tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15116758736384483272024-03-06T03:28:32.285+10:00Culling ChaosA place for everything, and everything in one placeAnonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16192834025601135914noreply@blogger.comBlogger57125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1511675873638448327.post-40232338536691774482013-02-24T19:46:00.000+10:002013-02-24T19:46:16.128+10:00Culling the Chaos With Littlies AroundA few people I've been talking to both in and out of the lifestyle have been having a hard time with coping with keeping their house clean with small children around. They feel as if their lives and their homes are falling apart. So here are some tips that I had been given by people over the years to help keep my sanity and at least keep a mostly neat and tidy home (because really, no one expects a home where toddlers to reside to look perfect):<br />
<br />
<ul>
<li>Toys are probably the biggest issue. At least they were for me until someone suggested going out and buying several plastic storage bins. Place a couple in every room where the kids play, including your living room. When it comes time to pick up, you can just go room to room throwing toys right into the bins. </li>
<li>Get the kids to help! Seriously... start while they're young. I made the mistake of always doing the cleanup because it was easier. Now I'm wishing I would have listened to everyone who told me to get her started earlier. My mom had a saying, "If they're old enough to take it out, they're old enough to put it away." I wish I had listened to that advice. Now it's a nightmare trying to get our daughter to clean. If they get into the habit when they are toddler it will be something they're used to doing (even if they don't like it).</li>
<li>Make a habit of picking something up and putting it away every time you enter a room. It will help keep things from getting too untidy.</li>
<li>Clean the shower walls a couple times a week while you're having a shower.</li>
<li>Wipe down the toilet and bathroom sink every day (this takes less than a minute if you do it every day)</li>
<li>Buy your toddler(s) and other young children their own dusters and let them follow you around the house while you're dusting. Most kids love to help with this! It still works with my seven year old.</li>
<li>Clean something in your kitchen every day. For instance, one day clean the stove, and then the next day clean the microwave and so on. This way you're never stuck having to spend a lot of time cleaning the kitchen at any one time.</li>
<li>Only vacuum and/or mop one or two rooms a day (depending on size and foot traffic in your home). Trying to do the whole thing in one day is a losing battle with young children around.</li>
<li>If you are home alone with the kids all week and find you don't have much time for cooking, do some food prep over the weekend, or you can even prepare and freeze some meals for the week. You can either make or prep healthy meals that can be thrown together in 15 to 20 minutes this way.</li>
</ul>
<div>
Hope these tips help a bit. If you have any of your own, feel free to leave them in the comment section below! We'd love to see them!</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16192834025601135914noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1511675873638448327.post-3737858989237321882013-02-09T08:21:00.001+10:002013-02-24T12:45:33.444+10:005-Minute Fixes<div style="text-align: justify;">
When folding towels, try to remember to tug the corners (all four) to keep them from...well shrinking. Such a simple thing that honestly will keep your towels looking better longer. Also, folded towels just make a room, like the bathroom seem a bit more tidy. <br />
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Each day, take a moment and fluff all your pillows and cushions! Not only will it shake the dust off seldom sat on furniture -- but it does make the room look a little brighter. <br />
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Make your bed (encourage the kids to also). Silly as it sounds even a kinda messy room will look a little better when the bed's made. <br />
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Clean your (all) sinks and swish the toilets. Especially during the winter months when everyone is sharing germs. <br />
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Wipe down appliances. The stove, fridge, dishwasher, coffee maker microwave -- basically if it lives on a countertop or if it takes up a lot of eye-space. Give it a little wipe-down. <br />
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Sweep or dust your floors. Again this can't be said enough a messy floor just attracts more mess. Not sure why it is. But it does. <br />
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Set your table before bed! If your home is like ours the kitchen table is a major artery. Kids play, do homework, random things just get dumped and its a hot spot straight from Dante's Inferno. Setting the table before bed, culls the need to drop things on the table. Breakfast bowls or plates, silver and glassware...and it's one less thing to do during a busy morning! <br />
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Lay out your clothes for the next day! Do we need to explain this one? Gather your purse, iPod, charge your phone -- where are your keys? <br />
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
What's for dinner? </div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1511675873638448327.post-15572908337701388642012-09-21T14:00:00.001+10:002013-02-24T12:55:27.920+10:00Grilled Veggie Sandwiches<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibsZ4f7ttiDP3CcR_EwCiWyeztUIY465GPKmYz8DEqF2NWEqOIblbUqnQ3muMafHrBtUOLg654JQldFUWRDfD9xI8-k1SMHt5rd4AAzKEQeIBxctk7u5m1C4Vg4_AIQh6h9LcVO-wypCna/s1600/100_6641%5B1%5D.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibsZ4f7ttiDP3CcR_EwCiWyeztUIY465GPKmYz8DEqF2NWEqOIblbUqnQ3muMafHrBtUOLg654JQldFUWRDfD9xI8-k1SMHt5rd4AAzKEQeIBxctk7u5m1C4Vg4_AIQh6h9LcVO-wypCna/s400/100_6641%5B1%5D.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
My family absolutely loves these, and we are of the carnivorous bent. This was the second time I've made them and they go quick. The pile on the plate was what was left over after the first round. Guess what I'm having for lunch tomorrow? Yuuummmy.<br />
<br />
Tonight we grilled the vegetables on the barbecue specifically for the sandwiches,but the first time I made them we were grilling chicken and as an afterthought we threw the veggies on to use the next night. This recipe made enough for 5 adults and one pre-teen.<br />
<br />
2 eggplant, sliced into 1/2 inch rounds<br />
5 red bell peppers, sliced into slabs<br />
three big zucchini, sliced lengthwise into 1/4 inch slabs<br />
3 big yellow squash, sliced into 1/4 inch slabs<br />
3 big red onions sliced into 1/2 inch rounds<br />
Olive oil<br />
2 whole grain loaves of rustic style bread<br />
Fresh mozzarella, in 1/4 inch slices<br />
Balsamic Vinegar<br />
<br />
Pre-grill the veggies on your BBQ. We brush Olive oil onto the grill and cook them until they are well charred.<br />
<br />
For the actual sandwich grilling I use a George Foreman grill, but any panini or indoor grill will work, the BBQ might work too if you are careful.<br />
<br />
To assemble the sandwiches I brush the outside of the bread with olive oil and place it on the hot grill, then layer the veggies, placing the mozzarella on the top. Don't go overboard on the cheese, it really melts and runs down the veggies. Put the other slice of bread on top and brush the outside lightly with olive oil. I cooked mine on high for 5 minutes.<br />
<br />
Next time I might add chopped garlic to the olive oil.<br />
<br />
To serve, pour a small amount of the balsamic vinegar onto your plate, or into a small dish if you are finicky, dip the sandwiches, and enjoy.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1511675873638448327.post-58077548766126931192012-05-13T17:00:00.001+10:002012-05-13T17:00:07.764+10:00Happy Mother's DayNeed we say more?!<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiin4ltRYc4kEjaVc6Bao0JfskcYrWGZp1lOKLpyTGjULROwXO2bspwt1Ig1RNGWQbBxtHIrv0sUW1l1CJLoTsG-0VD88QlfI03HPsqrQrXNSSbJPTVnVhALWHqgnoj02DohxqY7Yyv_RWg/s366/Photo%252520May%25252011%25252C%2525202012%25252012%25253A25%252520PM.jpg" target="_blank" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiin4ltRYc4kEjaVc6Bao0JfskcYrWGZp1lOKLpyTGjULROwXO2bspwt1Ig1RNGWQbBxtHIrv0sUW1l1CJLoTsG-0VD88QlfI03HPsqrQrXNSSbJPTVnVhALWHqgnoj02DohxqY7Yyv_RWg/s500/Photo%252520May%25252011%25252C%2525202012%25252012%25253A25%252520PM.jpg" id="blogsy-1336767707748.5361" class="aligncenter" alt="" width="366" height="700" /></a></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1511675873638448327.post-81738851823337418392012-02-08T15:15:00.000+10:002012-02-08T15:15:16.073+10:00Curried Fried Rice with Chicken<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiC9cKx1WfIL6fSB8tuKxBzGvp5DDDg9Vl9wAYvcKRhwOxriM0bY9AxccEtraF2DUuYw86SJmywslO7MG4J3sP2dYayjzt083jINPOAYmLQCEFAsIsLYqh7boNvNMcaKQHwHo6P2_ZOjSA/s1600/100_9248.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiC9cKx1WfIL6fSB8tuKxBzGvp5DDDg9Vl9wAYvcKRhwOxriM0bY9AxccEtraF2DUuYw86SJmywslO7MG4J3sP2dYayjzt083jINPOAYmLQCEFAsIsLYqh7boNvNMcaKQHwHo6P2_ZOjSA/s320/100_9248.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The whole house is fragrant when I cook this. Quick and easy, and so hard to mess up, this is a favorite of our family. You can mix and match the veggies, and even substitute scramble eggs for the chicken, or tofu, for a non-meat version. I usually add cilantro to the dish, but tonight I was out.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The amounts are approximate. I rarely measure. I know it seems like a lot of spice but it really is not.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">4 T. vegetable oil</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">6 cloves of garlic minced fine</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">3 to 4 T. chopped fresh ginger</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">1 onion, chopped</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">1 1/2 T. Curry powder</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">1 T. Chili powder</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">1 T. ground Coriander</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">6 Cups of cooked rice, brown or white</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">2 to 4 cups of veggies, your choice(I used 3 cups of snow peas, and a whole bag of frozen peas and carrots)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">1/4 cup of low sodium soy sauce</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">4 cooked shredded chicken breasts</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">1 bunch of green onions, sliced</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">3 to 4 T. chopped fresh cilantro</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Heat the oil in a large skillet or wok, over high heat. Add the garlic, stirring until fragrant, about 5 seconds. Add the ginger and onion, stir fry until the onion is softened, about 3 to 4 minutes. Stir in the curry powder, chili powder, and the coriander. Add the rice and vegetables and stir until it's heated through. Add the chicken, soy sauce, cilantro, and green onions. Heat through, and serve. We have it with a green salad for a well rounded nutritional meal. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Yummy too. Be prepared for seconds. This makes a ton, and my kids eat it all.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1511675873638448327.post-56583140192384078522012-01-06T10:30:00.000+10:002012-01-06T13:46:05.014+10:00Shopping local<div><br /></div><div>Recently, Daddy decided that since we have a wonderful main street or down town are mouse should shop there more often. In fact, honestly there's no reason to step into the supermarket, except to buy the occasional box of cereal -- which to be honest, can be purchased cheaper at Target, as can the rice, flour and sugar we might need...hmmm.</div><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); -webkit-composition-fill- -webkit-composition-frame- color:rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469);">Building a professional relationship with a real butcher is far better than picking out what seems to be a decent cut of meat from the case. He'll let mouse know about specials that are coming up so she could adjust her purchases. The fishmonger, just a few doors down -- that never has that fishy smell -- gives mouse endless ideas. One word from mouse that Daddy despises tilapia and he's never once brought it up again regardless of the price. The vegetable, fruit and other store...well, that's really more of a challenge. They only deal in fresh, local and organic, which means in winter pickings are mighty slim. But the milk and cheeses are wonderful. They do their own orange juices and sell eggs. </span></div><div><br /></div><div>Bakery down the road, has the most wonderful breads...and they list exactly what's in them! Whole grain flour, a little honey, water and low salt. They make the best pastries and cakes too. Their Challah is completely kosher. We already had a standing weekly order for that, but now mouse is getting all the breads from there. </div><div><br /></div><div>What's really strange about all these places is once you go in a few times to show your a good, stable customer, they all set up accounts for you. So, you pay once per month or when the bill gets to be so high. All those go straight to Daddy, so now mouse doesn't need to carry cash. Now mouse would have thought she'd be spending more, but the truth is she's spending far less. Maybe it's because she has fewer choices? Or she's not distracted by the soda, crackers and cookies..or the other crap she shouldn't make or eat. They say you shop just the parameter of the store...</div><div><br /></div><div>Mostly less...the florist shop is another story all together!</div><div><br /></div><div>The other thing that helps, is really planning the meals, which means a specific order to shopping. For example, mouse starts with the bakery. Then moves to the vegetable and fruits, milk, cheese and eggs. Taking in ideas for what to cook for the week. Then looking at the fish or butcher for final componate. The problem is that sometimes the butcher has a great special on say pot roasts....then a second trip to the vegetable place might be needed. Or the pot roast could be wrapped to freeze. Breakfast, lunches and dinner...that's 15 meals a week. </div><div><br /></div><div>Weekends are much more loosely handled. Tho, Friday for Shabbat, a large meal is prepared so there can be plenty of left-overs on Saturday. Sunday can mean that Daddy might cook, or we might go out. Sunday's, tho is when mouse spends some time thinking about the week ahead and doing prep as needed. </div><div><br /></div><div>If you do cook a lot during the week, a little prep can go a mighty long way. Routinely mouse will chop up 3-4 onions, mince a head of garlic (you can mix that with some extra virgin olive oil and store it in the fridge) and any other veggies cut up how they'll be used. For fusion tacos, mouse will often cut up zucchini and maybe carrots in matchsticks, add cooked bean sprouts and some sort of meat or fish, cooked in some Szechwan sauce. Serve in a warm tortilla with cabbage. </div><div><br /></div><div>Or do parchment paper wraps of fish (a flaky white fish works best), veggies, white wine or sherry. Take a sheet of parchment paper and place, the fish first, top with veggies, add a splash of white wine, top with maybe a squeeze of lemon and seal it up tight. Bake in the oven for about 10-15 minutes at 350. </div><div><br /></div><div>However you cut and use them, the precut veggies are a huge time saver. </div><div><br /></div><div>Another time saver, if you plan on making mashed potatoes, try baking them and using the skins for, what else potato skins. Even if you don't cook them right away, they can be frozen! Next time you have a crowd over, take them out of the freezer, let them defrost in the fridge, top with cheese, left-over bacon and bake until the cheese is melted. Top with sour cream and green onion or chives. Much better than those frozen Fridays one they sell and super cheaper! It's true, mouse keeps a supply of frozen potato skins on hand. Never know when Daddy might have the guys over to watch a game...</div><div><br /></div><div style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.292969); -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame- color:rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469);"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.292969); -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame- color:rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469);"><br /></span></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1511675873638448327.post-42004963463950980822011-12-02T14:41:00.000+10:002011-12-02T14:43:06.434+10:00Zuppa Toscana...It's a Win!Tonight was an experiment. I wanted to see if I could recreate the Zuppa Toscana soup they serve at Olive Garden. Maybe even a lighter version. It turned out very well. The entire family came back for seconds, and some for thirds. There is just enough left for me to have for lunch tomorrow!<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh86fqWqQWJvLqXpka76KaY8mm8uiuhNhQiWkmXm2OOLtyJD6wSTtvrqNb6wUjillbIvIItiRg9nMceVj-FSr7YUuueQA0CpBdi_1ryAAcaqRZX-uBIE685NqmAo1ipxBXYxV9TZ318MUxG/s1600/100_4573.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh86fqWqQWJvLqXpka76KaY8mm8uiuhNhQiWkmXm2OOLtyJD6wSTtvrqNb6wUjillbIvIItiRg9nMceVj-FSr7YUuueQA0CpBdi_1ryAAcaqRZX-uBIE685NqmAo1ipxBXYxV9TZ318MUxG/s400/100_4573.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">No I didn't make the bread. It's store bought sour dough with big chunks of garlic baked in.<br />
<br />
<br />
</td></tr>
</tbody></table>1 pound of Italian sausage (I used chicken, but any kind would work)<br />
<div>4 slices of bacon, cooked crisp (Turkey bacon would work, but won't be quite as tasty)<br />
<div>2 large brown onions, chopped </div><div>3 leeks, white parts only, washed and chopped</div><div>5 cloves of garlic (BIG cloves) chopped</div><div>3 cups of Kale, chopped (you have to remove the stems first they are very tough)</div><div>8 small red potatoes, washed and cubed (I leave the peel on that's where all the nutrition is, plus it looks pretty)</div><div>6 cups of chicken broth</div><div>6 cups of water</div><div>2 teaspoons of red pepper flakes</div><div>Black pepper to taste</div><div>1/2 cup of cream</div><div><br />
</div><div>I cooked the sausage in a large pot until cooked through,(if you use pork sausage you will need to drain the fat off), then I added the leeks and onions. Let it all saute together, giving it the occasional stir, until the onions were transparent and the leeks cooked down. While these were cooking I fried the bacon until it was crisp, then crumbled it in with the sausage and onions.</div><div><br />
</div><div>Turn the heat way down under the pan you used to fry the bacon, if it's too hot you will scorch the garlic and make it bitter. Cook the garlic in the bacon fat for just a minute or two to release the fragrance. Once the garlic is softened, drain it, and add it back to the pot with the onions. The tiny bit of bacon fat that goes with it adds flavor without a lot of added cholesterol. For those of you who don't do pork, turkey bacon, fried in a touch of oil, will work as a substitute. </div><div><br />
</div><div>Add everything else but the cream. I didn't include salt in the recipe, the bacon and sausage both have salt in them. Cover it and simmer on medium low until the potatoes are cooked through and the flavors start to meld, about 30, 40 minutes. Right before serving add the 1/2 cup cream, give it a good stir. A little fresh ground black pepper on top, and it's ready. </div><div><br />
</div><div>For those of you who keep kosher, it's pretty darn good without the cream added, but if you're not, it great with it. That small amount of cream adds just enough richness to make the soup absolutely delicious. This one is definitely a keeper.</div><div><br />
<br />
</div></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1511675873638448327.post-13589272974652640172011-11-28T15:07:00.000+10:002011-11-28T15:07:17.593+10:00Quick BreadI've made bread all my adult life, but never as more than as a hobby, until the last few years. I always bought high quality multigrain breads. Not only is it good for you, it's what my family loved. <div><br />
</div><div>I was standing in Costco one day, staring at the price for two loaves. Even in Costco the good stuff was close to $4.00 a loaf. That was it, I was done buying my bread and decided to find a good recipe that I could use to make our bread myself. I tried recipe after recipe, and most were very good and worked just fine, but it always took so long. Until I found this one.</div><div><br />
</div><div> It works with any combination of flours, and is done in an hour. Fast enough to put together after work and serve with dinner. If you use white flour and olive oil it makes really yummy dinner roles. I'm going to give you the basic recipe and then the modified recipe the way I use it every week.</div><div><br />
</div><div>Mix and set aside...</div><div><br />
</div><div>1/2 cup of warm water</div><div>2 tablespoons of yeast</div><div><br />
</div><div>In a large mixing bowl...</div><div><br />
</div><div>2 cups of hot water</div><div>1 tablespoon of salt</div><div>3 tablespoons of sweetener ( I use agave syrup, honey, rapadura, sugar, all work)</div><div>1/3 cup of oil (I use olive, or coconut. Any vegetable oil will do)</div><div>4 cups of flour (any kind)</div><div><br />
</div><div>Mix it all together, then add...</div><div><br />
</div><div>2 more cups of flour</div><div>the yeast mixture </div><div><br />
</div><div>Knead the dough for at least 5 minutes. It is important not to shorten the time. If you need to, add more flour to keep the dough from sticking to the work surface. Shape the dough. If you're making loaves put them in greased loaf pans, for free form loaves, or rolls, a greased cookie sheet. Let the dough rise for 30 minutes in a warm place. I cover it with a damp kitchen towel while it rises. Bake the loaves in 400* oven for 25 minutes. </div><div><br />
</div><div>I've tweaked the recipe to add more nutrition to it. Instead of 2 cups of hot water I use 2 cups of cooked grains. In a 4 cup pyrex measuring cup I cook 1/2 cup of millet, covered in water, in the microwave for 2 minutes, then toss in 1/2 cup of quinoa, and a cup of regular uncooked oats (not quick oats, it too mushy)and cover them with water to just above the top of the grains. Cook the quinoa and oats, along with the millet for another 1 1/2 minutes. The grains release the moisture into the flour so no extra water should be needed. For our regular bread I use a combination of flours. 2 cup spelt flour, 1 cup white flour, and 3 cups whole wheat bread flour. I also throw in a big handful of ground flax seeds and wheat germ, maybe 1/4 cup each. </div><div><br />
</div><div>After the loaves have risen, before I pop them in the oven, I brush an egg wash over the top. Just an egg and a little water. Gives the tops a lovely brown color. </div><div><br />
</div><div>Even with all the added stuff and less common flours, it's less than a dollar a loaf. It's super versatile and almost impossible to mess up. I hope you all enjoy it!</div><div><br />
</div><div>- monkey</div><div><br />
</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1511675873638448327.post-30177624101754820382011-10-05T07:51:00.000+10:002013-02-24T13:12:31.904+10:00Culling the ChaosGood morning,<br />
<br />
There are people that say that slaves/submissive (whatever you want to call them) shouldn't have any sort of ego. If they do, it should be remedied by breaking the slave/sub. Some describe it as when a horse is broken to accept a saddle, or when a prisoner is broken to give-up information or accept what they did wrong. Everyone has that breaking point where they can't take anymore (mouse reached that point years ago when she was with Alpha -- but that's another topic for another time or not). <br />
<br />
Daddy surrounds himself with very capable people, he wants them to have personal strengths to do whatever their job is. This is also too true for mouse. It's taken a long time to put away the ego of assuming just because mouse has tits she must instinctively know how to clean house. Or having a uterus means she'll naturally know how to be a good mom. It's got to be instinctive, inborn into her right? <br />
<br />
Well, wrong, but the ego got in the way. Over our time together we've tried so many things to keep mouse focused and on task. None of them worked in any (long term way) until Daddy really examined what mouse was doing. See, for Shabbat on Friday, the house is supposed to be very clean and mouse just couldn't pull it all together by Friday. Too much to do and not enough time in that one day. It was like mouse was constantly just circling the drain. <br />
<br />
What Daddy noticed was that mouse was doing fine with her rituals, especially the nighttime ones. So he knew mouse could follow a routine. He started talking to mouse about things to do on a daily basis rather than trying to clean everything at once (normally weekly), he simply said somethings should be done daily. They don't take very long to accomplish and will make the cleaning easier. He looked at how mouse was cleaning and decided that she was over cleaning some areas but not cleaning other areas enough. He said that mouse should be only be spending a half hour - to an hour at the most on the housework each day. Impossible, mouse really thought. He suggested a few things that should be cleaned daily, and other things that could be cleaned on a weekly basis. Taking his initial ideas mouse started (begrudged) on the routine. During the summer when we're too busy to worry about keeping the house up. An amazing thing was discovered, by doing those little things daily, mouse found they took less time than if they were left to go just weekly or longer. Even vacuuming, which mouse truly hates, takes less time because it's done more frequently. The best part is once its done for the day, it's done for the DAY! Meaning if Daddy takes a huge stinky shit after mouse cleans the toilet, there's no going back in to do again...It's DONE. <br />
<br />
So we broke things down...into daily and weekly tasks. <br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjozc5pcVDNhG8GA_iuoIYYZK1h8WaXqU0BuUhF08SbxTzBb8ChkScXBUTtSGGvIXH3g7J4fRLVhkCAbnq4TT4A-9GrjwRv8bny4tXTxrfkccojvxzD67wa_yZqMteWGfxHgbxElAPhhsBu/s1600/IMG_0229.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjozc5pcVDNhG8GA_iuoIYYZK1h8WaXqU0BuUhF08SbxTzBb8ChkScXBUTtSGGvIXH3g7J4fRLVhkCAbnq4TT4A-9GrjwRv8bny4tXTxrfkccojvxzD67wa_yZqMteWGfxHgbxElAPhhsBu/s200/IMG_0229.JPG" width="148" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Daily cleaning products</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Daily, would be what mouse calls the swish/wipe/dust. Swish the blue stuff into the toilet (just a few drops are needed instead of covering the whole inside of the bowl, because it's done daily). Using only one wipe per bathroom mouse cleans the sinks, the counter tops, ending with the toilet--down to the floor...Yes, just one Lysol wipe cleans two sinks, counter tops and toilet...but only if you do it everyday. Dry dusting the floors daily too. Also, another tip is instead of cleaning the whole shower daily, get a spray bottle with a little bleach mixed with water and spray the shower after it's used. Not only will that help cull mold growth but it also keeps soap scum under control. Or look for a leave on or rinse free shower spray (Method brand, available at most stores in the US) works great too. The inside of the toilet gets a few drops of toilet bowl cleaner (seriously just a few drops) a quick swish of the brush and it's done. To help cull the chaos, mouse keeps a toilet brush and holder in each bathroom of the house. We have three and half bathrooms. The whole process including dusting the floors and swishing/wiping sinks, counter tops and toilets takes two minutes per bathroom. <br />
<br />
<br />
Dusting too, just dry dust those areas that tend to get super dusty, everything else weekly. What a concept!? One load of laundry per-day, at the very least, will help to keep the chaos away. <br />
<br />
Dust the hardwood floors daily (no sweeping or vacuuming unless there's a spill) Wash the floors at least weekly (now because of our wet winter months mouse will do the floors more often then). <br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKIY24z6kYSzr5zhxhHqYEWlwR_ZFKcc8AxFQOwB4L9uEA_6IaUPWA7FSYl25gAXZqft_vZd51Z8aXA8OpC4mPoEPt0NSIX3RMWDcYGLAF9z1dMBY_5mRqpWQP949jXr6iHl4WINTZ2A31/s1600/IMG_0232.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKIY24z6kYSzr5zhxhHqYEWlwR_ZFKcc8AxFQOwB4L9uEA_6IaUPWA7FSYl25gAXZqft_vZd51Z8aXA8OpC4mPoEPt0NSIX3RMWDcYGLAF9z1dMBY_5mRqpWQP949jXr6iHl4WINTZ2A31/s200/IMG_0232.JPG" width="148" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Weekly cleaning products</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
Weekly tasks include cleaning the showers (plus the swish, wipe and dust), bathtubs, vacuuming and changing sheets. Replacing towels and dusting those areas that are only touched weekly. Even the weekly tasks do not take vary long. You could choose to do them all in a single day or you could break it up across the week. <br />
<br />
For example: <br />
<br />
On Mondays: mouse vacuums the downstairs, plus the swish/wipe/dust routines. <br />
<br />
On Tuesdays: the upstairs hallway and bedrooms are vacuumed plus the s/w/d routine. <br />
<br />
On Wednesdays: cleaning the showers, tubs and washing the floors, plus mouse will add another 10 minutes to clean the doors, cabinet fronts and baseboards if needed. Empty all wastebaskets and purge crap from the fridge. Don't worry about extra cleaning around the toilet because that's done daily now and ditto the sinks. Wipe the mirror of oocky stuff and your done. It takes mouse roughly 20 minutes per bath, if the extra 10 minutes is added. If not they're good enough to go. <br />
<br />
On Thursdays: Weekly dusting and vacuum the house (upstairs and down)<br />
<br />
On Fridays: It's all about bedrooms, decluttering, changing and washing sheets. <br />
<br />
Other daily tasks include, making the beds and emptying the dishwasher...<br />
<br />
Ahhh the kitchen...that is a clean-as-you-go room, you make something and clean it up afterward. If you own a dishwasher, use it. If you don't, ask yourself this, is it easier to wash a few dishes (like 2) or a whole sink-full? If your answer is the first, then wash as you use them. Take and extra minute to wash that plate or bowl, fork or spoon, cup whatever you use; dry it and put it back where it belongs, this is opposed to leaving the plate in the sink all day and allowing them to pile up.<br />
<br />
If you believe it doesn't matter, then try washing those few dishes up after each time you dirty them. Truthfully when our dishwasher died over the summer (just before the 4th of July) mouse learned the hard way its much easier to just do a few than a whole sink-full and it really made mouse appreciate her dishwasher all the more. <br />
<br />
If you do own that dishwasher, stick it inside the machine. The kitchen cleaning is not added to the daily or weekly lists because like it most houses it's a big hot spot that is cleaned/tidied up multiple times a day. <br />
<br />
Wipe down the counter tops, close the cabinets and drawers and you might be surprised how much cleaner it feels. <br />
<br />
<br />
See mouse NEVER ever did any of these things, she tried everything, making lists, but it felt like she spent everyday the whole day just cleaning...just cleaning everything and nothing ever getting done. Nothing ever feeling like it was actually cleaned. Now with this system, if mouse has plans on a Wednesday and can't clean the shower they can wait until the next week. The rest of the bathrooms are done daily so it's not a big deal to let it go. On weekends it only takes her a few minutes to get everything tidied up and she's ready to leave the house. The basics are just wipe/swish and dust...every day. If mouse can do 4 toilets, 7 sinks and dust 4 floors in just 8 minutes total...why not do it daily? <br />
<br />
Now, if someone called and said to mouse they wanted to drop by, mouse wouldn't be embarrassed or anything but most importantly she also, wouldn't break a sweat running around to clean everything at once. It's a good thing. <br />
<br />
<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1511675873638448327.post-53509861373912585062011-08-20T09:29:00.005+10:002011-08-20T10:51:26.690+10:00Impromptu meal....Copied directly from here:<br />
<a href="http://aslavestale.blogspot.com/2011/08/mouse-on-wheel.html">"mouse on a wheel..."</a><br />
<br />
This week has been hellishly busy and mouse feels like she's been running on one of those mouse wheels all week long. Seriously, what happened to Monday? Tuesday?? There was some blinking involved because when mouse next opened her eyes, it was Friday and Daddy was calling to say he wanted to have an impromptu get-together at Casa de Omega. <br />
<br />
Tonight!! No less and to make sure the meal is kosher. Oy vey! <br />
<br />
And not to mention the house isn't exactly company ready. So it started, mouse running around making the house presentable and made an emergency trip to the butcher. <br />
<br />
Not it demands saying you really need to be on good terms with a good butcher...he was able to hook mouse up and it's ready to go into the oven. Stopped at the market and picked up the other stuff needed for dessert, and even had time to stop at the dry cleaners and the florist. <br />
<br />
Now of course the final touches will be cleaning the kitchen, setting the table and doing all the regular things. <br />
<br />
Just in case anyone is curious...<br />
<br />
<b>First course</b><br />
<br />
Assorted olives, nuts and grapes<br />
<br />
<b>Second course</b><br />
<br />
Charred pepper salad <br />
<br />
Burn the skins of red, yellow, green and orange bell peppers on cooktop, remove skins and slice, discarding seeds. Toss with a little olive oil, salt, pepper, cumin. <br />
<br />
<b>Third course</b><br />
<br />
Eggplant soup <br />
<br />
Take two whole eggplants and put in oven to roast for 45 minutes. In the meantime take one onion, some fresh garlic, celery (2 ribs or more), couple carrots, cut so they're similar in size and cook until they begin to soften. Add pulp from eggplant and chicken stock about 6 cups. salt, pepper, cumin, smoked paperika, and whatever other spices sound good. Some add cream. <br />
<br />
<b>Main course</b><br />
<br />
Pot roast with baked potatoes <br />
<br />
Dredge roast in flour, salt and pepper and brown on all sides. Cut up two cups each of onion, celery and carrots. Three cloves of garlic, minced. Place roast on a platter and toss in veggies. Cook the veggies until tender. De-glaze pot with red wine, or cognac (or both). Take about 4 sprigs of rosemary, 20 sprigs of thyme tied together, two bay leaves and half cup of minced parsley. Return meat to pot, add 1 large 28oz can of whole tomatoes (Roma). Bring all to simmer. Cover and bake in oven for about two hours.<br />
<br />
Prep potaoes, scrub, wash and put in oven for about an hour (can be done while roast cooks)<br />
<br />
Horseradish, chive and sour cream topping. Pint of sour cream, a nice bunch of chives chopped, grate horseraddish and mix together. If using prepared horseradish about a tablespoon. Mix thoroughly adding a little pepper and maybe salt, to taste. Great on potatoes. Not really kosher tho... <br />
<br />
<b>Dessert course</b> <br />
<br />
bread pudding<br />
<br />
<br />
Enjoy the weekend and mouse is hoping for left-overs. <br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1511675873638448327.post-62160956516385460842011-06-20T16:16:00.000+10:002011-06-20T16:16:56.434+10:00iPhone Saves The DayI recently got an iPhone. Honestly I was just excited to have a new phone that would allow me to easily access the internet (and continue to chat with friends, of course) while I was away from home. I got so much more than I bargained for, though... the thing is amazing! It's allowed me to completely organize my days right from one app called Seize the Day (recommended to me by mouse). <div><br />
</div><div>I've been able to set my chore list so that it repeats itself and I can always add in odd jobs as needed. Plus I've worked out a writing schedule for each week including blogging. </div><div><br />
</div><div>I definitely recommend the iPhone to anyone who wants an all in one phone, social network, and daily organizer in one, but if you can't get the phone I would seriously suggest at least trying to get some sort of electronic daily organizer. It has really simplified things for me and my days have been running a whole lot more smoothly!</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1511675873638448327.post-70145195618511607072011-05-05T11:25:00.000+10:002011-05-05T11:25:24.959+10:00Some Cool TipsJust got these in an email and thought I'd share them here. I've actually heard of most of them, but haven't tried them. I probably should:<br />
<br />
<ul><li>Have an ant problem? Ants hate cucumbers, so leave the skin of cucumbers anywhere you see ants coming into your home.</li>
<li>To get pure clean ice, boil the water before freezing.</li>
<li>To make a mirror shine, clean it with sprite.</li>
<li>To remove gum from clothing, put it in the freezer for about an hour. The gum will come right off.</li>
<li>To whiten clothes, soak in hot water with a slice of lemon for about 10 minutes (and I've also heard that it helps to dry them in the sun afterward).</li>
<li>To give hair shine, add 1 tsp of vinegar to your hair then wash it.</li>
<li>To get the maximum amount of juice from a lemon, soak it in hot water for an hour, then juice it.</li>
<li>To keep the smell from cabbage from overtaking your home while cooking, keep a piece of bread over the cabbage while it's cooking.</li>
<li>To avoid tears while cutting onions, chew gum (will definitely have to make use of this one).</li>
<li>To boil potatoes quickly peel the skin of one potato from one side only while boiling.</li>
<li>To remove ink from clothing, apply a generous amount of toothpaste to the stain and allow to dry completely. Then wash.</li>
<li>To skin sweet potatoes quickly, soak in cold water immediately after boiling.</li>
<li>To get rid of mice or rats, sprinkle black pepper anywhere you find them. They will leave.</li>
</ul>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1511675873638448327.post-76511143571096028002011-04-15T03:07:00.000+10:002011-04-15T03:07:27.604+10:00Its the little thingsSometimes it's the little things that make life manageable. They help cull the chaos for mouse. Now these are in no particular order...but they all help.<br />
<br />
<br />
<ul><li>Go through the mail daily and purge the junk</li>
<li>Purge the other junk daily</li>
<li>Purge the junk in the fridge before garbage pick up (ditto the freezer)</li>
<li>Put a waste basket near the computer and in each room (yes they look tacky but you can remove them when company comes)</li>
<li>Do at least one load of laundry a day, fold everything put it away</li>
<li>Keep towels folded in the bathroom or neatly placed on towel bars (it's a mental thing)</li>
<li>Keep your sink clean (that one's from Flylady...LOL)</li>
<li>Keep the kitchen table set for meals (seriously you can't dump stuff all over the table if it's set)</li>
<li>Make the bed everyday</li>
<li>Run the dishwasher just before going to bed, empty it in the morning</li>
<li>Load the washer for the next day (set a timer if you have one)</li>
</ul><div>Anything else??? </div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1511675873638448327.post-86693815478821192852011-04-02T17:54:00.000+10:002011-04-02T17:54:13.126+10:00Soul Cakes1 cup softened butter<br />
3 1/2 cups sifted flour<br />
1 cup sugar<br />
1/2 tsp nutmeg<br />
1 tsp cinnamon<br />
1 tsp allspice<br />
2 eggs<br />
2 tsp malt vinegar<br />
Powdered (Icing) Sugar<br />
<br />
1) Preheat oven to 350*F. Cut the butter into the flour with a fork until it looks like breadcrumbs. Mix in sugar and spices.<br />
<br />
2) Lightly beat eggs in a small bowl and add to flour mixture. Add malt vinegar. Mix until you have a stiff dough.<br />
<br />
3) Knead dough for a few minutes on a floured surface. Roll to 1/4 inch thick. Use a floured glass or circular shaped cookie cutter (about 3 inches in diameter). Place on greased baking sheet.<br />
<br />
4) Bake for about 25 minutes. Sprinkle with powdered sugar while still slightly warm.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1511675873638448327.post-77947504175300798122011-04-02T13:16:00.014+10:002011-04-02T13:16:00.227+10:00Steak Strips4 tsp vegetable oil<br />
500g topside or round beef steak, trimmed and cut into thin strips<br />
1 large brown-skinned onion, sliced (about 1 1/2 cups)<br />
1 cup tomato puree<br />
1/2 cup salt-reduced beef stock<br />
4 tsp chili sauce<br />
1/4 tsp black pepper<br />
250g egg noodles<br />
250g fresh green beans, cooked or 1/2 500g packet of frozen sliced green beans, thawed<br />
<br />
1) In a large non-stick or heavy-based frying pan, heat oil over a medium-high heat. Add beef and cook, stirring frequently, until browned, about 5 minutes. Transfer beef onto plate.<br />
<br />
2) Add onion to juices in pan. Cook, stirring frequently, until soft, about 3 minutes. Stir in tomato puree, stock, chili sauce and pepper. Reduce heat to low; simmer for 2 minutes.<br />
<br />
3) Meanwhile, cook noodles according to pack directions, but do not add salt.<br />
<br />
4) Return beef to frying pan, cover and simmer for 5 minutes. Add green beans; cook for 2 minutes. Drain noodles in colander; place on warm dinner plates. Top with beef steak mixture and serve.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1511675873638448327.post-76639241483891405522011-04-01T12:58:00.001+10:002011-04-01T12:58:00.221+10:00Moroccan Beef Skewers500g minced beef (hamburger meat... can substitute or combine with chicken or other mince)<br />
2 cloves garlic, finely chopped<br />
3 tbsp parsley, finely chopped<br />
2 tsp ground cumin<br />
1 tsp allspice<br />
2 tbsp dry breadcrumbs<br />
1 egg, beaten<br />
about 1 tbsp olive oil for rubbing over skewers<br />
1 1/2 cup couscous<br />
1 1/2 cup chicken stock<br />
1 tsp salt<br />
1/4 cup olive oil<br />
2/3 cup greek style yoghurt<br />
Finely grated rind and juice of 1 lemon<br />
Salt and pepper<br />
<br />
1) Preheat a BBQ to medium-high heat. In a large bowl combine the beef, garlic, 2 tbsp parsley, spices, breadcrumbs and egg. Season with salt and pepper and mix thoroughly with your hands. Divide the mixture evenly into 8 balls.<br />
<br />
2) Place meatball onto the end of a skewer and gently mold into a flat sausage shape down the skewer, packing it tightly with your hand. This should be about 10cm long (4 inches), 4 cm wide (about 1.5 inches), and 2 cm thick (about 3/4 inch). Repeat with remaining meat. Rub a little olive oil onto each meat skewer and cook on the BBQ for about 4 minutes each side, or until cooked through. Remove to a plate and rest for 3 minutes.<br />
<br />
3) While meat is cooking, make couscous: Combine the stock and salt in medium saucepan, and bring to the boil. Remove the pan from the heat and stir in couscous. Cover pan tightly and let stand for 5 minutes, or until liquid is absorbed and couscous is tender. Fluff with a fork and mix in olive oil and 1 tbsp parsley. Season with pepper to taste, cover and keep warm.<br />
<br />
4) Mix the yoghurt in a small bowl with lemon rind and juice, and season to taste with salt and pepper. Spoon the couscous evenly onto the center of 4 serving plates. Place two skewers next to mound of couscous and top with lemon yoghurt sauce, serve immediately.<br />
<br />
Serving suggestion: Serve with cucumber salad.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1511675873638448327.post-20623783410773086362011-03-31T12:53:00.015+10:002011-03-31T12:53:00.590+10:00BBQ SauceGreat for any kind of meat!<br />
<br />
1/4 cup tomato puree or ketchup<br />
8 tsp balsamic vinegar<br />
2 tsp firmly packed dark brown sugar<br />
1 clove garlic, crushed<br />
1/2 tsp fresh thyme or 1/8 tsp dried thyme<br />
1/4 tsp black pepper<br />
<br />
1) Combine ingredients in a small saucepan. Mix well.<br />
<br />
2) Bring to the boil over medium-low heat. Cook, stirring frequently, until thickened, about 5 minutes.<br />
<br />
3) Remove from heat, stir in pepper. Ready to use or store for future use.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1511675873638448327.post-60660497851988504632011-03-30T12:45:00.012+10:002011-03-30T12:45:01.264+10:00Chicken in Lime and Chili MarinadeThis recipe is from Super Food Ideas...<br />
<br />
400g chicken tenderloins<br />
oil cooking spray<br />
2 tbsp fresh coriander leaves, chopped<br />
1 lime, cut into wedges, to serve<br />
<br />
Marinade<br />
1/3 lime juice<br />
1 tsp finely chopped garlic<br />
2 tsp finely chopped ginger<br />
1 tbsp soy sauce<br />
1 tsp finely chopped red chili<br />
2 green onions, roughly chopped<br />
<br />
1) Place chicken tenderloins into a large bowl.<br />
<br />
2) To make marinade... Combine all ingredients in a jug. Whisk to combine.<br />
<br />
3) Pour marinade over chicken. Toss gently to coat. Cover with plastic wrap. Refrigerate for 1 hour, if time permits. (I made this a few days ahead of time and froze it until needed... was perfect.)<br />
<br />
4) Drain chicken, reserving marinade. Heat frying pan over medium-high heat. Spray with oil. Add chicken. Cook, basting with marinade, for 3 minutes each side or until cooked through.<br />
<br />
5) Arrange chicken on plates. Sprinkle with coriander. Serve with lime wedges and steamed vegetables.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1511675873638448327.post-67526222864481283262011-03-29T19:31:00.000+10:002013-02-24T13:24:38.319+10:00Habit Changing Challenge<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
I was talking to mouse yesterday about routines... and how I am completely horrible with sticking to one and mouse pointed out that it's really a matter of developing new habits. Hadn't really thought of it that way before, but it got me thinking and after consulting Master, the Habit Changing Challenge was born.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
Essentially it's all about making a list of new habits you want to develop then choosing something off the list and focusing on it on a daily basis until it becomes second nature. When you can do it without having to think about it anymore, then it's time to move onto the next thing on the list. Simple enough...</div>
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<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
So if anyone wants to join me in this challenge, just leave a comment below and post your list somewhere on your blog where it will be easy to find. This way we can all keep each other accountable (you know... before we get into trouble). And also let your readers know about it and blog often about your progress.</div>
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Hope some of you will be joining in!</div>
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<br />
Edited: 24/02/2013</div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1511675873638448327.post-37174169829771404052011-03-29T12:35:00.015+10:002011-03-29T12:35:00.991+10:00Sizzling Beef Stir Fry2 tsp peanut oil<br />
600g lean round beef steak, trimmed and cut into very thin strips<br />
3 large carrots, cut into this trips (about 3 cups)<br />
1/4 cup thinly sliced spring onions/shallots<br />
1 clove garlic, crushed<br />
1 tsp grated fresh ginger<br />
1/2 cup salt-reduced beef stock<br />
6 tsp salt-reduced soy sauce<br />
3 tsp brown vinegar<br />
3 tsp honey<br />
1 tsp sesame oil<br />
<br />
1) In a large non-stick wok or frying pan, heat peanut oil over a medium-high heat until hot, but not smoking. Add beef; stir-fry until browned, about 5 minutes. Place beef on a plate and cover with foil to keep warm.<br />
<br />
2) Add carrots and spring onions to wok; stir-fry for 3 minutes. Add garlic and ginger; stir-fry for 1 minute.<br />
<br />
3) Stir in stock, soy sauce, vinegar, honey and sesame oil. Bring vegetable mixture to the boil; cook, stirring continuously, for 2 minutes. Return beef to the wok. Simmer for 3 minutes longer. Place in a serving bowl. Serve immediately.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1511675873638448327.post-39267860223735716952011-03-28T12:25:00.006+10:002011-03-28T12:25:00.197+10:00Asian-Style Chicken Salad RollsThis recipe is from Super Food Ideas...<br />
<br />
1 barbecued or roast chicken<br />
3 green onions, thinly sliced<br />
1 carrot, cut into small this strips<br />
1/2 cup cashews, roughly chopped<br />
bread rolls, to serve<br />
<br />
Dressing<br />
2 tbsp olive oil<br />
2 tsp sesame oil<br />
2 tbsp light soy sauce<br />
1 tbsp rice vinegar or white wine vinegar<br />
1 tsp caster sugar<br />
1 garlic clove, crushed<br />
<br />
1) Remove skin from chicken and discard. Remove chicken from bones and discard bones. Shred chicken. Place into a bowl.<br />
<br />
2) Make Dressing. Combine all ingredients in a jug. Whisk with a fork until well combined.<br />
<br />
3) Pour dressing over chicken. Season with salt and pepper. Toss well to combine. Place into an airtight container. Place onions, carrot and nuts into separate airtight containers.<br />
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4) When ready to serve, add onions, carrot and nuts to chicken. Toss. Spoon into bread rolls or serve as a salad.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1511675873638448327.post-47986759326008597062011-03-28T02:47:00.003+10:002011-03-28T06:55:31.122+10:00Menu planning and weekly prep<b>Menu planning</b><br />
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It's hard to find a routine that works and then stick with it. We all lead busy lives, some of us have children, jobs, careers, spouses, friends and extended branches of our family tree. One routine Omega brought to mouse's life was organization. Shopping is done for the week and a real menu for all the meals is planned. Of course you plan out further but I've found that a week is long enough (7 days of meals). <br />
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Omega has serious dietary concerns, so we try incorporate those into each meal that's served. <br />
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The ideas begin when the sales come out of the paper (generally on Tuesday and Wednesday here), I canvass what's going to be on special for the upcoming week. I set aside one day to shop. My Days are generally Friday and Monday. With the economy the way it is these days, it actually saves us a lot of money because I'm not running to the store and randomly and forgetting about things in the fridge. Omega hates above much of anything wasting food. He doesn't mind tossing out something left-over but something that NEVER makes it to the table just disturbs him. <br />
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On Sunday or Monday morning, I go through the fridge, freezer and pantry, making notes on everything we're running low on. Stuff takes forever to defrost in the fridge, so I generally pull stuff out then that I plan on cooking a little later in the week. Fish and shrimp normally just take a day or to defrost, so I pull those out the <i>night</i> before, so they're ready for the following day. Whole chicken can take days to defrost, so I actually try not to freeze it anymore. I buy fresh and cook within a few days of purchase.<br />
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<b>Meal Prep</b><br />
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Once you've gone to the store and got your recipes in order. I have to confess that I don't use a lot of recipes, instead often just buy staples that I know I'll use:<br />
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Onions<br />
Peppers (I prefer red bell peppers for everyday eating)<br />
Garlic<br />
Fennel bulbs<br />
shallots<br />
fresh thyme (when possible)<br />
fresh parsley<br />
other fresh herbs<br />
Zucchini<br />
Brocolini<br />
Red (or swiss) Chard<br />
celery (as needed or if I already have it)<br />
carrots (ditto celery)<br />
Spinach<br />
Wine or dry sherry<br />
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<b>Cut all and Cry Once </b><br />
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I hate with a passion cutting up onions, so since I use them in just about everything, I cut them up and store in a plastic freezer bag or container in the fridge. One small onion generally is about a cup. Larger onions can yield about a cup and a half. Now, think about this and consider what you're making. I generally slice onions, like three or four. The other couple, I might dice. Yes, I go through roughly 5-7 onions a week. Onions can be stored in the freezer too, which is a huge time saver. <br />
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<b>Garlic</b><br />
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I grew up in San Francisco, garlic was just something you added, depending on the flavor profile you want. Never burn garlic...it's nasty -- you have to start over. Chop finely and add it to the END of the saute process (before adding reducing liquids). Hit with a knife (keeping it chunky) and throw it into so warm Olive oil at the Beginning. The oil from the garlic will infuse the oil. When the garlic starts to turn light brown, discard it (again don't allow garlic to burn). <br />
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Don't waste your money on preminced garlic, or even the prepeeled stuff. Buy it tight cloves. It will last a few weeks sitting on the counter. <br />
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If you want, you can mince a head of garlic, put it in a small container and cover it with Extra Virgin Olive Oil. There's your minced garlic and garlic flavored oil. No preservatives, nothing added and you know exactly what it's supposed to be. I prefer a fine mince for that because I can use it anything from salad dressings, to adding zip to mushrooms. <br />
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<b>Other veggies that can be cut up in advance and stored....</b><br />
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Just about anything...ya...even peppers, slice or dice them up (they freeze well too). <br />
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Avoid cutting up veggies that will turn colors tho, like potatoes, zucchini (ya made that mistake once), etc. Ditto those that just lose their consistency, i.e., tomatoes.<br />
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Hardy red chard, collard greens, kale etc., wash and remove the stem, cut up the leaves and store in a ziplock back for up to a week in the fridge. Ditto Spinach. Leaf lettuces will only last a few days that way, much better to keep the leafs whole and wrap in damp paper towel. <br />
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<b>Use Your Freezer</b><br />
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Canned goods...like those big cans of diced tomatoes...or Chipotle in Adobo, take what you need and freeze the rest. Ginger can be frozen...just stick the arm in the freezer and peel off a frozen section with a spoon, grate with a microplane. It works. <br />
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Happy cooking!Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1511675873638448327.post-87610652646719208112011-03-27T12:24:00.000+10:002011-03-27T12:24:31.299+10:00Pepper Steak with TomatoesThis recipe is from Super Food Ideas...<br />
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1 tbsp olive oil<br />
4 (250g each) beef sirloin steaks, trimmed<br />
2 tbsp cracked back pepper<br />
olive oil cooking spray<br />
500g truss cherry tomatoes<br />
1 bunch rocket, trimmed<br />
potato salad, to serve<br />
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1) Rub both sides of the steak with oil. Place pepper on a plate. Press steaks into pepper to lightly coat.<br />
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2) Preheat BBQ grill on medium-high heat. Barbecue steaks for 4 to 5 minutes on each side for medium or until cooked to your liking. Transfer to a plate. Cover with foil and set aside for 5 minutes to rest.<br />
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3) Meanwhile, spray tomatoes with oil. Barbecue tomatoes, turning occasionally, for 3 to 5 minutes or until just tender.<br />
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4) Arrange rocket on serving plates. Service steaks with tomatoes and potato salad.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1511675873638448327.post-91056195546082283522010-11-24T19:00:00.000+10:002010-11-24T19:00:06.360+10:00Beef with BroccoliThis recipe is from the cookbook Worldwide Cookbook.<br />
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500g (1 lb) Fillet of beef, thinly sliced with the grain<br />
3 tbsp soy sauce<br />
1 tbsp rice wine or sherry<br />
2 1/2 cm (1 in) piece fresh root ginger, peeled and chopped<br />
1/4 cup oil<br />
500g (1 lb) broccoli, broken into florets<br />
3/8 cup beef stock<br />
1 tbsp vegetable fat<br />
2 tsp cornflour (cornstarch) blended with 4 tbsp water<br />
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1) Put the beef strips into a shallow bowl. Combine the soy sauce, wine or sherry, ginger and 1 tbsp oil together, then pour over the strips, basting to coat them thoroughly. Set aside to marinate for 15 minutes, stirring and basting occasionally. Meanwhile, cut the broccoli into bite-sized pieces.<br />
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2) Heat the remaining oil in a wok or frying pan. Add the beef mixture and stir-fry for 1 and a half minutes. Using a slotted spoon, transfer the beef strips to a plate. Add the stock to the pan and bring to the boil. Add the broccoli and cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly. Reduce the heat to low, cover and simmer the mixture for 4 minutes. Using the slotted spoon transfer the broccoli to a warmed serving dish. Keep hot.<br />
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3) Add the vegetable fat to the pan and melt it. Return the beef strips to the pan and stir-fry 30 seconds. Add the cornflour mixture and stir-fry for 1 minute, or until the sauce becomes translucent. Remove from heat.<br />
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4) Arrange the beef strips over the broccoli, then pour over the sauce.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1511675873638448327.post-38918111151941824382010-11-23T18:47:00.000+10:002010-11-23T18:47:00.276+10:00Butter ChickenThis recipe is from the cookbook Simply Heaven Volume 2.<br />
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2 tbsp oil<br />
500g (1 lb) chicken thigh fillets, cut into chunks (I used boneless chicken breast)<br />
2 onions, chopped<br />
2 cloves garlic, crushed<br />
1 tbsp grated ginger<br />
2 tsp garam masala<br />
2 tsp ground cumin<br />
2 tsp paprika<br />
2 tsp tumeric<br />
1/2 tsp hot chilli powder<br />
400g (14oz) can chopped tomatoes<br />
250ml Philly Original Cream for Cooking<br />
Steamed basmati rice, to serve<br />
1/4 cup coriander leaves<br />
1/4 cup tasted flaked almonds<br />
Steamed green vegetables, to serve<br />
Pappadums, to serve<br />
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1) Heat half the oil in a large saucepan and cook the chicken for 5 minutes or until golden. Remove and set aside.<br />
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2) Heat the remaining oil in the saucepan and saute the onions for 5 minutes, until softened. Reduce the heat; stir in garlic, ginger and spices and cook for 1 minute. Add tomatoes and chicken, cover and simmer for 10 minutes.<br />
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3) Stir in the cream and simmer until heated through. Spoon chicken and sauce over rice in serving bowls. Sprinkle with coriander and almonds. Serve with green vegetables and pappadums.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0