The book, “I Spy School Days: A Book of Picture Riddles,” belonged to my cousin Kevin when he was a boy.  Although Kevin is now a 20-something college student living in the big city, this book was a sweet reminder of the days when he was small.  Kevin’s name scrawled inside the cover reminded me to slow down savor this time with my little boy.  I know someday much too soon Mack will be living his own life and I’ll miss his toddler giggles and snuggles and pleas for attention.

Mack-the-Destroyer will likely strike again, but I just re-ordered the book for him.  As a frugal (and smart!) mama I ordered it used from amazon.com.  Santa brought the kids several used Amazon books for Christmas (“Angelina Ballerina” for Evie and “Curious George” for Mack) and every copy is in great shape.  I don’t know that I’ll ever buy the kids “new” books again because the used ones just make so much more sense – they save me nearly 75%!  Oh, and buying used really helps out Mother Nature!

Until recently, I hadn’t ordered any beef from the co-op.  I gave up beef, pork and lamb several years ago for a variety of reasons, but mostly because the living conditions of creatures on large-scale farms is abhorrent and disgusting.  I firmly believe that what an animal eats and how it is treated affects the health of the end consumer (i.e. ME!).  Not to mention the fact that I don’t see much of a distinction between pets (like dogs and horses) and farm animals (like cows and pigs).

I also take great issue with the amount of natural resources that go into mammal-meat production.  These creatures require massive amounts of food and water, most of which is trucked in from afar.  And, the waste they produce is staggering and can’t be ignored. Eating red meat just wasn’t a sustainable option for me anymore.

I now stick to pasture raised poultry and wild caught seafood.  Over the years, I have lost my taste for juicy burgers and grilled steaks, and, for the most part, my husband goes along with this lifestyle choice.  However, his new year’s diet allows and encourages consumption of healthy grass-fed beef, so I ordered a few NY strip steaks from our co-op for him. While most (if not all) of the beef available at grocery stores comes from cows fed an unnatural corn-based diet, our co-op only sells beef from pasture-raised and well-loved animals.  Meat from grass-fed animals might be more expensive and difficult to find, but for many reasons it is worth the sacrifice and effort:

1. Meat from grass-fed animals tends to be lower in fat than meat from their grain-fed counterparts.  For example, a sirloin steak from a pastured steer has 1/2 – 1/3 the amount of fat.

2. Grass-fed meat provides two to six times more omega-3 fatty acids, a good type of fat that plays a vital role in heart, brain and cell health.

3. Meat and milk from grass-fed cows, sheep and goats is an extrememly rich source of CLA (conjugated linoleic acid), another type of good fat.  Products from pasture-raised animals contain up to five times more CLA than products from grain-fed animals.

4. Grass-fed beef contains four times more vitamin E than beef from grain-fed animals.

5. Happy cows are allowed to roam free and graze as they please. Happy cows produce healthier and tastier meat. Period.

With all that in mind, my husband and I cooked up a NY strip steak and roasted sweet potatoes for his dinner tonight.  It smelled delicious (kinda like what dinner in the summertime smelled like when I was growing up) and for a moment I thought about sneaking a bite…I’m not quite there yet, but perhaps sometime in the near future.

NY Strip Steak

2 parts olive oil

1 part soy sauce

couple garlic cloves, crushed

few shakes of onion powder

Combine marinade ingredients in a shallow dish.  Place steaks in and marinate in fridge for 2-3 hours.  Remove from fridge and bring steaks to room temperature.

Heat a cast iron skillet in a broiler.  Carefully remove skillet from oven and place on a stovetop burner over high heat.  Place steaks in skillet and sear for 30 seconds per side.  Put steaks and skillet into the broiler and cook for 2-4 minutes per side.

We decided that for the first few months of 2012 our entertainment budget will be cut drastically.  No date nights or babysitters for the foreseeable future.  So, I am on the hunt for frugal ways to keep our family entertained and connected.  After a simple dinner at home on Friday night, we took the kids to George’s, one of our favorite ice cream spots in Chicago’s Andersonville neighborhood.  The whimsical flavors and cheeky decor made our simple night out a real treat.

Sometimes all it takes is an extra shake of sprinkles for Evie and Mack to feel like the King and Queen of Chicago!

Little Mack was so delighted with our special outing that he cheerfully offered Chris a bite of his shocking blue ice cream. It was so sweet to watch him share.

Our budget-friendly weekend didn’t end on Friday night.  We had my sister Meghan over for brunch on Sunday morning.  Since we both have rambunctious little boys, we’ve found that its easier to enjoy a meal together if we’re at home rather than in a restaurant. Plus, making homemade egg strata and sweet rolls is a lot cheaper than going out with four adults and three kids!  After brunch, Chris and I took the kids to the Museum of Science and Industry with a free pass I had checked out from the library.  Evie used the outing as an excuse to dress up in one of her most favorite dresses – her enthusiasm made it a super special day that didn’t cost us a penny!

…so, here are a few movies I wish everyone would watch:

Food, Inc.

I really believe Food Inc should be required viewing for any human being who eats food.  Without being overly preachy or graphic, it very succinctly outlines why we should all be mindful of where our food comes from. My homemade family made permanent changes to our diet and shopping habits because of this movie, and I know we are healthier and happier because of it!

Babies

This documentary is so sweet and so simple and so beautiful.  The four of us watched it when Mack was 5 months old and Evie had just turned 2…and ALL four of us were completely mesmerized even though there is no dialogue and no real story line.  The film follows four babies in four very different parts of the world during their first year of life.  To watch mothers tenderly care for their little ones in such different environments is truly eye opening, especially for someone living in first-world comfort.  But, the film beautifully conveys a very important message: it doesn’t matter what we do or do not have – all parents just want what is best for their babies.

Wall-E

Every time I watch this movie with the kids I can’t help but cry.  With minimal dialogue and gorgeous music, the film follows the story of a hard-working robot left on an uninhabitable planet earth.  But, it is more than just a silly sci-fi cartoon.  It really tells the story of why our beautiful planet is so special and important and perfect for us.  And, it compels the viewer to make changes to keep Earth a safe and healthy home.

Love Actually

This movie has a special place in my heart: I first saw it when my husband was deployed in Iraq, and when I told him how much I loved it he tracked down a black-market copy for me on the streets of Fallujah and shipped it home in time for Christmas. I’ve since replaced that illegal version with a proper one, and I watch it every year.  But, as entertaining as the overlapping story lines might be, the scene that always chokes me up is the very last one when we witness thousands of families and couples reuniting at an airport.  It is such a sweet reminder that, at our core, most people are truly good and most people just want to be with the ones we love. Its a simple message, but an important one.

I.O.U.S.A.

I don’t normally wade into the murky waters of economics and politics on this site, but this movie really should be required viewing for all Americans.  It very clearly explains the financial mess we’ve gotten ourselves into, but it also explains how we can dig ourselves out.  It turned a potentially boring and confusing subject into an entertaining, informative and insightful film.

What movies do you recommend?

We normally go to swimming lessons on Tuesdays, but today the pool was unexpectedly closed for repairs.  So, after a few minutes at the playground I thought it would be fun to visit the library.  But, it was closed until noon!  At a loss for what to do with my little man – and with nearly two hours to fill before we had to pick up Evie – I looked across the street and saw a humble and quaint pie shop beckoning us in. An empty table tucked into the shop’s only window seemed like the perfect spot to pass some time with my little man.

As soon as we entered Hoosier Mama Pie Company the wonderful aroma from freshly baked sweet and savory pies welcomed us.  A Dolly Parton song hummed in the background, and a friendly baker greeted us as if we were regulars.  A sign by the register proved  that this was my kind of place – everything is made from scratch.

Sometimes the days that start out on the wrong foot end up exactly right.  Mack and I were disappointed to miss swimming, but something tells me I’ll forever remember the sunshiny twist our chilly morning took.  Mack’s happiness at nibbling a dried cherry scone in a warm sunlit booth…the little butterfly kisses he planted on my cheeks…his insistence at holding the big glass of water all by himself!…his wide eyes as he scanned the case of delicious pies.  I am so grateful for today.

Of course I couldn’t resist picking up a small pie for dessert tonight.  Mack helped me choose the Fat Elvis – peanut butter, chocolate, bananas and a pretzle crust.  I may or may not have snuck a few bites already…and it is pretty darn delicious!

Processed white sugar was one of the first things he cut out of his diet at the start of 2012, but he occasionally has a sweet tooth.  Since I can’t serve him homemade chocolate chip cookies, sweet potato pie or chocolate tart, I have to improvise with simpler and healthier ingredients.  These “truffles” made with dates, nuts and cocoa powder offer a sweet fix without the sugar crash.

Healthy Date-Nut Truffles

1 cup pitted dates

3/4 cup shredded coconut

handful walnuts, almonds and cashews

2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder

2 tablespoons pure maple syrup

Drop dates, coconut and nuts in a food processor.  While machine is running slowly pour in the maple syrup.  Process for just a few seconds – until the mixture is well combined.  Scoop by tablespoon onto a plate and put in the fridge until firm. Enjoy!

The kids spent Thursday morning at the children’s museum and Thursday afternoon at the nature museum.  If I was a bettin’ woman, I’d guess she picked up some nasty germs at either place.  I wonder if the parents who brought their sick kid to a museum thought about the many families that would pay the price.  Its a domino effect of puke and sleepless nights and forlorn faces.

So, parents, can we all have one big communal handshake in agreement of the following statement: If my kid is sick I will not take him/her to public places. No school.  No grocery store.  No parks or playgrounds or playdates. I know that a sick kid interferes with a lot of plans and schedules and arrangements, but sometimes life gets in the way of, well, life.  Evie missed her Saturday morning gymnastics class today, and I had to sadly cancel tonight’s dinner plans with my friend Adrienne and her family.  Trust me, its been a long bummer of a day, but I’m not about to let other kids get sick just so we’re not stuck inside all day.

I know little bugs like this help Evie’s immune system strengthen and grow, but I’m not going to go out of my way to expose her to undesirable germs.  She is now snoozing on the sofa, snug in her princess pajamas while “The Little Mermaid” softly plays in the background.  I’ve got a towel nestled next to her – just in case! – but she seems to be on the mend.  Such a sweet little patient.

After a bit of observation, it looks like Mack is the primary instigator, but he just wants to play with Evie.  Mack is in the throes of his terrible two’s, and Evie is starting to embrace a little more independence and maturity; they are in totally opposing phases of life.  I am a constant referee in their neverending game of he said-she said/he did-she did/he hit-she-hit.

I’ve been experimenting with different ways to minimize the rivalry.  Here are some of the coping and management techniques I’ve employed with some surprising success:

1. Play music.  The Jack Johnson station on Pandora seems to work wonders.  The laid-back tunes and cheerful beats seem to keep them focused on the toys at hand.  And, sometimes classical music is all it takes for the whole house to enjoy a relaxing deep breath.

2. Sit on the floor and play with them.  This can be hard to do when dinner prep is impending or the house is desperate for a scrub, but as much as I can I engage and interact with the kids.  As long as I am in the middle of them, there is no fighting and we usually all end up playing peacefully together.

3. Respect their differences.  Evie is nearly two years older than Mack, so she is interested in different toys and games than he is.  She is thrilled to play learning games on our Kindle, while he likes hand-held toys he can easily destruct.  I can’t reasonably expect them to find fun in the same things anymore, so its important that I direct them towards separate activities that will keep them happy and occupied.

4. Don’t be afraid to discipline.  When Mack smacks Evie on the head, I need to immediately stop whatever I’m doing to set him straight.  For our family, that means a time out (away from the toys) on the stairs.  Neither kid is ever thrilled with the dreaded stairs, but it gives them a moment to forget about whatever ticked them off in the first place!

5. Try to keep a sense of humor.  This point is one I need to work on the most.  I appreciate quiet and peace, and I generally don’t like confrontation of any sort.  I need to remind myself that “its just a phase” that will someday pass.  Not to mention the fact that the lessons they need to learn – conflict negotiation and patience – are two virtues most adults properly lack!

The beauty of homemade turkey soup comes from its simplicity.  All the flavor and deliciousness comes from a slow-cooker stock, so the soup comes together in mere minutes.  It is warm and satisfying and comforting. A perfect winter meal.

Homemade Turkey Stock

Clean turkey of all meat.  Put remaining bones and skin into a large slow cooker.  Cover with water.  Cook on low setting for 12+ hours.

Remove solids from cooker and discard.  Ladle liquid through a fine sieve.  Use in turkey soup, or store in fridge or freezer.

Homemade Turkey Soup

3 carrots, peeled and chopped

3 celery stalks, chopped

1 yellow onion, chopped

olive oil

10 cups turkey stock

leftover turkey, shredded

salt, pepper

Egg noodles

Warm olive oil in a large stock pot.  Drop in carrots, celery and onion.  Cook for a few minutes.  Pour in turkey stock (about 10 cups). Season with salt and pepper to taste.  Bring to a boil and add noodles.  Cook until noodles are just about done, then drop in shredded turkey.  Ladle into bowls and serve to a happy family.

The wonderful co-op we buy fresh food from didn’t have turkeys ready in time for Thanksgiving (further proof of the legitimacy of the farmers – they didn’t pump the birds with artificial scary stuff just to have the birds ready for the high season).  When I got an email last week letting me know their birds were finally ready, I decided to place an order.  Although I had never made a roast turkey before, I figured it would be just as delicious as the chicken, eggs, milk and vegetables I order every other week.

Every November cooking magazines and television shows warn of turkey disasters: dry meat, not leaving enough time for the bird to thaw, houses burning down during a deep-fry session. But, I wasn’t feeling intimidated.  I roast chicken several times a month, and I assumed a turkey couldn’t be much different.

Silly me!

Roasting a turkey is a lot different!  The turkey weighed in at 15 pounds – more than three times than the chickens I’m used to! And, it took three full days for the bird to thaw in our fridge.  I was quite grateful to have my strong husband at home to help with the heavy lifting.  He ended up hanging out in the kitchen with me for most of the preparation, and I really enjoyed that time with him.

Many years ago I read about roasting a turkey with butter-soaked cheese cloth.  I wish I could remember where the idea came from, but the idea has been floating unattributed in my recipe folders for years.  What I do know is that the finished bird was delicious!  Perfectly juicy and tasty.  Success!

Homemade Roast Turkey

15 lb turkey, rinsed, patted dry and giblets removed (and reserved)

1/2 stick butter, softened

1 1/2 sticks butter, melted

2 1/2 cups white wine

salt, pepper

natural, unbleached cheese cloth (I found this at Bed, Bath & Beyond, but its usually available at most grocery stores)

Preheat oven to 400 degrees.

Place bird breast side up on a rack in a large roasting pan.  Pour 1 cup of white wine over the top of it.  Rub softened butter all over the outside and generously sprinkle salt and pepper.

In a medium bowl, stir melted butter and 1 1/2 cups wine together.  Place cheese cloth in the butter mixture and soak thoroughly.  Drape the soaked cheese cloth over the top of the turkey.

Place turkey in oven and reduce heat to 375 degrees.  Every 30 minutes, brush some of the remaining butter mixture over the cheese cloth.  Its important to keep the cheese cloth moist, but it will turn brown.

After 2 1/2 – 3 hours, remove cheese cloth and discard.  Brush remaining butter mixture on top of the bird.  Continue cooking, basting occasionally with pan juices, until internal temperature reaches 180 degrees.  Our 15 pound bird roasted for close to four hours. Remove from oven and let it rest for at least 20 minutes before carving.

Giblet Stock (for Homemade Gravy)

Turkey giblets (minus the liver)

1 celery stalk, 1 carrot, 1 onion (I keep a stash of veggie odds-&-ends in our freezer for homemade vegetable stock, so I just tossed in a few handfuls from that stash)

1 bay leaf

1 teaspoon peppercorns

Toss all ingredients into a large stock pot and cover with water.  Simmer for three hours (while the turkey is roasting).

Strain and toss solid ingredients.  This should yield about 3 cups of stock.

Homemade Gravy

3 cups giblet stock

4 tablespoons flour

1 1/2 cups Madiera wine

pan juices from turkey

Pour turkey pan juices into a fat separator.  Let it rest for 10-20 minutes to allow fat to rise to the top. All the good stuff is the dark brown liquid at the bottom.  Set aside.

In a small cup, whisk flour and 1 cup of stock until flour is dissolved. Set aside.

Put roasting pan on the stove over medium heat.  Slowly pour in wine and scrape up any brown bits from the bottom of the roasting pan.  Slowly whisk in stock-flour mixture.  Cook for 3-4 minutes, or until flour is totally incorporated.  Add remaining 2 cups giblet stock.  Add dark turkey drippings (not the fat).  Add salt and pepper to taste.  Cook for 20 minutes.

Strain gravy through a fine sieve.  Serve with the turkey.