Real Family Time

Advent Calendar Day 11

2012-12-11T09:58:00.000-08:00

Forget your advent calendar this year? No biggie - we'll share ours. Today we see what's behind the tiny, little Christmas tree!

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Advent Calendar Day 10

Advent Calendar Day 9

Advent Calendar Day 10

2012-12-10T06:28:00.000-08:00

Forget your advent calendar this year? That's OK - check out ours! Today we see what's behind the cat's present!

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Advent Calendar Day 9

Advent Calendar Day 9

2012-12-09T07:26:00.000-08:00

No advent calendar this year? That's OK - we're opening a window
of ours every day! Today we see what's behind Santa's belt!

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Advent Calendar Day 8

2012-12-07T21:32:00.000-08:00

Forgot to buy an advent calendar this year? Have no fear - we're opening a window of ours every day! Today we see what's behind the little elf's hat!

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Potato Latkes

2012-12-07T13:47:00.000-08:00

Latkes or potato pancakes are a traditional Chanukah comfort food consisting of little more than grated potatoes, eggs and flour, mixed together and fried in oil. It sounds simple, but if you've ever had a really good latke, you know what it should - and shouldn't - taste like. A good latke is crispy on the outside and light on the inside, and although cooked in oil it's not heavy tasting or sodden.

Proportions are key, and in our latke recipe we use three eggs for extra fluffiness. We also drain and dry the grated potatoes so the mixture is nice and thick, not watery.

Latkes taste best if you eat them immediately, so elbow your way to the table and demand your fair share - this is no time to be polite!

Serves: 4 (makes 15-20 small pancakes)

Ingredients:

4 large potatoes, washed and peeled, grated

1 small onion, chopped

3 large eggs, beaten

1 c. flour

2 t. salt

1/2 t. pepper (optional, if your kids like it)

vegetable oil for frying

applesauce and sour cream

Preparation:

1. Grate the potatoes and place them in a colander to drain. We like them grated on the big hole into strands, but many cooks grate them more finely.

2. Set the table and put out the applesauce and sour cream. You want to eat the latkes as soon as they come out of the frying pan.

3. Dump the grated potatoes into a dishcloth (in a big bowl), wrap them up in the cloth and squeeze the bundle to absorb some of the potato liquid into the cloth. Remove the dishcloth.

4. Beat the eggs with the salt and pepper and combine them with the potatoes.

5. Add the flour to the egg/potato mixture and mix well.

6. In a large skillet, heat about 1/4" of vegetable oil. We use canola oil because it heats and fries well.

7. When the oil is hot (be patient - the oil has to be really hot), drop large spoonfuls of potato mixture into the oil and fry for about 3 minutes per side. The latkes should be golden brown on both sides.

8. Drain the latkes on paper towels and serve immediately with applesauce and sour cream.

9. Eat, bubbeleh. How often do I see you?

Advent Calendar Day 7

2012-12-07T04:31:00.004-08:00

Forgot to buy an advent calendar this year? Never mind - we're opening a window of ours every day for you! Today we see what's behind the choo choo train!

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7. Lowly the Worm Doll and DVD

8 Great Chanukah Gifts for Kids

2012-12-06T13:34:00.000-08:00

It’s traditional on Chanukah to give small gifts rather than large ones to kids, especially younger ones who aren't pining yet for an iPhone or other fancy gear. Here are eight of our favorites for the younger set (5-10 years old), that can also double as stocking stuffers:

1. Plui

I don’t know what this thing is, but we’re getting one! Just kidding, I know what it is - a fancy water toy that older kids might like, too. (Great for the bath.) $11.95 at www.fatbraintoys.com.

2. Break the Geodes

$14.95 (amazon.com) gets you one tennis ball-sized geode that your little hammer lover can pound to his or her heart's content. Better the geodes than the wall over my bed.

3. Shake Flashlight

This wonderful product combines kids natural frenetic energy with their love of flashlights! Shake it to power it up, no batteries needed. $8.99 on amazon.com.

4. Digital camera

A camera is a splurge, but this gift will keep kids busy for the whole holiday season and beyond. It's great for kids on the older side - 8 or 9 years old. Check out these reviews of kids digital cameras before you make your choice. Prices vary but expect to pay 40 bucks.

5. Chanukah PJs

Look closely (go to the site) and you'll see that the snowman on these "play clothes" is wearing a yarmulke. The makers say these PJs are not intended as sleepwear, which probably means they aren’t flame retardant. $38.50 at bestdressedkids.com. (Check out Old Navy for inexpensive winter-themed PJs.)

6. Chanukah books & Activity books

Chanukah books get taken out year after year, so they're a good investment. Light the Lights is a gentle book about celebrating both Christmas and Chanukah, in the city. $6.99 at amazon.com.

Activitity books like Hanukkah Coloring & Activity Book are always popular. $5.99 at amazon.com.

I just really want this Lowly the Worm doll, is that wrong? One of my favorite Richard Scarry characters goes soft and 3D, and he comes with his own DVD. What's that you say? Isn't Lowly enough without a DVD? Well, the school recess is pretty long - those Busytown Mysteries might come in handy. $19.99 FAO Schwarz www.fao.com.

8. Minnetonka Moccasins

Last but not least, a definite splurge: Moccasins by Minnetonka. Family-owned Minnetonka has been making moccasins and other shoes since 1946. These softies are just the thing for padding around the house on a chilly December night or tracking wild animals in the backyard. Minnetonka doesn't sell directly from their website, but try Zappos.com, or use the store locator on the Minnetonka site. Kids moccasins are about 35 dollars.

Whatever gifts you decide to shower upon your kids, remember that Chanukah is not really about presents - it's about getting together with the family, lighting the menorah, telling the story of Chanukah … and eating way too many latkes and doughnuts! Oh, and playing dreidel, too. Gimel! (You win the pot!)

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Potato Latkes
Matzoh Ball Soup, Harbinger of Spring

Advent Calendar Day 6

2012-12-06T11:19:00.000-08:00

Forgot to buy an advent calendar this year? Have no fear - we're opening a window of ours every day for you! Today we see what's behind the kitty!

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Advent Calendar Day 5

2012-12-05T07:01:00.002-08:00

Forgot to buy an advent calendar this year? Have no fear - we're opening a window of ours every day for you! Today we see what's behind the doll cradle!

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Advent Calendar Day 4

2012-12-04T09:33:00.003-08:00

Forgot to buy an advent calendar this year? Have no fear - we're opening a window of ours every day for you! Today we see what's behind the window!

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Advent Calendar Day 3

2012-12-03T04:16:00.002-08:00

Forgot to buy an advent calendar this year? Have no fear - we're opening a window of ours every day for you! Today we see what's behind the stockings!

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