The Secret Life of Kat

My Personal Chef Meal Plan - 11-08-09

2009-11-09T05:24:01Z

I have a personal chef. What? You didn’t know this?

Well, I do. He slaves away all day to make sure my dinner is ready at 5:30pm. Unfortunately, I usually leave him locked in the cupboard.

Every time I use my crock pot I wonder why I don’t use it all the time. There’s nothing like coming home to a waiting and yummy smelling meal.

I think the main reason is that I just don’t have many recipes for it. So today I searched far and wide (5 minutes! 2 websites!) for the easiest, tastiest, most kid friendly crock pot recipes I could find. Or something like that. I warn, you I’ve never made these, so I can’t attest for their awesomeness or un-awesomeness.

My Meals

These first two recipes I found online. I recommend reading through the comments for some helpful suggestions on making the dish healthier and/or just better than the original.
Slow Cooker Chicken Stroganoff

Lousiana Red Beans and Rice

I got this recipe out of a book. So old fashioned, I know. Kinda scares me to try a recipe that doesn’t have reviews or a star rating next to it.

Chicken Breasts with Rosemary

4 boneless, skinless chicken breast halves
1 1/2 tsp. balsamic vinegar
1 tsp. minced garlic
1 Tbsp. grated lemon rind
1/4 tsp. salt
1/8 tsp. black pepper
1/2 cup dry white wine (or chicken broth)
1 tsp. minced fresh rosemary (or 1/2 tsp. dried)
1/2 cup fresh tomato, diced

1. Place chicken in crock pot.
2. Mix vinegar, garlic, lemon rind, salt, pepper and wine. Pour over chicken.
3. Cover. Cook on low 6 hours or on high 3 hours.
4. One half hour before the end, stir in rosemary and fresh tomato.

Do You Have a Personal Chef (aka crock pot)

Do you ever take him out of the cupboard? Do you have any good recipes to share?

(This post is part of MPM.)

Lots O’ Free Music - JJ Heller, Matt Wertz and Christy Nockels

2009-11-05T04:37:00Z

Free Christmas Music from JJ Heller

Speaking of JJ Heller, she is now giving away her Christmas EP along with a demo copy of the song Your Hands.

Now because of my personal email ettiquette issues, I can’t say the album is ENTIRELY free. If you’ve been around here for long, yes, we’ve had this discussion before.

You will need to hand over 5 friends email addresses in order to get the album for free. I highly recommend getting their permission first.

In any case, it’s a great Christmas EP. I particularly like the song Wake the World.

Free Live Album from Matt Wertz

In other musical news, Matt Wertz is giving away his live album for “free.” All you need to do is enter your email address and/or Twitter about the album. Get it here.

Nothing gives me the warm fuzzies more than being able to tell you all about great free music. Enjoy!

Christy Nockels CD Giveaway

Since JJ and Matt are feeling so generous, I thought today would be a good day to give away another CD. (I actually have quite a few cd’s from some great artists I need to give to you all. Be sure to stay tuned...)

Let’s play a game my friend Mandy plays on her blog. She calls it Whatever Wednesday, but since I’m rebellious, I’m doing it on Thursday and my game name won’t alliterate. Let’s call it “Answer A Question And Then Ask A Different Question That The Next Commenter Will Answer And Then They’ll Ask A Different Question...And So On.”

Clearly, I rock at making up catchy game titles.

In case the game title didn’t communicate the game well enough, here’s how it works - I’ll ask a question. The first commenter will answer it and then ask another question (about anything, just keep it clean). The next commenter will answer that question and then ask one of their own. Make sense?

I think it’s a fun way to get to know one another. And I’ll pick one comment randomly to win the Christy Nockels CD. Sound good?

Let The Game Begin

Here’s my question:
What was the last restaurant you ate at?

An Absolute Dream Come True

2009-11-03T16:42:00Z

photo by bashed

Grumpy. Cranky. Should not have been allowed to open my mouth.

That was me this morning. For no particular reason.

By the grace of God, I was able to get my kids to school without much damage. Much.

After dropping the last one off, I grumpily got in the car, grumpily started it and with every bit of grumpiness and cynicism in my body, I turned on the radio.

Grumpily.

Turning on the radio could have been DANGEROUS this morning. Because, really? If Big, Big House by Audio Adrenaline was playing ONE. MORE. TIME…

As I pushed the button, I thought doubtfully (and grumpily), “Hmm...I wonder if there’s ANYTHING playing that could kick me out of my moooood.”

“....When my world is shaking, Heaven stands. When my heart is breaking, I never leave Your Hands.”

I instantly smiled, giggled and, if I can be embarrassingly honest, I shouted with glee.

Yes, glee.

Jimmy told me that JJ Heller’s song was on KLOVE, but this was the first time I heard it.

My Late Night Surfing - Justified

One of my absolute most very, especially, favoritest things to do - ever - is to listen to new music on YouTube. I just love watching artists perform and hearing it live.

One way or another, that’s how I happened upon JJ Heller. I loved the sound of her voice, the sound of her music and the deep yet accessible lyrics.

I asked her to be a part of the Bloggable Music Network, a blog which I never had as much time for as I wanted. I also raved about her and gave a copy of her CD to my sister in law, Diana.

Diana then chose the song for her try out dance at SYTYCD. The show that one of my old co-workers at KSBJ (one of the biggest CCM stations in the coutry) watched. He loved the song and played it on the air.

KSBJ got such a great response that they added it to their rotation. I heard it was only the 2nd time they’ve added a song from an independent artist to their rotation in 20 years!

Now KLOVE is playing JJ’s music and I’m sure many smaller stations will follow.

For Your Reference

If you haven’t seen these, here is Diana’s segment from SYTYCD and JJ’s video from the Bloggable Music Network:

Now You’ll Probably Think I’m Weird

This is one of the coolest things that has ever happened to me! I’ve worked at radio stations and venues most of my adult life. I’ve been around lots and lots of music, but oddly enough, playing this miniscule part in JJ gaining a bigger audience is the most amazing music thing I’ve been a part of.

Granted, I could never replicate it. I didn’t really do anything. But, just knowing that all this happened partly as a result of my music nerdery… Well, that’s just fun.

I have no desire to be a musician or to be famous, but the idea of connecting incredible lesser known artists with all the other music geeks out there - thrills me to no end.

I have this sneaking feeling that this isn’t going to make much sense to anybody, but it’s just been SO incredibly exciting to me that I had to write about it…

And the icing on my musical nerd cake? There is a 90% chance that JJ is going to play a concert AT. MY. HOUSE!!!! I love live music, but to have it playing in my own house is just crazy amazing.

Hmmmm....I can’t believe I was grumpy this morning.

So, if you could have any musician perform at your house, who would it be?

My “Un-Menu Plan”

2009-11-02T04:39:00Z

photo by tizzie
Today I don’t actually have any recipes for you.

I don’t have a shopping list either.

Empty The Pantry Week

This week I’m trying to empty out the pantry and use everything I can. This will likely result in odd meals and concocted recipes that probably don’t need to be shared with the world.

The benefit of emptying my pantry is that I get rid of all the random odds and ends - making room for the foods we really love.

Here’s how it works:

1. Take Stock

Look in all the corners of your pantry, freezer and fridge. Note the items that you’ve been actively avoiding. Half empty boxes of pasta. Frozen chicken in the freezer. Lunchmeat in the fridge.

First try to put everything together to make recipes you already have. Inevitably, there will be stragglers. For those ingredients, you can surf the web or simply try to concoct a new meal of your own.

2. Fill In The Gaps

Make a list of all the items you need to complete your recipes. That will be your shopping list. It should be CONSIDERABLY shorter than a normal shopping list thereby saving you a good bit of money for the week.

3. Inform Your Family

You might want to let your family know what you’re doing so that they’ll be more willing to try your “creative” recipes.

Have Fun

Not every meal will be perfect, but you’ll feel like Ma Ingalls knowing you’re being resourceful and using all the food in your house.

This post is part of MPM.

My Heart. It Melted.

2009-10-28T03:10:00Z

My sweet, sweet boy walked up to me carrying this picture.

I opened my mouth to say, “Put it down, it’s not a toy.” When he said....

“Mommy!!!! Mommy!!! You.are.a.PRIIIINCESS!!”

This boy steals my heart on a daily basis.

Menu Plan and Grocery List 10-25-09

2009-10-26T03:23:00Z

Weekly Menu Plan

Well, here’s the plan for this week. if you’ll notice, I’m making Salmon Patties, Pot Sticker and Tostadas AGAIN. I tell you, I’m a chronic recipe procrastinator.

Monday - Shepherd’s Pie
Tuesday - Ravioli and Tortellini
Wednesday - Coq Au Vin
Thursday - Tostadas
Friday - Pot Stickers
Saturday - Salmon Patties

Download the Recipes and Shopping List

In addition to posting the recipes, I thought I’d make them available for you to download. It just seemed more practical for you. Most people don’t cook with a computer in their kitchen.

So here are all the recipes. Download Recipes

The printouts are pretty nice, I think (example below...). I usually just put them in a vinyl sleeve and keep them in a recipe notebook. That way they don’t get all gross when I drip food on them. Even though that NEVER happens when I cook.

And here is the shopping list. Please ignore the random numbers on the left of the list. I had previously entered aisle numbers for items. I need to delete those…
Download Shopping List

(example of recipe printout)

If you’d like to see the recipes before you download them, just click the read more link (if you’re on the homepage of my blog). Enjoy!!!

Coq Au Vin

Ingredients

4 slices Turkey Bacon
1 ½ cups Pearl Onions, frozen
1 cup Mushrooms, fresh, sliced
1 clove Garlic, minced
1 teaspoon Dried Thyme
¼ teaspoon Black pepper
6 Chicken Breasts
½ cup Dry Red Wine
¾ cup Chicken broth
¼ cup Tomato paste
3 tablespoons Flour

Method
1. Cook bacon in medium skillet over medium heat. Drain and crumble
2. Layer ingredients in slow cooker in the following order: onions, crumbled bacon, mushrooms, garlic, thyme, pepper, chicken, wine and broth.
3. Cover. Cook on low 5-6 hours.
4. Remove chicken and vegetables. Cover. Keep warm.
5. Ladle 1/2 cup cooking liquid into small bowl. Allow to cool slightly.
6. Turn slow cooker to high. Cover.
7. Mix removed liquid, tomato paste, and flour until smooth.
8. Remove tomato mixture to slow cooker.
9. Cover. Cook 15 minutes or until thickened.
10. Serve over egg noodles.

Source:—(Servings: --)

Pizza Quesadillas

Ingredients

10 tortillas
1 can tomato sauce
15 slices pepperoni, diced
8 ounces cheese - mozzarella, shredded
2 teaspoon italian seasonings

Method
1. Set out 5 tortillas
2. Place about 1 tablespoon of sauce on each tortilla
3. Layer diced pepperoni on top of sauce
4. Top with cheese
5. Cover with another tortilla
6. Heat in pan until cheese is melted

Source:—(Servings: --)

Pot Stickers

Ingredients

½ lb. ground turkey, use ground turkey)
2 scallions, finely chopped
1 tablespoon minced fresh ginger
1 clove garlic, minced
1 tablespoon soy sauce
1 teaspoon rice vinegar
¼ teaspoon sesame oil
¼ teaspoon salt
⅛ teaspoon pepper
1 teaspoon cornstarch
35 wonton wrappers

Method
1. In a large saucepan, combine the chicken broth, water, and ginger slices. Cover and bring the broth to a gentle simmer, then turn off the heat. Cut the bok choy into small pieces and set it aside.

2. Combine the pork, scallions, ginger, and garlic in a mixing bowl. Add the soy sauce, vinegar, sesame oil, salt, pepper, and cornstarch and mix well with a rubber spatula.

3. Remove the wonton wrappers from their package and cover them with a damp paper towel to keep them from drying out. Assemble the wontons (see below), place them on a large plate or a baking sheet lined with waxed paper, and cover them loosely with plastic wrap..
Assembling the Wontons:
1. Place a wrapper flour side up on your work surface. Using a spoon and a chopstick, drop a scant teaspoon of the meat mixture onto the wrapper.
2. Moisten all the edges of the wrapper with a wet fingertip, then fold it over so the edges meet. Pinch the edges to seal them.
3. Using your finger or a chopstick, make an indentation in the middle of the filled wonton.
4. Dab a drop of water on the two corners and fold them in so they overlap above the indentation. Pinch them together to secure them in place.

Source:—(Servings: --)

Ravioli and Tortellini

Ingredients

10 pieces ravioli, frozen
15 pieces tortellini, frozen
14 oz. canned crushed tomatoes
1 teaspoon oregano
1 teaspoon thyme
4 leaves fresh basil
2 tablespoons parmesan cheese

Method
1. Fill pot with water
2. Add tortellini and ravioli
3. Boil
4. Put crushed tomatoes in microwave safe container with herbs and heat.
5. Top pasta with sauce and parmesan cheese.

Source:—(Servings: --)

Salmon Patties

Ingredients

14.75 ounces Salmon - can
½ cup onion, chopped
2 eggs
⅔ cup bread crumbs, plain
½ cup oil
Method
1. Remove any visible bones from salmon.
2. Combine drained salmon, onions, bread crumbs, eggs, and any seasonings in a mixing bowl.
3. Shape salmon into 8 patties.
4. Place on baking sheet, cover and refrigerate until ready to fry.
5. Add oil to large skillet and heat for 3 minutes over medium heat.
6. Fry 3-4 patties at a time 2-3 minutes per side.
7. Place on paper towels to drain and serve.

(optional: serve with red pepper mayo)

Source: HEB (Servings: --)

Sausage Cheese Muffins

Ingredients

1 pound sausage
2 cups Bisquick
2 cups cheddar cheese, shredded
1 cup milk
Method
1. Brown sausage, drain and crumble.
2. Mix sausage, Bisquick, cheese and milk.
3. Scoop tbsp sized scoops onto baking sheet.
4. Bake at 375 for about 15 minutes or until brown.

Prep
- Bake: 15 Minutes

Source: Janna Lee (Servings: --)

Shepherds Pie

Ingredients

4 large potatoes, peeled and cubed
1 tablespoon butter
1 medium onion, minced
¼ cup cheddar cheese, shredded
salt and pepper to taste
5 carrots, chopped
1 tablespoon vegetable oil
1 lb. ground turkey
2 tablespoons flour
1 tablespoon ketchup
¾ cup beef broth

Method
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add potatoes and cook until tender but still firm, about 15 minutes. Drain and mash. Mix in butter, finely chopped onion and 1/4 cup shredded cheese. Season with salt and pepper to taste; set aside.
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add carrots and cook until tender but still firm, about 15 minutes. Drain, mash and set aside. Preheat oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C.)
Heat oil in a large frying pan. Add onion and cook until clear. Add ground beef and cook until well browned. Pour off excess fat, then stir in flour and cook 1 minute. Add ketchup and beef broth. Bring to a boil, reduce heat and simmer for 5 minutes.
Spread the ground beef in an even layer on the bottom of a 2 quart casserole dish. Next, spread a layer of mashed carrots. Top with the mashed potato mixture and sprinkle with remaining shredded cheese.
Bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes, or until golden brown.

Source:—(Servings: --)

Tostadas

Ingredients

6 flour tortillas
1 can black beans, drained and rinsed
½ cup salsa
cumin - ground, to taste
2 cups tomatoes - fresh, diced
1 cup mozarrella cheese, shredded
2 cups lettuce, shredded
8 ounces sour cream
1 bunch cilantro, chopped
1 package taco seasoning
1 pound ground turkey
Method
1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Place tortillas on ungreased cookie sheets and bake for about 5 minutes on each side, until just crisp.

2. Cook ground turkey with taco seasoning.

3. In a food processor, blend beans until smooth. Combine in a saucepan with salsa, cumin and chili powder. Bring to a boil and remove from heat.

4. Spread bean mixture on prepared tortillas to within 1/2 inch of edges. Top with meat and cheeses. Bake at 350 degreese for 3 minutes or until cheese is melted.

5. Top with lettuce, tomato and sour cream just before serving.

Source:—(Servings: --)

Turkey Breakfast Sausage

Ingredients

1 lb. ground turkey
¾ teaspoon ground ginger
1 ½ teaspoons salt
1 teaspoon dried sage
¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper
1 ½ teaspoons ground black pepper

Method
In a large bowl, mix together the ground turkey, ginger, salt, sage, cayenne pepper, and black pepper until well blended.
Heat a skillet over medium-high heat, and coat with nonstick cooking spray. Form the turkey sausage into patties, and fry until browned on both sides, and no longer pink in the center. This should take about 15 minutes

Source:—(Servings: --)

This post is part of MPM.

My Deep Dark Communication Confession

2009-10-23T03:40:00Z

david
I HATE talking on the phone.

I was a communications major in college. A tele-communications major. But I still don’t like to talk on the phone.

The most postponed items on my to do list are always phone calls.

I will email, twitter, facebook, text, skype....I’ll even myspace someone before I’ll call them.

The Mommy Factor

I think 90% of the issue is that my kids are with me for 14 hours a day. No breaks. And if you have little kids, you know how hard it is to talk on the phone.

It’s like a blue light special light goes off in their little minds:

“Let’s Go Crazy!!!!” “Let’s ask a MILLION questions!!!” “Let’s FIGHT!!” “Let’s stick things up our noses. In UNISON!!!”

Seriously, as soon as my phone hits my ear, insanity ensues. I make mean faces, do weird, threatening Mommy sign language and even try to sneak off to another room.

To no avail. They always find me.

It’s NOT You, It’s Me

So if I don’t answer your call or return your call, please know. It’s not that I don’t love you. It’s just that I don’t love the phone.

What about you? Do you like to talk on the phone or do you prefer another form of communication?

How To Eat An Elephant

2009-10-21T04:18:00Z

I posted on Monday about how my 7 year old, entirely on her own, read through the entire Bible (regular, full version, no picture Bible).

That’s a pretty big book. Especially for someone who, when she started, had only been reading for about a year.

Not only has this challenged me spiritually (I’m still working on reading the Bible from cover to cover) but it’s also challenged my character.

I love that she just did it. She didn’t talk about doing it. She didn’t list the reasons why she couldn’t. She just did it.

One page at a time.

How To Accomplish Nothing

There are so many things I’d like to do. But I get distracted.

I accomplish the mundane at the expense of the miraculous. I do the dishes instead of play with my kids. I read about everyone else’s life on Facebook instead of making my own memories. I workout halfheartedly instead of really pushing myself.

That’s how a 34 year old accomplishes nothing.

How To Accomplish The Amazing

Here’s how a 7 year old accomplishes the amazing.

1. Passion

She wasn’t really trying to check something off of her to do list. She just really loved reading the Bible.

Lesson: Don’t try to do something amazing just because it’s amazing or because other people want you to do it. Do something you’re passionate about.

2. Focus

We actually had to tell her many times to put the Bible down - to eat or get ready for school. It’s what she defaulted to doing in her free time. That was the book she was reading and she was going to read it until she was done.

Lesson: Everything you add to your plate dilutes your ability to accomplish the amazing. Simplify.

3. Plan

She didn’t follow any sort of pre-made reading plan, because she’s wonderfully innocent (and wise). She figured “it’s a book” - you start at the beginning and read to the end. She followed God’s reading plan.

Lesson: Don’t worry about how other people say you should do something. Take time to hear how God wants you to do it. Make a plan, write it down.

4. Be Faithful

She kept reading. Somedays she read a lot. Somedays she didn’t read at all. But she kept moving forward.

Lesson: Forward motion will ALWAYS get you to your destination.

You’re Turn To Do Something Amazing

What do you dream about doing?

Once you have your dreams in place, set some goals.

Once you have your goals in place, create a plan.

Once you have a plan in place, assemble your team. (A mentor and an accountability partner.)

Once you have your team in place, tell everyone you know. (Humiliation is a wonderful motivator).

Commit and be consistent.

Give yourself grace.

You don’t have to be perfect. Just do something.

Take The First Step

So what’s your dream? If we share our dreams, we’ll be that much more likely to realize them…

This post is part of WFMW

Aaaaand…She Finished The Bible

2009-10-19T16:11:00Z

My daughter is 7 and she just finished reading the Bible.

The whole thing. Cover to cover.

Please don’t call me Supermom. I promise I had NOTHING to do with it. Considering that (deep dark confession) I’ve never read the whole Bible. Sad, but true. I’m working on it.

She got a Bible for her birthday awhile back (thank you Kellye) and started reading it ALL. THE. TIME.

Apparently, her love of the Bible started early. I found this picture today. She couldn’t have been more than 3 and certainly couldn’t read yet. Besides, if you look closely, you’ll see that it’s actually upside down. Ha! If I remember correctly, she laid there staring and flipping through the pages for a good 20 minutes!

It’s an incredible thing to be challenged and inspired by your own children.

Have you read the Bible cover to cover? Do you plan to?

Meal Plan and Shopping List for 10/18

2009-10-19T03:52:01Z

photo by flyzipper
Another week, another menu and trip to the grocery store.

Once again, I have a couple overlapping recipes from last week. I am TERRIBLE at actually cooking every meal I plan each week.

Weekly Menu

Monday - Crock Pot Chili
Tuesday - Garlic Roast Chicken with Rosemary and Lemon, Rosemary Rice, The Best Salad Ever and Parmesan Rosemary Sweet Potato Fries
Wednesday - BLT’s and Smoothies
Thursday - Salmon Patties (I think this is the 4th week I’m postponed this recipe!)
Friday - Tostadas, Guacamole and chips

There you go. That’s the plan for this week. Have fun and may your children be perfect angels while you shop at the grocery store this week!

This post is part of MPM.

Crock Pot Chili

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Ingredients:

2 lbs. lean ground beef-browned
1/2 med. onion chopped
1/2 lg Green Pepper chopped
6-8 cloves chopped garlic
1 ounce 6 can tomato paste
1 ounce 8 can tomato sauce
2 cups water (more or less)
2 15 3/4 oz. Chili Beans
1 1/2 tablespoons Chili Powder
1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
1 teaspoon cumin
1/2 teaspoon oregano
1/4 teaspoon pepper

Directions:

Brown beef or ground turkey.
Combine ingredients in crock pot.
Heat 8-10 hours in crock pot.

Garlic Roast Chicken with Rosemary and Lemon

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Recipe By: 30 Minute Meals
Yield: 4 servings

Ingredients:

2 1/2 lbs. boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into large chunks
6 cloves garlic, crushed
3 tablespoons fresh rosemary leaves stripped from stems
3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil, eyeball it
1 lemon, zested and juiced
1 tablespoon grill seasoning blend (recommended: Montreal Seasoning) or, coarse salt and black pepper
1/2 cup dry white wine or chicken broth

Directions:

Preheat oven to 450 degrees F.

Arrange chicken in a baking dish, 9 by 13-inch. Add garlic, rosemary, extra-virgin olive oil, lemon zest and grill seasoning or salt and pepper to the dish. Toss and coat the chicken with all ingredients, then place in oven. Roast 20 minutes. Add wine and lemon juice to the dish and combine with pan juices. Return to oven and turn oven off. Let stand 5 minutes longer then remove chicken from the oven. Place baking dish on trivet and serve, spooning pan juices over the chicken pieces.

Parmesan Rosemary Sweet Potato Fries

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Ingredients:

sweet potato
parmesan cheese
rosemary - fresh

Directions:

1. Slice potatoes evenly into wedges
2. Coat in olive oil
3. Add mince rosemary
4. Add parmesan
5. Stir
6. Bake at 350 until crispy (about 30-40 minutes)

Rosemary Rice

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Recipe By: Light and Tasty
Yield: 4

Ingredients:

1/4 cup onion, chopped
1 clove garlic, minced
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 can vegetable broth
1/4 cup water
1 cup rice, white or brown
1 tablespoon rosemary - fresh, minced
1/4 teaspoon pepper
1/4 cup cheese - parmesan, grated

Directions:

In a saucepan, saute onion and garlic in oil until tender. Add broth and water. Stir in the
rice, rosemary and pepper. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat; cover and simmer for 15-18 minutes
or until rice is tender. Remove from the heat; stir in Parmesan cheese.

The Best Salad Ever

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Serving Size: 4

Ingredients:

1 bag spinach fresh
4 ounces walnuts chopped
1 can mandarin oranges
6 slices turkey bacon
1 bottle Brianna - Poppyseed dressing
1 medium avacado

Directions:

1. Wash and drain spinach.
2. Toast walnuts in toaster oven.
3. Cook bacon and break into pieces.
4. Slice avacado.
5. Mix all ingredients and top with dressing to taste.

BLT’s

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Ingredients:

12 slices Whole Wheat Bread
1 package Turkey Bacon
3 medium Tomatoes
1 package Spinach
1 cup Mayonaisse

Directions:
1. Cook bacon
2. Lightly toast bread slices
3. Put mayo on bread and top with spinach, tomato slices, bacon.
4. Top with additional piece of bread an enjoy.

Pot Stickers

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Ingredients:

1/2 lb. ground pork (for lower-fat wontons, use ground turkey)
2 scallions, finely chopped
1 tablespoon minced fresh ginger
1 small clove garlic, minced
1 tablespoon plus 1 teaspoon soy sauce
1 teaspoon rice vinegar
1/4 teaspoon sesame oil
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/8 teaspoon pepper
1 teaspoon cornstarch
35 to 40 wonton wrappers

Directions:

1. In a large saucepan, combine the chicken broth, water, and ginger slices. Cover and bring the broth to a gentle simmer, then turn off the heat. Cut the bok choy into small pieces and set it aside.
2. Combine the pork, scallions, ginger, and garlic in a mixing bowl. Add the soy sauce, vinegar, sesame oil, salt, pepper, and cornstarch and mix well with a rubber spatula.
3. Remove the wonton wrappers from their package and cover them with a damp paper towel to keep them from drying out. Assemble the wontons (see below), place them on a large plate or a baking sheet lined with waxed paper, and cover them loosely with plastic wrap..
Assembling the Wontons:
1. Place a wrapper flour side up on your work surface. Using a spoon and a chopstick, drop a scant teaspoon of the meat mixture onto the wrapper.
2. Moisten all the edges of the wrapper with a wet fingertip, then fold it over so the edges meet. Pinch the edges to seal them.
3. Using your finger or a chopstick, make an indentation in the middle of the filled wonton.
4. Dab a drop of water on the two corners and fold them in so they overlap above the indentation. Pinch them together to secure them in place.

Salmon Patties

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Recipe By: HEB

Ingredients:

14.75 ounces Salmon - can
1/2 cup onion, chopped
2 eggs
2/3 cup bread crumbs, plain
1/2 cup oil

Directions:

1. Remove any visible bones from salmon.
2. Combine drained salmon, onions, bread crumbs, eggs, and any seasonings in a mixing bowl.
3. Shape salmon into 8 patties.
4. Place on baking sheet, cover and refrigerate until ready to fry.
5. Add oil to large skillet and heat for 3 minutes over medium heat.
6. Fry 3-4 patties at a time 2-3 minutes per side.
7. Place on paper towels to drain and serve.

(optional: serve with red pepper mayo)

Tostadas

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Ingredients:

6 flour tortillas
1 can black beans, drained and rinsed
1/2 cup salsa
cumin - ground, to taste
2 cups tomatoes - fresh, diced
1 cup mozarrella cheese, shredded
2 cups lettuce, shredded
8 ounces sour cream
1 bunch cilantro, chopped

Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Place tortillas on ungreased cookie sheets and bake for about 5 minutes on each side, until just crisp.

2. In a food processor, blend beans until smooth. Combine in a saucepan with salsa, cumin and chili powder. Bring to a boil and remove from heat. (Note: If I have left over bacon from the blt’s I like to throw it in the food processor too.)

3. Spread bean mixture on prepared tortillas to within 1/2 inch of edges. Top with tomatoes and cheeses. Bake at 350 degreese for 3 minutes or until cheese is melted.

4. Top with lettuce and sour cream just before serving.

Sausage Cheese Muffins

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Ingredients:

1 pound sausage
2 cups Bisquick
2 cups cheddar cheese, shredded
1 cup milk

Directions:

1. Brown sausage, drain and crumble.
2. Mix sausage, Bisquick, cheese and milk.
3. Scoop tbsp sized scoops onto baking sheet.
4. Bake at 375 for about 15 minutes or until brown.

Turkey Breakfast Sausage

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Ingredients:

1 lb. ground turkey
3/4 teaspoon ground ginger
1 1/2 teaspoons salt
1 teaspoon dried sage
1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
1 1/2 teaspoons ground black pepper

Directions:

In a large bowl, mix together the ground turkey, ginger, salt, sage, cayenne pepper, and black pepper until well blended.
Heat a skillet over medium-high heat, and coat with nonstick cooking spray. Form the turkey sausage into patties, and fry until browned on both sides, and no longer pink in the center. This should take about 15 minutes.

GROCERY LIST

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Wheat Bread, 12 slices (BLT’s)
water (more or less), 2 cups (Crock Pot Chili)
water, 1/4 cup (Rosemary Rice)
walnuts chopped, 4 ounces (The Best Salad Ever)
Turkey Bacon, 7 packages (BLT’s, The Best Salad Ever)
Tomatoes, 3 medium (BLT’s)
to 40 wonton wrappers, 35 (Pot Stickers)
sweet potato (Parmesan Rosemary Sweet Potato Fries)
spinach fresh, 1 bag (The Best Salad Ever)
Spinach, 1 package (BLT’s)
sour cream, 8 ounces (Tostadas)
small clove garlic, 1 (Pot Stickers)
sesame oil, 1/4 teaspoon (Pot Stickers)
scallions, 2 (Pot Stickers)
sausage, 1 pound (Sausage Cheese Muffins)
salsa, 1/2 cup (Tostadas)
Salmon - can, 14.75 ounces (Salmon Patties)
rice vinegar, 1 teaspoon (Pot Stickers)
plus 1 teaspoon soy sauce, 1 tablespoon (Pot Stickers)
pepper, 1 tablespoon (Crock Pot Chili, Pot Stickers, Rosemary Rice)
oregano, 1/2 teaspoon (Crock Pot Chili)
oil, 1/2 cup (Salmon Patties)
mozarrella cheese, 1 cup (Tostadas)
minced fresh ginger, 1 tablespoon (Pot Stickers)
medium avacado, 1 (The Best Salad Ever)
med. onion chopped, 1/2 (Crock Pot Chili)
Mayonaisse, 1 cup (BLT’s)
mandarin oranges, 1 can (The Best Salad Ever)
lg Green Pepper chopped, 1/2 (Crock Pot Chili)
lemon, 1 (Garlic Roast Chicken with Rosemary and Lemon)
lean ground beef-browned, 2 lbs. (Crock Pot Chili)
ground turkey, 1 lb. (Turkey Breakfast Sausage)
ground pork (for lower-fat wontons, 1/2 lb. (Pot Stickers)
ground ginger, 3/4 teaspoon (Turkey Breakfast Sausage)
ground black pepper, 1 1/2 teaspoons (Turkey Breakfast Sausage)
grill seasoning blend (recommended: Montreal Seasoning) or, 1 tablespoon (Garlic Roast Chicken with Rosemary and Lemon)
garlic, 7 cloves (Garlic Roast Chicken with Rosemary and Lemon, Rosemary Rice)
fresh rosemary leaves stripped from stems, 3 tablespoons (Garlic Roast Chicken with Rosemary and Lemon)
flour tortillas, 6 (Tostadas)
extra-virgin olive oil, 3 tablespoons (Garlic Roast Chicken with Rosemary and Lemon)
eggs, 2 (Salmon Patties)
dry white wine or chicken broth, 1/2 cup (Garlic Roast Chicken with Rosemary and Lemon)
dried sage, 1 teaspoon (Turkey Breakfast Sausage)
cumin, 1 teaspoon (Crock Pot Chili)
cornstarch, 1 teaspoon (Pot Stickers)
chopped garlic, 6-8 cloves (Crock Pot Chili)
Chili Powder, 1 1/2 tablespoons (Crock Pot Chili)
cheddar cheese, 2 cups (Sausage Cheese Muffins)
cayenne pepper, 2 teaspoons (Crock Pot Chili, Turkey Breakfast Sausage)
bread crumbs, 2/3 cup (Salmon Patties)
bottle Brianna - Poppyseed dressing, 1 (The Best Salad Ever)
boneless, 2 1/2 lbs. (Garlic Roast Chicken with Rosemary and Lemon)
Bisquick, 2 cups (Sausage Cheese Muffins)
8 can tomato sauce, 1 ounce (Crock Pot Chili)
6 can tomato paste, 1 ounce (Crock Pot Chili)
15 3/4 oz. Chili Beans, 2 (Crock Pot Chili)
tomatoes - fresh, 2 cups (Tostadas)
rosemary - fresh, 3 tablespoons (Parmesan Rosemary Sweet Potato Fries, Rosemary Rice)
onion, 3/4 cups (Rosemary Rice, Salmon Patties)
lettuce, 2 cups (Tostadas)
cilantro, 1 bunch (Tostadas)
salt, 2 teaspoons (Pot Stickers, Turkey Breakfast Sausage)
olive oil, 1 tablespoon (Rosemary Rice)
cumin - ground (Tostadas)
milk, 1 cup (Sausage Cheese Muffins)
parmesan cheese (Parmesan Rosemary Sweet Potato Fries)
cheese - parmesan, 1/4 cup (Rosemary Rice)
rice, 1 cup (Rosemary Rice)
vegetable broth, 1 can (Rosemary Rice)
black beans, 1 can (Tostadas)

This Is Why I Love Hats

2009-10-16T04:04:01Z

So thankful I had my phone handy for this cute pic!

You MUST Watch This Video.

2009-10-15T14:05:00Z

Catalyst 2009 Compassion Moment from Catalyst on Vimeo.

You may have watched this when I posted the link on Facebook/Twitter. If not, watch it now. Simply incredible. Jimmy Wambua meets Mark, his Compassion sponsor of 19 years.

Oh. My. Goodness.

If you’re in a hurry the most powerful part starts at 3:45 and culminates at 9:45.

If you’re a Compassion sponsor (or a similar organization) where would you have to travel to meet your child?

A Parable of Sorts….

2009-10-15T03:31:00Z

photo by nimbu
There was once a great young painter.

A prodigy. A genius. Someday, the world would know his name.

But often, while painting in the studio, he watched the other painters. At first, he simply admired their strokes and color choices.

Then he began to offer suggestions and comments.

Eventually, he painted less and observed more.

Until he spent more time comparing and critiquing than creating.

And no one ever knew his name.

From Overwhelmed to Simplified

2009-10-14T03:36:00Z

photo by Johan & Natasja

School has started, Christmas is coming and my summer project lists still aren’t finished. This is the time of year when many of us (moms in particular) begin to feel overwhelmed. So much to do, so little - me.

One thing I’ve learned recently is that feeling overwhelmed is a call to action. A call to SIMPLIFY. Here are some thoughts that have helped me and I hope will help you to go from overwhelmed to simplified.

Why we don’t simplify

1. We are afraid of making decisions.
2. We are afraid of making the wrong decisions.
3. We are afraid of looking like we can’t handle it. (Even though it’s true.)
4. We are afraid to let go of our junk. It may be ours, but it’s still junk.

How to simplify

1. Pray - God’s quite good at showing us what we need and what we don’t.
2. Write mission statement - A measure of what is important to us. When we can’t think or decide our mission statement can decide for us. If it doesn’t fit - get rid of it.
3. Counsel - develop a trusted circle of people who know you and will help you identify the important from the unimportant.
4. Default to No - when new opportunities are presented, default to no. Few of us have too much time on our hands.

When our lives are simple, we can enjoy every last bit rather than have the good moments overshadowed by the looming list of things undone.

Challenge

Think of 1 thing that you can knock off your plate TODAY.

Time to ‘Fess Up

Is your life currently overwhelmed or simplified?

This post is part of WFMW

Why Is No One Concerned About The Size of Her Head?

2009-10-14T04:25:00Z

Because, really? She has SERIOUS proportion issues.

(Things I wonder while watching cartoons with my kids.)