June is for Jackson

In early June, our first grandbaby Jackson turned one year old and his parents celebrated with a super creative, pirate-themed party just for him. Stephanie is incredibly talented at entertaining and it was a most special event. I loved the fact so many age groups were invited – Stephanie and Andy’s friends, Mike and me (Baba and Dedo), my Cincinnati family of friends and of course, Karen, Jackson’s grandmother as well as Karen’s relatives. Stephanie and Andy have many friends with small children of their own who were all included as Jackson’s own buddies.

AHOY! Let’s talk pirates. J was wearing a darling onesie personalized with his name and a pirate and some cool checked pants. The tables were charming with large black and white polka dot cloths created for the event. Pirate favors of every kind were everywhere – treasure chests of candy, personalized candy bars, decorated cookies and a tiered centerpiece of cupcakes with pirate themed picks. The goodie bags were too cute and everyone wore birthday hats with a big “J.” A 4’ tall piñata pirate greeted guests at the front door, but before entering the magical space they were asked to stop on the porch for a photo wearing pirate and wench headpieces, with the option of waving swashbuckling swords. Stephanie had a large gold frame hanging from the porch soffit and Mike took the photos. Of course, not everyone enjoys having their photo taken as much as me but many of the guests joined in the fun.

The food was delicious – fried chicken, lots of salads, fruit and of course spectacular cupcakes, with popcorn and cotton candy as an additional option. We loved all of it, and while Jackson didn’t understand much, he does know a fun toy when he sees one – that’s for sure. He got some adorable gifts and everyone was happy to celebrate his first b-day!

A Perfect 4th of July Picnic Salad

Here is a new salad to add to your list – I like it since it is not too mayonnaisey and has a lot of crunchy ingredients. After talking to friends, I think it is a slightly different version that many people make. Make it this weekend for your 4th of July festivities.

Best Broccoli Salad

3c. broccoli flowerets – just buy the crowns and trim them into mouth size pieces
½ c. raisins
½ c. chopped celery
8 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled (in a pinch I have used Hormel real bacon pieces)
½ c. nuts – I have used cashews, walnuts and even peanuts

Mix all these elements together in a large bowl, then coat with dressing. Here is the dressing: mix ½ c. mayonnaise, 2 tbs. honey and the juice of one whole lemon. Pour on the salad and toss away. If I am making more, I use 2 lemons and increase the mayo by ¼ c.

I really liked this and so have my guests. I first had a version of it at my grandson’s birthday party that was purchased at Sam’s Club. This is my duplicate version. It keeps well and is something different than the standard fare. ENJOY! Happy Fourth of July!

Baby Andy is Christened

Last weekend, our family traveled to Boston for the baptism of little Andrew Joseph Gerlach. Andy, our son and his wife Stephanie and their adorable baby, Jackson came in from Los Angeles as well as all of Jimmy’s family from Philadelphia.

Adrienne and Jim asked “big” Andy to be the baby’s godfather and Beth, Jimmy’s sister to be godmother. The baby was christened at a 150 year old church in Boston’s Back Bay area that had recently been restored to its original grandeur. Of course I figured they mounted a capital fund raising campaign to restore it once they knew little Andy was born, but I found out the plan had been in the works for the last few years. Apparently they knew my family would need it soon enough. The church is stunningly beautiful and the pastor amazing.

Adrienne and Jim requested the baptism be part of the mass, so our baby (and another gorgeous baby, Maya) were both anointed with oil at the start of the mass, then the official christening took place midway through. We all walked down the center aisle and watched as Andy held little Andy as the priest poured water on his sweet bald head. He wore his daddy’s christening dress, complete with eyelet coat and satin shoes with crosses. Both babies were so wonderful and at the end of the ceremony, the priest held both of them high into the air and welcomed them into the Catholic community. Seriously, there were way more people crying than just me and Jimmy’s mom. At least I think they were – they may have been crying since the ceremony lasted so long!

Afterwards, Jim and Adie hosted a wonderful brunch. We enjoyed visiting with all their family and friends and toasted the new baby. Baby Andy never stopped smiling (or drooling) and it was a day to remember. It is very rare for Mike and me to see both our children and now their children together so it was doubly special for us.

A Wonderful Cincinnati Week

Well, what a time I have had! I recently traveled to Cincinnati to both visit my friends and to attend a baby shower for my daughter-in-law, Stephanie. That’s right, Becky is about to become a BABA – that’s what my Macedonian heritage calls a grandma. I have been doubly blessed as our daughter Adrienne is also expecting a baby in late September.

Since my Stephanie is due in late June two of my dearest friends, Pat and Teri hosted a lovely baby shower for her. I came to Cincinnati from Rochester and Adie came in from Boston and of course Stephanie (and Andy too) were in from LA.

I had the best week ever. First on the journey I stopped in Lorain to see my Mom who is a nutty as ever (more on that trip later), then I continued south to Cincinnati. I arrived on Wednesday around noon and immediately met my good friend and former neighbor Kathy for a fun, quick lunch. I was staying at Kathy’s for a few nights and I was so looking forward to hanging out with Kathy and her very cute and funny husband, Tony.

They lived up to my expectations, complete with a lovely private room and bath, wine, appetizers, a beautiful buffet breakfast and even an intercom system to entertain me. It was like staying at a very posh bread and breakfast that included wine and pizza and laughs. Kathy’s home looked beautiful and I was proud to say I helped her with its design. Her dog Millie was charming as always and we got to sit on her deck with all her flowers blooming – Kathy is a world class gardener and it was all so pretty. As a matter of fact when Andy was married, Kathy told me what to buy and she came over and planted my pots for me – they were gorgeous. We had a great time.

On Sunday (after spending a few days visiting friends and having such a fun time) the baby shower took place. Stephanie received lovely gifts from friends and family. Teri and Pat had an incredible buffet with so many choices – chicken salad, marinated sundried tomatoes with cream cheese, turkey and spinach rollups and so many other items, including a lavish spread of sweets from Cincinnati’s premiere bakery The BonBonerie.

It was so nice for me to be surrounded by my friends, my two daughters (both expecting baby boys) and to feel the friendship and love I always feel when I am “home.” Here is a photo of Steph at the shower holding a quilt Mike's mom made for the new baby.

A Super Super Bowl

Well, it’s that time of year again – the Super Bowl is on tonight and I plan to make a great appetizer, even though I have no idea who is playing (I think it might be New Orleans because that is what Regis and Kelly said and by the way, don’t all of you think Kelly is WAY too skinny, and her husband is soooo cute although too short). Here is a fabulous dip to take to a party or to make if you are hosting one. It is supposedly the California Pizza Kitchen’s dip – artichoke and spinach and while it has way too many ingredients, I made it yesterday and it is DEEELICIOUS!

CPK Artichoke and Spinach Dip

¼ c. olive oil
2 tbs. butter
¾ c. diced onion
1 ½ tsp. minced garlic
½ c. flour
1 ½ c. chicken broth
1 ½ c. whipping cream
¾ c. parmesan, grated
2 tbs. chicken base or 2 crumbled bouillon cubes
1 ½. tsp. lemon juice
1 tsp. sugar
¾ c. sour cream
12 oz. chopped spinach, thawed, squeezed and drained
8 oz. artichoke hearts, chopped
1 c. finely shredded Monterey Jack cheese
¾ tsp. Tabasco sauce

In large saucepan, heat oil and butter. Add onion and cook 3-4 minutes. Add garlic, cook 3- 4 minutes, stirring but don’t let garlic get brown or it gets bitter. Sprinkle on flour and cook and stir 5 minutes. You need to do this so there is no “raw” flour taste which is nasty. Whisk in broth until smooth. When mixture simmers, add cream, return to simmer and remove from heat. Add parmesan, chicken base, lemon and sugar and stir until blended. Add sour cream, spinach, artichokes, Monterey Jack and Tabasco, and stir until ingredients are combined and cheese has melted. Serve NOW!

*Becky Knows Everything: This is way too much to do at the last minute, so I make it in advance and then when ready to serve, I microwave it or put it in a casserole type pan or quiche pan and bake at 325 degrees until heated (about 20 minutes). Serve with Tostitos.

A Rose Bowl Party

On January 1st, New Year's Day, Ohio State (my favorite team) played in the Rose Bowl in Pasadena, CA. Many years ago when Mike and I lived in southern California, his parents came to visit and his Mom and I went to watch the Rose Bowl Parade. We took a bus up to Pasadena with about 50 other crazy people at 6 in the morning. We had reserved seats on the bleachers and we actually saw the entire parade – all the paper flowers and animation you can imagine.

This year we are nowhere near California, so we invited some friends over for a Rose Bowl party and to watch our Buckeyes win (something they often have trouble doing in bowl games). Well they did win and I wanted to share my menu with you in case you are having a Super Bowl party or you just like to eat.

First of all, tradition says that on New Year’s Day you must have some sauerkraut!! It brings good luck and good fortune and all that karma stuff that you don’t want to mess with. Since I wasn’t serving a formal dinner, I used the sauerkraut in some DELICIOUS Sauerkraut Balls with spicy mustard.

Here is the recipe and a photo I quickly snapped before the guests snapped up the balls.

Sauerkraut Balls

8 oz. sausage (like Bob Evans or Jimmy Dean – regular not the spicy)
1/3 c. onion finely chopped and I do mean minced
16 oz. sauerkraut that is chopped and drained but not rinsed
2 tbs. dry plain bread crumbs
4 oz. softened cream cheese
2 tbs. chopped parsley
1 garlic clove finely minced
1 tsp. yellow mustard
¼ tsp. pepper
½ c. flour
2 eggs, well beaten
¼ c. milk
1 c. or more dry plain bread crumbs
Oil for frying

Sautee sausage and onion until meat is cooked through and crumbled into tiny pieces. This gets annoying, but keep chopping at it with a spoon. Drain fat. Add rest of ingredients EXCEPT the flour, eggs, milk and 1c. crumbs. REFRIGERATE!

When firm (I refrigerate a few hours) shape into small balls (I use my melon baller thing), and coat balls with flour. Dip into milk, then into crumbs. Fry in medium hot oil until crispy, turning to crisp all sides. Just before serving, bake at 375 degrees for 20 minutes.

*Becky Knows Everything: Here are a few tips, because frankly this recipe is great to eat and serve but not so easy to find time to make. These tips come from my good friend Pat Miller who makes the best sauerkraut balls ever. You must refrigerate the mix or you absolutely cannot form it into balls. They just fall apart. Make the balls small since once you coat them with flour and egg and crumbs they get so BIG. Make the day before or early in the day and refrigerate and bake when the guests arrive. They also freeze well. Serve with a spicy brown Dijon style mustard.

Take Me To Your Party Appetizer Ideas

Here are are two quick, easy recipes you can take to any party.

Tortilla Roll-Ups

1 pkg. medium soft tortillas
8 oz. cream cheese, softened
2 tsb. ranch dressing mix
3 tsb. chopped jalapeno peppers
Small can sliced black olives
6-7 slices ham, sliced but not tooooo thin

Mix cream cheese, ranch dressing mix, peppers and olives together. Spread on tortillas, top with ham slice. Roll up, using more of the cheese mixture as “glue” if needed. Chill. Cut into 4-6 pieces. These are a nice party food since they can be made early in the day and never get soggy or weird. I have had quite a few versions of these, but the addition of the jalapeno’s and black olives make these very nice.

Isn't Bacon the Best Food Ever Dip

18 oz. pkg cream cheese
2 jars Old English Cheese Spread (not refrigerated but in that same area of the store)

1/4 c. bleu cheese, crumbled

1/4 c. milk
1 clove minced garlic
2 tsb. chopped fresh parsley
3 green onions chopped, with green parts too
1/4 c. smoked almonds, ground in your mini chopper. (If you don’t have one of these, go out and get one right now. It chops nuts, parsley, celery, etc. It's a thrill!)
5 slices of bacon, cooked and crumbled – fry on the stove or bake (it gets too hard in the microwave)

In a saucepan heat cream cheese, bleu cheese, cheddar spread, milk and garlic until cheeses are blended and melted. Make sure the heat is set to medium and watch this closely - the cheese will melt pretty quickly. Once it's blended, stir in onions, parsley, almonds and bacon.

Serve with sliced French bread or crackers. I like this recipe so much – you can put it in a pretty casserole dish and reheat in the micro just until it is warmed through.

Hmmmmm....Bacon Dip

Please Bring an Appetizer

We were invited to a Memorial Day cook-out and I was asked to bring an appetizer. I am always happy to do this. I have a lot of recipes and am always willing to try a new one.

When bringing an appetizer to another home, there are a few things to keep in mind.

1. Try to be on time. Since you are bringing the first course, everyone will be waiting for you and your hostess will be wishing she had asked someone else to do this task if you are late.

2. Give some thought to the food preparation. Can you heat your dish at home and reheat it in the microwave at the party or should you just stick to a cold snack? Remember, there isn’t always room in the oven, nor will the temperature be correct if the hostess is preparing the main dishes.

3. Bring your own serving platter, small spreading knife, toothpicks or whatever you need. A busy hostess should not have to stop and find things for you – after all you’re trying to help out.

4. If you are invited for dinner, bring something lighter or that will compliment the menu. Your dish is adding to the dining experience, it is not the focal point. I once had a guest bring baked stuffed shells, covered in marinara sauce and cheese as an appetizer. She served it on my dinner plates. Next time she came to my house I asked her to bring wine.

5. Be gracious and ask the hostess if she would like to keep any leftovers – yes, even if you were planning on serving them for your husband’s lunch the next day.

6. Check out upcoming blogs for easy to make and take appetizers.

Birthday Time

Hello everyone - I am back home again after having spent the last 5 days in Cincinnati visiting family and friends.

So great to see everyone. We attended a lovely birthday party on Saturday night at a private residence. The decorations reflected the birthday girl's love of all things French with dramatic black and white accents. I took a photo of the main table for you.

The menu was terrific - tiny lamb chops, tenderloin mini sandwiches, marinated shrimp and a variety of sweets and treats. We had a great time but now it’s back to work. Hope you all had a great weekend too and thanks for all the comments!!