Last night I made this...

And even though the photo is cringe quality I am super smitten with my creation.  I still cook in the dark every night.  This is a result of continuous winter nights coupled with horrible  kitchen lighting.  Seriously, you would laugh.  It is a super dim combo between the overhead oven light (with one bulb burnt out) and a lamp most would consider strictly decorative.  But I make do.

So this is how it's done...

thinly slice, with the dullest knife you have to make it extra difficult because why not when you are already in the dark, your root veggies.

carrots

yukon golds

red beets

brussel sprouts

toss in olive oil and roast.  for a while.  til they are almost perfect.

get a pizza.  If it were summer and light out I would normally make my own and grill it.  But it is cold and dark and I bought one already made from Red Hen Bakery here in Vermont.

Brush with olive oil and begin to layer...

 

 

After the last layer is down drizzle some pure maple syrup over top.  This is my attempt as a cheese(less) flatbread.  I used to make this with honey and blue cheese but we are going vegan on this one... 

Then bake for 10 minutes or so letting the veggies and bread get warm and crispy.  Then cut, drizzle with a touch more maple syrup, and serve.

To my delight the kids ate every bite!  

They did spit out the quinoa citrus salad I made.  Whatever, it was delicious!

When you give up a certain life to live another certain life...in the fine state of Vermont... you get to say things like:
"kids, get your coat on, we are going to a farm for dinner"
And it rocks.
Thank you c & c, for having us.  We heart you like crazy...

and the pizza was fantastic. 
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After the nice distraction of a lovely friday night, the rest of the weekend was spent in frantic scramble to get ready for the holiday that looms around a two week arrival time.  I am living up to my word and hand making ALL of our Christmas gifts for extended family... it rocks, but is also VERY hard.  I am only two, I repeat, 2 gifts down and many more to go.... but I can do it, I know I can!

Someone turns two...

 Weekends with the Witt family are nothing short of busy crazy, crazy busy...definitely crazy and always busy.

I will spare you the details of 

the cleaning

the cooking

the laundry

the soccer games in the rain

the cooking

the shopping

the cleaning

the sewing

the winter wardrobe building

the using my Arizona debit card at costco with the account that has no money in it and the only reason I still have it open is because I like the card with the cactus and the sunset on it and now I have to ask Mr. Witt Sr. go and deposit some scrilla in their as to avoid any insane charges...

and yes I realize I repeated quite a few things on that list and that is simply because those jobs are endless and all consuming.  and yes, it is totally awesome.

Fortunately for us, on Sunday, at 3 o'clock, we were invited to a tiny celebration for our much smaller  friend. This cutie turned two...

This was a particuliarly nice event due to the lovely weather, kind kind folks, and FOOD.  Not only did I not have to prepare it but it was brought to us by the very best place to eat in Shelburne, Cucina Antica.

 

Wood fired...

 and delicious

We also got  meet this darling and fifteen of his/her friends...

and I could not resist this little one who when sitting down to her cuisine I could not tell if real or a porcelain doll... Phoebe, you are too sweet!

 This is Bea reading the birthday card she received from Noah, I think she liked it. 

And I believe this here is a testament to the deserts....

 So, I am feeling kind of bad for this here entry.  Poor hostess of this fine shin dig awaits my pictures of the party to arrive in her inbox so she can write about her own dear one's birthday party.  But I am left with no choice today.  I either post these adorable pics of the cutest tots in town or I showcase the five tons of laundry that I did, chonies and all.