Fabio in the Family

my brother the male model

Olive Tree

I finally did what I have been planning in my head for months. I have been walking past this olive tree for months watching the olives grow from buds to petite greens and now some are even turning into black olives. What a waste.

I walked up the street and filled a bag with as many as I could before an unpleasant woman yelled at me for stealing. I am not sure how to respond. The tree is on the swatch of land in front of the sidewalk which I always believe to be public land. Must research this. Does this count as gleaning?

Regardless, with the small batch I did pick, I am working off some recipes, and this,

There are two schools of thought lye soaking and water soaking, lye freaks me out a bit so I think I’ll stick with the water soaking.

Chocolate Heaven or Hell?!?

this looks very interesting, although I have to say I am more savory than sweet.

This little piggy

poor baby girl ended up in hospital after a bad asthma attack.  There was no going on a beach trip after that.

Urgg

About three days ago, I was ready to throw my computer out the window. The thing would stall and stall and stall. it actually became unusable. After a couple hours of troubleshooting and googling, I found that my web browser was actually stopping all movement on my computer. Don’t get me wrong, I love firefox, it usually works beautifully, but I had planned to put up at least a couple beautiful posts over this holiday period. Frustration.

In happier news, I did receive my ima package. MIA are boy’s white shirts and socks and a few marshmallows from the chocolate box. I am saving the plain box for our camping weekend. Aussies have no idea about the wonder of smores. Thanks imale!!

Snow Falling in Wisconsin

This is the untouched beauty of the Midwest. Look at the size of those Icicles. They are as tall as the house. The beauty of this shot is you can actually see the snow fallngs. Makes me almost miss the snow and ice. Picture courtesy of Ima.

Oy (aka, Weekly Round Up)

I don’t even know where to begin this week’s events. Changes, happenings and all around craziness made for a flying can’t believe it’s not quite done week. And now with the induction into Mr. M and family’s Christmas week, a very involving time for a nice Jewish Girl.

First Channukah in numbers,

8 nights of Chanukah, 7 nights of candles, 36 candles lit, 8 candles waiting for next year (I managed to light every night except the 7th- go me), 0 Presents (who needs them, I am in it for songs and gelt).

Holiday and Thank You Cards

Sweet words from overseas. A Congratulations to cousin Sari on her baby girl. I am happy she received her new sweater and all is well. Thank you for the beautiful card. So very pink and cute, just like little Talia.

And of Course not forgetting my beautiful twins. Happy Channukah to you both. Tell your mommy thank you and please come visit.

Elvis was here

Finally a fantastic time was had by all at the Work Holiday Party. I haven’t danced/sang/screamed that much in quite a long time. Not only did Elvis Pizza provide spectacular memorabilia, but the Elvis show was absolutely tops.

For Margie: The King lives!

A happy week to all and to all a farewell.

For the “other” M

As promised the bagel recipe I have been using as of late. This will make 15 bagels which I freeze for future eating. We have been finishing the lot in less than two weeks. They “whip up” with minimal effort and are definitely worth it. I usually eat one in the morning toasted with cottage cheese. In case anyone is wondering, I find it easier to bake at home than try and find someone or somewhere that can make a decent good bagel.

Original recipe from How to be a Domestic Goddess,

1kg flour

1Tablespoon Salt

7g (1 sachet) easy rise yeast

2 Tablespoons sugar

1 Tablespoon vegetable oil

500 ml warm water

2 Tablespoons malt (or Sugar for bagel poaching)

Combine the flour and yeast in a large bowl. Add the sugar and oil to the water. Make a well in dry ingredients and then add wet ingredients to dry. Knead for ten minutes until the dough has a satin finish and when poked the impression remains. Form into a ball and place in a well oiled bowl. Let sit for an hour or until doubled in size.

Now punch the dough down and give a good knead. Cut ball into 3 pieces. Roll each piece into a rope and cut down to 5 pieces. Roll each piece into a ball, then into another rope and curl it around to form a ring. Let bagels sit for another 20 minutes.

Heat oven to 240 C

Put a pan of water to boil. Once boiled add malt or sugar. Poach bagels 2-3 at a time and place on well oiled baking sheets (I use silpats on mine). Bake for 10-15 minutes. Let cool on wire rack.

Enjoy!

Note: I cut my bagels in half before freezing them. Then when I want one in the morning, I take it out of the freezer, pop it open and toast.

Channuka Day Two

It’s a bit of a sad Chanukah, the family is so far away, and work is eating away at my time. I did eat a sugared donut for breakfast, and light my candles at night.

I had to look up the prayers, play a few Chanukah’s songs on the computer, and send some Channukah Cards before I could cheer myself up

I did manage to send a few pieces love out to the world today…

Random Links

Yummy Australian Jam

Making my own cleaners as the chemically ones are starting to hurt my head, here, here and here (via thimble) I have been using a combination of white vinegar and water with some drops of lavender essential oil to cover the vinegary smell, but I think I’ll add tea tree oil and maybe borax? Anyone know where to buy borax in Australia?

homemade tea , that sounds like a good gift

amazing book about old growth trees (via cool tools)

Channuka Links:

dreidel gift ideas , here, and another

cute menorah

candle drip table protector

activities (they say for kids, but I can be a kid too)

sufganiot recipie and another I’ve been told by reliable sources that there are dulce de leche filled sufganiot in both Milwaukee and Jerusalem, maybe I should make it a tri-nation thing…