Quick holiday recap...

The holidays this year were merry and bright. We celebrated Hanukkah for 8 nights (errr... make that 7, as I completely forgot the last night which luckily was totally overshadowed by a piggy blocker-wearing ride around town looking at lights with Gran and Grandpa... whew...). We celebrated Christmas all day and night on Xmas eve and again from sun-up to sun-down on Xmas day. The presents were wonderful and reasonable, keeping the girls in-check and in-line with our thoughts about "stuff", yet providing endless joy and satisfaction. When asked "what do you want for the holidays this year?", Elise's response perfectly represented the de-emphasis on "things" that I hope stays with our family forever. She said: "Momma, I just want everyone to leave the lights up on their houses." That's my girl. 

Among the presents that were opened, the girls were thrilled to receive jammies, snow boots, books (they are quite into Olivia and Ladybug Girl right now), puzzles, binoculars for bird-watching, games (Candyland, Hungry Hippos, Chutes and Ladders), a play-doh cake maker, a paper-bag puppet kit, gum, a bird calendar, cozy socks, and wooden patterning blocks. It sounds like a lot, but considering the gifts were coming in from parents, grandparents, great-grandparents, cousins, aunts, uncles, and friends, I feel like we acquired great new activities and projects to enjoy together. Thank you all for making the holidays fab-u-lous.

Happy Hanukkah!

On the first night of Hanukkah,

There were no pear trees. 

We got new piggy blocker jammies!

Happy Hanukkah!

Walkin' in a woodsy wintertime!

We went hiking at Clinton Lake last weekend, thanks to an invite from Uncle Travis. Four adults, two kids, and two dogs. It was cloudy and cool, but a great way to spend an afternoon. It's easy to fall into the "indoor" trap once the temp falls, but I just read somewhere that at least 15 minutes outside everyday makes a difference. Granted, I'd much prefer that the girls are outside for much longer but every little bit certainly counts. The holiday homemade-gift extravaganza is underway here, so the food pics are fewer while the paper-cutting, mod-podging madness takes hold! Thought for the day: go outside and play!

Lentils with Brown Rice

Lentils are a staple food for us, especially as the weather has gotten colder. We buy them in bulk at The Merc, they come in a variety of colors, and they are so versatile. My mom often made (and still makes) lentil soup, which is great, and John started making lentils and rice a couple of years ago. They are a great go-to meal, packed with protein, fiber, and folate, and (big surprise) our girls love them. Here's a quick fix for some lentils and rice, but google away as there are so many different combinations of lentil meals!

Lentils with Brown Rice

• 1 C organic short grain brown rice (cook separate from lentils: 2 C water, 1 C rice, cover and simmer until done - approx 35 minutes)
• 1 C organic french lentils (these are green ones)
• Organic carrots
• Organic onion
• Bragg organic apple cider vinegar
• 3 C organic low sodium chicken broth
• Wash lentils and pick through, discarding bad ones
• Chop and saute carrots and onion in olive oil (garlic would be good, too)
• Add lentils and 1/4 C vinegar
• Cover and simmer approx 10 minutes
• Add broth, bay leaf, spices
• Cover and simmer until lentils are of desired tenderness (I probably left these for 45 minutes, or so)
• Salt and pepper
• Serve with rice

John discovered the vinegar step in this process, and I think it seals the lentil deal. Bacon is also a great addition, as it is to many recipes, but it works quite well here. Bottom line: lentils are worth a shot, if you haven't tried them. And if you have, leave some recipe ideas in the comments for us! I'm sure they'll be making an appearance again this week! Happy Monday!

Wordless Wednesday: It's beginning to look a lot like...

A little something on the side...

"Variety is the spice of life"... right? And variety is most definitely the key to eating - I love to graze. A perfect meal for me is an entire appetizer spread - delicious bites that I can sample, taste, nibble, and enjoy. As far as feeding little ones, I've always offered a great deal of variety - 4-5 different choices, focusing on quality not quantity. And anytime I can add a side dish to my "go to" choices, more power to me! Here are a couple of my newer faves:

Baked Sweet Potato Fries

• 1-2 organic sweet potatoes
• 2 T organic olive oil
• 1/2 - 1 tsp kosher salt
• Slice sweet potato into fry-shapes (can do with or without the peel)
• Toss with olive oil and sprinkle with salt
• Bake at 450° for 20-30 minutes, flipping over halfway
• John and the girls love these with A-1 sauce for dipping

Roasted Brussel Sprouts
adapted from HERE

• Organic brussel sprouts (I probably had about 15-18)
• Organic olive oil
• Organic real maple syrup
• Whole grain dijon mustard
• Bragg organic apple cider vinegar
• Wash and halve brussel sprouts
• Toss with 2 T olive oil and roast at 425° for 25-30 minutes, flipping halfway through
• Mix 1/4 C olive oil, 1 T maple syrup, 1 T Dijon mustard, 1 T vinegar
• Toss roasted brussel sprouts with sauce and serve
• Yum-O!

Let's face it: the more options there are on the table, the longer everyone stays. The longer everyone stays at the table, the more powerful family dinners become. The more powerful family dinners become, the more we talk, eat, laugh, and love. To say that family dinners are a big part of our life would be a tremendous understatement and, after our 90+ minute dinner at Freestate last night, I think it's safe to say that Abby and Elise have a good understanding, and appreciation, of our mealtime routines.
Lastly, I'll leave you with a few sides from the girls:

• Abby to me, as I was nabbing a bite of her ice cream: "Now Momma, this needs to be your last bite."
• Elise to me, as I was trying to hide the chocolate-covered pecan that was in my mouth:
• Elise: "Momma, what do you smell like?"
• Me: "A pecan."
• Elise: "Hmmm.... that's funny because it smells like a chocolate chip."
• Abby, singing herself to bed one night (as overheard through the baby monitor): "I drink a beer... I drink a beer... Hi-ho the dairy-oh... I drink a beer."
• Elise to Gran, talking about something that happened over the summer: "Gran, that was so long ago I can't remember what I was wearing!".
• Abby to John: "Fix your attitude, Daditude."
• Elise to me, at bedtime: "Thank you for snuggling with me, Momma. I just love you."

Blogging Hiatus - OVER!

Well... hello there! Yes, I've been on a bit of a blogging-hiatus. No reason, really. I have lots to say, lots to share - food, pictures, stories. I'm planning to get back in the game and get you all filled in on our happenings during the upcoming week(s). Thanksgiving is behind us, Christmas and Hanukkah are just ahead - so much excitement, family, friends, and fun. Enjoy a few fall pictures of the girls (Grandma and Bubbe - these are for you two!) and stay tuned for some quality blogging. G'night!