The backstory: JT and I are at the mall. We pass a shop with a sale sign out front.
JT: That sign says you can save 20%.
Me: Yes it does.
JT: You could save even more if you never went into the shop to buy anything in the first place.
There's no arguing with that kind of logic.
Friday, October 12, 2007
Thursday, October 11, 2007
Risotto Primavera
Risotto is the go-to dish in my kitchen. Once the weather turns cool, I make it nearly once a week for supper. The secret to good risotto is in the basics: quality arborio rice, good chicken or vegetable broth, and patience. Basic risotto is an always pleasing supper but sometimes I change up the formula, and that brings us to the topic of today's posting: a lesson in the making of risotto primavera.
First, the list of ingredients:
1 cup arborio rice
4 cups chicken or vegetable broth, warmed
3 tablespoons butter (or olive oil)
1 thread of saffron
1 tablespoon each black pepper, oregano, and basil
½ cup yellow onion, finely chopped
1 cup mushrooms, chopped
1 cup broccoli florets, chopped
1 cup carrots, chopped
splash of white wine (an extra glass for the cook is also advisable)
fresh grated parmesan, to taste
You need a good quality heavy pan for the making of risotto. I use a Calphalon non-stick pan, but non-stick isn't essential.
Over medium heat, melt 1 tablespoon of butter and add mushrooms, pepper, oregano and basil. Saute for 1-2 minutes, just until the mushrooms begin to release their juices.
Remove the mushrooms to a separate bowl, melt another tablespoon of butter, and add the onions. Stir to mix with remnants of the mushrooms; add the saffron thread. The goal here is to coat the onions in the butter, not to brown them, so keep stirring.
After 2-3 minutes, add the third tablespoon of butter and when it melts, stir in the rice. Keep stirring for the next minute. When the rice is coated in the melted butter, set a timer for 25 minutes and pour in some of the chicken broth. Add enough broth to cover the rice and onions, and stir it well. Don't drown the rice.
Stir periodically and when nearly all of the liquid is absorbed (it should look like this), pour in more liquid. Keep stirring and adding liquid; the rice should begin to swell with the liquid you are adding. The pan should be gently simmering; you may need to lower the heat on the burner just slightly.
Add broth as needed, keep stirring and keep an eye on the timer. When you're down to 6 minutes, add in the last of the broth and the carrots and broccoli (I like the veggies slightly crispy ----- it's a California thing ----- if you prefer sofet veggies, add a few minutes earlier). Stir, stir, stir and let the veggies steam in the rice and broth.
When the timer is down to 2 minutes, stir in the reserved mushrooms and liquid and the splash of white wine; keep stirring as the last of the liquid is absorbed. The rice should have a creamy texture.
Serve with freshly grated parmesan to taste. With a salad and bread, this dish will nicely serve 4 people for supper. Or, like me, you could make it for yourself (JT won't touch the stuff) and enjoy the leftovers for in your lunchbox for the next couple of days.
And a final word: you can omit the veggies and spices and make plain risotto with the onion, rice, saffron, and chicken broth. Cheap, easy, and yummy.
First, the list of ingredients:
1 cup arborio rice
4 cups chicken or vegetable broth, warmed
3 tablespoons butter (or olive oil)
1 thread of saffron
1 tablespoon each black pepper, oregano, and basil
½ cup yellow onion, finely chopped
1 cup mushrooms, chopped
1 cup broccoli florets, chopped
1 cup carrots, chopped
splash of white wine (an extra glass for the cook is also advisable)
fresh grated parmesan, to taste
You need a good quality heavy pan for the making of risotto. I use a Calphalon non-stick pan, but non-stick isn't essential.
Over medium heat, melt 1 tablespoon of butter and add mushrooms, pepper, oregano and basil. Saute for 1-2 minutes, just until the mushrooms begin to release their juices.
Remove the mushrooms to a separate bowl, melt another tablespoon of butter, and add the onions. Stir to mix with remnants of the mushrooms; add the saffron thread. The goal here is to coat the onions in the butter, not to brown them, so keep stirring.
After 2-3 minutes, add the third tablespoon of butter and when it melts, stir in the rice. Keep stirring for the next minute. When the rice is coated in the melted butter, set a timer for 25 minutes and pour in some of the chicken broth. Add enough broth to cover the rice and onions, and stir it well. Don't drown the rice.
Stir periodically and when nearly all of the liquid is absorbed (it should look like this), pour in more liquid. Keep stirring and adding liquid; the rice should begin to swell with the liquid you are adding. The pan should be gently simmering; you may need to lower the heat on the burner just slightly.
Add broth as needed, keep stirring and keep an eye on the timer. When you're down to 6 minutes, add in the last of the broth and the carrots and broccoli (I like the veggies slightly crispy ----- it's a California thing ----- if you prefer sofet veggies, add a few minutes earlier). Stir, stir, stir and let the veggies steam in the rice and broth.
When the timer is down to 2 minutes, stir in the reserved mushrooms and liquid and the splash of white wine; keep stirring as the last of the liquid is absorbed. The rice should have a creamy texture.
Serve with freshly grated parmesan to taste. With a salad and bread, this dish will nicely serve 4 people for supper. Or, like me, you could make it for yourself (JT won't touch the stuff) and enjoy the leftovers for in your lunchbox for the next couple of days.
And a final word: you can omit the veggies and spices and make plain risotto with the onion, rice, saffron, and chicken broth. Cheap, easy, and yummy.
Wednesday, October 10, 2007
Cruising the Jersey Turnpike
In deference to my Jersey readers (and because I'm not above a cheap joke), let me please note that I do not mean cruising the Jersey Turnpike in the style of former Governor Jim McGreevy.
But I have indeed been cruising the Jersey Turnpike of late, thanks to a couple of field trips at school, both of them to Philadelphia. As the bus passes by the exits of the Turnpike, I am struck in particular by the names on the rest stops. Rest stops on the Jersey Turnpike are a creature unto themselves, featuring acres of parking, rows of gas pumps, and at the center of it all a sprawling large building filled with bathrooms, a travel store, and culinary opportunities. Most look like they were built in the 1970s, which is to say that the architecture is remarkably ugly. Landscaping is virtually non-existent at these locales. But the rest stops serve their purpose and can easily (if not elegantly) meet your traveling needs, whatever those might be..
Perhaps most amusing about them, however, is the fact that they are named after important personages; truly impressive historical figures who happen to come from the Garden State. So as you cruise the Turnpike, you will see signs for the Walt Whitman Rest Stop; the Clara Barton Rest Stop; the Woodrow Wilson Rest Stop. And it is this fact that amuses me so much.
I picture Walt Whitman, holding a double cone of ice cream and standing by the Carvel counter at the rest stop named in his honor. Does Clara Barton treat the wounded at her rest stop? Are people lying about in cots, victims of traffic waiting for a transfusion of blood and the calming balm of her hand on their brow? And I know for a fact that at his own rest stop Woodrow Wilson is horrified at the sheer number of common people taking a leak and failing to wash their hands afterward.
But I have indeed been cruising the Jersey Turnpike of late, thanks to a couple of field trips at school, both of them to Philadelphia. As the bus passes by the exits of the Turnpike, I am struck in particular by the names on the rest stops. Rest stops on the Jersey Turnpike are a creature unto themselves, featuring acres of parking, rows of gas pumps, and at the center of it all a sprawling large building filled with bathrooms, a travel store, and culinary opportunities. Most look like they were built in the 1970s, which is to say that the architecture is remarkably ugly. Landscaping is virtually non-existent at these locales. But the rest stops serve their purpose and can easily (if not elegantly) meet your traveling needs, whatever those might be..
Perhaps most amusing about them, however, is the fact that they are named after important personages; truly impressive historical figures who happen to come from the Garden State. So as you cruise the Turnpike, you will see signs for the Walt Whitman Rest Stop; the Clara Barton Rest Stop; the Woodrow Wilson Rest Stop. And it is this fact that amuses me so much.
I picture Walt Whitman, holding a double cone of ice cream and standing by the Carvel counter at the rest stop named in his honor. Does Clara Barton treat the wounded at her rest stop? Are people lying about in cots, victims of traffic waiting for a transfusion of blood and the calming balm of her hand on their brow? And I know for a fact that at his own rest stop Woodrow Wilson is horrified at the sheer number of common people taking a leak and failing to wash their hands afterward.
Tuesday, October 09, 2007
Flower Power
As a result of his broken leg, JT's independence has been severely curtailed. That means that he's underfoot and by my side most the time. And that is sometimes a trying situation. Last week, we went to the mall to give his fabulous new cast a test drive.
The absolute highlight of that outing was an incident in the women's room. We went together because trying to pee with crutches is a real pain in the bootie and my help is needed. So we're in the handicapped stall together. He does his business and then I take a turn. The women in the surrounding stalls got to hear the following conversation:
JT: You have flowers on your panties.
Me (cringing, horrified, giving off every non-verbal cue of the shut the f*&k up variety; speaking low to discourage further chatter): Yes.
JT: Only little girls have flowers on their panties. You are not a little girl.
Me (now defiant because, seriously, I don't need censure from a 7 year old): These are big girl flowers.
This response earned me a doubtful "whatever" look from my son and smothered laughter from the women in the other stalls.
My life is endlessly, admirably glamorous.
The absolute highlight of that outing was an incident in the women's room. We went together because trying to pee with crutches is a real pain in the bootie and my help is needed. So we're in the handicapped stall together. He does his business and then I take a turn. The women in the surrounding stalls got to hear the following conversation:
JT: You have flowers on your panties.
Me (cringing, horrified, giving off every non-verbal cue of the shut the f*&k up variety; speaking low to discourage further chatter): Yes.
JT: Only little girls have flowers on their panties. You are not a little girl.
Me (now defiant because, seriously, I don't need censure from a 7 year old): These are big girl flowers.
This response earned me a doubtful "whatever" look from my son and smothered laughter from the women in the other stalls.
My life is endlessly, admirably glamorous.
Monday, October 08, 2007
A Branch of the Sassafras Tree
My parents made a one day appearance yesterday, and JT was terribly excited to have grandma and grandpa in the house. We played games and he showed off his cast.
And the boy talked, and talked, and talked. And then talked some more. Now I'm talkative and apparently was chatty as a child. But when I rolled my eyes at my offspring, my parents just laughed. The message: you had this coming.
Good to know.
And the boy talked, and talked, and talked. And then talked some more. Now I'm talkative and apparently was chatty as a child. But when I rolled my eyes at my offspring, my parents just laughed. The message: you had this coming.
Good to know.
Saturday, October 06, 2007
Real Life Conversations with JT
JT (shouting repetitively): I'm King Carnivore and I'm mad with power.
Mama: Honey, could you stop yelling that?
JT: Why?
Mama: Because it's annoying.
JT: Really? I thought it was awesome.
Folks, this is called being gored by your own sarcastic ox. Quite literally, a hell(ion) of my own making.
Mama: Honey, could you stop yelling that?
JT: Why?
Mama: Because it's annoying.
JT: Really? I thought it was awesome.
Folks, this is called being gored by your own sarcastic ox. Quite literally, a hell(ion) of my own making.
Thursday, October 04, 2007
Adding Insult to Injury
As part of the genetic legacy that I sent JT's way, he has lovely golden skin, dark brown eyes, and thick brown hair. But I wasn't able to pass on my good teeth and so the boy has had an occasional cavity. We're being careful to brush and floss but not having as much success as we'd like. Today when he went to the dentist, he had a cavity.
The last time he had a cavity ---- his first one --- he was bent out of shape for days afterward because of the Novocain used to numb his mouth for the filling. No matter how much I explained that the Novocain was supposed to prevent pain, he didn't believe me. With a mouth still droopy from the Novocain, he complained VOCIFEROUSLY about the discomfort that, naturally, was all my fault.
When we got to the dentist today, everyone made a great fuss about his big red cast. So he was already the center of attention before the dentist found the cavity. When we conferred in the hall, the dentist and I agreed to fix the cavity immediately. The nitrous oxide was rolled out and the cavity was filled.
Though he wasn't at all clear about what had happened, my poor baby knew that HE WASN'T HAPPY. We all knew. Even the nitrous oxide wasn't much of a distraction and when it was all done, he glared at me. Conveniently, his numbed mouth precluded talking, thus saving my tongue lashing for a date to be named later. I loaded my angry, numb, tearful boy into the car and brought him home where he could drool in private.
This is one of those days where it would be really, really nice to have another parent to help out.
Sigh.
Wednesday, October 03, 2007
The Measure of Society
It is an oft-repeated dictum that the measure of a society is in how it treats its most vulnerable members. I couldn't help but think of this idea today when President George W. Bush vetoed a bill to expand SCHIP, the federal program that helps the states to provide healthcare for uninsured children.
This is only President Bush's fourth veto in nearly seven years as president, so it's clear that he feels strongly about the veto. The White House issued a statement in which the president argued that the veto was necessary because the expanded program would cover more children, even those children whose parents can afford to provide health insurance for them.
In fact, the SCHIP bill that Congress sent to the White House would expand the number of children eligible to receive government-paid healthcare. Most of those children live in families at or below the poverty line (just under $20,000 a year for a family of four). Expansion of SCHIP would make more children, especially poor children, eligible for assistance. In my mind, whether or not their parents can afford insurance is not the issue. Fact is, most parents will scrimp and save to provide healthcare for their children. Those who can't must live in total fear. And in a nation of luxuries and millionaires, where the average household owns more than 2 automobiles and we throw away food every day, there is no excuse for ignoring the healthcare needs of our children, no matter what we think of their parents.
When my son broke his leg, I had a lot to think about. From the serious (was the break crippling? would he walk and run again?) to the mundane (how would I wash a child in a full leg cast? could I carry him upstairs?) I had plenty to worry about. But I have health insurance and so I didn't have to worry about medical bills or finding a qualified doctor to attend to his needs. I had the luxury of taking those things for granted.
When you consider that 40% of Americans work for employers who don't provide health insurance and that many of those employees are at the low-end of the pay-scale, it seems clear that we must fully fund SCHIP. Now.
Not a single one of us would refuse to feed, care for and love a needy child who suddenly landed on our doorstep. Many of us would move heaven and earth to care for the children in our lives. Maybe it's because I am an unabashed liberal; maybe it's because I think we should care for children. But no matter the reason, I am utterly convinced that the expansion of SCHIP is a moral imperative.
For now, the battle for SCHIP will return to Congress, where a two-thirds vote of the House and the Senate could override the president's veto. The Senate already has the necessary votes. So the focus of the struggle will be on the House, where fifteen votes are needed to save the program's expansion. Please find out of your member of Congress supports SCHIP (the nice folks at www.truemajority.org can answer that question for you). If they don't, let them know that they should.
Doing right by our children is the measure of our society. Let's pass the test with flying colors.
This is only President Bush's fourth veto in nearly seven years as president, so it's clear that he feels strongly about the veto. The White House issued a statement in which the president argued that the veto was necessary because the expanded program would cover more children, even those children whose parents can afford to provide health insurance for them.
In fact, the SCHIP bill that Congress sent to the White House would expand the number of children eligible to receive government-paid healthcare. Most of those children live in families at or below the poverty line (just under $20,000 a year for a family of four). Expansion of SCHIP would make more children, especially poor children, eligible for assistance. In my mind, whether or not their parents can afford insurance is not the issue. Fact is, most parents will scrimp and save to provide healthcare for their children. Those who can't must live in total fear. And in a nation of luxuries and millionaires, where the average household owns more than 2 automobiles and we throw away food every day, there is no excuse for ignoring the healthcare needs of our children, no matter what we think of their parents.
When my son broke his leg, I had a lot to think about. From the serious (was the break crippling? would he walk and run again?) to the mundane (how would I wash a child in a full leg cast? could I carry him upstairs?) I had plenty to worry about. But I have health insurance and so I didn't have to worry about medical bills or finding a qualified doctor to attend to his needs. I had the luxury of taking those things for granted.
When you consider that 40% of Americans work for employers who don't provide health insurance and that many of those employees are at the low-end of the pay-scale, it seems clear that we must fully fund SCHIP. Now.
Not a single one of us would refuse to feed, care for and love a needy child who suddenly landed on our doorstep. Many of us would move heaven and earth to care for the children in our lives. Maybe it's because I am an unabashed liberal; maybe it's because I think we should care for children. But no matter the reason, I am utterly convinced that the expansion of SCHIP is a moral imperative.
For now, the battle for SCHIP will return to Congress, where a two-thirds vote of the House and the Senate could override the president's veto. The Senate already has the necessary votes. So the focus of the struggle will be on the House, where fifteen votes are needed to save the program's expansion. Please find out of your member of Congress supports SCHIP (the nice folks at www.truemajority.org can answer that question for you). If they don't, let them know that they should.
Doing right by our children is the measure of our society. Let's pass the test with flying colors.
Tuesday, October 02, 2007
Tag, I'm It
I haven't participated in many of these exercises, but Gill, whose blog I learned about from Sunday Scribblings, tagged me for this meme, and I figured it would be fun to participate. So check out Gill's list over at http://gills-jottings.blogspot.com and here is mine:
1) What I was doing ten years ago:
Ten years ago was 1997. I was living in Nebraska in my first home and I had fallen in love. I was incredibly happy. That seems like it was a long, long time ago.
2.) Five years ago:
So now we're talking 2002, the year that I first moved to New Jersey. I was in my first year teaching prep school and living in my second house with my partner and our two year old. I was adjusting to the many, many differences of living in New Jersey.
3) One year ago:
Still in New Jersey, experiencing my first year as a single working mama ; living in my second house in New Jersey. And this week just one year ago, JT and I adopted our kittens Tiger and Lucy.
4.) Yesterday:
I taught my classes, helped JT with his second grade homework, worked out, made supper, tucked the boy into bed, washed a load of laundry, graded some papers, talked with a friend on the phone, read my book. Just another average day in my life.
5.) 5 snacks I enjoy:
popcorn (homemade on the stove --- no microwave nonsense); chips (guilty pleasure), chocolate; cheese, fruit
6.) 5 Things I would do if I suddenly had $100 million:
pay off mortgages for a whole bunch of people I love; endow a scholarship or two at my alma mater, UCLA; endow a scholarship at my school; give a big chunk to some micro-lending institutions; buy myself a snazzy red Volvo station wagon
7.) 5 locations I would like to run away to:
Charleston, SC; Nashville, TN; Yosemite, CA; San Francisco, CA; Disneyworld
8.) 5 bad habits I have:
doubting myself; fixating on things that have gone wrong; staying up too late to read my book; shopping on-line; not clearing out my mailbox at work
9.) 5 things I like doing:
laughing; staying up late to read my book; working out; reading and writing; cooking
10.) 5 TV shows I like:
Endurance (on Discovery Kids); House, Friday Night Lights, The Daily Show, Grey's Anatomy
11.) 5 things I hate doing:
taking out the trash and recycling; cleaning JT's playroom; dealing with the FI (this last times 3)
12.) 5 Biggest joys of the moment:
my son; books I'm reading; my 8th period class; my cats; fall weather
Finally, I tag:
- Shelley at http://butwait.blogspot.com
- Jaxter at http://jaxters-dogs.blogspot.com
- Chelle at http://snowshoediaries.blogspot.com
- Sister AE at http://havingwrit.blogspot.com
- Shark Butt at http://ecrandori.blogspot.com
1) What I was doing ten years ago:
Ten years ago was 1997. I was living in Nebraska in my first home and I had fallen in love. I was incredibly happy. That seems like it was a long, long time ago.
2.) Five years ago:
So now we're talking 2002, the year that I first moved to New Jersey. I was in my first year teaching prep school and living in my second house with my partner and our two year old. I was adjusting to the many, many differences of living in New Jersey.
3) One year ago:
Still in New Jersey, experiencing my first year as a single working mama ; living in my second house in New Jersey. And this week just one year ago, JT and I adopted our kittens Tiger and Lucy.
4.) Yesterday:
I taught my classes, helped JT with his second grade homework, worked out, made supper, tucked the boy into bed, washed a load of laundry, graded some papers, talked with a friend on the phone, read my book. Just another average day in my life.
5.) 5 snacks I enjoy:
popcorn (homemade on the stove --- no microwave nonsense); chips (guilty pleasure), chocolate; cheese, fruit
6.) 5 Things I would do if I suddenly had $100 million:
pay off mortgages for a whole bunch of people I love; endow a scholarship or two at my alma mater, UCLA; endow a scholarship at my school; give a big chunk to some micro-lending institutions; buy myself a snazzy red Volvo station wagon
7.) 5 locations I would like to run away to:
Charleston, SC; Nashville, TN; Yosemite, CA; San Francisco, CA; Disneyworld
8.) 5 bad habits I have:
doubting myself; fixating on things that have gone wrong; staying up too late to read my book; shopping on-line; not clearing out my mailbox at work
9.) 5 things I like doing:
laughing; staying up late to read my book; working out; reading and writing; cooking
10.) 5 TV shows I like:
Endurance (on Discovery Kids); House, Friday Night Lights, The Daily Show, Grey's Anatomy
11.) 5 things I hate doing:
taking out the trash and recycling; cleaning JT's playroom; dealing with the FI (this last times 3)
12.) 5 Biggest joys of the moment:
my son; books I'm reading; my 8th period class; my cats; fall weather
Finally, I tag:
- Shelley at http://butwait.blogspot.com
- Jaxter at http://jaxters-dogs.blogspot.com
- Chelle at http://snowshoediaries.blogspot.com
- Sister AE at http://havingwrit.blogspot.com
- Shark Butt at http://ecrandori.blogspot.com
Monday, October 01, 2007
October 1st
On the 1st of each month, I'm taking a picture of and writing about the tree in my backyard.
Fall comes slowly to a tree this old; he's in no hurry to shed his leaves. The beginning of color is tinting the edges of the leaves. Because the tree is so tall I can best see the beginnings of the change when I turn on to my street half a block away from my house. When the autumn is complete the tree's leaves will have turned a dark gold.
This tree, with its slowly changing coat, is a reminder that slow and steady wins the race. It serves to remind me to take life as it comes, to avoid the chaos and anxiety creating by rushing or wishing for things that cannot be.
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