Callie Canlas. All photos by her husband, Jonathan Canlas.
Callie Canlas is one of the few people I’ve met who can ask more questions than me. (This says volumes, because I’m a really curious interviewer. Future Mom-terview Moms, brace yourselves.) Callie has a genuine interest in others and isn’t shy about asking about your life — all while offering you a turkey and brie sandwich with cranberry spread. Her philosophy? Share food, share happiness.
The twins.
With 4 little kids between 20 months and 5 years of age (she has twin girls!) this expecting mama is always on the go. Come summer, she’ll be even busier when she gives birth to little Weston Scott, who will need immediate medical care upon arrival.
The second Canlas boy has a congenital heart defect called Tetralogy of Fallot, which will require him to undergo surgery during his first 3-5 days of life. Weston is also expected to remain in the hospital anywhere from 4-12 weeks. With complications also to his lungs, Weston will have surgeries all his life. During one of Callies’s many follow-up ultrasound appointments, one medical technician told her, “Your whole life is going to change.”
Despite the challenges with Weston’s health, Callie is peaceful. She says her tiny unborn baby has made her reflect on so many things: gratitude for her healthy kids, her belief in God, and the importance of family. With the kiddos off to preschool, I grabbed a few quiet minutes with this super mom to talk about some of our favorite things: family and food.
Canlas kiddos.
Q: What’s something you’ve discovered about yourself recently?
I can deal with a lot more than I thought I could. With the thing with Weston’s heart — it’s been a turning point in my family. I realize that peace is a choice and I’m learning not to worry.
Q:What’s the most surprising thing you’ve learned about parenthood?
How different your kids are. There isn’t just one way to parent them, they all are unique.
Q: What are you good at?
Organizing and following a recipe.
Q: Do you have a go-to-meal for your kids?
My kids love “Egg Bread.” It’s basically a pancake with an egg in the middle, it’s a Rachael Ray inspired recipe. They can eat it everyday.
Q: Rachael Ray? (What the EVOO?)
I’m not a fan of her recipes now, but I’m grateful to her. She taught me how to cook and how to do the basics. I used to watch so much Rachael Ray that Issac (her oldest child) knew who she was when he was 18 months old. That’s embarrassing.
Q: Is there a tradition you want to have in your house?
Having meals together, and to always make meals. Growing up, we didn’t eat cold cereal. We only had it on special occasions, like birthdays. Even then, it was stuff like Honey Nut Cheerios. I try and cook at least once a day.
Q: Why do you love to cook?
All of my good memories — ninety percent of them are associated with food and family. I associate happiness with food. I love cooking for people, I think food can nourishing your body and soul.
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Callie’s salad:1 bag european blend lettuce or 1 head of red leaf lettuce cut into bite size pieces
1 cup red grapes, halved
1 large can mandarin oranges, drained
1/2 cup slivered almonds, toasted
1/2 cup grated parmegianno regianno cheese
2 cloves garlic, minced w/ garlic press
1/4 cup olive oil
2 T rapberry vinegar or red wine vinegar
salt
pepperIn a small bowl add garlic, cheese, vinegar, salt and pepper. slowly whisk in olive oil. set aside. in serving bowl, combine lettuce, grapes, oranges, almonds, salt and pepper. dress salad when ready to serve.
{This recipes and others can be also found on Callie’s food blog. Happy Cooking!}
