tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11668546947671861982024-02-18T23:12:24.792-08:00Dining With RamFamLeah of RamFamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08144206237201018388noreply@blogger.comBlogger26125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1166854694767186198.post-51597957342028331552015-08-13T16:14:00.001-07:002015-08-13T16:14:19.916-07:00Lazy day chicken<p dir="ltr">Found this recipe online but substituted what I had:</p>
<p dir="ltr">Lazy Day Chicken<br>
2 frozen chicken breasts<br>
1 can rotel<br>
2 cans beans, drained and rinsed<br>
1 can corn<br>
8oz cream cheese<br>
1pkg taco seasoning<br>
Cook in crockpot in high for 6 hours. Shred chicken. Serve over rice. Top with cheese, sour cream, etc. </p>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYb6L9ttTugbtR2-cYJJCIuWuFsluqjKttg2ewkFpkos-HTST7zVEsA3gSf6aVfq_zlz93yNKvA_4GJodyAuLAFlSfJ7QRn26U_qBlSk1XEBwS1Nhwr5s9HeG0UKRXm8e6VlSlsooZEQM/s1600/20150813_175613.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"> <img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYb6L9ttTugbtR2-cYJJCIuWuFsluqjKttg2ewkFpkos-HTST7zVEsA3gSf6aVfq_zlz93yNKvA_4GJodyAuLAFlSfJ7QRn26U_qBlSk1XEBwS1Nhwr5s9HeG0UKRXm8e6VlSlsooZEQM/s640/20150813_175613.jpg"> </a> </div>Leah of RamFamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08144206237201018388noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1166854694767186198.post-73655386720529757372011-08-28T11:37:00.001-07:002011-08-28T11:37:14.797-07:00Kolaches<div><p>One thing I miss from Texas is good kolaches! We used this recipe: <br>
http://allrecipes.com/Recipe/kolaches-from-the-bread-machine/detail.aspx <br>
But we filled them with a cream cheese filling in half and cocktail sausages and cheese in the others. I would like a sweeter dough, so I think we'll alter the recipe a little next time but they were definitely tasty!</p>
<br/><img src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPPSPOcKxUDS_iJ855j1ZPOrXQjs5ofF1i_TIZsRk0OTWfMkFPL7C0WrIBPGJehSQHXnDqS3Z5Yk90J2hGBVgC8xYFLI6lGbb3Ww4ADNEGk-x4osx5K3Hof8wjIMCSKlBQ84uFDTm88wY/' /><br/><img src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhefMAsHOdRLQP8Gq-MptV-RK_fNoPAxOGil8v2uHgqE3uTCBFbjfuCSaD_sJaDM2XBdk8IyI0ybQ9XGZUQdRJfpOFpRoc1Y30b1DkeDNSIwDetHYnZmD_bPoA5bQOPwej8DSqjra1lDbo/' /></div>Leah of RamFamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08144206237201018388noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1166854694767186198.post-34459586041100855312011-08-28T11:36:00.001-07:002011-08-28T11:37:54.437-07:00Dewberry Cobbler<div><p>Why do Northerners call dewberries blackberries? Adeline made us Better Homes and Garden recipe.</p>
<br/><img src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmnm7R94EyNlX0K-Lj_skmVmiBCKTjHdXTlE5mKj5BPkqBl1a_UQE-2679CQLe4A9IAYgoKw9NpTE2lYmzdCw2xmK58a4SOW1yiNe4jvalXVk_uutHeMQmcdlGH5OTp-TcDzu-vG4VcwY/' /></div>Leah of RamFamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08144206237201018388noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1166854694767186198.post-9354056158904492112011-01-31T10:57:00.000-08:002011-01-31T11:31:21.380-08:00Ouefs a la Fondue de Fromage<div>Today I cooked Ouefs a la Fondue de Fromage. Now I know you're thinking she can't even say that, let alone cook it; I've eaten her meals! Well, have you a surprise in store! Maybe I should preface with the fact that even the smell of that slightly cooked but mostly raw, oozy egg yolk gives me instant gag reflex. I have never entertained the idea of eating poached eggs. Eeeww!! BUT....cover those poached eggs in a lovely, creamy vermouth and swiss cheese sauce and set it atop a piece of buttered toast (aka cranape) and heaven has descended to my dining room! Find this recipe in Julia Child's book <i>Mastering the Art of French Cooking. </i>Your world will be changed! [And as an aside, no I have NO idea how you say that. I've checked out some French CDs from the library in hopes that I won't be so clueless.]</div><div><br /></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPRnedHF5j5U3oxeZ9zK2GHJ5dqxQFzXmhM08gWIdNFdIDXeBEsbsVZXkDe-R5jP7hPOpSXwawn2XiT1wEFyZlgu7i_6gfij_G-3wwKrKKvhumz8L6ClzLRlfRWnYGuJ2jSCSzvVK-Ci0/s1600/Ouefs_2.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 298px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPRnedHF5j5U3oxeZ9zK2GHJ5dqxQFzXmhM08gWIdNFdIDXeBEsbsVZXkDe-R5jP7hPOpSXwawn2XiT1wEFyZlgu7i_6gfij_G-3wwKrKKvhumz8L6ClzLRlfRWnYGuJ2jSCSzvVK-Ci0/s400/Ouefs_2.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5568434704572884866" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKkJ_yu4UugsCJy08_l1tNYdvYlUj6JQnHyj35xU7uoktU82lCpgV6BqGRvGlFTkNyffjALeBDTe8d064_5vAVxugoVnSgYDrkrwjJQCxNVmm1v740I2ogJ1i-CAAhLjPsPLJ4bxOWN2s/s1600/Ouefs_1.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKkJ_yu4UugsCJy08_l1tNYdvYlUj6JQnHyj35xU7uoktU82lCpgV6BqGRvGlFTkNyffjALeBDTe8d064_5vAVxugoVnSgYDrkrwjJQCxNVmm1v740I2ogJ1i-CAAhLjPsPLJ4bxOWN2s/s400/Ouefs_1.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5568434704883069138" /></a>Leah of RamFamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08144206237201018388noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1166854694767186198.post-55387070272326385262011-01-24T10:43:00.000-08:002011-01-31T10:56:43.496-08:00Julie & JuliaYesterday I watched <i>Julie & Julia. </i>This was very timely as Thom has been commenting lately that we eat out too often. So... we shall eat homemade food! Today: breakfast was cookies, coffee and Dr Pepper; lunch - Ramen noodle, cheese stick and cheesecake. Hmm.... this isn't going well. The point was to have healthy, delicious meals to make and eat as a family. I have yet to sit at the table today. In fact I am consuming my Ramen noodles standing at the bar as I write this.<div> But I have plans for improvement! For dinner tonight we will be having brisket and potato salad. Tomorrow night I work late, so I'll prepare a lasagna for Thom to bake. We'll also be making coconut flan for dessert, Paula Deen's recipe.</div><div> Not enough excitement, you say? Well, I'm going this afternoon to check out some books from the library.</div><div><br /></div><div> -A mom should be a gastronomical genius!</div>Leah of RamFamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08144206237201018388noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1166854694767186198.post-12353478829192235922010-04-14T18:25:00.000-07:002010-04-14T18:29:32.794-07:00The Roast with the Most!This is hands down the best roast I have ever had!<br /><br />Salsa smothered Roast<br />1 1/2 lb roast (that's how big mine was anyway)<br />Steak seasoning of your choice (I used 'montreal seasoning' because I had a sample and it was great!)<br />1 cup beef broth<br />1 cup salsa<br /><br />Rub roast with steak seasoning. Brown in olive oil. Place in baking dish. Combine broth and salsa. Pour over roast. Cover with foil. Bake at 325 degrees for 3 hours or so.Leah of RamFamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08144206237201018388noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1166854694767186198.post-34981380008379667962010-04-14T18:03:00.000-07:002010-04-14T18:25:32.038-07:00South Beachin' It!I went on a diet and started eating (and cooking) deliciously! That is thanks mostly to <a href="http://kalynskitchen.blogspot.com/">Kalyn's Kitchen</a>.<br />Here is what we ate this evening:<br /><br />Mexican Beef Stew<br />1 lb stew meat (I cut it into bite size pieces.)<br />4 cups chicken broth<br />1 onion, diced<br />2 garlic cloves diced<br />4 cups pinto beans (I made these homemade yesterday.)<br />1 can Rotel<br />1 T or so tomato sauce (I used V8 because one was open in the fridge.)<br />1 T cumin<br />1/2 cup snipped cilantro<br />1/4 cup sliced green onion<br />Juice from one lime<br />1 alvocado, diced<br /><br />Saute meat in a bit of olive oil. Throw some ground black pepper on the meat while browning. Remove meat to stew pot. Add a bit more olive oil and saute onion. Add garlic to pan when onion is almost done and saute a little longer. Add garlic and onion to stewpot. Also add broth, beans, rotel, tomato sauce and cumin. Simmer an hour or so. Add cilantro, green onion, and lime juice. Simmer a few more minutes. Place in serving bowls. Add a little alvocado. Enjoy!Leah of RamFamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08144206237201018388noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1166854694767186198.post-10766771793801517192010-01-20T16:32:00.000-08:002010-01-20T16:33:36.345-08:00Coconut FlanFrom Paula Deen at Food Network:<br /> * 1/3 cup sugar<br /> * 3 eggs<br /> * 1 (14-ounce) can sweetened condensed milk<br /> * 1 1/2 cups coconut milk<br /> * 2 teaspoons vanilla extract<br /> * 1/4 cup shredded coconut flakes<br /> * Fresh whipped cream, for garnish<br /> * 1/4 cup shredded coconut flakes, toasted, for garnish<br /><br />Directions:<br /><br />Preheat oven to 325 degrees F.<br /><br />In a small saucepan over medium-low heat, melt the sugar until it caramelizes. Pour it into a flan dish, pie plate or round souffle baking dish with shallow sides, swirling it around to coat the bottom.<br /><br />In a large mixing bowl, beat the eggs until foamy with a wire whisk. Beat in the condensed milk, coconut milk, vanilla extract and 1/4 cup coconut. Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish. It will need to bake in a water-bath in the oven. Set the dish into a large baking pan with sides and carefully pour water around the flan to come 2/3 the way up the sides. Carefully transfer to the preheated oven. Bake for about 1 hour, until the flan is set and the center only jiggles a little bit, like a cheesecake would. Remove from the oven and water-bath and allow to cool completely. Turn the flan out onto a flat serving platter. Cut into slices for serving. Garnish with whipped cream and toasted coconut.Leah of RamFamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08144206237201018388noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1166854694767186198.post-83844443212731794242009-06-29T16:14:00.000-07:002009-06-29T16:18:52.117-07:00SalsaMy hubby makes world's best salsa!<br />What you need:<br />4 roma tomatoes<br />4 tomatoes<br />1 or 2 jalapenos<br />4 cloves fresh garlic<br />cilantro<br />2 limes, juiced<br />salt and pepper, to taste<br />Boil the garlic, tomatoes and jalapenos until the skin falls off the tomatoes. Peel the tomatoes, de-stem the jalapenos, chop up a handful of the cilantro and throw it all in the blender.<br /><br />I know there's a million and ten ways to make salsa, so how do you do salsa?Leah of RamFamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08144206237201018388noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1166854694767186198.post-53173840607335227062009-04-06T14:12:00.000-07:002009-04-06T14:19:20.259-07:00Dinner RollsThese rolls can compete with Golden Corral's rolls! They are so scrumptious!<br /><br />4 1/2 c flour<br />2 1/2 t yeast<br />1 c. milk<br />1/3 sugar<br />1/3 cup butter<br />1/2 t salt<br />2 eggs<br /><br />Mix together half the flour and all the yeast. In a saucepan warm all other ingredients, except eggs, until butter almost melts. Add warm stuff and eggs to flour. Mix with beaters 3.5 min. Stir in rest of flour. Knead 6 min. Cover and let rise one hour. Punch down. Let rest ten min. Shape dough into 24 balls. Arrange in greased 9x13 in pan. Let rise 20 min. Bake at 375 for 14 min. Enjoy! (Brush with melted butter, if desired. Or soak up delicious white gravy, if desired. Or lather with stirup [honey butter, for any non-Dunkins.])Leah of RamFamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08144206237201018388noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1166854694767186198.post-30888932319560120782008-11-17T15:17:00.000-08:002008-11-17T15:25:04.703-08:00Chicken EnchiladasI bought a can of enchilada sauce and followed their recipe. I thought everything was wonderful, except their sauce! It was gross! So I modified it for my lunch today and this is what I came up with:<br />2 chicken breasts, cooked and cubed<br />1c sour cream<br />2c mont jack cheese<br />1 small can green chiles<br />Mix together and put in 10 tortillas. Roll up, place in dish, smother in salsa (I get mine fresh from Costco and it's d-licious!), sprinkle 1 c cheddar cheese on top, cover with foil. Bake at 350 for 45 min.<br /><br />What's your secret to enchiladas? I tried churros, but only had whole wheat flour and no piping stuff, so they were .... Although Isaac ate ALL of them. Do you have a good churro recipe? Or tortillas? My tortillas never turn out!Leah of RamFamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08144206237201018388noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1166854694767186198.post-16655184653525143232008-11-09T16:14:00.000-08:002008-11-09T16:18:59.827-08:00Smoothies and SaladsI have been having a smoothie for breakfast every morning and a salad for either lunch or dinner. I love smoothies! I love salad! And both are so good for you.<br /> Usually for my smoothies I put in about a cup of yogurt, a glub of milk, a cup of fruit and several pieces of ice, unless the fruit is frozen. My favorite right now is probably strawberry banana, with pineapple coconut coming in a close second.<br /> My salads are usually baby spinach leaves, tomato, cheese, hard boiled egg white, turkey or chicken breast and olive oil and lime juice for dressing.<br /><br />So, what are your favorite smoothies and salads? Give me some new recipes!Leah of RamFamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08144206237201018388noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1166854694767186198.post-30334568448340377732008-10-23T13:45:00.002-07:002008-10-23T13:53:49.486-07:00Coffee Mug Chocolate Cake1 coffee mug<br />4 T flour<br />4 T sugar<br />2 T cocoa<br />1 egg<br />3 T milk<br />3 T oil<br />3 T chocolate chips<br />Splash of vanilla<br /><br />Mix dry ingredients. Add wet ingredients. Mix thoroughly. Cook in microwave for 3 minutes on high.<br />Easy. Delicious. <a href="http://michellesjournalcorner.blogspot.com/2008/09/minute-chocolate-mug-cake.html">Sinful</a>!!!Leah of RamFamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08144206237201018388noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1166854694767186198.post-36282774341795891112008-10-23T13:45:00.001-07:002008-10-23T13:45:18.766-07:00Banana Pancakes2 c flour<br />4 t baking powder<br />1/2 t salt<br />2 T sugar<br />1 3/4 c milk<br />2 eggs<br />2 T melted butter<br />1 c mashed butter<br /><br />Mix together. Pour on hot skillet. Eat with syrup.<br /><br />We enjoyed these for dinner the other night.Leah of RamFamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08144206237201018388noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1166854694767186198.post-70406394419524200922008-10-22T18:23:00.000-07:002008-10-22T18:27:55.128-07:00Potato SoupWith the wonderfully cooler weather, we have dug out our winter recipes. One of our all time favorites is potato soup.<br /><br />Ingredients:<br />3 med potatoes, peeled and cubed<br />2 c water<br />1 small onion, diced<br />3 T butter<br />3 T flour<br />Pepper to taste<br />3 c milk<br />1/2 t sugar<br />1 c shredded Cheddar cheese<br />1 c cubed ham<br /><br />Boil potatoes in water. Remove from pot and save taters and liquid. Melt butter in pot. Add onions and cook 'til translucent. Add flour and pepper. Cook a minute. Add all other ingredients and simmer til perfect temp to eat.<br /><br />What are your favorite winter meals?Leah of RamFamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08144206237201018388noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1166854694767186198.post-59564177935143888162008-08-11T16:44:00.000-07:002008-08-11T16:46:41.153-07:00A Present from my CommentsA fairy Godmother left this in my comments and I thought I'd share:<br /><br />Here are three easy family meals that have contributed to the development of three healthy teen boys over the years.... and one less meal-stressed mom... :o)<br /><br /><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Coonan</span> Beans -<br />Brown 1 pound hamburger. Drain.<br />Add<br />16 oz can of favorite baked beans with liquid<br />several squirts of ketchup to taste<br />Worcestershire <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">sauce</span> to taste<br />Simmer til cooked through<br />(great camping recipe - in one <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">fry pan</span>! Easily doubles with about 2 pounds h-burger and 28 oz can of baked beans. Experiment with proportions. Maybe add some molasses?)<br /><br /><br /><span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">Crock pot</span> Cookery<br />(Love crock pots - it is not possible to "overcook" these meals - they just get better.)<br />Any meat, mostly thawed (chicken breasts, pork chops, or pot roast beef)<br />Place in <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">crock pot</span> in morning. No need to brown meat first.<br />Layer with 2 cans of cream of mushroom soup and favorite seasoning (we like ground black pepper; dry steak seasoning is good with pot roast beef, too)<br />Cook all day on low setting. Makes the house smell good! <br />The soup will turn into a nice gravy. Thicken if needed. Serve over white rice with parsley, wild rice, or mashed potatoes, with sauce over everything!<br /><br />"Stringy Beef"<br />This is a <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">crock pot</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">pot roast</span> - meat falls apart after cooking all day.<br /><span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_7">Pot roast</span> beef (1 to 2 pounds)<br />1 can or two of crushed or diced tomatoes (more cans = more <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_8">sauce</span>)<br />If you like: half a medium onion, sliced; favorite spices - pepper or steak seasoning, <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_9">Italian</span> seasoning<br />When done... remove meat and skim off some of the surface oil on remaining liquid; puree/thicken liquid to make <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_10">sauce</span>.<br />Can also throw in a bunch of veggies in the morning - carrots, potatoes, etc, for a stew)<br />Serve with rice or potatoes with <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_11">sauce</span> over everything.Leah of RamFamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08144206237201018388noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1166854694767186198.post-51788215122849998242008-07-11T13:19:00.000-07:002008-07-11T13:24:02.386-07:00BBQ!!!I found out an easy way to cook for the week: Have hubby grill several pounds of meat. It's delicious. It doesn't heat the house. It feeds us for a week. It provides fast, easy, healthy meals. It's awesome! On July 5th (we slept through the fourth), we bbq-ed 2lbs of hamburger patties, 6 chicken breasts, and 7 hotdogs. We ate hot dogs, hamburgers, hamburger steak, grilled chicken salad, chicken enchiladas, and arroz con pollo. D-licious!<br /><br />What are your easy cooking ideas? Do you crockpot? Once a month cooking?Leah of RamFamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08144206237201018388noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1166854694767186198.post-20830505652547238212008-07-01T18:44:00.000-07:002008-07-01T18:53:32.831-07:00Addictive Chocolate Chip CookiesLast night I had some major sweet tooth action going on and remembered that I had a package of chocolate chips on hand. So I made a batch of chocolate chip cookies from my trusty Better Homes and Gardens Cook Book and Man! are they addictive!!! Doesn't bode so well for my <a href="http://leahramsweightloss.blogspot.com/">weight loss </a>at all!<br /><br />1/2 c shortening<br />1/2 c margarine<br />2 1/2 c flour<br />1 c brown sugar<br />1/2 c sugar<br />2 eggs<br />1 t vanilla<br />1/2 t baking soda<br />12 oz pkg chocolate chips<br /><br />Mix together, plop on a baking sheet and bake at 375* for 11 to 13 min. And eat a whole batch in 24 hours with me!Leah of RamFamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08144206237201018388noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1166854694767186198.post-73305098568139560932008-06-03T18:54:00.000-07:002008-06-03T18:59:51.676-07:00Chicken Fried SteakTonight we enjoyed a good Southern style meal: chicken fried steak, mashed potatoes, sweet corn on the cob, rolls, cream gravy, and sweet ice tea. D-<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">licious</span>!!! I'm getting better at frying. Have any good tips? What do you use for batter? How do you make the batter for sweet and sour chicken? I've been wondering that for some time and <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">no one</span> has been able to give me an answer.Leah of RamFamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08144206237201018388noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1166854694767186198.post-28936271810943756142008-05-29T18:48:00.000-07:002008-05-29T18:51:30.688-07:00It's been a while, but I've got a good reason!I hate to even admit to anyone what we are eating right now as it is, frankly, whatever is easy for me to cook, eat, and clean. You know, like frozen pizza, bacon and eggs, cereal... I know I'm a bad mommy, but I'm trying to recover from major surgery. So, what do you do for quick easy meals?Leah of RamFamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08144206237201018388noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1166854694767186198.post-54227622456265152522008-04-25T18:07:00.000-07:002008-04-25T18:57:06.785-07:00A Weekly MenuLet me paint you a picture:<br /> It's five o'clock in the afternoon on a Wednesday. I pour the last drops from the last gallon of milk for the baby. I resist the urge to put the empty jug back in the fridge, just so it will look like we have something in there. No. I can't deny it. I must go grocery shopping. The kids will be hungry soon and we don't have anything that matches: cereal, no milk; lunchmeat, no bread; noodles, no sauce, etc... So I pack the one year old, the two and half year old and the seven year old into the car. We drive in rush hour traffic to get to a completely packed grocery store, which has terrible selection, but is the closest one to the house. I argue with the two and a half year old over why we can't get the car cart (because at this time of day we will hardly have room for a regular cart!) I buckle the one year old in, or rather I don't because the cart doesn't have buckles, and put the two and a half year old in the basket. With the seven year old trailing behind, we begin the journey. After about 45 minutes I have: four gallons of milk, three dozen eggs, one loaf of (now-squashed) bread, some lunch meat, two boxes of diapers, one box wipes and hopefully something to eat for dinner. Now, we just have to check out. Another 45 minutes because of course there is only one lane open for people with basket loads of stuff. After averting the seven year old's attention from all the wonderful literature and the two and a half year old's from all the nutritious snacks and re-seating the one year old who is successfully climbing out, we finally make it back to the car. Twenty minutes to navigate through the parking lot, a short drive through rush hour traffic, a pull through McDonald's (because there is no way I have energy or patience to cook or clean now, and the kids are STARVING!!) and we're home. To put away our groceries and eat cold fries. This is a weekly senario in this house because I HATE grocery shopping and only go when forced. So I decided to make a weekly menu of easy to prepare and clean meals that all of us will eat. It may not be terribly healthy, but we are going to go with it for now. When I get more confident, I will work in changes.<br /><strong>Sunday</strong><br />Breakfast: Bacon, Eggs, Biscuits<br />Lunch:<br />Dinner: Chili dogs and french fries<br /><strong>Monday</strong><br />Breakfast: Cereal<br />Lunch: Tortilla Pizzas<br />Dinner: Spaghetti<br /><strong>Tuesday</strong><br />Breakfast: Egg Tacos<br />Lunch: Ham/Turkey and Cheese Sandwiches<br />Dinner: Hamburger Helper<br /><strong>Wednesday</strong><br />Breakfast: Quiche<br />Lunch: Quesadillas<br />Dinner: Enchiladas<br /><strong>Thursday </strong>(grocery day)<br />Breakfast: Cereal<br />Lunch: Frozen Pizza<br />Dinner: Rotisserie chicken<br /><strong>Friday</strong><br />Breakfast: Cheese and mushroom omelets<br />Lunch: Tuna/PBJ Sandwiches<br />Dinner: Salmon Steak (Shrimp salad for Thom)<br /><strong>Saturday</strong><br />Breakfast: Bacon, Eggs, and Pancakes<br />Lunch:<br />Dinner: Out<br />The simple grocery list:<br />1 pkg bacon<br />2 doz eggs<br />1 pkg hotdogs<br />1 pkg hotdog buns<br />3 cans chili (two are for enchiladas)<br />2 bags of chips<br />1 bag of potatoes<br />1 box cereal<br />2 pkgs flour tortillas<br />1 pkg corn tortillas<br />2 cans spaghetti sauce<br />1 pkg angel hair pasta<br />1 pkg frozen corn on the cob<br />3 pkgs frozen veggies<br />1 pkg shredded cheese<br />1 block of chedder cheese<br />1 onion<br />1 pkg lunchmeat<br />1 loaf of bread<br />1 lb ground beef<br />1 hamburger helper<br />2 frozen pizzas<br />1 rotisserie chicken<br />1 salad mix<br />1 box mac and cheese<br />1 pkg chorizo<br />1 can tuna<br />1 bag salad shrimp<br />1 lb salmon steak<br />4 gal milk<br />5 gal water<br />1 can nuts<br />Once I buy this grocery list, I should be able to put aisle numbers and it will be even quicker! Of course, we also have our usual snack items: yogurt, string cheese, cottage cheese, ramen, biscotti, juice, soda, etc. Also the staples that we have to check for and buy less than once a week: flour, sugar, margarine, peanut butter, jelly, toilet paper, paper towels, shampoo, conditioner, baby soap, soap, toothpaste, deoderant, laundry detergent, dryer sheets, bleach, dish soap, sponges, coffee, coffee filters, etc.<br />That all sounds pretty easy and delicious, right? How do you do meal planning and shopping? Is there an easier or healthier way? Have any secrets you'd like to share?Leah of RamFamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08144206237201018388noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1166854694767186198.post-48436429451551936812008-04-08T14:29:00.001-07:002008-04-08T14:38:11.973-07:00Angel Food CakeI made my first angel food cake the other day. I had to buy the pan and the only one they had the middle came out. I wouldn't have bought it if there had been other choices, but man, am I glad I did. It came in very handy! I always have all the ingredients on hand and it is pretty simple to make. And the cake turned out delicious!<br /><br />Ingredients:<br />1 1/2 c egg whites (10-12 large eggs)<br />1 1/2 c powdered sugar<br />1 c flour<br />1 1/2 t cream of tartar<br />1 t vanilla<br />1 c sugar<br /><br />Directions:<br />Bring egg whites to room temp. Sift powdered sugar and flour together three times. In a large bowl beat egg whites, cream of tartar, and vanilla until soft peeks form. Gradually add sugar, beating until stiff peaks form. Sift about one fourth of flour mixture onto egg mixture. Gently fold in. Continue this until all ingredients are mixed together. Pour into <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">ungreased</span> angel food cake pan and bake at 350 degrees for 40 - 45 min. Immediately invert cake (keeping in pan.) Cool <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">thoroughly</span>. Remove from pan.Leah of RamFamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08144206237201018388noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1166854694767186198.post-24143261806212506112008-04-04T16:00:00.000-07:002008-04-04T16:13:05.651-07:00SnickerdoodlesThese are an all time favorite in this family. The kids love to do the cinnamon and sugar dusting.<br /><br />Ingredients:<br />1/2 c <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">margarine</span> or butter<br />1 1/2 c flour<br />1 c sugar<br />1 egg<br />1/2 t vanilla<br />1/4 t baking soda<br />1/4 t cream of tartar<br /><br />Directions:<br /><span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">Thoroughly</span> beat together ingredients. Cover and chill dough one hour (or as long as you have patience for. We let it go about 15 min.)<br />Shape dough into 1 inch balls. Combine 1 t cinnamon and 2 T sugar in a small bowl. Roll balls in it. Place on cookie sheet and bake 10 min at 375 degrees.<br /><br />This should make about 36 cookies, but if your two year old opens the fridge and allows your one year old access to the bowl of dough, which is then played in and partially dumped on the floor, you will only end up with about fourteen. (Which is probably just the right amount for us because they will all be gone before bedtime regardless of the number cooked.)Leah of RamFamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08144206237201018388noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1166854694767186198.post-10212914232741172372008-04-01T16:27:00.000-07:002008-04-01T16:33:40.876-07:00Tator Tot CasseroleI have never made or eaten tater tot casserole, but the recipe is so popular and easy that I thought I would give it a try. I made it for dinner last night. Adeline ate and liked it. Thom has eaten for a midnight snack, breakfast, and lunch.<br /><br />Ingredients:<br />1 lb ground beef<br />1 bag frozen tator tots (I hear shredded hashbrowns can be substituted)<br />1 can cream of mushroom soup<br />1 can cream of chicken soup<br />1 can evaporated milk<br /><br />Directions:<br />Brown ground beef. Place evenly in bottom of 9x13 pan. Pour tator tots evenly over top. Mix together soups and milk. Pour over top of tots. Bake at 350 degrees for an hour.<br /><br />Notice I didn't give my opinion above. I thought it was mediocre at best. If I make this again, I will probably cook a chopped onion, salt, pepper, and Lowry's seasoning salt in with the beef. It was a little bland for my flavor without anything. And maybe a can of drained Rotel in with the soups?Leah of RamFamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08144206237201018388noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1166854694767186198.post-59435980546864820702008-03-31T15:56:00.000-07:002008-03-31T16:09:06.022-07:00Sunday BreakfastWe try to eat somewhat healthy, so we've decided that on Sunday mornings we will splurge a bit for breakfast. This past Sunday I was craving doughnuts, so I <a href="http://www.cdkitchen.com/recipes/recs/272/CakeDoughnuts64600.shtml">found a recipe at CD Kitchen </a>to make some cake doughnuts. They were suprisingly easy to make and compared quite nicely to Dunkin Donuts cinnamon doughnuts.<br />Here is the recipe, as we made it:<br /><br />Ingredients:<br />Vegetable Oil - for frying<br />3 1/3 c. flour<br />1 c. sugar<br />3 t. baking powder<br />1/2 t. salt<br />1/2 t. cinnamon<br />2 T. shortening<br />2 eggs<br />3/4 c. milk<br /><br />Directions:<br />1. Heat 2 in. oil in pan.<br />2. Beat 1 1/2 c. flour and remaining ingredients in bowl. Stir in remaining flour.<br />3. Roll out on floured surface and 3/4 in thick. Cut in circles with a cup, then cut out small circles from middle with bottle top (or use a donut cutter).<br />4. Fry doughnuts and doughnut holes until golden brown, about 1 1/2 min. each side.<br />5. Drain on paper towels.<br />6. Dust with cinnamon sugar mix. Or you can eat plain or dusted with granulated sugar or powdered sugar or drizzle with icing or something.<br /><br />Makes about a dozen donuts and 2 dozen doughnut holes, I think. I didn't count.Leah of RamFamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08144206237201018388noreply@blogger.com1