LUNCHBOX HEROES ~ ENTER THE POWERBALL

We received an anonymous request during our contest from a reader who is looking for a "recipe for raw energy bars for kids lunches."

Here is a recipe for our family favorite, compliments of Wondertime Magazine, September 2008:

LUNCHBOX POWERBALLS

"These wholesome little snacks are simple to make and rival cookie dough eaten right out of the bowl (not that we'd do that). The easiest way to make them is to combine all the ingredients in a stand mixer, but the fun way is to push up your kid's sleeves and let her mush it all by hand."

Makes 40-48 cookies

Mix together 1 cup peanut butter and 1 cup honey until smooth. Gradually add in 3 cups old fashioned oats and 1/2 cup ground flaxseed. Add 1 cup chocolate chips and 1 cup any combination of nuts and soft dried fruit(try 1/2 cup coarsely chopped peanuts and 1/4 cup each of raisins and dried cranberries) and mix gently in your stand mixer or smush together by hand.

Roll into Ping-Pong-size balls and, for maximum presentation value, put in paper mini muffin cups. You can eat them right away, but they'll be less sticky after a night in the fridge. They freeze well too, layered on wax.

AND HERE'S ANOTHER RECIPE FROM OUR LIBRARY FOR AN ENERGY BAR USING SOYNUT BUTTER , COMPLIMENTS OF NOB HILL FOODS:

Energy Bars

AND THE WINNER IS...

Thanks to all the friends and fans that participated in our first giveaway. It was fun reading all of your comments and stories. The challenge is on to meet all of your recipe requests ~ a challenge we look forward to in the coming weeks. We've already made some progress in tracking down the famous artichoke cupcake recipe for Holly, and are crossing our fingers that the talented baker that came up with this unique creation will be willing to share his genius with our readers.

So, without further ado, the winner is...SAMANTHA STEWART!

Congratulations Sam! You were interested in some great salad recipes, so we hope you'll give our "Peas, Love & Orzo" a try. You also inquired about some recipes for gazpacho. Turns out our pal Martha did a whole feature on gazpacho in the September issue of LIVING, and we're eager to try all four recipes, especially the "Gazpacho Ajo Blanco". You'll receive a copy with your t-shirt. But for instant gratification, we recommend her Cucumber Buttermilk Gazpacho. It's delightful!

Barb wrote in asking about a referral for online Singer sewing machine parts. Our friend Kate at the Sewing Forum recommends Ron at A1 Sewing Machines. We're working on a local lead for you for sewing machine repairs.

More recipe requests to be fulfilled shortly...

Thanks again!

PEAS, LOVE & ORZO SALAD

Some Saturday kitchen dabbling led to this easy and delicious twist on pasta salad. Please share and enjoy!

PEAS, LOVE & ORZO SALAD

1 pound box orzo pasta
7 oz. homemade or store bought pesto
10 oz. frozen peas
6 oz. crumbled feta cheese
3 dozen grape tomatoes, quartered
Salt to taste

Fill a large stockpot with water, a good pinch of salt and a drizzle of oil. Bring to a boil. Add orzo and frozen peas. Stir. Cook for 9 minutes once water returns to a boil. Drain and transfer to a large mixing bowl. Allow to cool to room temperature. Stir in pesto. Fold in feta cheese. Fold in quartered grape tomatoes . Season with salt to taste. Chill at least one hour before serving.

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SWEET MONDAYS ~ OUR FIRST CONTEST

WE'D LIKE TO THANK OUR READERS FOR YOUR CONTINUED SUPPORT, COMMENTS AND GENERAL JOLLY-GOODNESS WITH OUR FIRST OF WHAT ARE TO BECOME REGULAR CONTEST GIVE-AWAYS.

THE FIRST OF OUR "SWEET MONDAY GIVEAWAYS" IS OUR VERY OWN ROOK NO. 17 LONG SLEEVE TEE WITH OUR MASCOT AND LOGO IN REVERSE APPLIQUE. WINNER PICKS THE SIZE (BABY, CHILD AND ADULT SIZES AVAILABLE). SHIRTS ARE 100% COTTON, SUPER SOFT JERSEY KNIT, AND ARE MADE IN THE USA BY AMERICAN APPAREL.

HERE'S HOW TO ENTER:

SIMPLY COMMENT ON THIS POST BY ANSWERING ANY ONE OF THE FOLLOWING QUESTIONS (AND BE SURE TO INCLUDE YOUR EMAIL ADDRESS SO WE CAN CONTACT YOU IF YOU WIN):

1) It would be just ducky if I could find a great recipe for _____.

2) I'm a crafty bird who's looking for a great resource for _____.

3) Rook No. 17 is my favorite blog because _____.

4) Tell us about your fondest Halloween memory from childhood.

ONE WINNER WILL BE DRAWN AT RANDOM AND ANNOUNCED HERE ON MONDAY, AUGUST 24.

POLITICS OF THE PLATE

With the popularity of such groundbreaking books as Eric Schlosser's "Fast Food Nation" and the recent theatrical release of the food industry expose "Food, Inc" the movement towards organic, sustainable, and genetically unaltered food may be on the rise. As the American consciousness about the things we put in our mouths continues its awakening, the media is striving to meet our craving for straightforward and up-to-the moment news on the food industry. Our friends at Gourmet Magazine are leading the way with their online (and in print) monthly feature POLITICS OF THE PLATE. In previous articles they've addressed such issues as "Toxic Strawberries? (California’s governor will soon decide whether to approve a new—and possibly very dangerous—pesticide for use on this beloved summer fruit.)", "Milking for Profit (One of the nation’s largest dairy processors could soon come under investigation by the Justice Department.), and "Politics of the Plate: Roundup Ready—or Not? (A court decision comes as good news for opponents of genetically modified crops. But is it the beginning of a political sea change, or just a blip?) ". From health and science to policy and corruption, Gourmet's talented staff of writers tackle the most current issues on our nation's plate.

You can find POLITICS OF THE PLATE at http://www.gourmet.com/foodpolitics/.

OUR FAVORITE BACK TO SCHOOL PROJECT

SCHULTUTE ~ The first day of school is an important milestone for children all around the globe. In Germany, many children receive a Schultute (pronounced shool-too-tuh). The Schultute is a whimsically decorated paper cone filled with school supplies and little treats. The treats are meant to symbolically sweeten the child's transition into the realm of greater responsibility (traditionally, the 1st grade, which is when German children begin their formal education). The tradition began back in the 19th century, when according to lore parents told their children that a Schultute tree grew in their teacher's yard. When the cones grew big enough it meant that it was time to start school. Today, children often decorate their own Schultuten as an end-of-year project at the completion of Kindergarten. Parents then fill the cone for the child to open after the first day of first grade.

We've attached a downloadable PDF of instructions for how to make your own Schultuten. Many high-end retailers are now offering premade Schultuten, but we like the idea of customizing your own to suit your child's unique loves and interests. You can find Do-It-Yourself Schultute at German Plaza along with an assortment of beautiful crepe papers, die cut scrap papers and trims.

Before you head out to the local craft store, take a look around your home. Chances are you have the makings of a beautiful custom Schultute right under your nose. The cardboard from a cereal box makes a perfect foundation for the cone. To decorate:

1. Scan in and print out pictures of your child
2. Download clipart online, then cut and paste
3. Use stickers or rubber stamps
4. Got an old children's book that's falling apart? Repurpose the pages to cover your Schultute
5. Doilies and cupcake liners can be used to add lace and fringe
6. Papier mache or paint over a plain cardboard cone.
7. Wrapping Paper

schultute

BI-RITE DYNO-MITE!

A few weekends ago we ventured up to the city to scope out the art scene, partake in some glorious dim-sum and experience Sam's Sundae at Bi-Rite Creamery. This legendary ice cream creation has been described as "perfection", "heavenly" and with the explicit sensual characterization typically reserved for lusty romance novels. The Bi-Rite Creamery menu describes Sam's Sundae thusly: "Chocolate ice cream with bergamot olive oil, maldon sea salt and whipped cream." Unusual; even a bit bizarre! Olive oil on ice cream? I'm an adventurous eater, but must admit, I was a bit wary of how it would play out on the palette

We arrived on 18th Street at around 4:30 p.m. The streets were flooded with the uber-hip college crowd; sun was shining and a guy with a massive boombox affixed to his bicycle wound his way around the crowds blaring Journey's "Don't Stop Believing." We found a place in the line that extended all the way down the block. No matter, this was a people-watching-palooza ~ the highlight of which was a tall and elegantly slender African American man in a sparkling turquoise micro-mini, blind-folded by a gold mesh scarf, and accompanied by an entourage nearly as colorful as he. The line moved quickly, and before we could fully ponder the ethos behind the mesh blindfold procession, we were at the counter.

The sundae arrived in a plain paper bowl that belied its sophisticated contents. Sam's seduction played out like this: exquisitely creamy, deep and rich chocolate ice cream...a delicate, melt-in-your mouth salt-on-sweet nuance from the Maldon sea salt...an incredible aromatic backnote of fruity, orange bergamot dancing harmoniously with the chocolately topnotes...the soft, lightly sweet simplicity you can only get from freshly whipped cream...perfect balance...utter delight ... art... BLISS (cue angelic chorus)!

You may be tempted on your first trip by some of their other artistic fusions like Salted Caramel, Honey Lavender, Ricanelas (cinnamon with snickerdoodles), Roasted Banana, Balsamic Strawberry, Brown Butter Pecan, Malted Vanilla with Peanut Brittle and Milk Chocolate Pieces, & Brown Sugar with Ginger Caramel Swirl. But be advised, Sam's Sundae is gastronimic ecstacy. The others can wait.

While on 18th street, you may want to visit the Bi-rite Market across the street. Located in the city's historic Mission District, Bi-Rite Market has been San Francisco's premier neighborhood market since 1940. What makes them different is their "old-school" service you can't get at chain stores. Their shelves boast a huge array of organic, sustainable, and locally-produced items; making it easy for you to know where your food comes from.

BACH TO THE FUTURE

With fine arts programs in the public schools becoming about as rare as a Bach Opera, parents with a passion for classical music may be interested to know there is a rich variety of mulitmedia out there to help inspire a love and interest in classical music in the next generation. Here are some of our favorite picks:

The Composer is Dead, by Lemony Snicket (Book and CD) ~ "Benjamin Britten's "Young Person's Guide to the Orchestra" has been the gold standard for introducing children to instruments since 1946. The concept has been embraced (some may say enhanced) by none other than Lemony Snicket, whose picture-book overview offers the additional layer of a murder mystery. The CD presentation features music by Nathaniel Stookey, performed by the San Francisco Symphony. The story is well paced, employing wordplay, humor, and mild suspense to build a slow crescendo that originates with the delicate strings and climaxes with percussion. The bombastic Inspector, read by Snicket on the CD, sports pinstripes, a bowler hat, and a handlebar mustache in the book. As he interrogates each section of the orchestra, the instruments describe their whereabouts on the night of the crime in characteristic voices, telling something about their actual roles while offering imagery for the illustrator. Thus, "'We were performing a waltz,' said the Violins. 'We played graceful melodies so the ladies and gentlemen could spin around and around and around until they felt dizzy and somewhat nauseous.'" —Wendy Lukehart, Washington DC Public Library


Beethoven's Wig: Sing Along Symphonies~ Inspired and wildly imaginative, Beethoven's Wig is one of the best introductions to classical music you could give to your children. Featuring snippets of 11 classical music staples--Beethoven, Bach, Mozart, Haydn, et al.--the disc and its creators, Richard Perlmutter and friends, pour on the silly lyrics the first time around to familiarize young ears to the old masters. Then in the last half of the record, the orchestra plays the same "serious" music pieces instrumentally. You might cheerfully recall Alan Sherman's popular spoofs of old classical works in Wig and you'll again chuckle at pieces like "Drip, Drip, Drip," which adapts Delibes's "Pizzicato from Sylvia." You'll also marvel at the expertise throughout the CD, with all the pieces well played yet thoroughly fun. Beethoven's Wig is an orchestral treasure with a sense of humor as old or as new as its listeners (and the fun questions that run throughout the CD's liner notes are almost as entertaining as the zany musical interludes). Highly recommended. --Martin Keller

Also recommended: Beethoven's Wig II & Beethoven's Wig III

Beethoven Lives Upstairs ~ Based on the best-selling and award-winning Classical Kids CD, Beethoven Lives Upstairs was hailed upon its original release as "a video masterpiece" by the Boston Herald and "the best family film to appear in a long time" by the Ottawa Citizen. The television special has been seen on HBO, PBS, CBC, the Family Channel and YTV and the home video has sold more than 250,000 copies in North America. Based in part on historical fact and featuring more than 25 beautifully-performed excerpts of Beethoven’s best-loved works, Beethoven Lives Upstairs presents the great composer as a hero for today’s children.

To view other titles from this series, click HERE. This series is often found in public libraries ~ check it out!

Lives of the Musicians: Good Times, Bad Times (and What the Neighbors Thought) ~ Red was Mozart's favorite color. Beethoven was a slob. Clara Schumann's concerts were so popular that police had to be called in for crowd control. In this enthralling work, Krull dishes 16 of the movers and shakers in musical history--from Vivaldi and the "three B's" (Bach, Beethoven and Brahms) to Gilbert and Sullivan, Woody Guthrie and Scott Joplin (early critics of his ragtime accused it of causing permanent brain damage and ruining people's morals). Readers who thrive on offbeat information will be delighted by the splendid array of fun facts lurking in these informative and accurate snapshot biographies. Krull masterfully distills the essentials of each musician's life into snappy prose, an attitude echoed in the book's lively, playful design (the introductory page for each musician, for example, contains not only pertinent information but tantalizing, often cryptic "kickers" as well--the one above Brahms's name alludes to his checked underwear, which audiences occasionally glimpsed when the absent-minded conductor forgot to fasten his suspenders). Hewitt's caricatures feature full-sized heads on tiny bodies--a slant that plays up the quirky presentation. She, too, has an eye for detail, pulling out appropriate visual tidbits from the text--Bach's prized silver coffeepots, for example, grace a page corner. Even those only remotely interested in music will be hooked by these living, breathing anecdotes--the stuff of which the best biography is made." ~ Publishers Weekly

Also in this series: Lives of the Writers & Lives of the Artists



Is there a "field guide" to composers? Indeed, if you wish to have a little flash-card fun with the family, you'll want to pick up a Fandex Family Field Guide to Composers ~ "Combining 50 individually die-cut cards with full-color illustrations, plus hundreds of intriguing facts, stories, statistics, and trivia, Fandex is the newest breakthrough in information-packed, family publishing. Composers is a chronological history of composers and their music, with intriguing facts, anecdotes, and musical insights into composers from Bach, Mozart, and Beethoven to Gershwin and Bernstein, together with other composers who form the Western musical canon.For kids who are learning it all for the first time, and grown-ups who want to get it straight, Fandex puts knowledge at your fingertips. In full-color. "

Many of these items can be found in our favorite catalog for music lovers (not just classical, but Jazz, Blues, and Musical Theater too), Music in Motion, including these unbreakable classic busts for the truly obsessed!

On PBS you can find the children's program "Little Amadeus". On the Wunderkind website, children can enter young Mozart's world to play games, learn about music, and even send an email message (and receive a reply from) "Little Amadeus".

Check the listings to find out when Wunderkind Little Amadeus airs in your area by clicking HERE.