During the holiday season, I've suffered from homemade gift envy. My children’s schools have always had a “no gift” policy for the teachers. They try to enforce the idea of homemade cards from the kids rather than store-bought items. While I’d try to adhere to this highly-debated policy, I’d always find myself sneaking in a nominal gift card to Barnes and Nobles or iTunes alongside my kids' artwork. I just had to reinforce my “thanks.” However, I never really felt satisfied. I felt generic. I was envious when, year after year, I’d see … [Read more...]
Berger Cookies
December 12, 2011 By 8 Comments
I couldn’t wait to take part in the Great Food Blogger Cookie Swap last week; my first cookie swap ever! Selfishly, I also wanted to try to find the recipe and bake the celebrated cookie from my hometown. It was the one cookie that Mom always had aplenty in our freezer : Baltimore Berger Cookies. Nowadays, most people from the Maryland region (and definitely all Baltimoreans) will smile when you mention its name. People outside the area? Not so much. Berger Cookies are a product of Baltimore’s DeBaufre Bakeries (the sole manufacturer) and … [Read more...]
Wake Up Call: Life is for the Living
December 9, 2011 By 1 Comment
This week I had to travel to my hometown unexpectedly to help my father recover from some complex back surgery. I cherish the feeling of being needed and being able to help. I am the baby of the family and I was always babied growing up. However, at this point in my life, the tables have turned; my roles seem to have morphed into taking care of my children as well as my parent(s) whenever I can. Selfishly, I do not enjoy going home and staying in my old house without Mom being there - it's merely a hollow shell of a home that was … [Read more...]
Scottish Shortbread Cookies
December 7, 2011 By 3 Comments
Shortbread cookies are traditionally associated with Christmastime. Even though we don't observe Christmas, this Jew has been to plenty of Christmas "tree trimming" parties where poinsettas and tinsel decorate the room and egg nog and shortbread cookies complete the table. In fact, one of the most memorable experiences of my life was as a college student attending midnight mass in the third largest cathedral in the world in Seville, Spain on Christmas Eve. And, guess what was being offered to all the "congregants" on the way out? Shortbread … [Read more...]
