Jamba Juice Pumpkin Smash

I noticed that swimwear is showing up in department stores already. Summer is my favorite season. Where I live, it's our only three months of sun! I'm not quite ready to let go of Fall, though. When K was in town last month, she googled a recipe for Jamba Juice's famous Pumpkin Smash. I've made it several times since and it is soooo good. I did make a couple adjustments, which I will note. This is an easy smoothie to make and will let you enjoy pumpkin season a bit longer.

Pumpkin Smash Smoothie

1 cup almond milk (original version calls for soy milk)

2 cups vanilla frozen yogurt

3/4 cup canned pumpkin pie mix with the spices (like Libbys). You could double this for extra pumpkin flavor

8-12 ice cubes, depending on how thick you like your smoothies

Pour almond milk into blender. Add pumpkin, frozen yogurt and ice cubes. Blend. So easy!

OM NOM NOM NOM

Losing Whitney

I normally don't get caught up in the lives of Hollywood celebrities. I have my favorites, of course,  and I've actually been to Hollywood a few times. But I don't idolize them. I don't get involved in their lives in my mind, because many of them make outrageous choices and simply put, I just don't care what they're doing most of the time. They're just people who are famous. But when I heard Whitney Houston died yesterday, I felt a part of my childhood die along with her. I actually cried.

“The Greatest Love Of All” helped me through a few difficult years. I had held my tape recorder close to my gigantic radio and waited for Magic 107 to play it, then I recorded the song (simultaneously holding down the "record" and "play" buttons) on a cassette tape (if you don't know what a cassette tape is, stop reading and google "seventies" - look up 8-tracks while you're there...). I played it over and over. Specifically the line “I decided long ago, never to walk in anyone's shadows” spoke to me. I felt I needed to be more like this girl at school, or that girl in my neighborhood. Whitney told me that it was okay to just be me. I wasn't always content with that...but sometimes that's being a teenager. :)

I was really pulling for Whitney Houston to make it. She gave me that very special song (along with songwriters Michael Masser and Linda Creed). Rest in peace Whitney, and thank you from a former thirteen-year-old girl.  

Heaven on Earth

“Keep your eyes open...don't fall asleep Julie...”

I was reading my five-year-old son Goodnight Gorilla, one of his favorite stories. My eyes were struggling to stay open. I had been awakened the previous night, Christmas Eve, at 2 a.m. by my college daughter who was home visiting. She was standing in my room laughing hysterically.

“Mom...” tries to control giggling...” R threw up in the bunk bed (on the top bunk) and it's running down the walls! Ha ha ha...” She was deliriously tired too and found the entire situation hilarious. Then she went back to bed and I got up to assess the damage.

Gross.

I had barely fallen asleep after filling the stockings and nibbling Santa's cookies. I tried to comfort my sick child and not fall back asleep. I spent Christmas at home cleaning up while everyone else went to church. Then Christmas night, I found myself reading Goodnight Gorilla and thinking about life.

Fortunately I've read that cute gorilla story so many times I could recite it from memory, and my little son didn't seem to notice my intermittent yawning. After we were finished, he wanted to snuggle and my mind began to wander...

I have admittedly struggled with the “What ifs...” of my past. What if I had stayed in college? What if I had moved away from home and pursued a career? What if I hadn't become a mother so young? I see other young women waiting to start their families and I have wondered, could that have been me? It has been a struggle in my heart at times. The job of motherhood is a challenging one. It's hard to be responsible for others 24/7. It's hard to be so sleep deprived that you feel like you're floating above your body. It's hard to drown in the laundry and dishes. It's hard to embrace my little ones constant needs with the cheerfulness and love they deserve.

But I know what God wants me to do is embrace what is right in front of me. It's these sweet little faces that are always happy to see me, no matter what. It's knowing that my kisses can seemingly heal all wounds. It's teaching my little boy a new word, and seeing the delight in his eyes as he learns to read like his brothers and sisters. It's knowing that I don't need the approval of the entire world to know what is right for me. Being a Mom at home is right for me. I will not question the timing of it, or allow my mind to entertain thoughts of anything I may have missed out on.

This work of raising children is Heavenly work. What you Stay-At-Home-Moms are doing is changing the world! Please don't waste your time wishing for more, chasing after money, desiring greater influence or lingering on past mistakes. Don't waste these years, for they will never come again. Your kids love you because you are their Mommy, not because you are successful in the eyes of society. Like, who cares what Gloria Steinem thinks? When was the last time you saw a happy picture of that woman. Be faithful to who you are. This is the work you were born to do. Don't let anyone convince you otherwise.

Make your home a Heaven on Earth.

New Year's Eve Hot Cocoa

Happy New Year!

If you are staying home tonight, like me, you might enjoy a nice cup of old-fashioned hot cocoa. I'm not a fan of the powdery packets of chocolate chemicals...I like creamy chocolate that warms me up. Cozy up to a movie and blanket tonight, and try some!

Old-Fashioned Creamy Hot Cocoa

1/3 cup unsweetened cocoa powder

¾ cup white sugar

1 pinch salt

1/3 cup boiling water

3 ½ cups milk

1 tsp vanilla extract

½ cup half-and-half cream

Directions

Combine the cocoa, sugar and pinch of salt in a saucepan. Blend in the boiling water. Bring this mixture to an easy boil while you stir. Simmer and stir for about two minutes. Watch that it doesn't scorch. Stir in the 3 ½ cups milk and heat until very hot, but do not boil! Remove from heat and add vanilla and cream. Divide into four mugs and add chocolate shavings and whipped cream if desired.

Traditions

“Mom, when are we doing the Christmas cookies...?”

My six year old doesn't miss a thing. Of course we will do the cookies. And the apple cider. And the artichoke dip...

Christmas is a time of traditions and many of these revolve around cuisine. There is something about oral sensory; something comforting. The familiar taste brings us back to family. My thought to you this season is to take the time and keep your food traditions, whatever they are! Do you make Gingerbread Houses? Crepes on Christmas morning? Your kids will not remember specific toys you purchase for them, but they will remember that Mom always made special hot cocoa on Christmas Eve and read stories to them. I remember my Mom made this amazing cranberry sauce; she still does.

Merry Christmas from my kitchen to yours,

Julie

Gingerbread Waffles

Last August I went to a local beach with my daughter and other teen girls from my church. We passed by a small cafe which served Gingerbread Waffles (we also saw another cafe that served Nutella Crepes!!! It was a good day...). 

Anyway, the girls made plans to return to the cafe when they are home from college this Christmas. But I just couldn't wait and made them shortly after we returned from the beach.  I was barely able to serve them; the batter was so good!!!

Gingerbread Waffles

1 cup all-purpose flour

1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder

1 teaspoon ground ginger

3/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon

1/2 teaspoon ground allspice

1/2 teaspoon baking soda

1/4 teaspoon dry mustard

1/4 teaspoon salt

1/3 cup packed brown sugar

1 egg, separated

3/4 cup buttermilk

1/4 cup molasses

3 tablespoons butter or margarine, melted

1/8 teaspoon cream of tartar

Directions

        In a bowl, combine flour, baking powder, ginger, cinnamon, allspice, baking soda, mustard and salt; set aside. In a large mixing bowl, beat brown sugar and egg yolk until fluffy. 

        Add buttermilk, molasses and butter; stir into dry ingredients just until combined. In a small bowl, beat egg white and cream of tartar until soft peaks form. Gently fold into batter. Bake in a preheated waffle iron according to manufacturer's directions until golden brown.

Top with pecans and a cinnamon or caramel syrup if desired.

Six o'clock dinner and dusty TV trays...

Well, she's gone.  My eldest child has left for college 2500 miles away.  It has been an emotional week.
I have reflected over the past month about things I could have, or should have, done differently with regard to raising her.  There are things which I regret.  I have shed some tears over a few things I messed up on.  And there are things which I know I did right.  One of those is family dinner.


This was my rule: we sit down as a family every night for dinner, around the table.  We talk about our day, discuss our upcoming week and connect.  I expected everyone to be there; most of the time, they were.  Of course there was always soccer season, or Tae Kwon Do, or night classes.  We sometimes had to switch around.  But I knew that at least for those few moments each day, we would all be together.  I cherish that time.  The TV trays never got used.  In fact they're so dusty, I should just get rid of them, lol.  The empty chair at the table doesn't make me quite as sad because I have those six o'clock dinner memories.


During times when we had a baby, we enjoyed watching the little one try new foods and give those priceless expressions.  Everyone took turns with the toddlers, trying to get them to try whatever green vegetable they were refusing.  We laughed, we told stories, we had seconds and thirds.  We watched as K would build these intracate dioramas made from mashed potatoes and whatever else we were having.  They were truly works of art!  Roo, my other daughter, would take great pains to make sure her food didn't touch each other.  My son Bear (obviously these are nicknames) has a thing for germs.  This seemed to always come up at dinner, when one of the little kids would try to drink from his cup.  I think they were just messing with him.  *smiles*


I know that having dinner together every night as a family can be a complicated, choreographed dance at times, with everyone's schedule to consider.  But having just raised a child to adulthood, we need those dinners.  We need that time.  We need the comfort coming together and breaking bread can bring.  Don't be too busy.  Be available.  Make family dinner a priority; you won't regret it.


I love you K.

Baked Coconut Shrimp

Last night, I was working out at the gym pretty late. The television on the Stairclimber I was panting on showed a commercial for Red Lobster's Coconut Shrimp. I started thinking about where the closest RL was, how I could make my post workout-window, and how soon I could get out of there with an adequate amount of calories burned. Then I had a crazy thought: Why don't I go home and make Coconut Shrimp myself?

I stopped by Safeway and picked up some prawns and buttermilk. Why buttermilk? No clue. I just thought it might be good to dip the shrimp in buttermilk followed by coconut. It was PERFECT.

I chose to bake, instead of deep fry like traditional Coconut Shrimp. I try to oven-bake instead of deep-fry when I can for a healthier choice. I couldn't tell the difference – delicious!

Baked Coconut Shrimp

1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined (I used 19/26 size)

1/3 cup cornstarch

1 teaspoon salt

½ teaspoon cayenne pepper

2 cups flaked sweetened coconut

½ cup low-fat buttermilk

Dry shrimp with paper towels.  Combine cornstarch, salt and cayenne pepper in a small bowl. Place buttermilk in a second bowl, followed by flaked coconut in a third bowl. One at a time, dip shrimp (by the tail) into the dry ingredients, then the buttermilk, and finally the coconut. Liberally apply the coconut! Place on a baking sheet lightly oiled or covered with parchment paper. Lightly spray tops of shrimp with cooking oil. Bake for 8 minutes at 400 degrees. Turn over shrimp and reduce heat to 350 degrees and bake for another 8 minutes or until shrimp is bright pink and coconut is browned.

Serving Our Friends and Neighbors

Isn't this picture the sweetest???!!!

I am blessed to have the opportunity on occasion to bring dinners to friends or family who are in need of a little help.  It's my chance to give back, as I've been fortunate to have meals delivered to my family when I've just delivered a baby or been ill.  It's always greatly appreciated and I love reciprocating.  With that stated, sometimes the opportunity comes up at the last minute and it's hard to know what to prepare.  The solution is to have a couple dinners ready to go in your freezer.  Arroz Con Pollo is an easy one make ahead.  My version uses boneless, skinless chicken breasts rather than the traditional whole fryer.  It is a complete kid-friendly meal in one 9x13.  Make two, side-by-side, with the second in a disposable 9x13 tin deep dish.  Freeze for up to three months.  Oh, be sure to include directions; spoken from experience!  


P.S.  I'm going to post some new yummy breakfast crepes I'm creating (for K, my Nutella fan) very soon!  

Arroz Con Pollo

Layer these ingredients in order:

• 1 ¼ cups long grain rice
• 1 fifteen oz can black beans, drained
• 1 fifteen oz can whole kernel corn, drained
• 6 boneless-skinless chicken breasts
• ½ cup diced red pepper
• ½ cup chopped green onion

Mix these ingredients together and pour over:

• 1 tsp oregano
• 1 tsp chopped garlic
• ½ tsp cumin
• ½ tsp salt
• ¼ tsp black pepper
• 2 tsp chicken soup base
• 2 TB tomato paste
• 1 cup salsa
• 1 ½ cups water (this cooks the rice while baking)

Top with 1 cup grated cheddar cheese.

Cover and bake at 375 degrees for 1 hour and 15 minutes (check after one hour). Uncover and bake for five minutes.

To Die For Fettuccine Alfredo

I make my Fettuccine Alfredo a couple times a year. Many people swear off cream sauces. My take: If you are a healthy person who eats a variety of fruits and vegetables, lean proteins and smart carbs; if you exercise regularly; if you don't indulge in “treats” every day... then go ahead and enjoy! Alfredo sauce ranks right up there with cheesecake for me. I have modified this recipe to achieve what I enjoy at Olive Garden. It's an occasional treat and I love it – so much that I made it tonight. :)

Julie's Restaurant Style Fettuccine Alfredo

16 oz Fettuccine noodles, dry

¾ cup butter

1 pint heavy cream

3 ½ cups shredded hard Italian cheeses (Parmigiano Reggiano, Asiago, Romano, Fontina, ect)

Pinch of nutmeg

Salt and Pepper to taste

Parsley and shredded Parmesan for garnish

Minced fresh garlic (optional)

In a large saucepan, melt butter into cream over low heat. Add salt, pepper, nutmeg and garlic. Stir in cheese, one cup at a time, until melted. Be sure to stir frequently! This will thicken the sauce. While cheeses are melting, bring a large pot of salted water to rapid boil. Add pasta and cook to al dente; drain. When sauce is thickened and cheese is melted, transfer to a 9 x 13 glass pan. Add noodles to sauce and toss to coat. Garnish with parsley and parmesan. Makes eight servings. I sometimes add grilled chicken and steamed broccoli.