umommy

Family Dinner: A Better CSA for the Adventurous Home Cook

2018-10-08T18:38:00.000-07:00

Is it me, or does it seem like a new meal kit delivery service springs up every day? I've had the opportunity to test drive a bunch, but I keep wishing there is one service that sources from local producers, curates only the best ingredients, doesn't overload you on one ingredient, is eco-friendly in its packaging, doesn't lock you into a long-term commitment, and delivers straight to your door.

Enter Family Dinner, a farmer's market delivery service for Boston Metro and South Shore residents. Unlike your typical meal kit delivery company, Family Dinner does not shoehorn you into specific recipes in a given week. Instead, Family Dinner works with local farmers and producers to curate the freshest produce, grains, seafood, meat and dairy products.

Family Dinner describes itself as "a better way to CSA" as it offers "all the benefits of the CSA with none of the drawbacks." Here's how:

Choose your share. You can pay week to week and there's no long-term commitment like traditional CSAs.
Choose from "Omnivore," "Paleo," "Pescatarian," or "Vegetarian." Each share comes with protein, fruits, vegetables and a grain.
Select the size of your share. Options include "Veggie only share" for 1-2 people, "Half Share" for 1-2 people, "Whole Share" for 2-4 people, or "Double Share" for 4-6 people.
Choose to have it delivered to your home (Saturday delivery) or office (veggie only Monday delivery). Family Dinner will send you a text message when they are on their way.
Cook! Family Dinner will send you an email with a list of ingredients and some recipe ideas ahead of time.

I jumped at the chance to try Family Dinner when founder Erin Baumgartner reached out to me to see if I would give it a try. Between starting a new job, the boys starting school, plus the start of after-school activities, I was thrilled to have someone else do all the meal planning and shopping for me, but still have the option to flex my creative muscle in the kitchen.

We selected a Omnivore Double Share and what arrived blew us all away in terms of quality and quantity. A Double Share easily offers a family of four 5-6 meals, with leftovers - which is perfect for my three hungry guys. Here's what our Family Dinner week looked like:

Monday: Roast Half Chicken with Oven Roasted Fall Veggie, plus Iggy's 7-Grain Bread

Tuesday: Avgolemono (using leftover chicken and eggs from Brookford Farm)

Wednesday: Pizza (dough from Forge) with fresh mozzarella and kale salad

Thursday: Spaghetti Bolognese and Boston Lettuce salad

Friday: Pasta with Swordfish (from Red's Best), Eggplant and Tomatoes

Extra: There were even ingredients for lunches and snacks too, including honey mustard for the sandwich spread, apples, and cottage cheese with fresh raspberries.

The boys loved everything. I loved the quality, local ingredients. I also love supporting local entrepreneurs. And I especially loved that we were still able to sit down for a family dinner, even during the busiest of days.

So if you've ever thought about signing up for a CSA, but didn't want to get stuck with 3 pounds of bok choy. Or if you're getting tired of meal delivery kits (and the excessive packaging), Give Family Dinner a try. There's no commitment and if you sign up using UMOMMY50, you get 50% off your first order.

Disclaimer: Thanks to Family Dinner for giving me a trial share, which I received free of charge. As always, all opinions are my own.

This Week's Meal Plan (feat. Dumplings!)

2018-03-18T09:50:00.002-07:00

After a much-needed vacation, indulging on poke, shave ice and anything with pineapple, I'm trying to be more disciplined and get back to meal planning. This week's menu is inspired by my recent binge watching of David Chang's Ugly Delicious on Netflix. It's Asia vs. Italy this week. The winner? Us, of course ;)

SUNDAY: CHINESE PORK DUMPLINGS
After watching David Chang explore the world of stuffed pasta in the season finale of Ugly Delicious, I have been craving dumplings like crazy. I don't think anyone will complain when I make these dumplings (using ground pork instead).

MONDAY: LINGUINE WITH CAULIFLOWER, GARLIC AND BREAD CRUMBS
This dish from Food and Wine is super easy to make, plus my boys love this Meatless Monday dish. I love it because it is a great pantry staple dish. And have I mentioned how much I love cauliflower?

TUESDAY: KATSUDON JAPANESE PORK CUTLET AND EGG RICE BOWL
I'm excited to try this dish from The Works of Life this week. Pork cutlets, eggs, over rice? What's not to like? H/t to Cool Mom Eats. P.S. Make extra rice for Thursday's Fried Rice!

WEDNESDAY: PASTA WITH SAUSAGE, ROSEMARY AND TOMATOES
Umdaddy requested this meal this week. This is the perfect weeknight dish. I can whip this up quickly (I've made it so often I don't need a recipe), and it's comfort in a bowl. Plus I'll make extra for leftovers for lunch the next day.

THURSDAY: FRIED RICE
This is a great end-of-the-week meal as I look to clean out the fridge. I'll use the leftover rice from Tuesday's dinner for this dish. This is another meal I don't use a recipe for. My secret is Chinese sausage from DePasquale's. This flavorful, sweet sausage really makes this dish. The "Fried Rice" episode of Ugly Delicious also hit home the most for me as David Chang explores the history of Chinese-American cuisine.

FRIDAY: TURKEY BURGERS
Ending the week All-American with our go-to turkey burger recipe from Martha Stewart. I love to serve this with a side of Baked Sweet Potato Fries from ChopChop Magazine. So easy and delicious.

Have a great week!

Smitten With This Carrot Soup

2018-02-12T18:20:00.000-08:00

Seems appropriate to blog about my love for this carrot soup with Valentine's Day just around the corner. Sure, roses are nice. Chocolates are even better. But to win me over, just make me this Carrot Soup with Tahini and Crispy Chickpeas by Smitten Kitchen. It's a perfect Pantry dinner (I bet you have all these ingredients readily available in your pantry). It comes together quickly. And the combination of flavors and textures are simply sublime. And my boys could not get enough of these chickpeas. So this Valentine's Day, skip the overpriced V-Day menu and make this soup with your loved one. And maybe with a bouquet of carrots.

Click here for the recipe!

Food Gift Baskets You'll Wrestle Your Grandmother For

2017-12-20T19:18:00.001-08:00

Sure, food gift baskets can be ubiquitous this time of year. Wicker baskets stuffed with filler, overflowing with cellophane wrapped cheeses, fruit and crackers. They look impressive and there's something for everyone. But they can often be expensive. And often not really personable.

Then I recently had a conversation with my coworker, Heidi, about her gift baskets she has put together in the past. I was envious of those who were lucky to get one of her baskets! Get inspired and start cooking and packaging! Links to my favorite recipes and products below. If you're short on time, store-bought is okay too! They will be the hit at your next yankee swap. Guaranteed.

ITALIAN DINNER BASKET

In a large pasta bowl or colander:

Homemade (or store-bought) pasta

Homemade meatballs and sauce

Parmesan cheese

Cheese grater

Wooden spoon

HYGGE BASKET

In a large basket:

Homemade Baileys

Homemade Marshmallows

Hot Cocoa Mix

Mugs

Homemade cookies

NEW YEAR'S RESOLUTION BASKET

In a salad spinner:

OXO salad dressing shaker

Good Extra Virgin Olive Oil

Good vinegar (balsamic usually comes in fancy bottles)

Salt & Pepper Shaker

WINTER WARMER BASKET

In a basket:

Homemade eggnog

Bottle of brandy

Glassware

Homemade soft pretzels

HOSTESS TRAY

On a large wooden tray/cutting board:

No-knead bread

Cheese selection

Homemade apple butter

Crackers

Wine glasses

Bottle of wine

Happy Holidays!

Farmers to You

2017-11-15T12:09:00.004-08:00

Anyone that knows me, knows how much I detest winter. Mostly because I find the cold to be unbearable. Then there are the reminders that everything around me is dead or dormant: bare trees, brown grass and empty lots where our local farmers markets resided all summer long. Oh how I missed hopping from stall to stall, talking to farmers, and hand picking fresh-from-the-farm ingredients to bring home. When I was invited to try Farmers to You last week, which is like having a farmers market delivered once a week, I knew it could be the antidote to a long winter.

What is Farmers to You?
Farmers to You is a regional partnership linking New England farmers and producers to Boston-area families. Their motto is "the food you want, from farms you trust, delivered each week, all year long." Here's how it works:

Go online and place your order on Sunday. The website is essentially the online farmers market featuring everything from "Just In" seasonal ingredients, vegetables, meat and fish, dairy and eggs, baked goods, pantry items, fruit and juice, and pet items.
On Monday, Farmers to You orders the food direct from the farmers.
On Tuesday, food is delivered to the Farmers to You warehouse, where your order is packed by hand.
On Wednesday and Thursday, orders are delivered to Boston drop-off areas for pickup. There is also a home/office delivery for an added fee.

Farmers to us
I ordered a little bit of everything: mesclun greens, potatoes, white fish, beef short ribs, butter, eggs, cheese, sliced bread, maple syrup, fresh pasta, jarred tomato sauce and apples. I picked up our order on Thursday and was greeted by Lisa who could not have been nicer and more helpful. She found my order and added a few things to the already-packed bags. When we arrived home with our bounty, everything was perfect - even the ice cream!

That night, I made a fish and corn chowder with a salad and some bread from Crossett Hill.

Over the weekend, I was feeling adventurous and made a beef short rib ragu over pasta. OMG.

Farmers < > Families
I've tried online grocery delivery and meal kit delivery services. Farmers to You is different in the best way possible. Everything was local and super fresh. And of course there's the convenience of online shopping. And I love how Farmers to You connects me to local farmers with videos about the producers and how they grow or make their products. But what I really appreciate is being able to support small farmers beyond our local farmers' market all year long.

Excuse me while I snack on more Cabot Clothbound Cheddar and Honeycrisp apples. Hey Old Man Winter. I'm ready for you!

**Special offer for umommy readers: Get 15% off orders now through December 17th. Use promo code UM15 and save on your order.**

Disclaimer: Thanks to Farmers to You for giving me a trial membership, which I received free of charge. As always, all opinions are my own.

Miso-Roasted Vegetable Soba Noodle Bowl

2017-10-29T14:29:00.000-07:00

I'm always looking for a quick-vegetable-loaded-kid-friendly-weeknight meal. Vegetable Fried Rice has been a family (and fridge purging) favorite around here. But I think I've come across a dish that has taken its place.

Inspired by The Kitchn's Miso-Roasted Asparagus Soba Noodle Salad, this noodle bowl has it all. Amazing layers of flavors, textures and it only takes less than 30-minutes to whip up. I serve this warm, but this would be great as a cold salad too. I add hard-boiled eggs for extra protein, making them ahead of time in my new favorite kitchen appliance (hint: fell in love with it in an instant). This is a great clean-out-your-fridge recipe, roasting vegetables that are near their end. But feel free to substitute your favorite veggies.

Miso-Roasted Vegetable Soba Noodle Bowl
Adapted from The Kitchn

INGREDIENTS
1/4 roasted sunflower seeds
3 tablespoons toasted sesame seeds
8 oz package of soba noodles
2 tablespoons red miso
1 tablespoon hot water
1 tablespoon sesame oil
5 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
2 tablespoons low-sodium soy sauce
1 tablespoon minced fresh ginger
1/2 pound fresh shiitake mushrooms, stemmed and thinly sliced
1/2 pound green beans, trimmed
1/2 pound carrots, peeled and sliced into match sticks
2 cloves garlic, peeled and chopped
3 green onions, thinly sliced
Kosher salt, to season

DIRECTIONS

Preheat over to 375 degrees F.
Bring a pot of water to boil and cook the noodles according to the package and drain.
In a small bowl, whisk together miso, water, sesame oil, 3 tablespoons of olive oil, soy sauce, brown sugar and ginger.
Heat remaining olive oil in skillet over medium-high heat and saute garlic and shiitakes until the mushrooms are just tender (about 5 minutes). Set aside.
Place green beans and carrots on a baking sheet and toss with 3 tablespoons of miso mixture to coat. Roast for 8-12 minutes, or until vegetables are soft enough to pierce with a fork.
When finished roasting remove from the oven. Toss with remaining miso sauce and soba noodles. Fold in green onions and cooked mushrooms. Season with salt and top with sesame seeds and sunflower seeds. Serve with hard or soft boiled eggs if you prefer.

This Week's Meal Plan

2017-10-09T14:13:00.000-07:00

This dish comes together in 22 minutes! A perfect weeknight dish.

It's been a little quiet in this corner of the blogosphere as we get into the back-to-school routine. Now that the Fall is in full swing with after-school activities, soccer, homework, and general controlled chaos, I am fully committed to menu planning. Here's this week's menu plan and link to my go-to menu planning and shopping list worksheet from Real Simple.

MONDAY: Miso Sweet Potato and Broccoli Bowl
For Meatless Monday, I'm making this grain bowl from Smitten Kitchen. I love roasted broccoli and sweet potato. But it really is the miso dressing that takes this to the next level. And to really make this a meal, we add a fried egg on top. Click here for the recipe.

TUESDAY: One-Pot Pasta Primavera with Shrimp
After soccer practice, I need a meal that comes together quickly. This recipe is genius. Everything cooks in one pot, forming a silky and dreamy sauce. Plus clean-up is a snap. Check out Epicurious' recipe here.

WEDNESDAY: Butternut Squash Beef Stew
I'm fully embracing fall and our new Instant Pot with this recipe from Foodie Crush. This stick-to-your-ribs meal is just what we need to get through Hump Day. Plus, I get to test out my Instant Pot. 30+ minutes for a hearty stew? It's happening! Click here for the recipe.

THURSDAY: One-Pan Farro with Tomatoes & Sausages
This is a riff of the one-pot pasta dish from Tuesday. But mixing it up with Farro by Smitten Kitchen. We're big grain fans here as you can tell. I have a feeling this will be in regular rotation at our house. Click here for the recipe.

FRIDAY: Sheet Pan Pizza
To celebrate making it through another week, I'm going semi-homemade with sheet pan pizzas. I use store-bought pizza dough and roll it out onto an oiled sheet pan and top with our favorite toppings. We will make one classic cheese and basil and the second will be topped with whatever we have leftover in the fridge (sausage from Thursday, veggies from earlier in the week). Bake at 500 degrees for 15 minutes.

Have a great week!

Next Level Meal Kit Delivery

2017-08-18T13:00:00.000-07:00

Summers in New England are the best. And while I'm sad it's coming to an end, I am looking forward to having the kids back in school. But... Back-to-School can be the worst when it comes to the breakfast-chaos-packing-lunches-school-night-dinner-scramble routine. A major sanity-saver for me is meal planning, which I've blogged about previously here and here.

But... meal planning is a lot of work. On any given Saturday or Sunday morning, you will find me in front of my computer with a stack of cookbooks next to me. I have about a dozen separate tabs in my web browser - one for my meal planning google sheet, another open to weather.com (need to know what to cook depending on the weather), another to google calendar (need to know what after-school activities we have and how much time we have to cook), and a bunch more to different recipe websites. About an hour+ later, I will have a plan for next week's meals and a shopping list. And then 2+ hours later, I'll be home with my arms loaded with grocery bags, and my mood significantly darker.

So when I learned that The Dinner Daily, a meal planning service that designs weekly menus based on your grocery store specials (!), and Roche Bros. have joined forces, I couldn't wait to give it a try.

Step 1: Set Your Preferences
The Dinner Daily creates meal plans based on criteria such as family size, meal type (everything, no seafood, vegetarian, poultry & vegetarian, etc.) and where you shop. The Dinner Daily has partnered with over 11,000 grocery stores across the country.

Step 2: Receive Your Plan
Members receive weekly plans for five dinners based on store specials along with a shopping list and link to coupons. Say goodbye to flyer scanning. The Dinner Daily members can save $1,000 or more on annual food costs.

Step 3: Order Groceries
Thanks to local grocer Roche Bros. online shopping and home delivery service, you can have everything on your shopping list plus any additional groceries you need delivered right to your door. So while you have to manually enter your order (looking forward to the day your Dinner Daily Shopping list can be uploaded/synced to Roche Bros. platform), the whole process takes less time to drive to the store (in my case, multiple stores), shop, and return home.

Step 4: Roche Bros. Personal Shopper
Your online order is sent to your local Roche Bros. and given to a personal shopper. I had the opportunity to shadow this process with other local bloggers. I saw first-hand how personal shoppers take great care in picking out your groceries. Finding the perfect avocado is no easy task! And Kelly did it like a pro.

Step 5: Receive Your Groceries
Probably my favorite step! Groceries are delivered to your home at a time you schedule. Our groceries were delivered on time, and with a smile (thanks Ira!).

Step 6: Cook!
The Dinner Daily Meals are designed to be quick, healthy and easy to make - perfect for a school night. And I was glad to see a lot of variety when it came to cuisine. Here's a look at some of our favorite dinners from last week's meal plan. Definitely some keepers here!

Next Level Meal Kit Delivery
While we have tried and have been pleased with a variety of meal kit delivery services like Just Add Cooking and Blue Apron, The Dinner Daily + Roche Bros goes beyond what other companies offer. You get five meals, menu flexibility, the ability to customize and add to your shopping list, and save a good chunk of money. Eat better. Save money. Save Time.

Disclaimer: Thanks to The Dinner Daily for giving me a trial membership and to Roche Bros. for giving me the opportunity to try home delivery service. As always, all opinions are my own.

Move Over G&T

2017-06-12T19:32:00.000-07:00

Summer has arrived. Hard. We're experiencing our second day of 90+ degree day, when just last week I was wearing wool socks and a fleece to stay warm. I prefer summer weather as this often means firing up the grill, dinners on the patio, and a fun cocktail served over ice.

My go-to summertime drink has always been the classic gin and tonic. But this year I am a Paloma girl. It's super refreshing with the different layers of citrus. The traditional Paloma is made with grapefruit soda. I prefer something less sweet with fewer calories and have become a big fan of Spindrift Sparkling Water made with real fruit juice. The Paloma pairs perfectly with fish tacos - and ice cream sandwiches too. It's just as fun as a margarita, but without the nasty hangover.

To make: In a tall glass over ice, mix 1 1/2 oz of blanco tequila, 1/2 cup of grapefruit juice, juice from one lime, and top with sparking grapefruit water and stir. Sip and enjoy!

ANNIE National Tour Comes to Boston!

2017-05-11T18:09:00.003-07:00

You've got your soccer families, dance moms, and hockey dads. We've dabbled in these worlds, but recently have found us settling into the theater scene. Our oldest has been bitten by the acting bug and has been performing in community theater since he was 9 years old. We've been looking to take both boys to a real-deal Broadway production, but just haven't found the right show or time. Until now.

ANNIE, the Tony award-winning production, comes to Boston's Boch Center Wang Theatre through May 21. I took the boys and my mother in-law to opening night. Newsweek describes ANNIE as "Spectacular on every count." And I couldn't agree more.

The Boch Center Wang Theatre took the boys' breath away with it's gilded opulence and elegance.

The place was buzzing with excitement from families with children dressed up to see ANNIE. Cameras flashing for fun photos like this one.

My oldest was blown away as soon as the curtain went up. The set design was unlike anything he had ever seen. And all around us children were dancing in their seats to crowd favorites "It's a Hard Knock Life," "Easy Street," "I Don't Need Anything But You," and of course "Tomorrow." And it was hard not to give an "awww" anytime Sandy, performed by talented rescue dogs Macy and Sunny, was on stage.

From the acting, vocals, choreography, costume and scenic design - it's a performance we will never forget.

ANNIE runs through May 21st at the Boch Center Wang Theatre. To learn more and to purchase tickets (tickets start at just $35), visit http://www.bochcenter.org/buy/show-listing/annie-2017 **Save 25% on tickets to the following performances: May 11, 12, 14 eve, 16, 17, 18, 21 eve. Excludes Orchestra Pit and Orchestra rows A-D. Use promotional code "MOMS"**

Disclaimer: Thanks to Boch Center for hosting me and my family to opening night performance of ANNIE, which I received free of charge. As always, opinions are my own.

The sun will come out...

2017-05-05T13:15:00.001-07:00

hopefully tomorrow! And most definitely starting on May 9th when the broadway production of ANNIE returns to Boston. Ever since our oldest got into theater, we've been looking for kid-appropriate shows for the family. ANNIE is the perfect musical for both kids and adults. This Tony Award winning production is coming to the Boch Center Wang Theater from May 9-May21.

I'm bringing the family to opening night and will have a full review soon! In the meantime, you can purchase tickets and learn more about ANNIE here. **And for a limited time, save 50% on tickets on Tuesday, May 9th and Wednesday, May 10th by using the promotional code "POLAR."

Protect this special.

2017-04-12T18:09:00.000-07:00

This post reflects a compensated editorial partnership with Voices forHealthy Kids, a joint initiative of the American Heart Association and Robert Wood Johnson Foundation.

No, I’m not referring to “Tonight’s Special” on a dinner menu. Specials at my kid’s school are classes outside of the usual classroom instruction on math, English Language Arts, science, and social studies. Art, Music, Library and Physical Education (PE) are considered “specials” because they are… special. You get to leave the classroom and do something totally different and fun. And there is a different Special each day of the week. Each school day is defined by what Special our kids have on a given day. Music Mondays. PE Tuesdays. Art Wednesdays.

Sadly, Specials are usually the first to suffer amidst school budget cuts. They’re often seen as optional and do not align with common learning standards. Library Thursdays at our school is down to a 15-minute Special due to budget cuts.

Particularly alarming is how PE programs have been decreasing around the country. In fact, only 4% of elementary, 8% of middle, and 2% of high schools provide daily physical education or its equivalent for the entire school year. PE is an essential part of a well-rounded curriculum and we must do what we can to protect it. Here’s why:

Active kids learn better

Studies have shown that physical activity improves academic performance. Not only do active children perform better in school, they often behave better in the classroom. And better behavior and increased focus will often result in better test scores.

Nurture the whole child

Not only do PE programs benefit kids’ physical health, but it also has a lasting impact on kids’ mental and emotional health. Quality PE programs improve judgment, reduce stress, and increases self-esteem.

For our kids health

We all need regular physical activity to keep our bodies strong and healthy. And with the rise of childhood obesity, physical activity is a crucial component in resolving this growing epidemic. I’m all about cooking and eating healthy. But without regular exercise along with a healthy diet, heart disease, high blood pressure, diabetes and obesity will continue to plague our country.

#ProtectPE

Research shows that children need 60 minutes of physical activity per day. And because kids spend a majority of their day at school, schools play a critical role in helping them stay healthy. It’s no wonder 95% of parents with children under the age of 18 think PE should be part of the school curriculum for all students K-12.

So what can parents do to protect PE? First, find out if your kids are getting enough PE and what your schools’ PE program looks like. Then join the PE Action Team and stay up-to-date on campaigns in support of PE and learn about ways to get involved.

Want to learn more about what you can do to increase PE in your community? Check out Voices for Healthy Kids #ProtectPE campaign website for some great resources and tips on how to get started.

Lastly, ask your kids what’s their favorite Special. Chances are PE is up there. Let’s do what we can to keep it that way.

Make This: Miso-Butter Ramen-Noodle Soup

2017-04-05T18:00:00.000-07:00

I recently discovered miso paste - a salty, umami paste that packs a flavor bomb to any dish. Miso paste is made from soy beans and rice or barley fermented with salt, water and fungus. There are two types of miso paste: white miso (shiro miso) is milder and great for salad dressings and sauces and red miso (aka miso), which is saltier and more pungent and is used in soups. You can often find them in the refrigerated section with tofu, seitan and the like. And this stuff lasts forever in the fridge. Most recipes call for a couple of tablespoons of this stuff. So don't be afraid to buy a container and stick it in the fridge. It will be like a old friend, waiting faithfully for you whenever you need it.

I often make a miso-soy glaze for fish and tofu, which my kids will inhale. Then I found this recipe by Ming Tsai. It's hearty, salty and sweet and comes together in less than 30 minutes. In other words, the perfect weeknight meal.

Miso-Butter Ramen-Noodle Soup
Adapted from Simply Ming One-Pot Meals, by Ming Tsai & Arthur Boehm

INGREDIENTS
1 lb ramen noodles
Kosher salt
2 Tablespoons canola oil
3 shallots, minced
1 Tablespoons ginger, peeled and minced
1 lb ground turkey or pork
1 bunch scallions, thinly sliced
1/2 cup soy sauce
2 quarts low sodium chicken broth
2 fuji apples, peeled, cored and thinly sliced
4 Tablespoons unsalted butter
6 Tablespoons white miso

DIRECTIONS

In a large stockpot, cook noodles according to package instructions. Drain noodles and rinse under cold water. Drain and set aside.
Heat the same pot over medium heat. Add oil and when hot, add shallots, ginger, and ground turkey and saute until meat is no longer pink and cooked through, about 4-5 minutes. Add the scallion whites and soy and simmer until liquid is reduced by half, about 2 minutes. Add stock and apples and bring to a simmer.
Whisk in the butter and miso and season with salt and pepper. Add ramen noodles and heat through, about 2 minutes. Divide the noodles and soup into bowls and garnish with scallion greens. Serve immediately.

Oh, Boston, You're My Home

2017-02-19T09:13:00.000-08:00

They say buying/selling a home is one of the most stressful milestones in one's life. And for me, decorating said home is second.

We're *finally* feeling settled in our new house after 8 months. The kitchen is running like a well-oiled machine now. And all the rooms are furnished and mostly decorated. Except for our oldest son's room. We've struggled with where to put the furniture, window treatments and how to adorn the walls for a tween boy. When you walk into his room, you definitely get the feeling it's very much a work in progress. So when I was contacted by ModernMapArt about getting a sample print of Boston, that's when it dawned on me exactly how we can decorate our son's room that would be absolutely perfect.

You see, our oldest is obsessed with maps. Ever since he was a toddler, he would study the Boston subway map. As he got older, he would study road atlases. And most recently, exploring Google Earth is his favorite past-time. So the idea of map art for his room was a home run.

ModernMapArt has created over 500 city maps, country maps, ski maps and water skyline prints. The city map is printed on museum quality matte paper with Ultrachrome ink. You can choose from different sized prints and color combinations. So what did our map connoisseur think?

He loved it. He loved how accurate it is (he would know) and was immediately able to find our street on the map. And he is so drawn to it -- he often has to take it down from him wall when he's doing his homework so he's not distracted by it ;-)

Definitely check out ModernMapArt if you know someone who loves maps, or looking for a unique and artful way to remember a favorite city. It can also be a lifesaver for anyone looking for an affordable and sophisticated way to decorate a space.

Disclosure: Thank you ModernMapArt for sending me a city map print. As always, all opinions are my own.

Brunch Unlike Any Other

2017-02-10T14:24:00.000-08:00

House made crab cakes and Nova Scotia smoked salmon

I love brunch. I mean really, truly love brunch. There's only one thing I like more than brunch - going out for brunch. There's always a relaxed and happy vibe at brunch. Plus the piles of pancakes, perfectly cooked eggs, and seamlessly endless supply of bacon is the perfect way to spend a Sunday IMO. Brunch at Il Casale Cucina Italiana in Belmont, MA is no exception.

Rustic and elegant bar and dining room

Set in a converted firehouse, Il Casale is the perfect balance of rustic and sophistication. And this also describes Il Casale's brunch menu. And as expected, Chef Dante De Magistris takes brunch classics and gives it an upscale, Italian spin.

Il Casale's Bloody Mary

Il Casale's Brunch Beverages are in a class of it's own. Like this over-the-top (but amazing) Bloody Mary made with the restaurant's proprietary fra diavolo mix, castelvetrano olives and topped with a breadstick wrapped with prosciutto.

You will find your favorite brunch sweets, such as frittelle all' Americana (buttermilk pancakes) and toast alla Francese (brioche French Toast) served with butter gelato. Yes, I said butter gelato. So good.

Benedetto

You can't have brunch without Le Uova (Eggs). Benedetto (Eggs Benedicts) are served on grilled Pugliese bread and grilled lemon hollandaise (might be the best hollandaise ever). Il Casale's Uova in Purgatorio is the Italian version of Shakshuka - and just as delicious.

Uova in Purgatorio

And if you're craving some traditional Italian dishes, standouts include the tagliatella alla Bolognese and the chitarra alla carbonara.

Il Casale is definitely worth a trip to the 'burbs (located in Belmont Center). Brunch is served on Sundays from 11:30-2:30pm. Just be sure to come hungry and be prepared to leave very satisfied.

Disclaimer: Thanks to Il Casale for hosting #IlCasaleBrunch, which I received free of charge. As always, opinions are my own.

Comfort Food

2017-01-24T17:12:00.000-08:00

After a rough end to 2016 and rocky start to 2017, I'm turning to comfort food more than ever. Warm bowls of soup, hearty pasta dishes, stick-to-your-ribs casseroles, and rich desserts has helped me forget about these chaotic and often troubling days ahead. I love the aroma of butter and garlic and the quiet work of a mise en place. But most rewarding is the moment I get to set down at the dinner table with my family and talk about our days, laugh at something silly my youngest blurted out inappropriately and look over at my husband who always has the knack of reminding me everything is going to be okay without saying a word.

I made this simple Genius One-Pot Lasagna from Food 52 and the boys and I loved it. It epitomizes comfort food at a time we could all enjoy some.

7 Last-Minute Gift Ideas That Give Back

2016-12-20T14:57:00.000-08:00

It's that time of year again -- you're scouring the web for last-minute gift ideas that don't feel like a last-minute gift. And maybe this year more than ever, you're looking to give gifts that are meaningful. Gifts that will have an impact beyond Christmas morning. Look no further! I've curated some gift ideas for anyone on your list that is a) impossible to shop for, b) has everything he/she could possibly want and c) cares about giving back as much as you do.

1. Cookie of the Month Club - Give the cookie-lover a three-, six- or 12-month subscription of delicious cookies. Best part? 100% proceeds fund pediatric cancer research. It's this truly the gift that keeps giving.

2. Box of Chocolates - This is no ordinary box of chocolates. Gather Chocolates are hand-crafted, small-batch gourmet chocolates. A portion of each sale is donated to the Pollinator Partnership to protect and preserve pollinators.

3. Red Wine Gift Box - A sophisticated party in a box: bottle of Cabernet Sauvignon or Pinot Noir, plus crackers, fig spread, dipping spice, salami and cheese. Every box helps fund ABA therapy for a child with autism.

4. A Goat - Yes, a goat! You can gift a goat to a rural community with Oxfam. A goat is a gift of sustainability: fertilizer and food for families. Or choose from other animal, water, education and green gifts.

5. Narwhal Tee - Fun, inspiring, sophisticated tees by Brave New World Designs will light up any closet. Plus 20% of profits will be directed to different charities. This awesome narwhal tee helps the Ocean Conservancy. Or give a gift certificate and let your giftee pick their own spirit animal.

6. ChopChop Magazine Subscription - Know a kid who likes to cook? Get them a subscription to the award-winning kids cooking magazine. Plus with every subscription, you'll help get ChopChop to families that need it most. (full disclosure - I work for ChopChop. But love giving subscriptions to everyone on my list!)

7. Tickets to a Culinary Event - Have a Top Chef super fan on your list? Why not get them tickets to a Share our Strength culinary event? Not only do these events feature mouth-watering food from top chefs, but proceeds help fight childhood hunger.

Happy Giving!

How to Get Over A Love Affair

2016-11-15T13:10:00.002-08:00

... with salt. Okay, I admit this was a little click-baity. But it's really important people read this post as this is a topic really close to my heart. Literally. Too much salt can put you at risk for serious heart diseases, including high blood pressure, stroke and heart failure. And because heart disease runs in my family, I'm doing what I can to lower my family's salt intake. The good news is this is something we can totally control if you cook most of your meals from scratch. And I have a few tricks to lower salt in cooking without sacrificing flavor.

I'm guest blogging at American Heart Association's #BreakUpWithSalt blog. Check out my "5 Ways to Lower Salt" and join me in saying "Bae, Bye" to salt.

This post (and my sharing on social media) was inspired by my participation in a compensated campaign initiated by American Heart Association to raise awareness about AHA's sodium reduction initiative. All commentary and opinions are, of course, my own.

Parents Night Out at Trade. Because You Deserve It.

2016-09-28T15:11:00.000-07:00

The month of September is ROUGH. The kids are back in school which means: back to packing lunches, back to being their personal uber driver to and from activities, back to school nights, back to homework, back to life. Back to reality. So when I had the opportunity to partake in a Parents Night Out at one of the hottest restaurants in Boston, I was like that mom of 6 leaving her kids with her husband for the weekend.

Not only did I get to enjoy the company of some fabulous bloggers including Leah, Debbie, Nancy, Dave, Kim, Kimberly, Phyllis and Kristina, but I was finally able to check out Jody Adams' Trade in Fort Point Channel district. Trade's sophisticated decor easily doubles as a power-lunch spot or high-energy, after-work destination. And the perfect spot for us parents to let loose.

First up, Trade's award-winning beverage program:

"Beets By Trade" - Bullyboy vodka, beet + cucumber simple syrup, lime & pineapple

"Not a Cloud in the Sky" - Mt. Gay Rum, hibiscus, vanilla, lavender

Trade's dinner menu features Mediterranean-inspired small plates packed with bold flavors. Some of my faves included:

Buttermilk fried quail with harissa aioli and pickled root vegetables

Tasso Ham and Smoked Gouda Flatbread with roasted corn, pickled pepper and onion

Halibut with arugula pesto and roasted corn succotash

Baked Rigatoni with spicy lamb ragu and provolone

Desserts were decadent and equally as fun as the rest of our meal. We got try ginger ice cream topped with chili chocolate sauce and the most grown-up version of "cookies and milk" which were homemade oreos with a side of crema spressa.

Trade was the perfect combination of creative drinks, sophisticated food and upscale atmosphere - a great place for a parents night out.

TRADE
50 Atlantic Ave
Boston, MA
http://trade-boston.com/

#momsnightout at TRADE. Babysitters across the board...bartender, keep 'em comin!!

A photo posted by tradeboston (@tradeboston) on Sep 14, 2016 at 5:19pm PDT

Disclaimer: Thanks to Trade for hosting #TradeParentsNightOut, which I received free of charge. As always, opinions are my own.

#MeatlessMonday

2016-09-12T18:40:00.000-07:00

We're in our first full week of hurried mornings, afternoon schlepping, and scrambling evening dinners. So I'm determined to get back to meal planning to keep my sanity and make sure the boys are getting a home cooked dinner at the end of a long day. One of the things I try to stick to is making a meatless dish one night a week. The kids have embraced #meatlessmondays (and they're always up for Taco Tuesday). Plus I always feel better when I can get more veggies in their diet.

Looking for some easy and satisfying Meatless Monday meals? Here are links to 3 of our favorites that are in regular rotation at our house.

Spaghetti with Broccoli Rabe, Toasted Garlic and Bread Crumbs (by Mark Bittman) - this dish whips up in less than 30 minutes from start to finish. I love the simplicity of this dish. And the kids don't even mind the bitterness of Broccoli Rabe. Sometimes I switch it up and use broccolini instead (call me crazy!).

Sweet Potato and Chickpea Curry (by ChopChop Magazine) - I'm slowly converting my kids to fans of Indian cuisine all thanks to this dish. I love it as it is mostly made from pantry staples. They love it because it's not too spicy. And it's served over rice.

Spaghetti Squash Pad Thai (by The Kitchn) - I've tried getting my kids on the zoodles train and anything spiralized, but no luck. They're on to me. But then I came across this recipe from The Kitchn marrying Spaghetti Squash and Pad Thai and it was a slam dunk.

Have a great week!

The Sweet Life

2016-09-05T19:36:00.001-07:00

Exhale. View from Welch Mountain, NH.

Like so many of us, I am going through the end-of-summer blues. It's been an amazing summer packed with new adventures and tried and true traditions. To help me and the boys make the transition into Fall, we started a new tradition of going through photos taken this summer and sharing what we're looking forward to this Fall. It's a little bit of closure we all need.

What I discovered in this mini celebration is just how lucky we are. A new home. Good friends. Happy and healthy kids. Trips to the beach. Delicious meals. Loving family. Not to get too sappy on y'all, but yeah, life is pretty sweet.

We soaked up the last carefree summer weekend with a family hike and Labor Day cookout with friends. As a reward for completing the hike and to share a sweet treat with friends, we tried a flight of handcrafted, honey-infused Gather Chocolates from Harbor Sweets. OMG were these good. Even our chocolate aficionado friends were impressed. Equally as impressive is the fact that a percentage of Gather sales will be donated to the Pollinator Partnership to aid in their efforts to protect honeybees and other pollinators.

Gather Chocolates was conceived out of a love for nature and the outdoors. And as its name implies, it's a celebration of the gathering of friends and family. I can't think of a sweeter way to celebrate the end of summer.

Disclosure: Thanks Harbor Sweets for giving me the opportunity to try some Gather Chocolates. As always, all opinions are my own.

Motherhood: Fueled by Atlas Coffee

2016-08-19T07:55:00.000-07:00

I came across this someecard recently and nodded with approval. I may have even said "yaaaasssssss" out loud, eliciting strange looks from the people nearby while I was in the checkout line at the store. I was a coffee drinker before kids. Now as a mom of two boys, I'm a hard-core coffee drinker. My husband might whisper the label "addict." Yes, I love me some coffee.

But when your kid comes to you like this:

And it's not even 8am, I need a caffeine boost.

Or when they are non-stop goofy like this:

A big 'ol cup of coffee helps me laugh through it all and power through the day.

Over the years, I have become a little more selective about my coffee. My husband might even whisper "coffee snob." Yes, I appreciate really good coffee. I have learned a lot about what makes good coffee, including the importance of a quality burr coffee grinder, water temperature and fresh roasted coffee beans. I will go out of may way to procure a pound of premium coffee.

So when I had the opportunity to try Atlas Coffee Club, I was all over it like foam on my cappuccino. Atlas Coffee Club is a gourmet coffee of the month company, curating exotic coffee from all around the world and delivering it to your doorstep. They source premium single origin coffee from farms around the world, and pay above market prices to ensure sustainable farming practices. And each batch is roasted just before shipping (each bag is stamped with roasting date) so you know the coffee is fresh. Click here to learn more. Plus they're is giving away a 6-month membership.

Okay, going to enjoy more of this Ethiopian coffee before my second job as my kids' personal uber driver begins.

Disclosure: Thanks Atlas Coffee Club for giving me the opportunity to try some coffee. As always, all opinions are my own.

On-Demand Babysitting

2016-08-12T11:45:00.000-07:00

As a mom with two young kids, I'm always on the search for a good sitter. We've been fortunate to have had a handful of amazing sitters we can reliably call on. But I seem to have forgotten that they move on to college (gasp) or full-time careers (sigh). And now that we've moved into a new 'hood, I feel like the new mom all over again, desperate to find new sitters to add to my contacts.

Enter Chime, the Uber of babysitting booking apps. Okay. I know everyone uses that analogy whenever they describe a new startup. But Chime is legitimately a game-changer. And here are 6 reasons why:

1. Chime is brought to you by SitterCity: SitterCity pioneered the category of online childcare with over 15 years experience connecting families and caregivers. SitterCity boasts 7 million members with more than 2,000 new sitters joining every day.

2. MVPs of babysitters: SitterCity hand-picks sitters from the top 1% of SitterCity's national database. Chime only works with sitters who are highly rated and get glowing reviews from local families.

3. Sitters are seriously vetted: Chime conducts an extensive reference and background check, along with child safety and social media screens. Plus they interview every candidate in person, to identify people who genuinely are interested in childcare.

4. Easy-to-use app: Just enter your location and you will see pre-screened Chime sitters near you. You can watch video profiles and read parent reviews. Pick a date and time and book your sitter (or schedule an interview). Done. Go to hellochime.com to see more.

5. No more awkward payments by the door: Once your sitting is complete, payment is automagically processed by credit card. Sitters charge a flat hourly rate. It's $16/hour (+$1 for each additional child) here in Boston.

6. No hidden fees: Chime is subscription free!

We recently had the opportunity to give Chime a try. It really was so easy to find and book a sitter. And more importantly, the boys LOVED Ashley (our sitter that came on a few days notice). With the start of school approaching, we will be in need of some extra hands (and an occasional date night), so we're pretty pumped to have discovered Chime.

Disclosure: Thank you Chime for giving me the opportunity to try the Chime app and a night out. As always, all opinions are my own.

Ferragosto

2016-08-05T06:20:00.002-07:00

I am in love with summer, especially this summer. The weather has been spectacular (though we could definitely use some rain) with fun-filled days ending with tired but happy boys. It's hard to believe it is already August and school is just around the corner. So when I heard about Ferragosto, I was all in.

Ferragosto is an Italian national holiday celebrated on August 15th through the end of the month. It marks the celebration of the Assumption of Mary and the beginning of Italy's summer holiday period. Life moves at a slower pace while families enjoy some R&R. So I'm embracing my new favorite holiday by taking it slow and heading to the beach for a picnic dinner with the family.

To celebrate Ferragosto, I'm preparing a traditional Italian meal that's easy to whip up and travels well for beachside dining.

Antipasto salad: caprese salad, prosciutto, salami, olives

Grilled veggies with a lemon, garlic and thyme plus crusty bread

And some Barone Fini Pinot Grigio - classic, crisp and fruity wine that pairs perfectly with this meal and feels like summer in a bottle.

Looking for more ideas to celebrate Ferragosto? Head to Prezza in the North End where Chef Anthony Caturano will be featuring a special Ferragosto menu from August 8-15th. Or head to Prezza after work for happy hour for every glass of Barone Fini wine purchase, 100% proceeds benefit the Greater Boston Food Bank.

See you on the beach! Ciao!

Disclosure: Thank you Barone Fini Winery for sending me a bottle of wine to try. As always, all opinions are my own.

#SeeMoreSummer

2016-06-29T18:48:00.000-07:00

It *finally* feels like summer around here thanks to spectacular June weather, school is out and kids are coming in from playing until twilight, exhausted but happy. Now summer just got 80x better thanks to the Highland Street Foundation's Free Fun Fridays program. Now in it's 8th year, the Highland Street Foundation has partnered with 80 different cultural institutions across Massachusetts to offer free (!) admission to museums, zoos, and gardens every Friday until August 26th! It's true!

I had the opportunity to check out the MIT Museum for the first time with my boys last Friday. We got our science on big time and loved every minute of it.

From mind-blowing holograms, robotics gallery and our favorite Gestural Engineering exhibit (think wind-up toys to a new level), it was a perfect way to spend the afternoon.

The MIT Museum has plenty of hands-on activities for kids, but it's just the right size for you to explore everything the museum has to offer in a few hours.

And as a treat, we headed across the street to our all-time favorite bakery, Flour, for some sticky buns and oreo cookies.

Check out the full schedule here and get out there and #SeeMoreSummer!

Disclosure: Thanks to Highland Street Foundation and MIT Museum for hosting us, which I received free of charge. As always, opinions are my own.