Friendly Traditions - Start a Bunko Group

This year marks a 10-year monthly tradition of playing Bunko together. Our group started with 12 girls just married. A third of us were first time stay-at-home mommies deeply in need of adult conversation. Some wanted to reunite with old work friends and keep in touch better. We all wanted to GET OUT once a month - and spend fun time with friends.
We didn't set any rules except to supply dinner if you are a host and call if you can't make it. Themes were not mandatory but throughout the years, the themes these creative woman come up with is what I look forward to.
The latest party theme was a "Little Black Dress" Bunko by Karri. She set the table with elegant crystal and draped pearls around the napkins and centerpieces. She found initialed pearled ornaments and placed them next to each placesetting along with our personalized score card. For the main course she set up a mash-potatoe bar which was served in martini glasses. A light salad and shishkabobs skewered with tomotoe, mozzarella and basil were great accompaniments to the elegantly served carb. After dinner she read us an excerpt from the book, The Middle Place by Kelly Corrigan. It is a moving essay about women's remarkable capacity to support each other, to laugh together, and to endure. And yes, I cried.
We played one round of bunko (which is usually one round too many for me) and afterword enjoyed cake and sugar cookies adorned with a picture of Audrey Hepburn and her signature black dress. The theme was very simple and elegant.
Many bunko groups begin and end within a matter of months. Most don't last becuase women let their busy lives get in the way. If you start a bunko group, make the effort. Show up and don't make excuses. Perfect your entertaining skills. It is in times of difficulty when we need our friends the most. It is a tradition I hope to continue until all of us are rolling our dentures and sharing pictures of our grandkids.

For your bunko group, do you have themes? Share your favorites here. In the meantime, enjoy the following video of a reading from The Middle Place.

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Monkey Bread

Luckily we participate in this tradition once a year because it takes a year to burn off the calories we consume enjoying it.  It's called Monkey Bread and EVERYONE loves it!  In our family, we prepare the monkey bread on Christmas Eve to serve on Christmas morning.  The recipe is so easy, the kids can practically do it all! 

While I make the sugar cookies for Santa. (another tradition)

Monkey Bread Recipe

Ingredients:

2 cans refrigerated buttermilk biscuits
1 cup packed brown sugar
1/2 cup white sugar
3 tablespoons cinnamon 1 1/2 stick of melted butter
1/2 cup raisins and/or pecans (these are optional, it's great with or without them)

Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 350˚ and grease a monkey bread pan (bundt pan or angel food pan works great)

2. Mix all sugar and cinnamon in a large plastic bag. Cut the biscuits into quarters and place in the bag with the sugar.
Shake well as you coat all sides evenly.

3. Arrange pieces in the bottom of the greased pan. Continue layering until all the biscuit pieces are coated with sugar and in the pan. I sprinkle raisins and pecans throughout the layering process as well.

4. In a small saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat and pour on top of entire monkey bread evenly.  If you want to ensure an even coat, you can brush the butter atop each layer.

5. Bake for 35 minutes. Let bread cool in pan for 10 minutes, then turn out onto a plate.  Top with the icing while warm. 

Icing (pour on top or serve on side)

1 cup cream cheese
1 stick butter
1 cup powdered sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 teaspoon lemon juice

Directions:

1. Allow cream cheese and butter to get to room temperature.

2. Beat butter and cream cheese together in a large bowl with a mixer.

3. Slowly add in the pound of powdered sugar.

4. After all the powdered sugar is added mix for 12 minutes (do not mix less than that).

5. When almost done, add in the extract and lemon juice.

Lately my daughter has been requesting this for her birthday morning treat as well.  

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Broadway Traditions

"Broadway has been very good to me.  But then, I've been very good to Broadway." - Ethel Merman

A new tradition we have begun is to attend a local play every year on Mother's Day.  This year we attended Dirty Dancing (at the Pantages in Los Angeles.)

A Sunday evening performances allows time for a traditional late lunch at a favorite restaurant.  To remember the occasion, the free Playbill is great memorabilia to collect but the merchandise (not so free) is enticing as well. I buy 1 keychain from the play to enhance my daughters collection. (now over 203!)  

So far my top five plays are: Wicked, The Producers, Chicago, Beauty and the Beast, and The Lion King.

What are your favorite plays?

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Resolution New You #7 - Start a new Tradition

In 2009, start a tradition.  It can be as simple as watching the Superbowl game every year in your favorite teams jersey to a needlepointed tablecloth. For the past 20 years, every Christmas eve, my mom pulls out THE tablecloth (pictured left - with my sister and brother in law) filled with signatures, sayings and illustrations tattooed onto the fabric with a needle and thread. As we walk around the table and look for a place to sign, we reminisce about the past, laugh at the quotes and bad drawings, as we also remember those people whose names will never appear again. 

Traditions are easy to do for big events such as Easter - make an easter bunny cake, color the eggs and then scavenge for them.

On New Years - go to the Rose Parade, On the 4th of July - Drink.  Just kidding, play an annual volleyball game, then drink.

But don't wait for the big days to do something eventful and meaningful in your life.  Traditions give us something to look forward to: Friday night family movie night with popcorn and m&m's, bunko night with the girls once a month, poker night with the boys, or baking a new recipe after a big soccer game (no matter who wins or loses.  They just can't eat it, if they lose - hee hee)

Whatever is important to you and you would like your children to remember about you, about your family, about where they came from, pass down or create a tradition.   It will establish a solid foundation for your children and allow them to flourish and enhance who they will become in the future.

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How do you like them apples?

Apples are the source for many traditions. I remember Laura Ingall's bringing an apple to Mrs. Beetle on the first day of school.  Every year, students take a traditional field trip to an apple orchard such as Riley's Farm in Oak Glen, California.  Every Thanksgiving we sing the Johnny Appleseed song before the meal reminding ourselves to save room for a slice of Grammy's homemade Apple Pie.  

Johnny Appleseed Song

The Lord is good to me

and so I thank the Lord

For giving me, the things I need,

the sun and the rain and the appleseed

the Lord is good to me.

Apple Pie Recipe (mainly from Better Homes & Gardens with some minor additions)

1 Pie Crust (I use Trader Joes)

6 cups thinly sliced apples (Any will do...the above were made with gala apples from a neighbors tree)

3/4 cup sugar

2 tablespoons flour

1/2 teaspoon cinnamon

1/8 teaspoon nutmeg

1 tablespoon lemon juice (optional)

CRUMB TOPPING

1/2 cup flour

1/2 cup brown sugar

1/2 cup of finely chopped pecans (optional)

3 tablespoons of butter.

Use a pastry blender and cut the butter into the crumb topping ingredients until it resembles course bread crumbs.  

Preheat oven to 375˚. Place the defrosted pie crust in a pie-plate to bake.  Mix all the above ingredients together in a bowl and place them in the pie shell.  Add the sugar-crumb topping atop the apples, PRESS DOWN and criss-cross some the second piece of Pie Crust on Top.  I take any left over pie crust and add to the edges of the pie as well.  I like it thick and crusty =)

Bake for 50 minutes.  Scoop vanilla icecream and a warm caramel sauce if you can afford the extra calories.

Enjoy!

What traditions do you do with apples?

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A Traditional Piece of the Puzzle

Putting together puzzles is an activity everyone can share.  Why not make it a tradition? Shutterfly makes it easy.  Simply upload a family photo, select the size you want...Viola! In 5-7 days you will have a puzzle.  Available in 252 pieces or 125 pieces.  If you are looking for an original gift to give to a child, upload a picture and and select from over 10 characters boys ad girls love.

See the Hannah Montana version on their website.

This year, we will begin this tradition at Thanksgiving where we have over 30 people to put the pieces together.  What traditions do you and your family participate in?

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4th of July Traditions

What better reason to get together and celebrate if not for the birthday of the United States of America. Our family has carried on this tradition for over 30 years as of 2009.  The venue has changed numerous times from the beachy climate of Newport Beach to the hot dry heat of Kingman, Arizona, but the people and the fun get better with age.  

Our tradition begins on the 3rd with a pre-party.  We eat, drink, and decorate. The kids make Uncle Sam Hats for the parade out of dixie plates and construction paper.

At 9:00am we decorate scooters, bicycles, wagons, vehicles, and feet in preparation for the march.  All of us are led by the flag of the USA.  

Next we roll out a large roll of paper for the kids to draw what the 4th of July means to them. Usually it is fireworks and flags that are the most common elements kids symbolize the 4th with.  The winner gets their picture made into a puzzle.  See the post, Puzzled in America.

Water balloon fights and an obstacle course fill the day.  Since the kids were of various ages we made money the main prize.  Two teams competed in the obstacle course which was performed relay style.  Each member of the winning team received $20 (in fake bills) and the runner-ups (a better title than losers) received $10 (in fake bills).  Then it was pinata time.  We filled the pinata with plastic coins, rubber balls, tattoos, pencils, and of course - candy.  Three fake dollar bills were included as well.  The little ones went for the candy and the older ones went for the coins.  Mostly becuase whoever had the most coins and money at the end would receive a REAL $20.  The kids had to count all their money they earned from the day.  Whoever had the most, won the $20.  

Sparklers and swimming are always the most memorable activities for the kids, but the fireworks show is traditionally the best way to end a 4th of July celebration.

As for the food, hamburgers and hot dogs are an All-American classic. The side dishes we traditionally serve are: Aunt Jeanne's Macaroni Salad, Cousin Dar's Chili Bean Dip, and Shannon's 7-layer Bean Dip!  (Bean Dip Recipe recipe below) These items disappear faster than a handful of firecrackers on speed.

We are so grateful to live in this country and have the freedoms so many of us take for granted. What does 4th of July mean to you?  What freedom are you most grateful for being an American?

COUSIN DARLENE's CHILI CHEESE DIP (serves 6-7)

1 package (8oz) cream cheese softened

1/2 cup chunky salsa

1 cup shredded cheddar cheese, divided

1 can (16oz) bush's chili beans, undrained

3 tablespoons slices green onions

3 tablespoons sliced black olive (optional)

tortilla chips

Preheat oven to 350˚ Combine cream cheese and salsa and spread in bottom of 9in pie plate. Sprinkle with 1/2 cup cheese. Spread chili beans over shredded cheese. Top with remaining cheese, sliced green onion and olives. Bake for 15-20 min until mixture is thoroughly heated and cheese is melted. Serve with tortilla chips.

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30daysof...Traditions

Adhering to traditions set forth by family is necessary to build character and integrity in ourselves. I believe in tradition so much, it became a focus for the 30daysof...blog.  

If you are looking to begin a new tradition with your family, be prepared to follow through and be consistent for it is just like parenting. You must value the tradition and not make excuses to participate, otherwise your children will not see the value in it either. Traditions can be implemented daily, monthly, or yearly. Following is a list of 30 traditions you can start in your family. Many of these fall around a holiday and are easily planned.  I like spontaneous traditions: traditions that are created due to a feeling or because an opportunity has arisen for the moment to be shared.  

Holiday Traditions

Tree Trimming the night before Christmas

Johnny Appleseed Song on Thanksgiving

Candle Making

Easter Bunny Cake

Fireworks Show

New Years Day Football Scrimmage

4th of July Parade

Traditional Recipes

Monkey Bread 

Latkes

Chili Cheese Dip for the 4th

Popcorn Balls

Haystacks

Chicken Noodle Soup

Crafty Traditions

Easter Crafts

Puzzles

Signed Tablecloth

Birthday CD

Drawing Contest on the 4th of July

Felt Nativity Calendar

Elf on the Shelf

A day in the Life with...

Personal Lullaby

Anniversary Book

Traditional Outings

Mud Run

Letterboxing

Sunday Breakfast or Thursday night Hot Wings at a favorite restaurant, Summit House

Pursenally Yours

Broadway Play

Monthly Bunko

HopeRevo

First Snow

The links for all of these will be posted shortly.  In the meantime, what are some of your family traditions?  

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Grandma's Chicken Noodle Soup - A Tradition

Whenever anyone is sick in our home, I make this traditional soup just like grandma used to make.  Ironically, the main ingredient is Grandma's Egg Noodles.  Kids and adults love it and it makes getting sick a little more enjoyable.  

 

INGREDIENTS

2 Packages of Grandma's Egg Noodles (in the freezer section of stores)

1 whole chicken

1 bunch carrots

1 stalk celery

2 onions

3 garlic cloves

4 chicken bouillon cubes

TO PREPARE

Place raw chicken in a pot.  Cover with water and boil.  While boiling, start chopping your carrots, onion and celery. Crush garlic. Add all vegetables and garlic to boiling water.  When chicken is cooked, pull it out and let cool.  Add 4 bouillon cubes to the broth.  Add the two packages of unfrozen egg noodles.  Be sure to pull apart. Remove the skin from the chicken.  Cut the chicken into bite size pieces (or chunky) and place back in the pot.  Let simmer for 20 minutes until all the noodles are the same consistency.  

Garnish with red pepper flakes, oyster crackers, or black pepper if desired. 

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Traditional Holiday Recipes

One of the best ways to pass down a tradition is by sharing a family recipe at the holidays. Monkey Bread, Haystacks, Latkes, and Popcorn Balls are our family favorites. I mentioned the Easter Bunny Cake in a previous post. Following are some recipes for various holidays:

HANUKKAH

Latkes Our Jewish side of the family celebrates Hanukkah every year and one of the most popular dishes to accompany the meal are Latkes (grated potato pancakes). This recipe is courtesy of our Opa Cohn.

What you will need:

6 medium potatoes

1 onion

2 eggs

1/2 c flour

1 t salt

Shortening (or olive oil for a healthier alternative)

To Prepare:

Peel and grate potatoes into a mixing bowl. Squeeze out liquid with paper towels.

Peel and grate onion into potatoes. Add eggs, flour, salt and stir to make a smooth batter that will drop heavily from spoon. Heap the shortening in a heavy frying pan using enough to cover the pancakes amply. Drop the batter from the spoon into the hot shortening, making pancakes 3 inches in diameter. Fry over moderate heat until brown on the underside. Turn and brown the other side evenly. When you've achieved the color and crunchiness you desire, lift and drain off excess fat on paper towel.

To Serve: Serve this dish as an appetizer before the meal with applesauce. Or eat alone - they are delicious.

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CHRISTMAS EVE

Caramel Corn Popcorn Balls My Great-Grandma Purviance used to serve these every Christmas Eve. Sharing these with her as a little girl was my fondest memory I have with her. We brought this tradition back to life this year with my daughter and her great-grandma.

What you will need:

3/4 cup Packed Brown Sugar

1/3 cup Margarine or Butter

3 Tablespoons light Corn Syrup

1/4 teaspoon Vanilla

2 bags of microwave popped popcorn (5 quarts)

(mnms and marshmellows can be added)

To Prepare:

In a saucepan, combine sugar, margarine or butter, and corn syrup. Cook and stir over medium heat to boiling. Clip candy thermometer to side of pan. Cook and stir over medium heat to 255˚ hard boil stage (about 4 minutes) Remove from heat and stir in vanilla. Pour over popcorn and stir gently to coat evenly.

Grease hands with vegetable shortening and quickly shape the coated popcorn balls before they cool. Wrap with cellophane or plastic wrap and store at room temperature.

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CHRISTMAS MORNING

Monkey Bread For the past 5 years we have been making this recipe after the presents have been opened and before our brunch guests arrive. Last year we had an unforgettable moment when the monkey bread caught the oven on fire. (Note: I used the wrong pan)

What you will need:

2 cans buttermilk biscuits
1/4 cup cinnamon
1/2 cup butter
1 cup white sugar
1 cup brown sugar, packed

To Prepare:

Cut each biscuit into 4 pieces. Pour sugar and cinnamon into a plastic bag and mix.Add biscuit pieces, several at a time; shake to coat well. Place pieces in a Bundt pan until all are used. Bring brown sugar and butter to a boil in saucepan. Cool 10 minutes, then pour over top of biscuits.

Bake at 350F for 45 minutes. Allow to cool 15 minutes before removing from pan.

To Serve: Turn upside down to serve and drizzle powdered sugar glaze over the top. Guests just pull it apart as they would a big cinammon roll.

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CHRISTMAS DAY

Haystacks My Aunt Noma makes these every year for my dad and he scarfs them down faster than you can say "MERRY CHRISTMAS EVERYONE."

What you will need:

3 cups Chinese noodles (chow mein)
1 cup Cashews halves
1 bag dark Chocolate chips

1/2 bag Butterscotch chips

To Prepare:

Melt Chocolate and Butterscotch chips in Microwave at medium or low 3 to 4 minutes until melted. Stir chocolate smooth; add noodles and cashews. Toss to coat well. On strips of foil or wax paper, form into 1 1/2 inch clusters. Cool to set. Makes about 24 (1 1/2 inch) "haystacks."

To Serve: Serve on a chilled plate at dessert time.

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