Eight crazy nights...

Tonight's the second night of Chanukah, and figuring out activities and/or gifts for EIGHT nights this year had been a bit much for me.


I'm trying to stick to the spirit of  "handmade Chanukah" by focusing on doing things together and/or handmade gifts.


For the second night, we made a gingerbread house. (Which, funnily enough, was a Christmas gift. But we're a non-traditional family, so I'm OK with it.)


Ben enjoyed it. And the pre-made house was a great idea. It held his attention for about 30 minutes, then he was ready for bath and bed.


But, he wanted to pose for pictures tonight. My little man's becoming more of a ham, and while I like that he's not fighting me when I pull out the camera, I'm not crazy about all the goofy faces he makes.

But, I guess now that I look at those faces, what's not to love?

Handmade Chanukah

Inspired by this lovely blog, I decided to do a Handmade Chanukah this year.

(Note to self: make this decision more than three days ahead of time because eight days is a LOT of days. I have a new appreciation for how long that oil lasted!)

Also, a tip, how about try an arrange your oven NOT breaking on you the first night, throwing a hitch in your entire plan.

ANYWAY... this is how Handmade Chanukah shaped up in its first year. Next year, will be better.
First: hat and gloves
Second: OSU t-shirt
Third: Chanukah party (no craft)

Fourth: Pillow pet

Don't ask me what animal this is. I haven't a clue.

Fifth: Drawstring bag with (storebought) chanukah dominoes

Here's a total cheat for a button hole inspired by Disney!

Sixth: PlaydoughSeventh: Pictures for grandparents

Eigth: Nothing. We were pooped. We were going to make a matching game. But, instead, we played games on NickJr.com ... I know, not exactly observant of us. But, overall, I'm happy with how things worked out. Now, time to start planning for next year.

May I suggest...

Allrecipes.com?

Allrecipes is my go to site for tried and true recipes... mainly because it seems like a bazillion women use it and a huge percentage of them post reviews and modifications to the recipes posted.

It's like asking your older, wiser, cooks-more-than-you friend for no-fail recipes.

Be warned before you visit though:

• it's not fancy. we're talking make-tonight, budget friendly fixes. you want gourmet? visit epicurious.
• believe the comments! which means you also have to read them. women often post their best secrets and tricks to make the recipe come out right every time.

Don't believe me? Try this bread machine challah recipe. I made it last week, and for the first time, understood what Martha means when she says dough is beautiful or silky. This dough was both. And it made the most gorgeous challah... a huge, golden loaf, just the right balance of sweetness and egg. Seriously, it was enough to convince you that challah alone is why the Jews think their the chosen ones.

Oh yeah, and I consumed about 75% of it. Friday night. Yeah. I admit it. 75%. Totally worth it.

Bread Machine Challah I (from allrecipes.com)

• 3/4 cup milk (I used skim)
• 2 eggs
• 3 T margarine (I used fat free promise)
• 3 cups bread flour
• 1/4 cup white sugar
• 1 1/2 teaspoons salt
• 1 1/2 teaspoons active dry yeast

1. Add ingredients to your machine in the order suggested in your manual
2. Put it on the dough cycle
3. As soon as the dough is done, remove it and divide into three parts. Roll each part into a long rope and braid it.
4. Cover it with a clean towel and place in a warm spot to rise. (I put it on top of the stove.) After 50 minutes or so, preheat the oven to 375.
5. Brush with a beaten egg and bake for 25 - 30 minutes.

You won't be disappointed.

Happy Christmakah!

So... it's the most wonderful time of the year...

And in the Columbus Laeng household, we celebrate Christmas and Hanukkah. Because I'm Jewish.

Yep. Bona fide. Jew, here. This may be a surprise to many (ok, most) of you who knew me in high school and have only recently reconnected with me via facebook.

Sometime, if you're interested, I'll tell you the whole story. But long story short I'm Jewish. Brian is Christmas. (Not a typo. He's not religious but loves Christmas, mainly for Santa and presents.) And our parents are Catholic.

So we celebrate Hanukkah and Christmas. So far, so good. But Ben's only 18 months. So this year, here's how it basically goes.

Brian: Look Ben! Santa! It's Santa! See? Pablo is dressed as an elf! Presents!
Ben: Boblo?
Brian: Yes, Ben. Pablo is an elf! See? Presents!
Ben: Boblo?
Brian: Yes. Santa! Presents!
Ben: Bilk?
Me: Say please.
Ben: Bilk peeeeeeeeez.
Me: Here's your milk. Let's light the Hanukkah candles. See, Ben? This is the shamash. We light it first.
Ben: Gulp. Gulp. Ahhhhhh.
Me: Ok, now we light five candles because it's the fifth night. One... Two...No, Ben. Hot! Danger! We don't touch the fire. Hot.
Ben: Hot. Hot.
Me: Yes, hot. Don't touch. Ok, three... No! Hot. Hot.
Ben: Hot. Bilk?
Me: Yes. This is milk. Four... five...
Ben: Ball ball?
Me & Brian: Yeah! Kick the ball.

See? So far, so good.

Next year, though. I think it'll be a little harder.