It's a Dodger Thing...

I don't know how long ago it was, but I believe with Bella we scored this Dodger T.

I love that it's been in the family for years, and it's one of those pieces I don't think I'll ever be able to get rid of.

I'm surprised it still looks brand new...

...but if Gabriel's any indication, the reason it looks so great is because by the time I realize they're finally big enough to wear it...

...their actually too big!

It's fun to come across small articles that remind you of your history, and most importantly, of your family.

Helping Hands

In May members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints will have the opportunity throughout our state to participate in Helping Hands, by going out in force to complete a project within our community. 

As I was putting this event on our family calendar, I thought how blessed I am to have "helping hands" of my very own.  While there sometimes seems to be more messes to clean up than I can count, I wouldn't trade it for the world.  They are learning everyday-as am I!-and it's surely an experience we'll all look back on fondly.

On the Same Page...

Here's a sneak peek at what any given night is like as we settle in for Family Scripture Study.  It's not always the most reverent, but we've all taken great strides in making this time special for the whole family.

It helps that everyone has their own Book of Mormon...

...and an opportunity to read.

I have to admit, there are times when Samuel and I are just too tired to see this through.  After hours of chasing these rascals around, there is nothing we'd like more than to plunk them all in bed and flop on the couch with a sigh! 

It's then that I'm grateful for what Elder Bednar recalls of him and his wife's efforts to have a gospel-centered home:

Sometimes Sister Bednar and I wondered if our efforts to do these spiritually essential things were worthwhile. Now and then verses of scripture were read amid outbursts such as “He’s touching me!” “Make him stop looking at me!” “Mom, he’s breathing my air!” 

Sincere prayers occasionally were interrupted with giggling and poking. And with active, rambunctious boys, family home evening lessons did not always produce high levels of edification. 

At times Sister Bednar and I were exasperated because the righteous habits we worked so hard to foster did not seem to yield immediately the spiritual results we wanted and expected.

He notes that what was most important about his families time together was that they were consistent in their efforts.  Not perfect, consistent!

Now that is something we can shoot for!

 

Movie Night

We are at our scraggliest best and loving every minute of hunkering down for a family flick.

This is home at it's comfiest...

Rain...

Meant a trip to the mall...

...and all things play!

For both the young...

...and the hopelessly old.

{Isabella enjoying a guilty pleasure:  

A romp in the play area that she is officially to big to be in!}

We indulged Owen's love...

...of moving stairs!

And just had an all around great time being together as a family.

I love you guys!

Stop, Drop, & Roll!

On Monday Ava came home all a-twitter and a-buzz with information from her school's fire safety training.  She had so much to share that we thought it would make for a great 

Family Home Evening Activity!

We reviewed proper safety protocol and practiced some drills including the classic:

Stop, Drop, & Roll!

At the conclusion of our meeting she presented us with a certificate!  

The Elmer Family has successfully learned the rules of fire safety and prevention and we are all official...

Jr. Fire Marshalls!

Thanks Ava!

Mr. Potato Head is tasty...

So says Gabriel.

New York Hot Patrami Sandwiches

I'm a busy mama with five beautiful children and
even though I love to cook there are nights when a quick and easy meal
is just what the doctor ordered. 

This meal was easy on mom and
an instant favorite with the family!

I hope it will be for yours too...

New York Hot Pastrami Sandwiches

Serves 4

Note:

To all you native New Yorkers who will look at my version of a New York pastrami and shudder, I apologize.  You see, I have no idea what a New York pastrami sandwich looks like, much less tastes like, because I've never been!  One day I hope to visit and experience it for myself, until then, I can dream,
and this is my humble version...

Ingredients

1 loaf of fresh baked french bread

1 1/2 lbs of deli pastrami

1 c. 2% Shredded Mozzarella

1/4 c. Light Sourcream

2 Tb. Yellow Mustard

1 Tb. Dijon Mustard
1 tsp. Salt

Freshly Ground Black Pepper

Directions

Pre-heat the oven to 400 degrees.

Using a serrated break knife, slice the french bread down the center and open flat.  Smear on the sour cream, yellow mustard, and Dijon mustard on both sides.  Layer the pastrami, season with the salt and pepper, and top with the shredded cheese.

Close the sandwich and place on a large baking sheet.  Weigh it down with a large cast-iron skillet and insert into the oven.

Bake for approximately 10-12 minutes or until the bread is toasted and the cheese is melting.

Slice and serve with your favorite cold sides.  

We love Crisp Sweet & Sour Coleslaw and a super crunch Kosher Dill!

Enjoy!

Brining

Brining

The process of brining (or soaking meat in a solution of water, salt, and sometimes sugar before cooking) vastly improves the flavor and tenderness of chicken, turkey, and pork.  As it soaks, the meat absorbs the brine, and then retains it during the cooking process resulting in extremely juicy and moist poultry and pork. 

The absolute best part about brining is that it's super-easy!  

All you need is time and some extra space in the fridge.  

One word of caution though:  

Do not brine kosher poultry, frozen injected turkeys (for example, Butterball), or enhanced pork.  These products are already pre-treated with salt, and brining would only intensify these treatments.  

To know if your produce is pre-treated, just check the label.

Ingredients

Chicken 

1 whole chicken

2 qts. cold water...1/2 c. salt...1/2 c. sugar...1/2-1 hour

4 lbs. bone-in chicken pieces 

(whole breasts, split breasts, whole legs, thighs, and/or drumsticks)

2 qts. cold water...1/2 c. salt...1/2 c. sugar...1/2-1 hour

4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (6-8 oz. each)

2 qts. cold water...1/4 c. salt...1/4 c. sugar...1/2-1 hour

Turkey

1 turkey (12-17 lbs)

2 gl. cold water...1 c. salt...6-12 hours

1 turkey (18-24 lbs)

3 gl. cold water...1 1/2 c. salt...6-12 hours

 

1 bone-in turkey breast (6-8 lbs)

1 gl. cold water...1/2 c. salt...3-6 hours

 Pork

4 bone-in rib loin pork chops (12 oz. each), 1 1/2 in. thick

1 1/2 qts. cold water...3 Tb. salt...3 Tb. sugar...1 hour

1 pork roast (3-6 lbs)

2 qts. cold water...1/4 c. salt...1/4 c. sugar...1 1/2-2 hours

Directions

Dissolve the salt and sugar in  the water in a container, bowl, or zip-lock bag large enough to hold the brine and meat.  Submerge the meat completely, cover or seal, and refrigerate for the designated time.  Be mindful to not leave the meat in the brine too long or it will grow too salty.  When ready, remove the meat from the brine, rinse with cold water, and pat dry.  

Your meat is now plump, full of flavor, and can easily withstand the high heat of cooking 

without sacrificing moistness!

Enjoy!

Seared Corn & Jalapeno Parmesan Risotto

  

I love risotto!  

It's rich, creamy, and has an incredible full-bodied flavor!!

With this dish, I decided to crank out some heavy flavors utilizing the spiciness of fresh jalapeno tempered by the sweetness of the seared corn.  It's a vegetarian meal in and of itself, or it can be served as a side to virtually anything!  In addition, this recipe, adapted from "The Best Light Recipe", is substantially lower in calories and fat than traditional risotto!

Seared Corn & Jalapeno Risotto

Serves 6

Nutritional Info:  

220 Calories

6 Fat Grams

Ingredients

5 c. low sodium chicken broth

3 c. water

1/2 medium red onion, chopped fine

1 tsp. olive oil
salt

1 c. long grain white rice

1 oz. grated Parmesan cheese (approx. 1/2 c.)

1 Tb. unsalted butter

Freshly ground black pepper

1 c. frozen corn kernels

1/2 Tb. sugar

Pam Cooking Spray

1 jalapeno, seeded  and chopped fine (may use less)
1/2 c. cilantro, roughly chopped

Directions

Risotto
Bring the broth and water to a simmer in a medium saucepan;  reduce the heat to the lowest possible setting and cover to keep warm.

Meanwhile, combine the onion, oil, and 1/2 teaspoon of salt in a large saucepan.  Cover and cook over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally, until the onion is softened, 8-10 minutes.  

Increase the heat to medium, add the rice, and cook, stirring frequently, until the edges of the grains are transparent, about 4 minutes.  

Stir in one cup of broth, stirring frequently, until the broth has been completely absorbed, about 2 minutes.

  

Stir in 3 cups of the warm broth and simmer, stirring occasionally, until the liquid is absorbed and the bottom of the pan is dry, 10 to 12 minutes.

Continue to cook the risotto, stirring frequently and adding a 1/2 a cup of the remaining broth at a time, as needed, to keep the pan bottom from becoming dry (about every 4 minutes), until the grains of rice are cooked through but still some what firm in the center, 10 to 12 minutes.  At this point, though the risotto will be moist, the excess liquid will have fully absorbed.

Off the heat, stir in the cheese and melted butter, and season with salt and pepper to taste.  Stir in the seared corn (directions follow), jalapenos, and cilantro.

 Cover and prepare to serve immediately!

Seared Corn 

 Heat a medium saucepan over high heat and spray with Pam Cooking Spray.  Add the corn kernels, the sugar, and a pinch of salt.  Stir to coat and let sear.

  

 Remove from the pan after 4-5 minutes.  The corn will begin to brown and caramelize from the sugar, making it a perfect addition to our creamy risotto!