Archive for October, 2009

Ready for Halloween

October 31, 2009

halloween0902

This is my favorite time of year.  There are so many exciting things to do in the fall.  Tonight we met at my parent’s home for trick or treating.  At the beginning of the month, my mom, sister in law (Susan), and I made these costumes for the entire group.  We were quite the sight walking down the street together.  My mom is an amazing sixth grade teacher who of course has black lights for her spring talent show.  We got them out and had a wonderful time!  Ben Lee (we call him Ben Lee around my family because my brother is also a Ben) created this Darth Vader Jack-o-lantern.  He has amazing pumpkin carving skills.

Emily

A Fall Dinner

October 31, 2009

Apple and Butternut Squash Soup
4 cups chicken stock
1 medium butternut squash, peeled, seeded and cut into 2-inch cubes
2 medium tart apples, peeled, cored and sliced
1 1/4 cups chopped onions
1 tsp. salt
1/2 tsp. black pepper
1/2 tsp. dried rosemary
1/2 tsp. dried thyme
1/4 cup light (10%) cream

In a large pot, combine stock, squash, apples, onions, salt, pepper, rosemary and thyme.  Bring to a boil.  Reduce heat and simmer for 15 minutes or until vegetables are tender.  Remove from heat and stir in cream.   Allow soup to cool slightly.

In a food processor or blender, puree soup on batches until smooth, transferring each batch to a saucepan.  Bring to boil before serving.

Halloween Pasenky

October 25, 2009

Halloween Pasenky

These are hand decorated eggs that we make.  They are a traditional craft in Ukraine, with a history of thousands of years. Patterns are drawn on the egg with wax, which then protects the covered areas from the dye that is applied. By repeating this process with different colors of dye, a multi-colored pattern is built up. Finally, the wax is removed to reveal the colors that were covered up at each stage.  My brother, Peter served his mission in Ukraine, so this craft has special meaning to us.  Also, Aunt Jenny taught us to do how to make them years ago, so we always think of her while we work.