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Thursday, December 29, 2011

Soundless Drum Room


I was asked for a review on my visit to the Drum Room at the Presidential Hilton in Kansas City, this is my review. 

I live in Lawrence and it is not worth the trip to come back to the Drum Room.  Food was lukewarm and blasé.  The perogies were crisp and warm, plus!  The entree itself was veal from a Nebraska farm that seemed like it had set under the warmer for a while, seeing how it took us 2.5 hours from being seated to walking out.  The dessert was the best part, a blondie, and it was even a true blondie!  If I wanted the server for anything, we had to flag him down every time.  He may have been new and I can give grace for that,  however, when one brings the check and waits 15 mins to pick it  back up, that will cause someone to dine and dash for sure (which  we didn't).  The ambiance was lacking.  Lacking what? Anything!    I would recommend this restaurant to anyone whom is looking to kill a few hours and not really wanting to impress anyone:)

Tuesday, November 8, 2011

Chicken Chili


This happens to be another favorite of the family!  It is great to eat with french bread. 

1 T olive oil
3-4 chicken breast chopped
1 garlic clove minced
1 tsp cumin
1/2 tsp oregano
1 sm onion chopped
8 oz chicken broth
4 oz can of chopped green chilies
2 cans of Great Northern beans, do not drain
1/2 tsp cilantro
1/4 tsp ground red pepper

Heat oil in 2-3 quart size pot over med/med high heat.  Add chicken and cook 4-5 min till brown.  Remove from heat and keep warm.  Add onion and garlic and cook a couple minutes.  Stir and then add broth, chilies, and spices. Simmer for 30 minutes.  Add chicken back to mixture along with the beans and simmer another ten minutes.  Garnish with cheese and enjoy with a nice Spinach salad.

Saturday, October 29, 2011

Brown Rice Krispies

This was easy, simple, and kid friendly to make.  A new spin on Rice Krispie treats without any high fructose corn syrup.

3 cups of brown rice cereal
1/3 cup brown rice syrup
1/3 cup almond butter
1/4 cup chocolate chips

I didn't put of chocolate chips, I know you know what they look like!

Mix syrup and butter together then add cereal and chocolate chips.  Grease bottom of 8x8 square pan with sunflower, grapeseed, or coconut oil (if you don't mind the coconut flavor).  Add mixture to dish and pat down firmly, place in oven for 10-15 mins 250 or 300 long enough to warm slightly melt the chocolate chips.  Remove from oven and let cool.  Danl and the kids loved them! Danl wants to try it with Vanilla ice cream.  

Friday, October 28, 2011

Saving Time and Money

So I have decided to make my list of meals for 2 weeks and share them with you.  We all get tired of recipes or coming up with new ideas for meals.  I figured if I can help you with new ideas of how to save time and money,  then great!  I have noticed when I actually plan my meals, not only do I save time, but save money!  I "shop" in my pantry first and make meals with what I have on hand and then make a list of things I need to purchase from the store.  With the "extra" money saved in the budget, I stock up on other items.  I use these envelopes from familymanager.com that allows you to plan the meals on one side and shopping list on the other.  It being an envelope helps to keep whatever coupons you may have to take with you for your groceries.  If you see a recipe on here that you may want, ask me for it! I'd love to share it with you!.  Also, the beauty of having everything planned allows you to change up the meals.  For instance, I had black bean burger quesadillas planned for today, but had chicken I needed to cook so switched with Oct. 30 dinner and made Coconut Curry Chicken and froze the leftovers for a later meal.  I would love for you to send me a copy of your meal plan too!

Thursday Oct. 27
toast and jelly, milk
mac and cheese, fruit
roast beef and veggies

Friday Oct 28
cereal
nuggets and applesauce
black bean burger quesadillas

Saturday Oct 29
eggs, bacon, and potatoes
pb and jelly sandwiches
Spinach and cheese pasta and sauce

Sunday Oct 30
smoothie, toast and yogurt
leftovers
coconut curry chicken-froze leftovers for later date

Monday Oct 31
pancakes
hot turkey and cheese sandwiches
winter squash soup

Tues Nov 1
egg sandwichs
godfathers
gnocchi and sauce, green beans

Wed Nov 2
oatmeal and blueberries
leftovers
pulled pork sandwiches corn and applesauce, make own bbq sauce

Thurs Nov 3
smoothie and toast
mac and cheese
mulligatawny soup

Fri Nov 4
cereal
grilled cheese
salmon rice and broccoli

Sat Nov 5
eggs, potatoes and sausage
turkey sandwiches
chili                        

Sun Nov 6
cereal
leftovers
tbd-tale of three cities

Wednesday, October 12, 2011

Homemade Tortillas

So I lived in Texas as a child and we had a neighbor whom made homemade tortillas and refried beans every morning!  I had been looking for a recipe and with some tweaks finally came up with one that reminded me just of that.  Hope you enjoy them as much as we do, I double and freeze the extra.

2 cups of 50/50 flour or whole wheat
1 1/2 tsp baking powder
1 tsp salt
3/4 cup warm milk

Sift flour and baking powder into a bowl and add rest of ingredients.  Mix all together well.  Let rest 20 mins.  Separate dough into balls of dough (amount will vary depending on size of ball you make).  Let rest another 20 min.  Flatten dough over floured surface and heat in cast iron or hard anodized skillet till bubbles form in dough.  Flip and cook for additional minute.  Freeze leftovers in Ziploc freezer storage bags!

Pork Enchiladas with Sweet Potato and Black Beans!!!

  • 3 md sized peeled, cubed, cooked sweet potatoes
  • 1 can black beans, drained and rinsed
  • 1 small onion, diced
  • 2 tablespoons minced garlic
  • 2 T. lemon juice
  • 1 tsp. salt
  • 4 tsp. ground cumin
  • 4 tsp. ground coriander
  • 1 1/2 cup roasted, shredded pork
  • 12 eight-inch soft corn/ 8 flour tortillas
  • tomato salsa, greek yogurt, and cheese for topping
  • Preheat oven 350.
  • Combine potatoes, beans, garlic, onion and lemon juiceand process in food processor.
    Place sweet potato mixture in a bowl and add seasonings.- Add shredded pork and fold into mixture.  Spray with olive oil in a large baking dish. Spoon about 2/3 to 3/4 C. of the filling into center of each tortilla, roll closed, and place seam side down in baking dish. Cover tightly with foil & bake 30 min or until hot.
  • YUMMY :) Let me know what you all think!

    Thursday, September 8, 2011

    Stuffed Green Pepper Soup-with Whole30 options

    Haven't blogged in awhile, but here is an awesome recipe for cool weather!  I hope you enjoy it as much as my family and I do!

    2lbs beef
    1Tb butter or ghee for Whole30
    1/2 to 1 onion
    3 cloves garlic, minced
    S&P
    2 green peppers (or more), chopped
    2 14.5oz cans of diced tomatoes
    2 16oz cans of tomatoe sauce
    3 cups of water
    2 cups of cooked rice*

    Brown beef, drain the fat.  Add onion, butter, garlic, and salt and pepper.  Add all other ingredients except rice, bring to boil and simmer till peppers are soft.  Add rice before serving.  *Cheese is a great topper too! Enjoy!

    *omit for Whole30 options

    Monday, August 1, 2011

    Sweet Rosemary Chicken

    Need something to do with your harvested rosemary and thyme?  This was so good and the kids loved it!

    Sweet Rosemary Chicken

    1lb chicken breast chopped
    2 T lemon juice
    1 T honey
    1 tsp rosemary
    ½ tsp thyme
    Salt and pepper
    Olive oil
    Salt and pepper chicken and cook on medium in cast iron till no longer pink.  Add honey, mix with chicken and let boil 1-2 minutes.  Add rest of ingredients and cook till liquid reduced.  Serve over steamed potatoes or in a salad! Enjoy.

    Sunday, July 31, 2011

    Out with the old

    So I am getting rid of alot of stuff (junk) in the house.  I have so much I am trying to get rid of and I know I had a ton more of stuff a few years ago.  Thanks to a friend (kelly b.) helping me sort and find out what "I love", "kind of like", "hate it" I was able to get rid of a lot.  Fast forward to the present time and I think "What the heck?!  Why do I have so much junk?"  Interesting how as life changes and people grow, how one tends to gravitate to different "treasures".  What I loved the first cleansing of my house, I look at it now and think "why, oh why do I even own this?" 
    If I haven't used it in a year, I probably ought to get rid of it!  But what if I need it? Oh the "what if's", those will get you into trouble! "I will fit into those clothes again sometime" . . .look, even if I did fit into those clothes again, they would be out of style-get rid of them!  A little rambling today, but I have been enjoying getting rid of stuff and revamping the house a little.  Tell me something, what is it you have a hard time getting rid of?

    Friday, July 22, 2011

    Avocado and Feta Salsa

    I love this recipe for the summer!! Thanks Ann!

    Avocado and Feta Salsa
    4 plum tomatoes                              2 garlic cloves, minced                  
    2 avocados, chopped                     4 oz Feta cheese, crumbled          
    3 T olive oil                                      1/2 tsp salt
    3 T red wine vinegar                       1/2 tsp dried oregano
    2 T finely chopped parsely (i leave out if I don't have it on hand)
    Combine all ingredients, except the avocado, about 1-2 hrs before serving.  Just before serving, add avocado.  Try with pita chips or I love it as a topping on a grilled burger!  Enjoy!

    Thursday, July 21, 2011

    AH HA!

    I love it when something moves from a head knowledge to a heart knowledge!  Some call it an epiphany, others say a light bulb came on.  It's called a revelation and revelations, come from God. 

    Revelation [N] an uncovering, a bringing to light of that which had been previously wholly hidden or only obscurely seen.
    Dictionaries - Easton's Bible Dictionary

    Galatians 1:12 NIV
    I did not receive it from any man, nor was I taught it; rather, I received it by revelation from Jesus Christ.
     
    These revelations reveal the wonders of truth.  They change our worldview.  My eldest son has recently had the revelation, he will not remain a little guy.  This can be upsetting when that is all you know.  The fear of getting older.  The questions come . . ."How am I going to die?" "Will it hurt?"  We encouraged him of the amazing things in store for him!  So much more than he can imagine.  So much more than I imagined.  I love these moments! Helping my kids to draw closer to their Creator.  Helping them see beyond themselves.  I pray continually for these moments.  Remember when you have your next AH HA moment, what is it God is showing you new?
     
     
     

    Taking the Plunge

    Wow! I think it took me longer to figure out a name for my blog then it did to actually decide to start a blog!  My thoughts always seem so much better in my head, so I thought it would be best to just get them out.  I am starting the blog with one goal in mind, to share my life with you.  Now, don't get me wrong, there is no presumption here that you would even wanna know what happens in my life on a day to day or even weekly basis, but nonetheless, I have created this blog, follow if you choose!  You may just get a chuckle!