Menu Monday: Fritters and a Shameless plug

I know I've mentioned it here hundreds of times so, let's make it hundreds + one -- breakfast is a pretty big deal in the Molloy household. We love breakfast; it's our favorite meal of the day. Growing up, occasionally, my mother would make "fritters" (A.K.A "crepes") using a recipe passed down from her mother. My sister and I would devour them!

Aaron isn't a huge fan of fritters (unless we're in Montreal [sell out]) perhaps because it's a French thing and Molloy, as you well know (hehehe) is Irish. Anyway, every now and then, if I'm feeling up to the challenge, (breakfast is Aaron's domain) I'll beat him to the kitchen and whip together my (grand)mother's fritters.

Fritters:

• 1 1/2 C water
• 1C flour
• 3 shakes of salt
• 1 egg

Beat egg, add water, salt and beat slowly while adding flour until it's mixed and smooth (batter will be very thin). Heat oil in a frying pan and pour 1/2 C of batter into pan. Tilt pan so batter is spread evenly. Cook until edges begin to curl and fritter is golden brown. Serve with honey and powdered sugar, bananas and Nutella, jam and granulated sugar, maple syrup, maple butter (my favorite) or Montreal style like a wrap with eggs and Canadian bacon... you get the idea!

The whole family usually comes out of the woodwork for breakfast! Clearly, we don't have rules about animals during mealtime. Enjoy!

Shameless plug:

I'm a busy career girl. On top of that, I also like to have fun, keep a tidy house and spend time with friends and family-- which doesn't leave much time to cook. I wouldn't go so far as to say I love to cook, nor would I say I dislike cooking. While I do find it relaxing and fun, let's get real and face the facts: I love food but lack the hours needed to prepare intricate recipes and meals.

For Christmas my mother gave me one of the most amazing books, Peg Bracken's: The I Hate to Cook Book

Inside are recipes for every busy woman who is looking to stuff her (and her family's) pie-hole with wholesome yet easy meals. If you like the type of cookbook that you need to read with a companion dictionary so you can decipher the names of the ingredients (which can only be purchased at an out-of-the-way exotic speciality store) than this is NOT the book for you.

Peg Bracken hated to cook and compiled this hilarious book of easy recipes in 1960. I asked for this book for Christmas not only because I love to own easy cookbooks but because I like this spunky Donna Reed antithesis.

Just to give you a taste (pun intended) of her humor, below are the names of a few of the chapters:

30 Day by Day entrees (or the rock pile)
The Leftover (or every family needs a dog)
Company's Coming (or your back is to the wall)
Last Minute Suppers (or this is the story of your life)
Desserts (or people are too fat anyway)
Equivalents Et. Cetera (or dreary details that you certainly have no intention of remembering)


Peg's sense of humor weaves through each recipe and side story. Peg Bracken (1960) discusses how much she hates:

"big fat cookbooks that tell you everything about everything. For one thing they contain too many recipes. Just look at all the things you can do with a chop, and aren't about to..."

Also they're always telling you what any chucklehead would know. 'Place dough in pan to rise and cover with a  clean cloth,' What did they think you'd cover it with? This terrible explicitness also leads them to say, 'Pour mixture into 2 1/2 qt. sauce pan.' Well, when you hate to cook you've no idea what size your saucepans are except big, middle-sized, and little." (pg. 2)

I am in love with this book. Aside from my Amish Cookbooks, it's the only cookbook I've wanted to read cover to cover. I plan to try out many of the easy recipes; I'll report back!

Fun Fact Thursday

1. What time did you go to bed last night?
11:30

2. Favorite food to have cooked on the grill?
Mushrooms

3. What was the last TV show you watched?
Antiques Roadshow- I love that show.

4. What is your favorite movie genre?
Something that makes me think. Although, I do love cheesy 80's movies.

5. If you could visit anywhere in the world, where would it be?
Alaska. It has been booked for 2011!! But, now that Alaska is all set, I'm dreaming of Ireland.

6. What did you have for lunch yesterday?
I would love to have a "lunch hour" but, alas, I don't have time. So, I settled for an apple and two Werther's Originals while writing progress notes. I'm the picture of health.

7. What is your favorite self-indulgence?
Pedicures and massages.

8. What foods do you love?
I love eggs... from my head down to my legs. I'm kidding. But I do love eggs. I also really like coconut shrimp, French onion soup, I'm a big fan of peanut butter and I'm nuts about nuts, grapes and cottage cheese.

9. Favorite Place to Eat?
My house, Jim and Linda's, Matt & Nelson's, and my Moms.

10. What is your ultimate salad?
Fuji Apple Chicken Salad from Panera. Sans the Gorgonzola

11. What kind of vehicle do you really want?
My dream car would be a grey Subaru Outback PZEV wagon with heated seats and power everything...
oh wait :)

12. What are your favorite clothes/shoes?
I love things that are comfortable. I like Banana Republic, Old Navy, Urban Outfitters.
Shoes? Keens or Sanitas only, please!

13. Where would you love to go on your next vacation?
Well, In October we spent 4 days in Pittsburg, we booked Alaska- we're going to North Conway for our annual getaway this winter, a month ago we were in NYC, and we've planned a Boston Day trip in a couple of weeks. But, recently, I've had San Antonio and Amish Country on my mind.

14. Are you optimistic or pessimistic?
Optimist- 97.8% of the time.

15. What career path do you sometimes wish you would've pursued?
1st Choice? Emergency room doctor
2nd Choice? Therapist
3rd Choice? College Professor

I'm not doing too shabby.

16. Favorite outdoor activities?
Hiking, kayaking, walking the pups

17. Where did you grow up?
Gonic, NH

"we're from gonic and no one could be prouder... if you don't believe us, we'll say it a little louder..."

"WE'RE FROM GONIC, AND NO ONE COULD BE PROUDER... IF YOU DON'T BELIEVE US, WE'LL YELL A LITTLE LOUDER..."

I miss riding on the school bus singing our school songs. Good times.

18. What is your favorite sport?
I'm not much into athletics. I'm an intellectual. I gave soccer a try a while back and I'm still ashamed of how competitive I was. I was pretty nasty on the field.

19. Any regrets?
Depends on my mood.

20. Favorite person to spend time with?
Aaron, my sister, my Pepe

21. Who makes you laugh most often?
My 243, Quan, Nickie and my sister. I did actually catch a few minutes of this Raising Hope show on Fox a few weeks ago. Aaron said, "I like this show, it makes you laugh. Nothing makes you laugh." I am usually pretty serious, unless I'm tired- then I'm outrageously slap-happy.

22. Favorite games?
Jack Straws, Bananagrams, Sequence, mind games

23. Least favorite household chore?
Changing the sheets. But, true story, I sweep 2-3 times per day. I'm actually compulsive about it.

24. Do you have any pets?
No, I belong to four pesky creatures

25. Describe yourself in 5 words.
Driven, cautious, loyal, intelligent, curious

26. What would you say is your worst trait?
I'm a worrier and I perseverate on things way too much

27. One of your prized material possessions?
My musical instruments

28. Have you ever did anything heroic?
Yes, three years ago and also every 56 days

29. Are you friends with any of your exes?
Nope, and I don't plan to be.

30. Are you a safe driver?
I think the people driving behind me banging their steering wheel are better equipped to answer that question.

Ask my girlfriends, they'll tell you why they don't let me drive anywhere!

31. Any serious injuries in your life?
Not really. I'm healthy- see #28

32. Favorite music genre?
I get into patterns but, I still love the 80's

33. Favorite drinks?
Coffee, milk, water, and I drink one Powerade Zero per day- I'm certain it will kill me.
Oh and Diet Sunkist

34. Fears?
Losing someone I love, I worry about my clients, I don't care for heights and I always get this terrible urge, whenever I'm near water, that for some reason I'm going to take off my bridal set and throw it into the dark abyss. I don't know why.

35. Favorite breakfast foods?
Eggs, stuffed french toast, cheesy omelets with mushrooms, cream of wheat...

36. Favorite fast food?
Arbys! There aren't a lot around but if I see one, it's on, baby!

37. What vehicle have you had in your life that you miss?
1984 Saab 900 Turbo.
I miss my little red Jetta too.

38. From whom did you get your last text?
Hilary, that's a no brainer :) Love my 243

39. Where do you shop for clothes?
L.L Bean, Vicky's, EMS, Banana/Gap/Old Navy, American Eagle, Charlotte Russe, Urban Outfitters

40. Do you enjoy flea markets and/or yard sales?
Are you seriously asking me this? Duh!

41. Are you employed? If so, what do you do?
I am gainfully employed. See my resume below:

Jessica Molloy

• Household Administrator: 2007-Present (full time/volunteer) Duties include cooking, meal planning, paying bills, cleaning, writing out to-do lists for my husband, laundry, grocery shopping, party/holiday and event organization, sweeping, animal care and general upkeep.
• Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor/Master Licensed Alcohol and Drug Counselor/IOP Senior Clinician/Supervisor/Any other hat that fits on my head: 2007-Present (Salary) Duties include: Screening, assessment, and treatment; Group and Individual counseling, staff supervision and administration, micro-managing, and paperwork up the wazoo.
• Adjunct Professor of Human Services. 2010-Present. (Salary) Guide and instruct eager college students entering the field of psychology that, regardless of the meager pay typical of the human service field, if you find something you love to do, you never have to work a day in your life.
• American Red Cross 2010-Present (Volunteer) Registration of blood donors and Canteen service- I feed you once we've drained you.
• NH Audubon 2010- Present (volunteer) I play with birds.

42. Biggest accomplishment in the past 5 years?
Getting Married, Buying a House, graduating with my masters degree, getting a dream job, getting promoted, buying a brand-new vehicle, hurdling the bureaucracy of licensing boards and achieving my LCMHC, MLADC, getting a teaching gig

43. What was your most romantic date or vacation with your sweetie?
Everyday is special.

And PS. I hate the word "sweetie" so please don't use it again, thanks. Do you just think it sounds patronizing no matter how it's said?

44. Last person you called on the phone?
Nickie. Yes, I made the call. My fingers dialed. I'm weakening in my old age- y'all know how I feel about the horn.

45. What are you doing this afternoon?
Working. I've been known to do that. A little too much. As a matter of fact, I do 12 hour days two days per week. No, I'm not smoking crack- we all have our issues. I am afflicted with an overzealous, micro-managing work ethic.

46. Do you consider yourself spiritual?
Yes, I do what my magic-8 ball tells me.
I kid. I'm Catholic. I consider myself slightly religious. I don't have spirituality- I just don't understand the abstract nature of spirituality. I'd rather pray to the Father, Son and the Spook up in the sky- that is much more logical and concrete to me.

47. How many tattoos do you have?
4 or 5: it's an open debate in my household as to whether the paw prints count as one or two. I am looking into getting another. I love tattoos; bumper stickers on the map of life. I really really dig them and consider them art.

48. What is your favorite and least favorite holidays?
I love Halloween.
I am indifferent to Valentine's Day.

49. Do you have a cellphone; what kind?
Yes. I dunno. It's nice and it works other than that it's Aaron's department "Just make sure you get me one that has a keyboard so I can text!"

50. What is your bedtime?
I like to think it's 9:30. Realistically, 11:00

Wednesday, Oui? My Nose is growing!

Having divorced parents is a challenge for a lot of obvious reasons, however, one small perk would definitely be celebrating holidays more than once. This year we celebrated Christmas multiple times! I love Christmas (but not as much as my sister does) and I love to spend time with my friends and family. That said, my favorite part of Christmas is spending time at home with my husband and "kids."

The first of our Christmas celebrations started in Maine with my mother and Dan, and Nicki, Rich, Xander and Sarah (her FIRST Christmas!)

I'm the cool I-ya who bought Banana a guitar!

On Christmas Eve we went to Aaron's parent's house so we could basically celebrate a

Christmas for dogs. Boy were they spoiled!

Once home, we sat in front of our tree enjoying the remainder of Christmas Eve. We didn't stay up too late waiting for Santa because we were heading off to Boston early in the morning to celebrate Christmas Day at Matt & Nelsons!

We unwrapped a few things before we left that morning and let the "kids" have their stockings.

Merry Christmas, Lewis!

The final celebration took place on New Year's Day in Portland. My Dad, his girlfriend, my sister and her family and my brother and his wife all met at a restaurant to enjoy food, fun and time with Pepe.

Xander selected cranberry sauce from the salad bar-- which he later discovered was a beet.

He wasn't pleased.

Sarah LOVES her uncle-- and now that she isn't a tiny infant, I think Uncle isn't so terrified of breaking her.

Amity and Wally

This year I was given many nice gifts. There are a few that I will probably blog about simply because they are so thoughtful but, for me, Christmas isn't about the gifts. I am so fortunate to be living the life I do. Every day is a gift and I have so much to be grateful for. However, my favorite gift this year was a very meaningful gift from Aaron.

In early November I went shopping with Hilary and spotted a Jim Shore item; I love and collect Jim Shore. One of the items I fell in love with was completely out of character for me simply because it wasn't something that would normally fall into my decorating taste... unless I was decorating a baby's room. Hold the phone, hopefuls, I *AM NOT* pregnant, nor do I plan to be in the next 6 months (think: Alaska) but that doesn't mean my biological clock isn't ticking so loudly that I can't hear myself think! I don't know what it was about this Pinocchio Marionette but I really wanted it. Luckily, my bestie, Hilary, (unbeknownst to me) texted Aaron with all the details. You would NEVER believe my surprise when I opened the box at Christmas to find Pinocchio was mine!

As I sat in awe of Aaron's thoughtfulness he said, "I know it's not something we can use right now but it will be really cute in the baby's room." Obviously it's not a toy but more of a decoration. I have yet to purchase anything for our would-be child with the exception of books; I've held out on clothes, furniture and decorations. I love that Aaron took the leap and the fact that he's counting the days as much as I am, and we're so in sync, is the BEST Christmas gift ever. Oui?

Top Ten Tuesday: Two-Thousand-Ten accomplishments

As we close out another year I look back and wonder, "where did 2010 go?" As we begin 2011, I must relish in accomplishments of 2010.

1. I became dually licensed. I know I've bragged about this one-million-times but, it's a really big deal and it was a TON of work to get to the point of signing LCMHC, MLADC. I never want to get "used to it" or take it for granted because I am so incredibly privileged to access the education it took to get the knowledge necessary for my credentials.

2. We saved money. Now, we didn't save a TON but, it's more than we had in 2009 (and I am even building up my retirement account- maybe I'll be able to retire around 2071...)

3. I finally convinced cheapskate Aaron to let us buy a new camera; he caved and let me get a Canon. It's not my Canon Rebel (which I WILL own before we go to Alaska) but it's not the P.O.S we were using in 2009.

4. We (Aaron) built our dream shed!

5. I finally made it to see The Lion King in NYC!

6. I told myself I would read 12 books in 2010; I read all 12 and then some. Guess which book I plan to read in 2011? I'll give you 43 guesses. That's right, sorry haters, he's my man. You know you're jealous. I'll let you borrow it when I'm done, LOL.

7. I finally caved and let Aaron buy a television for our bedroom (*GASP*! That's story for another blog)

8. I took a ton of time off from work-- approximately 45 days including sick, vacation, comp and holiday! For me, trust that this is a HUGE accomplishment!

9. I entered the ranks of the Red Cross "one gallon club." In 2010 I hit my one gallon mark. Many more gallons to go but, I have a great friend, Jenn, who is my "blood sister"-- now we go together :)

10. I scratched one of my major life goals off my bucket list. I became a 29-year-old college professor. On the last day of class I had a party and celebrated the end of the semester with my students and one student summed it up for me when he said, "You took a class full of students and made us a family. You taught us not only as a teacher teaches her students but, as a mother teaches her children. You loved us." That was the biggest compliment as I took this responsibility so seriously and my students inspired me. They helped me to fall in love with the field of psychology all over again; for that, I am forever grateful. And I'm not going to lie, every time I heard a student say "Professor Molloy" I beamed on the inside a little.

Menu Monday: McPumpkin Roll

The first Thanksgiving I spent with Aaron was celebrated at his parent house. I remember a conversation taking place a few days prior to turkey day in which Jim (McPepe) was telling one of us that he'll miss the pumpkin roll he used to eat every year because the person who used to make him one was no longer going be able to. I forget the exact reason but I feel like it was something about an employee who used to work for him and now no longer works there, or something or rather. I was still, some what, in the awkward, "new girlfriend" stage of the relationship so I thought, "I can try to make one and we'll see how it goes, if it's crap I'll trash it."

It was a success and I have made one for McPepe every year since.

Ingredients (from Libby's)

• 1/4 cup powdered sugar (to sprinkle on towel)
• 3/4 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 3 large eggs
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 2/3 cup LIBBY'S® 100% Pure Pumpkin 

For the cream cheese frosting:

• 1 (8 ounce) package cream cheese, softened
• 1 cup powdered sugar, sifted
• 6 tablespoons butter or margarine, softened
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/4 cup powdered sugar (optional)

Directions

1. PREHEAT oven to 375 degrees F. Grease 15 x 10-inch jelly-roll pan; line with wax paper. Grease and flour paper. Sprinkle towel with powdered sugar.

2. COMBINE flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, cloves and salt in small bowl. Beat eggs and sugar in large mixer bowl until thick. Beat in pumpkin. Stir in flour mixture. Spread evenly into prepared pan. Sprinkle with nuts.

3. BAKE for 13 to 15 minutes or until top of cake springs back when touched. Immediately loosen and turn cake onto prepared towel. Carefully peel off paper. Roll up cake and towel together, starting with narrow end. Cool on wire rack.

4. BEAT cream cheese, powdered sugar, butter and vanilla extract in small mixer bowl until smooth. Carefully unroll cake; remove towel. Spread cream cheese mixture over cake. Re-roll cake. Wrap in plastic wrap and refrigerate at least one hour. Sprinkle with powdered sugar before serving, if desired.

I'm not going to lie and say it's an easy dessert to make but, it's very delicious and well worth the effort.

Enjoy McPepe's pumpkin roll!