Abby has really been driving me nuts lately... I guess it might be the three days that she has been out of school for snow days. Unfortunately, she has taken to critiquing my cooking, baking, size, and just about everything else am, or that I do. This morning I banished her from my presence for a good portion of the morning just to save her from brutal retaliation on my part. I am not sure if it would have been physical or verbal, but I didn't want to find out.
Fortunately she has said some pretty funny stuff today... this is the conversation that she had with Peter as he was putting her to bed. . .
Abby: I hope you have a good day at work tomorrow and bring home some money.
Peter: Oh, thank you Abby
Abby: When ARE you going to bring home money?
Peter: I do bring home money twice month, and give it to mommy, and she puts it in the bank.
Abby: NO Daddy. . . . M O N E Y.
Then, during family prayer, she prayed that she would NOT have another snow day tomorrow, as Peter informed her that she would have to go to school in the summer if there were more snow days.
Abby: Please bless that we can go to school tomorrow so we do not have to go to school anymore in the summer.
Thursday, January 31, 2008
Karen's Pulled Pork Sandwiches
My neighbor Karen brought these to me when I had Wade. My husband has talked about them ever since....
4 1/4 C. ketchup
1/4 c. Margarine
1/3 c. vinegar
1/4 c. br. sugar
1/3 c. white sugar
1/4 c. grated onion
1/4 tsp. garlic powder
3/4 tsp. pepper
Cook your 4-5 lb. Pork roast in crockpot over night. Meat should just fall apart and be easy to shred. Combine all the above ingredients and simmer on the stove for 30 min. Pour over cooked meat. Serve on Rolls. For excellent dinner rolls make these!
Interestingly enough, I have a similar recipe that I used to use all of the time for the same thing. It is from my friend Janet Knighton who poured the sauce over Pork Chops and baked it in the oven for 2 1/2 to 3 hours. Once, I only had a pork roast, and used the recipe over a roast in the crock pot. This recipe is more spicy, and Karen's is more sweet! Try both, or mix and match!!
3/4 Cup brown sugar
3/4 Cup water
3/4 Cup ketchup
1/2 tsp. pepper
1 tsp. chili powder
1 tsp. paprika
1 tsp. cayenne (optional)
2 Tbs. vinegar
2 Tbs. worchestershire sauce
By the way, you can buy 3 pork roasts at Costco for between $10-12!
4 1/4 C. ketchup
1/4 c. Margarine
1/3 c. vinegar
1/4 c. br. sugar
1/3 c. white sugar
1/4 c. grated onion
1/4 tsp. garlic powder
3/4 tsp. pepper
Cook your 4-5 lb. Pork roast in crockpot over night. Meat should just fall apart and be easy to shred. Combine all the above ingredients and simmer on the stove for 30 min. Pour over cooked meat. Serve on Rolls. For excellent dinner rolls make these!
Interestingly enough, I have a similar recipe that I used to use all of the time for the same thing. It is from my friend Janet Knighton who poured the sauce over Pork Chops and baked it in the oven for 2 1/2 to 3 hours. Once, I only had a pork roast, and used the recipe over a roast in the crock pot. This recipe is more spicy, and Karen's is more sweet! Try both, or mix and match!!
3/4 Cup brown sugar
3/4 Cup water
3/4 Cup ketchup
1/2 tsp. pepper
1 tsp. chili powder
1 tsp. paprika
1 tsp. cayenne (optional)
2 Tbs. vinegar
2 Tbs. worchestershire sauce
By the way, you can buy 3 pork roasts at Costco for between $10-12!
Scallops Florentine
Don't you ever walk by the fresh seafood at Costco and go, ohhhhhhhhhh, scallops.... those look soooooooooooo good. Well, now you can buy 'em.
1 1/4 lbs. Sea Scallops
2 (10 oz.) Pkgs. fresh spinach
3 cloves of garlic
1 Tbs. butter
1 1/2 Tbs. Flour
3/4 Cup evaporated fat free milk
1/4 tsp. salt
1/8 tsp. ground nutmeg
1/8 tsp. white pepper
1/2 Cup shredded Swiss cheese
3 1/2 Cups hot cooked small macaroni shells
Cut scallops in 1/2 crosswise, and set them aside
Remove stems from spinach (if you bought baby spinach, don't worry about removing the stems) Coarsely chop leaves, and set aside.
With food processor on drop garlic through food chute; process 3 seconds or until minced. Add spinach stems through food chute with processor on. Process 10 seconds or until minced. (If you bought baby spinach, just mince your garlic, and get on with it!)
Melt butter in a dutch oven over medium-low heat. Add garlic mixture; sauté 5 minutes or until tender. Stir in flour. Gradually add milk, salt, nutmeg, and pepper; bring to a boil. Cook 2 minutes or until thick, stirring constantly. Add cheese; stir until melted. Add chopped spinach leaves; stir. Cook 3 minutes or until spinach wilts, stirring frequently. Add scallops; cook 8 minutes or until scallops are done, stirring frequently. Stir in pasta.
** The sauce is very thick before you add the scallops but don't worry about that. The scallops and spinach render quite a bit of water that coats everything very nicely, so don't let it worry you!
1 1/4 lbs. Sea Scallops
2 (10 oz.) Pkgs. fresh spinach
3 cloves of garlic
1 Tbs. butter
1 1/2 Tbs. Flour
3/4 Cup evaporated fat free milk
1/4 tsp. salt
1/8 tsp. ground nutmeg
1/8 tsp. white pepper
1/2 Cup shredded Swiss cheese
3 1/2 Cups hot cooked small macaroni shells
Cut scallops in 1/2 crosswise, and set them aside
Remove stems from spinach (if you bought baby spinach, don't worry about removing the stems) Coarsely chop leaves, and set aside.
With food processor on drop garlic through food chute; process 3 seconds or until minced. Add spinach stems through food chute with processor on. Process 10 seconds or until minced. (If you bought baby spinach, just mince your garlic, and get on with it!)
Melt butter in a dutch oven over medium-low heat. Add garlic mixture; sauté 5 minutes or until tender. Stir in flour. Gradually add milk, salt, nutmeg, and pepper; bring to a boil. Cook 2 minutes or until thick, stirring constantly. Add cheese; stir until melted. Add chopped spinach leaves; stir. Cook 3 minutes or until spinach wilts, stirring frequently. Add scallops; cook 8 minutes or until scallops are done, stirring frequently. Stir in pasta.
** The sauce is very thick before you add the scallops but don't worry about that. The scallops and spinach render quite a bit of water that coats everything very nicely, so don't let it worry you!
Wednesday, January 30, 2008
7 Things Tag
Lindsay Stevens said that anyone who read the "Tag" on her blog were responsible for tagging themselves. . . and I suppose we are supposed to reveal deep and dark secrets about ourselves. . . I have WAY more than 7, but here it goes!
7. I have a secret love affair with dough. Ok, that really ISN'T a secret, but some might think it is only cookie dough that I adore. Not so. I adore all kinds of dough and I do not discriminate. I will eat bread dough, cookie dough, cake dough (ok, it is batter, but I still eat it) roll dough, pretty much anything that is in dough form. I am pretty sure that I will meet my un-timely death from Salmonella poisoning. And I don't discourage my kids from eating dough because that would be down right hypocritical.
6. I have been known to be a "rule breaker". I profess to most to be extremely straight laced, but alas, I have done my fair share of rule breaking. My husband will laugh at me because, "Cougar's don't cut corners" but this Cougar broke a MYRIAD of rules while she was in Israel on the Study Abroad program. (Sorry mom and dad!) But I was in good company... Thanks Nicole and Claire~ Maybe I will scan the picture of us in front of AFRICA ZION (a local dance club)! (What did I just say about being hypocritical???)
5. This is something that I have already admitted on my blog, but if you don't check regularly, you may have missed it. I am a serial cookbook purchaser. I have more cookbooks than I will ever need, but I do LOVE to buy them!!! I do make good use out of most of them, and I try new recipes all of the time. (If you didn't notice, check the side bar of my blog) I am often found perusing the cooking mags as I am in the check out line . . .I peruse the rags too, but that is for another admission . .
4. My Ipod downloads would rival any 16 year old girls who was into the most hip shakin' music. Sorry folks. I just can't work out to "Come Come Ye Saints". I would be EXTREMELY embarrassed if someone listened to my Ipod (except for my sisters- because they know, and understand). I am proud of the fact that I download only "clean" versions of songs, but still, most of the songs that are on there, I would never let my kids listen to. I guess I should just be ashamed that the music I listen to even HAS "clean" versions! Maybe it comes from all those years in Jazz class, but I just love to groove!
3. This is an admission that I thought would never get past my husband's ears, but, I guess I am feeling loved enough today. . . and it is kind of related to #4. I have dreams that I am friends with Justin Timberlake. Before you do a spit take, I DO NOT HAVE ANY CONTROL OVER MY DREAMS! And lets make ONE OTHER THING CLEAR... These dreams are on a purely platonic level, and we are only ever having discussions. . . and hanging out. I guess that makes the dreams even more funny in some ways.
2. I can't believe I just admitted #3
1. I usually keep my house remarkably clean. I mean, that doesn't mean that there aren't baby toys anywhere, or dishes in the sink, I just mean, I like things to be neat, and orderly, and I love having people over because it forces me into the mode of getting everything put in it's place. I love that part of it, and therefore, I love having people over. What you don't know, is that it looks like a bomb went off in my bedroom. . . . at all times.
TAG! You're it!! Kara, Hillary, Amy, Anne, Julie, and Tricia!(And anyone else who wants to play tag...)
Monday, January 28, 2008
Happy Birthday Lori!
To my BIG SISTER, I love you, and I am sorry I am sending a belated birthday wish! I am not POETIC, but I do have some pretty great memories with you!
YOU ARE AND HAVE ALWAYS BEEN:
My other mommy:
My Big Sis
The Ultimate Party Girl
A brave adoptive mother of three... (come on, THREE?? Only you could be so brave!)
The Musical One
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A good time!
A great Aunt,
A loving Mom,
An amazing, successful, wonderful person...
I am so grateful you are my sister! I love you!
YOU ARE AND HAVE ALWAYS BEEN:
My other mommy:
My Big Sis
The Ultimate Party Girl
A brave adoptive mother of three... (come on, THREE?? Only you could be so brave!)
The Musical One
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A good time!
A great Aunt,
A loving Mom,
An amazing, successful, wonderful person...
I am so grateful you are my sister! I love you!
Friday, January 25, 2008
Wade's First Word!
Wade said his first word today! It was pretty darn clear, and definitely something that I have been working with him on. We use it a lot, for lots of different reasons... we thought he said it last night when he was playing... was it MOMMA? DADDA? BABA? Nope!! It is ALL DONE! I guess having that be his first word isn't so bad. I mean, Jaxon's first word was "GO" and we all know how THAT turned out.... :) I will take "All Done" as a first word, but you better believe that we will be working more on Mommy and Daddy!!!
Thursday, January 24, 2008
Baby Wade
Well, I can't help it. I know we have been a little video crazy lately, but this is just one of those videos that make you laugh. . . I hope it makes you laugh too...
Skiing Videos
Abby goes down the BIG HILL!!
Playing with Daddy
Abby LOOK OUT!!
Abby with her NEW POLES!
Playing with Daddy
Abby LOOK OUT!!
Abby with her NEW POLES!
Sunday, January 20, 2008
Wade Walks!
Ok, so, he just takes a few steps, but it is pretty tough to catch on film. Especially because when you have a camera in hand, he just wants to lunge for the camera! This is a pretty cute video anyway. Our 10 month old boy sure is getting BIG!!!
Every Girl's Crazy 'bout a Sharp Dressed Man
Jaxon got himself dressed for church this morning, and since this was the first day of his LIFE that he didn't cry when I told him to get dressed for church, I decided that I wasn't going to tell him that it didn't really match. He was pretty pleased with the results... and proud of himself. What more can you ask for?
Jaxon-isms
We went out to dinner last night, and we had a baby sitter watch the kids... by the way, if you ever want to go to dinner with us, we are at Sushi.com. Like....... every weekend that we go out!!!!!
This morning:
Jaxon: Where is my girl?
Me: Jaxon, her name is Katie.
Jaxon: Where is my Katie?
Me: She went home to her house.
Jaxon: But, she wants to stay here! She LOVES me!
Me: She does? That is good.
Jaxon: Yeah, not all the girls love me, but she LOVES me! She wants to be with me!
Me: Oh, that is good Jaxon, I am glad she likes you.
Jaxon: Yeah, she is my girl.
Apparently, Jaxon and Katie have some kind of arrangement that I don't know about. Maybe Jaxon asked her to move in? I am not sure. I don't know what it is, but Jaxon DOES HAVE A WAY WITH THE LADIES!!! We are really going to have to watch out for him... I mean, after all, he is only 4!
This morning:
Jaxon: Where is my girl?
Me: Jaxon, her name is Katie.
Jaxon: Where is my Katie?
Me: She went home to her house.
Jaxon: But, she wants to stay here! She LOVES me!
Me: She does? That is good.
Jaxon: Yeah, not all the girls love me, but she LOVES me! She wants to be with me!
Me: Oh, that is good Jaxon, I am glad she likes you.
Jaxon: Yeah, she is my girl.
Apparently, Jaxon and Katie have some kind of arrangement that I don't know about. Maybe Jaxon asked her to move in? I am not sure. I don't know what it is, but Jaxon DOES HAVE A WAY WITH THE LADIES!!! We are really going to have to watch out for him... I mean, after all, he is only 4!
Friday, January 18, 2008
Macaroni and Cheese
No, I don't mean the Kraft kind. This is one of my husband's favorite dishes, and when we were first married, I insisted that I put vienna sausages on top (that is how my mom made it) and he insisted on hot dogs. I compromised after a while and did 1/2 and 1/2 and now, I just make it with hot dogs. The kids like it that way too. And, it wouldn't be mac and cheese if you didn't throw some peas over the top of a serving. But hey, maybe that is just the way we like to eat it!
MAC AND CHEESE
Cook 2 cups of macaroni according to package instructions. Put in round, or 8 inch square baking dish.
2 Tbls. butter, melted and bubbling
2 Tbls. flour
1/2 cup minced onion
1 garlic clove minced
1 cup milk
1 cup cheddar cheese
hot dogs
Melt 2 Tbls. butter, and let bubble. Saute onion and garlic in the butter. Add the flour, and let cook for one minute. Add milk slowly, and let thicken and come to a slow boil on medium heat (Be careful to not burn!). Add cheddar cheese, and let melt. Pour sauce over macaroni. Add hot dogs and some additional cheddar cheese to the top. Bake for 25 minutes at 350.
MAC AND CHEESE
Cook 2 cups of macaroni according to package instructions. Put in round, or 8 inch square baking dish.
2 Tbls. butter, melted and bubbling
2 Tbls. flour
1/2 cup minced onion
1 garlic clove minced
1 cup milk
1 cup cheddar cheese
hot dogs
Melt 2 Tbls. butter, and let bubble. Saute onion and garlic in the butter. Add the flour, and let cook for one minute. Add milk slowly, and let thicken and come to a slow boil on medium heat (Be careful to not burn!). Add cheddar cheese, and let melt. Pour sauce over macaroni. Add hot dogs and some additional cheddar cheese to the top. Bake for 25 minutes at 350.
Moo Shu Pork
1 tsp plus 1 Tbl. vegetable oil
4 large eggs
1 pork tenderloin halved lenthwise and thinly sliced crosswise (1 lb)
2 Tbl. corn starch
coarse salt and ground pepper
1 lb. shiitake mushrooms, stems removed, caps thinly sliced
2 Tbs. miced peeled fresh ginger
1/2 head napa cabbage, shredded
5 scallions, thinly sliced
1/3 cup soy sauce
1/4 cup rice vinegar
flour tortillas and hoisin sauce for serving
In a large non-stick skillet, heat 1 tsp. oil over medium heat. Add eggs; cook without stirring, until set, 1 to 2 minutes. Transfer to a cutting board. When cool enough to handle, roll up and slice crosswise into 1/4 inch wide strips; set aside. Wipe skillet clean, reserve.
Place pork in a medium bowl, and sprinkle with cornstarch. Season with salt and pepper, and toss to coat. In reserved skillet, heat remaining tablespoon oil over medium high. Add pork and cook until browned on one side, 4 to 5 minutes (pork will cook more later) transfer to a plate (reserve skillet).
Add mushrooms and ginger to skillet; season with salt and pepper Cook until mushrooms are lightly browned, 3 to 5 minutes. Add cabbage, scallions, soy sauce, vinegar egg strips, and pork; cook, tossing occassionaly, until cabbage has wilted and pork is opaque throughout, 2 to 3
minutes.
Stack tortillas between damp paper towels; microwave on high for 2 minutes. To assemble, spread center of a tortilla with hoisin sauce; top with mooshu filling and roll up.
4 large eggs
1 pork tenderloin halved lenthwise and thinly sliced crosswise (1 lb)
2 Tbl. corn starch
coarse salt and ground pepper
1 lb. shiitake mushrooms, stems removed, caps thinly sliced
2 Tbs. miced peeled fresh ginger
1/2 head napa cabbage, shredded
5 scallions, thinly sliced
1/3 cup soy sauce
1/4 cup rice vinegar
flour tortillas and hoisin sauce for serving
In a large non-stick skillet, heat 1 tsp. oil over medium heat. Add eggs; cook without stirring, until set, 1 to 2 minutes. Transfer to a cutting board. When cool enough to handle, roll up and slice crosswise into 1/4 inch wide strips; set aside. Wipe skillet clean, reserve.
Place pork in a medium bowl, and sprinkle with cornstarch. Season with salt and pepper, and toss to coat. In reserved skillet, heat remaining tablespoon oil over medium high. Add pork and cook until browned on one side, 4 to 5 minutes (pork will cook more later) transfer to a plate (reserve skillet).
Add mushrooms and ginger to skillet; season with salt and pepper Cook until mushrooms are lightly browned, 3 to 5 minutes. Add cabbage, scallions, soy sauce, vinegar egg strips, and pork; cook, tossing occassionaly, until cabbage has wilted and pork is opaque throughout, 2 to 3
minutes.
Stack tortillas between damp paper towels; microwave on high for 2 minutes. To assemble, spread center of a tortilla with hoisin sauce; top with mooshu filling and roll up.
Chicken Divan K-lo Style
4 Chicken Breasts cooked and cubed
1 head of broccoli cut and steamed for just 3 or 4 minutes (al dente)
White Sauce
2 Tbs. butter
2 Tbs. flour
1 Cup chicken stock
1/2 Cup sour cream
1/4 Cup Parmesan Cheese
Melt butter in pan, and let bubble. Add flour, and stir, cooking for 1 minute. Add chicken stock slowly, stirring, and let sauce thicken. Add sour cream, and 1/4 cup Parmesan. Once cheese is melted, pour sauce over chicken and broccoli and bake at 350for 20 minutes. (Sprinkle some Parmesan cheese on top) Serve over rice.
1 head of broccoli cut and steamed for just 3 or 4 minutes (al dente)
White Sauce
2 Tbs. butter
2 Tbs. flour
1 Cup chicken stock
1/2 Cup sour cream
1/4 Cup Parmesan Cheese
Melt butter in pan, and let bubble. Add flour, and stir, cooking for 1 minute. Add chicken stock slowly, stirring, and let sauce thicken. Add sour cream, and 1/4 cup Parmesan. Once cheese is melted, pour sauce over chicken and broccoli and bake at 350for 20 minutes. (Sprinkle some Parmesan cheese on top) Serve over rice.
Chicken Divan (Red and White Cookbook)
I am not sure how it happened, but this went from Chicken Divan (which sounds sooooooooooo divine) to Chicken and Broccoli. I made it probably once a week when we first got married, and then, I don't know, it just got dropped! I was strapped for something to make the other night, and I had all of the ingredients to make it, so I did! But I know it had been years since I had made it.
Anyway, I used a recipe from the Red and White Check Cookbook. (I think it is actually a Betty Crocker Cookbook, but my family calls it the Red and White Check Cookbook) Anyway, it was fun to make it a little different. I will post both of the ways that I have made it, and you can choose based on what you have in your pantry!
Chicken Divan (Red and White Cookbook)
1 10-ounce package of frozen cut broccoli thawed (or use fresh, and steam)
2 cups Chopped Cooked Chicken or turkey (I usually poach the chicken breasts in boiling water)
1 10 3/4 oz. can of reduced fat cream of chicken, cream of mushroom, or cream of celery soup
1 4 1/2 oz can sliced mushrooms
1/2 Cup plain low-fat yogurt
1/4 Cup chicken broth
1/4 tsp dry mustard
1/4 tsp curry powder (optional)
1 Cup corn bread stuffing mix or herb-seasoned stuffing mix
2 Tb. grated Parmesan cheese
1/4 tsp. Paprika
Place broccoli in the bottom of a 2 quart square baking dish. Top with chicken or turkey and mushrooms.
In a medium sauce pan, combine soup, yogurt, chicken broth, dry mustard, and, if desired, curry powder. Heat through, but do not boil. Pour the soup mixture over the broccoli and chicken in the baking dish. Sprinkle stuffing mix over soup mixture. Top with Parmesan cheese, and paprika.
Bake at 350 for 20 to 25 minutes, or until heated through.
Anyway, I used a recipe from the Red and White Check Cookbook. (I think it is actually a Betty Crocker Cookbook, but my family calls it the Red and White Check Cookbook) Anyway, it was fun to make it a little different. I will post both of the ways that I have made it, and you can choose based on what you have in your pantry!
Chicken Divan (Red and White Cookbook)
1 10-ounce package of frozen cut broccoli thawed (or use fresh, and steam)
2 cups Chopped Cooked Chicken or turkey (I usually poach the chicken breasts in boiling water)
1 10 3/4 oz. can of reduced fat cream of chicken, cream of mushroom, or cream of celery soup
1 4 1/2 oz can sliced mushrooms
1/2 Cup plain low-fat yogurt
1/4 Cup chicken broth
1/4 tsp dry mustard
1/4 tsp curry powder (optional)
1 Cup corn bread stuffing mix or herb-seasoned stuffing mix
2 Tb. grated Parmesan cheese
1/4 tsp. Paprika
Place broccoli in the bottom of a 2 quart square baking dish. Top with chicken or turkey and mushrooms.
In a medium sauce pan, combine soup, yogurt, chicken broth, dry mustard, and, if desired, curry powder. Heat through, but do not boil. Pour the soup mixture over the broccoli and chicken in the baking dish. Sprinkle stuffing mix over soup mixture. Top with Parmesan cheese, and paprika.
Bake at 350 for 20 to 25 minutes, or until heated through.
1000 Recipes
I know, I have been posting a lot of recipes. That just happens to be what I am into right now. I go through phases. Sometimes I just LOVE to cook, and I want to eat something new every single night! Then, there are of course the other times, when it is all I can do just to get spaghetti on the table. This happens to be one of the times where I am enjoying experimenting. I hope you are enjoying the recipes too! Please feel free to comment on a recipe if you liked it, or maybe even if you didn't! (Some things aren't for everyone!) Or if you made changes.
I change a lot of recipes because of what I have on hand... So, there will be lots of different variations. I hope you are enjoying this new slew of recipes... Because I sure am! :)
Oh! And if you want to read something other than recipes. I have noticed that on my web-page if you go to the blog archive, the posts that are not recipes are highlighted in a different color. I didn't do that on purpose, but it sure works out nice! I do put up other posts on occasion!
I change a lot of recipes because of what I have on hand... So, there will be lots of different variations. I hope you are enjoying this new slew of recipes... Because I sure am! :)
Oh! And if you want to read something other than recipes. I have noticed that on my web-page if you go to the blog archive, the posts that are not recipes are highlighted in a different color. I didn't do that on purpose, but it sure works out nice! I do put up other posts on occasion!
Tuesday, January 15, 2008
No Knead Dinner Rolls
Every Day Food Mag. These are sooooooo yummy, and there is no waiting over night for them to rise. You can make them a few hours ahead of dinner, and eat them that night! YUM!
2 Cups Warm Water
2 Pkgs. Active Dry Yeast
1/4 Cup Sugar
4 Tbs. Butter, Melted Plus more for pan and brushing
2 Large eggs, lightly beaten
1 1/2 tsp. salt
6 Cups all purpose flour (spooned and leveled) plus more for shaping dough
Pour Warm Water into a large bowl. Sprinkle with yeast and let stand until foamy, about 5 minutes.
Add sugar, butter, eggs, and salt; whisk to combine. Add flour. Mix until incorporated and a sticky dough forms. Brush top of dough with butter, cover bowl with plastic wrap, and set aside in a warm place until dough has doubled in bulk, about 1 hour.
Turn dough out onto a well floured work surface. With floured hands, roll dough into a thick log. Cut into 18 equal pieces (Cut log in half. Cut each 1/2 into thirds, then cut each piece into thirds again)
Brush 9 x 13 baking pan with butter. One at a time flatten each piece of dough, then fold edges toward the center, pressing to secure, until a smooth ball forms. Place dough call in prepared pan, smooth side up (you should have three rows of 6) Cover loosely with plastic wrap, and let rise in a warm place until double in bulk, 30 to 40 minutes. (Or you can refrigerate at least 4 hours and up to 1 day)
Pre-heat oven to 400 degrees. Remove plastic wrap, brush rolls with butter, and bake until golden and rolls sound hollow when tapped on bottom. 35-40 minutes. (Tent with aluminum foil if they are getting too brown) Pull rolls apart and serve warm.
2 Cups Warm Water
2 Pkgs. Active Dry Yeast
1/4 Cup Sugar
4 Tbs. Butter, Melted Plus more for pan and brushing
2 Large eggs, lightly beaten
1 1/2 tsp. salt
6 Cups all purpose flour (spooned and leveled) plus more for shaping dough
Pour Warm Water into a large bowl. Sprinkle with yeast and let stand until foamy, about 5 minutes.
Add sugar, butter, eggs, and salt; whisk to combine. Add flour. Mix until incorporated and a sticky dough forms. Brush top of dough with butter, cover bowl with plastic wrap, and set aside in a warm place until dough has doubled in bulk, about 1 hour.
Turn dough out onto a well floured work surface. With floured hands, roll dough into a thick log. Cut into 18 equal pieces (Cut log in half. Cut each 1/2 into thirds, then cut each piece into thirds again)
Brush 9 x 13 baking pan with butter. One at a time flatten each piece of dough, then fold edges toward the center, pressing to secure, until a smooth ball forms. Place dough call in prepared pan, smooth side up (you should have three rows of 6) Cover loosely with plastic wrap, and let rise in a warm place until double in bulk, 30 to 40 minutes. (Or you can refrigerate at least 4 hours and up to 1 day)
Pre-heat oven to 400 degrees. Remove plastic wrap, brush rolls with butter, and bake until golden and rolls sound hollow when tapped on bottom. 35-40 minutes. (Tent with aluminum foil if they are getting too brown) Pull rolls apart and serve warm.
Mini BBQ Meatball Sliders
Vegetable Oil, Such as safflower for baking sheet
12 Light Turkey Meatballs (Under Chicken and Turkey Recipes)
12 Party Sized potato rolls, split
1/2 Cup best quality store bought BBQ Sauce
Heat Broiler, with rack set 4 inches from heat. Lightly oil a rimmed baking sheet. Place meatballs on sheet. Broil, turning occassionally until cooked through. 10-12 mintes. Place meatballs inside rolls, and top with BBQ Sauce.
12 Light Turkey Meatballs (Under Chicken and Turkey Recipes)
12 Party Sized potato rolls, split
1/2 Cup best quality store bought BBQ Sauce
Heat Broiler, with rack set 4 inches from heat. Lightly oil a rimmed baking sheet. Place meatballs on sheet. Broil, turning occassionally until cooked through. 10-12 mintes. Place meatballs inside rolls, and top with BBQ Sauce.
Whole Wheat Spaghetti and Turkey Meatballs
In a skillet, heat 1 Tbs. olive oil over medium-high. Cook 20 frozen Light Turkey Meatballs (Under Chicken and Turkey Recipes) until browned, 5 to 7 minutes. Add 1 1/2cups store bought marinara sauce and 1/2 cup water. Cook until heated through, 5 minutes. Cook 8 oz. whole wheat spaghetti; toss with sauce. Serves 4
Turkey Meatball Salad with Roasted Peppers and Parmesan
This was sooooooooooooooo good! However, I do admit, I tweaked it a little bit. I actually took the Falafel Recipe and used ground turkey instead of Chick Peas. (Omit the water)
Last night I doubled the batch of Falafel/Meatballs, and froze 1/2 the batch. We had falafels last night, and I used the leaft over meatballs to make this salad for lunch today! I will use the frozen meatballs for a fast dinner later.
This recipe is from the Everyday Food Mag again, and they took the recipe for the meatballs, and made three other dishes while they were at it!
6 Scallions, cut into 2 inch lengths
2 Red or Yellow bell peppers, cut into strips (Or one of each)
2 Tbls. plus 4 tsp. Olive Oil
Course Salt and Ground Pepper
16 Light Turkey Meatballs (Recipe Below)
2 Tbls. Red Wine Vinegar
2 tsp. Dijon Mustard
1 Head Red Leaf Lettuce, torn into bite sized peices
1 Chunck Parmesan, shaved with a vegetable peeler
(I used feta, because it was what I had)
(I also added asaparagus, because I love it!)
Heat Broiler and on a rimmed baking sheet toss scallions, peppers, and asparagus with 2 tsp. oil. Season with salt and pepper. Push to one side of sheet and place meatballs on the other side of the sheet.
Broil, tossing vegetables and turning meatballs occassionally, until the meatballs are cooked through and vegetables are lightly charred. 10-12 minutes. Remove from oven and cool for 3 minutes.
In a bowl wisk vinegar, mustard, and oil. Season with salt and pepper. Toss salad with lettuce, vegetables, and meatballs, and top with parmesan.
LIGHT TURKEY MEATBALLS
3 Slices whole wheat bread
(You can use bread crumbs to make it quicker- 1 cup!)
1/4 Cup Milk
1 1/2 pound ground turkey
3 scallions, finely chopped
2 small garlic cloves, minced
2 Tbls. Chopped fresh parsley
1 large egg
coarse salt and ground pepper
Place bread in food proccessor; pluse until fine crumbs form. In a small bowl, mix breadcrumbs with milk. Set aside for 5 minutes.
In a large bowl, combine turkey, scallions, garlic, parsley, egg, and 1 1/2 tsp. salt, 1/2 tsp. pepper, and breadcrumb mixture; mix gently with a fork.
Form into balls, and if you want to freeze, line a baking sheet with wax paper, and line them on the wax paper. Freeze for one hour to set their shape, and then place in freezer safe bags. Freeze for up to three months.
Last night I doubled the batch of Falafel/Meatballs, and froze 1/2 the batch. We had falafels last night, and I used the leaft over meatballs to make this salad for lunch today! I will use the frozen meatballs for a fast dinner later.
This recipe is from the Everyday Food Mag again, and they took the recipe for the meatballs, and made three other dishes while they were at it!
6 Scallions, cut into 2 inch lengths
2 Red or Yellow bell peppers, cut into strips (Or one of each)
2 Tbls. plus 4 tsp. Olive Oil
Course Salt and Ground Pepper
16 Light Turkey Meatballs (Recipe Below)
2 Tbls. Red Wine Vinegar
2 tsp. Dijon Mustard
1 Head Red Leaf Lettuce, torn into bite sized peices
1 Chunck Parmesan, shaved with a vegetable peeler
(I used feta, because it was what I had)
(I also added asaparagus, because I love it!)
Heat Broiler and on a rimmed baking sheet toss scallions, peppers, and asparagus with 2 tsp. oil. Season with salt and pepper. Push to one side of sheet and place meatballs on the other side of the sheet.
Broil, tossing vegetables and turning meatballs occassionally, until the meatballs are cooked through and vegetables are lightly charred. 10-12 minutes. Remove from oven and cool for 3 minutes.
In a bowl wisk vinegar, mustard, and oil. Season with salt and pepper. Toss salad with lettuce, vegetables, and meatballs, and top with parmesan.
LIGHT TURKEY MEATBALLS
3 Slices whole wheat bread
(You can use bread crumbs to make it quicker- 1 cup!)
1/4 Cup Milk
1 1/2 pound ground turkey
3 scallions, finely chopped
2 small garlic cloves, minced
2 Tbls. Chopped fresh parsley
1 large egg
coarse salt and ground pepper
Place bread in food proccessor; pluse until fine crumbs form. In a small bowl, mix breadcrumbs with milk. Set aside for 5 minutes.
In a large bowl, combine turkey, scallions, garlic, parsley, egg, and 1 1/2 tsp. salt, 1/2 tsp. pepper, and breadcrumb mixture; mix gently with a fork.
Form into balls, and if you want to freeze, line a baking sheet with wax paper, and line them on the wax paper. Freeze for one hour to set their shape, and then place in freezer safe bags. Freeze for up to three months.
Sunday, January 13, 2008
My Own Towel
Ok, I will admit it.. I lost it this morning. (Why always on Sunday, right before church?) I had jumped in the shower, and for about the UMPTEENTH time, Abby, who showers at night had stolen my towel. I admit, there were towels under my cabinet, but they are old, and rough, and not the ones I like. I started hollering at Abby before I had even gotten all the way out of the shower. I marched to her room, and said, "Abby! Don't use my towel ever again! If you are in the shower, and you forgot your towel, you jump out wet, and go to your bathroom to get your own towel!! Don't use mine!"
I marched back into my bathroom, and my husband gave me a disgusted look, which I am sure was in reference to my 5 year old rant, and said, "Don't you think that was a little much?" Well you know what? My reaction, at the moment, MIGHT have been a little much... HOWEVER, don't I deserve to have my own towel? Don't I deserve to have it there when I get out of the shower? Don't I deserve to be able to have a towel to dry off with? Ok, maybe I over-reacted, but, I still think I should be able to have my own towel!
I marched back into my bathroom, and my husband gave me a disgusted look, which I am sure was in reference to my 5 year old rant, and said, "Don't you think that was a little much?" Well you know what? My reaction, at the moment, MIGHT have been a little much... HOWEVER, don't I deserve to have my own towel? Don't I deserve to have it there when I get out of the shower? Don't I deserve to be able to have a towel to dry off with? Ok, maybe I over-reacted, but, I still think I should be able to have my own towel!
Jaxon-isms
Jaxon: In his room, cleaning up his toys.
Wade: In Jaxon's room, eating up his toys.
Jaxon: Picks up a cannon ball off the floor that has been sufficiently slimed by Wade.
Jaxon: EWWWWWWWWWWWW!!! DAD! WADE NEEDS A TIME OUT!!!!!
DAD: Muffled Laughter, "It's ok Jaxon, don't worry about it."
Jaxon: But DAD! He is RUINING ME!!!!!
Wade: In Jaxon's room, eating up his toys.
Jaxon: Picks up a cannon ball off the floor that has been sufficiently slimed by Wade.
Jaxon: EWWWWWWWWWWWW!!! DAD! WADE NEEDS A TIME OUT!!!!!
DAD: Muffled Laughter, "It's ok Jaxon, don't worry about it."
Jaxon: But DAD! He is RUINING ME!!!!!
Food Analysis
After opening these recipes one by one to change how I am formatting them, I began to wonder if some of you think that this is all that I eat! No, I have many, many recipes (as I am sure you all do) that I use all of the time. I do post some of them, when I am thinking about it, on the website.
Those would be, Mongolian Beef, Jean's Chicken Curry, Pot Stickers and a few others visit my weekly or monthly rotation. The fun in these recipes for me, is that I like to try something NEW! Mostly, I want to cook something *New* because I love to cook, and I don't want to get bored in the kitchen. I am going to be expanding these recipes in the very near future, and I wanted to be prepared, as well as let you know that if it is posted here, I tried it, and I liked it!
Does that mean it is now in my weekly or even monthly rotation? No, because I would never be able to cook the same thing twice! I don't want to tell you what ALL of the "good ol' standbys" are because then, you would only try those.
I want YOU to try what sounds good to YOU! With the assurance that if it is on here, it was yummy, and my family approved! So, there you have it!
Those would be, Mongolian Beef, Jean's Chicken Curry, Pot Stickers and a few others visit my weekly or monthly rotation. The fun in these recipes for me, is that I like to try something NEW! Mostly, I want to cook something *New* because I love to cook, and I don't want to get bored in the kitchen. I am going to be expanding these recipes in the very near future, and I wanted to be prepared, as well as let you know that if it is posted here, I tried it, and I liked it!
Does that mean it is now in my weekly or even monthly rotation? No, because I would never be able to cook the same thing twice! I don't want to tell you what ALL of the "good ol' standbys" are because then, you would only try those.
I want YOU to try what sounds good to YOU! With the assurance that if it is on here, it was yummy, and my family approved! So, there you have it!
Saturday, January 12, 2008
Sorry!
I can't think of a better way to maintain this list that is only going to get bigger, and Bigger, and BIGGER!!! So, I am going to have to do these posts, and then link back to them on the right hand side. I don't know how to put them anywhere else, or I would! I think every one who comes looking for recipes will like it better this way though! :)
Pasta Recipes!
Chicken and Turkey Recipes!
Coq au Vin (I use regular old cooking wine, and no congac :)
Chicken Ham and Cheese Roll Ups
Lighter Chicken Pot Pie
Jean's Chicken Curry
Light Turkey Meatballs
Trattoria Mollie's Meatballs SO GOOD! From the Oprah Website. I don't have a deep fryer, so I just pan fry!
Chicken Divan (K-lo Style)
Chicken Divan-Red and White Cookbook
Thai Peanut Sauce with Chicken and Noodles
Chicken Ham and Cheese Roll Ups
Lighter Chicken Pot Pie
Jean's Chicken Curry
Light Turkey Meatballs
Trattoria Mollie's Meatballs SO GOOD! From the Oprah Website. I don't have a deep fryer, so I just pan fry!
Chicken Divan (K-lo Style)
Chicken Divan-Red and White Cookbook
Thai Peanut Sauce with Chicken and Noodles
Coq au Vin
I have to admit, I am a big fan of comfort food. One of my favorite is Coq au Vin. My mom used to make it all the time when I was growing up, and I loved it.. When I eat it now, it is like taking a quick visit home, and remembering eating it on a Sunday afternoon after church. Anyway, there are a lot of recipes for Coq au Vin, I found one on the Martha Stewart Website, and added it to my recipe links. It is pretty close to the one she made.
I am going to have to figure out a different way to post these recipe links! I DID organize them so they will be easier for you to look through. I think I am going to have to create their own pages. We will see. I am not sure how I would do it yet!
I am going to have to figure out a different way to post these recipe links! I DID organize them so they will be easier for you to look through. I think I am going to have to create their own pages. We will see. I am not sure how I would do it yet!
Friday, January 11, 2008
Cashew Sweet and Sour Pork ***** (Five Stars)
2 Tablespoons Cornstarch - Divided
1 Tbls. Sherry
1 (1-pound) pork tenderloin, trimmed and cut
into 1/2 inch pieces
1/3 Cup Water
1/4 Cup Sugar
1/4 Cup Cider Vinegar
3 Tbls. Soy Sauce
3 Tbls. Ketchup
1 Tbls. Peanut Oil (I used regular oil)
1/3 Cup finely chopped dry-roasted cashews unsalted (I used salted, it was ok)
1/4 Cup Chopped Green Onions
2 Tsp. Bottled Minced Fresh Ginger
1 Tsp. Bottled Minced Garlic (Bottled Just makes it faster)
1/2 pound snow peas, trimmed (I just used frozen peas-makes it easier)
1 (8-ounce) can pineapple chunks in juice, drained.
Serve over Rice
Combine 1 Tbls. Cornstarch, Sherry, and pork tossing well. Combine remaining 1 Tbls. Cornstarch, water, and next 4 ingredients (through ketchup) stirring with a whisk until well combined.
Heat oil in a large non-stick skillet over medium heat. Add Pork mixture, stir fry 3 minutes. Until lightly browned. Add chopped cashews, green onions, ginger, and garlic. Stir Fry 1 minute. Add snow peas and pineapple chunks, stir fry 3 minutes or until snow peas are crisp tender.
Add vinegar mixture to pan. Bring to a boil and cook 1 minute, stirring frequently. Serve over rice.
1 Tbls. Sherry
1 (1-pound) pork tenderloin, trimmed and cut
into 1/2 inch pieces
1/3 Cup Water
1/4 Cup Sugar
1/4 Cup Cider Vinegar
3 Tbls. Soy Sauce
3 Tbls. Ketchup
1 Tbls. Peanut Oil (I used regular oil)
1/3 Cup finely chopped dry-roasted cashews unsalted (I used salted, it was ok)
1/4 Cup Chopped Green Onions
2 Tsp. Bottled Minced Fresh Ginger
1 Tsp. Bottled Minced Garlic (Bottled Just makes it faster)
1/2 pound snow peas, trimmed (I just used frozen peas-makes it easier)
1 (8-ounce) can pineapple chunks in juice, drained.
Serve over Rice
Combine 1 Tbls. Cornstarch, Sherry, and pork tossing well. Combine remaining 1 Tbls. Cornstarch, water, and next 4 ingredients (through ketchup) stirring with a whisk until well combined.
Heat oil in a large non-stick skillet over medium heat. Add Pork mixture, stir fry 3 minutes. Until lightly browned. Add chopped cashews, green onions, ginger, and garlic. Stir Fry 1 minute. Add snow peas and pineapple chunks, stir fry 3 minutes or until snow peas are crisp tender.
Add vinegar mixture to pan. Bring to a boil and cook 1 minute, stirring frequently. Serve over rice.
The First Step is Admitting It. . .
Ok, I admit it. I am a serial cookbook purchaser... No, I am not kidding... When I am standing in the check out line, I look at and sometimes even read the tabloids... (I subscribe to People Mag, and I look forward to it! OK! We all have our vices!!)
HOWEVER, when it comes right down to it, when I am looking at the mags... my eyes always are drawn to the cooking magazines... I already subscribe to Everyday Food. Which I ordered because my sister recommended it. I DO love it... I love it when it comes and my favorite things are their "Healthy Start" ideas... (Breakfast Ideas) and "After School Snacks" They are just fun to read, and great ideas... Do I make them? Not always, but I love to read them, and I save them because I think I will use them some day.
Now, I DO make a lot of the dinner recipes.. many of them I have posted on the right as a link. I think I have mentioned they also have a TV show here on Saturday mornings that I tivo. (PBS) I love their recipes because they use stuff I usually have in my pantry, and they are always super yummy. Visit Everyday Food Mag.
Anyway, I am not sure why.. I guess I just get tired of cooking the same thing over and over and over and over. However, I know I scare my family sometimes when I am trying something "new". I know I have bought at least three of these said mags in the last two or three months. I bought Weight Watchers Five Ingredients in 15 Minute Cookbook (because how does that not sound great, and easy). I have bought Betty Crockers Soups, Stews and Chilies (because whatever on the cover looked great). And I recently bought The Best of Cooking Lights Super Fast Weeknight dinners. Out of all of these cookbooks, I have only tried one recipe so far (not that the recipes didn't look great- but because I have been in the post holiday fog for about 2 weeks) ANYWAY, the recipe was AWESOME, FAST and YUMMY! AND EVEN JAXON ATE IT- SO IT MUST BE GOOD!
Check it out!
HOWEVER, when it comes right down to it, when I am looking at the mags... my eyes always are drawn to the cooking magazines... I already subscribe to Everyday Food. Which I ordered because my sister recommended it. I DO love it... I love it when it comes and my favorite things are their "Healthy Start" ideas... (Breakfast Ideas) and "After School Snacks" They are just fun to read, and great ideas... Do I make them? Not always, but I love to read them, and I save them because I think I will use them some day.
Now, I DO make a lot of the dinner recipes.. many of them I have posted on the right as a link. I think I have mentioned they also have a TV show here on Saturday mornings that I tivo. (PBS) I love their recipes because they use stuff I usually have in my pantry, and they are always super yummy. Visit Everyday Food Mag.
Anyway, I am not sure why.. I guess I just get tired of cooking the same thing over and over and over and over. However, I know I scare my family sometimes when I am trying something "new". I know I have bought at least three of these said mags in the last two or three months. I bought Weight Watchers Five Ingredients in 15 Minute Cookbook (because how does that not sound great, and easy). I have bought Betty Crockers Soups, Stews and Chilies (because whatever on the cover looked great). And I recently bought The Best of Cooking Lights Super Fast Weeknight dinners. Out of all of these cookbooks, I have only tried one recipe so far (not that the recipes didn't look great- but because I have been in the post holiday fog for about 2 weeks) ANYWAY, the recipe was AWESOME, FAST and YUMMY! AND EVEN JAXON ATE IT- SO IT MUST BE GOOD!
Check it out!
Sunday, January 6, 2008
Jaxon-isms
Life with Jaxon is a lot of things. . . tiring, busy, rewarding, challenging, and hillarious!
Here are just a few of the latest Jaxonisms..
Me- Jaxon, what did you do at school Today?
Jax- Ummm... hmmm.. ahhh... hunty dunty?
M- Oh, you talked about Humpty Dumpty at school today?
J- (Tentatively) Yeah... uhhhhhh.... there was a problem. . .
M- What was the problem? (Not sure if he is referring to school, or humpty dumpty)
J- Well. . umm. . . it didn't turn out so good....
Jaxonism #2
At 8:20 a.m. I call for family prayer. Jaxon was completely disgruntled about having to go to this activity, so I had to drag him up the stairs to our bedroom. He complained the entire time, even through the prayer, and after word on our way to the bus stop I asked him what was wrong, and why he was being so grumpy. .
M- Jaxon, what is wrong bud? Why are you so grumpy?
J- I DON'T WANNA SAY PRAYER!
M- Why not bub? We have to say prayers to Heavenly Father. .
J- But, we say prayers ALL THE TIME!!
Jaxonism#3
Just now, sitting at the kitchen table. Peter and Abby are discussing something, and Jaxon felt the need to be involved. . . Jaxon interjects. . .We need pajamas for rock and roll! Cuz rock and roll is cool!!!
My favorite response to any negative response... like... Jaxon, "Can I have a sippy cup?" Mom, "Not right now" Jaxon, "Um, how bout tomorrow?"
Here are just a few of the latest Jaxonisms..
Me- Jaxon, what did you do at school Today?
Jax- Ummm... hmmm.. ahhh... hunty dunty?
M- Oh, you talked about Humpty Dumpty at school today?
J- (Tentatively) Yeah... uhhhhhh.... there was a problem. . .
M- What was the problem? (Not sure if he is referring to school, or humpty dumpty)
J- Well. . umm. . . it didn't turn out so good....
Jaxonism #2
At 8:20 a.m. I call for family prayer. Jaxon was completely disgruntled about having to go to this activity, so I had to drag him up the stairs to our bedroom. He complained the entire time, even through the prayer, and after word on our way to the bus stop I asked him what was wrong, and why he was being so grumpy. .
M- Jaxon, what is wrong bud? Why are you so grumpy?
J- I DON'T WANNA SAY PRAYER!
M- Why not bub? We have to say prayers to Heavenly Father. .
J- But, we say prayers ALL THE TIME!!
Jaxonism#3
Just now, sitting at the kitchen table. Peter and Abby are discussing something, and Jaxon felt the need to be involved. . . Jaxon interjects. . .We need pajamas for rock and roll! Cuz rock and roll is cool!!!
My favorite response to any negative response... like... Jaxon, "Can I have a sippy cup?" Mom, "Not right now" Jaxon, "Um, how bout tomorrow?"
Wednesday, January 2, 2008
Resolutions......
There is something great about starting a new year... putting away the Christmas "throw-up" and having a clean slate... I mean, my kitchen hasn't been this clean in... well, I don't know.... months! Maybe even since Wade was born! Having new goals, a clean house, and a new resolve feels good, but at the same time... I feel like it could all slip away at any moment! (I guess I won't mention the fact that I haven't even taken a shower today... that makes me seem so much less put together.)
Sure my house looks great right now, but it is one bad day of mail, or homework papers away from being disshevled again. That is ok. At least I can enjoy it for one day. I am excited that there is nothing looming over my head.... Last New Year, "BABY" was looming over my head... then "SUMMER". . . then "SCHOOL" . . . then the "HOLIDAYS". It seems now, for the first time in 12 months I can actually. . MAYBE. . . get a few side projects done. Things that I wanted to get done... things that are only important to me. Now, THAT is exciting!
I wish you all a Happy New Year, and hope that you will have a clean kitchen, time for yourself, and I hope that you have time to take a shower too! :)
Sure my house looks great right now, but it is one bad day of mail, or homework papers away from being disshevled again. That is ok. At least I can enjoy it for one day. I am excited that there is nothing looming over my head.... Last New Year, "BABY" was looming over my head... then "SUMMER". . . then "SCHOOL" . . . then the "HOLIDAYS". It seems now, for the first time in 12 months I can actually. . MAYBE. . . get a few side projects done. Things that I wanted to get done... things that are only important to me. Now, THAT is exciting!
I wish you all a Happy New Year, and hope that you will have a clean kitchen, time for yourself, and I hope that you have time to take a shower too! :)
Tuesday, January 1, 2008
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