Call Me the Lunch Lady

No, I do not own a hairnet or look much like Chris Farley, but it is a funny thought, no?

School lunch here at our home school is my favorite meal to cook.  Mainly because I don't have to please the Husband (that carnivore), and since the kids don't get to decide what they have for lunch in schools, I figure that applies here.  So I make what I want, and the kids usually like it.  It is known that I love to cook vegetarian, not only because it is healthy and tasty, but because vegetarian food is pretty.  Sorry, but meat just ain't pretty.

Today's lunch was sooo good, and came together "zippity quick," as Tiny Love would say.

For the salad:

• baby mixed greens
• baby spinach
• 1 green apple, chopped
• shredded carrots
• golden raisins
• feta cheese
• sunflower seeds
• red onion
• black pepper
• store-bought Light Raspberry Walnut Vinaigrette

There are no amounts, because I just threw it all in a bowl.  Use more or less of whatever you want.

For the sandwich:

• Arnold Whole Wheat Sandwich Thins
• hummus
• sliced mushrooms
• red onion
• garlic
• dried thyme
• 2 tbs. white wine
• provolone cheese

Preheat the oven to 400 degrees.  Put the sandwich thins on a baking sheet and toast them for about five minutes.  In a medium pan over medium high heat, cook mushrooms, onion and garlic, and thyme in a little olive oil until softened.  Add wine to deglaze the pan.  Cook until the moisture evaporates.  Spread the toasted buns (heh heh) with hummus, top with mushrooms and cheese, and heat in the oven until the cheese melts.  Serve!

The whole meal took about 15 minutes to make, and we all loved it!  Veggies are fancy fuel :)

Asian Lettuce Wraps

After a recent trip to the holistic doctor, I have been looking for new ways to consume meat, ways that won't leave me thinking of rotting flesh and factory farming.  You see this most-times vegetarian has been told that the vegetarian lifestyle is not for me.  But, I just don't know much about cooking meat without using lots of fat and carbohydrates (which, sadly, I am not supposed to have much of either).  So I made Asian Lettuce Wraps...think Asian flavored taco in a lettuce leaf.  Or don't, because that sounds gross.  But these were good, and everyone in my family was happy. 

Asian Lettuce Wraps

1 lb. ground turkey breast

2 carrots, peeled and diced

1 small zucchini, diced

1 rib celery, sliced

1 clove garlic, chopped

1 tsp. Chinese Five Spice Blend

2 tbs. lite soy sauce

Lettuce leaves (we used romaine, but butter lettuce would have been better)

Hoisin sauce, for topping (optional, but encouraged)

Heat a skillet over medium high heat.  Coat pan with a small amount of canola oil.  Add meat.  When it begins to brown, add veggies.  Cook for about 10 minutes, until meat is cooked and veggies are softening.  Add spice and stir to coat.  Then add the soy sauce.  Cook another couple of minutes.  Remove from heat, spoon into lettuce leaves and top with a drizzle of hoisin sauce. 

Serve!

Even the Husband liked this, and it was so pretty.  We had a summer day on a plate when the wind, ice, snow and sleet were pounding the prairie outside. 

Give it a try!



Errand Girl

Yesterday morning, the Husband informed me that he had neglected to pay his union dues (which were due that day), and he would need me to go to Springfield to pay them for him.

Confession:  I don't drive on the interstate.  Ever. 

I know, I am over thirty years old and need to get over such a silly and infantile fear. 

Maybe I will make that my New Year's Resolution in 2045.

So, I called my mother and asked her to drive me to Springfield.

Yes, I did.

I am a little ashamed.  Wait...ok, I am over it.

So, since we were already there and all, I went to the happiest place on earth to use my gift cards:

(source)

Can I just interject here...I find a certain joy and satisfaction that when you begin to enter "Barnes & Noble" into the Yahoo search box, the bookseller comes up first, after only entering "b-a-r."  Barack Obama is a distant third. 

*chuckle*

I have had my eye on a certain cookbook for quite some time.  It was a bit expensive, so I never purchased it for myself.

Enter gift card.

It is amazing.  I can't wait to post some photos of the yummy things I am going to make from the recipes in this cookbook!

This fits in perfectly with a certain New Year's Resolution that I have made for 2011. 

I will share those soon! 



Roast Chicken Dinner

I made a stellar dinner for the family this week!  Brother was happy, especially since there was a leftover chicken carcass to pick at.  He likes meat for a snack.

Roasted Chicken and Potatoes

1 whole chicken, rinsed and patted dry

6 Yukon Gold Potatoes, quartered

For the Chicken:

2 tsp. paprika

1 1/2 tsp. Garlic Salt

1 tsp. onion powder

For the potatoes:

2 tbs. olive oil

garlic salt, to taste

1 tsp. thyme

Mix all the chicken spices.  Sprinkle over the chicken and rub it in the skin.  Sprinkle some of it in the cavity of the chicken. 

Place in a Ziploc bag and refrigerate for 6-8 hours or overnight. 

Coat the potatoes in olive oil and seasoning.  Pour onto a baking sheet.

Place the marinated chicken on a broiler pan.

Preheat the oven to 450 degrees.

Roast the chicken and potatoes in the oven for 30 minutes.  Then turn the heat down to 350 degrees, flip the potatoes around a little, and bake another 45 minutes. 

Let stand for 10 minutes when done baking before cutting.

It was totally pretty and juicy.  But I don't eat meat.  So I made this little vegetarian stove top dinner to have with the salad and bread I served along with the meal:

Garlicky white beans with spinach, tomatoes, and Parmesan.

Everyone left the table full and happy.

Brother left with the carcass. 

Weekly Menu and a Treat!

Happy Menu Plan Monday Tuesday!  So, I am behind schedule, which seems to be my new schedule. 

This week's menu:

Meal 1:  Tacos (which I made with Morningstar Farms Veggie Crumbles, and no one knew ;)
Meal 2:  Crockpot Turkey Breast, Roasted Vegetables, Brown Rice
Meal 3:  Homemade Pizza
Meal 4:  Lasagna, Bread, Salad
Meal 5:  Eggs, Turkey Bacon, and toast

One night we will eat at church and one night will be leftovers.  Brother will be here for the turkey night and the lasagna, I am sure.  I bet he will be glad he dodged that "veggie crumble" bullet. 

In other news, I had a killer sweet tooth attack today.  I wanted to keep it pretty healthy, so I decided to try No Bake Apple "Cupcakes," an idea I found here.

Sweet tooth remedy:

Pumpkin Butter from our local orchard...bliss.

One apple, halved, topped with Pumpkin Butter and chopped walnuts.

The cupcake thing would have been better executed by a larger apple bottom. 

My apple was a runt.

But, this was just what I was craving!

Sweet Potato Oven Fries

Tiny Love said something to me yesterday that all mothers long to hear:

"Mom, your cooking is better than McDonald's." 

Be still, my heart.

What did I make that was cause for such a compliment? 

Better-Than-McDonald's Sweet Potato Oven Fries

1 large sweet potato, sliced (you can do a half moon shape like this or more of a French fry shape)

1 tbs. olive oil

garlic salt (to taste or maybe 1/2 a tsp.)

paprika (to taste or maybe 1 tsp.)

Preheat the oven to 450 degrees.  Toss all ingredients in large bowl.  Line a baking sheet with foil and spray with nonstick cooking spray.  Bake for about 20 minutes, turning once halfway through the cooking time. 

Serve! 

Ronald has nothing on me.

Crock Pot Mulled Cider

Today was such a lovely day!  The temperature was cool and so much like fall that the kids and I piled into the car and hit the local apple orchard for some cider.  Then we came home to MULL IT while we worked in the yard all day (thanks for everything, Mother-in-Law!).  At the end of a busy fall day, I had hot cider on my pretty little front porch.  Perfect.

Crock Pot Mulled Cider

2 quarts apple cider (our orchard has the BEST)

4 tbs. pure maple syrup (more or less, to taste)

2 cinnamon sticks

1 tsp. whole cloves

1 tsp. whole allspice

2-3 inch peeling of lemon rind

Pour all ingredients into a small crock pot:

Heat on high for two hours, or on low for four to five hours.

You can put all the spices in cheesecloth and tie it for easy removal, or use a tea ball for the allspice and cloves. 

Or you can throw it all in because you have landscaping to do, and you don't have time to hunt down the tea ball.

Then just fish it out later with a slotted spoon.

Serve!

The only thing missing is a campfire...and s'mores. 

Okay, two things.

Menu Plan Monday

For more menu ideas, visit orgjunkie.com

Moving is (mostly) behind us now, and we are so happy to be in our home again! 

Today is our first day of school here at the Campbell Homeschool.  I will post "First Day of School" photos tomorrow. 

Here is what our menu looks like for the week.  Brother, you may want to review this and see what nights you will be joining us for dinner...my guess is the nights that include beef.

Monday:  Beef Stew, Whole Wheat Beer Bread (see you later, Brother)

Tuesday:  Italian Chicken Sandwiches, Fresh veggies with Ranch

Wednesday:  Potato and Ham Rosti, Salad, Multigrain bread

Thursday:  Pasta with bacon and peas, salad

Friday:  Homemade Pizza, veggies

Saturday:  Grilled Cheese Sandwiches, Tomato soup

Sunday:  Leftovers

Now, a little peek inside my cozy castle:

I don't know what the deal is with the weird lighting in this photo, but you get the idea.  Just picture it without the jaundiced look.  See that lump on the ottoman?

Kitty Friend would have just been livid. 

My kitchen:

Cheerful, no?

I even commemorated the move by buying myself some flowers.  Because, why not? 

Men, you should check out Aldi for all your flower needs.  Cheap and so cute.

Have a great day!

Cookies So Good, Your Teeth Fall Out

I baked cookies on Saturday, and the recipe made the most delicious Chocolate Chip Cookies EVER. 

I sent some over to each of my sisters' houses to welcome them home from their mission trip to El Salvador. 

And to keep myself from eating the whole batch by myself. 

Sharing is good for everyone.

Smitten Kitchen's recipe!  Go here to get it.

Now, don't eat too many, or your teeth might fall out. 

Take it from someone who has endured a sugar-induced tooth loss:

Someone who doesn't consume sugar like the favored form of addictive stimulants, and she still lost a tooth last week (ah, rites of passage, how I love you for letting me think Curlyjo is still just a little girl):

Here, Curlyjo, I will let you have the last cookie.

Too slow, girl. 

Maybe next time.

Busy Hands

I have been working on my bread making skills for a couple of years.  I just love making bread.  I like the kneading, the thinking that naturally happens when your hands are busy with a redundant task and the mind is free to wander.  I like the skill that comes with knowing, by sight and touch, that the bread is done being kneaded.  I used to just set the timer and knead it for however long the recipe recommended.  Now, I just know.  I like that.  My latest attempts have been with High Protein Whole Wheat Bread from the More with Less cookbook.  Oh, my.  If you are on a low-carb diet, please look away.  This will be obscene for you.

Yeah, I made those. 

I can't put the recipe on here, because I didn't make it up.  But, the cookbook is so worth the money! 

This bread is not too dense, slices beautifully and is super nutritious.  It is not, however, vegan, if that is a concern.  It is a concern for me, when visions of this book come a-haunting.

But, who could resist?

"Bring me the jam, stat."

(What does "stat" mean?)

The way my mind is wandering, you would think I was kneading something.

Menu Plan Monday...and a Request

When I do a menu plan, I almost always end up improvising at some point in the week.  Things just never go quite as planned!  So, I have decided to tweak the way that I menu plan a little.  I made a list of five meals (leaving one night for leftovers and one for simple food), and I grocery shopped accordingly.  Now I have a list of meals that I can make with what I have on hand this week. 

Dinners:
1.  Hamburgers/veggie burgers on whole wheat buns, oven fries, zucchini
2.  Quiche, bread, and fruit
3.  Chicken wreath and salad
4.  Crock pot BBQ chicken, macaroni and cheese, frozen or fresh veggie
5.  Garden Minestrone and Whole Wheat Beer Bread

Other things to make this week (for breakfast/lunch/snacks):
1.  High Protein Whole Wheat Bread (also from the More with Less cookbook--it is amazing!)
2.  Granola Bars
3.  Tuna salad

If you don't have a copy of the More with Less cookbook, I highly recommend it and its philosophy on cooking and eating.

And now, on a more somber note, I have a request.  I don't know what the rules are about praying for pets, but if you could keep my Kitty Friend in your thoughts, I would appreciate it greatly. 

She is very ill, on IV fluids, waiting to gather enough strength for surgery.  They think she may have a tumor in her abdomen, and she has lost thirty percent of her body weight in just two weeks.  She is weak, and I am not sure she will do well in surgery, or that they will be able to do anything for her.  She has been my friend for thirteen years, and my heart is just breaking that it may be time to let her go.  Remember us today.  I am aware that she is an animal, not a person, but I think God cares about ALL of my tears, and there have been many today from my beloved Kitty Friend.  If nothing else, I pray He will comfort me...and her.

A Little Thrifty Love

The men in my house--The Husband and Brother--have had quite a successful week.  In the last two days, they both had very exciting work-related news.  I am so proud of both of them. 

Neither of them really read my blog, so I can be super mushy without them even knowing it :)

Dear Husband, 

You have always been the one for me, so how blessed am I that you turned out to be one of the most wonderful men in the world?  I couldn't have known when we were young who you would become as a man, but God did.  And He blessed me richly in bringing us together.  Thank you for all your hard work, for your integrity, for your sacrifice for our family and beyond.  You are the most treasured thing in my life.  I hope to have many more years full of opportunities to show you how happy I am to be your wife.  So, in honor of your success, I am making you a special dinner, including two of your favorite things...beef and homemade salsa. 

That is love, babe.

Love Always, The Wife

 Dear Brother,

How awesome is your new venture in life?  I am really proud of you, "Gaylord."  I know you can be successful at whatever you do...remember the time you totally put your heart and soul into doing your laundry?  Wait, scratch that.  What about the time you totally dominated the weeds in the ditch with that mini lawn mower?  Yeah, this is going to be just like that.  You are going to dominate it.  Just make sure you get up in time :)  Thanks for letting me hang out with you and share in your life.  Lots of times God gave me just enough encouragement, just in time, and many times He used you to do it.  You are a pretty good friend.  In honor of your exciting news, I made you Chocolate Chip Cookie bars--with real butter. 

Love, Your Secretary

Who says celebrating has to be expensive? 

I guarantee that they know how important they are to me, and I didn't have to go out and buy anything. 

Menu Plan Monday

You want to participate in Menu Plan Monday?  Go to here.

We had such a great weekend!  We did some swimming with family, had a little campfire time, saw my Mom on the webcam, and attended a wonderful church service.  I feel ready for the week!

The plan:

Monday:  Kale and White Bean soup, bread

Tuesday:  Beef Stroganoff, egg noodles, frozen veggie

Wednesday:  Grilled chicken (I will invent a marinade), healthy risotto, veggie

Thursday:  Taco Pizza, salad

Friday:  Meatloaf, mashed potatoes, veggie

Saturday:  Spicy Shrimp, brown rice, salad

Sunday:  Leftovers!

Confession:  Sometimes I don't make what is on the list, or I switch the days around. 

I still like having a plan.

I leave you with a couple of weekend pictures that put me in a great mood this Monday morning:

The most beautiful place in the world, my family's farm, also known as "The Compound."

My sweet little family, just being together.

The Roo, who is always doing something funny...like looking deep into the eyes of Curlyjo's doll.

My lovely sister and her family.  And the most glaring portion of the picture...her husband's farmer's tan. 

*giggle*

Brother and The Husband, having a chat. 

I think. 

Gratitude.  For all the precious memories we created this weekend.

Romantic Asparagus?

Ahhhh, Saturday.  I had my Lentil Burger lunch around 11:00 am today, so by 2:00 pm, I was ready for lunch number two ;)
So, I cooked again.

Tomato Soup

Better than Campbell's, cheaper than Campbell's.

1 can tomato paste

2 1/4 c. water

1 tsp. balsamic vinegar

1 tsp. soy sauce

1/4 tsp. onion powder

1/4 tsp. garlic powder

1/2 tsp. dried basil

3-4 tsp. real maple syrup

pinch of cayenne pepper

salt and black pepper, to taste

grated Parmesan cheese (optional)

Put the tomato paste into a medium saucepan over medium-high heat.  Add the water and whisk until combined.  Add all other ingredients and whisk.  Bring it to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to low and simmer for five minutes.  Ladle into bowls and top with cheese, if you are using it.  I say go for it.  It is even better after it sits for a while!

Two lunches down, and it was time to go couponing. 

I went to the Wal-Mart in my town, which always proves annoying and fruitless.  I usually go to the store in another town, as they are much more cooperative and...nice.

I had coupons that enabled me to get lots of goodies free or nearly so, which wigged out the cashier. 

The loot the lady thought I was stealing:

Nice!  It was worth the ten minute argument with TWO cashiers. 

I came home and cooked again. 

Oh, and I got a bouquet from the Husband today!

Local, organic asparagus for one.  He knows the way to my heart :)

Lentil Burgers

Yesterday I did not cook anything for an entire day.  Somehow I still had tons of dishes, hmmm. 

This morning I just needed to cook something.

And I really needed to clean out the fridge. 

"Necessity is the mother of invention."

Homemade Lentil Burgers

Serves 6

2 1/2 c. cooked brown lentils

3 tbs. tomato paste

McCormick Steak Seasoning, to taste (I used about 1 tbs.)

chopped green chilies (I used about 2 tbs. of the canned variety, but do this to taste)

2 eggs

1 c. bread crumbs

1/2 c. quick oats

Preheat oven to 375 degrees.  Spray a non-stick baking sheet with cooking spray.  In a food processor, place lentils, tomato paste, seasoning, and eggs.  Pulse until it is blended.  Pour it into a medium bowl and add the chilies, bread crumbs, and oats. 

Let stand at room temperature for about five minutes.  Shape into patties. Heat 1-2 tbs. olive oil over medium-high heat in a non-stick skillet. Cook the burgers in the skillet about three to four minutes per side.

Place on the prepared baking sheet and bake for 10 minutes in the preheated oven.

Feast. 

I really like these!  Next time I will add some finely chopped onion and garlic, to make it a little more interesting.  I loved that they were not soggy in the middle.

So, the burning question:

Do they taste like meat?

The answer:

Of course NOT.

But they are tasty and healthy.  And I don't like things that aren't meat that taste like meat. 

Because that is just weird. 

Homemade Pizza

Homemade pizza has always been comfort food for my family.  I remember when my mom used to make it when I was a girl, and it was such a treat!  Fast forward twenty-five years, and I am making it for my little family (and Brother and a few of his friends).  I like to make the crust with some whole wheat flour, because it makes me feel virtuous. 

Homemade Pizza Crust

courtesy of allrecipes.com

Into a mixer, pour 1 1/2 c. warm water, 1 tsp. sugar, and 1 Tbs. yeast.  Wait 10 minutes for the yeast to "proof," or look foamy.  You can just stand there and watch if you want, because it is kind of neat.  Not that I do that.

Add 1 Tbs. olive oil and 1 tsp. salt.  With the paddle attachment of the mixer, mix this together.  That may have been a little redundant.  Or thorough, depending on how you look at it.

Next, add 2 c. whole wheat flour. Mix on low speed until incorporated.  Then add 1 c. all purpose flour and mix until it comes together.  Dump it on a floured surface.

Start kneading in the flour.  You will use another 1/4 to 1/2 c. of all purpose flour in the kneading process.  It is hard to really say how you know you are done kneading, but it should take about five minutes. 

Half way through:

Still bumpy and not quite elastic.

Done:

Smooth, elastic, and very pretty. 

Put it into a lightly oiled bowl and cover with a towel.  You could use the mixer bowl.  Why not.

Go see what everyone else is up to while it rises. 

Some people may be destroying the living room in order to have a comfortable place to read.

Others may be just too drowsy to participate.

About an hour later, I had this:

Yeast, man.

Punch it down (no, really.  Punch it.) and cut it in two.  Place both under a towel to rise again, just for about 20 minutes. 

When it is done rising, kneed it a little and then roll it out on a floured surface into a circle.  Or something like a circle.

Place it on a pan or pizza stone, top it as desired, and bake in a preheated 475 degree oven for about 8 minutes.  Just look at it.  You will know when it is done.

Because it will look like that, and you will want to eat it...if the teenage boys don't get to it first. 

Luckily, the recipe makes enough dough for two pizzas.

"Party on, Wayne."