**This post was originally started in May 2010. New stuff is in italics.
This stuff has been in my head for awhile.
The problem with more semi-serious posts like this is that I never feel like I have time to give them justice. Especially when others do a much better job than I do! For that very reason, I may do a lot of linking here!
I would say my quest for living a healthier life, for me and my family, continues to find me traveling a windy road. There are usually a few valleys for every mountain top I reach.
That is why I keep good people like Cara close by! I love learning new things from her. She inspires me while never making me feel bad.
I will be honest. I have chucked a few health gurus off my Google Reader after tiring of their belittling attitude; if you aren't making these choices for your family, then you just don't really care, doooo you kind of people.
Cara will NEVER be one of those people! :) You will love learning more about her family's Real Food Journey!
There are so many things I want to share, so forgive me if I bounce around.
**I had been cooresponding with Cara awhile before the subject of coconuts came up, but I seemed to latch on to this because it seemed like an easy transition to make.
Coconut Milk and Coconut Oil
http://www.tropicaltraditions.com/faq.htm#1
http://www.ehow.com/facts_4744724_coconut-milk-health-benefits.html
**Just this week, I signed up for her newsletter and got a Grain Free 3-Day Sample Meal Plan. I am very excited to try several of her recipes!! She makes it very easy which is very appealing!!
Grain Free Sample Meal Plan
**A few of my resolutions center around an healthier lifestyle, including exercising 3-4 times a week, trying 1 new recipe a week, and supplementing with more green smoothie shakes.
Stacey
Showing posts with label food. Show all posts
Showing posts with label food. Show all posts
Wednesday, January 5, 2011
Wednesday, June 23, 2010
Eyes knew it!!!
The Saturday of Mother's Day weekend, a lady at our church hosted a Mother's Brunch. My mother was in town, so she, myself, and my MIL attended the event. R had moved from the same area as me several years before, so we shared a kindred spirit about living in a small town. I have enjoyed getting to know her.
We had a lovely brunch followed by several of the women sharing some of their personal stories on motherhood. As we sat down to eat, a lady I did not know asked if she could join us at our table. She introduced herself then R came over and shared that she and this lady had been friends for many years after meeting at church. She still lives in the area that R and I had moved from.
R also shared that she was a published author in several magazines, so our conversation turned to that and learning more about her. As she shared, we all ended up talking about where we were from and all the other things that come with that. I asked her what she did. Her reply was "I am a mom.".
As we ate and talked, I had this nagging feeling that I knew her from somewhere but couldn't really place her. I mentioned that she looked familiar but we ended up leaving at the fact that it was probably due our previously living in the same area.
That familiar tug kept pulling. There was something about her face, her eyes that just made me know that I knew her.
Hmmmmm?
Our conversation turned to families and children. She inquired about my family and she mentioned that she had a 6 year old. We talked about being moms. Me having B later on and her starting her family later than she had planned.
Chat, chat, chat.
Hmmmmm?
Then that nagging feeling turned into a lightbulb!
And my curiosity got to me.
So I asked her, "Is your 6 year old a boy?".
"Yes."
My ears started burning and my heart did a little flutter. I put my hand on her arm, cocked my head to the side, leaned in a bit closer, and asked.....
"Are you Antique Mommy?"
After she smiled and confirmed my nagging feeling, I can't tell much else of what took place other than I probably embarassed myself and her by my excitement. I got all gushy (word?) and shared with the table how I knew her. Of course, none of them are blog readers but they all thought that was so neat.
All the while, the flow of thoughts in my head went something like this....
ICAN.NOT.BELIEVEthatIamactuallysittingnexttoAntiqueMommy!!Bequiet.Talk.Bequiet.Talk.DON'Tembarassyourself.Don'ttalktoomuchaboutyourself.Don'taskhertoomanyquestions.SheaskedifIleavecomments.Ohdarn,nowsheknowsthatIamjustalurker!Don'ttellherhowtofindyourblog.Shewon'tthinkmuchofit.Shelooksyoungerthanherage.DoI?BlahBlahBlahBlah!
She was gracious and nice and it was a fun experience. She doen't have the picture on her header anymore, but the reason I recognized her was because of her eyes. She used to have a picture of just her eyes and they are so pretty and distinct which is why the nagging feeling wouldn't go away. Isn't that fun?!
I am still terrible about commenting, but hope to remedy that soon. When you head over to meet her, tell her that I said "Hi!!".
Stacey
We had a lovely brunch followed by several of the women sharing some of their personal stories on motherhood. As we sat down to eat, a lady I did not know asked if she could join us at our table. She introduced herself then R came over and shared that she and this lady had been friends for many years after meeting at church. She still lives in the area that R and I had moved from.
R also shared that she was a published author in several magazines, so our conversation turned to that and learning more about her. As she shared, we all ended up talking about where we were from and all the other things that come with that. I asked her what she did. Her reply was "I am a mom.".
As we ate and talked, I had this nagging feeling that I knew her from somewhere but couldn't really place her. I mentioned that she looked familiar but we ended up leaving at the fact that it was probably due our previously living in the same area.
That familiar tug kept pulling. There was something about her face, her eyes that just made me know that I knew her.
Hmmmmm?
Our conversation turned to families and children. She inquired about my family and she mentioned that she had a 6 year old. We talked about being moms. Me having B later on and her starting her family later than she had planned.
Chat, chat, chat.
Hmmmmm?
Then that nagging feeling turned into a lightbulb!
And my curiosity got to me.
So I asked her, "Is your 6 year old a boy?".
"Yes."
My ears started burning and my heart did a little flutter. I put my hand on her arm, cocked my head to the side, leaned in a bit closer, and asked.....
"Are you Antique Mommy?"
After she smiled and confirmed my nagging feeling, I can't tell much else of what took place other than I probably embarassed myself and her by my excitement. I got all gushy (word?) and shared with the table how I knew her. Of course, none of them are blog readers but they all thought that was so neat.
All the while, the flow of thoughts in my head went something like this....
ICAN.NOT.BELIEVEthatIamactuallysittingnexttoAntiqueMommy!!Bequiet.Talk.Bequiet.Talk.DON'Tembarassyourself.Don'ttalktoomuchaboutyourself.Don'taskhertoomanyquestions.SheaskedifIleavecomments.Ohdarn,nowsheknowsthatIamjustalurker!Don'ttellherhowtofindyourblog.Shewon'tthinkmuchofit.Shelooksyoungerthanherage.DoI?BlahBlahBlahBlah!
She was gracious and nice and it was a fun experience. She doen't have the picture on her header anymore, but the reason I recognized her was because of her eyes. She used to have a picture of just her eyes and they are so pretty and distinct which is why the nagging feeling wouldn't go away. Isn't that fun?!
I am still terrible about commenting, but hope to remedy that soon. When you head over to meet her, tell her that I said "Hi!!".
Stacey
Wednesday, November 18, 2009
The sky is falling! The sky is falling!
Or maybe it just looks that way with all the mass food preparation that I did this weekend!
I don't know what it was that made me do it. Maybe my desire to lessen our opportunities to eat out or just save money in general. Maybe the great meat prices with Thanksgiving next week. Maybe my desire to do some sorta meal prep other than the crock pot. I love my crock pot meals, but they usually just consist of roast and fixins or a whole chicken that I do something with. I get several meals out of it either way, but I needed something new.
So, I spent a bit more at the grocery store and put together a few things this weekend. The increase in my grocery bill will probably work itself out since I won't have to shop as soon for our next round of meals.
Breakfast for my kids can be a struggle in the mornings. It is not that I don't have good stuff to offer them. It is that I don't have the "right" stuff to offer them! Interpretation: I won't let them eat sugar for breakfast!! So, I put together three packages of breakfast options other than what I usually offer. Breakfast burritos with eggs, sausage, & cheese, bb with eggs and sausage, and sausage kolaches. All frozen and can be quickly reheated in the mornings. It has really worked out well this week!
I also bought a big spiral ham which we used for a family meal then I made three packages of ham for lunch meat. I love the option of eating healthier lunch meat for a much smaller price.
THEN I cooked a big turkey!
I think I am going to change my name to Martha.
At least for this week!
As with the ham, we ate some for a family meal then I made turkey pasta alfredo the next night. Yum!! BTW, I made it with rice pasta and it was soooo good! Although I usually only make a true pasta dish once a week, I still want to try to cut down on our gluten intake. Don't worry, we are far from where I want to be, especially on Taco Night, but I have picky people I am dealing with!! :) Anyway, the rice pasta was so light and almost creamy. Hate that it costs more.
I decided to snip the rest of the turkey into bite-sized pieces and bag it for other meals. Seven family meals (even more if you count leftovers) out of one turkey is awesome!
My in-laws have an extra freezer, so I seriously think I am going to grab another turkey and ham while they are cheap for my next massive meal prep!
Stacey
ps. I was also going to share about my new found love for coconut oil and coconut milk, but I will save that for another day! (I know you can't wait, Cara!!)
I don't know what it was that made me do it. Maybe my desire to lessen our opportunities to eat out or just save money in general. Maybe the great meat prices with Thanksgiving next week. Maybe my desire to do some sorta meal prep other than the crock pot. I love my crock pot meals, but they usually just consist of roast and fixins or a whole chicken that I do something with. I get several meals out of it either way, but I needed something new.
So, I spent a bit more at the grocery store and put together a few things this weekend. The increase in my grocery bill will probably work itself out since I won't have to shop as soon for our next round of meals.
Breakfast for my kids can be a struggle in the mornings. It is not that I don't have good stuff to offer them. It is that I don't have the "right" stuff to offer them! Interpretation: I won't let them eat sugar for breakfast!! So, I put together three packages of breakfast options other than what I usually offer. Breakfast burritos with eggs, sausage, & cheese, bb with eggs and sausage, and sausage kolaches. All frozen and can be quickly reheated in the mornings. It has really worked out well this week!
I also bought a big spiral ham which we used for a family meal then I made three packages of ham for lunch meat. I love the option of eating healthier lunch meat for a much smaller price.
THEN I cooked a big turkey!
I think I am going to change my name to Martha.
At least for this week!
As with the ham, we ate some for a family meal then I made turkey pasta alfredo the next night. Yum!! BTW, I made it with rice pasta and it was soooo good! Although I usually only make a true pasta dish once a week, I still want to try to cut down on our gluten intake. Don't worry, we are far from where I want to be, especially on Taco Night, but I have picky people I am dealing with!! :) Anyway, the rice pasta was so light and almost creamy. Hate that it costs more.
I decided to snip the rest of the turkey into bite-sized pieces and bag it for other meals. Seven family meals (even more if you count leftovers) out of one turkey is awesome!
My in-laws have an extra freezer, so I seriously think I am going to grab another turkey and ham while they are cheap for my next massive meal prep!
Stacey
ps. I was also going to share about my new found love for coconut oil and coconut milk, but I will save that for another day! (I know you can't wait, Cara!!)
Monday, August 3, 2009
I feel gross, so I am living on the edge
I would be stretching the truth, and hear about from several people, if I labeled myself as "fat" these days.
I know that I am pretty lucky to have walked away from my third pregnancy with just the need to do LOTS of toning up.
LOTS!
But nevertheless, I am feeling gross these days.
A girdle-the woman's bff-can only do so much good!
I usually hang onto some pudge while nursing, so I am trying not to be too hard on myself. But between the desire (notice I said "desire" and not action!) to slim and tone, and my seemingly insatiable appetite lately, I feel that I am losing ground fast.
I am hoping to stick "exercising" into my fall schedule for the 3 weekday mornings I am home alone with baby. I bought Jillian Michael's "30-Day Shred" secondhand after hearing several people complain that it does the job! :) Hopefully, that will do the trick until I can couple it with stroller walks once the cooler days roll in.
It might also help if I stop eating/grazing all day.
But I have a plan for that too!
Recently, while reading Cara's underground blog (!)-which I LOVE BTW!!-I was reminded of a book that I own, The Maker's Diet by Jordan Rubin. So, I started re-reading it. I think that I will re-read a few other health books I have on the shelves and get back to healthy eating. The problem is convincing the rest of the gang to join in with me!
Just last week, in an effort to restock my kitchen, I entered the store with a mission to make 75% of my purchases from the perimeter of the grocery section. Through the aisles, I tried to stick to healthy essentials. As much as possible. I didn't want my family to go into shock! Now, I just have to actually cook the healthy food! :)
I will. I will. All the traveling that I have done lately has made being a lazy cook at home easier. So, I have to recommit after this week!
It will do us ALL good-feel better, look better, act better!
Live better!
Stacey
I know that I am pretty lucky to have walked away from my third pregnancy with just the need to do LOTS of toning up.
LOTS!
But nevertheless, I am feeling gross these days.
A girdle-the woman's bff-can only do so much good!
I usually hang onto some pudge while nursing, so I am trying not to be too hard on myself. But between the desire (notice I said "desire" and not action!) to slim and tone, and my seemingly insatiable appetite lately, I feel that I am losing ground fast.
I am hoping to stick "exercising" into my fall schedule for the 3 weekday mornings I am home alone with baby. I bought Jillian Michael's "30-Day Shred" secondhand after hearing several people complain that it does the job! :) Hopefully, that will do the trick until I can couple it with stroller walks once the cooler days roll in.
It might also help if I stop eating/grazing all day.
But I have a plan for that too!
Recently, while reading Cara's underground blog (!)-which I LOVE BTW!!-I was reminded of a book that I own, The Maker's Diet by Jordan Rubin. So, I started re-reading it. I think that I will re-read a few other health books I have on the shelves and get back to healthy eating. The problem is convincing the rest of the gang to join in with me!
Just last week, in an effort to restock my kitchen, I entered the store with a mission to make 75% of my purchases from the perimeter of the grocery section. Through the aisles, I tried to stick to healthy essentials. As much as possible. I didn't want my family to go into shock! Now, I just have to actually cook the healthy food! :)
I will. I will. All the traveling that I have done lately has made being a lazy cook at home easier. So, I have to recommit after this week!
It will do us ALL good-feel better, look better, act better!
Live better!
Stacey
Monday, December 22, 2008
Sugar Scrooge!
I am about to make that my official new title.
It is not just the holidays, but of course, the sugar intensity is greatly heightened this time of year.
It is everywhere!
Home, school, church, parties!
Even the other night, my husband commented that we needed to limit the sugar in our son's diet. When I followed up with the fact that it would need to be a family affair to make it work, he quickly made issue with the idea that he had a problem.
What a team player!
We are not a perfectly healthy eating household. And I do believe in flexibility and enjoying treats. My quest for organic has been limited with our move here. I can get a few things (milk thankfully!), but most everything else just has to be more natural and or at least the healthiest I can find. And there are lots of times I cave at the store when a young person is with me.
But this sugar thing is like a speeding train that needs to be stopped!
School parties last week were ridiculous. I always volunteer for non-sweet items because I know that 80% of the table will be sugar. And I am usually right. It was abundant at my dtr's party, but thankfully me and a few other mothers contributed otherwise. My son's party table looked a bit better than the Halloween party they had, but the take-home bags from other kids (mothers!) and the teachers were loaded with candy.
Church is almost worse! Since we moved, I have never seen my kids eat so much in class. They almost always come out of Sunday class with a treat and Wednesday usually involves a snack and juice.
Then I get to take my kids home and try to put them to bed. Thanks!
I know it starts at home and I need to do a better job so I won't have to worry so much about what happens when they are not here. I would love to make some significant changes, but it would be a struggle with my big kid's love of all that is a sugar or white-product.
It would probably turn into the One Mean Mommy Show!
I guess I will ponder some more and figure out how to make some of the changes for our family in the New Year. We are going to make some other changes anyway, so hopefully I can just slip this one in without anyone noticing! :)
Excuse me while I go throw away some chocolate!
Stacey
It is not just the holidays, but of course, the sugar intensity is greatly heightened this time of year.
It is everywhere!
Home, school, church, parties!
Even the other night, my husband commented that we needed to limit the sugar in our son's diet. When I followed up with the fact that it would need to be a family affair to make it work, he quickly made issue with the idea that he had a problem.
What a team player!
We are not a perfectly healthy eating household. And I do believe in flexibility and enjoying treats. My quest for organic has been limited with our move here. I can get a few things (milk thankfully!), but most everything else just has to be more natural and or at least the healthiest I can find. And there are lots of times I cave at the store when a young person is with me.
But this sugar thing is like a speeding train that needs to be stopped!
School parties last week were ridiculous. I always volunteer for non-sweet items because I know that 80% of the table will be sugar. And I am usually right. It was abundant at my dtr's party, but thankfully me and a few other mothers contributed otherwise. My son's party table looked a bit better than the Halloween party they had, but the take-home bags from other kids (mothers!) and the teachers were loaded with candy.
Church is almost worse! Since we moved, I have never seen my kids eat so much in class. They almost always come out of Sunday class with a treat and Wednesday usually involves a snack and juice.
Then I get to take my kids home and try to put them to bed. Thanks!
I know it starts at home and I need to do a better job so I won't have to worry so much about what happens when they are not here. I would love to make some significant changes, but it would be a struggle with my big kid's love of all that is a sugar or white-product.
It would probably turn into the One Mean Mommy Show!
I guess I will ponder some more and figure out how to make some of the changes for our family in the New Year. We are going to make some other changes anyway, so hopefully I can just slip this one in without anyone noticing! :)
Excuse me while I go throw away some chocolate!
Stacey
Monday, October 27, 2008
The saddle feels broken, but I'll jump on anyway!
My house is atrocious and I have a to-do list that is acting like rabbits as I type.
But I wanted to get back in the groove, so here is my lame attempt.
Two funny stories.
************************************************
Earlier this month, I finally bought my kids new tennis shoes.
After discovering that their toes had been suffocating for an unknown amount of time!
Later that night after bath time, I discovered this:
I guess they liked them!
(Sorry for the skin action!)
**************************************************
When my grandmother was visiting, we experienced a chilly day. I decided that it would be the perfect time to make stew. Over the last few months, I had been freezing leftovers in glass jars in anticipation of this day. I had corn, green beans, broccoli, tomatoes, tomato juices, beef broth, roast stuff (meat, veggies, and broth), and more! Plus, I threw in some leftover hamburger meat that I had cooked a few days before.
I was getting so excited as I defrosted it all and watched it start to simmer in the pot! Unfortunately, I forgot my husband was in the kitchen as well, and soon I started hearing grumblings about old food and food poisoning. He doesn't really get the freezing potential of most foods.
So my word of advice if you have a picky husband too.........
Be discrete. Be very discrete!
Because oh.my.word!
It was some delicious stew!!!
I enjoyed almost all of it myself that week!
Back to stocking up again!
Stacey
But I wanted to get back in the groove, so here is my lame attempt.
Two funny stories.
************************************************
Earlier this month, I finally bought my kids new tennis shoes.
After discovering that their toes had been suffocating for an unknown amount of time!
Later that night after bath time, I discovered this:
I guess they liked them!
(Sorry for the skin action!)
**************************************************
When my grandmother was visiting, we experienced a chilly day. I decided that it would be the perfect time to make stew. Over the last few months, I had been freezing leftovers in glass jars in anticipation of this day. I had corn, green beans, broccoli, tomatoes, tomato juices, beef broth, roast stuff (meat, veggies, and broth), and more! Plus, I threw in some leftover hamburger meat that I had cooked a few days before.
I was getting so excited as I defrosted it all and watched it start to simmer in the pot! Unfortunately, I forgot my husband was in the kitchen as well, and soon I started hearing grumblings about old food and food poisoning. He doesn't really get the freezing potential of most foods.
So my word of advice if you have a picky husband too.........
Be discrete. Be very discrete!
Because oh.my.word!
It was some delicious stew!!!
I enjoyed almost all of it myself that week!
Back to stocking up again!
Stacey
Monday, September 8, 2008
Chow!
While I would love to be in Italy right now typing this post about food, I am not.
But I am still very excited about my new adventure!
Over the last two years, I have seen many fellow bloggers talk about the miracle of meal planning.
After our move, I knew I wanted to give a few new things a try.
Everyone has a system that works for them. Some do it weekly while others do it in groups of multiple weeks. Some just to dinner while others do every meal.
I have decided to start with dinners.
At first, I thought of the gobs of money it could save us. And it will in the long run, but after my first weekly shopping experience yesterday, I realized I am still spending money on other weekly basics that we will need for breakfasts, lunches, etc. So our totals will be the same for awhile.
Our habits will start to change in other areas that will save us money.
My husband will take his lunch every day based on left overs or sandwich stuff in the fridge. My kids have always taken their lunches and will continue to do so. It will keep us from those unplanned trips for fast food during the day.
And it will also mean that we will better plan for eating out as a family during the week.
When my husband was working out of town each week for those 7 months, running a disciplined meal schedule was a hard thing to accomplish. Many days, it was simply too easy to grab a bite for me and the kids several times a week. And when he was home on the weekends, eating out was like a special treat for the kids.
Unfortunately now, if we go more than a few days without eating outside the home, then my dtr laments how "we never get to eat out in forever!". Can't you just hear the agony?!!
Right now, I have 2 free days planned. One is for eating at church on Wednesdays. Our family of 4 can eat for $4. Our other free day is listed as Sunday, but we will be flexible. It could mean we eat on a Friday or Saturday, but just so we are having most of our meals at home. On the days I work, it will either be a crock pot meal or a very easy meal that I prepped the night before.
Before I share all this wonderful meal planning stuff, I must first give a big bloggy {{{{HUG}}}} to my sweet friend Lori!
She is truly the inspiration for my elaborate scheme!
She has graciously shared all her meal planning lists, shopping lists, and recipes with me! The work that girl has put into this for her own family is so amazing! She made my job a piece of cake (yum!) by sharing all her hard work.
Thank you friend!
What I am sharing with you today is my lists that I tweaked to fit our family, along with all the recipes I am going to be using for now.
Where it is appropriate, I have credited the person responsible for a recipe I am sharing. If you see something I missed, please let me know! I want to give everyone their due credit!
These last few weeks, I have been using up what we had to make meals. I had a chance to try a few meals from the plan and can say there are some darn good recipes in this batch!
Pulled beef, Cream Cheese Chicken, Easy Chicken Puffs just to name a few! Oh yum!
I am sharing my adventure with you in case you want to start along with me or just need a new recipe to try. Feel free to use what you need!
Here is the 8 Week Menu Plan.
Here are the 8 Week Menu Plan Shopping Lists.
(If you do use these shopping lists, let me know if something seems off. I used Lori's original lists, then rearranged/added/deleted according to my needs. I may have made a few mistakes that I haven't found myself yet.)
(Also, a number after a food item refers to the number of meals I need that item for.)
Here are the 8 Week Menu Plan Recipes.
Don't start getting all impressed with me yet! This will be my first week, and who knows, the whole thing could quickly unravel once I actually start.
But something tells me that this is a good thing!
Chow!
Stacey
But I am still very excited about my new adventure!
Over the last two years, I have seen many fellow bloggers talk about the miracle of meal planning.
After our move, I knew I wanted to give a few new things a try.
Everyone has a system that works for them. Some do it weekly while others do it in groups of multiple weeks. Some just to dinner while others do every meal.
I have decided to start with dinners.
At first, I thought of the gobs of money it could save us. And it will in the long run, but after my first weekly shopping experience yesterday, I realized I am still spending money on other weekly basics that we will need for breakfasts, lunches, etc. So our totals will be the same for awhile.
Our habits will start to change in other areas that will save us money.
My husband will take his lunch every day based on left overs or sandwich stuff in the fridge. My kids have always taken their lunches and will continue to do so. It will keep us from those unplanned trips for fast food during the day.
And it will also mean that we will better plan for eating out as a family during the week.
When my husband was working out of town each week for those 7 months, running a disciplined meal schedule was a hard thing to accomplish. Many days, it was simply too easy to grab a bite for me and the kids several times a week. And when he was home on the weekends, eating out was like a special treat for the kids.
Unfortunately now, if we go more than a few days without eating outside the home, then my dtr laments how "we never get to eat out in forever!". Can't you just hear the agony?!!
Right now, I have 2 free days planned. One is for eating at church on Wednesdays. Our family of 4 can eat for $4. Our other free day is listed as Sunday, but we will be flexible. It could mean we eat on a Friday or Saturday, but just so we are having most of our meals at home. On the days I work, it will either be a crock pot meal or a very easy meal that I prepped the night before.
Before I share all this wonderful meal planning stuff, I must first give a big bloggy {{{{HUG}}}} to my sweet friend Lori!
She is truly the inspiration for my elaborate scheme!
She has graciously shared all her meal planning lists, shopping lists, and recipes with me! The work that girl has put into this for her own family is so amazing! She made my job a piece of cake (yum!) by sharing all her hard work.
Thank you friend!
What I am sharing with you today is my lists that I tweaked to fit our family, along with all the recipes I am going to be using for now.
Where it is appropriate, I have credited the person responsible for a recipe I am sharing. If you see something I missed, please let me know! I want to give everyone their due credit!
These last few weeks, I have been using up what we had to make meals. I had a chance to try a few meals from the plan and can say there are some darn good recipes in this batch!
Pulled beef, Cream Cheese Chicken, Easy Chicken Puffs just to name a few! Oh yum!
I am sharing my adventure with you in case you want to start along with me or just need a new recipe to try. Feel free to use what you need!
Here is the 8 Week Menu Plan.
Here are the 8 Week Menu Plan Shopping Lists.
(If you do use these shopping lists, let me know if something seems off. I used Lori's original lists, then rearranged/added/deleted according to my needs. I may have made a few mistakes that I haven't found myself yet.)
(Also, a number after a food item refers to the number of meals I need that item for.)
Here are the 8 Week Menu Plan Recipes.
Don't start getting all impressed with me yet! This will be my first week, and who knows, the whole thing could quickly unravel once I actually start.
But something tells me that this is a good thing!
Chow!
Stacey
Wednesday, July 16, 2008
Blue
In an effort to not be the totally boring Mom this summer, I told the kids we would go out and pick berries on Monday.
My dtr's first question and #1 concern was about whether or not the berries were poisonous.
My first indication that it is quite possible she has seen one too many princess movies!
Other than that, they were both excited.
We got extremely lucky because it was overcast on Monday and even the humidity did not show up until after we were done picking.
We headed out to The Greer Farm and discovered large berry fields, a huge lake, and a great piece of property that offers much more than just berry picking! I was excited to learn that we could even eat the berries off the bushes because they are organic people!
In the fields, they provide picnic tables, fresh cold water, wagons, picking buckets, and bags to load up with berries. I was so proud of the kids because they were real troopers and did a great job helping me. We covered 2 rows of blueberry bushes and 2 rows of blackberry bushes. They actually managed their own buckets of blueberries and then assisted me while I picked blackberries from the thorny bushes. Some of the blueberry bushes were so full in places that I simply set by bucket under a branch and gently racked lush blueberries off into the bucket!
In the end, we gathered enough to make 12 cups of blackberries and 26 cups of blueberries! All for $27!! $2.75/pound of blueberries and $2.25/pound for blackberries! That is CHEAP! I may even go back for more soon as the picking will end in about 10 days.
After cleaning and storing all the berries, baking some pastry shells, and making some homemade whip cream, we enjoyed a real treat Monday night!
Stacey
My dtr's first question and #1 concern was about whether or not the berries were poisonous.
My first indication that it is quite possible she has seen one too many princess movies!
Other than that, they were both excited.
We got extremely lucky because it was overcast on Monday and even the humidity did not show up until after we were done picking.
We headed out to The Greer Farm and discovered large berry fields, a huge lake, and a great piece of property that offers much more than just berry picking! I was excited to learn that we could even eat the berries off the bushes because they are organic people!
In the fields, they provide picnic tables, fresh cold water, wagons, picking buckets, and bags to load up with berries. I was so proud of the kids because they were real troopers and did a great job helping me. We covered 2 rows of blueberry bushes and 2 rows of blackberry bushes. They actually managed their own buckets of blueberries and then assisted me while I picked blackberries from the thorny bushes. Some of the blueberry bushes were so full in places that I simply set by bucket under a branch and gently racked lush blueberries off into the bucket!
In the end, we gathered enough to make 12 cups of blackberries and 26 cups of blueberries! All for $27!! $2.75/pound of blueberries and $2.25/pound for blackberries! That is CHEAP! I may even go back for more soon as the picking will end in about 10 days.
After cleaning and storing all the berries, baking some pastry shells, and making some homemade whip cream, we enjoyed a real treat Monday night!
Stacey
Thursday, May 15, 2008
In the words of the great Kermit the Frog,
"It ain't easy being green.".
I read a couple of articles in the last two weeks that peaked my curiosity. Then yesterday, I watched a couple of the Green Smoothie Girl's how-to videos.
Then, as you can see, I got a wild hair.
Yes, while picking up a few things from the store, I grabbed a couple of bunches of both kale and collard greens. And let me be perfectly clear, I have NEVER purchased that stuff before in my life! Once home, I washed everything. And then I stared at this huge pile on my counter. Then I called my friend and questioned my sanity.
So, here is the honest truth. It has potential. Now, what I made (and what you are looking at!) does indeed look a little frightening, but it really was not that bad. I basically made it up as I went along....a few leaves of each, juice, milk, protein powder, strawberries, banana, vitamin shot.
It only mildly tasted like grass! ;)
And my kids looked at me like I was speaking in tongues (which I don't!) when I offered them a taste!
Since I can't fork over $400 for a juicer/ultimate blender right now, I will just have to continue to play with the recipes. She shows you a cool Hot Pink Smoothie that I might be able to pass off on my kids! She also talks about going heavier on the fruits as you work on increasing the greens. We already do fruit smoothies and my son loves to sneak sips of my protein shakes, so I think we can do this! And of course, they will never learn of all my other sneaky ways!
At the end of the day though, the green smoothie still is not this!
Seriously, have you tried this stuff?! It is like chocolate mousse!
Grab a spoon!
Stacey
I read a couple of articles in the last two weeks that peaked my curiosity. Then yesterday, I watched a couple of the Green Smoothie Girl's how-to videos.
Then, as you can see, I got a wild hair.
Yes, while picking up a few things from the store, I grabbed a couple of bunches of both kale and collard greens. And let me be perfectly clear, I have NEVER purchased that stuff before in my life! Once home, I washed everything. And then I stared at this huge pile on my counter. Then I called my friend and questioned my sanity.
So, here is the honest truth. It has potential. Now, what I made (and what you are looking at!) does indeed look a little frightening, but it really was not that bad. I basically made it up as I went along....a few leaves of each, juice, milk, protein powder, strawberries, banana, vitamin shot.
It only mildly tasted like grass! ;)
And my kids looked at me like I was speaking in tongues (which I don't!) when I offered them a taste!
Since I can't fork over $400 for a juicer/ultimate blender right now, I will just have to continue to play with the recipes. She shows you a cool Hot Pink Smoothie that I might be able to pass off on my kids! She also talks about going heavier on the fruits as you work on increasing the greens. We already do fruit smoothies and my son loves to sneak sips of my protein shakes, so I think we can do this! And of course, they will never learn of all my other sneaky ways!
At the end of the day though, the green smoothie still is not this!
Seriously, have you tried this stuff?! It is like chocolate mousse!
Grab a spoon!
Stacey
Monday, April 14, 2008
Theme Week 3- All For You!
Since I was a posting slacker last week, I decided to do another theme week to keep me in the groove. It will be pretty easy-I prepped my pictures last night and several of my posts are mostly already written since I wrote them for my weight-loss group that I email each week.
This week is about giving back to you!
I am going to share recipes, a tutorial (ok, that was crazy to do!), 2 days of weight loss/healthy living stuff (unless i come up with something better for one of the days!), and a surprise!
Let's get started!
Last month, I needed to prepare a meal to take to one of my co-workers who just had her second daughter. I usually do my lasagna recipe, but decided to pull something else out this time. Chicken Pot Pie-yummmmm! It was a hit! Then last week, while I was home with my sick daughter and my son was at school, I decided to make it for us. I had bought double ingredients from last time, so no store trip! I was a little nervous making it for my picky family, but I knew I could always freeze the leftovers for me! And since the Shepherd's Pie went over so well a few weeks before, I was confident. BTW, I made the Shepherd's Pie from a Homemade Gourmet mix I purchased along with the Soup Sampler and a dessert mix. It was super yummy and I loved the seasoning! Thanks K!!
Chicken Pot Pie
2 Cans Cream of Broccoli Soup (I use Cream of Chicken.)
1 Cup Milk
1/4 tsp. Thyme
1/4 tsp. Black Pepper
4 Cups Vegetables-cooked and cut up OR 1 16 oz. Bag of frozen vegetable combination and 1 Cup of cubed cooked peeled potatoes (They suggest broccoli, cauliflower, carrots, and potatoes. It is your choice what you put in the recipe. I typically use a bag of pre-mixed veggies, then add my own potatoes. I know, I know! It would be so much more yummy with fresh veggies! Go for it!)
2 Cups Chicken or Turkey-cooked and cut in pieces
1 Can Biscuits
In 3-quart oblong baking dish, combine soup, milk, thyme, and pepper. Stir in vegetables and chicken. Bake at 400 degrees for 15 minutes or until mixture begins to bubble. While cooking, cut each biscuit into quarters. Remove dish from oven; stir. (I have also added tomatoes and cheese in the past.) Arrange biscuit pieces over hot chicken mixture. Bake 15 minutes or until biscuits are golden brown. Makes 5 servings.
I have typically used a longer dish and I find it makes more servings than that!
See~
My dtr helped me measuring the ingredients, so we even worked a little math into the meal!
Want more?
Easy Lasagna
32 oz. Pizza Sauce (or Pasta Sauce)
8 oz. Lasagna Noodles-uncooked
16 oz. Mozarella Cheese
16 oz. Cottage Cheese
1/2-1 lb. Hamburger
Brown and drain meat. Mix sauce & 1/3 Cup of water with meat. Layer: Sauce, noodles, cheeses, end with sauce in a 9x13 dish. Top with parmasean cheese. Bake at 350 degrees for 1 hour or microwave for 25 minutes, turning once. Can be frozen before baking.
Seriously, this is a great lasagna WITHOUT cooking the noodles! I usually spread the layer of cottage cheese then sprinkle the layer of mozarella cheese when it says the cheese layer.
One more?
Chicken salad
1 box of Uncle Ben's Long Grain and Wild Rice Original Recipe
3 chicken breasts
1/2 Cup Mayo
1/2 Cup Sour Cream
1/2 Cup chopped Red Bell Pepper
1/2 Cup Chopped Celery
1 Tbs chopped onion or onion flakes
1 Cup Salted Cashews-chopped
Cook chicken and cut or shre. Cook rice per box directions. Mix all ingredients except for cashews. Chill before serving. Add cashews just before serving.
It has been a long time since I had this, but I remember it being so delicious!!
Happy Cooking and Eating!
Stacey
This week is about giving back to you!
I am going to share recipes, a tutorial (ok, that was crazy to do!), 2 days of weight loss/healthy living stuff (unless i come up with something better for one of the days!), and a surprise!
Let's get started!
Last month, I needed to prepare a meal to take to one of my co-workers who just had her second daughter. I usually do my lasagna recipe, but decided to pull something else out this time. Chicken Pot Pie-yummmmm! It was a hit! Then last week, while I was home with my sick daughter and my son was at school, I decided to make it for us. I had bought double ingredients from last time, so no store trip! I was a little nervous making it for my picky family, but I knew I could always freeze the leftovers for me! And since the Shepherd's Pie went over so well a few weeks before, I was confident. BTW, I made the Shepherd's Pie from a Homemade Gourmet mix I purchased along with the Soup Sampler and a dessert mix. It was super yummy and I loved the seasoning! Thanks K!!
Chicken Pot Pie
2 Cans Cream of Broccoli Soup (I use Cream of Chicken.)
1 Cup Milk
1/4 tsp. Thyme
1/4 tsp. Black Pepper
4 Cups Vegetables-cooked and cut up OR 1 16 oz. Bag of frozen vegetable combination and 1 Cup of cubed cooked peeled potatoes (They suggest broccoli, cauliflower, carrots, and potatoes. It is your choice what you put in the recipe. I typically use a bag of pre-mixed veggies, then add my own potatoes. I know, I know! It would be so much more yummy with fresh veggies! Go for it!)
2 Cups Chicken or Turkey-cooked and cut in pieces
1 Can Biscuits
In 3-quart oblong baking dish, combine soup, milk, thyme, and pepper. Stir in vegetables and chicken. Bake at 400 degrees for 15 minutes or until mixture begins to bubble. While cooking, cut each biscuit into quarters. Remove dish from oven; stir. (I have also added tomatoes and cheese in the past.) Arrange biscuit pieces over hot chicken mixture. Bake 15 minutes or until biscuits are golden brown. Makes 5 servings.
I have typically used a longer dish and I find it makes more servings than that!
See~
My dtr helped me measuring the ingredients, so we even worked a little math into the meal!
Want more?
Easy Lasagna
32 oz. Pizza Sauce (or Pasta Sauce)
8 oz. Lasagna Noodles-uncooked
16 oz. Mozarella Cheese
16 oz. Cottage Cheese
1/2-1 lb. Hamburger
Brown and drain meat. Mix sauce & 1/3 Cup of water with meat. Layer: Sauce, noodles, cheeses, end with sauce in a 9x13 dish. Top with parmasean cheese. Bake at 350 degrees for 1 hour or microwave for 25 minutes, turning once. Can be frozen before baking.
Seriously, this is a great lasagna WITHOUT cooking the noodles! I usually spread the layer of cottage cheese then sprinkle the layer of mozarella cheese when it says the cheese layer.
One more?
Chicken salad
1 box of Uncle Ben's Long Grain and Wild Rice Original Recipe
3 chicken breasts
1/2 Cup Mayo
1/2 Cup Sour Cream
1/2 Cup chopped Red Bell Pepper
1/2 Cup Chopped Celery
1 Tbs chopped onion or onion flakes
1 Cup Salted Cashews-chopped
Cook chicken and cut or shre. Cook rice per box directions. Mix all ingredients except for cashews. Chill before serving. Add cashews just before serving.
It has been a long time since I had this, but I remember it being so delicious!!
Happy Cooking and Eating!
Stacey
Tuesday, February 12, 2008
IHOP, UHOP, WeallHOP!
Today is National Pancake Day over at IHOP!
For each donation you make, you are welcome to order a free short stack of pancakes! IHOP is raising money for Children's Miracle Network in 2008 and they need our support.
And we need pancakes, right?!!
My kids love going out to eat, and I think we have conditioned them too much for it without emphasizing what a privilege it is to eat at places other than home. We really DON'T do it all the time, but probably more than we should lately.
When I mentioned yesterday that I wanted to treat them to a pancake resturant the next night for dinner, my daughter said, "But I want to go to a real resturant!".
It is not like we don't have breakfast for dinner on occasion, so I think she is just in a complaining mood!
I need to keep teaching that girl about FREE!
AND about helping others!
Won't you join us?
Stacey
p.s. Just click on the link to read more and find a location near you!
For each donation you make, you are welcome to order a free short stack of pancakes! IHOP is raising money for Children's Miracle Network in 2008 and they need our support.
And we need pancakes, right?!!
My kids love going out to eat, and I think we have conditioned them too much for it without emphasizing what a privilege it is to eat at places other than home. We really DON'T do it all the time, but probably more than we should lately.
When I mentioned yesterday that I wanted to treat them to a pancake resturant the next night for dinner, my daughter said, "But I want to go to a real resturant!".
It is not like we don't have breakfast for dinner on occasion, so I think she is just in a complaining mood!
I need to keep teaching that girl about FREE!
AND about helping others!
Won't you join us?
Stacey
p.s. Just click on the link to read more and find a location near you!
Wednesday, January 23, 2008
Bon Appetit!
A asked me one day in November if she could cook a meal for the family.
What was odd, is that just a few weeks prior to that, I had been reading about someone's 8 year old daughter cooking her family pancakes.
She had been doing it for TWO.YEARS!
I thought maybe my undiagnosed Mommy-OCD was getting in the way of my daughter's practical development!
So, I said yes.
She planned the menu. And except for cooking the meat, she truly did most of the work. I assisted her in the kitchen, giving practical tips when it was necessary.
I can't say much more than that I was terribly proud of her!
Here was our meal that evening:
Cheeseburger patties; a salad consisting of carrots, broccoli, shredded cheese, and ranch dressing (which i must say was quite yummy!); peanut butter celery sticks; plain celery sticks (for her brother since he HATES peanut butter! seriously, is he my kid?)
Right after they took baths, we dug in to eat!
And with a smidgen of encouragement, she was even glad to leave me with a clean kitchen.
I think I will teach her how to clean bathrooms next!
Stacey
What was odd, is that just a few weeks prior to that, I had been reading about someone's 8 year old daughter cooking her family pancakes.
She had been doing it for TWO.YEARS!
I thought maybe my undiagnosed Mommy-OCD was getting in the way of my daughter's practical development!
So, I said yes.
She planned the menu. And except for cooking the meat, she truly did most of the work. I assisted her in the kitchen, giving practical tips when it was necessary.
I can't say much more than that I was terribly proud of her!
Here was our meal that evening:
Cheeseburger patties; a salad consisting of carrots, broccoli, shredded cheese, and ranch dressing (which i must say was quite yummy!); peanut butter celery sticks; plain celery sticks (for her brother since he HATES peanut butter! seriously, is he my kid?)
Right after they took baths, we dug in to eat!
And with a smidgen of encouragement, she was even glad to leave me with a clean kitchen.
I think I will teach her how to clean bathrooms next!
Stacey
Wednesday, December 19, 2007
Seriously easy!
Not me!
This!
Spinach Cheese Casserole
1 pkg of frozen spinach; thawed and drained
1 16-oz carton of cottage cheese
2 cups of cheddar cheese; shredded
6 tablespoons of flour
3 eggs
Mix together flour and eggs. Add spinach, cottage cheese, and cheddar cheese. Mix together. Put in 8x8 ungreased baking dish. Bake at 350 degrees for about 1 hour.
Next time, I might add a bit of some sorta seasoning, although it was tasty as well without.
Ooooo, I just had a thought! What about adding diced tomatoes, mushrooms, chives?!
I am so hungry now!
I see this as an easy holiday party dish for church, office, bunko, home, or whatever!
And it goes really well with the soup you find here.
Just sayin'!
Stacey
Monday, December 10, 2007
Wish you were here!
I would so totally share with you!
At night, with the kids tucked soundly in bed, I am ready for some me time! I grab my newest favorite snack and my cup of tea and settled in my chair to hang out with you!
I bet you are just licking your lips right now! Why don't you grab your own and join me? Just take a fresh-from-the-microwave bag of a popcorn and sprinkle a handful of chocolate chips into the bag. Give the bag a few shakes and let the chips begin to melt before pouring onto a plate.
Then prepare for the yumlickious treat!
A few cups of this yummy tea makes it a perfect night time snack!
Or is it the fact that my house is quiet?
And I am sure my new companion has nothing whatsoever to do with my need for extra sit-ups, right?
Stacey
At night, with the kids tucked soundly in bed, I am ready for some me time! I grab my newest favorite snack and my cup of tea and settled in my chair to hang out with you!
I bet you are just licking your lips right now! Why don't you grab your own and join me? Just take a fresh-from-the-microwave bag of a popcorn and sprinkle a handful of chocolate chips into the bag. Give the bag a few shakes and let the chips begin to melt before pouring onto a plate.
Then prepare for the yumlickious treat!
A few cups of this yummy tea makes it a perfect night time snack!
Or is it the fact that my house is quiet?
And I am sure my new companion has nothing whatsoever to do with my need for extra sit-ups, right?
Stacey
Wednesday, October 17, 2007
Juicy Details!
I decided to share a WFMW tip that follows along with my previous healthier-living posts. Probably nothing new to most of you budget-minded moms!
Because I am purchasing as much organic products as possible for our budget, I have to think of ways to make those food products last as long as possible. Plus, until recently, my children have only known juice (and most other drinks other than milk!) in their watered-down version. It was just "normal" to them.
Once a month, I usually purchase 2 types of juice. Typically, I choose an orange, apple, or grape juice; each coming in about a 1 quart container. Once home, I pour the juice into a 4 quart pitcher and fill the container with water. I have a pitcher with a sifter-type handle which mixes the juice if it settles. Then, I will refill the smaller container for everyday use; refilling as needed until we have used all the "juice" in the larger pitcher.
To an adult, it does taste diluted. To a kid, just right!
And just think of all the calories and sugar grams you will be saving with each serving!!
For more great ideas, be sure to head over to Rocks In My Dryer!
Thursday, October 11, 2007
Yum-meee!
I have never done a recipe post! In honor of October and Fall, I thought it would be a good time. And besides, I am loving my pumpkin-chocolate chip muffins I just made (a little too much!) and wanted to share. I am sure ya'll have some great Fall recipes yourself!
Sturbridge Pumpkin Muffins
1 C Sugar
1/4 C Oil
2 Eggs
3/4 of Canned Pumpkin
1 1/2 C Flour
1 tsp Baking Powder
1/2 tsp Baking Soda
1/4 tsp Ground Cloves
1/4 tsp Cinnamon
1/4 tsp Nutmeg
1/2 tsp Salt
3/4 C Raisins (optional)
1/2 C Chopped Walnuts (optional)
1/2 Bag of Semi-Sweet Chocolate Chips (optional) (but really, is chocolate ever optional!)
Preheat oven. Grease a 12-cup muffin tin.
Mix sugar, oil, eggs, and pumpkin. Sift together flour, powder, soda, and spices. Quickly stir together both mixtures. Fold in extras. Filled prepared muffin cups 2/3 full and bake at 400 degrees for 18-20 minutes, until golden brown.
**I use liners for easier clean-up. When I doubled this recipe, I made 12 regular-sized muffins and almost 48 mini muffins. It is rare I use a separate bowl for the ingredients anymore. I just have not found what difference it makes to do the dry ingredients separate first. With this recipe, I only use cc's because of my picky family when it comes to nuts. Personally, the walnut/cc/pumpkin combo sounds divine!
**And my blog buddy, Cara, did indeed offer a homemade solution to the pumpkin mush. I just moved it over here in case you don't read my comments section.
********************************************
Pick up one or two of those cute little sugar pumpkins at the grocery store. Not the big ones for carving, they're too hallow in the middle, the cute little dense ones.
Chop it in half either way, vertical or horizontal, and scoop out the seeds and pulp with a spoon into a bowl.
Rub a little bit of olive oil on the cut side (so it doesn't stick) and put cut-side down on a cookie sheet. Bake at 300 for an hour or so, until you can pierce the skin with a fork easily. Let cool, and scoop out the pumpkin mush.
I also did my pumpkin seeds while I was baking the pumpkin; remove most of the pulp from the seeds. Give the pulp to the chickens ~grin~ and to the seeds add about a tablespoon of olive oil and half a teaspoon of sea salt (sea salt is much better than regular salt) Mix with a fork or your hands or whatever, and spread in a single layer on a cookie sheet. Bake on the other rack in your oven when you bake the pumpkin, but remove after about 30 mins, or when the seeds are a golden brown. Let cool on a paper towel :)
*****************************************
And I got permission to copy this next recipe. I have not tried it yet, but I bet it is so good. And pssst! Come back tomorrow so you can hear more about who I got the recipe from- I will give her props tomorrow for it, but did not want to spoil the surprise just yet in case any of her friends lurk here!
Banana Pumpkin Smoothie
I just made one of the best drinks I've ever tasted. It's smooth, creamy and it's packed with potassium and all the good stuff. My kids LOVED this and asked for seconds!
1 cup low-fat vanilla yogurt
3/4 cup canned pumpkin, chilled
1/2 cup ice cubes
1/3 cup fresh orange juice
1 tablespoon brown sugar
1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
1/8 teaspoon nutmeg
1 dash ground cloves
1 ripe banana, sliced and frozen
Combine all ingredients in blender; process until smooth.
*******************************************
And finally, one you WILL want to make this Fall! If you have ever had this at their store, I promise you the recipe is true to the flavor. And the calories! I have made it many times with rave reviews every time.
La Madeleine Tomato-Basil Soup
4 C Tomatoes (about 8-10 medium-sized), peeled, cored, and chopped OR 4 C canned whole tomatoes, crushed.
4 C Tomato Juice
12-14 Fresh Basil Leaves, chopped plus additional for garnish
1 C Whipping Cream
1/2 C Sweet Unsalted Butter, softened
1/4 tsp Cracked black pepper
Salt to taste
Crusty Bread (optional)
Combine tomatoes and juice in saucepan. Simmer for 30 minutes over medium-low heat. Cool slightly, then place in a blender or food processor. Add basil and process to puree; this will have to be done in batches. Return mixture to saucepan. Add cream and butter. Stir over low heat until butter and cream are incorporated. Stir in salt and pepper before serving. Garnish with more fresh basil and serve with fresh, crusty bread. Makes 8 servings.
Per serving- Calories 237 (79% fat!!), Fat 22 g, Fiber 1 g, Chol 67 mg, Sodium 165 mg, Carbs 10 g, Calcium 45 mg.
**I followed the recipe to a tee many times, but got tired of the blending part. So, instead, I just the crushed tomato route. It works. I have also done it both in a crock pot and on the stove.
Enjoy!!
Don't forget to check back tomorrow for another addition of Friday Fuzzies!!
Stacey
Sturbridge Pumpkin Muffins
1 C Sugar
1/4 C Oil
2 Eggs
3/4 of Canned Pumpkin
1 1/2 C Flour
1 tsp Baking Powder
1/2 tsp Baking Soda
1/4 tsp Ground Cloves
1/4 tsp Cinnamon
1/4 tsp Nutmeg
1/2 tsp Salt
3/4 C Raisins (optional)
1/2 C Chopped Walnuts (optional)
1/2 Bag of Semi-Sweet Chocolate Chips (optional) (but really, is chocolate ever optional!)
Preheat oven. Grease a 12-cup muffin tin.
Mix sugar, oil, eggs, and pumpkin. Sift together flour, powder, soda, and spices. Quickly stir together both mixtures. Fold in extras. Filled prepared muffin cups 2/3 full and bake at 400 degrees for 18-20 minutes, until golden brown.
**I use liners for easier clean-up. When I doubled this recipe, I made 12 regular-sized muffins and almost 48 mini muffins. It is rare I use a separate bowl for the ingredients anymore. I just have not found what difference it makes to do the dry ingredients separate first. With this recipe, I only use cc's because of my picky family when it comes to nuts. Personally, the walnut/cc/pumpkin combo sounds divine!
**And my blog buddy, Cara, did indeed offer a homemade solution to the pumpkin mush. I just moved it over here in case you don't read my comments section.
********************************************
Pick up one or two of those cute little sugar pumpkins at the grocery store. Not the big ones for carving, they're too hallow in the middle, the cute little dense ones.
Chop it in half either way, vertical or horizontal, and scoop out the seeds and pulp with a spoon into a bowl.
Rub a little bit of olive oil on the cut side (so it doesn't stick) and put cut-side down on a cookie sheet. Bake at 300 for an hour or so, until you can pierce the skin with a fork easily. Let cool, and scoop out the pumpkin mush.
I also did my pumpkin seeds while I was baking the pumpkin; remove most of the pulp from the seeds. Give the pulp to the chickens ~grin~ and to the seeds add about a tablespoon of olive oil and half a teaspoon of sea salt (sea salt is much better than regular salt) Mix with a fork or your hands or whatever, and spread in a single layer on a cookie sheet. Bake on the other rack in your oven when you bake the pumpkin, but remove after about 30 mins, or when the seeds are a golden brown. Let cool on a paper towel :)
*****************************************
And I got permission to copy this next recipe. I have not tried it yet, but I bet it is so good. And pssst! Come back tomorrow so you can hear more about who I got the recipe from- I will give her props tomorrow for it, but did not want to spoil the surprise just yet in case any of her friends lurk here!
Banana Pumpkin Smoothie
I just made one of the best drinks I've ever tasted. It's smooth, creamy and it's packed with potassium and all the good stuff. My kids LOVED this and asked for seconds!
1 cup low-fat vanilla yogurt
3/4 cup canned pumpkin, chilled
1/2 cup ice cubes
1/3 cup fresh orange juice
1 tablespoon brown sugar
1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
1/8 teaspoon nutmeg
1 dash ground cloves
1 ripe banana, sliced and frozen
Combine all ingredients in blender; process until smooth.
*******************************************
And finally, one you WILL want to make this Fall! If you have ever had this at their store, I promise you the recipe is true to the flavor. And the calories! I have made it many times with rave reviews every time.
La Madeleine Tomato-Basil Soup
4 C Tomatoes (about 8-10 medium-sized), peeled, cored, and chopped OR 4 C canned whole tomatoes, crushed.
4 C Tomato Juice
12-14 Fresh Basil Leaves, chopped plus additional for garnish
1 C Whipping Cream
1/2 C Sweet Unsalted Butter, softened
1/4 tsp Cracked black pepper
Salt to taste
Crusty Bread (optional)
Combine tomatoes and juice in saucepan. Simmer for 30 minutes over medium-low heat. Cool slightly, then place in a blender or food processor. Add basil and process to puree; this will have to be done in batches. Return mixture to saucepan. Add cream and butter. Stir over low heat until butter and cream are incorporated. Stir in salt and pepper before serving. Garnish with more fresh basil and serve with fresh, crusty bread. Makes 8 servings.
Per serving- Calories 237 (79% fat!!), Fat 22 g, Fiber 1 g, Chol 67 mg, Sodium 165 mg, Carbs 10 g, Calcium 45 mg.
**I followed the recipe to a tee many times, but got tired of the blending part. So, instead, I just the crushed tomato route. It works. I have also done it both in a crock pot and on the stove.
Enjoy!!
Don't forget to check back tomorrow for another addition of Friday Fuzzies!!
Stacey
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