Another weekend, another party. Today we celebrated Grandpa's 98th birthday. For some odd reason, I chose to do another "Make your own pizza party". Funny but today nobody was making pizza but me. I was the short-order pizza cook. I made 13 pizzas in all. I guess older folks don't want to get too involved in the cooking process, they just want it to appear in front of them. It was fun but didn't give me much time to mingle with the guests.
This week's menu was slightly different. For appetizers I had olive bread and olives and then I served a big salad with romaine lettuce and balsamic vinaigrette. Dessert was chocolate layer cake, strawberries and whipped cream. Thankfully, I did manage to salvage the cake last night. Indeed it was slightly misshapen but nothing too catastrophic.
The guests seemed to enjoy it but it was hard for me to taste it since I am suffering from my yearly three week allergy season. In fact, because my taste buds are somewhat impaired, the cake reminded me of a Suzy-Q, which I can't say is a fond association. I decided to replace some of the oil with butter and I think it may have been better with all butter.
What was most important, however, is that Grandpa and Izzy both loved the cake. Izzy had to have a second helping after dinner and was chasing the cake plate around the kitchen. I had high hopes for this cake but it still is not my ideal, which, by the way, was the cake they used to make at the now defunct Grange Hall restaurant. If only I could find that recipe somewhere.
p.s.
Grandpa seemed to be having a fine old time gnawing on his pizza (after all eating pizza without teeth must be somewhat of a challenge).
Sunday, May 6, 2007
Saturday, May 5, 2007
Three Cheers For The SAHB
Stay-at-home-birthday. We attended a small birthday gathering for one of Izzy's friends today. It was simple and to the point, presents, cupcakes, candies and best of all, playing with friends.
It was an ultra-small group but unlike the frenzy of Izzy's party, the kids there were really able to play with one another. And the parents were able to chat calmly, host included.
The party-goers dug dirt in the yard, ate some cupcakes (decorated by themselves with all manner of evil candies*) and then were off to play stomp rocket in the park..A fine time was had by all the four-year olds and the party,was proof that indeed, one needn't not spend $500 and up to celebrate.
*Note: I had never before encountered the "candy-coated" Hershey's Kiss. It is like a Kiss and M&M combined..keep those away from me. I will mindlessly eat them, even though I don't like them..arghhhhh
It was an ultra-small group but unlike the frenzy of Izzy's party, the kids there were really able to play with one another. And the parents were able to chat calmly, host included.
The party-goers dug dirt in the yard, ate some cupcakes (decorated by themselves with all manner of evil candies*) and then were off to play stomp rocket in the park..A fine time was had by all the four-year olds and the party,was proof that indeed, one needn't not spend $500 and up to celebrate.
*Note: I had never before encountered the "candy-coated" Hershey's Kiss. It is like a Kiss and M&M combined..keep those away from me. I will mindlessly eat them, even though I don't like them..arghhhhh
My Cake Pan Overfloweth
Remind me not to experiment, especially when the cake is for a birthday tomorrow. It is nearing midnight as I sit waiting for the cakes to cool. They appear glued to the pan and I wonder if there is any hope of removal. The recipe says to wait until completely cool but at this rate that won't happen until the morning.
I searched high and low for a double chocolate layer cake, one that was touted as "the best", "most chocolaty", richest etc. I found it on this blog, Dine and Dish and I will surely blame this woman, (since who else can I blame?) if I am unable to salvage this stuck-on mess. The frosting sits on the counter, while I seethe at my stupidity. Okay, I admit, it is probably all my fault, since I used 9" cake pans and didn't reduce the amount of batter. Why, oh, why?
I just want a perfect cake for my grandpa's 98th birthday. Keep your fingers crossed that I don't need to remake the cake or rush off to the bakery in the a.m.
I searched high and low for a double chocolate layer cake, one that was touted as "the best", "most chocolaty", richest etc. I found it on this blog, Dine and Dish and I will surely blame this woman, (since who else can I blame?) if I am unable to salvage this stuck-on mess. The frosting sits on the counter, while I seethe at my stupidity. Okay, I admit, it is probably all my fault, since I used 9" cake pans and didn't reduce the amount of batter. Why, oh, why?
I just want a perfect cake for my grandpa's 98th birthday. Keep your fingers crossed that I don't need to remake the cake or rush off to the bakery in the a.m.
Friday, May 4, 2007
Making Bad Food From Good Ingredients
It can happen to the best of us, though it shouldn't have happened to me. I bought marinated chicken thighs from Dines Farms, first spinach of the season from Migliorelli Farms and sweet potatoes from Whole Foods.
I grilled the chicken, which was fine since it came already marinated. I had little time to prepare the sides so I decided I would make mashed sweet potatoes and cook the spinach for a short time and drizzle with salt, pepper and olive oil.
Simple, right yet ruined. I undercooked the potatoes since I only sampled one piece; this made for lumpy potatoes. The spinach was still a tad gritty and needed something besides olive oil. Oh well, I always thought good ingredients speak for themselves, I guess I wasn't listening well enough tonight.
The chicken was the star of the show and as Izzy watched me grilling it he said, " I could eat a thousand pieces of that chicken." He also liked the lumpy potatoes. Too bad A. and I didn't.
I grilled the chicken, which was fine since it came already marinated. I had little time to prepare the sides so I decided I would make mashed sweet potatoes and cook the spinach for a short time and drizzle with salt, pepper and olive oil.
Simple, right yet ruined. I undercooked the potatoes since I only sampled one piece; this made for lumpy potatoes. The spinach was still a tad gritty and needed something besides olive oil. Oh well, I always thought good ingredients speak for themselves, I guess I wasn't listening well enough tonight.
The chicken was the star of the show and as Izzy watched me grilling it he said, " I could eat a thousand pieces of that chicken." He also liked the lumpy potatoes. Too bad A. and I didn't.
Thursday, May 3, 2007
Sandbox and Cupcakes: What more could a boy want?
Lately, Izzy has been begging to go into the city on a daily basis. I raised him to like the NYC playgrounds so now I guess I have to follow through, even if I am not always in the mood.
It was a brilliantly sunny day so we took the Colgate ferry to Battery Park to spend the afternoon in the sandbox and to frolic on the grass. Snack time would be an opportunity to explore Tribeca Treats, the newest cupcake eatery in the neighborhood, located on Reade Street which is about a 15 minute walk away.
At about three-o'clock, I began to feel some pms hunger pangs and suggested it was time to find a snack.I had no trouble coaxing Izzy to join me when I explained where we were going. On the way there, it seemed further away than I had anticipated but I pressed on in hopes of making a new discovery. We found the sleek, artfully designed shop empty, even though it was after school. The aroma of vanilla wafted up as we moved toward the counter. On display was an array of prim looking cupcakes, too neat -looking for my tastes. Another item featured was the sandwich cookie, which they offered in a variety of flavors. They looked remarkably similar to those sold at Craftwich. So it came as no surprise when I read that the pastry chef/owner of Tribeca Treats is a big fan.
Izzy immediately voiced his interest in trying the chocolate with chocolate frosting and I chose the red velvet with a white cream cheese frosting. They had several other flavors to choose from, including vanilla with peanut butter frosting and one featuring coconut. The red velvet cake was moist and the texture was fine but it was lacking in much flavor and I had difficulty detecting any cocoa overtones. The chocolate cupcake was also moist and the frosting fudgey yet still not my ideal. I also tried the sandwich cookies. The chocolate with caramel filling was satisfying but not quite up to Craftwich standards and the Chocolate with vanilla filling was mediocre.
Izzy definitely satisfied his dessert craving here. Apparently his friend M. was also smitten since one would not suffice. After having consumed her cupcake in less time than it took to pay for it, she proceeded to throw herself into quite a dither when her mama wouldn't buy her another one. The drama was so high that Izzy was left holding his ears and the owner and I were exchanging sympathetic glances. Thankfully her mom escorted her out.
When all was eaten and done, I was left with a trite taste in my mouth. The eatery does appeal to kids but for me a cupcake is the embodiment of homey comfort and these seemed too slick and perfect in appearance. The shop seemed designed with cupcake chain in mind.
On the upside, this is a good place to stop if you are in the neighborhood and need to satisfy the kids' urge for some cookies or cupcakes with milk. The venue itself might also be useful as a party venue and they do feature a small array of baking paraphernalia and cookbooks which would come in handy for last minute gifts.
It was a brilliantly sunny day so we took the Colgate ferry to Battery Park to spend the afternoon in the sandbox and to frolic on the grass. Snack time would be an opportunity to explore Tribeca Treats, the newest cupcake eatery in the neighborhood, located on Reade Street which is about a 15 minute walk away.
At about three-o'clock, I began to feel some pms hunger pangs and suggested it was time to find a snack.I had no trouble coaxing Izzy to join me when I explained where we were going. On the way there, it seemed further away than I had anticipated but I pressed on in hopes of making a new discovery. We found the sleek, artfully designed shop empty, even though it was after school. The aroma of vanilla wafted up as we moved toward the counter. On display was an array of prim looking cupcakes, too neat -looking for my tastes. Another item featured was the sandwich cookie, which they offered in a variety of flavors. They looked remarkably similar to those sold at Craftwich. So it came as no surprise when I read that the pastry chef/owner of Tribeca Treats is a big fan.
Izzy immediately voiced his interest in trying the chocolate with chocolate frosting and I chose the red velvet with a white cream cheese frosting. They had several other flavors to choose from, including vanilla with peanut butter frosting and one featuring coconut. The red velvet cake was moist and the texture was fine but it was lacking in much flavor and I had difficulty detecting any cocoa overtones. The chocolate cupcake was also moist and the frosting fudgey yet still not my ideal. I also tried the sandwich cookies. The chocolate with caramel filling was satisfying but not quite up to Craftwich standards and the Chocolate with vanilla filling was mediocre.
Izzy definitely satisfied his dessert craving here. Apparently his friend M. was also smitten since one would not suffice. After having consumed her cupcake in less time than it took to pay for it, she proceeded to throw herself into quite a dither when her mama wouldn't buy her another one. The drama was so high that Izzy was left holding his ears and the owner and I were exchanging sympathetic glances. Thankfully her mom escorted her out.
When all was eaten and done, I was left with a trite taste in my mouth. The eatery does appeal to kids but for me a cupcake is the embodiment of homey comfort and these seemed too slick and perfect in appearance. The shop seemed designed with cupcake chain in mind.
On the upside, this is a good place to stop if you are in the neighborhood and need to satisfy the kids' urge for some cookies or cupcakes with milk. The venue itself might also be useful as a party venue and they do feature a small array of baking paraphernalia and cookbooks which would come in handy for last minute gifts.
Wednesday, May 2, 2007
Bananas and Sour Cream: Fourth Generation
Every day, when Izzy gets home from school at 1:00 p.m., he has a snack. Even though he eats lunch at noon, somehow he is still hungry. Sometimes he just eats what I am having for lunch and sometimes I put out something else for him. Usually I give him a choice and he selects something.
Today I asked him what he wanted, gave a few choices and then he responded, "Mama, I know what I want. Bananas and sour cream." He came up with that idea on his own and I was thrilled. First because he is thinking about what pleases him and second because his Great-Grandpa loves this too, as do I. Great-Grandpa Staloff has eaten bananas and sour cream or berries with sour cream for as long as I can remember.
Today's version had a bit of cinnamon sugar sprinkled on top and Izzy quickly spooned up the entire bowl, along with a double pancake on the side. Long live the tradition of fruit and sour cream!
Today I asked him what he wanted, gave a few choices and then he responded, "Mama, I know what I want. Bananas and sour cream." He came up with that idea on his own and I was thrilled. First because he is thinking about what pleases him and second because his Great-Grandpa loves this too, as do I. Great-Grandpa Staloff has eaten bananas and sour cream or berries with sour cream for as long as I can remember.
Today's version had a bit of cinnamon sugar sprinkled on top and Izzy quickly spooned up the entire bowl, along with a double pancake on the side. Long live the tradition of fruit and sour cream!
Tuesday, May 1, 2007
Is Fennel the New Celery?
Crudite platters generally bore me, especially those with raw broccoli. Nonetheless when I needed some vegetal variety for Izzy's birthday menu I decided to go the crudite route.
My platter had baby carrots, celery sticks, cooked broccoli, grape tomatoes and fennel (or at least it was supposed to, not sure if actually made it to the patter or not). I don't know who ate the veggies but there were none left by the party's end.
I included the fennel (or at least intended to) because Izzy enjoys it and I always forget to buy it. I can't say that I am overly fond of it but it is growing on me. Izzy will munch his plain ,like a mishapen celery stalk, but I prefer my fennel shaved with lemon, olive oil and salt. I think anise is one of those flavors that people either love or hate. I did grow up disliking licorice and anything vaguely resembling it in taste yet fennel has helped me to conquer this shortcoming. In order to expose Izzy early, I started keeping it around for him to nibble on by the age of two and it has since become a part of our repertoire.
Tonight I served sliced fennel with shredded carrots and the lemon vinaigrette. It made a perfect side dish to our pasta with tomato, ricotta and basil.
Tomorrow, Izzy gets fennel sticks in his lunchbox. Fennel is a perfect alternative or companion to celery and carrots. Try keeping some around the house and introducing your kids to it.
My platter had baby carrots, celery sticks, cooked broccoli, grape tomatoes and fennel (or at least it was supposed to, not sure if actually made it to the patter or not). I don't know who ate the veggies but there were none left by the party's end.
I included the fennel (or at least intended to) because Izzy enjoys it and I always forget to buy it. I can't say that I am overly fond of it but it is growing on me. Izzy will munch his plain ,like a mishapen celery stalk, but I prefer my fennel shaved with lemon, olive oil and salt. I think anise is one of those flavors that people either love or hate. I did grow up disliking licorice and anything vaguely resembling it in taste yet fennel has helped me to conquer this shortcoming. In order to expose Izzy early, I started keeping it around for him to nibble on by the age of two and it has since become a part of our repertoire.
Tonight I served sliced fennel with shredded carrots and the lemon vinaigrette. It made a perfect side dish to our pasta with tomato, ricotta and basil.
Tomorrow, Izzy gets fennel sticks in his lunchbox. Fennel is a perfect alternative or companion to celery and carrots. Try keeping some around the house and introducing your kids to it.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
