Sunday, October 26, 2008

Menu for Oct 27-31

Here are some pictures from our weekend. We had such a nice day. :D






Monday- Tacos with morning star meatless ground and pintos with cheese......This is the night we start family game night. Mondays stink so i figure that having game night may help make it a happier night.

Tuesday-Lasagna with big slices of hot home made bread and butter. My nephew and niece are coming over for the evening for a little while.

Wednesday- yummy chili with lentils and home made bread....this is church night.

Thursday- Blueberry whole wheat pancakes, egg puffs and chocolate milk....We have no plans this night so I'm thinking we will curl up and watch TV or read a book.

Friday- Pizza and then we will dress up to go out for Halloween. Mckenzie is gonna be a 70's girl, Jacobi is going to be a renaissance girl and Moriah is a pink dinosaur.

Saturday- Party at my aunts house...not sure what dinner will be. Brian is gonna be Batman and I'm gonna be cat woman.

Sunday- Moriah's birthday party and who knows what we will eat.

Saturday, October 25, 2008

Oatmeal Chocolate Chewy Balls

A yummy and healthy snack for on the go!!!!!




Oatmeal Chocolate Chewy Balls






*2c.old fashioned oats


*up to 3/4c.chunky natural peanut butter


*up to 1/2c. raw honey


*up to 1/4c. of chocolate mini-chips




Stir first 4 ingredients together in a medium bowl Optional ingredients.


You may add any of the following;


*2-3T. raw wheat germ


*2-3T finely shredded coconut


*1to2T unbleached flour to help hold the mixture together


*1T sesame seeds, hulled, raw


*1-2T roasted or raw almonds chopped


*Up to 1/4c. raisins or currants


* Crisp rice for crispier consistency




Stir in each optional ingredients into the first mixture, adjusting the amounts until you like the consistency. Form tightly packed but chewy balls in any size you wish.




TIP: If it gets hard to form into balls then wash your hands off and it gets easier.

Friday, October 24, 2008

Do you like my recipe's???











If so then you need to check out my bff blog. I get recipe's from her and she gets them from me. We love to share and talk about whats for dinner. :) I will be posting more of hers and she already has a few of mine on hers that i have yet to post. Try the Mexican cornbread..you wont regret it.








~Butter Bean Burgers~

BUTTER BEAN BURGERS





We made these last night and all liked them except Mckenzie. She said they didn't have much flavor but i didn't put the jalapenos in them because i didn't want them to be to hot for the kids. I liked them. They reminded me and dh of salmon patties. I wouldn't start with this if you are just becoming vegetarian but if your used to eating fake meat and stuff then i think you may like them. You can always add your own special touch to them too. :) We will be making them again soon.






INGREDIENTS:






* 1 (15 ounce) can butter beans, drained



* 1 small onion, chopped



* 1 tablespoon finely chopped jalapeño pepper



* 6 saltine crackers, crushed



* 1 egg, beaten



* 1/2 cup shredded Cheddar cheese



* 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder



* salt and pepper to taste



* 1/4 cup vegetable oil






DIRECTIONS:






1. In a medium bowl, mash butter beans.



Mix in onion, jalapeño pepper, crushed crackers, egg, cheese, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Divide into 4 equal parts, and shape into patties.



2. Heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat; use more or less oil to reach 1/4 inch in depth.



Fry patties until golden, about 5 minutes on each side.

Thursday, October 23, 2008

Home Made Laundry Detergent

Yes, i know....I'm Betty Home maker.(like my pic? LOL) I make my own detergent and cleaners. This detergent works great and its cheap cheap cheap. Pennies a load. Its easy to make and all natural so its perfect for anyone with sensitive skin or that's allergic to most laundry soaps. So, take it from me.....a past Tide snob who had to have her Tide, this soap works great and i will never go back to to store bought detergent when I'm being so thrifty with this and it works just as great. :D



3 Pints Water



1/3 Bar Fels Naptha Soap, Grated



1/2 Cup Washing Soda



1/2 Cup Borax



2 Gallon Bucket



1 Quart Hot Water



Hot Water




Mix Fels Naptha soap in a saucepan with 3 pints of water, and heat on low until dissolved.



Stir in Washing Soda and Borax.
Stir until thickened, and remove from heat.



Add 1 Quart Hot Water to 2 Gallon Bucket.
Add soap mixture, and mix well.



Fill bucket with hot water, and mix well.



Set aside for 24 hours, or until mixture thickens.



Use 1 cup of mixture per load.

Tuesday, October 21, 2008

Our weekly menu + other stuff

Well i was gonna post a pic of our weekend but they didn't turn out SO i will post a few of Cobi's new hair instead. She got it stuck in a comb and we couldn't get it out. MY sis came over and cut it for her and its sooooo cute. :)











I'm gonna start posting our menu for the week so you can see what we eat. Plus i will post a cute pic with it from our weekend or just a pic that i like that doesn't go with anything. I will also use this menu to share what are weekly plans are. Soon i'm hoping i can figure out how to make this blog better and have little sections to click for certain things. It will make it easier to find what you are looking for. :D

Monday- We had pizza at Mr Gatti's pizza place. We met Brians sis and nephew there and had dinner and let the kids play games in the game room.

Tuesday - Today we are having morning star chicken nuggets (fake meat that taste surprisingly real) mashed potatoes, cabbage and fried green tomatoes. We have no plans today except to clean the house and home school Jacobi. I'M also baking a loaf of honey bread for the first time in my bread maker and I'm making us some dried fruit in my new food dehydrator. Hope it turns out well. It will help save money and be lots healthier snacks for the kids.

Wednesday- Tuna on a bed of spinach leaves with fresh veggies and ranch dressing. We are gonna have a busy day because we are going to Natches Trace as a family(field trip) for the day to explore and have a picnic and then we have church that night.

Thursday- I will be making butter bean burgers for the first time and
corn on the cob with fresh green beans fried in EVOO and fresh garlic.

Friday- We always have take out on Fridays because its just a fun way of ending the week. We will be having Tacos or bean burritos and we will watch a movie and eat choc covered raisins.

Saturday- I think we may just thaw a lasagna i made at my last mops meeting and have that for dinner. We also plan to go to a pumpkin patch if its nice outside and spend the day doing all the fun things they have to do. We also want to get a pumpkin and carve it with the kids.

Sunday- I have a baby shower to go to so I'm not sure what will go on this day or what we will be eating.

Sunday, October 19, 2008

PORCUPINE BALLS

PORCUPINE BALLS



1 c. brown rice, uncooked
1 lb. hamburger meat
1/2 c. bell pepper, if desired
1/2 c. chopped onion
2 med cloves of garlic chopped
Salt and pepper to taste

Combine all ingredients and mix well in a large mixing bowl. Make into medium size balls and place in baking dish.

GRAVY:
1 can tomato soup
1 can water
About 4 tbsp. Worcestershire sauce

Mix well and pour over porcupine balls. Make sure all are covered. Cover with foil and bake at 350 degrees until rice is cooked and pops out of balls. Very good served over mashed potatoes


This is my husbands favorite meal that he never gets anymore because we don't eat meat often but i plan to buy some organic beef and make them for his birthday. :) I cant wait to see his face.















Friday, October 17, 2008

COCONUT DESSERT PIZZA

This pizza is a little something i came up with one day when we made the white cheese pizza. We had an extra crust so i decided to make a dessert pizza with it.



What you will need:



Pizza crust

large vanilla pudding

shredded coconut



Make the vanilla pudding according to package. Let chill for 1 hour then spread thick over pizza crust. Sprinkle the coconut shavings over the pizza and bake on 350 for 10-15 min or until hot.



YUMMMYYY!!

EASY DELICIOUS WHITE CHEESE PIZZA

White Cheese Pizza~thanks Prissy

INGREDIENTS:

1 cup of skim ricotta cheese
1/2 cup of Parmesan cheese
2 Tablespoons Fresh Basil ( I really recommend using fresh ) plus additional for garnish
2 Tablespoons minced garlic
1/2 teaspoon of salt
1/2 teaspoon of pepper
Pillsbury Refrigerated crust pizza
1 cup or more of sharp cheddar cheese
1 cup or more of mozzarella cheese
1 cup of diced tomato


DIRECTIONS:

Preheat oven to 450. In a bowl, combine ricotta, Parmesan cheese, basil, garlic, salt and pepper. Place crust on cookie sheet and top evenly with cheese mixture. Sprinkle with remaining cheese; bake until golden (about 10-12) minutes. Sprinkle with tomatoes and chopped basil.

Thursday, October 16, 2008

Baked Egg Puffs (with butternut squash)


Baked Egg Puffs (with butternut squash)


2 eggs
4 egg whites
1/2 cup butternut squash puree (I just steam it and then mix it in the food processor)
2 T. grated cheese
2 T. flour
1/2 tsp. baking powder
1/4 tsp. salt


Preheat the oven to 400. Coat 4 (1/2 cup) ramekins with cooking spray and set on a baking sheet.
In a large bowl, whisk the eggs, egg whites, squash puree, cheese, flour, baking powder and salt until combined. Divide the mixture among the ramekins and bake until the tops are puffed up and the eggs are no longer runny in the center when pierced with the tip of a knife, about 15 minutes. Serve immediately.

Meatless chili with lentils and an article on the health benefits of lentils




Health Benefits of Lentils





That lentils are rich sources of protein, we know. But they are also packed with an impressive array of health benefits we should really care for, instead of gobbling up multi-hued pills.

Antioxidants Lentils are one of the highest sources of antioxidants found in winter growing legumes.
Protein With over a quarter of their nutritional content made up of protein, lentils are a huge protein provider, giving the body what it needs to build new cells and repair any damaged tissues.
Diabetes Diabetics may be interested to know that the soluble fiber in lentils traps carbohydrates. This in turn slows digestion and absorption, which helps to prevent wide swings in blood sugar level throughout the day.
Cholesterol The soluble fiber in lentils also helps eliminate cholesterol, since it binds to it, reducing blood cholesterol levels. There is also evidence to prove that lentils can slow the liver’s manufacture of cholesterol, which similarly helps to reduce levels in the body.
Heart Disease The intake of dietary fiber, particularly from lentils has been known to reduce the risk of coronary heart disease.




LENTIL CHILI




You wont be crying, "Wheres the beef?" with this delicious chili.





boil the lentils for about 5 minutes then put them in the crock pot with

1 can Tomato Sauce


1 can Tomato Paste


1 can kidney beans


1 can great northern beans


2 can (large) Bush's Chili beans


dust the whole top with chili powder and mix... then cook on high for 6 hours and dust again with powder and mix.
You can also use garlic powder, salt and pepper to taste
And we serve it on a bed of Frito's corn chips with shredded cheese and sour creme.
DELICIOUS BLACK BEAN BURRITO


INGREDIENTS (NUTRITION)


* 6 (10 INCH) FLOUR TORTILLAS
* 1/4 CUP AND 2 TABLESPOONS VEGETABLE OIL
* 3 SMALL ONION, CHOPPED
* 1-1/2 RED BELL PEPPER, CHOPPED
* 1 TABLESPOON MINCED GARLIC
* 3 (15 OUNCE) CANS BLACK BEANS, RINSED AND DRAINED
* 1 TABLESPOON MINCED JALAPENO PEPPERS
* 9 OUNCES CREAM CHEESE
* 1-1/2 TEASPOONS SALT
* 1/4 CUP AND 2 TABLESPOONS CHOPPED FRESH CILANTRO


DIRECTIONS


THIS RECIPE'S INGREDIENTS WERE SCALED TO YIELD A NEW AMOUNT. THE DIRECTIONS BELOW STILL REFER TO THE ORIGINAL RECIPE YIELD OF 2 LARGE BURRITOS.

1. WRAP TORTILLAS IN FOIL AND PLACE IN OVEN HEATED TO 350 DEGREES F (175 DEGREES C).
BAKE FOR 15 MINUTES OR UNTIL HEATED THROUGH

2. HEAT OIL IN A 10-INCH SKILLET OVER MEDIUM HEAT. PLACE ONION, BELL PEPPER, GARLIC AND JALAPENOS IN SKILLET, COOK FOR 2 MINUTES STIRRING OCCASIONALLY. POUR BEANS INTO SKILLET, COOK 3 MINUTES STIRRING.

3. CUT CREAM CHEESE INTO CUBES AND ADD TO SKILLET WITH SALT. COOK FOR 2 MINUTES STIRRING OCCASIONALLY. STIR CILANTRO INTO MIXTURE.

4. SPOON MIXTURE EVENLY DOWN CENTER OF WARMED TORTILLA AND ROLL TORTILLAS UP. SERVE IMEDIETLY.





Wednesday, October 15, 2008

Tuna Salad in a pita with sneaky cauliflower :D

TUNA SALAD with cauliflower


2 (6-ounce) cans light tuna packed in spring water


1/2cup cauliflower puree (just steam it and beat it till creamy)


1/4cup reduced fat mayo or miracle whip


2 stalks celery finely chopped or grated (i don't add this cuz i hate celery)


1/4tsp chili powder or to taste


1/4tsp sweet paprika


1/4tsp garlic powder


1/2tsp sea salt or to taste


1/8tsp pepper




Drain tuna well, then turn it into a large bowl and break it up with a fork.




Fold in the cauliflower puree and mayo. Then stir in the celery and seasonings.




Stuff it into a nice warm pita and chow down. :)


One serving of this salad provides 21 grams of lean, high quality protein and a good amount

of B vitamins (important for healthy immune

system). Make the salad with light rather

white tuna, because white tuna has been

shown to contain high levels of mercury.

Monday, October 13, 2008

PUMPKIN FRENCH TOAST AND MUFFINS

pumpkin french toast and muffins


FRENCH TOAST
4 large eggs, 2TBS canned pumpkin, 1/4tsp cinnamon, 4 slices whole-wheat bread, nonstick cooking spray, 2 tsp butter, pure maple syrup, confectioners sugar, honey, or fresh fruit for serving.... flax seed (optional)




In a shallow bowl, whisk the eggs, pumpkin, and cinnamon. Add the bread slices and turn them in the mixture to soak for 30 seconds.




Coat a nonstick griddle or skillet with cooking spray and set it over med-high heat. When pan is hot, add the butter. When it sizzles, add the soaked bread slices and sprinkle with flax seeds if you like and cook until golden brown on the outside...2 to 3 min per side. Serve warm with syrup, honey, conf sugar or fruit.
PUMPKIN MUFFINS
Yummy Pumpkin Muffins (egg, milk and oil free)
Just a package of spice cake mix, a can of pumpkin and water (just enough to make it muffin batter consistency). That's all! They are so moist and a great snack.

HOME MADE APPLE BUTTER


1 Gallon peeled & sliced apples
3 1/2 cups sugar-half brown/half white
1/4 TBS all spice
1 TBS cinnamon



Mix all ingredients together and put in crock pot. Cook 8 hours
on low. Take mixer and beat till smooth. Put in jars while hot and screw lid on and seal.

Do not add any water.

Makes 4 1/2 pts.

Sunday, October 12, 2008

ROASTED VEGETABLE LASAGNA




This meatless lasagna is so delicious its perfect for a romantic dinner.












READY IN: 1-2 HRS
SERVES/MAKES: 10



INGREDIENTS:
OLIVE OIL-FLAVORED COOKING SPRAY
2 MEDIUM BELL PEPPERS -- CUT INTO 1-INCH PIECES
1 MEDIUM ONION -- CUT INTO 8 WEDGES
AND SEPARATED INTO PIECES
2 MEDIUM ZUCCHINI -- SLICED
2MEDIUM SQUASH--SLICED
8 OUNCES MUSHROOMS -- SLICED
1/2 TEASPOON SALT
1/4 TEASPOON PEPPER
1 JAR (32-OUNCE SIZE) SPAGHETTI SAUCE
12 UNCOOKED LASAGNA NOODLES
4 CUPS SHREDDED MOZZARELLA CHEESE
1 CUP SHREDDED PARMESAN CHEESE
2 CUPS OF COTTAGE CHEESE
2 Cups OF RICOTTA CHEESE


DIRECTIONS:
HEAT OVEN TO 450F. SPRAY JELLY ROLL PAN, 15 1/2 X 10 1/2 X 1 INCH, WITH COOKING SPRAY.
PLACE BELL PEPPERS, ONION, ZUCCHINI AND MUSHROOMS IN SINGLE LAYER IN PAN. SPRAY VEGETABLES WITH COOKING SPRAY; SPRINKLE WITH SALT AND PEPPER.


BAKE UNCOVERED 20 TO 25 MINUTES, TURNING VEGETABLES ONCE, UNTIL VEGETABLES ARE TENDER.

COOK AND DRAIN NOODLES AS DIRECTED ON PACKAGE. RINSE NOODLES WITH COLD WATER; DRAIN. MIX CHEESES; SET ASIDE.


REDUCE OVEN TEMPERATURE TO 400F. SPRAY RECTANGULAR BAKING DISH, 13 X 9 X 2 INCHES, WITH COOKING SPRAY.

SPREAD 1/4 CUP OF THE SPAGHETTI SAUCE IN DISH; TOP WITH 3 NOODLES. LAYER WITH 3/4 CUP SAUCE, 1 1/4 CUPS VEGETABLES AND 1 CUP CHEESE MIXTURE. REPEAT LAYERS 3 MORE TIMES WITH REMAINING NOODLES, SAUCE, VEGETABLES AND CHEESE MIXTURE.

BAKE UNCOVERED 20 TO 25 MINUTES OR UNTIL HOT. LET STAND 10 MINUTES BEFORE CUTTING.

THIS RECIPE FOR ROASTED VEGETABLE LASAGNA SERVES/MAKES 10

Saturday, October 11, 2008

The best stuffed shells evah!!



"NO ONE WILL EVER KNOW THAT THESE GIANT PASTA SHELLS CONTAIN TOFU...UNLESS YOU TELL!"




PREP TIME 10 MIN COOK TIME 45 MIN READY IN 55 MIN

SERVINGS (HELP) SERVINGS US METRIC


INGREDIENTS (NUTRITION)


1 (16 OUNCE) PACKAGE JUMBO PASTA SHELLS
1/3 CUP GRATED CARROT
1/4 CUP SHREDDED ZUCCHINI
3 TABLESPOONS CHOPPED ONION
1 (8 OUNCE) CONTAINER TOFU
1/2 CUP SHREDDED MONTEREY JACK CHEESE
1 CUP SHREDDED MOZZARELLA CHEESE, DIVIDED
1/2 CUP RICOTTA CHEESE
1 EGG WHITE
1/2 TEASPOON SALT
1/2 TEASPOON PEPPER
2 (8 OUNCE) CANS DICED TOMATOES
1/3 CUP TOMATO PASTE
1 TEASPOON DRIED BASIL
1 TEASPOON DRIED OREGANO
1/4 TEASPOON GARLIC POWDER
1 TEASPOON MINCED GARLIC

DIRECTIONS
PREHEAT OVEN TO 350 DEGREES F (175 DEGREES C).
BRING A LARGE POT OF LIGHTLY SALTED WATER TO A BOIL. ADD PASTA AND COOK FOR 8 TO 10 MINUTES OR UNTIL DONE; DRAIN.
MEANWHILE, IN A SMALL SAUCEPAN OVER MEDIUM HEAT COMBINE CARROT, ZUCCHINI AND ONION.
POUR IN JUST ENOUGH WATER TO COVER; COOK UNTIL TENDER AND DRAIN.

IN A LARGE BOWL, MASH THE TOFU WITH A FORK.
STIR IN CARROT MIXTURE, MONTEREY JACK CHEESE, 1/2 CUP MOZZARELLA CHEESE, RICOTTA CHEESE, EGG WHITE, SALT AND PEPPER.
MIX WELL AND SET ASIDE.
IN A MEDIUM SAUCEPAN OVER MEDIUM-HIGH HEAT, COMBINE TOMATOES, TOMATO PASTE, BASIL, OREGANO, GARLIC POWDER AND GARLIC.
BRING TO A BOIL; REDUCE HEAT TO LOW AND SIMMER FOR 10 MINUTES.

STUFF EACH COOKED PASTA SHELL WITH ABOUT 1 ROUNDED TABLESPOON OF THE FILLING.
PLACE SHELLS IN AN UN GREASED 2-QUART BAKING DISH.
POUR SAUCE OVER SHELLS.
COVER AND BAKE IN PREHEATED OVEN FOR 25 MINUTES, OR UNTIL HEATED THROUGH.
SPRINKLE WITH REMAINING 1/2 CUP MOZZARELLA CHEESE.

Fried Apples in the slow cooker

Fried Apples
Use these apples as a topping, a breakfast side dish, a filling, or alone topped with whipped cream


Cook Time: 6 hours
Ingredients:
3 pounds of any kind of apples, peeled, cored, and sliced
1 teaspoon cinnamon
1stick of butter cut into chunks
1 cup granulated sugar
Preparation:Place apple slices in the slow cooker/Crock Pot; stir in remaining ingredients. Cover and cook on low for about 6 hours, or until apples are tender but not mushy. Stir about halfway through cooking.

GARLIC/GINGER TEA


GARLIC AND GINGER TEA


Got a cold? Here is a secret to getting better fast Ok i know it sounds gross but i have this great secret to getting better fast when you are getting a cold. When my family start to feel that little tickle of a cold coming on (sore throat, itchy throat or roof of mouth, watery eyes) we run straight for the GARLIC.

Garlic is a natural antibiotic and it keeps stuff from getting infected. We either take a small clove and just swallow it like a pill (crush first or cut so the juice can come out in your stomach) OR we make it into a tea. Yes...i know what your thinking. GROSSS!! No...its not gross actually. Its pretty yummy. Even my picky 5yr old drinks it right down.
So what i do is take about 3 garlic cloves and cut them into chunks. Then i put them in a pan with about 2 cups of water. Sometimes i buy a ginger root to add too cuz ginger detoxes the cold out. This works so well i even end up with a broken out face if i don't drink enough water because it detoxes the cold right out of my skin. They aren't expensive and they are over in the produce section with the garlic anyway. (PLEASE DRINK LOTS OF WATER)
If i add the ginger then i cut off a few small chunks of it and throw it in with the garlic. I boil it from 5-10 min. Then i strain out the garlic and ginger and pour the liquid into a cup.
Then i add lots of tang or lemonade powder to it until you cant taste the garlic. Its so yummy. My fav is to drink it hot with tang and the girls like the lemonade powder and fresh lemon and ice. My husband has discovered that an apple cinnamon tea bag thrown into the pan at the last minute will also hide the garlic taste. He adds a little Stevia or sugar to his to sweeten. Honey would be good also for herbal teas.
Nobody ever taste the garlic and they drink it right up. Its amazing how much better you feel as you drink it. Its almost kinda scary. Also you will notice your snot turns from green to clear within minutes because garlic is a natural antibiotic. ;)

Make sure to drink this 3 times a day until you are 100% better. If you don't like stinking like lasagna then you can always buy Kyolic garlic pill which are odorless. I also like to use airborne, emergen C and take good multi vitamins to get better fast. I normally start my sick morning with a cup of garlic/ginger tea to make myself feel better right away. Then about 3 hrs later i have some airborn, then 3 hrs later more tea with an emergenC powder mixed in, 3hrs later more airborn or zicam or something with elderberry and echinacea in it, 3 hrs later more garlic tea or a garlic clove. If you catch that cold the min you feel it coming on then you are usually not gonna have it long enough for it to hit your lungs unless you just have really weak lungs.