Tuesday, May 16, 2006
Yogurt Galore
Like strollers, yogurt seems to profilerate with kids. We have YoBaby for Axel, Stonyfield kid yogurt for Luka, flavored low-fat yogurts for Reynald and big containers of plain yogurt for Eve. Lots and lots and lots of yogurt. I keep meaning to get a yogurt maker, but then I forget. I think it would save money and be flexible. Or would it be a hassle? Just can't decide... ;) Well, have to go eat some yogurt, will decide later.
Monday, May 15, 2006
Recipe: Clafoutis Revisited
I made a different Clafouti recipe for our dinner with friends on Friday, and it was very delicious, I must say (and Reynald agreed). This one was perhaps a bit thicker than the traditional clafouti, but we both thought it was really good!
3/4 cup flour
3 large eggs
3/4 cup sugar
1 cup milk
1 tsp vanilla extract
2 TBS Grand Marnier
Pinch of salt
Whole frozen raspberries - with no added sugar
Preheat oven to 375 degrees F. Butter 11-inch pan.
In a blender or food processor, process flour, eggs, sugar, milk, vanilla, Grand Marnier and salt until well blended; let rest 10 minutes.
Place enough raspberries, still frozen, to generously cover the bottom of the pan. (I like them tart, but if you would rather sweeten them a bit, sprinkle more sugar over them, or used pre-sweetened berries.)
Pour batter over the berries. Bake until golden brown and puffy, around 45 minutes (or less, actually--I have been making it and it should be checked at 30 minutes for sure). Should be set in the middle. Cool for 10 minutes.
Serve warm or at room temp. Whipped cream or ice cream can be used to top it off, though it is very good alone.
Recipe modified from: French Cooking for Beginners by Hélène Siegel.
3/4 cup flour
3 large eggs
3/4 cup sugar
1 cup milk
1 tsp vanilla extract
2 TBS Grand Marnier
Pinch of salt
Whole frozen raspberries - with no added sugar
Preheat oven to 375 degrees F. Butter 11-inch pan.
In a blender or food processor, process flour, eggs, sugar, milk, vanilla, Grand Marnier and salt until well blended; let rest 10 minutes.
Place enough raspberries, still frozen, to generously cover the bottom of the pan. (I like them tart, but if you would rather sweeten them a bit, sprinkle more sugar over them, or used pre-sweetened berries.)
Pour batter over the berries. Bake until golden brown and puffy, around 45 minutes (or less, actually--I have been making it and it should be checked at 30 minutes for sure). Should be set in the middle. Cool for 10 minutes.
Serve warm or at room temp. Whipped cream or ice cream can be used to top it off, though it is very good alone.
Recipe modified from: French Cooking for Beginners by Hélène Siegel.
Sunday, May 14, 2006
Mother's Day
First Mother's Day with Axel (and 3rd with Mr. Luka!).
We all got up early and went to the Boulder Reservoir for Mommy to run in the Title 9K. Luka did a 200 yard "race" for kids right before (2-3 year olds). He thought that was so fun and the look of elation on his face when he was done was priceless. All that adrenalin running with all those kids (and parents--and me behind him yelling, "Go go go!")
My run started at 9 a.m. and there were close to 2000 runners, and lots of moms with strollers and some with bigger kids. I ran "free" while Reynald stayed with Luka and Axel.
I was pretty slow, but I met my goal of running the entire way, so that was good. I added 3 minutes to my Bolder Boulder time of 7 years ago (and this was 1K less!), but I guess that was not too bad for 2 kids, 7 years later and not really training that much! So, it has encouraged me to try and do more. We will see!
My race results: 698 out of 1079 finishers, time of 1:13:55, at a pace of 13:13 per mile.
After that, we went Ann and Cameron's. We had lunch and dinner there and Jessie and Luka had a blast playing madly all day. Cameron has some great kid-entertainment ideas and they loved it. Running (naked!) in the sprinkler (that is, the kids, not us!), water balloons, sidewalk chalk/paint, and playing in Jessie's gorgeous outside playhouse and her tent. And, they loved pushing each other in the doll's stroller. Boy, was that fun! Axel was a good-natured little man and even got in a 2-hour nap!
We also (finally) ordered a 4-bike rack for the CR-V (20% off at REI) that we'd been eyeing. We need it with all the kid gear now, to manage to get everything in the car. That was a good Mother's Day present.
We all got up early and went to the Boulder Reservoir for Mommy to run in the Title 9K. Luka did a 200 yard "race" for kids right before (2-3 year olds). He thought that was so fun and the look of elation on his face when he was done was priceless. All that adrenalin running with all those kids (and parents--and me behind him yelling, "Go go go!")
My run started at 9 a.m. and there were close to 2000 runners, and lots of moms with strollers and some with bigger kids. I ran "free" while Reynald stayed with Luka and Axel.
I was pretty slow, but I met my goal of running the entire way, so that was good. I added 3 minutes to my Bolder Boulder time of 7 years ago (and this was 1K less!), but I guess that was not too bad for 2 kids, 7 years later and not really training that much! So, it has encouraged me to try and do more. We will see!
My race results: 698 out of 1079 finishers, time of 1:13:55, at a pace of 13:13 per mile.
After that, we went Ann and Cameron's. We had lunch and dinner there and Jessie and Luka had a blast playing madly all day. Cameron has some great kid-entertainment ideas and they loved it. Running (naked!) in the sprinkler (that is, the kids, not us!), water balloons, sidewalk chalk/paint, and playing in Jessie's gorgeous outside playhouse and her tent. And, they loved pushing each other in the doll's stroller. Boy, was that fun! Axel was a good-natured little man and even got in a 2-hour nap!
We also (finally) ordered a 4-bike rack for the CR-V (20% off at REI) that we'd been eyeing. We need it with all the kid gear now, to manage to get everything in the car. That was a good Mother's Day present.
Friday, May 12, 2006
Mother's Day Tea at Luka's School
Every year, Luka's school has each classroom host a Mother's Day Tea on the Friday before Mother's Day. They kids had made us bath salts (that is what project those empty baby jars were needed for!) as a gift. They had little coupons for us, like, "One Free Hug From Luka". We had chocolate chip cookies and lemonade. We made a fun wire/bead project together to hold a picture. All the kids go crazy for Axel. He was a good man and I held him in my lap. Saw some of the other mommies I know. Fun!
Axel Says "Mama"
Today, Axel said "Mama" for the first time! I was making some puffs with artichoke/spinach filling and a raspberrty clafouti to get ready to some friends' for dinner (Reynald' wine-making friend from work). Luka was helping me cook ;) and Axel was eating cheese in his high chair. Luka said, "Mommy! Axe is calling you!" I thought so too--that he was saying it to me, rather than just saying the sounds (though it is the first time he made that particular sound as well).
I'd say his first real word then, might be "ma ma" but he did say the "da da" sound first--which he loves to say, as a matter of fact. He looooooves to say "da da da" and say it again and again and giggle and be proud while he is doing it. Now he is having fun with both, but I'd say, that "da da da" is still the predominant sound when he "talks".
I'd say his first real word then, might be "ma ma" but he did say the "da da" sound first--which he loves to say, as a matter of fact. He looooooves to say "da da da" and say it again and again and giggle and be proud while he is doing it. Now he is having fun with both, but I'd say, that "da da da" is still the predominant sound when he "talks".
Thursday, May 11, 2006
Axel 9-month check-up
Axel had his 9-month check up today at the doctor. A-OK; Roger; Full speed ahead. He's a healthy little man. Here are his stats:
Weight - 17 lbs and 14 oz (15th percentile)
Length - 28.25 inches (55th percentile)
Head circumference - 17.75 inches (50th percentile)
Looking good, X Man!
Weight - 17 lbs and 14 oz (15th percentile)
Length - 28.25 inches (55th percentile)
Head circumference - 17.75 inches (50th percentile)
Looking good, X Man!
Current Favorites and Update
Luka has some new favorite books--more in English since I have been taking him to the library--they have no books in French there;(.
He likes Chewy Louie (Louie was a very hungry puppy!), Curious George Goes Camping (that stinky skunk is pretty darn funny and the marshmallow roasting looks yuuuuuummy), Germs (the chicken pox germ who goes soft). Of course, some old favorites still hold sway too, such as There's a Wocket in my Pocket, Put Me in the Zoo and more.
Axel likes the Baby Einstein book with the mirror at the end (Luka loved that too as a baby), and "Pet the Baby Animals" with soft bunnies, ducklings, etc.
Some current favorite DVD's of Luka include anything Dora (we currently have Dora Fairytale Princess checked out, he owns the one with the whale and Diego, and we get other episodes on cable on demand sometimes). Not any Teletubbies lately...
Axel does not watch DVD's. (Relating to the controversy over the new baby Sesame Street DVD (click here for the Talk of Nation broadcast on this topic--some fireworks there). I would align myself with the "no TV for little guys" side in any case.)
The last few days, Axel has started initiating hide-and-seek (or peek-a-book) with his blankets. Too cute.
He likes Chewy Louie (Louie was a very hungry puppy!), Curious George Goes Camping (that stinky skunk is pretty darn funny and the marshmallow roasting looks yuuuuuummy), Germs (the chicken pox germ who goes soft). Of course, some old favorites still hold sway too, such as There's a Wocket in my Pocket, Put Me in the Zoo and more.
Axel likes the Baby Einstein book with the mirror at the end (Luka loved that too as a baby), and "Pet the Baby Animals" with soft bunnies, ducklings, etc.
Some current favorite DVD's of Luka include anything Dora (we currently have Dora Fairytale Princess checked out, he owns the one with the whale and Diego, and we get other episodes on cable on demand sometimes). Not any Teletubbies lately...
Axel does not watch DVD's. (Relating to the controversy over the new baby Sesame Street DVD (click here for the Talk of Nation broadcast on this topic--some fireworks there). I would align myself with the "no TV for little guys" side in any case.)
The last few days, Axel has started initiating hide-and-seek (or peek-a-book) with his blankets. Too cute.
Sunday, May 07, 2006
Luka Has a New Bike!
Sharp-looking, red 16-inch Giant. Luka got the hang of pedaling on this much bigger bike after a few minutes; going backwards to brake may take a bit longer! ;)
Full Cycle in Boulder on Pearl Street
But, on the way we passed the Full Cycle bike shop and I ended up getting Luka a new bike (!) and a new helmet. He is a stylin' little dude. People were literally cheering him as he biked and/or walked his bike back up Pearl to get to the car. Fun, fun! I just thought he was passed the trike stage and needed a new challenge. When we got home, he said he wanted to ride his "old bike" then - he was getting a bit tuckered out - but I think he will grow into the new bike quickly.
Full Cycle in Boulder on Pearl Street
But, on the way we passed the Full Cycle bike shop and I ended up getting Luka a new bike (!) and a new helmet. He is a stylin' little dude. People were literally cheering him as he biked and/or walked his bike back up Pearl to get to the car. Fun, fun! I just thought he was passed the trike stage and needed a new challenge. When we got home, he said he wanted to ride his "old bike" then - he was getting a bit tuckered out - but I think he will grow into the new bike quickly.
Saturday, May 06, 2006
Recipe: Clafoutis
~ Clafoutis ~
This is an easy but tasty French country desert that I have made many times in the US with success. It is traditionally made with fresh cherries (with the pits, for more flavor), but you can make it from frozen fruit or other fresh fruit too.
Preheat oven to 325. Butter an 11 " deepish pie plate or shallow medium baking dish.
Mix together in blender (or combine very well with hand beater):
1 cup milk
3 large eggs
1/2 cup flour
1 TBS sugar
2 tsp vanilla
Put ~3 c. cherries (blueberries, peaches, pears or plums, etc.) in bottom of the buttered dish. Sprinkle the more tart fruits with 1/4 c sugar. Pour batter over the fruit and bake 30 minutes or until set.
Serve cold, or warm with ice cream or whipped cream. If you serve cold, you can decorate it with powdered sugar.
Serves 6.
This is an easy but tasty French country desert that I have made many times in the US with success. It is traditionally made with fresh cherries (with the pits, for more flavor), but you can make it from frozen fruit or other fresh fruit too.
Preheat oven to 325. Butter an 11 " deepish pie plate or shallow medium baking dish.
Mix together in blender (or combine very well with hand beater):
1 cup milk
3 large eggs
1/2 cup flour
1 TBS sugar
2 tsp vanilla
Put ~3 c. cherries (blueberries, peaches, pears or plums, etc.) in bottom of the buttered dish. Sprinkle the more tart fruits with 1/4 c sugar. Pour batter over the fruit and bake 30 minutes or until set.
Serve cold, or warm with ice cream or whipped cream. If you serve cold, you can decorate it with powdered sugar.
Serves 6.
Friday, May 05, 2006
Recipe: Whole Wheat Pizza Crust
Whole-Wheat Pizza Crust
Works great in a bread maker.
1 cup water
2 cups all-purpose flour
1 cup whole-wheat flour
1-1/2 tsp sea or kosher salt
2 TBS olive oil
1 tsp sugar
1 tsp or 1 pkg active dry yeast (if you live in Colorado, due to altitude, drop the yeast to a scant 1 tsp)
Set bread maker to dough only setting; put ingredients in according to your bread machine's instructions.
Once dough has finished (it should have risen one time), remove dough and punch it down; knead it 3 or 4 times. Divide in half. Each half will make 1 pizza. To use later, pat each piece into a 4-inch disk and wrap it in plastic wrap; place in freezer bag. Refrigerate up to 6 hours, or keep in freezer for up to 3 weeks. Before using, let chilled dough sit at room temperature until it becomes springy and pliable, which is 1 to 2 hours.
Works great in a bread maker.
1 cup water
2 cups all-purpose flour
1 cup whole-wheat flour
1-1/2 tsp sea or kosher salt
2 TBS olive oil
1 tsp sugar
1 tsp or 1 pkg active dry yeast (if you live in Colorado, due to altitude, drop the yeast to a scant 1 tsp)
Set bread maker to dough only setting; put ingredients in according to your bread machine's instructions.
Once dough has finished (it should have risen one time), remove dough and punch it down; knead it 3 or 4 times. Divide in half. Each half will make 1 pizza. To use later, pat each piece into a 4-inch disk and wrap it in plastic wrap; place in freezer bag. Refrigerate up to 6 hours, or keep in freezer for up to 3 weeks. Before using, let chilled dough sit at room temperature until it becomes springy and pliable, which is 1 to 2 hours.
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