I never understood the apparent fascination that grown-ups have with teaching little kids how to make animal noises... but now that I have my own little genious that has learned what cows, horses, sheep, ducks, monkeys, kitties, and puppies say, I am such a proud Mama! ...And I periodically encourage Steven to recite them all. It's funny how things change.
Monday, 27 June 2016
Thursday, 2 June 2016
Tomato Basil Flatbread with Goat Cheese
One of my favourite things that I have eaten at a restaurant is the Old Spaghetti Factory's tomato basil flatbread with goat cheese. It is so good! Warm fresh flatbread, creamy goat cheese, tangy balsamic vinegar... just thinking about it makes me hungry. But we don't eat out very often, and there are other restaurants we enjoy too, so we don't get to have their flatbread very often.
Naturally, I've been wanting to try making it myself for a long time, but since it promised to be a pretty involved process, I didn't have a chance to until just over a month ago. We had a couple friends staying with us for the weekend, and we'd planned a big game of D&D. It seemed like a pretty special occasion, since we love it when people come to stay for a while, and while we do still play D&D decently often, these days it's usually only one or two people who come over, and then we have a couple people who skype in to play. But we were actually going to have everyone over in person for a change!
So I decided it was a good occasion for the flatbread. I had to make up the recipe myself, but using some google resources, I felt up for the challenge! Once again I had to use my poor quality phone camera to take pictures, but when one's toddler is in bed one does not jeopardize that just to sneak out the camera. I should really learn to keep it somewhere else....
Tomato Basil Flatbread with Goat Cheese
There are two primary aspects of this kind of flatbread: the bread itself and the toppings. I made the flatbread myself, but if you buy it premade it would make the recipe a lot easier.
I used our bread maker to make our regular bread dough recipe, then rolled the dough out on a tray. I poked dents in the dough at regular intervals, then sprinkled it with olive oil and some dried basil and oregano. I had been planning to mix the herbs right into the bread dough, but I forgot so I put them on top. Then I baked the bread in a 425 degree oven for 15 minutes.
While the bread baked, I started to prepare the toppings. I chose caramelized onions, balsamic reduction, grape tomatoes, pesto, and goat cheese.
To make caramelized onions, slice your onion into rings and fry slowly in butter, stirring frequently until the onions are soft and darker in colour.
Balsamic reduction is made by boiling balsamic vinegar. Bring some balsamic vinegar to a boil in a pot, then reduce the heat and simmer for about 10 minutes, or until it starts to thicken.
I cut my grape tomatoes in half. It would be possible to use sun dried tomatoes or slices of regular sized tomatoes instead.
The pesto and goat cheese don't need much prep.
My flatbread, out of the oven and ready for toppings! I layered it with the pesto and onions, then crumbled on the goat cheese and dotted the tomatoes on top. Then into the oven for another couple minutes until the cheese and tomatoes were softened. Then I drizzled the balsamic reduction on top.
Ready to serve!
I would have loved to use fresh basil as well, but I didn't have any at the time. Also next time I would like to try putting the toppings on the uncooked flatbread and baking it all at the same time. I found that the tomatoes took longer than I expected to soften, so I think that the bread got a little overcooked. But it was still good!
What's a recipe that you have been wanting to try for a long time?
Naturally, I've been wanting to try making it myself for a long time, but since it promised to be a pretty involved process, I didn't have a chance to until just over a month ago. We had a couple friends staying with us for the weekend, and we'd planned a big game of D&D. It seemed like a pretty special occasion, since we love it when people come to stay for a while, and while we do still play D&D decently often, these days it's usually only one or two people who come over, and then we have a couple people who skype in to play. But we were actually going to have everyone over in person for a change!
So I decided it was a good occasion for the flatbread. I had to make up the recipe myself, but using some google resources, I felt up for the challenge! Once again I had to use my poor quality phone camera to take pictures, but when one's toddler is in bed one does not jeopardize that just to sneak out the camera. I should really learn to keep it somewhere else....
Tomato Basil Flatbread with Goat Cheese
There are two primary aspects of this kind of flatbread: the bread itself and the toppings. I made the flatbread myself, but if you buy it premade it would make the recipe a lot easier.
I used our bread maker to make our regular bread dough recipe, then rolled the dough out on a tray. I poked dents in the dough at regular intervals, then sprinkled it with olive oil and some dried basil and oregano. I had been planning to mix the herbs right into the bread dough, but I forgot so I put them on top. Then I baked the bread in a 425 degree oven for 15 minutes.
While the bread baked, I started to prepare the toppings. I chose caramelized onions, balsamic reduction, grape tomatoes, pesto, and goat cheese.
To make caramelized onions, slice your onion into rings and fry slowly in butter, stirring frequently until the onions are soft and darker in colour.
Balsamic reduction is made by boiling balsamic vinegar. Bring some balsamic vinegar to a boil in a pot, then reduce the heat and simmer for about 10 minutes, or until it starts to thicken.
I cut my grape tomatoes in half. It would be possible to use sun dried tomatoes or slices of regular sized tomatoes instead.
The pesto and goat cheese don't need much prep.
My flatbread, out of the oven and ready for toppings! I layered it with the pesto and onions, then crumbled on the goat cheese and dotted the tomatoes on top. Then into the oven for another couple minutes until the cheese and tomatoes were softened. Then I drizzled the balsamic reduction on top.
Ready to serve!
I would have loved to use fresh basil as well, but I didn't have any at the time. Also next time I would like to try putting the toppings on the uncooked flatbread and baking it all at the same time. I found that the tomatoes took longer than I expected to soften, so I think that the bread got a little overcooked. But it was still good!
What's a recipe that you have been wanting to try for a long time?
Tuesday, 31 May 2016
Lessons from a Baby: Abundance
Not to brag about my kid, but he amazes me with his generosity. He
always wants to share. Whether it's a cup of water, a toy, or a small
handful of coveted chocolate chips, he loves offering some to whoever
happens to be around. The funny thing is, I never consciously tried to
teach him to share. We do share things with him, so he sees our example, but I think that there is another factor that also encourages him to be generous - he believes that there is plenty for everybody.
In contrast, our whole culture is structured around the idea of scarcity. Deep down, we don't believe there is enough for everybody. So we horde our money, we buy more than we need, we keep to ourselves because we're afraid. If we are too generous we might not have enough for ourselves. If we run out of what we need there won't be any more for us when we need it. The message all around us is subtle but strong - take what you can, because there isn't enough.
But Steven hasn't learned that yet. As far as he is concerned, there is never-ending abundance. His cup can always be refilled, his toy basket is always full of toys, and there is always enough to eat, even of special treats like chocolate chips.
I hope that he never learns scarcity.
You see, I believe that scarcity is a lie. Of course, there are limited resources in the world, and we need to respect that and use those resources wisely. But the message of scarcity is that we need to grab whatever we can for ourselves, without regard for the earth or anyone else around us. It promotes selfishness and greed. The sad thing is, it's kind of a self-fulfilling prophecy, because there certainly isn't enough for everyone to be living like that! But ultimately, it is a perspective that is rooted in fear. We believe that we are alone in the world, and that there is no one looking out for us but ourselves.
But our God is not a God of scarcity - he is a God of abundance! He provides all that we need, and more. We aren't supposed to worry about how we will live, since God knows what we need and he provides for us (Check out Matthew 6:25-34).
I know that many would protest, "But what if he doesn't provide? Look at these different situations. That doesn't look like God providing!" I know. I see those situations too. But here are a couple thoughts. In North America, it is very rare to actually be without physical necessities. But because we are surrounded by so much, it is easy for our definition of what we "need" to become warped. A lot of what we feel like we need may be things that are nice to have, but aren't actually things that we truly need.
Also, while God can and does provide in miraculous ways, even today, often his ways of providing are much more commonplace. For example, God provides for us through others. We are not alone. God designed us to live in community, surrounded by family and friends. And it is often through those around us that God provides for us. But because of our scarcity mindset, we are often hesitant to give up what we have, which can mean that someone else is going without. Our very fear of lack can be what causes lack for others, promoting a cycle of fear and selfishness. But that is not the life that our abundant God has called us to!
Yes, there are places and situations in the world where people struggle to get what they need to survive, but for most of us that is not the case. We have more than enough. But we have to choose whether to have a mindset of abundance or scarcity. With Steven, let's live lives of abundance and share what we have been given - even the chocolate chips.
In contrast, our whole culture is structured around the idea of scarcity. Deep down, we don't believe there is enough for everybody. So we horde our money, we buy more than we need, we keep to ourselves because we're afraid. If we are too generous we might not have enough for ourselves. If we run out of what we need there won't be any more for us when we need it. The message all around us is subtle but strong - take what you can, because there isn't enough.
But Steven hasn't learned that yet. As far as he is concerned, there is never-ending abundance. His cup can always be refilled, his toy basket is always full of toys, and there is always enough to eat, even of special treats like chocolate chips.
I hope that he never learns scarcity.
You see, I believe that scarcity is a lie. Of course, there are limited resources in the world, and we need to respect that and use those resources wisely. But the message of scarcity is that we need to grab whatever we can for ourselves, without regard for the earth or anyone else around us. It promotes selfishness and greed. The sad thing is, it's kind of a self-fulfilling prophecy, because there certainly isn't enough for everyone to be living like that! But ultimately, it is a perspective that is rooted in fear. We believe that we are alone in the world, and that there is no one looking out for us but ourselves.
But our God is not a God of scarcity - he is a God of abundance! He provides all that we need, and more. We aren't supposed to worry about how we will live, since God knows what we need and he provides for us (Check out Matthew 6:25-34).
I know that many would protest, "But what if he doesn't provide? Look at these different situations. That doesn't look like God providing!" I know. I see those situations too. But here are a couple thoughts. In North America, it is very rare to actually be without physical necessities. But because we are surrounded by so much, it is easy for our definition of what we "need" to become warped. A lot of what we feel like we need may be things that are nice to have, but aren't actually things that we truly need.
Also, while God can and does provide in miraculous ways, even today, often his ways of providing are much more commonplace. For example, God provides for us through others. We are not alone. God designed us to live in community, surrounded by family and friends. And it is often through those around us that God provides for us. But because of our scarcity mindset, we are often hesitant to give up what we have, which can mean that someone else is going without. Our very fear of lack can be what causes lack for others, promoting a cycle of fear and selfishness. But that is not the life that our abundant God has called us to!
Yes, there are places and situations in the world where people struggle to get what they need to survive, but for most of us that is not the case. We have more than enough. But we have to choose whether to have a mindset of abundance or scarcity. With Steven, let's live lives of abundance and share what we have been given - even the chocolate chips.
Saturday, 28 May 2016
The Cake Stand
As someone who loves story and loves history, I have always found family history fascinating. Hearing the personal stories of the people we know who have lived longer than us is a powerful window into the time of history that they lived through, as well as a glimpse into what has shaped and influenced them throughout their lives.
But sometimes we don't think to ask, or it seems awkward or nosy. And sometimes there are stories they won't tell, or can't tell.
I've been thinking lately about the loss of those untold stories, and have been wanting to express that sadness. With the recent passing of my Grandma, I thought that this would be an appropriate time.
The symbol I use to represent the stories of those who have passed is a cake stand. My Grandma's father ran a store in Victoria, known as "Pop Palmer's". I've always wished I could go back in time and see what it was like in that store. I know that there are still people living who could tell me more about it, but the only real connection I've had to that old store is a cake stand that my parents have that used to be in the display window of my Great-Grandpa's store. For me that cake stand represents a past that is slowly slipping away, even out of memory. A bittersweet reminder of the stories that are being lost.
The Cake Stand
I stand before the corner store
The sign is faded above the door
Weathered paint chips and fades
Once bright colours now grown dim.
I pull my sweater tight
Cold wind tugs at my hair
Leaves blow by in the deserted street
The year is spent and tired.
Inside glowing light beckons
The door refuses my hand's advance
Time is a lock that cannot be undone
I know I cannot enter.
I squint and peer through the frosted glass
Seeking a glimpse of what I will never know
There in the window display
I see a cake stand.
Beyond, my vision fades and blurs
Shadows of barrels and shelves
Milling figures examine the wares
Children stand on tiptoe to reach penny candy.
Bells chime as customers enter
Muffled voices carry laughter and gossip
The smell of tea and spices floats on the air
My mind explores what may have been.
The vision fades from my eyes
Replaced by creaking boards rattling in the wind
One more longing glance through the window
Before I turn to go
I see a cake stand.
But sometimes we don't think to ask, or it seems awkward or nosy. And sometimes there are stories they won't tell, or can't tell.
I've been thinking lately about the loss of those untold stories, and have been wanting to express that sadness. With the recent passing of my Grandma, I thought that this would be an appropriate time.
The symbol I use to represent the stories of those who have passed is a cake stand. My Grandma's father ran a store in Victoria, known as "Pop Palmer's". I've always wished I could go back in time and see what it was like in that store. I know that there are still people living who could tell me more about it, but the only real connection I've had to that old store is a cake stand that my parents have that used to be in the display window of my Great-Grandpa's store. For me that cake stand represents a past that is slowly slipping away, even out of memory. A bittersweet reminder of the stories that are being lost.
The Cake Stand
I stand before the corner store
The sign is faded above the door
Weathered paint chips and fades
Once bright colours now grown dim.
I pull my sweater tight
Cold wind tugs at my hair
Leaves blow by in the deserted street
The year is spent and tired.
Inside glowing light beckons
The door refuses my hand's advance
Time is a lock that cannot be undone
I know I cannot enter.
I squint and peer through the frosted glass
Seeking a glimpse of what I will never know
There in the window display
I see a cake stand.
Beyond, my vision fades and blurs
Shadows of barrels and shelves
Milling figures examine the wares
Children stand on tiptoe to reach penny candy.
Bells chime as customers enter
Muffled voices carry laughter and gossip
The smell of tea and spices floats on the air
My mind explores what may have been.
The vision fades from my eyes
Replaced by creaking boards rattling in the wind
One more longing glance through the window
Before I turn to go
I see a cake stand.
Friday, 13 May 2016
Family Update and an Unnecessary Apology
I can hardly believe that it's almost a month since I have posted anything on my blog! I have really missed writing, but the past weeks have been so chaotic and exhausting that I just haven't had the time or energy. I'm sorry that I've let this blog slip for so long, but thank you for your continued support and encouragement!
We have moved out of our little townhouse and are now renting a real house, with four bedrooms and a yard. The process of moving is exhausting, as I'm sure many of you know, and moving with a little one and while pregnant and with a husband who has a very busy work schedule... to be honest, it was overwhelming! But we had several friends who did so much to help us out, and we are finally moved, and (for the most part) settled. Our new place is on a pretty busy road, but thankfully we are shielded by a big hedge, and we have a yard now where Steven can play and where I can plant a garden. The house could rightly be called a "character house". It's old, and hasn't had many updates, but it is charming and will do the job quite well. My favourite things about our new place are that we have a reading nook at the top of the stairs, and that real sunshine comes in our windows!
With all of the tiredness and stress of the past month, I've been feeling pretty low. Even now, as things are settling down, I know it will take a while for me to get back to "normal". But today I am thankful for many little blessings, like getting to spend time outside in the sun today, beginning to work on what will be a part of my garden.
The little life I am carrying is 24 weeks old now, and I am enjoying his/her kicks and somersaults, though not enjoy the gradually increasing aches, pains and heartburn that come along with my growing belly.
Steven is 16 months old, and already wearing 24 month clothes! He's learning new words all the time, is becoming proficient at going up and down stairs, and recently started giving hugs! He loves playing with his soccer ball, or any other kind of ball, and he is getting really good at entertaining himself, especially if he has access to magnets, rocks, or water of some sort. He loves animals, music, books, and being outside.
We have moved out of our little townhouse and are now renting a real house, with four bedrooms and a yard. The process of moving is exhausting, as I'm sure many of you know, and moving with a little one and while pregnant and with a husband who has a very busy work schedule... to be honest, it was overwhelming! But we had several friends who did so much to help us out, and we are finally moved, and (for the most part) settled. Our new place is on a pretty busy road, but thankfully we are shielded by a big hedge, and we have a yard now where Steven can play and where I can plant a garden. The house could rightly be called a "character house". It's old, and hasn't had many updates, but it is charming and will do the job quite well. My favourite things about our new place are that we have a reading nook at the top of the stairs, and that real sunshine comes in our windows!
With all of the tiredness and stress of the past month, I've been feeling pretty low. Even now, as things are settling down, I know it will take a while for me to get back to "normal". But today I am thankful for many little blessings, like getting to spend time outside in the sun today, beginning to work on what will be a part of my garden.
The little life I am carrying is 24 weeks old now, and I am enjoying his/her kicks and somersaults, though not enjoy the gradually increasing aches, pains and heartburn that come along with my growing belly.
Steven is 16 months old, and already wearing 24 month clothes! He's learning new words all the time, is becoming proficient at going up and down stairs, and recently started giving hugs! He loves playing with his soccer ball, or any other kind of ball, and he is getting really good at entertaining himself, especially if he has access to magnets, rocks, or water of some sort. He loves animals, music, books, and being outside.
 |
| Story time |
 |
| Enjoying the Tulip Festival |
 |
| Playing with Daddy |
 |
| Our little musician |
 |
| Exploring the great outdoors |
 |
| Bedhead :) |
Thursday, 14 April 2016
Greek Island Chicken Shish Kebabs
Spring is here! It's quite likely my favourite season. The days grow longer, the sun feels warm again, and there are flowers everywhere. Fall is a close second, though, with its storms, crunchy colourful leaves, and crisp air. Winter is pretty great too, especially for curling up in front of a fire with hot chocolate and a good book. And I love snow!
Pretty much the only season I'm not as excited about is summer. Maybe I'm strange, but I'm just not a fan of mosquitoes, wasps, sunburns, and feeling overheated all the time. But I do love summer food - fresh produce, cold drinks, picnics and barbecues! With the weather already getting warmer, I've started making some of my favourite summer meals. Today I thought I'd share one of my favourites, Greek Island Chicken Shish Kebabs. With its vegetables and lemony chicken, these grilled kebabs taste like summer!
Greek Island Chicken Shish Kebabs
Mix together the marinade ingredients:
1/4 c olive oil
1/4 c lemon juice
1/4 c white vinegar
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tsp ground cumin
1 tsp dried oregano
1/2 tsp dried thyme
1/4 tsp salt
1/4 tsp ground black pepper
Cut chicken into 1 1/2 inch pieces. Add chicken to the marinade, mix well, and let it sit in the fridge for at least two hours.
While the chicken is marinating, cut your vegetables into 1 inch pieces. Some ideas for vegetables include bell peppers, onion, mushrooms, tomatoes (cherry or regular), and zucchini.
You also need to soak the wooden skewers in water for at least half an hour so they don't burn.
Colourful vegetables!
When everything is ready, thread the chicken and vegetables onto the skewers. You can brush some of the marinade over the vegetables too, for extra flavour.
Grill the completed kebabs on the barbecue or in the oven for about 10 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked.
Serve with rice, pita bread, or Greek salad (or all of the above!). Enjoy!
You can check out the original recipe here: Greek Island Chicken Shish Kebabs
What are some of your favourite summer meals?
Pretty much the only season I'm not as excited about is summer. Maybe I'm strange, but I'm just not a fan of mosquitoes, wasps, sunburns, and feeling overheated all the time. But I do love summer food - fresh produce, cold drinks, picnics and barbecues! With the weather already getting warmer, I've started making some of my favourite summer meals. Today I thought I'd share one of my favourites, Greek Island Chicken Shish Kebabs. With its vegetables and lemony chicken, these grilled kebabs taste like summer!
Greek Island Chicken Shish Kebabs
Mix together the marinade ingredients:
1/4 c olive oil
1/4 c lemon juice
1/4 c white vinegar
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tsp ground cumin
1 tsp dried oregano
1/2 tsp dried thyme
1/4 tsp salt
1/4 tsp ground black pepper
Cut chicken into 1 1/2 inch pieces. Add chicken to the marinade, mix well, and let it sit in the fridge for at least two hours.
While the chicken is marinating, cut your vegetables into 1 inch pieces. Some ideas for vegetables include bell peppers, onion, mushrooms, tomatoes (cherry or regular), and zucchini.
You also need to soak the wooden skewers in water for at least half an hour so they don't burn.
Colourful vegetables!
When everything is ready, thread the chicken and vegetables onto the skewers. You can brush some of the marinade over the vegetables too, for extra flavour.
Grill the completed kebabs on the barbecue or in the oven for about 10 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked.
Serve with rice, pita bread, or Greek salad (or all of the above!). Enjoy!
You can check out the original recipe here: Greek Island Chicken Shish Kebabs
What are some of your favourite summer meals?
Friday, 8 April 2016
Scarves and Tea
What do scarves and tea have in common?
They are both things that I have a lot of but hardly ever use.
For some reason I really like the idea of scarves. There are so many beautiful scarves that I own or would love to own, and yet I almost never wear scarves. The other day I was thinking about this as I was looking outside at the beautiful spring weather and realized that all winter I only wore a scarf twice. All winter. I know scarves aren't only worn in winter, but my scarf-wearing habits (or lack thereof) are certainly not about to change because the weather is nice. I guess I'm just not an accessory kind of person. But even though I know all of that, I can't bring myself to get rid of any of my scarves. They just sit in my closet, taking up space, waiting for a time when I might get around to wearing one of them.
I have a similar problem with tea. I love tea, I just don't drink it very much. I will usually offer tea if someone is over, and if they want it I'll have some too, but it's rare for me to just have a cup of tea by myself. Last time I checked I had at least 15 varieties of tea, and I'll happily get more if I ever have an excuse to. There is just something really nice about getting a new kind of tea. (I especially like fruity teas.) And I would also love to get into using loose leaf tea... though I'm making myself wait until I use up more of the tea I already have. But at the rate I go through tea, who knows when that will be?
Scarves and tea. There are probably other things like this in my life too. And it bothers me. I want to live simply, living with less, with the things I actually need and use. Our lives get cluttered with stuff so quickly. In the past I have found it very freeing to get rid of things that I didn't need or use (like the time I got rid of over half of my clothes). Now that we are anticipating moving within the next few weeks, this is a perfect time for me to go through our apartment, getting rid of things that we don't need anymore. I don't know if I'll have much luck with my scarves or tea (who gets rid of tea????) but hopefully there will be other things that I can pass along to make our lives cleaner and lighter.
They are both things that I have a lot of but hardly ever use.
For some reason I really like the idea of scarves. There are so many beautiful scarves that I own or would love to own, and yet I almost never wear scarves. The other day I was thinking about this as I was looking outside at the beautiful spring weather and realized that all winter I only wore a scarf twice. All winter. I know scarves aren't only worn in winter, but my scarf-wearing habits (or lack thereof) are certainly not about to change because the weather is nice. I guess I'm just not an accessory kind of person. But even though I know all of that, I can't bring myself to get rid of any of my scarves. They just sit in my closet, taking up space, waiting for a time when I might get around to wearing one of them.
I have a similar problem with tea. I love tea, I just don't drink it very much. I will usually offer tea if someone is over, and if they want it I'll have some too, but it's rare for me to just have a cup of tea by myself. Last time I checked I had at least 15 varieties of tea, and I'll happily get more if I ever have an excuse to. There is just something really nice about getting a new kind of tea. (I especially like fruity teas.) And I would also love to get into using loose leaf tea... though I'm making myself wait until I use up more of the tea I already have. But at the rate I go through tea, who knows when that will be?
Scarves and tea. There are probably other things like this in my life too. And it bothers me. I want to live simply, living with less, with the things I actually need and use. Our lives get cluttered with stuff so quickly. In the past I have found it very freeing to get rid of things that I didn't need or use (like the time I got rid of over half of my clothes). Now that we are anticipating moving within the next few weeks, this is a perfect time for me to go through our apartment, getting rid of things that we don't need anymore. I don't know if I'll have much luck with my scarves or tea (who gets rid of tea????) but hopefully there will be other things that I can pass along to make our lives cleaner and lighter.
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