Kitchen Tool of the Week...

A Cast Iron Skillet.

I finally got around to buying myself one. I was hesitant to get it, because I have so many things in my kitchen, I'm running out of room! Plus, it's heavy & as is, I'm already cursing my 9 quart Le Creuset for breaking my back while washing it.
But, now that I have one, I really don't know why I've waited this long. Ever since I got home from the store with it, I've been using it constantly. For everything from pancakes, to skillet cornbread, to oven roasted potatoes {it makes the crispiest potatoes ever!}.
Cast iron is ideal for cooking, as it's a great heat conductor. If well cared for, it will last for many lifetimes, needs no special utensils for use {like an enameled dutch oven, or non-stick pan}, is naturally non-stick {when well-seasoned} & just gets better with age.
If you get one, go for the Lodge 12" skillet. It's the perfect size & comes pre-seasoned & ready to use, right out of the box.
Many people recommend you clean your cast iron cookware with nothing but a steel brush & some hot water. But, I find that if there is excessive amount of oil left in the pan, it will become rancid & effect the flavor of your food. I often find I do need to clean it more thoroughly. If you do decide to use soap to clean it {which, is okay to do}, wash the pan & dry it very well. Then, re-season it by heating the pan, using the stove top, or oven & apply a very thin layer of a neutral oil {canola, grape seed, coconut} to the surface & rub it in. Your cast iron skillet is now ready for it's next use!

Creamed Spinach

Oh, I just love creamed spinach. It's one of my favorite steakhouse sides.
I made this recipe for the first time at Thanksgiving. Not, a typical Turkey Day side, I know. But, I was having a vegetarian guest join us & I wanted some hearty veggie options.
It was a big hit & I've made it many times since. Mostly for dinner guests, as it's a bit time consuming for a weeknight meal. A plus, however, is that it can be made a day ahead of time & reheated. Leftovers are fantastic too!

Maple Sugar Sunday @ The Stamford Nature Center...{A Giveaway!!}

You might remember that back in January we had a great afternoon hanging out at the Stamford Museum & Nature Center. On March 7th, they will be hosting their 10th Annual Maple Sugar Sunday. This event is one of my favorites. I love Maple Syrup. Maple sugar. Maple Sugar candies. Anything Maple. In fact, DH & I have been wanting to tap our big, ole' maple in the backyard & make some of our own.

Some info from the Stamford Nature Center's website...
The maple sugar season peaks on March 7th as they celebrate their 10th Annual Maple Sugar Sunday.
At the festival visitors can learn how the Native Americans created sugar from sap using the "hot rock" method, see how colonists used large iron cauldrons to boil the sap over the open fire and then stop by the maple sugar house to see their modern evaporation technique in action.
There will be lots of sweet treats and the ever popular pancake breakfast. Other activities include maple-themed crafts, games, storytelling, music and much more!

The folks over at the nature center have been kind enough to offer up 4 guest passes to one of my lucky readers. The passes can be used for the upcoming festival...or, for anytime you might want to make a visit over there.
To enter the giveaway, simply comment on this post. You can enter multiple times by sharing this giveaway with others via facebook, twitter, or your own blog. Just be sure to leave a link showing how you shared it. I will select a winner on Monday, March 1st.

For more information about the festival, or about the Stamford Museum & Nature Center, visit www.stamford museum.org, or call (203)322.1646 ext. 6521

Update: The winner of the 4 free passes to the Stamford Nature Center is Mamalizza!! Congrats! I will mail them out to you.

Red Wine Cake

This recipe has a story.
My stepmother makes this cake & after having it for the first time, the bozo's became obsessed. Now, she makes it nearly every time we visit. I had no idea what it was called, but I named it the "Cinnamon Toast Crunch" cake, because it reminded my of the way the cereal tasted.
Knowing how much my guys loved it, I asked for the recipe. She said she would get it to me, but never did. Time after time I asked & never got it. Finally, after asking & asking, for probably a year, she admitted that the reason she never gave it to me was because it was a cake from a box! Heavens forbid!
She wanted to come up with a "homemade" version before she let me have it & never got a chance. Eventually, she had to cave & just fess up.
I have to admit that I am not a fan of boxed cake. Mostly, because I love baking from scratch. But, this cake in no way tastes like anything from a box. I would have never known, had she not told me.
So, here it is...the cake. I am posting it in honor of my darling Bozo #1. My first born baby. Who is turning EIGHT tomorrow & who's favorite cake is this...

Bozo Picture of the Week...

A snowy day playdate with some of the best friends a girl & her bozo's could ask for...