roll with it

As the kids return to school, I start thinking of packing some of their summer clothes away.  However, we finally are having a summer heatwave, so I'm holding off that ritual, just in case we can squeeze more "summer fun" into the next couple of weekends.

It was that kind of summer.  Examining the weather to determine if we were heading to the beach or for a bike ride that day.  We just rolled with it, and made the best of the weather during our family time together, doing our summer rituals:  going back to our old haunts (riding the bike trails, diving off the pier at the waterfront near our cottage, motorbiking) and trying out new excursions (this year was horseback riding and going to the theme park).  We did everything but spend a hot sticky day at the beach.

The sun was scheduled to make one last appearance less than a week before school began, and on a whim, I was able to take the kids for one big day at the beach (without my husband...he had a previous engagement). It was a beautiful day.  We did everything we could on that short and sunny day.  We swam, surfed, built sandcastles, played frisbee and football, went to the arcade, the candy store, had Beavertails, and went for a long walk in the early evening, ending it with a picnic on the beach for quick dinner, watching the sunset.  Phew!  It was like we tried to cram a summer time of beach fun into one day.

Watching the sunset, I felt this is what being a parent should really be about.  Fill the days with as much love and memories.  Although going to the beach is one of our summer rituals, we didn't realize how much this really meant to us until we we were unable to go together as a whole family.

It's this ritual, the familiarity of it, that provides comfort...not only to children but to adults as well.  We really felt it on that sunny day at the beach.  Although we sent pictures and texts during our stay to make my husband feel a little more included, it still felt strange and incomplete without him there.  It's not only about where we go that make the memories, but the people we spend it with.

It did make the kids realize how much they still like their parents to be around, even though they're at the age where they wouldn't readily admit it.  Although our beach day didn't feel quite complete, I'm glad we we allowed the sun shine to brightly guide us.  That day, we really learned to appreciate the ability to take advantage of opportunities when the sun does rise...

...but more importantly, to also appreciate those who couldn't be there when it did.

Easy Pizza Dough Cinnamon Roll Waffles

Adapted from: Mario Batali

(makes approximately 8 servings)

I was inspired by the pictures on Pinterest using pre-made cinnamon rolls in a can for waffles, but with the controversy of the ingredients in canned dough, I remembered an adapted cinnamon roll recipe using pizza dough.  Instead of waiting for it to bake in the oven, the time was cut in half by turning these rolls into waffles using a waffle iron/maker,   You can use a panini press (or go the traditional route, and bake in the oven).

Ingredients:

• 750g pizza dough  (or about 1 ½ pound)
• ¼ cup melted butter (6-8 tbsp.)
• 3 tbsp. white sugar
• 3 tbsp. brown sugar
• 1 tablespoons cinnamon
• Flour, for dusting

Simple tip:  It's best to leave out your pizza dough on the counter to room temperature for approximately 30 minutes prior to rolling out (this would make it easier to roll it out thinly)

Preparation

• Heat the waffle iron (or if you're baking this for buns, preheat oven to 375 degrees).
• Using a rolling pin, roll out the pizza until it is about ¼ inches thick.  
• Using a pastry brush, brush the melted butter on top of the dough.
• Mix the white sugar, brown sugar and cinnamon together.
• Sprinkle the cinnamon sugar mixture on top of the melted butter.
• Roll the dough until it looks like a jelly roll.

• Using a sharp knife, cut into 1" slices.
• Place the slices on waffle iron, and cook for approximately 2-3 minutes, depending on how hot your iron gets (or place in a greased cake pan and bake for about 40 minutes.)

Serve and enjoy.

a midsummer dream

During my high school and university years, I was fortunate to spend my summers simultaneously working part time jobs to support my education AND attending one or two English literature/creative writing classes for extra school credits.  Back then, I looked at summer time as an opportunity to experiment and explore...taking jobs that were not in my realm of studies but peeked my curiosities (fashion) and classes that honed my writing skills (studying Shakespeare and Chauncer to fill my summer reading requirements).

You can say I had a lot of drive and was a bit of a keener.  Even though I had a few weeks of vacation to relax at the beach with my family or friends, for the most part, summer was a time to transform myself.  There were times when I actually looked forward to going back to school just so I can show how far I've grown and what I've proudly accomplished while others were working on their tan.

A bit of that feeling still carries with me today.  As we approach midway through a busy summer of trips, cottage and swim camps, I still have that slight nagging feeling like we haven't accomplished enough.  What have we learned this summer? What have we done?

As I ponder these thoughts, I look at how my kids glow in the pleasures of being outside splashing in the water, or how windblown crazy their hair get after a ride on their motor bikes, or the dirt accumulated under their fingernails from playing in the yard.  Yes, they still continue to upkeep their reading and arithmetic skills, and have accomplished graduating to higher levels with their swimming programs, but their greatest accomplishment this summer is making lasting memories that we too, created when we were kids. Cultivating new interests (like diving), visiting new places and meeting new friends without the pressure of schedules or competition.

As adults we have created a society that now suffers from decision fatigue and I think many of us long for those summer moments when we laid on the grass doing nothing but pointing out shapes made by the clouds. Or skipping rocks along the water.  A simpler time.  

I think there is plenty of time for our kids to grow up, when they too, will be inundated with overwhelming choices and decisions to make. Until then, I'll squash all those nagging feelings I've been having and appreciate that my dreams for this summer have already been realized...each day being with my family has been such a joy and gift...

...and we're barely half way there.

Parmesan Crusted Tilapia

Makes 4-6 servings

After weeks of indulging and consuming lots of BBQ meat, it's nice to occasionally switch to lighter fare to break the summer menu.  This recipe is great for those quick dinners that are light but still fulfilling...on those nights when you'd rather enjoy the beautiful outdoors than spending it sweating in the kitchen or over a hot BBQ.

Ingredients

• ½ cup parmesan cheese
• ¼ cup bread crumbs
• ¼ cup of butter, softened
• ¼ cup of mayonnaise
• 1 tsp. thyme
• 1 garlic clove, minced
• Black of white pepper (to taste)
• 4 fillets of tilapia (or any white fish of your choosing)

Directions:

• Preheat the oven to 400 degrees
• Add parmesan, bread crumbs and mayonnaise to the butter until well mixed.
• Gently stir in the garlic, thyme and pepper.
• Place the tilapia fillets in a single layer on a baking sheet.
• Top with the parmesan crumb mixture.
• Bake in the oven for 20 minutes or until the fish is cooked. (if you wish, you can broil the fish for about 1 minute to toast the crumb topping.
• Serve (with rice or sweet potatoes).

Enjoy! 

out of the shell

During a town hall meeting at our kid's school the other week, a parent balked at how much "love" and attention the kids were expressing towards each other in the classroom...particularly some of the girls towards the boys, and the school should have much stricter policies that would eradicate emotional expression and focus more on academics.

I know as a parent of an expressive child who's genuinely kind to everyone, I understand the need to guide and protect our children from the backlash of showing "too much love", as it may be distracting or misinterpreted.  Although there is a fine line between innocent and inappropriate adoration, suppressing the freedom of expression, especially positive expression in our children, is NOT the answer.  It would rob our children of the innocence that childhood brings...the untainted, unbounded generosity and kindness in humanity that we now as adults fight so hard to hold on to.

If children aren't allowed to embrace and accept each other within the safe environment of the classroom, how can we expect them to learn how to embrace others outside of it?

The school had a hot dog lunch fundraiser to help one hundred families displaced after a tragic fire. That morning as I was rushing out the door to drive to school, our daughter was carefully (and slowly) preparing her glass jar (with pretty bow to boot), not counting her money, but making sure all of her recently earned allowance went into the jar, to give more than just her lunch money, to those who lost their homes.

We were late for school but this time I wasn't upset, because my kids reminded me what really mattered...not rushing to be punctual, but deliberately slowing down to ensure that glass jar made it to school in one piece.  In the car ride, I could hear my son quietly talk about the jar, and how proud he was of his little sister.  With his extra money for snacks, my son added a bit more into the jar. For a sweet moment, they both sat patiently during the ride, as if they were about to deliver something precious. Participating in charities have certainly taught them to empathize with others and they truly feel accomplished when they help those in need (as mentioned in my last post, here).

Since this is the last day of school before the summer break, the grade I give their school isn't going to be solely judged based on an academic numeric mark on my kid's final report card.  After seeing how beautifully generous my children are, accepted in a loving and caring environment amongst good, upstanding friends, I think they've learned much more valuable lessons than any grade can reflect...striving for excellence, intelligence, kindness, thoughtfulness and the confidence to come out of their shells and onto the path to becoming strong leaders.

Simple Baked Scallops

(makes 4-6 servings)

Ingredients

• 8 large scallops rinsed and patted dry on paper kitchen towels
• 1 tbsp cubed butter (approx. ¼ tsp. on top of each)
• 2 garlic cloves peeled andsliced thinly (one thin slice on top of each)
• 1 tbsp extra virgin olive oil

Preparation

• Preheat the oven at 400°C (392°F) 
• In a cast iron skillet, coat the bottom with the olive oil.
• Arrange scallops one layer.
• Place one pat of butter (approx. ¼ tsp) on top of each scallop.
• Slice garlic clove and place one slice on top of each scallop.
• Bake for 20 minutes (depending on the thickness of your scallops), flipping the scallops at the half-way mark ensuring each side is browned.

Serve & Enjoy!

six degrees of bacon

As vast and wide our world is, I am continually awestruck with how connected we really can be. I truly believe there really is "six degrees of separation"...that two people at opposite ends of this earth can be somehow be six or fewer acquaintances apart from each other.

Obviously with social media and it's "domino chain" effect, it's easier to "meet" people through common links on Facebook, Twitter or even Pinterest.  But I think good old fashioned travel and the ability to make fast friends, especially when crossing paths with other travellers with similar (or even polar opposite) views...can help us expand our knowledge of the global world, feeling just a little more connected, and accepting of others.

Sometimes there have been moments while watching a movie, when I'd recollect working with the person on the screen, or recall stories I've heard from others who've worked with that very person.  We used to play "Six Degrees of Kevin Bacon" on set, and oddly enough, I'd come fairly close to winning (I'm only 3 degrees away).

It's such a funny game, but it demonstrates how we really have the ability to be connected to someone out there, some how, through the relationships we have currently...or had in the past.  

These connections whether brief or long term are just part of the path to finding out who we are.   I believe there is a reason certain people are placed in our lives, and these chance meetings, more than we will ever know, have long term effects down the road. Some people challenge us to rise to the occasion.  Others are there to support and guide.  And a select few are there to give infinite and unconditional love.

This Father's Day, I hope my husband (and all the Dads in our lives) relish the day, acknowledging their role in raising amazing children who challenge, as well as guide us, to be better parents.  And I will cherish my husband's role in our life story together, giving and receiving everlasting unconditional love to me and our kids and guiding all those who know him, whether directly or six degrees away from him...to rise to the occasion and be a better person.

To all the Dads this weekend,

Happy Father's Day!

Bacon Sausage Pasta

Serves 6-8

Although our kids have really great, diverse tastes and have a international palate, one of their favourite foods is a breakfast one...specifically bacon (although sausage runs a very close second). This dish uses up left over (if we ever have any!) bacon and sausages used at breakfast or lunch.  Perfect to go with pasta and make a quick meal for dinner.

Ingredients:

• 450g penne pasta
• 6 Breakfast Sausages (or Italian Sausages of your choice), sliced.
• 6 Slices of Bacon, cut into 1" pieces
• 750 ml of tomato sauce (or 300ml cream plus ½ cup of water, if you're doing a cream sauce)
• ½ cup of parmesan
• ¼ tsp. dried parsley (¼ cup fresh)

Directions:

• Cook pasta according to the package.
• In a sauce pan, cook onions and garlic with 1 tbsp of butter or olive oil, until tender.
• Add cooked sausages and bacon from breakfast. (if you didn't make this for breakfast, then cook the meat first, then add the onions and garlic to the meat). 
• Add the tomato sauce and parsley.
• Bring to boil, reduce and simmer for 5 minutes
• Add ½ cup parmesan
• Toss the sauce with the pasta.

Serve topped with more parmesan.

Enjoy!

the comfort score

Competition is a funny thing.  For some, it's a driving factor to succeed, no matter where you're positioned within the game. For others, it's a validation of your greatness...or weakness.

Our son recently competed at the regional level for track and field.  Although he performed very well for his first event, he strived to exceed his own personal record set during the qualifying rounds at school, and was disappointed.  As much as it would have made ME feel better to wrap my arms around him with reassurance, instead we gave him space and freedom to be consoled by his amazing group of buddies, whom with their support, gave him just the amount of encouragement he needed to re-group, bringing his determination back to excel on the next round of competition.  It also gave him the gratitude of having such friends by his side, and in turn, he became their biggest supporter during their events.

Although individually, each of these boys can be competitive and strive for excellence, witnessing their camaraderie on track and field day to me, validated their greatness not in the sport itself, but their sportsmanship.

As we wind down during the final weeks of school, it feels like we need just a little more encouragement to complete final assignments and tests that seem to compete with the lure of warm weather and summer vacations looming around the corner.  After a year's worth of work, it's like the last leg of the race when you feel like you're starting to lose steam but can see the finish line right in front of you.  Once the kids cross the finish line, I hope they don't just reflect on their academic achievements, but take comfort knowing that they achieved far more personal accomplishments with their friendships than any score could ever give.

Potato Leek with Cod Chowder

Adapted from Epicurious

Makes 4-6 full servings

Nothing beats fresh corn and seafood in the summer.  Although most people think of chowders as comfort food during cold weather climates, this chowder is surprisingly fresh...perfect for cool summer evenings.

Ingredients

• 6 slices bacon, sliced.
• 2 tbsp of butter (instead of using bacon fat to cook leek)
• 1 large leek, whites and greens separated 
• 2 cloves (teaspoons) finely chopped garlic
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 4 medium Yukon gold potatoes, peeled and cut in 1/2-inch dice
• 4 cups milk (2%...I used 3% homogenized)
• 4 cups reduced-sodium chicken or vegetable broth (I used organic low sodium chicken stock)
• 4 teaspoons finely chopped fresh thyme (or 2 tsp. dried)
• 3/4 teaspoon kosher salt (optional)
• 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
• 1 ½  pound cod, skin removed, cubed (I used 400g package of frozen Wild Pacific Cod Fillets)
• 2 1/2 cups cups fresh or frozen corn kernels (or one 12oz can of peaches and cream corn--omit salt if using canned corn as it already has a high sodium content)

Preparation

• While dicing potatoes and leeks, cook bacon in a cast iron skillet in the oven for 20 minutes at 400 degrees. (or brown over medium heat until crisp, 6 minutes on the stovetop)
• Transfer to a paper towel–lined plate; slice. 
• In a large stock pot, sauté leek and garlic (white part) for 2 minutes with butter until softened.
• Add flour; cook, stirring frequently, 2 minutes. 
• Stir in potatoes, milk, broth, thyme, salt and pepper; bring to a boil. 
• Reduce heat to medium-low; simmer 10 minutes. 
• Stir in fish, corn and bacon; simmer 10 minutes or until fish is cooked and flakes.
• Garnish with extra bacon or chopped scallion.

Serve.

recover

When we first acquired our dining room set, it was a beautiful antique piece bought with the money gifted to us as wedding gifts.  Gorgeous mahogany pieces with beautiful white jacquard satin striped fabric for our dining chairs. Yes, white.  It was simple and classic, and at the time, suited our needs.  But clearly it was bought before children were in our home.

My painting projects went into hibernation during our cold winter months (painting in the garage + subzero temperatures = cracks!), so I was itching to do a small DIY project that can be done inside.  Since I had some left over fabric from a previous project (just enough to recover about 4 chairs), this was a quick afternoon project.

Here's how that afternoon went.  I removed the cushioned seat top by unscrewing it from the bottom of the seat.

Then the fabric was cut (approximately 1-2 inches larger than the cushion).  With the patterned side down, using a staple gun (and upholstery staples), I began stapling the centre of each of the four sides, working my way from the centre towards the corners.

Like wrapping a present, the corners were tucked in.  Then the chair seat was re-attached to the chair.

Here's the before and after:

It was a cost effective, quick way to freshen up the look of our dining room chairs.  Now that the weather is starting to improve, I might be ready to tackle the pile of painting projects waiting in my garage.

Now I can officially say I've started to recover from the long winter break. 

kid at heart

I recently read an article of a parent's account of how it feels to have a grown child begin their first foray to university or college. 

There have been a lot of articles about this actually.  Feelings of nostalgia, heart in the throat, bittersweet heartache as they watch their babies become adults right before their eyes.

Although my children are still quite young, it won't be long before I too, will personally empathize with that same feeling of those parents kissing their kids off to college.  I already can relate to that feeling as I watch my kids go through the final stretch of yet another school year, finishing yet one more grade.

As I think about the summer holidays ahead, it's just another reminder that this childhood story, although fleeting, never really ends.  It just evolves and becomes more sophisticated, more challenging, and equally rewarding as our kids remain child-like at heart while approaching ever so slowly into adulthood.  Yes, they might rather just surf the waves instead of playing in the sand.  Or they'd rather see a movie with their friends instead of just watching a family movie.  Although their tastes may become more adult like, no matter what, they'll always be our little kids in our hearts.

Grown Up Grilled Cheese 
(Blue Cheese & Fig Jam) Sandwich Pockets
(makes approx. 5 sandwiches)

Ingredients:

• 8-10 slices of bread
• ½ cup of crumbled blue cheese (to taste)
• ¼ cup of fig jam (to taste)

Preparation:

• Heat your panini press, waffle maker or sandwich maker (I used the sandwich pocket maker for this)
• Place a piece of bread on the press or sandwich maker
• Add the blue cheese and jam.  
• Place another piece of bread on top, and press with the sandwich maker.

Note:  A panini press or sandwich maker isn't required.  You can grill this like a grill cheese sandwich, on a cast iron skillet.

Enjoy!

enjoy being mom

On Mother's Day, the part of the day that I enjoy the most...more than the flowers and handmade cards and crafts...is the annual tradition of breakfast in bed.

Although that quiet meal time usually lasts a mere few minutes, as I end up finishing my meal with my family, it's in those few minutes alone that I realize that breakfast, although lovingly made by my kids and husband, tastes much better when I can enjoy it with them.

The joy of this day filled with love, hugs and kisses is just a reminder for the reason of this special day.  It's a day to really enjoy being a Mom without excuses, guilt, self doubt or measurement of how we rank (in our minds) as parents.  It's just a guilt free day to spoil our kids back with love, hugs and kisses....being everything that being a Mom should really be all about.

Cheers to all the beautiful mothers in the world, especially my own, who've wrapped their children with pure love.  May you all receive the same love, hugs and kisses...for Mother's Day and everyday.

Sweet Crepes

Makes approx. 24 crepes (or 8 servings)

These are sweet "dessert" type crepes.  Removing the sugar and vanilla will make these more savoury, and can be filled with scrambled eggs, bacon or whatever you prefer for brunch or any meal.

Ingredients

• 4 eggs
• 1 ⅓ cup milk
• 2 tbsp. butter, melted
• 1 cup all purpose flour
• 2 tbsp. sugar
• ¼ tsp. salt
• 2 tsp. vanilla extract

Preparation

• Heat the cast iron skillet.
• In a glass mixing bowl, melt the butter.
• Whisk in eggs.
• Add the vanilla extra, salt and sugar.
• Add the milk.   Whisk vigorously.
• Slowly add the flour, ⅓ cup at a time and continue to whisk vigorously until mixture is very watery and there are no lumps.
• Place a little butter on the skillet and spread with brush.
• Spoon about 3 tbsp. of batter onto the hot pan.
• Quickly tilt the pan to spread the batter thinly on the skillet.
• As soon the edges cook, flip (approx. 2 minutes).
• Serve with whipped cream, berries or maple syrup.

Enjoy!