Who’s in the kitchen: Memories, mortarboards and munchies

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A few weeks ago, my son, Daniel graduated from the University of Pennsylvania Law School. The feeling was surreal. As he walked on stage to receive his diploma, I stopped crying just long enough to clap and cheer with our family, as well as the parents of another graduate, whose son was called up earlier. They were so impressively loud that I secured their services to cheer on Daniel when his name was announced. Was this the same little boy who just started two-year nursery? I remember it so clearly. All the toddlers were clinging to their moms, and Daniel just marched right into the room and never looked back. I said “Daniel, want to give me a hug before I leave?” Without even turning around, while playing with some blocks, he said, ”Nah, it’s ok.” I still remember the emotion I felt at his 3-year nursery graduation. We had the video and regular camera ready to roll. We got there an hour before to make sure we had front row seats, but other parents beat us to it. When he received his little diploma, I actually had tears in my eyes. I couldn’t imagine how I would feel when he graduated high school, college and G-d willing, graduate school.

When my second son, Jeremy, graduated 3-year nursery, I had my plan of action all mapped out. I scored front row seats that I could have scalped. Jeremy was shy back then but he took his place on stage with his class to perform for the parents. About two minutes into the performance, Jeremy turns to the girl near him, turns her face to his and kissed her on the lips for what seemed like forever. She was flailing her arms and trying to shake loose. Her graduation cap flew off, and then as if nothing happened he just let go, turned forward and continued singing. Was that my Jeremy--the kid who was always mild mannered and well behaved? The little girl’s mom was laughing so hard that the video she took was too blurry to make out. Thankfully, there have been no repeat performances. Last year at his college honor’s graduation ceremony, he showed more restraint when seated near a very attractive blond girl on stage.

At my daughter, Jordana’s 3-year graduation, I was a bit more emotional: my last 3-year graduation. My baby, my princess…she was actually more of a tomboy than a princess. She loved wearing her brother’s hand me downs until she was about 12, but has made up for lost clothes shopping by now.

Since then, there have been many wonderful graduations and memories. We still have Jeremy’s law school graduation to look forward toand Jordana’s college graduation and maybe even her law school graduation. I can see it now, Pollack and Sons and Daughter…….

Here’s a cute treat to enjoy after your loved one’s graduation.

Mortarboards

n 24 miniature peanut butter cups

n 1 tube (6 ounces) decorating frosting in color of your choice

n 24 After Eight thin mints

n 24 milk chocolate M&M’s

Place peanut butter cups upside down on waxed paper. Place a small amount of frosting on each peanut butter cup; center a mint on each. Using frosting, make a loop for each cap’s tassel. Place an M&M on top of each loop. 

Red Velvet cupcakes

8 tablespoons unsalted butter

1 1/12 cups granulated sugar

2 eggs

5 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder

6 tablespoons red food coloring

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

1 cup buttermilk

2 1/8 cups all-purpose flour

1 teaspoon salt

1 teaspoon baking soda

1 tablespoon distilled white vinegar

 Cream cheese frosting

8 ounces butter, room temperature

8 ounces cream cheese, room temperature

5 cups powdered sugar

2 tablespoon vanilla extract

1. Preheat oven to 350 F. Line a standard cupcake pan with red liners.

2. Cream the butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Turn the mixer to high and add eggs

3. In a separate bowl, mix the cocoa powder, vanilla extract and red food coloring to make a thick paste. Add to the batter and mix on medium speed until completely combined

4. Reduce the mixer speed to low and slowly add half of the buttermilk. Add half of the flour and mix until combined. Scrape the bowl and repeat the process with the remaining milk and flour. Beat on high until smooth.

5. Again, reduce the mixer speed to low and add the salt, baking soda and vinegar. Turn to high and beat for another couple of minutes until completely combined and smooth.

6. Divide the batter evenly between the cupcake liners and bake for about 20 minutes, or until cake tester or toothpick comes out clean.

7. Cool before frosting.

 Cream butter, then add cream cheese. Scrape the sides and bottom of bowl and continue beating at a slow speed as you add the confectionary sugar. Add vanilla.

Cover each cupcake with the frosting and refrigerate till ready to serve

Right before serving, place the mortarboards on top of each cupcake.

 Mazel tov to all of you, and to the graduates, remember, “Your families are extremely proud of you. You can’t imagine the sense of relief they are experiencing. This would be a most opportune time to ask for money.” Gary Bolding

Contact Judy at Judy.soiree@gmail.com.