When Kitchen Experiments Go RIGHT!

For those that know me, I am a hot mess in the kitchen - always have been! I wear an apron to keep myself clean, but that doesn't keep the counters and floors clean! The dogs can usually manage to clean up the floor, and my little dog taunts me by hoovering under foot just to be sure to catch the droppings while they are fresh!

Anyway, we were out of our usual boneless skinless chicken breasts, that I typically serve twice per week in a variety of recipes that repeat themselves on a monthly cycle, so I had to get creative with what we could eat using ground beef, ground turkey, and the odds and ends of vegetables I have in the fridge this week. Fortunately, both Monday and Tuesday nights experiments turned out quite well!

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Pork & Beans Soup
(you can use just about any meat you want, cut up chicken pieces, ground beef, ground turkey, stew meat, etc.)

1 package Kirkland (Costco brand) smoked pulled pork (or ~ 2 lbs of meat of your choice
1 can black beans (you can use any type of beans that you like)
1 can corn (creamed or regular)
2 cans Swansons organic chicken broth (really, any kind would work)
Other veggies as desired (mushrooms, onions, carrots, etc.)

I used a rice cooker on the "slow cook" setting, but one could use a crock pot or just a stock pot on the stove.

Cook pork according to package directions. Let cool and then chop into smaller pieces (it is already pretty shredded up). While the pork is cooling, start the rest of the soup.

Pour broth into cooking pot + 1 can water. Add corn & beans with their liquid contents into the broth (this also adds to the flavor). Add other veggies as desired (I didn't use anything else other than the corn & beans, but onions would have been a nice addition.)

The pork is very salty, as is the broth, so extra salt is not needed. However, you can add other spices as you like such as Italian spices or Mexican spices for a slightly different flavor.

After the mixture as simmered, add the pork, and then cook until desired temperature, or let simmer in the crock pot.

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Macy Mexican Casserole

1 - 2 lbs ground beef
1 package taco seasoning
1 package fresh mushrooms or other veggies as desired (corn, bell peppers, green chili's, jalapenos, etc.)
1 package frozen chopped onions (or onion/pepper mix) or 1 fresh chopped onion
1 jar of salsa (or chopped fresh salsa)
rice (we use Jasmine rice, but anything will work)
shredded cheese  (Mexican blend is best, but regular cheddar or Monterrey Jack will work as well)

Cook rice according to package directions. While the rice is cooking, cook the ground beef and add taco seasoning. Remove from heat and set aside.

Chop mushrooms and cook together with onions and other veggies.

In a 9 x 13 baking dish, combine the meat, veggies, and rise. Mix together well. Add salsa if desired, or serve on the side if not everyone likes salsa.

Top with cheese. Bake at 350 for 10 mins or until the cheese is melted. Serve with chips or tortillas on the side.

Celebrating 35 Years ... of Living!

I must say that I had a really good 35th birthday!

Brian took 3/5 kids out shopping on Saturday for the usual groceries, plus gifts. I created a birthday/Christmas list for Brian to take the kids out shopping with. I stayed home with the 2 girls that were grounded!! Cleaned house for the sitter to come and did some laundry. Boys brought me home a bouquet from Costco. One of the gifts on the list was a poinsettia - they brought me home a GIANT one from Costco also.

One of Amber's friends, whose Mom I worked with and am good friends with, came over to help her babysit. We took Ashley over to my friend Jamie's house so that slightly older non-English speaking sister didn't have to deal with her! :)
I put on a sexy dress and hubby took me out to a very nice dinner - our fav place (Bone Fish) with good appetizers/drinks - and I got to order lobster, which was super yummy (regular date night I would not have)!! Hadn't had any cocktails since before summer (due to hosting and I only get them when we dine out for special occasions w/out the kids). Winter white martini w/cranberries - very yummy!
 
Sunday morning the kids gave me their gifts. Boys got me slippers, but they are mid-calf and look like Elmo's feet or something - they'll probably go back to the store! The girls that were grounded Brian picked out the gifts for - large holiday scented candles - one fall and one Christmas. Brian's gift to me was several boxes of Ghiradelli Peppermint Bark. Amber and Brian conspired to get me a gag gift, which is actually a gag gift for Amber, not me.

Amber's friend stayed overnight, so took all the kids to church and I taught 5 yr old Sunday School as a sub for a friend who was out of town. The family took me out to lunch at a pseudo family-friendly place called Not Your Average Joe's. The food it hit or miss, but the ahi tuna wantons are always good and I LOVE their crab cakes. The dessert was horrible!! Sounded good "the peanut butter thing" ... the kids devoured it once I let them try it!

Jamie took me out for "spa" mani/pedi (we usually don't get the extra "spa" part when we have a girls' day out). I got light purple polish and purple glitter! After that she took me to Starbucks for a peppermint mocha and then we went back to her house and we watched the new X-Men First Class movie that just came out on DVD.

I got home just after 9pm so that all my kiddies would be in bed! :) Ashley and Amber were still awake and came down to give me a hug ... and check out my nails! :)

My Gift from Brian

Amanda & I at Not Your Average Joe's

The kids devouring my dessert!

Purple Manicure

 The rest of the birthday weekend celebrations are on FB here:

http://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.2669518258641.146993.1276629484&type=3

Spanish-style Turkey & Black Bean Stew ...

... topped with cheese, salsa & sour cream ... and a side of tortilla chips!

Some of the kids really like it and others just tolerate it. Since Amber does not like anything spicy, I toned down the spice compared to the way I've made it in the past. So, how much spice you like it completely up to you.

Oh, by the way, this also works in a crock pot, after you cook the rice & meat.

Spanish-style Turkey & Black Bean Stew

• 1 - 1.5lg ground turkey
• 2 cups dried rice (I use Jasmine rice, but any rice should be fine)
• 1 - 28oz can crushed tomtatoes (I use Contadina - 6pk from Costco)
• 2 - 14.5oz cans diced tomatoes (I use Del Monte Organic - 8pk from Costco)
• 2 - 15.5 oz can black beans (I use generic brand/whatever is on sale)

OPTIONAL VEGGIES (use all, some, or none)

• corn - canned (not creamed corn) or frozen
• 1/8 cup freeze dried onions OR 1/2 real onion diced, if preferred
• 1/2 to 1 chopped bell pepper (any color)

SPICES (as desired)

• 1 TBSP dried parsley
• 1 TBSP dried cilantro
• 1 packet taco seasoning mix (or if you bought in bulk 1/8 - 1/4 cup to desired spice level)
• note - I have also used Mrs. Dash Extra Spicy if I don't have anything else
• pinch of crushed red peppers

Begin by cooking the rice per package instructions. I usually put on the water to boil and then begin working on the rest. Brown & crush up the turkey meat. Drain & rinse. Return to pan and add salt/pepper to taste. In a large stock pot (or use crock pot if going to let it simmer all day) combine all cans (DO NOT DRAIN) of tomatoes, beans, veggies, and seasonings. Stir and simmer on low, covered. Add cooked meat. When rice is cooked, add to the stew. If it's too thick, add 1/2 to 1 can of water (I always add 1 can of water). Simmer on low-medium, covered until slightly boiling. Stir frequently to prevent burning/sticking, or use crock pot.

Serve in bowls and top with your choice of condiments: shredded Mexican blend cheese, sour cream, salsa, etc. and a side of tortilla chips for dipping!


ENJOY!!!

Holly's Meatloaf

Brian hasn't eaten it yet, so I can't claim a success yet ... but most of the kids liked it! I really liked it! Too long to explain why, but it will always affectionately be called Holly's Meatloaf!

Holly’s Meatloaf

1.5-2 lbs. ground beef 

½ onion, chopped
2 tbsp. minced garlic
1 egg
1 cup milk
1 cup of dried bread crumbs (any flavor)

¼ cup Worcestershire sauce 

 2 tbsp. brown sugar
2 tbsp. spicy brown mustard
1/3 cup ketchup

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. 

Sauté the chopped onion in a little bit of butter. When the onions are almost finished, add the garlic. Set aside to cool. 

In a large bowl combine the beef, egg, milk and bread crumbs. Now add the onion & garlic. Mix well. Place in a lightly greased loaf pan. 

 
In a separate small bowl, combine the Worcestershire sauce, brown sugar, mustard and ketchup. Mix well and pour over meatloaf. 

 
Bake at 350 for 1 hour. 

  
I made just 1 modification and that is that I used 1lb ground beef and 1lb ground turkey. I also skipped the garlic in the onions because I didn't have any! I used garlic salt in the meat mixture and I think it turned out ok.

Today's Experiment!

What started out to just be me cutting up some left over chicken for lunch, turned into an experiment that I hope to be calling dinner tonight! Last week I took a small bottle of creamy Caesar dressing, poured it over some boneless skinless chicken breasts, and baked it for dinner. Served it with a side of broccoli. Everyone enjoyed it (well, not the broccoli part). Left overs were put away and today I decided to clean out the fridge in prep for the welcome home party we're having for Amber tomorrow. http://piecesofmyheartukraine.blogspot.com/

Anyway, I found the left over Caesar chicken and decided it would cut some up, put it in a tortilla, top is with cheese, nuke it, and have it for lunch. As I was chopping it up, I realized there was actually quite a lot left and started thinking about what I could make it into for another meal for the family. Two cans of organic "diced" tomatoes came to mind. These cans were purchased as part of an 8 pack that was buy 1 get 1 free at Costco a couple of weeks ago. I have the word diced in quotes above because the cans do not contain what I would call diced tomatoes, but rather large pieces of chopped tomatoes in some liquid. So much liquid actually, that soup comes to mind.

So, here's my experimental recipe and I put it into the crock pot in hopes that it will taste yummy for dinner tonight.

The Chicken Soup Experiment

• 2 - large boneless skinless chicken breasts 
• (pre-cooked with creamy Caesar dressing as described above)
• 2 - 8oz cans del monte organic diced tomatoes 
• (available in 8pk @ Costco)
• 2 - 8oz cans filled with water
• 2 packets chicken seasoning 
• (per Mary's recommendation, saved from top-ramen noodle packets that I used the noodles but not the seasonings)
• 1/8 cup - freeze dried chopped onion
• 1 TBSP crushed garlic
• 1 TBSP dried parsley
• 1 tsp each dried spices 
• basil, thyme, oregano, cilantro 
• (you pick what you like, I used them all)  
•  salt & pepper, as desired
• pinch of crushed red peppers

Cut cooked chicken to desired size. Empty 2 cans of the tomatoes into stock pot or crock pot. Fill both cans with water and combine into the soup mixture. Add spices as desired. Add chicken. Cook until desired temp and serve with side of rolls.

I'll let you know how it turns out! :)

Getting Back into the Swing of Things ...

For those who have been following our journey to add more children to our family through adoption http://piecesofmyheartukraine.blogspot.com/, you know that we arrived safely home on Friday, October 14th. (I will add a post to that blog about our first week back shortly.) Compared to the pace of life prior to the adoption, I've felt like life has gone at a much slower pace since getting home.

A huge part of that has been that I actually resigned from my position as paralegal for Care Net http://www.facebook.com/carenet?ref=ts prior to the adoption process. I realized back in February that the full time schedule was not working out as well as we had thought after I returned from our first adoption trip http://macyadoption.blogspot.com/. 

Don't get me wrong - I LOVED, LOVED, LOVED working for Care Net, the pro-life mission, and my incredible boss!! But, as I told them during my job interview back in 2008, I will always be a mother first and foremost, so of course they understood and have always been wonderful about things when I needed time for my family. However, with the pending adoption of possibly 2 more children, I felt the time had come that I be home more and work outside the home less -- such a position was not available within the company at that time. It was a bummer to have missed out on conference this year in Orlando, so I lived vicariously through their conference photo page while in Ukraine completing the adoption! I do hope that one day I can return to pro-life ministry work as I have been involved in the movement since junior high!

Our excitement for the week has been two things: I won a live Christmas Tree through a facebook contest from Dutchman Tree Farms http://www.facebook.com/DutchmanChristmasTreeFarms and  I went to the doctor yesterday to confirm that I have a stress fracture on the top of my foot! It was confirmed and now my foot is taped up and in a walking boot (which prevented me from going to the $1 movies with my kids this morning).

So, back to the purpose of this blog ... mostly about meal planning and life strategies for raising a larger than average family. I know there are families out there with many more children than we have, but I feel like we have a large family (we only have 1 open spot at the kitchen table) and meal time can be a challenge both financially and logistically! I am not a very good cook. I can cook, but generally I can only cook what I already know how to cook. I usually ruin a perfectly good recipe the first try (sometimes the 2nd try, too) and when you're cooking for 7 people on a budget you just can't afford too many OOPPS-we-need-to-order-pizza nights!

The first step for me is to get organized. I don't like the panic that sets in when the kids get home from school around 3pm of "what are we having for dinner." The kids like to know! Actually, I like to know, too! :) Thus, came the calendar. This is where I download my monthly calendars and they can be edited in WORD or similar programs. I download 2 at a time and start planning ahead.  

http://www.calendarsthatwork.com/

I have posted my previous months calendars on the right hand sidebar for my own use to look back, but also to share ideas with others. Even though I'm no longer working outside the home, afternoon/evenings are hectic with 5 kids to get through homework, studying, dinner, clean up, chores, and showering. I know I need to keep dinner simple, less than an hour including prep & cooking, and something I can't easily ruin! So, weekends are my own time to "experiment" in the kitchen. I always have some "easy dinner night" options available just incase I ruin something.

"Easy Dinner Night" means something I can reheat in the oven. This includes (all from Costco) take-n-bake pizza (we stock up when on sale and freeze for later use), Mickey Mouse or Dino chicken nuggets, The Ultimate Fish Sticks (about 3x the size of regular ones), or chicken taquitos. I sometimes will make an extra dish if I'm cooking something out of the ordinary. Lazanga for instance, which I only make about once every 3-4 months, I will make 2 pans of it and use one that night and freeze the other. I do the same when I make enchilladas, which I don't make very often because it takes so many steps and really quite a long time! Anyway, if I have extras of these in the freezer, they could be used on an "easy dinner night."

What to do when ...

you don't really have all the right ingredients for taco night?

I have exactly 8 meals left to cook (counting tonight) before we depart for our big adventure in Ukraine! So, I am not buying any more food, other than what we need for breakfast and school snacks (the kids eat hot lunch at school). This means that I have to make do with whatever concoctions I can create at home ... and if you've known me for very long, or have been reading my blog, this is NOT my forte! :)Never being sure that your creation is going to work out is quite scary for a mom of 4 kids (soon to be 5, possibly 6)!
 
So, time for tacos, but I don't have lettuce, tomatoes, salsa, beans, etc. any of the normal things one would add to meat inside a tortilla to make a taco. But, leave it to me to try to create something worth eating!

1lb ground turkey
1lb ground beef
2 cups dry rice - make according to package directions (should make 3 cups when cooked)
Bell pepper (any color) *see note below


Seasoning:
1/4 cup taco seasoning (if using bulk or 1 packet)
1 tsp Mrs. Dash extra spicy 
1/4 cup freeze dried onions
1 TBSP freeze dried cilantro
Add to meat after cooking and add 1/2 cup water - simmer until water is absorbed

*Since I didn't have any fresh veggies or salsa, I added a package of chopped frozen green bell peppers. These had been on a special at the store and were $1/bag (10oz). I hate chopping things, so I stock up when these are on sale. They work great when I do a sweet and sour shrimp stir fry or for something like this as well, just to add some bulk and veggies to a meal. They also work well to add some bulk to any soup or chili dish.

I mixed everything together before putting it into tortillas and adding some Mexican blend cheese and sour cream (for those who wanted it).

Amanda said it was really yummy! :) I'll have left overs to each for my lunches for the next week . . . or maybe I'll serve it again tomorrow night so that's one less meal I have to cook . . . hmmmm :)

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