For my family, one of the best things about summer is the respite from the daily routines of ... everything. Personally, one of the biggest summer reliefs is the break from the daily grind of packing lunches.
My son's need for predictability and consistency (same menu every day) is countered by my daughter's quest for variety ("What entree did you pack?"). His favorite item is her least liked and vice versa. What's a mom to do?
This past Wednesday's New Era ran an informative piece about creative and healthy kids' lunch box ideas. Check out the article for some new inspiration.
Friday, August 29, 2008
Thursday, August 28, 2008
Pickled Pink and Green
I often remind myself how everything comes into perspective when you can appreciate the other side of the table, fence, what have you. While in Chicago, I carved out time to take a refresher on canning and pickling at a local cooking school. I'm so excited for Essen's new classes on preserving food, Puttin Up Parties, I was thrilled to have the chance to see what bit of Chicago preserving lore I could bring to Lancaster.
Twelve of us gathered for the better part of a Saturday. Without exception, all class participants reveled in the camaraderie of doing something good for ourselves and the earth together. My cooking partner, Sheila, and I shared a space with a mother - daughter team. When questioned why Mom (aka Brenda) didn't just teach her daughter, Lee-Po, the how-to's at home, Brenda didn't miss a beat, "It's so much more fun this way."
And it was easy. And we didn't use any special equipment. So join Essen on Sunday, September 21st for the first of our ongoing Puttin Up Parties. You'll fill your larder today and your belly year round.
Twelve of us gathered for the better part of a Saturday. Without exception, all class participants reveled in the camaraderie of doing something good for ourselves and the earth together. My cooking partner, Sheila, and I shared a space with a mother - daughter team. When questioned why Mom (aka Brenda) didn't just teach her daughter, Lee-Po, the how-to's at home, Brenda didn't miss a beat, "It's so much more fun this way."
And it was easy. And we didn't use any special equipment. So join Essen on Sunday, September 21st for the first of our ongoing Puttin Up Parties. You'll fill your larder today and your belly year round.
Wednesday, August 27, 2008
Chicago On My Mind
Just returned from one week in Chicago. My kids and I were visiting family, including a birthday celebration for my mom. Many of you know my fondness for the city of my youth. Each visit I give myself a huge kick in the rear for not fully appreciating all The Windy City offers when I lived there full-time.
All of our visits include stops at the old favorites - brunch at the neighborhood coffee shop (diner to you East Coasters), perhaps a Cubs game (they lost!) and a swim in the lake. We also try new things - this time we visited Chinatown and the Museum of Science & Industry (I highly recommend the Smart House Exhibit) with dear friends. And we always leave mental space as well as real time for the unexpected. My son and I missed seeing Barack head to Springfield to announce Biden as his running mate by this much. And in the sustainable/foodie category, I found "The Field."
Quoting their website, Outstanding in the Field seeks to "bring together local farmers and food artisans, chefs and winemakers, [as] we explore the connection between the earth and the food on your plate." The picture, above, gives you a vivid understanding why Jim and his team's events are often referred to as "the long table." The dinners are often held on farms in rural communities or outposts of urban areas. The Chicago experience was organized on a thriving city farm, a couple of acres smack dab in the middle of a former, historic disaster in urban planning, The Cabrini Green Project. Quite the compelling story about how we can eat locally and seasonally anywhere, at least for part of the year. Outstanding in the Field will be on the East Coast through the fall. We have a chance to check them out close to home on September 16th in Hamburg, PA. Sounds like Jim needs to learn more about what's happening in Lancaster and allow us the chance to host in 2009. Party bus up Route 61, anyone?!
All of our visits include stops at the old favorites - brunch at the neighborhood coffee shop (diner to you East Coasters), perhaps a Cubs game (they lost!) and a swim in the lake. We also try new things - this time we visited Chinatown and the Museum of Science & Industry (I highly recommend the Smart House Exhibit) with dear friends. And we always leave mental space as well as real time for the unexpected. My son and I missed seeing Barack head to Springfield to announce Biden as his running mate by this much. And in the sustainable/foodie category, I found "The Field."
Quoting their website, Outstanding in the Field seeks to "bring together local farmers and food artisans, chefs and winemakers, [as] we explore the connection between the earth and the food on your plate." The picture, above, gives you a vivid understanding why Jim and his team's events are often referred to as "the long table." The dinners are often held on farms in rural communities or outposts of urban areas. The Chicago experience was organized on a thriving city farm, a couple of acres smack dab in the middle of a former, historic disaster in urban planning, The Cabrini Green Project. Quite the compelling story about how we can eat locally and seasonally anywhere, at least for part of the year. Outstanding in the Field will be on the East Coast through the fall. We have a chance to check them out close to home on September 16th in Hamburg, PA. Sounds like Jim needs to learn more about what's happening in Lancaster and allow us the chance to host in 2009. Party bus up Route 61, anyone?!
Monday, August 18, 2008
It Feels Good To Be Back
I haven't journaled since mid-June and oh, the guilt I'm feeling. I could make up a whole litany of excuses - too busy, too tired, out of network. The honest truth is I had too much to say.
Do we call "it" staycation or vacation deficit disorder? Do I share my uncertainty over my husband's sudden illness (now resolved) or our sadness missing our son at sleep away camp for the first time? How about my excitement over the over flowing shelves at the roadside and farmers' markets? And, while we're on the topic, how many seemingly disparate, unrelated and disconnected emotions can we possibly have at one moment?
Now we're at the beginning of the end of summer. I'm headed to my hometown, Chicago, with my kids to celebrate my mom's 70th (oops! Special) birthday. We'll do lots of fun things, we'll feast at many cool restaurants, we'll be nourished with the love of our family and friends. The one thing that has been constant during this emotional roller coaster summer has been the feeling of peace, sanity and control I maintain while nourishing my body and soul with fresh, simply prepared food. It's great to be back and I'll be in touch soon.
Do we call "it" staycation or vacation deficit disorder? Do I share my uncertainty over my husband's sudden illness (now resolved) or our sadness missing our son at sleep away camp for the first time? How about my excitement over the over flowing shelves at the roadside and farmers' markets? And, while we're on the topic, how many seemingly disparate, unrelated and disconnected emotions can we possibly have at one moment?
Now we're at the beginning of the end of summer. I'm headed to my hometown, Chicago, with my kids to celebrate my mom's 70th (oops! Special) birthday. We'll do lots of fun things, we'll feast at many cool restaurants, we'll be nourished with the love of our family and friends. The one thing that has been constant during this emotional roller coaster summer has been the feeling of peace, sanity and control I maintain while nourishing my body and soul with fresh, simply prepared food. It's great to be back and I'll be in touch soon.
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