We had this for dinner and as usual, it was a hit. This was the first time Baby Dude has had it (I haven't made it in awhile...I just hadn't thought about it!) and this is one of the first things he has thoroughly enjoyed in awhile!
It's a Rachael Ray recipe. Anytime I've seen her cook it, it honestly seems to be one of her favorites. It doesn't really sound that great. Nor does it really look that great. But she just makes it seem so great that I just had to try it. And obviously, since I'm taking the time to share it with you, it IS so great. This is not the first time I have made this dish, nor will it be the last. It's so easy you'll thinking I'm joking. The ingredients are not spectacular - you probably have them all in your pantry right now. But for whatever reason, the outcome is incredibly yummy.
*copyright note* I'm taking a lot of the following directly from Rachael Ray 365: No Repeats, page 28. If you have the book, you already have the recipe.*
It's called Papa al Pomodoro. It is a thick, stale bread soup made with tons of tomatoes. (Sounds pretty gross, huh!?!?!) There is only one way to eat this soup. If you aren't willing to follow the instructions, Rachael says to skip this recipe. We'll get to that part at the end.
Ingredients:
3 tablespoons EVOO, plus extra for drizzling
6 garlic cloves, chopped
1 large onion, finely chopped
1 15-ounce can petite diced tomatoes
1 28-ounce can crushed tomatoes - Wife's Note - I have used a leftover can of spaghetti sauce as well. Just a thought.
Salt and Pepper
1 quart (4 cups) chicken stock or broth - Wife's Note - I use about 3 cups instead.
4 cups torn stale bread (about 1/2 pound)
2 15-ounce cans small white beans
Grated Parmigiano-Reggiano, to pass at the table
Fresh basil leaves, torn (optional)
Heat 3 tbsp EVOO over medium heat in a large pot. Add garlic and 3/4 of the onions. Cook for 7-8 minutes, then add diced and crushed tomatoes. Season with salt and pepper. *Careful with the salt depending on your stock/broth.* Add stock and bring to a boil. Reduce heat to a simmer and add beans and bread. Stir as it simmers until it thickens to a stew-like consistency. A wooden spoon should be able to stand upright in the pot.
Turn off heat, adjust seasonings, and ladle into shallow bowls. HERE IS THE IMPORTANT PART. DO NOT ATTEMPT THIS RECIPE WITHOUT THE FOLLOWING. Top with grated cheese, an additional drizzle of EVOO, a spoonful of the reserved finely chopped raw onions, and torn basil. The basil, AND ONLY THE BASIL, is optional.
So, there's the dinner. I'll be honest with you, I'm not a huge fan of raw onions. But, it's basically an order, not just part of the recipe. So I did it. And I would never do it without it. And the extra EVOO? What's that about?? Trust me, just do it. You won't regret it.
This goes very nicely with a simple spinach salad. Since Baby Dude doesn't eat spinach salads, I cut up spinach and put it in the bottom of his bowl, then put the soup on top and mixed. He totally ate his entire bowl and wanted more.
Friday, September 4, 2009
Saturday, June 27, 2009
Great Article
http://green.yahoo.com/blog/huddlergreenhome/38/cheap-and-nontoxic-ways-to-get-rid-of-bugs.html
I am definitely going to try these! We have had ant issues lately and after trying everything I knew to do (before I read this article), we had to call pest control people. I was very hesitant to call them considering (1)I'm pregnant, (2)There is a baby in the house, and(3)There are pets in the house. However, I asked several times and they repeatedly told me is was safe for us all. Even so, I much prefer being about to pull things out of my pantry to clean and de-bug. So when those pesky ants come back, I now know how to deal with them safely!!
I am definitely going to try these! We have had ant issues lately and after trying everything I knew to do (before I read this article), we had to call pest control people. I was very hesitant to call them considering (1)I'm pregnant, (2)There is a baby in the house, and(3)There are pets in the house. However, I asked several times and they repeatedly told me is was safe for us all. Even so, I much prefer being about to pull things out of my pantry to clean and de-bug. So when those pesky ants come back, I now know how to deal with them safely!!
Saturday, June 6, 2009
Recipes My Son Loves
Baby Dude has been going through a picky phase. It happens occasionally. Typically when I'm not cooking a lot. (oops...I guess it's my fault then, huh!?!?!?)
Anyway, here are two incredibly easy recipes he (as well as the rest of the family) loves.
1. Ham and Lima Bean Soup
In a slow cooker, put frozen Lima Beans, Ham (I usually use a hunk of frozen sliced ham), and Chicken Stock. If the ham is already cut up, you're good to go; if not, wait for it to thaw/cook and then cut it up. Then, you're good to go. That's it! Make it as thin or as "stoup-like" as you want. Personally, we prefer the stoup version. And in case you don't watch Rachel Ray, "stoup" is thicker than soup, but not as chunky as stew.
2. Shepherds Pie
Saute an onion. Add ground beef, chopped up steak, or whatever meat you want. Once the meat is done, add frozen green peas and beef broth. (Lots of time, I add carrots, too.) Add salt and pepper (I tend to forget this part and add it on the plate instead!). Once it's warm and bubbly, throw it into a casserole dish. Add a thin layer of cheese (optional). A nice sharp cheddar works great, but don't put too much. Top with Mashed Potatoes. Stick in oven long enough to warm through and slightly brown the potatoes. Enjoy!
Like I said, incredibly easy and he eats them both every time!
Anyway, here are two incredibly easy recipes he (as well as the rest of the family) loves.
1. Ham and Lima Bean Soup
In a slow cooker, put frozen Lima Beans, Ham (I usually use a hunk of frozen sliced ham), and Chicken Stock. If the ham is already cut up, you're good to go; if not, wait for it to thaw/cook and then cut it up. Then, you're good to go. That's it! Make it as thin or as "stoup-like" as you want. Personally, we prefer the stoup version. And in case you don't watch Rachel Ray, "stoup" is thicker than soup, but not as chunky as stew.
2. Shepherds Pie
Saute an onion. Add ground beef, chopped up steak, or whatever meat you want. Once the meat is done, add frozen green peas and beef broth. (Lots of time, I add carrots, too.) Add salt and pepper (I tend to forget this part and add it on the plate instead!). Once it's warm and bubbly, throw it into a casserole dish. Add a thin layer of cheese (optional). A nice sharp cheddar works great, but don't put too much. Top with Mashed Potatoes. Stick in oven long enough to warm through and slightly brown the potatoes. Enjoy!
Like I said, incredibly easy and he eats them both every time!
Thursday, April 16, 2009
Park City Cashew Chicken
Super yummy recipe from Rachel Ray that Kimberly suggested to me the other day. I'm just giving the basics of the recipe, but if you want the full version, go here. This version is slightly different than the recipe in the cookbook I followed, but basically the same.
Here's my basic version:
Melt 1tbsp butter with 1 tbsp EVOO in a medium saucepan. Saute 1/4 chopped onion for 2 minutes. Add 1 and 1/2 cups of brown rice and cook for 3 more minutes. Add 3 cups chicken stock. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat, cover, and simmer for about 20 or until rice is tender.
Heat large skillet over high heat, add 2 tbsp EVOO, add 1 and 1/2 pounds cubed chicken, season with 2 tbsp grill seasoning, then brown chicken. Once chicken is cooked, either remove it from pan or move it off to the side of the pan. Add sliced onion, sliced pepper, 4 chopped garlic cloves and cook about 3 minutes. Mix chicken back in and add 1 tbsp ground chipotle powder, and 1 tbsp ground cumin. Mix. Add 2 tbsp honey and 1/4 cup real maple syrup. Mix. Add chopped cilantro or parsely and 1 cup raw cashews.
Serve chicken over rice.
Yumm-O!
Note: I used slightly less maple syrup because I didn't want it to be too sweet, I was in the mood for spicy. However, I wish I had used the full amount. It was really good, but I don't think the full amount would make it too sweet.
Kid-Friendly Note: I think this is a great meal to make for families with kids even if you're hesitant because of the honey and nuts. Since they are added right at the end, it is a perfect meal to make and simply take a little of the chicken and veggies out of the pan before you add the honey, syrup, and nuts.
Enjoy! I know my family certainly did!
Here's my basic version:
Melt 1tbsp butter with 1 tbsp EVOO in a medium saucepan. Saute 1/4 chopped onion for 2 minutes. Add 1 and 1/2 cups of brown rice and cook for 3 more minutes. Add 3 cups chicken stock. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat, cover, and simmer for about 20 or until rice is tender.
Heat large skillet over high heat, add 2 tbsp EVOO, add 1 and 1/2 pounds cubed chicken, season with 2 tbsp grill seasoning, then brown chicken. Once chicken is cooked, either remove it from pan or move it off to the side of the pan. Add sliced onion, sliced pepper, 4 chopped garlic cloves and cook about 3 minutes. Mix chicken back in and add 1 tbsp ground chipotle powder, and 1 tbsp ground cumin. Mix. Add 2 tbsp honey and 1/4 cup real maple syrup. Mix. Add chopped cilantro or parsely and 1 cup raw cashews.
Serve chicken over rice.
Yumm-O!
Note: I used slightly less maple syrup because I didn't want it to be too sweet, I was in the mood for spicy. However, I wish I had used the full amount. It was really good, but I don't think the full amount would make it too sweet.
Kid-Friendly Note: I think this is a great meal to make for families with kids even if you're hesitant because of the honey and nuts. Since they are added right at the end, it is a perfect meal to make and simply take a little of the chicken and veggies out of the pan before you add the honey, syrup, and nuts.
Enjoy! I know my family certainly did!
Monday, April 6, 2009
Snacktime
Our first Healthy Mommy, Happy Family get together didn't go quite as planned, but Michele and I had fun talking about healthy snack foods for our kids.
Here are a few suggestions:
~Plain Yogurt (recipe to follow) - Starting with plain yogurt and then adding fresh fruit or whole grains is much healthier than buying the flavored stuff in the store.
~Applesauce (recipe to follow) - When buying applesauce, be sure it does not have anything in it except apples and water. Most jars in the store have extra sugar added. Apples are so sweet on their own, you just don't need the extra sugar.
~Raw veggies - Raw is healthier than cooked, but if your child is too young for a crispy veg, steam them just for a moment. Steam, don't boil. The more water you use, the more nutrients you lose. Another version of veggies that we do quite often for snacks or lunch is frozen vegs. Just the cheap bag of mixed chopped veggies. When I buy a bag, I pour a serving into small containers and put them in the freezer. That way, when snacktime comes, all I have to do is pull out a pre-made bowl, stick it in the microwave for a minute and it's done!
~Guacamole is a great dip for veggies and crackers.
~Hummus is also a great dip for veggies and crackers. (See recipe in previous post.)
~Nut butter on apple slices or celery sticks.
~Fruit smoothie - You kids will think they are having desert, but it can be totally healthy if you do it right! Just blend together fresh or frozen fruit along with some plain yogurt. Add some pure fruit juice if necessary (I love V-Fusions because you can throw some veggies in there, too without anyone ever knowing!)
~Low-fat cheese sticks - This is a great fix for a snack attack in the grocery store. Instead of reaching for the Animal Crackers, reach for some cheese. It's even got protein to help reduce cravings later.
~Dried fruit - This is one of our favorite snacks at the moment. I'll put out a couple different fruits and some whole grain cereal and my Baby Dude just munches while he plays.
I love making my own yogurt. It is so easy; It is such a money-saver; and I know it is all natural. Here's my recipe:
Pour 8 cups of milk (I use 4 cups whole, 4 cups 1%) into your CrockPot. Turn it on LOW for two and a half hours. Turn it off, but leave it as is for another three hours. Take out two cups from CrockPot and mix with half a cup of already made yogurt. Pour mixture back into CrockPot and stir together. Cover with towels to keep heat in and allow to sit for 8 more hours. Then it's done! Yes it takes a little while, but most of the time you don't have to do anything to it. It's super easy.
My newest super easy CrockPot adventure is homemade applesauce. This couldn't be easier. I made it simply because I had several apples that were going to go bad before I had a chance to eat them. Here's the "recipe":
Slice, core, and peel apples. (I used 7. Use as many as you want.) Throw apples in CrockPot. Add approximately 1/4 cup of water for every 4 apples. Add a squeeze of lemon juice, approximately the juice from one lemon for every 4 apples. Turn CrockPot on low for 4 to 6 hours. My apples were plenty mushy by 4 hours, but it will depend on your CrockPot. They should be soft enough to just mush them with a fork and there you go! Could that be any easier? I'm not sure that you actually need the lemon juice, but I used it. And the applesauce is so yummy! It is so much tastier than the loaded with sugar stuff that you get from the store. Fresh, Natural, Pure. Yum!
Do you have any other great snack ideas?
On another snacktime note: Be sure to have set snacktimes. If you allow your child to snack throughout the day then they are not likely to be hungry to eat the nutritious meal you have cooked.
Most books recommend two snacktimes, one morning, one afternoon. Personally, this doesn't work for us. If we snack that much we aren't hungry for lunch or dinner. The meals end up being another version of a snack. Typically we either do breakfast, snack, late lunch, dinner; or breakfast, early lunch, snack, dinner. Find out what works best for your kids and stick to it. Snacktime is very important especially when it comes to little ones.
What do you eat for snacktime?
Here are a few suggestions:
~Plain Yogurt (recipe to follow) - Starting with plain yogurt and then adding fresh fruit or whole grains is much healthier than buying the flavored stuff in the store.
~Applesauce (recipe to follow) - When buying applesauce, be sure it does not have anything in it except apples and water. Most jars in the store have extra sugar added. Apples are so sweet on their own, you just don't need the extra sugar.
~Raw veggies - Raw is healthier than cooked, but if your child is too young for a crispy veg, steam them just for a moment. Steam, don't boil. The more water you use, the more nutrients you lose. Another version of veggies that we do quite often for snacks or lunch is frozen vegs. Just the cheap bag of mixed chopped veggies. When I buy a bag, I pour a serving into small containers and put them in the freezer. That way, when snacktime comes, all I have to do is pull out a pre-made bowl, stick it in the microwave for a minute and it's done!
~Guacamole is a great dip for veggies and crackers.
~Hummus is also a great dip for veggies and crackers. (See recipe in previous post.)
~Nut butter on apple slices or celery sticks.
~Fruit smoothie - You kids will think they are having desert, but it can be totally healthy if you do it right! Just blend together fresh or frozen fruit along with some plain yogurt. Add some pure fruit juice if necessary (I love V-Fusions because you can throw some veggies in there, too without anyone ever knowing!)
~Low-fat cheese sticks - This is a great fix for a snack attack in the grocery store. Instead of reaching for the Animal Crackers, reach for some cheese. It's even got protein to help reduce cravings later.
~Dried fruit - This is one of our favorite snacks at the moment. I'll put out a couple different fruits and some whole grain cereal and my Baby Dude just munches while he plays.
I love making my own yogurt. It is so easy; It is such a money-saver; and I know it is all natural. Here's my recipe:
Pour 8 cups of milk (I use 4 cups whole, 4 cups 1%) into your CrockPot. Turn it on LOW for two and a half hours. Turn it off, but leave it as is for another three hours. Take out two cups from CrockPot and mix with half a cup of already made yogurt. Pour mixture back into CrockPot and stir together. Cover with towels to keep heat in and allow to sit for 8 more hours. Then it's done! Yes it takes a little while, but most of the time you don't have to do anything to it. It's super easy.
My newest super easy CrockPot adventure is homemade applesauce. This couldn't be easier. I made it simply because I had several apples that were going to go bad before I had a chance to eat them. Here's the "recipe":
Slice, core, and peel apples. (I used 7. Use as many as you want.) Throw apples in CrockPot. Add approximately 1/4 cup of water for every 4 apples. Add a squeeze of lemon juice, approximately the juice from one lemon for every 4 apples. Turn CrockPot on low for 4 to 6 hours. My apples were plenty mushy by 4 hours, but it will depend on your CrockPot. They should be soft enough to just mush them with a fork and there you go! Could that be any easier? I'm not sure that you actually need the lemon juice, but I used it. And the applesauce is so yummy! It is so much tastier than the loaded with sugar stuff that you get from the store. Fresh, Natural, Pure. Yum!
Do you have any other great snack ideas?
On another snacktime note: Be sure to have set snacktimes. If you allow your child to snack throughout the day then they are not likely to be hungry to eat the nutritious meal you have cooked.
Most books recommend two snacktimes, one morning, one afternoon. Personally, this doesn't work for us. If we snack that much we aren't hungry for lunch or dinner. The meals end up being another version of a snack. Typically we either do breakfast, snack, late lunch, dinner; or breakfast, early lunch, snack, dinner. Find out what works best for your kids and stick to it. Snacktime is very important especially when it comes to little ones.
What do you eat for snacktime?
Wednesday, April 1, 2009
Embarrassed? Don't be!
I have written before about using reusable bags at the grocery store. Yes, many people look at you funny when you say, "I brought my own bags." It is becoming more common, but still not the norm. You definitely get strange looks when your bags are mixed shapes, colors, styles, sizes, materials, etc as mine generally are. A friend of mine, Bethany, happens to find it hilarious to go to the store with me and see the reactions I get from the bag boys.
For some people, this could be embarrassing to have people look at you strangely. But don't let that stop you!
The other day, Bethany called me with a funny story of her own, similar to my multi-sized bags.
Bethany works at a coffee shop. Anyone that has ever worked in a coffee shop knows that you drink a lot of coffee (and other beverages) during your shifts. And typically that means you go through a lot of disposable cups on a regular basis. Not good for the environment.
Bethany has started bringing her own reusable travel cup with her. It's a really nice one, used for hot or cold drinks, insulated, etc. Well, she started just taking it to work. No big deal. Then she realized, why just take it to work? So she pretty much always has it with her.
So when she walked into Burger King the other day for lunch with a friend, she grabbed the cup and took it with her. She ordered a #1 (or whatever) and the guy turned to hand her a cup for her beverage and she said, "I don't need a cup. I brought my own." She said his reaction was priceless!! He didn't know what to say to that! But was she embarrassed that she got some funny looks? Nope! She's just proud she's saving the planet, one cup at a time!
In other planet saving news, I thought I would update you all on my paper towel challenge for myself.
I decided to leave the paper towels out on the counter and just try to make a point to not use them, but they were there if I just had to. After a few weeks, I realized I hadn't touched them. So I moved them to the pantry so they wouldn't be taking up any counter space, but still not too far if I needed them.
Can you believe it: I have used them ONE TIME within the past month. I couldn't figure out how to make bacon in the microwave without a papertowel!
And my Swiffer mopping challenge? I love my floors now more than ever! I cut up towels to make mop rags to fit the Swiffer. I fill my sink with a little water, a little vinegar and a touch of oil, throw several clean mop rags in there, and get to Swiffering! When one rag is done I throw it in a bag that I have hanging next to the sink and grab a clean one out of the sink. That way the dirt from the floor never mixes with my cleaning water. And the bag next to the sink is for all my rags that I go through. Then when laundry day comes, I grab the bag and do a load of rags. Then they're clean and ready to use again the next week!
How are your challenges going?
For some people, this could be embarrassing to have people look at you strangely. But don't let that stop you!
The other day, Bethany called me with a funny story of her own, similar to my multi-sized bags.
Bethany works at a coffee shop. Anyone that has ever worked in a coffee shop knows that you drink a lot of coffee (and other beverages) during your shifts. And typically that means you go through a lot of disposable cups on a regular basis. Not good for the environment.
Bethany has started bringing her own reusable travel cup with her. It's a really nice one, used for hot or cold drinks, insulated, etc. Well, she started just taking it to work. No big deal. Then she realized, why just take it to work? So she pretty much always has it with her.
So when she walked into Burger King the other day for lunch with a friend, she grabbed the cup and took it with her. She ordered a #1 (or whatever) and the guy turned to hand her a cup for her beverage and she said, "I don't need a cup. I brought my own." She said his reaction was priceless!! He didn't know what to say to that! But was she embarrassed that she got some funny looks? Nope! She's just proud she's saving the planet, one cup at a time!
In other planet saving news, I thought I would update you all on my paper towel challenge for myself.
I decided to leave the paper towels out on the counter and just try to make a point to not use them, but they were there if I just had to. After a few weeks, I realized I hadn't touched them. So I moved them to the pantry so they wouldn't be taking up any counter space, but still not too far if I needed them.
Can you believe it: I have used them ONE TIME within the past month. I couldn't figure out how to make bacon in the microwave without a papertowel!
And my Swiffer mopping challenge? I love my floors now more than ever! I cut up towels to make mop rags to fit the Swiffer. I fill my sink with a little water, a little vinegar and a touch of oil, throw several clean mop rags in there, and get to Swiffering! When one rag is done I throw it in a bag that I have hanging next to the sink and grab a clean one out of the sink. That way the dirt from the floor never mixes with my cleaning water. And the bag next to the sink is for all my rags that I go through. Then when laundry day comes, I grab the bag and do a load of rags. Then they're clean and ready to use again the next week!
How are your challenges going?
Wednesday, March 25, 2009
A Banana Secret
Our family eats A LOT of bananas. They are probably Dude's favorite food. They are a super easy and healthy snack. They're quick and easy to eat. And they are easily portable.
My issue with bananas? The PRICE!!!
Have you noticed how incredibly expensive bananas are now?? I vividly remember not all that long ago when you could find bananas on sale for $0.25. Now it's rare that I see them for less than $0.64. And that's on sale!!!
Bananas are so convenient, I love them. But they just don't fit that well into my grocery budget.
Until now!
I have discovered a secret. I am hesitant to share it because I don't want people to steal my bananas! But I don't want to be selfish, either. I'd be bummed if someone else knew a great money-saving secret and didn't share it with me! So here goes:
Super-K
Yes, that's right. I'm talking about a Super Kmart. The kind that sells food. I was in there a month or so ago stocking up on some of their double coupon deals and as I was wondering through the cereal aisle I noticed a rack of bananas. There was a sign on them for $0.69/lb. That's the normal price nowadays. However, I noticed some were packed up in plastic wrap and had an individual price tag on them. "$0.49" 49 CENTS?? Per lb? NOPE!! For the package. There were six bananas and they were not brown. They were still very edible, even slightly green. I found three package and took them all.
Of course I ended up making banana bread with some of them (we don't eat THAT many bananas)!! Then we were out of bananas again and no one had them on sale. So I went back to Kmart to see if they might have anymore bananas marked down.
Sure enough. Right there in the cereal aisle. So far every time I've been, they are there! Sometimes they are the brown ones, but most of the time they still have enough days left on them to get sufficiently eaten in this house.
The price varies occasionally. Today my deal was this: I bought two packages.
(We had already busted into one of the packages
and ate three bananas before I took this picture.)
Total cost - $0.90. Total weight - 4.5lbs.
That makes it $0.20 per pound! I'd say that's a pretty good deal!
My issue with bananas? The PRICE!!!
Have you noticed how incredibly expensive bananas are now?? I vividly remember not all that long ago when you could find bananas on sale for $0.25. Now it's rare that I see them for less than $0.64. And that's on sale!!!
Bananas are so convenient, I love them. But they just don't fit that well into my grocery budget.
Until now!
I have discovered a secret. I am hesitant to share it because I don't want people to steal my bananas! But I don't want to be selfish, either. I'd be bummed if someone else knew a great money-saving secret and didn't share it with me! So here goes:
Super-K
Yes, that's right. I'm talking about a Super Kmart. The kind that sells food. I was in there a month or so ago stocking up on some of their double coupon deals and as I was wondering through the cereal aisle I noticed a rack of bananas. There was a sign on them for $0.69/lb. That's the normal price nowadays. However, I noticed some were packed up in plastic wrap and had an individual price tag on them. "$0.49" 49 CENTS?? Per lb? NOPE!! For the package. There were six bananas and they were not brown. They were still very edible, even slightly green. I found three package and took them all.
Of course I ended up making banana bread with some of them (we don't eat THAT many bananas)!! Then we were out of bananas again and no one had them on sale. So I went back to Kmart to see if they might have anymore bananas marked down.
Sure enough. Right there in the cereal aisle. So far every time I've been, they are there! Sometimes they are the brown ones, but most of the time they still have enough days left on them to get sufficiently eaten in this house.
The price varies occasionally. Today my deal was this: I bought two packages.
(We had already busted into one of the packages
and ate three bananas before I took this picture.)
Total cost - $0.90. Total weight - 4.5lbs.
That makes it $0.20 per pound! I'd say that's a pretty good deal!
Tuesday, March 24, 2009
Christmas through the Mail
I used to hate to go get the mail. Why? Probably the same reason so many people hate to go get the mail: All you ever get are bills!! Well, bills and junk mail!
I like going to get the mail now because I never know what I might find! I started signing up for free samples of stuff. Recently I have received several bags of microwavable popcorn (which Dr. Dad has been enjoying in the evenings), several "feminine products", several booklets of coupons, a set of books on home decorating, shampoos, soaps, diapers, and my favorite: a Stouffer's lasagna! The lasagna was actually for a survey that I had to complete after eating it. Either way, it was a totally free and incredibly yummy meal.
They certainly aren't paying me (or even asking me) to advertise this for them, but honestly I was totally impressed with this lasagna. I am most definitely NOT one for frozen meals. Generally I think they are relatively gross. And I really don't usually like tomato-based frozen meals. So I definitely did not expect to enjoy lunch today. And I was feeding it to the Baby Dude for lunch as well and seeing as how he never really likes pasta or tomato sauce, I was planning a backup meal for us both.
Luckily, I was pleasantly surprised.
I stuck it in the oven for about 50 minutes, pulled it out, let it sit for 5 minutes, then dug in. It was super good. And to make it even more amazing, Dude loved it! He ended up eating at least as much as I did! I couldn't get it in his mouth fast enough! Crazy! So if you need a lasagna for dinner one night, try Stouffer's whole wheat pasta lasagna. I don't know what the official name of it is, but I'm sure you can figure it out in the store.
Okay, enough adverts! I did not intend on going on about that for so long!
Back to the mail - I have also been receiving several rebate checks lately. Obviously, this usually means you have to spend money first, but even so it can turn into a good deal. I am usually pretty hesitant to buy something based on a rebate, but if it's something that I was planning on buying anyway then it just makes the deal even sweeter. My favorite one lately is from Staples. They don't send you a check, they send you a Visa Card! No going to the bank to deposit it or anything. Just stick it in your wallet and spend it like a debit card. Fabulous!
So checking the mail doesn't have to be a downer. Today alone I got popcorn, coupons, rebate check, gift card, and of course...a bill. It had to happen. But one bill in the midst of all that fun didn't ruin my mood! It still felt like Christmas to me!
I like going to get the mail now because I never know what I might find! I started signing up for free samples of stuff. Recently I have received several bags of microwavable popcorn (which Dr. Dad has been enjoying in the evenings), several "feminine products", several booklets of coupons, a set of books on home decorating, shampoos, soaps, diapers, and my favorite: a Stouffer's lasagna! The lasagna was actually for a survey that I had to complete after eating it. Either way, it was a totally free and incredibly yummy meal.
They certainly aren't paying me (or even asking me) to advertise this for them, but honestly I was totally impressed with this lasagna. I am most definitely NOT one for frozen meals. Generally I think they are relatively gross. And I really don't usually like tomato-based frozen meals. So I definitely did not expect to enjoy lunch today. And I was feeding it to the Baby Dude for lunch as well and seeing as how he never really likes pasta or tomato sauce, I was planning a backup meal for us both.
Luckily, I was pleasantly surprised.
I stuck it in the oven for about 50 minutes, pulled it out, let it sit for 5 minutes, then dug in. It was super good. And to make it even more amazing, Dude loved it! He ended up eating at least as much as I did! I couldn't get it in his mouth fast enough! Crazy! So if you need a lasagna for dinner one night, try Stouffer's whole wheat pasta lasagna. I don't know what the official name of it is, but I'm sure you can figure it out in the store.
Okay, enough adverts! I did not intend on going on about that for so long!
Back to the mail - I have also been receiving several rebate checks lately. Obviously, this usually means you have to spend money first, but even so it can turn into a good deal. I am usually pretty hesitant to buy something based on a rebate, but if it's something that I was planning on buying anyway then it just makes the deal even sweeter. My favorite one lately is from Staples. They don't send you a check, they send you a Visa Card! No going to the bank to deposit it or anything. Just stick it in your wallet and spend it like a debit card. Fabulous!
So checking the mail doesn't have to be a downer. Today alone I got popcorn, coupons, rebate check, gift card, and of course...a bill. It had to happen. But one bill in the midst of all that fun didn't ruin my mood! It still felt like Christmas to me!
Saturday, March 21, 2009
Where shopping is NOT a pleasure!
I have lived here for almost a year now and I still can't find a grocery store I like. It's not fun. I generally don't mind grocery shopping, but here - I hate it! Here are my choices:
1. Bi-Lo - Once I realized I had to give Bi-Lo a chance, I thought, "Okay, this isn't so bad." Then I went again and again and again and realized they don't have half the stuff I want. Their selection is pitiful. They just don't have many options. If you want cheese, you have one kind of cheese to "choose" from. Okay, maybe that's an exaggeration, but you get my point...right? Their prices are decent on what they do have and they do have some good sale prices sometimes, but their meat selection is also pretty poor.
2. Piggly Wiggly - I don't like these stores in general. However, since this place is some sort of headquarters for them (or something like that) I decided I would try them. Surely they would be nicer here, right? I mean, they're ALL over the place in this town! I walked in once and almost fell over when I saw the prices! They are freakin' expensive!! Need I say more?
3. Publix - First of all, there is not one close to me. I have to drive at least 15 minutes if not longer (and pass several other grocers), in order to get to one. That is probably the biggest strike against it at the moment. It's just terribly inconvenient. And with a one year old in tow, convenience is key. I have also been irritated by each of the Publix stores I have visited. There are three of them within about 15-20 minutes, so I vary as to which one I go to when I decide to go to Publix. And each one of them has bothered me in one way or another. Whether they have been out of an item, not taken a coupon, or whatever. I guess I hold grudges.
4. Food Lion - Rather comparable to Bi-Lo. It's not a bad place, but not great selections. Prices are okay, but not phenomenal. There is one super close and at the moment I like it better than the Bi-Lo that is even closer, so it is probably the most frequented thus far in the list. (Plus it has a Walgreens and CVS within walking distance!) One thing I have noticed about Food Lion is that they have a shopping cart that fits 4 kids!! I'm not kidding! Not that I have a need for a 4-seater shopping cart, but still. I was impressed. I don't think I've seen one of those anywhere else. If I did have 4 kids that I had to take shopping they would absolutely get my business!
And finally -
5. Wal-mart - You knew I had to mention it sooner or later, right? I HATE grocery shopping at Walmart. I always have. Generally I would only go if I need more than groceries and just wanted to get everything in one trip. That is the convenience of Walmart. And it can be convenient, I will give it that. HOWEVER!!! Oh, the crowds...Oh, the lines...Oh, the screaming children running up and down the aisles with no parent in sight...AAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHH!!! Do you feel my pain? It makes me short of breath even thinking about the struggle that is Walmart shopping. And even so, I HATE to admit it, but that is the place I frequent most for my grocery shopping needs. I hate having to go there, but right now it seems to be my best option. Can you believe I even used the word "best" in the same context as "Walmart"? Although Walmart'slack of selection bugs me tremendously, it is better than the selections at the other stores - with the exception of Publix, which is too far away and irritating in it's own way. And the screaming children - well, I console myself by thinking, "At least if my baby screams no one will notice." However, it's relatively rare that he's unhappy in the grocery store. But I console myself however I can. As for the lines and crowds, I just don't go when I'm in a rush. It's just not worth it. Nothing is worth going to Walmart when you're in a rush. Patience is the key here.
My only other options would be:
Kroger - which is an hour away!
Super Target - I don't even know where there is one!
Harris Teeter or Whole Foods - I'd be happy to adjust my budget in order to pay a little more to shop at either of these stores. Unfortunately, I believe the closest one is at least 30 minutes away which makes in terribly inconvenient for standard shopping. If I can ever get myself into the meal planning that I want to do, perhaps I could do a once a week trip to one of them...that's an idea, anyway.
{sigh}
Any suggestions?
1. Bi-Lo - Once I realized I had to give Bi-Lo a chance, I thought, "Okay, this isn't so bad." Then I went again and again and again and realized they don't have half the stuff I want. Their selection is pitiful. They just don't have many options. If you want cheese, you have one kind of cheese to "choose" from. Okay, maybe that's an exaggeration, but you get my point...right? Their prices are decent on what they do have and they do have some good sale prices sometimes, but their meat selection is also pretty poor.
2. Piggly Wiggly - I don't like these stores in general. However, since this place is some sort of headquarters for them (or something like that) I decided I would try them. Surely they would be nicer here, right? I mean, they're ALL over the place in this town! I walked in once and almost fell over when I saw the prices! They are freakin' expensive!! Need I say more?
3. Publix - First of all, there is not one close to me. I have to drive at least 15 minutes if not longer (and pass several other grocers), in order to get to one. That is probably the biggest strike against it at the moment. It's just terribly inconvenient. And with a one year old in tow, convenience is key. I have also been irritated by each of the Publix stores I have visited. There are three of them within about 15-20 minutes, so I vary as to which one I go to when I decide to go to Publix. And each one of them has bothered me in one way or another. Whether they have been out of an item, not taken a coupon, or whatever. I guess I hold grudges.
4. Food Lion - Rather comparable to Bi-Lo. It's not a bad place, but not great selections. Prices are okay, but not phenomenal. There is one super close and at the moment I like it better than the Bi-Lo that is even closer, so it is probably the most frequented thus far in the list. (Plus it has a Walgreens and CVS within walking distance!) One thing I have noticed about Food Lion is that they have a shopping cart that fits 4 kids!! I'm not kidding! Not that I have a need for a 4-seater shopping cart, but still. I was impressed. I don't think I've seen one of those anywhere else. If I did have 4 kids that I had to take shopping they would absolutely get my business!
And finally -
5. Wal-mart - You knew I had to mention it sooner or later, right? I HATE grocery shopping at Walmart. I always have. Generally I would only go if I need more than groceries and just wanted to get everything in one trip. That is the convenience of Walmart. And it can be convenient, I will give it that. HOWEVER!!! Oh, the crowds...Oh, the lines...Oh, the screaming children running up and down the aisles with no parent in sight...AAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHH!!! Do you feel my pain? It makes me short of breath even thinking about the struggle that is Walmart shopping. And even so, I HATE to admit it, but that is the place I frequent most for my grocery shopping needs. I hate having to go there, but right now it seems to be my best option. Can you believe I even used the word "best" in the same context as "Walmart"? Although Walmart's
My only other options would be:
Kroger - which is an hour away!
Super Target - I don't even know where there is one!
Harris Teeter or Whole Foods - I'd be happy to adjust my budget in order to pay a little more to shop at either of these stores. Unfortunately, I believe the closest one is at least 30 minutes away which makes in terribly inconvenient for standard shopping. If I can ever get myself into the meal planning that I want to do, perhaps I could do a once a week trip to one of them...that's an idea, anyway.
{sigh}
Any suggestions?
Thursday, March 19, 2009
Another Money Saving Recipe
Did you see my post on my other blog about the homemade yogurt and how it saves us so much money? I tried another recipe today that is so much less expensive than buying the finished product at the store...Hummus!
I love hummus, but I don't buy it as often as I would like because it's just too expensive for how quickly it disappears (into my belly). If you've never tried hummus, I highly recommend it as it is a great alternative to dip chips, crackers, veggies, or whatever into instead of some mayo-based dip. And since it's made from a bean, it has at least half a protein in it. Add whole wheat crackers, carrots and celery to it and you have yourself a very healthy lunch!
I've started playing around with dried beans which is why I decided to try it. I was buying a whole bunch of different beans to play around with and saw the bag of Garbanzo beans (also called Chickpeas) and threw them in the shopping cart. There was a recipe on the bag for Hummus, so I just stuck to that to start with.
The basic recipe is this: Soak the beans overnight. Simmer the beans for two hours. I then started with my homemade tahini - I knew this was part of the recipe (it called for 2tbsp Tahini), but I had no idea what tahini was. I looked in the store and couldn't find it (that's a whole other post...stay tuned). So I looked it up online and tahini is just ground up sesame seeds and oil (EVOO or sesame). Since I always have sesame seeds around (for sushi) and EVOO, I decided I would just make my own. So I pulsed the sesame seeds and EVOO in the food processor, then started adding the cooked beans once the tahini was as pasty as I thought I could get it. You mix in lemon juice, salt, garlic, paprika, and cumin and there you have it. Super simple and incredibly cheap. I can hardly believe I paid $4 for a container of it so many times when I can make the same amount so easily for about $0.50!! Added bonus - I'm reducing plastic in my carbon footprint that I would otherwise have purchased with the hummus in it. This way I'm using my reusable bowls.
I ran the taste test past Dr. Dad and he approved!!
I love hummus, but I don't buy it as often as I would like because it's just too expensive for how quickly it disappears (into my belly). If you've never tried hummus, I highly recommend it as it is a great alternative to dip chips, crackers, veggies, or whatever into instead of some mayo-based dip. And since it's made from a bean, it has at least half a protein in it. Add whole wheat crackers, carrots and celery to it and you have yourself a very healthy lunch!
I've started playing around with dried beans which is why I decided to try it. I was buying a whole bunch of different beans to play around with and saw the bag of Garbanzo beans (also called Chickpeas) and threw them in the shopping cart. There was a recipe on the bag for Hummus, so I just stuck to that to start with.
The basic recipe is this: Soak the beans overnight. Simmer the beans for two hours. I then started with my homemade tahini - I knew this was part of the recipe (it called for 2tbsp Tahini), but I had no idea what tahini was. I looked in the store and couldn't find it (that's a whole other post...stay tuned). So I looked it up online and tahini is just ground up sesame seeds and oil (EVOO or sesame). Since I always have sesame seeds around (for sushi) and EVOO, I decided I would just make my own. So I pulsed the sesame seeds and EVOO in the food processor, then started adding the cooked beans once the tahini was as pasty as I thought I could get it. You mix in lemon juice, salt, garlic, paprika, and cumin and there you have it. Super simple and incredibly cheap. I can hardly believe I paid $4 for a container of it so many times when I can make the same amount so easily for about $0.50!! Added bonus - I'm reducing plastic in my carbon footprint that I would otherwise have purchased with the hummus in it. This way I'm using my reusable bowls.
I ran the taste test past Dr. Dad and he approved!!
Monday, March 2, 2009
Do you challenge yourself?
I have come to realize that I am a very competitive person. I honestly didn't realize this until relatively recently. And I have learned that my favorite way to compete is with myself! I enjoy taking on challenges that I am honestly not sure if I can do or not. For example, cloth diapering.
I started thinking about it before I was even pregnant. I decided I couldn't do it at first. Then my aunt sent me some cloth diapers for "diaper rash emergencies." And they got me thinking. A lot. I bought a few used pocket diapers to experiment with. I realized it might be possible. So I talked it over with my husband and he was fine with it, so I took the leap. As I spend the money to buy the #1 selling cloth diaper out there, I questioned whether I could do it or not. As I washed them, I wondered if I was crazy. As I changed the first wet cloth, I wondered what I would do when a poopy one came along. As I changed the first poopy one, I realized, "Hey, I can do this!" I now love cloth diapers and am very proud of myself for taking the leap.
My decision to go cloth is based primarily on the environmental factor (i.e. trash) as well as the economical factor (i.e. money saving). The money saving aspect is a no brainer: disposable diapers are crazy expensive, especially when your child is allergic to the cheap ones and the mom (i.e. Me) prefers themost expensive best ones anyway!
As far as the trash factor goes, I am not a Green Freak, but I do try to do my part to help the environment. I do think it's very important and I am simply trying to make my world a naturally healthier place.
I remember back in Fourth Grade (or thereabout) learning about "Reduce, Reuse, Recycle." It wasn't a Democrat vs. Republican issue (at least not to my fourth grade class); it wasn't an issue of "Is global warming real or not?"; it was simply what everyone should do to help the planet we call home. It was the fact that we are using our resources on this earth too fast and creating more waste than our planet knows what to do with. Period.
I always remember recycling as a kid. I remember sorting the recyclable stuff between cans, paper, plastic, etc., and then throwing them in the appropriate bin at the recycle center. It never seemed to me to be an "extra," it was simply what you do.
Now that I stay home with my little one, I have been trying to do even more to keep our environment healthy.
Step 1: Recycle all those soda cans, milk jugs, newspapers, etc. CHECK! (That one is pretty easy!)
Step 2: Reduce trash: Use Cloth diapers. CHECK! (A little more difficult, but not really!)
Step 3: Reuse stuff: I have greatly reduced our plastic grocery bag usage by using reusable bags. Although I have a link here to a site to purchase bags, I don't really do that! Look around your house, you probably have some perfectly able bags just sitting around not being used. [Okay, I will admit, I am a bag-aholic - I'm addicted to bags. I don't know why, but apparently I got it honestly (from my dad, so says my mom)! So I have a ton of them, of which I have probably paid about $.02 for total!] The grocery stores will look at you a little funny if you don't have the standard bags, but who cares? They're likely going to look at you funny anyway as people are only just starting to get used to using reusable shopping bags (at least in this country). Of course, I do keep some plastic bags around in order to reuse as trashbags in my smaller trash cans. CHECK! (Again, this one - totally easy!)
Step 4: This is my newestchallenge adventure - Reducing trash even more - I LOVE my Swiffer Sweeper. I don't actually like its sweeping ability (or lack thereof), but I do love the mopping capabilities. I have always hated to mop (I literally quit a job after working for three hours when they asked me to mop...I was only 16, give me a break!), until I found the Swiffer wet cloths. I have been on a hunt for the best wet cloths out there. I've been trying all sorts of different store brands and such trying to find the best combonation of cleaning and cost. And then it hit me: I realized how often I was buying them, how much money I was spending on them and how much trash it was creating in my trashcan! So how to fix it? I guess I could buy your standard mop and Pine-Sol, however that wouldn't do me any good as I would never use it! Trust me! I know myself too well to even think of buying a regular mop! Plus that would put my Swiffer in the trash since I would no longer have any use for it.
So, my solution is to make my own reusable wet cloths from old towels and a vinegar mixture for cleaning. I'm simply going to cut the towels to the appropriate size to fit my Swiffer, mix the vinegar cleaning solution, mop, then wash the cloths and dry them ready to be used next mopping time! My secondary reason for loving this is using the environmentally/kid friendly cleaning solution of vinegar instead of chemicals. It makes me feel so much better about my baby crawling (or walking) around on the floor knowing that he's not walking on chemicals that could make it to his mouth via his toys (or whatever else)!
And this leads me to my next challenge:
Step 5: Reducing (again) trash - This time, out with the paper towels and more! This post has caused me to rethink paper towels. Okay, I had thought about it before, but kind of brushed it off as insanity. I know I will have issues with this because along with paper towels, I am focusing on Clorox Wipes. I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE my Clorox Wipes (or whatever brand happens to be on sale). I hardly know how to clean without them. But I'm going to learn. Again, it's only partially due to the reducing aspect of things and also has to do with the environmentally friendly and all natural, healthier, non-chemical cleaning. This is going to be a tough one for me, but like I said at the very beginning of this extremely long post, I am up for a challenge. I will compete with myself and see who wins!
What do you do to challenge yourself?
I started thinking about it before I was even pregnant. I decided I couldn't do it at first. Then my aunt sent me some cloth diapers for "diaper rash emergencies." And they got me thinking. A lot. I bought a few used pocket diapers to experiment with. I realized it might be possible. So I talked it over with my husband and he was fine with it, so I took the leap. As I spend the money to buy the #1 selling cloth diaper out there, I questioned whether I could do it or not. As I washed them, I wondered if I was crazy. As I changed the first wet cloth, I wondered what I would do when a poopy one came along. As I changed the first poopy one, I realized, "Hey, I can do this!" I now love cloth diapers and am very proud of myself for taking the leap.
My decision to go cloth is based primarily on the environmental factor (i.e. trash) as well as the economical factor (i.e. money saving). The money saving aspect is a no brainer: disposable diapers are crazy expensive, especially when your child is allergic to the cheap ones and the mom (i.e. Me) prefers the
As far as the trash factor goes, I am not a Green Freak, but I do try to do my part to help the environment. I do think it's very important and I am simply trying to make my world a naturally healthier place.
I remember back in Fourth Grade (or thereabout) learning about "Reduce, Reuse, Recycle." It wasn't a Democrat vs. Republican issue (at least not to my fourth grade class); it wasn't an issue of "Is global warming real or not?"; it was simply what everyone should do to help the planet we call home. It was the fact that we are using our resources on this earth too fast and creating more waste than our planet knows what to do with. Period.
I always remember recycling as a kid. I remember sorting the recyclable stuff between cans, paper, plastic, etc., and then throwing them in the appropriate bin at the recycle center. It never seemed to me to be an "extra," it was simply what you do.
Now that I stay home with my little one, I have been trying to do even more to keep our environment healthy.
Step 1: Recycle all those soda cans, milk jugs, newspapers, etc. CHECK! (That one is pretty easy!)
Step 2: Reduce trash: Use Cloth diapers. CHECK! (A little more difficult, but not really!)
Step 3: Reuse stuff: I have greatly reduced our plastic grocery bag usage by using reusable bags. Although I have a link here to a site to purchase bags, I don't really do that! Look around your house, you probably have some perfectly able bags just sitting around not being used. [Okay, I will admit, I am a bag-aholic - I'm addicted to bags. I don't know why, but apparently I got it honestly (from my dad, so says my mom)! So I have a ton of them, of which I have probably paid about $.02 for total!] The grocery stores will look at you a little funny if you don't have the standard bags, but who cares? They're likely going to look at you funny anyway as people are only just starting to get used to using reusable shopping bags (at least in this country). Of course, I do keep some plastic bags around in order to reuse as trashbags in my smaller trash cans. CHECK! (Again, this one - totally easy!)
Step 4: This is my newest
So, my solution is to make my own reusable wet cloths from old towels and a vinegar mixture for cleaning. I'm simply going to cut the towels to the appropriate size to fit my Swiffer, mix the vinegar cleaning solution, mop, then wash the cloths and dry them ready to be used next mopping time! My secondary reason for loving this is using the environmentally/kid friendly cleaning solution of vinegar instead of chemicals. It makes me feel so much better about my baby crawling (or walking) around on the floor knowing that he's not walking on chemicals that could make it to his mouth via his toys (or whatever else)!
And this leads me to my next challenge:
Step 5: Reducing (again) trash - This time, out with the paper towels and more! This post has caused me to rethink paper towels. Okay, I had thought about it before, but kind of brushed it off as insanity. I know I will have issues with this because along with paper towels, I am focusing on Clorox Wipes. I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE my Clorox Wipes (or whatever brand happens to be on sale). I hardly know how to clean without them. But I'm going to learn. Again, it's only partially due to the reducing aspect of things and also has to do with the environmentally friendly and all natural, healthier, non-chemical cleaning. This is going to be a tough one for me, but like I said at the very beginning of this extremely long post, I am up for a challenge. I will compete with myself and see who wins!
What do you do to challenge yourself?
Monday, February 16, 2009
Incredibly Yummy
This recipe is thanks to Kelly and Southern Living. I pulled some chicken breasts out the other day for dinner, but couldn't decide what to do with it. So I called Kelly because she always has some good recipes up her sleeve. She sent me several and I chose this one.
It is so amazingly simple, quick and convenient, I literally had to procrastinate in making it. I knew Mark would be home right around 6 o'clock, so I normally start dinner around 5 o'clock. Well, I started this one and realized how quickly it would be put together so I sat down and read a magazine for a little while first! Crazy! And yet it's so good, Mark asked me where I got it! He thought maybe it was something my mom had made, frozen and given to us and all I did was heat it up. Or maybe I had bought it pre-made or something. He was quite impressed when I told him it was all from scratch and all from my kitchen (not to mention all within about 30 minutes)! And it's pretty much all stuff that I normally have around the kitchen. That's my kind of meal!
Enjoy!
Pan-Fried Chicken-and-Ham Parmesan
topped with Sauteed Grape Tomatoes
over Garlic-Herb Butter Pasta
(sounds good, huh?) :)
Chicken -
Super easy, huh? Trust me, it is! So go cook something yummy for dinner!
It is so amazingly simple, quick and convenient, I literally had to procrastinate in making it. I knew Mark would be home right around 6 o'clock, so I normally start dinner around 5 o'clock. Well, I started this one and realized how quickly it would be put together so I sat down and read a magazine for a little while first! Crazy! And yet it's so good, Mark asked me where I got it! He thought maybe it was something my mom had made, frozen and given to us and all I did was heat it up. Or maybe I had bought it pre-made or something. He was quite impressed when I told him it was all from scratch and all from my kitchen (not to mention all within about 30 minutes)! And it's pretty much all stuff that I normally have around the kitchen. That's my kind of meal!
Enjoy!
Pan-Fried Chicken-and-Ham Parmesan
topped with Sauteed Grape Tomatoes
over Garlic-Herb Butter Pasta
(sounds good, huh?) :)
Chicken -
Ingredients
- 4 (6-oz.) skinned and boned chicken breasts
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon pepper
- 1 large egg
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 2/3 cup Italian-seasoned breadcrumbs
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 8 thinly sliced smoked deli ham slices (about 1/4 lb.)
- 4 (1-oz.) fresh mozzarella cheese slices
Preparation
1. Preheat oven to 350°. Sprinkle chicken with salt and pepper. Whisk together egg and 2 Tbsp. water. Dredge chicken in flour; dip in egg mixture, and dredge in breadcrumbs, shaking off excess.
2. Cook chicken in hot oil in a large ovenproof skillet over medium-high heat 3 to 4 minutes on each side or until golden. Top chicken with ham and cheese.
3. Bake chicken in skillet at 350° for 8 minutes or until cheese is melted. Serve over Garlic-Herb Pasta; top with Sautéed Grape Tomatoes.
Pasta -
Garlic-Herb Pasta: Cook 8 oz. vermicelli according to package directions; drain. Toss with 1/4 cup Garlic-Herb Butter. Season with salt to taste. Makes 4 servings.
Garlic-Herb Butter: Stir together 1/2 cup softened butter; 1 large garlic clove, pressed; 2/3 cup chopped fresh basil; 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley; and 1/4 tsp. salt until well blended. Use immediately, or cover and chill up to 3 days. For longer storage, form into a log or press into ice cube trays, and wrap tightly with plastic wrap; freeze up to 1 month. Makes 1/2 cup.
Tomatoes -
Ingredients- 1 pt. grape tomatoes, halved
- 1 tablespoon light brown sugar
- 3 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon olive oil
- 2 tablespoons thinly sliced fresh basil
Preparation
1. Sauté tomatoes and next 3 ingredients in hot oil in a small skillet over medium-high heat 2 to 3 minutes or until thoroughly heated. Remove from heat, and stir in basil.
Super easy, huh? Trust me, it is! So go cook something yummy for dinner!
Sunday, February 15, 2009
Quick shopping post...okay, maybe not so quick!
No, this is NOT going to be a money saving blog. However, I do follow several of those blogs and I do love to shop and therefore, I LOVE LOVE LOVE getting good deals! So here is one I got a couple weeks ago that I am just now telling you about. I wasn't going to since it was awhile ago, but I'm still so proud of it!
Obviously it was a Target run, but there are a couple CVS items thrown in there as well. It was one day that Mark was home and I left the kid with him and had a blast shopping kid-free! I went several places, took my time, found awesome deals and had a wonderful time. I came home with my arms full (with my reusable shopping bags, of course) and I think Mark just about had a panic attack! By the way, this was literally one day after he and I had a very thorough discussion about how we need to cut way back on spending. So that explains Mark's near panic attack.
But me? I was so excited I didn't let his expression bother me!
Me: "Look at all this stuff I got!! You're going to be so proud of me!!"
Him (in total shock and disbelief, bordering on anger): "You sure about that?"
Me (all smiles): "Uh-Huh!"
I set everything out and asked him to guess how much I spent.
Any guesses?
Just a hint: The red clearance tag on the corner of the super mega box of Pampers Wipes reads $13.xx.
So what do you think?
$10.77
Yep!
If you want to know how I did it, read on. If not, that's fine too. I won't be offended!
CVS run:
3 Sleepinal and 2 Nasogel - I don't remember what the ticket prices on these were, somewhere around $4-$7 each, but I bought them with ExtraCare Bucks (ECB) and received at least the same about back. Thereby making these items free. If you don't know what ECBs are, go here. And yes, I did have it work out just right on this day and I literally spent zero cents. And as another note: Sleepinal is actually just another way of marketing Benedryl. So while it helps when you can't sleep, it also can work as allergy medicine, drying up drainage, etc.!
Target:
My whole reason for going to Target was because I realized they had their great deal on Pampers diapers going on. [Now just so you aren't confused, Yes I do use cloth diapers however there are times when disposables are best (in my opinion).]
One day, I went to Walmart and Target (twice) with a pen, paper, and calculator. I did all the math and discovered who really has the best deal on diapers. And the award goes to...Target, when they have the deal going on where you get a $10 gift card back when you buy two boxes. This is the best deal out there that I have found. If you know of something that I'm missing, please let me know!
So, I started my Target purchases with two boxes of diapers (which I used three coupons for because apparently Target will take a store coupon and a manufacturers coupone per item) and received my $10 gift card.
Then, the juice (2) and cereal bars (2) were both on sale plus I had significant coupons for each. The J&J First Aid boxes (4) were $.99 each, but I had two coupons for $3 off any two J&J First Aid products, therefore this took $6 off my total purchase even though I only bought $3.96 worth of J&J products. Pretty good deal! The enormous box of wides was on clearance, I think only 30% off, but still a good deal for $13 something, plus I had a coupon. The flowery thing behind the J&J is a swimsuit for Devric that, I'm not sure why, but was on clearance 75% off for only $1.xx. The only thing I bought that was not on sale at all, nor did I have a coupon for was the Target brand mopping cloths. I have a Swiffer Sweeper and I've been trying all the different brands to find the best mopping cloths to go with it. I actually really don't like the Swiffer brand ones, so I'm just trying all the store brands. (More on that to come.)
So that's everything in the picture. The total came to over $30, then off with all the coupons, brought it down to $20.77, used the $10 gift card from the previous transaction and that left me with $10.77 out of pocket (oop).
That picture doesn't even include the super cute stamp that I got for Devric that same day! I had a coupon for $20 off a Staples custom stamp order. I happen to know that someone has ordered us a return address stamp with our new mailing address, but I didn't want to let such a great coupon go to waste. So I went to see what they had for right at $20 and sure enough, I could get a stamp literally for pennies. So I ordered Devric his own! Necessary? Nope! Fun? Yep! So just wait, one day you might get a letter from Devric!
Well, that's that. If nothing else, I hope I can inspire you to look for some great deals!
Obviously it was a Target run, but there are a couple CVS items thrown in there as well. It was one day that Mark was home and I left the kid with him and had a blast shopping kid-free! I went several places, took my time, found awesome deals and had a wonderful time. I came home with my arms full (with my reusable shopping bags, of course) and I think Mark just about had a panic attack! By the way, this was literally one day after he and I had a very thorough discussion about how we need to cut way back on spending. So that explains Mark's near panic attack.
But me? I was so excited I didn't let his expression bother me!
Me: "Look at all this stuff I got!! You're going to be so proud of me!!"
Him (in total shock and disbelief, bordering on anger): "You sure about that?"
Me (all smiles): "Uh-Huh!"
I set everything out and asked him to guess how much I spent.
Any guesses?
Just a hint: The red clearance tag on the corner of the super mega box of Pampers Wipes reads $13.xx.
So what do you think?
$10.77
Yep!
If you want to know how I did it, read on. If not, that's fine too. I won't be offended!
CVS run:
3 Sleepinal and 2 Nasogel - I don't remember what the ticket prices on these were, somewhere around $4-$7 each, but I bought them with ExtraCare Bucks (ECB) and received at least the same about back. Thereby making these items free. If you don't know what ECBs are, go here. And yes, I did have it work out just right on this day and I literally spent zero cents. And as another note: Sleepinal is actually just another way of marketing Benedryl. So while it helps when you can't sleep, it also can work as allergy medicine, drying up drainage, etc.!
Target:
My whole reason for going to Target was because I realized they had their great deal on Pampers diapers going on. [Now just so you aren't confused, Yes I do use cloth diapers however there are times when disposables are best (in my opinion).]
One day, I went to Walmart and Target (twice) with a pen, paper, and calculator. I did all the math and discovered who really has the best deal on diapers. And the award goes to...Target, when they have the deal going on where you get a $10 gift card back when you buy two boxes. This is the best deal out there that I have found. If you know of something that I'm missing, please let me know!
So, I started my Target purchases with two boxes of diapers (which I used three coupons for because apparently Target will take a store coupon and a manufacturers coupone per item) and received my $10 gift card.
Then, the juice (2) and cereal bars (2) were both on sale plus I had significant coupons for each. The J&J First Aid boxes (4) were $.99 each, but I had two coupons for $3 off any two J&J First Aid products, therefore this took $6 off my total purchase even though I only bought $3.96 worth of J&J products. Pretty good deal! The enormous box of wides was on clearance, I think only 30% off, but still a good deal for $13 something, plus I had a coupon. The flowery thing behind the J&J is a swimsuit for Devric that, I'm not sure why, but was on clearance 75% off for only $1.xx. The only thing I bought that was not on sale at all, nor did I have a coupon for was the Target brand mopping cloths. I have a Swiffer Sweeper and I've been trying all the different brands to find the best mopping cloths to go with it. I actually really don't like the Swiffer brand ones, so I'm just trying all the store brands. (More on that to come.)
So that's everything in the picture. The total came to over $30, then off with all the coupons, brought it down to $20.77, used the $10 gift card from the previous transaction and that left me with $10.77 out of pocket (oop).
That picture doesn't even include the super cute stamp that I got for Devric that same day! I had a coupon for $20 off a Staples custom stamp order. I happen to know that someone has ordered us a return address stamp with our new mailing address, but I didn't want to let such a great coupon go to waste. So I went to see what they had for right at $20 and sure enough, I could get a stamp literally for pennies. So I ordered Devric his own! Necessary? Nope! Fun? Yep! So just wait, one day you might get a letter from Devric!
Well, that's that. If nothing else, I hope I can inspire you to look for some great deals!
Monday, January 26, 2009
A New Blog - Just for me!
I love my original blog. It chronicles the life of my sweet precious most wonderful son. What could be better than that? I am most definitely not trying to replace that blog at all. However, sometimes I have things I want to say but they don't really "match" my other blog. I want to keep that one about my son, but this one is about me!
Honestly, I don't know exactly what will show up here. I don't know how often I will write here. Maybe more than the other blog, probably less. Who knows!?
Just a few things I'm thinking to blog about -
Life as a wife of a doctor (hence the title...although it's nothing like it sounds!)
Moving
Yummy recipes
Time saving cleaning tips
Money saving tips
Fabulous finds
Gift ideas
I don't know if anyone else will find this blog at all interesting, but I think it sounds like fun to write whether anyone reads it or not!
Honestly, I don't know exactly what will show up here. I don't know how often I will write here. Maybe more than the other blog, probably less. Who knows!?
Just a few things I'm thinking to blog about -
Life as a wife of a doctor (hence the title...although it's nothing like it sounds!)
Moving
Yummy recipes
Time saving cleaning tips
Money saving tips
Fabulous finds
Gift ideas
I don't know if anyone else will find this blog at all interesting, but I think it sounds like fun to write whether anyone reads it or not!
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