tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-46460894403614195972024-02-18T19:03:20.076-08:00The Rainbow Creek KitchenReal Food for Real People: Recipe Free!Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17582121829922680461noreply@blogger.comBlogger51125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4646089440361419597.post-25118023589514001732011-11-28T02:34:00.000-08:002011-11-28T02:34:54.003-08:00Menu Plan Monday<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">I am definitely off budget now to the point of not even wanting to talk about it. Signing up for the school craft fair, Thanksgiving and a family birthday party caused me to lose my mind, so I am pleading temporary insanity. At least I hope it is temporary, but the holidays are here now and I am pretty sure my rehabilitation is going to require more than a stern talk with myself. A written plan is my only hope of getting back on track. Starting with a menu plan seems like a good first step anyway.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">The grocery stores are off limits for this week except for bread and milk. I'll have Mr. Rainbow Creek pick those up because he can always be counted on not to deviate from the list. That's just one of those things that men are good at, and somebody has to be! We have plenty of food anyways, so I might even be able to stretch for 10 days without shopping.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">Breakfast:</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">Belgian waffles</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">Cereal</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">Yogurt</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">Toaster Strudel</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">Dinner:</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">Monday: Steak and black bean chili, corn muffins</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">Tuesday: Pork chops, mashed potatoes, corn</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">Wednesday: Chicken and cheese enchiladas, black beans</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">Thursday: Pot roast, potatoes and carrots</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">Friday: Pizza</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">Saturday: Leftover pot roast or enchiladas</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">Sunday: Grilled chicken, oven fries, mixed vegetables</span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17582121829922680461noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4646089440361419597.post-4404266243079703872011-10-05T02:25:00.000-07:002011-10-05T02:27:02.963-07:00Nesting Time<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">Well the good news is I didn't miss out on the Concord Grape harvest at Marly's while I was gone to visit my parents. I seriously considered telling my sis that I couldn't go because I was worried they would ripen while we were gone. We got priorities here, and grape jam is right up there at the top when you have as many PB&J eaters in the house as we do.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">When I got home I went out to the store and decided to stop by Marly's to check on the grapes, only to find that the gate was locked because she had furbaby visitors last week. I drove to the back and it was locked too. I noticed that the fence was only as high as my hip so figured I could jump over and take a peek. Yeah, well I couldn't jump a fence 25 years ago when I was young, so what the heck was I thinking. Plan B: I pulled a trash can over and gingerly stepped on it. But then, as I was hoisting myself over, the lid went crashing in, my leg plunged into the can and I landed hard, astraddling that chain link fence. oooouuchh! As I "sat" on the fence for a few moments contemplating whether this might be a permanent injury I decided there was nothing to do but get over it and carry on with my mission.</span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEin3780p9faj6p0uMYf7hujtEAeF9MEFk_-FRW55sSkDEAZsVsulhlfxO062Q7IbZ4kgvcxIsIh3CsxlzKZQxg_-9eomje963NDXfUHY74PV9xqwfj9O1g-yJYnA77Lr7wrN2ldPNq4OjJD/s1600/531_0253.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEin3780p9faj6p0uMYf7hujtEAeF9MEFk_-FRW55sSkDEAZsVsulhlfxO062Q7IbZ4kgvcxIsIh3CsxlzKZQxg_-9eomje963NDXfUHY74PV9xqwfj9O1g-yJYnA77Lr7wrN2ldPNq4OjJD/s320/531_0253.JPG" width="320" /></span></a></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">And I guess my timing couldn't have been more perfect! Eat our heart out Welch's, those Concord Grapes shall be mine!</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">Marly had a good laugh when I told her about my fence "hopping" adventure, and she left the gate open for me to come back with a couple helpers to harvest the fragrant little jewels.</span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtW1nEPVUN8M061rG87CLdRADha_AC0pHez-N26rBMZDNXB35_AyNG7Ng9RMg11lYlbF1T0jtg0WzDu1hR_ITWK0wFSlzIo4llpXwQ8HFbcgrJeFVCzEP3dH90GbRBOWSiga107Xwn4GO5/s1600/531_0252.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtW1nEPVUN8M061rG87CLdRADha_AC0pHez-N26rBMZDNXB35_AyNG7Ng9RMg11lYlbF1T0jtg0WzDu1hR_ITWK0wFSlzIo4llpXwQ8HFbcgrJeFVCzEP3dH90GbRBOWSiga107Xwn4GO5/s320/531_0252.JPG" width="320" /></span></a></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">Miss Morgy May took the job very seriously as she has a great interest in being sure that Grandpa has an adequate supply of jam to keep the two of them well fed on PB&J for the year. Both of my helpers helped themselves to many samples just to be sure these grapes were at their peak.</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0TBYXrr-jl_gvy-fGg2NHuxSIYTT14bELQ4ogoKBE2FkYM41D72lzDj77Z5bUzakdYIND-DcPFCc8mgEPFYm_-fwvWopO6IcJwjzLfkTUIanAVvP-pirMpyES5a2W55bvlrxdd8QEINTD/s1600/531_0255.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0TBYXrr-jl_gvy-fGg2NHuxSIYTT14bELQ4ogoKBE2FkYM41D72lzDj77Z5bUzakdYIND-DcPFCc8mgEPFYm_-fwvWopO6IcJwjzLfkTUIanAVvP-pirMpyES5a2W55bvlrxdd8QEINTD/s320/531_0255.JPG" width="320" /></span></a></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">Little C-man discovered a cement mixing truck and determined that it was the perfect vehicle for delivering grapes into the collection bin.</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVGryzJj5fFbfvwa2PLisw8r6x9v8ddU8JC0hjW6eAERPPIBhHyBNGEEVOdzvan_-rRpVBp0Bh6Xfo1GGSaA960pmKNTIaHdZIt3V7MSxf_nnUvpvJF4plNoBw5nHaCeKlY65_0QiB2N2x/s1600/531_0256.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVGryzJj5fFbfvwa2PLisw8r6x9v8ddU8JC0hjW6eAERPPIBhHyBNGEEVOdzvan_-rRpVBp0Bh6Xfo1GGSaA960pmKNTIaHdZIt3V7MSxf_nnUvpvJF4plNoBw5nHaCeKlY65_0QiB2N2x/s320/531_0256.JPG" width="320" /></span></a></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeV2dSiNnSdJ60vdQ67TaZCVo1Imh-mSenUqY-Fgfy9CJyaSmmU3iP-H-_TCqlbJGZ3Tw3ghV7SeDYmHQl75b_EJ9GLV41tyukNdqdyIjC7r3ixedQLQ4bHzbtPFZTao27i63VRhYz5iLp/s1600/531_0257.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeV2dSiNnSdJ60vdQ67TaZCVo1Imh-mSenUqY-Fgfy9CJyaSmmU3iP-H-_TCqlbJGZ3Tw3ghV7SeDYmHQl75b_EJ9GLV41tyukNdqdyIjC7r3ixedQLQ4bHzbtPFZTao27i63VRhYz5iLp/s320/531_0257.JPG" width="320" /></span></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">Cooperation! They got the job done and were very proud of their work.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><br />
</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">I think it was about 30+ lbs of grapes. Morgy was a big help with picking all of the grapes off the stems. What a trooper, she stuck it out for the whole tedious chore. I am sure that jam will taste extra special to her since she had such a big part in the making. I have them all cooked down and strained, about 3 gallons of juicy pulp in the refrig. I really prefer to can when there aren't children running about. Big pots of boiling water and sugar can be dangerous so I'd rather not take any chances. So I will be jammin' all day while the kids are in school. Can't wait to try it!</span></div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17582121829922680461noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4646089440361419597.post-48673746116515546042011-08-22T23:41:00.000-07:002011-08-22T23:41:43.011-07:00Menu Plan Monday<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwsZ8Dq4Oa30ahI5PXegpsFEDJtIYg_9_9oFy4XvPGOGAspHiP4rJFFxw-xzWkSKYfa613MHF3INFg8UXsaMwVXTonXxNVrWI9KOrm2Un3z1PjJEkam54WZqk_YXEwYGV4OlClH1W7rPdc/s1600/mpm3+menu+plan+monday.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwsZ8Dq4Oa30ahI5PXegpsFEDJtIYg_9_9oFy4XvPGOGAspHiP4rJFFxw-xzWkSKYfa613MHF3INFg8UXsaMwVXTonXxNVrWI9KOrm2Un3z1PjJEkam54WZqk_YXEwYGV4OlClH1W7rPdc/s1600/mpm3+menu+plan+monday.jpg" /></a></div><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiznD27Uh4A8OuTEOVzK7KP2F2TJy539h6C8ZC3jk0npJaAwB01LRUrS5rh3Re95l-8afomLhsT4XQlrxh6rAJolHKKLl92Bu3BI-OfVyZCqICaP2cgQkoGuz6nuN4LEIRdpOtvrCdcZ80F/s1600/531_0118.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiznD27Uh4A8OuTEOVzK7KP2F2TJy539h6C8ZC3jk0npJaAwB01LRUrS5rh3Re95l-8afomLhsT4XQlrxh6rAJolHKKLl92Bu3BI-OfVyZCqICaP2cgQkoGuz6nuN4LEIRdpOtvrCdcZ80F/s400/531_0118.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">It's Jelly Time! Aren't they purty? I just love seeing my jelly's lined up like beautiful jewels. I have 3 batches of strawberry and 2 batches of cherry so far. We picked up some Red Globe Peaches fresh from the orchard yesterday so I am going to be working on those tomorrow. Mr. Rainbow Creek's favorite is Cherry-Peach and he always get mad when I give it away as gifts and then run out. Guess I will try to make an extra batch or so this year. </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">Back to school came way too soon, and now Destructo Boy has football practice 4 nights/week too, so I am going to try to buckle down to some real menu planning. I have come to the conclusion that it is a lot harder than I thought it would be, but maybe I am just making it too hard. We have a ton of food to get used and I would love to make it to after Labor Day with no extra shopping trips except for milk and produce. I always say that, but never seem to make it. derrr!</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">We are loving the Belgian Waffle Maker still! I found a great simple recipe (below) and make a batch of 12 waffles at a time to put in the freezer in a zip lock bag, all ready to heat up in the toaster in the morning! I also have been pre-cooking a pound of bacon on the broiler pan in the oven, wrap it up in some paper towels and put in a zip lock to zap a couple strips in the microwave for 15 secs. in the morning for the kids. And I pre-cook sausage patties or links too. I love homemade convenience foods. And saving money too!</span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNb033xMDLngR0CsAYfjFjq4q6b9z5X5L4cD2bXoqpjUPUv5whCgWw_qE1D2LyzlFyrAxhyagXznzVs7PTABUJQ3NSvRmuMtYViOsTg4tcJRZa9mBvzuQoTiVpHi4q6unQaebvYW1zGNEY/s1600/531_0119.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNb033xMDLngR0CsAYfjFjq4q6b9z5X5L4cD2bXoqpjUPUv5whCgWw_qE1D2LyzlFyrAxhyagXznzVs7PTABUJQ3NSvRmuMtYViOsTg4tcJRZa9mBvzuQoTiVpHi4q6unQaebvYW1zGNEY/s320/531_0119.JPG" width="320" /></span></a></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"> While I was doing the jellies I figured why not make a little blueberry syrup for the waffles? I got 2 pints and it is yummmy. Might have to put a little squirt of whipped cream on there next time I have me some waffles.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">Breakfast: Waffles, cereal or PB&J</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">Monday: Grilled cheese sandwich, chips and pickles</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">Tuesday: Grilled tuna steaks, red cabbage slaw, noodles or rice</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">Wednesday: Roasted Red Pepper and Asparagus Frittata, salad </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">Thursday: Spicy Italian Roast Beef sandwiches on homemade rolls, oven roasted fries, salad </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">Friday: Grilled pizza</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">Saturday: Grilled chicken, green beans and boiled baby red potatoes</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">Sunday: Family BBQ at the lake, BIRTHDAY CAKE for Mr. Rainbow Creek! shhhhh, it's a surprise = 0)</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><b>Whole Wheat Belgian Waffles</b></span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><b>1 cup all-purpose flour</b></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><b>1 cup whole wheat flour</b></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><b>1 teaspoon kosher salt</b></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><b>4 teaspoons baking powder</b></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><b>2 tablespoons sugar or honey</b></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><b>2 eggs</b></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><b>1 1/2 cups milk</b></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><b>1/3 cup canola oil or vegetable oil</b></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><b>1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract</b></span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><b>Sift dry ingredients together in a large bowl, set aside.</b></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><b>Beat eggs in medium bowl until well blended, whisk in milk, oil and vanilla.</b></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><b>Pour the egg mixture over the dry ingredients and beat until well mixed.</b></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><b>Ladle into waffle maker, cook until golden brown and crisp, about 2 1/2 - 3 minutes.</b></span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><b>If you are going to freeze them lay on cookie sheet and allow to cool completely, place cookie sheet in freezer to individually freeze waffles before bagging them in zip lock bag. Heat in toaster or toaster oven until hot and crisp. </b></span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">I am linking up with <a href="http://orgjunkie.com/2011/08/menu-plan-monday-aug-2211.html">Organizing Junkie's Menu Plan</a> Monday. Go check it out!</span><br />
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17582121829922680461noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4646089440361419597.post-80403699381354814892011-08-07T02:23:00.000-07:002011-08-07T02:23:38.814-07:00Frugal Finds For the Week<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">I finally got a chance to get out and do my first payday of the month shopping trip on Friday. My plan was to go to Sam's and then maybe King Soopers to use a few coupons I had that were expiring that day. I skipped getting on I-470 for some reason and decided to take County Line which happens to go past a Goodwill Store and Dollar Tree next door to it. Yay! </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><br />
</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">My real purpose at Goodwill was to check and see if they had any decent jeans for the girls since school is starting so soon. We haven't figured out what those kids do on the playground to destroy their clothes so fast. But it seems that it doesn't matter if you pay $19.99 or 1.99 for jeans, the knees will be ripped out in less than a month. So that is a no-brainer isn't it?</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><br />
</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">I passed on the jeans that were on the rack, nothing too great, and I wandered to the back to look at the furniture and what-nots. Behind the furniture is the wall of small appliances and I noticed that they had a bread making machine sitting there. That is something that has been on my want list for quite a while. I just picture myself in the cold winter days baking up a fresh loaf to fill the house with that smell of fresh baked bread while my stew or pot roast is slowly simmering in my red enamel cast iron dutch oven. When everybody comes home from work and school after braving the bitter cold I will be a hero, filling them with warmth and comfort! Such is my fantasy life. But it could happen!</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><br />
</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">I noticed that there were actually several bread makers on the shelf and I pulled them all down and lined them up on a coffee table in the furniture department so I could investigate their various features. This Breadman Plus seemed to have the most potential because it makes two small loaves at a time and even has a setting for making a small batch of homemade jam. How cool is that? </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhfslR0V_YYVIToeZyL1Iqs1iGuqcr0A0Amo1cqvub_7px3Nuor3EndP2AndDru7_0L3bYA52TaMszBzmMJHzq5RiBSxhREU66HMbHIXSSCsizhprxOv4VMBHW6pd2x4rYTQ-OGrgJEn5g/s1600/531_0063.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhfslR0V_YYVIToeZyL1Iqs1iGuqcr0A0Amo1cqvub_7px3Nuor3EndP2AndDru7_0L3bYA52TaMszBzmMJHzq5RiBSxhREU66HMbHIXSSCsizhprxOv4VMBHW6pd2x4rYTQ-OGrgJEn5g/s320/531_0063.JPG" width="320" /></span></a></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">If you have ever shopped at Goodwill you know that the shelves are not meticulously organized and you have to do some digging sometimes to get to what you want. While I was trying to get one of the bread machines out I came upon this little Belgian waffle maker. </span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYWoPGQSCSbnQSGMwJ_4n-K_MBdoCRely8VxCtVS9qjAcieJt3Gs3wPgIUNv0SIuB6j2IkMeEwquHdj56dkC9PCiabR-1sksr3wvwCWElsuzoHJ7QaZsITQmq9PGluxUKlXuLper-uyoJO/s1600/531_0065.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYWoPGQSCSbnQSGMwJ_4n-K_MBdoCRely8VxCtVS9qjAcieJt3Gs3wPgIUNv0SIuB6j2IkMeEwquHdj56dkC9PCiabR-1sksr3wvwCWElsuzoHJ7QaZsITQmq9PGluxUKlXuLper-uyoJO/s320/531_0065.JPG" width="320" /></span></a></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">Whenever I travel with the kids we stay at hotels with free breakfast and one of Destructo Boy's favorite things in the world is making his own Belgian waffles at the hotel breakfast. And recently Big K told me that he has been telling people that his grandma was going to buy him a waffle maker so he could make them at home. Now I honestly can't recall this conversation, but here was an opportunity to make good on my promise for a mere $4. How could I go wrong with that?</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">Now here is the best part. I got my first "senior discount" ever in my life when I went to check out. The cashier was an older woman and she looked at me kind of funny and said, "I hate to ask this, but you don't qualify for a senior discount do you?" I asked her what the age was for seniors and she said 55. So I have been missing out on that for a whole year?? She told me I really should come back on Mondays because the discount is 25% instead of the usual 15% and I promised her I would do that!</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">My total was $20 for the waffle maker, the bread machine, a stack of paperback chapter books for the kids and a wood jewelry cabinet that is going to get a makeover for a gift.</span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgK7eR9hReYe6UMAP1i0iJZ6ZG_IisD8yELGWFZAYla_3J8Psh5DpqF1tuvNEQNsuajferqMiKviHFma99_VIr1dsBXbjgyCmxwNRRmMKM7BRVw_VvegS__DR0TpTHFeJHZeyVYmhJlIAB4/s1600/531_0067.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgK7eR9hReYe6UMAP1i0iJZ6ZG_IisD8yELGWFZAYla_3J8Psh5DpqF1tuvNEQNsuajferqMiKviHFma99_VIr1dsBXbjgyCmxwNRRmMKM7BRVw_VvegS__DR0TpTHFeJHZeyVYmhJlIAB4/s320/531_0067.JPG" width="320" /></span></a></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"> On to the Dollar Tree, I picked up a pancake mix with a waffle recipe on the side of the box.</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipTq3Dokkr7TfAGjtZYW2pDIAm_xAyXT-k01pCCJwTPHJztZl-GukqAf5EPfrbW6hEhpRZ9gtKodpiqElzZgJ76aRfqg8aXu5pKRWV6Z2hwEIGMA1tKpIhLzMaQMUPOJfGPzaGO7xu9DLf/s1600/531_0068.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipTq3Dokkr7TfAGjtZYW2pDIAm_xAyXT-k01pCCJwTPHJztZl-GukqAf5EPfrbW6hEhpRZ9gtKodpiqElzZgJ76aRfqg8aXu5pKRWV6Z2hwEIGMA1tKpIhLzMaQMUPOJfGPzaGO7xu9DLf/s320/531_0068.JPG" width="320" /></span></a></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"> Lemon juice: Miss Banana loves to make lemonade on a hot day to serve to her grandpa and friends. It is the easiest recipe ever: 1 cup of sugar, 1 cup of lemon juice, stir together in a 2 quart pitcher, fill the rest of the way with water and ice. </span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjo_CHLmKVmmUF08qw9RD_NEl2z2UP-b1yf5GO-Fxag9WILWKAN0OvhtmVcZoBJ_2zWiOMNqAuUi4lg50f0kvQkUdi7JEA2YQ3KV6m_-GhhfcUH3nmdjxj3jYXQtRgK9Oov-aWZJ-jhGkLe/s1600/531_0069.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjo_CHLmKVmmUF08qw9RD_NEl2z2UP-b1yf5GO-Fxag9WILWKAN0OvhtmVcZoBJ_2zWiOMNqAuUi4lg50f0kvQkUdi7JEA2YQ3KV6m_-GhhfcUH3nmdjxj3jYXQtRgK9Oov-aWZJ-jhGkLe/s320/531_0069.JPG" width="320" /></span></a></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">I picked up some baking mixes and spaghetti sauce and pickles too. Total $20 at the dollar store </span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjgTo_bf2-VofbzZQie3zgaghGUGY0_47Qg6bHRpYEsLibdVx9p7vtLWGQPBkB9p8YFwmPMFES7iGd4JMQVSrZXhB2pbe-gSsakJwft2zDB5eiQzHm01wAy8gfIG0lL1MHCvs_riLV4zd6/s1600/531_0066.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjgTo_bf2-VofbzZQie3zgaghGUGY0_47Qg6bHRpYEsLibdVx9p7vtLWGQPBkB9p8YFwmPMFES7iGd4JMQVSrZXhB2pbe-gSsakJwft2zDB5eiQzHm01wAy8gfIG0lL1MHCvs_riLV4zd6/s320/531_0066.JPG" width="320" /></span></a></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">When I woke up this morning Destructo Boy and Miss Banana had discovered the waffle maker and all on their own they mixed up some batter and were busy making waffles for themselves and Big K. I had to have one too. They got carried away and made a few too many but we are thinking maybe we can make them ahead and bag them up in the frig or freezer to cook in the toaster oven on school days. Goodbye expensive Eggo's!</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">Sadly, I found out today that the bread machine is missing one of the kneading paddles so I spent the day finding and printing an instruction manual and looking to see if I can order another paddle. I decided to try it out and if it works OK I would order the paddle for $5.95+shipping. </span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnOF8_v1yzRR6-oXy2rGikscmg4_zulGukpGqHimE-68hh5b804Q5Cw_5N09cBH4LkaUN5DG8gOVORCzXdpoKtyOufTzBAfUI8-LAOCeRUQCW3aS_PInj5IbRxoztdrjyImXUl7vD-grpV/s1600/531_0072.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnOF8_v1yzRR6-oXy2rGikscmg4_zulGukpGqHimE-68hh5b804Q5Cw_5N09cBH4LkaUN5DG8gOVORCzXdpoKtyOufTzBAfUI8-LAOCeRUQCW3aS_PInj5IbRxoztdrjyImXUl7vD-grpV/s320/531_0072.JPG" width="320" /></span></a></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">There is my instruction manual. It was 80 pages but I decided to just print the first 20 pages and then I can print out the recipes that I want to try later. I found a recipe on the <a href="http://www.kingarthurflour.com/recipes/bread-machine-bread-easy-as-can-be-recipe">King Arthur Flour website </a>for a basic white sandwich bread and decided to try it first. </span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjerFw9Go8fFCpYGtniOczkbow0xI5OAV_6hV2hByEn3vBYsrfK22KGbtyIrKcqVSYQ1ktWZKrV0dkaAr6MNZhzkUqWiMlAEmqtF0BmWsTUzD3PYwAbMgLoVmUe3vYhvw4Exo-vzdJZkyS6/s1600/531_0071.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjerFw9Go8fFCpYGtniOczkbow0xI5OAV_6hV2hByEn3vBYsrfK22KGbtyIrKcqVSYQ1ktWZKrV0dkaAr6MNZhzkUqWiMlAEmqtF0BmWsTUzD3PYwAbMgLoVmUe3vYhvw4Exo-vzdJZkyS6/s320/531_0071.JPG" width="320" /></span></a></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">And here it is! Cheap, easy, delicious and kid approved. I didn't have any whole wheat flour on hand that I trusted, but I am going to get some fresh and try to make it a little healthier next time. Once I get the other kneading paddle I might just cut out store bought bread altogether. Wouldn't that be nice?</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">So my frugal Friday was pretty successful and turned into a lot of fun. Next week I think I might try making my own laundry soap. I read about it<a href="http://www.thefamilyhomestead.com/laundrysoap2.htm"> here at The Family Homestead,</a> and it sounds pretty easy. Mr. Rainbow Creek might think I am going off the deep end when he hears about this, but why not give it a try? It does look kind of gooey and messy scooping this gel concoction out of a bucket, will have to let you know how that goes.</span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17582121829922680461noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4646089440361419597.post-80401894617577619692011-07-29T02:05:00.000-07:002011-07-29T02:07:24.211-07:00Frugal Friday- Iced Coffee<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">Heading into our 2nd month of serious buckling down on the budget and I have to admit that I have fallen back on the debit card a few times for some off budget items. Oh well, at least I am paying attention and making those decisions, and mostly they were things we need. Like when you happen to find Levi's in the right size at Sam's Club for $22 and you know hubby is down to raggedy work pants then that's a good choice to buy them. Bath and Bodyworks and Victoria's Secret, not so much. But I had coupons!</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnbuXc0gf96YW7C6D4S1wL-sRRyN25rCPZkMIzw3J6GsIq4ULwQhdB1FU1wAHX9klUGZtZNP7jL4dGgREtERwKmGEz58QTOWK1WRvmAqErCsF69JUn08G204drqZNgFHhwURRUTM3gsKA0/s1600/pBBW1-9453732v275.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnbuXc0gf96YW7C6D4S1wL-sRRyN25rCPZkMIzw3J6GsIq4ULwQhdB1FU1wAHX9klUGZtZNP7jL4dGgREtERwKmGEz58QTOWK1WRvmAqErCsF69JUn08G204drqZNgFHhwURRUTM3gsKA0/s320/pBBW1-9453732v275.jpg" width="211" /></span></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"> Love this stuff!</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUU_3HNgL5QqqzQh-XICk0lcVRkqOF0KyRLLvyQ4YPghDydlo5Odq5K5jQqZhs4pKY3Ztq0WoMXT25Sli8uzjflRuT-Ao6GSmk-_EtlDGkF8qbAWANw12sT2R4ePP0RFEMNLtk_E48MNHm/s1600/V316712_RCR25.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUU_3HNgL5QqqzQh-XICk0lcVRkqOF0KyRLLvyQ4YPghDydlo5Odq5K5jQqZhs4pKY3Ztq0WoMXT25Sli8uzjflRuT-Ao6GSmk-_EtlDGkF8qbAWANw12sT2R4ePP0RFEMNLtk_E48MNHm/s320/V316712_RCR25.jpg" width="237" /></span></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">It doesn't look like that on me! Go figure...</span></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">Now back to the frugal Friday tip. I saw this post about a recipe for <a href="http://query.nytimes.com/gst/fullpage.html?res=9903efd71f3ff934a15755c0a9619c8b63">cold-brewed coffee</a> from the New York Times and I really love a good iced coffee. </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">When I was on the east coast Dunkin' Donuts knew how to do them right, but here in Colorado I have found it is really hit and miss. McD's has great coffee, and their iced coffee would be good if they didn't always screw up the sugar somehow. Starbucks has been less than stellar, not sure why, but iced coffee doesn't seem to be their forte. So I got all excited when I saw this cold-brewed coffee idea and decided to give it a try. Only problem was that I wasn't too excited about the messy process of straining the grinds out of the water after it brewed for 12 hours. The first time I tried it I discovered that I had a few filter bags of coffee like the ones they put in the hotels for the in-room coffee service. Picked those up at the cabin we rented a couple months ago, what can I say ;) So I put them in a mason jar with 1 1/2 cups of water/bag and let them stand overnight and voila! No muss, no fuss and it was really good. </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">Now I don't have a regular supply of those bags, but I figured I could make them myself with some coffee filters and string. I actually used button thread because that is what I had on hand, kitchen twine would work too if you have some and can find it, but I couldn't find mine of course.</span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiCSuCy_8mZBpRUhsjaqz8Hh9MS_450a1LE5raj1G7CcdO0YXPjUgWedM6HCYH-YnaSqktTTfg5vft2LaJrR439bbR2ocYyVgGLR1tv5WhcMRpeMpX9s7d4zhjX9LcnC0o499omx1txyH-/s1600/531_0047.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiCSuCy_8mZBpRUhsjaqz8Hh9MS_450a1LE5raj1G7CcdO0YXPjUgWedM6HCYH-YnaSqktTTfg5vft2LaJrR439bbR2ocYyVgGLR1tv5WhcMRpeMpX9s7d4zhjX9LcnC0o499omx1txyH-/s320/531_0047.JPG" width="320" /></span></a></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"> Since Big K commutes every day I have been making a pitcher full and keeping it in the frig. I make 1 coffee bag for every 1 1/2 cups of water. </span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4vIn_MpoToZ6G82afA54fvTcPDXV1b-sb_lfvCqRd543tHd3abr7bvWIsADXoD6mLWYzITRmCavFwbxhRV3R1hLrXFAVA0nuxf_oz-VBCbCAPuvcq2HvnF5GQ3fbPvQztVtiMstHieHV7/s1600/531_0049.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4vIn_MpoToZ6G82afA54fvTcPDXV1b-sb_lfvCqRd543tHd3abr7bvWIsADXoD6mLWYzITRmCavFwbxhRV3R1hLrXFAVA0nuxf_oz-VBCbCAPuvcq2HvnF5GQ3fbPvQztVtiMstHieHV7/s320/531_0049.JPG" width="320" /></span></a></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"> Put 1/3 cup of coffee in the filter, then cut a piece of thread or twine long enough to tie around the top a couple of times.</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9fo2RU2yPaq49B6zOM3ojWn0BRVr6KGwgNfyGyXP6BjR7HI5qHqQT8NvrKyT7q7mRTLq_C06iFL0ssj8xtRmy_clRlCx5jtkxRfyPtVlVodotCLtHSpBy1n1u0ygFm8Az6Q2BaYhE0hyg/s1600/531_0052.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9fo2RU2yPaq49B6zOM3ojWn0BRVr6KGwgNfyGyXP6BjR7HI5qHqQT8NvrKyT7q7mRTLq_C06iFL0ssj8xtRmy_clRlCx5jtkxRfyPtVlVodotCLtHSpBy1n1u0ygFm8Az6Q2BaYhE0hyg/s320/531_0052.JPG" width="320" /></span></a></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"> Carefully gather the top of the filter, tie it into a neat little bundle like this.</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQuI9Z2Ab0htDkRuQxNnlPzqXnBRHvjufUs82uOCI3PqpUJU7fLVT5VfrslPzMOs-cjxTTfIMsz5-HUN_E45KNrIkoKzGAUkajjtHmRaEc9fhcOYzDvixa_PNU1ks9Lh2peTjUFtC25_dW/s1600/531_0053.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQuI9Z2Ab0htDkRuQxNnlPzqXnBRHvjufUs82uOCI3PqpUJU7fLVT5VfrslPzMOs-cjxTTfIMsz5-HUN_E45KNrIkoKzGAUkajjtHmRaEc9fhcOYzDvixa_PNU1ks9Lh2peTjUFtC25_dW/s320/531_0053.JPG" width="320" /></span></a></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"> Measure 1 1/2 cups of water for each bag and put the bags in the pitcher. Let it stand for at least 12 hours. Remove bags and refrigerate. </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">WARNING! DO NOT attempt to squeeze the liquid out of the bags when removing them. They will burst open and you will have a huge mess of grinds in your coffee concentrate. Yuck! You don't want that. Then you will have to strain it, which is what you were trying to avoid by making these nice little filter bundles.</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRHtgxDhNvFWaKsUccnEr2SkWu3gF3U4jdlD7dCCNt45ikhKkvr0h_pYfv5lLOUyrl06amasfNL5Ol6EpzMaTZYb_7bUJwqpo8Kwcxsa7kEprj0AKwppkti5y6u_zy4yZHrCdPIY3upc7p/s1600/531_0055.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRHtgxDhNvFWaKsUccnEr2SkWu3gF3U4jdlD7dCCNt45ikhKkvr0h_pYfv5lLOUyrl06amasfNL5Ol6EpzMaTZYb_7bUJwqpo8Kwcxsa7kEprj0AKwppkti5y6u_zy4yZHrCdPIY3upc7p/s320/531_0055.JPG" width="320" /></span></a></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"> Now if you are commuting you can get yourself a nice reusable cup like this at WalMart and fill it with ice, fill about 2/3 full with coffee, fill the rest with milk and add sugar or Splenda to taste. Now get yourself a "tip jar" and deposit $2 that you saved by doing it yourself! Hey, that is $10/week that you didn't even plan to save!</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwqNuCb2DZMFu9SAtkG3r-9eecINzAHSe9x8poGxt2wb-eQoTo6E_KWSoPs_ZIx2nwG2i3mnircH0TTXh2BWYjNS8fsOKrvKryjhVeF5UI5DbU1hrbDzJmDBpuhyOOK4xIXIHSmt7RQjXK/s1600/531_0056.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwqNuCb2DZMFu9SAtkG3r-9eecINzAHSe9x8poGxt2wb-eQoTo6E_KWSoPs_ZIx2nwG2i3mnircH0TTXh2BWYjNS8fsOKrvKryjhVeF5UI5DbU1hrbDzJmDBpuhyOOK4xIXIHSmt7RQjXK/s320/531_0056.JPG" width="320" /></span></a></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">.And since she discovered the coffee Big K got the idea to buy this little pitcher and make her own iced tea to take to the office instead of going to 7-11 or Subway and paying $2/day for it. She fills it with water every night, drops in 2 tea bags and sets it in the 'frig. In the morning she fills it the rest of the way with ice. That's another $2/day in the "tip jar." I always see these articles about how to save money, and beverages like coffee, tea and bottled water seem to top the list of money wasters. But you don't have to give them up, just DIY and save yourself a lot of money too!</span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17582121829922680461noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4646089440361419597.post-80203245669501340522011-07-23T01:57:00.000-07:002011-07-23T01:57:15.762-07:00The Kitchen is Open<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">The Rainbow Creek Kitchen is re-opening. I was initially planning to integrate all my posts on food and budgeting over at Up the Rainbow Creek. But then I thought it might be nice to have a place to chronicle my journey separately from my crafty space. And here I am again.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">One of the reasons I quit this blog is that I was facing too many challenges in trying to accomplish what I wanted here. The first one being my horrific kitchen is just not conducive to food blogging. Another issue was our blended family and the fact that we have food issues here. But I am working through those issues and more and more I find myself wanting to share these experiences and blogging in my head about the little tidbits that I think others might find useful or interesting.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">So I made some decisions today and I am going to move ahead and face my challenges and do what I can.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">If you want to take a chance on following along or stopping by for an occasional visit at The Rainbow Creek Kitchen here is what you can expect to find:</span><br />
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<ol><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Some good recipes that I know you will love to try. But I don't guarantee that I will have perfect measurements. You have to be willing to "wing it" a bit to follow my recipes. That is because I am a little loosey oosey when it comes to cooking. I tend to throw things together and if they turn out good I try to remember how I did it so I can share it or do it again. But I am always around and willing to answer questions if you want to ask, or just call me up while you are cooking dinner and I will talk you through it. Really. I am used to that because that is how my daughter's all learned to cook.</span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">A look at how we are learning to budget and live more frugally. This is the end of Month 1 of my plan to live a simpler more stress free life. And even though we are still light years away from our goal I can tell you that I am already feeling calmer and more focused.</span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">A focus on living and eating healthy and fresh foods that are affordable and kid friendly.</span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">An occasional rant.</span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Horrible pictures from the ugliest kitchen on the planet, which will most likely be the subject of the occasional rant.</span></li>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEkqg9pQyfttaTHpQvo9_WxpLm_lSsnqxDMTEB-phhaqHzfITkIEmsZrNr2GFmtlSzfmYZ46HLTAHsvoTRrygb9ygttQFYcKGEJxWlGzS8lIDpdhPwwCUJ1rQCMmuyqEGuLBs4qWuM0HkA/s1600/CIMG2426.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEkqg9pQyfttaTHpQvo9_WxpLm_lSsnqxDMTEB-phhaqHzfITkIEmsZrNr2GFmtlSzfmYZ46HLTAHsvoTRrygb9ygttQFYcKGEJxWlGzS8lIDpdhPwwCUJ1rQCMmuyqEGuLBs4qWuM0HkA/s320/CIMG2426.JPG" width="320" /></span></a></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">See, that is actually a delicious Warm Steak and Spinach Salad w/balsamic vinagrette and Gogonzola, on a turquoise Fiestaware plate on a white cutting board. But something went horribly wrong and I am pretty sure that I would never convince anyone to want to eat this if they saw this picture. </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Then I dropped my camera in my drink at the beach a few days ago. I guess my camera is a lightweight and can't handle her vodka tonics because she has been in an unresponsive state ever since. So that's actually the good news. I am definitely going to be investing in a new camera :)</span><br />
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</span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17582121829922680461noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4646089440361419597.post-54511920455517274532010-10-24T22:46:00.000-07:002010-10-24T23:53:20.039-07:00Fall Flavors: Home Made Chunky Applesauce<span style="font-size:130%;">Maybe you have never thought of applesauce as a "side dish" for a savory meal. But to me apples are one of those fall flavors that just pairs beautifully with heartier cool weather dinners, like pork chops or chicken and stuffing. I am not talking about the pureed kind you get in a jar, but a sweet spicy chunky homemade applesauce that you can eat with a fork.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpghlnXFQ4zWaXpem7tp7RZzXWe2CHSO3z1-5anxdZW5_K3yiqUVZUyhgicPz5ComIfn810iHru1RikKu7y75bmBcX_BgviqgQ2RrvBGTcD2-jSpY-jo0U5AAp912MCDKY32J4vtpRfoje/s1600/CIMG1375.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpghlnXFQ4zWaXpem7tp7RZzXWe2CHSO3z1-5anxdZW5_K3yiqUVZUyhgicPz5ComIfn810iHru1RikKu7y75bmBcX_BgviqgQ2RrvBGTcD2-jSpY-jo0U5AAp912MCDKY32J4vtpRfoje/s320/CIMG1375.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5531864169278829618" border="0" /></a></span><span style="font-size:130%;"><br />Happening to have a neighbor who gifted me with a big bag full of sweet golden apples inspired me to cook some up last week.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisUk0dQi73TC6OcAMAwfLhEMVtF6E6_qUBK6LaVCXJfjmVzfhvzuFEoa31NV-Px7c8RmaOKi2vqhqKwKp4CRzxq_Dj3jvWwKmwgz39lmwW1GvQg1_fBY2AXXuiSnC79U1D_7SKWW6kP5rj/s1600/CIMG1376.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisUk0dQi73TC6OcAMAwfLhEMVtF6E6_qUBK6LaVCXJfjmVzfhvzuFEoa31NV-Px7c8RmaOKi2vqhqKwKp4CRzxq_Dj3jvWwKmwgz39lmwW1GvQg1_fBY2AXXuiSnC79U1D_7SKWW6kP5rj/s320/CIMG1376.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5531864171103577042" border="0" /></a></span><span style="font-size:130%;">It was a big hit with our rather ordinary baked chicken breast with stuffing and green beans. It is super simple to make if you want to give it a try!<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Homemade Spiced Applesauce</span><br /><br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">3 lbs (about 6 medium) apples, peeled, cored and cut into chunks</span><br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">1/2 cup water</span><br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">pinch of salt</span><br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">2 tablespoons sugar</span><br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Put into heavy pot and bring to a boil, lower heat and simmer stirring occasionally until apples are tender. Lightly mash with potato masher. Taste for sweetness, add a little more white sugar if needed. Add a sprinkle of brown sugar and cinnamon to taste before serving. Serve warm.</span></span><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size:180%;">Enjoy!</span><br /></div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17582121829922680461noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4646089440361419597.post-71392986825309390232010-10-21T01:16:00.000-07:002010-10-30T00:40:17.791-07:00Frugal Fun Mini Muffin Treats<span style="font-size:130%;">I love to have some Jiffy Mix in my pantry. I like to pick up a variety of those super cheap muffin mixes to have on hand when I want to bake a little quick bread or snack on short notice.<br /><br />So it was short notice when Marcy and me decided on Tuesday night that we might lose our minds if we had to spend the rest of "Fall Break" <del>drinking wine and listening to 5 kids whine about wanting to go to Skate Park</del> hauling the kids to the skate park. That is when we hit on the idea of scrounging up the funds to head up to the mountains to <a href="http://www.indianhotsprings.com/">Indian Hot Springs Lodge</a> and getting a couple of cabins for a night. We did some creative math and figured we could swing it if we could cover all the food from our pantry supplies.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">We came up with a menu of:</span><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Lunch - tuna or egg salad sandwiches, carrot and celery sticks and dip</span><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Dinner- spaghetti and meatballs, Caesar salad, garlic bread, choice of Cabernet or Root Beer</span><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Breakfast- pancakes, bacon, eggs, English muffins, choice of Bloody Mary or MILK</span><br /><br />We had all that covered and I pre-cooked the spaghetti and meatballs the night before so we only had to heat them up and toast the garlic bread, which worked out great. Then I thought since this was a special occasion of sorts we should have a treat for the kids. Jiffy Mix Chocolate Muffin Mix to the rescue!<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4Jv4EkJYa-TyJGSEtWZw5PxQcvOgXlM836gnkAo0I-uVpF0fNaWwn2WuHbYAH6aZr3U8hk3qJJhhV0MS1A2igR1jvWQFs-IGeC5LcoTAjgp7ezajU45YYWutQp558HBs8ZDemKdqLYnb3/s1600/CIMG1378.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4Jv4EkJYa-TyJGSEtWZw5PxQcvOgXlM836gnkAo0I-uVpF0fNaWwn2WuHbYAH6aZr3U8hk3qJJhhV0MS1A2igR1jvWQFs-IGeC5LcoTAjgp7ezajU45YYWutQp558HBs8ZDemKdqLYnb3/s320/CIMG1378.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5531129246459613970" border="0" /></a></span><span style="font-size:130%;">I decided to make mini muffins because kids love mini things. And I used two boxes of mix and ended up with 42 muffins so there were plenty to go around for 5 kids. (Approx. cost less than $1.50!)<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoPXoPqpfBI9zmEmbN8_pTU-oLuPlHUN0-uu86iQ0BjyaaPZPmSPFweP3n6HqPTtYsbkFSdCv86p_Hxw-4fAFhyphenhyphenX33buDw9pRVxaBfUAOlxe5Yl1Gl1ACyurkd8YzyLDpKt4ZrnDt3f1vs/s1600/CIMG1379.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoPXoPqpfBI9zmEmbN8_pTU-oLuPlHUN0-uu86iQ0BjyaaPZPmSPFweP3n6HqPTtYsbkFSdCv86p_Hxw-4fAFhyphenhyphenX33buDw9pRVxaBfUAOlxe5Yl1Gl1ACyurkd8YzyLDpKt4ZrnDt3f1vs/s320/CIMG1379.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5531129242183965298" border="0" /></a></span><span style="font-size:130%;">I always spray my paper muffin liners with a little non-stick spray so they will peel off clean without ripping half of the muffin off. I just hate that! Then I dropped a little dollop of peanut butter into the center of each chocolate muffin.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCdrcRqdgN68mm1PW99z0hTc3dze5h17HotbIMFRyN5e1Fb_ykXWyVjgKO8-RfyNAc8fwNYYiV2OEHo2VjNot8EiVzwq5JCobayQviNeDXM0BJYg8i614AD1TCagvmMSJt1tKCAFdHftdR/s1600/CIMG1381.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCdrcRqdgN68mm1PW99z0hTc3dze5h17HotbIMFRyN5e1Fb_ykXWyVjgKO8-RfyNAc8fwNYYiV2OEHo2VjNot8EiVzwq5JCobayQviNeDXM0BJYg8i614AD1TCagvmMSJt1tKCAFdHftdR/s320/CIMG1381.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5531129236344661362" border="0" /></a></span><span style="font-size:130%;">The peanut butter melted as the muffins baked and made these nice little streaks of peanut buttery goodness.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVQ9W9k-pwF8q26qO_sHEtSqoD096BQCzpyDODsqJLtAtfVLLo7Y9jxD4DvBPNstHXKeN7qL3HXylq_zo9wK5OavSXVnSp7HlIaGKxYakojxcsEHJZvjc4xAmI26lRQOChQcCbbeyoxfWv/s1600/CIMG1383.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVQ9W9k-pwF8q26qO_sHEtSqoD096BQCzpyDODsqJLtAtfVLLo7Y9jxD4DvBPNstHXKeN7qL3HXylq_zo9wK5OavSXVnSp7HlIaGKxYakojxcsEHJZvjc4xAmI26lRQOChQcCbbeyoxfWv/s320/CIMG1383.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5531129234930171218" border="0" /></a></span><span style="font-size:130%;">I mixed up a half batch of Hershey's cocoa buttercream frosting and happened to have a container of orange sprinkles with little bats so that added a little to the "Fall Break" festivities. These were definitely a hit and the kids didn't even lick the frosting off and throw the muffins away, they ate them all.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhc6Yk0lVnd3uhn0AE0Auwuozd0qNfAvPvisKmGpXvlJzDlVX_uHrPX7MskKo7t780VqT2jvmUW93iMWiuk8GTgKDg6HMYfx2q8kSlYwi0SjN7Yee9P4og5G46LmXJ0AuNSlhzngfenj2UM/s1600/CIMG1386.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhc6Yk0lVnd3uhn0AE0Auwuozd0qNfAvPvisKmGpXvlJzDlVX_uHrPX7MskKo7t780VqT2jvmUW93iMWiuk8GTgKDg6HMYfx2q8kSlYwi0SjN7Yee9P4og5G46LmXJ0AuNSlhzngfenj2UM/s320/CIMG1386.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5531150597025972994" border="0" /></a></span><span style="font-size:130%;">After relaxing in the pool all afternoon the kids were ready to head back to the cabin for a good spaghetti and meatball feast.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNgaxXSA3dznz55L2A86H1DF373oGtyXYzmcFGHI0khKekKVZ9Nzz4uFtyVRWhZxKNRxgt5BJOoFAGyLe0v_koXdkvPH_CpAWqMLu8xfG9fyaSnLZ0Sd4a6KWNqY-6oWyTcLofcuY5vWXI/s1600/CIMG1393.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNgaxXSA3dznz55L2A86H1DF373oGtyXYzmcFGHI0khKekKVZ9Nzz4uFtyVRWhZxKNRxgt5BJOoFAGyLe0v_koXdkvPH_CpAWqMLu8xfG9fyaSnLZ0Sd4a6KWNqY-6oWyTcLofcuY5vWXI/s320/CIMG1393.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5531150598521350658" border="0" /></a></span><span style="font-size:130%;">It was a Thursday night and when we trekked back to the pool for the evening we found that we had the whole place all to ourselves! That's when we decided maybe "Fall Break" isn't such a bad idea after all.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixv9o-BYUwGLv6ypkp35vkElQvLtq-pN8kWYBvpHrfyIn5AL9DeW6r9aluI2OAv2Na24e6_DSJZcwb4j7ilRiFrMpPcYizN0oHDqG9PzkxD_khyphenhyphenvLt2kNLRfsPJLh6ZLjG_t8w2kyFSVBt/s1600/CIMG1388.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixv9o-BYUwGLv6ypkp35vkElQvLtq-pN8kWYBvpHrfyIn5AL9DeW6r9aluI2OAv2Na24e6_DSJZcwb4j7ilRiFrMpPcYizN0oHDqG9PzkxD_khyphenhyphenvLt2kNLRfsPJLh6ZLjG_t8w2kyFSVBt/s320/CIMG1388.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5531156970150287234" border="0" /></a></span><br /><br />I am linking up to these Frugal Friday Parties. Go check them out!<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.frugalityisfree.com/search/label/Fantastic%20Frugal%20Fridays" target="_blank"><img src="http://i879.photobucket.com/albums/ab355/Frugalityisfree/FantasticFrugalFridays2button-1.jpg" alt="Photobucket" border="0" /></a></div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17582121829922680461noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4646089440361419597.post-53950822503915362292010-10-18T00:58:00.000-07:002010-10-18T01:58:07.453-07:00Too Many Cooks or Too Few?<span style="font-size:130%;">We are going to try this again.<br /><br />Menu planning that is. It has been suggested that each mom here should be responsible for planning, shopping and preparing 2 meals each week, leaving one night open for leftover buffet, going out or what have you. I am not sure that we are all "bought in" on this plan but it is a plan. Big K took the initiative to do some menu planning for this week based on what we have in the various storage facilities around the house. Next week we will try to be a little more organized.<br /><br />The kids are out of school for "Fall Break" whatever that is. We haven't quite figured that out. What do you do on "Fall Break?" You can't go to the lake too cold, you can't go skiing too warm, and who has the money for a trip to Disneyland when the holidays are fast approaching? So this week will also include some day trips to find some cheap entertainment and there goes the plan, out the window again. Sigh.<br /><br />Sunday - Italian Beef sandwiches with pepperoncini, Olive and Goat Cheese Pasta Salad <span style="font-weight: bold;">(Recipes below)</span><br /><br /><br />Monday - Roasted pork tenderloin, asparagus, rice pilaf<br /><br />Tuesday - Spaghetti and meatballs, bread, salad<br /><br />Wednesday - Homestyle pot roast with potatoes and carrots<br /><br />Thursday - Leftover Buffet<br /><br />Friday - Margarita chicken, black beans, rice<br /><br />Saturday - Pizza<br /><br />Recipes:<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Olive and Goat Cheese Pasta Salad</span><br /><br />1 lb package curly pasta cooked<br />1/2 can black olives sliced<br />1/2 small bottle of sliced green olives with pimento<br />1/2 cup celery cleaned and chopped<br />1/4 cup thin sliced red onion<br />1 small package crumbled goat cheese<br />2-3 tablespoons cider vinegar<br />drizzle of olive oil<br />2-3 teaspoons Salad Supreme Seasoning<br />1/4 cup Light Caesar Salad dressing<br /><br />Toss all ingredients together while pasta is still slightly warm. Cool to room temp or chill before serving.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Italian Beef Sandwiches (Spicy!)</span><br /><br />1 Round roast or sirloin tip roast<br />1 jar whole pepperoncini<br />1 box beef broth<br />1 tsp Italian seasoning<br />4-5 cloves garlic, peeled and left whole<br />1/2 onion sliced<br />Salt and pepper<br />olive oil<br /><br />Rub the roast with a generous amount of salt and pepper. Heat oil in Dutch oven and brown roast on all sides on medium heat. Add all the remaining ingredients. Cover tightly and roast in oven at 350 for 2 1/2 hours. Remove meat from pan, slice thinly and return to pan, continue cooking in oven for another hour. Serve on toasted hard rolls, spoon a little of the broth and the peppers on top of meat. This is spicy! You can cut back on the pepperoncinis if you want it less spicy, or don't put all the juice from the peppers in. </span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17582121829922680461noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4646089440361419597.post-31040852705520451202010-08-30T22:36:00.000-07:002010-08-30T23:04:26.351-07:00Menu Plan Monday<span style="font-size:130%;">We are going to make do with what we have on hand this week. We had a shopping fiasco last week. Big K and little K went shopping at WalMart at the same time Mr. Rainbow Creek and I went to Sams. We failed to coordinate and ended up buying duplicates of tons of stuff, but of course we forgot some things too and had to go back for laundry soap and juice packs and a few other necessary items. Well, we plan on not repeating that!<br /><br />It is peach and crab apple time and I have to get started jellying too so the kitchen might be running non stop this week. I hope so anyway!<br /><br />Here is our menu, subject to change if I am busy with jelly and jams:<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Monday: leftover buffet</span><br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Tuesday: Pork chops, green beans and boiled potatoes, salad</span><br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Wednesday: smothered chicken, smashed potatoes</span><br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Thursday: tostadas, salad</span><br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Friday: grilled chicken, summer squash, rice pilaf</span><br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Saturday: Uncle Herb's 80th birthday dinner at the VFW</span><br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Sunday: grilled pizza</span></span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17582121829922680461noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4646089440361419597.post-75092361499651950452010-08-16T21:33:00.000-07:002010-08-16T23:56:50.746-07:00Menu Plan Monday - Back to School Time<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgA2DfSVU8QRyyzm19v7rw7vl-ceCeLTXqSGksh0bvdDYni7WTx5LGGY68inicJXOpdK3Z_Daono68H522U8K4_-otgnTMYOwjdDgcYMh4sgTwhg8PGDKIeyL4dV232gHUUFPSXZO8Ugjfp/s1600/smallbutton.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 149px; height: 137px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgA2DfSVU8QRyyzm19v7rw7vl-ceCeLTXqSGksh0bvdDYni7WTx5LGGY68inicJXOpdK3Z_Daono68H522U8K4_-otgnTMYOwjdDgcYMh4sgTwhg8PGDKIeyL4dV232gHUUFPSXZO8Ugjfp/s320/smallbutton.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5506267858547227778" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:130%;"><br />Sadly, school started last week and our leisurely tuna and egg salad picnic at the beach days have come to an end. Mama K started a new job too (YAAAAAY!!!) so it is time to get our act together and get back to menu planning and a little more structure.<br /><br />I don't know if I have mentioned this, but since I started this blog our household has grown from 2 adults to a total of 5 adults and 3 kids. We are actually 3 families living under one roof now and although we have found it challenging at times I don't know of any nefarious plots being hatched, BUT Little K has some strange dreams about the kids setting rattlesnakes loose in the house and some of us packing up and leaving. HA! It was actually yours truly who stormed out of her dream and left her here to fend off the snake!<br /><br />Last week we did a pretty decent job of getting meals planned and on the table about the time that Big K got home from work and I know she really appreciated that. This week I want to try to use up what we have on hand and keep shopping to a minimum until payday.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Monday - Baked Steak with gravy, baked potatoes, corn (recipe below)</span> <span style="font-weight: bold;"><br />Tuesday - Pinto beans, green chile, tortillas</span> <span style="font-weight: bold;"><br />Wednesday - Spaghetti with meatballs</span> <span style="font-weight: bold;"><br />Thurday - Smothered bean and cheese burritos<br /></span> <span style="font-weight: bold;">Friday - Hamburgers, oven fries</span> <span style="font-weight: bold;"><br />Saturday - Pizza and salad</span><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Sunday - Chicken fajitas with pico de gallo, refried beans, corn on the co</span>b<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtukyk_78C6OtXDtB45RTx_6G-5Zb9oBg__PwVaXLTTGPk6fI3urRenY2rGENAKbO-lG6qtQvPcZwjcsyE4-FaxVBp8uJ5xJtzPFVZ42W6aKlLuEgp4tDx_TwpoGr_qkvST-NKeQkKIlmy/s1600/pico+de+gallo.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtukyk_78C6OtXDtB45RTx_6G-5Zb9oBg__PwVaXLTTGPk6fI3urRenY2rGENAKbO-lG6qtQvPcZwjcsyE4-FaxVBp8uJ5xJtzPFVZ42W6aKlLuEgp4tDx_TwpoGr_qkvST-NKeQkKIlmy/s320/pico+de+gallo.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5506236327876454450" border="0" /></a>Fresh Pico de gallo: diced onion, finely diced jalapeno pepper, diced tomato and chopped cilantro, a pinch of salt. Let stand for about 30 minutes before serving.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3jFbRfxkmRfH2qL34Q71gePok0LurU6x6q9EZtjJg-0xvGULDVUmIeVY56BqTm5fPxi8VlMhyrvyaV5P7-fxEybSIEGrXeniIUylegTx4zNvi03mPK1ss-ai9qGGrRc9zMJeRwp4Ut2gZ/s1600/CIMG1096.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3jFbRfxkmRfH2qL34Q71gePok0LurU6x6q9EZtjJg-0xvGULDVUmIeVY56BqTm5fPxi8VlMhyrvyaV5P7-fxEybSIEGrXeniIUylegTx4zNvi03mPK1ss-ai9qGGrRc9zMJeRwp4Ut2gZ/s320/CIMG1096.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5506236318889696562" border="0" /></a>Here is how to make good restaurant style fajitas. DO NOT slice the meat and cook in a skillet with the vegetables. I have seen so many recipes that say to do this and the result is that the meat braises in the juice and ends up overcooked and really just plain awful.<br /><br />Slice the peppers and onions and cook in a hot skillet until slightly tender, turn up the heat to carmelize them. Chicken or steak should be seasoned with garlic salt and pepper and grilled on high heat, then slice and place on platter over vegetables. Chicken takes about 10 minutes if using boneless skinless breasts, steak should be cooked to med/rare about 6-8 minutes depending on thickness. Squeeze a little fresh lime juice over before serving. Serve with cheese, lettuce, avocado, sour cream and fresh pico de gallo. Perfection!<br /><br />Sorry, I didn't get pictures of this but here is my dad's baked steak recipe, a family favorite for 3 generations and it can actually be prepared 2 ways, both are super delicious and kid friendly with mashed potatoes or wide egg noodles!<br /><br />I use thin cut sirloin steak for this, but you can also use a good quality top round.<br /><br />Trim fat and cut 1 1/2 lbs of steak into serving size pieces. Pound with a meat hammer to tenderize a bit. Season generously with your favorite grill seasoning or garlic salt and pepper. Dredge meat in a little flour and kind of pound the flour in with your fingers. Heat a couple of tablespoons of oil in skillet on med/high heat, add meat and brown on both sides. Transfer to 13"X9" baking dish when browned.<br /><br />Add a tablespoon of flour to skillet and a little more oil if needed to blend in all the flour. Cook for a minute or so and then slowly add 1 can of beef stock, bring up to a simmer blending in the flour mixture.<br /><br />Version # 1 - Sprinkle one package onion soup mix over meat then pour the gravy mixture from the skillet over the top. Cover with foil and bake in 350 oven about one hour.<br /><br />Version #2 Swiss steak - Pour one can of stewed tomatoes over the meat, add a couple dashes of Worcestershire sauce, then pour the gravy mixture from the skillet over the top and bake in 350 oven about one hour until meat is tender and sauce is thickened.<br /><br /></span><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-weight: bold;font-size:130%;" >Enjoy!</span><br /><br /><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div></div><span style="font-size:130%;">I am linking up with Organizing Junkie's <a href="http://orgjunkie.com/category/menu-plan-monday">Menu Plan Monday</a>. Go check it out!</span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17582121829922680461noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4646089440361419597.post-74337062465996869252010-08-13T23:00:00.000-07:002010-08-23T01:22:28.275-07:00Frugal Friday - $21 Dinner Party!<span style="font-size:130%;">So, frugal is the new black, they say. And now that I am into being frugal my challenge is not only to eat for less but to eat pretty well.<br /><br />I whipped up this Chicken with Roasted Red Pepper Cream sauce last week just for a weeknight dinner because I found this huge can of roasted red peppers for a great price at the SmartCo store grand opening. It wasn't actually on sale or anything, just a good everyday price. But, I was thinking that you could actually pass this off as a nice dinner for entertaining friends. All you would need to add is a salad, a loaf of crusty bread and a decent bottle of white wine and you could do dinner for 6 at an amazingly frugal cost of just $21!<br /><br />This is definitely not a low cal type meal, but I don't think it is too terribly bad. Just if you are planning on serving dessert you might want to keep it on the lighter side, like a thin slice of pound cake with fresh berries and a dollop of light cool whip.<br /><br />Cost:<br />Chicken- $4<br />Red Peppers- $3<br />onion- $0.50<br />cream-$1.25<br />chicken broth-$0.75<br />cheese-$1<br />pasta-$1.25<br />seasonings-from pantry, use what you have on hand!<br />salad-$1.50 (I actually got local grown leaf and romaine for .50/head and store brand Ceasar dressing)<br />bread-$1 (nightly store special french loaf)<br />Wine-$7 (Barefoot Chardonnay)<br /><br />Total: $21<br /><br />This was so quick and easy, here is the recipe if you want to give it a try:<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOgk7UqDPoSIzzS_Iu09tu8ypqi3qArN-SgRyELn3wfb0rKGMgqilkP2GD_SSWSNwPYNd6gN47opEkGBuvINQN7JVS20QYLNn5sRsSzGt9MQd426Sxc4hnfeuy1xD9o1GQqGLeG77mCz9t/s1600/CIMG1121.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOgk7UqDPoSIzzS_Iu09tu8ypqi3qArN-SgRyELn3wfb0rKGMgqilkP2GD_SSWSNwPYNd6gN47opEkGBuvINQN7JVS20QYLNn5sRsSzGt9MQd426Sxc4hnfeuy1xD9o1GQqGLeG77mCz9t/s320/CIMG1121.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5506278365260473682" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Chicken with Roasted Red Pepper Cream Sauce</span><br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">4-5 boneless skinless chicken breasts sliced into 1/2" strips</span><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">1 onion thin sliced</span><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">1 bottle roasted red peppers, sliced into strips</span><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">2 Tbl olive oil</span><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">1 Tbl flour</span><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">1 cup chicken broth</span><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">1 cup heavy cream or half and half</span><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">1/2 cup fresh grated Parmesan cheese</span><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">garlic pepper seasoning</span><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">6 pepper blend seasoning OR crushed red pepper flake, garlic salt and paprika to taste</span><br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">1 pkg Fettucini noodles, cooked</span><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjAM-MTOECa2TUZr7xTMFcYo1oCPX31_TjnhEm5AV4z57VTukZWq1DY9JDPOfYtDDdUTv-Tcs0I5x2BKYKQ8qNC8zhBHzzjGRv6-VPc7CfV0ErbItMcF-adq9r8-y6-Yir_zIeagv1Q8Ql/s1600/CIMG1122.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjAM-MTOECa2TUZr7xTMFcYo1oCPX31_TjnhEm5AV4z57VTukZWq1DY9JDPOfYtDDdUTv-Tcs0I5x2BKYKQ8qNC8zhBHzzjGRv6-VPc7CfV0ErbItMcF-adq9r8-y6-Yir_zIeagv1Q8Ql/s320/CIMG1122.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5506278369432431778" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Season chicken with grill seasoning to taste. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium high heat, add the chicken and cook until it starts to turn white on outside. Add the onions and cook a few more minutes. Reduce heat, stir in the flour and cook one or two minutes making sure it is all absorbed in the oil. Add the red peppers and slowly add chicken broth, bring heat up to med high again and bring to a simmer. Add cream and red pepper flakes, simmer for a minute then reduce heat and stir in the Parmesan cheese until it is melted. Serve over pasta with a little extra grated cheese to top it.</span><br /><br />Now I must apologize for my sorry lack of photos. I just forget sometimes that I am supposed to be taking pics when I get busy cooking. Anyways, I need to do something about my horrible pictures because my kitchen is a dark brown gawd awful ugly place and no matter how nice the food might look in person it just won't look good when I take its picture. K suggested a white tablecloth and some white dishes to use for the background, so I will have to scrounge around and see what I can find to help the situation. I am sure there is a frugal solution to the problem, although a $50K kitchen remodel would be my preference and a lot more fun. </span><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center; font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-size:180%;">ENJOY!</span><br /></div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17582121829922680461noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4646089440361419597.post-71692830788977179302010-07-26T01:11:00.000-07:002010-08-11T23:56:57.181-07:00Funday Food and Perfect Sugar Cookies<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdqo0p5t79AHcARC0RmYBiD5rP8hexW7QoxAi4YTYoyR9PePp1bpmc0hqo41QuwwRVie7OrAaqC_C7StKtf4bFDQRbkyB4w47DGGQo29QSoAx8g_p6xTOrwcHrv2e999aa53KtvKjzsr-k/s1600/CIMG0583.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdqo0p5t79AHcARC0RmYBiD5rP8hexW7QoxAi4YTYoyR9PePp1bpmc0hqo41QuwwRVie7OrAaqC_C7StKtf4bFDQRbkyB4w47DGGQo29QSoAx8g_p6xTOrwcHrv2e999aa53KtvKjzsr-k/s320/CIMG0583.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5498129156232951314" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:130%;">I remember one time when I was grilling some chicken and I yelled at the guys that I needed a pot holder, and Mr. Rainbow Creek and Fatty both ran out of the garage and each handed me a welding glove.<br /><br />What immediately came to my mind was Jeff Foxworthy's "you might be a redneck" jokes.<br /><br />Now I see all these shows on Food Network and sure enough those BBQ champions are all wearing those redneck potholders. And they probably are teaching their one year old's to play with fire, but in a good foodie kind of way, don't ya think?<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUcwTxhUevzK3aHoV8QRfn4FIicOOLtvVKgt2AigVprwMLhheOjxb50nfkusHCFOuCc7wnW6pZNfuCfiupOMLbKh5YKFXjtBg1CR2MnP13W2ZMuIbTWVQ1LmDO6w3WazxIw0sqSFkuDzfI/s1600/CIMG0581.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUcwTxhUevzK3aHoV8QRfn4FIicOOLtvVKgt2AigVprwMLhheOjxb50nfkusHCFOuCc7wnW6pZNfuCfiupOMLbKh5YKFXjtBg1CR2MnP13W2ZMuIbTWVQ1LmDO6w3WazxIw0sqSFkuDzfI/s320/CIMG0581.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5498129148110063714" border="0" /></a>Destructo Boy with a look that says "I got this s'mores thing down, man!" It's all in the gloves of course.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLt74fmLFU6UEEshHdlVVSZXoi-V9aJWvZilFaxIV0Cs61PKp7s3MUiOlUtynPzsu0krjnoxUw_Jnzo0Cw721nsH-9FkZ9GIKmKGorGF3JBeLrNc8EQYQgOCn9J-HQUNESdofAOtXv3x4W/s1600/CIMG0588.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLt74fmLFU6UEEshHdlVVSZXoi-V9aJWvZilFaxIV0Cs61PKp7s3MUiOlUtynPzsu0krjnoxUw_Jnzo0Cw721nsH-9FkZ9GIKmKGorGF3JBeLrNc8EQYQgOCn9J-HQUNESdofAOtXv3x4W/s320/CIMG0588.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5498129145674260546" border="0" /></a>Sometimes we do a little indoor food fun too.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSS6-gnY2Mdj_jN9NzVDKmV0VFSmfO6o4RKKjh1ahbdTEUkF_7vkU2WW2LDnNvcxeWjyLRps8FGY3O-Vlrw5eTwDf3yCLFsl8DAAjWiurNmBKveC2CxXMQXlnp7lgxen55k4d6fSh0HkyZ/s1600/CIMG0717.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSS6-gnY2Mdj_jN9NzVDKmV0VFSmfO6o4RKKjh1ahbdTEUkF_7vkU2WW2LDnNvcxeWjyLRps8FGY3O-Vlrw5eTwDf3yCLFsl8DAAjWiurNmBKveC2CxXMQXlnp7lgxen55k4d6fSh0HkyZ/s320/CIMG0717.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5498136204633619746" border="0" /></a>Didn't they used to tell kids "don't play with your food!" Well what fun was that!!??<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuOS2WZviaYKOCnfXr2MMYoiZYQdPz2zyWVt6NJtzuTrC60_Krw8q4ekMf_oJw0brcSDSaTgt2ilKUzfBew4DlO5tTVK_Cpu-Bv1VCRXImIYJukel-4ndHBU8kgg1mzl643GLI2ggpJ3Zy/s1600/CIMG0715.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuOS2WZviaYKOCnfXr2MMYoiZYQdPz2zyWVt6NJtzuTrC60_Krw8q4ekMf_oJw0brcSDSaTgt2ilKUzfBew4DlO5tTVK_Cpu-Bv1VCRXImIYJukel-4ndHBU8kgg1mzl643GLI2ggpJ3Zy/s320/CIMG0715.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5498129136234688130" border="0" /></a>We found a good way to use up leftover frosting from cake decorating class, turn the kids loose with a batch of sugar cookies.<br /><br />I went on a sugar cookie binge last year in search of the best sugar cookie recipe ever. This blue ribbon winning <a href="http://allrecipes.com//Recipe/soft-sugar-cookies-iv/Detail.aspx">sugar cookie recipe</a> is my all time favorite so far.<br /><br />My secrets to a perfect sugar cookie:<br /><br />They have to be frosted with a good buttercream frosting that sets up just a little hard on top.<br />I love frosted sugar cookies so much. And the milk in the frosting is the secret to keeping these soft and just a little moist.<br /><br />I also make sure to get them out of the oven when they are just set and don't let them start to brown. Let them set up on the pan for a few minutes before removing to the cooling rack.<br /><br />If they are browning too quickly turn your oven down to 325 degrees.<br /><br /></span><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size:130%;">Nature Girl gives them her seal of approval too.<br /></span></div><span style="font-size:130%;"><br /></span><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size:130%;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgi-INI1x5xH5aqQP_pCdpvAP9rtKv3RLaMEVomMEoPrq40Dt4lZW5VlTecF8aEj-CUykTA7Yw4HePylWvrZGKgdSLoSxZXxd2hheR7sI_7E4jOX_QmZTEss1aKSmPJRPVXKwy7vhv_PsCS/s1600/CIMG0718.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgi-INI1x5xH5aqQP_pCdpvAP9rtKv3RLaMEVomMEoPrq40Dt4lZW5VlTecF8aEj-CUykTA7Yw4HePylWvrZGKgdSLoSxZXxd2hheR7sI_7E4jOX_QmZTEss1aKSmPJRPVXKwy7vhv_PsCS/s320/CIMG0718.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5498129131417800258" border="0" /></a></span><span style="font-size:180%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Enjoy!</span></span><br /></div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17582121829922680461noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4646089440361419597.post-46213479627242194902010-07-22T23:57:00.000-07:002010-07-24T00:06:56.277-07:00Frugal Friday - getting serious about saving now<span style="font-size:130%;">Wow there is so much to be learned from blog hopping! I love some of the ideas I have been finding and I am starting a list of things I am planning to try.<br /><br />The way I see it, this need to cut back and manage our money better is an opportunity to be more creative and use our talents. I love that we are working together to come up with creative ideas for having fun and living well even on a limited budget. And it has pushed me to become more proactive on my personal desire to simplify my life and become more self sufficient.<br /><br />Here is a list of things I plan to try this week:<br />Grow celery from celery stalk bottoms: <a href="http://www.premeditatedleftovers.com/2010/07/something-from-nothing.html">Premeditated Leftovers: Something From Nothing</a><br />Grow green onions from roots: <a href="http://www.pennilessparenting.com/2010/05/growing-green-onions-without-garden.html">Penniless Parenting</a><br /><span style="text-decoration: underline;"></span>Make a sourdough starter: <a href="http://www.frugalcreativity.com/2010/07/sourdough-starter-recipe.html">Frugal Creativity</a><br />Bake a batch of soft pretzels with the kids: hmm, can't find that link right now but it sounded wonderful and Destructo Boy loves soft pretzels and baking so that will be our Sunday Funday treat.<br /><br />Oh, she found me, thanks Haleyleanne! <a href="http://athomewithhaley.blogspot.com/">Here</a> is the link to the soft pretzels recipe.<br /><br />One of our biggest challenges is finding fun and affordable things to do with the kids.<br /><br />Here is what we will be doing tomorrow:<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSXC7RXo2Fu1c6UUhEOPkrp16r8eVCJ4ZkJ0P89UIgZoxPSMx9vIkDQ0hAtnKTJZLUagAi2N8tSa30ag9d4ZEACEdlNoooHZkeahbixYx5LXK5E6jJVTeMtylTXOsXHf7bgba7j7z_JR8n/s1600/CIMG0853.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSXC7RXo2Fu1c6UUhEOPkrp16r8eVCJ4ZkJ0P89UIgZoxPSMx9vIkDQ0hAtnKTJZLUagAi2N8tSa30ag9d4ZEACEdlNoooHZkeahbixYx5LXK5E6jJVTeMtylTXOsXHf7bgba7j7z_JR8n/s320/CIMG0853.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5497006958143546946" border="0" /></a>We have tuna salad, bread, chips, grapes and cherries and kool-aid so we should be all set for a day in the sun. When we get home we are going to make a batch of homemade plain vanilla ice cream. Yummm...<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4gc026qfIxM0zQXLOYUxlIeQV9XJfVgvmx_Z5mZgUQhAVGJViCeMZ7YphYbcYpt8ZruKLKh7Wy5phAVwdUs7P8Ac01C3pR3v93wffJ5zqiDOdYNWwl57AKNws_IsBomoFXqAZEhRh2i2V/s1600/CIMG0870.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4gc026qfIxM0zQXLOYUxlIeQV9XJfVgvmx_Z5mZgUQhAVGJViCeMZ7YphYbcYpt8ZruKLKh7Wy5phAVwdUs7P8Ac01C3pR3v93wffJ5zqiDOdYNWwl57AKNws_IsBomoFXqAZEhRh2i2V/s320/CIMG0870.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5497006951806392882" border="0" /></a>There is a Dragon Boat Race and Festival at Sloan's Lake this weekend so we are planning to take the kids. They have been really good about doing chores this week so we will give them each part of their allowance to spend. We have found that it helps a lot when we go places if they have a little money of their own to decide what to spend it on. It does seem to keep them from asking us to buy them trinkets and garbage.<br /><br />Sis, who was the most brilliant single mom I have ever known used to go through the coupons with BB when he was young and let him pick which cereal and snacks he was going to "spend" his coupons on. She knew she was going to have to buy those things anyway, but it gave him a little buying power and he didn't wheedle and whine for things she couldn't afford. She is a genius, don't you think?<br /><br />This week's challenge is to menu plan for 2 weeks using only what we have on hand. That shouldn't really be too hard because I went shopping and stocked up on neccessities today. I will probably try to push it into an extra week of using everything we can before shopping again, that will be more fun.</span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17582121829922680461noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4646089440361419597.post-66445420717620815802010-07-19T10:24:00.000-07:002010-07-21T23:42:43.548-07:00Menu Plan Monday<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size:130%;">Sunday dinner<br /><br /></span></div><span style="font-size:130%;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrqfKeJAuPfCnY_0BRGTW9U0w8M_AgfUNlJwZiwGjdNGOSFWmuHOGSVSYnUOT_PGBcjZ1LD6EDG1valRxyqnspa_J7Zm9sx_vr7yhqglYkb1jrdpJuY4VQea4jldmg2DPohPDBvb8-lyrz/s1600/pico+de+gallo.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrqfKeJAuPfCnY_0BRGTW9U0w8M_AgfUNlJwZiwGjdNGOSFWmuHOGSVSYnUOT_PGBcjZ1LD6EDG1valRxyqnspa_J7Zm9sx_vr7yhqglYkb1jrdpJuY4VQea4jldmg2DPohPDBvb8-lyrz/s320/pico+de+gallo.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5495672549271606658" border="0" /></a>My favorite, Pico de Gallo! Fresh tomato from my tiny garden, green onion, jalapeno and cilantro.<br /></span><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size:130%;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhx5j5Tyrmy7YxCcot_it15SOogh6tk4ijkmoeAMT3wEbe2IjvS2whrkeYcAA9mOajf84I4HxlqljmMrSaMkb3TlmMMoKgukruH3_wRLXPtVc2CxnAce2ptKLTawQ9BBYgR7GIKUR-KWobc/s1600/grilled+squash.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhx5j5Tyrmy7YxCcot_it15SOogh6tk4ijkmoeAMT3wEbe2IjvS2whrkeYcAA9mOajf84I4HxlqljmMrSaMkb3TlmMMoKgukruH3_wRLXPtVc2CxnAce2ptKLTawQ9BBYgR7GIKUR-KWobc/s320/grilled+squash.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5495672542561016418" border="0" /></a>Grilled zucchini, yellow squash and jerk seasoned chicken breasts.<br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size:130%;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmdzX51jWoo5qgK86w3HAuWjfoA66L8_HP5ypYViRLhapJIflPTCnSWGiRArDsJcf6fGzzRRKYDcr15lMj_QcUctikoOP-mszcBcfnDISaf52k_lumufcKdRXqzcdlWYAEpmy2YG3VnjNu/s1600/grilled+chicken+and+veggies.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmdzX51jWoo5qgK86w3HAuWjfoA66L8_HP5ypYViRLhapJIflPTCnSWGiRArDsJcf6fGzzRRKYDcr15lMj_QcUctikoOP-mszcBcfnDISaf52k_lumufcKdRXqzcdlWYAEpmy2YG3VnjNu/s320/grilled+chicken+and+veggies.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5495672535988058050" border="0" /></a>Serve with black beans and yellow rice.<br /></span></div><span style="font-size:130%;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpPZP6o54JWI7vMXCD2B4SiTzHbt_O7PGvnhZ1847o0w8FJOE6lHdXqWFRRX8UDpUlH_ij9ORjWAL6v6ashT-F5lGwh2ULiPe3r6UHlaf0NQ2qFWkdx1hgtT_kWz47KC7Kxon1S82A7biy/s1600/CIMG1018.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpPZP6o54JWI7vMXCD2B4SiTzHbt_O7PGvnhZ1847o0w8FJOE6lHdXqWFRRX8UDpUlH_ij9ORjWAL6v6ashT-F5lGwh2ULiPe3r6UHlaf0NQ2qFWkdx1hgtT_kWz47KC7Kxon1S82A7biy/s320/CIMG1018.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5495672558785657602" border="0" /></a>We made homemade chocolate ice cream for dessert. Tried a Martha Stewart Wedding recipe and no one liked it. The flavor was too chocolatey and overpowered the creamieness. This really bummed me out because I looked at about a million chocolate ice cream recipes and chose this one. If anyone has a good tried and true recipe that is more kid friendly I would love to try it. We are thinking about making a batch of vanilla tomorrow and swirling the chocolate in.<br /><br />The heat wave continues and our menu this week will be pretty simple and involve a lot of grillin' and chillin'.<br /><br />Breakfast: cereal, bagels and cream cheese or waffles<br /><br />Lunch: PB&J sandwiches, ham or turkey sandwich's, chili dogs and chips<br /><br />Monday: burgers and brats, pasta salad, baked beans<br />Tuesday:Leftover chicken, black bean and squash tortilla wraps with cheese, lettuce and salsa<br />Wednesday: Grilled chicken, penne pasta alfredo, steamed broccoli<br />Thursday: Easy no bake enchiladas (recipe below), refried beans, lettuce<br />Friday:<a href="http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/rachael-ray/ciabatta-cheese-steaks-with-the-works-recipe/index.html"> Ciabatta Cheese Steaks with the works</a>, oven roasted potatoes (Rachael Ray's recipe. I am dying to try this, if you ever saw this episode of 30 minute meals you will be drooling. I am using sirloin steak since that is what I have in the freezer)<br />Saturday: leftover pulled pork from freezer, chips, baked beans<br />Sunday: Steak or chicken fajita's, rice, beans</span><span style="font-size:130%;"><br /></span><span style="font-size:130%;"><br /><span style="font-size:180%;">Easy Enchiladas<br /></span><br />In large bowl, combine cooked diced chicken or steak or taco meat, diced onion, and shredded cheese. (you can use leftover grilled squash or corn and black beans in the mix too if you prefer a veggie version)<br /><br />Pour 1 large can or 2 small cans enchilada sauce into a wide shallow bowl.<br /><br />Heat a TINY amount of oil in large skillet over medium/high heat. Lightly fry corn tortillas a few at a time to soften them. Remove from skillet, dip into the sauce and place the tortilla on a plate then fill with a couple spoonfuls of the filling and roll. Spoon a little more sauce over the top, microwave until cheese is melted, garnish with a little green onion. Serve with sour cream, lettuce, tomatoes on the side.<br /><br /></span><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-weight: bold;font-size:180%;" >Enjoy!</span><br /></div><span style="font-size:130%;"><br />Linked to: <a href="http://orgjunkie.com/2010/07/menu-plan-monday-july-19th.html">Organizing Junkie's menu plan Monday</a>. Go check it out!<br /> Fireflies and Jellybeans <a href="http://firefliesandjellybeans.blogspot.com/2010/07/show-off-your-stuff-party-37.html">Show off Your Stuff Party</a><br /><br /></span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17582121829922680461noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4646089440361419597.post-66244767385356684672010-07-14T01:47:00.000-07:002010-07-14T03:13:21.720-07:00Way late, but I do have a plan<span style="font-size:130%;">At least I have a menu plan this week! Just finding the time to post it seems to be difficult.<br /><br />We are still working on the finer points of eating big on a small budget, but I am getting better at it. I did the shopping by myself this week and bought the basics with a few meals in mind and figured we could get creative and make something up from what we have on hand. I am actually hoping to stretch my last shopping trip into next week, we'll see how that goes.<br /><br />So the weather is HOT, HOT, HOT and we are cooking accordingly. Most of what I have planned will be cooked outside on the grill or baked in the roaster downstairs. <br /><br />Did you know: If you have one of those big electric roasters you can use it as a small oven to bake in. I plug mine in down in the basement or sometimes outside and then we don't have to heat up the kitchen while we bake.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRGzxm_bNiNL-0Bq9Jk0RB4RC2J7-CCSgn9yR7Ies504qhlTcz8nV5J1JSeT4DEViBVWK7paGF3GBy5qIJFpRJQ0F84QBhkrm1uH8LRaGXvljLaPOmTY1ryJty9B6TSe5UaDob_2z4COK6/s1600/CIMG0977.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRGzxm_bNiNL-0Bq9Jk0RB4RC2J7-CCSgn9yR7Ies504qhlTcz8nV5J1JSeT4DEViBVWK7paGF3GBy5qIJFpRJQ0F84QBhkrm1uH8LRaGXvljLaPOmTY1ryJty9B6TSe5UaDob_2z4COK6/s320/CIMG0977.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5493695687540586450" border="0" /></a><br />And now it seems that we have grown to a 3 grill family! With 8 people here we just didn't have enough room on the big grill so we sometimes have to fire up the gas grill and another small Weber to get a meal together. At least we have enough cooks to man/woman all the grills anyway!<br /><br />For breakfast: waffles, cereal, bagels and cream cheese or eggs and toast<br />Lunch: ham, turkey, cheese or PB&J sandwiches, or hot dogs and mac and cheese<br /><br />Sunday: <a href="http://www.examiner.com/x-9877-Detroit-Barbecue-Examiner%7Ey2009m6d23-Griled-chicken-under-a-brick">Chicken under a brick</a>, grilled corn on the cob, grilled potatoes, salad<br /><br />Monday: Grilled pizza (recipe below)<br /><br />Tuesday: (leftover chicken) Fiesta Salad with black beans and corn salsa and salsa ranch dressing<br /><br />Wednesday: (beach day) chicken salad sandwiches, chips, fruit, brownies<br /><br />Thursday: grilled steak, baked potatoes, salad<br /><br />Friday: chicken enchiladas, refried beans, lettuce and tomatoes<br /><br />Saturday: grilled chicken with penne pasta and alfredo sauce, garlic bread<br /><br />How to Throw a Grilled Pizza Party!<br /><br />Prepare dough:<br /><br />In food processor or electric mixer:<br />3-3 1/4 cup all purpose flour<br />1 package rapid rise yeast (or 1 Tablespoon dry yeast dissolve in 110 degree water)<br />1 cup very hot (120 degree) water<br />1/2 tsp kosher salt<br />1 tsp sugar<br />1 Tablespoon olive oil<br /><br />Mix all ingredient to form a ball. Knead about 10 times on floured board. Shape into ball and drizzle a little olive oil in bowl to prevent sticking. Cover and let rise about 30 - 40 minutes<br /><br />Divide dough into 6 portions. Roll out each portion on well floured board to make a thin circle about 8" diameter.<br /><br />Move hot coals to one side of grill and place one or two pizza doughs on opposite side of grill for indirect heat. Allow crust to bake slightly, then spoon sauce on, add any desired toppings then top with mozzerella cheese, fontina and parmesan. Cover grill and bake for 5 minutes, rotate the pizza and bake a few minutes more until crust is browned and crisp and cheese is melted.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuz02SV2NzIMQvWirv60ArMjj53PirLbqTY_x18-jcKZvq1hyb3M4lIElMC1yRiRDCivlizXXT30AMJlzYITBS20OoYRu-VlYKsqSS6OTTSuLZpLgsnWPevC-HQfs8kc90-Nx-18vKK552/s1600/CIMG0988.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuz02SV2NzIMQvWirv60ArMjj53PirLbqTY_x18-jcKZvq1hyb3M4lIElMC1yRiRDCivlizXXT30AMJlzYITBS20OoYRu-VlYKsqSS6OTTSuLZpLgsnWPevC-HQfs8kc90-Nx-18vKK552/s320/CIMG0988.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5493695681267725922" border="0" /></a><br />We always make a party of this, let everyone pick their own toppings from a topping bar and serve them up to order.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFtLJxxa1f5liyYP4-fN83xlcnRmMiEwvVXksYNV-PhPlYHASMoOaszzhVBGxIiMs6lwqSRt8v3RpfCfx_bKTFRlkSKulp7FO2rJdZjgt_hyphenhyphen84nNMXJHmAJNO2aQeKuUxagUbRc5EvyzP4/s1600/CIMG0983.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFtLJxxa1f5liyYP4-fN83xlcnRmMiEwvVXksYNV-PhPlYHASMoOaszzhVBGxIiMs6lwqSRt8v3RpfCfx_bKTFRlkSKulp7FO2rJdZjgt_hyphenhyphen84nNMXJHmAJNO2aQeKuUxagUbRc5EvyzP4/s320/CIMG0983.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5493695674274518866" border="0" /></a></span>I am linking this post to:<br /><br />Organizing Junkie <a href="http://orgjunkie.com/2010/07/menu-plan-monday-july-12th.html">Menu plan Monday</a>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17582121829922680461noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4646089440361419597.post-83595735917557171482010-07-07T14:33:00.000-07:002010-07-07T23:57:20.966-07:00Fried Tortilla Cinna-Crisps<div style="text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size:130%;">I have been trying to cut back on "off-budget" snack items around here. It seems that the kids can just go through them like there's no tomorrow. And then tomorrow they want more snacks. Go figure, huh?</span><br /><br /><span style="font-size:130%;">So sometimes we have to get creative and cook up something fun and tasty to satisfy their bedtime snack craving.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-size:130%;">The other night I pulled out my Fry Daddy and fried up some tortilla crisps and the kids thought it was an amazing new invention. I cut the tortilla's into quarters and only needed a couple inches of oil in the fryer. Cook them at about 375 degrees for a minute or so until they are bubbled up and just barely starting to brown.</span><br /></div><br /><span style="font-size:130%;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0IABW_TXmRGuCaDTQPaAxFjN_SO8lb-VfM2HaXbsA_-LUFHygZ-6qTP5a9bOYE04iwip6XgRiKQ6uz9F8B__atvP3TklTYlEA_9AnLdmHZ4pKEL7PT1yfdtz5VbmGeV5lpfNll9T-22Z4/s1600/CIMG0912.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0IABW_TXmRGuCaDTQPaAxFjN_SO8lb-VfM2HaXbsA_-LUFHygZ-6qTP5a9bOYE04iwip6XgRiKQ6uz9F8B__atvP3TklTYlEA_9AnLdmHZ4pKEL7PT1yfdtz5VbmGeV5lpfNll9T-22Z4/s320/CIMG0912.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5491281665388041778" border="0" /></a>Remove to a plate lined with paper towels and sprinkle with cinnamon sugar or powdered sugar. We did both since I have these handy little shaker dealies from Pampered Chef. I keep one filled with cinnamon sugar and one with powdered sugar for toast and French toast. </span><br /><br /><span style="font-size:130%;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMEgFAcwB03cqagPnuS55FRtCyZ1XxoHu6Muz3Vpfg9CizFpq2hsbpvv4vXxJmXdC7RQnhazRveVoH5Eyp2ZsDQbI-rxDkpnbGVCdpDCOLoxsf6-TV7xmSszImN_7g7EHk8xZuMDfbyPfn/s1600/CIMG0915.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMEgFAcwB03cqagPnuS55FRtCyZ1XxoHu6Muz3Vpfg9CizFpq2hsbpvv4vXxJmXdC7RQnhazRveVoH5Eyp2ZsDQbI-rxDkpnbGVCdpDCOLoxsf6-TV7xmSszImN_7g7EHk8xZuMDfbyPfn/s320/CIMG0915.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5491281671304850210" border="0" /></a>They disappeared as fast as we could make them! Be careful about little ones grabbing them too quick, as they are very hot when they come out of the fryer.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-size:130%;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYi6CouXSfYDq_FexJkBbGZRKvdjzOuejuUhV12nsvt8folIADe-cHHFIvAsiqr8gc4UDQ1HbbcQM-OdpFffhhotknw6E7u7JrYgCc0kUF9YGWzqxsuPwbiEvPIUZeQLrPw4guo9F5P4bt/s1600/CIMG0916.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYi6CouXSfYDq_FexJkBbGZRKvdjzOuejuUhV12nsvt8folIADe-cHHFIvAsiqr8gc4UDQ1HbbcQM-OdpFffhhotknw6E7u7JrYgCc0kUF9YGWzqxsuPwbiEvPIUZeQLrPw4guo9F5P4bt/s320/CIMG0916.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5491281680967480610" border="0" /></a>These make a great garnish on the side of a bowl of vanilla ice cream with a little peach or blueberry topping too!</span><br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;font-size:180%;" >ENJOY!</span><br /></div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17582121829922680461noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4646089440361419597.post-23945265027581034142010-05-08T22:24:00.000-07:002010-05-08T23:09:00.991-07:00A bunch of Breakfast Burritos<span><span><span style="font-size:130%;">Saturday mornings are soccer game day. We all go out to cheer Morgy May on, and hope that she will last for at least part of the game before having a meltdown and leaving to sit on mama's lap. But with a bunch of 4 year old's it really is anything goes out there and the valiant "coaches" take it all in stride. Anyway, if anything is worth getting up early and standing outside in a damp field and freezing for, it is watching the "grasshoppers" and "munchkins" run around trying to kick a soccer ball. They are just too cute! And then breakfast burritos help too.<br /><br />These are a good make ahead breakfast and can be pretty handy any day of the week for a quick grab and go handheld meal.<br /><br /></span></span></span><span style="font-weight: bold;"><span><span style="font-size:130%;">Breakfast Burritos Recip</span></span></span><span><span><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">e</span>:<br /></span></span></span><span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-weight: bold;"><br />1 lb bulk breakfast sausage<br />4 medium potatoes, diced<br />1 dozen eggs<br />1 lb grated cheddar or colby jack cheese<br />1 jar salsa<br />salt and pepper, dash of cayenne pepper<br />1 dozen flour tortillas<br /><br />Boil diced potatoes for about 5 minutes, drain well.<br />Cook sausage in large skillet until lightly browned, do not drain. Add the par-cooked potatoes to the skillet, season with salt, pepper and cayenne pepper. Cook over medium heat to brown the potatoes, stirring occasionally. Remove to large mixing bowl.<br /><br />Scramble the eggs and cook in the same skillet until just set. Do not overcook, they will continue to cook after adding to the meat and potato mixture! Stir together with meat and potatoes in mixing bowl.<br /><br />Place a tortilla on a square of wax paper or foil that is slightly larger than the tortilla. Put about two serving spoons of meat and egg mixture in center of tortilla, leaving plenty of space all around for rolling. Sprinkle with cheese and a spoonful of salsa. Fold ends in toward middle then roll up the burrito. Fold wax paper ends toward center then roll. Place in a plastic zip lock in the frig and they can be microwaved for 1 1/2 - 2 minutes before serving.<br /><br />For soccer games I wrap in foil and heat as many as we need on a cookie sheet in the oven in the morning,take the to the game in a small cooler to hand out as needed.<br /><br />Visit the <a href="http://makeitfromscratch.blogspot.com/2010/05/carnival-166-my-raised-beds-and-pea.html">Make It From Scratch Carnival</a> for more recipes and home made ideas!<br /><br /></span></span><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-size:180%;">Enjoy! </span></span></span></div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17582121829922680461noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4646089440361419597.post-47579442979782103812010-05-03T00:03:00.000-07:002010-05-03T09:43:30.680-07:00Menu Plan Monday is Back!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfIUH5xXH9CIsuHwvzkdrbSEwMPX_IuKkP3t2COea6GpIFBijADffZfIg9d2HgreXu5mRgQnGpBPIjjOEP7IaJDmHOlM_6u6VyvdzoYEj99877BDVtp9LwuRjwFNf1IyA6KqLfn1rEWljh/s1600/smallbutton.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 149px; height: 137px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfIUH5xXH9CIsuHwvzkdrbSEwMPX_IuKkP3t2COea6GpIFBijADffZfIg9d2HgreXu5mRgQnGpBPIjjOEP7IaJDmHOlM_6u6VyvdzoYEj99877BDVtp9LwuRjwFNf1IyA6KqLfn1rEWljh/s320/smallbutton.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5466959344367307970" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><span style="font-size:130%;"><br />We are on a learning curve here going from a family of 2 to 5 and now 8! Yikes! I have never lived with 7 other people before in my life so there is a lot to learn. Of course food is a central theme for every family and blending 3 families into one can present some challenges. Luckily we have 3 good cooks here and it is just going to require some coordination.<br /><br />The kids were a little disappointed that we had to cancel "Sunday Fun-day" due to the lousy weather today. I just couldn't bring myself to hang out on the deck and cook brats and s'mores when it is only 32 degrees and raining again. {{{sigh}}} Praying for next week to finally bring us some sunshine and heat so we can put the Fun back into Fun-day.<br /><br />I tried to pin everyone down for ideas for the menu this week and we all agreed that menu planning is going to be key to keeping everything functioning. We also need to use what we have on hand to make as many meals as possible before going out and buying more. There seems to be a problem with people buying whatever they like but not planning on what we are going to use it for. LOL So I decided to get back to posting our menu plans with <a href="http://orgjunkie.com">orgjunkie.com</a> to keep us motivated.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Monday-</span><br />Spaghetti and meatballs, salad, garlic bread (cook extra pasta for Thursday)<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Tuesday-</span><br />Pork Tenderloin with black beans and yellow rice<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Wednesday-</span><br />Enchiladas, salad<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Thursday- Recipe below</span><br />Chicken/shrimp scampi with noodles alfredo, peas, garlic bread<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Friday-</span><br />Homemade Pizza<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Saturday- Recipe below</span><br />Pepper Steak Sandwiches, oven roasted potatoes<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Sunday-</span><br />Bratwurst with grilled peppers and onions, baked beans, grilled potatoes and S'Mores!<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Recipes:</span><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Quick and Easy Alfredo Noodles and Scampi</span><br /><br />Cook fettuccine noodles, while hot add one tablespoon butter, 1/2 cup whipped cream cheese and season with garlic salt. Stir to melt butter and cream cheese. Top with 1/2 cup fresh grated parmesan cheese. Stir in 1/2 cup cooked frozen peas.<br /><br />Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil and 1 tablespoon butter in hot skillet with one clove garlic smashed. Add 1 pound diced chicken or peeled raw shrimp to skillet and cook until done, 3-5 minutes. Season with salt, pepper and a pinch of red pepper flakes or cayenne pepper. Squeeze juice of 1/2 lemon over meat and add another tablespoon of butter to make a sauce. Serve with pasta.<br /><br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Pepper Steak Sandwiches</span><br /><br />Finely chop: 1 lb sirloin steak, 1/2 red pepper, 1/2 green pepper, 1/2 onion, 4 ounces mushrooms, (1 jalapeno pepper *optional.) I usually add the fresh jalapeno and then add diced nacho sliced jalapenos after cooking because we like a lot of heat.<br /><br />Season diced steak with Monterey Steak Seasoning<br /><br />Heat one tablespoon vegetable oil in large skillet on high heat, add the meat and saute for 1-2 minutes until brown, add vegetables and saute until the juices start to reduce. Serve meat mixture on toasted buns, sprinkled with grated cheese or cover with cheese slice.<br /></span><br /><a href="http://www.glitter-graphics.com/myspace/text_generator.php" target="_blank"><img src="http://text.glitter-graphics.net/sblue/e.gif" border="0" /><img src="http://text.glitter-graphics.net/sblue/n.gif" border="0" /><img src="http://text.glitter-graphics.net/sblue/j.gif" border="0" /><img src="http://text.glitter-graphics.net/sblue/o.gif" border="0" /><img src="http://text.glitter-graphics.net/sblue/y.gif" border="0" /></a>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17582121829922680461noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4646089440361419597.post-65242753515385771222009-09-04T23:29:00.000-07:002009-09-05T00:28:28.945-07:00Cream of Mushroom Soup, Just Say NO!<span style="font-size:130%;">Come, let us harken back to a time when Cream of "anything" soup did not exist.<br /><br />Can anyone please post a recipe on the internet for a casserole that does not involve opening a can of "Cream of Glop" and mixing it into noodles, rice or stuffing with some chicken and vegetables?<br /><br />This is what was going through my mind tonight when I was pondering what to do with some frozen chicken breasts and I hit on the idea of a casserole of some type. I challenge you to google "chicken casserole" and find me one that does not contain "cream of --- soup" in the ingredients list.<br /><br />Since I do not stock Cream of --- Soup in my pantry I have learned a very tricky way to substitute for it by making an old fashioned cream sauce from natural ingredients. The beauty of this is that is does not require a long list of chemicals and it tastes good. The downside is that you have to actually do a little bit of cooking. But, trust me, it is very little and can be done by any novice.<br /><br />You can make this with some basic ingredients that you should have on hand anyway:<br /><br />Onion, mushrooms, butter or light olive oil, flour, chicken stock, milk or cream, salt and pepper.<br /><br />You really should keep some heavy cream or half and half on hand. The ultra pasteurized stuff has a very long shelf life and if you buy a pint to use for sauces it is well worth it. DO NOT buy Fat Free Half and Half or Cream! There is no such thing in the natural world, and it should be illegal to label it that way but they do sell such a thing and it is not fit for human consumption.<br /><br />So, here is what you do to make your basic sauce.<br /><br />Chop up some onions and mushrooms, about 1/2 onion and 4 ounces of mushrooms. Heat a pan over medium high and add a couple tablespoons of butter to the pan. When the butter is melted add the vegetables, season with salt and pepper and saute for a while until limp. Add 1/4 cup of flour to the pan and cook over medium heat until the flour is all absorbed in the vegetable/oil mixture, add a little more butter or oil if neccessary. Add 2 cups of chicken stock to the pan, stirring it in slowly, bring up to a simmer over med/high heat. It will be very thick once it comes to a boil. Add 1 cup of cream or milk. Bring to boil again to thicken. Season to taste with salt and pepper.<br /><br />Thats it. No can opener needed.</span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17582121829922680461noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4646089440361419597.post-64602967601706245632009-04-20T00:00:00.001-07:002009-05-06T23:57:12.482-07:00The Tea Party Chronicles Homemade Tiered Plates<span style="font-size:130%;">Are you a tea party rookie? I am too.<br /><br /></span><br /><div><span style="font-size:130%;">When the tattooed mama and me decided to have a bridal shower for the College Boy's lovely Bride to Be a tea party sprang to my mind. Miss Bride is so sweet and we wanted to do something very special for her. Thus I came upon the idea of a "real" formal tea party and we began planning. I was pretty sure we could pull it off since we are so crafty and clever, and I figured I would find all the "How To" I needed online.</span></div><div><span style="font-size:130%;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size:130%;">I did find a lot of good information and especially quite a few recipes to choose from.<br /></span></div><br /><span style="font-size:130%;">But I was starting from scratch for tea partyware and with a limited budget I set out to do the best I could to create the elegant tea party atmosphere that I envisioned. We were estimating about 20 guests, so my idea was to set up 4 tables with 4-6 place settings at each. </span><br /><span style="font-size:130%;"></span><br /><div align="center"><span style="font-size:130%;">So off to the Goodwill I went.</span></div><div align="center"><span style="font-size:130%;"></span> </div><div align="center"><span style="font-size:130%;"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5326667638077795458" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsAt_hCWXPrkViyDQqJBwESHHLRg4k-hbFcxSxeGTmC9BRa-31zhWo2-MR0TcuDwc38kiNFVs8p6pjs30iyhz4ZPgIAL8W8O8Yr5xzqefXbQgkuFwVsZuQ-hxam-wGiL4MIkiK7dVmwEM3/s320/Easter+2009+007.jpg" border="0" /></span></div><div align="center"><span style="font-size:130%;"></span> </div><div align="center"><span style="font-size:130%;">I discovered that there are plenty of pretty dishes to be had for 49 cents each. Since I was planning on a "mismatched" place setting for each person that would work. It would take several trips to several different thrift stores and I added in the cups and plates from Mr. Rainbow Creek's grandma's china set which I had stashed in the basement for years.</span></div><div align="center"><span style="font-size:130%;"></span> </div><div align="center"><span style="font-size:130%;">Oh yeah, and I also thought it was totally worth all the trouble to have to peel off all the price stickers and handwash all those dishes before and after the party.</span></div><div align="center"><span style="font-size:130%;"><br /></span> </div><div align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvAWjesaITo9xh5tGttfxUkI2WrL4dOVirWkcaqaB80cDxLZ3pqdHXsHznsmWI8wX3INJ1tEAweuYb-oMgagB7Y3AYb7ZPxEDa4aWNjlVcPSEpvYCMR5Au7W1b76OlSlyoNnnoVbs05bgh/s1600-h/Easter+2009+003.jpg"><span style="font-size:130%;"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5326667650204688098" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvAWjesaITo9xh5tGttfxUkI2WrL4dOVirWkcaqaB80cDxLZ3pqdHXsHznsmWI8wX3INJ1tEAweuYb-oMgagB7Y3AYb7ZPxEDa4aWNjlVcPSEpvYCMR5Au7W1b76OlSlyoNnnoVbs05bgh/s320/Easter+2009+003.jpg" border="0" /></span></a><span style="font-size:130%;">Teapots are somewhat more difficult. I managed to find 2 for $3 each and then purchased a new one from the Corningware outlet store for $7. The little tea light candleholders were from the dollar store. They were cute and matched our "spa theme." But I forgot to light them. DUH!</span></div><div align="center"><span style="font-size:130%;"><br /></span></div><div align="center"><span style="font-size:130%;"> </span><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8hLk4P_dP0t9sgwTAq1tuXxfb4jfzgg3RuAaStRRzLULfrSZclcWUOlq6Nryl20pv8KsmSyfCgppDhqfhV0c-n9Xt9Ij0kX95OnpMeOUkJfJRZ1PuVNAr-B7BGoF9w8aEDBYoI1MlkXF4/s1600-h/Easter+2009+002.jpg"><span style="font-size:130%;"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5326667645427490562" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8hLk4P_dP0t9sgwTAq1tuXxfb4jfzgg3RuAaStRRzLULfrSZclcWUOlq6Nryl20pv8KsmSyfCgppDhqfhV0c-n9Xt9Ij0kX95OnpMeOUkJfJRZ1PuVNAr-B7BGoF9w8aEDBYoI1MlkXF4/s320/Easter+2009+002.jpg" border="0" /></span></a><span style="font-size:130%;">I found some pretty napkins at Tuesday Morning. <br /><br /></span><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNu1798B7BPZ9C43H8zxs7sYQ9KeZjKJEtI08W9d-inp61s4PWCkNywLqJrlTZHXeMKi1nZFG2H4QvAHNV2Rpo6aJjWfBSe-CdrsE_fV76ObghNeoSbq8qDuJyUserQmTtAmxSV7CQf73t/s1600-h/Easter+2009+005.jpg"><span style="font-size:130%;"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5326667640851619698" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNu1798B7BPZ9C43H8zxs7sYQ9KeZjKJEtI08W9d-inp61s4PWCkNywLqJrlTZHXeMKi1nZFG2H4QvAHNV2Rpo6aJjWfBSe-CdrsE_fV76ObghNeoSbq8qDuJyUserQmTtAmxSV7CQf73t/s320/Easter+2009+005.jpg" border="0" /></span></a><span style="font-size:130%;">So keeping with my clever and crafty theme, I assembled the tiered platters for the food using thrift store plates, wine glasses and my trusty hot glue gun. <br /></span><div><span style="font-size:130%;"><br /></span></div><span style="font-size:130%;"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5332955234598113122" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhytwOfNdhSeoWcRrVeYjTA5yl5MCVvoVln1_oBP_JDTP8Y7FCm2fbUUSE9jjQGrIoi9y5jL4gTFW4jh-FO4LxgHwMpWTDpCMcRnj3MYKzMZ80IuloJyrgO29oTLB1mwR2vaSbbQSJIDy9t/s320/Bridal+tea+party+010.jpg" border="0" />I had this well planned out, but it was a little scary because you have to get the dishes centered while handling a hot glue gun and, as I soon learned, the hot glue sets as soon as it meets the cold plate. So, you have one shot at getting it right or you get to start over again.<br /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5332955236279974242" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjH4u3_7CxffNf6r0IXOhhj7XFZnAgWSGVRw7QIgLhIXfhjKp2Kr1gYcSrZmYPMC5m6brU28jI28anOAlNG67blwBNJGKbPx_FsDWF_SgIPW2aW87orROCQHiG8Ko4cJQ4u8nYF5moasaFR/s320/Bridal+tea+party+009.jpg" border="0" /></span><br /><span style="font-size:130%;">So here are a few tips on hot gluing dishes together to make a tiered serving plate.</span><br /><span style="font-size:130%;"></span><br /><div align="left"><span style="font-size:130%;">1. Use small dots of glue around the edge of the glass, not a thick bead.</span></div><div align="left"><span style="font-size:130%;"></span> </div><div align="left"><span style="font-size:130%;">2. If you get the plate off center DO NOT use a razor blade to try to unstick it while holding the plate with your other hand and pointing the razor blade at your hand! Ask me how I know.</span></div><div align="left"><span style="font-size:130%;"></span> </div><div align="left"><span style="font-size:130%;">3. If you need to unstick the plates run some hot water over the glue beads and gently wiggle the plate until it pops off. The glue can then be removed by rubbing it with your fingers, no razor blade required.</span></div><div align="left"><span style="font-size:130%;"><br /></span> </div><span style="font-size:130%;"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5332955243623907554" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibW9JKXMhwwCTNqDD9BwiE8b3nPVG54xpx2Xtcj008DKudXtBal2He97YuZiNi2jYpN_ZjWQ0i0yiSLJec4R4e34GxLVOVpF99YkgMrmGYUrJcnfw6HkuvUGUrmJzr77R41DyqGboO1_4y/s320/Bridal+tea+party+011.jpg" border="0" /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5332955219404370242" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIenGbzcDV2CVxffj1VJ1H__Wrr1gpzamsy_-vbe8dwWRC14yNpYbCPswX1zWrW8KytcNBHN_MHwb7Z_SKdOEAI8_bY5dwoI3VjBP7o-vZy8WiqGu7uLTGlQOhwyUYZzOa_YjcUno4AfPJ/s320/Bridal+tea+party+012.jpg" border="0" />The plates turned out really pretty.</span></div><p><span style="font-size:130%;"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5332955229343092306" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5Hzi7UX_BTYn_vI7HaE5go_8I9tBSC62PZcdOBavNzXF2G8gBmv-MbMEwhtXjMNlVhLmr6N9czQIGQI3qihGCfdsrHKLrcxl36BMQ3JN3ovMrstPs98kUrcA-LD5tFTwFdtUV5klzea2E/s320/Bridal+tea+party+015.jpg" border="0" /></span></p><p align="center"><span style="font-size:130%;">Next up: Fabulous food and how to spend an entire day making 35 brownies.</span></p>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17582121829922680461noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4646089440361419597.post-14713440426033583222009-04-12T00:15:00.000-07:002009-04-20T00:00:00.329-07:00Rice Krispie Treat Easter BouquetI meant to post this last weekend, but goodness I have been so busy.<br /><br />Anyway, I love Rice Krispie treats and when they are dipped in chocolate and made into a cute centerpiece how can you go wrong? I mixed Easter sprinkles into the treats and then sprinkled the chocolate dipped bunnies.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWZnVUCCMkLLkv2yb-GD2dRiozP9wjrVjj7Pq-RIU9IQkDjOcyFu9_ByRV-uzDzc3OLVs7HYRPAHOK2WG2XKPZkGoiUr5_IKzU7XgMVSvOKOkTPm6q_qKe4B4cnd2owG0MSYRhQUGcSjIL/s1600-h/Easter+2009+014.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5323700391559307346" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWZnVUCCMkLLkv2yb-GD2dRiozP9wjrVjj7Pq-RIU9IQkDjOcyFu9_ByRV-uzDzc3OLVs7HYRPAHOK2WG2XKPZkGoiUr5_IKzU7XgMVSvOKOkTPm6q_qKe4B4cnd2owG0MSYRhQUGcSjIL/s320/Easter+2009+014.jpg" border="0" /></a> This is a little more work than a vase of flowers, but edible and they were a hit with adults and kids. Carter thought they were the best thing to happen to him in his tender 13 months of living and kept coming back for more.<br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjapyhjUXg7bvVNbBhPYHAHBr6Np1YBVwtFWGu6lhSI8Rfnpzvqx64kCRsLeqpQmE5huhsSHpzYPo0ML2xH1wpXbPtDMn4jvTNiGiU3S7C0qAEOkbtcOgS3HKKXfkvXcNHVwOU93xiPQn-z/s1600-h/Easter+2009+010.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5323700390973169458" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjapyhjUXg7bvVNbBhPYHAHBr6Np1YBVwtFWGu6lhSI8Rfnpzvqx64kCRsLeqpQmE5huhsSHpzYPo0ML2xH1wpXbPtDMn4jvTNiGiU3S7C0qAEOkbtcOgS3HKKXfkvXcNHVwOU93xiPQn-z/s320/Easter+2009+010.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><div></div></div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17582121829922680461noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4646089440361419597.post-63365696224185825832009-03-27T22:14:00.000-07:002009-03-27T23:17:20.292-07:003 Layer Red Chile Enchiladas<span style="font-size:130%;">Since I have been slacking on menu plan Monday's for the past few weeks I find myself coming up from my sewing studio at whatever hour hunger strikes me and scrounging around for what to make. </span><div><div><span style="font-size:130%;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size:130%;">Tonight I opened the frig and found: an open can of refried beans with a small scoop missing that I assume Mr. Rainbow Creek used for bean dip, a package of corn tortillas that were on the verge of expiration, 2 thighs and one leg leftover from the roasted chicken we had earlier this week, a package of Sargento 4 Cheese Mexican blend left from the queso fundido. My heart leapt at the thought that I might have a can of enchilada sauce in the lazy susan. And indeed I did had not one but two cans! One last thing, an onion.</span></div><div><span style="font-size:130%;"></span> </div><div><span style="font-size:130%;">I make my enchiladas lasagna style because it a lot less work and not as messy as the rolled up kind. And just as tasty. </span></div><div><span style="font-size:130%;"> </span></div><div><span style="font-size:130%;">Once you grab all your ingredients it is a good idea to prep everything and line it up. I am all about mise en place, everything in place before assembling and cooking. It dirties a few extra dishes but at least you aren't running to the frig or struggling to open a package of cheese with sauce dripping down your arm. Ask me how I know.</span></div><div><span style="font-size:130%;"></span> </div><span style="font-size:130%;"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5318108817780192338" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7MH0TUWgtGnEvSAIgo0aFlS257YSopmjiCc7xC1_tTGMGDE6lGubNfaTqeW8g3kzjYBHI7MKp-zjQfZNYRGlh-hdlE_SyKtlX4SiGBROdrMRNHta18bxnDlf4d_6GNjLlFxGZU5VdddI4/s320/enchilada+casserole+001.jpg" border="0" />First cut your tortillas in half, I find that this makes it easy to line the whole pan nicely. You can do an 8X8 or 13X9 pan. But you might as well do the big pan because the leftovers are so good for lunch tomorrow or can be frozen for another meal.</span></div><div><span style="font-size:130%;"><br /></span></div><span style="font-size:130%;"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5318108809969168834" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj05JfEQ5GhcpQzd-EanpARVKSoJgiBLa2wqLAiUuGCTa2MjkFJSIfZdb9g3TuAM8nGDmF_6meJXkETrs3HLAomJhw39y8vjJL7xGWuFJp7tJVvP-Auu0vf7KnL0pKB5bT3J8Htxsv09vb1/s320/enchilada+casserole+002.jpg" border="0" />I chopped the chicken into small cubes and mixed in one small diced onion. Put the sauce in a wide bowl for dipping the tortillas, pour your cheese into a bowl, I heated the beans a little so they would spread easily. I also sprayed the pan with Pam to prevent sticking, baked on cheese can be hell to clean up.<br /></span><div></div><br /><span style="font-size:130%;">For the first layer dip the tortillas in sauce and line the pan. Cover this layer with one can of refried beans (1/2 if using 8X8) sprinkle a little cheese over the beans.<br /></span><br /><span style="font-size:130%;"></span><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdnvNiVTrSn7bikXeyCnZFjiIARPJlqv87jR7ly4JR1Bl-FDim8NyeqnoRkccOzGhWepTpzExGXSqH-7Gt58ztNdjDmlB0-tgzQQEqEQGVnLqrTLT4mmMIc0b2SLQ3cGJnI7BmkoFDeX1F/s1600-h/enchilada+casserole+004.jpg"><span style="font-size:130%;"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5318107858288249154" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdnvNiVTrSn7bikXeyCnZFjiIARPJlqv87jR7ly4JR1Bl-FDim8NyeqnoRkccOzGhWepTpzExGXSqH-7Gt58ztNdjDmlB0-tgzQQEqEQGVnLqrTLT4mmMIc0b2SLQ3cGJnI7BmkoFDeX1F/s320/enchilada+casserole+004.jpg" border="0" /></span></a><span style="font-size:130%;"> Here is the layout of the next layer of tortillas. I put the cut sides toward the outside of the pan and lay a row down the middle.<br /><br /></span><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPWSPV7jAFnyt4CcF9BmrI4Opq9a7a-2r4jB9x9ljgALf6TDEpDnmFHIAmtbTcmZuFapcscVMaOhyphenhyphenwPkwCR2bU1Aw_7_hptDMRZS1bIDezWPuxLJoKSTGSseOV6g0TdtYY3ykA_-_-dcvc/s1600-h/enchilada+casserole+005.jpg"><span style="font-size:130%;"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5318107855190063010" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPWSPV7jAFnyt4CcF9BmrI4Opq9a7a-2r4jB9x9ljgALf6TDEpDnmFHIAmtbTcmZuFapcscVMaOhyphenhyphenwPkwCR2bU1Aw_7_hptDMRZS1bIDezWPuxLJoKSTGSseOV6g0TdtYY3ykA_-_-dcvc/s320/enchilada+casserole+005.jpg" border="0" /></span></a><span style="font-size:130%;">Next add the chicken and onion layer, top with a little more cheese.<br /><br /></span><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOPSCHfqNBduwemY1GBsE3hKzv5ZBCcmB3S_qhiUNUGVUNtQDlbfXHgezWHMSeUcmmRDVef1LGklHT0bTd1KKDuNo5vgabiYIc4aorIlPLhr-Nwk272J6Krp04qEflejXKzuMTX44yOe-2/s1600-h/enchilada+casserole+006.jpg"><span style="font-size:130%;"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5318107852209740386" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOPSCHfqNBduwemY1GBsE3hKzv5ZBCcmB3S_qhiUNUGVUNtQDlbfXHgezWHMSeUcmmRDVef1LGklHT0bTd1KKDuNo5vgabiYIc4aorIlPLhr-Nwk272J6Krp04qEflejXKzuMTX44yOe-2/s320/enchilada+casserole+006.jpg" border="0" /></span></a><span style="font-size:130%;"> Add the last layer of tortillas and cover with the rest of the sauce. I use the large can of sauce that I get at Sam's. If you live somewhere like the east coast where you can only get those tiny cans of sauce you will need at least 3 cans, maybe 4. <br /><br /></span><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrsQ26LBMy-7Sct3FSeOi1RCShiolB1PbxJP3le2i_7uQRSuZI7RnapboxygBeP6Rk-q9fmV-i80Xlh9OOESZCVnpUtWODPd260KuitJe8XYi5cUHG5vdIB9XHva2ESn1Yxw_5CFi6PGW8/s1600-h/enchilada+casserole+008.jpg"><span style="font-size:130%;"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5318107849073761218" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrsQ26LBMy-7Sct3FSeOi1RCShiolB1PbxJP3le2i_7uQRSuZI7RnapboxygBeP6Rk-q9fmV-i80Xlh9OOESZCVnpUtWODPd260KuitJe8XYi5cUHG5vdIB9XHva2ESn1Yxw_5CFi6PGW8/s320/enchilada+casserole+008.jpg" border="0" /></span></a><span style="font-size:130%;"> Cover the top with the rest of the cheese. Cover pan tightly with foil and bake in 350 degree oven for 30 minutes, uncover and cook 10 minutes more until cheese is bubbly.</span></div><div><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizCVmwRyvx7ElL_6m0tmih30q4bthYiKa9sjuOpRFHj-Jvq8P5QhN_LkTTN25BnH29VN0GNeLtR2YELfP0YYqYkKjxw-vNamZ3hVrv9fUx5jJ05CM9aNcmz-bqwpdQ0mcM5ZXiTpWA8Ygx/s1600-h/enchilada+casserole+011.jpg"><span style="font-size:130%;"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5318107838214607010" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizCVmwRyvx7ElL_6m0tmih30q4bthYiKa9sjuOpRFHj-Jvq8P5QhN_LkTTN25BnH29VN0GNeLtR2YELfP0YYqYkKjxw-vNamZ3hVrv9fUx5jJ05CM9aNcmz-bqwpdQ0mcM5ZXiTpWA8Ygx/s320/enchilada+casserole+011.jpg" border="0" /></span></a><span style="font-size:130%;"> I keep it simple and serve this with a side of salad greens with a little cilantro mixed in, and diced tomatoes. A little sour cream is good for topping too.</span></div><div> </div><div align="center"><span style="font-size:180%;">Enjoy!</span></div></div></div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17582121829922680461noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4646089440361419597.post-61515557201748670552009-03-17T18:32:00.000-07:002009-03-17T23:35:45.587-07:00Just Discovered No-Knead Bread - WOW!<span style="font-size:130%;">I have really been in a cooking mood (or maybe I should say eating mood?) since I got back from my trip. </span><br /><span style="font-size:130%;"></span><br /><span style="font-size:130%;">Sunday is usually our foodie day and I started out the day searching for some recipes I had seen on the morning news by Chef Mick from Tony's Fine Meats. One thing led to another and before I knew it I was totally engrossed in reading about the No-Knead Bread recipe by Jim Lahey from Sullivan Street Bakery and decided I had to try it even though I am not really a baker. I guess this recipe has been going around for a couple of years and some serious cooks swear by it. </span><br /><span style="font-size:130%;"></span><br /><span style="font-size:130%;">For Sunday though, I decided on a western theme grilled filet mignon, warm potato salad, and cowboy beans. </span><br /><span style="font-size:130%;"></span><br /><span style="font-size:130%;">For an appetizer I decided to try this </span><a href="http://steamykitchen.com/blog/2008/02/19/no-knead-pizza-dough-pear-and-gorgonzola-flatbread-with-baby-arugula-and-shaved-parmesan"><span style="font-size:130%;">no-knead flatbread</span></a><span style="font-size:130%;"> with a pepper jack queso fundido.</span><br /><span style="font-size:130%;">I drizzled a little olive oil and a sprinkle of jalapeno salt on the flatbread, baked it on a pizza stone at 450 degree. We got the first one a little crisp, second one turned out golden brown and crisp on the outside with a soft chewy center. The recipe seems to call for 1 1/2 Tablespoons of salt. I took that to be an error and reduced it to about 1 1/2 tsp. That was plenty. I have half of the dough in the frig and will make a couple of grilled pizzas with that later this week. </span><br /><span style="font-size:130%;"></span><br /><span style="font-size:130%;">For the Queso Fundido: I heated about 1 cup white wine (a sauvignon blanc is good) in a double boiler. Stir in one cup shredded natural pepper jack cheese, 1/2 cup mexican cheese blend with cheddar, monterey jack, queso, and asadero, and 1/2 cup mozzerella. You can use whatever cheeses you like, these were just what Ihad on hand. Just be sure they are natural cheese not processed. Stir over low heat until blended and smooth. Transfer to fondue pot or small ramekins and serve with warm flatbread. Serve this with the rest of the wine or any cocktail you like. </span><br /><span style="font-size:130%;"></span><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-cUM3u7vQKsGWuOFUaxrBKMUmO7hWCjQsKI9UP2vKTWC55-WadYhal6tq02OuWhDbEIMZw4oZEG0qarJqTwQruHQ9YQQQIG911lD7Ee-Y2uSOWmcbEkFPcqOXbLa7Kb2zv9z-k78qNr2_/s1600-h/march+2009+trip+to+IL+027.jpg"><span style="font-size:130%;"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5314347772646576674" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-cUM3u7vQKsGWuOFUaxrBKMUmO7hWCjQsKI9UP2vKTWC55-WadYhal6tq02OuWhDbEIMZw4oZEG0qarJqTwQruHQ9YQQQIG911lD7Ee-Y2uSOWmcbEkFPcqOXbLa7Kb2zv9z-k78qNr2_/s320/march+2009+trip+to+IL+027.jpg" border="0" /></span></a><span style="font-size:130%;"> The steaks were seasoned with a heavy rub of Spicy Monterey Seasoning Blend and grilled on the Weber over very hot coals, 3 mins /side. Perfection! </span><br /><span style="font-size:130%;"></span><br /><span style="font-size:130%;">My favorite potato salad is this super simple warm version. The flavors are mild and uncomplicated and it goes together quick so it is no more trouble than any average side dish.</span><br /><span style="font-size:130%;"></span><br /><span style="font-size:130%;">Warm Potato Salad: Wash and cut 4 medium unpeeled red potatoes into 1 1/2" chunks. Boil in well salted water until tender, about 10 minutes. Drain and return to pan, let stand on warm burner to dry. This is important, you don't want any excess water on the potatoes to water down the dressing. Add a couple of tablespoons diced red onion, 1/4 cup chopped celery, 1 Tbl dijon mustard, about 1/3 cup mayonnaise to pan. Sprinkle a couple dashes of rice vinegar and a teaspoon of sugar, salt, pepper and a good pinch of dried herbs of choice. Stir to mix, taste for seasoning, adjust if needed. </span><br /><span style="font-size:130%;"></span><br /><span style="font-size:130%;">Cowboy beans: I use almost any variety of canned beans I have on hand for my cowboy beans, but most of the time I use pinto, black bleans and butter beans. Dice and cook a couple of slices of bacon in saucepot until it is beginning to crisp. Add 1/2 cup onion and saute over med low heat. Add 3 cans drained beans, about 1/4 cup barbeque sauce and a couple tablespoons brown sugar, a dash of cayenne pepper and a few dashes of Tobasco or Franks Red Hot sauce, simmer over low for 15 to 30 mins. or until ready to serve. I also add a small handful of chopped nacho slice jalapenos sometimes because I like the extra kick.<br /></span><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhN41WcxtPN_OaJNWqCKuavgCJg7Dt3eqZ7VYSshPZeSFlNMeH-hLmH0FCXPJk6e8Z00x2Pn9dvYbo4-rSnKk3WFHp7Jx_SqPywoYaOpVKS7-W9Dq1rswZ_CrOVxSi_g2VAFzuSxnApmYdq/s1600-h/march+2009+trip+to+IL+018.jpg"><span style="font-size:130%;"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5314346953135075490" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhN41WcxtPN_OaJNWqCKuavgCJg7Dt3eqZ7VYSshPZeSFlNMeH-hLmH0FCXPJk6e8Z00x2Pn9dvYbo4-rSnKk3WFHp7Jx_SqPywoYaOpVKS7-W9Dq1rswZ_CrOVxSi_g2VAFzuSxnApmYdq/s320/march+2009+trip+to+IL+018.jpg" border="0" /></span></a><span style="font-size:130%;">Now, to the </span><a href="http://steamykitchen.com/blog/2007/09/10/no-knead-bread-revisited"><span style="font-size:130%;">no-knead bread</span></a><span style="font-size:130%;">. Definitely, I will be playing with this recipe alot more. All I can say it is everything I expected and not nearly as fussy as you might think. I substituted active dry yeast for the instant and used 1/2 cup whole wheat flour for part of the bread flour. I also had to leave for an appointment and got back later than expected so let the second rise go for a little over 4 hours. No problem, it turned out just perfect.<br /><br /></span><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwuAYv2iCPiXfxJ3FyyUpqXcJD2U_JjKocmofUzyhn-cmzI1gz_HpOZaH_40DeFpa1QGg1fnzI3HR4uLAd_6rbZc7qwdmTy-6-XHBzdTPK3kpTvquIJbO9uYL5Wf93TV5kazuFvs3o1r9-/s1600-h/march+2009+trip+to+IL+034.jpg"><span style="font-size:130%;"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5314346944669689778" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwuAYv2iCPiXfxJ3FyyUpqXcJD2U_JjKocmofUzyhn-cmzI1gz_HpOZaH_40DeFpa1QGg1fnzI3HR4uLAd_6rbZc7qwdmTy-6-XHBzdTPK3kpTvquIJbO9uYL5Wf93TV5kazuFvs3o1r9-/s320/march+2009+trip+to+IL+034.jpg" border="0" /></span></a><span style="font-size:130%;"> I didn't wait until it was all the way cooled, cut into it after I had waited as long as I could. The outside is so crunchy and the inside soft and a bit chewy. Try this even if you are not a baker! I might try it with a little more yeast for flavor next time. </span><a href="http://bitten.blogs.nytimes.com/2008/10/08/faster-no-knead-bread/"><span style="font-size:130%;">Mark Bittman </span></a><span style="font-size:130%;">does it with more yeast and less rising time so you can actually get it done in one day. But I do like the long and not so precise nature of this recipe and see no reason to hurry it.<br /><br /></span><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPvNTbj6AAmBkWBvPy-EDcK1ajxIU4cW1kyKlg1fut6Aax6kiZDGxLffRfAFJJKSKcPifdQf8FcWGw7znuiw3Kpj9NTXQxUvvGb-hsJFfLXjpgL204UirvTbE4DjOR-X9RBfMurM4TaB_x/s1600-h/march+2009+trip+to+IL+041.jpg"><span style="font-size:130%;"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5314346938215324418" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 189px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPvNTbj6AAmBkWBvPy-EDcK1ajxIU4cW1kyKlg1fut6Aax6kiZDGxLffRfAFJJKSKcPifdQf8FcWGw7znuiw3Kpj9NTXQxUvvGb-hsJFfLXjpgL204UirvTbE4DjOR-X9RBfMurM4TaB_x/s320/march+2009+trip+to+IL+041.jpg" border="0" /></span></a><span style="font-size:130%;"><br />Finally, the Irish Stew. This was just very similar to my basic stew recipe. I like to use chuck roast and cut it myself. You can buy the packaged stew meat too, but I like cutting my own so I can trim the fat as I like.<br /><br /></span><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtd5GtzpWt0AYNxXl0hJ_wzFVx68gEkFqanu30ksv48i5LYWFDO2bQMmSXyjQ4mxgiEULHUGoewqBR6aMteY4OK1U0Pur8xDlZc6LjRYBlpCU9TlZr69h_jqiszPz-KndpbQAGg79uLEuu/s1600-h/march+2009+trip+to+IL+032.jpg"><span style="font-size:130%;"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5314346932818863490" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtd5GtzpWt0AYNxXl0hJ_wzFVx68gEkFqanu30ksv48i5LYWFDO2bQMmSXyjQ4mxgiEULHUGoewqBR6aMteY4OK1U0Pur8xDlZc6LjRYBlpCU9TlZr69h_jqiszPz-KndpbQAGg79uLEuu/s320/march+2009+trip+to+IL+032.jpg" border="0" /></span></a><span style="font-size:130%;"> I don't peel the potatoes. I quarter them and quarter a couple of small onions. I use peeled baby carrots and baby bella mushrooms, cleaned and sliced.<br /></span><div><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJrqm-xQRJKjH2u9rdvTtyRxzW7xT10b9rIBcdu7oGnwOCyglDrthAOkwzEaFWVc3GjjkG2PVqFGRE8-D_Sa4AEJtub4nkrumVBOZ7S72nX5pwts9FlBUJXYdErSiZhtWjedi69r3vYyuw/s1600-h/march+2009+trip+to+IL+033.jpg"><span style="font-size:130%;"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5314343874476007506" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJrqm-xQRJKjH2u9rdvTtyRxzW7xT10b9rIBcdu7oGnwOCyglDrthAOkwzEaFWVc3GjjkG2PVqFGRE8-D_Sa4AEJtub4nkrumVBOZ7S72nX5pwts9FlBUJXYdErSiZhtWjedi69r3vYyuw/s320/march+2009+trip+to+IL+033.jpg" border="0" /></span></a><span style="font-size:130%;"><br />I sprinkle a good scoop of flour over the meat, and then season heavily with garlic pepper blend, salt and pepper. Mix well with your hands. Then place in hot pot with heated oil to brown well over medium high heat. Use your heaviest pot, cast iron is good. Remember if it starts browning too fast or smoking remove from heat and lower the heat before continuing! The floured meat will act as a rioux when you add the liquid, so nice golden brown is good, burnt is not so good.<br /><br /></span><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAvFNfTy2h_XpIEvC4O10hdlRGoI50xZYvxhDChxjs8MozNZAcuCTThNHkYKB5y51zLfHu6zNiUEDnb9vOhcNSc7B-49Ty5yBLeOi4afiMLODdLcJ8-6BpbGlIJy8-ieIvZwg8H_-HWAog/s1600-h/march+2009+trip+to+IL+036.jpg"><span style="font-size:130%;"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5314343868790233442" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAvFNfTy2h_XpIEvC4O10hdlRGoI50xZYvxhDChxjs8MozNZAcuCTThNHkYKB5y51zLfHu6zNiUEDnb9vOhcNSc7B-49Ty5yBLeOi4afiMLODdLcJ8-6BpbGlIJy8-ieIvZwg8H_-HWAog/s320/march+2009+trip+to+IL+036.jpg" border="0" /></span></a><span style="font-size:130%;"> This recipe called for a dark black beer. I used Sam Adams Black Lager because that is what I had on hand. Guinness is good too.<br /></span><div><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSICKzRZBXKZB6q4LgvnOOKbLWoy_S_QOrd9sZe8IArCgBKLXU63U7n1PjuH6_ZMGj3OSrPPfHDAJBVGdlVDzm9UYc5YXMat6bvQHNEdArxlkX00WRCBEGe8xNiEk_lCGIPovNKJ-abe8r/s1600-h/march+2009+trip+to+IL+038.jpg"><span style="font-size:130%;"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5314343858569579442" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSICKzRZBXKZB6q4LgvnOOKbLWoy_S_QOrd9sZe8IArCgBKLXU63U7n1PjuH6_ZMGj3OSrPPfHDAJBVGdlVDzm9UYc5YXMat6bvQHNEdArxlkX00WRCBEGe8xNiEk_lCGIPovNKJ-abe8r/s320/march+2009+trip+to+IL+038.jpg" border="0" /></span></a><span style="font-size:130%;"> Then I added about 3 cups beef broth, 1 small can tomatoe paste, 1 bay leaf and some dried herbs. Bake in 325 - 350 oven for about 2 to 2 1/2 hours until meat is tender. If liquid gets too low after 1 1/2 hours add a little more broth or water. This makes a really rich and tender stew. I served some boiled cabbage with it since it was St. Patricks day, and the homemade bread with soft butter. </span></div><div><span style="font-size:130%;"></span></div><div><span style="font-size:130%;"></span></div><span style="font-size:130%;"><a href="http://www.glitter-graphics.com/myspace/text_generator.php" target="_blank"></a></span></div><div align="center"><span style="font-size:180%;">Enjoy!</span></div><div align="center"><br /></div></div><div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17582121829922680461noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4646089440361419597.post-54518263869791739502009-03-06T01:22:00.000-08:002009-03-06T01:58:10.820-08:00Frozen Pasta Chicken Parmesan 15 minute meal<span style="font-size:130%;">Tonight Mr. Rainbow Creek got home late and I was in the middle doing battle with a quilt I wanted to finish by this weekend. (That is another story for another time!) But I knew he was hungry and so was I since I had been down in the batcave all day working. I decided to offer to cook him some breaded chicken tenders and that was fine with him, but sounded pretty crappy to me. Then I remembered that I had some precooked angel hair pasta in the freezer so I threw together a big plate of chicken parmesan, it took about 15 minutes after the oven was heated and I was happy not to have a big mess to clean up.</span><br /><span style="font-size:130%;"></span><br /><span style="font-size:130%;">I know you can buy those refrigerated pasta's that you just dunk in boiling water for a minute and they are really good. I used to buy those back in the day before I was being frugal. But they are really expensive. Now, when I make a meal with pasta I cook the whole package and it makes a lot more than we need, so I take the extra and drizzle a little olive oil over it and put it in a ziplock bag in the freezer. All you have to do when you need some pasta is heat some water to boiling in the microwave and pour it over the pasta in a large bowl. Take it out of the bag before you do this! It will defrost and heat through in a minute or so and you can hold it in the water til everything else is ready. </span><br /><span style="font-size:130%;"></span><br /><span style="font-size:130%;">This chicken parmesan recipe is kid friendly and good for hardworking dads too. Add a salad and some garlic bread and you can do this meal in under 30 easily. </span><br /><span style="font-size:130%;"></span><br /><span style="font-size:130%;">Cook frozen breaded chicken tenders according to package directions. Top with a little bottled spaghetti sauce and mozzerella and parmesan cheese, put back in oven for a few minutes to melt cheese. Serve with pasta and extra heated sauce. </span><br /><span style="font-size:130%;"></span><br /><span style="font-size:130%;">If you don't like the breaded chicken you can use raw chicken breast tenders for this too, just bake about 10 minutes and cover with sauce and cheese. </span><br /><span style="font-size:130%;"></span><br /><div align="center"><span style="font-size:180%;">Enjoy!</span></div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17582121829922680461noreply@blogger.com2