Cheese Plate

I don't think I watch that much TV - but it sure does make ironing and folding laundry less boring, so I DVR my favorite shows and watch them after everyone is in bed.

Last week I was watching "Top Chef Master's" when they had the chefs prepare a picnic lunch for Diner en Blanc (I'm on the waiting list.) Anyway, the founder's son was commenting on one of the meals and that it was too sweet. He said in France a cheese course would have been served instead of the dessert to cut the sweetness

The next day I was grocery shopping in Fairway and passed by their impressive cheese section and had a thought - my kids love cheese. One night when on vacation in Bar Harbor we'd ordered a cheese plate and the kids tried all of them. Rick and I often order a cheese plate when we eat out instead of dessert. What better way to continue my children's food education in a way they would enjoy than by incorporating cheese plates into our meals?

I decided we will have a cheese plate with dinner each Sunday. I'll choose 3 cheeses each week. One I am sure they will enjoy, one they will probably enjoy and one that might be a reach - a new experience for them.

This Sunday was our first attempt. I'd purchased the cheese on Thursday and told them about my plan, and showed them the cheese - but told them they WERE NOT allowed to try the cheese until Sunday. The anticipation near killed them and just as I had hoped, they were very excited to try it by the time we got to dinner on Sunday.

For our first attempt I chose Smoked Gouda with bacon as their "for sure", a washed rind sheep's cheese as the "probably" and a stronger English Whiskey Cheddar as the "stretch". I also served cashews, crackers and red pepper jelly. I meant to stop to get some green grapes on our way home on Saturday but had forgotten, so we skipped grapes this time. They inhaled the smoked Gouda and sheep's cheese. Jacob and Jane tried the cheddar but thought it was a bit strong - Emily loved it. It goes without saying that Rick and I loved them all.

 An eating success for our family :)

I need to buy a nice wooden cheese board but for now this platter worked well. I think I'll also print up a little card each week with an explanation of the cheese (it's right on the wrapping, I can just copy it over), which will make it feel more special and teach us about the cheese. I also thought I'd like to see if I an get a book from the library on cheese and learn more myself. Maybe also learn how to properly put together a cheese plate.

Eating "French"

We met our new neighbors a few months ago and they are lovely. The Mother is French, the Dad was born in Australia but raised in Ireland (with Irish parents). They have 3 kids just younger than my three - who are very polite and well behaved and speak French. I am completely enamoured with listening to children speak French, I could listen to them all day.

They were a few months behind us in building their house and planned to move in in July. I had already been thinking about my children's lack of general manners and planned "The Summer of Manners" for us but knowing we would soon have such delightful children across from us made me really determined to get on it.

Then I saw Karen Le Billon's new book on Lindsey's blog. I had just promised Rick I'd stop spending money so I stopped by the library to see if they had it. The didn't but said they could order it for me. You buy it instead of me? OK!

I couldn't wait for it to arrive and devoured it like a racy novel when it did (OK, I don't actually read racy novels but you get the picture.)

I have often, half jokingly, said that our girls are picky because they are not hungry enough! I come from a family of 8 kids. If you didn't want to eat it - someone else would! I love these food rules. They just seem to make good sense.

Although I think we mostly already ate according to a lot of these rules the one thing we were terrible about is snacking. My kids snack all the time and because I usually give them very healthy snacks, I let them. I've also been trying REALLY hard not to eat in the car. We've also started (gently) insisting that they try anything that is put in front of them. Just one bite.

I already tried really hard to vary our menu and include new things but I am being even more diligent about that now.

One happy change is that we have started having warm baguette with chocolate tucked inside it as a snack once a week - they LOVE that part!

 Lest you think it has all gone smoothly - here is Jane, crying because we told her she had to try a bite of the tomato in her stuffed chicken breast before she had dessert. (She eventually did, with little to no pressure from us.)

Overall, I am thrilled with the improvements my kids have made. They have been trying a wider variety of food and we have been taking them to real restaurants - one's without a kids menu :)

It's a process I think we'll be working on  ... well, forever but we are on our way.

Gelato

We have a total weakness for ice cream in this family. One of our favorite things about our new town is the Gelato place less than a mile from our house, where we are frequent visitors! Our favorite summer treat is to head into town and sit in the little garden a couple of doors down and enjoy a cup of Gelato together. It's run by an Italian woman and very authentic. Actually, I think it's better than any of the Gelato we had in Italy and the servrs there are always happy and friendly.

When we can't go to enjoy the Gelato in town, I have been trying the new Telenti Gelato. So good and just a few ingredients - all of which are recognizable. My absolute favorite is the sea salt caramel (excuse me while I die & go to heaven!)

We've also tried Roman Raspberry, Blood Orange, Tahitian Vanilla Bean, Sicilian Pistachio, Belgium Milk Chocolate (shouldn't that be Belgian?), Chocolate peanut Butter Cup and Black Raspberry.

Wow, that's a lot of Gelato. I figure dividing a pint 5 ways isn't too bad.

We use our very small bowls and it's a lovely way to finish off a summer meal.

Definitely worth a try if you see these in your local grocery store!

March 27th - April 2nd

SUNDAY

Pot Roast. Rolls. (Peanut Butter Brownies. Vanilla Ice Cream.)

Peanut Butter Brownies

Adapted from Butterwood Desserts, West Falls, New York via Gourmet, October 2007 (to me via Smitten Kitchen.)

Makes 32 brownies.

For brownies

2 sticks (1/2 pound) unsalted butter, softened

1 3/4 cups sugar

1 cup creamy peanut butter

2 large eggs plus 1 large yolk

2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract

2 cups all-purpose flour

1 1/2 cups semisweet chocolate chips (9 ounces)**

1/2 teaspoon salt, see note**

For ganache (Emily has declared that ganache is her favorite word!)

1 1/2 cups semisweet chocolate chips (9 ounces)**

1/2 cup heavy cream

1 tablespoon unsalted butter, softened

Make brownies: Preheat oven to 350 degrees F with rack in middle. Butter a 13- by 9- by 2-inch baking pan, then line bottom of pan with parchment paper and butter parchment.

Beat together butter and sugar with an electric mixer at medium-high speed until mixture is light and fluffy, then add peanut butter and beat until incorporated. Beat in whole eggs, egg yolk, and vanilla. Reduce mixer sped to low, then mix in flour until just combined.

Mix in chocolate chips (1 1/2 cups) then spread batter in baking pan, smoothing top. (It will be thick, almost like cookie batter.)

Bake until brownies are deep golden, puffed on top and a wooden pick inserted in center come out with some crumbs adhering, 40 to 45 minutes.

Cool completely in pan on a rack, about 1 1/2 hours.

Make ganache: Put chocolate chips (1 1/2 cups) in a heatproof bowl.

Bring cream to a boil in a small saucepan, then pour over chocolate chips and let mixture stand for one minute.

Gently whisk in butter until it is incorporated, chocolate is melted, and a smooth mixture forms.

Spread ganache on cooled brownies and let stand until set, about 15 minutes.

Brownies keep in one layer in an airtight container three days.

MONDAY

Spaghetti. Spinach Salad.

No recipe required.

TUESDAY

White Bean & Chard Stew.

Another family favorite that comes from smitten kitchen. This is what I had planned for Saturday after Emily swam in the Junior Olympics and never got to .... I decided to do it the following week and it was perfect for this day that turned out to be rainy, cold & gloomy.

WEDNESDAY

Eat Out - Goodburger

We were all in the city, so met Rick for dinner. The kids rarely see their Dad through the week and we were at an art exhibition about 10 blocks away and finished at 5:30pm ... we had to make the most of it. Jacob begged for burgers and there's a Goodburger right on the corner near Rick's office. They have a Portobello burger for me, so that's where we headed. The Portobello burger was good, but I think the pesto overwhelmed the mushroom flavor (I love mushrooms) so if we go there again I'll ask for no pesto. The shakes were really good. I was being disciplined & didn't order one, then Jacob burst into tear at the chocolate one we popped in front of him & swore he'd asked for vanilla. We bought him a vanilla and I took the chocolate one - and slurped it down in just minutes. So much for disciplined.

THURSDAY

Chickpea Curry. Basmati Rice. Green Beans

I got this recipe from my dear friend, Margo, about 15 years ago. Even though 2 of my kids are really picky and we have a lot of different preferences between the 6 of us, we all like beans. This works well for us.

2 Tbl oil (I use olive)
2 tsp ground cumin

2 tsp chopped fresh ginger (I usually grate it)
1 tsp turmeric powder
2 Tbl ground coriander
1/2 tsp paprika
1 1/2 tsp salt

2 - 150z cans chickpea's rinsed well
1 - 16oz can tomato sauce
1/2 c. chopped onions
Chopped fresh cilantro for top.

Heat oil in saucepan, add onion (or not) & cumin and saute. Add turmeric, coriander, paprika, salt and ginger. Stir for 1 minute. Add tomato sauce & stir for 1 minute. Add chickpeas and 3/4 cup water. Stir and bring to a boil. Simmer for about 20 minutes. Serve over rice, sprinkled with chopped fresh cilantro. Cook the rice, and chop the cilantro while the curry is simmering, the whole meal will take 25 minutes or so to cook.

FRIDAY

Baked Mac-n-Cheese

Rick & were heading our to a fancy-schmancy work dinner for him, so the kids had mac-n-cheese to eat before family movie night with Bek, who was babysitting.

Baked Mac-n-Cheese

4 cups pasta elbow

1/2 cup butter, divided (leave out 2 Tbsp. for crust)

6 Tbsp. flour

2 tsp. dry mustard

2 tsp. salt

5 cups milk

4 cups shredded cheese (I do plain cheddar if kids are involved, but sharp cheddar would be good too)

4 Tbsp. dry bread crumbs

4Tbsp. grated Parmesan cheese

Heat oven to 375. Spray baking dish with cooking spray. Cook pasta and drain.

In a saucepan over medium heat, melt butter (leaving out the two Tbsp.) whisk in flour, mustard and salt. Gradually whisk in milk. Cook and stir until mixture thickens and bubbles. Remove from heat. Stir in cheese until melted.

In dish, combine sauce with macaroni. In a small bowl, melt 2 Tbsp. of butter. Combine with bread crumbs and Parmesan cheese. Sprinkle over top of macaroni.

Bake for 17-20 minutes or until top crust is golden. Let stand 20 minutes before serving.

SATURDAY

Chicken Noodle Soup. French Bread.

I never use a recipe for chicken noodle soup. I just use some good organic broth and big chunks of shredded poached or roasted chicken breast. Then I add whatever I have - carrots & celery are a must, sometimes I add barley, sometimes peas. I usually add garlic, some dried onion flakes (rotating that food storage!) and parsley and thyme and fresh ground black pepper and some salt. I let it simmer for about 20 - 30 minutes then add the pasta. Sometimes I use egg noodles but more often use bow ties or small shells (which take a little longer to cook but somehow seem yummier) - just whatever is in my cupboard. When the pasta is al dente we serve it with the bread & gobble it up!


My friend Melissa gave me this recipe for french bread about a year (or more) ago. I even bought french bread baking pans. I have never made it. I always just end up running into the bakery because it's quicker. It's definitely on my "to do" list to get comfortable with this recipe, so it's just as easy as buying it.

I'll include the recipe here ... maybe you'll be better than me.

1 and 2/3 c warm water
1 tbsp dry yeast
2 tbsp sugar
1 tsp salt
4 c flour

Slowly add yeast water mixture to dry ingredients in mixer. Mix to sticky ball. Let rise 45 minutes. Dump onto floured board and form into 2 long loaves. Place in oiled and cornmeal sprinkled French bread pans. (Melissa says she just uses cookie sheets). Make diagonal cuts in tops; pat with water. Cover. Let rise for 30 minutes. 

Bake at 400 for 30 minutes.

Mango Sticky Rice

I looked everywhere for this recipe this week to make for my book club (Hotel on the Corner of Bitter & Sweet) even though I think it's more of a Thai recipe than Chinese or Japanese.

I didn't find the recipe and considered making moon cakes instead but had no idea where to get lotus seed paste for the filling and thought you probably needed a mold ..... so served unimaginative marble cheesecake & fortune cookies instead.

I stumbled across it today (isn't that always the way) and am posting it here - mostly for my own benefit, so I can find it gain when I want it!

We love to serve it as dessert on the days I make Thai Lettuce Wraps for dinner.

Oh summer we miss you, hurry back!

Mango Sticky Rice (makes 6 servings)

1 cup glutinous (sweet) rice (available at Asian markets.)
1 can light coconut milk
raw shredded coconut
water
salt
1 - 2 mangoes; diced


Place 1 cup rice in a heavy bottomed saucepan. Add 1 cup of cold water and let soak for 30 minutes to soften.

Make the coconut sauce. Whisk together 1/2 cup of sugar, 1/2 tsp of salt, and 1/2 cup of coconut milk. Whisk until the sugar dissolves and set aside.

Cook the rice, adding 3/4 cup of water, 1/4 cup coconut milk and 1 tablespoon of raw shredded coconut. Stir, then bring to a simmer over medium heat, turn down the heat to low and simmer covered for 15 minutes.

Slice or dice the mango.

After 15 minutes the rice should be soft and sticky - cooked and not crunchy. With a fork, stir in the coconut sauce in two additions. (Pour half and stir it in, then repeat.) Do this while rice is hot, so it really soaks in. It will look kind of soupy, but as it sits it will really tighten up. Let rice sit covered for 15 minutes.

Toast some shredded coconut (in a dry pan) until it's a light nutty brown.To serve, scoop the rice into a mound in the center of a plate. Spoon mango around it & top with toasted coconut. Can be served hot, room temp or cold.

March 20th - 26th

So this week ended up with a few days of take out and one day of leftovers ... not much in the recipe department, but enjoy what's there.

SUNDAY - Sweet & Sour Chicken. White Rice. Steamed Green Beans.

We tried this recipe from my sister in law, Lacey. We thought it was good and everyone ate it (making it an instant inductee to the regular rotation.) The only thing was I thought it was very, very sweet. Next time we'll cut the sugar in half - or even less than half.

4-6 Chicken Breasts
2 eggs
Cornstarch

Beat eggs together in bowl
Dip each chicken breast in egg
Put Cornstarch in a plastic bag or on a plate and coat chicken
In a frying pan with some veggie oil, brown each chicken breast...only until the coating is golden.

Sauce:
1 1/2 C Vinegar
3/4 C Ketchup
3TBS Soy sauce
2 1/4 C Sugar
Dash of Salt
In a sauce pan bring ingredients to a boil and then simmer until sauce becomes slightly syrupy.
Place Chicken in a baking dish (9x13)
Pour Sauce over Chicken
Bake at 350 Degrees for 45 minutes to an hour.

MONDAY - Leftovers.

Em was home sick throwing up and my stomach felt queasy all day. I didn't feel like eating OR cooking, so I gave the other kids some left over chicken I had in the fridge and served it with corn & cucumber slices. Rick usually gets his own dinner on Mondays (we usually have pasta on Monday's & he hates pasta) so it was quick & easy. Then I left the laundry in piles all over the basement floor, and all the mess everywhere else & went to bed. Sometimes it just has to be that way!

TUESDAY - Ham & Potato Soup. Rolls.

Potato Soup
 
4 potatoes, cubed
1 T butter
1/2 cup butter
1/2 cup chopped celery
1/2 cup chopped onion
2 tsp. salt
2 cups milk
4 T flour
1/2 lb chopped ham
1 1/2 cups corn

In a deep pot, saute celery, onion and salt in 1 T butter until the onion is clear and soft. Add potatoes and water to cover. Boil and cook 20 minutes, or until the potatoes are soft. In a separate pan, melt 1/2 cup butter. Add the flour and stir until creamy. Remove from heat. Slowly add the milk while stirring. Return to heat until thickened. Add to boiled potatoes. Return to a boil and cook until desired consistency. (I sometimes add a little extra milk.) Add ham and corn and heat through. Serve with french bread

WEDNESDAY - Spinach, Green Onion & Smoked Gouda Quiche. Spinach Salad.

CRUST

6 TBSP butter, softened

2 TBSP 1% milk

1/4 tsp salt

1 large egg yolk

1 1/4 cups all purpose flour

FILLING

1 tsp extra virgin olive oil

1 cup thinly sliced green onions

3 cups fresh baby spinach

1 cup 1% milk

3/4 cup grated smoked Gouda cheese

3/4 tsp salt

dash of grated nutmeg

3 large eggs

I actually don't have the method to this recipe - but you know what to do.
I usually make my pastry in my Cuisinart food processor with the dough blade. I usually also wrap it in plastic & pop it in the fridge for about 1/2 an hour before rolling it out.


Bake about 45 minutes at 350, until firm.

THURSDAY

Em has swimming until 6pm on Thursdays and book club was at my house tonight ... so we had sandwiches. I actually love a good sandwich and we eat them for dinner once a week in summer. My only issue is that Emily & Jane won't eat them. They just have the fillings on plate and then the bread separately. I know. It's weird.

What are some of your favorite sandwiches?

FRIDAY

Pizza Dough

1 ½ cups warm water

2 TBS sugar

1 TBSP yeast 

3 cups flour

½ tsp salt

• Mix yeast, water & sugar & wait 5 mins. Add flour & let mixer run for 10 mins (with dough hook.) Roll out into a rectangular shape & cut into strips with pizza cutter
• Melt 1/3 cup butter in bottom of 9 X 13” pan & place in dough strips
• Brush with melted butter & sprinkle with seasoned salt & Parmesan cheese
• Allow to rise for 30 mins.
• Bake 15-20 mins at 350F

Pizza Sauce

1 large (30oz) can crushed tomatoes

¼ cup olive oil

1 tsp garlic (minced or powder)

1 Tbsp parsley

1 Tbsp basil

1 tsp oregano

1 tsp salt

SATURDAY

Sorry - no recipe again.

Emily swam in the junior Olympics all day .. it was great to be there with her and we are so proud of her accomplishment to have qualified to go. Rebekah had play rehearsal all day but the rest of us went to cheer her on & show our support.

We ended up coming home LATE ... with little kids who needed to go right to bed and me to get bek & myself to the YW General Broadcast, so we stopped at Fairway for pizza. yep, pizza a second night in a row. Fairway pizza is very yummy and it was right on the way home.

I really need to be better at anticipating these kind of nights and making something in advance. (In my defense, the swim coach had assured us we'd be finished by 1pm and I did think I'd be home in time to make dinner!)

Popscicles

I LOVE Donna Hay and have a lot of her recipe books but I don't get her magazine. It's super expensive to have it mailed from Australia - and the seasons are always off, (you know winter here, summer there) so I don't bother.

I do occasionally check it out online and so I saw THIS ...

 You tell me, could you resist those popsicles? They immediately made me wish it were summer & my kids and I were hanging out on our patio after swim team practice eating them .... pure happiness.

I e-mailed my sister, Liesa, and begged her to buy it and send it to me. She said she'd been thinking of something to send for my birthday & happily would!

On my birthday I got a great surprise - she (& my parents) also got me a gift card to Williams-Sonoma for the Zoku popsicle maker. It freezes them in JUST SEVEN MINUTES!

Oh man, we cannot wait to try some of these beauties.

I also got the storage case (for those days when our instant-gratification-selves can't even wait the 7 minutes for them.) And I got the tool kit & extra sticks ....

And who says that popsicles have to be summer only treat anyway! Check out these Christmas popsicles.

Yep, we have big plans for popsicle making this year!

Now I just have to figure out a way to get my hands on THIS ....