulty eating, lose the weight and then try to regain it with some more food!

Am so grateful for food from friends, feeding me and my family. Keep it coming!

Crazy Tasty Kasha Varniskes: May The Recipe Live On

2010-02-25T21:47:00.006-05:00

Izzy has been home from school this past two days, feverish and mopey. I can't go near him which is hard on us but he has been spending time reading and playing quietly in my bedroom, even allowing me my reflexology session (deserving of a post all its own).

This afternoon he got a sudden burst of energy and began to dance around madly. At the same time, I somehow summoned the energy to make dinner for him, with the help of our Mary Poppins, Claudette. I made Kasha Varniskes , a variation of my grandma's recipe, as I had been dreaming about them last night. Izzy seemed so pleased that I managed to make them for him that he happily gobbled a huge platter of them, as he sat with me in my bedroom. Sadly I could not eat any. Make some and eat them for me!

Grandma Ida's Kasha Varniskes (Buckwheat Groats and Bow ties)

1 cup whole buckwheat groats (small pieces will not do)
1 egg

2 leeks, sliced fine
1 large onion, chopped
handful shiitake mushrooms, sliced
several sprigs thyme, chopped
olive oil

2 cups chicken broth (or a bouillion cube if you must, dissolved in boiling water)

1/2 box of small bowtie pasta, cooked, drained and set aside.

1. Place kasha in a large bowl and break egg on top. Use a spoon to coat kasha with egg so that every piece is shiny. Heat a large non-stick pan and place kasha in pan. Toss continually until kasha is dry and smells nutty, be careful not to burn it and break up any pieces that have stuck together. Remove from heat.

2. Meanwhile(or simultaneously) place a couple of tablespoons of olive oil in large skillet with cover (large enough to hold vegetables,kasha and broth). Saute onions, leeks and mushrooms until soft and slightly caramelized, about 10 or so minutes. Toss in thyme.

3. When vegetables are ready, add kasha to skillet and combine with vegetables, pour boiling broth over everything and cover. Simmer very gently for 12-15 minutes or until most of the liquid has been absorbed.

4. Toss with bowtie pasta and serve.

Notes: This can be served as a side dish or as a main course with salad on the side. It also freezes well and can be made a day or so in advance and warmed in the oven. Izzy even eats his cold for lunch.

Crazy Sexy Cancer? Not quite...

2010-02-25T20:21:00.011-05:00

Crazy Scrawny Cancer is more like me after my third chemo treatment Wednesday.

My ever-thoughtful friend S., who has been sending me all manner of care packages, was kind enough to send along the book, Crazy Sexy Cancer, brimming with stories of beautiful, courageous women beating cancer and still managing to look great. These are inspiring stories to be sure, but I just can't live up. I can barely get out of bed in the morning let alone muster up enough energy to look in any way presentable. And eating? That is the most difficult task of all, a cruel punishment for a food blogger to be sure.

Which brings me to the scrawny part. I could surely use some fattening up but can't eat fattening foods, nor do I really want to. Not to mention that everything tastes wrong. Any tips on helping nausea and increasing appetite welcome.

Chemo Day Two: Not Much To Recommend It

2010-02-18T22:12:00.007-05:00

Except for my pre-infusion breakfast from Le Pain Quotidian, which was an egg salad tartine. Never to be eaten again.

And so began my second day of chemo, this time with a Cisplatin IP infusion, inserting chemicals directly into my abdominal cavity, two liters there and two in the IV. My dear friend L. tended me thru it all and A. arrived to add a bit of massage to my day. From 9-5 it was a long day and I was thankful to get home and get in bed.

The aftermath has been wretched. With nausea and all of the other attendant pains I wonder how I will ever make it through the rest of my treatments. I am on three different anti-nausea meds and still can barely eat more than a few bites at a time. I started my day with a few spoonfuls of oatmeal with blueberries and then tried a few sips of a peach smoothie later. Dinner was a dumpling or two with a bite of chicken.

On the bright side, Claudette was here to tend to me and entertain Izzy until he went off on another playdate at his friend's I.'s house.

Chemo Girl Foodie: First Day

2010-02-17T21:35:00.005-05:00

First day at the Chemo Suites, Sloan Kettering.

My stepmother, L., accompanied me while Izzy stayed home with our Mary Poppins, Claudette. It is a comfort to know that he is well taken care of when I am not around. Friends and family have been taking him here and there and he has been having a great time. Yesterday he spent the day with his friend I., which saved the day since I had to see yet another doctor and today he had a playdate with my reflexologist he did art projects. Later on he and the Poppins did science projects. Back wait, back to me. While Izzy was gainfully amused, I was much less so.

I spent my day getting blood drawn and having a most uncomfortable iv stuck in my wrist while the chemo drug, Paclitoxel coursed, through my veins, hopefully attacking any lingering evil cancer cells. It was a long day as the drip took over 3 hours. Surprisingly I felt hungry (probably the steroids?) and L. went and fetched us a great lunch from Le Pain Quotidian.

While she was gone, I napped as the Benadryl and Xanax tired me out, and the fact that I barely slept three hours last night probably didn't help.

So far I feel fine but tomorrow's treatment will probably change that. I will have Cistoplatin chemo inserted through a port catheter under my chest and 2 liters of fluids will be pumped through me as I lay on a bed for several hours. My great friend L. will accompany me and promises to get me through it. It is this procedure that is supposedly crucial to my treatment. Doubtful I will feel hungry tomorrow.

When I returned home tonight, some great Indian food from my friend G. was awaiting and Claudette prepared fresh juice for me from our new juicer. Can't wait to post some recipes. Apparently she is an expert juicer.

Stay tuned and send healing thoughts.

On Sheitels and Pizza: In the heart of Midwood Brooklyn

2010-02-14T19:33:00.013-05:00

It has been nearly five weeks since my surgery, the unfortunate outcome of which has led me to travel deep into the heart of the Midwood section of Brooklyn, to a highly acclaimed wig shop, not a place I ever expected to find myself. Nor did I ever expect it but I will be starting chemotherapy next week for stage IIIc ovarian cancer which is what the surgeons found and removed, along with all of my inner girl parts, appendix and a few other fatty pieces. But never mind those gory details, lets get to the fun part: wigs and pizza, an odd juxtaposition to be sure.

Shopping for wigs was a giddy experience. For many women, hair loss can be very traumatic but lately I haven't been especially blessed in the hair department so the idea of a little enhancement intrigued rather than repulsed. My first wig trip to Manhattan with my stepmother L., last week yielded some promising results...

This one was by far a favorite, especially Izzy's. I daresay I have always fancied myself a redhead.

Below is a more studious look..apparently reminiscent of "70's grad student".

That first wig session was glamtabulous but I wasn't convinced that that particular wig shop was exactly the right place for me and I wanted to at visit at least one more before plunking down $2500 for something the cats might tear up. After doing a bit of research, I determined that I would find a better selection and more custom work at Claire Accuhair, a family-run business known for creating sheitels (the wigs observant Jewish married women wear to hide their beauty from men aside from their husbands), as well as wigs for chemo patients.

My brother E. and his beloved, along with my sister C. and her beloved, accompanied me on the excursion to Brooklyn, which met my expectations and then some. Claire, the wig matriarch and her daughters run quite an unusual little business out of their house-like shop. They actually sew the wigs on site and we were able to tour the space and watch the painstaking work in progress. A veritable wig factory before our very eyes.

These women really know their wigs; their expertise and devotion to their work was clear.

Here the wig maven helps while here daughter looks on...

How about this playful option?

The wig I settled on will be custom colored and fitted, after which it will be washed and cut upon my head (in 10 days). I can't wait to see the final results.

After a grueling afternoon of wig try-ons, we were all in need of a bit of sustenance. When we asked for advice on where to eat, we were sent to a nearby Kosher dairy restaurant. On our way there I spied "Di Fara" Pizza. I couldn't believe it. Di fara Pizza is a destination pizzeria in a destination I would ordinarily never find myself yet there we were and from what I could see there was no line. What good fortune ( well not exactly...but never mind that). At least I can still eat good pizza, right?

Again, we found ourselves in an unusual place, a pizzeria like no other, where the owner, already in his seventies, nearly does everything himself, including pulling perfectly charred bottomed pizzas from the oven with his bare hands. Watching him snip bouquets of fresh basil over each $25 pie was even more astonishing. He, just as the wig maven, is truly devoted to his metier.

The pizza lived up to its reputation and my hope is that the sheitel will as well, turning a sad time into a glam one. May both experiences strengthen me for the days ahead.

To Duck the Duck Egg-or not.

2010-01-17T07:07:00.003-05:00

Hi, this is Izzy's Mama's best friend who is going to occasionally guest blog for Izzy's Mama while she is recovering from surgery. I can tell you that she really appreciates all of the good thoughts and wishes coming her way. I am told she will need to be on a low fat diet for a month (less than 20 grams of fat a day). So feel free to post some yummy low fat recipes or treat ideas.

The Sunday before Izzy's mama's surgery, I went to her house to help out with some chores because she was not feeling well. When it was lunch time, I offered to make Izzy's lunch. Izzy's Mama actually agreed to this offer so she really must not have been feeling well. We trudged down to the kitchen and Izzy's Mama took out a carton of duck eggs and a stick of butter. She sat down at the kitchen table and said "Have you ever used a cast iron pan? It is very good for you because you get iron in your food." While I have a cast iron pan at home and have used it a few times, I probably never used it correctly and besides I thought to myself I did not want to know my pan was leaching metals into my food. So I just sorted of grunted a response. Izzy's Mama, safely assuming that to be a "No", explained "You must heat the cast iron pan for 3 minutes or else the butter will turn brown." Perish the thought. I went to turn on the vintage stove and when I did not get a flame, Izzy's Mama said, "You need to blow on the burner." What! I need to turn on the gas and then put my face to the burner and blow? Is she crazy? Does she have good insurance? But throwing caution and all my common sense to the wind for I was now in Izzy's Mama's world, I forged ahead anyway, putting my face (with much trepidation) in the vicinity of the burner and blowing and blowing. Nothing. I immediately thought about throwing in the towel at this point and was starting to look around for some peanut butter when Izzy's Mama innocently volunteered "You can also use the igniter thing on top of the fridge". You have to be kidding me. I then successfully lit the burner, put a pat of butter in the cast iron pan and waited to 3 minutes. Then I took a look at those duck eggs.

They were about twice the size of a chicken egg. Izzy's Mama said Izzy likes his eggs "over easy". Okay, I thought. I can do this. I grabbed an egg from the carton and as I was about to smash that egg on the rim of the pan, Izzy's Mama blurted out, "Izzy will not eat that egg if you break the yolk." Thanks for the tip, Izzy's Mama. I gingerly tapped the egg on the rim of the pan. Nothing. I applied more force. Still nothing. I pounded the egg against the rim of the pan (who knew duck eggs shells are harder and thicker than chicken egg shells) until I made a dent in the shell. I kept banging away until I created a little crack and then I wedged my finger in the crack and ripped the egg apart. By some miracle, the yolk did not break. I grabbed a spatula from a container of utensils on the stove and just as I was going to flip the egg, Izzy's Mama cried out "Oh no, that spatula is too thick you need the one in the drain board." I had previously been warned not to over cook the egg because Izzy likes to break the yolk with his bread. I dashed to the drain board, grabbed the spatula and ran back and flipped the egg. Although I have cooked eggs before, I confess that I have never cooked a duck egg and I have never cooked an egg under the watchful and expert eye of Izzy's Mama. I was scared. So I grabbed a pot holder and lugged the cast iron pan over to where Izzy's Mama sat to show her my creation and to ask for her blessing. She decreed "a little longer" and waved me off. With a sigh of relief, I finally put that egg on a plate, took a piece of bread and buttered it with butter from the stick of butter still out on the table. My relief was short lived because Izzy's Mama looked at me woefully and said "That butter is for cooking. We have different butter for eating." At that point I just ignored Izzy's Mama and called Izzy to the table. I am happy to report that the yolk was appropriately runny and Izzy ate the whole thing including the incorrectly buttered bread. Izzy's Mama and I each had a fried duck egg. She likes hers prepared the same way that Izzy does. I like mine well done. I found the duck egg to be oddly sweet but tasty. Izzy's Mama says they are $1.00 an egg at Whole Foods. Thanks a bunch to Izzy's Mama for introducing me to duck eggs.

Better Left Unsaid? On Last Suppers And Other Morbid Thoughts

2010-01-09T21:22:00.010-05:00

After much hesitation I have decided to share why it is I have not been blogging, given that it somewhat easier for me to write than to tell...

How many of you have joked around about what you would eat if you only had one meal left?

I know I have. During just such conversations I have conjured up deliciously rich meals of grilled lamb chops, potatoes gratin or perfectly roasted duck with crispy potatoes, goat cheese salad with lardons and a creamy chocolate dessert. Yet now, when faced with the strange reality of possibly only having a limited number of meals left before major surgery and not even being that hungry, I don't even know what to ask for.

One thing that came to mind was moose. Not because I have an especial fondness for moose but simply because I have never tasted it . Besides, B. from Wasilla was kind enough to send some to me and I figured I'd better try it while I still had the chance, as B. made it sound like one has lived til one has tried moose

But before I ramble on about moose and last suppers, which are certainly far more amusing then that which I feel compelled to report, I must tell of the ill-fate that has led me to do so. My poor health over the past several months has finally led me down a path upon which I never expected to find myself. The past few weeks have been filled with CT Scans, MRIs, doctor visits and a disturbing diagnosis. The tests have shown a rather large mass on one of my ovaries and there is a strong suspicion I may have ovarian cancer. I am scheduled for surgery this Wednesday and I am terrified to say the least.

I am trying not to worry about how Izzy will be and what he will eat without me (he has never spent a night without me) and instead focus on what I need to do to get well but it isn't easy. I have been preparing Izzy for my surgery little by little. First I told him that there is "something bad in my stomach that needs to come out". Then I mentioned the word "operation" and he wanted to know if it would be like the operation the kitties had, "where they take out their girl parts." Apparently I didn't need to do as much explaining as I thought I would.

As for eating, well I can't do that much of it. A few small meals a day are about all I can take. Moose sliders last night (very lean and tasty, but a bit overcooked, will have to try again) Vietnamese food tonight and not sure what my last meal will be for tomorrow night. The day before the surgery I need to go on a 24 hour clear liquid diet. D. of "real milk" fame and the doyenne of stock-making, was kind enough to stop by today with three types of stock. My friend L., was surprised to read the label on one which said, "Beef Hoof"; the others were beef and chicken/turkey. Those should keep me nourished, along with some tea and apple juice.

Once the surgery is over, I will find out what happens next. Whatever it is , I hope to make it through so that Izzy has his mama for as long as possible.

Much Awaited Milestone: One Tooth Gone...

2009-12-28T21:51:00.004-05:00

Though this is already old news it has to be documented before the next one comes out!

Izzy was the last of his friends to finally lose a tooth. It happened December 14th, after days of anticipation. For what seemed like weeks on end, he wiggled and jiggled it with his tongue, showing off its looseness to all who could stomach it. His Papa couldn't bear the sight of the tooth and would run off in horror, whereas I was reminded of the enjoyable days of my own tooth wiggling.

It was only after a Chinese dinner with D. the dentist (his new pal) that the tooth began to hang by a thread. The following morning, a crust of toast did the trick and the tooth landed on Izzy's breakfast plate.

That night, the Tooth Fairy came with two dollars but Izzy insisted he knew it was me. No fooling him.

Snow Storm = Snow Frolic? Not so much...

2009-12-21T22:35:00.004-05:00

In a perfect world, Izzy would have awakened to the quiet snow white wonderland surrounding us, eagerly awaiting his moment to escape and frolic in the powdery yard. Instead he awoke to the sounds of our neighbors shoveling. In fact he bounded in to announce that five of our neighbors (not yet 8 a.m. on a Sunday morning, mind you) were already out shoveling their sidewalks.

Meanwhile I was roused by the same sounds and the dread of having to join them. It's not that I particularly mind shoveling snow but I am not especially good at it and for some reason, my shovel never seems to work as well as theirs (maybe I ought to do some shovel research....). In any case, Izzy agreed to postpone breakfast (an extremely rare occurrence) in order to join me. And that was the worst part. Poor Izzy did not have snow boots, having outgrown his pair from last year, all he had to wear were some spring rain boots or a pair of sneakers. I opted for the boots with double socks and we bundled up and went outside. We shoveled until Izzy managed to fill his knee high boots with snow. I sent him inside to watch from the window and after repeated pleas to come in for breakfast, I gave up and joined him. It felt so nice to be inside, sipping tea and feasting on eggs, beans and toast, our Sunday ritual.

Later that morning, we had to go outside again to visit my friend's cats and since his rain boots were now soaked, he had no choice but to wear his sneakers. Along the way, we happened upon a woman ( heretofore unknown to me) shoveling the sidewalk down the block. She asked him where his boots were and I (already annoyed that the poor thing had to go outside in sneakers), nastily replied that he didn't have any. She added this helpful tidbit which made me want to throttle her, "This is the North East. He needs snow boots." I thanked her ever so kindly(if kindness is seething that is) for that advice and we went on our way. Fact was, we had gone out Saturday in search of snow boots but the Newport Mall was of no use and we came home empty-handed.

Our day may not have begun on exactly the note I had imagined but all was not lost in the end, for the rain boots dried up from our morning shovel. Izzy put them on once again for a late afternoon romp in our backyard snowdrifts while I plotted a jaunt to NYC to buy new snow boots, first thing Monday morning.

What Has Izzy Been Eating? Indeed !

2009-12-20T22:02:00.011-05:00

After a long and unintended hiatus, I finally found myself at the Wednesday Union Square Market last week. So nice to be back amongst the local fruits, vegetables and cheese, whether I can eat them or not. I made my way over to 3-Corner Field Farm where I was heartily greeted by the sheep lady who noted my absence. I explained that I hadn't been feeling well and hadn't been cooking or eating much lately. She immediately asked about Izzy and what he had been eating. "What about your blog? Have you been posting, "Izzy eats nothing?" My quick reply, much to her dismay, was that we had been eating takeout. She would be relieved to hear that when I stopped to think about it more, I realized we haven't been eating it much more than usual.

Furthermore, Izzy has been eating and lots. I just haven't been posting. Weeks of meals and tidbits have vanished without a written trace. But others do live on in memories, photographic and otherwise.

There was a homemade soup with Udon noodles, a warm and comforting treat made by a friend...

And there was the excitement of trying something new...Izzy was the perfect Raclette participant. I love it myself but could merely nibble...

There was also a memorable take-out meal. City Bakery take-out that is. Macaroni and cheese, fried chicken, accompanied by a spinach salad I made at home.

And then there were many many potato latkes, which I churned out for Izzy's class at school, with the kind assistance of D., another mom. That day I was surrounded by an oily halo and the odor remained in my house for days. No Hanukkah party at home this year but at least I managed to make the latkes.

And so it goes...despite my eating woes, trying to get back into the blogging and cooking mode. There were other milestones and other recipes which are deserving of their own posts and I hope to get to those promptly!

Encourage Healthy Eating: Jump With Jill!

2009-12-04T10:58:00.003-05:00

Looking for ways to inspire your child to crave healthier foods? Jump with Jill does just that. Jill is a locally based "rockstar nutritionist" whose catchy lyrics will have your child bopping to tunes that foster healthy eating habits. Izzy and I saw her at Made With Love Organics several months ago and he has been bouncing to her music ever since.

Jump With Jill will be at Made With Love this afternoon, from 4:30 - 6:30. Even though healthy eating begins at home, it's always helpful to get some outside inspiration which Jill can certainly provide!

What's On Your Plate? Brooklyn Kitchen's Kids' Day

2009-12-03T21:29:00.004-05:00

In search of a food activity geared toward kids? Check out Brooklyn Kitchen's very first Kids' Day. This Saturday, December 5, they will be showing a screening of the film, "What's on Your Plate?" A film for and about kids, as the learn about where food comes from. Snacks will be on hand and a discussion will follow, along with a talk with the butcher about where hot dogs really come from.

Perhaps Izzy and I will see you there!

Behold The Batter Bowl

2009-11-27T22:50:00.009-05:00

If ever there were a reason to rush off and make pancakes, this bowl is it. It is a "batter bowl" so named I gather, for its spout which makes for easy pouring. I have no idea if these are common but I only just happened upon them the other day, at my next door neighbor's house.

You see my next door neighbor, J. is a potter and quite an accomplished one at that. I knew of his profession but had seen only a few samples of his work in the backyard and I had not an inkling of what lay within. Last weekend I discovered that his yearly pottery event which I had always just thought was a private viewing, was actually a sale, open to those in the know. So Izzy and I made an appearance and it was there that I came upon this gorgeous bowl and two floors of extensive pottery offerings. You can check out more of his work here and next year try to make it to his sale.

So inspired by our new bowl, the morning after its purchase, Izzy and I made some raspberry pancakes ( I just added frozen raspberries to the original recipe) and I was thrilled to be able to pour them straight from the bowl.

Thanksgiving Vows: One Broken, One Kept

2009-11-27T21:47:00.007-05:00

Four years ago, we made a vow never to travel very far on Thanksgiving (and other holidays). This came following a less than stellar taxi ride to my dad's house and our difficulties locating a taxi for the return trip home during a torrential downpour. The following year, in keeping with our plans, we held Thanksgiving at our house. My overambitious menu left me exhausted and stressed. That year, I vowed to keep future meals simpler. Last year, I kept to both vows. We took the train to my friend L's house for the holiday, where I simply contributed a few dishes to the meal, making for probably the calmest Thanksgiving ever. Perhaps it was because we didn't have to worry about anything like this.

This year, I had every intention of making Thanksgiving chez moi but as the day drew nearer, and I grew sicker, my certitude turned to indecision. Even though I dragged my cold-infested self over to the New Amsterdam market, last Sunday, in hopes of still procuring a turkey, I was only slightly disappointed when I didn't find one. Fate had spoken. I was not meant to make Thanksgiving this year. My potential guest list was quite short and friends convinced me my health was more important. I did not need to be roaming the streets in search of the perfect heritage bird, even if I did get better by Tuesday ( I did not).

And so I did break the vow of Thanksgiving travel, though this time with Zipcar. We went to my dad's for a brief spell, enough time to sample the birds, deep-fried and roasted. Yes, my stepmother L. manages to put two birds on the table wherein I have enough trouble getting one bird on time. Her secret? Preparing all of the side dishes the day before; something I hope to try next year. And as for the birds? I can't give an adequate comparison as my sense of taste is on hiatus. All I noted was that the roasted one was saltier.

Along with the birds there were the usual sides, potatoes, sweet and mashed, stuffing, Brussels sprouts and such. Izzy made the cranberry mold which we brought along and I made some cookies which I will post soon. The highlight of Izzy's day was raiding the basement, as there is a closet full of all of my sister C.'s old toys. Each time we go, Izzy makes a new discovery. This time he left with a crystal-making kit. Turned out to be exactly what he needed for entertainment today as my nagging sickness just won't go away.

And so, in my post-Thanksgiving daze, I am thankful that we managed to get home by 8:30, just in time for Izzy to go to bed. I am thankful for the friends who kept me from cooking and my stepmother for doing all the work instead.

I have already clipped a few new recipes for next year, and hope to test them out soon so I can keep both vows when the time comes (unless of course we forgo the feast for the parade and dinner out!).

The Gift of Food: A Squash Surprise

2009-11-23T20:38:00.004-05:00

There is nothing more heart-warming then the offer of food from a friend, especially when one is feeling sickly, as I have been. Stuffed nose, achy head, green boogers and the like have been plaguing me for the last few days, a nasty bug that Izzy passed on to me. I sat home today bemoaning my fate when the offer of a friend brightened my day.

My friend C. , was not only kind enough to pick up some cat food for me but also she brought along some of her roasted vegetables for me to nibble. I must let you know that C. seems to roast a never-ending supply of vegetables, as she is always offering to bring some over. I have marveled at her prolific vegetable-roasting talents and wondered why I never get around to all of that roasting myself. At the same time, I have also marveled over C.'s general health. She is rarely sick. She attributes part of her sturdy constitution to all of her vegetable eating (hence all of that roasting)...

Today I discovered C.'s secrets..

Secret #1. Vegetable Roasting Proclivity

I opened the small container of roasted squash chunks and stuck a forkful in my mouth, only to be met with unwieldy outer skin. I crunched down a bit and then decided to take a closer look.. I noted that the chunks had been roasted with the skin. It all became clear. C. was able to go around roasting squashes like there was no tomorrow, because she didn't go through the painstaking work of peeling them, something I am none to keen on doing. What I wondered was if she then cut around the skin before eating it or indeed did eat the entire chunk, skin and all. I had to find out.

Secret # 2: Exceptional Good Health

I sent C. a message innocently asking if she ate the skin on that particular variety of squash (Hubbard ). I was stunned to learn that not only did she purposely eat the skin of that squash but of all others as well!!! Now the only edible winter squash skin I have ever heard of is the delicata variety. The others are far too tough and chewy for my tastes. To each his own they say. Why does my friend C. enjoy veggies with their skins on? Who can say but I do know that eating vegetable skins must be C.'s secret to good health. After all, they do say that most of the vitamins in many vegetables are found in the skin. C. also mentioned eating other skins, like those of sweet potatoes (which I do eat myself). And come to think of it, my grandfather was a big believer in eating the skins of his potatoes too so perhaps that is one of the secrets to his longevity.

Now I am not sure what to make of all of this skin eating but I do know this.
As much as I envy C.'s good health, I am not sure I am willing to eat a bunch of squash skins to achieve it. Instead I will try her recommendation of a multi-vitamin and fish oil and see if that does the trick.

Meanwhile C. wonders if there are any other squash skin eaters out there....

They Coined A Name For MY Job: Hunter-Gatheress

2009-11-21T22:26:00.005-05:00

In reality, the term was recently used to describe Annie Myers' job. She is the official forager for the Spotted Pig. A friend who read the article, immediately thought of me and said, "I found the perfect job for you."

An enviable job indeed! One that that I already do. In my position, I work for my family and friends, instead of restaurants. I develop relationships with farmers and food purveyors, continually on the lookout for what is new and noteworthy. I bring my finds back to our table instead of back to the chef.

The key difference? She gets paid and has to be at the Union Square Market at 7:30 a.m., whereas I have an unpaid gig and am just awaking at that hour.

Still and all, I wouldn't mind getting paid for my work so if any other restaurant is seeking a Hunter-Gatheress, look no further. I have all the experience required!

An Apple For Izzy's Teacher?

2009-11-18T21:27:00.005-05:00

No. Instead Ms. B. got a TKO. For those of you not in the know (that was me until the other day), a TKO is a Thomas Keller Oreo, sold at Bouchon Bakery. Even better than my homemade oreos because of the white chocolate ganache filling.

And the reason for the cookie you ask? Was it to butter up Ms. B.? No not at all. Today was her birthday.

I only knew it was Ms. B's birthday because last night, at bedtime, Izzy revealed the birthday wishes he had expressed in the card he had made for her...

Happy Birthday
"I hope you turn into a germ."

Suppressing a giggle I had to ask why he had written that. His reply?

"If she were a germ she would be sick and not at school and then I wouldn't have to do the hard math problems she gives me."

Of course I let Izzy know that those were not the kindest birthday wishes and I suggested perhaps we give her a little something (hence the cookie) as well. But it doesn't end there.

Today, after I gave Ms. B. the cookie, Izzy explained that he had changed the birthday card, which now read,

"I hope you turn into a gem".

Apparently the card also features a rendering of Ms. B. as a robot, along with some other "scientific" scribblings. Whatever the case may be, I hope Ms. B. enjoyed her TKO and "germ" or "gem", had a lovely birthday.

Trotter Terrine and Porchetta With My Partner In Pig: A Visit To Dickson's Farmstand at Chelsea Market

2009-11-16T22:17:00.016-05:00

Since our visit to Marlow and Daughters awhile back, my partner in pig, Y., and I have been craving more house-made pate. She even went back to Williamsburg , hoping to obtain an entire pound but came back empty-handed. She was told that they just don't make the stuff on a regular basis. We tried calling. We tried special ordering. To no avail.

We had no choice but to search elsewhere for a porky fix. This time, we found it much closer to home, at Dickson's Farmstand in the Chelsea Market. Not only that but a trip to Chelsea Market opens up an entire realm of shopping. Not only would we have pate, but many other fixings for dinner and beyond.

Dickson's is set up as a butcher shop and offers up an exciting selection of grass-fed, farm-raised meats and poultry. We entered the shop, looked around but didn't see any pate in sight. When I inquired they told us there was no pate on hand. We were crestfallen until they mentioned they did have Trotter Terrine. I jumped on the chance to sample but Y. hung back, seemingly not interested. She didn't realize what she was passing up but I quickly set her straight. This distinctly herbaceous terrine was made with long cooked pigs' trotters, a fine substitute for pate to be sure. We immediately purchased some hefty slices and moved on to some other important shopping.

The old standbys like Amy's Bread and Buon Italia are still there and I stopped at both for some great bread and a completely superfluous slice of porchetta (thanks to Y. for whom pate is not enough pork). Notably new are a Jacques Torres Chocolate outpost, where I purchased two amazing chocolate chip cookies, clear contenders for some of the best in the city and Lucy's Whey, a tiny cheese purveyor carrying some premier local, artisanal cheeses.

Purchases in hand, we even found time to stop at the Ronnybrook Farm store/diner for a brief lunch. My egg in the hole with Grafton Cheddar and Egg Cream beverage were just what I needed for energy before we left for home.

So next time you crave a bit of something porky and beyond, get thee to Chelsea Market for something porcine and beyond.

Keeping It Simple: On Unexpected Guests, Singed Hair, and Truffled Popcorn

2009-11-15T20:53:00.002-05:00

Wednesday Evening...

Clothed in ratty pajamas, sitting amidst a mess of papers, books and other paraphernalia, I settled in for a cozy evening of writing at home. My solitude was interrupted by a thumping on my stoop door. I was slightly worried since my friends never knock at the stoop door and wondered who could possibly be knocking. I assumed it was someone who had found themselves at the wrong house. I immediately went to the window to see and I saw a woman with an unfamiliar face leaning over the railing. I shook my head at her and said, "Wrong house." She glanced at me quizzically and then a man appeared in front of my window. Again I looked at him and repeated, "Wrong house." He looked baffled and then asked, "Isn't this the house of A. ( my husband)?

At once I realized who these strangers were, A.'s foreign colleagues in town for a visit. But A. was working and had given no notification of their arrival. I had no idea why they were at our doorstep. Despite my shabby dress, I had no choice but to open the door. They explained that A. had told them to come by to meet him at 8:30. I told them there must be some terrible mistake because there was no way he would be home at 8:30 and he hadn't mentioned a word about it. Still, I asked them in , apologizing for my pajamas and the attendant mess that greeted them.

It turned out that S. and S., had spoken with A., who in his overworked confusion, had somehow led them to believe that he would meet them. After about an our of laughing over the absurdity of it all we agreed to meet again when A. was available, my house was in better order and I was appropriately dressed, which turned out to be Friday night.

Friday Evening...

I invited S. and S. for drinks, that evening on our way out to dinner. I intended to put out a few snacks for us and I thought truffled popcorn would be just the thing. As the hour drew near, I began to think that popcorn was not enough and contemplated a bowl of roasted chickpeas. I turned up the oven to 450 F. to reheat and went about my business for a few minutes before realizing that I hadn't heard the gas ignite. Instead of turning off the oven and starting over, I opened the door, only to hear the burst of gas and see the giant blue flame leap out at me, as Izzy looked on.

I shut the door in horror, only then smelling the odor of burnt hair. I assumed I had just gotten a strand or two until the smell lingered and I went to the mirror where I found a substantial clump of hairs were singed and frizzled. Considering I had just had my hair cut that day I was rather distraught. I combed out the frizzle and tried to calm down enough to at least make some popcorn. Before I could, the guests arrived.

I ushered them in and then set to work on my popcorn, fearing that more bad luck would come my way. S. and S. are from Germany and although they said they eat popcorn, they had never seen anyone do it my way. They watched in the kitchen while I heated olive oil with a few test kernels, allowed them to pop and then added the rest. When all of the kernels had popped I dumped the popcorn into a bowl and melted a couple of tablespoons of
D'Artagnan Black Truffle Butter (thanks D.) in the hot pot. I drizzled the butter over the warm popcorn and then sprinkled with salt.

This popcorn, which is horribly addictive, was quite a success. We drank red wine while S. and S. munched happily away, awaiting A.'s arrival. And I of frizzled hair, wondered why I thought that I needed anything more. Truffled popcorn was all the excitement we needed.

So once more I am reminded of the importance of keeping things simple, so as to avoid singed hair and other unpleasantness.

P.S. A. arrived on time that evening and we all went out into to the stormy windy night, for dinner. In the interest of keeping it simple, we went to a nearby restaurant and the food was mediocre at best. Would our evening have been that much better, had we traipsed further from home and endured the storm? Probably not.

Your Moose Is In The Mail...Part I

2009-11-11T20:33:00.007-05:00

Seriously.

Having a blog does have its perks I suppose. And this week has been a banner week. From discovering local honey to Alaskan moose meat, I simply can't complain.

It happened like this. Last year, I received an unexpected email from B., probably my only blog fan in Wasilla, Alaska. We continued to correspond sporadically and she mentioned her penchant for moose meat. She also expressed her desire to share this staple of her diet with me, the next time she had a moose on hand. I was intrigued yet frightened by the offer and nothing ever came of it.

Until a few weeks ago, when I received yet another message from B. once again offering up some moose meat. I was more intrigued than ever but worried that it would be prohibitively expensive to ship and raised my concerns. The following was B.'s reply:

But of course I am serious about the Moose. This years moose is the best. I will send you some burger and pot roast. You can't get better burger. And Moose stew.... where would we be without moose stew? (Really, where would we be!!!)

This was most definitely an offer I couldn't refuse so I sent along our address and wondered if it would actually happen. This morning I awoke to a message, the essence of which was, " Be on the lookout. Your moose will be arriving today, before 3 p.m."

I actually had the moose delivered to our p.o. box so off I went at 2 p.m., ready to hunt down my moose which was patiently awaiting my arrival inside a white USPS box, still miraculously frozen, even without dry ice. Once opened I found three packages of chopped meat and a small roast. It is now resting safely in my freezer, its next fate, as yet unknown.

Hyped Up On Honey: The Secret Beekeeper Of Jersey City

2009-11-07T22:18:00.009-05:00

Always on the lookout for things local and organic, I was intrigued by a post on a Jersey City website, offering local honey from Jersey City bees. I immediately emailed an inquiry, hoping to get my hands on some local honey. Andrew's Honey at the Greenmarket has supplied my habit, along with various other honey vendors but I loved the idea of having a source closer to home, what better way to feed my increasing honey habit. Not only that but perhaps this uber-local honey would be instrumental in alleviating my seasonal allergies next spring. More importantly, I was hyped up on the notion of meeting and supporting a local beekeeper.

M. (the honey man), contacted me and we set up a time for a clandestine meeting at a nearby park. Apparently beekeeping has to been done on the down-low, so as to avoid drawing too much attention to the bees and all their attendant charms. How could I be sure that he was really a beekeeper and not a kook? I guess I couldn't but I forged ahead, willing to take the risk for what could be some exceptional honey.

Izzy joined me on the adventure and we went out to play at the park. Izzy played while I sat on a bench awaiting the honey man. He arrived bearing a few jars of the dark amber liquid, in 8 oz. bottles bearing an artsy black and white label. M. and I chatted a long while about all things honey-related and then he came over to see my garden. We also had some tea, served of course with ample doses of the dark amber liquid. This honey seems more complex than the lighter honey I am used to. M. explained that the honey was a mixture of spring and autumn honey allowed to mingle together in the hive before collection.

The honey was better than I had imagined and I became so smitten with it and the whole notion of urban beekeeping that I offered to assist him with spreading the honey word around JC and beyond. He brought over several jars of his "Liberty City" limited edition, small batch artisanal honey. I wished I could keep them all for myself but promised I would do my best to find buyers. At 7$ a jar, this honey is a bargain, considering that New York City Rooftop honey sells for $15. If you moved to JC for more affordable housing, you can also benefit from the lower honey prices too! If you are interested, send me an email soon and some honey could be yours. Once you try it you will be longing for a hive in your own backyard. I sure am!

This honey is so local that the bees probably feasted on flowers from my very own garden, perhaps yours as well!

Just A Few Oranges...

2009-11-06T23:03:00.010-05:00

Are all Izzy needs to make his own orange juice in the morning. Well, that and a Wearever vintage juicer, courtesy of my stepmother, who gave it to me ages ago.

Time was, I drank orange juice every morning. As a child, I was given the orange juice that was made from concentrate and later on graduated to the pasteurized variety. I simply had to have orange juice every morning or my breakfast wasn't complete. I have since kicked that habit, often having grapefruit juice or just tea instead. Although Izzy doesn't drink juice throughout the day, I started him on the same morning juice habit and he now expects some kind of juice with his breakfast.

Lately though, I have be rethinking this morning juice habit. I can't drink it myself anymore, for health reasons. So I have decided to take a break from buying orange juice, as the pasteurized, vitamin-fortified variety is a poor substitute for the real thing. In fact, not only is the flavor less appealing, it has hidden ingredients. I would rather that Izzy have something fresher, but what?

Home-squeezed juice was the obvious answer. Izzy only needs two oranges for an adequate amount of juice and he squeezes it while I make his breakfast. He looks forward to doing it every morning and revels in the taste difference.

Now I just have to make sure to keep an ample supply of oranges in the house, which hasn't been as easy as I thought. First I bought a bag from Trader Joe's and they were perfect. Next we tried some navel oranges from Whole Foods (which I realize are not juicing oranges but that was all they had). The former produced a beautifully vibrant colored orange juice while the later produced a paler less intense juice. As orange season approaches, it should get easier to find good juicing oranges. If not, I'll be seeking an on-line source.

Beware Superlatives: Eggs Benedict At Elysian Cafe

2009-11-04T20:39:00.007-05:00

This do look gorgeous, don't they?

But to label them the best I'd ever eaten would be bordering on the extreme. Indeed they were a fine example of the genre, barring the fact that they were lukewarm and the English muffin could have benefited from being crisper on the outside and chewier on the inside.

Yet I had read that they were"the best", forgetting that the best of Hoboken is a superlative that has little meaning if few places actually prepare a particular dish and the area in question is rather small. That being said, if you live not far from Cafe Elysian, they do offer a decent brunch option at affordable prices.

Izzy cleared his plate of the French Toast and everyone else was reasonably happy with their food too. So do go, and keep in mind that if you don't expect "the best", you will probably be satisfied with your meal.

Airing My Dirty Pantry...

2009-11-03T20:26:00.004-05:00

I would imagine that many people who have a pantry that resembles mine would rather shut the door and turn away. I have opted for the opposite, to exhibit mine to for all to see. I do so in hopes of somehow finding a way to change it.

As I mentioned a couple of weeks ago, I am seeking a cure for what ails my pantry and I am counting on the thousands of readers who follow The Kitchen to chime in with some advice. I haven't advanced beyond Step #1 of The Cure because I feel that the first part is not yet done.

Meanwhile, the notes for steps 2 and 3 are languishing in my in-box. I suppose I would be happy simply curing my pantry, although I will certainly make an attempt to tackle the other areas of my kitchen too.

A New Way Of Looking At Chicken: Head - On

2009-11-01T21:26:00.006-05:00

Our foray into local foodstuffs at the New Amsterdam Market, also led us to the Bo Bo Chicken vendor. I examined their fowl offerings and I was intrigued by the promise of a chicken with more dark meat, since that is what we all prefer.

The chicken came wrapped up inside a plastic bag, with its head tucked neatly on the side, enabling me to promptly forget about exactly what I was in for later. When the time came to cut open the bag and prepare the chicken for dinner, I called Izzy into the kitchen to partake of the experience.

As Izzy looked on, I carefully cut the plastic bag open with a pair of kitchen scissors, allowing the blood to drip down into the sink. Izzy took one look at the bird and pronounced it, "Dead as a dumpling" (not sure what that means but you get the idea). I was far more traumatized by the sight of the sleeping bird than he, yet still I pressed on with my task of preparing it for dinner.

Part of my discomfort in looking the bird square in the face is the fact that we are so unaccustomed to doing so. Izzy, on the other hand, hasn't seen enough dead chickens to have formed a clear opinion. In fact, for him the sight of headless chickens may be more upsetting. (Recently, he was so disturbed by a scene of dancing headless chickens in the abominable movie, Cloudy With A Chance of Meatballs, we had to walk out.)

Back to the chicken in question, I was faced with what to do with the head. I pondered cooking it with the head on, duck-style or simply cutting it off, which is what I ended up doing. I tossed it out, which was probably a mistake but I didn't have time to contemplate other ideas. I roasted the bird like this and we were pleased with the moist results.

Some might recoil in horror at the fact that I exposed Izzy to a chicken head but I would much prefer he recognizes a chicken as a chicken, rather than eat mysterious nuggets that masquerade as chicken. Food experiences such as this one, help him gain a greater understanding of what we eat and why.

To give, To Get, To Give Away: Willy Wonka and The Switch Witch on Halloween

2009-10-31T21:59:00.017-05:00

To give: "Wonka Bars" and Yummy Earth organic lollipops, small bags of homemade popcorn and meringue ghosts.

To get: All manner of sticky, sugary, dyed treats; the usual chocolate suspects (m&m's, nestle crunch, mounds, etc.) lollipops in many colors, pretzels and surprisingly, no candy corn.

Does Izzy really need to accumulate other candy? That lollipop (the perfect accessory to his Willy Wonka costume) from Papabubble should last him until at least the age of 20!

To give away: Over 3/4 of his loot.

Izzy was quite the competitive trick-or-treater, racing in front of his friends to be the first to grab handfuls of whatever they had on offer, whether he would eat it or not. Odd considering what happened after he brought all of his loot home.

Like last year, he dumped it all out and sorted it into categories. It was then I brought up the "Switch Witch" a most clever way to help diminish overflowing Halloween candy bags and save your kids from sugary meltdowns. I had planted the idea of the "Switch Witch" in his head the other day so the idea was not new to him. In my version, a witch would come and take some of his candy, in exchange for books. He was certainly intrigued. Today I mentioned that she might bring his favorite books and asked how much candy he would be willing to give up. He said, "All of it." I told him that he could keep a small amount and that the Switch Witch would take the rest. He happily bagged it up and even double tied the bag!!! Any takers for the leftovers?

An Haute Ho-Ho: Bouchon Bakery

2009-10-29T19:30:00.007-05:00

Could you resist an haute Ho-Ho?? I sure couldn't. When I came face to face with one at Bouchon Bakery I had to have it, never mind my recent resolve to cut down on baked goods and chocolate, the Ho-Ho was calling. I must confess to never having eaten an actual Ho-Ho but having been a Yodel girl, the Ho-Ho seemed like a close enough relative.

I brought it home, along with two types of French macarons and a chocolate-almond croissant. The Ho-Ho was wrapped up in its own elegant box and I immediately set it out to admire. I envisioned sharing it with Izzy but one bite and I was overtaken by gourmandise. In moments, the entire Ho-Ho was gone.

Oh well, I guess I'll just have to go back and get a few more and share them with Izzy next time.

Just Like A Kid In A Candy Store: A Visit To Papabubble

2009-10-28T19:31:00.012-05:00

If you know me you know I am the last one to ply my child with sugary candy. But I do make exceptions and Papabubble definitely warrants one. This Soho candy shop (part of a Spanish chain) provides a glimpse into the world of candy-making, as the candy makers prepare the lollipops directly behind the counter.

It is fascinating for children and adults alike to watch as they mold and shape the warm, sweet sugary substance, handing over tastes along the way. The shop walls are lined with jars full of sugar candies, in a myriad of flavors. Our favorites were mango, pear and raspberry, and there were many others on display.

Izzy and I made a special trip there in search of some accessories for his Halloween costume.

Choosing amongst the different flavors and colors wasn't easy but since one giant lollipop will last him a lifetime, (if he even manages to finish it), I wanted to make sure it was a flavor he liked.

A visit to this shop is a great way to share the art of candy making with your children. However I must advise that although these candies are certainly lovely to behold, their one downside is that they are made with artificial dyes. I ordinarily do not allow Izzy to eat anything with dyes (especially red, as the allergist has advised against it) so he will have to savor this special treat for a long time to come.

To Market To Market To Buy Plenty Of Pig: A Sunday At The New Amsterdam Market

2009-10-25T20:23:00.024-05:00

The New Amsterdam Market is a celebration of locally produced, artisanal foods. My plans to visit this market had been foiled on a few occasions but this time I was determined to get there and make sure I had ample time to shop, and shop I did!

We arrived at the South Street Seaport in search of great food and what we found far exceeded my expectations. The stalls offered up generous samples of all kinds. I couldn't think of a better way to spend this breezy autumnal day then sampling cheeses and pig products galore.

Izzy and I, along with our friend Y., made our way methodically past all of the stalls, examining the goodies at each stand along the way. We lingered at The Piggery, where after tasting the Rustic pate, had to bring home a slab to serve for dinner with salad and hearty bread.

Along the way, we nibbled on pork rillettes, smoked duck breast and grass-fed beef chili. We had a taste of sour cream from Hudson Valley Fresh and instantly grabbed a container. Cubes of grassy cheeses, tiny dollops of fresh ricotta were only a smidgen of the other samples calling out.

There was a sweet highlight that will definitely be added to our repertoire, Liddabit Sweets. I couldn't resist their barley tea/honey lollipops, a bit pricey but worth it, along with the sea salt caramels. They have many other tempting treats as well, but decided to save those for next time.

So many notable stops I must go on... The Porchetta stand, where I finally had a taste of the greasy, porky goodness I had heard so much about. Still need to make it to the East Village for the rest of their menu.

Then there was Edward Behr's table, with an eye-catching display of his noteworthy publication, The Art of Eating. He and his wife made it down from far off Vermont to make their presence known. And good thing since hopefully they will attract all of the Gourmet subscribers looking for a new food read.

And on it goes...In the two hours or so we were there, I still left having meant to try or buy something else. The biggest surprise there was The Bent Spoon from Princeton, an artisanal ice cream shop I had only dreamed of visiting. I hope that they were their testing the New York market. Their dark chocolate rosemary flavor is an incredible experience, one I am glad I didn't miss. And on that note...

The next New Amsterdam Market will be held on Sunday, November 22. Don't shop for a week before you go so your fridge is empty! Hope to see you there.

Is There A Cure For This??? My Pantry, Exposed...

2009-10-24T21:53:00.010-05:00

My pantry doth overflow. Cans, bottles, jars and all manner of other foodstuffs spill from its shelves. I organize it and then just days later, it falls back into an awful state of disarray. Of late, I have simply given up and each time I open the door I am met with a tumble and crash, as something lands upon my feet.

But help may be on the way, in the form of The Kitchen Cure. I have signed up for an opportunity to clean and organize my kitchen, along with 2300 others. We receive weekly assignments with instructions for cleaning each section of the kitchen. The first week I focused on the pantry and the freezer (fridge was okay).

I removed everything from the pantry and my kitchen table looked like this:

I tried to weed out items that I don't use or don't need but they were few and far between. One of the main issues with my pantry is that I use it for things other than food. I store cleaning products and Izzy's art supplies which both take up far too much space. I decided to remove the art supplies and keep the cleaning supplies until they find a new home.

After several hours of work, I returned what I could to the pantry and now it looks like this:

It may be somewhat improved but it still needs work. I am counting on the folks from The Kitchen Cure to help me out. Next up, decluttering cabinets and paring down appliances.

Toilet Paper Madness: A Birthday To Remember

2009-10-24T21:27:00.011-05:00

Sure there were other activities, food and cake too, but the toilet paper was the highlight of this 7th birthday party. Izzy couldn't stop talking about it after we had gone home.

As a spectator I'd have to say that Izzy and his friends were most delighted when the toilet paper swirled and whirled around them

After the silliness came to an end, dinner was served. Pizza for the kids, Indian food for the grown-ups (and Izzy, who had his heart set on it before we even got to the party). I guess he knows we can have pizza any old time but homemade Indian food is a special treat. And it was!

And then there was cake...

Banana- Chocolate Chip Bundt Cake: The Definitive Recipe

2009-10-23T20:33:00.003-05:00

This heavenly cake is apparently old news on the internet but for me is brand-new yet slightly familiar. The recipe is remarkably similar to my favorite Chocolate-Banana Cake; However in this version, the smooth banana flavor is highlighted with a light sprinkling of chocolate chips rather than vice versa.

I adapted Dorie Greenspan's recipe, by way of The Food Librarian.

Classic Banana Bundt Cake
Page 190, Baking: From My Home to Yours.

Ingredients: Makes 1 Bundt Cake (24 small servings, perfect for school snack!)

1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1 1/2 cups whole wheat flour
2 teaspoons baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
2 sticks (8 ounces) unsalted butter, at room temperature
2 cups sugar
2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
2 large eggs, preferably at room temperature
About 4 very ripe bananas, mashed (you should have 1 1/2 - 1 3/4 cups)
1 cup sour cream
1 cup mini-chocolate chips
confectioner's sugar for dusting

1. Center a rack in the oven and preheat to 350 degrees F. Generously butter a 9- to 10-inch (12 cup) Bundt pan. (If you use a silicone Bundt pan there’s no need to butter it.) Don’t place the pan on a baking sheet - you want the oven’s heat to circulate through the Bundt’s inner tube.

2. Whisk the flour, baking soda and salt together.

3. Mash bananas with one cup sour cream.

4. Working with a stand mixer, preferably fitted with a paddle attachment, or with a hand mixer in a large bowl, beat the butter until creamy. Add the sugar and beat at medium speed until pale and fluffy. Beat in the vanilla, then add the eggs one at a time, beating for about 1 minute after each egg goes in. Reduce the mixer speed to low and mix in the 1/3 of the banana mixture. Alternate with dry ingredients, then wet, until both incorporated into batter. Scrape the batter into the pan, rap the pan on the counter to debubble the batter and smooth the top.

5. Stir in chocolate chips.

6. Bake for 65 to 75 minutes (depending upon oven, you may need an additional 10 minutes) or until a thin chopstick, inserted deep into the center of the cake comes out clean. Check the cake after about 30 minutes - if it is browning too quickly, cover it loosely with a foil tent. Transfer the cake to a rack and cool for 10 minutes before unmolding onto the rack to cool to room temperature. Dust with confectioner's sugar.

This cake is good cooled and will also keep well for a few days.

You can wrap individual slices in plastic and freeze. Perfect to take along as a snack!

Secret Fruit Bars: Snack #2

2009-10-20T22:37:00.010-05:00

Unlike Jessica Seinfeld, I prefer to call a carrot, a carrot, rather than hide it inside a brownie and pretend it doesn't exist. I have always wanted Izzy to recognize that vegetables are healthy and flavorful (unless they were prepared by my first stepmother). There are no secret fruits or vegetables around here. We eat them right out in the open, imagine that.

As for these "Secret" Fruit bars, they hail from one of my favorite children's cookbooks, The Baby Bistro Cookbook. This book is full of recipes, vegetables included, that you would want to cook, with child or without.

These bars are full of fiber and make for an ideal snack. Not sure why the ingredients in this recipe need to be kept under wraps. The filling, encased within a sweet oaty crust, is packed with apples, carrots, dried fruits and berries. I brought them in for snack and decided to use their name to create a mystery. The kids could guess the ingredients. Not sure if they could or did, even adults have a hard time identifying each fruit and most can't discern the carrots. But at least they ate them.

As for the recipe, I won't be keeping any secrets...

Secret Fruit Bars

2 apples, cored and chopped
1 1/2 cups shredded carrots
1 cup dried cranberries (or cherries)
1 cup fresh or frozen thawed blueberries, cranberries or strawberries
1/2 cup water
4 cups quick-cooking oats (I used old-fashioned which worked fine)
2 cups all purose flour (half whole wheat works well)
1 cup packed brown sugar
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 cup butter

1.Preheat the oven to 350 F. Line a 13" x 9" baking pan with parchment paper.

2. In a medium saucepan, bring the fruits, carrots and water to a boil. Reduce heat to low and simmer, stirring occasionally, for 15 minutes or until apples are soft. Remove from heat and cool.

3. In a large bowl, combine the dry ingredients. Using a pastry blender or mixer, cut in the butter until the mixture resembles coarse brumbs.

4.Evenly press the half of the oat mxture on the bottom of the pan. Spread fruit over the top. Cover the fruit with remaining oat mixture and gently press.

5. Bake for 35-45 minutes or until golden. Cool completely and cut as desired (I usually cut about 28 squares).

Turning Snack And My Kitchen Upside Down: Kale and Seaweed Chips, Popcorn On The Side

2009-10-19T11:33:00.015-05:00

Early this morning, my husband poked his head into the kitchen and a look of horror washed over his face as he surveyed the scene... Cabinets flung open, cats on the table, dirty dishes strewn about and the loud sound of popcorn popping. He turned on his heels and fled...

"Snack Mom" had taken over the kitchen. Yes, I even set my alarm for 7:15 a.m. which is early for me, so that I could make sure the Kale and Seaweed Chips would be ready, along with two enormous vats of popcorn. I was inspired by The Yummy Mummy, who prepared kale chips as a snack for her daughter's preschool class. She outdid me by awakening at 5:30 a.m., an hour too ungodly for me to even consider, to prepare her snacks. I compromised by getting up slightly early, figuring I would somehow manage to get the three snacks ready, shower, make Izzy's breakfast and lunch and still get him to school on time.

Well with little time to spare, all notions of organization immediately flew out the window and chaos reigned. Olive oil was spilling, sesame seeds were flying and the cats were underfoot but somehow I did manage to get it all done.

The kale chips are a must try. This preparation turns a chewy, weedy vegetable into a feather-light delight (just make sure not to under cook them. I can attest to the fact that the undercooked version is a tad too chewy).

The recipe is super simple: Break kale into bite-sized pieces, rinse and dry. Place in a bowl and massage with olive oil, then sprinkle with salt. Spread on a cookie sheet so that the pieces do not overlap, and bake at 350 F. for 10-15 minutes or until darkened and crisp, at which point they practically dissolve in your mouth.

As if those weren't enough (actually they weren't, children cannot live on weeds alone, can they?) I also prepared seaweed chips which had been calling me from the pages of The New York Times. Definitely a fun project to do with kids but this morning there wasn't much time for that.
All you need are sheets of Nori, water, salt and sesame seeds. Watch the video link for more precise instructions.

But the morning prep was not over yet...

While those were baking I started on the popcorn and Izzy's morning pancakes. As the kernels flew, his pancake bubbled. All was going according to plan. Izzy assisted as I dumped the steaming vat of popcorn into a brown paper bag and began a second batch. When all was said and done, we carted it all over to school and set it out. Would the Kindergartners and First-Graders even touch the odd vegetable chips? Only Pick-Up time would tell.

At 3 p.m., I popped into Izzy's classroom and found an empty tin of Seaweed Chips ( I hadn't made that many) and a few fistfuls of Kale Chips left. There was still popcorn in the bag but I had made vast amounts of it so that didn't surprise me. What did surprise me was the snack tally on the blackboard. Izzy's teacher, Miss C., had inspired some of the children to try the snack by finding out which snack each child preferred. Kale was the winner, although that doesn't mean they actually liked it. Still and all, they tried it which is progress, right?

It thrills me when Izzy's teachers are proactive in getting the children involved with what they are eating. Teachers can certainly have an influence on eating habits so I look forward to bringing in other healthful foods for his class to try.

p.s. The following morning, when I arrived at school bearing another snack, a little girl looked over at me, not knowing what I had brought in and announced, "I am allergic to all of that." I looked at her and asked, "What are you allergic to exactly?" and she replied, "What's in there. I don't like it." I assume that she thought there were more Kale Chips within and she had decided that she was "allergic" to vegetables!

A Wonderful Concert and An Offal Meal: They Might Be Giants and DBGB

2009-10-18T21:52:00.021-05:00

I don't know about you but I can live without most kid bands, with their grating tunes and annoying lyrics. They Might Be Giants are a rare exception. They are one of the chosen few that Izzy and I both adore. They started out as a grown-up band and still are but since Izzy was little they have been doing kid stuff as well, which I admit I love just as much. Their concert today, at the Skirball Center at NYU was as joyous and engaging as the one we attended last year. If you haven't heard the new CD, check it out here. It is edutainment at its very best. I might have done better in science class if my teachers had used it to teach the periodic table.

At today's concert, we unexpectedly found ourselves in second row seats (at the urging of ushers who told us to move forward to empties in the front) which made the concert that much more thrilling for all of us. Unlike last year,this time Izzy danced uninhibitedly in the aisles. The confetti machines were an added bonus, causing Izzy to race around excitedly, collecting heaps of it to take home. The concert, just a bit over an hour, was just the right length for antsy kids.

Izzy definitely worked up an appetite from all of his wiggling during the show so he was eager to continue on with the next part of our outing. Afterward we hopped into a cab and sped over to DBGB where we met my dad and stepmother for dinner. DBGB is Daniel Boulud's new, gentler priced restaurant on the Bowery, specializing in all manner of sausages. Also offering seafood platters and an enticing selection of offal. The menu is full of so many gems, choosing was not so easy for some of us. For Izzy, however, it was a breeze. He read over the menu and promptly selected the octopus appetizer and veal tongue for his main course.

I chose the Duck Egg Bourguignon (an unusual preparation with a panko-coated egg served atop a portabello mushroom, accompanied by salad with duck cracklins) and the Crispy Pig's Foot (having somehow forgotten my Parisian pig foot experience). We were a table of tasters so even though I could not order everything on the menu, I managed to take in a decent sampling. As for my "Pied de Cochon" it was world's tastier and meatier than the one I had eaten in France. Even my dad, who was reluctant to taste it, had to admit it was a succulent morsel.

Just look at that trotter in all of its crusty splendor. Glad I didn't remember my past experience or I wouldn't have ordered it. Even so, I only managed to eat half of it, as I was trying to keep to my new way of eating and the the leftovers for lunch tomorrow.

With all of our sampling and the late hour, it's a wonder Izzy and I still had room for dessert but he had his heart set on some chocolate sorbet with whipped cream and I agreed to give it a try. At least it arrived quickly and our waiter offered it to us on the house, along with a sundae, as compensation for enduring an unusually long wait for our food. The restaurant was most likely overwhelmed after the wonderful review in the Times the other day, well-deserved to be sure.

Despite the dreary weather, our rare family excursion was a success. We will be looking out for the next TMBG concert in the NYC area. As for DBGB? There were so many dishes left to try I need to go back soon.. Tripe anyone?

Cramming It All In: Part I... The Vermin

2009-10-17T22:00:00.002-05:00

Over a month has flown by since I abruptly stopped blogging. I am trying to recapture my blogging spirit, both for me and for Izzy, since part of the reason I started this blog was for him. It was the easiest way for me to chronicle his life, through my own, food-oriented lens. So much has transpired that I must back-track and fill-in, before continuing forward.

By now many of you know the main reason my keyboard has been silent but what you don't know is that there were other issues that interfered with my desire to cook, eat or write. The troubles were such that I began to think that we were being cursed with our own version of the Ten Plagues.

First there were VERMIN

Lice to be precise. On September 25th, I received a call from Izzy's school, explaining that one student from his class had a lice problem and that they feared Izzy was afflicted as well. The call came on a morning when I thought I might finally start to get my life back in order.

Orderliness of any kind went out the window as I ran over to his school to inspect. The evidence was clear and I escorted Izzy home, trying, unsuccessfully, not to freak out. As I had never dealt with lice before, not as a child* nor as a teacher, I felt ill-equipped to deal with it on my own. In the far recesses of my mind, I recalled an article in the New Yorker about the "Lice Lady". With 15 children of her own, she was clearly the nit-picker who would save the day. I searched for information about her and realized that Shabbat was coming which might make an appointment difficult and I couldn't imagine schlepping Izzy all the way to Borough Park Brooklyn. In my haste to find an adequate solution, I selected a company that offered at-home services. They were willing to dispatch a technician within an hour who would supposedly rid us of our itchy problem. The red flag should have arisen with their hourly rate of $125.00 but they assured me it would take around two hours.

When the technician arrived, she set to work on Izzy, first applying a treatment shampoo, followed by a painstakingly long comb out with baking soda and Pantene conditioner. The entire procedure took in inordinately long amount of time and there were globs of goop all over my floor. I suspected that I had lice as well, which she confirmed, so I needed to be combed out too. The entire process lasted about 4 hours and with products cost over $600!!! I felt taken advantage of but reasoned that it would all be fine if we remained lice free. I continued to treat both of us with products and comb outs for several days and can happily report that we are both lice-free.

Our lice issues occupied my mind for several days, as I continued our treatments. A friend discovered that she was afflicted and I assisted with her comb-out as well. With laundering, combing and obsessing, little time was left for much else.

I have since realized that had I acted more calmly, I could have saved a bundle. I am now far more lice savvy and have even considered offering my own nit-picking service.

Meanwhile, another affliction was brewing, an ailment that has severely curtailed my eating...

* As a little girl, I would sometimes scratch my head and whenever my grandpa saw me he would say, laughingly, "What's the matter? Do you have "loiselach"..According to one of my brothers, my grandfather told them that he and his brothers always had lice when they were kids. I wonder why, since I know they didn't bathe much back in 1916 and lice prefer clean hair.

Cramming It All In: Part II... My Ailment

2009-10-17T21:40:00.000-05:00

Plague Two: Sickness

Starting back in August, while my grandfather was sick, I began to feel sickly myself. My throat felt funny and I was often hoarse. I had various symptoms but the doctor was unable to figure out what ailed me. She concluded that I suffered from allergies and sent me to an allergist where I was treated unsuccessfully, given medication that sent me to the emergency room and left to wonder what ailed me. I went back to my doctor and insisted I needed to see an Ear, Nose and Throat doctor. She sent me to a wonderful woman, Dr. Sezelle Gereau, who quickly pinpointed the problem. She stuck a tube through my nose and peered down into my throat. There she discovered that I had irritation due to GERD. In my case, Silent Reflux.

When she gave me this diagnosis (about which I knew nothing), I quickly explained that I did not wish to be treated with medication. As it turned out, the doctor was trained to offer alternative treatments and she gave me a list of life-style and dietary changes to make, along with supplements that would help.

The most devastating aspect of all of this, is that my love for food, coupled with anxiety has been causing some of my troubles. Immediately following this diagnosis, I became especially careful about my eating and was less-inclined to cook. I was also rather worried. What would life be like if I couldn't savor every bite with abandon?

My preoccupations with my grandfather, my ailment and lice may have kept me from writing but at the same time, life went on. Rosh Hashanah was celebrated, Izzy's first day of First Grade took place and countless other food-worthy moments occurred.
I will elaborate in Part Three.

Cramming It All In: Part III...Life Goes On

2009-10-17T21:27:00.024-05:00

Awaiting the Rosh Hashanah Feast

Without much fanfare, Izzy began First Grade on September 2, 2009. As he was continuing at the same school, it didn't have the same significance it may have had, had he started at a new one. He had new teachers but many of his old friends were along with him so he was comfortable and calm, excited to just be back at school. The main difference would be that he was now part of a new room, the Earth Room, which unfortunately was not ready. Consequently, during the first month of school, he and his classmates were shuttled about from one room to another. Despite that glitch, for the most part, all was well and knowing Izzy was safe at school made it easier for me to go off and visit my grandpa on a daily basis.

Rosh Hashanah arrived on September 18 (before the bad news) and we went to my dad's house for dinner. Most years past, I cook for the holiday but this time all I could muster were the Rugelach and some Challah. When I asked my stepmother what she was preparing, she mentioned a brisket. I told her about a succulent recipe I had clipped a year ago and quickly sent it off to her, just in case she changed her mind. This recipe for Flanken with Pomegranate struck me as being an instant success and I longed to make it. Much to my surprise, L. made it and it was the star of the table, already laden with many other luscious holiday dishes. It may just reappear at my Hanukkah meal this year, just wait and see.

With the Jewish holidays upon us, it was also time to consider synagogue and Hebrew School for Izzy. For the moment Izzy is a Hebrew school dropout, as I search for a new way to continue Izzy's Jewish education. Which brings me to the Pickle Festival and Sukkot.

What better way to celebrate our Jewish heritage than to attend a Pickle Festival on the Lower East Side and then visit a Sukkah in the West Village? On October 4 (A's birthday but he was out of town), Izzy and I set out to sample pickles and who should we run into but my sister C., hawking wares at the Brooklyn Kitchen stand. Izzy and I made our rounds, toting home some Moroccan Green Beans from Brooklyn Brine and some Holy Chevre from the Adamah Dairy.

Our next stop was The New Shul in the West Village. I loved, loved, loved the vibe at their Sukkot gathering, met some lovely synagogue members, Hebrew school teachers and the rabbi. To top it off, Izzy and I thoroughly enjoyed the 100 mile meal that was created for the occasion. A synagogue that celebrates local, organic produce?? What more could I ask for!! On the downside, Izzy is not too keen on Hebrew school given his less than stellar experience last year so we may just have to wait and continue to attend events at the Shul whenever we can.

Meanwhile, Izzy's class has finally been granted their very own Earth Room. To celebrate, some other moms and I planned an "Earth-Warming Party" where the kids planted herbs and we brought in some goodies to celebrate. There were bags of homemade popcorn and I baked some incredible Banana-Chocolate Chip Cake, along with two kinds of scones. More on those soon.

Oh and somewhere in between these occasions were simpler ones. A lovely meal spent with friends on a rooftop. Check out the grand Jersey City view!

Also of now is Izzy's leaps and bounds in reading. He is now immersed in Chapter Books! It is sometimes difficult to tear him away from the couch.

And this is only the half of it, as other milestones occurred, deserving of a separate post. For now I will leave you with a link to a recipe for some of the moistest, crustiest finger-licking spare-ribs you could ever imagine, from the now sadly defunct Gourmet Magazine (R.I.P.).

Louis Staloff: May 8, 1909-September 18, 2009

2009-10-13T21:50:00.000-05:00

Left with just photographs and memories..of my dear, wonderful grandfather, whose blue-eyes twinkled for 100 years and will do so no more.

And so my silence is broken.

The Sad Fate of Six Cannoli...

2009-09-14T22:33:00.005-05:00

They, like my blog, have been left to rot from neglect.

I brought a small box of them for my brother E., who placed them inside his work refrigerator and promptly forgot about them. Days later, the cannoli are clearly a lost cause, just a sodden mass of shells and cheese. No hope for them but fortunately my blog can still be rescued, it just may be a few days before I get back into the rhythm. Check back soon.

New Amsterdam Market Envy And A Homemade Butter Consolation Prize

2009-09-13T21:27:00.007-05:00

Once again I missed the boat with the New Amsterdam Market at the South Street Seaport. Indeed the list of vendors there is impressive, from bakeries to butchers and chocolate in between, it sounds like a food lover's paradise. Unlike other markets, this one arrives sporadically, rather than weekly. As in the past, I had every intention of going but familial obligations took precedence and it was off for a late lunch at my mother-in-law's house.

On my way home, I read my friend D.'s account of her visit to the market and all of her spoils. From bacon at Fleisher's Meats to goat cheese from 1802 Beekman , D. made a careful selection of goods that convinced me not to miss the next market, which will fortunately take place on October 25, 2009.

It was a good thing I missed the market today for while D. was shopping her heart out, I was being treated to my second homemade meal of the week. This one prepared by my MIL J. and her husband T. There was lasagna, an incredible Shakespearean inspired salad made with almond butter and capers (two items I would never have imagined together), homemade bread and homemade butter prepared by her husband T., with apple pie for dessert. Izzy had a swell time playing with Hess trucks and putting together a Lego plane with his cousin. I brought home a fragrant bouquet of freshly clipped rosemary and bay leaves, along with Asian pears all collected from J.'s garden. Izzy helped gather the pears in a basket and a swell time was had by all.

And so I say, eat today, market tomorrow (or next month as the case may be).

Keeping It Local For Labor Day Weekend...

2009-09-05T22:05:00.015-05:00

That means...

Spending a lazy Saturday morning eating plenty of toast slathered with butter and jam, along with fresh cantaloupe from the Grove Street Farmer's Market. Petting purring kittens. Hanging the wash out on the line. Writing out birthday cards and gathering gifts to be mailed. Writing in Izzy's Cat Journal.

Walking to post letters only to discover it is too late. Stopping for a Cucumber-Lemonade from Ahymn Espresso Bar on Jersey Ave, so cool and refreshing. Sipping it outside and people-watching. Buying bagels for lunch from Wonder Bagels, across the street. Making another visit to the NEW TOY STORE in town, Jacks. We can't keep away from their fabulous assortment of perfect toys for all ages.

Meandering back home to eat bagels, cream cheese and avocado for lunch. Sitting on the stoop awaiting A.'s return from Europe. Gardening. Taming our backyard jungle. Weeding and mowing the grass.

Dining by candle-light overlooking the garden, on pasta, with a sauce made from plump ripe yellow and red tomatoes (csa), basil from our garden, garlic, fennel seeds and olive oil.

Feeling the air cooling down as the breeze blows through the screen door. Sweet dreams. Looking forward to another easy day tomorrow.

Chop, Blend, Fry, Eat: Tomato, Mozzarella, Beans, Pancetta, Pistou Salad

2009-09-03T21:35:00.007-05:00

Tired of the same old tomatoes and mozzarella with basil? I certainly was and even Izzy began to groan each time I told him what we were having for dinner... yet again.

This version, inspired by The Smitten Kitchen, is made with white beans, pancetta and pistou (which is a puree of basil leaves, olive oil and salt).

Tomatoes and Mozzarella with a Twist

1. 4 large ripe tomatoes, red or yellow, chopped
2. 1/2 lb. fresh mozzarella cheese, chopped
3. 1 can white beans, rinsed
4. 1/4 lb. pancetta, diced and fried or baked,
5. 3-4 tablespoons pistou (recipe to follow)
6. 3 tablespoons balsamic vinegar

Toss first four ingredients in a large bowl. Then prepare pistou, see below.

Pistou

1 cup basil leaves
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 clove garlic, smashed
1/4 cup olive oil

Place first three ingredients in blender, add olive oil in a thin stream and puree until smooth. Or grind in mortar and pestle, which is the more traditional way to prepare this.

Drizzle pistou and balsamic vinegar on salad, add salt and pepper to taste, toss and serve.

Makes 4 generous servings.

Too Many Cats....

2009-08-31T21:05:00.008-05:00

Spoil the broth! Especially when they start lapping it up...

As you can see, cooking has become quite a challenge in our kitchen, since the cat population in our house has doubled. The two kitties, Occhi and Rabutnitcha, can't stay away from the food. They stick their noses into everything I prepare and are especially fond of watermelon and cantaloupe juice.

Mama and Splat just enjoy lounging on the kitchen table. They are too cute to reprimand. What is a cook to do?

Unexpected Eats

2009-08-29T15:37:00.008-05:00

Izzy and I arrived home one day last week, only to find a small note on our door, alerting us that our neighbor N. had some freshly baked goods to share and that we should call her. She immediately came over with a plate of just-baked zucchini/chocolate chip muffins. The reason? A thank you for the leftover csa shares we gave her.

My friend E. who has since left JC for NYC (oh I do envy that move), was in the neighborhood the other day. It was after my lunchtime but she mentioned that she was hungry. My fridge was full of good eats so I instantly offered to make her lunch. She had a tomato/mozzarella/basil sandwich, with basil I snipped from our garden.

What's the point? Too tired to elaborate..goodnight.

Perfect Jersey City Lunching: American Masala

2009-08-27T21:56:00.011-05:00

A new American-Indian fusion restaurant has landed upon our shores and it is well worth a visit.

American Masala, located near Exchange Place, is owned by Suvi Saran, who also owns Devi in NYC. Many of the restaurant's dishes come from the owner's cookbook, for which the restaurant was so named. The innovative menu is chock full of comfort food with an Indian twist. I had been eager to try it since I read it about it here.

We took Izzy and his friend J., for an end of summer lunch, as they hadn't seen each other since the middle of July. It was the perfect choice for a sunny afternoon.

We seated ourselves on the terrace given the lovely weather, and the boys got reacquainted with one another while my friend G. and I perused the menu. It's always a good sign when too many things are appealing.

We ended up choosing the lamb burger and the house made veggie burger. The large burgers were enough for mother and child to share and both were accompanied by delicately spiced, ultra-crispy fries. We shared a fattoush salad which was fresh and colorful. G. and I were thrilled with our meal. We lingered at the table, nibbling each morsel as the boys played.

Throughout our meal, the staff was friendly and accommodating, especially the owner's sister Seema who came over to check on us as we were finishing up. We chatted a bit with her and she brought over some small servings of Firni, a rice pudding spiced with cardamom and pistachios. I have always been a fan of this fragrant pudding and it was the icing on the cake to our wonderful meal.

Right now the restaurant is only open for lunch from 11 a.m. - 3 p.m. but come fall, they have plans keep it open for dinner as well.

A Jeweler, A Diner, A Butcher, and A Chocolatier..A Trip To Williamsburg

2009-08-25T22:12:00.016-05:00

We hadn't been to Williamsburg since my usual partner in Brooklyn adventures (S.) up and left us for Portland. My friend Y. (a jewelry designer) came to the rescue, as she too is often up for food adventures, especially those of the meaty kind. There she is above, displaying one of her latest creations.

Our first stop was Diner, housed in a relic of the past, replete with tiny floor tiles, counter stools and creaky wooden booths. The menu was small and to the point. Y. and I zeroed in on the two meaty selections, a grass fed beef burger which she ordered and a sandwich of house-made pastrami, which was calling me. Izzy had his eye on the mussels.

My sandwich arrived with a slab of pastrami (instead of the usual slices), some gorgeously addictive fries and tasty red slaw. It was pleasantly chewy and not as salty as the New York Deli variety, which I admit to preferring. Izzy delivered the simplest comparison. "Much less salty, I like it better. I HATE Katz's pastrami."

Y.'s burger was cooked to perfection and provided ample bites of grass fed deliciousness.

Meanwhile, Izzy's mussels arrived and when he went to eat one, he noticed that a seafood fork was lacking. When we asked about this, he was told to use a mussel shell to extract the critter from the other shells. He must have looked crestfallen because someone (not our waitress), graciously went off and found one for him from their establishment next door. He was finally able to tuck into his meal but after stuffing in too many fries, was unable to finish.

Appetites sated, we left Diner and made our way to their butcher shop, Marlow and Daughters, just up the block. If only a butcher shop like this existed in Jersey City. Slabs of beautiful cuts of organic beef graced their enclosed glass case, along with sausages, cured meats and a hearty looking house made pate, which looked more inviting then some pates found in Paris.

We both brought home a few well-chosen items, including house-cured pancetta, chorizo and the irresistible pate. The store not only carries meats but a wide array of other locally sourced products, including cheeses and dried beans. Later on, Izzy and I dined at the pate and wished that we had more for later. If Y. is equally smitten we may just find our way back there before long.

Our next stop was Mast Brothers Chocolate, for no foray into Williamsburg would be complete without a visit there.

Our final destination was Brooklyn Kitchen but I will reserve discussion until I receive a personal tour from my dear sister upon our next visit.

Back in the car, during the trip home, Izzy reflected upon the day...From the backseat I hear Izzy say smilingly, "Mama, what does it mean to butcher the English language?" Which I knew was a phrase he had heard on a Word Girl video. And so he came to terms with one of his first homonyms. Worth the trip for that alone!

Chocolate-Peanut Butter Ice Cream

2009-08-25T21:45:00.006-05:00

What better way to celebrate the end of August than eating our way through David Lebovitz's book of ice cream, The Perfect Scoop.

This time it was Chocolate-Peanut Butter. The stuff was so addictive I had none left for a photo-op. In fact Izzy only managed to get in a small cupful, for as he slept I kept stealing spoonfuls of it until it was all gone. I do not regret finishing the batch because Izzy deemed it "To peanuty". True that I would have preferred swirling in the peanut butter instead of blending it so I might try it that way next time

However you decide to make it, the results are sure to please. Not only that but you might have all of the ingredients you need in the house so you can satisfy your craving right away!

Recipe

Chocolate Peanut Butter Ice Cream (from The Perfect Scoop, by David Lebovitz)

2 cups half-and-half

¼ cup unsweetened Dutch-process cocoa powder

½ cup sugar

Pinch of salt

½ cup smooth peanut butter

Whisk together the half-and-half, cocoa powder, sugar, and salt in a large saucepan. Heat the mixture, whisking frequently, until it comes to a full, rolling boil (it will start to foam up). Remove from the heat and whisk in the peanut butter, stirring until thoroughly blended.

Chill the mixture thoroughly, then freeze it in your ice cream maker according to the manufacturer’s instructions.

Dinner Scene: Balsamic Green Beans With Golden Currant Tomatoes

2009-08-24T22:11:00.008-05:00

This green bean dish was part of a vegetarian feast which also included Gazpacho and corn on the cob. Everything was made with entirely local produce, the Golden Currant Tomatoes hailing from our very own backyard and the rest from Stony Hill Farm, which we are so fortunate to have set up shop several times weekly, right here at our Jersey City Farmers' Markets

Balsamic Green Beans With Golden Currant Tomatoes

Ingredients

1 quart green beans
handful of small tomatoes (cherries sliced in half will do)
1 - 2 cloves garlic, minced
olive oil
balsamic vinegar

1. Steam or boil green beans 4-5 minutes or until almost tender. Drain.
2. Gently saute minced garlic in a 2-3 tablespoons olive oil for 2-3 minutes.
3. Toss in green beans and tomatoes and cook a couple of minutes more.
4. Add a couple of tablespoons balsamic vinegar, cook a minute more. Season with salt and pepper.
5. Serve immediately or at room temperature.

Good Bye Ice Cream Man: Hello Ice Cream Maker

2009-08-23T00:00:00.016-05:00

Kicking off a week of homemade frozen treats, here's Izzy after guzzling down the remains of our mixed berry frozen yogurt. We used our Kitchen-Aid Ice Cream Bowl attachment, a must have for regular ice cream making projects. That was yesterday.

After spending a week at the beach, deprived of truly great ice cream, and after contemplating the recent gripes about the ice cream man, I have decided to devote the next week to making our own frozen concoctions, from yogurt to Popsicles.

Today we prepared Chocolate-Peanut Butter Ice Cream...More on that tomorrow.

The Ice Cream Man Didn't Do It

2009-08-22T22:31:00.017-05:00

Apparently, parents everywhere, are complaining about the ice cream man. He is on playgrounds and parks, hawking his wares each and every day throughout the summer, luring their precious spawn into begging for frozen treats. All this whining about how the ice cream man is always around, even at times when they don't want to purchase ice cream. Don't they realize that the ice cream man is not responsible for their children's ice cream issues?

Surprisingly (to me at least) these parents are not necessarily opposed to the ice cream in principal, they are just opposed to hearing their darlings whine for it, each and every day, at inopportune times. Don't get me wrong, I too have issues with the ice cream man but they are not the same. The difference is, I am not disturbed by his presence. He can turn up wherever he pleases (except in front of our house at Izzy's bedtime where the noise keeps him awake) but I will rarely, if ever purchase anything from him. The ice cream he sells, for the most part, is pure junk food, those cartoon-shaped pops being the absolute worst.

Izzy does not beg or plead for ice cream on a regular basis and for that I am grateful. I have made it quite clear, from early on that we just don't buy ice cream from the ice cream man. I certainly do not deprive Izzy of ice cream, as it is one of my favorite desserts. We either make it ourselves or buy it at ice cream parlours. We do buy the occasional ices from the ice lady and while at the beach we purchased a Froze Fruit (which has gone from being a reasonably healthful snack to a corn syrup laden pop) but that's about it.

Bottom-line: Parents need to stop blaming the ice cream man for causing meltdowns. Just saying NO to ice cream will go a long way towards teaching children to make better food choices. At the same time, be sure to offer other snack options so that your children don't feel deprived.

Beach Eats of Note: Long Beach Island 2009

2009-08-19T22:13:00.011-05:00

The Sand Box Cafe: This outdoor cafe brings a taste of the tropics to the Jersey Shore. Go just for the experience and decor but bring an appetite as well. Breakfasts are their specialty and you can't go wrong with the sizzling pancake. Izzy's was stuffed with peaches, blueberries and sweet cream cheese, topped with maple syrup. If you go for lunch, save room for the Fried Oreo Sundae or other daily dessert special.

Marvel's Market: The place for donuts. Go early in the morning to watch them make the donuts, a far cry from Dunkin or Krispy Kreme, these donuts are the real thing, eggy and delicious. We got there too late to watch but at least they still had donuts left.

The Boat House: Outdoor dining with a view and surprisingly delicious seafood, especially the scallop special. Sit near the water if you can.

The Black Whale: Incredibly fresh seafood. casual atmosphere, long waits. Izzy had a seafood feast.

Channeling Violet Beauregarde: Izzy's First Gum

2009-08-18T21:36:00.014-05:00

I'll admit, I was a chewing gum fiend. Rarely without a piece in my mouth, I praticed chomping, cracking and bubble blowing as if they were my occupation. My friends and I planned trips to the Cottage Inn just for pieces of individually wrapped Bazooka Bubble Gum ( as much for the gum as for the collectible comics inside). My grandma and first stepmonster S. bought me endless packs of Trident Sugarless and my grandfather constantly told me I looked like a cow, chewing "cow gummy ".

Gum chewer that I may have been, I have long kicked the habit and hoped to keep Izzy gum-free for as long as possible. He had led a gum-free existence thus far, reaching the age of nearly six and a half, without any gum at all. Occasionally he has remarked that his friends are allowed to chew (some quite often at that! ) but never made a fuss over not having any. Then we read Charlie and The Chocolate Factory and gum appeared ever more prominently on his radar. What it is that appeals about the gum cracking Violet Beauregarde it is hard to say but I too longed to chew one piece of gum for a record-breaking number of days and Izzy has fallen under the same spell.

He has been pestering me for gum ever since we saw the film and I mistakenly promised him some from a health food store. I managed to stall for a few weeks but we finally found ourselves at one today, Pangea Naturals in Manahawkin, the only health food store in close proximity to Long Beach Island. There I bought him some type of fruity gum with Xylitol, which I didn't know much about. I had heard that it actually helped prevent cavities but apparently the evidence to support that claim is rather scant. Not only that but Xylitol is not the miracle sweetener I had imagined, but rather an industrially produced sugar substitute that may cause diarrhea.

Izzy popped that gum into his mouth and was instantly smitten. He relished every chew, marveling over the novel experience.

Izzy may be stuck on gum but I don't intend to allow him to chew it on a regular basis. The question is: Which gum should he be chewing? It comes down to deciding which is the lesser of two evils, artificially sweetened gums that don't cause tooth decay but may ultimately cause something else, or natural gums made with cane sugar which will rot his teeth. At the moment I am leaning toward Glee Gum.

Stranded At The Beach: In The Land of Fritos and Pita Chips

2009-08-16T17:39:00.012-05:00

Spending prolonged periods of time away from my usual array of eats is not always easy. Unlike Alice Waters, I don't always have the wherewithal to schlep along my own small cache of foodstuffs. It is especially difficult when staying with friends or relatives, for then I must rely on other people's food...which is what we are doing this week. You never know what people keep in their drawers...Junk food may be verboten in our house but elsewhere, it rules the roost.

When I complained to my friend T. about the snacks on hand during our beach vacation she was not exactly sympathetic. I detected her bemusement as she imagined me being force fed pita chips. It is not quite as dire as that, for I am guilty of even wanting to eat those pita chips. Ordinarily I have no inclination to buy food like that, let alone eat it, but if it is placed before me I find my hand wandering into the bag.

Worse yet is that Izzy is falling prey to the allure of the evil snack drawer. Each time I turn around he is stuffing some sort of unhealthy tidbit into his mouth and I am powerless to stop him. Bowls of crunchy tidbits magically appear on the table and in the beach bags and everyone is having trouble resisting the call of the pita chip. At least the Fritos have escaped Izzy's notice and I have an easier time keeping away from them myself.

I try my best to tell myself that one week of junk food consumption will not a junk food fiend make. What's a bit of junk food between relatives, especially when Grandma L. is preparing her famous family waffle recipe for breakfast, served with a bounty of fresh fruits...

and when we are dining out at incredible places like Pinziminio, a wonderful trattoria that serves up copious portions of lusty Italian fare. Go for the Sunday Gravy Dinner...(Izzy and I both ordered it and have leftovers for lunch tomorrow). A huge Caesar salad, Pasta with sausage, meatballs and Braciole and a cannolo for dessert. Their eggplant appetizer, a meal in and of itself, is especially terrific, light and minimally cheesy it was one of the best versions of eggplant parmigiana I have ever eaten.

Yes. Izzy and I have been eating up a storm here on Long Beach Island, if only we could just steer clear of that snack drawer...

After A Long Day In The Sun

2009-08-15T17:57:00.006-05:00

A cucumber eye treatment was in order.

Izzy spent 8 hours in the sun, far more than I knew was sensible. What I thought would be a few hours at low tide, turned into a long, hot day. Nothing could tear Izzy away. I had slathered him in sun block but had omitted his eye area ( note to self: stinging eyes are better than burnt ones).

I was similarly afflicted; left with burnt knees and other random spots. There was no aloe available at the local grocery so we had to improvise. Cucumbers seemed like a soothing alternative. Clearly, Izzy took his treatment quite seriously.

Sunburn or no, Izzy had worked up quite an appetite for dinner, which was served on the deck, with a lovely view of the beach.

Summer Day Sipping: Peach-Honey Lemonade

2009-08-14T21:53:00.005-05:00

Izzy was in the mood to squeeze lemons and I had some peaches that had to be eaten.

15 minutes of squeezing, chopping, and blending is just enough time to create a lovely pitcher of summer.

Peach-Honey Lemonade

Ingredients

1 cup of freshly squeezed lemon juice
2 peaches, peeled, chopped, blended and strained
1/4 cup honey
1/8 cup sugar
3 cups water
1 cup of ice plus extra for glasses
thyme, mint or basil for garnish (optional)

1. Mix lemon juice with honey and sugar and stir vigorously.
2. Add water and stir again.
3. Stir in peaches and herbs.
4. Add ice.
5. Pour into glasses filled with ice and garnish with more fresh herbs.

That Festival Time Of Year: La Festa Italiana 2009

2009-08-13T21:23:00.007-05:00

The Holy Rosary Church Feast is a Jersey City August tradition that has become our own. I couldn't actually say how many summers we have attended but Izzy and I start looking forward to it as soon as June rolls around. I have even taken to planning our vacations around it, so we are sure not to miss it. Last year we made it for at least two nights but this year, one will probably have to suffice.

This festival is always a hit with the kids, especially if they get the $14 bracelet which allows them unlimited runs on the scary blow-up slide, obstacle course, and bungee apparatus. Izzy and friends could not get enough of it.

Our evening began with rides and games and ended with food. Izzy worked up an appetite for the usual rice balls and pizza. His dad tried the stuffed cabbage and pierogi which looked pretty good, considering it is an Italian feast, not a Polish one.

We completed the evening with cotton candy and cannoli. Our friends, who had never before experienced the wonders of an Italian feast, marveled at the kitsch factor and politely tried our favorite foods. Thing is, I am not sure they were as dazzled as we were by the offerings. Izzy's friend was more enthusiastic than his parents, happily gobbling the rice balls and cannoli!

We only chose cannoli because we were too late for the infamous cheesecake which was sold out (yet again) by the time we made it to the pastry table. Perhaps tomorrow's feast goers will be luckier. No matter, though, cheesecake or other, there is much fun to be had at this community event.

Brunch At The Gables Inn 2009: No Eggs A Flyin

2009-08-10T21:40:00.007-05:00

This year, the eggs remained on their plates. A good thing since there were several orders of them on the table. There were classic eggs Benedict and an option with filet mignon, pictured below. Both choices are served atop a sturdy English muffin. Some require a steak knife to cut those muffins but I found a butter knife worked just fine.

On Our Way To Long Beach Island: 2009

2009-08-08T21:07:00.010-05:00

The drive down to Long Beach Island with our friends L., T. and kids is always an adventure. There was the usual stop at Emery's, the organic blueberry farm but there was also something new. Weeks before, they had discovered a chocolate factory, promising chocolate-dipped fresh fruits. I certainly couldn't resist a stop there, at David Bradley, Chocolatier.

There we ogled all manner of American type chocolates of the butter cream/butter crunch ilk. Samples of chocolate-covered popcorn and fruits were in abundance.

The chocolate-covered blueberries were something to try and the kids got a kick out of tasting whatever was offered. Stuffed with sweets, we piled back into the car and continued on our way.

Our first dinner at the shore was on the deck of my dad's new house, replete with a gorgeous view of the ocean. We had a feast of seafood from M&M's and Ship Bottom Shellfish. The table was laden with lobsters, mussels, clams, chowder, clam strips and more.

Izzy needed to eat everything and discovered a new favorite, king crab legs. As he slurped those down, along with clams, mussels and more, his friend S. looked on in amazement. She couldn't believe that he would eat any of the stuff. I think all she ate was a few french fries and a clam strip or two.

Stay-tuned for more shore food and adventures...

Icicle Season is Upon Us...

2009-08-06T22:30:00.007-05:00

At least that's what Izzy told me this morning. August has crept up on us and I had yet to fill our popsicle molds. How terribly remiss.

Izzy helped me remedy the situation and use up some extra watermelon. The two of us have a hard time finishing up even a smallish watermelon so these Watermelon-Chip popsicles saved us from an excess of melon. We used up nearly half of the melon to make 3 cups which is actually too much for 6 pops. If you have leftover puree you can use it for Watermelon-Lemonade..

Dressing Up Dinner: Homemade Slaw

2009-08-05T21:38:00.004-05:00

I sat in the park pondering dinner, as the sun sank deeper and Izzy soaked friends and neighbors with his very first water soaker. He was delighted while I was irritable. It was already after 6:30 and I had nothing planned for dinner. My friend C. saved the day when she mentioned that she had made cole slaw with our CSA cabbage. I usually think of cole slaw as time consuming but figured some kind of cabbage salad would be just the thing to dress up some wienies and local corn.

My dinner worries were solved. I would make a slaw-esque side for our dinner. I used 1/4 cup buttermilk, 1/3 cup sour cream, 1/3 rice wine vinegar, 3 heaping teaspoons honey, 1/4 cup olive oil and seasoned it with dill, chives and s&p. The recipe needs a tad of tweaking but for something thrown together in 10 minutes, it wasn't half bad. The addition of cabbage made my organic wienie dinner feel downright virtuous. Amazing what a vegetable can do.

Spigarello: Another Mysterious Green In Our CSA Haul

2009-08-03T22:15:00.007-05:00

Part of the appeal of a CSA is the element of surprise. One never knows what unusual vegetable will appear. Last week's share contained a bunch of Spigarello. This plant, native to Southern Italy, is related to broccoli and can be used in salads and pasta.

As I packed the bunches into members' bags, I had to ask Farmer Rich what prompted him to grow this leafy green. His reply, "We liked the way it looked in the catalog." And there I was thinking he had sampled it somewhere, had fancied its flavor and sought it out the seeds for planting. Not my romanticized version but it would have to do.

I took my bunch, chopped up the leaves and sauteed them with olive oil, Niman Ranch uncured ham, garlic and a touch of hot pepper. I used this as a sauce for pasta.

My husband took one look at his dinner and said, "Pasta with Weeds", his usual reaction to many of the esoteric greens I end up sauteing. Not sure if he was so fond but I would love to try them another way if more are in the offing.