Versatile Blogger Award

I’m thrilled to have been nominated this week for a Versatile Blogger Award!

Thanks so much to

zestybeandog.wordpress.com

for the nomination! You need to check her blog out–she’s remarkable. To be nominated by her means a great deal!

The rules for the award are:
1. Thank the person who nominated me and link back to them in my post.
2. Share 7 things about myself
3. Pass the award on to 15 more bloggers that I enjoy
4. Contact the bloggers I have chosen to let them know that they have been selected

7 Things about Myself

1. I originally wanted to be a journalist and started off college in Northwestern’s Medill School of Journalism. But then I changed my major to Philosophy. Now, as a parent, I don’t know how my own parents kept silent about this. I hope my mother–and my father, god rest his soul–realize how grateful I am that they didn’t throw a great big fit about that!

2. I married my best friend more than 18 years ago. [Write that once without feeling insanely old.] We are still best friends. I won’t tell you how many years ago we met because that will make me feel even older! But I will say we met when we were 14–and it was truly love at first sight. I am eternally grateful for how hard my husband works to keep this family afloat. He’s a very talented musician–check out his music on Facebook/DavidAcoustic or  at David Acoustic.com.

3. Philosophy degrees don’t get you far in life unless you want to go to law school (like one in-law did) or become a philosophy professor (like two of my in-laws have done). Therefore, with a stunningly low-paying but exciting job in book publishing, I took  myself back to school and earned, within just a quarter or two of the maximum allowed time, a MBA from Loyola University Chicago. It was a long haul because I worked during the first half of the degree and gave birth 2 times during the second half of grad school. Oh, and I got pregnant a third time shortly before graduation and was too sick to go through commencement.

4.  I have an unusually, rather incredibly large, cookbook collection. Some were my German grandmother’s cookbooks from the 1920s/30s when she was a live-in cook for a wealthy Indiana family. Some are brand new and filled with lots of great ideas. Some are from used bookstores and filled with lots of great ideas. Some were my mom’s and my mother-in-law’s. I now even have a few on my Nook. And I’ve had some books since I first started living with David. I like to collect local cookbooks from places where we’ve gone on vacation or even on a business trip. I do mention “ideas” because I never really follow a recipe exactly (except for baking, where you really just have to) but use them as launching pads.

5.  If I loved to exercise as much as I love to read, I’d be super thin. Unfortunately . . .

6. Oh, yes: the children. We have three of those. A 14-year-old age girl (need I say more?), and two boys, 11 & 12, who remind us of puppies in their play, their sense of humor and the awkward way they trip around in their rapidly growing forms.

7. I’m thrilled to receive the Versatile Blogger award because, a year or so ago, I made a decision to become a more versatile blogger, ditching the niche and expanding my personal blog far beyond “mommy blogger.” And since that change, I ‘m much more satisfied with my writing–and my readership has also expanded.

Bloggers Who I Enjoy Reading

Sharripie.blogspot.com – a fun blog from a Kentucky knitter and home designer.
Sharing Recipes –  While Chris’ Sharing Recipes is a community page on Facebook, it really should be a blog. So, I’m adding her to my nomination list in hope that she will consider creating a blog.
Zestybeandog.wordpress.com – Jen has a great blog. She even makes living in Texas look appealing. Go read it!
Evanstonnewbie.blogspot.com –  A fun take on Evanston by a recent transplant.
ChicagoFoodies.com - Great blog on topics related to eating and cooking in Chicago. If I had time to do a foodie blog for my EvanstonSkokieRestaurants.com site, it would be very much like this blog.

Day Filled with a First, a Last & some “Dear-Lord-Make-It-Stop”s

A First: Sam is going to the middle school winter dance tonight! This is purely a casual affair. No dates, no ties, not even any khakis. Sam is threatening to wear camo. I put my foot down on that. Jeans and a CLEAN shirt, please!

A Last: Today was my last day at the elementary school’s Readers Are Leaders event. I read to Peter’s class a chapter from a really good YA book, No Passengers Beyond This Point (same author as Al Capone Does My Shirts), and Pete assured me I did not embarrass him. Except for last year, I’ve read at Readers Are Leaders every year since Kate was in 1st grade. Sad to let this tradition go.

A First: Peter also informed me that the esteemed mayor of Skokie read to his math class. Not a first. The mayor is always at Readers Are Leaders Day. The first? He didn’t make a public appearance in his brown or beige suit! Peter said he wore a white dress shirt with black pants. This man has been mayor of Skokie since we moved here almost 14 years ago. I’ve never seen him without his brown or beige suit on.

A “Dear God Make It Stop”: The Christmas season is barely here, and I am already sick of the holiday music. Songs that need to be put to rest for a few years include: “All I Want for Christmas (is You)”, “Sleigh Ride” (all versions), “Jingle Bell Rock” (all versions), John Lennon’s Happy Christmas (War Is Over); “Do They Know It’s Christmas”; “Sleigh Ride” (stay tuned for a continuing list as the days go on) . . .

A “Dear God Make It Stop”: What happened to drivers looking to their right when making a left onto a busy road? I almost got run over by a school bus this morning that was about to turn left onto Niles Center (and into me) as I was driving down Niles Center Rd. I had the split second choice of a) swerving and stomping on the gas or b) dying. I stomped, swerved and narrowly escaped being creamed by the Mr. School Bus driver right in my driver’s side. Then later today, heading down Oakton, a car was turning left from Central Park onto Oakton and almost got me. I drive a red minivan, folks. Not hard to see–if you turn your head to the right and check both ways!

I can hear it now, the new version of Grandma Got Run Over by a Reindeer: “Momma Got Run Over by a School Bus” (by the way, the former is yet another song that should be added to my “bah humbug” list.

Happy Weekend to All!

Caroline’s Cranberry Cumberland Sauce

Yesterday I mentioned I would post my Cranberry Sauce recipe for anyone looking for a zesty, tasty alternative to that stuff that comes out of jars (blech). I’ve been making this sauce for 18 years, and even people who eschew cranberry sauce like it.

It was originally a Bon Appetit recipe, but I’ve made enough changes to it over the years that I consider it my own now. Not only does this work well with turkey–but you can use it to perk up chicken and pork roast.

Cranberry Sauce

 INGREDIENTS:

2 c fresh cranberries
3/4 c red wine (whatever is open or you are drinking)
1/2 c sugar
pinch of salt
pinch of ground clove
pinch of ground ginger
1/2 tsp dry mustard
1 tbsp grated orange peel
2-1/2 tbsp orange juice
dash of lemon juice
3/4 tsp cornstarch

INSTRUCTIONS:
Combine the berries and wine in a heavy saucepan over medium heat. Cook until berries burst, stirring often (about 5-10 min.). Add sugar, salt and spices and stir for a minute. Combine cornstarch with orange juice and lemon juice and whisk until smooth. Slowly stir into sauce. Add orange peel. Simmer until thickened (about another 5 min.). Taste and add more sugar, if desired.

You can make this up to 3 days ahead of the meal. Makes about 1-1/2 to almost 2 c. Serve at room temp.

Thanksgiving Post-Mortem

So, after a rather grouchy, political blog, I’m back with a more cheerful post-mortem on Thursday’s feast.

We had a great time with David’s sister Victoria, who braved the Thanksgiving rush to fly up from Florida to visit us.

David & his little sister Victoria

Last year, I roasted the best turkey of my life. Moist, buttery, perfectly seasoned, even my father-in-law, a dedicated turkey hater, liked it. But you can’t win them all. This year, despite the fact that everyone claimed the turkey to be moist, I swear it was dry. I had a hint of what was to come when I realized that unlike other fresh birds from years past, this one was sucking up every ounce of broth I poured in the pan. Turkey shield, low heat, my magic herb rub, olive oil, whole apple & whole onion cavity fillers . . . none prevented a lean toward the dry side. Next year, it is either back to brining or sinking heavy money into a Kosher turkey (pre-brined).

However, the meal was far from a disaster. My mashed potato casserole was devoured without a teaspoon left over. The sausage and oyster dressing was also gone by the next evening. And the kids even enjoyed the wild rice salad.

Thanksgiving Dinner 2011

Wild Rice & Cranberry Salad

I have posted my  cranberry recipe soon so anyone can use it for the holidays. The Wild Rice & Cranberry Salad is a recipe that I made for dinner the night I went into labor with Kate. The recipe got lost (it was from a summer 1997 issue of Bon Appetit), but I found it again last week after a bit of searching on different recipe sites. It’s a wonderful year-round recipe that can be served warm, room temp or cold.

I wish I had some pictures of my pies. Most of my friends know that I’m not a patient baker–but even the crust came out well. Maybe that’s because the pumpkin pies were a collaborative effort of three women in a kitchen: Kate, Vic and me. I also baked the pies at night, covered them and let them sit out on the counter overnight. I remember my mother always baked pies last thing at night. I believe that somehow helped make the crust much less dry than others.

On Friday, while the rest of us ate leftovers, Vic took Kate downtown to explore some of Vic’s old stomping grounds in Lincoln Park and to visit the Field Museum.

Aunt Victoria and Kate

Needless to say, Kate and her aunt were continually mistaken as sisters.

It was a great weekend, and we were thankful for those at the table and for those who could not join us this year (but will hopefully be at the table next year), most notably my mom (see previous post) and Vic’s partner Edrie.

Hope You Enjoyed Your Thanksgiving–It May Be One of Your Last Thanksgiving Vacations!

For years, I have been a vocal opponent of Black Friday morning shopping. My mother is a full-time big-box retail store employee and is not allowed to take vacation between Halloween and (now) Jan. 6. We live in different cities–nearly 5 hours by car (or plane, given the time in airport). I haven’t spent Thanksgiving with my mother for many, many years. It used to be my family’s favorite holiday (no gifts, just food and family).

But thanks to Black Friday and the greed of both corporate and consumer America, our family Thanksgivings are without my side of the family. My mother works until midnight on Wed/Thurs, then must be in to work no later than 4am Friday. A common autumn exchange is this:

“Please, Mom, just call in sick,” I say. “No, I can’t, I have to work, honey,” says my very honest mother. “I miss you,” I say. “I miss you,” says Mom.

“Maybe I should bring everyone to you and cook the meal,” I say. “No,” Mom, “There’s no point. I’ll be too tired..”

But this year, retailers started a midnight Thurs/Friday opening that unravel other families as well. Soon, your employer may also wonder why you aren’t working on Thanksgiving weekend as well.

Thanksgiving is suppose to be a national day of giving thanks–not for the almighty dollar–that was officially declared as the final Thursday in November by no less than President Abraham Lincoln. In 1941, the holiday was changed to the 4th Thursday in November.

This is a federal and state government holiday, including public schools as well as universities, local governments, libraries and more. It may even be a parking-meter holiday in your city.

But alas, if retailers are open on Thanksgiving, your employer may soon wonder why on earth you aren’t working. Thanksgiving is in danger of going the way of Columbus Day and Veterans’ Day.

What can you do?

Simple: Don’t shop early and often. Sleep in and go to Black Friday sales only after normal weekday shopping hours (usually 9am or 10am) have begun. Don’t shop on Thanksgiving. Thanksgiving should be reserved for family and food.

I hope to again spend Thanksgiving with my mom–and in the meantime, I hope you will help me at least preserve the sanctity of Thanksgiving Day. There has to be a least one day per year when America doesn’t need to shop. With your help, this can happen!

Hope You Enjoyed Your Thanksgiving–It May Be One of Your Last Thanksgiving Vacations!

For years, I have been a vocal opponent of Black Friday morning shopping. My mother is a full-time big-box retail store employee and is not allowed to take vacation between Halloween and (now) Jan. 6. We live in different cities–nearly 5 hours by car (or plane, given the time in airport). I haven’t spent Thanksgiving with my mother for many, many years. It used to be my family’s favorite holiday (no gifts, just food and family).

But thanks to Black Friday and the greed of both corporate and consumer America, our family Thanksgivings are without my side of the family. My mother works until midnight on Wed/Thurs, then must be in to work no later than 4am Friday. A common autumn exchange is this:

“Please, Mom, just call in sick,” I say. “No, I can’t, I have to work, honey,” says my very honest mother. “I miss you,” I say. “I miss you,” says Mom.

“Maybe I should bring everyone to you and cook the meal,” I say. “No,” Mom, “There’s no point. I’ll be too tired..”

But this year, retailers started a midnight Thurs/Friday opening that unravel other families as well. Soon, your employer may also wonder why you aren’t working on Thanksgiving weekend as well.

Thanksgiving is suppose to be a national day of giving thanks–not for the almighty dollar–that was officially declared as the final Thursday in November by no less than President Abraham Lincoln. In 1941, the holiday was changed to the 4th Thursday in November.

This is a federal and state government holiday, including public schools as well as universities, local governments, libraries and more. It may even be a parking-meter holiday in your city.

But alas, if retailers are open on Thanksgiving, your employer may soon wonder why on earth you aren’t working. Thanksgiving is in danger of going the way of Columbus Day and Veterans’ Day.

What can you do?

Simple: Don’t shop early and often. Sleep in and go to Black Friday sales only after normal weekday shopping hours (usually 9am or 10am) have begun. Don’t ever shop in Thanksgiving. Thanksgiving should be a time of family and food.

I hope to again spend Thanksgiving with my mom–and in the meantime, I hope you will help me at least preserve the sanctity of Thanksgiving Day. There has to be a least one day per year when America doesn’t need to shop. With your help, this can happen!

Shaking Up Those Holiday Traditions

Most people who have known me for a really long time realize that at heart I’ve always been a really serious traditionalist. Don’t get that mixed up with conservative (which I’m not)–but the sentimental type of traditionalist.

As a native of America’s Heartland, I was pretty much raised that way. Holidays and the changing seasons dictated a specific pattern to daily life: meals, decorations, shopping patterns, clothing, cleaning (spring, fall, post-holiday, etc). Most people raised in the Midwest before the 1990s probably understand what I’m saying here. There were just Traditions & Customs. And we Followed them.

As an adult, one of the first things I think I shook up in my life was food (well, really it was the cleaning–I’ve spring cleaned. I don’t think I’ve ever fall cleaned. In fact, I hate cleaning to an extent that my mother wonders where she went wrong). But after the cleaning, came the cooking.

My mom is a terrific cook–as was her mother. I must just genetically love food and cooking, from creating sauces and changing up long-standing family recipes to trying new recipes. But when it comes to holidays, I’ve been a traditionalist. I’ve added something here or there to this or that, but if my grandparents walked in on our Thanksgiving meal, they would certainly recognize some standard dishes:

Turkey (although unstuffed and fixed with my super-secret herb rub)
Cranberry Sauce (mine again)
Mom’s Apple & Onion Stuffing
Mom’s Mashed Potato Casserole
Gravy
Rolls
The Relish Tray
Pumpkin Pie

This Thanksgiving, I’m shaking up some traditions. For instance, I’m skipping the corn dish. Instead, I found a great yellow squash casserole recipe that I tried last night when we had friends over. I’m also considering swapping out the pumpkin pie in favor of the Sweet Potato Pie. I made it long before kids came around. It’s secret is in the bourbon. I usually make a roasted root vegetable dish with sweet potatoes, rutabagas and parsnips. But this year, I’m making a recipe from Whole Living (if I can find my copy) that features roasted brussel sprouts and beets.

Black Box Wine

Finally, when it comes to wine, we are all used to the traditional wine bottles. But I took part in a BzzAgent.com word-of-mouth product campaign. I received coupons and promo information for Black Box wine in exchange for trying it and introducing it to friends and families.

Yep, Boxed Wine. But Black Box is not the swill of the 1980s college party days. We tried the Chardonnay and the Malbec. The Malbec was my favorite. Breaking with traditional bottles, we’ll have it around for some entertaining this coming holiday season.