While on the Subject of Food and Slim Pickin's

Today for lunch I opted for noodles (bread takes too long if you wait until you're hungry to start it). But, what to put on them? Well, we had a bit of Italian dressing left, which is pretty good with Parmesan, but we were out of cheese. Not as good. So I tried adding a can of tomatoes (well, 1/2 can since it is just Landon and I) with the dressing (heat until warm). Really Good!

Also another idea recently. Easy Peasy cinnamon rolls. My boys love them. Make a batch of dough for biscuits (whatever is your favorite recipe will work I bet), roll it out, spread with melted butter (whatever it takes, a couple of TBS's maybe) and cinnamon-sugar (2TBS sugar mixed with 1 tsp cinnamon), roll up like cinnamon rolls, cut with a string, bake as directed for biscuits, and top with powdered sugar icing (I used some left from when Adria made cookies, but it would probably only need 1/2 the recipe, if that, although it was convenient to have in the refrigerator to use for a couple of days).

A lesson learned over and over....

Never sign a contract to buy things like books, Cd's, or videos. Even if they say you may cancel at any time. Although, that does help- a bit. I have had a problem canceling a CD by mail thing before, despite the 'cancel at any time' note. Right now we cannot afford the Book of Mormon videos that we are paying for every other month (for the past two years), and my children don't watch them, and I can't get out of it without paying 1/3 of what I still have left! I don't have 1/3 of anything right now. What was I thinking?

Recipes

Well I've been living a little lean lately and came up with some recipes based off other recipes depending on what I had on hand. I thought I would share some.

Pizza

1/2 recipe of Janice's Good Bread (makes 2 med. pizza's and 1 loaf, or 4 med pizza's I suppose)

1/2 jar spaghetti sauce

cheese

Make bread dough according to directions. Spread thinly onto pan or cookie sheet in desired pizza shape. Spread with sauce and cover with cheese. [This time I used Monterey Jack and sprinkled it with Parmesan. Because that is what I had.] Bake at 425 degrees for 15 - 20 minutes (maybe longer if you use a cookie sheet, my pizza pans have holes in the bottom).

White Turkey Chili

1 lb. ground turkey, browned (sprinkle with chicken seasoning if you prefer, I did) - this is a lot more affordable than other meat these days, and it is low fat!

1 can corn

2 16 oz cans of Navy Beans (I used Bush's)

2 cups of chicken broth (I used 2 bullion cubes and 2 cups of water)

6 TBS olive oil

1/2 TBS onion powder

6 TBS flour

4 tsp ground cumin

Shredded Monterey Jack Cheese (optional)

Sour Cream (optional)

Salsa (optional)

Brown ground turkey. While it is cooking pour beans, chicken broth, and corn into a medium sauce pan, start heating to bring to a boil. In a separate bowl, mix the oil, flour, and seasonings. Add to sauce pan. Add turkey to the sauce pan. Bring to a boil, reduce heat, and simmer for ten minutes. Garnish with cheese, sour cream, and/or salsa. We just used cheese, really good.

Oh Pooh.

What a weekend. Starting with being late for scouts, then being stuck at home because I can't find my wallet, and somewhere during the hunt for my wallet I lose my keys (Stephen being out of town with his keys). Not paying attention as Jacob grabs the blender as I go by so that it crashes to the floor in many pieces, and being excited for a dinner somewhat invented on my own only to have biscuits that tasted strongly of baking soda... Anyway, I strangely don't need a nap from depression, but to bring me down a bit. I'm struggling not to feel manic as far as I can tell.

Later....I found my keys! I was able to get a couple of bills paid. And Jacob has his first tooth!

Peanut Butter the Second