Tuesday, May 1, 2012

HOMEMADE BABY FORMULA!!!

Yes, that's right!!! Someone turned me onto these pages and I just HAD to share!!! Pinterest is hating the links directly so I am posting here to help it out. I thought this was just amazing! Something to consider with all the recalls all the time. That's for sure.

Enjoy!!

Milk Based Baby Formula
 http://www.thehealthyhomeeconomist.com/video-homemade-milk-based-baby-formula/

Hypoallergenic Baby Formula
http://www.thehealthyhomeeconomist.com/video-hypoallergenic-baby-formula/

Special thanks to...

Monday, March 26, 2012

Keep ______ in the pantry!!

So I have found over time that there are lots of my recipes that call for token items. Items that I always need but sometimes don't have... Frustrating!! So I started loading my pantry with some of these items. I also have a few things I like to keep on hand that are perishable. (Just fair warning you may not want to buy in bulk but definitely have on hand.) I will try to keep updating as I think about them :)

Non-perishable must haves

Tomato paste
Diced tomatoes
Minced Clams
Cream of chicken soup
Onion soup
Italian dressing packets
Rice
Noodles of every shape and size
Taco seasoning
Condensed milk
Bottled pasta sauces
Pinto beans 
Lawry's Season Salt

Perishable but freezable
Meatballs
Ham Steak
Whole Chickens
Pork roast
Sticks of butter
Frozen veggies
Loafs of sandwich bread
Bacon
Breakfast sausage
Kielbasa or bologna sausage

Perishable but keep handy
Sour cream
Cream cheese
Shredded cheese (which ever large bag is on sale)
Eggs


Looking over this list I can come up with dozens of dinner combinations. Plus I even see a ton of fillers I can add to my meals to make them cheaper or add some extra nutrition. For instance in my spaghetti sauce I always like to add a can of diced tomatoes for an extra serving of veggies. Or when making Mexican rice throw a can of pinto beans or frozen corn for a meal that satisfies. I should also note that I do have a deep freezer. So when I say have a whole chicken or 2 make sure you have room :)


Linguini and Clam Sauce + Hobo Garlic Bread

Linguini and Clam Sauce
and a side of Hobo Garlic Bread
 
Here is another great, quick meal perfect for the Lenten Season! This is another recipe you can have on hand at any time and is a common "Go to" when I need a quick yummy dinner. I even cook it in 1 pot which I love. Plus my Hobo Garlic Bread can be made from anything! Let's start with the main course.

1 can of minced (or whole) clams- do not drain!
1 stick of butter
2 Tblsp. Oregano
1 Tblsp. Garlic powder
2 Tblsp. Parmesan cheese
Linguini noodles (I use a little more then half a box)

In a medium or large pan boil your water and make your noodles. Drain your noodles and return to pot. Add 1 stick of butter immediately or your noodles will start to stick together. Next the clams, you can find them at your local grocer by the canned tuna. Add the can of clams juice and all. Then add all of your spices and feel free to adjust the amounts to taste. Depending on how fast your butter is melting you can turn the heat on low and help it along. Once all is mixed you are done! Wasn't that easy???

Now for my Hobo Garlic Bread! This little invention was made by a college girl living in her little apartment and having no need for a huge loaf of garlic bread. You can take any kind of bread, hot dog buns, hamburger buns (pictured), English muffins or regular sliced bread. I go back and forth on if I add mozzarella cheese or not. It just depends on if I have it in the fridge or not. I take my bread, put it in the toaster and cook it as I would a piece for breakfast. I then butter it, sprinkle garlic powder, a tad of salt, and Parmesan cheese. If I want to add the mozzarella I skip the Parm and add the mozzarella and then pop it into the toaster oven or big oven on broil until the cheese is melted. Be sure you watch it!! Then serve with your meal :)


 

Tuesday, March 6, 2012

Incrediberry French Toast Bake

Incrediberry French Toast Bake





In an effort to be more frugal and less wasteful I wanted a way to use up my old fruit and old bread. I found this recipe and made it work incredibly well! I will call out what the recipe said and then add my notes of what I actually used. Also my pictures show the recipe cut in half. Let your imagination run on what kind of fruit you would like to use. I think a strawberry banana is next to try!!

12 slices day-old bread, crusts removed and cut into 1 inch cubes (I left crusts on and used a mix of more then a day old french bread and some regular white sliced bread heels)
2 (8oz) packages of cream cheese (I used the whipped and it was nice and fluffy)
1 cup fresh or frozen blueberries 
12 eggs
2 cups of milk
1/3 cup maple syrup

Sauce
1 cup sugar
2 Tbsp. cornstarch
1 cup water
1 cup blueberries (I had some old blackberries so I used them instead)
1 Tbsp. butter

Place 1/2 of bread in greased 9x13 baking dish. Cut (or scoop) cream cheese into cubes and place over bread. Top with berries. Add other 1/2 of bread. In a mixing bowl beat eggs with milk and syrup. Pour over bread mixture. Cover and chill for 8 hours or overnight. Remove from refrigerator 1/2 hour before baking. Cover with foil and bake at 350 degrees for 30 minutes. Uncover and bake additional 30 minutes or until golden and center is set. When you open your oven you will see this amazing sight!!
I love that I left the crusts on that french bread because they gave the dish such a yummy crunch on top!!

Sauce
You can decide the best time to make the sauce. While you bake or the night before. Combine sugar and cornstarch until well blended. Add water; bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer 3 minutes. Add berries and simmer for 8-10 minutes or until berries burst. Stir in butter. Serve over toast.

Monday, March 5, 2012

Old Fashion Popcorn

Old Fashion Popcorn





So I kind of feel as though the art of popcorn has been lost to the microwave so I just wanted to share how I LOVE my popcorn. 

You will need an old pot (or REALLY old pot like mine!) that has a lid. My pot is strictly for making popcorn and is even nice and "flavored" on the bottom :) You will need plain corn kernels that you can find in the snack isle. Yellow is fine but white is my favorite. Be wary of the cheap brands as they can have tons of hulls after your done popping that are not as fun. Finally some oil. I use olive oil because it gives it a little different flavor and it is very good for you. 

To start put a generous amount of oil in the bottom. Enough to cover the bottom of the pan but not cover over the raw popcorn. Turn your burner on high and wait for the oil to get a little hot. Then add your corn. Now be mindful your first time as you won't know how much your pan can fit. I use about a 1/4 of a cup of corn for my pan. Put the cover on the pan and let it cook. Once you hear the popping slow to 1-2 pops per second you can pour your popcorn into the bowl. However, I love just a few extra done kernels so I will let it cook until it stops popping all together. Your choice!

In your empty pot you can add a slab of butter and let the hot pot melt it for your topping. Then add salt to taste. For a very special treat sometimes I sprinkle with garlic powder!! Sounds crazy but it will blow your mind! Other things to try are Tabasco in the oil for a spicy treat. 

ENJOY!

Just have to say....But really want to scream!

So part of this little adventure has been a New Years resolution to really start pushing away from my old recipes and get some new ones along with using new methods or techniques.  I mean, I watch all these cooking shows, take an idea or two and then maybe use it. But why don't I try to fry salmon with the skin on perfectly since I have seen the "pro"chefs get ragged on about it how many times?? And you know what?? Guess what I made yesterday and hit it so perfectly that my 2 year old was eating it?? Yeah, salmon, with the skin on, so crispy, yet the fish was so juicy... I mean I cannot wait to make it again!! My husband even had to tell me to shut my mouth cause he wanted to eat it, not talk about it hahahaha... Sometimes I forget how much I love cooking and I really felt as though I lost some of my energy to cook. But now that I am really trying new things and just kind of doing my own thing I feel so empowered. I think part of it has been that instead of asking what I should cook for dinner, I am just making it. That also includes for what I make for my 2 year old. Somewhere down the line my little girl who would eat homemade kale baby food quit eating everything. Now she all of a sudden is into eating salads and finally will eat rice and potatoes so maybe this is a good reinforcement for me too.

I guess all I can say is that I am SOOO excited to keep cooking. I am always going to be open to inspiration and maybe, just maybe, one day I will find enough time for myself to take a real cooking class!

Wednesday, February 29, 2012

Employee Appreciation Day!

So the economy isn't running hot right now and many employees are feeling neglected or jealous that "Betty's company gave them a Christmas bonus where's mine??". What are employers supposed to do? Well how about a little appreciation with possibly a huge outcome?!?! On March 2nd celebrate Employee Appreciation Day with some scratch of lotto tickets!


What I did was purchased one $1 scratch off ticket and enclosed it with a address label simply stating that we are LUCKY to have them :) The envelope is simply a piece of 8 1/2x11. I used a paper cutter to make it the correct size and then tightly folded (so it doesn't slip out) like an invitation envelope. My seal is an Avery 5160 address label and you can print your company logo or anything else you please. Another thought I had was to, while handing them out, have a jar of pennies if they needed one but that's up to you!

NOTE: Some people might not be down for this as they might consider it gambling and against their values. Auction off extras if you want. There are also other denominations of scratch offs if you have had a better year then us :) Finally if you work where you require a very clean, dust free, sensitive material place remember the scratch off dust and maybe deliver during lunch time instead.

Tuesday, February 28, 2012

Easiest Meatball Appetizer

Easiest Meatball Appetizer


I think one of the little stressors of life can be an invitation delivered to your home with those 6 little words on it... "Please bring a dish to pass." Oh what does that mean?!?! To a man it means bring some chips, to a person who tries to avoid the kitchen at all costs it means store bought cookies or cupcakes... But come on! You can do better then that!! Here is the easiest recipe you will ever find along with the most simple cooking instructions a 2 year old could do it!

You will need a medium sized crock pot. If you don't have one you NEED one! Wal-mart, $20 done!

1 bag of frozen beef meatballs (About 3-5lbs or so)
1 can of cream of mushroom soup

Take your crock pot, turn on low, pour in meatballs and add soup.... Yup... That's it! It will look as though you  do not have enough soup but do not worry! It will be plenty as it mixes with the juicy meatballs. Stir every so often to insure they don't stick and heat thoroughly. You can provide a box of toothpicks or let them serve with a spoon. It will take about an hour and a half to heat them thoroughly and you can turn the crock pot on high if you need them quicker. Just stir more frequent.

NOTE If you have leftovers (which is rare) you can serve over cooked egg noodles for a poor man's stroganoff. This item is so easy and you can even store the ingredients for unexpected company or a quick lunch. Goes great on hoggie buns too!

 

Gorgonzola Stuffed Burgers

Gorgonzola Stuffed Burgers





As a wife I have been feeling as though something has been lacking lately. Ever feel like something is missing? You need excitement, spice or something fun? Well I sure did and what better way to add some new pizzazz then a stuffed burger for your amazing husband!!

2 lbs of 80/20 ground beef
1 egg
1 package of Gorgonzola cheese
2 Tblsp. dry onion soup
1 Tblsp. Lawrys season salt
Cracked black pepper to taste
 1  package of your favorite buns and your favorite assortment of toppings (I just used ketchup and onion so I could enjoy the flavors!)

1st take off any rings or bracelets, your going to get your hands dirty today. In a mixing bowl add meat, egg, soup, salt and pepper and mix well. Once it is well blended take a small handful of meat and make a patty. Take some of the the Gorgonzola cheese and place it in the center of the patty pushing it in a little and then add another layer of meat to seal the cheese in.  How you cook your patties is up to you. On the grill, in a George Foreman grill or in a cast iron frying pan. Use a medium heat as these thick babies will need to get heated through the middle. A little cheese may start to drip out but don't sweat :) 

Serve your juicy burgers with any toppings you desire. You can even make a little topping bar. Lettuce, spinach, onion, tomato, avocado... let your imagination guide you!





Cheesy Potato Bake

Cheesy Potato Bake



Here is a winner for anyone. Great for potluck's, a side dish or even a meal in itself! 

1 2lb bag of frozen hash browns (I use the square cut)
2 cans of condensed cream of chicken soup
2 cups of shredded sharp cheddar cheese
1 cup of sour cream
2 tablespoons of dry onion soup (or add to taste)

Topping
1-2 cups of corn flakes
1 tsp of butter (optional

I simply make this right in the 9x13 baking dish however feel free to use a mixing bowl. Simply pour in all the ingredients (minus the topping) and mix well. Spread evenly over dish. Next you have 2 options, pour the cornflakes directly onto your dish or put them in a frying pan with butter to get them a little crispy before putting on top. 

Place in the oven at 350 for at least 1 hour or until cheese is bubbling around the edges.

NOTE: an awesome reheating option is to throw it in a frying pan until heated. This helps re-crisp the corn flakes :)

Friday, February 24, 2012

Mozzarella Marinara

Mozzarella Marinara


Here is a great appetizer for any party or dinner or even a meal in itself! Can be fried in a pan or in deep fryer.

1 package of egg roll wonton shells (usually found by produce)
1 package of string cheese
(NOTE if you need to multiply the order buy more of the string cheese then the wraps, the wraps do NOT store after being opened but the cheese will.)
Olive oil for frying
1 jar of your favorite pasta sauce (preferably not chunky) or dip with ranch
1 small cup/bowl of water

Start with your string cheese horizontal across the 1 corner. Start to roll the wonton around the string cheese to the halfway point. Then fold in corners two and three and continue rolling it to the final corner number 4. Dip your finger in the water and touch the inside of the 4th corner and seal the corner to the roll. Set aside on plate. Once you have assembled all of your wraps add a generous amount of olive oil to your frying pan. I use medium/hot setting and adjust as needed. You don't want to cook it too fast or the inside won't melt and not too slow or the inside will melt out! I cook about 4 at a time but just be sure they are not too close together. As they get golden turn them until they look nice and yummy. Remove them and set on drying rack or paper plate lined with paper towel. Serve with dipping sauce and enjoy!
If you want to reheat them in the microwave be careful not to go to long or all the cheese will come out!

No Boil Manicotti

No Boil Manicotti

Here is my take on the baked manicotti.This recipe with have my ingredients along with substitutions you may use. I do it a simple and less expensive way :)

1 package of uncooked manicotti shells
1 jar of your favorite pasta sauce
1/2-3/4 cup water depending on pasta sauce
1 32oz tub of cottage cheese minus 1 cup (or ricotta cheese)
1 4 cup package of mozzarella cheese (you will save 2 cups for topping)
1/4 cup Parmesan cheese (grated or shredded)
1 egg beaten
3 Tbsp. Oregano
1 Tbsp. Garlic powder

In a mixing bowl pour in about 24oz of cottage cheese. I find that the 16oz container is not enough and the 32oz is too big. I use all but about 1 cup of the container for my filling. You can play around with the amount if you wish. Next add 2 cups of mozzarella cheese, Parmesan cheese, egg, oregano, garlic powder and mix well.

With a regular teaspoon you will start stuffing the shells and placing them in a 9x13 dish. Use the spoon to gently stuff the shells until it starts coming out of the other side. Be sure not to leave much air or space otherwise the noodles will taste dry. Once all of your shells are stuffed and in the pan (its ok if they are touching) pour the whole jar of pasta sauce and spread evenly. Slowly add the water. I actually pour the water into the sauce jar to get every last drop of sauce! Finally, use the remaining mozzarella cheese to top your dish. Add as much or as little as you please. Cover dish with foil and place pan in oven at 350 degrees for 45minutes. After 45min take the dish out and remove foil. (if sauce looks too dry add a little water) Place back in oven for 15 minutes or until cheese is slightly browned. After cooking let the dish rest for about 10 minutes then serve.



Best BBQ Sauce Ever!!

Best BBQ Sauce Ever!! 


Great over wings, pulled pork, beef or straight out of the jar! Might sound like a lot of ingredients but it's well worth each one. Flavor will hit you in 3 levels. Not to spicy either.

1 1/2 cups honey
1 cup ketchup
1 6oz can tomato paste
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 Tbsp. lemon juice
1 Tbsp. cocoa powder
1 Tbsp. curry powder
1 Tbsp. paprika
1Tbsp. soy sauce
1Tbsp. Worcestershire sauce
2 tsp. Sriracha Asian chili sauce
1 tsp. chili powder

Combine all ingredients in a medium saucepan. Bring to a boil over heat; reduce heat and simmer 20 minutes. Use with your favorite chicken, ribs or steak. Makes about 3 cups. Feel free to double the recipe and store in jars. Keeps for about a month in the refrigerator. Enjoy!!!

Welcome to the Roeh Way!!

Hi and thanks for stopping by. Welcome to the Roeh Way and yes, that's pronounced RAY! :) I just wanted a place to share some of my favorite things. From recipes to kids stuff, from crafts to way of life. Hope you enjoy the information!