Today (starting at sundown last night) is the last (8th) day of Chanukah. I finally had my first latkes of the year. We  made a mighty batch, but with the help of a neighbor we had just enough for the girls to have Chanukah breakfast on for Sunday after their sleepover.

Cece, Amanda and I had a great day yesterday at the “Natural Museum of Natural History” (sic) complete with walking dinosaurs, a scavenger hunt, bears, snakes and assorted bugs. We came home for a dinner of latkes, squash, peas and salmon along with menorah lighting and gift-opening.

Cece and Amanda both want their moms to know how to make my roasted winter squash. There’s nothing like a high sugar content to get kids to eat their vegetables… Simply done – peel, cube and toss with olive oil, salt and pepper. Roast at 400° until starting to brown. Serve to 7 year-olds (or anyone else pretty much).

On this weekend following the terrible tragedy in Connecticut I couldn’t help but be heartbroken for 20 families that are bereft today. Life is fragile and precious. We need to honor and acknowledge that everyday.