Sunday:
Grilled Cheese Paninis & Tomato Bisque Soup*
Bowling night, so a quick dinner
Monday:
Baked Spaghetti & Garlic Bread
Ingredients
1 box spaghetti pasta
1 lb lean ground turkey
1 cup diced onions
1/4 cup diced bell peppers
3 large eggs
1 tsp dried oregano
1 tsp seasoned salt
1/2 tsp garlic powder
2 cups shredded Italian-blend cheese, divided
1 jar tomato basil pasta sauce
1. Cook pasta as directed.
2. Brown ground turkey, as directed.
3. Combine in large bowl: ground turkey, onions, peppers, 1 egg, oregano, seasoned salt, and garlic powder until well blended.
4. Spread mixture evenly in 13 x 9 baking dish.
5. Wash hands.
6. Drain pasta.
7. In medium bowl, whisk remaining 2 eggs until well blended and then stir in 1/2 cup cheese.
8. Add pasta & toss to coat.
9. Spread pasta evenly over meat & cover with pasta sauce.
10. Sprinkle remaining 1 1/2 cups of cheese and Bake 30-35minutes or until 165 and meat is fully cooked.
11. While in oven, spread butter on French loaf bread and sprinkle with garlic powder. Layer with cheese and heat until bread browns and cheese melts (~10 mins...but check after 5 mins.).
12. Let dish stand 5 minutes and then serve.
Tuesday:
Chicken & Rice Casserole
Ingredients
1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts
1 can condensed cream of chicken soup
1 can condensed cream of mushroom soup
1 cup water
1 1/2 cups frozen sweet peas, thawed
1 1/2 cups uncooked instant rice
1. Place chicken in slow cooker and add the 2 soups and water.
2. Stir and make sure to spread over chicken.
3. Cover and cook on low heat for 4.5 to 5.5 hours.
4. 15 minutes before serving, add thawed peas and uncooked rice to crockpot.
5. Re-cover and cook 15 minutes until rice is tender. Add salt and pepper to taste.
Wednesday:
Leftovers
Husby starts a new class this week; so this week is a "quick" week
Thursday:
Tuna Casserole
Ingredients
1 can of Tuna in water (Low-fat/ Low-Sodium)
1 box of Tuna helper
1 cup of Steamfresh peas
1. Follow directions for Tune Helper, adding in the can of Tuna and peas right before serving.
Friday:
Hearty Stew & Bones Breadsticks
Ingredients:
1 package of Italian seasoning meatballs
4-6 potatoes, cubed
1 cup cauliflower, chopped
1/2 cup broccoli, chopped
1 cup carrots, sliced
1/2 cup celery, chopped
2 cups Swiss Chard, chopped
2 cups cherry tomatoes
2 cans kidney beans, drained
1 can (32 oz.) diced tomatoes
2 cups vegetable juice
2 cups beef broth
1 cup Parmesan cheese
1 tube of Pilsbury breadstick dough
1. Add ingredients to crock pot and cook on high for 6-8 hours.
2. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
3. Dish out and sprinkle with parmesan cheese on top.
4. Bake breadsticks according to package except shape them into long bones. Right before placing in oven, sprinkle parmesan cheese on top.
Saturday:
Family Day/Night Out
10.23.2011
10.18.2011
Grad School...again
So I was going to take some time and let Husby get his Master's done, but since he is now halfway through and I am feeling the pressure to get my Biology credentials completed, I applied to University of Maryland-College Park to pursue a Master's of Science in Chemical & Life Science (with an emphasis in Biology). Thankfully the program is predominantly online, except for the necessary laboratory experience (which I might have previously fulfilled between my undergrad work and my post-undergrad work at the Medical Entomology lab) and the scholarly paper (again may previously been fulfilled). It is a 30 credit program, so probably another 2 years down the road. Between the economy and the poor job market and sadly the deterioration of the Higher Education system here, I figure I might as well get ahead of the curve as soon as I can.
Stay tuned on updates as I hear if I have been officially accepted, and as we journey down this road with both of us in school. Thankfully my Spring schedule is super flexible and we have an awesome sitter now, so I should have time to concentrate on schoolwork and gradwork at work (and at home on some days B goes to the sitter "early").
And not that I want to lean too heavily on Husby's sister, but she will be moving this way in another month. She, too, will also be going to school, but I guess if Husby & I get in a pinch, she may be able to take B for a few. She would be the last option since I do not want her to feel we are using her for childcare, but I also think we will be able to handle B and our work (especially if I continue to keep my week open for homework).
Stay tuned on updates as I hear if I have been officially accepted, and as we journey down this road with both of us in school. Thankfully my Spring schedule is super flexible and we have an awesome sitter now, so I should have time to concentrate on schoolwork and gradwork at work (and at home on some days B goes to the sitter "early").
And not that I want to lean too heavily on Husby's sister, but she will be moving this way in another month. She, too, will also be going to school, but I guess if Husby & I get in a pinch, she may be able to take B for a few. She would be the last option since I do not want her to feel we are using her for childcare, but I also think we will be able to handle B and our work (especially if I continue to keep my week open for homework).
10.16.2011
Menu Plan Sundays
Since we typically plan our week on Sundays, including our meals and do our weekly grocery shopping, I am going to try to post our menu for the week. Since Husby & I both work full-time lunch is almost always leftovers and breakfast is either cereal, fruit and/or oatmeal for all three of us, I am only doing our dinner plans.
Sunday:
Italian Sausage & Cheese Tortellini with Rad Sauce and Texas Toast*
We use pre-packaged tortellini boil until the "pouches" float (10-15 minutes) and then stir in a jar of Prego Roasted Garlic Parmesan sauce and then either make Texas Toast with 2 piece of french loaf bread, spread lightly with butter and sprinkled with garlic powder. Right before placing in the oven, Husby covers the top with Italian mix cheese for cheesy garlic toast. Otherwise, I cheat and use frozen Texas Toast again coated with a thin layer of chese.
Monday:
Sweet Baby Ray's BBQ Baby Back Ribs & Corn Risotto with French Cut Green Beans
*Dessert*
Chocolate Pretzel Parfaits
Ribs Ingredients
1/2 cup apple cider
1 1/4 cups Sweet Baby Ray's BBQ Sauce, divided
3 lbs pork baby back ribs
2 sheets of aluminum foil (# varies on how many 'pouches' you make)
1 Tbsp Cajun blackened seasoning
1. Preheat oven to 450F.
2. In small bowl, mix together apple cider and 3/4 cup of BBQ sauce.
3. Place ribs on foil in single layer. Season ribs by rubbing the seasoning into them on both sides. (Make sure to wash hands afterwards).
4. Cover ribs with sauce mixture.
5. Make a pouch with the foil and double-fold seal the pouch.
6. Place on a baking sheet and bake for 25 minutes. (If you like tender, fall of the bone ribs, cook them an extra 15 minutes....it smells sooo good and the meat melts in your mouth).
Risotto Ingredients
1 bag of Steamfresh corn
32 oz. of reduced-sodium/reduced fat vegetable broth
1 cup of risotto rice
1 cup fresh diced onion
2 Tbsp unsalted butter
1/2 tsp dried basil
2 Tbsp fresh grated Parmesan cheese
1. Microwave corn as directed on bag.
2. Place corn and remaining ingredients (except the Parmesan cheese) into large microwave safe bowl and Microwave on High for 10 minutes.
3. Stir once and then microwave 10-15 more minutes until rice is softened.
4. Stir in cheese and let stand for 10 minutes to allow rice to thicken before serving.
Dessert Ingredients
6 coconut macaroon cookies
1/2 cup thin pretzel sticks
1 (3.4 oz.) box of instant vanilla pudding mix
2 cups cold milk
1/2 cup chocolate hazelnut spread
1. Chop cookies and pretzel into bite-size pieces.
2. Whisk pudding mix and milk together in medium bowl for 2 minutes. Whisk in chocolate spread; and chill 5 minutes to thicken.
3. Layer in dessert dishes, one-half of each of the pudding, cookie pieces and pretzels pieces then repeat layers to finish the layers. Serve.
Tuesday:
Apple Cider Stew & Grands Biscuits
Ingredients
1 lb beef stew meat
8 carrots sliced
6 potatoes sliced
2 apples diced
2 tsp salt
1/2 tsp thyme
2 Tbsp onion minced
3 cups apple cider
1 cup celery
2 Tbsp cider vinegar
1. Place all ingredients in slow cooker and set Crock pot to High for 5-6 hours.
2. Stir occasionally.
3. Ten minutes before serving, preheat oven and follow Grands Biscuit package directions for baking.
Wednesday:
Chicken & Veggie Stir-fry
Ingredients
1lb. Chicken breasts (Diced)
1 cup fresh diced onion
1 package of stir-fry veggie mix (in produce area)
1 cup cut celery
1 cup of rice
1/2 cup Kikkoman Stir-fry sauce
1. Add ingredients to Asian wok pan and heat until chicken is browned and fully cooked and veggies are tender.
2. Using a rice cooker (if you own one), make rice to desired texture.
3. Serve chicken and veggies over rice.
Thursday:
Tuna Casserole*
Ingredients
1 can of Tuna in water (Low-fat/ Low-Sodium)
1 box of Tuna helper
1 cup of Steamfresh peas
1. Follow directions for Tune Helper, adding in the can of Tuna and peas right before serving.
Friday:
Tomato, Pesto, and Fresh Mozzarella Sandwiches
4 slices of thin-sliced French bread
4 slices of fresh mozzarella
1/2 Tbsp Classico basil pesto spread
1 cherry tomato, thinly sliced
1. Spread bread with basil pesto spread.
2. Layer Mozzarella and Tomato onto bread and set in sandwich press.
3. Remove when cheese is melted and bread is lightly brown.
4. Serve with a side Cesear salad.
Saturday:
Family Day/Night Out
*Quick Dinner
This week I also have a batch of brownies and possibly muffins to make, on either Monday or Tuesday depending on weather and outside temperatures.
Sunday:
Italian Sausage & Cheese Tortellini with Rad Sauce and Texas Toast*
We use pre-packaged tortellini boil until the "pouches" float (10-15 minutes) and then stir in a jar of Prego Roasted Garlic Parmesan sauce and then either make Texas Toast with 2 piece of french loaf bread, spread lightly with butter and sprinkled with garlic powder. Right before placing in the oven, Husby covers the top with Italian mix cheese for cheesy garlic toast. Otherwise, I cheat and use frozen Texas Toast again coated with a thin layer of chese.
Monday:
Sweet Baby Ray's BBQ Baby Back Ribs & Corn Risotto with French Cut Green Beans
*Dessert*
Chocolate Pretzel Parfaits
Ribs Ingredients
1/2 cup apple cider
1 1/4 cups Sweet Baby Ray's BBQ Sauce, divided
3 lbs pork baby back ribs
2 sheets of aluminum foil (# varies on how many 'pouches' you make)
1 Tbsp Cajun blackened seasoning
1. Preheat oven to 450F.
2. In small bowl, mix together apple cider and 3/4 cup of BBQ sauce.
3. Place ribs on foil in single layer. Season ribs by rubbing the seasoning into them on both sides. (Make sure to wash hands afterwards).
4. Cover ribs with sauce mixture.
5. Make a pouch with the foil and double-fold seal the pouch.
6. Place on a baking sheet and bake for 25 minutes. (If you like tender, fall of the bone ribs, cook them an extra 15 minutes....it smells sooo good and the meat melts in your mouth).
Risotto Ingredients
1 bag of Steamfresh corn
32 oz. of reduced-sodium/reduced fat vegetable broth
1 cup of risotto rice
1 cup fresh diced onion
2 Tbsp unsalted butter
1/2 tsp dried basil
2 Tbsp fresh grated Parmesan cheese
1. Microwave corn as directed on bag.
2. Place corn and remaining ingredients (except the Parmesan cheese) into large microwave safe bowl and Microwave on High for 10 minutes.
3. Stir once and then microwave 10-15 more minutes until rice is softened.
4. Stir in cheese and let stand for 10 minutes to allow rice to thicken before serving.
Dessert Ingredients
6 coconut macaroon cookies
1/2 cup thin pretzel sticks
1 (3.4 oz.) box of instant vanilla pudding mix
2 cups cold milk
1/2 cup chocolate hazelnut spread
1. Chop cookies and pretzel into bite-size pieces.
2. Whisk pudding mix and milk together in medium bowl for 2 minutes. Whisk in chocolate spread; and chill 5 minutes to thicken.
3. Layer in dessert dishes, one-half of each of the pudding, cookie pieces and pretzels pieces then repeat layers to finish the layers. Serve.
Tuesday:
Apple Cider Stew & Grands Biscuits
Ingredients
1 lb beef stew meat
8 carrots sliced
6 potatoes sliced
2 apples diced
2 tsp salt
1/2 tsp thyme
2 Tbsp onion minced
3 cups apple cider
1 cup celery
2 Tbsp cider vinegar
1. Place all ingredients in slow cooker and set Crock pot to High for 5-6 hours.
2. Stir occasionally.
3. Ten minutes before serving, preheat oven and follow Grands Biscuit package directions for baking.
Wednesday:
Chicken & Veggie Stir-fry
Ingredients
1lb. Chicken breasts (Diced)
1 cup fresh diced onion
1 package of stir-fry veggie mix (in produce area)
1 cup cut celery
1 cup of rice
1/2 cup Kikkoman Stir-fry sauce
1. Add ingredients to Asian wok pan and heat until chicken is browned and fully cooked and veggies are tender.
2. Using a rice cooker (if you own one), make rice to desired texture.
3. Serve chicken and veggies over rice.
Thursday:
Tuna Casserole*
Ingredients
1 can of Tuna in water (Low-fat/ Low-Sodium)
1 box of Tuna helper
1 cup of Steamfresh peas
1. Follow directions for Tune Helper, adding in the can of Tuna and peas right before serving.
Friday:
Tomato, Pesto, and Fresh Mozzarella Sandwiches
4 slices of thin-sliced French bread
4 slices of fresh mozzarella
1/2 Tbsp Classico basil pesto spread
1 cherry tomato, thinly sliced
1. Spread bread with basil pesto spread.
2. Layer Mozzarella and Tomato onto bread and set in sandwich press.
3. Remove when cheese is melted and bread is lightly brown.
4. Serve with a side Cesear salad.
Saturday:
Family Day/Night Out
*Quick Dinner
This week I also have a batch of brownies and possibly muffins to make, on either Monday or Tuesday depending on weather and outside temperatures.
10.04.2011
Family Weekend
Since our last few weekends (ok, who am I kidding...months!!!) have been crazy hectic, we decided this weekend to be our relaxing weekend. It was great to just spend quality time with the guys doing stuff around the area without being on a strict time schedule.
On Saturday, Husby, B and I got up to watch Husby coach Youth Bowling, and then we headed up north to do an errand. Since the weather was absolutely gorgeous and we were already beachside, we decided to grab lunch at a small eatery on the water and enjoy the weather some more. We went to Grills Waterside and had a nice tropical family lunch.
After lunch and the drive back, B crashed for his afternoon nap, so we took the time to get some stuff around the house done. When he woke up, it was time to get out in the fresh air. We went a few blocks down the road from our place to the park and went for a Nature Walk as a family.
On Saturday, Husby, B and I got up to watch Husby coach Youth Bowling, and then we headed up north to do an errand. Since the weather was absolutely gorgeous and we were already beachside, we decided to grab lunch at a small eatery on the water and enjoy the weather some more. We went to Grills Waterside and had a nice tropical family lunch.
After lunch and the drive back, B crashed for his afternoon nap, so we took the time to get some stuff around the house done. When he woke up, it was time to get out in the fresh air. We went a few blocks down the road from our place to the park and went for a Nature Walk as a family.
*All ready for the walk*
*Turtle # 1*
*Turtle #2*
*B watching the turtle as it crossed the path*
*The turtle was going home & B was fascinated with it*
Since the Gator game was not on until 8, and we still had some daylight, we decided to go to the playground down the road and let B burn off some of his energy. Husby rarely goes to the park with B (it's a Mommy thing B and I do during the days when I am home), I figured it would be a fun experience for him to see B interact at the park.
*B sliding on the little slide*
Which he then tried to climb back up since he saw Daddy do it
*At the top of the playground pavilion waving at Mommy*
*Sliding down the "big" slide with Daddy*
*Swingset Time*
After the park, we headed for home so B could get in dinner and then we could settle in to watch the game. B made it through the 1st quarter and then he crashed for the night. He enjoyed what little of the game he watched (I think Husby & I should have followed B's lead and stopped watching after 1st quarter...but we sat through the agonizing defeat).
On Sunday, we did a quick family photo at a local portrait studio and then quick grocery trip. After the morning errands, we decided to again take advantage of the beautiful weather and went to the beach. Husby used to be an avid surfer in college and really has not found the time to go lately (in the last year-year and half), so it was his first time out in a LONG time. B and I hungout on the beach watching Husby paddle out and try to catch some waves. Then B decided to investigate the water's edge and play in the waves. After our beach visit, we grabbed a quick lunch and headed home to clean up (B passed out before we even got to lunch...hence the quick part) and then we had our routine bowling league night complete with our dinner routine at LD's.
Although some things did not go as planned, it was a great quiet weekend for some beautiful weather and family bonding. In 2 weeks we will be starting a new tradition of yearly family photo sessions at the Botanical Gardens of Husby & my alma mater. I'll be sure to post sneak peeks of what we'll be coordinating/wearing, a well as, the goodies once they are complete.
In the coming week I need to update the videos of B's "channel" and also start ironing out Christmas wishlists, as well as, discuss our holiday plans as these are my 2 stress points lately.
10.03.2011
Oreo Stuffed Brownies
Saw these on the web, and since Husby & I have been craving brownies, these seemed to be calling ours name to make.
And they are delicious!
Grab a glass of milk and enjoy!
And they are delicious!
Grab a glass of milk and enjoy!
9.21.2011
Shots, Shots &...
...more Shots for Brantley. Yesterday, Brantley had his one year check-up with Dr. O. As expected, B was happy the entire time, showing off his walking, crawling and grabbing skills. He even showed the nurses and Dr. O how he replaces the bottle cap when he is done.
His 1 year stats are 22 lbs and 29.5-30 inches (he was wiggling for the nurse). Once again not really packing on the weight, but growing in height. Over the weekend, he spent some time with 18 month old twins and was taller than 1 of them and the same height as the other.
He is surpassing all other milestones and actually has a good vocabulary already. Even though is not fully walk by himself yet, Dr. O says he has everything there to walk and will walk in his own time...walking to him is just not a priority (although I think both Daddy & I are hoping to see him walk soon).
After visiting with the doctor for a while, it was time for the dreaded shot time.
This visit B got 4 shots! I thought they were kidding at first, but then the nurses came in with 2 each. Since everyone knows he is a strong boy, they had 1 nurse for each leg and 2 shots per a leg and third nurse to help hold his leg straight and put the bandaids on. Thankfully, he was a trooper and only cried during the actual shot. As soon as they were done, he drank his milk and was fine within minutes laughing and wanting to go play.
Unfortunately, he goes back in 2 weeks for the remaining 2 shots and then will not have to worry about shots for a while. I'm glad he did well with the shots...must mean he takes after Husby in the pain category.
His 1 year stats are 22 lbs and 29.5-30 inches (he was wiggling for the nurse). Once again not really packing on the weight, but growing in height. Over the weekend, he spent some time with 18 month old twins and was taller than 1 of them and the same height as the other.
He is surpassing all other milestones and actually has a good vocabulary already. Even though is not fully walk by himself yet, Dr. O says he has everything there to walk and will walk in his own time...walking to him is just not a priority (although I think both Daddy & I are hoping to see him walk soon).
After visiting with the doctor for a while, it was time for the dreaded shot time.
This visit B got 4 shots! I thought they were kidding at first, but then the nurses came in with 2 each. Since everyone knows he is a strong boy, they had 1 nurse for each leg and 2 shots per a leg and third nurse to help hold his leg straight and put the bandaids on. Thankfully, he was a trooper and only cried during the actual shot. As soon as they were done, he drank his milk and was fine within minutes laughing and wanting to go play.
Unfortunately, he goes back in 2 weeks for the remaining 2 shots and then will not have to worry about shots for a while. I'm glad he did well with the shots...must mean he takes after Husby in the pain category.
Videos of B (from this last week & weekend)
It has been a busy week/weekend and this coming weekend will be even more busy.
Unfortunately, FB is having issues and I am having issues, so B's videos are up here for the time being.
Enjoy!
Kitchen Explorations
B gets stuck and how he reacts
Cruising with his Pushcart
His Birthday Present from Target
Thanks to the T Family!
B got a Ball Pit for his birthday...here he is enjoying it
Thanks to The S Family!
Brantley enjoying his 1st slice of cake
Brantley has a unique way of opening presents....opening a gift at the Bowling Alley
Thanks J & L !
Unfortunately, FB is having issues and I am having issues, so B's videos are up here for the time being.
Enjoy!
Kitchen Explorations
B gets stuck and how he reacts
Cruising with his Pushcart
His Birthday Present from Target
Thanks to the T Family!
B got a Ball Pit for his birthday...here he is enjoying it
Thanks to The S Family!
Brantley enjoying his 1st slice of cake
Brantley has a unique way of opening presents....opening a gift at the Bowling Alley
Thanks J & L !
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
