A Normal Morning

I was recently inspired by a post I read on the FauxMartha.  Please check out this blog if you haven't yet.  The post was about what a real morning looks like.  I have 3 children ages 12-16 and they are all responsible for their own breakfasts; its been that way for about 6 years.  

If they are lucky there are leftovers from the weekend ie: waffles and pancakes.  That is my middle child's favorite.  If not it is usually cold cereal and oatmeal.  I wish I could say that they choose low sugar varieties, but I can't. I'm a realist.  I just happy that we all sit down for about 10 minutes together, mostly in silence, eating our breakfast. I usually let them know of anything that is going on later in the day if need be.  I know they are at least starting the day with something in their bellies.  Sometimes I remember to make crockpot steel cut oats so that is much better.  I like that too.

A selection of oatmeal 

As for me.. I really like to have fruit with my breakfast.  Recently I've been using up the canned peaches I made over the summer and eating a baked apple dish.  I usually have this with  homemade bread of some variety and a source of protein and don't forget the coffee.    

Baked apples ready for a quick warm up this morning.

Here is the baked apple recipe - I adapted it from Cooking Light years ago.  It keeps well in the fridge and just microwave it for 30-40 seconds in the morning for a warm treat.  All of the measurements can be messed with to suit your tastes.

In a microwave safe dish add:

5-6 chopped apples -leave the peel on

1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans

1/4 craisins or dried cherries

1/4 c brown sugar 

2 tsp cinnamon

1/4-1/2 cup of water

Stir together and microwave for 20 minutes.  The apples will be soft.  I just let it come to room temperature before I put it in the fridge for the next couple days of breakfast.  

Bon Appétit (what ever the meal looks like)

Beth 

Sunday Dinner in April

April in northeast Wisconsin can't make up it's mind.  So Sunday dinner is always a variety of foods; sometimes more hearty winter fare and sometimes springier.  This last Sunday I wanted to use some of my frozen (pie filling) and canned items (applesauce).  

Last Sunday's Dinner

Breaded pork schnitzel and lemon

Spoon Bread 

Roasted mix vegetables

Applesauce that I canned last year

Strawberry Rhubarb pie that I made and froze last spring

Wine: Chardonnay  William Hess

I hope this inspires you to get cooking and enjoy at least one dinner together as a family per week.

Bon Appétit,

Beth 

Thoughts for April

April brings about many changes.  In northeast Wisconsin we finally get to see grass and a few flowers budding here and there.  One of my favorite things to do is to take walks and see all of the brand new buds coming up.  I also love the smell of boxwood that permeates the air at this time of year.  We are lucky enough to have a boxwood hedge. 

Part of the boxwood hedge.

My first crocus

My rhubarb starting to pop up.

Here are some suggestions to get the most out of April no matter where you live.
1. Go for a walk -if you can at a forest preserve or nature trail.
2. Buy some flowers to have in your home, bring the outside in.
3. Try a new recipe that is spring food specific.
4. Find a new way to wear an older piece of clothing.
5. Spring clean a closet or drawer or shelf in the kitchen or your bedroom.

A plustard,
Beth 

Boston

I was lucky enough to travel with my children to Boston last week.  Boston is probably my favorite city to visit.  It is easy to get around by using the T, uber or just walking; I made the decision earlier to not rent a car.  There are also great restaurants and places to get a snack; this is important for my children.  We spent 5 days visiting family, colleges and doing the touristy thing.  The weather was all over the place.  However being from northeast Wisconsin this is not a problem.  Most of the time I dressed in layers and brought my favorite red raincoat.  Since this was a walking vacation I also brought good shoes for walking, my black Dansco clogs and my oatmeal Sperry's.  I also brought my large Longchamp Le Pliage tote in gun.  This is a great bag if you haven't tried it yet.  It's light, waterproof and can hold a lot, which was necessary.  

2 pictures from my favorite place to visit in Boston, the public garden.

Cute stationary.

Gelato snacks one afternoon.  I had the front pink (rosewater, cardamon and saffron)

Harvard Square

Desserts from Whole Foods. I always love macarons.

Science museum.  Neat exhibit of photos of macro and micro sturctures

If you haven't been to Boston I highly recommend it. It's a great city for all ages.  It would make an enjoyable long weekend or lead to other destinations in the Northeast.

Bon voyage,

Beth