December 30, 2009

Ultimate Recipe Swap (New Years eve)


Basic Little Smokies

  • 1 package of Lit'l Smokie sausages (1 lb. in the meat section vaccum sealed)
  • 1 can of chili sauce (12 oz. can)
  • 1 small jar grape jelly (10 oz.)
Directions:
If you make these on top of the stove, then heat and stir the chili and grape jelly until it's mixed well and warm. Add the sausages. Let heat for about 30 minutes on low heat. Serve warm.
Using the crock pot, put everything in and stir. Set to low heat and warm for an hour or two. Stir now and then to make sure all the sausages are evenly coated. Serve right out of the crock pot.
We'll have some cinnamon rolls, and shrimps as well. New Years Day we'll have our traditional Pork roast, saurkraut, and mashed potatoes.

Visit www.LifeasMOM.com
For more ideas.

Goals for January

I can't believe that its almost January 2010! 2009 seemed to fly on by for me!

Here are some of my monthly goals for January!

  • Drink more water.
  • Spend more time studying.
  • Get to my class.
  • Start organizing different areas of the house.
  • Take out 2 times at the most.
  • Try whole grain or multi-grain pasta on the family.
  • Get our son's room organized and figure out some storage plans.
  • Try cooking some more healthy recipes.
  • Try some new recipes.
  • Enjoy the snow with the little guy.
  • Get into the dentist office.
This is what I can think of for now. Good luck with your goals this month coming up.

December 29, 2009

Menu Plan last one of 2009!!

Ok so there was a mix up at the Dentist today so I am re-scheduled for March 9th. That means I'm going to need a menu plan for this week instead of leaving my sweetie and baby bear on their own to eat odds and ends and the stuffed shells in the freezer. So lets see what I can come up with.

Monday- home from vaca we got Wendy's.
Tuesday- Hot dogs and mac and cheese
Wednesday-
Thursday- Bacon brown sugar lil smokies,
Friday- Traditional Pork roast, saurkraut, and mashed potatoes
Saturday-
Sunday- Meatloaf, twice baked taters, and green beans

I'll update when I finishing figuring out everything and read some menu plans for inspiration :)

December 25, 2009

Christmas Rush, and odds with ends..


So I just wanted to stop in and say I hope you all had a very merry Christmas and as things wind down tonight, take time to thank God for his Son.. Jesus.

I am off to finish packing and cleaning up, we last minute decided to take a mini vacation to Easton tomorrow morning.. so we'll be gone until Monday! Then Tuesday I have to have 2 teeth extracted.. :( It might be a couple days before you hear from me. Happy New Year!

December 22, 2009

Give-a-way


Over at 5dollardinners.com there is a great give away for cook books!! Check it out and enter to win! Good luck!

December 20, 2009

Menu Plan


Menu Plan-
Sunday- Roasted Chicken, Mashed potatoes, gravy and corn.

Monday- Chicken and biscuits


Tuesday- Alfredo chicken with pasta and broccoli


Wednesday- I am thinking we'll get a pizza or chinese :)


Thursday- Christmas eve dinner Mr. Bear's Father's side of the family. That means dinner at Grandma's house. Turkey, stuffing, ham, mashed, sweet, gravy, and rolls.. whatever else. I am making sweet potatoes, and stripped delight.


Friday- Christmas @ home. No more rushing around for us anymore. If you want to see us, feel free to stop in anytime before 3. I am making breakfast. Eggs, pancakes, monkey bread, cinnamin rolls, bacon. After 3 we'll go to Mr. Bear's mom's house for snacks. Then back home so Mr. Bear can work 3rd shift :( Saturday- Possibly my Father's house for leftovers.. or who knows. Leftovers of our own from Grandma's Christmas eve.

Merry Christmas everyone, hope you have a blessed holiday season!

December 19, 2009

Peanut Butter Cup Cookies


Peanut butter cup cookies Ingredients * 36 reese's miniature peanut butter cups, unwrapped * 1/2 cup peanut butter * 1/2 cup butter * 1/2 cup sugar * 1/2 cup brown sugar, firmly packed * 1 large egg, beaten * 1/2 teaspoon vanilla * 1 1/4 cups flour * 3/4 teaspoon baking soda * 1/2 teaspoon salt
Directions 1. Cream peanut butter, butter, sugar and brown sugar until fluffy. 2. Add egg, vanilla, flour, baking soda and salt' mix well. 3. Roll into 1-inch balls (I use small cookie scoop) and place in miniature muffin tins with or without papers. 4. Bake 8-10 minutes at 375°F. 5. When tins are removed from oven, immediately press 1 peanut butter cup into the center of the cookie. 6. Allow to cool completely before removing cookies from the tin.

Holly Jollies


Holly Jollies

For Each Batch (about 36 mini muffin sized holly jollies):

1 Package Almond Bark (white or chocolate)

36 mini muffin papers

2 Cups of one or more of the following (get creative!)

  • Salted Peanuts
  • Rice Krispie Cereal
  • Dried Cranberries
  • Raisins
  • Other salted nuts
  • Your favorite dried fruit, chopped to the size of raisins

Line a mini muffin tin with mini muffin papers. Place almond bark in a large microwave safe bowl. Microwave for a minute and a half; stir. Return to microwave and microwave for about thirty seconds at a time, stirring each time, until bark is smooth and creamy.* Remove from microwave and stir in two cups of your choice of add in. Spoon into mini muffin papers and allow to sit until cool and hardened. You can put them in the refrigerator to speed up the process if you like.

I got this great idea from www.southernplate.com

For mine I just did a test run for this year and made a small amount with white chocolate bakers chocolate and dried cranberries, then a batch with semi-sweet chocolate mixed with a symphony bar, then added some party peanuts.


December 18, 2009

Shopping Score!


I was reading The Domestic Contessa when I came across a deal she had listed, and I thought I would give it a try since I never get a chance to do the deals or keep them all organized. So here is what I got today at WalMart for 4.24 plus tax!

4 Glade candle tins - 2.25 each
4 Glade refills - 2.25 each
4 Snuggle dryer sheets- 1.87 each
2 Blistex lip balms- 1.12 each

4 Tin coupons found inside the tin for 1.50 off each
4 Free refills when you buy a tin
4 Snuggle dryer sheet coupons 2.00 but they adjusted them to 1.87 I am not sure on the policy and neither was the cashier so I didn't mind.
1 1.00 off 2 blistex coupons.

What a deal! I think I might be getting into this more so I can use what we need and donate to the food pantry that burnt down today from where I am originally from.

December 17, 2009

Christmas Cookie List

I plan to start making cookies today for Christmas. I usually make a ton of cookies and hand them out with everyone's gifts. I love to bake and cook, I just hate hate hate the mess.. LOL.
So here is my list of cookies that I will be making this year

  • - Reindeer sugar cookies
  • - Chocolate Chip cookies
  • - Holly Jolly chocolate with nuts and cranberries
  • - No bakes
  • - Peanut butter blossoms with kisses
  • - Peanut butter blossoms with peanut butter cups
  • - Chocolate brownie cookies
  • - M&M cookies

I think that is all, not sure yet though.

I guess I better get started! Happy holiday baking!

December 13, 2009

Ranch House Pork Chops with Parmesan Mashed Potatoes

Ranch House Crock Pot Pork Chops with Parmesan Mashed Potatoes

6 pork chops, 1/2 inch thick
1 packet dry Ranch Dressing Seasoning (I used half)
10 oz can Cream of Chicken Soup (Added a half of a can of water)

4 lbs peeled, cubed potatoes
5 Tablespoons real butter
1 cup fresh grated Parmesan cheese
6 cloves roasted garlic (leaving out and adding a bit of garlic powder)
1- 1 1/2 Cups warm skim milk (any milk will do)
1 Tablespoon salt, or to taste
1 teaspoon fresh cracked black pepper, or to taste

Place pork chops, Ranch seasoning and soup into a medium sized crock pot over high heat for 4 hours or low heat for 6 hours.

Place potatoes into a large pot of cold water. Place onto stove top over high heat and bring to a boil. Once water is boiling, cook for 10-12 minutes or until potatoes are fork tender. Drain and transfer to the work bowl of a stand or electric mixer. Mix on low until potatoes are mashed then add butter, Parmesan, garlic, milk, salt and pepper. Season to taste if needed. For thinner mashed potatoes add more milk, slowly until your desired consistency.
Scoop mashed potatoes onto serving plates and top with pork chops and soup gravy from crock pot.

I found this recipe at http://realmomkitchen.blogspot.com/2009/03/ranch-house-crock-pot-pork-chops-with.html

I will be back tonight with the verdict. I just wanted to get this up so I didn't forget.

Verdict: I thought it was great. The pork was very tender. Mr. Bear also really enjoyed it. Excellent flavors complimenting eachother. Definitely adding it to our rotation.

December 12, 2009

Menu Plan


Here is our menu plan for the next week!

Sunday- Ranch house pork chops(I keep bumping this), mashed potatoes, and green beans. I will recipe review on this one if I remember.

Monday- Ham and cheese pizza. New recipe for us, hope its good! I will likely add some bacon too since I have a bit left over.

Tuesday- Hamburger helper with corn. Class for me and the kiddo, and a Christmas concert.

Wednesday- Salmon cakes with mac and cheese. This too had been bumped all over.

Thursday- I am experimenting with Chicken, pesto, and pasta. I don't have a recipe yet, so I might be winging it.

Friday- Sloppy joes with fried potatoes and corn on the cob.

Saturday- Whole roasted chicken, sweet potatoes, noodles, and peas. I am going to look for a roasted chicken recipe too.

I might start my cookies this week also.

December 06, 2009

Menu Plan


Here's this weeks plan:

Sunday- Out for dinner with Grandma and the kiddo after the Christmas movie.
Monday- Still planning.. kiddo isn't home.
Tuesday- Frozen pizza and salads
Wednesday- Ranch house pork chops, with mashed potatoes and green beans
Thursday- Bisquick chicken fingers with velveeta mac and cheese.
Friday- Cheese filled ravioli with meatballs and sauce

Weekly Wrap Up!

So we're back to school this week which always keeps us busy. Little bear was a little hard getting back into the swing of things. We've been doing a little Christmas decorating and shopping for our family, also I have been getting ready for my Christmas treats baking and such. I found some really easy and cheaper treats for this year that I can't wait to try out and share. On Monday little bear got to see Santa at the mall and informed him that he wants hot wheels, a robot, and games to play with Mama and Daddy, thank the Lord all 3 are possible during our financial issues right now. Not much luck on the job front except Mr. Bear started his new part time job tonight. I hope it went well for him. We had our first real snow fall yesterday morning and little bear couldn't wait to get into it. We unfortunately only got about an inch. However little bear and his buddies did have a good time playing in the snow. I also enjoyed the time with my friend and her kiddos. They played outside, then came in for hot cocoa, marshmellows, and writing to Santa. They are such good kiddos. Today we went to the movie theater with little bear for the first time, he did so good. I was a bit nervous, but he was such a good kid. He loved Polar Express, and his pop corn. A huge Thank You goes out to the donations from our local clubs and theater for making it possible for the kids to go have fun, and not charge. I know its not easy to do in these times, but it was a great thing to do. So that wraps up our week, no deer though. Bummer. 18 DAYS TILL CHRISTMAS, REMEMBER JESUS IS THE REASON FOR THE SEASON!! =)

December 01, 2009

December Goals



Here are some December Goals I'd like to share with you.

-Have Sleepy Bear over night trained with few accidents.
-Stay on cooking routine
-Continue to go to my classes weekly.
-Quiet time for homework
-Finish clearing out our freezer
-Do my traditional bake-a-thon.
-Get Christmas cards out to everyone.
-Playdates for the kiddo.
-Better sleep routine.
-Save.every.last.penny.I.can.!!
-Enjoy the holidays with my family!
-Attend church.
-Read
-Ideas for our bedroom, turning it into our retreat. =)

Chicken Cordon Bleu Pasta



So we had this a few weeks ago and I am just getting around to writing a review. My sweetie really enjoyed this, sleepy bear liked it too. I thought it was just ok.. I am not into casserole type dishes all that much though. It went well with steamed broccoli.

Here's the recipe and changes I made.

Chicken Cordon Bleu Pasta

2 cups cooked, diced chicken
6 oz deli ham, diced ( I used leftover ham steaks that I made extra for this recipe)
2 cans cream of chicken soup (one can)
8 oz sour cream
2 cups shredded Monterrey Jack cheese (I mixed cheddar and mozzerella, I bought cheese for this and I am still looking around the house for it. No clue where I put it, kinda gross eh?)
cooked pasta (I used a bag of egg noodles)
milk (I used this to thin out the sauce)

Combine all ingredients in a medium sauce pan until cheese is melted, smooth, and creamy. Serve over whatever pasta you like. I used penne and tossed the pasta and the sauce together. You can just spoon it over the past if you like.

I diced the chicken and browned it in butter, s&p. While that was cooking I cooked the egg noodles. Drained the noodles, mixed the soup, sour cream, and milk together. Added the chicken, and ham diced up to the noodles, poured the sauce over then added the cheese and mixed together.

If you try this let me know how it went :)

Happy December!


Happy December everyone!

November 29, 2009

Menu Plan



Saturday- Open face turkey sandwiches, sweet potatoes, corn and stuffing
Sunday- Baked pasta with bread sticks
Monday- Kielbasa, saurkraut, pierogi
Tuesday- Ham and cheese sandwiches, mac and cheese
Wednesday- Beef stew
Thursday- montery chicken, and potato wedges
Friday- Pizza

November Goals revisited

-Cook 6 days a week and have a left overs night.. or C.O.R.N. (Worked off and on)

-Clean out the freezer meats before buying or stocking up on more, unless there is an unbelievable sale. (Still working on this but we are getting down to the wire)

-Get my freezer re-organized. (still emptying)

-Make some extras when cooking to freezer for sick days (I've been having a lot of those lately, I hope to start feeling better)(made some shells and muffins)

-Host our very first Thanksgiving dinner at home! (We did do our own thanksgiving but since we had 14 coming our cottage was too small so we cooked in Grandma's basement and had our guest over there.)

-Organize our bedroom closet. (started working on that today)

-Clear out toys that Anthony doesn't play with, so he has room for holidays. (did that a little)

-Try some new recipes. ( I think a couple)

-Do something with my sweet heart just the two of us. (not really :( )

-Do some applying for part time work during lay off time at SO's work. (done and waiting)

-Find out where the field mice are coming into the house from.. =( (put out poison)

-Vacuum out my chest and get it into the house!! (done last night!)

-Spend some more learning time with little bear. (doing this)

-Try not to unload my complains on my SO. (working on it)

-And I am going to shoot for losing 5-10 pounds this month...and gain it back at Thanksgiving!! LOL( no way!)

-Work on my schooling, find a plan and exicute. (started back to classes on tuesday nights)

-Finish a book (other than childrens.. nope)

-stay on TOP of laundry, not swim in it. (not humanly possible)

November 21, 2009

Menu Plan 21st- 27th



Saturday- Meatloaf, baked potatoes with sour cream and butter & corn as requested by kiddo
Sunday- Chicken stew from Southern Plate http://www.southernplate.com/2008/10/our-familys-chicken-stew-recipe.html
Monday- Taco Ring
Tuesday-Pork chops with onion gravy and noodles (feast at school)
Wednesday-Pizza
Thursday- TURKEY DAY LOTS AND LOTS OF GOOOOODD FOOD!

appetizer-
Port wine cheese ball with crackers
Shrimp with cocktail sauce
deviled eggs
veggies with dip

Main course-
Turkey
Ham

Side dishes-
Stuffing
Mashed potatoes
Sweet potatoes
Green bean casserole
Rolls
Corn
stuffing balls
Gravy

Desserts-
cranberry jello salad
cranberry sauce
apple pie
pumpkin pie
cookies

Drinks-
punch

Friday- LEFTOVERS!

Happy Thanksgiving Everyone!

November 19, 2009

Ultimate Recipe Swap (Thanksgiving)



Our family favorites-

Green bean casserole (couple variations, but we like the basic recipe)

1 can (10 3/4 ounces) Campbell's® Condensed Cream of Mushroom Soup (
1/2 cup milk
1 teaspoon soy sauce (I don't add this)
Dash ground black pepper
4 cups cooked cut green beans
1 1/3 cups French's® French Fried Onions

* Stir the soup, milk, soy sauce, black pepper, beans and 2/3 cup onions in a 1 1/2-quart casserole.
* Bake at 350°F. for 25 minutes or until the bean mixture is hot and bubbling. Stir the bean mixture. Sprinkle with the remaining onions.
* Bake for 5 minutes or until the onions are golden brown.

* For Broccoli Casserole, substitute 4 cups cooked broccoli flowerets for the green beans.
* For cheese lovers, stir in 1/2 cup shredded Cheddar cheese with soup. Omit the soy sauce. Sprinkle with an additional 1/4 cup Cheddar cheese when adding the remaining onions.
* To add a festive touch, stir in 1/4 cup chopped red pepper with the soup.
* To add crunch, add 1/4 cup toasted sliced almonds to the onion topping.
* For bacon lovers, add 2 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled, to the bean mixture.
* For Golden Green Bean Cassrole, substitute Campbell's® Condensed Golden Mushroom Soup for the Cream of Mushroom Soup. Omit the soy sauce. Stir in 1/4 cup chopped red pepper with the green beans.


Pioneer woman's mashed potatoes

Ingredients

* 5 pounds Russet Or Yukon Gold Potatoes
* ¾ cups Butter
* 1 package (8 Oz.) Cream Cheese, Softened*
* ½ cups (to 3/4 Cups) Half-and-Half
* ½ teaspoons (to 1 Teaspoon) Lawry's Seasoned Salt
* ½ teaspoons (to 1 Teaspoon) Black Pepper

Preparation Instructions

Peel and cut the potatoes into pieces that are generally the same size. Bring a large pot of water to a simmer and add the potatoes. Bring to a boil and cook for 30 to 35 minutes. When they’re cooked through, the fork should easily slide into the potatoes with no resistance, and the potatoes should almost, but not totally, fall apart.

Drain the potatoes in a large colander. When the potatoes have finished draining, place them back into the dry pot and put the pot on the stove. Mash the potatoes over low heat, allowing all the steam to escape, before adding in all the other ingredients.

Turn off the stove and add 1 ½ sticks of butter, an 8-ounce package of cream cheese and about ½ cup of half-and-half. Mash, mash, mash! Next, add about ½ teaspoon of Lawry’s Seasoning Salt and ½ a teaspoon of black pepper.

Stir well and place in a medium-sized baking dish. Throw a few pats of butter over the top of the potatoes and place them in a 350-degree oven and heat until butter is melted and potatoes are warmed through.


Cranberry jello salad

1 (3 oz.) pkg. cherry flavored gelatin

3/4 c. boiling water

1 (16 oz.) can whole berry cranberry sauce

1/2 c. diced apple

1/2 c. chopped pecans *leaving this out*


Combine gelatin and boiling water; stir until gelatin dissolves. Add cranberry sauce, stirring until blended. Chill until the consistency of unbeaten egg white. Fold in apple, and pecans. Spoon mixture into 6 lightly oiled 2/3 cup molds or custard cups, cover and refrigerate molds until firm.


CRANBERRY - PINEAPPLE JELLO SALAD

2 pkgs. raspberry Jello
2 c. hot water
1 c. cold water

Chill. Fold in: 1 (#2) can of crushed pineapple with juice 1 can whole cranberries 1/2 c. chopped nuts

Let Jello set until firm in the refrigerator. Can be put in individual molds or 1 large mold. Serves 16.


Visit www.LifeasMOM.com for more ideas.

November 16, 2009

Recipe for this week: Chicken Cordon Bleu Pasta

Chicken Cordon Bleu Pasta

2 cups cooked, diced chicken
6 oz deli ham, diced
2 cans cream of chicken soup
8 oz sour cream
2 cups shredded Monterrey Jack cheese
cooked pasta (16 oz box)
milk (to get the right consistancy)

Combine all ingredients in a medium sauce pan until cheese is melted, smooth, and creamy. Toss the pasta and the sauce together.

November 15, 2009

Menu Plan for Nov. 15th-21st

Last week we didn't stay on track. While we still had the meats that we planned we didn't really stay with the recipes. The one night we did go to McDonalds because I had to last minute make an appointment for little bear to see his doctor since he had been coughing for 2 weeks. He had been losing sleep over the cough, and it wasn't going away. He has an antibiotic and some clearatin to see which one helps. In the middle of November (today) we were able to go outside all afternoon in the woods at a friends cabin. Our boys had a blast but I forgot the camera :( Here is this weeks plan. I hope we stay on track!

Sunday- Steaks with peppers and onions. Cheesy potatoes and corn.
Monday- Spaghetti
Tuesday- ??? Frozen pizza? (Eggs and toast)
Wednesday- Daddy cooks, mac and cheese, chicken breast patties, and a veggie Cereal
Thursday- Chicken cordon bleu pasta (pancakes and sausage)
Friday- meatloaf, baked potatoes, green beans
Saturday-? Still thinking!

I'll bake something this week, no clue what. Finish my plans for Thanksgiving and clean the house for the holiday!!

November 09, 2009

Recipe Review: 3 Envelope Roast

3 Envelope Roast

Ingredients:
3 pound beef roast such as chuck roast
1 envelope of dry Italian salad dressing mix (I used half)
1 envelope of dry ranch salad dressing mix (I used half)
1 envelope of dry brown gravy mix
2 cups water

Instructions :
Put the water in a measuring cup that is larger then the amount of water you are using. Now add and mix all three envelopes of dry salad dressings to the water. Mix until blended completely.
Brown the roast (if desired). Add the meat to your cooker. Pour the water, salad dressing mixture over the roast. In the slow cooker cook it on high for about 4 hours on low about 8 hours.

I added 4 cups of water to the roast so I could make a big batch of gravy. I scooped the gravy out with a ladle, heated it to a boiling and added a cup of water that had a few spoons of corn starch dissolved. Add some pepper and salt and it was good.

I give it a 4/5 stars it was really good and tender.

November 07, 2009

Menu Plan 8th - 14th



Sunday- 3 envolope roast in the crock pot, mashed potatoes, gravy from the roast, and corn. Yellow cake with chocolate icing. Possibly some peanut butter cookies. We're having company for dinner. My Mom, her boyfriend, and my little brother.

Monday- Hamburger helper (easy mondays)

Tuesday- Subs and chips from a fundraiser again

Wednesday- A copycat recipe for Wendy's chili with crackers. Usually Daddy cooks on Wednesday but little bear doesn't have school that day. Also my other little brother and sister will be staying the night since my dad will be in for a stint in his heart..I'll have to pick them up from school.

Thursday- Shake-n-bake pork chops with cheesy scalloped potatoes and green beans

Friday- Lasagna casserole I might pick up some rolls too.

Saturday- Ranch house crock pot pork chops, potatoes likely roasted, with a veggie.. maybe peas or whatever little bear picks out.

I will bake some cookies today and a cake for when Mom comes down. I'm wanting to make some chocolate chip cookies too. I also need to come up with a pink heart revelant snack for Anthony's class for his snack day.

November 6th and 7th


I am slacking a bit.. not sure why but I am going to shoot to be on time all week. Yesterday I was thankful for a hard working SO who went to work even though he wasn't feeling well yesterday, and even drove me into town after work to pick up some pizza for dinner.

Today I am thankful for a nice quiet day around the house.. just me and the kiddo. He has been pretty hyper this week, I am not sure if it was the medicine making him jittery.. however today he has been helping clean up without fighting and playing rather quietly. I can't wait for Mr. Bear come home.. he's going to miss the PENN STATE game though :(

November 05, 2009

November 4th and 5th


Sorry last night I forgot to blog. So yesterday I was thankful for a FIL that's a mechanic that can help us with our car for free, even if we don't see eye to eye.

Tonight I am thankful for Nikki. Nikki is a very dear friend of mine and I am so happy we live 3 minutes apart. I am so happy we can just chat while our boys play and enjoy eachother's company.

November 04, 2009

November 3rd


Ok so I am 3 minutes late.. I was catching up on my Hills episodes =)

Today I am Thankful that I felt good today. The past two months I have really been in a slump with various illnesses and such.. like a kidney stone, ear infection, and tooth infection! Yeah me!! So thank you God for this day in which I was healthy and motivated! I even went outside with the boy for a bit, and froze!

November 02, 2009

November 2nd


Today I am thankful for a Grandma who quickly brought Anthony some children's mucinex today when I told her about his cough. It was very nice of her to run in town and get it, while I stayed home to send Mr. Bear off to work.

Mr. Bear is thankful for his job, even if he gets cut to part time soon.

November 01, 2009

November 1st


I am thankful for a warm cozy home. Its nice to just watch tv and be nice and warm. We rented for a couple years and we froze. Its so comforting to come home to a warm home.

SO is thankful for me and our little boy. He is thankful that he has us and we are a family. <3

October 31, 2009

Menu Plan 1st-6th


Wow menu planning for November already! Wow! Won't be long before Thanksgiving is here!
Here's the plan for this week..

Sunday- Pancakes, sausage, and fruit
Monday-Hamburger Helper
Tuesday- Subs from little bear's first school fund raiser.
Wednesday- pork chop casserole with green beans
Thursday-MIL's for dinner
Friday-Fajitas chicken unless I can get a nice steak at the store for a good price
Saturday-Slow-cooked Hungarian Stewwith biscuits

Breakfast-

Tuesday- Eggs with toast
Wednesday- leftover eggs
Thursday- Waffles with sausage

Baking
-
Banana bread

November Goals



Here are some goals I hope to accomplish this month.

-Cook 6 days a week and have a left overs night.. or C.O.R.N.
-Clean out the freezer meats before buying or stocking up on more, unless there is an unbelievable sale.
-Get my freezer re-organized.
-Make some extras when cooking to freezer for sick days (I've been having a lot of those lately, I hope to start feeling better)
-Host our very first Thanksgiving dinner at home!
-Organize our bedroom closet
-Clear out toys that Anthony doesn't play with, so he has room for holidays.
-Try some new recipes
-Do something with my sweet heart just the two of us.
-Do some applying for part time work during lay off time at SO's work.
-Find out where the field mice are coming into the house from.. =(
-Vacuum out my chest and get it into the house!!
-Spend some more learning time with little bear.
-Try not to unload my complains on my SO.
-And I am going to shoot for losing 5-10 pounds this month...and gain it back at Thanksgiving!! LOL
-Work on my schooling, find a plan and exicute.
-Finish a book
-stay on TOP of laundry, not swim in it!

October 25, 2009

Weekly wrap up

This week around the house hasn't been very busy. Little bear going to school keeps us busy Tuesday-Thursday. I usually do all my cleaning on Mondays and Fridays now, to get things going. Daddy offered to make simple meals on Wednesdays for me which is really nice of him since I am up at 7 to get Little bear off for school, which I have to drive him 20 mins up to his school, then ride home, then go back 20 mins to get him. His classes are only 2 1/2 hours so it feels like I am chasing my tail. So its a pain.. although its a pain on the other days he doesn't have to be at school until 12:30 the other two. However, I am fortunate he gets to attend a small school and get a head start on his education.. he's been learning shapes, colors, and a number each week. Example this week was yellow, diamond, and 4. He also brings home a little project daily and they are so sweet. I am going to get a little keep sake box for them all. Penn State beat Michigan..WOOO HOO! WE ARE!! We also made a trip to Wegman's this week which is a fun highlight for us since we moved its a bit away.. and that place is like an international market for around these parts. They have super bargains. I seemed to have a bug today for awhile, but after I was finally able to fall asleep I feel better now, I hope it says away.. :( it was soo terrible. I was due to have company today who canceled last night, that always bums me out, but I was sick this morning anyways so it worked out.
We also celebrated my baby sister's 6th birthday yesterday.. she is so beautiful and growing up sooo fast! So a pretty not exciting week for us.

Menu Plan for 25th- 31st


So things are a bit jumbled up. A new Chinese place opened in our little town and we were super excited for it, especially since its owned by the same family that had the one down before we moved! YAY! It was just as good as before! So here's my plan for the last week of October ALREADY!!!

Sunday- Tacos, soft and crunchy

Monday- Tuna noodle casserole

Tuesday- leftover night - (eggs, toast, sausage)Make banana bread.

Wednesday- Chicken patty sandwiches, fries (Daddy cooks) (Cereal with fruit and banana bread)

Thursday- Sloppy joes, fried potatoes, and baked beans (pancakes w/sausage) (Anthony's Halloween Party at school, I am soooo excited for it, plus I get to peek into his class and see what he does all day. We (I) made treat bags, and likely we'll make up some fun-fetti cookies with a Halloween theme.

Friday-Chicken cordon bleu casserole, mashed potatoes, and green beans (I skipped this last week.)

Saturday- Chili with crackers, and grilled cheese. Happy Halloween!! I am going to make Chili every year I think for Halloween. I have a new recipe I am going to try.

October 17, 2009

My Menu Plan



Sunday- Turkey-n-biscuits. Following my chicken-n-biscuits recipe, just with chopped up leftover turkey breast. Jello with koolwhip.
Monday- Three cheese pasta with green beans
Tuesday- Leftover night or something easy for me and little bear. Breakfast day- eggs, toast, bacon.
Wednesday- Cheese burgers, baked beans with mac and cheese. Daddy cooks! Breakfast- Cereal with fruit, banana bread
Thursday- Chicken cordon bleu casserole, mashed taters, and corn. Breakfast- pancakes, sausage
Friday- Pork chops, pierogi, broccoli
Saturday- Tuna noodles with peas and carrots butter bread. HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO MY DEAR SWEET BABY SISTER WHO TURNS 6!! I love you so much Pudge! We'll have some snacks at her party too.

Baking: Banana bread. Jello and peaches for desserts this week.

October 14, 2009

Lots of updates!! I've been slacking..








So we have been busy busy on Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursdays. Little bear is officially a student at a local nursery school. He's been going for about 2 weeks now and he is loving and enjoying it all. He's learning and making friends. It's great and hectic all at the same time! We visited the pumpkin patch a few weeks ago also. We had a great time, lots to do. Horse and carriage rides, hay rides, pumpkins, home made icecream.. petting zoo, barrel trains and everything. It was soo fun! There's my quickie update!

October 12, 2009

Recipe Review: Barb's beef stew

Barb's Beef Stew

Ingredients

* 2 pounds stew beef * I used fresh deer meat
* 1/2 cup flour * dreged the meat
* 1 1/2 teaspoons salt * omitted
* 1 teaspoon pepper
* 4 cups beef broth * water and broilin cubes
* 1 teaspoon worcestershire sauce
* 1 Tbs crushed garlic
* 2 fresh bay leaves *dry
* 1 teaspoon paprika
* 4 chopped carrots
* 4 large diced potatoes
* 2 chopped onions
* 1 stalk chopped celery
* 1 can mushroom pieces and stems * out
* 1 cup frozen peas


Preparation

Place meat in Crockpot, then pour flour, salt, and pepper over the meat and mix. Add remaining ingredients EXCEPT mushrooms and peas. Mix well. Cook on Low 10-12 hours or High 4-6 hours. Add mushrooms and peas about a half hour before eating.

Ok so I did make some changes to the regular recipe. Either way, I won't be making it again. It was good, we did like it but as a stew, that it wasn't. It was just a soup.. not thick at all. So I tossed the recipe. I could make this as a method without the recipe. We'll enjoy the leftovers, they taste better the next day.

October 10, 2009

Menu Plan for the 11th-17th

Wow the weeks have flown by, today is my birthday and it was nice. I always get sentimental for some reason. I just want to say I might bitch and moan but I do have a great family, in-laws, and a few good friends even. I had a great dinner with my MIL it was good. Ice cream cake was great from my Dad and Step Mom (Melanie), and my mom bought me some boots and jeans I had been eying up! So it was a nice day dispite my earache and toothache. I did finally see a speicalist for my ear, I am going to continue to pray it feels better. I also had my In-Laws pray for my ear pain..or whatever is causing it.

Here is my menu plan, last weeks got mixed up a bit since one night we didn't eat at home, and the other our Grandfather got a deer so we had fresh deer steaks, yum! I am trying to use up my freezer stash and pantry, and do minimal shopping.

Sunday- Barb's beef stew with deer meat instead, biscuits.
Monday- LO Stew for me, and a big pot of spaghetti with m/bs for daddy and little bear.
Tuesday- Whatever is laying around, spaghetti for daddy and Anthony. Breakfast today for little bear..I think we'll have sausage and pancakes
Wednesday- Daddy cooks for Mama, Thanksgiving short cut. Turkey brest, mashed taters, sweet taters, gravy, corn and cranberry sauce. Breakfast day super early, leftover pancakes.
Thursday- L.o. for daddy and kiddo, Mama is getting dental work done. Turkey, gravy, and waffles. Breakfast day again.. cereal with bananas perhaps.
Friday- Taco Ring
Saturday- smoked sausage, peppers, onions, and potatoes I think. Recipe later.

October 03, 2009

My menu plan

I am posting my menu plan early because 1. I am sitting here, and 2. I'll be busy again tomorrow. So here's the plan man. :)

Sunday- Chili in the crock pot with crackers. I am at a baby shower so this will be waiting for us when we get home.
Monday- Hamburger helper and green beans
Tuesday- Pizza
Wednesday- Taco ring with chips and salsa
Thursday- bbq pork chops, fried potatoes, and baked beans
Friday- Beef stew with new recipe
Saturday- MY BIRTHDAY.. I AM STAYING 23 FOREVER! Dinner@MIL's, she's making me pulled pork, my favorite. :)


Barb's Beef Stew

Ingredients

* 2 pounds stew beef
* 1/2 cup flour
* 1 1/2 teaspoons salt
* 1 teaspoon pepper
* 4 cups beef broth
* 1 teaspoon worcestershire sauce
* 1 Tbs crushed garlic
* 2 fresh bay leaves
* 1 teaspoon paprika
* 4 chopped carrots
* 4 large diced potatoes
* 2 chopped onions
* 1 stalk chopped celery
* 1 can mushroom pieces and stems
* 1 cup frozen peas


Preparation

Place meat in Crockpot, then pour flour, salt, and pepper over the meat and mix. Add remaining ingredients EXCEPT mushrooms and peas. Mix well. Cook on Low 10-12 hours or High 4-6 hours. Add mushrooms and peas about a half hour before eating.

October 02, 2009

Peek into my mind if you will...

Today I am going to let you peek into my mind. I am going to list some of my favorites and such. No rants, just raves.. I hope.

Ok so I couldn't understand all the twilight obcession until I stumbled upon some quotes from the book, now I need to read them, something tells me the movie didn't do the books justice since I didn't think the movie wasn't that great.

I found a youtube of Yiruma called "River flows in you". Ok I am in love with this. I strongly suggest you check it out. I am thinking it might get added into the wedding music.. perhaps when they are waiting for the bride (ME!!)? I'll need to run that by my Mr. too.

Little Bear started pre-school, and I love he is learning and growing into his own little person. Although it does jumble up my schedule a bit, but once we get things figured out they'll work out smoother.

I am loving fall and cannot wait to go to the pumpkin patch tomorrow with my friend and her little boy.

I love football season too.

September 27, 2009

Menu Plan for the 27th-3rd

Sunday- We went to my Dad's for Stuffed shells :) Thanks Melanie.
Monday- Pan fried chicken breast chunks over cheddar broccoli rice (easy peasy)
Tuesday- Cheese burger hamburger helper (easy peasy)
Wednesday- Pork chops, noodles, and steamed corn
Thursday- Chicken Stir fry, with carrots, broccoli, corn, pea pods..YUM!
Friday- Easy pleasing Meatloaf, mash or gratin potatoes, green beans
Saturday- Leftovers, Anthony and I are off to the Pumpkin Patch and Scare fair with my friend and her little boy! Hope it doesn't rain!

Happy Fall Ya'll!

September 25, 2009

Last weekend fun

Last weekend I went with my Dad and his little family out to the amusement park. They were having an end of the season deal, 10 bucks for a car load. So the 6 of us got in for 10 bucks!! We had a good time. I spent most of the day in kiddie land with Anthony and my baby sister Karlee. We also rode some grown up rides with the little ones.






September 21, 2009

Fall Recipes

I will be adding recipes for fall time that sound good to me.

Creamy Pumpkin Dip


Dip Ingredients:

1 (8-ounce) package cream cheese, softened
1/2 cup sour cream
2 cups powdered sugar
1 (15-ounce) can cooked pumpkin
1 tablespoon orange juice concentrate
1 tablespoon ground cinnamon

Dippers Ingredients:

Gingersnaps, graham crackers or sliced apples


Combine cream cheese, sour cream and powdered sugar in large bowl. Beat at medium speed until creamy. Reduce speed to low; add pumpkin. Beat until combined. Stir in cinnamon and orange juice concentrate until well mixed. Refrigerate (at least 1 hour) before serving.

Serve with gingersnaps, graham crackers or sliced apples.

This sounds delish, but I will consider cutting the recipe in half. When I make it I will come back and post reviews.

September 20, 2009

Menu Plan

My whole month/week got messed up, I had the worst ear ache in my life. I went and did things with Anthony anyways, and had to take 4 tylenol every 4 hours.. I was so miserable. Today is the first day in 2 weeks I have been able to go without any pain reliever. I swear by this solution, Chris' Grandmother told me to relieve ear pain mix half vinegar and half alcohol. I was so scared to try it but my ear hurt bad enough I'd try anything.. I tried it and no kidding my ear felt better within 5 minutes!!! I am in no way saying you should try it, but it really did help me. I also plan to make some apple crisp..I made some awesome apple dumplins earlier this week, I'll post the recipe for that later.

Here's our week plan for the 20th - 26th:

Sunday- Pork chops, sweet potatoes, and broccoli with cheese
Monday- Creamy tuna casserole
Tuesday- L.O or FFY
Wednesday- Fried cabbage, kielbasa, and pierogi
Thursday- Chicken-n-biscuits
Friday- Ham, roasted potatoes, green beans
Saturday- Skillet Lasagna with garlic bread

September 19, 2009

Fall Goals

I wanted to make a little goal list for this fall. Maybe it will help me keep on track.

- Clean out cedar chest on porch and bring into bedroom.
- Clean off front porch for winter.
- Rug scrub livingroom.
- Read a good book.
- Bake cookies with Anthony.
- Find some good casserole recipes and make them.
- Try out the church in the small town next to us.
- Play outside with Anthony
- Go to highschool football games when they play home.
- Enjoy my tv shows.
- Go to the pumpkin patch and corn maze
- Carve pumpkins with Anthony
- Organize for winter
- Store all the air conditioners.
- Get excited for the holidays in our home for the first time!!! :)

Survivor episode 1

Last Thursday was the season premier of Survivor! I really love reality tv, and this is one of the shows on my favorites list. The Amazing Race will be starting up soon, and that too is one of my favorites. So I'll do a little rambling about the show, and if you want you can share your thoughts too! :)

At the beginning of the show, those waves were beautiful! I was just in awe of such a creation. The next thing I noticed was the handsome MICK! He'll be my eye candy for the season, I hope he makes it far. He seemed smart, and good at picking the strengths in his team. I think being the chosen leader isn't something I'd want. If something goes wrong or you make a bad decision, that could put your head on the chopping block, even if you show that you can be a strong leader, that could get you in trouble. Shambo.. LOL. Thats all I gots to say about that! :)

I am not really liking the Russel that owns an oil company.. he's creepy, what a jerk for dumping water, burning socks, and throwing Marisa under the bus. The tribe will be kicking themselves later when they realize she was right about him. Russel did toss those bundles of logs really well though, he's definitely strong. I can't believe how he lied about Katrina, that is terrible! What a jerk!!! Calling women stupid isn't going to win you points on for me either.

I was surprised at how well Jaison could swim, even in jeans! He was really fast. Good job, I like him already. That water is so pretty! WOW!

I like Betsy too. Not liking the way the country boy is talking to the girls, I think Ashley just secured her the next vote out.

Next show looks really good!

September 17, 2009



YAY! Its that time! Tonight is the first episode of the new Survivor season! I hope this season is a good one!!


There is a contestant from PA, and many from Cali!

September 13, 2009

Menu Plan for the week

Sunday- Whole Roasted Chicken, Mashed Potatoes, Gravy, Corn, and Homemade Stuffing.
Monday- Tuna Mac with peas and butter bread. Cantalope
Tuesday- Leftover day, or something from the freezer.
Wednesday- Meatball Subs with salads
Thursday- Kielbasa with potatoes and cabbage
Friday- Italian Pork chops, green beans, and noodles
Saturday- Chicken and Rice casserole

Have a happy week!

September 12, 2009

Recipes for the week.

Here are the recipes for our up coming week. Some maybe new, some might have been used before.

Sunday we'll be having a whole chicken. I got them for .59 cents a pound this week. I actually bought 3 for our grandma and 4 for us. Here's a recipe we haven't tried yet.

Juicy Roasted Chicken
INGREDIENTS

* 1 (3 pound) whole chicken, giblets removed
* salt and black pepper to taste
* 1 tablespoon onion powder, or to taste
* 1/2 cup margarine, divided
* 1 stalk celery, leaves removed


DIRECTIONS

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).
2. Place chicken in a roasting pan, and season generously inside and out with salt and pepper. Sprinkle inside and out with onion powder. Place 3 tablespoons margarine in the chicken cavity. Arrange dollops of the remaining margarine around the chicken's exterior. Cut the celery into 3 or 4 pieces, and place in the chicken cavity.
3. Bake uncovered 1 hour and 15 minutes in the preheated oven, to a minimum internal temperature of 180 degrees F (82 degrees C). Remove from heat, and baste with melted margarine and drippings. Cover with aluminum foil, and allow to rest about 30 minutes before serving.

Thursday we'll be having kielbasa, potatoes, and cabbage. I am using this recipe but using kielbasa in the ham's place.


SAUTEED HAM, POTATOES & CABBAGE

2 lb. ham steak, diced
4 lg. potatoes, diced & cooked
1 head cabbage, quartered & cooked
2 tbsp. butter
2 tbsp. vegetable oil
Salt & pepper to taste

Melt butter and oil together in large skillet. Add ham, saute about 5 minutes. Add potatoes and saute another 5 minutes. Cut up cabbage into bite-size pieces and add to skillet. Salt and pepper to taste. Saute until browned (about 10 minutes). Serves 4.

Saturday we'll be having chicken and rice, I'll likely use leftover chicken from Sunday.
Creamy chicken and rice casserole

Ingredients:

1 tablespoon vegetable oil
4 skinless, boneless chicken breast halves (about 1 pound)
1 can (10 3/4 ounces) Condensed Cream of Chicken Soup
1 1/2 cups water
1/4 teaspoon paprika
1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
2 cups uncooked instant white rice *
2 cups frozen broccoli flowerets

Directions:

Heat the oil in a 10-inch skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook for 10 minutes or until well browned on both sides. Remove the chicken from the skillet.

Stir the soup, water, paprika and black pepper in the skillet and heat to a boil. Stir in the rice and broccoli. Reduce the heat to low. Return the chicken to the skillet. Sprinkle the chicken with additional paprika and black pepper. Cover and cook for 5 minutes or until the chicken is cooked though.

*For a creamier dish, decrease the rice to 1 1/2 cups.


Happy cooking this week!

A little play date.

Today Anthony had a playdate with his friends Lance and Carter. Lance and Carter are my friend Nikki's little boys. We went to a local indoor play area. All 3 boys had a great time...along with some catch up chat time for the Mama's. They had such a great time in the jungle gym, and arcade.

Anthony playing skeetball

Anthony driving Arthur

All 3 boys playing an interactive projection game..it was soooo cool!

September 05, 2009

A Roadtrip to my Momma's.

We drove up to my Mom's new apartment a few days ago. It was a nice time, we hung out, went for pizza, and took Anthony down to the park in her back yard. Things are going well with her and I am thankful.

Here's a few pictures:







Anthony truly enjoys his time with his Grub-Grub.

August 30, 2009

Menu Plan Monday 8/31

Its that time again already I moved everything around from last week and updated to this week. I planned everything out for the next month.. I hope it works out with minimal take out. Tuesday or Wednesday we plan to go visit my Mom, so we'll be outta town for the day possibly over night. We'll likely get some take out one of those days.

Monday- Whatever the kiddo and I can find.. daddy works 2-10:30 this day and tuesday. I'll likely make a breakfast before Daddy leaves at noon, and we'll find something to munch on later.

Tuesday- Cheeseburger hamburger helper with bread

Wednesday- Steaks, baked potatoes, and corn

Thursday- Chicken Gorditas

Friday- Meatball Subs with salads

Saturday- Veggie soup with crackers and/or grilled cheese sandwiches.

Sunday- Pork Chops with bagged noodles and peas

1 new recipe, for veggie soup. I am sooo excited for soup weather! :)

August 23, 2009

Food talk and Menu Plan

The baked ziti recipe was good, lots of cooking but good. I didn't like the turkey we tried. I thought we'd try ground turkey for this recipe since we haven't had it before, but I disliked it. Chris didn't mind it and Anthony only ate the pasta. I also made my own version of a Pioneer Woman's recipe. They were chicken on a roll, with bacon. I made them into Chicken BLTs. THEY WERE GOOOOOD! We'll definately have them again! We just had fries on the side but next time I might do some pasta salad. Chris really enjoyed them as well as myself.

This week we'll only have one new recipe if I make it. It was to be for today but since we went boating yesterday I am bumping it.. not sure which day it will be bumped too. The last week was sooo stinking hot I could hardly cook, but today is great, so I'll make some brownies to go with dinner. :) I can't wait for fall.. I even got Mums already out on the porch! Come September 1st, all my fall stuff is getting dug out, I can't wait!

Menu Plan

Sunday- Tacos, soft and crunchy, brownies with nuts
Monday- Taco dip with the leftovers or a pizza, since little bear is at his Gram's. Taco dip is actually a new recipe. I'll post later likely.
Tuesday- Calzone I keep bumping this, I need to make it with the pouches of pizza crust mix taking up room in my pantry.
Wednesday- Meatball subs with salad, and pineapple
Thursday- Grilled steaks, creamy green beans, and baked potato bar.
Friday- bbq chicken bites, rice, and corn
Saturday- Burgers, fries, pickles, and hot dogs
Sunday- Spaghetti with meatballs, and bread
Monday- Hamburger helper Cheese burger macaroni with bread
Tuesday- Leftovers
Wednesday- Chicken casserole
Thursday-Pork chops, bagged pasta, and peas
Friday-Leftovers
Saturday- SHOPPING DAY :)

A day away was just what the doctor ordered.

I'm not sure why, but the last few days I was cranky and tired. Likely my sleeping habits and still not having our little cottage just the way I want.. also having in-laws for neighbors has something to do with it. The past few days I just felt like blah.. there is one thing that made me smile big. We have a stray kitty hanging out from time to time that we call Charlie, and he is as sweet as pie. We also have mice.. so I think we're going to adopt Charlie. And I hope Charlie is a mouser, and will make Charlie perfect for us. This is our first home in the country so I was taken aback by the mice! They are tiny cute little nasty disgusting little buggers! Eww! I did catch one on a sticky trap and felt really bad for the nasty cute little disgusting thing.

Yesterday we got sometime away and it was amazing. We didn't do anything special. Just went out on the lake on the boat and drifted along for the day. I loved it.



See, the perfect cure for the funk.

August 19, 2009

New Recipe for Wednesday

Easy Baked Ziti
serves 8


Ingredients:

1 pound ground beef
3 cups ziti, or your favorite pasta, cooked and drained (about 6 cups cooked)
1 (26-ounce) jar spaghetti sauce
8 ounces shredded mozzarella cheese
3/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese, divided

Instructions:

Preheat oven to 375 degrees.
In a large skillet, brown meat and drain. Stir in ziti, spaghetti sauce, mozzarella cheese and 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese. Spoon into 9-by-13-inch baking dish. Top with remaining 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese. Cover and bake 20 minutes.

Recipe Review: Golden Baked Pork Cutlets

They were good. I doubled the recipe. Next time I will be leaving out the sugar for sure. Also they burnt on the bottom a little bit and made what I anticipate will be a pain in the butt to scrub off my pan. I did remember the spray but they still stuck so next time I'll try the rack.

They coating was pretty crispy and good other than I think I accidentally added too much sugar. Also I'll make sure I have a better accembly line next time too. All in all they weren't too bad. We had them with peas and baked potato bar. I will take pics for my next review.

Rating on a 0-10 they were about a 6 in my opinion. My sweetie says they were an 8 and would like to have them again.

Golden Baked Pork Cutlets

New recipe for tonight:
Golden Baked Pork Cutlets

1 pound pork tenderloin, trimmed
1/2 cup dry breadcrumbs
1 teaspoon sugar
1/2 teaspoon paprika
1/2 teaspoon onion powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
4 teaspoons canola oil
1 large egg white, lightly beaten
4 teaspoons cornstarch

1. Preheat oven to 400°F. Coat a rimmed baking sheet with cooking spray.
2. Holding a chef’s knife at a 45° angle and perpendicular to the tenderloin, slice the pork into 4 long, thin “fillets.”
3. Mix breadcrumbs, sugar, paprika, onion powder and salt in a shallow dish. Drizzle with oil and mash with a fork until the oil is thoroughly incorporated. Lightly beat egg white with a fork in another shallow dish. Sprinkle cornstarch over the pork slices and pat to coat evenly on both sides. Dip the pork into the egg, then press into the breading mixture until evenly coated on both sides. (Discard leftover mixture.)
4. Place the pork on the prepared baking sheet. Bake until just barely pink in the center and an instant-read thermometer registers 145°F, 14 to 16 minutes.

My only changes are, I am using super thin pork lion chops, and instead of canola oil I am using either veggie oil or EVOO.

Tonight I think we'll be having it with rice and broccoli. That will all depend on what I find at Wegman's today too. I'll be back with a review later :)

I'll also be watching Obscessed tonight and I'll be back with a review for that one also. Happy Hump Day!

August 02, 2009

Recipe Update: Slow cooker pepper steak

Slow cooker Pepper Steak

INGREDIENTS

* 2 pounds beef sirloin, cut into 2 inch strips
* garlic powder to taste
* 3 tablespoons vegetable oil-- I used EVOO
* 1 cube beef bouillon
* 1/4 cup hot water
* 1 tablespoon cornstarch
* 1/2 cup chopped onion--- no onions
* 2 large green bell peppers, roughly chopped
* 1 (14.5 ounce) can stewed tomatoes, with liquid
* 3 tablespoons soy sauce--- only a splash or two
* 1 teaspoon white sugar
* 1 teaspoon salt--- left out

DIRECTIONS

1. Sprinkle strips of sirloin with garlic powder to taste. In a large skillet over medium heat, heat the vegetable oil and brown the seasoned beef strips. Transfer to a slow cooker.
2. Mix bouillon cube with hot water until dissolved, then mix in cornstarch until dissolved. Pour into the slow cooker with meat. Stir in onion, green peppers, stewed tomatoes, soy sauce, sugar, and salt.
3. Cover, and cook on High for 3 to 4 hours, or on Low for 6 to 8 hours.


Now I should mention that I chopped up all my peppers and set them to the side for later so they didn't get mushy.. well I forgot them completely. However, it was good without them. I served them up with buttered egg noodles. My SO who doesn't like stewed tomatoes liked it, I used petit ones. I'll make this again sometime but probably with a cheaper cut of meat.

July 26, 2009

Menu Plan

Sunday- Steak salads with leftover steak tips from my MIL's birthday dinner. With fries and homemade honey baslamic dressing.

Monday- Chicken alfredo

Tuesday- Sloppy joes with fries and corn

Wednesday- Taco pizza

Thursday- honey bbq chicken legs with broccoli salad

Friday- Kielbasa with polish noodles and cabbage.

Saturday- Slow cooker pepper steak with noodles and broccoli.

If we go to the water park wednesday day, dinner will get bumped likely.

Not what ya see everyday around these parts..


Here's Chris and Anthony cooking :)
Chris doesn't get in the kitchen often, so when he does it makes me smile.

July 25, 2009

New recipes for the week.

Here are some new recipes I am going to try this week. There's not too many but just enough to share. Hope you enjoy them.

POLISH NOODLES AND CABBAGE

1/4 c. butter
1/2 c. chopped onion
4 c. chopped or sliced cabbage
1 tsp. caraway seed
1/2 tsp. salt
1/8 tsp. pepper
1 (8 oz.) pkg. egg noodles
1/2 c. dairy sour cream (optional)

1. Melt butter in a large skillet. Add onion, saute until soft.
2. Add cabbage, saute 5 minutes or until crisp tender. Stir in caraway seed, salt and pepper.
3. Meanwhile, cook noodles in salted boiling water as directed on package; drain well.
4. Stir noodles into cabbage. Add sour cream, if desired. Cook 5 minutes longer, stirring frequently. 6 to 8 servings.

I'll leave the sour cream and caraway seeds out of this recipe.


Chicken Wings With Honey BBQ Sauce

3 pounds chicken wings
1 cup honey
1/4 cup soy sauce
1/4 cup Teriyaki sauce
1/4 cup BBQ sauce
1/8 cup vegetable oil
1 clove garlic, minced (I just used a tablespoon of bottled minced garlic)

Season wings with salt & pepper. Place frozen wings on broiler pan and broil for twelve-fifteen minutes on each side. Transfer wings to the slow cooker. Combine ingredients and pour over wings. Cook on high two hours or low for four hours.

I am going to cut this in half and use chicken legs.


Slow cooker Pepper Steak

INGREDIENTS

* 2 pounds beef sirloin, cut into 2 inch strips
* garlic powder to taste
* 3 tablespoons vegetable oil
* 1 cube beef bouillon
* 1/4 cup hot water
* 1 tablespoon cornstarch
* 1/2 cup chopped onion
* 2 large green bell peppers, roughly chopped
* 1 (14.5 ounce) can stewed tomatoes, with liquid
* 3 tablespoons soy sauce
* 1 teaspoon white sugar
* 1 teaspoon salt

DIRECTIONS

1. Sprinkle strips of sirloin with garlic powder to taste. In a large skillet over medium heat, heat the vegetable oil and brown the seasoned beef strips. Transfer to a slow cooker.
2. Mix bouillon cube with hot water until dissolved, then mix in cornstarch until dissolved. Pour into the slow cooker with meat. Stir in onion, green peppers, stewed tomatoes, soy sauce, sugar, and salt.
3. Cover, and cook on High for 3 to 4 hours, or on Low for 6 to 8 hours.

July 19, 2009

Meau Plan Monday



Sunday- Italian Chicken, green beans, parsley potatoes and corn on the cob. I also made strawberry cheese cake. My sister, brother and sister's boyfriend were all visiting.
Monday- White spaghetti with butter bread
Tuesday- leftovers
Wednesday- Skillet Lasagna with garlic toast
Thursday- Pork chops with bbq sauce, peas, and pasta
Friday- Pizza and bread sticks (Anthony has his 4 year check up and 4 shots :( poor fella)
Saturday- some kinda special dinner for my MIL's birthday.. still deciding.