Amy the Mom

Gotta have faith

A couple months ago, Steve and I started to go to church.  I've wrestled with this for a long time because I'm not fond of how the term "Christian" has been hijacked over the last decade or so by people who say one thing but behave in apparent contradiction to their voicemail messages advising me to have "a blessed day" or the Ichthys symbol prominently displayed on the back of their minivan.  There's an arrogance about some of these people that has led me to snidely call them "Super Christians" behind their back.  They are quick to remind you of where they'll be spending eternity, even when they're in the process of screwing someone out of a large sum of money or gossiping maliciously about people in the office.  One of my best friends who is a secular Hindu remarks that she feels bad for "poor Jesus" when she sees people behave so horribly in His name. 

As a child, my parents forced my sisters and me to go to the very formal Presbyterian church in town.  While I don't fault them for doing what they believed was right, it always felt more like a social obligation than a function of worship.  There was a lot about that church that I didn't like, but my sister came up with a nickname for it that probably summed up my scorn pretty well-"Our Lady of the Philandering Ministers."  For years, I harbored a great deal of resentment to the leaders of that church and what their behaviors wrought.  Ironically, I named my oldest son for the soft spoken Irish minister who came in and tried to mend the broken church, but who was ridiculed by the stalwarts of the congregation for reasons I never understood.  The man's quiet grace made an enormous impression on my 16 or 17 year old self.

When I married my first husband, it was in the Catholic Church.  We sporadically attended over the years and while I had always admired the pageantry of the papists, I never got the hang of all the kneeling, sitting, standing, and could never remember all the different prayers that Tony knew by rote.  Additionally, I despised the subservient role that women played in the church, in spite of their obvious reverence for Mary-again with the blatant contradictions.  I definitely couldn't get behind their archaic views on birth control.  My children are all baptized Catholics, but I doubt they've set foot in a Catholic Church in the last nine years. 

I am not requiring my kids to go with us to church at this point.  I don't know yet whether this is right or wrong, but I'm not going to force them as my parents forced me-even though the church we've chosen to attend is nothing at all like the one of my youth.  I want them to come to church on their terms, not treat it as a dreaded chore.  I'm still new to this myself.  I will say this though, I enjoy going to this church-it's not a chore to attend and the kids that I see there appear to be enjoying themselves and not dragged their by parents.   

One of the biggest differences I notice with this church in comparing it to others I've attended is a real commitment to help others.  Again-it's been a LONG time since I regularly attended, and I'm sure that most churches are like this nowadays, but it's not like the Sunday School I remember.  There is an energy and enthusiasm to help feed the hungry and give a hand to single mothers, and none of the Kool-Aid drinking that I feared would greet me at the door.  Best of all, there is none of the snobbery and arrogance that I always associated with Sunday service attendance.

I don't know where this journey will take me.  I'm glad that for at least a few hours on Sunday mornings, the focus is off me and all my problems and I can take a look around and see people making a difference in the lives of others.  If I get nothing else out of it other than that and an opportunity to give back to my community, then I'll be content.      

Get these kids outta here

Dear Becky,

Ummm, isn't it your turn to host the next LAN party?

Thaaaaaanks,

amy

The Perfect Cheesecake

If I had to pick one recipe that represents my signature dish, I wouldn't hesitate to say cheesecake.  I made my first cheesecake for my mom's card club pals back in the mid 80's.  The recipe was from the most popular diner in Massillon, Ohio-The Sugar Bowl.  The cheesecake was too sweet, had too thick of a crust, and was concave.  The bridge players loved it.   

To that point, it was the only cheesecake I had ever eaten.  As I went off to college, and then moved out of state, I cultivated a cheesecake awareness which led to a mild obsession.  I purchased several cookbooks devoted exclusively to cheesecake and I studied them diligently.  When I worked for GE in Atlanta, I ran a little side business making baked goods for my coworkers.  The most requested dessert was cheesecake.  I  began to experiment with different flavors-pumpkin, key lime, Black Forest, and whatever else my imagination or my client's taste could come up with.  All that practice allowed me to hone my technique, which is critical in creating the perfect cheesecake.  Normally I don't look at a recipe as a binding set of rules that must be adhered to, but with this confection, you must.  Follow my instructions, use the ingredients I suggest and you'll be fine, just fine. 

The Rules of Cheesecake

• Rule number one You cannot rush a cheesecake.  It must be made the day before serving, and allowed to chill at least overnight. 
• Rule number two You must allow your ingredients to come to room temperature prior to mixing.  Yes, even the eggs.  Trust me when I tell you that I've never had anyone fall victim to salmonella poisoning after consuming my cheesecake. 
• Rule number three  Make sure your oven has been preheated for at least a half hour prior to putting the cake in. 
• Rule number four You must use a spring form pan.  There is no acceptable alternative.
• Rule number five  There are no substitutions for the ingredients either, with the possible exception of the sour cream which may be unavailable regionally.  Still, use Daisy if you can get it. 

Amy's Perfect Cheesecake

This recipe is for a deep 8 inch, New York style cheesecake.  You can also make it in a nine or ten inch spring form pan, it just won't be as thick. 

Graham Cracker Crust

For a basic cheesecake, I use a graham cracker crust.  For some of my flavored varieties, I use ginger snaps, Oreos, Nilla Wafers or a homemade cookie dough crust.  I love a good graham cracker crust with this though and it's pretty traditional.  My crust just covers the bottom of the pan.  I don't work it up the sides, although you can do that-just increase the ingredients by 50%.  This is not a super sweet cheesecake.  I prefer desserts that don't require an insulin injection after consumption.  If you want it sweeter, add another 1/4 cup sugar. 

1 1/2 C graham cracker crumbs
1 TBSP sugar
3/4 C melted butter
(optional) 1/2 C ground pecans (I don't typically use these when making a traditional cheesecake, unless someone specifically requests them.)

Combine the ingredients well.  Prepare your spring form pan by covering the removable bottom with waxed paper, then securing it with no wrinkles by locking the sides.  This enables a clean removal from the pan and makes serving much, much easier.

24 ounces Philadelphia Cream Cheese (3 boxes)
3/4 C super fine sugar
1 C Daisy sour cream
3 eggs
1 TBSP +  fresh squeezed lemon juice
1 TBSP Madagascar Bourbon Vanilla

Using a stand mixer, beat the cream cheese and sugar on high speed for five minutes, scraping down the sides of the bowl just once or twice during the process.  Once completed, switch mixer to the lowest speed setting and add vanilla and lemon juice.  I prefer just the faintest hint of lemon, so I start with one tablespoon, then gradually add more a couple drops at a time.  I wave my hand over the batter until the aroma is just right.  Lemony enough to be detectable, but not so lemony that you have a citrus cheesecake.  (update: over Christmas, I found I had no lemons, only limes.  Christmas Eve, 9 PM.  No chance of finding a lemon at that hour.  I used the lime and it was no less fantastic.  In fact...I daresay it might have been a little better than usual)

Keeping the mixer on the lowest speed, add the eggs one at a time, waiting to add the next one until each in completely incorporated into the batter.  Finally, add the sour cream and mix until perfectly smooth.  Pour the batter into the crust.  Bake at 350 degrees for ten minutes, then turn oven temperature down to 225 degrees.  Check the cheesecake after 40 minutes, if the center is jiggly-it's not done.  The top should be smooth and dry, and won't move if pan is gently shaken.  Do not overbake, or you'll have a cracked surface.  Once the cheesecake is done, remove from the oven immediately and take a thin, sharp knife and run along the edge of the cheesecake, using the pan edge as your guide.  This will prevent the cake from sticking to the pan as it cools.  It must be done as soon as it is finished baking.  Go slowly around the perimeter so as not to break the edge of the cake.  Allow the cake to cool slightly before refrigerating, rushing it into the cold environment will cause condensation.  Again, allow it to cool overnight.  Top with fresh strawberries or red raspberries.   Oh yeah!  The easiest way to cut your cheesecake is by using unflavored, waxed dental floss.  Works like a dream!

If you can't beat 'em, join 'em

Our family only Easter celebration fell flat.  Steve and Alex both have the hacking virus going around, Somehow the twins, Drew and I have avoided it.  Even Steve's mom has been stricken, so our plans for a formal meal were scrapped in favor of a more casual buffet.

The grating sound of snow plows kept waking me up last night and a light snow fell until morning.  Rather than continue my bitching and moaning about the weather, I announced to the twins at breakfast that we were going sledding after lunch, and taking the dogs with us.  The temperature was 31-perfect for sliding.   I was hesitant to take Clark, because he's packed on a bunch of weight over the winter.  If I had to guess, I'd say he's running about a buck and a quarter right now.  I figured he wouldn't push himself though, and I thought it would do him some good to be active for once.

So I loaded Mario, Annelise, Clark and Nori into the Sequoia and we went down the road to the Blue Cross headquarters.  In the summer it's a soccer field, in the winter it's a sledding hill and dog run. 

Unfortunately, these were the only shots I got before my batteries died.  We had a great time together, sliding down the hill and trudging back up to do it all over again.  We threw dozens of snowballs for the dogs to chase.  Clark held his own, but soon enough he tuckered out and just rooted around in the snow, digging up grass to chew on.  Just before we left I looked skyward and spotted a bald eagle headed our way.  I pointed it out to the twins and soon, they spotted five more.  Two adults with the easily recognizable plumage and four youngsters that hadn't begun to sport the white head and tail.  It was one of those perfect moments.  While I cursed myself for not bringing my camera case with extra batteries, I remembered something my friend Louise told me under similar circumstances years ago. "It's a picture you'll keep in your heart forever."   

That's EXACTLY how I feel

Dear Winter,

Apparently you didn't get the memo that yesterday was the first day of spring.  I may even have overlooked the significance of the date, but the Google banner served as a nice reminder.  With that in mind, I'd like to know just what the hell is going on here. 

Come on!  Easter is in two days!  I was going to go out and buy the ham today! 

Listen, I am sure you serve a purpose.  I don't know what exactly that purpose is after Christmas, but I'm positive it's an important function nonetheless.  It's probably so that we don't have mosquitoes year round here in Minnesota.  I'm okay with that, I really am.  But I think you've just gone a little over the top this year.  Normally, you'll give us a respite in the form of a January or February thaw.  Not in 2008.  Your attitude was obvious when you cackled, "You'll have to wait until March, bitches!"   

So,uh, let's just call this your last hurrah-hmm?  I think you're needed at the North Pole, or Antarctica.  Iceland?  Why don't you just go ahead and give the penguins and polar bears the weather they're better suited to?  I would like to start making plans for my garden, and filling up my pots with flowers and mowing the lawn.  I'm really tired of waking up in the morning, looking out the window and feeling like I belong in this montage 

We'll see each other again soon enough.  Hey, October isn't much more than six months away.  Remember that Halloween blizzard from about ten years ago?  Ha ha, good times.  Sure, save your strength for another little prank like that you old trickster, you.  In the meantime, I've got that iceberg in the center of the cul de sac and the mountains of snow in commercial parking lots to remind me of you for the next month. 

Godspeed,

Amy

White Chicken Chili

For years I've searched for a really good white chili.  Finally last Christmas, one of my good friends (who apparently had been holding out on me) brought a crock pot full of the stuff to our office potluck.  I'm miffed that she hadn't shared it sooner, but I shouldn't have been surprised since I'm still trying to finagle the recipe for her rhubarb meringue squares from her.  I seem to attract this type of friend, which is ironic given my propensity for publishing my recipe stockpile on the Internets where THE ENTIRE WORLD can see them.  Another friend's mom makes the most incredible date nut bread I've ever tasted.  I asked for the recipe and was flat out refused.  I even volunteered to sign a contract stating that I would never share the recipe with another living soul and I would never publish it.  I told them I would have it notarized-it's that good.  I still don't have that recipe. 

Back to the chili.  When my friend gave me this recipe, I rushed home after the potluck ready to make it that same night.  I somehow skipped over the part where it mentions that this serves 20 hungry adults.  I also misread how many cans of bean are used, so I was left with a watery mess that was nothing like the soup she made.  I have no reason to cook soup for 20, so I made a few changes to the original and like my version even better. 

Amy's White Chicken Chili

2 16 oz. cans of cannelini beans, drained and rinsed
1 store bought rotisserie chicken, meat picked off and cut into cubes (Either that or roast your own chicken.  Using cooked boneless/skinless breasts results in meat that's too dry.)
3 C chicken broth, low sodium
1 C shredded Monterey Jack cheese
4 oz. can diced green chiles
1/2 to 1 jalapeno finely minced (depends on your heat tolerance)
8 oz. Daisy sour cream
1 small onion, minced
1 large clove garlic, pressed
1 tsp ground cumin
1 tsp dried oregano
1/4 tsp white pepper

Saute the onion, garlic and jalapeno in a tablespoon of canola oil until onions are translucent.  Combine all ingredients in a large pot, bring to a simmer.  Allow to simmer for a half hour then serve.  Great when topped with a bit of sour cream, extra minced jalapenos and tortilla strips.  If you prefer a thicker soup, you can puree one of the cans of beans before adding to the pot.  That would be a good way to get your kids to eat this if they don't like beans.  I've known about that trick a long time before Jessica Seinfeld used it.   

In which I finally get to enjoy Christmas...on St. Patrick's Day

I had to leave work early today to pick Alex up.  I should have probably gone back to work since it was only 3:30, but the thought of burning through $7 worth of gas for an hour and a half hardly seemed worth it.  I went home and whipped up the meal that my kids could eat every single day-spaghetti and meatballs.  I assigned some chores and cleaned up the kitchen from the weekend's mess.   

Money has been tight in the household this year, a lament I'm sure is all too familiar to so many these days.  I've had to slash frivolous spending, and one of the first cuts was school lunches.  Do you have any idea how much a meal purchased at school is these days?  Three dollars if the child just takes the basic tray, much much more if they order a la carte, which my kids do with reckless abandon.  No more.  I was racking up $150 per month at a minimum, and that just won't fly from here on out.  So that they don't feel deprived, I'm providing them with their favorite snacks and homemade cookies and brownies. 

After supper, I decided to get some baking done.  I decided to make Easter cutouts and ginger snaps.  The boys settled in front of the television, Annelise sat at the counter reading a book.  Drew popped a CD into our five disc changer.  I became absorbed in the dough making process, listening to the banter between the boys and enjoying the task at hand.  After Drew's CD was finished, the Elf soundtrack queued.  We all love the opening track by Louis Prima, especially when Alex sings the line, "All over town, all over town, all over town."  No one got up to turn off the music in spite of it's seasonal inappropriateness.  The video game din that is usually so oppressive in the family room was turned down to a whisper.  The Christmas music continued as I rolled out cookies. 

"It's a marshmallow world in the winter..."

"I'll be home for Christmas..."

"Silent night, holy night..."

I realized that I'm normally so overwrought with stress during December that I can't ever enjoy moments like that during the holidays.  There are presents to buy and wrap; social obligations; money to spend, spend, spend.  I felt peaceful last night for the first time in a while.  I was relaxed as I rolled out the dough, made the frosting and iced the cookies.  A heavy wet snow was falling outside, adding to the atmosphere. 

Four Christmas CD's played in their entirety, then Steve came home and wondered why we were listening to it.  He tolerated it for a few minutes, and then we all settled down to watch Jim Gaffigan wax eloquently about food.  And that was a nice way to end a Monday night.  Thanks to Jenn at Juggling Life for bringing this clip to my attention.  Try and get the Hot Pockets jingle out of your head after watching this.

I'm back

Whew.  I'm a little rusty.  Let's see if I remember how this thing works. 

I fell hard for this blogging thing and I love it.  I love the writing process and I love the little community that I've built.  But I'm here to tell you it's an addiction, one that can suck hours away at a time.  I've also been wondering if some of this website is a little too off the charts in the "It's All About Me" category.  I'm the least vain person you'd ever come across, so constantly writing about the minutiae of my daily life kind of goes against my self deprecating personality.  I haven't reconciled that, but as long as a hundred or so people feel compelled to visit here daily, well, who am I to argue?

When I last left you, Steve was in Germany.  Prior to his return I gave the house a good, thorough cleaning.  I got on my hands and knees and cleaned under the cabinets, steamed the grout, polished the toilets to a high shine, cleaned out the pantry and refrigerator, gathered bags of clothing and toys for the Goodwill,  cleaned the windows and all the woodwork...and then watched it revert back to homeostasis with dog hair tumbleweeds rolling across the floor and socks strewn everywhere.  (What the hell is with boys and socks?  I have more than one friend who has commented on this phenomenon.  Without fail there will be at least one pair of worn, malodorous socks on the floor or furniture every day when I return home from work.) 

Also during my hiatus, I had to help the twins with their sixth grade science fair projects.  Annelise dutifully recorded statistics showing the corrosivity of different kinds of sodas.  For a week, twice a day, she took prolific notes and observed the effects of Coke on enamel coated popsicle sticks.  She created a gorgeous and thorough display documenting the results of her experiment.  Mario slapped his board together and conducted his research the day before the project was due.  Guess which twin is going to the State Science Fair in May? 

Yeah.  All that harping about procrastination was really effective.  I'm happy to report they both received an A+, but you can only imagine the sibling rivalry that I've been enduring since that decision was handed down by the judges.  I had to remind Annelise that the first year she was in the spelling bee Mario didn't make it, and to look at this situation with that point of view.  She is convinced he is gloating about his victory though, and punches have been thrown over the matter. 

In other Mario related news, he threw away his retainer with his lunch on Friday.  That little faux pas is going to cost $375.  This is on the heels of losing his new iPod just three short weeks after Christmas. 

This chain of events reminds me of a friend of mine that has a witty little comeback he uses anytime a salesperson or server asks him, "Can I get you anything?"  His retort is always, "Yeah, a big sack of money."   Oh, how I wish I had one of those right about now.  Needless to say, I did not win the Powerball on Saturday.

Crickets chirping

So I have this blog, and it's been neglected.  I have reasons, so many reasons, but basically it boils down to this-my family has me stretched thin.  European travel, science fair projects, spring cleaning, veterinary visits, entertaining friends, blah blah blah.  Something had to give, and the blog was sacrificed.  I hope to return to my regular programming tomorrow. 

Banana Bread

While I was cleaning the kitchen, four ever rapidly rotting bananas mocked me from their hook on the counter.  I hate bananas.  I wish I liked them, they're so convenient, so good for you-and yet their cloying sweetness gags me. 

My kids like banana bread, sans the nuts, so I decided to pore over my recipe books and the Internet and find a recipe worthy of the decaying fruit.  Even though I didn't plan on eating the final product, I took the recipe search seriously.  I couldn't find anything that looked better than bland, so I improvised.  The result was two perfectly formed loaves, they smelled great, the texture was perfect and most important- the kids seemed happy with the results.  Blend this by hand, don't use an electric mixer.

Amy's Banana Bread
Makes two loaves 

In a bowl, use a wire whisk to mix the following dry ingredients and set aside: 

3 C flour
2 tsp baking soda
1/2 tsp salt (if using unsalted butter, omit if using salted butter)
1/2 tsp cinnamon
1/8 tsp nutmeg

In a large bowl, mix the following ingredients until well blended:

1 C melted butter
1 C granulated sugar
1 C light brown sugar

Allow mixture to cool slightly, then add:

4 eggs
1 TBSP vanilla extract

When the mixture is smooth, add the dry ingredients, then fold in:

1 C sour cream
4 ripe bananas, mashed well

If your audience likes nuts, add one cup of chopped pecans

Pour into two greased loaf pans, and bake at 350 for 50-60 minutes.  Loaves form a nice brown outer crust, but remain moist inside.