real men

When our son came home the other day, announcing that he was running for student council at his school...to be honest, I was a little worried. Knowing that he was in a class with a lot of girls who generally voted for each other, I worried that the probability was not in his favour, and I wanted to assure my son that no matter what the outcome, we were proud that he wanted to contribute to his school. And that we trust that he knows he has the leadership qualities to represent his peers, and support whomever was chosen to be the leader...to work together.

I think I was worried because I didn't want him to be discouraged of trying to succeed.  To lead.  I've heard a lot in the media lately, about how society in general, are failing our boys. That their success rate has fallen drastically behind the girls of their generation, and their creativity and drive are being stifled, intimidating boys from becoming leaders, to grow up and become "real men". (an interesting TED talk on this topic can be found here).

Having a daughter, I'm glad that we're in a society that allows girls to be empowered, and become leaders and critical thinkers. But I also want them to remember the boys too. I don't know exactly what the definition of what "real men" is...if it means strength, courage, honesty, intelligence, and empowerment, then I want BOTH my children, son and daughter, to become one.  Without using labels, defining what they "should" do based on their gender...like women "should" always be gentle (or eat dainty bites), and men "should" never cry (or never eat quiche).

I want to nurture each of their unique strengths, just like ingredients in a recipe, each with it's own characteristics...when working together, can make something wonderful.

And in my world, "real men" do eat quiche.

Quick Crustless Quiche

This is not technically a quiche because there is no pie crust, but instead, a bacon & cheese crumbling...however, it's quick and delicious.  It's a cross between a quiche and an omelette...and can also be great for breakfast...

INGREDIENTS:

•   8 slices bacon

•   ½ cup (4 oz) shredded Swiss cheese (or cheddar and parmesan)

•   2 tablespoons butter, melted

•   4 eggs, beaten

•   1/4 cup finely chopped onion (red onion is nice with cheddar)

•   1 teaspoon salt

•   1/2 cup all-purpose flour

•   1 1/2 cups milk

DIRECTIONS:

•   Place bacon in cast iron skillet.  
•   Bake in the oven for 15-20 minutes at 350 degrees, until evenly brown. 
•   Drain, crumble and set aside the bacon.

•   In the meantime, lightly grease a 9 inch pie pan.

•   Combine eggs, butter, onion, salt, flour and milk; whisk together until smooth

•   Line bottom of pie plate with cheese and crumbled bacon; pour egg mixture into pie pan.

•   Bake in preheated oven for 35-40 minutes, until set. 

Serve hot or cold.









Editor's note: We are proud to announce that our son was indeed, 
voted to be his class representative on the Student Council.