Wedding Woes? Ask 5.

Q: I'm getting married--this is not my problem, but it is the source from which my dilemma springs.  You see, we are planning to have a small ceremony with only close friends and family, and like many brides to be I am being hounded pursued by casual acquaintances well wishers seeking an invitation.  The truth is that I would love to invite them all, but I'm limited by the size of my venue.  I originally sought to combat this situation by planning a pig roast on the eve on my wedding to which any and all are invited, but now I'm second guessing my choice of date for the roast, and the invitations have already been printed.  What do you think is the best way to invite these nut jobs colleagues to the one without making them feel excluded from the other?

A:

One (Wedding Survivor):  Here's the thing about weddings: They're actually a lot more like real life than those in the middle of them (i.e., YOU) realize.  This may well be the most beautiful/important/emotional day of your life, but that same level of passion doesn't translate to the entire guest list.  I think you already have a really great plan.  It sounds fun, and just for the record, way more inclusive than most.  Let go of the guilt, do what feels right, and then commit yourself to fully enjoying every minute.  Remember, you can never make everyone happy -- so make sure that you and your Love are on cloud nine.  Everyone else can work through their issues in therapy. 

Two (Thinks about this stuff all the time lately...): How much did you spend on the invitations?  If you spent a lot, stop second guessing yourself.  It is really nice to include people in your happiness as long as it doesn't create too much residual stress.  Your friends will be happy that you thought of them and wanted to include them in some way.  If they are your friends, they should also understand that you are not loaded and probably not in charge of your guest list or wedding.  let them know that his is your piece of the wedding and that you want them to be included in it. 

Three (Salivator):  Your apprehensions around inviting people to only the pig roast should stop by the time you say the words "PIG ROAST." I'm vegetarian and that still sounds awesome.  No one in their right mind is going to think "I'm only invited to the pig roast, boo-hoo, poor me."  And if they do think that, that's their problem not yours.

Four (Selfish): Call me old fashioned (or selfish, or crazy, or unreasonable), but, I have always believed that weddings are actually more about the marriage than the party--more about you and your fiancé making the commitment to spend your lives together, than the random guy at work who wants to participate (no matter how good or bad his intentions may be). So, I totally applaud your decision to have a small wedding. I think it will probably be absolutely wonderful to have only those you know and love best around during your wedding. I appreciate your efforts to have a party for everyone else, but agree that it may be unnecessarily stressful to hold the event the night before your wedding. Why not wait until after you get back from your honeymoon? It will be easier for you and--unless they're really crazy--I don't think anyone else will mind. at all. I guess it depends a little on how expensive your invitations were, but--I would say--for the sake of you and your nerves (and everyone who has to be around both of you during that wonderful but maddening time)--reprint. Or, if reprinting is just too expensive, send the BBQ invites via email. The thought of sending e-vites may make you cringe, but people do it all the time, and BBQ's are usually super casual anyway, so I don't think anyone will judge you too much :)  Whatever you decide to do, CONGRATULATIONS! (and, I'll hate you forever if I don't get an invitation to that BBQ...what's it to me that I've never met you before?) And by BBQ I definitely meant pig roast. Yeah.

Five (Unempathetic): From extensive participation in small weddings and their consolation celebrations, I've learned that the best way to invite people to one, but not the other, is simply this:

             Invite them to one, but not the other.

If they even notice, people should have thick enough skins to realize that they aren't the most important thing to you on your wedding day. If they decide to take umbrage, you can write them off as pissy haters, therefore nullifying any guilt which you may feel. Also, do a tree a favor and send out your already printed invites. . . or just 'reprint' them with a handy dandy Sharpie (it's what I'd do)!

HAIR!

If I had to choose a lamest part of me right now, it would be my hair. The last time I had an actual haircut was two years ago, and I haven't really paid any attention to my mane since (except for an ill-fated cornstarch-instead-of-shampoo experiment). Right now my hair is long, and that's about it. However, I have an appointment with the cuttery booked, and I was hoping to get your opinion on which picture should be my hair-muse. The options follow:

1

2

3

4

5

I should note here that any styling and should be subtracted from these pictures (you could say that I like my hair. . . raw), and I don't plan on assuming the coloring, either. Also, my hair is remarkably thick and incorrigibly frizzy.

Another also: Don't forget to enter our GIVEAWAY, and vote for us today (and tomorrow, and the day after that)!

Hit the jump for musical accompaniment:

Luscious Lemon Goat Cheese Cake

I made this for our Easter celebration and it was to. die. for. So, I had to share :)

Luscious Lemon Goat Cheese Cake

Adapted from MarthaStewart.com

Ingredients

• 1 cup unsalted butter, room temperature
• 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 tablespoon lemon zest
• 2 cups sugar
• 2 large eggs plus 3 large egg yolks (save the white for the frosting!)
• 1/4 cup plus 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
• 1 cup buttermilk
• 1 lemons, thinly sliced

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Butter and flour two 8-by-2-inch cake pans. In a medium bowl, whisk flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and lemon zest.

In a large bowl, using an electric mixer, beat butter and 1 1/2 cups sugar until light and fluffy. With mixer on low, beat in eggs and yolks, one at a time. Beat in 2 tablespoons lemon juice. Alternately beat in flour mixture and buttermilk beginning and ending with flour mixture; mix just until combined.

Divide batter between pans; smooth tops. Bake until cakes pull away from sides of pans, 32 to 35 minutes. Let cool in pans 10 minutes. Run a knife around edges of pans and invert cakes onto a wire rack.

While cakes are baking, bring remaining 1/2 cup sugar and 1/2 cup water to a boil in a saucepan. Add lemon slices and simmer 25 minutes. Using a slotted spoon, transfer lemon slices to a plate. Stir remaining 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice into syrup.

Using a toothpick, poke holes in warm cakes on rack. Spoon on lemon syrup. Let cool completely. 

Filling (optional)

1/3 cup goat cheese

1/4 cup cream cheese

1/2 cup sugar

2 tablespoons milk

1 teaspoon fresh lemon juice
1 teaspoon vanilla

The Prettiest White Frosting In The Whole Wide World!

3 large egg whites

• 3/4 cup sugar
• Pinch of salt
• 1/3 cup water
• 1/4 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
• In a heatproof bowl set over a saucepan of simmering water, combine egg whites, sugar, salt, and water. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until sugar has dissolved (2 to 3 minutes). Transfer to a large bowl. Using an electric mixer, beat on medium-high until glossy, stiff peaks form (do not over beat), about 3 minutes; reduce speed to low, add vanilla extract, and beat just until combined. 

Just stuff, frost, top (with lemons) and voilà! You have a spectacularly delicious and impossibly beautiful treat. 
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Boozy Blondie

While some of my sisters have spent the last week figuring out ingenious ways to keep their culinary creations both devout and delicious, I decided to take a more hedonistic approach. (Typical, I know).   

BEHOLD the BLONDIE

Blondies are often thought of as the Brownie's homely little sister. They're the plain one, not cool, not popular, not sexy.  Why anyone would be interested in these pallid pastries is beyond the imaginations of many, but not me.  Blondies--like many boring babes--can be awesome, you just need to get some booze in them (I kid, I kid). But seriously, they're a great blank canvas, and like the protagonist of many a teen movie, you just need to look past your preconceived notions of what a blondie is, and you'll see that there is "life-of-the-party" potential in this puddin.  

Boozy Blondies

1/2 cup dark rum or bourbon
1/2 cup dried figs (cut in small pieces)

2 cups (280g) unbleached all purpose flour — if you don’t have a scale, then scoop rather than spoon

1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder

1/2 teaspoon salt

1 cup (230 grams) melted, very warm, unsalted butter

2 cups packed golden brown sugar (420 grams)

2 whole eggs

2 teaspoons vanilla

1 1/2 cups bittersweet chocolate chips/ chunks

3/4 cup toasted pecan pieces (optional)

1 cup toasted coconut

Instructions

1. Heat the booze and pour over the figs, let this concoction sit for a while (I did overnight, but an hour or so should be fine)
2. Preheat oven to 350 F degrees. (176 C). Line a 13×9 inch pan with foil or parchment paper or foil.
3. Decant the liquor from the figs, and save both. 
4. Mix together the flour, baking powder and salt; set aside. Beat together butter and brown sugar. If you’ve used very hot butter, let the mixture cool for 5 minutes before beating in the egg. With a spoon or whisk, gently beat in the eggs, vanilla and rum. Stir dry ingredients into batter. Let the batter cool down if it is still warm, then stir in the chips, pecans, coconut and figs.
5. Spread in pan and bake for about 35 minutes or until pale golden and edges start to pull away from the sides.

Think of this reminder as more of a Fatboy Slim lyric and less of a broken record.  

1. please vote for One here
2. and remember to sign up for our giveaway!!

Pesach burnout?

Is Matzo getting to you?  This is the perfect indulgence if you're going Kosher for Pesach this year and it makes a delicious salad whenever.

8 Cauliflower steaks
1/2 cup soft goats cheese, like a chevre
1/4 cup each parmagiano, pecorino and mozzarella OR for low sodium, compte, ementhaler and fresh mozzarella*
1 1/4 cup matzo meal
3/4 cups milk
A pinch of Spanish smoked paprika, Hungarian hot paprika, thyme, savory, whatever else you like particularly well 
1 cup of just one of the following oils: refined safflower and sunflower oils, peanut, safflower, soy, refined almond, avocado and cottonseed oil

1 head of lettuce or a bunch of mustard greens and spinach
1 firm, tart granny smith apple
A few springs of mint, basil, oregano, chives and dill
2 tbsp white wine vinegar
1 tsp white sugar
2 cloves pulverized garlic
2 tbsp olive oil


*Other than the soft goats cheese, these cheeses can be substituted for whatever "kosher for passover" cheese you might have on hand.  Typically, two hard cheeses and one semi-hard cheese, like a mozzerella or a swiss, makes for the best consistency.

Chop the cauliflower into eight, large steaks, about a quarter inch thick.  Imagine that you want it to look like thick cut pastrami that has been put through a deli meat cutter.  Next, put goat cheese in a bowl.  Grate remaining cheeses and add.  Now, mix cheeses together thoroughly.  Wet hands slightly and make into 1 1/2 inch patties, about a third of an inch thick.  Now, put Matzo meal into a relatively large tupperwear container with a removable top.  Add dried spices.  Mix.   Now place milk into another similar container.  Place large frying pan on high heat stove top.  Add 1 cup oil.  As oil heats, gently press matzo onto cheese, followed by milk and then matzo again.  Continue until all cheese rounds are covered in matzo meal.  Now place into frying pan for about 45 seconds on each side or until are nicely browned.  Put on news paper to drain for about 8 minutes.  Now repeat with cauliflower steaks.  While they drain, chop up greens, chiffonade fresh herbs and cut granny smith apples into match sticks.  Reserve some fresh herbs and match stick apples, but toss the rest.  Emulsify garlic, sugar, vinegar and olive oil into dressing.  Dress salad.  Garnish with the fried cheese, cauliflower, reserved apples and herbs.  L'chaim!

For trends in kosher cheese, click here

Just one of those days...

I have the blessing and curse that many things in my life remind me of how trivial most of my concerns are.  But sometimes when life or death issues are regularly at play, I wish that the kindness in the Universe would sort out the stuff that isn't quite so important.

But that wouldn't be fair now, would it?

When my wonderful family left to take Brother S off to his mission, I was left with a box, containing wonderful Easter Treats.  Since I needed to send a box to my God Daughter, the beautiful little girl of Mrs. F, I was happy to.  I went out, bought Brother S all sorts of other special things and goodies.  I got to the post office early (always a miracle) placed the dainty, spring dress in one package with eggs and candy and chocolate to spare and the box filled with baked goods and cookies and boy stuff galore in another.  I sealed the boxes, affixed the labels, and went home feeling like a good sister, a good friend and just good.

So today, I get a call from my little sister -- I'm not telling which one. On Easter morn, Brother S opened a large package containing Easter candy, window markers, special crayons, a dainty Easter dress and a note from the Easter Bunny while my five year old God Daughter got a box filled with electronics and grown up baked goods.   

Why, why why?  On the bright side, the big stuff is pretty fine right now...

So the moral of this story is... big issues don't make the little ones go away.

Today I will send them both new boxes.  It won't make up for Easter, but oh well...

PS.  Thanks for your votes on Circle of Mom's!  Go back and vote again today!

PPS. And don't forget to sign up for the Ultimate Magyar Giveaway from yesterday!!

The Great Hungarian Giveaway!

I am so refreshed and energized after spending five glorious weeks abroad.  I feel a little evangelical.  I want everyone to experience a paprika-fueled Spring recharge.  And much as I'd love to send each of my dear friends and loyal readers (not to mention my sisters!) airline tickets to my favorite central European metropolis, it's just not in the budget right now.  Sorry, folks. 

But I haven't forgotten you!  One lucky reader will receive a package of my...

Top Five Hungarian Souvenirs

1. Eros Pista -- This is the best spicy stuff ever.  Seriously.

2. Madartej Chocolate -- I wish I could just send you Madartej.  But this is the next best thing.

3. Rubik's Cube -- A great Hungarian invention.  And much more fun than a ball point pen (which is also Hungarian...)

4. Kezi Munka -- This particular specimen is part of an impressive cache given to my husband by an adorable Neni we met at the park. Old women love my husband.  So much they give him giant bags of handmade lace and embroidery.

 

5.  Paprika -- Trite but true, Hungarian paprika is the best in the world.  I'll send you some of the sweet stuff.  And a decorative spoon.

EDIT: My husband (the lawyer) advised me that this was totally unclear, so I've clarified the rules a bit  :-)

TWO ways to Enter!

1: a) Follow our blog.  If you already follow the blog, then you are good to go!

b) Leave a comment on this post that tells us you follow the blog.
c) Done! 

2: If you want to enter more than once (and if you have ANY IDEA how awesome this stuff is, you do!), you can enter every day until May 5 if you:
a) click on the little "circle of moms" button in the upper left corner of the blog
b) vote for FIVE by clicking the little "thumbs up" on the page
c) come back here and leave a comment and tell us you voted!  You can do it every day until May 5th.

We'll randomly pick a winner and announce who the lucky friend is on May 9th!

All good things must come to an end...

So, we're back.  You'll notice the exclamation point (!) is noticeably absent.  Of course it's wonderful to be reunited with the people and places that make our life in D.C. so wonderful.  But who could be happy to leave this:

The skyline is nice, but the Zsidro blowout is a true national treasure...



I love this picture.



This is where their ELEPHANTS live, for crying out loud. 

But we're glad to be back. 

Epecially since we know we'll return to Budapest soon.  

Easter

Amsterdam + Tulip Season + 22 hours = Pretty much the most amazing layover ever.



Keukenhof Gardens

Tulip Fields in Lisse

The canal cruise was definitely Tiny's favorite part of the entire vacation.

Bicycle and Giant Cheese Wheels.  So yummy. So Dutch...

Jetlag? What jetlag?!

Just a few of the kids' many admirers -- These ladies must have taken 30 pictures with the babies...



Today I am grateful for the beauty of life, Spring, new birth, time with family, and my Savior. 

I hope your day is warmed by sunshine and love.

Escalator Hogs? Ask 5.

Q: I love living in DC. I heart the public transit system despite its many problems. However, I can't stand those people (*cough* tourists*cough*) who block the escalator by taking up both sides or standing out-of-sync with the rest of standers. I've experienced this many times as I was rushing to get to classes. What should I do? Tap? Yell? I mean, I'd hate to bother anyone, but it is annoying. Please help!!

A:

One (Certified Public Transport Ninja (emeritus)): I vote for a quick "excuse me," loud enough that it can't be missed, cheerful enough that the idiot in question won't form a lifelong negative opinion of the Urban Elite.  As someone who has probably been on both sides of the proverbial escalator, I encourage extra kindness and patience if the human roadblock is encumbered with one or more screaming children.  

And now for a little inside the beltway jargon: If this is more than a passing annoyance to you, I suggest you take up a cause I've LONG thought wise, but lack the energy to effectively push through the system:  I propose that D.C. prorate subway tarrifs to benefit local commuters and ease congestion by charging a punative premium for use of a paper card during rush hour.  You can't tell me the army of SmartCard commuters wouldn't line up to vote for a measure like that, it might actually make the city money, and no self-respecting vacationer should be out and about before 9 anyway, right...? 

Two (Immovable): I speak for the lowly slow poke, the seemingly deaf, the one who has more bags that she knows what to do with, the hot mess.  Yes, as you charge ahead, I block your way, inadvertently or knowingly.  So, to protect myself and my ever so delicate feelings, I recommend the following:  A friendly, "excuse me" and if that doesn't work, a tap on the shoulder accompanied by a a smile and excuse me once more. 

Three (Commuting Commentator): In honor of this question, I decided to perform a very little social experiment.  I decided not to be sheepish.  I yelled "excuse me!!" and "stand to the right!" to the masses that happened to huddle on the left side of the escalator.  And you know what, even though you know you're doing the right thing, and you're really not being unreasonable at all, folks still make you feel like a B*!<#.  The worst part is that those "folks" include the locals who are clearly just as frustrated as you are, but lack the cojones to ask people to step aside.  Take what you will from this, but I have decided to carry a Barbie doll with me at all times, which I will then throw ahead a few steps and exclaim "my baby!" (scoot forward, gather doll, repeat).  

Four (Right Defender): I don't think saying "excuse me" constitutes as bothering anyone. In my opinion, it's the easiest--and least offensive--way to let those who are blocking your path know that you'd like to get by. If it doesn't seem to work, you can always utilize a nice full body check (I learned how to do them in my ice skating days and would be honored to give you a tutorial), but I guess that only works if you're bigger than the perps....

Five (Elev-/Alig-/Escal-atorphobe): I have a lot of ideas for this one:

• If the offenders are the innocent, wide-eyed tourists you speak of, a robust posterior-grope should shock them into the other lane of escalator traffic. Probably even a playful butt-tickle would be enough.
• If you don't like touching people, you could make official looking laminated signs that say "STANDING RIDERS TO THE RIGHT" (mock-up below) and post it on your most frequented escalators. Just be sure that they're laminated. People don't screw with laminate.
• Rarely do you have the problem of immovable people (or fatal caught-sweater incidents) on the stairs. Take them.

Have a question? ASK FIVE. You'll have a 1 in 5 chance that 

someone will see it your way!

Just send your questions to:

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Uno Mundo e Cosmico

Catchy + informative + inspirational + Stephen Hawking = EPIC WIN.

Off to Sendai!

Yesterday we dropped Brother S off at the MTC where he'll prepare, for the next three months, to serve a mission (in Sendai, Japan) for our church. Dropping him off was a very bitter sweet (emphasis on the bitter) experience for me. Brother S is a super mensch. Like most 21 year old boys, he can be a bit challenging, but he's usually a total delight. He is--and always has been--exceptionally good at being there when you need him and doing what needs to be done. A true renaissance man, he enjoys baking and making shoes as much as studying international relations and water purification. He's a really great brother and the prospect of him being gone for two whole years is a little jarring. But when I stop being selfish, I can't help but feel excited for him. I am so impressed with his decision to take two years out of his life to serve others. I'm sure this will be a great adventure. Sendai--where he'll be serving--is the part of Japan that has been most profoundly impacted by the earthquake, tsunami, and nuclear disaster. S is going to have the opportunity to help with relief efforts and serve those who have been deeply affected by these events. And--though I'm going to miss him sorely--there's no one who I can think of who will do this job better

Brother S explores a farm

Studying water purification 

Sculpture mimicry--I told you he was a renaissance man!

The best--and most beloved--uncle ever!

When we dropped Brother S off, we all became very weepy. He thought it was pretty funny :)

While he's on his mission, Brother S can only receive letters and packages (no phone calls!). If any of you would like to send him something, shoot me an email (fivetdsisters@gmail.com) and I'll send you his info. For those who would like a quicker mechanism for delivering communications, the website DearElder is super handy. If you write a letter to him there, he should receive it by noon the next day.     

A peep-me up

Today I am grateful for whimsy.

It's been one of those days when the world feels a bit scary, and even the most familiar things are just strange.

 

 And my heart knows that there are rough roads ahead. 

 But even when you're trapped in a dark place, there is always light at the end of the tunnel.

And old friends to lend an ear.

 

Loved ones, who keep us safe and warm.

And dreams to take us away from it all. 

   

For more pictures of these fantastic peeps creations check out the Washington Post's Peeps's Show V