Pink Food

In a household with two boys and a Mommy that isn't exactly wild about pink, it shouldn't come as a big surprise that pink was one of the last colors that the boys learned. Pink is in short supply around here.

And perhaps because it is hard to come by, the boys have especially delighted in the things they find around the house that are pink. Surprisingly, I find it delightful also.

Fish, on the other hand, has been a much tougher sell over here. Salmon gets a pass from Seth 50% of the time, but Nate has always been strictly in the no-fish camp (although to his credit, he will usually at least try it before spitting it out).

Until last week when I pointed out that salmon is pink.

Now they can't get enough of "Pink food! Pink food!".

We had salmon for supper tonight. Nate had 2 generous servings. Seth had 3. The constant chorus of "Pink food! Pink FOOOOOD!" bothered me not.

- L.

This Isn't What You Think It Is

It's better. 

My alternate post title was "I Can't Believe It's Not Ice Cream".

Because it's not.

Although it sure looks every bit as yummy as ice cream, doesn't it? It tastes just as good too and unlike ice cream it's 100% naturally fat-free and actually good for you. It was also a snap to make since it only has one ingredient.

That's right – one ingredient. You might even have some on hand in your kitchen at this very moment. I know we are seldom without.

It's bananas, everyone. 

Frozen bananas. 

That's it.

And just in case my photo isn't selling it and you are picturing some kind of frozen pureéd fruit concoction, stop right there and just go make some and try it yourself. You will swear you are eating dairy. The short version of the "recipe" can be found here, and step-by-step instructions and more photos can be found here (click on the photos for details).

Please don't let the following customer reviews put you off. My other alternate post title was "Yay! More For Me!" since Nate and Seth are still a little unsure about really cold things at this point and/or they don't know a good thing when they see it. Just so they wouldn't feel short-changed after supper, I also served up some homemade applesauce for dessert and let them choose. 

– I choose ah-poo-sauce, everyone! Is not cold like cold new food. Someone tell Mommy to warm that stuff up next time please. 

– I chose ah-poo-sauce also, everyone. Is long gone by the time Mommy take my picture because is yummy and I don't waste time when it comes to things that is yummy. I agree that strange new cold food is offputing for eating... 

–... but certainly is fun to play with. I bring out the Touching Finger for 'dis one! *touch* *touch* *touch*

- L.

My Awesome Mother's Day: Part III

Did I mention we had beautiful weather here on Sunday for Mother's Day? After our big photo shoot and a quick snack to refuel, the guys announced we were heading out for a walk – ostensibly to enjoy some sunshine – but then surprised me with a crisp $20 on our way out the door* and told me to get myself something nice.

So I did.

Here are the guys all ready to go help me spend my Mother's Day loot:

They helped me pick out some pretty flowers and then insisted I get myself a treat from Starbucks on the way home. Such thoughtful boys! 

And see how pretty? They have excellent taste as well. 

So I'm sure you can imagine after all this I was pretty surprised to find that Nate and Seth still thought I still hadn't done enough to treat myself. They absolutely insisted I pick this up also: 

I really couldn't say no.

And so ice cream was served all-around after supper along with chopped mango. I decided to revisit these bowls again rather than rinse off their dinner plates – and the results are much like you'd expect. 

– How 'dis thing come off again? I think I look under here for clues. 

– Forget getting bowl off mat, Nate. I has better solution.

And just because I know how much their Gamma Rita likes a good "food face" picture, here's what the aftermath looked like: 

How about some kisses, Gamma Rita?

- L. 

*Said crisp $20 actually arrived a few days prior via post, but it really was from Nate and Seth – even if the writing in the card did look suspiciously like Gamma Rita's. : )

PS. In case it wasn't obvious from the last picture, the bowl did indeed end up on the floor. Seth managed to dump the contents out onto his tray first though – no sense wasting perfectly good ice-cream covered mango after all. Smart boy.

Easter Part II: Bunnies Are Welcome After All

Nate and Seth would like you to know there's been a change of heart on the bunny front, and as such, bunnies will now be considered an integral part of Easter – as long as they are made entirely of chocolate. Sadly, one such bunny met its demise after supper last night. I did my best to keep things as humane as possible, but we all know there's only one way to eat a chocolate bunny and it's never pretty.

Before:

After: 

Off with their heads!

I was a little hesitant about a sweet so late in the day, but it was their first opportunity to try chocolate and a special occasion no less. I couldn't say no to that.

Also, I was really curious to see what their reactions would be (other than a sugar buzz). I'll just tell you right now, it was a hit – but I have to admit I was expecting messier faces when all was said and done. Seth came through a little at the end, but Nate remained surprisingly tidy. I think he took extra care to make sure every last bit ended up in his mouth and there wasn't so much as a crumb in his bib pocket when all was said and done.

•   •   •   •   •

Nate and Seth surveying the goods for the first time: 

And following a most studious analysis, their first bites: 

Some close up/aftermath shots:

I make 'dis soul patch work everyone!
Wonder if Mommy will let me keep it.

Possibly the exact moment the sugar kicked in. Be afraid.

And behold the not-so-subtle mischief in these faces: 

Clearly, chocolate is fuel for shenanigans. Thankfully, our supplies* are limited. 

- L.

*Supplies of chocolate, that is. We are always fully stocked when it comes to shenanigans. Of course.

Not Stinkeroo: Salmon Cakes

Not only are Salmon Cakes not stinkeroo, they are about as far from stinkeroo as you could possibly get around these parts. I think they have officially replaced Grilled Cheese as the new dinnertime favorite – and it's a great way to get some protein into my guys who until very recently have remained less than enthusiastic about meat of any kind. 

Meats we have tried: chicken (in a variety of formats), beef (also in a variety of formats), white fish (sole, halibut) and lastly fresh salmon. The only meat they will eat consistently is salmon which seems like an odd choice for little ones (although it's certainly delicious, so I'm not judging, just saying). I can sometimes sneak a little ground beef into them via spaghetti sauce or lasagne but everything else I've tried serving them meat-wise has been soundly met with the stinkeroo stamp of disapproval. Especially chicken. Chicken is the ultimate stinkeroo meat, just so you know.

But I digress. I suspected the Salmon Cakes might be a hit since they are made almost entirely from ingredients I already know both my guys like: salmon, cheese (lots of cheese!), eggs and bread (in crumb form, but still... you can't go wrong with bread or bread-like products over here). The only "surprise" was a little green onion, so I made some with and some without just in case – but apparently green onion (at least a little) meets with their approval.

Chili sauce is optional, but I decided to go for it when I served these up for dinner tonight and but for a little extra mess on hands and faces things remained pretty civilized.

– 'Dis salmon cakes is awesome everyone.
– Chili sauce pretty awesome too. Yum! 

– Seriously everyone – you should drop what you is doing and go make yourself some right now. And if you happen to make some extra, call me. I be right over.
– You call me too. And don't forget the chili sauce! Is yummy, but also fun for doodles.

•   •   •   •   •

Special thanks to Grandma Leslie and Auntie Stephanie for the recipe.

Printer-friendly version here (click to embiggen): 

- L.

The Real Spaghetti Monster

– Some of you been following me for a long time, making jokes and thinking I is myth. That's OK. Joke on you as I reveal my true identity for the first time. 

– Hi everyone. It's me, Nate. Who was you expecting?

– And now I do right thing by Seth and leave something instead of taking away. I bring him 'dis piece of carrot I not want. Is very generous of me, I know. I imagine 'dis will more than make up for french toast incident. 

– And yet, he look not so impressed when I show it to him. Well, I just leave it over here then. 

– Oh hi everyone. It's me, Seth. 'Dis my outside reaction* to stingy carrot piece. I is still like this on my insides though. I get even someday. You wait. 

•   •   •   •   •

Mommy note: maybe this side-by-side seating arrangement isn't so good after all, but you have to admit it does provide some good entertainment.

- L.

*'Dis also my reaction to Gamma Rita saying she hate food photos. Is OK Gamma Rita. You will learn to loves them.

Seating Arrangements

I decided to try out a new seating arrangement in the kitchen yesterday. Now that Nate and Seth are no longer eating pureés – and in fact, refuse to eat anything that is not a self-serve finger food – it's no longer necessary for me to sit between them furiously wielding a spoon back and forth. I decided to place the highchairs side-by-side facing the window, which means not only no more Home Depot DIY backdrop for Seth, but better lighting too – all the better to admire his big, blue eyes by.

And all his new hair too! It might be business in the front, but Seth has definitely been busy growing a party in the back.

– I make 'dis mullet work, everyone! 

– Tho' I forget what I is doing here. I feel like answer is right in front of me though. 

– Oh yes. Is right in front of me! Is breakfast. Mommy make french toast and bananas. 'Dis my favorite breakfast in the whole world. 

– Seriously everyone. French toast and bananas. If you is not eating 'dis right now you should stop reading and go get some. Is delicious. 

– Especially the maple syrup. 'Dis best part. Nom. 

– Does you need some help with that, Seth? Look everyone, I is helping!
– I don't know 'bout 'dis new seating arrangement, but I is pursing my lips in disapproval at 'dis business. Nobody mess with my breakfast!

•   •   •   •   •

Mommy note: Nate wasn't wasting any time at breakfast yesterday and finished well before Seth which did clue me in to at least one potential flaw in the new side-by-side arrangement.

No worries though – I was able to distract Nate by scrubbing all the syrup stickies off him. His shirt ended up going straight to the laundry hamper however. 

– French toast and impromptu fakey nakey time? 'Dis my lucky day everyone!

And lastly, a photo I nearly overlooked... 

"Why, I oughta..."

... until I noticed Seth's expression and couldn't stop laughing for a good 10 minutes. It's still giving me the giggles. Seriously, don't mess with his breakfast everyone!

- L.

Blueberries Revisited

You might recall from a previous post that blueberries made it all the way to the #1 spot when it comes to stinkeroo foods (even over the 3 P's – peaches, peas and peanut butter).

Don't ask what possessed me to revisit blueberries today. It's possible I'm delirious with sickness right now, but it's more likely I just needed some entertainment since we haven't been out of the house in almost two weeks and blueberries seemed like just the ticket.

After all was said and done, it's pretty clear that blueberries have moved down the charts some since last time, but I think I can still safely say they're still not a crowd pleaser. I can also safely say that the results were not what I expected.

Nate's take on blueberries (Part II): 

Checking out the goods.

Sampling the wares. 

Taking a better look. Love the lip stain! 

Hope you're not squeamish, because... too late! This is what Nate did with every single berry – he'd put it in his mouth, make a vague chewing motion and spit out whatever was left over. Mmmm... 

– Oh no, is they all gone mommy? 

Sorry little guy, they're all gone. Blueberries went bye-bye. Mostly all over your pants. And the floor.

And now, Seth's take on blueberries (Part II):

*I apologize in advance for the big chunk of avocado stuck to his face in every shot. I meant to just take one picture of that because it was sort of cute but then I got distracted by his maneuvers with the blueberries and forgot to pick it off. 

First, the analysis. 

Followed by the tentative pick up. 

And the deliberate put down. 

Six times.

(Not shown: Seth taking the time to lick each and every berry before banishing them from his plate. I really need to learn to hit record. It was pretty priceless.)

Things I learned about blueberries today:

1.) Black was definitely a good color choice for shirts, but I forgot to consider the pants. As a result, tips on getting rid of blueberry stains from light grey fleece will be much appreciated in comments.

2.) This is not an indoor food. The next time blueberries will be on the menu: Summertime. It's when they're in season and it's warm enough no one needs to be wearing more than a diaper, even outside (preferably near a hose). Six blueberries apiece made more mess than I ever could have imagined.

- L.