Confession: I’ve been on multiple tours of the new brewery at Pale Fire and I haven’t learned nit about brewing. Most likely because a toddler was wedging matchbox cars into my ear holes or needing a diaper change or having a meltdown or all three things at the same time. My long gone days at Calhoun’s Brewing, where I know I was taught about brewing, are now forgotten. But thanks to a day spent brewing with Mary Morgan (home brewer, science teacher, gardener, and most importantly, brewmaster) I finally think I know what’s going on! I won’t get into the details of brewing below; there are so many places you can learn about that. Susan Keeler of Pale Fire Brewing Co recommends The Naked Pint: An Unadulterated Guide to Craft Beer by Christina Perozzi and Hallie Beaune. I will however, be happy to tell you about a particularly awesome day spent with a group of craft beer pros who all happen to be women.
So we’ve had a pretty snowy year. As a first time mom I get sparkle eyed visions of taking my little one out to make snow angels and sled, then come inside for soft blanketed snuggles and cocoa. In reality, the more time it takes to wrestle a two year old into snow gear, the less time he or she will actually spend outside. Especially if it is still snowing and the flakes touch their face. Toddlers kept home from day care on a snow day are also primed to empty every kitchen cabinet, put refrigerator magnets into your toilet and unplug all technology devices from walls. And when you hear “uh oh,” chances are whatever they just broke was not entirely accidental. Continue reading Historically, play dough has not been a friend→
Trying to stay warm during this cold snap, we hit up the local Food Max for Shiro Miso, Dashi, enoki mushrooms and Ramen noodles. This recipe Japanese Miso Ramen Noodle Soup Recipe | Steamy Kitchen Recipes was just right. I used the ingredients above plus shiitakes, green onions, bamboo shoots, vegetable broth, eggs and Sriracha sauce. I did end up taking out the bamboo shoots though… I just can’t get around that smell. I guess they are too close to all the diaper changes I’ve done. Continue reading Ramones & Ramen: Staying Warm for the Polar Vortex→
Fred Lowery to satiate your holiday whistling HUNGER
Kate Bush needs Head and Shoulders?
Bert Jansch for the sulky, freshly jaded college student home for the holidays
Julie London would like YOU for Christmas
The De Castro Singers for thinly veiled sibling rivalry boiling beneath the surface. You do not want to be snowbound with this family.
Elisa Gabbai because sprechen sie auf Deutsch?
Monica Lewis for the traditionalist. AND check out those gams!
Asakawa Maki for a jazzy little Christmas
The Carpenters… because.
Feeling pretty cozy curled up with a blankie and throat coat tea, listening to the pouring rain outside. I’m admiring our Christmas tree, which is oddly top heavy, having relocated our ornaments higher up out of the toddler zone. I had an overwhelming desire to listen to bad radio Christmas music, but I live with a bit of a Scrooge. And I can’t really blame him either, it’s the same stuff over and over and over. But today I hit upon a crucial win for the whole family to enjoy:
