Tuesday, November 30, 2010

Grandpa and Jim and Grandma Dixie's visit

My dad and his wife Dixie arrived on Thanksgiving day and stayed until Sunday. We really enjoyed having them here.



Asher was excited to take Grandpa to the John Deere museum and play outside on all of his back-yard toys.





Thanksgiving Faves

This was my first year to host Thanksgiving (very exciting!) Just about all of my dishes were from my mom's traditional Thanksgiving recipes. My mom is an amazing cook and any of her recipes are always good. So anyway, every year she makes this delicious Turkey Mulligatawny soup with all the turkey leftovers. It is out of this world and a must-make!

  • the carcass of a roast turkey, broken into large pieces
  • about 4 1/2 quarts (18 cups) plus 1/3 cup water
  • 4 garlic cloves
  • three 1-inch cubes of peeled fresh gingerroot
  • 1/4 cup vegetable oil
  • 4 tablespoons curry powder
  • 2 teaspoons ground cumin
  • 2 granny smith apples, peeled and diced
  • 4 cups chopped onion
  • 3 carrots, sliced
  • 1 cup canned unsweetened coconut milk (available at Asian markets, specialty foods shops, and some supermarkets)
  • 1/4 cup fresh lime juice, or to taste
  • 1/3 cup finely chopped fresh coriander (cilantro) plus coriander sprigs for garnish

Preparation

In a large kettle or stockpot combine the carcass with 4 1/2 quarts of the water, or enough to cover it, and simmer the mixture, uncovered, for 3 hours. Strain the stock through a large sieve into a large bowl, return it to the kettle, and boil it until it is reduced to about 10 cups.

In a blender purée the garlic and the gingerroot with the remaining 1/3 cup water. In a heavy kettle heat the oil over moderately high heat until it is hot but not smoking and in it cook the purée, stirring, for 2 minutes, or until the liquid is evaporated. Add the apples, peeled and cut into cubes, the onion, the carrots, and 5 cups of the stock and simmer the mixture, covered, for 30 minutes, or until the vegetables are very soft. In the blender purée the mixture it batches until it is smooth, transfering it as it is puréed to another large kettle. Stir in the remaining stock, the coconut milk, the lime juice, and salt to taste, simmer the soup for 10 minutes, and stir in the chopped coriander. The soup may be made 2 days in advance, cooled completely, uncovered, and kept covered and chilled. The soup keeps, covered and frozen, for 2 months. Serve the soup garnished with coriander sprigs.



Horseradish Carrots

These horseradish carrots are one of my all-time favorite side dishes...one of those that gets all the oohs and ahhs, and really easy to make. I thought it would be fun to get the carrots with the stems and leave about a half inch on.

6 med. carrots - pared and sliced
1/2 c. mayonnaise
4 tbsp. horseradish
2 tbsp. finely chopped onion
1/2 tsp. salt and pepper
1/2 c. crushed saltine crackers
2 tbsp chopped parsley
Cook carrots until tender - drain and place in 1 quart baking dish. Combine mayonnaise, horseradish, onion, salt and pepper. Place on carrots, top with crumbs and parsley.

Bake about 20 minutes at 350°F.

Happy Thanksgiving!


Tuesday, November 9, 2010

Itsy Bitsy Spider Bob Dylan Style

Asher sings the Itsy Bitsy Spider a la Bob Dylan. Click here to view

Sunday, November 7, 2010

Yosi and Karen 2010!

Last week we were in Cancun for Moises' cousin Yosi's wedding. We loved seeing all the family and friends. People traveled in from all over the world, mostly Israel, Europe and South America. The first half of the trip was action-packed with special events each night. **When you scroll to the bottom of the page, be sure to click on the "older posts" button to see posts of the wedding and reception**



At Yosi's Aufruf

Asher wanted to do everything Abie did




Elie falling asleep in Zeide's arms at the cocktail reception















Swimming With Dolphins

Asher, Zeide and Papi got to swim with dolphins at the aquarium across from our hotel. At first Asher was a little unsure about it but quickly fell in love! He even got his first kiss!










The Pool


If we weren't at an event, party or ceremony, chances are we were at the pool. Asher and Elie enjoyed every minute of it.
























**click on the "older posts" button just below on the right to see more of the wedding**