Lunch: Ham Sandwich

I just finished reading the authorized biography of Alice Waters ("Alice Waters and Chez Panisse" by Thomas McNamee). It was a great read and the ideas behind Waters' food revolution are nutty and inspiring. In between the stories that comprise Waters' life are narrative recipes. One in particular has beckoned me back into the kitchen. Waters explains that whenever she makes a ham sandwich she goes into her garden and picks "whatever herbs" she has. She then chops "them up fine and mix them...with a little garlic...a little vinegar and oil, into a sort of savory herb paste." She then toasts day old french bread and spreads on the "herb paste." She serves the sandwich open topped with a bit of sweet onion marmalade.

Need I write more? Tonight at my friend's New Year's Eve party, I am going to make bit size ham and herb sandwiches. Here is what I am going to do:
1. Fire up my portable grill pan.
2. Place buttered, thinly sliced good bread on the grill.
3. While the bread is on the grill, I'll shmear it with the savory herb paste, then add a thin slice of fancy pants ham, carmelized onions, and a bit of gruyere cheese.
4. I'll put the sandwiches together and cut them into small squares.
5. I'll serve them and everyone will tell me how amazing I am. But I'll give all the credit to Alice. Promise.

Side: Sage Stuffing

Thanksgiving was long ago and Christmas looms ahead. Somehow Christmas magically appeared this year. It did not come in its usual saunter. It is here and I did not see it coming. But, no matter. I found a stuffing recipe that will be my forever stuffing recipe. It is not fancy and does not involve various dried fruits and nuts. It is simple, straightforward, and too yummy. If you do another turkey for Christmas, here you go.

Drink: Caramel Apple Cider

It's a shame how long I've gone without posting anything. Life has taken over. Last summer, as we drifted about enjoying our free time, I looked at my growing girls and suspected that Fall would be crazy nutty. And although I usually don't write much about my family online, I must say that this Fall has been spectacular. E and G are turning into amazing people. They enjoy their music and it's starting to pay off. A is thinking about starting to read. P has discovered the joy of multi tools. I accomplished the one thing I knew I had to do after I finished bearing children--I ran a marathon. It was exhilarating, difficult, dissapointing, and emboldening all at the same time. I'll do another some day. Having written all of that, here is a recipe you must have for the Fall. Fix this for the Trick or Treaters and you will be the talk of the town.

Dessert: A Keeper Cupcake

Long story short--I was looking for a keeper cupcake recipe and I found it here. Print this one out, it's a keeper. Just one note on the frosting--when I made it, it was not chocolatey enough for me. So, I dabbed the middle of each cupcake with pure melted milk chocolate. Sorry there are no pictures. I was too lazy and by the time I wanted to snap away, the cupcakes were all gone. Too yummy for words, or pictures I guess.

Bread: Honey Oatmeal Bread

Oh boy. I've been absent for too long. And instead of boring you with explanations that really don't matter--I'll post my dear friend K's bread recipe. To be fair--I have not made this bread yet. I'm waiting for the Boston Fall Air to roll in, then I'll warm up the house with baked bread. But not just yet. But I know I can post this because I totally trust KK. Here is her much anticipated bread recipe. I'll change this post as soon as I make the bread myself, but I didn't want to deprive all of you in the meantime. If you do make it, promise us you'll let you know how it goes. And KK--thanks a bunch. You never let me down.

2 loaves (1.5 lb)	4 loaves (1.5 lb)
2 cups	4 cups	Water
6 T	12 T	Honey
2 1/2 t	5 t	Salt
4 t	8 t	Yeast
3 T	6 T	Butter
2 cups	4 cups	Oatmeal
4 cups	8 cups	Bread flour

Put first four ingredients in a bowl and let yeast work.

Add softened butter. Then add oatmeal and bread flour. Knead until smooth and elastic (about 10 minutes). Let rise until double. Form into loaves and let rise for about 45 minutes to one hour. Bake in 350° oven for 30 minutes.

Cooking: Back from the Break

Hello again! I'm back! Not back with a vengeance, just back. And do you want to know what I was doing this summer? I'll show you.

That's right. Taking a break. No cooking. I succumbed to all sorts of sugar cereals, prepackaged bread (that lasts on the shelf for well over a week), fast food, Hostess bakery products, and last but not least: canned whipped cream--my personal favorite. But, my suitcases are exploded on my bed--now ready to unpack, and the girls have received their class assignments and are ready to buy school supplies. Now I am on the hunt for recipes that will make our Fall transition as tasty as can be. Which brings me to you. Do you have a favorite sandwich bread recipe? I don't care if it's white or wheat--I'm just looking for a tasty homemade sandwich bread that will make my girls smile. Please help. And happy end of summer to you all.

Lunch: What to do, What to do

Ladies (I'm not ashamed to admit that all or most of you reading this are in fact Ladies)--

It is time. Summer has arrived (well, sort of...my posse doesn't get out until June 23rd. Yes you read that right--June 23rd). At our house, the first few days of summer are magical--new flip flops, swimming parties, loud music throughout the house while we clean out our backpacks. But within a week, reality sets in. What do I make for lunch? I remember having this problem last summer. I can think of a few fun sandwiches*, but that only lasts for so long. What kinds of lunches do you make in the summer? I really need help here. Last summer my oldest daughter said she was "quesadillad out"--whatever that means. Don't be shy. Share your ideas for a fun and easy summer lunch so we can all benefit.

*Turkey wrap:
large pita bread or wraps
sliced deli turkey
mayo/mustard
lettuce, sliced tomatoes
a bit of salt

Spread a bit of mayo and mustard over pita bread. Place sliced turkey lettuce and tomatoes over bread. Salt tomatoes just a bit. Roll wrap tightly. Slice. If the wrap starts to unroll, stick it with a toothpick--the kiddies get a kick out of toothpicks.