Archives for April 2013

Potato Chip Cookies

Apr302013

My husband and I went out of town a few weeks ago while my wonderful parents stayed with the kids. Not only did we come back to 2 happy little kiddos, but also a freezer full of banana bread (my mom’s specialty) and a huge container of these cookies. That huge container didn’t last long. Seriously, these cookies should come with a warning. Just like potato chips themselves, I bet you can’t stop with just one. They remind me of Danish wedding cookies, shortbread covered in powdered sugar, but slightly lighter and with a tiny crunch. If you don’t tell people that you’ve thrown in potato chips, I doubt anyone would figure out just what gives this cookie its extra special element. These would be the perfect treat to bring to a party or barbecue. Just don’t keep them around the house because they are dangerously addicting! Thanks mom for this amazing recipe!

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· Filed Under: Recipes, Sweets · Tagged With: cookies, dessert, party food, potato chips, powdered sugar, sweets

Drunken Fruity Chicken

Apr242013

I’ve been in a bit of a cooking rut lately. There just seems to be a lot going on, and quite simply, the kitchen has not been on my must visit list. So we’ve been eating breakfast for dinner, lots of pasta, and tons of these easy no-fuss recipes. Just because I haven’t necessarily been in the mood to cook, does not mean I haven’t been in the mood to eat! Come 6 o’clock I still want something tasty to sit down to (and a dessert to follow wouldn’t hurt either). That’s why I love dishes like this that are filled with flavor (you did notice the drunken and fruity part of the title, right?), but take hardly any effort. Feel free to use nearly any stone fruit of your choosing (peaches, plums, apricots, etc). And be sure to serve with a heaping pile of rice to soak up all that yummy sauce.

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· Filed Under: Dinner, Recipes · Tagged With: barbecue, chicken, dinner, recipe, whiskey

Run for the Parks 4-Miler Race Recap

Apr222013

We are trying something a little different, so if you are here for the food and mommy talk, be sure to check back later in the week!

As I mentioned in my last post, I’m going to start touching on my running a bit here, so let’s kick it off with a race recap from a run I did with my husband yesterday. The last time I did this race was actually back in 2005 when I was in the city interning. It’s funny because most of my old race times are under my maiden name, so I got a clean slate when I officially changed my last name. I still like to look back and see how much I’ve improved though (especially since I was doing more partying than running back in those days and my times definitely reflected it!). The weather was a little chilly but an overall gorgeous day. NYRR had us all wear “I run for Boston” bibs on our backs, and tons of people were dressed in the blue and gold of the Boston Marathon. I was nearly brought to tears when the woman who sung the national anthem, a native Bostonian, started choking up. I think everyone felt the weight of what had transpired last Monday, and it was definitely an emotional moment. It felt good to be at the starting line, honoring Boston, even in the smallest way.

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· Filed Under: Running · Tagged With: central park, New York City, race recap, racing

I’m a Runner

Apr182013

I’m a runner. Many of you already know this, but after the events on Monday, I feel compelled to not only proclaim it on my blog, but to scream it to the world. I have never before been more proud of my sport than seeing the amazing way the running community has come together in this time of tragedy. I get chills just thinking about it. We are a tough, committed, and loving group and I feel so blessed to be a part of this incredible way of life. Running embraces all abilities. It changes lives. I don’t think there is any way to measure the amount of joy, health, and healing the simple act of putting one foot in front of the other has afforded its participants, and those who love them.

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· Filed Under: Running · Tagged With: boston marathon, running

The Best Apps for Toddlers

Apr172013

The ipad is an incredible tool. It’s helpful and fun for adults, but if you’ve ever seen a young child use it, you will instantly understand the potential this tool has for not only entertainment, but also for learning. Most of the time, my 2-year old can navigate a new game and learn it without ever needing an explanation from me. Since they can use their fingers, most children find playing with the ipad pretty intuitive. I personally still consider time spent playing with any electronic device as “screen time,” and limit it in the same way I do the TV, but I will readily admit that my toddler seems to actually come away from playing with the ipad having learned something.

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· Filed Under: Mommy, Mommy Must Haves · Tagged With: apps, best apps, child, games, ipad, letters, reading, toddler

Brussels Sprouts with Bacon

Apr122013

Brussels sprouts are one of my go-to veggie sides, so I thought I would share one of my favorite ways to prepare them before they are totally out of season. Anything that involves bacon is usually a hit in our house, but I was still surprised to see my toddler gobbling these up. He’s exceptionally weary of anything green (he seriously will pick out tiny little pieces of herb from his soup!), so the fact that I can get him to eat a relatively large helping of these without promising to deliver 5-hours worth of Thomas on the tv makes this a win in my book. These are also a guaranteed hit with adults and instantly elevate a casual weeknight dinner. Hope everyone has a fabulous Spring weekend!

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· Filed Under: Recipes, Sides · Tagged With: bacon, brussels sprouts, side dish, vegetable

Brandon 2.75 Year Summary

Apr92013

These last few months have been a mixed bag with Brandon. It’s been surreal to watch his personality develop and how he really has grown into a little person. He will make jokes, sing out loud, crack himself up, comfort you when he thinks you’re sad, and even play with his little brother and friends. Being able to interact with him and actually have fun with him has made my life as a mother more fulfilling and interesting. I now have a little sidekick. At the same time, they don’t call it the terrible twos for nothing. We have our share of tantrums and upset moments, and Brandon has become all too familiar with “time out.” Learning how to control his emotions is something we work on daily, as I suspect most toddlers do, and it’s encouraging to see him make progress, however slow that might be.

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· Filed Under: Mommy, Our Family, Toddler Summaries · Tagged With: 33 months, schedule, toddler

Glazed Meyer Lemon Tea Cake

Apr52013

I love having a snack cake around the house. It’s perfect for dessert after dinner, an afternoon snack, a quick (albeit unhealthy) breakfast, and if you have one around to serve unexpected guests you automatically look like Martha Stewart for having something so fabulous baked up and sitting prettily on the counter. And this is just the cake to kick-off Spring. If you’ve never used Meyer lemons in baking before, you most definitely should grab a few before they’re all gone (the season is pretty quick). They are more mellow than a regular lemon and a flavor that is uniquely their own. Once baked, this cake is topped with a warm dessert wine glaze that seeps into the cake, and when cooled, adds an extra sweetness and richness without being sticky. A great twist on a classic lemon cake!

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· Filed Under: Recipes, Sweets · Tagged With: cake, dessert, lemon, meyer lemons, snack