Strategic Planning

Every now and then I have the opportunity to test the waters as a stay at home mom. Ideally, I would like this to be the norm but that is for another day. So today, I will take some time to finalize our plans for next 2.5 days where I have the starring role as temporary stay-at-home mom. Wednesday evening is working its way out, perhaps a friend or two to visit. Thursday is taken care of; we plan to spend the better part of the day at my parents followed by our weekly Little Gym class. Friday, is another story particularly with the weather forecast indicating rain.

I try to have at least one big activity per day for Abby as of late, cooking anything tops her list. As you know by now, we cook/ bake constantly in our home, Abby can thank my mother and grandmother for this. If there is one way I will remember both of them it will be of their cooking. As a child, I dined on delicious French foods as my mother learned to cook; my 5^th grade pictures thanks her for this. I occasionally attempt to reproduce her French onion soup, though I am sure it will not equal hers. There is however, one thing that I love to make my grandmother’s sauce. Now, if you are Italian, you understand sauce.

Writing this, I have decided that Abby and I will make grandma Ranieri’s sauce on Friday. The day will start with a trip to the Westside Market to purchase oxtails, followed by a stop at the pizza bagel stand. While we are there, we may as well pick up some vegetables and fruit. Did I mention that Abby adores the market? Really, she asks to go but I think it is for the pizza bagels (just like me). The recipe for her sauce is rather simple and I must warn you, this is for HUGE batch to freeze just as grandma did.

4 oxtails

4 48 oz cans pureed tomatoes

3 cloves garlic

2 tbs butter

Oregano

Salt

Sugar

6 hours low simmer

Why no measurements, well, I make it by taste. This is how I was taught and this is how I do it…..

If we are really adventurous, there may be fresh pasta and meat balls to follow. If you want those recipes, let me know, they are similar to the sauce recipe…taste!