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Cashew Chicken

Tue, 31 Jan 2012 15:51:01 +0100

* please forgive me for not giving exact measurements*

Cashew Chicken( feeds large family)
~ chicken, cut up in bite size pieces, breaded and fried/or cheat-popcorn chicken, frozen
~ brown rice
~ green onion, sliced
~ cashews
sauce:
~ oyster sauce
~ soy sauce
~ 32 oz box chicken broth, natural-reduced sodium
~ 3 heaping tablespoons cornstarch, mixed with in a cup of water
~ 3 tablespoons sugar

1. Fry chicken, or cheat and buy frozen popcorn chicken
2. Start brown rice in pot, add a splash of soy sauce
3. As the rice is cooking make the sauce.
4. In meduim pot, add broth, 1/2 bottle of oyster sauce, a few splashes of soy sauce, sugar, then the cornstarch.
5. Cook on medium, stirring so it will not stick to the bottom. It will thicken. Add a few of the sliced green onions.

To serve:
1. Scoop rice in middle of plate.
2. Put pieces of chicken on rice. For the little guys I like to break the pieces apart. It seems to go further.
3. Pour sauce over chicken.
4. Top with cashew pieces and sliced green onions.

You will definitely enjoy this meal!!

Menu Plan ~ January 29- February 4

Fri, 27 Jan 2012 21:52:01 +0100

This is how it is posted on my fridge:
B= breakfast L= lunch D= dinner/supper S= snack/dessert

Sunday- 29
B~ pancakes
L~ soup
D~ Cashew Chicken and brown rice* Recipe will be posted Tuesday
S~chocolate layer cake, veggie plate, fruits

Monday- 30
B~ eggs, toast
L~ leftover cashew chicken
D~ homemade chicken noodle soup
S~ fruits, veggies

Tuesday- 31
B~ oatmeal, fruit
L~ turkey sandwiches, fruits, carrots
D~ Spaghetti, salad, bread
S~ fruits, veggies

Wednesday- 1
B~ pancakes or eggs
L~ LO spaghetti sandwiches (in between toast Texas Toast)
D~ Cheesy Meatloaf Muffins, green beans, mashed red potatoes, salad
S~ fruits, veggies

Thursday- 2
B~ Pb toast, muffins, eggs
L~ LO meatloaf muffins or sandwiches
D~ ginger lime chicken, brown rice, asparagus, salad
S~ fruits, veggies

Friday- 3
B~ cereal
L~ sandwiches, salad, or out
D~ chicken/pizza night
S~ Coconut cake

Saturday- 4
B~ cereal, eggs, toast
L~ soup, sandwiches
D~ leftover, make-your-own, or out to eat

Snacks/Desserts:
~ PB toast, sandwiches, spoons, wrap
~ Nutella sandwiches
~ popcorn
~ fruits
~ veggies
~ chunky monkey
~ bagels-with cream cheese, pb, or nutella
~ PB and banana on a "flat out" wrap
~ cereal
~ oatmeal
~ nutella cookies
~ graham crackers
~ tuna and crackers* a major staple in our house!

25 Days of Christmas Activities!

Mon, 28 Nov 2011 19:03:53 +0100

We have a tradition to do activities everyday after Thanksgiving that lead up to Christmas. I try to make everything we do about the real reason for the season~ JESUS! here is this years updated list.

I will do special posts to elaborate on the games, how we play, the rules, and recipes that I use.
I Hope you enjoy!!

Merry Christmas!

25 Days till Christmas Countdown Activities

2011

Thursday~1. Make and hang snowflakes in the kids rooms. Read book about the Tiny Snowflake(How God made us all different for a special purpose)

Friday~2. Read story of the Christmas Tree~ Make sugar cone Christmas trees(sugar cones, green icing, m&m's)

Saturday~3. Make salt dough ornaments

Sunday~4. Make homemade Christmas cards for grandparents

Monday~5. Sew star ornaments

Tuesday~6. Make Angel(out of footprints and handprints)

Wednesday~7. Paint ornaments

Thursday~8. Write "presents to Jesus"( what they are giving Jesus for his b'day) and put in his B'day box under tree

Friday~9. Make gingerbread houses

Saturday~10. Bellevue's Singing Christmas Tree

Sunday~11. Seth's B'day Party!

Monday~12. 12 Days of Christmas card game

Tuesday~13. School Christmas program

Wednesday~14. Make gifts for teachers

Thursday~15. Write "presents to Jesus" again. What good deeds have you been doing for others/for Jesus this month?

Friday~16. Watch Veggie Tales St. Nicholas movie~ Play red nose relay game

Saturday~17. Make homemade gifts and deliver to nursing home, elderly, friends, neighbors

Sunday~18. Make homemade candy canes and read the story behind the candy cane

Monday~19. Play Candy Cane Gift Unwrapping Game

Tuesday~20. My/Holly's B'day~ something fun~ Maybe Starry Nights at Shelby Farms

Wednesday~21. Make Christmas Cookies

Thursday~22. Watch Christmas movies

Friday~23. Read Luke 2 ~ The birth of Jesus

Saturday~24. Make Jesus B'day cake~ Read the Night before Christmas

Sunday~25. Open "Happy Birthday, Jesus Box", read what everyone did for others/gave to Jesus~ then open presents!! Go to church, visit family

Next Weeks Menu~ Sept.25-Oct.1

Fri, 23 Sep 2011 13:27:04 +0100

Sunday:
B~ cereal
L~ sausages
D~ Honey Glazed Chicken thighs, sweet potatoes, carrots, salad

Monday:
B~ bacon, eggs, toast
L~ subs, fruits, salad
D~ Creamy Chicken, brown rice, green beans, salad

Tuesday:
B~ oatmeal/malt-o-meal
L~ egg salad, fruits
D~ Mexican Chicken Ring

Wednesday:
B~ pancakes
L~ tuna & crackers, frutis
D~ Loaded Baked Potato Soup

Thursday:
B~ yogurt & fruit parfait
L~ LO Potato Soup, Salad
D~ Mushroom Burgers, egg noodles, green beans, salad

Friday:
B~ Cereal
L~ pizza
D~ pizza

Saturday:
B~ Cereal/Pancakes
L~ Sandwiches, soup
D~ leftover buffet/breakfast for dinner

Snacks:
~ fruits
~ veggie tray
~ PB & J graham crackers
~ cheese, pickles, crackers
~ cheese & pepperoni crackers
~ yogurt & fruit
~ popcorn

Kitchen Day:
~ bread
~ rolls
~ cookies

Menu August 28-September 3

Fri, 26 Aug 2011 11:29:53 +0100

S(28):
B~ french toast, sausage
L~ hot dogs
D~beans, ham, cornbread, salad

M(29):
B~ eggs, toast
L~ sandwiches
D~ pork loin , mashed potatoes, green beans, salad

T(30):
B~ oatmeal
L~ Quesadillas, salsa
D~ Spaghetti, salad, bread

W(31):
B~ pancakes
L~ salad with tuna
D~ Chicken Mole with tortillas (salsa, sour cream, lettuce)~ Freezer Meal!

T(1):
B~ Muffins
L~ sandwiches
D~ Creamed Corn & Tuna Spirals (clean eating meal!)

F(2):
B~ chunky monkey/banana split
L~ pizza
D~ chicken chimichangas w/ salsa, sour cream, lettuce, tomato, guacamole

S(3):
B~ pancakes, sausages
L~ sandwiches, salad
D~ meatball subs, baked potatoes

Kitchen/Baking/Freezer Day:
1. beef & bean burritos
2. chicken & bean burritos
3. chicken chimichangas
4. beef taqutios
5. meatballs
6. 2 meat sauces for spaghetti

~ Plan:
1. Pinto beans cooked overnight in crockpot
2. Boil chicken
3. Brown 5 lbs ground turkey & 3 lbs ground beef/ Season 5 lbs with tacos seasoning
4. Assemble burritos and chimichangas and taqutios (like an assembly line)~ wrap & freeze
5. Form and freeze meatballs
6. Put spaghetti sauce in containers and freeze

Menu August 21-27

Fri, 19 Aug 2011 14:58:07 +0100

Sunday(21):
B~ banana-chocolate chip panckaes
L~ sandwiches, fruits
D~ pork loin, mashed potatoes, green beans, salad

Monday(22):
B~ eggs, toast, tea
L~ salad with tuna
D~ Salmon with strawberry-kiwi salsa, couscous, salad

Tuesday(23):
B~ oatmeal/ malt-o-meal
L~ honey mustard salmon(made from left over salmon),carrots, mandarin oranges
D~ Shrimp Etouffee, salad

Wednesday(24):
B~ pancakes
L~ sandwiches, fruits, vegs
D~ black bean chili, cornbread

Thursday(25):
B~ banana bread/ muffins
L~ left over chili
D~ chicken teriyaki stir fry

Friday(26):
B~ cereal/chunky monkey
L~ pizza
D~ grilled cheese, fruits/vegs tray, salad

Saturday(26):
B~ pancakes
L~ sandwiches
D~ leftovers/ baked potatoes, sweet potatoes

Menu August 14-20

Sat, 13 Aug 2011 15:26:23 +0100

Sunday (14):
B~ eggs, bacon, toast
L~ Nachos, southwestern Couscous salad
D~ Pork loin, mashed potatoes, green beans, salad

Monday(15):
B~ eggs, toast, hot tea
L~ turkey sandwiches, applesauce, carrots
D~ Pasta with meat sauce, salad

Tuesday(16):
B~ Baked Oatmeal(recipe to come)
L~ left over pasta, salad
D~ Chocolate Chicken Mole with tortillas, salad

Wednesday(17):
B~ Breakfast cookies with milk
L~ leftover chicken and tortillas
D~ grilled cheese, chips, fruits, salad

Thursday(18):
B~ Applesauce oatmeal muffins, banana bread
L~ egg salad, mandarin oranges
D~ Manicotti bundles(recipe to come), salad

Friday(19):
B~ Chunky monkey
L~ pizza
D~ pizza

Saturday(20):
B~ pancakes~ chocolate chip & banana
L~ mini pizzas/sandwiches
D~ chili, salad

Kitchen Day/Tuesday:
~ cinnamon applesauce
~ Bean dip
~ Whole grain bread(5 loaves)
~ granola bars
~ meatballs

Desserts/Snacks:
~ popcorn
~ fruits
~ veggie tray with yogurt dip
~ PB toast
~ granola bars
~ muffins: chocolate chip, blueberry, strawberry
~ ramen noodles

Strawberry Lemonade Cupcakes

Sat, 13 Aug 2011 02:40:01 +0100

cupcake:
1 1/2 C strawberries, chopped small
1 1/2 C sucanat (or white sugar)
6 TBSP milk
3/4 C vegetable oil
3 tsp pure vanilla
6 egg whites, room temp!
2 1/4 C flour~ I use bread flour
1 1/2 tsp baking powder
Frosting:
6 oz cream cheese, room temp ONLY!
3 TBSP honey
3 packets stevia(or sugar)
3/4 C nonfat, plain Greek yogurt *MUST be Greek!
zest from a whole lemon

1. Preheat oven 350 degrees, rack in center. Line muffin pan with baking cups and spray with cooking spray.
2. Finely chop strawberries, put in medium bowl with juices. Add sucanat or sugar and stir, mashing the strawberries a little. Add milk, oil, and vanilla.
3. In kitchen aide mixer or metal bowl with hand beaters, beat egg whites on high speed until it forms soft peaks.
4. Large bowl: whisk flour and baking powder. Stir in strawberry mixture. Mix well. Gently fold in the egg whites with rubber spatula.
5. Using a 1/4 c measuring cup, fill baking cups with batter. Bake for 15 minutes or until done. Set cupcakes on a wire rack to cool. Let cool completely before frosting.

Frosting:
1. In kitchen aide mixer or hand mixer, beat cream cheese, honey, stevia (or sugar), 1 tsp vanilla until creamy. Then blend yogurt and lemon zest. Cover and chill until ready to use.
* Your frosting will probably look much better than mine! I used regular yogurt and it was too thin. I should have used Greek, but I didn't have any.

Once cupcakes are completely cooled, frost and add a slice of strawberry. ENJOY!

Menu August7-13

Mon, 08 Aug 2011 19:00:48 +0100

Sorry i haven't added any info to my website. I've been a little busy. I've been planning and preparing for school.

It's back to school week!

Sunday(7):
B~ chocolate chip pancakes, eggs, bacon
L~ sandwiches
D~ back to school cookout-sausages, hotdogs, beans, marshmallows

Monday(8):
B~ chocolate chip pancakes, eggs
L~ Subway(surprise lunch for first day of school!!)
D~ BBQ Chicken, beans, baked potatoes, salad*

Tuesday(9):
B~ oatmeal, malt-o-meal, toast w/apple butter, berries
L~ left over BBQ chicken sandwich, yogurt, strawberries, salad
D~ meatballs, green beans, mashed potatoes, salad

Wednesday(10):
B~ waffles, sausage, fruit
L~ meatball subs, carrots, mandarin oranges, salad
D~ Pinto beans & rice, cornbread, salad

Thursday(11):
B~ muffins, PB toast, fruits
L~ salad with salmon
D~ Tuna Mac, Salad

Friday(12):
B~ Banana Split(recipe coming soon)
L~ pizza, salad
D~ pita pizzas(homemade), salad

Saturday(13):
B~ pancakes, bacon, fruit
L~ leftovers/sandwiches
D~ Frito Pie, salad

Snacks/Desserts for all week:
~ chocolate cupcakes
~ brownies
~ popcorn
~ yogurt
~ fruits
~ veggie tray
~ chocolate chip cookies
~ white chocolate macadamia nut cookies
~ banana bread/muffins
~ homemade healthy granola bars
~ chocolate covered raisins & blueberries

* You will notice I serve salads with every meal. It may seem monotonous. But, I serve different kinds depending on what veggies I have left for the week or from the garden...like:

~ romaine, corn, black beans with cilantro lime dressing
~ iceburg with carrots, celery, bell peppers
~ romaine and baby spinach with garden squash and zucchini, bell peppers
~ the combos can go on and on.....

Weekly ~Menu~ July 31- August 4

Sat, 30 Jul 2011 16:33:52 +0100

Sunday(31):
B~ pancakes, fruits, bacon
L~ sausages, mac & cheese
D~ Pinto beans & rice, cornbread, salad

Monday(1):
B~ eggs, toast & applebutter, hot tea
L~ bean burritos, sour cream & guacamole, salad
D~ frito pie, salad

Tuesday(2):
B~ oatmeal, bananas, hard boiled eggs
L~ baked potatoes topped with leftover chili pie mix, or southwest chicken salad w/cilantro-lime dressing
D~ ravioli, bread, salad

Wednesday(3):
B~ pancakes, fruit
L~ chicken salad, fruit salad
D~ garlic chicken w/ angel hair pasta with asparagus and tomatoes, salad, rolls

Thursday(4):
B~ banana bread, muffins, fruits
L~ ham & cheese wraps, southwest chicken salad w/cilantro-lime dressing
D~ cinnamon swirl french toast, eggs, bacon, hashbrowns

Friday(5):(Loretta Lynn's Dirt bike Race Day)
B~ chunky monkey
L~ PB sandwiches, chicken salad, southwest chicken salad, pasta salad, chips, fruits, cheese and crackers
D~ burgers, chips, beans
Snacks~ cheese & crackers, hummus & chips, granola bars, fruits, veggies

Saturday(6):
B~ pancakes, fruits, bacon
L~ tuna & crackers, pasta salad,
D~ homemade chicken nuggets, mac & cheese

Snacks:
~ pudding, paradise bars, popcorn, yogurt & berries, frappachino's