Category Archives: The Joys of Single Parenting

The Queen & IsolaBella ….A Pesach Plum Brule Tart

17 Sunday Mar 2013

Posted by in Behind the Scenes with Sarah, Holiday Treats, London, Pesach/Passover, Sarah's Holiday Recipes, Sarah's Product & Places Reviews, Sarah's Travels, The Joys of Single Parenting

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 This year I am fortunate enough to go to Israel for Pesach…

but first I wanted to give Tunie B. a little taste of what I had growing up…

some over seas TRAVEL ADVENTURE!

 

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Tunie B. & Flying = all  you can eat nosh, videos & uninterrupted mommy time – can it get better for this 3 year old? She packed her own bag with her menchies, essential nosh items, blues clues notebook & hello kitty wallet!

So when I booked my flight – I purposely…yes purposely

decided to have a 15 hour stop over in London, England.

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The iPad – the mother’s #1 way to keep a kid busy & quiet through out a long flight! 

 

From 6AM – to 10:40 PM me & my Tunie B. would have a real European Mommy & Me Fun!

Buckingham Palace, a walk along the Thames, a wave to Big Ben, some Harrods shopping, & a really great meal…

all were in the cards…

but HA. Joke is always on the one who plans….

In all my lists & ideas… I never actually considered the WEATHER!

& from the second we landed & had to trek that very very long walk in Heathrow airport to Passport control..

the air hit us with a bone chilling biting cold that seeped through our clothes no matter the layers…

making me consider for a very brief moment…

checking in to the Siravus Lounge in Terminal 3, paying my 40 pounds for a bedroom with a shower & taking a very long nap…

But I was on a mission…

&… I am a single mother whose middle name is “go-with-the-flow” & whose theme song is “you can’t phase this!”

so …instead of my sunny fun filled dream day in England…

we played “Find the Queen” …..

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I bought one of many Queen Elizabeth image post cards that every kiosk in Heathrow airport carried & told Tunie  - this is who we are looking for.

She is the Queen & she wants us to go to her palace for some tea & prizes, but I forgot her address so we need to find her.

This little “tall tale” kept us going the whole day…& it got us a few laughs & some special fast track treatment when she told the airport security check in girl, (who gamely asked her “who’s the lass in the photo?), that the Queen was lost & needed to eat her tea with us!


& in every train, automobile, double decker bus..we took

Tunie had to look out for the Queen..& if she saw her….well then it was time for a Tea Party!

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Because of the cold I really wanted to do things the fast and easy way – take a cab to buckingham 

wave hello, and then go get something to eat…. 

But with the airport cabs charging 75 pounds or $115 one way…we hopped the Heathrow express to Paddington Station instead. ($45 round trip)

Starving at 10 AM & Tunie out for the count after the train ride, I decided food was a MUST. 

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The ticket agent was supremely helpful in giving the best directions and local advice. He also saw that I was with a carriage & a sleeping kid, and called a fellow colleague to personally escort me to the platform (a 6 minute walk), to ensure that I make the train and had help in those places where my carriage would be difficult to maneuver as to not wake her up! All I can tell you is, this American was in shock, these English folk could not have been MORE cordial & helpful to this Yankee – I was so grateful!! 

 

Having heard about a local Kosher dairy restaurant from all my Facebook UK fans

I had marked IsolaBella Cafe as my one English Food Stop.

Originally wanting to hit the Golders Green location, (since it was where I lived as a kid for a year and wanted to share it with Tunie)

I changed last minute to the Westfield London Location…since it was in a HUGE shopping center & out of the freezing cold!

It was the perfect place to let Tunie sleep as I high end window shopped some Dior, Louie Vitton, tried the London version of Starbucks (tastes the same!), charged my iPhone at the Apple store, and ate a surprisingly tasty English Kosher Dairy Meal!

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This mall had everything, including a champagne restaurant, where you can get a glass of bubbly with your sushi lunch before you shop for your Dior. Tunie & I really enjoyed IsolaBella. I loved the decor, the lucite chairs with their hot pink fabric seats & clashing colors mixed with wood. The service was friendly & the food was more than passable – I was hesitant but hopeful with all the recommendations. I loved that they had a kids menu which had the English standard and kid favorite Fish n Chips. For $14 the kids portion was really an adult size portion, with a drink & dessert included! The fish n chips were the perfect combo of crunchy coating to soft juicy fish!

 

I opted for something a little different, and was excited by the Asian/Indian inspired part of their menu – and ordered the perfect meal for that freezing day. The Silium -A hot soup filled with noodles and Chinese vegetables and some fried egg rolls! Their was just something so surprisingly delicious about the sweet & salty hot broth with veggies & noodles with  the added bonus of tasty bites of soggy egg roll – Who knew?! I am definitely going to have to recreate this one day when I get home!

 

My total bill with the additional add on of a hit-the-spot hot cocoa with a nip of rum & whip cream (yes I most definitely kept to English tradition and added a shot of alcohol to my hot drink to ward off the bitter chill!) was a total of $34 dollars (24.35 pounds). Not bad for a meal that could have really fed 4 people.

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Tunie & I never got to see the Queen…we sat on the bus for 2 hrs because of a Traffic light outage around Picadilly Circus, before I gave up.

But we had our English tea…and a really very fun….LONG day…despite the cold…

Would I do a stop over again?

Yup in a heart beat – but you can be sure it will be SUMMER weather!

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Now for my Pesach version of a delicious dessert that is definitely worthy of being served at High Tea with the Queen!

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Plum Brule Tart

yields 1- 9 inch round tart

note: this recipe can be made in advance and frozen if tightly wrapped.

 

Ingredients:

For the crust:

1/2 cup crushed candied nuts (I used Pecans) or you can use any ground nuts not candied

3/4 cup ground almonds

3 tbsp. potato or tapioca starch

1/4 stick of margarine, room temperature

1/4 cup packed brown sugar

 

For the filling:

1 large egg

3 large egg yolks

1/2 cup sugar

2 cups non-dairy whip topping

1 tsp. vanilla extract

1 tsp. orange extract

2 tsp. orange rind (optional)

4-5 ripe plums, cut into 1/2 inch slices

 

Directions:

Pre-heat oven to 350 F.

 

IMG 0522In a bowl mix together all your crust ingredients. Use your hands to crumble everything together into a sand like texture mixture. 

Spray the bottom of your tart tin with non stick spray and then press the crumble compactly to pans bottom, creating a crumble crust.

 

Place tart pan in oven and bake for 5 minutes. Remove and let cool.

 

As the crust is baking, assemble your filling. 

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In a sauce pan over medium-high heat bring the non-dairy whip to a scald (right before it starts to boil & bubble). Remove from flame and set aside.

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In a large bowl mix together the eggs, sugar, extracts and orange rind. Pour in the hot cream and mix well.

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When the crust has cooled, place tart pan on a baking tray, and arrange your plum slices all around your crust.

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Then pour your filling mixture into the tart pan till the top.

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Bake tart in oven for about 25 minutes until the Brule custard has turned golden and firm.

Remove from oven and let cool for 5 minutes before placing it into the fridge.

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Let the Plum Brule cool & set in the fridge for at least 1 hour before serving.

 

birthday wishes…& strawberry shortcakes

13 Wednesday Feb 2013

Posted by in baked goods, Dairy, dessert, desserts (pareve), Holiday Treats, Party Time With Sarah, The Joys of Single Parenting

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my Tunie B made me pancakes for breakfast & served them on Chanukah plates! Best Birthday morn ever!

so yeah…
Happy Birthday to me!
I am the whopping age of….39 today!
the other day…
I was thinking out loud to myself (because as you get older talking..out loud.. to yourself ..is a normal thing!)
that wow…
my 30′s has been one doozy of a decade.
in the last 9 years I have…
opened a successful restaurant that was my dream job for 8+ years
closed a restaurant.
wrote not just one cookbook – but 2 quite successful kosher ones..and started work on my third!
forayed into the new scary crazy world of blogging with 2 websites…. & it’s a real labor of love!
developed & wrote 100′s of recipes, for companies, magazine & newspapers…
Got married to my dream man, bought my dream home,
had a baby ….
lost my dream home, got sorta …divorced…turns out the dream…was all just a fantasy….
made great new friends, lost some dear ones..
the last 9 years with all the crazy ups & downs
feel like I have lived a FULL LIFE TIME…and I am not yet 40!
and as I enter the last year of my 30′s
I have just one “little” Birthday Wish…
that as I prepare to enter the next decade of my life…
Hashem (G-d) Please let my
every decision, action, & effort I make this year….
be ones that are ALL
leading me FORWARD in the right direction!
so Happy Birthday to me….
looking forward to a great day…heck a great YEAR! :)

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Strawberry Shortcake Cupcakes
Most years for my birthday my mother would make this strawberry shortcake. It is the best one I have ever eaten & truly the simplest of recipes to make. In Tastebuds it was on the menu from day one & we used the sponge cake part of this recipe all the time for other delicious cakes & cupcakes.

This year I am making this recipe in cupcake form for me & my Tunie B. to enjoy!!

For the sponge cake:
7 eggs separated
¼ tsp. baking powder
¼ cup oil
1 tsp. pure vanilla extract
1 tsp. grated lemon zest
¼ cup orange juice
1 cup flour
3/4cup sugar
For the strawberry cream topping:
1 container whipping cream
1 ½ cup fresh or frozen strawberries
Confectioners’ sugar

directions:
Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

Separate the eggs and place in individual mixing bowls. Using a mixer, beat the egg yolks with the sugar until mixture turns creamy and lemony colored. Continue beating on low speed and add the baking powder, oil, vanilla extract and grated lemon zest until combined. Add the orange juice, a little at a time, and then the flour. Beat on low speed until just combined.

Beat the egg whites on high speed until they form stiff peaks.

Tip: You will know that your eggs whites are stiff when you dip the whisk into the egg whites and slowly pull up; the egg whites will form a peak and stay that way.
Using a rubber spatula, gently fold the egg white batter into the egg yolk batter until just combined. DO NOT OVERMIX

Divide batter into mini cupcake holders evenly, continuing until batter is used up.

Bake 10-12 minutes or until knife comes out clean. Let cakes cool completely before frosting.
In a food processor or blender, add strawberries and confectioners’ sugar and blend. The amount of confectioners’ sugar you add depends on the sweetness of the strawberries you use. With a mixer, whip the cream until stiff. Add the strawberry mixture and mix until the cream turns a light pink. If the cream becomes too liquidy, add more confectioners’ sugar. The starch in the sugar helps absorb the liquid.
To prepare the cupcakes, using a pastry bag fitted with star tip or a knife, frost top and decorate with fresh strawberries.

Chicken Teriyaki Noodle Stir Fry (for the Absentee Mom) & Friday Favorites

01 Friday Feb 2013

Posted by in Chicken, Friday Faves, General Rants & Thoughts, The Joys of Single Parenting, Whats for Dinner Tonight?

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it has been a week of crazy…
I have been doing the hustle and grind
of the NYC commute
I have truly become an Absentee Mom!
But a single moms gotta do what a single moms gotta do.
Thankfully it is not for too much longer.
because Tunie B. & me…
We are feeling the
Stress.
So…
We cook….it’s cheap Therapy!
& because I am bone tired
we cook things
that take 15 minutes or less!
like this Chicken Teriyaki Stir Fry Noodle dish…
made up of ingredients that
were in my fridge and pantry…
because who has time to shop also?

On the Bus to NYC this week
I came across these 2 things that I had to SHARE with all of you
they are Brilliant & My Friday Fav!

1. The HALF SPLIT PIE PAN – $17.50 (link to buy here)

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I WANT THIS NOW!! – How Brilliant is this – I am a HUGE PIE fan – and here is my chance to make my favorite flavors – two at a shot. AND – it is the perfect size for me & my Tunie B.

2. $5 Dollar Bill Money Saving Plan

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I saw this idea: Every time you end up with a $5 bill in your possession, you set it aside in a savings envelope. If you are diligent about it, before you know it you will have accumulated a nice tidy sum. I just started this last week. It has been rough the last year trying to save, and my usual methods were not available any more – so this is an easy way, with out to much sacrifice to my day to day needs.

3. Snickers Dark Chocolate Bar

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Only 261 calories and when you have been on the move from morning to night with no chance to grab a decent meal – THIS BAR will save your life.

Chicken Teriyaki Stir Fry Noodle

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Ingredients:
1 lb Chicken cutlets (I use dark)
1/4 cup Favorite Strawberry Preserve
1/2 cup Honey Mustard
2 tsp. garlic powder
2 tsp. ginger powder
salt & pepper to taste
2 tsp. Extra virgin olive oil
1 small onion, diced
2 cups Frozen Stir Fry Vegetables
1/2 Cup Favorite Teriyaki Sauce
1 lb of cooked egg noodles

Directions:
(Tip: I used a griddle pan to mark off my chicken – but if you want to save time you can do this in just one frying pan)

Heat up your pan till it is very hot. Spray with cooking spray.
In a small bowl, mix together the honey mustard and the strawberry preserve. Lay out your chicken pieces and rub them with half of the ginger and garlic powder and sprinkle with salt & pepper.
Then using a pastry brush, generously coat both sides of your chicken with the mustard mixture.
Pan grill the chicken till they are fully cooked, make sure to brush them with more of the mustard mixture as you are cooking and flipping them. Cut into strips when finished and set aside.

In a frying pan, heat up the oil and saute the onions till soft (about 8 minutes.) Add the frozen vegetables and cook for another 4-5 minutes. Add the rest of the ginger and garlic powder, and season with salt & pepper. Then add the cooked chicken pieces and mix well together with the veggies. Add the teriyaki sauce and let cook down for another 5-6 minutes.

When finished serve hot over a bowl of cooked egg noodles.

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I neeeeed an MTL APP!

30 Wednesday Jan 2013

Posted by in Chicken, Holiday Treats, Meat, The Joys of Single Parenting, Whats for Dinner Tonight?

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Moroccan

I neeeeed an MTL App!

you know …

a Moroccan Tolerance Level App…

one that people can download to their iPhones

for free..

Yesterday if I had such an APP

many many things could have just

been

avoided!!

It started with an order that I had to do for one of my favorite clients…

Something that I had ordered for them specifically…

came in all wrong!

I KNEW they were not going to be too happy…well

if they had an MTL App..

it would have told them…

this half Moroccan chic…was pretty upset for them already that morn!

when she called calmly to complain unsuccessfully to her deaf vendor…

my Moroccan Tolerance level needle was starting to inch up to the danger zone.

then my Tunie B. had a…

freaking out about wearing a HAT on top of her “piptails”

for 15 minutes I tried to convince her….. (it was 30 outside & she JUST got over an earache!)

“NO…you “piptails” will not be cut off if I put the hat on!”

lets just say I won the that battle….but the Tunie B….her war still was a raging….

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Now if I had the MTL App…I would have known

with just one click….

My Moroccan Tolerance level needle heading out the door…

was just

this close…

to the

red danger line ….

I might have had a shot of something before I left the door!

But NO!

an MTL app is currently unavailable at my iTunes store!

So when I was on the bus heading to NYC for work with Tunie B in tow…

(because of course why should her winter break …

coincide with mine?)

our 15 minute…tiff

well…we missed our first bus…

MTL App level would have read…right on the red line.

So if the bus driver would have had his OWN MTL app

he would have easily & with out a doubt have known..

with one click…

that….

please don’t tell THIS mother with her already cranky pants kid

“NO EATING ON THE BUS!” …

huh? since when?!!

now I abide by the rules…I try not to argue…

but …really bus driver?

better to have a an already unhappy kid…

screaming for 20 minutes on top of her crying lungs…

“I WANT MY LEBEN!”….

than chance a spill on your “clean” bus!!!

My MTL needle started to creep its way into the RED ZONE!

Now any other full blooded Moroccan would have set off the WARNING button on that

bus drivers MTL APP….

but my half Ashkanazi blood kept things in check…

but I did not know how close to danger I really was….I had NO MTL APP!

So instead of being late to work and stopping at the nearest Starbux

to soothe my Moroccan nerves with a VENTI CHAI TEA LATTE WITH EXTRA EXTA WHIP…

I got in to a cab….and was 1 minute early to my job. (yes with Tunie B. still in tow!)

Now I can not entirely fault my co-workers….

they too are not

able to download an MTL app from their iTunes library selection…

So how could they possibly know…

that pulling me into a…

private corner….

before I even got my coat off…

was going to ….

set my MTL needle spinning….

and ultimately….

let’s just say….

never BLATANTLY LIE or try to “patronize” a Moroccan ….

normally she will tell it to you calmly and straight….that those things are just not going to fly…

but when her MTL needle is running hot in the fire zone….

well….she will sorta….EXPLODE!

& sorta…regretfully I did.

thankfully…all is good now.

I took my Tunie B. to eat

& we had waffles with whip for dinner!

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piptais, vendors, buses, leben, patronizers….all melted into oblivion with each HIGH CALORIE BITE!

But if Only I HAD that MTL app…

I needed that MTL app…

I would have had…

a much much better day!

anyone know how to make such an app?

Lamb vegetable couscous xl 300x300

Moroccan Vegetable Couscous (with Lamb)

This recipe comes from my Father’s mother – my MEME (grandmother).  She would never need an MTL app – she is a lady to her core…Moroccan or not. (darn I didn’t get her disposition!)

Her couscous, made from scratch not an instant package in sight, was one of the most savory and delicious dishes that I have ever eaten. It is the quintessential Moroccan dish, and my ULTIMATE favorite thing to have. It was made for every Holiday & Special occasion. It is my comfort food, and I make it when I need to just feel good and have something absolutely delicious and warm to eat for dinner.

From the perfectly cooked chickpeas, the buttery pumpkin, to the sweet hot raisins popping in your mouth with every bite this side dish was more than just an accompaniment to her dreamy tasting lamb. It was a M-E-A-L of pure-mouth-watering bliss!

Make it with or with out the lamb, you will not be disappointed. Feel free to substitute your lamb with chicken or beef.

Tips: in a real pinch I have used canned chickpeas –the dish was tasty – BUT not the same when I used real chickpeas.

Ingredients:

  • ½ cup dried chickpeas, that have been soaked overnight
  • 4 large yellow onions, quartered and sliced
  • Kosher salt to taste
  • Fresh Black pepper to taste
  • 1 tsp. ground ginger
  • ½ tsp. ground turmeric
  • 4 -5 strands of saffron crushed
  • 2 tbsp. Margarine
  • 2 tbsp. extra virgin olive oil
  • 1-2lbs lamb (you can use baby lamb chops,  lamb neck or shoulder cut into pieces)
  • 1 ½ lbs instant couscous
  • 1 lb carrots, chopped
  • 2 large zucchinis, chopped
  • ¼ cup sugar
  • 1 1/3 cups dark raisins
  • 1 ½ lbs of butternut squash, cut into cubes
  • 1 tbsp. melted margarine
  • 1 tsp. ground thyme
  • 1 tsp. ground cinnamon
  • 1 ½ cup toasted almond slivers

Directions:

In a large Dutch oven, cook the onions, salt, pepper, ginger, turmeric, saffron, margarine and olive oil. Mix the onions with a wooden spoon, and cover and cook on medium-low for  about 10-12 minutes until the onions have softened.

Once they have softened, uncover onions and let them cook until they have turned golden. Add the lamb and pan sear on all sides. Add 8 cups of water and bring to a boil, then cover and simmer  over medium –high heat for about 2 hours.

After 2 hours add the chickpeas, carrots, zucchini, butternut squash, sugar, raisins and cook for another 30 -35 minutes.

Add salt and pepper to taste.

In a large bowl toss your warm couscous with the melted margarine, thyme, & cinnamon.

To Serve: Spread out the couscous onto the plate and ladle heaping piles of cooked lamb with a little of its broth and vegetables on top. Garnish with lots of toasted slivered almonds.

MAKING ONLY THE VEGETABLE COUSCOUS Tip: if you just want to make the vegetable part of this couscous dish. Toss all your vegetables including the rasins in a large bowl with olive oil, and all the spices (saffron, thyme, salt, pepper, ginger & turmeric and the sugar). Lay them out on a well-oiled cookie tray and roast in oven on about 325 for 40-45 minutes.  Serve them on top of couscous for a great side dish.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Melt in your Mouth …..Healthy Thursdays

03 Thursday Jan 2013

Posted by in baked goods, Dairy, Fish, Holiday Treats, NYC Tuesdays, Sarah's Product & Places Reviews, The Joys of Single Parenting, Whats for Dinner Tonight?

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The Kosher Spread of goodies that we brought from home!

The Kosher Spread of goodies that we brought from home!

LIFE is all about those

melt in your mouth moments…

where the pleasure of

doing (eating, seeing, experiencing..)

something simple

or decadent

when finally tasted

is a pure delightful

experience

 that makes you want to hold it close for a moment

so you can savor

every little flavorful nuance….

a melt in your mouth moment!

and yesterday me & my

Tunie B.

decided to take the day off

and

have just one of those kinda days.

with all the recent talk about where her daddy is? (he has been MIA for the last 8 months)

and me out of the house more than usual lately for work…

It was sorely  needed.

Despite the fridgid cold

of NYC

we met up with my favorite food blogger friends Allaya F

and spent the afternoon with her daughters

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Allaya with her daughter Lamey (she is a yum just like her name!)

having an afternoon party

at Alice’s Tea House

with our own home & store bought pastry goodies

(they charged us a plating fee - but had no problem us bringing in our kosher food)

(they charged us a plating fee – but had no problem us bringing in our kosher food)

& their delcicious pink berry & honey vanilla Alice blend tea

How adorable is that teapot?

How adorable is that teapot?

we had a little slice of wonderland

which the girls adored!

Allaya's youngest daughter Candence (she cracked me up the entire time) contemplating the serious decision of my store bought marshmallows or her mothers yummy chocolate chip or ginger scones with a dollop of homemade lemon curd ( personally I ate everything!!!)

Allaya’s youngest daughter Candence (she cracked me up the entire time) contemplating the serious decision of my store bought marshmallows or her mothers yummy chocolate chip or ginger scones with a dollop of homemade lemon curd ( personally I ate everything!!!)

then Tunie B. & me

went to swing with the Threads

some artsy fartsy exhibit..

the first sight you are greeted with upon entrance

the first sight you are greeted with upon entrance

yes weird is hardly the word to describe this…

because I really had no idea why there were 50  swings attached to threads and

a huge sheet hanging in the middle of the NY Armory

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that also had upon entrance

a table full of pigeons with

people who were dressed like russian comunots

reading poetry in low monotone voices?

My Tunie had no clue what was going on - but she was fascinated.. spent at least 10 minutes just staring at these people & the pigeons LOL!

My Tunie had no clue what was going on – but she was fascinated.. spent at least 10 minutes just staring at these people & the pigeons LOL!

but what can I say..

it sorta worked because Tunie B. & I had quite the swinging time

a melt in your mouth

day indeed.

Tunie B. "Wipe"Ed OUT after a fun long day!

Tunie B. “Wipe”Ed OUT after a fun long day!

Visit me on instagram @sarah Lasry to see all the fun pics of that day with Tunie B. and to keep up with all my recipes & other fun shenanigans.

also make sure to subscribe to this blog (click the link on the right) and join me on Facebook & twitter!

 

And for those of you who want your own melt in the mouth experience today

you must try this new  healthy recipe I just discovered and tweaked over this past weekend.

it is truly a delicious one.

 

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Grilled Salmon Topped with Melting Cherry Tomatoes & Kale

 

adapted from an Ina Garten & Eric Ripert recipe

Ingredients:

Good Olive Oil

1 cup chopped sweet onion

3 cloves fresh garlic,  minced

1 pint (a little over 2 cups) cherry or grape tomatoes, halved

kosher salt & fresh black pepper

1 1/2 tbsp. balsamic vinegar

1 cup chopped Kale Leaves

2 tsp. dried basil or 1 1/2 tbsp. fresh basil

4 (2 inch thick) pieces of salmon fillet with skin

Directions:

Pre-heat oven to 425F

Heat 2-3 tbsp. olive oil in a medium sauté pan.  Add the onion and sauté over medium-low heat for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally until very tender but not browned.

Add the garlic and sauté for 1 minute more. Stir in the tomatoes, 1 tsp. salt and 1/2 tsp. pepper and cook over medium-low heat for 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the liquid evaporates and the tomato sauce thickens slightly.

After 15 minutes, add the chopped kale and mix well with the tomatoes and onions. Let cook for another 3-4 minutes on medium-low until kale is wilted.

Off the heat, stir in the vinegar and fresh basil. ( if you are using dried basil – add it when adding the kale)

set aside & keep warm

Place a large cat iron skillet pan over high heat for 5 minutes. Brush salmon all over with olive oil, sprinkle liberally with salt & pepper, and place it skin side up in the pan. Cook the fish for 3-4 minutes with out moving them, until browned. Turn the salmon skin side down with a small spatula and transfer to aluminum pan (or keep in your cast iron oven approved pan) and bake in oven for 8 minutes. (the salmon will not be completely cooked through) Remove the fish to a serving plater, cover with tin foil, and allow to rest for 5 minutes.

reheat the tomatoes & kale, season to taste, and serve hot, warm or room temperature over the salmon.

Worst Case Scenario CHECK LIST…the Frakenstorm is a coming!

28 Sunday Oct 2012

Posted by in Behind the Scenes with Sarah, Party Time With Sarah, The Joys of Single Parenting

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if you know me
you know I am
a worst case scenario
survivalist enthusiast!
in everything I do
I like to way all my options
every single last one of them…
no mater how crazy they may seem.
Do you know what to do
on the off chance you come face to face with a tiger?
or
What to do first thing…if your
car flies over the Brooklyn bridge
into the water?
well I do!!! (don’t laugh…crazier things can happen!)
calms my nerves
gives me options…
and nothing is better than
having options
when facing a potential crisis.
now when hurricane Irene hit in August 2011
people laughed at me
But…I was ready. (read my post here)
Snowmageddon 2010 – I was super prepared…
Now it’s Frakenstorm 2012
and this time I am facing things…
just me & Tunie B.
This mama bear
knows how to protect her baby cub
and survive…
just in case
worst case scenario
this thing is as big as they are saying….
and if not…
well
party at my house
because
when I get nervous
I tend to COOK up a
STORM!

STORM READY FOOD I HAVE IN PANTRY:
I have an electric stove – so if my power goes I have no cooking ability so:
water, soda,
tuna & salmon cans
mayonnaise
crackers, rice cakes, bread
chips & cookies (& anything I call my go-to comfort food nosh)
cereal
canned veggies, corn, black olives, sweet peas, green beans, chickpeas
canned fruit
baby food squeezers (tunie and I both love them and there are some great flavors)
granola bars
instant oatmeal packets (hot sink water if urn is still not hot)
raman noodles
peanut butter

MY WORST CASE SCENARIO TO DO LIST:
I am writing this list in no particular order…

1. Place 9 day candles, matches and or flashlights with extra batteries in every room – including basement in case you need to evacuate to a safe room if hurricane actual hits your neighborhood in case.

2. WATER: fill up all bathtubs with water (not for showering but for your toilets) if you have little kids make sure your bathroom doors are kept closed.
BOTTLE WATER: make sure you have enough to last you 1 week for all members of your household. Last thing you want to do is to drink the water from the faucet after a hurricane hits.

3: EXTRA DIAPERS & FORMULA for baby (self explanatory)

4: CLEAN HOUSE: do all the laundry – you dont know when the next chance you will have – last thing you want to do is run out of clean underwear. CLEAN OUTSIDE HOUSE - walk around outside and secure anything that can be used as a projectile. This includes lawn furniture, garbage cans, toys, branches, bbq’s, flowerpots etc…

5. PICK A SAFE ROOM – in Israel its called a mamad – a place to go to if a bomb is going to hit…well people a hurricane can be just as powerful and just as dangerous. Let your kids know in case there is a warning and you have to make a run for it in a hurry. This room should have any medications (inhalers, prescription etc..), diapers, formula, blanket, pillow, medical kit, battery power radio, water, and food. I also make sure to put a siddur with tihilim – nothing like a little prayer to pass those tense moments!

6. SECURE YOUR VALUABLES – your passport, birth certificate, insurance papers, all important paperwork should be put into a waterproof container and placed somewhere safe and easily accessible incase you have to evacuate. PICTURES: the one thing I can not replace – I stick into airtight waterproof container. JEWELRY & OTHER VALUABLES including electronics like laptops and cameras – place in safe or in a secure location- easily accessible if you need to evacuate (vandals and looters are not a myth)

7. PACK A BAG - incase you need to leave in a hurry. You will be surprise how much you can forget when you are doing things under duress. So pack a bag in advance – think of everything you will need from deodorant, to underwear for a few days in case you need to bunk by a relative or friend.

8. POWER UP – make sure all your ipads, laptops, cell phones are fully charged and ready to go. This is also a great time to make sure you have your chargers in the car. Also download any games or videos now – because internet service might not be available.

9. STUFF FOR THE KIDS – its not just water you should stock up on. Storms like these are great opportunity for some quality family time. Have art supplies and possible kids projects at the ready – make sure crayons, markers, paper, glue and glitter are a plenty! BOARD GAMES – fun games for all ages are a MUST – and nothing kills a game like pieces missing – so make sure you have one or two new ones ready to open and play with! My favorite thing to do are puzzles – so I found a really great one in Walmart – and this is a game that no matter the age most kids can help and get involved in.
BOOKS – go to the library NOW or your local bookstore – nothing is cozier than everyone snuggled in bed or on the couch together, under blankets, reading their books quietly.

10 PREPARE YOUR CAR – fill your car with gas. Make sure all your headlights, tires and wipers are in perfect working condition. Make sure you have emergency equipment in car as well as water, blankets & food. Place your car in a clear area – away from possible damaging debris.

11. GENERATORS & WATER PUMPS -if you are luck enough to have your own back up generator – make sure you have enough gas to run it! For those who need water pumps for your basements and crawl spaces…now is the time to put them in place and to make sure they are in working condition.

12 STAY SAFE & HAVE A BACK UP PLAN – the point of all this is to be safe and the best way is to make sure you have covered all your bases – including what to do if everything you thought of fails.

THINK OF OTHERS….if you have friends, family or neighbors who might not be as prepared as you are – or are older and could use a hand…well now is the time to help them out (get them ready) and let them know …in worst case scenario… you are there if they need you!

stay safe & make it a few days to remember my friends…see you after the storm :)

BEST EVER Honey Cookies & A Lesson in Patience

24 Monday Sep 2012

Posted by in desserts (pareve), The Joys of Single Parenting

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A Lesson in Patience…
sitting in JFK
flight is delayed for
about 2 hours now
and…
its 3:30 in the AM!
technical difficulties
says the “staff” …
who sit and chatter and say things like
“we don’t know anything”
“no clue as to how much longer”
“we will call you when it is time to board”
now…
with my front seat view of the desk
I witness…
all matters of people…
and their patience.
and I wonder?
does it really help
to mucher and harras
the people at the desk?
sit…
relax…
there is no way you….madame..
are going to get yourself
on that plane any quicker…
if you ask.
and ask.
and ask again.
no matter how angry
how frustrated
or how tired and upset you really are.
sometimes you have to just realize
that…
when the plane and crew are ready….
fixing whatever they are fixing…
ONLY then
will you, me and the other 300+ passengers
are going to get on that darn thing
so
A lesson in patience…
one that I have realized I could use
throughout my daily life
G-d is working, doing what he does best
and only when he is ready and thinks it’s best for me & you
despite my nagging, pleading and frustration
I will not get what I want any faster…
so better for me to sit back
play with my Tunie B.
enjoy this adventure…
and when things are ready and good…
I will be able to appreciate
the ride
all the more

Shana Tova Everyone
May this year be one of blessings and good things for all of us!
Wishing you all a easy & meaningful fast.

 

The Best EVER Honey Cookie Recipe

Admittedly I tried hard to connect this recipe to this post..but could find none other than ; I love this recipe and you need a bit of patience with yourself when your last cookie is eaten and your not sure how you actually ate the ENTIRE batch because YES – they are that good.

My Aunt Rachel (a never ending source of delicious foods) makes massive batches of this cookie for this holiday season. I personally received my own tin and have set the record for the most honey cookies eaten by one human being in one sitting! (I checked -people! )

Personally I can not stomach honey cake or the normal honey cookie recipes that most people love. But these cookies, are in a class by themselves, subtly sweet, not to chewy not to dense…just perfect bites to dunk in a cup of tea after your meal or in the morning before the madness of the day starts.

This recipe comes from another very talented person – Leeba R. who generously allowed my aunt to share it with me – and hence you lucky people!

Ingredients:
4 c. Flour
1 tsp. Baking soda
1 tsp. Baking powder
1 tsp. Cinnamon
Pinch of salt
1/2 c. Oil
1 1/4 c. Sugar
4 T. Honey
3 eggs

Directions:
Pre-heat oven to 325 F degrees.
Mix all your ingredients in bowl until well combined. Using a tablespoon or a small ice cream scooper, drop small dollops of cookie batter on to your cookie sheet.
Bake in the oven for 15 minutes.
Tip: Add one egg if batter is too dry.

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the best of boston….and then some (road trip week continues with part 3)

21 Tuesday Aug 2012

Posted by in Sarah's Product & Places Reviews, The Joys of Single Parenting

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 Tunie B. & Hadassah (identical cousins…)

 

ba ba ba boston…

day 3 of my road trip

meet my sister and her crew

take the boys out for the day

what can I say

over the last 5 years

my trips there

were never for just “fun”

my adorable delightful more than HEALTHY (BH) niece

Hadassah

just had a check up

all was good…more than good…it was the BEST that Boston had to offer

that day.

I hope to never see Boston again…. (at least not for anything health related)

AMEN!

 


The truth is Boston has so much to offer a kosher family as far as travel, food and entertainment. It is a great destination spot if you are looking to take your kids somewhere fun, and educational. And if you are one of those families that MUST have 3 square kosher MEALS at your finger tips ( I can live on Pringles and m&m’s for at least 2 days)  and a minyan for every prayer – then Boston really is one of the few places that has it all for you.

I drove from Hyannis to Boston in 2.5 hrs and landed at my hotel next to the children’s hospital. Ideally this is not the place to stay, and you are better booking a hotel closer to all the attractions. I personally would recommend THE HOTEL COMMONWEALTH – I had a chance to look into it and not only visually did it look the same as in their pictures (a big thing), it came with rave reviews from a friend, and it is normally reasonably priced and the perfect location to all the attractions.

That being said there is a ton to do in Boston! I was with Tunie B. and my nephews who are 8 & 11 so, I had to do things that would be good and fun for both ages.

On this road trip, because I was running on fumes, we took it easy and spent the day at Boston Commons (their version of central park). There we spent the day frolicking int he Frog Pound, riding carousels and taking the swan paddle boat out for a quick ride.There is also great slides and swing parks, and is the perfect place to have a delicious picnic lunch.

We then hightailed it to Rubens, a very good old fashioned Deli-restaurant. If your in the mood for a decent steak or a great pastrami sandwich with a side of kishka – well you have got the place. The waitresses are all very pleasant to deal with, and they accommodated the 8 of us no problem. I recommend making yourself an early dinner reservation, because in season they get packed right away. They also have a very decent kids menu and I loved their chicken noodle soup. (if you want shabbat take out – these are your guys also)

I had to leave Boston because one of my Best Friends was marrying off her daughter and since I have loved this girl since she was a baby – I was NOT going to miss this wedding even if it took me 9 hours in torrential rainstorms and traffic to get back to lakewood to make the wedding (which I did – at 8:30PM – and 4 red bulls later)

But the best part is Tunie B. got to stay with her Aunti Mimi and Uncle David and Kids and Mommy got to have a great girls night & day the next day….that blog and what fun I had with a few girlfriends is tomorrows road trip week blog…so stay tuned -it is juicy!!!

Pics from the road: 

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 my nephews Eliezer & Ephraim chilling in the Pond

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 Tunie B. having a blast with her cousins!

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Walking to the carousel and swan boat…carousel does not let you on wet- so clothing had to come on (a note to remember)

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just like any city – their are a million starbucks in Boston – perfect for an afternoon treat – and a mommy much needed -caffeine break!

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Getting ready for the swan boats – Tunie B. not loving the idea…but then she had a pure blast ( the boat ride is $2 per kid over 2-12) $3 for adults!

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the swan boat!

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the balloon man in the park – who does not charge but works on tips – so of course I had to tip big – the pressure! LOL – but he was charming and the my nephew Ephraim loved him – and was fascinated but what this guy can make with Baloons in a mere matter of seconds.

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me embarrassing my BIG nephew Eliezer -who refused by any means to wear a balloon hat like the rest of us (tweens!)

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my delicious BBQ ribs at Rubens  - I was starving!

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me bugged eyes but WIDE awake arriving at the wedding, one of my oldest and dearest BFF Sara Nili Mendlowitz at her daughters wedding, and me and my gorgeous cousin Naomi! 

Here are some of my recommendations and places I have been over the last few years that I and my crew loved:

Places to go with your KIDS of all ages in Boston:

New England Aquarium – great for all ages and takes minimum 3-4 hours of your day

Red Sox Fenway Park – I have big baseball loving nephews and they are BIG TIME Yankee Fans -it was truly an experience to walk in with them wearing their Yankee Gear LOL – and Tunie is just thrilled with the big box of popcorn and all the screaming and jumping up.

Boston Children’s Museum - I loved this place and I am 38 – lots of fun interactive things for all ages to do – it also is one of the spots you can catch the duck tour from. Bring a packed lunch or dinner with you – they have a great little cafe spot for you to eat in, where they sell drinks, fruit & chips.

Duck Boat Tour – A lot of fun and is really an interesting tour 

Boston Commons – the Frog Pond turns into an ice skating ring in the winter

Prudential Center – great shopping and the best place to kill a rainy day if you need.

Take the Freedom Walk with a tour guide – this is very educational and personally I thought a lot of fun – my 8 year old nephew was kinda spooked when it came to walking in the grave yard – he just could not get over the fact that thier were dead people under his feet.

Boston Museum of Science – more for the older kids – but definitely fine and fun for the younger ones.

Franklin Park Zoo – one of the best zoos in the United States – great for kids all ages.

check out this site that I used for more fun places to go.

Where to EAT KOSHER in Boston:

These are the places I have eaten at – and can recommend. Please note there is a kosher pizza store an other eateries..but I found them not to my taste. For a list of kosher eateries and minyanim check out this site www.kashrut.com

Ruben’s  - (Meat) Located on Harvard street in Brookline, MA where most of the jewish stores and restaurants are on – it also has a great TJMaxx store across the street just FYI

Milk Street Cafe - (Dairy) Located near the aquarium – the perfect place to pick up decent dairy food – like salads and paninis. Not a huge fan of the cafeteria style food and serving, but as far as dairy food in Boston – the only place for a decent meal. If you want to take picnic lunches also the place to get them.

Taam China -(Meat) My sister and her family are HUGE fans of this store and its food. They can wipe off 3 plates of Beef on a stick in under 30 seconds. They are also open late and can accommodate a large table last minute. Has two locations – check out their website.