Simply Rurban

Kids Can Cook – Blonde Brownies

Posted on November 23, 2012 by simply0637

Stella’s friend Bella was over and as we were talking – I mentioned that I could really go for a good cookie. Bella said I wish I had gone to my sister’s soccer tournament because they were having brownies. So what did I say? If you want you guys can make some brownies – how about blonde brownie with chocolate chips? They both looked at me and said what are blonde brownies. I said they are brownies that do not use cocoa so are not brown but blonde color. That piqued their interest. We went to the cabinet and no chocolate chips to be found. We put our jackets on and took a walk to the grocery and picked out some good dark chocolate chips.

We came home and the baking began. The girls did it all – I just supervised and showed them how to do certain things. They made the brownies, popped them in the oven, set the timer and waited. I did the dishes and the girls played a card came. The timer went off and they ran to the kitchen – not quite done, set the timer for another 5 minutes and then they were done. They were so excited and then decided that they wanted to go down the street and play with some of their other friends. The brownies went uneaten! I am sure they will be eaten later! Sometimes you just need a little sweet something!

Blonde Brownies

Ingredients

2 cups flour
2 tsp baking powder
1/4 tsp sea salt
1/2 cup butter
2 cups packed brown sugar
2 eggs
1 tsp vanilla
1 cup chocolate chips or walnuts

1. Grease a 9×13 baking dish.

2. Mix together the flour, salt and baking powder – set aside.

3. Cut up the butter and melt it over low heat in a sauce pan. Remove from the heat.

4. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees.

5. Add the brown sugar to the butter and mix well.

6. Add the eggs and vanilla to the butter mixture and combine well.

7. Stir the flour mixture into the butter mixture. Best to do this a little at a time. Mix well, scraping sides and bottom.

8. Add the chocolate chip – combine.

9. Scoop into the baking dish – spread evenly.

10. Bake for 20 – 25 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean. I did the dishes and the girls licked the bowl!

11. Cool slightly, but cut into bars while still warm.

Makes 48 bars. The girls loved them! Said they were better than what they expected.

Posted in Dessert, Kids Cooking | Tagged brownies, kids cook, recipe | 1 Comment

Giving Thanks

Posted on November 22, 2012 by simply0637

On this day of Thanksgiving – I give thanks for many things. The past couple of years have not been easy ones and I have seen highs and lows and the lows have been very low. The times have not been easy for many – many of us have lost our jobs, many have lost their homes, some have lost loved ones, there have been divorces/parting of ways, disappointment in many things. One thing that I have learned over the years is that there is always a glimmer of good in every disappointment or set back – sometimes it is harder to find it and sometimes it takes longer to come across than at other times. Another lesson I have learned is that the universe only gives you what you can handle – and yes, believe me I have been there when I just ask why and think I will not get through, but I always do.

There have been many days where it has taken everything for me to get out of bed, get dressed and go through the motions of the day and there have been many nights where I have not wanted to go to bed because I do not want to face the next day – but through all that I am still so thankful for so many things.

Yes, I lost my job – but I think it was one of the best things that ever happened to me. It made me reassess my priorities and to finally follow my dreams and passions. I might not be able to give my daughter all the monetary things that she was used to, but I have given her so much more – teaching her life skills, spending precious time with her that I would have never have had if I had been in my “corporate” job, helping her with her learning. So – I am so thankful and grateful for my daughter and for all that she gives and teaches me on a daily basis.

On this day of Thanksgiving, I am thankful for:

~ the sun rising;
~ my local farmers;
~ the local shopkeepers;
~ my home;
~ the clothes on my body;
~ the air that I breath;
~ the water I drink;
~ the teachers that come into my life when they are needed;
~ the path that has been shown to me;
~ the strangers that will become friends;
~ my acquaintances;
~ my dear, dear friends;
~ my family;
~ my daughter – and most of all –
~ myself!

The list could on and on – because in everything that we do and in who we are there is some form of gratitude!

I hope you spend some time today reflecting on your life and what you are most thankful for – let other know and show your gratitude for those that are in your life now, for those who are no longer and for those yet to come.

Have a most splendid of days and I part, sharing a few of my favorite quotes for this time of year!

As we express our gratitude, we must never forget that the highest appreciation is not to utter words, but to live by them. ~John Fitzgerald Kennedy

Let us remember that, as much has been given us, much will be expected from us, and that true homage comes from the heart as well as from the lips, and shows itself in deeds. ~Theodore Roosevelt

We can only be said to be alive in those moments when our hearts are conscious of our treasures. ~Thornton Wilder

Grace isn’t a little prayer you chant before receiving a meal. It’s a way to live. ~Attributed to Jacqueline Winspear

Gratitude unlocks the fullness of life. It turns what we have into enough, and more. It turns denial into acceptance, chaos to order, confusion to clarity. It can turn a meal into a feast, a house into a home, a stranger into a friend. Gratitude makes sense of our past, brings peace for today and creates a vision for tomorrow. ~Melody Beattie

Posted in Life | Tagged Thanksgiving | 3 Comments

Make A Pistachio Shell Egg

Posted on November 21, 2012 by simply0637

We continue to eat pistachio nuts at our house and to save the shells. I have many baggies filled with pistachio shells and am always on the look-out for things to make with them. There is a flower pin that I have been wanting to make – but as of yet have not made that one. I am always doing research, looking through books and stores for craft ideas for myself and the kids craft corner. I came across a picture of an egg made from pistachio shells. There were no step by step directions just said that the base was a styrofoam egg. I was hoping to find another base, but was not successful.

Before we begin on the How To – I must say it took me three tries before I got a good pattern and layering going. It was a little frustrating and after two tries, I had to step away and come back later – the next day I went back to it and it all clicked together. I love it!

Pistachio Shell Egg

Items Needed

Pistachio shells
Styrofoam egg
Glue gun
Glue sticks
Ribbon
Patience

1. Pour the shells into a bowl and make sure they are clean and have no skins inside the shell.

2. Starting at the narrow part of the styrofoam egg – layer the shells in a circular fashion. I would put a line of glue around the egg and then lay the shells.

3. Repeat step 2 until you have almost covered the whole egg.

4. Cut a piece of ribbon – about 5″ – 6″ long – and glue to the top of the egg.

5. Layer shells around the top and the ribbon – making sure that no styrofoam is showing.

Hang somewhere that will have many eyes on it – people will ask about it!!

Posted in Crafts, Recycled, Repurposed | Tagged crafts, pistachio shells, recycled craft | 1 Comment

CSA Over Abundance Soup

Posted on November 20, 2012 by simply0637

Guest Blogger: Gail Osterman

When I picked up the last shipment of my CSA veggies for the year, I was overwhelmed with the bounty! There were more vegetables there than I could possibly even use for Thanksgiving dinner. I knew I had to do something immediately with some of them, since I don’t have a root cellar and I needed the refrigerator space for the turkey, which was soon to come.

I decided to tackle the veggie that I had no idea what it was. Of course, I knew the name. The kind CSA farmers do educate us…in fact, that is one of the reasons I like my CSA. Not only do I get delicious, fresh, organic produce for 20+ weeks, but each week I get some items that I would probably never buy, either because I have never been exposed to them before, or I didn’t like them in my childhood. The CSA is singularly responsible for expanding our repertoire of healthy foods and making our meals more interesting.

So back to the mystery veggie…it is celeriac root. Celeriac root is routinely used in French cooking in Europe. Certainly not the most attractive vegetable, but it must be flavorful if the renowned French chefs use it. So mystery solved…but now what do do with it? That is where my trusty iPad came into play. Since getting the iPad, it has become the “Command Central” in our family, and resides on the kitchen counter. I googled celeriac root and up popped numerous recipes!

I selected black bean and vegetable soup that would make use of some of the many other vegetables I had on hand. I did not have dried beans on hand, but did use a large can of organic black beans from the cupboard.

Hearty Black Bean Soup with Hearty Winter Vegetables

Ingredients

1 cup dried black beans, soaked overnight OR 1 can organic black beans, drained
6 cups beef or chicken, vegetable stock
2 bay leaves
1 large onion, peeled and diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 medium celeriac root, peeled and chopped into 1″ cubes
2 large carrots, cut into 1″ rounds
1 large parsnips, cut into 1″ rounds
2 medium size, yukon potatoes, washed,but unpeeled and cut into 1″ cubes
1 1/2 tsp sea salt
2 Tbl fresh cilantro, minced
Ground black pepper to taste

1. Drain beans and discard water OR drain the can of beans.

2. In a large stockpot on high heat, bring beans and stock to a boil. Skim off any foam that rises and discard.

3. Add bay leaves, onion, garlic, celeriac root, carrots, parsnips and potatoes. Then let soup return to a boil.

4. Cover, reduce heat to low and cook 45 – 50 minutes.

5. With strainer or slotted spoon, remove 2 cups of beans and vegetables from the pot and puree in a food processor or blender.

6. Pour puree back into the soup.

7. Add salt, cilantro and pepper. Continue cooking for 20 – 30 minutes or until beans are soft and creamy.

The result…a perfect Friday night dinner. ( picture to come when we eat) Add some freshly baked corn bread and a salad, and it is a perfect meal for November night. And what I learned from the recipe was that as the growing season comes to an end, the nutrients sink to the roots of the vegetables. So our soup of celeriac root, carrots, parsnips, and potatoes are packed with nutrient bombs!

Posted in Recipes, Soup | Tagged black beans, celeriac root, recipe, soup | 2 Comments

Pumpkin Pie with Crispy Almond Pie Crust

Posted on November 19, 2012 by simply0637

Thanksgiving is only days away and the baking for most has started. I made the pumpkin pie and this time with a crispy almond pie crust. Usually I take the short cut and uby a pre-made pie crust at Whole Foods or Trader Joes, but not this year. There was some extra pumpkin pie batter – so I put that in custard cups – so we get TWO desserts – lucky us!!

Crispy Almond Pie Crust

Ingredients

1 cup crispy almonds
3/4 cup arrowroot or bulgur flour
6 Tbl butter, softened or 3/8 cup coconut oil
1/4 cup rapadura or coconut sugar
1/4 tsp sea salt
1/2 tsp vanilla

1. Place the almonds into a food processor and process until you have almond meal.

2. Add all other ingredients and process until a smooth ball is formed.

3. Butter and flour a pie pan.

4. Press the dough into the pan until the pie pan is covered. Use a fork to make a nice design on your crust edges. Set aside.

Pumpkin Pie

Ingredients

1 3/4 cup fresh pumpkin puree or 1- 15oz can of pumpkin puree
3 eggs
3/4 cup rapadura or coconut sugar
1/2 tsp ginger
1 tsp cinnamon
1/4 tsp sea salt
1/4 tsp cloves
1/4 tsp nutmeg
1 cup organic, condensed milk or creme fraiche

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

2. Cream the eggs and rapadura.

3. Add all spices and blend well.

4. Add the pumpkin – mix well.

5. Add the condensed milk – mix well.

6. Pour into your prepared crispy almond pie crust.

7. Cover the edges of the pie crust with covers or tin foil.

8. Bake for 25 minutes and then take the tin foil off the pie crust edges. Even though I covered the crust – when I tool the tin foil off some of the crust was already burnt – not sure why.

9. Bake for another 10 – 15 minutes.

This freezes well – so you can make ahead. Serve with freshly made whipped cream. Enjoy.

Posted in Dessert, Recipes | Tagged pie curst, pumpkin pie, thnaksgiving | 4 Comments

Kids Craft Corner – Pom Pom Ornaments

Posted on November 16, 2012 by simply0637

Over breakfast Stella and I were talking about kids craft projects and pom poms came up. Stella looked at me like I had two heads! I remember making pom poms in school art class, but Stella didn’t know what I was talking about or how to make a pom pom. That decided what would be our next kids craft corner project.

This year we will be away for the Christmas holiday, so we will not be getting a tree – but I still want to do some holiday decorating. I figured these would make a window or our shelves look festive. I also like to put ornaments on the kids holiday gifts and since Stella will be making these – she can put on her gifts.

During Sandy as I was knitting – I looked over and saw Stella busy with something. I asked her what she was doing and she said she was starting to make her Christmas presents – I LOVED that answer! I asked who she was making them for and she said my cousins, aunts and grandmas. She is now all about beading, but does not want me to teach her any stitches – so these can decorate her packages.

Pom Pom Ornaments

Items needed

Miscellaneous yarns
Toilet paper or paper towel tube
Scissors

1. Wrap the yarn around a toilet paper or paper towel tube. The more yarn the fuller the pom pom. Wrap until you don’t want to wrap anymore.

or you can always use your fingers!

2. Cut the yarn and slide the yarn off the tube – make sure to hold the tail – you don’t want the yarn to start unraveling.

3. Tie another piece of yarn around the center of the wrapped yarn – leaving enough yarn to make a loop for hanging the ornament.

4. Cut the loops of yarn and trim up the pom pom to make it circular.

So easy and fun! Stella loved making these and decided they would make great pom poms for her American Girl dolls and then she would not have to buy them. I had to tell her it was time to finish up her chores, but she asked if she could make more tomorrow night – then I reminded her that she only had a half day of school – she decided that she would do them after school too!!

Posted in Kids Crafts | Tagged christmas, kids crafts, ornaments, pom poms, yarn | 3 Comments

Gluten Free Corn Bread

Posted on November 15, 2012 by simply0637

Thanksgiving is right around the corner and it is my favorite Holiday. I love getting together with friends and family and the best part is sharing a meal together! Giving thanks for each other, the nourishment of the food and company and counting our blessing, makes it a special day. I have such fond childhood memories of Thanksgiving – sitting at the kids table, playing with my many cousins, fighting over who got the “oyster” from the turkey as Uncle Donald carved and the best part was the after dinner walk – our family is large so these walks were something to see 10 – 20 people walking down the street!

I love corn bread and make it often, but I also make it at Thanksgiving. With all the GMO corn products, make sure to use organic corn meal and organic corn. If using a package read the label and make sure that it is GMO free.

Gluten Free Corn Bread

Ingredients

7/8 cup + 1 Tbl Gluten Free flour
1 Tbl Nature’s Approved™ organic Grape Seed flour
3/4 cup organic, stone-ground cornmeal
2 Tbl sugar
2 1/2 tsp baking powder
3/4 tsp sea salt
1 Tbl butter
2 eggs, beaten
½ cup whole buttermilk
1/4 cup melted butter
1 can of creamed corn, preferably GMO free or 2 cups homemade

1. Preheat the oven to 400 degrees.

2. Mix the dry ingredients (flours, cornmeal, sugar, baking powder, and salt) together in a medium bowl, set aside.

3. Melt the one tablespoon of butter in a 10 inch cast-iron skillet or 8/9 inch round baking , swirling the butter around the pan coating the bottom and sides.

4. Melt ¼ cup butter.

5. In a small bowl, combine the eggs, buttermilk, creamed corn and 1/4 cup butter.

6. Add the egg mixture to the dry mixture and stir until just moistened.

7. Pour batter into the hot skillet or baking pan. Bake for 15-20 minutes or until a wooden toothpick comes out clean.

Cut into slices and serve warm with some good whole milk butter!

This corn bread looks a little darker due to the grape seed flour, but it so moist and the corn kernels really add to the flavor and texture.

Posted in Bread, Recipes | Tagged corn bread, gluten free recipe | 3 Comments

Knitted E-Reader Cozy Cover

Posted on November 14, 2012 by simply0637

I knew that Stella was getting a Kindle for her birthday. Stella is an avid reader and reads daily at school, with me and before bed – so she really wanted one. For her birthday and Christmas I like to make her one present – this birthday it was a knitted e-reader cover. I found one that had a cable in it – and I have never knitted anything with cables. I took a class to learn how to knit cables – they really intimidate me and I am not sure why. I took the class several years ago and still would not choose a pattern if it had cables. This pattern – I fell in love with – so I had to get over my fear.

I started this pattern and about half way through had a panic moment! The new Kindle fire is bigger than the old kindle – yup, I had to start over. I think with the partial cover already made it is going to turn into a purse for a Christmas present for one of my nieces. So I started over, using another yarn and away I went. I finished it at midnight the night before Stella’s birthday – well not really – I still needed to crochet the loop for the closure. I don’t know how to crochet – I have a DVD and have spent a lot of time with a friend who crochets and for some reason I cannot pick it up. My crochet friend had to come over to make the loop for me and of course I watched, again!!

E-Reader Knitted Cozy Cover

Size 7 pointed needles
US G crochet hook
1 skein of yarn
Button
Darning Needle

Gauge: 25 stitches = 4″, 26 rows = 4″ in Cable Stitch

Cover measurement: 6″ wide x 17″ long, before sewing up sides, sewn 6″wide x 8 1/2″ long

M1 = make 1, increase: Lift strand between needles to left-hand needle and knit strand through the back loop, twisting the stitch to prevent a hole in the fabric.

Cable: Uses 4 stitches, slip next 2 stitches onto cable needle and hold in front of work, K2 from the left needle and then K2 from the cable needle.

Slip 2 stitches on to cable needle

Knit stitches on left needle

Knit stitches on cable needle

Cover Body

Cast on 32 stitches

Row 1: Knit across
Row 2: (Right side): Knit across
Row 3: (Increase row): K2, (M1, K5) across: 38 stitches
Row 4: K1, (P1, K4) across to last 2 stitches, K1, P1
Row 5: P1, (K1, P4) across to last 2 stitches, K1, P1
Row 6: K1 (P1, work cable) across to last 2 stitches, P1, K1
Row 7: P1, (K1, P4) across to last 2 stitches, K1, P1

Repeat rows 4 – 7 for pattern until Body measures approximately 13.5″, ending by working a right side.

Pattern

Flap

Flap divider

Row 1: Knit across
Row 2: (Right side) K1, (P1, K4) across to last 2 stitches, K1, P1
Row 3: P1, (K1, P4) across to last 2 stitches, K1, P1
Row 4: K1 (P1, work cable) across to last 2 stitches, P1, K1
Row 5: P1, (K1, P4) across to last 2 stitches, K1, P1
Rows 6 – 21: Repeat Rows 2 – 5, 4 times
Row 22: (Decrease row) K4, (K2, K2 tog) across to last 2 stitches, K2: 30 stitches
Row 23 & 24: Knit across
Row 25: Bind off 14 stitches, slip stitch from right needle onto crochet hook, Ch8 (toggle loop made), slip stitch from crochet hook onto right needle, bind off remaining stitches in knit.

Finishing

Thread a darning needle and with right sides together sew side seams. Turn the cover right side out, fold over flap and sew button on.

Posted in Crafts, Knitting | Tagged e-reader cover, knitting pattern | 3 Comments

How To Make Crispy Nuts

Posted on November 13, 2012 by simply0637

I have been wanting to experiment with some different pie crusts this year for my pumpkin pie. Pumpkin pie I think is my favorite and therefore I very much look forward to it at Thanksgiving. One of the crusts I wanted to try was an almond pie crust. In order to make the crust I first had to make a batch of crispy nuts.

I love nuts, but they can be hard on our digestive system. I have mentioned this before, but one of my favorite cookbooks in Nourishing Traditions by Sally Fallon. This cookbook highlights traditional preparation of our foods. If one looks at or back to traditional peoples, they knew how to prepare foods for the most nourishment. Nuts are best eaten after they have been soaked. The soaking process makes nuts easier to digest and their nutrients more readily able to be absorb. Soaking them in salt water (brine) activates enzymes that neutralize the enzyme inhibitors.

Crispy Almonds (thanks to Nourishing Traditions)

Ingredients

4 cups raw organic Almonds ( I used slivered almonds since that is what I had on hand)
1 Tbl sea salt
Filtered water, enough to cover

1. Mix the almonds, salt and water in a bowl. Cover and leave in a warm place for at least 7 hours or overnight.

Start

Cover

Soaked overnight

2. Drain the almonds in a colander.

3. Spread the almonds on dehydrator trays (using the mesh tray covers for slivers) and dry for 12 – 24 hours. Dehydrate them at a temperature no more than 150 degrees. Stir occasionally. If you do not have a dehydrator – place the nuts on a stainless steel baking pan and place in a warm oven, again with a temperature no higher than 150 degrees.

Beginning the dry process

13 hours later, dried

4. Allow to cool and store in an airtight container.

Posted in Recipes, Snacks | 2 Comments

My Love Muffin Turns 9!!

Posted on November 12, 2012 by simply0637

It has been a weekend of celebrating. On the first day of November I was standing in the bathroom and Stella walked in – she said do you know that today is November 1st? I said yes I did. She then went on to tell me that in 11 days it would be her birthday – like I would forget! So as the countdown has continued – I have been reminded daily and have been the receiver of all types of comments on getting older. I told her that I could not believe that my baby was growing up and that she needed to stop because it just made me older – I was told that I should still be happy because she was still in the single digit birthdays. As I was on an important phone call, Stella was trying to kiss and hug me and I had to tell her to stop. After getting off the phone and explaining to her that I love her hugs and kisses, but that they are too distracting while I am on a call – I was then told that I should take them while I was getting them because soon she would not want to kiss or hug her mom!!

Stella wanted this birthday to be extra special since it may be the last one in this house. We decided on putting together a special day in the city with her BFFE (best friend for eternity). So that is what we did, but then about 2 weeks ago she said if this is going to be my last birthday in this house – I think I want to have a party with all of my friends. I just looked at her with a blank face – what?! Our home is quite small and to have a party here is not something that I looked forward to or wanted. I suggested a bowling party, but then Sandy hit and I totally forgot to call the bowling alley and see if there was room, so I reluctantly agreed to have a small party at the house. She decided on 5 friends and that it would be a pizza, cake and movie party. She wanted to order the pizza and for me to make a chocolate cake with chocolate frosting and then she would decided on the movie. That seemed pretty good. Then on Friday she changed her mind – could I make the pizza and then could we go to Main Street Sweets for ice cream (our local homemade ice cream store). So Saturday morning at 6:30am I was off to the store for cheese and pepperoni. The party started at 5pm and at 4:30 I got started on the pizza.

The first birthday party was a hit. Ended up with 7 kids total. They played man hunt both inside and outside, had pizza, watched a movie, took a break for presents, watched the movie, took a break to walk down the street for ice cream, home again for another game of man hunt (like hide and seek but with teams), finish the movie and then a game of Headbands. It was so crazy that I forgot to take any photos – thought about it several times, but never did – bad mom!

Sunday it was off for a fun filled day in NYC. We took the 9:50 am train into the city and then 2 subways to get to our first stop – The Museum of Natural History. I love this museum and we have had a family membership there for several years. We walked around and looked at the North American animals and then to IMAX theater to see a movie about flying dinosaurs. There is never enough time for that museum. Spent some time in the gift shop.

We went to Whole Foods for lunch – a little bit of everything for everyone – we all had our choice of lunch. A healthy lunch was needed since our afternoon activity was going to be filled with sugar! On our way to catch the subway to Union Square – we stopped to watch some street performers.

Start of tour

The highlight of the day and the birthday celebratory activity was a 2 hour Cupcake Walking Tour!! We went to about 6 different bakeries and had samples at all of them. Most of the samples were 2 bite cupcakes which was more than enough. It wasn’t all cupcakes, we had some gelato and a cookie. The gelato was wonderful – they use organic ingredients with no preservatives or additives. The last stop was at The Magnolia Bakery for their famous red velvet cupcakes – these were full size and were boxed up and taken back home with us – we were cupcaked and sugared out! We walked a lot and then on our way back to the train the girls wanted to stop and play at the playground – no problem there.

Enjoying a custom made cupcake

Largest cupcake chain

Walked Thru Washington Square Park

Today, being her real birthday will start with breakfast in bed, a pedicure and who knows what else. And of course, cupcake making for her party at school – chocolate cupcakes with chocolate icing!

I really can’t believe that she is 9!! It seems that yesterday she was just learning to crawl and talk and today she is talking a mile a minute and running here and there. I will treasure it all because before I know it she will be going off to college!!!

Posted in Life | Tagged birthday, cup cakes, museum | 3 Comments

Kids Can Cook – Blonde Brownies

Giving Thanks

Make A Pistachio Shell Egg

CSA Over Abundance Soup

Pumpkin Pie with Crispy Almond Pie Crust

Kids Craft Corner – Pom Pom Ornaments

Gluten Free Corn Bread

Knitted E-Reader Cozy Cover

How To Make Crispy Nuts

My Love Muffin Turns 9!!

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