Excellent Enchaladas

It is hard to believe that I've had this recipie 25 for years. I still remember the day I learned it. Standing in my then boyfriends moms kitchen; watching, listening and smelling. Thankful she was okay with my millions of questions. That boyfriend was a life time ago, but my family still enjoyes these enchaladas. I do admit I have played around with the recipie over the years. It is still my go to for so many things. It is a little labor intensive so feel free to omit or add anything you would enjoy. The recipie below has tons of flavor with a kick at the back. I've written the recipie down before, honestly I've made these so often I just know when it is right. So for my sake and the sake of those who have asked for my recipie; I will write it all for you here. Enjoy!

You will need: A large bowl, a shallow pie pan, cheese grater, cutting board, chefs knife, small cast iron pan for frying (or whatever you are comfortable with), tongs. 9x13 cassarole pan. 

Ingredients:

"The Goop" (this can be used independantly as a dip or add more sauce for a soup)

1 whole chicken (roasted or boiled) deboned <yes, you will use all of this>

1 each red, yellow and green bell pepper (diced)

1 large yellow onion (diced)

2 cloves garlic (minced)

1 1/2 tblsp ground cumin

1 tblsp ground black pepper

1 tblsp salt (I prefer pink himalayan)

2 tblsp chili pepper

2 tblsp peprika

1 28 oz can of red enchalada sauce

1  15 oz can black beans drained and rinsed

1  15oz can pinto beans drained and rinsed

In a large bowl combine all the ingredients above. If you want you can prep the "goop" the day before, cover and allow everything to marry up in the fridge over night. When you are ready you will need to make the tortillas.

Tortillas:

1 pkg 32 count corn tortillas

27 oz coconut oil (you will NOT use all of this)

In a pan (I prefer a 5" cast iron) scoup out 1/4 cup of the coconut oil and allow to heat up over medium high heat. When the oil is ready take one tortilla and place in the hot oil. The tortilla will inflate in the middle and the edges will stay down. When this happens, use a pair of tongs and flip the tortilla over. Allow the tortilla to inflate again then remove. You can use papertowels to put in-between the tortillas, but you don't have to. Coconut oil is less greasy and you really just want the edges of the tortillas cooked firm while the body of the tortilla is easily foldable. You will do this for all 32 corn tortillas, add coconut oil as needed to the pan; allow to get hot and continue until all tortillas are cooked.

Bringing it all together:

Preheat oven to 350* F 

You will need:

1 16 oz block colby jack cheese grated

1 16 oz block pepper jack cheese grated

The Goop

Cooked tortilla shells

Once you have finished this you will need to pour 1 28 oz can of red enchalada sauce into the pie pan. Have the 9x13 next to your pie pan. Take one tortilla at a time and coat in the sauce, once coated, place in the 9x13 cassarole folded in half. Using a spoon fill the tortilla 1/2 way and add grated cheese, fold the two rounded edges towards eachother. FIll the pan with one layer and top that with grated cheese. Start the second layer and repeat the process. After you have completed two layers top enchaladas with remainder of grated cheese. 

Place cassarole in the oven for 45 min. to 1 hour you want the cheese to be fully melted and bubbly. Allow to cool at least 15 minutes before serving. 

This cassarole, much like chili and maranera sauce is more flavorful on the second day. I will update this post with pictures soon, as now I really want some enchaladas!

Pinterest

 I have been on a Pinterest kick lately. If I can find some thing on the site that tickles my fancy I pin it. I have pinned a lot. I also have made a deal with myself that I wont pin something unless I am willing to try it. Here are a few I have tried:

Source: lemontreecreations.blogspot.com via Doris on Pinterest

And this one:

Source: indulgy.com via Doris on Pinterest

This one:

Source: whattopin.com via Doris on Pinterest

This one:

Source: purlbee.com via Doris on Pinterest

And those are just the crafty ones! I have also tried some recipes:

This one is soo good!

Source: bookcooking.net via Doris on Pinterest

So is this one:

Source: chiquitabananas.com via Doris on Pinterest

This one too:

Source: tasteofhome.com via Doris on Pinterest

This one was a bit dry..

Source: theshadyporch.blogspot.com via Doris on Pinterest

I make this one a lot:

Source: saving-makes-cents.com via Doris on Pinterest

There are so many more! And so much you can do! I am addicted and have to set a timer to remind myself when to get off. I am thankful that I am trying as many things as I can as far as my pins. It is always good to try something new. After all a mind like a parachute is of it's best use when it is open. Until next time dear readers.. Be Blessed!

Lunch..

     When I was growing up there was one option as far as lunch.. the lunch room. Where I would get in a line and dutifully have my ticket punched only to have a tray of over cooked somewhat bland food piled on to it. I would look forward to pizza, hamburger and hot dog days, as there wasn't much you could do to mess those up. I still shudder when I think of the over cooked worm size spaghetti noodles with a so called marinara sauce. Lunch looked something like this (on the good days):

I had the green eyes of envy for anyone at the table who brought their lunch. It was a surprise to see what they pulled out on a day to day basis, not to mention I knew it took time to make that lunch. I am no dummy, with seven sisters, a Momma who worked one job and a Daddy who worked two. Lets just say school lunch was easier. I still wanted to pack my lunch. But all through elementary, middle and half way through high school I had school lunch. One day I decided that I was going to pack my lunch. On the days I remembered I ate, on the day's I forgot I didn't .. well I did I just ate off all my friends plates.
     After graduating there was work, I was making money and it felt good to spend it. So I bought my lunch, it just made since to me. Then I got married. No kids so every now and then I would pack a lunch of left overs for Hubby, but mostly we would go out for lunch. Ten years and three kids later.. I am packing for almost everyone.
     I started packing lunches for Goosie when she was in kindergarten. I thought it was a great way to save money. I would pack her lunch three days out of the week and she would buy her lunch the other two. I thought this would teach her some responsibility and it would give me a break from the dreaded brown bag. After some time I grew tired of the usual peanut butter and jelly, with an apple, a drink and some chips or something. So last year (first time I was packing for Miniman) I stumbled across the idea of bento boxes. Let me say that the Japanese have lunch on the run for this one. Creative, colorful, healthy, imaginative. The only limit to a bento is your imagination! Almost any of the food storage containers you already have at home can be used as a bento. There are special boxes you can buy. some are basic, others are fun shaped, you can spend a lot or just use the containers you already have and spend nothing. I have chosen the latter, it means a little more creativity on my part to make sure everything fits, it I think it's worth it.
     So now that you have the containers, what do you put in them? I grew up with a pyramid, but it has been replaced with a plate:

I try to make the bento as colorful as possible. I also try to make as much of the food at home. I am on Pintrest and have a board just for School Food This means it is has less preservatives and other things then what you can buy at the store. This also means more work. But it is work well worth it when you think of the benefit your children have at lunch time. Fresh food, that is full of flavor, vitamins and nutrients. The teachers are the green eyed monsters sometimes! If you need ideas you can check this out. I will post the ones I make and the recipes I use as an added help. Well, it is about time to roll out the cheese cracker dough. Until next time dear readers.. Be blessed!   

 

The best cookies EVER!!

My new friend M is coming over today around 10a. Her Hubby is also a hard worker and with two little ones at home I imagine that a little time away from her four walls is needed (I remember what that was like). Anyway, we will be making cookies, homemade popcorn and I am sure a mess of fun. Hubby has been asking for a special type of cookie. I was first introduced to it the night before my wedding day while at my sister I's house having a spa day with my Mom and sisters. To date they are my favorite cookie and when Hubby hears that I am making them.. lets just say you can cut the anticipation with a knife. Do you like oatmeal cookies? You know the way they melt so wonderfully in your mouth and are soft and chewy at the same time. What about chocolate chip cookies. The smell of them is enough to put you in a blissful coma.. then at first bite you are hooked and could eat an entire sheet without blinking your eye. Well, these cookies are a mixture of both. I must say that I don't make them often.. if I did I would have to work out all the time. As I am sure I would put back on all the baby weight that has come off so far. The full recipe makes 112 cookies, so I will post the half and you should be able to figure out the whole.Oh and these aren't the usual mix by hand cookies. You are going to need more then a hand mixer or else be prepared to buy a new one.  Without further ado here is the recipe:

Preheat oven to 375* F

1 cup butter
1 cup white sugar
1 cup brown sugar
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon vanilla
1 teaspoon baking powder
1 teaspoon baking soda
2 1/2 cup oatmeal
2 cup all purpose flour
2 eggs
12 oz milk chocolate bars
12 oz semi sweet chocolate chips
1 1/2 cup chopped nuts (optional)


Later you will need a tall glass of cold milk.

Before mixing ingredients you will need to:
Put oatmeal in a blender and reduce to a powder form. Chop chocolate bar into medium small pieces.

When all ingredients are ready:

Cream the first 7 ingredients together. Once creamed, slowly add the next three ingredients. Then fold in the last three ingredients. Roll cookie dough into balls and place on an un-greased cookie sheet. Bake in oven for 10 minutes. If you like soft cookies bake for 8 or 9 minutes. For a crunchy cookie bake for 10 or 11 depending on how you like it.

While cookies are still warm pour yourself a tall glass of milk (if you like dunking your cookies get a short glass with a wide mouth). Sit back and enjoy. If you are like me you will be standing at the cooling cookies with a glass of milk in one hand and a cookie in the other telling yourself that this will be the last one. The looking down realize you already ate half a dozen. Enjoy!

March Meals

So here is a meal plan for the month. I know we are already a few days into it. I took stock of both my frozen and dry pantry's before making it, so use what you have before you go out and buy any more. Enjoy if you happen to use it! I get most of my recipes from this website if not from there then the Joy of Cooking cookbook is a great standby in my house!

1st~ Tuna Noodle Casserole (back of Campbell's soup can)
2nd~ Pizza and Bread sticks (it's not delivery!)
3rd~ Spaghetti, flat bread and broccoli
4th~ Pizza and salad ( its not delivery again)
5th~ Pulled pork BBQ sandwiches
6th~ Enchilada Casserole ( I am sure I posted my recipe for this before)
7th~ Pot roast, roasted potatoes and carrots, homemade rolls
8th~ Spaghetti, flat bread and sweet peas
9th~ Pancakes, lil'smokies and fruit
10th~ Chicken and rice with sweet peas
11th~ Pizza and salad (we don't do delivery)
12th~  Chicken Lo Mien and spring egg rolls
13th~ Steak, shrimp scampi, roasted potatoes and steamed mixed veggies
14th~ Chili and cornbread
15th~ Roasted turkey breast, macaroni and cheese, sweet peas and rolls
16th~ Pancakes, lil'smokies and fruit
17th~ Spaghetti, flat bread, grean beans ( I am thinking of making this out of green tomatoes and finding some green noodles, just for fun!)
18th~ Pizza and salad (yes pizza Friday is a pattern)
19th~ Bourbon chicken, coconut rice steamed broccoli
20th~ Post roast, macaroni and cheese, steamed mixed veggies
21st~ Pork fried rice, spring egg rolls
22nd~ Spaghetti, flat bread, green beans
23rd~ Pancakes, lil'smokies and fruit
24th~ Roasted turkey breast, whipped potatoes, rolls, steamed broccoli
25th~ Pizza and salad
26th~ Chicken Barley chili and sweet corn bread
27th~ Spinach lasagna flat bread
28th~ Chicken Cacciatore with egg noodles and steamed mixed veggies
29th~ Soup and Grilled cheese sandwiches
30th~ Pancakes, lil'smokies and fruit
31st~ Spaghetti, flat bread and green beans

I remember growing up I wished we would have my favorite once a week..! As the kids get older I would like to do this for them as things allow. So there are repeats in our menu. Pizza is Hubby's, Spaghetti is Goosie's and Pancakes are Miniman's. I don't know yet what Bubble's favorite food is, right now she is a human garbage disposal! She can and will eat everything if you let her!  Well, I hope you enjoy and maybe get some ideas for your meal plan. As always check what you have at home before you make one up so you shop less and save more! Leftovers are great for lunch so don't throw anything out and if there is a lot left over freeze some and you will have an easy reheat meal later. Until next time..Be Blessed!

Food, Health and Eating

I received a call from my sister I today. She was asking me for cooking tips to help lower cholesterol.  I gave her a few ideas and told her that I would compile a list of websites with cooking, shopping and other tips to lower cholesterol. So here it goes. Please remember that diet is not a bad four letter word. It simply describes what you consume on a daily basis. If you look at it this way your "diet" is much easier to change. My advise for any food is the less processed the better, the more you can make and eat at home the better off you will be and of course the fresher the better. Fresh food becomes a bit of a challenge in the winter and with food prices on the rise we all need to be careful. In the spring you can start your own garden and keep it up in the summer. Even in the more urban of area's there is a way to "plant a row"; some cities have a city garden. Where people who live in the city but would like to grow their own food, however they do not have the space.. some cities have made it possible to keep up a garden of your own. If you live in an urban area ask around and you may be surprised at what you are able to find. Also a portable garden is also a possibility. You can't necessarily grow root veggies, but you can get some rather nice vine veggies. All that being said. Here are some sites that may also help.
American Heart Association
Recipes
Livestrong

I will also put up a meal plan with recipes for the month of March. I hope you all will enjoy them while keeping an open mind. Some of them may sound interesting and a bit labor intensive, but in the end.. it will all be worth it. Until next time dear readers, Be Blessed!

December Menu

I know of course that I am late in getting this out to you all and another post will let you all in as to why. This past weekend was busy for me. So without further ado here is a December meal plan.

Dec.1st through 4th you have been on your own so I pick up on the 5th.
Dec. 5th~ Breakfast for dinner/ eggs, ham or bacon, toast, southern hash browns
Dec. 6th~ Tamales; Cheese Quesadillas; Spanish Rice
Dec. 7th~ Spaghetti; flat bread mixed; steamed veggies
Dec.8th~ your on your own
Dec. 9th~ Sheppard's Pie
Dec. 10th~ Tomato soup, grilled cheese sandwiches
Dec.11th~ Pizza
Dec. 12th~ Pot Roast; macaroni and cheese; sweet peas
Dec. 13th~ Chicken Lo Mien; Egg Rolls and Chinese rice
Dec. 14th~ Baked Ziti; Flat bread; green beans
Dec. 15th~ your on your own
Dec. 16th~ Fettuccine Alfredo; Chicken and mixed veggies
Dec. 17th~ Chicken nuggets; Sweet Potato Fries
Dec.18th~ Pizza
Dec. 19th ~ Roast; Oven roasted potatoes; steamed green beans
Dec. 20th~ Coconut Rice; Coconut Chicken Curry and Lentil Puree
Dec. 21st~ Spaghetti; Flat bread and lima beans
Dec. 22nd~ Tamales; Chilies Rellenos and Spanish Rice
Dec. 23rd~ Breakfast / waffles, bacon or ham and Mandarin oranges
Dec. 24th~ Tomato Soup and Grilled Cheese sandwiches
Dec. 25th~ you are on your own
Dec. 26th~ Roast; mashed potatoes with gravy and corn on the cobb
Dec. 27th~ Gyros
Dec. 28th~ Spinach and Beef Lasagna and flat bread
Dec. 29th~ Chicken Lo Mien,  Chinese Rice and Egg Rolls
Dec. 30th~ Chicken Barley Chili and corn muffins
Dec. 31st~ French toast, Ham and fruit


Recipes:
Spanish Rice     pay attention to the comments for seasoning the rice
Shepards Pie     I use frozen veggies instead of canned
Chicken Lo Mein   I made this last month and there was none left!!
Chinese Rice
Baked Ziti
coconut rice
Coconut Chicken Curry
Lentil Puree
Chilies Rellenos
Gyros   I will be making Chicken gyros as the lamb is a bit pricier.. unless someone can tell me where to find some!
Beef and Spinich Lasagna

 As always check your pantries frozen and dry before you go shopping. I will make a list soon and post it. I hope you are all doing well and let me know what you think of these meal plans! Be Blessed!!

Thanksgiving..Yes I posted recipes

It is the day before another national holiday. Families are traveling to see one another, friends who are close by are swapping recipes and at times listening as the other bemoans the cooking and cleaning to come. There is a lot that can be misplaced on this auspicious day. As a nation we give thanks for our freedoms. We think of the Pilgrims who crossed an ocean to escape persecution and start a new world where they could worship without someone telling them when or how. We think of the American Indians who were here before the English settlers, who had to deal with all these new people coming in to "settle" a new nation.  I think of my creator. How he provides so much for me and not only my Big family, but also my Little big family. There is truly much to be thankful for this year. My sister N's Mr. Man is home from the middle east, safe with the ones he loves and who love and cherish him in return. He is the only one that has been getting deployed, so many of the families prayers have been concentrated on N and her little family. S is getting better and better. Hubby is a different man then he was a year ago. There has been much that has happened. C gave birth to a special little guy, and my other sisters are all very blessed indeed. Yes, there is much to be thankful for this year. I am sure when all the ones are together in the south go around the table and say their "Thankfuls" the tissue box will make an appearance.
Now about that dinner tomorrow. I am starting to bake and do a few other things today to get things ready for tomorrow. Hubby will be off work, Goosie doesn't have school and this year we have the added blessing of my parents being here for the holiday. Mom says that she will help in the kitchen and I have no doubt that this will be a meal to remember, I just want to get some things done today.. besides cleaning and continuing the potty training of Bubbles (she is taking to it this time), I promised recipes so here are a few...( follow the links) Citrus Turkey , Cranberry Orange Relish , Roasted Veggies , Macaroni&Cheese ,  and Rolls . I hope this can get you started. I am going to be making everything but the rolls as I have a bread machine. If you have a bread machine I recommend you using it for your dinner rolls instead.  Today I will be making the pies, pumpkin bread, and the relish. There isn't really any thing else I can do except the general house cleaning I normally do on Wednesday's. Well, that is all for me today dear readers. I hope you have a blessed and filling holiday and that you enjoy your Thankful's to their fullest, and if you are ever wondering what there is to be thankful for.. just look around and count your blessings.

November Meal Plan

It's that time again. I have my calender ready and my meal planning hat on, November we are celebrating Thanksgiving here in the states so the menu may or may not look a little different. Be sure to check your dry and frozen pantries before shopping!  The only thing not on here is GE as I do not know what there sales are yet. Also I am going to start using Market Day, as it is a way to earn money for Goosie's school by getting things I would anyway ( namely food). So with out further ado here it is:

Nov. 1~ Tamales, Spanish Rice and Cheese Quesadilla's
Nov. 2 ~ Chinese Rice with diced Ham and Egg Rolls
Nov. 3~ your on your own
Nov. 4 ~ Chicken breasts, Rice pilaf and mixed veggies
Nov. 5~ Pizza
Nov. 6~ Soup and sandwiches
Nov. 7~ Pot Roast, oven roasted potatoes with carrots and steamed veggies
Nov. 8~ Spaghetti, flat bread and green beans
Nov. 9~ Chicken Barley Chili with cornbread
Nov.10~ your on your own
Nov. 11~ Chicken breasts, Potatoes, green beans
Nov. 12~ Pizza
Nov.13~ Soup and Sandwiches
Nov. 14~ Baked Orange Ruffin , rice pilaf and steamed veggies
Nov.15~ Tamales, Spanish Rice and cheese quesadillas
Nov.16~ Baked Ziti, flat bread and mixed veggies
Nov.17~ on your own
Nov.18~ Chicken pot pie
Nov.19~ Pizza
Nov.20~ Soup and Sandwiches
Nov.21~ Pot roast, oven roasted potatoes
Nov. 22~ Meatloaf, Au gratin potatoes, mixed veggies
Nov. 23~ Stuffed bell peppers
Nov. 24~ on your own
Nov. 25~ Thanksgiving ( will post recipes)
Nov. 26~ Pizza
Nov.27~ Soup and Sandwiches
Nov.28~ Chicken Lo Mien and egg rolls
Nov.29~ Spaghetti, flat bread and steamed veggies
Nov.30~ Pizza


Market Day~
 Egg Rolls with sauce  (24 rolls/3sauce pks)
Chicken and Dumpling Soup ( makes 64oz)
                                                                                   total~ $23.98


Schwan's~
Mixed Veggies 4.99
Chicken Bites 29.98 (2)
Boneless Chicken Breasts 13.99
Tamales 9.99
Cheese Pizza 31.96 (4)
Au gratin Potatoes 10.99
Sweet Potato Fries 6.99
Sausage Breakfast Bagels 8.99
Chocolate Chip Muffin Pucks 8.99
                                                                    total with discounts $118.47


I will post more on the meal plan for the November month soon!! Until then.. be blessed!

Oct. 28th update:
I changed up my schwan's order a bit and have a shopping list ready for G.E. so here is the rest. I will post my go to recipies in another blog entry..

G.E.~
10 for $10
Barilla Pasta; GE canned tomatoes (mix and match)
5 for $10
Dole Fruit Jars
4 for $10
GM Cereal
Klondike Bars
3 for $10
GE Ice Cream
4 for $9
GE Chunk Cheese
3 for $9
Tropicana Orange Juice
2 for $7
Hillshire Farm Cocktails
Lunchmeat
GE Frozen Pasta
2 for $6
Pomagranate Juice
2 for $5
International Delight Coffee Creamer
Granola Bars
2 for $1
Campbells Tomato and Chicken Noodle Soup (4 each)
1.99
Poptarts
 Non-Sale Items
Milk
Eggs
Rice
Bread
Vanilla
Sea Salt Grinder
Pizza Crust Mix
Cornbread mix (or cornmeal if making from scratch)
Carrots (baby or bunch)
Tomato Sauce and Paste (8ct each)
Campbells Chicken and Herb condensed cooking soup (4ct)
Soft Taco Shells (whole grain, 2 ct)
Slivered Almonds (maybe)
Grapes (until the 3rd) 99/lb
Pie Pumpkins (until 3rd) 89/lb
Nesquick (2 of the 72 serving size)
Bell Peppers (after the 15th)
Baby Fresh Leaf Spinich

~~ On a side note, breakfast and lunch are cheaper when made and brought from home. I make Goosie's lunch's three day's a week and she buy's lunch the other two (she is learning responsability). Hubby takes his lunch to work and mostly has been skipping breakfast. The breakfast items you see (muffins and bagels) are for him. Also some of the dinners are a quick and easy fix so Hubby doesn't have to worry much when I am working. A healthy family is a happy family and a well balanced diet is a good place to start. Good luck shopping and as always check your frozen/dry and refigerated pantries before shopping!

October Meal Plan and Shopping List

Since the school year has started up again my routine has been dusted off and is slowly getting back on track. I was asked last year to please post my meal plan and shopping list for others benefit so here it goes. It is rather simple and a bit of a peak into our schedule. So with no further ado here is the month of October dinners of course:

Friday 10/1 Pancakes, Eggs, Ham, Hash browns and fruit
Saturday 10/2  Grilled sandwiches and soup
Sunday 10/3 Pot Roast with oven roasted carrots/potatoes and sweet peas
Monday 10/4 Chicken with Rice Pilaf and mixed veggies
Tuesday 10/5 Sheppard's pie
Wednesday 10/6  Dinner at the Church before service (sorry you are on your own)
Thursday 10/7 Pizza and salad
Friday 10/8 French Toast, Eggs, Ham and fruit
Saturday 10/9  Grilled Sandwiches and soup
Sunday 10/10 Pork Tenderloin, Rice Pilaf and mixed veggies
Monday 10/11 Chicken with roasted potatoes/carrots and steamed green beans
Tuesday 10/12 Spaghetti with flat cheesy bread and sweet peas
Wednesday 10/13 Dinner at the church ( on your own)
Thursday 10/14 Pizza and salad
Friday 10/15 Waffles, eggs, ham and fruit
Saturday 10/16  Grilled Sandwiches and soup
Sunday 10/17 Turkey Breast. stuffing. corn on the cob and salad
Monday 10/18 Chicken and Perogies in marinara sauce with flat bread and steamed green beans
Tuesday 10/19 Meatloaf Muffins, macaroni and cheese, steamed mixed veggies
Wednesday 10/20 Dinner at church ( on your own)
Thursday 10/21 Pizza and salad
Friday 10/22 Eggs in a basket, ham, fruit, hash browns
Saturday 10/23 soup and sandwiches
Sunday 10/24 Ham, rolls, macaroni and cheese, green beans
Monday 10/25  Chicken and Dumplings
Tuesday 10/26 Tamales, Spanish rice and mixed veggies
Wednesday 10/27 Dinner at church (on your own)
Thursday 10/28  Pizza and salad
Friday 10/29 Pancakes, eggs, ham, hash browns, fruit
Saturday 10/30 soup and sandwiches
Sunday 10/31 Roast, rolls, roasted potatoes/carrots and sweet peas



Here is the shopping list I have included what I order from Schwan's in case you want to try them..
 Schwans   total $46.96:  I really enjoy ordering from Schwans!! I get top quality food, at a good price and it's brought to my door by a friendly representative... I highly recommend (p.s. the veggies are beyond good)!!
Chicken Breasts # 407  $13.99
Chicken Bites # 588   $14.99
Tamales # 600 $9.99
Cheese Pizza # 843  $7.99

I admit I am lucky when it comes to doing my grocery shopping. Giant Eagle has wonderful prices on things I like to keep in the house. Every week there is something new in the buy one get one section, I earn fuel perks(.10 off a gallon for every $50.) and food perks (up to 20% off of my total grocery bill) when I buy gas. They have box top give aways that help Goosie's school and so much more. When my Mom comes to visit I like to take her by the cheese department.. if and when we move I will miss Giant Eagle. It will be a hard grocery store to replace. All that being said here is the list for the month and then I just buy things as we run out. If you do not see it on the grocery list it is because it is already in my pantry. Please check your own pantry before running out to the store. Money is a hot commodity to everyone so keep a tight hold on yours!!

Grocery Store List: 
BOGO:
Round Roast
Raspberries
5 lb bag Apples
Brownberry Bread
Baggged salads
~
2 for $3
Baby Carrots
~
2 for $4
Capri sun
Ms.Butterworth's syrup
~
2 for $5
Mission multi grain tortillas
Land o' lakes spreadable butter
~
2 for $6
Simply Orange
Coffeemate
5lb bags baby red potatoes
~
3 for $3
Renuzit air fresheners
~
4 for $3
College Inn Chicken Broth cans
~
3 for $5
GE chicken broth cartons
~
3 for $6
Trix yogurt
~
2 for $7
GE lunch meat
~
4 for $10
Edy's Ice Cream
Klondike Bar 12 pk
~
5 for $10
GM Cheerios
Pop Tarts
Kraft Shredded Cheese
GM Fruit Snacks
Dole Fruit Jars

Non-sale items:
Nesquick
Cream Cheese
Pie Pumpkins .89/lb
Pork Tenderloin 3.99/lb
Kids Vitamins
White/Wheat/ Rye bread
Sugar/spices

That is about it dear readers, I will post recipes if you ask me to otherwise just make things how you usually would! Enjoy this months menu!!

Chocolate Banana Chip Pistachio Cookies

So there are times when I want to make cookies and don't always have all the stuff I need to make the cookies.. so I substitute. Thus a new cookie in my house is born.  I had the idea to make Neman Marcus cookies, but upon searching my pantry discovered what I had forgotten. We ate almost all the oatmeal the other day for breakfast we were out of nuts ( unless you count my sanity and the pistachio's) and Bubbles had a baking powder party all by herself last week. Just so you know when the kids have a party with something it usually means they have made a complete and utter mess with it, so much so that even after sweeping/vacuuming/mopping I still find things weeks later. I still wanted these cookies. I still craved these cookies.. desire is the mother of invention.. that and a creative mind. So the cookies I ended up with are to the left.. and yes, they are wonderful! Chocolate Banana Chip Pistachio Cookies... and here my dearest readers is the recipe. It will make 56 cookies..like I stated before I wanted the Neman Marcus Cookies!

Chocolate Banana Chip Pistachio Cookies

• preheat oven to 375* F
• 1c butter at room temperature
• 2 c all purpose flour
• 1 c sugar
• 2.5 c whole wheat flour
• 1c brown sugar
• 3 large eggs
• 1.5 cups shelled pistachio's
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 12oz bag banana chips crushed into small pieces
• 12 oz each semi-sweet chocolate chips and chunks
• 1 tsp vanilla

blend all the above together (you will need some sort of power mixer). form into rounded balls  (about a tablespoons worth or what feels right in the palm of your hand) and bake for 9-11 minutes. If you like the softer cookies 9 minutes, the crunchy cookies 11 minutes. Or you can just take them out when they are nicely browned on top. Enjoy!! And remember just because you may not have everything you need in your pantry to make something doesn't mean you can't make what you want!

Kitchen Sink Soup.. and a Flat Bread

It is soup weather and I must say I enjoy making soup. I don't usually follow a recipe, nor do I write it down. But since I am making this one in a crock pot (a first for me.. I usually let it slowly simmer on the stove top) I figured I should write it down, in case I am asked later for it.. so here it is, a rare thing so enjoy!

Kitchen Sink Soup

• 1 qt chicken stock
• 1/4 cup medium pearl barley
• 1 (14.5 oz) petite diced tomatoes
• 1 small clove garlic
• 1 (15oz) can Navy Beans (drained and rinsed)
• 1 (15 oz) can Kidney Beans (drained and rinsed)
• 2 Bay Leaves
• 1 Stalk Celery (chopped)
• 1 tblsp Onion Powder (or 1/2 cup chopped onion)
• 8 oz frozen peas
• 2 chicken breasts or three chicken tenders
• 1tsp each: sage, thyme and nutmeg or 1 tblsp poultry seasoning ( toss with the rinsed beans to help incorporate the dry seasonings into the soup)
• 1 tsp each salt and pepper

Combine all the ingredients into a crock pot, allow to simmer all day. If you are staying at home that day be sure to stir the soup a little. If not add the beans and peas about 30minutes before serving.
I admit I am cheating on this one.. flat bread usually has no yeast or leaven.. I like mine with a little rise so I use pizza crust mix.

Flat Bread

• 1 package pizza crust mix
• Natures seasoning season blend
• 1 tblsp olive oil
• 1 cup shredded cheese (if you want a cheesy bread)

Follow the package directions for the pizza crust. After pressing it into the pan coat lightly with olive oil, and natures seasoning (if you want cheesy bread add the cheese) then bake according to the package directions.
I hope you all enjoy the soup if you decide to try it.. Hubby and the kids really like it and if you are a vegetarian you can leave out the meat and substitute the chicken stock for Vegetable broth/stock. It is a hearty meal and quite filling.

Recipies, Recipies and maybe some thoughts..

Around the holidays lets face it there is pressure to cook and cook well. I have been asked for a few recipes that some have come to enjoy. I must say that some of these I copied out of cookbooks while visiting my Aunt H. Others just plain looked good. So here are a few that I quiet enjoy.

• How to Roast a pumpkin. Since Goosie started bringing home pumpkins I have wanted to do something with them. I checked around the web and found this website the most helpful http://www.pickyourown.org/pumpkincooking.php

Also on this web page you can access just about any pumpkin patch in your state along with tree farms and just about any other family fun on the farm activity. It is a great resource and I recommend putting it on your favorites list.
After making your own pumpkin I doubt you will go back to the canned variety as fresh is best in my opinion. You can use your fresh pumpkin in any recipe that calls for canned. A plus is that your frozen fresh pumpkin is good in the freezer for a year! So here is to fresh pumpkin year round!
****The first recipe is one I have been making quiet frequently lately. Soft chocolate chip pumpkin nut cookies..
you will need:
1 cup sugar 1 cup pumpkin
1/2 cup shortening 1 tablespoon orange zest or orange extract
2 cups all purpose flour 1 teaspoon baking powder
1 teaspoon baking soda 1 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice
1/4 teaspoon salt 1/2 cup each chocolate chips and chopped nuts (nuts are optional)
Preheat oven to 375* F
Mix sugar, shortening, pumpkin, and orange zest until almost creamed. Slowly add flour, baking soda, baking powder, pie spice and salt.When fully mixed fold in the chocolate chips and nuts. Drop by rounded teaspoon on un-greased cookie sheet about 2 inches apart. Bake for 8 to 10 minutes or until lightly browned on top. Cool and enjoy!
I must note that if you bake the cookies for too long they will not melt in your mouth, nor will they be as satisfying!
****Cranberry Orange Relish
you will need:
1 12 oz bag frozen cranberries 1 medium orange
3/4 to 1 cup sugar (or sugar substitute)
Slice unpeeled orange into eighths and remove seeds. Place 6 oz of cranberries and 1/2 the orange slices into a blender or food processor. Process until evenly chopped. Transfer to bowl. Repeat with remaining orange and cranberries. Stir in sweetener as desired and allow to sit covered in the fridge for at least 1 hour. This recipe makes 2 1/2 cups. Serve and enjoy! You can put this relish on Turkey, sweet breads, Ice cream or even sandwiches!
This next one is one that has been asked for more then a few times. I hope you enjoy making and eating them as much as I do. I have found that this recipe makes a moister scone and is more easily enjoyed as it is not dry nor crumbly. Some would argue that these are not true scones.. I digress and refer them to the JOY of Cooking cookbook for the original recipe!
*****Cream Scones
you will need
1 3/4 cups all purpose flour 2 1/4 teaspoons baking powder
1/4 cup sugar 1/2 teaspoon salt
1 1/4 cups heavy whipping cream (the heaver the cream the moister the scone)
Preheat oven to 450* F
Blend dry ingredients together then slowly add the wet ingredients. Pour out scone mixture onto floured surface. Pat down to the width of your finger. Then cut like a pizza and bake for 15 minutes or until golden. If you want to make flavored scones you can add these..
For Orange Chocolate Scones
add to wet mixture 1 tablespoon orange extract ( you can use the zest of one orange but it won't be the same flavor) after pouring the mixture onto a floured surface add 1/2 cup chocolate chips. Prepare as mentioned above.
For Lemon Blueberry Scones
you will need to add 1 tablespoon lemon extract and when on a floured surface gently fold in 1/2 cup fresh blueberries.
I hope you enjoy making and eating these as much as I do! Enjoy my dear readers and as we are visiting family for the holiday I will post again when I have time! Be blessed!

Meal Plan May 23-31

Each day I will post the recipe I am using so that you can cook along too! Enjoy the food! And remember that everything is good for you in proportion!

Saturday May 23
Breakfast~ Pancakes, Bacon
Lunch~ Sandwiches
Dinner~Grilled Brats, Beans, Macaroni and Cheese

Sunday May 24
Breakfast~ Cereal or bagels
Lunch~Grilled Burgers, Chips
Dinner~ Baked Pike Fish, Rice pilaf, mixed veggies

Monday May 25
Breakfast~ Eggs, Bacon and toast
Lunch~ Sandwiches or leftovers
Dinner~ Pot roast, Roasted Potatoes and green beans

Tuesday May 26
Breakfast~ Cereal or bagels
Lunch~ Leftovers or sandwiches
Dinner~ Chicken and rice with mixed Veggies

Wednesday May 27
Breakfast~ Pancakes, bacon
Lunch~ Leftovers or sandwiches
Dinner~ Grilled BBQ pork chops, perogies and green beans

Thursday May 28th
Breakfast~ Cereal or Bagels
Lunch~ Leftovers or sandwiches
Dinner~ Chinese fried rice, Egg rolls

Friday May 29th
Breakfast~ Eggs, Bacon and Toast
Lunch~ Leftovers or sandwiches
Dinner~ Pizza and salad

Saturday May 30
Breakfast~ Pancakes and Bacon
Lunch~ Leftovers or sandwiches
Dinner~ Grilled BBQ chicken, mac and cheese with sweet peas

Sunday May 31
Breakfast~ Cereal or Bagels
Lunch~ Leftovers or Sandwiches
Dinner~ Baked Pike, Rice pilaf, mixed veggies


Here is your grocery list. Keep track of what you have in your dry and frozen pantries as this will help keep cost down.

Pancake mix (or make it from scratch)
Eggs
Bacon
Perogies
Pork Chops
Milk
Bread
BBQ sauce
Frozen Pike or other white fish
Rice ( you can either use a recipe for rice pilaf or try uncle Ben's ready rice)
Mac and Cheese (again you can either use a recipe or by the box set)
Potatoes
Roast
Frozen Veggies
Cereal
Bagels
Brats or hot dogs
hamburger Patties

Short Cuts 2

Well, I was thinking that is about that time again.

Showers: once again I don't like cleaning the bathrooms, so I leave them for last. This is helpful because I usually clean it just before I get in for a shower. That's right clean your shower in the buff and you are sure to be the first one to use it! Just spray with whatever cleaning solution you prefer and then before you wipe it down, strip down to your birthday suit, turn on the shower and wipe away!

Nooks and Crannys: I like to get out the vacuum cleaner for these. Just break out the hose, attach the thin nozzle and away you go!

That is all I can think of for cleaning tips, I was thinking I could add on a weekly menu and shopping list. I of course will also post recipes. I will call those posts Meal Planning, and will work on the first one straight away!

ShortCuts 1

I have been thinking that it is time for me to post more tips and tricks.. tis the season! I was actually talking to another Preschool parent R about meal planning and all the wonderful things that come with it. I am planning on doing this once a week and calling it my Shortcuts blog entries. I will have them numbered so that they are easier to find.

General Cleaning:

~I have hard wood floors throughout the house and let me tell you they attract dirt like a two year old at the beach! I found a Quick Shine battery operated broom and use it quite often during the day. I was able to pick mine up at Walmart for about $26.00. Goosie and Miniman even enjoy using it! The other thing I picked up was a swiffer wet jet. It dries super fast and is a breeze to use.. so yes it gets used often.

~I have two high chairs. They get used quite a bit too. I used to vacuum out the nooks and crannies everyday but with three little ones that is getting harder and harder. So after each meal I turn the chair over (child has been removed by this point) and shake it as hard as I can. All the little crumbs and things fall out (I use my new broom) and after wiping it down with the Clorox anywhere hard surface it is ready for use again. I must mention that when I do my weekly deep clean that I take the chairs apart as much as possible and vacuum and clean every surface.

~For the bathrooms ( I loathe cleaning these, but it must be done) I use easy products. I really like the Kaboom toilet cleaner. I think it is the easiest product to use. The starter kit is about $13.00 and the refills are about $5.00. Here is the beauty, you set it up once in the tank of the toilet and then just replace the tablets every three months. Your toilet bowl stays clean and as fresh as it can depending on how many people are using it. You have to do an initial cleaning before installing the product the first time, but hey only cleaning the toilet once.. I will take that!!

~Dusting I am sure many of you have different surfaces to dust, I have quite a few of them myself. I like to use the all surface cleaner from pledge. It is wonderful and I don't have to worry about it harming Hubby's man toys (you know the TV, DVD. PlayStation,etc). I can just walk around the house and clean everything without stopping to change product.

Cooking:
Here it goes readers I am sure some of these you have heard every where and others may be new..I digress, these help me and I want to help you so here it goes!

~Meatloaf: this is actually one of my favorite tips and if you have talked to me about cooking chances are I have mentioned it to you. I don't make your usual meatloaf. I make meatloaf muffins. Instead of making a loaf out of my meat mixture, I divide it up into a muffin pan. Two muffins equals one serving. These are super easy to reheat, pack for lunches, freeze or what have you. Goosie thinks they are great and she likes to help me make them too.

~ Chicken: Unless Hubby is planning on grilling I keep the breasts frozen. When I am ready to use them I simply run water over them and then place them in a pan. Season, cover and they are usually ready in about a 1/2 hour. You can season them however you want. I usually let the breasts brown nicely on one side before turning them (seasoning the other side) and covering it with the lid and allowing it to cook through.


Well, Dear readers, I think that is it for today. I will post a recipe later (it tough deciding which one to post). Let me know what you think.

My Chicken Barley Chili

I attend MOPS and this past meeting decided to enter in a Chili cook off. Now I am not big on spicy chili, I opt for a more seasoned and hearty dish. Surprisingly my Chili won the cook off and I thought I would celebrate by posting how to make it!

1 (14.5oz) can diced tomatoes
1 (16 oz) can salsa
1 cup Medium Barley
1 cup chicken broth
4 cups water
1 tablespoon Chili powder
1 teaspoon Cumin
1/8 cup sugar
1(15 oz) can black beans (drained and rinsed)
1 (15 oz) can dark red kidney beans (drained and rinsed)
1 (15 1/4 oz) can whole kernel corn
3 cups (about 1 1/2 lbs) chicken breast, cooked and cut into bite size pieces ( I like to cook it in Montreal seasonings)

In a 6 quart saucepan combine first 8 ingredients. Over high heat bring to a boil; cover and reduce heat to low. Simmer for 40 minutes, stirring about every 10 minutes. Add beans, corn
and chicken; increase heat to high until Chili comes to a boil. Cover and reduce heat to low. Simmer for another 5 minutes or until barley is tender. If upon standing the chili becomes too think add more chicken broth or water until chili is desired consistency. Salt and pepper to taste. If desired top with shredded cheese and sour cream. Makes about 11 (1 cup) servings.

MMMM Cookies for Breakfast??

My niece M came to stay with us over this past summer and left her recipe books here by accident. I am always looking for ways to make quick meals, that taste good and are good for you. In one of the books is a recipe for Breakfast Cookies. I made them and they have been a hit! So here is the recipe...

1/2 cup butter
2/3 cup packed brown sugar
2 eggs
1/2 teaspoon vanilla
1 cup whole wheat flour
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 cup rolled oats
1 cup dried mixed fruit
1/2 cup dried banana chips broken up
1/2 cup walnuts, peanuts, pecans or almonds

Lightly grease cookie sheet
Turn on oven to 350 degree's F
Mix ingredients together
Scoop dough out by 1/4 cup for large cookies 1/8 cup for small cookies
Bake for 12 to 15 minutes (until tops of cookies are slightly browned)

These are super good, I don't feel guilty about my kids snacking on them and they are easy to make. Plus if you have someone with allergies you can easily modify the recipe. Oh and these are good with yogurt, juice, fresh fruit or by themselves. Happy Eating!
slightly flatten dough on cookie sheet