Mandys Box of Recipes

Cabbage and Rice

2012-01-10T14:50:00.001-05:00

Saute the onion and garlic for about 5 minutes...

Then add the shredded cabbage and sliced carrots....

Cook til desired doneness...

Yummy! I made a sauce to pour over the top...

Serve on top of rice... :)

I tried for the whole month of December to do no meat and no milk products for any meals. I wanted to see how I felt and how the kids were acting by not giving them the meat and milk products. Ok, they got milk in the morning, but I stayed away completely! I am pretty proud of myself too!

We don't normally eat a lot of meat anyways, so it wasn't a huge deal, but wanted to omit it completely!

Yea, December what not the greatest month to do that "diet"! haha!! So I am trying to continue that for this month! :)

This is really easy and very few ingredients, which makes it cheap, but tasty! :)

Cabbage and Rice

Heat 2 TBSP coconut oil in skillet... add chopped onions and garlic, stir and cook about 5 minutes.

Add 4 cups finely sliced cabbage and 1/2 cup chopped or sliced carrots.

Stir fry for about 5 minutes or until veggies are your desired doneness.

Add:
1/8 tsp paprika
1 tsp salt
dash of pepper
2 t soy sauce
Stir thoroughly until well blended and pour over the cabbage.
Serve immediately over rice.

Enjoy! :)

Granola Apple Slices

2012-01-10T14:32:00.001-05:00

I like to do snack lunches for my kids. It's easy, healthy and fast. :) I am not sure about you, but I like quick, easy and healthy, and if you can do all three at the same time, SCORE! :)

Most days I don't eat lunch, so if it's a snack lunch, I'll munch on things as I make it for the kids. The kids also like to help make their lunches!

I had made some granola this morning, then just put some natural peanut butter on some apple slices, then dipped the apple in the granola! The kids LOVED this! A different way to eat an apple and granola!

As you can see, I just added some fruit and the rest of the apple plus some leftover chicken.

Easy Peasy! :)

Cheesy Cauliflower Pancakes

2011-11-27T20:39:00.001-05:00

I know what you are thinking... Seriously, CAULIFLOWER PANCAKES??? Really, have I gone in the deep end or what?

Well, I was looking through pinterest and saw this recipe and thought, oh, I've GOT to try these! Then I had a friend tell me she made them and they were absolutely delish!

So I was like yeah, I can TOTALLY make these, no one will know it's cauliflower, the cheese will cover it all up....

I almost fooled them, not that I want too, because like I've said before, I WANT my kids to be EXCITED and to know EXACTLY what they are eating! I FULLY believe in telling them what they are eating, so one they know, and two, they can continue those healthy eating habits as teenagers and adults... Or so I can hope, right? ;)

I guess I'm also trying to "trick" my husband and see if he can taste it! He ALWAYS finds out what's in them because the kids either tell him or I will after he's taken the first bite or two! ;)

I did have them ALL on the cookie dough one though! That was pretty awesome, not gonna lie... I think I still need to post that recipe too... Hmm... I'm behind...

Ok, back to the recipe... I'm tired.. I prob should've post things when I'm this tired! ;)

Give them a try, they seriously are good! REALLY easy to make too! Gonna make these yummy pancakes again!! :D
(I thought I had pics of it getting mixed up, but I didn't... or I can't find them, so here are the last few... you get the idea though, REALLY easy!)

Here they are on the griddle cooking on one side...

Nice and brown, flip them puppies over! ;)

Here they are all done, nice and brown ;)

Hee hee, it looks like 2 eyeballs with the bacon making it look like a frown face! Should've turned it around a bit! ;) Anyways... Here they are done! My kids gobbled up the pancakes AND the bacon! It was a very easy meal and it was good and healthy! Can't go wrong can you?
For the bacon, I put it in a Pampered Chef Bar Pan (It has to have sides) and put it in the oven at 375. It took about 15 minutes, but it was so much easier than frying it! I put a piece of foil on top of the stone so as soon as it was cool, I just lifted the foil up and right in the trash! Talk about EASY clean up! Try it! ;)

Cheesy Cauliflower Pancakes

1 head cauliflower
2 large eggs
1/2 c cheddar cheese, grated
1/2 c panko
1/2 t cayenne pepper (more of less to taste)
salt
olive oil

Cut cauliflower into florets; cook in boiling water until tender about 10 minutes. Drain. Mash the cauliflower while still warm. Stir cheese, eggs, panko, cayenne & salt to taste.

Coat the bottom of a griddle or skillet with olive oil over medium-high heat. Form the cauliflower mixture into patties about 3 inches across. Cook until golden brown & set, about 3 minutes per side. Keep each batch warm in the oven while you cook the rest.

*I served this with a bit of sour cream on the top. I know, it sounds weird, but it was actually really good! I think next time I make this, i will put this in my Vita Mix and really blend it. ;)

These aren't that bad! The hubs said I could make them again! ;)

2011-11-27T04:00:00.001-05:00

“And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.” Colossians 3:17 ESV

So what does this mean to you?

To me it means that everything you do, whether you want to do it or not, give THANKS to God! So when cleaning out that toilet, give Thanks to God that you have hands to clean it, give thanks that you HAVE a toilet to clean.... What about laundry...? When I do laundry, I usually say, call me after a few hours, becasue I may be stuck in my Mount Everest of laundry... ;) It's funny, but I do sometimes find myselg not giving Thanks for my laundry....

I've recently decided to find JOY AND THANKS in EVERYTHING!!! Yes, everything! It doesn't matter how bad it is, we've been through some bad things, but I choose to be thankful. ;) It may not always be easy, but Satan REALLY hates when bad things come and we are THANKFUL! it just makes him angry, and I love making him angry... At those times, he will fight harder to get us and discourage us, but in those times, you call out and be THANKFUL to God. God will see you through and help you, all you need to do is call out and ask Him to help! He will help you!

Crock Pot Mac and Cheese

2011-11-26T04:00:00.001-05:00

I don't know about you, but I LOVE using my crock pot! I usually have a meal from that on Thursday. We have SPEAR every Thursday from 2-3, so by the time we get home, I am not in the mood to get supper around and cook. There are times I forgot to get it going, and we do something easy, but most times I actually remember to get something in there! ;)

This is so easy, most recipes that are crock pot recipes are easy, if for some reason they aren't, I usually don't do them! ;)

This will seem like a LOT of liquid, but the noodles really do absorb it all.

You could use this as a side dish, or as a main meal. I actually did put some wings on the grill with this.

Pour milk in crock pot

Then a layer of noodles

Then a layer of shredded cheese

More milk, noddles and top off with cheese

Here it is... It looks kinda like scrambled eggs, I probably will only use 1-2 eggs instead of 4 next time. But it was still really good!

Again, it doesn't look like mac and cheese, but it's really good!
Give a try, super easy to put together and it tastes GREAT!! It's alot healthy than those boxes of mac and cheese. I haven't bought a box of mac and cheese for soooo long! It really is way easier than you think to make, even if you aren't using a crock pot! ;)

Crock Pot Mac and Cheese

1 pound noodles (whatever kinda you want, I used elbow- Infact I may have use more than 1 pound, I had a 2 pound box and used all but 1/4 of it... we eat alot... ;))
7 cups of milk
1 egg
4 cups cheese (I used sharp cheddar, cheddar and pepper jack)
Salt, pepper, and garlic salt to taste
1 tsp dried mustard

Grease crock pot VERY well! Scrambled the egg in the milk, and add seasoning, then place a bit of milk in bottom of crock pot. Then add some noodles, then some cheese... Repeat layer, and then put lid on. Cook on low for 2-5 hours... It took mine about 4 hours on low.

I stirred it after 2 hours of cooking, then again right before serving. I did taste it to see how the seasoning was and if I needed to add anymore, but ti was fine...

Super easy! ;)

Banana Chocolate "Ice Cream"

2011-11-25T22:36:00.000-05:00

I don't know about you, but after a major holiday, I want to eat healthy, but yet, I am still craving something sweet... Usually in the form of ice cream... ;)

Well, this ice cream is HEALTHY, but do NOT let anyone know, ok?

This seriously has 4 ingredients, and they are all ingredients that you can say, and you probably have them all on hand too. ;)

This is soooo easy! I made it in my Vita Mix, but I am pretty sure a high powered blender or food processor would work just as well.

I always buy a LOT of bananas, usually more than we need, so once they start getting a bit brown, I peel them, cut them in half and put in a baggie and throw them in the freezer. Easy to grab for when I make smoothies, or banana milkshakes (also healthy... ;)). But now, I can add this to my list of things to do with my frozen bananas!

I don't have an actual real recipe... I've seen some online, but I don't follow recipes... That can get me in trouble sometimes, but not this time! ;) You really can't go wrong with this! You can also omit the peanut butter, for those of you who are allergic or don't like, but I highly suggest you try it with peanut butter if you can! ;)

So here's what I did:

Banana Peanut Butter Chocolate Ice Cream

3 frozen banana's
1/4-1/2 cup milk
coca powder (totally up to you how much... ;))
peanut butter (again, totally up to you how much ;))

Blend all ingredients in Vita Mix or high powered blender or food processor til nice and creamy, like the consistency of soft serve ice cream.

Eat right away and enjoy! :)

See, really easy, and healthy!
You could use rice or almond milk.. You can use sunflower butter instead of peanut butter...
I love this because I can give it to my kids and tell them they are eating ice cream... Healthy and good, and hits the spot! ;)

My lil man digging in! ;)

Look how good this looks!! It's sooooooo good!!!!!!!!!! :) It's got the consistency of "real" ice cream too! ;)

Haha, I love how his mouth is WIDE open!! ;)

Yes, I think of my have their mouths wide open in these pictures!!! They sure do LOVE ice cream!

Seriously enjoying EVERY bite!!! ;)

Mini Frittatas

2011-11-25T04:30:00.000-05:00

What a yummy and easy breakfast! And a GREAT way for your kids to get involved in helping out! :)

I'm also thinking this would be a good breakfast after having turkey all day yesterday! ;)

I wasn't sure if these would turn out in my stone or majorly stick... But I sprayed it really good, so was hoping it wouldn't stick, and they didn't! ;)

Again, this is something really easy that either your kids (if old enough) could just about do by themselves, or you can have them help you. I think having your kids help you in the kitchen is a great way to not only get them involved, but usually kids like to eat what they have made or helped make.. It also helps teach them what they are eating and how healthy it is, etc... If they are younger, you can talk about where the eggs come from, the milk, etc...

My kids LOVE breaking eggs... I don't always let them, or like them too.. but that's another story.. ;)

Here are the eggs scrambled with a bit of milk added...

Pour it into your muffin pan...

Add whatever goodies you want to it. You can add ham, or mushrooms, just make sure whatever you add is chopped small. I only added about a tablespoon of green peppers and onions to each muffin cup. Anymore and it would be to full.

Then I put a small amount of cheese on top.

Here they are ready to go in the oven! ;)

And they are done! Yummo!!!!

I served 2 eggs per kid and a nice big breakfast cookie! Talk about a packed and ready to tackle the world breakfast! ;)

Here's a plate for my hubs! ;)

Mini Frittatas

6 eggs

1/4-1/2 cup milk

seasoning (only if you want)

anything else you would want in your frittatas:

cheese, green pepper, onions, sausage, mushrooms, etc...

Scramble eggs in a bowl and pour in milk. Grease a muffin pan very well. Pour in your egg mixture in muffin pan. I filled up 12 muffin cups with the egg mixture, then I put a tablespoon of green pepper/onion in each cup. Then put a pinch of shredded cheese on top. Place in 350 degree oven and bake for 20-30 minutes. A knife inserted in middle will come out clean if it's done.

Serve with breakfast cookies, or toast, or whatever else you want to serve it with! ;)

My kids GOBBLED these down, and LOVED that fact that I gave them a COOKIE with their eggs! (these cookies had NO sugar in them...)

Sliced Baked Potatoes

2011-11-24T04:30:00.000-05:00

I think I am going to make baked potatoes like this from now on!

Ok, not gonna lie, not the most fun thing to do, cut a whole bunch of slices in a raw potato, but the flavor was SO worth it! The oil just drizzled right in the potato and the salt and garlic salt just made it that much more yummy!!!

The kids LOVED this as well, it was really easy for the to just cut after we got some toppings on top! ;)

Cut slices in your potatoes, drizzle with oil and then sprinkle with sea salt and garlic salt (see, I accidentally sliced one all the way through, oops! ;))

Here it is all done.. You can kinda see the slits in the potatoes after it cooks...

Here it is with our toppings! Yummy!!!

Sliced Baked Potatoes
As many potatoes as you need...
olive oil
sea salt
garlic salt

Wash the potatoes, slice them as thinly as you can with out cutting all the way through. Place on a foil covered cookie sheet/pan.
Drizzle olive oil all over the top of the potato and then season with sea salt and garlic salt.
Place in 425 degree oven.
Bake for 40 minutes to an hour until desired tenderness.

You can add whatever toppings you want to this! I wanted to do bacon as well, but I was to tired to fry some up, but when I make these again, I will be adding bacon to it!

This would be great for a baked potato nite! :)

Turkey Wrap with Cucumber

2011-11-23T21:23:00.001-05:00

REALLY easy lunch!!! I had some leftover cream cheese spread from Panera. I had asked for one little container of cream cheese, and they gave me this big huge whooping container. I said, I didn't order this, but they said, take it... I'm not sure if they had pity on me when they saw my 4 kiddos or not...? Or if they were really just being nice! ;) I just smiled and said thank you, and walked away with my big huge whooping container of cream cheese, 5 bagels and 4 kids! ;)

Now that I am getting back to the recipe... I know, you really wanted that little story! ;) I used my left over cream cheese, then cut up half a cucumber, stir that up, spread it on a tortilla, (you can use any kind you want, I used white, it's what I had... ;)), then slap a piece of turkey or ham or whatever floats your boat, then roll it up, cut it in half, serve with veggie or fruit and EAT!

I'm thinking pretty much any type of meat you want would work for this. I don't normally buy or have lunch meat on hand, but the kids love Lunchables...

I don't buy lunchables... A few reasons... There is NOT enough food in one to satisfy my kids... I would seriously prob have to get 3 of them to make them even somewhat satisfied... Two: I am not a big fan of processed lunch meat, but I do feed it to my kids, not all the time, but on occasion... Three: they are to stinkin' expensive!

So, we buy lunch meat, and I always have crackers and cheese on hand... so we make our own, and then I had all kinds of other healthy stuff to it, fruit, veggies, you name it...

So, that's why I have meat, In a nut shell, that's why I have lunch meat... ;)

This isn't the most healthiest meals, but there is some veggies in it, so take it for what it's worth! If you are looking for something different and fast and easy, then give this a try! :)

Cream cheese and cut up cucumber

Spread it out on a tortilla

Place a piece of turkey on top

Roll it up, cut in half and enjoy!

Turkey Wrap with Cucumber

4-6 oz cream cheese

half a cucumber, diced, and peeled

4-6 tortillas (I made 8 of these, so it just depends on much cream cheese filling you put in them and how much cream cheese you use... ;))

turkey slices (one per tortilla)

Make sure the cream cheese is softened, then peel and dice the cucumbers and stir it in the cream cheese. Spread some cream cheese on a tortilla, then place a piece of meat on top. Roll it up and cut in half and enjoy!

See, easy peasy! Doesn't get much easier than that! :)

Try it and let me know how you like it! :D

Powered Laundry Soap

2011-11-11T11:15:00.001-05:00

Ok, I LOVE this one much better than the other soap that I posted! ;) It is just as easy as the liquid kind, but what I like about this, it doesn't clump! I've been through 2 of the liquid recipes and decided I'm not 100% sold on it. Yes, it got the clothes and towels clean, the clumping just didn't fly with me!

So I found something on pinterest, but I didn't follow it. I kinda made it up! I will make this again and will add a bit more lavender essential oils. You could add any other oils that you would like. Or you don't have to add any, but it just gives it that SUPER FAINT smell of clean lavender clothes! ;)

I don't remember how much everything cost, but I got my baking soda from Aldi's, which only cost me 49 cents per box... Yes, you read that right 49 cents. I LOVE Aldis.. but that's another post... ;)

I got the Borax from Target... still not 100% sure what to believe with Borax... And then the castile soap I got from Safeway. A package of 3 bars was about 4 bucks I think? So 4 plus 2 plus how much ever the borax was, I think it was 2.99? It made me a gallon bucket FULL of soap... I am using about 3-4 heaping teaspoons of soap per load. I haven't done towels, so I will probably have to do the 4 teaspoons for those. I just washed my dish cloths, and they don't smell, so the soap is a winner in my book! :) Just want to see how it works with towels!

The kids can help grate the soap in the bucket, you mix it with your hands, they can also help break up the clumps of baking soda! Really easy!

So lets say 8 bucks gets me a full gallon of soap... I started it on the 10th of November, let's see how long it lasts me in this house! We do alot of laundry around here!!!! :D

Powered Laundry Soap

1 box Borax (76 oz)
3 bars of castile soap, grates
4 boxes of baking soda (16oz)
a few drops of essential oil IF you want, no need too.... (I used lavender because that's what I had on hand, just to see how it would work and smell)

Mix all ingredients in a bucket, stir with your hands to combine. Place in a gallon container with a lid. use anywhere from 2-4 heaping teaspoons of soap per load.

Also, I have a HE front load washer, I've used it 5 times already and no sign of extra soap suds escaping or messing up the washer!
The reason you need to use "special" HE soap in these washers is they don't need a super sudsy soap to wash the clothes. Since castile soap is made from coconut oil, you don't get that extra bubbles like you would with most other soaps... So, so far, it's working GREAT!

Also, remember to use white vinegar for your softener! CHEAP and it works GREAT! No, your clothes will NOT smell like vinegar, trust me! I've been using it for about 4 months now! :)

Here it is with the grated soap and borax....

Here it is all mixed up! ;) I should've added a few more drops of lavender oil, I think I added about 7, but may try to add a bit more next time... ;)

Here's my gallon bucket, packed full! It seriously was to the top! I couldn't get my spoon in the container!!!

I'll re-post the date when I'm finished with the soap, will see how long a gallon bucket of powered soap lasts in this house! :)

*Since writing this on the 10th of November, I still LOVE it!! It works GREAT!!!!!! i don't smell the lavender smell, so I may still go in and add a bit more, but then again, I may not! I use 3 heaping teaspoons (a plastic spoon) for towels and sheets and usually jeans, but only 2 heaping teaspoons for whites and darks. Still no probs with the front load, it still is working great! You may need to adjust the teaspoons to what works for your clothes, but loving this stuff so far! It looks like it's going to last me longer than a month too! :D
Try it and let me know how you like it!!! ;)

Pumpkin Oatmeal

2011-11-06T04:30:00.000-05:00

This is really good! I know, I think I start alot of my posts out like that, but it's the truth! :)

It's PUMPKIN season, so of course it's good! :) I actually had some canned pumpkin from last year, so I used that. Yes, it was still good! ;)

I added pumpkin, raisins, walnuts and a pumpkin pie spice to this oatmeal! My kids ALLLLL asked for seconds!!!! :) I also used steel cut oats, so it took a bit longer to cook, but you can EASILY use regular oats, or quick cooking oats... ;)

Pumpkin Oatmeal

1 cup steel cut oats

2-3 cups water

Pumpkin puree

pumpkin pie spice

raisins

walnuts

Cut steel cut oats until they are done. Mine took almost 25 minutes.... I then took a whole can of pumpkin, (the small can, not the HUGE can! ;)) the pumpkin pie spice, raisins and walnuts, stir until combined and warm. Serve nice and hot! If you want it to be a bit sweeter, add some honey or pure maple syrup. You could add brown sugar if you want. But I try to serve it to my kids without the sweetener. I also ate this with out any sweetener, and it was good! The pumpkin wasn't too overwhelming either. So if you aren't a HUGE pumpkin fan, you would like this! :)

Bring your oats to a boil and then back down to a simmer, cover with a lid and simmer until done.

Here it is ready to add everything! :)

Raisins, pumpkin puree, walnuts, and pumpkin pie spice

All done and ready to eat... This may not be the best picture, but it REALLY is good! :)

Creamed Eggs

2011-11-05T04:30:00.000-04:00

I got this recipe from one of my Amish Cookbooks... When I first wrote it down on my calendar to make, I thought it would be really good, but then I was looking at the ingredients and how to make it, then I thought, oh no, the kids aren't going to eat this... BUT, they DID!!!! They all ate 2 slices of bread with the creamed eggs on top!

It was really good! It was a nice filling breakfast on a cold morning!

Creamed Eggs

6 hard boiled eggs

6 tablespoons butter (I used coconut oil)

6 tablespoons flour

1 1/2 teaspoons salt

Dash of pepper

3 cups milk

Bread, toasted

Melt the butter in a heavy saucepan, add the flour, salt and pepper. Stir until well blended. Slowly add the milk stirring constantly. Cook until smooth. Chop the hard-boiled eggs and stir them into the sauce. Serve on hot toast.

(this was taken from The Amish Cook by Elizabeth Coblentz)

Flour in the coconut oil

Stir until smooth

Add milk

Add chopped eggs

Dump all the eggs in

Stir it all up

Yah, you like my toast don't ya? I got this toaster YEARS ago from my parents, one side has Winnie the Pooh and the other Tigger! ;) anyways, get your toast ready....

Put a nice big spoonful or two of the creamed eggs on top of the toast

Cut up and enjoy!!! :)

Apple Nachos

2011-11-04T22:22:00.001-04:00

OH MY!! YUMMY!!!!!!!!!! :oP We GOBBLED these up RIGHT away! The cool thing about this, you can make these a few different ways! I made them a bit healthy tonite, just because we had fried chicken in the Chinese Lemon Chicken....

Yes, peanut butter isn't 100% healthy, but it is a bit better than using caramel sauce! ;)

I'm not gonna write out the recipe, because it will vary from person to person.. But here's what you will need,
Sharp Knife
Apples, how many ever you want/need, I used 3 tonite.... (I had 3 different kinds of apples too, one small, one medium and one large! ;))
Peanut butter, warmed in a bowl (for those of you allergic to peanuts, you could use sunflower butter)
Mini chocolate chips

Cut your apple in slices, warm the peanut butter and drizzle how much you want all over the apples, then sprinkle the mini chocolate chips on top! ;)

Then EAT and enjoy!!! :)

You could also use chocolate sauce, and then sprinkle peanut butter chips on top....

Or:
Drizzle caramel sauce all over, sprinkle mini chocolate chips on top, and then make some whipping cream and put little dollops all over! ;)

Really, the possibilities are endless for these nachos!

Seriously, try them and let me know what combo you use! I'm curious if there are any other combos!

Oh one more I forgot.. Hubby said to drizzle peanut butter, then sprinkle raisins and mini chocolate chips all over.... ;)

Quinoa Porridge

2011-11-04T22:08:00.003-04:00

I honestly wasn't too sure about this. I haven't been rinsing my quinoa like all the recipes say you are supposed too. But this time I did, and I'm not gonna lie, I really did notice a difference! So from here on out, I'll be taking the time to rinse those little tiny things! ;)

I just took a coffee filter and placed it inside a strainer, then poured in how much qunioa I wanted in the strainer. Then put it under the faucet to rinse it. Pretty easy! ;)

The kids really liked this! My lil man didn't gobble it down like his older sisters and brother did, but he did eat some of it! ;) I ate a small bowl and liked it!

You could put anything in this porridge! I used cinnamon, an apple and raisins and chopped walnuts.

This is actually pretty easy too! The health benefits of quinoa are just awesome! :)

Rinsed the qunioa, placed it in my water, brought it to a boil, then put the lid on and simmered it for 15 minutes. The whole time I was in and out of the shower, perfect timing! :) Once the 15 minutes were up, I poured in the goodies, then about 1 cup of milk. Let it simmer for a few more minutes, and viola, it's done! :) If you wanted it to be sweet, you could add a bit of pure maple syrup or honey. i did not add any of that and I was able to eat it! So that tells you something! ;)

You could add fresh peaches, strawberries, blueberries, or you could do applesauce and cinnamon, really, anything goes! ;)

Qunioa Porridge

1 cup rinsed quinoa
2 cups water
1 - 1 1/2 cups milk
and any "toppings" you want.... apples, cinnamon, chopped walnuts, raisins, cranberries, any other dried fruit or any other fresh fruit

Bring the qunioa and water to a boil, uncovered, once boiling, turn down heat to a simmer and simmer with the lid on for 15 minutes. If the water hasn't absorbed completely, that's ok... ;) Add your toppings and milk and simmer until desired porridge consistency!

Yummy and easy! You could make this the nite before and just heat up in the morning for a fast breakfast!
Let me know if you try it and what combo of toppings you use! :)

Quinoa before the boil...

Quinoa after the boil and simmer for 15 minutes

All toppings in the pot, I left the skin on the apples... not only is it pretty, but there is many health benefits to leaving the skin on! ;)

Toppings and milk added

All stirred up, needs to simmer for a bit...

I probably shouldn't have let it cook as long, but with little kids fighting in the morning, I kinda had to let it cook a bit longer... I could've added a bit more milk, but they were ready to eat! ;)

Whipped Maple Apple Dip

2011-11-03T22:46:00.001-04:00

I found this on Pinterest!
Anyone else somewhat addicted to it (Pinterest)? Well, I really can't be, I don't have a whole lot of spare time... I usually just go through a few categories and hit like and repin if it's something I want to remember! ;) SOOOOOO many cool ideas on there!

Anyways, I did find this on there. SOOOOO good! The kids GOBBLED this down! We had just gotten some fresh apples from the farm, so it was PERFECT to make this for their snack that nite!

REALLY easy too! :) REALLLLLY good on FRESH from the tree or farm apples! :oP

Whipped Maple Apple Dip

1 cup heavy whipping cream
1-2 tablespoons pure maple syrup (none of that fake "pancake" syrup stuff! ;))

Whip cream and syrup together in a mixer with the whisk until it's whipped topping. Serve with apples of graham crackers.
Super good and easy!! :)

If there are any leftovers, you can store them in the frig for 1-2 days.
I had no leftovers, so no need to store any! ;)

Try it and let me know how you like it! SOOOO good and easy!!! :D
My kids LOOOOOOVED it!!! :D

Frosty

2011-10-17T21:06:00.002-04:00

This is by NO means healthy! BUT, it's really good! There really are only 3 ingredients, 4 if you count ice. I found a recipe like this on pinterest, but I did it a bit differently.

I used my Vita-mix, but you don't need a vita-mix to make this, jsut a blender that does a good job at chopping ice! ;)

The kids LOVED this! Ok, I'm not gonna lie, I LOVED it! It's been soooo long since I had a "real" Wendy's frosty, I don't remember how they taste, but when I took a bite of this, I thought it tasted pretty much like the real deal! ;)

The first time I made this, I added enough ice to make it thick. I used my Vita-Mix for this. I just added all the ingredients and added enough ice that I thought would make it thick enough. It was a little bit on the soft side, but it still tasted REALLY good!

I just made this for our small group and did everything the same, but I put it in the freezer to firm up a bit more. It took about 3-4 hours to get the right consistency of the frosty. But it also depends on how much ice you put in it. But it was PERFECT! Everyone really liked it, so I guess it passed! ;)

Frosty

can of sweetened condensed milk
half a gallon of chocolate milk
1 container of cool whip or off brand, or whatever you buy! ;) (it can be frozen or defrosted)
Ice (I used crushed ice, yes, I think you should use crushed ice too, if you don't have it, just make sure your blender is on long enough to crush it all! :))

Poor in half a can of sweetened condensed milk, half of the half gallon of chocolate milk, and the whole container of cool whip.

Blended until nice and smooth. Dump out half of the mixture (or if your blender won't hold that much, just do what it will hold! :)) and dump in the same amount of ice. For example, I had 2 cups worth of yumminess, so I added AT LEAST 2 cups of crushed ice. Blend until smooth, or the consistency you want! And EAT!!!!!! :) I'm pretty sure towards the end I added a bit more chocolate milk to get the consistency just right! Again, it's kind of a trial and error! ;)
(Don't forget to mix up the rest, OR you can put it back in the cool whip container and place in freezer until ready to use for the next time! ;))
I do recommend putting it in the freezer for a few hours, I personally think it tastes better! ;)

So for one can of sweetened condensed milk, a half gallon of chocolate milk and 2 containers of cool whip, I made enough to serve at least 20 people! I think I put in a total of maybe 6 bucks into the whole thing and it fed that many people! Pretty good! I think it's cheaper than a real frosty! If you really want to, make sure you bring home a cup and spoon from Wendy's, then place your home made frosty in that cup! ;) Also, don't forgot the Wendy's fries to dip in the frosty! YUMMY!! Man, I really wish I had the ingredients to make one because I'm getting myself really hungry for one! :)

Enjoy! Let me know if you make this and if you did anything different! Honest opinions here, I can take it! :)

Four Bean Chili

2011-10-14T04:30:00.000-04:00

Wow! This was so good! The seasoning was PERFECT! The only bad thing, I didn't measure exactly how much I put in! I KNOW what I put in, just not the amounts! It really is also up to the person how much of something you like, less spicy, more spicy...

I soaked 4 different beans last nite. I just put it all in one pot, then cooked it. SUPER easy! It also makes it WAY cheaper! I got all the other ingredients (canned tomato sauce, a can of diced tomatoes) and then the green pepper was from the Farmer's Market. I think I figured the whole crock pot of soup cost me right about $5, and I have leftover to use for tomorrow nites supper! If I made enough I may be able to do ONE more meal! Are you kidding me? Atleast TWO suppers for a family of 6, for $5! How COOL is that?

I didn't measure out the beans, I just kinda guessed about how much I would need. (In the recipe, I gave you exact amounts for using cans of beans) I took black, white, kidney and pinto beans. Just dumped them in a pot and covered with water overnight. Brought them to a boil and then dropped down to a simmer for 2 hours. While they were cooking, I cooked my onions in olive oil, and then added the garlic once the onions were almost caramelized. Dump those in the crock pot with the tomato sauce, diced tomatoes and a can of tomato soup. I added a can of tomato paste and added some cans of water.

Once my beans were done, I added them to my crock pot. Let it simmer on low for the rest of the day! Boy did it smell GOOOOOD when we got home from SPEAR, that was at 3:!5, I still had to wait a little over 2 hours to eat supper! :(

I then mixed up some homemade corn bread, which I already posted the recipe.

What a yummy fall meal if I do say so myself! And cheap to boot! ;) I like cheap AND good! :)

Let me know if you try this, or if you have any questions! :)

Up close of this delicious soup!!! :D

I couldn't wait to try the first bite, I'm not lying, the seasoning was absolutely PERFECT!!! :)

This was my Gramma's bowl... I used it ALL the time when I was at her house, she used it ALL the time too! I remember one time we got into a little "fight" over who was going to use it! haha!! ;)

Here it is with the corn bread that I made! :) Very good filling meal! BONUS, we have leftovers for tomorrow nites meal! Can't wait! Baked potatoes with this yummy chili on top, then sour cream and cheese, yummy!!! ;oP

Four Bean Chili

1 Tbsp olive oil
1 Large Onion, chopped
3-4 Garlic Cloves, minced
1 Lb Lean Ground Beef
1-15 Oz Can White Beans, rinsed and drained
1-15 Oz Can Kidney Beans, rinsed and drained
1-15 Oz Can Pinto Beans, rinsed and drained
1-15 Oz Can Black Beans, rinsed and drained
1-28 Oz Can Chopped Tomatoes with Juice
2-15 Oz Cans Tomato Sauce
2 Tbsp Chili Powder
1 Tbsp Cumin
2 Tsp Salt

Saute the onion in the olive oil until it's just beginning to caramelize. Then add the garlic, more or less to your taste! ;)
Place everything in the crock pot and turn on low for 8 hours.
Serve with corn bread. Or you could add some sour cream, cheese, chives to this as well... But since I am going to serve this on a baked potato, I'll use those toppings for that! ;)

Homemade Corn Bread

2011-10-13T21:43:00.001-04:00

Yes, as in, you mix the flour and the corn meal together and make your own. ;) You don't open a box of Jiffy Mix... It's really easy! REALLY! The beauty of this, I added some chili powder to it, you can more or less to make it more spicy!

I made this tonite to go with the chili. The kids LOVED it and gobbled it down! It's so easy! Only a few ingredients!

I bought my corn meal from the Amish store in Indiana. I just put it in a Ziploc baggie and place in the freezer until I need it. ;)

Try it and let me know what you think! Again, you don't "have" to add the chili powder, just a yummy pretence that we all like! ;)

Put all dry ingredients in a bowl

Mix all dry ingredients together

Pour all wet ingredients in a bowl and mix

Pour wet ingredients into dry... Mix thoroughly

Place in preheated oven for 20-22 minutes until golden brown...

Here they are, nice and hot! :)

Another view

Here it is with the chili, sooo good! The kids broke up some of theirs to put in the chili... ;)

Homemade Corn Bread

1 cup corn meal
1 cup all-purpose flour
not quite 1/2 cup sugar
1 heaping tablespoon baking powder
1 -2 teaspoons chili powder (more or less to your taste)
1 teaspoon salt
1 cup milk
1/3 vegetable oil
1 egg

Preheat the oven to 400.
Combine dry ingredients in one bowl, wet ingredients in another. Combine the two and mix until just blended. Pour into greased pan. Use and 8 x 8 pan if you like it fairly (2 to 3 inches) thick or 13 x 9 pan if you like it thin. I used a 13 x 9 pan for the loaf pictured here, which produced a 1 inch thick loaf.
Bake for 20 to 25 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Remove and serve while still warm.

I don't know what it is about nice and warm cornbread! I remember when my mom would make cornbread, I'd eat it pipping hot with butter on top! Yummy!! ;)

See, super easy, not too many ingredients! Give it a try! :)

Eggs in the Nest

2011-10-12T15:45:00.001-04:00

Growing up my mom would make these! LOVED them, but I was the one picky one that did NOT like "snot" in my egg! It HAD to be cooked all the way through! Something about snotty eggs, eww.... Oh wait, I take that back, my dad didn't like snotty eggs either! ;)

I also remember my mom making these and if the egg broke, she would say, it's OK, I'll eat this one! Very RARELY did she break one, but on the occasion that she did, she took the one with the cooked egg yolk. It's no fun when the egg yolk is cooked hard, you can't dip your bread in it! ;)

These are VERY easy to make! My kids GOBBLE them down! There are other names for it, but this is what I remember my mom calling it eggs in a nest! :) (it really should be egg not eggs.... ;))

Here I served it one nite for dinner with some hash browns. I had a bag of hash browns in my freezer, so I just dumped some sea salt and Old Bay seasoning on it! YUMMY!!!! :oP

Up close pic of the egg in the nest! ;)

Here it is, look at that yummy egg yolk!!! We would eat it all, then take that piece of bread that was toasted in the pan, and scoop up all that yummy leftover egg yolk!

I don't season the kids eggs, but for my hubs and I, I add some SPIKE, I'm thinking Old Bay might even be good?

There really is no "recipe" for this, so I'll just tell you what you need below!

Egss in the Nest

One egg person
One piece of bread per egg
Salt, pepper, spike, or any other seasoning you like
Coconut oil or butter

Take one piece of bread and use either a small cookie cutter (shape of your choice! :)) or a small cup and cut out the middle.
Here's where you can do it 2 ways. This last time I just put some coconut oil in the pan, and then threw the bread in and then cracked the egg in the middle.
My mom (and I in times past) would butter the bread, I totally omitted that step, obviously, to save time. I was being lazy and I wanted to see if it really made a difference. I didn't notice a difference at all. So the choice is up to you which way you want to go! Just make sure if you don't butter the bread, to put coconut oil or butter in your pan before each egg you make! Or it will stick!

Ok, so chose one option, place bread in pan, then crack egg in the hole, season if you desire, cook for a bit, then flip.
I usually cook all the kids eggs in the nest first, then I go back and cook/toast their little pieces of bread.
Then I make mine and my hubs eggs. ;)

Viola! You are done! How easy is that? Super good, super easy, and can be made for breakfast, lunch OR dinner! Score!!! :D

For Valentines Day I used a heart cookie cutter to cut out the middle! The kids LOVED that! :)

Let me know what you think! Have you ever had these before? Do you call them something different?

Blueberry Cheesecake Bites

2011-09-30T22:05:00.002-04:00

Oh my-LAN-ta!!!!!!! SOOOOOO good!!!! Bonus, they are actually a little healthy for you... ;) Shh, don't tell anyone, especially your kids! ;)

I got this recipe from a website called weelicious, sooo many good ideas and recipes! I have made quite a few different kinds! Haven't found one that I haven't liked either! ;)

I will do a few things differently next time I make, and yes, that will be very soon! ;)

For the crust, I will cut the whole wheat in half, and I will double the filling, I may put it in a 9x13 pan instead of the 8x8 pan... Not sure on that one yet. But def double the filling part! :)

I'm also thinking of trying it with a pumpkin mixture, and I really think this would be good with chopped up strawberries! Can't wait to make another batch! :)

Blueberry Cheesecake Bites (makes 20-25 bites)

Oat Crust:

1 Cup Old Fashioned Oats
1/2 Cup Whole Wheat Flour
1/3 Cup Light Brown Sugar
6 Tbsp Unsalted Butter, chilled (I used coconut oil, already melted... worked just as good! :))

Filling:

4 oz Cream Cheese, room temperature
1 Large Egg, at room temperature
1 Tsp Vanilla Extract
1/4 Cup Sour Cream
1/3 Cup Light Brown Sugar
1 Cup Fresh Blueberries (I used frozen and it worked GREAT :))

1. Preheat oven to 300 F.
2. To make the crust, place the first 3 ingredients in a food processor and pulse to chop oats.
3. Add the butter and pulse to combine.
4. Press the crust on the bottom of a parchment-lined 8 x 8 baking dish and flatten evenly with your hands. Bake for 10 minutes to set, then allow to cool.
5. Lower the oven temperature to 250 F.
6. To make the filling, place the first 5 ingredients in a bowl and beat to combine.
7. Fold in the blueberries.
8. Pour the batter on top of the crust and bake for 1 hour.
9. Cool and then chill until ready to serve.
10. Cut into squares and serve.*

*To get clean squares, wipe your knife between each slice.

I didn't put the coconut oil in the blender, I just mixed it all in a bowl and pressed it in the pan. Also, the middle wasn't 100% done, so I just put it in the frig and it firmed up really good! :) My kids LOVED this and it even passed with the hubs! :) He agrees, the strawberry should be the next one I make! :)
(p.s. sorry the pic isn't the greatest... Took it off my phone and it's a bit blurry, having computer and downloading issues, again... have patience with me on this part of the blog! I'm trying! :))

Peanut Butter/Chocolate Dip (or sunflower butter)

2011-09-29T04:30:00.000-04:00

I could've eaten this whole batch! It was SOOOO good! Even healthier if you use the natural peanut butter, but since I didn't have any, I used regular creamy!

I'm thinking cashew and almond butter would be good, even sunflower butter for those who are allergic to nuts, that way they can enjoy this yummy goodness as well!

I served this with apples, banana and 2 graham crackers. You could use strawberries, marshmallows, pretzel sticks, etc.... I used what I did since that's all I had! ;)

Super easy to make, and actually pretty good for you, minus the chocolate sauce, but again, you don't "have" to add it... It just gives it that little bit of chocolate kick which makes it taste even better! ;)

Here is a bit of cream cheese, carrots, peanut butter and chocolate sauce

Mix it all up! Ok, in the green bowl, it doesn't look the greatest, but then again it almost looks like a chocolate shake stirred up REALLY good! ;)

Here's what I served it with, an egg puff (recipe coming SUPER soon, maybe tomorrow? ;)), that was their "lunch", graham crackers, banana, and half an apple cut into slices.

This lunch was not only EASY, it was GOOD and healthy! Which y'all know I'm all about! ;) Easy and healthy! That's what I like with 4 littles and 2 more coming! :)

Peanut Butter/Chocolate Dip (or Sunflower Butter)

1-2 oz cream cheese (depends on how much you want, I use almost 2, but will use 1 next time)
1/2 cup natural creamy peanut, almond, cashew, or sunflower butter
1/4 carrot puree
6 tablespoons chocolate syrup
1/4 teaspoon salt

Mix all ingredients together until nice and creamy. Keep in frig until ready to serve, or just start eating it right away like I did! ;) Give me some credit, I HAD to make sure it was worthy enough for the kids! Just make sure you save enough for them!
Notice in the last picture, they only got about a heaping tablespoon full.... ;) I am not gonna say if that's how much was left, or if I chose to give them only that much! ;)

Seriously EASY and good! Let me know how you like it!

This would be a GREAT game nite snack, make a big bowl of it, serve it with graham crackers, cinnamon and sugar pita chips or tortilla crisps, marshmallows, pretzel sticks, apples, bananas, pears.... Yummy..... :)

*Just a note, my kids were actually full after eating this and didn't ask for more. Now, I am not sure if it was because I made them soaked oatmeal for breakfast, so that fills them up even more, or if the egg puff really did the trick with the other goodies! ;)

Corn Confetti Eggs

2011-09-28T04:30:00.000-04:00

Ok, here it is! Just like I promised, and on time! Someone should get me a medal! ;) Just kidding...

These are easy, and a good breakfast! The muffins were actually really good, but I don't remember where the recipe is for the muffins, will have to do some digging.. ;)

But when I find it, I will post it! ;)

There really isn't a recipe for these.

I just had some leftover filling from the Corn Confetti Quesadillas, so I decided to try something. I knew I wanted to fix eggs for the kids for breakfast, but I didn't just want the plain ole plain old ones. I also had just given them the eggs in a flour tortilla, so I didn't want to do that again...

Light bulb went off as I was looking in my frig for things to use. Ah-ha, leftovers with eggs... Works for me! So I scrambled 9 eggs (that's just for the 4 kids... :\), poured that into a skillet, then dumped in the leftover corn confetti and added a bit of cheddar cheese. I probably had anywhere from 1/2 - 3/4 cup of the filling left over.

I stired it around until they were done, added a muffin, and fixed them a smoothie. We called it a good day! And a good filling, nutrious breakfast! :)

So really the "recipe" is left over corn confetti filling, how many eggs you need, a skillet and some coconut oil. Mix it all together, until the eggs are cooked, then serve with fresh fruit, muffins and/or smoothies!

You can EASILY make this into a lunch, or even brinner, which we call breakfast for dinner! ;)

Feed back is ALWAYS welcome!! :)

Corn Confetti Quesadillas

2011-09-27T04:30:00.000-04:00

LOVE the colors in this! Not only does it look pretty and good, it tastes good! :)

This is something that you could easily make a big batch of and just keep the extras in the freezer for a really quick and easy meal when you are short on time or just don't feel like cooking! :)

The ingredients in this is probably items that you have all the time, and if not, they are REALLY easy and cheap to get! I don't know about you, but I like easy and cheap! ;) But yet, it has to taste good! ;)

I don't have an after picture because when I cooked these, my husband was out of town on a missions trip and he had the camera, and all I had was my phone, so this is the only picture I got! I was to lazy to take pics as I went, but really, this is soooo easy!

Corn Confetti Quesadillas

2 cups fresh or frozen corn (I sued a frozen mixed, as in yellow and white, sweet corn, yummy!)

1 tablespoon butter

1/2 red bell pepper, diced

1/2 green pepper, diced

1/2 onion, diced

8 (9-10 inch) flour or wheat tortillas

8 oz Monterey Jack cheese, shredded

Heat skillet to medium-high heat, butter, corn, onions, and pepper and cook for 8-10 minutes, or until the onion is translucent. Take out of skillet and wipe the skillet clean.

Lay 4 tortillas on counter and place 1/3 cup cheese on each one, then about 1/2 - 3/4 veggies on top of cheese, then add another 1/3 cup cheese.

Place tortilla in skillet, then place one of the remaining tortillas on top, press down with spatula to get out air pockets. Cook until lightly browned and flip, do the same, cook until lightly browned.

Repeat until done...

Cut into wedges and serve immediately.

My kids also gobbled these down! I think they ate 2 each of this one too! ;) Like I said, I think I am going to make a big batch of this and just put in freezer... It will be easy enough to break apart what I need.

I used the leftovers for a breakfast the next morning... will have that posted tomorrow, so stay tuned! ;)

Let me know if you made this, any changes, and how you liked it!

Oh, I remember what I did for mine, I didn't have enough cheese for all of them, so I put Pepper Jack cheese on mine, boy was it good and that extra kick! Yummy!!! :)

I should also mention, that I HARDLY EVER measure, so these are more like guesses... If it seems like too much, then back off a bit, but if it isn't enough, add more! You can't hurt it! ;)

Butternut Squash Quesadillas

2011-09-26T22:26:00.000-04:00

Can we say YUMMY???? This time of year this are PERFECT!

You can get butternut squash pretty cheap, since it's in season right now. You can get it cheaper out here at the farmer's market! I've gotten a squash for a buck, yes, it's a little bit smaller, but it still works for 4-6 of these quesadillas!

You don't have to use this type of cheese, I just wanted to try it. It's a really good mild cheese, not such a huge strong bold flavor! You don't have to add the walnuts either, it's really good without, but I think it just adds a nice crunch and yummy flavor.

These are REALLY easy to make! They are GREAT for lunches, but you could easily do this as a supper too, just add something to go with it! Maybe a side dish of spiced apples! ;)

My kids all ate 2 of these, they LOVED them!

You can also cook a few squash, let them cool, then put any leftovers in the freezer so all you have to do it pop out the already cooked squash. I would heat it a bit to make it warm, sometimes the outside of the quesdailla cooks faster than the inside, so if its still really cold, it may not get hot on the inside. (if that makes any sense? ;))

Here's the quesadilla inside! :) One tortilla, some squash, nuts, and then the cheese... Then place another tortilla on top!

All done and oh soooooo good!!!!!! :)

Butternut Squash Quesadillas

1 whole butternut squash, cooked
2 tablespoons butter
1 medium yellow onion
1 tablespoon brown sugar
8 (9 to 10 inch) flour or wheat tortillas
8 oz fontina cheese, grated, or thinly sliced
1 cup diced or chopped walnuts or pecans

Dice your onion and place in frying pan with butter and brown sugar. Cook until caramelized, about 15 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Lay 4 tortillas on the counter. Spread the filling on each, 1/3 cup cheese, 1/2 cup squash, sprinkle some onion, then some nuts if desired. Top off with another 1/3 cup cheese.

Slide one of the cheese covered tortillas into a frying pan over medium heat. Place one of the remaining tortillas on top, press down with spatula to get all air pockets out. Cook until light browned, then flip until the other side is lightly browned.

Place on plate and cut, serve immediately!

Repeat until you are done! You can easily make more than the 4 here. I think I've made about 8 at a time! ;)

I've made it with and without the nuts, but I really like it with the nuts! I used walnuts because I didn't have any pecans, but pecans would be REALLY good on this as well!

You could also just use a Munster, provolone, or even a mozzarella cheese. I just wanted to try this cheese, it's really good! But a bit more expensive than the other 3 I listed!

Try it and let me know what you think! :)

Adoption Fundraisier!!!

2011-09-26T22:13:00.002-04:00

We are selling flower bulbs to help with our adoption fees.

Here's a link to the flowers that we are selling, they are all bulbs.
I'll keep the order open for about 2-3 weeks, then it takes about 2 weeks or so to be delivered.

http://www.dutchmillbulbs.com/store.asp?pid=16691&catid=19813

INDIANA family/friends, I can ship your order to my mom, and then you can contact her for a pick up time...

PA family/friends, if you are interested, contact me and we can work something out!

ANYONE else that I didn't mention, contact me and we can work something out! ;)

These bulbs are beautiful! They (Dutch Mill Bulbs) guarantee that their bulbs will grow!

They are all $6. We will get 50% profit of what is sold, it will all go into our adoption jar fund!

If you don't want to plant them, but want to buy, let me know, I can put them in our yard in honor of your name. ;)

I have an order form, so please e-mail me what you want and I'll get payment from you when I see you, or just send me a check. I just posted the link so you can see the flowers! They are really pretty! :)

Just please remember NOT to purchase from the attached link as the only way we get credit for the adoption is if you order through me personally. If you want to email me your order, my email is busymommy3@gmail.com

Feel free to pass this onto a friend if you know someone who likes to plant bulbs or would like this! ;) .