Homemade peppermint bark, just like Williams-Sonoma!

I have vivid memories of helping my dad deliver plates of homemade cookies to all the neighbors on Christmas Eve. My mom was busy getting the house ready to host Christmas, and my dad would say, "come on Shayne," then give me explicit instructions on what do if some one's visit lasted more than five minutes. We would joke about using a "code word" or pretend I had to go to the bathroom, or the dog was sick, etc. But neither of us had it in us to actually pull out the code word, and we would be gone for a couple of hours. Part of me thinks this was my dad's way of getting him (and me, thanks dad) out of the fifty million other things my mom would have in store for us if we returned too early. Everyone in the neighborhood was always in a great mood, and we would laugh, and chat, and move on to the next house. It's weird how we inherit certain things from our parents, and our siblings inherit others. My sister acquired the love of volunteering at school, the PTA, and all things educational. My brother inherited my mom's work ethic, and I seem to have inherited the love of the holidays. I hand made each of my kids stockings, because that's what my mom did for us. I decorate the day after Thanksgiving. I bake all different holiday cookies...why? Because my mom always did, and her mom always did. I draw the line at home made butter balls, and shining silver, (although my mom comes down at does it for me :)) I also feel the need to deliver something to the neighbors at Christmas...or make my husband and kids do it while I get ready for Christmas. Cookies usually make the list, but a few years ago, I started making peppermint bark. I love the stuff, but realized it costs a crazy amount to buy, but is really easy and inexpensive to make. I have probably tried 5 different recipes over the years, and have settled on one that tastes the most like Williams and Sonoma (my fave bark). It is so good, I keep it in the fridge all holiday season, and long after. By lunchtime, I have usually consumed my weight in peppermint bark. It's addicting, I'm telling you. I have given out the recipe many times, as people seem to love it as much as I do. Make a batch a week, and my Christmas , you'll have enough for the teachers, neighbors, and yourself! I urge you to start your own holiday traditions. These are the things your kids will remember for years to come! Enjoy! Oh, and a little warning, do not, no matter how curious you are...do not, under any circumstances, taste the peppermint extract. You will end up with your mouth under the sink, and the mentholated burning may last for two days. It's minty. That's all I'm saying.

Awesome Peppermint Bark Recipe

Holiday signs...get your craft on this Christmas!

Coming up with craft ideas for the kids for the annual Christmas bazaar at the kids school proves difficult, year after year. Now, two out of my three kids want to have their own table to sell their own goods, so guess who gets to think of the ideas...shop for all the ideas...explain how to make the crafts...then finish the crafts as the kids burn out...then, with a little help...clean up the crafts. And crafting with the kids is fun, why? Exactly? Well, it actually does become worth it seeing their cute little handmade items they are so proud to sell, and then they take the money they make, and shop around the bazaar. They pick out cute little things for their siblings, and usually for me...and I love what they come up with. This year, I decided to help them make some cute wooden Christmas signs to add to all of their ornaments, hand sewn napkins, coasters (see here), and dog treats. But then something happened. I kind of took over the signs and I just kept going. Then, as the signs got cuter and cuter, I started looking for places around my house to hang them. Grace was like "um...mom, aren't we supposed to be selling those? Think of the money we could make..." I prefer to think of all the money we could save, if I just went ahead and kept them, you know...adding to my Christmas decorations for free! Actually, these signs cost around $30 to make all three, but are super sturdy, can be made to match your own decor, or can be given as gifts! They took me around two hours to make, and I am loving them! So, come on! Get crafty, just in time for the holidays!

You will need:

1 1"x6" board from Home Depot (about $5)
wooden letters (found mine at Walmart $1.98 each)
modge podge
Hot glue gun or strong wood glue
paint
picture hangers
primer or white spray paint
glittery or decorative craft paper







Start by laying out the words (I used peace, joy, and noel) on the board and draw lines with a pencil where you need to cut the board into three. Sweet talk your husband, unless you are crafty with the power tools, to make the cuts for you. If neither one of you are comfy with a handsaw or table saw, take it back to home depot, they will cut it for free. Spray primer on all the letters, and the boards, front and sides, (you don't have to spray the back.) After they are dry, paint the board any color you choose. Trace the wooden letters on the backs of decorative paper, and cut out. Play around with setting the paper on top of the letters to get a color combo you like. Paint the sides of the letter to correlate with what paper you are using...thin paper can be modge podged to the letter, and then a thin coat applied over the top. You can also paint the letters and decorate with sparkly glue, polka dots, etc. Heavy paper (I used mostly heavy paper) needs to get glued to the letter with a hot glue gun or wood glue. Then, hot glue your letters onto the board, then add a picture hanger to the back (Home depot $2.50 for three of them), and they are ready to hang! Go girl! Look what you just did!

Sweet Potato Souffle & Pumpkin Bread Pudding with Caramel Sauce...

Thanksgiving is almost here, and after many years of trying recipes, there are a couple that remain absolute, all time favorites. Recipes so good you will make them year after year. This sweet potato souffle, is not technically a souffle, as it does not puff up in the oven. I actually got this recipe from my friend's husband...we were invited years ago to an early Thanksgiving at her house, and her husband made this dish, and literally every person at the table asked for the recipe. Now, my relatives ask me for the recipe, and ask that I bring it to Thanksgiving every year, (which is now usually at my house, so I don't have to bring it very far.) Here is the recipe, if you make it...you will thank me.

Sweet Potato Souffle

3 cups peeled and boiled yams
1/2 cup brown sugar
2 beaten eggs
1 tsp vanilla
1/4 cup milk
1/2 cup melted butter

topping: 1 cup brown sugar
1/3 cup flour
1 cup chopped pecans
1/3 cup melted butter

Strain the yams after boiling, and put in a mixing bowl. Add brown sugar, eggs, vanilla, milk, and melted butter. Mix until whipped and pour into casserole dish. For the topping, mix brown sugar, flour, pecans, and melted butter. Crumble over yams and bake at 350 degrees for 30 minutes. I know it's not lo-cal, but people...it's Thanksgiving! You're welcome!



The pumpkin bread pudding was a recipe I found off the internet a few years ago. I had tried at least 4 or 5 bread puddings, and was not thrilled with any of them. I wanted something pumpkiny, and caramely, and warm, and vanilla-ish (all made up words, I know,)...something super memorable. When I found this recipe, I tried it right away, and it was a keeper. My mom, sister, and I can put away a whole pan of this stuff, easy. If there is any left, it's gone for breakfast the next day. This, an apple pie, and a pumpkin cheesecake, and you are good to go this Thanksgiving!

Pumpkin Bread Pudding with Caramel Sauce

2 1/2 cups half and half
1 15 ounce can pumpkin puree
1 cup packed brown sugar
2 large eggs
1 1/2 tsp pumpkin pie spice
1 1/2 tsp cinnamon
1 1/2 tsp vanilla
10 cups cubed egg bread (I find mine at Central Market, it's called Ultimate French toast bread)
1/2 cup golden raisins

caramel sauce:

1 1/4 cups packed dark brown sugar
1/2 cup unsalted butter
1/2 cup heavy whipping cream

Mix half and half, pumpkin puree, brown sugar, eggs, pumpkin pie spice, cinnamon, and vanilla in a large bowl. fold in bread cubes. Mix in raisins. Transfer into casserole dish. Let stand 15 minutes, then bake at 350 degrees, until knife comes out clean. Meanwhile, prepare sauce. Whist dark brown sugar and butter over medium heat in a saucepan. After butter melts, stir in heavy cream. Stir until sugar dissolves. Sift powdered sugar over bread pudding, top with caramel sauce and whipping cream. Comfort food at it's best!

Winter is coming!!!

As winter nears, cozy boots are everywhere! As the forecast calls for possible snow, dressing warm is even more important! How to dress warm AND look cute at the same time??? Some winter ideas for casual and dressy...

vest-oldnavy.com $40
hat- Stella Mcartney $60 net-a-porter.com
bag- romwe.com $99
jeans- abercrombie.com $68
tshirt- oldnavy.com
watch- shopbop.com
earrings- windsorstore.com $2.90
boots- Ugg zappos.com $220
hat- oldnavy.com $13
jeans- topshop.com $71
shoes- dsw.com $100
coat- oldnavy.com $79
bag- Madison by coach.com $398

Happy Holidays and stay warm out there people!

Handmade Coasters...so easy, so awesome!

I have seen many tutorials for making coasters lately, and finally decided to give it a try myself. Every year I try to make something to give away as Christmas gifts, and this year...spoiler alert to my friends and family...it's coasters. There are so many ways to make coasters, and I settled on ceramic tile coasters. You can paint them, add a paper cutout, use a sharpie and a stencil...I decided to use the craft paper technique. Now those who know me, know I have a tendency to throw myself into my projects...no one gets fed, no other housework gets done, and it's almost impossible to have a conversation with me while I am in the midst of crafting. It's an all or nothing deal. This is the same reason I won't read Twilight, or any other book for that matter. Sad, I know, there was a time I loved to read, but I have learned my limits as a parent. I have a family who have needs, and I will literally sit there until the book is done. No eating, no sleeping, like some kind of freak. So, usually when I start a project my husband has this nervous thing that happens...like"uh, okay, um, how long will that take?" What he really means is when should I expect to see you emerge from your craft like trance and and be a real person again? Surprisingly, this coaster thing was different. I enlisted the help of Grace and my niece Trenna, and of course I had two other little sets of boy hands trying to help...which brought up this well known conversation..."Honey? How much longer does the game have? Can you take the boys outside? Honey? Anyone? Bueller?" Nothing. But we rocked it out, and they turned out awesome. Here is my tutorial, which is kind of a blend of many tutorials I read:



4 (or more depending on how many sets you are making) ceramic 4 1/2 x 4 1/2 white tiles (home depot-16 cents each)
1 bottle modge podge
decorative craft paper
foam brushes
clear spray lacquer
super strong glue
any color felt (fabric store, about $3 for a yard)
Turn the craft paper over and trace a tile on the back. Cut four of these. Apply a VERY THIN layer of modge podge to completely cover the top of the tile. Let dry for approximately half an hour. Turn tile upside down and trim along edges so there is no over hang. You can also sand the edges for a more distressed look, or cut the square of paper a quarter of an inch smaller than the tile so you have a border. Apply another very thin layer over the top, let dry for about 15 minutes, and repeat 3 or 4 times. The last coat I apply is a little thicker, and I modge podge the edges as well. After they are all dry, lay the coasters out and spray top and edges with lacquer. Wait a few hours and spray again. When completely dry, cut a 3 1/2" X 3 1/2" square of felt and glue to the back. Stack in sets of 4,5, or 6 and tie with ribbon! Gorgeous, professional looking coasters! We made about a hundred coasters, (the girls are going to sell some at the bazaar at school), and it cost about $25 for the total project. I already had paper and modge podge, and it cost about $15 for the tiles, and $10 for two cans of lacquer spray. We made many different color schemes to match different people, and even colored the edges on some with a black sharpie and did some animal print ones to match my dining room. Seriously, so easy and kind of fun!

Lentil and Vegetable Soup...Really? Really.

I don't mean to go all healthy on you...and I know I have been posting quite a few soups lately, but the soup I had yesterday, was, in a word, awesome. Every time I go running with my friend Joni, it is a full on Martha Stewart experience. She lives on a bluff overlooking Puget Sound, on this giant stretch of beach, in a cape cod style, gorgeous home. Every time I come over, she feeds me wonderful organic meals, has fresh flowers from her garden all over her house, and sends me home with lettuce and vegetables from her yard. Yesterday was no different! When I arrived, she had a giant glass of juice, (from her juicer of course :)) kale, swiss chard, lemon, apples, I'm not even sure what was in it, but it was good. During our run, she was talking about this lentil soup she has been making by the pot, and eating for days. She explained to me all the health benefits of lentil, and how it is pure vegetable protein, and not animal protein. In my mind I was thinking..."I'm not sure about the whole lentil thing..." as it has always sounded bland to me. When we got back to her house, she insisted that I try some, and I'm so glad I did! It was so good, and super filling. It was full of vegetables, and had a little middle eastern thing going on. So of course, I had to make a pot of my own today, and we just had it for dinner. It is served with fresh lemon juice squeezed over it, a little Parmesan, cilantro, and a sprinkling of sea salt, and of course we had a little french bread on the side. So many flavors, so easy to make!

Joni's Lentil and Vegetable Soup

4 cloves minced garlic
4 TBS olive oil
2 carrots, chopped
2 celery stalks chopped
2 cups chopped onion (1 red, 1 yellow)
1 (2 cup) package lentils (I used 1/2 green, 1/2 brown organic lentils)
4 1/2 cups water
4 1/2 cups chicken stock
2 tsp cumin
1/4 tsp allspice
pinch of cayenne pepper
salt and pepper to taste
2-3 tsp lemon juice
whatever you want to top it with: Parmesan, cilantro, sea salt, sunflower seeds, shredded chicken, sour cream, pumpkin seeds, croutons, yogurt, goat cheese, anything you can think of :)

Saute onions, garlic, celery, carrots, in olive oil until onion is golden brown. Rinse lentils and add them. Add water and broth, cover, and bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer 40-45 minutes. Puree soup in a blender or food processor before serving. Squeeze lemon on top, sprinkle with sea salt and add any toppings you wish.

Oh, and then, I made these for dessert. I had been eyeing them for awhile and figured since dinner was so healthy, what the heck. Picture Rice Krispy treats on steroids. I know, right? They were sooo good, barely any batter made it to the pan!

Avanlanche Bar recipe

All I want for Christmas is...Panini!

Flipping through the channels last night....it unexpectedly happened...a Christmas commercial. The holidays are officially here. Every year they seem to get earlier and earlier, I should fully expect it, but I always feel a little surprised when I see a full on holiday commercial with snow and jingling, and joy, I always panic a little. Could it really be THAT time again? What about that promise I made to myself in September to start early, and be super prepared this year? Don't get me wrong, I LOVE Christmas...almost as much as I love summer. I always have big plans...holiday parties, dozens of different cookies, homemade gifts...but Christmas comes way too fast, and half of my to do list is shot, only to be traded for things I actually need to get done. No matter how prepared I try to be, the season is chaotic, for everyone. With all of the extra planning, shopping, decorating, and general Christmas fanfare, we still need to cook dinner, which is a chore in and of itself. What's a girl to do? A few years ago I was given a gift from my lovely sister in law...a panini press. I must confess (sorry Sarah) I didn't really put it to use right away. It sat in the back cupboard, and eventually made it out to the cabinets in the garage...until planning a lunch with my sister one day...a group of women were coming, and everyone was bringing a salad. We felt we needed some kind of lunch main dish....my sister said "too bad we don't have a panini press"...and I was like "ummm, duh!" I went out to the garage, dusted that thing off, and have never looked back. My sister in law must know me better than I know myself. It is probably my favorite (one of about 5 favorites) of my kitchen appliances. I love this thing. Now grilled cheese and french dips have gone from being quick dinners, to gourmet, and lunch parties are a no brainer. A great panini with a salad, some fruit and a dessert are all you need. I love to go to the deli at Central Market and see what's on sale. Salami, prosciutto, turkey, ham, provolone, swiss, tomatoes, arugala, pesto, you name it, it can go in a panini. Baguettes, Como bread, focaccia, flat bread... I even saw a fig and sweet potato panini recipe that looked fabulous...and with Thanksgiving on the way, I almost fell out of my chair when I saw this panini recipe made with Thanksgiving leftovers...I'm so trying that this year. You can make breakfast paninis, with eggs and cheese, and hollandiase sauce, you an make rueben's, club's, tuna melts, sky is really the limit. I have the Breville panini press from Williams and Sonoma, and it's an awesome machine. It was on Oprah's favorite things last year, and I can see why! They are a little spendy, but I have seen them on ebay anywhere from $19 to $200, and Williams and Sonoma have them on sale right now for $119. That is an all time low! Anything that cuts a little time off our schedule around Christmas is all good! Here are a few panini recipes I love:

Caprese Panini

Smoked Turkey Panini with Arugula and Mozzarella

Chicken Panini with Pesto and Mozzarella

Thanksgiving Turkey Panini

Happy Holidays!

Simple things we can do to live more organically today...

When I had my first baby, I didn't think too much about the baby wash I used, and opted for a well known baby shampoo that smelled great and had been around for decades...all of the commercials and advertising I had seen throughout the years made my mind feel it was soothing, and comforting and a staple to have in my baby's bath time routine...that is...until I looked up the information on the skin deep database and found out it was a 9 out of 10 on the scale for harsh carcinogens, and included ingredients linked to cancer and allergies. Fabulous. I immediately threw the baby shampoo away and went out and bought the most organic baby soap I could find....one that registered a zero on the scale. In fact I threw away all of my products and replaced them with all natural zero's. I threw myself into decontaminating our bodies, one product at a time. After reading that the average person uses 15 or more cosmetic products a day, including shampoo, hair products, deodorant, cosmetics, lotion, etc. I did a complete overhaul. As time went by, my husband and I both started noticing the kids smelled like oatmeal, or tea tree oil, and didn't seem to be getting super clean. My hair looked flat, and my sea salt deodorant just made me feel, well, salty. Is this what living naturally was supposed to feel like? Maybe I wasn't such a nature girl after all...I was tempted to throw in the towel and revert back to my old products, but decided if we really use that many products a day, and at least half of them are dangerously high in carcinogens, what is that doing to our bodies over time? I decided to experiment to try and find products I like, that actually work. I started with the baby wash, and tried at least five or six products, before settling on good old Burt's Bee's baby wash. It smelled great, and the kids really seemed clean. I also love the Aveeno wash, and although they are a 2 on the scale, I feel that is a huge improvement. I moved on to facial products, shampoo and conditioner, and deodorant. Slowly, I have taken my family from mostly 7's, 8's and 9's, to mostly 0-3's, and I actually feel happy with the results. Between that, and switching my detergent to a great smelling eco friendly type (Ecos at Costco...love it!) and switching my cleaning products to environmentally friendly green products...see this post...and changing up their lunchbox gear...see this post...I feel like I have taken huge leaps and bounds in cleaning up our home and our lives, and downgrading the amount of toxins we are exposed to, therefore promoting a healthier future for my kids and the whole family...and you know what? It was not that daunting, or expensive. It was actually easy and maintainable! If you have not been to the skin deep database, I would recommend you go there...you can literally type in any product by name, and find out about the toxicity. Make a list of all the products your family uses, and check their rating...I bet you will be shocked, as I was! Replace products as they run out with less toxic products, and you will be well on your way to healthier living! The trick is, don't stress too hard. If you have a face cream you swear by, or love coloring your hair, who cares? Let that be the one thing you keep, as long as you are changing out other products, then you are lessening the overall toxins, don't go too crazy. Find your balance between being healthy and enjoying your life, and just take baby steps in the right direction, and before you know it, you will be healthier, one small change at a time.

Skin Deep Cosmetics database
holidays
A few healthier products that I love:



1) Burt's Bees baby wash and shampoo-smells like apricots and really cleans!

2)Alba Hawaiian products-love the gardenia shampoo and plumeria conditioner, green tea eye gel, coconut milk face wash, pineapple enzyme facial scrub, papaya enzyme facial mask, hibiscus toner, jasmine and vitamin E moisturizer, and lip balms. I also love their kukui nut body oil and sugar scrub. Awesome line.

3)Crystal antiperspirant-made of all natural mineral salt, really works if you don't miss the fresh smell of regular antiperspirant.

4) Aveeno baby was and shampoo-smells great, works great!

5) Pearatin serum by Loma- you will love this! Smooths, protects, repairs...my hairstylist says it literally restores hair to it's perfect condition. I agree!

6) Simplicity shampoo and Intensity conditioner-my hands down favorite natural shampoo...smells like a tropical rainforest and makes hair super soft and clean.

Cheese tortellini sausage soup & homemade mac and cheese

A couple of years ago, on a dark, stormy fall night, my husband was gone on a fishing trip, and I was stressing...a week of being the lone parent...cooking, cleaning, and doing the bedtime routine was wearing on me. I was coming back across the ferry with three hungry, cranky kids, wondering what the heck I was going to make for dinner, when my friend Melissa called. She invited my mom, the kids and I over for dinner, and I was so relieved to not have to cook, I can't even tell you! Melissa lives in this gorgeous house that could easily grace the pages of Coastal Living magazine....(she has the best laundry room...I know that sounds weird, but someday I will post on her perfectly organized, pottery barn like laundry room.) She had a big fat fire going, wine, and the most perfect fall-stormy-night-kind of meal you could dream of...I don't know if it was the fact that my kids were far in another room being entertained, or the fact my husband was coming home the next day to offer some serious kid relief, but my mom and I just sat there drinking our wine in front of the fire, looking at each other like, "man, we really needed this..." She had a giant pot of sausage tortellini soup, a huge autumn salad, homemade Gruyere macaroni and cheese for the kids, (and adults), and toasted french bread with melted mozzarella cheese on top. Total carbfest, but who doesn't need that once in awhile? She had cider, and candles and it was just plain cozy. So cozy that it seems I had to tell you all about it instead of just posting the recipes....I have recreated this several times over the last couple of years at my own house, and I think you should too! Here's to fall stormy nights!

The soup came from the Celebrate the Rain cookbook

Cheese Tortellini Soup with White Beans, Kielbasa, and Spinach
2 Tbs olive oil
12 ounces thinly sliced, fully cooked, smoke kielbasa sausage
1/2 cup diced onion
4 garlic cloves, minced
1 1/2 tsp chopped thyme or 1/2 tsp dried thyme
scant 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes, or to taste
5 cans (15 ounces each) chicken broth
1 can diced tomatoes (14 1/2 ounces) with liquid
1 can cannellini white beans (15 ounces) rinsed and drained
1 package (9 ounces) fresh cheese tortellini
1/2 bunch fresh spinach, rinsed, dried and tough stems removed
grated Parmesan cheese for serving

Heat the olive oil in a Dutch oven or other large pot over medium-high heat. Add kielbasa, onion, garlic, thyme, and red pepper flakes, and saute until browned, about 12 minutes (if garlic seems to be getting too brown, reduce heat to medium to avoid burning).
Add the broth and tomatoes and bring to a boil. Reduce the heat to low, and simmer for 15 minutes. Add the beans and tortellini to the soup. Simmer until the pasta is just tender to the bite, about 10 minutes. Stir in the spinach and turn off the heat. Let stand about 2 minutes. Ladle soup into bowls and sprinkle with Parmesan before serving. Makes about 6 servings.

Homemade Gruyere Mac and Cheese

Kosher salt
vegetable oil
1 lb elbow macaroni or cavatappi (corkscrew pasta)
1 quart whole milk
8 Tbs (1 stick) unsalted butter
1/2 cup all purpose flour
12 ounces Gruyere cheese grated (about 4 cups)
8 ounces extra sharp cheddar grated (about 2 cups)
1/2 tsp freshly ground black or white pepper
1/2 tsp nutmeg
3 shakes tobasco
4 small fresh tomatoes (optional)
1 1/2 cups fresh white bread crumbs

Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Drizzle oil into a large pot of boiling salted water. Add macaroni and cook according to directions on package, 6-8 minutes. Drain well.
Meanwhile, heat the milk in a small saucepan, but don't boil it. Melt 6 Tbs butter in a large pot and add flour. Cook over low heat for 2 minutes, stirring with a whisk. While whisking, add the hot milk and cook for a minute or two more, until thickened and smooth. Off the heat, add the Gruyere, cheddar, 1 Tbs salt, pepper, and nutmeg. Add the macaroni and stir well. Pour into 3 quart baking dish, (it will seem soupy.) Slice tomatoes on top. Melt the remaining 2 Tbs of butter, combine with bread crumbs, and sprinkle on top. Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the sauce is bubbly and the macaroni is browned on top. Can be made ahead and refrigerated before baking.

Need a great wine to pair it with? I am loving Indian Wells Cabernet 2009 from Chateau Ste Michelle.