Month: July 2012

  • Menu Plan Monday: July 30th Edition

    July 30th - August 12th

    WEEK #1

    JULY

    Monday, 30th - Tacos for a Crowd/Taco Salad

    Tuesday, 31st -(Working Late)  - Cheesy Chicken and Dressing Casserole, Veggie  (Good)

    • 2 Tbsp olive oil
    • 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1/2 inch pieces
    • 1 large onion, chopped
    • 1 (8 ounce) package baby bella mushrooms, quartered
    • 3 cloves garlic, minced
    • 1 (8 ounce) package shredded mozzarella cheese
    • 1 (10.75 ounce) can cream of mushroom soup
    • 1/4 cup whole milk
    • 1 (6 ounce) package chicken-flavored stuffing mix)
    • 5 Tbsp butter, melted

    Preparation:

    Preheat oven to 350°. Spray a 13×9 inch baking dish with nonstick cooking spray.

    In a large skillet, heat oil over med-high heat. Add chicken, and cook, stirring occasionally. until chicken is lightly browned and cooked through. Using a slotted spoon, remove chicken from pan, and place in prepared baking dish.

    Reduce heat to medium. Add onion, mushrooms, and garlic to skillet; cook for 4-5 minutes, or until vegetables are tender. Spread onion mixture evenly over chicken. Top evenly with cheese.

    In a small bowl, combine soup and milk. Pour mixture over cheese.

    in a medium bowl, combine stuffing mix and melted butter. Sprinkle evenly over cheese. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until hot and bubbly. Serve immediately.

    AUGUST

    Wednesday, 1st -  Taco Casserole  (good, great way to use leftover Taco Meat)

    Thursday, 2nd (Sorting) - Easy Chicken Stir Fry, Egg Rolls  (Good)

    Friday, 3rd - Ham and Cheese Sliders, Chips and Dip (Good)

    Saturday, 4th - Grilled Pork Chops, Tabouli Salad, Fruit

    TABOULI SALAD  (good)

    2 cups water
    1 cup coarse bulgur wheat
    1 bunch scallions, sliced
    2 Roma tomatoes, chopped
    2 Kirby cucumbers, peeled and chopped
    1 bunch Italian parsley, stems removed
    2 garlic cloves, peeled
    1/4 cup olive oil
    2 tbsp. lemon jusice
    salt and freshly ground pepper to taste

    Boil water in a small saucepan. Add bulgur wheat, cover saucepan, and turn off heat, leaving saucepan on burner. Allow bulgur to steam until all the water has been absorbed, about 10-15 minutes. Meanwhile, slice scallions, tomatoes, and cucmbers. Place parsley and garlic in a food processor and process until finely chopped. When bulgur is finished, place in a large mixing bowl and add scallions, tomatoes, cucumbers, parsley, and garlic. Drizzle olive oil and lemon juice into the bowl and toss thoroughly. Add salt and pepper to taste. Either serve warm or put in refrigerator for 1 hour to allow flavors to blend.

    Sunday, 5th - Rotis Chicken, Rice and Veggie

    WEEK #2

    Monday, 6th --(Working Late) Sausage and Rice Casserole

    • 2 lbs. ground pork sausage
    • 1 cup chopped onion
    • 1 cup chopped celery
    • 2 (10.75 ounce) cans cream of chicken soup
    • 1 (14 ounce) can chicken broth
    • 1 3/4 cups uncooked long-grain rice

     Preparation:

    Preheat oven to 350°. Spray a 13×9 baking dish with nonstick cooking spray.

    In a large skillet, combine sausage, onion, and celery; cook over med-high heat until sausage is browned and crumbly. Drain well. Stir in soup, broth, and rice. Spoon into prepared baking dish. Cover with heavy-duty aluminum foil, and bake for 45 minutes, or until rice is tender. Serve immediately.

    Tuesday, 7th-(Working Late) Tuna Cheese Sandwiches (Simple & Del - pg 123) Colorful Pasta Salad (Simple & Del - pg 161)

    Wednesday, 8th - Ham Cheddar Chowder, Biscuits  (good)

    Thursday, 9th - (Sorting) Macadamia Crusted Mahi Mahi,  Baked Potato, Veggie  (Good)

    Friday, 10th - Sloppy Joes, Cripsy Baked Potato Wedges   (good -dip for potato wedges very good)

    Saturday, 11th - Steak, Smashed Red Potatoes (Simple & Del - pg 157), Corn

    Sunday, 12th - Grilled Chicken Breast, Italian Veggie Skillet (Simple & Del - pg 179)

     

    Future Recipes to Try:

    Baked Chicken Dijon

    Chicken Chimichangas

     

    For more Menu Planning inspiration stop by and visit Laura at Organizing Junkie. and particpate in Menu Plan Monday.

    What is on your Menu this week? Wishing you all a wonderful week!!!

     

     

  • How to Make Pesto......................

    genovesebasil-300x295

    Every year I plant herbs on our deck and in the garden.   I love cooking with fresh herbs all summer long, but I have not done a very good job of preserving my herbs so I can use them in the winter.   This year I am determined to preserve some of my herbs for the winter months!

    Today,  I am making pesto with my basil!   It is easy way to preserve your basil.  I found a reipe in the August/September 2012 Taste of Home magazine.  I ended up needing to decreasing the salt in this recipe.   It ended up being too salty for my liking.  

    001 

    I grow our basil in a window box sitting on the deck.  The best thing about herbs is even if you are an apartment dweller, you can grow basil on your deck/balcony or in your apartment.

    My Pesto Experiment :

    004 

    The Usual Suspects:  Basil, Olive Oil, Pine Nuts, Parmesan Cheese, Garlic, Salt and Pepper. 

    Equipment:  Food Processor, Salad Spinner

    I washed the basil and dried it in my salad spinner.  Place Basil leaves, pine nuts, garlic cloves, salt and pepper into the food processor; pulse until choped.  

    Continue processing while gradually adding olive oil in a steady stream. 

    I only use real parmesan cheese - nothing out of a green can for me.  My pampered chef grater worked great to grate the parmensan cheese. 

    005 

    Add grated Parmesan Cheese; pulse to blend. 

    Classic Pesto Recipe  - A recipe from Taste of Home website

    Classic Pesto Sauce Recipe - The recipe I used with the decreased salt amount included.

    Place 2/3 cup loosely packed basil leaves, 2 TBSP pine nuts, 1 peeled garlic clove, 1/4 tsp salt and 1/8 pepper in a food processor' pulse utnil chopped.  Continue processing while gradually adding 1/3 cup olive oil in a steady stream.  Add 1/3 cup Parmesan Cheese; pulse to blend.   Makes 1/2 cup.

    I froze the pesto in 2 tablespoon amounts in ice cube trays for easy use.  Once frozen I will put them into a labeled ziplock bag.  

    008

    Look for future posts on how to preserve other herbs for use over the winter.    I have a feeling I will be making more pesto in the near future as I still have alot of basil left.

    Happy Cooking!!

  • Menu Plan Monday: July 23rd, 2012

    July 23rd - 29th, 2012

    Monday - Enchiladas, Corn and Mexican Style Rice

    Mexican Style Rice

    • 3 tablespoons vegetable oil
    • 1 cup uncooked long-grain rice
    • 1/2 teaspoon garlic salt
    • 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
    • 1/2 cup tomato sauce
    • 2 cups chicken broth

    Heat oil in a large saucepan over medium heat and add rice. Cook, stirring constantly, until puffed and golden. While rice is cooking, sprinkle with salt and cumin. Stir in tomato sauce and chicken broth; bring to a boil. Reduce heat to low, cover and simmer for 20 to 25 minutes.

    Tuesday -  Chicken Salad/Crab Salad - Crossiants or Salads

    Wednesday -  Biscuits and Gravy/ Scrambles Eggs/ Cantaloupe

    Thursday - Marlboro Man Sandwich and Pot. Salad

    Friday - Mom's Mac N Cheese/ Brats

    Saturday - Tacos for a Crowd/Taco Salad

    Sunday -

    Recipes to Try:

    Mom's Mac Salad

    For more Menu Planning inspiration stop by and visit Laura at Organizing Junkie. and particpate in Menu Plan Monday.

    What is on your Menu this week? Wishing you all a wonderful week!!!

     

     

  • The sweetness of a little boy's heart........

    Some days I am totally blown away by our children's hearts!!  Our sons are such kind, sweet boys/men.   We have had a long weekend with the wedding of our oldest son, Joshua.   I am driving home from Josh's house after making food and cleaning up after the gift opening event.  Our youngest son, Tommy is sitting in the back seat.   I am tired and just can't wait to get home to take a nap.

    Tommy says to me "Mom, can we go to Grandma's grave?"  I tell him not right now, I am too tired, and that I will take him later.   He is quiet for a minute and says, "I wanted to put these flowers from Josh's wedding on Grandma's grave since she didn't get to be there!".  

    As my heart melts, I turn the van and head to Grandma's gravesite.  

    063 

    Grandma, we wish you would have been with us to see the marriage of your grandson.   Your youngest grandson's thoughts were of you.  Forever in our hearts.......

    I am so blessed to witness the sweetness of my young son's heart.  Children are such a blessing.

    Many Blessings,

  • Menu Plan Monday: July 16th, 2012

     

    July 15 - July 22nd, 2012

    Sunday - 15th - Roast, Mashed Potatoes and Carrots

    Monday - Bacon Lettuce and Tomato Sandwiches - Pasta Salad - Fruit

     Tuesday- Tex Mex Pasta, Corn Bread and Corn

    Wednesday - Rotis Chicken, Rice and Veggie

    Thursday - Rehearsal Dinner  (left overs for Steve and Grandpa)

    Friday - Hot Dogs, Brats & Hamburgers, Pasta Salad, Potato Salad, Chips

    Saturday - Wedding

    Sunday - Tacos for a Crowd/Taco Salad

    Recipes to try:

    Tabouli Salad (Frugal Food Thursday)

    Pasta with Tomatoes and Feta Cheese

    Mexican Rice - (good)

    Ham & Cheese Sliders

    Easy Chicken Stir Fry

    Philly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joes

    Zucchini Bread

    Crispy Baked Potato Wedges with Parmesan Sauce

     

    For more Menu Planning inspiration stop by and visit Laura at Organizing Junkie. and particpate in Menu Plan Monday.

    What is on your Menu this week? Wishing you all a wonderful week!!!

     

  • Back to Basics: Our Basic Weekly Plan

    Cleaning-supplies-with-bucket

    It has happened again - I have gotten a little slack on some of my household routines.  Our routines regarding meal planning and bill paying never falter, but the ones regarding cleaning and de-cluttering get neglected at times.   So it is back to basics for me!   After a little motivation from seeing my daughter-in-law's weekly plan on her fridge, I decided I need to get back on track.  The best plan to start for me is my weekly plan!

      I last reveiwed my routine in August 2011, as you can see from reading that post,  I have tweaked my routines to meet my current needs.   So what once worked, may not work today!   I find it helpful to relook at my rountines each year. 

    What better time to get back on track....summer time ....before the big wedding!  

    MY BASIC WEEKLY PLAN

    Daily Tasks:

    1. Laundry

    2. Sort Mail

    3. Dishes/Counter/Sweep

    4. 15 Minutes Zone/Declutter

    5.  Lunches/ Prep Dinner

    6.  Tidy Main Areas of House

     

    Monday: - Free Day (Usually Work Late)

    Tuesday - Living Room/Dining/Entry/Hallway

    Wednesday - Kitchen/Fridge

    Thursday - Downstairs (Rotate)/Menu

    Friday - Family Time

    Saturday - Bedrooms/Bedding/Bills/Filing/Library

    Sunday - Project/Grocery Shopping/Bathroom (Upstairs )

     A weekly plan helps to keep you on track while making sure weekly tasks get done around your house. If I happen to miss the cleaning of the bathroom this Monday, I know I plan on cleaning it again the following Monday. This is my secret to keeping our house looking presentable throughout the week,  though I work full time outside of the home. What are you secrets to a smooth running household??

    I am also occassionally participating in the 52 Weeks to an Organized Home Weekly Challenge at the Home Storage Soluntions 101 website.  The site also have a daily missions for Decluttering your Home that start July 1st.  Reminds me of Flylady...but I prefer having the calendar for the month of missions to do!

    Check out this free chart that helps you to follow The Flylady Routines!

    Blessings,

    Jen C

    " She looks well to the ways of her household and does not eat the bread of idleness. " Proverbs 31:27

     

  • Our Twin Cities Bucket List

    TWIN Cities

    Summer (lifetime) Bucket List:  Things to do around the Twin Cities with your children.

     Summer is here and again, we hope to cross off a few more things on our Twin Cities Bucket List.  We decided to blog our list to share with our readers.  We will add new things to our list as we discover them.   This is a partial list and more items will be added over the next few days.  It is amazing the things that are right in your own backyard that you never take the time to explore!  

    Please share your favorite places and activities that should be added to our bucket list.   It will be fun to slowly cross items off our list.

    Our Summer Bucket List - Things To Check Out Around the Twin Cities - a work in progress

    Aamodt's Apple Farm - Stillwater - www.aamodtsapplefarm.com - Free

    Alexander Ramsey House - St Paul - www.mnhs.org/places/sites/arh - Admission

    American Swedish Institute - Minneapolis - www.americanswedishinst.org - Admission

    Arboretum - Chanhassen - www.arboretum.umn.edu - Admission

    Ard Godfrey House - Minneapolis - http://www.womansclub.org/club/scripts/section/section.asp?NS=AGH

    Bakken Library & Museum of Electricity In Life - Minneapolis - www.thebakken.org - Admission

    Battle Creek Waterworks Family Aquatic Center - Maplewood - http://www.co.ramsey.mn.us/parks/waterpark/index.htm - Admission

    Bell Museum of Natural History - Minneapolis - www.bellmuseum.org - Admission

    Children's Museum - St Paul - www.mcm.org - Admission

    The Children's Theatre Company - Minneapolis - www.childrenstheatre.org - Admission

    Circus Juventas - St Paul - www.circusjuventas.org -Admission

    Clinfton E. French Regional Park - Plymouth - www.threeriversparks.org

    Como Park's Conservatory - St Paul - www.comozooconservatory.org - Suggested Donation

    Como Park Zoo - St Paul - www.comozooconservatory.org/zoo - Free

    Como Planetarium in Como Elementary School - St Paul - www.planetarium.spps.org - Admission

    Como Town Amusement Park - St Paul - Tickets for Rides

    Dodge Nature Center - W St Paul - www.dodgenaturecenter.org - Free

    Edinborough Park in Edina - Edina - www.edinboroughpark.com - Admission

    Eidem Homestead -Brooklyn Park Historical Farm - www.brooklynpark.org/government/recreation/farminfo/farmuse.html - Admission

    Eloise Butler Wild Flower Garden & Bird Sanctuary -Theodore Wirth Park -Minneapolis - www.minneapolisparks.com - Free

    Excelsior Street Car Line - MN Streetcar Museum - Excelsior - www.trolleyride.org - Admission

    Farmer's Market of St Paul - www.stpaulfarmersmarket.com - Free

    Firefighters Hall and Museum - Minneapolis - www.firehallmusuem.org - Admission

    Fort Snelling - St Paul - www.mnhs.org/fortsnelling - Admission

    Fort Snelling State Park - St Paul - www.dnr.state.mn.us - State Park Admission Required

    Foshay Tower Observation Deck - Minneapolis - Admission

    Gibbs Museum - Falcon Heights - www.rchs.com  - Admission

    Governor's Residence Tour - St Paul - www.admin.state.mn.us/buildings/residence/public_tours.html - Free

    Great Clips Imax Theatre (MN Zoo) - Apple Valley - www.imax.com/minnesota - Admission

    Harriet Alexander Nature Center - Roseville - www.roseville.mn.us/parks - Free

    Harriet Island Regional Park - St Paul - www.ci.stpaul.mn.us/parks - Free

    In the Heart Of The Beast Puppet & ask Theatre - Minneapolis - www.hobt.org - Donation

    Higland Park Water Tower - St Paul - www.stpaul.gov - watch city website for dates the tower is open to the public. (once in July and once is October)

    Hmongtown Marketplace - St Paul - www.hmongtownmarketplace.com

    History Theatre - St Paul - www.historytheatre.com - Tickets

    Indian Mounds Park - St Paul - www.stpaul.gov/depts/parks/userguide/indianmounds.html - Free

    Insect Collection - U of MN St Paul - www.entomology.umn.edu/museum -  Requires advance tour arrangements - Free

    Jackson Street Roundhouse - MN Transportation Museum - St Paul - www.trainride.org - Admission

    James J Hill House - St Paul - www.mnhs.org/places/sites/jjhh/index.html - Admission

    Johnathan Padelford Packet Boat - Harriet Island - www.riverrides.com - Tickets

    Lady Elegant's Tea Room - St Paul - www.ladyelegantstea.com -

    Lake Harriet "Old 1300" Trolley - Minneapolis - www.trolleyride.org - Purchase Tokens

    The Landing (Formally called Hisotric Murphy's Landing) - Shakopee -http://www.threeriversparks.org/parks/the-landing.aspx - Admission

    Landmark Center - St Paul - www.landmarkcenter.org (self guided tour books available)

    Lego Imagination Center - MOA-Bloomington

    Maplewood Nature Center -Maplewood - www.ci.maplewood.mn.us - Free

    Midtown Global Market - Minneapolis - www.medtownglobalmarket.org

    Mill City Museum - Minneapolis - www.millcitymuseum.org - Admission

    Minnapolis Institute of Arts - Minneapolis - www.artsmia.org - Free

    Minneapolis Sculpture Garden - Minneapolis - www.walkerart.org - Free

    Minehaha Depot - Minnehaha Park - Minneapolis - www.mtmuseum.org - Free

    Minnehaha Falls & Park - Minneapolis - Free

    Minnesota Air Guard Museum - St Paul - www.mnangmusuem.org

    Minnesota History Center - St Paul - www.mnhs.org/historycenter - Admission (9 Nights of Music)

    Minnesota State Capitol Building Tour - www.mnhs.org/places/sites/msc - purchase the Art Treasures in the MN State Capitol brochure and use it as a scavenger hunt activity.

    Minnesota State Fair - St Paul - www.mnstatefair.org

    Minnesota Valley National Wildlife Refuge - Bloomington - www.fws.gov/midwest/minnesotavalley - Free

    Mississippi River Vistor Center and Walking Tour -St Paul - www.nps.gov/miss

    MIssissippi Gorge Regional Park - St Paul - www.nps.gov/miss

    Omnitheater - Science Museum - St Paul - www.smm.org - Admission

    Orchestra Hall - Minneapolis - www.minnesotaorchestra.org/aim

    Ordway Center for the Performing Arts - St Paul - www.ordway.org

    Pavek Museum of Broadcasting - St Louis Park - www.museumofbroadcasting.com - Admission

    Pine Tree Apple Orchard - White Bear Lake - www.pinetreeappleorchard.com - Free

    The Red Balloon Bookshop - St Paul - www.redballoonbookshop.com

    St Paul Saints Baseball - St Paul - www.saintsbaseball.com

    Science Museum of Minnesota - St Paul - www.smm.org

    Sibley House Historical Site - Mendota - www.mnhs.org

    Springbrook Nature Center - Fridley - www.springbrooknaturecenter.org

    Stages Theatre Company - Hopkins - www.stagestheatre.org

    Steppingstone Theatre - St Paul - www.steppingstonetheatre.org

    John Stevens House Museum - Minneaplis - Minnehaha Falls park - www.johnstevenshouse.org

    Tamarack Nature Center - White Bear Lake - www.co.ramsey.mn.us/parks/tamarack

    Three Rivers Park District - Play Area at Hyland Lake Park Reserve (Chutes and Ladders) - www.threeriversparkdistrict.org

    Thunder Soccer Team - St Paul - www.mnthunder.com

    Touch & See Room (Bell Museum of Natural History) - Minneapolis - www.bellmuseum.org/touchandsee.html

    Trains at Bandana Square - (Model Train Museum) St Paul - www.tcmrm.org

    Twins Baseball - Minneapolis - www.twinsbaseball.com

    Valleyfair Family Amusement Park - Shakopee - www.valleyfair.com

    Walker Art Center - Minneapolis - http://learn.walkerart.org

    Wild Rumpus (book for young readers) - Minneapolis - www.wildrumpusbooks.com

    Wood Lake Nature Center - Richfield - www.co.richfield.mn.us

    Youth Performance Company - Minneapolis - www.youthperformanceco.com

    The Zoo - MN Zoo - Apple Valley - www.mnzoo.org