Fresh Air

My Momma's sloppy Joes

2009-09-15T11:02:00.000-07:00

These sloppy joes are a family favorite, especially for my son. I like to make these and then freeze the rest, for a quick meal later. We also like to make these for Halloween night, because there fast, warm and easy! And they taste better the longer that they simmer.

1 1/2 lbs Hamburger
3/4 cup ketsup
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
2 tablespoons Brown sugar
2 tablespoons mustard
2 tablespoons vinegar
2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
1 small onion

Directions
1.Cook meat slowly in skillet with salt and onion.
2.Meanwhile, make sauce by mixing together all other ingredients and cooking slowly over low heat for 15 minutes.
3.Drain (not much to drain if you use ground round) and add meat.
4.Let simmer for at least an hour, stirring from time to time, to let meat absorb the sauce.
5.Serve on hamburger buns with cheese slices and/or pickle slices.

Fast and easy skillet burrito

2009-09-11T11:00:00.000-07:00

Posted by Windy:
I tried that beef burrito skillet last night everyone liked it way yummy and doesn't take long at all!!!

Prep Time:
10 min
Total Time:
35 min
Makes:
4 servings, 1-1/2 cups each
What You Need!
1 lb. lean ground beef
1 pkg. (1-1/4 oz.) TACO BELL® HOME ORIGINALS® Taco Seasoning Mix
1 can (19 oz.) kidney beans, drained, rinsed
1 cup TACO BELL® HOME ORIGINALS® Thick 'N Chunky Salsa
1 cup water
4 flour tortillas (6 inch), cut into 1-1/2-inch squares
1 cup KRAFT Mexican Style Finely Shredded Four Cheese
1/3 cup BREAKSTONE'S or KNUDSEN Sour Cream
1/3 cup chopped green onions (about 1 large)
Make It!

BROWN meat in large nonstick skillet on medium-high heat; drain.

ADD seasoning mix, beans, salsa and water; stir. Bring to boil. Simmer on medium-low heat 5 min.

STIR in tortillas; top with cheese. Cover; let stand 5 min. or until cheese is melted. Top with sour cream and onion

More ideas for keeping kids healthy

2009-07-27T13:12:00.000-07:00

someone over at www.zippy-health.com Posted this......

Great tips. A child under the age of four or five might eat six to seven times a day. One can give fresh fruits and vegetables, whole grain crackers, cheese cubes, peanut butter-cheese sandwiches into daily snacks. Also can try can try a yoghurt shake with fruit of choice. Try to avoid pre-packaged snacks because its unhealthy. One can go for milk-based drinks because it rich in proteins, calcium, iron, also fruit juice will be good.
Good Site Check it out!

Cool Healthy treat for you and the kidos

2009-07-27T12:47:00.000-07:00

Posted by: Tami Haws

I bought these plastic Popsicle makers at the dollar store yesturday, but you can use ice cube trays too.

Homemade Popsicles

you can use fruit juice, my boy's like the Odwalla health juice. It makes them a little more creamy. Or you can make you own in a blender. Mix any fruit with a little water. I've done blueberry banana, strawberry banana, plain banana, black berry, raspberry, blueberry.
NOTE if you are doing them in a ice tray fill the cup with your juice then cover tight with plastic wrap or tin foil and poke a popsicle stick in each cup so they will freeze straight. You can get Popsicle sticks at the dollar store in the craft section

Healthy snow cone.

our snowcone maker was the best thing we have bought. Ive had it for ever. I love this snack more then the kids. Shave some ice into a bowl and then get a very ripe ruby red grape fruit. Squeeze the juice into your shaved ice. This is the most refreshing snack ever. I make these all the time. I have used all of these as well. fresh Lemon juice, fresh lime juice, and fresh orange juice. Try this you will love it. If you let your lemons and limes get really ripe the juice gets more sweet then tart

Sweet Potato Fries

2009-07-27T12:45:00.000-07:00

Posted By Tami Haws:

sweet potato - no need to peel
a little olive oil
garlic salt
onion powder

Cut potatoes into thin or thick strips. I like then about 1/2 inch thick. Put in bowl put enough oil in and toss to coat potatoes. Season with garlic and onion powder. NOTE I over season because some of it will cook off in the oven. Put them on a cookie sheet make sure they are all separated and spread out. Put in a 425 degree oven. I have not timed these but I believe it is about 15 20 min. or until lightly browned. I like then a little more darker. I don't like them sweet. I like them with a BBQ fry sauce. Mix a little mayo and BBQ sauce together. But if you like the sweeter fries try this. Instead of seasoning them with garlic and onion powder try cooking them just in the oil then when you take them out let them cool slightly and sprinkle them with brown sugar.

Chicken Wonton Salad

2009-06-28T14:10:00.000-07:00

This is a great salad for summer. I like to make it for a meal on those hot days! and it is so good and addicting!

Chicken wonton salad

Dressing:
3 Tbl. Rice vinegar
2 Tbs. Sugar
1 tsp. Salt
1/4 C. vegetable oil

Mix together and chill for at least 3 hrs

For the salad add:
Romaine lettuce
green onions
Diced cooked chicken
sesame seeds
Fried wontons (I buy the egg roll wrappers and cut into strips and fry)
*Then add the dressing and toss right before serving or I like to just put it on myself and then the salad does not go bad if you have leftovers.

Grilled Chicken with Mango Salsa and Green side salad with Cheese crisps

2009-05-20T14:17:00.001-07:00

This is Our Favorite way to eat BBQ Chicken So tasty! My mouth is watering just thinking about it!

1. Marinate chicken in Italian dressing for at least 4 hours (I usually do 8 hrs.)

2. Dice a mango, chop a few Tablespoons of red onion, 2 garlic cloves, a handful of cilantro, and 2 Tablespoons of lemon or lime juice. Mix all together and refrigerate for up to an hour before. (the longer it sits in the fridge the better)

*I also like to add chopped watermelon or chopped avocado.

Cheese Crisps

For the cheese crisps: I just grate any cheese that you like and put it into a hot fry pan and cook on both sides until crispy! They are so Good!

Fun new Blog!

2009-05-13T14:00:00.000-07:00

My Friend Melinda is awesome at paper crafting and cooking ect. And she has a fun new blog with free downloads for those of you who have a cricut cutter, and for those who don't all the rest is great and wonderful and fun too!

http://stayathomemomcrafts.blogspot.com/

Waffel Breadfast Sandwiches

2009-05-12T13:14:00.000-07:00

These are really tasty and fun for kids too. Just get a box of frozen waffels and add an egg, sasage, ham or bacon and any cheese you like. (even a little bit of syrup inside or on the side is really tasty).

Fun and Healthy kids snacks (or adults!)

2009-03-30T15:18:00.000-07:00

Thanks Tami! These are some fun ideas.

1. Peel a banana and dip it in yogurt.
Roll in crushed cereal and freeze.

2. Spread celery sticks with peanut
butter or low-fat cream cheese.
Top with raisins. Enjoy your “ants
on a log.”

3. Stuff a whole-grain pita pocket
with ricotta cheese and Granny
Smith apple slices. Add a dash of
cinnamon.

4. Mix together ready-to-eat cereal,
dried fruit and nuts in a sandwich
bag for an on-the-go snack.

5. Smear a scoop of frozen yogurt on
two graham crackers and add
sliced banana to make a yummy
sandwich.

6. Top low-fat vanilla yogurt with
crunchy granola and sprinkle with
blueberries.

7. Microwave a small baked potato.
Top with reduced-fat cheddar
cheese and salsa.

8. Make snack kabobs. Put cubes of
low-fat cheese and grapes on
pretzel sticks.

10. Spread peanut butter on apple
slices.

11. Blend low-fat milk, frozen
strawberries and a banana for
thirty seconds for a delicious
smoothie.

12. Make a mini-sandwich with tuna
or egg salad on a dinner roll.

13. Sprinkle grated Monterey Jack
cheese over a corn tortilla; fold in
half and microwave for twenty
seconds. Top with salsa.

14. Toss dried cranberries and chopped
walnuts in instant oatmeal.

15. Mix together peanut butter and cornflakes
in a bowl. Shape into a bowl and roll in crushed
graham crackers.

16. Microwave a cup of tomato or
vegetable soup and enjoy with
whole grain crackers.

17. Fill a waffle cone with cut-up fruit
and top with low-fat vanilla
yogurt.

Picture of Fried Burritos

2009-03-26T19:55:00.000-07:00

I have posted this recipe or I should say idea on here before, but I thought that since it has been a while I would post it again with a picture.

All it is is a fun twist on burritos. Just fill a burrito shell with whatever you like in your burritos...chicken, pork, black beans, pinto beans, rice etc. And then fill a pan with a few tablespoons of canola oil and fry until crisp. Then top with sour cream, lettuce, tomato, cheese, guacamole etc. It makes a burrito extra tasty and it is better that those frozen ones! And yes that is a paper plate you see! hey it's better than eating out!

Chicken Roll Ups Picture!

2009-03-20T13:52:00.000-07:00

Here is a picture of the chicken roll ups that I posted before. Very tasty!!!!!!!!!

Eggplant Roll ups Picture!

2009-03-10T13:16:00.000-07:00

I have posted this recipe before, I just wanted to share a picture with you and remind you that it is tasty! Don't forget that it is good with zucchini too. I served it with a side salad and Parmesan garlic toast.

Cheese Ravioli with alfredo, and side salad

2009-03-06T13:56:00.000-08:00

I just wanted to share some of my quick meals that I am improving on. (my new years goal was to have less meat) So here is a good one that my kids enjoy and it took me 20 min to make! Really!

I used the refrigerated ravioli (by the cheese section) and then my Alfredo recipe to top with. Oh and I made a Banana cream pie in the 20 min. too!

Alfredo Sauce
3 T. butter
1 T flour
Melt butter and then stir in flour and cook for a minute.
then add:
2 cups of whole milk or half and half
2 handfuls of parmesan cheese (I buy it in a big bag shredded at Costco and freeze)
Garlic powder, salt and pepper (to taste)
1 tsp. of Nutmeg (this adds a good flavor!)

www.Simplifysupper.com

2009-02-24T12:27:00.000-08:00

Posted by: Tami Haws
I have found a great website to help you plan your meals for the month. It has recipes for every day of the month and for the meals you choose they have a shopping list of items to buy. I have started planning weekly meals and it has saved so much time and money just buying the items needed for the week. Good luck and enjoy.
www.simplifysupper.com

Crock Pot Dumpling Soup

2009-02-22T12:57:00.000-08:00

Posted by: Jamie (my husband loves this soup!)

1 lb. lean steak, cut into 1" cubes
1 pkg. onion soup mix
6 c. hot water
2 carrots, peeled and shredded
1 ribs celery, finely chopped
1 tomato, peeled and chopped
1 c. packaged biscuit mix
6 tbsp. milk
1 tbsp. finely chopped parsley

With pot on low, sprinkle steak with dry onion soup mix. Pour hot water over steak. Stir in carrots, celery and tomato. Cover and cook on low 4-6 hours or until meat is tender. Turn pot to HIGH. In separate small bowl, combine biscuit mix with parsley. Stir in milk with fork until mixture is moistened. Drop dumpling mixture into crock pot with a teaspoon. Cover and cook on high for about 30 minutes.

Makes 5-6 servings

Skillet Ravioli

2009-02-16T06:26:00.000-08:00

This is so fast!..... I buy the ravioli at the store... by the cheese section. It is really good and fresh.

* 2 cups purchased pasta sauce
* 1/3 cup water
* 1 9-ounce package refrigerated or frozen cheese- or meat-filled ravioli
* 1 egg, lightly beaten
* 1 15-ounce carton ricotta cheese
* 1/4 cup grated Romano or Parmesan cheese
* 1 10-ounce package frozen chopped spinach, thawed and well drained
* Grated Romano or Parmesan cheese

Directions

1. In a 10-inch skillet combine pasta sauce and the water. Bring to boiling; stir in ravioli. Reduce heat. Cook, covered, over medium heat about 5 minutes or until ravioli are nearly tender, stirring once to prevent sticking.

2. Meanwhile, in a medium bowl stir together egg, ricotta cheese, and the 1/4 cup Romano cheese. Top ravioli with spinach. Spoon ricotta mixture on top of spinach. Cook, covered, over low heat about 10 minutes or until ricotta layer is set and ravioli are tender. Sprinkle each serving with additional Romano cheese. Makes 4 main-dish servings.

Easy Valentines

2009-02-12T14:26:00.000-08:00

I just made these quick but cute valintines for the special loved ones in our lives.(like grandparents, cousins & teachers)
I got large boxes of candy or you could use king size candy bars too. Decorate them however or with whatever you have. And then I had my kids slip their valentines inside.

Hawaiian pork in crock pot

2009-02-10T12:43:00.000-08:00

Posted by: Sammie (who is from Hawaii) This looks good!

3 lbs. port roast, boneless, rolled
6 cloves
½ tsp. nutmeg
¼ tsp. paprika
¼ c. catsup
2 tbsp. orange juice
2 tbsp. honey
1 tbsp. soy sauce
2 tbsp. lemon juice
½ tsp. Kitchen Bouquet (optional)

Place the roast on a rack and broil 15-30 minutes or until brown (can be done the night before). Stick the cloves randomly all over the roast. Place the roast into the crock pot o the meat rack. Mix together the nutmeg and paprika, sprinkle over the roast. In a small bowl, stir together the catsup, orange juice, honey, soy sauce, lemon juice and Kitchen Bouquet, pour over roast.

Cover and cook on low 10-12 hours (high 4-6 hours). Remove the meat from crock pot and thicken juices by mixing together 1½ tbsp. cornstarch and 2 tbsp. water, which into juices and cook on high until thickened

Creamy Tomato Basil Soup

2009-02-10T12:09:00.000-08:00

Me and my family love this soup (Hadley's favorite!). I often make it for lunch because it is so quick and easy to make. I kinda took two different recipes and made my own so I don't have exact measurements, but you will get the idea.

1 large 26 oz. can of condensed tomato soup.

4 oz of cream cheese

1 cup of beef broth

1 cup of chicken broth

1 cup of 1/2 and 1/2 or cream (optional)

Large handful of fresh basil leaves chopped (I buy or grow fresh basil and then put it in small ziplock bags and freeze it. It stays really fresh that way.) If you don't have that then add 2 T. of italian seasoning or dried basil.

I don't usually use sugar but in one of the recipes it says to add a Tablespoon or so of it, so taste it and see what you think.

*put all of the ingredients in a large sauce pan and heat through. After the cream cheese starts to melt I like to pour the soup into the blender and blend it up because the cream cheese stays chunky and that will smooth the soup out more. I also like to serve with Mustard grilled cheese sandwiches! sounds weird but put mustard on them before grilling it is so good.

Home Made Mac N Cheese

2009-02-04T13:03:00.000-08:00

I found this recipe on the evaporated milk can and it is good and really easy and fast. I like to put broccoli with it as well to make it a balanced meal.

(yield 6 servings)

1 2/3 cups of elbow macaroni, cooked and drained

2 T. cornstarch

1 t. Salt

1/2 t. dry mustard

1/4 t. ground black pepper

1 can of Evaporated milk

1 cup water

2 T. Butter

2 Cups of Sharp cheddar cheese (divided)

Preheat oven to 375 and grease 2 quart casserole dish.
Combine cornstarch, salt mustard and pepper in medium saucepan. stir in evaporated milk , water and butter. Cook over medium-heat, stirring constantly until mixture comes to a boil. Boil for 1 minute. REmove from heat. Stir in 1 1/2 cups of cheese until melted. Add macaroni, mix well. Pour into prepared casserole dish . top with remaining 1/2 cup cheese. Bake for 20 to 25 Minutes or until cheese in melter and light brown

Eggplant Roll ups

2009-02-01T06:26:00.000-08:00

If you are an eggplant lover this is a great recipe. If you have not tried eggplant, then you need to, it is good and packed full of protein so you don't need any meat. My kids will even eat it this way. And yes they are quick and easy!(if you would like you could use zucchini instead of eggplant)

1. 1 large eggplant, cut lengthwise into 8 slices (you don't have to peel it, but for kids I would)

2. 4 large eggs

3. 3/4 cups store bought pesto (you can buy a large jar at costco and freeze it in snack ziplock bags, because it does not last long in the fridge)

4.2 1/2c. bread crumbs

5. 6 T. olive oil

6. 3/4 c. ricotta cheese

7. 1/2 c. grated Parmesan cheese

8. 1 c. marinara sauce

Season the eggplant with salt and pepper. In a wide, shallow bowl, whisk together the eggs and 4 tablespoons pesto. Pour the bread crumbs onto a large plate. Dip each eggplant slice into the egg mixture, then coat with the bread crumbs.

Preheat the oven to 350. In a large nonstick skillet, heat 2 Tablespoons olive oil over medium high heat. Working in batches, cook the eggplant until golden, 2 min. on each side. Using the remaining 4 Tablespoons of olive oil. Transfer the eggplant to a paper towel lined plate or baking sheet.

In a small bowl, combine the ricotta and 3 Tablespoons of remaining pesto on each eggplant slice and top with about 2 tablespoons of the cheese mixture. Roll uop each slice. Bake until the eggplant slice and top with about 2 tablespoons of the cheese mixture. Roll up each slice. Bake until the eggplant is tender when pierced with a toothpick, about 10 min.

meanwhile, in a small saucepan, bring the marinara sauce to a simmer. Serve the roll-ups with the sauce and remaining cheese.

Need Some Extra Cash? (or maybe just a brake?)

2009-01-22T13:34:00.000-08:00

This is for those moms who love being a mom, but also enjoy working and earning a little dough! But, also want to be home with their kids. I have a few things that I do on the side, not nessesarily for the money but just to help me to escape from the everyday grind. So I was thinking and searching for more ideas and I found these, so I wanted to share with you all......

Turn Crafts Into Cash-
If you are crafty check out Etsy.com For all of those who don't know. It is an online marketplace that connects people who want to sell their handmade stuff like, candles, bags, toys, clothing, food, jewelry, and much more. It is free to get started; the site takes 3.5 percent of your sales, plus a 20 cent listing fee per item. People from all over the world look at this site!

Answer customer service calls-
When you call the customer service department of your bank or a retail outlet, for example, the voice you hear on the other end may well belong to someone working out of her living room. This may be a little hard with crazy kids running around, but for those of you who have small babies or kids at school it may work out better. To get started, connect with some of these companies, including Arise.com, AlpineAccess.com,, Liveops.com, and Workingsolutions.com So visit each site and find out what one would work best for you.

Freelance projects on the web-
Many businesses would love your help with tasks ranging from coding edbsites to writing press materials. Sites like Elance.com and oDesk.com post thousands of these kind of opportunities and then facilitate the hiring and payment processes. Both sites allow you to create a free profile to tout your skills and experience and take assessments to certify your skill level. So for those of you who are good at this graphic are stuff well why not try it?

Shop undercover-
This one is good, because you get to get out of the house and you can shop and get paid. But be carful some of them can be scams. I also know people who have done it and it turns out good. So here is a site to try mysteryshop.org

Good luck all you moms out there just trying their best to be a MOM!

Chocolate peanut butter cupcakes

2009-01-14T13:16:00.000-08:00

1 1/2 stick butter (room temp)
2/3 cup sugar
2/3 cup light brown sugar
2 extra large eggs
2 t pure vanilla
1 c buttermilk
1/2 c sour cream
2 T brewed coffee (I used 1/2 t pero) but Im sure you could leave it out
1 3/4 c all-purpose flour
1 cup good cocoa powder
1 1/2 t baking soda
1/2 t salt

(basically mix wet ingrediants and add dry (I usually whip the butter and sugar for awhile) 350 for 20-25 min

icing
1 cup confectioners sugar
1 cup peanut butter
5 T butter
3/4 t vanilla
1/4 t salt
1/3 c heavy cream

mix all ingredients except cream two minutes, add cream and beat on high until mixture is light and smooth

Posted by: Natalie Delorey

Tami's Granola

2009-01-12T13:10:00.000-08:00

Here is a great recipe for Healthy Granola. My kids love it as a snack, or in yogurt. This recipe is for 18 servings. I make a lot at a time because it stores very well. You can change it in any way to match your taste better. I dont put any dried fruit in it because it adds a lot of carbs, but it goes well with any add-ins. Enjoy

Prep Time: 20 Minutes
Cook Time: 20 Minutes
Ready In: 1 Hour 40 Minutes
Servings: 18

TIP - You can find ground organic flax at sams. I use it in everything. When your baking you can use the flax instead of oil and you can use as a egg sub. I also put it on my kids PB&J sandwhichs, omlets, casseroles and much more. They love it and you really can't taste it.

Flax/oat Granola

Ingredients:
4 cups quick cooking oats
1 cup chopped toasted almonds
1/4 cup toasted wheat germ
1/4 cup sunflower seeds
1/4 cup ground flax seeds
1 teaspoon cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1/3 cup canola oil
2/3 cup honey
1/2 cup raisins
1/2 cup chopped dried pineapple
1/2 cup sweetened dried cranberries
1/2 cup chopped dried papaya

Directions:
1. Preheat oven to 300 degrees F (150 degrees C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a large bowl, mix the oats, almonds, wheat germ, sunflower seeds, flax seeds, cinnamon, nutmeg, canola oil, and honey. Spread evenly over the prepared baking sheet, pressing down lightly with the back of a spoon.
3. Bake 20 minutes in the preheated oven, or until lightly browned. Allow to cool completely.
4. In a large bowl, break the cooled granola into large chunks. Mix in the raisins, pineapple, sweetened dried cranberries, and papaya. Store in an airtight container

posted by: Tami Haws

Thanks Tami we love granola! and Flax seed too!

Help in sacrament meeting!!!!!

2009-01-10T08:42:00.000-08:00

Keeping kids quiet and happy in church or any place that they need to behaive is a difficult task for all mothers. Tami posted this idea, which is great! Please help us with your ideas (click on comments at the bottom of this post)

Tami Haws said...
I got some advice from my bishop the other day that might help some of you mothers that have kids that wont hold still during sacrament. My son is almost 2 and he has a hard time holding still and usually wants to play during sacrament. My bishop told me that I should have, what he calls quiet time at home. To get them used to sitting for a legth of time. We started out about five min. Everyday we will sit on the couch no TV no phone I get out very quiet small toys that he has to play with on the couch and I say "quiet time" and while he does that I read scriptures so he will be familiar with scriptures and being quiet. The first week we started out at 5 min then we work up to 10 and so on. It take trial and error but I am seeing improvment in our son. Good Luck!

Melinda Ford said...
I just had a little idea that I learned from an occupational therapist for my children (because they have sensory weird things going on) and I think it might help for others as well. I don't always do this, but it is supposed to help. Participating in a high sensory activity right before children have to sit still can be beneficial (as long as it doesn't rile them up too much). By this I mean stomping or pounding, anything that gives high feedback to their skin and muscles will allow them to sit still for longer. On a different note, I found that talking to them about Jesus and His church (house) helps them to understand why they are being quiet and reverent. I started talking to my oldest at age 1 about the sacrament and how Jesus died for us and that we don't kick the pews and we treat the hymn books well because this is Jesus' house and the hymn books have special songs about Jesus. This really seemed to touch base with him and I've never really had a problem with acting out except on a fairly rare occasion. I know that all children are different but I think all will respond to the Spirit and doing what is right if they know why.

Green Bean Casserole

2009-01-01T17:28:00.000-08:00

This is a really good casserole, especially if you have left over ham from the holidays. I always buy a ham and then freeze it in small portions for later use. I make this in the morning and then it is all ready to go in the oven for dinner.

1 1/2 cups of cooked ham cubed

3 medium potato's cooked and cubed

8 oz. Sour Cream

1 can of cream of chicken soup

1 cup of cheese

2 cans of green beans drained

butter to taste

put small cubes of butter on bottom of 9x13 pan
then layer diced ham diced potatoes, and green beans. Then mix sour cream and soup in a bowl and pour over top. Sprinkle with cheese and bake on 350 for 24 to 30 min When done you can put french fried onions on the to to add great flavor.

New Kitchen Tips

2009-01-01T16:56:00.000-08:00

I just thought that I would share a few things that I do in the kitchen that makes life a little easier for me...

1. When the bottom of your pan gets food burned and stuck on it really bad and you know that even soaking it all night won't get it off. Try putting enough water in the bottom to cover stuck on food and then sprinkle a few Tablespoons of baking soda and then put back on the stove to boil for a while and the soda will boil the food right off!

2. When I am cooking I always make sure to rinse my dishes off right away and then set them in one side of the sink. Then when dinner is over it makes clean up a lot easier, or if you don't feel like doing them you can wait until morning and the food is not stuck on.

3. I always try to clean out my fridge before I go shopping. That way I know what I have and when I get home I have room to fit more food. Plus I am always more willing to cook if I can see what I have to cook! I learned that one from my mom!

4. If you by fresh parsley or cilantro often, bring it home and snip the ends and put in a cup of fresh water and it will stay fresh a lot longer than sitting in the bag and getting all slimy.

5. It seems like every time I start to cook my kids get so hungry they can't even control their selves. So I try to keep cut up veggies in the fridge for them to start on. And this is for anytime of the day, I have a cupboard that they can reach that is just healthy snacks. Like: raisins, pretzels, almonds, peanuts, crackers, cranberries ect. That way they can get to it when they feel like a snack and it doesn't ruin their meal. And they have some kind of independence on choosing healthy things!

Wonderfull Mothers Spotlight

2009-01-01T09:05:00.000-08:00

Ellie Yost is a great mom in so many ways, she lives in Germany while her husband is finishing school with the army there. And even though I don't get to see her all the time now, I have seen her change and grow in so many ways since she has been a mother and wife. Ellie and I actually met while I was dating her brother in high school. And yes that is originally the reason why we became friends but,it did not take long to realize that we had a lot of fun together and we would always be friends no matter what happened with me and her brother.(which was obviously nothing!) I am grateful that I gained a great friend from it all anyways! Something that I like about Ellie is that she is very humble and always willing to learn and try something new and never complains when she has to do something that is out of her comfort zone. Thanks Ellie for being a great friend and Mother!

What is it like as a mother living in Germany and raising a family?
It can be hard at times. Especially when your kids wonders where their grandparents, aunt and uncles, and cousins are. Also the language barrier can be hard to overcome. But life here is a lot more layed back than the states, it seems to move at a slower pace.

How many kids do you want to have all together?
I want 4 but we'll have as many as the Lord sends us.

What is the hardest thing or things that you have ever done?
I think right now it would be being so far away from my family and friends. It's hard to see my family growing and I not being there to be part of it. Also It's hard for me to hear when my daughter asks to go to grandmas or to see her cousins. How do you explain to a 3 year old about duty and sacrafice.

Something that you consider to be YOUR Special talent? Okay this might be really cheesy but I think I'm a pretty good whistler:) Also I think I make some pretty yummy soups.

Where were you born and what was it like growing up?
I was born in Monte Grande, Argentina. I lived there for a couple of years and then moved to Provo, UT. Growing up in my household was a little different once we moved to the USA. From about 11yrs old and up I was in charge of taking care of my handicapped brother while my parents worked. But for the most part my house was loud and chaotic during family gatherings. And there was a lot of show of affection(especially when you didn't want any)

What inspires you to get through the day?
to see my kids play nice together or hear them tell me they love me. Seeing my husband after a long day at work. (on both ends)

What do you like most about your husband?
That he overlooks my short comings. that he likes my cooking. That he is a cuddle bug at all the right moments. That he is such a good father, and though he won't tell you this, that he is very patient with all of us. That he is patient enough to explain how something works over and over untill I understand. There is to much that I could say.

How have you changed as a person since you became a mom?
Wow tough question! I think I'm a little more patient. I'm less organized than I use to be. I don't take as much time on me in the morning. I'm not grossed out by things as much as I use to be. I'm a little more silly.

Happy New Year!!!

2008-12-28T13:33:00.000-08:00

I can hardly believe that it is a new year again! Time fly's when you are older, maybe it is because sadly we don't enjoy each day as much as we did when we were young and so instead we just try to make it through a day! Well I have a few New Years goals that I would like to share with all of you. And if you would like I would love to hear yours as well.

1. I am going to be healthier in what choices of food I eat and feed my family. Like less meat and more veggies & no MSG.

2. Be more prepared for a meal so that it doesn't get to be 4:00 and I am thinking....HUM what shall I cook. And then it is something fast and not that healthy or we just eat out! NO more of that!

3. Have a date with my husband at least 3 or 4 times a month! (We all need this)

4. Really think about trying for another little one! (it scares me so bad!)

Wonderfull Mothers Spotlight

2008-12-20T06:10:00.000-08:00

Melinda is my next mother to spotlight. I chose Melinda, because of course she really is a wonderful mother! But, for some reason she does not see it, oh ever the humble one. I first met Melinda when I moved into our house three summers ago when she and another girl in the ward decided to be nice and come and welcome me into the ward. As I got to know Melinda I began to realize that we had a lot in common (besides liking MATH!) She is very creative with paper crafts and cake decorating and not to mention smart! (she is going into the accounting program full time at BYU)And most of all what I admire about Melinda most is that she is very spiritual. On top of all the other things that are going on in her life, she still makes time for the most important people in her life
Thanks Melinda for being you!!

Do you have a favorite recipe to share? Let's see...I really like good food. Since it's the holiday season, I'll share a good cookie recipe I made last year.

These buttery wreaths are often called spritz cookies because they are squirted through a cookie press. If you don't own a cookie press, use a pastry bag fitted with a star-shaped tip (bags and tips are available at kitchen and party supply stores).

RECIPE INGREDIENTS:
1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
2/3 cup granulated sugar
2 large egg yolks
1/2 teaspoon almond extract
2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
Green sprinkles
Red hots

1. Heat the oven to 375. In a large mixing bowl, use a wooden spoon to cream the butter and sugar together until smooth.

2. Stir in the egg yolks and almond extract. Gradually stir in the flour.

3. Assemble the cookie press and fit it with the star-shaped plate. Alternatively, fit a pastry bag with a star tip.

4. Spoon the prepared dough into the press or bag and check the consistency of the dough with a test squeeze. If the dough is too soft, place the press or bag and remaining dough in the refrigerator to make it firmer. (Keep in mind that the consistency of the dough as it is squeezed through the press affects the look of the wreaths. If it is firmer, it is a little more difficult to press but gives a more jagged, leafy look to the wreaths. If the dough is warmer and softer, you will create smoother ridges.)

5. Working on an ungreased baking sheet, pipe the dough into circles to make wreaths, leaving 1 inch between the cookies. Decorate the cookies with green sprinkles and garnish each one with 3 red hots (you can use the candies to cover up the spot where the circle joins). Bake the cookies for 7 to 9 minutes or until lightly browned.

6. Cool on the baking sheets for about 5 minutes. Using a metal spatula, transfer the cookies to a wire rack to cool completely. Repeat until all the dough is used. Makes about 4 dozen Holiday Wreaths.

7. KIDS' STEPS: Kids can mix up the dough, squirt it out onto a baking sheet, and decorate the baked cookies to look like holiday wreaths.

How many kids do you want to have all together? At least five

What is the hardest thing or things that you have ever done? I'm doing it now! see next question

What is it like going to school full time and being a mother of three boys?
I have never been more stressed out. I love being a mommy to my three little guys...I think that's maybe what makes going to school so hard. I don't feel like I have the time or the energy to be the mom I want to be. At the same time, going to school has made me realize just how important it is to me to be a mommy that stays at home with them. I was so sad the day when Jaren chatted me while I was at school telling me that Chase just started crawling. He is the only baby I've had that has crawled and I missed it cuz I was at dang school!!! I've gotten to see it since then, but seeing it for the first time would have been great. And the late nights and numerous difficult projects and presentations and tests aren't easy either. I am very grateful for my education though. I know I'm extremely lucky to be in the program I'm in and to be getting such a good education for very little. I know that someday, I'll look back at these times and realize just how good they were!

Something that you consider to be YOUR Special talent?
Hmmmmm. I do quite a few things, but nothing extremely well. I think that maybe one of my talents is probably either math or writing. I don't mean what I'm doing now or creative or persuasive writing. I mean writing reports, grammar, and formatting - that kind of stuff. I'm not anywhere near the cooker or crafter or mommy that I've seen other women be...which are the things I would really love to be great at. Since I'm not, I guess writing or math will have to be my "special" talent. Or maybe I'm just special in another way. :)

Where were you born and what was it like growing up?
Escondido, CA I LOVED it there! I had really great active friends who helped me in so many ways. I had a large (9) family with parents who were loving and supportive and brothers and sisters that I was very good friends with (and still am). I went to the beach consistently as I grew up. I really enjoy the sunshine...that's probably one of the things I miss the most about where I grew up...the weather! (Escondido is in San Diego fyi) I have a LOT of great memories.

What inspires you to get through the day?
My Savior...really. I have a lot of hard, stressful days. Reading the scriptures and praying have really helped me to get over it and to get over me so that I can focus on serving others and doing what is expected of me.

What do you like most about your husband?
You mean what do I LOVE most about my husband? LOL. There are so many things...but I have to say that I love when he gets in his stride and jokes and laughs and plays with me. He teases me a lot, but I love it...shhh. I don't want him to know! He might take too many liberties if he finds out.

How have you changed as a person since you became a mom?
I'm a lot more reliable! But I'm also a lot more reclusive and less outgoing than I used to be. I think I've also become closer to my Heavenly Father and Savior because I've needed their help so much more and I've also wanted to do what is right for my children and need His guidance.

The best dinner rolls ever

2008-12-13T13:03:00.000-08:00

My sister in law who is a wonderful baker makes these rolls for all our family get together and they are so good! They look like a lot of work, but they are so worth it. I would rather eat these than dessert. The best part is if you have somewhere to put them you can partially bake them and then freeze them for up to two weeks and they still taste like the day you made them! That is what we all need, to make things ahead of time!

Makes: 2 pan or 4 dozen rolls (or double and save in freezer)

3/4 c warm water
3 T. yeast
3/4 c butter or margarine
3/4 c. sugar
2 1/4 c. milk
1 1/2 T. salt
3 eggs
9 c. flour

Dissolve in mixing bowl.
Melt butter in large sauce pan. Dissolve sugar and salt. Add milk and eggs. Check to make sure temp is 110 degrees. Mix yeast and water than add other ingredients. Mix all together add flout to correct dough consistency. Knead, cover and raise in 110 degree oven until doubled (appox 1 hr) Form rolls, raise until desired size (15-30 min) Bake @ 400 for 13-15 min. Brush finished rolls with 1/4 c. milk and 2T. sugar while still warm.

To Form Rolls:
divide dough 1/2 pan sections (for 2 pans 4 sections). Roll each section into a circle and divide into 12ths (4th's first the each 4th into 3rds.)
Roll like a crescent and place on buttered cookie sheet. 3 across 8 down.
After baked and cooled you can cover the cookie sheet in plastic and freeze rolls, they'll stay good for a couple of weeks. Thaw then cover in aluminum foil and warm in the oven. The rolls will taste like you just baked them!

Christmas Crafts

2008-12-03T12:52:00.000-08:00

I have had these Christmas wreaths for a few years now and they were just the plain old green wreath. I liked them, but not enough! So this year I decided that I wanted to paint them red! So I did, but still not enough! Then I added the sparkly red balls and that WAS IT! I love them now and the best part is that they did not cost even close to as much as you would pay in a store!

I also loved these Christmas balls at the store, but I knew that they would be too big for my little tree...So I hung them on my porch and my kids love it!

This was a really fun craft for the kids, mine liked it best because they got to play with pins!. We just got foam cones and then pinned buttons in layers on the cone and made a Christmas tree. It was nice because there was no glue. It did take some time to do so allow a lot of time and don't buy big cones!

The Mothers Have spoken!!!

2008-12-03T12:42:00.001-08:00

In my recent poll almost all of you said that finding time to play with you kids is the hardest thing for you to do each day. And I just have to say that I am a bit relived, I posted this kind of selfishly wondering if I was the only mom who had a hard time doing that. So thank you all for being honest you made me fell a little better! (I think)
So anyone who might have some ideas....PLEASE HELP!

This is something that I have been working on and I find it sad to say it that way..that I am "working on" playing with my kids, but it is the truth!
I have been making a effort to make myself available (most days) to play when they wake up for a nap. So I make sure that I have all the other stuff done by then.
And on the days that I am really busy I play while I am working or join them in on the work somehow and then they are happier.
I find that when I take even a half hour out of my day to do this, my kids are better in so many ways!

Chicken Roll Ups

2008-12-03T12:22:00.000-08:00

I made these last night for my friend Ali who just had a baby. I forgot how good they are and really easy! So I hope you enjoyed Vigue family!

2c. chicken cooked and diced (I use my chopper to make it really small for kids)
4 oz. cream cheese
2 T. onion or chives (you could go without if you have kids who are picky)
2 T. milk
2 T. pimento (it is good but you don't have to have them)
1/4 salt
dash of pepper
garlic powder to taste
1 can of crescent rolls

croutons or corn flakes, crushed or I use bread crumbs too.
melted butter

In a large bowl mix together the cream cheese, butter, onion, pimento, milk salt and pepper.
stir in chicken and set aside.
open crescent tolls and place each piece of dough flat on a lightly greased baking sheet.
place chicken mixture in middle of roll and then roll up making sure the edges are sealed.
Dip each chicken roll in melted butter and roll in the crushed (whatever you choose!)
Bake at 350 for 15-20 minutes or until golden brown.
Serve with gravy below if desired....

1 can of cream of chicken soup, put in small sauce pan on med heat. add 1 Tablespoon of lemon juice and 1 tsp garlic salt. Stir well. Then add as much sour cream and milk as you want for desired thickness. Heat and serve over roll ups!

vigues said...
These were SO GOOD. Tyler hinted several times that I need to get the recipe for them--thanks for posting it! Both picky little eaters devoured them. Thanks, Becca

Broccoli, Red Pepper, and Cheddar Chowder

2008-11-24T14:16:00.000-08:00

This is a good twist to regular broccoli cheese soup. You can leave some things out like the red peeper, I used onion powder the kids like that better. I also use less Cumin

only 4 servings so I double or triple it.

1 small head broccoli
1 large boiling potato (1/2 pound)
1 large onion
1 red bell pepper
1 large garlic clove, finely chopped
2 T unsalted butter
1 t. ground cumin
1 t. salt
1/4 t. black pepper (I use white)
1/2 t. dry mustard
2 T. flour
3/4 cup heavy cream (my sister in law uses skim condenced milk for less fat)
6 ounces of sharp chedder cheese (I have used mild as well just use more)

Discard tough lower third of broccoli stem. Peel reamining stems and finely chop. Cut remaining broccoli into very small florets. Cook florets in a large pot of boiling water, until just tender, 3 to 3 minutes. Transfer with a slotted spoon to a bowl of ice water to stop cooking, then drain. Reserve 3 cups cooking water for chowder.
peel potato and cut into 1/2 inch cubes. cook potato, onion, bell pepper, broccoli stems, and garlic in better in a 3 to 4 quart pot over moderate heat, stirring occasionally, until onion is softened 8 to 10 minutes. Add cumin, salt, pepper, and mustard and cook, stirring 1 minute. Add flour and cook, stirring, 2 minutes. Add reserved cooking water and simmer (partially covered), stirring occasionally, until cheese is melted, then season with salt and pepper.

Puree about 2 cups of chowder in a blender until smooth. and return to pot. Add florets and cook over heated through,m about 2 minutes

Creamy Lemon Cookies

2008-11-24T13:17:00.000-08:00

I saw these on a show the other day and I don't know about you, but I love lemon stuff it is so refreshing...so here is the recipe!

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. In a large bowl, using an electric mixer on high speed, beat butter, confectioners' sugar, lemon zest, and salt, until combined. With mixer on low, add flour 9dough will still be stiff); finish mixing with a wooden spoon.
Turn dough out onto a piece of plastic wrap, pat into a disk about ½ inch thick. Wrap, and chill until firm, about 1 hour (and up to 3 days).
Unwrap dough; place on a lightly floured piece of parchment or waxed paper. With a lightly floured rolling pin, roll dough about 1/8 inch thick (if dough cracks, let it warm up slightly).

Cut out cookies with a 1 1/2-inch round cutter (re-roll scraps once, chilling of too soft). Place 1 inch apart on two baking sheets; sprinkle with granulated sugar. Bake until barely beginning to brown, 15 to 20 minutes; transfer to wire racks to cool completely.

Form sandwiches: Place about 1 teaspoon Creamy Lemon Filling between two cookies, sugared sides facing out; squeeze gently.
Creamy Lemon Filling

In a small bowl, mix cream cheese and zest until smooth. Gradually add 1 cup confectioners' sugar, missing until smooth. Mix in remaining sugar as necessary to create a firm but spreadable filling.

Ingredients
16 tablespoons (2 sticks) unsalted butter, room temperature
1 cup confectioners' sugar
1 tablespoon finely grated lemon zest (from 1 lemon)
½ teaspoon salt
2 cups all purpose flour (spooned and leveled), plus more for rolling
2 table spoons granulated sugar, for sprinkling
Creamy Lemon Filling (below)
Creamy lemon filling
4 ounces bar cream cheese, room temperature
1 tablespoon finely grated lemon zest 9from 1 lemon)
1 to 1 ½ cups confectioners' sugar

Beauty tips

2008-11-24T06:58:00.000-08:00

1. Don't wash your hair everyday! It is not good for your hair (especialy if it is chemicly treated) to wash everyday. But, If you are like me my hair goes so greesy I have to. So I found (well a tip from my beauty school friend Natalie) that BIG SEXY HAIR root pump is great for that. you put it in while still wet and I can go every other day without washing and those days I don't are heaven I just use my flat iron that day. Some of my friends can go a couple of days with this product! Just what us busy moms need!

2.If you do have chemicaly treated hair use a spray in conditioner before blow drying to protect it from more damage.

3. I found a good lotion at the good earth for my dry hand for the winter. The brand is KISS MY FACE and it is a all natural hand lotion. I get bad dry skin in the winter and this is great! In fact I just saw that brand now at Tatget, so it must be good.

4. (Any more ideas?)

Good deals! (post your good deals here)

2008-11-24T06:57:00.000-08:00

Tami Haws said...
I don't know if this is a stupid thing to post. This is for anyone that likes Avocados but hates the prices. I have been watching at Sams they may do this at Costco too. They have a bag of 5 big avocados for normally $5 but if you keep an eye on them when they get real ripe (but are still perfect) the price goes down. I got the bag for $3 the other day and they were perfect and ready to use within a couple days. Avocados are my favorite and my boy's love them as well as a snack. Sometimes you can get them cheaper in the store, but when you can't Sams always does this as a quick sale. So keep an eye out everyone.

Wonderfull Mothers Spotlight

2008-11-14T13:18:00.000-08:00

I have so many great friends and family that I know who I admire as moms in so many ways. So I have decided to spotlight them on my blog weekly.

Tami Haws is my first mom so far

Tami and I have been friends for...lets see....about 14 years (wow!) well since we were in Junior High. Tami is amazing at anything that is crafty and she has painted a lot of beautiful pictures and is always thinking of new ways to be more creative. Tami has grown and changed so much in the last 10 years it is inspiring to me to think that someone can overcome so much and still come through happy and willing to help others who are in need. She now has a new charity open doors that helps handicapped kids in Africa. (her link is on the side bar of my blog). I am so happy and lucky to know Tami and I wish her all the happiness in the future!

Presenting TAMI HAWS

What is it like as a mother living in Wyoming?
You know it has been a great place to have our kids. It seems small but it actually isn't just everything is spread out. The people are very nice, old country charm I call it. Holding doors for you, saying good morning those kind of things. The schools here are great. Smaller class rooms so they get more one-on-one

What is it like being a mom of a handicapped child?
CHALLENGING, CHALLENGING, CHALLENGING, REWARDING REWARDING, REWARDING. To sum it up. It's very hard but at the same time since I have had our second son he is just as hard but in different ways. I have said before that I never knew what it was like to be so close to insanity until I had kids. But they send so many more blessings and life lessons in return.

How many kids do you want to have all together?
I would love, love to have 4. But with my diabetes and all the strain that has caught up to my body I don't know if I should, We're looking into other options. Realistically I would say 3 total.

What is the hardest thing or things that you have ever done?
Wow where do I start with this one, Being a single mom of a handicapped child at the age of 17, Getting a divorce, Having Diabetes and all the baggage that comes with that, Marriage is a tough one sometimes for me, it's definitely a full time job. Almost losing Jaxson when he had his hip surgery. Going through all his other surgeries, and planning his future surgeries. Sounds dumb and selfish but being so far away from everyone back home is very hard on me. I'm not sure if this answered your question

Something that you consider to be YOUR Special talent?
To sum this one up, anything that has to do with craft's or ANY kind of art, painting sculpting etc. Making something great out of something from a thrift store or the dollar store. I'm proud of that one.

Where were you born and what was it like growing up?
Provo Utah, I love my childhood. I was always out side up a tree or playing with dirt. My family was always close my Aunts uncles cousins grandparents and great grandparents. I loved it. Getting diabetes when I was 3 was the only bad thing, at the time.

What inspires you to get through the day?
That there is a warm bed waiting for me at the end of the day. Hee Hee! My kids, making sure they have a good, safe life and that even though my job as a mother gets over looked time and time again. I take great comfort that I am making a huge difference somewhere. Hopefully :)

What do you like most about your husband?
He teaches me so many things and he doesn't even know what he's doing. To follow through with things, to be the best I can be and that he knows I can do what ever I put my mind too. He is a great motivator. He finishes everything he starts. And only sometimes do I love that after 16 years he know literally EVERYTHING about me. Most of all he is a great father and husband. We both had to go through a lot of life before we got here, but I wouldn't have it any other way

How have you changed as a person since you became a mom?
I don't take as long to get ready for the day. Not by choice, Becca knows what I'm talking about. Really I'm not sure, I've been doing it for so long. Patients is probably a big one.

New Twist on tacos

2008-11-06T17:41:00.000-08:00

1 lb. of ground beef (I used diced chicken and it was really good too.)
cook beef with a 1/2 package of Italian dressing mix, onion salt and garlic salt.

fry corn tortillas in a fry pan and shape into taco shape. Then sprinkle tortillas with Parmesan cheese. Put meat in taco and top with lettuce, green onions, tomato's and mozzarella cheese. (add salsa, sour cream or guacamole.)

posted by: Windy

Cafe Rio Pork Salad!

2008-11-06T16:56:00.000-08:00

I love this salad, as do a lot of people. I am so excited for this one!I have not tried it yet, so let us know how it is!

Cafe Rio Pulled pork

2 1/2 pounds of pork tender

mix:
1 1/2c. Brown Sugar
1 1/2c. salsa
1 c. Coke
(just do equal parts of salsa and coke however much you need or want.)

put pork in a crock pot and then add mixture. Cook for 7 hrs. then shred the pork and cook for 30 min. (the pork will then absorb all the juices.)

Cafe Rio Rice
3 cups of rice
4 cups of water
4 tsp. of chicken bouillon
1 Tbs. of butter
1/2 onion chopped fine
4 tsp of minced garlic
1/2 bunch of chopped cilantro
1 can diced green chilies
1/2 tsp. salt

saute onion and garlic in butter until onion is soft. Add the rice and water and all other ingredients and bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer covered for 15 to 20 min.

Cafe Rio House Dressing
1 packet of ranch dressing mix (hidden valley)
1 cup of mayonnaise
1/3 cup buttermilk

put all ingredients in blender and chill before serving.

1 cup. chopped cilantro
2 cloves of garlic
3 tomatillos (skin removed)
1/2 tsp. Cayenne pepper

serve in a bowl with a warm tortilla. layer, rice and black or pinto beans, romaine lettuce, pork, crushed tortilla chips and dressing.

*Melinda Ford said...
Hey, so I made this tonight for a family dinner...and everyone LOVED it! They said the dressing tastes just like Cafe Rio and some really loved the pork. I made double dressing though and it was WAY too much. I almost doubled the pork too, and we ate it all. One batch of rice, and we had plenty of leftovers of that too. I'll definitely make this again!!! Thanks, Rebecca

Becca Said.....
I made this finally last night and oh it was so good and so worth it. It was not that hard to do, just a lot of ingredients. I would make 1/2 the rice suggested for sure I have tons left. Also the salsa that I added was the new pace line it was Tequila lime salsa (no worries the alcohol cooks out!)It was so darn good in it. The pork is not exactly like Cafe Rio's, but the dressing is and that is all that matters! We are going to make this a lot.

Pork Chop Skillet

2008-11-03T20:16:00.000-08:00

This recipe came from my friend Windy, she called me tonight and told me how good it is and I of course said "put it on the blog!" She said even her kids enjoyed it, and it was so fast.

6 BLSL Pork Chops (1 1/2 lbs, 1/2 in thick)
2 Onions(thinly sliced)
2TBSP Worcestershire Sauce
1 Pkg(6oz) Stove Top stuffing mix(chicken flavor)
1 C shredded low-moisture part skim Mozzarella cheese

Heat Large non stick skillet sprayed with cooking spray on med-high heat. Add chops and onions cook 10 min or until done turning chops and stirring onions after 5 min Remove chops. Cook and stir onions 5 min or until golden brown.
Stir in Worcestershire sauce. Return chops to skillet Top with onion mixture
Mix stuffing and 1 1/2 cups hot water spoon around edge of skillet Top with cheese:cover. Cook 5 min or until cheese is melted.

prep time 10 min total 35 min makes 6 servings

Windy

November 3, 2008 5:07 PM

Keeping kids busy during the winter months

2008-10-24T13:31:00.000-07:00

Keepin kids busy during winter

Tamis ideas:
- art projects
- painting pumpkins

Here are some ideas: We could always use more!!
Ellie Yost Said......
I've been letting my 18 month old help me with my chores. Like getting the clothes out of the dryer or picking up his shoes or toys. Building with blocks, reading books. Since the weather is really wet here it's hard for us to do things outside. I've also out up a two man tent before and filled it with pillows and blankets and let him and his sister play in there.

vigues said...
Oh, the tent idea is really good. Also, cardboard boxes. Any size, any shape (although the big ones are the MOST fun). My kids love to fill and empty small boxes, hide in medium boxes, and make forts or houses out of really large boxes. Oh, my kids have really done well with cooking together. It's a mess, but they love dumping and stirring (my 4 year old still insists that he's "the dumper" if there's cooking to be done).

Rebecca Said.....
Well some of the things that we do are......
- puppet shows
- hide and seek (but be careful sometimes they hide really good)Sometimes we hide stuffed animals or something like that and then find them too!
-We also play zoo, we put out our stuffed animals in different areas of the house and then go around and look at them just like the zoo.
-My kids also love the connect four game they don't really play, but they love put the checkers in and dump them, I don't think they are small enough to swallow?!
-Play dough is messy, but fun and if you let it dry it is easier to clean up! or there is homemade peanut butter play dough and then little ones can eat it! (I will post that soon)
-My mom made my kids a cover that goes over a card table to make a tent or you could just put a big blanket! then we turn off the lights and get flash lights to play with.
-Also my kids like to play "clean" so I went to the dollar store and got empty spray bottles and put a little water lavender oil (so they would think it was real) and then tell them to work on cleaning the kitchen floor! they do good for a while, but you still have to watch them, they will eventually get out of hand!
-my kids love water colors, but they are hard to find.

Olive Garden's Zuppa Tuscano Soup

2008-10-17T13:52:00.000-07:00

I Really enjoy this soup and me and my mother-in-law made it last weekend and it tasted exactly like Olive Garden's!

Makes: 6-8 servings

INGREDIENTS
1 lb ground Italian sausage
1½ tsp crushed red peppers
1 large diced white onion
4 Tbsp bacon pieces
2 tsp garlic puree
10 cups water
5 cubes of chicken bouillon
1 cup heavy cream
1 lb sliced Russet potatoes, or about 3 large potatoes
¼ of a bunch of kale

Saute Italian sausage and crushed red pepper in pot. Drain excess fat, refrigerate while you prepare other ingredients.

In the same pan, saute bacon, onions and garlic for approximately 15 mins. or until the onions are soft.

Mix together the chicken bouillon and water, then add it to the onions, bacon and garlic.
Cook until boiling
Add potatoes and cook until soft, about half an hour.
Add heavy cream and cook until thoroughly heated.
Stir in the sausage.
Add kale just before serving. Delicious!

Fun with the family with www.vrbo.com (click here for link)

2008-10-09T12:40:00.001-07:00

I just wanted to let you guys know how much fun we had on our last vacation..Not only because we were away from home and free from daily life, but also because of where we stayed! My Dad and I found this website www.vrbo.com (vacation rentals by owner) in the spring and was excited about the prices that you pay for a whole condo or house, in most cases not much more, even sometimes less that a hotel. Now I don't know about the rest of you guys, but I HATE hotels and small kids! The noises, beds and bright lights coming under the door! But with this we felt as close to home as possible and the kids slept much better. It was easy and simple to set up with the owner and a very comfortable experience. You can get on there and search anywhere in the U.S and other countries as well. Lots of fun I highly suggest it to anyone! If you have any questions I would love to help.

Discipline!!!! Such a hard thing to do.....

2008-10-06T13:05:00.001-07:00

On my poll most of you said that discipline is the hardest thing for you so I decided to publish this post hoping that my mistakes will help someone else!!!
I have found that in the last 4 years of my sons life he has tested me to the highest degree. I am generally a very mellow person, but I have to admit that I have been surprised with myself with the way I react to his misbehavior. I have come to terms with myself and realized that I have a problem too and I need to react differently when he does something wrong. And I will tell you I wish I would have tried this 2 years ago, it is amazing the difference I see in him and me. Don't get me wrong some days I have to take a step back from my normal routine and remember what that I am trying to be better!!! Here are a few things that I have noticed that helps for me.

Important Reminders about Discipline:
1.Stay calm and do not get carried away when your child misbehaves. Avoid yelling and screaming, since this can teach your child that it is all right to lose control if you don't get your way. If you feel like things are escalating too much, then take a break until you can regain your composure. (this is a huge one for me, I noticed the biggest change in my son when I am more calm, but firm. It is soooo hard to do sometimes.)
2.Avoid too much criticism. Make sure your child understands that it is the misbehavior that you are unhappy with and that you will always love him.
3.Avoid too much praise. You don't need to be continuously praising your child, especially for routine activities, because it will make your comments less effective.
4.Don't focus on negatives all of the time, especially when offering positive reinforcement. It is much better to say ‘I like that you put all of your clothes away,' instead of saying ‘I like that, for once, you finally got around to putting your clothes away without my asking.'
5.Avoid physical punishment. Spanking has never been shown to be more effective than other forms of punishment and will make your child more aggressive and angry.
6.Remember to give rewards and praise for good behavior.
7.Understand the difference between rewards and bribes. A reward is something your child receives after he has done something, while a bribe is given beforehand, to try and motivate your child to do what you want. Bribes should be avoided.
8.Be a good role model.
Most importantly, provide your child with a safe environment in which he feels secure and loved.

Sometimes these things are so difficult! But that's why we are down here right? to learn and grow, so lets show our little ones how to be better people and that everyone even big people make mistakes!
......

Yummy fall Desserts

2008-09-25T12:51:00.000-07:00

This is one of the best desserts for pumpkin that I have! oh and did I mention it is easy?!

Praline Pumpkin Dessert

1 can pumpkin (not pumpkin pie mix)
1 can (12 oz.) Evaporated milk
3 eggs
1 cup granulated sugar
4 tsp. pumpkin pie spice
1 package golden vanilla cake mix with pudding (any white or yellow cake mix with pudding works good.)
1 1/2 cups chopped pecans or walnuts
3/4 C. margarine or butter, melted
Sweetened Whipped Cream or whipped topping
additional pumpkin pie spice to sprinkle on to

Heat the oven to 350. Grease the bottom and sides of a 13x9 inch pan.
Beat the pumpkin, milk, eggs, sugar and 4 teaspoons pumpkin pie spice in a medium bowl with a wite whisk until smooth. Pout into the greased pan.
Sprinkle the dry cake mix over the pumpkin mixture. Sprinkle the pecans. Pour the melted margarine evenly over top of the dessert.
Bake 50 to 60 minutes or until a knife inserted in the center comes out clean.
Just before serving add a small amount of whipped topping on top and sprinkle with pumpkin pie spice. Cover and refrigerate any remaining desert.

Posted by: Becca Oct. 1st 2008

You all may have these recipes, but these ones are from my friend Natalie that always makes yummy desserts and they have now become my favorite fall sweet!

Cobbler:

12 tbs Butter softened(ok that is why it is so good!)
1 C. Sugar
1 C. Flour
2. Eggs
about 2 1/2 cups of fresh or frozen fruit (I like peaches mixed with berries best)

Put in fruit, mix topping together and bake in oven @350 for 45 min. or until brown and a little crispy.

Apple Crisp

3-4 apples (green always taste better cooked.)
3/4 c. Quick oats
3/4 c. Brown Sugar
1/2 c. Flour
1 tsp. cinnamon
1/2 c. butter
1/8 tsp. nutmeg

put apples in bottom of dish sprinkle with a little sugar and cinnamon if desired and mix up topping and place on top Bake @350 for 35 min. or crispy!

Apple Dip
This one we found last fall- so Good and fun for kids

8 oz. Cream Cheese
1/2 c. Brown Sugar
1/4 C. Honey
1 tsp. Vanilla
Cinnamon to taste

*mix all together and serve with apple slices

Sour cream cookies
these are like sugar cookies, but softer and more tastefull! Fun to make pumpkin cookies!

1 c. Shortening
2 c. Sugar
3 eggs
1 tsp. Vanilla
1 c. Sour Cream
1/2 tsp. Soda
5 tsp. baking powder
1 tsp. salt
5-6 cups of flour

Cream shortening and sugar, then add eggs one at a time. Add vanilla and sour cream. mix together all dry ingredients and then add to the rest of mixture and mix together. roll out dough and cut with cookie cutters. Bake @350 fro 8-10 min I never really let the bottoms get brown that way they are a lot more soft! So watch them carfully!

-I was blog surfing and found this site. My family has a similar sour cream cookie recipe! they are to die for! thanks for reminding me. I kinda thought only we made these! too fun! Thanks (they are better when they are undercooked. they do stay softer. thanks!)

How do We save the World!?

2008-09-23T13:45:00.000-07:00

I know that us moms already have too much to do, but I like to think that by making a small difference we can change things for our children and so on....Here are some things that I have started to do and I still need to improve...(please add your ideas)

1. teach my kids to turn off lights, water and t.v.! (leaving the t.v. on uses so much energy)
2. Provo has a recycle garbage can and I put so much garbage in it and our regular can is never full by the time the truck comes
3. Showers use less water than baths. (not that us moms have time for that anyway!)
4. When buying paper and plastic products look for biodegradable or if that is not an option then pick the paper because plastic takes a lot longer to break down into earth. Try to only use them when necessary!
5.don't throw away items some one else might want....turn in to a thrift store. And you shop at thrift stores for certain items as well.
6. Try not to use bottled water! most companies just fill it up in the tap anyways...and they are filling up the land fills because not a lot of people are recycling them.
7. Remember even if you do recycle it still takes energy and pollutes and the recycle factory's so just be aware what you waste!!!

Here are more added by Tami Haws.....
8. Use energy saving light bulbs, they cost more up front but last so much longer
9. Make your own compost (you can purchase the cans at any garden store) it is so nice for your flowers and garden and it saves the landfills. find out more online
10. Front loader washers..Tami has noticed a huge difference in her energy bill and loves how it cleans as well.
11. Use a hankie instead of tissues, most people just wipe one time and throw away!
12. there are a lot of house cleaning products that you can make yourself online....That are natural!
Thanks Tami for your input!
13. I use the clorox green toilet cleaner in my toilets and it works great, if I have a really bad toilet from time to time I will use the other kind, but not very often. Be aware of what we put down our drains......That water ends up recycling and then we drink it, and no not all the chemicals are out of it!

Fall Morning Breakfast

2008-09-22T13:45:00.001-07:00

Pumpkin Pancakes
This is a recipe from my Friend Susan Andersen....Thank you Susan for this one (I happen to love Pumpkin and Pancakes!)

2 cups pancake or waffle mix
2 Tbsp brown sugar
1 Tbsp cinnamon
1 12-ounce evaporated milk
1 cup pumpkin
3 Tbsp veg. oil
2 tsp vanilla extract
2 eggs

Mix all together and beat until smooth. Cook like regular pancakes.

(This is an awesome recipe to try with the pancakes. My aunt gave me this one and now it's the family favorite)

Buttermilk syrup

1 cup butter(not margarine)
1 cup sugar
1/2 cup buttermilk
1/2 tsp. baking soda
1 tsp. vanilla

Mix first 3 together until melted on stove top. Add baking soda and vanilla. It will foam so use a little bigger sauce pan to allow for that.
love pumpkin and pancakes!)
*Me and my family tried this today and oh my thank you so much for this recipe Susan! the syrup is like magleby's fresh and I have tried to figure that out forever!
I shall never make another syrup agian!
posted by: Becca oct. 4th 2008

Yummy!!!!!!!!!

2008-08-31T13:58:00.000-07:00

P.F. Changs Lettuce Wraps
these are so close to theirs! oh this is a great find because I crave these often, but don't want to pay the price to go out as often as I want them.

Ingredients
3 tablespoons oil
2 boneless skinless chicken breasts
1 cup water chestnuts
2/3 cup mushroom
3 tablespoons chopped onions
1 teaspoon minced garlic
4-5 leaves icberg lettuce (I use romaine or butter for the nutition)

Special Sauce
1/4 cup sugar
1/2 cup water
2 tablespoons soy sauce
2 tablespoons rice wine vinegar
2 tablespoons ketchup
1 tablespoon lemon juice
1/8 teaspoon sesame oil
1 tablespoon hot mustard
2 teaspoons water
1-2 teaspoon garlic and red chile paste
Stir Fry Sauce
2 tablespoons soy sauce
2 tablespoons brown sugar
1/2 teaspoon rice wine vinegar

Directions

1.Make the special sauce by dissolving the sugar in water in a small bowl.

2.Add soy sauce, rice wine vinegar, ketchup, lemon juice and sesame oil.

3.Mix well and refrigerate this sauce until you're ready to serve.

4.Combine the hot water with the hot mustard and set this aside as well.

5.Eventually add your desired measurement of mustard and garlic chili sauce to the special sauce mixture to pour over the wraps.

6.Bring oil to high heat in a wok or large frying pan.

7.Saute chicken breasts for 4 to 5 minutes per side or done.

8.Remove chicken from the pan and cool.

9.Keep oil in the pan, keep hot.

10.As chicken cools mince water chestnuts and mushrooms to about the size of small peas.

11.Prepare the stir fry sauce by mixing the soy sauce, brown sugar, and rice vinegar together in a small bowl.

12.When chicken is cool, mince it as the mushrooms and water chestnuts are.

13.With the pan still on high heat, add another Tbsp of vegetable oil.

14.Add chicken, garlic, onions, water chestnuts and mushrooms to the pan.

15.Add the stir fry sauce to the pan and saute the mixture for a couple minutes then serve it in the lettuce"cups".

16.Top with"Special Sauce".

Easy tips to eat good and fast!

2008-08-24T14:23:00.000-07:00

This is one of Tami's Haws' Tips, thanks Tami for you input!
I had a tip and I know it sounds too easy but it works. I always have on hand cooked chicken tenders and sometimes veggies. It's so much easier making a healthy snack from the chicken when it's already cooked. Chicken salad is one of my favorites. Or chicken pita sandwiches. Also I always have on hand zip locks bags with assorted vegies already in it. Ready to go when I am out of the door. I wash and re-use the bags...recycle please!!! I also have string cheese which anyone that has kids I'm sure has. For anyone that likes tomato's I grew these this year and I love snacking on them. Cherry tomatoes and they are always ready to eat. Last one, is frozen green grapes. If you have not tried this they are so good and it helps if you are craving something sweet. Great for kids in the summer.

How to get your kids to be good while shopping!

2008-08-19T17:17:00.000-07:00

This is a tough one! but here are some things that I do to help ease the stress and keep them occupied for at least some of the time. Click on comments and Please add your ideas

1. Pack their lunch in a cute little lunch box and have them nibble on it in the shopping cart!(I know shopping carts are dirty!, but it is not like they don't end up with their mouths on them anyway!)

2. Let them bring their own toy shopping cart and let them put a few small items in it or a toy stroller with a baby doll in it. (this can keep my kids good for quite a while, because they feel so included and big!)

3. I carry magnets in my purse that they can stick to the shopping cart and play with.

4. And of course I know we all do this....Bribery works when all else fails!

Wonderful sides

2008-08-18T14:51:00.000-07:00

Creamy Buttermilk Fruit salad

This salad is always at my family partys, and I always hope for leftovers!

2 cups of buttermilk
2 pkg of coconut, lemon or cream cheese flavored instant pudding
2 cans of Mandarin oranges
1 can of mixed canned fruit
1 can of pineapple chucks
(I like to substitute and use fresh fruit like grapes, banannas and strawberries)
2 Bananas
1 Lg. tub of cool whip
sm. marshmellows if wanted

mix buttermilk and pudding together and then stir in fruit. Gently fold in cool whip and chill for at least an hour.

The best mashed potatoes
Add about 1/2 cup of buttermilk to every 7 or 8 potatoes and 2 tbls butter, put cooked potatoes, buttermilk, and butter into your mixer and mix..This is how my mother-in-law makes mashed potatoes and they are the best ever!

If you have not tried these yet they are so good. And this is a good time to use up those leftover tomatoes in the garden that don't have time to rippen before frost!

Fried Green TomatoesMakes: 6 servings Total Time: 20

Ingredients:
2 lb. green tomatoes
4 eggs
1 1/4 cups corn meal
3/4 cup water
1/4 cup minced chives
1 Tbsp. salt
1/4 tsp. pepper, fresh ground
1/4 cup butter or margarine

Preparation Slice the tomatoes 1/2 inch thick, but do not peel or core. Drain well between several thicknesses of paper toweling until most of the moisture of the tomatoes is absorbed.

While the tomatoes are draining, make a batter by beating the eggs until light, then mixing in the corn meal, water, minced chives, salt and pepper.

In a large heavy iron skillet, heat the butter or margarine until bubbly. Dip the tomato slices into batter, and brown quickly on both sides. Serve at once.

Posted by: Charity Oct, 6th 2008

Easy Cleaning Tips

2008-08-10T13:38:00.000-07:00

Ellie posted her easy and cool cleaning tip! Thanks Ellie for being the first one to add to this blog!(wow I want to try this one!)

My Sister in law told me about this one. (On a home make-over they had to deal with a very nasty grimy yucky tub They tried lots of different cleaners and guess what worked: ready? ready? Drum roll please ........ Dum dum dum dum .... There it is folks: liquid dish detergent( Ajac). Cheap, sudsy, and lemony fresh. This is the one I had on hand and tried, but I'm sure any would work... I've tried it twice now and been so excited at the results I was actually EXCITED to clean the tub and rushed to the phone to tell my sis-in-law about it. Today I tried it without any other helpers: just a blast from the shower to wet the surfaces, a squeeze of dish soap all around the tub rim and along the base, and my scrubby brush. I had a clean gleaming sparkling white tub in 3 minutes. So go try it. I dare you. Then come back and tell me how great it is. We could start a fan club for dish soap.)
August 6, 2008 4:04 PM

Tami: I tried the dish soap thing....THANK YOU!!!! It was so much easier. That is one of the things I hate doing is anything in the bathroom. Thanks guys.

Becca: I tried the dish soap and it is a miracle! I also use dawn dish soap to get out grease stains on clothes it always works and better than the other pre-wash sprays!

Anonymous said...
Oxy clean is great for kids stained cloths! it may be a bit pricey, but it really works well for stains...

Posted by: Jenny

November 24, 2008 12:57 PM

Becca: My kids spilled finger nail polish on my carpet the other day.(not just a little, but the whole bottle!) I did not know what to do...My mom always used her home made window cleaner to clean carpet stains and all I had was the foaming spray window cleaner. We scrubed with that and YES it got it all out! I thought that I would have to replace the carpet, but you can't even tell! Amazing stuff

Sooo Good! But Not So Easy and Fast!

2008-07-24T13:14:00.000-07:00

Chicken Breast Supreme
This Recipe makes a lot so I cut in in 1/2 a lot. It is defiantly worth the work! I got it from a recipe book from the Jehovah Witness church.

Chicken breast supreme!

12 Chicken Breast
1/4C. Flour
2 1/2 tsp. Salt
1 tsp. Paprika
1/4 C. Butter
2 tsp. Cornstarch
1 1/2 C. Half and Half or Light Cream
1/4 C. Cooking Spray
1 tsp. Grated Lemon Peel
1 T. Lemon Juice
1 C. Shredded Swiss Cheese
1/2 C . Chopped Parsley

Mix flour, salt, and paprika in a bag. Shake chicken to coat. In skillet heat butter and brown chicken. Add 1/4 Cup water and simmer covered for 30 min. Or until almost tender. Put chicken in 9x13 pan. Mix cornstarch with 1/4 cup half and half. Stir into skillet drippings. Cook over low heat stirring. Gradually stir in remaining half and half, sherry, lemon peel and lemon juice.
Cook stirring until thickened. Pour over chicken. Bake covered @ 350 for 35 min. or until sauce is bubbly. Uncover and sprinkle with Swiss cheese. Bake a few minutes longer to melt cheese. Garnish with parsley and Enjoy your Juicy, tender Chicken!

Baked Beans (these are really good homemade beans, and not too hard.) Also makes a lot.
I got this recipe from my sister in laws mom who feeds the first presidency of the church. And they love these.

Homemade Baked beans

1 lb. Ground Beef
3/4 lb. Bacon (we like the precooked peppered bacon best.)
3/4 C. chopped onion
2 Lg. Cans pork and beans
2 Lg. Cans drained kidney beans
1-2 Cans butter beans, drained.
1 cup Ketchup

1/2 C. brown sugar
4 T. Mustard
3 T. Vinegar
1 tsp. Salt
Dash of Pepper
1 Lg. Green pepper, diced

Brown hamburger and drain. Brown onions , green pepper and bacon. Then drain. Mix all together and cook on Med-Low for 1 to 1 1/2 hrs. Or put in Oven at 275 for two Hrs. Or put in crock pot for a few hours.

Chicken Crepe' Enchilada's
This one is from Windy! She used to always make these for me and they are tasty!

Make up a batch of crepe's (doesn't matter which one like 15 crepe's)

Cook 1 1/2 lbs of chicken
1/2 bag of frozen broccoli (cooked)
1/2 can cream of mushroom soup
1/2 can cream of chicken soup
( if you aren't doubling the recipe just use 1 can of cream of chicken soup so you don't waste food)
1 8oz sour cream
1 1/2 tsp worcestershire sauce
2 cup grated cheddar cheese

cheese sauce
put cream of mushroom and cream of chicken, worcestershire sauce and sour cream and 1 cup of cheese into sauce pan cook on low heat til it's all blended

place chicken and broccoli (already cooked) on crepe's and a tbsp of cheese sauce inside then roll up and put rest of sauce on top and remaining cheese on top too bake at 350'F for 20 to 30 minutes just till cheese is melter on top
super yummy

posted by: Windy October 1, 2008 9:26 AM

This is the Crepe recipe that I use.....

4 large Eggs
2 cups flour
2 1/4 cup. Milk
1/4c. canola oil
1 tsp salt

I like to put it all in the blender and add the flour slowly to the other mixture as it is on. this way it makes it fast and less messy to mix by hand....
then you heat up a skillet on med. and spay with pan spray, then pour in about 1/4 cup and pick up the pan and move pan around until mixtures spreads out evenly in the best circle that you can. Cook on both sides and then when all cooked you can do anything that your heart desires with them. (like Windy's enchiladas) or we also love fruit and cream cheese and cool whip and then eat for breakfast! YUM...

Posted by Becca: Oct 1st 2008

Quick and Easy Meal Ideas

2008-06-17T20:26:00.000-07:00

-Easy Chicken Enchiladas

14 corn tortillas
4 oz. sour cream
1 can cream of chicken
1 can of chilies
1 can of enchilada sauce (i like the green)
1 tsp. garlic powder
1/2 pepper
1/2 c. cheese (I like moteray jack)

mix all together except the cheese and sauce. Fill the tortillas and roll. put a little sauce on bottom of 13x9 pan before you add filled enchiladas. put in enchiladas and pour remaining sauce over top. make sure to cover all of the tortilla shell. sprinkle with cheese.
Cook on 325 for 20 min or until bubbly.

-Fried Burritos

We like to fry our burritos sometimes just to mix it up. The idea was originally invented by my brother.
just get a large flour tortilla (we like the fresh uncooked ones)
add refried beans, cheese, onions, rice or whatever you like. Fold up and heat oil in frying pan and cook on all sides until brown. serve with sour cream, salsa lettuce, tomatoes ect. It It is kinda like a challupa I guess.

-Easy Stir Fry

Just pick veggies and meat of choice and stir fry in high heat pan with olive, canola or sesame oil until crisp tender (add the softer veggies later so they do not cook to fast.) And for the noodles I just use top ramen noodles and then sprinkle the seasoning packet over the stir fry. (only use one packet or it is too salty.) Then add ginger, soy sauce, or garlic along with that.

Chicken Dumpling Soup
I found this easy soup recipe a few years ago in a light and tasty magazine and we now eat it a lot because it is made with bonless chicken breast and so you don't have to cook a whole chicken and take all day! I always double it for leftovers, it tastes even better the next day.

1 pound bonless chicken breasts, cut into 1 1/2 inch cubes
3 cans reduces sodium chickn broth (or boulion)
3 cups water
4 medium carrots chopped
1 medium onion, chopped
1 celery rib, chopped
1 teas. minced fresh parsley
1/2 tsp. salt
1/4 tsp. garlic powder
1/4 tsp. fresh garlic
1/4 tsp. pepper (I like to add more)
then I just throw in whatever seasoning I like to add some more flavor!

DUMPLINGS:
3 egg whites
1/2 cup cottage cheese
2 Tbls. water
1/4 tsp. salt
1 c. flour

In a large nonstick skillet coated with nonstick spray, brown chicken. Add the broth, water, veggies and seasonings. bring to boil. Reduce heat; simmer uncovered for 30 min. meanwhile, for dumpling, beat the egg whites and cottage cheese in a mixing bowl. Add water and salt. Stir in the flour;mix well
Bring soup to a boil. Drop dumplings by tablespoonfuls into the boiling soup. Reduces heat; cover and simmer for 15 min. or until a toothpick inserted in duplings comes out clean. Serve immediatley.
Yield: 4 serving

Chicken Tortilla Soup
this is so fast and easy! I love it topped with Fritos and sour cream!

4 boneless, skinless chicken thighs
1 4-ounce can chopped green chilies, drained (hot or mild, depending on preference)
2 cloves of garlic, minced
1 yellow onion, diced
2 15-ounce cans of diced tomatoes, including juice
1/2 - 1 cup chicken broth
1 teaspoon cumin
Kosher salt and pepper
4 corn tortillas, sliced into 1/4 inch strips
2 tablespoons chopped cilantro
1/2 cup shredded Monterey jack cheese
1 avocado diced and tossed with lime juice to prevent browning
1 lime, cut into wedges

Directions
Place chicken in slow cooker.
In a separate bowl, combine chilies, garlic, onion, tomatoes, 1/2 c chicken broth and cumin. Blend and pour over chicken.
Cook on high for 3 hours. When chicken is tender, use the tines of 2 forks to shred. Adjust seasoning and add additional chicken broth if necessary.
Just before serving, add tortillas and cilantro to Crock-Pot® slow cooker. Stir to incorporate. Adjust seasoning to taste.
Serve in soup bowls, topping each with shredded cheese, diced avocado and a squeeze of lime.
Serves: 4-6
Size: 3-6 quarts

Recommended slow cooker