Happy New Year!

Yesterday we updated our New Year's Eve tradition by making out own pizza instead of ordering out. Mom took care of the dough in her new Cuisinart while I prepared olives, onions, sausage, cheese, and other toppings. Then, while the dough rose, I made some olivata using this recipe, and it turned out pretty good.

Mom made a large pizza with tomato sauce, mozzarella, sausage, basil, spinach, onions, and red pepper. I made a smaller one with olives but sans sausage and red pepper. Steve made himself a small sausage pizza, and I made a dessert pizza with strawberry jam, mozzarella, and a tiny bit of experimental olivata on one corner. It was surprisingly good. I think we might have a new tradition for New Year's Eve.

Firsts for the Bean

Okay, so this post doesn't have any recipes in it, or any cooking. I did sneak a picture of eating in though! June has rather escaped from us here in RVA, as we've all been getting used to lots of firsts. In order, H started preschool, E took her longest trip away from the family, went to her first faculty development seminar (it featured coffee and chocolate breaks you guys!), and sent out her first publication (a book review). We've also buried another first in the pictures, see if you can guess what it is!
E and H also tried the first lemon cake recipe, and it was a stinker. Peeeyouee, as H likes to say!


Off to PreSchool, all ready with her backpack, water sandals, and swimsuit on

While E was at her fancy seminar during the day, P and H had a great Father's Day at the Smithsonian Museums and Zoo.


See, I told you there would be eating!


H got to ride on the carousel and loved it.