Trying to Get My Ducks in a Row

Pizza Pockets....

2012-02-13T10:41:00.001-05:00

Pizza Pockets

1 10 oz package of refrigerated pizza dough (we used home made)
1/4 c pizza sauce or spaghetti sauce
20 slices pizza style pepperoni
2 slices mozzarella cheese
1 T milk
2 T grated parmesan

Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Grease baking sheet. Unroll pizza dough on sheet. Use pizza cutter to cut dough into four equal sized squares. Use knife to spread 1 T of pizza sauce over each square, leaving a 1/4 inch border around the edges. Place 5 slices of pepperoni on each square. Use the knife to cut each cheese slice in half diagonally. Place cheese on top of pepperoni.

For each pocket, fold the top left corner of the square down over the bottom right corner to make a triangle. With the tines of a fork, press the dough together to keep filling inside of pocket.

Use pastry brush to brush tops of pockets with milk. Sprinkle with parmesan cheese. Put the baking sheet in the oven. Bake for 15-17 minutes or until golden brown. Makes 4 pockets.

Recipe from BH and G New Junior Cookbook

Pork Chops, Apples and Greens

2012-01-23T13:19:00.002-05:00

Pork Chops, Apples and Greens
serves 4

4 5oz boneless pork chops
3 slices day old bread
1 egg
2 T olive oil
1/4 c honey
2 T spicy brown mustard
2 T cider vinegar
2 cooking apples, cored and sliced
6 c packaged baby spinach

Place each chop between waxed paper and pound to 1/2 inch thickness. In food processor, process bread to crumbs; place in shallow dish. In second shallow dish, lightly beat egg with 1/4 t salt. Dip pork in eggs then crumbs.

In 12 inch skillet, cook pork in hot oil 3 to 4 minutes per side. Until golden with a trace of pink inside. Transfer to platter. Stir honey, mustard, and vinegar into skillet drippings. Add apples; cook about 3 minutes, until crisp-tender. Toss in spinach. Sprinkle with 1/4 t salt.

from Better homes and gardens magazine

Foil Wrapped Taco Chicken

2012-01-23T10:22:00.002-05:00

Foil Wrapped Taco Chicken

serves 4

4 small boneless skinless chicken breast halves
4 t taco seasoning mix
1/2 lb. red potatoes, peeled and thinly sliced
1/2 c salsa
3/4 c shredded mexican cheese
1/4 c sour cream (can use fat free and low fat for sour cream and cheese)

Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Sprinkle chicken with seasoning mix. Place 1/2 c potatoes on center of each of 4 large sheets of heavy duty foil. Top evenly with chicken and salsa and cheese.

Bring up foil sides. Double fold top and both ends to seal each packet, leave room for air circulation. Place on baking pan.

Bake 30-35 minutes or until chicken is cooked through. Remove packets from oven. Let stand 5 minutes. Cut slits in foil to release steam before opening. Serve with sour cream.

from kraftfoods.com

Frittata....

2012-01-23T10:08:00.003-05:00

This recipe is absolutely delicious and very versatile. We have made it several times, several different ways. One time I even cleaned out the fridge of things that were on the verge of spoiling and added them to the frittata. Delish!

Frittata

serves 8

2 T olive oil
1 garlic clove, minced
6 oz fresh baby spinach
1 (10 oz) can mild tomatoes and chiles diced
1/4 t salt
1/4 t pepper
12 large eggs, beaten
1/2 c crumbled feta (either plain or garlic and herb)

Preheat oven to 350 degrees

Use an oven safe skillet- I used my trusty huge cast iron skillet.
Heat oil in skillet. Add garlic, saute 1 minute. Stir in spinach and cook stir constantly, 1 minute until it begins to wilt. Add tomatoes and chiles, salt and pepper and cook 2-3 minutes until spinach is wilted. Add eggs and sprinkle with cheese. Cook 3-5 minutes.

Put in oven. Bake at 350 degrees for 12-15 minutes. Remove from oven and let stand 5 minutes. Cut into wedges.

May also use a ground sausage and tomato combination. Or bacon and mushroom. Black beans would also probably taste good in this!

from southern living magazine

General Tso's Chicken

2012-01-20T18:06:00.002-05:00

marinade and sauce:
1/2 c hoisin sauce
1/4 c white vinegar
3 T soy sauce
3 T sugar
2 T cornstarch
1 1/2 c water
4 boneless skinless chicken breasts cut into 1 in pieces
1 T vegetable oil
4 garlic cloves, minced
2 T grated fresh ginger (I used less ginger powder)
1/2 t red pepper flakes

coating and frying:
3 large egg whites
1 1/2 c cornstarch
1/2 c all purpose flour
1/2 t baking soda
4 c vegetable oil

Whisk hoisin, vinegar, soy sauce, sugar, cornstarch, and water in bowl. Combine 6 T of hoisin mixture and chicken in zipper lock bag; refrigerate 30 minutes.

Heat oil in large skillet over med. heat until shimmering. Cook garlic, ginger, and pepper flakes until fragrant, about 1 min. Add 2 c hoisin mixture and simmer, whisking constantly, until dark brown and thickened, about 2 min. Cover and keep sauce warm.

Whisk egg whites in shallow dish until foamy. Combine cornstarch, flour, baking soda, and remaining hoisin mixture in second shallow dish until mixture resembles coarse meal. Remove chicken from marinade and pat dry with paper towels. Toss half of chicken with egg whites until well coated, then dredge chicken in cornstarch mixture, pressing to adhere. Transfer coated chicken to plate repeat with remaining chicken.

Heat oil in pot over med high heat until it registers 350 degrees. Fry half of chicken until golden brown, about 3 minutes, turning each piece halfway through cooking. Transfer chicken to paper towel lined plate. Return oil to 350 degrees and repeat with remaining chicken.

Warm sauce over medium low heat until simmering. Add crispy chicken and toss to coat. Serve over rice. Sprinkle with green onions.

from Cook's Country magazine

Chicken and Cheese Enchiladas...

2012-01-20T17:58:00.003-05:00

1 can Cream of chicken soup
1/2 c sour cream
1 c picante sauce
2 t chili powder
2 c cooked chopped chicken
1/2 c shredded Monterey Jack cheese
6 flour (6 in) flour tortillas
1 sm tomato chopped
1 green onion sliced

Heat oven to 350 degrees. Stir soup, sour cream, picante sauce and chili powder in bowl.
Stir 1 c soup mixture, chicken and cheese in separate large bowl.
Divide chicken mixture among tortillas. Roll up and plce seam side down in dish. Pour remaining soup mixture over filled tortillas. Cover baking dish.
Bake 40 minutes or until hot and bubbly.
Top with tomato and onion.

(a Campbell's soup recipe)

Ramen Stir Fry....

2012-01-13T16:16:00.003-05:00

Ramen Stir Fry

1 lb. packaged skinless, boneless chicken breast strips
1 T cooking oil
1 16 oz package frozen stir fry vegetables
1 8 oz can pineapple chunks (juice pack)
2 3 oz packages dried ramen noodles
2/3 c bottled stir fry sauce
1/2 c water

Cut chicken into bite size pieces. Pour oil in skillet. Once hot add chicken, cook 6 minutes or until no longer pink. Stir chicken continuously. Add vegetables to skillet. Cover. Cook 5-7 minutes until tender but still slightly crunchy.

While vegetables are cooking, break noodles and throw away seasoning packet. Add pineapple chunks and juice, noodles, stir fry sauce and water to the vegetables and chicken. Bring to boiling, turn heat to medium low. Cover and cook about 3 minutes or until noodles are tender, stirring now and then.

serves 4

from Better Homes and Gardens New Junior Cook Book

Baked Potato Soup....

2012-01-13T16:08:00.003-05:00

Baked Potato Soup

6 large russet potatoes, peeled and cut into 1/2 inch cubes
1 large onion, chopped
3 (14 oz) cans chicken broth
3 cloves minced garlic
1/4 c butter
2 1/2 t salt
1 1/4 t ground pepper
1 c whipping cream or half and half (next time I am going to try fat free evaporated soup)
1 c sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
3 T fresh chives (I usually don't add this)
1 (8 oz) container sour cream (optional)
4 bacon slices, cooked and crumbled
shredded cheese

Combine first 7 ingredients in 5 qt slow cooker.
Cover and cook on high 4 hours or on low 8 hours or until potato is tender.
Mash mixture until potatoes are coarsely chopped and soup is slightly thickened; stir in cream/milk, cheese, and chives. Top with sour cream if desired. Sprinkle with bacon and cheddar cheese before serving. Makes 12 cups.

from the Southern Living Slow Cooker Cookbook

Chicken and Wild Rice Chowder....

2012-01-12T13:09:00.002-05:00

Chicken and Wild Rice Chowder

1 c sliced carrots (2 medium)
1 c sliced celery (2 stalks)
1 c. quartered fresh mushrooms
3 T butter
3 T all purpose flour
1 14oz cans chicken broth
9 oz can chopped cooked chicken breast (frozen, or canned)
3/4 c cooked wild rice
1/4 t ground black pepper
1 1/2 c half and half or light cream (we just used milk)

In a large saucepan cook carrots, celery, and mushrooms in hot butter over med. heat until tender. Stir in flour. Add broth, chicken, wild rice and pepper. Cook and stir until mixture is bubbly and slightly thickened. Stir in milk. Heat through.

serves 4

Chicken and Veggie Casserole....

2011-11-10T21:55:00.004-05:00

Chicken and Veggie Casserole....

2 c. cubed cooked chicken (I throw frozen chicken breasts in the crockpot in the morning, and then just cut them up for recipes in the evening).
1 can of cream of chicken soup
1/2 c sour cream
1/2 c milk
2 c biscuit mix
1/2 c cold water
1 1/4 c. shredded cheddar cheese (I used less than this)
1/2 t salt (I left this out)
1/8 t pepper
1/2 head of cauliflower cut up in bite size pieces
1/2 head of broccoli cut up (I didn't use the stem)
(or use frozen cauliflower and broccoli!!)

I double this recipe to feed our family of 10.

Heat oven to 425 degrees.

Mix chicken, soup, sour cream, milk, and pepper in a bowl.
Spray 9 x 13 inch pan. Place broccoli and cauliflower pieces in bottom. Pour chicken mixture on top of veggies. Sprinkle with cheese.

Stir biscuit mix and water to make soft dough. Can roll the dough out and cut into biscuits to top the casserole- or do it the easy way like I did and just pinch off pieces of the dough and place all over the top of the casserole.

Bake until biscuit top is brown, about 20 minutes.

scrambled egg yumminess...

2011-10-11T13:04:00.004-04:00

almost every single day for either breakfast or lunch I have two scrambled eggs (I spray a tiny bit of olive oil spray in the pan).... some days I saute a handful of spinach in the pan until it gets all wrinkled and then I add green peppers and the eggs. Sometimes I add halved cherry tomatoes, sometimes a tablespoon of salsa.... on this day I added green peppers a cut up piece of turkey bacon and some fresh cilantro. Oh my heavens was it scrumptious!

Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Cookies....

2011-10-05T18:59:00.002-04:00

Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Cookies....

1 c. butter (Or can use 1/2 c butter and 1/2 c applesauce)
1 c. light brown sugar packed
1/2 c. white sugar
2 eggs
2 t vanilla
1 3/4 c. flour
1 t baking soda
1/2 t salt
3 1/2 c quick oats
1 c walnuts chopped
1 c chocolate chips

preheat oven to 335 degrees

Cream butter and sugars until smooth. Beat in eggs one at a time, add vanilla. Combine next 3 dry ingredients. Stir into creamed mix just until blended. Mix in last 3 ingredients.
Drop by spoonfuls onto baking sheet.

Bake 12 minutes or until done. If cookies are "spreading" too much, refrigerate dough for about 30 minutes before baking.

*this recipe is a combination of several recipes....

Kale Chips

2011-10-03T13:47:00.005-04:00

So kale is a new veggie we have been eating around our house. I posted the kale soup recipe, and now I will post the kale chips. Very easy. The kale in the top picture is from a bag at the grocery store. The sixth picture down is kale fresh from a local farm. It was bigger and flatter but just as yummy.

And I threw in those pictures of my two pickiest eaters crunching down on it. All 8 kids really do like it, I am not making that up! :)

I also included pictures of the olive oil sprayer that I use all the time now. I have had it at least two months and have hardly used any at all (see the "fill to here" line, I have used it a bunch, but really only used about a half an inch of oil). You pump the sprayer and it mixes the olive oil with air so it distributes nice and evenly.

My salt grinder... I am thinking it was under five dollars for the sea salt with the grinder built in. I have had this salt at least two years. It could even be expired, I should check. A little goes a long ways!

Kale Chips

Preheat oven to 350 degrees

(wash kale if it needs it... dry either in salad spinner or between some towels)

spread kale on pan

spray with olive oil (or drizzle if you don't have spray)

sprinkle with salt

Bake about 15 minutes, less if you like it a little soft, more if you like it almost burnt

Fruit in a Big Family....

2011-10-03T13:30:00.002-04:00

This fruit lasts us about 5 or 6 days. Usually not a full week.

Our daughter from Ethiopia keeps asking why we just can't plant our own banana trees.
(I told her it doesn't stay warm enough year round here).

In Ethiopia they didn't have to buy their bananas, they could just go out in the yard and pick them. I think that would be awesome too!!!

Breakfast Tacos....

2011-09-24T15:33:00.003-04:00

4 strips turkey bacon, cooked and chopped
1/2 onion chopped
1/2 bell pepper chopped
2 c slice mushrooms
1 1/2 c frozen spinach thawed
6 eggs beaten
salt and pepper
8 corn tortillas
1/2 c shredded jack or cheddar cheese
cup of cherry tomatoes, halved

In bacon grease cook onions, peppers and mushrooms for about 3 minutes. Add spinach and cook until heated through. (if water accumulates in pan- pour out water). Add eggs and stir and fluff until eggs are cooked through. Salt and pepper to taste.

Heat tortillas in separate pan over medium heat, over gas fire if you are lucky enough to have a gas stove, or heat in oven. Divide cheese among tortillas, top with eggs and tomatoes! YUM.
My whole family loved these!!!

serves 4

recipe adapted from Cook This Not That

Turkey Cilantro Meatballs....

2011-09-23T06:42:00.003-04:00

I don't have the original of this recipe- but this is my adjusted recipe.... You can make it with or without the peanut dipping sauce. My whole family loved these. I am trying to think of other things to put cilantro in now (besides mexican food) because I love it!!!

Turkey Cilantro Meatballs...

1 lb. ground turkey
1/2 c. chopped cilantro
1/4 c. dried bread crumbs (I use panko)
2 t onion powder (or less if you prefer)
2 cloves minced garlic
1 t salt
1/2 t pepper
1 T vegetable oil

Mix all ingredients except oil, form into 1 inch balls. heat oil in pan over medium heat, cook meatballs through.

optional dipping sauce:
1/4 c peanut butter
2 T soy sauce
1 t sugar
3 T sesame oil
chopped peanuts for garnish

Heat in microwave, stir in peanuts, serve with meatballs.

Healthy Eating Tips/Ideas/Support

2011-09-22T06:45:00.000-04:00

I love this website Calorie Count and everything available on there is free!

A free newsletter that delivers helpful tips, success stories, ideas delivered daily (or almost daily) to your e-mail address.

Check it out!

The Grocery Shrink....

2011-09-21T14:48:00.001-04:00

check out Angela's website for good money saving tips and recipes

The Grocery Shrink

Healthy Choices....

2011-09-20T13:03:00.004-04:00

My water cup, with the built in straw. Love this guy. I take it EVERYWHERE that drinks are allowed. I always have it in the car with me. I fill it up 4 to 5 times a day.
It even has a crack in the side!

Plate size. About 3 years ago we started eating our meals off of the 8.5 inch (or close to) dinner plates rather than the big 10.25 inch ones. We were eating way too much.

Your fruits and veggies should take up half of your plate.
1/4 of your plate can be for whole grains. 1/4 of your plate (or the size of a deck of cards)
is for your meat or other protein.

Drinks. We are killing ourselves with our drink choices. This is coming straight from a person (ME) who used to sometimes drink 3 cans of soda a day. I know how yummy the sugar tastes in soda, I know how that caffeine and those fuzzy bubbles can give you that "all is right with the world" feeling! I thought I could never survive without it.

I'm still alive :) And once the jitters and headaches were dealt with (about three days to a week), I started realizing that I was actually feeling better without the cruddy stuff in my body.

Juice (unless you are squeezing it yourself, or using a juicer and putting lots of fruits and veggies in the juice, minus extra sugar and preservatives)... skip it!
Eat a piece of fresh fruit instead.
Juice is pricey. Fresh fruit is more affordable and easier to pack along.

Unless we are having a party at our house, our family of 10 pretty much only drinks milk and water. I do buy 8 gallons of milk a week. We drink it with breakfast and supper.
But, my husband and I have switched to drinking our milk from an 8 oz cup. Even in one 8 oz glass of skim milk, we are still getting 90 calories and 12 grams of sugar.
We do not limit the kids milk consumption, however they all bring reusable water bottles to school to drink with lunch and also throughout the day as the teachers allow.

Don't drink your calories (creamers in coffee, sodas, juice) it is all adding up. If you are watching your calorie intake save your calories for something that will actually benefit your body.

When I am wanting something different- I do drink hot tea. I have a whole cupboard full of teas that I pick up when I see them on sale. Green tea, black tea, peppermint tea, teas for night time.
They all have ZERO calories!!!!
If I want a bit of "sweet" in the tea, I use a smidge of raw honey or agave.
There are about 20 calories in a teaspoon of honey or agave.

Kale Soup....

2011-09-20T12:42:00.003-04:00

A year ago, I did not know what kale was. Once I found out what it was I thought it sounded disgusting. As I try to steer our family of 10 to healthier eating habits, we are trying foods that we had never tried before. And big shocker: WE ARE LIKING THEM!

We started out on our kale adventure by making kale chips (I'll post that recipe later). Super easy. Everyone, including the 5 year old, liked them.

I came across this recipe for Kale soup and thought I would give it a try. It is wonderful.
Be brave!!!! Try something new. I think this huge bag of kale is under $3 at our local wholesale club (BJ's, Sam's, Costco, etc.)

Kale Soup

1 c chopped onions and pepper
2 bay leaves
1/4 c of olive oil
4 c water
4 c chicken (or vegetable broth... OR just use 8 c. of water)
2 heaping T of vegetable or chicken bouillon
15 oz can diced tomatoes
15 oz can black beans (drained- or can use a can of kidney benas)
1 bunch of chopped kale, remove stalk (since I used the bag kind, I used a couple of BIG handfuls)
3 medium red potatoes, chopped into cubes
2 t paprika
dash of cayenne pepper (or leave this out if you don't like heat)
1 t salt
1/2 t pepper

In large stockpot, saute onions, pepper and bay leaf in oil until soft. Add liquids and bouillon, tomatoes, beans, kale, potatoes, paprika, cayenne, salt and pepper. Bring to a boil.
Simmer 30 minutes. Discard bay leaves. Use a potato masher and smoosh up some of the bigger chunks (or leave it chunky- whatever you would like). (can also put part of soup in blender and then add back to pot once smooth- but beware of HOT liquid).

I am not sure where I found this recipe, and I have made adaptations to suit our family.
This fed our family of 10 a meal, and then there was enough for each of the kids to have a small thermos of soup for lunch the next day at school.

Panic Attack #1....

2011-09-20T12:31:00.003-04:00

A couple of years ago I had my first panic attack. A year after that I had several more and then went into an ugly circle of panic attacks, insomnia, anxiety and exhaustion. Now a year later I am doing great. I know my body better than ever, and know what I need to do to defuse a situation (in my body) before it escalates. I am going to write about my experience with panic attacks.
Here is the story behind panic attack number 1.....

This was in July of 2009...

We had camped out in our backyard over the weekend and the next morning my left arm was tingly from the tips of my fingers all the way to my shoulder and my chest felt a little weird as well. I lived with it for a couple of days, but knowing we had an upcoming move in our future, I wanted it to get better. I decided while my oldest was home to watch the other kiddos, that I would drive myself to urgent care and see if I had a pinched nerve, or if it was something worse.

I got in our big 12 passenger van and backed out of my driveway. Only a few hundred feet down the road I started to get light headed... I was hot and cold all at the same time... I had tightness in my chest... I was certain I was about to have a heart attack. I then panicked and prayed, God keep me alive, don't let me wreck into anyone if I pass out... My kids, my kids, oh my gosh what if I die.... I turned the van around and parked back in my driveway, but I walked to my neighbor's house instead of mine. If I was going to die, I did not want my kids to witness it.

My neighbor saw that my face was ghost white, that my eyes looked weird, and he felt how clammy I was. He brought me in, sat me in a chair and gave me some water. I told him he should call 911 'cause I did not know what was going on.

The paramedics arrived and took all of my vitals. I was fine. Everything was great.

I was scared.

What on earth had just happened?!

My husband came home while the paramedics were still checking me out. They said he could go ahead and take me to the emergency room so we wouldn't get charged for using the ambulance.

I was so embarrassed. Had I imagined everything?!

My husband decided we should still go to the emergency room. We are there for about an hour, they do an x-ray and tell me that yes, I have a pinched nerve and that is what was causing the numbness in my arm, but that it would go away after a little bit.

So what made me suddenly feel like I was going to die?

I researched it a little on the internet later that night. The neighbors were so sweet and had gone over and watched our kids while we were at the hospital, and then even made us supper.

I felt like an idiot. Really I did.

From the little bit I could find on the internet, it appeared as though I had had a panic attack. But I was just driving, and when I tried to think back on my thoughts at the time, I couldn't remember being panicky.... but, when I really tried to think about it, I do remember having a "flash" of a thought when I had started driving, "what if the doctor tells me the numbness has something to do with my heart." It was a fleeting thought. I hadn't dwelt on it. But it was enough to click a panic in me, that then did resemble what felt to me like a heart attack.
Suffocating, hot, cold, fear, intense fear or impending doom. Both arms had gotten tingly and felt numbish when it happened. I felt like I couldn't breath.

So, since I felt "normal" again, and since I now knew my tingly arm was no big deal, I thought that panic attack was a one time deal.... that feeling of knowing what it might feel like to be dying hung with me a little bit, but after a few weeks I didn't even think about that episode very often. I didn't even think it would ever happen again.

I was wrong.....

(to be continued)

Slow Cooker Chicken and Black Bean Soft Tacos...

2011-08-23T12:32:00.003-04:00

Slow Cooker Chicken and Black Bean Soft Tacos....

1.5 pounds of boneless skinless chicken breasts
1/2 packet taco seasoning
can of tomatoes with peppers
can of black beans

Layer in slow cooker. Cook on low 7 hours (or figure out how "hot" your slow cooker cooks)

Shred chicken in slow cooker (I just use two forks and shred it up right in the slow cooker).

Mix all together.

Serve on flour tortilla shells with cheese, lettuce and whatever yummy things you like on your soft tacos.

Easy Peasy!

Recipe made up by me :)

Chicken with Sausage Potatoes and Green Beans....

2011-04-11T20:08:00.003-04:00

Chicken with Sausage, Potatoes and Green Beans...

1 lb. fingerling potatoes
8 oz small green beans, stems removed
4 T extra virgin olive oil, divided
4 boneless chicken breasts
salt and fresh black pepper
1 c finely chopped yellow onion
1 clove garlic, minced
12 oz smoked sausage, cut into 1/4 in thick slices
1/2 red bell pepper, cut into thin strips
1/2 c chicken stock

Boil potatoes until tender. Drain and let cool. Cut in half lengthwise and set aside.

Pour an inch of water in pan and bring to boil. Add the green beans. Cover and cook until they start to soften. 3-5 minutes. Drain beans and let cool.

Warm skillet over med- high heat. Add 2 T oil. Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper and cook for 4 minutes on each side. Transfer to platter.

Add remaining 2 T oil to the skillet and reduce the heat to medium. Add the onions and garlic to the pan and cook, stir occasionally, until soft. Add sausage to the skillet and cook for several minutes. Add the cooked potatoes and green beans. Mix together with a spatula. Cut each chicken breast and place on top of potatoes and beans. Sprinkle the bell pepper strips over the top. Add chicken stock. Cover loosely with aluminum foil, reduce the heat to med. low and cook for 12-15 minutes.

Ham and White Bean Soup

2011-01-31T13:14:00.002-05:00

Ham and White Bean Soup

1 (16 oz) package dried great Northern beans
1 large sweet onion, chopped (I just used a sprinkling of onion flakes this time)
3 garlic cloves, minced
1 t dried crushed red pepper
3 c chopped cooked ham (or ham hock, leftover holiday ham, etc.... I used a package of cubed ham this time)
4 (14 oz) cans chicken broth

Place beans in 6 quart slow cooker. Cover with water 2 inches above beans. Let soak 8 hours (or over night). Drain and rinse; return beans to slow cooker.

Sprinkle onion, garlic and red pepper over beans. Next add ham, and then pour broth over the ham.

Cover and cook on high 1 hour.

Reduce heat to low, and cook 8 hours. Uncover and mash some of the beans with the back of a large spoon or potato masher.

Cover and cook on low 1 more hour. Stir well before serving. Makes 12 cups.

Bruschetta Chicken Bake...

2011-01-25T17:28:00.003-05:00

Bruschetta Chicken Bake

1 can (14.5oz) diced tomatoes, undrained
1 pkg (6 oz) boxed stuffing mix (for chicken- but I use whatever I have)
1/2 c water
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 1/2 lb. boneless skinless chicken, cut into bite size pieces
1 t dried basil leaves
1 c shredded mozzarella cheese

Heat oven to 400 degrees. Mix tomatoes, stuffing mix, water and garlic just until bread is moist.

Layer chicken, basil, cheese and stuffing in 9 x 13 or 3 qt baking dish.

Bake 30 minutes or until chicken is cooked through.

(recipe from kraft foods) serves 6

Apple Cake....

2010-10-27T08:41:00.003-04:00

Apple Cake

2/3 c oil
2 eggs
3 c apples (peeled and chopped)
1 c nuts chopped (optional- I used walnuts)
1 1/2 c sugar
1 3/4 c flour
1t baking soda
1/2 t salt
1 t cinnamon
1/2 t nutmeg
1 T vanilla

Beat eggs and oil until foamy.
Stir in nuts and apples.
Sift together and add remaining dry ingredients.
Stir in vanilla.

Bake in a greased 9 x 13 pan at 325 degrees for 45 minutes or less. You don't want the cake to get too dry.... so I set my timer for 35 minutes and then just watch it from there.
The batter is fairly stiff for cake batter- but the apples make the cake moist while it bakes.

recipe from my college roommate Brenda T.

Veggie Pizza

2010-10-25T08:34:00.004-04:00

Veggie Pizza....

1/2 pkg. of cream cheese, soft (I used zero fat kind)
1/3 c mayonnaise
1/2 of an envelope of dry ranch
(mix those first three ingredients together and spread on crust.... then top with.....)
1/2 c chopped broccoli
1/2 c tomatoes, chopped
1/2 c green bell pepper, chopped
1/2 c cauliflower
1/2 c shredded carrots
1/2 c shredded cheddar
sliced mushrooms
red onion slices.....
Anything else that sounds good!

Place on homemade, ready made, or crescent roll crust and bake according to crust directions (tastes good cold the next day as well!)

this recipe is a combination of several recipes I found online.....

Homemade Pizza Dough....

2010-10-22T08:29:00.004-04:00

Homemade Pizza Dough

1 1/4 c warm water
1 pk active dry yeast
1 T sugar
1/4 c powdered milk
2 to 3 T oil
(mix all of these together)
then add 3 to 4 c flour mixing until dough ball forms

(I use my kitchen aid mixer with the dough hook from beginning to end for all of this and it literally takes less than 5 minutes)

This recipe makes 2 large thin crusts

Let raise for a half hour to an hour *if* you have time- if not- you can go ahead and use it.

Divide in half, roll out on floured surface and then place on baking pan (can oil if necessary).
bake 4 to 5 minutes at 425 degrees... then place toppings on crusts and finish baking.... 10-15 minutes (maybe even 20 depending on what goodies you put on it).

The last time I made this I used half white flour, half wheat flour... the kids couldn't tell much of a difference at all, I thought the crust was a little chewier.

I also found big round pizza pans for only $3 at a certain store I do not enjoy shopping at that starts with a W.... and they baked great.

This recipe was shared with me by my friend Dottie.... thanks D!

Homemade Bath Soak:

2010-09-12T09:43:00.001-04:00

1 c sea salt
1 c baking soda
1 c epsom salt

soak yourself in a warm bath for 20 minutes......

Just For Me...

2010-09-12T09:39:00.002-04:00

I am writing this information down just so I don't lose it:
(from Dr. Oz show)

Foods High In Tryptophan:
chicken and eggs
milk and cheese
nuts and seeds

to encourage sleep:
eat low fat, high fiber foods
warm milk
tart cherry juice (8oz in morning, 8 oz 2 hrs before bed)
eat turkey and spinach
bedtime snack: whole grain crackers and cheese

Some foods that contain Melatonin:
oatmeal
brown rice
walnuts
bananas

.5 mg melatonin pill 2.5 hrs before bedtime

White Chicken Chili

2010-06-10T09:01:00.000-04:00

Chicken Chili

3 boneless chicken breasts

3 cans white northern beans

1 can original rotel tomatoes

1 T. oil

1 T. garlic, minced

1 (4 oz.) can chopped green chilies

4 cups shredded Monterey jack cheese

1 med. Carton sour cream

2 tsp. ground cumin

1 tsp. oregano

1 ½ tsp. cayenne pepper

½ tsp. salt

1 (14.5 oz) can of chicken broth

Boil and shred chicken

In oil, sauté onions and garlic

Place all ingredients, except cheese and sour cream in crock pot -- simmer all day. Before serving, add cheese and sour cream

recipe from Trish

Buffalo Chicken Dip...

2010-06-09T10:39:00.002-04:00

Buffalo Chicken Dip...

2 (10 oz) cans chunk chicken drained- or boil 3 chicken breasts and shred
2 (8 oz) pkgs of cream cheese, soft
1 c ranch dressing
3/4 c pepper (hot) sauce (or less if you don't love spicy hot)
1 c shredded cheddar- divided

Heat chicken and hot sauce in skillet over med heat. Until heated through. Stir in cream cheese and ranch dressing. Cook stirring until well blended and warm. Mix in half of shredded cheese and transfer to slow cooker (or serving dish to serve right away) Sprinkle with remaining cheese on top. Cover, keep on low.

Serve with celery sticks, crackers or chips

makes 5 cups

from my friend Trish :)

EASY Quesadillas....

2010-06-08T23:34:00.002-04:00

EASY Quesadillas....

serves 4

8 slices bacon (cooked and crumbled)
8 flour tortilla shells (8 in diameter)
soft butter
4 T pico de gallo or salsa
1 c. shredded colby/Monterrey jack cheese
sour cream (opt)
guacamole (opt)
picante sauce

Cook bacon until crisp. chop or crumble.
Spread butter on tortilla shell. Place butter side down in nonstick pan. Sprinkle 2 T bacon on shell- then add 1 T pico de gallo and 1/4 c. cheese over bacon. Place second shell on fixings- butter side up.
Cook 1-2 min. each side.
Serve with sour cream, guac, picante sauce

Homemade Applesauce...

2010-06-08T23:31:00.002-04:00

5 c apples, peeled, cored, cut in chunks
3/4 c water
2 T lemon juice
1/2 c honey
cinnamon to taste (optional)
nutmeg to taste (optional)

Place apple chunks in large pot. Add rest of ingredients.

Bring to a boil over medium high heat. Stir occasionally. Simmer until the
fruit becomes tender- about 20 minutes. Puree in blender.

Cool and refrigerate.

Meatballs...

2010-06-08T23:27:00.002-04:00

Meatballs....

1 lb. ground beef
1/2 lb. sausage
1/3 c bread crumbs
1 egg
1/4 c milk
1/4 c parmesan cheese
1 t minced garlic
1/2 t salt
1/4 t pepper

Heat oven to 400 degrees. Coat baking sheet with nonstick spray.

In large bowl, mix ingredients until well blended. Shape into 1 1/4 inch balls.
Bake about 15 minutes or until cooked through.

Baked Macaroni and Cheese....

2010-06-08T23:17:00.003-04:00

Baked Macaroni and Cheese....

1 sleeve round butter crackers (like ritz) crushed fine
1 stick butter
3 c. milk
2 T chicken bouillon
1/2 t dry mustard
12 oz deli deluxe american cheese
3 c shredded sharp cheddar cheese
1/2 c grated parmesan cheese
1 c shredded mozzarella
16 oz elbow macaroni

Cook macaroni according to box.
Melt all cheeses, butter, milk and spices.
Mix cheese mix with cooked macaroni... spray 9 x 13 pan. Pour in mixture- sprinkle with crushed crackers.
Bake at 350 degrees for 1 hour.

my mom made up this recipe one Easter... yummy!

Pepperoni Macaroni...

2010-06-08T23:10:00.004-04:00

Pepperoni Macaroni

5 c. uncooked elbow macaroni
1 lb. bulk italian sausage
1 large onion chopped
1 can (15 oz) pizza sauce
1 can (8oz) tomato sauce
1/3 c milk
1 pkg (3.5 oz) sliced pepperoni, slices halved
1 jar (4.5 oz) sliced mushrooms, drained
1 c. shredded mozzarella cheese

Cook macaroni according to pkg directions. In skillet cook sausage and onion, drain. Drain macaroni. In a large bowl, combine sauces and milk. Stir in sausage mixture, macaroni, pepperoni and mushrooms.
Transfer to a greased 9 x 13 dish. Cover and bake at 350 degrees for 30 minutes. Uncover. Sprinkle with cheese. Bake 10-15 minutes longer- until cheese is melted.

my grandma made this for me the last time she cooked a meal for me (I'm not sure where she got the recipe)

Chicken Lasagna...

2010-06-08T23:03:00.004-04:00

Chicken Lasagna

1/2 chopped onion
4 cloves garlic minced
4 chicken breasts
1 t parsley
1 t oregano
1 t salt
1 t basil
1/4 t pepper
16 oz can chopped tomatoes undrained
12 lasagna noodles- cooked
16 oz cottage cheese
1 c shredded mozzarella
2/3 c parmesan cheese
1/4 c cheddar cheese

Coat skillet- add onion and garlic- saute'. Cube chicken- add to onion. Add next 5 ingredients. Reduce heat and simmer uncovered 15 minutes.

Coat 9 x 13 pan with spray. Add noodles, half of cottage cheese, mozzarella, chicken mixture and parmesan. Repeat layers. Cover. Bake at 350 degrees for 25 minutes. Sprinkle with cheddar cheese bake for 5 minutes more.

this recipe is from my friend Alyssa :)

Manicotti...

2010-06-08T22:55:00.002-04:00

Manicotti

1/2 large tub small curd cottage cheese
small tub ricotta cheese (can use whole tub of cottage cheese if you don't like ricotta)
1/2 lb. hamburger
1/2 lb. sausage
2 eggs
1 T parsley
1 box manicotti noodles
1 jar spaghetti sauce
3/4 c. parmesan cheese
1 1/2 c shredded mozzarella cheese
salt and pepper

Preheat oven to 350 degrees
Brown meats.
Boil noodles according to pkg directions.
Mix cheeses, eggs, meat parsley and season to taste.
Cover bottom of 9 x 13 pan with 1/2 of sauce.
Stuff noodles and arrange in pan. Cover stuffed noodles
with rest of sauce. Sprinkle with a little mozzarella cheese.
Bake for 30 minutes

2010-05-22T18:03:00.001-04:00

This looks like a wonderful organization....

Grow, Learn, Give

Empowering and educating women....

Strawberry Pie....

2010-05-21T08:57:00.003-04:00

9 inch pie crust
1 1/2 qt fresh strawberries
1 c white sugar
3 T cornstarch
1/2 c water
2 oz chocolate for melting (chips work just fine)
opt. whip cream

Bake pie shell, cool slightly and "paint" (I just used a rubber scraper) shell with melted chocolate. (to melt the chocolate- place in microwave for 20 second intervals, stirring between each until melted)
Refrigerate chocolate covered shell for a bit.
Obviously the chocolate is optional as well- BUT not only does it taste yummy- it also keeps the crust from getting as soggy from the juices.

Arrange 1/2 of strawberries in baked pastry shell. Mash remaining berries and combine with sugar in a saucepan. Place saucepan over medium heat and bring to a boil. Stir frequently. In small bowl, whisk together cornstarch and water. Gradually stir cornstarch mix into boiling strawberry mix. Reduce heat and simmer mixture until thick, about 10 minutes.... stir constantly. Pour mixture over berries in pastry shell. Chill for several hours before serving. Serve with whip cream.

this recipe is a combination of several recipes...

Strawberry Freezer Jam....

2010-05-21T08:43:00.004-04:00

30 Minutes To Homemade SURE.JELL Strawberry Freezer Jam

prep time

30 min

total time

24 hr 30 min

makes

5 containers or 72 servings, 1 Tbsp. each

recipe by: kraft

What You Need!

2 cups crushed strawberries (buy 1 qt. fully ripe strawberries)

4 cups sugar, measured into separate bowl

3/4 cup water

1 box SURE.JELL Fruit Pectin

Make It!

RINSE 5 (1-cup) plastic containers and lids with boiling water. Dry thoroughly. Stem and crush strawberries thoroughly, 1 cup at a time. Measure exactly 2 cups prepared fruit into large bowl. Stir in sugar. Let stand 10 min., stirring occasionally.

MIX water and pectin in small saucepan. Bring to boil on high heat, stirring constantly. Continue boiling and stirring 1 min. Add to fruit mixture; stir 3 min. or until sugar is almost dissolved. (A few sugar crystals may remain.)

FILL all containers immediately to within 1/2 inch of tops. Wipe off top edges of containers; immediately cover with lids. Let stand at room temperature 24 hours. Jam is now ready to use. Store in refrigerator up to 3 weeks or in freezer up to 1 year. Thaw in refrigerator before using.

Link to recipe website

Creamy Slow-cooker Chicken....

2010-04-21T15:10:00.003-04:00

6 skinless/boneless chicken breasts
2 t seasoned salt
2 T canola oil
1 can reduced fat cream of mushroom soup
1 (8 oz) package 1/2 less fat cream cheese
1/2 c dry white wine
1 (.7 oz) envelope Italian dressing mix
1 (8 oz) package sliced fresh mushrooms

Sprinkle chicken with seasoned salt. Cook chicken in batches in hot oil in a large skillet over med-high heat 2-3 minutes on each side or just until browned. Transfer chicken to a 5 qt slow cooker, reserving drippings in skillet.
Add soup, cream cheese, white wine, and Italian dressing mix to hot drippings in skillet. Cook over med heat, stirring constantly, 2-3 minutes or until cheese is melted and mixture is smooth.
Arrange mushrooms over chicken in slow cooker. Spoon soup mixture over mushrooms. Cover and cook on LOW 4 hours. Stir well before serving.

I served ours over cooked thin spaghetti noodles... but the recipe also suggests serving it over fresh biscuits. OR use it as the filling to a pot pie, or easy enchiladas.

My kids and husband thought this did not smell so great cooking in the slow cooker, BUT everyone thought it *tasted* delicious.

taken from Southern Living magazine November 2008

Baked Crispy Chimichangas....

2010-04-08T20:53:00.006-04:00

serves 4-6

1 1/2 c chopped cooked chicken
1/2 c picante or salsa
1 c shredded cheddar cheese
1 t ground cumin
1 t garlic powder
1 t onion powder
1/2 t salt
1/2 t black pepper
1/2 t oregano
1/2 can drained black beans
6 (8 inch)flour tortillas
spray butter

serve with: guacamole, salsa, shredded cheddar, sour cream, etc.

400 degree oven

Cube chicken and cook in skillet. Combine chicken, picante sauce, cheese, cumin, garlic powder, onion powder, salt pepper, oregano, and black beans in bowl.

Place a scoop of mixture in tortilla, fold opposite sides of tortilla over filling.... put seam sides down on baking sheet. Spray each with butter (this will make them crispy).

Bake 25 minutes.... YUMMY!

Hair Bows...

2010-02-27T09:17:00.002-05:00

My sister in law has started making some really darling hair bows for little girls....

Her website is HERE

Lasagna (the best!)

2010-02-12T10:55:00.003-05:00

Lasagna

1 16 oz pkg lasagna noodles
1/2 lb. ground pork
1/2 lb. ground beef
16 oz. tomato sauce
28 oz. crushed tomatoes (I sometimes use 28 oz diced tomatoes)
1 clove garlic
1/2 t oregano
1/2 c. minced onion
1/8 t white sugar
1 1/2 t dried basil
1 1/2 t salt

1 lb. small curd cottage cheese
3 eggs
3/4 c. grated parmesan cheese
2 t salt
1/4 t black pepper
1 T parsley
1 lb. shredded mozzarella

preheat oven to 375 F. Boil salted water cook noodles 8-10 min.
Brown meats, stir in next 8 ingredients. Simmer 30 minutes.
In large bowl combine cottage cheese, eggs, parmesan cheese, parsley,
salt and pepper. Put a little sauce on bottom of 9 x 13 pan.
Put 2 layers of noodles, 1/2 of cheese mix, 1/2 of sauce, repeat layers.
Cover with foil. Bake 30-40 minutes. Remove foil, bake 5-10 min more.
Let stand 10 minutes.... serve.

I believe I got this recipe out of Southern Living magazine....

Featured in Wisteria Catalog....

2009-12-29T14:24:00.000-05:00

http://www.livingdreamsfoundation.org/

Living Dreams is a Women’s Entrepreneurship Workshop....

Helping Women in India gain independence....

The BEST Sugar Cookies...

2009-12-21T14:37:00.002-05:00

Cream Cheese Sugar Cookies....

3 oz cream cheese softened
1 c butter, soft
1/2 t vanilla
1 egg
1 c sugar
1/2 t almond extract
1/2 t baking soda
2 1/2 c flour
1/2 t salt

Mix all ingredients well and chill for 1/2 an hour. Roll into 1 in balls, slightly flatten, and sprinkle with colored sugar. Place on ungreased cookie sheet. Bake at 350 for 8-9 minutes.
Let cool slightly.

OR- you can roll out (or flatten with hands) and use cookie cutters.

T-shirts designed by kids....

2009-12-20T20:20:00.000-05:00

For kids....

www.verymeri.com

Helping the Honey Bees....

2009-12-20T20:17:00.000-05:00

Buy a 2010 calendar and help the bees....

http://www.abeeloversgarden.com/

Cupcake Decorating Supplies....

2009-12-07T21:48:00.002-05:00

Bake It Pretty

Fancy Flours

Confectionery House

Bakery Supplies

Cupcake Swirl

Christian Appalachian Project.....

2009-12-03T09:36:00.000-05:00

Right here in the USA..... they need your help!

Please visit the Christian Appalachian Project and see what you can do.

free Vintage prints....

2009-12-01T21:37:00.001-05:00

Feeding America...

2009-11-30T21:56:00.002-05:00

Help feed those who need a little extra help....

go to FeedingAmerica.org

Protect the Pollinators....

2009-11-18T06:00:00.000-05:00

Bees along with other insects and birds are essential for our ecosystem....

to learn more and see what you can do and plant to encourage pollinators in your
area

Click HERE.....

List of Poisonous Plants...

2009-11-17T08:58:00.001-05:00

Click HERE to see a list of poisonous plants to keep away from your children.

(EASY) Chicken Noodle Soup....

2009-11-16T18:06:00.001-05:00

8 c. water
8 chicken bouillon cubes
pkg (6 1/2 c.) uncooked wide egg noodles
2 cans cream of chicken soup
3 c cubed cooked chicken (sometimes I boil it ahead of time- and today I just put it in the slow cooker for a few hours)
1 c sour cream
minced fresh parsley (optional)

Bring water and bouillon to a boil. Add noodles, cook uncovered until tender, about 8 minutes. Do NOT
drain. Add soup and chicken, heat through. Remove from heat, stir in sour cream. Sprinkle
with parsley.... tastes great with some crusty bread!

recipe from my Aunt Kathy

Spices for Health...

2009-11-11T09:54:00.003-05:00

McCormick has a whole website dedicated to teaching about the health benefits of cooking
with spices....

Visit THEIR WEBSITE for information about the benefits of cooking with spices and
for lots of great recipes!

Better Homes and Gardens....

2009-11-09T19:52:00.003-05:00

Better Homes and Gardens online has some great stuff.....

Best ever holiday pies.... click here....

100 days of holiday tips and ideas.... click here.....

Pioneer Woman's Chicken Spaghetti....

2009-11-03T08:59:00.000-05:00

I received the Pioneer Woman Cooks cookbook last week. I was so excited to see that almost all of the recipes looked like ones that I would actually cook! And yes, I am aware that you can get all of her recipes on her website for *free*... but there is just something about a book! Holding it in your hand.... laying in bed and flipping through the pages... a book is so much nicer to snuggle up to than a computer!

Anyway, last night I made her Chicken Spaghetti for my family.... (pictured above)....

While it was *ok*.... I do not think I will be making it again. We (all 8 of us) compared it to my Mom's Chicken Casserole.... and my mom's recipe won with every single one of us.....

So if you think you *kinda* like Pioneer Woman's recipe- but think it has a bit of a funky taste.... be sure to try my Mom's Chicken Casserole..... I think you will be pleased with the no funk taste of it :)

Healthy Recipes....

2009-10-30T20:27:00.000-04:00

Here is a great list of yummy healthy recipes....

CHECK IT OUT.....

Food Allergy Website...

2009-10-22T20:28:00.002-04:00

If you have kiddos with food allergies, you might want to check out this website....

www.foodallergymama.com

She has lots of recipes to keep your kids fed and safe!

Can You Help?

2009-10-20T16:37:00.001-04:00

Before and After...

2009-10-20T09:13:00.001-04:00

I love before and after pictures.... people, furniture, rooms.... anything...

so I was so excited to find this website that features before and after projects...

Before and After

What Does that Mean?

2009-09-30T21:57:00.001-04:00

Need to look up the definition of a word?

Need a thesaurus?

You can also hear audio pronunciations of the words....

The Free Dictionary.com

help fight global poverty...

2009-09-30T21:43:00.001-04:00

this site looks interesting JOIN MY VILLAGE

Join My Village is a new approach to
fighting global poverty through the
empowerment of women and girls.

check it out

Crafting while Recycling...

2009-09-29T21:29:00.005-04:00

This is a cute website....

Fun in the Making

a site dedicated to eco-friendly crafting, recycling, reuse, sustainable living, thrifty living, Earth day (every day) craft projects and making anything the green way ...

Everything for Organizing...

2009-08-27T06:00:00.000-04:00

This great website....

See Jane Work

has everything for someone who is needing to get themselves (and all their stuff!)
organized!!!!!

Hoppin' John Chowder....

2009-08-26T09:36:00.003-04:00

(this picture was taken before the rice was added)

Hoppin' John Chowder

4 (15.8 oz) cans black-eyed peas, undrained
2 (10 oz) cans diced tomatoes and green chiles, undrained
1 (14 oz) can beef broth
1 pound smoked sausage, sliced
1 c water
1 c finely chopped onion
3/4 c green bell pepper, chopped
1/2 t garlic powder
1/4 t salt
1/4 t black pepper
1 family size package boil in bag rice, uncooked (about 1 1/2 cups uncooked)
(I used the kind of rice that usually takes about 20 minutes to cook- I added it an hour before serving)

Combine all ingredients except rice in a 6 quart slow cooker
Cover and cook on LOW 6 hours. Pour rice into slow cooker (do not keep in bag)
Stir
Cover and cook on High 20 minutes or until rice is tender... makes 18 cups

Personalized Photo Books....

2009-08-25T06:00:00.002-04:00

Another great website for hardbound photo books....

Check out StoriesbyEveryone.com

Personalized Self-inking Stamps...

2009-08-25T06:00:00.001-04:00

How fun would this be?

You can stamp napkins, gift wrap, envelopes, etc.

Check out Three Designing Women

That Pioneer Woman!!!!

2009-08-23T07:50:00.001-04:00

She now has her food website up and running... amazing!

You will get lots of yummy ideas and recipes with ratings from other members.

Check out the Tasty Kitchen.....

Lockets....

2009-08-22T06:00:00.001-04:00

THIS website has darling lockets.... and other jewelry

check it out... Urban Rose

Fabric Website....

2009-08-21T08:00:00.000-04:00

A fabric website to keep handy.....

http://www.calicocorners.com/

Recipe Website....

2009-08-20T06:00:00.000-04:00

Lots of yummy recipes to search through....

http://allrecipes.com/

Grocery Coupons....

2009-08-19T06:00:00.000-04:00

a coupon website that is area specific....

http://www.groceryguide.com/

Hunger in America...

2009-08-18T22:17:00.001-04:00

1 in every 6 kids in America are at risk of hunger....

help fight childhood hunger....

visit... http://strength.org/get_involved/numbers/

Cool Website...

2009-08-18T08:00:00.000-04:00

check out this website...

http://www.amazingmoms.com/

crafts, recipes, gift ideas, play time ideas, party ideas

Volunteer Family....

2009-08-17T22:37:00.002-04:00

A great website to check out if you are looking for ways to volunteer as a family.....

http://www.thevolunteerfamily.org/

Penne Pasta with Chicken and Broccoli

2009-08-05T14:20:00.004-04:00

Penne Pasta with Chicken and Broccoli

8 oz of penne pasta
1 lb. chicken cut in cubes
3 T olive oil
3 c broccoli flowerets
2 T Mrs. Dash Tomato Basil and Garlic (or similar spice)
1/2 c parmesan cheese
1/2 c chicken broth
1 c cherry tomatoes cut in wedges

Cook pasta according to package directions. In large pan saute chicken in 1 T olive oil for 3-4 minutes...

Add broth, broccoli, spice and cook uncovered 3 minutes.

Toss with pasta, parmesan cheese and remaining oil.

Garnish with tomatoes and sprinkle with parmesan cheese.

(this recipe is from a Mrs. Dash magazine advertisement)

Slumber Party French Toast...

2009-07-15T12:53:00.003-04:00

not sure where this recipe came from... but, yummy!

Slumber Party French Toast

1/2 c margarine (transfat free)
1/2 c firmly packed brown sugar
3/4 t ground cinnamon
1/2 c egg substitute
1/4 c skim milk
6 1 inch thick slices of french bread
1-2 T powdered sugar

Place margarine in baking pan- place on burner to low- melt margarine.
Place brown sugar in a small bowl- stir in cinnamon.
Sprinkle mixture evenly over melted margarine in dish. Combine egg and milk in pie plate. Mix with fork and dip bread into egg and coat both sides.
Lay slices in pan.
Pour remaining mixture over bread in a pan.
Cover with foil and refrigerate over night.
Remove from fridge 1 hour before baking.
Bake at 375 degrees for 25 minutes. Remove foil and bake 15 minutes longer.

Money Saving Website...

2009-07-13T14:56:00.000-04:00

http://www.moneywisemoms.com/

coupons, recipes, links and ideas...

More Summer Activity Ideas....

2009-07-05T22:51:00.000-04:00

Click HERE for more fun summer activity ideas.....

Coupons in your Area....

2009-06-26T08:45:00.001-04:00

Go check out redplum.com for a long list of coupons available in your
area... just enter your zipcode...

Another Cool Website....

2009-06-26T06:00:00.000-04:00

http://www.momadvice.com/

This great resource has everything from money saving tips, to recipes, to printable weekly planner worksheets!

Lemon Pasta with Chicken

2009-06-23T19:14:00.003-04:00

my daughter got this recipe off of the internet- and we changed it to suit our needs (and what was in the pantry)....

Lemon Pasta with Chicken

3-5 servings

1 lb. dried penne pasta
2 chicken breasts cut into slices
salt and freshly ground pepper
3 cloves minced garlic
1/4 t red pepper flakes
3 T olive oil
1 t dried italian seasoning
1 1/2 lemons, juiced
1/2 c grated parmesan cheese

Cook pasta in large pot (follow package directions)... drain well

Season chicken with salt and pepper. Heat a large grill pan over med. high heat and add
chicken. Grill until golden and completely cooked. Remove to plate.

Add the garlic and red pepper flakes to a saute pan with 3 T olive oil and saute until
fragrant. Add cooked pasta and turn heat off. Mix together.

Remove pasta to a large bowl. Add chicken to warm pasta and season with salt and
pepper. Sprinkle in italian seasoning. Add the juice of the lemons and mix. Before
serving top with parmesan cheese.

Fun Summer Beach Craft....

2009-06-14T20:36:00.001-04:00

Bring home a sandy footprint from the beach....

go to https://glammatoys.com/display/6306

to purchase the footprint making kit.

Rainy Day Summer Activities....

2009-06-12T07:01:00.002-04:00

Here is a website of printable coloring pages, fun pages, summer recipes, craft ideas, songs, poems, etc.....

for a little something just in case the kids say "I'm bored".

Going Green Website...

2009-06-07T06:00:00.000-04:00

This website www.goodguide.com helps you research products that don't hurt the environment.

Everything from food to beauty products.

Homemade Mosquito Repellent....

2009-06-05T08:15:00.002-04:00

I found this "recipe" in Family Circle magazine. Not sure if it works- but it would be worth a try!

1/3 c apple cider vinegar
1/3 c witch hazel
a few drops of citronella essential oil

funnel into spray bottle

Quote...

2009-06-04T17:23:00.003-04:00

A woman's heart should be so lost in God that a man needs to seek Him in order to find her.

author unknown

Hate talking to machines?

2009-06-02T23:26:00.003-04:00

go to www.gethuman.com

this site gives out the numbers to press to bypass annoying automated
menus at nearly 1,000 businesses....

Antiquey looking stuff...

2009-05-26T06:00:00.000-04:00

This website has lots of replicas of everything from doorknobs to measuring cups....

http://www.lookintheattic.com/

this website was mentioned in Better Homes and Gardens.... June issue.

Handwriting Practice....

2009-05-24T13:24:00.005-04:00

Another mommy shared this website with me....

http://www.handwritingworksheets.com/

go there, type in your kid's names (or other words) and it prints out a follow the dot
worksheet so your children can practicing forming their letters correctly....

and it is free....

how cool is that?

Little Dresses for Africa....

2009-05-24T13:15:00.004-04:00

http://www.littledressesforafrica.org/

check out this website.... a sweet idea to help all little girls feel pretty and special.

A new inexpensive dress made out of a pillow case... and they are darling....
think about donating to this special organization!

And here is the link for the pattern to make your own pillow case dress....

Click here

Kraft Foods Recipes and Coupons...

2009-05-18T11:48:00.002-04:00

Go check out THIS SITE you can sign up for their quarterly magazine.... find lots of yummy recipes.... and right now they are offering several coupons....

Coupon Codes for the Web....

2009-05-17T08:30:00.001-04:00

If you are going to shop online- be sure to first check out www.currentcodes.com
to see if the store you are shopping at has coupon codes....
this site covers almost 2,000 online stores.

Shish Ka Bobs...

2009-05-12T14:31:00.001-04:00

Shish Ka Bobs

roundsteak (cubed) or chicken (cubed) or both!
1/2 c soy sauce
1/2 c pineapple juice
1/4 c oil
1 t mustard
1 T brown sugar
2 t ginger (dry powder)
1/8 t garlic
1/4 t pepper

Mix all ingredients except meat. Simmer 5 minutes on stove top.... cool.
Cover meat in marinade for at least 1 hour.

Place on skewer with whole mushrooms, green pepper chunks, onion pieces, pineapple chunks,
cherry tomatoes.....

Grill or broil.... until meat is done.

I was going to grill these the other night, but it started pouring rain... so I put them in the oven
for a while.... Yum Yum YUM!!!!

recipe from mom in law.....

Auctions....

2009-05-06T21:59:00.001-04:00

You can find auctions within a 100 miles radius of your zip code
by going to

www.auctionzip.com

Recipes...

2009-05-01T12:10:00.003-04:00

Two friends have started recipe blogs and their recipes are always scrumptious....

go check them out....

http://www.feedingabunchamunchkins.blogspot.com/

and

http://foodinyourmouth.blogspot.com/