Something to write in my "cute diary"

Today my little Annabelle (3) had to go to the bathroom after her nap, so as I met her in the hallway she said, "I have to go potty, so I went as fast as my little legs could go".
SO CUTE!

(the above picture was taken a few weeks ago, I just thought you might want to put a face (an oh so cute face) with a name.

One thing I learned this weekend

When pudding freezes it isn't that great. The milk in the pudding freezes into hard slivers and doesn't cut well. When you bite into a piece of frozen pudding, it isn't smooth and creamy and dreamy, it is more like chewing a melting porcupine.
The next time I want to make a frozen pie, I will use ice cream, or just follow a recipe like most normal people do.

Kid Kabobs

So maybe the title is a little misleading.
No they aren't made out of kids, they are made FOR kids!

I wanted to make a fun lunch for the kids for their first day of summer break, and these things just kind of evolved. You can use whatever you want. I used chunks of PB & J's, cantaloupe, honey dew melon, cheese, apple and pretzel rings. The kids loved them.

Enjoy!

Sticky Lemon Chicken

Only the best chicken you will ever eat!

Don't believe me? Just try it. I dare you.

I got this recipe out of our local newspaper a few years ago, and it is amazing! It is SO flavorful and juicy. I must admit, I'm guilty of gluttony every time I make it.
It takes a little bit of prep time but is very, very worth it.


8-10 dark pieces of chicken meat (please don't use the neck or any other part of the chicken that isn't normally consumed in the US.)
1/2 tsp sea salt
freshly ground pepper
3 tablespoons olive oil
1 head of garlic, halved horizontally
2-3 sprigs thyme (or 1 TBS. dried thyme, if you don't buy fresh herbs)
1/4 cup sherry vinegar (I could not find this at the store so I bought cooking sherry)
1/4 cup plus 2 TBS. honey
1/4 cup dark soy sauce
1 lemon finely sliced
3/4 cup hot water
1/2 bunch flat Italian parsley chopped

1. Season chicken with salt and pepper. Heat oil in a large, nonstick skillet over high heat. Cook chicken, garlic and thyme in batches if necessary, turning as needed until golden brown, 4-5 minutes per side.
2.Return all chicken to the pan; add sherry. Cook over medium heat until liquid is reduced by half, about 5 minutes. Add honey and soy sauce, shake pan to mix.
Add lemon slices and hot water; raise heat to medium high. Cook until liquid has reduced to a syrup, 10-15 minutes. If chicken has not cooked through, add more hot water if necessary; continue cooking till done.
Remove to platter and sprinkle with parsley. Serve with hot cooked rice.

Enjoy!

Another day at the Nichols Restaurant...

Our daily schedule is as follows:

make breakfast, serve breakfast, eat breakfast, clean up breakfast, clean the kids up from breakfast,

prepare mid morning snack, serve snack, watch kids eat snack, clean up snack, clean kids up from snack,

prepare lunch, serve lunch, eat lunch, clean up from lunch, clean the kids up from lunch
prepare afternoon snack, serve afternoon snack, eat afternoon snack, clean up afternoon snack, clean the kids up from afternoon snack

prepare second afternoon snack (after mommy finally caves from the kids clutching their stomachs and screeching from hunger pains) serve second afternoon snack, eat second afternoon snack, clean up second afternoon snack, clean kids up from second afternoon snack

prepare dinner, serve dinner, eat dinner, clean up dinner, clean kids up from dinner,

prepare bedtime snack, eat bedtime snack, clean up bedtime snack, clean kids up from bedtime snack...

And people wonder what stay at home moms do all day???

The Best Fish Ever!

This is my favorite way to eat tilapia, or any fish for that matter.
It comes out SOOO tender, flaky and juicy!

It is so fast and simple.
Ready for my secret? Ok, look at the picture below.

I use 2 thicknesses of foil, crinkle up the edges to keep the juices from dripping into the grill.
I spray them with baking spray, place the thawed fillets on, sprinkle them with MCCormicks Salmon Seasoning, then put lemon slices and a few pats of butter on them. I loosely cover them with another piece of foil, and grill them for 7-10 minutes, without flipping.
That's it.
The most delicious fish you will ever eat.

Enjoy!

Neapolitan Cake

Ya know those neapolitan candies made with sugar, coconut, sugar, coloring, and more sugar?
Well I absolutely LOVE them. I have loved them since I was a kid. And more recently I was dreaming of a cake that tasted like those candies. I day dreamed about making a neapolitan cake for months, and I finally did it.
And let me just say, it was marvelous!

The top layer was strawberry, the middle was chocolate, the bottom layer was coconut, and it was covered with chocolate ganache. It was a cake fit for a king.
I kind of cheated, with the strawberry and coconut layers. I used a boxed mix of white cake, divided it and then added my special goodies. You can do that or make it from scratch, whatever you have time and patience for. For the chocolate layer, I made 1/2 a recipe of my fave chocolate cake, Hersheys special dark cake. Yum-my! You can use that recipe or split a box of chocolate.
You'll need 3 cake pans the same size, or bake them at separate times.

Here is the recipe: (as I remember it. You know I never measure things. Sorry)
for the pink and white layers:
one box of white cake mix prepared and divided into 2 parts
1/2 cup strawberry jam
1 tsp. strawberry extract
red food coloring if desired
1 cup flaked, sweetened coconut pulsed in a food processor until fine
1 tsp. coconut extract

Mix the strawberry jam and strawberry extract into one part, color with red coloring if desired. Pour into greased 9" round cake pan. Set aside to bake with the other cakes.
Mix the coconut and coconut extract into the other part of white cake, pour into greased, 9" cake pan. Set aside and make chocolate layer.

for the chocolate layer:
1 cup sugar
1 cup flour
1/3 cup Hershey's Special Dark Cocoa
3/4 tsp. baking powder
3/4 tsp. baking soda
1/2 tsp salt
1 egg
1/2 cup milk
1/4 cup veg. oil
1 tsp. vanilla extract
1/2 boiling water

Stir together sugar, flour, cocoa, baking powder, baking soda, and salt in large bowl. Add egg, milk, oil, and vanilla; beat on medium speed for 2 minutes. Stir in boiling water (batter will be thin). Pour batter into greased 9" cake pan.

Bake all 3 cakes for 30-35 minutes or until cooked through. Let cool in pans for 10 minutes before transferring to wire racks. Let cool completely. Layer the 3 cakes on top of each other.

For the ganache:

16 oz chocolate chips (real ones)
1 1/2 cups heavy whipping cream
4 Tbs. butter

Put chocolate chips in a bowl and set aside. Heat the cream and butter on medium heat just until boiling. Immediately pour over chocolate. Let sit for 5 minutes. Whisk until well combined. At this point it may be thick enough to pour over the cake. Test it to see how fast it drips. You want to wait until it is thick enough to make a good thick coating on the cake.
Pour half of the ganache over cake and spread over side with scraper or basting brush. After the "crumb coat" is done, pour the rest on the cake and allow to drip over the sides.
Refrigerate until firm.

Enjoy!

My Favorite Childhood Treat

I don't have many fond memories from my childhood, but these yummy, simple cookies would be one of them. We were too poor to afford cookies, ok I'm just joking.

Uh, anyway... my mom would make these once in a while, and we loved them. We still do,
and I'm sure you will too.

And yes they do taste better with sprinkles.

See?

She's just so cute I had to put in two pictures.

Ok, so by now you know I never measure anything so I'll just say mix equal parts peanut butter with vanilla or butter cream frosting, and spread it on graham crackers. If you would like to add a little pizazz, press the edges into sprinkles. Simple as that.

Enjoy!

Who Does This?

I painted my toenails on a Sunday night. Obviously I got distracted by something, and thought I was finished. The sad thing is, I didn't notice they were like this until Tuesday!
Has anybody else done this? Come on, make me feel better.

Pie Crust You Will LOVE!

I have been battling with pie crust ever since I started baking. I have my hated pie crust, with a passion. I have thrown it against the wall, and vowed never to make it from scratch again.
So I just started buying pre-made crust, but I never liked the preservative-y taste that it had.

A few months ago, I was reading my Real Simple magazine, and I came across a pie crust recipe that is made in a food processor. On the top of the page it read, " Yes, you can make your own pie crust". I, however was incredulous. I slammed my magazine down and shouted, "No I can't!" Ok, I didn't really do that, but I thought about it. I tentatively opened it back up and studied the recipe, and the simple, step by step photos. (I tend to need those)
I was intrigued by the fact the you can make pie crust in a food processor! No more cutting in the cold, hard butter by hand? (not that I ever do it anyway. Due to my wrist problems, I always have my strong, handsome hubby do it)
So I was really thinking of him, when I decided to buy a food processor, for this very purpose. [wink wink]
I made the crust for a huge batch of pasties, and I LOVED it! It was done in half the time, and it was very manageable, and actually fun to work with!

Here is the recipe: (it only makes one crust)

1 1/4 cups flour
1 stick cold, unsalted butter
1 Tbs. sugar
1/4 tsp. salt
3-4 Tbs. ice cold water

In a food processor, pulse the flour, butter, sugar, and salt until the mixture resembles coarse meal, with a few pea sized clumps of butter remaining.
Add 2 Tbs. of water. Pulse until mixture holds together when squeezed, but is still crumbly, (add more water, a little at a time, as necessary) Avoid over processing, which will make dough tough.
Place the still crumbly mixture on a sheet of plastic wrap. (I kneaded mine a couple times)
Shape into a disk, using the plastic wrap to help. Wrap tightly and refrigerate till firm. 1 hour and up to 3 days. (The dough can be frozen up to 2 months.)

Hope this works as well for you as it did for me. :)

Why I Clip Coupons

I paid $4.58. for everything in the above picture.

Ok, I'm just going to come right out and say it. I am a coupon freak, and I am not ashamed of it.
I am one of those people who will stand in line at the grocery store, and hand the cashier 30 coupons. People moan and groan and try to stare me down, but I can honestly say it doesn't bother me. When the cashier hands me my receipt that says I saved 50-60% on my grocery bill, I just smile and skip to my mini van. Ok maybe not skip. That would just be weird. :)

I have been shopping with coupons for about a year now, and have built up a pretty nice stockpile of foods and supplies. Do you know how nice it is to run out of something, and not have to drive all the way to the grocery store for it? Just a quick trip to my basement (which keeps me in shape btw) and I'm back to my cooking, laundry, dishes, whatever.

So all to say, I wanted to show you why I (and thousand of other money saving mommies) do what I do.
The picture above is my latest deal from Rite Aid. I paid $4.58. for 6 bottles of Nivea body wash, 4 packs of pads, and a pack of toilet paper. The toilet paper wasn't that great of a deal but we needed it that day.

I would have paid $60.19 (before tax)
But everything was on sale and I had a coupon for everything (except the toilet paper. But it was still on sale)

A coupon in and of itself won't really save you that much money, because you could still buy the generic brand for the same "after coupon" price of a name brand. And that is, IF you want to buy the generic brand. Combining a coupon with a sale priced item is when you can really start saving money. I also use the Rite Aid Rebate program, and Register Rewards deals at Walgreens.
I never thought I could get free toothpaste or shampoo from a drugstore.
I have even MADE money on certain items. These are called "money makers" in the coupon world.
Last summer I got bottle after bottle of free barbeque sauce, and A1. I have saved about 80% or more, on (good, name brand) dishwashing detergents and laundry soaps, diapers.
It is so worthwhile to buy a few Sunday papers every week, (more if there are good coupons that week)
I would love it if you were able to start saving 50-60% on your monthly grocery budget too. This is why I'm writing this post.
But instead of writing it all myself (because my wrist is starting to hurt) I am going to post a link to my favorite blog. The lady who taught me almost everything I know about couponing. Drumroll please... Cheri Mindi.

http://www.momsneedtoknow.com/new-start-here/

It may seem overwhelming at first, but if you are organized, and willing to dedicate an hour a week preparing your shopping trip, you will save SO much money per week. Which in turn frees up your budget a little to make room for that trip to Disneyland or that $50. jar of eye cream, or...well you get the picture.
I know I sound like a commercial. Ok, I'll stop now.

Happy couponing!

Sesame Chicken with Gingery Bok Choy

Ok, so this isn't an "Emily original" recipe, but it was SO good, I just had to post it for you.
I found the recipe in my "Real Simple" magazine.

Ingredients:

2 Lg. egg whites
1/4 cup sesame seeds
1/4 cup plus one teaspoon cornstarch
Kosher salt and black pepper
8 small chicken cutlets (patted dry)
(1 1/4 pounds total)
4 Tbs. oil
1/4 cup soy sauce
1 Tbs. grated fresh ginger
2 tsp. sugar
6 heads baby bok choy sliced lengthwise


Method:

In a bowl, whisk together the egg whites, sesame seeds, 1/4 cup cornstarch, 1/2 tsp salt, and 1/4 tsp pepper. Dip chicken in the batter and shake excess off.
Heat 2 Tbs. oil in a large nonstick skillet over med-high heat. Add chicken and cook until golden brown, (2-3 minutes per side).
In a small bowl combine the soy sauce, ginger, sugar, 3 tbs of water, and remaining 1/4 tsp. cornstarch.
Heat the remaining 2 Tbs. of oil in a large skillet over med-high heat. Add the bok choy and cook, turning until just beginning to soften,1 to 2 minutes. Add the soy sauce mixture and cook until the liquid thickens slightly, and the bok choy is tender. You may need to add a little more water to make the sauce the right consistency.
Serve with the chicken, and some hot, rice.


Enjoy! We sure did!

The Best Chips Ever

These corn chips are the best. I just can't say anything that would do them justice.
They have such a wonderful flavor, they are flaky (if corn chips can be flaky) crunchy, salty.
I seriously can't think of words right now, you just have to trust me.

They have little pockets, which make them more crispy and crunchy.

The little pockets hold the salsa just perfect! Can you see that?
I just... It's so... Please just go get some. Only then will you understand.

They are just so... oh sorry, I had my mouth full.

You just wouldn't understand!

Ok, here's the real kicker. Guess where I got them?













Did you guess?


Ok, I got them at Sav-A-Lot! I know, that's what I thought too!
Take a good long look at the first picture, go to Sav-a-lot, buy a bag, and then in the privacy of your home...tear it open as fast as you can and devour them! But you have to have some good salsa, other wise it's just not the same.

Ok, sorry for scaring you.

Enjoy.

Sunshine Muffins

I made these delicious and healthy muffins this morning and thought I'd pass along the recipe. (if I can remember what I put in them) ARG! One of these days I'll remember to write down the ingredients as I'm adding them!

These muffins have at least one serving of fruits/vegetables, with very low fat (so you can put a full pat of butter on each side, as shown above. No I really didn't eat that, I just did it for the photo, and then I let my scrawniest kid eat it). Your kids (or spouse) will never even know they're good for them.

As you can see, they were kid tested and approved.

Recipe:

1 1/2 cup flour (or you can use half AP and half whole wheat)
3/4 cup sugar
1 tsp. baking powder
1/2 tsp. salt
1/2 tsp. cinnamon
1/4 tsp. nutmeg
2 eggs
2 Tbs. honey
zest from 1/2 an orange
1 large banana, mashed
1 large carrot, shredded
1/2 cup applesauce
1/4 cup milk

Preheat oven to 350. Grease muffin tin or prepare with liners.
Stir together first 6 ingredients in a bowl. Mix remaining ingredients in large bowl, add dry ingredients and stir. (not too much)
Divide batter evenly, into prepared muffin tin.
Bake 15 minutes or until centers are done.
Makes 12 regular muffins.

Enjoy!

Simple Pleasures

One of our favorite sounds is listening to our children laughing.
It is so pure and innocent. So genuine and unabashed. So when we find something that makes them laugh, we do it over, and over, and-well you get it.
I hope you enjoy this just as much as we did.

Spaghetti Squash with Sausage Sauce (hey that kinda rhymes)

Mmmm fresh hot spaghetti! Or is this spaghetti?
I guess I can't trick you if read the title.
One of my favorite foods to experiment with is spaghetti squash.
It's also great in place of regular spaghetti if you want to cut out carbs, or if you just want to add more veggies into your diet.
I'm not into cutting carbs, so I usually make rolls to go with.

Sorry I didn't take a picture of the outside of it. They are usually yellowish, large oval shaped squashes.

For those of you who have never cooked it, I took a picture to show you how to scrape it out once it is cooked. Scrape it out with a fork, so that the strands stay long.
For a large squash cut it lengthwise, and scrape out the seeds. Oil the outside of the squash, and a cookie sheet, place the squash scoop side down on the sheet and roast in the oven for an hour, or until the inside is tender. Then use your imagination to prepare a sauce or topping.

Enjoy!

Orange Madelines with Cardamom Glaze

Crispy edges, soft, cake like inside. Sweet and buttery, yet with a refreshing citrus flavor.
When I first bit into these, everything around me stopped moving. The voices of my children could no longer be heard. Even the snow outside stopped falling.

Okay maybe not, but I can honestly say that when I first tasted these delectable, little cookies, I could not believe how light and delicious they were!
You have to make them and see for yourself. Read the recipe in its entirety before you start. I had no idea that I would be beating the mixtures for a total of 10 minutes or more!
They are totally worth every minute of time you put into them.
You need a madeline pan to make these.

The tiny black flecks would be the cardamom in the glaze. Cardamom has a peppery taste, and it lends a little earthy, balance to the sweetness of the cookie.

So are you drooling yet?


Recipe:

2/3 cup flour
1/4 tsp. baking powder
1/2 cup butter, melted and cooled
2 eggs
1/2 tsp. orange extract
1 tsp. shredded orange peel ( a micro plane zester makes the best zest.)
1 cup powdered sugar

Method:

Preheat oven to 350. Spray pan with non stick spray. Sift together flour and baking powder in small bowl, set aside. In the bowl of an electric mixer, beat eggs, orange extract, and orange peel on high speed for 5 minutes. Gradually beat in powdered sugar. Beat another 5 minutes or until thick.
Gently fold in flour mixture, then melted butter, mix until smooth. Spoon mixture into the cups, filling about 3/4 full. Bake approximately 8 minutes, or until edges are light brown. Cool in pan 1-2 minutes, loosen cookies with a knife, then invert pan on a rack. Cool thoroughly before glazing.

Glaze:

As usual, I didn't measure the ingredients! Sorry. I'm going off memory here, and you know how that goes.

1/2 cup powdered sugar
1 Tbs. milk
1/4 tsp. cardamom

Mix all three ingredients together. The glaze should be runny so it soaks into the cookie, instead of standing on top. The cookies are already really sweet so you don't need much glaze per cookie.


Enjoy!

Lunch

Healthy meal alert! For those of you who are allergic, I suggest you don't read this post.

I've been eating salad for my lunches lately, as well as trying to incorporate more whole grain and fiber into my diet. Fiber is great, it makes you feel full faster, and helps you lose weight. Not that I'm trying anyway.
Yesterday's salad was awesomely healthy and delicious. It was the perfect blend of fruit, ( tomatoes. :) ) vegetables, meat, (protein) grains and legumes (proteins and carbs). I'm not going to write down the recipe for it, because it's kind of self explanatory, but I will write down the ingredients:

baby spinach blend
baby romaine blend
sliced grape tomatoes
slivered deli ham
leftover, homemade rice and lentil pilaf (lentils have so much fiber and iron!)
balsamic vinaigrette
a few"everything" breadsticks To help fill in the cracks. I don't know about you, but I can't eat just a salad and be completely full and satisfied for too long.

Enjoy!

Cuteness

Madeline found daddy's mittens and actually put one on herself.

Found daddy's mittens? What a good kitten, now you shall have some pie, meow, now you shall have some pie.

Ok, I really am not that weird, it's a Mother Goose rhyme.