Mee-baw!

After one of many lunches at Potbelly's, my son Wyatt's first word was "meatball!" .  There's nothing cuter than when your kids start to talk and nothing better than when they can tell you what they want. Luckily I found a recipe on Pinterest that (almost) matches his enthusiasm with flavor.  (He's pretty enthusiastic).  They're moist, hearty, and absolutely delicious.  And I tried it with both ground turkey and beef.

Add them to your favorite spaghetti marinara or else enjoy them plain.  Recipe after the jump:

Turkey or Beef Meatballs
Yield: about 12-14 meatballs

Ingredients:
1 lb ground round or ground turkey
2 eggs beaten with a 1/2 cup milk
1/2 cup grated Parmesan
1 cup panko
1 small onion, minced
2 cloves garlic, minced
1/2 tsp oregano
1 tsp salt
freshly ground pepper
1/4 cup minced basil

Mix all of ingredients together with your hands.  Form meatballs into the size of a golf ball.  Bake at 350 for 30-35 minutes or until the internal temperature registers to at least 165 degrees.

PC: Wishfulchef.com
Recipe: courtesy of Pinterest

For the Kiddos

Cooking for my boys (husband included) is my favorite thing in life. So it's no surprise that I make elaborate meals 4-5 nights a week for both man and baby. 

Last night I took out my trusty cookbook, The Baby and Toddler Cookbook and made Cheesy Pasta Wheels that ended up being part of the adult dinner as well.  Like any quality kid-friendly recipe, it was simple to make and is versatile since you can use whatever vegetables your kids will eat.  I used Jack and Wyatt's favorites: summer squash, zucchini, and broccoli and it was a success (which isn't always the case).   

Here's the cookbook (sold at Williams-Sonoma)

And here's the recipe: 

Cheesy Pasta Wheels

Ingredients:

1 cup dried wheel-shaped pasta or macaroni

1 cup chopped broccoli florets (or veggie of your choice, cut into bite-size pieces)

3 tbsp heavy cream (I used whole milk)

1 tbsp unsalted butter

1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese

Bring a saucepan three-fourths full of lightly salted water to a boil.  Add the pasta and cook for 8 minutes, then add the broccoli to the pasta, stir and continue to cook until both the pasta and broccoli are tender but not mushy, 2-3 minutes longer.  Drain well in colander, shaking out excess water.

Leave the pasta and vegetables to drain in the colander and return to the saucepan to the stove.  Add the cream and butter to the saucepan and simmer over medium heat until the butter is melted and the cream is bubbling.  Remove from heat and stir in the cheese.  Return the pasta and vegetables to the pan and stir gently to mix well.  Let cool slightly before servings.  

Refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 2 days.  

Other veggie ideas: asparagus, peas, or cauliflower. 

PC: My Baby Bites

Edible Snowmen

Get them while they're ... cold!

Learn how to make them here.

PC: The Family Kitchen, Babble 

Gumball Necklaces!

Snow days call for art projects and here is one that will have you DIY enthusiasts chomping at the bit. 

Glamorous (and oh-so-perfect for Valentine's day) Gumball Necklaces!

Directions:

1. Using a metal skewer, pierce one side of the gumball. Hold the top of the gumball steady as you guide the skewer (see photo). This will prevent the skewer from slipping off the slick surface of the gumball.

2. Flip the gumball over and pierce another hole directly opposite to the first hole. If you try to poke a hole straight through both sides at once, the gumball will crack.

3. The hardest part is stringing the ribbon. Use a large needle to thread the ribbon through the gumballs. Thinner ribbon is easier to string. Tie a knot between each gumball as you string it.

Tip: Look for bags of single colored gumballs at your local party supply store.

PC: One Charming Party, Sarah Westbrook



DIY Baking Party!

Serve your birthday girl a delicious treat with this sophisticated Baking Party!  Party guests will feel like real pastry chefs as they get the chance to make and bake a variety of gourmet desserts.  Each station brings new techniques and yummy creations as everyone rotates through seven fun-filled activities.  When the party is over, send your happy guests home with their own box of bakery fresh treats that show off their new baking skills.

Click here to purchase this $25.00 DIY Baking Party.  The party plan includes 50 pages of tutorials, party instructions, and gorgeous photos, including step-by-step directions. 

Here is an example of a Baking Party DIY Tutorial:

DIY Baking Party: One Charming Party, Kara's Party Ideas

Menorahs 2010

"8 days of light, 365 days of gorgeousness" by Jonathan Adler

Jonathan Adler Skyline Menorah

Ventana Menorah: this double agent transforms into a candelabra.

Jonathan Adler Blue & Green Mod Dot Dreidel: great for playing or else a hostess gift

PC: Jonathan Adler

Tutu Time

All I can say is that this is just tootoo cute. Pink + orange + tutu's = Perfection.  I would have loved this theme as a kid!

PC: Kerri King from Kara's Party Ideas

DIY Inspiration

PC:

1, 2, 3, 4, 9: Martha Stewart Weddings, 5: Wedding Style Guide, 6: Country Living, 7: Corbin Gurkin via Duet Wedding, 8: Kate Headley  

Carnival Party!

I am often asked by my readers for unique ideas for kid's birthday parties. My most recent answer:  Host a Carnival! With the endless options for decorating, food, and entertainment (think lots of color, cotton candy, hot dogs, elephant ears, and a goldfish toss) your child's next party may be their best one yet (or ever).  Trust me, I had a carnival party when I was young and nothing's ever come close to it (not even what I remember from my 21st).

So, how do you throw your very own carnival party? Well that's up to you... depending on if you want to rent party supplies (games/cotton machines/popcorn machine/clowns) or take the DIY route.  If you choose the latter, have your friends/family run creative stations like face painting, cupcake decorating, a goldfish toss, or an obstacle course. Or come up with a booth based on your child's interests (like a football toss or make up station).

Now the important part, the food/decor.  The food is easy.  Think of what you like most about a carnival-cotton candy, popcorn, hot dogs, elephant ears, candy, lemonade, peanuts, sno cones, and lollipops... and serve it ALL.  Popcorn boxes are inexpensive and can serve two purposes: to hold your popcorn and to add some charm to your party.  Hand them out to your guests as they arrive as well as bags of peanuts so they can have something to munch on as they travel around.  (Tickets are also a nice touch for the youngsters).

Decor... I have attached a few ideas below. The options are endless!

Here are some tools to add some life to your party:

Popcorn Boxes

Hot Dog Paper

Peanut Bags

Cotton Candy/Sno Cone Holders:

Now throw it all together (along with some popcorn, hot dogs, peanuts, and cotton candy):

Decor ideas:

Balloon Arches!

Adorable Lollipop, Baton, & Circus figure Centerpieces

Colorful Sno Cones/Popcorn:

Candy Station:

Cupcake station/table:

Country setting:

Beautiful sunflowers/candy wheel for decoration:

Party favors!

Don't forget to invite me!

PC: The Sweetest Occasion, kara's party ideas, seenboxphotography, imprintitems.com, amazon, webstaurantstore, usimprints

Chalk it up

Even though the school year is just about over, it doesn't mean you have to ditch those chalkboards.  They can add so much charm to just about anything like....

A Menu:

(I want one of these for my kitchen)

A label (available at Pottery Barn)

-can be used as place cards or food markers:

Cups/Storage

Or a  Kid's Placemat!

Have you ever used a chalkboard for anything else? Please share!!

Here's to you Mrs. Robinson...

For the Graduate.

PC: Bakerella

Chicken Shawarma

After a quick trip home (to Ohio) to see my family, I decided to recreate one of my favorite sandwiches from growing up: Chicken Schawarma. This Middle Eastern sandwich, wrapped in pita, will bring you all the pleasures of Coney Island to your home without the grease (or fat).

Recipe (modified from Cooking Light)

-serves 2 with leftovers

Ingredients:

1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts cut into 3" strips

2 tbsp lemon juice (juice of one small lemon)

1 teaspoon curry powder

2 tsp extra virgin olive oil

3/4 tsp salt

1/2 tsp cumin

3 garlic cloves, minced

Mix all ingredients together and allow to refrigerate for at least 4-6 hours if possible.  

Remaining ingredients:

3 whole wheat pitas

a handful of romaine lettuce, cut into 2" pieces

low fat tzatziki sauce (mixture of greek yogurt, lemon, dill, garlic) (I buy this premade)

low fat hummus (I use plain and sprinkle paprika on top)

Preparation:

Heat a grill pan to medium high heat (for about five minutes).  Coat with cooking spray or else 1-2 tbsp corn oil.  Add chicken and cook 4-5 minutes per side.  Place on top of a toasted pita (I throw mine in a separate pan on low heat to make them warm), and top with lettuce and one tablespoon tzatziki sauce.  Serve with hummus and greek salad if desired. 

Greek Salad: mix together romaine lettuce, tomato, red onion, cucumber, peppers, feta cheese and Greek dressing (low fat).

Enjoy! I aplogize for the picture, my camera is out of commission and I had to resort to my blackberry.

Pizza Dip!

Here's a cute Superbowl idea: Pizza dip with homemade (or store-bought) breadsticks! Use whatever toppings you like on your pizza.

PC: Rachel Ray Mag

It's Cookie Time!

Jacques Torres recently opened shop at Chelsea Market which finally gave me a reason to try his famous chocolate chip cookie recipe. Having my best friend in town from Chicago to help with the baking (and sampling) made the experience twice as nice. Thanks Chels! The only thing missing was 'Troop Beverly Hills'.

P.S You must refrigerate the dough for at least 24 hours for this recipe, so plan ahead. I promise it's worth the wait.

PC: Francesco Tonelli for The New York Times, Kitchen Addiction