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The Complete 15-Minute Gourmet
Creative Cuisine Made Fast and Fresh
By Paulette Mitchell
There never seems to be a dearth of new titles in the cookbook genre, especially around the holidays. So how do you choose? The secret is to look past the glossy photos and tempting, but-where-do-I-find-those-ingredients? dishes to collect recipes that you will actually use and often. Local author Paulette Mitchell’s newest release in the “15-Minute” series is exactly that kind of cookbook. Her speedy meals are simple enough that anyone can prepare them with fresh and flavorful ingredients for the family on a busy weeknight, but they easily translate to sophisticated gourmet dishes for entertaining as well – all in 15 minutes or less. Hardcover, 320 pages, Thomas Nelson Publisher, $24.99.
She Sells Sea Shells
World Class Tongue Twisters
Illustrated by Seymour Chwast
Do you have a little one who is entranced by all things verbal? This book is sure to be a hit. A compilation of fun to say, but not too twisty on the tongue sayings illustrated with Chwast’s unique style. Hardcover, 64 pages, Cider Mill Press, $19.95.
Kiki’s Hats
Written and Illustrated by Warren Hanson
While the holidays are often referred to as the season of giving, we all know that they can be weighted pretty heavily for kids towards the season of getting. In this delightful picture book, local author Warren Hanson gives a playful yet thoughtful reminder of how good it can feel to give to others. With colorful illustrations and lively rhymes the story of a real life Kiki, who knits hats to give away, never feels preachy, instead, it bursts with the very enthusiasm that the story describes. Hardcover, 36 pages, Tristan Publishing, $16.95.
The Miraculous Journey of Edward Tulane
Written by Kate DiCamillo
Illustrated by Bagram Ibatoulline
Parents by their nature are generally all about sheltering their children from loss, injustice and sadness. But the world, and some of the best stories, are full of it. This book, by award winning author Kate DiCamillo, is not new, but the story it tells is rich, unexpected, ageless and yes, defined by moments of harsh tragedy that befall Edward Tulane, a china rabbit with much to learn. Though softened by gorgeous, gentle illustrations, the tale may feel too troubling for the very young, but older elementary age children will be swept up in the boldness of the story and be enriched by its ultimate message of hope and love. Hardcover, 200 pages, Candlewick Press, $18.99.
Correction
The article, Parenting 101, in the Sept/Oct issue of Family Times included an inaccurate quote regarding the impetus for the creation of the ECFE program. While likely to positively affect rates of parental child abuse, the program was not started specifically for this reason as stated in the quote. The program was conceived to provide parents with the knowledge and tools to be more effective in their parenting. Family Times regrets the error.
Old Fashioned Sunday Supper
Remembering the simple pleasure of comfort food and the traditional Sunday supper, Cooks of Crocus Hill has been inspired to recreate that experience for their customers every other Sunday at 5 pm. They offer menus based on hearty classics, served at long tables for family-style eating. Socializing, making new friends and stress-free family time are definitely a draw as well. All meals include three-courses and beer and wine are available for an additional charge. Cost is $15.00 per person. Check the website: www.cooksofcrocushill.com or call 651-228-1333 to make reservations or for more details.
Something for Nothing
The economic times tend to dictate a cutting back mentality and luxuries such as family theatre or music outings may seem out of reach, but with the support of the Target Foundation many world-class performances are available to local families at low or no cost. Examples include:
• The Saint Paul Chamber Orchestra’s family concerts including Ordway Family, Start the Music! and xplorchestra! concerts are now free of charge. Registration to enter a drawing for February-May concert tickets will be accepted January 5-16, online at www.thespco.org/target or by calling the SPCO’s ticket office at 651-291-1144. Performance dates online.
• Target Play Dates at the Guthrie return for the 2008-09 season. These free theater workshops for kids ages 4 to 11, combined with reduced-price $15 theater tickets, create an afternoon
of Guthrie fun the entire family can enjoy. Tickets go on sale January 7, 2009 through the Guthrie Box Office in-person or by phone at 612-377-2224. Tickets are not available online.
• There are five free Minnesota Orchestra Family Concerts this season. Free tickets are distributed through a random drawing with the next registration period taking place December 10-17. Visit www.minnesotaorchestra.org for a chance to win up to six tickets.
Holiday Picks
For Teachers – Give ’em What They Want (and Need!)
Giving a holiday gift to your child’s teacher is a time-honored tradition, but parents often struggle to choose the right gift and teachers, while they always appreciate the gesture, find it frustrating to accumulate personal items when their classrooms are in need of so much. Studies indicate that teachers spend an average of $475 per year of their own money on supplies for their students and classrooms. An innovative new service may be the solution. Gold Star Registry (www.goldstarregistry.com) allows teachers to ask for exactly what they want and simplify holiday shopping for busy parents. Teachers can register on the site and build their wish list from more than 6,000 teacher-recommended products. Parents and others can then log onto an individual teacher’s registry and purchase items in any price range. 100 percent of the gift goes to the teacher and items are shipped directly to the school. Cross that one off the list!
For Parents – Customized Keepsakes
Fingerprint Jewelry
Keep a memento of your child always close with one of the lovely pieces from Imprint On My Heart®, LLC. They offer custom fingerprint and thumbprint keepsake jewelry and baby footprint keepsake designs in sterling silver and yellow, white and rose gold. Choices include pendants, charms, lockets, key chains and more. You can also add a special handwritten note, signature or drawing in the actual writing of your loved one. Prices start at $275. www.imprintonmyheart.com.
Memory Blankets
For many parents it is tough to pack away or get rid of the darling clothes that their kids wore as babies. Entrepreneur mom Michelle Rubin, founder of Willow Creek Baby, can help. Send her your special items of clothing and she will turn them into a keepsake blanket to use and treasure. Prices vary depending on size, but a 32” x 32” blanket made from 16 pieces of clothing is $75. Gift certificates are available. www.willowcreekbaby.com
Sticks and Stones
What started as a mom and dad teaching the alphabet to their kids, ended up as elegant artwork, unique to each owner. A few years ago, Brad and Jera Deal and their three young daughters began looking for different “letters” in nature and architecture. while on walks or while spending the day at the park. They began taking photographs to remember their adventures and suddenly a new business was born. Visit their website to pick the style and color frame you want and then chose from an assortment of photos for each letter of whatever you decide to spell and frame. Prices start at $129.99. www.createsticksandstones.com
For Kids – Where to Look?
Is it me or are toy stores getting harder to find? There actually are many wonderful stores and venues locally (see story on page 18), but if you want to do some browsing online here are some ideas for sites with interesting offerings and shopping tips.
Fat Brain Toys - www.fatbraintoys.com
Find toys by age, see what is new and find special offers.
Dr. Toy - www.drtoy.com
Reviews and guides for toys of every description and links to numerous toy sites.
Blue Orange Games – www.blueorangegames.com
Eco-friendly toys made of natural materials.
Let’s Play - Toy Guide for Children with Special Needs
www.toyassociation.org
This guide lists toy choices for children with all types of special needs including visual, physical, and hearing impairments, learning disabilities, and developmental disorders. (Click on Toy Industry Foundation in upper right corner).
No More Wrap Rage!
The Open It! Tool is designed to cut, slice, and snip to get you into even the most stubborn packaging. Plus it has a built-in screwdriver to access batteries. $12.99.
www.enjoyzibra.com/openit/
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www.VisitSantaOnline.com
If you want to avoid the mall but still give Junior the chance to share his wishes with the big guy, this online site offers a personal, two-way, real-time web chat with Santa for $9.99. For those without a webcam, text can be sent to Santa and he will respond in real-time from the computer screen. A video can be downloaded to treasure the memory and to send to family and friends to share the moment. A neat option for kids who are ill or otherwise unable to have a live audience with Santa.
www.dadorbust.com/
There are so many mommy blogs out there it is hard to keep track. But daddy blogs are harder to find. Dad or Bust blogger Ian describes his blog as “open-minded, relatively competent and won’t waste your time - I cut to the good stuff.” He gives you the lowdown on new products, his own carefully honed parenting techniques and plenty to laugh about as you share his learn-as-we-go journey of fatherhood.
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