tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-69941585660310638492024-03-13T10:38:45.638-07:00EdiMommyMusings on all things edible and all things mommyEdimommyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01698994966072152811noreply@blogger.comBlogger22125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6994158566031063849.post-45270893614336866492012-07-22T09:51:00.000-07:002012-07-22T09:51:51.154-07:00I've Moved!I've moved and would love for you to come and see me over at my new site - <a href="http://www.themommygames.wordpress.com/" target="_blank">The Mommy Games</a>!Edimommyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01698994966072152811noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6994158566031063849.post-32449086484554532582012-07-15T17:44:00.002-07:002012-07-15T17:45:38.888-07:00My Favorite Baby Must Haves<div style="text-align: justify;">
Rylan is just over 4 months old and here's a list of what I simply can't live without for him...</div>
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<a href="http://www.diapers.com/p/baby-bjorn-baby-carrier-synergy-black-mesh-7713" target="_blank">Bjorn Carrier</a> - We have two, but this one is the best for lighter babies. It's so easy to use and the baby can face towards or away from you. I have Rylan in this all the time so that I can do things with Brandon and use both hands.<br />
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<a href="http://www.diapers.com/p/aden-anais-boutique-3-pack-muslin-swaddles-35605" target="_blank">Aden and Anis bamboo swaddle blankets</a> - So soft and pretty. We only swaddled Rylan for the first month, but I use these to cover the stroller or bjorn so he doesn't get sun (or touched by creepy people on the street). The <a href="http://www.diapers.com/p/halo-sleepsack-swaddle-wearable-blanket-organic-cotton-57963" target="_blank">Sleep sacks with swaddle attachments</a> are also a must-have if your baby is breaking out of normal swaddles. <a href="http://www.miracleblanket.com/index.htm" target="_blank">The Miracle Blanket</a> is even tougher for them to get out of, but it's kinda a pain to do up, especially after a diaper change at 2 am. I'm also obsessed with the Aden and Anis burp cloths/bibs. They are the perfect size and shape and I love that they serve multiple functions.</div>
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<u>White noise machine</u> - Blocks out all kinds of noise when the baby is sleeping. With a toddler and a crazy dog running around this is a must have.<br />
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<a href="http://www.diapers.com/p/summer-infant-babytouch-color-video-monitor-95804" target="_blank">Summer Infant Video Monitor</a> - This one is the best!! We've been through 3 different brands and they all broke on us within 6 weeks. This one has been going strong for a year plus now, and we even added a camera so we can watch both of the boys rooms. It has a scan feature that automatically switches between up to 4 cameras every 8 seconds. Perfect for when you are sleeping and want something that is going to monitor multiple children.<br />
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<u>Stroller(s) </u>- You gotta have one, and if you live in NYC it better be good! We actually have 3, and I love them all for different reasons. A <a href="http://www.diapers.com/p/maclaren-quest-black-dove-348586" target="_blank">Maclaren</a> for easy fold-up, great for when we are going to be taking a cab or car someplace. An <a href="http://www.uppababy.com/products/product.php?id=236" target="_blank">UppaBaby</a> with an attached rumble seat, which I use when I have both kids but will be in a more cramped place, like Whole Foods. And a <a href="http://www.diapers.com/p/bob-revolution-se-duallie-black-88641" target="_blank">double BOB running stroller</a>. Even though the BOB is enormous, it's probably my favorite. We have the car seat adapter and I've been running with Rylan since he was 3 months old. It's insanely heavy with both kids and the car seat, which has really kicked my butt into shape. It's a large stroller to have in nyc, but I like that both the boys can see out. It also does amazing in the snow!</div>
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<a href="http://www.diapers.com/p/fisher-price-precious-planet-happy-giraffe-bouncer-20737" target="_blank">Fisher Price Bouncy Chair</a> and <a href="http://www.diapers.com/p/fisher-price-rainforest-melodies-lights-deluxe-gym-9323" target="_blank">Play Mat</a> - We have some of the other "cooler" versions (that cost like 4x as much), but you just can't beat the classics. They have more bells and whistles and the kids generally respond to the colors and lights. The others might look better with your decor, but you will be running out to get the gaudy bright colored jungle of toys sooner or later.<br />
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<u>Play Pen</u> - We have a <a href="http://www.diapers.com/p/graco-pack-n-play-modern-with-toy-gym-shout-341144" target="_blank">Graco</a>, but I don't think it matters what brand. You just need a place where you can put the baby down and know he's safe for a few minutes. I actually do "independent play time" in the play pen. I have a mobile and a handful of soft rattles in there for Rylan and he will hang out there for 30 minutes most days while I cook dinner. Brandon did his independent play time in there until he was 18 months old and then switched to his room. It's also a great place for them to sleep if you are traveling.</div>
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<a href="http://www.medelabreastfeedingus.com/products/463/freestyle-breastpump" target="_blank">Medela breast pump</a> - If you are planning on breast feeding, a good pump is a must. I know there are people out there that never end up giving their baby a bottle, but this mommy needs a break every once in a while. Not to mention that a pump can help you with supply issues. If you are not getting enough milk, pump in between feedings to increase supply. Too much milk and all you have to do is pump a little before you start feeding to keep from drowning the baby. I actually started exclusively pumping for Rylan after about 2 months. I just found it quicker and easier to do things on my schedule and I've never really been skilled enough to breastfeed in public. I would highly recommend getting a double pump. It just makes life easier and every minute counts when you have a newborn.<br />
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<a href="http://diapers.com/">Diapers.com</a> - I seriously don't know what I would do with out them. I get deliveries multiple times per week. They are quick, reliable and easy to deal with if anything every does go wrong.</div>
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I would love to hear from you what make your must-have for baby list!Edimommyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01698994966072152811noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6994158566031063849.post-43211015693960418252012-07-12T13:51:00.001-07:002012-07-12T18:57:34.279-07:00Brandon's 2nd Birthday Weekend<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="background-color: white; text-align: justify;">Brandon celebrated his second birthday this past weekend - and it was a multiple day event! Brad's half of the family flew in (we will be visiting mine in a few weeks) and proceeded to spoil the birthday boy rotten. He loved every minute of it. Brad and I didn't mind the babysitters either.</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white;">We kicked things off with a trip to <a href="http://victoriangardensnyc.com/" target="_blank">Victoria Gardens</a> in Central Park. It's a small amusement park that's great for the younger kiddos. During the winter it's an ice skating rink (you've probably seen it in movies, and it's much larger than Rockefeller).</span><span style="background-color: white;"> I thought Brandon might be a little scared to go on rides for the first time, but he was all over it. He wanted to go non-stop, not paying any mind to the ridiculous heat. He was a champ all the way. After a nice long nap, we went to Benihana for dinner. Definitely not on my recommendation list if you are visiting NYC, but it was a blast for Brandon. Him and Rylan were perfectly behaved (Brandon eating nearly 2 bowls of mushroom soup) for the whole 90 minute dinner - miracles never cease. Too bad they cut him out of his own birthday photo! Another highlight of the day was the mini-cupcakes Aunt Jennifer sent from <a href="http://www.bakedbymelissa.com/" target="_blank">Baked by Melissa</a>. They ship, are super yummy, and perfectly kid sized. Big hit.</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white;">Day 2 of festivities included a trip to the <a href="http://www.cmom.org/" target="_blank">Children's Museum of Manhattan</a>. Pretty much a bunch of manic kids running around an indoor play space, slamming and kicking "educational" exhibits. These people are minting it. On a hot day, this is the perfect escape from the heat. After another much needed nap, we headed to dinner at <a href="http://www.rosamexicano.com/" target="_blank">Rosa Mexicano</a>, also the site of Brandon's first birthday party. This is by far his favorite restaurant. He loves the guacamole and chips and was pretty content to spend the whole dinner eating away and sticking stickers all over Nana's face. We had a very special <a href="http://milkbarstore.com/" target="_blank">Momofuku Milk Bar</a> birthday cake (you must go, and you must get the cake balls - they'll probably change your life), but I think the candle and fire freaked Brandon out, so that celebration didn't last very long.</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white;">Before everyone headed out on Sunday, we went to church and <a href="http://www.telepan-ny.com/welcome-to-telepan" target="_blank">Telepan</a> for brunch. I think the kids had reached their breaking point, and didn't exactly make the meal a relaxing one for the four adults involved. Brandon loves to be surrounded by people, and having four extra playmates was definitely his idea of the ideal birthday weekend. Thank goodness he has a load of new toys to keep him occupied in the meantime! </span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white;">Happy 2nd Birthday beautiful boy!!</span></div>Edimommyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01698994966072152811noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6994158566031063849.post-18635395847958088192012-07-08T14:39:00.000-07:002012-07-08T14:41:16.904-07:00Rylan 4 Month Summary<div style="text-align: justify;">
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Rylan is just as sweet and easy going as ever. I swear 2nd babies must come out knowing that they have to share the spotlight. The biggest change this month would be his sleep consistency. He now goes down easy as pie at bedtime, and will generally fall asleep on his own for naps as well. He pretty much only ever cries when he is tired, so I know he has to go down before he reaches that point.<br />
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<span style="background-color: white;">With Brandon, I was very adamant about always having his naps in the crib, but that just isn't possible for Rylan. Instead we usually do his morning nap in the stroller then his last 2 in the crib. This seems to be working fine for him and gives us the flexibility we need to get out of the house during the day. Because I'm not always having him in the crib, if he is having a rough time going to sleep (rare) or wakes up 45 minutes into a nap, I will move him to the swing and let him finish his nap there.</span></div>
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Rylan loves to play peek-a-boo, and has even figured out that if he pulls a burp cloth up and down in front of his face we will finally catch on and start playing it with him. He also loves to be lifted up and down, which is giving me some killer biceps! If he isn't holding something he will grasp around with his hands until he finds something. His bib, fingers, shirt - this kid just has to be holding something at all times.<br />
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Our highlight lately is that he is now old enough to go in the exersaucer, aka the circle-of-neglect. Glad we discovered <a href="http://www.myhuggabebe.com/" target="_blank">this</a>, since when Brandon was that age I was stuffing the thing full of blankets and towels trying to keep him upright. So far, Brandon seems more interested in it than Rylan, but I'm sure he will come to love it as much as we do. :)</div>
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<span style="background-color: white;">Here's a typical rundown of his day:</span></div>
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7:25 am - wake-up, get dressed, and bottle of BM (7.5 oz)</div>
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7:45 - sit in bouncy chair as we have breakfast<br />
8:15 - watch mommy do laundry/chores<br />
8:30 - playmat time</div>
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9 - out for a walk/run or trip to the park in the bjorn or stroller - will sleep most of the time<br />
11 - "play" with Brandon</div>
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11:30 - bottle (7.5 oz) then hang out while we have lunch<br />
12:30-2:30/3 - nap<br />
3:15 - bottle (7.5 oz)<br />
3:30 - "play" with Brandon<br />
4:30 - nap<br />
5:30 - independent play in play pen<br />
6 - dinner with family<br />
6:40 - bath<br />
7 - bottle (7.5 oz)<br />
7:30 - bedtime!<br />
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Happy 4 months precious boy!!</div>
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Brandon also turned 2 this weekend, so I will post about all the fun and festivities soon.</div>Edimommyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01698994966072152811noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6994158566031063849.post-36905657962201187032012-07-01T17:28:00.002-07:002012-07-01T17:28:38.996-07:00Food for the 4thHope everyone has a wonderful 4th! Here's some ideas on what to make.<br />
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Must start with a beer, margarita, or <a href="http://culinarywannabe.blogspot.com/2008/10/i-am-so-not-ready-for-winter.html" target="_blank">Michelada</a>.</div>
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<a href="http://www.culinarywannabe.blogspot.com/2009/05/roasted-pepper-guacamole.html" target="_blank">My favorite Guacamole</a></div>
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<a href="http://www.culinarywannabe.blogspot.com/2008/06/tylers-zucchini-carpaccio.html" target="_blank">Zucchini Carpaccio</a> - way to amp up the veggie platter</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimY_Sln37yCEW80H7DlRg7unlqbP5Yzz1EKFdKd5-1T8Bo_REG40wjClkUwjDoKAV6ICsD1K0N3zVPzCAMbYkKRLkwu8LZlAQnx336QoCgZ2yufx7R4DfB8aGVYGXwabTdgoq2Q_wqI8Q/s1600/IMG_7325.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimY_Sln37yCEW80H7DlRg7unlqbP5Yzz1EKFdKd5-1T8Bo_REG40wjClkUwjDoKAV6ICsD1K0N3zVPzCAMbYkKRLkwu8LZlAQnx336QoCgZ2yufx7R4DfB8aGVYGXwabTdgoq2Q_wqI8Q/s320/IMG_7325.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.culinarywannabe.blogspot.com/2009/06/no-grill-no-problem.html" target="_blank">Best Steak Sandwich</a></div>
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<a href="http://www.culinarywannabe.blogspot.com/2008/05/its-summer.html" target="_blank">Coleslaw</a></div>
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And for dessert:</div>
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<a href="http://www.culinarywannabe.blogspot.com/2009/06/mint-chocolate-cream-cheese-brownies.html" target="_blank">Mint Chocolate Cream Cheese Brownies</a> - chocolaty but still refreshing</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhh9mMMvpahyhKtHrN0TReli7J7xXcCiLKCtDl02unGx51VK1UkS6G-Bov4uXHG2g7twEEgNYJQXPrAjQjM4gt7GlenxaVya0Ny-C0yZ9nmd8MwzamR8yVhciEoYhxBa9dzSvetMgwGUiA/s1600/IMG_7269.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhh9mMMvpahyhKtHrN0TReli7J7xXcCiLKCtDl02unGx51VK1UkS6G-Bov4uXHG2g7twEEgNYJQXPrAjQjM4gt7GlenxaVya0Ny-C0yZ9nmd8MwzamR8yVhciEoYhxBa9dzSvetMgwGUiA/s320/IMG_7269.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.culinarywannabe.blogspot.com/2009/05/because-cupcakes-are-so-last-year.html" target="_blank">Banana Pudding</a> - as American as it gets</div>Edimommyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01698994966072152811noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6994158566031063849.post-74553384115621140562012-06-29T08:29:00.000-07:002012-06-29T08:29:43.281-07:00Our Life in Pictures<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Rylan went for his first long run (8 miles)! He slept like a champ most of the way. Brad and I were cursing the hills of Central Park - pushing a double stroller with a car seat is not easy!</div>
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How the kids pass the miles.</div>
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Brandon started soccer classes.</div>
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We had a wonderful Father's Day. We went to church, then Brad and I went out without the kids for a few hours for some adult time (i.e. drinks before noon).<br />
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Just because Suki isn't getting much love on this blog.
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<span style="background-color: white;">Getting a much deserved mommy's afternoon out on the roof of the Empire Hotel.</span><br />
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Brandon loves to brush his teeth. I'm enjoying this while it lasts!</div>
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<span style="background-color: white;">Dinner time fun.</span></div>Edimommyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01698994966072152811noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6994158566031063849.post-36011689487849052292012-06-28T14:55:00.001-07:002012-06-28T14:55:07.676-07:00June Restaurant Round-Up<div style="text-align: justify;">
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<span style="background-color: white;">Brad and I go out on a date night every Wednesday. We have a standing babysitter so we plan these dinners out way in advance and love to try the latest and greatest on the NYC scene. Here's some of the places we went to in June...</span></div>
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<u><a href="http://www.torrisinyc.com/" target="_blank">Torrisi</a></u></div>
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Amazing. Ranked one of the best new restaurants by NY Mag for 2012. You choose between either a 7 or 20 course price fix menu. We went with the 7, but I totally could have done the 20! You start off with a bunch of antipasti type dishes, then move into the main and a small dessert (we actually ordered an additional dessert and then stopped by <a href="http://ricetoriches.com/puddy.aspx" target="_blank">Rice to Riches</a> on the way home since we were in the neighborhood - pigs!). Oh, and Oprah, Gayle, and Diane Sawyer sat at the table next to us. We have one lousy picture that Brad took while trying to be inconspicuous. This is a very small restaurant and reservations can be tricky, so call early! </div>
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<u><a href="http://www.danielnyc.com/barboulud.html" target="_blank">Bar Boulud</a> (brunch)</u></div>
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This place is right around the corner from us and we seriously go there once a month. This time we took the kids after church for brunch and sat outside. This is a great place for outdoor seating since it's pretty spacious and you are far away from the traffic. If you have an event at Lincoln Center this would be the perfect place to go before/after. Your typical french fare, but I especially love the steak and fries. Insider tip - if you can't get a reservation, they have a long bar that's for walk-ins and is totally comfortable to sit at. </div>
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<u><a href="http://redroosterharlem.com/" target="_blank">Red Rooster</a></u></div>
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Not our first (or last!) time at this spot. Marcus Samuelsson's unique take on comfort food in the heart of Harlem. It's worth trekking up there for the people watching alone! All the dishes we've had from here have been stellar, but you must get the cornbread. We actually order an extra portion just to take home for leftovers. If you can't get a table (and reservations are hard to come by), the outside seating is a great walk-in option and provides even better people watching. Be sure to try the sweet potato doughnuts for dessert as well.</div>
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<u><a href="http://www.recipenyc.com/" target="_blank">Recipe</a></u></div>
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An upper westside gem. Great seasonal menu with really fresh and inventive dishes. Intimate atmosphere and really friendly staff. Nothing pretentious about this place, just consistently great food. I always get a fish dish for my main course and usually get the dessert special, which was a peach and blackberry clafoutis this time - delicious. </div>
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<u><a href="http://www.beautyandessex.com/" target="_blank">Beauty & Essex</a> (brunch)</u></div>
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Yet another place we have frequented a handful of times. Great for a fun night out with friends. The scene is second to none in the city and the food is really exceptional given how cool this place is. Inside tip - yes, the weird looking storefront is the entrance. You just walk through it and into the door in the back. Not sure if they actually sell anything there, but it definitely threw me off the first time I went (we actually followed up that night by trying to get into a cab that was part of a movie scene - what a tricky city this is!).<br />
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I took Brad here for Father's Day brunch thinking that a babysitter and adult beverages were exactly what he needed. I've always loved the food here for dinner and brunch was more of the same. Inventive bites meant to share. Everything is very flavorful. Even the cocktails were unique and packed a bunch. Must try the beignets and the fried chicken biscuit bites. The lobster tacos and spiced fries (they taste like bbq chips) are also great for either day or night. </div>
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<u><a href="http://www.ditch-plains.com/" target="_blank">Ditch Plains</a> (brunch)</u></div>
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Done by the same people as <a href="http://landmarc-restaurant.com/" target="_blank">Landmac</a> (where we go or order from almost weekly). There's nothing revolutionary about this place, but I mention it for all the parents out there. The UWS locations has TVs in each booth. Oh yes. It's the best form of babysitting there is. Although I have seen strollers at even the most expensive restaurants in nyc, it's always nice to be able to eat with both a fork and knife while the kids are entertained. And the food is actually really good. A diverse menu so everyone is happy.</div>
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<br /></div>Edimommyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01698994966072152811noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6994158566031063849.post-19215892213281897872012-06-25T04:00:00.000-07:002012-06-25T04:00:10.824-07:00Weeknight Carbonara<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Normally carbonara tastes incredibly rich and decadent. I call this one weeknight carbonara because it doesn't have that heavy, overly gluttonous feel. It's still rich and very satisfying, but you can eat it without feeling like you overdid it. Perfect for a Monday night when you want something delicious and easy.</div>
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<u>Weeknight Carbonara</u></div>
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Adapted from <a href="http://www.amazon.com/The-Winemaker-Cooks-Parties-Pairings/dp/0811869342/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1340558261&sr=8-1&keywords=the+winemaker+cooks" target="_blank">The Winemaker Cooks</a></div>
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Serves 6</div>
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6 oz. pancetta, diced</div>
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2 shallots, finely chopped</div>
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1/4 cup dry white wine </div>
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10 oz. frozen peas</div>
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12 oz. orrechiette pasta</div>
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3 eggs at room temp</div>
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3/4 cup grated Parmesan</div>
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1/4 cup heavy cream at room temp</div>
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1/2 tsp salt</div>
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1/2 tsp pepper</div>
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<li style="text-align: justify;">Saute pancetta in a large frying pan over medium heat until it renders fat, about 3 minutes.</li>
<li style="text-align: justify;">Add shallots and cook until translucent, about 10 minutes.</li>
<li style="text-align: justify;">Add wine and scrape up bottom of pan.</li>
<li style="text-align: justify;">Add peas and cook for an additional few minutes until warmed through. </li>
<li style="text-align: justify;">Turn off heat and cover to keep warm.</li>
<li style="text-align: justify;">Meanwhile, cook pasta according to package directions.</li>
<li style="text-align: justify;">In a medium bowl, whisk together the eggs, 1/2 cup cheese, cream, salt and pepper. Set aside.</li>
<li style="text-align: justify;">Stir pasta into frying pan, along with egg mixture (the heat of the pasta will cook the eggs).</li>
<li style="text-align: justify;">Top individual servings with remaining cheese.</li>
</ul>Edimommyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01698994966072152811noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6994158566031063849.post-993031964037152212012-06-22T04:00:00.000-07:002012-06-22T09:55:21.211-07:00Potatoes that Taste Better than the Chicken<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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When I first started to cook I was pretty intimidated by the idea of roasting a whole chicken. I guess it was the whole bird thing. It just seemed like something only an experienced cook could pull off. In truth it's so easy! I even consider it one of my weeknight go-to meals. It's comforting and homey without being heavy, which is key during these hot summer days. </div>
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This particular recipe goes a step further and includes the potatoes in the same roasting pan. As I'm sure you guessed from the title of the recipe, they are the real star of the show. All the chicken juices drip into them and they get brown and crispy on the outside. Yum! Just throw some asparagus (or other veggie) in the oven for the last bit and you have a complete meal that took a handful of minutes to prepare. </div>
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<u>Potatoes that Taste Better than the Chicken</u></div>
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Adapted from <a href="http://www.marthastewart.com/350040/potatoes-taste-better-chicken" target="_blank">Martha Stewart & Jean-Georges Vongerichten</a></div>
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6 T unsalted butter</div>
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6 T grapeseed oil</div>
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2 pounds yukon gold potatoes, peeled and cut into 1-inch pieces</div>
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1 whole chicken (2 1/2 - 3 lbs), wings removed</div>
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salt and pepper</div>
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4 sprigs rosemary</div>
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4 sprigs thyme</div>
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1 head of garlic, halved crosswise</div>
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fleur de sel</div>
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<li style="text-align: justify;">Heat oven to 450 degrees.</li>
<li style="text-align: justify;">Butter a medium roasting pan (I used a cast iron skillet) with 3 T each of butter and grapeseed oil.</li>
<li style="text-align: justify;">Place potatoes in pan in a single layer.</li>
<li style="text-align: justify;">Rub chicken with remaining butter and oil.</li>
<li style="text-align: justify;">Season chicken inside and our with salt and pepper.</li>
<li style="text-align: justify;">Place rosemary, thyme and garlic inside cavity. Tie legs together with twine.</li>
<li style="text-align: justify;">Place chicken on top of potatoes on one of its sides.</li>
<li style="text-align: justify;">Put in oven to roast for 20 minutes, then turn to other side and roast for 20 minutes more.</li>
<li style="text-align: justify;">Turn chicken breast side up and roast until internal temp is 165 degrees (10-20 minutes more).</li>
<li style="text-align: justify;">Carve chicken in pan so that all the yummy juices get into the potatoes.</li>
<li style="text-align: justify;">Sprinkle with fleur de sel.</li>
</ul>Edimommyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01698994966072152811noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6994158566031063849.post-60007832836224675782012-06-20T05:41:00.000-07:002012-06-20T05:41:43.231-07:00Getting your Life back after Baby<div style="text-align: justify;">
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I admittedly read way too many parenting books before Brandon was born. I would literally read every book out there that anyone with an opinion had touted as the latest and greatest in the parenting world. It probably just confused me with too many methods and thoughts, and it took a long time for me to get out of my head what kind of parent the books were telling me to be and what kind of parent I actually was/wanted to be. I was convinced that I needed to be this hippie lovin', no-schedule, nurse-whenever my-precious-little-baby-wanted kind of mommy (this also fell in line with what my pediatrician at the time was telling me). Although most of these books never flat out said it, they pretty much expected you to meet every demand your tiny addition would make, regardless of how it affected your life, or if it was even reasonable (like feeding every 2 hours at 4 months old!).</div>
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Fast forward 5 months later, I was a wreck. Brandon would wake-up 10 times a night and was completely unpredictable during the day. I never slept more than a couple hours at a time and felt like a walking zombie. Being the type-A person that I am, having no clue how our days/nights were going to go drove me nuts. I couldn't understand how any mother out there ever got her act together after having a baby. </div>
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At our wits end, Brad and I finally called in <a href="http://www.dreamteambaby.com/" target="_blank">Dream Team Baby</a> sleep consultants to help us get Brandon sleeping at night. Not only did they do just that, but they also showed me a totally different picture of what motherhood could be like. They immediately put Brandon on a strict schedule during the day and used a version of "cry-it-out" to get him to sleep at night. It was incredibly hard the first day, but after 3 nights, he was sleeping 12 hours and taking 2 solid naps during the day. Hallelujah, praise the Lord! </div>
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By not giving into Brandon's every desire (i.e. me comforting him multiple times during the night and letting him set the schedule during the day) we had regained our control as the parents. I finally knew what to expect during the day and could actually get out for a run or lunch with a friend. I could plan things! I also had enough energy to do them since we were all finally getting a decent amount of sleep at night. It is no exaggeration when I say that sleep training, scheduling, and a bit of parental control literally gave me my life back.</div>
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There is no one-size fits all solution, but I would say the secret to getting your life back after baby is doing just that, get back to your life. Hire a babysitter, enlist the help of friends, let your child be a little uncomfortable as they work through the fact that the world doesn't revolve around them. I'm not saying let your newborn go hungry, but be reasonable. Respect your needs as well as your child's and don't think you have to give up your own life to be a good mother. </div>
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Here's a list of a few practical things that have helped me:</div>
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<ul>
<li style="text-align: justify;">Sleep Training - not for everyone, but it does work and it works fast.</li>
<li style="text-align: justify;">Scheduling - I'm a hyper-scheduler by nature, but I think just having a similar flow to your days is helpful.</li>
<li style="text-align: justify;">Parental Control - what I mean by this, is understanding that you're the parent and you know best. There will be a day when your toddler will cry and yell because they want to run into traffic, which you obviously won't let them do. Crying or being uncomfortable does not mean that you are being a bad parent, it's actually what it takes a lot of times to be a good parent.</li>
<li style="text-align: justify;">Independent Play Time - Brandon plays happily in his room for an hour everyday by himself. It is wonderful and heavenly, but it took a lot of work to get up to this point. We started young and with only 5 minutes, then 10 minutes, etc. Very worth the effort!</li>
<li style="text-align: justify;">Babysitters & Housekeepers - if you can afford to, hiring good help is one of the best things ever. Get out of the house without the kids.</li>
<li style="text-align: justify;">Planning - from weekly menus to playdates, having an idea of what's going on helps me immensely.</li>
<li style="text-align: justify;">Delegate to Dad - give Dad a task that is all his. Brad is in charge of baths in our house. It's a wonderful break for me at the end of the day, and since the bath is his domain he doesn't have to worry about me nagging him because he does something a different way than I would have (like filling the water up too high). Dad's like having an area of expertise where they don't feel like they are going to be critiqued every 2 seconds.</li>
<li>Chocolate and Wine - every tired mom's best friend. :)</li>
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For the first few months you certainly have to give up a lot of your time and energy to your new bundle who relies on you for everything, but as they get older, making an effort to regain some of your time and freedom is beneficial to the whole family. You will feel better and your kids and spouse will have a much happier mom and wive.</div>Edimommyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01698994966072152811noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6994158566031063849.post-86969146095622576072012-06-18T10:43:00.001-07:002012-06-18T10:43:32.776-07:00Chocolate Chip Cream Cheese Cookies<div style="text-align: justify;">
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This is a great recipe if you are looking for something different than your average chocolate chip cookie. The cream cheese gives it a bit of tang and an almost cakey texture. The real star is the dough though. You will want to lick the spoon. I know you aren't supposed to eat raw cookie dough, but this is worth it. It's like cream cheese frosting and cookie dough combined - totally amazing.</div>
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<u>Chocolate Chip Cream Cheese Cookies</u></div>
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Adapted from <a href="http://www.bakeorbreak.com/2012/04/cream-cheese-chocolate-chip-cookies/" target="_blank">Bake or Break</a></div>
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makes about 4 dozen</div>
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2 & 1/2 cups AP flour</div>
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1 tsp baking powder</div>
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1/2 tsp salt</div>
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1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened</div>
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8 oz. cream cheese, softened</div>
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1 cup sugar</div>
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1 cup light brown sugar</div>
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2 eggs</div>
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1 & 1/2 tsp vanilla extract</div>
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1 & 1/2 cups semisweet chocolate chips</div>
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<ul>
<li style="text-align: justify;">Heat oven to 350 degrees.</li>
<li style="text-align: justify;">Grease baking sheets.</li>
<li style="text-align: justify;">Whisk together flour, baking powder and salt. Set aside.</li>
<li style="text-align: justify;">Mix butter, cream cheese, sugar and brown sugar together with electric mixer until fluffy.</li>
<li style="text-align: justify;">Add one egg at a time and mix well.</li>
<li style="text-align: justify;">Add vanilla.</li>
<li style="text-align: justify;">Add flour mixture in batches, then chocolate chips. Stir until thoroughly mixed.</li>
<li style="text-align: justify;">Place tablespoon size balls of dough on pans and bake for 12-15 minutes, until edges begin to brown. *** These will not brown up like normal cookies. Even though they are light they will be cooked through.</li>
<li style="text-align: justify;">Cool on wire racks. </li>
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</div>Edimommyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01698994966072152811noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6994158566031063849.post-64388338852090648912012-06-17T12:11:00.002-07:002012-06-17T12:11:49.601-07:00Happy Father's Day!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6-Z7jAfy4MyyHCOQHzdcLtszy8nmizpIc7sET__G2iSY5De2WycHi78USGHfCjOJ6lmZ32IkQFgmw4h5LHpn-vRykKU6NbkiQlDkbHdIr-rL4bchFgk1pPzYttpyK6zWEzN_LnCBzS3o/s1600/128_crop.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="319" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6-Z7jAfy4MyyHCOQHzdcLtszy8nmizpIc7sET__G2iSY5De2WycHi78USGHfCjOJ6lmZ32IkQFgmw4h5LHpn-vRykKU6NbkiQlDkbHdIr-rL4bchFgk1pPzYttpyK6zWEzN_LnCBzS3o/s320/128_crop.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Happy Father's Day from our family! Big hugs to my Daddy, PopPop, Father-in-Laws, and wonderful husband!</div>Edimommyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01698994966072152811noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6994158566031063849.post-91437746844337810892012-06-15T10:42:00.000-07:002012-06-15T10:42:55.166-07:00Parmesan Roasted Broccoli<div style="text-align: justify;">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1eF82E9mGR79UmeZRztxg2irK-nGygn34gGiw6ggsc_Hr_chidzQIUA2VmBKUVZBi0k25JgwVDmXgeUGrRyiodbSugMCfMbHo7bfvN9_ID_alGus06zpI_WCPSyWdqHj8AzmDxh4_KUU/s1600/DSC_0025.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1eF82E9mGR79UmeZRztxg2irK-nGygn34gGiw6ggsc_Hr_chidzQIUA2VmBKUVZBi0k25JgwVDmXgeUGrRyiodbSugMCfMbHo7bfvN9_ID_alGus06zpI_WCPSyWdqHj8AzmDxh4_KUU/s320/DSC_0025.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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This is so good! I don't even particularly like broccoli and I thought this was awesome. The lemon and basil give it such a fresh taste. I made the mistake of only making half the recipe - everyone wanted more! I now understand why this has become a favorite in the food blogging community.</div>
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<u>Parmesan Roasted Broccoli</u></div>
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Adapted from <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Barefoot-Contessa-Back-Basics-Ingredients/dp/1400054354/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1338855895&sr=8-1" target="_blank">Barefoot Contessa Back to Basics</a></div>
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4 to 5 pounds broccoli, trimmed and seperated into florets</div>
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4 garlic cloves, thinly sliced</div>
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olive oil</div>
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1 1/2 tsp salt</div>
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1/2 tsp pepper</div>
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2 tsp lemon zest</div>
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2 T lemon juice</div>
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3 T toasted pine nuts</div>
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1/3 cup grated Parmesan</div>
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2 T basil, julienned</div>
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<li style="text-align: justify;">Preheat oven to 425 degrees.</li>
<li style="text-align: justify;">Toss broccoli with garlic, 5 T olive oil, salt and pepper.</li>
<li style="text-align: justify;">Place on baking sheet in a single layer.</li>
<li style="text-align: justify;">Roast for 20-25 minutes until tender and some of the tips have browned.</li>
<li style="text-align: justify;">Remove from oven and add 1 1/2 T olive oil and remaining ingredients; mix and serve hot.</li>
</ul>Edimommyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01698994966072152811noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6994158566031063849.post-49729712008755838322012-06-13T06:09:00.000-07:002012-06-13T09:44:43.325-07:00Our Life in Pictures<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhci27jk1eeKPuIHq5i3q6_mQjWZvK9o9g3NiQwCEgY6qYUSQL4nXAJqfz7ZTp7-lSAWXlbqFKWANyc8gIEsWu1TyqIZGNqsbbRD7So3P-6fsOXtUAdrir9oceWkzoqGWtczsJou7UmOeE/s1600/rylan.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhci27jk1eeKPuIHq5i3q6_mQjWZvK9o9g3NiQwCEgY6qYUSQL4nXAJqfz7ZTp7-lSAWXlbqFKWANyc8gIEsWu1TyqIZGNqsbbRD7So3P-6fsOXtUAdrir9oceWkzoqGWtczsJou7UmOeE/s320/rylan.jpg" width="239" /></a></div>
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We got the kids a little table. Big hit!</div>
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Brandon met Elmo (his current idol). </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRWVXnPyXJwg7s-qpH3JOLepzgl69vPFmVrncqHs_NeeebUkRG799cNDpMBrjwzASk1kzuitFQf5u-lRWB5wH8rq-kDzAodEu5ThAJ77_wLzJQ8bauGB9hiJ9fHDT9Srdpewzh-1WvbkQ/s1600/elmo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRWVXnPyXJwg7s-qpH3JOLepzgl69vPFmVrncqHs_NeeebUkRG799cNDpMBrjwzASk1kzuitFQf5u-lRWB5wH8rq-kDzAodEu5ThAJ77_wLzJQ8bauGB9hiJ9fHDT9Srdpewzh-1WvbkQ/s320/elmo.jpg" width="239" /></a></div>
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And this is how Brandon reacts when we turn Elmo off the TV...</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZt7WlaYzwJMpeAOQ_ckdtwI-Ixg0i7XlFqwDHzwELyuxsKsCAP0kLAPn7ahLLEyOOr-sUf6CxxsBSE0UpvGwqi_ronQkcHGLSgsqS8vuPrnd_8Bvsx_k0dz98ApGNDa8YyZ-2hUBz91E/s1600/photo-11.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZt7WlaYzwJMpeAOQ_ckdtwI-Ixg0i7XlFqwDHzwELyuxsKsCAP0kLAPn7ahLLEyOOr-sUf6CxxsBSE0UpvGwqi_ronQkcHGLSgsqS8vuPrnd_8Bvsx_k0dz98ApGNDa8YyZ-2hUBz91E/s320/photo-11.jpg" width="239" /></a></div>
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Our baby nurse, Merle, left us for greener pastures. We will miss her!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoU_55xk0bzs5r4PshTwPqhXyRsuBqIHXdltpzosmPBdtQMCxMWuNUZUrLSaCoCIacrY9Pjo9uBfvdlBoT6O08hhAN0aPgAascdrJqhvhBnjkDbPBqvGWKZjDBQaZGk6UV_au96nM3fYs/s1600/DSC_0052.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoU_55xk0bzs5r4PshTwPqhXyRsuBqIHXdltpzosmPBdtQMCxMWuNUZUrLSaCoCIacrY9Pjo9uBfvdlBoT6O08hhAN0aPgAascdrJqhvhBnjkDbPBqvGWKZjDBQaZGk6UV_au96nM3fYs/s320/DSC_0052.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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Grandma came for a quick visit. Brandon had a ball going to the park with her. They played in the sprinklers and he came back soaking wet and totally happy.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1dv325oKlWG0zn7zuTuDROJkEcdZxYCLpwTxHxTT1HkiqfmGwbjybrS2DbpunKkaG5rhTHvHslewl_Woc58MQa46ClRt33CDYVumfvZWCg3HQwIyWm8qO-_fbhjOAjtmK6U_IFOF9U3c/s1600/DSC_0088.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1dv325oKlWG0zn7zuTuDROJkEcdZxYCLpwTxHxTT1HkiqfmGwbjybrS2DbpunKkaG5rhTHvHslewl_Woc58MQa46ClRt33CDYVumfvZWCg3HQwIyWm8qO-_fbhjOAjtmK6U_IFOF9U3c/s320/DSC_0088.JPG" width="212" /></a></div>
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I ran the <a href="http://www.nyrr.org/run-with-us/nyrr-new-york-mini-10k" target="_blank">women's mini 10k</a> in 46:10 - a new post-babies pr. Brandon and I both enjoyed the post race popsicles, hence the green teeth. :)<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvK6s4FGjGOf_Tnufs7dMVfJTepvXMKwmNW3IV8a8444caNMab8bjgbnQDo41a-nOfi2LqUsgcrDKnULvkvH3-2VevD8Awhxzn1V7Sl7ey6vLaukwbitJ9zNIvf-Fv4Sm1a-g9WwopEJA/s1600/race.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvK6s4FGjGOf_Tnufs7dMVfJTepvXMKwmNW3IV8a8444caNMab8bjgbnQDo41a-nOfi2LqUsgcrDKnULvkvH3-2VevD8Awhxzn1V7Sl7ey6vLaukwbitJ9zNIvf-Fv4Sm1a-g9WwopEJA/s320/race.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<br /></div>Edimommyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01698994966072152811noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6994158566031063849.post-46250583723331237562012-06-09T13:16:00.003-07:002012-06-09T13:16:53.751-07:00Lamb Meatballs with Honey-Rosemary Polenta and Tomato Sauce<div style="text-align: justify;">
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Every time I make a Rachel Ray recipe I feel like I'm racing the clock. How this woman expects anyone to make her dishes in 30 minutes is beyond me. Unless you're an iron chef, I would tack on at least an extra 10 minutes. If you have a toddler screaming for Elmo to be restarted and a newborn who keeps needing to have their paci replaced, add 20. Not to mention her recipes seem to dirty more dishes than a Thanksgiving meal. I guess since she's in the cookware market this is probably a strategic move. Nonetheless, her flavor combos are inventive and usually pretty gosh darn good.</div>
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If it hadn't been for the mouthwatering picture of this dish in her cookbook I don't think I ever would have given it the time of day. Honey, lamb, tomato sauce - what?! But the picture didn't lie, it was unique and delicious. Usually meatballs are fairly time consuming, but these were very quick with few ingredients and since they are baked there is no need to stand over the stove. The polenta on its own was very tasty, I actually think next time I will make a double batch of it since that seemed to be everyone's favorite part. So Rachel Ray, you might have dirtied my kitchen and left me scrambling to get dinner on the table to a hungry family with your unrealistic time expectations, but I think I'll still keep you around. :)</div>
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<u>Lamb Meatballs with Honey-Rosemary Polenta and Tomato Sauce</u></div>
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Adapted from <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Rachael-Rays-Big-Orange-Book/dp/0307383199/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1338857489&sr=1-1" target="_blank">Rachel Ray's Big Orange Book</a></div>
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4 slices whole wheat bread, crust removed, crumbled</div>
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3 cups chicken stock</div>
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1 1/2 pounds ground lamb</div>
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salt and pepper</div>
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1 egg, beaten</div>
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2 garlic cloves, minced</div>
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EVOO</div>
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1 medium red onion, diced</div>
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2 T balsamic vinegar</div>
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1 28-ounce can crushed fire-roasted tomatoes</div>
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1 cup milk</div>
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1 cup polenta</div>
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1 T butter, cut up</div>
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1 T rosemary, chopped</div>
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2 T honey</div>
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<ul>
<li>Heat oven to 400 degrees.</li>
<li>Combine bread and 1/3 cup stock in bowl to soften.</li>
<li>Add lamb, salt and pepper, garlic and egg and combine with hands.</li>
<li>Shape into 8 meatballs and place on foil lined baking sheet.</li>
<li>Drizzle with EVOO and roll to coat.</li>
<li>Bake for 15-20 minutes, until cooked through.</li>
<li>Meanwhile, heat 1 T EVOO in a medium sauce pot over medium heat.</li>
<li>Add onion, salt and pepper and cook until softened, 8-10 minutes.</li>
<li>Add vinegar and cook for 1 minute.</li>
<li>Stir in 2/3 cup stock and tomatoes, bring to a boil.</li>
<li>Adjust seasoning, lower heat and simmer for 10 minutes.</li>
<li>Meanwhile, in a medium pot bring 2 cups stock and milk to boil.</li>
<li>Whisk in polenta and lower heat to low, cook for 2-3 minutes until polenta becomes thickened. Stir frequently.</li>
<li>Stir in butter, rosemary, honey and salt and pepper to taste. Add more milk or water if needed.</li>
<li>Spoon polenta onto plates, top with meatballs and sauce.</li>
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</div>Edimommyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01698994966072152811noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6994158566031063849.post-15498950336910246152012-06-06T07:00:00.000-07:002012-06-06T10:51:24.449-07:00Rylan - 3 Month Summary<div style="text-align: center;">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0GUTBmmf8qRUZ56zePztWVRsTAW3Hdsm7sb0nrKjHKcWePvdXSt4VsfTlkAT7K0mq60f3e5VsOcVnK27bcQxFrukKQpoNuz3W5vsEvYYyP53s7y1r70CuOSwn6u4w3UAPb0NU0xeZPHo/s1600/photo-8.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0GUTBmmf8qRUZ56zePztWVRsTAW3Hdsm7sb0nrKjHKcWePvdXSt4VsfTlkAT7K0mq60f3e5VsOcVnK27bcQxFrukKQpoNuz3W5vsEvYYyP53s7y1r70CuOSwn6u4w3UAPb0NU0xeZPHo/s320/photo-8.jpg" width="239" /></a></div>
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Time seems to be flying by since Rylan was born. Life with a newborn can be chaotic, but throw a toddler into the mix and it seems like every minute is filled with some kind of craziness. In an effort to remember these times that are so easily forgotten (what with the lack of sleep and insane amount of effort it sometimes takes to make it through an hour let alone a day!), I've decided to do periodic updates on the kids. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlbSyhNwr4TLMYS3e8QcIaLCLhqnDI7xKxlIPOVTEBOINWxlk4lon4snF_VXjQ45S1eOyXr_5nswNG4AAbHAhoQOTHzb7UwKnAfZBHqCcyepwobb2H1JkLvkR4D8mnSbcRMb02ucJ8uHQ/s1600/May+27+2012+063.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlbSyhNwr4TLMYS3e8QcIaLCLhqnDI7xKxlIPOVTEBOINWxlk4lon4snF_VXjQ45S1eOyXr_5nswNG4AAbHAhoQOTHzb7UwKnAfZBHqCcyepwobb2H1JkLvkR4D8mnSbcRMb02ucJ8uHQ/s320/May+27+2012+063.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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Rylan turns 3 months today. Sometimes I feel like we just had him, but most of the time I can't even remember what our lives were like before he arrived. He's the perfect little addition to our family. He's generally a very happy baby, especially in the mornings. He will wake-up all smiles, regardless of the kind of night he's had. This has given us a bit of reassurance as we recently sleep trained him. Letting him cry was really difficult, but seeing his bright happy face in the morning let us know that all was forgiven and forgotten. Though usually not for long, this kid can really scream when he wants something. He reaches octaves we never heard with Brandon. The fact that he calms right down the minute he gets what he wants and pastes a big smug grin on his face has Brad and I a little nervous about his manipulation skills. Lord help us in the teenage years!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiU50aB_Cgy4sD2GvCmJOUdkE0WGTntOiRzrkd1idIoEkUpj5z3IgOVcf7Pu3laPQT7U3s8qPY5MA4-Sj09YNgLqYS3cSGK6A_vWDmwaATfA4AtCtzdtZuNqEOAz2MIGW0H06bhAQhBvA0/s1600/May+27+2012+017.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiU50aB_Cgy4sD2GvCmJOUdkE0WGTntOiRzrkd1idIoEkUpj5z3IgOVcf7Pu3laPQT7U3s8qPY5MA4-Sj09YNgLqYS3cSGK6A_vWDmwaATfA4AtCtzdtZuNqEOAz2MIGW0H06bhAQhBvA0/s320/May+27+2012+017.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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In the past few weeks he has started grasping small items, like a rattle and has also rolled over from tummy to back a few times. He's moving around so much in his crib that we actually had to put bumpers on to keep him from hitting his head! He loves to watch Brandon, but he especially likes the tv - ugh! I don't let him watch it but for the 30 minutes that Brandon watches Elmo or Special Agent Oso. Rylan actually had a long "conversation" with the Oso stuffed animal the other day. It was very cute.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1BsQzsRm46ErqrrSuLpQpnO-qd6GA-kFQ-mCPhHF5cw-BwMbIC_clobb6AOiJ1hmZ3vRnCfRn1PGoZsCEitOlziyAkTmF6uEAcruw71TD-14QD-ht-L4whB7njUllWFvklJolcpgzdCg/s1600/May+27+2012+162.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1BsQzsRm46ErqrrSuLpQpnO-qd6GA-kFQ-mCPhHF5cw-BwMbIC_clobb6AOiJ1hmZ3vRnCfRn1PGoZsCEitOlziyAkTmF6uEAcruw71TD-14QD-ht-L4whB7njUllWFvklJolcpgzdCg/s320/May+27+2012+162.JPG" width="212" /></a></div>
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Here's a typical rundown of his day:</div>
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7am - wake-up and bottle of BM, get dressed and hang with mom as she finishes dishes/laundry</div>
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7:30 - sit in bouncy chair as we get Brandon up, fed and dressed</div>
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8:30 - out for a walk or trip to the park in the bjorn or stroller - will sleep the whole time</div>
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11 - bottle and tummy time, look at the mobile in the crib while mom showers<br />
12:30-3 - nap at some point and play time with mommy<br />
3 - bottle and play with Brandon once he's up<br />
4:30 - nap<br />
6 - sit in bouncy chair at table while the family eats dinner<br />
6:40 - bath<br />
7 - bottle<br />
7:30/8 - bedtime!<br />
* Last week was the first time he went all night without a bottle. He would wake-up 1 or 2 times in the night and cry for a few minutes for a few nights, but now he's sleeping solid for at least 10 hours. If he wakes before 7, we will turn on the mobile and let him chill in the crib while we finish getting ready.</div>Edimommyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01698994966072152811noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6994158566031063849.post-22708676194761728982012-06-04T05:39:00.000-07:002012-06-04T05:39:14.889-07:00Fresh Coconut Milk<div style="text-align: justify;">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvtyuSJxUBkpN0PlZjV2n8BE30k-ZJBgP3TY9sA4mIbOkBE6-pwLt_Hb83N17I485bcYaWV6Cn0GZjjAY8N2R9ANECfX-3yCKzuPy2TwPZVYF4Vk0mg7Hc-_g_XZ5PlyZtoInoCLOoNDM/s1600/June+1,+2012+001.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvtyuSJxUBkpN0PlZjV2n8BE30k-ZJBgP3TY9sA4mIbOkBE6-pwLt_Hb83N17I485bcYaWV6Cn0GZjjAY8N2R9ANECfX-3yCKzuPy2TwPZVYF4Vk0mg7Hc-_g_XZ5PlyZtoInoCLOoNDM/s320/June+1,+2012+001.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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As I mentioned earlier, Merle, our baby nurse, is from Trinidad and was more than eager to share some of the flavors of her home country. One thing I had expressed interest in learning how to do was crack a coconut. I've always just used the canned coconut milk or the bag of dried flake coconut when a recipe asked for it, but she assured me that fresh was well worth the effort. I like a shortcut just as much as the next person, but she was totally right - fresh makes all the difference. And it's kind of fun to smash something. So here's how she does it...</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNjDwHY1q7JSOc2F3NjOR8A3smpioMBnJ2neCGI2U51y6TnSawTqj6tr9fBx0AnKI_xyHgM_cRrEc2eItXaPuuOl0mgcuWgSHlm92CvF0zMwu4vm8lUxVl-BK1fCaCsXPyDngwaJ21Vo4/s1600/June+1,+2012+007.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNjDwHY1q7JSOc2F3NjOR8A3smpioMBnJ2neCGI2U51y6TnSawTqj6tr9fBx0AnKI_xyHgM_cRrEc2eItXaPuuOl0mgcuWgSHlm92CvF0zMwu4vm8lUxVl-BK1fCaCsXPyDngwaJ21Vo4/s320/June+1,+2012+007.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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First look for a coconut that is nice and dark in color and has 3 dark eyes at one end. You should also shake it to make sure there is water inside.</div>
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Then carefully hammer around the coconut about a third of the way from the end.</div>
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Once it starts to split, hold a glass up in one hand and use the other to pour the coconut water out. Take a drink - it's much better than the stuff you buy in the store!</div>
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At this point, continue hammering the coconut until it breaks into big chunks (probably best to do this over the sink).<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZZGkgJMTjDOsBtpuB81JMO6wv17QLDqFm6G3onbtVNW0R21u8eUlKuGjqvmHdmsZi3-yP9I-pnA26zFCopciC7eUo_00MXN0m5aXQP6IgszKk4KB7ZvADq531NHHF5-hp_HCwwU5kkMk/s1600/June+1,+2012+006.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZZGkgJMTjDOsBtpuB81JMO6wv17QLDqFm6G3onbtVNW0R21u8eUlKuGjqvmHdmsZi3-yP9I-pnA26zFCopciC7eUo_00MXN0m5aXQP6IgszKk4KB7ZvADq531NHHF5-hp_HCwwU5kkMk/s320/June+1,+2012+006.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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Using a knife (we used a steak knife), separate the meat (white part) of the coconut from the outer shell. Once you start to pry it off, it should part from the shell pretty easily. There will still be a thin layer of brown, and this is totally fine. If you are making something that you need to be all white, like flaking the coconut for a cake, use a peeler and remove the thin brown layer.<br />
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Rinse off the coconut with water, cut into small pieces and place in a blender. Add enough cold water to cover.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRcLZ6HNaU8MYRGEeJMxBi8IBa9wRfE6YeFWapo8StbpIp7JbeS4y-rKuVaKnAgsHRfoskTuidRP8P680pAFyxKsxBb0jtPkK1Dxhqsm1XkiqHE5zhwWTJ5FUWQKbJqoNi11AKr4vf86w/s1600/June+1,+2012+009.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRcLZ6HNaU8MYRGEeJMxBi8IBa9wRfE6YeFWapo8StbpIp7JbeS4y-rKuVaKnAgsHRfoskTuidRP8P680pAFyxKsxBb0jtPkK1Dxhqsm1XkiqHE5zhwWTJ5FUWQKbJqoNi11AKr4vf86w/s320/June+1,+2012+009.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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Liquify! </div>
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And there you have delicious coconut milk! You can keep it in the fridge if you plan on using it soon or freeze it. The fat will solidify on the top, but you can cook with it all just the same. It's perfect for <a href="http://www.edimommy.blogspot.com/2012/06/pelau-with-coconut-stewed-chicken.html" target="_blank">Pelau</a>. Or you can immediately make a pina colada and dream of sitting on a beach in the Carribean. Perfection.</div>Edimommyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01698994966072152811noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6994158566031063849.post-58685002170875691522012-06-01T13:58:00.002-07:002012-06-01T13:58:57.962-07:00Pelau with Coconut Stewed Chicken<div style="text-align: justify;">
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Our baby nurse, Merle, is from Trinidad, and has been talking about how flavorful and delicious the dishes from her home country are from the minute she got here. She's a very picky eater and will only eat food that meets her high standards. Most of the time she ends up eating just fruit - and complains that it's not as fresh as home the whole time anyways!</div>
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She is leaving us in the next week, so this week she decided to show me how to cook one of her favorite dishes, Pelau with stewed chicken in coconut milk. It was amazing! The flavors were very layered, but there were just a handful of ingredients and a very simple preperation. Brad liked it so much he asked me to make it myself while she is here just so that I can be sure I have the recipe down just right. It had the homey feel of comfort food, but the flavor complexity of a stellar restaurant dish. This one is going straight into my go-to recipe folder and I would definitely recommend you try it.</div>
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One of the key ingredients is fresh coconut milk. Merle is an expert coconut cracker and I will show you how she does it in a following post. Stay tuned!<br />
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<u>Pelau</u> (coconut rice and pigeon peas)<br />
1 T extra virgin olive oil<br />
1/2 tsp dark brown sugar<br />
12 oz. frozen pigeon peas, rinsed<br />
1 garlic clove, peeled<br />
2 cups coconut milk<br />
2 cups rice<br />
salt<br />
1 tsp fresh parsley, minced<br />
<ul>
<li>In a large pot heat olive oil and sugar over medium heat, allow sugar to carmelize to medium brown in color.</li>
<li>Add peas and stir. </li>
<li>Add garlic, 2 cups coconut milk and 2 cups water. Partially cover and bring to a slow boil, cook for 25 minutes. </li>
<li>Smash garlic with the back of a spoon and incorporate into peas.</li>
<li>Add 2 cups of rice, 1/2 tsp salt. 1 tsp parsley, and an additional 2-3 cups of water.</li>
<li>Cook until rice is done (about 30 minutes, longer for brown rice).</li>
<li>Add salt to taste.</li>
</ul>
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<u>Coconut Stewed Chicken</u></div>
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2 lbs bone-in skinless chicken thighs</div>
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1/2 lemon</div>
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A couple sprigs each of thyme and rosemary</div>
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1/2 tsp salt</div>
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1/4 tsp ground pink pepper (or a scant amount of black pepper)</div>
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1 garlic clove, minced</div>
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1/2 tsp fresh ginger, miced</div>
1 T extra virgin olive oil<br />
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1 tsp dark brown sugar</div>
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1/2 - 1 cup coconut milk</div>
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3 carrots, peeled and sliced thin</div>
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1-2 pimento peppers, finely chopped</div>
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1 T ketchup</div>
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<ul>
<li>Wash chicken in water with juice from lemon.</li>
<li>Marinate the chicken with the thyme, rosemary, salt, pepper, garlic and ginger for at least an hour, but longer is preferred. </li>
<li>In a large pot heat olive oil and sugar over medium heat. Stir.</li>
<li>Once hot and sugar has begun to darken add chicken and turn to coat. Cook for about 8 minutes, turning periodically.</li>
<li>Add 1/2 cup coconut milk or enough to cover.</li>
<li>Lower heat to medium low and partially cover, bring to a boil and cook 30 minutes.</li>
<li>Add carrots and peppers and bring to a boil again. Add ketchup.</li>
<li>Cook until carrots soften.</li>
<li>Add salt to sauce if desired.</li>
<li>Serve with sauce and alongside Pelau.</li>
</ul>
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<br /></div>Edimommyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01698994966072152811noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6994158566031063849.post-3234942180042124962012-05-31T10:36:00.000-07:002012-05-31T10:36:53.163-07:00What We're Reading<div style="text-align: justify;">
I'm an avid reader, so I thought it would be fun to start a "What We're Reading" segment to pass along any great books that me or the kids love. What I read ranges from the classics to the junk-food type Young Adult novels like Twilight (Oh yes, I'm on team Edward!). Luckily, Brandon seems to have inherited this love for reading and I find him multiple times during the day sitting quietly in a pile of books while he "reads" his favorite of the moment.<br />
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I've been a part of a book club for over two years now. Every other month one member picks a book and a restaurant for that session. Most of the group is more concerned about the booze at said meeting than the book, but hey, it gives us gals a great reason to get together without the men!<br />
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<a href="http://www.amazon.com/Fifty-Shades-Grey-Book-Trilogy/dp/0345803485/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1338143546&sr=8-1" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHbFGVg_zTAoTBEI5qRBpHO3ItH1YlHLS9W9s5khI0XLypn_pbEw3jx7yLoiELDOgVlMFH3ewfD_M4UbwjpxBD4HM86-F12d_ffvmoNS_wHqxI1haiwd37OepRQYBt8-OEwfPK3O1Hy_c/s1600/fifty+shades.jpg" /></a></div>
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This time our book is the ever-so-popular <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Fifty-Shades-Grey-Book-Trilogy/dp/0345803485/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1338082300&sr=1-1" target="_blank">Fifty Shades of Grey</a>. Since I still have a newborn and am not really in the mood for anything too serious, this was right up my alley. In fact, I immediately bought the other two books in the series after I had finished the first. I am admittedly a series fanatic - I usually HAVE to find out how a story ends, even if I don't find it all that interesting. In the case of the Fifty series, the first book ended up being my least favorite of the three, so I'm glad I continued.</div>
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Since everyone and their brother has read these books, I won't go into much detail. Let's just say these are not the kind of books you want to pass along to your teenage daughter. I found myself blushing and feeling a little put-off with a good amount of the content (especially in the first book). It deals with all kinds of dominatrix and kinky sexual encounters that are intertwined into a growing love story. The love story takes over the storyline in the 2nd and 3rd books, which is why I enjoyed them more. </div>
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If you decide to read them, I would definitely make sure you have a bottle of wine and your significant other to keep you company - you will need them both! ;)</div>Edimommyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01698994966072152811noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6994158566031063849.post-62549355281635311782012-05-29T05:50:00.000-07:002012-06-01T14:02:13.438-07:00Slow Cooker Chicken & Rice Soup and Crunchy Goat Cheese Salad<div style="text-align: justify;">
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I am obsessed with my slow cooker. I use it at least once a week, and for a busy mom, its a godsend. Most recipes have two different time frames that the meal can be cooked in, which makes it perfect if I find I have some time in the morning, or if I have to wait until nap time to get into the kitchen. I find most of the meals that you make in the slow cooker to a bit on the heavy side so it can be tricky to find the right recipe when the weather gets warmer. </div>
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I made this soup the other night after it had been raining for days here in NYC. The original recipe calls for turkey and wild rice, but in an effort to make it more spring appropriate I changed it to chicken and white rice. I also paired it with a delicious <a href="http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/claire-robinson/crispy-goat-cheese-salad-recipe/index.html" target="_blank">crispy goat cheese salad</a>. Warm goat cheese and crunchy flavorful topping that takes under 5 minutes to make - yes please!<br />
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<u>Chicken and Rice Soup</u><br />
Adapted from <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Cooker-Revolution-Editors-Americas-Kitchen/dp/1933615699/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1338141150&sr=1-1" target="_blank">Slow Cooker Revolution</a><br />
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2 onions, minced<br />
4 garlic cloves, minced<br />
1 T tomato paste<br />
1 T vegetable oil<br />
2 tsp minced fresh thyme<br />
2 tsp minced fresh rosemary<br />
8 cups low sodium chicken broth<br />
3 carrots peed and diced<br />
2 celery ribs diced<br />
2 bay leaves<br />
2 lbs chicken thighs, bone-in, skinless<br />
salt and pepper<br />
1 cup white rice<br />
fresh minced parsley<br />
<ul>
<li>Microwave onions, garlic, tomato paste, oil, thyme and rosemary for 5 minutes; place in slow cooker.</li>
<li>Stir broth, carrots, celery and bay leaves in.</li>
<li>Season chicken with salt and pepper and place in broth.</li>
<li>Cover and cook till tender; 6-8 hours low, 4.5-6 hours high.</li>
<li>Remove chicken and shred, discard bones.</li>
<li>Skim fat off surface of soup, discard bay leaves.</li>
<li>Stir in rice, cover and cook on high for 30 minutes.</li>
<li>Stir in shredded chicken and let heat through, about 5 minutes.</li>
<li>Season with salt and pepper and top with parsley.</li>
</ul>
<br /></div>Edimommyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01698994966072152811noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6994158566031063849.post-75405734723917011192012-05-27T11:58:00.000-07:002012-05-27T11:58:55.438-07:00Our life in Pictures<div style="text-align: justify;">
Here's what we've been up to...</div>
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Brandon's first duck feeding experience in Central Park. The canadian geese did NOT like Suki!</div>
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Brad and I ran the 4-mile Japan Day Race on Mother's day. Brad in 27:58 and me in 29:59. Since we had a babysitter, we followed it up with breakfast at <a href="http://landmarc-restaurant.com/" target="_blank">Landmarc</a> and a showing of the Avengers. </div>
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<a href="http://touch-a-truck.org/touch-a-truck/Info.html" target="_blank">Touch a Truck</a>. Brandon was a little intimidated by all the noise at first, but then he got really excited to see all the big trucks and ended up crying when we had to leave. He went in a school bus, ambulance, dump and fire truck.</div>
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Brad's Birthday! We celebrated by going to a Japanese restaurant and having banana pudding and a <a href="http://www.magnoliabakery.com/home.php" target="_blank">Magnolia</a> cupcake for dessert.</div>
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Saturday Brad, Brandon and I did an 8 mile run. The boys farthest run yet! They both did great! I'm always amazed at how well Brandon does on our long runs, especially when goldfish are involved. </div>
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Sunday was Rylan's first trip to church! Except for one loud cry, he slept through the whole service in the bjorn. Brandon still sheds a few tears when we leave him in the nursery, but he is quick to forget us once he sees all the fun toys and kids. Rylan also held a soft rattle for the first time. </div>
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What a happy little guy!Edimommyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01698994966072152811noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6994158566031063849.post-10549627775111568492012-05-26T18:55:00.000-07:002012-05-27T12:03:06.085-07:00Welcome!<div style="text-align: justify;">
Welcome to Edimommy! I want to use this blog to talk about all things edible (whether it's a great recipe or a fabulous restaurant here in NYC), all things Mommy (I have two beautiful boys, Brandon - 22 months, & Rylan - 2.5 months), and to give a glimpse into this crazy and amazing life that we are so blessed to live. Back in the BC (before children) years, I wrote a cooking blog depicting my journey as a novice cook. You can find it at <a href="http://www.culinarywannabe.blogspot.com/">www.culinarywannabe.blogspot.com</a>. It was great fun, but since my life has changed drastically with the entrance of my two little men, I wanted something that could be more encompassing of what is involved in my life now. Hence Edimommy. Hope you enjoy - Cheers!</div>Edimommyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01698994966072152811noreply@blogger.com0