About a month ago, we started our seeds inside. I had been saving egg cartons for this, and the boys helped poke holes in the bottom for water drainage. We (and by "we" I mean Jesse) planted them in the egg cartons. Unfortunately, they didn't get labeled before the boys started bringing them in to put them on our card table. Mystery plants! We had seeds for carrots, bell peppers, jalapenos, tomatoes, and lettuce. After a couple weeks, Jesse transplanted some of the thriving plants … [Read more...]
How Freezer Cooking Helps You Prep For Vacation
When you get back from vacation, the last thing you want to do is spend a ton of time in the kitchen prepping for a meal, am I right? I know that's the case for me. So before we headed to my parents' house for a few days this week, I made sure I had a few things ready in the freezer. First up, I made pizza crusts. We had chicken bacon ranch pizza planned for dinner yesterday, the day we were driving back, and I wasn't sure if we would get home around lunch time or right before dinner. By … [Read more...]
Recipe: Black Bean Burgers
I originally got the idea for bean burgers from the recipe book Peas and Thank You. There also used to be a blog by the same name, but I think it's no longer online. (Update: As of July 2016, it's back! Here's that original black bean burger recipe.) However, I've adapted this recipe so much that it really isn't anything like that one any more, except in the fact that it's a recipe for black bean burgers. So here's my version... The day before you want to make your burgers, cook up 2-1/2 … [Read more...]
Recipe: Garlic Butter Rice
This is a quick and easy side dish that pairs well with many flavors. With a simple list of ingredients, it comes together quickly to fill out the meal! Ingredients: 2/3 cup dry brown rice 3 cups chicken broth 2-3 cups water 3 garlic cloves, minced 2 Tbsp. unsalted butter 1 tsp. salt (optional) Directions: Combine rice, broth, 2 cups water, and garlic cloves in large pot. If using homemade chicken broth, add 1 tsp. salt. Cook as directed on rice package, … [Read more...]
Recipe Revamp: Gluten Free Peanut Butter Oatmeal Muffins
As many of you know, Hannah has a food sensitivity to gluten. Sadly for her, that meant for awhile that she didn't get to enjoy baked goods. As I've grown more comfortable experimenting in the kitchen, I've been able to find recipes or adapt them so that they are gluten free. I'm so happy, because a life without muffins is just not quite complete. I love baked goods. Tell me I'm not alone there! Before Hannah's gluten issues, this Peanut Butter Banana Oatmeal Muffin recipe was one of … [Read more...]