Seeded Whole Wheat Bread for breakfast

We all adore bread.  It may be a cultural thing as in Germany the bakeries are full with many different varieties of bread.  Sunflower Seed, Pumpkin Seed, Studded with Seeds, without Seeds and so many more; and all are always with a thick nice crust. The girls love crusty bread, and so does Ron :) In Germany we always have to double check to make sure that the bread from the bakery is "safe". Well, we are in Oregon this December and not in Germany so...a) no need to worry what is in the bread in Germany, and b) it is really hard to find the bread I crave so much.  What to do...well earlier this week I had success making Walnut Bread at home, so why not try to make Seeded Whole Wheat Bread?

For a different twist, I bought Whole Wheat Flour {I like Bob's Red Mill} and put it all together in less than 15 minutes.  Mia Rose kneaded the bread into a firm dough and an hour later it is ready to be eaten for breakfast.  Yay!!!  So easy, so good, and 100% Galactosemia safe :)

Seeded Whole Wheat Bread
3 tsp Yeast
2 C Lukewarm Water
2 Tbl Cider Vinegar
2 tsp  Salt
 4 C Whole Wheat Flour {or a little more so dough is not too sticky}
3 Tbl Pumpkin Seeds
3 Tbl Sunflower Seeds
3 Tbl Sesame Seeds
3 Tbl Flax Seeds

1. In a large mixing bowl combine yeast, and lukewarm water. Mix it up before adding the vinegar
2. Add all of the dry ingredients and knead into a firm dough {if too sticky add more flour}
3. Oil a cast iron pot (dutch oven) place dough in the pot and cover with the lid. Put into the
    cold oven before putting heat to 400F
4. Remove lid after 30 minutes baking time, and bake for another 30 minutes {or a little longer}
5. Remove bread from oven and let cool in pot for 10 minutes.

Slice and serve with breakfast {or any meal :)} when bread has cooled off.

Visit to Santa

the Advent Calendar Fairy - okay the girls know that is me - keeps on going and earlier this weeks the girlies got a ticket to go see Santa.

We all like to go downtown and the plan was to go to Santa Village downtown. Before heading to see Santa we saw the large Christmas tree at Ron's office, met him for lunch, and then headed to Santa Village.  Lucky for us, there was no line at all and the girlies got to visit with all of the Reindeers before telling Santa what they were hoping for...

Visiting with Rudloph

Mia Rose visiting Donder & Blitzen

Alena visiting Dasher & Dancer

2012 visit to Santa

Sneak Peak for the #SundaySupper Home for the Holidays event

I am so excited to be hosting the Home for the Holidays event for the #SundaySupper team on Sunday December 23rd, 2012.  There are dishes, traditions, and snacks that reflect what it means to be Home for the Holidays.  Traditions means comfort; be it to bring back memories of a far away home, or family, and friends too far away or no longer  but also by building tradition for children. Many keep the traditions as well as rituals every year to truly feel Home for the Holidays.  So please join us this Sunday December 23rd 2012 when 44 contributors of the #SundaySupper team share their treasured Holiday dishes.

There is breakfast,  appetizers, snacks, side dishes, desserts, as well as drinks. Take a look what the team is bringing.

Breakfast
- Orange Refrigerator Rolls by The Wimpy Vegetarian
- Eggs Benedict by Cindy's Recipes and Writings
- Holiday Cream Cheese Tea Ring by That Skinny Chick can Bake
- Cinnamon Streusel Coffee Cake by Small Wallet Big Appetite


Appetizers & Snacks
- Chicken Liver Pate by Tora's Real Food
- Bindaetteok {Mung Bean Pancakes}by Kimchi Mom
- Crab and Asparagus Soup by The Urban Mrs.
- Roasted Chestnuts by Curious Cuisiniere

Sides
- Potato Salad {Schwaebischer Kartoffelsalat} by Galactopdx
- Italian Orange Salad by Shockingly Delicious
- Sweet Potato Casserole by Magnolia Days
- Lightened up Twice Baked Mashed Potatoes by Real Nutrition
- Carrots au gratin by Juanitas Cocina

Main Dishes
- Char Siu Bao - Chinese Roast Pork Buns by 
  The Girl In The Little Red Kitchen 
- Christmas Eve Pizza & Martinis by The Webicurian
- Savory Crepe Cake by Vintage Kitchen Notes
- West Indian Curried Goat by The ROXX Box
- Pot Cheese and Potato Cheese Pierogies by 
  Cupcakes and Kale chips
- Seafood Gumbo and Grilled Oysters: A Louisiana Christmas 
  Tradition by the Catholic Foodie
- Mom's Paella by What Smells So Good?
- Portuguese inspired Chorizo Crown Pork Roast by 
  The Family Foodie
- Dorie's Chicken in a Pot by Gotta Get Baked
- New Year's Eve Buckwheat Noodles with Mochi by The Ninja Baker
- Crab Cakes for Christmas Eve by Daddy Knows Less
- Mile High Lasagna by Cravings of a Lunatic
- Red Chile Pork Tamales by Home Cooking Memories 

Desserts
- Pizzelles {Italian Wafer Cookies} by Chocolate Moosey
- Fudge by Dinner Dishes and Desserts
- Crescent Cookies by Cookistry
- Christmas Stollen by Hezzi D's Books and Cooks
- #GlutenFree Cookies for Santa by The Cooking Underwriter
- Pfeffernusse by The Foodie Army Wife
- Creme De Menthe Cake by I Run for Wine
- Panettone Bread Pudding by the Country Girl in the Village
- Spiced Gingerbread Gooey Butter Cake | A twist on a St. Louis 
  Favorite by Daily Dish Recipes
- Chocolate Gingerbread Layer Cake with Eggnog Cream Cheese by 
  Crispy Bits and Burnt Ends
- Jamaican Christmas Pudding by Lovely Pantry
- White Chocolate Cranberry Santa Cookies by Mooshu Jenne
- Christmas Tree Cookies by Damn Delicious
- Old Fashioned Lady Fingers {Creamhorns} by The Meltaways
- Rose Milk Almond Falooda {Indian Dessert Drink} by 
     Sue's  Nutrition Buzz

Drinks
- Wine Pairings by ENOFYLZ Wine Blog
- Cinnamon Infused Hot Chocolate with Southern Comfort Whipped 
  Cream by Mama Mommy Mom
- Mint Chocolate Cocoa by Mama's Blissful Bites

What does it mean for you to be Home for the Holidays?  Please join on us on Twitter throughout the day during #SundaySupper on December 23rd.  In the evening we will meet at 7pm EST for our #SundaySupper to talk about our Holiday Traditions.  We are so excited to have you join us.  All you have to do is follow the #SundaySupper hashtag or you can follow us through TweetChat.

Please feel free to share with us and our followers your favorite Holiday recipe on our #SundaySupper Pinterest Board.  We are excited to have you

Easy Bread w/ Walnuts, Lentil Soup & Winter Break

The girls are already off from school and we not been getting out as much as we usually do.  I do think so that it is time for the girls to just relax a little at home.  We have been so busy so some rest is very much needed...

Yesterday the treat the girls treats in their  Advent Calendars was ticket to go to Burgerville for lunch.  Let me must say that they were excited about that :)  First they got their haircut, and the Burgerville for lunch.  Whoo-hoo....it is little things.


Take a look the ladies with the new hair...

For dinner I made a quick and easy lentil soup with those little mini sausages both girls love so much. I lost complete track as I did not manage to prepare - not even the quick version - the dough for No Knead Bread.  And you know, that you have to have crusty bread with lentil soup, right?!

In any case, I searched and found a recipe for a quick bread.  Figured there is no harm in trying it out - worst case scenario it will not be crunchy, right?  But...I am happy to report that it turned out delicious! I added some walnuts, and oh my delicious.  It took about 1-1/2 hrs from making the dough to delicious bread.  This one is most definitely a keeper.  

Easy Bread with Walnuts
4 C       Flour {I used my "standard" White Flour from Bob's Red Mill}
3 tsp     Baking Powder
1-3/4 C warm water
2 Tbl    Vinegar {I used red wine vinegar}
2 tsp     Salt
3/4-1C Walnuts coarsely chopped

1. Pour flour and salt in a large bowl.  Mix it up.
2. Add baking powder to the warm water.  Mix well, and then pour the mixture over the flour/salt.
3. Add vinegar and mix the dough completely.  It will be very shaggy.
4. Add nuts
5. Grease a Loaf Pan, and spread dough into it
6. Bake in convection oven at 375 F  {or standardd at 400 F - not preheated}.  After app. 15 minutes
    take a knife and cut dough from top to bottom about 1/2" deep.
7. Bake for 50 - 60 minutes - until top is golden brown {to your liking}
8. Take out of oven - remove from pan.  Let it cool down before slicing it!

Blogger Day of Silence for Sandy Hook

Support & Silence for Sandy Hook Elementary

On Tuesday I will be participating in the Blogger Day of Silence organized by Meg;  below is the information

 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


 "...To the Blog World and Anyone Else who Wants to Help,

On Friday, tragedy struck so many of us in ways we did not foresee. An elementary school and small town in Connecticut was shattered by a mass shooting. We knew we wanted to help and we came up with this:


<img src="https://sites.google.com/site/megoblogdesign/files/sandyhooksupport.png" />
On Tuesday, December 18th, there will be a blogger day of silence. We will post the button and that's it. Please try to not post anything else that day if possible.

 We are also raising money that will go to an organization in the memory of this tragedy. The organization is called The Newtown Family Youth and Family Services. Here is the official description of the support service we are donating to:

"Newtown Youth and Family Services, Inc. is a licensed, non-profit, mental health clinic and youth services bureau dedicated to helping children and families achieve their highest potential. NYFS provides programs, services, activities, counseling, support groups and education throughout the Greater Newtown area.

ANY DONATIONS MADE TO NEWTOWN YOUTH AND FAMILY SERVICES WILL BE DONATED DIRECTLY TO THOSE EFFECTED BY THE SANDY HOOK ELEMENTARY SCHOOL SHOOTING."

Please visit THIS PAGE to make your donation.

 We can't imagine how they must be feeling, especially this close to the holidays. We would love for you to spread the word on your own blog, Facebook, Twitter, etc. Let's make a difference and use blogging in a positive way. Thank you in advance for participating.

 Love,
The Blog World

p.s. If you would like to, copy-paste and repost any part of this, please do. Share on.

Orange-Rosemary Punch for #SundaySupper

It is the time of year for get togethers. People - friends, co-workers, acquaintances, families - get together to enjoy each other's company.  This week's #SundaySupper theme is Holiday Food & Appetizers.  This week's host is Conni aka  as The Foodie Army Wife.  

I am bringing something different than my usual Gluehwein.  Gluehwein - these days in red {rot} amd white {weiss} - as well as Punsch is a staple at German Christmas markets {Weihnachtsmarkt, Christkindlmarkt, etc.}.  It is warming, and comforting on a cold evening. 

Looking for a different kind of punch I came across the recipe for Orange-Rosemary Punch. It is different, but delicious - plus we have a nice rosemary bush in our garden.  Perfect, right?!  Let me tell you, this is an amazing drink. Plus it is super easy to make - just be sure not to boil it, or all the alcohol will get lost...unless that is what you want....

Orange-Rosemary Punch source


2 bottles of white wine {I used Trader Joe's - Sauvingon Blanc} 
1/2 C honey
1 untreated orange
4 springs of rosemary
2/3 C Orange Liquor {I used Harlequin brand}

1. Wash and zest the orange. Reserve the fruit
2. In a stock pot combine white wine, honey rosemary, orange liquor, and orange zest

3. Warm the mixture on the stove top {covered}.  It needs to get 
   hot but not brought to a boil.  Turn off the heat and let 
   steep for at least 30 minutes before serving
4. Cut the orange slices into bite size pieces.  Put a few pieces 
   into each mug, before filling it with the hot Orange-Rosemary
   Punch


Wait, do not go yet - be sure to check out what everyone else from the #SundaySupper Team has to offer.

Holiday Cocktails

• Glühwein from Magnolia Days
• Cookies-n-Cream Cocktails from The Urban Mrs
• Cranberry Fizz from Dinners, Dishes and Desserts
• Rosemary Orange Punsch from Galactopdx
• Candy Cane Martini from Hezzi-D’s Books and Cooks
• Raspberry Hot Chocolate from Momma’s Meals
• Chocolate Peppermint Eggnog from The Daily Dish Recipes
• Jamaican Sorrel from The Lovely Pantry
• Chocolate Peanut Butter Hot Chocolate Spoons from Chocolate Moosey
• Homemade Eggnog from Flour on my Face
• Moroccan Mint Tea from MarocMama
• Cherry Bomb from Noshing with the Nolands
• Wassel from There And Back Again
• Cranberry Sparkler Mocktail from Cupcakes & Kale Chips
• Pomegranate Cosmo from Supper For A Steal
• Poinsettia Mimosas from Big Bear’s Wife
• Mulled Wine: Spiked and Steamy from Daddy Knows Less
• Poinsettia Cocktails from The Catholic Foodie
• The Red Carpet Diva from Cooking Underwriter

Holiday Appetizers or Hors d’oeuvres

• Cheese Ball Wreath from The Meltaways
• Caramelized Onion and Goat Cheese Tarts from My Catholic Kitchen
• Prosciutto Goat Cheese Rolls with Fig Preserves and Arugula from Shockingly Delicious
• Muenster and Spinach Pinwheels from That Skinny Chick Can Bake
• Drunk Moose Meatballs from The Foodie Army Wife
• Smoked Salmon Blinis with Cranberry-Spiced Feta from Chattering Kitchen
• Sticky Wholegrain Mustard & Ginger Cocktail Sausages from girlichef
• Potato Leek Soup from What Smells So Good
• Cheesy Mushroom Pull Apart Bread from Small Wallet Big Appetite
• 5 Quick & Easy Appetizers for Your Holiday Party from Webicurean
• Bacon Peanut Caramel Corn from Gotta Get Baked
• Crostini topped with Voodoo Chicken Cream Dip from Country Girl in the Village
• Mushroom Strudel from Vintage Kitchen
• Roxanne’s Shrimp & Andouille Sausage Queso Dip from The ROXX Box
• Herbed Holiday Party Mix from Curious Cuisiniere
• Old fashioned Swedish Meatballs from I Run For Wine
• Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Bites from Cindy’s Recipes and Writings
• Fried Green Beans with Wasabi Ranch from Juanita’s Cocina
• Salsa Baked Cheese from Home Cooking Memories
• Cookie Dough Dip from The Cookie-A-Day Challenge
• Parmesan Onion Rounds from Kudos Kitchen by Renee
• Lip-smacking Cranberry Cocktail Meatballs from In The Kitchen with KP
• Hot Spinach Parmesan Dip from Comfy Cuisine
• Indian Spiced Tuna Balls from Soni’s Food
• Onion marmalade with Bacon from Ruffles and Truffles
• Sweet Potato Dip from Mama’s Blissful Bites
• Baked Jalapeno Popper Ranch Dip from Weekend Gourmet
• Baked Brie from Family Foodie
• Hoisin Asisan Meatballs from Damn Delicious

To honor the victims of Sandy Hook Elementary the Twitter Chat today has been cancelled.  Isabel, the founder of #SundaySupper, put what all of feel into words.  My heart breaks for all those who have lost loved ones.

We would love to feature your recipe for holiday get together's on our #SundaySupper Pinterest board to share  with all of our followers.

at a loss of words...

...this week was very hectic and I had planned to write a fun post with a round up on our dinner's this week.  It is not going to happen.  I just cannot write and pretend nothing has happened; I cannot just sweep the horror that happened today at Sandy Hook Elementary School underneath the table.  It nags on me as I am sure it does on everyone.  My heart breaks for all the families that now have to endure such unimaginable pain...who goes out and shoots innocent people, children?!  There is something very, very wrong.  Just earlier this week another shooting happened right here at Clackamas Town Center in the metro Portland area.  When will it stop?  It makes me sick to my stomach that  now, the lives of children - innocent, little children - have been taken by a senseless act of violence. My heart goes out to everyone affected; I weep for all the lives, hopes, and dreams lost.

Today we will join all parents as we hold our kids tighter and hug them until they tell us to stop...

Pine Nut Cookies #Dairyfree #Eggfree

It is already on to the second week of advent and also time to bake more cookies for the family.  Today I we made Pine Nut Cookies.  This is a quick and easy recipe.  I prepared the dough in the morning, rolled it up to chill.  After school the girls cut and decorated them :)






I have been staying away from pine nuts and substituting walnuts this past year as the origin of them is sometimes questionable.  But when I saw them at Trader Joe's last week, I just could not pass the package up.  Ron will be quite happy because these are one of his favorite Christmas cookies.

Pine Nut Cookies
3/4 C vegan "butter" {I prefer Earth Balance sticks}
1/3 C sugar
1/2 tsp vanilla extract
1 pinch of salt
1 Tbl almond, soy, or hemp milk
3/4 C pine nuts and additional pine nuts reserved for decoration
2 C Flour

1. Grind pine nuts to a meal
2. Cream margarine in a mixer then slowly,
3. Add sugar, vanilla extract, pinch of salt, and "milk". Mix it well for 1-2 minutes; then
4. Add pine nut meal and mix it well for another minute or so.  Then,
5. Add flour and mix until a dough forms.
6. Separate dough into two or three parts.  Place each individually onto ceran wrap, before rolling each
    piece into a roll.
7. Place in fridge - and cool for at least an hour before baking
***Preheat oven to 375 F***
8. After dough is cooled - line cookie sheets with parchment paper and cut dough into individual rings  
   {medium to fine thickness}.  Decorate each cookie with reserved pine nuts
9. Bake for app. 10 minutes - they should be light golden; and cool them.
10. *Optional* Sprinkle powder sugar over the cooled off cookies

Place in cookie tin when they are completely cooled off {if they last that long}

Ice "cream" cake #Dairyfree & Birthday Party

Another year has passed by so quickly and our big girl just turned nine years old.  It is hard to believe how fast time is running...Alena wanted a real Birthday party this year complete with cake, games, craft, and dinner.  A party like the ones I grew up with - parents entertaining us with fun games, and crafts.

The hostess

For the 2012 Birthdays in our family {I just remember that mine was not included} I have been making - as you may already know - Ice "Cream" Cakes.  It started with Mia Rosie - Vanilla/Raspberry - then Ron - Vanilla/Peach - and now Alena.  Alena however is a complete chocolate lover. No question...so her selection was Chocolate/Blood Orange.  It turned out great {however I think vanilla is much prettier} and everyone loved it.  Oh, and I cheated as the actual cake was baked from a box.

Chocolate Blood Orange Ice Cream Cake
1 box of dairy free Vanilla or Chocolate Cake {I used Trader Joe's Vanilla & added 2 Tbs chocolate}
   Soy/Almond/Hemp Milk
   Egg
   Oil or vegan margarine
2 - 14 oz containers of Ciao Bella Blood Orange Gelato
1 - Quart So Delicious Chocolate Velvet Ice "Cream"
1 - organic untreated orange
6 - marshmallows cut in half

1. Bake cake according to instructions and use your preferred milk substitute, as well as "butter'
    substitute.  Keep 1 container of Gelato on counter to soften
2. Let cake cook down and place a "Tortenring" {catering?}, or aluminum foil between the cake/and
    the pan. It should go all the way to the top of the pan, it will make it easier to remove the pan at
    the end.
3. Spread softened container of gelato on the cool cake.  Cover with aluminum foil and put in
    freezer for at least 3 hours; or until firm.
4. Soften chocolate ice "cream" - spread 1/2 of the container of soft ice "cream" on top of gelato.
    Cover and return to freezer for at least 3 hours; or until firm.
5. Repeat step 3
6. Repeat step 4. Let cool for about an hour, then decorate the cake with orange slices and
    marshmallow. Cover and return to freezer for at least 2 hours or until firm.

Remove 30 minutes before serving!!!

And the party?!  All the kids had a lot of fun.  First there was the ice cream cake;

next a game of "Topfschlagen" {it literally translates to "hit the pot". The eyes of the player are covered, then a pot is hidden with a little gift underneath and the player gets on his knees with a wooden spoon to find the pot}, followed by  the "Mummy" game {kids are in pairs of two and one person wraps the other in toilet paper},

The Mummy Game 

and finally Musical Chairs.

Musical Chairs

For the craft we made Santa's - some kids made Elf's.  I had prepared the craft by covering empty rolls of toilet paper with red felt {I used a glue gun}, and also glued the "head" on top.  The kids decorated, using low heat glue guns, the craft with eyes, beard {cotton balls}, hat, buttons, belt, etc.

And finally the Birthday girls choice for dinner - Wieners...