deviled eggs

So, I have come to the conclusion that this is a subject people feel passionately about (strangely), either they think deviled eggs are delicious or they really, really dislike them. If you fall into the latter category, read no further....if not, I am so excited because from Easter to Labor Day is deviled egg season!
I am a big fan of them. I love that they have their own piece of super specific serving ware. I even got the cookbook Deviled Eggs:50 Recipes from Simple to Sassy from my sister.

My favorite recipe is the most simple one I think. It is perfect for picnics or brunch and I never get tired of it!

From pinchmysalt.com

6 eggs, hard cooked and peeled
1/4 cup mayonnaise
1 teaspoon yellow mustard
3/4 teaspoon white wine vinegar
pinch of salt (optional)
fresh ground black pepper (optional)
smoked paprika (optional)

Cut eggs in half. Arrange egg whites cut side up on a serving plate and put the yolks in a small mixing bowl. Mash yolks with fork then stir in mayonnaise, mustard, and vinegar. Mash and stir all ingredients together well. Taste and add salt and pepper if desired. Spoon a little bit of the mixture into each egg white half, dividing mixture as evenly as possible between the eggs. Sprinkle eggs with smoked paprika if desired. Serve immediately or refrigerate until ready to serve. Yield: 12 deviled eggs

Image courtesy of greasypot.com

Children's Book Week Poster 2012

The Children's Book Council has the 2012 Children's Book Week (May 7th-13th) poster and bookmark available on their bookweekonline.com site!
The poster, by acclaimed illustrator David Wiesner, is particularly awesome this year because it celebrates classic children's book characters. In order to receive one, or many, all you have to do is order the amount you would like on the site and pay for postage on a self addressed envelope.
The bookmark is even easier- you simply click on Lane Smith's illustration on the site, save the image on your computer and print on heavy paper- instant Children's Book Week bookmark!

Images courtesy of bookweekonline

calling all patrons

My town did a survey this winter to find out what the average person thought of the library and if, as well as how, they used our public library. Over the course of the last three weeks the local paper has published a series of articles regarding the results of this survey. The articles were both inspiring and discouraging....
It was a shame to hear just how many people never use the library, but I was really impressed by the "Friends of the Library" group here in town and I fully intend to join. This is a funny sort of post- the only point is to remind everyone to use their community library. In an age of everything being at your fingertips through your home computer, libraries are severely under utilized and in danger of losing funding.
The services libraries can provide go beyond borrowing materials, most have wonderful children's programs- such as book clubs and story hours. Libraries can have museum passes available and they offer workshops and speakers open to the public. However, if there are low circulation numbers and sparse attendance, there is a danger these programs and resources could disappear.
Once upon a time, I imagine as soon as you moved somewhere and settled in, you went and got a library card- how else could you get books for yourself or your family or where else would you or your kids find information or research? Now, when a library can often be viewed as a simple spot for lending, I doubt that getting that card is nearly the priority it once was to people.
This weekend I am taking my five-year-old to get his own library card. He could not be more excited.....it is a step in the right direction.

bicycle baskets

On my list of cool things I would like to have is an old timey bicycle, complete with giant basket. I suppose I could ditch the vintage bike idea and just get a neat-o basket for my Mongoose....something to consider.

Images courtesy of katiesrosecottageblog, willowbasketmaker, etsy, lovelybike, bicycling, chubbyscruisers, modcloth

forsythia

Forsythia are Spring. They are usually in bloom during that part of early Spring when people burn the brush in their yards and a jacket is still necessary if you are outside. Around here, Forsythia flourish and there are flashes and bursts of yellow in nearly every yard it seems.

It has been an unseasonably warm Winter, so I would not be surprised if very soon those bright flowers were everywhere, but if you are impatient- you could always "force" some Forsythia branches. They are the perfect candidate for blooming indoors- woody and deciduous (according to Martha Stewart the best type of shrub/tree for forcing), there is a simple how-to if you wish to enjoy the pretty yellow-ness inside as well as in your yard.

Images via google and designmegillah

Considering CSA

This year I really want to try a share, or a half share, in our local CSA (Community Supported Agriculture). I think it will inspire me to test new recipes and hopefully encourage the kids to try new foods, but also it would just feel good to support a local farm.
If you are unfamiliar with the concept, the site, Local Harvest, explains Community Supported Agriculture-
Over the last 20 years, Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) has become a popular way for consumers to buy local, seasonal food directly from a farmer. Here are the basics: a farmer offers a certain number of "shares" to the public. Typically the share consists of a box of vegetables, but other farm products may be included. Interested consumers purchase a share (aka a "membership" or a "subscription") and in return receive a box (bag, basket) of seasonal produce each week throughout the farming season.
Localharvest.org also provides tips for potential CSA members and a list of questions you may want to ask a farm before committing, as well as a how to guide. On top of all that, there is a searchable map that allows you to see if there are any CSAs listed in your area....although, I bet local farmer's markets would have a lead on them, too.

**I love that listed in the fall portion of our local CSA are cider donuts and pumpkins for jack-o-lanterns- it is worthy all the different sorts of leafy greens to get to those :)!**

Image courtesy of gardenpartynyc

Elephant First Birthday

shamrock shake

Although I have seen it advertised for years, I have never tried a McDonald's Shamrock Shake- their vanilla mint seasonal concoction. I am fairly sure it is as high in calories as it is delicious....so maybe a homemade version could be ever so slightly better for you :).
I figured I would make some of these silly, festive green shakes for my kids and found a recipe on cafemom (courtesy of Epicurious).

Shamrock Shake

• 2 cups vanilla ice cream
• 1 1/4 cups 2% low-fat milk
• 1/4 teaspoon mint extract
• 8 drops green food coloring (optional)

Blend ingredients in a blender until smooth. Pour into two cups.

**For the non-dairy folks...never fear-just substitute in soy ice cream and vanilla soy milk!**

Image courtesy of browneyedbaker

devil's candy is heaven on earth

It is that time of year again. Cadbury Mini Egg season. My most favorite chocolate candy ever- and for an intense chocolate lover that is saying a lot.
Why do they have to be so horrible for you? Thank goodness these bits of deliciousness are only available for a limited time each year. I can easily eat an entire family size bag over the course of a couple of days- or hours- depending on my mood.
I am not entirely sure why I am posting about them...their hold over me is that strong, but I will say after I hit the "publish post" button, I am headed to the cabinet for just a couple more.....

Image courtesy of cherryblossomfitness

Making Art with Children

The Art Studio at The Eric Carle Museum of Picture Book Art has a blog, Making Art with Children, that gives you a peek into what they have going on there at the museum's studio, but it is also a really cool resource for art project ideas you may want to try at home, in the classroom, at a birthday party etc..

The blog is searchable by medium and age group and also lists upcoming workshops and classes offered by the museum.
The art studio at the Carle holds museum hours and is open to all visitors who wish to "explore materials and techniques, ignite their imagination and discover their own visual language. With a commitment to education through art, our goal is to foster creative and intellectual development through making art. "
For those of us who don't live close enough to experience the museum and the studio in person, the blog is a great way to see what goes on at this wonderfully unique place.

All images courtesy of Making Art with Children