Something Savory

Sweets are my biggest weakness!  I am obsessed with chocolate and ice cream. This past weekend I was asked to make something for a bake sale to benefit Women For Stronger Neighborhoods (the PAC/non-for-profit mentioned in a post several weeks ago). I was at a loss. Honestly, I am not much of a baker. The one time I decided to focus on baking, I gained 10 pounds in a month and quickly realized it was time to take a break from cupcakes and banana bread.

For this task, I was inspired to make something savory rather than sweet after seeing Martha Stewart on The Today Show making savory pies from her new book, Martha Stewart Pies and Tarts. (As you can see, I’m being really productive in my retirement!)

Below is a simple recipe I received for a Ham and Leek Tart from my friend Malia’s French Au Pair. Using crème fraiche instead of eggs makes it absolutely to die for!

Ham and Leek Savory Tart

Ingredients:

1 package of pre-made piecrust

2 heads of leeks chopped finely

1/2 -1 package of chopped ham

1 teaspoon of dry mustard (curry is also delicious alternative)

2/3 - 3/4 tub of crème fraiche

1/2 block of Gruyère cheese shredded

Salt and pepper to taste

Preheat oven to 350^o

Boil the chopped leaks for 15-20 minutes and strain. Sauté the ham for two to three minutes to burn off some of the excess fat. (This is optional)

Line a thin tart pan with a piecrust and fill with leeks, ham and mix in the crème fraiche. Add dry mustard and a dash of salt and pepper. Top with Gruyère.

Bake for 30-45 minutes, or until cheese is brown and bubbling on top. Slice and serve.

Cold leftovers are also tasty. We sold cold slices during the event last night and they went like hot cakes!  

Women Making a Difference

Tomorrow is International Women’s Day and there is nothing more powerful than women coming together to make a difference, whether it’s supporting one another when family members are sick, helping in a child’s classroom or organizing events to benefit a worthy cause.

Last week I met with 10 fantastic and inspiring women to discuss community issues that are most important to us. We decided to tackle these challenges locally first by forming a political action committee (PAC), Women for Stronger Neighborhoods.

We are committed to investing in the community to maintain diversity and create safer, more vibrant neighborhoods, and will support programs and individuals who will

·      Foster favorable environments for small businesses

·      Ensure the availability of quality after school programs

·      Advocate for the licensing of homeless shelters

In the interest of full disclosure, the initial cause we will support is James Cappleman’s campaign for 46^th Ward Alderman. James is a personal friend and I was very involved in his 2007 campaign for the same position.

As old the old saying goes, all politics are local and I believe James is the man to make a difference in this Chicago north side neighborhood. He is social worker who has taken on these issues in the neighborhood for years and will continue to do in the city council. And to quote another old saying, behind every great man is a great woman – and James has many!

We are hosting our first fundraiser this Thursday, March 10 at Fontana Grill. Tickets are $30 and can be purchased at the door. Enjoy food, wine and conversations with wonderful women. 


For more information or to get involved, visit the Women for Stronger Neighborhoods’ Facebook page or email us here. While we were formed by a group of women, we welcome involvement and input from everyone.

I am excited to continue working with these women to support more causes and issues that will make Chicago’s neighborhoods stronger.

My Personal Experiment

I have been working for nearly 19 years in public relations – at small firms, mid-size firms and for the past 11 plus years at a really really big firm!  I recently decided to drop out of the rat race, quit my job and focus on myself. I’m lucky enough to have a fantastic husband, Mike, who is supporting me in my adventuresome quest to find more balance, fun and eventually a job about which I can be just a little more passionate.

When I made this decision, I jotted down a list of goals I wanted to accomplish as part of this next chapter of my life. To keep myself honest, I’m chronicling my misadventures on this blog and sharing my list (which, of course, is always subject to change) here:

-          Focus on family and friends

-          Workout regularly and get back in shape

-          Cook more

-          Travel

-          Give back to the community

-          Garden

-          Join a golf or tennis league

-           Learn something new (I’m thinking about French or Italian. Any other thoughts?)

-          Check off a few items on our long, long, long list of home improvements

I have six days left at my job – not that I’m counting down or anything – and then the great experiment of reinventing Mia officially begins!