More Jingle in my Jeans

Chicken Lettuce Wraps

2011-01-20T09:24:00.000-08:00

Chicken Lettuce Wraps
I used this recipe and made a few changes. I did not add the mushrooms, I added a medium jicama diced, a medium onion diced, and 4-5 stalks of celery diced.
I think that the iceberg lettuce gives it a crunch that is needed, the butter lettuce was very soft.
I served this with a curry cous cous and chopped cucumber and shredded fresh carrots.

Curry Couscous
1 cup couscous
2 cups of boiling water
2 T curry powder
1 t salt.
Mix it all together and let it sit for 10 minutes covered.

Cuteness!

2011-01-20T09:20:00.000-08:00

Starting her out early on chores!

2011-01-10T11:12:00.000-08:00

Monday-
Beef pot pie and baked apples

Tuesday
Fried rice, edamame

Weds-
Miso soup
dumplings
chow mein noodles

Thursday-

Friday-
Homemade pizza,

Saturday-
leftovers, date night for grown-ups

Baked fish and chips with caesar salad

2011-01-03T22:13:00.000-08:00

We had a great meal tonight! The kids loved it, they were fighting over the leftovers for their lunches tomorrow!
FISH
I used tilapia for the fish, we enjoy this and it has less of a fishy smell than halibut.
For 3 fillets I used 1/2 cup flour seasoned with 2T old bay, salt and pepper mixed in.

Salt and pepper the fillets then dip in the flour and then into a beaten egg. Then into panko crumbs.
Bake at 400 for 10 minutes or until the crumbs are just golden brown.

CHIPS
For the potatoes I cut them into a large dice. I used 3 large potatoes. Put into a bowl and add about 1/4 cup of olive oil, salt and pepper and 2 T oregano. Place on a cookie sheet and bake at 400 for 25 minutes until golden and crispy.

TARTAR SAUCE
4 T thick plain yogurt
2 T mayo
1 dill pickle diced finely
2 T pickle juice
2 t mustard
pepper
Mix and serve with the fish

Caesar salad dressing
2 T thick yogurt
1/3 cup red wine vinegar
2 t anchovy paste
1 T dijon mustard
5 garlic cloves
black pepper
1 T grated parmesan cheese
1/3 olive oil
Pulse everything several times in a blender except the oil. Then turn on and slowly add in the oil until dressing is thick and creamy.
Serve over fresh romaine with parmesan and garlic croutons.

Not quite new year...

2010-12-27T16:24:00.000-08:00

I am not going to promise something crazy for the new year like a new post every day or even every week, but I will promise not to neglect it for 2 months at a time!
Right now I am still having fun with the kids playing with all the new fun things they got for Christmas. #1 dd is well on her way to becoming a much better seamstress than I am. She got a new sewing maching and a large box of material for her presents. She has all ready put together several tote bags for her brother and sisters to play with, including one sling bag for DS to carry his Nerf darts in for his war games!

So when I do stop to do something on my list of improvements I will let you all know! For now, enjoy all those Christmas leftovers in your fridge like we are!

Menu plan for 10/25-10/31

2010-10-24T18:21:00.000-07:00

Monday-Tepanyaki style beef with zucchini and onions, fried rice, green salad with miso-sesame dressing
Tues-Meatball soup and corn muffins
Weds- Miso soup with tofu and egg drop soup
Thursday-Creepy dogs with monster mac and cheese
Fri-dinner at school carnival
Sat-dinner at Church party, making finger bread sticks with blood and guts dip aka chunky marinara
Sun- Roast beef and potatoes in crock pot, corn, rolls

Menu plan for 8/9-8/15

2010-08-09T10:22:00.000-07:00

BLTA's and pasta salad
Oven baked fish and chips with roasted broccoli
hot dogs, baked beans and potato salad
spring rolls, sesame noodles
potato soup
pizza and salad

Meal plan monday

2010-08-03T16:33:00.000-07:00

7-up chicken, sesame couscous salad, roasted broccoli
Taco casserole, gaucomole, salad
Creamy chicken pasta with green beans
Hot dogs with baked chips, caesar salad, mac and cheese
Italian pot roast, mashed potatoes, biscuits
Pizzas

Menu plan for 7/26-8/1

2010-07-26T09:35:00.000-07:00

Here is the menu for us this week

Taco soup and cornbread muffins
Chicken pot pie
Pasta bar
Taco salads
Potstickers, sesame noodles, rice, edamame
Homemade pizzas
Creamy Italian chicken

Snacks
fruit
cheese sticks
homemade muffins and cookies
smoothies or shaved ice

Pinching Your Pennies Forums - JUNE Pantry Challenge

2010-06-06T18:53:00.000-07:00

Double turkey clubs, homemade potato chips
Cafe rio salads, with corn salsa
Italian soup with breadsticks
Crockpot pizza and caesar salad
Bermuda grilled chicken salad
Beef brisket with smashed potatoes, cornbread, baked beans
Leftovers

for breakfasts we are cleaning out our cereal stock and adding juice and fresh fruit.
Lunches will be mostly leftovers and pb&js or tuna with crackers and pickles.

Menu plan for 5/23-5/30

2010-05-23T12:26:00.000-07:00

Today
baby back ribs, baked potatoes, broccoli and salad

Monday
dinner with friends, only need to make a salad

Tues
Grilled salmon and sesame noodles

Weds
Sloppy joes and veggie tray

Thurs
Clam chowder in bread bowls

Friday
Homemade pizzas and salad

Menu plan monday 3/8-3/15

2010-03-07T11:52:00.000-08:00

Breakfasts
Smoothies-strawberry, blueberry, chocolate
Pancakes
French toast
Cold cereal and fruit

Lunches
leftovers/salads
grilled cheese
freezer burritos

Dinners
Chicken w/smashed potatoes pot pie style
Calzones
Greek Salad with pitas
Thai Beef salad
Pasta Carbonara
Buffalo Chicken salad with steak fries

Snacks
fruit
mall pretzels

Pesto ravioli

2010-03-01T18:40:00.000-08:00

1 bag of good ravioli
1 cup of pesto ( I prefer the one they carry at Costco)

Cook the pasta, drain and add the pesto .

Bow ties with Salmon and peas

2010-03-01T18:33:00.000-08:00

salt
1 package bow tie pasta
2 lemons
2 T butter
2 large shallots
1 pound salmon fillets cut into 1 inch chunks
1/4 t pepper
1 package peas
1/2 cup loosely packed fresh dill chopped

Heat large pot of water and add salt. Cook pasta as label directs.
Grate 2 t of lemon zest and then squeeze 3 T juice and set aside
Melt butter over med heat in a skillet. Add shallots and cok about 2 minutes until tender. Increase heat until med high, add salmon,pepper, lemon peel, and 1 t salt and cook about 5 minutes, until salmon is opaque.
When pasta is done remove 1/3 cup cooking liquid and add to salmon mixture, stirring gently to combine. Place peas in colander and drain pasta over peas. Return pasta and peas to pot, add salmon mixture, chopped dill and lemon juice. Toss gently to combine.

Sesame Shrimp and asparagus

2010-03-01T18:27:00.000-08:00

1 cup jasmine rice
1/8 t salt
4 t olive oil
1 1/2 t sesame oil
2 lbs asparagus trimmed
1/4 cup reduced sodium soy sauce
2 t seasoned rice vinegar
1 large green onion
1 lb large shrimp, shelled and deveined
1/8 t crushed red pepper

Preheat oven to 450. Prepare rice as labeled.
Mix together salt, 2 t olive oil, and 1 t sesame oil toss with sparagus and roast until tender, about 10-12 minutes.
Mix in a small bowl soy sauce, vinegar, green onion, and remaining sesame oil and set aside.
In skillet on high heat, add oil and shrimp. Sprinkle with red pepper and cook until opaque, about 3 minutes.
Arrange shrimp and asparagus on plates and drizzle with dressing.

I may substitute broccoli if there is not any fresh asparagus around.

Speedy Paella

2010-03-01T16:57:00.000-08:00

1 package fully cooked chorizo (3 1/2 oz) cut into 1/4 in chunks
1 pound chicken cut into chunks
1 medium red pepper diced
1 garlic clove crushed
1/8 t dried thyme
1 package spanish style yellow rice mix
1 package of frozen peas.

Cook chorizo over med heat until fat is released, about 3 minutes. Remove chorizo, leave drippings. Add chicken and cook until no longer pink, remove. Add pepper, garlic and thyme and cook for one minute. Add rice mix, 2 cups of water, and chorizo. When mix is boiling, reduce heat and cook covered for 10 minutes.
Stir in frozen peas and cook for 5 more minutes. Stir in chicken and serve when warmed through.

Spicy beef with couscous

2010-03-01T16:49:00.000-08:00

1 T oil
1 medium onion, chopped
2 garlic cloves crushed
1 t minced fresh ginger
1 pound ground beef, I am using beef stew meat, sliced thinly
1 T curry powder
1/2 t salt
1 cup chicken broth
1 cup frozen peas
1/2 cup loosely packed fresh cilantro leaves
1 cup plain couscous
1/3 cup golden raisins (I will use regular raisins or cranberries my kids won't eat golden ones)

In large skillet heat oil in med high heat, add onion, and cook until golden about 3 minutes. Add ginger and garlic and cook one more minute. Add beef and cook until no longer pink. Stir in curry powder and salt, cook for 30 seconds. Add broth and peas and cook until slightly thickened.
Cook couscous according to directions and add raisins.

Thai beef salad

2010-03-01T16:45:00.000-08:00

Thai dressing
1/4 cup rice vinegar
1/4 cup fresh lime
3 T oil
2 T grated fresh ginger
1 T fish sauce (start with 1 t at a time)
red pepper flakes to taste

Salad
8 oz thin sliced deli roast beef (I am using grilled skirt steak)
2 green onions
2 carrot cut into matchsticks
1 small red pepper cut into matchsticks
1 large head lettuce, romaine
Fresh cilantro, thai basil to taste.

Orange Rosemary Chicken

2010-03-01T16:42:00.000-08:00

1 T butter
2 garlic cloves crushed
4 medium chicken breasts
1/2 t dried rosemary
pepper
salt
2 oranges
1/4 cup peach preserves

Add everything to crockpot and cook for 4-6 hours.

Chicken with smashed potatoes, Pot pie style

2010-03-01T16:31:00.000-08:00

1 1/2 pounds red potatoes diced
1 T oil
4 medium chicken breasts
salt and pepper
5 oz carrots cut into matchsticks
1 cup chicken broth
1/4 cup cream
1/2 t dried thyme
1 cup frozen peas thawed
1 T butter

Place cut potatoes in a pot and cover with cold water. Boil for 10-12 minutes until potatoes are tender.
While potatoes are cooking heat oil in pan, add chicken and season with salt and pepper. Cook about 6 minutes on first side and finish 6-8 minutes on second side. Remove chicken to a plate and keep warm. In the same skillet add carrots, broth, cream, and thyme. Cook until carrots are tender, about 5 minutes. Take off heat and add peas.
Coarsely mash potatoes with butter, salt and pepper.
Spoon potatoes onto plate, top with chicken and then sauce with veggies.

Chicken Sate' Lettuce wraps

2010-03-01T16:26:00.000-08:00

4 med chicken breasts
1 t curry powder
3/4 t salt
2 limes
1/4 cup creamy peanut butter
1 T soy sauce
1 t sugar (agave or honey)
1 bunch fresh cilantro
1 small cucumber sliced
12 lettuce leaves
chopped nuts (peanuts or cashews)

Rub chicken with curry and salt and pepper, grill until done 10-12 minutes.
Zest and juice one lime, mix with peanut butter, soy sauce, sugar, chopped cilantro, and up to 2 T water until smooth.
Slice chicken and serve in lettuce with cucumbers and peanut sauce. I like to add red bell pepper, carrots, nuts and more cilantro.

Monthly Menu Plan

2010-03-01T16:09:00.000-08:00

I have been terrible lately! It has been very easy to blow off a homemade dinner in favor of take out. My DH is traveling at least twice a month now, and also being pregnant has been an easy excuse! I am making a plan for the whole month. I will be doubling all the recipes if possible to freeze for later on.
I made a large shopping trip last week and one today, and with the exception of fresh produce and dairy items, I hope to have all that I need in my pantry and freezer.

Chicken Sate Lettuce wraps-doubling peanut sauce
Chicken smashed potato pie
Orange Rosemary Chicken-making double batch
Thai Beef Salad-doubling the dressing and using the extra veggies in Greek Salad
Spicy Beef with couscous
Greek Salad-double dressing
Calzones- making several batches of these to freeze
Speedy Paella-need chorizo and shrimp
Peach Pork Chops-making double
Pesto Salmon with lemon orzo-making large batch of pesto and will freeze in small servings
Sesame Shrimp with Asparagus- may sub broccoli, making double shrimp for spring rolls
Spring rolls
Greek pasta with shrimp
Bowtie salmon with peas
Pasta carbonara
Pasta primavera- I wing this one and add leftover veggies from fridge
Pesto ravioli-making double
Sesame noodles-use leftover veggies
Lo Mein with tofu and veggie- use leftover veggies and thin spaghetti from pantry
Buffalo chicken salad with blue cheese dressing- using Franks red hot sauce and dressing from pantry

With these meals and the others that I all ready have prepared this should be enough for the month!
(No corned beef and cabbage for us, ick!)

Menu plan monday

2010-03-01T09:43:00.000-08:00

Our menu for the week.
Breakfasts
Smoothies- berry or pineapple
Egg puffs
Puffy pancakes with strawberries
French toast sticks

Lunch
salads
leftovers
sandwiches

Dinners
Pesto ravioli with garlic bread and chopped salad
Calzones, dipping vegetables
Chicken sate lettuce wraps with potstickers
Smashed potato pot pie
Bowtie salmon with peas
Buffalo wing salad with blue cheese dressing
Leftovers

Snacks
mall pretzels
yogurt
apples
bananas

How Big Is Baby?

2010-02-24T18:35:00.000-08:00

How Big Is Baby?

Asian Fire Meat and Sesame Noodles

2010-02-16T19:09:00.000-08:00

I made the Asian Fire meat tonight along with the sesame noodles. They were both fantastic!
I rolled the meat in regular iceberg lettuce like burritos. I didn't add the onions or leeks to the meat though, not really a fan of either. I added some chopped red bell pepper, a couple handfuls of baby spinach and shredded carrot to the noodles. The girls and Andy loved this!
You could make the sauce for the meat and add it to the meat before freezing.

2010-02-16T18:55:00.000-08:00

Menu plan for the week.
The kids are home all week for winter break. I will need to stay creative so that we don't end up eating fast food!

Breakfast
pancakes
waffles
muffins- homemade blueberry and chocolate chip
smoothies
cereal- hot and cold
fruit- kiwi, bananas, grapes, blueberries, apples, oranges, grapefruit.

Lunch
quesadillas
BLTA's
leftovers
pb & j
Ikea

Dinners
Asian fire meat wraps with sesame noodles
Potstickers and rice
Chicken and dumplings
Stuffed taco shells
BBQ chicken and potato salad
Mini pizzas
Leftovers

Snacks
mall pretzels
fruit
cheese slices and crackers
almonds and dried cranberries
cheese crackers

Meal plan monday

2010-01-04T12:31:00.000-08:00

Here is a our dinner plan for the week. We are having a hard time with breakfasts right now, still not completely adjusted to the time change from our China trip. We will just wing breakfast and lunch with the staples we have in the house.

Sloppy joes homemade chips
easy lasagna
chicken and broccoli casserole
stuffed baked potatoes
roasted chicken and couscous
french dip sandwiches
leftovers

China pics

2009-12-30T20:41:00.000-08:00

Hannah riding her bike in the backyard. The kids all got new bikes from their Aunt and Uncle, they had a blast riding them on the good weather days. Parker was caught red handed in the sand, something he knew he shouldn't be playing in. He knew he was in trouble with Mom and Dad, Grandma came to his rescue and gave him a free pass to play, she even rounded up some toys for him to play with.

An old style accountant, he had a bowl of beans, a real bean counter!

The Chinese pavillion for the Shanghai Expo. Grandpa's friend was able to get us in to see all the buildings even though most of them are still under construction.

Hannah and Parker were enjoying the nice sunny day and the great grass!

Lunch with the cousins.

Parker was so proud of his new fire truck!

Farewell dinner at home.

Menu plan

2009-11-23T10:49:00.000-08:00

This week I will be making some lighter meals before our gluttony on Thanksgiving!

Breakfasts:
puffy oven panckae
pumpkin smoothies
waffles
and cereal

Dinners:
Chef salads with parmesan breadsticks
Bean enchiladas (last pan from freezer)
Grilled shrimp skewers with fried rice
Thanksgiving dinner and then leftovers for a couple more days!
Pork carnitas

Menu plan

2009-11-16T13:05:00.000-08:00

I'm trying to clean out the fridge and freezer this week. I made a menu based on what I have "in stock"!

Green chicken chili
Hong Kong style noodle soup with baby bok choy
Mini turkey meatloaves with red potato smashers and corn
Spring rolls, potstickers, and chopped chinese salad with wonton chips
Alfredo with cajun shrimp and garlic cheese biscuits
Beef satay with ginger rice and peanut sauce
Chicken sesame teriyaki fingers with rice

Menu plan monday

2009-11-02T11:10:00.000-08:00

I am finally posted another menu plan. I have been so sick with the flu and other things that I took two weeks off from planning. We have been surviving on pantry items and meals that I had frozen all ready, along with a few meals that friends brought in.

Breakfasts
ham and cheese omelets
waffles
eggs and toasts
turkey sausage wraps
cereal and fruit
smoothies

Lunches
homemade mac and cheese (from freezer)
chicken nuggets
chicken pasta
pb & j
quesadillas
deli sandwiches

Dinners
Chicken tetrazinni
Beef and Barley soup
Sloppy Joes and homemade chips
Enchiladas
Chicken gravy and rice
Ziti bake
Leftovers

I am trying to clean out our freezer in preparation for our trip out of the country next month. Seattle does not have a good track record for good weather in December and the last three years we have lost power for more than a few days at a time. I don't want to come home to a freezer of rotten food!

Menu plan monday

2009-10-18T20:13:00.000-07:00

Here is our plan this week!

Breakfast
Sausage and eggs, toast
Waffles
cereal hot and cold
strawberry and banana smoothies

Lunches
Tuna or egg salad sandwiches
quesadillas
leftovers
salads

Dinners
Sub sandwiches with homemade potato chips with jello blocks
Roast beef, mashed potatoes, corn, salad
Ham and potato soup
Chicken curry with rice and edamame
Chili nachos, taco salad
Homemade pizzas, green salad
Satay meatballs with peanut sauce, rice, broccoli

Menu plan monday

2009-09-21T11:17:00.000-07:00

Breakfasts
fruit smoothies
peaches with milk
hot cereal, cold cereal and fruit

Lunches
leftovers
ham, turkey, tuna, or pb sandwiches

Dinners
Baked potatoes with chili and nachos
Chicken tetrazinni
pasta carbonara
spaghetti pie
BLTs with sweet potatoe fries
leftovers
pizza for kids-dinner out for grownups

How to save money starting today!

2009-09-14T11:11:00.000-07:00

Top ways to save money at the grocery store

1. Look at the grocery ads! I plan my meals for the week based on what is on sale that week. Also plan to stock up on items that are on sale.

2. Clip coupons for the items that you know you will use and for items that are new in the stores. An item will most likely be introduced at a great discount.

3. Don’t be brand loyal. Generic or non-name brand items are usually the same quality.

4. Look at shelf tags and compare prices carefully. Sometimes you have to buy multiple items to get the sale price.

5. Ask for a rain check if an item is out of stock.

6. Sign up for savings cards at your local stores

7. Keep an eye out for stores that you may not usually shop at like Dollar Tree, and ethnic stores.

My Favorite Stores
King county WA area

Safeway and Albertsons-I only buy the sale items at these stores. I will buy my milk at Safeway most often because the everyday price is cheaper there.

Sunset Market-(on Sunset between Goodwill and Rite Aid) The produce here is very good and the meat is extremely fresh. They make fresh tortillas and tortilla chips here daily.

WinCo- I only go here once in a while. They have a great bulk foods section with lots of rice, pasta, beans, and baking ingredients. It is the cheapest place for flax seed.

Goodwill-I like to run in here every few weeks, the one on Sunset receives a lot of merchandise from

Target. They always have a lot of new items to check out. It is a great place to buy books, paperbacks are only .69.

Half Price Books-The best selection of used books in town!

Target-This store has a lot of great health and beauty deals, always check the back of the aisles for clearance merchandise.

Dollar Tree-this place is great for cards, holiday items, coloring books, toiletries, candy, and the occasional surprise item.Rite-Aid and Walgreens-Both of these stores have great Free after Rebate items, usually every week. The programs are all online, and are very easy to participate in.

Viet-Wah-This store is also on Sunset neat Dollar Tree. They have a great fresh meat department and all the asian ingredients.

Coupon process-

I gather 2-4 papers every weekend depending on what I will use. You can ask friends and neighbors to save insert coupons for you.I collate my copies of the paper and clip only the coupons that I will use, the ones I can trade for more that I will use, and also for new products. After I am done clipping I store the inserts by date for later use. Sometimes deals will come up later after you have clipped.I use a zippered binder with baseball card pages in it to store my coupons. I divide mine into categories.

Some people like to organize by aisles, or alphabetical.

My categories are:

Baking

Baby and kids

Candy and gum

Canned goods

Cereal and Bread-I divide it between manufacturers

Cleaning products-I include laundry soap here

Cosmetics and body care-make-up, deodorants, body soap and lotions,

Dairy-milk, yogurt, cheese, butter

Frozen

Hair care-shampoo and conditioner,

Juice and sodaMeatMedicine- also put first aid items here

Mexican and Ethnic

Pasta-rice, packaged meals,

Plastic and paper goods- bags, paper towels, toilet paper,

Produce

Refridgerated Non dairy- cookie dough, biscuits, pudding,

Sauces and dressings-pasta sauce, salad dressing, bbq sauce

Snacks and chips

Razors and shaving

Restaurants

Store coupons-Each store has a page Target, Safeway, Albertsons

Misc.

My favorite clubs, memberships, and online shopping places

Costco- my parents and I share a membership here. It is a great place to save money on items as long as you can resist the temptation of things you don’t need, and also if you can manage the bulk items well.

Famous Footwear rewards-you can sign up at http://www.famousfootwear.com/. I watch for the buy 1 get ½ off sale. They will send you reward coupons usually every quarter, and on your birthday.

Bath and Body works- sign up at http://www.bathandbody.com/ to receive emails that will include coupons and upcoming sales.

Pinching your Pennies- This is the ultimate place for all shopping deals around town and online!Register at http://www.pinchingyourpennies.com/

Kohls Sign up at http://www.kohls.com/ for exclusive savings codes and coupons

JC Penney rewards earn rewards coupons from every purchase http://www.jcpenney.com/

Swagbucks This one is new for me sign up at http://www.swagbucks.com/. You can earn rewards cards to online retailers like Amazon just for searching the net!

http://www.paperbackswap.com/ is a great place to exchange all of the books you don't read for the ones you want to read! Join today, it is simple and very fun!

I am a book junkie, but as a busy mom I don't often have time to sit and read. I rely on overdrive media for Ipod compatible books. Check online at your local library to see if this free service is available for you. You can download audio versions of your favorite books directly to your ipod and mp3 players!

Fun stuff!

2009-09-07T19:21:00.000-07:00

I have been busy this weekend! I made all this plus 24 bottles of peach jam, 1 jar of blueberry syrup, and 6 jars of strawberry basalmic jam.

First day of school

2009-09-07T19:15:00.000-07:00

Parker's first day of preschool. I couldn't get a picture of all three of them looking at the right place at the same time~!

Menu Plan Monday

2009-09-06T18:30:00.000-07:00

Breakfasts

Cold cereal and fruit
oatmeal and fruit
french toast sticks
pancakes
eggs and toast
yogurt smoothies

Lunches
sandwiches~tuna, pb and jelly, pb and agave, bologna and cheese
pb and crackers
quesadillas
leftovers

Dinners
Hamburger patties, with mashed potatoes and gravy, corn on the cob
Deluxe chopped salad and rolls
Chili and baked potatoes
Ravioli soup and cheesy italian bread
Glazed salmon and rice with fresh green beans
"sushi" rolls and potstickers
Leftover night

Menu plan monday

2009-08-31T21:11:00.000-07:00

Can you believe that I am posting a menu plan finally! It has been a while for sure!

Breakfasts
Boiled omelets
cold cereal and fruit
fruit and yogurt smoothies
egg in the hole
blueberry muffins

Lunches
pb & j
tuna sandwiches
quesadillas

Dinners
Sweet and sour pork with rice and broccoli
Clam Chowder
Italian Hamburger soup
Home made mini pizzas
White chicken chili
mini meatloaves with honey baked beans

Back to school lunch ideas

2009-08-25T09:17:00.000-07:00

It's back to school time for most of us, time to get into a routine again! In preperation for shopping this week I asked my kids what their favorite school lunches are, here is what they came up with:

tuna sandwiches or tuna with crackers
PB & J sandwiches or with crackers
salad
apples and pb
tortilla with peanut butter and sliced apples
yogurt and cheese
cheese, meat, and crackers (like a lunchable)
quesadillas ( I put these in a reusable sandwich container lined with tin foil and they stay warm enough for them)

In their thermos' they like
Rice and beans
stew
very rarely Ramen noodles
spaghetti and other pastas
hashbrowns and scrambled eggs
baked potatoes
home made soup and sometimes the canned fun soups like goldfish.

Change the same old things into something new for them
roll out bread flat and spread on ingredients. roll up and slice into pinwheel shapes (my kids call it sushi)
make it mini or cut sandwiches into shapes.
I have a crinkle cutter and the kids like to see their veggies or fruits cut with it.

Let them choose!
I have a large bin that I put crackers, cereal, cookies, raisins, fruit cups, pretzels, fruit snacks, and other shelf stable items in. I let them choose a treat for their lunch and also one for their snack.

Good luck!

Some Ut pics

2009-08-24T19:23:00.000-07:00

We had a great time in Utah. Here are some pics.

This is a tee pee that some one built near the reservior where my Dad works. The waterfall near the reservior
My BIL and nephew racing down the Alpine Slide in Park City.

Me and my little guy heading up to the slide in the Ski Lift.

Bryce Canyon

Zion's National Park with my sweetie.

I logged 2895.5 miles on my van in the 9 days we were gone, thats an awful lot of driving. I think I drove all but about 500 miles of that too!

2009-08-24T19:05:00.000-07:00

We made it back from our wonderful trip! We had a great time in Utah. Now it is back to school time for us, time to start getting into a better routine! I will have a meal plan posted tomorrow, I have the flu and do not want to think about food today!

2009-08-09T09:44:00.001-07:00

No menu plan this week. We are leaving for another family trip mid-week, I am going to clean out the fridge and all of the extras that are hanging around in the freezer.

Salsa~Our new favorite thing!

2009-08-07T21:07:00.000-07:00

I got this recipe from a freind from church. It is a wonderful recipe. I substituted tomatillos for tomatoes the other day and I think it is even better!

COOKED SALSA By: Etel Ghoreishi
In a 1 quart sauce pan combine:
2 cups water
1/2 teaspoon salt – may add more to taste
Dash pepper
Heat: Medium to high heat

Add to above ingredients:
3 tomatoes
1 small white/yellow onion – cut in half
1 garlic clove
2 Serrano peppers

Boil until tomatoes and onion are thoroughly cooked.
When done, spoon out ingredients and place in a blender. Blend in Chop setting.
Heat 3 tbsp. olive or vegetable oil in same saucepan. Carefully, add blended sauce, and cook for 2 minutes.
You may store cooked salsa in the fridge for up to one week! Or, freeze.

Menu Plan Monday

2009-08-04T08:44:00.000-07:00

We didn't get to all of the meals I had planned last week! I ran away with the kids to the coast to escape the heat. We had a great time camping out in La Push, we even got rained on over there. I was wonderful to cool down and to spend time exploring over there. We can't wait to go back!

I am trying to clean out the fridge and freezer this week before we leave for another trip next week.

Breakfasts
Fresh fruit and yogurt
toast
muffins from freezer
turkey bacon BLTs

Lunch
corn dogs
quesadillas
tuna and crackers
grilled ham and cheese
pb & j

Dinners
roast chicken and potatoes
bbq pork sandwiches corn on the cob
beef and broccoli
grilled pizzas
potstickers, rice, edamame, rice
leftovers for 2 nights

I-90 closures this week

2009-07-27T09:23:00.000-07:00

Just a reminder that the I-90 bridges will be closed this week for the Blue Angels practices and performances.

Thursday 1:15-2:30
Friday, Sat, and Sun 12:45-2:40.

Menu plan monday

2009-07-26T15:26:00.000-07:00

Breakfasts
cereal and fruit
fruit smoothies with yogurt
chocolate chip mini muffins
cinnamon rolls, turkey bacon
homemade poptarts
omelets in a bag

Lunch
grilled ham and cheese sandwiches
grilled pizzas
greek chickpea burgers with tahziki sauce
tuna and crackers
pb & j rollups
mac and cheese with mini burgers
homemade lunchables

Dinner
Teriyaki pineapple pork chops, chow mein, steamed broccoli
Chicken lettuce wraps (PF Changs style)
Grilled shrimp, takami edamame, and potstickers
Grilled steak salad
Taco salads with rice, and beans
Beef stroganoff, rice, fresh green beans
Clean out the fridge night

My new favorite thing

2009-07-09T09:08:00.000-07:00

I love books! But, if I sit down to read a book 8 hours can go by without me getting to to do anything, the kids can tear down the house and I wouldn't notice~! I have learned that the best way to get my fill of reading is to listen to books on tape. In the past I have checked out all the audio books from the library and added them to my Itunes; this can be a very time consuming task though.
I just just found out that through my library system inline I can download books directly to my Ipod. It takes just a few minutes per book. The system is called Overdrive Media. It is free from my King county Library System. Check your library to find out if it available in your area.

We are home!

2009-07-09T09:07:00.000-07:00

We had a great time in Utah, but are so glad to be home! I miss all the fresh produce that I can get here, and the cooler weather, 90 is too hot for me!

No menu plan this week. I am cleaning out the fridge and freezer. I just shopped for a bunch of produce and few basics like milk and eggs.

2009-06-29T08:40:00.001-07:00

No menu plan this week, we are making a quick trip to Utah.

Menu plan monday

2009-06-22T15:31:00.000-07:00

Breakfasts
Fruit Smoothies~the kids love making up new recipes!
Toaster waffles and pastries
pancakes
breakfast cookies

Lunches
Quesadillas
sandwiches, tuna, pb & j, ham and cheese
crackers and cheese (lunchable style for park days)
tortilla wraps

Dinners
Mexican Lasagna (new recipe I came up with, I will review it tomorrow)
Grilled pork loin with grilled potato packets
Curry chicken and potatoes, rice, edamame
Lasagna, garlic bread, green salad
Chunky Italian soup with garlic breadsticks
Baked potatoes, green salad bar
Leftovers

Apple Pie Squares

2009-06-17T10:35:00.000-07:00

This the only pastry crust that I have ever been able to make with any success! My mom found this recipe in an old cookbook. I have substituted berries and peaches with great results, leave out the cinnamon if you use berries.

Apple Pie Squares
4 cups flour
1 tsp salt
1 2/3 c butter
½ c water
1 egg
1 Tbsp vinegar

Mix together to form crust
Roll out ½ of dough to fit in jelly roll pan

Filling: 12 apples peeled and sliced
2 cups sugar
1/8 tsp nutmeg
2 tsp cinnamon
2 Tbsp flour
2 Tbsp lemon juice

Mix together and put in crust. Then put another layer of crust on the top.
Bake at 350 for 60 minutes , then drizzle with glaze.

Glaze: 4 Tbsp butter
1 ½ cups powdered sugar
3 Tbsp lemon juice

Cucumber dip

2009-06-17T10:32:00.001-07:00

My sister came up with this one, it is a really refreshing snack

1 cup mayo (whatever you prefer, fat free is fine)
1 1/2 cups low fat cottage cheese
1 tsp accent
pepper to taste
1 chopped, seeded cucumber.

Mix well and chill. Serve with cut up veggies or crackers.

Italian Veggies

2009-06-17T10:27:00.000-07:00

I take appetizers to our office every tuesday night, it has been really fun to come up with recipes that are easy to transport and are yummy to eat! This one was a real hit!

1 bottle Kraft Zesty Italian dressing (this one really is the best for this, even better homemade)
Veggies, I used red, yellow, and orange bell peppers, broccoli, cauliflower, carrots, and zucchini. Slice and dice the veggies into similar sizes and pour on the dressing. It is best to let it marinate for at least 8 hours, overnight is great. Serve well chilled.

The sky is falling apple wraps

2009-06-17T10:06:00.000-07:00

3 thumbs up for this one!

So, so easy too!
1 tortilla
peanut butter
chopped apples and bananas

Tropical fruit smoothies

2009-06-17T10:03:00.000-07:00

This recipe came from the Disney cookbook also.

1 medium banana
1 1/2 cups cut up fruit, we used fresh raspberries, blackberries, and strawberries
6-8 oz lowfat vanilla yogurt
3/4 cup low fat milk
honey or agave to taste

Blend it all up to desired consistency.

Pit Stop Tacos

2009-06-17T09:57:00.000-07:00

The kids gave this one 2 thumbs up!

The recipe that they had picked out was one that used cheezit crackers and spaghetti sauce, we changed it a lot. We used fritos, taco meat with all the regular taco toppings, lettuce, cheese, tomatoes, and ranch dressing. This was really fun for them, the kids ate it in the car while we were running errands.

Secret Lair Burgers

2009-06-17T09:52:00.000-07:00

This recipe is from the Disney cookbook. The kids liked them a lot. I served it with some baked sweet potato "fries".

1 lb ground beef
1/2 t salt
1/4 t black pepper
1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
4 buns
tomatoes
lettuce
pickles
mayo, mustard and ketchup.

Mix meat with salt and pepper. Shape into 8 patties, divide cheese between 4 of them and then cover them with another patty. Grill until done and serve with desired toppings.

Menu plan monday

2009-06-14T11:32:00.000-07:00

This is our last week of school, to make it a bit more fun I decided to let the kids make the menu for the week. We went to the library and checked out a bunch of kids cookbooks for them to make choices from. I think they did a great job of it! I am very impressed with the amount of fruits and veggies that they included. They also made a shopping list for me, they checked out what we all ready had a home and decided what we needed to get. Great job girls!

Most of the recipes came from The Disney Magic Kitchen Cookbook. I will have the kids review each one and let you know how they are.

Hi Mom.

Here is the menu:

Breakfast:Biscuits and Gravy (croissants for buiscuts)

Dinner: Hamburgers (Secret Lair Burgers page 88)

Breakfast: Muffin Tops

Dinner:Be Our Guest Berry Salad page 74

Breakfast: Tropical Fruit Smoothie page 30

Lunch:Take a dip lunch page 52

Dinner:Body Shop Black Bean Salad page 44

Lunch:Pit stop portable pizza page 60

Breakfast:The Sky Is Falling Apple Wraps page 42

Lunch:Secret lair burgers page 88

Dinner:Garden Fresh Veggies Salad page 38

Lunch:Pb and J

Breakfast:Don't Forget Breakfast Cookies Page 32

Lunch:Power up Pasta and meatballs page 84

Dinner: Not Too Scary Berry Pancakes page 24

Breakfast:As You Wish Muffins Page 26

Lunch:Lightning fast wraps page 36

Dinner:Fiesta Taco Pizzas page 90

Thank You!
Love,
The girls!

Going green

2009-06-13T11:35:00.000-07:00

Living in Seattle where everyone seems to be "green" I have started doing more to help the enviroment. I compost and recycle and I carry my own shopping bags everywhere with me. I love the mesh produce bags that I found at Whole Foods, but only have two of them because they are$1.19 a peice. I was looking at Dollar Tree the other day for some mesh laundry bags and I found these Blink bags. They will work perfectly for produce! Four in a package for $1 is a bargain! I will let you know how they hold up.

Salmon cakes

2009-06-10T19:42:00.000-07:00

2 cups cooked salmon (I had some left over from the weekend)
1/4 cup sour cream
1/4 cup plain yogurt
1 egg
1 cup plain bread crumbs
salt and pepper to taste
1 T dry mustard

Mix until barely moistened, form into patties and press into pamko bread crumbs. Cook in a frying pan with just a few tablespoons of oil until golden brown.

I served it with the leftover cucumber sauce from the pitas the other night with some dried dill stirred in.

Sesame Salad

2009-06-10T09:53:00.000-07:00

2 packages thin spaghetti
1 bottle Asian Sesame Ginger Dressing (I used Newmans Own brand)
2 orange peppers
1 english cucumber
1/4 cup sesame seeds

Boil pasta until just al dente, drain and place in a bowl. Add most of the bottle of dressing and the sliced vegetables. Mix well. Spinkle with the seeds and chill.

Greek turkey meatballs

2009-06-08T20:31:00.000-07:00

I made these tonight for dinner, they were a hit! Next time I will have to double the recipe.

1 package ground turkey 1 1/4 pounds
4 cloves garlic pressed or chopped finely
1 T oregano
1 t cumin
1/2 t cinnamon
salt and pepper
Mix well and form into meatballs. Layer in the bottom of a crock pot sprayed with non stick spray, cook on low 3-4 hours until fully cooked.

Cucumber sauce
1 cup plain yogurt
2 cloves garlic pressed
1.4 cup grated cucumber
salt and pepper to taste
dash of Accent seasoning
1 t oregano.
Mix well and chill.

I made home made pita bread, but use any kind you want. I made the pitas with the meatballs and sauce and also stuffed in some romaine lettuce and chopped cucumbers.

Menu plan monday 6/8-6/14

2009-06-08T20:27:00.001-07:00

Wow, I haven't posted for a long time!

Here is what we are having this week:

Breakfast
pancakes
crepes
smoothies
cereal

Lunches
salads
leftovers
sandwiches, tuna and pb

Dinners
Turkey meatball pitas
Salmon cakes and home fries
Orange chicken with rice
spring rolls, sushi, and chow mein
Enchilada pie, beans, salad
burgers and dogs, home made potato chips, corn on the cob
C.O.R.N (clean out the fridge nite)

Free Family Film Festival

2009-05-21T14:22:00.001-07:00

We love watching movies in the summer, especially when its free!
Here is the link:
Free family film festival

Hawaii

2009-05-21T14:11:00.000-07:00

They call this the Grand Canyon of Hawaii. It was amazing to see it. It is suprising to see it in the middle of a tropical paradise.

A few pics

2009-05-12T10:32:00.000-07:00

This is the view from our room, the ocean is about 100 yards away

Menu Plan Monday 5/4-5/10

2009-05-04T12:25:00.000-07:00

I'll be making some extra dishes for the freezer this week. I will be gone next week and want to make things easier for my mom while she watches the kids.

Breakfasts
pancakes~ making 2 doz to freeze
muffins~making a doz to freeze
smoothies
yogurt parfaits with fresh fruit
cold cereal and fruit

Lunches~
PB & J
tuna and crackers
quesadillas
leftovers
salad

Dinners~
Taquitos and beans
Hawaiian chicken and macaroni salad
Chinese style pork chops with fried noodles and bok choy
Homemade pizza (this is becoming a weekly tradition!)
Asian fire meat with rice and edamame
Homemade chicken nuggets and home fries
Baked potato and salad bar (this is a great way to clean out your fridge!)
Leftovers

For the freezer:
enchilada pie
taquitos
honey lime enchiladas
pizza crusts
spaghetti pie

Menu Plan Monday 4/26-5/3

2009-04-27T10:00:00.000-07:00

Breakfasts
Smoothies
panacakes
muffins
banana bars

Lunches
leftovers
salad
quesadillas
PB & J

Dinners
beef stroganoff, peas, rice
sweet and sour chicken with rice and steamed broccoli
chicken enchiladas with black beans and salad
white chicken chili with cornbread
homemade pizza and breadsticks
Dinner at a friends house
Thai peanut meatballs with cashew lo mein

Before and After Pics

2009-04-24T11:55:00.000-07:00

November 2008~Before 194.5 pounds (how did I get so unhealthy?!)

After 167~ April 17th

Since taking this picture on the 17th, I have lost 5 more pounds! I am at 162 today!!!! Total inches lost 18.
Good news, I am down two dress sizes so far, bad news, I am down 2 cup sizes too.

Menu Plan Monday 4/20-4/26

2009-04-20T09:19:00.000-07:00

Breakfast~
Mall pretzels
pancakes
smoothies
yogurt parfaits
sausage biscuits

Lunches~
Leftovers
Salad
tuna and crackers
pb&j
quesadillas

Dinners~
Thai peanut turkey burgers with home made potato chips
Salad and baked potato bar
Burgers and dogs, mac & cheese, sweet potato fries
Home made stromboli and breadsticks
BBQ Chicken, grandpa's potatoes, corn
Cherried Pork loin with rice pilaf, and roasted beets

100th POST!!!

2009-04-16T14:35:00.000-07:00

I made it to 100! To celebrate I am giving away a $10 gift card and a copy of my Family Favorites Cookbook.

Leave a comment with a link to your favorite frugal recipe and your email address to win a $10 gift card to the store of your choice and a copy of my Family Favorite Cookbook!

Winner will chosen by random on Saturday the 18th.

Safeway Living Well Promotion

2009-04-16T14:21:00.000-07:00

Second transaction
Huggies 29.99 -$1.50 mailer coupon
Skippy 2.50 -$1.00 catalina coupon
I also used my previous $10.00 catalina coupon and $10.00 of catalinas from the Bertolli sauces.
Total OOP $9.99~

First transaction
10 Bertollis $2.00 each - 5-.75 coupons and 5-1.00 coupons
2 Dreamfields pasta $2.00 each- 1.00 printable coupons
and one package Bounty 6.99 no coupons
Total OOP 20.24 and I received $20.00 in catalina coupons .

This is my favorite sale of the year at Safeway! You can find more details here.

Home Made Pop Tarts

2009-04-16T14:06:00.000-07:00

I found the recipe here. I used cherry jam, and a triple berry jam in mine. The kids liked them. I might make them again, not sure they are worth the effort!

Mall Pretzels

2009-04-16T13:06:00.000-07:00

I found this recipe almost a year ago! My kids found it my recipe binder last week and begged me to make them. The kids gave them 2 thumbs up. They are easy to make too!

I found the recipe here.

I made them much smaller, I cut my dough into about 36 pieces. I rolled it out to about a foot long and then made the pretzel shapes. It is easiest to shape them all, then dip them all at the same time.

The Best Sugar Cookies

2009-04-15T10:03:00.000-07:00

I found this recipe in an old church cookbook. I love my sugar cookies thick and moist. This recipe is the best one I have ever made. I made a few changes to the recipe, it is perfection now!

Sugar Cookies
1 1/2 cubes butter, softened
2 cups sugar
2 eggs
1 1/4 cup sour cream (I used plain yogurt)
2 tsp vanilla or lemon flavoring
2 tsp baking soda
2 tsp baking powder
1/4 tsp salt
4-5 cups flour
1/2 tsp nutmeg

Mix dry ingredients in a bowl Cream butter, sugar together. Add eggs and yogurt and mix well. Add dry ingredients one cup at a time. Dough will be soft and moist. I found it easier to work with after chilling in the fridge over night. Roll into teaspoon size balls and then flatten slightly before baking. Bake at 375 for 8-10, until just lightly brown.

Easy Icing
juice and zest of one lemon
1 can of Betty Crocker Fluffy white icing

Mix together and drizzle over cooled cookies.

(We prefer them with no icing at all!)

Yogurt Twists

2009-04-15T09:50:00.000-07:00

I found this recipe on Grocery Cart Challenge and really wanted to try it, but I only had yogurt in the house. I made them with the plain yogurt and they were delicious! My husband said they were the best ones I had ever made! Our favorite yogurt is Nancy's plain. I buy it at Cash and Carry for $5.08 for 64 oz.

Menu Plan Monday 4/13-4/19

2009-04-13T10:29:00.000-07:00

I'm finally feeling organized enough to post another menu plan!

Breakfasts~
home made pop tarts
yogurt cinnamon twists
pancakes
cereal and fruit parfaits
puffy oven pancake
smoothies and fresh juice

Lunch~leftovers and salads

Dinners~
Sloppy joes and home made potato chips
Turkey and broccoli casserole
Turkey pot pie pockets
Home made pizza and breadsticks
Spaghetti Pie
Broccoli soup with bread bowls
BLT Sandwiches

I am making a double batch of the yogurt twist dough to make the breakfast rolls and also the bread bowls for soup. I will make a triple batch of pizza dough for the pizza and breadsticks, and also for the crust of the spaghetti pie. I will post the recipes when they are perfected, I'm still tweaking them a bit!

Grandma's Sloppy Joes

2009-04-10T09:56:00.000-07:00

You will never use the canned stuff after you try this recipe!

Grandma's Sloppy Joes
1 lb lean ground beef
1 onion diced
2-3 cloves garlic chopped
1 cup ketchup
2 T worcestershire sauce
1 t sage
1 t curry
1 cup water
salt and pepper to taste
Brown beef with onion, garlic, salt and pepper. Drain off any fat. Add ketchup, water, and spices. Simmer for 30-40 minutes.

My changes
I added 1T curry, 1 T cumin, and 2 t sage, I doubled the recipe and used 1 1/2 lbs ground beef and 2 cups cooked barley (no one knew the difference!)

Check out The Grocery Cart Challenge Recipe Swap for more fun frugal recipes!

Deals for today!

2009-03-30T21:34:00.000-07:00

I bought these at QFC, I had $1 coupons for the bars and ,50 coupon for the cereal. I had a credit from the pharmacy on my QFC card, so they paid me $3.40 to take these out of the store.

I bought 40 items at Safeway on the Mix 5 promotion. I had coupons for every product. Total for all of this was $10.01 and I received $10 in catalina coupons to use like cash next time I shop!

2009-03-28T14:48:00.001-07:00

No more size 16 jeans, I just put on a pair of size 12 skinny jeans and they needed a belt!

2009-03-27T19:49:00.000-07:00

Success

2009-03-19T18:58:00.000-07:00

Today I put on my favorite pair of jeans, then bent down to pick up my socks. The pants slid down to my knees! That would be bad news in most cases, but in mine it means that they are too BIG!!! Yeah, another pant size down! It feels so good to be losing weight, I will be ready for a swimsuit by the time we go to Hawaii in May!

$25 lotion

2009-03-17T13:55:00.000-07:00

For those of you that know me this post will suprise you! I paid $25 bottle of lotion! I cannot use regular lotions right now because they all contain oils that contradict the restrictions I have on my diet right now. My Dr. recommended the lotion from this site
www.ourtatefamily.com

It is wonderful! I will gladly buy another bottle when this one is gone. It softened all the rough spots on my body, and helped my daughter with her dry, excema dotted skin. The lotion did not sting her skin like all the others we have tried.

Try it! The service is slow, but worth the effort!

Menu Plan Monday 3/16-3/22

2009-03-15T20:03:00.001-07:00

I need to replenish my baking stash, will be making muffins, quick breads, pancakes, and waffles. I am experimenting with some pre-made pb & j's, and quesadillas (like the uncrustables).

Breakfast
smoothies
yogurt and fruit
toaster tarts
pancakes
egg in the hole

Lunches (the kids pack lunches most of the time for school, DH takes leftovers, I have salad or soup most days, DS requests pb most days.)
salad
soup
leftovers

Dinners
Stroganoff
Crunchy chicken fingers, homemade fries
Potato and broccoli soup, breadsticks
Chicken lettuce wraps, fried rice
Salad bar, turkey burgers
Italian soup

Menu Plan Monday (or Tuesday) 3/9-3/15

2009-03-10T14:53:00.000-07:00

I'm late this week posting. I was spending time with my family here from out of town!

Breakfasts
Oatmeal
Smoothies
muffins
pankcakes
yogurt
toaster pastries

Lunches
leftovers and salads

Dinners
Mini turkey meatballs with pasta and two sauces
Pork loin with orzo, peas and carrots, and rolls
Stacked taco salad
Haystacks with chicken
Monte Cristos and home fries
Salad and potato bar

Menu plan monday

2009-03-02T15:01:00.000-08:00

No new menu plan this week. I will be out of town and my sister will be staying here with the kids. I have prepared a freezer full of easy to heat dishes for her. I will be bringing snacks with us to eat in between our meetings. I hope to stay frugal be eating breakfast in our room, I have breakfast bars, fruit, and yogurt to take. I have prepared all of my food to eat. Its not easy for restaurants to accomodate the needs I have on my diet.
Have a great week everyone, I will be posting a new plan next weekend!

Menu Plan Monday 2/23-2/28 (plus more)

2009-02-23T09:37:00.000-08:00

I will be out of town next week with my cute hubby, my sister is coming up to stay with my little ones. Needless to say, I love her, but she doesn't cook! I will be filling the freezer for easy meals for her to make.

Breakfasts
Muffins (made 3 dozen and froze them)
Smoothies- banana, and chocolate chocolate chip
Pancakes (made 2 dozen and froze them)
Oven pancakes
Baked oatmeal

Lunches
PB & J
quesadillas
soup
salad

Dinners
Pork roast, sweet potatoes, spinach salad
Country fried steak, mashed potatoes, chopped salad
Chicken enchiladas, cilantro rice
Bubble-up pizzas
Homemade mac and cheese, hot dogs, oven fries
Stuffed shells, caesar salad, steamed veggies

For the freezer/Fridge
Mexican manicotti
Clam Chowder
Burgers
Chimichangas
Calzones, and pizza crusts
Chili
Enchilada pie

Recipes will be posted later this week!

Hamburger Soup

2009-02-17T11:40:00.000-08:00

This recipe came from an old church cookbook that my mom had. I always vary what I put in it depending on what I have around, but the basic concept is a hamburger stew with tomato juice in it. It is a favorite comfort food!

Hamburger soup
1 lb hamburger (or turkey)
6 potatoes
1 large onion diced
4 stalks celery diced
2 cloves garlic minced
4 carrots sliced
4 cups beef broth
2 cups tomato juice (V-8, homemade, or pureed diced tomatoes)
2 heaping T italian seasoning
salt and pepper to taste
2 bay leaves

Brown the meat with the onion and garlic, drain off any fat. Add to crockpot with remaining ingredients. Cook on high 4 hours or low 6-8 until veggies are tender.

Asian Meatballs in Coconut peanut sauce

2009-02-17T11:28:00.000-08:00

This was another winner at our house last night!
Here is the recipe as I prepared it:

1 lb ground turkey
2 T hoisin sauce
1 T ground flax seeds
1T ground oatmeal
1/4 cup chopped cilantro
1 egg
2 cloves garlic minced
1 T fresh ginger
salt and pepper

Sauce
1 cup coconut milk
1/3 cup hoisin sauce
2 T soy sauce
1/4 cup peanut butter
1/4 cup cilantro
1 T fresh ginger
2 cloves garlic minced
zest of one lemon

Pre heat oven to 400. Mix meatball ingredients together and form balls, I used a small scoop, and place on a baking sheet. I made 20 balls. Bake for 18-20 minutes.

Place all sauce ingredients in a medium sauce pan and whisk to combine.

I made whole wheat spaghetti instead of rice noodles to serve this on. This meal came together in less than 30 minutes! I served it with some sauteed Bok Choy. DH asked me to make it again!
I love kitchen success!

You can find the original recipe here

Menu Plan Monday 2/16-2/22

2009-02-15T10:55:00.000-08:00

Breakfasts
French Toast
Pancakes
Oatmeal
Smoothies
Muffin Mcmuffins

Lunches
leftovers
soup
quesadillas
PB & J

Dinners
Salsa Chicken with black beans and corn, cilantro lime rice, and guacamole
Stuffed Potatoes with Turkey Burgers
Asian meatballs with noodles and peanut sauce
Chicken lettuce wraps (PF Chang syle) with potsticker and rice
Country Fried Steak with country gravy, mashed potatoes and corn
Hamburger soup with biscuits
Crunchy Baked chicken with orange sauce, cous cous, and bok choy

Crunchy Turkey Burgers

2009-02-10T20:25:00.000-08:00

My kids loved these!
1 package ground turkey
1/4 cauliflower puree
1/2 cup cheese (I used a 4 cheese italian blend)
2/3 cup crushed cornflakes
salt and pepper to taste

I mixed all the ingredients together and formed patties from golf ball sized balls. Roll the patties in more cornflake crumbs. (about 2 cups) Brown in pan with just a bit of oil.

This is my variation of the Turkey Burger Drumsticks from Rachael Rays magazine last month.

Menu Plan Monday 2/9-2/15

2009-02-08T15:34:00.001-08:00

Breakfasts
Oatmeal
cereal
smoothies
pancakes
toast and eggs

Lunches
grilled chicken and veggies
beef spinach salad
leftovers

Dinners
Steamed ginger cilantro trout with bok choy
Chicken pot pie
Shrimp and asparagus stir fry
Turkey burger drumsticks, sweet potato fries
Baked potato soup
Grilled lime chicken with rice

Snacks
apples, veggies, raisins, bananas, gogurt, yogurt, corn chips and salsa

More fruits and veggies

2009-02-02T23:41:00.000-08:00

One of our goals this year was to increase our fruit and vegetable consumption. We are generally very healthy eaters, but we are adding even more to our diet this year. We really enjoy smoothies for breakfast. I slice bananas and freeze them on a cookie sheet covered with a sheet of plastic wrap. When they are frozen solid, I peel back the plastic sheet and put the slices into a freezer bag. Whenever I want to make smoothies I just pull out what I need. Make sure that you use the plastic wrap though, or else the bananas will stick to the pan.

I make a large shopping trip once a week, and then fill in with smaller trips during the week. I bring home all the produce and carefully wash and prepare it. I put the produce in the sink and use a veggie wash on all of it.

Sophie Uliano's Veggie Wash
1 cup water
1 cup distillled white vinegar
1 T baking soda
20 drops grapefruit seed extract
Combine all the ingredients in a large container, then transfer to a spray bottle. Spray mixture on produce and rinse thoroughly after 5-10 minutes.

Grapefruit extract can be found at Whole Foods and other health food stores. I think that the bottle I bought was $16.00, I expect that it will last about 10 years! 20 drops is not much. I prefer to make just a single batch at a time.

When the produce is cleaned and dried I put it all away. I have the containers from Tupperware and also some green bags.
I cut up cucumbers, carrots, celery, broccoli, cauliflower and peppers for snacks during the week. Some of the other things that I like to have around are snap peas, apples, bananas, citrus, grapes and other fruits in season. My family goes through about 10-15 lbs of apples a week.

Carnitas

2009-02-02T21:01:00.000-08:00

I made these tonight for dinner, everyone loved them! All of the kids had seconds, and Mads had thirds! I had a shoulder roast and it worked out really well. To make these really great, resist the urge to stir them around, and let the meat get really crispy.

I served them on fresh tortillas with limes, chopped cilantro, and guacomole.

Carnitas

Menu Plan Monday 2/2-2/8

2009-02-02T20:55:00.000-08:00

Breakfasts
Blueberry bran muffins
banana fudge smoothies
baggie omelets
french toast
yogurt parfaits
pancakes and bacon

Lunches
leftovers
salads
soup

Dinner
New world chili, cornbread
Turkey burger drumsticks, baked sweet potato fries
baked potato soup, chopped salad
ginger cilantro steamed trout with bok choy, spinach salad with japanese ginger dressing
Carnitas, black beans, guacomole and chips
beef and barley soup

Menu Plan Monday 1/26-2/1

2009-01-25T20:30:00.000-08:00

We are trying all new recipes for dinner this week. I hope it turns out well!

Breakasts
Oatmeal
Muffins
pancakes
waffles
fruit smoothies

Lunches
Leftovers
quesadillas
soup
salad
chicken wraps

Dinners
Chicken with vegetables
Marinated Flank steak with broccoli and peppers
Szechwan shrimp with toasted quinoa pilaf
Tandoori Chicken
Easy basalmic chicken with roasted vegetable medly
Lasagnas with french bread, salad, cookies (For M's Baptism Party!)

Menu Plan Monday 1/19-1/25

2009-01-17T15:51:00.001-08:00

Wow! Where is January going?!

Breakfasts
Egg puffs
muffins
smoothies
waffles
oatmeal
cereal

Lunches
PB & J
Tuna salad and crackers
soup, salad
quesadillas

Dinners
Spaghetti pie, chopped salad, garlic cheese biscuits
tinfoil dinners (with hamburgers, potatoes, corn, carrots)
Honey lime chicken enchiladas, cilantro rice, corn salsa, corn chips

Crunchy oven "fried" chicken, baked sweet potato fries
White lasagna, steamed broccoli, salad
Lemon pepper trout with orzo, cheesy vegetables
Ham and noodle casserole, mixed veggies

Snacks
apples
carrots and snap peas
hummus
yogurt
boiled eggs
edamame

Run, Don't Walk!

2009-01-15T13:53:00.000-08:00

Hurry over to your JC Penney and Target stores for some great clearance deals!
I scored 25 peices of clothing for $122.oo. My little guy has a whole new wardrobe for next fall. I filled in some peices that my girls needed for this year too. And picked up some darling onesies for my 1 day old niece!!!

My Target had 2 full aisles for clearance toys as well as several end caps. Most of the toys were at least 50% off with many all ready 75% off. I have the Easter Bunny covered all ready! Also check in the cosmetic aisle for clearance bath and toy sets. These are great for the birthday/ toy closet I like to keep stocked!

My recipes

2009-01-14T17:58:00.001-08:00

It has been a crazy week here! I have been to the dentist twice in less than a week, along with all the other appointments I have had, and a friend popping in tonight was the night I cooked the dinner I had planned for last night.

Teriyaki Chicken
15 oz teriyaki sauce
6 T sesame oil
3-4 pressed garlic cloves
1 lemon juiced (I had a 2 limes)
2 T honey
1/4 cup sesame seeds
2-3 inches grated fresh ginger
2 pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts or thighs

Mix all together and marinate meat for 12 hours. I like to add this to a bag of chicken and then freeze it, when it thaws it will marinate.

Japanese Ginger salad dressing ~adapted from You On a Diet book
1/2 cup olive oil mayonaise ( the recipe uses olive oil, but I like it creamier.)
1/2 cup rice wine vinegar
1 small sweet onion quartered
1 large carrot chopped
juice from one orange about 4 T
2 T grated fresh ginger
1 T soy sauce (add 1 t at a time to taste.)
3-4 T agave nectar, to taste
black pepper to taste

Through everything in the blender and process until smooth.

I made a salad with butter and romaine lettuce, grated carrots, sliced english cucumbers, sliced tomatoes, fresh bean sprouts, sliced nori sheets, snow peas, and pumpkin seeds.

Great shopping trip today!

2009-01-07T17:29:00.000-08:00

I love pinchingyourpennies.com! They are the best. They compile all the best deals at the grocery stores and match up all the coupons to go with the sales. This week was an excpetional week at Albertsons. So many things were on sale.
I got 4 gogurts, 2lbs butter, 1 doz eggs, 4 ricotta cheeses, 3 boxes toaster strudel, 1 bag green giant veggies with sauce, 8 pasta ronis, 8 rice a ronis, 12 muffin mixes, 8 pancake mixes, 6 boxes of organic cereal, 1 package of razor cartridges, 6 packs of easy ups, and 4 boxes of potatoes. Regular retail price $277. I paid $134.00 and recieved $85.00 in catalina coupons to use like cash on future purchases. What a deal! At QFC they had Campbells Select Harvest soup for $1.25, I had $1 off coupons for them along with coupons for the other soup. So 21 cans of soup for $8.50!