How to Pray?

This wikiHow on How To Pray caught my eye today on the Google homepage... I read it out of curiousity because I knew it would span various religions.

WikiHow is certainly not the best guide for prayer, but I think it gives some great reminders in it if your prayer life is feeling dry. I was pleased to find it includes some practices and tips that I feel are important for Christians.

Step 5 kind of made me laugh, but yet it is the most critical... Begin the Prayer!

June Grocery Budget Report

Yessss….I am doing my happy dance.

I didn’t think we would do it, but we did. We have stayed in within the $300 grocery budget for the month of June.

Now, we were out of town for 4 days where other people cooked for us. We also ate out 3 times. Those things are not counted in the grocery budget spending.

But, we also had company twice, 4 potlucks, and I also took 2 meals to families in our church. Plus, we spent $42 on dog food. Those all are included in the grocery spending.

And we still were fortunate enough to end the month with $33 LEFT in the budget that will go towards the $50 Costco membership. Yay! The other $17 for the membership will come from the July grocery budget.

I thought I should follow up on how it all turned out, since I had written about my goals toward the end of this post. So, while my goal was to fit both the dog food and the Costco membership into the $300 from June, I’m still pretty pleased. I am actually kind of bewildered.

Just don’t talk to my mom – she was here mid-month when I needed to go shopping – and the pantry was bare. Don’t worry, Mom, I will be re-stocking on several items in July.

Also in July, we are hosting a party for 30-35 people, which will be separate from the grocery budget. I am going for fresh, easy, and delicious, but not necessarily cheap. So we’ll see how that goes. Stay tuned for that menu coming up after next weekend!

Menu Plan 6/30/08

I am excited about our menu this week. I will be trying new recipes with the key lime pie and chicken enchiladas. Plus, I am planning for a party - that menu to come later!

Breakfasts:

Granola w/ Milk (I know, we have it all the time. My husband keeps requesting it.)

Lunches:

PB&J

Egg Salad Sandwiches

Carrot Sticks

Yogurt

Fruit

Dessert

Dinners:

M - Grilling with friends. We will take Pasta Salad.

T - BBQ Meatballs, Corn

W - Chicken Enchiladas*, Green Salad, Corn Bread

Th - Leftovers

F - Grilling with friends. We will take a side dish. Any good (easy, cheap, healthy, kid-friendly) ideas??? Please help! Or I might just end up taking veggies and dip... which would be okay, too.

S - Our daughter's first birthday party! Menu posted afterwards. I don't want to spoil it for our guests. Ha! It will be simple (of course), but hopefully very yummy, too!

S - Leftovers

Dessert:

Key Lime Pie

*I've been inspired by this simple Chicken Enchiladas recipe and this healthy Chicken Enchiladas recipe. I think I'll use some of those ideas and see what happens! :)

Be sure to check out Heavenly Homemakers - the host for Menu Plan Monday this week!

Strawberry Limeades

Ooh, I can taste these. Sour, sour. Love them. And they are simple. That's good. So hopefully you can deal with another non-precise recipe.

If you like strawberries, limes, or frozen margaritas, you might like these, too.

You need:

1 can frozen limeade

1 bag frozen strawberries (not the sweetened, juicy kind)

Make a mix some frozen limeade concentrate and some frozen strawberries in the blender with just a little water added. (Proportions may vary.) It will be super strong and sour. This is your "base". Then, refreeze it in ice cube trays.

Then, when I want a COLD, sour, fruity drink, I pop some of the frozen "base" back in the blender, add a little more water, and have it made (in the shade.) A quick-and-easy slushy, sour, fruity strawberry-limeade! Visit A-Latte-Talk's Foody Friday for more summer drink ideas!

Elle Tie-On Slippers

These Elle Tie-On Slippers look too cute to not share! They are pretty, easy to make, and frugal. They'd be a good handmade item in a gift basket, a stocking stuffer, or just an "I'm thinking of you" gift for a friend. I can't wait to try them!

Thanks to Karen Elizabeth for highlighting them. I enjoy her classy blog. Visit Crystal's Frugal Fridays post for more economical ideas!

My Favorite Show: SYTYCD

The only show I watch, actually. No, I am not cool enough to have no T.V. Our 1 T.V. is just down in the basement, so we only watch T.V. when we make an effort to.

I used to watch Grey's Anatomy religiously. Then, the writer's strike came and I fell off the bandwagon. I didn't watch any of the, like 2, episodes this past spring.

But my favorite show is back: So You Think You Can Dance. It is about real people, talented people, reaching for their dreams. I think the reason I love it is because I wish I could be doing those things on that stage. I've always wished I could dance... it just looks like so much fun!

To me, watching this show is like going to the theater. It showcases God-given talent, diligence and training, and the beautiful arts... all of which I appreciate and are inspiring to me. It is just so cool when it all comes together!

Beautiful Summer Skies

This is what I saw from the back patio one afternoon last week...

(Not edited.)

I love summer!

Keep that bib on!

Here's a nifty tip I learned from Heidi, mother of 4:

Use a binder clip to fasten a velcro bib.

In my experience with most velcro bibs, either the velcro is too weak and the kiddo pulls the bib off, and/or I need to fasten the neck hole smaller than the velcro allows. I had both of these problems with the super-cute oilcloth bib my daughter got for Christmas. Using a binder clip to keep it on allows me to make good use of it anyways!

This way I can use and reuse the wipeable oilcloth bib instead of having to wash her old cloth bibs constantly. This makes things simpler for me!

Visit Rocks in my Dryer for more practical tips!

Strawberry Freezer Jam

In April, I had some strawberries that got too ripe before we could eat them. I had a packet of Sure-Jell in the cupboard for making freezer jam. I had bought it with good intentions a year ago. No boiling necessary!

I made the strawberry freezer jam, and now we are eating it on our sandwiches.

One drawback is that once you thaw it in the fridge, it needs to be consumed within 3 weeks.

Visit Tammy's Recipes for more tips!

Pig Pickin' Cake

Hmm... I was reminded of a recipe today. I haven't made it in a year or so. It is a good summer cake. I was reminded of it after I read this angel food cake icing recipe and then again after eating my creamy fruit salad. This recipe is similar to both...

It came from my mom, who had it at a luncheon. She sent me the recipe, but we didn't know the name of it. One time, when I couldn't find the recipe, I did my beloved ingredient recipe search on Allrecipes.com and discovered it is called Pig Pickin' Cake. I used to live in the South, and it is supposedly a southern recipe, but I still don't know what that means. Should I know??

1 box yellow cake mix
4 eggs
1/2 c. oil
1 can mandarin oranges with juice

Blend together those 4 ingredients and bake in 3 round cake pans 15 - 20 minutes or more at 350 degrees. Cool on wire rack.

Icing
1 8 oz tub of cool whip
1 large can crushed pineapple, drained
1 small box instant vanilla pudding

Mix together well. (Don't make the pudding, just mix in the powdered form.)

Frost in between each layer of cake to make a torte. (Don't frost the sides.) Chill until ready to serve.

More options:

If you want to be creative, find some fresher alternatives for the processed ingredients! I bet substituting a cake from scratch and some fresh whipped cream would sure be good! I'd love to hear if you have any success with this.

You can also bake the cake in an angel food cake or bundt cake pan (be aware of changes in the baking time, of course) and then use a cake leveler to slice it into layers. I have one from when I thought I wanted to be a cake decorator. It actually works really well for making nice, flat layers so you don't have a lopsided, slippery cake. I also hear you can use dental floss, but have never tried it. That would be frugal, though! Or the easiest option (now that's my style) would be to just bake it in a 9x13 pan.

Enjoy!

Menu Plan 6/23/08

Breakfasts:

Granola w/ Milk

Orange Juice

Lunches:

PB&J

Cottage Cheese

Carrot Sticks

Fruit

Dinners:

M - Dinner @ friends' house, taking pasta salad

T -Ground Turkey Nachos (Taco Seasoning)*

W - Leftovers

Th - Homemade Pizza - didn't get to it last week

F - Leftovers

S - Pasta Primavera with Sauce

S -Leftovers

Dessert:

Creamy Fruit Salad - here is the recipe....

1 8 oz tub whipped topping

2 small boxes instant vanilla pudding

1 regular can crushed pineaple, w/ juice

2 small cans mandarin oranges, drained

Mix powdered pudding with the pineapple and juice in a bowl. Add whipped topping. Stir until well blended. Fold in oranges. Chill.

This was a favorite of a little girl I used to babysit for. She called it "Delicious Salad". I got the recipe from her mom. This weekend, I doubled it and took it to a baby shower at someone's request. I don't usually make it for us, but is is an easy side item to take somewhere. It is sooo sweet (and not so good for you) so we will be eating the leftovers for dessert this week.

*Here is my inspiration for the nachos, but not the exact recipe I'll follow... I plan to use tortilla chips, ground turkey with the taco seasoning, Monterey Jack cheese, salsa, and then top with sour cream.

Now, go visit I'm an Organizing Junkie for more menu plans and recipes!

Sunday!

Whew! It has been a BUSY week! I've been dealing with a sinus infection and work and travelling and visits with friends and family, and just trying to keep up with life! I'm looking forward to hopefully being back to normal now and in the swing of things with regular posts this coming week!

Fruit Pizza

Berry recipes... strawberry, blueberry, raspberry, blackberry,... boysenberry? I love them all. I'm sharing 2 recipes for this edition of "Foody Friday" so be sure to check out both! (This one uses strawberries and blueberries, the next recipe uses just blueberries.)

It is almost that time of year. The time for fruit pizza. There are many variations of fruit pizza. Here is my favorite. The one I've grown up with. It also happens to be the simplest and the healthiest (if you can call it that with sugar cookie dough and cream cheese)! Most of the other recipes I have seen have even more sugar or marshmallow cream.

I can't wait until it is time to make this. I am waiting on fresh blueberries and peaches...

Here's what I use:

1 roll Pillsbury sugar cookie dough

cream cheese, room temperature

blueberries

strawberries

kiwi (circles)

peaches (slices)

The fruit must all be fresh if you are following the rules in my book. I also apologize for a non-precise recipe.

With your fingers, press the sugar cookie dough into a circle, in a pizza pan, or on a pizza stone. Bake the sugar cookie dough in a circle, like a pizza crust. Try to not overbake. I sometimes have the problem of the crust sticking to the pan. Let cool completely.

Spread with cream cheese.

Top with fruit: blueberries in a circle in the center, then strawberries (halved) making a circle around them, then sliced kiwi, then peach slices around the edge by the crust. I usually spritz or brush the fruit with lemon juice, especially the peach slices, to keep them from turning brown. Cover and chill until ready to eat. It is so pretty. I will have to post a picture when I eventually make it this summer. Slice like a pizza. Cover and store in the fridge.

I could eat this for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Sometimes I do, forgetting that it is like eating a giant cookie!

Now, for a more practical and healthier berry recipe... read on for Whole-wheat Blueberry Muffins.

Whole-wheat Blueberry Muffins

Makes 12 muffins.

1 c. all-purpose flour
1 c. whole-wheat flour
2 c. fresh blueberries, or frozen blueberries, thawed and well drained
1 T. baking powder
1/4 t. salt
1/3 c. butter or margarine, softened
3/4 c. sugar
3 egg whites
1/2 c. skim milk
1 t. vanilla

Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Line muffin cups with paper baking cups. Stir together flour and whole-wheat flour. Measure out 1 tablespoon flour mixture and sprinkle it over blueberries; toss to coat and set aside. Stir baking powder and salt into flour mixture; set aside.

Beat butter and sugar together until creamy. Beat in egg whites until well-combined. Stir in milk and vanilla. Stir in flour mixture, blending just until softened. Stir in blueberries. Spoon into muffin cups, filling, nearly to the top of each cup. Bake 25 minutes or until golden brown.

If you are used to sweet, crumb-topped muffins, these might not be for you. (They are not a dessert-type muffin.) If you are weird like me, and like a hearty, wholesome tasting muffin, give them a try and let me know what you think. Great for breakfast or for a snack!

Visit A-Latte-Talk for more berry-licious recipes!

Heirloom Tomato Plants

My husband is the landscaper/gardener in the family. I love the outdoors and appreciate the yard looking clean and neat, for sure. I am just not into making more work for myself by having to take care of more stuff. So, he pretty much does all the design and planting and upkeep, and I cheer him on. :)

So, I was pretty groud of myself (and he was, too) for planting a few urns of petunias this past spring for our back patio. They are doing well, so far. My husband does have to remind me to water them, though.

I also decided I wanted to plant a low-maintenance garden. I decided to try pots. I love fresh tomatoes and heard they were relatively easy to grow. I had a Lowe's giftcard to spend and was thrilled when I saw these heirloom brandywine tomato plants. I planted them in some buckets that other shrubs came in that I decided to reuse. We'll see how they do...

Just to show you how lazy I sometimes am, I read all about Lindsay's tomato plant tips, but haven't tried any of them... except I did try to plant the plants really deep... they have just grown a lot already! They get a lot of sun. Looks like I desperately need to stake or cage them.

If you aren't already familiar with heirloom plants, you can read more about their importance in protecting biodiversity here. I may not get as many tomatoes, but I am going for quality, not quantity. I'll keep you posted!

Badger Balm

I love the way this stuff smells. LOVE it.

My daughter’s doctor recommended it. I use it when I give her massages. I am supposed to give her massages to help her muscles since she used to wear a Pavlik harness for her DDH. Now, she is so squirmy it is hard to get her to lay still for a massage, though. That's a good thing!

I got it at Cracker Barrel for $5 for a tiny tin. They also carry it at Whole Foods. Since it is thick (like lip gloss) - hence the name “balm” - it helps me make sure I am giving a decent massage. You really have to rub it in. It goes a long way. This one tin has lasted 3 months already, and it is used every night.

Badger Balm is completely organic. There are different of kinds of balms for different purposes. Check them out. Or at least go smell them. :)

Visit Rocks in My Dryer for more tried and tested tips!

Menu Plan 6/16/08

Sorry this is SO late! We've been out of town at the lake for a long weekend and so now I am trying to get caught up!

Breakfasts:

Granola w/ milk

Lunches:

PB&J sandwiches w/ homemade jelly

Chicken Salad Sandwiches *recipe below*

carrot sticks

cottage cheese

fruit

dessert

Dinners:

M-camping

T-Chinese Chicken Salad *recipe below*

W-leftovers

Th-chicken and green bean stir fry (company)

F-Tomato & Spinach Pasta Toss (company)

S-Homemade Pizza

S-leftovers

Desserts:

Spice Cake

creamsicles

Chicken Salad for Sandwiches

Here's what I've decided I like the best in my chicken salad. More items would be good, but these are my essentials:

chicken, cooked and cubed or shredded

red or green grapes, halved

almonds, chopped or sliced and toasted (under the broiler)

Miracle whip

Mix together and serve on bread. Yum.

Chinese Chicken Salad

Ok , this is not a Chinese salad. I just like to call it that. It is similar to an Asian flair salad from a restaurant.

Salad mix or coleslaw mix

almonds, chopped or sliced and toasted (under the broiler)

1 pkg. chicken flavored ramen noodles...Yes, MSG :(

mandarin oranges, drained

grilled chicken, sliced or julienned

Dressing

1/2 c. oil

1/3 c. vinegar

1 T. sugar

chicken ramen noodle seasoning packet

1/8 t. black pepper

Assemble salad immediately before serving. The almonds, the dry ramen noodles (crushed and broken), the oranges, and the chicken go on top of the lettuce or coleslaw. Shake and pour dressing over everything. I love this salad; it is my favorite! Enjoy!

Visit Organizing Junkie for more menu plans!

Sewing a Nursing Cover

my folded cover

When I was pregnant, I saw pictures of these Bebe au Lait nursing covers in the baby magazines. I am a sucker for cool printed fabric. I wanted one.

I went to Nordstrom’s baby department and looked at them, all set to buy one with my mall gift card. After seeing how basic it was, I no longer wanted to spend my gift card on one. I was going to make one!

I took measurements on myself and got to work. I used lightweight cotton fabric, no lining. I even made a little sleeve at the top and placed some lightweight curved wire in side so that it would stand out at the top, just like the Bebe au Lait covers.

After seeing me use mine, a friend requested one, too. This time, I used flannel and lined it with a complimentary color, since it was wintertime and she wanted something snuggly and cozy. She used it mainly as a cover when expressing breastmilk.

This is a thoughtful and personal gift to someone with their 2nd or 3rd (or later child), when they are certain they are going to breastfeed (or express milk), and already have all the baby clothes and toys they need.

Differences between my cover and the Bebe au Lait cover:
I eventually took out the wire at the top because it got annoying. I also did not make an adjustable neck strap because I didn’t want to mess with it (just pre-measured how long I wanted it to be). I also ended up cutting mine off and hemming shorter than I had originally planned because that made it easier to maneuver.

I know some people do great with just a blanket over the shoulder when “coverage” is desired. I like this cover, though, because it helped me to relax and be more comfortable when I was nursing at friends’ houses when people (not just women) were in the room. I didn’t have to worry about flashing someone. In the early days when I was nursing frequently, this helped me to not miss out or feel ostracized by allowing me to be comfortable nursing wherever I was.

I just wanted to share this idea, because it is simple, pretty, practical, and of course, frugal!

Visit Crystal's blog for more tips!

Breadmaking Experiment

Well, I did it. I attempted breadmaking this week. It didn't take much time. That's why I was able to do it! I used this recipe from the Artisan Bread in 5 Minutes a Day book. (I haven't read the book yet, so I didn't try any variations. I did reserve it at the library, but there is a waiting list, of course.)

I made two loaves last night, and one large loaf today. I first tried Amy's advice and cooked the two loaves for 35 minutes at 475 (whew, that's hot!). In my dough I had used a combination of whole wheat flour and all-purpose bleached flour. I didn't have any cornmeal to use and I also forgot to slash the tops before baking. The were good, but very hard on the outside. They would have made great bread bowls since they turned out quite round. We ate the slices toasted today.

Today, I decided to try something different. I really want to see if I can get sandwich bread out of this dough. I put the dough in a tin foil loaf pan and baked it (on top of the preheated stone) at 450 for 35 minutes. It looks and feels much better... a little gummy on a few of the innermost slices, though. Perhaps I should use different flour. The true test will be to see if my husband will eat a tuna sandwich on this bread tomorrow! (see picture)

Right now, I don't think the results of this bread are anything to rave about. However, if we get used to it, it might work. I love the fact that the recipe is SO simple (flour, water, salt, yeast). I feel pretty good about giving this bread to my baby girl. I also love how easy it it to make! Those are two good things about this bread that make it worth trying and sharing! I'm pretty sure I will be attempting (and tweaking) it again...

BBQ Meatballs

A main dish, not an appetizer.

This week's Foody Friday theme is "Husband's Favorite Dish" or in the spirit of the Pioneer Woman, "Man Pleasers" or "Cowboy Food".

My husband likes any recipe whose main ingredient is a form of meat. Here's one.

BBQ Meatballs

1 lb. hamburger
1/3 c. oatmeal (may add more)
1/3 can evaporated milk*
1 egg
1/3 c. chopped onion (or some onion powder)
3/4 t. salt
1/4 t. garlic powder
1/4 t. pepper
1/4 t. chili powder

1. Mix all ingredients and make into balls. (Can be larger meatballs than normal. We usually eat 2 apiece.)
2. Cover w/ sauce that has been heated. (I don't always heat it first.)
3. Bake 30-45 minutes on 350. (I stick a meat thermometer in at the start and take them out of the oven when it reaches the right temp.)

Sauce

1 c. ketchup
1/4 cup brown sugar
1/4 t. garlic salt (I use some garlic powder + table salt.)
1/4 c. chopped onion (optional)
1/4-1/2 t. liquid smoke

*In place of evaporated milk, I reconstitute dry milk - double strength - since I ususally have that on hand for granola.

This recipe is flexible. The sauce is the best part, though. These are good served with potatoes and a green vegetable or corn. Remember, these are large meatballs that you eat with a fork!

Visit A-Latte-Talk for more manly favorites!

I kind of feel like I've been in an SNL sketch...

Cleaning... ugh

While I don’t like to clean, it helps that I like what I use…
Some of my favorite cleaning products:

For the bathrooms:
Method Tub 'N Tile
Seventh Generation Toilet Bowl Cleaner
Will make your bathroom smell so clean and minty fresh, and not chemical laden!

For Mirror/Windows:
(from my mother-in-law) vinegar and rubbing alcohol in a spray bottle

For dusting:
Method Wood for Good w/a microfiber cloth
Almond = warm and yummy!

For the kitchen:
Mrs. Meyer’s countertop spray – geranium scent
Love this smell, too!

While these products do cost a few dollars more (even on sale… of course I buy them on sale:)), I like to think that how we spend our money matters and I feel good supporting these companies in their quest to offer earth, animal, and people friendly products.

My favorite thing about them is that they smell SO good, and that is because of the essential oils they contain. I don't have to wonder what chemicals I am inhaling. Oh, and that they clean well, too. Also, that most are non-toxic = important to me when they are something my family is going to put their skin against or their food on. Ok, so that's 3 favorite things about them.

I could probably do it cheaper by making all the cleaning products myself and adding essential oils or something for scent, but I am not there, yet.

Oops, I can’t forget the trusty vacuum! We seriously have to clean the floors (or at least vacuum them) every other day because our dog SHEDS and we have a little girl crawling and scooting around on the floor. We empty the vacuum often, and I use my husband’s air compressor to help clean (by blowing off) the removable filter (outside, of course).

Confessions:
I do have some "killler cleaner" on hand only for those times when someone is nasty sick and I just have to know that those germs are eradicated for good. It just about makes me sick to use it though.

Also, I have a Swiffer wet-jet for the kitchen floor. Wasteful and probably super-toxic, I know. I am more likely to clean it if it is easy, though. I guess I try to justify the disposable mop-heads by the fact that I use cloth diapers. So throwing one mop-head every two weeks or so is not so bad….? (I try to stretch them to last for multiple uses.) Any good suggestions out there as alternatives to the Swiffer wet-jet? I'd love to hear...

Well, those are what work for me, I’d love to hear what works for you!

Visit Rocks in my Dryer for more ideas and tips!

Thoughts on Food

Or, Food for Thought...

Regarding finances, Dave Ramsey says, “Why be normal, when normal is broke?”

The other night my husband asked, "Why can't you make anything normal?" (as he ate a piece of healthier spice cake with whole wheat and flax seed).

I shot back, “Why be normal, when normal is obese and on the verge of type II diabetes and heart disease?" How nice of me.

I do make some weird things. He is a good sport. And he doesn't usually complain because he almost always has something homemade to eat.

Here’s my thought:
Since neither of us are ready to completely give up our sweets, I want to do what I can to substitute better-for-they-body ingredients where possible. We eat our share of desserts. But at least we know what is in them, because I made them.

"Don't fool yourself," he says. "A dessert is still a dessert." (Meaning it is still bad for you.)

"Exactly!" I reply, ignoring his implication. "It just tastes even better this way!"

He just chuckles and shakes his head.

Visit Tammy's Recipes for more kitchen tips and cooking thoughts!

P.S. I am aware that other factors affect health, like heredity, too.

Cooking Oils

Right now, I use extra virgin olive oil and canola oil in my cooking.

After hearing tidbits about the benefits of coconut oil and expecially after reading The World of Oils by Lindsay, I am rethinking that.

I would like to do some more research. I will stick with the extra virgin olive oil, but I am thinking that I would like to try to get away from canola oil because it is genetically modified - which I didn't know! But there are so many studies, statements, and opinions out there, it is hard to know what to believe on GMO's. It is almost like you have to just pick a side and go with it.

Bottom line, if using coconut oil is a simple as using canola oil, and coconut oil is the more natural option, I prefer to use coconut oil.

Now, I just have to go find some that I can afford.

Menu Plan 6/9/08

Breakfasts:
granola w/ milk

Lunches:
PB&J or tuna sandwiches
tortilla chips
carrot sticks
fruit
dessert

Dinners:
S-Black Bean and Couscous Salad (didn't get to it last week b/c we went out Friday)*
M-leftovers
T-Tomato and Spinach Pasta Toss, homemade bread (it is my goal to try this bread this week)
W-leftovers
Th-Zucchini and Rice Pizza Casserole (see recipe below)
F-leftovers
S-camping!

Desserts:
no-bake cherry cheesecake (not from scratch, but a treat!), brownies

*I might add some chicken since I only have one can of black beans and my husband likes meat.

Zucchini and Rice Pizza Casserole

1 1/2 c. cooked rice
2 sm. zucchini, sliced and steamed
4 oz. mushrooms, sliced
6-8 oz. mozzerella cheese, shredded
1/4 c. parmesan cheese
10-12 oz. spaghetti sauce
1/2 lb. ground beef or turkey, browned w/ 1/3 c. diced onion & 1/2 tsp. salt & drained (optional)

In a 1 1/2 quart casserole dish, make layers as follows from bottom to top: 2-3 T. sauce, meat mixture if desired, rice, mozzerella cheese, and zucchini. Cover with remaining sauce. Sprinkle with parmesan cheese and bake, covered, at 350 for 30-45 minutes, until hot. Makes 5-6 servings.

Visit Organizing Junkie for more menu planning links!

Summer To-Do List

Here are some things I am looking forward to on my to-do list this summer:

• pick blueberries
• buy local peaches
• go to the pool, a lot
• run and bike with my daughter
• sew new throw pillows for the living room
• sew grocery bags (still yet to do!)
• make custom wall art for daughter's room
• camp and vacation!
• host birthday party
• host neighborhood party (fall)
• read books (of course)

This is just an excerpt from the list.

Think I can do them all (in between being a wife, mommy, camp teacher, and test examiner)? Wish me luck!

Oatmeal Buttermilk Muffins

I never understood when people talked about "whipping something up for unexpected company". Around here, people don't usually drop by unannounced. I mean, we get together at friends' houses pretty often, but we make plans before showing up and plan what we are going to bring or contribute to the meal.

Well, last night was a first. We had overnight guests that we didn't know were coming until 9:30 at night. And I had just figured my husband and I would eat oatmeal or toast in the morning, but that wasn't going to suffice for guests that were visiting us for the first time. I had the ingredients to make granola, but I was going to bed. Then, I remembered seeeing Tammy's recipe for Oatmeal Buttermilk Muffins, and her commenting on making these when she was out of all other ingredients. It was going to be the muffins or homemade waffles for breakfast, and I decided the muffins would be less labor intensive.

So, being the domestic queen (ha!) that I am, I whipped up a batch (I just wanted to say that) for our guests for breakfast this morning. We were even out of juice. So we had coffee, muffins, and fruit. Not a terrible breakfast.

I liked the taste of the muffins. I added just a little cinnamon, no raisins, and I used vinegar instead of lemon juice w/ milk to make the buttermilk. I baked them for 5 minutes less than called for. The muffins weren't the prettiest - they weren't fluffy - but they tasted fine. Nothing to write home about, but a very practical recipe to have! I will probably making these again sometime for another weekend breakfast. Since they have little sugar, they'd make a good snack, too. Thanks, Tammy!

Tomato Spinach Pasta Toss

This Tomato and Spinach Pasta Toss looks yummy and EASY! Thanks, Steph. I may have to fit that on the menu soon.

Does anyone know if it is possible to buy sausage without nitrates/nitrites? I might be going to Whole Foods today, so I will see what they have there... I wonder if I could make it with ground beef and then just add lots of spices. It probably wouldn't be as good, though. Hmm.

Discount Bakery Items

Writing about soup made me think about bread...Here's my frugal tip of the week. Find out when your grocery store's bakery marks down day old bread.

Our Wal-mart puts a rolling shelf or two in the back (in the middle of the dairy/frozen food section!) around midday, most days. I have found wheat French bread for 80 cents, croissants 10 for $1.80, 6 cherry turnovers for $1.50, and lots of other rolls, artisan breads, hamburger buns, donuts, etc.

Ok, these are NOT healthy, so I don't do it that often. But I always check when I am there. I've learned these are good things to have in my freezer for when I have to throw in a quick side or dessert with a homemade dinner I am taking to someone. This also how I got inexpensive, but good, bread to go with the soup below for 30 people!

Of course, being me, I would rather take someone bread made from scratch, but it is just not always possible. Sometimes, "simplifying" and saving money wins, like in this case.

Please know, I do not like purchasing things from Wal-mart and try to buy as little as possible there: mostly fill-in food items that Aldi doesn't carry and are not on sale at the regular grocery stores.

Visit Frugal Friday for more ideas!

Plaza III Steak Soup

What do I serve company? Well, the last time we had company I made chicken enchiladas. The time before that we had pasta and before that time, fajitas. So I have to go awhile back to find a new or unique recipe... I know you may not be in the mood for soup, but save this recipe for the fall. It is very rich and meaty and mmm... good with buttered bread.

I made this for a large "couples" baby shower that we hosted one October evening. I made the recipe x 8 to make 32 servings. I just had 2 big stock pots of it on the stove with mugs and spoons (and bread and butter of course) set out and people helped themselves and mingled throughout the house. Even one guy who confessed he doesn't typically like soup commented on how rich and good it was, and that he liked it. He said it shouldn't be called soup. :)

I'm guessing with the cans of beef consomme and the bouillon it has some preservatives somewhere, but when I am cooking for a large group I worry more about making what they will enjoy than what is "healthy" in my eyes. It is a party, afterall! (Does that make me a hypocrite?)

Here you go:

Plaza III Steak Soup

4 T. butter

1/4 c. flour

2 (10 oz.) cans beef consomme

1/4 c. diced carrots

1/4 c. diced onions

1/4 c. diced celery

1/2 cup chopped canned tomatoes

3/4 t. Kitchen Bouquet

1 beef bouillon cube

1/4 t. ground black pepper

5 oz. frozen mixed vegetables

1/2 pound ground beefsteak, browned and drained*

Place butter in a soup pot and allow to melt without browning. Add flour and stir to form a roux. Cook the mixture for 3 minutes over medium heat without browning, stirring constantly. Add consomme to the roux and stir until smooth and lightly thickened. Bring to a full boil.

Add the fresh vegetables, tomatoes, and seasonings, and allow to return to a full boil. Reduce heat and simmer until vegetables are just barely tneder (20-30 minutes). Add frozen vegetables and ground steak. Simmer an additional 15 minutes. Be sure to cook long enough that the flavors become well blended.

This doubles very easily. Freezes well. Serves 4.

*A couple notes for anyone as inexperienced as me when I was shopping for ingredients. (I had to call my mom and my mother-in-law while at the grocery store for help.) Beef consomme is with the soups. I found Campbell's beef consomme on those soup dispenser shelves. Kitchen Bouquet I think was with the steak sauce?? It was a dark bottle with a bright yellow label. And I used plain old ground beef. Other hint: Don't omit any ingredients, or you won't get the full effect.

This recipe is from Melinda, another ol' teaching buddy who is a exceptional caterer on the side. I feel I must add that this recipe might not look simple, but it really is. It is also a pretty balanced (meat and veggies together) and even frugal (I figure less than $1 a serving) meal for serving a large group. Enjoy!

Visit A Latte Talk for other "Company's A-Comin!" dish ideas.

Taco Seasoning

We had taco salad tonight, and I made my own taco seasoning for the meat. I had seen the recipe at Passionate Homemaking and had been wanting to try it. Taco seasoning at Aldi is so cheap and easy, but it does contain MSG, which we try to avoid. We thought Lindsay's taco seasoning was great. I didn't use all of it, so that is nice that I can save it and not have to make it again the next time I need it!

Here is her recipe:

Taco-Seasoning Mix

This works splendidly for seasoning up refried beans and fajitas or any Mexican dish!

6 tsp chili powder
4 ½ tsp cumin
5 tsp paprika
3 tsp onion powder
2 ½ tsp garlic powder
1/8 – ¼ tsp cayenne pepper

Mix all the ingredients, and store in an air-tight container. The homemade mix is twice as strong as the store-bought one, so add only half as much.

Organic Cotton Jeans

Reading this tip today from Ideal Bite (I subscribe to their daily emails), I came across these organic cotton jeans for $40. I don't know if I like them, but what a steal for organic cotton jeans!

Of course the most-earth friendly thing to do would be to not buy new jeans in the first place, or buy them from a thrift store. But I get excited to see reasonably priced options provided by enviromentally conscious designers and companies.

$80 Grocery Trip

Well, I am back to trying to shop a week at a time for the groceries... I think that will allow me to take more advantage of the fresh summer produce.

This week I went to Wal-mart and Aldi. Originally planned to spend $70, but then had to up it to $80. Since we were out of peanut butter, I made some bbq chicken lunch today (prior to shopping). So then I had to buy more chicken for recipes I'm making this week. But the chicken I bought should last for meals next week, too, along with some other things I purchased. Like the ingredients for my favorite granola, because my printer was out of ink and so I couldn't print coupons for cereal as planned.

I took a really fast picture because I needed to get the cold stuff put away.

The lists:

Wal-mart

applesauce

baby oatmeal

9 jars baby food*

tea bags

yogurt

3 pkgs. yeast

ground cumin

dried cilantro (never tried this before - only have used fresh)

green pepper

couscous

bread

cantelope

fresh spinach

2 lb. red grapes

2 lb. green grapes

10 croissants (on the day old bread rack for $1.80)

Total = $32.39

*I usually try to feed my 11 month old fresh food, but baby oatmeal and babyfood fruits are for breakfasts on days when I am working and we have to head out of the house quickly in the morning. I need all the help I can get.

Aldi

3 lb. boneless skinless chicken breasts

2 bags frozen peas

1 bag frozen corn

sour cream

chocolate ice cream

Italian salad mix

salsa

cherry pie filling

no bake cheesecake

3 cans tuna

kidney beans

miracle whip

cheddar cheese

mozzerella cheese

skim milk

flour

quick oats

chocolate chips

brown sugar

almonds

extra virgin olive oil

1 dozen eggs

crackers (for my hubby)

blue corn tortilla chips

Total = $48.13

Total spent at both stores = $80.52

I hope I don't spend that every week! We need to buy dog food and I want to stay under $300 for the month. I'd like to get a Costco membership too. My goal is to fit the membership fee into the food budget this month! That seems pretty ambitious right now... that's why it is fun to post this stuff. It motivates me and holds me accountable.

(Oh yeah, and I realized after I got home that I forgot to get black beans at Wal-mart even though they were on my list, and I checked my list like 3 times before checking out. I am a moron sometimes. At least I can swing by and get them on my way home tomorrow.)

And finally, if you didn't see it already, here's what we will be eating this week, compliments of these purchases today.

Spinach Veggie Wraps

This week's Make-It-Yourself-Monday idea this week is to copy-cat a favorite restaurant meal. I did this before with the recipe below. It is not fancy, but I think it is pretty tasty.

Spinach Veggie Wraps – from Jason’s Deli

This is the only vegetarian item from a restaurant that I actually prefer over non-vegetarian items. (I am not a vegetarian.) I order it every time. It is not expensive at the restaurant, but here is the recipe in case you want to make it yourself – like I did when I was pregnant and wanted this instead of my usual pb&j everyday for lunch.

Spinach (whatever style you prefer)
Mushroom slices
Fresh avocado slices (or guacamole)
Pico de gallo
Sprouts
Monterey jack or asiago cheese

Spinach tortilla wrap

I leave out the sprouts just because I never have them handy. Wrap the ingredients in the tortilla and heat through so cheese is melted. Serve with salsa.

At Jason’s Deli they also serve it with a side of fresh fruit w/dip. A yummy, light and healthy lunch!

I am guessing that it would be an approximate 50 cents for each ingredient per serving (give or take some) plus $1 for fruit (which would give you more fruit than the restaurant serves). That's is $4 for the meal, which equals savings of at least 1/3 off the restaurant price of $5.99.

That is kind of expensive for a lunch for me, but it is chock full of nutrient dense ingredients. Plus, you could make it for even less if you shop wisely. It would also probably be good with leftover chicken or turkey added for more protein.

Visit Thrifty Florida Mama for more recipes for restaurant re-creations!

I Love Flax Seed

When I was baking oatmeal cookies tonight, I thought of another reason I like cooking with ground flax seed...

When you use it as an egg substitute (1T. flax seed + 3 T. water = 1 egg), you can eat all the cookie dough or cake batter you want without worrying about salmonella! :)

Not that that ever stopped me from licking the spoon before...

Menu Plan 6/2/08

Breakfasts:
cereal

Lunches:
Tuna sandwiches
Dinner leftovers
Fruit
Yogurt
Cookies

Dinners:
M – chicken salad sandwiches, carrots
T – taco salad
W – taco salad again
Th – fresh tomato and cheese pizza, fruit (an easy pizza crust)
F – black bean & couscous salad
S – dinner at friends’ party
S – ravioli, veggies

I will probably amend the recipes for the chicken salad and the black bean & couscous salad just a bit - leave out an ingredient or two, depending on what I have.

Desserts:
Chocolate milkshakes :)

Visit Organizing Junkie for more menu ideas!