Whole Wheat Rhubarb Streusel Muffins

What is left of the Rhubarb Streusel Muffins that I made, thanks to SmittenKitchen and the early order from my CSA of fresh rhubarb!  Brought them to the pool, but no takers since everyone seems to be not eating carbs anymore.  Stick of Butter, Sour Cream, lots of Sugar, why the hell not?  Not even the tow truck drivers (yes, there were 2) that pulled my van off of a huge boulder that I drove over (yes, I did) wanted one.  Their loss.  They were delicious and more for the kids!

PS - For the record, I didn't just drove over and land on a boulder head on.  I drove past it, didn't see a parking spot, backed up, and then couldn't see it from my vantage point as it was just to the right of my front passenger door.  It happened fast and as soon as I realized I was on it, I was over it and stuck nice and good.  Luckily, it landed right in the wheel well and, miraculously, there was almost no damage at all to the car.  Astounding.  Joe will be so happy to hear when he returns from Ireland.  Good thing it was a gorgeous day at the pool to mask the embarrassment of this happening in the parking lot at the pool and the annoucement across the entire pool area that "DMV has arrived for whoever is parked on the rock".  Nice.  See below for the "after".  If you spot the boulder to the right you can imagine the "before".

Farfalle Pasta with Broccoli Pesto

I grabbed this recipe from Pioneer Woman who got it from Italian Food Forever.  I liked the idea of processing the broccoli into a pesto.  It came out just okay, but I'm determined to make it work. 

Here are my notes:

1. The ratio of broccoli to parsley was WAY off.  I don't love parsley and I should have known that there was too much for my taste.  I would do 2 cups broccoli to 1/2 cup parsley. 
2. I didn't toast the pine nuts, but will next time.
3. I would add another, if not 2 more, anchovies. 
4. I skipped the capers - not crazy about them.
5. I would use more olive oil...it was dry.

Birthday Girl

She loved the birthday sombrero and high energy singing! The ice cream wasn't too bad either.





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Screw You Spring, Summer is Here

Kelly pretending to nap on the swing yesterday at the park.  Heavenly weather...sunny, 80 degrees, picnic, park, tennis lessons started.  Great day!


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Shelagh is 7

Just blows me away...We had a packed day today.  Rory had Tball at 830.  Shelagh had her dance recital at 10 (she did great!) followed by her soccer game at 1245 (she scored, they won!).  We ended up at our favorite local Mexican restaurant where Shelagh was serenaded by a gang of waiters while wearing an enormous sombrero.  Then home for some red velvet cake with pink frosting and M & M's (by request).  We hung around home and then had presents at the end of the day.  New pillow pet, microphone, outfit, crafts, and books and her day was happily complete.  I think it was a bit overwhelming by the end.  Poor thing was so tired and worn down by bedtime that we had a rough time ending things on an up note. 

I cannot believe she is 7 years old and finishing 1st grade.  Where did the time go?

Russian Egg & Mushroom Salad

Look how gorgeous this egg salad is?  Before and After pics are below... The recipe I used was adapted on Orangette but originally from last months Saveur magazine.  I went right by it in the magazine, but made it the other day after Molly adapted it and raved about it.  It was delicious. I put it on a piece of toasted rye.

My food co-op/CSA is beginning in a couple of weeks.  They usually get some Spring deliveries prior to the season start that you can optionally order.  I grabbed a pound of the most gorgeous and enormous asparagus which I promptly roasted.  Yes, they are almost the length of the cookie sheet!  Unfortunately, I hosed them by about 5-10 minutes.  Damn.  They were still good.

Dance Practice

I know I've been posting a lot of videos lately, especially of Kelly, but I just couldn't help it.  This one is Shelagh practicing her dance for her recital coming up on Saturday and Kelly trying to keep up.  Enjoy...it's too cute!

Sirius & Massive Dunkin Donuts Calories

I had to replace my Sirius unit I use in my car a few months ago.  I grabbed a new one at Radio Shack and set it up.  Since then I've had the worst reception - SO frustrating.  Why did it work before and not now????  To solve this problem, I went back to Radio Shack and bought an adapter to plug directly into the FM radio instead of allowing the signal to come through an unused channel (like you would do with your iPod and an iTrip).  Regular mechanic couldn't do it because apparently you have to take the whole dashboard apart and he didn't have the tools.  Went to a specific car radio guy today and it's now working perfectly.  Of course, he needed more parts - 2 different adapters b/c Honda needed to change their industry standard radio setup.  He told me that the FCC told Sirius that they had to reduce the output in the new line of radios.  Nice, huh?  I'm convinced they did that b/c they can't get to Howard any other way now.  Nice.  At least I'm not nuts for being driven insane by this!!

While I was waiting I ran over to Dunkin Donuts across the street so I could get some work done.  I don't think I would have been hungry otherwise, but it seemed silly not to get something.  I got a multi-grain bagel, small iced tea and butter on the side.  My intention was to eat 1/2 the bagel and less than a butter pat.  Of course that didn't happen - They toasted the bagel so I wouldn't have been able to save the other half and it seemed like a waste :)  I ate the whole thing and 2 butter pats (accomplishment b/c they actually gave me 4 pats).  THIS IS WHY I HAVE TO GIVE UP BUTTER ALMOST COMPLETELY!!!!  Then I plugged this "snack" into my fitness pal on my phone and good Lord.  570 calories.  Seriously.  I just ate marinated mushrooms and asparagus for lunch and I will be sipping broth for dinner.  Kidding.  But, I really have to have a small dinner now.  How on Earth is a bagel, butter and iced tea almost 600 calories or 1/2 of daily intake????  Crazy.  Bagels are death.

Pasta with Mascarpone, Chicken, Sun-Dried Tomatoes & Spinach

While perusing The Pioneer Woman's food blog pointed to this recipe from Italian Food Forever.  I've wanted to use Mascarpone cheese for awhile and this seemed like a good place to start.  I bought 2 containers b/c I recall a brownie recipe using it as well.

I halved the recipe for Joe and I and it was plenty with leftovers that I sent with him to work for lunch (or I certainly would have inhaled it all).  Some notes:

• I used 2 chicken thighs instead of 1 1/2 (Joe doesn't like thighs usually, but he didn't notice in this dish)
• 2 garlic cloves instead of 1 
• 7oz of spinach instead of 4 1/2 - Spinach shrinks so why not make the whole bag, right?
• I have split feelings about lemon in savory food.  I should always pare it back when there is zest in a recipe.  There was a bit too much lemon in this, but I still liked it.  I would probably do 1/2 the lemon zest and the same amount of juice. 

Author's Punch

Shelagh's 1st grade class have been working on making their own books.  This is one of Shelagh's favorite things to do - she has a huge box full of them at home as well.  Her teacher decided to have an Author's Punch where the children could read their book to the class and invite parents in to listen and have a little reception afterwards.  Joe and I both went and, despite her being VERY quiet, she was proud and excited to read her story and have us there.  I love this activity - anything to encourage her reading and writing on her own is wonderful.  Here's Shelagh in front of her class reading.




 
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Bacon-Simmered Beans & Pickled Onions

It was less than 2 months ago that I made Beer Braised Beans, but I've been interested in using dried beans more.  When a recipe appeared in Bon Appettit this month or last month for Bacon-Simmered Pinto Beans and Pickled Onions I decided to make this one too and compare.  The previous recipe was definitely better, but these are pretty good too.  The pickled onions are a fantastic topper to the beans and would work with either recipe.  Note to self...no need to make the whole pound of beans unless you want to eat them for lunch every day for 2 weeks.  For this more recent recipe I used feta instead of Cotija cheese, great northern beans instead of pintos, no jalapenos, and added lots of salt as they were cooking and at the end.  I need more uses for the pickled onions - that was my favorite part.

Rainy Day at the Mus of Science

After quite a while with plans every weekend, we ended up with a day to spare. Off to the Museum of Science we went. 3D Dino movie, space shuttles, butterfly garden, experiments...great time.









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Movie: Black Swan

Joe and I watched Black Swan last weekend.  I thought it was wonderful.  Joe said it reminded him of Requiem for a Dream, which is fitting since Darren Aronofsky did both movies (I think he looks like David Arquette, by the way).  The movie showed the fine line between reality and a mind spiralling downward.  I still don't know what actually happened and what was all in her imagination, but regardless, I thought about various parts of it for days afterwards.  Highly recommended!

Rutabaga and Celeriac Puree with Seared Scallops

Spotted this on the Kitchn the other day and made it tonight.  The Rutabaga and Celeriac Puree with Seared Scallops was wonderful! 

I have a few notes though...

1. I used Vegetable broth.  I think you could use a little less for a slightly thicker puree...maybe 3-3 1/2 cups instead of 4. 
2. I think the sour cream could be cut in half at least.  Also, I used a hand/smoothie blender which worked great.
3. The scallops took longer than 1 1/2 minutes per side. 
4. There was MUCH more puree than needed, even with a generous portion.  I will probably eat it like a soup for leftovers.  I would reduce the puree ingredients in 1/2 next time.
5. I also think this could use a sprinkling of thinly sliced scallions at the end.  Or, a little basil oil drizzle maybe?
6. Didn't serve this with anything.  Didn't need to. 

Grand Ole Flag Home Concert w/ Shelagh & Kelly

Kelly has been watching Shelagh practice and decided to join in!

Mushrooms & Asparagus with Sherry Vinaigrette

Another from this months Everyday Food - why is nothing posted from this month yet???? 
I swear I clipped most of the issue.  I only had 1 package of mushrooms so I probably used 1/2 lb of mushrooms instead of 1 1/2 lbs and I thought it was fine.  I will say that this recipe Serves 8, which seemed ridiculous to me.  Therefore the calorie/carb/fat count was double unfortunately for a normal side dish portion in my opinion.  It was very good though and one I'd do again.

Grand Ole Flag Music Concert

In preparation for the Spring Music Concert...

Sweet & Sour Green Cabbage with Bacon

Not exactly health food...But at 260 calories per serving, 11g fat (4g saturated), 31g carbs, it was okay for a day like today when I went to the gym and also walked to pick up Shelagh from school.  Or so I tell myself...
This was an Everyday Food recipe from this month (not online yet) and it was delish.

I also made the Eggs with Rice and Soy Dressing from this months issue for lunch tomorrow.  344 calories, 6g fat, 57g carb (not so great on the carbs side).  Probably too salty too. 

Dad & His Kids

How cute is this picture?

Dad & Kelly Dancing

So precious...