Edible Housewares

I love this idea for cider cups using apples.  It would make a great honey dish for this holiday season.  

This is an easy project to make with the kids.  Just make sure to saturate the cored out flesh of the apple's center with lemon juice so it doesn't brown.

The cinnamon sticks pictured here are also a great addition to use for a honey spoon.

Source: bhg.com via Alison on Pinterest

New Years Resolution: To Gwyneth or Not To Gwyneth?

No I am not comparing myself to Gwyneth Paltrow. My locks are brunette, not long and golden, my husband is a lawyer, not officially a rock star and my children don't have eccentric names- ok they might but my point still stands!

But I did get a good knowing laugh while reading Aline Brosh McKenna's feature in LA Mag's October edition.

She’s No Gwyneth. What a Relief exposed the often untold story of the working Mom in the shadow of the pervasive Overachievers of the world- cue Gwyneth!

I’m here to tell you: There’s an easier way to have it all. Ready? Wait for it, as they say.

You just redefine all.

It’s a strategy that my husband, who works in finance, might call “managing expectations downward.” It means figuring out which things matter to you and tossing out the rest. I’m married, with two kids, a full-time job, a great family, and lots of terrific friends. Anything that is not one of those things gets 86’d. To pull this off requires commitment, a deep laziness, and an ability to be proud of all that I am shirking. So here it is, my public confession about the things I’m notdoing in my quest to “have it all.” Might give you some ideas.

Looks like McKenna may have a good point when she redefines having it all and excludes a clean car, surgical enhancements and mastering Angry Birds- in fact she may have very well written this from the driveway where my car is the beloved spot for a flock of angry birds with stomach problems- but I'm not willing to give up having it all just yet! 


McKenna talks about "managing expectation downward, " and while she keeps it light-hearted, it's our high expectations that keep the exhausted engines running. It's trying new recipes to liven the dinner table, buying new seasonal styles to dress up for fun occasions and getting it all done every day that drives the euphoria I get from my accomplishments. To give up on this would be to lose who I am, and would frankly be boring. I'll admit, I could do without some of the guilty moments, but that's what my friends are for on the other end of the line.

Trial By Fire

After 10 years of married life, 3 wonderful children and countless hours at the cooktop, I have officially completed my initiation. As any Jewish woman knows, holiday preparation can often take weeks of menu planning, organizing and an over-stuffed freezer. But nothing is comparable to the pre-celebration stress of the "3 day Yom Tov." 3 days, referring to the two day Rosh Hashanah holiday and subsequent Shabbat that linked to it this year, bring on fear and trepidation among my peers that seems to dwarf the fact that the Day of Judgement is upon us. It becomes a plethora of shared recipes, strategies for not repeating foods and last minute calls to see if a friend can get you that one item you forgot at Trader Joe's.

This year was my first solo foray into the 3 day territory since my husband's family visited from the East Coast and I somehow decided it would be wise to invite anyone I spoke to who did not have their own explicit plans. If I'm cooking anyway...

And so it begins...my official Blogspiration.

My menus were a mix of old and new, traditional and contemporary, seasonal and year-round.

Some of my favorites are:

Fig Thyme Jam which I used to marinate my chickens.

Heirloom Melon Gazpacho, an amazing blend of sweet and savory flavors

Asparagus with Saffron Aioli, the Aioli can be made in advance and stored in the fridge

and Butternut Squash Ricotta and Sage Crostini, a fantastic compliment to the gazpacho

3 days, 6 meals, and 60 guests later, I survived and even feel somewhat accomplished.


What are your go to recipes when you are cooking to impress?