tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-92016691335032826912024-03-05T01:16:56.808-06:00Tales From Reeder Ranchkristahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02314881831661548976noreply@blogger.comBlogger40125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9201669133503282691.post-57173367998483587842014-03-24T01:58:00.001-05:002014-03-24T01:58:31.292-05:00Bueller..... Bueller........ Bueller......Yep. It's been a while. Like a looooong while. And while I love to write, post recipes, put in my two cents, life has been absolutely crazy. Here's a dose of brutal honesty and a glimpse at what I mean by crazy:<br />
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<li>My grandpa died...</li>
<li>I was depressed for months and still feel the sting and randomly cry almost every day...</li>
<li>I started and will finish grad school course work in three summers...</li>
<li>My son has ADHD... </li>
<li>We tried meds - four of them actually - some with horrible results...</li>
<li>We stopped medicating and now use essential oils, vitamins, and the Feingold diet - a full time job in an of itself...</li>
<li>I quit my job as a band teacher...</li>
<li>I don't have another "real" job lined up but do plan on teaching private music lessons and being a stay at home mom, something I have honestly wanted to do all my life but never thought I could...</li>
<li>We bought cattle to start a herd...</li>
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But I digress... </div>
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When we made the drastic switch to the <a href="http://feingold.org/" target="_blank">Feingold</a> Diet, which eliminates all processed foods and food additives, colors, and preservatives, I posted on FB looking for closer grocery options for organic, natural, and whole foods. St. Paul has a ton of options, Rochester has a few. HyVee in Austin was better than Albert Lea and I hear Mason City is even better yet... But at any rate, one of my friends saw that I had mentioned meal planning and wanted to know how to do it. I had a done a post a while back but have updated my format since then, learned a lot more about how to stretch my budget and food purchases, and now of course, we eat a completely different diet. I figured my first full post back could cover two bases at once - what a week in the life of a Feingold family looks like and how to effectively and efficiently meal plan on a budget. Furthermore, once a few meal plans have been built, and quick copy and paste moves around favorites or deletes disasters and just keeps building! Right now, I have 3 - two week meal plans. That should take us through the first 7 weeks of Stage 1 of Feingold, which is a 6-8 week process. (I had the first week that we were on the diet that we were in Duluth and I made meals from what we had on hand.) Following this first stage, we can begin to reintroduce foods to test for sensitivity and reactions and our menu choices will change again.</div>
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This isn't entirely impressive, but our monthly food budget for our family of four people ranges anywhere from $300-500 a month, or about $75-125 per week. Sometimes I simply have to restock pantry staples and I end up spending more; sometimes I just need fresh produce and milk. One big reason we can keep it somewhat low is because we raise our own beef. I would love to get in on some sort of meat co-op where local farmers exchange meats - I'll give you 10 pounds of burger for 5 pounds of sausage and 3 chickens. Wouldn't that be awesome!?! I know I have said this before and I'll say it again, home-raised meat is healthier and most cost effective. You will pay the same price for burger as you pay for steaks. When was the last time you saw steaks for $2.50 a pound?? Chickens weighing 7-9 pounds usually run around $10-15 dollars, and I don't know about you, but I can get at least three meals plus bone broth and stock out of one chicken. Yes -- even the carcass doesn't go to waste in our house! And you know exactly where it comes from. Remember a few weeks back about a family being treated for consuming LSD in tainted meat sold at Wal-Mart? Try tracing that meat back to the original packing house let alone the original herd. Buying locally means that most likely that farmer knows exactly which animal you are getting. Now that's quality control!</div>
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After quitting my job, I did some number crunching. I sincerely do want to live on less. We have so much stuff and so much of it isn't even necessary. So in an effort to see this goal through, I recently gave up paper plates, plastic utensils, and plastic cups. It is an added expense we don't need. I have beautiful dishes, a sink, and a dishwasher. Soap costs a fraction of what disposable dinnerware does when all is said and done. Not only that, but the environmental impact of plastic production and waste is a pretty hefty price. At one point, I needed the convenience to keep me sane, but I am now on a different path towards a more crunchy lifestyle where living on less, wasting less, and wanting less is making me and my family happier and healthier. </div>
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Apparently I like side bars tonight... Sorry about that soapbox. But it all contributes to how I build a meal plan centered around a well stocked pantry and freezer.</div>
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So how do I build a meal plan...? To be honest, I don't read the flyers, although I know I should. That will be the next step to fully realizing this crazy idea of living on less. I ask the kids and the huzzy what they want to eat and feed them accordingly. Right now, it is more important that they are eating and enjoying it than saving a few pennies. But if that is something your family values, building a meal plan around sales is another excellent, cost-saving method. (Can you teach me how???) I usually ask them on Saturday or Sunday what they want to eat for the week, start putting things in place, and then build a grocery list.</div>
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With treating Minihe's ADHD by dietary needs and not wanting to put extra pressure on caregivers, I pack all his meals every day - breakfast, lunch, and snack. This usually means a quick, hearty breakfast with a protein punch, leftovers for lunch, and a satisfying and fun snack. I like things that I can make ahead and reuse as needed -- whole wheat pancake bites (pancake batter baked in mini-muffin cups), any muffin or bread (we can have cinnamon, pear, streusel, banana), eggs & cheese, ham/egg/cheese cups, sausage egg tortillas (I make a bunch ahead and freeze in individual plastic wrap for a quick breakfast), fruit and veggie smoothies with a protein boost... Anything I can make or prep the night before and reuse for a snack or other breakfast is a definite plus!</div>
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As we adjust to our new norm with foods, I am finding that we eat even better now than before. Our options are only as limited as our creativity. At this current stage, we can't have any tomato-based sauce.. We can't have berries. We can't have yellow cheeses. And the list goes on.... But looking at my menu, it's still full of flavor and nutrition. Follow me on Pinterest to get a lot of the recipes I use as the basis to help build my meal plan and follow the Feingold structure. </div>
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Also, if you're family is dealing with ADHD or Autism and is looking for another way to treat it without medication, you are at the right place! I will be posting several entries over the next few days that essentially chronicles our journey. It is most definitely not a how-to manual but rather like an online journal. It's rudimentary, but I did not want to forget what these early days of a natural treatment method are like. I found it so incredibly helpful to know I wasn't alone when I began researching natural methods, so if our story can help someone - anyone - I am glad. </div>
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Peace and goodwill to you and yours...</div>
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Reeder Ranch</div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixcApDanlCO3blsL3ShU9MzUZ-LRjGt3eeOc8DcI_NoXqIQUksjO2IdsLdFPhV0APjWxHrysUFF8ykpCtXjdSkKEGFdT9Q7eGpmDERcNsd0itgDHdXUO1KHge2hR0jXGawZH6N2252cSQ/s1600/Meal+Plans.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixcApDanlCO3blsL3ShU9MzUZ-LRjGt3eeOc8DcI_NoXqIQUksjO2IdsLdFPhV0APjWxHrysUFF8ykpCtXjdSkKEGFdT9Q7eGpmDERcNsd0itgDHdXUO1KHge2hR0jXGawZH6N2252cSQ/s1600/Meal+Plans.jpg" height="400" width="335" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This is a .jpg but if you would like a Numbers or Excel version, email me and I'll ship it out to you!</td></tr>
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kristahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02314881831661548976noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9201669133503282691.post-75835111800704587422014-03-24T01:16:00.002-05:002014-03-24T01:16:23.245-05:00Wow....Wow.... has life changed since I dropped off the face of blogging! My kids aren't toddlers anymore - in fact, I'll have a kindergartner this fall and another the following fall! YIKES! So many of my posts speak of my grandfather in present tense, when it has been past-tense for almost a year. Those are hard to re-read. I miss everything about him. I had just been accepted to grad school two years ago but will be finishing up course work this August. I have officially resigned as band director from my district. Get this - to be a SAHM and teach piano/voice/flute/organ lessons. Yep. Something I never thought I was cut out to be is the only thing I want to be right now. I desperately need to slow down, live on less, and count my blessings more. I simply cannot justify the time demand relative to the paycheck any longer. Between shuttling the kids from daycare to a babysitter or another caregiver, there were weeks I would see them once or twice in the evenings. Ridiculous. We don't just buy and finish out calves anymore as we started our own foundation herd from the calves born the spring/summer my grandpa died. I still struggle with patience in parenting but not as much now that we know Minihe has ADHD. A whole-foods diet has taken a very strict turn as we elect to treat M's symptoms by completely eliminating any and all food additives. <br />
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Speaking of that major, public share that I have been putting off doing for nine months....... I had planned to start a second blog dedicated to just that, but this one feels like home. This one was created to talk about my passions, and my newest passion is treating ADHD naturally. We tried medication and it didn't work for us. This does. We do not pass any judgement on family or friends that find success with medications. We are joyful for you! In many ways, that would be so much easier than what we are doing. But medications can have side effects, and for us, those side effects weren't worth the benefits.<br />
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I am anxious to transfer over my blog entries so you can start learning about what ADHD looks like for our family. I want to also try to break any preconceived notions you many have regarding the disorder. It is real. It affects our family very deeply. Our son will live with this the rest of his life. It isn't a fad. He is not academically-challenged. We cannot always use traditional parenting techniques successfully because of how children with ADHD are wired to respond to discipline. Not every single child who has ADHD is the product of their environment. We are not perfect parents, but we are involved... we have rules and expectations... we have fun... we read... we play games... we make silly faces... we let our kids play with Wii, LeapPad, iPad, iPhone, and watch movies. but we also draw, color, paint, ride bikes, go camping, take trips. And we have a child that is hyperactive, impulsive, inattentive, lacks attention to detail, has difficulty following directions, and is demanding of our attention. It can be exhausting being his parent but it is also immensely rewarding to stop and see the world through his eyes. I can't even begin to imagine the wonder and beauty he must see! He moves so fast and is so captivated - like he will never have enough time to see everything this planet has to offer. But yet he notices a lady bug crawling on a blade of grass, names it, feeds it, and cares for it for weeks on end. He is truly magical. Parenting him is an act of wizardry, though! :)<br />
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I do not have answers. Admittedly, I do not know what I am doing some days. But if our story can help one person find a place to commiserate, get ideas, find inspiration, or in the very least, not feel alone; then my goal is fulfilled. I truly do believe there are people looking for alternatives for treating their child's ADHD, autism, allergies, and ailments. I am a member of five Facebook groups alone dedicated to a more natural way of life. I hope you can join us on this journey, if for no other reason than curiosity. But if you know someone who could benefit from one family's journey into parenting a child with ADHD, send them our way and we can learn from each other. kristahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02314881831661548976noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9201669133503282691.post-56983957229927416772014-03-24T00:19:00.001-05:002014-03-24T00:19:08.983-05:00strawberry sour cream pancakes<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">pancakes are a huge hit in our house. anytime. i've experimented with bisquick, homemade batters, add-in's, syrups... i've made this strawberry sour cream recipe several times with excellent results and very happy eaters. i hope you like it!</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWTCxQ9HBw_a_iRqvkMIU02u8mOXxfakbCxxq7u0SN-mKqcH-3dsNYSj-TbW7fR7g4Ti823N3uDqpdAetKk-OnZFLzOBXDT5hXdkcv-YjykBbNN9sG0uKsfcz53oKPx4gRFTWwvwDxRhg/s1600/200CB41F-CF4E-42AB-BD29-50C4F0672C19.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWTCxQ9HBw_a_iRqvkMIU02u8mOXxfakbCxxq7u0SN-mKqcH-3dsNYSj-TbW7fR7g4Ti823N3uDqpdAetKk-OnZFLzOBXDT5hXdkcv-YjykBbNN9sG0uKsfcz53oKPx4gRFTWwvwDxRhg/s200/200CB41F-CF4E-42AB-BD29-50C4F0672C19.jpeg" height="200" width="149" /></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>strawberry sour cream pancakes: </b>i eyeball a lot of my ingredients so this in generally a more or less kind of recipe. add ingredients to achieve your desired consistency.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i>ingredients:</i></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">1 cup bisquick</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">1 egg</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">1/4-1/3 c sour cream</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">1/4-1/3 c milk</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">2 T sugar</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">1/2-3/4 c quartered strawberries (i used frozen and</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> thawed them partially)</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiscHu5yKRnq42yQzKWFCipaiaxAbFVbDt62E4d2dThp4PUBE6KeHzgp6cb6i1HKuio_74yi0rIxx-_ONSTt6khU5fIy2tTFx1NJgyD5GsCWMdHsjH-RV1OoSWAayKGjZJWbBO7ir2GLwI/s1600/A6362B20-5DA1-4559-9870-2F3741AC6864.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiscHu5yKRnq42yQzKWFCipaiaxAbFVbDt62E4d2dThp4PUBE6KeHzgp6cb6i1HKuio_74yi0rIxx-_ONSTt6khU5fIy2tTFx1NJgyD5GsCWMdHsjH-RV1OoSWAayKGjZJWbBO7ir2GLwI/s200/A6362B20-5DA1-4559-9870-2F3741AC6864.jpeg" height="200" width="148" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjY2TbTWs0E26itCyE5E9kKxBLAuRSkqGKJM-Bjtv1MmbkMY9795ONifI4H9Oyvfli_USPQLIstnW7-cM3V0FjFrExURO7k_XU47nMg7NnSUorhM4K5D98VS44xLJSkdeoqf9uvfDZ7oT4/s1600/2DC739D7-0476-4042-8121-FE749593B914.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjY2TbTWs0E26itCyE5E9kKxBLAuRSkqGKJM-Bjtv1MmbkMY9795ONifI4H9Oyvfli_USPQLIstnW7-cM3V0FjFrExURO7k_XU47nMg7NnSUorhM4K5D98VS44xLJSkdeoqf9uvfDZ7oT4/s200/2DC739D7-0476-4042-8121-FE749593B914.jpeg" height="200" style="cursor: move;" width="148" /></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i>preparation:</i></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">mix together the first five ingredients, adding more milk or bisquick to achieve your desired consistency</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYHQBy279XJcineWYvL-gIVpnFxQuw2WaNL81AuVCYsWKlMO4RbY13XwOSFLAmudUyRoQOd5rqJn1sv0W2yGQOmJT92P5TgBhTE08QZ4epvoDi2SZcoW2igYTUuATZLL2wYvBbvDPQf6w/s1600/38D303F1-194A-41D7-8CBD-5D01046FE038.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYHQBy279XJcineWYvL-gIVpnFxQuw2WaNL81AuVCYsWKlMO4RbY13XwOSFLAmudUyRoQOd5rqJn1sv0W2yGQOmJT92P5TgBhTE08QZ4epvoDi2SZcoW2igYTUuATZLL2wYvBbvDPQf6w/s200/38D303F1-194A-41D7-8CBD-5D01046FE038.jpeg" height="200" width="149" /></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">fold in the strawberries; be gentle or your pancakes will turn pink</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">heat a griddle with a teaspoon of oil, spoon batter and spread out slightly. </span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">flip when bubbles pop and don't fill back in, 2-3 minutes.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">second side goes faster, about 1-2 minutes.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i>notes:</i></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhh5npSbAUDepryQ6_7Ib61nYbfYKkvBHjse69Ayi29OaEOok8G0V3d7WEx-gTCYoETrGzusg8Elv6tfvmG-MOUPkyb5NrXJbINWXT6GatnQiz8UhdOs2ZLDYZTgV9P7qyChC9ETQl79As/s1600/49DE89BE-E877-4ECE-BA59-77C25382179C.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhh5npSbAUDepryQ6_7Ib61nYbfYKkvBHjse69Ayi29OaEOok8G0V3d7WEx-gTCYoETrGzusg8Elv6tfvmG-MOUPkyb5NrXJbINWXT6GatnQiz8UhdOs2ZLDYZTgV9P7qyChC9ETQl79As/s200/49DE89BE-E877-4ECE-BA59-77C25382179C.jpeg" height="200" width="148" /></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">i have found that lowest heat setting yields the most even cooked, blonde colored pancakes. it takes a little more patience, but definitely worth the effort.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">my happy eaters dug right in!</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">UPDATE:</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Oh. My. Goodness. Look at how little they are!! They have changed so much!</span><br />
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kristahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02314881831661548976noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9201669133503282691.post-24371977386099746502013-01-19T09:43:00.001-06:002013-01-19T09:43:30.311-06:00Sunrise Pancakes with Pineapple SyrupAs I've said in previous posts, pancakes are a huge hit at Reeder Ranch and this morning's concoction was no exception! With all those FFA oranges I have just waiting to be used, this batch of flapjacks practically invented itself! Although I happened to have fresh pineapple on hand, canned would work just as effectively.<br />
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Sunrise Pancakes<br />
Enough of your favorite boxed or homemade pancake mix to make a dozen or so pancakes, OMITTING 1/4 c liquid.<br />
Zest of 1/2-1 orange<br />
Juice of two small oranges or one large orange<br />
Drizzle of honey<br />
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Fry 'em up!!<br />
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Pineapple Syrup<br />
2 cups cubed pineapple or 1 small can<br />
1/4 c water<br />
1 T honey<br />
2-3 T water<br />
1 T corn starch<br />
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Heat first three items in a small pot over medium heat until pineapple has broken down. Mash up any large chunks. Once it has boiled for a few minutes, make slurry of cold water and corn starch. Add it to the pot in small doses until you reach your desired syrup consistency. Serve warm over Sunrise Pancakes and enjoy!<br />
<br/><br/><div class="separator"style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPOnXCaEz_t57nXlTcZO0LdFRA-Ov9iAWnxj8r3Xn_SpnaybOupX10AnatVBU5P-yOBKB_qJSWv0ZyrnCpolss6Jw04auRD1aDeUEHtiZvQplwF2KAKN3b2kNi23fpXOuLTUeTTsYnpYU/s640/blogger-image-1221895206.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPOnXCaEz_t57nXlTcZO0LdFRA-Ov9iAWnxj8r3Xn_SpnaybOupX10AnatVBU5P-yOBKB_qJSWv0ZyrnCpolss6Jw04auRD1aDeUEHtiZvQplwF2KAKN3b2kNi23fpXOuLTUeTTsYnpYU/s640/blogger-image-1221895206.jpg" /></a></div>kristahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02314881831661548976noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9201669133503282691.post-70438692913108280982012-11-27T17:44:00.001-06:002012-11-27T20:02:03.133-06:00Mmm...Mulled Cranberry CiderI have been craving warm apple cider since late fall hit! I have seen recipes with cranberry juice that look good but usually include extra brown sugar. What I want is a cranberry infused cider. Problem solved!!! Use whole berries!<br />
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64 oz apple juice or apple cider<br />
12 oz. bag cranberries<br />
3-4 cinnamon sticks<br />
1-2 T whole cloves<br />
1-2 t ground nutmeg<br />
1/2 ground allspice<br />
1-2 oz. orange liqueur, or zest, or juice<br />
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Throw everything in a crock pit for 2-4 hours or in a big pan on the stove for an hour. Don't allow it to boil, though. Strain out berries, cloves, and cinnamon sticks before serving.<br />
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Yum! Yum!<div class="separator"style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgE3M3FDRCV1oZ-UjwA4uuEmsAYAYr29ZnXCl2Ze40cFULlZDdWhFZKb4fy5tSDk-1D0wE_izvgbQEWvLNZOnZfVD7dq-8LhoB0-cJvdH06Vk3Kp8W0X-7yNrnPT-2frocfU8CBocrnejk/s640/blogger-image--681706031.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgE3M3FDRCV1oZ-UjwA4uuEmsAYAYr29ZnXCl2Ze40cFULlZDdWhFZKb4fy5tSDk-1D0wE_izvgbQEWvLNZOnZfVD7dq-8LhoB0-cJvdH06Vk3Kp8W0X-7yNrnPT-2frocfU8CBocrnejk/s640/blogger-image--681706031.jpg" /></a></div>kristahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02314881831661548976noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9201669133503282691.post-62526714207386042432012-10-11T17:47:00.001-05:002012-10-11T18:24:16.689-05:00Pizza Roll-UpsKids love to cook and meals they can help prepare often means meals they're more likely to eat! Found this on Pinterest during naps and knew it would be hit!!<br />
<br />
4 string cheese sticks, cut in half<br />
Pizza or spaghetti sauce<br />
Pepperoni slices<br />
Crescent rolls<br />
<br />
Unroll and separate crescents. Spoon on some sauce, layout 3-4 pepperoni slices, and top off with the halved string cheese. Roll up and bake until golden. Serve with some warmed pizza sauce! Absolutely delicious and most definitely kid approved! And at only 174 calories per roll, a fraction of the 400 calorie-per-slice pizza from the local gas station, it's mom friendly, too!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator"style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPjuCBcoWannBU6WOj1YNVDqO3Hw-p5-5CrJ9XaQPzwHKPcXGFQDpmDb4bOl2TLlgJIkCeOxj8TNPhDldRutZnHETcJJ9AxB0miL8pPZmFru6cHnNMlKXned3CGPepoblD6Mks50yVIwU/s640/blogger-image--1591418284.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPjuCBcoWannBU6WOj1YNVDqO3Hw-p5-5CrJ9XaQPzwHKPcXGFQDpmDb4bOl2TLlgJIkCeOxj8TNPhDldRutZnHETcJJ9AxB0miL8pPZmFru6cHnNMlKXned3CGPepoblD6Mks50yVIwU/s640/blogger-image--1591418284.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator"style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWC39ugzk3V3hxAVe_5pK6U7uwl9FNnlEiw1Emeh62ayKzi28-UDSPZeLmBp7yYZB3YkjK2Un01sIgIBuS231V1Z7BO_ycaWp7rwispMbxxH12BB2xWZQlSh8NLZRqgG1vWUmmtb1bCzU/s640/blogger-image-502643394.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWC39ugzk3V3hxAVe_5pK6U7uwl9FNnlEiw1Emeh62ayKzi28-UDSPZeLmBp7yYZB3YkjK2Un01sIgIBuS231V1Z7BO_ycaWp7rwispMbxxH12BB2xWZQlSh8NLZRqgG1vWUmmtb1bCzU/s640/blogger-image-502643394.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator"style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxgfEh4WJeGN7mN1Y70vyH9O2QPG_YmnIzG4D2t7y3dtWhtWkbtH25fhMq2mQ4_ny6BvprotuCpyyLuV5XO_soTJSy3_MGTcl6nThS8JwZ8fWaHgAB20fq2YmzX44FAt8tljklNUBnPAQ/s640/blogger-image--1893195469.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxgfEh4WJeGN7mN1Y70vyH9O2QPG_YmnIzG4D2t7y3dtWhtWkbtH25fhMq2mQ4_ny6BvprotuCpyyLuV5XO_soTJSy3_MGTcl6nThS8JwZ8fWaHgAB20fq2YmzX44FAt8tljklNUBnPAQ/s640/blogger-image--1893195469.jpg" /></a></div>kristahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02314881831661548976noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9201669133503282691.post-41702724486519551852012-10-03T19:09:00.001-05:002012-10-03T19:18:08.122-05:00Chicken Stoup and Cornmeal DumplingsThis is seriously one of my favorite meals I've made in a long time! It was a version of Chicken Stew and Cornmeal Dumplings found in the good ol' Betty Crocker cookbook. I changed up the vegetables slightly as well as the milk/water/broth ratio. If you have that cookbook, by all means use that recipe and tweak it as you see fit. Kids hated it but I am seriously looking forward to leftovers for the second day tomorrow! Oh and did I mention it's a one pot meal and ready in under 30 minutes???!!!<br />
<br />
Stoup<br />
1 1/2 C cubed, shredded, chunk chicken (I used 4 frozen breasts, boiled them to just thaw, and changed out the water to continue)<br />
1 package frozen stewing vegetables (onions, celery, red peppers)<br />
1 C frozen corn<br />
1 C carrots<br />
2 C chicken broth<br />
1 C milk<br />
3-4 T flour (or equivalency in corn starch)<br />
Season with pepper, oregano, basil, and garlic salt (I also used a dash of red pepper flakes)<br />
<br />
Dumplings<br />
1/2 C all-purpose flour<br />
1/2 C shredded cheese (I used 3/4 C)<br />
1/3 C yellow cornmeal<br />
1 t baking powder<br />
2 T milk<br />
2 T cooking oil<br />
1 egg<br />
Dash of pepper, oregano, basil, and garlic salt<br />
<br />
Dump in everything under the stoup list BUT the milk and flour in a big pot. I microwaved the raw carrots for approximately 3 minutes which really helped them get tender fast. Cook until carrots and other veggies are tender and chicken (if raw) is done. Prepare your dumpling batter while that is simmering away. Make slurry of milk and flour and add to pot. Simmer until bubbly. Drop dumpling batter in by tablespoons; there should be 6-10 depending on how big your tablespoon is. Cover and simmer on low for 8-12 minutes until toothpick inserted in dumpling comes out clean.<br />
<br />
Enjoy!!!<br />
<br />
Sorry no pics. I ate it too fast!<br />
<br />
The nutrition facts below are based on six servings. I had 12 small dumplings and about a cup of stoup.<div class="separator"style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAwdVLxnsHEHEhLze8UNUpnjWxAm-DZ3hkH738C8iCcexaIXaSA1Rh6mtueygUyV8kKQqr-lB3OOS5iHO-X723L6dbkar3gefqGHTj92sbZsrVHoapXboQr-f7uHXxf-mxo9Uvj1xthKE/s640/blogger-image-669308204.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAwdVLxnsHEHEhLze8UNUpnjWxAm-DZ3hkH738C8iCcexaIXaSA1Rh6mtueygUyV8kKQqr-lB3OOS5iHO-X723L6dbkar3gefqGHTj92sbZsrVHoapXboQr-f7uHXxf-mxo9Uvj1xthKE/s640/blogger-image-669308204.jpg" /></a></div>kristahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02314881831661548976noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9201669133503282691.post-38015240448023452542012-09-23T18:25:00.001-05:002012-09-23T19:26:36.407-05:00Sweet and Savory Pork Chops with Mashed Squash and Roasted PotatoesI am not usually a fruit and meat kinda gal and definitely have an aversion to pork, but I had some leftover cranberry sauce from last week's experiment with stuffed pancakes and a package of pork chops that we're begging for something different. Turns out with the right combination of seasonings, sweet and savory can be splendid!!<br />
<br />
<br />
**Recipe is organized in chronological order for preparation purposes.<br />
<br />
VEGETABLES<br />
1 large butternut squash, halved and seeds removed<br />
2 C quartered potatoes<br />
2 t minced garlic<br />
1/2 C diced onion<br />
2 T canola oil<br />
Garlic salt, salt, pepper<br />
<br />
Preheat oven to 350 degrees.<br />
<br />
Place cut sides of squash down in a cake pan with enough water to completely cover the bottoms. Pop in oven. When done, scoop out and serve with dabs of butter and salt and pepper or with a pinch of brown sugar.<br />
<br />
Combine remaining list of items in a different cake pan. If you want a little more browning for a roasted look and taste, do not cover with tin foil. For a more mashed-potato consistency, cover. Pop them in the oven.<br />
<br />
While the veggies are getting a head start in the oven, start on the chops.<br />
<br />
CHOPS<br />
2 lbs pork loin or pork loin chops<br />
Salt, pepper, garlic salt, rosemary<br />
Canola oil<br />
<br />
Season meat. Heat oil and sear loin or chops. Place in another cake pan or casserole dish and bake in oven until internal temp reaches 160 degrees. They should finish at about the same time as everything else. Don't wash that pan just yet... Save those juices and brown bits for the sauce!!<br />
<br />
SAUCE<br />
1/3-1/2 C cranberry sauce or a preserve of your choice (apricot sounds really good...)<br />
1/2 C chicken broth<br />
1-2 t rosemary (I don't particularly like rosemary so I went on the lighter side)<br />
1/2 C diced onion (very fine)<br />
1 T balsamic vinegar<br />
<br />
Use the same pan as you seared the meat in; add all your ingredients, and if you can, some of the drippings from the chops in the oven. Simmer until sauce is reduced by at least half.<br />
<br />
Prep Time: 15 minutes<br />
Cook Time: 50-60 minutes<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator"style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqs2SM4T54k2ayboBgLD8sTbfbi3YxqnwwW3zbwstgtIFQcjTrI-Gji6kIsRjY2vZ1tkH_Sg3IjNqXrLGOPBV2aaomkRddkM92JGBewiDjBVGwi1LkJqUn9T9Q_IGFEkr_3huuvId08BI/s640/blogger-image--461705293.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqs2SM4T54k2ayboBgLD8sTbfbi3YxqnwwW3zbwstgtIFQcjTrI-Gji6kIsRjY2vZ1tkH_Sg3IjNqXrLGOPBV2aaomkRddkM92JGBewiDjBVGwi1LkJqUn9T9Q_IGFEkr_3huuvId08BI/s640/blogger-image--461705293.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator"style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgY1Ej1BHoEccZ4aoZfEZ4Q7TVBkreld1-N2yWtnFm6TpyHurYQ2y9l6ePjue2gPkwZE4UeEOu_ExhQL2AOJbtdoZdOkmVFVmunr3mg7u8tZIX5hnPa_6JDqldVSfu7J42oWEuBU_sCQaw/s640/blogger-image--755360178.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgY1Ej1BHoEccZ4aoZfEZ4Q7TVBkreld1-N2yWtnFm6TpyHurYQ2y9l6ePjue2gPkwZE4UeEOu_ExhQL2AOJbtdoZdOkmVFVmunr3mg7u8tZIX5hnPa_6JDqldVSfu7J42oWEuBU_sCQaw/s640/blogger-image--755360178.jpg" /></a></div>kristahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02314881831661548976noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9201669133503282691.post-45405464085627944572012-09-18T18:47:00.001-05:002012-09-18T18:54:25.643-05:00Sausage, Wild Rice, & Barley Soup with Beer BreadSo my cupboards get pretty bare by the end of the month, and I'm always eager to use healthy ingredients for a meal. I was staring at the items I had left, perusing the food blogs, and contemplating what I could throw together when I realized that had the the makings for a soup and hearty bread--a perfect meal for an early fall day!!<br />
<br />
<br />
Beer Bread<br />
3 c flour<br />
1/2 c sugar<br />
1T baking powder (I accidentally used soda so we'll see how this tastes...)<br />
1 - 12 oz beer<br />
<br />
Mix all ingredients together and bake in a loaf pan for 50 minutes at 350 degrees.<br />
<br />
Sausage, Wild Rice, & Barley Soup<br />
1 - 2.75oz box KC's Best instant wild rice<br />
3/4 c quick barley<br />
Fresh or canned mushrooms<br />
1-1.5 lb pork sausage<br />
2T butter<br />
2t instant chicken bouillon<br />
1 can cream mushroom soup<br />
Milk to thin<br />
<br />
Boil rice and barley for 7 minutes. Drain. Add 2C water, bouillon, and butter. Simmer. Brown sausage. Add sausage to rice/barley. Mix in soup and milk to reach desired consistency. Simmer until ready to eat.<br />
<br />
**I LOVE Lawry's new roasted garlic salt with oregano and basil. It is basically all I use now and gives a real sophisticated taste to "regular" dishes. It's what I used to season the sausage and soup.<br />
<br />
**Thoughts and Suggestions:<br />
You could make the soup with chicken, turkey, or even go meatless. <br />
Leave the soup thick and serve it over bread or biscuits, too!! Thin it out and serve with crackers... <br />
Use sour cream in place of milk for an extra creamy texture without making it runny...<br />
Add in asparagus or puréed cauliflower or butternut squash.<br />
Make a double batch and freeze the leftovers for a later date.<br />
<br />
Good luck and happy cooking! <div class="separator"style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfXU2UhlBnAbk_WZ8dUBO6nE9q_y3nZJKhcsXveVi6dWE7-uJZfXrABuZni0JHW30v4wECPhCeC6gPhIhH0G_NQthxL681lRlng8zYfjIoVn5ZcCQjktJeLR5S4oY0vejdk_t34e1hb7Y/s640/blogger-image-1406906769.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfXU2UhlBnAbk_WZ8dUBO6nE9q_y3nZJKhcsXveVi6dWE7-uJZfXrABuZni0JHW30v4wECPhCeC6gPhIhH0G_NQthxL681lRlng8zYfjIoVn5ZcCQjktJeLR5S4oY0vejdk_t34e1hb7Y/s640/blogger-image-1406906769.jpg" /></a></div>kristahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02314881831661548976noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9201669133503282691.post-80559624783959262322012-09-06T19:37:00.001-05:002012-09-06T19:37:05.357-05:00Ooey Gooey-lashHaving the coolest day in a while enticed me to make something a little more fall-like. What's better than cheesy goulash??<br />
<br />
1 onion, coarsely chopped<br />
1 c zucchini, cubed<br />
3/4 c mushrooms, quartered<br />
2-3 T canola oil<br />
Seasonings (salt, pepper, lawry's garlic salt... whatever you like)<br />
<br />
8 oz elbow macaroni (1/2 of a 1 lb box)<br />
1/2 to 1 jar spaghetti sauce<br />
1 to 1.5 lb browned burger<br />
<br />
*Start water for macaroni and add when at rolling boil.<br />
*Start browning your beef. I waited until the veggies were done to save on dishes, which cost me about 7 minutes in cooking time.<br />
*Chop onion and start to sauté over super low heat in 2T oil while you prep the other vegetables. Sauté until translucent.<br />
*Add zucchini. Once that has sweated, add mushrooms. These don't take long...<br />
*Drain noodles and mix with veggies, burger, and sauce.<br />
*Sprinkle shredded cheese over a serving while hot.<br />
<br />
Prep Time: 10 minutes<br />
Cook Time: 30 minutes<br />
<br />
<br />
*I thought about making a velveeta and milk mix and throwing it all in the oven. Next time I'll give that a whirl.<br />
<br />
Heads up - this made enough to feed an army! I froze half of it for another time.<br />
<br />
I hope you enjoy it as much as we did!!<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator"style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7HfS_T6U9MsEBcI3kqiJtQ6FCsc2lFUMuTYwjtOU4Fi3kFiRACB_r3WAmRa3K717EKuzJfzoWg9SASIhFj5eZaB1tY8PYhPoE2nDS9iecyymFkTKkn_x1zGCMRhVpKam1AY05gp1FXWI/s640/blogger-image--379915049.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7HfS_T6U9MsEBcI3kqiJtQ6FCsc2lFUMuTYwjtOU4Fi3kFiRACB_r3WAmRa3K717EKuzJfzoWg9SASIhFj5eZaB1tY8PYhPoE2nDS9iecyymFkTKkn_x1zGCMRhVpKam1AY05gp1FXWI/s640/blogger-image--379915049.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator"style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhK6ayAj3iVdAmNbUhFuxQPVYy02xZV3AjUDd74uZ7z_7-AJHX4gz2y7bPPdePGxtMscik9MhPcYMpxtK6sQzSFf79mvgxsTmMN3k_ANFpWLBrJmxzOWNCqeUbgbSiApxbmJTUbfrpjiE4/s640/blogger-image--811683032.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhK6ayAj3iVdAmNbUhFuxQPVYy02xZV3AjUDd74uZ7z_7-AJHX4gz2y7bPPdePGxtMscik9MhPcYMpxtK6sQzSFf79mvgxsTmMN3k_ANFpWLBrJmxzOWNCqeUbgbSiApxbmJTUbfrpjiE4/s640/blogger-image--811683032.jpg" /></a></div>kristahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02314881831661548976noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9201669133503282691.post-72426615160613725782012-09-06T18:05:00.001-05:002012-09-06T18:05:06.378-05:00I don't feel ready...I live my job! Nothing quite beats working with kids, making a difference, and experiencing the give and take of knowledge. I seriously adore my students and what I get to do.<br />
<br />
Except when we're not ready. And we are not ready for tomorrow night. Maybe it was the fact that camp was cut short because we didn't get drill on time. Maybe it's because we have only had five out of the last ten rehearsals because of early outs or my own sick children. Maybe it's because the band is nearly 70% underclassmen. Maybe it's because I spent too much time on drill and not enough on music. Maybe it's because of the debut of the new stadium. Whatever the case may be, we aren't ready. <br />
<br />
It stresses me out and ages me five years or more when we have something huge and aren't prepared. But on the other hand, as my principal so brazenly pointed out, when haven't we arose to the occasion when I thought we wouldn't? Never.<br />
<br />
Let's hope this time is no different. Let's hope my kids bring their A game tomorrow night. No matter what, I know how hard we have worked and how hard we will continue to work in the days and weeks to come. We want so desperately to be a band that the community is proud of and supports unconditionally. The pressure of that is enormous... <br />
<br />
But I still don't feel ready... But tomorrow's a new day and maybe the sun will come up, light bulbs will go on, and it will click. We will be there because in all seriousness, ready or not, here we come!!!kristahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02314881831661548976noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9201669133503282691.post-21283792823347392522012-03-17T14:41:00.001-05:002012-03-17T14:43:56.924-05:00WinningI'd just like you all to know that although it was a teensy bit of a squeeze, I have dropped 2 dress sizes! That's right... Two! Yay for me!kristahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02314881831661548976noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9201669133503282691.post-67903606375189062232012-02-16T18:23:00.002-06:002012-02-16T18:23:48.546-06:00Unmotivated Became Overweight...<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">before you begin reading, i would like to take a moment to acknowledge just how difficult it can be for women to discuss their weight and to admit they are out of shape and overweight. the first step for me was to actually admit this to myself before i could do anything about it. now the second step for me is to share my story with my friends and family and maybe even complete strangers - because as human beings, we all have struggles and knowing we're not alone is often incredibly comforting. that said, here's my story on being fat:</span></span></span><br />
<div style="font-family: Times;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">the moment I realized my weight was out of control was quite depressing... i was <i>trying </i>to try on bridesmaid dress for my best friend's wedding, and the store we were at didn't carry anything smaller than a size 12. ugh. here she stood, a svelt 5'10" trying on size 4 wedding gowns; and there i stood a stocky 5'4" holding up dresses. it was a wake up call for me that it was high time to do something. anything. i could no longer look in the mirror and keep convincing myself a little (ok... alotta) junk in the trunk is acceptable.</span><div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">what's a girl to do when she wants to lose weight and keep it off? the options are endless - some include pills and powders which was not something i was interested in, although one cannot argue the results are quite obvious and fast. i wanted to lose the weight healthfully and by making lifestyle changes, even if that meant over a longer period of time.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">i have loathed exercising for as long as i can remember and rabbit food isn't exactly my idea of a delicious meal. i worked out through high school due knee injuries and my deep love for track but never liked it. i ate a pretty healthy diet until college. umm... think cafeteria buffets, turning 21, and the bar food that accompanies those nights out... enough said. i managed to lose a few pounds before my wedding but it came right back. while pregnant with minihe i had a medical condition (hyperemesis gravidarum) where i literally threw up day in and day out for months. i lost a significant amount of weight, but even with breastfeeding for a year, was unable to keep it off. second pregnancy and second year of breastfeeding yielded the same result. i blamed my babies for losing my body - which i might mention was pretty stellar 10 years ago.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">no more excuses. and thus </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">enters counting calories and exercise into my daily regime.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> no more thinking that just because what i'm cooking is healthy i can eat as much as i want. no more sugary treats. no more pop. no more.... i joined a gym and work out 5-6 days a week, i revamped my own menu and snack on vegetables, fruits, and nuts, i drink 8-16 cups of water a day, i stand up straighter, and the results are slow but sure. after countless hours of cardio and strength training in the last three weeks, i've dropped 10 pounds and 1 pants size and i don't know how many inches. i lost 4-5 pounds right away but have really had to work for these last 4-5. i leave my workout feeling invigorated. i challenge myself to go another half a mile, or burn another 50 calories, or do another set. my skin is healthier, my mood is dramatically improved, and my self-image is in the process of healing.</span></div>
<div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">but i am not done. i want to lose another 30 pounds and another 3-4 dress/pants sizes. wait for the time frame..................... BY JULY 4. that's 20 weeks which means slightly over a pound a week. <strike>i think i can do it.</strike> I KNOW I CAN DO IT!!! (but any positive thoughts you want to send my way won't hurt!)</span></div>
<div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">if you are in a similar situation and want to lose weight or wish you had the willpower to make a change, no matter how small, i also want to challenge you to join with me in revolutionizing the way you approach fitness and your eating habits. if you're not ready to make the drastic changes i made basically overnight, i challenge you to make one small change week by week. eliminate pop. drink more water. trade pasta for a salad. eat breakfast. change to whole wheat bread. these small changes will add up over time and in the end, can have an immense impact on your overall well-being. i have come to the conclusion the reason my changes never stuck before is because i never did it for "me." this time around is different. i'm exercising for me. i'm eating right for me. and because i'm focused on making me a better person, i only have myself to praise (or blame) with the results i experience. and in the end, i will continue to make these lifestyle changes permanent because i did it for the right reasons to begin with. </span></div>
</span></div>
<div style="font-family: Times;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div style="font-family: Times;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">what will you do?</span></span></div>
<div style="font-family: Times;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div style="font-family: Times;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">if you have a weight-loss success story, be sure to share in the comment section below! often what really works for someone can be adopted or adapted by others.</span></span></div>kristahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02314881831661548976noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9201669133503282691.post-34053836539948548572012-01-28T19:30:00.000-06:002012-02-13T16:21:36.819-06:00Lemon Garlic Chicken<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">crock pot meals are something i really enjoy. </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">the scent of food cooking in a slow cooker is so enticing and knowing i don't have to scramble at 5:30 to find something by 6:00 is relieving. </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">i look through cookbooks, blogs, and "real" sites, using, tweaking, and adapting the recipes i find to fit my food inventory and what my family likes. i've inevitably had a few <i>bad</i> outcomes, like a cranberry dump chicken... blegh! but a whole chicken in the crock pot has never failed me yet. incredibly tender, the chicken falls off the bone! and what's even better is that we can easily get 3 or 4 meals out of the bird. </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">remember how i like to hide vegetables in my cooking to get the extra nutrients, fiber, antioxidants, etc. into my family? this was an excellent way to repurpose the previous night's roasted squash as the base for a sauce for my side dish of rotini. who doesn't like their chicken with a little noodle? am i right? read on for the complete recipe. it was so good, i dug in before i took a picture of the finished product... sorry!</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>slow cooker lemon garlic chicken</b></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">this recipe could easily be altered for an oven - just budget a minimum of 1.5-2 hours, depending on the size of your bird.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i>ingredients:</i></span><br />
<ul>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">3-4 lb. whole chicken, giblets removed, rinsed, and patted dry</span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">2 C water</span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">2 t instant chicken bouillon</span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">2 T minced garlic</span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">4 T lemon juice</span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">2 t thyme - this herb compliments lemon very nicely</span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">2 t parsley</span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">2 t garlic salt</span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">1 t peper</span></li>
</ul>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i>preparation:</i></span><br />
<ul>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">as mentioned, removed giblets, rinse, and pat dry the bird</span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">place into your crock pot</span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">heat water briefly and add in bouillon, minced garlic, lemon juice and pour over bird</span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">now add seasonings to bird; if you added them before the liquids, they would just wash off</span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">set the crock pot on low for 8-10 hours, or on high for 4-5</span></li>
</ul>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i>notes:</i></span><br />
<ul>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">i highly recommend using fresh lemons for their juice and to add the slices into the crock while cooking, but i<i> rarely </i>keep them on hand so bottled lemon juice is my go-to for this recipe.</span></li>
</ul>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>rotini with creamy squash</b></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">i find i "match" my side dishes to the main dish, using as many similar tastes, like herbs and seasonings to help tie the meal together. you could very easily make this without already having leftover squash or using another vegetable mash like potatoes or carrots. it did make preparation a lot quicker, though. you could make this with a roux, too; but as i mentioned early on, i like "hiding" vegetables and this is a perfect opportunity to do so.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i>ingredients:</i></span><br />
<ul>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">1/2 an acorn squash, roasted or steamed</span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">1/2-3/4 C milk</span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">1/2-3/4 C liquid from crock pot</span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">1 T butter</span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">same seasonings as bird, but in your desired amount</span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">8 oz. noodle of your choosing - minihe picked rotini although i was thinking penne</span></li>
</ul>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i>preparation:</i></span><br />
<ul>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">boil noodles according to package directions, but just until al dente - you will finish cooking them with the addition of the sauce</span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">while that is going, mash your squash</span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">mix together squash, liquids, and seasonings in a large 2 cup measuring cup or small bowl</span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">drain noodles</span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">add sauce and cook down until reduced to your desired thickness - i think it took mine only 2 minutes</span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">add butter and serve immediately</span></li>
</ul>kristahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02314881831661548976noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9201669133503282691.post-60804408270494372362012-01-26T19:30:00.000-06:002012-02-13T16:22:11.681-06:00Crayon Art<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">as i promised last week sometime, i have a very creative art project that takes only about an hour and half, about $10 in supplies, but adds a unique pop of color to brighten any room. the added bonus is that it can easily be done with kids!</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">as i've cited before, <a href="http://www.pinterest.com/" target="_blank">pinterest</a> is, shall we say, a hobby of mine. i won't go so far as obsession, although sometimes it borders on that. if you haven't checked out the website yet, take a few minutes to peruse this online pinboard and marvel at the magnitude of ideas you can get.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">i found this activity on pinterest and just had to do it. i won't bore you with the details and the process since i can link you to it -- the pictures and descriptions are far better than what i would give, anyway. i will post the pictures of my own creations, though.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">so you're probably wondering by now what it is....</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">wait for it...</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b><a href="http://megduerksen.typepad.com/whatever/2011/08/you-knew-i-was-going-to-make-one.html" target="_blank">melted crayon art</a></b>. sounds crazy, right? kinda is. but i like how you can control the colors to match your decor, involve the kids, and it only takes a few supplies and less than two hours to complete. this would look exceptional in a kids room as well as a living space.</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIf2JHpAYo6cnUDMMBRvV3-XRjAWrRda4NFtzbyQ1KzVhhyphenhyphenAyE1H7Y5g3I9CfIFSas5HTsEnek71Dn39uZMGhfnObjYDTqkRDTrG3X6tcvrW-zcIUAstXHO4xac3cnkb93QnhO0b6tQAw/s1600/6a00d8341c469c53ef014e8abf419f970d-700wi.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="247" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIf2JHpAYo6cnUDMMBRvV3-XRjAWrRda4NFtzbyQ1KzVhhyphenhyphenAyE1H7Y5g3I9CfIFSas5HTsEnek71Dn39uZMGhfnObjYDTqkRDTrG3X6tcvrW-zcIUAstXHO4xac3cnkb93QnhO0b6tQAw/s320/6a00d8341c469c53ef014e8abf419f970d-700wi.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">here's what i used:</span><br />
<ul>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">3 larger sized canvas</span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">96 count box of crayons</span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">5 hot glue rods and (1) gun</span></li>
</ul>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">here's how i did it:</span><br />
<ul>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">i soaked the crayons in some warm water to remove the paper. you could leave it on, but i liked it better without.</span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">minihe picked out the colors and we discussed colors, shades, light and dark, and had a grand old time deciding what went together.</span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">i glued the crayons to the canvas</span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">minishe helped me tip them upside-down and blow dry the crayons to make them melt.</span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">to this day, months later, she still points to them and says "hot, hot, hot."</span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">i then attached that 3M poster hanging stuff to the backside of the canvas and hung them up on the wall. </span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">all was said and done in under 2 hours</span></li>
</ul>
<div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">here's what i learned:</span></div>
<div>
<ul>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">i tried to recreate an actual design first. bad idea. just do the "original" way until you know how the melting colored wax will act.</span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">melted wax does not remove off of surfaces as well as i thought. i ruined a two towels and a rug with this little project.</span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">be careful not to run the hot glue gun on the crayon itself. while this may seem like a no-brainer, i didn't think of it a first and gummed up the tip of my hot glue gun.</span></li>
</ul>
<div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAW5wfcdE9y-bSB3emunQhzQmJ1mWQiv7eKpsLWXLtOF8N0PsS403Wt9bKIYrNFW0JV63rJD7a1C49zBO0wGrqBgmTH3UOdCS324_Wy3y2gxG-n9Qzf20vRgCOBwm-on-_iGV68u_BDsA/s1600/IMG_0217.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAW5wfcdE9y-bSB3emunQhzQmJ1mWQiv7eKpsLWXLtOF8N0PsS403Wt9bKIYrNFW0JV63rJD7a1C49zBO0wGrqBgmTH3UOdCS324_Wy3y2gxG-n9Qzf20vRgCOBwm-on-_iGV68u_BDsA/s200/IMG_0217.jpg" width="149" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhs7dlitr3N5FZ9JjCe6U6xSEsWzIizgKwsVqfGX6Zi8LRo8sgFv9hqjd27wS1fhsyodrXaPeHkC8lcKfafXY5pbWXck2QEfYk8TT4uXImcQFQ3fpVGk71BX5RTPF0KA-EiDrpVR2T5Ek/s1600/IMG_0215.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhs7dlitr3N5FZ9JjCe6U6xSEsWzIizgKwsVqfGX6Zi8LRo8sgFv9hqjd27wS1fhsyodrXaPeHkC8lcKfafXY5pbWXck2QEfYk8TT4uXImcQFQ3fpVGk71BX5RTPF0KA-EiDrpVR2T5Ek/s200/IMG_0215.jpg" width="149" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgltI_dckxuX_8WZnhTgfBKoL3EZu0UOR5ahI0OAv4glVnEE-LYJJ7OAYwWKUFrnXeJG-cz8rPJtpoR8mRlmYkenHo8RohJSILuBcUvrlQinKIOil684lMk88zSZGfwBPIoy3DJ7GkTzXM/s1600/IMG_0213.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="149" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgltI_dckxuX_8WZnhTgfBKoL3EZu0UOR5ahI0OAv4glVnEE-LYJJ7OAYwWKUFrnXeJG-cz8rPJtpoR8mRlmYkenHo8RohJSILuBcUvrlQinKIOil684lMk88zSZGfwBPIoy3DJ7GkTzXM/s200/IMG_0213.JPG" width="200" /></a></span></div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhltevDCdK6cxlsbJ1IW4BgCQlrGQMPyxp5rG8Mz1D-v3EzEhN3bd7R00fDMMXlJXLeb4N1K_s0FxVdXpHAPF0jtzHGYM4nVhnNfJUzdDCsV4Ufa5IN27lBwuhA7pByc1O1Rq05L75Y7nk/s1600/154952043398942745_aO7smkx1_c.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhltevDCdK6cxlsbJ1IW4BgCQlrGQMPyxp5rG8Mz1D-v3EzEhN3bd7R00fDMMXlJXLeb4N1K_s0FxVdXpHAPF0jtzHGYM4nVhnNfJUzdDCsV4Ufa5IN27lBwuhA7pByc1O1Rq05L75Y7nk/s200/154952043398942745_aO7smkx1_c.jpg" width="148" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">this is what my center one is supposed to look like.<br />
i think adding some artificial daisies might help...</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</span></div>
</div>kristahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02314881831661548976noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9201669133503282691.post-63292288376073889592012-01-25T19:30:00.000-06:002014-03-24T00:35:48.444-05:00Raising Beef<br />
<div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;">
<span style="letter-spacing: 0px;">living in the midwest has its perks. we seriously have some great resources! meat is in abundance, farmer’s markets are in nearly every town from may until october, we live in place that literally feeds the world. living in the grain belt is way of life.</span></div>
<div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; min-height: 14.0px;">
<span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"></span></div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhE_KMLJeJpAzmYtqcMzhS-yUUWrytJ5OpOt_oRX-FbbS9FNtvG5Qarcq3yqEQKuWUcJBRvDsxNK4Kz42l_Mz_uqbBh96jQPL6UxQaSO4JpTaolDBBnX9r9d2frTk6cOToaBZcwTuhDnyo/s1600/101_1699.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhE_KMLJeJpAzmYtqcMzhS-yUUWrytJ5OpOt_oRX-FbbS9FNtvG5Qarcq3yqEQKuWUcJBRvDsxNK4Kz42l_Mz_uqbBh96jQPL6UxQaSO4JpTaolDBBnX9r9d2frTk6cOToaBZcwTuhDnyo/s200/101_1699.JPG" height="150" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">minihe and browny</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbeahA6oRvPJrv5UZjbW0Mkts6ZEGr7ipeZyqyJIN-iVDXDhRHnECw9Kq0WybLwFdYJT9guiQ9A63KLLMRtOFEDerkd2xEjX-Q3PNzCpa1MyamNvVbZWLBuNXxfteqLUDrXswxn_TFlAs/s1600/101_1709.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbeahA6oRvPJrv5UZjbW0Mkts6ZEGr7ipeZyqyJIN-iVDXDhRHnECw9Kq0WybLwFdYJT9guiQ9A63KLLMRtOFEDerkd2xEjX-Q3PNzCpa1MyamNvVbZWLBuNXxfteqLUDrXswxn_TFlAs/s200/101_1709.JPG" height="200" width="150" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">d and minihe doing chores</td></tr>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0px;">growing up on a small farm, my life revolved around the seasons of planting, county fair, harvest, and snowmobiling. my personal favorite was county fair. it was this experience with 4-H that truly shaped my values as a youth and into adulthood. furthermore, i was able to, quite successfully, explore my interest in raising and showing beef cattle. i knew i wanted to marry someone with similar values and experiences that we could ultimately share with our own children. i found that in d. we began our own cattle operation a few years ago, and in doing so, began setting up our children to appreciate the hard work and rewards of the farm life. </span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0px;">part of the reason we began this operation was to supplement our income. raising our own corn, oats, hay, and straw alleviates overhead costs. selling the cattle to customers and/or nearby market helps put a little extra cash in our pocket and make the payments on the farming equipment for said overhead costs. it is definitely a cyclical operation; one part cannot coexist without the others. the hay and straw operation is also an income builder. we probably could not run a successful cattle operation without having this resources so accessible.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKyIFpLT9rLf1LkMAfskql7O0Mo4goWwsy_Q8733co0qEvuV_fk0D5h0swytCMizHtW28jGUBLX6SkHR1IDcL-8xMihI2FRdEak-XdlnO4SAXLFjOludo8GLiquE3RfrB7-Yzt5dK9fxM/s1600/Meat.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKyIFpLT9rLf1LkMAfskql7O0Mo4goWwsy_Q8733co0qEvuV_fk0D5h0swytCMizHtW28jGUBLX6SkHR1IDcL-8xMihI2FRdEak-XdlnO4SAXLFjOludo8GLiquE3RfrB7-Yzt5dK9fxM/s200/Meat.jpg" height="141" width="200" /></a><span style="letter-spacing: 0px;">another reason we took on this responsibility was to keep a freezer full of food. purchasing meat is expensive. the quality of meat at some big box and even local grocery stores stock is questionable. moreover, as i mentioned in my post about my “nearly home-made” cooking style, i like knowing what i’m putting in my body and the bodies of my family. so many animals are fed unnecessary antibiotics, growth hormones, and sub-par feed. d takes pride in the fact his animals are all-natural and fed whole-foods from fields we plant and harvest. we take pride in the fact that we are providing our customers with a product they can feel confident they are consuming without any worries.</span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0px;">if you haven’t considered buying a quarter or half or even a full beef, i highly recommend it. the cost saving benefits are numerous and are more far-reaching than your own pocketbook:</span></div>
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<li style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0px;">you pay a flat fee per pound; this may make hamburger seem expensive, but steaks are way cheap</span></li>
<li style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0px;">you can choose the types of cuts you want, how much burger to have made, how thick to have steaks, etc.</span></li>
<li style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0px;">it comes frozen so there is no wasting of meat that gets forgotten in the back of the fridge</span></li>
<li style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0px;">shelf life is a few years, depending on your freezer capabilities, if you don’t eat through it first!</span></li>
<li style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0px;">it is grown locally, fed from local feed sources, slaughtered by a local meat market - all supporting local businesses and limiting the carbon footprint made from transporting meat in from states away</span></li>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0px;">raising or purchasing beef, or any meat for that matter, from a neighbor, friend, or relative is, oddly enough, a ‘green’ way to live. in my opinion it’s healthier, more economic, and something to definitely consider the next time you’re standing in front of the spread of meats wanting a better option.</span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0px;">i'm all about giving credit where credit is due! one of the pictures in this post came from this website:</span></div>
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http://www.energeticbalancing.us/what-is-meat-glue</div>
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kristahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02314881831661548976noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9201669133503282691.post-60262490894427335282012-01-24T19:30:00.001-06:002014-03-24T00:33:43.486-05:00Nearly Homemade<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: x-small;">i have come to realize that my cooking style is distinctly like that of my grandmother’s generation, where whole foods weren’t a trend, but rather the only option. nutrition is a concern for me, of course, but my main priority is to make food with good, wholesome ingredients that my family will enjoy. i have also come to realize that i display my love for my family by cooking. i make special meals for valentine’s day and birthdays, generally a favorite for whoever i’m cooking for. i have created some beautiful customized birthday cakes for my kids‘ birthdays instead of buying one from a store. i pride myself in making home-made food items. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small; letter-spacing: 0px;">i give chef <a href="http://www.sandralee.com/" target="_blank">sandra lee</a> a considerable amount of credit for showing people how they can cook more health-conscious home-made meals that aren’t made of completely home-made ingredients. i would actually consider my cooking style to be ‘nearly‘ home-made, based on what she considers ‘semi‘ home-made. i have a few of her cookbooks and regularly consult her website. i am excited that people are getting back in their kitchens and cooking for their family instead of grabbing a bag full of food from the closest drive-through.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIf8PHGCpDCfO6Gm_AKmV1T6tH73k_oDMzmaONFwy0ArzWIz-rg-LOnJowwJTPNw6sf53VvyQl-IkfTk8PmZ1fW48YfmXYgHLoeBQXKHq1_xYbhMsgzNvu1QaHmFb8phiv13hA57ZNtmQ/s1600/vegetables-wallpaper-163586.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIf8PHGCpDCfO6Gm_AKmV1T6tH73k_oDMzmaONFwy0ArzWIz-rg-LOnJowwJTPNw6sf53VvyQl-IkfTk8PmZ1fW48YfmXYgHLoeBQXKHq1_xYbhMsgzNvu1QaHmFb8phiv13hA57ZNtmQ/s200/vegetables-wallpaper-163586.jpeg" height="149" width="200" /></a><span style="font-size: x-small; letter-spacing: 0px;">the epidemic of childhood obesity deeply concerns me. working at a school and seeing what is served daily is scary. our cooks make nice meals, but there is absolutely zero color deviation from orange-ish yellow. anyone that knows anything about nutrition knows that a plate that looks like a rainbow is best. but i also recognize that carbohydrates and corn bi-products are more cost-effective for families and schools. it is so sad that eating healthy comes at such an expense, but the cost of not eating healthy is far greater. dare i say - food for thought the next time you (or i) pull out the good ol’ mac and cheese and hot dogs...</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPD9zz4EXA6NwiOy34bwrxXcPKlKqQq2fMy3YNv-aqUbwxPLrAlROGGzIVBVUouvdgkgAAFvBqbX8_DYEvtYZIBMXdPnOpyYkkti3_F1WLguY4i6KjZNZau4cPtIrolaIfiGsENba1gFg/s1600/biscuit4.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPD9zz4EXA6NwiOy34bwrxXcPKlKqQq2fMy3YNv-aqUbwxPLrAlROGGzIVBVUouvdgkgAAFvBqbX8_DYEvtYZIBMXdPnOpyYkkti3_F1WLguY4i6KjZNZau4cPtIrolaIfiGsENba1gFg/s200/biscuit4.JPG" height="102" width="200" /></a><span style="font-size: x-small; letter-spacing: 0px;">what difference does using whole foods make, you ask? i think a considerable amount of difference. i can create as delicious a marinade as any popular company out of the similar ingredients, but instead of adding preservatives and chemicals to maintain a shelf-life, mine have the same or better flavors because they are made fresh. i can create an excellent white sauce without the additional calories of popular jarred versions. i can add in hidden ingredients so my family gets vegetables without even knowing it. i know that i can safely add seasonings like salt, pepper, etc. because they haven’t been previously added to the foods. i know exactly where my meat is coming from because i know the people that raise it. these are the things i have the freedom to do when i know what is going into our food. </span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6KPf76XqwUvbDns6RSR1yC3mqscyZnJ9RzRp-fOMZoGk-uGpuXtYpfQo0FzW8r5kCP8f5HZp0wDTkE6Koqz_BAjRxWbRP3V7NAoETG2hOzUccwIO-HAUxPK-HcZuUZdNN5tyg90BeijE/s1600/Rice_grains_%2528IRRI%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6KPf76XqwUvbDns6RSR1yC3mqscyZnJ9RzRp-fOMZoGk-uGpuXtYpfQo0FzW8r5kCP8f5HZp0wDTkE6Koqz_BAjRxWbRP3V7NAoETG2hOzUccwIO-HAUxPK-HcZuUZdNN5tyg90BeijE/s200/Rice_grains_%2528IRRI%2529.jpg" height="132" width="200" /></a><span style="font-size: x-small; letter-spacing: 0px;">i am not so crunchy that i only buy organic, mill my own flour, and milk the cow every morning and night. i, too, throw together quick meals where i can’t control all the elements. and that’s ok. remember - <i>everything in moderation. </i>what i am very conscience about is what i buy, where i buy it, and how i prepare it to preserve as many nutrients as possible. i love having a beautiful farmer’s market right in town and try to frequent this as much as possible. i also love the system that many grocery stores have adopted to help people determine healthy choices in their aisles. (click <a href="http://wordsofwilliams.com/as-seen-in-usa-today/" target="_blank">here</a> to visit fellow bloggers kelsey and eric williams’ blog entry and a link to usa today's article on this very subject.) </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small; letter-spacing: 0px;">d does not like whole wheat bread, pasta, chips, baked goods, etc. but thankfully, he eats them anyway. he’s not a big vegetable fan, but he puts at least one bite on his plate to show the kids that you can still eat something even if you don’t like it. i have found jessica seinfeld’s process of adding “hidden” vegetables to increase the nutritional value of your dishes highly effective - even d is none the wiser.... (until he reads this, of course.) i think you have to develop strategies to introduce whole grains, more vegetables/fruits, calcium-rich dairy products, and healthy fats in a way that works best for your family. i am not claiming to be an expert, by any means; i just know that i feel good about what i’m doing for myself and my family and want to encourage you to do the same if your mealtime choices are lacking in variety, color, and nutrients. </span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCwZq7Uwz778SLXDMmmmA6qkJHS3evGLCnvwvbYbzzh-iEM0IBVTaVHwvWCVYyQVX0-yqPGp6PXU5_nIHh8RXvs5I7lwnJwo7r_S4s0nkYZlMDn1TksPEqCU_MG068PwWIvWyVgGTn97M/s1600/fresh-fruit.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCwZq7Uwz778SLXDMmmmA6qkJHS3evGLCnvwvbYbzzh-iEM0IBVTaVHwvWCVYyQVX0-yqPGp6PXU5_nIHh8RXvs5I7lwnJwo7r_S4s0nkYZlMDn1TksPEqCU_MG068PwWIvWyVgGTn97M/s200/fresh-fruit.jpg" height="149" width="200" /></a><span style="font-size: x-small; letter-spacing: 0px;">knowing about proper nutrition is also critical in making good food selections for your family. i know a considerable amount of information about nutrition, portion sizes, best preparation methods, and so on. i also know that everything in moderation is perfectly acceptable. a few marshmallows in a fruit salad will not harm anyone, especially if the fruit is fresh, there are no other added sweeteners, and dressed with yogurt in place of cool whip or cream cheese dip. real butter in mashed potatoes is perfectly acceptable, especially considering there is “hidden” acorn squash and a sweet potato in the mash and margarine is only one molecule away from plastic. i would rather use butter than a buttery spread because i know exactly what butter is made from. anything i can’t pronounce i don’t think i should be putting inside me. to me, that is what whole-foods cooking is all about. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small; letter-spacing: 0px;">does this work for everybody? most certainly not. is it always cost-efficient? absolutely not. does my family always eat their vegetables and like my cooking? no. but at the end of the day, i can sleep well knowing i did my part as resident chef to feed myself, my kids, and my husband the best meals i can. sometimes i have some real flops, but sometimes i have some real wins. i enjoy challenging myself to recreate restaurant-style dishes in a healthier way. i relish putting together a meal that is delicious <i>and</i> wholesome. i love that there is an abundance of bloggers cooking, baking, and embracing this ‘nearly’ home-made way of feeding our families.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: xx-small; letter-spacing: 0px;">i'm all about giving credit where credit is due! the pictures featured in the post were taken from the following websites:</span></div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: xx-small;">http://celynnerasmus.com/milk-and-dairy-products-necessity-or-no-go/</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: xx-small; letter-spacing: 0px;">http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Rice_grains_(IRRI).jpg</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: xx-small; letter-spacing: 0px;">http://www.alexandracooks.com/2007/11/29/best-buttermilk-biscuits/</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: xx-small; letter-spacing: 0px;">http://buymyjuicer.com/your-body-and-antioxidant-foods/</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: xx-small; letter-spacing: 0px;">http://atlantahotspot.files.wordpress.com/2011/06/fresh-fruit.jpg</span></div>
kristahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02314881831661548976noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9201669133503282691.post-13196038534863224702012-01-23T15:44:00.001-06:002014-03-23T23:48:00.253-05:00Snow Days, Not School Days<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWQdV7jTFAEn9uIVmq4n0O0wHslpqb99k0ugO46GCqppxYtULkVataePJXcMZ3_93o6Qstjeb-aYtCrN6UK6deAcjTlsS5cCnhB8UWxexaxW_hbzPlhy7yb8h-CD4EUVf_oF7DODhxnr0/s1600/photo.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWQdV7jTFAEn9uIVmq4n0O0wHslpqb99k0ugO46GCqppxYtULkVataePJXcMZ3_93o6Qstjeb-aYtCrN6UK6deAcjTlsS5cCnhB8UWxexaxW_hbzPlhy7yb8h-CD4EUVf_oF7DODhxnr0/s640/photo.JPG" height="640" width="640" /></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">oh how i love snow days! seriously, i love cozying up and hunkering down, cooking, cleaning, and spending time with the munchkins. (although, i usually do a little happy dance when naptime rolls around.) this morning was greeted with a 5:45am one call from the school district announcing the delay, to which i happily turned off my alarm. then again around 8 i received the coveted cancellation call. finally around 9 we all woke up and i casually made breakfast (cinnamon raisin pancakes - see recipe to follow) around 10. don't judge. we are generally not in a rush on snow days. after all, where are we going? this was the gorgeous view from our table this morning. i absolutely love, love, love it when the snow sticks to the branches. i can't imagine a whole lot of other nature scenes that are more beautiful... another perk - i caught shemar moore on ellen, and all i can say is YUM!! </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">today's snow day gave me an opportunity to practice more positive <a href="http://minisheminihe.blogspot.com/2012/01/parenting-toddlers-simultaneously.html" target="_blank">parenting</a>, too. as i revealed yesterday, i struggle with parenting two under 4. but it has become my resolve, not just because a new year has come but because it is high time, to be a better, more patient, kinder parent. i want to encourage my children to make good choices because of my guidance, not because i yelled loud enough to get their attention. </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">anyway, when the dreaded tears and back-talking started as i attempted to serve lunch, which might i add was pretty tasty, albeit incredibly simple, i actually followed through with my threat to remove the children from the table if their refusal to eat continued. minishe exclaimed, "i'll eat! i'll eat!" when i began to pull her chair out from the table, and shoved some sausage in her mouth faster than i could blink. when i transitioned my attention to minihe, he asked through his tears, "how many bites do i need to take?". i sat down in satisfaction knowing that i had just won myself a small battle in the war against my children's most annoying habits - the mealtime breakdown.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">as for our unexpected breakfast at home today, the kids literally screamed "pancakes" and trampled each other in a fast scramble to help me assemble them in the kitchen. as i've mentioned in a previous <a href="http://minisheminihe.blogspot.com/2012/01/strawberry-sour-cream-pancakes.html" target="_blank">post</a>, pancakes are literally my children's favorite food. not only do they gobble them up, but they love to help with the prep work. minihe loves to crack the egg, scoop out flour, stir everything around... minishe is just content to have her own [empty] bowl and spoon and pretend to get in on the action. </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">the inspiration for this morning's cinnamon raisin pancakes comes from the absolutely delectable cinnamon raisin biscuit/muffin my daycare provider made last week. i have been craving one since. j is an expert at, well, everything! i am truly blessed to have such a wonderful childcare provider, and i would also call her my friend. those of you reading this with children in daycare centers or in-home providers know just how valuable it is to find someone you can trust to have your children's best interest as their number one priority day in and day out. after all, their work is to fundamentally raise our children while we work.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">at any rate, here's this morning's pancake recipe. why i didn't think of adding these ingredients together sooner is beyond me!!</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>cinnamon raisin pancakes:</b></span><br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGpboyIlI6MTgCrS9ZzljRJMIyL8nOMpRlJj0PX5TCACYynZNdlSAT973WSPvpDWzHlHrLBMPFnypdEPmKy4b6t8QdvkIYwkhmf1c6ZI34J56lx-DkHx6fDuK3YIGkpyiJTYCu9YU_XII/s1600/photo-2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGpboyIlI6MTgCrS9ZzljRJMIyL8nOMpRlJj0PX5TCACYynZNdlSAT973WSPvpDWzHlHrLBMPFnypdEPmKy4b6t8QdvkIYwkhmf1c6ZI34J56lx-DkHx6fDuK3YIGkpyiJTYCu9YU_XII/s200/photo-2.jpg" height="200" width="148" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">look at how fluffy they are fluffing up!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i>ingredients: enough to make 12 pancakes</i></span><br />
<ul>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">1/2 C raisins</span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">1 C bisquick mix</span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">1/2 C milk</span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">1 egg</span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">1/2 t cinnamon</span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">1 T sugar</span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">1 t baking powder (can be omitted but this simple ingredient makes the pancakes really fluff)</span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">dash nutmeg</span></li>
</ul>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i>preparation:</i></span><br />
<ul>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">before you start your batter, soak the raisins in warm water to plump them up a little</span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">add remaining ingredients to a bowl and stir to mix</span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">drain off water from raisins and fold into batter</span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">heat a titch of oil on a griddle </span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">spoon batter onto griddle and flip when bubbles pop and don't fill in</span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">i served with syrup but i bet a cream cheese drizzle would be excellent (see below)</span></li>
</ul>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizUwsoqQf8kN31O_yW6RbsXRIZRa0gvdrOjTjGpEnLFtLb1LIonF0Z674qUxJEKfXlQGc3fKYOXiJLU0amS2QxL9fOF7l-d8sw1NpF21cyxjylZTefPnWr0RAe4Zkz8d5OAD7SGvIGkJE/s1600/photo-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizUwsoqQf8kN31O_yW6RbsXRIZRa0gvdrOjTjGpEnLFtLb1LIonF0Z674qUxJEKfXlQGc3fKYOXiJLU0amS2QxL9fOF7l-d8sw1NpF21cyxjylZTefPnWr0RAe4Zkz8d5OAD7SGvIGkJE/s320/photo-1.jpg" height="320" width="239" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">yes. i use paper plates and plastic utensils. i abhor washing dishes.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i>cream cheese drizzle:</i></span></div>
<div>
<ul>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">2 oz cream cheese</span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">1/2 C powdered sugar</span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">1-2 T butter</span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">milk to thin</span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">warm cream cheese, butter, and milk in microwave</span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">mix, adding more sugar, milk, or cream cheese to desired taste and consistency</span></li>
</ul>
</div>
kristahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02314881831661548976noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9201669133503282691.post-3314697837460629872012-01-22T23:55:00.001-06:002014-03-23T23:44:48.307-05:00Sunday Night Meals<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEil62rlMnT8crTPG9pWXlbjIOzDR5PDOLdcoNLyv8M6eJqvkricneJqtgTrJfFpiPAVqnRBaJGdQjm_omxCS-3JbWzL0kESJ9kBp3O2rWDXmU7iEOoQ1kbZFEaCjRM92JBJFEnmy2sJrt4/s1600/0.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEil62rlMnT8crTPG9pWXlbjIOzDR5PDOLdcoNLyv8M6eJqvkricneJqtgTrJfFpiPAVqnRBaJGdQjm_omxCS-3JbWzL0kESJ9kBp3O2rWDXmU7iEOoQ1kbZFEaCjRM92JBJFEnmy2sJrt4/s200/0.jpeg" height="200" width="149" /></a><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">typically speaking, my most elaborate meals are on sunday nights. i have completed my weekend tasks (hopefully) and love to bring my weekend to a close with a very nice meal. growing up, sunday noon was always the meal my grandma took the most time and care preparing. to this day, i still love a deliciously cooked pot roast with root vegetables and brown gravy. i think it is with this memory that i strive to do my best for my family on sunday evenings, keeping this tradition alive and instilling family meal time in my own children’s hearts. this week was no exception.</span></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">here is my rendition of pork steaks, mashed potatoes, roasted acorn squash, and fruit fluff. i hope you enjoy it as much as we did! everybody was a member of the clean plate club tonight!</span></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></i></span></div>
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<i style="letter-spacing: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">mashed potatoes ingredients:</span></i></div>
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</div>
<ul>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">5-6 small yukon gold potatoes</span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">5-6 small red potatoes</span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">1/2 C cubed acorn squash with skin removed</span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">salt, pepper, and parsley to season</span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">2 oz. whatever-fat-content-you-want cream cheese</span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">1/3 C sour cream</span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">2 T butter</span></li>
</ul>
<br />
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">preparation:</span></i></span></div>
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</div>
<ul>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">after boiling potatoes and squash until tender, drain off water and add remaining ingredients and seasonings. </span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">mash or mix with a hand mixer</span></li>
</ul>
<br />
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">roasted acorn squash:</span></i></span></div>
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</div>
<ul>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">1 acorn squash</span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">1 1/2 C water</span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">1/4 C canola oil</span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">nutmeg, cinnamon, all-spice, ground cloves to suit your taste</span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">2 T brown sugar</span></li>
</ul>
<br />
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">preparation:</span></i></span></div>
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</div>
<ul>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">cut squash in half and scoop out seeds and stringy stuff</span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">cut into strips and cut strips in half</span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">remove skin from a few strips and cube for use in mashed potatoes</span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">place in a baking dish; add other ingredients and toss to mix</span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">cover with tin foil and bake at 400 degrees for 35-40 minutes; i removed tin foil in last 5-10 to encourage the liquid to evaporate and condense flavors</span></li>
</ul>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">notes:</span></i></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">i had never eaten squash with the skin on it but it was just fine. the steaming/roasting left the skin very tender and not chewy or rubbery like i expected. i did melt a few small pats of butter over the squash after i removed it from the oven and it was really yummy!</span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"></span></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">pork steaks ingredients:</span></i></span></div>
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</div>
<ul>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">4 pork steaks</span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">1 T oil</span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">s&p</span></li>
</ul>
<br />
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">preparation:</span></i></span></div>
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</div>
<ul>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">heat oil until smoking on a griddle or frying pan; this could also be done on the grill or broiling pan very successfully</span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">lay seasoned side down and season the side up with s&p</span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">flip</span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">continue frying until internal temperature reaches at least 165* degrees - pork must be cooked at a slightly higher temperature than beef to kill any bacteria; i typically am not too concerned with this but as this meat was not our own, i took extra precautions. </span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">total cooking time was right around 15 minutes</span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">*Since originally writing this, the USDA relaxed on their guidelines and the new recommendation for pork is 145 degrees Fahrenheit for internal cooking temperature.</span></li>
</ul>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">notes:</span></i></div>
<div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">i saw these greek seasoned pork steaks at the grocery store for a very reasonable price (approximately $2 for 2 steaks). although i'm not a pork fan i picked them up and thought i'd give it a whirl. it was interesting to eat supermarket meat after only consuming home-raised; something i don't especially care to do again, but these were ok considering what my taste buds are programmed to like.</span></div>
<div>
<i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></i></div>
<div>
<i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">fruit fluff ingredients:</span></i></div>
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</div>
<ul>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">fruit on hand - i had apples, bananas, and a can of tropical fruit mix</span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">1/2 mini marshmallows</span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">1 t lemon juice (this is an excellent way to protect against browning of apples and bananas before you serve them)</span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">1/2 vanilla yogurt (a great way to get some additional protein and calcium into our tummies)</span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">2 T cool whip (i find this helps give it a fluffier texture)</span></li>
</ul>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">preparation:</span></i></span></div>
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</div>
<ul>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">mix ingredients together in a bowl and place back in the fridge to remain chilled until served</span></li>
</ul>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">notes:</span></i></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">my grandma also used to add a little miracle whip, probably something like 1-2 T to her fruit salads in addition to the yogurt or cool whip. that extra tang was different and i always liked it. d, however, does not think miracle whip belongs in a fruit salad, so i don’t include this ingredient anymore. sounds a little gross, but seriously give it a try sometime!</span></span></div>
kristahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02314881831661548976noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9201669133503282691.post-22174249147215251422012-01-22T16:41:00.001-06:002014-03-23T23:39:22.500-05:00Quick Weeknight Meals<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">i adore meals i can get on the table in under 30 minutes. in fact, this is primarily the type of meals i make. this week was a whirlwind and at the end of the month, and i was scraping together what was left in the fridge and pantry. despite this, i had some winners! the recipes that follow are eggs benedict, bake deli sandwiches, and sausage and biscuits.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>eggs benedict:</b><i style="font-weight: bold;"> </i>on the table in under 15 minutes, this quick fix was yummy!</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i>ingredients:</i></span><br />
<ul>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">eggs - as many as you need to serve your family; we used 6</span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">bread slices for toasting</span></li>
</ul>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">mock hollandaise sauce--</span><br />
<ul>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">1/2 C miracle whip or mayo</span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">1/4 C sour cream</span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">1 T mustard</span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">2 T lemon juice</span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">dill and thyme to your taste</span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">milk to thin</span></li>
</ul>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i>preparation:</i></span><br />
<ul>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">boil a pot full of water; salt boiling water</span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">crack an egg into a measuring cup and very carefully pour into boiling water</span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">boil 2-3 eggs but make sure egg has enough room to "breathe"</span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">once egg floats freely, remove from boiling water with a slotted spoon</span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">meanwhile, add miracle whip/mayo, sour cream, mustard, lemon juice, dill and thyme to another small pot, heating through; add milk to thin to your desired consistency</span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">toast and butter bread</span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">serve egg on top of toast, slather a little mock hollandaise sauce and enjoy!</span></li>
</ul>
<br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>baked deli sandwiches: </b></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">a very quick, but delicious take on the typical deli meat and cheese sandwich. i love reading other people's blogs and this recipe is my adaptation from karly's </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="http://bunsinmyoven.com/2009/11/03/hot-and-melty-oven-baked-ham-and-swiss-sandwiches/" target="_blank">buns in my oven</a></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> baking blog.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i>ingredients:</i></span><br />
<ul>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">buns </span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">4 slices of deli meat per bun (i used a combination of 2 slices turkey and 2 slices roast beef)</span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">cheese slices (i folded the slice into 1/4's and placed two of the small squares on top of each meat pile</span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">1/2 C melted butter</span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">1 t ground mustard</span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">1 t poppy seeds</span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">2 t onion flakes </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i>or</i></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> 1 t onion powder</span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">2 T worcestershire sauce</span></li>
</ul>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i>preparation:</i></span><br />
<ul>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">slice buns open and place bottoms in a pan that accommodates your number of sandwiches</span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">layer meat, followed by cheese</span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">place bun top on sandwich</span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">mix melted butter, mustard, poppy seeds, onion flakes/powder, sauce and pour over buns.</span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">cover with tin foil and bake at 350 degrees for 15 minutes.</span></li>
</ul>
<br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>sausage and biscuits:</b> my uncle gordy from omaha makes <i>exceptional</i> sausage and biscuits at our thanksgiving get-togethers. no matter how much i try to reconstruct this recipe, it is never quite as good as his. this recipe came as close as i have gotten yet, though!</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i>sausage and gravy ingredients:</i></span><br />
<ul>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">1/2 lb bulk pork sausage</span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">1/2 lb italian pork sausage</span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">1 t lawry's seasoning salt</span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">1/2 t garlic salt</span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">1/2 t pepper</span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">shake of red pepper flakes</span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">2 T corn starch</span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">1 1/2- 2 C milk</span></li>
</ul>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i>preparation:</i></span><br />
<ul>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">cook sausage with seasonings, draining any ridiculous amount of grease off. (i left a little grease so i wouldn't have to add butter to create the roux)</span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">when thoroughly cooked, add corn starch, stirring into meat</span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">after 30-60 seconds, add cold milk, heating on medium low until the gravy reaches your desired consistency.</span></li>
</ul>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i>biscuit ingredients:</i></span><br />
<ul>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">2 1/4 C bisquick mix or any bisquit mix of your choice</span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">2/3 C milk</span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">1/2 C shredded cheese</span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">1/2 t minced garlic</span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">2 T butter</span></li>
</ul>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i>preparation:</i></span><br />
<ul>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">mix all ingredients together in a bowl</span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">drop by spoonful onto a baking sheet</span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">bake for 9-12 minutes in a 400 degree oven</span></li>
</ul>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i>serving suggestions:</i></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">gordy serves his sausage biscuits and gravy with hard-boiled eggs, green peppers, and onions. adds another dimension of flavor!</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i><br /></i></span>kristahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02314881831661548976noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9201669133503282691.post-2450663986018984882012-01-22T15:56:00.005-06:002012-01-22T23:22:44.288-06:00Parenting Toddlers.... Simultaneously.<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span><br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvL2UkiKYwJxiQHIQoboelmpjlv7c_TyscPBqacP5Syb8JFyNLdDvOHi-_5WhpQCBv76cTnkJFHW77VuTwtnkAx1CFulqq392oQPbuPaptKb5haHfua1_8nq-2S-7mf6HjlNwAIdveoNY/s1600/304744_255271741182120_100000978889970_775273_2104413724_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvL2UkiKYwJxiQHIQoboelmpjlv7c_TyscPBqacP5Syb8JFyNLdDvOHi-_5WhpQCBv76cTnkJFHW77VuTwtnkAx1CFulqq392oQPbuPaptKb5haHfua1_8nq-2S-7mf6HjlNwAIdveoNY/s200/304744_255271741182120_100000978889970_775273_2104413724_n.jpg" width="138" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">i love you not...</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigoEmQLya95B5s2f1osFfnqoEHGuLmCtPXw-LtJDeCKysLWhrU_XFP3wtjoWpWxoh_Y9Unc3M7xBz7Jm2Tz_bubvzp9DsAhB_k1IaLKkxHSQs7RXe7xYn6H3KmAACjAET0JynMOYzv1Wk/s1600/IMG_0131.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigoEmQLya95B5s2f1osFfnqoEHGuLmCtPXw-LtJDeCKysLWhrU_XFP3wtjoWpWxoh_Y9Unc3M7xBz7Jm2Tz_bubvzp9DsAhB_k1IaLKkxHSQs7RXe7xYn6H3KmAACjAET0JynMOYzv1Wk/s200/IMG_0131.PNG" width="160" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">i love you...</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">facebook is a definite vice of mine and i certainly enjoy reading about people's lives. i feel empowered to share something today after reading 80-some responses about quirkiness and the weird things we do. strangely, people weren't judging each other! i hope in reading this, you won't judge me after you read this entry. i think we all have our struggles in love, marriage, raising kids, work... i am no different but just have a platform to vocalize these struggles. parenting toddlers simultaneously is serious work and something I seriously struggle with. this post is not about how we magically solved our problems; but rather admitting we don't have the answers, our parenting style is a work in progress, and reflecting on what we can do better. hopefully my admission about my shortcomings as a mother helps me reflect on what i do well and, more specifically, what i can do better. if it helps you through your parenting struggles, too, well, that's an added bonus.</span></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">it should go without saying that i absolutely adore my children! they are funny, smart, inquisitive, and pretty stinkin' cute. i love being their mom. but they are also crabby, whiny, needy, and demanding. the later four characteristics are, unfortunately, what i normally see. and sadly, this takes the enjoyment out of parenting for me. while they are finally starting to play together, in the blink of an eye, they turn on each other and on me. what's even more perplexing is that they can turn on and off this behavior for d, and the in-laws. i think they have a fearful respect of their father and gpa, and that mil's elementary education background gives her skills that i don't use in my upper elementary/secondary teaching. i am always amazed by how d's mom is so good with the kids, especially minihe. there have been very few times i can recall her giving him a timeout. pretty sure he's never gotten a spanking at their house, either. i have always heard d's family comment on how well-behaved d and his sister were as kids. d's mom was also a sahm (stay-at-home-mom) for their early childhood years, which is yet another reason i think she's so good with my kids - she developed strategies as a parent 27 years ago that serve her incredibly well as an elementary teacher and grandmother today.</span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">identifying the fact i struggle with parenting takes a lot for me. i generally only do things i'm good at, but i obviously can't discontinue parenting because it's hard -- and it's only going to get harder. i want so desperately to have polite, quiet, well-behaved children that use their manners without being prompted, that follow directions the first time, and that are cooperative 100% of the time. but who am i kidding? everybody ideally wants their children to be that way. i have great admiration for parents that have done an excellent job of raising their children, many of whom are my relatives. perhaps that's what makes me aspire even more to be a better parent and raise better children: <b>because i know it can be done</b>.</span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">their kids don't just become this way overnight. they have established clear guidelines, expectations, consequences, and rewards. this is not a revelation for me or probably for you, either. the purpose these observations serve for me is to reflect on what i can do differently and how i can adapt my parenting to achieve that level of success with my own children. from what i have seen, they remain calm, speak with care and respect, and probably most important of all - <i>follow through. </i>i know what i need to do, i just don't know how to do it and make the change last when it gets hard.</span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">i am impatient. i raise my voice way too much. i am not always "present" with them. these, among others, are my major shortfalls when it comes to my parenting. i have tried positive reinforcement; i have tried redirecting; i have tried speaking calmly; i have tried countless other strategies to manage minihe's rollercoaster-like behavior and minishe's drama-filled tantrums. all i have found is that he'll do well for a few days and then he reverts back to old behaviors, and that she is spoiled and isn't satisfied until she gets her way. i am somewhat of a pushover and have probably enabled these behaviors just to keep the house peaceful. i wouldn't go so far as to say that we can't control our kids, but their behaviors are so upsetting to us that we don't take them to places where sitting still for longer than 5 minutes is required. the different ways we parent and the results they yield has created some disagreements in our marriage. perhaps this is partially because after we agree on a strategy we want to be effective, we both revert back to our own ineffective behaviors that contribute to this situation. one more admission - i do this more frequently than d does... </span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">i will have to say that despite our different parenting philosophies, we back each other up and support the decisions we make when another parent is not present. presenting a united front, regardless if we agree with it or not, is the most important parenting philosophy we share. i don't want to discipline my children with fear. i want to discipline them with love, respect, and authority. i do not have answers for how to actually achieve this. all i know for sure is that i will keep trying to be a better parent, and the first step for me is confessing how much i struggle in these efforts and recognizing that there are better ways to achieve a happy household.</span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">maybe you have your own struggles. maybe you have some effective strategies that work for you. either way, embracing these struggles and how we overcome them is one of the greatest joys of parenting - knowing that we're not alone in our endeavor to raise a generation of kids that are caring, respectful, thoughtful, and considerate.</span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">what have you done well in your parenting? what do you wish you could do better at? sound off in the comment area below this post!</span></div>
</span>kristahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02314881831661548976noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9201669133503282691.post-16441712700343234692012-01-17T19:00:00.000-06:002012-01-22T16:43:49.608-06:00Broccoli Cheese Soup with Potatoes - Slow Cooker<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">with a basketball game this last week that i had the joy of taking minihe along to, i planned ahead with a crock pot waiting for us with this winter favorite. a special thank to my fil (father in-law) for actually getting out the crock pot and starting it up for me since i forgot!! :)</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">i looked at probably ten different recipes for this kind of soup and found everything on the spectrum - things that were <i>incredibly</i> rich and <i>incredibly </i>bland; different ways to increase the thickness and creaminess. i finally decided on the following hybrid. i did all of the prep monday night while waiting for my <a href="http://minisheminihe.blogspot.com/2012/01/lemon-garlic-shrimp-and-butter-noodles.html">shrimp</a> to cure in their marinade so all i had to do in the morning was turn the crock on.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>broccoli cheese soup with potatoes - slow cooker:</b></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i><b>prep time - 30 minutes</b></i></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i><b>cook time - 8-10 hours (on low) 4-5 (on high)</b></i></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i>ingredients</i></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">3 heads broccoli, trimmed and chopped into small chunks</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">4 carrots, peeled and cut on the angle </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">*the angle cut is probably not necessary but i think it looks nice when i eat soups that way in a restaurant, so when in rome, right?</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">1 medium onion, finely diced</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">10 small potatoes, peeled and quartered</span><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwB3mUbnN_eEEuI-ArVAv_omvyZIkeYEUfuWBHDzgl0c7PrgctoI2UFEcJHzlEYNtczhzhaQWpoZoQdKvGgFfpZ0p7xAByvInXAIo1wXoaTHmkLcOCQjFgxVwrKT7Hanb6x2hsv6KW3fk/s1600/0BB428B3-3A53-4D1C-AADD-25AAA9414987.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="147" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwB3mUbnN_eEEuI-ArVAv_omvyZIkeYEUfuWBHDzgl0c7PrgctoI2UFEcJHzlEYNtczhzhaQWpoZoQdKvGgFfpZ0p7xAByvInXAIo1wXoaTHmkLcOCQjFgxVwrKT7Hanb6x2hsv6KW3fk/s200/0BB428B3-3A53-4D1C-AADD-25AAA9414987.jpeg" width="200" /></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">*i happened to have both red and yukon, so i used 5 of both and, as you can see, they are fairly small</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">*you could also use other vegetables like celery, corn, peppers...</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">*i bet bacon would be good in this, just make sure to fry it first and crumble it in, reserving a few pieces to crumble fresh when you serve the soup</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">1 C velveeta cheese, cut into 1" chunks</span><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVe94lXw7cjFFAyTsgJ5vG1RJ8AWgetcIct67V1Z6yfhJ0KgRvMREjKaratagI8zQEIr2DB1Y9Mg41FECI1R1xzjn4z8vMUHiPH-48P37-iQoaXHF2OHLgQbhUYiqcCOPccsnqwb0BHU8/s1600/2D182674-7DD9-4E7C-B84E-151DFD4C7C61.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="147" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVe94lXw7cjFFAyTsgJ5vG1RJ8AWgetcIct67V1Z6yfhJ0KgRvMREjKaratagI8zQEIr2DB1Y9Mg41FECI1R1xzjn4z8vMUHiPH-48P37-iQoaXHF2OHLgQbhUYiqcCOPccsnqwb0BHU8/s200/2D182674-7DD9-4E7C-B84E-151DFD4C7C61.jpeg" width="200" /></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">1 1/2 C milk</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">2 C chicken or vegetable broth</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">*i didn't want to use sour cream, cream cheese, creamed soup, more velveeta, or more milk to save on some extra calories, fat, and so on, but i did need some more liquid... see preparation for how i plan to make the soup creamy without the use of these ingredients</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">2 T butter</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">s&p</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">other choice of herbs/seasonings you enjoy</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i>preparation:</i></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">throw everything in the crock pot</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">cook on low for 8-10 hours or on high for 4-5</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">when done, remove approximately half of the soup and let cool slightly</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">place in small batches in the blender, and run until smooth</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">add back to the crock</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">serve and enjoy!</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">let me know if you have any recipes similar or what you do with a soup like this. i think had i had more time, this would have been delicious with some seasoned croutons or oyster crackers... i'll be trying that next time!</span>kristahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02314881831661548976noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9201669133503282691.post-38040643922812402602012-01-16T23:18:00.001-06:002012-01-22T23:22:44.295-06:00I Have A Dream<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiX3d5jClHlG4EBAH7lV5UKAM2IcKHjlQpd9WChyOdobu2oD4vgpUjW3xM0KCPvj-_65EswSdSQo75EO8eZDjR4ROYVei4k4fkvDPjA1ClLHdYGCk6FFFZRiOoV6zvZcDVTFXIvMQ6hCIg/s1600/kingphoto.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="241" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiX3d5jClHlG4EBAH7lV5UKAM2IcKHjlQpd9WChyOdobu2oD4vgpUjW3xM0KCPvj-_65EswSdSQo75EO8eZDjR4ROYVei4k4fkvDPjA1ClLHdYGCk6FFFZRiOoV6zvZcDVTFXIvMQ6hCIg/s320/kingphoto.jpg" width="320" /></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">a common question i have received from family and friends over the last few days has been "do you have the day off on monday?" My standard answer was "ugh. no." but why do i think i even deserve a day off? </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">after reflecting on my attitude about this as the day has progressed, i have a few thoughts. isn't the best way to celebrate the life and work of MLK to actually work or go to school? wouldn't it defeat the purpose of this great man's passion if we didn't experience civil rights in action on a daily basis? wouldn't that be the legacy that he would want for himself? this is the living, breathing result he died to bring to fruition. his efforts were not for us to have a day off from work, but for us to embrace our differences and revel in the amazement that as red, yellow, black, and white; male or female; young, old, or somewhere in-between; gay, straight, bi, trans-gendered; religious, spiritual, or atheist; republic, democrat, or independent-- everyone is created equal. </span><br />
<i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></i><br />
<i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">"</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; border-collapse: collapse;">When the architects of our republic wrote the magnificent words of the Constitution and the Declaration of Independence</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; border-collapse: collapse;">, they were signing a promissory note to which every American was to fall heir. This note was a promise that all men, yes, black men as well as white men, would be guaranteed the "unalienable Rights" of "Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness." </span></span></i><br />
<i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; border-collapse: collapse;">~I Have A Dream, Martin Luther King, August 28, 1963</span></span></i><br />
<i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; border-collapse: collapse;"><br /></span></span></i><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">as we near the 50th anniversary of this monumental speech, i certainly recognize and hold dear everything this man stood for. in actuality, i cannot even begin to fathom what the civil rights movement means to minorities. after all, it was a </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">major turning point in our history and although we have made exceptional strides since 1963, we are quite obviously still a far cry from accepting of differences.</span><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLFByUgZiA4re-CLGjef9wAMAyQF-OzfpKOoNoMYreqvKHL0jQAJHFiBjXsZZZtk2aE3NgR1vibIYc5JMzJ08dgyY4Zde1I6nkagLqR6E3PT0VejCOPvdrQeOOfY5rwNRygVItI-ikhV8/s1600/Martin-Luther-King-Jr-National-XL.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLFByUgZiA4re-CLGjef9wAMAyQF-OzfpKOoNoMYreqvKHL0jQAJHFiBjXsZZZtk2aE3NgR1vibIYc5JMzJ08dgyY4Zde1I6nkagLqR6E3PT0VejCOPvdrQeOOfY5rwNRygVItI-ikhV8/s200/Martin-Luther-King-Jr-National-XL.jpg" width="200" /></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">this day absolutely </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">deserves recognition. "i have a dream" stands on the same ground as the declaration of independence, signing of the constitution, and the emancipation proclamation. i don't think there has been any more important speech in modern history that has had such an impact on society as this. i implore you to consider just how crucial and just how alive this movement is yesterday, today, and tomorrow...</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 1px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 1px; border-collapse: collapse; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i><br /></i></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 1px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 1px; border-collapse: collapse; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i>"I have a dream that my four little children will one day live in a nation where they will not be judged by the color of their skin but by the content of their character."</i></span><br />
<i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; border-collapse: collapse;">~I Have A Dream, Martin Luther King, August 28, 1963</span></span></i><br />
<i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; border-collapse: collapse;"><br /></span></span></i><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 1px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 1px; border-collapse: collapse;"><i>to see and hear the full "I Have A Dream" speech, click <a href="http://www.americanrhetoric.com/speeches/mlkihaveadream.htm" target="_blank">here</a>.</i></span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 1px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 1px; border-collapse: collapse; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><i>to see the development of the MLK monument, click <a href="http://www.mlkmemorial.org/" target="_blank">here</a>.</i></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>kristahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02314881831661548976noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9201669133503282691.post-53368178290519729162012-01-16T22:01:00.000-06:002012-01-22T23:23:26.512-06:00Lemon Garlic Shrimp and Butter Noodles<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">as promised this afternoon on facebook, here is what was for supper tonight at reeder ranch! at the bottom is a picture of the finished meal, served with steamed green beans and fruit salad. the fruit salad is my grandmother's concoction, and i cannot locate it in my recipe box. i'll post it sometime later this week after grandma emails it to me. the kid's call it frozen cupcakes and go crazy for them!</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>lemon garlic shrimp and butter noodles:</b></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b><i>preparation time - 35-65 minutes</i></b></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b><i>cooking time - 10 minutes</i></b></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b><br /></b></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i>basic ingredients:</i></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">thawed shrimp</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">*enough to serve your family; i used 1/2 pound but probably could have done the whole pound... i'm trying to cut back on my portions, so it's also probably fine that i didn't use the whole package :)</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">*could use uncooked, but pre-cooked makes the process faster and more cost efficient</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">8-10 oz. thin noodle (spaghetti works fine)</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">*again, use as much as needed for your family. i had a 32 oz. box of vermicelli and used about a third.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnlvJhIIdwg1p-Q9KdyFOTS00VreW9JnMSTaKjHZGnfr4gYtzP4qJdg5JjegVJL0EeRwLdMhtHb1EKczpmGhbkS_AmZnCtIJe_qvUkYst45xCqqKWWaJsW2YqT6bMN_MdUMxY-o2kXUNU/s1600/B0260567-4287-4387-8176-EAAE151ECF4B.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnlvJhIIdwg1p-Q9KdyFOTS00VreW9JnMSTaKjHZGnfr4gYtzP4qJdg5JjegVJL0EeRwLdMhtHb1EKczpmGhbkS_AmZnCtIJe_qvUkYst45xCqqKWWaJsW2YqT6bMN_MdUMxY-o2kXUNU/s200/B0260567-4287-4387-8176-EAAE151ECF4B.jpeg" width="147" /></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i>shrimp marinade:</i></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">3-4 T lemon juice</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">2 T honey</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">1 T oil</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">1 T minced garlic</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">1 T soy sauce</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">sprinkle ground mustard</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">sprinkle salt</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">sprinkle red pepper flakes (optional)</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5VpoxS8XuEQa0eHSpy5fTlB10kxyhKTqmQKpnRQU-P1bsi8HXAce4RoADvYB_T2jAQyH6pt011K-ELEyarLbD5naHdk2QoUAbbaPaEQqN4zcnfOx54I28Y91vhih-mBbFnwI0_AHecvA/s1600/C9463D5A-7688-4942-88A2-2AA58A5C04DB.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="147" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5VpoxS8XuEQa0eHSpy5fTlB10kxyhKTqmQKpnRQU-P1bsi8HXAce4RoADvYB_T2jAQyH6pt011K-ELEyarLbD5naHdk2QoUAbbaPaEQqN4zcnfOx54I28Y91vhih-mBbFnwI0_AHecvA/s200/C9463D5A-7688-4942-88A2-2AA58A5C04DB.jpeg" width="200" /></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i>butter noodles:</i></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">3 T butter</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">medium palmful parsley flakes (1/2-1 T?)</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">small palmful garlic salt (1/2 t?)</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">extra small palmful basil leaves (1/4 t?)</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">1-2 T leftover marinade, if desired</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">serve with a sprinkle of parmesan, if desired</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizXYgZFXUmqx0wIVJdfPoyndFAMbYMsp25HPme_7lxsyA_-6g0X0fGn27zbXgKZpQ8IbW_e8QlVwQn_ZfXwXxNH1kD3SzFYid7q7xSHphmShxIJ-4-E3PpHTyfdhq4Ss_Oqiwhyphenhyphen_4CJU8/s1600/A210A587-DA42-4FF6-B934-41F4F113121E.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="147" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizXYgZFXUmqx0wIVJdfPoyndFAMbYMsp25HPme_7lxsyA_-6g0X0fGn27zbXgKZpQ8IbW_e8QlVwQn_ZfXwXxNH1kD3SzFYid7q7xSHphmShxIJ-4-E3PpHTyfdhq4Ss_Oqiwhyphenhyphen_4CJU8/s200/A210A587-DA42-4FF6-B934-41F4F113121E.jpeg" width="200" /></a></div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i>preparation:</i></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">thaw, remove tails, rinse and pat dry shrimp </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">*i remove tails because of the kids, but if you like it with tails on, by all means, do what you like...</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">mix with marinade and let sit for 30-60 minutes</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">prepare grill pan for skewered shrimp or frying pan for sauteed shrimp </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">boil water, </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">adding 1 T oil, 1/2 t salt to water </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">*rachael ray says that the oil prevents the noodles from sticking to each other and the only time to season the noodles is in the boiling process</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">follow package instructions to prepare noodles</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">after adding noodles to water, heat pan for shrimp</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">*avoid overcooking pre-cooked shrimp or it gets rubbery</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">drain off water and immediately add butter, parsley, basil, garlic salt, and marinade</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">toss to melt butter</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">sprinkle with a dash of parmesan and some fresh parsley right before serving</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtmsA8LCJeXqc2YPyC4GYEKAic2IpfQrojZtVILi7mSFUVnKaa9dHI2N_QwKd4xm-Tv0nouxw-n9bKSyA9ofg5U0SlABrKbZoAgcRJz0tPCC7bcI0srzgk5ibKeHjpl4iYb9upg7D-BI0/s1600/96D42D5A-D384-4166-A34F-29EE97404163.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="237" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtmsA8LCJeXqc2YPyC4GYEKAic2IpfQrojZtVILi7mSFUVnKaa9dHI2N_QwKd4xm-Tv0nouxw-n9bKSyA9ofg5U0SlABrKbZoAgcRJz0tPCC7bcI0srzgk5ibKeHjpl4iYb9upg7D-BI0/s320/96D42D5A-D384-4166-A34F-29EE97404163.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div>kristahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02314881831661548976noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9201669133503282691.post-82970051527800604412012-01-15T22:09:00.000-06:002012-01-23T00:45:35.577-06:00Molasses Cookies<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdiQRFRg_b5LOlYbenz4EP73TOALh-ZUqkO6ztXF6DzXT03caMMkoWhKRWdnJ6q5aqcpt7cp3km9q4j99wKhtAYiVZ-_SUQt1HUWH4MP-B1lqltU1Smh0EPXaUoEulTw5mVMs7Un93L7c/s1600/IMG_0044.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdiQRFRg_b5LOlYbenz4EP73TOALh-ZUqkO6ztXF6DzXT03caMMkoWhKRWdnJ6q5aqcpt7cp3km9q4j99wKhtAYiVZ-_SUQt1HUWH4MP-B1lqltU1Smh0EPXaUoEulTw5mVMs7Un93L7c/s200/IMG_0044.jpg" width="150" /></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">i have been promising minihe we'd make cookies for a while now but things just didn't work out for us - naptime, suppertime, bathtime... i love molasses cookies but have never made them myself. probably because i don't happen to keep molasses on hand, but with seasonal items, like molasses, in stock and highly visible, i thought this would be a delicious project for the two of us. </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">the recipe is not my own, although i did have to use golden brown sugar instead of dark since that's what i had on hand. i also only had whole cloves instead of ground so i neglected that ingredient from my batter. i used a tiny, itty, bitty sprinkling of nutmeg instead. they're similar, right? click </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.joyofbaking.com/MolassesCookies.html">here</a></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> to view the website where this comes from. </span><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i><br /></i></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i>dry ingredients:</i></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSj0Ri60kLEOagFHmgNMBgTHXfY9sDJ-6rZsXvf9jUHGioZhdNRFOH9U_OOvXR6DjEx6DiOfWYgJ2TbLzLpd8WM6AJkovVT4RjQngb__-bnn6TPg853flnra-Ditq-IOLOx0FVFBVPDhQ/s1600/IMG_0047.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSj0Ri60kLEOagFHmgNMBgTHXfY9sDJ-6rZsXvf9jUHGioZhdNRFOH9U_OOvXR6DjEx6DiOfWYgJ2TbLzLpd8WM6AJkovVT4RjQngb__-bnn6TPg853flnra-Ditq-IOLOx0FVFBVPDhQ/s200/IMG_0047.JPG" width="200" /></a></div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">2 C flour</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">1 t baking soda</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">1/4 t salt</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">1 t cinnamon</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">1 t ginger</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">1/2 t ground cloves (omitted)</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i>preparation:</i></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">wisk together in a bowl and set aside</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i><br /></i></span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i>wet ingredients:</i></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwDNYDpQgmjc_yB1R5_2lhG7jnrfxp1ykt_Il_K0ecRKKnOU3wzJ-1yWALSYF8wWYMomqqfCgwabr60x5biiSaEZIQEGZvzH2UifGFMmYQmGZRi9m2PExk2hLJVvOqwGSMk7OOjAUQuQA/s1600/IMG_0054.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwDNYDpQgmjc_yB1R5_2lhG7jnrfxp1ykt_Il_K0ecRKKnOU3wzJ-1yWALSYF8wWYMomqqfCgwabr60x5biiSaEZIQEGZvzH2UifGFMmYQmGZRi9m2PExk2hLJVvOqwGSMk7OOjAUQuQA/s320/IMG_0054.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">1 stick unsalted butter</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">1 C dark brown sugar (i used golden)</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">2 T oil</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">1/3 C molasses</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">1 egg</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">1/2 t vanilla</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i>preparation:</i></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">beat butter and sugar until light and fluffy, 2-3 minutes. scrape sides and bottom of bowl frequently.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">add remaining liquid ingredients and beat until incorporated. scrape sides and beat briefly.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i>combine:</i></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">add flour to liquid bowl, beating with each addition.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">refrigerate for a minimum of 2 hours or overnight. this step is important because the batter is sticky and extremely difficult to work with.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i>bake:</i></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">preheat oven to 375 degrees.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">cover baking sheet with parchment paper</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">place 1 C sugar in a bowl</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">roll dough into 1" rounds and then roll in sugar</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">using the bottom of a glass, flatten each round slightly</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">bake 9-10 minutes or until tops start to crackle</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">cool on a wire rack</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">don't these just look delicious?</span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDNrt2cpaedni58wYOtWHRVJW5ed67gsIET1n21h1ar-YIBD1oJfpdg2pFDQVecwJwJA3mnMvs1PzdvES3RBIPHASufFscAErRW-VTAzLB3xHExdId2W8wfaNE5iiADG7M_2tYq9E2BDo/s1600/molasses-cookies-recipe.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDNrt2cpaedni58wYOtWHRVJW5ed67gsIET1n21h1ar-YIBD1oJfpdg2pFDQVecwJwJA3mnMvs1PzdvES3RBIPHASufFscAErRW-VTAzLB3xHExdId2W8wfaNE5iiADG7M_2tYq9E2BDo/s320/molasses-cookies-recipe.jpg" style="cursor: move;" width="320" /></a></span></span></div>kristahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02314881831661548976noreply@blogger.com0