The Easiest Way to a Man's Heart....& Gratitude and Love for my Son!

I went for a walk earlier today with a friend. Temps had warmed a bit and the sun even made a brief appearance. It becomes such a blessing to simply have the sun out in the middle of winter.
We talked about how amazed we both are at how different men and women can be.
She commented on how easy it was for her husband to ignore all the 'to-do's ' around the house while he put up his feet and relaxed. I told her I knew exactly what she meant.
After the walk I sat with the 'guys' while they watched football. I decided to make a meal they could appreciate.
I made a roast, rosemary red potatoes, Texas Toast garlic bread and a fresh garden salad with goat cheese. It occurred to me that when it comes right down to it men aren't really that hard to please.
It's often as simple as the saying-the easiest way to a man's heart is through his stomach.
On Friday night my husband and I were lucky enough to get out on an unexpected date night because my oldest son offered to baby sit my youngest.
We went to a friends house for Cocktails and Appetizers and then headed down to Woods Hole to hear the very accomplished and talented artist 'Christo' discuss his latest project.
And as talented of an artist Christo is I wouldn't be entirely surprised to hear that the way to his heart is also as simple as making him a good meal.

Serendipity & Chocolate Meatballs?

Recently I experienced an occasion where something fortunate happened while I was looking for something else-it's what is referred to as serendipity! It reminded me of that movie called Serendipity with John Cusack and Kate Beckinsale. Do you remember that?
Admittedly, the movie was a bit corny but I loved how it reminded me that good things do happen all around us and can often happen unexpectedly- at times when we are not even paying attention!
And, I did make it to my friends house warming party on Sunday--it was a lot of fun. I received an email from her and she said her nephew absolutely loved my cake balls and that he would like me to rename them Chocolate Meatballs!
Although I am not quite sure how tasty chocolate with a meatball would be I think what he was saying in the way only a wonderfully precious young person can is that he liked them!

Walking, House Warming & Cake Balls!

One of my favorite things to do is simply take a walk with a friend. It's been cold lately and I haven't had too many offers to go for a walk. I still get out there even if I have to bundle up tight and end up looking like an Eskimo with my puffy jacket, boots, scarf, gloves and hat!
Walking helps me clear my head so that I am free to make progress on my 'to do' list by giving me a bit of a break from all that has to get done.
We've been invited to a party on Sunday, a friend invited us over to help her celebrate the new house she bought.
I wouldn't miss it, even if I can only stop by for awhile because I try to offer my friends the kind of support I am looking for. Even if I have a long 'to do' list or life is keeping them otherwise busy I still love to chat on the phone or catch up over an email. My friends mean the world to me and I like to hear it from them from time to time how much I mean to them.
Naturally, I will bake something to share at the party. My friend mentioned that she recently heard about an alternative to cake balls made from scratch where you use oreos instead. I told her I make those in the summer when we head out to Sandy Neck.
I might just bring the home made version of cake balls and a batch of oreo cookie balls so that her guests can try them both.

Personal Invite

Dear Fellow Cape Codder, otherwise interested 'Foodie' or Friend;

I get so much joy from cooking in general and baking in particular. I received a new 'bright red' Kitchen Aid for Chirstmas and I am loving it. I've already made chocolate chip cookies, biscotti and a batch of cake balls with it. Naturally, I used the new 'apron' my beautiful daughter Bella made for me. I have been busy the passed few days getting back in the swing of things after the holidays so I don't feel I have a new baking tale or adventure to report (just yet).

I invite you to shoot me a quick email about something you recently made in your kitchen that was especially tasty or memorable, who you shared it with and what inspired you to make it in the first place.

Happy New Year and I look forward to hearing from you!

Goodness, New Year & Friends!

I think we can't go 'round measuring our goodness by what we don't do, what we deny ourselves,what we resist, and who we exclude. I think we've got to measure goodness by what we embrace, what we create, and who we include.
~ Hugh O'Conor (Chocolat)

Nathan turned fifteen yesterday and I continued a tradition that I have done since his very first birthday. I wrote him a letter and stuck it in his birthday card (I do it for each of my children).
I write about things that take place throughout the year- like who he was friends with and what activities he did or special events so that when he gets older he will have them to look back upon and reminisce about.
Writing him the letter this year felt different because not only has he grown and changed so much over the past year but I have too.
In the spirit of O'Conor's words I encouraged him to measure his goodness by what he does and it got me thinking about how I measure my goodness.
For starters, I embrace friends who (want to) listen to what is in my heart. I create good food for my family and friends because I know that it is the most basic form of care and nourishment I can offer them. We had friends over last night for a meal and of course to share a birthday cake with Nathan. And, I include into my life and my heart only those things that support me and cherish me for me-not simply another's idea for or about me but what is true for me.
I want to teach my son to embrace his goodness-I suppose the best way to do that is by my example.
We're heading off Cape today and going into Boston. I bought tickets for a Boston College Basketball game for Nathan's birthday-it's snowing out there now so the day may prove to be quite an adventure.
(I recently read the quote above from an informative weekly newsletter for writers and I liked it-it struck a chord with me).