Wednesday, September 28, 2011

Snapshots: September 12-25

We had ice cream and voted on our favorite antique tractor at our town's fall festival.
(At least I think they were antique tractors, but maybe rare or famous or expensive tractors.  I don't know, but something made them warrant special attention).

We asked ourselves the question, "Is it possible to over-accessorize?"

 We continued to make cute Bento snacks.

Amanda and Ezra watched the Australian performers, Strange Fruit.

After we confirmed our house was not on fire, we were surprised and excited to come home and find a fire engine in front of our house.

We were also excited that I fixed our broken washer with the help of a YouTube video.  We think this might have been the problem . . .

Tuesday, September 13, 2011

Snapshots: September 5-11

Ezra disagrees with DC Comics decision to change Superman's costume.  Underwear as outerwear is always in style.

 Amanda attended a Bento party where she learned to make fun lunches and snacks.
 Inspired, she made Ezra an elephant shaped grilled cheese for lunch the next day.
The trunk was delicious.

Ezra had his first "overnight" with his aunt and uncle.  It was fun and, as you can see from this photo from the following morning, exhausting.



Friday, September 9, 2011

Fabulous & Easy Peanut Dip

You got salsa in my peanut butter! Two of Ezra’s favorite foods are peanut butter and salsa. Ezra does not have many favorite foods. I am reluctant to call him picky because that implies there are some foods he eats well, but is unwilling to expand his palate. However, there is not really anything he eats well. A few foods he will occasionally ask for and almost always take a few bites when given to him. I consider these his favorite foods. It is a low standard, but both “butter” and salsa are on that list. 

We are glad Ezra likes “butter.” As a vegetarian it is a great source of protein, but you can only eat so many peanut butter sandwiches. Fortunately, peanut butter is pretty flexible. We often add peanut butter along with coconut milk to stir-fry or stews. This simple recipe mixes peanut butter with salsa. We thought this was a great way to add more fruits and vegetables to Ezra's meals. The salsa immediately adds a few vegetables, and the dip is perfect for dunking apples and green peppers. Will Ezra like two of his favorite foods combined?

Delicious! Look how excited and happy this wonderful food made him! Ezra was very willing to show how much he enjoyed the peanut dip for our camera. Though he isn't a great eater, Ezra is a pretty good actor. Away from the spotlight, he ate a few bites of the peanut sauce and seemed okay with it. I guess that could qualify it as one of his favorite foods.

We have been using this recipe for peanut sauce, given to us by a couple of our good friends, for years.  Served with bread, apples, vegetables, or really pretty much anything, this delicious and simple sauce makes a wonderful quick snack or hors d’oeuvre.

Jared & Briana’s Fabulous & Easy Peanut Dip
Ingredients:
2/3 c. peanut butter
1 T. brown sugar
¼ c. lime juice
2/3 c. salsa
½ t. cumin
salt to taste

Blend in food processor until smooth.  (I did mention it was easy, right?).

Keeps up to 2 weeks when covered and refrigerated.

Wednesday, September 7, 2011

Snapshots: August 28-September 4

Ezra keeps trying to bring the Silly Bandz trend back.  This week's attempt involved wearing them in new and original ways.
 Aunt Effie began instructing her "farm hands" on chicken farming (or is it husbandry?).

Ezra and Amanda went to visit grandma & grandpop
 where they visited the park,
 the zoo, and
 had a train deliver their pizza.
They then returned home where Ezra continued his look-out for buses.