Shopping results!

Oh my goodness...shopping was difficult today! I cannot believe the amount of people in the stores, and not just 1 or 2 stores, but all of them! Even the feed store was busy today. I guess the bright, sunny weather brought people out of hibernation! In the Pacific Northwest, you just have to take advantage of every dry day...but in the grocery stores? Maybe I'm missing something...

Franz Bakery Outlet

4 loaves whole wheat bread $8.00
2 (6 pack) whole wheat bagels $3.58
2 (8 pack) hamburger buns *FREE*

Subtotal: $11.58

Grocery Outlet

1 quart 1/2 & 1/2 $1.89
6 (1/2 gallon) whole milk $10.14
2 lbs. grated Mexican cheese $5.99
2 bags coleslaw mix $2.38
4 sweet, red peppers $2.00
18 double rolls of t.p. $9.99

Subtotal: $32.39

Winco Foods

1 large bag of organic salad mix $4.98
celery (1.71 lb.) $1.33
Granny Smith apples (4.33 lb.) $4.24
bag of bean sprouts $.98
1/2 lb. smoked salmon $4.32
2 tomatoes (.92 lb.) $1.18
2 lemons $.56
bulk nutritional yeast (.22 lb.) $1.51
bulk parsley (.12 lb.) $.60
tortilla chips $2.38
1 lb. fresh mushrooms $3.56
2 dozen eggs $4.98 (Dang chickens are molting, so no eggs!)

Subtotal: $30.62

Country Village Nutrition Shoppe

1 gallon whole, raw Jersey milk $11.99
2 pints organic heavy whipping cream $8.58
1 quart organic vanilla yogurt $4.99
3 boxes organic mac & cheese $5.67

Subtotal: $31.23

Grand total: $105.82

Menu Plan for 11/2-11/8/09

Wow! Can you believe that it's already November? Winter is fast closing in, so this week my family will be wrapping up the last of the summer and fall chores. This week, we'll be moving our daughter, Valerie, to her new apartment, cleaning up and putting to rest the vegetable garden and flower pots, stacking the last of the firewood, and cleaning out the chicken coop. When all of that is done, my husband & I will finish painting our bedroom and bathroom, a project that we started 2 years ago! All of this will be going on, while we continue our regular routine...at least, that's the plan!

On another note, the virus that I have been battling with the last 2 weeks has struck again! We've got 2 kiddos down for the count...praying for this to be over soon!

The crockpot will be getting a work-out this week!


Monday: Crockpot Whole Grain Breakfast Cereal, blueberries
Leftover Beef Stew, toast
Crockpot Chinese Pepper Steak, brown rice, salad (see Wednesday's post)

Tuesday: Plum Smoothies, cinnamon toast
*Homemade Cream of Mushroom soup, crackers
Apple Cinnamon Pork Tenderloin, (using crockpot)Broccoli Salad, sourdough bread

Wednesday: Apple Pan Goody
Toasted tunafish sandwiches, sliced apples
Cincinnati Chili, (started in the crockpot!), green salad

Thursday: *Nutmeg Coffee Cake, fresh orange/grapefruit juice
Organic boxed macaroni & cheese, carrot sticks
Chicken/Apple sausage, quinoa, steamed broccoli

Friday: Cream of Wheat pudding
Simple nachos, tangerines
*Salmon quiche, coleslaw, buttermilk biscuits

Saturday: Whole wheat waffles, hot chocolate
Leftovers
Lentil Burritos, (crockpot), green salad

Sunday: Homemade granola
Chili, (crockpot), cornbread

Desserts/Snacks: Oatmeal cookie/ice-cream sandwiches, pumpkin bars, spiced apple cider, popcorn

The desserts and snacks will be from recipes I have found. They are not considered "healthy" in their present form, so I'll be doing a little experimenting this week to fix that!

*Recipes*

Homemade Cream of Mushroom soup (from "The Tasha Tudor Cookbook")

1/2 lb. of fresh mushrooms, chopped
2 slices of sweet onion, chopped
2 T. unsalted butter
4 cups chicken stock
1/4 cup quick-cooking tapioca
1 cup boiling water
salt & pepper to taste
1 cup cream
2 egg yolks, beaten slightly

Saute the mushrooms & onion in the butter, then transfer to a stockpot, add the chicken stock, and simmer for half an hour. Strain through a sieve. Add the tapioca and boiling water. Simmer 10 minutes. Season as you like. Just before serving, add the cream and egg yolks. Heat thoroughly, taking care not to allow soup to boil. Serve immediately. Serves 6

*Nancy's Nutmeg Coffee Cake (from "The Farm Chicks in the Kitchen" cookbook)

2 cups flour (I use whole wheat pastry flour)
2 cups packed light-brown sugar (I use sucanat)
1/2 cup unsalted butter, cut into small pieces
1 large egg, beaten
1 cup sour cream
1 t. ground nutmeg
1 t. baking soda
1 cup finely chopped walnuts
1 t. ground cinnamon

Preheat oven to 350 F. Mix flour and brown sugar in a medium bowl. Use a pastry cutter or 2 knives to cut in the butter until the mixture looks like sand. Spoon half the mixture into a square 9-inch pan, evenly pressing over the bottom.

Add the egg, sour cream, nutmeg, and baking soda to the remaining flour mixture; mix until well combined. Spoon the batter over the mixture in the pan, spreading evenly. Mix the walnuts and cinnamon in a small bowl and evenly sprinkle over the batter in the pan.

Bake until center is set-about 40 minutes. Remove from oven and cut the warm cake into 9 3-inch squares. Serve warm (the crust will be soft), or allow to cool (the crust will be crunchy). Store, covered, in the pan up to 2 days.

*Salmon Quiche* (from "Eat Your Way Through the USA", Alaska)

4-5 oz. smoked salmon, flaked
1 cup shredded Swiss cheese
1 medium sweet onion, chopped
2 T. flour
4 large eggs
1 cup milk
3/4 t. salt
1/8 t. red pepper sauce

Toss salmon, cheese, and onion with the flour. Spread in greased pie pan. Beat eggs slightly, then beat in remaining ingredients. Pour over salmon mixture. Cook uncovered in a 350 F. oven 35-40 minutes, or until a knife comes out clean. Let stand for 10 minutes before cutting. You'll want to double this! Excellent for leftovers!

Autumn Apron for $6!!

Every once in awhile, I get inspired by something that I've seen. This summer, while making the rounds to all of the farmer's markets and fruit stands, I came across some aprons. Not just any aprons, but really cute ones with different motif's. I ended up buying a blue plaid apron that had cute red roosters on it, for $15. At the time, I thought it was a great deal, and it made me happy to wear it!

On my next visit to the farm, I decided to buy another apron. This time, I wanted something for autumn. While trying to decide between a scarecrow or a pumpkin pattern, my husband, otherwise known as "my conscience", whispered, "I bet you could make it for less." My thoughts were, "Party pooper, you're staying home next time!" I left without a new apron, but figured that I'd be back.

After returning home, I sort of forgot about the apron that I had really wanted. Instead, I decided to work on a quilt. Needing some backing and batting, I drove to the fabric store with the sole purpose of finishing a quilt. I was determined to walk right past the cute holiday fabrics and head straight to "quilter's alley". But then...*cue harps*...I saw it. The perfect autumn pattern. Fabric that had scarecrow's and sunflowers. Fabric that just screamed, "APRON"!!!

With the quilt mission completely aborted, I had a new purpose...get to the cutting counter before anyone seen me! (I am sure that my dear husband has spies all over town waiting to report back to him!) Before common sense could kick in, I gathered my material, matching thread and eyelet and raced home.

Upon returning home, I placed my new purchase on the buffet and got busy with some other things. I needed time to collect my thoughts and see if maybe I could find a pattern for aprons. After all, I had NEVER sewn an apron before! I guess I needed a lot of time to collect my thoughts, because 3 weeks later, the only thing that had been collected was dust!

Finally, the day came, when I decided that it was time to jump into the apron project. The worst outcome would be that I would have to make quilt squares for later. I did find a pattern, but couldn't make heads or tails of it, so I had to resort to plan B. Plan A would've been to find a pattern, cut it out, sew it to perfection and enter it in the county fair. Plan B was to "wing it". Now that, I can do.

I laid my newly washed material out on the kitchen table. The rooster apron that I had previously purchased was placed on top of that. I had to move it around a little to make sure that the scarecrow pattern would be straight. I then took my scissors and carefully cut around the entire apron, adding approximately 2 inches all around. With that done, I folded over edges, pinned, then sewed a seam around the two sides and the top. Then I cut out a scarecrow square and sewed it in top of an identical square for a pocket. I found some contrasting material in a pile of forgotten projects (More spontaneous shopping!) and cut strips for the ties and the neck piece. Those were stitched into 3 individual "tubes" with one end left open (sewed inside out) so that I could turn them right side out. Before sewing the ties onto the apron, I measured the tie length that I would need. Then I did the same for the neck piece. After cutting to length and sewing those on, I tried on the apron to check the overall length before putting in the bottom hem. Lastly, I hand-sewed the eyelet across the bottom.

The total amount spent on this project was less than $6. And, it only took a couple of hours! The greatest part? My husband saying, "I knew you could do it."

Yogurt Smoothies

Quite often, you will see "Smoothies" on our menu plans. My family really loves these and by adding different fruits, each drink can be customized to each person. (Although, I'm usually not THAT generous!)

The base for all of our smoothies is yogurt. Not the cheap, mass produced, little cups of corn syrup, but the good stuff. The kind that comes in a large container and says "organic", or even better, the kind that came from our own yogurt maker! (If you don't have a yogurt maker, it is a great investment and so easy to do!)

A good yogurt is going to have a lot of unrecognizable words in the ingredients. Some of those words are; L. acidophilus, L. bulgaricus, S. thermophilus and bifidobacterium lactis. They are our bacteria friends! These bacteria are beneficial to our bodies by increasing the acidity of the intestine and curbing the reproduction of many harmful bacteria. They help to break down the sugars and fight infections.

Fruit is almost as important as the yogurt. By adding the right fruits, you can replace vitamins and minerals that are lost during times of sickness and stress. Here is a list of some of the fruits we use and why.

Raspberries...High in Vitamins A & C, (which are antioxidants), high in fiber

Blueberries...Highest content of antioxidants, known as a "superfood"

Strawberries...Another "superfood" that is high in antioxidants

Bananas...High in potassium, this mineral is vital in controlling the body's water balance and for proper muscle contractions. Bananas are also high in fiber and have the title of "The World's Most Perfect Food". (Freezing the peeled bananas is best for smoothies!)

Plums...High in antioxidants which enhance the immune system

There are others that we use like; mangoes, pineapple, and peaches, which are also high in Vitamin C.

To sweeten a smoothie, add a teaspoon of pure maple syrup, raw honey or a few drops of liquid Stevia. (Vanilla is great!)

Before blending, you have to add a liquid to thin things down a little. Pure fruit juice or a high-quality milk are good choices. We usually use raw, organic milk in our smoothies. Since they aren't heated, we are able to reap the full benefits of the raw milk.

Smoothies

1 cup good organic yogurt

1 frozen banana, chunked

2 cups frozen fruit of choice

1-2 teaspoons pure maple syrup, honey or 10 drops of liquid stevia (or to taste)

1 cup milk or fruit juice

1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract (omit if using vanilla yogurt)

Blend together. Makes 2.

Enjoy!

Quilts and Cookies?

Well, today I am feeling better. Not 100%, but
definitely better. I am "trying" to take it easy,
but anyone that knows me, knows that I don't
follow directions well!

Since I live with a bunch of tattletales, I've decided to work on a quilt. I started this quilt earlier in the year, and then got a little side-tracked with the garden, and had to set it aside. It's difficult to see, but there are beautiful orange flowers on the brown squares. I bought matching orange/copper material for the backing, and I'll finish the edges with brown. It's 60"x60", so it will make a nice throw for the living room. I made this same quilt for my granddaughter, but it was in hot pink, turquoise, green and yellow...NOT the color of my living room!

I have another quilt that I'm working on, but it requires my brain to be fully functional! It is a basket quilt and my first attempt at triangles and flying geese and while it's not perfect, I am proud of it. I'll post pictures of that one when I get up the nerve to jump back into that one! I'm on basket #5 out of 5, so it is getting close to being pieced together. (The blocks, I mean.)

Tonight, our church youth group is "borrowing" our family room for a Harvest Party. Thankfully, there is a door at the top of the stairs, so the noise is generally contained to the downstairs. Even though all of the details have been taken care of, I still worry that somebody might forget to bring something, or there aren't enough chairs, or the room isn't clean enough...really, with a large family, it's NEVER really clean enough! So today, I decided to quit worrying and do something. Bake cookies! (Isn't that what all worriers do?) There may not be enough seating for everyone (they can sit on the floor...they're young, right?), the room may have a little dust (okay, that IS NOT my fault...woodstove!), but at least there will be cookies!


Aren't they pretty? And, I took it easy...I sat while frosting! See, I CAN follow directions!

Shopping results....not!

Today was to be the day of the "comeback kid...er, Mom", but it didn't go quite as well as I would've liked. The day started out just fine...coffee with my husband, while feasting on a fresh, hot cinnamon roll, followed by a shower and a full face and hair makeover...and I was ready for a nap. Seriously. But, being the trooper that I am (ha!), I decided to forge on.

My husband and I drove into town to pick up our newest married daughter, Valerie. She is moving into her first apartment (husband, Jake, is serving our country in Iraq) and was in dire need of a couch. Since we were going into the "big" city, we decided to make a stop at IKEA first. That was mistake #1. On a grocery shopping trip, when one is recuperating from an illness, groceries should probably come first, or at least before the energy tank is drained! On a healthy day, IKEA is exhausting, so I'm not really sure what I was thinking. Actually, I do...the new bar stools look fabulous!!!

Mistake #2 was stopping at Best Buy to exchange a couple of Ipods that had expired. (Loving the warranty!) The store was HOT, and it took forever. Well, it felt like forever. Now, I was really feeling the energy drain. On the way out of the store, I told my husband to just skip Whole Foods and head straight to Costco. All I really "needed" was some organic, nitrite/nitrate free bacon. The rest I could do without.

Mistake #3...thinking that I was going into Costco and only getting bacon.

So now I will crawl (literally) into my bed, and recharge my batteries for tomorrow. The day that I will actually get my grocery shopping done!

Meal Plan for Week of 10/26-11/1/09

After being sick for the last 3 days, I am ready for a new week to begin! Laying on the couch is NOT my idea of a good time, unless it's my choice! (There's that control thing again!) Being forced to take it easy has had its "up" side though...I have been able to watch HGTV to my heart's content! My poor husband's head is spinning with all of my new ideas for our place, so it's probably a good idea to get started with a new week.

As you know by now, I like to use "organic" whenever possible. Not only does the food have a better flavor, but I also don't have to worry about what pesticides were used during its growing process. It can be very expensive unless you know where to look. About every 3 months or so, we make a run to Costco. Our bill there is slowly decreasing, but it is fun to roam the aisles and look for deals. Without a plan though, everything can look like a "deal", so it's extremely important to have a list and for me, a shopping "buddy". (Especially with the holidays just around the corner!) After Costco, my husband (a.k.a. "buddy") will take our list and head to Whole Foods Market. I LOVE their selection of organic produce and am hoping to score some organic chicken for a good price. We also love a Parmesan cheese that is imported from Italy. A little spendy, but for flavor, there's nothing better! (It is going to be delicious in my Ravioli soup recipe!) They also have a sulfate-free red wine that is wonderful in a stew base, and costs less than $10. Time (and energy) permitting, we may stop at Trader Joe's which also carries a nice selection of "organic". Since I won't be making the trip again until January, my list will include items for the holiday baking season.

Monday: Sourdough Cinnamon Rolls (homemade!)

p.b. & j. sandwiches, tortilla chips/salsa, sliced apples

Tuna casserole, green peas (made by our daughter Melissa!)

Tuesday: Sunshine casserole (left over from last week), orange juice

Chili nachos (leftover chili), slice apples

Broccoli Cheese soup and sourdough bread

Wednesday: Whole wheat waffles with homemade blueberry syrup

leftover Broccoli/cheese soup, crackers, sliced oranges

Meatloaf, mashed taters and gravy, broccoli salad

Thursday: Poached eggs on toast, orange juice

Corndog muffins, carrot sticks, sliced apples

*Ravioli soup, sourdough bread, green salad

Friday: Blueberry/coconut muffins, hot chocolate

(leftover) Meatloaf sandwiches, banana

*Sweet & Sour meatballs, Jasmine rice, spinach salad

Saturday: Kefir smoothies (banana, peach, raspberry), cinnamon toast

Cheese/black bean quesadillas, orange slices

Chicken tortilla soup, cornbread

Sunday: *Granola (homemade)

Leftover lunch (we're cleaning the fridge!)

Beef stew, sourdough bread

Of course, all of this is dependant on whether Momma is feeling "up to it". Think I'll go cuddle up on the couch (my idea) and let my family coddle me a little longer! (Mwahahaha....)

*Recipes*

Ravioli Soup

2 lbs. lean, ground beef

1/2 cup soft bread crumbs

1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

1 1/2 t. onion salt

4 cloves garlic, minced

2 T. olive oil

3 cups onion, finely chopped

2 (28 oz.) cans crushed tomatoes in puree (I use 2 quarts of home-canned)

1 (12 oz.) can tomato paste

1 quart beef broth (store-bought or home-made, but watch for MSG)

2 cups water

1 t. sugar

1 t. dried basil

1/2 t. dried thyme

1/2 t. dried oregano

1/2 cup fresh parsley, chopped

2 (12 oz.) package of plain, cheese ravioli (in the freezer or refrigerator case)

Grated Parmesan cheese

Brown the beef in a large pot; combine remaining ingredients except frozen ravioli and additional Parmesan cheese. Bring soup to boil; reduce heat. Cover and simmer 10 minutes, stirring occasionally. Cook ravioli in a separate pot until just tender. Drain ravioli and add to soup. Salt to taste. Serve with Parmesan cheese. Serves 12 (makes a great leftover for lunch!)

Sweet & Sour Meatballs

1 (20 oz.) can pineapple chunks

1/3 cup water

3 T. apple cider vinegar

1 T. soy sauce (I use Tamari)

1/2 cup brown sugar

3 T. cornstarch

Large green or red pepper, chunked

1 large sweet onion, chunked

1 lb. pre-cooked meatballs (I make my own, but store-bought works fine, just watch the "spices" that are added!)

Drain pineapple; reserve juice. Set pineapple aside. Add water to juice to make 1 cup. Pour into large wok and add water, vinegar, soy sauce, brown sugar and cornstarch. (Mix the cornstarch with brown sugar before adding to keep from lumping.) Stir until smooth. Cook over medium heat until thick, stirring constantly. Add pineapple, meatballs, and green/red pepper. Simmer uncovered for 20 minutes or until heated through. Serve over rice. (I usually double this recipe!)

Granola

6 cups old-fashioned oats

2 t. cinnamon

4 cups shredded or flaked, unsweetened coconut

2 cups pecans, chopped

1 cup raw sunflower seeds

1 cup raw coconut oil

1 cup raw honey

1 T vanilla

1 cup raisins or dried blueberries

In a large bowl, mix oats, cinnamon, coconut, pecans and sunflower seeds together. Heat oil and honey in a small saucepan over medium heat until just melted, but not hot; remove from heat and add vanilla. Stir honey mixture into oat mixture. Pour into large baking dish. Bake at 275 degrees for 1 hour, stirring every 15 minutes. Remove from oven and cool. Add raisins or blueberries. Store in airtight container. Makes 14 (1-cup) servings.