Love and Garlic Knots

We had quite the easy day.  I've been working a regular home cleaning schedule in recent weeks and this has left my Saturdays fairly free, with exception of daily chores. The kids played in their pajamas (I will put them in a fresh pair after bath time).

For dinner, I made pasta and a new family favorite, Garlic Knots.  At the table I received applause from  my twin 4 year olds and a "You're an awesome baker!" from my 6 year old.  That is a lot of love for yours truly and will ensure a future of garlic knot baking.

In recent weeks, I have vowed to make a better effort at being mom and wife to these wonderful people that I'm so lucky to call my own.  I've been reading Proverbs 31 frequently and trying to apply these principles in my own home.  One line that has always made me chuckle  is verse 31:28  Her children arise up, and call her blessed;  That sounded completely impossible to me.  But, guess what?  I'm putting in the extra effort and they are noticing.  That is very encouraging.

Garlic Knots

 I use the recipe for whole wheat pizza dough on the bag of Hodgson Mill Whole Wheat Flour.
http://www.hodgsonmill.com/our-recipe-collection/bread-biscuit-rolls-more/whole-wheat-pizza-dough/

I then take the pizza dough after it has rested and press it onto a lightly floured surface. Dough should be 1/2 in depth and shaped into rectangle.  Using a knife, cut strips (1/2 in. in width).

Take each strip and tie into knots, being very careful to avoid tearing dough.  Place knots on a slightly greased baking pan (I use olive oil).  Bake at 425 F for about 12 minutes.

Finally,  brush on the amazing garlic sauce and sprinkle with grated parmesan cheese!

Garlic sauce:
1/8 c. olive oil
2 TBSP melted unsalted butter
4 Cloves minced garlic
A pinch each of dried thyme, marjoram, basil

Makes 14 - 16
You're Welcome!

Old School Peas and the Importance of Keeping it Real with Bread

I love to experiment with new foods/recipes (see previous post).  That said, nothing brings me more comfort that making a meal that might have been found in my grandmothers' kitchens.

Tonight my family enjoyed black-eye peas, turnip greens, honey glazed carrots, and yeast rolls.  Let me be clear, my grandmothers would have made cornbread.  And this is also my go-to (I am a self-respecting Southern woman after all).  But due to my newly acquired yeast baking skills, rolls were my choice.

There is something so therapeutic about making the meals my grandmothers taught me.  I simmered the peas for hours after a long soak. I used onions and bacon like my grandmothers would.  Bay leaf and marjoram were my additions.  This seems important.  The idea that family provides a strong foundation to which one builds.

As for the newly acquired yeast skills; They had no place at this meal.  They were flat.  My "skills" need practice.  A comfort meal requires bread to match.

Back in Blog

After quite a hiatus from Fish and Flowers, I have had many new adventures and projects.  Our twin girls, who were only a month old in my last entry, are now 4 years old. And big sister is 6 and a kindergartner.  As they say, "time flies." But, we are having fun.

In the last couple of months, our family has made some very positive changes.  We (kiddos included) are trying to live our lives more simply.  This has led to many loads of clothes, toys, and furnishings being donated.  It has also led to organization projects around our home. I am cooking at home, avoiding the costs of restaurants.

Cooking, which has always been something I enjoyed, had become repetitive and frustrating in recent years.  It seemed "easier" to cook something that I knew the kids would eat or even go to a restaurant.
The result: Our meals had become unhealthy and boring.  I've resolved to change that in recent months and it's working.  My children are eating a variety of foods they would have turned up noses to in the past.  They are excited about helping with meals and trying what their hands helped to create.

Enter Experimental Dinner Night.  My husband and I enjoy trying new foods and flavors.  Our sweet daughters are a tougher crowd.  Last night I prepared Quinoa Loaf, which I learned about from my Whole Foods Recipes App.  We do not have a Whole Foods in our area, but the app is very useful for building recipes from items you currently have in your pantry or finding new recipes based on your preferences (budget, vegan, etc.).  I served this with a side of broccoli (with cheese for kiddos).  It was a very tasty, wholesome meal.  And cheap.  It did take a little time to prepare, but my family is worth every bit.

Photo was obtained from Whole Foods Market website
Recipe available at http://www.wholefoodsmarket.com/recipe/quinoa-loaf-mushrooms-and-peas

Jason took Sela Rose to Seaside to celebrate Halloween , as Ruby, Lily Teal and I had to sit this one out. Sela Rose was so beautiful dressed as Tinkerbell. She felt beautiful too. Once in costume, she insisted on staying outside (in true fairy form).

Our beautiful twins are here! Ruby Adelaide (pink hat) and Lily Teal (white hat) were born on Oct. 28th. We are very happy and extremely sleep deprived. Sela Rose has been a wonderful big sister and a big help to Mommy and Daddy.

Sela Rose Turns 2!

We can't believe it! Sela Rose is 2 years old! We had a small celebration complete with Tinkerbell cake. I was so worried the cake wouldn't turn out the way I hoped. When Sela saw it, she said "It's beautiful!" She made me feel so happy! Sela Rose shares a birthday with her Papaw, who you see rubbing noses in one of the photos.

Mom and Mae Visit

Mom and Mae came to visit last week for an early birthday celebration for Sela Rose. They also helped us get the house ready for our daughters (due the last week of October). I love the photo of the 3 of them on the couch. It's blurry, but you can see all the love and happiness.