Cooking Playdate March 2014: A tribute to all things garlic, the stinking rose

It was every garlic lovers dream to meet up with like minded enthusiasts to pay tribute to one of the most adored and pungent ingredients in the culinary world.  I didn't know when I came up with the idea, how many others shared my devotion to garlic.  Brittany and I were planner-hosts and Lauren EB was home-host for this delightfully aromatic bash.  Wioletta and I got things started with a roasted garlic and white bean dip we served with veggies.

Along the way Brittany and Suzanne whipped up kale chips and many chipped in to check those fickle guys and make sure they came out crispy and perfect.  Suzanne even made a batch of super spicy ones that really knocked my socks off.

Who knew there were so many tricks for peeling garlic!  Brittany had a silicon tube contraption that worked great and Emily MS gave us a quick dance routine to show us the shake approach.  She simply put the cloves in a bowl, topped it with another bowl the same size, and then shook-shook-shook... low and behold, yes those cloves were peeled!

That garlic went on to turn into many tasty delights.  Jennifer whipped up some garlic bread two ways- one crunchy and one softer.  Colleen made some decadent and addicting garlic shrimp.  Danielle made cream of garlic soup and Emily MS made crispy garlic potato chips.

But the celebrating didn't stop there!  There were beautiful cupcakes to celebrate Anikan's second birthday. He wore a cape to mark the occasion and there were party hats all around.  We sang while he beamed and it was a wonderful moment.

After the event many ladies reported that fabulous garlic aroma seeping from their skin but what a hoot we had going garlic gaga!

DIY PJ Playdate

We all know how nearly impossible it is to get any crafting done with a toddler around.  Recently I found a tutorial for DIY PJs and decided I wanted to make them for Anikan.  Knowing he would never allow me to do this, I teamed up with Emily and created a pajama creating playdate so the kids could play and we could create!  We only ended up getting to the pants but they all came out really cute.  Suzanne entertained the kids because she lost interest in the creating part (I must say, playing with the kiddos probably was more fun).  Emily, Wendy, and I all made pajama pants for our boys!  Lucky Wendy was able to figure out the trick was to "put one inside out and the other inside in and put the inside in one inside the inside out one......."....... lol... yea... that's how I felt too.

Anyway here are the results! (Yes Davy... Anikan is being ridiculous.  And Logan, those pants are quite thrilling!)

And some more pictures:

March BIG Play: Mama clothing swap

What can be counted on as a whirlwind event, was even more so today along with being literally windy! After being snowed out of our February BIG Play, ladies were eager to visit and baby's were ever ready to run around!  Despite the frigid gales that assaulted us and our tender offspring, we hauled in the goods from some good old fashion closet cleaning (inspired by Jennifer Callie) to swap.  There was a frenzy at the table as we oohed and ahhed at what others had decided to pass along. Another gals trash became someone's treasure, personal thanks for the apron with the hysterical pearls that has already brightened a meal prepping session today (photo soon) Ride on toys were shared and enjoyed but the highlights were singing happy birthday to Emily M.S's little A who turned 2 today and an impromptu performance from the so-hot-right-now "Frozen" by Suzanne's Alisha.  The wind is still howling outside my home but I've got a heart full of the warm fuzzies and a much roomier closet thanks to all!

Owen too busy cruising ladies to know he's backwards. Atta boy. ;)

Birthday girl on the move!

<3

Henry, born to ride.