WHAT IN THE HECK?

Granted, I have been out of school probably longer than I can remember, but that doesn't mean that some things shouldn't remain the same.  My mini-rant today - how come kids don't seem to have any homework these days?  I have a zillion nephews and nieces. Some by marriage and some I'm actually related to by blood.  For the past two weeks, I've interacted with 3 of them  more than usual when they get out of school.  Every day I ask the same two things, "how was your day?" and "do you have any homework?"  Every day I get identical responses.  School was fine and no one has any homework.  I'm scratching my head and wondering if I've lost touch, friendly blogosphere.  Do kids no longer have to do assignments that used to be due the very next day?  Are children studying for tests these days?  Are they reading any books? What are they carrying in those book-bags? What in the heck is going on?

If you'e been reading my blog, you already know that I have a serious girl crush on the very Marvelous Martha Stewart because she can literally do EVERYTHING! (lol)  Anywho, her latest cookbook is called Martha Stewart's Appetizers, and it is totally awesome.  Perfect for small or large parties, anyone can find something that's pretty simple to make, and is super tasty.  In many instances she gives the basic recipe, then several other things you can do with the same ingredients.  Before you get excited, this particular recipe isn't in her new book, but it has been listed in her magazine. Her book actually gives 5 new recipes for canapes for you to try.  But here it is.

Crab Salad Canapes

INGREDIENTS

• 1 orange bell pepper
• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, room temperature
• 2 teaspoons whole-grain mustard
• 2 teaspoons Dijon mustard
• 1/2 baguette or ficelle,(fancy word for thin-lol) cut into 1/4-inch-thick pieces
• 1/4 pound jumbo lump crab-meat, picked clean
• 1/2 celery stalk, strings removed, cut into 1/8-inch-thick slices
• 1/2 small carrot, peeled and cut into 1/2-inch-long matchsticks
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1/4 teaspoon ground coriander
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• 2 teaspoons extra-virgin olive oil
• 1 tablespoon white-wine vinegar
• 1 tablespoon fresh marjoram leaves, for garnish

DIRECTIONS

1. Heat a grill to hot, or turn on the broiler. Cook bell pepper until it is completely charred, turning so all sides cook evenly, 8 to 10 minutes. Transfer warm pepper to a small bowl, cover with plastic wrap, and set aside until cool.
2. Using your hands, rub off charred skin. Slice pepper in half, and remove seeds and stem. Cut pepper into diamond shapes that are slightly larger than a piece of baguette.
3. Using a wooden spoon, mix together butter and two mustards in a small bowl until well combined. Spread a generous dollop of mustard butter on each slice of bread.
4. Place remaining ingredients except marjoram in a medium bowl, and toss to combine. Place a pepper diamond on each piece of bread, and top with a mound of crab salad. Garnish each canape with several marjoram leaves, and serve.