As we ease into the middle of November, Thanksgiving looms pretty large. Very slowly, we’re gearing up. With a small group expected, we’re planning to simplify things by skipping some of the tired Thanksgiving staples (Sweet potato casserole, I’m looking at you). But you know, you can’t just ditch a holiday favorite without a replacement waiting in the wings, so I’ve been trying out sweet potato recipes all week. [Read more…]
salted caramel blondies and an election day bake sale for victims of sandy
In the days after Sandy blew through town, it was hard to tell from the looks of our neighborhood, which had only suffered through a few hours of lost cable and internet, that there had been a natural disaster at all. It was comforting to assume that even though other parts of the city and region got it worse, the situation was well in hand and everyone would be back in their homes, rebuilding the boardwalks, and putting things back in order shortly. Last Sunday, though, while Elizabeth watched the girls, I met up with a crew organized by a local merchant and drove out to the Rockaway Beach Surf Club to volunteer.
What I saw on the beach was a lot different from what I imagined. [Read more…]
apple upside-down cornmeal cakes
Weeks, and perhaps a lifetime, ago we went apple picking. It was one of those chilly, perfect fall days with clear blue skies. We were late in getting to apples this year, and found only Mutsus left on the trees. No matter, we happily filled up our bag with these crisp, bright, mildly sweet apples. [Read more…]
sandy
For starters, we are all just fine.
But with so many lives devastated by the storm, our sense of relief is tempered by concern for friends near and far. If you’re concerned too, consider giving to the Red Cross, or, if you’re in the city, maybe even lend a hand. Click here for a round-up of Brooklyn-related volunteer opportunities, or check Twitter for folks in need.
Although I’ve been in the city long enough to experience everything from blackouts to blizzards, Irene to subway strikes, I’ve never seen anything of this scale. [Read more…]
detour
In the continually-evolving saga of life with two kids, we find ourselves, once again, at the hospital. This time around, we’re here for our 5 year-old. She gave us a serious scare, but got better quickly, and will likely be heading home tomorrow. And that’s really good, because we like her there. [Read more…]