Sunday Afternoon Fades into Evening

AH, the ambivalence of Sunday afternoon. On the one hand, it is a peaceful relaxing time well spent with family. On the other, there is the inevitability of Monday morning coming and it's attendant thought disrupts an otherwise enjoyable evening.

Many Sunday evenings are spent with Opa, Heidi's dad. He is really great with the Twins and has earned NF Dad's respect and admiration. 

Peaceful sunset brings Monday morning too soon.

The weekends go fast in the New Family house. The Family frantically packs into 48 very short hours all of the things they have to do (errands and chores) and tries to eek out some time for the things they want to do. And now that Fall has arrived, the days are shortening and nights are lengthening. The trees have begun to turn and there is a brisk chill in the air. How to remedy?

Get over your SAD and cook and can soup, a blog post coming to your favorite blog soon!

More "Do you Know What Is So Fun About Twins?"

THE effort of raising two soon to be four-month-olds of the same age is exponentially larger than raising a singleton but the rewards are larger as well.

And the New Family Dad will vigorously indulge in the rewards, especially the fun of dressing them in matching outfits and taking their picture.

They both say "Whooo's too cute?"

"Again Dad? Really?" "Pink ruffles EJ, pink ruffles."

When down on the floor like this, EJ will "talk" to his sister. She has ignored him so far, but she'll start responding soon enough.

Liesel watches a video.

"Oh, I scared!" "Me too!"

“Hey EJ, Let’s Make Lentil Soup.”

“I wanna help too Daddy,”chimes Liesel.

“Okay Bugaboo, get your apron on,” Dad replies.

Lentil soup garnished with Parmesan.

This is a hearty soup that uses the pork gelatin left over from making ribs. The gelatin brings a nice body to what can otherwise be thin soup. Here’s what you will need:

 A mixture of premium and bargain brands. 

Dad is a cheapskate and will not pay a higher price for something 

unless he can appreciate its qualitative difference.

1 cup each of chopped onion, celery hearts, and carrot. That’s no mirepoix; that’s outstanding poix!

2 cups of vegetable broth.

1 cup water

2 cups pork gelatin.

4 chicken bouillon cubes (assuming 1 cube per cup of liquid)

½ lbs. of lentils.

2 tbsp. EVOO or butter

5 whole bay leaves

A pot large enough to hold the soup and a skillet to sweat the veg.

It need not be this big. This pot is about 1/5th full.

Sweat the mirepoix in the butter or oil in the skillet. Don’t allow the onion to brown. Use low heat. Sweat until the onion is translucent.

Rinse and sort the lentils. Pebbles are a little too high in fiber.

Bring the liquid ingredients, bay leaves, and bouillon to a boil. Boil until bouillon dissolves. Add the veg and lentils. Bring back to a boil, and then simmer until everything is soft, a couple of hours.

Serve with freshly cracked black peppercorns and or Tabasco sauce. Alternatively, dice up a cooked ham steak and mix into the soup or top with Parm cheese.

 

“Did you forget the salt Dad?” inquires EJ.

“No Buddy, there is plenty of salt in the gelatin and bouillon. Remember the gelatin came from the ribs we made. Remember also that we brined those ribs in sugar and salt. There will be plenty of salt in our soup, but you can add more if you like after you have tasted it.”

 

Notes:

The liquid to lentil ratio is important. While simmering, the lentils will rehydrate and absorb lots of water. Make sure you have enough liquid in the pot for them to do this, or they might burn on the bottom of the pot.

This recipe could be done in a pressure cooker to shorten the cook time. Follow your cooker’s directions for beans.

Do you Know What Is So Fun About Twins?

MATCHING outfit photos!

EJ asks, "Uh Dad? You do realize that we are fraternal, right?"

"I mean, we're not even the same sex. You have 

noticed that, right? So you're dressing us alike, 

as if we were identical?"

Dad replies, "I could dress you in identical outfits."

"Let's see. How would you look in pink ruffles?"

"That's just wrong Dad."

"Ignore him. I Like dressing up in matching outfits."

EJ's Growth

CHECK out these massive thighs! This guy is gonna be huge! Imagine having quads this big on a full grown man. He'd be a gold medalist in almost any sport.

Those are NF Mom's hands. Dad hasn't taken to growing his finger nails.

Check out the radius of his thigh at the top of the photo.

What the pictures don't convey is his muscle's tone. They are solid. He is solid everywhere. When Dad holds him by his chest and back so that he is horizontal to the ground, squeezing him like a sandwich, he can hold up his entire lower half for over a minute without fatigue.

Must be the German in him.

Heh He J

DAD thinks it funny to show off EJ's butt.

"Really Dad? Dad? Take these off."
"My butt is not some canvas for cute."

"Like my frog?"

Love you son!

She Sure Changed Her Mind

LIESEL didn't like sleeping outside of her bouncer for the longest time and Dad thought it would be tough to transition her to her crib, but she hasn't objected one bit (so far).

Dad leans in to check on the napping girl.

Mom reported that the bouncer was no longer safe for her to sleep in because she wiggles too much and inverted herself in it. That could result in her falling out. It does have straps that could hold her in, but the swaddling makes that a challenge. She needs to be in the crib anyway. Its time.

EJ is a Sport

MOM suggested this photo be taken.

Dad liked the double entendre of the post's title. Sport could mean EJ likes to pursue the ball sports shown on the blanket and his onesie, but it could also mean that caring for EJ is itself a sport.

It is definitely a challenge at times, but since no one is keeping score, it is not likely a sport. 

Let's do Lunch

TODAY'S menu is breaded pork served Parmigiana style with sauteed bell peppers.

Pork and Peppers

Perhaps you are feeling like trying something new? Then try a Chef James original, Angus burger topped with marinara and blue cheese.

Marinara and blue cheese Angus burger.

Dad'll update with an ingredient list and preparation technique after lunch.

Update:

Sorry we missed you. We'll lunch together soon.

The Pork and peppers pork fritter is Pete's Pride Pork Fritter available here. They come frozen and are heated in the microwave, one minute each side. It was topped with Kirkland marinara from Costco (sorry could not find a link), garlic powder and mozzarella cheese. Then it was finished in the oven. The peppers were simply sauteed in a pan.

No one is going to kiss Dad after that lunch.

The burger patty also came from Sam's and can be viewed here. If you like Potillo's style burger, you'll enjoy these. Like the pork fritter, one minute each side on high in the microwave. Then top it with marinara and a stinky and bold flavored blue cheese and finish it in the oven, 450 degrees for 15 minutes. This was actually Dad's dinner last night.

The Perfect Day

YESTERDAY was as close to the perfect day the Twins have had.

Dad has worked with the Twins to help their daytime sleep coalesce into longer periods with fewer naps. Hitherto their naps were highly fragmented; they took frequent, short naps, and rarely in congruence. You can imagine how busy that is. He has longed for the pattern they presented yesterday when they took three naps during the day at the same time, two greater than 90 minutes duration and a short one in the evening, then down to sleep at 7:30.

Then the entire family slept until morning! EJ was up at 6:26 while Liesel rested until 7:15 (7:15 exactly, someone tell the New Family Mom).

Their feedings too have consolidated into less frequent sessions coupled with greater formula intake. Dad will next introduce scheduled feedings to reduce the random pattern of feeding them on demand.

Diaper changes continue to be as needed but should become regular in response to regular feedings.

So far today, they seem to be repeating yesterday's pattern.

Dad attributes their success to the sleep books he read. He doesn't expect linear progression; one or both may relapse, but he is hopeful that this pattern becomes the new normal.

What!?

"NO I am not swaddled for sleep. Daddy's just cold."

Dad is cold; I get swaddled.

Dad observes that when Mom is cold, she bundles her little ones up even if the little heat factories don't need it. Imagine his thought then when he found himself doing the same thing.


Dad likes the cold. Its cheap.

Addiction is Treatable; We're Here to Help

ARE you or someone you know addicted to the New Family blog? Do you have any of the following signs or symptoms:

  

1.   Anxiety while awaiting the next post
2.  Checking the blog several times an hour
3.  Disappointment when the blog isn’t updated frequently
4.  Stealing time from friends, family, or employer just to “sneak a peek”
5.  Telling yourself that you only need one last view

If any of these apply to you, you may need professional help.

Dr. James says*: While a treatable chronic condition, the New Family blog addiction is a known medical malady for which there is no cure. Treatment consists of gradually reducing the number of visits to the blog to four times per day at regularly scheduled intervals. With the patented Dr. James* technique, I have successfully treated no patients to master their addiction.

You too can master your addiction. Get the help you need. Call or log on today.

*These statements have not been evaluated by the FDA. Dr. James is a quack unable to practice medicine, although if you need a tax CPA he might be able to help. There are other cures for this addiction. You should independently investigate all treatment options and select the one most appropriate for you, like babysitting the New Family Twins. © 2012 Hamn Danasik Family Enterprises. All rights reserved.

Mom and Son

MOM needs some huggy-lovey.

Mom and EJ cuddle

Its Sad

THESE bundling attacks are becoming all too common. What is the world coming to?

Bundled again.

For background on the first incident, see the post Attack of the Bundler.

Gifts from Grandma

THE New Family Grandma Woodall bought gifts for the Twins. Thank you Grandma, from Elizabeth and Ethan.

Christmas in September

For the BFFs.

Sleep sacks for a quick diaper change.

Snowsuits for the coming snow-mageddon.

And another Baby Bjorn

Not everything was photographed. Some of it is seasonal and will be pictured on the appropriate holiday.

Dad asked for another Baby Bjorn because it is the easiest of the three baby carriers to use. And when one parent is using one, the other would like to have another available.

The Snugli is nice. Baby can ride on his chest facing in or out, or on his back. However, the Snugli's versatility makes it harder to use. Too many buckles take to long to do and undo. The Moby is the most comfortable, but wrapping it around the body takes time and patience. And Dad never seems to get it on the same way twice. The Bjorn goes on and comes off easily and baby is loaded or unloaded in a few seconds with minimal distrubance.

The Baby Bjorn is used by Dad to sooth, so minimizing the amount of time to calm crying is important. Plus, he's putting it on and taking it off several times a day, so its simplicity and ease of use is welcome.  

Monkeybear and Bugaboo

MOM's affectionate name for Liesel, Bugaboo, seems to have stuck. So she'll be Bugaboo for now. Dad coined the name Monkeybear for EJ, a portmanteau of monkey since he gyrates like one, and bear as in teddy, because he likes to hug. He'll try that out for a while.

Monkeybear and Bugaboo still groggy from their nap.

EJ wants to know if anyone viewed his profile in the post Seeking Companionship. Dad noted only four page views and no replies, so sorry buddy. You'll have to stay single for now.

Update: 10 pageviews  on the post. Maybe EJ has a chance of finding the love he seeks (or maybe the New Family Mom just clicked on the post 7 ~ 8 times).

Guys Hangin' Out

Dad and EJ chill on the floor.

THE Twins are spending more time occupying themselves doing tummy time and learning to roll over, but sometimes Dad needs huggy-lovey too!

It’s Chilly Out, Let’s Make Chili

Let's eat!

LOOKING at the page-views, the Soup is On post is a popular page, so Dad will post about his making chili con carne y queso.

He will not wade into the controversy about what constitutes “real” chili, so don’t post comments, e-mail him, or tell him your objection that what follows is not real chili.

Dad’s chili recipe depends on what is in the pantry that needs to get eaten. When he feels like making it, he takes stock of the pantry, freezer and other ingredients on hand and makes chili. There are some things he needs and uses consistently, like chilies, but others are added or left out depending what’s in inventory.

Pantry raid!

 Once again, this food post is a longer one, so click below to continue.

This is what he did this time.

Let's cook chili

Ingredients:

1 pound ground meat, browned, seasoned with cumin, and defatted.

1 tablespoon cumin powder (thanks to Joanne and Bill for loaning this to Dad)

A few grinds of fresh ground black pepper

1 24 oz. can crushed tomatoes strained

1 16 oz. can tomato sauce

4 4 oz. cans sliced mushrooms, drained

1 16 oz. can yellow corn, drained

1 16 oz. can kidney beans, drained

1 medium onion, diced

5 fresh Serrano peppers

2 tablespoons dried cilantro (or fresh if you can get. This was a pantry raid, so he used what he had.)
2 tablespoons paprika

¾ cup of dried Ancho chilis

¾ cup of dried Pasilla chilis

½ cup sugar

16 oz. roasted red pepper and tomato soup

Parmesan cheese (he didn’t measure it, he just added what looked appropriate given the volume of chili)

Mozzarella cheese

(Some say) optional ingredients:

1 tablespoon garlic powder

Sour cream

Noticeably absent from the ingredient list is chili powder. This is for two reasons. First, the chilies in chili powder are already ground, have sat on the shelf for an unknown amount of time, and as a result have likely given up most of their flavor. Second, chili powder contains garlic powder which will turn bitter if simmered for a long time.

In a crock-pot he combined and simmered the canned goods, onion, soup, cheese, and spices until the onion and Serranos were soft and the spices re-hydrated. He browned the ground beef in a skillet and added the cumin to it. He combined it with the chili.

After the chili had simmered for an hour, he tasted it and added more sugar. Salt wasn’t necessary in that it is in all of the canned goods, soup, and Parmesan cheese. 

Bare naked chili waiting for your favorite dairy.
 The chili is cold, but it will burn your mouth!

When it was done, he added the sour cream, put some mozzarella on top, and stuck it in the convection oven to brown it.

The only thing missing from this dinner is you!
Notice the wide, shallow crock? Yeah! It provides a
 larger surface area for more cheese
than a narrower, deeper one.
Dad knows what's important.

Notes:

Mise en place, French for putting everything in its place, e.g. gathering all necessary ingredients and measuring them out before you start cooking, might seem like too much work for a home cook, but fortunately Dad did it before he started. He discovered that he was out of cumin. Friendly neighbors helped him out.

Mise en place

For better results, leave your spices whole and grind just before use. Dad has repurposed a blade type coffee grinder just for this. Compare freshly cracked black pepper to that which has sat ground in a restaurant shaker for long periods. Much stronger flavor right? The same aging process happens to other dried spices. Store them in the fridge until ready for use. Spices, once crushed, cracked, or ground, lose their volatile oils that give them their flavor.

While browning meat, use paper towels to mop up the grease for a good browning. Wait to add cumin and black pepper until the fat is removed, otherwise you are wasting your seasoning (it gets discarded with the fat).

If you can’t take the heat, get out of the kitch… Seriously, the best way to cool the burn of the chilies is alcohol, preferably Negra Modelo, but not always an appropriate choice, so the next best way to cool it is dairy fat. Add a dollop or two of sour cream to your chili to balance the burn.The cheese helps too, but doesn't seem as effective as sour cream.

Dad has read some chili recipes that use cocoa powder for a mole styled chili. He has tried it, but he has not had too much success with it. Anyone ever tried it and liked it? Post a recipe or comment below.

Leave the garlic out until the end because simmering it for long periods will make it bitter.

For something different, substitute frijoles negros for kidney beans or add them along with the kidney beans.

Try serving the chili over egg noodles like the New Family Grandma Woodall used to do. 

Contrary to popular taste, Dad doesn't think chili over Fritos is that great of a combination. Chili cheese Fritos are great. But ladeling chili over Fritos makes them soggy.

Dad has put peperoni and baked it on top of the cheese. Mmmm. For additional color, and for those that like it, he has baked chopped green onion and red pepper flakes into the cheese too.