I am coming clean that I have a brand-new favorite Focaccia.
It's just so much faster than my original recipe.
AND it's freezer friendly!
I can barely keep a stash in the freezer as the teens devour this bread, round after round.
Just between you and I, I make three rounds at a time and put two out for immediate consumption and freeze/hide a back-up for those helter-skelter nights that we seem to keep having now that soccer season is in full gear every night.
This bread, hot out of the oven, just melts in your mouth. It's great plain or with a little grapeseed or olive oil dipping oil mixed with herbs and spices (and a little balsamic vinegar too if you like that kind of combo).
If you have a bread machine, this will come together even faster although I can't imagine that it will take that long as it is a low-maintenance style bread in terms of kneading, etc.
Weeknight Focaccia
Recipe adapted slightly from Not Your Mother's Make-Ahead & Freeze Cookbook by Jessica Fisher
Ingredients:
1 1/2 cups water
1/4 cup plus 2 tablespoons olive oil
3 1/4 cups all-purpose flour (or you can substitute 1 cup whole wheat flour for 1 cup of the white flour)
1 1/2 teaspoons salt
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1/4 teaspoon oregano
2 1/2 teaspoons active dry yeast
Coarse salt
Instructions:
Combine water, 2 tablespoons olive oil, flour, the 1 1/2 teaspoon salt, garlic powder, oregano and yeast in a bread machine and program it for the dough setting. If making without a bread machine, mix the ingredients and then knead dough on a lightly floured surface, allowing the dough to rise in a warm place for an hour to an hour and a half, with plastic wrap covering the dough.
Grease three 8-inch round cake pans, generously, with olive oil.
When the dough is done, remove dough to greased surface and divide into three portions. Press each third into a prepared cake pan.
Ensure that both sides are covered in olive oil by flipping the dough rounds over. Spread and press dough to the edges of the pan.
Cover the pans with plastic wrap and let the dough rise for at least 30 minutes, or longer, until doubled in bulk.
About 30 minutes before baking, preheat oven to 450 degrees F. Remove the plastic wrap and drizzle the remaining olive oil over the bread rounds. Sprinkle the tops with coarse salt and bake for 15 minutes.
The key next is to cool the rounds completely (without anyone helping themselves). Remove from the pans, wrap securely in plastic wrap and place each round into a freezer bag. Thaw the bread at room temperature in their wrappings and to warm the bread, heat in a 350 degree F. oven for about 5 minutes prior to serving.
P.S. If you enjoy preparing meals ahead, cooking in bulk or freezer meal preparation, then Jessica Fischer's cookbook, Not Your Mother's Make-Ahead & Freeze Cookbook is a gem and a lifesaver. She not only provides over 200 freezer-friendly recipes but also gives you cooking plans for power meal preparation days. I am working my way through the cookbook and finding her hints, tips, and anecdotes extremely helpful and her recipes have all been family favorites. I highly encourage you to check this book out in some capacity as it can revolutionalize the way you prepare healthy, yet delicious meals.
20 Gift Ideas for Teenagers - The 2016 Teen Wish List
Teens can be a tough age group for Santa to shop for so we quizzed some of our favorite teens to find out what some of the favorite "wish list" gift items would be for teens in 2016.
Coffee Shop Gift Certificates or Gift Cards- Around here it's Dutch Brothers for our local teens.
Ski Equipment- goggles, ski helmet, warm ski coat, snow boots, long underwear, and waterproof socks
Watch Ya' Mouth Game- Cheek retractors are used to contort what you say leaving teens in hysterics trying to guess the phrases.
Boardless Skate Boards found at Sharper Image
Illuminated Cell Phone Case or protective cell phone cases such as a Lifeproof Case
Telestrations Game
Tenzi Dice Game
Personal Hygiene Items
Bath Bombs
Pore Professional - Operation Pore-Proof Kit
Eyebrow Kit
Blotting Papers
Charcoal Antibacterial Brush Set
Ceramic Hair Curling Iron
Nanami Portable Bluetooth Speaker, LED Alarm Clock, Thermometer, and Wireless Charger
Hunter Wellington Rain Boots
Fan Gear for the High School or Prospective College - sweatshirts, t-shirts or hats with their school (or future school) logo.
Go Ducks!
Noise Canceling Headphones or Beats Wireless Headphones
Gift certificatesto movie theaters, Dutch Brothers/Starbucks, the "local hang-out", restaurants, lift tickets for ski resorts.
Experience gifts such as a day at a paintball course, a spa experience, golf course, snow tubing, art studio or sporting event.
Sample Lessons of a hobby, sport or passion that your favorite teen might love to try out.
Sephora's Perfume or Cologne Sample Kit - this kit allows the recipient to try out and wear-test 15 different samples of perfume or cologne and then take in the gift voucher for a full-size version of the gift recipient's favorite scent.
Subscription boxsuch as Birchbox, Julep or Shave Club for Men that deliver the recipient a gift to open each month.
Specialty Books- I insist on always giving our kids at least one book each year. This year the teens may see a book on how to prepare for their future.
One "get out of jail" card - to excuse the gift recipient of one dreaded chore or work project, of choice, throughout the year or to forgive a late "curfew" return or other somewhat permissible "slips".
One date night with a parent - now this one might not be one that they may be "secretly wishing for" but I guarantee that this one will be well-received for a memorable day spent together.
A Cell Phone Pouch/Mini Pursewith a touchscreen on the back that allows you to still have access to your phone while on the go, walking.
Flannel plaid shirts, sweat pants or cozy socks. Comfort clothes are quite on trend.
Converse tennis shoes - the shoes that seem to never go out of style.
Trendy jewelry - Long necklaces, wrap bracelets or trendy earrings.
Wireless key finder/phone finder- what teen doesn't get a little "distracted" at times and misplace car keys or a phone? This is the answer!
Lottery ticket "bouquet" - stick lottery tickets on sticks and gather together in a bouquet, tied with a bow for a creative way to present an exciting gift.
Dough - pizza box filled with dollar bills fanned out in the shape of a pizza or a play-doh container filled with "dough"/money with the phrase "Everyone can use a little extra dough during the holidays."
Mini-projector - allows for movie viewing from a phone, tablet or laptop, perfect for teen gatherings.
Mini Polaroid Camera
Phone accessories such as this special lens for the iPhones that turns a regular phone into a wide-angle or macro lens for more professional photography.
Phone Charger - This perfect lipstick-sized phone charger that helps forgetful teens always have a "back-up" charge eliminating any excuse of a dead phone or no place to plug in a phone charger.
This Cherry Vanilla Smoothie with Chia tastes more like a cherry milkshake than a healthy (280 calories per serving and packed with calcium, protein and vitamin C and a great source of fiber, riboflavin, iodine, and phosphorus) way to fuel your morning.
Just a few ingredients tossed into a blender create a healthy, protein-packed way to start your day!
Chia seeds are one of the "superfoods" being coined as one of the healthiest foods on our planet! They are packed with antioxidants, protein, and fiber; high in omega-3 fatty acids (I was shocked to learn that they pack more omega-3's than salmon); and they deliver massive amounts of nutrients with very few calories. I love throwing them into smoothies for an added boost that doesn't distract from the flavor of the smoothie.
Did you know that cherries have natural anti-inflammatory benefits along with melatonin that helps regulate sleep?
Did you know that regular read-alouds dramatically increase academic achievement?
It's true and summer is a perfect time to read-aloud and help your favorite kids find the "absolutely terrific, glued-to-the-page books"!
I miss the days of curling up on the couch with my kids for our nightly ritual of reading a book together. For those of you lucky enough to be in that age "zone", although Miss Bella sometimes still lets me read to her (from her teen-selected books, of course), I've compiled some of our family's favorite titles for you to check out at the library or your favorite bookstore.
When my kids were younger, I would check out stacks of books from the library and give them read-aloud "previews" of the selected books. I would not show them the title of the books, rather, I would read the first chapter or two of a book (under a blanket, mind you) and then let the four kids vote on their favorites.
For school age books starting in 3rd grade many states sponsor "Battle of the Books" competitions. Regardless if your kids participate in these reading/comprehension challenges or not, I have found the lists to be great resources for some of the best books that are hits with kids as well as educational in scope.
Here are a few links to some of the examples of these Battle of the Books lists that are typically selected by school librarians or reading specialists. The books are engaging, popular, represent different genres and typically are kid-favorites. The lists range from grade school (grades 3-5), middle school (grades 6-8) and even high school (grades 9-12).
Little Mouse, The Red Ripe Strawberry and The Big Hungry Bear by Don and Audrey Wood (also authors of the great Napping House series) - Younger kids love this depiction of how a little mouse will do anything to save his luscious strawberry from a big, hungry bear with a surprise ending.
Lucky Pennies and Hot Chocolate by Carol Diggory Shields - I love the excitement that a young boy has in anticipation of his grandpa visits as it reminds me so much of my "little guy" Connor's love for his grandpa, "Poppy" and all the special things they do together.
We're Going on a Bear Hunt by Michael Rosen (and Owl Babies, also by Rosen) - Some of you may remember this camp hand song that builds on each crazy predicament after another but for the younger set, this visually appealing book will captivate.
The Very Kind Rich Lady with One Hundred Dogs by Chinlun Lee - You will love this story of the woman with 100 dogs, reading the various dog's names and seeing her cuddling with all her dogs.
If You Give a Mouse a Cookie by Laura Numeroff (Any from Laura Numeroff) - Oh no! What happens when you give a mouse a cookie? One crazy thing after another unfolds and you and your readers can laugh along together at any of Laura Numeroff's crazy series of books.
What Do You Say Dearby Maurice Sendak. This book teaches manners better than any other. I loved posing the far-fetched questions to my kids as it was a classic from my childhood as well.
Dear Bearby Joanna Harrison - This book really helped night time fears disappear with the letter writing between the scary bear living under the stairs and a little girl.
Sweet Dream Pie by Audrey Wood - I think my kids loved imagining the pie made with every sweet ingredient they loved - think candy, like gumdrops and licorice, with chocolate and powdered sugar oozing out of a dreamy pie.
Bear Snores On by Karma Wilson - This great read aloud tells what happens when a hibernating brown bear wakes up in a deep, dark lair after a long, cold winter.
The Hat , Gingerbread Baby and The Mitten by Jan Brett - actually anything by Jan is amazing! The illustrations are gorgeous and often have "hidden" pictures to discover as you turn each page. I love all of Jan Brett's books but these three are probably our favorite to read aloud.
Tough Boris by Mem Fox - Even pirates cry. Any book by Mem Fox is going to be a good one but this one is particularly clever and reaffirming for anyone that has had to face the loss of a pet.
It's the Bear! by Jez Alborough - Great suspense builds in this cute story, perfect for pre-school aged kids three and up.
The Dog Who Had Kittens by Polly M. Roberts - This book gorgeously illustrates how Baxter the Basset Hound comes to the rescue of kittens who have lost their mama.
Goldilocks and the Three Bears by James Marshall is a great rendition of the famous story that also won the Caldecott Honor.
A Book of Letters by Ken Wilson-Max - was a favorite of my kids for years as the interactive lift-the-flaps and "real letters" invited participation into the read-aloud session.
In A Cabin In A Wood adapated by Darcie McNally - I personally always loved reading this sing-song adaptation of the familiar camp song in which animals seek shelter from a hunter in a little cabin in the woods.
A little bit older... (Kindergarten to grade 3)
The Real Story of the Three Little Pigs - by Jon Scieszka and Lane Smith. I love how this story swaps the perspective of the famous 3 little pigs to the wolf. Adults will get just as much enjoyment as the kids from this story.
Diary of a Worm by Doreen Cronin - truly takes you on the illustrated day to day life of a worm as depicted in a journal.
Peppe the Lamplighter by Ted Lewin - This great historical fiction story tells the story from a poor immigrant child's job of lighting lamps (street lights) in Little Italy in the early 1900s New York City. You will love the gorgeous illustrations along with the uplifting story reinforcing hard work and family values.
Sylvester and the Magic Pebble by William Steig - This classic Caldecott award-winning tale about Sylvester Duncan who loved to collect pebbles has a great moral about making wishes.
Mirrette on the High Wireby Emily Arnold McCully takes place in Paris at a boarding house blending retired tight rope walker, Bellini with a young Mirrette and the interwoven relationship between the two and the topic of fear vs. confidence.
Miss Tizzy by Libba Moore Gray shares a sweet story about Miss Tizzy, the neighborhoods favorite elderly lady and the way she made each day extra special.
The Stinky Cheese Man and Other Fairly Stupid Talesby Jon Scieszka- I'll never forget my kid's reaction when I read the "S" word (which in our house was a swear word)! This crazy, silly story is just the remedy for reluctant readers and boys who think they don't like reading stories.
Fanny's Dream by Caralyn Buehner- I loved this book that strays from the traditional notion of marrying a prince and happily ever after. Instead the book focuses on what is truly important in a happy life.
Those Icky Sticky Smelly Cavity-Causing but...Invisible Germs by Judith Anne Rice - I think every dentist office needs to have a copy of this book that illustrates the germs that cause cavities and how easy it is to simply brush the "bad guy" germs away.
Grade School to Middle School
The Wish Giver - Four wishes granted to four small-town folks with no trade backs. We read this one night while on vacation. We couldn't stop. We ended up staying up way past bedtime until we finished the book. All four of my kids adored this book and all the voices that I had to assume while reading it aloud.
The Giving Tree by Shel Silverstein - This book has made me so mad at the boy that takes and takes from that sweet tree but I love it all the same and think it is a perfect book to teach about relationships and the importance of giving expecting nothing in return.
The Islander by Cynthia Rylant - This treasure of a story can be read in a single setting and will appeal to tweens and teens alike. Set in British Columbia on an island with a 10 year old orphaned boy, The Islander spins an interesting mystery with a magical love story that is hard to put down.
Gwinna by Barbara Helen Berger - This magical book will move you with the enchanted words, stunning artwork and the story of an abandoned girl paired with a woman longing for a baby accepting a gift from the owls with the condition that the girl be returned on her 12th birthday.
Thumbelina - Tiny Runaway Bride by Barbara Ensor (With the subtitle - a quick read for smart girls.) You may think you know the story of Thumbelina, star of Hans Christian Andersen tale about a tiny girl and a swallow, however, this book's interactive questions will keep you wanting to turn the pages in this quick chapter book we adored.
Choose Your Own Adventure Series - These books can be found in any library and make for a quick read. Be sure to designate who selects or takes turns choosing different endings to these engaging stories that can have countless different stories unfolding in one book depending upon what choices readers make as they read each page.
Tweens and Teens
Small Steps: The Year I Got Polio by Peg Kehret - This book is precious and profound. It totally moved Miss Bella. She ended up selecting it as her "book of the year" and reenacted the story for a report. This true story stars middle school girl, 12-year old Peg, who contracts polio in 1949 then depicts how she navigates the initial paralysis and eventually learns to walk. This book was our first Peg Kehret book and I am pretty certain we became such fans that we have read almost all her books in print.
A Tale Dark and Grimm by Adam Gidwitz - My friend Jennifer, who teaches high school English, read this to her students and encouraged us to read this book when my kids were in the 4-6th grade range. My two youngest were a little more "scared" while reading it but they still could not wait to urge me to "turn the page". We ended up gifting a copy of this to our school library and then later bought the sequel, which is all a page-turner. This story twists the typical Grimm fairy tales into a thrilling story filled with warnings to not turn the page. It's a must read!
Savvy by Ingrid Law - What if your Grandpa moves mountains, one of your brother's causes hurricanes, another creates electricity and now it's your turn to turn 13 and acquire your secret, magical power? This must read book spins fantasy and reality into a great tween book that will keep even reluctant readers captive.
Skeleton Creek by Patrick Carman - My tweens and young teens loved this book that had us reading a chapter each night followed by a "clue" that we had to receive by watching a video on the computer to help uncover this captivating mystery. Warning that this book can be a bit scary for those that get nightmares easily.
I.Q. by Roland Smith - This page turning thriller unravels a great mystery when Q and his half sister spend the night in the White House with kidnappings, spies, terrorists and bombings - not for the faint of heart but intriguing for reluctant readers to delve into, for sure!
P.S. Okay, okay - I'll admit my list has more than 25 books because I have so many favorites! I hope there is something for everyone this way. I could have made a list of 100 favorites!
Today I'm sharing an updated and healthier version of Colonial Blueberry Buckle Coffee Cake otherwise known as "Blueberry Boy Bait" that fulfills comfort food cravings with this perfect breakfast (or brunch or dessert or afternoon teacake) swirled with fresh (or frozen) blueberries with a hint of lemon and coconut nested underneath a crispy, streusel crust.
Blueberry Boy Bait at its' finest!
This delicious comfort food originated in Colonial times. In Colonial America, a dessert with a "buckled" or crinkled appearance as a result of the streusel crumb crust was referred to as a "buckle".
Rumor has it that this was later coined "Blueberry Boy Bait" with its' ability to lure the opposite sex when a 15-year old teenage girl , Renny Powell was a junior division winner of what is now Pillsbury's Bake-Off contest when Renny created a similar form of "Buckle" with "Blueberry Boy Bait" in 1954. And I can attest that it does serve as a favorite of not only the boys in this household, so Renny may have had the right idea when she aptly named this scrumptious treat "Boy Bait".
I updated this recipe by making it a little more healthy by substituting coconut oil for the shortening (lard), swapping some of the white flour for whole wheat flour, and using coconut milk instead of the milk.
Don't feel limited by blueberries with this recipe! It's also delicious with diced peaches, diced mangoes, cherries cut in half, halved strawberries and even raspberries (just be sure to stir with a light touch if adding fresh raspberries).
Updated Blueberry Buckle Coffee Cake (Otherwise Known as Blueberry Boy Bait)
Ingredients:
Batter:
1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
1/4 cup whole wheat flour (if you don't have whole wheat flour, feel free to use another 1/4 cup all-purpose flour here)
2 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
3/4 teaspoon salt
3/4 cup sugar
1/4 cup coconut oil (the original recipe called for shortening here)
3/4 cup coconut milk (or regular milk)
1 egg
2 cups fresh or frozen blueberries (or diced peaches or mangoes, halved cherries, or strawberries, blackberries or even raspberries, etc.)
Zest of 1 lemon, optional
Streusel Topping:
1/2 cup sugar
1/3 cup whole wheat or all-purpose flour
1/4 cup butter or coconut oil
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
Instructions:
1. Heat oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit and grease a pie pan or a square 9x9x2 inch pan.
2. Blend flour, baking powder, salt, sugar, coconut oil, lemon zest, coconut milk and egg; beating for 30 seconds.
3. Carefully add in the blueberries being careful not to smash blueberries or you will end up with purple/blue batter (trust me, I did it once). Spread batter in the pan.
4. Combine all streusel topping ingredients together until crumbly and sprinkle over batter in pan.
5. Bake 45 to 55 minutes or until toothpick inserted in center comes out without batter. I often have to bake this on the longer side of this as the center is not always done, but I attribute that to an oven that is not always accurate.
A girl in love with the seasons who wants to cram as much as she can into the 365 days of the year to live a life of bliss. Welcome to What Matters Most Now! I hope you will find inspiration and recipes you love.
