Month: February 2016

How to Have a Last Minute Potty Party

Well if you time it right, you can potty train your child right in time for Super Bowl weekend; which could make things absolutely pun-tastic! If you’re anything like me, by the time your third kid comes along, you’re planning has mostly resorted to a last minute now-or-never wave of effort. I literally think we finished the nursery the week of his arrival. (And don’t get me started on number four, who is already one with an unfinished nursery.) By now, we already know things will turn out fine… the biggest concern during my pregnancy was about what we were going to drive- that could accommodate all of the carseats.

IMG_3910

But finally my Elijah, baby number three is potty-trained and it was time to celebrate. Admittedly we’re a little over-the-top with our celebrations… but life is too short not to celebrate everything from the mundane to the mile stones! And because I am not above bribery to my children (or “incentives” if you will), I promised a party, with a cake, and presents when the diapers were off… A Potty Party! So you send out a few invitations to your closest friends and family, to let them know the moment has arrived. It’s a last minute thing really, because you have to strike while the iron is hot- you have to go with the momentum.  The texted invites have been sent! (No time for snail mail in a moment like this).

IMG_3900

Then, since you’ve had a couple days to prepare but haven’t called about the promised cake, you swing by the supermarket to try and pick up an undecorated cake… because he wants lightsabers on his cake, and you’re like “Cool, I’ll pick up a couple edible gel pens and make some lines and call them lightsabers, because I’m just glad everyone’s teeth are brushed and hair is combed, and we’re out the door.” But your awesome supermarket has a Star Wars cake for sale in the showcase because your timely son has chosen something that all kids want right now and happens to be readily available. Score!

IMG_3875

Now, you’re winging it remember, so don’t worry about making a reservation at your local Chuck E. Cheese. You never have a problem walking in anyway! That is until you realize that everyone in town has a party planned this weekend, and your particular Chuck E. Cheese has a record setting 25 parties on the same day. Ok, keep it cool, this isn’t your first rodeo. Find the first available open table, that’s where you are putting your awesome cake and setting a meeting point. The kids aren’t going to be sitting for long anyway. You split up the team, and have someone go order pizzas, drinks and tokens right away; because it’s going to take a while to get that food. You pass out those tokens and let the kids play, because that’s why we’re here!

Greet your loving and accommodating friends and family as they arrive. And if you were five minutes late to your own party, thank the ones who are already there and apologize for your lack of organization. Make sure to give them plenty of tokens and please ask them to go enjoy themselves! As adjacent tables open up to the one you’ve managed to snag, grab ’em. You’ll be ready for all to eat by the time the pizza is done.

IMG_3897

When the pizza arrives send out any messengers available, including yourself, to get the word out. Rendez-vouz back at the table to feed the hungry crowd. It’s also a good time to open presents, since everyone is gathered. (But that’s not how I did it, I let them off as soon as they were finished eating; because the kids were still excited and wanted to play more. Then I had a second rounding up, as some of my guest needed to leave but wanted to see Elijah open his gifts. So that is merely a suggestion from experience, but if you’re still flying by the seat of your “big kid” pants, you just keep going with your own flow.)

IMG_3913

Lastly, reward your child with presents. Sure some people use sticker charts and M & M’s, but not us. You got to do what works for you. And look at that face. That’s a proud big kid! He did it! Hurray! Let your guests play and eat until the food is gone and the tokens are out. Congratulations, you pulled it off! Three down and one to go! (But who’s planning?)

IMG_3874

Yogurt Chicken Chili

The Super Bowl is two days away! And if you’re looking for a something to feed your home team that’s full of flavor and won’t bog them down, I’ve got the perfect idea. This chili is healthy and hearty, light and appetizing. It’s a crowd pleaser for sports fanatics, athletes, moms and kids alike. So regardless of the Game Day outcome, you’ll be a winner. Trust me on this.

As organic as possible

1 1/2 lbs boneless Chicken

1 Tbsp Olive oil

1 yellow Onion, chopped

3 cloves Garlic, minced

4 cups Chicken broth

1 Tbsp Cumin

2 Tbsp Chili Powder

1/2 Tbsp dried Basil

1 1/2 – 2 tsp salt (to taste!)

1 tsp freshly ground Black pepper

2 15.5 oz cans Cannelloni beans, rinsed and drained

1 cup Non-fat Greek Yogurt, (Organic or Chobani) divided, plus more for serving (optional)

1 Scallion, sliced for garnish (optional)

 

In a large pot boil the chicken in water until cooked and tender. I used organic chicken tenders (which are cut thin) and took about 10 minutes. If you are using halved breasts, it could take 15-20 minutes.

Meanwhile in another pot or dutch oven, heat the olive oil. Add the onion and let sauté for 2-3 minutes until starting to turn soft and translucent. Add the garlic and cook a minute more. Pour the chicken stock into the onion and garlic, and stir. Add the cumin, chili powder, basil, salt, pepper, and beans. Stir and let sit over medium heat, bringing to simmer. Reduce heat to low (keeping at a nice low simmer).

Using a slotted spoon or tongs carefully remove the chicken to a cutting board. When cool enough to handle I like to tear the chicken into rustic bite-size pieces. However, you can shred with a fork or chop with a knife if you prefer. Place the chicken into the pot of simmering broth, and stir. Allow the flavors to combine for at least 20-25 minutes. Add 3/4 cup of the Chobani Greek yogurt into the chicken chili and stir. Taste for seasonings and adjust accordingly. Allow flavors to meld for at least another 15 minutes. Top the chili with the remaining quarter cup of plain greek yogurt and scallions for serving. If desired, set bowls of the yogurt and additional sliced scallions for guests (or family) to dress their individual bowls. #madewithchobani

img_6664

Loving Lately ?

Loving Lately: National Chocolate Fondue Day (February 5)

I feel that it is my patriotic duty to observe as many National Food Holidays as possible… when I remember to check what they are. But National Chocolate Fondue Day is not one that I take lightly. I like to celebrate it often, just in remembrance, because I love chocolate fondue. In fact, even if it were not a holiday, I would celebrate it on many days; as I have for many years, before I knew it was a holiday. And even though we don’t grow the cocoa bean here in the US, we know how to appreciate it, so by jove some thoughtful man or woman took it upon their civil duty to petition to have a National Chocolate Fondue day, and I think we owe it to them to celebrate it… everywhere! Don’t you?

I’m proud to say someone else in my house thinks so too. I found my little patriot, as I often do, celebrating all by himself.

img_6651

An easy recipe for a great chocolate fondue:

6 oz of milk chocolate chips melted with…

1/4 cup chunky (or creamy) peanut butter

Dip fruit, graham crackers, marshmallows or whatever else you’d like!

Is there a National Chocolate & Peanut Butter Day? I’ll check. Because I’d like another reason to celebrate that too.

 

 

Marsh-bani Fruit Dip & Fruit Salad

It doesn’t get easier or tastier than this. Honestly it’s just delicious. The fruit dip is sweet and a little tangy, ridiculous when you think about how easy it is. Did I mention it is fat-free? Your taste buds will never know. The yogurt goodness coats the fruit nicely as a dip, but why stop there? The next thought was, oh my goodness, this needs to be in a fruit salad. And can I just tell you, it was stellar. As in: this is what fruit salad needs to taste like for the rest of my life. If you are having a party this weekend, it’s great to serve dip style or in individual cups. So because I really can’t decide which way I like more, I’m sharing both. Lastly, let me just add that if you have any left over, you should throw it into a morning smoothie, because it is awesome… and so are you.

1 cup Marshmallow Creme

1/2 cup Chobani Fat Free Vanilla Greek Yogurt

1 pint blueberries, rinsed and drained

2 pints strawberries, rinsed and drained

2 large bananas (or 3 medium), I leave mine in the peel and third or quarter

2 apples, cut into wedges (with a couple center slices reserved for garnish)

Dipping fruit of your choice

Garnish with apple slices and fresh mint (optional)

That’s it! Two parts marshmallow creme to 1 part Chobani Vanilla Greek yogurt. Brilliant! I used a hand held mixer (with a whisk attachment) to blend the marshmallow and yogurt in a medium sized bowl. If you are blending by hand, just mix until they are incorporated. Place the mixture into the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes (or until party time), and the marshmallow and yogurt blend will continue to infuse.

image

Now if you want to turn it into fruit salad…

Hull and half (or quarter depending on size) your strawberries, peel your bananas and cut them along with the apples into bite size pieces. Place the fruit into a bowl, drizzle with the Marsh-bani Fruit Dip and gently toss. I take the extra step of tossing the fruit salad in a separate bowl from the one I am serving in, especially for a party… but that’s up to you. The dip can be made a day in advance, but I would not dress and toss the salad until ready to serve. Present in a bowl with a serving spoon or in individual serving dishes for guests to help themselves. Indulge yourself in this sweet treat!

 

 

 

Quote Me on This…

I have so much catching up to do! This has been the longest break since I started my blog. Sometimes life just has to take over. I had a great weekend with my family on a planned family getaway to an indoor waterpark. We are finally finished celebrating my daughter’s birthday. ? I’m still settling some matters that I promised my friend Barbara. ? And I’m excited that I was sent an invitation by Chobani to come up with some recipe ideas!  ? It’s been an emotional roller coaster.

I haven’t forgotten my commitment to participate in the quote challenge, so befittingly I remembered something that feels like where I’m at.

Have you seen the movie Parenthood? It’s just one of those films I saw years ago, in the 80’s probably that I’ll never forget. It’s outlandish, unexpected and completely relatable all at the same time. When I watched it the first time, I hadn’t experienced much life yet. But it wasn’t hard to understand; these people living their separate and complicated lives, all dealing with their own familial, parental, marital, etc. issues and still connected by the bond-ship of family and friends. Steve Martin, does a great job taking on a this multi-faceted role playing Gil, the son who wants the approval of his cold unappreciative father, a father of four children with different needs (one of whom is in therapy for emotional/anxiety problems, and another who has to wear a helmet because he is always ramming things with his head), sibling to an irresponsible brother (who has the admiration of their father), a grandson who takes on a lot of responsibility caring for a senile grandmother, and a husband to a supportive wife who is transitioning in her own personal life as a mother and homemaker. And all at the same time he’s trying to be this great employee to hopefully gain advancement in his career. There is this one scene in particular where a meeting with his bosses didn’t go how he had hoped it would and things at home are feeling overwhelming. If I remember correctly, he and his family are getting ready to head out to his son’s baseball game (which he coaches) and his grandmother in a moment of lucidity starts talking:

Grandma: You know, when I was nineteen, Grandpa took me on a roller coaster.

Gil: Oh?

Grandma: Up, down, up, down. Oh, what a ride!

Gil: What a great story.

Grandma: I always wanted to go again. You know, it was just so interesting to me that a ride could make me so frightened, so scared, so sick, so excited, and so thrilled all together! Some didn’t like it. They went on the merry-go-round. That just goes around. Nothing. I like the roller coaster. You get more out of it.

The grandma walks out the door and the scene finishes with Gil and his wife left in the room and she says: As far as I’m concerned, your grandmother’s brilliant!

Gil: Yeah, if she’s so brilliant, why is she sitting in the neighbor’s car?

Doesn’t it just seem like that’s how it goes sometimes? Up and down, and moments of clarity… and then loved ones helping you get back into the right car. (Well maybe not that part.) And if you’re fortunate enough to be able to see the humor in life, (and laugh at yourself) it makes it so much more enjoyable! Lately life has felt a bit like a roller coaster, with all of its fast paced ups and downs. But I get it. I don’t take the ride for granted. My life is full. God is good.

Thanks Krista at From Food Stamps to a Future for nominating me for this challenge! I apologize for breaking the rules, I’m just a rebel.

Rules for the challenge:

Thank the blogger that nominated you.
Share one new quote on three consecutive days on your blog. They can be from anywhere, anyone, or anything.
On each of the three days, nominate three more bloggers to carry on with the fun! No pressure; nominees are free to decline.

My Third (and last) Quote Challenges are to the following:

Clair Neriah

Mama Muse Me

Linda Creation