I loved this bit of yellow on the sidewalk. As a matter of fact, any bit of color in this weather made me giddy.

I also love the way the snow sits on leaves. You know it’s heavy, but somehow the weight gets supported…

The architecture in Boston – especially Dorchester – is very quaint. Almost all the homes are three stories – and depending on what part of the neighborhood you’re in – they range from single family to triplexes.

All of this is sooo much easier to appreciate from afar, but if you’ve never been, Boston is a fantastic place…to visit…during the summer.

1) It’s okay to unload your burden. In the Haitian culture, you don’t talk about certain problems; especially those that can potentially reflect poorly on the family. Someone gets arrested, you act like it didn’t happen. Someone gets kicked out of school, you find some story to explain what happened. I understand that thisncones from living in tight-knit communities, but even then it’s not a healthy way to deal with problems. When you’re stressed you need the support of others who genuinely care for you. If you can’t share with anyone you know, then seek professional help (another huge taboo).

2) Question authority. Okay, historically speaking Haitians have a valid reason for taking issue with authority. But somehow, once they immigrate to foreign countries, they become hesistant to do so. Whatever the “law” says goes. Hence, they rarely get involved in community activism and are often afraid to speak out when they see something wrong happening. Immigrants are so easily abused because of their legal status and that fear doesn’t necessarily go away once your status does. I think there are ways that we as a community can start teaching our children, and others around us that it’s not only OK to denounce crimes, it’s our duty.

3) Be curious/creative. A lot of kids from my generation grew up thinking the only way to make your parents proud was to become a doctor, lawyer or an engineer. Creative professions were never considered. I think many people find out what it is that makes them happy by being curious – or wondering what it would be like to [fill in the blank]. I’m encouraging my kids to think about every profession, thoroughly, which is something many young Americans have been forced to do during the Great Recession.

4) Hold other to the same standards you hold yourself. When I took my trip to Boston last week, there were certain people *ahem* family members, who thought that it was irresponsible to leave my children behind. Reason being: I’m the mother and fathers can never be trusted to take care of children. WTF?! Well, I don’t buy this and even though I missed them like crazy, I think the time apart was good for us. How else will the appreciate all the crap I do  This one is more of a gender equality change, but I think it boils down to this, if I expect someone to be able to cook, clean, raise kids, etc., I should be able to do it, too. As with any skill, one of us may be better at it, but that doesn’t give you a permanent get out of jail free card.

Are any of these traits existent in your culture/family? Do you think they should change?

No joke. I had to verify that it was indeed the Charles. And this was day 2 in Dorchester…

It stopped snowing, but all that meant was freezing temperatures and black ice. Good times. But seriously, the best part of my trip was this…

This is my chickie Martini and her husband, who were so kind to host me for the weekend. It has been 10 years since I last visited Boston (I stayed with her then too AND it was snowing when I left) and although the city has changed a bit, it’s always a treat to spend time with her and her family. However, I made her promise that our next meet up will be in warmer temperatures

Daughter: Mooommmmyyyyyy, Kharl’s bothering me!!!

Me: Kharl, leave Sissy alone. She’s doing her homework.

Son: Okkaayyy!!!

2 minutes later…

Son: Sissy! I have a supwize for yooouuu!!!

Daughter: Kharl, leave me alone! You’re going to get me in trouble!

Son: Sissy lookit! Sissy lookit!

Daugther: Mommie! Kharl is still booothering meeee!!!

Me: Khhaaarrrrlllll!

Son: Mommyyyyyyy! Sissy called you stoooppidd!

Mind you, this all occurs at about 1 billion decibels (I don’t really know how to measure sound, but you get the picture). It’s amazing I’ve yet to go crazy…at least that’s what the voices in my head keep telling me.

I know I didn’t do the step-by-step like a good blogger should, but I really didn’t think it was going to turn out this good.

Following exact recipes have never worked out for me and what I usually do is make tweaks every time I make a dish until it’s exactly how I like it.

Lesson learned from this attempt is to use more liquid (i.e. milk or cream). I like my quiches very moist. In any case, here’s the recipe I used which is an amalgam of different ones I found on the internet:

6 large eggs, beaten
1 1/2 cups heavy cream
Ground pepper
1 broccoli head sautéed (frozen could be used)
1 pound bacon, cooked and crumbled
1 1/2 cups grated Gruyère cheese

For the dough I used the following:

1 2/3 cups (250g) plain flour
3 tablespoons of sugar
125g unsalted butter, chilled, finely chopped
1 egg, chilled

Directions

Process flour, butter and a pinch of salt in a food processor until mixture resembles breadcrumbs. Whisk egg and 1 tbs chilled water in a bowl until combined, then with food processor motor running, add to flour mixture. Process until mixture begins to form large clumps, stopping machine before mixture forms a ball. Turn pastry out on to a work surface and knead gently to bring together. Form into a disc for a round tart or into a log shape for a rectangular tart. Wrap in plastic wrap and refrigerate overnight or for at least 2 hours. Roll out the dough and place in a springform pan or whatever pan you use to make pies.

Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F.

Combine the eggs, cream, salt, and pepper in a food processor or blender. Layer the spinach, bacon, and cheese in the bottom of the pie crust, then pour the egg mixture on top. Bake for 35 to 45 minutes until the egg mixture is set. Cut into 8 wedges.