Mommy Shilah

Christmas Giveaway 2009

2009-11-20T19:28:00.001-08:00

This giveaway looks great!

Menu Plan Monday ~ Feb. 9th

2009-02-08T16:19:00.000-08:00

Hey there. Here's another week of Menu Planning fun. For more great menu planning ideas, see I'm an Organized Junkie.

What are everyone's plans for Valentine's Day? It looks like my sister-in-law, brother-in-law, and nephew will be moving into their house on Valentine's Day! So we may be helping them out. I'm so excited for them!!

Other than that I'm not sure what we'll be doing. I'm going to have vanilla bean creme brulees made for dessert though and perhaps some bubbly!

Monday - leftovers or grilled cheese (Brownie Meeting)

Tuesday - Slow Cooker Easy Chow Mein (with ground turkey)

Wednesday - Awanas / Date Night

Thursday - Spaghetti & salad

Friday - Trader Joe's Orange Chicken, brown rice, & sugar snap peas

Saturday - Creme Brulees for dessert

Menu Plan Monday ~ January 26th

2009-01-25T19:44:00.001-08:00

I'm trying to have us eat up some of the meals in our freezer this week. So, I'm not going to be doing much cooking. Maybe I'll get some extra things done this week, like cleaning. :-)
For more Menu Planning, see I'm an Organized Junkie.

Breakfasts: Today, the kids and I made a crockpot full of Irish oatmeal (I used a combination of 2 different recipes. We'll be eating this throughout the week.) & a batch of Oatmeal Banana Chocolate Chip Muffins. Recipes are below.

Snacks: We also made some Gingerbread cookies today from a mix that Honey (the name our kids call my mom instead of calling her Grandma) gave us.

So for snacking, we'll be eating those cookies, celery and carrot sticks with ranch (I might make a hummus dip again to dip veggies in also), pretzels dipped in almond butter, and yogurt.

Lunches: Roast beef sandwiches, PB&J, bean & cheese burritos, & baked 'taters with chili

Dinners:

Monday - Quesadillas and leftover green beans (weird combo but we need to eat these before they go bad)

Brownie meeting tonight

Tuesday - Chicken Taco Soup (freezer meal) & cornbread

Wednesday - Grilled cheese sandwiches for kids

Awana Meeting for the kiddos & Date Night for hubby and I (We just got the kids enrolled in Awanas 2 weeks ago. They love it, and we have 2 hours to go out to dinner alone!!)

Thursday - Sweet & Sour Pork & steamed rice (freezer meal)

Friday - Tamales & beans (freezer meal)

Crockpot Caramel Apple Oatmeal Recipe

The problem with some crockpot oatmeal recipes is they don't use enough liquid. So by the time you wake up in the morning, the oatmeal is crusty and stuck to your slow cooker. This crockpot oatmeal turns out just the way oatmeal was intended to taste and can cook 8 to 9 hours without sticking.
Important: You must use steel cut oatmeal, such as McCann's Irish Oatmeal, not rolled oats or instant oats. Otherwise, your oatmeal will cook too fast and end up sticking to the crockpot. If you don't want to use the milk and cider, just substitute 8 cups of water.

2 cups steel cut oats (not instant or rolled oats)
4 cups milk
4 cups apple cider
1 tsp. cinnamon
1/2 cup brown sugar
1 vanilla bean, split but not scraped, or use 1 tsp. vanilla extract
1 cup chopped dried apples
1 cup raisins

Spray crockpot with nonstick cooking spray. If you're planning to cook the oatmeal 8 hours or longer, use 8 cups of liquid. If you want to cook it less than 8 hours, use 6 cups of liquid. Put first seven ingredients in slow cooker and cook on low. Just before serving, Stir in raisins. Sprinkle with additional brown sugar and add cream if desired.

Serves 8.

Oatmeal Banana Chocolate Chip Muffins

12 muffins

350 degree oven, 25 minutes

3 large very ripe bananas, mashed
1/2 cup white sugar
1 egg, beaten
1/3 cup applesauce
1 tsp. baking soda
1 1/2 tsp baking powder
1 cup all purpose flour (or half and half with whole wheat)
1/2 cup oatmeal
1/2 tsp. salt
3/4 cup chocolate chips

Mash the bananas in a large bowl. Add sugar and mix until well blended. Add in egg and applesauce, and beat together. Without stirring, add the dry ingredients to the bowl. Once they are all added together, stir the dry ingredients a bit, then incorporate into the wet ingredients; you could just use a separate bowl, but why do more dishes? Stir in the chocolate chips.

Spoon into medium sized muffin tins, well greased or lined with liners. Bake for 20 to 25 minutes at 350 degree oven.

Menu Plan Monday ~ Jan. 12th

2009-01-12T21:03:00.000-08:00

We have a busy week this week. My daughter had a Brownie meeting tonight. It's cookie sale time again. Cookie prices went up this year, $4 a box. Can you believe it?

Anyhow, I'm going to take the kids to an Awana meeting for their first time on Wednesday night. So, I think Wednesdays will have to be leftover nights.

For more great menu planning, see I'm an Organized Junkie.

Monday - Frozen leftover chili

Tuesday - Mexican Potato Casserole

Wednesday - Leftovers

Thursday - Amish Chicken Casserole

Friday - Carne Asada Fajitas (meat from Trader Joe's)

I made a delicious snack today. Homemade hummus. I'm going to eat it throughout the week with vegetables and pita chips.

Menu Plan Monday ~ January 5th

2009-01-05T21:10:00.001-08:00

I'm posting late this week. We were out of town this weekend visiting family. So here it is. For more Menu Planning, see I'm an Organized Junkie.

Monday - German Lentil Soup (recipe follows)

Tuesday - In-laws house (my brother-in-law is leaving Wednesday morning to go back to Germany)

Wednesday - Szechuan Stir Fry (Trader Joe's cookbook)

Thursday - Chicken Tortilla Soup (Southern Living Slow Cooker book)

Friday - Mexican Potato Casserole

Saturday - Amish Chicken and Rice Casserole

German Lentil Soup with Frankfurters

Preparation Time 7 mins.

Cooking Time 45 mins.

2 onions, chopped

1 garlic clove, crushed

2 carrots, chopped

2 celery ribs, chopped

2 tablespoons oil

8 cups water

1 cup lentils

1 bay leaf

1 1/2 teaspoons salt

1/4 teaspoon pepper

1 pound hot dog, thinly sliced

2 tablespoons cider vinegar

In a kettle saute chopped onions, crushed garlic clove, chopped carrots, and chopped celery ribs in heated oil for 5 minutes.

Add water, lentils, bay leaf, salt, and pepper. Bring to a boil, reduce the heat, and cook slowly, covered, for about 30 minutes, or until lentils are just tender.

Add thinly sliced hot dogs and cook for another 10 minutes. Remove from the heat and stir in cider vinegar. Remove and discard the bay leaf.

Serving Size: 8

Check out this contest

2008-12-21T15:57:00.000-08:00

Check out these adorable bags! I want them! Go to Blissfully Domestic to enter the contest.

School Christmas Musical

2008-12-17T21:09:00.000-08:00

Menu Plan Monday ~ December 15

2008-12-14T14:39:00.001-08:00

Last week was pretty busy. I didn't get around to making two of the meals. So we'll be having them this week instead. I'm going to try to get all the presents wrapped this week. I have one wrapped so far.

How's everyone doing with their shopping? I tried to get done early because I hate shopping during the madness. So I only have a couple things to pick up, and I can grab them when I do my regular errands this week. Yay!! I'm not usually this far along. I've been a lot more organized this year around.

For more great organizing with Menu Plan Monday, go to I'm an Organized Junkie.

Monday - Impossible Cheeseburger Pie

Tuesday - Mango Chicken Stir-Fry

Wednesday - Quiche Lorraine (recipe follows)

Thursday - Creamy Chicken Lasagna

Friday - Slow Cooker Sweet & Sour Pork

QUICHE LORRAINE
· 1 (9−inch) pastry shell
· 1/4 lb. sliced bacon, cut into 1−inch pieces
· 2 C. cream or milk
· 3 eggs, well beaten
· Salt and freshly−ground pepper, to taste
· A grating of fresh nutmeg
· 1/2 C. diced or shredded Gruyere or Swiss cheese

Prick the bottom of the pie crust thoroughly with a fork to prevent it from bubbling
up during cooking. (I'm going to pre-bake the crust for about 8 min.)
Fry the bacon in a large skillet over high heat until much of the fat is rendered out,
but do not fry it until it is crisp. Drain the bacon on paper towels.
Combine the cream, eggs, salt, pepper, and nutmeg in a bowl and mix well. Place
the bacon in the bottom of the pie shell, followed by the cheese. Pour the egg
mixture into the shell and bake in a preheated 375°F oven for 30 to 40 minutes,
until the top is golden brown and a wooden pick inserted in the center comes out
clean.
Allow to cool and serve lukewarm. Serves 6 to 8.

New Haircut

2008-12-07T16:37:00.001-08:00

Menu Plan Monday ~ December 8th

2008-12-07T16:30:00.000-08:00

I'm excited about this week's menu. There's 3 new recipes I'm trying out. So I hope they are successful. It's been a busy week. I'm almost done with my Christmas shopping. Woohoo!!

Monday - Frozen chili

Tuesday - Mango Chicken Stir-Fry *

Wednesday - Farmer's Casserole

Thursday - Creamy Chicken Lasagna *

Friday - Crockpot Taco Soup *

For more great Menu Planning Monday Madness, see I'm an Organized Junkie.

Menu Plan Monday ~ December 1

2008-11-30T20:36:00.000-08:00

I can't believe it's December already. It's a very busy month for us. First, my birthday is on the 7th this coming Sunday. My daughter's birthday is the 21st. Our anniversary is the 23rd. Then we have Christmas stuff all month.

My goal is to have all Christmas shopping done by the middle of next week. Good luck me!

Dinners

Monday - Quick Chicken Curry, brown rice, and steamed green beans

Tuesday - Country Breakfast Quiche and fresh fruit

Wednesday - Thick 'n' Hearty Chicken Cheese Soup

Thursday - Mac & Cheese Lasagna & sweet peas

Friday - Slow Cooker Potato & Double Corn Chowder & homemade bread

Breakfasts - I made a huge batch of whole wheat waffles this past weekend and froze them. So we'll be having waffles, bagels and oatmeal.

Lunches - Sandwiches, soup and leftovers

Snacks - Granola and yogurt, fresh fruit (my kids have been gobbling up those mandarin oranges), crackers and cheese, whole grain pretzels dipped in almond butter

Extras to make this week- Santa's Maple Pumpkin Pie Granola, sugar cookie dough and frosting for my daughter's Brownie meeting next week, and I might make a cheesecake for my birthday or then again I'll probably just buy one. ;-)

For more great menu planning fun, go to I'm an Organized Junkie.

My Family Meal Planner Contest

2008-11-29T16:50:00.000-08:00

I'm trying to win this great contest that 5 Minutes For Mom is having. Go check it out and enter to win.

Menu Plan Monday ~ November 24

2008-11-23T15:10:00.000-08:00

I love this time of year! Here's another week of meal planning. I didn't have to plan too much because there were a couple of meals I didn't get around to making last week. So I put them on this week's menu.

Monday - Dinner @ Brownie meeting

Tuesday - Cheesy Chicken & Salsa Skillet

Wednesday - Country Breakfast Quiche

Thursday - Thanksgiving dinner with family

Friday - Quick Chicken Curry with brown basmati rice

For more menu planning fun, go to I'm an Organized Junkie.

Menu Plan Monday ~ November 17

2008-11-16T15:29:00.000-08:00

Well, here we are again. I'm getting my Menu Planning done early this week. I got caught up on a lot of cleaning last week. I was also able to stick with my menu's which was nice.

This week I'm going to try to go through all of the kids and my clothing. I want to get all the cooler weather clothing out and get rid of everything that we won't be using/fitting next year. I'd also like to take the kids to see Madagascar 2. My daughter is on break from school so it's a good time to do these things.

Monday - Zesty Spaghetti Frittata

Tuesday - Speedy Mix & Match Stir Fry (the Garlic Rainbow Chicken one)

Wednesday - Tri Tip Tortilla Soup with Avocado

Thursday - Quick Chicken Curry

Friday - Cheesy Chicken & Salsa Skillet

For more great menu ideas, check out I'm an Organized Junkie's Menu Plan Monday.

And I leave you with this song that I love and can't stop singing because someone else had this posted today and it's stuck in my head now.

Menu Plan Monday ~ November 10

2008-11-10T15:20:00.000-08:00

It's definitely fall! I love it!! I can use my oven without worrying about it overheating the kitchen. I pulled out my slow cooker last week and made some awesome Chicken Taco Soup. It was delicious and so easy. It was great since we were all still sick last week. I had leftovers for lunch a couple days after. I passed the recipe on to a friend, and it was a total hit with her family. I don't think I posted my menu last week so if anyone wants the recipe here it is.

I want to try to slow cook at least once a week. I love the smell of a slow cooked dinner in the house.

Monday - Frozen chili or something

Tuesday - Homemade Baked Mac & Cheese & green beans

Wednesday - Slow-Cooker Tex-Mex Chicken & brown rice

Thursday - Spaghetti w/ Italian sausage, salad, & garlic bread

Friday - Baked Chicken, side rice or pasta, & green beans

For more getting organized with some great menu ideas go on over to I'm an Organized Junkie.

Menu Plan Monday ~ October 27th

2008-10-27T10:38:00.000-07:00

My son has the croup again. He just had it 2 months ago. I went to bed with a really sore throat last night. It feels a little better this morning. I had some spice tea while I looked up recipes online for this week's menu. Well, I'm off to take a late shower, pick up my daughter from school (minimum day), and then go do my grocery shopping for the week. :-)

Monday - Tex Mex Mac and Cheese
My daughter has a Brownie meeting tonight, so we needed to have an easy meal.

Tuesday - Mix & Match Stir-Fry

Wednesday - Fajitas

Thursday - Mexican Spaghetti

Friday - Crock Pot Chicken Taco Soup

For more great menu plans go to I'm an Organized Junkie.

Menu Plan Monday ~ October 20th

2008-10-20T14:28:00.000-07:00

Well, here's my Menu Plan again. I had a menu plan last week, but I forgot to post it. We had just come home from vacation the day before. This week every recipe that sounded good to me was Mexican. But I restrained myself and put a couple non-Mexican style recipes on my plan.

Monday - Cheesy Chicken & Red Bell Pepper Quesadillas and rice and beans

Tuesday - Huevos Rancheros Tostadas (recipe below)

Wednesday - Going out to a family dinner for my sister-in-law's 21st birthday @ Buca di Beppo

Thursday - 20 min Vegetable Beef & Rice Skillet

Friday - Baked Chicken with side pasta & green beans

Saturday - Tex Mex Beefy Mac & Cheese (maybe)

For more Menu Plan ideas, go on over to I'm an Organized Junkie.

Huevos Rancheros Tostadas

You can make your own tostada shells by frying 5-inch corn tortillas until crisp with just a little corn oil or canola oil.

4 eggs
2 tablespoons milk
1 small jalapeño chile, seeded, deveined,
finely chopped
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon pepper
1 tablespoon unsalted butter
3 tablespoons chopped cilantro, divided
4 (5-inch) tostada shells
6 tablespoons shredded Monterey Jack cheese
1/2 cup refrigerated salsa
1 small avocado, diced

1. Heat broiler. Whisk eggs, milk, chile, salt and pepper in small bowl. Melt butter in medium skillet over medium heat. Cook eggs 2 minutes or until softly scrambled, stirring frequently. Stir in 2 tablespoons of the cilantro.

2. Place tostada shells on small baking sheet. Divide scrambled eggs among shells; top with cheese. Broil 30 to 60 seconds or just until cheese is melted and bubbly.

3. Sprinkle tostadas with remaining 1 tablespoon cilantro; serve with salsa and avocado.
2 servings

PER SERVING: 515 calories, 36 g total fat (13 g saturated fat), 23 g protein, 28 g carbohydrate, 460 mg cholesterol, 1180 mg sodium, 7.5 g fiber

Sleeping Angel

2008-09-30T18:17:00.000-07:00

Here's a couple pics I found of one of my sleeping angels. Precious isn't he?. Go to 5 Minutes for Mom to enter their great kids' bedroom furniture giveaway. I'd love to win the Summer Breeze set for my son. He's growing out of his toddler bed.

Menu Plan Monday ~ September 29

2008-09-29T11:48:00.000-07:00

Monday - Chili Mac & veggies or fresh fruit

Tuesday - Orange Chicken Rice Bowl

Wednesday - Tuna Tortellini & peas

Thursday - Chili & corn bread

Friday - Amish Chicken and Rice & green beans

For more great menu plans and recipes, head over to I'm an Organized Junkie.

Menu Plan Monday ~ September 22

2008-09-22T17:08:00.000-07:00

Breakfasts- Oatmeal, homemade granola, eggs w/ toast, & whole-grain waffles

Lunches- Frozen leftovers, Roast beef & blue cheese wraps, soups, & sandwiches

Dinners-

Monday- Tuna Casserole

Tuesday- Cheesy Chicken & Salsa

Wednesday- Spicy Green Bean Stir Fry with Brown Rice (Family Fun October 2008)

Thursday- * Fajitas * (This is our family favorite.)

Friday- Turkey Chili and Corn Bread

For the fajitas I use Trader Joe's-Pollo Asado. I have a fajita grill that I use, but you can use a grill pan or a regular grill. I grill the chicken for about 4-5 min on each side. Then I remove the chicken and start grilling one red bell pepper cut into strips and 1/2 to 1 whole onion sliced into half circles. Slice the chicken into strips while the peppers and onion are cooking. Remove peppers and onions after they are done and serve.

To serve: We warm the small fajita or soft taco tortillas. Then we pile the chicken, peppers, onions, cheese, sour cream and guacamole on the tortilla.

For more menu ideas and Family Favorites this week fo to Laura's blog.

Menu Plan Monday ~ September 15

2008-09-14T15:58:00.000-07:00

Wow, last week went by so fast. There was only 1 meal from my Menu Plan last week that I didn't make. I think I might make it tonight, not sure yet. Well, here's my menu for this week. My daughter helped me plan this afternoon while my son was napping.

Breakfasts- Whole-wheat bagels w/ nut butter or cream cheese, cereal (oatmeal, cream of wheat, and cold), scrambled eggs w/chives from our herb garden.

Lunches- soup, sandwiches, salad, leftovers and veggie chili baked potatoes

Snacks- Smoothies and crackers, popcorn, or pretzels

Dinners-

Monday- Fettuccine Alfredo with Chicken & salad

Tuesday- Potato Ole Omelet & fresh fruit

Wednesday- Cheesy Chicken & Salsa Skillet

Thursday- Tater-topped Casserole

Friday- Capellini Caprese & Italian chicken

For more great menu plans, head on over to Laura's blog.

Menu Plan Monday ~ Sept. 8

2008-09-07T22:22:00.000-07:00

Well, it's Menu Plan Monday already. Head on over to Laura's blog for more great Menu planning ideas.

Monday - Chicken Ravioli Carbonara & salad

Tuesday - BLT's and fresh fruit

Wednesday - Stuffed Chicken Breasts with Enchilada Sauce, Mexican Rice & refried beans

Thursday - Pepperoni Pasta & Salad

Friday - Chicken Chow Mein

Menu Plan Monday ~ Sept. 1

2008-09-01T19:13:00.000-07:00

Well, I haven't posted in a long time. My laptop was broken. We just got it fixed over the weekend. So I'm back to Menu Plan Monday.

Monday-

Breakfast- Smoothies and cereal

Lunch- Leftovers

Dinner- Farmer's Casserole & fresh fruit

Tuesday-

Breakfast- Waffles & fresh fruit

Lunch- Sandwiches & carrot sticks

Dinner- Shepherd's Pie (using my own mashed potatoes)

Wednesday-

Breakfast- Oatmeal & fresh fruit

Lunch- Leftovers

Dinner- Chicken Stir Fry & Jasmine brown rice

Thursday-

Breakfast- Bagels & fresh fruit

Lunch- Salad

Dinner- Livia's Hot Dog Broccoli Bake (with turkey dogs) from Yum-o cookbook by Rachael Ray

Friday-

Breakfast- Cream of Wheat & fresh fruit

Lunch- Leftovers

Dinner- Chicken and Ravioli Carbonara & salad

Recipe Swap: Bread Machine Recipes

2008-05-08T20:47:00.000-07:00

Oh my it has been so long since I posted anything. I keep forgetting about the recipe swap. So here is my recipe. The beer in this bread gives it a yeasty almost sourdough taste. Everyone loved it.

Milwaukee Beer Bread

Approximate cycle time: 2-1/2-3hrs.

1-1/2 lb. Loaf

2/3 c. beer

1/3 c. water

2 Tbsp. oil or butter

1-1/2 tsp. salt

2 Tbsp. sugar

3 c. bread flour

2-1/4 tsp. yeast

2-lb. Loaf

3/4 c. beer

1/2 c. water

3 Tbsp. oil or butter

2 tsp. salt

3 Tbsp.sugar

4 c. bread flour

1 Tbsp. yeast

1) Be sure that all ingredients are at room temperature before you place them in your bread pan in order listed.

2) Select Normal or Basic setting and a light to medium crust and press Start.

3) Open the lid after the machine has kneaded for about 5 min. The dough should be formed into a very soft, sticky ball. If the dough is sticking to the sides or the bottom of the pan, you need to add a bit more bread flour. If the dough is crumbly and not in a ball, or if the ball appears firm, add more water. Your machine still has kneading time and will work the water into your bread dough. Keep checking your dough until you’re satisfied that a soft, sticky ball has formed.

4) After the machine has completed the baking cycle, remove the pan from the machine and the bread from the pan to cool on a wire rack. If you cut the bread before it’s cooled for about an hour, it will look doughy. The bread has to cool completely to allow the structure to set.

For more great bread machine recipes head on over to The Natural Mommy.

Recipe Swap: Crock Pot Lifesavers

2008-04-02T20:35:00.000-07:00

Slow Cooker Potato and Double-Corn Chowder

Makes:6 servings

From: Betty Crocker

1 bag (16 ounces) frozen hash brown potatoes, thawed (4 cups)
1 can (15.25 ounces) Green Giant® whole kernel corn, undrained
1 can (14.75 ounces) Green Giant® cream-style corn
1 can (12 ounces) evaporated milk
1 medium onion, chopped (1/2 cup)
8 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
1/4 teaspoon pepper

Mix all ingredients in 3 1/2- to 6-quart slow cooker. (You might want to double
the recipe if using a 6- quart or lessen the cooking time)

Cover and cook on low heat setting 6 to 8 hours (or high heat setting 3 to
4 hours) to develop flavors.

My notes: The first time I made this I added the cooked bacon in the beginning
like the recipe says. I didn't like the texture of the bacon. It was too mushy. So
now I add the bacon to the chowder right before serving or on top of everyone's
individual bowl. We also add shredded cheese to our bowls.

Head on over to The Natural Mommy for more Crockpot Lifesaver Recipes.

Menu Plan Monday ~ March 31

2008-03-31T21:17:00.000-07:00

My week has started out very busy. So I'm getting this done rather late today.

Monday- Dinner at my in-laws house

Tuesday- Frozen pizza from Trader Joe's & salad

Wednesday- Sloppy Joe's & green beans

Thursday- Chicken Enchiladas Verde, Spanish rice & refried beans

Friday- Spaghetti & salad

Saturday- Breakfast for dinner

Recipe Swap: Dinners - Fancy Schmancy

2008-03-27T12:47:00.000-07:00

I almost completely forgot to do the Recipe Swap again. I forgot the last 2 weeks. :( This whole meal is from the Everyday Italian Cookbook. I've made this meal a couple times when we've had company. I haven't tried making the dessert, but I thought I'd add it here because it sounds delicious. The kids eat a separate dinner; since it is to spicy for them.

A couple notes: I've substituted boneless, skinless chicken breasts and it turned out great. I've also bought Trader Joe's Chili Oil which is wonderful. It's a nice little shortcut. This meal may seem like a lot of work, but if you do some prep work early it's very simple.

Spicy Chicken

4 chicken thighs with skin and bones
2 chicken breasts with skin and bones, halved crosswise
Salt and freshly ground black pepper
3 tablespoons Chili Oil, recipe follows
1 tablespoon minced garlic
1/2 cup kalamata olives, pitted, coarsely chopped
1/2 cup pitted, coarsely chopped green olives
4 tablespoons chopped fresh Italian parsley leaves
1 1/2 tablespoons drained capers
2/3 cup dry white wine

Sprinkle the chicken with salt and pepper. Heat the oil in a heavy large frying pan over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook until golden brown, about 5 minutes per side. Remove the skillet from the heat. Stir in the garlic, olives, 3 tablespoons of parsley and capers. Add the wine. Bring to a boil. Reduce the heat to medium-low. Cover and simmer until the chicken is just cooked through, turning occasionally, about 10 minutes.
Transfer the chicken mixture to a platter. Spoon the sauce over. Sprinkle with the remaining 1 tablespoon of parsley and serve.

Chili Oil:

2 cups olive oil
4 teaspoons dried crushed red pepper flakes

Combine the oil and crushed red pepper flakes in a heavy small saucepan. Cook over low heat until a thermometer inserted into the oil registers 180 degrees F, about 5 minutes.
Remove from heat. Cool to room temperature, about 2 hours. Transfer the oil and pepper flakes to a 4-ounce bottle. Seal the lid. Refrigerate up to 1 month.

Fiery Angel Hair Pasta

1 pound angel hair pasta
1/2 cup Chili Oil, recipe follows
1/2 cup chopped fresh Italian parsley leaves
1 lemon, juiced
2 tablespoons lemon zest
Coarse sea salt
Dried crushed red pepper flakes
1/2 teaspoon grated lemon peel, optional
2/3 cup freshly grated Parmesan

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the angel hair pasta and cook until tender but still firm to the bite, stirring occasionally, about 6 to 8 minutes. Drain, reserving 1 cup of the pasta water.
Stir the oil, parsley, lemon juice and lemon peel in a large serving bowl. Add the cooked pasta and toss with enough reserved pasta water, 1/4 cup at a time, to moisten. Season the pasta with salt and red pepper flakes, to taste. Sprinkle grated lemon peel over pasta for extra flavor and texture. Sprinkle with the Parmesan and serve.

Wicked Hot Chocolate Mousse

4 large eggs, separated
1/2 cup sugar
1/4 cup (1/2 stick) unsalted butter, cut into 1/2-inch pieces
1/4 cup water
3 tablespoons coffee liqueur
4 teaspoons Chili Oil, recipe follows
7 ounces bittersweet (not unsweetened) or semisweet chocolate, chopped
Spicy Whipped Cream, recipe follows

Whisk the egg yolks, 1/4 cup of sugar, butter, 1/4 cup of water, coffee liqueur, and chili oil in a large metal bowl to blend. Set the bowl over a saucepan of simmering water (do not allow the bottom of the bowl to touch the water); whisk constantly until the mixture is very thick and frothy, about 3 minutes. Add the chocolate and stir until melted and smooth. Remove from the heat.
Using an electric mixer, beat the egg whites in another large bowl to soft peaks. Gradually add the remaining 1/4 cup of sugar, beating until stiff and glossy peaks form. Remove the chocolate from over the water. Fold 1/3 of the meringue into the warm chocolate mixture to lighten, then fold in the remaining meringue.
Cover tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate until set, at least 3 hours or overnight. Spoon the mousse into 6-ounce bowls. Top with spicy whipped cream and serve.

Spicy Whipped Cream:

1 cup heavy cream
1/4 cup granulated sugar
Cocoa powder
Ground cayenne pepper

With an electric mixer, whip cream gradually adding the sugar until soft peaks form. Top with a dusting of cocoa powder and a pinch of cayenne. Serve immediately.

For more Fancy Schmancy Dinner recipes go to The Natural Mommy.

Menu Plan Monday ~ March 24

2008-03-24T11:42:00.001-07:00

I've decided to try out some recipes this week from Deceptively Delicious by Jessica Seinfeld. I checked it out from my local library. I'm pretty sure I'm going to go ahead and buy it. I already cooked and pureed a few vegetables last week.

Breakfasts- muffins, waffles, cold cereal, oatmeal, and banana bread

Lunches- sandwiches and salads

Snacks- carrot sticks and ranch, fruit, banana bread, and crackers with peanut butter

Dinners-

Monday- Freezer meal or something simple like grilled cheese

Tuesday- Macaroni and Cheese (from Deceptively Delicious)

Wednesday- Sloppy Joe's (from Deceptively Delicious) and green beans

Thursday- Chicken Enchilada Casserole

Friday- Saucy Stir-Fried Pork

Saturday- Spaghetti Pie (from Deceptively Delicious)

For more delicious menu ideas go to Orgjunkie.

Menu Plan Monday ~ March 17

2008-03-17T17:11:00.000-07:00

I'm a little late posting this. I was so busy today. I have lots of Mexican type meals planned this week. My family's favorite!! I have a lot of tortillas to use up.

Monday- Leftovers (We have a Brownie meeting tonight, so there's no time for a special
St. Patrick's Day meal. :( Oh well)

Tuesday- Homemade Pizza w/ whole wheat dough made with bread machine

Wednesday- Tex Mex Chicken Soup and tortillas (it's supposed to rain this day so I thought soup would be nice)

Thursday- Chicken Enchilada Casserole (so yummy!!)

Friday- Breakfast Burritos (I'll be using bacon instead of sausage, and I add cheese and salsa.)

Saturday- Mexican Lasagna (already made from freezer)

Sunday- Not sure yet since it's Easter Sunday!

Menu Plan Monday ~ March 10

2008-03-09T20:55:00.000-07:00

Well, another week has come and gone. I wasn't able to do 2 of the meals that I had planned last week. I found out on Friday that I had a sinus infection. Needless to say I was pretty miserable with that and my asthma all week. My new doc put me on some strong antibiotics. So I'm starting to feel better. At least my ear isn't hurting anymore.
I hope to stick to this week's menu plan a little better. Here it is.

Monday- One of my frozen meals- Chicken Vermicelli and salad

Tuesday- Tater Tot Casserole- this meal is using up a few ingredients I have in my freezer and pantry (I think my kids may like it)

Wednesday- I'm having a jewelry party @ my house. So the kids and I are going to have a light meal before everyone comes over, and then continue munching on the snacks I'll have for everyone. My husband has a class this night, so he usually eats fast food on the drive to class.

Thursday- Bow Ties with Turkey, Pesto and Roasted Red Peppers- from Betty Crocker 4 Ingredient Dinners (I picked this up @ the library)

Friday- Chicken Burritos

Saturday- I have a bridal shower to go to. So we'll figure this dinner out later. Maybe my husband will BBQ.

Sunday- Mexican Lasagna

For more menu plans this week see the Organized Junkie.

Snacks: The Unhealthy

2008-03-06T10:35:00.000-08:00

This was one of my favorite snacks as a kid. My mom made it for us once in awhile. I haven't made it in quite some time; I really don't know why. Maybe I've been trying to be healthy. ;-) This cake is very easy and delicious.

Mix-in-the-pan Chocolate Snack Cake

1 & 2/3 cup flour
1 cup packed brown sugar
1/4 cup cocoa
1 tsp. baking soda
1/2 tsp. salt
1 cup water
1/3 vegetable oil
1 tsp. vinegar
1/2 tsp. vanilla

1/2 cup chocolate chips

Heat oven to 350. Mix flour, brown sugar, cocoa, baking soda, and salt with fork in an ungreased square 8 x 8 x 2 in. pan. Mix in the remaining 4 liquid ingredients and sprinkle the chocolate chips on top. Bake until toothpick inserted in the middle of cake comes out clean, about 35 -40 minutes.

For more delicious recipes see The Natural Mommy.

Menu Plan Monday ~ March 3

2008-03-02T19:38:00.000-08:00

Well last week, my family had the flu bug. So needless to say I did not completely stick to our menu. We didn't have hearty appetites anyhow. So this week my goal is to get back on track.

My daughter and I went to the library today. I checked out a few cookbooks. So a couple of the recipes here are from the Dream Dinners cookbook. I'm curious how those will turn out. The recipes each have ingredient lists to make 1 or 3 dish(es). So I'm going to make 3 of each. One to eat the night I make it and two to freeze. So hopefully I plan it all out correctly because I'm planning on only going grocery shopping once this week. :-)

Monday- Caesar Chicken Casserole (This is from my freezer meals; it's already thawing in my fridge.) & salad

Tuesday- Chicken Enchiladas w/ green sauce and Mexican rice

Wednesday- Baked Pasta and Lemon Chicken or Shrimp (from the Dream Dinners cookbook) & salad

Thursday- Burritos

Friday- Chicken Parmesan (also from the Dream Dinners cookbook)

Saturday- Chicken Fried Rice

Sunday- Chili (homemade from my freezer meals) and homemade cornbread

If I feel quite ambitious, I may make some Lemon Buttermilk Sherbet this week. I have a lot of buttermilk and a ton of lemons from my grandparents-in-law's tree. I got this recipe from The Perfect Scoop. (Love that library!) :-)

For more menu plans this week see to Organized Junkie.

Recipe Swap: Snacks - The Healthy

2008-02-28T10:02:00.000-08:00

Pita Crisps

This recipe is easy. If you like the pita chips that you buy in the store, you'll love these. I buy the pita bread at a local bread outlet or Trader Joe's. The Pita Crisps end up costing a lot less than buying a bag of pita chips. You can vary the seasonings to suit your family's preferences.

Preheat oven to 350 F

Ingredients:
3 Tbsp. olive oil
1 clove garlic, minced
1/2 tsp. dried basil
1/2 tsp. dried oregano
Pinch of salt
Pinch of freshly ground pepper
3 whole wheat pitas, each cut onto 8 wedges, then separated at "seam" to make 16 triangles

Directions:
1. In a small bowl, combine oil, garlic, basil, oregano, salt and pepper. Brush mixture lightly over "inside" surface of each triangle and place, brushed-side up, on an ungreased baking sheet. Bake in preheated oven for 12 minutes or until crisp and golden brown.

2. Remove from oven to wire rack. Allow to cool before storing in airtight container. Enjoy plain or with a healthy dip.

If you decide to make a big batch of these, they hold up very well in the freezer. You can crisp them up by putting them in the oven on a baking sheet and baking or broiling for a few minutes. Just make sure you watch them! :-)

For a couple perfect hummus recipes to dip these Pita Crisps in visit Beans & Rice or Changing Seasons.

For more healthy snack options, visit the Natural Mommy.

Menu Plan Monday ~ February 25

2008-02-24T10:41:00.000-08:00

Here goes my first post for Menu Plan Monday. I'm new to this group. I've been planning Menus for our dinners for a couple months now. I love it.

Monday- Cross Rib Roasts were on sale @ Raley's. Buy 1 get 3 items for free: one bag of salad mix, one 5 lb. bag of potatoes, and one loaf of french bread.
Since I do laundry and cleaning house on Monday's, I try to make something simple or a freezer meal. So I'm making Country Pot Roast.

Tuesday- Tuna Casserole

Wednesday- Wacky Mac Pasta w/ four cheese Alfredo sauce and chicken breasts cut up and sauteed & some type of veggie (my daughter picked this dinner)

Thursday- Kickin' Chicken Chili
This recipe is from Better Homes and Gardens Dinnertime Easy Slow Cooker Recipes.

Friday- Confetti Beef Skillet

Saturday- Pizza Pasta Casserole
I'm probably going to split this recipe into 3 casserole dishes. Bake 1 and freeze the other 2.

Sunday- I'm going to make one of my freezer meals. I'm not sure which one. Depends on what sounds good.

Rainy day

2008-02-23T16:48:00.000-08:00

Ahhh I LOVE the rain. My husband and I cleaned out the garage today. He's going to be building a workbench. Luckily the first couple of hours it did not rain. The kids were able to ride their bikes up and down our court. My daughter was singing Zombie by The Cranberries at the top of her lungs. Then my son started copying her. It was adorable.

We accomplished a lot. Threw out a ton of junk. Anything else we don't need or want, we're giving away or taking to charity. So we have that stuff set aside for family and friends to pick up or for us to drop off. Yeah!! :-)

I wish I could hear the rain, but all I can hear is the fish tank. I'm relaxing on the couch now. My back aches. Massage time! I can actually get to my massage table in the garage very easily now. Time for that trade Momma.

Now my very near future projects are as follows:

1) organize my pantry(I'm down to 1 pantry cabinet in the garage instead of 2)
2) organize my kitchen(this won't be a big project since I recently organized it)
3) to clean out 2 closets in the house
4) organize my sewing supplies
5) start some sewing projects(one at a time preferably)

I really want to do #5 first, but I'm trying to prioritize. I know if I started sewing I would not accomplish the other projects anytime soon. :-(

Wacky Tacky Day @ School

2008-02-20T17:26:00.001-08:00

Eating the gingerbread house.

2008-02-20T17:18:00.000-08:00

Talk about cavities!!!