Gearhead Mom

Wednesday, August 06, 2008

New Baby Gift Idea: Bring ‘Em Some Food!

Posted by Missy W. @ 7:53 AM

As we all know, having a newborn in your house changes the dynamic, uh, dramatically. It’s hard enough to get your teeth brushed, let alone dinner on the table. One of the best gifts ever to new parents? FOOD! If you are close by, obviously you can whip up a four course, five star dinner for them while your toddler naps, right? Don’t forget a salad and some dessert. I swooned every time anyone brought me brownies when I had Sy.

If you live afar, check out our two favorite sources:
Artikochef.com, (see Jenny’s review here).
Impromptu Gourmet - They have some off the hook brownies, by the way.

When you bring food, you’ll make a new parent’s day. Plain and simple. My grandfather’s recipe for Plakki, a vegetarian stew, after the jump.

Plakki

1 C navy beans (or Great Northern) simmered in salted water at least 2 hrs
Chop:
    2 C onions (2 large)
    2 C carrots (4 to 6? depending on size)
    2 C tomatoes (2 large, or can use canned tomatoes)
    2 C potatoes (2 large)
    2 cloves garlic
    1 C parsley

1 can tomato paste
1 C olive oil
salt, pepper, oregano, thyme, coriander (about a teaspoon each - perhaps a half teaspoon salt to start with)

Mix ingredients and place in large oven proof pan.  Cover with water.  Boil, slow cook or bake (I bake it) for 3 to 5 hrs. at slow heat or 350 degree oven.  Check to be sure potatoes are cooked.  The sauce should become thick and not watery.  I usually add seasonings to taste the last hour.

You can double this recipe if you have more guests, or want leftovers, but only use 1 1/2 cups oil if you do.

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