Dad's June Goal

For my last thing for this month I ate tonight Jills recipe called Poor Man's Dinner and I really liked it and so did dad!!
Ok for Dad's June challenge here goes:
Go back to Jan, Feb, Mar and Apr Ensign and read the Presidents messages. Then for Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep, Oct and Dec read the Presidents message three times in the month. This is a goal that you will be doing the rest of the year. Dad knows that all goals should be done in a month but he's is the dad and can do this!!!! He wants everyone to be able to say what the prophet tells us to do if anybody asks.

Chicken Pita Pizzas

This last week I created a simple recipe by looking at what food I had in my fridge. This is what I came up with.

5-6 flat (no pocket) pita bread
2 garlic cloves, minced
3 tbsp. olive oil
cubed or shredded cooked chicken
sliced mushrooms
sliced zucchini
Parmesan cheese
mozzarella cheese
basil

Mix olive oil and garlic and spread evenly on pita breads. Place chicken, zucchini, and mushrooms on pita breads, then sprinkle with cheeses and basil. Bake at 350 until browned.


Thanks Sally for the fun goal. It's great to see all these new recipes to try.

Chicken Salad

I got this recipe from my friend Stacey Johnston.
It's more of a list of ingredients than specific quanitites. Make as much or as little as you want.

Chicken - you could use cooked frozen breasts, but it's a great recipe to use canned chicken. One of the cannery chicken cans is perfect for us. (Mostly because our girls don't actually eat any.)

Apple - diced in fairly small pieces. A whole apple is a little much for one can.

Cranberries - I just throw in a few handfuls and add more if I feel like it.

Mayo or Miracle Whip - Add as much as you want. Sorry Steve.

Basil, salt and pepper - add to taste. The basil really adds to the flavor.

Mix all together and chill. Eat on bread or a wrap. Great with lettuce, tomato, sprouts and cheese! It's a nice alternative to tuna sandwiches! It also tastes good on crackers too.

creative foods week #3

I know it's nothing special... but I haven't tried it before!
This is watermelon jello with bits of watermelon in it. I think the recipe is self-explanatory!
It's yummy. And we liked it!

Ramen Cabbage Toss, AKA Poor Man's Dinner :)

I actually came up with this recipe in college and I found it in my journal a little bit ago. I made it and the kids actually LOVE it. Bizarre.

There really aren't any measurements, I just make what our family can eat, so this is what I used this last week.

1/2 head cabbage, chopped
2 packages ramen (oriental, chicken, or beef)
8 eggs
garlic powder
salt/pepper

Break up ramen noodles and cook according to package. Drain water, mix in seasonings. Set aside.

In large frying pan, cook cabbage in small amount of oil or cooking spray. Fry until tender then push to the edges of pan.

Beat eggs and pour them in the middle of the large frying pan and cook (like scrambled eggs). Once eggs are cooked combine them with cabbage and add ramen noodles. Mix together and season with salt and pepper and garlic salt if desired.

You can cook all three things separately, I just do the cabbage and eggs this way to save using more dishes. I've also added mushrooms before while cooking the cabbage.



I also tried another recipe from the family cookbook last week. It was Leesa's ECLAIR DESSERT. A..M...A...Z...I...N...G... We all loved it as did all the company we had. I highly recommend it. It's very quick, easy, and cheap.

New Dessert Recipe

Key Lime Pie
I used my limes from the Bountiful Basket pick up for this

1 can sweetened condensed milk
1/2 c. lime juice (which I squeezed from my limes)
Blend these 2 things together.
add 1 t. grated lime peel
pour this into a graham cracker crust. Spread cool whip over the top.
Put in the fridge for 2 hours to set up.

We really enjoyed this and EVEN MOM liked it. This was my week 3 receipe. I will post week 2 soon.

Week #2 of something new

A couple of days ago I made freezer jam. I've made it once before, but it was just plain strawberry, so for the challenge this month to try something new, I made 2 different kinds.


The one on the left is strawberry-mango jam and the one on the right is strawberry-blackberry jam.

The mangoes and blackberries both came from my Bountiful Basket, so they are two fruits I normally wouldn't buy (due to cost) so it was fun to have a few different fruits to mix and play around with. The strawberries I got at the Winco Grand Opening, 4 lbs for $2.98. And I still had plenty left for eating!

I just used the freezer jam instructions in the box of pectin, and used half of the strawberry and then half of the mango/blackberry instructions, then mixed 'em together. (I made two batches.)

It was really fun to make my own jam, I know that most of you normally do that, but I haven't really done it much.

And oh boy, is it yummy!!

Italian Chicken Stroganoff

I meant to put this up last week for my week #1 recipe, but never got the chance. I created this myself, so I was surprised that it actually tasted pretty good! And Jason said he'd like to see it more often, which is always a good sign! Sorry I forgot to take a picture. But it shouldn't be hard to imagine what it looked like....

Italian Chicken Stroganoff

Italian dressing
2 chicken breasts
1 can of cream of chicken soup
1/2 C sour cream
1/2 pkg cream cheese
1/2 can of milk (1/2 of the soup can)
1/2 pkg Italian dressing mix

Put dressing in fry pan. Cut up chicken and put it in the fry pan, mixing it around with the dressing. Cook on medium heat until chicken is cooked through. Add soup, sour cream, cream cheese, and milk. Stir until mixed through. Stir in dressing mix. Allow to simmer on low for 10-15 minutes. Serve over noodles.

Skillet Ravioli and Vegetables

For our second week of the month I tried this new recipe I found in the newspaper.

4 tbsp. olive oil, divided
2 c. cauliflower florets
1 1/2 c. chopped peppers (I of course left this out)
1 1/2 c. sliced mushrooms
3 garlic cloves, minced
1 1/2 c. chicken broth
1 bag frozen cheese ravioli
1 tsp. Italian seasoning
1/2 c. shredded Parmesan-Asiago-Romano cheese blend
1/4 tsp. salt
1/4 tsp. pepper
1/4 tsp. red pepper flakes

Heat 2 tbsp. oil in large skillet over high heat. Add cauliflower, peppers, mushrooms, and garlic. Saute 2 minutes. Reduce heat to med-high. Cover and cook, stirring occasionally, for 5 minutes. Remove veggies and set aside. Add remaining 2 tbsp oil to skillet over high heat. Add ravioli and Italian seasoning. Cook, stirring,until ravioli browns, about 2 minutes. Add broth. Cover, reduce heat to medium and cook until ravioli is tender and plump, about 3 minutes. Drain most of the liquid, then add salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes. Add reserved vegetables and heat through. Sprinkle with cheese and serve.

The whole family LOVED this recipe. It would also be a good one for Leesa (if you still don't have a stove.)

New Recipe

I haven't been adventurous enough to cook a new recipe yet, but I will be this week. Last week we finally tried a recipe from the family cookbook. We made Upside-Down Spaghetti by Leesa, which is in the 2010 edition of the cookbook. My whole family LOVED it. They even ate it for leftovers. My kids hate most leftovers, but they continued to eat this one. I should've tried it long ago. It's a great recipe Leesa.

P.S. Does anyone know how to copy and paste these recipes so I can print them. I printed them from the blog but there is SO much extra junk that is not needed.

ALSO,

This is a new recipe to me, but I started making them before the goal. You will all probably think I'm crazy, but it's really good for you.

Kefir Smoothie
1/2 - 1 c. kefir or plain milk
1/2 c yogurt
bananas
strawberries
blackberries
handful of spinach
ground flax seed
ice (if you are not using frozen bananas and berries)

Blend all together.
This is not a sweet smoothie, but very healthy. And my kiddos love it.

Kefir is a "grain" that I am cultivating on the counter. It basically makes the milk sour tasting, but it's supposedly really good for intestines (and we all know I could use help with that one.) If anyone wants to "grow"some let me know.

Mashed Potatoes

For this week we are falling under the "Something you've never tried before" category, and probably not in the sense if was meant for. But...its been a crazy week. (and I'm trying to be "Ray" food friendly!)

I made mashed potatoes from the crock pot.
It was so easy I think I might always do that.
I filled the crock pot up about 2/3 full of potatoes. Covered them with water and set it to cook for about 3 hours on high. (Or 6 hours on low if you think to do it that far in advance.) I poured off the water and mashed them in the pot with butter and milk. It worked like a charm. I'd never thought to do that before.
Now...everyone knows.
I can put on the potatoes right before Em comes home, go to my PTA meetings, Boy scout den meetings, and give piano lessons, then mash right before serving! I love it.

Curried Chicken and Grapes

Sorry for the recipe from last night. If you use the bottled alfredo sauce, don't use any cream etc.

Now I will put this #3 recipe on because I will not be at my computer for oh I don't know how many days!!!

Curried Chicken and Grapes
2 T veg oil
2/3 c chopped onion
2 t curry powder
2 t sugar
1/4 t salt
1/4 t pepper
1 T cider vinegar
2 c cooked chicken cut in bite size pieces
3 c red or green grapes ( I used only red)
1/4 c cashew or toasted almonds

Heat oil and add onion and cook till translucent.
Add curry, sugar, salt, and pepper. Cook till sugar is dissolved.
Add vinegar. Stir in chicken and grapes. Cook until hot and stir in cashews.
Serve over rice.

This sounds really weird, but was really good!

Shrimp with Spinach and Alfredo Sauce

So for night #2

Shrimp with Spinach and Alfredo Sauce.

The recipe is
2 T butter
10 oz. fresh spinach
1 bunch of green onions ( I did not put these in)
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 pk dry Alfredo sauce ( I used bottled)
3/4 C light cream or evaporated milk
pepper to taste
Melt butter, add shrimp, and spinach. Cook until tender. Add garlic and cook 1 more min.
Add milk and heat it thur, add pepper. Serve over rice or pasta. We used egg noodles.

Dad and I had to use up our spinach!!!! Sorry NO picture!!!

Side Note

I forgot to say to only put the dressing on each bowl and save the rest. It's good the next day, but not with the dressing on .

Oriental Chicken Salad

Dad and I tried a wonderful new recipe tonight. I will put the recipe on and then I will tell you what I did different.

2 Tbsp Mrs. Dash

3 Tbsp. canola oil

2 Tbsp vinegar

1/4 C orange juice

1 Tbps Djon mustard

1 Tbsp honey

1/4 C chicken stock

3 cups cooked and cubed chicken

1 1/2 c sliced celery

11 oz can mandarin oranges

1/3 c toasted almonds

1 cup packed fresh spinach

The first seven ingred. are for the dressing.

I used regular oil, for Mrs. Dash I used season salt, I used just regular mustard, (for Steve just forget the mustard) I used chicken boullin and water, the almonds I just took out of a nut mix dad got at Sams and I used way more spinach. I did not use any celery cause I did not have any and who needs celery anyway!!

This was such a good good salad. We just ate that alone. It was a meal!

I will probably put three new things on this week cause we are leaving so I hope that is OK!!!!

Microwave Recipe

This is for Leesa. this one you make the whole thing in the microwave if you need one for the goal this month.
Beef Casserole Mexicana
1 lb. ground beef
1 sm onion
1 clove garlic
1 can cream of mushroom
1 can green chilis
1 bag corn chips
1 10 oz. can enchalida sauce
2 c. cheese
Crumble beef in 1 qt. casserole and onions and garlic. Microwave uncovered 5-6 minutes or until meat is set, stire in soups and chilis
Layer about 1/2 chips and 1/2 meat mixture, sauce and cheese in glass baking pan. top with another 1/3 chips and remaining meat, sauce, and cheese. Sprinkle remaining chips on top and microwave 10-12 Minutes until hot and bubbly.

Christenson recipe # 1

yes it looks like I am first!
This is my recipe that I just did tonight AFTER reading the goal.

Waikiki Turkey
3 c. diced turkey breast (I used a bag of chopped turkey pieces that you buy back by the ham and brauts in the store)
1/2 c. chopped onion
1/2 c. chopped green pepper
3 T. teriyaki sauce
Cook these things together. Add 1/2 c. thin carrot strips and cook 1 minute longer.
Remove from skillet. In same skillet stir 1 c. pineapple juice, 2 T. apple cide vinegar ( I used red wine vinegar) 3T. soy sauce, 1/2 c. brown sugar, 2 T. cornstarch. Cook and stir until thick and clear. Remove from head and add turkey mix, pineapple chunks, and 1/2 c. frozen pea pods (I used unfrozen). Serve over rice.
It was really good.
I also added mushrooms and Ron thought next time I should put in broccoli.

This recipe we tried new last week but Ron wanted it posted for him
Ravioli Soup
1/2 lb. ground beef
1/2 lb. ground pork
(I used all pork)
Brown meat with 1 c. chopped onion and 2 t. minced garlic.
Combine 1 can tomatoes, 1 can tomato paste, 2 cans beef broth (I used 3), 1 T. sugar, 1 t. Italian seasoning, 1/4 c. dry bread crumbs. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer 30 minutes. Add 1 12 ounce package frozen ravioli and let cook until they come to the top about 3-5 minutes. Stir in 1/2 c. shredded fresh Parmesan cheese. Serve with garlic bread.

April Gratitude Goal

Hi to all my family. First of all do we have a May goal? I hope the goal is for everyone to be at Kylee's baptism on Saturday!
I really enjoyed the goal this month. Ron and I read the articles together and then I kept a gratitude journal every day Ron about the first week. (it sounds like this is turning out to be a girl thing in our family!) Anyway in our first ward when we lived on Bruce Street this was a goal for the Relief Society sisters to do all year long and it was a great year for me to spend every day looking for the things I would write down that night. Since that year I have been wanting to do it again and now have finally had the push. So I am really grateful for that. After reading the article I was trying to find more of the little things as I know the big things like food, home and family but I tend to forget the little things like not just health but my elbow which would be hard to work with out or the smell of cinnamon when I am making the food I was blessed with or the sound of the girls laughing when they are just having fun playing. So I tried to focus on the little things I take for granted every day. I also tried to have more prayers of only gratitude and not requests. It is great to think about what I was saying and and grateful instead of what I think I need. So thank you Jill for the the great goal.

May Goal

So, sorry that it's already the 2nd. It's been a busy few days. I had a few ideas on my list of options, but since most of the goals have been spiritually minded, I think I'll do one that is non-spiritual, yet helpful. I hope you guys will have fun with it.

Each week, you need to make a food/dinner following one of the following criteria:
-New recipe
-Something you've never tried before
-Create a new recipe

Basically each week try something new, and try to cook something new! And then each week report what it was you did, rate it, and share the recipe if it is worth-while.

You are allowed to use a recipe from the family cookbook Jill put together if it is something you haven't made yet.

You are allowed to work together as a couple.... I don't know how successful this will be with the non-cook of the family... but keep in mind, your new food does not need to be a main dish. Desserts and snacks are allowed too.

It can be something as simple as putting a different type of food than you normally do on crackers.... this does not need to be complex! But be creative!! And make sure you share your ideas with the rest of us.

Happy creating!

April goal results

I definitely needed a gratitude reminder. Between this month's goal and Conference I feel that I have had my eyes opened and that I am much more grateful for all the blessings in my life. I have enjoyed keeping the journal and I plan to continue it. I probably won't do it every day but I plan to do it a few times a week. I know who I will send my letter to... does that count for anything? I will probably sit down and write it right after I get off the computer. I've actually been thinking a lot about it, so I feel I know who I need to thank. Plus, at this point, it will eat at me for a long time if I don't write it!
I'm grateful that we had this gentle reminder to be grateful. And I'm grateful that I am a part of this wonderful family!

Jones April Results

Hello all,
We both read the articles. I wrote in a daily gratitude journal and will hopefully keep up the habit even after April ends. I also wrote my letter in a email instead of actual mail. We had a few FHE's centered around gratitude. Our children's prayers had been sounding very much like this: bless this and bless that instead of thank you for this and thank you for that. They have slowly changed throughout the month. We are also trying to remind each other more often to be grateful instead of always complaining. Thanks for the goal, Jill. We need this as a forever goal I think!!

April Goal

This month I read the articles and kept a daily gratitude journal. I don't believe Steve has read the articles yet (so much for supporting the wife). He did keep a gratitude journal most of the days. This was a great month for me to keep a gratitude journal. With all the problems of trying to buy the house it was super easy for me to want to be grumpy and ungrateful. Instead I had to focus on the positive things and think throughout the day of what I am grateful for. I also wrote a letter of gratitude and hopefully will actually put it in the mail today. :) Steve is not here, so I'm not sure what he got out of it. I am thankful for the opportunity I had to remember my blessings.