One of my favorite memories I have of my son Ian is from when he was about three years old. He and I were baking something in the kitchen which required cinnamon, and as he stirred the ingredients in the bowl my little guy broke into a spontaneous song, a joyous little ditty that went a little something like this:
My skin is brown
My skin is like cinnamon
I am brown
And I am strong
Ian sang these four lines with such gusto and certainty that tears sprang to my eyes. Ian knew he was brown, like his favorite spice, and he felt powerful in his own skin. I will always remember that day, and my goal as his mother is to always help him maintain that joy of self discovery and confidence in his own skin.
Today as I put away groceries with the boys circling my legs, clamoring for snacks, I found a bag at the back of the cupboard with three caramels, one for each of us, a treat we decided to consume immediately. As we enthusiastically unwrapped our caramels, I held mine up to Suki's arm, noting that his skin was the exact brown of our caramels.
With many kisses and tickles, I said "I have a cinnamon son and a caramel son! I could eat you both up!" But Suki immediately asked, "Well, what are you?"
That took some brainstorming, and after discarding many types of wheat based products, Ian settled the matter with some determination, declaring that "Mom is pita bread."
These comparisons may seem simple, but in our family we do acknowledge that our skin is not the same. Yes, we are different from each other. God makes people in all shades of perfect, and on the inside we carry the same love of family in our hearts. Yes, we are a family, full of flavors and textures and colors and love, love, love.
Wednesday, June 12, 2013
Wednesday, April 10, 2013
Gibneh Beydah (Egypt)
This year I have a recipe of the month calendar, The World in Your Kitchen, and while in March I waited until the very last day of the month to make the recipe, when I turned to page to April, I wanted to dive into the recipe. And I did. One night last week the boys and I whipped up a batch of gibneh beydah, traditionally a goat cheese dip, though I made it with feta. It was easy and so, so yummy, as evidenced by the boys and I gobbling it down on pita chips in a matter of minutes.
And just like that, I was back in it. I've been pouring over my copy of Extending the Table, stopping by the Asian market, and plotting my meal plans for the days ahead. I sat down with the cook book and planned my garden based on recipes I want to make this summer, and I've been thinking about upcoming events for which I can bring a new dish.
This blog has been slow for awhile now, which has been a reflection of where my mind has been these last months in terms of thinking about culture, race and adoption. It wasn't about the food, because I have been cooking up a storm during these long winter months. And it wasn't about my kids, because we still talk about those Big. Life. Issues. that we deal with as a family. There was just a point last year where I felt almost over saturated with books, discussions, blogs, classes, documentaries, fundraisers and more. So I checked out for awhile.
This month I've checked back in when I flipped the calendar.
I was invited to a book talk on The New Jim Crow by Michelle Alexander. So I purchased a copy and am reading about the new racial caste system that is the incarceration of African American men at an alarming rate in our society. And also my worst nightmare for my precious, intelligent son who will someday change the world. I don't want to think about the possibility of my son being snagged into a corrupt and racist system, but I don't have the choice to ignore this epidemic.
I began following NPR's new blog on code switching (http://www.npr.org/blogs/codeswitch/). This online discussion on race, ethnicity and communication is fascinating, and the blog happened to go live the week in which my students read of Scout's exposure to this phenomenon in ch. 12 of To Kill a Mockingbird. In a few short days, this blog has already raised questions for me about how my children and I interact with the world around us and what my responsibilities are for providing my children the necessary tools to maneuver successfully in this society.
And finally, I've been reflecting on my own white privilege. The reality of my 'break' is that it was only possible because my skin is white, thus I am allowed to not think about race simply because I don't want to. If I am being honest, the break was good for me. I feel like I am able to explore these new resources before me with fresh eyes. But I also feel guilty. Because for all my work and reflection and investment in this journey, I still have work to do. Work that sometimes gets pushed to the end of the month, the back of the line, the bottom of the list. It would be my greatest regret to fail in this endeavor though...
So I check back in...
And just like that, I was back in it. I've been pouring over my copy of Extending the Table, stopping by the Asian market, and plotting my meal plans for the days ahead. I sat down with the cook book and planned my garden based on recipes I want to make this summer, and I've been thinking about upcoming events for which I can bring a new dish.
This blog has been slow for awhile now, which has been a reflection of where my mind has been these last months in terms of thinking about culture, race and adoption. It wasn't about the food, because I have been cooking up a storm during these long winter months. And it wasn't about my kids, because we still talk about those Big. Life. Issues. that we deal with as a family. There was just a point last year where I felt almost over saturated with books, discussions, blogs, classes, documentaries, fundraisers and more. So I checked out for awhile.
This month I've checked back in when I flipped the calendar.
I was invited to a book talk on The New Jim Crow by Michelle Alexander. So I purchased a copy and am reading about the new racial caste system that is the incarceration of African American men at an alarming rate in our society. And also my worst nightmare for my precious, intelligent son who will someday change the world. I don't want to think about the possibility of my son being snagged into a corrupt and racist system, but I don't have the choice to ignore this epidemic.
I began following NPR's new blog on code switching (http://www.npr.org/blogs/codeswitch/). This online discussion on race, ethnicity and communication is fascinating, and the blog happened to go live the week in which my students read of Scout's exposure to this phenomenon in ch. 12 of To Kill a Mockingbird. In a few short days, this blog has already raised questions for me about how my children and I interact with the world around us and what my responsibilities are for providing my children the necessary tools to maneuver successfully in this society.
And finally, I've been reflecting on my own white privilege. The reality of my 'break' is that it was only possible because my skin is white, thus I am allowed to not think about race simply because I don't want to. If I am being honest, the break was good for me. I feel like I am able to explore these new resources before me with fresh eyes. But I also feel guilty. Because for all my work and reflection and investment in this journey, I still have work to do. Work that sometimes gets pushed to the end of the month, the back of the line, the bottom of the list. It would be my greatest regret to fail in this endeavor though...
So I check back in...
Sunday, March 31, 2013
Bananas in Arrack (Sri Lanka)
Today, the last day of March, was cutting it close to make the recipe of the month, Banana in Arrack, from my recipes around the world calendar. I had been planning all month to make this dish. I had the simple ingredients, bananas, brandy, brown sugar, spices, but never quite the right time or temperament to make the dish. In fact, I was going to make a totally different dessert for today for a totally different dinner. But sometimes life doesn't go as planned.
Sometimes you hurt your back...badly.
Sometimes a dear family member is in the hospital.
Sometimes your run out of cream or tartar and the store is closed.
Sometimes your kid needs time and assistance to ease his way.
Sometimes the text for your spouse to bring home pizza for dinner doesn't get received.
Sometimes you forget that your kid has homework due tomorrow.
Sometimes a stomach virus hits...at the airport.
Sometimes work piles on the desk and floor and table and computer.
Sometimes you still have one more email left to send.
Sometimes you are one visit short to the gym to get your $20 discount.
Sometimes you fall asleep only to wake an hour later with the world on your shoulders
And sometimes the Easter Bunny brings the cousins matching pajamas.
And sometimes you find a ham the night before Easter.
And sometimes you hear a story that warms the heart.
And sometimes you get a heartfelt apology.
And sometimes you go to the spa.
And sometimes your kids make you laugh until tears run.
And sometimes you can't put down that amazingly trashy novel.
And sometimes you walk for an extra ten minutes on the track.
And sometimes you just need a hot bath.
And sometimes you realize you have all the ingredients for something sweet, bananas that you light on fire, which warms a place inside you as you eat it at the table with some of the most important people in your life.
And it is good.
Sometimes you hurt your back...badly.
Sometimes a dear family member is in the hospital.
Sometimes your run out of cream or tartar and the store is closed.
Sometimes your kid needs time and assistance to ease his way.
Sometimes the text for your spouse to bring home pizza for dinner doesn't get received.
Sometimes you forget that your kid has homework due tomorrow.
Sometimes a stomach virus hits...at the airport.
Sometimes work piles on the desk and floor and table and computer.
Sometimes you still have one more email left to send.
Sometimes you are one visit short to the gym to get your $20 discount.
Sometimes you fall asleep only to wake an hour later with the world on your shoulders
And sometimes the Easter Bunny brings the cousins matching pajamas.
And sometimes you find a ham the night before Easter.
And sometimes you hear a story that warms the heart.
And sometimes you get a heartfelt apology.
And sometimes you go to the spa.
And sometimes your kids make you laugh until tears run.
And sometimes you can't put down that amazingly trashy novel.
And sometimes you walk for an extra ten minutes on the track.
And sometimes you just need a hot bath.
And sometimes you realize you have all the ingredients for something sweet, bananas that you light on fire, which warms a place inside you as you eat it at the table with some of the most important people in your life.
And it is good.
Sunday, March 24, 2013
Gy Nam Daeng (Thailand) and Nasi Kuning (Indonesia)
A few weeks ago, the boys and I had school and work off for a long weekend. In an effort to give me a little more rest, John left the boys with a 'self serve' breakfast. Pre-poured milk in the fridge and leftover pancakes. The boys, seemingly focused on their rare opportunity to watch cartoons, waited until Dad was just out the door before exploring this novel approach to breakfast without realizing I was listening with the door to my room open.
It was not surprising that big brother Ian took charge. He made sure the pancakes and milk were served. It was no surprise then when Suki suggested that perhaps they might have a few marshmallows along side the pancakes. Big brother shot that one down, but did offer a healthier alternative in the form of raisins. The compromise was accepted, and when the boys finished, they burst in to share the exciting experience of fending for themselves at meal time.
Meals are usually put together, or purchased and picked-up, by Mom and Dad. The boys show up when called away from projects, Legos, or cars, and with a quick wash of hands are ready to eat. Same with snacks. Of course, they ask if they want something, but we have been the keeper of the snacks, too. We keep it simple most of the time. Tonight at dinner it was Gy Nam Daeng, braised chicken in a spicy red sauce, and Nasi Kuning, coconut rice. It was a nice combination of spicy with the slightly sweet, creamy rice, with steamed broccoli on the side and fruit smoothies for dessert. But we would like the boys to become more involved and independent in meal times.
When Ian and I were in Scotland, my dad and stepmom provided us with delicious meals, and they also set out an assortment of snacks on a side table that were available for any time one was feeling a bit peckish. Simple items like oranges, veggies, oat cakes and corn chips. Ian and I would wander past a sample a cherry tomato or tangerine, which was an easy and healthy way to snack.
This past week, we decided to try something similar at home. We put together the "snack tray" as we've taken to calling it, and we set it up at the end of the counter, which we all pass by many times during the day. We've empty and refilled a few items, but the tray holds a little bowl of cutie tangerines, some grape tomatoes and baby carrots, raisins and other dried fruit, or a can of mixed nuts at any given time.
When we told the boys they could eat anything from the tray, anytime they wanted, I wasn't sure what to expect. They could have gorged themselves on raisins or simply ignored it, but it has actually worked out pretty much as we intended. It seems like a small step for independence, but we are a family that thrives on routine. Knowing what is for dinner and when exactly it will be served is comforting, especially at the end of a long day. That being said, we all have different needs and need to feel comfortable taking care of those needs. One raisin or cherry tomato at a time!
It was not surprising that big brother Ian took charge. He made sure the pancakes and milk were served. It was no surprise then when Suki suggested that perhaps they might have a few marshmallows along side the pancakes. Big brother shot that one down, but did offer a healthier alternative in the form of raisins. The compromise was accepted, and when the boys finished, they burst in to share the exciting experience of fending for themselves at meal time.
Meals are usually put together, or purchased and picked-up, by Mom and Dad. The boys show up when called away from projects, Legos, or cars, and with a quick wash of hands are ready to eat. Same with snacks. Of course, they ask if they want something, but we have been the keeper of the snacks, too. We keep it simple most of the time. Tonight at dinner it was Gy Nam Daeng, braised chicken in a spicy red sauce, and Nasi Kuning, coconut rice. It was a nice combination of spicy with the slightly sweet, creamy rice, with steamed broccoli on the side and fruit smoothies for dessert. But we would like the boys to become more involved and independent in meal times.
When Ian and I were in Scotland, my dad and stepmom provided us with delicious meals, and they also set out an assortment of snacks on a side table that were available for any time one was feeling a bit peckish. Simple items like oranges, veggies, oat cakes and corn chips. Ian and I would wander past a sample a cherry tomato or tangerine, which was an easy and healthy way to snack.
This past week, we decided to try something similar at home. We put together the "snack tray" as we've taken to calling it, and we set it up at the end of the counter, which we all pass by many times during the day. We've empty and refilled a few items, but the tray holds a little bowl of cutie tangerines, some grape tomatoes and baby carrots, raisins and other dried fruit, or a can of mixed nuts at any given time.
When we told the boys they could eat anything from the tray, anytime they wanted, I wasn't sure what to expect. They could have gorged themselves on raisins or simply ignored it, but it has actually worked out pretty much as we intended. It seems like a small step for independence, but we are a family that thrives on routine. Knowing what is for dinner and when exactly it will be served is comforting, especially at the end of a long day. That being said, we all have different needs and need to feel comfortable taking care of those needs. One raisin or cherry tomato at a time!
Wednesday, March 20, 2013
Keran Kook (Korea)
Last week my six year old and I had the same week off for spring break and passports itching to be used, so we flew to Glasgow, Scotland to visit with my dad and stepmother. We visited museums, played with walkie-talkies, walked and walked and walked, and (I) indulged in massages and spa treatments. It was a wonderful, relaxing trip, and upon arriving home to Dad and Little Brother, we chose to conquer the jet lag with a new take on takeout night.
In an effort to save money and calories, I made our 'takeout' food at home. We had (pre-cooked) egg rolls baked in the oven, Com Chien, a fried rice (which I've blogged about before), and Keran Kook, egg drop soup. Now I've had this soup many times over in restaurants or as takeout, but I never actually made it before. It was so easy and so tasty though, which gave this simple appetizer a fresh new flavor. Even Ian, not a fan of soup, slurped it up!
This fresh take on an old favorite gave me the opportunity to reflect on our travels. Ian has traveled extensively in his short life, but he doesn't really remember it much. Our last big trip was to Thailand two years ago, and while he has flashes of moments, this recent trip was truly a new adventure for him. And his enthusiasm and joy in that adventure was certainly contagious, bringing fresh perspective to the rigors and hassles of traveling.
Each stage of the trip itself brought many questions, about security, where the bags go, what all the vehicles around the plane were doing, etc. The magnitude of all the moving parts of traveling by plane can get lost in the hustle and lines and tedium of airports, but Ian had me stopping and thinking about how exciting it all can be.
While in Scotland, where Ian visited as a toddler but doesn't recall, he wondered over the many forms of transportation (including Granddad's missing car!) and explored a real castle and gobbled fish and chips. We even watched The Wizard of Oz, a favorite movie from my childhood, and this old favorite seemed somehow brighter and more marvelous than I remembered!
For me, one of the joys of being a parent is the new energy and perspective that little eyes and hearts and minds bring to both the mundane and miraculous moments, as well as everything in between. This is perhaps the first trip that Ian will remember clearly in the years ahead, and I hope that the magic of discovering new places and adventures carries him all over the world. And I may be right beside him part of the way!
In an effort to save money and calories, I made our 'takeout' food at home. We had (pre-cooked) egg rolls baked in the oven, Com Chien, a fried rice (which I've blogged about before), and Keran Kook, egg drop soup. Now I've had this soup many times over in restaurants or as takeout, but I never actually made it before. It was so easy and so tasty though, which gave this simple appetizer a fresh new flavor. Even Ian, not a fan of soup, slurped it up!
This fresh take on an old favorite gave me the opportunity to reflect on our travels. Ian has traveled extensively in his short life, but he doesn't really remember it much. Our last big trip was to Thailand two years ago, and while he has flashes of moments, this recent trip was truly a new adventure for him. And his enthusiasm and joy in that adventure was certainly contagious, bringing fresh perspective to the rigors and hassles of traveling.
Each stage of the trip itself brought many questions, about security, where the bags go, what all the vehicles around the plane were doing, etc. The magnitude of all the moving parts of traveling by plane can get lost in the hustle and lines and tedium of airports, but Ian had me stopping and thinking about how exciting it all can be.
While in Scotland, where Ian visited as a toddler but doesn't recall, he wondered over the many forms of transportation (including Granddad's missing car!) and explored a real castle and gobbled fish and chips. We even watched The Wizard of Oz, a favorite movie from my childhood, and this old favorite seemed somehow brighter and more marvelous than I remembered!
For me, one of the joys of being a parent is the new energy and perspective that little eyes and hearts and minds bring to both the mundane and miraculous moments, as well as everything in between. This is perhaps the first trip that Ian will remember clearly in the years ahead, and I hope that the magic of discovering new places and adventures carries him all over the world. And I may be right beside him part of the way!
Sunday, February 10, 2013
Jiaozi (China)
Happy Chinese New Year!
This year our oldest started Kindergarten at a Chinese immersion school, and we are along for the ride as he learns about the language and culture of China. Today is actually the New Year, one of the most important dates of the Chinese culture, and we have been ushering in the Year of the Snake all weekend!
This is a new holiday for our family, but out six year old is fast on his way to becoming an expert, so we are committed to stay caught up as well on embracing some new traditions. This is an exciting process, mainly because the boys have been so excited. We are always open to new experiences, but because we have committed our childrens' K-8 education to a new language and culture, incorporating this holiday into our calendar comes with that commitment.
Early in the week, I asked Ian what he wanted to eat to celebrate the holiday. He immediately said, "Dumplings!" This is a dish I had never made, but I knew just the place to look. Extending the Table had just what I needed with a recipe for Jiaozi, pork filled dumplings. Over the course of the week I gathered the necessary ingredients for a weekend feast.
Friday evening we watched Ian's school give an amazing New Year's program that included singing, dancing, drama, martial arts, a fashion show, dragons, drums, and more. Ian perform a traditional song and dance with his classmates. He was singing, dancing, and playing an instrument with enthusiasm and grace. We were so proud:)
Saturday included impromptu guests in the form of my mom, step dad, brother and his family, and making the dinner was truly a family affair. For our celebration dinner not only did we have Jiaozi, but also Jiaozi Jer, which is the dipping sauce. We added sticky rice, noodles and almond cookies, all recipes from the same cookbook. We added an orange and apple salad on the side for good luck and health, too. Everyone took part in making the food, and as we ate we told funny stories about each other.
Learning about a new culutre only deepens the connections we have as a family. We hope our luck and prosperity for the coming year brings us ever closer and offers more opportunities for growth and celebration, such as this holiday. May yours bring you luck and prosperity as well.
This year our oldest started Kindergarten at a Chinese immersion school, and we are along for the ride as he learns about the language and culture of China. Today is actually the New Year, one of the most important dates of the Chinese culture, and we have been ushering in the Year of the Snake all weekend!
This is a new holiday for our family, but out six year old is fast on his way to becoming an expert, so we are committed to stay caught up as well on embracing some new traditions. This is an exciting process, mainly because the boys have been so excited. We are always open to new experiences, but because we have committed our childrens' K-8 education to a new language and culture, incorporating this holiday into our calendar comes with that commitment.
Early in the week, I asked Ian what he wanted to eat to celebrate the holiday. He immediately said, "Dumplings!" This is a dish I had never made, but I knew just the place to look. Extending the Table had just what I needed with a recipe for Jiaozi, pork filled dumplings. Over the course of the week I gathered the necessary ingredients for a weekend feast.
Friday evening we watched Ian's school give an amazing New Year's program that included singing, dancing, drama, martial arts, a fashion show, dragons, drums, and more. Ian perform a traditional song and dance with his classmates. He was singing, dancing, and playing an instrument with enthusiasm and grace. We were so proud:)
Saturday included impromptu guests in the form of my mom, step dad, brother and his family, and making the dinner was truly a family affair. For our celebration dinner not only did we have Jiaozi, but also Jiaozi Jer, which is the dipping sauce. We added sticky rice, noodles and almond cookies, all recipes from the same cookbook. We added an orange and apple salad on the side for good luck and health, too. Everyone took part in making the food, and as we ate we told funny stories about each other.
Learning about a new culutre only deepens the connections we have as a family. We hope our luck and prosperity for the coming year brings us ever closer and offers more opportunities for growth and celebration, such as this holiday. May yours bring you luck and prosperity as well.
Wednesday, January 30, 2013
Piri-piri (Mozambique)
Last week my son brought an art project home from school. He had traced his hand on green construction paper and drawn a picture of something he wished for in the palm. The tiny, detailed drawing was of him eating a watermelon. When I asked him about his wish, he said, "I just wish for a taste of summer!"
In this terrible cold snap of the last couple weeks we are hibernating as much as possible, but we got to thinking about all the tastes of summer. Fresh strawberries, grilled cheeseburgers, fruit smoothies, and smores around the campfire at the end of a day full of swimming, hiking, and exploring. It was mutually agreed upon by the entire family that we would make smores in the microwave for a little taste of summer. A wish granted!
Of course, we've kept the crockpot working overtime to beat the chill. Chicken and dumplings, split pea soup, black bean soup, chicken and noodle soup, and fresh rolls to accompany it all. Comfort foods to keep us warm, and healthy, these long, cold days.
I also tried a recipe from a new source to bring a spicy kick to the mid winter doldrums. My dad and stepmother sent us "The World in Your Kitchen Calendar 2013." Each month features a vegetarian recipe from Africa, Asia or Latin America. January's recipe was for Piri-piri, cashews roasted in a chili pepper coating. This has been a yummy snack or topping for salads this last week. A warm, fresh taste to melt away the weather for a few minutes.
Tonight the temp is supposed to drop to maybe 12 below with wind chills nearing 25 below zero. Just another typical Minnesota winter's day. But maybe not for us as we invite in the tastes of West Africa, if only for a moment.
In this terrible cold snap of the last couple weeks we are hibernating as much as possible, but we got to thinking about all the tastes of summer. Fresh strawberries, grilled cheeseburgers, fruit smoothies, and smores around the campfire at the end of a day full of swimming, hiking, and exploring. It was mutually agreed upon by the entire family that we would make smores in the microwave for a little taste of summer. A wish granted!
Of course, we've kept the crockpot working overtime to beat the chill. Chicken and dumplings, split pea soup, black bean soup, chicken and noodle soup, and fresh rolls to accompany it all. Comfort foods to keep us warm, and healthy, these long, cold days.
I also tried a recipe from a new source to bring a spicy kick to the mid winter doldrums. My dad and stepmother sent us "The World in Your Kitchen Calendar 2013." Each month features a vegetarian recipe from Africa, Asia or Latin America. January's recipe was for Piri-piri, cashews roasted in a chili pepper coating. This has been a yummy snack or topping for salads this last week. A warm, fresh taste to melt away the weather for a few minutes.
Tonight the temp is supposed to drop to maybe 12 below with wind chills nearing 25 below zero. Just another typical Minnesota winter's day. But maybe not for us as we invite in the tastes of West Africa, if only for a moment.
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