I feel like this weekend was so busy I didn't have a chance to sit down and enjoy anything. That's sad. I wanted to blog after each day because they were fun!
"ball"
Saturday we went to the Gartenshau, an open park. They had an underwater adventure of pumpkins on display and I've been wanting to take the kids since I heard of it back in September. I LOVED it and I think everyone else could agree. Nick even said we will have to go back more often. Watching Xander explore and touch everything was awesome. He's learning. He's growing. He's becoming so big! Everything was a "ball" that day, even the dinosaurs. So cute!
Xander ran through almost the entire park. We were there for 2 hours. You'd think he would have been tired, but this kid said 'heck no' to a nap that day!
Stood still to take a picture with the whale
and even though she had a 'ride' through the park, I had to sneak in the dolphin with her
"ball"
this little dinosaur was so cute he wanted to climb on it
sitting on a rock while brother runs around
finally got them together
so precious, holding hands!
the pumpkin contest, the largest pumpkin wins!
trying to take pictures of two little ones is nearly impossible to get a decent one...oh well
in between our family shots, playing with daddy...
and ripping moms face off! Thanks Sterling, love you too, ha!
I'm so excited about this day though because we finally have a great family photo that we will make our Christmas cards with. Seeing the picture has brought a smile to my face every day since because this is our 2nd picture with all of us in the 7 months that Sterling's been here. That's sad! I think if we were in the states, we'd have had them done long before, but over here the photography is really really expensive. I can't see spending over $500 on pictures, that's a bit extreme in my eyes. So, we set up the self timer and did it ourselves. It works, for now!
Sunday:
I went grocery shopping solo. Came back and started on dinner. I was making the meat pies and bread with yogurt and cucumber sauce for Nick. I've been nervous to make it for him because he's so critical on new recipes. Well, he LOVED them! Next time I make them though, I will double the batch so we have enough for leftovers. This is one yummy leftover and there were only 2 of each left.
Have you ever bought grocery's and got home only to realize the bagger person left an item in the store? Well of all things, my cucumber was left! I had to have it so off to the store I went again. It was a quick trip, but still, I was not looking to go back out. It's frustrating that I pay for an item (only 77c), but still, and I don't come home with it. It's happened a few times here.
Here are the recipes I use. I adapted them from different recipes on the internet and from my neighbor and adjusted them to work for me...
Bread:
3 c. unbleached better for bread flour
1 tsp salt
1 tbsp sugar
2 tsp active yeast
3 tbsp EVOO
1 1/4 c. warm water (you want the water to be baby bottle warm)
Add yeast, pinch of sugar and 1/4 c warm water. Sit for 5 minutes until bubbly
In a large mixing bowl, add flour, salt, sugar, 1 tbsp EVOO and the yeast mixture. Mix well. Add the remaining warm water until the dough has formed a nice elasticity. Let knead in stand mixer for 10 minutes.
In another bowl, not glass or stainless steel, add 1 tbsp evoo and spread all around the bowl. Add the dough and sprinkly evoo on top of dough. cover bowl with saran wrap and place in microwave for 2 hours.
Place flour on working surface, add dough and knead for 10 minutes. Break off even pieces. depending what you're making and how big or much you want will determine the size and quantity of your pieces. I make about 15 balls. Cover balls with 2 kitchen towels and rest for an hour.
Pre-heat oven to 500F(250C). Place a ball on your baking sheet and flatten to 4-5 inch circle (for bread). 6-8 inch circles (for meat pie).
For bread topping, put 1/3 tsp of manakeesh topping and sprinkle evoo and smear around the dough piece. Bake for 2-3 minutes.
For meat pie, add meat mixture on top of dough and shape into triangles (my preference). pinch dough closed. Bake for 3-5 minutes.
Manakeesh topping:
1 tsp thyme
1 tsp oregano
1 tsp sesame seeds
EVOO
Combine all ingredients to thick texture. (this is why you add a little sprinkle on top of the dough right before baking, to help smear it around better and moisten the dough.)
Meat Pie:
1 pound of ground beef (lamb would be really good too)
3 garlic gloves, minced
1 tsp mint, finely chopped
1 tsp parsley, finely chopped
1/4 c. onion
1 tsp pepper
1 tsp arabic spice mix
1/4 c. pine nuts, chopped and toasted
1/4 tsp pepper flakes (because we like heat)
Really easy...combine all ingredients and cook well. Drain and set aside.
Spice Mix (for meat)
1 tbsp black pepper
4 tsp paprika
2 tsp ground cumin
1/2 tsp ground coriander
1/4 tsp allspice
1 tsp ground cinnamon
1/2 tsp ground cardamom
I mixed all these together and put in a container. It will make many uses so you can always cut the recipe down.
And if this task of making this meal, takes 4+ hours, I had homework and house chores to do. Plus, of course caring for the kids and keeping them entertained so all this could happen. That was a chore...ha!
and the kids by my side as I type this post...ha!
No comments:
Post a Comment