2006 February Archive at Cat Can Cook

Monthly Archive for February, 2006Page 2 of 2

Stuffed Mushroom Caps

Published

on February 8, 2006

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Boy am I tired! I guess it is the time of the year (or maybe the fact that I am staying up much too late these days working on my bead projects!) In any case, I wanted to post this recipe tonight, that I recently invented for Stuffed Mushroom Caps. I think they are great…I wish I could offer a second opinion on that, but my husband hates mushrooms, so I had to eat them all myself! No problem there…they were good, and mostly guilt free!

Stuffed Mushroom Caps

8 Large Mushrooms, remove stems and chop fine

1/4 Package Imitation Crab Meat, chopped

1 Small Onion, minced

1 Stalk Celery, finely chopped

1/4 Green Pepper, finely chopped

2 Cloves Garlic, minced

2 TBSP. Cream Cheese

1 Slice Swiss Cheese, cut into 8 pieces

Combine all ingredients (except cheeses) in a skillet, and fry on medium to high heat for about 5 minutes, until veggies are softened. Turn off heat, and add in the Cream Cheese, and blend well to soften cheese. Place mushroom tops in a baking dish or cake pan. Scoop mixture into each of the 8 mushroom tops, and over-fill tops. Cover with foil, and bake in a 375 degrees oven for about 30-40 minutes. Remove from oven, and top each with a piece of the Swiss Cheese, and put back into the oven for about 5 minutes to melt the cheese. Yum!

Waiting For “Dada”

Published

Cat

on February 7, 2006

in Blog and Parenting

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I am convinced that babies can tell time. Well, at least mine seems to be able to, for each day at around 4 o’clock, Liam starts asking for “Dada.” Normally, Stuart arrives home from the University at about 5, and on most days, I try to make sure we are waiting for him at the front window. While we wait, Liam fumbles with the curtains, we sing songs, he babbles and he says “Dada” a lot. He fixates on any person, male or female, who passes our house, staring intently as they approach, making sure to study every feature…he doesn’t want to miss a thing, especially when it comes to one particular person.

When Stuart finally comes into view, Liam’s little mouth forms into the biggest smile. He exclaims “Dada” proudly, as if to say, “see Mom, I told you he was coming home.” Stuart pauses on the front walk, waves at our son, and makes a silly face. As he comes through the front door, Liam is laughing and smiling and hoping for a cuddle. Stuart is welcomed home in the most sincere way.

Although I will readily admit that parenting sure does have it’s up’s and down’s, I know this moment of each day is a highlight for my son and especially my husband. On any given day I could clean the house from top to bottom, light candles, play Stuart’s favorite CD and cook a fancy dinner for his home-coming. But all of these things seem so insignificant in comparison to the simple welcome that Stuart gets from our child. What a wonderful feeling to come home to.

Magpies are Charming, Dahling!

Published

Cat

on February 6, 2006

in Blog

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Mag.pie: One who compulsively collects or hoards small shiny objects.

I’ve had this strange fascination with beads and shinies (as I like to call them) for many years now. Objects that glitter and sparkle in the sunlight are truly a joy to behold. After having my neighbour and her children in for coffee this morning, and discussing the joy creativity brings to my life, I wanted to make something this afternoon! I had the chance to delve into my bead basket, as Liam slept, and I created two very pretty bracelets. Looking at the two completed projects I made this afternoon fills me with such delight, and a great sense of accomplishment. I don’t mind being a “Magpie” at all!

Here is (a terrible!) picture of one of the charm bracelets I made today…the photo really does not do it justice, as it really is pretty! Simply charming Dahling!

A Piece From the Heart…

Published

Cat

on February 5, 2006

in Blog, Poetry and Pregnancy

. 1 Comment

Today, I organised my scrapbooking supplies in order to prepare for upcoming workshops and crop nights I plan to attend this spring. While going through copious amounts of stickers, die cuts, pictures and other odd’s and ends, I came across a poem my Mother, Sheila Balls wrote when she first found out that we were expecting Liam. I love this poem (in fact, I had almost memorized it at one point) and reading it still fills my eyes with tears, and my heart with happiness…

Soon To Be

Child unknown but precious still
‘Neath your mother’s heart lie sleeping.
Til your birth unfolds, I will
Ask for Spirit’s gentle keeping.

Can you see us in the future
Walking through the field above?
Waters where we watched for minnows,
Listened to the morning dove?

Sun-warmed grasses sway around us,
Daisies in your little hand.
Rustling of the leaves surround us
Summer world at your command.

Looked-for child, we long to meet you,
Dream the future, talk the past.
When the ones you’ve chosen greet you,
Hold you in our arms at last.

In Case of Meltdown…Butterscotch Confetti

Published

Cat

on February 5, 2006

in Blog

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Have you ever had one of those days, where all you wanted to do was lounge on the couch, stuffing your face full of the best tasting, bad for you foods you could find? If you are a woman, and especially a Mother I’m sure the answer is a resounding “YES!”

I remember as a child, at the Thompson Family Picnic (my Grandmother Katie, was a Thompson) someone would always bring these great little squares full of multi-coloured marshmallows, that are sweet enough to rattle your fillings. Now that I’m all grown-up, if I am having one of those “sit on the couch and fill my face full of bad-for-me foods” days, this is one treat I automatically think of. At any given moment, I have some stashed away in my freezer in case of an emergency baby or Mommy meltdown! I should also note here, that these have only 4 ingredients…what could be easier than that?

Butterscotch Confetti

1/4 Cup Margerine

1/2 Cup Smooth Peanut Butter

1 Bag Butterscotch Chips

1 Bag Mini-Marshmallows (I use the coloured ones)

Place the margerine and peanut butter in a microwave-safe bowl, and microwave for about 2 minutes, but be careful not to burn them! Add in the butterscotch chips, and mix thoroughly to allow chips to melt. Stir until melted and smooth. Add mini-marshmallows, and stir until coated. Grease a 9×9 casserole, and scoop mixture into pan. Refrigerate until set, then cut into small squares. Enjoy!

You Know You’re a Parent When…

Published

Cat

on February 4, 2006

in Blog, Humour and Parenting

. 0 Comments

You hum the plink-plunky melody of your child’s favorite wind up toy in the grocery store line-up.

Your idea of a fun outing includes going for milk at the local corner store, and a stop at the Instant Teller.

A late night for you is 10:00 p.m.

When you reach your hand into the bedside table to find your hand lotion, all you can find is diaper rash cream.

You only have 3 loads of laundry to do today!

You haven’t been to the movies in over a year, and cannot remember the last movie you even watched.

Every book you have read in this past year has chapters including: sleep, feeding and nutrition, growth and development and learning.

You have no problem smelling someone else’s bottom.

The channel you watch most is Treehouse T.V.

You long to drive a mini-van.

You have a cupboard in your kitchen that is entirely full of tupperware, and easily accessible to any person under 3 feet tall.

Your relaxing bath ritual has been replaced by bathing your toddler, who delights in splashing so much water on you, that you need to change your clothes afterwards.

At any given moment, the CD in you stereo might be a)David Bowie b)Sharon, Lois and Bram or c)Broken

There is nothing breakable within 3 feet of the ground in every room in your home.

And…

You *definitely* know you’re a parent when every time you hear your child say “Mama,” it is the best feeling in the world

Top Ten Reason’s Catherine is Happy Today

Published

Cat

on February 3, 2006

in Blog

. 2 Comments

10. I had an awesome visit with my Mom, who came down for a couple of days. We hung out and chatted, did a little shopping, ate way too much good food from the Rising Dough Bakery, and just had a good time all around! She even made rice pudding!

9. Liam is having a marathon nap this afternoon, so I get some quiet time for myself! Yay!

8. It’s almost the weekend. We are going to our neighbours for some yummy Pad Thai this evening! I am really looking forward to the company and of course, the food!

7. Wiarton Willie says spring is almost here!!! Maybe that should be number 1?

6. The colour blue…I just love blue, especially powder blue and cobalt blue glass.

5. My Beading basket…just looking at it makes me smile. Now to find some time to make something! On the topic of creativity, I should also mention scrapbooking. I have decided to get organised, and get my photos together to finish up Liam’s album and our wedding album.

4. Trees. Enough said…they’re just great

3. Liam learning to talk. I just love that he can express so much more of himself to us now, through words.

2. Pajama’s. It’s 3:30 p.m. and I am wearing mine…I got *back* into them when I got home.

1. My Blog. I really missed writing yesterday. I am finding it a great creative outlet, and a way to share with my family and friends. Keep visiting everyone!

Happy Groundhog Day!

Published

Cat

on February 2, 2006

in Blog

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My Dad was born and raised “North of the Checkerboard” (aka: Wiarton, Ontario) and today, my parents live on the outskirts of the town. Although I find Wiarton very picturesque with historic charm and surrounded by beautiful Georgain Bay, the townsfolk are a little too “obsessed” with a particular rodent. Yes, Wiarton Willie is cute enough ( as Groundhogs go) but for a little critter who often brings such dismal news about the upcoming weather, Wiarton residents always seem forgive and forget.

In a few short hours, thousands will wait with hope and anticipation as Willie emerges from his slumber, to predict when spring is due to arrive. I sure hope he delivers good news. It’s been a long winter!

Stayin’ Alive…

Published

Cat

on February 1, 2006

in Blog and Humour

. 3 Comments

Emailing: Disco Stu shaking his groove thang.jpg

They say timing is everything, and indeed, “they” are right! This morning, I was up extra early, as I knew my son and I had activities to attend, and I wanted to get a shower before my husband left for work. Being careful not to wake our sleeping son, I headed for the bathroom, and switched on the radio.

As I listened for the local forecast, the announcer mentioned an upcoming contest to win tickets to a BeeGees Tribute concert at the local River Run Centre for the Performing Arts. Although it is a fun genre of music, I am not a *huge* disco fan, however the prize package also included a Gift Certificate for a local arts-crafts-fabric shop, which really got my attention! When they played the music clip, I was instantly able to identify the song, so I turned off the running water, grabbed my towel, and dashed for the phone, trying to remember the number of the radio station.

I dialed the number, and the phone started ringing. I was told I was the first caller to get through, and to hang on the line…when moments later I correctly identified the song, I was told that I could come in anytime to pick up my prize! How exciting!

So, it looks like February 11th, we’ll be donning our dancing shoes and “Stayin Alive.” That is of course, assuming we can find a sitter I’m not sure that Stuart’s really the disco type either, but it does bring to mind our first real date in University, when I was offered a ticket to accompany him to the ABBA cover band Bjorn Again! I guess he was willing to “Take a Chance on Me!”