Top Chef Chicago: Week Ten Reflections
May 15, 2008
**Spoiler Alert**
If you didn’t watch the show, back away from the computer quickly. Come back when you have.
**End**
Just when I decided that maybe Andrew wasn’t that bad . . . just when I decided that maybe I could tolerate him, this happens. The guy did bring a healthy dose of comic relief to the show with his great one-liners. And the how-many-cuss-words-can-I-say-in-one-episode died away too . . . But alas, his bizarre interpretation of sushi got him sent home. Should have used used brown rice inside . . .
The heavy tension with the contestants and the judges at judges table was almost uncomfortable to watch. Even Shawn said, “I can’t believe they (the contestants) are talking to them (the judges) like that.” It seemed like Andrew, Spike and Lisa were incredably hostile. Now granted, that could have been just how the scene was cut . . . Read more
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Growing Our Own Food
May 13, 2008
The price of baby food - the organic, affordable food that Paige eats - jumped 10 cents. Sugar has more than doubled in price for our small town. Gas is teetering on $4 a gallon. I talked about my fears last week . . . and they only seem to intensify as the days pass. Food is getting more expensive. Fuel is getting more expensive too. It’s frightening.
But this week, I want to get beyond the fear to the solutions.
This year, we will begin growing our own food. I’ve tried in the past without success, but after three years of experimenting, I think I am ready to really settle in and make it work. And for the first time, my husband believes that we need to as well.
We’re not alone in this quest. Urban farming is taking cities by storm. In New York, it’s caught the attention of the New York Times. It’s time that suburban farming made its comeback too. Connecticut used to be a mecca of farmland. These days, the houses still sit on two and three acres in many areas, but those acres are perfectly manicured lawns and sparkling blue pools. The potential for people in Connecticut to take back the land for sustainable home farming is tremendous. And just imagine what benefits it would have on the environment if we all farmed just a little corner of our land . . . Read more
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Can a Sweet Tooth Be Inherited?
May 12, 2008
Note: No, Paige did not eat the Snickers bar. She’s six months old for crying out loud. Do you think I am nuts?
» Filed Under Uncategorized | 4 Comments
Happy Mother’s Day!
May 11, 2008
I’m sure that many mothers are looking forward to lazy mornings of sleeping in and breakfast in bed. But I’m no fool. After three years of motherhood, I know that ain’t happening here. Perhaps someday I can guilt them all into it. For now, I will take my personal treat of sleeping until 6 instead of 5 . . . then getting up and having a cup of coffee in the quiet house. With two kids and two dogs, you don’t get much quiet around here.
To all the fantastic mothers out there, I hope you get your few moments of peace and gratitude today.
Happy Mother’s Day!
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Mmm . . . Tomato, Bacon, Cheese Pasta
May 9, 2008
I’ve gotten very into Rachael Ray lately. Girlfriend knows what she’s doing . . . My one complaint? Many of the 30 minute meals I have made are 30 minutes of active time . . . that’s quite challenging when you are home alone with two little kids. Often, making her recipes involves Paige at the hip and Will standing close-by to see what I am up to . . .
Being two and a half, I try to let Will help when he wants to. But that can be a challenge. Sometimes he “forgets” that when I ask him to make the salads, the fixings are supposed to go in the bowl — not his mouth. Other times he wants to taste ingredients (to which I usually acquiesce, as long as it’s safe).
I’ve also found that many of Rachael’s recipes are kid friendly. Read more
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Top Chef Chicago: Week Nine Reflections
May 9, 2008
“I have a culinary boner right now.” - Andrew
“I’m like Pop-eye’s wet f*$%^@#% dream right now.” - Andrew
Let’s get the very worst of it over with: Dale’s outburst at the end of the (surprisingly fun to watch) Quick Fire could quite possibly be the most pathetic moment of this Top Chef season. That’s saying a lot with this group. Was his tantrum really necessary? Yes, it stinks to lose. No, you aren’t entitled to whine about it. It seemed less like a chef and more like a spoiled boy in need of growing up. The only thing worse was the whole Marcel hair shaving thing during season 2.
But, moving on. The Elimination Challenge split the chefs into two teams and pitted them against each other catering a wedding. Adding to the drama: the chefs had to work through the night and serve in the afternoon the next day . . . nice.
Did you catch that Andrew shuts up when he is lacking sleep? He should lack sleep more often . . . though his sound bites this episode were a trip (see above).
Shining moment for the episode? Richard giving up the winner spot to Stephanie for all her work on the cake. He’s really shown some strong character in the past few episodes. He’s the guy to beat, for sure, and the guy to know . . .
I wasn’t sorry to see Nikki go. The criticism of her — that she dropped the ball being the “Italian chef” — was completely valid. Too bad they couldn’t send Spike with her . . .
» Filed Under Top Chef | 3 Comments
Snapping Photos, and Easy Slow Cooker Beef Brisket
May 8, 2008
All of my cooking, photographing, and posting about our food has really caught on . . . with Will. The boy doesn’t miss a thing, I tell you.
I whipped out the camera to quickly catch a shot of the beef brisket before sitting down to eat. His little eyes lit up when he saw the camera.
“My plate next, Mommy! My plate!” Will chirped.
Of course, I indulged his interest and snapped a few photos of his cut-up food.
“Now Daddy’s, Mommy. Daddy’s plate!” He chirped.
I quickly snapped a photo.
“Now, yours mommy. Yours.”
I think I’ve created a monster . . . Read more
» Filed Under beef | 4 Comments
Our Children’s World
May 7, 2008
A deadly virus is attacking young children in China. A tidal wave has killed thousands in Myanmar/Burma. A woman held prisoner by her own father is finally free of her basement prison after 30 years and several children . . .
As if that isn’t enough, gas prices are skyrocketing to a point I never imagined for our country. I cringe at the pump every time I have to fill my small, fuel-efficient car that barely fits two car seats for the kids. I don’t know what I will do when gas gets more expensive . . . and we all know it will.
It’s a scary world we live in. As a mother with two young children, I can’t help but wonder what kind of a life I have birthed my babies into. Move over, I am scared. Read more
» Filed Under green living | 1 Comment
A Good Egg . . .
May 6, 2008
The Scene: Eating dinner with the family. Paige in her Exersaucer
Paige: {{Shriek, shriek!}}
Will: (Leaning over the side of his highchair to see her.) It’s okay, Paige. I love you.
» Filed Under Mama's baby | 1 Comment
Celebration for the Mamas
May 5, 2008
If next Sunday is anything like today - sunny, blue-skied, relaxed - then it will be a fantastic Mother’s Day. Now, before you go off railing on how it’s a Hallmark holiday and blah, blah, blah, just listen. Mother’s Day has been celebrated since the early 1900s. It was created by a daughter who wanted to honor her mom’s work after her death. (Read the story here.) Woodrow Wilson made it an official holiday . . .
Heck, the celebration of mothering is something that has been done for centuries. So, please, don’t malign this one. I happen to like it. Maybe it’s because I am a mother. Regardless, I think mothers do deserve their day after carrying their children in the womb for months and months, and then birthing them. Oh, the wonders of birthing . . . and the stories I could share.
The simple fact is that mothering isn’t easy. Read more
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I find Andrew and Spike annoying. Richard seems like the fav...
