A RealFamilies RealFun Blog

Oct 22 2008

Kissy break

Category: Just Me

With a freelance writing career and a direct marketing business, I'm on the computer most of the day. Add to that my position as VP of a charter school board, and the school's web mom, well I might as well get one of those *Borg implants and plug myself directly into my PC.

So unlike those children in the past who looked for mom in the laundry room or kitchen, my kids come to my computer when they're looking for me. And even if Nana is visiting or daddy is home, they like to check in with me on occasion.

Nathan usually interrupts me with a question like, "What are we going to do today?" But Lucie is more subtle. She comes up with a kiss and a hug, then turns on the TV, puts in a video, and crawls into my bed. I'm not so thrilled about the distracting racket from the television, but the kissy break sure is nice.

(*The Borg is a race of cyborgs in the Star Trek shows and movies.)

 

Oct 21 2008

Fine dining

Category: Family Fun

I've been reading about the state of American dining lately. It's made me think about how Paul and I teach our children how to appreciate good food.

Last night, we wanted to hear some gypsy jazz at a local coffee house. Thinking that Nana and the kids would also enjoy it, we decided to go out to eat as well. The coffee shop was in the old part of town, a place where mom and pop stores and privately owned eateries still exist. It's also home to one of the better casual dining spots in town. It's an Irish pub that also serves Greek, American, and Mexican dishes and good local beer. (Only in America.) It's also home to the best prime rib in town.

As we waited for a table to open -- and were visited by the manager to make sure the kids were entertained with crayons and potato chips -- I thought back to reading that most Americans don't appreciate good food as they're used to pizza delivery, fast food courts, and chain restaurants. They're impatient and aren't adventurous. Yet here we were showing our kids that the best food was at a small, one-of-a-kind restaurant with excellent service. I was glad we were able to share that with them.

Later we walked down the street to the coffee shop and listened to the band as Paul and I sipped our coffee drinks. Lucie danced around, showing off her new ballet moves. Nathan carefully studied the guitar work while Nana kept time by tapping her fingers. I marveled to myself what a special evening it had been, yet so simple. A nice meal, good music, spending time with grandma, and showing the kids what's important in life -- it's something we should all do more often.

 

Oct 20 2008

My search for eggless meatloaf

Category: Come and Get It

I've had a hankering for meatloaf lately. So one evening, I took the kids to our favorite '50s diner, part of the Gunther Toodies chain. A Colorado institution, the restaurant is one of those kitschy '50s joints specializing in yummy ice cream shakes and sarcastic, bouffanted waitresses. Lucie started calling it Mash Patooties after seeing my order mash potatoes and meatloaf, and the name has stuck with the rest of us since then.

After a disappointing meatloaf that was too dry and dense, I began to search for meatloaf recipe that Lucie could eat. This was a challenge since most call for eggs, a big no-no for her. Luckily I came across this terrific version at Recipe&Recipies online, which I've modified somewhat.

I'm always nervous about serving a new dish to my family, especially since I've had more misses than hits lately. However, this was a huge success. Lucie ate a big portion along with a side of peas. Nathan skipped the peas and had three servings. Paul had two servings and all of Nathan's peas. And since I've joined Weight Watchers to lose the 15 pounds I gained over the summer (sigh) I had a measly but delicious 4 ounces of it, and a side of sauteed pepper strips.

Eggless Meatloaf*

Ingredients:
2 pounds ground deer (you can use ground beef or 1 pound beef and 1 pound turkey)
fresh bread cubes from 3 slices of white bread
1 small chopped onion
2 tablespoons fresh parsley
1 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon basil
1/4 teaspoon pepper
1/4 cup milk
1 can vegetarian vegetable soup with alphabet noodles
Swiss cheese in cube or bar form

Topping Sauce:
2 tablespoon golden mustard
1/4 cup ketchup
1/4 cup brown sugar

Preparation:
1. Use your hands to mix together all the meatloaf ingredients except the cheese. Don't be concerned if you see solid pieces of the soup or bread in the mix. Just try to combine the ingredients as best as you can.

2. Shape into 8 to 10 meatballs or a loaf. I used a loaf pan on my first try. Next time, I will make a freestanding loaf, since the pan retained so much moisture and grease. In fact, I had to use a turkey baster to get rid of all the liquid. Placing the loaf on a small rack inside a pan, so the fat and grease can drip off during baking, would be a good idea, too.

3. Cut a cube of Swiss cheese (about 3/4 inch square) for the meatballs, and press into the center of each one. If you're making a loaf, cut a long 1 inch square "bar" of cheese approximately the length of the loaf to press into the center. (You can use several pieces of cheese to do this.) The idea is that when you cut into the meatball or loaf, there is melted Swiss cheese in the middle.
4. Bake loaves at 350 degrees for about 45 minutes.

5. Then mix together the topping ingredients and brush/pour over the top of loaves or meatballs.

6. Bake 10 to 15 minutes longer.

7. Let loaf sit for 10 minutes before slicing and serving. Goes great with mash patooties, I mean mash potatoes, green beans, peas, or sauteed pepper strips.

(Note: unbaked loaves and meatballs freeze well.)

*Adapted from Recipe&Recipies Website