Crafts have become a large part of my days.
If you step into my home the first things you see are Legos from which my husband and children craft their unique creations from spaceships to hot rods to girl friendly apartments with gardens. Right now my table is covered end to end ( all six feet) with Lego bins and drawers. Pieces of all shapes and sizes and color shades. It is not my children, but my husband who is crafting tonight into the wee hours.
Usually our dear table is filled to overflowing with just papers. A homeschool family goes thru many books and papers. This year I should plant trees. From book summaries to spelling, penmanship, math and yes, even secret notes are passed across it.
This week has been especially crafty for myself, too. We scrapped cutting coupons for cutting bunny ears. I have done a lot of beading for my new business. I have made keychains, lanyards, watchbands and bead buddies. I have sorted beads of many sizes and made of different materials. I have measured and snipped jewelry wire and crimped crimp beads.
Oh the beads that I see in my sleep. Made of glass and wood and clay and metal. Shades and hues, shapes and styles. And my sturdy table holds it all.
Friday, February 26, 2010
Saturday, October 3, 2009
Quinoa in a Bowl
My newest super-food find is ... quinoa. (ta dah!)
It is high in veggie protein and low in fat, except what I am going to add. I am trying to go more vegan as I have never really liked having to eat meat. I mean, I like a burger like anyone else and I simply gorge myself on seafood at every chance. Really though, I could do without having to wash animal blood off my hands as I prepare dinner.
The picture from this blog was so tempting, I had to have this recipe for my own. I can't wait to get to the store to buy some quinoa (pronounced keen wa). The flavor is supposed to be yummy. Since I don't like rice, I have been using couscous. I like the texture and taste much better. It doesn't hurt to have two grains in my vegan backpack. (Shhh! Don't tell I'm slowly converting my family. Mwaaa ha ha haa haaaaaaaaa!) You guys try it to and let me know what you think. Salud!
Quinoa in a Bowl
2 cups white quinoa, rinsed well
4 scant cups water
1 teaspoon salt
a few splashes of extra virgin olive oil
3 - 4 medium/large potatoes, cut into 1/2-inch dice
1 large yellow onions, chopped
1 clove garlic, chopped
1 cup toasted nuts (walnuts, pine nuts, etc)
1-2 cups lightly cooked asparagus, cut into 1/2-inch segments
another splash or two of good olive oil or citrus dressing
Bring the quinoa, water and salt to a boil in a large thick-bottomed pot. Reduce heat and simmer for about 20 minutes or until the quinoa opens up revealing a little spiral and is soft and pleasant to chew. If there is any remaining liquid at this point, drain it off and set the quinoa aside.
Warm a splash of olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat, then add the potatoes and a couple pinches of salt. Toss to coat the potatoes and cover for a few minutes to allow the insides of the potatoes to sweat and cook. Uncover, toss again, then cook a few minutes longer (uncovered) until the potatoes start to get some color. Continue tossing every few minutes to get more color and crispness. When they are cooked through and pleasantly crunchy, season to taste with salt and scoop out onto a plate. Set aside.
In the same skillet (no need to clean) warm another splash of oil. Add the onions and garlic and cook for 4-5 minutes or until they soften up a bit.
Toss the quinoa with a splash of olive oil (I had leftover citrus Parmesan dressing, so I used that). Serve each bowl of quinoa topped with potatoes, onions, nuts and asparagus. Alternately, you can toss everything together in one big bowl and serve it up family-style.
Serves 4 - 6.
It is high in veggie protein and low in fat, except what I am going to add. I am trying to go more vegan as I have never really liked having to eat meat. I mean, I like a burger like anyone else and I simply gorge myself on seafood at every chance. Really though, I could do without having to wash animal blood off my hands as I prepare dinner.
The picture from this blog was so tempting, I had to have this recipe for my own. I can't wait to get to the store to buy some quinoa (pronounced keen wa). The flavor is supposed to be yummy. Since I don't like rice, I have been using couscous. I like the texture and taste much better. It doesn't hurt to have two grains in my vegan backpack. (Shhh! Don't tell I'm slowly converting my family. Mwaaa ha ha haa haaaaaaaaa!) You guys try it to and let me know what you think. Salud!
Quinoa in a Bowl
2 cups white quinoa, rinsed well
4 scant cups water
1 teaspoon salt
a few splashes of extra virgin olive oil
3 - 4 medium/large potatoes, cut into 1/2-inch dice
1 large yellow onions, chopped
1 clove garlic, chopped
1 cup toasted nuts (walnuts, pine nuts, etc)
1-2 cups lightly cooked asparagus, cut into 1/2-inch segments
another splash or two of good olive oil or citrus dressing
Bring the quinoa, water and salt to a boil in a large thick-bottomed pot. Reduce heat and simmer for about 20 minutes or until the quinoa opens up revealing a little spiral and is soft and pleasant to chew. If there is any remaining liquid at this point, drain it off and set the quinoa aside.
Warm a splash of olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat, then add the potatoes and a couple pinches of salt. Toss to coat the potatoes and cover for a few minutes to allow the insides of the potatoes to sweat and cook. Uncover, toss again, then cook a few minutes longer (uncovered) until the potatoes start to get some color. Continue tossing every few minutes to get more color and crispness. When they are cooked through and pleasantly crunchy, season to taste with salt and scoop out onto a plate. Set aside.
In the same skillet (no need to clean) warm another splash of oil. Add the onions and garlic and cook for 4-5 minutes or until they soften up a bit.
Toss the quinoa with a splash of olive oil (I had leftover citrus Parmesan dressing, so I used that). Serve each bowl of quinoa topped with potatoes, onions, nuts and asparagus. Alternately, you can toss everything together in one big bowl and serve it up family-style.
Serves 4 - 6.
Monday, September 28, 2009
Give and It Shall be Given unto You
Today, what's cooking is Freecycle.org. A cool website that an associate turned me on to. Another form of recycling, the idea is to gift items you no longer need. They are things that normally would either go to a consignment shop or landfill.
It is true that one persons trash can be another's treasure. I myself have received things destined for the landfill. I've been able to recycle them for my own purpose and even turn them into things for others to genuinely appreciate.
As an entrepreneur, my first thought was, "But I could sell that and make some money! Why give it away free!" As a Christian, I have found out, that it is much better to give, than to receive.
It is humbling to receive a much needed gift at the hand of a stranger. It is fulfilling to know that what I have given makes a difference to someone. (Perhaps that is my own need to be needed.)
In Proverbs, it says that in watering others, one is watered. Most of the people gifting, probably, have no idea the reason that they feel so good about 'freecycling' is because they are fulfilling a Biblical principle. How can they not feel joyful and be blessed when they are obeying their creator. I think, if people knew how fun it is to serve God, less would struggle with being a Christian. But that is another topic ...
It is true that one persons trash can be another's treasure. I myself have received things destined for the landfill. I've been able to recycle them for my own purpose and even turn them into things for others to genuinely appreciate.
As an entrepreneur, my first thought was, "But I could sell that and make some money! Why give it away free!" As a Christian, I have found out, that it is much better to give, than to receive.
It is humbling to receive a much needed gift at the hand of a stranger. It is fulfilling to know that what I have given makes a difference to someone. (Perhaps that is my own need to be needed.)
In Proverbs, it says that in watering others, one is watered. Most of the people gifting, probably, have no idea the reason that they feel so good about 'freecycling' is because they are fulfilling a Biblical principle. How can they not feel joyful and be blessed when they are obeying their creator. I think, if people knew how fun it is to serve God, less would struggle with being a Christian. But that is another topic ...
Sunday, September 13, 2009
Teeny Bacon Taco Salad Hors d'oeuvres
Today was the church picnic and I got a real simple, most yummy new recipe to share. The moment I bit in, I knew it was a snack for my hubby. They are basically teeny taco salads, which is about the extent of my love of Mexican food. It is very easy to make them, but can take some time to 'marinade'.
Cream Cheese
Sour Cream
Bacon Crumbles
Lettuce shredded (cut fine)
Cherry Tomatoes - cut in half
Teeny Taco Salad Shells/Bowls
Mix cream cheese, sour cream and bacon crumbles. Let chill for 30 min.* Fill taco bowls with cream cheese mixture. Sprinkle on lettuce and top with a cherry tomato half.
*For fuller flavor, let cream cheese mixture refrigerate overnight. Then fill the bowls when ready to eat. If the mixture sits in the bowls for a long time, the bowls can get soft.
This recipe is great for picnics or parties and is easy enough to make with the children. I think I will use it for my son's b-day party or one of those days I am just being nice to the hubby!
Happy Munching!
Cream Cheese
Sour Cream
Bacon Crumbles
Lettuce shredded (cut fine)
Cherry Tomatoes - cut in half
Teeny Taco Salad Shells/Bowls
Mix cream cheese, sour cream and bacon crumbles. Let chill for 30 min.* Fill taco bowls with cream cheese mixture. Sprinkle on lettuce and top with a cherry tomato half.
*For fuller flavor, let cream cheese mixture refrigerate overnight. Then fill the bowls when ready to eat. If the mixture sits in the bowls for a long time, the bowls can get soft.
This recipe is great for picnics or parties and is easy enough to make with the children. I think I will use it for my son's b-day party or one of those days I am just being nice to the hubby!
Happy Munching!
Sunday, April 12, 2009
What's cookin' Today!
In a not so swell economy as today, it pays to live simply. I am what I call a 'basic 8' girl. I like what I like and for the most part don't need to try new and exotic things. Especially when it comes to food. Of course, if I can make something different simply and not have to buy a bunch of new ingredients that is cool.
I am starting this blog that I'll share with you all so that I being a wee bit scatter brained can keep up with my favorite recipes even if I lose my prize cookbooks. My recipes are simple and use everyday ingredients, so anybody that can read and follow directions can make them. I hope you enjoy!!
I am starting this blog that I'll share with you all so that I being a wee bit scatter brained can keep up with my favorite recipes even if I lose my prize cookbooks. My recipes are simple and use everyday ingredients, so anybody that can read and follow directions can make them. I hope you enjoy!!
Subscribe to:
Comments (Atom)
