A Little Bit of This & A Little Bit of That

Something to write in my "cute diary"

2010-06-28T15:48:00.000-07:00

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

2010-06-21T08:21:00.000-07:00

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

2010-06-13T16:17:00.000-07:00

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

2010-06-10T07:48:00.000-07:00

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...

2010-05-25T07:13:00.000-07:00

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!

2010-05-07T08:30:00.001-07:00

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

2010-04-14T09:37:00.000-07:00

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

2010-04-13T10:49:00.000-07:00

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?

2010-04-02T07:58:00.000-07:00

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!

2010-03-15T07:43:00.000-07:00

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

2010-02-10T11:11:00.001-08:00

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

2010-02-03T06:59:00.000-08:00

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

2010-02-01T17:07:00.001-08:00

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

2010-01-27T08:40:00.000-08:00

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

2010-01-23T17:37:00.000-08:00

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)

2010-01-18T17:09:00.000-08:00

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

2010-01-08T07:06:00.000-08:00

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

2010-01-06T05:43:00.000-08:00

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

2010-01-04T08:17:00.000-08:00

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.

White Chili With Chicken

2009-12-18T11:36:00.000-08:00

The perfect food on a cold, winter day? Oh yeah!
This chili is such a nice change from the acidic, cramp inducing, regular red chili. Ok I really didn't mean to make it sound so bad, lets just say that I prefer this to regular chili any day.
With only a few simple ingredients, this is the perfect meal for a busy day. Throw it in the crock pot in the morning and it is done in time for lunch.
This chili tastes best, served with corn chips, cheese and sour cream.

White Chili with Chicken

1- 16 oz. bag of dry great northern beans
1 chicken breast w/rib meat
1 -32 oz. carton of chicken broth
1-7 oz. can of green chilies
1-12 oz. can of evaporated milk
1 Tbs. of minced onion (unless your husband lets you cook with real onion, then by all means use real onion. Jason never seems to notice if I use minced, but don't tell him I said that)
1/4 tsp. of cumin
1/2 tsp. garlic powder
1/8 tsp. of white pepper
1- 8 oz. brick of cream cheese

Method:

Soak beans in water overnight, or 10 hours. Simmer chicken breast in chicken broth until meat can shred easily with fork. While chicken is simmering, put softened beans into crock pot along with the chilies, milk, onion, cumin, garlic powder, and white pepper.
When chicken is ready to shred, remove from broth, (add that broth to the crock pot too) shred with a fork and add to crock pot. Cook on high for about 4-5 hours, stirring every hour. 10 minutes before serving, add cream cheese, (cut into 3 or 4 chunks) stir a couple times before serving.
Top with shredded Mexican cheese, sour cream and corn chips.

You can also cut down on your prep time if you use pre-cooked, great northern beans from a jar, and canned chicken. I've never made it that way, but it might turn out just fine. Let me know, because I'm a very busy woman, and cutting down an hour of prep in the morning would allow me to sleep in later!

Enjoy!

Christmas Chocolate Chip Cookies

2009-12-04T19:44:00.000-08:00

Ok so not much is really changed, but the 2 things that are changed, make this cookie delicious and totally addicting!
I only make them around the Christmas season, I don't know why. I should make them year round. They are so good!
These are basically standard, chocolate chip cookies but with rum extract instead of vanilla, and maraschino cherry bits added. Yes it makes that much of a difference.
And then as if they weren't sweet enough, I drizzle white chocolate over them.
I believe that presentation is everything, so it is very hard for me to just make a boring looking cookie.

Recipe

2 sticks salted butter, softened
3/4 cup packed light brown sugar
1/4 cup granulated sugar
1 tsp. rum extract
1 lg. egg
1/2 tsp. baking soda
2 cups all-purpose flour
2 cups chocolate chips
10 oz (? I don't remember what size! Duh! Sorry.)
jar of stemless maraschino cherries, diced and patted dry

Method
Preheat oven to 375.
Beat butter and sugars until smooth. Beat in extract, egg and baking soda. Stir in floour until blended. Stir in chips and cherries.
Drop mixture by rounded tablespoons, 2" apart on ungreased baking sheets.
Bake 10 minutes or until edges are golden.
Remove to wire racks and cool completely.

Enjoy!

My New Apron!

2009-12-04T05:14:00.000-08:00

I have been drooling over this apron on this site for so long, and my sweet, wonderful husband finally broke down and bought it for me! I want to wear it all the time, even when I'm not cooking!

I think it makes my cooking taste better. ~wink~

Fall Desserts

2009-12-03T04:36:00.000-08:00

Spice cake with an apple, raisin, nut filling, and cream cheese frosting, topped with colored, white, and brown chocolate leaves.

Spiced, apple pear pie.

My Favorite Salsa

2009-11-30T12:53:00.000-08:00

Since I don't make my own salsa, I have to resort to store bought. I have tried so many different kinds and they range from "ok" to "gag", so the day I tried Herdez, was one of the happiest days of my life. I can sit and eat chips and salsa till my stomach hurts. Literally. I have kind of a sensitive stomach and anything tomato-y kind of makes it sour. (milk to the rescue! Seriously, do people really eat chips & salsa with a cold a glass of milk? Isn't it usually pop?)

Anyway, I love this stuff! It is made deep in the heart of Mexico, where I believe anything "Mexican" should be made. It is so fresh tasting! I have to buy mild because my kids love chips and salsa too. Can you imagine my sweet little, 2 year old Annabelle asking for "tips and sawsa" ?
It warms my heart!
I just had to get this off my chest. Okay, I feel better now.
Notice in the picture the jar is empty? I need to buy this stuff by the case.

I Love My Kids!

2009-11-23T05:14:00.000-08:00

The pictures aren't in order of birth. Sorry. I'm still working on figuring that out.
I just love my kids. Here are some various pictures of them.

Isaac, being himself.

Isaac, being sweet.

Our sweet Seth.

There's just something about that middle child.

Our last baby, :( Madeline.

Precious, little Madeline.

Annabelle, being delightful.

Princess Annabelle. Our first girl.

So absolutely precious.

Thanksgiving Thoughts ( out loud )

2009-11-17T12:31:00.000-08:00

Thanksgiving is almost here! What to cook...what to cook? I think we may have 2 different family Thanksgiving feasts, this year. The first one (on Thanksgiving day) will be at my sister's clubhouse, and is for our family and any friends who want to come. Anybody else want to come? The second, (the one that may or may not be happening) will be with my husband's family.
I am going to make my Nonna's (Italian for Grandma) traditional beef roast with potatoes. 2 whole garlic bulbs ( okay, maybe not 2 whole. Maybe 1 1/2) and like 2 whole sticks of butter. I wish you could taste it! The meat is soft and tender, has the most delicious flavor, and the potatoes melt in your mouth. ( probably from all the butter) The potatoes are so soft that you can mash them down with the greatest of ease, and pour gravy all over them. For our Thanksgiving feast, my Nonna would make a beef roast and a huge bowl of ziti and sauce. I'm drooling just thinking of the the flavors and textures combining in my mouth.
I'm also going to make a from scratch, pumpkin/spice torte with cream cheese frosting and an apple walnut filling. I can't wait! I'm so excited about it. I'll post pics and recipes if it turns out well.

What special traditions or dishes do you have every year?

Chicken Florentine

2009-11-11T11:44:00.001-08:00

Me and my family love spinach. Raw, cooked, in anything. Well, ok not anything.
We just love spinach, and I use it at least twice a week, in different ways. Salads, omelets, in soups, casseroles. Last night I made my own version of chicken Florentine. Here is the recipe:

Chicken Florentine

4 boneless skinless chicken breasts
2 TBS. butter
salt and pepper
2 cups fresh baby spinach
1 1/2 cup cheese ( you can use whatever you want, I used a blend that I had on hand)
1 tomato diced

Melt butter in non stick pan over medium heat. Season chicken with salt and pepper, or your favorite chicken seasoning.
Saute chicken with lid on, flipping occasionally, until juices run clear. (about 10-15 minutes)
Turn heat to low, put spinach over cooked chicken, top with cheese. Put lid on and let spinach wilt and cheese melt. Put on plates and top with freshly diced tomatoes.

Enjoy!

Why I Don't Play in the Leaves Anymore!

2009-11-08T13:49:00.000-08:00

Madeline's 1st Birthday

2009-11-08T04:05:00.000-08:00

Our last little baby turned 1 this past week!

Why are all my words underlined? I don't know. But this has taken so long that I don't care.

I can't fix it so...maybe you can live with it? Ok good. :)

Anyway, like I was saying, our last child turned 1!!
Here are some of the pictures of her party.

First of all here is a picture that was taken a year ago. She was only 3 days old. What an adorable little face! She was (is) an angel. She has always been a very easy going, happy baby. Which for our 4th child, and all of the others being under the age of 6, it was a real blessing!
When i found out I was pregnant with her, I was not very happy. I was quite content with 3 children, just getting my figure back, and really looking forward to just raising 3 children.
I fretted and pouted around the whole 9 months, but when she was born, she just took our breath away. And she has ever since. She is such a happy, lively, SMART, little girl. God has truly blessed us with her. We wouldn't trade her for the world!
But needless to say, we did take measures to prevent anymore little "surprises" :) "Whew"!

The little 'princess's' cake.
Deep, dark, moist, dense, almost black chocolate cake.
My favorite recipe. I will have it on the end of this post.
Hey! The underlining disappeared! Yay!

She was such a neat little eater, it was almost a little disappointing. :)

Our third little angel, Annabelle.
Such a sweet smile.

Sweet little Seth, our second born. Trying to go cross eyed.

Isaac, our firstborn. (can't you tell) Definitely too much cake in his system.

Opening presents. She really got the hang of it fast!

My sister Sarah, and the cousins.

My mommy, Karen.

My mountain man, father in law, Ken.
I'm going to tease him till he shaves it off. I know, I'm such a brat.

My camera happy mother in law, Judy. I say that in love, Judy! :)

I love our computer! It's a Mac, Teresa. :) We had an awesome slide show, set to music going during the whole party. Every picture we took of Madeline from the past year was on it.

The birthday sign, in case people forgot why they were at our house, eating cake.

The spread. I know, look at the pickle bowl! Only 2 left! The guests descended upon them, and were gone within the first 5 minutes.

The party room.

There were so many more pictures, but it takes a while to upload them, plus I don't want to seem like one of those mom's that worship the dirty (and sometimes poopy ground [clears throat] like today. Don't ask) that their kids walk on.

Hershey's "Especially Dark" Chocolate Cake

Ingredients:

2 cups sugar
1 3/4 cups all purpose flour
3/4 cup Hershey's Special Dark Cocoa
1 1/2 tsp. baking powder
1 1/2 tsp. baking soda
1 tsp. salt
2 eggs
1 cup milk
1/2 cup veg. oil
2 tsp. vanilla
1 cup boiling water

Method:

Heat oven to 350. Grease and flour 2, 9" round cake pans.
Stir together sugar, flour, cocoa, baking powder, baking soda and salt in large bowl. Add eggs, milk, oil, and vanilla; beat on medium speed of mixer for 2 minutes. Stir in boiling water ( batter will be thin) Pour batter into prepared pans. Bake 30 to 35 minutes or until toothpick comes out clean. Cool 10 minutes; remove from pans to wire racks. Cool completely.

Enjoy!

Fried Mashed Potatoes

2009-11-06T08:25:00.000-08:00

My favorite way to use up leftover mashed potatoes, is to fry them.
Put them in a hot, non-stick pan (trust me, I learned the hard way) with a healthy amount of butter. Ok that didn't sound right. Healthy and butter do not belong in the same sentence. Ahem. Use a good amount of butter, smash em down a little with a turner, and let them fry a good 5 minutes before turning. The trick is to get them crispy on the outside and mushy on the inside. Mmmmm I can hear them sizzling. Sprinkle season salt and pepper on them, turn them, fry another 5 minutes, and slide them onto your plate. If they don't slide well, you didn't use enough butter. :)

I know, they kind of look like fried fish fillets, or chicken breasts. If you don't want them that brown, don't cook them as long, they just won't be nice and crispy.
Goes great with eggs and bacon, or whatever you like to eat in the morning.

Enjoy!

First Snow

2009-11-04T18:34:00.000-08:00

Today it came. The first snow. Swiftly and silently. Cold and beautiful.

I hated it and loved all at the same time. Of course it didn't stay long, the first fall never does. It left as quickly as it came.

The few snowflakes clung desperately on, until they finally melted into tiny pools, their unique shape and structure all but forgotten.
And so begins our winter, ( in Fall ) the long 6 or so months that seems will never end.
This year will be different. Every bitter cold, day will be lived out to the fullest. Every week there will be adventures in the snow, hot cocoa in my favorite Christmas mug, new recipes for baked goods that will keep my kitchen warm and cozy.
I am determined to enjoy winter this year. With my children, and my new snow pants & boots, and snow tires on my van.
So, to winter, I raise my (cocoa/tea) mug high. Come with your diamond like flakes, and your cold, biting wind. I will be ready.

Beautiful, Gold And Diamond, Rose Ring Giveaway, Through Wexford Jewelers!

2009-10-27T11:53:00.000-07:00

How would you like to own this beautiful, hand crafted, 10k gold and diamond ring?
No, this isn't a joke, Wexford Jewelers is giving away this gorgeous piece of wearable art. You may choose either a yellow gold, rose gold, or white gold ring to suit your style.
All you have to do is find us ( Wexford Jewelers ) on Facebook, add us as a friend, and you can enter to win!
Pretty easy for something so unique.

Good luck!

Apple Cinnamon Raisin Bread

2009-10-24T09:19:00.000-07:00

I just can't get enough of baking this fall!
I made this bread last week, and just thought I'd share the recipe.

Made with apples, raisins, cinnamon and brown sugar, it is a delicious treat.
Almost like a cinnamon roll, but a bread.

If there is any left the next day, ( I made 3 loaves and was planning to give 2 away, but never got around to it) it makes great French toast!

Recipe

Bread dough:

1 1/4 cups warm water
3 Tbs. softened butter
4 Tbs. sugar
1 tsp. salt
2 1/2 cups bread flour
1 cup wheat flour
1 Tbs. + 1/2 tsp. yeast

Filling:

1 large apple, diced
1 cup raisins
3/4 cup chopped pecans
cinnamon ( sorry, I didn't measure! Just use your judgment)
1 cup brown sugar
a few Tbs. softened butter

Method:

Add bread dough ingredients to bread maker pan, in the order given above.
Set bread maker to dough setting. Mine takes an hour and 20 minutes.
When the dough is ready, remove from pan and set on floured surface. Roll into a large rectangle.( sorry, didn't measure it! I really need to get better at this! :) Maybe a 30"X 12")
Spread dough with softened butter. Sprinkle generously with cinnamon, and other filling ingredients. Roll into a long ( 30" ? ) log. moisten seam with water and pinch together. Cut into 3 loaves. Put into greased bread pans. Cover and let rise in warm area for 1 hour. Brush tops lightly with beaten eggs, if desired. ( makes them nice and shiny!) Bake at 420. for 30 minutes, or until nicely browned.

Enjoy!

My First "Official" Taste of Fall

2009-10-20T13:09:00.000-07:00

In my opinion, Fall cannot officially kick off until I have my first pumpkin pie. So today was the day! I made my first pumpkin pie (recipe below) of the season.
One regular pie, one small pie, and 24 mini pumpkin tarts.
The first taste was pure and utter bliss. Blueberry and pumpkin pies are my absolute favorites.
But this time of year, it has to be pumpkin!
This year I tried adding mace along with the usual cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger and cloves. It really added a wonderful, extra dimension to the flavor.

Maybe now I can start decorating for Fall.

Pumpkin Pie:
1- 29oz can of pumpkin
2- 12 oz cans of evaporated milk
2 eggs lightly beaten
1 1/2 cups sugar
1 Tbs flour
1 tsp salt
1 tsp cinnamon
1/2 tsp ginger
1/2 tsp nutmeg
1/4 tsp cloves
1/4 tsp mace
2 unbaked pie crusts

Whisk all ingredients (except pie crusts) together and pour into unbaked pie crusts.
Bake at 450 for 45-60 minutes, or until no longer jiggly in center.
Enjoy!

That's it??

2009-10-16T10:47:00.000-07:00

Today I have come to the conclusion that it is only worth it to can your own applesauce if you either get your apples for free, or very, very cheap. Or if you use your apples right away and don't let them sit rotting on the counter for 3-4 weeks. (you end up throwing some away) My latest experience:
Paid- $8. for bushel of apples ( the kids ate a couple, I used a few for my apple/cranberry bread and rolls)
Time spent prepping (peeling, coring, chopping)- roughly 40 minutes
Amount of time stove was on- 40 min. for cooking, 30 minutes heating big pot of water and water bathing the jars.
Then all of the other things in between, stirring, mashing, pouring into jars, washing all of the big bowls and pots. (by hand because they're too big to fit in the dishwasher)
All in all I probably spent a good 3 1/2 or more hours on this and I only got 3 1/2 measly quarts of sauce.

The last time I did this it seemed much more profitable.
So needless to say, the next time I do this, I will have gotten a lot of free apples, Jason will help me, the kids will be in bed, and I will be buzzing on a couple cups of coffee.
Now I'm going to go take a nap.

My New kitchen Toys!

2009-10-14T12:00:00.001-07:00

Ouch! That is sharp.

Put it on your pan, add cookies, barely any cleanup! No spraying greasy sprays.
Costs the same amount as 4 boxes of parchment paper, so if you bake as much as I do, it will really save money!

Please don't notice the store bought cookie dough.
Hey I got it very cheap! I can't bake cookies from scratch all the time!

Notice the difference? These two cookies were in the oven for the same exact amount of time. The browned one on the left was in a pan without Silpat, the scrumptious looking one on the right was baked on the Silpat. Which one would you rather have? Same here, the kids can have the other ones. :) They won't notice. Hey, I hear you judging me, don't tell me you haven't done the same.

I just LOVE getting new gadgets for my kitchen! And Jason knows that if I get something new, I want to use it. A lot. And that usually means lots of new yummy things. So he is always very obliging when I ask him if I can get something new. ( I try not to go overboard though :) )
The other day I was up in Traverse City and "just happen" to have a coupon for Bed Bath & Beyond, so I thought I would go in and "just see" if they had a micro plane zester, so I could throw my 8 year old, dull, dollar store mini shredder away. ( I have been struggling with that thing way too long!) They did have a very nice one, AND they had Silpat pads! I have been wanting one ever since Jason bought me the Martha Stewart Cookies book. There are a few recipes that I need one for and, they are just awesome all around, so I walked out (clutching them close) with one of those too.

It's The Little Things

2009-10-09T10:15:00.000-07:00

Last year my friend Stephanie told me about a wonderful, little Amish store in Mc Bain. It is a grocery salvage store, and every few months I make the trip (such a long 15 minute drive) to see what goodies I can find.
Sometimes I'm pleasantly surprised, sometimes a little let down, it depends on the month.
My last trip was a good one. I love when I can get a $6. bottle of vinegar for .80!! Or the Better than Bullion jars for .60-.80!! Are you kidding me? Those things are normally, almost $4! The name truly says it all. Way better than the wrapped cubes of fat and salt ( that my kids always think must be candy since it's wrapped in such a pretty wrapper). They give such rich, meaty ( or veggie ) flavor to soups, stews, chilies, or gravies. If you don't have time to make your own stock, this stuff is wonderful! So you can imagine how I felt when I saw the prices on them. I bought them all and put them in my stock pile! Granted you have to check the expiration date on everything they sell, but usually the items are ok.
It's the little things that make me happy.

My All Time Favorite Food

2009-10-05T06:00:00.000-07:00

Rice

Pure. Simple. Humble. Dirt cheap. Rice.
You can do anything with rice. You can fix it savory or sweet.
I seriously could eat rice 3 times a week or more. Maybe I live in the wrong country?
Here is a list of my favorite ways to eat rice.
I will eventually post recipes, as I get some good, drool worthy pictures.
But for now, I just had to get it off my chest. I love rice!

Spanish rice
lemon-herb rice
rice with stir fry
fried rice
brown rice
wild rice
white and wild rice soup
rice pudding
pumpkin rice pudding
baked rice (sweet or savory)
rice n' beans
Rice a Roni
confetti rice
rice crispy treats
milk and sugar over rice
rice w/ chicken and broccoli
rice cakes

Well, you get the idea. My absolute favorite way to eat rice is staeming hot, with butter and soy sauce.
I could eat bowls and bowls of it. I dream about rice at night.
Ok Emily, snap out of it! Sorry. Sometimes I just get carried away. Remember how Pee Wee Herman used to marry his fruit salad? Well It's kind of like that.
Did I mention I love rice?
What is your favorite way to eat rice?

Raise your hands to the Lord

2009-10-03T20:12:00.000-07:00

Jason and my favorite song right now is Revelation song, done by Kari Jobe, and also by Phillips Craig and Dean. Whenever we play it Madeline raises her pudgy, little hand out. Our hearts melt every time she does it. Here are some pictures.

Oh by the way, today we played Toby Mac's "Whoopsie Daisey", and she did the same thing. :)

Ham & Veggie Quiche

2009-10-03T06:32:00.000-07:00

Our good friend Toni gives us delicious, farm fresh eggs every couple weeks, and between her giving them to us and me buying them, sometimes we have an over abundance of them. That's when I know I have (get :)) to make a quiche. I rarely make quiche with the traditional crust. It's too greasy for me. I make a potato crust instead. Here is my favorite recipe.
Well, from what I can remember. When I cook, I usually just throw various things together without measuring, hoping that they will turn out okay, and surprisingly enough they usually do.
So for the recipes I'll be blogging, I will make an effort to measure the ingredients.

Crust:
3 med-large potatoes
2 Tbs. oil
1/4 cup Parmesan cheese
season salt & pepper

Pierce and microwave potatoes for 5-7 minutes ( till soft on outside but not cooked inside ).
Dice and mix with oil, cheese and season. Press into a greased 13X9 baking dish.
Bake at 375 for about 15 minutes.
While crust is baking, prepare egg mixture.

Egg mixture:
7 eggs whisked ( beat them suckers into submission! )
1 cup diced ham
1 small zucchini
1 small summer squash ( yellow zucchini )
1/2 cup frozen spinach
1/4 cup diced onion ( this is optional, I'm not allowed to cook
with onion, seeing as how Jason doesn't like it. But if you don't use onion, please at least use
some onion powder. I can usually get away with powder. :) You need that flavor!)
2 Tbs. oil I ( I like olive oil )
salt & pepper to taste. (Well you know what I mean. Don't mix it all up and taste the raw egg!)
1/2 cup shredded sharp cheddar
1/2 cup shredded mozzarella

Saute ham, zucchini, squash, spinach, and onion ( if you dare ) in the oil, till half cooked. Season with salt and pepper while sauteing. Remove from heat and add eggs. Pour over hot potato crust, top with cheeses, and put back into oven (uncovered). Bake for about 1/2 hour or until cooked in center.
The quiche is SO good topped with fresh diced tomatoes!

Am I crazy??

2009-10-02T09:23:00.000-07:00

Don't ask me why I started another blog, especially since I couldn't keep up with my last one.
I guess I just feel like I have more to say now. More time? No! But maybe I'll get up earlier. Haha yeah right.
Well, join me on my latest adventure. I hope to post lots of recipes, photos, coupon and frugal shopping tips, thoughts, organizing tips, cute kid stories, basically things that excite me so much that I can't keep them to myself. :)
Maybe this blog will last longer than the last! We'll see...