BIRTHDAY FUN---SUMMER OR FALL

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO ALL HALLOWEEN BABIES!

Indian Summer is lasting a very long time in Northern California.  After an early but wicked rainfall in late September all my roses are blooming again.  We will have a summer-like Halloween.  Unfortunately for my family and friends in New York they will be having a white Halloween and burning jack-o-lanterns might be the only light many powerless East Coasters will have. Hard to imagine what the next two months will bring.

My friend, Garnet, a young girl in her twenties, wondered where the year has gone.     And me--now officially in my sixties---saw it flash by even faster!

Well my birthday was a success.  All my children, son-in-law and granddaughter were there and the entertainment was tie-dye.  Tie-dye inspired by "KITCHEN ART" of course!  Over the summer my son Teal experimented with recipes from "KITCHEN ART" his favorite being FOOD COLORING and COFFEE FILTERS.  This lead him to dying t-shirts and an afternoon of family tie-dye.  T-shirts, bandanas,  dresses for Zora, and bedsheets.  Lots of Fun!

Well my birthday is past, but my daughter and mother and cousin all have birthdays in the next two weeks.  Here are to ideas from KITCHEN ART to help them celebrate!

PINATA MONSTER*

    Pinata originally delighted children in Mexico.  Today they can be found in local supermarkets, and as the highlight of many birthday parties.  Here is a wild papier-mâché do-it-yourself pinata:

INGREDIENTS:  2 cups white flour, 1/2 cup white sugar, 1/2 gallon warm water, 1/2 quart cold water, 1/4 teaspoon oil of cinnamon, 9" paper plate, two recycled toilet paper tubes, one recycled egg carton, box of straws, recycled newspapers, balloon, tape, stuffing goodies (candies, small toys) string, tempera paint.

TOOLS:  large bowl, blender, stove* (adult supervision required), paint brush, wooden spoon, scissors, large clear recycled one gallon plastic soda bottle

INSTRUCTION: * (adult supervision required). Prepare Monster:  1.  Blow up balloon, tie to string and hang from work area.   2.  Cut newspaper into 1 1/2 by 7" strips.  3.  Cut paper plate in half.  Cut top from egg carton and cut cups so you have a group of four.   Prepare papier-mache:  4.  Mix flour and sugar, add some warm water, stirring slowly until you have made a smooth paste.  Add rest of warm water stirring continuously. 5.  Place on stove and boil until a thick and clear, constantly stirring.  6.  Add cold water and stir again until you have a thick gloppy mixture.  7.  Add oil of cinnamon at this point if you need to keep the mixture more than one day.  REMEMBER: this paste works best while still warm. 
Make Monster: 8. Cover balloon with papier-mâché:  dip newspaper strips into paste, pull through fingers to remove excess, then lay on balloon.  Repeat steps until balloon is totally covered.  Repeat process to make three layers.  9.  Add monster features.  EARS: paper plates  EYES: toilet paper tubes MOUTH: egg cups HAIR: straws.  To adhere hold in place and attach with newspaper strips and paste.    If this becomes too difficult let base dry for a day then tape facial features into place and adhere with newspaper paste strips.  Dry.  Cut slot in base and fill with goodies.  11.  Tape closed then papier-mache for added strength.  Dry.  12.  Paint to decorate.  Make PAPER TUBE BAT and have a wild party.

ADDITIONAL IDEAS:  Use liquid starch or wallpaper paste to cover base.  OR use newspaper stuffed grocery bag instead of balloon as base.  OR create other pinata shapes and designs and use tissue paper as the final cover.

PAPER TUBE SWORD PLAY

    How many times have you discarded the empty cardboard holiday wrapping paper tube, towel or toilet paper roll and wondered if it could be recycled or reused?  Here is one versatile project that answers your question.

INGREDIENTS:  lots of recycled tubes, tape, tin foil

TOOLS:  scissors

INSTRUCTION:  1.  Tape tubes together, end to end, making one long tube about one yard long.  2.  Cover with tin foil, if desired.  Use as sword or baseball bat.  Attach a short tube at base to create L shape and you've made a golf club or hockey stick.

ADDITIONAL IDEAS:  Cover taped tubes with papier-mâché and decorate. Now you have a more durable toy to use with Pinata Monster. 

Uncle Eddy I love you

August 25th my Uncle Eddy died.  He was 80 years old and shared the same birthday as my grand daughter Zora.  He lived a long life and was survived by four children seven grandchildren one sister and many who loved him.  He was a hand full.  I was estranged from him for much of my life but I loved him dearly.  He was a complex man.  A Korean War Vet and a lover of symphony.  He loved flowers and "The Ruba'iyat of Omar Khayyam" was his favorite book.  But his sense of humor could wound you.  I love you Uncle Eddy.

I am a vegetarian now so in honor of Ed here is the Czech dish we celebrate.  Ed loved pork sauerkraut dumplings but we favor PEACH DUMPLINGS!

This is Grandma Maries's recipe:
1 1/2 oz butter
1 egg
1tsp salt
3 oz cottage chesse
2 cups flour
1/2 cup milk
dash of vanilla
PEACHES

BREAD CRUMBS
BROWN SUGAR
COTTAGE CHEESE
CINNAMON
MELTED BUTTER

Mix everything.  Roll out dough on floured board cover peaches (not to thick).  Cover with wet cloth for some time then place in boiling water for 20 minutes.   Serve with rest of ingredients!  Yum!

Love you Uncle Ed!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY GREAT GRANDMA HELEN!

I have enjoyed the month of August as I have celebrated all of the people born this month.  Birthdays are a special day enjoyed with a million balloons or a simple walk in the park with your favorite pet.  It is a time to pause and honor yourself, honor your life, and perhaps set goals for the future.  A person's life goals or "bucket" list can begin at any age.

Yesterday my mother-in-law Helen turned ninety.  She lives in Alaska and has lived a long and productive life.  To this day she has a radiant smile.  She raised three successful sons, has six delightful grandchildren, one great-grand daughter and always appreciates the simple things in life.  Helen loves nature, art and people.  She shared her talents with her family where creativity and a love of the outdoors are paramount in their lives.

Helen lived through the Depression era and was a young woman during World War Two so learning to stretch the penny, and laugh instead of cry were part of her daily experience. In fact, her son's first electric guitar came from saving 'green stamps'.  Value those coupons folks!  Helen, like Heritage House (where she lives) would be an advocate of KITCHEN ART.  At Heritage House they keep the elderly entertained with songs, beautiful smiles and a multitude of creative projects.

So here are two new food projects that can be done for a two-year-old a ninety-year-old or anyone in-between.  Happy Birthday Helen!

TASTY GREEN SNAKE DIP

INGREDIENTS:  3 avocados, red pepper, one pint cottage cheese, one olive, 1/4 cup salsa, lettuce, alfalfa sprouts

TOOLS:  spoon, knife, tray, cutting board, fork, bowl

INSTRUCTION:   Create snake body: 1. Peel and mash avocados.  Add cottage cheese and salsa, mix.  2. Scoop onto tray and shape your snake, making it long, thin and wiggly.  3.  Make features:  cut bit of red pepper for tongue and olives for eyes.  Create background:   4. Cover the rest of the tray with lettuce and sprouts.  YUM!

ADDITIONAL IDEAS:  Use walnut bits to create rattle on tail.  Or create palm trees in background with celery sticks, carefully scallions and bits of radishes or olives.

CREATIVE SANDWICHES*

Did you ever notice your child eats more when they make it themselves?  These are fun and tasty open-faced sandwiches that your child will love.  And maybe the staff at Heritage House will think to try this themselves!

INGREDIENTS:  soft sandwich bread, sliced cheese, pickles, olives, tomato, walnuts, tin foil

TOOLS:  cutting board, cookie cutters, knife, broiler*

INSTRUCTION:  *  Adult supervision required.  1. Place a slice of bread on cutting board, cover with slice of cheese and use cookie cutter to make sandwich shape.  2. Decorate sandwich with bits of olives, pickles, tomato, and crushed walnuts.  3. Toast and enjoy!

ADDITIONAL IDEAS:  Use avocado and sliced cucumber.  OR make pizza sandwiches: tomato sauce, mozzarella cheese and olives.  YUM!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY YUM!

My partner and I celebrate the same birthday,  August 23rd.  Last year he turned sixty and now it is my turn.  We met because of our birthday and for along time it was fun.  Now I'm not so sure.  It is great if we go away for the day but if we are at home who does the dishes etc.   Otherwise we seem to have a different attitude about getting older.  He is much more upbeat!  But sharing the same birthday, with the thought of horoscopes, is interesting.  We are born on the cusp of  Leo and Virgo.  I know that the time of day, moon, and sun all have an influence but it does make me wonder.  In the Chinese ideology he is a Tiger and I am a Rabbit.  People put tons of energy in these belief systems and I don't see that much similar between us.  But… when I was a little girl I used to go Sand City, a beach on Long Island.  The tip of the beach faced Connecticut, where Mark lived as a child, and I used to think that one day I would meet someone from there.  So ESP not Astrology?  Who knows!

Here is the recipe for my delicious birthday cake, compliments of JOY OF COOKING  with special ingredients of my own!  Happy Birthday August Babies!  And PS the comet is passing over now so enjoy the falling stars!  Best to watch after the moon has set.  August 11 thru August 13th.

FOUR EGG CAKE

2 2/3 cups organic pastry flour
2 1/4 teaspoons baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt

sift these ingredients together

Cream until soft:
1 cup organic butter
add 2 cups organic sugar
cream until smooth
Add one at a time
 4 egg yolks
Add:
1 1/2 almond extract

Ready to mix.  Alternate flour mixture with butter mixture and one cup organic almond milk in three parts.

Whip four egg whites then add to mixture.  Add1 cup shredded coconut. 

Bake in greased pan for 30 to 35 minutes.  Cool on rack then add icing.

YUM!  Note never over mix.  Experiment, use coconut milk  or whole milk in place of almond milk.  Use vanilla instead of almond extract.

EUROPEAN CHOCOLATE ICING:

Prepare icing in double boiler

Melt:
1 tablespoon organic butter
4oz semisweet chocolate
add 6 tablespoons organic whipping cream

sift then add 1 1/2 confectioners' sugar
1 teaspoon almond extract

Spread while warm and sprinkle with coconut flakes.

Add cut strawberries, candles and sing HAPPY BIRTHDAY!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY BARACK OBAMA

This week our president Barack Obama turned fifty.  The same day the New York Stock Exchange crashed.  Some birthday present!  Not only did he have to deal with the emotional ramifications of entering another decade he had to deal with  another world crisis!  I am turning sixty at the end of this month and when I was wishing I could go back in time my friend said "The best time is now."  Yesterday is history,  tomorrow is a mystery and today is a gift.  That's why we call it the "Present!"  Sometimes when I hold my granddaughter I want my kids to be little again.  Sometimes I want to be that person in college who  just had dreams.  But that is all history and today is my gift.  So even as the stock market crashes and the news is so scary "the best time is now".  To prepare for my new decade I am setting new goals having new dreams and enjoying the best time ever!

For all of you with August birthdays enjoy your "present",  and to prepare for your fun KITCHEN ART has lots of party ideas. This month my blog will teach you party activities---from hats to games to music to snacks to FUN FUN FUN!

HATS---HATS---HATS

Party themes are all the rage.  Using paper plates both children and adults can transform the party.  A Mad Hatter party or an English tea party or anything you can imagine!

BASIC HATS:

INGREDIENTS:  Two 9" white paper plates, ribbon

TOOLS:  scissors, stapler, hole punch

INSTRUCTION:  1.  Using your scissors make one straight cut into the center of one paper plate.  Overlap the two sections until they form a curved peak.  Staple in place.  This is the top half of your hat.  2.  Take the second plate and cut out the center;  thus creating a three inch doughnut shaped ring (usually you can follow the imprinted line).  This section is the bottom of your hat.  3.  Evenly place the curved peak onto the doughnut ring.  Staple in place.  4.  Punch two holes on either side of the rim.  Attach ribbons to tie under your chin.  Your Basic Hat is complete.

ADDITIONAL IDEAS:  Decorate with food coloring, sponge stamps and tin foil flowers,  OR use smaller paper plates to make hats for stuffed animals or dolls.


HUMMING KAZOOS:

Need to liven up your party?  This instrument is simple to make and perfect for young children.  My one-year-old granddaughter hums her kazoo better than I do!

INGREDIENTS:  once recycled toilet paper tube, 4" by 4" square of waxed paper, rubber band

TOOLS:  scissors, hole punch, ruler

INSTRUCTION:   1.  Punch a hole about one inch from one end.  2.  Place waxed paper over this end and secure with rubber band.  TIP:  Do not cover hole.  3.  Put lips against open end.  Hum a song!

ADDITIONAL IDEAS:  Decorate kazoo with tin foil.  Experiment with songs, make several and hum "Happy Birthday"!

SWELTERING HEAT---SUMMER'S HERE!!!

SWELTERING HEAT---SUMMER'S HERE!!!

Sweltering heat!  Summer's here! A time to enjoy and a time to feel the heat!  Oh my!  My granddaughter came to visit and it was time for my KITCHEN ART philosophy to kick in.  Water is ever so refreshing and soothing.  The sink, the pool, the river.  When I babysit Zora I often put her in the sink and play with the rubber duckies and running water.  Visiting us, when everyone was outside, on that sweltering hot weekend, it became time to be creative.  What do you do with a one-year-one when the temperatures are soaring?  Open those cabinets and search for water toys.  Cups, Tuperware, spoons and your child's beloved 'baby' make an afternoon of delightful fun.

Besides opening your cabinets  here are some recipes to beat the August heat!

BOATS BOATS BOATS

WATER TOYS:

Your kitchen holds the ingredients for many floating water toys.  Wine corks are buoyant and the perfect substructure for a variety of boats.

INGREDIENTS:  recycled corks--all sizes, recycled 1/2 gallon milk cartons, recycled spice jars, recycled spice boxes, water resistant glue, toothpicks

TOOLS:  scissors, glue brush, recycled jar lid

INSTRUCTION:   1.  Cut an empty, clean milk carton in half, lengthwise.  This is for your boat base.   2.  Squirt glue into jar lid.  3.  Completely cover the outsides and bottom with glue then press on corks. Line corks up side by side, lengthwise.  Glue and dry.  3.  Let your imagination go wild--create cabin and smoke stack using spice jars and tins.  Use toothpicks as flags etc..  5.  Float in the tub or pool.  Make two and have a race!

ADDITIONAL IDEAS:  Use recycled paper towel tubes as smoke stacks.  OR cut the boat base from a recycled Styrofoam tray and add lightweight objects for cabin.


SPONGE BOATS:

It is amazing how many water resistant objects there are in your kitchen.  Sponges can also double as floating summer toys.

INGREDIENTS:  Sponges---all sizes, toothpicks, water resistant glue.

TOOLS:  scissors, glue brush, recycled jar lid

INSTRUCTION:  1.  Pick a large sponge for your boat base.  2.  Cut other sponges into shapes (heart, rectangles, circles, etc.).  3.  Squirt glue into jar lid.  Brush glue onto sponges and stick shapes together.  4.  Use toothpicks to hold in place or as flags and decorations.  5.  Set afloat!

ADDITIONAL IDEAS:  Combine corks, sponges and milk carton.  Make more than one and have a race!

INSPIRING BUSINESS OPPORTUNITIES

                                               INSPIRING BUSINESS OPPORTUNITIES

I am amazed by the far-reaching surprises inspired by KITCHEN ART.  My youngest son, Teal, a junior at UC Merced, is home for the summer.  As part of his family participation he volunteered to create each project  in KITCHEN ART to fine-tune the instructions and product results in the final steps before I publish my book.

Making his way through Chapter One Food Coloring and Chapter Two Printing Teal became excited by the blending of colors.  He quickly realized how simple it is to turn a paper towel, coffee filter, or freezer bag into beautiful art.  Although he found adding the rubbing alcohol to the food coloring and water (used to set the dyes) created a powerful smell, he really enjoyed the 'surprise' element of unfolding the dyed product and appreciating the results. 

My nineteen-year-old-son, a scientist and mathematician at heart had his creative juices inspired and flowing.  Suddenly KITCHEN ART had both his right and left brain working!

So now he is tie-dying.  From flimsy paper towels and coffee filters Teal is now making tee-shirts and wall hangings!  He plans to take them back to college and create a small business.  So open those cabinet doors and get creative---you never know what you will inspire!

                TIE-DYE TOWELS

Tie-dye was the rage in the 1960's and returned in the 1990's and stayed!  Following simple steps your child can create their own folded tie-dye patterns.

INGREDIENTS:  Food coloring, water, paper towels

TOOLS:  Muffin tins, clothes pins and line, measuring spoon

INSTRUCTION:  1.  Place small amount of food coloring into muffins tins. Hint: Start with red, yellow and blue, each in their own tin. Dilute with one tablespoon water.  2.  Fold paper towel several times into fan or square shape.  3.  Dip corner into selected color.  Watch the ink soak into the toweling.  4.  Repeat with different colors.  Continue until all white areas are dyed.  Hint:  DO NOT OVER WET CLOTH!  Hang on line to dry, or place in warm oven.  7.  Unfold and admire your results.  Notice how blue and yellow make green and red and blue make purple and yellow and red create orange.  REMEMBER:  The stronger your dyes the deeper your colors.

ADDITIONAL IDEAS:  Try coffee filters or paper napkins as a base.  Add alcohol to set the colors.  Enhance your design with potato stamps.

                POTATO PRINTING

All types of vegetables can be used for printing from celery to slices of pepper but for a more controlled stamping technique try potato printing.  Using 1/2 of a soft potato and a paring knife you can cut your own simple designs.

INGREDIENTS:  Food coloring, soft potatoes, recycled freezer bags.

TOOLS:  muffin tins or recycled Styrofoam trays, paring knife, cutting board, measuring spoon

INSTRUCTION:  *Adult supervision required.  Set up:  1.  Cut soft potato in half.  2. Using knife, sketch design, centered, on flat half of potato.  A star,  crescent moon or heart can be easily made.  Carve around pattern so your design is raised about 1/2".   3. Place a few drops of food coloring in muffin tins or on Styrofoam tray plus one tablespoon of water, mix.  Begin printing:  4.  Carefully dip design into ink, covering only the raised area.  6.  Print onto paper, pressing gently.  Dry.  Repeat patterns or make a picture!

ADDITIONAL IDEAS:  Use small cookie cutters to make your designs in the potato.  OR stamp on your tie dyed napkin and frame!  BE CREATIVE!

SUMMER IS HERE!

SUMMER IS HERE!!

Summer is here with the month of June nearly over.  In Northern California the weather seemed to go from winter to summer, some how forgetting about spring.  Earlier this month if it wasn't for the daily reminders in magazine ads, television commercials and Facebook posts that Father's Day and school graduations were rapidly approaching I might have thought it was still March, or at least early May.  Since I live where nature surrounds me the flowers and the budding trees have been a reliable indication of the time of year.  Similar to sundials and constellations my flowers have always indicated the time and season.  Well, just like a cloudy day or starless night confused navigators and ancient folk, our cold rainy snowy spring confused my springtime iris.

I have always called this flower my Mother's Day Iris. The actual name is Yellow-Leaved Iris or Iris Chrysophylla of the Iris Family.  About six inches tall the delicate creamy-white flower with pink and yellow highlights usually blooms the first week of May.  Preferring slightly forested areas this iris blooms for about one week scattered over the hillsides in groups or individually.  Definitely a delight on springtime walks.

Well, this year, my Mother's Day Iris appeared mid-June, nearly six weeks later than usual, still beautiful but no longer an indicator of the season.  I might rename it my Father's Day Iris!!

This flower relates to KITCHEN ART as a reminder to slow down and appreciate each moment.  Whether blooming early May or mid-June this flower is still beautiful and still brings pleasure.  Simple activities with your children and grandchildren also always bring pleasure and joy.  No need to race to the toy store when you have KITCHEN ART projects available.

Rain or shine, sweltering heat or cool afternoon breeze KITCHEN ART presents a few projects to celebrate summer and the joy of simple pleasures!

BUBBLE ART

Bubble blowing will fill a lazy afternoon with hours of fun as you watch the iridescent rainbow balls vanish with the breeze.  BUBBLE ART will also fill a lazy afternoon with hours of fun, but the end result will be beautiful, delicate, permanent designs.

INGREDIENTS:  dish washing soap, water, food coloring, four straws, paper

TOOLS:  four small bowls, measuring cup, spoon

INSTRUCTION:  Bubble solution:  1.  Mix 1/2 cup water, 1/2 cup soap.  2.  Pour into bowls.  3.  Add several drops of food coloring (red, yellow, blue, green--one to each bowl).  Mix. 4.  Put straw into one color, blow to make a mound of bubbles.  TIP: careful to exhale only!  Repeat, using one straw per bowl.  MAKE DESIGN:  5.  Carefully place paper on mound of bubbles---pressing gently to get bubble imprint.  Continue to collect imprints so all bubble colors are on one piece of paper.  Use as stationary or frame and hang on the wall.

ADDITIONAL IDEAS:  Use strawberry baskets to blow bubbles onto paper.  OR: lift mound of bubbles with a straw and place on paper---carefully so they do not pop in mid-air!

SALT DRAWING:

SALT DRAWING is similar to BUBBLE ART as it can become either  a kinetic sculpture, as the mound of bubbles were, or a permanent painting.

INGREDIENTS:  salt, glue, recycled paper bags, food coloring, heavy duty paper cups, long recycled twist tie, tape

TOOLS:  scissors, paint brush, muffin tin, glue brush, recycled jar lid, hole punch

INSTRUCTION:  There are two ways to approach this project, permanent or non-permanent---but the initial set up is the same.  1.  Punch two holes on either side of the rim of a paper cup and attach twist tie as handle.  2.  Using scissors, poke a small hole in the bottom of cup, cover with tape and fill cup with salt.  The size of the hole makes a difference in the accuracy and shape of your design.  NON-PERMANENT  3.  Place large flattened paper bag on table, hold cup above paper and carefully remove tape.  Now swing twist tie gently, creating patterns as the salt falls.  PERMANENT:  4.  Squirt glue into jar lid.  Make glue designs on flattened paper and try to repeat the pattern in the air with you swinging salt cup.  Dry and shake off excess salt (save to reuse).  Put food coloring in muffin tins and paint salt designs.  Hang and admire!

ADDITIONAL IDEAS:  Dye your salt with food coloring allow to dry.  Fill different cups with colored salt to create colorful patterns for both permanent and non-permanent designs.

THE WONDERS OF NATURE

THE WONDERS OF NATURE

A few nights after I returned from the East Coast, from one rain storm to another, I awoke to a very loud sound.  I thought a kitten was on my roof, scared, lost and drowning in the pouring rain.  No, it was not a kitten but a baby fawn!  And no, it was not on the roof but at our front door.  Apparently fawns have no scent so the dogs were confused as to what this howling thing was, and, fortunately, only stared.  Well, we got the dogs tied up and the fawn pranced up the driveway,  seemingly on unfamiliar high heels.  That morning the sun was out and the strange catlike cry again woke us and sure enough the fawn was back. 

After a morning of internet research and calls to both the Oakland and San Francisco zoos we were told to leave the fawn where it was and the mother would come back.  Of course I wanted to adopt it but we were assured it would be reunited.  "Bambi" would find its mother.

Well, by midday the visitor was gone and I saw many does on the hillside.  We thought it had been lost as it had been pouring rain and our dogs chase deer, so why would any sensible mother deer bring her baby to our home??  At any rate, hopefully they reunited. It was interesting the amount we learned that morning about the habits of the wildlife in our area and the enthusiasm and passion some people have.

I remembered my granddaughter and I watching the bunnies and robins in New York and remembered again how simple things can create pleasure.

Bird watching is another simple pleasure, another way to relax and appreciate the joys of nature.  Here are two ideas for feeding the birds in your area.  AND REMEMBER: use the internet,  phone or visit your local pet store to discover the proper nutrition for the wildlife in your area.  AND if you want to feed the deer just plant roses!  That's what they love to eat!!


HOMEMADE BIRD FEEDER*

As the flowers come out, so do the birds.  Although some of them have been there all winter, your family has probably been inside.  Now it is time to start bird watching, and the best way is to build a bird feeder.

INGREDIENTS:  recycled 1/2 gallon orange juice container, two plastic straws, string, bread crumbs, glue

TOOLS:  hole punch, exacto blade*,  glue brush, recycled jar lid, ruler,  two paper clips

INSTRUCTION:  Adult supervision required*  1.  Clean and dry carton.  2.  Squirt glue into the jar lid and use the glue brush to glue top of container closed.  Hold in place with paper clips and let dry.  Punch hole in center of top and attach string.  3.  Use exacto blade to cut oval opening on two opposite sides of carton.  Center these oval doors so there is 21/2" left on top and bottom of carton.  4. Use hole punch to make a small hole 1/2" below the oval door.  Do this evenly on both sides.  5.  Attach straws together and push through holes to create bird rest.  6.  Fill bottom of feeder with bread crumbs and hang on nearby tree.

ADDITIONAL IDEAS:  Use bird seed instead of bread crumbs.  Decorate and paint carton.  OR make a feeder using a clean recycled one gallon plastic jug.  Or paint red to attract hummingbirds.

Here's another KITCHEN ART idea perfect for anytime of year!

FIVE MINUTE BIRD FEEDER:

Here is a fast and fun bird feeder guaranteed to attract lots of attention!

INGREDIENTS:  one recycled paper towel tube, peanut butter, sunflower seeds, 1/2 yard string, tin foil

TOOLS:  Butter knife

INSTRUCTION:  1.  Slip string through tube.  2.  Using knife lightly coat tube with peanut butter.  3.  Sprinkle sunflower seeds on tin foil and gently roll tube through seeds.  4.  Lift string, tie together and hang from nearest tree!

ADDITIONAL IDEAS:  Roll in lard and cover with bird seed.  OR make square bird feeder using individual sized cereal boxes.

Renunion of the Four Maries

NEW YORK FAMILY TIME or REUNION OF THE FOUR MARIES

Earlier this month my daughter, grand daughter, my youngest son and myself flew to Long Island, New York to visit family. Of course we picked the week of rain (it is now sweltering hot there) and flew home as tornadoes hit the Midwest making our plane ride longer and quite turbulent. Many times during our short visit I was grateful for my KITCHEN ART philosophy. What to do on a seven hour plane ride with a one-year-old or house bound in a semi-baby proof home on a rainy afternoon? In KITCHEN ART less is more and simple is best. That's what my grand daughter Zora and I discovered, the simple appreciation of the rain, wind and the nature around us.

So despite the weather we appreciated the lush Long Island foliage and great grandma Blanche's beautiful yard and garden. The rhododendron are magnificent and the vision of Japanese Maple, all shades of maroon, contrasting the vivid green maple is exquisite. Blanche is fortunate to have a huge lawn and garden so every morning my grand daughter and I braved the humid wet weather in search of bunnies and birds. We attentively watched the robins catch their breakfast of worms and the bunnies scamper across the well maintained lawn. Peter Cottonntail came into my mind as our bunny ran towards Blanche's newly planted vegetable garden. We played with bubbles and used pot covers as symbols.

It had been three decades since I had visited my mother's home in the springtime and two decades since I was there with a one-year-old. A usual visit to my mother's house includes running errands, cleaning house, movies at the Cinema and a train ride into New York City for shopping, museums and a possible Broadway show. It was a pleasure to slow down and see the area from a child's eye. The heart of KITCHEN ART---simple pleasures--- watching the animals, the rain, the wind. Spending time with family and on our only sunny morning taking an early morning walk downtown. Joggers and dog-walkers and families all out for a sunny Saturday morning stroll. Everyone smiling as my grand daughter smiled and waved back. The sun and a smile---simple pleasures that make a heart full!

And, it was a pleasure for us to introduce Zora to her East Coast relatives and friends. A pleasure to watch Eric play with Zora with Wendy's stylish hat, a pleasure for great grandma and two of her uncles to enjoy her sweet personality, and a pleasure to interact with the young boy Charlie, who when he asked if I could put the baby on the couch so I could play with him decided, instead, to read to us. Simple pleasures. And, thankfully, while in New York, my son Jove rebuilt my computer, reinstated my blog tutorial, showed me Time Capsule and gave me renewed confidence to begin blogging again!

In honor of Blanche's beautiful garden and the yummy pastries from our local bakery this is KITCHEN ART'S recipe for sweet treat fun.

STAIN GLASS FLOWERS*

This cooking project is both delicious and beautiful. Although it requires adult supervision, children will enjoy the creative process, and as always, enjoy licking the bowl!

INGREDIENTS: 1 3/4 cup flour, 1 tsp baking soda, 1/2 cup butter, 1 cup brown sugar, 1 well beaten eggs, 1 tsp. vanilla, 1 tsp. cinnamon, 1/2 cup yogurt, 1/2 cup crushed clear green, yellow and red hard candies, parchment paper.

TOOLS: two large bowls, four small bowls, cookie tray, mixer, cutting board, spatula, wax paper, pointed knife, oven*, refrigerator, rolling pin or hammer, spoon, sifter.

INSTRUCTION: * Adult supervision required. 1. Blend butter, sugar and egg until creamy. 2. Sift flour, soda and cinnamon together. 3. Mix yogurt and vanilla. 4. Add all three mixtures together, alternating and mixing well. 5. Place in bowl, cover and refrigerate for two hours. 6. While waiting crush the candies: Place red ones between wax paper on cutting board and crush with rolling pin or hammer, then place in bowl. Repeat with yellow and green candies. 7. Pre-heat oven to 350 degrees. 8. Remove dough from refrigerator and roll on floured cutting board to 1/8" or 1/4" thick. 9. Use sharp knife to cut flower shape. A large daisy design with leaves works well. Once you've cut the outline shape, cut center holes in all sections, leaving thick boarders. These holes will be filled with the crushed candies. 10. Using a spatula, lift cookie shape onto a parchment paper covered cookie tray. 11. Carefully fill holes with crushed candies: green for leaves, yellow for center, and red for petals. The neater you place the candies, the neater your cookie will be. Also be sure to make the cookie walls at least 1/4" to 1/2" thick. 12. Bake for 8 minutes, until edges are brown and candies melted. 13. Cool for ten minutes. Enjoy!

ADDITIONAL IDEAS: Use cookie cutter for outer shapes! Yum!

Dedicated to Families

DEDICATED TO FAMILIES...WHAT HARD WORK IT SOMETIMES IS!!!

Family dynamics are not always as they appear in loving television commercials, sappy holiday movies or paperback novels.  There are the arguments, miscommunications, and miles between.  Miles between the age of one and adulthood.  Miles between as kids move or parents move.  Miles between with the changes of attitude and interests.

It takes energy, determination and lots of love to keep your family strong in this fast paced age.  I am proud of my family.  We are spread across the country from coast to coast yet we are still strong and solid.  It sometimes takes hard work and sometimes mixed with tears but we do survive.  We survive and we flourish.  :D

So as Mother's Day approaches I am posting a photo of my family taken several Mother's Days ago in the Berkeley Rose Garden, California.  We won't all be together this year but our love is still the same.

So to remember Mother's Day, whether you are together or far apart , try making this KITCHEN ART project, the perfect card for Mom!  Inspired by springtime flowers and the roses in the Berkeley Rose Garden.

STRAW AND SPONGE SPRING FLOWERS

The end result of this project resembles delicate Japanese cherry blossoms or bushy roses.  Fun and easy to do the completed picture can hang on the wall or be folded into stationary.

INGREDIENTS:  straws, two clean sponges, paper, food coloring, paper.

TOOLS:  scissors, muffin tins, clothes pins

INSTRUCTION:  Set up:  1.  Cut sponges into small rectangles and put food coloring into muffin tins.  2.  Begin:  Create flower stems. Dip straw into green ink, cover end with thumb and lift out.  Position straw so it is parallel to the bottom of the paper.  Bend down, place your lips over the end your thumb was covering and blow (exhale).  Follow the flow of color across the paper and continue to blow.  Blowing across the page instead of downward helps elongate the 'stem'.  Create a stem and branches.  Dry.  REMEMBER Do Not inhale or you will have a colorful mouth!  3.  Create flowers.  Grasp sponges with clothes pin, dip into food dye and stamp along branches making them bushy or delicate.  Dry.  4.  Fold into card.  HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY MOM!

ADDITIONAL IDEAS:  Use natural dyes to create your flowers.  Have fun.

AHHH!

AHHHH!  Hard Drive destroyed!  Spring was late, Easter was late so are my Easter Egg tips!!!

Oh MY!!!

At my last post I felt I had finally solved all my problems and was on the way to publishing my post each week.  I was all set with Easter tips etc. etc. etc..  Then crash my hard drive died and I had not backed-up my many many photos for at least two years.  So now my mac laptop is at a data recovery agency then heading to a mac medic and my pocketbook will soon be empty!!!  I have learned about a time capsule (an advanced method of saving onto a hard drive) and 'Mac for Dummies'.  Can you believe that's what they recommend: 'dummies'!  Anyway my advice: 1. PC means PERSONAL COMPUTER  so don't lend it to anyone 2.  Even though it is a lap top keep it in one place 3.  Back up back up back up!  4.  Figure out the best way to store your photos.  I don't think I would have gone to a recovery agency except for all those wonderful photos of baby Zora who is now toddler Zora, age one.

So as spring was late and Easter was late this blog is late.  Besides tips on reading 'Mac for Dummies' and back up back up back up here are some egg tips for fun holiday activities!

When you are about to dye those eggs think about what's in your cupboard: natural dyes.  Steam your beets, collect the red water and voila, red dye.  Steam your kale or spinach or artichokes and voila green dye.  Tea makes brown dye.  Be creative and experiment.  If you can't get to the store to buy the dye or you want to save money your kitchen cabinets and refrigerator have magic.

Here is one of my favorite recipes to dye eggs.  Happy belated Easter!!!

RESIST EGGS
Ukrainian Easter Eggs are usually created by using very hot wax, thin pins, and natural dyes.  The pins, replacing brushes, are used to paint the hot wax on the eggs, in a resist method.  The eggs are then placed in spinach water or tea water.  Later the wax is removed.  A simplified and safe resist method can be created for children of any age.

INGREDIENTS:  hard boiled eggs, natural dyes, recycled rubber bands, thin candles or white rubber bands.

TOOLS:  bowls, spoons, oven*

INSTRUCTION:  Adult supervision required*.  1.  Prepare natural dyes.  Hint :  remember how strawberries and raspberries stain your toddlers clothes!   2.  Dye eggs once in natural baths.  Dry. Wrap eggs tightly with rubber bands.  OR draw pictures with crayons or thin candles.  3.  Dye eggs again in different color natural baths.  HINT:  make yellow with onion skins, orange peels or corn.  4.  Dry and remove rubber bands.  Place eggs in a 200 degree oven for three minutes to remove wax.  Wipe with a paper towel.  5.  Add more rubber bands or wax and re-dye.


ADDITIONAL IDEAS:  Another tip we learned at a baby store to was to add dye to yogurt, whipped cream or shaving cream.  So KITCHEN ART says add natural dye to yogurt  then give your toddler a hard boiled egg to smear with the natural dyed yogurt.  Dry egg and wash.  Creations are AMAZING!

REMEMBER BACK UP!

COUNTRY LIVING

Last night the dogs barked all night long!  When I woke up I saw they had treed the bobcat!  Now this morning I had frantic, exhausted dogs and one 30 pound bob cat up the tree.  HELP!!

APRIL FOOL'S

These are the kind of jokes I tell my family.  Raccoons breaking into the kitchen, trees crashing onto the deck, bobcats.  All inspired by the life around us.  Otherwise now as country living!

That is why I have a well-stocked kitchen!  The closest Safeway is one hour away so it pays to have my shelves full.  Full of creative ingredients-- full of tasty ingredients ready to inspire and entertain.

I have a large age-range within my family,  from baby Zora to my two college-age sons to my two kids in their thirties.  Well, who would think the ingredients for beer pong (minus the beer) would entertain a young child for hours.  A few plastic cups, one long dessert spoon, and several ping pong balls.  Our little friend entertained herself for hours scooping up the ping pong and putting it in another cup.  Inexpensive, entertaining and tons of fun!  That's the theme of KITCHEN ART !  Use your imagination!

Here's a fun project suitable for  April Fool's: 

SECRET MESSAGE

INGREDIENTS:  one lemon, toothpick, paper towel, paper

TOOLS:  knife, cup

INSTRUCTION:  SEND YOUR APRIL FOOL'S JOKE IN SECRET CODE!!  1. Cut lemon in half and squeeze juice into cup.  2.  Wrap small amount of paper towel around toothpick to use as a pen.  3.  Dip tip into juice and write out joke on piece of paper.  Dry.  And your message is invisible.  4.  For a friend to read your joke they must hold paper up to warm light bulb!  APRIL FOOL'S

SPRING IS HERE NOW LET THE WEATHERMAN KNOW!!!

SPRING IS HERE NOW LET THE WEATHERMAN KNOW!!!

Winter has turned into Spring since my last entry!  Of course that is just what the calendar says as at our house we have had SNOW SNOW SNOW and all my daffodils were buried by a foot of wet drifts.

At my last entry I was preparing for the San Francisco Writer's Convention. This was my second year and once again it was a good event.  The three-day conference hosts dozens of inspiring speakers and relevant information.  They have an assortment of workshops from  "how to perfect your craft" to "blog blog blog".

I took three days of intensive workshops including several classes on the craft of writing.  Listening to successful writers discuss their passion for their characters, their locations, their style, their work schedule, and their SUCCESS I knew once again I wanted that dream.  Yes, listening to these successful published authors and the lives they lead was somewhat like walking into a pleasant dream.  To be successful with what you love; to travel, lecture, inspire and CREATE.  Amazing!

Of course the electronic books have become more popular and with the close or revamping of Borders  book store the publishing industry is in turmoil.  They have watched as CD's faded to itunes, as DVD's faded to net flixs, and now paperbound books fading to e-books!

Yes, published authors are still in demand but the industry IS changing and now, in 2011, every author has to, not only, write their book but also PROMOTE their creation.

Blog, Facebook, Twitter, personal appearances... Either way, with a publishing house or via self-publishing, tons of leg work and electronic media knowledge is a must!  But, all dreams require hard work!

Getting back to the writer's convention, springtime and KITCHEN ART , the main floral arrangement at the convention was a large cluster of ornamental cherry blossoms.  Spring always comes early to San Francisco and each February the streets are lined with these flowering trees, thus on a windy day it is pink rain as petal fall fills the air.

So KITCHEN ART you ask?  Well, how can you, the parent, grandparent or caregiver, create these beautiful pink branches from the ingredients in your kitchen.  Or daffodils or tulips?  It is easy.  Straws, coffee filters, and food coloring.  Lay a folded coffee filter on a baking tray delicately drop on food coloring, open and dry.  Carefully rip the filter into the shape and size you desire then twist the filter into the end of the straw.  Place your flowers into a vase and voila a springtime arrangement! 

HINT:  If you have a problem with artificial food coloring try organic food coloring from a health food store or use the beet water after you steam beets for dinner or raspberry juice.  Remember one drop goes a long way!

AMAZING ALASKA!!

Hard to believe it is February already!  Hard to believe just last week it was raining in Alaska, warm and sunny in Northern California and 6 degrees in New York City!  California thinks it is springtime with all the ornamental cherry and plum trees beginning to bloom, New York thinks the winter will never end and Alaska knows they are just ready for anything!

I mention Alaska because I have just returned from Homer where we had a family reunion. All three brothers getting together to visit their mom and share memories and life stories.  Their last time together was twelve years ago and there sure was a lot of catching up.  Besides doing much listening, and somewhat less talking I spent my time thinking about KITCHEN ART.  We found recipes from their mom and similar to my old family recipes pre-mixed flour was a staple ingredient.  Also, similar to my family, being economical was their mind-set.  Zora's great-grandparents would certainly love KITCHEN ART!!  Even if I say so myself!

Besides thinking about family and past generations I focused on the art of the area.  Most people think of Alaska as an unsettled rugged  state.  Well, that is true, but only partly true.  Artwork flourishes and Homer is filled with many beautiful galleries.  Naturally nature is the inspiration for much art and in Alaska there is the Native American influence as well as the influence of the animals.  We knew one artist who was famous for her octopus ink sketches.  And then there is the ice.  Even though it was raining slightly when we were there, there still was the ice.  Ice sculpture competitions are a popular activity each winter.  Then there is the scenery which is a delight for every photographer.  Bald eagles and moose are frequent sightings as are the vast snowy mountains.

Once again I was reminded and amazed by the ingenuity and creativity of people.  Elaborate or simple, rainy, sunny, or freezing cold artwork flourishes!

So here is a simple KITCHEN ART project dedicated to my snowbound friends in New York and my good-spirited friends in Alaska.  And inspired by one of my favorite holidays,  Saint Valentine's Day!

RAINBOW CRAYONS HEARTS*

Tired of giving candy to your children on St. Valentine's Day?  Prepare crayon hearts, kids will love them and they will last much longer!

INGREDIENTS:  peeled crayon bits, ice water, plastic sandwich bags, ties, tin foil

TOOLS:  metal heart cookie cutters, cookie tray, bowl, oven*, spoon

INSTRUCTION:  *Adult supervision is required.  1.  Place small bits of old crayons into plastic bags.  Bright colors work better. Close with twist tie.  2.  Line cookie tray with tin foil.  Put down heart cookie cutters with baggies inside.  Press the bag with crayons into the cutter so they are about 3/4 full.  3.  Place tray in slightly warm oven or hot sun (if you can find it).  TIP:  if oven is too hot the baggies will melt.  4. Let crayons melt until soft, about 20 minutes.  Remove from oven and carefully flatten out any bumps with spoon to create smooth heart shape.  Cool, carefully remove from cutters and drop baggie into ice water.  6.  Remove crayon hearts from baggie.  Give with paper for Saint Valentine's Day!  TIP!  Remember around Valentine's Day heart-shaped cookie cutters are available in most cooking stores.  And they come in all sizes!

ADDITIONAL IDEAS:  Make rainbow crayons in other shapes, using other cookie cutters or molds made from tin foil!

SNOW SNOW SNOW!!!

SNOW SNOW SNOW!!!

I hope everyone had a good holiday! Our family did, even though we simplified the holidays to match a more adult family and the economic times.  Thinking twice when buying gifts and making the feasts!  Good practice for this new year!  Anyway baby Zora made it extra special, naturally she was as excited with the wrapping paper and box as the toy inside! 

My favorite part of the season, besides enjoying my family, are the holiday lights and window decorations.  This year I was lucky enough to visit New York City during December so I saw the Fifth Avenue spectacular and also, on January 2nd  we walked along Haight Street in San Francisco.  The creativity and imagination of the window designers and the variety of home decorations is always impressive.  I love the themes people select and their ingenuity.

Otherwise, it is now January 19th.  Our son, Jove, made it to New York on New Year's Day without any flight delays or problems.  I do know hundreds of people spent many sleepless nights in crowded airports as the country was hit by storms and intense weather.  Last week 49 states had snow.  Here, at home, our intense weather came last November, and our jack-o-lanterns were shocked!

Just like with window decorations people love to get creative with the glistening white wonderful wet snow.  Snow people, snow angels, snow ball fights, and igloos, to name a few.  Last year the news reported a man who made a three-room man-cave igloo complete with a flat-screen t.v. for January football.

Speaking of football, the playoffs sure are exciting and sure swallow up the weekends.  So if your kids are restless from being house bound as the adults yell and cheer at their t.v. or the snow drifts are too high and the wind too wicked to venture outside KITCHEN ART comes in handy.  Here are two cooking activities to keep the kids occupied, and maybe even serve to your football fans!

MASHED SNOW PEOPLE:

Your children want to play outside but an icy blizzard is raging?  Here is a great indoor idea that is similar to making snow people, but warmer and delicious!

INGREDIENTS:  6 potatoes, 1 tbsp. sour cream, 2 eggs, water, butter

TOOLS:  large pot, potato masher, cookie tray, spoon, two forks, pastry brush, knife, stove*, cutting board, peeler, large bowl, slated spoon, small bowl, egg beater, measuring spoon.

INSTRUCTION:  *Adult supervision required.  1. Wash, peel  and slice potatoes into quarters. 2.  Place in pan bring to boil then reduce heat and cook until soft. 3.  Drain water, place potatoes in large pan and mash.  Add sour cream and two egg yolks.  Mix well.  4.  Place a large scoop of mashed potatoes on a greased cookie tray.  Let your eager child mold the potatoes into snow people or igloos using hands or utensils. NOTE: remember to wash everyone's hands.  5.  Lightly beat two egg whites and brush on sculptures. 6.  Place in pre-heated oven (350 degrees) and bake until slightly brown.  Have a warm snack on this freezing day!

ADDITIONAL IDEAS: Use condiments to decorate before baking:  raisins, shredded carrots, sliced zucchini.  OR use instant mashed potatoes to simplify project.  YUM!


ICE CREAM SNOW PEOPLE:

There are lots of fancy and fun desserts that can be made with ice cream.  Molding ice cream into creations and covering them with condiments and shredded sweets will create a dessert to delight young and old alike.

INGREDIENTS:  one quart vanilla ice cream, chocolate chips, red hots, shredded coconut, chocolate covered cherry, chocolate covered thin mints tin foil, toothpick

TOOLS:  ice cream scoop, baking tray

INSTRUCTIONS:  1. Scoop out three different sized balls.  2.  Put shredded coconut on tin foil (about 1/2 cup), roll ice cream balls in it to completely cover.  Stack balls into snow figure. 4. Add chocolate chips and red hots for buttons and facial features.  5.  Put toothpick through chocolate covered cherry and mint  to create hat.
6. Return to freezer to firm.  YUM!

ADDITIONAL IDEAS: Mold ice cream into other shapes and cover with colored sprinkles.  OR serve at half-time!  GO TEAM!  Go San Francisco 49ers!