tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-73115109035114117892024-03-13T22:57:17.060-04:00All Home Cooking: Weight Watchers StyleI'm losing it! Come along with me as I lose weight while cooking from scratch...on a tight budget!Michellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08918988529379477313noreply@blogger.comBlogger331125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7311510903511411789.post-56141741653776463122011-04-14T17:42:00.000-04:002011-04-14T17:42:52.875-04:00Really getting creative here...So last fall, I picked up this box of instant hot apple cider mix packets. <br />
<br />
Let's just say they didn't go over swimmingly in my house. <br />
<br />
So they're still here.<br />
<br />
I wanted to make sugar cookies for my sugary-sweet children. Then, I spied the apple cider packets in the pantry.<br />
<br />
And I thought, "I wonder what that would be like."<br />
<br />
So I made cookies. With apple cider mix in them. <br />
<br />
I wonder if anyone will bravely try this "recipe" of mine...<br />
<br />
Ahem...Apple Cider Cookies<br />
<br />
What You Need:<br />
<ul><li>3/4 cup softened butter</li>
<li>2/3 cup granulated sugar</li>
<li>4 individual packets of apple cider mix</li>
<li>1 large egg</li>
<li>1 tsp vanilla extract</li>
<li>2 tsp baking powder</li>
<li>1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour</li>
<li>cinnamon and sugar for rolling the cookies</li>
</ul>How it's Done:<br />
<ol><li>Preheat the oven to 375 degrees.</li>
<li>Beat butter and sugar and cider mix. Add egg and vanilla. Then, add baking powder and flour.</li>
<li> Roll into balls slightly smaller than ping pong balls. Roll in sugar.</li>
<li>Bake ten minutes.</li>
</ol>Michellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08918988529379477313noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7311510903511411789.post-2680467325511769432011-04-12T07:22:00.000-04:002011-04-12T07:22:13.897-04:00Use It or Lose It Day 5<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-hixOMU_5Yrs/TaMM7sk6YOI/AAAAAAAACVA/bzVZ4n3epHE/s1600/Pantry+Challenge+Logo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="202" r6="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-hixOMU_5Yrs/TaMM7sk6YOI/AAAAAAAACVA/bzVZ4n3epHE/s320/Pantry+Challenge+Logo.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">No recipe to share today, but I wanted to update anyway to show what we used today. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Breakfast: cottage cheese, egg, and whole wheat toast with butter</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Lunch: refried beans (from last night's pinto beans) with Flat Out wrap and Queso Fresco; cucumber slices</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Dinner: turkey burger on whole wheat bread (no buns!); oven-baked potato wedges; brussels sprouts </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Snack: fruit cocktail</span>Michellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08918988529379477313noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7311510903511411789.post-45864121669528411222011-04-11T10:12:00.000-04:002011-04-11T10:12:25.582-04:00Pinto Beans in Smoky Tomato Sauce (Use it/Lose it day 4)<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-OQGOU1p00Ns/TaMMNHvEG6I/AAAAAAAACU8/pqq32UCXe3s/s1600/Pantry+Challenge+Logo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="202" r6="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-OQGOU1p00Ns/TaMMNHvEG6I/AAAAAAAACU8/pqq32UCXe3s/s320/Pantry+Challenge+Logo.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Breakfast: Cheese Grits and milk</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><br />
</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Lunch: Fried Rice (using the one portion of Steak Em I have left, along with the veggies in my house right now)</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><br />
</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Dinner: Pinto Beans in Smoky Tomato Sauce (recipe follows) with rice and green beans</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><br />
</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Snack: Applesauce with cinnamon sprinkled on top</span><br />
<br />
<strong><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;">Pinto Beans in Smoky Tomato Sauce</span></strong><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">(Whole sauce recipe is 3 Points Plus value)</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">What You Need:</span><br />
<ul><li><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">2 cups chopped tomatoes</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">1 Tbsp olive oil</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">1/2 a large onion, chopped</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">1 Tbsp minced garlic</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">1/2 Tbsp chipotle powder</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">salt and pepper to taste</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">cooked pinto beans (1 cup per person should do)</span></li>
</ul><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">How it's Done:</span><br />
<ol><li><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Sautee the onion in the olive oil until soft (about five minutes). Add the garlic, cooking and stirring another 30 seconds. Stir in the seasonings. </span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Serve with pinto beans & rice. Queso fresco is excellent on top.</span></li>
</ol>Michellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08918988529379477313noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7311510903511411789.post-38984515157689810182011-04-10T11:18:00.000-04:002011-04-10T11:18:56.407-04:00Onion Dip with Greek Yogurt (Use it/Lose it day 3)<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-KdllP_WXfZc/TaHIftK5IxI/AAAAAAAACU0/GhyogjFpFB0/s1600/Pantry+Challenge+Logo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="202" r6="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-KdllP_WXfZc/TaHIftK5IxI/AAAAAAAACU0/GhyogjFpFB0/s320/Pantry+Challenge+Logo.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">So far, so good! We've got plenty of food and haven't had to get too creative. Here's what was on the menu for day three:</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Breakfast: </span><a href="http://cookathome2010.blogspot.com/2011/04/blueberry-buttermilk-bread-use-itlose.html"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Blueberry Buttermilk Bread</span></a><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">; vanilla yogurt with blueberries; milk</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><br />
</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Lunch: </span><a href="http://cookathome2010.blogspot.com/2011/01/boiled-water.html"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Boiled Water</span></a><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">; apple wedges with peanut butter</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><br />
</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Dinner: Beef Stir Fry over Rice (used the flank steak from the freezer, the Meyer lemons (called them "oranges") in my produce bin, the Green Giant teriyaki vegetables from the freezer, some fresh broccoli, onions, soy sauce, ginger, and cornstarch to make this)</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><br />
</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Snack: Onion Dip with cucumber slices and raw broccoli (recipe follows)</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><strong>Onion Dip</strong></span><span style="font-size: small;"> - 1 Points Plus value per serving</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Serves 12</span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-eiej2PoMSXA/TaHI0ccrYiI/AAAAAAAACU4/1SFNIu_2ySE/s1600/onion+dip.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="267" r6="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-eiej2PoMSXA/TaHI0ccrYiI/AAAAAAAACU4/1SFNIu_2ySE/s400/onion+dip.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">What You Need:</span><br />
<ul><li><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">1 cup minced onion</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">2 cups plain low-fat Greek yogurt)</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">1/4 cup chopped parsley</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">1/4 cup chopped chives</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">salt and pepper to taste</span></li>
</ul><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">How it's Done:</span><br />
<ol><li><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Combine all the ingredients in a bowl. Cover and chill overnight (or all day). </span></li>
<li style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Serve with veggie sticks, crackers, bread cubes...whatever!</span></li>
</ol><br />
<div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-eiej2PoMSXA/TaHI0ccrYiI/AAAAAAAACU4/1SFNIu_2ySE/s1600/onion+dip.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="267" r6="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-eiej2PoMSXA/TaHI0ccrYiI/AAAAAAAACU4/1SFNIu_2ySE/s400/onion+dip.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>Michellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08918988529379477313noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7311510903511411789.post-61165936772098508242011-04-09T09:16:00.000-04:002011-04-09T09:16:19.869-04:00Blueberry Buttermilk Bread (Use it/Lose it day 2)<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-UGjH1gt5ois/TZ9FIPBP_JI/AAAAAAAACUw/tVWRwiyMdOs/s1600/Pantry+Challenge+Logo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="202" r6="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-UGjH1gt5ois/TZ9FIPBP_JI/AAAAAAAACUw/tVWRwiyMdOs/s320/Pantry+Challenge+Logo.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Breakfast: "fried" egg, cottage cheese patties, milk, and toast with butter</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia;">Lunch: Blueberry Buttermilk Bread (recipe follows), cheddar cheese cubes, and kiwi</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia;">Dinner: cheese ravioli in a light Parmesan white sauce, green beans</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia;">Snack: apple wedges</span><br />
<br />
<em><span style="font-family: Georgia;">This bread is hearty, with a nice biting texture to it. It's not as soft as many blueberry breads, making it ideal for a nontraditional lunch feature...or perfect for brunch. The oats and oat flour add to the texture, and the buttermilk gives it a delicious flavor. Also, most quick bread recipe serving sizes are dismally small. Not this one. I calculated the Points Plus value based on eight servings...a wonderful slice size for this loaf.</span></em><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia;"><span style="font-size: large;"><strong>Blueberry Buttermilk Bread</strong></span> - 4 Points Plus value</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia;">Serves 8</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-IIDQ3ySrzQ8/TZ88JKc_6mI/AAAAAAAACUs/VoCbjcsDeWk/s1600/blueberry+buttermilk.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="267" r6="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-IIDQ3ySrzQ8/TZ88JKc_6mI/AAAAAAAACUs/VoCbjcsDeWk/s400/blueberry+buttermilk.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia;">What You Need:</span><br />
<ul><li><span style="font-family: Georgia;">1 cup frozen blueberries (or fresh...I had frozen on hand) tossed with 1 Tbsp flour</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Georgia;">1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Georgia;">1/2 cup rolled oats, plus 1/4 cup oat flour (process oats into a flour and then measure it)</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Georgia;">1/4 tsp sea salt</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Georgia;">3/4 cup granulated sugar</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Georgia;">1 Tbsp baking powder</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Georgia;">1 tsp vanilla extract</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Georgia;">1 cup buttermilk (you can use 1 Tbsp lemon juice or vinegar in a cup of milk, if you prefer)</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Georgia;">2 large eggs, lightly beaten</span></li>
</ul><span style="font-family: Georgia;">How it's Done:</span><br />
<ol><li><span style="font-family: Georgia;">Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Lightly spray an 8x4" loaf pan with nonstick cooking spray. </span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Georgia;">In a large bowl, combine the flour, oats, oat flour, salt, and baking powder. </span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Georgia;">Add the eggs, buttermilk, and vanilla. Stir only until combined. </span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Georgia;">Gently fold in the blueberries. </span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Georgia;">Pour into the loaf pan. Bake 55 to 60 minutes, until pick inserted near center comes out mostly clean (a few crumbs or blueberry can be expected)</span></li>
<li style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><span style="font-family: Georgia;">Cool completely. If you can help yourself, don't eat the loaf until the next day. Quick breads are always better on day two, after they've had a chance to age. </span></li>
</ol><br />
<div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-IIDQ3ySrzQ8/TZ88JKc_6mI/AAAAAAAACUs/VoCbjcsDeWk/s1600/blueberry+buttermilk.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="267" r6="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-IIDQ3ySrzQ8/TZ88JKc_6mI/AAAAAAAACUs/VoCbjcsDeWk/s400/blueberry+buttermilk.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>Michellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08918988529379477313noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7311510903511411789.post-75048781789124203242011-04-08T12:35:00.000-04:002011-04-08T12:35:15.794-04:00Use it/Lose it Day One<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-tGRHpkeTpgM/TZ811hlo4XI/AAAAAAAACUk/cMa77K3dB2M/s1600/Pantry+Challenge+Logo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="202" r6="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-tGRHpkeTpgM/TZ811hlo4XI/AAAAAAAACUk/cMa77K3dB2M/s320/Pantry+Challenge+Logo.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Okay folks. Here we go. The "Use it or Lose it" personal challenge has begun. Here are the results from day one...</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Breakfast: Greek yogurt with granola and bananas </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Lunch: pita bread toasted in olive oil and sprinkled with sea salt, sliced cucumbers and bell peppers, with Greek yogurt-onion dip (recipe coming soon). </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Dinner: Spanish Black Beans and Rice (recipe follows) with sour cream and cheddar cheese; steamed broccoli</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Snack: apple wedges with natural peanut butter</span></div><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><strong>Spanish Black Beans and Rice</strong></span> - 8 Points Plus value (does not include sour cream or cheese)</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Serves 6</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-f-q__aXwytA/TZ848DHCh0I/AAAAAAAACUo/Ylddf9YS3KE/s1600/Spanish+Black+Beans+and+Rice.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="267" r6="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-f-q__aXwytA/TZ848DHCh0I/AAAAAAAACUo/Ylddf9YS3KE/s400/Spanish+Black+Beans+and+Rice.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">What You Need:</span><br />
<ul><li><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">1 cup dried black beans (sorted and rinsed and soaked overnight)</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">1 large onion, minced</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">1 large bell pepper (I chose red), diced</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">1 Tbsp minced garlic</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">2 Tbsp olive oil</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">1 Tbsp salt</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">fresh cracked black pepper to taste</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">1 cup chopped tomato</span></li>
</ul><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">How it's Done:</span><br />
<ol><li><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Cook the beans until almost tender. Puree half of them and return to pot. </span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Meanwhile, saute the onion and pepper in olive oil until tender (about five minutes). Add the garlic and cook and stir another minute or so. </span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Preheat your oven to 350 degrees.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Stir in the tomato, beans, and rice. Tranfer the mixture to a 2 quart baking dish and put it in the oven. Pour water over the mixture until it's completely covered with water. </span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Bake, uncovered, for an hour to an hour and a half, until rice is cooked through. Add more water as needed. </span></li>
<li style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Let cool a few minutes before sprinkling with cilantro or chives or parsley, slicing into squares, and serving.</span></li>
</ol><br />
<div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-f-q__aXwytA/TZ848DHCh0I/AAAAAAAACUo/Ylddf9YS3KE/s1600/Spanish+Black+Beans+and+Rice.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="267" r6="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-f-q__aXwytA/TZ848DHCh0I/AAAAAAAACUo/Ylddf9YS3KE/s400/Spanish+Black+Beans+and+Rice.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>Michellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08918988529379477313noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7311510903511411789.post-55362298468152909862011-04-07T19:17:00.001-04:002011-04-10T16:55:05.091-04:00Use It or Lose It<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Normally, I don't play the "pantry challenge" game, where a home cook works diligently to use up what's on hand instead of going shopping. I appreciate the sentiment, but what do you gain? You end up with an empty pantry and have to spend more all at once than usual to replenish it. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><br />
</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">No, I prefer to shop regularly and keep a well-stocked pantry.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><br />
</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Usually.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><br />
</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">But I find myself in the position of needing to use up what's on hand, because we're moving to Germany in about ten weeks. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><br />
</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">It's use it or lose it time. Well, no. That's not quite accurate. It's use it or donate it time. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><br />
</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">I'm going to spend the next ten weeks making meals out of what's on hand (and buying fresh foods as needed, such as fruits, vegetables, dairy, eggs, and bread). I'll update as frequently as I can and share my menu with you. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><br />
</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Whatever's left right before we leave Georgia will be donated to a local food bank. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><br />
</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Here's what I'm starting with:</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><br />
</span><br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><u><strong><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Pantry:</span></strong></u></div><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><br />
</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Baking Goods:</span><br />
<ul><li><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">12 pounds flour (some all-purpose and some whole wheat)</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">3 pounds granulated sugar</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">1 pound confectioner's sugar</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">1 pound light brown sugar</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">roughly 500 packets of Splenda</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><strike>20 packets of Truvia</strike></span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">1 1/2 cups egg replacer</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">a small box of baking soda</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">brand-new can of baking powder</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">3 pounds masa harina</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">2 pounds corn meal</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">1 cup walnut halves</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">12 oz unsweetened shredded coconut</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">box of unflavored gelatin</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">1 1/2 pounds all-vegetable shortening</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">can of cooking spray</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">about 1 1/2 liters extra virgin olive oil</span></li>
</ul><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">beans & rice</span><br />
<ul><li><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">2 1/2 pounds dried black beans</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">2 pounds dried great northern beans</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><strike>1 pound dried pinto beans</strike></span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">1 pounds dried lentils</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><strike>5</strike> 4 pounds white sushi rice</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">2 1/2 pounds organic harvest medley rice</span></li>
</ul><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Breakfast stuff:</span><br />
<br />
<ul><li><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">most of a box of Fiber One Raisin Bran Clusters</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">1 cup oat bran</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">1/2 pound of grits</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">1 pound of old-fashioned oats</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><strike>6 oz cherry vanilla granola</strike></span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><strike>4 ox chocolate delight granola</strike></span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">enough Fiber One pancake mix to make about 8 pancakes</span></li>
</ul><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Beverage stuff:</span><br />
<br />
<ul><li><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><strike>4</strike> 3 packets of Crystal Light</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">a box of iced tea bags</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">an unopened box of apple cider mix</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><strike>enough mocha mix for four to six cups of mocha</strike></span></li>
</ul><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Canned / Boxed goods:</span><br />
<br />
<ul><li><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><strike>2</strike> large can<strike>s</strike> diced tomatoes</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">a large can of fruit cocktail</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">small can cranberry sauce</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">1 box Betty crocker instant potatoes</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><strike>2</strike> box<strike>es</strike> instant pudding mix</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">popping corn</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">popping corn oil</span></li>
</ul><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Pasta:</span><br />
<br />
<ul><li><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><strike>4 servings easy mac</strike> (I know, I know)</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">1/3 pounds mini rotelle wheels</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">1 pound mini farfalle</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">1 pound whole wheat rotini</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">1 pound elbow macaroni</span></li>
</ul><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Plus various spices and seasonings.</span><br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;"><u><strong>Freezer</strong></u></span></div><br />
<ul><li><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><strike>12 oz frozen blueberries</strike></span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><strike>1/2 pound fordhook lima beans</strike></span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">32 oz All Whites</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">frozen minced parsley and chives</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">coffee beans</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><strike>box of Green Giant teriyaki vegetables</strike></span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><strike>1 serving of peas and corn in herb butter sauce</strike></span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><strike>cheese ravioli</strike></span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">pork roast</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">box of turkey burgers</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">1 pound Brussels sprouts</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">1 pound corn</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">large chicken</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><strike>flank steak</strike></span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">family pack chicken drumsticks</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><strike>1 or 2 servings of Steak Ems</strike></span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><strike>some marrow bones for the dogs</strike></span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">5 lb black eyed peas</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><strike>5</strike> 4 pounds green beans</span></li>
</ul><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Because the stock is constantly changing, I won't list the contents of my fridge. It has lots of fresh fruits, veggies, butter, eggs, milk, cheese, yogurt, and condiments, and always will (well...the very last week we'll be lacking, I'm sure).</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><strike>Another benefit of doing this? The potential government shutdown will impact my husband's Army pay. If we go into shut down mode, we get no pay. Fun times.</strike> (phew)</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">So here goes. I've got a recipe for Spanish black beans and rice to share with you tomorrow...and some blueberry bread this weekend!</span>Michellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08918988529379477313noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7311510903511411789.post-19200793372751959962011-03-27T13:58:00.000-04:002011-03-27T13:58:10.835-04:00Getting Back to Business<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Thank you for all of your support in this difficult time. I'm getting to a place where my medications are levelling out in my system and I feel pretty good. I've been so sick of being out of commission! It was really nice to get back in the kitchen and create a meal today. I hope you enjoy it! ...and expect more, because I'm ready to get back to cooking!</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia;">Spanish tortilla is a potato and egg dish, not a tortilla like we use in Mexican cuisine. Don't worry about all the olive oil you use making it. Once you drain it off, it ends up only being 1/4 of a cup for six servings.</span><br />
<br />
<strong><span style="font-family: Georgia; font-size: large;">Spanish Tortilla</span></strong><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia;">Serves 6 (5 Points Plus value per serving)</span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-tyWfUxbsD6Y/TY96Y-tBBRI/AAAAAAAACUM/Rrtu7_4bgcg/s1600/Spanish+Tortilla.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="0" r6="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-tyWfUxbsD6Y/TY96Y-tBBRI/AAAAAAAACUM/Rrtu7_4bgcg/s400/Spanish+Tortilla.jpg" width="0" /></a></div><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia;">What You Need:</span><br />
<ul><li><span style="font-family: Georgia;">1 cup olive oil</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Georgia;">1 lb peeled and thinly sliced potatoes</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Georgia;">1 medium onion, thinly sliced</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Georgia;">8 large eggs, beaten</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Georgia;">salt and pepper to taste</span></li>
</ul><span style="font-family: Georgia;">How it's Done:</span><br />
<ul><li><span style="font-family: Georgia;">Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat until it glistens. After a few minutes, add the potatoes and onions, turning them over with a spatula to coat evenly. Season with salt and pepper.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Georgia;">Cook the potatoes and onions, turning every few minutes so as not to allow them to brown. You want the potatoes to soften so that they are easily pierced with a fork.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Georgia;">Meanwhile, beat the eggs and season them with salt and pepper. Heat your oven to 350 degrees (this is the easiest way to finish cooking the tortilla).</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Georgia;">Once the potatoes are fork tender, drain them in a colander over a bowl, reserving the oil. </span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Georgia;">Pour about two tablespoons of the reserved oil back into the skillet and return the potatoes and onions to the skillet. Place over medium heat. </span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Georgia;">Pour the beaten eggs over the potatoes. Cook, undisturbed, about eight to ten minutes at medium-low, until the edges are set. </span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Georgia;">Slide your spatula around the edges and under the tortilla to loosen it from the skillet.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Georgia;">Move the skillet to the preheated oven and finish cooking (about ten minutes).</span></li>
<li style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><span style="font-family: Georgia;">Slice and serve.</span></li>
</ul><br />
<div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-tyWfUxbsD6Y/TY96Y-tBBRI/AAAAAAAACUM/Rrtu7_4bgcg/s1600/Spanish+Tortilla.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="0" r6="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-tyWfUxbsD6Y/TY96Y-tBBRI/AAAAAAAACUM/Rrtu7_4bgcg/s400/Spanish+Tortilla.jpg" width="0" /></a></div>Michellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08918988529379477313noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7311510903511411789.post-56514273639793637302011-03-07T08:07:00.000-05:002011-03-07T08:07:54.468-05:00I Have..<a href="http://rightfoot-leftfoot.blogspot.com/2011/03/i-have.html">a post I'd love for you to read</a>. It will help explain where I've been. Later, I'm making slow cooker cheeseburger soup, a recipe I intend to share with you here. Once again, I appreciate your support and patience. This has been a trying time for my family and me. Hang in there with me. Recipes are coming back. :) I miss you!!Michellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08918988529379477313noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7311510903511411789.post-65332263350193115762011-02-22T09:29:00.000-05:002011-02-22T09:29:11.140-05:00Weekly Shopping Trip + Lupus<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Just to catch you up: I've not been posting really at all lately, save for some shopping trip reports and a giveaway. I have been cooking. Yesterday I made a delicious meal that I couldn't get a picture of but am going to repeat next week just so I can share it with you. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia;">But mostly, I've been in bed. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia;">I'm in the process of being diagnosed with lupus. I guess it's early to say that, as it can take years to diagnose. But all my symptoms seem to point to lupus. I'm exhausted all the time, and that's the worst part. I see the rhumatologist at the end of March. Hopefully, he will have some treatment for me. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia;">Until then, please be patient with me. I'll do everything I can. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia;">Now then...</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia;">My weekly shopping trip. $20 just doesn't go very far these days <u>when you want to buy only natural foods</u>, does it? Sure, I could coupon myself to death and get huge deals on dry cereals, cake mixes, cookies, and stuff like that. But try to stay on the outside of the aisles and stay in budget. Tricky stuff! It takes planning and sale hunting! Here's what I got for just under $20 this morning:</span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-c8QH9_E-0hU/TWPGNDs3n2I/AAAAAAAACTs/7MSnsLIEw6s/s1600/007.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="267" j6="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-c8QH9_E-0hU/TWPGNDs3n2I/AAAAAAAACTs/7MSnsLIEw6s/s400/007.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">I could have used some lunch meat but I couldn't afford the natural stuff so I went without instead. Here's my list with prices:</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><ul><li><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Georgia;">cheddar sliced cheese, 8 oz $1.69 plus 50 cent coupon on the shelf</span></div></li>
<li><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Georgia;">whole wheat tortillas (8 pack) $1.29</span></div></li>
<li><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Georgia;">Rudi's organic whole wheat bread $1.99 plus a 50 cent coupon on the shelf</span></div></li>
<li><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Georgia;">pure maple syrup $4.09</span></div></li>
<li><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Georgia;">pummelo (giant sweet grapefruit from what I gather, first time trying) $2.00</span></div></li>
<li><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Georgia;">cantaloupe $1.68</span></div></li>
<li><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Georgia;">Empire apples on sale for 50 cents a pound - 2.95 lbs $1.48</span></div></li>
<li><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Georgia;">cucumber 69 cents</span></div></li>
<li><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Georgia;">gallon 1% milk $2.79</span></div></li>
<li><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Georgia;">family size orange juice concentrate $1.89</span></div></li>
</ul><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Georgia;">total with surcharge $19.57</span></div><div align="left" class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">I am really trying to stay away from processed foods as much as possible. I can't stop buying them completely (I mean, I could, but my quality of life would decrease) but I am careful about which ones I spend my money on. I don't do diet foods at all. Doing Weight Watchers without diet foods is not only more satisfying, but it's also showing me superb results on the scale!</span>Michellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08918988529379477313noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7311510903511411789.post-21094175557881001402011-02-17T08:03:00.000-05:002011-02-17T08:03:21.754-05:00Monthly Shopping Trip<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">I did my big monthly shopping trip over the last couple of days. Here's what I bought and what I spent:</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia;">Commissary:</span><br />
<ul><li><span style="font-family: Georgia;">Babybel Cheeses (2) $4.78</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Georgia;">Instant Fat-free Milk $6.96</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Georgia;">Sharp Cheddar Sticks $2.50</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Georgia;">Low-fat Mexican blend cheese $1.89</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Georgia;">Low-fat Italian blend cheese $1.89</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Georgia;">Salted Butter $2.89</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Georgia;">Low-fat Cream Cheese $1.79</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Georgia;">Ice Cream (4) $10.37</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Georgia;">Boxed Frozen Vegetables (4) $3.96</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Georgia;">Bagels (2) $1.50</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Georgia;">Lunchmeat (ham and chicken) $3.50</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Georgia;">Personal Care Items (several) $19.50</span></li>
</ul><span style="font-family: Georgia;">Total with Surcharge = $67.01</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia;">Publix Trip #1 </span><br />
<ul><li><span style="font-family: Georgia;">10-grain bread $2.00</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Georgia;">15-grain bread that I thought was on sale but wasn't $3.89</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Georgia;">diet cola $.79</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Georgia;">bananas (2.5 lb) $1.70</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Georgia;">blueberries $2.99</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Georgia;">strawberries $2.99</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Georgia;">Greek yogurt $3.99</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Georgia;">natural peanut butter $2.69</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Georgia;">ricotta cheese $2.19</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Georgia;">frozen squash $1.39</span></li>
</ul><span style="font-family: Georgia;">Total with tax $25.36</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia;">Publix Trip #2 (to take advantage of some sales this week)</span><br />
<ul><li><span style="font-family: Georgia;">frozen garlic bread (2) $2.79</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Georgia;">Simply Orange with Pineapple (2) $6.00</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Georgia;">bananas (2.86 lb) $1.97</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Georgia;">sliced cheese (cheddar and muenster) $4.00</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Georgia;">strawberries (they're so good right now!) $2.99</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Georgia;">pizza crust that I thought was on sale but wasn't $4.79</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Georgia;">frozen boxed vegetables (3) $3.00</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Georgia;">fresh steam-in-bag veggies (stir fry mix and cauliflower) $2.00</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Georgia;">popping corn (2) $4.69</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Georgia;">Publix brand toilet paper $.01</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Georgia;">diet coke (2) $3.00</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Georgia;">vitamin water zero $1.49</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Georgia;">pizza crusts that WERE on sale (2) $3.69</span></li>
</ul><span style="font-family: Georgia;">Total with tax = $47.29</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia;">Three trip total = $139.66</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia;">I'll need another couple of trips for more fruit, some milk, and some eggs, throughout the month. But I'm really pleased with how my budget is shrinking. I owe this to stocking up on sales, mostly, but also proper planning. I don't use coupons, for the most part. </span>Michellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08918988529379477313noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7311510903511411789.post-55080296223247428602011-02-14T06:31:00.000-05:002011-02-14T06:31:21.618-05:00CSN Giveaway WINNER!<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;">Happy Valentine's Day, Lovelies! </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;">The winner of my latest CSN Stores giveaway is......</span><br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-bF6VzxvbkOE/TVkSMb1dLuI/AAAAAAAACTQ/epAN8QdMfAA/s1600/csn+winner.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" h5="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-bF6VzxvbkOE/TVkSMb1dLuI/AAAAAAAACTQ/epAN8QdMfAA/s1600/csn+winner.png" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-j6fZgWnmbNU/TVkSN46f5aI/AAAAAAAACTU/BeIlfYzFbKw/s1600/andrea+wins.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" h5="true" height="95" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-j6fZgWnmbNU/TVkSN46f5aI/AAAAAAAACTU/BeIlfYzFbKw/s400/andrea+wins.png" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;">Andrea, congratulations! I'm so happy for you! I hope you enjoy your prize!</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Georgia; font-size: large;">If you didn't win, don't lose heart. I'll host another giveaway really soon!</span></div>Michellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08918988529379477313noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7311510903511411789.post-18713190401363661422011-02-07T08:41:00.000-05:002011-02-07T08:41:24.812-05:00A Valentine's Day Present for my Readers<div align="center"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: x-large;">It's time for a....</span></div><div align="center"><br />
</div><div align="center"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: x-large;">GIVEAWAY!</span></div><div align="center"></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Dear Friends,</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Georgia;">This will be our second Valentine's Day together! Thank you for visiting my humble little blog. Thank you for your encouraging comments -- I love it when you leave me notes! To celebrate YOU, readers, I've teamed up with <a href="http://www.csnstores.com/">CSN Stores</a> again. I'm giving away a $50 code good at any of CSN's <a href="http://www.csnstores.com/ourstores.asp">200+ sites</a>!</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Georgia;">What will you use your code for? It's up to you! Here's how to enter:</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><ol><li><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Georgia;">Be a public follower of this blog via Google Friend Connect. This is mandatory for entry. Leave a comment. Be sure I can contact you, either via your Blogger profile or by leaving your email address in your comment. </span></div></li>
<li><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Georgia;">Extra Entry: Leave a link to the product you'd most like to buy from any CSN site. Again, make sure I can contact you if you're the winner!</span></div></li>
<li><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Georgia;">Another extra entry: Tell me how you plan to celebrate Valentine's Day this year, either with your partner or your child, or your friend, or yourself!</span></div></li>
</ol><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Georgia;">This giveaway is open to US residents only. I will use Random.org to select a winner from all entrants on Sunday, February 13, 2011. All entries must be received NO LATER THAN 11:59 p.m. Eastern on Saturday, February 12, 2011. </span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Georgia;">Best of luck! And thanks again!</span></div>Michellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08918988529379477313noreply@blogger.com40tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7311510903511411789.post-60921355631529078462011-01-28T07:54:00.000-05:002011-01-28T07:54:07.630-05:00Spicy Lentil & Sausage Soup<em><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"></span></em><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_F_AA0sTUxa4/TUK7qDdF-ZI/AAAAAAAACRQ/pP2BZvHNnrE/s1600/lentil+sausage+soup+6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="267" s5="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_F_AA0sTUxa4/TUK7qDdF-ZI/AAAAAAAACRQ/pP2BZvHNnrE/s400/lentil+sausage+soup+6.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<em><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Ode to a Lentil</span></em><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Lentil, your wholesome. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Lentil, you're tasty. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Lentil, you make my</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Dinnertime hasty.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Okay, so I'm no Robert Frost. But I do love me some lentils! And what's not to love? They're nutritional powerhouses. They're just about as cheap as food comes these days. They're versatile. They're quick. And they're delicious. This soup has just three main ingredients, yet the flavors that come out of it suggest a much more complex recipe. Warm your belly and your taste buds this winter. Belly up to a bowl of lentil soup. Here's a great way to make it. </span><br />
<br />
<strong><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;">Spicy Lentil & Sausage Soup</span></strong><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Serves 4 or 6 (8 Points Plus value at 4 servings; 5 Points Plus Value at 6 servings)</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_F_AA0sTUxa4/TUK7l191kgI/AAAAAAAACRI/Kc1nu1kZ1mU/s1600/lentil+sausage+soup+5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="267" s5="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_F_AA0sTUxa4/TUK7l191kgI/AAAAAAAACRI/Kc1nu1kZ1mU/s400/lentil+sausage+soup+5.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">What You Need:</span><br />
<ul><li><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">1 lb turkey sausage (hot is what I used)</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">1 cup dry lentils</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">6 cups chicken stock (homemade is best by far)</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">salt & pepper to taste</span></li>
</ul><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">How it's Done:</span><br />
<ol><li><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Brown the turkey sausage, but do not drain when you're done. </span></li>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_F_AA0sTUxa4/TUK7eVrN8HI/AAAAAAAACQ8/0U77zA2S8c0/s1600/lentil+sausage+soup+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="267" s5="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_F_AA0sTUxa4/TUK7eVrN8HI/AAAAAAAACQ8/0U77zA2S8c0/s400/lentil+sausage+soup+1.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><li><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Add the chicken stock.</span></li>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_F_AA0sTUxa4/TUK7hlvJZYI/AAAAAAAACRA/IDx8kosqp5Y/s1600/lentil+sausage+soup+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="267" s5="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_F_AA0sTUxa4/TUK7hlvJZYI/AAAAAAAACRA/IDx8kosqp5Y/s400/lentil+sausage+soup+2.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><li><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Add the lentils.</span></li>
<li style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Bring to a boil. Reduce heat. Cover and cook, stirring occasionally, for about 30 minutes, or until lentils are tender but not mushy. </span></li>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_F_AA0sTUxa4/TUK7oSC63vI/AAAAAAAACRM/SpNxuh7Qg24/s1600/lentil+sausage+soup+4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="267" s5="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_F_AA0sTUxa4/TUK7oSC63vI/AAAAAAAACRM/SpNxuh7Qg24/s400/lentil+sausage+soup+4.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><li style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">If the soup is too thick, add more stock. I like mine thick. Salt and pepper to taste before serving. </span></li>
</ol><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_F_AA0sTUxa4/TUK7qDdF-ZI/AAAAAAAACRQ/pP2BZvHNnrE/s1600/lentil+sausage+soup+6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="267" s5="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_F_AA0sTUxa4/TUK7qDdF-ZI/AAAAAAAACRQ/pP2BZvHNnrE/s400/lentil+sausage+soup+6.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">One year ago: <a href="http://cookathome2010.blogspot.com/2010/01/buttermilk-breadand-note.html">Buttermilk Bread</a></span></div>Michellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08918988529379477313noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7311510903511411789.post-27797925270480653842011-01-27T09:57:00.000-05:002011-01-27T09:57:05.459-05:00Menu Plan: 1/26 through 2/2<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">A day late, but here nonetheless. Here's my weekly menu plan for dinner:</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia;">Wednesday (yesterday): <a href="http://cookathome2010.blogspot.com/2011/01/pasta-with-vodka-sauceon-weight.html">Pasta with Vodka Sauce</a></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia;">Thursday (today): Crock Pot Italian Chicken & Veggies on Rotini; Whole Wheat dinner roll</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia;">Friday: Burgers on Sandwich Thins & <a href="http://cookathome2010.blogspot.com/2010/08/diner-food.html">Sweet Potato Oven Fries</a></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia;">Saturday: Spanish Tortilla & baked apple pancake</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia;">Sunday: Classic American Pot Roast</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia;">Monday: Leftovers</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia;">Tuesday: Lentil Soup with Turkey Sausage</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia;">Wednesday: Steak, Fries, Broccoli, and Dinner Rolls</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia;">What's on your menu this week? Are you trying anything new?</span>Michellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08918988529379477313noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7311510903511411789.post-31121685755858441752011-01-27T08:46:00.000-05:002011-01-27T08:46:37.377-05:00Pasta with Vodka Sauce...on Weight Watchers!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_F_AA0sTUxa4/TUF2er0PySI/AAAAAAAACQw/Mi9Un1AIyrU/s1600/vodka+sauce+5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="267" s5="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_F_AA0sTUxa4/TUF2er0PySI/AAAAAAAACQw/Mi9Un1AIyrU/s400/vodka+sauce+5.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">I want to take minute to talk to you all about one of most dieter's pet peeves. The ever-present Food Police. You know the type. They are always asking things like, "Should you be eating that?" or "Are you allowed to eat that on Weight Watchers?" or "Isn't that high in fat/calories/carbs?"</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia;">First: If you love a person and truly have their best interest at heart, phrase the question nicely, calmly, and in a caring manner. We might still snip at you, but your intentions will show through and we'll appreciate the support. I mean, if I was about to sit down to a pan full of brownies, I'd want my husband to ask me if I really thought that was a good idea. I would want the support. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia;">But if I'm sitting down to a brownie a la mode, with a big ol' grin on my happy face, I've already counted the points values for those items on my plate. I've planned. I've sacrificed. And gosh darn it, I'm going to enjoy every bite of it. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia;">And I'm allowed to eat whatever I want to eat. Even brownies. Even a la mode. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia;">And so Food Police asking if I can/should/really want to/am allowed to eat that decadent dessert are just nosy and rude. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia;">Weight Watchers isn't about deprivation. As a matter of fact, we're encouraged to treat ourselves, however we see fit, every week, even!</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia;">This recipe uses vodka sauce. Vodka sauce has heavy whipping cream in it! Yes, even heavy whipping cream has a place in Weight Watchers. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia;">This is a Weight Watchers recipe, mildly modified to suit what I had on hand. And it goes from pan to table in the time it takes to cook the pasta!</span><br />
<br />
<strong><span style="font-family: Georgia; font-size: large;">Pasta with Vodka Sauce</span></strong><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia;">Serves 6 (9 Points Plus value per serving)</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_F_AA0sTUxa4/TUF2ccBXDXI/AAAAAAAACQs/gRBBbF3G9sk/s1600/vodka+sauce+4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="267" s5="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_F_AA0sTUxa4/TUF2ccBXDXI/AAAAAAAACQs/gRBBbF3G9sk/s400/vodka+sauce+4.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia;">What You Need:</span><br />
<ul><li><span style="font-family: Georgia;">12 oz pasta (penne is traditional but use what you have)</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Georgia;">2 Tbsp extra virgin olive oil</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Georgia;">1/4 cup minced onion</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Georgia;">2 cloves garlic, minced</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Georgia;">3 Tbsp tomato paste</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Georgia;">1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Georgia;">salt & pepper to taste</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Georgia;">1/4 cup (2 oz) vodka</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Georgia;">1/2 cup heavy whipping cream</span></li>
</ul><span style="font-family: Georgia;">How it's Done:</span><br />
<ol><li><span style="font-family: Georgia;">Cook pasta al dente and drain.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Georgia;">Meanwhile, heat the oil in a skillet over medium heat. Saute' the onion and garlic for three minutes. </span></li>
<li style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><span style="font-family: Georgia;">Add the tomato paste, parsley, salt, and pepper. Cook and stir for about five minutes, scraping the bottom of the pan. </span></li>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_F_AA0sTUxa4/TUF2VWO8QHI/AAAAAAAACQg/1kTHXKjYvdQ/s1600/vodka+sauce+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="267" s5="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_F_AA0sTUxa4/TUF2VWO8QHI/AAAAAAAACQg/1kTHXKjYvdQ/s400/vodka+sauce+1.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><li style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><span style="font-family: Georgia;">Pour in the vodka, cook and stir, scraping the bottom of the pan, for three minutes.</span></li>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_F_AA0sTUxa4/TUF2ZCLM59I/AAAAAAAACQk/cq-BPXCeVP8/s1600/vodka+sauce+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="267" s5="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_F_AA0sTUxa4/TUF2ZCLM59I/AAAAAAAACQk/cq-BPXCeVP8/s400/vodka+sauce+2.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><li><span style="font-family: Georgia;">Reduce the heat to low and stir in the cream. Cook and stir three more minutes.</span></li>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_F_AA0sTUxa4/TUF2bHpqTsI/AAAAAAAACQo/xh7xX78Ehwg/s1600/vodka+sauce+3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="267" s5="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_F_AA0sTUxa4/TUF2bHpqTsI/AAAAAAAACQo/xh7xX78Ehwg/s400/vodka+sauce+3.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><li style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><span style="font-family: Georgia;">Toss sauce with the pasta. Yields about one cup per serving.</span></li>
</ol><br />
<div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_F_AA0sTUxa4/TUF2er0PySI/AAAAAAAACQw/Mi9Un1AIyrU/s1600/vodka+sauce+5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="267" s5="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_F_AA0sTUxa4/TUF2er0PySI/AAAAAAAACQw/Mi9Un1AIyrU/s400/vodka+sauce+5.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>Michellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08918988529379477313noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7311510903511411789.post-19711943857420332662011-01-24T10:36:00.000-05:002011-01-24T10:36:23.107-05:00Announcing Something Exciting...<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_F_AA0sTUxa4/TT2bgDZOoHI/AAAAAAAACQQ/GNbokssnzrE/s1600/CSN_Stores_Logo.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" s5="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_F_AA0sTUxa4/TT2bgDZOoHI/AAAAAAAACQQ/GNbokssnzrE/s1600/CSN_Stores_Logo.gif" /></a></div><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">What would you do with a cool $50 from CSN Stores? Would you pick up a new <a href="http://www.luggage.com/Messenger-Bags-C53104.html">laptop messenger bag</a>?</span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_F_AA0sTUxa4/TT2ZtC2qV2I/AAAAAAAACQM/8VYWraOANbo/s1600/Deluxe%252BDJ%252BLaptop%252BBag%252Bin%252BGrey.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" s5="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_F_AA0sTUxa4/TT2ZtC2qV2I/AAAAAAAACQM/8VYWraOANbo/s1600/Deluxe%252BDJ%252BLaptop%252BBag%252Bin%252BGrey.jpg" /></a></div><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Or maybe you're in the market for a new <a href="http://www.csnstores.com/Baker's-Racks-l57.html">baker's rack</a>. This one would look stylish in the kitchen!</span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_F_AA0sTUxa4/TT2bjWCHTOI/AAAAAAAACQU/Hbyibyx4VOQ/s1600/Decorative%252BII%252BBakers%252BRack%252Bwith%252BWine%252BStorage.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" s5="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_F_AA0sTUxa4/TT2bjWCHTOI/AAAAAAAACQU/Hbyibyx4VOQ/s320/Decorative%252BII%252BBakers%252BRack%252Bwith%252BWine%252BStorage.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">No matter what you're looking for, you can find it at <a href="http://csnstores.com/">csnstores.com</a>. I've been fortunate to work with <a href="http://www.csnstores.com/">CSN stores</a> as a preferred blogger for several months now, doing giveaways and reviews. I think very highly of the company, and I look forward to giving one of my lucky readers the chance to get to know <a href="http://www.csnstores.com/">CSN Stores</a>, too. Look for the giveaway very soon!</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div>Michellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08918988529379477313noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7311510903511411789.post-63750571693716335192011-01-23T18:54:00.000-05:002011-01-23T18:54:18.031-05:00Breakfast for Dinner<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_F_AA0sTUxa4/TTy_YaYxaTI/AAAAAAAACQE/eYa4CDR12to/s1600/baked+apples+done.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="322" s5="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_F_AA0sTUxa4/TTy_YaYxaTI/AAAAAAAACQE/eYa4CDR12to/s400/baked+apples+done.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">A really great way to stretch your grocery budget AND to make your family think they're getting a great treat is to serve breakfast for dinner. I do it once a week now. I was afraid that when I started Weight Watchers, I'd have to give up my breakfast for dinner routine. As a matter of fact, I thought I'd have to give up a lot of things. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia;">As it turns out, I gave up nothing, except for 35 pounds so far (since mid-September). I still eat everything I used to eat. I just watch my portion sizes. I have never, not once, felt deprived, or "on a diet" since beginning with Weight Watchers. And that's key to sticking to a weight loss plan, isn't it? Feeling satisfied!</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia;">Last night, we had pumpkin waffles (two waffles each, for just 5 points!) and baked apples. It was delicious, satisfying, and belly-warming on that cold winter night. I want to share with you the recipe for baked apples. I modified it slightly from the original Weight Watchers recipe, but the Points Plus value remains the same. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia; font-size: large;">Baked Apples</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia;">serves 6 (5 points each)</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia;">What You Need:</span><br />
<ul><li><span style="font-family: Georgia;">6 apples (I used red delicious, because they were on sale!)</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Georgia;">12 Tbsp raisins</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Georgia;">1 Tbsp ground cinnamon</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Georgia;">1 cup apple cider</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Georgia;">2 Tbsp maple syrup</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Georgia;">1/4 cup fat-free vanilla yogurt</span></li>
<li style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><span style="font-family: Georgia;">2 Tbsp chopped toasted pecans</span></li>
</ul><span style="font-family: Georgia;">How it's Done:</span><br />
<ol><li><span style="font-family: Georgia;">Preheat your oven to 350 degrees.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Georgia;">Cut a small slice off the bottom of each apple, so that it stands up straight in your baking dish.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Georgia;">Scoop out the core with a knife and spoon or a melon baller, but leave the bottom intact. </span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Georgia;">Fill each apple with 2 Tbsp raisins. Sprinkle them with the cinnamon.</span></li>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_F_AA0sTUxa4/TTy_Wn_pVuI/AAAAAAAACQA/GV4SHwQv6dA/s1600/Baked+Apples+1+stuffed.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="267" s5="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_F_AA0sTUxa4/TTy_Wn_pVuI/AAAAAAAACQA/GV4SHwQv6dA/s400/Baked+Apples+1+stuffed.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><li style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><span style="font-family: Georgia;">Combine the cider and maple syrup. Pour this around the apples.</span></li>
<li style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><span style="font-family: Georgia;">Bake, uncovered, for about an hour. Baste the apples with the syrup/juice mixture every ten minutes. </span></li>
<li style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><span style="font-family: Georgia;">Top each apple with 1 Tbsp yogurt and 1 tsp chopped pecans. Serve immediately.</span></li>
</ol><br />
<div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_F_AA0sTUxa4/TTy_YaYxaTI/AAAAAAAACQE/eYa4CDR12to/s1600/baked+apples+done.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="322" s5="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_F_AA0sTUxa4/TTy_YaYxaTI/AAAAAAAACQE/eYa4CDR12to/s400/baked+apples+done.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>Michellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08918988529379477313noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7311510903511411789.post-78537005313950434962011-01-22T17:27:00.000-05:002011-01-22T17:27:44.563-05:00Pardon My Dust<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;">...I'm changing some things on the blog. Weight Watchers is important to me. It's already helped me to lose over 35 pounds. Now, I'm reaching out and sharing my journey. You can expect home-cooked, healthy recipes. No weird processed foods. No added fiber (Fiber One..blech!). Just the same good stuff as always... with Points attached. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;">I'm looking for new blog design items right now, so we're going to have a period of awkward adjustment. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;">It's gonna be a great year!</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;">Michelle</span>Michellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08918988529379477313noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7311510903511411789.post-10974101556122168292011-01-22T12:42:00.000-05:002011-01-22T12:42:02.313-05:00Saturday Baking<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_F_AA0sTUxa4/TTsWRQvGDyI/AAAAAAAACP4/eM_O_Npn2Tk/s1600/Pizelles.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="267" s5="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_F_AA0sTUxa4/TTsWRQvGDyI/AAAAAAAACP4/eM_O_Npn2Tk/s400/Pizelles.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">I got myself a little present. A pizelle maker. I've been waiting until Saturday to use it, because my Weight Watchers Points reset on Saturdays, and it's the day I've designating for relaxing my eating AND for baking. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia;">So I made some yummy cookies. </span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_F_AA0sTUxa4/TTsWK1QTueI/AAAAAAAACPw/2-VWWOgOiMc/s1600/019.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="267" s5="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_F_AA0sTUxa4/TTsWK1QTueI/AAAAAAAACPw/2-VWWOgOiMc/s400/019.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><em>This is a messy project. Keep a wash cloth handy.</em></div><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia;">I first tried a pizelle at the home of an Italian friend. She made traditional, anise-flavored cookies. I was impressed not only with the flavor, but also the texture of the cookie and its presentation. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia;">Ever since then, I've wanted a pizelle maker. I got mine from Sears.com for about $50. </span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_F_AA0sTUxa4/TTsWPW34FwI/AAAAAAAACP0/uGSfqMhs4ow/s1600/023.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="267" s5="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_F_AA0sTUxa4/TTsWPW34FwI/AAAAAAAACP0/uGSfqMhs4ow/s400/023.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><em>Pizelle makers' nooks and crannies are much shallower than waffle irons'. </em></div><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia;">Pizelles can be formed into cannoli shells, waffle cones, or any number of finger foods (fruit and cream in pizelle bowls would be gorgeous). However, they're super yummy plain, straight off the cooling rack. And that's how we're eating them today. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia; font-size: large;">Chocolate Pizelles</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia;">makes 24 large cookies, at 3 Weight Watchers Points Plus value each cookie</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia;">What You Need:</span><br />
<ul><li><span style="font-family: Georgia;">1/2 cup butter, melted and cooled (salted sweet cream butter)</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Georgia;">3 large eggs</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Georgia;">3/4 cup plus 2 Tbsp granulated sugar</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Georgia;">3 Tbsp cocoa powder</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Georgia;">1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Georgia;">2 tsp baking powder</span></li>
</ul><span style="font-family: Georgia;">How it's Done:</span><br />
<ol><li><span style="font-family: Georgia;">Plug in and preheat your pizelle maker. Spray it with nonstick cooking spray or brush it with melted butter (only do this before your first batch of the day).</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Georgia;">Beat eggs with sugar until smooth and creamy yellow. Add butter and cocoa powder.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Georgia;">Gently fold in flour and baking powder only until combined.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Georgia;">Drop by heaping tablespoon onto preheated pizelle maker and close the lid.</span></li>
<li style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><span style="font-family: Georgia;">Bake 30 to 45 seconds each batch. Remove from maker with spatula. Cool cookies on wire racks. </span></li>
</ol><br />
<div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_F_AA0sTUxa4/TTsWRQvGDyI/AAAAAAAACP4/eM_O_Npn2Tk/s1600/Pizelles.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="267" s5="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_F_AA0sTUxa4/TTsWRQvGDyI/AAAAAAAACP4/eM_O_Npn2Tk/s400/Pizelles.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>Michellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08918988529379477313noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7311510903511411789.post-73230997291618371252011-01-19T14:10:00.000-05:002011-01-19T14:10:02.714-05:00Menu Plan 1/19 through 1/26<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">To help keep variety in our menus, I've implemented a commonly used strategy in my meal planning. The skeleton of the plan is done for me, and all that's left to do is fill in the blanks. Here's what I mean:</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia;">Every Monday, I'll serve leftovers. On Tuesdays, poultry will make an appearance on my table. Wednesdays will fill us with some sort of beef. Thursdays are reserved for my Crock Pot or a casserole dish, often featuring beans. Fridays are my junky days (made wholesome, of course), with hand-held foods like burgers, pizza, tacos, or a simple pasta dish. Saturdays, it's breakfast for dinner. And Sundays will always feature a traditional roasted family meal, like ham or whole roasted chicken, or roast beef. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia;">Having the plan in place speeds up menu planning and helps me make sure I'm serving a wide variety of foods. Here's what this week looks like:</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia;">Wednesday: Shepherd's Pie</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia;"><br />
Thursday: Slow Cooker Split Pea Soup with Ham<br />
<br />
Friday: Bowties with Sausage and Veggies<br />
<br />
Saturday: Pumpkin Waffles & Baked Apples<br />
<br />
Sunday: Roasted chicken, sweet potatoes, and broccoli<br />
<br />
Monday: Leftovers<br />
<br />
Tuesday: Chicken Soup with Butter Dumplings & Toasted Baguettes with cheese<br />
<br />
Wednesday: Chicken-fried steak, rice, and collard greens<br />
<br />
What's on your menu plan for the week? Do you have a weekly guide like me?</span>Michellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08918988529379477313noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7311510903511411789.post-77117450078183218502011-01-18T12:03:00.000-05:002011-01-18T12:03:23.116-05:00Boiled Water<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">For my birthday, my mother bought me the Bittman book collection, <u>How to Cook Everything</u> and <u>How to Cook Everything Vegetarian</u>. I'm so excited because I love Bittman, his food philosophy and cooking style. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia;">Today, I made the most interesting soup. It's really just bread and water. And Bittman calls it Boiled Water. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia;">And you know what? It's simple. And fast. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia;">And delicious. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia;">It tastes like grilled cheese. Grilled Cheese Soup.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;">Boiled Water</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia;">from <u>How to Cook Everything </u>by Mark Bittman</span><br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_F_AA0sTUxa4/TTXHapY-BhI/AAAAAAAACPU/JHAvUJZyFzI/s1600/002.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="267" n4="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_F_AA0sTUxa4/TTXHapY-BhI/AAAAAAAACPU/JHAvUJZyFzI/s400/002.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><span style="font-family: Georgia;">What You Need:</span><br />
<ul><li><span style="font-family: Georgia;">4 cups of water</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Georgia;">6 to 10 cloves of garlic, crushed (I used minced garlic instead and used 2 Tbsp)</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Georgia;">1 bay leaf (didn't have, so I added some oregano instead)</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Georgia;">salt & pepper to taste</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Georgia;">1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Georgia;">4 thick slices of French or Italian bread, stale (I used a baguette and did three small slices per bowl)</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Georgia;">1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Georgia;">fresh parsley for garnish (I skipped it)</span></li>
</ul><span style="font-family: Georgia;">How it's Done:</span><br />
<ol><li><span style="font-family: Georgia;">Bring to a boil the water with the garlic, salt, pepper, and bay leaf (or oregano). Reduce heat, cover partially and simmer 15 minutes.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Georgia;">Meanwhile, heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Toast bread in it. It's quick, maybe a minute total cooking time. </span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Georgia;">Put the bread in each of four bowls. Sprinkle with the cheese.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Georgia;">Bittman says to strain your broth here. I didn't strain mine. It's up to you.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Georgia;">Ladle one cup of broth over each bowl. Serve immediately.</span></li>
</ol>Michellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08918988529379477313noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7311510903511411789.post-31800455062898823742011-01-14T12:51:00.000-05:002011-01-14T12:51:26.820-05:00Grocery Trip: mid-January through mid-FebruaryI went to three stores (Publix, WalMart, and the post commissary) for my shopping for the month. I did very well, because I bought NO nonsense. Here's what I bought:<br />
<br />
Publix<br />
<br />
Lenders Bagels B1G1F 2 bags @ $2.09<br />
Cabbot Greek Vanilla Yogurt 2 tubs @ $3.99 each<br />
Cabbot Plain Greek Yogurt 1 tub @ $3.99<br />
Ronzoni Healthy Harvest Whole Wheat Rotini 2 @ $1.79 each<br />
Ronzoni bow ties & ziti (B1G1F) 1 each @ $1.39<br />
Hunts Spaghetti Sauce 3 Jars @ $1 each<br />
Whole Grain Cheddar Goldfish $1<br />
Jollytime microwave popcorn @ 1.00 each plus a $.50 coupon, 2 boxes for $1.00<br />
Half ham, $12.71 on sale<br />
Granola, 2 bags (Back to Nature brand) @ $3.59 each<br />
Publix reduced calorie wheat bread, 2 loaves @ $1.69 each<br />
Thomas Whole Wheat English muffins B1G1F, 2 bags @ $3.69<br />
Baguettes from the bakery, 3 @ $1.00 each<br />
<br />
TOTAL @ Publix: $55.76 with tax<br />
<br />
WALMART<br />
<br />
5 lb whole wheat flour $2.72<br />
instant milk $6.23<br />
2 lb lentils @ .98 each<br />
2 lb pinto beans @ $1.08 each<br />
kidney beans $1.16<br />
great Northern beans $1.08 (all beans dried)<br />
canned diced tomatoes, 2 cans @ .63 each<br />
<br />
TOTAL @ Walmart: $17.07 with tax<br />
<br />
POST COMMISSARY<br />
<br />
Keebler Entertaining cracker collection, 2 boxes bought on clearance for $1 each<br />
Dawn dish soap $1.99<br />
automatic dishwasher detergent $2.49<br />
light butter $1.95<br />
Weight Watchers light Mexican blend cheese $1.89<br />
Weight Watchers light 4 cheese blend, 2 bags @ $1.89 each<br />
3 gallons 1% milk @ $2.63 per gallon<br />
2 dozen large eggs @ $1.39 per dozen<br />
large bag frozen broccoli cuts $1.69<br />
frozen chopped collard greens .89<br />
frozen orange juice concentrate .99<br />
whole roaster chicken $5.48 (.89 per pound)<br />
shampoo and conditioner, 1 each @ .79<br />
95% lean ground beef, 1.25 lb $3.42<br />
1 lb flank steak $5.08<br />
3 lb yellow onions $1.59<br />
4 lb sweet potatoes $2.51<br />
golden potatoes, 3 lb @ $1.98<br />
bosc pears, 3 lb, $2.50<br />
1 lb carrots .59<br />
3 lb red delicious apples $1.98<br />
bananas, 5 lb $2.64<br />
<br />
COMMISSARY TOTAL: $59.82 with surcharge<br />
<br />
TOTAL FOR GROCERIES: $132.65<br />
<br />
My budget for the month was $200. So I'm very happy to be so far under budget. It leaves some much-needed breathing room this month.Michellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08918988529379477313noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7311510903511411789.post-372499494967562342011-01-12T15:43:00.001-05:002011-01-12T15:45:18.024-05:00Slow Cooker Turkey Chili<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_F_AA0sTUxa4/TS4PoGxfQUI/AAAAAAAACPA/eVbbG8uCwOQ/s1600/004.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="267" n4="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_F_AA0sTUxa4/TS4PoGxfQUI/AAAAAAAACPA/eVbbG8uCwOQ/s400/004.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Here in Georgia, we've had a major cold snap this week. We had an ice storm (snowstorm for much of northern Georgia) that cancelled school for two days and threatened to take out the electricity (it did manage to take out the cable and Internet). </span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_F_AA0sTUxa4/TS4PUQSS6pI/AAAAAAAACO8/Y_tKcItTse4/s1600/bird+feeder.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="396" n4="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_F_AA0sTUxa4/TS4PUQSS6pI/AAAAAAAACO8/Y_tKcItTse4/s400/bird+feeder.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia;">Weather like that calls for belly-warming food. Belly-warming food on a diet can be tricky. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia;">Enter turkey chili. Warm, filling, hearty, nutritious, low in fat, it's the perfect Crock Pot meal for winter days. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia;">If you think turkey tastes bad (I used to, until I started using only turkey breast), substitute lean beef or ground chicken. Either way, it's delicious. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia;">And cheap. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia; font-size: large;"><strong>Slow Cooker Turkey Chili</strong></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia;">makes a lot. ;) (enough to feed three adults and two children twice, plus leftovers)</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_F_AA0sTUxa4/TS4P40-gbZI/AAAAAAAACPE/gsYn4U1Nl-4/s1600/004.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="267" n4="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_F_AA0sTUxa4/TS4P40-gbZI/AAAAAAAACPE/gsYn4U1Nl-4/s400/004.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia;">What You Need:</span><br />
<ul><li><span style="font-family: Georgia;">1 lb small red beans (or pinto, or kidney, or whatever you feel like using), dried, sorted through and rinsed (or four cans of beans, rinsed and drained)</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Georgia;">2 Tbsp olive oil</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Georgia;">2 large onions, roughly chopped</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Georgia;">2 large bell peppers, roughly chopped</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Georgia;">1 lb ground turkey breast</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Georgia;">2 cans of chili-ready diced tomatoes (do not drain)</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Georgia;">1 can of tomato sauce (4 oz)</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Georgia;">8 oz water</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Georgia;">3 Tbsp chili powder</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Georgia;">1 Tbsp sea salt</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Georgia;">cayenne pepper to taste (up to a teaspoon for hot chili)</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Georgia;">2 tsp dark unsweetened cocoa powder</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Georgia;">1/2 cup brewed coffee (optional, but adds another dimension)</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Georgia;">1/3 cup masa mixed with 1/2 cup cool water</span></li>
</ul><span style="font-family: Georgia;">How it's Done:</span><br />
<ol><li><span style="font-family: Georgia;">If you're using dried beans, cook them. If you're using canned beans, rinse and drain them. I use cooked beans almost always. They're a fraction of the cost of canned, and I've got some <a href="http://rightfoot-leftfoot.blogspot.com/2011/01/happy-new-year.html">financial goals</a> to accomplish this year, so it's dried beans for this household. I digress....</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Georgia;">Heat the oil in a skillet over medium heat. Brown the turkey with the onion and peppers. </span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Georgia;">In the crock of your slow cooker, combine all of the ingredients except for the masa mixed with cool water. That comes later. </span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Georgia;">Cover and cook on low for ten hours. Then, give it a stir, and decide if you want to thicken it up a bit. If so, stir in the masa flour combined with cool water. Cook and stir for a few minutes in the crock. </span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Georgia;">Serve with sour cream and/or cheese, over spaghetti, or with crackers, or however you like your chili. Freeze the leftovers. :)</span></li>
</ol>Michellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08918988529379477313noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7311510903511411789.post-17247187944153494792011-01-12T10:08:00.000-05:002011-01-12T10:08:44.259-05:00Menu Plan for the weekI hope the week has been treating you all well so far. Wednesday is my new menu plan day. It works out better for me because the sales ads come out on Wednesday so it allows me to plan my meals based on sale items. Here's the plan for this week. Later today, I'll be sharing a slow cooker chili recipe, just in time for all this cold weather across the United States. <br />
<br />
Wednesday: Asparagus, Bacon, and Cheddar Fritatta and fresh fruit<br />
<br />
Thursday: Slow Cooker Chicken Burritos<br />
<br />
Friday: Eating with friends -- Chicken & Noodles and dessert<br />
<br />
Saturday: Steak Hash & scrambled eggs<br />
<br />
Sunday: Baked ham, cornbread dressing, broccoli, and dinner rolls<br />
<br />
Monday: Leftovers<br />
<br />
Tuesday: Panko-Parmesan Drumsticks, Sweet Potato Fries, and cooked cabbageMichellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08918988529379477313noreply@blogger.com2