Preparing for the New School Year

As a student, I was always one that needed to read and write in order to learn.  Like many of my students, the more opportunities I had to manipulate the content, the more likely I was to retain the material.  With this in mind, I created anchor posters that brighten my classroom while giving students an opportunity to gaze upon the previously covered topics.  Here are examples of the posters that my students find most helpful and eye catching.  I have made a few new ones in preparation for the new school year.

My classroom website

Check out my website, used my parents and students.  I've created more posters and more pictures of my safe learning haven soon to come.

Always a teacher and student,

Frankie Mae

I am a baking fool!

For a girl who doesn't normally bake, I have been measuring and mixing up a storm today.  It all started with some giant squash that came out of the garden at my school.  I've linked the recipes as well. 

Look at the size in comparison to the other items 
in the photo.
I
Zucchini pasta with crushed red pepper and garlic, chicken sausage and an artichoke.

Zucchini Muffins

Banana Bread
I used one less banana and added an avocado for a milder banana flavor.

I'm very proud of the baked goods as I don't typically measure when I cook.  Yes, I know...... I'm a math teacher but I know how things taste and baking is very unforgiving in that respect.


Enjoy,
FM

Pinterest French Toast

No Flipping!  No waiting while keeping slices warm! More time to snuggle in bed!

Another idea that has jumped from my computer screen to my kitchen.  This was so simple and easy, I'll never make French Toast on the stove top again!

Ingredients: 
4 eggs
6 slices of bread
2 tbs sugar
1 tsp nutmeg
1tsp cinnamon
1/2 cup milk ( I use almond milk)

Step 1:

Whisk together eggs, milk, sugar,nutmeg, and cinnamon

Layer bread into a baking dish or pan. (grease if desired but not necessary)

Step 2: 

Pour wet mixture slowly over bread.

Gently tilt pan to allow liquid to be absorbed.

Cover with foil.

Step 3: 

Bake, covered at 350 degrees for 25 minutes.

Uncover and bake an additional 5 minutes

Step 4:

Serve with butter and warm syrup!

Enjoy

Like it, Post it, Pin It!

Frankie Mae

Pinterest Pizza Rolls

Pinterest Pizza Rolls

Ingredients: 

Pizza Dough

Pizza Sauce

Mozzarella Cheese

Pepperoni

Garlic Salt 

Italian Seasoning

Butter

You may have seen it on Pinterest as I did.  I did not have a pan small enough so I placed them in a greased muffin tin and I used pizza dough from my local grocery store.  I rolled out small balls of dough and placed 2 pieces of pepperoni, a tsp of pizza sauce, and a tbs of mozzarella cheese in the center.  Pull the edges together to form a seal and place in a greased muffin tin.  Brush the tops with butter, dust with garlic salt, Italian seasoning, and sprinkle with a bit more cheese.  Bake for 20 mins. at 425 degrees.  I tried it!  It worked!  Serve with extra sauce for dipping.

More Reasons to love Oakland!

At the Grand Lake Theatre, there is an organist that plays old show tunes.  He is amazing, as the organ is an insanely complicated instrument of three different key boards, switches and pedals.  The audience applauds after each song and eagerly awaits the organs decent and the raising of the red velvet curtain.

The instant camaraderie that comes with sitting on the third base line at an As game, being able to bring in your own snacks and drinks, tail gating through the 3rd inning or longer, and taking BART directly to Oracle are just LOVELY.




Just across the bay from all of this. (Dolores Park, SF)

Passing Notes

I intercepted a note being passed between two of my students.  Typically I find this quite exhilarating; bubbling with the anticipation of reading something really juicy. It must be my inner "middle schooler" coming out to play.  The look on my student's face as I slowly unwrapped the message was one of fear and heartbreak.  He surely must have known that his participation in viewing the rest of the science movie was about to come to a bitter end.  Until, I decoded the messy, 6th grade script and read the following...........

I allowed him to watch the rest of the film from which he later got his answer, about 5 hours.   I love my little geeks!


Proud Educator,
Frankie Mae

Butternut Squash Risotto

I've just realized that I never posted my Butternut Squash Risotto.  It is a definite crowd pleaser!

ENJOY

Carnitas with Frankie Mae

From time to time I put together cooking demonstrations.  It has been a while but this is one of my favorite meals. 
Check out my Risotto, it's delish!

The East Bay pt. 1

Old Oakland
A historic district in Downtown Oakland with elegant, brick, Victorian hotels, lamp lit streets, fine dining restaurants, and everything from art galleries to vintage bike shops.








Alameda Antiques Faire
The Alameda Point Antiques Faire is the largest antiques show in Northern California. Held on the 1st Sunday of every month.  All items are 20 years old or older.  The ultimate place to shop for vintage and antique home decorations, clothing, furniture, jewelry, art, pottery, books & collectibles. It is truly a feast for the senses, an all day event with food trucks to boot!  
If you have never been to Alameda, it is an island between Oakland and San Francisco that reminds us of downtown Lodi, Ca.  Ten minutes from Oakland, just drive through the tube.


Come and join us for a visit to the East bay!


Until then,
Frankie Mae 

Grilled Pork Loin- Inspired by B Restaurant in Old Oakland

Pork Loin

• Marinated in green chile, cumin, and lime juice
• Grill the whole loin 12 mins. on each side
• Rest for at least 5 mins. before slicing

Mashed Potatoes

• Boil potatoes until tender
• Mash with butter, milk, cumin and garlic salt

Greens

• Sautee garlic and red pepper flakes in olive oil 2mins.
• Add mustard/collard/turnip greens to sautee pan and cook until tender
• Add artichoke hearts and warm through

The inspiration for this dish comes from B Restaurant and Bar in Old Oakland where they serve a bone-in pork chop  sweet potato puree, kale, brussels sprouts, pear demi-glace.  http://www.boakland.com/

It was absolutely divine and the truffle fries are a total game changer. I put my own spin on it with Latin flavors.

Enjoy,

Frankie Mae

Sloppy Joes, Sloppy, Sloppy Joes

Ground Turkey/Beef
Chili Powder
Ketchup
Tomato Paste
Diced Onions

Serve on a toasted bun and top with Cole Slaw

Pozole and Tecate

Shredded Chicken

Hominy

Canned Tomatoes

Chicken Broth

Chipotle Peppers in Adobado

Diced Onions and Garlic

Cilantro, Sour Cream, Avocado and beer to garnish

The Winchester Mystery House

If you haven't been here, you really must go.  Take a tour of the mansion and the gardens.  You will not be disappointed.  If you dare, take the flashlight tour on Friday the 13th.  Doors that lead to nowhere, stairs into the ceiling and the most eerily beautiful stained glass windows you've ever seen.  Here is a preview from the outside.

Lake Merritt

When I first decided to move to Oakland, the response from most people was, "Are you sure?  Oakland?  Really?"  Yes, yes, a thousand times YES!!!!!

I live about 5 blocks from Lake Merritt.  In this picture you see my side of the lake, the Lakeshore side and a gondola.  Come for a visit, we can't wait to see you.  Or............. don't come and leave the sunny side of the bay for those of us who know and love all it has to offer.

Sincerely,
Frankie Mae

Gluten Free French Toast

My partner has a gluten allergy so I have been challenged to learn some flavorful ways to whip up what could characteristically be considered bland gluten free products into some tasty meals.


This morning I made ginger snap encrusted french toast with caramelized apples.


Ingredients: 
Gluten Free Bread (Trader Joe's)
Eggs
Milk
Ginger Snap Cookies-Gluten Free (Trader Joe's)
Apples
Cinnamon 
Butter






Enjoy,
Frankie Mae

2) Signs from Nature-ism

My Grandpa Frank was really quite a guy and he always took a lot of heat from the family for some of his "isms".  He believed deep down in his soul in the things he told us and lived by them daily.  Looking at the beautifully clear sky here in Oakland today, this gem came to mind.  My Grandpa Frank used to say when the cows in the valley were seen laying down, "looks like good fishin' ".  If he could see Mount St. Helens he would say assure us, "not gonna rain".  On both accounts, I'm pretty sure he was probably right every single time.  You just have to love him for that kind of logic.  I know I do.

Enjoy the day,


Frankie Mae

Time to Craft and Cook

When I have long breaks like this from teaching, I like to do two things.  As a teacher, learning to craft something new is always fun and cooking is my relaxation tool.  Here are two of the things I have done in this final week of my break.  Sometimes, I'm such a girl!

T-shirt Scarf done in less than an hour.


Gluten Free Cooking- Quinoa and Squash with Grilled Rolled and Stuffed Flank Steak


If you want recipes or directions on either of these two, comment this post and I'll get back to you.

Enjoy,
Frankie Mae