Graduation Day

Jackson's off school for a few weeks before his summer session starts. Before school let out, we attended the pre-K graduation ceremony. Jackson is not in pre-K yet, but the younger children were included in the ceremony. They learned a couple of songs to sing for the graduating class.

Jackson was uncharacteristically shy about previewing the songs for us at home, so I was excited to see him sing.

OK, well, I don't know how much he actually sang. He mouthed at least some of the words, I know that much. And I know that next year, when it's Jackson's turn to march in his cap and gown (yes, they had tiny caps and gowns!) and receive his diploma, I better remember to bring my Kleenex.

Pinterest is making it really easy for me to keep track of recipes I find online and want to try. Here's one recent find -- Chewy Cherry Almond Granola Bars from Iowa Girl Eats. I subbed agave syrup for the honey, walnuts for the pecans, and chia seeds for the sesame seeds. Fantastic! I love the rich cherry almond flavor.

If you'd like to follow me on Pinterest, here I am.

I recently purchased some Groupon-type deal that offered a super-cheap subscription to Vegetarian Times. I feel such nostalgia while looking through this magazine. Years ago, when Tony and I first moved in together, I had a subscription. Up until then, I had pretty much lived on Subway and Taco Bell. Cooking seemed daunting because I didn't keep a stocked pantry. So when I would look at a recipe, I wouldn't have a single ingredient on hand.  I'd think, "I don't have enough money to buy all those things, just to make this one meal!" But little by little, I stocked my kitchen. Once a week, I would make my grocery list and go shopping. Then, each weeknight, I'd come home from my first full-time job out of college, and I would cook dinner for us. I felt like such a grown-up, haha! I swear, if it wasn't for Vegetarian Times and 30-Minute Meals, I never would have learned how to cook! 

From the June issue, I made the Za'atar and Goat Cheese Tartines, topped with tomato and arugula. I love spicy arugula!

I also made the Roasted Cauliflower with Ras El Hanout. Ras el hanout is a Moroccan spice blend. I had high hopes as I prepared the spice blend. The cauliflower smelled wonderful as it baked. But then the end result was totally bland. I don't know what happened. Oh well -- at least the tartines were winners!

Do you subscribe to any cooking magazines?