I just finished the menu for the weekend and next week. I am trying to make more from scratch. There are a lot of fruits and vegetables in season right now to take advantage of. The girls and I picked 4 1/2 cups of blueberries last week and we need to use the last of them up (see smoothies and cake below).
Breakfast
Peach muffins (recipe)
Baked oatmeal (recipe)
Regular oatmeal with fruit
Breakfast wrap
Cereal
Zucchini muffins (recipe)
Snacks
Smoothies
Lunch
sandwiches (with fruit and veg)
chicken nuggets (with fruit and veg)
leftovers
Dinner
Slow Cooker Tamale pie (recipe)
Cynthia's Spicey Shredded pork, rice and green beans
Pasta with Italian sausage, salad
Chicken leg quarters, zucchini and tomato casserole (recipe)
Hot dogs, baked beans, macaroni salad
Breakfast casserole (recipe)
Snack
No-Bake Energy Balls (recipe)
Dessert
Blueberry Cake
Zucchini bread (same recipe as muffins from above)
Friday, July 29, 2011
Thursday, May 19, 2011
10 (if not more) random things on Thursday
1. It has been humid and rainy here all week.
2. My hair does not like this weather.
3. All four of us have colds which include stuffy noses and ear aches.
4. I two aunts that have recently had books published. How cool is that? Go to Whiskey Creek Press and check out Battered Wings (ebook) by Catherine Yee and A Promise To Keep (also avaiable as an ebook) by Elaine Robinson. Both ebooks are $6.99 and I can't wait to read them. I am so proud of both aunts!
5. My 3 year old has started pointing with middle finger. It is so funny to us to see her doing this.
6. I am an emotional mess today.
7. Yesterday, one of my sisters told me she is getting married tomorrow (Friday). I am thrilled for her and her kids that they have found someone who makes them all happy. I am very sad that I can't be there.
8. I am blessed/lucky to have two wonderful moms. I wasn't able to appreciate this until I was close to 20. Now, not a day goes by that I'm not thankful for both of them.
9. I don't say "step-mom" or "step-mother". I differenciate them by calling one "Momma" and one "Mom". They have both been in my life since the beginning and they both deserve the title of my mom. Goodness knows I have put them both through a lot. ;)
10. Mom asked me today if I would like a quilt made from her mothers clothes. My first thought went straight to losing my father last summer and how I wish we were able to save some of his clothes to do something like that for us and our kids or to make pajamas from his t-shirts for our kids like her mom did for us when Grandpa passed away. Needless to say I haven't been able to answer that text yet.
2. My hair does not like this weather.
3. All four of us have colds which include stuffy noses and ear aches.
4. I two aunts that have recently had books published. How cool is that? Go to Whiskey Creek Press and check out Battered Wings (ebook) by Catherine Yee and A Promise To Keep (also avaiable as an ebook) by Elaine Robinson. Both ebooks are $6.99 and I can't wait to read them. I am so proud of both aunts!
5. My 3 year old has started pointing with middle finger. It is so funny to us to see her doing this.
6. I am an emotional mess today.
7. Yesterday, one of my sisters told me she is getting married tomorrow (Friday). I am thrilled for her and her kids that they have found someone who makes them all happy. I am very sad that I can't be there.
8. I am blessed/lucky to have two wonderful moms. I wasn't able to appreciate this until I was close to 20. Now, not a day goes by that I'm not thankful for both of them.
9. I don't say "step-mom" or "step-mother". I differenciate them by calling one "Momma" and one "Mom". They have both been in my life since the beginning and they both deserve the title of my mom. Goodness knows I have put them both through a lot. ;)
10. Mom asked me today if I would like a quilt made from her mothers clothes. My first thought went straight to losing my father last summer and how I wish we were able to save some of his clothes to do something like that for us and our kids or to make pajamas from his t-shirts for our kids like her mom did for us when Grandpa passed away. Needless to say I haven't been able to answer that text yet.
Catching up...
I did make a pasta dish with the Philadelphia Cooking Creme and we didn't like it. We barely choked it down ate it. We won't buy it again.
I just finished reading 13 Little Blue Envelopes. It was a cute read and I enjoyed it. There is sequel to it that I hope to read soon. I think I am going to start The Pastors Wife tonight.
I just finished reading 13 Little Blue Envelopes. It was a cute read and I enjoyed it. There is sequel to it that I hope to read soon. I think I am going to start The Pastors Wife tonight.
Thursday, April 28, 2011
Grocery list and Meal planning time
There is a decent sale at Stop and Shop this week on meat that we will take advantage of. Chuck roast and kielbasa are buy one get one free so those are on the list.
Here's the meal plan...
Italian Drip Beef sandwiches
Crockpot Red beans and Rice
Pasta dish with the new Philadelphia Cooking Cream with salad
Chicken and Bean Soup (I'll freeze the left over soup in freezer bags for us to eat later.)
English muffin pizzas
On the nights that the kids won't eat what we have that will have...
Hot dogs, macaroni and cheese and veggie/fruit one night
Chicken, rice and vegetable
Here's the meal plan...
Italian Drip Beef sandwiches
Crockpot Red beans and Rice
Pasta dish with the new Philadelphia Cooking Cream with salad
Chicken and Bean Soup (I'll freeze the left over soup in freezer bags for us to eat later.)
English muffin pizzas
On the nights that the kids won't eat what we have that will have...
Hot dogs, macaroni and cheese and veggie/fruit one night
Chicken, rice and vegetable
Friday, April 8, 2011
Because I have the pork shoulder I'm making this recipe this weekend
Barbecue Pulled Pork Sandwiches
Added by Laurie @simplyscratch.com on June 13, 2010 in Main Courses, Sandwiches
2 votes, average: 5.00 out of 52 votes, average: 5.00 out of 52 votes, average: 5.00 out of 52 votes, average: 5.00 out of 52 votes, average: 5.00 out of 5 5.00 Mitt(s) | 2 Rating(s)
The rub makes a delicious crust on the pork, and the sauce is tangy and sweet. Perfection!
zoom
* Related Blog Post
* Print Recipe
* Prep Time 15 Minutes
* Cook Time 6 Hours
* Difficulty Intermediate
* Servings
* System US Metric
8 Update
Ingredients
* 1 whole 5-7 Pound Boston Pork Shoulder Roast
* _____
* FOR THE RUB:
* 3 Tablespoons Coarse Sea Salt
* 2 Tablespoons Paprika
* 1 Tablespoon Dry Mustard
* 1 Tablespoon Garlic Powder
* 1 Tablespoon (heaping) Dark Brown Sugar
* _____
* FOR THE SAUCE:
* 1 cup Apple Cider Vinegar
* 1 cup Brown Or Yellow Mustard
* ½ cups Ketchup
* ¼ cups To 1/2 Cup Dark Brown Sugar
* 2 whole Garlic Cloves, Smashed
* 1 teaspoon Kosher Salt
* 1 teaspoon Cayenne
* ½ teaspoons Black Pepper
* 2 Tablespoons Reserved Juices From Pork Roast, Optional
Preparation Instructions
Preheat the oven to 300 degrees. Mix the rub ingredients in a small bowl. Rub the spice blend all over the pork. (Optional: cover and refrigerate for at least an hour up to overnight.)
Place pork in a roasting pan and into the oven for 6 hours (if making a smaller roast, adust the time). An instant thermometer should read 170 degrees when inserted into the thickest part of the roast, but really it should be falling off the bone. When the pork is done, remove it to a platter to rest for 10 minutes.
While the pork is resting, you can prepare the barbecue sauce by combining the sauce ingredients in a sauce pan over medium heat. Simmer gently for 10 minutes until the sugar is dissolved. Remove smashed garlic cloves and reduce heat to low until ready to use.
While the pork is still warm, you will want to “pull” the meat using a couple of forks. Place the shredded meat into a large bowl, and pour half of the barbecue sauce over it. Stir and repeat if necessary or until the pork is covered.
Serve on top of an onion roll or any bun of your choice. If you have leftover sauce, serve on the side.
Note: if the sauce is too vinegary, add more brown sugar to balance it out. Some like it extra tangy! So adjust to taste. Also, the rub adds additional flavor to the sauce! Enjoy!
Thanks Tasty Kitchen for the yummy recipes!
Added by Laurie @simplyscratch.com on June 13, 2010 in Main Courses, Sandwiches
2 votes, average: 5.00 out of 52 votes, average: 5.00 out of 52 votes, average: 5.00 out of 52 votes, average: 5.00 out of 52 votes, average: 5.00 out of 5 5.00 Mitt(s) | 2 Rating(s)
The rub makes a delicious crust on the pork, and the sauce is tangy and sweet. Perfection!
zoom
* Related Blog Post
* Print Recipe
* Prep Time 15 Minutes
* Cook Time 6 Hours
* Difficulty Intermediate
* Servings
* System US Metric
8 Update
Ingredients
* 1 whole 5-7 Pound Boston Pork Shoulder Roast
* _____
* FOR THE RUB:
* 3 Tablespoons Coarse Sea Salt
* 2 Tablespoons Paprika
* 1 Tablespoon Dry Mustard
* 1 Tablespoon Garlic Powder
* 1 Tablespoon (heaping) Dark Brown Sugar
* _____
* FOR THE SAUCE:
* 1 cup Apple Cider Vinegar
* 1 cup Brown Or Yellow Mustard
* ½ cups Ketchup
* ¼ cups To 1/2 Cup Dark Brown Sugar
* 2 whole Garlic Cloves, Smashed
* 1 teaspoon Kosher Salt
* 1 teaspoon Cayenne
* ½ teaspoons Black Pepper
* 2 Tablespoons Reserved Juices From Pork Roast, Optional
Preparation Instructions
Preheat the oven to 300 degrees. Mix the rub ingredients in a small bowl. Rub the spice blend all over the pork. (Optional: cover and refrigerate for at least an hour up to overnight.)
Place pork in a roasting pan and into the oven for 6 hours (if making a smaller roast, adust the time). An instant thermometer should read 170 degrees when inserted into the thickest part of the roast, but really it should be falling off the bone. When the pork is done, remove it to a platter to rest for 10 minutes.
While the pork is resting, you can prepare the barbecue sauce by combining the sauce ingredients in a sauce pan over medium heat. Simmer gently for 10 minutes until the sugar is dissolved. Remove smashed garlic cloves and reduce heat to low until ready to use.
While the pork is still warm, you will want to “pull” the meat using a couple of forks. Place the shredded meat into a large bowl, and pour half of the barbecue sauce over it. Stir and repeat if necessary or until the pork is covered.
Serve on top of an onion roll or any bun of your choice. If you have leftover sauce, serve on the side.
Note: if the sauce is too vinegary, add more brown sugar to balance it out. Some like it extra tangy! So adjust to taste. Also, the rub adds additional flavor to the sauce! Enjoy!
Thanks Tasty Kitchen for the yummy recipes!
The past month
Over the past month I've decided to stop watching tv after the kids go to bed, for the most part anyway. For me it seems like most of the shows I have been drawn to were drama and a just weren't offering anything positive to my life so I decided to start reading in the evenings. I finished the Mossy Creek series, Sweet Baklava and a few others. So far this week I've read The Hunger Games and Catching Fire. Now I can't want to read the third book in the trilogy Mockingjay.
I've started back running doing the Couch To 5K plan and plan on running my second 5K on Mother's Day. I hope my husband and kids can come and cheer me on. It is important to me that our kids see us exercising and
We had snow on April first and it has still been chilly here but it is finally starting to feel and look like spring with flowers popping up. It is even going to get near 70 in a few days. I hope to get the garden cleaned out this weekend so we can start getting it ready and figure out what we want to plant this year.
Here are some recipes that I hope to make in the next couple of weeks.
Pepperoncini Beef Sandwiches
found on The Pioneer Woman's Tasty Kitchen website http://thepioneerwoman.com/tasty-kitchen/
Added by emily {onelovelylife} on September 8, 2010 in Main Courses, Sandwiches
8 votes, average: 4.50 out of 58 votes, average: 4.50 out of 58 votes, average: 4.50 out of 58 votes, average: 4.50 out of 58 votes, average: 4.50 out of 5 4.50 Mitt(s) | 8 Rating(s)
These tangy, slightly spicy beef sandwiches are a snap to pull together and are sure to be a family favorite. Make sure you buy jarred pepperoncinis, not their look-alike cousin banana peppers.
zoom
* Prep Time 15 Minutes
* Cook Time 8 Hours
* Difficulty Easy
Ingredients
* 2-½ pounds Beef Roast (use Whatever Is Cheapest--I Like Chuck Or Cross-rib Roasts)
* 1 pinch Salt And Pepper, to taste
* ½ jars (16oz) Pepperoncinis (I Use Mezzetta Brand), Plus Extra For Serving
* 1 cup Beef Broth
* 8 whole Sandwich Buns
* 8 ounces, weight Shredded Mozzarella Cheese
Preparation Instructions
Trim any visible fat from your roast. Place in the bottom of your slow cooker. Sprinkle with salt and pepper. Place in half a jar worth of peppers (don’t include all the juice, just pick out the peppers). Note: If you want a bit more heat, add a few tablespoons of the pepper juice to the crock pot. Pour in beef broth. Cook on low 7-8 hours.
When it’s done, remove it from the crock pot and shred beef, removing any fatty bits. Remove the peppers as well, slice them and mix into the shredded beef.
For best serving results, toast buns, fill with beef/pepper mixture, and top with cheese and a few extra pepperoncinis. If necessary, pop the sandwiches in the oven for a minute or two to melt the cheese.
Savor the goodness.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Another on the list to try is also from the Tasty Kitchen website
Italian Drip Beef
Added by Ree on February 3, 2010 in Beef, Main Courses
15 votes, average: 4.93 out of 515 votes, average: 4.93 out of 515 votes, average: 4.93 out of 515 votes, average: 4.93 out of 515 votes, average: 4.93 out of 5 4.93 Mitt(s) | 15 Rating(s)
A delicious slow-cooked beef that’s over toasted deli rolls. Perfect for a Superbowl party!
zoom
* Prep Time 5 Minutes
* Cook Time 6 Hours
* Difficulty Easy
Ingredients
* 1 whole Beef Chuck Roast, 2.5 To 4 Pounds
* 1 can Beef Consomme Or Beef Broth
* 3 Tablespoons (heaping) Italian Seasoning
* 1 teaspoon Salt
* ¼ cups Water
* ½ jars (16 Oz) Pepperoncini Peppers, With Juice
* Buttered, Toasted Deli Rolls
Preparation Instructions
Combine all ingredients in a heavy pot or dutch oven. Stir lightly to combine seasoning with the liquid.
Cover and bake in a 275 degree oven* for 5 to 6 hours, or until meat is fork-tender and falling apart. **If meat is not yet tender, return to oven for 30 minute intervals till it’s tender!**
Remove from oven. With two forks, completely shred all meat, leaving no large chunks behind. Serve immediately, or keep warm over a simmer on the stove.
May make the day before, then store in the refrigerator. Remove the hardened fat from the top before reheating.
Serve on buttered, toasted rolls. Top with cheese and melt under the broiler if desired. Serve with juices from the pot.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
This one I've made a couple of times and really enjoyed so it is on the list to have again soon. Yes, it is another one from Tasty Kitchen so I must be on a Pioneer Woman kick right now.
Ginger Steak Salad
Added by Ree on July 20, 2009 in Main Dish Salads, Salads
8 votes, average: 4.75 out of 58 votes, average: 4.75 out of 58 votes, average: 4.75 out of 58 votes, average: 4.75 out of 58 votes, average: 4.75 out of 5 4.75 Mitt(s) | 8 Rating(s)
I absolutely love steak salads, pretty much in any form. Here’s an Asian-inspired creation I whipped up using things I had in my pantry and fridge. It was so delicious, I wound up pretty much eating myself silly.
zoom
* Prep Time 45 Minutes
* Cook Time 5 Minutes
* Difficulty Easy
* MARINADE INGREDIENTS:
* 2 Tablespoons Soy Sauce
* 1 Tablespoon Sherry
* 2 cloves Garlic, Minced
* 2 teaspoons Brown Sugar
* 1 whole Rib-eye, Strip, Or Sirloin Steak
* 2 Tablespoons Olive Oil
* _____
* FOR SALAD DRESSING:
* 2 Tablespoons Olive Oil
* 2 Tablespoons Soy Sauce
* 2 Tablespoons White Sugar
* 1 Tablespoon Lime Juice
* 2 cloves Garlic, Finely Diced
* 1 Tablespoon Fresh Ginger, Minced
* ½ whole Jalapeno, Seeded And Diced
* _____
* SALAD INGREDIENTS:
* 2 whole Green Onions
* 8 ounces, weight Salad Greens (baby Lettuce, Endive, Radiccio, Etc.)
Preparation Instructions
Combine steak marinade ingredients in a Ziploc bag. Mix and place steak into bag. Marinate for 30 minutes to 2 hours.
Combine salad dressing ingredients and slice green onion.
When steak is finished marinating, add 2 tablespoons olive oil to a hot skillet. Cook steak about 1 1/2 minutes per side, or until medium rare. Remove from skillet and keep on a plate, allowing to cool slightly.
Toss salad greens in 3/4 of the salad dressing. Place steak on cutting board and slice thinly, then pour juices from the plate over the top. Mound tossed salad on a platter, then place sliced steak on top of salad. Pour remaining salad dressing over the top. Sprinkle green onions over the salad, and add cherry tomatoes if that makes your skirt fly up.
I've started back running doing the Couch To 5K plan and plan on running my second 5K on Mother's Day. I hope my husband and kids can come and cheer me on. It is important to me that our kids see us exercising and
We had snow on April first and it has still been chilly here but it is finally starting to feel and look like spring with flowers popping up. It is even going to get near 70 in a few days. I hope to get the garden cleaned out this weekend so we can start getting it ready and figure out what we want to plant this year.
Here are some recipes that I hope to make in the next couple of weeks.
Pepperoncini Beef Sandwiches
found on The Pioneer Woman's Tasty Kitchen website http://thepioneerwoman.com/tasty-kitchen/
Added by emily {onelovelylife} on September 8, 2010 in Main Courses, Sandwiches
8 votes, average: 4.50 out of 58 votes, average: 4.50 out of 58 votes, average: 4.50 out of 58 votes, average: 4.50 out of 58 votes, average: 4.50 out of 5 4.50 Mitt(s) | 8 Rating(s)
These tangy, slightly spicy beef sandwiches are a snap to pull together and are sure to be a family favorite. Make sure you buy jarred pepperoncinis, not their look-alike cousin banana peppers.
zoom
* Prep Time 15 Minutes
* Cook Time 8 Hours
* Difficulty Easy
Ingredients
* 2-½ pounds Beef Roast (use Whatever Is Cheapest--I Like Chuck Or Cross-rib Roasts)
* 1 pinch Salt And Pepper, to taste
* ½ jars (16oz) Pepperoncinis (I Use Mezzetta Brand), Plus Extra For Serving
* 1 cup Beef Broth
* 8 whole Sandwich Buns
* 8 ounces, weight Shredded Mozzarella Cheese
Preparation Instructions
Trim any visible fat from your roast. Place in the bottom of your slow cooker. Sprinkle with salt and pepper. Place in half a jar worth of peppers (don’t include all the juice, just pick out the peppers). Note: If you want a bit more heat, add a few tablespoons of the pepper juice to the crock pot. Pour in beef broth. Cook on low 7-8 hours.
When it’s done, remove it from the crock pot and shred beef, removing any fatty bits. Remove the peppers as well, slice them and mix into the shredded beef.
For best serving results, toast buns, fill with beef/pepper mixture, and top with cheese and a few extra pepperoncinis. If necessary, pop the sandwiches in the oven for a minute or two to melt the cheese.
Savor the goodness.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Another on the list to try is also from the Tasty Kitchen website
Italian Drip Beef
Added by Ree on February 3, 2010 in Beef, Main Courses
15 votes, average: 4.93 out of 515 votes, average: 4.93 out of 515 votes, average: 4.93 out of 515 votes, average: 4.93 out of 515 votes, average: 4.93 out of 5 4.93 Mitt(s) | 15 Rating(s)
A delicious slow-cooked beef that’s over toasted deli rolls. Perfect for a Superbowl party!
zoom
* Prep Time 5 Minutes
* Cook Time 6 Hours
* Difficulty Easy
Ingredients
* 1 whole Beef Chuck Roast, 2.5 To 4 Pounds
* 1 can Beef Consomme Or Beef Broth
* 3 Tablespoons (heaping) Italian Seasoning
* 1 teaspoon Salt
* ¼ cups Water
* ½ jars (16 Oz) Pepperoncini Peppers, With Juice
* Buttered, Toasted Deli Rolls
Preparation Instructions
Combine all ingredients in a heavy pot or dutch oven. Stir lightly to combine seasoning with the liquid.
Cover and bake in a 275 degree oven* for 5 to 6 hours, or until meat is fork-tender and falling apart. **If meat is not yet tender, return to oven for 30 minute intervals till it’s tender!**
Remove from oven. With two forks, completely shred all meat, leaving no large chunks behind. Serve immediately, or keep warm over a simmer on the stove.
May make the day before, then store in the refrigerator. Remove the hardened fat from the top before reheating.
Serve on buttered, toasted rolls. Top with cheese and melt under the broiler if desired. Serve with juices from the pot.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
This one I've made a couple of times and really enjoyed so it is on the list to have again soon. Yes, it is another one from Tasty Kitchen so I must be on a Pioneer Woman kick right now.
Ginger Steak Salad
Added by Ree on July 20, 2009 in Main Dish Salads, Salads
8 votes, average: 4.75 out of 58 votes, average: 4.75 out of 58 votes, average: 4.75 out of 58 votes, average: 4.75 out of 58 votes, average: 4.75 out of 5 4.75 Mitt(s) | 8 Rating(s)
I absolutely love steak salads, pretty much in any form. Here’s an Asian-inspired creation I whipped up using things I had in my pantry and fridge. It was so delicious, I wound up pretty much eating myself silly.
zoom
* Prep Time 45 Minutes
* Cook Time 5 Minutes
* Difficulty Easy
* MARINADE INGREDIENTS:
* 2 Tablespoons Soy Sauce
* 1 Tablespoon Sherry
* 2 cloves Garlic, Minced
* 2 teaspoons Brown Sugar
* 1 whole Rib-eye, Strip, Or Sirloin Steak
* 2 Tablespoons Olive Oil
* _____
* FOR SALAD DRESSING:
* 2 Tablespoons Olive Oil
* 2 Tablespoons Soy Sauce
* 2 Tablespoons White Sugar
* 1 Tablespoon Lime Juice
* 2 cloves Garlic, Finely Diced
* 1 Tablespoon Fresh Ginger, Minced
* ½ whole Jalapeno, Seeded And Diced
* _____
* SALAD INGREDIENTS:
* 2 whole Green Onions
* 8 ounces, weight Salad Greens (baby Lettuce, Endive, Radiccio, Etc.)
Preparation Instructions
Combine steak marinade ingredients in a Ziploc bag. Mix and place steak into bag. Marinate for 30 minutes to 2 hours.
Combine salad dressing ingredients and slice green onion.
When steak is finished marinating, add 2 tablespoons olive oil to a hot skillet. Cook steak about 1 1/2 minutes per side, or until medium rare. Remove from skillet and keep on a plate, allowing to cool slightly.
Toss salad greens in 3/4 of the salad dressing. Place steak on cutting board and slice thinly, then pour juices from the plate over the top. Mound tossed salad on a platter, then place sliced steak on top of salad. Pour remaining salad dressing over the top. Sprinkle green onions over the salad, and add cherry tomatoes if that makes your skirt fly up.
Friday, March 4, 2011
Busy busy busy.....and yes overwhelmed at times
The last few weeks have been very busy for us with the girls birthdays, their birthday party and my sister coming for the weekend. We all enjoyed every minute of it! I miss my family so any time I get to spend with them is super special. The girls had a great time at the birthday party and we haven't stopped hearing about that cheesy mouse play yet.
This week it feels as though the girls have teamed up to try and send me to the nut house. I haven't lost it yet although I have came close. Who would have thought a 5 and a 3 year old can cause so much stress times and yet so much joy at others. This week I have had to stop and say to myself "one day I'm going to miss this". I've decided that if they start throwing a fit or doing something else of the sort I am going to get the camera and take a picture of them. Hopefully it will help them see how silly the look (at least after they are done being pissed that I took their picture) and it will give us chance to laugh at the memory in years to come.
Do you want to know what else I find overwhelming? Well even if you don't I'm going to tell you. Church shopping. I am trying to find a church for our family to attend and it is tough finding one that matches my beliefs and feels like "home". I am not overly religious so I don't want a strict church but I do want one with good morals. Another thing important to me is the church be active in helping its members and community. I'm hoping to visit one this Sunday and another next Sunday. I would like to find one I'm comfortable with before The Husband starts fishing season which is when the kids would start attending with me if not already.
This week it feels as though the girls have teamed up to try and send me to the nut house. I haven't lost it yet although I have came close. Who would have thought a 5 and a 3 year old can cause so much stress times and yet so much joy at others. This week I have had to stop and say to myself "one day I'm going to miss this". I've decided that if they start throwing a fit or doing something else of the sort I am going to get the camera and take a picture of them. Hopefully it will help them see how silly the look (at least after they are done being pissed that I took their picture) and it will give us chance to laugh at the memory in years to come.
Do you want to know what else I find overwhelming? Well even if you don't I'm going to tell you. Church shopping. I am trying to find a church for our family to attend and it is tough finding one that matches my beliefs and feels like "home". I am not overly religious so I don't want a strict church but I do want one with good morals. Another thing important to me is the church be active in helping its members and community. I'm hoping to visit one this Sunday and another next Sunday. I would like to find one I'm comfortable with before The Husband starts fishing season which is when the kids would start attending with me if not already.
Friday, February 18, 2011
Books in review
In the last two weeks I've read Reunion In Mossy Creek and start reading Summer in Mossy Creek. Both are from the Mossy Creek series. I read the first book in the series, Mossy Creek, the first of this year and loved it. I loved reading about the crazy little town in north Georgia. I mostly enjoyed following the story of coffee shop owner and the bake shop owner and how their relationship went from despising each other to finding out they both shared a similar pain and finding comfort and friendship through it. I was disappointed in Reunion At Mossy Creek. I just couldn't get into it as much as the first book. I also wasn't surprised by "who did it". I am now reading Summer in Mossy Creek and really enjoying it. I like following the love and heart ache story in it. I am almost half way though and don't want to put it down.
Two recipes for mixes in a jar
I love receiving mixes in a jar as gifts. They always look nice and you know the person took time out of their schedule to put them together for you. I haven't made one yet but after seeing this on in my email today I will definitely be trying it.
Homemade Cake Mix
This recipe is from I am Baker She also says that you can make it chocolate by adding cocoa powder.
This is another one I can't wait to try
Homemade Bisquick Substitute from Unsophistoicook.com
Homemade Bisquick Mix
Ingredients:
* 6 c. all-purpose flour, sifted
* 3 T. baking powder
* 1 T. salt
* 1/2 c. cold butter
Directions:
1. Measure the sifted flour, baking powder and salt into a large bowl. Use a wire whisk to blend thoroughly.
2. Cut in cold butter using a pastry cutter until thoroughly incorporated.
Store refrigerated in an airtight container for up to 4 months.
She makes homemade biscuits with this mix.
15-Minute Homemade Biscuits
Ingredients:
* 2 1/4 c. homemade Bisquick mix
* 2/3 c. milk
Directions:
1. Mix together homemade Bisquick mix and milk to form a soft dough.
2. Roll the dough out to about 1/2" thickness on a flour-dusted surface. Cut out biscuits with a 2-1/2" cutter -- we use an empty Campbell's soup can with both ends cut out for this.
3. Bake at 450 degrees for 8 to 10 minutes or until golden brown.
Recipe yields approximately 15 biscuits.
Thanks to Deal Seeking Mom for posting these!
Homemade Cake Mix
This recipe is from I am Baker She also says that you can make it chocolate by adding cocoa powder.
This is another one I can't wait to try
Homemade Bisquick Substitute from Unsophistoicook.com
Homemade Bisquick Mix
Ingredients:
* 6 c. all-purpose flour, sifted
* 3 T. baking powder
* 1 T. salt
* 1/2 c. cold butter
Directions:
1. Measure the sifted flour, baking powder and salt into a large bowl. Use a wire whisk to blend thoroughly.
2. Cut in cold butter using a pastry cutter until thoroughly incorporated.
Store refrigerated in an airtight container for up to 4 months.
She makes homemade biscuits with this mix.
15-Minute Homemade Biscuits
Ingredients:
* 2 1/4 c. homemade Bisquick mix
* 2/3 c. milk
Directions:
1. Mix together homemade Bisquick mix and milk to form a soft dough.
2. Roll the dough out to about 1/2" thickness on a flour-dusted surface. Cut out biscuits with a 2-1/2" cutter -- we use an empty Campbell's soup can with both ends cut out for this.
3. Bake at 450 degrees for 8 to 10 minutes or until golden brown.
Recipe yields approximately 15 biscuits.
Thanks to Deal Seeking Mom for posting these!
Cooked from what we had on hand this week
The sales weren't very good this week so we only purchased a few things. We took stock of what we had in the cabinets and freezer and made our menu with that. On Sunday T made us Italian Wedding Soup. It is my favorite soup of all time.
Italian Wedding Soup I
Ingredients
* 1/2 pound extra-lean ground beef
* 1 egg, lightly beaten
* 2 tablespoons dry bread crumbs
* 1 tablespoon grated Parmesan cheese
* 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
* 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
* 5 3/4 cups chicken broth
* 2 cups thinly sliced escarole
* 1 cup uncooked orzo pasta
* 1/3 cup finely chopped carrot
Directions
1. In medium bowl, combine meat, egg, bread crumbs, cheese, basil and onion powder; shape into 3/4 inch balls.
2. In large saucepan, heat broth to boiling; stir in escarole, orzo pasta, chopped carrot and meatballs. Return to boil, then reduce heat to medium. Cook at slow boil for 10 minutes, or until pasta is al dente. Stir frequently to prevent sticking.
Recipe from Allrecipes
The girls loved having Baked Oatmeal for breakfast so I made this Monday morning.
Baked Oatmeal
2 eggs, beaten
1/2 c. oil (you can use applesauce instead of oil)
2/3 c. sugar (white or brown) (I do 1/2 white 1/2 brown)
Mix above together. Then add:
3 c. oatmeal
1 t. cinnamon
1 t. baking powder
1 t. salt
1 t. vanilla (can use 1 packet vanilla sugar)
1 c. milk
Pour into buttered 8 x 8 baking dish and bake at 350 degrees F for 25 minutes.
And you serve it with flavored yogurt on top or fresh fruit.
T made us calzones Monday night. Tuesday night we went to a friends house for dinner. Wednesday night I made pasta so I looked through the cabinets and this is what I came up with.
Alfredo with Italian sausage and tomatoes
1 box Penne pasta cooked
1 jar Alfredo sauce
1 14 oz can diced tomatoes drained
1 Tablespoon oil
3/4 lb Italian sausage sliced
Brown sausage in oil and drain. Add sausage back to pan pour Alfredo sauce and drained diced tomatoes over it. Cook until heated through. Serve over pasta. Simple and yummy!
Thursday night I tried another new recipe from www.allrecipes.com.
Maple Sausage Skillet
Ingredients
* 1/2 pound fully cooked kielbasa or Polish sausage, sliced
* 1 teaspoon canola oil
* 1 medium green pepper, thinly sliced
* 1 small onion, halved and sliced
* 1 1/2 cups sliced fresh mushrooms
* 1 celery rib, sliced
* 2 tablespoons maple syrup
* 1/4 teaspoon pepper
* Hot cooked rice
Directions
1. In a large skillet, cook sausage in oil for 3-4 minutes or until lightly browned. Add vegetables; stir-fry 3-4 minutes longer or until crisp-tender. Stir in the syrup and pepper; heat through. Serve with rice.
We didn't have mushrooms on hand so I omitted those. We all like this.
Italian Wedding Soup I
Ingredients
* 1/2 pound extra-lean ground beef
* 1 egg, lightly beaten
* 2 tablespoons dry bread crumbs
* 1 tablespoon grated Parmesan cheese
* 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
* 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
* 5 3/4 cups chicken broth
* 2 cups thinly sliced escarole
* 1 cup uncooked orzo pasta
* 1/3 cup finely chopped carrot
Directions
1. In medium bowl, combine meat, egg, bread crumbs, cheese, basil and onion powder; shape into 3/4 inch balls.
2. In large saucepan, heat broth to boiling; stir in escarole, orzo pasta, chopped carrot and meatballs. Return to boil, then reduce heat to medium. Cook at slow boil for 10 minutes, or until pasta is al dente. Stir frequently to prevent sticking.
Recipe from Allrecipes
The girls loved having Baked Oatmeal for breakfast so I made this Monday morning.
Baked Oatmeal
2 eggs, beaten
1/2 c. oil (you can use applesauce instead of oil)
2/3 c. sugar (white or brown) (I do 1/2 white 1/2 brown)
Mix above together. Then add:
3 c. oatmeal
1 t. cinnamon
1 t. baking powder
1 t. salt
1 t. vanilla (can use 1 packet vanilla sugar)
1 c. milk
Pour into buttered 8 x 8 baking dish and bake at 350 degrees F for 25 minutes.
And you serve it with flavored yogurt on top or fresh fruit.
T made us calzones Monday night. Tuesday night we went to a friends house for dinner. Wednesday night I made pasta so I looked through the cabinets and this is what I came up with.
Alfredo with Italian sausage and tomatoes
1 box Penne pasta cooked
1 jar Alfredo sauce
1 14 oz can diced tomatoes drained
1 Tablespoon oil
3/4 lb Italian sausage sliced
Brown sausage in oil and drain. Add sausage back to pan pour Alfredo sauce and drained diced tomatoes over it. Cook until heated through. Serve over pasta. Simple and yummy!
Thursday night I tried another new recipe from www.allrecipes.com.
Maple Sausage Skillet
Ingredients
* 1/2 pound fully cooked kielbasa or Polish sausage, sliced
* 1 teaspoon canola oil
* 1 medium green pepper, thinly sliced
* 1 small onion, halved and sliced
* 1 1/2 cups sliced fresh mushrooms
* 1 celery rib, sliced
* 2 tablespoons maple syrup
* 1/4 teaspoon pepper
* Hot cooked rice
Directions
1. In a large skillet, cook sausage in oil for 3-4 minutes or until lightly browned. Add vegetables; stir-fry 3-4 minutes longer or until crisp-tender. Stir in the syrup and pepper; heat through. Serve with rice.
We didn't have mushrooms on hand so I omitted those. We all like this.
Thursday, February 10, 2011
Awesome Giveaway!
Frugal Living and Having Fun is giving away a $25 gift card to Carolina Pad. Carolina Pad has some cute office and school supplies. I love the Hot Chocolate collection. To enter her giveaway click HERE.
Wednesday, February 9, 2011
I don't know how it happened but...
I don't know how it happened but my oldest "baby" is FIVE today! It seems like she was just born. Okay, some days it seems like she should be turning 12. She is so excited that it's her birthday that she is telling everyone. I wanted to tell her something this morning so I called her name and she responded with "you can just call me Birthday Girl today, okay Mom". HA! Happy 5th Birthday, M oops Birthday Girl. I love you!
Dinner review from last night. The Garlic Chicken was very good. T even said so so they are definitely on our make again list. The Crock-Pot Macaroni and Cheese was good however I have to say I prefer it baked in the oven. It comes out to mushy in the crock-pot for my liking. Oh, and the canned green beans were good too. =)
Dinner review from last night. The Garlic Chicken was very good. T even said so so they are definitely on our make again list. The Crock-Pot Macaroni and Cheese was good however I have to say I prefer it baked in the oven. It comes out to mushy in the crock-pot for my liking. Oh, and the canned green beans were good too. =)
Tuesday, February 8, 2011
Nutella coupon!
If you are like me and love Nutella then you will love this coupon for for $1 off. http://www.nutellausa.com/ The coupon is in the bottom right corner of the page. I love Nutella on toast, english muffins okay, I love it on anything!
Thanks Frugal Living and Having Fun for spreading the word.
Thanks Frugal Living and Having Fun for spreading the word.
Happy Birthday to my wonderful husband and M!
It is busy couple of days here. Today is T's 35th birthday and tomorrow is M's 5th birthday. Love you both bunches!
Menu for this week
Saturday: T made homemade sauce with meatballs and Italian sausage and we had made meatball subs with it for our game night with friends.
Sunday: Pasta with leftover sauce from Saturday
Monday: Pancakes, bacon and eggs for dinner
Tuesday: T's birthday dinner Garlic Chicken (for recipe click HERE, homemade macaroni and cheese (recipe in down a few posts) and vegetable
Wednesday: M's birthday dinner Hamburger Steak with Onions and Gravy (click HERE for recipe), potatoes and corn
Thursday: Steak strips with leftover macaroni and cheese and vegetable
Friday: Leftovers
Saturday: Meatloaf
Sunday: Pasta with leftover sauce from Saturday
Monday: Pancakes, bacon and eggs for dinner
Tuesday: T's birthday dinner Garlic Chicken (for recipe click HERE, homemade macaroni and cheese (recipe in down a few posts) and vegetable
Wednesday: M's birthday dinner Hamburger Steak with Onions and Gravy (click HERE for recipe), potatoes and corn
Thursday: Steak strips with leftover macaroni and cheese and vegetable
Friday: Leftovers
Saturday: Meatloaf
Catching up after a few days
We went grocery shopping as a family Saturday and thankfully didn't go over budget by much. Usually when T goes with me we spend to much money.
Shaws: I took advantage of the $1 vegetables. Philadelphia Cream Cheese for cooking is on sale for $2 and I used a $1.50 off coupon here making them $0.50 each. Regular Philadelphia Cream cheese blocks are also on sale (and there are printable coupons for them) so I picked up some.
Stop and Shop: We bought a roaster chicken (sale $0.99 lb), steak strips (on sale), ground beef (on sale for $2.99 lb), corn chips, ruffled potato chips and provolone cheese.
Big Y: This was our first time shopping at Big Y. We only shopped the sale there and had to so carefully because their prices seemed high. I did get Hood sour cream for $0.50 each, Hood Half & Half for $1.50 each, 6 boxes of Ronzoni Healthy Harvest pasta (on sale and I had coupons), Polish sausage buy 1 (for $4.29) get 2 free, Kandoo wipes buy one for $3.33 and get two free, Ristorante frozen pizza for $2.99 each (with sale and coupon), 2 loves of sliced Italian bread that was buy one get one free and strawberry jelly. I'm sure we got a few other things but I can't think of them now.
Rite Aid: I bought 2 Jiff Peanut Butter and 1 Finish Quantumatic. My total after coupons was $2.27 and I got 2 $1 +Up Rewards!
Shaws: I took advantage of the $1 vegetables. Philadelphia Cream Cheese for cooking is on sale for $2 and I used a $1.50 off coupon here making them $0.50 each. Regular Philadelphia Cream cheese blocks are also on sale (and there are printable coupons for them) so I picked up some.
Stop and Shop: We bought a roaster chicken (sale $0.99 lb), steak strips (on sale), ground beef (on sale for $2.99 lb), corn chips, ruffled potato chips and provolone cheese.
Big Y: This was our first time shopping at Big Y. We only shopped the sale there and had to so carefully because their prices seemed high. I did get Hood sour cream for $0.50 each, Hood Half & Half for $1.50 each, 6 boxes of Ronzoni Healthy Harvest pasta (on sale and I had coupons), Polish sausage buy 1 (for $4.29) get 2 free, Kandoo wipes buy one for $3.33 and get two free, Ristorante frozen pizza for $2.99 each (with sale and coupon), 2 loves of sliced Italian bread that was buy one get one free and strawberry jelly. I'm sure we got a few other things but I can't think of them now.
Rite Aid: I bought 2 Jiff Peanut Butter and 1 Finish Quantumatic. My total after coupons was $2.27 and I got 2 $1 +Up Rewards!
Wednesday, February 2, 2011
Do you want $35 in Proctor and Gamble coupons?
Then click here to fill out the form and order yours.
To all those who prayed for the snow to stop....
Thank you, we now have ice everywhere. The only way I like ice is in my drink. Not on my driveway, roof, car etc. With that said, it sure is pretty to look at.
Husband just text me and let me know that 1/2 the roads to get him home from work are closed due to flooding. It is 34 degrees out right now and melting some of the ice and snow.
Husband just text me and let me know that 1/2 the roads to get him home from work are closed due to flooding. It is 34 degrees out right now and melting some of the ice and snow.
Tuesday, February 1, 2011
My Kindle review
T was nice enough to get me a Kindle for Christmas. I absolutely love it. I usually read one book a month if I'm lucky. Well, Kindle changed that for me. I read 4 books during the month of January! I haven't paid for any books yet thanks to Amazon's free ebooks. I've read:
1. Mossy Creek by Smith, Deborah, Chastain, Sandra, Dixon, Debra, Ellis, Virginia, Knight, Nancy, Ball, Donna. I loved this book! This book sucked me in and I didn't want to put it down. I did have to pay attention b/c every chapter would which person was telling the story. The ending didn't finish the "story" but left it open so you have to read the next book in the series. I was bummed to find out they (there are 7 total) weren't free too. Instead of paying for them I've requested the next two from the public library and will get them in a few days.
2. Stuck In The Middle (Sister-to-sister book 1) by Smith, Virginia. Also an easy read. This one was is a light Christian book and had some Bible verses throughout.
3. The Bride's Baby by Liz Fielding. This is book was good. I will add the following one to my list but won't read it until I have finished the series of others that I enjoyed more.
4. The Potluck Club (The Potluck Club, Book 1) by Shepherd, Linda Evans, Everson, Eva Marie. This one was good too. I like that it is set up in a small town where everyone knows everyone. A lot like the town I grew up in. This is about a group of women who started a prayer chain (and gossip group) that met once a month and named themselves "The Potluck Club". I would like to read more of this series too.
T says he read that Kindle is suppose to upgrade some time this year so that Kindle owners can download from public libraries. I sure hope so and can't wait!
1. Mossy Creek by Smith, Deborah, Chastain, Sandra, Dixon, Debra, Ellis, Virginia, Knight, Nancy, Ball, Donna. I loved this book! This book sucked me in and I didn't want to put it down. I did have to pay attention b/c every chapter would which person was telling the story. The ending didn't finish the "story" but left it open so you have to read the next book in the series. I was bummed to find out they (there are 7 total) weren't free too. Instead of paying for them I've requested the next two from the public library and will get them in a few days.
2. Stuck In The Middle (Sister-to-sister book 1) by Smith, Virginia. Also an easy read. This one was is a light Christian book and had some Bible verses throughout.
3. The Bride's Baby by Liz Fielding. This is book was good. I will add the following one to my list but won't read it until I have finished the series of others that I enjoyed more.
4. The Potluck Club (The Potluck Club, Book 1) by Shepherd, Linda Evans, Everson, Eva Marie. This one was good too. I like that it is set up in a small town where everyone knows everyone. A lot like the town I grew up in. This is about a group of women who started a prayer chain (and gossip group) that met once a month and named themselves "The Potluck Club". I would like to read more of this series too.
T says he read that Kindle is suppose to upgrade some time this year so that Kindle owners can download from public libraries. I sure hope so and can't wait!
Menu for this week
Sunday: Pasta with meatballs
Monday: Country Fried Steak and milk gravy, mashed potatoes, corn and biscuits
Tuesday: Cumin Chicken with apples, rice and green beans
Wednesday: Garlic-Herb Roast Pork, rice pilaf and peas
Thursday: Salad and Crock-pot Macaroni and Cheese (recipe in earlier post)
Friday: Leftovers
Saturday: Soup and Hot Sandwichs
Monday: Country Fried Steak and milk gravy, mashed potatoes, corn and biscuits
Tuesday: Cumin Chicken with apples, rice and green beans
Wednesday: Garlic-Herb Roast Pork, rice pilaf and peas
Thursday: Salad and Crock-pot Macaroni and Cheese (recipe in earlier post)
Friday: Leftovers
Saturday: Soup and Hot Sandwichs
More snow and a wintery mix today
I love snow! It is so pretty to look at and we love playing in as a family. It is one of the many things I love about living in New England.
What I don't like is the freezing rain we are getting today and icy mess that is to come tomorrow. It's dangerous to travel in so the girls and I stay home when it's like this. T still has to go to work so I wait nervously to hear he made it work safely and again for him to come home.
Does anyone want to swing?
Monday, January 31, 2011
Blogger Sarah Says is giving away a $20 Amazon gift card
Go here and enter to read her post about giving away a $20 Amazon gift card in honor of reaching 50 followers. I entered and really hope I win this one so I can purchase some books for my Kindle.
More snow on its way
We watched the news this morning to find out that more snow is on the way for tomorrow and possible ice storm for Wednesday. I don't mind snow but I'm not a big fan of ice on roads. At this point all I can do is hope the school has air conditioning because it is starting to look like the kids will have to go all summer to make up for these snow days. j/k The kids and I love playing in the snow but there is so much snow on the ground that the kids can't walk in it with out falling continuously. I can barely walk in it at this point. I think we should make a snow fort/hut/igloo this week so at least they can enjoy it that way.
Sunday, January 30, 2011
Grocery Shopping day today.
Started with a budget of $80. I had cash so I had to be careful not to go over. This is a good tip for anyone trying to stick to a budget. Take cash and leave your checkbook, debit and credit cards at home. You will stick to your budget one way or the other (being careful or taking things off your order at cash register). I went to three stores.
The first stop was McQuades because I only needed a few things from there. 2 Heluva Good Cheese bars 2/$3, 2 Gallons of Best Yet Milk $2.39 and 1 lb Land O' Lakes Cheese from the Deli. Total $11.83- $1 coupon for Heluva Good cheese and $1 coupon for LOL Cheese = $9.83
Second stop was Shaws. I won't type out everything I bought on here b/c I've already done that in an Excel spreadsheet and quit frankly I am to tired to do it again. ;) I'll give you the bottom line though. Total before sales and coupons was $177.28. Total after sales $120.30. Total coupons used $67.00. Total OOP (Out of Pocket) $53.30 I had a little trouble with one transaction here where a $10 coupon didn't print but the service desk fixed it by giving me $10 cash. So my total OOP was really $43.30
My third and final stop was at Stop and Shop. I really wanted to pick up a couple packs of boneless skinless chicken breast that they have on sale for $1.99 but they were sold out when I got there. Not a big deal b/c we will pick some up later in the week but I had to think fast and see what other meat was on sale that I could cook this week. I ended up buying a package of chicken leg quarters (don't know how I'm going to cook them yet) and a pack of cube steak. I also bought red seedless grapes, bag of lettuce, Oscar Mayer smoked turkey, Oscar Mayer Honey Ham, vegetable oil, bag of S&S chips, S&S butter (4 stick pack), Big Daisy Bread, Suave shampoo and a Suave conditioner. Total before savings $41.13. I saved $12.24 in sales, $0.15 for reusable bags and $3 in coupons. Total after Savings $26.02 (includes tax).
Total Spent $79.15
I'll come up with my new meal plan for the week tomorrow and post it.
By the way, I forgot to mention that I did this with my two year old in tow. Oh my! It is much easier by myself but she added some interest to my day for sure.
The first stop was McQuades because I only needed a few things from there. 2 Heluva Good Cheese bars 2/$3, 2 Gallons of Best Yet Milk $2.39 and 1 lb Land O' Lakes Cheese from the Deli. Total $11.83- $1 coupon for Heluva Good cheese and $1 coupon for LOL Cheese = $9.83
Second stop was Shaws. I won't type out everything I bought on here b/c I've already done that in an Excel spreadsheet and quit frankly I am to tired to do it again. ;) I'll give you the bottom line though. Total before sales and coupons was $177.28. Total after sales $120.30. Total coupons used $67.00. Total OOP (Out of Pocket) $53.30 I had a little trouble with one transaction here where a $10 coupon didn't print but the service desk fixed it by giving me $10 cash. So my total OOP was really $43.30
My third and final stop was at Stop and Shop. I really wanted to pick up a couple packs of boneless skinless chicken breast that they have on sale for $1.99 but they were sold out when I got there. Not a big deal b/c we will pick some up later in the week but I had to think fast and see what other meat was on sale that I could cook this week. I ended up buying a package of chicken leg quarters (don't know how I'm going to cook them yet) and a pack of cube steak. I also bought red seedless grapes, bag of lettuce, Oscar Mayer smoked turkey, Oscar Mayer Honey Ham, vegetable oil, bag of S&S chips, S&S butter (4 stick pack), Big Daisy Bread, Suave shampoo and a Suave conditioner. Total before savings $41.13. I saved $12.24 in sales, $0.15 for reusable bags and $3 in coupons. Total after Savings $26.02 (includes tax).
Total Spent $79.15
I'll come up with my new meal plan for the week tomorrow and post it.
By the way, I forgot to mention that I did this with my two year old in tow. Oh my! It is much easier by myself but she added some interest to my day for sure.
Saturday, January 29, 2011
Two recipe raves from yesterday
We went over to a friends house last night for dinner and she made home made macaroni and cheese in the crock-pot. I love home made mac & cheese so I couldn't wait to try it. The recipe did not disappoint. It was so good I am planning on making it later this week for us. I made Pudding Poke Cake for dessert. It was so easy and inexpensive to make and delicious. Here are the recipes.
CROCK POT MACARONI & CHEESE
Ingredients:
1 16 ounce box Barilla Elbow macaroni (cooked til al dente)
1/2 stick of butter
16 ounces of sharp cheddar cheese, grated
3 eggs, beaten
1/2 cup sour cream
1 (10 3/4 oz) can condensed Cheddar Cheese soup
1/2 teasp salt (I omit this)
1 cup of whole milk (may sub low fat, but why?)
1/2 teasp dry mustard
1/2 teasp fresh cracked black pepper
Directions: While the macaroni is cooking...In a separate pan, mix butter and cheddar cheese. Heat on low/med until the cheese is melted. In a slow cooker, combine the cheese/butter mixture and add the eggs, sour cream, soup, salt, milk, mustard and pepper and stir well with a whisk. Then add drained macaroni and stir again with large spoon. Set the cooker to low and cook for 3 hours, stirring occasionally.
For those of you missing the crunchy bread crumb topping, you may make that separately and serve on the side, but really, it doesn't need it!
I borrowed this from the food network and tweaked it a bit...Enjoy!
Pudding Poke Cake
Original Recipe Yield 1 - 9x13 inch cake
Ingredients
* 1 (18.25 ounce) package yellow cake mix
* 2 (3.9 ounce) packages instant chocolate pudding mix
* 1 cup confectioners' sugar
* 4 cups milk
Directions
1. Prepare and bake cake mix according to package directions for one 9x13 inch cake. Remove cake from oven. Poke holes at once down through cake to pan with the round handle of a wooden spoon. Holes should be at 1 inch intervals.
2. Combine the pudding mix with the confectioners' sugar and gradually stir in the milk. Beat with an electric mixer at low speed for not more than 1 minute. Do not over beat. Quickly, before pudding thickens, pour about 1/2 of the thin pudding evenly over the warm cake and into the holes. (This will make the stripes in the cake.) Allow the remaining pudding to thicken slightly then spoon over the top, and spread to frost the top of the cake. Chill for at least 1 hour before serving. Store leftovers in the refrigerator.
Variations: a boxed butter cake mix and banana pudding for filling the holes and a chocolate pudding for the "frosting." Very much like banana Boston Cream pie. Yellow cake or white cake with butterscotch, pistachio, banana, coconut or vanilla pudding. Chocolate cake with chocolate, vanilla, or coconut pudding.
CROCK POT MACARONI & CHEESE
Ingredients:
1 16 ounce box Barilla Elbow macaroni (cooked til al dente)
1/2 stick of butter
16 ounces of sharp cheddar cheese, grated
3 eggs, beaten
1/2 cup sour cream
1 (10 3/4 oz) can condensed Cheddar Cheese soup
1/2 teasp salt (I omit this)
1 cup of whole milk (may sub low fat, but why?)
1/2 teasp dry mustard
1/2 teasp fresh cracked black pepper
Directions: While the macaroni is cooking...In a separate pan, mix butter and cheddar cheese. Heat on low/med until the cheese is melted. In a slow cooker, combine the cheese/butter mixture and add the eggs, sour cream, soup, salt, milk, mustard and pepper and stir well with a whisk. Then add drained macaroni and stir again with large spoon. Set the cooker to low and cook for 3 hours, stirring occasionally.
For those of you missing the crunchy bread crumb topping, you may make that separately and serve on the side, but really, it doesn't need it!
I borrowed this from the food network and tweaked it a bit...Enjoy!
Pudding Poke Cake
Original Recipe Yield 1 - 9x13 inch cake
Ingredients
* 1 (18.25 ounce) package yellow cake mix
* 2 (3.9 ounce) packages instant chocolate pudding mix
* 1 cup confectioners' sugar
* 4 cups milk
Directions
1. Prepare and bake cake mix according to package directions for one 9x13 inch cake. Remove cake from oven. Poke holes at once down through cake to pan with the round handle of a wooden spoon. Holes should be at 1 inch intervals.
2. Combine the pudding mix with the confectioners' sugar and gradually stir in the milk. Beat with an electric mixer at low speed for not more than 1 minute. Do not over beat. Quickly, before pudding thickens, pour about 1/2 of the thin pudding evenly over the warm cake and into the holes. (This will make the stripes in the cake.) Allow the remaining pudding to thicken slightly then spoon over the top, and spread to frost the top of the cake. Chill for at least 1 hour before serving. Store leftovers in the refrigerator.
Variations: a boxed butter cake mix and banana pudding for filling the holes and a chocolate pudding for the "frosting." Very much like banana Boston Cream pie. Yellow cake or white cake with butterscotch, pistachio, banana, coconut or vanilla pudding. Chocolate cake with chocolate, vanilla, or coconut pudding.
Friday, January 28, 2011
Switching things up a bit
So I've decided to get back into blogging and adding my coupons tips, meal planning, recipes and other things as well. I am hoping it will help others and help me stay on track as far as meal planning and grocery budget.
Last week I bought a pork shoulder and on Monday made Cynthia's Spicy Shredded Pork. We all loved it. The girls ate two tacos each! M even asked for it again the next day so I obliged. We still had plenty of shredded pork left so T and I had to figure out what to cook with it. I thought of making brunswick stew. I found this "Get A Husband Brunswick Stew" and decided to make it on Wednesday. It came out yummy and reminded of being in a bbq restaurant in GA. I loved that it made enough for T and I to have for lunch Thursday and Friday.
I also bought a roaster chicken (b/c they were on sale for $0.99 a lb, we can get multiple meals we love chicken). Thursday I made Roast Sticky Chicken-Rotisserie Style. The directions say to cook it at 250 degrees for 5 hours but that doesn't work for me. I leave it at 250 for 2 hours then cover the chicken with aluminum foil, turn the temp up to 350 and the chicken is done in about an hour. We are eating at a friends house tonight so I don't have to cook. Yay! Tomorrow I will chop up some of the leftover chicken and either make Joanna's Chicken Tortilla Soup For the Crock-Pot or Chicken Enchiladas V. I know we will still have some chicken leftover so on Sunday T will boil chicken and make his homemade chicken soup. This one $7.77 chicken will feed us for about 4 days doing it this way. Not bad!
Last week I bought a pork shoulder and on Monday made Cynthia's Spicy Shredded Pork. We all loved it. The girls ate two tacos each! M even asked for it again the next day so I obliged. We still had plenty of shredded pork left so T and I had to figure out what to cook with it. I thought of making brunswick stew. I found this "Get A Husband Brunswick Stew" and decided to make it on Wednesday. It came out yummy and reminded of being in a bbq restaurant in GA. I loved that it made enough for T and I to have for lunch Thursday and Friday.
I also bought a roaster chicken (b/c they were on sale for $0.99 a lb, we can get multiple meals we love chicken). Thursday I made Roast Sticky Chicken-Rotisserie Style. The directions say to cook it at 250 degrees for 5 hours but that doesn't work for me. I leave it at 250 for 2 hours then cover the chicken with aluminum foil, turn the temp up to 350 and the chicken is done in about an hour. We are eating at a friends house tonight so I don't have to cook. Yay! Tomorrow I will chop up some of the leftover chicken and either make Joanna's Chicken Tortilla Soup For the Crock-Pot or Chicken Enchiladas V. I know we will still have some chicken leftover so on Sunday T will boil chicken and make his homemade chicken soup. This one $7.77 chicken will feed us for about 4 days doing it this way. Not bad!
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