.31 cent day at Baskin Robbins!!! Tonight!

Ice Cream for 31 cents tonight!
Read more here:http://www.baskinrobbins.com/Promotion/31cent.aspx

I WON! --a Bloggy Giveaway!-Yippee!

Here was the Giveaway: http://aintnoplace.com/blog/?p=181

It was for a box of fabric and she requested that we tell her what we would do with it if we won, so here was my response and the "Winning Announcement"!!!!: http://aintnoplace.com/blog/?p=183

I'm so excited and wanted to share the good news with you!
You guys know that I love to sew clothes for my kids and even do small lap quilts!
This will be such a blessing to my home!

This lady has been so very kind to me as well.
Please check out her blog!http://aintnoplace.com/blog/
and another one she has at: http://meetmeinthegarden.com/thegarden/

Broiled Tilapia

Fish has never been so good and easy---so yummy!

My favorite fish is tilapia! I think I could eat it every day!

I found the recipe at this site: http://www.tilapia.ws/

on this link: http://www.tilapia.ws/broiled-tilapia.php

 I went by it exactly(a rare thing for me), but its so good that I wanted to share it and since I can't offer you a bite....:-)

*Served here with onion-rice, garlic green beans, and a slice of homemade wheat bread.

Leftover Couscous= Apple Cinnamon Couscous

Ok, Ok, so I can't say Couscous, but I did manage to cook some and its easy! We ate it one night with a chicken dish served over it in the place of rice.....but what to do with the leftovers?

I chopped up a couple of apples and cooked them in a little butter just until they were no longer crunchy. 

I tossed in about a cup of applesauce, 1/2 cup water, a couple of tablespoons of brown sugar, and cinnamon and heated until sugar dissolved and poured over the reheated couscous. 

Huge hit with the kids!

This could be used for breakfast, snack, or dessert.

Buy Yeast in Bulk

The little jar is almost $5, and it 4 oz.

The bag is 32 oz (YES! a whopping 2 pounds!), and DH bought it for me at the local Health Food Store for a little over $6, as he gave us a discount!

My tip, buy yeast in bulk and check your local health food store or small grocery store. They might can order it for a better deal than the jars or packs.

I used this stuff today and it was great!

For more kitchen tips, visit Tammy's at: http://tammysrecipes.com/

Peanut Butter Raisin Balls-- a yummy, easy, no-bake treat

I've found another great recipe at Laura's!

The kiddies loved these! And I am a big peanut butter fan so they are super to me!--not to mention they have cocoa in them!Yummyyyyy! (Have you noticed that I have a Label tab, JUST FOR PEANUT BUTTER?!?!!!)

A very nice and more natural treat!

http://heavenlyhomemakers.com/blog/healthy-treat-for-today-peanut-butter-raisin-balls

Gratituesday

This week, I have much to be thankful for...I have to list at least 3!

1)RAIN- the garden is sprouting! Yippeeee! (Blessed be our Creator!)

2) AN ANSWERED PRAYER-(its 'tween me and Him!;-)

3) DH bought me 3 new blouses and he even got a great bargain on them! Ain't that sweet!?!!?!!

For more tales of thankfulness in this last week, visit:http://heavenlyhomemakers.com/blog/

Lemon Pepper Tuna Noodles Dish

I got a good deal on tuna in the flavor packages the other day, it was on a markdown shelf and the coupon fairy had left some nice coupons right beside them!

This is based on the recipe on the package of the lemon pepper flavor, but you could always use 2 cans of tuna and a teaspoon or 2 of Lemon Pepper! Which is what I will do if/when I make this again. I loved the dish but no one else really said anything,hmmm.

2 packs of lemon pepper tuna OR 2 cans and 1 to 2 t Lemon Pepper flavoring

Lightly saute 1 chopped red bell pepper and a teaspoon of minced garlic in 2 t olive oil, then add 2 cans of drained green beans (or 1 pkg of frozen) french style, and tuna, black pepper to taste, and about a 1/2 teaspoon of thyme. (I also added more lemon pepper.)

Toss in with one box cooked whole wheat noodles and serve.

Served here with Romaine-Spinach Salad.

Beans= CHILI

My kids love it when they wander in the kitchen to find the GIANT pot is on the stove. They start in; "What's in the pot? What's in the pot?" And under their breath; "Please let it be beans. Please let it be beans." Why?!?!? Because beans leads to chili! We get beans and cornbread one night and then the chili magic begins!

First it's just chili and crackers.

Secondly, this time, it was chili-cheese-baco-potatoes!

-Just a simple baked potato with chili, cheese, and bacon bits.

Thirdly, this time, we got chili in the wheat-cheese wraps (wraps,made sorta like Tammy's here: http://tammysrecipes.com/jalapeno_cheddar_tortillas).

Served with a side of my Shoestring Sweet Potatoes with a Kick, here:
http://momsfrugal.blogspot.com/2008/04/shoestring-sweet-potatoes-with-kick.html.

And we still had leftovers!
**************************************
I posted this just as an encouragement to bulk cook your beans, chili, and soups.
See my post on Tips for Soup for more ideas on this: http://momsfrugal.blogspot.com/2008/01/tips-for-soup.html.

********************************
How I usually make chili: http://momsfrugal.blogspot.com/2008/02/chili-another-remake.html
Something else to do with chili:http://momsfrugal.blogspot.com/2008/03/chili-tacos-frugal-lunch.html
Chili could also be used to make a dish like this, just omit everything but the corn tortillas and cheese and use the chili for the filling: http://momsfrugal.blogspot.com/2008/04/enchilada-bake.html

A quick and super cool lunch: http://momsfrugal.blogspot.com/2008/01/chili-cheese-fries-another-frugal-and.html

And if all else fails and you get tired of it, freeze it or give some to your friend or neighbor with a nice sleave of crackers!

SHOESTRING SWEET POTATOES with a kick

These are easy and a nice touch to a meal like Mexican or burgers and sandwiches.

Simply peel and slice the sweet potatoes, wash, spray with non-stick, toss in cinnamon and red pepper and a couple of tablespoons of sugar. Bake in a sprayed baking dish, covered, at 400 for approx.25 minutes until fork tender.

CHICKEN LENTIL GOOLASH FROM LEFTOVER CHICKEN

This dish was made from leftover fajitas, peppers and all.

I just chopped up the onions and peppers, shredded the chicken, and tossed in a big pot with some leftover chicken broth from the freezer.

Tossed in a can of tomatoes, about 3/4 cup of lentils and some cooked noodles. I used a little extra seasonings; cumin, thyme, and a dash of basil.

Served with some homemade wheat bread, what a treat!

Fed 10 and since it was leftovers the cost was probably around a dollar!!!!

BOYS BACK FROM COMPETITION

Here's my very tired, older boys, back from a Church (Bible Memory) Competition.

The oldest was in a group that placed 2nd, the kiddo in the middle placed First in 4th grade, and the kiddywinky on the right placed 2nd in the 6th grade classes.

Great Job Boys!!!!

We celebrated with homemade ice cream tonight.

LEFTOVER FRENCH BREAD PIZZA BREAD

REMEMBER ALL THAT FRENCH BREAD THAT I MADE? WELL, HERE'S WHAT I DID WITH SOME OF THE LEFTOVER BREAD FOR LUNCH THE NEXT DAY.

I SLICED THE BREAD UP AND SPREAD WITH SPAGHETTI SAUCE, LEFTOVER VEGGIES LIKE TOMATOES -ONIONS-MUSHROOMS, THEN TOPPED WITH MOZZARELLA AND PARMESAN CHEESE AND PIZZA SEASONINGS.

I THEN TOASTED THEM UNDER THE BROILER UNTIL THE CHEESE MELTED.

YUMMY! BUT TOP AS YOU LIKE.

THE RECIPE FOR THE FRENCH BREAD IS AT:http://momsfrugal.blogspot.com/2008/04/french-bread-4-loaves.html

SERVED HERE WITH A SALAD. WOULD YOU BELIEVE THAT SINCE THIS MEAL WAS MOSTLY LEFTOVERS THAT IT ONLY COST ME ABOUT $2 TO FEED 8 WITH LEFTOVERS!?!?!?

Tasty Chicken Fajitas

1 1/2 to 2 lbs chicken cut into strips
1 t cumin
1 1/2 t chili powder
1/3 cup soy sauce
2 cloves of garlic, minced
1 to 2 T cilantro (to taste--I don't like much)
3 medium bell peppers, cut into strips
1 large onion sliced into strips
1/4 cup lime juice

16 small whole wheat tortillas

Mix garlic, cumin, chili powder, cilantro, and soy sauce.
Coat chicken in sauce mix.
Chill one hour.
Spray non-stick skillet, heat, add chicken.
Cook chicken until no longer pink.
Add peppers and onions.
Cook 5 more minutes or so.
Drizzle with lime juice.

Remove from heat and serve!

Zucchini Pizza Bites

Slice 3 to 4 large zucchini.
Top with tomato sauce,
Crumbled low fat, turkey(cooked) sausage,
shredded mozzarella cheese,
Parmesan cheese,
and basil.

Broil 4 to 5 minutes until cheese melts.

Perfect for an appetizer or for lunch with veggies.


Served here with a salad and Red Onion and Red Potato Bake, recipe here:http://momsfrugal.blogspot.com/2008/04/red-onion-and-red-potato-bake.html

Red Onion and Red Potato Bake

8 red potatoes, scrubbed and sliced very thinly

1 large onion, sliced thinly

1/4 cup all purpose flour

1 teaspoon black pepper

1/2 cup light mozzarella shredded cheese

1 can of evaporated skim milk

1/4 cup Parmesan cheese

Heat oven to 350.

Spray 9x13. Place half of the potatoes and onions on the bottom of the dish.

Sprinkle half the pepper and flour over, then half the mozzarella, then half of the milk.

Repeat layers. Top with Parmesan cheese.

Bake 45 minutes covered. Remove foil and bake 10 to 15 minutes more.

Chocolate Pudding Tortilla Torte

This is so easy and your family will think you went through lots of trouble when it really only took you about 10 minutes to assemble!

What you'll need:

8 fat-free tortilla wraps

1 container of fat free whipped topping (or make your own!)

2 boxes of chocolate pudding

3 cups of skim milk

1/2 t cinnamon

Whisk milk and pudding mix until thick, 2 or 3 minutes, mixing in the cinnamon.

In a 9x13, place 2 tortillas to cover bottom.

Layer pudding, whipped topping, tortillas, pudding, topping, tortilla ...topping with whipped topping. Garnish with a dash of cinnamon or chocolate shavings if you like.

Refrigerate for a couple of hours. Slice and serve.

Can also layer this taller -in a deep, round cake pan, but I find it a little hard to cut through so this way works for us...and makes more than enough for a generous serving to all 8 of us!

SHERRIED CHICKEN WITH VEGGIES

BEFORE BAKING ABOVE.............................................................AS SERVED OVER COUSCOUS AND A SIDE OF BROCCOLI BELOW


Spray a large baking pan.
Toss in:
4 stalks of sliced celery
2 large carrots, sliced
1 large onion, chopped
2 cups sliced mushrooms
2 teaspoons minced garlic
4 chicken breast, sliced in half(fillet-style) with electric knife or fillet knife
(lay the chicken over the veggies)
5 medium red potatoes, scrubbed and sliced in 1/4 inch slices
2 teaspoons of black pepper
2 teaspoons of salt
1/4 cup cooking Sherry
1/4 cup white cooking wine
2 tablespoons olive oil

Bake at 375 for 40 minutes covered in foil. Remove foil and bake an additional 10 minutes.


*Served here over couscous with a side of broccoli.

FRENCH BREAD- 4 loaves

DISSOLVE:

5 teaspoons yeast

IN:

3 cups warm water

Mix in:

2 T sugar

2 T olive oil

2 1/2 t salt

Mix in:

5 cups whole wheat flour

Then knead/mix in:

4 to 5 cups of white flour,
gradually just until a nice stretchy dough forms.

Allow to rise for about an hour, punching down as needed.

Shape into 4 loaves and score diagonally.

Allow to rise until doubled and bake at 400 for 25 to 35 minutes.

BROILED SALMON PATTIES

3 CANS OF DRAINED SALMON, FLAKED
1/3 CUP EGG WHITES
1/3 CUP MILK
1 SLEEVE CRUSHED SALTINE CRACKERS

Preheat broiler.

Mix all and pat out into patties. (Approx.12)

Broil approx. 8 minutes and flip and broil 5 more minutes.

Salmon patties without grease! What could be better!

Served here with corn, speckled butter beans, and french bread.

CHOCOLATE FROSTY

2 CUPS ICE COLD WATER
1 1/2 CUPS FAT FREE DRY POWDERED MILK
2/3 CUP SUGAR
1/3 CUP COCOA POWDER
1 1/2 TEASPOONS VANILLA
3 TO 4 CUPS OF ICE

WHIRL IN A BLENDER AND ENJOY!
8 SERVINGS

(originally found on the Prairie Homemaker)

VARIATIONS:
ADD ONE OR MORE OF THE FOLLOWING-
1 SPOON INSTANT COFFEE
1 BANANA
1 SPOON OF PEANUT BUTTER
BROKEN MINTS
OMIT COCOA AND ADD A LITTLE MORE VANILLA
PROTEIN POWDER
GROUND FLAX

An all-purpose insect spray for your garden

1 small garlic bulb

1 small onion

1 t cayenne

1 gt of water

1T dish soap



Liquefy garlic and onion and add cayenne and water.

Steep for an hour.

Strain through cheesecloth or coffee filter.

Add soap, mix well.



Spray on both sides of leaves.

Can store for up to 2 weeks in fridge.



(Good for snails and Japanese beetles.)
FOR MORE KITCHEN TIPS, VISIT: TAMMY'S RECIPES!!!!

OVEN FRENCH TOAST WITH APRICOT SAUCE

TOAST:
8 slices of whole grain bread
2 eggs
1/2 cup milk
1 t cinnamon
1 t vanilla

APRICOT SAUCE:
2T water
2 t cornstarch
1 can apricot nectar
1/4 cup honey (you may need more sweetener, especially for kids)

PREHEAT OVEN TO 450.
SPRAY COOKIE SHEET.

BEAT EGGS,MILK,CINNAMON, AND VANILLA.
DIP ONE SLICE OF BREAD AT A TIME INTO EGG MIX, COATING BOTH SIDES.
PLACE ON COOKIE SHEET.

BAKE 6 MINUTES AND TURN. BAKE 5 MORE MINUTES UNTIL GOLDEN.

WHILE TOAST IS BAKING, WHISK WATER AND CORNSTARCH. STIR IN NECTAR AND HONEY. HEAT TO BOILING. BOIL 2 MINUTES, UNTIL THICKENED.

Feeling brave and wanna try something different with a little less sugar and fat? Then these are for you!

(You could use any nectar flavor, or just use syrup or honey!)

LEMON-ALMOND BISCOTTI- on the light side

This recipe is low in fat, and mildly sweet. Just the thing for coffee or tea-- and a diet! ;-)

2 cups unbleached flour

1 cup whole wheat flour

1/2 cup cornmeal

2 t baking powder

3 lightly beaten egg whites

3/4 cup honey

2 T canola oil

1 t almond extract

1/2 cup lemon juice

Mix dry ingredients. Mix wet ingredients separate. Combine both mixes.

Divide in half and form into 12" roll/log.

Line cookie sheet with waxed paper.

Place rolls 5" apart on cookie sheet and slightly flatten to approx 1/2" high.

Bake at 350 for 35 minutes, until tops are firm to touch.

Remove from oven and cool a couple of minutes.

Cut each log in diagonal strips, 1/2" slices.

Place cut side down on cookies sheet.

Bake 10 minutes and turn.

Bake 10 more minutes, until lightly golden.

Cool and store in air-tight container.

Salsa, a nice recipe with a kick

3 medium tomatoes, chopped fine
1 medium onion chopped fine
2 fresh chili peppers, seeded, chopped fine
2 t apple cider vinegar
1 t cilantro

Mix and chill for a couple of hours before serving.

Gratituesday at Laura's

For one, I too am thankful for dirty fingernails this week Miss Laura!
I've begged for a garden for about 6 years and DH let me do it last week!!!!! I am very grateful (and praying God will bless it!).


I also am thankful for "blogland" this week. There are so many ladies out there of 'like faith', who are frugal, who love the Lord, and who are dedicated to their homes. It is wonderful to get a peek into other's lives through blogging and see that there are others out there walking the same path!


At Tammy's, I find great recipes and encouragement on frugal living, something frowned upon by many: http://tammysrecipes.com/ (Tammy has an article about how others view frugality that is a good read.)


At http://minimalistmommy.blogspot.com/, I have found great ideas on frugal living and wonderful blessings, as she lives in Canada and its neat to see how many things are the same and some things are very different- like the price of ground turkey! (I think she said it was about $8!?)


At Laura's, I have found great recipes and ideas, alot of laughs(- as we both have a bunch of boys-) , and much encouragement--- even in places that I didn't think I 'wanted' it! (Like sugar-- believe it or not, I have been affected by her 'Sugar Challenge'! I have cut back, no dark chocolate in ...I don't know how long, but let's not mention it too much! And sweets have been low fat breads and muffins. A big deal for me, HUGE!)


SO, for all that I have found and more, visit:
http://heavenlyhomemakers.com/blog/

And post about what you are grateful for this week!
Thanks for hosting Laura!

A recipe from another blog- a must try!

This recipe is a yummy place to start for lunch!

Baked potates with brocolli and cheese sauce!

http://heavenlyhomemakers.com/blog/eat-more-fruits-and-veggies-baked-potato-with-broccoli-cheese-sauce#comment-1865

Her picture (above) looks so good, makes you just want to pick up your fork!

Laura also has a store on her "HOME" tab with craft kits that look super fun as well as e-books!

CINNAMON BREAD= 4 LOAVES

DISSOLVE 1 1/2 TABLESPOONS OF YEAST IN
1 CUP VERY WARM WATER


COMBINE:
3 CUPS WARM WATER
4 TEASPOONS SALT
3 TABLESPOONS OF HONEY
4 TABLESPOONS OF CANOLA OIL

COMBINE WITH YEAST MIXTURE.

STIR IN 5 CUPS OF WHOLE WHEAT FLOUR
AND SLOWLY STIR IN
5 TO 7 CUPS OF WHITE FLOUR TO FORM A SOFT DOUGH


(DOUGH NEEDS TO REMAIN SOFT AND SLIGHTLY STICKY FOR THIS SWEET BREAD, BUT IT NEEDS TO HAVE ENOUGH FLOUR TO WORK IT AND REMEMBER, WHILE A BREAD RISES WITH WHEAT, THE WHEAT ABSORBS A LOT OF THE LIQUID. SO I SUGGEST LEAVING YOUR DOUGH QUITE SOFT DURING RISING TIME AND KNEADING IN JUST ENOUGH FLOUR AT SHAPING TIME TO WORK THE DOUGH.)



I LIKE TO LET MY WHEAT DOUGH RISE FOR SEVERAL HOURS, PUNCHING DOWN AS NEEDED. BUT YOU DO NOT HAVE TO. ONCE DOUBLED, YOU MAY PUNCH DOWN AND SHAPE.


SEPARATE INTO 4 MOUNDS AND ROLL ONE AT A TIME TO FORM A RECTANGLE.
SPREAD LIGHTLY WITH MELTED BUTTER, SPRINKLE ON BROWN SUGAR AND CINNAMON (AND WHATEVER ELSE YOU LIKE!).


ROLL UP AND TUCK LOOSE ENDS UNDER AND PINCH SEAMS. PLACE SEAM SIDE DOWN IN BREAD PAN.


MAY ALSO USE FOR CINNAMON ROLLS!


LET RISE 30 TO 45 MINUTES UNTIL DOUBLED.

(I USUALLY BAKE 2 AT A TIME, WORKING ON OTHER KITCHEN PROJECTS IN BETWEEN.)


BAKE AT 350 FOR 35 TO 45 MINUTES.

(LOAVES WILL GET NICE AND GOLDEN AND YOU MAY NEED TO CHECK CENTERS TO BE CERTAIN THEY ARE DONE.)


THESE ARE SO GOOD AND YUMMY AND THEY DON'T HAVE MUCH FAT IN THEM...UNLESS OF COURSE YOU ADD A BUNCH WHEN YOU ASSEMBLE.

THIS BREAD IS ALSO GOOD FOR MAKING FRENCH TOAST OR JUST TOASTING WITH BUTTER!

BAKE BREAD IN BIG BULKS!

THE TOP IS FROM A RECIPE FOR 4 LOAVES OF CINNAMON BREAD! I MAKE SOME BREAD AND SOME ROLLS FOR VARIETY FOR MY FAMILY. THIS GIVES ME SEVERAL DAYS OF SNACKS AND DESSERTS WHICH CUTS MY KITCHEN TIME. THE LOAVES CAN ALSO BE COOLED AND FROZEN. (HERE'S THE RECIPE THAT I USE FOR THESE: http://momsfrugal.blogspot.com/2008/04/cinnamon-bread-4-loaves.html )

THIS RECIPE MAKES 2 BIG LOAVES OF BREAD, OR IN THIS PIC I MADE ONE LOAF OF BREAD, ONE PIE DISH OF CINNAMON-RAISIN ROLLS, AND CINNAMON ROLLS WITH FROSTING (I USED TAMMY'S FROSTING RECIPE FROM HER ROLLS ON THESE-SO GOOD!). THE SMALL LOAF UP FRONT IS RYE THAT I HAD MIXING IN THE BREAD MACHINE WHILE THE OTHER WAS IN THE KITCHEN-AID.

THE RECIPE I USED FOR THIS BATCH IS HERE: http://momsfrugal.blogspot.com/2008/01/homemade-whole-wheat-bread.html

OF COURSE YOU CAN USE YOUR OWN FAITHFUL RECIPE, JUST DOUBLE OR TRIPLE AND BAKE UP ONE DAY OR TWO DAYS A WEEK!:-)

FOR MORE KITCHEN TIPS AND GREAT RECIPES, VISIT:http://tammysrecipes.com/

HERE'S ANOTHER RECIPE FOR 4 LOAVES OF FRENCH BREAD: http://momsfrugal.blogspot.com/2008/04/french-bread-4-loaves.html

BUSY AS CAN BE

My posting has slowed up a bit, and this is why......

We've been busy trying our hand at a 'garden project'!


I have some pics and recipes to share, I just don't have it all typed in yet.....soon I hope to, as the biggest part of the work is done for a little bit in the garden.

CHEWY GRANOLA BARS- WITH CRANBERRIES

The pictures do not do these justice! They are so good that you can't stop eating them!

2/3 c brown sugar

1/3 cup light butter

1/3 cup white corn syrup

2 1/2 cups quick oats

1/4 cup whole wheat flour (or all-purpose)

1/2 cup dried cranberries (or raisins or whatever you prefer)

1 egg

1 t vanilla

1) Combine: sugar, butter, corn syrup

Microwave for 2 minutes. Stir and microwave until the mixture comes to a boil and the sugar dissolves.

2)Stir in: oats, flour, cranberries

Beat egg and vanilla together, then add to oat mixture.

3) Spread in 9x13 pan that has been lined with foil if you prefer. Bake 20-25 minutes until edges are slightly golden.

Lift out and cut into squares.

ENCHILADA BAKE

1 pound lean ground beef or ground turkey

1 large onion chopped

2 medium carrots, grated

1 bell pepper, chopped

Brown meat with veggies, drain any fat and add:

1 package of taco seasoning

2 cans chili hot beans (or homemade saucy beans)

1 can tomato sauce

COOK UNTIL BUBBLY.

Measure 2 1/2 cups shredded cheese, cheddar, mozz, etc

Lay out 12 corn tortillas.

SPRAY 9x13.

Lay 6 tortillas in bottom. Top with half of meat/bean mix, then 1/2 of cheese.

Lay remaining 6 tortillas on top. Spread remaining meat/bean and sprinkle with remaining cheese.

Bake 25-30 minutes at 350 until bubbly around the edges.

*Pictured, drizzled with hot sauce and half surrounded by Spanish rice.

*Easy Spanish rice can be made with cooked brown rice, tossed in prepared salsa, for a quick fix.

VEGGIE BEEF BURGERS

approx. 2 lbs EXTRA LEAN GROUND BEEF

1 cup FINELY CHOPPED CARROTS

1 cup FINELY CHOPPED ZUCHINNI or PEPPERS

1 cup FINELY CHOPPED ONIONS

2 T STEAK SAUCE

3 T CHICKEN BROTH

Saute veggies in broth until liquid evaporates. Transfer veggies to bowl, add beef and steak sauce. Shape into 8 to 10 patties.

You may fry these in a pan or on a griddle OR broil for 5 minutes, flip and broil for 3 more until desired doneness. Top burgers with sauce below.

SAUCE:

2t HORSERADISH

1T SWEET PICKLE RELISH

1/2 cup PLAIN YOGURT

2 t DILL
1/2 t PARSLEY

**Served here with 1/2 a slice of fat free Swiss cheese and a side of potatoes.

RICE CRUSTED 'PIZZA'

3 CUPS BROWN RICE

1/2 cup WHOLE WHEAT FLOUR

1/2 cup COTTAGE CHEESE

1/4 cup FINELY CHOPPED ONIONS

1 cup COARSELY GRATED CARROTS

1 cup TOMATO SAUCE

1 t BASIL

1 1/2 cups MOZZARELLA CHEESE

Place carrots in a strainer with a clean, unopened can on top of them to drain excess liquid.

Allow to drain for 15 to 20 minutes and pat dry with a paper towel.

Stir together: cottage cheese, onions, flour, 1/2 of the basil; then add carrots and rice.

Press rice mix into a sprayed 9x13. Bake at 350 for 25 minutes. Then broil for 2 minutes, being careful not to burn the carrots.

Spread on tomato sauce, mozzarella cheese, and remaining basil. **May also top with other veggies. I used onions, mushrooms, etc.**

Bake at 350 for another 15 to 20 minutes.

*Served here with salad and garlic sticks.

KITCHEN -BEAUTY TIPS

Some of you probably already know some of these ideas, but I hope all of you find something you would like to try!

1. Baking soda can help dry out acne, but be careful and splash rinse or it can scrape your face.

2. Oatmeal can soften your skin, use as a mask. It also will help dry oily skin without chapping and over-drying.

3. Flax seeds- keeping the body from constipation is one of the best ways of eliminating toxins, which will help keep your skin more healthy.

4. Cucumbers, zucchini, potatoes, etc can help your eyes look more youthful! (Lay slices on eyes.) These veggies can also help with oily skin by rubbing a slice over clean face.

5. Apple cider vinegar =1 part to 8 parts water, is great for oily skin.

6. 1Tablespoon of Brewer's Yeast with 2 tablespoons of water, left on for 15 minutes or more is rejuvenating! Nourishes and tightens!

7. 1 Tablespoon of honey, 1/4 teaspoon of lemon juice or apple cider vinegar, mixed in one cup of cold water makes a great lotion.

8. Avocado is good for dry skin. Use the leftover skins, to rub on. Leave for several minutes and rinse.

9. Plain yogurt is a real treat to the face, I love it under my eyes. Try it also mixed : 1 T yogurt + 1 teaspoon of honey+ an egg yolk for a great mask.

10. Egg yolks are good for your hair as a mask. Egg whites can tighten the skin, temporarily. Egg yolks can also be used for dry hands left on over night with gloves.

11. Green tea bags and chamomile tea bags should be kept for the eyes, relieves puffiness and the antioxidants are bound to be good too. But regular tea bags can perk up the face with caffeine. I love it on my eyes and between my brows!

12. You can warm a few tablespoons of olive oil over hot water and use as a great hot oil treatment.

13. Leaving yogurt on the scalp for 30 minute before shampoo can help dandruff.

I'VE TRIED TO KEEP THE LIST ALL 'FOOD' PRODUCTS-STRAIGHT FROM THE KITCHEN!!!! PLEASE FEEL FREE TO POST ANY IDEAS THAT YOU HAVE!

BLESSINGS TO ALL!

FOR MORE KITCHEN TIPS VISIT:http://tammysrecipes.com/

LEMON PEPPER CHICKEN WRAPS

3 1/2 cups of cooked, cubed chicken
tossed in
2 teaspoons of lemon pepper

1 medium sliced red onion
1 cup approx. sliced cherry tomatoes
1 1/2 Tdried cilantro
3/4 cup fat free sour cream

Layer on fat-free wraps. Roll and eat!


*I served these with marinated vegetable boats and Chipped-baked potatoes.

Mediterranean scrambled eggs

3 cups egg substitute beaten with 2T water

1 box thawed, frozen spinach, drained

1/3 cup roasted red peppers

1/2 cup light feta cheese

1/2 t salt

1/2 t fresh black pepper

1 t oregano

WHISK EGGS-WATER WITH SALT, PEPPER, AND OREGANO.

ADD PEPPERS, SPINACH, AND CHEESE.

SPRAY NON-STICK PAN, ADD 1 T LOW FAT BUTTER.

Top with Greek salsa if you like:

(tomatoes, onions, bell peppers, oregano, olive oil, salt, and pepper)

Served here with toasted English Muffins and olives.

PAN FRIED TILAPIA

6T of flour
1/2 t salt
1/2 t pepper

Dip fish in flour and fry in non-stick pan lightly sprayed with non-stick. Cook until you can flake with a fork and meat is white throughout.


If you like, make the Orange-Tarragon Sauce:
melt one teaspoon of light butter in small sauce pan and add;
1/2 cup fresh orange juice
2 teaspoons of Dijon style mustard
1 1/2 t dried tarragon
Whisk together and heat for one minute.
Spoon over hot, cooked fish.

***
Served here with steamed red onions, zucchini, and bell peppers;
Wild rice with black beans,
Marinated vegetable boats,
and fresh baked bread.
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Walmart has a great deal on this type of fish. You can usually buy a 4lb box for a little under $10. The box that I used today had 20 pieces of fish in it! This fish is excellent!

TURKEY CRANBERRY WRAP

These wraps are easy and light!

On Whole Wheat Tortillas layer:
cranberry sauce (spread)
fat-free turkey
lettuce leaf
minced onions
minced celery
minced dill pickles
a dash of pepper


*Served here with a bowl of Yellow Pea Soup with Veggies.

We tried this recipe but...

We tried a Curried Chicken recipe but it seemed to lack something.

It looked good and everyone ate it, but I am going to have to work to tweak this one a bit.

Feel free to post me any tips, if any of you have a recipe for chicken curry!

**I do want to comment on the broccoli.

My children love it lightly steamed in broth or water with a dissolved chicken bouillon cube!

GLAZED CRANBERRY BREAD

3/4 c flour

1 c wheat flour

1/4 c quick oats

1 teaspoon baking soda

1 teaspoon of baking powder

1 teaspoon of cinnamon

3/4 cup plain yogurt

1/3 c honey

1 egg

1 cup dried cranberries

*(add a couple of extra tablespoons of water if needed)

Mix and spread into sprayed loaf pan.

GLAZE:

3 tablespoons honey

3 tablespoons orange juice

Allow bread to cool 5 to 10 minutes and poke holes in the top with a toothpick and pour glaze over, allowing it to soak into the holes.

*This basic recipe would make for a good start on a fruit cake/bread!
DH said it would be a great gift at Christmas!