Crystal's Cozy Kitchen

Blogging break continued

2012-01-16T10:30:00.000-07:00

So I wrote in December about only taking a 3 week break, however it has been longer than that and I feel that I owe an explanation as to why it is longer (and will unfortunately still be...)

Basically it all comes down to the fact that since I blog about food and right now sometimes the mere looking at food is enough for my stomach to want to empty it's contents is a bad thing... I suppose in December I was hopeful that my morning sickness would be over by now, but unfortunately at 12 weeks pregnant, it still is not gone. However, I am hopeful that it will end by 14 weeks (work with me, please!). So hopefully I'll only be on hiatus 2 more weeks.

My son is excited about the coming new addition in July!

I feel like I've lost touch with the blogging community in general because I honestly cannot even read posts from others about food. It just leaves me feeling sick. :(. I can't wait to be back!

Life is crazy!

2011-12-10T09:50:00.000-07:00

I've been avoiding writing this post because I don't want to admit to myself that I am not keeping up with my life lately. True story. I in fact have not taken pictures of how to make Parmesan Crusted Chicken Breasts. And I wanted to have it posted 2 days ago.

Due to my hectic life right now, I'm taking a blogging break until 2012. Sounds so far away, but it's really only 3 weeks! Starting in the new year, I'll be posting the Parmesan Chicken recipe as well as the Beef Fajita recipe. Plus I will be giving away a few cookbooks.

I hope you all have a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year. See you in 3 weeks!

Winner

2011-12-07T16:06:00.000-07:00

The winner of the cookbook as chosen by random.org is:

Comment number 7, which is...

Contact me at crystalscozykitchen@gmail.com to claim your prize!

There's a give-away currently going on at FrugalFamilyTable.com - so head on over for another chance to win!

Giveaways to enter!

2011-12-06T09:28:00.000-07:00

Don't forget to enter the giveaway for the cookbook going on currently! Ends tonight... so get your entry in.

Also over on Frugal Family Table I just started another giveaway! Be sure to check it out!

Menu: Nov 28-Dec 4

2011-12-05T21:22:00.000-07:00

Happy Monday everybody, except I'm sure a lot of you will be reading this on Tuesday since I'm posting so late... so Happy Tuesday to you! I absolutely love December, except how cold it gets. Brrr... But I love how happy everybody is and how much more they seem to care about others. It's just a shame that it can't carry though the whole year (except for those crazy people who risk others lives so they can save money! But we won't discuss that here.) I love Christmas lights and carols. I love hot chocolate. I love sitting down with a blanket and a good book (doesn't happen very often now... my 2 year old thinks that the only books I should read are to HIM! Which we do, both snuggled in a blanket.) What do you love about December?

Here's the menu:

Monday: Taco Soup

Tuesday: Taco Soup

Wednesday: Roasted Butternut squash soup and Grilled Cheese Sandwiches

Thursday: Frozen Pizza and leftover soup

Friday: Ate out

Saturday: Salmon & Maple Acorn Squash

Sunday: Beef Fajitas

Vote for the recipe you want to see next Thursday. Parmesan Crusted Chicken won this week's recipe slot.

Giveaway: Baking from the Heart

2011-12-02T15:42:00.001-07:00

To start this week of give-aways, I'm giving away one copy of Baking from the Heart: Our Nation's Best Bakers Share Cherished Recipes for The Great American Bake Sale.

To enter this contest leave a comment telling me what you want for Christmas. Or one thing on your want list in general if you do not celebrate Christmas.

*Contest open to everyone - Family, Friends, Followers, Complete Strangers, etc.

*One entry per person.

*Winner will be announced in 5 days - on Wed, Dec. 7, please check back to see if you won as I will not require you to enter any contact information.

*Winner will be selected by random.org.

~Remember to keep coming back as there will be more things given away in the next week!

Sweet Potato-Coconut Thai Curried Soup

2011-12-01T21:37:00.001-07:00

Happy December everybody! I can't believe it's almost the end of the year already. I was going to start a slew of giveaways today, but as is most often the case, I'm a bit behind with everything in my life... so I'll have to start that tomorrow. Be on the lookout. I will be giving things away on this site as well as on frugalfamilytable.com during the next 2 weeks.

Sweet Potato-Coconut Thai Curried Soup

adapted from Jenn Cuisine

You'll need 1 red bell pepper, diced.

You'll also need ginger and garlic - 4 cloves garlic to be exact.

Mince or finely shred the garlic,

mince or grate the ginger as well - you'll want about 1-1.5 tsp ginger.

You'll also need 1 onion, diced (or grated as I did - I was on a grating kick that night!)

Add 2 Tbsp Olive Oil to a pan, then toss in the onion, ginger, garlic and red pepper. Cook until they start to soften.

Once they are mostly cooked, add curry paste.

1 Tbsp red curry paste is what I added. You can adjust for your own taste preference.

Stir in the curry paste. Let cook 1 more minute.

You'll also need 2 cups broth - chicken or vegetable.

Add that to the pan.

Stir well.

I used my hand blender to blend the soup at this point.

Still a few bits left, but that's okay.

You'll also need 4 sweet potatoes - that have been roasted and cooled enough to handle.

Peel and place into a bowl,

Mash with a fork.

Add to pan.

You'll also need 1-14 oz can coconut milk and 1-12 oz can young coconut milk (or you can just have 2 cans of either...)

Coconut milk has this delightful cream on top - be sure to open it completely as it will not pour out!

Add the coconut milk to the pan.

both cans.

Looking good...

At this point, puree completely either using a hand blender or blending in a blender in batches.

Once blended, simmer on low for a few minutes to a half an hour to let flavors blend.

I also added some salt.

and 1 tsp cumin.

Enjoy warm.

Print Recipe

Menu: Nov 21-27

2011-11-28T16:12:00.001-07:00

I hope you all had a happy Thanksgiving and enjoyed spending time with family, if you were lucky enough to be able to do so! We got to spend the day with my husband's family (and with his father's side of the family.) The next day we go to have a luncheon with his mother's side of the family. Luckily they had chicken instead of turkey! I think one year they had lasagna... I like this mom's side of the family, they always have something the Friday after Thanksgiving and don't think turkey is a necessity that day.

I participated in my first ever shopping experience on Black Friday. I couldn't look away from the $1.49/yard fleece at JoAnn's. (This is partly due to my 30 for 30 goal of making baby blankets) I'll tell you what though, it's craziness! I'm not much of one to stand in line and wait for hours just for a good deal. We went after noon when their 25% off entire purchase coupon had expired. It wasn't as bad (we had stopped in before noon and decided it wasn't worth it) but I was still waiting in line to get the fabric cut for a while. So tell me, do you go shopping on black Friday? Or are you more like me and avoid the madness? I do like cyber Monday... I can handle staying at home and shopping! What sweet deals did you find if you went shopping on Friday?

Monday: Loaded Baked Potato Soup

Tuesday: Herb Baked Eggs & Sweet Potato Ricotta Gnocchi (this site has tutorials on making Ricotta Gnocchi and Potato Gnocchi)

Wednesday: Ate out (on the way to my husband's parents house)

Thursday: Thanksgiving Dinner with the in-laws

Friday: Turkey Sandwiches

Saturday: Ate out (on the way back from the in-laws... it's a 6 hour drive.)

Sunday: Parmesan Crusted Chicken with Spaghetti sauce over roasted spaghetti squash (cut in half, clean out inside, roast for 30 minutes with cut sides down in a pan. Use fork to remove squash. And yes, this is not the right picture...)

Vote for the recipe you want to see next week. This week's recipe post is going to be: Sweet Potato/Coconut Thai Curried Soup.

Pear Pumpkin Soup

2011-11-27T17:57:00.005-07:00

Every fall I have this unquenchable desire to make soup, soup and more soup. I'm always looking for great soup recipes. Of course this desire actually continues through the winter and sometimes even shows it's head in spring and summer. However, in the summer I usually push past it - soup in the summer is just too hot! I know there are cold soups, but I'm not really anxious to try it as I think my hubby would be a bit opposed to it. He tolerates eating any type of soup that is blended - including this one. However, I fully enjoyed this and would make it again tomorrow, but hubby wouldn't appreciate it very much. So since I love him, I try to limit the number of these soups I make. I think this one will be a once a year soup in our house!

Pear-Pumpkin Soup

Recipe adapted from: ItalianFoodForever.com

First, you'll need pears -2 of them to be exact. Cored and I cut a strip of skin off down the middle. You can either do the same, leave all the skin on or peel them completely. I try to leave some skin on for the added nutrition...

Roast pears in oven at 375 degrees for 25 minutes.

You'll also need an onion. Just one.

However, it will need to be chopped.

Oh, and 3 Tbsp butter.

Gotta have the butter!

Melt the butter in a pan and toss the chopped onion in it. Cook until tender.

While the onion is cooking, get 3 cloves garlic,

peel and coarsely chop them.

Toss the garlic in with the onion and cook for 2 more minutes, or until onion is translucent and begins to brown.

Add in 3 to 3-1/2 cups chicken (or vegetable) broth.

Stir it in.

Next add 1 small can pumpkin OR 1-3/4 cups home-made pumpkin puree (I did the latter.)

Toss in the roasted pears.

Blend until smooth using a hand blender or an upright blender (in batches.)

Once blended, add 1/2 tsp cinnamon.

and 1/4 tsp allspice. Just do it! Cook over low heat for 10-30 minutes.

Dish into bowls, and either serve or add 1-2 Tbsp cream. (Then stir until it swirls.) I highly suggest the cream. Makes it taste divine.

Enjoy!

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Happy Thanksgiving

2011-11-24T10:18:00.000-07:00

I hope you all are having a wonderful time with your family and/or friends. I know we will be! Have a great day (I'll be back Sunday with the recipe post.)

Banana Bread (made with instant pudding)

2011-11-22T15:47:00.002-07:00

I had to share with you all about the delicious recipe for banana bread I wrote over at FrugalFamilyTable.com - seriously you gotta check it out!

Menu: Nov 14-20

2011-11-21T18:07:00.000-07:00

Due to my two year old needing his mommy (and me not being on top of things enough to have this written before he got up from his nap - I blame pinterest... I found a great collection of quotes I HAD to look at!). I'm just leaving you with the menu today so I can give him the time and reassurance he needs to not walk around with sad outbursts.

Menu:

Monday: Parmesan Crusted Pork (loin) Chops, Pumpkin-Pear Soup (won last week's poll and will be posted this week), & Broiled Vegetables.

Tuesday: Thai Chicken Cabbage

Wednesday: Sweet Potato/Coconut Thai Curried Soup

Thursday: Had a Thanksgiving Dinner with my family (due to my brothers work schedule.) I made Twice-Baked Potatoes.

Friday: Frozen Pizza

Saturday: We had our Housewarming Party!

(Some of the food included: Spinach, Artichoke & Bacon dip, Fresh Salsa, Black Bean & Corn Salsa, Coconut, Carrot and apple muffins, Mini-Apple Pies, Triple Chocolate Zucchini Brownie Cupcakes, & Chicken Salad Sliders.)

Sunday: Chicken fingers, green salad & leftover Sweet Potato/Coconut Thai Curried Soup

Vote for the recipe you want to see posted next week. This week will be Pumpkin Pear Soup.

Thai Chicken Coconut Curry Soup

2011-11-17T15:59:00.001-07:00

Do you know what I love about fall? Comfort food. It abounds everywhere. I love home-made soups, rolls, roasted veggies, etc. Fall is just great like that, we get to celebrate in the harvest of so many different types of produce. When I think comfort food, I NEVER think about ethinic food, and especially not food from Thailand. Delicious - yes, comfort food - NO. However, when my husband and I were eating this soup, that was the only way to describe it! Thai Comfort Food. Absolutely delicious. Strangely comforting. Definitely satisfying. Seriously, you have go to try it! And when you do, bring any leftovers to my house - I really want more of this stuff...

Thai Chicken Coconut Curry Soup

recipe from: mommiecooks.com (with a few adaptations)

In a pan large enough to hold soup (mine holds about a gallon-ish), pour in 1 Tbsp sesame oil and 1 Tbsp olive oil. Unless it is a non-stick pan, then only use the 1 Tbsp sesame oil. Let it get hot over Medium-high heat.

Add to the pan 1 chicken breast (~1/2 lb) cut into cubes and seasoned with salt and pepper.

Cook until no longer pink. (The camera and the steam were having issues on this day... okay they have issues whenever they're around each other!) Towards the end of cooking, toss in 2 cloves garlic, minced and 1/2 Tbsp minced ginger.

Hello. I love this stuff! Coconut Milk - seriously you gotta have it!

If you haven't used coconut milk in a while and you're like me, you'll try to use the tool that only cuts a slit into each side... mistake - coconut milk has this heavy cream that won't come out that way! So be sure to open the can all the way.

Dump coconut milk into the pan. Oh, also add 4 cups (1 quart) of chicken broth to the pan.

You'll also need some Green Curry Paste. 1-1/2 Tbsp to be exact. Unless you want to add more or less - then it's all up to you!

Make sure to stir it well to get it incorporated.

Time for a leek. Cut it in half (helps to rinse it anyway) and then into small slices.

Ready for a little heat - also chop up one jalapeno.

Now for some cabbage - about 1/4 to 1/3 of a head.

Sliced - semi-thinly.

Toss them all into the pan.

Stir to combine.

Let it warm up the veggies while you slice up about 4 ounces of mushrooms.

Then toss those into the pan.

You'll also want a handful of cilantro leaves.

Chop them up a bit - should be about 1/4 cup.

Toss them in.

Let simmer for about 5 minutes.

My mouth is watering... this is seriously great soup!

These are cooking chow mein noodles (who knew they weren't just the crunchy ones? You can actually buy them like pasta - in the Asian Foods section of the grocery store.) However, I would suggest using rice noodles if you can find them (and they aren't 3x as expensive - seriously that's why I'm using the chow mein noodles!) You can also use rice (tried it with leftovers) but the noodles work better.

Place the cooked noodles (chow mein or rice noodles) in the bottom of a bowl.

Top with soup.

Enjoy!

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Menu: Nov 7-13

2011-11-14T08:15:00.002-07:00

There are few things in life more comforting or satisfying than having your two year old child sit on your lap and give you hugs. As I'm typing this, that is where my son is. Just being content sitting on mommy's lap and leaning his head on my chest. (Okay, with occasional movements and readjustments as well as looking around.) However, it is moments like these that are meant to be savored, cherished. They will pass by all too quickly and he'll reach a stage when spending time with mommy is not something he'll want to do. But for now I can just enjoy the little moments that make each day happy (and try to ignore the times he decides to turn off the computer - either by pushing the button or unplugging the power strip... or various other things that my 2.5 year old loves to get into!)

Here's the menu:

Monday: Thai Chicken Curry Soup - leftovers (this won last week's poll so will be posted on Thursday)

Tuesday: Stuffed Cabbage

Wednesday: Stuffed Cabbage

Thursday: Couscous Stuffed Peppers

Friday: Couscous Stuffed Peppers

Saturday: Stuffed Bread (I made some with lunchmeat and a long one with steamed broccoli and cheddar cheese.)

Sunday: Parmesan Crusted Pork (loin) Chops and Pumpkin-Pear Soup

Vote for the recipe you want to see next week. This week I'll be posting - Thai Chicken Curry Soup.

Chicken Stuffed Anaheim Peppers

2011-11-12T15:42:00.002-07:00

I have a confession to make... it's not Thursday. It's Saturday. Wait, you already knew that. Well that's not really the confession. The confession is that I was having a hard time getting the motivation to post this... I enjoyed eating the dish and I didn't mind taking the photos. But editing and writing about all these pictures seemed a bit daunting. That's my confession. Although I finally just decided to finish editing them (yesterday) and just sit down and write about them (today). So sorry it is later than usual, but I consider it a victory none the less. I actually did it! I did not however, proof-read (which I try to always do), I'm hitting post as soon as I'm finished typing. Please feel free to ask me for any clarification that may be needed (sorry in advance.)

This post has a lot of pictures... because this meal had a lot of parts - although you can skip making the Mole Sauce if you want to... It would make the process not quite as intense. I tried to break them up into the individual steps though...

Chicken Stuffed Anaheim Peppers

Recipe inspiration from here.

Pepper Prep:

First, you'll need the peppers - I used Anaheim because that's what I had. You can use bell peppers as well. (I actually used left over filling and stuffed into jalapenos and wrapped in bacon - delicious!)

Chop the tops off the Anaheim peppers. You can also do this with bell peppers, depending on the shape - usually I just cut mine in half down the center...

Carefully remove the membranes and the seeds without cutting through the pepper. A little trickier on the curvy ones, but it doesn't have to be perfect.

Bring a pot of water to a boil and place the peppers into it. Boil for 3 minutes.

Get a bowl of ice-cold water ready...

Remove the pepper from the boiling water - I used the handle of a wooden spoon to remove the pepper.

It also helps drain some of the water out. However, you can also use tongs.

Place pepper into cold water. Let cool for a minute. Drain and set aside.

Chicken Prep:

Sprinkle a mixture of 2 Tbsp Chili Powder and 2 tsp smoked paprika onto 2 chicken breasts.

Pan fry them over medium to medium high heat.

Remove and let rest for 10 minutes.

Then shred into large chunks. Set aside.

Mole Sauce:

-Interesting tidbit, Mole isn't a specific sauce, there are many, many different types of Mole. Also did you know chocolate helps tame the heat?

You'll need 1 medium onion, chopped (about 1 cup).

Cook in 1 Tbsp oil (I prefer Olive but you can choose whatever you want.) Cook until the onions are tender and become translucent. Translucent, that would be a great spelling bee word.

While the onions a cooking, combine:

1/4 tsp ground cinnamon,

1 tsp cumin,

1 tsp oregano (dried of course) - mix to combine.

Also prepare 1/8 cup of minced (or finely grated) garlic.

Once the onion is translucent, dump the seasonings and garlic in.

Stir to coat all onion.

Then you'll need 1/4 cup chili powder,

and 3 Tbsp flour.

Stir them in and cook for 1 minute.

You'll also need 4 cups chicken broth.

Pour the broth in while whisking.

Continue whisking until everything in incorporated.

Bring to a boil, lower heat and let simmer for about 5 minutes. Stirring frequently.

Who doesn't love chocolate? This is 1 ounce of unsweetened baking chocolate.

Grate, cut or shred the chocolate into small pieces.

Add the chocolate to the pan, and stir into the sauce.

Looking good. Now on to the...

Filling:

You'll need 1 cup cheddar cheese and 1 cup mozzarella cheese. You'll also need 8 oz of softened cream cheese.

Toss in about 1/3 to 1/2 cup cilantro.

Add the chicken. Mix.

Add 1/2 cup of the sauce.

Okay, I'll be the first to admit that this doesn't look very appetizing... although it totally tastes delicious! (And I don't know about you, but I'd rather have ugly food that tastes great than beautiful food that is disgusting.)

Stuffing:

Okay, now the fun part - stuffing those peppers! I put a spoonful of filling in the top and then used a chopstick to push it down into the bottom. If you don't have chopsticks just laying around, the handle of a wooden spoon would probably work - that is if you have the long, skinny round ones!

All stuffed.

Place onto cookie sheet.

Place 5-6 inches below a hi-temp broiler (about 450+) for 4 minutes, flip over and cook another 4 minutes.

Alternatively you could place all the peppers in a casserole dish and cover with some sauce and bake at 350 for 30 minutes. It would be more forgiving (mess wise) this way but also take more time... your choice.

Place on a plate and spoon some sauce over it.

Enjoy!

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Menu: Oct 31-Nov 6

2011-11-07T12:54:00.000-07:00

Happy Monday everybody. I've been a bit busy lately trying to get a new blog ready for launching... It is an idea I've had for months, and I honestly can't wait to share it with you. I'm super excited about this new blog. (I am not closing this blog - I'll still be sharing the usual on here!)

Drum Roll please... Frugal Family Table is ready for you to see! It still has some bugs to be ironed out and I'm not super excited about the layout... but these are things I'll be playing with in the next month or so. I'd love your comments/advise on what you like/don't like.

I will be posting menus on that site as well, but I'm posting them as I make it... so if you want to check out both posts you can see if I actually make what I plan! They will be a week and 2 days apart though. Speaking of menus, here's what we had last week:

Monday: Thai peanut noodle salad

image from joythebaker.com

Tuesday: Black Bean & Sweet Potato Tacos

Wednesday: Spaghetti & Meatballs

Thursday: Leftover Black Bean & Sweet Potato Tacos

Friday: Meatball Pizza

Saturday: Thai Chicken Curry Soup

Sunday: Dinner at my parents

Be sure to vote (poll in left hand column) for the recipe you want to see posted from this week's menu! Chicken Stuffed Peppers won last week's poll and will be posted on Thursday.

Chinese Chicken Salad

2011-11-04T17:12:00.003-06:00

Honestly I do not get computers sometimes... Windows explorer said that 'The directory name is invalid' for these photos... Photoshop would not open them all at once (how I typically try to edit) and Adobe Bridge would not allow me to look at them. Luckily, Photoshop did let me open them one. at. a. time. Believe it or not there were actually about 20 more photos that did not make it to this post, but I had to open them all to see what they were.

There are two things I've realized. I can sometimes get really bitter at my computer. Second, I realize how easy it is to forget how much harder things can be... I open 100 pictures in photoshop all the time! I can pretty much tell you that if I had to open them one at a time I would not post nearly as many step by step posts!

Thanks for being patient while I was dealing with my minor tech issue. I'm glad that I haven't actually lost anything. Speaking of which, I need to back up my photos again... it's been about a month!

Chinese Chicken Salad

Adapted from Chinese Chicken Salad with Red Chile Peanut Dressing

First, you'll need chicken. I just pan fried my chicken with a bit of salt and garlic powder (not seen above as I hadn't seasoned the top half yet...

You can use shredded rotisserie chicken as the original recipe suggests, or you can even use the chicken for the Thai Peanut Noodle Salad - it would work great!

If you pan fry the chicken, let it rest for 5-10 minutes before slicing.

For the salad dressing you'll need:

1 Tbsp chopped fresh ginger.

I just grate mine and chop it up a bit with a knife. Works great ;). Place it in a bowl.

2 Tbsp Rice Vinegar. Just dump it in as well.

next add 1 tsp of adobo sauce from a can like this one:

I froze the peppers and sauce in ice cubes to avoid throwing it away... I've never, ever used a whole can of this stuff.

You'll also need Sesame Seed Oil.

Dump in 2 tsp of the stuff!

You'll also need Soy Sauce.

pour in 1 Tbsp of it.

You'll also need honey.

Also 1 Tbsp of it.

You'll need 2 Tbsp peanut butter as well.

You'll also need canola oil.

1/4 cup of it.

Add 1/2 tsp fish sauce as well.

Mix them all together.

A nice brown dressing - I love peanut sauces, but don't necessarily love how they look!

Now for the salad ingredients:

You'll need lettuce (this is green leaf, but you can use whatever kind you want!)

We also had red cabbage (also you can use whatever kind of cabbage you want - napa is in the original recipe), chopped up dry roasted peanuts, cilantro and sliced green onions.

Plus the chicken.

Arrange your salad however you like. I love colorful salads!

Garnish with the peanuts, cilantro and sliced green onion.

Enjoy!

Print Recipe

May be posting Chinese Chicken Salad

2011-11-04T15:23:00.001-06:00

I've tried to edit these photos lately and I haven't been able to get photoshop to open them... Today I actually tried going to the folder that is apparently there but the computer is not recognizing it. I may be back today or tomorrow with this post... wish me luck trying to figure out what happened to a whole folder of pictures I can see but not open!

UPDATE
*On the plus side I CAN open each picture individually (yeah not so fun) so I will actually be posting it, it will only take me 20 minutes to open all the photos!

Tuesday Treats: Caramel Apple Slices

2011-11-01T15:21:00.002-06:00

(It was brought to my attention that the pictures weren't working - they were in my browser... I fixed that issue so you should now be able to see them, sorry about that!)

I returned to our house (I love saying that!) one day and found a bag of apples on our front step. Completely anonymous, but still lovely to find. (It wasn't all together a surprise as there are a few apple trees in the neighborhood.) However, the apples are not the crisp great tasting ones that I could just snack on all day. They were the soft kind that I abhor eating (true story, I only eat crisp apples.) So I had a whole bag of apples and decided to dehydrate them (I didn't want a whole bag of apples to go to waste - especially FREE ones!)

Typically when I dehydrate apples I either just leave them plain in all their glorious appleness, or I put some cinnamon on them. However, this time hubby asked if I could put some brown sugar on the apples. So, reluctantly I tried it (grumble, this is making them unhealthy!). They were okay, and he ate the few that I actually put brown sugar on.

A bit later his idea clicked in my mind - what if I made a caramel sauce (using brown sugar so I didn't actually have to make caramel.) I tried it and LOVED it. So these little babies were born. Let me tell ya, if you have dehydrator (and a dishwasher that will wash all your trays...) these are a wonderful sweet snack (with some nutritional value behind it!)

(I must warn you that some of the pictures color is a bit off... without realizing it my son had tampered a bit with the screen colors so while they looked good when I did edited them, some don't look so great now...)

Caramel Apple Slices

You'll need 4 Tbsp butter.

You'll also need 1 cup brown sugar (packed lightly.)

Melt the butter in a pan over medium heat.

Once the butter is melted, add the brown sugar.

Stir in the brown sugar and break up all the clumps (as you can see, I haven't done that yet in this photo.)

Let the butter and sugar cook for a minute or two, stirring occasionally to frequently.

Next, you'll need about 1/2 cup milk.

Add 1/3 to 1/2 of the milk to the pan.

It will steam and puff a bit, just warnin' ya. Just ignore it's fussing and stir it in.

Once the milk is incorporated, add the rest of it.

It makes a fun pattern as it spreads through the caramel sauce... I had to watch it spread. You can just start mixing right away, or watch it spread out. I like to enjoy the small things in my day.

Once the milk is stirred in, simmer until the sugar is completely dissolved. (I usually simmer for 2 minutes afterward as well.)

What you'll have is a sauce that is absolutely delicious, but is also pretty runny. If you want it thicker, just leave out some of the milk. However, it is best to have it runny for this.

Once the sauce is ready, set aside for a few minutes while you get the apples ready.

You can slice the apples any way you want to, I'm just going to show you how I do it.

Just in case you're wondering what this little gadget is, it came with the jerky kit that came with my dehydrator. I don't think I've ever used it to make jerky, but I have used it to core apples a LOT. I just press it over the middle of the apple (where the stem comes out) and then remove it from the apple once it goes all the way through.

Looks easy enough, right? It is, except you'll need something to get the core out of the jerky thingy. I have used a wooden spoon handle, the cover to my meat thermometer and even a pen. Yes I did say a pen (granted it was pretty much on its way out and a cheap one as it was).

Once more thing, if the core is bigger than what you have to core it - you can use the tip of a old fashioned vegetable peeler to get inside and scoop out the rest.

Now that the apple is cored, it is time to slice it. I just used a regular knife and sliced it in typically uneven slices.

If you want even slices I suggest a mandolin or a food processor (of which I currently have neither.)

Once you've sliced the apple, you need to make sure to cut away any rotten or spoiled parts. If you notice any before slicing, you can do it then, but the smaller ones are harder to spot on an unpeeled apple.

Now back to that delicious caramel sauce - you may need to stir it to reincorporate everything before dipping the slices.

You'll want to have a strainer/colander over a bowl near the pan of caramel sauce.

Add some of the apple slices to the caramel sauce.

Be sure to coat them with the sauce completely.

Remove them from the pan and place into the strainer.

Let them sit for a bit - from 10 seconds to minutes depending on how much/little sauce you want on them. You need to let them drain or they will take FOREVER to dry (trust me on this one...)

One quick note - if you run out of sauce and want to make more - use a CLEAN pan or the sauce will not turn out right as the apple juice and small pieces will make it clump more.

Place each slice on a dehydrator tray. This WILL make the dehydrator VERY messy, so I'm just warning ya that you'll have to wash it later!

Repeat with all apples and sauce. This sauce was enough to coat all the apples for my 5 dehydrator trays.

Alternatively you could just place all the apple slices into a bowl and pour the caramel over it, then dump them all into a strainer. Funny, I just thought of that as I was typing this... seems like it would be SO much easier than how I just showed you. I'm going to try it next time and let you know.

I let my friend try these and she asked if it affected the time they would stay good for. Honestly, I don't know.

But I can tell you that I probably will never have to find that out, they get eaten super fast! One batch of 5 trays fills up a quart bag and that's not much when it comes to snacking on these delicious treats!

Enjoy!

Menu: Oct 24-30

2011-10-31T16:35:00.000-06:00

For all of you who like to celebrate Halloween: Happy Halloween. My husband and I are more in the non-celebratory mood. We haven't gotten dressed up (I will wear black and orange but not a costume), we haven't decorated... pretty much since we got married. We did dress my son up as a farmer boy last year (turned out super cute!), but as he has a cold this year we're not going to do it. We will be handing out candy in our new neighborhood if anybody feels daring enough to come knock on our door. I have a pumpkin I'm setting outside so people will at least think I'm a bit into it. Want to know what I'm doing tonight? I'm putting together a table... that's right - no more card table for us! We've upgraded and it just arrived!

I made Ratatouille yesterday. It was my first time making it and I can honestly say I would make it every month except for one thing. Hubby doesn't really like squash. He doesn't like the way the squash squeaks in his teeth (I'm not sure when that happens, I don't remember it squeaking...), and he thinks the taste is nothing to brag about. However he will eat it. I just choose not to force the issue very often. This time I let him try it and had some leftovers waiting just in case. He actually ate his fill of Ratatouille. It is now something I get to make about once a year... I decided after making it that it was NOT something to make for just me. There was way too much stuff in that pot for one person to tackle alone!

I actually really enjoyed all our meals this past week, except Tuesday's - but that is another story entirely.

Now on to the menu:

Monday: Chicken Stuffed Peppers (Leftovers but will still be in the poll - oh and did I mention that the sauce has chocolate in it?)

Tuesday: I honestly did not eat dinner this night... Had a busy day and just didn't get time for it!

Wednesday: Vegetable Frittata (I omitted the peas, added a small diced sweet potato, omitted the basil and added fresh parsley. I also topped it (after it was done) with some cheddar cheese then broiled until melted.

Thursday: Ate out

Friday: Creamy Cauliflower Soup and stuffing (from a box)

Saturday: Thai Peanut Noodle Salad (I used pork instead of chicken and it worked great!)

Sunday: Ratatouille

Vote for the recipe you want to see next Thursday. Chinese Chicken Salad won last week's poll and will be posted on Thursday. I'm excited to share it with you all!

Quinoa with Roasted Peppers & Caramelized Onions

2011-10-27T20:34:00.001-06:00

For those of you who have never heard of Quinoa, you don't know what you are missing! You may be asking, 'what is quinoa' or 'where can I find quinoa'? First, quinoa is a seed that is about the same size as couscous. It comes from South America (around Peru) and has been cultivated there for centuries. The special thing about quinoa is that is has a high protein content and it contains a complete protein (very rare in plants.) Quinoa is prepared much like rice (in fact I used my rice cooker to cook the quinoa before combining it with all the flavors.

Now on to where to find it. When I first heard about quinoa, the only place I could find it was Whole Foods... which was a problem since it was literally hours away! Now I can find it in my local area - which is great since there are only about 10,000 people in my whole county! Each store is different, however I would look in with the grains or with the dry beans, rice and where couscous is located. If all else fails, you can always order it online (I know Amazon.com sells it, but I am sure there are other places that you can find it through as well.)

Quinoa with Roasted Peppers & Caramelized Onions

Recipe adapted from Bobby Flay on FoodNetwork

Roasted Pepper strips:

First, cook quinoa according to package directions (or however you've found works best, as I mentioned above - I cooked mine in my rice cooker.)

While the quinoa is cooking, roast 3 Anaheim peppers. To roast, simply place under broiler for about 5 minutes on each side (or until they get a bit blackened.) Remove to either a paper bag or a freezer bag (please do NOT use plastic storage bags as they can melt.) Let rest for a few minutes.

Once rested, remove to a cutting board.

Cut off the top of the pepper.

Cut down the middle of the pepper.

Then open the pepper up.

Remove the seeds.

These last few seeds are easiest to just pick off with your hand or rinse off under the tap.

Next, remove the skin of the pepper.

Letting it rest in the paper bag or the freezer bag helps the skin to loosen.

Next, cut into strips.

Set aside.

Caramelized Onion:

You'll need 1/3 cup chicken or vegetable broth - set aside.

You'll also need olive oil,

and butter. It doesn't really matter what brand you use, unless you find one that you like better - then by all means use it.

You need 2 Tbsp butter,

2 Tbsp (or 1/8 cup) olive oil. Place the oils in a saucepan and melt the butter.

You'll also need 1 large or 2 medium yellow onions cut into slices. Toss them in with the oils, cook over medium heat.

Cook until the onion is translucent. Then add the broth.

Continue cooking until the broth reduces and they start to caramelize.

When they are carmelized, remove from heat and set aside.

Now to put it all together...

You'll need 2 Tbsp more butter...

and 1 Tbsp more Olive oil. You probably could omit this all together if you would like. I will next time I make it.

Next, you'll need Soy Sauce.

1 Tbsp of it.

I got these ready when I was doing the measuring for the caramelized onions, but if you are doing it at different times, go ahead and throw these into a pan.

Over low heat, melt the butter.

You'll also need some fresh parsley - the flat leaf (Italian) parsley.

Coarsely chop 1/4 cup of it. Interesting thing I learned about parsley - it loses much of its flavor when it is dried... so try to avoid it.

Once the butter is melted, toss in the quinoa.

Add the parsley

(and yes my camera was having issues on the color with this... I can't wait until I have a DSLR instead of my point and shoot!)

Next toss in about 1/4 cup of the caramelized onion and the pepper strips - cut into smaller pieces.

Mix it all together and place into/onto serving dishes.

Top with Caramelized onion.

Then the roasted pepper strips.

You could garnish with some fresh parsley if desired.

Enjoy!
Original Recipe (I only made 1-2 changes)

Menu: Oct 17-23

2011-10-25T09:05:00.000-06:00

I feel like I've been perpetually a day behind lately... perhaps it was because yesterday I decided to make finger food for my husband's work (there are only about 10 people who work in his office) instead of doing what I normally do Monday mornings. Now I definitely am one day behind!

Today I just wanted to give an update on my 30 for 30... So far I haven't done any of the first 10 - but I wanted to send out a plea - I really do want to send letters to my blog readers but I need YOU to help me. Please email me at crystalscozykitchen (at) gmail (dot) com so I can send you a handwritten letter and a handwritten recipe card (who knows, I may also send a dozen cookies too!)

I've made one hand-painted sign now... This is for my son's room. I painted his name in the large blank space.

I've definitely left 20 comments, but I'm still trying to get in the habit of not just reading posts, but actually commenting - because who doesn't love comments! Unpacked 23 boxes - check! I've given away 8 cupcakes (plus some mini ones, but I'm not counting those!) I've made at least 3 different types of cookies, and given away one batch. I feel that I could be doing better, but I still think I'm doing okay considering we just moved!

Now on to the menu:

Monday: Beef Fajitas

Tuesday: Beef Fajitas

Wednesday: Chinese Chicken Salad

Thursday: Chinese Chicken Salad

Friday: Ate Out

Saturday: Chicken Stuffed Peppers w/Mole Sauce

Sunday: Roast (plain and simple cooked in the slow cooker.)

Vote for the recipe that you want to see next Thursday. This week I'll be posting Quinoa w/Onions & Pepper which won last week's poll.

Chili Rubbed Sirloin Steak

2011-10-21T17:20:00.001-06:00

This steak I bought on "Manager's Special" - which is a fancy way of saying they marked it down to sell before the sell by date. I promptly brought it home and stuck it in the freezer. (There were actually 3 steaks I think, but I only used one when I cooked this.) It has always been hard for me to buy beef from the store... why? because I grew up getting beef from a ranch that was 2.5 miles from my house. It also didn't hurt that my grandparents owned the ranch and my parents only had to pay butchering costs! I also knew that the cows were treated right - my grandparents cared about their cows. It wasn't organic because they would give their cows antibiotics when they needed them (ie. when a calf had pneumonia.) The cows are pasture fed though, and I love that. Its just old fashioned ranching (the land has been in the family for 4 generations). I'm going to eventually be buying from the ranch (still in the family now that my grandparents are both deceased), but for now it's store bought stuff (until we save enough to buy the cow - at a reduced price I'm sure ;), and pay the butcher!)

Back to this steak... it turned out great and I am excited to share this recipe with you!

Chili Rubbed Sirloin Steak

First, you'll need spices for the rub - 1 tsp of Garlic Powder and 2 tsp of Chili Powder. You'll also want to add about 1 tsp salt (not pictured.)

1/4 tsp of Black Pepper and 1/4 tsp of Ground Cumin.

You'll also need 1/4 tsp of Smoked Paprika. If you're feeling adventurous, go ahead and add 1/2 tsp of it. If using regular paprika definitely go with 1/2 tsp. But seriously the smoked makes a HUGE difference. (I just started using it this year and LOVE it.)

Mix them all together in a bowl or small container.

My son decided to help me, so I let him stir the spices...

You'll also need a steak (bet you couldn't have guessed that one!)

And Olive Oil.

Trim the excess fat off the steak.

Pour about 2 tsp Olive Oil over one side of the steak,

then rub it all over so it is coated.

Flip the steak over,

add 2 more tsp olive oil,

and rub it all over.

Sprinkle with half of the spices.

Rub them in (ps, my camera doesn't like the color of paprika it always messes up the coloring and I can't get it right!)

Flip it back over and top with remaining spice mixture.

Rub it in.

Place on a cookie sheet or double broiler pan. Broil about 4 inches from heat at about 450 degrees (or on high if you can't set the broiler temp) for 5 min on each side if you want Medium-Rare or about 9-10 minutes on each side for Well Done. I did about 8 minutes and it was Medium-Well (closer to well than medium!)

Remove from oven and let rest for 5-10 minutes (helps seal in juices.)

Slice on angle at desired thickness.

Enjoy!

Print Recipe

Menu: Oct 10-16 & Flip-flopping ideals

2011-10-17T15:28:00.001-06:00

There is a time when I had motherhood all figured out. I knew exactly what to do and how to do it. Then I had my first baby. Honestly, it is amazing how much your ideals can change at any moment when actually dealing with a living, breathing being who is determined to do everything they know they are not suppose to do.

For a specific example, I was not going to let my child watch anything except for one episode of Sesame Street (or other educational show) a couple of times a week. I was going to watch it with my child and help them learn from it. I was somewhat appalled to learn that parents actually used the tv as a babysitting tool. What kind of inattentive parent sits their child down in front of the TV so they can do something else? Fast forward to today and I'll tell you what type of parent does that - ME (and it's not always Sesame Street - one of his favorites is a show about machines)! And my sanity thanks me for it.

It is so easy for us to judge situations that we do not understand and tell ourselves we'd handle it differently. However, put in that situation - not just once, but many times - and our attitudes change. As my mom's dad would always tell her, "You don't know what they've been through tweety."

What are some 'ideals' that you use to have that have completely changed? (Parenting or other aspects.)

Now for the menu:

Monday: Black Bean Tortilla Casserole

Tuesday: Pot-Luck dinner with our local congregation

Wednesday: Ate Out (Let's just say it was one of those days...)

Thursday: Tortilla Soup

Friday: Mexican Gumbo (Inspired by Qdoba - I loved this dish! It is perfect for leftover tortilla soup!)

Saturday: Spaghetti & Side Salad

Sunday: Quinoa w/Caramelized Onions & Roasted Peppers

Vote for the recipe you want to see next Thursday. This week I'll be posting Chili Rubbed Sirloin Steak.

Slow Cooker Asian 'BBQ' Chicken

2011-10-13T19:28:00.001-06:00

I love cooking in a slow cooker, or crockpot as it is usually called. What's the difference? A slow cooker is any brand, whereas a crock pot is a brand name (they call themselves the original slow cooker.) I would have to disagree with that, there were slow cookers before electricity, it just usually involved digging a hole in the ground. Sometime I'm going to cook using that type of method, but it won't be until it warms up again.

Speaking of warming up, exactly one week ago it was snowing... you read that right! Snowing. mid-day. I was about ready to throw something at the sky (until I realized that it would probably come back and hit me!) The week before that it was 81 degrees, today it got to 63. I'll tell you what - the weather is crazy! I'm glad it got warmed up again, I couldn't take winter in October. It's barely even Autumn...

Anyway, I digress... Today I'm going to be sharing with you an awesome recipe for slow-cooked chicken with an Asian flair. It reminded me so much of BBQ that I had to add that to the name. It was gone before I got to take a picture of it (or remembered to take one would be more correct!) So there still is no finished picture, but next time I make it I will definitely get one posted!

Slow Cooker Asian 'BBQ' Chicken

First you'll need some chicken - I used thighs that I skinned and boned (used those to make some chicken broth.)

In a bowl, combine 1 tsp basil (dried)

4-5 cloves garlic,

minced.

About 1 tsp ginger-root,

grated.

You'll also need ketchup (I prefer getting it with no HFCS but that's just me. I once tried it with no salt but I wouldn't recommend it.)

You'll need 1/2 cup of it.

Just dump it in the bowl.

You'll also need soy sauce (like always, I use reduced sodium.)

Also 1/2 cup.

Add it to everything else.

Next, you'll need a 1/4 cup measuring cup. Spray with non-stick cooking spray.

Fill it with honey.

Dump the honey in with everything else.

The spray helps it come out of the measuring cup so much easier!

You'll also need Raspberry Vinegar (you can also use Red Wine Vinegar or Balsamic Vinegar.)

Add 1 Tbsp to the mixture.

Next, comes the hot sauce.

1 teaspoon.

Toss it in with everything else.

Mix to combine.

Pour over the chicken.

Cook on low for 6-8 hours. Serve over rice.

Enjoy!
(Like I said I don't have a finished picture, so sorry the last one still has raw chicken!)

Print Recipe

Menu: Oct 3 - 9

2011-10-10T15:30:00.000-06:00

I seriously was about to write September in the slot up there... until I looked at the calendar to see what dates to add! Although with the weather we've been having here I might as well write November or December. Seriously Saturday I woke up to SNOW (that was the second time it had snowed this past week, but the first time any stuck to the ground)! Honestly I'm not kidding it was snowing for a half and hour after I woke up. So I did what any person who loves to cook does on a cold snowy morning, I made a hot breakfast. I surprised my husband with German Pancakes with Warmed Nectarines in Honey and hot chocolate with whipped cream. I do have a confession, the Warmed Nectarines were going to be cold slices, but the fruit didn't ripen quite right and tasted a bit dull, so I cut them into cubes and tossed them in a pan with butter and honey. Afterward, I couldn't tell that they were not so great before I cooked them! I love it when that happens ;). I want to try it with peaches in the future, it is really something I am going to do with peaches and nectarines that don't ripen well in the future.

Luckily the snow melted by later in the day, but it never got higher than 40 degrees. Luckily this Thursday and Friday the low will be higher than that! I could not take winter happening this soon. Sorry for talk about the weather, but snow in the first full week in October is ridiculous!

Here's the menu:

Monday: BLT Salad

Tuesday: Chicken Salad Sandwiches

Wednesday: Chicken Noodle Soup

Thursday: Salmon Packets

Friday: Ate Out

Saturday: Chicken Wraps (No picture, I had a baby shower and a wedding reception in the same day, as well as picking up my produce from a co-op, etc. Just one of those days! It was also an experimental recipe so I will probably try it again.)

(I promise the color of the juices is from the chili powder and paprika, not blood!)

Sunday: Chili Rubbed Sirloin Steak, with potato wedges, Balsamic Glazed Carrots & Side Salad

Vote for the recipe you want to see next week. This Thursday I'll be posting Asian BBQ Chicken.

The past two years..

2011-10-07T10:16:00.001-06:00

Today I'm going to get a little more personal than normal and open up about things that I've been experiencing in my life that I couldn't write about until now.

On September 20 this year my husband and I moved into our new home (that's it up there... oh and if anyone knows what that tall plant is in front, please let me know!) Exactly 2 years to the date of when we arrived at my parents house with a U-haul truck full of stuff and a 6 month old baby. The plan was to be there for 6 months - maximum! Little did we know that that six months would stretch into 2 years. Four times longer than expected. Part of me felt like a failure with each passing day as I waited for the day when either my husband or I would get a job so we could finally move. I mean what couple with a 6 month to 2 year old child lives with their parents for that long (I know it happens!) It is not anything I had ever seen in my future. That's not the way my life was suppose to have happened! I started to withdraw. I didn't reach out to others because I didn't want to have to discuss my life. I find it fascinating that at the time in my life when I needed others, I withdrew. I didn't want to be judged.

Part of me wanted to blame my husband because obviously he wasn't working hard enough on his thesis or it would have been completed within a couple of months after we moved. This is not true, and he was as frustrated with his thesis as he could be at times. Once he fixed all the issues with programs and data it went pretty well. It just took many, many trials and failures for him to get the data where it needed to be. He would discuss it with me, and I would try to at least pay attention, but it is hard when I only understood a fourth to an eighth of what he was talking about! I am grateful that he did not quit on his dream of finishing his Master's Degree. He is a strong man and I'm glad he's in my life forever.

(My husband gave me this sign when we go married.)

Another part of me knew that my parents needed help - I have a different situation than most people. I grew up with 3 younger siblings with severe disabilities. One has since passed away (actually when I was in high school.) My brother and sister need constant care. So yes my parents did need help - especially when my little sister was so close to dying - twice - in a 6 week period. It made it so my mom did not have to leave her out in the hospital alone (a 2-3 hour drive from their house) to be at home taking care of her son while my dad was at work. They also needed help because it wasn't until this summer that my sister finally stopped going to the hospital (ER, being admitted, etc.) almost every week. My mom did not have to call my dad and ask him to come home, or load my sister and my brother into the van all by herself. I am glad I was able to support my parents through the rough last two years they had.

Given a choice, I would have done it a bit differently (such as living close by but actually not in their house), however, I have learned that some choices are not solely up to us. Believe me I tried to get employment (even though I wanted to be a stay at home mom.) The only job I got a call back from I did not take it. Mainly because every time I thought about it I had such a dark feeling about taking the job. I've learned to trust those feelings. Most of the time I felt like my husband and I were living in a black hole - except, we could send things out but nothing would come back.

There were many complications happening all at once during those two years. However, everything fell into place all at once. My sister's health started doing SO much better, and within a week of turning in the finished copy of his thesis (YEY) my husband had a job offer. He started 2.5 weeks after he turned in his thesis. His job was in the same area that my parents lived, although he had a 30-45 minute commute every day. We stayed with my parents for a few months and gave us time to save up a bit of money and start looking for a house. Mainly because there are not a lot of apartments in the area - most looked pretty run down, and the rent is more than our mortgage payment!

(Turning in the thesis)

Through all the the heartache, stress, feelings of failure, etc that I experienced in the past two years, this blog has given me a feeling of belonging and success (not monetary success but something I could stick with and have an outlet.) Feelings that I seriously needed. Thank you to all who have supported me in the past by reading. I hope you will keep reading in the future. I love you all.

Looking back I realize that I lived my life waiting. Waiting for the thesis to be done, waiting to get full time employment (we had part time employment...), waiting to move out. I wasted 2 years of my life waiting. I am not going to wait anymore. I am going to experience life and enjoy each day. I'm not going to wait until I weigh 20 pounds less to enjoy my life (I am still going to try to lose that 20 lbs!) I am not going to wait until I have all the furniture for my house to enjoy it! My life is great right now, and I am going to enjoy it!

(Or the fact that there is this hideous pink carpet in my son's room... we'll be fixing that! We just have a few other things that are taking precedence...)

Thanks for reading.

Build your own BLT Salad with Lemon Garlic Dill Mayo Dressing

2011-10-06T14:16:00.001-06:00

Uh, hello. It seems like it's been forever since we've talked... I do have an internet connection now (actually for a few days but I haven't gotten the time to post yet.) We have many boxes unpacked and now I have a lot of sorting to get done, and some storage items to get to keep everything! I just have to say unpacking loses its fun after a few days... at least to me. I am not super excited to finish sorting through the rest of the stuff we have - probably why the worst of it hasn't moved for almost a week! I have worked on getting my clothes unpacked all the way... living out of a suitcase is not for me! Maybe since it is raining today I'll be forced to stay in and finish organizing the rest of it. Oh wait, I'm forced to stay inside anyway, my car is in for repair... probably a good thing that I'm going to have to actually tackle some of this mound of stuff.

When I ran the poll for this salad it still felt like summertime... whereas now it is raining and cold outside - it could possibly even SNOW this week (in the middle of the night when it cools off, but still!) Right now, I could see myself posting about soups and the like... but a salad just seems so out of place considering the weather outside my window. However, since this is the recipe that won the poll in mid-September I'll be posting it now.

BLT Salad with Lemon, Garlic & Dill Mayo Dressing

For the dressing:

You'll need 2 cloves of garlic, minced - I typically use a garlic press, but mine seems to have gotten misplaced in the move (and I took these pictures after we moved b/c I missed taking them the first time!) So I improvised by grating them on the small side of my grater.

Then I chopped them up a bit. (In total it was about 1/2 Tbsp garlic)

You'll also need a 1/4 cup measuring cup - I used it 3 times in this recipe (I didn't rinse it or anything... but you can if you want to.) You can also use 3 separate measuring cups - if you want to have the extra dishes, that is!

You'll need plain yogurt - 1/4 cup of it!

Dump it into a bowl.

Toss in the garlic.

You'll also need mayo.

You guessed it - 1/4 cup! If you would rather use all mayo you can omit the yogurt. I like using yogurt because:
a) healthier
2) healthier
iii) less calories
d) not as strong of a mayo flavor (I'm weird like that.)
5) did I mention yogurt has less calories and is healthier than mayo? I did. ok ignore 5.
I do not however use only yogurt because having the slight taste of mayo makes it more tasty.

You'll also need a lemon.

first, we use the zest -

I grated it and then chopped it a bit.

Use 1 tsp of it!

Toss it in with everything else.

Next, you'll juice the lemon (or bust out the bottle from the fridge, I won't judge you!)

Add 2 tsp lemon juice.

You'll also need 1/8 tsp dill weed (dried)

toss it in there.

Next, you'll need that 1/4 cup measuring cup again - this time for milk.

Mix it all together. Salt and pepper to taste.

Let cool in the fridge until ready to use.

BLT Salad:
Now for the good stuff: the bacon

First, cut the bacon into pieces - I used a half a pound, slightly frozen. Seriously, cut bacon that is slightly frozen - tons easier!

Don't we all just LOVE bacon?

I also trimmed off the hugest amounts of fat. If my kitchen scale hadn't broken, I would have weighed it see how much was actually just fat. Probably don't want to know!

Toss all that delicious bacon into a pan.

Let cook until it reaches the desired doneness...

I like mine crispy - almost burnt.

My mouth is watering about right now. Excuse me while I go fry up the last half of that pound of bacon...

You'll also need some tomato.

and lettuce.

Optional additional ingredients:

boiled eggs.

sliced bell peppers

cucumbers, and anything else you may want.

Now for the assembly:

Top the lettuce with some of that mouth watering good bacon,

toss on the tomato,

and any other optional ingredient you want.

Top with dressing

sprinkle with bacon - it's the right thing to do. (This salad in now way hindered my weight loss! I won't say the same thing about the cookie I had for dessert!)

Enjoy!
BLT Salad: Print Recipe
Dressing: Print Recipe

Moving...

2011-09-21T15:02:00.000-06:00

We're moved in (mostly) and finally were able to get in to the phone company... in 7-10 BUSINESS days we should have phone and internet. Seeing as how I don't have a laptop, I will be taking a somewhat forced blogging break. I'll see you in 7-10 business days.

Menu: Sept 12-18

2011-09-18T20:42:00.000-06:00

My bags are packed, I'm ready to go... oh wait. It's more like the boxes are packed and EVERYWHERE...With just a few odds and ends left and probably some more I'll find when we're loading the truck, I feel pretty much ready to move. Tomorrow (Monday) we'll actually be signing at the closing! Then Tuesday it will be the frenzy of loading, driving and unloading. Wish us luck! With any luck I'll be back online to post the recipe on Thursday... if not, I'll be back whenever our internet is up and running!

Here's the menu:

Monday: Nectarine, Peach Balsamic Chicken Drumsticks, Grilled corn, Nectarine Lemonade, Pear Gorgonzola Spinach Salad

Tuesday: Ham Steaks, Cauliflower steaks

Wednesday: Grilled Hamburgers

Thursday: Asian BBQ Slow Cooker Chicken aka Really Good Stuff (sorry that the picture isn't actually cooked chicken, I missed getting a picture of the end product) w/rice, Scalloped sweet potatoes, grapes

Friday: Sweet Potato & Black Bean Salad with Fried Rice

Saturday: Sloppy Joes and cooked carrots (made by my mom)

Sunday: Roast with carrots and potatoes (made by my mom)

Vote for the recipe you want to see next Thursday. This Thursday (hopefully) I'll be posting BLT Salad.

Moving...

2011-09-16T16:37:00.000-06:00

Honestly, this scene below was June 30, 2009. Two and a half months later we packed up all this stuff and moved a few states away... now we're packing all our stuff to move into our house. I can't believe I'm actually saying, Our House! It is exciting. We'll be closing on Monday and moving on Tuesday.

This will be the 6th time I've moved in the last 6 years (although one of those moves was a double move - we spent 3 weeks at my parents before going to grad school as our housing contract ended and our grad school housing wasn't available.)

I'm looking forward to NOT moving for a long time! Packing has become less and less exciting... more and more annoying! Here I go to pack a few more boxes!

Menu: Sept 5-11

2011-09-12T15:22:00.000-06:00

I finally got my point and shoot camera, so I'll start having pictures again, but this week I don't... However whichever recipe wins the poll will have pictures taken of them. Speaking of getting my new camera, we got one of the most inexpensive models available with a macro function and a few other features we wanted. After taking a few (very few - our old memory card is not compatible) pictures with it, I am amazed at the difference in our old camera and this one. This camera has features that our old one (though we paid $400 for it... SLRs were still 800+ at the time) did not have - it automatically finds a focus point in the picture, and has a super macro shot as well as some fun ways to use it! Our old camera was great and had a 10x optical zoom which was pretty much amazing for birding. We're not going to get the birding shots we want until we get a better camera... but first things first - we need to get into our house!
Speaking of our house, we might be moving at the start of next week and not this weekend. We'll see, I'm still hoping that things come together this week, though it may not happen.

Here's our menu:

Monday: Grilled Chicken, corn and veggie packet, Nectarine Lemonade

Tuesday: Cauliflower 'Steaks' & Eggs (sorry no pictures - roasted cauliflower and fried eggs)

Wednesday: Spinach Pancakes

Thursday: Black Bean Quesadillas

Friday: Carry Out Pizza

Saturday: Chicken Fried Steak, Spinach Pesto and Garlicky Green Beans.

Sunday: BLT Salad

Vote for the recipe you want to see next Thursday. There will be no post this Thursday due to the move (hopefully everything will be in place for next week)!

Friends...

2011-09-09T13:59:00.000-06:00

Lately I have been thinking about friends and friendship... maybe because my husband and I are getting ready to move (only 30 miles away, but still moving.) Since we've been here, we have been thinking this day was coming just around the corner, so we have not really put time and effort into making friends in this area (although my best friend lives here so that is great!) As it turned out, we were here for 2 years. 2 years. That's two years of my life gone and honestly I have not really tried to connect with people.

I will admit that I am not the type of person who has a lot of friends. I have a few really close friends, and when I move from an area (as has been the case 3 times since we've been married due to schooling), I only keep in touch with a handful of people. But to be honest, I am HORRIBLE at keeping in touch with friends. I have decided I only have low maintenance friendships... Friendships I can let sit for months (and possible a year!) and then get in touch with them and catch up.

I would like to think that the craziness of my life in the last two years and the difficulties we've been having (they have occupied much of my time) will end and I will have more time to cultivate these most precious relationships in my life, as well as making more of them.

Part of me wishes I was the type of person who could make friends with anybody they came in contact with. Instead, I am introverted and think, 'if ____ and I got to know each other, I'm sure we'd be great friends.' I can actually think this about total strangers... like the woman standing in front of me at the grocery store. However, I'm more likely to be introverted and as a mom, I find that this has been amplified. I get into routines with my son until I finally reach a point where I NEED outside contact because I'm not the type of person who can be a hermit. I need others.

I think the need for outside contact is one of the reasons I started this blog in the first place, to feel that I have some contact to people outside the four walls of my residence. I have learned these types of friendships take more than I have been willing to give... and possible more than I have been able to give in the past few years. However, now that I have a more 'normal' life, I want to put the effort to develop friendships with you as my readers and my fellow bloggers. Please forgive me for my lack of putting myself out there - and help me to become better.

Thanks for reading.

Plum Ricotta Crepes

2011-09-08T19:52:00.000-06:00

Every time I use wax paper I am reminded of an experience that happened in college. My second year I lived in an apartment with 3 other girls and we had some guy neighbors that we hung out with from time to time. We had some fun times together... but I digress. One of these guys came over and needed to buy something, however he could not remember the name, so ended up saying: "What is that waxy paper stuff called?" To which one of my roommates responded, "Wax paper?!"

I have been loving planning meals revolving around fresh produce. It has made me try recipes I never would have tried before, mainly because I do not typically buy the produce I get in our weekly co-op. As I was searching for plum recipes, I found a recipe for Sugar Plum Crepes on Smitten Kitchen. I loved the recipe and couldn't wait to try it, but I did wait until the plums were ripe enough to use them.

Plum Ricotta Crepes

For Crepes: First, you'll need milk.

1/2 cup milk, poured into a blender.

Next, add 2 Tbsp butter - melted but not super hot!

You'll also need two eggs.

I like to break them into a separate container so I know there will be no shells...

toss them into the blender.

Toss in 1/2 cup flour...

You'll also need some salt.

just a pinch or two.

Toss in a pinch of nutmeg,

and two pieces of cinnamon.

You'll also want some honey

I used huckleberry honey, but plain old honey will be just fine.

Blend until mixed.

Once mixed, cover and refrigerate for 1 hour (and up to 2 days - if you're that organized!)

Once crepes have rested for an hour, heat a skillet over medium high heat. Brush pan with butter, or spray with non-stick cooking spray.

Pour 1/4 cup batter into pan

and swirl the batter around

to coat the bottom.

Let the crepe cook until the batter is set,

Should take about 2 minutes.

Once it is set,

once the batter is set, carefully flip the crepe.

Cook for about 10 seconds on the other side, and then place onto a plate.

Place wax paper in between each crepe to keep them from sticking. Repeat with remaining batter.

Cover and keep them warm until ready to use.

For Plum Filling:

You'll need plums,

more than one - about 1 pound.

Cut in half and remove the pit.

Then slice each half into 3 pieces.

Repeat with all plums

I think I may have cut more than a pound... but they were delicious.

You'll also need lemon juice... I used the juice from a whole lemon (about 2-3 Tbsp)

In a skillet, melt the butter and toss in the plums.

You'll also need some honey.

1-2 Tbsp. I used 2 Tbsp.

You can also add a pinch of cinnamon.

and pour in the lemon juice.

Heat for a minute or two until it is warm.

Set aside until ready to assemble crepes - I covered the bowl with aluminum foil to keep in the heat.

For Ricotta filling: You'll need 1 cup of ricotta cheese,

zest of half a lemon, and 1 Tbsp honey.

Mix well.

(the original recipe used only plain ricotta, but I loved this simple addition!)

Another addition I had: Maple Syrup Whipped Cream - simply whip cream and add maple syrup until desires sweetness is achieved.

For Assembly: Place a crepe on a paper and apply a smear of whipped cream,

Top with plum filling,

Add some ricotta filling,

Sprinkle with mint.

Wrap and enjoy!

Original Recipe

Why I love autumn and Apple Crisp

2011-09-06T15:16:00.001-06:00

For years autumn has been my favorite season of the year, it's not because of school starting (although that may be a reason in future when my son gets old enough), or Halloween, or any other calendar type event that happens. I simply love the crispness of the air, the leaves turning colors and falling down. I love crunching dry leaves on the ground and will purposefully swerve out of my path to step on a particularly large and crumpled leaf - this is one of life's simple pleasures. If you don't crunch leaves, I challenge you to try, it's great! I don't crunch all leaves, I also like to keep and press the colorful leaves (although these have to be fresh so they can dry between pages in a book.) Mostly, I love the desire autumn gives me to bake. Summer is just to HOT to bake and I love to bake so when autumn comes it is time for my oven to get back into use without me feeling like I'm the one baking. I also love the fall produce and love using it to bake - hence the Apple Crisp. It is such a beautifully simple dish that helps me usher in the celebration of autumn. What is your favorite season (and why)?

Apple Crisp

First you'll need apples (about 5-6 cups sliced)... as if you couldn't have guessed that! I usually mix sweet (braeburn, golden delicious, Gala) and sour (Grannysmith, Jonagolds) apples together.

You'll also need cinnamon (1 tsp) and sugar (2 Tbsp) (I used brown but white works as well.)

Toss the apples in the cinnamon and sugar mix with 1 Tbsp lemon juice as well.

Place in the bottom of a square baking dish (8x8 or 9x9), set aside.

For the crisp part - you'll need oats,

1/2 cup

toss them into a bowl (I used the same bowl I used to toss the apples in the cinnamon-sugar - why make more dirty dishes when you can use the same and maybe get a bit of extra flavor?)

You'll also need flour (also 1/2 cup).

add that to the oats,

and some coconut (1/4 cup) - seriously unless you have none in your house do yourself a favor and add it in.

You'll also need butter (5 Tbsp) - NOT at room temperature. You want it chilled.

Cut the butter into cubes and toss in with the oats and flour.

Using a pastry blender (you can also use two forks, but I highly recommend the pastry blender.) Combine until butter is in smaller chunks.

You'll also need some brown sugar (1/2 cup).

Use the pastry blender (or forks) to add in the brown sugar.

You'll still have some chunks of butter and such in the bowl. If your as picky as me, you can use your hands to smooth out the dough...

Simply grab the large chunks with a bit of the fine mixture and grind through your fingers.

It makes the mixture a lot more fine.

Now you're ready to top the apples.

Pour the oat mixture over the apples,

spread evenly across and bake at 400 for 30-45 minutes or until topping is browned.

Remove from oven and let cool.

Enjoy! Works great with vanilla ice-cream.

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Menu: Aug 29-Sept 4 (Happy Labor Day)

2011-09-05T19:24:00.000-06:00

Happy Labor Day to all you who get the day off! My husband and I both had the day off and were able to go shopping for a camera... and I decided I don't like shopping for electronics in a rural area... I'm going to have to go online camera shopping. I really wanted to get one today so I could start taking pictures again :(. Speaking of taking pictures again, this week's menu is mostly from other blogs, so they all have pictures with the recipes. I've included links so you can check them out!

Menu:

Monday: Grilled Chicken Salad (basic green salad with leftover grilled chicken) and Pizza (crust from freezer, topped with cherry tomatoes, green peppers and onions.)

Tuesday: Chicken and Tomatillo Stew/Soup (I used chicken instead of pork and chicken broth instead of beer.)

Wednesday: Corn Cakes W/Avocado Salsa (I used cilantro instead of basil, I also added some red onion to the Avocado.)

Thursday: Leftover night

Friday: Chicken Salad Sandwich

Saturday: Cheesy ham potato bake (inspired by Potatoes Romanoff)

Sunday: Green Chile Chicken Enchiladas

No poll this week. Thursday I'll be posting Plum Ricotta Crepes. Next Thursday I'll be getting ready to move (hopefully on Saturday the 17th).

Foodless Friday: Camera...

2011-09-02T16:11:00.003-06:00

For those of you following me on twitter, you may have seen during the last week (Aug 30) when I tweeted the following:

My camera died... well it didn't exactly die, but it won't take pictures anymore! Sad day.

followed by :

I can't say that my camera dying is totally unexpected... the button popped off in July and I've been

using a bobby pin to snap pictures!

It's true, my camera died... it's also true that the button popped off on July 4th (when we went birdwatching.) Also true that I have been using a bobby pin to actually take the pictures with since then. It actually died on me in the beginning of me taking pictures for the recipe I was making that day... Isn't that just my luck. It could have died AFTER I was finished!

I actually really love my camera! The poor thing has taken about 20,000 pictures (no lie). It has given me pictures like (never fear, I'm not even sharing 0.1% of the photos that have been taken - okay I'm close to 0.1% but that is only 20 after all!):

(One of the first pictures taken with the camera - we got it as a College Graduation present.)

Pictures of birds, small

and large...

Pictures of flowers...

Hubby would take lots of pictures of flowers when we were in college - it was his way of giving me flowers we couldn't afford.

It's been with us on trips...

For celebrations... Welcoming our son,

celebrating his first birthday,

and second birthday.

Celebrating my grandfather's (paternal) 90th birthday

It's been with us at more somber occasions (I know this picture doesn't really show somber) such as my Grandmother's (maternal) funeral, and just over a year later - my grandfathers (he's hiding behind the plant).

It's been with us as we've visited with family (and friends)

and most applicable to this blog, it's been with me since the very first post. Taken pictures of all the food I've made in the past two years!

This weekend I'm going to be buying a new camera (just a simple point and shoot variety... if we weren't in the process of buying a house I'd be getting a SLR!)
For now I just want to tell my camera thanks - thanks for all the memories you helped capture in the past 4 years! I also just have to ask you one question: Couldn't you have died 4 months earlier when our extended warranty was still in effect!

Spinach, Leek & Bacon Quiche

2011-09-01T15:36:00.000-06:00

I've been trying to plan my menus around produce lately... so I've been doing searches for recipes containing certain ingredients. When I searched for leeks (I had one left over from something else) I found a Bacon, Leek and Cheddar Mini Quiches from Tracey's Culinary Adventures, I knew I had to make this recipe. However I had to change it a bit (I only had one leek and I had some spinach that needed to be used plus I made a large quiche instead of mini quiches). The result was absolutely delicious, and I loved her idea of using frozen puff pastry as the crust. (YEY for not making a pie crust!)

Spinach, Leek and Bacon Quiche

First, you'll need a leek. You'll want to make sure to get it clean.

This picture is AFTER I ran it under the tap and thought it should have been clean.

I suggest cutting it in half (lengthwise) and cleaning it that way.

Once it's cleaned, slice it.

Set the leek aside for a few minutes.

Next, you'll need bacon. I used precooked bacon (good sale), and was frying it to get some bacon grease... If you use fresh, you'll want to cut it into a dice before you fry it up.

Remove the bacon once it is cooked and reserve 2 Tbsp of the grease (or whatever is left.)

Toss in those beautifully sliced leeks. Let them cook until tender, stirring occasionally.

Meanwhile, chop some bacon (about 4 oz or 2 cups chopped)

Once the leek is cooked, remove from heat and let cool for a bit.

In a large bowl, combine: 1 cup grated cheddar cheese, 4 eggs, 1 cup milk (I used whole), and 1/2 cup cream.

Toss in about 2 Tbsp roughly chopped fresh parsley,

1 tsp salt,

1/4 tsp nutmeg,

1/2 tsp thyme, and 1/2 tsp black pepper.

Next, toss in the spinach,

cooked bacon,

and leek,

Mix well.

Place in pie pan (I used a puff pastry sheet for the crust, if you want to you can use a pie crust - just do not prick either!)

Bake at 400 degrees for 40 minutes or until set. Let rest for 5 minutes.

Enjoy!

Menu: August 22-28

2011-08-29T15:44:00.000-06:00

A week ago today was my birthday. I received many birthday wishes on facebook and loved it. Having a birthday at the end of August leans to it being forgotten or overshadowed. For a few examples: school has started on my birthday... jump a few years ahead to college - I was crossing things off my packing list on my birthday. Okay so I was out and out packing on my birthday - not a great way to celebrate. After getting married, hubby and I spent one of my birthday's driving through a few states moving to grad school. This year my birthday was overshadowed by us buying a house - and tell you what. I'm okay with that, because out of all of the things that have happened to overshadow my birthday this is by far the BEST one ever. I actually learned on my birthday that we should be closing on our house 11 days from today. At least I wasn't packing ;).

Now on to my menu:

(My birthday - and I didn't cook)

Monday: Rotisserie Chicken and some sweet potato fries

Tuesday: Chef Salad with corn on the cob and cantaloupe

Wednesday: Ate out

Thursday: Pear Pecan Muffins and Ham Nests (variation on Canadian Bacon Eggs)

Friday: Plum Crepes with Ricotta, Zucchini

Saturday: Grilled chicken, corn and veggie packets

Sunday: Stuffed Shells and broccoli and cantaloupe

Vote for the recipe you want to see posted next Thursday. Spinach, Leek & Bacon Quiche won this week's poll and will be posted this week.

My 30 for 30

2011-08-26T14:27:00.003-06:00

This past week I turned 29... It came and went, I received many birthday wishes on my facebook page (private account) and that made me smile... actually I'd forgotten it was my birthday until checking my email and receiving all those facebook messages telling me someone posted on my wall (thanks to all my friends for making me feel loved, and to those who emailed as well)! At the end of the day I wondered if I've accomplished all I wanted to before I turned 30 - since this is my last year before I hit 30. I came up with a 30 things to do before turning 30 list for myself and some of the things I have already completed, but added them because they are important to me. I have actually come to realize that I have done the most important things I wanted to do before turning 30.

If you would have asked me 10-15 years ago, I am sure this list would have been very different. It would have included traveling to how many other countries and states in the US, none of which you'll see on this list below. However, in the past decade I've learned I like being home and close to home instead of going to exotic places (my fear of flying probably has something to do with that!) In about a year I'm going to re-post this list and let you all know how I did on it.

My 30 for 30 list:

*Donate my hair, once (I grew it out once but had highlighted it so I couldn't donate it... sad! I'm currently working on growing it out again.)
*Deliver 2 babies (Already delivered one, just one more to go - and no this is not an announcement but hopefully will be in the next 6 months.)

*Send flowers to 3 friends
*Make 4 baby blankets (I've made one so far!) This is the blanket I made before I sewed it together... I forgot to take a picture before I mailed it to my friends who just had their first baby.

*Donate 5 months of blog earnings to Bloggers without Borders (Only a total of like $10-12. I don't blog for the money. ;)

*Celebrate 6 years of being married (will be doing that in December!)
*Invite 7 people/couples over to dinner (I actually tend to be more introverted than I use to be so this is actually going to stretch me!)
*Make 8 aprons (never done this, but I want to!)
*Read 9 classic novels I haven't yet read

*Send 10 letters to 10 blog readers (I'll need your help with this - so please help me reach this goal - if you would like to receive a letter, please email me with your address - crystalscozykitchen @ gmail)
*Ride my bike 11 miles in one day (I'd like it to be more, but this is realistic - I'm all about realistic goals... sometimes.)
*Make 12 handpainted signs (I've been wanting to paint wooden signs, but haven't yet...)
*Give away 13 batches of cookies

*Clean my closet and donate 14 items
*Go on 15 picnics
*Mail 16 handwritten letters (not including the 10 I'm writing to blog readers.)

*Finish 17 years of school (K-Bachelors) ~Completed - picture of hubby and me at our college graduation!

*Spend 18 months as a missionary ~Completed!
*Enjoy 19 sunsets
*Leave 20 nice comments on 20 blogs I read (Unfortunately I've gotten out of the habit of leaving comments lately...)
*Eat vegetarian for 21 days in a row (my def of vegetarian includes all dairy products, eggs and fish)
*Plant 22 plants (for beauty - such a flowers - not for eating.)
*Unpack 23 boxes (definitely doable since we're moving soon!)
*Give away 24 cupcakes
*Lose 25 lbs (may conflict with #2, unless I count weight I've already lost - which kind of seems like I'd be cheating...)
*Make 26 different types/recipes of cookies (will help me with #13)
*Take pictures of 27 different types of flowers.

*Make 28 new vegetable recipes (side or main dishes but comprise of mainly vegetables)
*Write 29 pages (at least) in my personal history (which would require me actually starting it...)
*Call 30 relatives on their birthdays and wish them happy birthday

So I now have quite a bit to accomplish before my next birthday. What are things you want to do in the next year?

Chicken Taco Salad

2011-08-25T16:12:00.000-06:00

I absolutely love Chicken Taco Salad. In fact I don't usually make regular taco salad... I typically use chicken. It is one of my favorite chicken recipes and one of my favorite salad recipes as well. I love the Mexican flavors this salad combines. It is like a party on my palate. I use my home made taco seasoning to season the chicken - less expensive and I know exactly what goes into it! Next time I make this, I want to try grilling the chicken - just thinking about the grilled flavor in this salad makes me happy.

Chicken Taco Salad

First you'll need cut up chicken, sprinkled with Taco Seasoning. I've found using smoked paprika instead of regular paprika makes a huge difference!

You'll also need a tortilla bowl - unless you just want to use tortilla chips.

These I baked in pot pie pans, and it worked perfectly. (Simply spray each side with cook spray, bake at 350 for 10-15 minutes. Be sure to put the foil in the middle to help it keep shape.)

Prepare other salad ingredients - we used: mozzarella cheese, red onion, cucumber slices, chopped tomatoes, sliced olives, my salsa-sour cream salad dressing (half salsa, half sour cream mixed together.)

and of course lettuce.

Add salad to tortilla bowls, top with dressing.

Enjoy!

Tzatziki

2011-08-23T14:17:00.000-06:00

I realize that today is Tuesday and I usually post a dessert recipe, but I also realized that when I posted the Chicken Souvlaki recipe I said I'd be posting this soon afterward. Well, Thursday got busy and I came down with a terrible head cold that affected my memory and totally forgot about posting this recipe at all... Now I'm all better and finally remembered to put together this post. Tzatziki is a great low-fat healthy recipe that adds great flavor.

Tzatziki

First, you'll need a cucumber - seeded and grated.

Next, you'll need to squeeze the water out of it. I used a double thickness of paper towels.

Look at all the water coming out of there!

When you're done, you should have about a half a cup of drained cucumber.

You'll also need 1/2 cup Greek yogurt.

and 2 cloves garlic, minced

Next toss in 1 tsp dill (dry)

and 1 Tbsp lemon juice,

salt and pepper to taste.

Mix well and chill for 1 hour before serving.

Enjoy!

Menu: Aug 15-21

2011-08-22T14:13:00.001-06:00

We did not have a lot of new recipes last week, but I did love the menu we had and there is a link to almost every recipe! My husband and I have been taking part in a produce Co-op (first time I've ever used a food Co-op) so I've been putting together my dinner menus on Saturdays after I see what produce I have to work with. I feel it stretches me from my 'norms' and actually makes me put effort into my menus. Plus it makes me plan my menus around produce, which is something I am loving as it shifts the focus from my typical comfort foods to healthier foods (most of the time...) In addition I am actually back to planning my menus, so there is no more asking, "What's for Dinner?"

Here's our Menu:

Monday: Cauliflower and Cheese, Steak Salad (leftover steak and greens), Strawberries

Tuesday: Zucchini Boats

Wednesday: BLT Pizza

Thursday: Spaghetti & Meatballs, Breadsticks

Friday: Grilled Corn and Veggie Burgers (I did not use the alfalfa sprouts or the lemon zest)

Saturday: Bean and grain salad (Used left over grilled corn, and grilled squash, did not add any pasta or other grain.)

Sunday: Spinach, leek and bacon quiche, Zucchini Pancakes

Vote for the recipe you want to see next Thursday. Chicken Taco Salad won this week's poll and will be posted this Thursday.

Foodless Friday: What has been occupying my time

2011-08-19T15:21:00.000-06:00

During the past month, I've been super busy due to driving an hour multiple times per week to look at houses to buy (and you can also add looking into lending places...) The search is over, WHEW! and we are now waiting on the bank to appraise the house and then process a loan.

So for those of you who want to know what the house we're hoping to be in sometime next month looks like, here it is:

and I'll have a new kitchen I'll be working out of:

This isn't the worst kitchen I saw, but it is also not the best either. However, it's what I'll be working with for who knows how long... (well the dishwasher will be getting replaced by the end of the year.) However, this kitchen does have a sky light which makes it light during the day without lights, which is nice. Just not light enough to take great photos...

However, out of all the kitchens I saw (in real life or pictures) I would have loved this one:

Maybe I'll get my dream kitchen in the next house we buy...

Note: these photos were taken from real estate websites and were not my own work, but did not have credit to give for them.

Asparagus Ribbon Pizza

2011-08-18T15:20:00.001-06:00

This week's recipe is Asparagus Ribbon Pizza... and I've already posted two posts related to it.

However, this post I'm actually using as a post on another site, so I'm going to give you a link to it.

I just thought I'd get your mouth watering, looking at all these photos of the completed pizza.

It really did turn out great.

I hope you enjoy it: Asparagus Ribbon Pizza

Enjoy!
Print Recipe

Herbed Cream Cheese

2011-08-18T14:44:00.000-06:00

I wanted to use a herb cream cheese dip for a pizza sauce a few weeks ago, but who wants to pay twice to three times as much for a dip (vs. regular cream cheese) when you can make your own? We're trying to be especially frugal now, saving money wherever we can since we're going to be closing on a house in the next little while. Plus home made ingredients can be so much better! Of course you can add whatever spices you want to make it suit your purpose and tastes.

Herbed Cream Cheese

First, you'll need 4 oz cream cheese-softened,

you'll also need 1 Tbsp fresh parsley- chopped, 1-2 Tbsp green onion, chopped

and 1/4 tsp garlic, 1/4 tsp dill

mix until combined. I just used a spoon, but an electric mixer would be better ;).

Refrigerate for up to a week.

How to Shave Apsaragus (or make Asparagus Ribbons)

2011-08-18T14:35:00.000-06:00

In order to make this week's recipe for asparagus pizza, I'm going to illustrate how to make asparagus ribbons. Also known as shaving. All you'll need is a cutting board, knife, vegetable peeler and asparagus.

First lay the asparagus on the board,

then cut the tip off

reserve for another use.

Take the vegetable peeler

and peel off the top layer.

(I wouldn't suggest trying to hold a camera and do this though!)

The top layer and bottom layer are the hardest,

Once you've gotten the top layer, continue using the peeler to remove layers.

When it is almost to the bottom, you'll have to lay the asparagus flat and run the peeler over it.

Once there is just the green,

cut off the bottom of the spear.

This is the part that you discard... normally you would just snap this off before using but it helps to hold the asparagus while shaving it.

Repeat with remaining asparagus spears.