Slow Cooker Sunday

SPICED PEACH ICED TEA

2 Peaches thinly sliced

2 Cinnamon Sticks

2 whole cloves

6 tea bags

3 quarts of water

Thinly slice two peaches and place them on the bottom of your slow cooker along with the cinnamon sticks and cloves. Add the tea bags and 3 quarts water.

Cover and cook on low for 3 hours. Strain and discard the solids. Chill tea and serve over ice, with additional sliced peaches if desired.

Family Review of Coucous with Pine Nuts

My meals for the week got moved around a bit so we had Couscous with Pine Nuts last night. It was super easy and 5 stars from my honey!

It could be served with so many different main courses and added much color to the plates.

http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/couscous-with-pine-nuts-recipe/index.html

KITCHEN TIP-STER THURSDAY

KITCHEN TIP-STER THURSDAY

Sorry to start out my Tip-ster post late...this is what a newborn & a 2 year old can do for a girls organization skills.

I learned this from Rachel Ray and used it a couple times before sharing......When you're cutting meat after cooking on a wooden cutting board, brush the cutting board with Extra Virgin Olive Oil and a piece of garlic. This keeps the cutting board from sucking flavors out of your meat.

This really works! I've used it three times and can definitely tell the difference from the last time I made the same recipe and didn't use the tip. So give it a try and let me know what you think!

Menu Plan Monday

Monday: Boston Market Take Out

Tuesday: Slow Cooker London Broil, Couscous with Pine Nuts, Corn n Cob (Ellie's choice)http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/couscous-with-pine-nuts-recipe/index.html

Wednesday: Spaghetti & Meatballs, Garlic Bread, Green Salad

Thursday: Slow Cooker Chicken Enchiladas, Refried Beans, Mexican Rice

Friday: Left overs

Saturday: Zesty Cranberry Chicken, Broccoli (some veggie for me that's not gas forming for breastfeeding), Pudding for Dessert

Sunday: Porcupines, Green Beans, Mashed Potatoes

http://allrecipes.com/Recipe/Porcupines/Detail.aspx

We'll continue with left overs for lunch. The breakfast burritos that are in the freezer from last week's menu, have been a hit!!! I'm going to work hard this week to stay on top of getting dinner going so we stick to the menu plan. I think the menu from last week was too complicated for a Mamma with a new baby. Yes, I was trying to use what was in the freezer and pantry but menu needs to be easier.

Check out more menus at http://orgjunkie.com/ There are really some great menu plans!

SLOW COOKER SUNDAY

Here's a great kick off recipe for Slow Cooker Sunday! I make this often and the family gives it a high five.....meaning 5 stars!

Zesty Cranberry Slow Cooker Chicken (or Pork)

1/4-1/2 cup Catalina or French Dressing

1 can Cranberries (not jellied)

1 small onion sliced

4-6 Chicken Breasts

Place all ingredients except meat in crock pot and blend. Place meat in crock pot and cover with sauce. Cover & Cook 4 hours on high or 6 hours on low.

I've also grilled this chicken. If you'd like to grill, place ingredients in gallon size zip lock bag, smash to blend & allow to marinade in refrigerator for at least an hour. Place on preheated grill. Discard marinade. Grill until done to your taste. Allow meat to set for 15 minutes before slicing.

Either way is fabulous! This makes great leftovers, too!

***Cooking time may vary depending on your crock pot so check meat after 4 hours.

If you have a recipe to share, please post the link to your blog or location of your recipe. I'm sorry, I couldn't get Mr. Linkey to work.

KITCHEN TIP-STER THURSDAY & SLOW COOKER SUNDAY

I LOVE BLOG CARNIVALS! Ok, some of you are asking......What in the heck is a blog carnival. It's a weekly gathering on a blog with a pre-selected theme. I think of it as a way of sharing and supporting one another in this doggie dog world.

I've gathered some wonderful ideas, recipes and money saving ideas by participating in these. So, I thought I'd put a couple together for "Hand Me My Apron!" Let's do it!

Here they are...."KITCHEN TIPSTER THURSDAY" & "SLOW COOKER SUNDAY." I know many of you have kitchen time saving ideas, frugal living ideas or household tips. So, why not share them and let us tell you how wonderful you are....love it!

I thought Sundays would be a fun time to share our favorite slow cooker recipes. Picture this, Divas.....If enough of us share our slow cooker recipes on Sundays, you could plan your entire week of meals and not once have to crank on your oven. I think that's a tip for KTT. Sww how this can work.....

I'll start a post each Thursday and Sunday for our carnivals. All you need to do is post your tip and/or recipe on your blog. Than come back to HMMA and add your name with the title of your tip/recipe in parenthesis in Mr. Linky. This way we can check out each others ideas/recipes and blogs. This will also bring more traffic to your blog.....you gotta love that!

If anyone is handy with making "buttons".....I'm looking for someone to make me a button for each of the carnivals so we can put them in our posts.......OOOOOOOhhhhhhh.......that gives me an idea for a giveaway......I'll give $50 in FREE PREMIER JEWELRY to the talented lady that can put a button together for "Kitchen Tip-ster Thursday" and/or "Slow Cooker Sunday." Of course, there will be a giveaway for each button. Please include my blog title in one of the lower corners. So, you could win both. Just post a comment here that you're interested in participating and a link so I can go check out the button you've created. Giveaway ends Thursday, June 25th at midnight. I can't wait to see what you come up with......you'll be able to pick you're free jewelry from our entire line.....Ohhhhhhh......Awwwwwww!

Oriental Coleslaw Salad

I'm working on the menu for my upcoming Women's Networking Event and am leaning towards a menu that doesn't require turning on the oven. When you have 30 women coming to the house....you need to do everything possible to keep it cool. :o)

This has always been a favorite of mine.

Oriental Coleslaw Salad

1 - 16oz package coleslaw, or equivalent homemade
1 bunch green onions
sliced1/2 cup slivered almonds, toasted
1 package Oriental flavor Ramen noodles, broken up, toasted (optional)

Dressing:
1/2 cup canola oil
2 tbsp. sugar
3 tbsp. cider vinegar
1 tsp. salt
1/2 tsp. ground black pepper
1/2 packet of seasoning from Ramen noodles

Combine the dressing ingredients and whisk well to dissolve sugar. In a large salad bowl, combine the coleslaw, green onions, almonds, and ramen noodles. Drizzle dressing over and toss well to combine. Serve immediately.

Already fell off the Menu Planning Wagon...

Okay...it's only Wednesday and I already fell off of the Menu Planning" Wagon. :o) Today was just so darn hectic and we didn't even leave the house. My little man had a hard day and Mamma was dealing with a sinus headache. So, guess where we headed....Sonic with my coupon for buy one burger get one free. At least I had a coupon.



Also, wanted to let you know that my family didn't care for the Slow Cooker Teriyaki Ribs. It's very unusual for my husband to ask me to not make something again. He was so sweet about it too. On a scale of 1 to 5 with 5 being the best.....he said he couldn't even give them a 1. They were salty and the ribs had an odd texture. But the fruit salad was gone.....I got home from Bunko thinking I'd have a bowl before my night shift with my little man. No luck, the bowl was licked clean. I'll get the recipe and share it with my friends in blogland. It's easy and yummy!

MENU PLAN MONDAY

Well, posted on Tuesday. :o) Last week's menu went fairly well, except had to mix up a couple days. I did learn that I can give myself another day for leftovers and that I need to lean on my crock pot while my little man is so small. It's just too hard to manage grilling dinner with a newborn with colic and a 2 year old.

Well, here we go....

Monday: Our new favorite way to have chicken! Slow Cooker Costa Vida Chicken , Cilantro Lime Rice, Fresh Tortillas

http://www.yourhomebasedmom.com/parsley-chicken-and-lime-cilantro-rice/http://www.yourhomebasedmom.com/friday-favorite-costa-vida-chicken/

Tuesday: Slow Cooker Teriyaki Ribs, Fruit Salad

http://www.recipezaar.com/Slow-Cooker-Teriyaki-Ribs-275950

Wednesday: Southwestern Quiche, Fiesta Green Salad

Thursday: Balsamic Marinated London Broil, Rice, Grilled Corn on Cob

http://www.recipezaar.com/Balsamic-Marinated-London-Broil-90091

Friday: Homemade Pizza Night (New Family Tradition), Green Salad

Saturday: Father's Day Dinner!!! Crock Pot Orange-Herbed Pork Roast, Mashed Potatoes, Spinach Salad, Asparagus

http://www.recipezaar.com/Crock-Pot-Orange-Herbed-Pork-Roast-5018

Sunday: Taking a picnic to Daddy's office to surprise him since he's on call.....still planning menu. For sure, the chocolate chip cookies from last week's menu

Leftovers for dinner since Daddy is working.

***Left overs for lunches

MENU PLAN MONDAY

Last week was our first week to join the fun and I loved it as did my pocketbook. I was able to stay focused, on budget and have fun too in the middle of a house that's total chaos at the moment.

Monday: Breakfast Burritos & Cantelope
Homemade Popsciles

Tuesday: Slow Cooker Pineapple Cilantro Chicken, Brown Rice, Broccoli for family & Corn for me (no broccoli with breastfeeding)
****** making some banana bread just cause I'm craving it. :o) I think I'll make some into muffins to freeze.



Wednesday: Slow Cooker Teriyaki Ribs, Fruit Salad, Corn on Cob
http://www.recipezaar.com/Slow-Cooker-Teriyaki-Ribs-275950



Thursday: Zesty Catalina Grilled Chicken Breast, Potato Salad, Sliced Tomatoes
http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/ina-garten/potato-salad-recipe/index.html


Friday: Baseball Game/Leftovers for me since I'll be home with the baby.


Saturday: Leftovers for lunch
Slow Cooker Costa Vida Chicken , Cilantro Lime Rice, Fresh Tortillas
http://www.yourhomebasedmom.com/parsley-chicken-and-lime-cilantro-rice/
http://www.yourhomebasedmom.com/friday-favorite-costa-vida-chicken/


Sunday: Leftovers for Lunch
Spaghetti, Green Salad, Garlic Bread



Extras for week:

1. Breakfast Burritos for freezer

2. Healthy Nut Blueberry Muffins for pantry & freezer

3. Chewy & Amazing Chocolate Chip Cookies: these just sound so yummy!

http://www.yourhomebasedmom.com/chewy-and-amazing-chocolate-chip-cookies/

4. Cinnamon Bun Cake: take to a friend who has been such a support system!

http://www.yourhomebasedmom.com/cinnamon-bun-cake-2/

TEMPT MY TUMMY TUESDAYS

I've looked everywhere for a breakfast cake of some sort and was so excited to find this "goodie!" http://heavenlyhomemakers.com/blog/ She's got some great easy recipes!

“Mom is Great” Breakfast Cake

1 cup butter, melted and cooled

3/4 cup buttermilk

2 cups whole wheat flour

2 cups whole rolled oats

¾ cup honey

2 eggs

1 t. sea salt

1 t. baking soda

1 t. vanilla1 cup raisins, chocolate chips or other dried fruit

Stir together butter, buttermilk, flour and oats in a glass bowl. Cover with a cloth and allow the grains to soak on your counter overnight or for at least 8 hours.

Stir in honey, eggs, salt, baking soda and vanilla. Fold in raisins, chocolate chips or dried fruit. Pour into a buttered 9×9 inch baking pan. Bake at 350 degrees for 30-40 minutes or until toothpick inserted in the middle comes out clean.

We had a cake like this at a bed n breakfast years ago and loved it. So, I'm pumped to whip one of these out.

**** Make in jelly jars and fluff up the top for a nice touch to a romantic picnic with your honey or to give as gifts. I'm even liking the idea of muffins for quick grab breakfast and for freezing.

Check out Tempt My Tummy Tuesday on http://blessedwithgrace.blogspot.com/ Thanks, Lisa for a fun challenge!

FAMILY REVIEW

***We made this a the family gave it 4 stars out of 5. I made it into muffins so my husband could take some to work. We'll keep this in the rotation for sure!

My First Blog Award!

I'm so stinken excited! Do I need to write a speech and by a new dress.....ooooohhhh, how about some new shoes? Reality check, Stacey......this is not the cooking grammies! But you could buy yourself a new kitchen gadget or new apron. Have I told you Divas out in blogger land how much I love aprons?! :o)

Thanks. Sarah for the nomination! Check her "I Blame My Mother" blog....it's so cute!

http://iblamemom.blogspot.com/

Here are the New 15 Blogs that I've discovered.

1. http://blessedwithgrace.blogspot.com/ check out "tempt my tummy tuesday" You'll find some great recipes!

2. http://heavenlyhomemakers.com/blog/ I want to go and have breakfast at her house!

3. http://itsalmostnaptime.blogspot.com/ will make u laugh!

4. http://thefrugalhomeschoolingmom.blogspot.com/

5. http://amy-tinyblessings.blogspot.com/

6.http://mamasfixins.blogspot.com/

7. http://www.picky-palate.com/

8.http://shedoeshair.blogspot.com/ super cute hair styles if you have little princesses

9. http://thehappyhousewife.com/ cute blog with great Disney tips

10. http://www.yourhomebasedmom.com/ She has some fantastic recipes!

11. http://cupcakestakethecake.blogspot.com/ This blog just looks YUMMY!

12. http://shelbymaelawstories.blogspot.com/ I didn't find one recipe that didn't look great!

13. http://lampuntomyfeetandalightuntomypath.blogspot.com/

14. http://cookingkim.blogspot.com/

15. http://cookingkim.blogspot.com/

MENU PLAN MONDAY

I'm so excited about this! Praying this will help ease my stress, decrease spending and return dinner time to the enjoyable family time that it used to be......Woot Woot!

Monday: Tuna Melts, Spinach Salad & Jello with Mandarin Oranges (per Ellie's request) *** Making breakfast burritos to keep in freezer Hoping this will make mornings less stressful.

Tuesday: Southwestern Chicken (Crock pot), Tortillas, Mexican Rice & Beans, Homemade pudding pops for dessert

Wednesday: Cranberry Catalina Pork Lion, Grilled Corn on the Cob, Sliced Tomatoes, Sugar free Jello with dollop of Fat Free Cool Whip

Thursday: Leftovers, Homemade Applesauce Popsicles

Friday: Mini Meatloaf (Make extra to freeze), Mashed Potatoes, Corn, Green Salad, Strawberries & blueberries with dollop of Fat Free Cool Whip

*** I know this is an extra corn day this week, but my 19 year old & 2 year old love corn. If they want corn 5 days a week, they can have it.....less stress for Mamma. :o)

Saturday: Left overs for lunch

Dinner: Beef Taco Ring with fixings, Green Salad, Banana Cream Supreme Frozen Pie (old recipe redone to lighten up the calories....yummy)

Sunday: Pineapple Cilantro Chicken (Crock Pot), Fiesta Salad with honey lime dressing, Chocolate Macroon Pizza for dessert