Recess!

Posted on by

0

Kids need recess.

Not only does it provide physical activity, it provides social learning opportunities. It also increases academic achievement, attention, focus, creativity, and reduces stress and anxiety.

I need recess. 

My brain has been working overtime for the past month.

I’m in the process of transitioning to a new job.

In case you don’t know what I do, I’m a counselor that works primarily with children.

I had no idea how mentally and physically exhausting this transition was going to be.

I had no idea that kids were going to fall into my arms and burst into tears.

I had no idea that the nine year old girl who is waiting to be adopted would look at me and say “It’s ok. People come and go. It’s what happens.”

I had no idea that telling 50 different families that I couldn’t work with them anymore was going to feel like I was breaking up with my high school sweetheart one hour at a time.

For 50 hours.

It was mentally and physically exhausting.

My synapses are currently not firing.

My neurons are tuckered.

They need a break.

They need recess.

So I’m taking a little blog recess.

I’m going to do things like cook food without taking pictures of it.

Ride my bike to the local orchard to pick produce.

Drink beer with my former co-workers.

Watch one of my best friends get married.

And then, when my neurons are all rested and my synapses can perform sprint marathons, I’m going to come back and bedazzle you with deliciousness.

See you soon!

Sister Act

Posted on by

0

I’m busy sipping sangria with my Grandmother,

so please enjoy this guest post from my sister.

She’s on a journey to reclaim her health and I asked if she would be kind enough to write about it.

She agreed.

A little over a month ago, I jokingly told my little sister that I was going to start a food blog that refutes everything she said, argues her philosophies, beliefs, and basically whines and complains about food. At first, I wasn’t really joking—-I was in one of those laugh or you’ll cry moods, then I thought it might be kind of funny to do, then I decided my efforts needed to be put into this new mission of mine & I’d be better off blowing up her phone with texts, calls, and photos, with my complaints, successes, frustrations, failures, and more free therapy opportunities for myself. That was nearly six weeks ago, and it’s not stopping! 

If you know my sister, the author of this food blog, you know she doesn’t have a little sister.

That’s right, she invited her older, but still very young looking & wise, older sister to guest blog. I’m happy to do so. Hi, I’m Keri Powell—sister, daughter, wife, mother of 3, 1st grade teacher, blogger, crafter, tech nerd, downhill skiier, and tackling a new journey with food and fitness.

Maybe that makes me a juggler and multi-tasker extraordinaire. I should add that to my Curriculum Vitae. Actually, I think it’s standard on every teacher’s CV.

Although I’m not sure what my platform is or where I fit in here at Food of My Affection, it’s not what I originally thought I wanted to do.

No slander, food smashing, recipe bashing, trash talking business. Nope….I’ve come to realize my LITTLE sister is pretty wise, too.

Probably because I literally beat it into her with one of many physical sibling fights. I was relentless. I’m sorry, dear sister!

Whew.

Good thing we grew up and moved on…..to be closer than ever, even though we are so many, many miles apart. Anyway….I have a new outlook on her “hippie freak” ways, so here’s my story.

PAST: I was young, fit, athletic, and ate all mama’s pre-packaged and homemade (*cough, cough – Gordon Food Service) meals. I had my first child in 2002. I barely gained any weight, and I never even wore maternity clothes! Score. Life was good. Life was normal.

FAST FORWARD: 2006—-TWINS! That’s right, boy/girl twins that have brought so much joy to my life. SO MUCH! They also gave me many challenges that still linger today: spider veins, a giant throbbing vein on the back of my knee (hey—multiple births and the ‘side effects’ are not pretty. Sorry for the mental image!), and some incredibly stretched out skin. Dear Lord. During my year of nursing twins, I was thin….looking back, my face was so thin, I looked ill. As soon as I stopped BAM! Hello weight, good-bye exercise (I was too busy, and too tired, and too much involved with my career to prioritize ‘me time’). I now had a preschooler and infant twins—-and I totally became that mom that finished what the preschooler didn’t eat, ate on the fly, and made meals that my mom had once made me. And, according to  THIS website, hamburger helper wasn’t helping anyone! But, how was I supposed to know?! I ate it, I was fine. And—-I went from single to instant family and a career in the blink of an eye. There was no time to think about or explore my own food preference or choices. I just did the familiar. No offense, Mom. Those Kid Cuisine’s haven’t traumatized me that bad. Life is still good. And there’s a new kind of normal.

FAST FORWARD A BIT MORE: Twins are jogging stroller ready, big kid is riding a bike with training wheels and I have been blessed with a new friend that has twins 4 months younger than mine, and a big kid of her own one year younger than my big kid. Perfect! And, she’s a runner. A distance runner. And she thought I could do it, too! Shit. That sucks. So I give it a whirl for several months and all is well until…..plantar fascitis, inability to walk some days, and incredible back pain. I felt like I was under thirty going on…..dead. Seriously. Then, a million cortizone shots until the docs said I just stumped them. Everything looked normal—no lupus, cancer, rheumatoid arthritis, gout, etc. etc. etc. I was ‘fine’ they say. Oh good! I still can’t walk most days. Nice. Still, life is good, and the normal is now very un-active and focused on anyone but me. I know all you moms out there are nodding your heads.

PRESENT: After about a year or more of feet issues, it suddenly disappeared. Now, it’s joint inflammation and soreness that pops up everywhere. My hands, thumb, wrist, knee cap, and toes. It’s random, it’s incredibly painful, and let’s just put some newfound G.I. issues on top of that. Awesome. So, long story longer—-I did one last round of doc visits with my family doctor, allergist, and bone doctor. After years of searching for an answer – a diagnosis – the orthopedic doc said what I need to hear (what I kind of always knew deep down, but apparently needed a white coat with a pretty degree on the wall to tell me):

“Nothing is physically wrong with you.”

Change.

No more diet coke, no more meat, dairy, eggs. Stick to the the anti-inflammatory food list, stay away from the foods you scored high on at the allergist’s office. In short—go vegan, exercise, drink water like a boss, and do a full cleanse for one month.

Start looking into Eastern Medicine….acupuncture, alternative medicine. There’s great value in it, and it is not widely recognized as much as it should be.

Uhhhhh—-that’s a lot of change.

But I’m pumped, I’m ready, I can do this!

Yeah, that lasted a few hours till I tried to decide what to eat. Enter roller-coaster crazy sister who went through the full grieving process of food, priorities, and a major fitness check.

BUT – here I am 6 weeks later, and I’m not dead or starving.

I’ve been meat/dairy/egg free all this time, I’ve learned to grocery shop in a whole new way, and I’ve been on an intense exercise program for 4 days.

I know it’s not long, but I feel like I’ve come so far already. And, I’ve stuck with it, which is so important!

My family is even on board, and my “meat and taters” husband is not missing those old foods so much. I practically have to hide my plate of roasted veggies from him and the kids. AND – a big milestone for me today was shutting down the guilt when my cute blonde hair, blue eyed daughter tried to pull this on me:

M: Do you have to work out every day?

Me: Yeah, I do.

M: Don’t you get any days off?

Me: Yup – Mondays.

M: Why Mondays? Did they tell you to take Mondays off, or do you get to choose?

Me: I get to choose, so I thought Monday would be a good day to take off of exercise.

M: Well, if I had kids and I got to choose, I would choose Saturday.

Me: Why Saturday?

M: Because then there’s no work and no school, and I’d get to spend more time with my kids.

UGH!

There it is.

Mommy Guilt.

The greatest force behind all this ‘un-me time’. Go ahead.

TEAR. MY. HEART. OUT. NOW.

Caption: Here I am, Day 2 of exercise, ready to be scraped up off the floor.

Me: Well, it’s only 40-50 minutes out of our entire day together on Saturday and Sunday, which actually is better because we are short on time in the weekday evenings. So, that’s what I chose and I’m sticking to it.

And, switch conversation, QUICK!

So, that’s me and where I am.

FUTURE: I hope to stick to all this, see some results the next time I measure and weigh myself, and keep taking the advice of my ever-wise sister to heart.

You are all lucky to have her sharing her yummy, healthy recipes with you.

She knows her stuff, and it’s her passion.

When someone has such a strong belief in something, you know they will bend backwards to put 110% into it. I put my 110% into my family and classroom. I think we’ve both found our niche in this world, and we’ve found our balance with each other. I couldn’t have asked for a better sister and free therapist!

Thanks Sister!

Wishing healthy thoughts to all those on a similar journey!

Heart Racing

Posted on by

0

My heart has been sad since Monday.

And my brain oscillates between slow, thoughtful reflection and racing, paranoid anxiety.

The tragedy in Boston has shaken me the same way it has shaken most of America.

Nothing feels safe anymore.

Not large cities.

Not the movies.

Not schools.

Not races.

Naturally, the implications of the bombings during the marathon made me think about the runners, the families, the volunteers, the spectators, and the rescuers.

And as I mourned and reflected,  I thought about my own relationship with running.

I would like to say that I haven’t always been a runner.

But I have.

I used to run away from things all the time.

I ran away from everything I was afraid of.

I ran from things that made me feel anxious or uncomfortable.

I ran from relationships that got too close.

I ran from people that seemed too intimidating.

I ran from success because I was so afraid of failure.

I was a runner.

And I hated myself for it.

But then one day I laced up my sneakers and ran towards something.

Very, very, slowly.

It might even have been more of a brisk walk.

But I pushed forward.

Running has given me a gift that nothing else has.

Running has given me confidence.

It taught me that there will be good days and bad days but that I can survive them both.

It taught me that if I push too hard, I will get hurt, so I need to listen to my body.

It taught me that I can feel uncomfortable, that I can feel like I can’t breathe, that I can feel like my legs will give out, but that I can get through it.

It taught me that I will never be the best, but I can always do my best.

It taught me that when I feel like I can’t take one more step, to be grateful for legs and feet that can carry me forward.

It taught me that mental strength is far more important than physical strength.

It taught me to run towards my dreams instead of being afraid of them.

Everyone runs for different reasons.

Every person at the marathon on Monday was there to celebrate the sport of running.

And even while bombs were exploding and terror was ripping through the streets of Boston, people ran to help one another.

Are you running towards something?

Or are you running away?

Never let your fear decide your fate. 

*song lyric from AWOL nation 

The 5 Beer K

Posted on by

0

We have these things at work called “Peer Reviews.”

Well, I SWEAR my supervisor said “Beer Reviews.”

I’m SUCH a good employee that I volunteered to spend my entire Saturday completing the assignment.

I signed up for a 5k that started and ended at a local craft brewery.

The running portion was like a warm-up for the real event: the beer drinking review.

Slow and steady wins this race.

Entry into the 5k included food, music, brewery tours, and  5 free drink tickets.

I submit, for my supervisor’s approval,

THE BEER REVIEW

Oak Barrel Stout

Review: One of my all-time favorite Stouts.  It’s slightly sweet with that true oak-y flavor that makes it feel like it has literally been fermenting in a barrel for the last two months. It’s dark, smooth, and kind of makes me feel like I’m biting into a fancy chocolate chip cookie made with the best vanilla beans on the planet. This could easily be my after school  work snack every day. 

Hop Mountain IPA

Review: I actually sampled this (as part of the tour) before it had completed the carbonation process. It was tart, citrusy, and exploding with grapefruit flavor. It was a nice palate cleanser. 

Double D IPA

Review: As someone who is still trying to love IPA’s, I was pleasantly surprised by how refreshing this brew was. It was super citrusy and there was minimal bitterness that IPAs are so famous for. Call me crazy but I still sort of hate that dry “grassy” flavor of too much hops. This was a nicely balanced brew.

Morning Glory Stout

Review: Hook me up to an IV and just shoot this stout through my veins. Maybe it was because it was before noon, but this espresso flavored stout was like sipping on  freshly pressed coffee beans.  It was dark, sweet, chocolatey, and had a huge coffee flavor. It was so satisfying to drink after some pre-race excitement gave me a 4AM wake-up call.  The 9% ABV, however,  made sure that I got  caught up on my sleep after having a glass of this!

The beer I want to try:

CHERRY BLOSSOM LAGER

This brew is made with Michigan cherries.

I love me some Michigan and I love me some cherries.

It wasn’t on tap on race day, but it will be in my refrigerator this weekend.

Guess it’s time for another beer run!

SUPPORT LOCAL BUSINESS GET YOUR FORDHAM ON!

All beer photos courtesy of http://www.olddominion.com/brews/

Family Heirlooms

Posted on by

2

My approach to gardening is very haphazard.

I basically buy a bunch of seeds, throw them in the ground and hope for the best.

That was before I received some sage advice from a garden guru.

My father in law sent me some heirloom variety tomato seeds complete with instructions since last year I basically hired a bunch of gnomes to do all the heavy lifting.

This year I hired my husband who will be paid in peanut butter cookies.

When I methodically opened the seed packets from FIL, taking care to pull the tape gently back like those annoying gift recipients that want to “save the paper,” I was greeted with just three small seeds.

The instructions indicated that these seeds are part of a family of tomatoes from Virginia that are over 100 years old.

Heirloom varieties differ from regular seeds in that the heirlooms have been selected from only the best producing fruit.

That means only seeds from the juiciest, plumpest, and best tasting tomatoes make the cut.

They are also often a mixture of vibrant oranges, reds, and greens.

They do not have the perfectly round (and perfectly boring) shape of traditional commercial tomatoes.

They are unique.

And they are wonderful.

The heirloom seeds that were passed down to me included Black Cherry Tomatoes and German Green Tomatoes.

My mouth was salivating in FIL’s description of the German Green tomatoes that, as the name indicates, never turn red.

And can grow to a pound in size.

Recipe ideas are already swirling through my brain.

But before I can cook with them, I need to get cooking on planting them.

Since the nights are still brisk and the ground is still cold, I’m starting the seeds indoors where they can bask in the sunshine behind the protection of sliding glass doors.

I made my life easier by using a seed starting kit.

The kit comes with 25 individual cells that I am using to start my tomato and pepper plants.

This thing is easier than a chia pet.

Everything is contained in one tray that includes a self watering system for minimal maintenance.

Start by soaking the matting and placing it in the tray provided.

Add 5 cups of warm water to the “cells” which then grow and double in volume.

Press your seeds into the cells and cover with a small amount of the soil.

Cover the tray with the plastic lid provided and place the tray in a warm area that gets lots of sunshine.

That’s it.

You’re done.

In a month, I’ll move the tray outside for about a week before transferring them to the garden.

Which is complete with raised beds this year, courtesy of my favorite firefighter.

errrrrr…..I mean this one.

Hon, I don’t think that M-16 is the most practical way to put a fire out. I heard water is usually sufficient.

I feel blessed to be in possession of this very special family heirloom.

(The seeds and the husband)

And even more blessed to have such a special father in law as part of my family.

The gnomes are questionable at this point.

KEEP CALM AND GET YOUR GARDEN ON!

Spring Fling

Posted on by

0

Guess what showed up at the local orchard this weekend?

For only being the beginning of Spring, these strawberries were as sweet as a summer’s pie.

It seemed wrong to use them in a recipe.

Criminal, even.

When I woke up on Saturday the sun was streaming in through the kitchen window and blades of  fresh, green grass were beginning to break through winter’s barren ground.

It was going to be 50 degrees.

That’s like a heat wave around these parts.

Practically a dream come true.

It had me craving the bright, fruity flavors of spring and summer.

So I washed myself a bowl of super sweet berries and made a frosty dip for them.

ORANGE DREAMSICLE DIP

2 frozen bananas, chopped

1 orange + zest

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Zest the orange and set the zest aside.

Peel the orange and chop roughly.

Add the frozen bananas, orange pieces, and vanilla extract to a blender or food processor.

Process until creamy, dreamy, and smooth.

Stir in orange zest.

Transfer to a bowl and serve with fruit.

Or just insert a straw and sip.

When I finally got myself together for an afternoon bike ride, I stepped out into the drive-way to say hello to Mr. Sun.

And then immediately turned around to get my mittens.

Fifty degrees is cold.

My little fling with spring was short lived.

I was a popsicle by the time I got off of my bicycle.

Which is exactly why I enjoyed a hot toddy when I got home.

Nothing helps with muscle recovery like a hot whiskey with lemon.

I’m still trying to recover from the whiskey, though.

HAPPY WEEKEND-ING! 

Cheer Up

Posted on by

0

Have you ever been in a restaurant and your server appears at your table with a tasty looking cocktail courtesy of an admirer from across the room?

Me neither.

I’m positive that only happens on television.

Not to mention that I would immediately suspect a “free” drink as being spiked with roofies or, at minimum, made with bottom shelf liquor.

And that’s just unacceptable.

For safety reasons, I don’t accept free drinks.

Unless they are made with expensive vodka.

Or they come through my e-mail.

Michelle, a kind reader, sent me this refreshing  Cosmopolitan recipe all the way from New York.

So, courtesy of Michelle, I present you with a special guest  post.

Creating Signature Cocktails for Spring 

A Turning Stone Resort Recipe

 

Spring is all about starting fresh.  After the long winter, your taste buds may be craving a change as well. One of the most popular trends in the restaurant and catering industry today is the mixing of signature drinks. Rather than going out to enjoy these delights, I like to mix mine at home for myself and family or friends.

 

Recently, I stumbled upon a great cocktail recipe while attending a wedding at the Turning Stone Resort, a Central New York wedding venue. The O-Cosmo martini, as it is called, features a sweet, citrusy flavor and makes a great treat for guests.  This signature cocktail gives a twist on the traditional cosmopolitan recipe:

Instructions:

Combine all ingredients in a martini shaker and strain over ice into a chilled martini glass. Garnish with a fruit for presentation.

Have fun mixing it up this spring with signature cocktails! You don’t have to go out or spend lots of money to enjoy new flavors. Whether you enjoy them alone or with friends, have a good time and remember to drink responsibly.

 

Thanks for the delicious drink Michelle!

I’ll accept more free drinks from across the internets anytime.

CHEERS!

*Other than now being in possession of the perfect cosmopolitan recipe, I was in no way compensated for this guest post and have no affiliation with the Turning Stone Resort.  

 

 

Rabbit Food

Posted on by

0

Every year, I do my best to lure the Easter Bunny to my house.

Muffins?

Bunny Butter?

Cocktail?

I thought long and hard about it this year.

Candy just won’t do.

E.B. already carries around baskets full of chocolates, candy, and other sweet treats.

So I knew he wouldn’t want any of those things in return.

No, I had to get him by the bunny ears.

The fastest way to a bunny’s basket is through his stomach.

And this recipe is 14 carrot gold.

Bunny Bait Salad

1 (10 oz.) package matchstick carrots

1 cup diced pineapple (or canned pineapple tid-bits)

1 cup red grapes, halved

1/4 cup ground almonds

2 tablespoons orange marmelade

1 tablespoon walnut oil

1/4 teaspoon salt

1/4 teaspoon pepper (optional)

Add carrots, pineapple, grapes, and almonds to large bowl.

Whisk together marmalade and walnut oil.

Tidbit: Walnut oil is pretty expensive. If you can’t find it or  don’t want to pay for it, you can use any neutral flavored oil like canola or grapeseed. 

Pour dressing over the carrots and toss gently to combine.

HAPPY EASTER!

Killer Cereal

Posted on by

0

You know what I’m really bad at?

A lot of things.

But you know what I’m really, really bad at?

Making decisions.

Oh, not major life decisions.

I knew I wanted to go to college before I even went to full day kindergarten.

I didn’t get cold feet before my wedding because I was more than sure I was ready to be a Mrs.

I put my life savings toward my very first home with hardly a care that I would

potentially have to eat Oodles of Noodles for the next 30 years.

Life might actually be easier if I was forced to eat Oodles of Noodles for the duration of my home loan.

Because then I wouldn’t have to decide what to eat.

I.can.never.decide.what.I.want.to.eat.

I have literally stared into cupboards for upwards of 45 minutes trying to decide what I want.

I want everything.

And nothing.

My step-dad has been witness to this.

If he came into the kitchen and found me planted in front of the pantry for longer than it would take a lasagna to cook, he would look at me and chuckle…

“Looks like its a cereal for dinner kind of night.”

Yes!

Cereal!

Jeeze louise, there are 7 kinds of cereal in there.

This is never going to end.

But cereal-ously, I love cereal.

And granola.

And granola cereal.

And chocolate granola cereal.

Because sometimes, nothing will do for dinner besides a big old bowl of  cereal granola.

Cocoa Crunch Granola

2 cups old-fashioned oats

2 cups crisp rice cereal

1/4 cup cocoa powder

1/4 teaspoon baking soda

pinch salt

1/4 cup maple syrup

2 tablespoons peanut butter

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

*Tidbit: You can also use 1 tablespoon of canola oil for a nut free granola*

Pre-heat oven to 350 degrees.

In a large bowl, mix together oats, rice cereal, cocoa powder, baking soda and salt.

If you want crispy granola, you must use crisp rice cereal. Also known as Rice Krispies for the upper middle class that can afford such name brand-ary.

Does there really need to be baking soda in granola? Well, no. But it makes the cocoa taste less bitter.

 

Add peanut butter (or canola oil, if using) and maple syrup.

Mix until oats and rice cereal are evenly coated.

Spread onto a baking sheet.

Bake for 8-10 minutes

*Tidbit: Check frequently since granola tends to burn quickly!

This has a lot of sugar to be eating giant bowls of it, but feel free to sprinkle it on smoothies, fruit, non-dairy yogurt, or just eat it by the handful.

But if you’re eating it for dinner, by all means, load the bowl up.

Well, shoot.

Now I have to decide what I want for breakfast.

KEEP CALM AND CRUNCH ON!