December 2016 - Page 3 of 4 - NY Foodie Family

The Doll People’s Christmas {25 Books of Christmas Day 12}

Posted on December 12, 2016 by nyfoodiefamily@gmail.com

The Doll People’s Christmas by Ann M. Martin and Laura Godwin
Pictures By: Brett Helquist
Published by: Disney * Hyperion, 2016
Genre: Children’s Picture Book, Christmas
Pages: 32
Price: $17.99
Source: borrowed from the library

From Goodreads:

Christmas is Annabelle Doll’s favorite time of year. She loves celebrating with her family, and she especially loves all the beautiful decorations Kate and Grandma Katherine put up in the dollhouse. She can’t wait to have Tiffany and the rest of the Funcrafts over for their very first Christmas. But when the angel topper for the Dolls’ tree breaks, Annabelle is convinced the holiday is ruined. And things only get worse when Kate and Nora decide to use the dolls to create a nativity scene downstairs, meaning Annabelle won’t be able to keep her special traditions at all! But as Christmas spirit fills the Palmers’ home, Annabelle realizes that all she needs for a truly perfect holiday is to share it with her friends and family.

Review: Annabelle Doll lives in a Victorian dollhouse in Kate Palmer’s bedroom with her family. Tifanny Funcraft lives in a modern plastic dollhouse in Nora Palmer’s room. This Christmas the two doll families would be celebrating together and Annabelle is excited to show Tiffany, “the perfect Christmas.” But when Kate is putting up the dollhouse decorations, she accidentally drops the angel for the top of the tree and it breaks. Now there’s nothing for the top of the tree and Annabelle thinks Christmas is ruined. Things get worse when Annabelle and the other dolls are brought down to the nativity scene for the first time and left there overnight. Then Captain, the cat appears and begins swatting at the ornaments on the tree. Will the dolls be his next target? Will they survive their first Christmas outside the dollhouses?

I grew up reading Martin’s The Babysitter’s Club series and loved it. The Doll People’s Christmas is the fifth book in the Doll People series, but the first book in the series that we’ve read. My son didn’t enjoy the book very much and I’m not sure how much widespread appeal the book will have, with the characters being doll house figures. The books touches upon holiday traditions, dealing with change and appreciating the spirit of Christmas which are good lessons for everyone.

Overall Rating: Optional Read

Weekly Meal Plan {Week 58}

Posted on December 12, 2016 by nyfoodiefamily@gmail.com

I’m hoping that this morning we didn’t wake up to a lot of snow! The weather predictions kept changing so we were unsure what we’d be waking up to! I’m not ready for winter! But the cold weather does mean lots more comfort food on our menu. Think soups, stews, casseroles, etc.! Here’s a look at what was on our menu this past week:

Saturday – On the weekends my husband is responsible for the cooking. Saturday he roasted several squash that we had gotten in our CSA and then blended them with broth, half-and-half and some other ingredients to create a Mixed Squash Soup. My son helped him cook dinner and since they know I can’t just eat soup for dinner they also had salad and french bread.

Sunday – My husband made ham steaks, homemade mac and cheese and roasted broccoli. Simple but tasty and definitely kid-approved!

Monday – I made Stuffed Acorn Squash from Everyday with Rachael Ray, December 2011. This was another recipe that I made years ago and loved at the time. However, I made it again and thought it was “eh.” It lacked flavor and needed something else. I only used one acorn squash and we each had a quarter of it. The kids liked the couscous, ground turkey and dried cranberry filling but not the squash! Needless to say, this recipe is being recycled.

Tuesday – I made Chorizo and Sweet Potato Tacos with Apple Pomegranate Salsa from Closet Cooking. These tacos were super tasty! Even my daughter enjoyed them and she does not like sweet potatoes. With the chorizo, salsa, avocado and cheese, you do not really taste the sweet potatoes. The potatoes need to roast for a bit, but otherwise this recipe was easy to make. While the potatoes were roasting I cooked the chorizo and made the fruit salsa. I served these with roasted asparagus.

Wednesday – I made an adapted version of Apple Pie French Toast from Closet Cooking. Yes, another recipe this week from Closet Cooking! Kevin makes good stuff! My son helped me cook dinner, which I loved! diced the apples instead of keeping them sliced and used five, because his recipe only serves two people and there are four of us. I also omitted the candied walnuts because this recipe is sweet enough. I didn’t feel the need to add more sugar, although I’m sure the walnuts are delicious! I served this with bacon. This was definitely a kid-approved dinner!

Thursday – I went to HMart, a large Korean (and Asian) grocery store near us. I picked up some Marinated Beef Bulgogi and Pork Belly which I cooked and served with rice and sides, including kimchi, fish cakes and marinate radish. We don’t eat Korean food very much, but we love it! I’m trying to get my kids used to eating kimchi, but it’s still too spicy for them! I realize that I was too hungry to take a pic!

Friday – By Friday, I was not feeling in the mood to cook so I picked up a rotisserie chicken for dinner. I had a package of Simply Potatoes Mashed potatoes and roasted some broccoli. Dinner served….and a quick, easy and delicious one at that! Sorry, another night of dinner, with no picture!

What is on your dinner menu this week?

Babushka: A Christmas Tale {25 Books of Christmas Day 11}

Posted on December 11, 2016 by nyfoodiefamily@gmail.com

Babushka: A Christmas Tale by Dawn Casey
Pictures By: Amanda Hall
Published by: Good Books (an imprint of Skyhorse Publishing, Inc.), 2016
Genre: Children’s Picture Book, Christmas
Pages: 32
Price: $16.99
Source: borrowed from the library

From Skyhorse Publishing:

On the eve of the very first Christmas, an old grandmother is busy tidying her home when a bright star illuminates the sky. Soon three wise men arrive and invite Babushka to join them in their travels—following the star in search of a newborn babe, the Prince of Peace. But there are dishes to be washed, and floors to be swept, and Babushka is too absorbed in her work to leave her home with presents for the baby Jesus.

The next day, when Babushka tries to follow the men, she cannot find their tracks. Instead, she finds a little girl shivering in the cold, and a little boy, his tummy rumbling with hunger. Babushka walks and walks, and everywhere she goes she finds children in need of toys to play with or a shawl to keep them warm. And to each one, she offers a gift from her basket and a smile of light and love.

With beautiful illustrations evoking folk art traditions and sensitive storytelling, Babushka tenderly reminds us that nothing is more important during the holiday season than taking the time to show love for one another. This timeless Russian tale will warm your heart and fill you up with the joyful, generous spirit of Christmas.

Review: This is the first time that we have read about this Russian folktale. One winter’s night Babushka is tidying her house when three men knock on her door, looking for some warmth and food. Babushka makes them soup while they rest and warm up. They tell her that they are following the star in the East to see the newborn king. Although the men invite Babushka to travel with them, she refuses and stays home to clean up after the men. That night, she dreams of a baby and the next morning wakes to see the star shining in the East. She packs a basket filled with toys and food and decides to set off and find the baby to bring him the gifts. But she ends up lost in the cold. She finds a girl shivering in the cold and gives her a warm knit shawl. As Babushka travels, she continues to encounter children who need food and toys. Legend says Babushka is still journeying and giving gifts to those children who need them.

This is a heartwarming holiday story that takes place in Russia. I loved the birght, colorful illustrations. This is a Christmas story that doesn’t focus on Santa but the spirit of the holiday.

Overall Rating: Recommended Read

Maple & Willow’s Christmas Tree {25 Books of Christmas Day 10}

Posted on December 10, 2016 by nyfoodiefamily@gmail.com

Maple & Willow’s Christmas Tree by Lori Nichols
Pictures By: Lori Nichols
Published by: Nancy Paulsen Books (an imprint of Penguin Random House) on October 18, 2016
Genre: Children’s Picture Book, Christmas
Pages: 32
Price: $16.99
Source: borrowed from the library

From Penguin Random House:

Lori Nichols’s delightful book celebrates the bond of two nature-loving sisters, and their ability to find fantastic kid-powered solutions to any problem—and it will give allergy sufferers an extra reason to celebrate.

Maple and Willow love trees—and now they are getting their first real Christmas tree. It is going to be the best Christmas ever! After a snowy expedition to pick out the perfect tree, it’s time to decorate. But whenever Maple gets near the tree, she starts sniffling and sneezing. Could she really be allergic to the perfect Christmas tree? And if so, how will the girls find a way to make this the best Christmas after all?

Review: It’s Christmas time and this year sisters, Maple and Willow, are getting a real Christmas tree. After spending lots of time and hard work, they finally find the perfect tree. But after bringing the tree inside and they start decorating it, they discover that Maple is allergic to the tree! Unfortunately, the tree has to be brought outside and Willow gets upset that Maple, “ruined Christmas.” Willow feels bad that she hurt her sister’s feelings and comes up with a perfect Christmas surprise for Maple.

I thought this picture book captured the bond between siblings in a way that many children can relate to. I found it very cute when Maple and Willow spoke to each other in Pig Latin when picking out their tree. Nichols showcases the love between the sisters as well as the fighting that often occurs among siblings. I like that Willow felt bad about hurting her sister’s feelings and wanted to make things better between them. This was a very cute holiday read!

This was our first Maple & Willow book and I just discovered that there are several other picture books featuring these two sisters. We will be checking them out soon!

Overall Rating: Recommended Read

Fly Guy’s Ninja Christmas {25 Books of Christmas Day 9}

Posted on December 9, 2016 by nyfoodiefamily@gmail.com

Fly Guy's Ninja Christmas

Fly Guy’s Ninja Christmas by Tedd Arnold
Pictures By: Tedd Arnold
Published by: Cartwheel Books (an imprint of Scholastic Inc.) September 27, 2016
Genre: Children’s Early Reader, Christmas
Pages: 32
Price: $6.99
Source: borrowed from the library

From Goodreads:

In the new book in Tedd Arnold’s New York Times bestselling Fly Guy series, it’s Christmazzz Eve and Fly Guy doesn’t have a present to give his best friend, Buzz. But when he goes out to look for one, Fly Guy meets a stranger in the house whom he has to fight off with his ninja action. Will Fly Guy defeat the stranger? Will he find a present for Buzz?

Even reluctant readers will enjoy this fun, zany holiday story about Fly Guy meeting Santa Claus, knocking over the Christmas tree, and showing off his ninja moves!

Review: This is one of the few Christmas books published in 2016 that I found for early readers and it’s the 16th book in Arnold’s Fly Guy series. It’s Christmas Eve and Fly Guy realizes that he doesn’t have a present for Buzz. Fly Guy ends up meeting Santa while searching the house for a present for Buzz. Thinking he is a stranger, Fly Guy uses his ninja skills on Santa, waking Buzz up in the process. After helping Santa clean up the mess and enjoying some milk and cookies, Buzz goes back to bed. Fly Guy ends up coming up with a present for Buzz, with a little help from Santa. This book is written in three super short chapters. None of my children were ever really into the Fly Guy series and honestly, after reading a couple of books, this one included, I’m not a big fan myself. I do enjoy Arnold’s illustrations though. If you have a fan of the Fly Guy series in your house, this book will likely be enjoyed. As I mentioned, there isn’t a huge selection of new Christmas books targeted for the beginning reader, so this one fills that nice.

Overall Rating: Optional Read

Five on Friday {It’s Beginning to Feel Like Winter!}

Posted on December 9, 2016 by nyfoodiefamily@gmail.com

Brr! It’s getting cold around here. It’s really beginning to feel like winter. We had a little snow earlier in the week and the kids had a 2 hour delay on Monday. As of now, it’s looking like we’ll be getting even more snow Sunday into Monday! Have I mentioned that I really dislike winter? I am not a snow and cold person. On the bright side, it gives me an excuse to snuggle on the couch with a book or a Netflix binge! Here are five from this week:

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1. Reading – Besides all the Christmas books that I’m reading for my 25 Books of Christmas feature, I’m almost finished reading Paris For One by Jojo Moyes. Normally, I don’t usually enjoy short stories, so I’m pleasantly surprised with how much I’m enjoying this book!

2. Watching – The kids and I are almost through watching E.T. I’m trying to show them some of the movies that my husband and I enjoyed when we were kids. We’ve seen the original Ghostbusters as well as The Princess Bride. My daughter and I watched Troop Beverly Hills as well. Do you have any “classic” movie recommendations for us? I’m thinking Big, with Tom Hanks, will be one of our next movies!

3. Eating – The contents of the Empire Crate. Although I received the box before Thanksgiving, we are just finally getting to sampling everything! I love that this box is a subscription box focused on food products from our state, New York! We will have a review post coming soon!

4. Enjoying – My kids had their Christmas piano recital last Sunday afternoon. My daughter’s been taking lessons for a little over a year now and my son just started lessons over the summer. This was their first piano recital and they did an amazing job! My parents gave me the piano that my siblings and I played when we were kids. They came to the recital and are so happy to see the piano continuing to be used.

5. Remembering – Last weekend my daughter and I went to West Point Military Academy and participated in the Wreaths Across America Ceremony. We helped place wreaths on every grave in the cemetery, remembering and honoring those who served our country.

ICYMI this week on the blog:
Monday I shared our weekly meal plan.
Wednesday I joined the Currently linkup.
And this week included reviews of Santa’s Underwear, Candy Cane Lane, The Christmas Boot, Gingerbread Christmas, and The Mistletoe Secret for the 25 Books of Christmas.

I’m linking up with Tif, Andrea and April! Have a great weekend!

The Mistletoe Secret {25 Books of Christmas Day 8}

Posted on December 8, 2016 by nyfoodiefamily@gmail.com

The Mistletoe Secret

The Mistletoe Secret by Richard Paul Evans
Published by: Simon & Schuster, November 2016
Genre: Christmas, Christian Fiction
Pages: 320 (hardcover book)
Price: $19.99
Source: borrowed from library

From Simon & Schuster:

The master of the holiday novel presents the moving story of two people who brave loneliness and loss to find love.

Dear Universe,
Is anyone out there?

Thinking no one is reading, a blogger who calls herself LBH writes about her most personal feelings, especially her overwhelming loneliness. She goes from day to day showing a brave face to the world while inside she longs to know how it would feel if one person cared about her.

Alex Bartlett cares. He’s reading her posts in Daytona Beach, Florida. Nursing his own broken heart and trust issues, he finds himself falling for this sensitive, vulnerable woman whose feelings mirror his own. Following a trail of clues LBH has inadvertently revealed, he discovers that she lives in the small town of Midway, Utah. He makes his way there just after Thanksgiving, determined to find LBH. Maybe she’s a Lisa, Lori, or a Luanne. Instead, he finds a woman named Aria, a waitress at the Mistletoe Diner, who encourages Alex in his search while serving his pie along with some much-needed sympathy and companionship.

Alex finally finds his LBH, a woman who is as beautiful and kind as he imagined she would be. How can he tell her that he knows her secret? What’s holding him back? Could it be his feelings for Aria?

Review: This is the third book in the Mistletoe Collection by Richard Paul Evans. I have not read the first two, but as far as I can tell, this book can be read as a stand-alone. I have read a couple of Evans’ other holiday themed books and have enjoyed them and this book didn’t disappoint either.

Alex Bartlett’s wife leaves him for another man. Divorced and alone for almost a year, his friends convince him to try online dating. Alex doesn’t find a good match on the dating site. However, through an internet search he stumbles upon a blog that interests him. All he knows from the blog is that a woman with the initials LBH bares her soul about her loneliness to the Universe in her posts. Through reading all of her blog posts, using the little personal information that is revealed, Alex figures out that LBH lives in Midway, Utah. In a rather impulsive decision he decides to travel from Florida to Utah to try to track down this woman.

When he gets to Midway, Utah, he discovers that there are several women with the initials LBH and his search may take longer than expected. Through his frequent dinners at the Mistletoe Diner, he befriends Aria, one of the waitresses there. The two end up forming a quick friendship that leads to something more, but Alex is still intent on finding LBH. Eventually, he does discover who LBH is, but will it affect his relationship with Aria?

There seems to be a theme with bloggers and Christmas themed books this season! This is the second holiday themed adult book that I’ve read that involves a blogger. I think the blogging theme fit nicely into the story. The loneliness focused blog posts seem especially relevant during the holiday season. I enjoyed reading the scientific findings about loneliness that LBH shared in her posts.

The story is told from Alex’s point of view. But I found both Alex and Aria to be well developed, likable characters. I found the book to be humorous at times, when Evans captured the quirks of small town living. This book is classified as Christian Fiction. However, I did not find many religious references or find it preachy. I found this book to be an enjoyable, feel-good holiday read.

Overall Rating: Recommend!

Gingerbread Christmas {25 Books of Christmas Day 7}

Posted on December 7, 2016 by nyfoodiefamily@gmail.com

Gingerbread Christmas by Jan Brett

Gingerbread Christmas by Jan Brett
Pictures By: Jan Brett
Published by: G.P. Putnam’s Sons (an imprint of Penguin Random House) on October 18, 2016
Genre: Children’s Picture Book, Christmas
Pages: 32
Price: $18.99
Source: borrowed from the library

From Penguin Random House:

Jan Brett’s beloved character the Gingerbread Baby returns in a fun-filled Christmas caper!

Gingerbread Baby and his friend, Matti, take his gingerbread band to the Christmas Festival where they are a hit until the aroma of gingerbread reaches the children, signaling that it is time to run away. Clever Matti uses snow to disguise the gingerbread instruments while Gingerbread Baby leads the audience on a merry chase to the smartest hiding place ever–a giant Christmas tree.

Review: Gingerbread Baby wants to sing with his band at the Christmas Festival, but he doesn’t have a band! So Matti bakes him a gingerbread one, including a violin, cello, double bass, French horn, clarinet, trumpet and drum. After being frosted, the band marches into town where they dazzle the village people. Everyone, including the forest animals dance to the band’s music, until a little girl points out that the the instruments are gingerbread cookies. Gingerbread Baby distracts the villagers on a wile chase, while Matti rescues the instruments.

This is the third book in the Gingerbread Baby series by Jan Brett. Jan Brett is one of our family’s favorite picture book authors/illustrators. The research and detail that she puts into each book is unbelievable. This is a fun, holiday-themed read that will make you want to make (or just eat!) some gingerbread cookies!

Overall Verdict: Recommended Read

Currently December 2016

Posted on December 7, 2016 by nyfoodiefamily@gmail.com

Today I’m joining Anne and Kellie for the monthly Currently linkup. This month I’m currently:

Doing: a 25 Books of Christmas feature on my blog! From December 1 through December 25 I am posting a review of a Christmas book. So we are reading lots of Christmas books and I’ve been busy writing review posts for them. It’s been a lot more work than I had anticipated, but I love the holiday season and love reading. What better way to combine the two?!

Enjoying: I can’t believe I’m saying this, but I joined a gym back in September for my birthday and I am enjoying going! I’ve always thought I was anti-gym. However, I’ve been going to classes including barre, zumba, yoga and occasionally spinning, several times a week.

Cooking: This weekend I will be making homemade pizza and cookies for our Supper Club’s annual cookie exchange. Instead of going out to eat, which we usually do, we’re having all the kids come to this month’s get together and also doing our annual homemade pizza theme. I still have to figure out what kind of pizza and cookies I’ll be making! Last year I made Melt-In-Your-Mouth Eggnog Cookie and my husband made Bourbon Balls. Stay tuned to see what this year’s cookies will be!

Wrapping: So, I’ve currently wrapped not a single thing. However, I’ve finally started to do some online shopping and the packages have just started arriving. I will hopefully have done more shopping and can start wrapping presents this weekend!

Playing: I’ve been playing lots of podcasts while I clean and do laundry, run errands, etc. I’m planning an upcoming post on what I’ve been listening to lately!

The Christmas Boot {25 Books of Christmas Day 6}

Posted on December 6, 2016 by nyfoodiefamily@gmail.com

The Christmas Boot by Lisa Wheeler
The Christmas Boot by Lisa Wheeler
Pictures By: Jerry Pinkney
Published by: Dial Books for Young Readers (an imprint of Penguin Random House), October 18, 2016
Genre: Children’s Picture Book, Christmas
Pages: 32
Price: $17.99
Source: borrowed from the library

From Penguin Random House:

In the spirit of Christmas classics The Polar Express and The Night Before Christmas comes a holiday tale about the magic of Santa, illustrated by Caldecott Medalist Jerry Pinkney

Lonely Hannah is delighted to discover a warm black boot as she gathers kindling in the forest. A poor woman, she doesn’t have proper shoes on her cold feet. “Glory be! I only wish I had your mate,” she says to the boot, and the next morning, to her great surprise, there is not just one boot but two sitting by her bed! More wishes bring even better gifts—but the best is still to come: A visitor arrives at her door—a man with a big white beard, wearing a red suit and only one boot. Who could this magical visitor be? Santa Claus, of course! And he has one more surprise in store for Hannah: She wakes up the next morning to find a new puppy waiting for her!

Review: Hannah Greyweather, is a poor, old woman, who lives alone in a cabin in the mountains. One day while collecting fired wood she finds one black boot. Before bed she tells the boot how she wished for its mate. The next morning she awakens to find the matching boot by her bed. Hannah then discovers that she can wish for things and they will appear. But then one evening she gets an unexpected visitor, Santa Claus, looking for his missing boot. When she gives him back his boot, everything she had received from the magic of the boot disappears. Hannah still ends up happy, receiving what she truly desires from Santa.

Although Lisa Wheeler has written over 30 children’s books, the only other book that we’ve read of hers is Boogie Knights. This book was originally published in 2006 by a small publisher that went out of business. Wheeler got the rights back to her book and was offered a book deal with Dial. This book really captures the magic of Christmas. I appreciate the focus on what one really needs versus what one wants. Jerry Pinkney’s beautiful, colorful illustrations complement the story well.

Overall Verdict: Recommended Read