Spam Me

     This bowl contains a meal that is the anti-thesis of my usual cooking approach. Yes I am an ingredient snob, preferring homemade that begins with fresh, raw or unrefined foods. It is a principle that developed gradually and becomes more obvious when my family askes for an old familiar dish. As newlyweds some thirty years ago, husband and I had little disposable income, and at first he scoffed at my Marco Polo Mac (recipe came from an  indeterminate origin, possibly my mother, is nutrition free and chock full of salts, preservatives, and additives). Today he requested it. So off to the market I went to buy macaroni and cheese, canned mushroom soup and, horror of horrors - Spam! With a little chopped onion and green pepper sauteed in butter, and a cup of milk - voila - comfort food.

As the Snow Melts

     The recent snow wasn't very deep but it was very welcome because it arrived on Christmas Eve and inspired a festive holiday spirit. Now, four days later, the thermometer has climbed above freezing and the snow is disappearing quickly; the streets and sidewalks are salt-stained and the expanding patches of grass are brown. It is all very dirty and ugly without a closer look. This little ceramic bird huddled on a ledge outside the back door, totally submerged in the snow until this morning. It almost appears as if he will soon lift his head and rejoice in the sunlight.



Sandwich Platter

     Christmas day for the entire extended family was held at our home this year. It was a bittersweet affair - bitter because for the last fifty-one years we've all spent the holiday in the five-bedroom house where we grew up and where Mom still lives, and sweet because we were less stressed about over-taxing her eighty-three year old sensiblities. But what to feed the hungry horde? I'd seen a brochure from a local market that featured party foods and happened upon a lovely sandwich platter, which also happened to be very expensive. So I bought all the ingredients a couple days ahead and early in the afternoon on Christmas, with the market's photo as a guide, I put together my own platter. It made a beautiful presentation and was tasty as well - at the end of the night there was only one pita left!

     The pita pockets are stuffed with ham, colby cheese, lettuce and tomato; the foccacia featured turkey, provolone, lettuce and tomato with a cherry tomato garnish. Mayo and mustard were on the side for those who preferred condiments, as were multiple and varied side dishes provided by siblings and cousins

"Peace on Earth" (or "A Siberian Husky Won't Find It Hard to Sleep Tonight")

"And in despair I bowed my head:
"There is no peace on earth," I said,
"For hate is strong and mocks the song
Of peace on earth, good will to men."

     The old ballad, "I Heard the Bells on Christmas Day" is a lovely song with very strong words. I looked up the lyrics after thinking that peace in my little part of the earth arrived last night, the day after the holiday, when I sat down in the quiet and the dark, the rest of the house asleep - no television or music, no games or electronics, and only the lights of the Christmas tree to soften the edges of the darkness. It WAS a moment of sublime peace. Nikki agreed silently.

Christmas Corner

     Given the soaring height of the vaulted ceiling in our living room, a ten or twelve foot Christmas tree would be fitting and even majestic. It would also overwhelm the floor space and be daunting to trim. My compromise is a five foot live balsam that is elevated to a stately height by placement on a chest. The shining tree-top star is lofty and the entire tree is visible from the outside through the picture window

Grandmother's Handmade



     Arranging Christmas decorations in the dining room, I am reminded of my grandmother. It was she who inspired my love of sewing and handcrafts, which is ironic because homemaking was not her forte - she worked outside the home as a clothing salesperson for almost all of her adult life. Although she did make dresses from patterns she often selected easier craft projects, preferring to create from preprinted fabrics or preassembled kits (she even belonged to a mailorder "Craft-of-the-Month" club). This simple Santa pillow is evidence of her modest talent, yet it exists decades later as testament to her aspiration and her holiday spirit.

These cone-shaped Father Christmas figures presented a slightly greater degree of difficulty: the arms were sewn and stuffed seperately and then attached to the body. These fellows share the top of the bookshelf with another set of pointy-topped peers which are actually wooden nesting Santas. The similar shapes placed on both sides of a vase of holiday blooms present a pleasing balance and a touch of whimsy.

Applesauce Doughnuts

     About once a year, I get a hankering to make doughnuts. Ordinarily, the heavy dose of oil for deep frying, and the drips and the draining, are off-putting but with the cookie and bread baking finished for the holidays, I was in the mood for something different. Since there was half a jar of applesauce lurking in the refrigerator, that was a good incentive too. Using a saucepan instead of a large kettle takes a little longer but seems less messy and uses less oil.The doughnuts are wonderful eaten plain with a glass of milk or rolled in powdered sugar (which a few hours later actually achieves the consistency of a glaze). Now for every bite I'll have to walk an extra half-mile this afternoon

Happy Day for a Husky

     The forecast was correct and the snowfall (or should I say snow whirl - the wind is wicked!) has begun. Nikita doesn't jump for joy, he simply wallows in the shallow drifts, happy as a pig in a mud pit. Enjoying his quiet revery, he begrudges a smile for the camera.

Hoping for Snow

     Although my family moved to Missouri from Michigan when I was five years old, I clearly and affectionately remember  the winter snows. Perhaps that is why, when the forecast includes the rare white stuff, I don't panic or fret; I anticipate it's arrival with something akin to glee even if it doesn't commence at a convenient time for playing. But as soon as my schedule allows, I pull on my boots and gloves, grab the dog, the shovel, the camera or even the neighbor's kids (any excuse will do), and hurry out into the winter wonderland.

circa 1958-59

Grand Rapids, Michigan

(Amusing to see the baby sitting comfortably in a beer box - how

politically incorrect that would be today!)

Custom Bling

     A small box of old jewelry from a thrift shop yielded a couple of trash-worthy strings of plastic beads but also several pairs of clip-on type earrings. Having seen large cluster rings become popular recently, I decided to take apart the earrings and wire them to plain ring forms (which can be bought at craft or bead stores but I had a few in my jewelry box). The clips actually broke away easily after a few bends with a pair of pliers and then I looped a six-inch strand of beading wire through the earring backing and around the ring form a couple times, crimped it tightly and clipped the wire tails. Since it will only be worn a few hours at a time and then exclusively to holiday parties, the simple construction should hold up fine. And since this is the gifty season and the original earring was one of a pair, I can bestow the other ring accordingly.

     Another plus to this project is that I bought a lovely, silky top that has a high neck, almost like a turtleneck, with soft pleats down the front; a necklace or a pin seemed out of the question, but a ring sporting a large cluster of gems would be just the right accessory.



Family Photo

     For the last several years I've made it a point to get a family photo in early December so I can enclose one in my Christmas cards. This year I tried something new and we all, especially the kids, had fun posing on our backs on the floor! The photo is actually a composite - I stood on a chair and took several shots and then Vinny did the same while I reclined awhile. I am thoroughly pleased with the final result; the black and white has a sharp, stylish look yet the subject arrangement and facial expressions convey a playfulness appropriate for the holiday season. Another (unexpected) plus: gravity provides a natural facelift!

Molly the Movie Critic

     Today is a very cold, windy day so we're staying inside to finish decorating the Christmas tree. With a pot of sauce simmering on the stove for a dinner of mostaccioli and some Pinot Grigio in our wine glasses, we thought a holiday video would complete the mood. Miss Molly, never one to be left out, was quite interested in the movie choice - no surprise -she selected the Chipmunks.

Aluminum Christmas Tree - New and Old

     While leafing through one of the many catalogs that grace the mailbox at this time of year, I came across a very nostalgic item. Surprised was I to see  a new version of this aluminum tree on the market. Not very pretty nor very traditional and actually somewhat tacky, the original holds a treasured spot in my Christmas memories. As kids in the early 1960's, we enjoyed our shiny, sparkly tree for two or three years in the living room and then it was relegated to the basement rec room. The soft light of slowly changing colors spilled up the stairwell and was visible from our bedrooms; it was comforting but exciting at the same time.

    
     When I found a photograph of our tree in the family albums, I was surprised to see how small and narrow it appears because in my memory it is like the advertisement above. Whatever the case, it will be remembered fondly.

Kitty meets the coons

     Miss Molly Anna loves the changing seasons, not for the obvious reasons of temperature or precipitation, but for the boxes and tubs that are being emptied or filled with decorations. She climbs inside each one as if to claim it for her own and then hops out. The stuff that piles up on the dining room table during each transformation also has to be investigated. These two painted rocks inhabit the front porch during the summer and autumn months but have been brought in to pack away and make room for holiday accents. Miss Molly appears to have made a friendly acquaintance and all three seem to be posing with the same wide-eyed expression.



Mashed Potato Pancakes

     The day after Thanksgiving is replete with leftovers. The usual thought is turkey sandwiches or soup but I went in different directions this year. Today for lunch we had turkey salad (made with celery, onion and mayonnaise) and crackers, and for Sunday dinner we'll have turkey enchiladas spiced with chili peppers and jalapenos from the garden. Into the freezer went  the final few slices of white meat, leftover peas and onions, and enough gravy to cover - a convenient dinner to heat up quickly one evening next week after a long busy day at work - yummy over some toast points. One of our favorites isn't related to the bird however, but to the mashed potatoes. Just a scant cup mixed with egg, milk, flour and a few other ingredients produces crispy edged pancakes that complement an ordinary breakfast of eggs and bacon. The pancakes are good fried in butter or bacon fat, and there are never any left over.

Giving Thanks

     Every time I walk up to the front porch of my home, I give pause before entering, and especially so at Thanksgiving. Yes, it's a day for heavenly aromas from the kitchen, and for spending time with family, and even for football, but on this Thanksgiving morning I am alone and the house is quiet; a misty rain is falling outside and there is no bustle in the kitchen. There will be no children or grandchildren or siblings visiting today as everyone has other family obligations. Am I sad? Yes, I shed a few tears this morning but when I went outside to get the newspaper, the wreath that hangs by the front door chided, "Give Thanks", and I began to feel much better. That familiar pause was a little more poignant today - those two little words turned my day around. I can give thanks for so much that I have now but at times in my life were disparate: a lovely home, a good job, health and a family that I love dearly. So later, when Pop gets home from work and we sit down to eat our small turkey (with big helpings of stuffing), I'll get tears in my eyes again, but they'll be tears of happiness.

Leafy Days

     Raking leaves is considered a chore, but I take into account the fact that it's a reason to be outside enjoying the fresh air and a it's good way to burn a few calories. If a child or a dog is present, it can even be fun because leaf piles are irresistible!

*****

Pumpkin-Filled Sweet Rolls

     A gray, chilly, windy day does have its merit because of the incentive to play in the kitchen, turn the oven on and enjoy the aroma of something baking. First I pick out a new or tried-and-true recipe. Today I did a little of both; I used my standby recipe for sweet rolls but rolled it up with a pumpkin cinnamon filling inside. Pronounced yummy by all, a good bit disappeared before it was even cooled or glazed! I do believe this combination will become a November standard in our house.

Color Variance in November

     The absence of color early this morning was rather striking. A fog that through the window appeared dreary had much more character and became an interesting study in contrasts when viewed skyward from outside on the lawn.

   Later, sometime after sunrise, the fog disappeared and the remaining colors of the season became apparent . The blazing burning bush in the neighbor's yard was a splendid backdrop for my miscanthus - a valiant final effort by autumn's palette.

Farm Fun

     A gorgeous sunny day and a recent visit to my sister's farm provided an opportunity to enjoy the outdoors, the colorful foliage, and to contemplate the beautiful scenery. The children took some quiet time to admire the trees lining the horse pasture, while hoping the herd would meander up the hill for a visit.

     Meanwhile, having discovered a boxy, oversized wheelbarrow, the adults were not above a little horseplay of their own.

Ice Skating Afternoon

     Although yesterday was warm for mid-November, the nearby ice rink had recently opened for the season, so grand-daughter, niece and I spent a couple of afternoon hours practicing the art of balancing on two thin blades while also moving in a forward motion.While this is a talent not as easily recovered as riding a bicycle, I felt a little more comfortable as time progressed, (it is strange sensation to be an adult taking baby steps while children barely out of toddler stage are zipping by at amazing speed!) After only one spill and a slightly bruised tailbone, I cajoled the girls into heading home for hot chocolate and a toe-warming fire - altogether a fun day!

Pet Door

     Nikki, the husky, has always enjoyed free access to the screened porch through his own small entrance. It was equipped with a piece of hanging screen that kept mosquitoes out but a dog could easily push through. However,  little Miss Molly, the indoor cat, spent quite a bit of time on the porch this summer and we had to block the door with a piece of plywood  because it was an escape hatch for her. It was a bother to keep moving that plywood every time Nik wanted in or Molly wanted out, and she actually got adept at pushing it aside so an alternative had to be found and that was obviously a door with a latch, and, obviously it had to be custom made. So I measured and cut a smooth piece of  ash, painted it to match and attached it with two hinges. A small peg of ash, anchored with a screw and a plastic bolt, acts as a latch to hold the door closed and is easily turned to allow it to open. Now everyone is happy almost all the time.

             

Autumn - the Equalizer

     Autumn brings a variety of lovely textures. It evens the differences in varied landscape tastes by baring the branches of deciduous trees and shrubs and spreading a crinkly layer of curling brown leaves over grasses and groundcovers.  Because of city codes, all the yards in our neighborhood are well-maintained but some are artfully landscaped and lovingly tended, and some are plain grass with a requisite tree or potted geranium. At this time of year, however, autumn is the equalizer - every yard looks pretty much the same. At least until Saturday morning, when the leaf blowers fire up!

English Muffins

     A day at home, alone, with lots of housework planned, calls for the aroma of something baking in the oven. English muffins are always a pleasant change from boring toast at breakfast, so I made two dozen, which means we'll have some tomorrow, I'll take a couple to my mother, share a few more with the kids and then freeze the rest for convenient use later. Actually they look so good coming out of the oven, I think I'll have one now for lunch. Pass the jam, please!



Pink Sunrise

     The neighbors probably think of me as the crazy lady who gets up early and goes outside in her bathrobe to take pictures. But when the sky is as gloriously breathtaking as it was this morning, I simply cannot resist.

Bridal Shower Cakes

     A dear friend and co-worker recently celebrated marriage to her long-time(eighteen years!) partner. Of course, a shower was held beforehand (at Hendel's Market Cafe and Piano Bar, a grocery store built in 1873 that has been renovated into a charming yet elegant restaurant), and of course, I offered to bring the cake. After browsing several websites and images, and considering the simple but determined taste of the bride-to-be, I chose a fondant covered layer cake with a minimum of decoration surrounded by buttercream frosted cupcakes. Never having used fondant, I wanted to try it and now I had an excuse for the experience. It was interesting and fun, but I do believe I prefer using frosting.
     The cake batter was dark chocolate with a hint of creme de menth and the vanilla frosting tinted to match the bridal party colors. The shower was declared a big success and the cakes enjoyed by all.

Autumn Flower Arrangements

     The last hurrah of the growing season provides some splendid items and colors for decorating: multihued mums, brown stems and seeds, golden gourds and pumpkins, to name a few. I like to accent the tabletops, shelves and walls with varied combinations of these offerings from nature, but always in a simple arrangement; the colors and textures are showy enough.

      Daisy mums are happy in a pumpkin vase that rests
on a small table next to my reading chair.

A grapevine wreath is interlaced with berries, pine cones and

colorful leaves and tied with a casual gingham bow.

Desiring a slightly more formal look for the living room, the trunk

used as a coffee table is adorned with a glass vase

filled with mums in only two shades.

This fellow was a lucky flea market find. He graces a kitchen shelf

and is filled with an assortment of autumn's offerings.

Early November Sunset

     It is only a few days until Daylight Savings Time ends and as the days shorten we try to squeeze as much as possible into the sunlit hours. Last night the setting sun seemed also to try to linger as long as possible.

Apple Pie

    It's apple season now and although the extremely hot summer produced fruit that was somewhat smaller than usual, overflowing bushels and bags are in abundance at the local farmer's markets and pick-your-own farms. Pop has requested an apple pie so today I am in the kitchen and happily so. An afternoon of baking can satisfy the senses on many levels: the hands-on fun of rolling out dough, the taste of the crispy apple peel, the heavenly smell of cinnamon and nutmeg from the oven.  

     However there are ancillary aspects of pie baking that satisfy also. It is a gift to spend time at a craft that I love but today I am also surrounded by other treasures. Things like a beloved grand-daughter, mini pans that are just her size, a favorite apron,  and a rolling pin that has been in the kitchen for thirty or more years.

    

And of course the end product is a showpiece, or at least it's pretty yummy! Pop agrees.