Fast Food from Your Kitchen!

Back in January, I saw a Real Money segment on ABC about fast food and home cooked meals.

In a nutshell, they used a family of 4 with two working parents who spent around $300 a week on fast food because they just didn't have the time to cook at home and showed them not only how to save money, but actually how fast cooking at home can be.  The results?  The fast food meal cost $22 and took 31 minutes, whereas the home cooked meal cost $12 and took 22 minutes.  Impressive, right?  So, how did they do it?  ABC Real Money's tips included buying items from the grocery store that are in season, in addition to   

buying ingredients that are whole and you slice them up thinly.  Buying ingredients whole is cheaper than the pre-cut items and when you chop them up thinly, they cook faster.  A double plus!

They also suggested using fast cooking foods like grains and using fresh rather than frozen so you don't have the defrosting wait time.

All great ideas!  Love it!

Cooking at home is not only healthier but saves money too...sounds like there will be more time to celebrate the little things that make life sweet...don't ya think?
So what kinds of things did they cook?

How about your own stir fry instead of Chinese take out?

Eating Well has a simple Lemon Chicken Stir Fry filled with fresh veggies, lemon chicken and rice noodles or brown rice.  Healthy all done in less than 45 minutes.  Get the full recipe from the link.

Try Mango Tango Tacos from Crunch Time Food instead of Taco Bell.  Takes just under 30 minutes and tastes so fresh!  Of course it is healthy too!  Since it is in taco form, even the kiddos will like it!  Click on over with the link to find the recipe and you will also find some other healthy, quick and delicious meal ideas.

So the next time you think of grabbing dinner out, remember just how quickly you can whip something up at home.  You will save money and eat something more healthful!  

Celebrate the little things that make life sweet!

Christine

What to Plant? Pre-Garden Planning

Cue Andy Williams...

"It's the most wonderful time of the year!"

No, it's not Christmas!

No, not Mother's Day...although that should be at least a month long event!!!  :)

The MOST WONDERFUL time of the year is the day our local gardening center opens!!!!

Hey, when you live in the Midwest, there are just certain things to look forward to that mark the coming of Spring...especially after this winter...the Worst EVER!

Even though the gardening center is not packed to the gills with new saplings...it is just a must...a kind of reassurance that even the professionals believe that we aren't stuck in a non-ending Arctic world!  So, every year, regardless of the weather, I make the pilgrimage.

Here's what I saw...

Beautiful flowers!!!

Oh my!  The color!

Most of the center looks brown, but one day soon...I expect green!!!

Even if it is too early to plant in your area, there are still some things to do to be garden ready when Spring finally arrives.  Here are a couple of ideas I like to do before I get out and get dirt under my nails.

One of the first things I do is to begin plotting out my garden.  Where do I want to put the plants so that I rotate the area from the previous year.  What works well with what, etc.  No longer do I need to draw it out!  Nope, time to get techie!!!

This is an awesome, free app by Burpee.  It alerts you when to sow and when to harvest, specifically according to your region's current weather.  Is that cool or what?

Now would also be the time to pick out your seed packets.  Whether you go heirloom, organic or whatever strikes your fancy based on the picture...start to gather the packets from your gardening or home improvement center.  I like to use some young plants as well as seeds so that I have a staggering of harvesting times.  But, way too early for any young plants so I will just hoard some seed packets!

If you really want to be a hip gardener, check out Garden Media Group for the latest garden trends

for  2014.  Apparently, composting will be BIG this year!  It's the new recycling trend.  There will be a continued focus on super foods as well.  "Fermentation gardens are the new chickens."  Gardeners are using their home grown super foods for smoothies, cocktails and evening brewing purposes!  Real trendsetters are growing hops for beer and planting grapes for home-made wine.  I think I really need to look into that!  There are many other ideas too, so make sure to click on the link.  This year also includes a focus on the declining bee population and lots of ways to "bee" friendly to this insect.  Lots of ideas as to what to plant to attract the bees!

I can't wait!

I have seed catalogs all over the kitchen table and have been using my new garden app!

Hope you are inspired to not only get ready for Spring, but the most wonderful time of the year...garden season!

Remember...

If you aren't yet a gardener, this may be the season to start.  Just start slowly with a couple of plants and each year add another plant or two.  It's great therapy and not only healthy for you, but the environment too.

Start your pre-planning today and celebrate the little things that make life sweet!

Christine

Pot Roast and Cheesy Ranch Grits

 

Company's coming and not sure what to serve?

How about a spin on a Sunday classic?

POT ROAST AND CHEESY GRITS

Just like Grandma used to make, only in the slow cooker.

The grits are so cheesy and flavorful.

The pot roast is incredibly tender because it spent the day in the slow cooker!!!

Check out how easy this is to make...The recipe was adapted from Plain Chicken.

Ingredients for the pot roast:
2 tsp garlic salt
1/2 tsp pepper
1 (4-5 lb.) boneless chuck roast
1 (12 oz) can coke
1 (12 oz) bottle chili sauce
2 Tbsp Worcestershire sauce
3 Tbsp cornstarch
1/4 cup milk

Sprinkle garlic salt and pepper over roast. Place roast in slow cooker.  In a large bowl, combine coke, chili sauce and Worcestershire sauce.  Pour over roast. Cover and cook on low 8-9 hours.

Remove roast from slow cooker, reserving juices in slow cooker; keep roast warm.

Combine cornstarch and milk, stirring well; stir into slow cooker. Cook, uncovered on high 15 minutes or until thickened, stirring occasionally.

For the grits:
1 1/2 cup quick cook grits
3 cups chicken broth
2 Tbsp of a packet of Ranch dressing mix
1 1/2 - 2 cup shredded cheddar cheese

In a medium pan, bring chicken broth to a boil.  Slowly stir in grits.  Reduce heat to medium low.  Cook 5 minutes, stirring occasionally  Stir in Ranch mix and cheese.  Cook until cheese is melted.  

Place cheesy, Ranch grits on a plate.  Place pieces of the roast on top and then pour the gravy over all.

Pot Roast and Cheesy Grits printable recipe

Don't you just love when the slow cooker does all the work?

You will love the tender pot roast together with the cheesy ranch grits!

'Cuz who doesn't love a Sunday type meal!

Celebrate the little things that make life sweet!

Christine

You may also like:

Cheesy Grits and Shrimp

Mongolian Beef

Spring Has Sprung?

Spring has Sprung!

Well, somewhere it has...still waiting here, but in the meatime the insides of my house will say Spring!

Time for some cute Spring projects.

A fun, free Spring printable from Lil Luna.  I may not having anything as coloful outside, but looking at these pretty flowers will remind me of what is yet to come!  It is coming, right?  Right now we are still in shades of browns.... :(  Just click on over to the link for a couple of color varities, print it out and add a frame.

I love this wreath from Taylor Made by Taylor Bee!  She took a basic grapevine wreath, some pretty spring, silk hydrangeas and hot glued them off to the side.  Then she added a color coordinated wooden initial.  Seasonal simplicity!  I love it!  Your door will never look prettier.  It will help wash away those winter browns and usher in the color!

Look at how pretty this is!  Maybe you can eat outside this time of year.  I could if I wore coats and boots, so probably not doing that yet.  But whether you are dining outside or inside, you can bring on Spring with these pretty tin cans.  Start saving some cans from your cooking, rinse them out and paint them in pretty pastel colors.  All you need are some flowers and your table will look so much like Spring.  Country Living  reuses coffee and soup cans; then paints them with Benjamin Moore sample jars.  I am so gonna do this!

Well, if Spring hasn't quite sprung in your area...bring it on with some of these pretty Spring inspirations.

They will provide a lift to your spirits and add color to your home!

Celebrate the little things that make life sweet!

Christine

When Life Gives You the Bread Ends...

When life gives you lemons...make lemonade.

So when life gives you the bread ends...hmmm, what is a girl to do?

How often have you just thrown away the front and back end of a loaf of bread?  

STOP!

Don't do that anymore!

Start saving those ends.  Place them in a bag in the freezer and when you have a bunch, take them out for some great ideas!  So, when life gives you bread ends, make...

Make CROUTONS!
Use leftover stale bread or ends of bread to create croutons.  This recipe from Natasha's Kitchen is exactly what I use.  Just chop up the bread and toss with olive oil, garlic salt, melted butter, parsley, salt and pepper.  Toast in a shallow baking dish in the oven and you are good to go.  Click on over to follow her recipe.  You'll never use store bought croutons again and your soup or salad will be AWESOME!

Bread Pudding is another way to use up those crusts.  This recipe from America's Test Kitchen uses challah bread.  You can use that or just use a bunch of those end slices.  Bread pudding has such humble roots, it's so easy and awesome comfort food!  Add a scoop of ice cream and you have quite the yummy!  Click the link for the complete recipe.

Ina Garten was featured in House Beautiful for her Panzanella recipe!



This is a great recipe for using up those leftover bread ends.  Just cube them up, add some fresh, chopped vegetables, feta cheese and a vinagrette to make a delicious salad.  Use the above link to find the recipe.

I bet you didn't know just how useful those bread ends could be?
Use them for a sweet treat or a savory one!

Celebrate the little things that make life sweet!
Christine

My Favorite Sandwiches Combined!

So who likes Grilled Cheese?

How about BLTs?

I luv, luv them both!!!  They are my favorite sammys!  So how about combining them?  Yep, that would be sammy heaven!

A BLT Grilled Cheese!  Seriously?  Would I kid you?

Check out this AWESOME hot sandwich idea that originated from Foodie Crush.

You are basically combining all the ingredients of a BLT and Grilled Cheese.  So gather some bread slices of choice, crispy bacon slices, tomato slices, lettuce leaves and slices of  cheeses.  Then start stacking!  Just like a Scooby sandwich.

On one slice of bread, layer 2 slices cheddar on top, then bacon slices, tomato, lettuce and finally 2 slices of Swiss cheese. Top with slice of bread.  Butter outside of bread slices then place sandwich on your George Foreman Grill. Close lid and let cheese melt and bread toast for about 3-4 minutes.

What a great idea combining all that together!

My new favorite sammy!  Serve that cheesey, crispy bacon"y" goodness with a cup of soup!

I know what I am making for dinner tonight...

Celebrate the little things that make life sweet!

Christine

Mary, Mary Quite Contrary...

 Mary, Mary quite contrary...how does your garden grow?

Well, if you live in the midwest...it ain't growing at all!!!

Your garden may or may not look like this...

Beautiful, but not happy about it in March... this was just days before the official start of Spring.

We did get a day that melted it all, but back into the cold and a fresh new dusting of snow occured overnight.

I would love to get out there and plant, but planting in these parts isn't until May.  So in the meantime, I am looking for clever ideas to mark what I will be planting.  Here's what I have been looking at...

How clever is that?  Just gather some FREE wooden paint stick stirrers from your local hardware store.  Pick out your favorite paint colors and paint the sticks.  Use a paint pen to write the name of the plant.  That's it!  All the 3 Cs are covered:  Cute, Cheap and Clever!  Thanks Katy Harper for the idea!

Start saving the corks from your wine bottles!  Just write the name right on the cork, in permanent marker.  Stick a thin dowel into the cork and then into the ground it goes!  So many fabulous ideas with corks and this one is a good one!  Great idea from the Backyard Diva!

These are pretty stinkin' cute!  Domestic Simplicity recycled spoons.  Use some old mismatched spoons or buy some from the dollar store.  Have the kiddos draw small pictures of the veggies or flowers you are planting.  You cut them to size and add a label.  Use outdoor Modge Podge to attach the picture to the spoon.  Check out the link to find complete directions.

I can't wait to plant!  So in the meantime...which garden markers will I use this year?

If this winter continues much longer...I may have time to make ALL of them!

Celebrate the little things that make life sweet!

Christine

You may also like a previous post called Trash to Treasure for additional garden projects.  The ideas from that post included:

Anything Popping Up?

The snow has finally melted around here.  Last I heard, we hadn't seen grass since December 1!  DECEMBER 1...that is insanely crazy!!!

We see grass, but not close to being green.
We have varing shades of brown in our landscape...
It's no wonder I have been experiencing cabin fever!

Anything popping up out of the ground at your house?

I haven't seen one spring bulb making it's way out of the frozen ground...

So, I am going to "pop" into the kitchen and make something a"maize"ing AND "corny" that will make my heart "pop."

Are you getting the clues yet?

POPCORN IDEAS!

This is so fun!  This popcorn is made with kool-aid!  You choose the flavor or pick based on colors you want for a holiday or celebration.  Tasty Kitchen has all the ingredients you need and the directions.  The combinations are endless!

Check out Cookies and Cups for an easy salted caramel popcorn recipe.  Sweet and salty...the perfect combo!

This next recipe starts with caramel popcorn and then you add some more ingredients like Golden Graham cereal, marshmallows and chocolate to create S'more Popcorn.  Get all the details over at Thirty Handmade Days and I'm sure you won't be disappointed!

You may not have anything popping out of the ground in your area, but you can have some yummy treats popping up in your kitchen!

Celebrate the little things that make life sweet!

Christine

Cabin Fever!!!

Cabin Fever is setting in!!!

Calendar says Spring, but we just aren't there yet.  Living in the Midwest, it takes awhile for the weather to match what the calendar declares.

I so want to get out into the garden and it is just too early to do so.  Boo, hoo...

So when not working or cooking or dreaming of warm activities...I started looking around the inside of my house and decided I need to redecorate!  Do you ever do that?  Well, I  can't go buy all new furniture...well I could, but my husband would hate me forever.  Do I really want to paint?  No...too much work.  But there are simple things I can do to give my room a "facelift" and won't cost an arm and a leg.  One of those things to do is to create some new artwork for my walls and there is a TON...I mean A Ton...of free printables out in cyber world.

Check this out...

Free kitchen printables over at Over The Big Moon.  Wouldn't those be a cute addition?

How about creating customized monograms...for free?  Check out For Chic Sake to create your own.

Inspirationationl printables can also help a redecorating endeavor.

How cute this would look in an entry way.  Just a little pick me up about loving the journey.  The 36th Avenue has a few printables about life not being a race and enjoying the moment.  There are also a few other kitchen printables you might like too.  Make sure to click on over.

If you have been experiencing cabin fever, and are feeling like you want to redecorate too...spruce up those walls.  After all, it's been months, and I mean months, staring at them.  They are due for something fresh!

What are some of your ideas for a quick, fresh redecorating update?

Celebrate the little things that make life sweet!

Christine

Floridian Foodie Series - Pan Seared Scallops and Couscous

For the last episode of Floridian Foodie Series, I am thinking scallops!

So one of the outdoor activites you can do in Florida is go scalloping.  I have never done this and feel like I really missed out on something.  Apparently, up in the Northeast part of the Gulf of Mexico you can get some scallops, during the season.  Just put on your swim suit, snorkel and mask and scoop those babies right up!  Wouldn't that be fun right now?

Well, I made my way over to Whole Foods to scoop some scallops up right off their bed of ice...cuz that was the best I could do.  No exciting experience of catching and cooking your own...but just as good!  Here's what you do...

Ingredients:

1 lb of scallops

1 Tbsp olive oil

coarse salt

fresh ground pepper

lemon

4 Tbsps butter

1 box of toasted giant pasta pearl couscous

Cook the couscous according to package directions and set aside.

Take each scallop and pat dry.  Sprinkle coarse salt and fresh ground pepper on each flat side of the scallop.

Next, heat olive oil in a skillet.  When HOT, place scallops flat side down.  Sear for 2-3 minutes.  Flip over scallop and sear an additional 3-4 minutes.  You will see a nice carmelized coating on each flat side.  During the last 2 minutes, add the butter and fresh lemon.  Just squeeze 1/2 a lemon into the pan.

Remove scallops and place on a bed of cooked couscous.  Pour remaining drippings from pan over the top.

Pan Seared Scallops and Couscous

So easy and such simple ingredients.  Scallops can be pricey, but it is so worth the treat.  I love the texture and the flavors that come from the scallop...simple with just salt and pepper and lemon butter.  Makes a former Floridian happy!

Celebrate the little things that make life sweet!

Christine

Joined up with I Heart Naptime for a Link Party Palooza!  Also linked up with some of my favorite bloggers!!!
the 36th avenue, Wine and Glue, Chef in Training, Skip to My Lou and Inside Bru Crew Life

Floridian Foodie Series - Baked Coconut Shrimp and Key Lime Dip

If you travel to Florida, one thing you can't miss out on is seafood!

That's one of the things about living in the Midwest that I miss about Florida...the seafood!

It just isn't the same up here.  But when I am craving the food of the ocean, I just make it!  So since we are in a Floridian Foodie Series, how about Coconut Shrimp?  You'd be surprised about how easy it is to make at home.  You didn't know you could bring Florida here, did ya?

Wow!  This is so tropical!  Love the coconut and key lime flavor and the best part is...the shrimp is baked!  The Panko bread crumbs and the coconut give the shrimp a nice crunch.  Serve it with a key lime dip...PERFECTION!

Here's how you do it...

Ingredients for the Baked Coconut Shrimp:

1 cup flour
1 cup Panko bread crumbs
1/2 cup shredded coconut
1/2 cup coconut milk
3 Tbsp key lime juice
2 Tbsp pineapple juice
2 lbs of shrimp, peeled (leave on tails)

Ingredients for the Key Lime Dip:
1/2 cup sour cream
2 Tbsp key lime juice
4 Tbsp crushed pineapple
4 Tbsp shredded coconut

For the shrimp, place the flour in bowl 1.  Mix together the milk, key lime juice and pineapple juice.  Put the liquid into bowl 2.  In bowl 3, mix together the Panko bread crumbs and coconut.  Take each shrimp and dredge through the flour of bowl 1, dip in the liquid of bowl 2 and coat with the coconut mixture of bowl 3.  Place on an ungreased pan. When all shrimp are coated, put pan into a 375 degree oven for 3 minutes, then flip over the shrimp.  Bake an additional 3 minutes or until shrimp are pink.

While shrimp are baking, mix together all the ingredients for the key lime dip.  Serve that on the side with your shrimp.

Baked Coconut Shrimp and Key Lime Dip printable recipes

Ah, the flavors of Florida!

Feeling pretty tropical right now...in my mind.  Maybe I can push up the heat to 80, put on a bathing suit and sip a Pina Colada...then I'll be there alright!

Celebrate the little things that make life sweet!

Christine

Showing what I got over at Skip to My Lou.
Sparkling over at Inside Bru Crew Life.
Joining the Talent Show at Chef in Training.
Excited about being part of the Cast Party over at Lady Behind the Curtain.
Hanging at the Link Party Palooza with I Heart Naptime
AND...linking up with the Party Bunch at The 36th Avenue!

Floridian Foodie Series - Key Lime Pie

I was born and raised in Florida.

Lived there for 26 years.

Does that make me a Florida Cracker?  I decided to look it up...

People use that term when their family has lived in the state for many generations.  "It is considered a source of pride to be descended from frontier people who did not just live but flourished in a time before air conditioning, mosquito repellant and screens."  Apparently, I am not a Florida Cracker!  No air conditioning?  No mosquito repellant and no screens?  That's crazy!  But, that's how my mom lived down there as a little girl.  She was a transplant from the Midwest.  Now I am the transplant from Florida.  Who knew?  

Anyhow, I do love the food that comes from Florida and one of the best is Key Lime Pie.

This is the recipe my mom used to make.  In fact, the recipe card is in her handwriting, so that makes it super special!  Here's what ya need and what to do...

2 egg yolks

2 whole eggs

1 can sweetened condensed milk

1/2 cup key lime juice (fresh or Nellie and Joe's Key West Key Lime Juice, my favorite bottled key lime juice)

9 in graham cracker pie crust

1 container whipped cream

Combine egg yolks, whole eggs and condensed milk.  Mix well.

Add key lime juice and blend extremely well.

Pour into pie crust and bake at 350 degrees for 3-4 minutes or until firm.  Cool completely, refrigerate and then top with whipped cream.

Key Lime Pie printable recipe

Don't you just want to dig in?  The pie is slightly tart, yet sweet at the same time...top it with whipped cream and you have one cool, delcious dessert that totally says you are in Florida!  Notice that it is yellow, not green.  A real key lime pie is never green, take it from a former Floridian.  :)

Celebrate the little things that make life sweet!

Christine

Letting loose by linking up with Skip to My Lou, Inside Bru Crew Life,
Chef in Training, Kitchen Meets Girl, I Heart Naptime
The 36th Avenue and Lady Behind the Curtain.

Floridian Foodie Series - Grilled Swordfish

Years ago my brother in law introduced us to swordfish.

Can you imagine catching one of those?
I have a simpler solution...go to your favorite fish monger and get one there.  Probably a lot easier, don't you think?

We actually have a great fish monger in our area and try to get some swordfish once in awhile.  My brother in law made a recipe using swordfish that was phenomenal!  So that's the recipe I use.  Again, simple ingredients and your grill!

Ingredients:

4 swordfish steaks

1/4 cup olive oil

4 Tbsp Balsamic Vinegar

4 Tbsp minced garlic

2 tsp brown mustard

In a shallow pan, whisk together the olive oil, Balsamic Vinegar, minced garlic and brown mustard.  Add the swordfish steaks and marinade 3-5 minutes per side.  Then grill!  You will know when they are done when they feel firm in the middle.

Grilled Swordfish printable recipe

The swordfish steaks have such a good flavor.  They are light and not fishy at all!  This recipe even works with Mahi Mahi.  Our tradition is to serve the swordfish with hush puppies...another Florida favorite.

So if you have a craving for seafood and want the flavors of Florida...Swordfish is the way to go!  Thanks to my brother in law for sharing!!!

Celebrate the little things that make life sweet!

Christine

Linking up with some of my favorite bloggers over at Lady Behind the Curtain, Skip to My Lou,
Inside Bru Crew Life,
Kitchen Meets Girl, The 36th Avenue, I Heart Naptime
and Chef in Training

Floridian Foodie Series - Orange Meringue Pie

My grandparents were campers.  They had a trailer and would travel the State Parks of Florida.  One of the places they visited annually was Highlands Hammock State Park in Sebring, Florida.

Just North of Lake Okeechobee, in the center part of the state of Florida is this...

Isn't that pretty?  I have such fond memories of hanging with my grandparents in their trailer, playing cards.  Loved the nature trails wherever they were...although as an adult, my mind wanders immediately to the scary...too many movies!!!  Back to idyllic Seabring!  Don't those images just scream what Florida used to be like?  Well, there are still places like that today.  But one of the best parts, I remember, of Sebring, Florida was the Orange Meringue Pie!  Oh my gosh, you have no idea!!!!

The flavors of citrus are just perfect this time of year when there is such a longing for warmer temps.  This Orange Meringue Pie recipe is sweet and has a texture similar to Key Lime Pie, but it has a flavor of it's own that is delicious!  I was so excited when I found the recipe at allrecipes.com.  Here's how you make it...

Ingredients:

1 9 inch unbaked pie crust

3 egg yolks, beaten

1/2 cup sugar

2 Tbsp flour

1 Tbsp melted butter

1 Tbsp orange zest

1 cup orange juice

For the meringue topping:

3 egg whites

6 Tbsp sugar

1 orange, sliced

Preheat oven to 450 degrees.

Beat together egg yolks and 1/2 cup sugar until mixture is thick and lemon-colored. Add flour, melted butter, grated orange rind, and orange juice. Mix thoroughly, then pour into pastry shell.

Bake in oven for 10 minutes. Reduce heat to 350 degrees F and bake an additional 35 minutes, or until custard is set.

In a large mixing bowl, beat egg whites until foamy. Gradually add 6 tablespoons sugar, continuing to beat until whites form stiff peaks. Spread meringue over pie, covering completely. Return to oven for 10 minutes, until meringue is golden brown. Cool before serving. Garnish with orange slices or orange zest.

Orange Meringue Pie printable recipe

The orange custard filling topped with a light meringue...ah, Florida heaven!

I feel like I am in the Florida sunshine with that pie!

Whether you are still in the thick of winter...or, spring has made an appearance in your neck of the woods...give this pie a try!  It'll put some sunshine on your face!

Celebrate the little things that make life sweet!

Christine

Linking up with Inside Bru Crew Life, Lady Behind the Curtain, Skip to My Lou, Kitchen Meets Girl, 
The 36th Avenue, I Heart Naptime, Gooseberry Patch and Chef in Training.

St. Patrick's Day Dyeing of the River Green

Happy St. Patrick's Day!

Here's how we celebrated...

A beautiful day in the city of Chicago for dyeing the river green!!!

In goes the vegetable dye...

Then the boats stir it up...

The crowd goes wild as the river turns green!!!

Wahooo!  It's officially St. Patrick's Day in the city of Chicago!

Put your green on and celebrate in all the fun today!

Because it's those little things that make life sweet!

Christine