Bakers Love

A day in the life of the artists Dexter and Felex,

 

Dexter and Felex hard at work on their projects.  The guys asked me if they could paint on canvas today, and there was no way I could stop the creative process that was pouring through these boys today. 

   

Felex and his creation that he has titled 'The Growing Flower'.

 

Dexter and his painting titled, 'No True Home'.  Man this kid amazes me everyday with his creativity.  He decided to channel Jasper Johns, and despite my efforts to assure that there were no paint splatters on my walls or floor, he managed to include his art throughout our home with or without a canvas.

Memories, loss, and wooden trunks.

The last day of March can be a difficult time for my family.  I usually find myself blue and feeling unexplained sadness a few weeks into March, when suddenly it hits me  that this is the time of year that  our dad, or 'Pop's' to his beloved 3 girls, lost his battle with pancreatic cancer.  There are not many days when thoughts of my dad do not cross my mind.  I think of how much fun he would be having with all of his grand kids, finally, 4 little grandsons to putter around in the garage, and one little granddaughter to brighten the world.  My kids sadly do not have an active Grandfather in their lives, they miss out on simple things that Grandpa time provides.  Quiet learning of the things that truly count, family, time, and creating fun memories. 
I thought of pops a lot this week, how many hours he tried to explain the mystery of math to me, and how he would of laughed at how Wes was now tackling that frustrating role.  I have one of his white V-neck tee-shirts hanging in the front of my closet, and I remember how much my sisters and I loved swiping those shirts for our fantastic 80's fashions, much to his frustration.  Really, he had GIRLS after all, why were they stealing HIS clothes! 
When I met Westley I knew immediately that my parents would adore him, particularly my dad.  I thought that Wes and my dad would share their love of all things nerdy, computers, old cars, and science fiction.  I remember being a little angry with Westley early in our relationship and he looked at me with all seriousness and told me, "I am going home to YOUR parents"  obviously the argument turned into laughter, but that is how it was, my parents showed Westley that families could love each other and actually WANT to spent time together, something he missed out on.  An important quiet  lesson.
When Westley and I married my dad gave us our final gift, a beautiful wooden trunk, that he built just for us.  Inscribed on a little brass plaque that tells all that it was made with love, by 'POP's'.

A perfect start to a glorious day

 

I know that oatmeal can be boring to some, but it is truly one of my favorite ways to start the day.  Using good old fashioned steel cut oats I top my bowl with a handful of blueberries and walnuts.  The guys enjoy their oatmeal with a little maple syrup and a sprinkle of cinnamon.  No hidden dinosaur eggs or dehydrated apple chunks, just fresh wholesome goodness.  Indeed a perfect start to a glorious day.

A cookie that could change the world

One of my favorite cookbook authors is Dori Greenspan.  I participated in a fun group of bakers dedicated to baking from her book each Tuesday.  Tuesday's with Dori was so much fun, but I found that between kids, school, house, etc, Tuesday's with Dori became an afterthought.  I still frequently bake out of Dori's book, and when her Wold Peace Cookies were assigned to our group months ago I knew I wanted to make them.  Dori's recipe originated from Parisian pastry chef (and culinary hero of mine) Pierre Herme, an now I am passing it along to you.  This cookie is amazing. A perfect combination of sweet delectiable chocolate and sea salt.  One bite and for a moment all feels right in the world. 

Dori Greenspan's World Peace Cookies

1 1/4 cup all purpose flour

1/3 cup cocoa powder

1/2 teaspoon baking soda

1 stick plus 3 tablespoons unsalted butter

2/3 cup brown sugar

1/4 cup sugar

1/2 teaspoon fleur de sel or fine sea salt

1 teaspoon vanilla

5 ounces bittersweet chocolate chopped or chips

Sift flour, cocoa, and baking soda together.

Beat butter on medium speed until soft and creamy, add sugars, salt, and vanilla.  Beat for an additional 2 minutes.  Turn off mixer and add dry ingredients.  It would be a good idea at this time to drape a kitchen towel around your mixer to prevent the counter becoming covered with a flour cocoa mixture that takes forever to clean.  Pulse mixer at low speed a few times, it should be safe to remove the towel now, continue to mix the dough until the flour is no longer noticeable.  Toss in the chocolate chips.

Roll the dough into logs and wrap the log in parchment or plastic wrap.  Refrigerate the dough for at least 3 hours.  When you are ready to bake your amazing cookies, preheat the oven to 325 degrees.  Line pans with parchment paper or silicone mat.  Slice cookies into 1/2 inch rounds.  Bake cookies for about 12 minutes.  Let rest a few minutes to prevent scorching the roof of your mouth, thus keeping you from truly enjoying these inedible delights!

You know you are a tired mom when...

Spending the night in jail sounds somewhat appealing. 

Let me explain.  Recently I received a speeding ticket.  I admit I was indeed speeding on a portion of our local highway that is currently under construction.  I drive this road about 4-6 times a day, always at the posted speed.  This particular day in question was a Sunday and after 9 pm, needless to say there was not any construction occurring at the time of my infraction of the law.  I simply forgot, and by the time I remembered and slowed down, the red lights were requiring my immediate attention.  The officer that pulled me over simply wrote out the ticket, and sent me on my way.  After admitting my mistake to Westley and my kids, I actually forgot about the ticket.  Yes I forgot about the ticket . I had been busy with school, kids, cleaning, cooking, looking for work, making appointments for Dexter, going to appointments with Dexter, and basically doing all that I can as essentially a single mom since Wes works out of town 5-6 days a week.  I forgot.  I am a good citizen, I frequently volunteer in my community, and I do all I can to make my little corner of the world a great place.  When I opened my mail yesterday to a bright pink notice that I am now a wanted woman, my heart skipped a few, rather several beats.  I could'nt sleep last night thinking about this ticket gone horribly wrong.  I can not afford the $604.00 fee, and started to think of how I was going to solve this problem.  I thought if I had to, I was willing to spend the night in jail.  I would prepare myself by taking a few books with me to the court house in the morning, just in case the security officer got wind of my arrival and whisked me off to a holding cell.

I nervously decided to tackle this as best as I could, with reasoning, friendliness, and if needed cookies.  I got dressed, nice, but not TOO nice, because I did'nt want to look like I could afford the $604.00 ticket even though my dress was six bucks at the thrift store.  Anyway, I walked into the court house, and found my way to the traffic division.  There was one lady in front of me arguing with the court worker about payment of a ticket.  I immediately thought I was going to be in trouble, but did notice that this traffic offender in front of me was not using the best approach.  She was asked to leave.  Wow, the lady behind the glass had POWER.  I walked up, with my 1980's day glow pink notice and said, "I think I am in trouble"  She laughed, and we were on our way.  I explained that I screwed up, and I can't afford the high fee.  She happily looked up my history and offered to get my fee reduced if I made an appearance with the traffic judge.  YES! 

So, even though I had a good book, and the possibility of a full nights sleep, it looks like I am free until my court date April 21 st.  Do me a favor, put it on YOUR calender too so you can remind me.

My Buns

 

On the menu this evening,  pulled pork sandwiches for dinner.  A simple dish that I could toss in the Crockpot (if you don't have one you should, really, they are so much fun super easy).  While the magic of a slow cooker worked its wonders, I went about my usual daily running about.  First I hit the gym, then I realized I had a few hours to kill before the kids needed to be retrieved from school so I decided to check out the sale racks at TJ Maxx.  I jacket I have eyeballed for the past few months had been reduced to the most ridiculous price of $7.00.  With new jacket in tow I swung by the grocery store to purchase some buns for my quick dinner.  I don't usually buy much in the bakery aisle, so I was stopped dead in my tracks when I read the price for a bag of 8, yes EIGHT, hamburger buns.  Mind you, these were not a fancy brand, they even appeared to be the 'off' brand.  Eight whole wheat hamburger buns that were about the size of my fist were $4.67.  Not 2 bags for $4.67.  NO.  One bag.  That is close to 60 cents a bun!  For $3.00 more I could buy another jacket!  Bulk flour is only $0.36 a pound, so I went home and made some buns. 

Math smath

I have put off taking this class, Mathematics for close to a year.  Why?  Well, to be honest, math makes me cry.  Not the everyday math like measuring, accounting, and how many grilled cheese sandwiches are required to feed my guys, no, I'm talking about the math with letters and 43 steps to achieve one answer.  Yesterday, my assignment consisted of 21 problems.  21 simple problems that took me only 8.5 hours to complete, REALLY.    My mid-term is on Saturday, everything needs to be finished in 90 minutes.  I think I am in trouble!

Foiled again

 Upon hearing a loud crash followed by Felex screaming from the boys room, I ran in to find Dexter on the floor and his loft bed in pieces. Taking a moment to reflect on WHY the bed crash had to happen when Wes was out of town, I decided to just walk away from the mess and let the kids move into my room.   All was peaceful as I settled the boys in, it was then that  Dexter informed me that he was fine, but suffering from amnesia. 

The pesky amnesia continued this morning.  How was he going to cope at school if he could not recall what he was supposed to do?  How can he be expected to sit in a classroom if he can't remember how to learn?  The only obvious solution to the amnesia problem would be to stay home from school so he could watch his favorite cartoons and play Ace combat 5. 

Felex took a moment to ask Dexter one simple question.  He asked Dex that if he had amnesia, how could he know about cartoons and Ace combat 5?

Foiled again by the little brother.

UPDATE:  Did you know that it ispossible to be suspended from school for a bout with amnesia?  I KNOW I was obviously foiled by the school, what was I thinking sending an amnesiac to 5th grade for the day.