GRADUATION

                           GRADUATION

Graduation used to be only relevant if a kid graduated from high school or college. Lately, it seems we've attended more and more graduations. Kindergarden, elementary, middle school. This year two of our six kids are going to other schools, and will be part of a graduation ceremony as well. I personally think it's fine  as long as it's not too long. The most memorable graduation ceremony was when our oldest boy was graduating from middle school and it was taking forever. Parents were literally melting under the scorching sun, and some were already napping, put to sleep by a boring, endless and very monotonous speech being propounded by the principal. A miracle happened just as the girls choir started to sing. A herd of young streakers ran through the crowd, proudly flaunting their young butts to the stunned girls and outraged parents. I know it's wrong, but I loved it.
And guess what everybody was talking about? Certainly not the principal's speech.






TIPS FOR A STRESSLESS GRADUATION WEEK


It doesn't matter if you have a toddler or a teenager - graduation week is a busy time. Make sure you mark all the important days and times on your calendar. Many kids have minimum days. Adjust your appointments and activities accordingly. It's not a bad idea to write all of it down and keep it on the kitchen counter for all to see, for less surprises such as "I told you I have an important lunch 5 weeks ago!"
Make sure all your cameras are charged and have enough data space on it.
Check all the outfits. Make sure everything fits. If your son has to wear formal trousers and you purchased them 6 month ago PAY HIM TO TRY THEM ON NOW! It's going to be your fault if he looks like a dork or an orphan with his pants too short on every picture.
Have enough extra food and snacks for friends and relatives who'll drop by to bring a graduation card or a gift.




               EASY-PEEZY CROWD-PLEASING    
                        CHEESECAKE


I'll make two today. Might as well. Just double the recipe. They can be refrigerated for a week.
Get it out an hour before serving and garnish with fresh berries or if you have10 extra minutes-with poached pear or apple slices poached in white wine with 2 tablespoons of sugar and grated zest of orange. This way you'll be ready for any spontaneous visit.


New York Cheesecake
1 1 crumb-crust recipe, made with finely ground graham crackers
5 (8-oz) packages cream cheese, softened
1 3/4 cups sugar
3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
Finely grated zest of 1 orange
Finely grated zest of 1 lemon
5 large eggs
2 large egg yolks
1/2 teaspoon vanilla

Make crumb crust as directed in separate recipe. Preheat oven to 550°F.
Beat together cream cheese, sugar, flour, and zests with an electric mixer until smooth. Add eggs and yolks, 1 at a time, then vanilla, beating on low speed until each ingredient is incorporated and scraping down bowl between additions.
Put springform pan with crust in a shallow baking pan. Pour filling into crust (springform pan will be completely full) and bake in baking pan (to catch drips) in middle of oven 12 minutes, or until puffed. Reduce temperature to 200°F and continue baking until cake is mostly firm (center will still be slightly wobbly when pan is gently shaken), about 1 hour more.
Run a knife around top edge of cake to loosen and cool completely in springform pan on a rack. Chill cake, loosely covered, at least 6 hours. Remove side of pan and transfer cake to a plate. Bring to room temperature before serving.


Crumb Crust
1 1/2 cups (5 oz) finely ground graham crackers or cookies such as chocolate or vanilla wafers or gingersnaps
5 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
1/3 cup sugar
1/8 teaspoon salt

Stir together crust ingredients and press onto bottom and 1 inch up side of a buttered 24-centimeter springform pan. Fill right away or chill up to 2 hours.

   
I made this one. Active time is less then 45 min. It's very economical too. Trader Joe's Cream Cheese 
is a bargain!!














TODAY'S CONTRIBUTION IS FROM CARRIE CONCHA. THIS YEAR WILL BE 35th GRADUATION IN HER SHOOL.


Do not wear any mascara this day, Carrie said. Dark glasses are best if you have an outdoor graduation.


If your child is graduating from kindergarden, don't be too emotional. Explain to your child that it is a beginning not the end. Tell them that they are always welcome to come back and visit. 
Make it a happy celebration!


                   THANKS CARRIE!!




    
     GOOD WORDS TO USE THIS WEEK


                                  APPRECIATION


                                                          ACHIEVEMENT




                                   PRIVILEGE


                                   PROUD