Mommy Cow

Faith, Trust, & Pixie Dust

2012-01-27T23:16:00.004-05:00

Faith, Trust, & Pixie Dust is all it took to put this cake together! Bear asked for a chocolate Tinkerbell cake for her 5th birthday. I used the Rich Chocolate Cake and cream cheese frosting recipes from my ever trusty Good Housekeeping Cook Book.

This was my first layered cake with a column, so I did not have materials and was rather nervous. After waiting until the night before her birthday, at 8 pm, I searched Michaels and Walmart (the stores that weren't already closed) and did not find the column I was envisioning. I grabbed a cheap plastic cup from the cabinet and hot glued a cardboard cake round to the bottom. After frosting the base (9x13), I added forced the cup down into the cake. I piped a basic chocolate butter frosting onto the cup to form a tree trunk before placing the remaining 5" circle cake on top the base. Adding some extra green coloring to the remaining frosting before piping leaves with a large Wilton leaf tip added just the right contrast. Tinkerbell and other fairy figurines and a sprinkling of pastel flowers completed the cake.

It even survived the daunting trip across town to great-gram's apartment where family awaited. Bear was quite pleased.

Looking for more cake decorating inspiration? Check out my past cake posts or head over to
Life As Mom for a birthday cake round-up.

Meal Planning Monday (Week 3 of the Pantry Challenge

2012-01-16T06:49:00.000-05:00

We've completed Week 2 of the Pantry Challenge. Are you following along? Follow along or link-up your progress at Good Cheap Eats.

I'm slowly working toward my goals. Though last week was thrown off a bit when Daddy Cow picked up some marked down spareribs and brats- one of the positives and negatives of his working at a local grocery.

Breakfast
oatmeal
Coco Wheats
cereal x2
eggs and toast x2
waffles

Lunch
peanut butter and jelly sandwiches
tuna salad sandwiches
cottage cheese and crackers
macaroni and cheese
meatloaf sandwiches
sausages with spaghetti
leftovers (turkey and rice soup)

Supper
cheesy bean and rice bake, tossed salad
tater tot casserole, peas
oven fried fish, waffle fries, salad
scalloped potatoes with ham, peas
I week: Italian sausages with peppers and onions, Italian bread, ice cream
black bean soup, cheese quesadillas
lasagna, green beans, tossed salad, garlic bread

Interested in participating in the Pantry Challenge? Link up at Good Cheap Eats.

Meal Planning Monday (Week 2 of the Pantry Challenge)

2012-01-09T06:33:00.001-05:00

We've completed Week 1 of the Pantry Challenge. Follow along or link-up your progress at Good Cheap Eats.

I'm slowly working toward my goals. This week, we started clearing out the freezer and limited our grocery purchases. I bought 2 gal milk, 1.5 doz eggs, 3 packages marked down deli ham, cheese, a loaf of bread, bananas, and Pepsi for Daddy Cow. Total= $28.53

We followed last week's plan fairly well, but because I slept in and didn't get the beans cooking, we swapped our ham and beans for Sunday night lasagna. Having planned lunches available in the refrigerator and posted on the side of the refrigerator has prevented Daddy Cow's lunchtime pizza and Jimmy John's orders- and also made taking lunch with me to work a simpler process.

Here's what's on the plan for next week.

Breakfast
freezer waffles
oatmeal
Coco Wheats
cereal
eggs and toast x2
french toast

Lunch
cheese toasties and tomato soup
peanut butter and jelly sandwiches
cottage cheese and crackers
hot dogs and baked beans
cheese quesadillas
leftovers x2 (ham & beans, lasagna)

Supper
ham and spinach quiche, fruit
pork loin, sweet potatoes, green beans
lemon pepper salmon, Steamfresh multi-grain blend, broccoli
H week: ham, hashbrowns, honeydew
hamburgers, sweet potato fries, salad
turkey and rice soup
meatloaf, crash hot potatoes, peas

Interested in participating in the Pantry Challenge? Link up at Good Cheap Eats.
For more meal planning inspiration check out OrgJukie.

Ham n Beans

2012-01-08T19:48:00.003-05:00

Christmas means ham dinners and ham dinners mean ham bones! If you have a ham bone (or leftover chopped ham) in the freezer, try this simple hearty meal to warm your family.

- 1 lb pinto beans
- 1 ham bone with leftover ham (if you are a poor carver, the residual meat will work- if you there is little left on your bone, you may want to add some diced ham)
- 2 onions, diced
- 4 stalks celery, diced
- 4 carrots, diced
- 2 T seasoned salt
- 2 T cumin
- 1 T thyme
- 4 c water

Pick through beans and soak overnight. Place ham bone in slow cooker. Add vegetables, beans, seasonings, and water. Make sure beans are submerged. Cook on high 6 hrs or low 10 hrs. Pull out bone- all meat should easily fall off. Stir well before serving.

Ham n beans is best served with warm cornbread. I use this recipe from the trusty Good Housekeeping cookbook I received as a high school graduation present.

12 DIY projects for 2012

2012-01-07T15:18:00.003-05:00

I was inspired last year by the 12 DIY projects Crystal from MoneySavingMom completed and have created a pretty long list of projects I'd like to try. When I saw her list this year, I decided to create my own list of projects. I'll share how they go and maybe this will keep me motivated to finish them. What are some things you would like to accomplish this year?

Homemade Draft Stop
Remote Control Pocket Pillow
Picture Frame Headboard
Rag Quilt Letters
Photo Coasters
Strawberry Freezer Jam
Homemade Vanilla Extract
Homemade Salad Dressing
Children's Aprons
Slow Cooker Apple Butter
Rice Bags
Christmas Stockings (from kits)

Meal Planning Monday (and a pantry challenge)

2012-01-02T06:36:00.007-05:00

It's Day 2 of the Pantry Challenge. We started the New Year with corned beef and cabbage adapted from this recipe at A Year of Slow Cooking.

A successful Pantry Challenge requires knowing what you have. The easiest way is to take an inventory and meal plan. Meal planning prevents the deer-in-headlights freeze when asked "what's for dinner?" and reduces the temptation to cave and pick up supper on the way home.

We have a good stockpile so with some creativity, the need to purchase additional groceries will be easily kept to a minimum. This week we will need to buy eggs, milk, and sandwich cheese (sneaky kids have apparently swiped it all).

Breakfast
freezer waffles
oatmeal
Coco Wheats
cereal
eggs and toast x2
pancakes

Lunch
ham and cheese sandwiches
ham salad sandwiches
peanut butter and jelly sandwiches
cheese quesadillas
cheese toasties
baked macaroni and cheese with ham
leftovers

Supper
black bean burgers, salsa, corn, tossed salad
turkey, stuffing, sweet potatoes
tuna noodle casserole, peas
chili spaghetti, salad
horseshoes, fruit
ham & beans, corn bread
lasagna, green beans, salad, garlic bread

Interested in participating in the Pantry Challenge? Link up at Good Cheap Eats.
For more meal planning inspiration check out OrgJukie.

Pantry (and freezer) Challenge

2012-01-01T14:45:00.004-05:00

Jessica at Good Cheap Eats and Life as Mom is hosting another Pantry Challenge. Despite holiday sales not being quite what I'd hoped, this fall has left our freezer pretty full. This Pantry Challenge isn't about going without or what we don't have; it's about focusing on the bounty before us. Focusing on what we already have will help us start out the new year in the right direction and set us on the path toward our yearly family goals.

Pantry Challenge Goals
Cleaning out the Freezer
I knew we were starting to build up some frost on the sides of our freezer, but when inventorying, I also found greasy orange frost in one of the bottom corners. I'll be focusing on using what is in the freezer this month and not be adding to our freezer stockpile. Hopefully by the end, I'll have cleared out enough to defrost and clean our chest freezer.

Cutting the Budget
One of our family goals this year is to expand our garden. Cutting the grocery budget this month will provide money to put toward soil in the increased area, seeds, and plants if my first attempt at indoor seedlings flops. I will still need to purchase some fresh produce and dairy, but will be greatly reducing our grocery spending this month.

Follow along each Monday as myself and others link-up at Good Cheap Eats.

Meal Planning Monday 9/25

2011-09-26T06:14:00.000-04:00

breakfast:
scrambled eggs, toast
yogurt with Nutty Granola
cereal
pancakes
maple sausage, poached eggs, english muffins

lunch:
macaroni and cheese
hot dogs
cheese and crackers
peanut butter and jelly
canned soup, cheese toasties
leftovers

snacks/sides:
string cheese
yogurt
granola bars
crackers
peaches
apples
bananas
carrots
celery

supper:
mushroom and spinach quiche
spaghetti with meatballs
Dining with the Alphabet- the letter "C"- chicken cacciatore, couscous, cauliflower, carrots
chicken fajita casserole
pizza
baked potato soup
fennel roast pork, roast potatoes, green beans, batter rolls

Shared at

Souper Saturday- Chili

2011-09-24T23:31:00.004-04:00

What better way to start fall than with a big pot of chili simmering on the stove? Cold weather makes me think chili. Yum! Chili is an affordable, versatile, easy, one-pot meal. Here's my old stand-by:

- 3 T olive oil
- 3 medium onions, diced
- 3 T minced garlic
- (3) 4 oz cans diced green chilies
- 3# ground beef, browned and drained
- 1# kidney beans, soaked overnight, rinsed, and drained
- 1# pinto beans, soaked overnight, rinsed, and drained
- 1 #10 can diced tomatoes in juice
- 1 8 oz can tomato paste
- 1/4 c chili powder
- 1/4 c seasoned salt
- 1/8 c ground cumin
- 1/8 c thyme
- 1/8 c paprika

Heat oil, garlic, onion, and chilies in the bottom of a large stock pot on medium low until onions are soft and translucent. Add remaining ingredients and stir well. Simmer on low 4-5 hrs or until thick and beans are soft.

I like mine over macaroni with shredded cheddar, parm, and diced onion- and plenty of corn bread on the side. Papa Cow prefers his with shredded cheddar and lots of Saltines. Bear agrees with her daddy and scoops hers with crackers.

How do you eat your chili?

Super Savings Saturday

2011-09-24T22:32:00.002-04:00

Wednesday we made a quick stop in at Marsh to pick up the following.

2 boxes Chex
6 cans Campbells Chunky soup
2 boxes Betty Crocker potatoes
2 boxes Fiber One bars
1 6-pack Danimals
Total: $8.19 (saved 76%)

We made another, much bigger trip today. Everything was quickly Tetris-ed into the fridge and I didn't get a picture, but we scored some great deals- with minimal coupons. Actually, I only used the $15 off $100 coupon from the ad and the $2 off Folgers coupon (also from the Marsh ad). Our freezer is once again full with a variety of meal starters which will make menu planning even easier.

- 3 Bell & Evans (natural hormone antibiotic free) chickens, approx 4# each
- 5 # chuck roast
- 1.5# Harvestland (natural hormone antibiotic free) boneless skinless thighs (mark down shelf)
- 8# pork shoulder
- 8# boneless pork loin
- Folger's coffee
- 5# red potatoes
- (4) 6-packs bottled Pepsi
- 2 boxes chocolate Cheerios
- 4 doz eggs
Total: $84.26 (saved 49%)

Dining with the Alphabet- the letter B

2011-09-22T23:14:00.000-04:00

Earlier this week we enjoyed what may be our last week of 80 degree weather this year. On our way to and from the playground we completed a letter "B" scavenger hunt finding a bridge, bird, brother, books, and several blue and black items. Another night we took dinner to some friends and met their new baby boy.

Cool weather hit just in time for our letter B supper.

Beefy BBQ beans
adapted from this slow cooked bean casserole

1 lb ground Beef, browned and drained
3/4 lb Bacon, diced
2 onions, diced
2 T minced garlic
1 can Black Beans
1 can kidney Beans
1 can garbanzo Beans
1 can navy Beans
1 can great northern Beans
1/4 c catsup
1/4 c mustard
1/4 c brown sugar
1/4 apple cider vinegar

Combine in slow cooker. Cook on low 6-8 hrs. Serve with Bread and Butter.

Meal Planning Monday 9/19

2011-09-19T06:42:00.004-04:00

breakfast:
scrambled eggs, toast
poached eggs, sausage, english muffins
pancakes
yogurt with Nutty Granola
cereal

lunch:
macaroni and cheese
hot dogs
cheese and crackers
peanut butter and jelly
tuna salad
leftovers

snacks/sides:
string cheese
yogurt
granola bars
fruit leather
apples
carrots, celery
mandarin oranges
peaches

supper:
spinach and mushroom pizza, fruit
lasagna, garlic breadsticks, tossed salad, green beans, apple crisp
pan "fried" white fish, mac and cheese, peas
Dining with the Alphabet- the letter "B"- bean casserole, broccoli, breadsticks, blueberry dessert
meatball subs
Souper Saturday- chili
Italian beef, roast potatoes, tossed salad, batter rolls

Shared at

Dining with the Alphabet- the letter A

2011-09-18T23:46:00.002-04:00

This year we embarked on our homeschooling adventure as Bear started preschool. This week we started the alphabet working on the letter A with handwriting, phonics, and some fun activities. We started the week running through the front yard as airplanes, astronauts, and alligators. I don't have a pic, but the driver's education car that circles our block got a show!

Every Thursday we are dining with the alphabet- with supper revolving around the week's letter. While the kids were coloring these free coloring pages, I put together this fast, delicious A supper. We talked about each ingredient and tried them individually. Both kids loved it.

A Supper

Boil 1 box of angel hair pasta according to directions, drain, and return to pot. Add one jar marinated artichoke hearts with liquid, toss to combine. Sprinkle with shredded asiago cheese. Serve with asparagus sauteed in olive oil and lemon pepper. We had apple slices for dessert.

We ended a fabulous A week with a trip to our local orchard.

Meal Planning Monday 9/5

2011-09-05T09:42:00.003-04:00

breakfast:
scrambled eggs, toast
pancakes
biscuits and gravy
yogurt with Nutty Granola
cereal
Alton Brown's Granola Bars
Oatmeal Breakfast Bars

lunch:
macaroni and cheese
cheese and crackers
peanut butter and jelly
tuna salad
Skinny Pizza Rolls
leftovers

snacks/sides:
cottage cheese
string cheese
yogurt
granola bars
crackers
cantaloupe
peaches
cherries
pears
carrots
celery

supper:
grilled cheese, tomato soup
BLTs, roasted potatoes, cantelope
pan "fried" white fish, spinach rice bake, carrots
bean and rice burritos, tomatoes, corn
pizza
pasta salad
crockpot "rotisserie chicken, roast potatoes, broccoli, batter rolls

Shared at

September Baking Day

2011-09-03T23:45:00.003-04:00

I haven't been as good about planning my monthly baking day/freezer cooking sessions this summer. This three day weekend is the perfect time to get back into the swing of things. By taking one (or two) days each month to cook in bulk, the rest of the month will go much smoother. Freezer cooking saves time chopping, preparing, cooking, and even cleanup!

Alton Brown's Granola Bars

Nutty Granola

Oatmeal Breakfast Bars

Whole Wheat "Cheese-Its"

"Wheat Thins"

Skinny Pizza Rolls

Super Savings Saturday

2011-09-03T10:06:00.001-04:00

Marsh Trip

In addition to the triple coupon event, our local store issued $5/40 coupons in the ad to celebrate their post remodel grand re-opening event. The cashier took the store coupon off my total before scanning manufacturers coupons! We shouldn't need dish soap for a while.

- Honey Nut Cheerios $3.33 -.75(-1.50)= $1.08
- Swiss sweet tea x2 $3.19 -.75 (-1.50)= $.94 each
- Reynolds aluminum foil x2 $3.09 -.55 (-1.10)= $1.44 each
- Barilla pasta sauce x2 $2.00 -.55 (-1.10)= $.35 each
- Mt. Olive pickles x2 $2.50 -.50 (-1.00)= $1.00 each
- Yoplait Greek yogurt x4 $1.25 -.50/2 (-1.50)= $.50 each
- Quaker Chewy granola bars x2 $1.88 -.75/2 (-1.50)= $.75 each
- Totinos pizza stuffers $4.39 -.75 (-1.50)= $2.14
- Yoplait parfaits 4 pack $2.00 -.75 (-1.50)= FREE with $.25 overage
- Dawn dish soap x2 $2.00 -.50 (-1.00)= $.50
- Dawn Plus dish soap x2 $2.00 -.75 (-1.50)= FREE plus $.25 overage
- Pledge $3.99 -.75 (-1.50)= $1.74
Total after coupons: $12.08 (83% savings)

We later made a 2nd trip to Marsh and picked up a latte with my free Birthday drink postcard at Starbucks on the way home.

We planted our garden pretty late this spring, so things are just starting to ripen.

A Confession

2011-09-02T21:39:00.000-04:00

Last week, as I sat in my car waiting patiently with my fellow commuters for the light change, I listened to the soft grinding-rattling sound originating from beneath the hood. Every morning, commuting to work, heart racing at the thought of my car taking it's last breath, leaving me alongside the road. I knew what was wrong with it. Why hadn't I fixed it? Well, a lack of emergency fund. I've made many excuses as to why we live paycheck to paycheck, but none are excusable- previous car repairs, vandals, burglars, pay cuts, our rental home going into foreclosure... I know better, but as a society we've made it easy on each other to adopt this common lifestyle. I told myself I was doing the best I could, but I need to be honest with myself. If I had planned further ahead, those events wouldn't have been the emergencies they became. If I had been a better steward of my money, I wouldn't be in this hole.

Unfortunately, this epiphany occurred a little too late... as did my car repairs. A $400 repair became a $900 replacement- one that we couldn't fix with YouTube. I'd been planning to ride my bike for fitness and environmental reasons, but this economic reason seemed to be the one that kicked my in the seat. So, last Tuesday I rode the 22.5 mi round trip commute- and I liked it. Just when I thought I'd found a part-time fiscally responsive solution, I sprained my ankle in the yard. Barely weight-bearing, I've given up dreams of Tour de France, and picked up my car from the mechanic.

This fall, I embark on a new chapter in life with several new endeavors and goals.
- new budget, paying down debt and building an emergency fund
- beginning home school with our preschooler
- evolving toward a healthier, more natural diet and increased fitness routine
- decluttering our home, office workspace, calendar, and minds
- focusing on our family and kindling a stronger relationship with God

Marsh Triple Coupons

2011-09-02T20:25:00.000-04:00

Meal Planning Monday 8/29

2011-08-29T06:21:00.000-04:00

breakfast:
scrambled eggs, toast
pancakes
biscuits and gravy
oatmeal
cereal

lunch:
macaroni and cheese, tropical fruit
ham and cheese sandwiches, carrots
cheese and crackers, celery and peanut butter
peanut butter and jelly, pear slices
leftovers

supper:
fried rice, stir-fry veggies
pork chops, salad, grilled veggies, watermelon
fiesta macaroni and cheese, watermelon
bacon, egg, and cheese muffins, cantaloupe, orange juice
BLTs, sweet potato fries
cookout with family
pasta carbonara, peas, tossed salad, batter rolls with garlic butter

Meal Planning Monday 8/22

2011-08-22T09:56:00.000-04:00

breakfast:
scrambled eggs, toast
waffles
oatmeal
cereal

lunch:
hot dogs, beans
macaroni and cheese, mandarin oranges
tuna salad, peaches
hard boiled eggs, cheese, carrots/celery
ham and beans, cornbread
leftovers

supper:
fried rice, stir-fry veggies
smoked sausage, roasted potatoes, peas, tossed salad
tacos, corn, sliced tomatoes
red beans and rice, green beans
carry-out salad
BLT pasta salad, fruit
lasagna, green beans, tossed salad, batter rolls with garlic butter

A Handy Dandy Birthday

2011-04-20T21:29:00.000-04:00

Buddy received a toy workbench for his birthday this year, so we decided to throw a tool themed party. The cake was baked in two loaf pans Then stacked on each other, propped open with a couple toothpicks. If I had planned ahead, it would have had 1/2 a doughnut handle and some better (more) tools instead of the wrench we pulled from his toy box.

Brought to You by the Letters A & Z and the Number 4

2011-02-01T08:10:00.000-05:00

Bear asked for a Zoe cake this year. Almost as easy as the Elmo cake I made last year.

Happy Veterans Day!

2010-11-11T10:09:00.000-05:00

If you're looking for a fun activity for the kids, try making cards. What kid doesn't love to draw? You can find pre-cut and folded cards at most craft stores. Or, if you're up to it they are pretty easy to make yourself. I pulled out a stack of white cardstock, cut them in half with my paper cutter (to make two 5 1/2"x 8 1/2" rectangles. Then I scored them "in half" making a light pass with my sliding paper cutter, or you could also lightly use an xacto blade. There you go- cards ready for decorating.

Now through Friday, Nov 19, cards with positive greetings for our troops are being collected for the Hoosier Cheer for Heroes campaign. So, let your little ones draw pictures, your big ones write notes of thanks, and jot down your own letter to let our troops know we appreciate their sacrafice for our freedom.

OUAC Grab bag sale

2010-07-08T09:22:00.000-04:00

I don't shop on Black Friday. I do not like malls or fairs. I avoid crowded areas like the plague. But, I look forward to this grab bag sale that only comes twice each year. I'll see if it's still worth it when the kids are older, but for now, I can fit enough baby/toddler items in one bag to make each item $.50-$1.00. Garage sale prices at a resale shop. If you go, prepare yourself. In the past, I've faced a line of women waiting for the doors to open and a wild dash to the racks.

At the following Once Upon A Child locations

86th and Ditch 846-7011

71st & Binford 842-0533

Speedway Supercenter : 273-8622

7409 South US 31 : 888-7013
East Washington Street : 897-9009

Learn more and see a picture of the deals I scored at the last grab bag event here.

Salmon Patties

2010-06-04T01:10:00.000-04:00

Tonight we had salmon patties for supper. I'd not had these growing up and wasn't sure I'd like them- they were not appealing, but I was branching out and tried them. I tried several recipes and ended up with my own adaptation. Now they are a family favorite.

This meal for 3-4 cost approx $4.76. I served the salmon patties with frozen veggies (purchased on sale with coupon for approx .70/box) and salads made primarily from garden produce. Seeds are inexpensive and the free onion starts, etc we received from family are even better!

Mix in a bowl:
1 14.75oz can salmon (drained) ($2.50-$3.49)
1 egg ($.08-$.13)
2 green onions, diced(free- $.15)
1-2 cloves garlic, minced (free- $.05)
1/3 bread crumbs ($.05-$.10)
salt, pepper

Heat a skillet over medium heat. Coat the bottom with:
1 T olive oil ($.05-$.10)

Form salmon mixture into patties and cook in skillet until brown on each side. Makes 8-10 patties. Serve with:
lemon juice or fresh squeezed lemon ($.05-$.75)

Managers Specials

2010-05-23T15:57:00.000-04:00

Another key to savings, is being flexible. We skipped one of our planned meals this week for baked tilapia with cucumber radish relish. Tilapia was marked down half price when I was at the store. Look for the orange tags of marked down produce, meat/fish, diary, and baked goods. Most items still have a couple days to a week before they expire, so watch to make sure you can use it before it's date is up.

Who says you can't find healthy savings?

2010-04-29T02:09:00.000-04:00

Meijer $65.24- $29.70 savings = $34.97 (45% savings)
Kroger $11.22- $7.32 savings= $3.90 (65% savings)

I am hopeful the Greenworks free and clear will not cause us any problems (sensitive allergy prone skin), but decided to give it a try for $3.73. I am also very excited about the Kashi cereal which was on sale 2/$5. I received the sample box in the mail after signing up on Facebook which had $1/1 coupon enclosed. GoLean Crisp is so good I bought a box instead of using the coupon on one of my stand-by favorites. I scored another 2 coupons from a mailer from www.mambosprouts.com. I highly recommend signing up. They have high value $1+ coupons on healthy foods. That's also where I got a $1/1 Almond Breeze which was on sale for $2.50 (AND I got a FREE Silk Almond catalina)! While picking up the almond milk, we happened upon a quart of organic, plain whole milk yogurt for DS marked down from $7.92 to $1.99. Oh, those chocolate covered raisins? NOT on sale- that's what I grabbed from DD's hand before she could stuff them in her mouth as we passed the bulk bins.

Happy Birthday Buddy!

2010-04-15T09:17:00.000-04:00

I decided to make a car cake for Buddy's first birthday. I wish I could share it step-by-step with you, but I finished this 15 minutes after guests arrived.

Basically, I baked a standard 2 layer round cake. I frosted one simply to serve guests. I sliced the other in half and stood them up on the flat cut side with a thin layer of frosting holding them together. I frosted patches of white for windows before covering the rest with blue. Oreo Cakesters made wheels, M&Ms made headlights and tail lights, and a bit of piped frosting finished up the details.
He certainly enjoyed it!

Happy Easter

2010-03-31T23:53:00.000-04:00

Whether you celebrate Easter or not, if you are a ham eater, this is the time of year to buy ham. You can pick them up at Marsh right now for as low as $.77/lb. Slice it, cube it, and freeze it in meal sized portions. Then, when you want a ham omelet or quiche, scalloped potatoes, or spaghetti carbonara, you will have cubed ham without paying the premium for pre-diced ham at the grocery. You might also take advantage of tossing any unusually shaped scraps in the food processor and making up some ham salad to change up lunch this week. If you buy ham with a bone, let it simmer and pull off any remaining tid bits and make ham and beans with the broth. Hurry, before it's too hot to bake cornbread 'cause you can't have ham and beans without cornbread!

Not interested in Ham? Other Marsh deal this week are:

- boneless rump roast $1.98/lb (I try to keep most of my meat purchases under $2/lb)
- boneless center cut pork loin $1.77/lb (This usually comes in a large 8-10 lb loin. Slice it into chops; cube it for stir-fry, casseroles, or stew; or cut it into 1-2 lb roasts. Package it up and freeze it. It only takes a few minutes and is well worth the savings.)
- Green Giant veggies 5/$5 (Coupons for these are pretty common both in the paper and online.)
- Dole canned fruit 5/$5 (There were coupons in the paper a couple weekends ago making these about $.66 each)
- sweet potatoes $.88/lb

Creamy Italian Chicken Spaghetti

2010-03-12T00:27:00.000-05:00

I put extra chicken breasts in the slow cooker for supper Tuesday night. They were marinated in Italian salad dressing- yum! I loved watching Robin Miller on Food Network when we had cable and still love to check her out on their website. Seriously, check her out. One of my favorite things, learned from her, is to cook extra and use it later. So, if you are gilling steak, grill extra, slice it up, and make it into fajitas later in the week. If you are roasting BBQ chicken breasts in the oven, make extra and chop them up for empanadas. It takes only a few extra seconds and will save you so much time later in the week!

So, I made Creamy Italian Chicken Spaghetti. It was wonderful. Bear loved it too. Then we went for a walk around the neighborhood for about an hour- we still had calories to burn, but it was getting too dark. I had such a good feeling about this meal, that I measured things as I put them in! I rarely do that, but wanted to be able to accurately share. If you try it, you'll thank me.

You can cook up several chicken breasts, marinated in Italian salad dressing, or you can take my advice and use some leftovers. I had four chicken breasts. I used three in the recipe. Daddy ate the other one, microwaved with marinara sauce and cheese (he wanted no part in my experiment- his loss).
Shred her up! But not too small. It will continue to break up in the sauce, so leave it pretty chunky. (Meanwhile, boil up some spaghetti. I didn't take pictures, so I hope you know how to cook spaghetti. If not, look for directions on the box. I used whole wheat and recommend you do too, but if you haven't gone to the dark side of grains yet, the recipe will still work.)
Heat 2 T butter and 2 T olive oil in a large skillet. You are welcome to mix and match, but that's the combo I chose. Add 1 T crushed garlic.
Stir in 2 T flour. This is called a rue, now don't you feel fancy?
Let it bubble away for about a minute to cook the flour, so you don't have a raw taste in your sauce.
Next add 3/4 c dry white wine, 1/2 c Italian salad dressing, and 3/4 c heavy cream (or half and half, etc). Any dry white wine will work, but my preference is Gewurtzraminer- love it. I used 2% milk because that's all we had- and this was an experiment, but I'm telling you, at least use half and half!
Add the shredded chicken and 1/2 tsp dry rosemary. Let it bubble away for 3-5 min and get thick.
It's not rich enough- add 1 cup parmesan cheese. Stir in well.
I served this over spaghetti with a blend of veggies from the freezer. Fabulous, and it didn't take long to throw together when I got home from work.

Spring/Summer Meals

2010-03-07T15:40:00.001-05:00

The sun is out, the tulips are sprouting, and a cardinal was at our window feeder this morning. Spring is on the way. There are dozens of reasons I like about Spring. Along with the fresh new life sprouting up around us, it is a good time to freshen things up in the kitchen. Clean out those cabinets/pantries/freezers and look for things that are about to expire- then find ways to use 'em before they do. Late spring brings the start of a bounty of summer produce. I've said it before, and I'll say it again. Eat in season!

Check out what's in season for you:
http://www.nrdc.org/health/foodmiles/default.asp
or here:
http://www.epicurious.com/articlesguides/seasonalcooking/farmtotable/seasonalingredientmap

I typically rotate meals by season. While we're freshening everything else up, find a few extra minutes to freshen up your meal plans. I find a great start to menu planning is a listing of what you make. Some great summer changes are to add meals that require no cooking, or ones that have slow cooker/grilling out options.

pizza pasta salad
tuna macaroni salad
chef salad
taco salad

fajitas (grill out)
tacos
quesadillas
taco skillet

spaghetti
spaghetti carbonara
chili mac
cheese burger macaroni
macaroni and cheese
pasta primavera
Italian chicken (slow cooker) (grill out)

low mein
fried rice
stir-fry
terryaki chicken (grill out)
terryaki salmon (grill out)
Thai pork stew (slow cooker)
beef and broccoli (slow cooker)
orange chicken (slow cooker)

apricot pork (slow cooker)
Coq Au Vin (slow cooker)
mini meatloaf
meatloaf patties
smoked sausage (grill out)
ham
BBQ meatballs (slow cooker)
tuna and rice
creamy beef and rice
jambalaya
red beans and rice
salmon patties

steaks (grill out)
hamburgers (grill out)
chicken or beef kabobs (grill out)
BBQ ribs (slow cooker) (grill out)
BBQ pork chops (slow cooker) (grill out)
Italian pork chops (slow cooker) (grill out)
BBQ chicken (slow cooker) (grill out)
lemon pepper salmon (grill out)

sloppy joes (slow cooker)
meatball subs
BLTs
monte cristos
club sandwhiches
black bean burgers
shredded BBQ beef (slow cooker)
BBQ pork (slow cooker)
BBQ chicken (slow cooker)

Free E-Book "100 Activities to Keep Your Children Happy"

2010-02-22T09:21:00.000-05:00

Grab Bag Sale

2010-01-30T13:22:00.000-05:00

The $15 grab bag sale at OUAC only comes 2x/yr and is usually worth your time, if you are willing to put in the effort.

I made it to OUAC at 10 til and was far from the first one there, but everyone was sitting in their cars to wait because of the cold. Last winter, I was 6 mo pregnant and waiting outside the doors in a big crowd, freezing because I didn't want to wear my coat inside.

I had my game plan laid out ahead of time. I started with the boys 12-18 mo, hoping for pajamas and sweatpants. I found neither But, I did manage to stuff two bags full of clothes for the kids. My tip is to pick up a basket and throw everything you think you want in it. Then, find yourself a quiet corner somewhere and sort "yes" and "maybe items. Take all the "yes" items off hangers, fold and roll them into tight little tubes which you stick down into the bags. If you have any room left, decide which "maybe"s to add.

36 items for $32.10

Buddy:
1 one-piece summer outfit
1 long-sleeve collared shit
2 short-sleeve collared shirts
2 long-sleeve tees
5 short-sleeve tees
2 casual shorts
2 denim shorts
2 jeans
2 cords
1 sweatpants
2 fleece pullovers
1 dressy sweater
1 lined denim jacket
1 windbreaker

Bear:
1 sundress
2 skirts
1 jeans
1 tee
1 tank

T:
2 skirts
1 windbreaker pants
1 bermuda shorts
1 tee

2010-01-28T22:37:00.000-05:00

All day long! Put as many clearance items as possible in one bag for just $15.

Yes - Only $15!!!

Saturday, January 30th

10:00am to 8:00pm

Selection may vary by store.

*Product and prices may vary by store. Not valid with any other coupon or discount Offer not valid on previous purchases. Offer valid only at the store(s) listed below.

86th & Ditch 846-7011

71st and Binford 842-0533

U.S. 31 South 888-7013

Chicken Nuggets

2010-01-28T20:50:00.000-05:00

Yesterday while picking up 3 value packs of chicken for $1.58/lb before my raincheck expire, I found a 21 oz box of Kellogg's cornflake crumbs in the marked down bin for $1.99. Score!

So, for dinner tonight, we had chicken nuggets, tator tots ($1.88/bag on sale) and broccoli and cheese ($.66/box).

No pics because, quite frankly, this can get messy.

2.5-3 lb boneless skinless chicken breasts
2-3 c cornflake crumbs (unless you find a great deal on the crumbs, get regular cereal and toss it in the food processor until it has the texture of bread crumbs)
2 eggs
1/2 tsp garlic powder
1/2 tsp grill seasoning (I personally like McCormick's salt-free chicken grill seasoning)

Beat eggs, garlic powder, and grill seasoning in a large bowl. Cube chicken breasts (approx 3/4 in cubes) and add to bowl. Stir to coat chicken well with egg. In a ziplock bag or on a plate, coat small batches of chicken with cornflake crumbs. Place each chicken nugget on a greased baking sheet. Bake in a 400 degree oven for 15 min or until the inside of your largest/thickest nugget is white. You can also freeze them. Lay them on a baking sheet and place in freezer for 2-3 hours. Once they are frozen, place them into your freezer bag or storage container and promptly return to the freezer. This will help prevent them from sticking when you pull them out of the freezer to bake. To bake them from freezing, you will want a 375 degree oven for 20-25 min.

My batch of chicken nuggets cost me about $5.25. For almost 3 lbs of chicken nuggets!

So, supper for 3 was approx $3.45

Brought to You By the Number 3

2010-01-27T06:41:00.001-05:00

Happy Birthday Bear, I can't believe you are THREE!

Bear decided she wanted an Elmo cake. She's been talking about it for weeks. So, I let her help make it. I didn't manage to snap a picture of her crushing the egg in her fist over the bowl because it caught me by surprise. This cake should be crunch-free.

I started with mixing up one box of cake mix per package directions. Bear chose the funfetti kind. I filled one muffin cup and 2 cake rounds. Remember to bake the cupcake for the recommended time on the box and then leave in the cake pans for the additional time needed.

I used cream cheese frosting because I don't like any other kind. When the kids are old enough, I'll let them choose, but for now we use what I want. I only put a small amount on the bottom layer because I am always afraid to run out on the top.
I used food coloring gel (cool stuff) to dye about a tablespoon of frosting yellow. I cut the top off the cupcake and frosted it. If you like cake, feel free to indulge in the bottom half.

It took me a good teaspoon maybe 1 1/2 red food coloring to get an acceptable red. So, instead of enjoying hand cramps, go ahead an really dump it in instead of going a squirt at a time. You'll want the bottom half to be smooth, but don't waste your time for the rest.

Place the cupcake on top of your frosted 2-layer cake. Approximately mid cake.

I used black gel frosting to draw the mouth. Then LIGHTLY use a fork to fluff up the frosting to create "fur". Be careful around the nose and mouth not to disturb the frosting.
The easy part! Place two large marshmallows end up, above the nose. Push them down in the frosting so they stick.

Use a couple dots of the leftover black frosting to stick brown M&Ms on top of the marshmallows. Then hide it until you're ready so no one steals his eyes!

Bakery Outlets

2010-01-21T00:26:00.000-05:00

If you haven't yet, I encourage you to check out your local bakery outlet store.

I've been going to and Entenmann's store, although I am a big fan of the Aunt Millie's outlets too. Sometimes I can find good quality bread on sale for $.50/loaf. In November, I picked up a hug bag of individually portioned pretzels for $1.

Today, I stopped in to pick up some bread. I purchased 3 loaves of good whole wheat bread, 4 bags of croutons, and 1 crumb topped cheese coffeecake. Total: $4.75.

Pretzels

2010-01-13T22:56:00.001-05:00

Today we tried our hand at pretzels. They are a fabulous and cheap snack, though they do take a bit of time. So, if you have a couple hours and some patience, go for it! Besides, by the time you get to the mall and make it through the crowds, you could be eating a whole dozen on your couch instead.

First, heat 1 1/2 c water to 110 F. Then, dissolve 2 1/2 tsp yeast (or 1 packet) and 1 T brown sugar. Let this sit 5 min until it's nice and frothy.
Meanwhile, measure 4 1/4 c unbleached flour and 1 tsp salt to a bowl. Pour your yeast mixture over it, and mix just until it will form a ball.
Turn the dough onto a well floured surface and need until smooth, approx 7-8 min. If you're not accustomed to kneading dough, enlist some help. Place ball of dough into a greased bowl. Turn dough/grease top. Cover and place in a warm location for approx 1 hr.

(I can't find this photo. I have cute retro yellow/lime checkered and striped retro towels, oh well.)

Turn the dough out onto a floured surface and divide into 12 equal amounts. I divide it in 1/2, then 1/3, then 1/2 again. They're almost equal.
Next, roll these little balls into long ropes.

Feel free to enlist help for this as well. The little folk will think you are the greatest.

Then twist/tie the ropes into pretzel shapes. Don't worry what they look like. We clearly didn't!
Some of them ended up more like the little balls we started with than pretzels.

Now boil a pot with 6 c water and 1/2 c baking soda. Place each pretzel in the water for approx 10 seconds. Look at that beautiful steam.

Drain as much water as you can, and place each pretzel on a greased baking sheet.
Bake in a 425 F oven for approx 7-8 min, until a beautiful golden brown color.
Paint them with a little melted butter.

Then salt them. Hurry! Before the butter dries. But please use Kosher salt. If you don't you'll regret it. Unless you don't have any and you really want to make pretzels anyway.

Wow, look at my hands. Yes, it is a cold Indiana winter, but I do put on lotion at least a dozen times a day. Anyway, you could sprinkle your pretzel with cinnamon sugar instead. I personally am a traditionalist and like some salt and a good quality mustard.

Bear urges you to go the sugar route.

Shop Local

2009-11-14T11:42:00.000-05:00

Why eat seasonal:
1. fresher, better quality food
2. support local economy
3. decrease fossil fuel emissions by decreasing farm to table travel

Check out what's in season for you:

http://www.nrdc.org/health/foodmiles/default.asp

or here:

http://www.epicurious.com/articlesguides/seasonalcooking/farmtotable/seasonalingredientmap

Fall/Winter Suppers

2009-11-14T11:26:00.000-05:00

pot roast
roast beef
beef enchiladas

meatloaf
BBQ meatballs
road kill
Chinese noodle casserole
ground beef stroganoff
tater tot casserole
lasagna
spaghetti
baked ziti
cheeseburger macaroni
taco skillet
chili macaroni

BBQ chicken
Italian chicken
chicken and noodles
chicken pot pie
chicken and biscuits
farmhouse chicken
cheesy chicken and rice

smoked sausage
ham
scalloped potatoes with ham
ham n beans

terryaki salmon
lemon pepper salmon
tuna noodle casserole

bacon cheddar potato soup
Hungarian goulash
chili
chicken tortilla soup

Lunch

2009-11-14T11:22:00.000-05:00

biscuit/english muffin/french bread pizza
pigs in a blanket
chicken nuggets
macaroni and cheese
hot dogs
peanut butter & jelly
egg salad
ham salad
tuna salad
chicken salad
grilled cheese
sloppy joes
BBQ pork/beef/chicken
quesadillas
nachos
empanadas

Breakfast

2009-11-14T10:14:00.000-05:00

aatmeal
baked oatmeal
Cocoa Wheats
scrambled eggs
bacon/sausage/ham, fried eggs, toast/biscuits
egg sandwhiches
omelets
breakfast burritos
biscuits and gravy
french toast
waffles
pancakes