I have a tradition with my friend Renae’s family. (For all the years I have done this, I am surprised that this is the first time to share it here.) For Renae, her husband, and two daughters, I make and bring bagels (more recently sometimes scones for Renae and the older daughter) for breakfast on or near their birthdays. For the daughters, I give them individually wrapped chocolates for their new age. In 2023, the oldest turned 18 (I gave her a box of chocolate with 18 pieces). My plan was that I would continue with the bagels as long as she was nearby but stop the chocolate. It was not a popular idea so I agreed to continue the chocolate until 21.
This family has been there for me in my times of need and I know I can always call on them. This is just a small thing I can do to show my appreciation to the family.
My parents and I enjoyed leftover soup with the addition of these adorable snack boards.
Snowman Snack Plate: Snowman – Goat Cheese Rounds, Hat – Tortilla rubbed with cinnamon, Face & Buttons – Black Olive, Nose – Piece of orange shredded cheese, cauliflower, macadamia nuts, sour cream dip (all on a palm plate)
I have a tradition each year to share my top boxed lunches for the year. Sometimes when I deem the others worthy, I also feature non-boxed meals in their own post. This year, is one of those years.
For nearly 2 years, I have done a lot of thinking and talking about Jimmy Carter. It seemed fitting to make a simple bento meal in this theme.
Jimmy Carter (President # 39) is the first president that I remember. I remember the Iran Hostage Crisis and that there was a child in the White House (Amy). After he was president, I don’t think I thought much about him until around 2007. I played a trivia game with a nephew. The answer was “Jimmy Carter”. The nephews father overheard the name and became angry at the thought of Jimmy because he was against his politics. Then, I didn’t think much about Jimmy until 2023 when he went on hospice. I expected him to die soon since it is common when someone is under hospice care. Then he turned 99. It is somewhat of a tradition in my family to make it to 99 and not 100. So I wondered about Jimmy. Then his wife died. I know many elderly couples who die somewhat close to each other. Then he was in hospice for a year. Then he turned 100 years old. Jimmy kept living longer than I expected. Today he died so I will finally post this meal I made over 7 months ago.
Left Side: 39 – Cheese cut with a cookie cutter, Habitat for Humanity – Blue house drawn on cheese with food coloring markers, Nobel Peace Prize – Food coloring details on cheese, rice with soy sauce
Top Right: Jimmy Carter – Carrot cut with a mini cutter, hummus, celery
Last year when I asked my brother what theme he wanted for Christmas this year, he said, “Dumplings Around the World.” My previous Dumplings Around the World dinner was in 2013. For this meal I was not strict with the definition of dumpling. I did not want more than 5 courses and we had a planned break after the first 3 courses.
7 of us enjoyed this meal – Mom, Dad, me, Andy, Kerry, Carol and her son Mike.
Each course used a different type of plate, a sauce, garnish and was paired with a non-alcoholic drink. My brother served the drinks for each course and lead a toast from each country.
Menu Card: I bought canvas boards (8 x 6 inches) from Michaels. I designed the menu using Microsoft Word and printed with my home printer. My sister-in-law used glue stick to attach the menu to canvas boards. Santa and Reindeer – printed out image, traced onto Shrinky Dink sheet with black colored pencil. Colored in image then shrank in toaster oven. Attached adhesive Velcro dot to back of Santa and to each location on the menu. We used mini easels to display on the table.
My critique of the party: I think that everyone enjoyed the food. The Gado Gado rolls were on the table when we started the meal. I prepared the Pakora before we started the Gado Gado rolls. The ravioli and empanada courses were prepared ahead and in the freezer. I had a spreadsheet with courses and the plates I planned to use. I am not good about allowing help in my kitchen but I did allow my brother to help with the drinks and serving and my Mom did some plating and made the Gado Gado cabbage rolls and dessert. As usual, I did not do great with photographing and it is difficult to get photos without showing the people. Overall, I consider it a successful meal!
A few days after my niece left, my brother and sister-in-law joined us.
DINNERSUNDAY DECEMBER 22
(no photos of pierogi dinner because everyone was only focused on eating the delicious pierogi)
I think it was over 10 years since I last made homemade pierogi. I made them this year because when my brother sent me a list of 10 dumplings he wanted for the Dumplings Around the World Dinner, he gave many filling possibilities for Pierogi and I thought he really wanted them. I didn’t include in the Dumpling Around the World menu since I made them for the same dinner in 2013. I was right! Andy and everyone all enjoyed the pierogi. They disappeared.
Carrots, cucumber, celery, radish, cherry tomatoes with Ranch Dip (put on tray with dip in the middle to look like a wreath) This was popular with my group!
Apple Pine Nut Cake with Whipped Cream – The recipe calls for pears. I often use apples when I make this.
There were 5 of us for Christmas day breakfast – Mom, Dad, me, Andy, and Kerry. This year, I added a cheese plate to our normal menu. My crowd ate some of the cheese but I think they are just as happy without it.
Here are some photos and meals from the week before Christmas my niece spent with me and my parents. As is our tradition, when my niece visits around Christmas even if it is not the calendar Christmas we designate a day to be Christmas Eve and a Day to be Christmas.
Waffles with candy cane shaped apple cut-outs, raspberries, maple syrup, and Tree Shaped Butter
REINDEER PACKAGE
Last year for some of my niece’s gifts I made a snowman stack. This year I decided to make a reindeer present stack. My Mom and I collaborated and my Mom, Dad, and I assembled. You can see in the photos below our method. My Dad used a drill to attach the neck and head to the body. I made the antlers by hot gluing felt onto cardboard. I made the eyes out of cardboard. I used a flashing nose from the Dollar Tree. We used brown and white fake fur for the tail. We wrapped the boxes in brown paper. The legs are wrapping paper rolls that we cut and hot glued to the body box. I hot glued ribbon and Hershey kisses for the harness. We added wrapped presents in each section of the body. I love how my mom styled it to look like it came down the chimney. It was a lot of fun for all of us!
LAMBERTON CONSERVATORY
Once again, we all enjoyed the poinsettia show at the Lamberton Conservatory. This year in addition to the turtles, the quail were back!
As is our tradition, when my niece visits around Christmas even if it is not the calendar Christmas we designate a day to be Christmas Eve and a Day to be Christmas. For our Christmas day this year we enjoyed a Snow Globe themed dinner.
Arrangement: Snow Globe – my Mom planned this and niece helped her create it.
Special on Table: Christmas Crackers, Scratch Off Lotto
Snow Globe Favor: I came up with the concept. When I went to the Dollar Tree to look for something to use, I found snow globe kits! I also found mini trees at the Dollar Tree. I used my labeler to add names. I made Royal Icing and assembled with a Lindt Chocolate Snowman, mini tree, and shredded coconut. The Royal Icing did not get a hard as usual (maybe since I put the globe on before drying). It made it easy for people to remove and eat their chocolate after the meal. Afterwards, I was able to easily wash off the icing and can use in the future with something else.
Tablecloth: Embroidered Christmas tablecloth given to use by an old neighbor
Dishes: Blue Floral
Drinks: Snow Globe Cocktail – we did our own version of this with plastic glasses
Garlic Bread: We bought bread from Leo’s Bakery and then added butter, garlic powder, and a little dried parsley. Wrapped in foil and baked in oven while lasagna was cooking.
Lasagna: Niece made her delicious lasagna with homemade ricotta she made.
Lemon Asparagus: Boiled asparagus with butter, lemon juice, lemon zest, and salt
This was a memorable meal! We all worked together to make it beautiful and delicious. It is fun to take time loved recipes and add a twist with themed table decorations. As usual, it was special for the four of us to spend time together.
No scratch off lotto winners amongst us this year.
When my niece visited before Christmas we bought this cute Woodland Animal Gingerbread house kit. She seemed to enjoy decorating and assembled it. I made Royal Icing. My Mom helped with styling the fake snow and provided lights to use. It looks festive sitting on the buffet in my dining room next to my Log Cabin.
Look here to see all of my past Gingerbread creations and the creations others made with a little assistance from me.
I did not make this house. I gave guidance and facilitated the making of it by the 16 year old daughter of an acquaintance. She did a fantastic job! In my Gingerbread Repository it is after my creations in the section titled, “OTHERS”.
Gingerbread house: She took this template and modified it a little.
Left Side: Gingerbread Men – Orange bell pepper, Cheddar (smoked paprika details attached with a toothpick and a little water), sweet potato cut with a cookie cutter then roasted, pesto
Top Right: Cashews
Bottom Right: Gingerbread Man – Peach cut with a cookie cutter, cinnamon details attached with a toothpick and peach juice, blueberries
Left Side: Santa – Cooked Nishiki rice pressed into a cookie cutter with plastic wrap, Hat – Tomato sauce, Eyes – Cucumber skin cut with a straw, Nose – Black olive, Mouth – Radish, peas
Top Right: Green grapes, Brazil nuts
Bottom Right: Ho Ho Ho – Radish cut with a cookie cutter, Romaine lettuce
My parents and I enjoyed this cute and delicious meal. I planned the concept several years ago but finally got around to making it. If I made the exact same meal again the only thing I would change is to add a garnish of face and body details to the gingerbread men.
Ravioli: I used my favorite pasta dough, filling – Ricotta, Asiago, Parmesan, salt and pepper, (I made and put in freezer), boiled just before serving, served with an apple cider reduction (apple cider boiled until reduced).
Shaved Parmesan Brussels Sprouts: I somewhat followed this. I chopped the brussels sprouts in a food processor and didn’t use the panko. Garnished with Parmesan cheese and toasted pecans.
This year I checked another theme off my Gingerbread House to-do list! I made a pretzel log cabin. Rustic is not my normal design aesthetic (perhaps that is why I did not do a log or thatched roof). I am delighted with this beautiful house!
Walls: Gingerbread covered with Synder’s of Hanover Dipping Sticks Pretzels
Windows: Syyder’s of Hanover Butter Snaps (yellow Juicy Fruit gum behind window)
Door: Pretzel Sticks Doorknob: Jumbo sprinkle
Roof Shingles: Doublemint Gum (painted with green food coloring)
Chimney: Chocolate Candy Rocks
LANDSCAPING
Pathway: Candy rocks
Trees: Sugar Ice Cream Cones covered with Shredded Wheat mixed with Green Candy Melts (see note at end)
Snow: White Royal Icing
Note: This was my first time making Shredded Wheat Ice Cream Cone trees. I melted 1 cup of Green Candy melts in the microwave. I then mixed in 1 1/2 cups Shredded Wheat large biscuits (one whole sleeve – 3) crushed by hand into small pieces. I was able to make about 3 trees with 1 batch. It is messy to make and a little bit fiddly but I am pleased with the result.
Back by popular demand… I once again have a cookie tray with 5 different types of cookies. It may look like 6 since the rum balls are rolled in either cocoa or confectionary sugar.
Rum Balls – This was my second time making Rum balls. I rolled some in powered sugar, some in cocoa powder. My family wanted them again.
Cut-out Sugar Cookies – My Mom requested these and suggested that I make trees this year. They turned out cute.
Salted Caramel Stuffed Chocolate Cookies – This was my first time making them. I had some issues with the caramel bursting out while making. Also this is the only one that is not supposed to be in the freezer. The balls of dough are in the freezer ready to be baked on demand. They are delicious and we will see how the chocolate lovers in my family like them.
Cranberry Shortbread Bells – The recipe suggested stars, I thought bells would be fun. This is my first time making these.
Left Side: Candy Canes – Red bell pepper, white Cheddar (smoked paprika details attached with a toothpick and a little water), white potato cut with a cookie cutter then roasted (then rubbed with paprika), pesto
Left Side: Christmas Trees – Hand pie – I made my own butter pie crust, for the filling I used frozen ginger and reduced the curry by half (I cut the tree and stars with cookie cutters)
I took 2 years off after I bought my house, but I am back again making gingerbread for the Eastman Museum. This is my 6th year (non-consecutive). I am happy to participate again and am already planning my creation for next year. The photo above shows my creation and my gingerbread “neighbors”. The other photos are a selection of some of my favorites from the exhibition.
This year was my 6th year (non-consecutive) to make gingerbread for Sweet Creations at the Eastman Museum. In my continuing quest to try different things, I have a greenhouse attached to the house with a widow’s walk. It is my first time making green grass in gingerbread (my niece did it a few years ago).
The auction to benefit the museum is online. Go here to see all of the creations and to place a bid.
My Mom and I prepared a Vegetarian Thanksgiving at my home. My mom did the menu planning since originally we were going to have Thanksgiving at her home in Delmar, NY. There were 6 of us this year, Mom, Dad, Carol, me, an old friend and his 14 year old daughter. He helped me take some photos during the meal. It was wonderful since I always struggle to take decent photos and put a meal on the table. My parents made the beautiful turkey themed napkin / place card holders. I created the menu card at my Mom’s request. She wanted leaves and pumpkins on it.
Vegetable Wellington (I used frozen Puffed Pastry with homemade pesto, goat cheese, roasted zucchini, red bell pepper and asparagus), served with Citrus Beurre Blanc sauce
I made this little Turkey themed cheese ball for myself. I am not sure that it looks like a turkey but it was fun to make and eat.
Turkey – Cream cheese mixed with finely shredded cheese then roll into a ball. Cover cheese ball with chopped pecans. Eyes – Dried blueberries, Beak – Red bell pepper attached with spaghetti, Feathers – Yellow, red, and orange bell pepper
Over the summer when I was in Kyoto, I ate one slice of lotus root pesto pizza. I was with a group and everyone had a slice of the 6 slice pizza. Since that night, I have been dreaming of eating more of that delicious pizza. I finally got around to making it, Wegmans does not sell lotus root so I had to make an extra trip to an Asian Market about 15 minutes away. I invited Carol over to join me for the lotus root pizza. It was her first time eating lotus root. She also enjoyed. I first ate lotus root in 1992 and it is one of my favorite tempura choices. I even made it at the sample food class in Tokyo.
Lotus Root Pesto Pizza: Homemade pizza dough, homemade pesto, peeled sliced lotus root, parmesan cheese – bake until crust is golden brown. Toast pine nuts. add after baking as a garnish.
Lotus Root Chips: Thinly slice peeled lotus root, fry until golden
For a awhile, I thought about having a birthday banner that matched my dining room to use when I host birthday meals for friends or myself. I finally make one!
Felt: Joanne Fabric’s thicker felt
String: DMC Pearl Cotton
Lettering: Ariel Black, 300 (printed then used as a pattern)
Spacer: Flower that I freehand drew for template
Method: I decided to hand sew the letters onto the felt background pieces since I wanted a hand project that took some time. It did not take a lot of time and was enjoyable to sew.
It was hot this year. 74 degrees! My first trick-or-treater arrived around 6:10 pm and by 7:40 pm I was out of treats. I prepared 30 bags plus the one wrapped book for my 3 year old neighbor. See photos below for what I put in the bag – assorted full size candy, a sticker sheet, and small chocolate. The children and parents were all very polite and thankful. Only one kid asked if they could have more than one bag, and their parent quickly said no. I like giving out bags since the kids are delighted and it eliminates the rare child trying to grab multiple pieces.
Awhile ago, I made the stuffed pepper with a wonderful pepper from my former sister-in-law’s garden. I stuffed it with mashed cauliflower and cheese. Delicious!
Today I got a Halloween cheese tray from Wegmans and enjoyed it for lunch, dinner, and beyond.
I carved my pumpkin at Renae’s pumpkin carving party last Sunday. Photos from the party are below.
I made this cute bat cheeseball for myself. I was inspired by this.
Bat – Cream cheese mixed with finely shredded cheese formed into a ball. Roll in cocoa powder. Eyes – dried blueberries, Wings – Blue Corn Tortilla Chips
Pasta, Blue Cheese and Beets has been a favorite combination of mine for nearly 20 years. I don’t feature it here as often as my favorite Peanut Noodles but maybe I should find more unique ways to prepare this meal.
It is sad that Dame Maggie Smith recently died. Renae and I decided to have a themed dinner together and watch her last movie (The Miracle Club) in my media room. The meal had slight hints from 3 of her performances: Harry Potter, Downtown Abbey, and Sister Act.
Witch Hat Cucumber Sandwiches – Pumpernickel bread cut with a cookie cutter, Boursin Garlic and Fine Herbs cheese, thinly sliced cucumber cut with the same cookie cutter (see image below)
Carrot Ribbons with Cashews
Cheddar Scones with Whipped Pumpkin Spice honey – This scone recipe was fantastic! I made it ahead then put it in the freezer until baking. I served them with the Whipped Pumpkin Spice Honey I keep raving about.
Apple Fool with Musical Note Chocolate – No recipe for this one. I sautéed peeled apples with a little butter, cinnamon, and maple syrup. After it cooled I spooned the apples into the bottom of small glass yogurt jars, topped with fresh whipped cream (no sugar or vanilla), topped with melted chocolate musical notes that I set in the refrigerator.
My critique of the meal:
I was impressed how we were able to plan a weeknight themed meal that was doable but special. We enjoyed the meal, movie, and shared time together.
Last weekend, my nearly 26 year old niece came over for a visit and meal. It was the perfect time to use a ginkgo shaped rice mold I bought at Kappabashi in Tokyo. I also incorporated Pumpkin Spice whipped honey into the meal. I found it recently and am a little addicted. On the jar it says, “It’s like a cozy honey hug with every spoonful!”
Ginkgo Leaf – Nishiki rice shaped with a metal rice mold, broiled cheddar on top
Falling Ginkgo Leaves – Sauteed onion, broccoli, snow peas with a little olive oil and soy sauce, roasted sweet potatoes cut with a cookie cutter, parsnips cut with a cookie cutter, cashews
I made this meal for myself, it was delicious and I expect it will become part of my usual meal rotation. I even garnished the side and drink! Garnish elevates a meal. I don’t often take the time to plan / do it but I am happy with the results when I garnish.
Broccoli and Chickpea Parmesan – I didn’t use thyme and used fresh mozzarella. Also, I cut the broccoli into florets, did not use a skillet and assembled into individual portions on my foil lined cookie sheet and baked the cheese and topping on top of the broccoli and chickpeas.
When looking for something new to create for my Fall / Autumn collection, I was inspired by this fruit salad.
Contents: Oak Leaves – Cantaloupe cut with a cookie cutter, Maple Leaves – Watermelon cut with a cookie cutter, blackberries, green grapes, ricotta cheese with cinnamon
Today is my Dad’s birthday. Last weekend we celebrated his birthday at my parent’s Lake House. Carol celebrated with us. When I asked my Dad what dessert he wanted, he said, “Peach Pie”. I immediately thought of my ex-mother-in-laws peach pie. It is straightforward to make but special. I actually had her recipe and it came out wonderful! I think it was the hit of the meal. We are still talking about that pie. My family is spoiled by my homemade ravioli – while delicious it has become ordinary to them.
Note: The birds candle holders we used in the pie, are from before I was born. They are historical to my family. The Happy 81 balloons are from the Dollar Tree – they come with little straws to blow air into to inflate.
Dishes: Certified International Mountain Retreat
Homemade Spinach Ravioli with Pesto Cream – I used my favorite pasta dough, filling – Ricotta, Parmesan, Spinach leaves chopped in a food processor, salt and pepper, (I made the ravioli a week ahead and put them in the freezer), boiled just before serving. Pesto Cream – homemade pesto mixed with sour cream.
I made this meal for my college friend Dan’s daughter Anna. Dan and his family joined me and my parents at the Lake House a few weeks ago. When I asked Anna what theme lunch she wanted she said, “Hatsune Miku“. In the photo below, Anna is wearing a Hatsune Miku t-shirt and holding the themed meal. I am happy that Anna was thrilled with this bento!
Eclectic Lamb 
You must be logged in to post a comment.