Keeping The Crazy Going

I love Toys for Tots.

I probably don't need to tell you that. They do amazing work and make a huge difference in the lives of countless kids. Christmas Crazy has benefited Toys for Tots for the past few years precisely because they do so many fantastic things.

But.

But for as long as Christmas Crazy has been going on, I've been looking for ways to make a difference more directly. While Toys for Tots makes some serious magic, they are a middle man. The toys go to a warehouse and are then redistributed to the people and organizations who need them. I have wanted to be able to hand the toys directly to the kids, so to speak.

Mission accomplished.

This year, the final Christmas Crazy delivery will be going to Womansplace, a Pittsburgh agency whose mission is to end the cycle of domestic violence. They provide educational services to clients and the community, advocate for victim's rights, provide counseling services, and have a 30-day emergency and transitional shelter. They help victims of domestic violence break free of dangerous relationships and give them the tools they need to start over. Most of their clients are mothers, so they have a lot of children who receive services from them and who are residents of their shelters.

We're going to make Christmas a little bit more magical for those children. I've already posted about how far a couple of dollars can go when it comes to giving a child a little does of hope. Let's just keep spreading that hope, why don't we?

Working directly with Womansplace is going to open things up a bit. For example, we now have until December 16th to get everything together. So, that's your deadline. December 16th. (I can't believe we're talking about December already. Wasn't it just Easter yesterday?)

We also now have the opportunity to partner with a local business or two. And, hey! I happen to already know who that will be! The owners of Planet Smoothie and X Shadyside Health and Fitness Facility have offered to be a part of the shenanigans. They'll be doing a few things to help raise money and collect toys for delivery to Womansplace as part of Christmas Crazy. Keep an eye out for more details just as soon as I get all caught up on emails and such.

More soon, including details about a toy drop-off or two.

Cauliflower Cakes

We are in a vegetable rut.

That's to say there are plenty of vegetables making it onto the dinner table each evening, but it's always the same assortment. While there's nothing wrong with living on peppers, zucchini, onions, potatoes, green beans, and carrots, I thought it might be a welcome change to throw something new into the mix. I happen to love cauliflower, but haven't managed to convince Alexis that it is magical. I decided to throw together something that I thought she might appreciate.

Cauliflower Cakes.

You know, like Potato Cakes, but with cauliflower instead.

Really.

It worked, for the record. Alexis liked them just fine. Although, she didn't believe me that I had substituted the usual potatoes for cauliflower. Whatever. She can think I'm crazy all she wants as long as she continues to eat vegetables.

Cauliflower Cakes

1 small head cauliflower
2 eggs
1/4 cup flour
1/4 cup chopped parsley
1/2 cup shredded parmesan cheese
salt to taste
olive oil for frying

Start by removing the leaves and any green stems from a head of fresh cauliflower.

Place the cauliflower in a large pot of boiling water. Boil until it is soft.

And by "soft" I mean if you stick a spoon in it, the spoon should sink into the cauliflower.

Drain and dry the cauliflower then use a fork to smoosh it. It will smoosh very easily, I promise.

In a large bowl, combine the eggs, flour, cheese, and parsley.

Then add the smooshed cauliflower and mix it all up a little more.

Heat a bit of olive oil in a large skillet. Add a few heaping spoonfuls of the cauliflower mixture.

Allow to cook over medium heat until the edges begin to brown and then flip the cauliflower cakes over.

They're done when both sides are golden brown.

Drain some of the oil from the Cauliflower Cakes by placing them on a paper towel. Salt lightly and  serve.

Hot sauce is a nice addition, if that's your sort of thing. Personally, I like to top them with some extra cheese because, really, there just isn't enough cheese in this world.

What Else Would You Do With A Pink Leaf?