We're Having a Baby Boy!

 

I’m still pinching myself that we’re growing our family in March with a baby boy!

We received a sealed (and stapled) envelope from our doctor one month ago with the gender; and despite the urge to rip it open immediately, we waited for a special moment to learn what we are welcoming into the world.

After numerous, comical brainstorm sessions to think through a unique reveal for both me and Alex and our loved ones. we landed on a sweet surprise display after our Jewish New Year services and festivities. I gave the reins to my mom (Shindigs by Sheril), who devised direction for different scenarios without knowing the gender herself. She handed over the envelope to a friend and florist, Paula Payton, who converted life-size Alpha Lit Memphis/Oxford letters in either “G-I-R-L” or “B-O-Y” into vessels of beautiful fresh flowers. Paula’s perfect display was delivered to our home — alongside baby blue linens and flower arrangements throughout our home — while we were at Rosh Hashanah celebrations. All I knew was that we’d be walking into a surprise!

Alex and I arrived home and were so happy to have an intimate moment to learn the news — just the two of us. Of course, Christen Jones was right inside the doorway to capture the reveal as we entered to see BOY in front of our fireplace! I was convinced it’d be a boy during my entire first trimester, so this affirmation was such an exhilarating moment.

Our immediate family arrived soon after for a lunch of New York bagels (and Smallcakes Collierville blue mini cookie sandwiches, of course). They were also floored by the unexpected greeting!

Alex and I spent the rest of the afternoon FaceTiming, welcoming family and friends-like-family through our front door, and witnessing so many hilarious reactions to the news.

We are so thrilled to have a baby boy on the way, and I am beyond appreciative of the overflowing messages, sweet thoughts, and recommendations.

Let the #caramelizedbaby journey begin! xo

 

WRJ Sisterhood Opening Program Recipes

 

Friends,

Thank you so much for joining us at the WRJ opening program! Scroll and enjoy the following recipes from our evening together. If you have any questions, feel free to email cara@caramelizedblog.com.

-Cara & Sheril

APPETIZERS

WRJ “bulb” toast points

  • Toasted and cooled slice of ciabatta

  • 2 tbsp ricotta cheese, mixed with chopped chives or store-bought pesto

  • 1 half round cherry red tomato or mini halved mozzarella ball (as center of flower)

  • 3 halved baby long/oval tomatoes (as flower petals)

Spanikopita pasta salad

GREEK TUrkey meatballs

  • 1 lb lean ground turkey

  • 1 egg

  • 2 tbsp panko breadcrumbs

  • ¼ cup crumbled feta cheese

  • 1/4 cup red onion, chopped

  • 2 garlic cloves, minced

  • 1 tsp dried oregano

  • 1 tsp chopped fresh dill

  • ¾ tsp salt

  • ¼ tsp black pepper

  • Knotted toothpicks

  • Tzaziki sauce

Preheat oven to 400 F and line large baking sheets with parchment paper. Mix all meatball ingredients together in a bowl and form into 1-inch balls. Place on prepared baking sheets and bake for 20-22 minutes. Serve with tzaziki sauce, for dipping.

MEDITERRANEAN DIP

  • Click here for recipe

  • Crispy chick peas: Drain and pat dry one can of chickpeas with paper towel. Add in single-layer batches to a 400F-degree air fryer (or oven at 450F) with cooking oil spray and za’atar seasoning. Bake until completely crispy, approximately 15 minutes.

YOM KIPPUR BREAK FAST HACK: BAKED EGG SALAD

Preheat oven to 350 F. Generously spray/grease a casserole dish. Crack 1 dozen eggs directly into the dish. Bake at 350 until both whites and yolks are set, approximately 30 minutes. Allow dish to cool (you can cover and refrigerate at this point!).

Flip baked egg onto a large cutting board and chop until finely diced. Transfer chopped eggs back to casserole dish. Combine eggs with 2/3 cup mayonnaise, 2 tbsp Dijon mustard, salt and pepper, and any additional desired ingredients.

HANUKKAH HOLIDAY PARTY LATKE BITES

Latkes:

  • 2 large Russet potatoes (about 1 pound), peeled and grated

  • 1 large onion, peeled and grated

  • 2 large eggs, lightly beaten

  • 1/2 cup all-purpose flour

  • 1 tsp coarse kosher salt

  • 1 tsp baking powder

  • 1/4 tsp freshly ground black pepper

Toss all ingredients until combined and evenly coated. Pinch 1 tsp-batter portions and carefully place in an air fryer basket (or on a parchment paper-lined baking sheet). Spray generously with oil. Bake at 400 until crispy — This should only take 5 minutes in the air fryer!

Suggested toppings:

  • Cream cheese or creme fraiche

  • Lox

  • Chives

  • Everything But The Bagel Seasoning

  • Caviar

  • Greek Yogurt + Fig Preserves

  • Apple Butter or Applesauce + Cinnamon

HAMAN HANGOVER: PURIM COCKTAIL

  • 2 oz Old Dominick Gin

  • 1 tbsp jam or preserves — flavor of your choice!

  • 1/2 oz lemon juice

  • 2 oz lemonade

  • 2 oz Club soda

MATZO TOFFEE PLACE CARDS

SHAVUOT CHEESE BOARD LINKS

 
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