There's nothing like spending a Saturday morning at a good Little League baseball game! And, it's even better when you're watching that special little guy out on the field!
Whether it's a son, nephew, grandson...or in this case, a friend's son who you've known long before he was able to bat, it's exciting watching that special kid's every move! It's also one of the most nerve-wracking experiences, as I hold my breath each time the ball flies in his direction!
At some point, you do take notice of all the little ones, wearing their black Nike sneakers and clay stained baggy pants. The boy on first base stands in a striking "V" pose, ready to bolt with the crack of the bat! His cheeks are red and sweaty, under the large blue helmet. At a quick glance, he resembles one of those baseball statues with the wobbly head!
The dug-out is in a frenzy, as the team spots a little field mouse darting around their gear. All the boys go scurrying, except the one who just keeps guzzling his purple power aid drink!
My special boy was having a tough day, as his bat was just not connecting with the ball! As the evil "man" pitcher struck him out, I could see the disappointment on his face as he sluggishly walked off the field. It took every ounce of energy and adult self-control for me not to go out there and take down the pitcher! But I calmed down, and reminded myself that it was just a game...as long as they had fun! Deep inside, though, my heart broke for my special boy!
The most omnipotent player was the catcher. He was calm and confident in his squat position. It didn't matter how weighed down he was with his shiny red leg guards, black chest vest, and full face mask. He seemed like the man of the team...until he came running off the field saying, "Hi, Mommy" as he buzzed past the bleachers!
I sat there in disbelief, as I saw him whip out the plastic "protective gear" from the front of his pants, and pass it to another player. Could it be...they actually SHARE their protective gear???? Or was it my imagination that he passed the "cup"? There are some things us girls never dealt with in softball league!
As the game came to an end, and the two teams ran parallel giving each other "good game slaps", I saw my little guy grinning from ear to ear. Coach gave him the game ball because he completed one of the most valuable plays! Finally, I could breathe easily again...until, of course, the playoffs!
In honor of the catcher who passed the "cup", we give you the recipe for several cups...of chili! This is a special chili from Mama Melisi, which is mild and non spicy. If you want to spice it up, just add several drops of hot sauce to the recipe below. Again, we give it to you with love!
From Mama Melisi and Me
Chili
Ingredients:
1 lb ground sirloin (you can substitute ground turkey if you wish)
1 medium sized onion
3-4 cloves fresh garlic
1 small can Del Monte diced tomatoes (flavored with garlic and olive oil)
1 small can Progresso black beans
salt
pepper
parsley flakes
1 cup boiled white rice
Preparation:
Dice the onion and fresh garlic and saute in a light oil till golden in color
Add the chopped meat of your choice and brown until medium cooked, stirring as you go along
Add the diced tomatoes, and some salt, pepper, and parsley flakes
Add 1can of drained black beans
Simmer for about 20 minutes
While the mixture is simmering, boil your rice until fluffy
Drain rice and place on plate
Serve chili over the rice
**Add 1 tablespoon of the hot sauce of your choice if you like your chili spicy!
Sunday, October 31, 2010
Sunday, October 24, 2010
The Great Pumpkin Bread
Although I'm one of the many who has been sucked in to a quick-paced lifestyle, and the cyclone of advanced technology, I still value simple traditions. And this time of year, it's the search for the perfect pumpkin!
South Florida is not the ideal place for pumpkin patches...too much sun, and those lovely round faces rot before Halloween! If I remember correctly, the place to go for a pumpkin was Chestnut Ridge Road in Bergen County, New Jersey!
It seems like yesterday, that the family would ride the Garden State Parkway to the last exit before New York State. Five minutes off the highway, and you had your choice of either Tices Farms or Van Ripers!
Both farms operated since at least the 1800s. And each year the competition was on for the best Apple Cider Donuts!
If you were lucky, the foliage would be at its peak...deep reds, bright golds, burnt oranges, against a backdrop of brilliant blue sky! The air was crisp, and the families came in droves!
Strolling between the two farms, you could see the red barns lined with haystacks, and
overflowing bushel barrels of apples. The apple cider stand had large, sweet smelling barrels, dumping fresh cider into neat rows of plastic gallons. Bags of warm donuts beckoned. The hayride kept circling back for new groups to go on its bumpy adventure. And, of course, there was the winding patch of pumpkins, offering every size, painted and unpainted. The challenge was on to find that clean, unbruised prize possession...ready to be displayed on your front porch or window!
Sadly, after years of excursions, both farms have closed down, only to be replaced by a supermarket, and an upscale shopping strip. While I don't have anything against J Crew or Victoria Secret, this time of year, I do long for life's treasured traditions, and the great pumpkin patches of Chestnut Ridge Road!
You can still bake great pumpkin bread with Mama Melisi's 40 year old recipe! Either way, fresh or canned, it is delicious! We give you the recipe, with love!
From Mama Melisi and Me
Pumpkin Bread
Ingredients:
1 1/2 cups sugar
1 2/3 cups flour
2 eggs
1 cup pumpkin (canned)
1/2 cup canola or vegetable oil
1/2 cup water
1/2 tsp salt
1 tsp baking soda
1 tsp baking powder
1 tsp nutmeg
1 tsp cinnamon
1/2 cup chopped walnuts
1/2 cup white or dark raisins
Preparation:
Add ingredients one at a time in an electric mixing bowl
(Dry ingredients do not have to be sifted)
Mix after each addition
Preheat oven to 350 degrees
Spray 2 bread pans (4 x 8 size) with pam or any baking spray
Bake for 45 minutes to 1 hour until done
Check with a cake tester
Preparation if you use Fresh Pumpkin:
Scrub pumpkin with hot water
Cut in quarters
Scoop out seeds
Put quarters in roasting pan
Fill pan about half way with water
Cover with foil
Bake 400 degrees for 45 minutes to 1 hour
Spoon pulp out of skin
Drain pulp well in colander
Puree pumpkin in a blender or food processor
Drain again
*You can freeze fresh pumpkin in 1 cup containers for future breads!
South Florida is not the ideal place for pumpkin patches...too much sun, and those lovely round faces rot before Halloween! If I remember correctly, the place to go for a pumpkin was Chestnut Ridge Road in Bergen County, New Jersey!
It seems like yesterday, that the family would ride the Garden State Parkway to the last exit before New York State. Five minutes off the highway, and you had your choice of either Tices Farms or Van Ripers!
Both farms operated since at least the 1800s. And each year the competition was on for the best Apple Cider Donuts!
If you were lucky, the foliage would be at its peak...deep reds, bright golds, burnt oranges, against a backdrop of brilliant blue sky! The air was crisp, and the families came in droves!
Strolling between the two farms, you could see the red barns lined with haystacks, and
overflowing bushel barrels of apples. The apple cider stand had large, sweet smelling barrels, dumping fresh cider into neat rows of plastic gallons. Bags of warm donuts beckoned. The hayride kept circling back for new groups to go on its bumpy adventure. And, of course, there was the winding patch of pumpkins, offering every size, painted and unpainted. The challenge was on to find that clean, unbruised prize possession...ready to be displayed on your front porch or window!
Sadly, after years of excursions, both farms have closed down, only to be replaced by a supermarket, and an upscale shopping strip. While I don't have anything against J Crew or Victoria Secret, this time of year, I do long for life's treasured traditions, and the great pumpkin patches of Chestnut Ridge Road!
You can still bake great pumpkin bread with Mama Melisi's 40 year old recipe! Either way, fresh or canned, it is delicious! We give you the recipe, with love!
From Mama Melisi and Me
Pumpkin Bread
Ingredients:
1 1/2 cups sugar
1 2/3 cups flour
2 eggs
1 cup pumpkin (canned)
1/2 cup canola or vegetable oil
1/2 cup water
1/2 tsp salt
1 tsp baking soda
1 tsp baking powder
1 tsp nutmeg
1 tsp cinnamon
1/2 cup chopped walnuts
1/2 cup white or dark raisins
Preparation:
Add ingredients one at a time in an electric mixing bowl
(Dry ingredients do not have to be sifted)
Mix after each addition
Preheat oven to 350 degrees
Spray 2 bread pans (4 x 8 size) with pam or any baking spray
Bake for 45 minutes to 1 hour until done
Check with a cake tester
Preparation if you use Fresh Pumpkin:
Scrub pumpkin with hot water
Cut in quarters
Scoop out seeds
Put quarters in roasting pan
Fill pan about half way with water
Cover with foil
Bake 400 degrees for 45 minutes to 1 hour
Spoon pulp out of skin
Drain pulp well in colander
Puree pumpkin in a blender or food processor
Drain again
*You can freeze fresh pumpkin in 1 cup containers for future breads!
Sunday, October 17, 2010
The Candy Caper, and the Kindergarten Kid!
Although working in the school system poses its challenges, once in a while you experience something that really makes you chuckle. Here's a fun memory from over twenty years ago.
Two students were up in the main office. The first student, who was older, simply refused to do his work in class. The second student looked like he might be in kindergarten.
Both students were housed in the Assistant Principal's Office. The older one was working on a vocabulary sheet. Oddly, each time he was stuck on a word, I noticed that the kindergarten student read it to him. At first, I thought his word recognition was sheer luck. Then I noticed that he not only was reading isolated words, but he began reading complete paragraphs to the older student!
Looking at the "K Kid" in disbelief, I said to him, "Why were you sent up to the Office?" With a sheepish expression, and wide eyes, he answered, "Because I urinated outside!" I thought to myself, "Holy smokes...since when does a kindergarten kid use the word, urinated!" Again, I asked him a question, "Who taught you the word urinated...your teacher?" He whispered back, "No, my mommy taught me...she didn't like me saying the piss word!"
I quickly exited the office for fear of bursting out laughing. After two or three minutes, I came back in the room, and my gifted "K Kid" asked to use the bathroom. I thought, boy this kid urinates a lot!
Before the day was through, the "K Kid" went back to class, promising, from that moment on, that he would follow the rules, listen to the teacher, and urinate only in the toilet! He was so convincing, that I not only believed that he would transform, but that he would also be chosen as the next Kid of Character!
I returned to the office, only to discover that the older student snitched on his Kindergarten counterpart. While I was out of the room containing myself, the "K Kid" dipped into the Halloween pumpkin filled with candy. I thought to myself, "No...he couldn't have been that quick." I actually defended the "K Kid", until minutes later, several candy wrappers were discovered floating in the clinic toilet bowl!
After 20 years in the school system, I have truly learned my lesson. NEVER trust a "K Kid" who properly uses the word, "urinate"!
Since the "K Kid" obviously has a sweet tooth, today we give you a quick and easy recipe for Toffee. Again, we give this to you with love,
From Mama Melisi and Me
Toffee
Ingredients:
1 1/2 sticks of margarine or butter
1 cup chopped walnuts
3/4 cup brown sugar
1/2 cup semi sweet chocolate chips
1 pie plate (8 inches)
Preparation:
Rub the pie pan very well with the 1/2 stick margarine or butter
Spread the cup of chopped walnuts over the margarine or butter
Melt 1 stick margarine or butter in a saucepan
Add the brown sugar
Boil and stir constantly for 7 minutes
Pour this mixture over the nuts
Sprinkle with the chocolate chips
Cover the pie plate with foil and let sit for 5 minutes or until chocolate chips are melted
Spread the melted chocolate evenly and let cool
When firm to the touch, cut into squares
Enjoy!
Two students were up in the main office. The first student, who was older, simply refused to do his work in class. The second student looked like he might be in kindergarten.
Both students were housed in the Assistant Principal's Office. The older one was working on a vocabulary sheet. Oddly, each time he was stuck on a word, I noticed that the kindergarten student read it to him. At first, I thought his word recognition was sheer luck. Then I noticed that he not only was reading isolated words, but he began reading complete paragraphs to the older student!
Looking at the "K Kid" in disbelief, I said to him, "Why were you sent up to the Office?" With a sheepish expression, and wide eyes, he answered, "Because I urinated outside!" I thought to myself, "Holy smokes...since when does a kindergarten kid use the word, urinated!" Again, I asked him a question, "Who taught you the word urinated...your teacher?" He whispered back, "No, my mommy taught me...she didn't like me saying the piss word!"
I quickly exited the office for fear of bursting out laughing. After two or three minutes, I came back in the room, and my gifted "K Kid" asked to use the bathroom. I thought, boy this kid urinates a lot!
Before the day was through, the "K Kid" went back to class, promising, from that moment on, that he would follow the rules, listen to the teacher, and urinate only in the toilet! He was so convincing, that I not only believed that he would transform, but that he would also be chosen as the next Kid of Character!
I returned to the office, only to discover that the older student snitched on his Kindergarten counterpart. While I was out of the room containing myself, the "K Kid" dipped into the Halloween pumpkin filled with candy. I thought to myself, "No...he couldn't have been that quick." I actually defended the "K Kid", until minutes later, several candy wrappers were discovered floating in the clinic toilet bowl!
After 20 years in the school system, I have truly learned my lesson. NEVER trust a "K Kid" who properly uses the word, "urinate"!
Since the "K Kid" obviously has a sweet tooth, today we give you a quick and easy recipe for Toffee. Again, we give this to you with love,
From Mama Melisi and Me
Toffee
Ingredients:
1 1/2 sticks of margarine or butter
1 cup chopped walnuts
3/4 cup brown sugar
1/2 cup semi sweet chocolate chips
1 pie plate (8 inches)
Preparation:
Rub the pie pan very well with the 1/2 stick margarine or butter
Spread the cup of chopped walnuts over the margarine or butter
Melt 1 stick margarine or butter in a saucepan
Add the brown sugar
Boil and stir constantly for 7 minutes
Pour this mixture over the nuts
Sprinkle with the chocolate chips
Cover the pie plate with foil and let sit for 5 minutes or until chocolate chips are melted
Spread the melted chocolate evenly and let cool
When firm to the touch, cut into squares
Enjoy!
Saturday, October 9, 2010
Angel Hair Pasta With Fresh Spinach...and A Little Alice Cooper!
As life progresses, there are certain obligations that tend to be more difficult than others. For me, visiting an aging family member in a nearby nursing home falls in this category.
Hilde was a vibrant and vivacious woman in her heyday. Always dressed to the nines, she was a social butterfly who had a grand smile, beautiful disposition, and kind words for the people who surrounded her. Stricken twenty years ago with Alzheimer's, at 81 she lingers in her wheel chair, barely able to eat, and mostly non-responsive to the touch and talk of those who love her.
With all of this in mind, we still visit Hilde on a regular basis, secretly hoping for that little spark that ignites once in a while, or the teardrops in her eyes that we hope show some hint of recognition!
On one of my recent visits, I was making my way to the recreation center. As I wandered down the spic and span hallway, I could hear music in the distance. I discreetly opened the double doors, and found myself on the outskirts of a large circle of wheel chairs. I quietly walked around to the other side where I saw Hilde...in her usual reclined pose...as the music played!
At a quick glance, the guy at the microphone reminded me of an aging Alice Cooper! Minus any face make-up or writhing snakes, his long, dark hair flowed down to his belt, and his nose was quite pronounced. Standing in cowboy boots and bluejeans, he was growling to his audience, clearly trying to make every wheel-chaired lady a "Pretty Woman"! And he was good!
I quickly got the feeling that he didn't care that he had an Alzheimer Unit Audience. This gig meant something to him, and he was playing with heart!
Alice closed his eyes and belted out one pop hit after another! Those magical notes rang familiar to me as he sang "Tie A Yellow Ribbon", "Cracklin Rosie", and the usual wedding song,
"Sweet Caroline" (bah, bah, bah)! And the lyrics came alive..."Hands...touching hands...reaching out...touching me...touching you"!
I glanced around at the 34 wheel chairs in the circle, and saw life! The African American woman wearing the floppy hat was bobbing her head up and down. The frail woman with the white hair, pale blue dress and matching blue socks moved her hands from side to side, and tapped her feet in perfect rhythm. The old New Yorker with the Yankee cap started flirting with the Caribbean Aide! And off in the corner was the aging couple...maybe newlyweds, maybe married forever...perfectly content sitting side by side, holding hands.
The finale was the Sinatra hit, "New York, New York". I found I felt no different than when a great Bruce Springsteen concert was over. I didn't want it to end!
Thank you, my Alice Cooper lookalike, for passionately playing for your people. I hope, when I near my final curtain, there will be someone like you, playing for me!
This post is dedicated to Hilde, still lovely deep inside...and to all who are stricken with Alzheimer's. May you have love, dignity, respect, and music in your life!
I chose a recipe that is easy on the teeth...especially if you don't have any! It's Angel Hair Pasta and Fresh Spinach. Again, we offer it to you with love!
From Mama Melisi and Me
Angel Hair Pasta and Fresh Spinach
Ingredients:
1/2 lb angel hair pasta
1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
4 cloves of garlic, sliced
2 bags fresh baby spinach (16 oz. bags)
(Serves 2 people)
Preparation:
Place a pot of salted water to boil for the pasta
Rinse the fresh spinach and place in a colander to drain
Use a large saute pan to heat the olive oil
Add the sliced garlic
Stir till golden and add the fresh spinach
Toss the spinach in the garlic and oil, and cook until wilted
(Cook to the consistency you prefer - spinach does not take long)
Cook your angel hair pasta in the boiling water
Drain and reserve a little of the pasta water
Mix the angel hair into the spinach
If too dry, add pasta water or heat some chicken broth and add
This is a very light dish and most enjoyable! It can be served with a tomato salad and crusty Italian bread. You can also add shrimp to your pasta and spinach, for a seafood delight!
Hilde was a vibrant and vivacious woman in her heyday. Always dressed to the nines, she was a social butterfly who had a grand smile, beautiful disposition, and kind words for the people who surrounded her. Stricken twenty years ago with Alzheimer's, at 81 she lingers in her wheel chair, barely able to eat, and mostly non-responsive to the touch and talk of those who love her.
With all of this in mind, we still visit Hilde on a regular basis, secretly hoping for that little spark that ignites once in a while, or the teardrops in her eyes that we hope show some hint of recognition!
On one of my recent visits, I was making my way to the recreation center. As I wandered down the spic and span hallway, I could hear music in the distance. I discreetly opened the double doors, and found myself on the outskirts of a large circle of wheel chairs. I quietly walked around to the other side where I saw Hilde...in her usual reclined pose...as the music played!
At a quick glance, the guy at the microphone reminded me of an aging Alice Cooper! Minus any face make-up or writhing snakes, his long, dark hair flowed down to his belt, and his nose was quite pronounced. Standing in cowboy boots and bluejeans, he was growling to his audience, clearly trying to make every wheel-chaired lady a "Pretty Woman"! And he was good!
I quickly got the feeling that he didn't care that he had an Alzheimer Unit Audience. This gig meant something to him, and he was playing with heart!
Alice closed his eyes and belted out one pop hit after another! Those magical notes rang familiar to me as he sang "Tie A Yellow Ribbon", "Cracklin Rosie", and the usual wedding song,
"Sweet Caroline" (bah, bah, bah)! And the lyrics came alive..."Hands...touching hands...reaching out...touching me...touching you"!
I glanced around at the 34 wheel chairs in the circle, and saw life! The African American woman wearing the floppy hat was bobbing her head up and down. The frail woman with the white hair, pale blue dress and matching blue socks moved her hands from side to side, and tapped her feet in perfect rhythm. The old New Yorker with the Yankee cap started flirting with the Caribbean Aide! And off in the corner was the aging couple...maybe newlyweds, maybe married forever...perfectly content sitting side by side, holding hands.
The finale was the Sinatra hit, "New York, New York". I found I felt no different than when a great Bruce Springsteen concert was over. I didn't want it to end!
Thank you, my Alice Cooper lookalike, for passionately playing for your people. I hope, when I near my final curtain, there will be someone like you, playing for me!
This post is dedicated to Hilde, still lovely deep inside...and to all who are stricken with Alzheimer's. May you have love, dignity, respect, and music in your life!
I chose a recipe that is easy on the teeth...especially if you don't have any! It's Angel Hair Pasta and Fresh Spinach. Again, we offer it to you with love!
From Mama Melisi and Me
Angel Hair Pasta and Fresh Spinach
Ingredients:
1/2 lb angel hair pasta
1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
4 cloves of garlic, sliced
2 bags fresh baby spinach (16 oz. bags)
(Serves 2 people)
Preparation:
Place a pot of salted water to boil for the pasta
Rinse the fresh spinach and place in a colander to drain
Use a large saute pan to heat the olive oil
Add the sliced garlic
Stir till golden and add the fresh spinach
Toss the spinach in the garlic and oil, and cook until wilted
(Cook to the consistency you prefer - spinach does not take long)
Cook your angel hair pasta in the boiling water
Drain and reserve a little of the pasta water
Mix the angel hair into the spinach
If too dry, add pasta water or heat some chicken broth and add
This is a very light dish and most enjoyable! It can be served with a tomato salad and crusty Italian bread. You can also add shrimp to your pasta and spinach, for a seafood delight!
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