This is the week, folks. The week I am starting my Pinterest/Recipe Box cooking project.
For the month of February, I will be making 12 different recipes:
Albondigas Soup
Caldillo (another soup)
Quiche for Lunch
Huevos con Chile Verde
Mexican Skillet Potatoes & Mexie Mack Burgers
Spicy Honey Glazed Chicken & Roasted Smashed Potatoes
Tex-Mex Chicken Bake
Cheesy Chicken & Corn Casserole
A Pinterest recipe entitled "Eggplant instead of Pasta"
Zucchini Lasagna
BBQ Mini Meatloaf & Mashed Potatoes Ole
Crispy Herb Chicken & Cheesy Cauliflower Mash
Since he has stood behind me fiercely, I decided to let my husband pick the 3 meals I cooked this week. He chose the Albondigas soup, Zucchini Lasagna, and the crispy herb chicken meals.
Our shopping trip will begin soon, and from the recipes I am excited to see that I will be spending the bulk of my time and money in the perimeter of the grocery store!!
I am also going to begin a style of shopping I have wanted to try for a while, in hopes of saving myself some money, and being more purposeful with my grocery dollars - once a week shopping. My hope is that by going once a week, I will be able to get an idea of what my family actually needs to spend on groceries, rather than just continuing to be business as usual with my monthly bulk shopping trips. Invariably, the result of those trips is that I end up with a lot of food in my kitchen that I don't have a plan for, and we go out to eat. A LOT. Something to which all members of my side of the family can attest, and something I must have a well-thought-out and easily executable plan to rectify.
So...here we go!
Hasty la vista,
Patty
Monday, February 4, 2013
Wednesday, January 30, 2013
The Schedule
Hello all. I mentioned in my last post that I have roughly 338 recipes to try in 329 days.
Today, I spent time counting out those recipes, grouping them, and combining side dishes with main courses to see how I might make some kind of meal plan or schedule for the completion of this project.
Here is what I have:
110 Main Course Meals
Some of these use main course AND side dish recipes; Others are just main dishes to which I will add my own sides. This works out to 2 meals per week for the next 11 months.
8 Lunch specific meals
I will use these during the school days with the kids, or just whenever.
25 Breakfast Meals
Of course, there is no way that I will save them all for the breakfast hours, I am sure. This works out to one breakfast meal every other week.
11 Soups
This equals one new soup recipe a month until the end of the year.
5 Salads
1 new recipe every other month for 10 months
40 Beverages
This comes out to 1 a week for the rest of the year (minus 7 weeks).
There are also 4 recipes that I set aside to use specifically for church picnics, since we always need sides/salads, and these will keep well sitting outside (no mayo or eggs!).
Finally, I also had 75 various dessert, cookie, and snack recipes. I have decided that I am not going to stress over whether or not I get these worked into the schedule. These recipes I will use for church picnics, special occasions, or parties. Some of the snack recipes I could also use for quick suppers when I don't really feel like cooking. I made this decision because, at this point in our lives, we have a retirement pending, and maybe a move, and I didn't want to spread myself to thin and have something else to stress about when this is supposed to be fun. I also didn't want to risk quitting before I really got started.
My goal: to finish this task before the end of the year. I will settle for completing the task in a year, but I believe that I have worked this out so that I can complete my goal by the end of December. Since January is all but gone, I have 11 months to meet this goal.
So, I hope you all are ready to hear all about my cooking exploits - as well as, I am sure, many other rants and raves, praises and complaints, OH, AND, recipe reviews (maybe even from the family instead of me) and pictures of the dishes - because, FOR BETTER OR WORSE, y'all are stuck with me until the end of the year. So just know, if you are a friend of mine in the Fort Meade, MD area (or wherever we may end up after retirement), and you are reading this, it is entirely possible you will be fed something I have never made before. LOL!
One last thing before I go:
I have a back-up plan already too. Supportive as he is of my plan and my project, and as eager as he is for me to make tortillas (both corn and flour), chorizo, and tomatillo salsa, my husband has already given me the green light to order pizza or make PB-n-J if the recipes flop. PHEW!!
Next week I will begin! Are you ready for the ride?
Today, I spent time counting out those recipes, grouping them, and combining side dishes with main courses to see how I might make some kind of meal plan or schedule for the completion of this project.
Here is what I have:
110 Main Course Meals
Some of these use main course AND side dish recipes; Others are just main dishes to which I will add my own sides. This works out to 2 meals per week for the next 11 months.
8 Lunch specific meals
I will use these during the school days with the kids, or just whenever.
25 Breakfast Meals
Of course, there is no way that I will save them all for the breakfast hours, I am sure. This works out to one breakfast meal every other week.
11 Soups
This equals one new soup recipe a month until the end of the year.
5 Salads
1 new recipe every other month for 10 months
40 Beverages
This comes out to 1 a week for the rest of the year (minus 7 weeks).
There are also 4 recipes that I set aside to use specifically for church picnics, since we always need sides/salads, and these will keep well sitting outside (no mayo or eggs!).
Finally, I also had 75 various dessert, cookie, and snack recipes. I have decided that I am not going to stress over whether or not I get these worked into the schedule. These recipes I will use for church picnics, special occasions, or parties. Some of the snack recipes I could also use for quick suppers when I don't really feel like cooking. I made this decision because, at this point in our lives, we have a retirement pending, and maybe a move, and I didn't want to spread myself to thin and have something else to stress about when this is supposed to be fun. I also didn't want to risk quitting before I really got started.
My goal: to finish this task before the end of the year. I will settle for completing the task in a year, but I believe that I have worked this out so that I can complete my goal by the end of December. Since January is all but gone, I have 11 months to meet this goal.
So, I hope you all are ready to hear all about my cooking exploits - as well as, I am sure, many other rants and raves, praises and complaints, OH, AND, recipe reviews (maybe even from the family instead of me) and pictures of the dishes - because, FOR BETTER OR WORSE, y'all are stuck with me until the end of the year. So just know, if you are a friend of mine in the Fort Meade, MD area (or wherever we may end up after retirement), and you are reading this, it is entirely possible you will be fed something I have never made before. LOL!
One last thing before I go:
I have a back-up plan already too. Supportive as he is of my plan and my project, and as eager as he is for me to make tortillas (both corn and flour), chorizo, and tomatillo salsa, my husband has already given me the green light to order pizza or make PB-n-J if the recipes flop. PHEW!!
Next week I will begin! Are you ready for the ride?
Tuesday, January 29, 2013
What was I thinking?
Oh wow. So, I figured, how hard could my little recipe undertaking be.
The girl in the movie had 524 recipes to work through in 365 days. That's not me, so I ought to be okay.
Well, it's a different story when you decide to set out to do the task, and start committing the plan to paper.
As it turns out, I have 338 (or so) recipes to make in 329 days.
I have 45 poultry recipes alone; that's nearly 1 a week for the rest of the year. I also have 44 veggie recipes.
Now, I have to admit, right up front, that I did make a New Years Resolution this year. It may seem a bit generic at the outset, but I assure you it has kept me challenged.
The resolution: to not be dictated to by unreasonable fear. My goal this year is to stare down whatever it is that comes my way that causes me to shrink back, or second-guess myself, and really examine it. If I am deciding not to do something, say - for instance, trying octopus for the first time - simply because it looks weird and a little creepy, well...that's just not a good enough reason to not do it.
Don't get me wrong! Stupid, I am not. I have no death wish. I will not be bungee jumping unless the life of one of my children is at stake. I have never had any desire to put myself in that kind of peril. But, when it comes to food, if its dead already, COME ON!
It is from that place I am operating, and from that place that I have decided that, even though this idea feels absolutely ridiculous in the cold, stark light of day, I will proceed.
After all, we eat 3 meals a day. So when I break the goal down THAT FAR, to cop out before I even get started is nothing more than letting fear dictate my action.
To quote former President George H.W. Bush, "Not gonna do it. Wouldn't be prudent."
So, with that, I have come up with a plan but, I'm not posting it right now because its 1:30 am, and I have to be up in 5 hours to babysit a sweet, sweet little girl.
Good night, er... I mean, good morning.
The girl in the movie had 524 recipes to work through in 365 days. That's not me, so I ought to be okay.
Well, it's a different story when you decide to set out to do the task, and start committing the plan to paper.
As it turns out, I have 338 (or so) recipes to make in 329 days.
I have 45 poultry recipes alone; that's nearly 1 a week for the rest of the year. I also have 44 veggie recipes.
Now, I have to admit, right up front, that I did make a New Years Resolution this year. It may seem a bit generic at the outset, but I assure you it has kept me challenged.
The resolution: to not be dictated to by unreasonable fear. My goal this year is to stare down whatever it is that comes my way that causes me to shrink back, or second-guess myself, and really examine it. If I am deciding not to do something, say - for instance, trying octopus for the first time - simply because it looks weird and a little creepy, well...that's just not a good enough reason to not do it.
Don't get me wrong! Stupid, I am not. I have no death wish. I will not be bungee jumping unless the life of one of my children is at stake. I have never had any desire to put myself in that kind of peril. But, when it comes to food, if its dead already, COME ON!
It is from that place I am operating, and from that place that I have decided that, even though this idea feels absolutely ridiculous in the cold, stark light of day, I will proceed.
After all, we eat 3 meals a day. So when I break the goal down THAT FAR, to cop out before I even get started is nothing more than letting fear dictate my action.
To quote former President George H.W. Bush, "Not gonna do it. Wouldn't be prudent."
So, with that, I have come up with a plan but, I'm not posting it right now because its 1:30 am, and I have to be up in 5 hours to babysit a sweet, sweet little girl.
Good night, er... I mean, good morning.
Monday, January 28, 2013
My New Project!
I checked out the movie Julie & Julia from the library last week, and have watched it 3x. I have been inspired to work through some of my recipes. I've been thinking about it for a while anyway, but the movie has convinced me. Well, that, and the fact that I do believe I am a recipe hoarder, and maybe even a cookbook hoarder in training.
In an effort to do something with my collection, I have resolved to work through my recipe box and Pinterest Foods board. And, in an attempt to pay homage to what has now become another one of my favorite movies, I'm going to blog about my experience.
I have 174 recipes (that I have never made) in my recipe box, not including the "Cookies & Bars" section. There are 52 cookie/bar recipes - one for each week. I also have 152 Pinterest foods I'd like to try.
So, I'm gonna. And as I work through the recipes, I will be deleting/discarding those we don't like or that I know I won't ever make again. This way, I can reduce my hoard of recipes or add to my repertoire of recipes that I make more often rather than falling back on the same old-same old. Hopefully, it'll turn out to be a little of both.
The reason for the blog, because I have to have a reason - that's just how I am - is: there are plenty of Pinterest recipes that I have that I would likely never try but like the looks of, and I am sure I'm not the only one. So, maybe, this will inspire some one to bust out of their "same old-same old" rut and try out some of the recipes in their stash. Of course, it's entirely possible that I'm just doing this because I like to talk and that, in all actuality, nobody really reads this or cares, but I need something to do to occupy my time. In any case, I don't really care, because I'm gonna do it anyway.
After all, it's good to have goals. Right?!
Who knows? After this project is good and underway, maybe ill start working on some of my other Pinterest board projects and subject you all to my ramblings about them as well. ;)
In an effort to do something with my collection, I have resolved to work through my recipe box and Pinterest Foods board. And, in an attempt to pay homage to what has now become another one of my favorite movies, I'm going to blog about my experience.
I have 174 recipes (that I have never made) in my recipe box, not including the "Cookies & Bars" section. There are 52 cookie/bar recipes - one for each week. I also have 152 Pinterest foods I'd like to try.
So, I'm gonna. And as I work through the recipes, I will be deleting/discarding those we don't like or that I know I won't ever make again. This way, I can reduce my hoard of recipes or add to my repertoire of recipes that I make more often rather than falling back on the same old-same old. Hopefully, it'll turn out to be a little of both.
The reason for the blog, because I have to have a reason - that's just how I am - is: there are plenty of Pinterest recipes that I have that I would likely never try but like the looks of, and I am sure I'm not the only one. So, maybe, this will inspire some one to bust out of their "same old-same old" rut and try out some of the recipes in their stash. Of course, it's entirely possible that I'm just doing this because I like to talk and that, in all actuality, nobody really reads this or cares, but I need something to do to occupy my time. In any case, I don't really care, because I'm gonna do it anyway.
After all, it's good to have goals. Right?!
Who knows? After this project is good and underway, maybe ill start working on some of my other Pinterest board projects and subject you all to my ramblings about them as well. ;)
Tuesday, March 27, 2012
Change, and What I've been thinking
Last week was a week of many revelations for me. However, I must begin by giving credit where credit is due. I recently finished "Pathway to Purpose" by Katie Brazelton. It's a book about aligning your hopes, dreams, and unique giftings with the will of God, so that you can begin operating in the purpose for which you were expressly created by God. I've been thinking about what my unique "mission" might be in life - what great big, important thing I could be doing for God. I've been praying for nearly a slid 2 years that God would reveal His will for my life. I've even talked to several people about how I felt like my "something big" was just on the horizon, a hazy shadow of a picture that I could almost put my finger on, but not quite. I've asked for prayers and advice from many trusted friends and all I've gotten are answers that leave me scratching my head, wondering: "Is that it, seriously. That's all you've got."
Well, the revelation I got this week was really just what everyone has been saying to me my whole life.
ONE - start where you are. If I am not faithful in the little things, in the humble beginning I which I currently find myself, it's foolish to think that God would move me into some bigger role. See, I've been a mother since April 1994, and for as long as I can remember I have thought of myself as "just a mom.". And, as such, I've been looking for the great big, important thing that's just around the bend.
HELLO!!! I AM A MOTHER!!! Really, what more important job is there in the world than the preparation of a young person for entry into the world as a n honorable, contributing, Jesus-loving member of society, equipped for living successfully in the eyes of God!? And here I am, here I have been, looking for my purpose! DUH!
TWO - surrender. I must be willing to surrender my own plan for my life to Gods plan for me and be willing to follow Him obediently WHEREVER He leads me, even if - and maybe, especially if - it's not what I wanted or what I thought I wanted.
THREE - a little less talk, a lot more action. Regardless of whether or not I am currently operating in a grand mission in service to The King, there are still things I can do. For instance, on my Pinterest page, I found a pin that touched a spark in me. I immediately thought, I could do that. I should do that. That thing: blessing bags for the homeless. A gallon zipper-closed, plastic Baggie that contains various personal hygiene items, snacks, and such. I found that Pin a few months ago. Want to know what I've done about it? Yup, you guessed it! Not a thing!
Another thing I've been thinking about is sponsoring a child through Compassion International. After all , my oldest son sponsors a child on the money he makes working, FOR TIPS, as a bagger at the commissary.
For the last few months, on these very pages, I have talked, at great length, about how WE, as Christians, could be doing so much more to alleviate the suffering in the world. Yet here I am being shown up by my 17-year-old. WHAT??!!
So, why this post? Well, this week, my family's challenge for Lent was to write a blog post about what we think needs changing and what we intend to do about it. What I have decided needs changing is ME! More specifically, what needs changing is my actions. How can I get on here, posting blog after blog about things needing to be different without doing anything about it? You can't lead someone by pushing them from behind. You can't lead someone by standing in front of them, trying to pull them along. All any of us can do is what we've been told by God and leave he results to Him. Beyond that, I can only do what I've been given and you all can only do what you've been given.
Starting today, I AM going to be the change I want to see in the world. That's my challenge.
What's yours?
Well, the revelation I got this week was really just what everyone has been saying to me my whole life.
ONE - start where you are. If I am not faithful in the little things, in the humble beginning I which I currently find myself, it's foolish to think that God would move me into some bigger role. See, I've been a mother since April 1994, and for as long as I can remember I have thought of myself as "just a mom.". And, as such, I've been looking for the great big, important thing that's just around the bend.
HELLO!!! I AM A MOTHER!!! Really, what more important job is there in the world than the preparation of a young person for entry into the world as a n honorable, contributing, Jesus-loving member of society, equipped for living successfully in the eyes of God!? And here I am, here I have been, looking for my purpose! DUH!
TWO - surrender. I must be willing to surrender my own plan for my life to Gods plan for me and be willing to follow Him obediently WHEREVER He leads me, even if - and maybe, especially if - it's not what I wanted or what I thought I wanted.
THREE - a little less talk, a lot more action. Regardless of whether or not I am currently operating in a grand mission in service to The King, there are still things I can do. For instance, on my Pinterest page, I found a pin that touched a spark in me. I immediately thought, I could do that. I should do that. That thing: blessing bags for the homeless. A gallon zipper-closed, plastic Baggie that contains various personal hygiene items, snacks, and such. I found that Pin a few months ago. Want to know what I've done about it? Yup, you guessed it! Not a thing!
Another thing I've been thinking about is sponsoring a child through Compassion International. After all , my oldest son sponsors a child on the money he makes working, FOR TIPS, as a bagger at the commissary.
For the last few months, on these very pages, I have talked, at great length, about how WE, as Christians, could be doing so much more to alleviate the suffering in the world. Yet here I am being shown up by my 17-year-old. WHAT??!!
So, why this post? Well, this week, my family's challenge for Lent was to write a blog post about what we think needs changing and what we intend to do about it. What I have decided needs changing is ME! More specifically, what needs changing is my actions. How can I get on here, posting blog after blog about things needing to be different without doing anything about it? You can't lead someone by pushing them from behind. You can't lead someone by standing in front of them, trying to pull them along. All any of us can do is what we've been told by God and leave he results to Him. Beyond that, I can only do what I've been given and you all can only do what you've been given.
Starting today, I AM going to be the change I want to see in the world. That's my challenge.
What's yours?
Saturday, March 24, 2012
Do we really have it right? When will we know?
I've been wondering: What if we are getting it wrong? I've spent plenty of time in worship singing songs asking God to help me love others like Jesus, asking Him to give me eyes to see others like He sees them, and all I can wonder is: do my actions reveal anything of the sort?
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The new song by Casting Crowns - Jesus, Friend of Sinners - mentions that there is no shortage of people who wonder was Christians are against, but how many really know what we're for?
Amos 5 is a funeral dirge in which Amos says that people are praying for "the day of the Lord" but he warns them that they might be disappointed when it arrives because they may find that they are not going to end up on the side they think. If all scripture is God-breathed and is useful for instruction, then I have to think that these verses are too.
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Over half of the world's entire population lives on less than $2.50 per day.
About 1 billion people lack access to clean water.
There are nearly 27 million people in modern-day slavery today.
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how can I sit back,
day after day,
drinking my nice, clean water,
in my nice, warm house,
with my children who nice and safe,
while we probably throw out
more food a day
than some people will see
in a week
and think that I
will not be held accountable,
to think that I will not have to
answer for this
when I stand before the Lord?
If we are all created to be in relationship, if we are all really connected, since we have the same Creator, shouldn't it bother me that there are people not 30 miles from me, in the heart of DC, who do not know from where they will receive their next meal?
I have to wonder... if we are all really connected, then shouldn't it break my heart that there are people in the world who don't have even half of what I have?
Just one of the things I'm thinking about today.......
As usual, thanks for your indulgence,
Patty
Monday, March 12, 2012
A Little Busy
Sorry for the shortage of posts last week. Since Lent has started, I've been trying to limit my postings and my overall computer time. It's entirely too easy to get wrapped up in the Internet and not accomplish anything.
Last week was our international food week, and I simply didn't have the time to be on here, and cook, and get my housework done.
I did accomplish something pretty major though! I have bought a domain name for my future, charity-based, business. I am going to call it "The Least of These." There will be a line of cards, t-shirts and possibly book bags and the emphasis is going to be on raising people's awareness of the myriad opportunities available to get involved. From the research I've been doing, it seems that there are plenty of organizations out there who are busy, trying to help the poor, and such, however...there's still so much that can be done. This is just my attempt at putting my money where my mouth is, and being a good steward of the talents I've been given, in hopes of making a dent in the suffering in the world. I've already got several ideas stewing. Right now, all I need is a little bit more "know how" for some of the projects I want to tackle,and then, I'll be in business.
Until such time as I have products for you all to consider, why not hop over to the links page, or the shopping page and see if you can't find some other worthy cause to help out. Remember, even Jesus left the taking care of His needs up to His Father. Why not trust God with taking care of you and ask Him to show you how you can help take care of the rest of His children?
Until next time,
Patty
Last week was our international food week, and I simply didn't have the time to be on here, and cook, and get my housework done.
I did accomplish something pretty major though! I have bought a domain name for my future, charity-based, business. I am going to call it "The Least of These." There will be a line of cards, t-shirts and possibly book bags and the emphasis is going to be on raising people's awareness of the myriad opportunities available to get involved. From the research I've been doing, it seems that there are plenty of organizations out there who are busy, trying to help the poor, and such, however...there's still so much that can be done. This is just my attempt at putting my money where my mouth is, and being a good steward of the talents I've been given, in hopes of making a dent in the suffering in the world. I've already got several ideas stewing. Right now, all I need is a little bit more "know how" for some of the projects I want to tackle,and then, I'll be in business.
Until such time as I have products for you all to consider, why not hop over to the links page, or the shopping page and see if you can't find some other worthy cause to help out. Remember, even Jesus left the taking care of His needs up to His Father. Why not trust God with taking care of you and ask Him to show you how you can help take care of the rest of His children?
Until next time,
Patty
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