Thursday, May 31, 2012

What We're Reading

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.


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!

This time our book is the ever-so-popular Fifty Shades of Grey. 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.

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. 

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! ;)

Tuesday, May 29, 2012

Slow Cooker Chicken & Rice Soup and Crunchy Goat Cheese Salad



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. 

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 crispy goat cheese salad. Warm goat cheese and crunchy flavorful topping that takes under 5 minutes to make - yes please!

Chicken and Rice Soup
Adapted from Slow Cooker Revolution

2 onions, minced
4 garlic cloves, minced
1 T tomato paste
1 T vegetable oil
2 tsp minced fresh thyme
2 tsp minced fresh rosemary
8 cups low sodium chicken broth
3 carrots peed and diced
2 celery ribs diced
2 bay leaves
2 lbs chicken thighs, bone-in, skinless
salt and pepper
1 cup white rice
fresh minced parsley
  • Microwave onions, garlic, tomato paste, oil, thyme and rosemary for 5 minutes; place in slow cooker.
  • Stir broth, carrots, celery and bay leaves in.
  • Season chicken with salt and pepper and place in broth.
  • Cover and cook till tender; 6-8 hours low, 4.5-6 hours high.
  • Remove chicken and shred, discard bones.
  • Skim fat off surface of soup, discard bay leaves.
  • Stir in rice, cover and cook on high for 30 minutes.
  • Stir in shredded chicken and let heat through, about 5 minutes.
  • Season with salt and pepper and top with parsley.

Sunday, May 27, 2012

Our life in Pictures

Here's what we've been up to...


Brandon's first duck feeding experience in Central Park. The canadian geese did NOT like Suki!


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 Landmarc and a showing of the Avengers. 


Touch a Truck. 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.


Brad's Birthday! We celebrated by going to a Japanese restaurant and having banana pudding and a Magnolia cupcake for dessert.


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. 


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. 


What a happy little guy!

Saturday, May 26, 2012

Welcome!

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 www.culinarywannabe.blogspot.com. 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!