Purim Basket: Biscotti

Wishing you all the most happiest Purim!!

Here's my take on this year's shalach manos:

The labels read,"Cinnamon Chocolate Biscotti - here's to the last of winter's cozy tea-times...".

Thought it'd be fun to shake things up a bit (everyone will be getting plenty of pre-packaged hamantashen, wine, and candies) - so I decided to give out some goodies that I know I would love to receive! Made some yummy biscotti (recipe forthcoming!), added a few bags of Organic Chai Tea, and wrapped it up with some craft raffia (i had leftover from Freida's birthday bubbles) - creating a simple, last minute, totally, deliciously-cozy purim-basket re-vamp! : )

(had to throw in some pre-wrapped chocolate in order for it to actually constitute as a purim mitzvah...)

P.S Mason Jars totally rock!!

PARTY HARDY!!!

Puzzles of PB&J

Lunch time goes totally rad! Match & Munch set $16.95

Organic Fruit Mashups!

It's been a few days... apologies for the lack of posts; been kinda out of commission here. I think Freida may have the respiratory virus that is going around... the coughing won't stop!! I think I'll take her in to the doctor later today.... Anyways, I was doing a few (very old, totally procrastinated) returns/exchanges at BabiesRUs last week, and it was just one of the those trips - baby won't stop kvetching, my snack supply (a.k.a "Freida's retail entertainment") is running out, and I can't seem to find what I'm looking for. Naturally I head over to the food/snack isle to find some goodies to keep the tot busy, and I made a wonderful discovery! A kosher squeezable fruit (I have always had my eye on the Trader Joe's version - wondering why it can't be kosher)!! From the company Revolution Foods, this great product is called Mashups. It's basically a squeezable apple sauce, made from 100% organic fruits, and totally void of: added sugar, transfats, high fructose corn syrup, or artificial ingredients. The kid-safe resealable cap makes this the easiest, squeeziest snack to throw in your bag, the glove compartment,  their luchbox etc. Bonus points for the yumminess - Freida literally slurped happily on the stuff until I finished my toy store errands.

After Hours: Table for Two

When a "date night" doesn't quite fit into the weeks agenda, or when it's obviously necessary that we need some together-time (stat!); we sneak in a little last minute "table for two". Simple to set up, quick to cook, and easy to execute! Yes, I know we only have a 15 month old at home, and I know we have only been married for a few years... Yes, I know it gets harder and harder to make these things happen, but everyone agrees that the harder it gets to set aside time together - the more desperately it's needed! So, here's a little scheme that works for us. After the kids are asleep, set up a little wine 'n dine table for two - and savor some "dating" action right at your own kitchen table! There's something beautiful about a meal that serves only two, and something magical about gazing at each other through glowing candlelight (even if the baby monitor is right next to you). With some extra effort you can jazz up the family dinner for you romantic evening later, or you can cook up some special (keep it easy!) recipes ahead of time. My dinner-for-two menu of choice is: soup, salad, and steak (the soup and salad you can borrow from dinnertime, and the steaks I defrost the night before, stick in a ziploc bag to marinate all day, and throw in on broil for all of 10 min)!! I pick up a bottle of wine from Trader Joe's during my afternoon walk with Freida, and my husband and I have a beautiful last-minute dinner to be enjoyed à deux. So when you can't fit in the time to go out - sneak in some time to stay in!

Food & Function

In the spirit of the Puj Baby Folding Infant Bath post (which got lots of great feedback), I wanted to share some kitchen utensils in the same vein. Sleek, modern, colorful, and functional - Joseph Joseph Kitchenwares delivers the ultimate food prep experience. I'm sure you have seen some of their products (you've definitely come across the colorful nesting bowls!), as their unique ability to match form and function has earned them global recognition for their multi-award-winning designs. Here's a few of my favorites:

1. Folding Colander $20.00

my kitchen version of the Puj Baby : )

2. Nesting Bowls (8) $50.00

my favorite prep/mixing/(even) serving bowls - oh-so-cheerful!

3. Compact Herb Chopper $25.00

makes gourmet garnishes a (teeny-tiny) breeze!

4. Cutting Board Index $65.00

cross-contamination obliteration.

5. Square Colander $11.00

stop wishing you had a third hand - just use one!

6. Fold Flat Grater $20.00

space saving grace.