A new Feature....

I am excited for a new feature that I have been brainstorming for a couple months now.

I have had several girlfriends ask me how they can cook for less without sacrificing the good things they want to feed their family.

Sooooo......

I will be starting to feature $10 dinner recipes/ ideas. .....woohoo!!!

I am still working out the kinks but I would like for it to be a weekly or bi-weekly feature.

(You can send me any ideas to everythingmom@live.com. )

Stay Tuned........

Menu Plan Monday - Its a new Year!!

Happy New year Y'all!!! Do you know how we are spending the new year? With the stomach flu going through our house very slowly. The glamorous life of a mama!!! Anywho, My hubs has been dying to make a whole chicken. (The Lord gave me a man that not only can cook but likes to...can you say blessed??!! ) With a whole chicken we get 3 meals...which is awesome! Combine that with a large beef roast and I only have to cook 2 meats this week!! WOOHOO!!! I hope your new year is a yummy one!

Monday: Lemon and garlic whole chicken, roasted carrots, spinach salad with hot bacon

dressing.

Tuesday: Beef roast, mashed potatoes, green beans, crescent rolls

Wednesday: Leftover night- If its in the fridge, you can have it...but mama is not cookin!

Thursday: Chicken noodle soup in bread bowels

Friday: Pizza Night!

Saturday: Shredded chicken enchiladas, re fried beans, Spanish rice

Sunday: French dip sandwiches, baked fries, salad

Menu plan Monday- Don't you know its Christmas?!

Do y'all see this flour smudge on my face?!?! No??? Well its there because I am on my five hundredth batch of Christmas biscotti. The fan club has grown and now I am actually getting requests for it!! It leaves me with little time to cook from scratch for my family.

So, that being said....we are freezering it this week. I have leftover roast in a thick gravy that will become open face roast beef sandwiches. (Along with Bobs mashed potatoes that can be heated over the stove....yep. I am going there!!) You get the idea. So instead of tasty recipes (because you are a mom that is probably busy this week as well!) I have left you some links for yummy biscotti :) Merry Christmas y'all!!!

Monday: Open faced roast beef sandwiches with mashed potatoes and green beans

Tuesday: Italian wedding soup with sourdough bread

Wednesday: Spaghetti casserole with tossed salad and garlic bread

Thursday: Coney's and baked fries with mixed veggies

Friday: Christmas eve- Family dinner

Saturday: Christmas day- Rejoice!!! A King is born!!!!

Sunday: Pizza Night....hey, who wants to cook after all that present opening!

These Biscotti recipes looked good enough to pass on!!

Chocolate Orange Biscotti

Cranberry Pistachio Biscotti

Espresso Biscotti

Nutty Pina Colado Biscotti

Motherhood Musings

I lay my hand on my swollen belly and I feel my little one within respond with a jab. I laugh out loud, overwhelmed with what pure joy feels like.

My son places his hand in the same place only to be met with total motionless silence.

The beginning of sibling rivalry. :)

My husband and I assure him that one day, very soon, you will be able to see the kicks and definitely feel them.

He doesn't look so sure and goes off to play with cars.

As if on cue, I get another kick and I have to stifle a giggle. Its like having a secret joke among a loved one.

I am overwhelmed with this gift of carrying a child and of the joy and complete agony of motherhood.

I could not feel more blessed.

Thank you Lord.

Central Ohio readers

For those who live in or close to central Ohio, I wanted to let you know about a free family fun event.

At the main public library downtown, they have an awesome Train for the holidays. The display even includes Thomas and Percy!!!

(They also have free one hour parking in the garage.)

Something fun for the whole family and free?!?! Count me in !

Menu Plan Monday: Cleaning out the freezer

This week we are trying something new. Instead of leftover night, we are trying clean out the freezer night. I noticed that my freezing extras is a blessing....until my freezer starts to spill over. I will have to let y'all know how it goes! I also am having one of my favorites this week! Hoisin pork chops whose leftover become the yummiest lettuce wraps you have ever tasted. I just throw a couple extra chops on the grill and a couple of nights later, supper is super easy! Happy eating y'all!!

Monday: Freezer clean out- If its been frozen and can be heated in some way- you can eat it!

Tuesday: Roast turkey breast, rosemary redskin potatoes, stuffing, green beans

Wednesday: Hoisin pork chops, scalloped potatoes, broccoli, roasted green peppers

Thursday: Turkey noodle casserole, spinach salad

Friday: Pizza Night!

Saturday: Lettuce wraps, fried rice, egg rolls

Sunday: Roast, mashed potatoes with gravy, green beans, crescent rolls

Having a servents heart this holiday season!

I wrote this last year at the Christmas but I still feel the same way, this year! I thought it was worth a re-post!

I head a lady complaining the other day, while I was waiting in a long line. (Of course!) She was moaning about everything that she had left to do for Christmas. As I listened to her run down her list, I could truly sympathise.

"I have to address 150 Christmas cards, wrap all my gifts, bake about a thousand cookies and finish getting stocking stuffers" The woman she was talking to could relate. She started naming off all the things that she had to do along with a comment about how she doesn't enjoy the holidays all that much.

I think we all can relate in a way. There is no doubt about it. The holidays are a busy time.
As I recalled the conversation (as I was wrapping a gift) I began to wonder. Is this what the holidays are all about? How much pressure do we put on ourselves?

Then I actually felt guilty for enjoying all those things that woman was complaining about! I love baking cookies. The kids enjoy having goodies to snack on and it makes this time of year special. The hard work I put into each baked treat is appreciated by my friends and family. Its not just flour, sugar and butter. Its my love given to my loved ones.

I also will admit to really enjoy wrapping gifts. I wait until my kids are asleep and then I put on a chick flick (White Christmas anyone?) Cocoa, a snack and turn the fireplace on. I savor this time. I get to wrap each gift in fun, beautiful or funky paper and then make it pretty with ribbon, bows or ornaments. I like to think that when the person receives the gift, they will feel a little more special! (Or at least be able to tell how special I think they are!)

It didn't always used to be like this.. I am afraid that I used to be just like that woman in line. Everything about the holidays was just another thing on my list to be checked off. But is that all there is? The holidays are just a series of things to get done, accomplished and then we can sleep tight at night?

What if we actually slowed down and -gasp- enjoyed the tedious "jobs" that go along with the holidays. You see I believe that its all about having a servants heart. I am leaning this more each day.

I am far from where I need to be.

If we look at these tasks as something that gives joy and pleasure to others the job is suddenly not a "job" but a gift. That time I put into sending a special note in their card or baking that extra batch of cookies is my gift of love.

I could say the same about not doing anything. I have cut out the things that really don't matter at all in order to .. well do nothing with my hubbie and kids. Then those other things that have to be done can be enjoyed rather than endured.

This season is all about the Creators wonderful gift to us.... his Son. If he gave me this gift begrudgingly, would I appreciate it as much? Would I cherish it knowing that it really didn't want to be given?

The truth is that it although it was at the biggest cost, it was joyfully given in love. That is how much I was loved. WOW. Shouldn't I have the same attitude of giving in this Holiday season?

Hopefully I can maintain this attitude throughout Christmas.. but check in on Christmas eve at 2:00am. :)

Works for me Wednesday- the great clean out

So its Thursday....I was busy doing the WFMW on Wednesday so its a little late :)

Every year I look at my pile of presents to wrap and then my eyes just automatically wonder to the overflowing toy boxes and bins.

A couple years ago, I decided that enough was enough. The kids and I spend a couple days every December going through their toys. They actually love it because they thing they are playing all day, but they have some tough decisions to make.

I tell them that they have to choose quite a few toys to give to a little girl or boy that doesn't have many toys to play with. I try to explain the importance of giving or donating and how it helps people who have needs greater than ours.

Its hard for them but I am hoping that it starts them on the path of giving and service and putting other before themselves.

It also makes room for the new stuff- which totally works for this mama!

We watch for the donation truck and we talk about how when they sell these things, the money will help people who need things.

They are way to young to serve in a shelter or ministry along those lines so this is their holiday sacrifice. ......Because that is what Christmas is all about Charlie Brown :)

For more great WFMW ideas visit We are That Family!

Sure! I'll make cookies- a great deal!

It seems like the calls are coming more abundantly.

The preschool teacher wants to know if we can all bring in cookies. ( Along with the church, ladies meetings, neighbors gifts...you get the idea!)

I love baking and often do it from scratch because I enjoy it. If you do not enjoy it however, its not much of a blessing. :) ((Or if like me, you are overwhelmed with cookie request.))

The thought of making homemade sugar, butter or cream cheese cutouts makes me tired.

That is why I am sharing this great deal with my girlfriends.

This week at Kroger Krusteaz Cookie Mix is on sale for $1.29. There are several coupons in the paper for $1 off per box. When I went to purchase the cookie mix I noticed that on the sugar cookie mix there are peelies for $.55 off which doubles at Kroger. Making the Sugar Cookie mix $.19 a box!!!!

I tried it out at home and the cookies are delicious. :)

My holidays just got more jolly ......

Menu Plan Monday- 1 meat, 3 meals!

I am baking a whole chicken this week. Not only did I get it on sale and its delicious, it also provides enough chicken for 3 meals!! I can also freeze some of the soup for later on in the winter when I don't feel like cooking. I hope y'all have a yummy week!!!

Monday: Roasted chicken, roasted baby carrots, broccoli

Tuesday: Ravioli Lasagna, spinach salad, garlic bread

Wednesday: Leftovers- if its not movin, you can eat it....but mama is NOT cookin!

Thursday: Chicken Noodle soup in bread bowls

Friday: Pizza Night!

Saturday: Stuffed cheeseburgers, baked fries, peas

Sunday: Chicken Alfredo with sun dried tomato and spinach, mixed veggies, rolls

Works for me Wednesday: Making your Christmas gifts!

I feel like Christmas is more about being together than buying the most expensive gift. My favorite gifts, often are the ones that are homemade :) I love receiving something that someone has put their heart into so I thought I would share one of my favorites!

I tried making my on cocoa and loved it! I found mason jars at Odd Lots and after filling the jars with my homemade cocoa, I topped them with some material and a ribbon. (You can even fill the top of the jar with mini marshmallows!) Its easy and will mean so much to those you give it to!

3 cups nonfat dry milk

2 cups powdered sugar

1 ½ cups Dutch-processed cocoa powder

1 ½ cups white chocolate chips

¼ tsp. salt

Combine all ingredients in a large bowl. Working in two batches, pulse ingredients in food processor until chocolate chips are finely ground. Store in an airtight container for three months, longer in refrigerator or freezer. Stir 1/3 cup of mix into 1 cup of hot milk. Top with whipped cream or marshmallows.

Original recipe found here.

Leftover Turkey Recipe #2- Turkey Tortalinni

This is not an official recipe since I made it up but it is delicious and the kidlets love it!

Refrigerated Tortellini

Leftover chunked Turkey

1 red bell and yellow bell pepper, thinly sliced

Olive oil

pesto sauce

I take the refrigerated or frozen cheese filled tortellini and cook as directed. I then saute some thinly sliced red and yellow bell peppers in olive oil until tender crisp. In the last few minutes throw in as many chunks of turkey until warmed through.

Add to the cooked tortellini and toss in the pesto sauce of your choice. (As much as you would like.)

Enjoy!

Leftover Turkey Recipe #1- Turkey and rice bake

I am always searching for leftover turkey recipes that will fool my family into thinking they are not eating leftover turkey. No small feat.

I like this recipes because it flavorful and I can freeze half for another day....further stretching the turkey eating! :)

Turkey and Rice Bake

6 slices bacon
1 medium onion, chopped
1/4 cup sliced onion
2 cups cooked rice
1 package (10 ounces) frozen chopped spinach or broccoli, cooked and drained
2 tablespoons chopped pimiento
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 can (10 3/4 ounces) condensed cream of mushroom soup
1/2 cup sour cream
turkey slices, 6 to 8 large slices or enough sliced turkey for 6 people
1/2 cup fine dry bread crumbs
1 tablespoon melted butter

Cook bacon until crisp. Drain on paper towels then crumble. In 2 tablespoons of the drippings in the same skillet, cook onion and celery until just tender. Combine the rice, bacon, onion, celery, spinach, pimiento, and 1/4 teaspoon of salt. Combine the soup and sour cream then stir half of it into the rice and vegetable mixture. Spoon mixture into a lightly greased 11x7-inch baking dish. Arrange turkey slices over rice and vegetable mixture. Spoon remaining soup and sour cream mixture over turkey. Toss bread crumbs with butter and sprinkle around edge of casserole. Bake in a preheated 350° oven for 30 to 35 minutes, until hot and browned around the edge.Serves 6.

Recipe taken from Southern Food. You can find the original post here.

No Menu Plan Monday- Turkey WEEK!!

So because of Turkey week I am not going to be posting Menu Plan Monday.

Instead, I will be posting several recipes that use leftover turkey. (All kid friendly!!!)

I have really been thinking of all the things I have that I have to be thankful for.....how blessed we are!!