Healthy Tastes Great

PID temperature controller’s excellent choice for incubators.

2014-01-24T19:57:00.002-06:00

The main problem with DIY incubators is temperature control.

I have seen so many type of temp control, I can testify to PID. Proportional-integral-derivative controllers are cheep, cheaper than most temperature controllers you can by from any poultry supply house. Ebay is loaded with them. And you can purchase them with a thermocouple and relay, to control any type of heat source.

The advantage to a PID controller is that it learns. As the temperature swings up and down, it measures time against rate of rise and learns just how long to hold on the heat source. The temperature reading can be calibrated to within .5 degrees, thus maintaining accurate temperature control.

So, check out Ebay, search PID controller and take accurate control over your DIY incubator project.

Baked Fried Chicken… A healthier Alternative to KFC…

2013-11-20T07:37:00.000-06:00

Baked Fried Chicken… A healthier Alternative to KFC…

Place thawed chicken breast tenderloin strips in a bowl of milk. Let soak for 20-30 min.

Mix in a Gallon Size Ziploc or Large Bowl:
1/2 tsp. Salt
1 T Season All
3/4 tsp Pepper
1 c. Flour
2 tsp. Paprika

Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Cut 1/2 stick of butter into a few pieces and place in a 9x13 pan. Melt butter in pre-heated oven.

Spread melted butter around the bottom of the pan. Lightly spray the pan, if needed, to make sure that there are no dry spots.

Shake excess milk off of chicken and completely coat each piece with the seasoning mix. You can either shake the chicken in the bag, until coated, or dip each piece in the bowl until coated.
Place each piece of chicken in the pan.

Cook for 20 min. Turn each piece of chicken and continue cooking for 20 more minutes, or until cooked through.
ENJOY!

Chicken Dome-Phase One....

2013-11-19T06:04:00.001-06:00

10 Reasons Why Everyone Should Store Oats http://www.ecosnippets.com/food-drink/10-reasons-why-everyone-should-store-oats/

2013-11-19T05:54:00.002-06:00

By Stephanie Dayle December 2, 201222 CommentsRead More →

10 Reasons Why Everyone Should Store Oats

And eat them too!

public domain photo

Oats are one of those storage foods people LOVE to ignore. I can’t even get my own husband to eat them. Since we both came from rural areas and grew up with the same self-reliant and frugal values, I couldn’t understand this. I love oats! Why would anyone not like oats? Soon I learned it wasn’t just him, but mostly everyone else I ran into. I am convinced that most people who don’t like oats are running into one of two main problems. They never had them prepared correctly to begin with; and/or they just don’t know what to do with them other than make oatmeal. I am going to solve these problems with you today. Oats are an extremely valuable item to put in your food stores and an incredibly healthy addition to your diet and here’s why:

1. Oats Store Exceedingly Well: Oats, especially in their slightly modified form of groats, and steel-cut oats – will last a LONG, LONG time and still deliver life-sustaining nutrition. How long? Studies performed at BYU have shown oats to still deliver “life-sustaining nutrition” for over 30 years if stored correctly. Click here to see an article on Dry Canning – which would be the only way to safely store them long-term. Even the more processed form of Rolled Oats or Traditional Oats will store 20+ years if stored correctly, Provident Living’s website claims 30 years. However, processing oats shortens their storage life, so the more processed they are, the shorter their shelf life.

Ready to soak overnight – photo by Stephanie Dayle 2013

2. Oats Can be Easily Prepared Without Power: A supply of rolled oats can be prepared in many different ways. The most common and easy way, is to boil them. This can be accomplished easily by setting your oats in water and a hint of lemon juice or vinegar overnight to soak (This makes them easier to digest and they will cook up so much nicer for you), the next morning your pre-soaked old-fashioned oats will cook up as easily as quick oats, this also saves on fuel for cooking. For the slow cooking of steel-cut oats or even rolled oats you can use a Dutch Oven with an ample supply of water. Place in a bed of coals, use charcoal briquettes, or use a kitchen oven on top of your wood stove. The sealing lid of the Dutch Oven locks in moisture and prevents the oatmeal from drying out. Or like in Scottish Haggis, it can be stuffed inside of various meats and used as a binder or stuffing. They can also be enjoyed as a drink that has been around for ages and the nice thing about the drink is that you still get many of the health benefits from the oats. You can also use oats to make your own granola as a snack or travel food (again you can do this with your Dutch Oven if need be click here to see an article on Choosing and Seasoning a Dutch Oven). Lastly, oats in the form of whole oats (with the hulls intact) can be sprouted in a matter of 3 days or so and eaten as lovely nutrient rich sprouts.

Sweet Cinnamon Oak Drink
• 1 C Old Fashioned Rolled Oats
• 1 (4-inch) Cinnamon Stick, Broken into Chunks
• 4 C Water
• Sugar or Honey to taste
In a large pitcher, soak the oats, cinnamon and water for a minimum of one hour, preferably three. Blend the mixture (remove the cinnamon stick) in a blender. Strain and sweeten to taste. Serve well-chilled or over ice.

Oatmeal
Photo by Stephanie Dayle 2013

Slow Cooker Oat Meal from Food Network’s Good Eats
• 1 cup steel-cut oats
• 1 cup dried cranberries
• 1 cup dried figs (or fruit of your choice)
• 4 cups water
• 1/2 cup half-and-half
In a slow cooker (or Dutch Oven), combine all ingredients and set to low heat. Cover and let cook for 8 to 9 hours (mine looked pretty good after 4 hours but I would not have hesitated to cook them longer) stir them to check for burning or drying and add more water if needed. If you are using a slow cooker (electric crock pot) method it works best if started before you go to bed. This way your oatmeal will be finished by morning.

3. Oats are Higher in Protein Than Wheat or Rice: Oat protein is 16.9 g to that of even Brown Rice at 7.94 g. Oat protein is almost equal to soy protein, which research has shown is equal to meat, milk, and egg protein (a bonus for those of us who don’t like soy). The protein content of the different forms of oats ranges from 12 to 24%, the highest among cereals making oats an excellent choice to store as a survival food for times when other sources of protein are scarce.

4. Oats Make You Feel Fuller Longer: Oats contain more soluble fiber than any other grain, resulting in slower digestion and an extended sensation of fullness. Staying fuller longer could come in handy when food is scarce.

5. Oats Will Help Control Blood Sugar and Cholesterol: Oats contain complex carbohydrates which help stabilize blood sugar and the before mentioned soluble fiber slows the absorption of glucose. The soluble fiber in oats has also been proven to lower bad cholesterol (LDL) by essentially taking it out with trash as it moves through and out of your system so to speak. Oats could be one of your only tools in treating someone with high cholesterol in a prolonged emergency when they do not have access to their statin drugs and oats could be one of many dietary tools for helping to manage blood sugar levels (assuming you don’t smother the oats in sugar).

6. Oats Can be Used as a Meat Expander: During the depression, many families added oats to their meat when grinding and cooking it to make it go further and to keep everyone fuller a little longer. A favorite place to add oats was and still is to meat loaves as oats tend to take on the flavor of whatever they are cooked with.

7. Oats Can be Grown Where Wheat Cannot: Oats are grown in temperate regions. They have a lower summer heat requirement and greater tolerance of rain than other cereals such as wheat, rye or barley. They could be grown in areas with cool, wet summers, such as the Northwest. As an example to their hardiness, they are being grown successfully in Iceland. Oats also do not require weeding as they usually choke out most weeds. Whole oats can be planted as seeds.

8. Oats Can be Ground Into Flour: Groats are a good choice for flour making, but you can also use old-fashioned rolled oats. Rolled oats can be turned into oat flour with a strong food processor while groats will require a grain mill. Oat flour adds the health benefit of oats to any baked good. Oat flour, if coming from a wheat-free facility, can also help fill the holes in a gluten-free diet. If wheat becomes more scarce, oat flour may become its substitute.

9. Oats are Inexpensive and Versatile: Beside all the uses you’ve read about so far, left over oatmeal can be made into a simple homemade oat bread. Click here to view the recipe. Not only does this save money, but it adds nutrition and depth of flavor to your bread. Oats are relatively inexpensive due to their use as livestock feed and their unpopularity as people food. When compared to other high protein grains, oats are rather inexpensive making it an important choice for food storage. Now is a good time to stock up on oats.

10. Oats Can Double as an Animal Feed: Complex carbohydrates, in oats, have been providing energy to livestock for a very long time. Horses were the reason humans started cultivating oats. They can be fed to horses, cows, dogs (in the form of oatmeal), chickens, goats, sheep and almost every other farm animal.

5 main types of oats and why it matters!

Whole Oats - These oats are usually straight from the field and still have a hull. You usually can only get these from a feed or farm supply store. Unless you have the means to remove the hull I would not recommend getting them unless you want them as animal feed or as seed – if you do buy them and want to use them as food, make sure they have not been treated with any kind of chemicals or poison.

Groats - These are oats with the hull removed, but are still difficult to come by. they can be found in co-ops and health food stores. They take a very long time to cook up, and remain hard and unpleasant to eat – BUT they are excellent if you want to grind them into flour with your home grain mill. You could also run them through your steel burrs if you have them on your grain mill, on a course grind and make your own version of steel-cut oats, which makes a very nice porridge. These are fairly difficult to grind without practice however, so another option would be if you have a roller mill or roller mill attachment for your meat grinder or KitchenAid, you can make your own old-fashioned rolled oats from groats.

Steel Cut Oats or Irish Oats
public domain photo

Steel Cut Oats - These are oats that have been cut by steel blades into small pieces. They cook up finer and quicker than groats to make a nice porridge, and many people say that flavor from steel-cut oats is better than the old-fashioned rolled oat porridge we know as “oatmeal.” They are also known as Irish Oats or Pinhead Oats. Cooking time on Steel cut oats is 35-60 minutes if not longer.

Rolled Oats or Old Fashioned Oats - Are a processed version of groats. They are groats that have been steamed and rolled flat to speed up cooking time to around 10-15 minutes in boiling water.

Quick Oats - Once again these are groats that have been steamed, but they have been rolled even thinner to decrease cooking time even more to 3-5 minutes in boiling water. Once oats are processed to this extreme they start losing some of their nutritional value as the processing methods begin to damage the soluble fiber within the oats.

Rolled Oats
public domain photo

Instant Oats- these are oats, usually quick oats, that have been pre-cooked and then dehydrated. You only need to add hot water to these oats for a finished product. They do not store well at all and are the least nutritious of all the different forms of oats, but they still have a well deserved spot in your Bug Out Bag, or your 72 hour kit. Flavored Quaker Instant Oatmeal is this type of oats.

And let’s not forget about oatmeal cookies!! While not vital to survival they sure are good and would serve as a nice easy to make comfort food – click here for a wheat free oatmeal cookie recipe!

Click here to visit my blog, The Home Front!

BREAKFAST, the most important meal of the day,,

2013-11-12T08:51:00.001-06:00

I was told by my Doctors nurse that I really needed to eat breakfast in the morning, and maybe something other than oatmeal a couple hours after I get to work. She advise something like an egg before leaving for work.

SO, this morning, Tracy fixed me two pouched eggs and toast. WOW, I really enjoyed it and I definitely feel different.

So, eggs it is...

Thanks Babe...

2013-11-12T08:48:00.002-06:00

2013 Dr. visit and blood workup results

Called by Dr. office and given my blood workup results:

Cholesterol was 175 now up to 204. Normal less than 225

Triglycerides 132 Normal 66-139

HDL 48 Good

LDL was 114 now 130 Borderline high

Sugar is 101 and tested high, not low

Liver test normal

Monitor sugar for high and lows.

Will have to work on Choleserol via diet... So, lets see what happens.

Spinach Stuff Chicken Breast

2013-05-07T20:34:00.000-05:00

Spinach Stuff Chicken Breast

Chicken breast butterfly cut to make a pocket.

In oven safe pan, coat bottom with olive oil and coat top of check breast.

Sprinkle with Grill Mates Montreal Chicken seasoning.

Broil in oven, butterfly cut down, to brown bottom first.

When golden, turn over and brown top and pocket.

drain spinach from a can (I like Popeye's). Mix with sour cream and graded cheese. Use pepper jack to

make spicy..Use cheese of your liking.

Fill pocket of breast with Spinach and put back in oven. Place back in broiler and cook until spinach starts to crust. Remove, check chicken from done (I cut open the thickest part and check for done.)

Side with a salad of baked potato....

Enjoy..

Note: photo cabbaged from Google images.. I forgot to take a picture. Too excited to get to eating...

2013-03-12T08:30:00.001-05:00

Old Tractor Tires make great raised garden beds..

Bruschetta Chicken Bake

2012-05-11T13:34:00.001-05:00

10 min. prep time. 30 min. bake time

1 can dices tomatoes, un-drained

1 package 6 oz. StoveTop chicken flavored stuffing

2 tsp. minced garlic

1 ½ lb. boneless skinless chicken breasts. Cut into bite sized pieces and brown in skillet on stove top.

1 tsp. dried basil leaves

1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese

Heat oven to 400F

Place tomatoes with their liquid in medium bowl, add stuffing mix, ½ cup hot water and garlic; stir until stuffing mix is moistened. Set aside.

Place chicken pieces in 13x9 baking dish; sprinkle with basil and cheese. . Top with stuffing mixture.

Bake 30 min. until browned to your liking.

Serves 6 one cup servings.

I think a small can of mushrooms would put this recipe over the top...I know I am going to try that next time.

NOTE: I left the chicken breast whole and precooked, and then added cheese and stuffing mix and then baked. VERY VERY GOOD...

Heart of Palm.... YUMMY.....

2012-03-26T19:39:00.000-05:00

Today I learned something from a co-worker. She came out with a can of Hearts of Palm. I said, what the heck is that? She said, "You have to try these." Reluctantly I did, and I am glad. I pulled out a chunk of white, meaty, vegetable substance, that has the consistence and texture of Crab Meat. A unique flavor, that I think because of the texture reminded me of Crab Meat..

Michelle stated it works great as a snack, or cut up on a salad. The nutritional details are great and a healthy choice. If you do a little research, you will find some amazing recipes.

Give it a try, you will like it. Trust me. You can find in your grocer near the artichoke hearts. Either canned, or jarred.

Here is an interesting video on how Hearts of Palm are made...

Thanks MP....

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c5Xck6FjmV4

The Perfect grilled Panini....

2012-03-13T19:42:00.001-05:00

My wife got me 100% whole wheat Deli Flat Bread. I made a sandwich and took it to work. My friend Luara said, that bread make great Panini's and gave me the following receipe, to which I have put my own twist on. Thanks Laura..

Deli Flat bread. Mix EVOO and black pepper, and spread on inside face of both sides. Put on your favorite turkey meats, ham or healthy choice lunchon meats. Two slices of cheese (your choice) on each side of the meat next to the bread. This helps to hold your panini together after it melts.

In a George Forman Grill, place the bread side out (with the EVOO on it,) crust side in. Grill it until your liking. Great Sandwich... Happy Eating...

Mark
healthytastesgreat.blogspot.com

PERFECT HEALTY SNACK....Frozen fruit....!

2012-03-03T15:30:00.000-06:00

My mother in law taught me this one. Grape frozen are very very tasty. The perfect snack. So, I got to thinking to myself...Self, wonder about watermelon, cantaloupe, pears, apples, oranges frozen? Can't help but think they would be just as good.

The frozen grapes tastes like a cross between ice-cream and a pop sickle....YUMM......

Mark....

Healty Tastes Great pays off.... Blood test results..

2012-03-01T20:15:00.002-06:00

Today I had blood work done. After three months of hard work, meaning a strict diet, eating right, no sugars and no fats, I have achieved my goals. Debbie, my doctors nurse said she was very proud of me.

My results are as follows:

Weight was 288 now 242.

Total Cholesterol was 232 now 175 0-200 nominal. Triglycerides was 161 now 89 0-150 is nominal. LDL was 149 now 114 0-130 is nominal. HDL is 43 40-60 is nominal. Sugar was 99 70-100 is nominal. Bilirubin is DOWN.

So, I was moved from Pravastatin to Crestor for another three months, just to assure my cholesterol is under control.

So, healthy feels good.... Really good...

Marks original Portabella Mushrooms, Shrimp and Scallops in Creamed Creole Sauce.

2012-02-29T20:10:00.002-06:00

This is my original recipe that turned out FABULIOUS. No Changes or tweeks needed. The Creole was an exceptional taste for the seafood and the portabella's. Served with a Balsamic vinegar dressing Salad, with fresh cut mushrooms and crazins. Bon Appétit.

Cut portabella mushrooms (as much as you want.)
1 bag Frozen scallops
1 bag Frozen shrimp (without tails)
2 can Campbells Cream of Mushroom Soup
Tony Chachere's Original Creole Seasoning.
Extra Virgin Olive Oil
1/4 stick real butter.

In a pan on stove top, on med heat, put frozen shrimp, scallops, EVOO and butter in pan, stir often. As the seafood thaws and cooks, sprinkle liberally with creole seasoning. I dashed it once, turned over seafood and dash again. Remember Creole has a bite if heavy.

Add mushrooms and both cans of Cream of Mushroom Soup. Bring to a boil and cook until mushrooms are to desired finish. Stir often.

I am very proud of how this dish turned out. Try it and let me know what you think.

Mark...

Chicken Fajitas

2012-02-27T04:42:00.002-06:00

Fajitas are great to make in the summer, when you want to use your grill, but in the colder months, you can use an indoor grill like the George Forman grill, which is perfect because it requires little oil. You can also make this on a cast iron skillet. I have found many low point tortillas available in various stores. Usually if they are low carb, low fat, they are 1 pt. La Tortilla Factory - Low-Carb/Low Fat Large Size are huge and also great for wraps and quesadillas.

Chicken Fajitas
Gina's Weight Watcher Recipes
Servings: 4 servings • Old Points: 4 pts • Points+: 5 pts
Calories: 192.1 • Fat: 5.5 g • Carb: 16.7 g • Fiber: 8.3 g • Protein: 25.5 g

16 oz boneless skinless chicken breasts
1 bell pepper, cut into strips
1 poblano chile, cut into strips
1 onion, cut into strips
3 tbsp lime juice
1 tsp ground cumin
1 tsp garlic powder
ancho chile powder or chipotle chili powder, to taste
salt and pepper to taste
2 tsp olive oil
4 low fat, low carb tortillas (La Tortilla Factory)

Marinate the chicken with lime juice, and season with chile powder, salt, pepper, garlic powder and cumin.

Season vegetables with salt and pepper and toss with olive oil.

Heat George Forman grill. Grill chicken until well browned, but not hard to the touch. Transfer to a plate when done. Cut into strips. Grill vegetables until tender (about 15 minutes). Once cooked, combine with chicken. Serve immediately with tortilla and toppings.

Optional 0 point toppings: Salsa, chopped serrano chiles, chopped fresh cilantro, sliced green onions.

Cauliflower Fritters

2012-02-27T04:22:00.001-06:00

This is a delicious way to prepare cauliflower. Similar to the taste of a potato pancake. Your kids will love them! Makes approx 24 fritters depending on size of cauliflower.

Cauliflower Fritters
Gina's Weight Watcher Recipes
Servings: 12 • Size: 2 fritters • Old Points: 2 pts • Points+: 3 pts
Calories: 108.9 • Fat: 6.6 g • Protein: 3.8 g • Carb: 9.4 g • Fiber: 2.1 g

4 cups steamed cauliflower (roughly chopped)
2 cloves garlic, crushed
1 cup whole wheat flour
2 eggs
1/2 cup Pecorino Romano
1/4 cup parsley, finely chopped
1/4 cup hot water
Chopped green onions
salt and pepper
1/4 cup olive oil

In a large bowl, combine cauliflower, flour, garlic, eggs, grated cheese, parsley, salt and pepper. Add water so that batter becomes slightly more dense than pancake batter.

On medium-low heat, add 1 tbsp of oil in a 10 inch skillet coating bottom of the pan. Use a 1/4 cup measuring cup to form fritters. You can fit 4 fritters at a time. Cook until golden brown, turn and cook another few minutes. Add a little more oil to the pan, and repeat with the remaining batter.

Makes 24 fritters.

Chicken Burger Red Beans and Rice...

2012-02-18T17:53:00.000-06:00

GOOD For ya Chicken Burger Red Beans and Rice.

This recipe is not hard to do and the amounts of ingredients are estimated and added to your likings...

1 lb Chicken Burger *(I am sure Turkey Burger would be great also.)

2 tablespoon EVOO..

two or three shakes of Worcestershire sauce in burger as it cooks.

2 cups brown rice

chopped onion

chopped green peppers

1 can tomatoes sauce

1 can rotel tomatoes with chilis

2 tablespoon minced garlic

2 cans kidney beans

1 can whole kernel corn

1 can sliced mushrooms

Salt

Pepper

Garlic Salt

Onion Salt

Italian seasoning

Franks Red Hot sauce (shake it shake it shake it.)

In a large wok fry burger in olive oil. Add onions, green peppers, salt pepper, onion salt, garlic salt and Italian seasoning.

Cook rice separate (I love to use a rice cooker.)

Combine rice to cooked burger, adding tomato sauce, mushrooms, corn and kidney beans.

Let simmer for about 5 minutes, and shake in Franks Red Hot Sauce. Shake it baby shake it. Taste and shake some more. Heat up to your liking.

This recipe is from Rolla, MO.. But you would swear it was from the bayou.

Craisin Salad

2012-02-17T04:51:00.001-06:00

Craisin Salad

1 head Romaine Lettuce

1 bag Craisins

1 sm container Feta Cheese

2 sm bags slivered almonds

1/4--1/2 red onion

1 bag real bacon bits

Toast almonds. Mix ingredients together, toss with dressing.

Dressing

½ cup oil

1/4 cup sugar

1/4 cup vinegar

2 garlic cloves

1/4 teaspoon salt

1/4 teaspoon pepper

1/4 teaspoon paprika

1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper

Stuffed Chicken Saltimbocca with Arugula and Tomato Salad

2012-02-16T21:24:00.000-06:00

The best chicken breast recipe I have ever tasted. I mean the best. Rolla Lions Club served this to the Rolla Lioness and it was a hit. YUMMY....

Mouthwatering baked prosciutto-wrapped chicken breasts with cheese are perfectly paired with a tomato-arugula salad topped with seasoned panko breadcrumbs. Prepare the chicken ahead of time for a make-ahead meal.

by Rachael Ray | from Week in a Day | on 01/30/12

Photo credit: Lisbeth Axell

Ingredients

1 cup fresh ricotta cheese
1/2 cup grated Parmigiano Reggiano cheese, divided
8-10 fresh sage leaves, very thinly sliced
A splash of milk or half-and-half
Kosher salt
4 boneless, skinless chicken breast halves
Freshly ground pepper
8 slices prosciutto di Parma
EVOO, for drizzling
3 tablespoons butter
3 cloves garlic, finely chopped
1 cup panko breadcrumbs
1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves, chopped
A few handfuls of arugula (1 bunch), stemmed
4 plum tomatoes, thinly sliced lengthwise

Serves 4

Preparation

Combine the ricotta, 1/4 cup Parmigiano Reggiano cheese, sage and milk and season with salt.

Butterfly each chicken breast, cutting horizontally into the thickest part of the breast almost all the way through to the other side (keeping the breast attached on one side). Open each breast like a book and pound to 1/8-1/4-inch thick using the flat side of a meat mallet. Sprinkle the chicken with salt and pepper. Place a spoonful of the ricotta mixture in the center of each chicken breasts, then fold the chicken over to enclose the filling. Wrap each chicken breast with 2 slices prosciutto, overlapping them slightly. Wrap each chicken breast in plastic wrap and refrigerate overnight.

Pre-heat the oven to 400°F.

Unwrap the chicken breasts and place on a rimmed baking sheet or shallow baking dish. Drizzle with EVOO, then bake until the chicken is cooked through and the prosciutto is crisp, 20-25 minutes.

While the chicken bakes, heat the butter in a small skillet over medium heat. Add the garlic and cook, stirring, for 2 minutes. Add the panko and thyme and cook, stirring, until the panko is golden. Remove from the heat and stir in the remaining 1/4 cup Parmigiano Reggiano cheese.

Divide the chicken among four plates. Arrange the arugula alongside the chicken and top the arugula with the tomatoes and garlic breadcrumbs.

Cook's Note: The stuffed chicken breasts can be refrigerated for up to 2 days before cooking.

Cowboy Casserole - looks like dog food - tastes delicious.

2012-02-13T20:01:00.000-06:00

Not Really for sure how healthy, but it sure did sound like some kinda good I had to repost it.

I'm so happy that summer is ready to get the heck out of here. Those of you that know me, know that summer is not my favorite season. In fact, it's my least favorite of the four.

If it could just be kind enough to arrive without the heat and humidity, I’d really enjoy it a whole helluva lot more. Humidity is not my friend.

Bad. Bad. Bad. It makes my hair frizz. Frizzy hair is not a good look for me.

Fall, now that is my season. My hair does not frizz in the fall. This makes me happy.

I enjoy cooking and baking so much more in the fall. My kitchen is a little cozier when the oven is heating it up instead of the sweltering heat from outside.

I can barely wait for all the soups, stews and casseroles that are just around the corner.

I saw this recipe is an issue of Taste of Home and I literally couldn’t wait to make it. Luckily the weather wasn’t as hot as it has been over the past few weeks.

Now as you can see from the title…this is nothing to look at. It’s not a pretty looking casserole, but what casserole is really?

I changed it up quite a bit. This is the kind of dish that you can really make your own. It is what my husband would call a “stick to your ribs” kind of meal.

It’s comfort food on a fork. I've made it two times in 3 weeks. Think shepherd's pieish, with a wicked twist. A delicious mix of hamburger, cheese and corn sandwiched in between a layer of crunchy tots. It's the kind of dish Napoleon Dynamite would give 2 thumbs up too.

My casserole dish missed me. "sniff"

Cowboy Casseroleadapted from a recipe at Taste of Home1 1/2 pounds ground beef (I used 80/20)
1 medium onion, chopped
3 cloves garlic, chopped
1 can (15.25oz) whole kernel corn, drained
1 can condensed cream of mushroom soup
2 cups cheddar cheese, shredded
1/2 cup milk
4 tablespoons sour cream
1 bag (30 oz) frozen tater tots (I used Ore-Ida Crispy Crowns)

Before I got ready to make this casserole, I let the Crispy Crowns sit on the counter to defrost for an hour or so. The original recipe used still frozen tater tots, but I felt they wouldn't cook as well if they were still frozen solid.

In a large skillet cook the onion until tender and translucent. Add the chopped garlic and cook for 1 minute more. Add the beef and cook over medium heat until no longer pink. Drain the mixture and place into a large bowl and set aside.

In a small bowl combine the soup, milk and sour cream. Whisk until smooth. Add to hamburger mixture and stir to combine. Add corn and 1 cup of cheddar cheese. Gently mix to combine.

Grease a 9x13 inch baking dish. Layer half of the Crispy Crowns on the bottom, pour the hamburger mixture over the top and then layer with the other half of the Crispy Crowns. Sprinkle with remaining 1/2 cup cheese and bake at 350 for 25 - 30 minutes, or until golden brown and crunchy.

*Note - The second time I made this I prepared it the night before and stuck it in the fridge overnight. I took it out about an hour before I wanted to bake it, just so it could come to room temperature a bit. I think it was even better than the first one!

Healty Cookies?

2012-02-13T19:24:00.001-06:00

This Blog

This Blog

Wednesday, May 21, 2008

Healthy Cookies?

What's the point? If I'm going to eat a cookie, it should be good- full of butter and chocolate not light in calories and good for you. But this one is a little of both. Don't believe me? Try it yourself.
I discovered this recipe because I was looking for a low sugar/sugar free cookie for a little boy that I take care of. His parents don't eat a lot of sugar (one is diabetic) and I know they don't want him to either. I made a cookie - if you want to call it that- it was more like a saucer- from a healthy cookbook of theirs, but they only had whole wheat flour, date sugar, and margarine. If you bake at all you know those are not the greatest of ingredients to work with, especially if you're wanting it to taste good. I searched the web and found Sugarless Oatmeal Banana Cookies. They're not exactly "sugarless" though because bananas, raisins and milk all have sugar. I guess you could call them "No Sugar Added Oatmeal Banana Cookies" but that makes for a really long name. And besides I added chocolate chips to mine, so I added sugar. Oh, well.
Oatmeal Banana Cookies

1/3 c. butter, softened
1/4 c. milk
2 c. oats
1/2 c. raisins
1 tsp. vanilla
3 ripe bananas, mashed

Mix all ingredients together in a medium bowl. Let stand for 5-10 minutes allowing the oats to soak up all the milk. Drop by tablespoon full onto a cookie sheet. Bake 15-20 minutes at 350 degrees*. Allow to cool. Makes 2-3 dozen.
*NOTE: I baked the first batch at 350 for 15-20 minutes, but they didn't seem cooked all the way through, but they were getting too dark on the bottom. I did the next 2 batches at 325 for 25 minutes and they were much better. I would suggest this temp, but all ovens vary, so you'll just have to keep an eye them.
These are not your typical "cookies". They don't contain flour or leavening, so they won't rise or spread. They taste very much like banana bread. Even the texture is the same. I was pleasantly surprised by these "healthy" cookies. The family loved them.
Other additions (add 1/4 c of any of these to batter):

mini chocolate chips
chopped nuts
dried chopped fruit (cranberries, apricots, cherries)
shredded coconut

I am So STOKED....BIG LOSS..

2012-02-11T08:55:00.000-06:00

Well, this was a very great Saturday morning. Tracy and I both had a great, fabulous, wonderful, joyous, huge weigh-in. Are you ready for this... MINUS 8 pounds for me and 4 pounds for Tracy. Wow that is just what we needed, since last week was not a very good loss. SO, that is 46 pounds for me and 18 pounds for Tracy.

We were told early on that it was going to be easier for me, "A man thing," and harder for Tracy. Well, I have to say it is not for lack of hard work on Tracy's part. She is so faithful to her workouts, and while it the gym gives it 150%. Not me... I fizzle out quick and never do a complete workout. I find it easy to say, "My back hurts, or Wooo, I pushed that set to hard (yeah, right.)

I have watched Tracy get on the Treadmill, and spend 20 minutes in a hard fast run to get her cardio up. Get off and do 40 Roman Chair lower/leg lifts. Get back on the Treadmill and do another 20 minutes. I get a workout just watching.

Well, my loss being bigger is not due to a better eating regiment or a tougher workout. That just ain't the way it is. It's just a man thing.

So, 288 down to 242... That's HUGE if I say so my self.

Flippen Crazy week....NO progress

2012-01-28T16:14:00.000-06:00

This past week was crazy. Long days, and was unable to follow my usual. 14-16 hour days and not getting my normal meals, and I gain one pound, so the scales say.

Don't know why, can't say why.

Better luck next week... Mark

Tuna mostaccioli noodles casserole

2012-01-24T19:50:00.000-06:00

2 or 3 cans tuna
1 tsp garlic salt to taste
just a shake of salt
just a shake of pepper

2 tsp. minced garlic

1 can cream of mushroom soup

2 cans cut mushrooms

top with dusting of lemon pepper
a little over 1/2 cup of Italian bread crumbs
1/4 cup Ranch dressing
1/2 box mostaccioli noodles

Boil mostaccioli noodles until done; drain, rinse, drain, rinse.

Drain water from tuna and place in a bowl. Add remaining ingredients.
Be sure mixture has a creamy enough consistency, and taste to see if enough garlic salt has been added. If mixture is too creamy, add more bread crumbs, and vice-versa (Ranch Dressing).
Stir in cooked egg noodles and place in casserole dish. Sprinkle lemon pepper on top and bake in oven at 250 degree for 10-15 minutes. Sprinkle choice of cheese on top and place back into oven for a couple minutes until the cheese melts. Overcooking will make tuna dry.

Remember PORTION CONTROL. You will want seconds, but don't..

Peach Dressing on boneless Pork Ribs... OMG good

2012-01-23T19:51:00.001-06:00

Yeah, thats right.. Paula Deen Peach Dressing on boneless Pork Ribs.. They were SLAP YOUR MOMMA GOOD. This is Tracy's original recipe, that I have to admit at first I thought to myself, "Self, don't know how this is going to turn out." Well, I have no idea why I questioned her thinking...

It was like cleaning up after Alpacas.. IT WAS AWESOME..... Fricken Awesome.

Pour Paula Deens Peach Salad Dressing over Boneless Pork Ribs and bake in oven at 350 degree for about 2 hours. They were so tender, and delicious, accompanied by fried tators onions (fried in olive oil..)

Awesome combination.. NOW remember, it is all about portion.. One slice of ribs and a serving of tator about the size of your fist... You will be tempted to go back for seconds, but don't. Save the left overs for tomorrows sandwich.. CAN'T WAIT...

Healthy Tastes Great

PID temperature controller’s excellent choice for incubators.

Baked Fried Chicken… A healthier Alternative to KFC…

Baked Fried Chicken… A healthier Alternative to KFC…

Chicken Dome-Phase One....

10 Reasons Why Everyone Should Store Oats http://www.ecosnippets.com/food-drink/10-reasons-why-everyone-should-store-oats/

10 Reasons Why Everyone Should Store Oats

And eat them too!

Related posts:

BREAKFAST, the most important meal of the day,,

2013 Dr. visit and blood workup results

Spinach Stuff Chicken Breast

Spinach Stuff Chicken Breast

Bruschetta Chicken Bake

Heart of Palm.... YUMMY.....

The Perfect grilled Panini....

PERFECT HEALTY SNACK....Frozen fruit....!

Healty Tastes Great pays off.... Blood test results..

Marks original Portabella Mushrooms, Shrimp and Scallops in Creamed Creole Sauce.

Chicken Fajitas

Cauliflower Fritters

Chicken Burger Red Beans and Rice...

Craisin Salad

Stuffed Chicken Saltimbocca with Arugula and Tomato Salad

Ingredients

Preparation

Cowboy Casserole - looks like dog food - tastes delicious.

Not Really for sure how healthy, but it sure did sound like some kinda good I had to repost it.

Healty Cookies?

Wednesday, May 21, 2008

Healthy Cookies?

I am So STOKED....BIG LOSS..

Flippen Crazy week....NO progress

Tuna mostaccioli noodles casserole

Peach Dressing on boneless Pork Ribs... OMG good