With today's busy schedules we are always looking for quick and easy but good meals. Here are three that fit that bill.
[1] Broccoli Pasta
Cook your pasta as the package directs but add broccoli florets for the last five minutes. When it's time to take the pot off the heat, dip out 1/2 cup of the water, reserve then drain the rest.
Place the pasta and broccoli into a large bowl, add one cup of diced cooked chicken, one cup of cherry tomatoes [cut in half], the 1/2 cup of hot water and a good handful of shredded Parmesan cheese. Toss together and serve with a slice of sourdough bread for a great meal.
[2] Tortilla Pizza with Leftovers
Cover your tortilla with shredded cheese then layer on leftover veggies. Top with more cheese or salsa before heating in the microwave long enough to melt the cheese. This meal will use up leftover of any amount, as there is no right or wrong to the toppings. Just make sure, if you are using meat that it has been completely cook. A quick green salad and fresh fruit for desert will complete the meal in short time.
[3] Breakfast for Dinner
Most of us do not allow the time in the mornings for a family breakfast, so have it for dinner. You can find bacon, sausage and ham in precooked packages at most stores. Add eggs, juice and maybe some homemade biscuits for a great way to bring the kids to the table.
Nothing brings us together better than having a meal we can all enjoy and take part in. All of these meals have something that can be done by all ages in the family. Let the younger ones set the table or crack the eggs. It's the being together that makes the memories not the kind of food we eat.
Enjoy
Faylee
Monday, September 28, 2009
Tuesday, September 22, 2009
Saving Tips for Frugal Living
[1] Ready to shampoo your hair and discover you have no conditioner. Mix a teaspoon of baking soda into your shampoo. Then add to your wet hair. You will get hair that is soft and smells good too.
[2] To cut hours of cooking time off your dried beans, microwave them for 14-15 minutes. Place the beans, peas, lentils, etc, in a microwave safe bowl, large enough to cover them with water about 2 inches higher than they are. Place a piece of plastic wrap over the bowl. Make a small slit in the middle to allow steam to escape. Put into your microwave set on high for 8 minutes. When it stops, check water level, add more water if needed. Replace plastic film and heat for 6-7 minutes more. Let the bowl cool before removing. Rinse, place beans into your cooking pot, add fresh water and seasoning. Cook as usual but for half the time.
[3] If you have used to much Mayonnaise in your Tuna or Chicken salad mixture. Place 6-8 plain or saltine crackers in a plastic bag and crush them into small pieces, with your dough roller. Then add as much as you need to help soak up the extra mayonnaise. Don't add too much or you will have the opposite problem. Taste your mixture before adding more salt.
[4] Do not throw out party leftovers until you have made sure they cannot be incorporated into another meal. Most vegetable tray extras can be put in soups, sauces or dip dishes for the family.
Faylee James
[2] To cut hours of cooking time off your dried beans, microwave them for 14-15 minutes. Place the beans, peas, lentils, etc, in a microwave safe bowl, large enough to cover them with water about 2 inches higher than they are. Place a piece of plastic wrap over the bowl. Make a small slit in the middle to allow steam to escape. Put into your microwave set on high for 8 minutes. When it stops, check water level, add more water if needed. Replace plastic film and heat for 6-7 minutes more. Let the bowl cool before removing. Rinse, place beans into your cooking pot, add fresh water and seasoning. Cook as usual but for half the time.
[3] If you have used to much Mayonnaise in your Tuna or Chicken salad mixture. Place 6-8 plain or saltine crackers in a plastic bag and crush them into small pieces, with your dough roller. Then add as much as you need to help soak up the extra mayonnaise. Don't add too much or you will have the opposite problem. Taste your mixture before adding more salt.
[4] Do not throw out party leftovers until you have made sure they cannot be incorporated into another meal. Most vegetable tray extras can be put in soups, sauces or dip dishes for the family.
Faylee James
Tuesday, September 15, 2009
Controling Snack Costs
Have you ever finished a complete meal and found yourself looking in the refrigerator an hour later? Then you are like most of us. We all love to snack. Snacking just for the sake of snacking can become expensive. Here are a few ways to cut down on the cost of keeping the hunger in you, in control.
[1] Plan Ahead
When you are grocery shopping buy large bags of chips, carrots, celery and other items you know you like snacking on. Then when you get home, transfer those items to small containers. You get more servings from the final cost than buying individual sizes.
[2] Buy Generic
Have you tried the store or generic brands of your favorite snack items? If not, it's time to do so. In most cases you get the same item for less money. Just make sure you buy the small size and try the item before buying the family size.
[3] Give Dry Cereal a Try
I love eating dry cereal as a snack while watching my favorite TV shows. I can eat Puffed Wheat, Cheerios or Shredded Wheat instead of the high calorie deserts and still be munchie satisfied.
As with most expenses it's in the planning and keeping control of what we spend that gives us the most for our money.
Happy Snacking,
Faylee
[1] Plan Ahead
When you are grocery shopping buy large bags of chips, carrots, celery and other items you know you like snacking on. Then when you get home, transfer those items to small containers. You get more servings from the final cost than buying individual sizes.
[2] Buy Generic
Have you tried the store or generic brands of your favorite snack items? If not, it's time to do so. In most cases you get the same item for less money. Just make sure you buy the small size and try the item before buying the family size.
[3] Give Dry Cereal a Try
I love eating dry cereal as a snack while watching my favorite TV shows. I can eat Puffed Wheat, Cheerios or Shredded Wheat instead of the high calorie deserts and still be munchie satisfied.
As with most expenses it's in the planning and keeping control of what we spend that gives us the most for our money.
Happy Snacking,
Faylee
Monday, September 7, 2009
Autumn is my favorite time of the year. I love it so much I named my youngest daughter after it. It was a given, she was born on Sept. 22 and to prove she wanted to be Autumn she jumped out almost 6 weeks early. She has been my wild child ever since. There were times I didn't know if either of us were going to survive but today she is the her, she was meant to be. She has 4 beautiful children and is a teacher. She is a delight and a good friend to know and have as a daughter. Finding the right recipe to mix together and bring her life to where it is today took a lot of time and effort from the people who love her but mostly her. In other words, she baked up quiet nicely....lol.
Fall brings new things to the table, that summer doesn't have, like pumpkin pies....yummy for the tummy.
It is also a reminder it's time to get ready for next year's garden. Are you cleaning your garden as your old plants are coming out? Are you planting something for a winter cover? Are you doing my favorite, planting some fall crops, such as turnips or Cale?
We need to treat our garden spot as nice as we want to be treated. Give it a little love now and it will love you back in the spring with better produce. If you do not have a plan, please make one now. Visit your gardening stores, your county extension agents, check your phone book for ideas on places to go.
Then keep me in mind for the over flow of eatables.
Faylee
Fall brings new things to the table, that summer doesn't have, like pumpkin pies....yummy for the tummy.
It is also a reminder it's time to get ready for next year's garden. Are you cleaning your garden as your old plants are coming out? Are you planting something for a winter cover? Are you doing my favorite, planting some fall crops, such as turnips or Cale?
We need to treat our garden spot as nice as we want to be treated. Give it a little love now and it will love you back in the spring with better produce. If you do not have a plan, please make one now. Visit your gardening stores, your county extension agents, check your phone book for ideas on places to go.
Then keep me in mind for the over flow of eatables.
Faylee
Monday, July 20, 2009
Summer Bounty
Have you been in your local grocery store's produce section lately? If not, it's time to go. Summer produce is here and if you are lucky enough, as I am, your grocery store buys local. Getting you the best to be had from your area. It also allows for fresher foods on your dinner table.
Who doesn't like corn on the cob? It can be fixed so many different ways but did you know you can eat it raw? Try a fresh tender cob straight from the garden and find out for yourself. If that isn't to your liking, then try roasting it on the grill, steam it in it's shucks or boil it on the stove. Just remember not to over cook it. Fresh corn only take 3-5 minutes of heat to become fully cooked.
Start watching for the summer tomatoes showing up at your local farmers markets. Look for the older fuller flavor heirloom tomatoes. They may look gnarly but for taste you can not beat them. My favorite is the stripped orange and reds. I think it's because they remind me of my grand parents, especially my Granny Laura, she always had cornbread and tomatoes on her table. Summer time was for fresh ones but in the winter she would set a jar of canned ones on the table. She would "put up" at least 200 jars each year for family and friends to enjoy.
Memories of pleasant things in the past lead us to better days in the future. Enjoy the summer bounty of food and life.
Faylee
Who doesn't like corn on the cob? It can be fixed so many different ways but did you know you can eat it raw? Try a fresh tender cob straight from the garden and find out for yourself. If that isn't to your liking, then try roasting it on the grill, steam it in it's shucks or boil it on the stove. Just remember not to over cook it. Fresh corn only take 3-5 minutes of heat to become fully cooked.
Start watching for the summer tomatoes showing up at your local farmers markets. Look for the older fuller flavor heirloom tomatoes. They may look gnarly but for taste you can not beat them. My favorite is the stripped orange and reds. I think it's because they remind me of my grand parents, especially my Granny Laura, she always had cornbread and tomatoes on her table. Summer time was for fresh ones but in the winter she would set a jar of canned ones on the table. She would "put up" at least 200 jars each year for family and friends to enjoy.
Memories of pleasant things in the past lead us to better days in the future. Enjoy the summer bounty of food and life.
Faylee
Friday, June 12, 2009
Healthy Snacks for Kids
Summer is here and in most places school is out. Keeping our children on a good eating pattern is harder in the summer as most do not keep the same schedule as winter. Here are a few snack ideas to keep them healthy and on track with their healthy eating habits.
[1] Peel a banana and cut in two inch pieces. Roll each piece in vanilla yogurt, crushed cereal and freeze.
This is also a good way to put use to the last stray bites of cereal in the box. Mixing different cereals can be fun also.
[2] Mix peanut butter and corn flakes in a bowl. Make quarter size balls with the mixture then roll in crushed nuts. Store left overs in an air tight container. Use within 3 days.
[3] Fresh fruits [apples of any kind] and vegetables [celery or carrots] can be spread with peanut butter to make an appealing snack.
Most children will try something if it is pleasing to their eye.
[4] Make kabobs using a pretzel stick. Push a cube of cheese, apples or grapes on the pretzel and watch the snacks disappear.
[5] Add some lowfat shredded cheese to a corn tortilla, roll it up and heat for 20 seconds in a microwave. Use a bowl of salsa for a dipping sauce.
[6] Toast a frozen whole grain waffle, add a heaping tablespoon of vanilla yogurt and a few strawberries. You will have happy healthy eating children.
[1] Peel a banana and cut in two inch pieces. Roll each piece in vanilla yogurt, crushed cereal and freeze.
This is also a good way to put use to the last stray bites of cereal in the box. Mixing different cereals can be fun also.
[2] Mix peanut butter and corn flakes in a bowl. Make quarter size balls with the mixture then roll in crushed nuts. Store left overs in an air tight container. Use within 3 days.
[3] Fresh fruits [apples of any kind] and vegetables [celery or carrots] can be spread with peanut butter to make an appealing snack.
Most children will try something if it is pleasing to their eye.
[4] Make kabobs using a pretzel stick. Push a cube of cheese, apples or grapes on the pretzel and watch the snacks disappear.
[5] Add some lowfat shredded cheese to a corn tortilla, roll it up and heat for 20 seconds in a microwave. Use a bowl of salsa for a dipping sauce.
[6] Toast a frozen whole grain waffle, add a heaping tablespoon of vanilla yogurt and a few strawberries. You will have happy healthy eating children.
Wednesday, June 3, 2009
Refreshing Summer Dips
Here in East Tennessee we are beginning to get early summer produce in the Farmer's Markets. It's an exciting time for the cook to see fresh items for our favorites recipes, before us. Here are a few recipes to use some of these items.
Cucumber and Onion Dip
1 4-6 inch cucumber /peeled, seeded and minced
1 cup of plain yogurt
1/2 teaspoon white vinegar
1/2 teaspoon extra virgin olive oil
1/4 cup finely sliced spring onion, green part included.
Place yogurt in a medium mixing bowl, adding the other ingredients, whisk until smooth. Use as a vegetable dip for dinner or parties.
Cucumber and Spring Peas Salad
2 small cucumbers, thinly sliced with peel on
1 small red onion, thinly sliced
1 bag of frozen peas, thawed
1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped
Dressing
8 oz sour cream
4 teaspoon garlic, finely minced
1/4 C milk
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
If you like your salad dressing with a little kick, use one shake of hot sauce or 1/4 teaspoon hot pepper. [opt]
Mix salad ingredients in a medium bowl, lightly toss.
Mix dressing ingredients in a jar with a lid and shake.
Pour dressing over your salad until the mixture is lightly coated with dressing. Toss as needed. You do not want to drown your salad in dressing. Keep extra dressing refrigerated until used.
If you have kitchen shears use them to chop your basil and spring onions. It keeps the mess off your chopping block.
As always these recipes are mine preference, if you do not like and ingredient feel free to change it for another.
Faylee
Cucumber and Onion Dip
1 4-6 inch cucumber /peeled, seeded and minced
1 cup of plain yogurt
1/2 teaspoon white vinegar
1/2 teaspoon extra virgin olive oil
1/4 cup finely sliced spring onion, green part included.
Place yogurt in a medium mixing bowl, adding the other ingredients, whisk until smooth. Use as a vegetable dip for dinner or parties.
Cucumber and Spring Peas Salad
2 small cucumbers, thinly sliced with peel on
1 small red onion, thinly sliced
1 bag of frozen peas, thawed
1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped
Dressing
8 oz sour cream
4 teaspoon garlic, finely minced
1/4 C milk
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
If you like your salad dressing with a little kick, use one shake of hot sauce or 1/4 teaspoon hot pepper. [opt]
Mix salad ingredients in a medium bowl, lightly toss.
Mix dressing ingredients in a jar with a lid and shake.
Pour dressing over your salad until the mixture is lightly coated with dressing. Toss as needed. You do not want to drown your salad in dressing. Keep extra dressing refrigerated until used.
If you have kitchen shears use them to chop your basil and spring onions. It keeps the mess off your chopping block.
As always these recipes are mine preference, if you do not like and ingredient feel free to change it for another.
Faylee
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