Last month I ordered more diaper covers from Mom's Milk Boutique and when I got the package there was a caramel taped to the thank you note. It was the best caramel I have ever tasted. I got online and ordered more that same day. Now my mission is to replicate them. I will make celtic sea salt caramels that are so good you want to stop everything and enjoy while it melts in your mouth.
Bread baking is also on my mind. There are a few recipes I've been meaning to try: banana bread, brioche, pita, and pizza just to name a few. I got a dough whisk and I'm so excited to put it to use. The Bread in Five Minutes books look interesting so I might get a 6 quart food container to try those as well.
If the kids give me a minute of peace tomorrow I'll start on some bread. Mmm banana sounds good but I'm out of walnuts. Naan is great with just about anything. No, I think pitas would be nice. That would give me a reason to make honey chipotle bbq shredded chicken again. It is by far my favorite barbeque sauce and is really simple to make. There's a smoky chipotle flavor and it's not overly sweet.
Tuesday, January 29, 2013
Upcoming Recipes
Saturday, January 26, 2013
Commisary Deals
The Fort Lewis Commisary has amazing deals on cereal right now.
Honey Bunches of Oats with Pecans are $1.08
Mini Churros are $0.89
Honey Mini Wheats are $1.08
Banana Nut Cheerios are $1.79 and there's a $1 off when you buy 2 coupon
I stocked up. 22 boxes of ceral for $24. We don't eat cereal often so that's enough to last us the entire year.
Also, they have the Oscar Mayer Deli Fresh lunch meat is on sale for $2 and there are $1 off when you buy 2 coupons on tear pads. That's the best price by far on those.
Those of you who do freezer cooking might be interested in checking out freezerware by Glad. They're designed to not get brittle when frozen like reglar gladware does. I've been using them for my slow cooker meals instead of zip top freezer bags.
Honey Bunches of Oats with Pecans are $1.08
Mini Churros are $0.89
Honey Mini Wheats are $1.08
Banana Nut Cheerios are $1.79 and there's a $1 off when you buy 2 coupon
I stocked up. 22 boxes of ceral for $24. We don't eat cereal often so that's enough to last us the entire year.
Also, they have the Oscar Mayer Deli Fresh lunch meat is on sale for $2 and there are $1 off when you buy 2 coupons on tear pads. That's the best price by far on those.
Those of you who do freezer cooking might be interested in checking out freezerware by Glad. They're designed to not get brittle when frozen like reglar gladware does. I've been using them for my slow cooker meals instead of zip top freezer bags.
Makin' The Most Of It
Woo it was a busy week! It started Sunday when I took Baby Boy with me to get a Sunday paper and then to Target. We walked through the grocery section and they had Butterball frozen turkeys for $0.79/lb. I bought two: one to cook and shred, the other to grind up. I wanted to get the most bang for my buck so I decided to use the turkeys for meat, broth, and stock. On Monday I went to work on the first one. It was defrosted, cut up, boiled, shredded, and finally the bones were boiled. Here's how it was done.
1 turkey, skin removed and cut up
4 carrots, cut in quarters
4 stalks celery, cut in quarters
salt and pepper
Everything goes in a big pot, along with as much water as will fit while leaving room to simmer. I don't have any big pots (forgot them at Mom's) so I divided everything to do 2 batches.
Simmer for 1 hour, or until the meat is falling apart. Once it's done take out all the meat and let it cool.
Use a collander and cheesecloth to strain the liquid left in the pot. Ta da! You now have broth.
Cool the broth in the fridge, skim the fat off the top, then package and freeze it for later use. I put mine in quart sized freezer bags this time but last time I froze it in ice cube trays and put the cubes in a freezer bag later.
Next pick all the meat off the bones and shred it. You can use this for any dish that calls for shredded chicken or turkey.
Now put the bones in the pot with fresh water. Cover and simmer for 12-24 hours.
Once time's up strain the liquid and you have turkey stock. Cool it in the fridge, remove the fat that rises to the top, then package and freeze it. It took a few days since I was taking my time but I now have 2 gallon sized bags full of turkey meat, 12 quarts of broth, and 6 quarts of stock.
1 turkey, skin removed and cut up
4 carrots, cut in quarters
4 stalks celery, cut in quarters
salt and pepper
Everything goes in a big pot, along with as much water as will fit while leaving room to simmer. I don't have any big pots (forgot them at Mom's) so I divided everything to do 2 batches.
Simmer for 1 hour, or until the meat is falling apart. Once it's done take out all the meat and let it cool.
Use a collander and cheesecloth to strain the liquid left in the pot. Ta da! You now have broth.
Cool the broth in the fridge, skim the fat off the top, then package and freeze it for later use. I put mine in quart sized freezer bags this time but last time I froze it in ice cube trays and put the cubes in a freezer bag later.
Next pick all the meat off the bones and shred it. You can use this for any dish that calls for shredded chicken or turkey.
Now put the bones in the pot with fresh water. Cover and simmer for 12-24 hours.
Once time's up strain the liquid and you have turkey stock. Cool it in the fridge, remove the fat that rises to the top, then package and freeze it. It took a few days since I was taking my time but I now have 2 gallon sized bags full of turkey meat, 12 quarts of broth, and 6 quarts of stock.
Monday, January 21, 2013
Easy Make and Freeze Meatballs
It recently dawned on me that I've never made spaghetti & meatballs. Meatballs are great so I'm not sure how this happened. They're so versatile; you can make meatball subs, add them to spaghetti, cook them in a wide variety of sauces, and they freeze and reheat well. So while hubby was at work I put Baby Boy in the carrier and got to work mixing up a big batch of meatballs. I had been looking for a recipe online and wasn't happy with anything I found so I made my own.
2 lbs ground beef
1 lb ground pork
1 onion, minced
1 egg, beaten
1 Tbs salt
1 1/2 cups milk
1 1/2 - 2 1/2 cups quick oats
Mix everything except the quick oats. Then start adding in the quick oats until you've reached the correct consistency. You want it to hold together when formed into a ball.
Next form the mix into balls. I like to make smaller, bite sized meatballs but if you want them bigger just remember to increase the cooking time.
Finally put them in a baking dish and bake for 20-25 minutes at 350 degrees.
2 lbs ground beef
1 lb ground pork
1 onion, minced
1 egg, beaten
1 Tbs salt
1 1/2 cups milk
1 1/2 - 2 1/2 cups quick oats
Mix everything except the quick oats. Then start adding in the quick oats until you've reached the correct consistency. You want it to hold together when formed into a ball.
Next form the mix into balls. I like to make smaller, bite sized meatballs but if you want them bigger just remember to increase the cooking time.
Finally put them in a baking dish and bake for 20-25 minutes at 350 degrees.
Saturday, January 19, 2013
Pinterest Fail: Hula Hoop Rug
I stumbled across a pin a few months ago. It showed how to weave a rug from a hula hoop and t-shirt scraps. It incorporated things that I love: weaving, recycling, and kids crafts. So of course I saw it and had to try it.
It was a huge fail.
Since the instructions say to use a cut up t-shirt for the warp too it quickly stretches out of shape. This causes you to end up with a bowl shape instead of a flat circle. While following the how to didn't work out it was a good idea--it just needs to be done slightly different. Instead of using t-shirts for the warp use plain muslin fabric; it won't stretch out of shape causing the rug to be misshapen. Also, I'm clumsy and have slipped on rugs that weren't backed so I'd suggest putting some rug backing on the underside of the rug to prevent it from sliding.
Now that I've gone over how it can be done better, I guess I'll show you the monstrosity I ended up with. D wanted a rainbow rug which I won't attempt again. Even if it hadn't ended up being a misshapen mess I still wouldn't like the thick stripes of color. For version 2.0 I'll pick 3 or 4 colors, cut the strips, throw them all in a bag, and pick at random as I weave.
It was a huge fail.
Since the instructions say to use a cut up t-shirt for the warp too it quickly stretches out of shape. This causes you to end up with a bowl shape instead of a flat circle. While following the how to didn't work out it was a good idea--it just needs to be done slightly different. Instead of using t-shirts for the warp use plain muslin fabric; it won't stretch out of shape causing the rug to be misshapen. Also, I'm clumsy and have slipped on rugs that weren't backed so I'd suggest putting some rug backing on the underside of the rug to prevent it from sliding.
Now that I've gone over how it can be done better, I guess I'll show you the monstrosity I ended up with. D wanted a rainbow rug which I won't attempt again. Even if it hadn't ended up being a misshapen mess I still wouldn't like the thick stripes of color. For version 2.0 I'll pick 3 or 4 colors, cut the strips, throw them all in a bag, and pick at random as I weave.
Thursday, January 17, 2013
Slow Cooker Applesauce
We recently bought 40 pounds of apples because they were only $30 through Bountiful Baskets. For those of you who haven't heard of them I encourage you to check them out. There's no way we can eat 40 pounds of apples before they go bad so I decided to use half to make applesauce to freeze. The second half will be sliced and frozen for later. Freezing food for later use is one of the best ways to save money on groceries so I'm so happy we finally bought a chest freezer.
.
First I had Hubby start peeling and slicing apples. I got this one because it makes 12 slices instead of 8 like all the ones I've found in the store.
Slow Cooker Applesauce
Next I sprinkled the brown sugar on top. The amount of brown sugar you'll use will depend on how sweet your apples are. I've had some that didn't need any sugar at all. It's better to start with less and then add more later.
Then add the cinnamon, vanilla, and whatever else sounds good. Sometimes I use them and sometimes I leave them out. This time I used cinnamon, allspice, vanilla, and a small bit of citrus peel.
Put it on low and let it cook. I let it go overnight but it'll depend on the size slices you use. Once it's ready you can leave it like it is if you want it chunky or take a stick blender to it if you want it smooth.
It doesn't look like it from the pic but I had enough to fill a gallon sized freezer bag.
.
First I had Hubby start peeling and slicing apples. I got this one because it makes 12 slices instead of 8 like all the ones I've found in the store.
Slow Cooker Applesauce
- apples - peeled, cored, and sliced
- 2-4 Tbs brown sugar
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- 1 tsp vanilla
- other spices you like
Next I sprinkled the brown sugar on top. The amount of brown sugar you'll use will depend on how sweet your apples are. I've had some that didn't need any sugar at all. It's better to start with less and then add more later.
Then add the cinnamon, vanilla, and whatever else sounds good. Sometimes I use them and sometimes I leave them out. This time I used cinnamon, allspice, vanilla, and a small bit of citrus peel.
Put it on low and let it cook. I let it go overnight but it'll depend on the size slices you use. Once it's ready you can leave it like it is if you want it chunky or take a stick blender to it if you want it smooth.
It doesn't look like it from the pic but I had enough to fill a gallon sized freezer bag.
Wednesday, January 16, 2013
Buffalo Chicken Garbage Bread
I have been in the mood for recipes with buffalo chicken so we've had lots of it lately. The latest one is buffalo chicken garbage bread.
uncooked pizza dough
2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, diced up
1 cup shredded cheese (I went with a mozzarella/monterey blend, but use what you like)
1/2 cup Frank's buffalo sauce, divided
1/4-1/2 cup ranch dressing (depends on how hot you want it)
Preheat oven to 425 degrees.
Cook chicken in 1/4 cup Frank's.
When done mix chicken, the rest of the Frank's, and the ranch together.
Spread the dough out into a rectangle on a baking sheet.
Spread the chicken/sauce mix on the dough and sprinkle the cheese on top.
Roll it up into a log. Pinch the dough on the ends to seal.
Bake for 20 minutes, or until browned. Let it cool 5 minutes then slice and enjoy.
Hubby wold like me to point out that the finished bread looks like a graboid. Please excuse the less than great pictures; I was taking them while holding a hungry baby. And I'd like to add that the finished bread is golden brown, not crispy burnt like it looks in this pic. Once it was cool we sliced it up and served it with green beans. Hmmm now that I'm thinking about it this would be good if you cooked cauliflower with the chicken and then you'd have the veggie in the garbage bread. I feel like we don't get enough vegetables so I try to add diced up veggies to other things.
uncooked pizza dough
2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, diced up
1 cup shredded cheese (I went with a mozzarella/monterey blend, but use what you like)
1/2 cup Frank's buffalo sauce, divided
1/4-1/2 cup ranch dressing (depends on how hot you want it)
Preheat oven to 425 degrees.
Cook chicken in 1/4 cup Frank's.
When done mix chicken, the rest of the Frank's, and the ranch together.
Spread the chicken/sauce mix on the dough and sprinkle the cheese on top.
Saturday, January 12, 2013
Bakery Outlets
Growing up I loved when my mom would take us to the day old bakery. Of course back then I loved it because Mom let us pick out 1 snack. Mmm...there would be our options laid out: cake rolls, snowballs, pudding pies, zingers, moon pies, and more. It was great.
Now I love it for a different reason. Bread is not cheap; the bread I prefer to buy is even more so. We were lucky enough to hear that there was a Franz Bakery Outlet 15 minutes away and after my first time there I was hooked.
Today I got 4 loaves of bread, 2 packs of thin sandwich bread, a pack of brownie bites, and 12 packs of mini donuts.
All of that would cost around $35 at the grocery store but I only spent $10 and change. As an added perk our local bakery outlet has a rack full of freebies; you get to pick out 1 or more based on how much you spend. It's not only plain bread either--last time I got a loaf of organic nine grain for free. Normally we don't get the sweets because we're both working about eatting healthier but a little treat now and then is nice, and at the greatly reduced price I don't mind so much.
Now I love it for a different reason. Bread is not cheap; the bread I prefer to buy is even more so. We were lucky enough to hear that there was a Franz Bakery Outlet 15 minutes away and after my first time there I was hooked.
Today I got 4 loaves of bread, 2 packs of thin sandwich bread, a pack of brownie bites, and 12 packs of mini donuts.
All of that would cost around $35 at the grocery store but I only spent $10 and change. As an added perk our local bakery outlet has a rack full of freebies; you get to pick out 1 or more based on how much you spend. It's not only plain bread either--last time I got a loaf of organic nine grain for free. Normally we don't get the sweets because we're both working about eatting healthier but a little treat now and then is nice, and at the greatly reduced price I don't mind so much.
Friday, January 11, 2013
Chicken Cordon Bleu
Since Liam made his appearance I have been all about slow cooker/one dish meals. I need tasty, healthy meals that I can put together quickly during the week (since I'm getting everything done with a squirmy baby in the ringsling).
Last night we had slow cooker chicken cordon bleu. I didn't take a picture, mainly because it didn't look very nice, but it was delicious. Everything was layered in the crock at 11 and dinner was ready to go when Hubby got home at 5.
Crockpot Chicken Cordon Bleu
1 can cream of chicken soup
1 can full of milk
3-4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts - cut in 1/4
6-8 slices ham - cut in 1/4
6 slices swiss cheese - cut in 1/4
1 package dry stuffing mix
1/2 stick butter/margarine - melted
Mix the cream of chicken soup and the milk, pour 1/2 into the slow cooker.
Place chicken evenly in the crock, then the sliced ham on top of the chicken and the swiss on top of the ham.
Pour remaining soup/milk mix on top.
Evenly pour the stuffing mix on top and then drizzle the melted butter over the stuffing.
Cook on low 4-6 hours or high 2-3 hours.
I love chicken cordon bleu but Hubby has always hated it. This, however, he loved. Even my picky 4 year old cleaned his plate; if you knew how rarely he wants to eat dinner you'd know what a miracle this is.
Last night we had slow cooker chicken cordon bleu. I didn't take a picture, mainly because it didn't look very nice, but it was delicious. Everything was layered in the crock at 11 and dinner was ready to go when Hubby got home at 5.
Crockpot Chicken Cordon Bleu
1 can cream of chicken soup
1 can full of milk
3-4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts - cut in 1/4
6-8 slices ham - cut in 1/4
6 slices swiss cheese - cut in 1/4
1 package dry stuffing mix
1/2 stick butter/margarine - melted
Mix the cream of chicken soup and the milk, pour 1/2 into the slow cooker.
Place chicken evenly in the crock, then the sliced ham on top of the chicken and the swiss on top of the ham.
Pour remaining soup/milk mix on top.
Evenly pour the stuffing mix on top and then drizzle the melted butter over the stuffing.
Cook on low 4-6 hours or high 2-3 hours.
I love chicken cordon bleu but Hubby has always hated it. This, however, he loved. Even my picky 4 year old cleaned his plate; if you knew how rarely he wants to eat dinner you'd know what a miracle this is.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)