A Baby Is Born

Today, at 8:32 a.m. a grand daughter was welcomed into the world. Everyone is healthy and thanking God for this little miracle who weighed 7 pounds and 13 ounces. More to follow. Thank you God.

Christmas Aftermath

'Twas the day after Christmas and all through this house, not a creature was moving 'cept FJ at his mouse. The stockings lay empty beneath the tall tree, save only for gift cards and mugs and some tea.

The beds have been stripped and the wash is a going, the self-cleaning ovens are smoking and groaning. While I in my jeans and a new black zip sweater, decide on a menu for more Christmas splendor.

The baby-to-be has not yet shown her face, so a trip to Milwaukee with gifts, food and grace will toast the great season and wish Taryn and Jack a big Merry Christmas from the rest of the pack.

So load up the Volvo, BMW too, and head north to snow land (where there's also a zoo.) A dinner, some gifts and a jolly good day will add to the season, we can not delay. The season's been jolly, though the snow has been high, another great Christmas will soon say good by.

Photo attribution: somewhatfortyplus

Cheers, Jack!

The food, the frenzy, the fun, the friendship and the presents are all a blink, over in a few hours, with memories that last a life time. This one's for you, Jack. Next year. Cheers!

Merry Christmas to All

Christmas is in one's heart, whether with family and friends, or away, unable to attend familiar festivities. May all the warm wishes of the season find you, and remind you 'tis the season to be jolly and thankful for all you have. For those unable to make it back to Chicagoland for Christmas Eve, we will all be together soon. You are in our thoughts and you were even able to watch a streaming video!

With northern Illinois covered in snow, may the day find you blessed and loved, and hopefully on a beach.

Merry Christmas to all . . .

Photo attribution: somewhatfortyplus

Spinach Irmane -- Best Appetizer Award

Back by popular demand, this elegant appetizer will make your Christmas celebration a delectable event. Christmas Eve is always a happy time in this home, with appetizers on silver trays, crystal stem ware, silver pate spreaders, and china plates filled with exactly the same thing, year after year. While several items are prepared for guests, the winning appetizer is something that is served only on Christmas Eve, a meal in itself, and as good the next day as the night before. Spinach Irmane, a puff pastry crust filled with Italian sausage, cheese and spinach, has been the Christmas Eve star for many years and could shine brightly in your home as well.

Traditions start now, so gather a box of frozen Puff Pastry, a quarter pound of butter (one stick), 2 pounds of ground Italian sausage, grated mozzarella cheese, 2 boxes of frozen chopped spinach, and a large jar of apricot jam.

Puff Pastry, available in the frozen bread section of the supermarket, is thawed, unwrapped and rolled out flat into a large rectangle, triple the original size. Melt 1/2 a stick of butter, and brush onto the pastry. Heat 1 cup of apricot jam and brush on top of the melted butter. Brown the Italian sausage in a fry pan until cooked and in small pieces. Layer cupfuls of cooked sausage onto the pastry, then continue to layer thawed and thoroughly drained chopped spinach. Add a layer of mozzarella cheese and roll into a jelly roll shape. Seal the edge with cold water. Gently place the tube onto a greased cookie sheet. Melted butter may be brushed onto the top of the puff pastry if desired. Bake in a 400 degree oven for 25 minutes. Cool 10 minutes before cutting into half inch thick slices.

Though Spinach Irmane can be eaten with a fork, once it has cooled it can be easily picked up with one's carefully sanitized fingers. A delicious and elegant appetizer or main course, it will surprise and delight all who have the good fortune of tasting it. The apricot jam adds an unexpected flavor that will keep guests returning to the buffet.

The Italian sausage can be browned a day ahead of time, and the Spinach Irmane can be assembled early in the day, then baked as needed. This is such a hit, and so good the second day heated in the microwave, you will want to make two loaves. An elegant appetizer tradition can begin this year; let me know how you like it. Guests have loved it and so will you.

Photo attribution: somewhatfortyplus

On the Ground

With winds blowing and snow falling at record speeds, FJ landed safely at ORD today. So far northern Illinois has received 6 inches of snow in the latest storm, with more on the way. Enough already. A new pair of Uggs now sit in my closet. What else can one do?

Here Comes FJ

The holidays are complete when kids far and wide show up to eat cookies and share the spirits of the season. FJ arrives from DC today for a quick stop in Chicagoland. Picking him up at O'Hare and then lunching, shopping, and appreciating the lights of Michigan Avenue are all part of the deal. The rest of the family will gather on Christmas Eve, without a new baby (due any day), weather permitting. Flexibility is key when involving a baby.

Welcome back to Chicago, albeit a short visit. Hopefully United Airlines will be true to the flight plan and have no delays.