Homemade Jellied Cranberry Sauce

The other day a friend mentioned that her neighbor delivered some fresh from the bog cranberries to her (how lucky is she to live by the cranberry bogs with such generous neighbors!).  Anyway, my mind immediately went to one of my favorite fall treats--homemade cranberry sauce.  Only three ingredients and so tasty!


Homemade Jellied Cranberry Sauce

~2 Cups cranberries (fresh or frozen)
~3/4 Cup water
~1 Cup sugar

Wash cranberries.  Place in a saucepan with the water.  Boil the berries until the skins burst.

Puree the cranberries and water in a blender or food processor.  Place puree back into pan and add sugar.  Boil mixture for about 5 minutes (you want to reach the gel point--see below).

Pour mixture into bowl or mold. Cover with plastic wrap and chill until set.

*For a spicy cranberry sauce, add 1/2 tsp. cinnamon, a pinch of ground cloves and a pinch of nutmeg to the puree (or to taste).  I love the spicy version!

~To test for gel point:  Place a small amount of the sauce on a well chilled plate and stick in the freezer for a minute or two.  The mixture should be set and not runny.  You can run your finger through it and it will stay separated.

*If you want a softer sauce, boil for less time, for a firmer sauce boil an extra minute.

-We love this served with roasted chicken or turkey!

Roasted Garlic Mashed Potatoes (Dairy Free)

Mashed potatoes are comfort food at it's best! 

My family loves mashed potatoes, but they are traditionally laden with butter, cream or other dairy products.  When we had to take dairy out of our sons diet several years ago, it was a challenge to find a way to make mashed potatoes that didn't result in gluey or tasteless potatoes.  Here is what we came up with:





Roasted Garlic Mashed Potatoes

~Again, this is more of a how to than an actual recipe, we always make a big batch to keep in the refrigerator for later in the week.  These potatoes also freeze well.

-roasted garlic (see below)
-potatoes
-dairy free margarine (there are a few brands available)
-chicken broth
-salt and pepper, to taste


Boil your potatoes until soft, we like to leave the skins on.  While the potatoes are boiling, in a separate saucepan, heat chicken broth and margarine till hot, add roasted garlic, salt and pepper.

Drain potatoes.  Place potatoes back in warm pot and slowly add the butter/broth mixture a little at a time, mashing the potatoes as you go.  Add enough of the broth mixture to get desired consistency.

*The roasted garlic adds a mild garlic flavor without being overwhelming (you can leave the garlic out if you don't like it).

*Heating the broth keeps the potatoes from getting the gluey texture that happens when you add cold ingredients to the hot potatoes.

*Chicken broth adds the necessary liquid without giving the potatoes an off flavor that some of the milk substitutes can add.


Roasted Garlic

Sorry, I forgot to take a picture of this step. I usually make the garlic early in the day and keep it in the fridge till I am ready to use.
-garlic
-olive oil

Cut the tops off from whole cloves of garlic, leaving the root end intact and holding the cloves together.  You want to trim just enough off to expose the garlic cloves. Leave the papery skin on the outside.

Place garlic in a pan and drizzle with olive oil. Cover with foil.

Bake at 350 degrees until the garlic is tender when pierced with a fork, about 30-45 minutes. 

Cool garlic and then squeeze out of the skin.  Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator until ready to use.

Serve mashed roasted garlic as an alternative to butter, spread on toasted french bread.

*Beware, the smell of roasting garlic can make your family drool and constantly ask what's for dinner!  :)

I'm Back with a Schnitzel Recipe

I'm back---FINALLY!  Sorry about the really long silence, just a lot going on and I was having a hard time keeping up.

We are in the middle of birthday month (four birthdays in our house in a month) and one of our traditions is the birthday person gets their favorite dinner.  Our youngest just turned 15 and he asked for schnitzel and mashed potatoes.  This is more of a how to than a recipe as there are no exact measurements.

For the schnitzel you will need:

Thinly sliced eye of round or similar meat (you can also use pork or veal)*
Flour
Eggs whisked with a little water
Italian style bread crumbs (we use homemade from the Shortcut Cooking Cookbook)
Lemon Wedges

Dredge the meat in flour to coat.

Dip meat in eggs and then in the bread crumbs, coating completely.

Fry in a pan with about a 1/2" of oil. Turn after 1-2 minutes. 

To keep warm, place on a rack in a warm oven while you finish cooking all the meat.

Serve with lemon wedges.

*You can have the butcher thinly slice your meat, or to do it yourself: place roast in freezer for about one hour, then slice thinly with a knife or meat slicer.  Freezing the meat for a bit makes it much easier to slice.

Tomorrow I will share the recipe for our dairy free roasted garlic mashed potatoes.

Sea Salt Caramel Coffee

It's National Coffee Day!!

To celebrate, here is my version of a Salted Caramel Mocha Coffee.

You will need:
-half & half (or your favorite creamer or milk)*
-chocolate sauce
-caramel sauce
-whipped cream
-sea salt
-brewed coffee

 Place 2-4 Tbsp. of half & half (depending on how creamy you like it) into a cup.  Add 1 tbsp. each of caramel sauce and chocolate sauce.

Heat in microwave for about 15 seconds, till warm.  Use a whisk to blend together and make it a bit frothy.

 Add coffee.  Top with whipped cream.  Drizzle whipped cream with a bit of chocolate sauce and caramel sauce (if desired).

Sprinkle the top of the coffee with a little bit of coarse ground sea salt. I rubbed the sea salt together in my hand over the cup.  Just a pinch goes a long way, but adds a delightful sweet/salty flavor to the coffee!

 

*You can also make this with milk, up to a 1/4 C. just heat and froth the same way as above.  

Enjoy!

Taking the "Crazy" out of Mornings

The other day a friend shared how crazy and stressed out her mornings had been lately trying to get three kids up, fed, dressed and out the door on time.  Tears, frustration, and unkind words are not a great way to start the day, not to mention the stress of misplaced items, missed buses or being late because of a chaotic morning.

It wasn't all that long ago I used to have to get 9 kids (my 3 kids plus our 6 foster children (all 6 of which were under 6!) up, dressed, delivered to 2 different schools, one or more to the agency for an appt. or visit--usually before 9 am.  I know what crazy mornings are like!

Here are some ideas that helped take some of the craziness out of our mornings (these ideas aren't new or even all that original, but hopefully having them in one spot will inspire you):

Plan the night before (the more you can do the night before, the easier the morning will be, especially if you are not a morning person! If you are a morning person, a lot of this could be done before anyone else is up)

*Get the coffeemaker ready

*Lay out clothes (including socks, underwear, etc...)-including any uniforms, etc..  needed later in the day

*You could also have kids put on some of the next days clothes to wear to bed (if appropriate), Example, t-shirts, sweat pants, etc....

*Plan breakfast and prep as much as possible
               -set the table
               -if you are serving cereal place the cereal in bowls the night before and cover with a napkin or plastic bowl cover (older kids can grab their own milk and pour over cereal or              help the younger kids)
                -pour milk into cups the night before and place in fridge
                -pre-cook bacon so all it needs is a quick reheat
                -bake muffins and wrap in plastic wrap-set on table
                -cut up fruit and place in bowl of 7up or Sprite, in fridge, ready to drain and serve
               -portion out peanut butter and jelly in small cups or baggies to be squeezed on toast
               -make your oatmeal in the crockpot so it is ready to go in the morning

*Pack lunch or set out lunch money the night before

 *Make sure homework is checked, bags are packed and set by door

 *Write reminders on sticky note and stick to door (IE...don't forget lunch from fridge, etc....) or have a specific place for memos.  Our back door was metal so we just used magnets to stick stuff to the door that needed to go out with us.

*Place toothpaste on toothbrushes (this also lets you know who forgot to brush in the morning)

*Don't forget to set out things like shoes, boots, coats, hats, gloves, etc...  Have a specific spot for everything by the door so no one forgets.  We made bags for each kid that hung in our entry where they placed their stuff--if we were in a hurry we just grabbed the bags and then they could put on hats, gloves, etc.. in the car.

In the morning:

*First things first--pray before your feet even hit the floor for a smooth morning and a good attitude for everyone involved!

*Don't sweat the small stuff--unless you are having company the minute you walk through the door, ask yourself if it really matters if the beds don't get made till afternoon. (I know, I like the beds made in the morning too, but I learned that it was just one more source of stress in the morning)

*Set the mood for the morning--turn on some fun music (or sing a favorite song)  to get everyone moving and greet everyone with a kind word and a hug. My kids still remember being woken up to a silly song called "Wake Up, You Sleepyhead!" 

*Use a timer to help keep everyone moving.  Challenge them to get dressed and to the table before the timer goes off (2-5 minutes depending on age).  You can make it into a game or even have stickers or prizes (like choice of seat at table, etc...) for the first person to finish (make sure the winner didn't skip a step (like socks, etc...)).  We tried to have each kids get to pick something as they finished (1 st kid--choose seat, 2nd kid--favorite cup, 3rd kids--napkin, etc.... so everyone felt like a winner.  Sometimes the last kids simply got a big hug and a "good job".

*Plan to leave 10 minutes early, that way you have a little cushion (just don't tell the kids (or maybe even your husband))

*Assign older kids to help younger (if you can)--it helps them feel important and keeps them focused

*Remember that no matter how well planned you are, things can still go wrong (the baby blows out a diaper, the toddler toss his cookies on his shoes, etc...) just take a deep breath and keep calm--your reaction will help determine the reaction of those around you.

*No matter what--send your kids out the door with a hug and a kind word--even an apology if necessary!


Mornings can be busy and chaotic, hopefully you will find something here that will help you take just a little bit of the "crazy" out of your morning and help you to enjoy those brief moments that you have together!

Maple Brown Sugar Oatmeal Mix

Here is another mix recipe for your collection:


Maple Brown Sugar Oatmeal Mix

1 C. quick oats (grind in blender or food processor till finely ground)
1 C. quick oats (leave whole)
3/4-1C. brown sugar
1 Tbsp. maple flavoring
2 tsp. salt
1 tsp. cinnamon
1/2  tsp. nutmeg

Combine brown sugar, maple flavoring, salt, cinnamon and nutmeg in a medium bowl.  Stir to thoroughly combine the sugar and extract (a mixer is really helpful for this).  Add in oats and ground oats.  Stir to combine.  Store in airtight container.

To Serve:

Place 2/3 C. oatmeal mix in a bowl and add hot water to desired consistency.

For Apple-cinnamon oatmeal-substitute vanilla extract for the maple and add 1/2 C. dried apple pieces.

*Just like the packets you buy in the store, only you can control the ingredients.
*Package in individual baggies for quick, single serving sizes.
*Add more oats and ground oats to make a less sweet mix.
*Double, triple or quadruple the recipe and store in a large jar, scoop out how much you need.
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Vacation Time

I am taking some time to spend with my family--we have had so much going on this summer and need some time to relax, do some fun things together and get ready for school.  We have company coming in for a while and are hoping to take a few "field trips" around the area.

I will be back to regular posting on Sept. 19th.

Have a great couple of weeks!

Pumpkin Praline Muffins

I know many of you are gearing up for back to school.  Muffins are one of my favorite foods because they are quick and easy to make, freeze beautifully and served with some yogurt or milk and a piece of fruit  make a healthy breakfast or snack.

This is one of my favorite muffin recipes, it is fairly low in calories, and has a decent amount of protein and fiber.

Pumpkin Praline Muffins

1 3/4 C. whole wheat pastry flour (this adds fiber and flavor and your kids won't notice it's "good" for them)
1/2 C. oatmeal (ground finely)
1/2 C. brown sugar
1 Tbsp. baking powder
1 Tbsp. pumpkin pie spice
1 C. skim milk
1 large egg
2/3 C. mashed pumpkin (not the pie filling)
1 tsp. vanilla extract

Topping
1 Tbsp. finely chopped pecans
1 Tbsp. brown sugar

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.  Prepare muffin pan with liners and then lightly coat with cooking spray.

Mix flour, ground oatmeal, sugar, baking powder and pumpkin pie spice in a bowl. 

In a separate bowl mix milk, egg, pumpkin and vanilla.

Add wet ingredients to dry ingredients and stir just till moistened.

Place batter in prepared pan, filling 3/4 full.

Mix topping ingredients together and sprinkle over muffins.

Bake 15-18 minutes until toothpick inserted in center comes out clean.

Cool for 5 minutes.  Remove from pan.

Serve warm or at room temperature.

~Makes 12 muffins

~Store in airtight container at room temperature for two days or wrap individual muffins and freeze.

~Put frozen muffins in a lunchbox, they will be defrosted and ready to eat by lunch time.

~Approx. Nutritional Info:  Calories: 128, Fiber 3.2 gms, Protein 3.2 gms, Carbs 27 gms, Fat 1.2 gms

Tortilla Mix

Here is another mix for your collection!

Our family loves Mexican food: tacos, burritos, enchiladas, quesadillas--pretty much anything you wrap in a tortilla.  The cost of store bought tortillas seems to keep going up--$1.67 for 10 tortillas?! 
Homemade tortillas are not only very easy and inexpensive to make (about $.25 for 10) they taste so much better than the store bought ones.

Tortilla Mix
16 C. flour (use unbleached or add up to 1/2 whole wheat)
2 Tbsp. baking powder
2 Tbsp. salt (you can use a little less, but some salt really does make a difference in the flavor)
1/2 C-1C. shortening  (I like about 3/4 C. of palm shortening (no trans fat!))

Combine dry ingredients in a bowl and stir with whisk to fully mix.  Cut in shortening with pastry blender or hands.  Store mix in airtight container.


To Make:

Place 2 C. tortilla mix in a bowl, making a well in the center.  Add 1/2-3/4 C. warm water, a little at a time, mixing until you have a soft dough.

Knead dough for a short time till it becomes elastic.

Cover with plastic and let it rest 10-15 minutes.

Form small balls, pull the dough around the bottom of the ball to make top smooth.  Set aside, covered with plastic wrap.

Dip dough balls in flour and roll out thinly.

Cook on preheated dry griddle until top begins to bubble, Flip and cook for about 15 seconds more.

To keep warm: stack between towels.

Wrap in plastic wrap and store in refrigerator.

Zucchini Bread

Easy Zucchini Bread

Here is just one great recipe to use up all the zucchini floating around this time of year.

2 C. sugar
3 eggs
3 C. flour (I use 1/2 unbleached, 1/2 whole wheat pastry flour)
1/2 C. oil
1/2 C. applesauce or apple butter
2 C. shredded zucchini
1 Tbsp. cinnamon
1 tsp.baking soda

1/4 tsp. salt
1/4 tsp. baking powder
1 C. nuts (optional)


Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

Mix eggs, sugar, oil, applesauce, zucchini and vanilla in a bowl.  In a separate bowl combine dry ingredients.  Add dry ingredients to zucchini mixture and stir to combine.  Place mixture in 2 greased loaf pans.  Bake for 60-65 minutes or until toothpick inserted in center comes out clean.

Cool on wire rack, wrap and freeze.

*Zucchini bread makes a quick easy breakfast with some yogurt and fruit.
*Fruit breads are great to have on hand for last minute company or to share with a family in need.

Zucchini bread wrapped and freezer ready

~Things are still crazy busy around here, but I do have some posts I am working on--hopefully it won't be so long between posts!