March 28th, 2011
{news} Hungry to Help Japan
In Japanese, “peko peko” is onomatopoeia for the sounds that an empty stomach makes. It’s a common way to say, “I’m hungry!” especially for little ones.
We’ll I’m peko peko. Oh so hungry. For Japanese food, some of my favorite ever. And to help the people of Japan who are, sadly, still reeling from the devastating earthquake and tsunami that hit Northeastern Honshu, the main island of Japan, on March 11, 2011.
Luckily, I get to satisfy both hungers through a new project, Peko Peko: A Charity Cookbook for Japan.
posted in:
food for thoughtMarch 26th, 2011
{cravings} Shake, Rattle and Roll Your Veggies
This is a very serious matter. New research indicates a link between shaking your vegetables as an infant and eating them as child.*
Scientists at the Institute for Food Play** have found that children who play with cute, handmade, fair trade rattles shaped like healthy foods grow up to be healthier people. They’ve also found that “fair trade” is a critical part of the equation, though they cannot yet explain why.
Until they can, these vegetable rattles are an infant must-have.*** You know, for the future health of your child.****
March 24th, 2011
{recipe} Zucchini Pancakes
Remember the charity cookbook for Japan that I’m organizing (site to launch this weekend!)? And remember how I said that this week would be crazy busy because of the extra work? Well let me throw another factor into the mix: my sitter had to leave town on a moment’s notice. Her first grandson was born (yay!) and we agreed that she had to spend the week with her family.
So, yea, now there’s a whole “no childcare” situation going on.
Surprisingly, I’m holding up. Not sleeping much. But holding up. I continue to be inspired by our fantastic contributors (all of whom will be listed on the cookbook site) and am thankful for my smart, passionate co-conspiritors, Rachael of La Fuji Mama and Marc of No Recipes. But dinner. OH dinner.
I don’t have that many good delivery options in my corner of Brooklyn and we took advantage of our favorites over the weekend. The other night, I had the impulse to order from one of our favorite places again, for the second time in a week, because I was craving their Turkish style Zucchini Pancakes. But then, I realized that I had zucchini in the fridge… and that taking a little break from both work and intensive time with the kids would do me good. So I put out puzzles and blocks for the Hungry Boys and hit the kitchen.
posted in:
10+ mos | 12+ mos | 24+ mos | 6+ mos | 8+ mos | appetizers | back to school | dinner | entertaining | fast & easy | finger foods | lunch | sides | snacks | vegetables | vegetarianMarch 23rd, 2011
{kitchen aids} Setting a Table
I’m not one for formalities. And these days, I tend to employ young children — my own and my those belonging to my guests — to set my dinner party table. (What?! I get parental permission!) But, though it will be a while before I need to remember how to formally set a table, I feel that I should know how to do it. And you, miss hostess (or mister host), should, too.
Why?
I’m not quite sure. But I am convinced. And with an quick and easy reference like this one, why not?
March 22nd, 2011
{cravings} No More Soggy Cereal or Crackers!
Ingenious!
The Obol is “The Original Crispy Bowl.” One side holds your cereal or crackers. The other holds your milk or soup. The contents of each side only meet when you want them to, ensuring that every bite is as crispy as your first.
If you ask me, this bowl is a score even if you like soggy cereal. At least for the kids. We’re talking a bowl with a slide, folks. So much fun!
posted in:
cravingsMarch 21st, 2011
{recipe} A New Take on Sausage and Peppers… and Life
I’m not sure where to start this post. The last week has been completely overwhelming, both in good and bad ways. I’m overwhelmed — and deeply saddened — by what’s going on in the world. I’m overwhelmed — and filled with gratitude — for the many good things in my life, including my health and safety which I’ve been reminded not to take for granted.
It’s hard to publicly reflect on my good fortune in the wake of a tragedy like the earthquake and tsunami that rocked Japan last week without seeming trite. I guess that’s why I haven’t mentioned it until now. It’s also why I’ve been so busy.
Last Saturday, after finally bringing myself to look at video and photo footage of the devastation in Japan, I decided that I had to do something. I reached out to a blogger I’d never met before, but whose work I admire, Rachael of La Fuji Mama, and asked if she wanted to collaborate on a charity cookbook. She said yes and brought in another amazing chef, food writer and photographer, Marc of No Recipes. The three of us instantly came together as a team and, in just one week, have pulled together a rockstar group of food writers and bloggers, a kick ass designer and much more. Our cookbook Peko Peko: A Charity Cookbook for Japan will be available soon, with 100% of the profit going to the Save the Children efforts in Japan.
I’m overwhelmed by the instant love and energy between the team, by the (overwhelmingly!) positive response and by people’s willingness to help.
March 17th, 2011
{recipe} Chocolate + Guinness = Your Lucky Day
Here goes, I’m just going to say it: I’m not so into St. Patrick’s Day. Never have been.
I almost didn’t mark the occasion at all this year. I’m not so into drinking. I didn’t have time to plan a big corned beef and cabbage dinner. And you know how I feel about super cutesy food. Throw in green food dye and adios amigos, I’m outta here.
I know, I know. There’s more to St. Patrick’s day than boozing, cabbage and green food. There’s also Guinness. Yes, that’s right, Guinness is different than general boozing. Ever since my 1-Guinness-a-night habit to boost breastfeeding, I place the classic stout in a category of its own. Throw in some chocolate (and butter!), and now we’ve got a holiday.
March 15th, 2011
{news} No Really, I’m Cool. No Big Deal…
I’d like to think that I’ve been oh so easygoing about my Cribsie nomination. I mean, this is the first time that I’m posting about it. Right?
But, um, okay, yea… there is a big ass icon to the right SCREAMING at you to vote for me. And, right, right… I did email a bunch of you asking, pretty please, to click on One Hungry Mama under Yummiest Toddler Recipes in the Web category.
So maybe I’m not so nonchalante. Maybe I’d really like to win. Just maybe.
(C’mon—who doesn’t love when the underdog wins?!)
Voting ends this Friday. If you haven’t already, cast one for One Hungry Mama under Yummiest Toddler Recipes.
This is a big one and I can’t believe I was nominated (seriously — a shock and an honor). I’ll love you forever.
So maybe I already love you forever. You’ll still vote, right?
XO
posted in:
parentingMarch 14th, 2011
{recipe} Sausage Bolognese
After last Thursday and then nervously putting the Hungry Boy on a plane on Friday, I needed serious comfort food this weekend. And what’s more comforting than a hearty meat ragu? Nothing. At least that’s what became clear this weekend.
The Hungry Boy was feeling fine when I brought him to the airport, but it had only been a few hours after a difficult, feverish night. I should have known that he wasn’t fully better, but our doctor said that the antibiotics work quickly. I was hopeful and didn’t want to disappoint the Hungry Boy or grandma and grandpa. He took off and, though I shed a few wimpy tears (c’mon, he’s only 4!), I was feeling good. Until that evening, when I heard that he still had a fever and — gulp — he got on the phone whispering, “Mama, I want you.”
All turned out okay. Despite another rough night and a sluggish Saturday, the Hungry Boy’s body mended. He was even able to pack in an entire weekend’s worth of fun into Sunday (mini-golf, boat ride and beach, oh my!). But it was hard being away from him. Plus, it was colder here in NYC than I wanted it to be and being with just the Hungry Baby made the Hungry Papa and I laazzzyyy. (Taking care of one child when you’re used to two is almost as relaxing as kicking your feet up and eating bonbons all day! Well… almost.)
Tell me you wouldn’t want to make a slow cooked ragu under these circumstance?!
March 11th, 2011
{cravings} You Got Served!
Clearly, yesterday, I was the one who got served! But today was better. Healthier. (Phew!)
This lovely find is just one small thing that helped make today brighter. I’m in love with how these brightly colored pieces playfully combine vintage and modern. These just make me smile, and I hope they make you smile, too.
posted in:
cravingsMarch 10th, 2011
{parenting} Food Heals
Life with two small children is a funny thing. (I’m using “funny” loosely.) Things move and change so quickly, yet so slowly at the same time. Just yesterday I felt on top of the world. Like a super mom. I carefully planned my day and, though I had to move at breakneck speed, I got everything done. Everything included some work, some time with my kids, a contribution to my kids’ school and going out with a girlfriend. I managed to touch on all parts of my life in a way that was soul satisfying. Then, in what feels like an instant, things changed.
I decided to work out my husband’s office today instead my own home office, where it can be near impossible to focus deeply. I was going to tackle something big. Something for you guys. Something for One Hungry Mama. Something for me. A something that’s been on the back burner and moving way too slowly. This was the way today was supposed to go: say goodbye to the little one, drop the big one off, have a meeting at school, get to the Hungry Papa’s office, meet with him about something, then his team, then finally start my project, which I’d be able to work on as long as I’d want because tonight was also date night.
Booya! I got serious, right? I was really making time for myself.
Everything was going smoothly. Well, smoothly enough. And then — I KID YOU NOT — within minutes of beginning work on my project the Hungry Boy’s teacher called.
posted in:
parentingMarch 8th, 2011
{recipe} Fat Tuesday Food: Bananas Foster!!
I love New Orleans.
I love New Orleans cooking.
I love gumbo, crawfish, king cake… to name a few.
I especially love Bananas Foster.
March 8th, 2011
{recipe} Creamy Coconut Almond Breakfast Quinoa
We’re an oatmeal kind of family. And I know that many of you are, too. Oatmeal just makes sense for family life. It’s quick; easy; can be endlessly adapted and flavored a million ways; can be cooked on a stove, in a slow cooker, in a microwave, over a campfire; and it’s tasty. It’s no surprise that oatmeal is a part of so many families’ morning routine.
And routines are hard to break, right? Especially when they are so well worth it.
Well, guess what? (Hold on to your hats!) There are other breakfasts that are just as delicious, nutritious and convenient. And this gluten-free adaptable Creamy Coconut Almond Quinoa (can be shared with kids 6+ mos*) is on top of the list.
posted in:
10+ mos | 12+ mos | 24+ mos | 6+ mos | 8+ mos | breakfast & brunch | fast & easy | nutrition | rice & grains | vegetarianMarch 7th, 2011
{cravings} Well Jarred
Pretty, pretty mason jars!
I’m in love with these printed, retro-inspired glass containers. The cuteness alone will make you want to jar, pickle and jam. Right?
Right?!
These are a must have for any kitchen. Even if you’ve never made homemade chutney. (Though, if that’s the case… what are you waiting for?!)
Thanks to Liz at Say Yes to Hoboken for another great find!
posted in:
cravingsMarch 7th, 2011
{guest post} “It’s 5:30 and I Haven’t Started Dinner Yet” Stew
I know it’s a little strange to have another guest post given that I’ve been back from vacation — and posting — for almost a week. But I couldn’t miss the opportunity to host Debbie of Words to Eat By. That’s how much I love her. (Well, actually, I love her more that that: I wish I was hosting her for coffee in my house right now, but having her post here on One Hungry Mama will do for the moment!) For those of you who don’t know her, Debbie is a wonderful food writer with a passion for whole food and focus on families. But don’t mistake Debbie’s recipes for kids food. A girl after my own heart, she serves up straight up good eats that just happen to have a focus on what works best for families, babies included. She’s also funny and makes a mean chocolate chip cookie. ‘Nuff said. Now it’s her turn…
Did you ever have one of those days? You know the type: One minute it’s, oh, 2:30 in the afternoon, and you think to yourself I’ve got plenty of time to plan dinner. Next thing you know, three hours have passed and you’ve got absolutely no idea what to cook and your husband’s leaving to pick up your four-year-old from his playdate and you’re tempted to tell him to pick up a pizza while he’s at it.
Next time you have one of those days, pull out this recipe.
posted in:
10+ mos | 12+ mos | 24+ mos | 6+ mos | 8+ mos | beans | dinner | fast & easy | main entree | parenting | stews & soups | vegetables | vegetarian
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