So I got very excited over the mystery tea package and told Brian about it. I love him dearly, but he can't keep a secret or bluff to save his life. his awkward attempts to avoid the subject and his weak denials got me a confession that the package was from him!

I continue to get excited and grateful that he would surprise me with such a thoughtful ( Read more... )

Today I received a surprise at the front door.  A gift basket (carefully cold-packed) shipped from Zingerman's bakery in Ann Arbor, MI.  (If you're from MI, you've likely heard of them.  They are pricey but considered top-notch and very delicious. )

It was from the Moy's, some close family friends.  It was the "Sherman's Sure Choice Corned Beef ( Read more... )

Eating breakfast in the morning with Ezri can be tricky.  She wants to be held and have my full attention.  Given all my food allergies, easy to eat granola bars and yogurt cups are not an edible option.  Thankfully, I found this recipe for "Morning Glory Breakfast Sandwich Cookies" -- they are designed to be healthy and easy to eat on the go.   ( Read more... )

Yesterday it was our turn to host the PEPS meeting (our newborn parents group).  Since Brian is on paternity leave and everyone at a previous meeting said they loved sushi, Brian decided to make it for everyone ( Read more... )

Have to say, baby slings are AWESOME ( Read more... )

I got an email from Whole Foods today that reminded me that it will soon be a year since I became pregnant with Ezri.  On March 10 Whole Foods is again doing their "Crack Heard 'Round the World" as they simultaneously crack over 300 wheels of Parmigiano Reggiano.  I made sure to attend the event last year (as that type of aged cheese is virtually ( Read more... )

I'm about to make homemade lasagna.  When I say homemade, I mean I'm picking the herbs from my garden and just finished making the mozzarella cheese with my specially treated lactose-free skim and whole milks.  If only shredding homemade mozzarella wasn't so tricky ( Read more... )

I forgot how much I love making homemade soup from scratch.

The fresh herbs from my garden are so aromatic. The scents of sage and thyme are everywhere in the kitchen right now.

Brian can't get home soon enough so we can eat.

I don't really have a name for this soup.  It's a cross between chicken and Italian wedding and yet has more to it.  <3

For posterity, recording my culinary experimental success ( Read more... )

So while I stopped at Whole Foods today, I decided to browse the pastry section.  I was thinking of getting a scone, or donut, or some little treat. I was willing to take Lactaid and deal with dairy products.  * sigh *  Could they stop using soy in all their baked products?  Really??? All their donuts have soy flour and are cooked in soybean oil.   ( Read more... )