Together forever at last

Today after waiting 70 yrs my grandparents were sealed together, my grandfathers work was done as well, the sealing being the ending final step. It was a very special day for my family, My dad got to be sealed to his parents at last, after waiting 62 yrs. Now its like he always was. My brother Joe got to be with us as well. I can only imagine what my grandparents must be feeling.
I know they are happy though. Now they really are mine and all the ones who went before them are mine too.

Rachels Birthday

My niece Rachel just turned 14! We had fun as it was also New Year's Eve



John was I guess used to Christmas still he wanted a present to open for him! Judith had to wrap up something fast so he would be happy- which worked, for now.When Simon took his turn at Taboo he really got theatrical. It was fun to have Chad and Pancho there. Kirsten was there as well. Rachel got to go to her first dance which from what I gather just wasnt so hot? Dont worry there are many dances yet to come which I am sure will be more fun.

Yummy Recipes

Asian Dumpling Soup

Ingredients

Serves 4

• 4 scallions, white and green parts only, thinly sliced
• 6 cloves garlic, thinly sliced
• 1/4 cup peeled and slivered fresh ginger
• 2 cans (14 1/2 ounces) reduced-sodium chicken broth
• 8 ounces shiitake mushrooms, stems removed, caps halved and thinly sliced
• 1 package (15 ounces) frozen stuffed dumplings
• 1 can (15 ounces) baby corn, drained (1 2/3 cups)
• 2 bunches watercress, stems trimmed (4 cups)

Directions

1. In a medium saucepan, combine scallions, garlic, ginger, and 3 cups water. Bring to a boil and cook, partially covered, for 10 minutes. Add chicken broth and mushrooms, cook until the mushrooms begin to soften, about 3 minutes.
2. Add dumplings and baby corn; boil until dumplings are tender, about 4 minutes. Add watercress, stir until wilted, about 30 seconds. Spoon into bowls, and serve immediately.

Shrimp Tikka Masala
2 tbs EVO ( extra virgin oil)
1 large onion thinly sliced
3 tbs grated peeled fresh ginger
1 tbs of grated garlic
2 tsps tomato paste
2 tsps garam masala
1/2 tsp chili powder
1 cup of water
20 large shrimp peeled and de veined
1/4 plain yogurt
salt and pepper
Heat oil in stock pot or dutch oven medium heat Cook onion till golden ( about 20 minutes) add all but shrimp and water and yogurt- cook for about 3 minutes. Add shrimp and water. Cook for 4 minutes. Stir in yogurt. Season with pepper and salt.
Serves 4 double for more than 4 people.

Christmas

The beautiful flowers Simon gave me.
Chaddie and Tanya



Chad's doggie Pancho















Christmas Morning before any presents were opened...













More of the presents...and there are plenty you cant see! ( for all the family)

Recipes

Here is a yummy dips for Turkey day and the holidays- by Bobby Flay and Real Simple

Disappearing Buffalo Chicken Dip

2 cups of diced or shredded chicken
1/4 cup cayanne pepper sauce
1 cup mayo
1 cup cheddar cheese
2 tsp finely chopped green onion ( optional)
1tsp lemon juice
1/4 cup crumbled blue cheese

Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Toss chicken with cayenne pepper sauce. Stir in other ingredients, then sprinkle blue cheese on top. Bake un covered for 20 mins or till bubbling. Serve.


Creamy Salmon spread

8 ounces of cream cheese at room temp
2 tsp of horseradish
2 tablespoons of fresh dill
1/4 pound smoked salmon- chopped
Serve with crackers or veggies

In a small bowl combine all ingredients
add 1/2 tsp salt and pepper
This can be made and refrigerated a day in advance ( just one though!)

A little hi from Chad

Here is our Chaddie! He is almost home ( not in this pic but he is) We are so excited :) This is the first picture we have had of him since he left. Chaddie boy, we salute you and cannot wait till you are home! :)

Fall..

Semesters keep marching on.. doing good so far, Simon is doing a tad bit better than me He is on the Deans list. He did not have trouble with a couple of his teachers like I did though. My GPA is still past 3.0 ( 3.38) so I am happy and I am working to get it better and better. Here are a couple nice recipes for Fall. From my very favorite mag Real Simple

Garlicky Mashed Potatoes with thyme.

Ingredients

• 4 pounds Yukon Gold potatoes (about 8), peeled and halved
• kosher salt and black pepper
• 1 cup whole milk
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 4 tablespoons butter (1/2 stick)
• 1 head garlic, halved horizontally
• 12 sprigs fresh thyme
• 1/8 teaspoon freshly ground nutmeg
• Serves 8

Directions

1. Place the potatoes in a large pot and add cold water to cover. Bring to a boil and add 2 teaspoons salt. Reduce heat and simmer until tender, 16 to 18 minutes. Drain the potatoes and return them to the pot.
2. Meanwhile, place the milk, cream, butter, garlic, and thyme in a small saucepan and bring to a boil. Set aside until the potatoes are cooked.
3. Strain the milk mixture into the pot with the potatoes. Add ¾ teaspoon salt and 1⁄4 teaspoon pepper and mash. Sprinkle with the nutmeg before serving.

By Kate Merker, November 2009


Maple Pumpkin pie
1 pie crust
2 large eggs
1 15 oz of pumpkin puree
1 cup of heavy cream
1/2 cup of maple syrup
1/2 tsp of ground cinnimon
1/2 tsp ground ginger
1/2 tsp salt
1/2 ground cloves

Set oven rack in lowest position, heat oven to 350 degrees
In a large bowl pour mixture into crust, bake 60-70 minutes
Let cool before serving.
Serves 8