on the menu

Remember winter of 2014 when my doctor changed my entire diet trying to find possibly what was causing my horrible skin problems?  He cut out dairy, pork (yikes!), sugar, blah blah... all kinds of stuff.  One of the things he had me cut out was processed sandwich meats.  They are full of crap and preservatives and although I have veered back into eating a lot of things that he cut out I haven't touched sandwich meat since then.  Until now.  I did stick with the vegetarian diet for months.. though most of the time I am a quitter... sometimes.  So, with our recent trip to the mountains with our four wheelin buddies I decided to bite the bullion.  You see, when we are on the trails, some of them miles long, there ain't no restaurants and there ain't much going back to the cabin just to eat lunch.  So we all pack coolers and satchels with chips, snacks, drinks and sandwich stuff.  I decided that if I was going to eat sandwiches on the road then it was going to be something I really liked.  When I was grocery shopping before our trip I headed to the deli and got a few of my favorite things sliced and bagged up for packing.  And now.... well... now I'm addicted!  We had sandwich meat left from the trip and I've been doggin down on it all week for lunch.  I even made Shaun a sandwich two days this week for lunch when he was in and out of the dirt pile hauling dirt. 

When I say "addicted" it sounds so harsh.  I think "in mouth watering love" sounds better.  Or "lip smackin buttered lust".  That just took a different turn didn't it... I think I have a problem.  Here is what my sandwich today at the day care consisted of.

 

 

 

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That says Pastrami Brisket y'all.

 

 

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Oscar Mayer Bacon  a.k.a.  my husband on the side.

 

 

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Doesn't that just make your mouth water?  I just ate it and the picture alone is making me want another one.  I made this one like a loaded grilled cheese... speaking of that... I forgot the pic of the cheese.  Added.  So,  First I spread one side of each slice of bread with butter because I am a butter on the bread grilled cheese maker, not butter in the pan.  As the skillet heated up I dropped just a little butter in and when it melted I added the pastrami and cooked it for a couple of seconds on each side like making fried bologna.  I took that out and cooked the bacon, removed it and drained the grease.  Then while the skillet was still hot I threw in the buttered side down of a slice of bread and started piling on the accessories, topped with the other slice of bread.  When I was done piling it on I carefully flipped the sandwich over to brown the other side.  Oh my... talk about good!

 

Earlier in the week, my sandwiches consisted of this kind of Genoa salami... YUM!

And, the deli cheese which I didn't have any left of by the time we got home because the kind you get from the deli at Kroger is extremely dangerous for me to be around.  I caught myself dipping in that cooler several times just for a slice to eat by itself.  I gained a love for it when I worked in the Kroger deli a few summers ago.   Not that I ate it straight out of the case... NEVER!  I'm a little more sanitary than that.... maybe.  I was one of those deli clerks that when I handed you a sample of it you only got half and I tried it too like I'd never had it before.  Sneaky little Laurie.  That wasn't enough of a taste test for me... let's have another!!

 

 

It is so good.  Well... that's what is on my menu until I get sick of it I'm sure.  No mayo, mustard or nothing.  And by the way.. those are home grown tomatoes from the garden at the day care that are on my sandwich.  The frost got the vines so we picked pretty much what was left and not rotten.  They are finally to where they aren't rotting too bad and they have a good acidic taste like they are supposed to and it's time for them to be done.  Oh well.. maybe next year.  And don't be afraid of that bread up there.  I like a grilled cheese on white bread too but this... this is goooood.

 



On The Menu

So.. we have a long weekend four wheeling trip coming up and I'm already in the planning stages.  Not like getting the four wheeler ready or packing clothes!  I'm thinking about food!  Last year, this trip to the big fall jamboree was just a boys trip.  This year, because I haven't been anywhere in a while and I do love to four wheel in the mountains, I decided to go.  I'm not the only chick going... I don't think.  It would be ok if I was the only girl.  I feel like I fit right in sometimes... they even call me Larry.  Not in an offensive way!  One of Shaun's buddies little girl can't say Laurie real good so she says Larry and Shaun.  Sweet thing!  Anywho... the boys trip last year didn't involve much food from what I've heard.  More of a "pork chop in a can" kind of trip.  All I can say is... not if I'm going... or at least not for me.  They can do what they want.  When we went for our Christmas vacation last year I cooked breakfast and planned suppers and such so the guys pretty much had a cook with them.  Nice huh?!?!  It's the shorter trips that the guys don't want me to worry about cooking and say "Awe.. it's no big deal".  But this girl's gotta eat!  When we've been on the shorter trips we usually get those frozen breakfast bowl things with the meat, eggs and gravy.  They're ok if that's all you've got but this time I've found a couple of recipe that I am going to make ahead of time, for quick breakfasts, that we can just heat up!  Brilliant!  And with the help of the internet I've found a few that I am going to try.  I might not even take my skillet with me.  I'm making a face.  No bacon??  Maybe I'll take it just incase.  (click on the name or picture to be directed to the recipe.)

Egg Muffins

 

Egg muffins look super easy and super good.  I can just see a whole Ziplock full of these cuties ready to go!  Found on hellobee

 

 

 

French Toast Sticks

I absolutely LOVE French toast sticks!  Back when I ate fast food, Burger King used to have some good fast French toast sticks.  All I will have to do it take along a little thing of syrup!  These will be made THIS weekend!  Found on iowagirleats.com

 

 

Refrigerator Oatmeal

I've been a big fan of overnight refrigerator oatmeal for a while now.  It's so easy and nutritious.  I don't know that I will lug jars of it four wheeling but these are some good variations and who knows... I might!!

 

 

Bacon Hashbrown Roll Ups

Ok no picture here but these sound very easy and delish.  I can't decide which to use!!

 

 

Make Ahead Breakfast Burritos

I am a fan of make ahead burritos in lots of styles and have taken lunch burritos four wheeling with us before.  These will probably be made and packed to go with us.  Too easy and good not to.

 

 

 

 

 



On The Menu

This week, even though it's Thursday, I thought I would share what's On The Menu at our house for supper.

Monday: Chicken Lo Mein

Picture found on pinterest.com                                        

I am trying a new recipe on Monday for Lo Mein from the cookbook Cook Without a Book which I am in love with!  It is actually a meatless cookbook but it is easy enough to add meat to the recipes.  I am making my Chicken Lo Mein with broccoli and baby corn.  The cookbook I rented from the library and have tried one other recipe that turned out fabulous and was easy as can be.  I must have it on my shelf soon!

Tuesday: Talapia with lemon sauce, mixed rice and 

Steamed Zucchini and Squash

Sorry folks... no picture here.  I will be making a very easy supper.  

The fish recipe is one of my own and a favorite that you can find HERE.  

The steamed veggies are so simple it's silly.  You make them by chopping up vegetables in to bite sized pieces, placing in a small casserole dish with a non-fitting lid or saran wrap with a crack left open, placing a little water in the bottom and seasonings of your choice.  Then cooking in the microwave for about three to four minutes.

The rice medley is one I've found recently and really like.  It cooks in ten to twelve minutes.

Wednesday: supper at Granny's! a.k.a. my night off!

Thursday: PW's Sour Cream Noodle Bake with Salad

Picture and recipe both from The Pioneer Woman's website from 2011.  This recipe has been a favorite of ours for quite some time and is super easy to make.  It's a lot like lasagna but then different too.  I plan on throwing a simple salad together of mixed greens, tomatoes and crunchy croutons.

Friday: Sloppy BBQ & White Bean Fritters

Another one of our favorites and a leave it then eat it kind of thing!  

Also I have another really good cookbook on loan from the library right now called Meatless, from the kitchen of Martha Stewart Living.  I found a recipe there for White Bean Fritters that I am itching to try.  Mainly because I love white beans and the crunchiness of a good fried fritter!  Maybe I will throw on some turnip greens just to make my cheeks rosy!  Geeze... I don't sound southern at all!

As for the weekend... well... it sounds like we may have some leftovers!  

It inspires me to come up with our meals ahead of time.  Even better to do so before I go to the grocery so I can make sure I have everything on hand.  Planning ahead does take the pressure off and also eliminates unnecessary money spent on last minute eating out because you can't decide or can't agree on what's for supper.   Hopefully you have an agreeable eater like I do!

For meal planning ideas from Peppysis  Click Here

On The Menu

Here we have some vegan recipes that I have come across simply by going to Pinterest and typing in "vegan breakfast".  Truth is, I am being urged (by no one but myself) to actually do the 108 day, The Ultimate Yogi program.  The program not only consists of daily yoga and meditation but also a big change in diet, for me anyway.  Lots of juices, no processed foods (which I try my best to stay away from already), vegan, raw, and no alcohol.  It would be tough until I got the hang of it.  But this morning I wondered... what to vegans eat for breakfast?  I eat pretty healthy and switch my breakfasts from my berry-beet smoothie, my favorite green smoothie, over night oats and rye toast with almond butter, banana and flax seed.  Sounds like I would do ok I reckon.  As I was browsing, I found a few recipes I'd like to have a go with.  I actually tried making the 3 ingredient biscuits Sunday morning and not sure if the one container that I used to keep self-rising flour in still contained SR or not, I used it anyway and turns out it wasn't SR flour.  Not sure what it was actually.  Tasted pretty salty and smelled like play dough.  My fault.  Worth a try though!

3 Ingredient Coconut Oil Biscuits

Photo and recipe from: gimmesomeoven.com            

Breakfast Cookies

Photo and recipe credit: diary of a mad crafter... obvi                             

Vegan Breakfast Burritos

Photo and recipe from: veganfreezerexchange.blogspot.com  

  

These burritos remind me of a lunch variety of burritos that I made for myself to eat on the trails four wheeling.  I actually haven't eating any lunch meat (processed) in over a year and didn't want to spoil that being in a pinch for picnic food.  So I made "make ahead lunch wraps", ate them cold and truthfully enjoyed the heck out of them.  This version has tofu which I will admit I have never tried and am a hesitant to do so.  I'm not real sure what tofu is exactly and since we mentioned processed.... it sounds like tofu would have to be processed somehow.  I've often stared at it at the grocery store with a difficult look on my face wondering... soft? firm? what am I going to make with it? will Shaun come near it?  So I wind up leaving it there.

Do you have any vegan breakfast ideas or suggestions? Lemme have em please!

On The Menu

I've heard that an open bottle of wine doesn't have a very long shelf life.  Especially when you over indulged with the first bottle and thought a second bottle would be a good idea.  Turns out the next day... it wasn't such a good idea.  I keep mine corked and in the fridge and usually don't finish a bottle in a glass but prefer to use wine in recipes.  I will never get tired of the way cooking with wine makes my house smell.  Lucky for me The Pioneer Woman just happened to post a recipe on facebook from 2009 for short ribs that uses two cups of dry red wine.  Bingo!  A use for the rest that second bottle cause I shore ain't gonna touch it otherwise for a while!  I seriously just spelled the same way that I talk.  I love it! Here's a pic and a link to her recipe and a few more.  The chicken with tomatoes and garlic is absolutely one of my favorite recipes to make.  I have thighs in the fridge right now for this very reason.

Braised Short Ribs

Photo and recipe credit: ThePioneerWoman.com      

and my favorite.

Chicken with Tomatoes and Garlic

Photo and recipe credit: ThePioneerWoman.com      

Burgundy Mushrooms

Photo and recipe credit: ThePioneerWoman.com      

And here's a fantastic recipe using white wine that I've made a bunch.

Lemon Chicken Cutlets

Photo and recipe credit: marthastewart.com                        

And now a few of my own.

Rabbit in Mustard Sauce

Venison Minute Steaks

A Quick Marinade

On The Menu

Don't you just love popping around the web, especially on Pinterest, and finding all sorts of yummy treats to make?  I certainly do!  And here is where I share them with you!

OK with Valentine's day coming up, and lucky me who gets to celebrate at home and at the day care with the kiddos, I found an idea or two that I can't get out of my head!

Photo found on Pinterest linked to twokidscooking.com           

 I love the idea of everything heart shaped and also a lunch where the kids could put their own meal together however each one chooses!  This certainly will not be limited to these for treats.  That's a lot of heart cutting!  And the crackers....

Photo linked to thekitchn.com                 

The crackers look simple and fun to make.... now let's talk about a dip shall we??

Photo and recipe credit: allisoneats.com        

      

I would like to confess that I am trying my very hardest to enjoy kale.  Maybe I haven't had it in the right recipe or combination yet although I've tried many.  This dip however may just do the trick for me!  It will be perfect for little ones to dip their Valentine lunch hearts into don't you think?  

And let's not forget that sweet tooth!  

Photo and recipe credit familyfreshmeals.com                   

I am a big fan of chocolate, cherries and smoothies.  Why wouldn't this be the perfect Valentine dessert go to?  It's healthy and looks delicious.  I've kind of always been partial to raspberries with my chocolate... or lemon with my dark chocolate... but this one I will definitely give a try!

I absolutely love the title of this blog post featuring a good looking, healthy smoothie.

Show Yourself Some Love With A Berry Beet Smoothie

I admit, when I used to go and have lunch with my Grandmother at her assisted living facility, she would always have beets on her plate and I wondered why.  "They can't be good", I thought and truthfully to me they're not.  Dr Yim once told me to add raw celery and beets to my diet to help cleanse my liver.  So I bought the pickled kind which have sugar added.  They're something to get used to.  I believe totally that I will brave, for my liver's sake, the beets and try this beautiful smoothie.  Love your liver... eat beets!

What about you?  Got any special Valentine recipes on your list to try?

On The Menu

On The Menu: Comfort food.  Sometimes there's just nothing better.  A warm bowl of soup or chili to warm you from the inside out is all you need after coming in from the cold.  These two recipes are for sure on our menu for the next couple of weeks.  Shaun's not a bug soup person so I have to spread the time between recipes.  The black bean soup, I have already thought, would be perfect for lunch with maybe a green salad or quesadillas. Yum!

As always, click on the picture or the title of the recipe to be directed right to the source.

Chicken & White Bean Chili

Photo and Recipe Credit: thewaytohisheartblog.com                       

Easy Black Bean Soup

Photo and Recipe Credit: abeautifulmess.com                                  

Chicken Tortilla Soup

Photo and Recipe Credit: thepioneerwoman.com    

Monday Night Minestrone

Photo and Recipe Credit: me! peppysis.blogspot.com    

On The Menu

On The Menu is a series that shows what's On The Menu at our house from blog posts and cookbooks that I have come across.  I am really enjoying sharing the wonderful recipes that I have found with you and hope that you enjoy them too!

Barely-Blanched Broccoli Salad

Photo and recipe from: kalynskitchen.com                

I am a broccoli lover.  I eat steamed broccoli and brown rice for lunch several days a week.  I swear by broccoli being the culprit of my finger nails growing so good.  This recipe sounds easy and divine and will be a perfect addition to grilled chicken or fried fish.  Yum!  Truthfully... I've never bought feta cheese ( I know... nerd).  But it's true.  I hope it comes in a small quantity from the store as this recipe doesn't take very much.  Maybe we could put it on regular salads too.

Black Bean, Rice, and Cilantro Salad

Photo and Recipe from: kalynskitchen.com

Being a rice lover, a black bean lover and pretty much any vegetable that will go with... lover, this salad looks right up my alley.  I found it listed on the blog under 90 no-cook lunches.  This recipe makes 8-10 servings so I can see myself making it for supper for Shaun and I both then taking the rest for lunch at the day care.  Maybe even wrapping some up in a tortilla with cheese if I'm feeling sassy.  

On The Menu

On The Menu is a series in which I share recipes that will grace our table and pallets from all over.  Here's what I have found this week!

Orange Gumdrops

Photo and recipe credit: Maeghan from thewaytohisheartblog                     

I just happen to have a father who just happens to love the old fashioned orange slices who also happens to have a birthday coming up.  This is for sure something I want to try and make for him for his birthday.  I can't wait to try them myself!

Honey Yeast Rolls

Photo and recipe credit: Maeghan from thewaytohisheartblog                    

            

Sometimes it pays off to browse through a new blog and oh my goodness don't these rolls look divine?!  The look like the rolls they used to serve at the mess hall at Beersheba Springs Hotel on Monteagle Mountain.  If they taste at all like them I will be in shear heaven!  I feel these will be the perfect accompaniment to any comfort food like roast or fried chicken.  

On The Menu

On The Menu is a new series that I am test driving.  I thought of it at the grocery when I found asparagus on sale for ninety nine cents a pound or bundle and instantly had a brilliant asparagus soup recipe pop into my head that led me over to get some heavy cream.  I tried to make my new topics easy enough for me.  This one is especially because I love to grocery shop, and cook and bake, and always have a plan in mind of a certain dish to hit our table.  This is where the blog comes in and the opportunity to share with you what I am so excited about making.  Lucky for me Shaun is a very willing participant when I am trying new recipes... except for the green smoothies... he's not really into that.  Here are two recipes that will be On The Menu at our house this week.

Asparagus Soup

Photo credit: from the blog Manger by Mimi Thorisson

I love asparagus.  I mainly like to prepare it along side a fish dish with rice until I found Mimi Thorisson's recipe on her blog Manger.  I adore her blog with it's stories and pictures and fabulous food and recipes.  She also has a new cookbook out that I am currently waiting for at the library.  The first time I made this soup... number one I made a mess trying to use my old blender and number two I also made big fat parmesan croutons to go with the soup and had some scrumptious venison summer sausage slices too.  With our outdoor temperatures dropping significantly this week this soup will be perfect to warm us up inside.

Peach Ginger Kale Protein Smoothie

Posted by fp Julia on Free People Bldg 25 blog

I will tell you this... it just took me forever to find the smoothie recipe floating back through my pc history for the last two days.  I knew I should have bookmarked it!  I knew it was before I went to the grocery store Saturday morning because I made a mental scan through the ingredients I had on hand and the ones I needed to pick up.  I love smoothies... especially green ones.  Remember my very own favorite green smoothie?  I don't make it as often as I'd like to mainly because the price of avocados goes out the roof when they aren't in season.  Right now they are about a dollar twenty five a piece.  But you can always get kale and frozen peaches.  The hemp I didn't have but a quick trot in the health food store helped me out.  I didn't get the powder... just the seeds.  I like to use them in my granola bars and on my breakfast toast and figured the blender would chop them up anyway.  

It's going to be a good week in the kitchen here!