"Well, Naturally."

I now make and sell home made soaps!

2010-10-19T08:50:00.000-07:00

Hi everyone! I wanted to share that I am now making home made soaps and have them for sale. I also make bath salts and will be making salves (herbal topical medicine) lotion bars, tinctures and other products in the future. If you would like to see my soaps with ingredients, pictures and prices then find me at Neika's Naturals Soaps on facebook.

I stuff my soaps with hand picked herbs, essential oils and vitamins.

Simple Green Plantain Salve

2010-07-27T14:24:00.000-07:00

~Plantain Salve~

Ok so I have always dreamed of making my own soaps, salves, tinctures and medical oils. Im working on getting everything together that I need to do this. Here is a little salve recipe I thought I would share. When I start making medicine I will have lots of herbs packed into my salves but for now here is something easy and cheap to make. FUN!

12 oz jar of Vaseline

2 handfuls of plantain leaves

1 lrg or two smaller aloe leaves sliced and crushed

Heat Vaseline on low, only enough to liquefy. Carefully drop the plantain leaves into the liquid--- It will quickly produce a mass of thick foam. Add the aloe.

Let simmer until foaming has stopped. Pour through strainer. Pour back into Vaseline jar. Let cool. mark container and store on shelf. it is easy to make and works on bug bites, stings, cuts, sored, pimples, burns and more.

Roasted Eggplant Rolls

2010-07-27T14:05:00.000-07:00

~Roasted Eggplant Rolls~

Baking rather then frying makes a yummy healthy dish

2TBSP extra virgin olive oil

1 eggplant (1 1/2lb) peeled and sliced lengthwise 1/4" thick

1/2 cup chopped onion

1 can (16oz) diced tomatoes

1 c reduced fat ricotta

1 c coarsely chopped spinach

1/4 c reduced fat mozzarella

1 Tbsp dried basil

1 Tbsp dried oregano

1 tsp garlic powder or better yet fresh crushed garlic

1 c tomato sauce

1. Preheat the oven to 350

Brush 1 Tbsp of the oil over the sliced eggplant, and roast until tender, about 15 minutes.

2. Saute the onion in the remaining 1 Tbsp of oil until tender, about 3 to 4 minutes. Add the tomato (with juice) and simmer for 15 minutes.

3. In a separate bowl, mix the ricotta, spinach, mozzarella, basil, oregano, and garlic. Add salt and pepper to taste.

4. Lightly coat a baking dish with cooking spray. Spoon the cheese mixture on each slice of eggplant, and roll up like a jelly roll. Place the eggplant in the dish. Continue until all the eggplant is used.

5. Top with the tomato sauce, and bake for 30 minutes.

makes 4 servings

Neika's Healthy Banana Nut Bread

2010-07-27T12:45:00.000-07:00

BANANA NUT BREAD

Here is what you will need:

1 stick of butter

2 eggs or you can also use flax meal. I used 3TB in 1/3 cup of boiling water. It turns eggy and slimy and is perfect for an egg substitute.

1 1/2 cups sugar

3 or 4 VERY ripe bananas all mushed up

1/4 c milk

1 cup of white or bread flour

1 cup of wheat flour

1TBS baking powder

1/2 c nuts... optional

1/2 cup raisins ...optional

wheat germ...optional

flax seeds...optional

For the topping you will need:

1/2 stick of butter melted

enough brown sugar to make the butter not runny but not pasty either cuz you wont it to pour out....I dont even measure mine. I just throw some melted butter and brown sugar together and stir it up.

Here is what you do next :)

Preheat the over to 350

Melt the stick of butter and add sugar and eggs. Beat well.

Add mashed bananas and milk. Stir.

Add flour gradually until well blended. Add baking powder.

Add any extras now and stir well.

pour mixture into a well greased bread pan.

Mix up your topping and pour/drizzle it all over the top through the middle of the bread.

Bake at 350 for 40 or 50 minutes or until done in the middle.

ENJOY my little home made recipe. I cant believe I'm sharing this with you. lol

EASY way to peel a potato

2010-02-12T09:06:00.000-08:00

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z4W0qIPJmoo

This is just amazing to me. It will save so much time. :) I had to share this tip.

The Best Sammie's (made with deer or beef)

2010-02-12T08:49:00.000-08:00

This is such an easy recipe and it taste so good. Its up to you if you use beef or deer roast. They are both very tasty but of course the deer is much healthier.

Ingredients:
Beef or deer roast (soak overnight in salt water if using deer)
Lipton onion soup mix (2pks if using deer)
two onions chopped
2 or 3 cloves of garlic chopped or pressed
Whatever kind of cheese you like...i use provolone cheese in slices.
bell pepper and onion cut into strips
olive oil
oven toasted bread...we use Cobblestone Mill Hoagies
mayo

Place your roast in a crockpot and turn on high
Add Lipton onion soup mix packs
Put in the chopped onions and garlic
Cook all day on high till the roast is done and falling apart
Take a fork and twist the roast and work on it until it is shredded for the most part

After the roast is finished cooking you need to start sauteing your onion and pepper strips in olive oil. Cook until soft.
Toast your bread in the oven
Layer the cheese, roast, mayo and onions and peppers on the bread.
Use the juice from the cooked roast as a dipping sauce for your Sammie if desired.
ENJOY!!

crockpot venison (deer) roast

2010-01-20T14:43:00.000-08:00

ROAST with VEGGIES

Deer meat is also known as venison.
Benefits:
Deer meat is one of the healthiest types of red meat. It is extremely high in protein while maintaining a low fat content. It is also low in calories and cholesterol. In addition, deer meat contains a large amount of necessary iron, phosphorus and B vitamins

beef or deer roast

2 med onions chopped large

3 garlic cloves

Lipton onion soup package

carrots chopped

potatoes cut into chunks or make mashed potatoes as side

celery

pepper and salt

If using deer soak overnight in salt water to draw out the wild taste

Put roast in crockpot

slice onions, garlic, carrots and potatoes (optional) and celery and add to pot

put Lipton soup powder, onions and salt in the pot

Cook on high all day till roast is cooked all the way through and falling apart its so tender.

ENJOY!

GREEN MONSTER SMOOTHIE

2010-01-13T17:11:00.000-08:00

The smoothie that makes your skin just glow. :) Doesn't that sound nice? I have a friend who shared this with me and she showed pictures of her before and after and her skin was more clear and she had a glow to her complexion. BEAUTIFUL! I decided that I would like to give this green monster a try. I hear its pretty darn tasty and you cant taste the spinach at all. This will also make you very regular if you know what i mean. LOL! I will update after i try it and even post pictures if i stick to it and see a change in my skin. Im hoping i get the energy boost that others have gotten too. That would be awesome!

GREEN MONSTER
2 cups of spinach (fresh or steamed)
1/2 banana
3 strawberries
1 Tablespoon of flax seed meal or chia seeds
1 scoop of protein powder
1/2 cup of milk, milk substitute such as soy or rice milk OR even orange juice will work ;)

put in your blender, you can add some ice, blend for about a minute and drink!

Cracker Candy

2009-12-17T11:49:00.000-08:00

This sounds strange but it is so delicious. Much like a heath or score candy bar.

Saltine Toffee Chocolate Cracker Candy

30 or 40 saltine crackers

1 c. butter (NO substitute)

1 c. brown sugar

1 c. milk chocolate chips

Bits of toffee(optional)

Arrange saltine crackers on foil on a jelly roll pan. (Line it with aluminum foil)

Melt butter and brown sugar in pan and boil 3 minutes.

Pour over crackers.

Bake for 5 minutes in preheated oven at 325 degrees.Pour chocolate chips over and let stand 5 minutes to melt.

Spread around with knife.

Sprinkle with Bits of toffee.

Place in refrigerator until hard.

Break up into bite-size pieces.YUMM!

Pumpkin Seeds

2009-10-29T10:00:00.000-07:00

Toasted Pumpkin Seeds

Ingredients:

One medium sized pumpkin
Salt
Olive oil

Method:

1. Preheat oven to 400°F. Cut open the pumpkin and use a strong metal spoon to scoop out the insides. Separate the seeds from the stringy core. Rinse the seeds.

2. In a small saucepan, add the seeds to water, about 2 cups of water to every half cup of seeds. Add a half tablespoon of salt for every cup of water (more if you like your seeds saltier). Bring to a boil. Let simmer for 10 minutes. Remove from heat and drain.

3. Spread about a tablespoon of olive oil over the bottom of a roasting pan. Spread the seeds out over the roasting pan, all in one layer. Bake on the top rack until the seeds begin to brown, 10-20 minutes. When browned to your satisfaction, remove from the oven and let the pan cool on a rack. Let the seeds cool all the way down before eating.

Silken Chocolate Tofu Pie

2009-10-29T09:50:00.000-07:00

Silken Chocolate Tofu Pie

Ingredients

1 block silken tofu
1 regular size bag of semi sweet chocolate chips
1/4 cup strongly brewed black coffee
1-2 tablespoon vanilla flavoring
graham cracker pie crust
fresh raspberries (optional)

Directions:

1. Melt chocolate chips in the microwave or on stovetop.

2. Blend together: tofu, chocolate chips, coffee, and vanilla.

3. Pour into graham cracker crust and chill 1-2 hours in the freezer, or 4 or more hours in the refrigerator.

4. Garnish with fresh raspberries when serving.

Serves: 8

Preparation time: 15 minutes plus 2 hours chilling

Black Bean Burgers

2009-10-26T16:41:00.000-07:00

This one might be a little too spicy for the younginsbut i just leave out the hot stuff and they love um. INGREDIENTS:
* 1 (16 ounce) can black beans, drained and rinsed
* 1/2 green bell pepper, cut into 2 inch pieces
* 1/2 onion, cut into wedges
* 3 cloves garlic, peeled
* 1 egg (ex-large)
* 1 tablespoon chili powder
* 1 tablespoon cumin
* 1 teaspoon Thai chili sauce or hot sauce
* 1/2 cup bread crumbs

DIRECTIONS:1. If grilling, preheat an outdoor grill for high heat, and lightly oil a sheet of aluminum foil. If baking, preheat oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C), and lightly oil a baking sheet.2. In a medium bowl, mash black beans with a fork until thick and pasty.3. In a food processor, finely chop bell pepper, onion, and garlic. Then stir into mashed beans.4. In a small bowl, stir together egg, chili powder, cumin, and chili sauce.5. Stir the egg mixture into the mashed beans. Mix in bread crumbs until the mixture is sticky and holds together. Divide mixture into four patties.6. If grilling, place patties on foil, and grill about 8 minutes on each side. If baking, place patties on baking sheet, and bake about 10 minutes on each side.

Rosemary Homemade Bread (just like Macaroni Grills)

2009-10-05T16:51:00.000-07:00

~Rosemary Bread~

I am eating this bread RIGHT now as i type this and its so amazing i had to run right here to post the recipe for you! You will LOVE it and the best thing about it is how easy it is to make. The bread machine does all the work. :) Not the healthiest bread but darn yummy!!

INGREDIENTS
1 cup water
3 tablespoons olive oil
1 1/2 teaspoons white sugar
1 1/2 teaspoons salt
1/4 teaspoon Italian seasoning
1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
1 tablespoon dried rosemary
2 1/2 cups bread flour
1 1/2 teaspoons active dry yeast

DIRECTIONS
Place ingredients in the pan of the bread machine in the order recommended by the manufacturer. Select white bread cycle; press Start.

~Fat Burning Soup~

2009-10-05T10:13:00.000-07:00

INGREDIENTS:

2 large carrots, chopped

1 large onion, chopped

1 (16 ounce) cans whole peeled tomatoes, with liquid

1/2 large head of cabbage, chopped

1/2 (1 ounce) envelope dry onion soup mix

1/2 (15 ounce) can cut green beans, drained

1 quarts tomato juice

1 green bell peppers, diced

5 stalks celery, chopped

1/2 (14 ounce) can vegetable broth

DIRECTIONS:

1. Place carrots, onions, tomatoes, cabbage, green beans, peppers, and celery in a large pot or crockpot.

2.Add onion soup mix, tomato juice, beef broth, and enough water to cover vegetables. Simmer until vegetables are tender.

May be stored in the refrigerator for several days.You can add potatoes, if you need more of hearty meal, but know that it won't be as low-fat. : )

~ Home Made Cherry Cough Syrup~

2009-10-02T16:24:00.000-07:00

Home Made Cherry Cough Syrup

A friend told me her hubby says this works better then codeine. ;) Here is her blog for more information, pics and what each herb does in this wonderful syrup. http://concoctionsandwhatnot.blogspot.com/

Take 2 clean quart jars. In each jar put:

1/2 c. wild cherry bark

1/4 c. mullein

1/4 c. red raspberry leaf

2 T. lobelia

2 T. slippery elm

Stir all the herbs together then pour a little hot water over them to moisten. Then fill one jar with vodka, leaving about 1 inch headroom. Fill the other jar with glycerin. Put the lids tightly on the jars & shake. Store them in a dark place for at least 2 weeks, shaking the jars once daily. After 2 weeks you can strain the herbs out & discard. Store the liquid in a dark jar and take as needed.

A dose is about 1 tablespoon

Sweet Potato Fries

2009-10-02T09:09:00.000-07:00

SWEET POTATO FRIES

Here are two different ways to make these yummy and healthy fries. The first one is mine and the kids favourite and the second one is Brian and Kenzie's favorite.

Sweet cinnamon wedges:

3 large sweet potatoes

1 1/2 sticks of butter

cinnamon

brown sugar (optional) I don't use it and they still taste great.

Wash and cut sweet potatoes into wedges

Lay wedges into a glass baking dish in a single layer

cut butter into chunks and lay all around and on top of the wedges

sprinkle cinnamon all over wedges

sprinkle brown sugar across top of wedges

Bake on 400 until very tinder. Turn the wedges once while baking to make sure they get done evenly and are covered in the butter cinnamon mixture.

Cajun Sweet Potato Fries:

3 large sweet potatoes

extra virgin olive oil

cajun seasoning (its a little spicy)

wash and cut potatoes into wedges

Lay in a single layer into a glass baking dish

drizzle EVOO all over the top of the wedges

sprinkle cajun seasoning across tops of wedges

Bake on 400 until tender, turning the wedges once while baking.

~Squash Casserole~

2009-10-01T17:45:00.000-07:00

A squash casserole with pecan or bread crumb topping, along with cheese and onion

We loved this yummy side dish.

Ingredients:
2 pounds yellow squash, cut in 3/4-inch cubes
1 cup chopped onion
1 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon freshly ground pepper, or to taste
water
4 tablespoons butter
1 cup saltine crackers, crumbled
1/2 cup milk
1 cup shredded Cheddar cheese
1/2 cup pecans, finely chopped, or buttered bread crumbs

Preparation:
Place the squash, onion, salt, and pepper in a large saucepan. Add a small amount of water. Cover and cook the squash until tender, stirring occasionally and adding more water if necessary. Drain the squash and onions; return to the pan and stir in the butter. Taste and adjust seasonings, adding more salt and pepper to your taste.
Butter a 1 1/2-quart baking dish well. Stir the crumbled crackers into the squash mixture, and turn into the buttered casserole. Pour the milk over the squash and sprinkle with the cheese and chopped pecans or crumbs. Bake at 350°, uncovered, for 20 minutes, until the milk is absorbed and the squash casserole is bubbly. Serve hot. Serves 4 to 6.

Vegetable Casserole with Tofu Topping

2009-10-01T17:30:00.000-07:00

Vegetable Casserole with Tofu Topping

Makes 6 to 8 (side dish)
Active time:1 hr
Start to finish:1 1/2 hr

Sounds kinda gross? WRONG!! It taste GREAT! My 6yr old didn't like it but my husband, 15yr old and 3yr old did. :) Check your teeth for green after this meal cuz its HEALTHY!!

For Vegetables

2 tablespoons olive oil
2 medium onions, halved lengthwise and thinly sliced lengthwise
1 lb cabbage, cored and cut crosswise into 1/3-inch-thick slices (4 cups)
1 lb kale, stems and center ribs removed and leaves coarsely chopped (12 cups)
1/2 lb carrots, cut into 1/4-inch-thick matchsticks
1/2 cup water
2 tablespoons soy sauce
1/2 teaspoon salt

For Topping
1 1/2 cups fine fresh or dried bread crumbs, preferably whole wheat
7 oz firm tofu
1 oz finely grated Parmigiano-Reggiano (1/2 cup; see Tips)
1/3 cup olive oil
2 teaspoons dried basil, crumbled
1 1/2 teaspoons dried oregano, crumbled
1 teaspoon paprika
1 garlic clove, chopped
1/4 teaspoon salt

Sauté vegetables:
Put oven rack in middle position and preheat oven to 350°F.
Heat oil in a deep 12- to 14-inch heavy skillet over moderately high heat until hot but not smoking, then sauté onion, stirring occasionally, until softened and beginning to brown, about 5 minutes. Reduce heat to moderate and add cabbage, kale, carrots, water, soy sauce, and salt. (Skillet will be full, but volume will reduce as vegetables steam.) Cook, covered, stirring occasionally, until vegetables are just tender, 10 to 15 minutes. Transfer to a 13- by 9-inch glass baking dish.

Pulse all topping ingredients together in a food processor until combined well. Alternatively, mash ingredients together in a large bowl with a potato masher. Sprinkle tofu mixture over vegetables in baking dish and bake, uncovered, until topping is golden brown and vegetables are heated through, 15 to 20 minutes.
Recipe by Ian Knauer...whoever the heck that is. ;)

~Stuffed Peppers~

2009-10-01T17:09:00.000-07:00

STUFFED PEPPERS

These are so much better then they sound. I couldnt believe how yummy they were and they are so healthy too.

Salt
8 medium red, yellow, or orange bell peppers but i used green anyway cuz im bad like that...
1/2 –inch trimmed off tops, stemmed, and seeded
1 cup long-grain white rice but i used brown, uncooked
1 teaspoon olive oil
1 medium onion, diced
3 medium garlic cloves, minced
1 14.5-ounce can black beans, drained and rinsed
1 15.5-ounce can diced tomatoes, drained
1 cup frozen or fresh corn (if frozen, make sure to thaw)
1 cup 2% shredded cheddar or pepper Jack cheese
¼ cup cilantro, chopped
Fresh ground black pepper

1) Adjust an oven rack to the middle position and preheat your oven to 350F.
2) Bring 4 quarts water to a boil in a large pot. Add 1 tablespoon salt and bell peppers, and cook for three minutes. Remove peppers from water, drain, and place cut-side-up on paper towels. Bring water back up to a boil, and add rice. Cook for 13 minutes, stirring occasionally, then drain and add to a large mixing bowl.
3) Meanwhile, in a large, nonstick saucepan, heat the oil over medium heat. Add onion and jalapeno, cover, and cook for 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally. (Onion should be soft at end.) Add garlic and cook for another 30 seconds, until just fragrant. Add black beans, tomatoes, and corn, and heat through, 2 minutes. When finished, pour mixture into the bowl with the rice.
4) Add cheese, cilantro, and salt and pepper to taste to the bowl. Mix throroughly.5) Carefully and loosely stuff each pepper until filling is even or slightly over the top of the rim. Place peppers cut-side up in a baking dish (not too crowded together), and bake 25 to 30 minutes, or until filling is hot.

Approximate Calories, Fat, Fiber, and Price Per Serving320 calories, 4.7 g fat, 6.6 g fiber, $1.57

~Turkey Chili~

2009-09-28T16:39:00.000-07:00

VERY healthy chili with lots of fiber and very low in fat

1 T olive oil
1 onion, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 to 1-1/2 lbs leftover turkey, cut into ½” chunks OR use ground turkey or ground chicken
21 oz diced tomatoes
1 14 oz can kidney beans, liquid included
1 14 oz can black beans, liquid included
1 T dried oregano
1 T dried basil
1-1/2 T chili powder
2 t cumin
dash cayenne pepper
Salt and pepper to taste

1) Over medium heat, saute the onion and garlic in the olive oil until soft.
2) Add the turkey and cook just long enough so it’s warm.
3) Add the tomatoes, beans, oregano, basil, chili powder, cumin, cayenne pepper, Stir.
4) Turn heat to low, cover, and simmer for 45-50 minutes.
5) Remove cover and let liquid reduce for 15-20 minutes.
6) If necessary, season to taste.
Serve with grated cheddar, sour cream and corn chips if you are feeling saucy. ;)

Frosty Lemon-Strawberry Dessert

2009-07-26T11:37:00.000-07:00

Frosty Lemon-Strawberry Dessert

This was so delicious and refreshing.

1 quart fresh strawberries, hulled

1/2 gallon vanilla ice cream, softened

1can (12 ounce) frozen lemonade concentrate, thawed

2tsp grated lemon peel

Place strawberries in a food processor; cover and process until pureed. Transfer to a large mixing bowl; add the ice cream, lemonade concentrate and lemon peel. Beat until blended.

Pour into an ungreased 13-in. x 2-in. dish. Cover and freeze overnight. Remove from the freezer 15 min before serving.

Yield: 12 servings

Egg White Bites

2009-06-13T12:27:00.000-07:00

~Egg White Bites~

ready in 15min. Makes 8 servings

Nonstick cooking spray

8 fresh eggs, separated

2 plum tomatoes, chopped, seeded and drained

pinch dried basil

Preheat oven to 350

Prepare a muffin pan with cooking spray.

Drop 1 egg white into each of the muffin cups.

Place 1tsp of chopped tomato on each egg white and sprinkle with basil.

Place on center of rack and bake for 6 to 8 minutes or until reaches desired doneness.

A great snack to refuel your muscles after a workout!!

Chicken with Sun-Dried Tomatoes

2009-06-13T12:06:00.000-07:00

Chicken with sun-dried tomatoes

ready is 4 to 6 hours. makes 4 servings

2oz sun-dried tomatoes (not packed in oil)

1lrg onion

8oz whole baby carrots

3 stalks celery, sliced

1tsp dried thyme

1/4tsp salt

1/8tsp black pepper

4 boneless, skinless chicken breast halves

1/4 cup fat-free chicken broth

2 cups cooked brown rice

1. Slice sun-dried tomatoes and place in the bottom of a slow cooker alone with the onion, carrots, celery and seasonings.

2.Place chicken breast on top of the veggies and pour the chicken broth on top over the top.

3.Cover slow cooker and cook on low or med for 4 to 6 hours or until chicken is no longer pink and carrots are tender. Serve with the rice.

Crust-less Pumpkin Pie

2009-06-13T11:52:00.000-07:00

Crust-less Pumpkin Pie

This dessert lets you have all the flavor of pumpkin pie without any of the negative nutritional impact. Who needs crust, anyway?

ready in 1 hour. Makes 4 servings

1 package silken tofu

1 cup pumpkin puree

1 1oz box sugar free, fat free vanilla instant pudding mix

1tsp pumpkin pie spice

Add all ingredients to a large bowl and blend until smooth. Refrigerate before serving.

Nutrients per serving: calories:90, total fat:3g, sat fat:0g, trans fat:0g, sodium:263mg, total carbohydrates:12g, dietary fiber:2g, sugars:2g, protein:4g, iron:0.5mg

Broccoli Cheese Cornbread

2009-05-20T08:12:00.000-07:00

Broccoli Cheese Cornbread

When i made this cornbread i halved the recipe to just make one pan. This cornbread is so good though that you may want to make the whole batch. :D

4 eggs, beaten

2 sticks of melted butter

1 med onion, chopped

1 12oz carton of cottage cheese

1 pkg chopped broccoli, thawed

1 handful of shredded cheddar cheese

2 boxes jiffy cornmeal mix

Take a 12-inch cast iron skillet and grease it with oil. Preheat skillet to 350

Mix the eggs, melted butter, onion, cottage cheese, shredded cheese, and broccoli in a bowl. Add jiffy mix and stir until blended. Pour the mixture into the greased skillet. Bake at 350 for 45 minutes to an hour.

Cut and serve

Oatmeal Raisin cookies with banana and zucchini

2009-04-19T11:27:00.000-07:00

Oatmeal Raisin Cookies

Prep: 20 min....Total:35 min.....makes 2 dozen cookies

Nonstick cooking spray (i use the olive oil kind for better health)

1 cup whole wheat flour

1 cup old fashioned oats

1tsp baking soda

1/2tsp salt

1/4tsp cinnamon

3/4 cup firmly packed light or dark brown sugar

6TBS trans-fat-free soft tub butter (smart balance)

1/2 cup banana puree

1/2 cup zucchini puree

1lrg egg white

1/2 cup raisins

1/2 cups chopped walnuts (optional)

1. Preheat oven to 350. Coat two baking sheets with cooking spray or line with cooking parchment.

2. In a bowl or zipper-lock bag, combine the flour, oats, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon, and shake or stir to mix.

3. In a large bowl beat the sugar and butter with a wooden spoon until just combined; do not over mix. Add the banana and zucchini purees and egg white. Then stir just to blend. DO NOT use an electric mixer or it will make cookies tough. Add the flour mixture, raisins, and walnuts, if using and stir to combine.

4.Drop the dough by heaping heaping tablespoonful onto baking sheets, leaving about 1 inch in between. Bake until golden brown, 12 to 15 min. Let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for 4 to 5 min, just until they are firm enough to handle, then transfer to a rack to cool completely.

Banana Pudding Pie with hidden fruits and veggie

2009-04-19T11:03:00.000-07:00

Banana Pudding Pie

(with cantaloupe and yellow squash)

Prep time:20 min .....Total 75 min (3hr refrigerated) ......serves 8

2(3-OZ) pks instant banana pudding mix

1/2 cup cantaloupe puree

1 cup banana puree (mushed up over ripe bananas work well)

1/2 cup yellow squash puree

1/4 cup water

1 large banana, thinly sliced plus one more sliced for garnish

1(9inch) store-bought graham cracker crust (Arrowhead mills makes a healthy version)

1/2 pint fresh raspberries

1. In a large bowl combine the pudding mix, cantaloupe , banana and squash purees and add water. Stir with a wooden spoon until smooth.

2. Spread the banana slices in a single layer over the bottom of the pie crust. Pour the pudding mixture over the bananas and smooth top. Cover and chill until firm, about 3 hours, or freeze 1 1/12 hours.

3. Just before serving, decorate with raspberries and banana slices. :)

Homemade Pink Pancakes with beet

2009-03-15T08:42:00.000-07:00

Pink pancakes

First you will need to steam some beets and after they cool, you puree them in a food processor or get a can of beets and puree it in a blender if you want it to be faster. Don't get beets with vinegar added. :) You will need 1/4 cup of the puree and you can freeze the rest for later.

These pancakes are very healthy and a full protein meal.

Dry Ingredients

1/2 cup whole wheat flour

1/2 cup white four

1tsp baking soda or powder

1/4tsp of salt

Wet Ingredients

2TBS butter

1 egg

1 cup milk or buttermilk

2TBS maple syrup ( i didn't use any)

Ingredients to add later

1/2 cup of ricotta cheese

1/4 cup of beet puree

1tsp pure vanilla

1/2 tsp of cinnamon

Fresh or thawed frozen raspberries

Take the dry ingredients and mix them all together.

Melt the 2TBS butter in a pan or microwave and mix it with the wet ingredients.

Mix the wet and dry ingredients together until there are no lumps.

Add the beet puree, ricotta cheese, cinnamon and vanilla to the mixture. If it seems to runny then you can add a little more flour to make it like normal pancake batter.

Now using 1 tab of butter in your skillet, pour the batter in small amounts into the skillet. Once the tops bubble, slip the spatula under them and flip. Use more butter each time you add another pancake to the skillet.

After each pancake is done, put it on a plate and cover to keep warm. When all pancakes are finished cooking, add a dusting of powdered sugar if you like and sprinkle with the raspberries. They are delicious and melt in your mouth. I like mine with just butter, but honey or pancake syrup is yummy also. :)

GOOT: topical meds for healing colds, flu and skin ailments.

2009-03-09T09:38:00.000-07:00

How to Fight Colds and Flu with Garlic Based GOOT

Garlic gives GOOT its healing power

Garlic has long been touted the king of natural healers. In the home remedy GOOT, garlic is used, along with coconut oil and olive oil to make a healing salve. This all natural salve has been used successfully to fight colds and flu. Each ingredient has the ability to fight infection. Together this trio creates a synergy that makes the powerhouse of germ fighting, healing GOOT.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy
Things You’ll Need:
3 TBSP coconut oil (heated enough to melt it)
3 TBSP extra virgin olive oil
3 TBSP minced garlic (about 3 to 4 good sized cloves)
Small blender or coffee grinder
small lidded jar for storage

Step1 Blend warm but NOT hot coconut oil, extra virgin olive oil and minced garlic in the blender or coffee grinder OR just crush and chop the garlic.

Step2 Strain this blended mixture into a small jar to remove any of the bigger pieces of garlic that didn't get blended in. Place a clean lid on the jar.

Step3 Place the jar of GOOT in the refrigerator and in about an hour it will be solid like a salve. Keep this refrigerated until ready to use.

Step4 Rub the GOOT onto the bottoms of the feet of the person who is sick. Put socks on the feet to keep the salve from rubbing off on furniture or carpet. Rub the GOOT onto the chest of a person who is coughing. Keep warm clothes over the area that has the GOOT on it. Rub the GOOT onto the neck of a person who has a sore throat or strep.

Step5 Continue using the GOOT until the person reports feeling better or is no longer displaying symptoms of cold or flu. People have reported feeling some relief from cold and flu symptoms after the first use of GOOT.

GOOT can also be used for rashes, stings, burns, bites, earaches, hemorrhoids, yeast infections and just about anything you can think of that calls for medicine. Its safe and works wonders. You can put it anywhere and i do mean ANYWHERE on your body. :)

TIPS:

You may want a second person to help you put socks on children after you slather goot on their feet. The GOOT turns to liquid when it touches skin and can be messy.

GOOT should be labeled and tossed after 2 weeks. Keep in fridge.

Breakfast Quiches to GO

2009-03-06T08:38:00.000-08:00

Breakfast Quiches to Go
"All the great flavors of quiche are combined in a hand-held crescent cup."

PREP TIME
25 Min
READY IN
45 Min
Original recipe yield 16 appetizers

INGREDIENTS
2 (8 ounce) cans Pillsbury refrigerated garlic butter crescent dinner rolls
1 (8 ounce) package cream cheese, softened
3 Eggland's Best eggs
1 small onion, chopped
1 (9 ounce) box Green Giant frozen chopped spinach, thawed, squeezed to drain
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/8 teaspoon pepper
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese

DIRECTIONS
Heat oven to 350 degrees F. Spray 16 (2 3/4x1 1/4-inch) muffin cups with CRISCO Original No-Stick Cooking Spray.
Separate each can of crescent dough into 8 triangles. Press 1 triangle on bottom and up side of each muffin cup.
In large bowl, beat cream cheese with electric mixer on medium speed until smooth. Add eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in onion, spinach, salt and pepper until well mixed. Fold in cheese. Fill each cup to the top with egg mixture (do not overfill).
Bake 15 to 20 minutes or until knife inserted in center comes out clean and edges of rolls are golden brown. Remove from pan. Serve warm.

Summer salad

2009-02-18T08:36:00.000-08:00

Summer Salad

INGREDIENTS

spinach, rinsed and torn into bite-size pieces
sliced strawberries
warm morning star grilled chicken strips (or use real chicken if you wish )
soy nuts or almonds
dried cranberries, raisins or both ( i like cranberries best)
Ranch dressing or a vinaigrette one would also be good.

Toss all ingredients together and pour on dressing.

Valentines day week menu :)

2009-02-08T17:04:00.000-08:00

So, we had a wonderful weekend again....kinda. Brian was in a mood Saturday so it wasn't as much fun as it could have been but it was still nice to get out. We went to Target and to eat at Calhouns. My stomach had been hurting really bad that day and the day before so i just had a southern style chicken salad. The kids ate great and after we left we had to run by the hospital to see my little nephew who had broken out in hives. He was so itchy. It was sad. :( After that we had to go get groceries.

Today we went to get the kids their valentines presents (they weren't with us) and we found out my cousin was close to us so we snuck up on her and surprised her. We hung out with her and her hubby for a while and then we had to go get our stuff for the kids. Then we came home and grilled out on the grill. The kids have their valentines day party tomorrow so i had to get stuff ready for it. :) I will post a picture of Cobi all dressed up in her Valentines day clothes when i get one.

Sunday- Salmon on the grill and a HUGE salad

Monday- Taco's with meatless ground and corn on the cob

Tuesday- Potato Broccoli and cheese soup

Wednesday- Veggie Omelette's with cheese and fried potatoes and onions

Thursday- Black Bean Burgers on wheat buns and baked potato fried

Friday- Pizza

Saturday-HAPPY VALENTINES DAY!!!! heart shaped meatloaf, pink mashed potatoes and creamed corn......for dessert its chocolate fondue with fresh strawberries and the kids will make yummy heart shaped cookies and drink pink milk. :)

yummy sugar body and face scrub

2009-02-04T10:24:00.001-08:00

This scrub will exfoliate your body and face without breaking you out. It feels amazing and smells delicious!

You will need:

Sugar (white or course brown....you can also mix the two)
Extra Virgin Olive Oil (EVOO)
Your choice of essential oil: The sky is the limit but here are a few that i have tried.

Lavender- The health benefits of lavender oil for the skin can be attributed to its antiseptic and anti fungal properties. It is used to treat various skin disorders such as acne, wrinkles, psoriasis, and other inflammations. It heals wounds, cuts, burns, and sunburns rapidly as it aids in the formation of scar tissues. Lavender oil is added to chamomile to treat eczema. Its very relaxing and known to help people sleep.

Peppermint-Peppermint oil contains Menthol, which is good for skin. It gives a cooling effect. Further it nourishes dull skin and improves oily skin. Like most other essential oils, peppermint is able to provide relief from stress, depression and mental exhaustion due to its refreshing nature. It is also effective against anxiety and restlessness.

Tea Tree Oil- acne, athlete's foot, blisters, burns, cold sores, dandruff,herpes, insect bites, oily skin, rashes (nappy rash), spots, verrucae, warts,wounds.

Lemon oil- balances overactive sebaceous glands that lead to oily or blemished skin, helps clear acne and controls oily hair and dandruff. It revitalizes underactive and mature skin and helps with cellulite by improving circulation and encouraging the elimination of wastes. Lemon oil encourages the exfoliation of dead skin and enlivens the complexion.Lemon oil is cooling, refreshing and uplifting. It encourages clarity, concentration and recall. It can calm or prevent emotional outbursts. It fights depression, eases fear, strengthens resolve and assists in communication and decision-making.

Orange oil-restores balance to dry or oily skin. It maintains healthy youthful skin by promoting the production of collagen.
. It reduces puffiness and discourages dry wrinkled skin. Orange oil stimulates circulation to the skin surface and softens rough skin. It also clears blemishes and improves acne-prone skin. It tends to increase perspiration, thus assisting the release of toxins from dull or blemished skin. Orange stimulates the circulation of lymphatic fluids and helps relieve tissue swelling and fluid retention. It improves cellulite, which is sometimes called orange-peel skin.

Take 1/2 cups of sugar and pour into a small jar with a lid. Pour EVOO into the jar until it covers the sugar. I usually pour close to a cup of the oil on top of the sugar. Then choose which ess oil you want to use and shake about 4 drops into the sugar/oil mixture. Then stir or shake until mixed well. You can add as little or as much of the ess oil as you like.

For a face scrub i like the lavender or tea tree oil and i just scrub softy all over my face and wash off with warm water.

For a body scrub i love how the peppermint makes me feel all tingly and wakes me up. I use it in the shower and just scrub as hard as i want. It feels so good on itchy skin. :) Then i wash it off but still feel so soft. I leave it in the shower or on the sink and it last for a long time. EVOO has been known to spoil though so toss out if it smells funny or looks different after a few weeks. Mine has never gone bad though so i wouldn't worry to much about it.

Harmful Chemicals in our products

2009-02-04T09:31:00.000-08:00

As most of you know, I'm into natural skin care because i know the big secret about all the harsh chemicals that go into store bought products. Take a look around your bathroom.

"The average North American woman uses 10 or more personal care products every
day. From toothpaste and soap to antiperspirant and moisturizer, personal care
products are made from 10,500 chemical ingredients. like most things that happen
before a mug of morning coffee, it’s easy not to think about them too
much.
But researchers and women’s health activists are sounding the alarm
bell about the makeup of makeup. Women and girls are particularly susceptible to
exposure to certain chemicals that mimic hormone activity. Because our bodies
have a greater percentage of fat in comparison to men, chemicals that are
fat-soluble are more easily absorbed. Breast tissue is one such site where
chemicals can accumulate.
“As more and more women are diagnosed with cancer,
we have to question, where is this all coming from?” posits Carol Secter, a
board member of Breast Cancer Action Montreal. With an emphasis on breast cancer
prevention, Secter’s group is part of a North America-wide movement to have
harmful chemicals banned from personal care and household products."

The European Union, driven by consumers' concerns, has banned or heavily restricted hundreds of toxic substances in recent years yet we in the USA still use those products. Its so dangerous to our health. Lotion, shampoo, makeup and lots of other things seep into your skin and go into your blood stream. They are killing us but many people still don't know this and continue to use them. I cant say that in don't ever use some of these products but I'm trying to cut back as much as possible. I want to share some ways of doing that with you too. I will give you some ideas on how to save money and save your health by making your own products. I have already posted my home made laundry detergent, and all purpose cleaner. Its so much cheaper to make these then to buy them and they work just as well as store bought stuff but without the chemicals.

Gingerbread Spice Cake

2009-02-02T09:18:00.001-08:00

Gingerbread spice cake

(with broccoli and carrot)

This cake is SOFT and yummy. You would never know there is hidden veggies in it.

Nonstick cooking spray

1 cup whole-wheat flour

1 cup all-purpose flour

1tsp baking soda

1tsp ground ginger

1tsp cinnamon

1/4tsp ground cloves

1/4tsp allspice

1/4tsp salt

3/4 cup firmly packed brown sugar

1/4 cup extra virgin olive or coconut oil

1 LRG egg

1 Cup broccoli puree

1/2 cup carrot puree

1/2 cup nonfat plain yogurt

1/4 cup molasses (i never used this because i didn't have any and it turned out fine)

2tsp pure vanilla extract

1TBS grated orange zest

Preheat oven to 375 and coat a 9x5 inch loaf pan with cooking spray.

In a bowl, mix the flours with the baking soda, ginger, cinnamon, cloves, allspice, and salt. Set aside.

In a large mixing bowl or the bowl of an electric mixer, beat the sugar, oil, and egg until smooth. Beat in the vegetable purees, yogurt, molasses, vanilla, and orange zest. Add the flour mixture and mix until smooth.

Pour the batter into the pan and smooth the top. Bake until a toothpick comes out clean when inserted into the center of the cake, 45 min to 50 min. Cool 5 min in the pan before turning the cake out onto a rack to cool completely.

Menu time again

2009-02-02T08:43:00.000-08:00

We had a really nice weekend. It was time for us to buy a new mattress because ours was sinking in the middle and killing my back. Every morning i would wake up hurting and it was hard to sleep because it woke me up so many times. Me and Brian left the kids with K and went to pick out a nice one. We had to compromise because he doesn't like it to soft and after sleeping on a rock for 10 years i wanted a soft one. We found one we both love and when we took ours off the bed we could NOT believe how hard that thing was. We had put an egg shell pad thing on it to help it not be so hard but it didn't help much. Anyway, it was so hard we just laughed at it. Then we saw how bad it was sinking in the middle and i realized what that had been doing to our back. I cant believe how much this new mattress has made such a difference in my sleep. I have woken up the past two mornings with no back problems and feeling great. :)

Yesterday me and Brian took M out to have breakfast. K didn't want to go so she stayed home and kept C. They had some sister time and K made a tea party and watched a movie with C. Me and Brian took the baby and got groceries and then ran around after we dropped them off at home. R was a doll. She was so good and sweet. Everyone kept smiling at her and she kept telling me she loved me over and over. Then she would say...Your my baby Neika. LOL!! Im your baby and you my baby...i love you Neika. I said stop calling me that...I'm mommy to you. ROTFL! She is to sweet. I had some Christmas money from my grandmother and i bought myself a pretty blouse and skirt. I haven't had a skirt since having R so it was about time. I love it! I am so blessed to have a husband i can call my best friend and have more fun with then anyone in the world. I love him so much. It was just the BEST weekend and last night we laid in bed on our new soft mattress and watched a movie snuggled together. God is so good to us.

Monday- Cabbage FAT burning soup :) I will also make some home made bread with kefir and coconut oil to go with the soup.

I will have to take the kids to school and pick them up from now on so that's a lot of being in the car...i figure this soup will be best for today because i can just have it cooking in the crockpot all day.

Tuesday- butter bean burgers on wheat buns.

I will be cleaning all day and doing school with the kids

Wednesday- salmon on the grill with baked potatoes and peas and carrots.

Today me and Erica have a lunch date. YAYYY!

Thursday- pumpkin french toast and cheese eggs

I have mops so i get to go out for a few hours with no children. That's always nice. :)

Friday- bean burritos and movie night :)

I'm excited because we are going to watch a movie i have been wanting to see and its always nice to spend time with my family.

All Purpose Cleaner

2009-01-28T11:24:00.001-08:00

White Vinegar
Mildly acidic white vinegar dissolves dirt, soap scum, and hard water deposits from smooth surfaces, yet is gentle enough to use in solution to clean hardwood flooring.
White vinegar is a natural deodorizer, absorbing odors instead of covering them up. (And no, your bathroom won't smell like a salad! Any vinegar aroma disappears when dry.) With no coloring agents, white vinegar won't stain grout on tiled surfaces. Because it cuts detergent residue, white vinegar makes a great fabric softener substitute for families with sensitive skin.

Grapefruit Seed Extract (GSE)

Natural Disinfectant
Besides it's multiple uses within the human body, GSE has many more applications. Tests at the University of Georgia, confirmed by labs and clinics around the world, have shown that it is a first class disinfectant. Not only does it kill germs effectively, but unlike most disinfectants, it has virtually no toxicity, making it far safer to use.
Already it is being used by hospitals in America.
At home it can safely be used to wash fruit and salad vegetables, to clean chopping boards, and to sterilise food utensils (or your toothbrush) when needed.

Cinnamon oil

kills germs and gives this cleaner a wonderful clean smell.

Homemade Spray Cleaner Recipe

Mix in a sprayer bottle:

1 cup white vinegar

1 or 2 cups water (whatever fits your bottle)

10 -15 drops of GSE

5 drops of cinnamon ess oil (or more if you like a strong smell)

In the kitchen, use vinegar-and-water spray to clean counter tops, lightly soiled range surfaces and back splash areas.
In the bathroom, use vinegar spray cleaner to clean counter tops, floors, and exterior surfaces of the toilet.
For really tough bathroom surfaces such as shower walls, pump up the cleaning power by removing the sprayer element and heating the solution in the microwave until barely hot. Spray shower walls with the warmed generously, allow to stand for 10 to 15 minutes, then scrub and rinse. The heat helps soften stubborn soap scum and loosens hard water deposits.

Chicken Stew

2009-01-28T11:15:00.000-08:00

CHICKEN STEW

I just found this recipe again. I had lost it and we used to make it all the time. Its so yummy!!

Prep time: 12 minutes

3 Med potatoes, cut into 1 1/2-inch cubes

2 cups baby-cut carrots

1 package (8 ounces) fresh whole mushrooms,cut in half

12 boneless, skinless organic chicken thighs (about 2 1/2 pounds)

1/2 tsp sea salt

1 med chopped onion

3 cloves, chopped garlic

1 TBS tomato paste

1 jar (15 ounces) roasted chicken gravy

1/2 cup of dry white wine or water

Toss potatoes, carrots and mushrooms in 3 1/2 to 4 quart slow cooker.

Arrange chicken on top.

Add salt, onion and garlic.

Stir the tomato paste into jar of gravy.

pour gravy mixture and wine or water all over.

Cook on low for 8-10 hours or until veggies are tender.

Crock-Pot Potatoes

2009-01-28T11:01:00.000-08:00

Crock-Pot Potatoes

1 large bag frozen hashbrown potatoes (we like the southern style, cuz they aren't stringy)

2 cans cream of chicken

8 oz sour cream

2 cups shredded cheddar cheese

-Mix everything together in a crock pot, cook on high for 3 hours, stirring occasionally.

Muscle Rub

2009-01-28T07:17:00.000-08:00

This is a muscle rub that really works. It gets a little hot but that's great for pulled muscles or helping with kinks in your neck. You get a great rub but without all the harsh chemicals you would find in store bought rubs.

Put 8TBS cayenne pepper, 4TBS ginger root and 4TBS mustard powder into a mason jar. Pour 16oz of wintergreen alcohol on top of that and shake it up really good. Let it sit for two weeks. Strain out the herbs and spices and then add 6oz of menthol crystals. (You don't have to add all 6oz if you don't want. You could try 3 and see if that works well enough because it is pretty warm anyway.) If you have trouble getting the crystals to dissolve you can set the jar in a warm place and that should do the trick. :)

You can get the wintergreen alcohol at walmart. Its very cheap. The herbs you can get at a health food store like wild oats or buy offline in bulk. You can get the menthol crystals from Mountain rose herbs or check around and you may be able to find them somewhere around where you live. They are the most expensive ingredient but a little goes a LONG way.

Ginger Crinkles

2009-01-28T06:56:00.000-08:00

Ginger Crinkles

These are really healthy and yummm!!

2 1/4 cups flour (i like King Arthur unbleached)

2 tsp baking soda

1tsp ginger

1 tsp cinnamon

1/2tsp ground cloves

1/4tsp sea salt

1 cup brown sugar

3/4 cups coconut oil melted

1/4 cup dark molasses

1 large egg

raw sugar for rolling balls in

preheat oven to 400

Combine egg, brown sugar and molasses and beat on medium speed until smooth. Add coconut oil and continue mixing until all of the oil is incorporated into the first mixture.

Sift together flour, baking soda, spices and salt and then add to liquid mixture. Mix on low-medium speed until all of the dry ingredients are incorporated and it forms a smooth oily dough. Make walnut sized balls of dough and drop them into a bowl of raw sugar and roll around until coated on all sides. I use a #40 disher to make uniform balls of dough and to speed of this process. Using this disher a single batch produces 24 cookies.

Bake about 2 inches apart on parchment paper for about 10 minutes or until cookies puff up and split apart on top. After removing from oven, slide parchment paper from cookie sheet onto a cooking rack and allow cookies to cool before removing them.

Jacobi's birthday

2009-01-21T08:42:00.000-08:00

We have had a pretty hard week because Cobi got sick before her birthday. It started with her saying one of her ears hurt so i made up some garlic/EVOO and put it in her ear. After an hour she said it didn't hurt anymore but i noticed she still didn't seem to be able to hear well. That's when i should have given her garlic/ginger tea but i only did that once and because she didn't have a cold and her ear didn't seem to hurt i got busy and didn't give her anymore. I noticed she started getting a cough pretty bad at night after that but the cough meds we always use were making her stay up all night on a high. UGGG!! She also got a fever. I prayed that she would be well by her birthday which was just a few days away. The day before her birthday she was doing great....no fever, still coughing at night but not in the day and her ear still didn't hurt but she couldn't seem to hear us unless we yelled or stood right beside her. I was worried about that.

The day of her birthday came and she was feeling great. We went with my mom, stepdad and best friend cousin to eat at Macaroni grill. Then we went to Chuck E cheese to play, eat cake and open presents. Cobi still felt great but she went into the tunnels and got overheated. That's when she started coughing so hard she threw up. I thought we would have to leave right then but she cooled off, ate cake and opened her presents. She was happy as she could be. By the time we left she was pretty tired and we found that her fever was back. I felt so bad cuz i figured it was because she wasn't ready to have such a big day yet. We got her fever down at home but that night she coughed so badly i was in tears. Me and Brian were up all night with her trying to prop her up, give her anything we could think of to help such as honey, peppermint, children's NyQuil and Vick's. I even did a breathing treatment on her just in case she had asthma. Nothing helped much but she was sleeping through a lot of it. I have no idea how she slept through that terrible coughing but the poor thing was exhausted. We got up super early and took her to the doctor the min the opened.

Believe it or not, Cobi was so excited to go to the doctor. LOL! She was so happy but was so annoyed about the waiting room. She said "This is more complicated then i thought!" Then she knew her doctors name was Carrie and i guess she thought that was odd because he is a man and only heard of women named that so she forgot his name and later asked me and Brian if his name was Sally. We were like WHO??? She said, my doctor...is his name Sally? ROTFL!! Then when he finally came in she was like...FINALLY your here. LOL! She told him he was her friend and kept showing him her new toy puppy she got for her birthday. She also cracked us up asking if the nurse was a nurse, why didn't she have on her hat. She has only seen nurses on tv and they always wear a hat. She looked at the nurse like she was a fake or something. LOL!

The doctor said she had a double ear infection and it was normal for her not to have felt pain. He said everyone is different and some hurt and some don't. He said the ears draining were causing her to cough. He also said she was getting a head cold. He gave me antibiotics for her which make me sad. It goes against what i believe to give her those. I know the garlic/ginger tea would have kicked it out if i had only known from the start. I decided to give them to her though because the infection was so bad i didn't want to mess around with that. This will be the first time she ever had antibiotics in her life. We went and got her some acidophilus to take with the antibiotics that way it will put the healthy bacteria back into her gut. Antibiotics kill all the bad AND the good stuff. It also kills the immune system a little more each time you take them. :( She also got some good cough meds to help her sleep at night. PRAISE the LORD!!!

We got a much better nights sleep (my mom stayed the night to help) and she is doing much much better. Last night she slept through the whole night and whats funny is that she is still asleep at 11 am. She must have been worn out.

Jacobi got a new bed day before yesterday so last night was her first night in it. Its a twin but she has been in a very small bed until now so this bed seems big. Her mattress is so soft and she has drawers under her bed for storage. Brian also went and got her princess sheets and shams to make it pretty for her. We will get her a new princess comforter when they get them back in. I will try to post pics of her in her new bed soon.

Chicken Nuggets

2009-01-21T08:15:00.000-08:00

Singing for her supper =D

Home Made Chicken Nuggets
(With spinach, squash or cauliflower)

When i make these nuggets i do two different kinds because my 6yr old wont eat the spinach ones because she See's green. For her i use pureed squash or pureed cauliflower instead. I also always seem to run out of the breadcrumb mixture before I'm done so i have to make more. You may wanna have more bread crumbs on hand just in case this happens to you. Its not fun stopping in the middle to make more.

1 cup whole-wheat breadcrumbs (i just grind up bread in my food processor instead of buying it)

1/2 cup flaxseed meal (this is cheap and i found it at Kroger by the flour)

1TBS grated Parmesan cheese

1/2 cup paprika

1/2 tsp of garlic powder or better yet use fresh :)

1/2 tsp of onion powder

1 cup of pureed spinach (again my food processor)

1 cup of pureed squash or cauliflower (food processor or blender works great)

1 large egg, lightly beaten

1LB of boneless, skinless organic chicken breast or chicken tenders, rinsed, dried, and cut into small chunks ( I always buy more for my family of 5 because that wouldn't feed us all)

1/2 tsp of sea salt

nonstick cooking spray (i use the olive oil kind)

1TBS olive oil (you may need more)

1 In a bowl, combine the breadcrumbs, flaxseed meal, parm cheese, paprika, salt,garlic, and onion powder and mix well with your fingers.

2. In a shallow bowl, mix the vegetable puree and the egg (if your doing more then one puree you will need separate bowls and another egg) with a fork and set the bowl next to the breadcrumbs mixture.

3. Dip the chunks into the egg and puree mixture and then toss them in the breadcrumbs until completely coated.

4. Coat a large nonstick skillet with cooking spray and set over medium-high heat. When the skillet is hot, add oil. Place the chicken nuggets in the skillet in a single layer, being careful not to crowd the pan, and cook until crisp and golden on one side, 3 to 4 minutes. Then turn and cook until chicken is cooked through, golden brown, and crisp all over, 4 to 5 minutes longer. (cut into peaces to check that its cooked through.)

Serve warm.

Prep: 10 minutes---Total: 20 minutes-----Serves 4

Yeast Rolls

2009-01-14T07:37:00.000-08:00

Yeast Rolls

These rolls take a while to make because they have to rise so start early. :)

These are my favorite rolls EVER. They are so soft and just melt in your mouth.

1 cup shortening 3 packages yeast (dry)

3/4 cup sugar 1 cup warm water

1 cup boiling water 3 cups of wheat flour

1 tsp sea salt 2 cups of plain white flour

2 whole eggs

Cream shorting and sugar. Add boiling water and mix until shortening melts. Add salt and eggs one at a time, beating well after each. Add yeast which has been dissolved in the warm water.

Add flour 1/2 cup at a time, no need to sift. Use mixer until dough is thick and then finish mixing by hand.

Place dough in a large greased bowl. Cover and refrigerate for an hour or as long as you want. When your ready to use, take it out and punch it down on floured surface. Kneed on the floured surface about 10 times.

Roll out the dough into 1 1/2 inch balls. Place 3 balls in each greased muffin pan section (yes, 3 balls in one section) and brush top with melted butter.

Let rise for 1 hour and bake at 450 degrees until brown. (5 minutes)

Tarragon Chicken Pot Pie

2009-01-14T06:51:00.000-08:00

TARRAGON CHICKEN POT PIE

Like Chicken soup, this pie BOOSTS YOUR ABILITY to ward off winter colds.

3Tbsp all-purpose flour
1 can (141/2oz) organic chicken broth, warmed
1 1/2 tsp dried tarragon
3/4 tsp sea salt
1 can (12oz) fat-free evaporated milk
1 med yellow onion, sliced
2 garlic cloves, chopped
30 sm baby carrots, chopped
1 cup frozen peas, thawed
10 drops hot-pepper sauce, or to taste
1 1/2LB roasted boneless, skinless, ORGANIC chicken breasts, cubed--approx 2lb raw (leftovers work great)
3/4 sheet frozen phyllo dough, thawed
2lg egg whites, lightly beaten
3Tbsp sliced almonds

1. Preheat oven to 400. In a large saucepan, melt 2 Tbsp of the butter over medium heat. When sizzling, add the flour, whisking to make a paste.

2. Vigorously whisk in the broth, 1 or 2 Tbsp at a time, until smooth. Whisk in the tarragon and salt. Increase the heat to medium-high. Whisking continuously, cook the sauce for 5 to 7 minutes, or until slightly thickened. Add the milk while continuing to whisk. Cook for 5 to 7 minutes longer, reducing heat if necessary.

3. Melt 1Tbsp of the butter in a nonstick skillet. Add the onion, garlic and carrots. Saute for 15 minutes, or until the onion begins to caramelize. Stir in the peas and hot-pepper sauce.

4. In a 9"x9" baking dish, mix the chicken and vegetables. Pour warm sauce evenly over all.

5. Roll out the phyllo to the desired shape. Fit it over the baking dish, and seal it well around the edges with the egg white.

6. Brush the entire phyllo surface with egg white. Sprinkle the almonds over the top. Dab the egg white on top of the almonds. Cut slits in the phyllo.

7. Bake for 35 minutes, or until the crust is golden. Remove from the oven and cool for 20 minutes.

Makes 6 servings
Per serving: 372 cal, 43 g pro, 20 carb, 12 g fat, 5 g sat fat, 110 mg chol, 3 g fiber, 854 mg sodium (use sea salt and its healthier)

THE PAYOFF. A great source of vit A, folate and potassium. Yellow onions, garlic and hot pepper help to fight off colds.

menu for Jan 12-17

2009-01-11T13:16:00.000-08:00

Last week we didn't get to have two of the meals i planned because the girls were gone. Me and Brian just used that time to spend together and we went out to eat one night and another one we just had a smoothie with protein and immune booster. We really enjoyed out two days alone and just had such a wonderful time together shopping, watching movies and just being able to talk and hold hands without being interrupted. By the time the kids were home i felt refreshed and ready to be mommy again. =D

Monday- Sloppy Joe's with deer meat. I'm also going to sneak in some carrot puree so the kids are getting some vegetable with their dinner.

Tuesday- Tofu stir-fry

Wednesday- organic BBQ chicken (because its been so long since i cooked it) Potatoes Lyonnaise (will post recipe if it turns out good) and cabbage.

Thursday- Veggie Lasagna. I'm so excited about this one cuz i love it but haven't made it in a long time.

Friday- Taco bell and movie night

~Salsa~

2009-01-03T16:50:00.000-08:00

I got this one from Priss. Brian LOVES it!!

INGREDIENTS:

* 1 27 oz. can of El Pato (I like to use the green can, the yellow one is too hot for me!)

* 1 medium onion, finely chopped

* green onions, finely chopped

* cilantro, finely chopped

* 1 teaspoon of ground cumin

* 3-4 cloves of garlic, crushed

Optional: Add corn, black beans or fresh jalapeños

DIRECTIONS:1. Place El Pato sauce in a large bowl. Mix all of the ingredients in, listed above. Place in fridge to chill for a few hours. This is a favorite! Enjoy. :)

Tip...If you have a food processor just throw in everything except the corn and black beans and chop it till its the consistency you like. Then throw in the beans and corn. Its so yummy with blue organic corn chips.

menu for January 4-9

2009-01-03T16:11:00.000-08:00

MENU

I'm back! Its been a busy few weeks but i think things are settling down finally. I'm just completely wore out though. Its taken me a while to get back into my daily routine and it still just doesn't feel right. Today does NOT feel like Saturday to me at all. We had a nice Christmas and the kids got a lot of really nice things. I did too. My husband spoiled me so good this year. He is so wonderful and I'm so lucky to have him. He got me the wii fit so now i can get into working out and try to get the last 10lbs of baby fat off that doesn't want to budge. LOL!!

My Inlaws came in from Florida so we got to visit with them and my sister in law a lot. We were busy busy busy and i ate really bad but I'm ready to get back into our weekly routine and back to scheduling a menu so here it is!!

Sunday- Sloppy Joe's with deer meat. Me and Kenzie have a date to go see a movie and spend some time together.

Monday- White Cheese Pizza. Its back to school for the girls so i thought that would be a nice choice for dinner when they got home. Jacobi is already excited about it. :)

Tuesday- Chicken Bowls like KFC. I'm thinking the girls may be gone this week sometime but I'm not sure what day.

Wednesday- Tofu Stir-Fry. Im pretty sure the kids will be gone by tonight so i planned this because i know Cobi doesn't care so much for it. Me and Brian are gonna have so much fun being all alone when the kids leave. LOL!! It will be a much needed break and lots of wonderful cuddle time together. ;)

Thursday- Egg Puffs, French Toast and Orange slices.

Friday- Taco Bell and movie night =D

Menu time :)

2008-12-14T11:37:00.000-08:00

Monday- Sloppy Joe with deer meat. The girls have school this week and i have to take them and pick them up so that doesn't leave me much time for a big dinner.

Tuesday- Tuna on a garden salad. I will be taking Jacobi out for a date and some shopping.

Wednesday- Morning star chicken, steamed broccoli and cauliflower, sweet potatoes with marshmallow cream. Not sure what we will do today.

Thursday- Black bean burritos. I'm so excited about these because i have been craving them lately. :)

Friday- Take out and a movie night.

Peppermint Chocolate Pudding Pie

2008-12-07T11:56:00.000-08:00

PEPPERMINT CHOCOLATE PUDDING PIE

A festive dessert that has a surprise layers hidden inside. This pie is perfect for Christmas and everyone loves it and asks me to make it again.

prep time: 15 min Total: 3 hours 15 min (incl. refrigerating)

INGREDIANTS:

2 cups of cold milk

2 packages ( 4-serving size each) JELL-O chocolate flavor instant pudding & pie filling

1 HONEY MAID Graham pie crust (6oz)

1 cup JET-PUFFFED Miniature marshmallows

1 tub(8oz) COOL WHIP whipped topping, thawed and divided

2 squares BAKER'S semi-sweet baking chocolate

1/4 cup of crushed candy canes

1 to 2 drops of peppermint oil flavoring (optional)

DIRECTIONS:

Pour cold milk into large bowl. Add dry pudding mixes. Beat with wire whisk 2 min or until well blended. (mixture will be thick) I also like to add 1 or 2 drops of peppermint flavoring but that's just an extra thing i do....it doesn't call for it.

Spoon 1 1/2 cups of the pudding into pie crusts. Top with marshmallows. Gently stir 1 1/2 cups of the whipped topping into remaining pudding; spoon over pie.

Refrigerate 3 hours.

Meanwhile, microwave chocolate in small microwavable bowl on HIGH 1 min. Stir until melted. Cool slightly. Place melted chocolate in resealable plastic bag. Snip off small piece from one of the bottom corners of the bag; squeeze chocolate into 10 desired shapes on parchment paper-covered baking sheet. Refrigerate until firm.

Top pie with remaining whipped topping just before serving. Garnish with crushed candy canes. (do NOT put candy canes on until serving time or they will bleed red all over pie...trust me LOL) Serve each slice with a chocolate decoration. :)

Makes 10 servings, 1 slice each.

Corn Flake Hollies!!!

2008-12-07T11:10:00.000-08:00

Corn Flake Hollies

~~INGREDIENTS~~

30 LG Marshmallows

1 Stick margarine

4c. Corn Flakes

Green Food Coloring

Cinnamon Red Hots

~~DIRECTIONS~~

Put corn flakes in lg. bowl, set aside.

In med. pan melt margarine. Add Marshmallows, stir until completely melted. Stir in about 4 drops of coloring. Pour mixture over flakes and gently stir. Put spoon fulls of flakes on wax paper. Garnish with red hots. Let cool and enjoy!

Peanut Butter Balls

2008-12-07T10:58:00.000-08:00

PEANUT BUTTER BALLS : )

10 oz peanut butter

1 stick melted butter

20 oz confectioners sugar

Mix & roll into bite size balls

melt in double boiler:

16 oz semi-sweet choc chips

1/2 bar paraffin

dip balls & let dry on foil

ENJOY!!!

This weeks menu =D

2008-12-07T10:43:00.000-08:00

Hello all!! This week isn't to exciting on the menu but we are still trying to keep it cheap. I will be posting a new recipe in a minute that's perfect for Christmas so check it out.

Monday- Taco's with either lentils or morning star meat. I haven't decided yet. We will also have corn on the cob. The kids have school and i have to work out that evening.

Tuesday- eggs, hash browns and some yummy fried apples and orange juice or chocolate milk to drink. I have to work out again and later that night i plan to meet up with my friend for some hot chocolate and a nice chat.

Wednesday- Crockpot vegetable soup and home made bread. I will be gone ALL day long with Mckenzie and Erica on a Christmas shopping trip. YAYYYY!!! Dinner will be easy cuz its gonna be cooking all day so i wont have to do it later.

Thursday- Tuna on a garden salad with pickled okra......Its work out day again. I hope i can make myself actually go 3 days this week cuz that will definitely be a first. LOL

Friday- Take out and a movie night. I think i will have some one on one time with Jacobi today. Maybe take her to the dollar tree and let her buy everyone Christmas gifts. Then come home, make cookies and then let her wrap presents all by herself. :) Then we will try to watch a family movie all together.

Saturday and Sunday i have no plans so far and no plans for dinner either. We kinda just do whatever we do on the weekend.

Menu for first week in December

2008-12-02T09:25:00.000-08:00

Moriah and Tucker

Mckenzie

Jacobi posing for Mckenzie to take her picture. :)

This week we are eating cheap. We went out Saturday and finished up Christmas gifts for all 3 girls. We are now poor. LOL!! We still have more shopping to do later for a few other things so i thought i would make sure this weeks grocery bill didn't stress hubby out to much. We already had most of the things for all of the meals.

Monday-Potato, broccoli, squash and cheese soup and Mexican cornbread.

Tuesday- Morning star chicken, sweet potatoes, and steamed broccoli and cauliflower

Wednesday- Tofu Stir-Fry

Thursday- Butter bean burgers and corn on the cob

Friday- Taco bell bean burritos

So, i guess i will write a little about our long weekend. Thursday was Thanksgiving and we all went to my grandmama's house for dinner. She has 9 kids so its pretty crazy at her house. Luckily it was such a beautiful day and all of the kids went to play outside. They had so much fun playing and it reminded me of old times when i was little and all of us kids would go out and play so good together. It was a nice day. :)

Friday i cleaned the house and that night we put up out Christmas tree. Then we watched a Christmas movie.

Saturday me and Brian had a date to go Christmas shopping. We got everything for the girls and a few other things and then we went to pick up the kids. When we got home we had lots of Christmas presents to wrap. I was exhausted by the time we were finishing up. Thankfully i have a husband who helps me with things like that. I love him so. :)

Sunday we went to Grandmama's house again because Brian had to put in a chair lift for her so she wont fall down the stairs. We were there all day. My two aunts were also there and we had dinner and i listened to my MP3 player that Kenzie gave me and washed dishes. Grandmama loves her new chair lift and is probably riding on it as i type this. LOL!!

Potato, Broccoli, Squash and Cheese Soup

2008-12-01T15:18:00.000-08:00

This soup is wonderful and creamy. I serve it with hot cornbread and butter.

INGREDIENTS:

* 1 chopped onion

*3 cloves chopped garlic
* bag of potatoes peeled and cubed
* 32oz box vegetable stock

*enough water to cover all potatoes in pot
*1 box of butternut squash soup
* 1 bag of frozen or raw broccoli
* 1 bag of frozen or raw carrots
* salt and pepper to taste
* 1/2 box of Velveeta cheese (cubed)

DIRECTIONS:

1. In a large crockpot add water and vegetable stock. Add potatoes, garlic and onions. Cover, bring to boil and then reduce heat to medium and cook all day on med to low.

2.Throw in broccoli and carrots ( I use frozen ) and cook till tender.

3.Add butternut squash soup and Velveeta cheese to pot and stir until cheese is melted.

4.Season with salt and pepper. Serve warm.

Menu for Thanksgiving week

2008-11-23T09:29:00.000-08:00

Monday- sloppy Joes.....the kids have no school so i plan to do crafts with them and work out Monday night.

Tuesday- Potato Broccoli and Cheese Soup.....More crafts with the kids and working out again.

Wednesday-black bean and corn quesadillas....Cleaning and getting all the food ready for Thanksgiving the next day.

Thursday- ~~THANKSGIVING DINNER~~ We are bringing a turkey, Mexican cornbread and deviled eggs.

Friday- Leftovers OR Taco Bell bean burritos and its movie night!!

Busy weekend for us

2008-11-23T09:12:00.001-08:00

Here is a picture of Mckenzie's new hair cut and color.

This has been one busy weekend. McKenzie had a sleepover for her 14th birthday and we had 5 teens come and spend the night. We met at the movies and watched TWILIGHT which was just awesome!!! I couldn't believe the line in that theater. It was packed full by the time the movie started. The movie was actually really teen friendly so i was pleased with that. I had read the books and i knew they were wrote for teens but i still worried about the movie. I'm really protective of what my daughters watch or read so its still kind of weird to me that i really dig this twilight stuff.

After the movie we got pizza and came home and ate and had cake and ice cream. Then the girls went out to the school house out back and stayed up half the night. They watched a movie and slept out there on blow up mattresses.

The next day we were supposed to go skating but it all got messed up so we went to the mall instead. We shopped and had lunch and then it was time to come home. It was a nice weekend but just a really busy one for me and hubby. :) Now its time to sit back and relax.

Pita Pizzas (mini)

2008-11-23T08:38:00.000-08:00

These are a favorite with the kids because they are tiny and cute. They are also really cheap and easy to make.

8(4-inch) whole wheat pita pockets
1/2 cup of spinach puree or if your kids scream at the color of green then maybe try carrot puree with some of the pizzas.
2 cups bottled tomato sauce
2 cups thinly sliced part-skim mozzarella

1. Preheat oven to 400

2. Spread spinach puree on each pita so that the spinach comes to within about 1/2 inch of the edge. Then spread the sauce over the spinach. It should cover the spinach and come within 1/4 of the edge of the pita. Now lay the cheese over the sauce, covering any place where the green comes through. :)

3. Place the pizzas on a foil-lined baking sheet and bake till the cheese is melted and begins to brown, 5 to 10 minutes. Let the pizzas cool 5 minutes before serving so the cheese cools and doesn't pull off (and the spinach stays completely invisible.)

Weekly menu Nov 17-23

2008-11-17T10:02:00.000-08:00

This weekend we went to the lake and went to church up there. Riah got a bad cold but she is almost well now thanks to garlic tea. :) I will post a picture of K's new hair tomorrow on here.

We have a busy week ahead of us. Kenzies birthday is Tuesday but she is celebrating it with friends at a sleepover on Friday. Here is our weekly menu and what we are up to.

Monday- Chicken noodle soup in the crockpot to help Riah feel better. Me and Kenzie are going to work out tonight at the gym.

Tuesday-Happy Birthday Mckenzie!! We will be going to eat out for dinner because its K's birthday so we want to make it a special night. K is also getting her hair done during the day.

Wednesday- church night and we have to watch nursery so we will have home made bread and eggs with tofu and morning star sausage cuz its easy and yummy!!

Thursday- Mops day for me and also gotta work out that night. Kenzie also has her tutor that evening. We will probably just have leftovers that have been frozen cuz the freezer is getting to full. LOL!!

Friday- Kenzie's sleepover!! We will be going to see TWILIGHT the movie and then coming home to have pizza and cake. I'm sure the kids will snack all night on cookies and chips.

Saturday- Everyone is going skating for the afternoon and then who knows what dinner will be. Probably leftover pizza.

Sunday-???? Not sure whats going on.

Chicken Noodle soup with sweet potato & cauliflower

2008-11-17T09:29:00.000-08:00

I make this soup in the crock pot and let it simmer all day. Its perfect for sick days and the garlic and onion really help to fight colds. Sweet potato and cauliflower purees provide you with vitamins A and C--good for vision, skin, and healthy immune system.

~CHICKEN NOODLE SOUP~

3 quarts reduced-fat low-sodium chicken broth or you can use the broth you boiled the chicken in if you want.

As much chicken breast as you want to add to the soup

1/2tsp sea salt

1 yellow onion

3 garlic cloves

diced carrots

celery

1 large package of noodles

1/2-1 cup of cauliflower puree

1/2-1 cup of sweet potato puree

Boil your chicken till cooked all the way through. Let chicken cool and pour broth into crock pot or a big pot.

Shred cooled chicken and add to the pot.

Add chopped garlic, onions, celery and carrots to soup.

Pour in your pureed sweet potato and cauliflower

cook on high till boiling and then turn to med till one hour before time to eat.

THEN ADD the noodles to the soup and let cook till they are soft but not mushy. If you add them to early they get mushy.

Menu for November 10th-14th

2008-11-08T19:08:00.000-08:00

Me and Brian just had the such a nice date night tonight. We went to eat at the Macaroni Grill and then to the mall. He got a shirt and some jeans. Then we went to T.J Maxx and i got a shirt. We were on our way home when i was talking about how my bra didn't fit right and Brian surprised me by taking me back to the mall and getting me a bra from Victoria Secret cuz even though i hate how trashy they are about putting half naked women on TV, I still think they have the best bra's ever. They last so long and hold the girls up so good. LOL!! I have the best husband ever!! He is so good to me.

Happy Birthday Brian!!!!!!! In honor of my husbands birthday we will be having his favorite dinner.

Monday-Porcupine balls, Mashed potatoes and fried cabbage....for dessert we will have a yummy dessert of some sort. Not sure which kind yet.

Tuesday-We will be having egg salad sandwiches on home made wheat toasted bread. I'm planning to go to a woman's gym with a friend for the first time and try out a class.

Wednesday- Scrambled eggs with tofu and home made whole wheat toast with pumpkin butter.

Thursday- Sloppy Joe's with deer meat

Friday- Bean burritos from taco bell and a movie for family fun night.

Mashed potatoes with sneaky cauliflower

2008-11-08T18:55:00.000-08:00

Nobody will know there is cauliflower in these potatoes unless you tell them.

MASHED POTATOES

You will need potatoes, milk, butter, salt, pepper and about 1 cup of pureed cauliflower. To puree my veggies I just steam them till soft and blend them with food processor or a blender till creamy. Sometimes you may need to add a bit of water.

Directions

Peel and cube the potatoes and boil till tinder.

Drain off water and add milk, butter, salt, pepper and the puree.

blend with a mixer till smooth and creamy. Add as much milk, butter, salt and pepper as you like.

BBQ Crockpot Chicken

2008-11-05T21:24:00.001-08:00

BBQ CHICKEN

This recipe is so easy and taste to great. I miss it now that we are almost vegetarian :(

I just toss chicken ( i even threw in frozen thighs before) in the crockpot and pour our favorite BBQ sauce all over the top and add a tiny bit of water in the bottom of the pot. Then i cook it on high all day until it just falls apart.

I always serve with mashed potatoes and steamed veggies. Its such a hearty meal yet so easy.

Chicken Rotel

2008-11-05T20:36:00.000-08:00

~CHICKEN ROTEL~

Nacho chips
Boneless, skinless chicken breast (organic)
1 can rotel tomatoes
little box of velveeta cheese ( we use most of a big box though)
1 can Campbells cream of chicken soup

melt in a bowl the cheese, cream of chicken and tomatoes all together in the microwave.
Boil the chicken till done and tear into strips
smash the chips up in the bag

Get a handful of chips and spread on the bottom of a dish.
Then spread some of the chicken on top of that.
Next pour some of the cheese over the chicken.
Do this until you run out of ingredients.

Serve while hot and crunchy. YUMMM!!!

We have been eating this since Mckenzie was the size of Moriah and still love it.

2008-11-05T20:20:00.000-08:00

TACO SOUP

You can make this soup with meat or simply add meatless ground for a vegetarian meal.

INGREDIENTS:

1lb or more of ground beef, ground turkey or 1 package of morning star crumbles

2 cups diced onions

2 (15 1/2-ounce) cans pinto beans

1 (15 1/2-ounce) can pink kidney beans

1 (15 1/4-ounce) can whole kernel corn, drained

1 (14 1/2-ounce) can Mexican-style stewed tomatoes

1 (14 1/2-ounce) can diced tomatoes

1 (14 1/2-ounce) can tomatoes with chilies

2 (4 1/2-ounce) cans diced green chilies

1 (4.6-ounce) can black olives, drained and sliced, optional

1/2 cup green olives, sliced, optional

1 (1 1/4-ounce) package taco seasoning mix

1 (1-ounce) package ranch salad dressing mix

Corn chips, for serving

Sour cream, for garnish

Grated cheese, for garnish

Chopped green onions, for garnish

Jalapeños, for garnish

DIRECTIONS:

Brown the meat (or crumbles) and onions in a large skillet. Then transfer the meat and onions to a large slow cooker or a stockpot. Add the beans, corn, tomatoes, green chilies, black olives, green olives, taco seasoning, and ranch dressing mix, and cook in a slow cooker on low for 6 to 8 hours or simmer over low heat for about 1 hour in a pot on the stove. To serve, place a few corn chips in each bowl and ladle soup over them. Top with sour cream, cheese, green onions and jalapeños.

This is such a yummy meal. Everyone i have shared it with has loved it.

Mexican cornbread

2008-11-05T20:11:00.000-08:00

Mexican cornbread

INGREDIENTS:

1 1/2C self-rising cornmeal

1 can cream style corn

2 eggs

1 Cup milk

1 Cup grated cheese

2/3 cup olive oil

1/2 bell pepper chopped up

DIRECTIONS:

Combine EVERYTHING except oil in a big bowl and stir.

Put about 1/4 cup of oil in iron skillet and place in preheated 425 oven.

Let skillet and oil get very hot...meanwhile add the rest of the oil to the cornbread mixture.

When oil in skillet is hot enough (1-2 min) remove from oven and add to mixture.

Bake at 425 degrees for about 30 min or more until done.

Happy Birthday Moriah

2008-11-05T19:57:00.001-08:00

Here are some pictures of Moriah on her second birthday

We had her party at grandmama's house because i wanted to make sure grandmama would be there. It was a small family thing but she had fun. We cooked hot dogs and chicken and made lots of side dishes. Then we had cake and ice cream and opened presents. Moriah loves to sing happy birthday to you and sings it all the time. She was so cute opening her gifts and laughing with excitement over her new toys. I just thought she was so cute. She looks like Mckenzie did her her age and its like having her all over again. She is cute and funny and a little sassy. She is my baby girl.

Double Chocolate mocha

2008-11-05T19:41:00.000-08:00

Brownies

1/2 cup of cold milk

2pkg white choc pudding

1/4 cup warm water

4tsp instant coffee

1 8oz cool whip

3 toffee bars or heath bars, crumbled

Prepare brownies using your fav recipe. (9x13pan)

let cool

mix pudding mix with milk

dissolve coffee in warm water and mix with the pudding.

fold in cool whip

crumble brownies

layer brownies, pudding mix, then toffee bits (2-3 layers)

chill at least 30 min before serving

Tofu Stir-fry

2008-11-02T18:39:00.000-08:00

Tofu Stir-fry

WHAT YOU WILL NEED

1 container of tofu firm and cubed, drained

1-2 bags of frozen stir-fry with teriyaki sauce added

soy sauce

garlic

olive oil

DIRECTIONS

Add about 3TBS of oil to Wok and let it get hot.

Toss the bagged stir-fry into the Wok and add cubed tofu and a few chopped garlic cloves.

Then just stir-fry the veggies and tofu until its as firm or tender as you like it. I like my veggies firm like Chinese style but my mom likes hers soft and almost mushy.

When the veggies are the way you want them, then add some soy sauce and stir. Add more and keep tasting until you have enough. Everyone likes it different so i have no strict recipe to go by.

Its easy and taste wonderful!!

Menu for Nov 3-9

2008-11-02T18:17:00.000-08:00

MENU FOR THIS WEEK
Here are some Halloween pictures from this weekend!

Monday-pizza I think. Its Moriah's birthday!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! :D She is 2 today.

Tuesday- stir-fry with tofu and egg rolls.....Me and Cobi are having a date and buying a gift for samaritans purse. Cobi is picking a little girl that's her age to buy for. :)

Wednesday- garden salad with tuna ......Church night

Thursday-black bean burritos and pintos with cheese.......Maybe have a play date with my friend and her kids.

Friday- taco's with meatless ground and we will of course have movie night

Saturday- date night for me and Brian

Sunday- ???

Menu for Oct 27-31

2008-10-26T17:14:00.000-07:00

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.

Oatmeal Chocolate Chewy Balls

2008-10-25T11:04:00.000-07:00

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.

Do you like my recipe's???

2008-10-24T09:12:00.000-07:00

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.

http://prisstinecuisines.blogspot.com/

~Butter Bean Burgers~

2008-10-24T08:51:00.000-07:00

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.

Home Made Laundry Detergent

2008-10-23T16:33:00.000-07:00

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.

Our weekly menu + other stuff

2008-10-21T09:39:00.000-07:00

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.

PORCUPINE BALLS

2008-10-19T11:43:00.000-07:00

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.

COCONUT DESSERT PIZZA

2008-10-17T17:39:00.001-07:00

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

2008-10-17T17:20:00.000-07:00

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.

Baked Egg Puffs (with butternut squash)

2008-10-16T12:41:00.000-07:00

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

2008-10-16T12:14:00.000-07:00

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.

2008-10-16T12:03:00.000-07:00

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.

Tuna Salad in a pita with sneaky cauliflower :D

2008-10-15T06:30:00.000-07:00

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.

PUMPKIN FRENCH TOAST AND MUFFINS

2008-10-13T15:31:00.000-07:00

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.

2008-10-13T10:54:00.000-07:00

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.

ROASTED VEGETABLE LASAGNA

2008-10-12T09:59:00.000-07:00

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

The best stuffed shells evah!!

2008-10-11T18:49:00.000-07:00

"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

2008-10-11T14:44:00.000-07:00

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

2008-10-11T13:47:00.000-07:00

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.