This morning, while paging through my food journal, I decided to research some of my favorite restaurants, looking specifically at the nutritional values of certain meals, and more specifically at calories and grams of fat.
Whoa.
Appalled, disgusted and shocked just begin to describe the feelings elicited by this experience. Having never cared enough to look before (which really is a blog entry in and of itself) I had no idea how unbelievably high some of the values were...many in fact, would account for my entire days calorie/fat intake in one sitting (some even more than that). I haven't been living under a rock. I had a general idea of what would most likely be the best choice when looking at a menu, but even some of the "best choices" were alarmingly high in calories/fat. One thing I discovered...salad which is traditionally touted as being a "healthy" option, might not be. In fact one restaurant offered a side salad (a smaller portion than the meal salad) which was so high in calories/fat that I would have had to eliminate all of the "good parts" (which are apparently the "bad parts") to even be able to eat it!
While doing this research, I decided to make a "cheat sheet" listing some of my favorite restaurants and some of the "safe" meals I could eat should I dine out. I found some restaurants that I will never (or very infrequently) eat at again due to their lack of health(ier) options, their lack of available nutritional information, or lack of enough nutritional information (for example saying that an entree was considered lower fat but not providing the details like exactly how much fat or calories). I found a couple of restaurants that had a surprisingly good selection of possible choices with very detailed information about each option. Some restaurants also had a customizable option (taking away or adding ingredients to the entree) which I was very impressed with.
Needless to say, this was quite the wake up call. The next time I visit one of my favorite restaurants, I will be armed and ready with my cheat sheet of available menu choices, complete with a calorie and fat count.
Showing posts with label Recipes. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Recipes. Show all posts
Monday, January 10, 2011
Friday, October 24, 2008
Cranberry Walnut Muffins
I made those last night with all three kids helping. Julia told Ryun her official job was the "dumper." That was the easiest part for her...letting her "dump" the pre-poured ingredients in to the bowl for mixing. Emily and Katherine helped with that too, and helped with the getting everything set up to bake (measuring cups, ingredients mixer, bowls etc). All three girls lined the cupcake pans with baking cups. Emily and I enjoyed them for breakfast this morning. They were delicious. Katherine doesn't like walnuts so she opted out, and Julia tried a bite and said, "Mom, I can't eat this because it has thingies in it." I assume the thingies were the walnuts, which she liked when I gave her a few while we were making the muffins. She seems to still have some level of difficulty with foods that contain "mixed textures." I am going to try and make a batch without walnuts so they can enjoy some too.
I need to look up my "cranberry Chicken" recipe so I can make that for dinner either tonight or Sunday. Even Ryun, who doesn't like cranberries likes that.
I need to look up my "cranberry Chicken" recipe so I can make that for dinner either tonight or Sunday. Even Ryun, who doesn't like cranberries likes that.
Thursday, September 25, 2008
New to the list...
...of things that are so good, they should be illegal, we have...
Nilla Dippers
Spread 6 Nilla Wafers w/ 1 tsp of peanut butter, and top each with another wafer to make 6 cookie sandwiches.
2. Microwave 1 Baker's Semi Sweet Chocolate Square in microwaveable bowl on high for 30 seconds or until melted.
3. Dip each cookie halfway in to melted chocolate then place on waxed paper. Refrigerate for about 10 minutes until chocolate is set.
I made these today for the kids as an after school snack. So far, Emily and Julia are big fans. For Katherine, who oddly likes peanut butter and chocolate, just doesn't like them together (I know, what a weirdo huh?!?!?) I just dipped the wafers in chocolate, skipping the peanut butter altogether. She will be home shortly to try them out (1/2 day of school today).
Nilla Dippers
Spread 6 Nilla Wafers w/ 1 tsp of peanut butter, and top each with another wafer to make 6 cookie sandwiches.
2. Microwave 1 Baker's Semi Sweet Chocolate Square in microwaveable bowl on high for 30 seconds or until melted.
3. Dip each cookie halfway in to melted chocolate then place on waxed paper. Refrigerate for about 10 minutes until chocolate is set.
I made these today for the kids as an after school snack. So far, Emily and Julia are big fans. For Katherine, who oddly likes peanut butter and chocolate, just doesn't like them together (I know, what a weirdo huh?!?!?) I just dipped the wafers in chocolate, skipping the peanut butter altogether. She will be home shortly to try them out (1/2 day of school today).
Wednesday, May 14, 2008
Putting Two and Two Together
On Friday night of last week, we took the girls to Brigham's for dinner, after eye doctor appointments for Katherine and I. Katherine had cheese quesadillas and an ice cream for dessert. In the middle of the night, she was on the toilet, literally crying in pain (yes, I know TMI but it's essential to the story). This is not the first time that something like this has happened and after thinking about it for a while, I realized that it only happens when we go out to a restaurant for a meal. It might have happened occasionally after eating at home, but these times were so far and few between, it's not worth considering. After further thought, I realized that it only happens when she has had both dinner and dessert (we rarely have dessert at home and if we do, it's not always ice cream).Katherine is pretty predictable when it comes to ordering. She almost always gets a grilled cheese sandwich or cheese quesadillas and some sort of ice cream type dessert. The one time recently that I can remember her ordering something different it was a hamburger, and, of course ice cream dessert. This is the only time in recent memory that I can remember her not ending up in the bathroom when all was said and done.
So, the point? I think she might be (or still be) lactose intolerant. She always was as an infant, and although lower fat milk does not mean lactose free milk, she has never been able to properly digest whole milk. We drink skim, because Emily, who also had a lactose free formula, also can't handle the whole milk(in fact Julia, who was also on a lactose-free formula is the only one of my children who went to whole milk at 1 year).
After coming to these conclusions, I decided to read up a bit on food intolerances and allergies and it turns out? There is a ton of research/stories of children who have stopped bed wetting after eliminating the offending food from the diet. There is also research/stories of children whose asthma and chronic cough were eradicated by eliminating the offending food. So, since she has obvious symptoms of lactose intolerance it seems to me that it would make sense to try a dairy-free diet with her to see if it helps with the bed wetting/asthma/cough as well as the intestinal issues.
I need to look at this a little further and read up on what foods might be forbidden (besides the obvious milk, cheese etc) and decide what I want to do but it all seems to be pretty clear to me. If we go ahead with it, we'll have to see if it works but on the surface, before even trying it? It seems like it may be the key.
So, the point? I think she might be (or still be) lactose intolerant. She always was as an infant, and although lower fat milk does not mean lactose free milk, she has never been able to properly digest whole milk. We drink skim, because Emily, who also had a lactose free formula, also can't handle the whole milk(in fact Julia, who was also on a lactose-free formula is the only one of my children who went to whole milk at 1 year).
After coming to these conclusions, I decided to read up a bit on food intolerances and allergies and it turns out? There is a ton of research/stories of children who have stopped bed wetting after eliminating the offending food from the diet. There is also research/stories of children whose asthma and chronic cough were eradicated by eliminating the offending food. So, since she has obvious symptoms of lactose intolerance it seems to me that it would make sense to try a dairy-free diet with her to see if it helps with the bed wetting/asthma/cough as well as the intestinal issues.
I need to look at this a little further and read up on what foods might be forbidden (besides the obvious milk, cheese etc) and decide what I want to do but it all seems to be pretty clear to me. If we go ahead with it, we'll have to see if it works but on the surface, before even trying it? It seems like it may be the key.
Monday, April 28, 2008
Food
Because I am anxiously awaiting a post from Jay on "eating cheap", I have been thinking a lot about food lately and how much we spend on it. It's a lot...too much I think.
On average I spend about $150 per week. In theory, this would be more, if I wasn't constantly buying what is on sale, or buying store brand if available. I also find the weeks in which I actually scan the circulars, noting what is on sale and comparing it with what I need, I save even more. Without doing all of that, the bill would more than likely run about $200-250 per week. (For those who may not know, and just for practical purposes to use as a baseline here, we are a family of five, two adults, and three girls, ages 11 (almost anyway), 8 and 3).
There are a couple of obvious things I know I could do to save money off the bat. One would be to actually spend some quality time cooking. Right now, I do only what I have to to get a hot meal on the table. Convenience and speed are key for me. This is not to say that we eat macaroni and cheese and tv dinners every night. I cook, I just don't spend a heck of a lot of time doing it. Things that take more than a half hour to prepare and eat, aren't my preference, unless, it involves a crock pot. Throwing something together in the morning and stirring it occasionally throughout the day? Now that is my kind of cooking. It would help of course, if I enjoyed the process a bit more. If I actually enjoyed cooking, I might spend a little more time with it, and with the general planning of it (like meal planning in advance, scanning for sales, experimenting with recipes etc.).
As mentioned before, I am not a person who has to buy name brand anything really. It basically all tastes the same to me and, whatever minor difference there may be, does not justify, in my opinion, the extra money to get the name brand. I don't see my self saving any money there. I think I am already doing what I can.
I do occasionally use coupons. Mostly, I use the ones that come and say "Spend $50 and get $10 off your entire order" as opposed to, "Buy 2 of these really overpriced, already expensive things and we'll give you one free." I think coupons have a way of suckering you in to buying the more expensive item to begin with, trying to make it look like you are saving money when actually, you probably aren't. At least not enough to make it worth the aggravation of cutting coupons and, you know, actually remembering to use them.
Thoughts? Do you have any money saving tips, outside of what has already been mentioned?
On average I spend about $150 per week. In theory, this would be more, if I wasn't constantly buying what is on sale, or buying store brand if available. I also find the weeks in which I actually scan the circulars, noting what is on sale and comparing it with what I need, I save even more. Without doing all of that, the bill would more than likely run about $200-250 per week. (For those who may not know, and just for practical purposes to use as a baseline here, we are a family of five, two adults, and three girls, ages 11 (almost anyway), 8 and 3).
There are a couple of obvious things I know I could do to save money off the bat. One would be to actually spend some quality time cooking. Right now, I do only what I have to to get a hot meal on the table. Convenience and speed are key for me. This is not to say that we eat macaroni and cheese and tv dinners every night. I cook, I just don't spend a heck of a lot of time doing it. Things that take more than a half hour to prepare and eat, aren't my preference, unless, it involves a crock pot. Throwing something together in the morning and stirring it occasionally throughout the day? Now that is my kind of cooking. It would help of course, if I enjoyed the process a bit more. If I actually enjoyed cooking, I might spend a little more time with it, and with the general planning of it (like meal planning in advance, scanning for sales, experimenting with recipes etc.).
As mentioned before, I am not a person who has to buy name brand anything really. It basically all tastes the same to me and, whatever minor difference there may be, does not justify, in my opinion, the extra money to get the name brand. I don't see my self saving any money there. I think I am already doing what I can.
I do occasionally use coupons. Mostly, I use the ones that come and say "Spend $50 and get $10 off your entire order" as opposed to, "Buy 2 of these really overpriced, already expensive things and we'll give you one free." I think coupons have a way of suckering you in to buying the more expensive item to begin with, trying to make it look like you are saving money when actually, you probably aren't. At least not enough to make it worth the aggravation of cutting coupons and, you know, actually remembering to use them.
Thoughts? Do you have any money saving tips, outside of what has already been mentioned?
Thursday, January 31, 2008
Food, Cooking, Recipes Etc.
I have lamented on this blog before about how much I loathe cooking. Mostly, I do it because I have to. It's not like we could actually afford to order out every night, and, despite my hating to do it, I do usually do a pretty decent job of it. I suspect part of my hating to do it involves the lack of variety. I just get so sick of cooking the same things time and again, and, when I find a new recipe to try, the motivation to cook usually increases ten-fold.
One of my favorite places to get recipes is from Kraft Food and Family Magazine. Best of all? It's...100 % free! It's always full of recipes. I have cooked many delicious meals from recipes I have taken from it. It comes once each season.
Anyway, I finally got around to looking at my winter issue. I had been planning on food shopping last night and for once, actually gave some thought ahead of going to the store about what I wanted on the menu this week. I have found several new recipes that I plan on cooking this week. I went out last night and purchased all of the necessary ingredients. For your enjoyment, I have listed the recipes here, which you can then look up at the Kraft website linked above (hey, you never know who else may in a cooking "lull" and looking for inspiration).
Tangy Pork Chop Stuffing Bake
Slow Cooker Orange BBQ Pulled Pork Sandwich
Double Cheese Chili
Bruschetta Chicken Skillet
Taco Bake
Nacho Chicken Bake
Note: I don't always use all of the "name brand" stuff they mention. Such differences usually don't bother me (for example store brand sour cream tastes the same to me as name brand) and, it keeps way down on the costs.
Anyway, I will post and let you know how they all come out as I make them.
One of my favorite places to get recipes is from Kraft Food and Family Magazine. Best of all? It's...100 % free! It's always full of recipes. I have cooked many delicious meals from recipes I have taken from it. It comes once each season.
Anyway, I finally got around to looking at my winter issue. I had been planning on food shopping last night and for once, actually gave some thought ahead of going to the store about what I wanted on the menu this week. I have found several new recipes that I plan on cooking this week. I went out last night and purchased all of the necessary ingredients. For your enjoyment, I have listed the recipes here, which you can then look up at the Kraft website linked above (hey, you never know who else may in a cooking "lull" and looking for inspiration).
Tangy Pork Chop Stuffing Bake
Slow Cooker Orange BBQ Pulled Pork Sandwich
Double Cheese Chili
Bruschetta Chicken Skillet
Taco Bake
Nacho Chicken Bake
Note: I don't always use all of the "name brand" stuff they mention. Such differences usually don't bother me (for example store brand sour cream tastes the same to me as name brand) and, it keeps way down on the costs.
Anyway, I will post and let you know how they all come out as I make them.
Tuesday, January 29, 2008
How To Get My Kids To Eat Peas And Other Food Related Items
Snap peas. I bought a veggie lovers salad mix thingy a week or two ago and it had snap peas in it. I gave them each one (each being Katherine and Emily as Julia eats anything), didn't tell them what it was until they ate and loved it. So, I bought more (just the peas not the salad mix) and it has been the snack of choice since. They have never liked peas in any other way.
In other food related news, I am looking for suggestions on how to "spice" up regular boxed macaroni and cheese. I have made my own mac and cheese before but, in order to save time tonight (we need to eat dinner by 4:30 because the kids have their gymnastics class at 5) I am just going with the boxed version. I had ideas of adding garlic to the mix maybe some of the Pampered Chef Italian seasoning to it. Then I thought of adding a cup of salsa. That could be good too. There's always the option of adding ground beef but, alas I don't have any on hand.
So, does anyone out there have any other ideas?
In other food related news, I am looking for suggestions on how to "spice" up regular boxed macaroni and cheese. I have made my own mac and cheese before but, in order to save time tonight (we need to eat dinner by 4:30 because the kids have their gymnastics class at 5) I am just going with the boxed version. I had ideas of adding garlic to the mix maybe some of the Pampered Chef Italian seasoning to it. Then I thought of adding a cup of salsa. That could be good too. There's always the option of adding ground beef but, alas I don't have any on hand.
So, does anyone out there have any other ideas?
Monday, November 12, 2007
Cranberries!
I have more than I know what to do with, between my mother's friend and Cousin Jeff (Cousin Jeff isn't really a cousin of ours, just a nickname for one of the Monday Night Poker guys)both giving us "fresh from the bog" berries. So far, I have made two cranberry breads (one that called for the usual orange juice and one that I had never tried before that had no OJ in it but had the interesting ingredient of cinnamon added to it), a cranberry/apple crisp and just a few minutes ago, a homemade cranberry sauce. I an anxious to try the cranberry sauce, having never attempted to make my own or ever having tried homemade, but, it has to cool for a while before that can happen. I plan on making a Grilled Cranberry Chicken (the recipe for which I have posted at some point but an too lazy to link).
I need some additional recipes though! I might try and make a cranberry/banana bread since I have bananas that will need to be used soon however, any other suggestions would be great! i would love to do something "appetizer-like" rather than the desert/bread type of things that are typically recommended for cranberry use, but I am open to anything.
Have at it!
I need some additional recipes though! I might try and make a cranberry/banana bread since I have bananas that will need to be used soon however, any other suggestions would be great! i would love to do something "appetizer-like" rather than the desert/bread type of things that are typically recommended for cranberry use, but I am open to anything.
Have at it!
Thursday, November 08, 2007
Fish
One of the big things on the high blood pressure diet Ryun was given is fish. I don't know why exactly, but it seems to me, that lately, fish is being pushed as the be all end all of all bad things. I am not complaining, I love fish, I've just never cooked it. Ryun's idea of fish is a fish and chips dinner, which not only doesn't count as eating seafood in my book, but I am quite sure it is not the kind of fish the diet is talking about. He is open to trying it, if I am willing to cook it. Not only am I willing, but I have wanted to experiment with it for quite some time. So, what ideas do you have for cooking it? I was basically planning on buying haddock or cod (or some other kind of light type of fish), seasoning with bread crumbs, garlic and perhaps a few other seasonings and baking it in the oven. I am looking for advice on how to tell when it is done, seasoning ideas and any recipes you want to share. Thoughts?
Friday, October 26, 2007
Frosting
I set out tonight to make a butter cream frosting for a cake I made for tomorrow nights festivities(The 10th Annual Halloween Party), with the recipe calling for the usual ingredients...confectioner's sugar, milk, vanilla extract and, of course butter. I went to get everything I needed out of the cabinets/refrigerator, only to discover that I had no vanilla extract. Knowing that the purpose of the extract was just to add flavoring, I decided to just use another "extract" I had on hand. I went with orange. Then to be all festive, I colored the frosting orange, and decorated the cake with candy corn. The end result? Frosting that tastes like an orange creamsicle! YUM!
I haven't tasted it mixed with the yellow cake and candy corn, but I have a sneaking suspicion that it will be sinfully good.
I haven't tasted it mixed with the yellow cake and candy corn, but I have a sneaking suspicion that it will be sinfully good.
Tuesday, June 12, 2007
Recipe: Sharon's Famous Chili
Ok, so maybe it's not famous yet, but it might be someday.
Ingredients:
1 lb ground beef
1 jar tomato sauce
diced tomatoes (I used about 1 1/2 tomatoes)
light red kidney beans (I bought the canned version that actually came in a mild chili sauce)
1 teaspoon paprika
2 teaspoons ground cumin
1 teaspoon cayenne pepper
1 teaspoon oregano
2 teaspoons garlic powder
shredded cheddar cheese to sprinkle on top of chili
(The amount of spices you use can of course be altered for a milder and/or spicier version).
Brown the beef in an electric frying pan. On Sunday, I actually threw a small amount of the above spices in with the meat (maybe just a pinch of each).
Combine all ingredients in the crock pot and cook on high for 2 hours. After 2 hours, turn the crock down to low, and cook for an additional 2 hours. Top with cheddar. I also made cornbread to go with this.
It came out quite well if I do say so myself. Ryun and the girls loved it too. The leftovers will be used tonight to make "chili dogs." Yummy.
Ingredients:
1 lb ground beef
1 jar tomato sauce
diced tomatoes (I used about 1 1/2 tomatoes)
light red kidney beans (I bought the canned version that actually came in a mild chili sauce)
1 teaspoon paprika
2 teaspoons ground cumin
1 teaspoon cayenne pepper
1 teaspoon oregano
2 teaspoons garlic powder
shredded cheddar cheese to sprinkle on top of chili
(The amount of spices you use can of course be altered for a milder and/or spicier version).
Brown the beef in an electric frying pan. On Sunday, I actually threw a small amount of the above spices in with the meat (maybe just a pinch of each).
Combine all ingredients in the crock pot and cook on high for 2 hours. After 2 hours, turn the crock down to low, and cook for an additional 2 hours. Top with cheddar. I also made cornbread to go with this.
It came out quite well if I do say so myself. Ryun and the girls loved it too. The leftovers will be used tonight to make "chili dogs." Yummy.
Tuesday, June 05, 2007
Emily's Birthday Cake
For Emily's birthday on Friday I decided to try and make this cake. It came out very well, if I do say so myself. I always forget how much I like strawberries, until I eat them again.
Tuesday, May 01, 2007
Chili
After Julia ate and appeared to LOVE chili at last weeks playgroup, I have decided to try and make my own, something that I have never done.
So, last night I went out and bought the following ingredients:
2 lbs of ground beef
1 can of light red kidney beans
1 can of diced tomatoes
1 can of tomato sauce (8 oz)
and a bag of chili seasonings which includes:
masa corn flour
caynenne pepper
salt
a bag labeled "chili spices"
I was thinking that I would like to cook this in the crock. I will brown the beef first of course and then throw everything in.
I was wondering though, if anyone has ever done this? I am planning on waiting to add the beans and possibly the diced tomatoes until its about a half hour before the chili is done. I was thinking they were too soft and would cook to "quickly" in the slow cooker but, if anyone has any input in that regard, please share.
How ave you cooked chili in the past? What works best for you?
So, last night I went out and bought the following ingredients:
2 lbs of ground beef
1 can of light red kidney beans
1 can of diced tomatoes
1 can of tomato sauce (8 oz)
and a bag of chili seasonings which includes:
masa corn flour
caynenne pepper
salt
a bag labeled "chili spices"
I was thinking that I would like to cook this in the crock. I will brown the beef first of course and then throw everything in.
I was wondering though, if anyone has ever done this? I am planning on waiting to add the beans and possibly the diced tomatoes until its about a half hour before the chili is done. I was thinking they were too soft and would cook to "quickly" in the slow cooker but, if anyone has any input in that regard, please share.
How ave you cooked chili in the past? What works best for you?
Friday, February 02, 2007
Recipe: Mini Meatloaves
I found this in one of my favorite magazines, Kraft Food and Family. If you like to cook, or have to cook, or even just like looking at what you wish you could cook, I highly reccomend you subscribe. The best part? The magazine is free!
Anyway, the recipe...
1lb extra lean ground beef
1 16 oz pkg of Stovetop Stuffing Mix (I got the Savory Herbs flavor but I am sure any would work)
1 cup of water
Mix with any of the following
Italian Style:
seasoning: 1 tsp italian seasoning
sdd-in: 3/4 c spaghetti sauce
cheese: 3/4 shredded mozarella cheese
Fiesta Style:
seasoning: 2 tsp chili powder
Add-in: 3/4 taco bell home originals Thick N Chunky Salsa
Cheese: 3/4 c shredded mexican style cheese
Mediterranean Style:
seasoning:1 tsp dried oregano leaves
add-in: 3/4 c chopped roasted red peppers
cheese: 3/4 c Athenos Traditional Crumbled Feta Cheese
BBQ Style
seasoning: 1 tsp garlic powder
add-in: 3/4 Kraft Barbecue Sauce
cheese: 3/4 c shredded cheddar cheese
1. Preheat the oven to 375 degrees. Mix meat, stuffing and water and the seasoning until well blended. Press evenly in to medium muffin cups sprayed with cooking spray; make an indentation in the center fo each with the back of a spoon.
2. Spoon add ins in to indentations.
3. Bake 30 minutes or until cooked through. Top with cheese, bake for 5 minutes. Let stand for 10 minutes.
I bought the ingredients to make the italian style. Depending on what my plans are with my sister, I might make them for dinner tonight but if not, on Sunday.
They sound yummy though, huh?
Anyway, the recipe...
1lb extra lean ground beef
1 16 oz pkg of Stovetop Stuffing Mix (I got the Savory Herbs flavor but I am sure any would work)
1 cup of water
Mix with any of the following
Italian Style:
seasoning: 1 tsp italian seasoning
sdd-in: 3/4 c spaghetti sauce
cheese: 3/4 shredded mozarella cheese
Fiesta Style:
seasoning: 2 tsp chili powder
Add-in: 3/4 taco bell home originals Thick N Chunky Salsa
Cheese: 3/4 c shredded mexican style cheese
Mediterranean Style:
seasoning:1 tsp dried oregano leaves
add-in: 3/4 c chopped roasted red peppers
cheese: 3/4 c Athenos Traditional Crumbled Feta Cheese
BBQ Style
seasoning: 1 tsp garlic powder
add-in: 3/4 Kraft Barbecue Sauce
cheese: 3/4 c shredded cheddar cheese
1. Preheat the oven to 375 degrees. Mix meat, stuffing and water and the seasoning until well blended. Press evenly in to medium muffin cups sprayed with cooking spray; make an indentation in the center fo each with the back of a spoon.
2. Spoon add ins in to indentations.
3. Bake 30 minutes or until cooked through. Top with cheese, bake for 5 minutes. Let stand for 10 minutes.
I bought the ingredients to make the italian style. Depending on what my plans are with my sister, I might make them for dinner tonight but if not, on Sunday.
They sound yummy though, huh?
Monday, December 11, 2006
Does anyone know...
...if there is a website out there anywhere that could tell me what I could make with ingredients I have on hand?
For example, I say I have eggs, chicken, onion , bread, and carrots (random ingredients) and the website says, "Hey you can make this!"
Just curious if one such site existed.
I am being lazy, really. I have a lia sophia meeting tonight and I need to bring an appetizer. I just don't feel like going out to the store!
Like I said, lazy!
For example, I say I have eggs, chicken, onion , bread, and carrots (random ingredients) and the website says, "Hey you can make this!"
Just curious if one such site existed.
I am being lazy, really. I have a lia sophia meeting tonight and I need to bring an appetizer. I just don't feel like going out to the store!
Like I said, lazy!
Monday, November 06, 2006
Dinner
As mentioned previously, I made the Orange Chicken and Stir Fried Rice for dinner tonight.
They both came out fabulous! Given the amount of time and preparation that it all took, I would have been pretty upset if it hadn't come out well (I don't think I have ever cooked anything that had so many combined steps...I was running from this pot to that bowl to the stovetop to the counter and back to the pot again).
It will definitely be repeated but probably as a weekend meal (which will give me more time to prepare and not as "strict" a schedule when it comes to what time we eat).
They both came out fabulous! Given the amount of time and preparation that it all took, I would have been pretty upset if it hadn't come out well (I don't think I have ever cooked anything that had so many combined steps...I was running from this pot to that bowl to the stovetop to the counter and back to the pot again).
It will definitely be repeated but probably as a weekend meal (which will give me more time to prepare and not as "strict" a schedule when it comes to what time we eat).
Friday, November 03, 2006
Harsh Reality Sets In
I had to send the kids off to school today with winter coats, gloves and hats. I guess it's time to stop the denial and accept the fact that winter is right around the corner. Yuck.
Anyway, Julia and I just came back from one of my most dreaded tasks...food shopping. Today though, wasn't half bad. I think part of the hatred stems from the fact that I get sick of buying the same old stuff, cooking the same old stuff, eating the same old stuff. SO today, I decided to spice it up a little...and I do mean that quite literally. You see, I got the ingredients to make this and this. Both of these recipes are quite far from anything else I have ever tried making so it should be interesting. Interesting and tasty is what I need to actually enjoy cooking. Doing the same old stuff just gets boring, you know?
I am planning on cooking this on Monday for dinner. I will let you know how it turns out.
Incidently, and totally unrelated to this entry, if anyone out there needs butter, may I suggest going to Shaw's in Plymouth or Carver, where it is currently on sale: 3 for $5! It's Shaw's brand but if you are not particular about such things...
Anyway, Julia and I just came back from one of my most dreaded tasks...food shopping. Today though, wasn't half bad. I think part of the hatred stems from the fact that I get sick of buying the same old stuff, cooking the same old stuff, eating the same old stuff. SO today, I decided to spice it up a little...and I do mean that quite literally. You see, I got the ingredients to make this and this. Both of these recipes are quite far from anything else I have ever tried making so it should be interesting. Interesting and tasty is what I need to actually enjoy cooking. Doing the same old stuff just gets boring, you know?
I am planning on cooking this on Monday for dinner. I will let you know how it turns out.
Incidently, and totally unrelated to this entry, if anyone out there needs butter, may I suggest going to Shaw's in Plymouth or Carver, where it is currently on sale: 3 for $5! It's Shaw's brand but if you are not particular about such things...
Tuesday, September 26, 2006
I Tried To Update
Really I did. Blogger decided to be down literally all day which made it, well, impossible!
Julia and I went apple picking with the MOMS Club today. I am ashamed to say that I have never been before. I know, it''s sad. We had fun and some of the branches were low enough for Julia to reach so she managed to add a few to the bag.
Today, for those who might not know is Johnny Appleseed's birthday. In celebration of this, Emily's class had an "apple tasting". Of course, because timing is everything, I had to use store bought apples for the treats I made to bring in to her class today.
I ended up making a few things actually. Emily said that that "Easy Apple Dessert" I made was a hit, and she came home with an empty dish so I guess she was right.
Here is the recipe:
3 cups sliced apples, peeled
1 three oz package of strawberry flavored gelatin
1 c flour
1c sugar
1/2 c butter, room temperature.
Place apples in buttered 9 inch square baking dish. Sprinkle gelatin over apples. In a small bowl, combine butter and sugar. Blend in flour, until mixture is crumbly. Sprinkle over apples, bake at 350 for 30 minutes.
I also decided to try my hand at making Apple Butter. It's delicious! I ended up searching online and found a fairly simple recipe using the crockpot.
4 c peeled, cored and chopped apples
4 tsp cinnamon
4 c sugar
1 tsp salt
Place apples in bottom of crock. Mix remaining ingredients and pour over the apples. Cover and cook all day, stirring occasionally and mashing down as you store. Cook until dark and thick. Pour in jars and seal.
Does anyone have any suggestions as to what apple butter would be good on, aside from the usual toast?
The final use I found for the apples was in a fantastic Roast Chicken Breats With Appple-Onion Stuffing recipe that I found here. It was delicious.
The apple-fest will be continuing for quite some time around here. We have a giant bag full of apples to use!
Julia and I went apple picking with the MOMS Club today. I am ashamed to say that I have never been before. I know, it''s sad. We had fun and some of the branches were low enough for Julia to reach so she managed to add a few to the bag.
Today, for those who might not know is Johnny Appleseed's birthday. In celebration of this, Emily's class had an "apple tasting". Of course, because timing is everything, I had to use store bought apples for the treats I made to bring in to her class today.
I ended up making a few things actually. Emily said that that "Easy Apple Dessert" I made was a hit, and she came home with an empty dish so I guess she was right.
Here is the recipe:
3 cups sliced apples, peeled
1 three oz package of strawberry flavored gelatin
1 c flour
1c sugar
1/2 c butter, room temperature.
Place apples in buttered 9 inch square baking dish. Sprinkle gelatin over apples. In a small bowl, combine butter and sugar. Blend in flour, until mixture is crumbly. Sprinkle over apples, bake at 350 for 30 minutes.
I also decided to try my hand at making Apple Butter. It's delicious! I ended up searching online and found a fairly simple recipe using the crockpot.
4 c peeled, cored and chopped apples
4 tsp cinnamon
4 c sugar
1 tsp salt
Place apples in bottom of crock. Mix remaining ingredients and pour over the apples. Cover and cook all day, stirring occasionally and mashing down as you store. Cook until dark and thick. Pour in jars and seal.
Does anyone have any suggestions as to what apple butter would be good on, aside from the usual toast?
The final use I found for the apples was in a fantastic Roast Chicken Breats With Appple-Onion Stuffing recipe that I found here. It was delicious.
The apple-fest will be continuing for quite some time around here. We have a giant bag full of apples to use!
Wednesday, July 19, 2006
Summer Recipe: Fruit Salad
This is my favorite fruit salad. I love having the coconut and walnuts in it. It gives the whole thing just the right amount of sweetness and crunch! You could probably use other fruits as well (watermelon, banana etc...this list is just what I use).
Ingredients:
Sliced strawberries
blueberries
sliced canteloupe
red grapes
green grapes
chopped walnuts
coconut
*amount of each ingredient determined by how much you want to make...want it for lunch for the week....use a lot...just want a quick snakc for today...use a little!*
Directions:
Mix all together. Chill in the refrigerator.
Ingredients:
Sliced strawberries
blueberries
sliced canteloupe
red grapes
green grapes
chopped walnuts
coconut
*amount of each ingredient determined by how much you want to make...want it for lunch for the week....use a lot...just want a quick snakc for today...use a little!*
Directions:
Mix all together. Chill in the refrigerator.
Wednesday, July 12, 2006
Next New Feature: My Favorite Summer Recipes!
There's nothing like a nice, cool summer salad or a freshly grilled burger to signify summer.
Y'all know how I feel about cooking. I do it because I have to. I think I do a fairly good job of it...no one seems to be starving anyway!
Something about summer cooking though, always appeals to me. Fresh fruits and vegetables just look better to me during the summer. Cooking outdoors is somehow fun to me. I love my grill...seriously it's an almost an obsessed love affair I have with the thing (y'all need to ask Ryun about my...ahem...reaction to the new grill we had to get earlier this season).
This feature will run every Wednesday!
So, dear readers, I give you...
Caesar Beef Kabobs
Ingredients:
1 lb steak tips, cut
1/2 c caesar dressing (I use Cardini's...yum) divided in half
8 small red potatoes
1 large green pepper, cut small
1 large onion, cut small
cherry tomatoes
Directions
Marinate meat in 1/4 c of caesar
Boil potatoes, simmer for 10 minutes.
Toss pepper, onion and tomatoes with remaining dressing.
Drain potatoes and add to vegetable mix, toss well.
Assemble all on skewers, cook on grill til meat is cooked through and veggies are heated thoroughly.
Y'all know how I feel about cooking. I do it because I have to. I think I do a fairly good job of it...no one seems to be starving anyway!
Something about summer cooking though, always appeals to me. Fresh fruits and vegetables just look better to me during the summer. Cooking outdoors is somehow fun to me. I love my grill...seriously it's an almost an obsessed love affair I have with the thing (y'all need to ask Ryun about my...ahem...reaction to the new grill we had to get earlier this season).
This feature will run every Wednesday!
So, dear readers, I give you...
Caesar Beef Kabobs
Ingredients:
1 lb steak tips, cut
1/2 c caesar dressing (I use Cardini's...yum) divided in half
8 small red potatoes
1 large green pepper, cut small
1 large onion, cut small
cherry tomatoes
Directions
Marinate meat in 1/4 c of caesar
Boil potatoes, simmer for 10 minutes.
Toss pepper, onion and tomatoes with remaining dressing.
Drain potatoes and add to vegetable mix, toss well.
Assemble all on skewers, cook on grill til meat is cooked through and veggies are heated thoroughly.
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