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Posts Tagged ‘family’

Contractors in the House…What’s For Lunch?

Wednesday, January 18th, 2012

The Contractor's Lunch Special

We’ve definitately had our share of contractors over the past few years working on our house projects. One thing I have learned is that they appreciate and rarely turn down food. This is good because I feel really awkward having someone in my house and not offering them food. I know this may sound odd. I just have to be a hostess and offer someone in my home a drink or food.

I realize this isn’t the approach everyone takes. I grew up thinking if you go to someone’s home you bring something – cookies, wine, flowers, small gift. However when I became a mom, I realized I was the odd one bringing flowers to the playdate host. After a few times coming to what is now my daughter’s best friend’s house, the mom (my friend now) requested I stop bringing things. Actually a pineapple was the last straw. I took the hint.

I assume everyone that comes to my house should be fed and/or wattered, or at least offered to be. For playdates I always have or make something. Even if the neighbor comes over for a brief moment I offer something. I can’t help myself. So having someone working on my house makes me feel like I should provide something as well. The good thing about the contractors is they are usually hungry and are not picky. I’m not running a restaurant (and they’re not family) so I don’t ask them what KIND of sandwich when I offer a sandwich. This makes it easy. They can eat it or not. But they always do (or at least hide it and I don’t know). Actually I like this approach for everyone. I make the food, you eat or don’t eat the food. But there’s no discussion, critique, or complaining. Just a simple “thank you.”

Once we were having our driveway repaired on a hot day. My kids and I made ice cream cones for the contractors. I enjoyed watching my kids bring them to the guys and seeing their surprise. A simple act of food and kindness goes a long way.

The past weeks we’ve been remodeling our dining room. The kitchen is right next to the dining room, so it’s awkward to go to the kitchen if I’m at home and not offer lunch. So sometimes I avoid the kitchen if I don’t have time to make everyone (the contractors) lunch. Tonight I didn’t know what to do as two guys came to finish something unexpectedly around dinner time. I held off dinner as long as possible, not wanting to sit down for a family meal while they are working. Finally we (the rest of my family) gave in. I kept thinking we could of at least ordered them a pizza. Maybe I’ll make them muffins tomorrow…

Tags: construction, contractor, dinner, family, hostess, remodel, sandwich
Posted in Lisa Barnes Blog | No Comments »

Another Evening in the Kitchen….I Can’t Stop Myself

Thursday, January 5th, 2012

Some evenings I just get too overambitious. Today I just don’t have a clear focus and instead of having a meal plan, I keep cooking and cooking. Hopefully something will come together. I’m having trouble settling back into the mealtime routine after being on holiday and now getting the kids homework and activities in before dinner. These are some photos of my kitchen right now at 6:24 p.m.

I just finished making maringues for my daughter’s kindergarten class. However I’m already second guessing them and may make something else. That’s more like 10 pm tonight.

I realized I thawed out pork chops for dinner this morning and actually had a plan for them. However I remembered my husband saying he didn’t want to eat meat. Call it a resolution. Anyways I called to get clarification. Sure enough when he said meat he didn’t just mean red meat but pork too. OK. But I can’t waste food. So I’ve cooked that. Even if we don’t eat it tonight, at least I can now freeze it. Tip: I could not have put it back in the freezer without cooking it. Since it came from the freezer already. However after cooking it can then be warpped and frozen.

Now I’m creating a vegetable stir fry.

And for another protein for those not eating pork, I’ve made some marinated tofu.

So now the plan is a stir fry over rice noodles. You can pick pork or tofu with your veggies. That will have to work. Did I mention I did all this is about 45 minutes? My family comes home from my son’s Tae Kwon Do in about 10 minutes…

Tags: dinner, family, meringues, pork, stir-fry, tofu, veggies
Posted in Family Meals, Lisa Barnes Blog | No Comments »

Peas and Thank You – New Family Meatless Cookbook Review and Give Away

Thursday, November 3rd, 2011

Sarah Matheny, author of the popular blog, Peas and Thank You has written a new cookbook, Peas and Thank You: Simple Meatless Meals the Whole Family Will Love, after changing her family’s diet to one without meat products. She has an easy and witty style about her writing and this book is peppered with food photos as well as her little “peas” (aka girls) enjoying her recipes. This book has stories, tips and recipes from a mainstream family that takes on a not-so mainstream diet.

This book is a good one for those looking to make a diet switch and eat less animal products, as well as someone just looking for new meatless ideas. I know I am. Sarah has recipes from morning to night. There are fruit smoothies for breakfast, sandwiches and salads (Hugh Jass Salad is just for mom) for lunch and hot meals (curry, jambalaya) for dinner. Plus a few retooled desserts without the use of dairy (carrot cupakes).

My family made the homestyle chocolate chips cookies with sea salt, the thai veggie burgers and the homestyle spaghetti sauce. While the cookies were good, I did notice they were missing something…butter. But good to have a vegan recipe for such a popular treat. Also the veggie burgers were good, but needed some sauce to lend moisture. Luckily Sarah has a versatile almond ginger recipes that did the trick for me. The spaghetti sauce was rich and easy (see below). We used it on pasta as well as sauce for homemade pizza.

Review

Pros: good variety of meatless dishes, some simple and quick, fun writing style, good photos, nutritional info on each recipe, pea points on each recipe give helpful hints

Cons: some dishes require special ingredients (tempeh, non dairy cream cheese) that may be hard for some to find, some recipes are time consuming and need many ingredients

Give Away!

If you would like a chance to win a copy of Sarah’s new cookbook, Peas and Thank You, please send a comment on this post, with the name of your family’s favorite meatless recipe. One winner will be chosen at random on Thurs. November 10, 2011 and notified via email.

Homestyle Spaghetti Sauce, pg. 142 from Peas and Thank You

It’s almost as easy as opening a jar, both with the added joy, if you wish, of letting it simmer for hours, rubbing garlic behind your ears, smearing a few splatters on your apron and bringing your thumb and teo fingers together to emphasize, “Now attsa some tasty sauce!” You’d be right.

2 14.5 ounce cans organic diced tomatoes

1 6 ounce can tomato paste

1/3 cup onion, diced

1/2 cup fresh basil

2 teaspoons oregano

1 teaspoon salt

1/4 teaspoon black pepper

Combine all ingredients in a high speed blender ot food porcessor and blend until smooth. Pour sauce into a large saucepan and simmer for 30 minutes, stirring occassionally.

Tags: children, contest, cookbook, family, give-away, meatless, peas, Peas and Thank You, Sarah Matheny, spaghetti sauce, vegan, vegetarian
Posted in Book Review, Lisa Barnes Blog, vegetarian | 4 Comments »

Hunger Challenge Wrap Up

Friday, September 23rd, 2011

So my family agreed last week was hard. I feel like the challenge (my goal of trying to keep my family full and satisified with healthy food on such a limited budget) was all consuming. Everything else seemed like a blur, and other than our daily lives of school, homework and blogging, not much was accomplished. I simply didn’t have the time or energy. We also missed our social life and the ability to have people over and feel like we could host and provide for them.

My car broke down the day after the challenge ended. If this had happened during the hunger challenge I would not have been able to handle it so well (car was towed and kids and I walked 1.2 miles in 85 degree heat). Because we were able to get a icy, fruit smoothie and emergency snacks out of the trunk (yes, I keep nuts and graham crackers usually for when hunger strikes) for our walk home – it became another adventure – rather than a hardship. If we had been hungry and thirsty and not able to refresh our bodies with fuel, we wouldn’t have had the energy or spirit to walk home.

So there is much to be thankful for and we’re glad the unhappy faces are down from the cupboards and we’ve been grocery shopping again. My kids even have ideas for next year (they said it). Unfortuantely hunger will still exist next year (although we can hope the numbers of people effected go down) and thus another challenge.

I’m happy to annouce the KGO Fight Hunger Day last week is still totaling and pulling in donations for the Bay Area food banks, and is now over $185,000. Well done. I think the more people are able to spread the word, the more we can all help each other. Thanks for reading, caring and sharing. And thanks to my family for supporting the challenge 100%.

Tags: donations, family, Food Banks, KGO radio, Kids
Posted in Hunger Challenge, Lisa Barnes Blog | 1 Comment »

Kids’ Menus – A Few Good, Most Not So

Monday, August 8th, 2011

I am usually dissappointed by kids’ menus at restaurants. Why is it that the restaurant can serve fresh, organic, delicious food on the adult menu, but the the kids’ is an afterthought with a choice of who’s who from the freezer section? Why offer a kids menu at all if you’re stooping to offer a steamed hot dog and boxed macaroni and cheese? When did people get the idea that kids will only eat hot dogs, hamburgers, pasta with butter and chicken strips? And even if the kids’ menu is decent, why does everything have to come with fries? If your restaurant makes pasta for adults, make pasta for kids (just not such an overwhelming size). If my family is going to a mexican restaurant we’ve decided we want mexican food, not a burger and fries. If you have salads for adults, why not a small salad or some fresh, raw veggies for the younger set? And what about milk? Some kids are only offered soda, juice and chocolate milk.

Seems easier to use same ingredients and cooking techniques too. I rarely offer my kids what’s on these menus other than the games and pictures to draw (although harder to edit now that my son reads). We prefer to order a smaller or shared portion from the main or appetizer menu. Or we pay for two adult size portions and take food home.

OK…Enough of my ranting.

I was impressed on two recent occassions when dining out with my family. First, we went to San Luis Obispo where we had a lovely breakfast at Big Sky Cafe. The kids’ menu did have a drawing to color but the offerings were actually made from the same fresh organic ingredients as the regular menu, just smaller portions. A stack of blueberry pancakes just wasn’t stacked so high. A make your own omelet only came with 2 eggs and the steel cut oatmeal was appealing for every age with a selection of dried fruit and fresh berries. I wish we were staying for lunch and dinner too. Anyone for a petit filet with potato croquettes? Mind you this was not a high end restaurant, as everything was under $18 for dinner on the main menu, under $10 on the kids’ menu.

Another great local find with a good kids’ menu is Piatti Ristorante. There are 9 locations in all – most in California, but also in Colorado, Washington and Texas. This is a good italian trattoria for family and friends to gather as well as a date night spot when the kids are at home with a sitter. Each location’s menu reflects the local taste and season. Their bambini menu is the largest I’ve ever seen with a selection of antipasti, pizza, primi (pasta), secondi (salmon, chicken, steak), verdure (broccoli, mixed veggies) and dolce (gelato, panna cotta). They started with an antipasti of salami, mozzarella, veggies and olives (so much we brought some home). My daughter loved her spinach and cheese ravioli as did my son appreciate his tomato gnocci. This was higher end for the main menu but everything on the bambini menu was a bargain at less than $10.

So, yes. It can be done. Any place you care to share with a good children’s menu?

Tags: breakfast, children's menu, dining out, dinner, family, kids' menu, lunch, restaurant
Posted in Children's Food, Family Meals, Lisa Barnes Blog, Uncategorized | No Comments »

Happy Memorial Day – Corn on the Cob Tip

Monday, May 30th, 2011

I hope you and yours had a relaxing Memorial Day. It’s a tough one to explain to kids. And when they ask “So what does BBQing have to do with celebrating and remembering the soldiers?” My answer is “It’s a good way to gather friends and family, and it’s usually nice weather, so you can cook and eat outside”. Although here in the Bay Area we sure had a mix of weather – rain, sun, clouds, wind. If you didn’t time things well the annual memorial bbq could’ve been better enjoyed by the fireplace, inside.

Luckily we were able to host some friends and enjoy a bit of the sunshine this weekend. We did chicken kebobs, corn on the cob, roasted potatoes and strawberry shortcake (more on that in my next cookbook review).

I want to share a corn on the cob tip. I love corn, but sometimes when cooked on the grill it burns and shrivels. So now, what works for us, is precooking in the microwave. I suppose you could precook by boiling as well – but takes so much longer. Two cobs takes about 4 minutes to precook in the microwave. Then it gets a brushing of olive oil and is finished on the grill for a few minutes. Just long enought to get some grill marks and a bit of carmelization. The kernals are still plump, and the cob doesn’t get too black. Check it out.

wrap corn in wax paper and sprinkle with a few drops of water

microwave about 4 minutes for 2 ears of corn

Place over hot grill and rotate a few minutes for grill marks

Looking to grill something out of the ordinary? Here’s a few tips for your next unique cookout. Grilled avocado anyone? Get ideas here.

Tags: bbq, cob, corn, family, friends, grill, holiday, Kids, memorial day
Posted in Lisa Barnes Blog, Uncategorized | No Comments »

Which Came First…The Dye or the Stickers? With Deviled Egg Recipe

Sunday, April 24th, 2011

Last year I dyed Easter eggs with natural dyes. I was so excited and felt so green, as I boiled onion skins, tumeric, greens and blueberry juice for my hard boiled eggs. The thing was I was lonely. This is because it takes so long for the color to appear (some over 30 minutes) and needs to be done over a hot stove. I thought the eggs came out lovely and like real hen eggs (pastel yellow, purple and green), but my kids lost patience and interest. Most families are used to the plopping the egg into the fake dye and getting instant color…bright color. My kids were dissappointed last year and the grandparents answered their call for “the fast, bright colors” this year by sending a princess dye kit and a star wars dye kit. The farthest thing from natural you could get. Luckily the kids arranged the dyed eggs in my real nests for photos, and skipped the yoda and tiara stickers. So the eggs weren’t “natural and green”, but my family had fun and they still became yummy delived eggs.

I decided to try a new deviled egg recipe which incorporated fresh crab. I’ve had the recipe cut out for some time and never made it (I do that a lot). My husband and I loved them, but my kids not so much. They wanted the “regular” ones. I guess you never know how your crowd will react when messing with a holiday. Oh well, there were more for my husband and I. Happy Easter.

Crab Deviled Eggs, Inspired by MarketBar Restaurant in San Francisco

6 hard boiled eggs, peeled

2 cups spinach leaves, well rinsed

4 ounces fresh lump crab meat

1/4 cup mayonnaise

1 tablespoon white ine vinegar

1/2 teaspoon suagr

1/4 teaspoon salt

1/4 teaspoon finely ground pepper

Place wet spinach in a small saute pan and saute over medium heat until wilted. Press out liquid with a tea towel and chop. Set aside.

Cut hardboiled eggs lenghtwise and keeping white intact, carefully remove the yolk with a small spoon. Mash the yolks in a bowl with a fork.

Add remaining ingredients (including spinach) to egg yolks and mix well. Adjust seasoning.

Spoon heaping teasoonfuls of egg/crab mixture into hollowed egg whites. Refrigerate until ready to serve.

Tags: crab, deviled, easter, eggs, family, food dye, hard boiled eggs, Kids, vegetarian
Posted in Lisa Barnes Blog, Uncategorized | No Comments »

Matzo, Matzo Man.

Wednesday, April 20th, 2011

This week marks the celebration of Passover for many families and children. Making holiday foods (eventhough it may not be “your” holiday) is a great opportunity to introduce different customs, cultures, religions and traditions to your children. The first time I made this my son cried “wow a giant pancake!”

Matzo is packaged in a box and found in the ethnic sections of grocery stores and is a large wheat cracker, made with only wheat flour and water. Commonly served for Passover breakfast, snack or side dish. It can be made both savory or sweet. This version is sweetened with the addition of powdered sugar, cinnamon and fresh berries.

Makes 1, 8 – 10 inch pancake

6 pieces matzo (I use Tahova)

1 cup boiling water

2 cage-free organic eggs

2 tablespoons butter

¼ teaspoon Kosher salt

Sprinkling (optional)

2 teaspoons powdered sugar

2 teaspoons cinnamon

1 cup fresh organic berries – raspberries, blackberries, blueberries or combination

In a large mixing bowl, break the matzo into small (1-inch) pieces. Bring the water to a boil and pour over the matzos to soften for 1 minute.

In a small bowl whisk eggs together with salt. Mix the eggs and salt into the matzo.

In a medium skillet over medium-high heat, melt butter. When the foam subsides transfer the matzo mixture into the pan and flatten with a spatula. Fry until crisp and golden (about 4 minutes).

Carefully flip over with a spatula to fry the other side (about another 4 minutes).

Slide matzoh brei onto a large plate and sprinkle with powdered sugar and cinnamon and top with fresh seasonal berries.

Tags: Eat Drink and be Merry Cookbook, family, food, holiday, Lisa Barnes Blog, matzo, matzo brei, passover
Posted in Uncategorized | No Comments »

Happy St. Patrick’s Day

Thursday, March 17th, 2011

the green grub

My kids have been talking about wearing green and catching lephrechans all week. My daughter is thrilled with fool’s gold (or anything shiny for that matter). My son’s school has many a spirited child with green clothes, hats and even hair. Who doesn’t wish for a little luck and belief in a pot of gold at the end of the rainbow? It’s just too cute to resist.

I always make corned beef and cabbage. However we’re postponing our St. Pat’s meal, until the weekend when we have more time to make and more guests at the table to share it. Here’s last year’s post for what I’ll be making.

But I had to do a little something today. So this morning I surprised my kids with a green breakfast. I remember my grandfather making green pancakes and serving it to us with green milk. Today was green yogurt (just plain with maple syrup, cinnamon and nutmeg), green milk (almond for my daughter and cow for my son) and sliced kiwi. I wasn’t sure it looked too appetizing but the kids were surprised and amazed (and ate it, along with some non-green bagels and granola). Who knew food coloring could give such a smile? I think it was a novelty today because I rarely it.

1. It kind of gives me the willies. Very processed and nothing natural about it.

2. It’s messy and I’m not well practiced. (see below).

note the shamrock sticker on cheek

a bit leary of the green stuff, at first

my green stained fingers

Tags: cabbage, children, corned beef, family, green food, holiday, leprechaun, luck, st. Patricks Day
Posted in Lisa Barnes Blog, Uncategorized | No Comments »

petit appetit blog

Posts Tagged ‘family’

Contractors in the House…What’s For Lunch?

Another Evening in the Kitchen….I Can’t Stop Myself

Peas and Thank You – New Family Meatless Cookbook Review and Give Away

Hunger Challenge Wrap Up

Kids’ Menus – A Few Good, Most Not So

Happy Memorial Day – Corn on the Cob Tip

Which Came First…The Dye or the Stickers? With Deviled Egg Recipe

Matzo, Matzo Man.

Happy St. Patrick’s Day

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