Team CharMarie

Still on our MN and WI trip, but just needed to share some favorite comments we've heard from our niece Anamarie before they are forgotten.

#1

Me: Anamarie, do you think Little Critter is going to be a boy or a girl?

Anamarie: Well, I haven't decided yet if I want it to be twins or not...

#2

After coming upstairs from playing in the basement for a few hours, she came over, rubbed my belly and said, "Wow, I think you have already grown!"

#3

Me: Anamarie, can you give Uncle John a kiss too?

Anamarie: NO! I'm not used to kissing boys...only little ones like Dillon.

Amelia: Well, he's a boy.

#4

The adults all played Ticket to Ride, and Anamarie and I made played as a team - Team CharMarie! Anamarie took a brief break to play with her toys and when she came back she said, "Are we still winning Aunt Charlotte?" After she found out her dad had just taken over the winning position, she told me, "Work harder!"

Pink is for girls and blue is for boys.

Did you know this hasn't always been true?

Long ago young children of both sexes often wore the same clothes: loose white dresses.


But around the turn of the century, colors started being advertised as being for certain genders. Pink was seen as a boy's color, as it was the lighter relative of a strong fierce red. Blue was associated with the Virgin Mary, thus a more feminine color.

I'm not completely convinced there was a strong color designation given to each gender in North America, as this 1927 Time article indicates that it depended on which store you went into. However, the article does say that when the Crown Prince of Belgium was born, "The cradle...had been optimistically outfitted in pink, the color for boys, that for a girl being blue."

Today's color associations for became apparent around the time of WWII. Many attribute this to the Nazi's use of pink triangles to designate homosexuals, but others also associate it with the dark colored uniforms that the soldiers (mostly male) wore. It is obvious that at this time pink was no longer seen as a manly color.

Book by Lynn Peril

As women were being urged to be beautiful perfect housewives in the 1950s, pink became a definitively feminine color. The slogan "Think Pink" was used to convince women to embrace their femininity.

It's obvious that the colors' designations have been almost wholeheartedly accepted as nowadays you can't walk into a North American store's baby department without being overwhelmed with baby blue (the name now causes a hmmm...) and pink. But think, less than 100 years ago you may have walked into a baby department and those colors would have been for the opposite gender!

This Belly is Not My Own

The belly/bump/stomach area of a pregnant woman is an interesting thing.

First of all, it gets a lot of attention, whether wanted or unwanted. Some people just can't NOT feel a pregnant woman's stomach. Others have absolutely no interest in touching it. Some mothers love to post photos of their naked bellies on the internet and other pregnant women hide from any camera that appears. Some love seeing those photos and some are grossed out by them.

What I used to not understand is why pregnant women always rubbed their bellies. I mean, I never went around rubbing my stomach. But now I do all the time.

My belly no longer feels like it's mine. There are all kinds of movements that I feel and see that are out of my control. Every time I feel a limb sticking out or the rhythmic beats of hiccups, I am reminded that there is someone else, another person, in there.

When I rub my big bump, I don't think about me massaging my own body. Instead it's me letting my babe know that I'm here, me sending a little bit of love LC's way.

Toronto Christmas Market

We headed out to the Toronto Christmas Market this past weekend. It's supposed to be similar to a German Christmas market, in that it's outside, there are hung lights everywhere, there's mulled wine to drink, and lots of shopping to do.


We didn't have any of the wine but we did find raclette! Raclette is a type of cheese from Switzerland that is melted and then eaten over meat, potatoes, pickles, baby corn, onions, and more. It is SO DELICIOUS! We've had it twice before and there was no way we (specifically John) was going to miss out on another opportunity. So, we stood in line for 30 minutes and then dived into raclette over french fries.


The market was held in Toronto's Distillery District, a tiny neighborhood that has amazing old buildings. Now most of the buildings house art galleries. There was one called Cubic Works that contained art made of Rubik's Cubes. Did you know they were invented in Toronto?


Some of Santa's reindeer made it for the evening!


Merry Christmas!

Penthouse Suite in the City

Are we ever late in inviting you into our home!

Honest Ed's

Both of my brothers have recently asked for more blog posts about US! I think it's their nice way of saying, "You two have been a bit boring lately." At least that is how I feel about our lives in the last while. Sure, John went to Atlanta and I've visited family & friends, but here in Toronto our life does not contain much excitement.

Why? I'm not very good at doing fun things when I don't really know a) what to do, and b) who to do them with. School keeps John very busy, especially since it's the end of the semester. He's in the middle of writing three 20+ page papers and studying for 2 finals. BUT yesterday and today are 12-16 hour days for him so he can (hopefully) have the entire weekend off! Yay!

Anyways, in order to post something semi-interesting, I went shopping this week.

It's been said that New York has Macy's and Toronto has Honest Ed's.


I would describe it like this: a building like Powell's bookstore in Portland, merchandise like a flea market, and rock-bottom prices. In other words, it's a store that takes up a complete block and that one could easily got lost in. You don't know what you're going to find in the store but you'll find more than enough. And the prices are low.

The store's founder is the late Ed Mervish, who opened it in 1948. The story goes that the store was mobbed on opening day and has only grown in popularity and size since. Really quite the rags to riches story, as he was a high school drop out but later became a millionaire.

It's a store that my dad would hate, my mom would find interesting, and my mother-in-law would love. We'll go there sometime Millie!

And Rob and Eric, sorry. I know shopping isn't quite your thing either, but at least this post has information about us and pictures I took just for you!

An Attempt at An Answer

"Do you think we'll ever live in the United States again?"

The only answer I could think of for John this morning was,

"Probably. But I'm sure it won't be as good as we think it will be."

The question we've been asked the most in the last few years is "What's it like to live in Canada?" I never know how to answer.

First of all, living in Canada has blessed us in many ways. We've experienced what it's like to be immigrants. We now know a lot more about the country north of the U.S. and how Americans are perceived in this country. We went to a church in British Columbia that embraced us completely and let John experience what it's really like to be part of a church family. We've made really good friends. We've encountered the wonder of the Nanaimo bar. We've lived in incredibly diverse cities. We've climbed mountains and seen gorgeous views. John has gotten and continues to get more education. I've worked at a great school and worked with/taught amazing people. We've consumed NO hormones from dairy products while up here. We've received inexpensive health care. We've decreased our belongings (even though we still own A LOT of stuff).

Yet there are many times we wish we did not live in Canada. It's tiring to explain why we won't ever have Ontario Health Insurance every time we see a doctor or dentist. It's hard to be seen as an outsider when meeting new people. It's difficult to fight the urge to defend my country or my fellow citizens when I hear negative comments day after day. It's hard to feel like you don't belong in either country.

[Sigh of Relief] It's over.

December has arrived, meaning that Notre November has reached an end. Phew.

Honestly, I've enjoyed it but there has been stress. Trying to make at least one of our favorites everyday, having enough pictures of food so I could leave for nine days, wanting good pictures despite the lack of light and the desire to eat the food while it was still hot...like I said, phew.

A few things I've learned this month:

1) I love all these foods but I got bored. New recipes add quite a bit of fun to cooking.
2) The Skinny Pukeko will have two types of food that are not made in its kitchen - pasta and bread.
3) Having all the food posts to do made me feel I shouldn't blog about other stuff. My preference is to have a random blog that includes a bit of everything but not all of one thing. I hope that's okay with all of you!

Thanks for sticking with us through the last month. I hope the photos made you hungry to eat something really good, whether it was one of Skinny Pukeko's menu items or something in your fridge. Many people did ask for the Roasted Zucchini Torta, so I'll end the month with the recipe. Oh, and December has no theme.

Roasted Zucchini Torta with Tomatoes & Mozzarella
from The Complete Italian Vegetarian Cookbook

6 medium zucchini
5 Tbsp. olive oil
Salt & black pepper
2 medium garlic cloves, minced
1 3/4 cups canned crushed tomatoes
2 Tbsp. minced fresh basil leaves
10 oz. mozzarella cheese, shredded (about 2 1/2 cups)
1/4 cup Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese

1. Preheat oven to 400. Cut the zucchini lengthwise into 1/4-inch-thick slices. Lay the slices on 2 large baking sheets. Brush both sides with 3 Tbsp. oil and sprinkle with salt and pepper. Bake until the slices start to brown around the edges, about 25 minutes. Cool.
2. While zucchini is in the oven, heat 1 Tbsp oil in medium saucepan. Add garlic and saute for 1-2 minutes. Add tomatoes and simmer until sauce is thick and has reduced to about 1 1/3 cups, about 15 minutes. Stir in basil; add salt and pepper to taste. Set aside.
3. Brush bottom and sides of 9-inch springform pan with remaining 1 Tbsp. oil. Line bottom with layer of zucchini slices, cutting pieces if necessary to cover the pan completely. Do not overlap slices. Spoon 1/3 cup sauce over zucchini and sprinkle with 1/2 cup mozzarella and 1 Tbsp. Parmigiano-Reggiano. Repeat process, making 3 more layers of zucchini, tomato sauce and cheese.
4. Bake at 400 for 30 minutes or until middle bubbles and sides begin to brown. Let sit 15 minutes on wire rack, then take off pan sides. Serve lukewarm.

Notes: It seems like a lot of zucchini but you do need it. It really is much better served lukewarm. You can wrap the torta tightly and refrigerate overnight. Just unwrap and put in the oven when ready, increasing the bake time by 5 to 10 minutes.

Blueberry & Pecan French Toast

A sweet yet hearty entree that can be eaten at any time of the day.

The Apple Tree

We started Advent this year by going to An Advent Procession of Lessons and Carols held at The Cathedral Church of St. James (the church the Queen visited when in Toronto). It was beautiful. One great thing about visiting Anglican churches is the songs that are new to our ears.

The words of "Jesus Christ the Apple Tree" were full of meaning for me on Sunday. It is a beautiful song that commands some thinking. In case you're interested, click here to listen to the song. The lyrics are posted below.

1. The tree of life my soul hath seen,
Laden with fruit and always green:
The trees of nature fruitless be
Compared with Christ the apple tree.

2. His beauty doth all things excel:
By faith I know, but ne'er can tell
The glory which I now can see
In Jesus Christ the apple tree.

3. For happiness I long have sought,
And pleasure dearly I have bought:
I missed of all; but now I see
'Tis found in Christ the apple tree.

4. I'm weary with my former toil,
Here I will sit and rest awhile:
Under the shadow I will be,
Of Jesus Christ the apple tree.

5. This fruit doth make my soul to thrive,
It keeps my dying faith alive;
Which makes my soul in haste to be
With Jesus Christ the apple tree.

Pesto Bruschetta

French bread, smothered in spinach basil pesto with melted mozzarella on top. What could be better?

A Trip of My Own

Since John was down in Atlanta for the Society of Biblical Literature Conference, I headed south. First stop was New Jersey at my friends Adam & Mandy's. We spent three days looking at homes, playing Monopoly, sewing and quilting, playing with their dog Moses, eating Thai or homemade pizza...it was wonderful.


If Mandy sits down on the ground, Moses immediately comes over and sits in her lap. It's so funny! He tried to sit in my lap but the belly was in the way :)


I felt so womanly, sewing curtains and being pregnant.

Then I was off to Cincinnati to visit my grandparents for Thanksgiving. My uncle had decided to fly in just a few days prior, so that was a fun surprise. I'm afraid that we really tired Mutti & Dado out with staying up late, but it was an enjoyable time for all.


What Uncle Bud does when told to "look like you love your mother".


Their cat, Chloe, was very affectionate with me all week. Her favorite spot to stand each night was right above my belly (not allowed on the belly, don't worry).


There was much to be thankful for in those nine days.

Molasses Cookies

A Christmas classic that really should be eaten all year long.

Crispy Tofu and Veg

Cornmeal crusted tofu, peppers, and pea pods make this an incredibly fresh and delicious dinner.

Oatmeal Cake

While being heart-healthy, this dessert is also delicious. The broiled sugar and pecan topping finds an enjoyable contrast in a tangy vanilla yogurt served alongside the cake.

Long Green Beans & New Potatoes in Mustard Seed Curry

Made with fresh garden produce, it's hard to beat this Indian dish.

Fish Fillets with Baby Spinach & Balsamic Viniagrette

Pan-fried tilapia served over spinach and peppers, tied together with a balsamic drizzle.

Apple Bars

A treat that can't help but be made in the autumn months. They definitely don't last long in our kitchen.

Garden Veg Stir-Fry with Tofu & Brown Rice

If tofu has never been found on your plate, this vegetable entree is a fantastic dish to first try it in!

Wild Rice Soup

A creamy Minnesota classic.

Wilted Spinach Salad

Right before serving, the spinach in this salad is tossed in a warm dressing in a frying pan.

More Pregnancy Ponderings

How has this happened? I am 30 weeks along in this pregnancy!

That's three-fourths of the way through. I remember when I had three-fourths of the way to go. It was a time full of trying to get a bowl of chicken noodle soup down at ESLI during my two-hour break between classes and evenings spent on the couch while John cooked himself dinner. I like this part of pregnancy better.

Here are my current thoughts:
1) Despite wearing pants with no zippers for three months now, I still check to make sure my fly is up before I leave the house!
2) My belly is becoming more noticeable in regular life activities. Bending over to tie shoes is becoming a little awkward. On Sunday night I tried to scoot in so someone could pass my chair, and it just wouldn't move. Yep, the belly was already touching the table.
3) There have only been a few times when I've felt really uncomfortable and they've only lasted for short stints. One spot in my mid-left back does sporadically hurt often, but can't complain too much.
4) Heartburn is making appearances. Ugh.
5) Charlie horses and toe cramps like to visit at night.

Yikes, I am complaining. I'll stop with all the body ailment thoughts, but I do need to include this little story:
A few weeks ago John came home and started complaining about his aching legs and hips from all the walking he does at school. I decided to join and complained a bit about my pregnancy pains. John responds with, "Yeah, well at least your pains are temporary."

7) Why do maternity shirts need to air dry? Come on, couldn't that one aspect of clothes & pregnancy be made simpler? And why do maternity shirts that can be dried shrink?
8) We've ordered a crib & mattress. Whew, two things off the list. All this purchasing and preparation is not easy for an indecisive woman.
9) On the other hand, shopping with John has never been more fun. We look at clothes and he finds 10 things he wants to buy. We look at strollers and he's immediately on a mission to figure out how every single stroller folds, unfolds, brakes, moves, changes height, and on and on.

Now let's move on to fun thoughts about Little Critter:
a) John thinks LC is a girl. I think LC is a boy. What do you think?
b) Movements are getting bigger. This morning was the first time I felt movement in my entire belly at the same time. I think LC is figuring out how to do quick flips! No hiccups felt yet.
c) LC is being introduced to dancing. John likes to hold onto the sides of the bump and dance with LC. No, I don't move. It's just the two of them :)
d) The last few times at the doctor's, before they measured me or even touched my stomach, the doctors have asked "Do you find that the baby is often on the right side?" That's a definite.

And the latest bump picture (taken unbeknownst to me):

Normal Food

I have one man in my life who likes everything I make - my husband.

There's another man in my life who doesn't understand why I make any of my recipes - my brother.


This is his kind of meal - four brats cooked over the campfire. Or a huge steak.

I believe it was Rob who recently left a comment asking if I make anything normal. So, in honor of him - especially since he is celebrating a birthday today - The Skinny Pukeko served up something "normal" for breakfast this morning.


Two eggs, cooked to your liking, and hot crisp bacon. Served with your choice of white, wheat, or cinnamon raisin toast.

Lentil Tostadas

Crunchy tostadas topped with a cilantro lentil spread, vegetables, and cheese. A great alternative to the typical Tex Mex fare.

Lemon Pudding Cake

An incredibly moist lemon cake, delicious with fresh strawberries and whipped cream.

ANZAC Cookies

The chocolate chip cookie of Australia and New Zealand. During World War I, there was a need for a long-lasting high energy biscuit for the soldiers. These cookies were the solution! The ingredients include oatmeal, butter, and golden syrup (made from sugar cane), but no eggs.

Coconut Curried Vegetables

This Thai-Indian fusion dish has an aromatic flavor that is lighter than many other curries.

Silence

This fictional novel, set in the 17th century, tells the story of a Portuguese priest who travels to and in Japan to search for a father who is rumored to have committed apostasy. Christianity had been welcomed in Japan years earlier, when the father had been extremely successful in his ministry, but the power holders had changed, and extreme persecution was now occurring. Through his experience, the priest learns/questions much about God, apostasy, what Jesus would have done, Judas, true faith, and more.

This book is gripping and thought-provoking to say the least. My brother-in-law recommended it to me four years ago and I didn't read it until this month. Don't wait as long as I did to pick it up!

Spaghetti Squash Primavera

Spaghetti squash with peas, carrots, onions, ham, and a creamy buttery sauce.

Chicken Tortilla Soup

The best of Tex Mex, this flavorful soup features chicken, tomatoes, corn, and black beans. Served with tortilla chips on top!

Chocolate Sweet Potato Torte

This rich chocolate dessert is the chef's favorite.

Fruity Skillet Pancake

A light, oven-baked pancake, made with cottage cheese and loaded with blueberries. Served with a seasonal berry topping and an optional dollop of whipped cream.

Oven-Fried Sweet Potatoes

Sweet potato slices, fried in the oven with olive oil, topped with garlic, parsley, and orange rind. Better than yam fries?

The Substance of The Skinny Pukeko

After only a few days of revealing the future menu, this notion appeared in one comment -

I don't think the pukeko will be very skinny after eating those.

This comment suggests that all the food served at The Skinny Pukeko will be slimming. Admittedly, it's logical reasoning but it's not true. (I know, maybe it's not the best name for the cafe but...) Let me tell you more about what The Skinny Pukeko will be.

First of all, I must give credit where it is due. The Skinny Pukeko will be modeled after The Posh Nosh Cafe, a restaurant I worked at for two weeks in Kerikeri, New Zealand. I LOVED EVERYTHING ABOUT THAT PLACE, and that cafe is what gave me the idea of opening my own restaurant.

Okay, so The Skinny Pukeko will be a fresh food restaurant, meaning everything is made fresh there: the sauces, the drinks, the dressings, the soups, really everything. The food will be delicious and healthy, but some of the recipes will definitely include fat! It will be open from around 7:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., allowing for breakfast and lunch to be served. The cafe will be a place where the locals like to come to just read the newspaper and a place that pulls in tourists. The decor will be bright colors, especially the blue found on a pukeko, that just brighten the day.


Oh, and there will always be "Muffins of the Moment" next to the cash register.

Thanks for sharing my daydream.

Roasted Zucchini Torta

Layers of zucchini, mozzarella, and basil tomato sauce create this Italian dish.

Fish Tostados

These tostados are topped with tilapia, cabbage, red peppers, and a special chili-lime cream.

Smashed Lemon Potatoes

New potatoes, smashed and fried, with lemon and parsley accents.

Hot Ham and Cheese Sandwiches

My family’s twist on an old classic. The poppy-seed mustard on this sandwich adds a lot of zing to the flavor.

OREO Truffles

How do you make a classic American treat even better? Turn it into a truffle!

Pennings' Salad

Romaine lettuce, shoepeg corn, chicken, Ramen noodles, tomatoes, green onions, and peanuts, all topped with a sweet ginger pepper dressing. What else needs to be said?

It's simple.

There's no one like my Dado.

Quinoa-Stuffed Peppers

This dish is chock-full of super foods: spinach, tomatoes, and quinoa. The flavors are way too good to be enjoyed only by vegetarians.

Sweet Potato Pie

This southern classic tastes like autumn in a pie shell. The creamy, rich, melt-in-your mouth filling is somehow light and refreshing at the same time. Truly delicious.