The MOMentum of Motherhood:

Jenn: Happy Valentine's Day!

noreply@blogger.com (Cara and Jenn) — Tue, 14 Feb 2012 15:31:00 +0000

Aah love. February 14th has been chosen as a day to delcare that funny little four letter word to your siginificant other. If you don't have an other, you can celebrate with your friends, kids, pets. It's up to you - hallmark seems to have a Valentine's card for everyone.

My Valentine is not on the continent this week. We celebrated Friday with a lovely lunch out - no kids - no talk of kids - just a few glasses of wine and some delicious pasta. I don't need a day to celebrate love - as corny as it sounds - we live each day in love. Some better than others but I know he loves me and he knows I love him and I don't need (or want) a box of chocolates or flowers or a card. However I did instruct my Valentine to bring me back a case of wine from his latest trip - wine is always needed and wanted.

So whatever your doing today - try to squeeze something in for yourself. Happiness begins at home and love begins with loving yourself. You don't need a Valentine for that.

Grateful on Sunday

noreply@blogger.com (Cara and Jenn) — Sun, 12 Feb 2012 16:31:00 +0000

Cara

I'm grateful

to find perspective

for

family dinners

when

lessons were taught

for my kids

who NEVER let me off my toes

(at least I think I am grateful for that)

that next week

all my ducks fall in a row

Cara: Friday's Word of the Week

noreply@blogger.com (Cara and Jenn) — Fri, 10 Feb 2012 15:04:00 +0000

I am going to try this on Fridays for awhile and see how it goes. Not every day can one come up with something meaningful or insightful to wax poetic about. So in looking back at my week I am going to try to think of a word(s) that reminds me of the past week's goings on.

Accountability [uh-koun-tuh-bil-i-tee]; noun
1. the state of being accountable, liable, or answerable.
2. Education . a policy of holding schools and teachers accountable for students' academic progress by linking such progress with funding for salaries, maintenance

(I swear I didn't add that second definition I just got it from http://www.dictionary.com/ )

Accountability or lack thereof really is what I mean...bugs the beejuzus outta me.

If you say you are going to do something, do it.

If you represent an "organization" and should always have the well being of whom you represent in the forefront of your mind, then you MUST be accountable to them. And when they ask you a question or expect you have been doing what you should of all along to get the job done, then you have better dam well done it.

If you treat someone poorly, say I don't know, a friend that has never treated you poorly for example...you don't get to act like everything is peachy keen the next time you see them. No. You need either to own your ridiculous schizophrenic behavior or you need to say something. Anything. "Sorry I didn't take my meds today" or "Sorry I am an idiot" or "Sorry someone dropped a 10lb brick on my head and I didn't know what I was saying". Something. Be accountable.

We make decisions for our children because they either can't (and we are the parents and we need to sometimes) or because you are a helicopter parent that needs to manipulate you child's every calculated move (for some weird selfish end result) then own it. Be accountable. And if it turns out maybe not the way you wanted then own it. Try to fix. Be accountable that you screwed up, maybe for all the right reasons but own it.

"Some favorite expressions of small children:
“It’s not my fault. . . They made me do it. . .
I forgot.” Some favorite expressions of adults: “It’s not my job. . . No one told me. . . It couldn’t be helped.” True freedom begins and ends with personal accountability." - Dan Zadra

Jenn: when Push comes to Shove

noreply@blogger.com (Cara and Jenn) — Thu, 09 Feb 2012 21:49:00 +0000

I have been thinking a lot about this subject lately, pushing versus shoving. We all push our kids. Give them a nudge in the right direction. Maybe even challenge them a little. When do we go beyond pushing? When does that gentle nudge become a shove over a cliff?

I have been thinking about my boy's chemistry teacher. He teaches above and beyond what the kids need to know. He likes to think of it as "challenging" them. I am seeing it more as throwing my kids future up in the air. I don't know how many kids are being challenged by their teachers. Maybe teachers don't realize they are doing it. Maybe some teachers dumb the materials down so they look better when their students perform well. Here's what I do know. When you challenge kids who aren't quite up to it, they get bad grades. These grades end up on their report cards & colleges see them. They don't know your teacher shoved you over a cliff...they just think you didn't perform as well as The kid sitting next to you. They don't know your teacher gave His class a harder mid-term than all the other kids taking the same subject with a different teacher and scoring 90's when your class is scoring 60's, 70's & 80's. They don't know that the 84 you got was the highest in the class.

Is the shove worth it? Do we force our kids to rise above it & work through it & get it done? I don't know. I am guilty of pushing my kids too hard or too far sometimes and not enough others. Of letting them quit a sport because it wasn't for them any more. Of not making them get out there and "just do it." I have shoved sometimes too. Forced them to do something they didn't want to. Stay till the end of the season. Was it worth it? I won't know until I see what kind of adults they turn out to be. Right now I think they are pretty good kids so maybe I haven't pushed too hard after all.

Cara: Family Time

noreply@blogger.com (Cara and Jenn) — Wed, 08 Feb 2012 11:00:00 +0000

Yesterday was the Giants Super Bowl Champion ticker tape parade in New York City. Hubby had promised kids if Giants won the Super Bowl this time we were going. They won. We did.

Of course at first I thought...maybe I shouldn't take them out of school, since I am taking them out next week. Then I thought well, little one hasn't missed a day of school yet. (and I am SO not in favor of the perfect attendance award thing so that didn't matter) Big boy got an awesome report card, a 98 on his Chemistry Regents...what the hell. I didnt' even hem and haw when I called little one in this morning. School lady said..."oh is he sick?" For a split second I thought to say yes. Then remembered that he already told his teacher he was going to the parade and got some work to do that he would miss today. (all on his own...I didn't tell him to do that) So I said "Well...no. He's actually sick of school today and I'm taking him into the city to the parade." She laughed and said "You know what? Good for you...family day is important."

Thanks for the affirmation. But I knew that already.

We run everyday to work, school, meetings, games, dinners out, practice etc., and now with a college student living away it's not always easy to have family day. Diva was able to get away from college life for the day and meet us. Yes meet us. To see her walking up from the crowd on the busy city street, confident and mature was surreal. When did I get so old that I have a kid that can manuevre the city on her own? Good grief. Which only proves time's fleeting.

So we schmoozed NYPD blocking all the streets downtown every which way...(crowd control was underway) and somehow with schmoozing, quick moves and more than a little NY moxie found ourselves right up front. No one happier that my littlest Giants fan. Except maybe me.

His sister batted her eyes at another fan and he let her little brother right in there, in front next to his daughter. God knows how long they were standing there already at that point. We took a million pictures, talked and laughed with our NY Giant "peeps". Say what you want about NY, when we are together like that you can feel the love. Everyone was in a great mood, the weather was perfect.

I remembered to take it all in for a minute. Which in turn of course started to make me choke up.

Family day is important. No matter if it's in NYC at a ticker tape parade, or with a bowl of popcorn on the couch watching a movie. Time is fleeting. Tomorrow is for meetings, laundry, work and school. Remember to make the time today.

Jenn: Food for Thought

noreply@blogger.com (Cara and Jenn) — Tue, 07 Feb 2012 11:00:00 +0000

I watched two movies on Netflix recently. The first was reccomended by my sister, "Sick, Fat and Nearly Dead." It is the story of an Austrailan business man who has a myriad of health issues and decided to juice for 60 days while travelling across the USA. It's a great lesson in self-control, in the power of the body and an advertisement for the statement you are what you eat. As he travels across the US, Joe meets lots of Americans in need of a health check. He introduces them to juicing and some of the results are just amazing. At the end of the movie you are invited to visit the web site to continue the conversation. Watch it for yourself and then see what you think. Ballerina had recently asked me for a juicer for her birthday. While staying with my sister, she was introduced to fresh apple juice and has been wanting more ever since. I am thinking about it - but it means more work for me. Instead of just opening a bottle of juice, I would have to buy the apples and juice them each day. We have become so dependent on convienence, it is hard to get back to nature.

The othere movie I watched was Forks over Knives. This was a movie reccomended to my boy in health class. The premise is that a whole food, plant based diet is the way to go. It promotes being a vegan with all the scientific research to back it up. Again, an alternate way to live your life. The scientific data is compelling (if not sleep inducing at times) and really makes you think about adding more greens to your diet. Dairy products were also brought into questions - but I am not ready to give up my Oikos Greek Yogurt just yet. There are so many conflicting reports, it's hard to sort through it all the information of what truly is the best way to fuel your body. It becomes a matter of trial and error and what makes you feel your best. A cookie ususally works for me.

The biggest problem with eating healthy is it is expensive. Junk and processed food are so much cheaper than fruits, vegetables and unproccessed meat. A recent trip to Trader Joe's, where I purchased mainly produce and a few snacks, cost me $114 bucks. Somehow it seems it should be the reverse. Watching both these movies gave me a different view of how what our bodies need and definitely something to think about.

As I age, my health is definitely more in the forefront of my mind. I don't want to stop the aging process but I wouldn't mind slowing it down a bit and if eating more greens will help me do it then I am all for it even if it means kale in a blender.

Cara's two cents: Edamame baby!! Lol

Cara: Recipe

noreply@blogger.com (Cara and Jenn) — Mon, 06 Feb 2012 13:24:00 +0000

YAY GIANTS SUPERBOWL CHAMPS!!!!!!!!!!!!

Day after SuperBowl has this house moving sloooow motion this morning...but school, work, life beckons so out everyone goes one by one...

Must do on today's list is purchasing Giants Super Bowl Champion wear. All the fans around here NEED it. Of course. As of 7 am this morning I still have a sink full of dirty platters and bowls left over from the party last night. Just too tired last night to start emptying dishwasher and loading it up. I knew it would be there waiting for me when I got up. (ick)

Tonight I will fall back on an easy one pan/dish supper. Not in the mood for new or labor intensive. I will share it with ya!

Creamy Bow Tie Pasta with Chicken & Broccoli
3 cups Farfalle (bow tie) uncooked
4 cups broccoli florets

3 TBL spoons any kind of bottled Italian dressing

that has Parmesan in it

(Recipe calls for Kraft Roasted Red Pepper with Parmesan but I don't even know if they still make that since this recipe is about 5 years old)
3 boneless whole chicken breasts NOT sliced thin; cut in half
2 cloves minced garlic
2 cups tomato-basil spaghetti sauce; jarred or homemade
4 oz Neufchatel Cheese (1/3 the fat of cream cheese and tastes just the same); cubed
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Cook pasta adding broccoli to the pasta water last three minutes of cooking time
Meanwhile heat dressing in a large skillet on medium heat
Add chicken and garlic
Cook chicken turning for 10 minutes until cooked through
Drain pasta and broccoli and set aside
Add pasta sauce and cream cheese to chicken in skillet cook on medium/low heat until cheese is completely melted, mixture is well blended and chicken is coated with sauce; stirring occasionally.
Remove chicken from skillet and keep warm
Add pasta and broccoli to sauce mixture;
mix well;transfer to dishes
Cut chicken cross wise into thick slices and fan out over pasta mixture on each dish
Sprinkle with Parmesan cheese
Makes 6 servings
...of course not in this house where I have to double everything but you get the gist!

Grateful on Sunday

noreply@blogger.com (Cara and Jenn) — Sun, 05 Feb 2012 14:11:00 +0000

Cara

I'm grateful

that my football fans get their day today

for

other parents that get it...there are some out there!

when

I had a day to remember what it was like being home with a new baby all day

for my kids

who always have each other's back not matter what

that next week

is better than last week

*

Jenn

I'm grateful

that its a quiet day today
for
good feedback
when
my expectations were realized
that next week
will be productive

Jenn: Gumbo

noreply@blogger.com (Cara and Jenn) — Sat, 04 Feb 2012 13:42:00 +0000

A perfect Football dish... Make it today & throw it in the crock pot to serve tomorrow. I am re-posting this recipe by request with some changes to make it super easy. Enjoy!

Ingredients
2 Lbs Chicken Breasts on the bone with skin.
2 Qts Chicken stock
1/2 C Flour
2 C Onion, chopped
1 3/4 C Celery, chopped
1 1/2 C Green Pepper, chopped
1/2 C Green Onions, chopped
4 cloves Garlic, minced
2 T Vegetable Oil
1 1/2 t Thyme
1 t Oregano
1/2 t Pepper
3 Bay Leaves
8 oz Tomato Paste
1/2 pepperoni, chopped.
Hot cooked Rice

Procedure
Put chicken in a Dutch oven or large pot and cover with water, bring to a boil.
Reduce heat, and simmer, uncovered, 45 minutes or until chicken is done. Let chicken cool in water (about 30 - 60 minutes) Remove chicken from pot, remove skin & bones and shred chicken.

At the same time the chicken is cookimg, Place flour in a corningwear or pie plate and Bake at 350F for 45 minutes to 1 hour, stir every 15 minutes. You want to get the flour really brown.

Cook onion and the next 4 ingredients in oil in Dutch oven over medium-heat, stirring constantly, until tender.

Add browned flour, thyme, and next 3 ingredients, stirring until smooth.
Slowly add chicken stock stirring constantly, chicken,tomato paste, and sausage.
Bring to a boil; reduce heat, and simmer, uncovered, 1 hour.
Remove and discard bay leaves.
Serve over Rice.

Cara: The Smartest Thing

noreply@blogger.com (Cara and Jenn) — Fri, 03 Feb 2012 14:01:00 +0000

She who is herself...

trusting her instincts was the hardest thing she ever did.

There was that wimpy voice inside her...

cautioning her not to take a risk.

There were times along the way where she was so scared...

she almost quit.

But she heard the whisperings of her heart.

She pushed with her heart.

faith in her skills...

faith in her ethic...

and faith in her knowledge...

that she can succeed.

The smartest thing she ever did.

Jenn: Guilt Free

noreply@blogger.com (Cara and Jenn) — Thu, 02 Feb 2012 14:13:00 +0000

Guilt: Guilt is the state of being responsible for the commission of an offense.[1] It is also a cognitive or an emotional experience that occurs when a person realizes or believes—accurately or not—that he or she has violated a moral standard, and bears significant responsibility for that violation.[2] It is closely related to the concept of remorse.

Guilt- we all use it one way or another. We may feel guilt about something we said or did (real or imagined) or we may use guilt to get others to do something for us. I tend to guilt my kids into cleaning up. Whatever way you use it, it can be a very powerful tool. My kids guilt me into things too. I am trying to not let that work... Sometimes it's hard. Motherly guilt can be our undoing.

This morning I was surprised through an e-mail exchange when an adult was trying to "guilt" me into letting my child do something that I already said No to.

One of my children were asked to participate in a fund-raising event. It involved a trip and getting people to join in. Because of grades, hubby & I decided that this child didn't deserve to go on said trip. The rule of thumb in my house is Good kids get good things. That covers day-to-day behavior and school work. Don't aske me for $20 bucks to go hang with your buds after you have been mean to your sibling or brought home a bad grade. Not happening.

When the trip was first proposed - as a fund raiser for a school club - with no parental input, I was not thrilled. From day one, the deal was excellent midterms mean yes and not so excellent mean No. So the grades came out - and though not horrific - they didn't live up to expectations. No trip.

When I emailed the adult in charge that my child would not be going on the trip, the response was immediate. Then the barrage of guilt. I offerd to donate whatever would have been raised by my child's attendance. Still more guilt.

So I decided not respond to the emails. I am not guilty of anything other than raising good, responsible children. I am the parent. I make the decisions I feel are right for my family - end of story.

Guilt free - it's how I am living my life... Just don't tell my kids!

Cara: February?

noreply@blogger.com (Cara and Jenn) — Wed, 01 Feb 2012 13:52:00 +0000

"Cold, gray, wet, muddy mornings

make the shortest month seem the longest.

But lingering afternoons and pink sunsets hold out promise"

Ok, January? Check. Really? Flew by for me. Maybe that's because this year I chose to accept it (like I have a choice) I must admit though I did have a few days of Old Man Winter pinching me like he usually does in the winter. But this time I tried to remember some of my own advice...Vitamin D...sit outside in the sun when I can and with 50 degree January weather that was easy, take my vitamins, drink more coffee...focus on all the good...blah blah blah. Not always easy on a gray day.

But February is when you are still allowed to hibernate some. You can hunker down, stay under the covers a few more minutes. The next few months Spring will be on the verge of springing then we have to "come out"....back out in the yard, back on the sports fields, family events that start up again in the Spring.

Tomorrow is what is know as Candlemas Day. It marks the mid point of winter halfway between the shortest day and the Spring equinox. It also commemorates the 40 days after Jesus' birth when Mary brought him to the Temple. It gets pretty deep in religious beliefs or cultural folk lore. But I like the idea of marking the day with candles.

I usually have a candle lit when I am home. I usually light it as soon as I wake up. I love candlelight even if it's not Candlemas Day. I probably don't light it as often in the warmer Spring or Summer months I suppose because we are outside a lot and maybe don't spend a lot of time just being home.

Tomorrow I will make sure I light my candle(s). Maybe you want to light one too when you are or get home. It's nice to walk by and see "the light".

Jenn: Bueller?

noreply@blogger.com (Cara and Jenn) — Tue, 31 Jan 2012 13:53:00 +0000

One of my all-time favorite 80's movies - Ferris Bueller's Day Off- is making a come back. Unfortunately it's in the form of a Honda commericial. I guess Ferris' life didn't turn out exactly as planned - from driving a Ferrari to a Honda? What a step down! All the buzz surroundings this commercial got me thinking about all the other 80's moving I loved.

The 80's gave us classics like 16 candles, Rocky & Back to the Future. Going to the movies was big when I was growing up. It was affordable, close-by and there were so many good movies to see - or so it seems. I remember my first R movie - Blue Lagoon - I was 13 years old. My girl friend Angela and I saw this movie at least three times. We were never id'd (different world) No one cared we were in a R movie. There is no way that movie would be R today - there are much worse things on TV.

I rarely go to the movies these days. There are movies I would like to see - but the time just isn't there. Plus to take my family to the movies is 60 bucks in tickets and another 40 in popcorn & drinks. I can wait the 3 or 6 months for it to come out on DVD Or Netflix and watch it in the comfort of my own living room.

I think this Saturday night might be a good one to introduce my kids to Ferris... At least they will get the commercial on Sunday if nothing else and I will get to watch a classic movie. Popcorn anyone?

Cara: 7 Qualities Of Women You Want To Be Around...

noreply@blogger.com (Cara and Jenn) — Mon, 30 Jan 2012 11:00:00 +0000

"They live by their own rules

...but don't expect you to follow them."

I think one of the reason I used to get dissappointed by other people is because I expected them to be or act in a certain way and when they didn't I was let down.

I mean, I do expect certain things from my children, my husband my close friends. I don't think that's unreasonable. I think there are mutual expectations there...respect, honesty, loyalty to name a few.

But as far as other people I have learned that they don't necessarily have to follow my "rules" nor should they. Everyone has a different view of what is right. My right may not be theirs. And unless it's something OBVIOUSLY right, and something that's subjective then it's fine.

When I was younger most of my friends or people I associated with were like me. Now it seems that my circles are filled with people alike me in some ways and very unlike me in other ways. Many people I know parent very differently from the way I do. Not to say there's is wrong..although one time I would have said they were wrong. Now I just say that works for them, but it's not the way I would do it.

I think most people do what they need to do to raise their children, make friends, gain what they perceive to be social status,or simply get through their day. I may not agree with how they do it, or what they think. But I may ~~tolerate~~ like who they are. And what they do probably doesn't affect me.

So whatever. I do it my way. You do it your way. Play nice in the sandbox. You don't throw sand at me, I won't bury you. It's really that easy.

Jenn: Sunday Grateful

noreply@blogger.com (Cara and Jenn) — Sun, 29 Jan 2012 20:39:00 +0000

I cant't add onto Cara's post from my iPad and no other computer available right now...

Today I am grateful for

A great weekend. Exhausting. Packed-to-the-brim with friends and family. So much laughter my sides are still aching.

Today I am grateful for
The sunshine that has made January a truly spectacular month.

Today I am grateful for
The continued improved Heath of my dog.

Today I am grateful for
My kids who help when they need to, who complain too much and who keep me on my toes.

Today I am grateful for
A new perspective

Grateful on Sunday

noreply@blogger.com (Cara and Jenn) — Sun, 29 Jan 2012 11:00:00 +0000

Cara

I'm grateful

when the right decision is made

for

being with new friends and learning their story

when

busy weekends make tired boys
for my kids

who are happily doing their own thing

that next week

I finish my January to do list

Cara: Spring in January?

noreply@blogger.com (Cara and Jenn) — Sat, 28 Jan 2012 15:10:00 +0000

Someone forgot to tell my plants that it's January. Poor guys I know they are gonna get it. We have one foot in January and the other in February and I know this springlike weather can't go on...although I am enjoying it.

Mother Nature is definitely making it easier for me embrace winter this year!

Jenn: Butcher Worthy?

noreply@blogger.com (Cara and Jenn) — Thu, 26 Jan 2012 12:18:00 +0000

If you are or ever were a fan of Seinfeld you may remember an episode in which Elaine decided if her dates were "sponge-worthy" or not. The sponge, a contraceptive device, was introduced in the US in 1983 and taken off the market in 1994. In the Seinfeld episode, Elaine questions wheter a date is "sponge worthy" after hearing the sponge is gone and she now has to conserve the few she has left for that truly special guy. Sponge-worthy was an instant hit. Sort of like Yada Yada Yada.

I am way past the sponge worthy stage, having been married almost two decades. At this stage of the game, I need to know if you are "butcher worthy."

I buy all my meat from our local butcher. It's not the most economical way to go, but the quality so suffices anything you will ever get in the grocery store. My kids even know now if I have "cheated" and bought grocery store meat - you can taste the difference.

Yesterday, Cara and I went to the new BJ's in Deer Park - yes it's open for all you BJ fans. We were by the meat isle and Purdue chicken breasts were .99 a pound. You can't do better than that these days. I have a lot of entertaining going on this weekend between bunco and a family party so I jokingly said to Cara my guests this weekend weren't "butcher worthy" and I was going to pick the chicken up at BJ's for $12 rather than spend $40 at the butcher.

Not that I don't love my friends and family - but when cooking for a crowd economics is a big factor. So forget being sponge worthy - what's really important is are you butcher worthy? Oh how far I've come!

Cara's two cents: All I have to say is I am glad we have footbal and I couldn't sub for Bunco this month...just sayin'.

Cara: 7 Qualities of Women You Want To Be Around....

noreply@blogger.com (Cara and Jenn) — Wed, 25 Jan 2012 11:00:00 +0000

In keeping with my month's "theme" of getting things in order, I have been going through papers. MOUNTAINS of papers. Let just say, I have so much to get rid of that I cannot possibly sit and shred it all. I will go insane. I am waiting for a not windy weekend and I'm going to burn it in the fire pit outside. But I have come upon things that I am saving. (I did ditch the first birthday cards though!) An article "7 Qualities of Women You Want To Be Around" is one them. When I cut it out and stuck in a folder I didn't know when or why I would read it again. I am glad I saved it.

1. "They see the strengths not the limitations, in others. They make you proud to be yourself-because they tell you why you're special."

One of the things that caught my attention about this article is it said "women you want to be around", not necessarily the woman you want to be. I think we would all like to think we are someone people other people want to be around. I do. I also know there are times when I am someone I don't want to be around.

I like #1 because it's something I have been trying to be conscious of lately. I am not a "serial compliment-er". Meaning that I don't compliment someone unless I mean it. And I get uncomfortable if I think someone's trying to blow smoke up my ass by complimenting me...all the time. I have gotten much better at taking a compliment. I don't right away give the anti-compliment back, i.e. Them:"I like your shirt" Me: "Really? I only paid $10 for it". Dumb. Now I just say thanks!

More times then not, it seemed that I thought something in my head...like "Wow she lost a lot of weight, she looks great" and then for whatever reason I didn't tell them. I don't know why. Then someone else says it out loud and I jump on the bandwagon too when I should have said it first.

So I have been making a conscious effort to say it out loud. Tell someone they did a great job when I truly think they did. Tell someone when I love their new sweater when I really do. Tell a mom what a nice kid they have, (and usually that happens when they seem to be at their wits end with their kid, and then the lightbulb goes off that yes do have a nice kid!) I make sure I thank people when they really need to be thanked.

I am trying to be conscious of people's "plates" and who's is way too full for them even though I am carrying around a serving platter in comparison. I am trying to see their strengths rather than get irritated at what I perceive their limitations to be.

I always told my daughter your friends are not people that make you feel bad when you are with them. They make you feel better about who you are. I guess I got that one right.

Jenn: Comfort Food

noreply@blogger.com (Cara and Jenn) — Tue, 24 Jan 2012 13:08:00 +0000

The snow this weekend was a perfect excuse for comfort food. A little snow, a chilly day spent in front of the fire and beef stew on the stove. Even my "vegetarian" eats beef stew over egg noodles, minus the beef of course. According to my husband, this stew is brilliant. It is better the next day. I omitted the mushrooms because I am the only one who eats them - and my kids asked that next time I omit the peas. I keep Emeril's Essence on hand in the cabinet - I love it sprinkled on chicken, fish or steak and grilled - it adds a little spice to just about anything.

Emeril's Beef Stew (food network)

INGREDIENTS

3 tablespoons olive oil

3 pounds beef stew meat, cut into 1-inch pieces

2 teaspoons kosher salt

2 teaspoons Essence, recipe follows

1 teaspoon cracked black pepper

3 tablespoons unsalted butter

1 pound button mushrooms, quartered

2 cups roughly chopped yellow onions

2 cups sliced carrots, (1-inch slices cut crosswise on a diagonal)

2 celery stalks, roughly chopped

1 tablespoon roughly chopped garlic

4 tablespoons all-purpose flour

4 1/2 cups veal or beef stock, at room temperature

4 tablespoons tomato paste

1 sprig fresh thyme

1 sprig fresh rosemary

1/4 teaspoon ground allspice

3 to 4 cups 1-inch dice russet potatoes

1 cup frozen green peas, thawed

2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley leaves

Steamed white rice or buttered egg noodles, for serving

Set a Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add 1 tablespoon of the olive oil to the pot and season the beef with the salt, Essence and black pepper, being sure to toss the meat well to evenly cover with the spices. Add 1/3 of the beef to the pot and cook until browned on all sides, 2 or 3 minutes per side. Remove the beef from the pot and set aside. Add 1 tablespoon of the remaining olive oil to the pot along with half of the remaining meat and cook again until browned. Set aside and repeat with the remaining tablespoon of oil and remaining beef. Set aside.

Add the butter and mushrooms to the pot and cook, stirring occasionally, until well browned, about 3 minutes. Add the onions, carrots and celery and saute until onions are softened and lightly caramelized, about 3 minutes. Add the garlic and cook for 30 seconds. Sprinkle the flour over the vegetables and cook, stirring, for about 3 minutes. Add the stock, tomato paste, thyme, rosemary, allspice and browned beef and bring to a boil. Reduce the heat to a simmer, partially cover the pot, and cook, stirring occasionally, until the meat is tender, about 1 hour. Add the potatoes to the stew and partially cover the pot with a lid. Continue cooking until the potatoes are very tender, about 30 minutes. Remove the lid and discard the thyme and rosemary stems. Add the peas and parsley to the stew, stir well to combine, then remove from the heat. Serve hot, with either steamed white rice or buttered egg noodles.

Emeril's ESSENCE Creole Seasoning (also referred to as Bayou Blast):

2 1/2 tablespoons paprika

2 tablespoons salt

2 tablespoons garlic powder

1 tablespoon black pepper

1 tablespoon onion powder

1 tablespoon cayenne pepper

1 tablespoon dried oregano

1 tablespoon dried thyme

Combine all ingredients thoroughly.

Cara:Face like a flag

noreply@blogger.com (Cara and Jenn) — Mon, 23 Jan 2012 13:50:00 +0000

"Some people have a face like a flag blowing in the wind"

Ain't that the truth. Not referring to anyone I know....heaven forbid. Ahem. I am thinking about Paula Deen.

I like Paula Deen, I always have. Does she make some of the most ~~fattening, sugar and butter laden~~ awesome recipes ever? Yep. Is she coming into your house tying you to a chair and making you eat them? No.

Should you make Skillet Fried Apple Pie for dessert every night? Of course not. But if I made them up would you maybe try one? Would I ever make The Lady's Lunch Burger? Nope not for me. Nobody says I have to like it or make it for that matter.

So what's with everyone from rag magazines in the supermarket to TV Doctors on morning shows getting on Paula?

She has Type II Diabetes and didn't tell the world. I bet she has gas now and then too but we don't need to know that. Everyone loved Paula. She was friendly, sweet, funny. She made some crazy things that people loved to taste but maybe would not make everyday. She was on every show from Oprah to Larry King. They were loving her then. Now that she has done the unthinkable...got a disease she is fodder for nasty talk.

Paula Deen did not make you fat. Paula Deen is not responsible for the health of other people. Obviously she got diabetes from a life of not exactly eating healthy. But probably started eating the way she did from how she grew up or maybe due to the fact that she was a penniless single mom, with agoraphobia and two small boys to take care of alone. She started a business in her home cooking what she knew how and what people wanted and had her sons deliver them for her so she would not have to leave the house.

Everyone loved her story, her food and her. Suddenly now she is the Devil because she has Type II Diabetes. (faces like the flag...)

Well I'm not joining the witch hunt. Is she going to make more money yet now promoting healthier recipes and I think maybe as a spokesperson for Diabetes medication? Probably.
Are they a little envious? Maybe.

Aren't those TV doctors who I am not even sure have time to practice medicine since their on screen careers have taken off, doing the same thing? Aren't they making money because people are so health conscious? Aren't they getting you to watch with show promotions of "5 signs that you already have cancer...up next!" Aren't you tuning in now because well maybe that feeling you're having is a tumor??????

People in glass houses....is another saying that comes to mind.

Leave her alone. I totally relate to her wearing all her jewelry while cooking and not using pot holders cause they are annoying. I love her big hair and blue eyes. I love her "joie de vivre" and I hope when I'm her age I can rock the white hair, jewels and happiness like she can.

The rest can go eat bran.

Jenn's two cents: I agree - I find Paula entertaining - I have made her beef stew recipe (delish) and often cringe at what she is cooking (especially the hamburger/donuts thing) She is fun to watch- take it for what it is and cook what works for you.

Grateful On Sunday

noreply@blogger.com (Cara and Jenn) — Sun, 22 Jan 2012 11:00:00 +0000

Cara

I'm grateful

to have had lots of laughs at book club

in the company of good women

for

vacation plans made

when

people get me

for my kids

who can always be reasoned with

that next week

I may get the chance to spend some time

with a new favorite baby

Jenn

I am grateful

that my puppy is home

for

snow that gave me an excuse to stay home on a Saturday

when

we spent a family night in front of the fire

for my kids

who seem to be getting the whole picking up after yourself idea.

that next week

Daisy continues to get better

Cara: Football Food

noreply@blogger.com (Cara and Jenn) — Sat, 21 Jan 2012 11:00:00 +0000

Lately in this house it's been football and nothing but football. I have even succumbed to it as well I am afraid. (I realized that when I got a little excited to see women's Giants NFL clothes in the store...but haven't bought it yet!)

It had begun in August with Shorty playing for the first time. It hasn't ended. It went all through the fall. Then throw in the fact that now Hubby has two boys to watch games with on Sundays. Then throw in youth winter football...that still is going on, and then some football training coming up soon...yes it never ends. I get it now.

Besides the obvious joy it brings my son, it's good for our family. We all were watching it last week together (Diva too believe it or not). It gives Dad and Sons something to chit chat about. Football is good.

Another good thing about football is football food! I would take potato skins and nachos over cookies and cake any day. (Hence the fury to stay carb free during the week!) I love to have people all together in the den all over the couch with mountains of football food on the coffee table. Comfort food I guess.

A dip I make has become a favorite...lovely when paired with the droning of screaming football fans on the TV! Here's a page out of my ongoing recipe book that I plan on giving to the Diva when the day comes that she actually wants to cook something Enjoy! GO BIG BLUE!

Book Club: Snow Flower and the Secret Fan by Lisa See

noreply@blogger.com (Cara and Jenn) — Fri, 20 Jan 2012 12:50:00 +0000

"A language kept a secret for a thousand years forms the backdrop for an unforgettable novel of two Chinese women whose friendship and love sustains them through their lives.

This novel – takes place in 19th century China when girls had their feet bound, then spent the rest of their lives in seclusion with only a single window from which to see. Illiterate and isolated, they were not expected to think, be creative, or have emotions. But in one remote county, women developed their own secret code, nu shu – "women's writing" – the only gender-based written language to have been found in the world. Some girls were paired as "old-sames" in emotional matches that lasted throughout their lives. They painted letters on fans, embroidered messages on handkerchiefs, and composed stories, thereby reaching out of their windows to share their hopes, dreams, and accomplishments.

An old woman tells of her relationship with her "old-same," their arranged marriages, and the joys and tragedies of motherhood—until a terrible misunderstanding written on their secret fan threatens to tear them apart. With the detail and emotional resonance of Memoirs of a Geisha , Snow Flower and the Secret Fan delves into one of the most mysterious and treasured relationships of all time—female friendship."

That's the blurb I took from the Internet. I enjoyed the book. I liked to get to take a peek inside a culture that was hidden from the world, albeit fictitious. Along with all the cultural Chinese customs like foot binding and "honoring" one's mother in law forever there was the story of two friends. And what was misunderstood as betrayal by one...ended up becoming regret for the remainder of the other's life. Even though it was set 200 years ago...the complex bonds of the friendship of women remains the same.

Jenn: Puppy Love

noreply@blogger.com (Cara and Jenn) — Thu, 19 Jan 2012 11:00:00 +0000

You may have to break out the tissues for this one. Last February I wrote about my dog Bali In a post. She was almost 16, suffered a very bad fall, and unfortunately couldn't find her way back. We had to make the very difficult decision to put her down. Cara held my hand as did my twelve year old ballerina. To say I was a mess is an understatement. To watch the brave face my ballerina put on was truly inspiring. She was comforting me and not the other way around. Fast forward 11 months and my 4 year old baby dog daisy is just not right. I take her to the vet and the news isn't good. Although we don't know the final outcome yet, there is still great belief that she will be ok, who again is comforting me? My 13-year-old ballerina. I am a mess. She is stoic. I am crying, she is comforting me. Where did she from this beautiful girl who shows so much compassion for me, her mother, when most would be crying for their dog? She keeps checking on me as if she is the mother and I am the child. I am In physical pain, missing my puppy, who sleeps with me each night, and again she is hugging me, comforting me and telling me it will be alright. She is so strong and has proven that over and over again and I marvel at her stoicism. I am the big cry baby. Sensitive to a fault. I miss my dog. I want her with me. In my mind, I know it's just a dog. It could be so much worse. I KNOW THAT but it doesn't make it any easier. I spoke with my cousin today whose husband was unemployed for 6 months. I heard about my Aunt who has stage 2 cancer. I try to lessen my worries about my dog by thinking it could be worse. It could be my child. So I must learn from this beautiful 13 year old of mine. I need to show her that I can be brave. I need to "mom-up" and hope for the best. I am so proud of this girl...my hero.

Cara's two cents: she is a brave girl but where do you think she learned it from? Hope you get good news today :(