Blue Sky for All

Tell me more… April 17, 2014 My little guy turns 6 today. Here’s a sampling of the stimulating conversations we’ve had over the years. Mom, you are like an elephant when you run. You stomp and make the dirt fly. That is so cool mom! (Am I supposed to feel happy?) Faint- it’s like you die but you wake up from your dying. Mom, are the Kratt Brothers real?” (The Wild Kratts is an animated PBS show based on the real-life animal conservationists Chris and Martin Kratt). Mom: Yes! Really? Mom: Yess But are they soft like Disneyland or are they hard like us? (“Hard”- now that explains us alright). Mom, my snortils are itchy. (I think he means nostrils). Finally understanding how to change the pillowcase after struggling with the process: Oh, I get it- I have to make it into a chicken nugget! Mom: What? The pillow is the chicken and the case is like the crust. (I have never looked at a pillow the same way since.) Mom, do you know what Hulap lizards are? Mom: Never heard of them. They are lizards that have a little thing that hangs around their neck. Mom: Really—that’s interesting because I swear I thought they were called Dewlap Lizards.” (Confidently) No, silly mommy! It’s called Hulap because the lizard can swing it like a hula hoop. (Come to think of it- Hulap does make more sense). Mom, bro was on his phone, showing his furry legs to a friend while you were gone. But don’t worry- I took care of it; I told her: Get outta here!!! (It’s wonderful having an innocent-looking spy watching over a teenager!) Mom, I’m sad; Logan does not like me. Mom: There will always be some people who will like you & some who won’t. And some who you will really like but who won’t like you back. I am sad again Mommy! While trying to explain to me something that happened the day before, the poor kid kept struggling with the concept of time. Finally, the gleam in his eyes alerted me that he got it! Mom: So, when did this happen again? Tomorrow-- pointing the other way. The best thing happened to Ms. O. today. Mom: Really? What? She is a grandmother! Mom: That’s awesome! Is it her son or her daughter who had the baby? It must be her daughter because men can’t lay babies-- you know. Mom: Goodbye, love- I have to leave now. Ok- Sionardo, mom. (I love my little linguist)! Happy Birthday baby! Keep smiling and make others smile- always… Simple Spaghetti (Fit for Lady Jules) September 27, 2012 1-Pound spaghetti 6 slices of bacon 1 big onion chopped ½ cup of frozen peas ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese Bring a large pot of water to a boil and add 2 tbsp. of salt. Drop the pasta into the boiling water and cook until al dente. Drain and set aside. Meanwhile, in a large pan, fry 6 slices of bacon. Discard most of the fat and roughly chop the bacon when cool enough to handle. Set aside. Add the chopped onions to the pan and cook over medium heat, stirring frequently until it begins to caramelize. Stir in the peas and cook, stirring, until it starts to brown. Add the bacon and stir to mix well. Add the pasta to the bacon/peas mixture and toss over medium heat until it is well coated. Remove from heat, stir in the cheese, and check the salt; adjust as needed and add fresh ground pepper. Serve hot. Simply delicious! Patricia Reilly’s Amazing Apple Squares This week I want to share with you a simple recipe that calls for a can of Apple Pie filling. This recipe is very versatile because it can be made with Cherry, Blueberry, or Pineapple Filling to suit the taste of your family. This crowd-pleasing recipe was sent by Katie Healey, a GMS Science Teacher. Katie has proudly shared with me what her mother, Ms. Patricia Reilly, accomplished in a strange new world- a story that most of us can relate to. Along with unshakable values entrenched in our souls are lasting memories of family and good food and subsequently many cherished recipes that we are happy to pass along from generation to generation. The Apple Squares is one such recipe and the ordinary yet exceptional history of honest, hard-working people, who called it their own, makes it a wee bit sweeter. Katie writes: “My mom came over alone by boat from Ireland at the age of 16 and lived with her Aunt and, now Canton resident, Isabella Browne who will be celebrating her 100th Birthday in January! She is an excellent cook who particularly enjoys baking for friends and family even to this day! She raised 8 children who are all adults now with their own families. Mom regularly bakes for family get-togethers and holidays and likes to make the favorites of her 20 grand children and one great granddaughter. This Apple Square recipe is one of her crowd-pleasing favorites and a favorite of many of the grand kids”! Let’s take a moment to raise our glasses to strong families and sweet treats! With mixer cream together: 2 sticks of butter 2 cups of granulated sugar 1 teaspoon of vanilla Add 4 eggs, one at a time beating well after each one. Fold in 3 cups of regular flour. Spread ½ of the dough on the bottom of a greased large cookie sheet. Spread 1 can of Apple Pie filling over it. Dot the remaining batter on top of the filling and place in a 350° oven for one minute. Remove and spread batter over fruit. Bake for 35 minutes or until golden brown. Cut into 24 squares. Delicious warmed up in the microwave with a scoop of vanilla icecream!