RECIPES

Hard to choose what I love best amongst my kitchen tools, but here’s what springs to mind as my top ten:

1. Le Creuset Dutch Oven -- A splurge item, for sure, but will last forever. Nothing is better for soups, stews, and braised dishes.

2. Wooden spoons -- Always my "go to" for stirring the pot, these develop character over time that adds charm to a kitchen.

3. Stepping stools -- These allow my kids to can get in on the action (good for me too, since I'm vertically challenged).

4. Giant cast-iron skillet-- So heavy I can barely lift it, but it works wonders for searing fish and steak, or making a big ole mess of sautéed veggies.

5. Japanese mandolin -- I use an inexpensive one picked up in Japantown, and it never disappoints in producing paper thin slices of fennel, carrots, and other crunchy eats.

6. Antique sifter -- Makes me think of all the women before me who put it to good use churning out baked goods.

7. Selzer maker -- Since receiving this as a gift from my mom, our collective water intake has shot up.

8. 9x11 baking pan -- The perfect size for one-dish suppers, vegetable gratins, and myriad baked desserts.

9. Sharp knifes -- I rely most heavily on my 8-inch chef's knife, paring knife and bread knife. All the better when they are sharp!

10. Salad spinner -- Putting this handy tool to work drying lettuce and other greens is my kids' favorite kitchen chore.

Getting enough calcium into you and your kids is key. Moms need 1000-1200 mg per day, depending on your age.

Recommended Levels for Children:
0-6 months :: 200 mg
7-12 months :: 260 mg
1-3 years :: 700 mg
4-8 years :: 1000 mg
9-18 years :: 1300 mg

Top Sources of Calcium:
As a point of reference, 6 ounces of plain yogurt, 8 ounces of low-fat milk, 1 ounce of Cheddar cheese and 3/4 cup of calcium-fortified tofu each have roughly 300 mg of calcium. Spinach, turnip greens and kale are good vegetable sources for calcium.