FREEZER COOKING

I have begun preparation for the little bundle of joy we are expecting in just a short 4 weeks.  I have always been tremendously interested in freezer cooking and Once a Month Cooking, but have never really dedicate the time and planning to do it.  With the cloud of two children looming over my head, I need to get serious about how my family will be fed during the newborn sleepless hours that I am preparing to face.  Once a Month cooking still seems overwhelming, so I will not jump off that cliff just yet.  I simply cannot imagine accomplishing so much within one day.  Do you unplug the phone and evacuate everyone (dog included) from the house for 8 hours?  I am just not sure. There are too many questionable things in my life to date, so I will file this concept for later review.

Moving on to freezer cooking.   I found this website with a lot of great freezer meal ideas. 

http://www.momsbudget.com/freezerrecipes/index.html

Some recipes I have seen before and some are totally new ideas.  With so many options on this one page, I found it easy to click through and start making my decisions  on what would work best for my family.  I also got super excited about the fee printables.  I think I shall make a binder with all of these organizational tools…with dividers! Doesn’t that sound amazing?! No? Well, I’m excited! I totally should have put cute colored pens on my Christmas wish list!!

The website seems old, but there is a lot of information that could be useful.  I will definitely take some time to explore what it has to offer.

Freezer Meal #1.  Pizza bagel bites for lunch or snack.  I used the thin bagels because I prefer them, however it does make them less filling.  I think you would have to eat about a dozen to qualify as lunch.  I also used mini turkey peporonni, great value pizza sauce, and mozz cheese.  The GV pizza has absolutely no flavor, so I think next time I will add some Italian seasoning.

They cook REALLY fast, so there is no time for much of anything once you get them in the oven. 

RL decided she wanted to sit on the potty once I got the second batch in. She is not trained and it is typically a fun game for her that takes way too long. Results….

They were really really good pre-frozen so only about ½ made it into the freezer bag. I am anxious to see how they turn out once frozen. After letting them cool, I wrapped each individually in foil and then placed in freezer bags.

Feezer Meal #2. Peanut Butter and Jelly Sandwiches. The thought of PB and J frozen just sounds soggy to me, but if I don’t care for them maybe RL will? I simply followed the directions and wrapped individually.

 The website said to make sure to cover the edges with the PB so that it seals and does not become soggy.  So that is what I did and we will see what happens.

I still have at least a month before I start pulling out my freezer meals.  I am so anxious to see how everthing turns out and if I can make this apart of my regular activities.

More coming soon......

A TIME TO EAT

The holiday season has arrived in full force and many responsibilities of life have replaced by desire to blog.  I think about it often, but there is always something that has to be done.  I never wanted my blog to be something that I had to add to my to do list and check off, but it seems that is the only strategy I can use to ensure that my words are brought to your viewing pleasure.  You are welcome for the sacrifice. J

At the close of the last couple of weeks, I have scheduled adnoids and tubes surgery for my daughter, signed a contract to confirm my first ever planned concert, shared a sneak peak of the bun in the oven with my family, spent quality time with my 92 year old grandmother, visited the gravestones of my missed everyday grandparents, sold some unused items for extra cash money, enjoyed the serenity of the woods with my extended family, stuffed my face with food only consumed once a year (while counting carbs), scored some mad black friday deals, introduced RL to "ho ho ho" and lastly welcome the annual Christmas explosion into my home!  More coffee anyone?  I am certainly glad that I am not a strict no caffiene when I am pregnant follower.

I have recently been selected to carry the honor of gestational diabetes for the duration of my pregnancy.  It was a shock to be chosen as I was not prepared to carry this title.  Nethertheless, it  is what it is and there is no first runner up to replace me in this role.  It definitely put a unique twist on pregnancy eating.  How many people want to count out wheat thins when you literally feel as though you are starving to DEATH!  The overall diet isn’t too bad, except for the fact that it is holiday season and I can have no desserts….seriously, I speak the truth.  The challenge is really the restrictions on when you can eat, cannot eat, and must eat.  What’s a little more control in your life? As if a controlling “terrible twos” stage is not enough?  Who doesn’t love to wake up at 3 AM to eat a banana after multiple trips to the bathroom at 1:00, 1:45 and 2:00? Anyone? Bueller?  Because I am so educated now, feel free to question me on the carb content of any of my posted meals!

I will give you a full warning regarding what is coming next in this post.  It will be nothing exciting.  My cooking life is simply on cruise control.  Nothing creative, no fun pinterest recipes, simply what I can get onto a plate before the Emory’s spiral out of control.

Meal #1  - Chicken over mashed potatoes. 

I was craving something rich, home cooked, and filling.  This meal was clearly consumed before I got the diabetes.  I shall review in fond memories and look forward to our reunion in 7 weeks.

This chicken is great!!  It is frozen and in a puple bag labeled LSU tigers Championship Chicken.  I am not kidding....it really does.

The following meal is post the diagnoses.  I had left over shredded BBQ chicken and Ham so I used them all in crescant rolls with cheese of course and combined with a low carb side.

Super wonderful.  The hard part is not eating more of these bite sized bits of perfections.  Lucky for me, D took care of any leftovers so that "I wouldn't be tempted".

I hosted a baby shower last weekend that requested I bring a little decor....

I love the animals on top and so did RL.  They are from Hobby Lobby for about 60 cents.  I am not sure what that are intended to be used for, but they could definately be an inexpensive learning tool for kids!

Finally, here is a precious little pic of the little one and her bear.

This wonderful little love button has begun to demonstrate a new personality with her 2 year old birthday quickly approaching.  I am not a fan.  Strategies for sanity will be discussed at a later date.

TIME TO RETURN...

Well after an extreme break I have decided to step back into the blogging world.  The blog may need to evolve a bit seeing that I have become less of a chef lately.  After nineteen weeks of pregnancy sickness, I have discovered that my family can survive without a home cooked meal everynight.  Who knew? I sure didn't.  I honestly have not felt as guilty for this decision as I thought I would.  Lately I have tried to make it a goal to cook maybe twice a week and even those meals arent masterpieces.  For me, it has made my life a little more enjoyable and given me more time to spend with my only child (for the time being).  I am accepting the realization that I just can't do it all...........and not doing it all is okay!! I choose to work a second job so that financially speaking things are a little less stretched.   The anticipation of two kids in daycare can cause a nervous breakdown!!  However, working two jobs can make your mind, nerves, and patience stretched to the point of explosion.  So as long as I can keep that in check....we can sail right through life making memories full of fun times together, laughter, and without a  psychotic stressed out mom! 

The next couple of months are almost completely booked with parties, visits, and holiday cheer.  It is absolutely my favorite two months of the year!!  Within this timeframe, we must plan and execute a two year old birthday party, prepare for the new baby, make freezer meals (this has been on my list for years) and enjoy celebrations around us.  My goal is to plan the party and the nursery using as many coupons as possible!!  Yes...Yes...I still make time for couponing.  It really is a tremendous money saver and I dont understand why you would not coupon?

So if you choose to enter into my blogosphere, the above is what I will be updating about.  Maybe not as useful as quick weekly meals, but it is what it is.  I can't please everyone. :)

INEXPENSIVE ENTERTAINING

I recently invited my dad and step-mom over for dinner to celebrate my dad's birthday.  The old Julie would stress over the perfect balance of food offerings and presentation.  The new laid back Julie enjoyed the challenge of creating a meal based on sales.  It was pretty simple really!!!

I grilled speckled trout that was given to us by a friend.  I covered it with lemon juice and then sprinkles of salt and pepper.  It was wonderful!!! I didn't expect it to be so good and non-fishy!

I grilled chicken breast that I found a rare dollar off coupon for and marinated it in this marinated that I believe was around 2 bucks.

I grilled corn on the cob that was on sale for 30 cents at Brookshires!!  If you have never grilled corn on the cob, I highly suggest it!

French bread loafs were on sale BOGO for 1 cent and salads were BOGO for 1 cent.  Check and Check!!

Even salad dressings were BOGO for 1 cent PLUS I had TWO dollar off coupons!!! I was wrecking shop!

If you are doing the Math in your head (insert nerd alert), the minimal cost of this entertainment meal is clearly impressive.

I forgot to take pics, but I did take a picture of the leftovers the next night.

Here is a little RL fun.  Throwing balls into a metal bowl is always lots of fun with lots of noise.  Alot of her balls have different texture and sounds so there is plenty to talk about.  We also  like to do a little of stirring.

 ......And then bowl and ball play turned it to this....

It was all fun and games until she hit a wall.........

Shrimp Over Potatoes

Okay…so I have been out. of. control behind on blogging.  I have felt just a little bit guilty about it, but quickly realized that no one really notices.  My lazy and rebellious tendencies have taken over my kitchen duties lately.  I have become bitter against the responsibility and turned to mac and cheese and microwave popcorn as my sanctuary.  It’s strange that my family still seems happy and healthy.   Did I think we would wither into malnutritioned slobs?

I had become so obsessed with the balance of evening dinners that I was missing out on this kind of fun……..

My pedi assured me that RL can easily get the necessary nutrition that she needs without gourmet dinners every night.  Did you know that  a toddler only needs 600 calories a day and just 4 G of protein.  Hearing this info lifted a tremendous amout of pressure from my shoulders and replaced it with a fend for yourself type outlook (geared toward my husband not for my 17 month old J)

I still make an occasional weekday dinner for old times sakes such as……

Shrimp over roasted crushed potatoes.

I previously blogged about the shrimp and pots.  I added mushrooms and remoulade sauce.

My next venture will be once a week/month cooking for the freezer.  I have already marked it on my calendar and placed a reminder in my phone.  I am really going to try it out and see what happens. 

RL update:

We recently took a family vacation and had a great time…..

Our play focus lately has been pretend play…….we love to pretend cook and go grocery shopping (while waving and blowing kisses)

I have a confession to make.  The last two nights I have eaten an entire candy bar after 9:00 oclock at night.  It was delicious.  It was on sale.

MORE TURKEY BURGERS

It is really unfortunate for my "loyal readers" that I have commited myself to a cooking blog, but have somehow lost my motivation to cook.  I would have never expected this, but it is true.  I find myself battling demons that say things like "pop a frozen pizza in the oven" or "heat up a microwave meal for RL".  I most certainly obey these orders at times which is simply the reality of life.  I have no problem with these foods, I just feel guilty about serving them to RL.  These are the types of foods she is served at school (understandably), therefore, I feel it is my duty to provide fresh and less processed food at home.

One of the problems with being a full-time working mom that also maintains part-time chef and housekepper employment, is the time available to have fun.  I am admittedly jealous of the time D gets to spend with RL when I am in the kitchen creating master pieces for the family's enjoyment.  I miss out on that very little weekday time slot before the dinner, bath, bedtime routine begins.

Changes are on the horizon, I am just not sure what they will be.  I need a new meal plan.  I am leaning toward giving the Once a Month cooking a try. 

One of my go to meals at all times is a good ole turkey burger.  It's such an easy choice since you can cook them from frozen. I plopped them straight on the grill. 

I chose a ranch and parmesan flavor and seasoned with ranch powder and dried chives and then melted grated parm cheese.

Mushrooms are cheap at this time of year, so I try to use them often.

 I know....so exciting.  :(

RL has been sick, therefore, we have spent sometime at home.  Welcome to my home....

 We have continued to stick to our "directive play" plan and typically do something everyday.  Here is a dance party we had during music play.

Put your hands up! Put your hands up! Woot! Woot!

LEMON GRILLED CHICKEN

For the next couple of weeks, I intend to focus on grill cooking.  We don't get many days that won't entice you into a heat stroke, so enjoy while you can!

I marinated some very large Sam's chicken in a lemon pepper marinate, season with Nature's Own and Lemon and Pepper, and fresh lemon.

Served with sauteed squash and onions. 

Not my favorite chicken flavor, but it was still pretty good.

RL UPDATE:

On weekends, RL likes to play a little game with me.  It's called "find what doesn't belong". 

 Within minutes of waking up on Saturday morning, she got started with her game.  She had several challenges set up for me once I finished preparing her breakfast.  Lets all play along...

 Since I have already succeeded in these challenges, i will help you out.  A pile of diapers peppered with melatonin and nasal spray.  Summer Wieght Daniel needs to child proof additional cabinets.

Daddy's shoes.  She adores all shoes.

 The picture is not too clear, but yes that is a tampon amid the puzzle pieces.

 Milk, Ponds cold cream, lip balm, and a puzzle piece.

 I think she forgot to hide something here. This is just her typical mess.

A salad bowl.....in her closet?

Seriously, her breakfast was not a culinary work of art....

She is surely going to be some type of olympic athelete based on her swiftness in setting up these challenges!! Mama was not so swift getting it all cleaned up :)

RANCH PORK ROAST!

Let me first start off by saying that I have really enjoyed my time in the kitchen this week.  I enjoy cooking for the most part and it typically makes me happy.  However, I don't always enjoy the expectation of serving dinner.  A work day never really ends at 5:00. That time of the day simply equals the transformation over to my new job as a chef, waitress, servant, and maid.

Since the announcement of my new household guest, Summer Weight Daniel, I have stuck to my pledge of only preparing and serving dinner to myself and RL.  It has been GREAT!!  Thanks to leftovers and the Sunday crockpot, my time in the kitchen has been quick and to the point.  I have been able to spend time with RL outside as she insists on rolling an oversized exercise ball up and down the street. 

I don't know if I will ever go back.  It is a true vacation.  In all reality, it does inspire me to check into the concept of Once a Month cooking.  Complete meals already prepared on a weekday?? Worth exploring....

On to the food - this is simple and was actually really good.

Place a pork roast in the crockpot.  If you shop the brookshire sales, you should definately have one hanging out in your freezer.  Pour in liquid (I use chicken broth) until it reaches the roast about midway.  Cover the roast with a package of ranch seasoning (the kind you use to make dip).  Cook on low for 8 hours.

I added some baby carrots!

It can also be transformed into a sandwich.  I needed to use a bell pepper so I sauteed it with some onions and zuchinni.  I used butter and Italian dressing.

This roast was a great and easy decision to carry me through the week.  This will be repeated quite often in the Emory household.  I feel as though I may become addicted to easy.  There could be worse things in life :)

RL CHECK IN!!

We gave her the diaper derby box to practice pulling things around the house.  She decided to pull it with her mouth?  She is currently obsessed with carrying things in her mouth....golf balls, sippy cup, shoes...anything that will fit.

And a bonus.....

CHICKEN SPAGHETTI!

There has been a major modification in the E household.  This is life-altering…..a truly significant event that will change the way I live for many days to come.

It is time for D to transition to his “summer weight” personality!! Dramatic, I know.  Summer weight D is extremely annoying.  He is tremendously judgemental of the food I prepare and to the same foods he once scored 9s and 10s.  How can he turn his back on such meals that left him so satisfied?? I don’t know…….I don’t understand.  I could never turn away.  However, I also carry my “winter weight” year round. 

He has requested that I clear all meals with him prior to preparation.  I promptly responded with a polite decline.  Maybe it wasn’t so polite or dignified but the results were still the same.  That is a big fat negative.  “Summer weight” D (SWD) is flying solo for a while!!  No more fully prepared meals, no more beautiful presentations, no more sit down and let me serve you.

Maybe SWD isn’t so annoying after all???

Here are a always in my back pocket recipe to share:

Chicken Spaghetti:

Boil Spaghetti Noodles – some of my “followerers” must have the obvious stated

Spread cooked noodles in a casserole dish.  Add drained sweet peas, undrained rotel, velveta cheese cut into cubes, and shredded chicken.

Depending on my timeframe , I will either put chicken breast in the crockpot to shred or I will use canned chicken….dont be scared it taste the same!

I spread salt, pepper, and tobacco sauce (lightly) across the top.  This is a personal preference and it is yummy!

Add lots and lots of shredded cheese on top and cook at 350 for about 30 minutes.

I have no pictures today due to posting on the fly.  :(

PORK TIPS

Okay...I know that I am way way behind on posting.  I am actually way behind in life. The name of the new game of life is survival and possibly check at least two things off of my to do list a day.  Sometimes I succeed sometimes I go down in flames.
I have stayed on track with my directive play activities with RL.  They have gotten less ambitious, but she doesnt seem to mind.

My pinterest challenge has failed.  We will try to pick that up again another day.

On to the food.

I picked up this pork stew meat because it had a yellow sticker on it!  I had never used it or had any plans for it other than I could not pass up a "good deal".

 I decided to make it like a beef tips kind of meal.  I cooked it in a skillet and seasoned with Natures Own, Pepper, Toni's, and Worch.  You will have to figure out that last season, I have no idea how to spell it and I do not feel like getting up to find out. :)

 I added some chopped onions and bell peppers.

 I served over potatoes because I  needed to use them, but would be great over rice as well.  I added gravy from a little packet and ketchup.  I also had a can of tomatoes and okra that worked well.

Results:

1) D actually gave this a 9!  I thought it would be just a simple and easy,  but nothing spectacular meal.  He thought it was amazing!! I guess it's the whole meat and potatoes man thing.

2) She actually really liked the pork!

3) I thought it was great!  I am not a huge pork fan, but this meat was extremely tender and not at all like regular stew meat.  For the quick and easy factor, I am going to give it a 9 as well!

What is RL up to, you ask?  Just chillin like a big girl at her picnic table!

Harper, of course, is right beside her waiting on some mishandling of the snacks so that he can quickly clean it up for us.  He is such a big boy helper!!

MEXICAN TURKEY BURGERS

I have been crazy busy lately! Out.of.Control!  I haven't really made anything fun or special.

I know my 9 followers have been dying to follow my newest recipe....I say that in the most sarcastic voice ever spoken!

I picked up a box of turkey burgers from Sams recently and was extremely excited for the fact that you can cook them directly from frozen.  Perfect for a weeknight.  I had a green bell pepper that I needed to use so I decided to make them Mexican flavored.

 I seasoned with taco seasoning.  I also had the chived flavor cream cheese from the pork chops a few days ago, so I spread a little on top along with some green onions (since I grow my own :))

 Add Cheese, salsa, and blackbeans on the side!!

Results:

1) D gave it a 9!! It was perfect, however, he "can't just give away 10s". 

2)  RL demanded only black beans.

3) I gave it a 10!!! I LOVED the easiness and thought it tasted amazing.

A little extra....

I was so proud of my organization that I achieved last week.  So proud that is until RL decided she wanted a cereal bar (which she loves by the way).

She picked one out and brought it to her daddy.  He makes all things better! 

We tried out pretend play as our play activity this weekend!  Below is her princess Mardi Gras float.  She loved picking out her beads one by one and throwing them to her fans!

 We also used the big box from her convertible carseat for pretend play.  There were so many things that she found to use it for.  Below is a safe home for her big red ball!

On to the next day!!