I had dreamed about having a child my whole life. And to me, my ultimate hope was to stay home full time, watching him or her grow up. Yet, to my surprise, my first maternity leave was one of the more challenging times of my life. Sleep-deprived, unaccustomed to not working, unsure about my new identity and missing the autonomy of my previous life, I struggled to adjust.
In fact, I quickly realized that the "stay at home" life was more fantasy than reality.
Over the next 1 1/2 years, my love and enjoyment of my son grew, as I began to adapt to my new life. And just when things settled, my second son appeared.
This time, however, I was intent on enjoying my time off and, more importantly, enjoying my baby. And having some sense of what to do, as well as no longer shocked by the lifestyle change, I had high hopes that it would be easier this time around.
And in many ways, it has been. And, with a new appreciation of what life is like as a working mom, I decided to turn this maternity leave into a last chance to enjoy life with my new baby and without a job.
What does that mean to a Foodie/Mommy? It means eating my way through my maternity leave : )
Armed with my new love of Chowhound.com (more later), many cookbooks and my lists of restaurants I always wanted to visit, I have been having more fun that perhaps acceptable. Granted, a twist came when I realized that I had to change my diet for my baby (more on that later, too), but overall it has been a phenomenal experience and one I highly recommend.
The truth for me is this: Come September, I will have almost no "me" time left. Between work and my family, life will be full....but not full of opportunities to eat out where I want. And as I now know, a 3 month old baby is infinitely more portable and amenable to sharing meals anywhere than a 2 year old! Finally, lunch specials don't happen on weekends.
So I am thankful for this chance and am glad to be creating memories (and restaurant reviews!) for the future.
Creating, designing, exploring, eating and breathing deeply.
Wednesday, May 28, 2008
Saturday, April 28, 2007
Stuck to the Books
I confess: I am recipe dependent! Part of it is the pleasure of finding multiple recipes for the same thing. Part of it is the perfectionist in me, stubbornly attached to the notion that if I find one more suggestion for, say, stir-fry sauce, finally it will be close to what we eat on our forays to Chinatown. Then, honestly, I do just find pleasure in reading the blogs, the cookbooks and years of newspaper clippings.
But, of course, the other side of this is that I cook with my eyes attached to the computer or cookbook, hesitant to even throw in a bit of extra basil or a few more chips. Baking seems the scariest of endevors (a don't want to tempt science), but I have been known to add some salt to soup.
Tonight, though, with my stomach grumbling, R. ready to move on to his second course after a Cheerios appetizer, and only a few items in the frig, tonight I decided to go for it...Similar to arepas or Italian paninis but infinitely easier, healthier and quick.
Polenta Paninis
Cut one tube of cooked polenta (available at TJ's or Whole Foods) into thin slices.
Heat a cast iron or non stick pan lightly coated with olive oil on medium heat.
Place the polenta slices down and flip them when the are crispy. Sprinkle 1/2 of the cooked slices with shredded mozzarella. Top the mozzarella topped polenta slices with the rest of the polenta.
Serve on a plate with warmed tomato sauce.
But, of course, the other side of this is that I cook with my eyes attached to the computer or cookbook, hesitant to even throw in a bit of extra basil or a few more chips. Baking seems the scariest of endevors (a don't want to tempt science), but I have been known to add some salt to soup.
Tonight, though, with my stomach grumbling, R. ready to move on to his second course after a Cheerios appetizer, and only a few items in the frig, tonight I decided to go for it...Similar to arepas or Italian paninis but infinitely easier, healthier and quick.
Polenta Paninis
Cut one tube of cooked polenta (available at TJ's or Whole Foods) into thin slices.
Heat a cast iron or non stick pan lightly coated with olive oil on medium heat.
Place the polenta slices down and flip them when the are crispy. Sprinkle 1/2 of the cooked slices with shredded mozzarella. Top the mozzarella topped polenta slices with the rest of the polenta.
Serve on a plate with warmed tomato sauce.
Lentils make Life Easier
I am still on a quest to find simple meals that I can create while R. hangs on my leg or in my arms. My newest discovery is another Trader Joe's special (I really don't work for them!). In the produce selection they currently have two versions of prepared lentils. These little lentils are already steamed, and, as they come in vacuum sealed bags can stay indefinately in the refrigerator. Last night both my son, husband I enjoyed them 3 different ways:
1. R, now one year old and still slightly suspicious of all foods that are not found in a jar, happily scooped up the lentils, just warmed and served plain in his own bowl.
2. My husband mixed some lentils with little cooked pasta (ditalini cooked the previous evening, though little shells or elbow macaroni would have worked, too) in a bowl, sprinked shredded cheese on top and microwaved it.
3. I chose to eat them french style: I put them in a bowl and warmed them in the microwave. Simulatneously, I poached two eggs. I thew some tomato chunks on the lentils, topped it with the lentils and a sprinkling of salt-instant dinner!
We still have half a bag left over. I plan to put some on a salad and add some to a bowl of chicken stock for instant lentil soup. I am also hoping to try using the lentils Asian style by mixing the chicken stock with some coconut milk and curry paste or spices.
Easy, inexpensive, minimum clean up-what else is there?
1. R, now one year old and still slightly suspicious of all foods that are not found in a jar, happily scooped up the lentils, just warmed and served plain in his own bowl.
2. My husband mixed some lentils with little cooked pasta (ditalini cooked the previous evening, though little shells or elbow macaroni would have worked, too) in a bowl, sprinked shredded cheese on top and microwaved it.
3. I chose to eat them french style: I put them in a bowl and warmed them in the microwave. Simulatneously, I poached two eggs. I thew some tomato chunks on the lentils, topped it with the lentils and a sprinkling of salt-instant dinner!
We still have half a bag left over. I plan to put some on a salad and add some to a bowl of chicken stock for instant lentil soup. I am also hoping to try using the lentils Asian style by mixing the chicken stock with some coconut milk and curry paste or spices.
Easy, inexpensive, minimum clean up-what else is there?
Sunday, March 25, 2007
Edamame...Essentially
One of my favorite ingrediants are frozen edamame or soybeans. Although they are available in the pod, the shelled version, found at Trader Joe's and Whole Foods, is one of the best instant meals available. Pure protein, low in fat and delicious, I sometimes just microwave a handful for a snack or throw some into the pot as I finish boiling pasta. With soy sauce on top, it is almost comfort food.
The other day, as I stared at my cupboard, and R., sick and wanting only the comfort of my arms, I created a yummy and very easy meal using the edamame. My friend had given me a recipe for "Oriental Salad" that included unhealthy (though tasty) Ramen noodles and included some ingrediants that I didn't have (such as scallions.) But with a few substitutions (I had just discovered "Broccoli Slaw"-pre-slivered vegetables), with less than 5 minutes of prep, I was done!
Easy Asian Salad
1/2 box of cooked thin pasta (spaghetti works) drained in cold water
2 T. rice vinegar
3 T sugar
1/4 cup sesame oil
any veggies (I used a bag of Brocolli slaw but you could also throw in steamed green beans, peapods, carrot slices)
1-2 cups of defrosted edamame (or shredded cooked chicken for a non-veggie version)
a few dashes of hot oil (optional)
salt
pepper
Mix together. Put in the frig for about an hour. Enjoy.
The other day, as I stared at my cupboard, and R., sick and wanting only the comfort of my arms, I created a yummy and very easy meal using the edamame. My friend had given me a recipe for "Oriental Salad" that included unhealthy (though tasty) Ramen noodles and included some ingrediants that I didn't have (such as scallions.) But with a few substitutions (I had just discovered "Broccoli Slaw"-pre-slivered vegetables), with less than 5 minutes of prep, I was done!
Easy Asian Salad
1/2 box of cooked thin pasta (spaghetti works) drained in cold water
2 T. rice vinegar
3 T sugar
1/4 cup sesame oil
any veggies (I used a bag of Brocolli slaw but you could also throw in steamed green beans, peapods, carrot slices)
1-2 cups of defrosted edamame (or shredded cooked chicken for a non-veggie version)
a few dashes of hot oil (optional)
salt
pepper
Mix together. Put in the frig for about an hour. Enjoy.
Friday, March 23, 2007
Playin' with the Cups
Playin’ and Cookin’
One of my favorite activities (and splurges!) this winter has been taking a Music Together class with R. I wasn’t sure that as a 10 month old baby he would get anything out of it, but I knew that one structured afternoon class would be wonderful for me. In fact, R. loved it. Between having a big baby-safe place to crawl, maracas to shake, drums to bang and nibble on, and music to dance to (I never cease to crack up as he sways his hips whenever he hears a tune), R. was as content as could be. Even better, he loved the CD enough that he stopped crying every time we went in the car. Instead he plays with his rattle and smiles as we play the songs over and over.
One of the songs on the Music Together CD is “Playin in the Kitchen.” Definitely not one of my favorites, I realized yesterday that I could put the song into action. For two days I had wanted to try Orangette’s recipe for Mujadara But since the dish called for not only chopping onions but also watching them cook for over 50 minutes I originally thought it would have to be part of the weekend files.
Instead, I picked R up, plopped him down by the frig and handed him a chef’s version of music makers: a wooden spoon, some metal pot covers, a measuring cup and a set of measuring spoons. I picked them up and clanged them together. R. giggled, and joined in.
For 10 precious minutes I was able to prepare the meal and engage with R. at the same time. While not quite long enough to make the whole dish, it was just enough time to get the onions and lentils in their separate pans and to measure out the rice. And, in fact, the rest of the meal really was a breeze, especially as the onions don’t need to be watched too carefully if the heat is turned down low. I even realized that if I purchased the packaged lentils at Trader Joe's (vacuum sealed in the produce section), this could be even easier. I enjoyed it with mango chutney, while my husband thought it was just delicious on its own.
One of my favorite activities (and splurges!) this winter has been taking a Music Together class with R. I wasn’t sure that as a 10 month old baby he would get anything out of it, but I knew that one structured afternoon class would be wonderful for me. In fact, R. loved it. Between having a big baby-safe place to crawl, maracas to shake, drums to bang and nibble on, and music to dance to (I never cease to crack up as he sways his hips whenever he hears a tune), R. was as content as could be. Even better, he loved the CD enough that he stopped crying every time we went in the car. Instead he plays with his rattle and smiles as we play the songs over and over.
One of the songs on the Music Together CD is “Playin in the Kitchen.” Definitely not one of my favorites, I realized yesterday that I could put the song into action. For two days I had wanted to try Orangette’s recipe for Mujadara But since the dish called for not only chopping onions but also watching them cook for over 50 minutes I originally thought it would have to be part of the weekend files.
Instead, I picked R up, plopped him down by the frig and handed him a chef’s version of music makers: a wooden spoon, some metal pot covers, a measuring cup and a set of measuring spoons. I picked them up and clanged them together. R. giggled, and joined in.
For 10 precious minutes I was able to prepare the meal and engage with R. at the same time. While not quite long enough to make the whole dish, it was just enough time to get the onions and lentils in their separate pans and to measure out the rice. And, in fact, the rest of the meal really was a breeze, especially as the onions don’t need to be watched too carefully if the heat is turned down low. I even realized that if I purchased the packaged lentils at Trader Joe's (vacuum sealed in the produce section), this could be even easier. I enjoyed it with mango chutney, while my husband thought it was just delicious on its own.
Monday, March 19, 2007
From the Dentist to Rod Dee
For some people the dentist means an afternoon of sterile coats, bad news and an discussion about flossing. For me, a trip to the dentist is a destination with happiness. My dentist, you see, is located in the center of one of my foodie-heavens: Coolidge Corner in Brookline. There, within a 10 minute drive you can easily find Latino treats in Jamaica Plain, Israeli salads at the Butcherie, Super 88's frozen food and produce galore, Fugyaku's pricey but delicious sushi, Niko's unbelievable vegetarian mousakka, Pho Lemongrass' decent Vietnamese and not one, but two of our favorite Thai joints: Dok Boa and Rod Dee. Dok Boa is more of a sit down restaurant, while Rod Dee can pass for a store-front eatery. It has exactly 6 tables, you bus your own trays and while child-friendly (there is often a cute child sitting at a table), there is no room for an antsy toddler. We have often done take out, though I also enjoy sitting there for lunch. And it can always be counted on for an inexpensive, delicious meal.Rod Dee has so many things that make it special: unlimited cups of sweet-fragrant Thai tea, unique desserts to go (Taro sweets, roti pancakes with shredded wheat), pictures of their dishes on the wall so you can literally point at a tempting dish and an open kitchen to watch the dishes being prepared. But it also has dishes that go far beyond the suburban standards of Pad Thai, spring rolls and chicken satay.
My current favorite is just fantastic: number N9, Pad Kee Mao. It is truly spicy (eye watering, mouth burning spicy), but also flavorful. The brown sauce coats thick rice noodles, but is never greasy. The Thai basil makes the dish taste fresh, while the vegetables (a generous combination of Chinese broccoli, string beans, carrots and tomato) are always crisp.I don't claim to be an expert on all their dishes. But I can tell you that everything I have tried is fantastic. I can also guarantee that I could happily return (if they were just a bit closer), to try different dishes each time. Lastly, hope that they have the sticky rice with mango. Coconut cream is warmed and poured over it so the dish is simultaneously nutty, juicy and sweet. My final wish: that "delivery" meant 20 minutes West.
**Both photographs are from Rod Dee's website. Check it out for locations, menus and more photos: http://www.roddeethai.com/
Desperately Seeking Food...in Metrowest
Our favorite restaurants meet a few criteria: a price we can justify for an evening meal, modest decor, a comfortable atmosphere, the owner is the chef, or is, as least related to him/her, and, of course, delicious food that we couldn't create at home. In fact, this has been my biggest complaint about life in Metrowest: while so many "drive-worthy" places fit the bill, we have yet to establish a good restaurant for those weekday occasions.
When we decided it was time to branch out to babysitters beyond my mother we found ourselves facing all the standard dilemmas and apprehensions of any new parent: was she CPR certified? Would we see her face staring at us from America's Most Wanted? Would R. be happy? Take his bottle? Complain about these nights years later to some overpriced therapist? Once in fact, references were checked, e-mails were exchanged, interviews were complete, and I subjected her to a 3 page set of directions, Jay and I were ready to go out.
However, we were still left with the true foodie/mommy dilemma: where should we go? Clearly, as it was going to be our first real time out, we wanted to stay local. I suspect that for most parents this would have been an easy decision: simply head out to Route 9 and make a night of eating Bertucci's rolls. Or, alternatively, accept the mediocre food in the town center as a trade off for Korean jap chae and a low-stress evening, knowing one could race home in minutes.
But, no, such a decision was, for me, monumental. I spent, not one, not two, but three nights on-line, scanning the web in the vague hope that there was a restaurant that met our requirements (or at least a few!) By the end, I was left with a long list of kid-friendly, overpriced chains; mediocre but locally owned Americanized ethnic eateries and some unknown Brazilian restaurants in Framingham. On paper, or at least, on line, some of those looked promising-unique menus, good recommendations by friends, still only 10 minutes away. But, the number of dishes that included pork (which neither of us eat) and seafood (which Jay avoids) meant that it would be another night of...grilled chicken.
Suffice to say, at that point, the mommy in me won out. So, Jay and I returned, yet again, to our standby: Firefly's in Framingham. The restaurant is always friendly and reliable for rich cornbread, homemade pickles, moist chicken and Jay's favorite: pecan coated sweet potatoes. Sure we could have brought R. with us, but at least it was a date, not so far from home.
However, if you do know of somewhere, please, please do share.
When we decided it was time to branch out to babysitters beyond my mother we found ourselves facing all the standard dilemmas and apprehensions of any new parent: was she CPR certified? Would we see her face staring at us from America's Most Wanted? Would R. be happy? Take his bottle? Complain about these nights years later to some overpriced therapist? Once in fact, references were checked, e-mails were exchanged, interviews were complete, and I subjected her to a 3 page set of directions, Jay and I were ready to go out.
However, we were still left with the true foodie/mommy dilemma: where should we go? Clearly, as it was going to be our first real time out, we wanted to stay local. I suspect that for most parents this would have been an easy decision: simply head out to Route 9 and make a night of eating Bertucci's rolls. Or, alternatively, accept the mediocre food in the town center as a trade off for Korean jap chae and a low-stress evening, knowing one could race home in minutes.
But, no, such a decision was, for me, monumental. I spent, not one, not two, but three nights on-line, scanning the web in the vague hope that there was a restaurant that met our requirements (or at least a few!) By the end, I was left with a long list of kid-friendly, overpriced chains; mediocre but locally owned Americanized ethnic eateries and some unknown Brazilian restaurants in Framingham. On paper, or at least, on line, some of those looked promising-unique menus, good recommendations by friends, still only 10 minutes away. But, the number of dishes that included pork (which neither of us eat) and seafood (which Jay avoids) meant that it would be another night of...grilled chicken.
Suffice to say, at that point, the mommy in me won out. So, Jay and I returned, yet again, to our standby: Firefly's in Framingham. The restaurant is always friendly and reliable for rich cornbread, homemade pickles, moist chicken and Jay's favorite: pecan coated sweet potatoes. Sure we could have brought R. with us, but at least it was a date, not so far from home.
However, if you do know of somewhere, please, please do share.
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