Leftover Rice - Rice and Chicken Dutch Oven Bake

 

I talk about making food for the week, well this was leftover night. Let's try something new.

 

I took out 4 chicken breasts from the freezer and cut them in half because they were so thick.

I put them in my hot Dutch oven to sear the outside. I sprinkled garlic, chicken bouillon, chili powder, and fresh ground pepper over the chicken.

 

After the chicken breasts were seared, I took them out (not fully cooked) and put the leftover Spanish rice in the seasoning-coated Dutch over. I placed the chicken over the rice and topped with a little bit of cheese. Put the lid on, drop the heat to low and let cook, covered, for about 15 minutes. Use a meat thermometer to check the chicken. Then serve!

I took a picture of the rice with the seasoned side up. It's not burned at all, it's the seasonings from the chicken searing that come off and cook into the rice. The flavor was out of this world. Even my 4 year old, who hates rice, ate all of her dinner!

 

Homemade Pork 'n Beans - Canning Recipe Too

 

My husband LOVES pork and beans. But I don't think he has loved them as much as he has until I started making them myself! And it's pretty simple.

 

Start with the leftover ham bone from Christmas, or whenever you eat ham. (I freeze the bone until I'm ready to make this)

Soak the beans overnight. Honestly, I don't measure anything, I fly by the seat of my pants. It was about 1 - 1 1/2 cups of each: red, black, pinto, and cannelini (white kidney) beans.

Once those have soaked (add 2 Tbsp of baking soda to water to help with the "gassy" effect), drain and rinse the beans.

Put beans, ham bone, and just enough water to cover beans into pressure cooker. Add whatever seasonings you'd like.

Pressure cook with 10 pounds for 3 minutes.

Let pressure release.

 

The meat just falls off the bone at this point. Yum!

Now add the beans and chunks of ham to sterilized jars, place lid and ring on jars. Finger tighten.

Pressure can (splash of vinegar, remember!) for 75 minutes with 10 pounds pressure.

Let pressure cooker vent on its own. Place jars in draft free area to cool.

Canning Potatoes

 

Potatoes. 10 pounds for $.99. Sure, buy 4 bags! Get home, "crap, what do we do with all of these potatoes?!!"

CAN THEM!

First of all, I love canning, obviously. Second, we love potatoes. Now, how do you can them?

 

 

 

Start by washing potatoes. Honestly, I can't remember how many potatoes I used. I had jars sterilized that weren't filled, so I kept grabbing more to fill each jar. 10 pounds fill about 6 quart jars.

 

Wash and slice each potato. Make sure they'll fit through the mouth of the jar, so cut the slice in half if necessary. Or you can cube them. 

 

tightly pack potatoes in jar, add boiling water with a tsp of salt, then add lid and ring. Finger tighten. Do not over tighten!

Place in pressure cooker for 40 minutes with 10 pounds pressure.

Let the pressure cooker release the pressure on its own afterwards. Then remove jars carefully.  Let cool for 12 hours. There will be a thick white film inside, it's just because the potatoes are starchy.



Canning Chicken -Raw Pack

 

Chicken was on sale! A store by our house had boneless skinless chicken breasts for $1.57 per pound. So I bought over 20 pounds. Normally I leave the breasts whole or butterfly them if they're thick, then freeze them into 2 large portions. This time I decided to try canning them. 



 

Cut all the chicken into fairly equal pieces. It doesn't have to be cubed, it can be strips as well. 

 

Pack tightly into sterilized jar with 1tsp of salt (scrape around the edges to get air pockets and space out), then place lid and ring onto the jar. Tighten with just your fingers, it shouldn't be put on using force. 

 

Place into your pressure cooker (with a splash of vinegar to keep from getting cloudy) and cook for 90 minutes with 15 pounds pressure. Check your pressure cooker manual since it might be slightly different with your own. Remove them carefully after letting the pressure out on its own, let cool 12 hours and then store. The liquid that is in the jar after cooking is all natural, real chicken broth! I used quart jars. About 22 pounds made 8 quarts and 4 pints (so 10 quarts or 20 pints, I just wanted to get rid of a couple of extra pint jars). 

Spend Less Time Cooking

Are you someone who enjoys cooking? I am! I could cook all day long for no particular reason. In the hot Phoenix summer, that isn't an option. Plus, it uses a lot of gas and electricity. So how do you cut back?

Cook in large amounts! When I know that it's going to be a week with no company or just a laid back time, I make enough to last us the week (plus some extra for freezing or having company over on the weekend). For instance, I'll soak a few cups of beans overnight and then pressure cook them the following morning. I'll make enough rice to last the week. And I'll have enough chicken (shredded or chopped) or ground meat to last as well.

Freeze leftovers. If you have a feeling they won't get eaten, or you plan on making something different instead of having the same meal, freeze it! I have a Food Saver vacuum sealer that cuts out frost bite. Place the meal in the bag (baked chicken and rice, pork chops and potatoes, enchiladas with beans and rice, chicken soup, etc), vacuum seal it, label it, and use it when you're sick, or as a frozen dinner for work. It costs far less and you know what it's made with.

Eat fresh. For those that can eat fresh produce, always have a head of dark green lettuce, baby spinach, and various other veggies on hand. A simple salad is refreshing in any season! No cooking involved. (Psst, you can make your own dressing too...it's simple. I'll post a recipe.)

Cook outside! What?! What is this "cooking outside" you speak of?? Ok, so you know ovens and stoves haven't always been around. So how was food cooked? Well, over a campfire, underground, in a pit. Try it!
-I just bought my first Dutch oven recently and I cannot WAIT to get my charcoal chimney made (there will be a tutorial on that as well) so I can have meals  made outside, in the ground, without heating up my whole house!
-Try solar cooking. It's simple directions (ok, I have yet to try it, but there will be a post about that too!) and you use the sun that's already burning down on the Earth to cook. Sure, easy enough.
-Or just have a nice fire in your yard, or go camping, and cook over it!
-Grilling is a great option too. If you have natural gas at home, you can buy a conversion kit at Home Depot or Lowe's that allows you to hook the grill up to the gas line at your house. I suggest calling the gas company out to do the work since it is a bit dangerous. Explosions, fire, you know.


If you have suggestions or tips on other ways to cut back the cooking, feel free to comment!

Keeping Up With ALL That Cleaning

Between kids, a husband, a puppy, lots of company, and regular day-to-day life, how are you supposed to keep up? It just seems like it's neverending cleaning and cooking!

Well I have found my routine. Granted, it's not very "organized", but it cuts down the stress and keeps a presentable home.

Dust. Here in Phoenix, it's dusty. We bought a house with zero landscaping. So the dirt makes for an extra dusty home. I wipe down all surfaces (doors, door frames, tables, eletronics, light switches, baseboards, ceiling fans, etc) every other day with a damp cloth. It seems tedious, but I don't have to worry about our allergies becoming miserable.

Sweep daily. It makes a difference. I move couches and rugs (after vacuuming rugs first) out of the way and sweep under beds and tables. You wouldn't believe how quickly those things collect dust and dirt underneath. Obviously, as you're sweeping, you are getting along the baseboards, so just lift the broom a bit and sweep off the baseboards themselves. We have 1,333 sq feet of tile, it only takes me about 10 minutes to sweep (and vacuum rugs) back to front.

Mop at LEAST every other day. As with the sweeping, it all adds up so quickly! I have a regular mop and a Shark steam mop. For days I need to really get down and clean, I make sure to use the regular mop and then go over everything again with the steam mop. The amount of dust that ends up on the microfiber, even after sweeping and mopping, is amazing! Between sweeping and mopping, it takes 25 minutes tops. Not that much time!

Dishes. Oh the neverending pile of dishes! The easiest way to keep up? When you're finished with a meal, wash the dishes! If you keep up, it's only 5 minutes for a large family! If you leave them to pile up, it's only adding time, and letting the food set. Plus, you get to wake up to no dishes in the sink!

Laundry. Since I handwash laundry, I try to keep up with it every 2-3 days. I have carpal tunnel and horrible arthritis, so large loads aren't doable for me. When it comes time to wash the winter blankets and comforters, I use the 8 load washers at the laundrymat. I can fit everything we used in that one washer. The awful part: sort, fold, and put all of it away immediately. It only takes a few minutes, and although tedious and boring, it's better to just get it over with. (Can you tell this is my LEAST favorite chore?!) One thing with the kids (2 and 4). They like to change 50 times per day, so their clothes are mostly on the floor. They have the responsibility of picking everything up, sorting them into whose clothes are whose, folding them all, and putting them in the proper cubby. They tend to make a little less of a mess, and it save me 10 minutes from having to do it myself!

Bathrooms. I leave a tub of Clorox wipes under the sink at all times, along with Scrubbing Bubbles foaming spray, a roll of paper towels, and toilet cleaner. Strangely enough, my 4 year old LOVES cleaning the bathroom. When they come in all muddy and wash their hands (and feet most days too), it's a muddy mess in there. But they know to wipe down the mess. They either grab a small piece of paper towel (select-a-size) or a Clorox wipe and wipe everything down! Simple. Takes 60 seconds. Ok, 90 second for a 4 year old. In my eyes, the bathroom should be thoroughly cleaned no less than once per week. I'm talking wipe down the walls, shower, tub, tank of toilet, toilet inside, the sides and base of toilet, sink, mirrors, pictures/clocks, towel racks. And really, it only takes 5 minutes.

Windows. I wash my windows once per week. I start inside and work my way outside. I have a hose in the front yard and one in the back, so I wash the house off (and sidewalks/patios) and spray the windows down. Then I go through with a towel to get the excess water off. Vinegar is cheap and the best window cleaner! So I wash all the windows inside, remove the screens (hose them off too!), wash the outside of the windows and replace the screens. Total time for windows and outside of the house: 45 minutes.

Sorting. Mail, newspapers, magazines, bills, and miscellaneous papers get piled up before you realize it. Go through them at least once per week. Have a designated place for magazines you want to keep, file away important papers and bills, put everything else in their assigned places, and then recycle the other paper items. We have a file box under our printer desk that holds folders, printer paper, weekly grocery ads, and wires for the computer (iPod/iPhone, cameras, hard drive, etc).


Once you start keeping up, it's hard to sit back for a day or two and see it all crash down. My daily routine has me cleaning for an hour every morning. It really doesn't take long if you keep up. Then, when someone says, "Hey, can I come over right now?" You don't have to panic (of course I still do) because it's pretty much ready for entertaining!

If you have any cleaning tips, let me know! What are some things you do to keep up with your family?

So our home is about to look like a Richard Scarry book. I just wrote up the start of our sight words project.

My kids recognize letters, but not enough.

I think if we do that, it'll be a reminder to us, as parents, to go through these more often. Maybe even have a quiz before you can walk out of the door when we are leaving the house. Something simple like this can make all the difference in the world.

Make Your Own Go-Gurt!

I started with the precut bags (I used 5) from my FoodSaver starter box since they were cut the way I needed.

This is how I sectioned it out. I made double wide seals so I could cut them into individual tubes.

The 2 pound tub of plain yogurt (Not a bad price, and still 2 weeks from the "best by" date!!) Normally $3.59

All of my tools. Strawberries were on sale 88c lb

I used 2 pounds of strawberries and two pounds of yogurt and blended them together. (You can use any fruit or just plain even!)

I tucked one corner of a gallon ziploc bag in a large cup to get started.

Then start filling the cup!!

Yum!

I used a 1/4 cup measuring cup and a funnel to get them in the tubes. It took just over 1/4 cup to fill one tube. Great portions! (I made them even after the picture)

Sealed!

And cut!

She LOVES them! Best part: I know exactly what is in them! No preservatives or chemicals. Just organic plain yogurt, strawberries, and I added a bit of sugar. You can make them with any fruit, flavor you want!

I placed all 25 (well, 24 after the taste testing) in a gallon baggie and put them in the freezer!

Masa Mix for Tamales

Who doesn't love a good tamale? Well here is a recipe for you. Now you will need to add whatever you want inside, but this is the basic masa mix for you to start with.

3 1/2 C masa harina
2 1/4 C. hot water
1-1 1/2 C chicken broth (or chile sauce for more flavor)
1 1/2 tsp baking powder
2 tsp salt
10oz pork lard or shortening

Combine hot water and masa.
In a separate bowl beat lard, salt, and baking powder until fluffy.
Add masa to lard in 3 portions.
Beat 1 C. broth (or chile sauce) in for 1 minute.
Keep adding broth until a soft muffin batter consistency.

Soak the husks a few hours before filling them with masa.
You will need to steam the tamales for about 2 hours, depending on how thick you made them and how full your pot is. If you have a fairly packed pot, it'll be less time than a mostly empty pot.

Filling ideas: shredded pork, beef, or chicken. sliced carrots, potatoes, onions, bell peppers, chiles. cheese. Add pineapple juice instead of broth for a dessert tamale. The possiblities are endless, and quite tasty.

Baked Oatmeal

My mom would make this when my great grandparents would visit us in Minnesota from Arizona. It was always special to have them around. The tasty treat was the baked oatmeal. This is a delicious breakfast that you will love, even if you aren't a fan of oatmeal.

3 C. rolled oats
1/2 C brown sugar (1 C for sweeter)
2 tsp cinnamon
2 tsp baking powder
1 tsp salt
1 C milk
2 eggs
1/2 C melted butter (or applesauce)
2 tsp vanilla 3/4 C dried cranberries or raisins (optional)

Mix oat, sugar, cinnamon, baking powder, and salt.
Beat in eggs, butter, and vanilla.
Stir in dried fruit (optional).
Spread in 9x13 pan.
Bake in 350 degree oven for 40 minutes.

Serve warm-hot with cold milk and a cinnamon/brown sugar mix sprinkled on top. De-lish!

Cinnamon Snails



I made these one day to bring to a family party at my in laws' house. I didn't have any leftovers. They were a fun addition to the table. I hope you can enjoy them also.

1/2 C butter/margarine, softened
3/4 C packed brown sugar
1 tsp ground cinnamon
1/4 tsp baking powder
1 egg
1 tsp vanilla
2 C flour

Topping:
1 Tbsp superfine sugar
1/2 tsp cinnamon
1 egg white, beaten
3 tsp mini chocolate chips

Preheat oven 375 degrees and grease cookie sheets.
Cream butter and brown sugar until smooth.
Mix 1 tsp cinnamon, baking powder, egg, and vanilla.
Stir in flour by hand using wooden spoon.
Roll out Tbsp size pieces and roll into 6" ropes.
Curl one end up for head, curl rest to make shell.
Brush with egg white and dust with sugar and cinnamon.
Bake 8 minutes.
Let cool 5 minutes.

Au Gratin Potatoes

This is yet another favorite that my grandma would make. I love potatoes. I love cheese. I love butter. Fine, I just love food. This is a great dish to serve with a roast or chicken. If you'd like, you could just add chopped up ham leftovers before cooking and have a main dish as well! Either way, it's delicious.

4 potatoes sliced 1/4" slices
1 onion, sliced into rings
3 Tbsp butter
3 Tbsp flour
1/2 tsp salt
2 C. milk
1 1/2 C Cheddar, shredded

Preheat oven to 400 degrees.
Butter a 1 qt dish.
Layer potatoes, onions, potatoes.
Melt butter in sauce pan.
Whisk in flour, constantly stirring, let cook for 1 1/2 minutes.
Stir in milk, cook until thick.
Stir in cheese and cook 1-2 minutes longer.
Pour mixture over potatoes.
Cover with foil.
Bake 1 1/2 hours.

Kid-Friendly Whole Wheat Bread

I actually got this recipe from here. It is my favorite bread recipe and is a hit with everyone. I usually have to make a double or triple batch just to have some for us. One loaf is eaten immediately by the scavengers I call my family :) The other loaf is eaten by the bottomless pit that is, yet again, my family. Ok, I have guilt too. It's just so irresistable! I hope you can try this recipe and find that you love it as much as we do.

1 1/2 C warm water (110 degrees is ideal)
1 Tbsp brown sugar
2 envelopes yeast
2 C white flour
3 1/2 C whole wheat flour
1/2 C packed brown sugar
2 tsp salt
1/3 C vegetable oil
1/2 C room temperature milk

Mix water, 1 Tbsp brown sugar, and yeast in bowl. Set aside until foamy, about 5 minutes.
Add 1 C white flour and 3 C whole wheat flour, brown sugar, salt, oil, and milk.
Blend ingredients together. Keep adding flour 1/2 C at a time until dough forms a ball.
Oil bowl, turn dough to coat and cover until doubled. About 1 hour.
Punch down dough on floured surface.
Divide into 2 portions.
Roll each portion our 16x8"
Pinch out all air bubbles and roll into loaves.
Pinch seams together.
Place seam side down in 9x5 loaf pans.
Slit top 3 or 4 times with serrated knife.
Set aside to rise no more than 35 minutes MAX
Preheat oven to 400 degrees.
Bake loaves for 15 minutes and reduce heat to 350 degrees. Bake for another 30 minutes until bread is a deep brown.
Let cool 5 minutes before cutting. I know it's tough, but you'll survive, I promise.
Serve warm with butter.

Alkaline Juice

To balance out your body's pH, you need some sort of alkalinity. So this is a GREAT alkaline juicing recipe that tastes delicious. This is actually my favorite juicing recipe.

1 C. spinach
1/2 cucumber (skin on, preferrably, if little to no wax)
2 whole stalks celery
3 carrots
1/2 apple

Juice. Enjoy. Simple. Healthy.

Strep Throat Gargle

This is great if you have a sore throat, or even strep throat. It may sound harsh, but this will do the trick quickly!

1 tsp cayenne pepper
2 tsp sea salt
2 tsp vinegar
1/2 pint warm water

Gargle mixture for 15-30 seconds 3-5 times daily when you have a sore throat. You'll notice a huge change, if not complete healing, by the evening time. Continue the following day if necessary.

Elder Halling's Pizza Dough

This is a recipe I got from the Missionary who first taught me about the LDS faith. I love him dearly and love the fact that I can make his recipe far better than he can! :) This makes 2 Medium pizzas or 4 personal size pizzas.

1 1/2 C water
1 1/2 tsp yeast
dissolve in water and then add:

1/4 C. oil
4 C flour
1 tsp sugar
1 tsp salt

Mix together and form into crust.
Add pizza sauce, cheese, and toppings of your choice!
Bake at 425 degrees for 15-18 minutes.

I haven't made this recipe since he left our area, but I'm hoping I can make it again when his Mission is finished.

Breakfast Casserole

I got this recipe from Church. I was asked to make a batch (serves 12-15 people) for a brunch we were having. It turned out delicious! But, I do have to say, it was expensive since I didn't have the bread, green chiles, cheese, or ham on hand (this was before couponing!). But it tasted great, and there were no leftovers! Enjoy!

12 eggs
2 tsp salt
8 slices day old bread, cubed
2 C. grated cheese
1 can diced green chilies (optional)
4 C. milk
2 tsp dry mustard
2 lbs ham, sausage, or bacon, cooked and drained

Mix all ingredients in a large bowl.
Pour into greased 9x13 pan.
Refrigerate overnight.
Bake at 350 for 45-60 minutes.

Simple, and delicious! Great make-ahead meal if you have company staying the night. Just throw it in the oven before everyone is up for the morning and you have a nice breakfast!