One batch of homemade play dough transformed the moods and actions of my four children this weekend! I intended to make it for my four year old, but as soon as the ingredients were out, the older kids were calling what color they wanted their portion to be. Haha!
In a big bowl I stir:
5 cups of flour
1 cup salt
1/4 cup cooking oil
2 Tbsp alum (I was out of alum and used cream of tartar)
To this dry mixture (well, expect the oil) you pour 4 cups of boiling water. Stir it up and it will come together nicely once it cools off after a few minutes.
At that point I divide up the dough into however many different colors we want to make. Add the food coloring and knead well. Presto, all done! We store ours in Ziploc bags to keep them fresh.
I tell you, all weekend they were rolling, making, building, and pretending with this stuff, and they played together a lot. Their favorite accessories this time were the rolling pin, plastic knife, toy cars, and Tinker Toys wooden sticks.
The homemade play dough doesn't crumble like the store bought kind, so it's not as big of a hassle, but I admit, there are random pieces of colored play dough here and there around the kitchen floor. It's ok, this one was worth it.
Sunday, November 17, 2013
Tuesday, November 12, 2013
Ideas for improving Quran Classses
There has to be a way to reform the way we teach people (children) to read and memorize Quran. Over the past ten years, we have tried at least half a dozen ways. And each time we run into similar problems and complaints:
* teachers have a heavy foreign accent and the kids have a hard time understanding them.
* they sit around a table left to themselves for the majority of the hour (or hour and a half).
* they aren't given any tools to memorize except to read to themselves over and over.
* they get yelled at.
* they get compared to other kids in the class or to one of their siblings.
* other kids in the class are rude to my kids or just goof off because they don't want to be there either.
* my kids come back with headaches and whine for at least an hour before and after.
* the teacher takes phone calls or texts a lot during the lesson.
These are just a few complaints I have with the experiences we've had. I'm so fed up with it. I've tried incorporating memorizing Quran into our schedule, but it is much harder to follow through with it than you might think. Talking to an experienced Quran teacher once, she told me that she sends her teen son to someone else to learn because it just doesn't happen at home.
So I was thinking that maybe I could form some kind of format or suggested guide to improve Quran classes. Since the teachers are usually volunteers with little experience in education or childhood development, they don't have the tools or resources to structure their class time with. I'm no expert, but I have taken an early childhood development class, I've been homeschooling for over 3 years, and I read up about education as a hobby.
Off the top of my head I would divide up the hour and a half into 25 minute clusters (or less) and do different things instead of expecting the child to sit for that long supposedly reading and memorizing on his own. Other things I would suggest (and I might just think more on this subject and come up with a formal packet and present it)
* have a cheerful attitude.
* respect the child.
* take the age of the child into consideration including what skills he likely has and doesn't have.
* realize they are coming to you at the end of their school day and are likely a little tired.
* take advantage of multiple teaching methods: in pairs, have one student read along while another recites that sura from memory, then switch.
* spend a few minutes actually showing them how to memorize and giving them tips and methods to memorize.
* realize that because they are young, you will want to repeat tips and instruction each time to drill it into them.
* set realistic goals. or just set some type of goal instead of just showing up each time with no clear direction.
* show up 5 minutes before class starts so that you are there before the students. set the tone and get them busy as soon as they walk in with some type of warm up.
These are just a few of my thoughts. I've been a little fired up about this topic (again) for a couple of days, and I really want to organize my thoughts so that I might present it to our Quran school. I don't personally want to teach the classes, and I don't want it to depend on me; rather, I want a successful model to be used by all the teachers so that the students and families can have a better experience.
* teachers have a heavy foreign accent and the kids have a hard time understanding them.
* they sit around a table left to themselves for the majority of the hour (or hour and a half).
* they aren't given any tools to memorize except to read to themselves over and over.
* they get yelled at.
* they get compared to other kids in the class or to one of their siblings.
* other kids in the class are rude to my kids or just goof off because they don't want to be there either.
* my kids come back with headaches and whine for at least an hour before and after.
* the teacher takes phone calls or texts a lot during the lesson.
These are just a few complaints I have with the experiences we've had. I'm so fed up with it. I've tried incorporating memorizing Quran into our schedule, but it is much harder to follow through with it than you might think. Talking to an experienced Quran teacher once, she told me that she sends her teen son to someone else to learn because it just doesn't happen at home.
So I was thinking that maybe I could form some kind of format or suggested guide to improve Quran classes. Since the teachers are usually volunteers with little experience in education or childhood development, they don't have the tools or resources to structure their class time with. I'm no expert, but I have taken an early childhood development class, I've been homeschooling for over 3 years, and I read up about education as a hobby.
Off the top of my head I would divide up the hour and a half into 25 minute clusters (or less) and do different things instead of expecting the child to sit for that long supposedly reading and memorizing on his own. Other things I would suggest (and I might just think more on this subject and come up with a formal packet and present it)
* have a cheerful attitude.
* respect the child.
* take the age of the child into consideration including what skills he likely has and doesn't have.
* realize they are coming to you at the end of their school day and are likely a little tired.
* take advantage of multiple teaching methods: in pairs, have one student read along while another recites that sura from memory, then switch.
* spend a few minutes actually showing them how to memorize and giving them tips and methods to memorize.
* realize that because they are young, you will want to repeat tips and instruction each time to drill it into them.
* set realistic goals. or just set some type of goal instead of just showing up each time with no clear direction.
* show up 5 minutes before class starts so that you are there before the students. set the tone and get them busy as soon as they walk in with some type of warm up.
These are just a few of my thoughts. I've been a little fired up about this topic (again) for a couple of days, and I really want to organize my thoughts so that I might present it to our Quran school. I don't personally want to teach the classes, and I don't want it to depend on me; rather, I want a successful model to be used by all the teachers so that the students and families can have a better experience.
Tuesday, November 5, 2013
Outsourcing
This year I've decided to join two homeschool co-ops to take classes from. Last year we were members in one co-op, but the classes the girls took were mostly recreational. This year I decided to make better use of our outings and sign up for science classes in addition to the fun classes. I no longer have to worry about any science while we're home, and they still get some fun classes like gymnastics and logic.
The pros of being in my co-ops outweigh the cons.
Pros:
1. I relieve myself of teaching an entire subject.
2. The girls get to take those classes in a group setting with hands on activities.
3. We are forced to organize our schedules to accommodate the classes which makes us more organized.
4. I get to talk to other adults on those days, and my kids get to hang out with other kids.
5. The kids get to be influenced by other adults of my choosing during co-op.
6. Being busy and out of the house 2 of 5 days helps us appreciate the quieter days at home.
7. If I wanted to, I could take some reading or handwork to do while I wait.
Cons:
1. I have to do a lot of 'sitting and waiting' which makes me a little antsy.
2. We come home fried.
3. I can't really think of many cons!
One co-op has been running for many years and is very well run. The second co-op is in its second year and is still trying to establish its foundation. In both co-ops parents have simple jobs that help things run smoothly such as basic cleaning up, helping teachers pack up, and running the reception table. Parent input in welcomed and we hire teachers to teach the classes. I like that my older children can take challenging classes to keep them engaged and working hard as they get into the higher grades.
In one co-op, the classes are offered only on Tuesday. You look at the schedule and sign up for as many classes as you want that day, and that is your co-op day. I like that it isn't spread out over many days. That way you aren't ruining your other 'home' days by having to pack up and leave for a few hours.
The other co-op offers classes on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday, but I chose to only take Wednesday classes because of the time it takes me to get there and get home. If it were closer I might consider taking a class on a different day, too, but as it is now, the whole round trip out makes us all tired.
The workload is very light on co-op days as far as what I expect from them at home. Math is done daily, and then I usually tack on some type of grammar or writing on co-op days. They can usually bring their work with them to do in their down hour so that they don't have too much to do when they get home.
All in all, I am so happy we have these options here. I didn't have this network while living in Plano. We were home all day every day unless I took them on a field trip. Here in Seattle I have a huge network just by being a member of these two groups. It's so good to be with moms of a similar mindset. We help each other work through decisions and issues while benefitting from each other's support. I'm really thankful for this great set-up.
The pros of being in my co-ops outweigh the cons.
Pros:
1. I relieve myself of teaching an entire subject.
2. The girls get to take those classes in a group setting with hands on activities.
3. We are forced to organize our schedules to accommodate the classes which makes us more organized.
4. I get to talk to other adults on those days, and my kids get to hang out with other kids.
5. The kids get to be influenced by other adults of my choosing during co-op.
6. Being busy and out of the house 2 of 5 days helps us appreciate the quieter days at home.
7. If I wanted to, I could take some reading or handwork to do while I wait.
Cons:
1. I have to do a lot of 'sitting and waiting' which makes me a little antsy.
2. We come home fried.
3. I can't really think of many cons!
One co-op has been running for many years and is very well run. The second co-op is in its second year and is still trying to establish its foundation. In both co-ops parents have simple jobs that help things run smoothly such as basic cleaning up, helping teachers pack up, and running the reception table. Parent input in welcomed and we hire teachers to teach the classes. I like that my older children can take challenging classes to keep them engaged and working hard as they get into the higher grades.
In one co-op, the classes are offered only on Tuesday. You look at the schedule and sign up for as many classes as you want that day, and that is your co-op day. I like that it isn't spread out over many days. That way you aren't ruining your other 'home' days by having to pack up and leave for a few hours.
The other co-op offers classes on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday, but I chose to only take Wednesday classes because of the time it takes me to get there and get home. If it were closer I might consider taking a class on a different day, too, but as it is now, the whole round trip out makes us all tired.
The workload is very light on co-op days as far as what I expect from them at home. Math is done daily, and then I usually tack on some type of grammar or writing on co-op days. They can usually bring their work with them to do in their down hour so that they don't have too much to do when they get home.
All in all, I am so happy we have these options here. I didn't have this network while living in Plano. We were home all day every day unless I took them on a field trip. Here in Seattle I have a huge network just by being a member of these two groups. It's so good to be with moms of a similar mindset. We help each other work through decisions and issues while benefitting from each other's support. I'm really thankful for this great set-up.
this is a marble run made out of foam tube during physical science class
Sunday, November 3, 2013
and she reads!!!
It was an unexpected moment. Randomly this evening my not-yet-5-year old daughter came to me while I was preparing dinner in the kitchen. She was enthusiastically waving a little reader book from a box I keep in the school room saying "I know, Mom, let's read this one!" I glanced at it and saw that it was Book 7. We are still on Book 2 and going through phonics lessons very slowly and casually, so I told her we could look at it but that I wasn't sure she knew how to make all the sounds. Well, it felt like the right thing to do to leave the kitchen and go sit with her on the couch. After stumbling over some of those words I asked her to try Book 2. She nailed it! She sounded out and read a book all on her own. It was a surreal moment. She's the only child I actually taught how to read. My older three were in preschools and kindergartens, and I wasn't really paying attention. But now I am.
It felt like when your baby takes his first steps. You drop everything and keep doing it over and over and you're laughing and smiling and clapping. I couldn't believe she just floated into the kitchen like that out of the blue and BAM read a book. She's been putting many words together for a while now, but this was an official 'sit down and read a book'. She hasn't shown any interest in doing that yet. I am so proud and thankful for this little bonus that came to me at the end of today. I'd had a rough day, so this really, REALLY cheered me up.
This successes make me realize that all the little steps I take along the way are worthwhile. All the book reading, letter recognition, finger activities, and other games we play were so worth it. I love how natural and easy it is for her to become familiar with letter, words, and finally with reading.
She was so happy that she said she could read any book from the bookshelf! Well... ok, we're not quite there yet. Had to stick to our little readers.
It felt like when your baby takes his first steps. You drop everything and keep doing it over and over and you're laughing and smiling and clapping. I couldn't believe she just floated into the kitchen like that out of the blue and BAM read a book. She's been putting many words together for a while now, but this was an official 'sit down and read a book'. She hasn't shown any interest in doing that yet. I am so proud and thankful for this little bonus that came to me at the end of today. I'd had a rough day, so this really, REALLY cheered me up.
This successes make me realize that all the little steps I take along the way are worthwhile. All the book reading, letter recognition, finger activities, and other games we play were so worth it. I love how natural and easy it is for her to become familiar with letter, words, and finally with reading.
She was so happy that she said she could read any book from the bookshelf! Well... ok, we're not quite there yet. Had to stick to our little readers.
Friday, November 1, 2013
Friday recap
This school year has a nice rhythm and schedule that we've never had before. I'm enjoying the days we spend at home because they come after 3 days of being out of the house and running.
Today is Friday and is a 'stay at home' day. The girls and I (we are currently the homeschoolers) know it is a home day start the day with a calm tone. Today I put in a load of darks shortly after I got dressed, but not right away because I knew one of my kids wanted a morning shower. Breakfast wasn't rushed, and my youngest could take her time eating and getting herself dressed.
Luckily the two older girls got started pretty close to 8:00 on their first subject (always Math) while I tidied up the kitchen, straightened my hair, and helped the littlest with a fashion emergency (it happens).
I joined the schoolroom around 9am to make sure all was well. It was. Youngest One took down the October calendar so that we could change it over to November. She put the dates back up while naming the numbers and me showing her how they looked on the calendar. We then talked about the months, how her birthday month is next after November, and then she did the weather chart by pointing the arrow to 'cloudy' (big surprise for Seattle).
The older girls will be done with most of their independent work soon (plus some time with me during grammar), and then we'll get into an hour-long history lesson. I read aloud from The Story of the World and then we do map work, place events on a timeline, and read extra books I've already checked out from the library. After that we'll have lunch and then the girls will spend some time reading from the 'required reading' list (which I make).
We had been in the habit of attending Friday Prayers at the mosque, but we haven't been in a few weeks. One masjid is holding a later service at 3:30 to accommodate the school aged kids, so we went to that one time. The only down side is that it took half an hour to get there after spending 20 minutes picking up my son. So adding up travel time and prayer time, that outing took us 2 hours which kind of wore everyone to the point of crankiness late on a Friday afternoon... I'm not so encouraged to repeat that.
As for the remainder of the day, I made up some pizza dough for dinner tonight. I also cooked up some taco meat last night which I'll probably use for Saturday's lunch. Broccoli is also waiting in the fridge to be turned into soup.
Have a great day and take it easy.
Today is Friday and is a 'stay at home' day. The girls and I (we are currently the homeschoolers) know it is a home day start the day with a calm tone. Today I put in a load of darks shortly after I got dressed, but not right away because I knew one of my kids wanted a morning shower. Breakfast wasn't rushed, and my youngest could take her time eating and getting herself dressed.
Luckily the two older girls got started pretty close to 8:00 on their first subject (always Math) while I tidied up the kitchen, straightened my hair, and helped the littlest with a fashion emergency (it happens).
I joined the schoolroom around 9am to make sure all was well. It was. Youngest One took down the October calendar so that we could change it over to November. She put the dates back up while naming the numbers and me showing her how they looked on the calendar. We then talked about the months, how her birthday month is next after November, and then she did the weather chart by pointing the arrow to 'cloudy' (big surprise for Seattle).
Like I mentioned earlier, I like the predictable rhythms our weeks take this school year. On Fridays I can take care of household work, sit by the girls while they focus on work, and I can spend some good, quality time with the youngest in some educational interactions. I won't call them 'lessons' because they're not really that formal yet with her. She won't be 5 years old until the end of December, so we just talk about all things preschool such as colors, numbers, patterns, songs, stories, and letter recognition. I've been using a book called Teach Your Child to Read in 100 Easy Lessons, but in all honesty we've done all of 12 lessons since starting in July. How's that for laid back? She is learning how to read from exposure to letters and books, so this book is kind of a guide for me and not The Standard by which I must sit my 4 year old down and drill daily. She actually read an entire Bob Book today with little help from me, so something is working.The older girls will be done with most of their independent work soon (plus some time with me during grammar), and then we'll get into an hour-long history lesson. I read aloud from The Story of the World and then we do map work, place events on a timeline, and read extra books I've already checked out from the library. After that we'll have lunch and then the girls will spend some time reading from the 'required reading' list (which I make).
We had been in the habit of attending Friday Prayers at the mosque, but we haven't been in a few weeks. One masjid is holding a later service at 3:30 to accommodate the school aged kids, so we went to that one time. The only down side is that it took half an hour to get there after spending 20 minutes picking up my son. So adding up travel time and prayer time, that outing took us 2 hours which kind of wore everyone to the point of crankiness late on a Friday afternoon... I'm not so encouraged to repeat that.
As for the remainder of the day, I made up some pizza dough for dinner tonight. I also cooked up some taco meat last night which I'll probably use for Saturday's lunch. Broccoli is also waiting in the fridge to be turned into soup.
Have a great day and take it easy.
Thursday, August 22, 2013
Potato Casserole
Sometimes we're fortunate enough in this short life to find comfort and joy in simple things. For me, today, that simple thing is a potato casserole that could always be found on the table at family gatherings at my grandparents' house. I think it's my uncle's wife who made it first, but the recipe was shared and so the dish found its way into more and more homes.
My family is not so big on potatoes, but my friend's family more than makes up for what we lack in love for the root vegetable! Small disclaimer: this is not health food! It's a guilty indulgence that happens to feed a crowd very well with little effort. The main ingredient, the potatoes, can be easily found in the freezer section of the grocery store. For anyone wanting to cut their own potatoes, it's a small dice you're looking for. Little cubes. Here's the recipe. Share it, love it, and enjoy. (and feel free to make healthier substitutions where you can)
Potato Casserole
Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.
Mix the following in a large bowl:
32 oz (2lbs) Southern Style Frozen Hash Browns
16 oz Sour Cream
10 oz grated sharp cheddar cheese (about 2 cups)
1/2 cup chopped onion
1 can cream of mushroom soup
Spread into a 9 * 12 baking dish.
Melt 1 stick of butter (8oz). Add to the melted butter 2 cups Corn Flakes that have been crushed/crumbled and then spread on top of the potatoes.
Bake at 350 for an hour.
A quick search for "potato casserole" on any recipe site (like www.allrecipes.com) will yield many variations on this recipe.
Click HERE for a printable version.
My family is not so big on potatoes, but my friend's family more than makes up for what we lack in love for the root vegetable! Small disclaimer: this is not health food! It's a guilty indulgence that happens to feed a crowd very well with little effort. The main ingredient, the potatoes, can be easily found in the freezer section of the grocery store. For anyone wanting to cut their own potatoes, it's a small dice you're looking for. Little cubes. Here's the recipe. Share it, love it, and enjoy. (and feel free to make healthier substitutions where you can)
Potato Casserole
Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.
Mix the following in a large bowl:
32 oz (2lbs) Southern Style Frozen Hash Browns
16 oz Sour Cream
10 oz grated sharp cheddar cheese (about 2 cups)
1/2 cup chopped onion
1 can cream of mushroom soup
Spread into a 9 * 12 baking dish.
Melt 1 stick of butter (8oz). Add to the melted butter 2 cups Corn Flakes that have been crushed/crumbled and then spread on top of the potatoes.
Bake at 350 for an hour.
A quick search for "potato casserole" on any recipe site (like www.allrecipes.com) will yield many variations on this recipe.
Click HERE for a printable version.
Friday, August 16, 2013
Crock Pot and Arabic Food
I started using a crock pot, aka slow cooker, only a few years ago. I quickly noticed that most of the recipes for this appliance were full of canned foods, packets of seasonings, processed cheeses (lots and lots of it). The meals were very typical "American" foods like shredded ____ (insert type of meat) from which you'd make tacos or sandwiches. Others were for pots full of noodles, cream, cheese, milk, butter, and maybe some meat. It was looking gross.
I've figured out a few things I can make successfully in the crock pot without compromising the quality of the meal. And on top of that, I've figured out how to make a few Arabic dishes in there too! And that's the main idea about today's post is to share with my friends how to use the crock pot to prepare some of the Arabic foods I've adapted for the crock pot.
The first one is easy; it's a boneless leg of lamb. This is especially convenient for days when company is coming because the oven is free for your veggies or other side dishes.
Leg of Lamb:
Rinse and trim fat off of one leg of lamb (3-5lb).
Season with salt, pepper, garlic salt, and no more than 1/2tsp of allspice.
Sear the lamb in a hot skillet.
Transfer to a cold crock pot. Add 1/4 - 1/2 cup water to pot.
Turn it on High for an hour or two and then turn it to low for the remainder of the time.
4-5 hours of total cook time is usually perfect. If you have a leg smaller than 3 lbs then cook it 3 hours, but the ones that are 4-5lbs can go 4-5 hours.
On a busy school day last year I decided to try prepping for the eggplant dish called Musa'ka and to put in the crockpot rather than have to bake it in the oven for 30-40 minutes. I wanted to dish to be ready when we got home from being out all day rather than come home and have to preheat the oven and bake the dish. It worked!
I made my ground beef, onion, green pepper and tomato paste mix. I broiled the sliced eggplant under the broiler and lightly salted them. Then I sprayed the crockpot with a nonstick spray and put the eggplant in. After that I poured in the meat/onion/tomato mixture in. You don't need to add extra water because the lid keeps the steam in. And that is it. I put it on low and it was plenty warm when we returned home 4 hours later. If you like to top your Musa'ka with a béchamel sauce then this might not give a great result, however, I have read recipes where they say to take the lid off for 30 minutes at the end to allow cheese to cook up and not be gooey.
And finally, I made a great pot of Fasulieh bizZeit (green beans in olive oil) last night.
Green beans in oil:
Wash and trim 1.5 lbs green beans (I'm totally estimating on the amount. I had a Ziploc bag full of beans from my neighbor's garden, so I just used all that up)
Snap the beans into smaller pieces and set aside.
Pour 2-3 Tbsp olive oil in the crock pot.
Slice a medium onion and put over the oil. Chop a large tomato or 2-3 smaller ones and put over the onions.
Now put all the beans over the onions and tomatoes. Sprinkle with a 1/2 teaspoon of sugar and a teaspoon of salt.
I cooked on high for 4 hours. Results were fantastic.
I don't have any picture to post right now, but if I snap one I'll come back and add it.
Try some of your dishes in the crock pot and see if it can work for you!
I've figured out a few things I can make successfully in the crock pot without compromising the quality of the meal. And on top of that, I've figured out how to make a few Arabic dishes in there too! And that's the main idea about today's post is to share with my friends how to use the crock pot to prepare some of the Arabic foods I've adapted for the crock pot.
The first one is easy; it's a boneless leg of lamb. This is especially convenient for days when company is coming because the oven is free for your veggies or other side dishes.
Leg of Lamb:
Rinse and trim fat off of one leg of lamb (3-5lb).
Season with salt, pepper, garlic salt, and no more than 1/2tsp of allspice.
Sear the lamb in a hot skillet.
Transfer to a cold crock pot. Add 1/4 - 1/2 cup water to pot.
Turn it on High for an hour or two and then turn it to low for the remainder of the time.
4-5 hours of total cook time is usually perfect. If you have a leg smaller than 3 lbs then cook it 3 hours, but the ones that are 4-5lbs can go 4-5 hours.
On a busy school day last year I decided to try prepping for the eggplant dish called Musa'ka and to put in the crockpot rather than have to bake it in the oven for 30-40 minutes. I wanted to dish to be ready when we got home from being out all day rather than come home and have to preheat the oven and bake the dish. It worked!
I made my ground beef, onion, green pepper and tomato paste mix. I broiled the sliced eggplant under the broiler and lightly salted them. Then I sprayed the crockpot with a nonstick spray and put the eggplant in. After that I poured in the meat/onion/tomato mixture in. You don't need to add extra water because the lid keeps the steam in. And that is it. I put it on low and it was plenty warm when we returned home 4 hours later. If you like to top your Musa'ka with a béchamel sauce then this might not give a great result, however, I have read recipes where they say to take the lid off for 30 minutes at the end to allow cheese to cook up and not be gooey.
And finally, I made a great pot of Fasulieh bizZeit (green beans in olive oil) last night.
Green beans in oil:
Wash and trim 1.5 lbs green beans (I'm totally estimating on the amount. I had a Ziploc bag full of beans from my neighbor's garden, so I just used all that up)
Snap the beans into smaller pieces and set aside.
Pour 2-3 Tbsp olive oil in the crock pot.
Slice a medium onion and put over the oil. Chop a large tomato or 2-3 smaller ones and put over the onions.
Now put all the beans over the onions and tomatoes. Sprinkle with a 1/2 teaspoon of sugar and a teaspoon of salt.
I cooked on high for 4 hours. Results were fantastic.
I don't have any picture to post right now, but if I snap one I'll come back and add it.
Try some of your dishes in the crock pot and see if it can work for you!
Monday, March 25, 2013
Chicken Salad
Tasty Chicken Salad
4 chicken breasts, cooked and shredded or cubed
3 green onions sliced thinly
handful of pecans, chopped
craisins to taste (if desired)
2 or 3 celery stalks, chopped
3 Tbsp mayonnaise
3 Tbsp plain yogurt
Season with 1/4-1/2 tsp curry powder, salt and pepper.
You could just do the mayo and curry if you're not into the extras!
4 chicken breasts, cooked and shredded or cubed
3 green onions sliced thinly
handful of pecans, chopped
craisins to taste (if desired)
2 or 3 celery stalks, chopped
3 Tbsp mayonnaise
3 Tbsp plain yogurt
Season with 1/4-1/2 tsp curry powder, salt and pepper.
You could just do the mayo and curry if you're not into the extras!
Taco Soup
This is a pretty standard taco soup recipe, but I'm posting it for those following some of my other posts.
1lb ground beef
1 onion, chopped
(brown those two in a skillet)
Add a packet of taco seasoning or make your own
(at this point you can put this and the following ingredients into a crock pot, or you can cook stove top)
Add:
1 can pinto beans
1 can kidney beans
1 can hominy
1 can Ro-Tel (diced tomatoes with chiles)
2 cans diced tomatoes
1 package of Hidden Valley Ranch Dressing
1 cup water
Let this simmer on the stove or in a crockpot for a while. It will taste great for a few days. Serve with many garnishes such as cheddar cheese, sour cream, chips, hot sauce, cilantro, or cornbread.
1lb ground beef
1 onion, chopped
(brown those two in a skillet)
Add a packet of taco seasoning or make your own
(at this point you can put this and the following ingredients into a crock pot, or you can cook stove top)
Add:
1 can pinto beans
1 can kidney beans
1 can hominy
1 can Ro-Tel (diced tomatoes with chiles)
2 cans diced tomatoes
1 package of Hidden Valley Ranch Dressing
1 cup water
Let this simmer on the stove or in a crockpot for a while. It will taste great for a few days. Serve with many garnishes such as cheddar cheese, sour cream, chips, hot sauce, cilantro, or cornbread.
A few meal amendments in March
I didn't make a monthly meal plan in March on purpose. I had a lot of overflow from January and February that I hadn't gotten around to making, so I was loosely using those meals as guides.
In the meantime, I've come across a really neat website which has given me so many new ideas!! All this access to information is great and tiresome at the same time. I want to try new things, I try to fit them into my busy days, I compare them to other things I used to make and do.... sometimes "simpler" might be better! So here are a few new things I've tried that have also improved the supply and quality of food in my home.
* boil a couple of dozen eggs on a Sunday and keep in the fridge for snacks or breakfasts
* bake 8-10 chicken breasts plainly seasoned. shred 3-5 of them and make a chicken salad. slice the rest or cube and freeze or keep in fridge for casseroles, fajitas, or soups.
* make a pot of chili with 2lbs of beef. freeze half and keep the rest for lunches or dinners. this also works for taco soup for a variety.
* wash a few head of the romaine hearts, dry, and keep in ziploc to make salad prep easier. you could also slice up some veggies, just not too many in advance.
These few ideas helped me a lot in the last two weeks, and that along with some meal planning have kept things moving along smoothly. I might try to simplify the actual cooking for the month of May, so I will hopefully make a thoughtful post on that later on.
This is the great website from where I've gotten ideas, recipes, and inspiration! I follow her on facebook and love to see what she packs for her kids' lunches! I even bought some lunch boxes like the ones she uses because they're just too cool. This recipe for granola bars lasts very little here. Over half of it will disappear within 24 hours, masha'Allah, and the rest soon follows. I've made it 3 times just this month.
I hope I can pass along just some of this excitement in making food planning easier on those of us who are in the thick of it. My growing children need the benefit of wholesome foods, and of a good balance of protein vs. carbs. It takes planning and dedication, but I do believe it is very worth it!
In the meantime, I've come across a really neat website which has given me so many new ideas!! All this access to information is great and tiresome at the same time. I want to try new things, I try to fit them into my busy days, I compare them to other things I used to make and do.... sometimes "simpler" might be better! So here are a few new things I've tried that have also improved the supply and quality of food in my home.
* boil a couple of dozen eggs on a Sunday and keep in the fridge for snacks or breakfasts
* bake 8-10 chicken breasts plainly seasoned. shred 3-5 of them and make a chicken salad. slice the rest or cube and freeze or keep in fridge for casseroles, fajitas, or soups.
* make a pot of chili with 2lbs of beef. freeze half and keep the rest for lunches or dinners. this also works for taco soup for a variety.
* wash a few head of the romaine hearts, dry, and keep in ziploc to make salad prep easier. you could also slice up some veggies, just not too many in advance.
These few ideas helped me a lot in the last two weeks, and that along with some meal planning have kept things moving along smoothly. I might try to simplify the actual cooking for the month of May, so I will hopefully make a thoughtful post on that later on.
This is the great website from where I've gotten ideas, recipes, and inspiration! I follow her on facebook and love to see what she packs for her kids' lunches! I even bought some lunch boxes like the ones she uses because they're just too cool. This recipe for granola bars lasts very little here. Over half of it will disappear within 24 hours, masha'Allah, and the rest soon follows. I've made it 3 times just this month.
I hope I can pass along just some of this excitement in making food planning easier on those of us who are in the thick of it. My growing children need the benefit of wholesome foods, and of a good balance of protein vs. carbs. It takes planning and dedication, but I do believe it is very worth it!
Sunday, March 10, 2013
Seasons
Here we are again with the changing of seasons. It gets me every time. As if I weren't expecting it. As if it were a party I forgot I was going to, but somehow I arrived there and found myself not ready. Not ready, but I'm still glad I'm there, and not to worry, I can just be ready in a minute.
A new season comes and I wonder how I can let go of the way I've been living day in and day out for a whole new way. Will I get used to the longer days? Won't I miss the cozy, dark days I've grown accustomed to? After all, I had to get used to that a few months ago and feel quite happy about it right now. How can we shift our activities and routines suddenly?? I'm not ready! This means digging out different clothes, shoes, and accessories of all sorts. It means putting away the snow clothes, snow boots, gloves, and hats for wind breakers, gardening gloves, bike helmets, and flip flops. It means eating dinner when it is still light outside... heck, it means doing EVERYTHING when it is still light outside because by June, it will still be light at 9:30 at night!
After some reflecting, I was able to tie in to this cycle a different cycle. It's the cycle of prayer times in one day. Similar to the seasons, the times of prayer change with the amount of sunlight hitting the earth. So, in the shorter days of the year the prayer times are very close together. In the longer days of the year, the prayer times are very spread out. Just as I feel I'm not ready for spring, I feel like I'm not ready for the widely-spaced prayer times. I wonder how I can let go of the way I've been living day in and day out for a whole new way. Will I get used to the longer days? Won't I miss the cozy, dark days I've grown accustomed to? After all, I had to get used to that a few months ago and feel quite happy about it right now. How can we shift our prayer times so drastically??
But we do. The seasons change and the days change. And our routines and activities change. And this is a good thing. It makes us pay attention. Old routines need to catch up and adjust. Hopefully it's a chance to refresh, to ditch a bad habit, to start a good habit, or to just enjoy the variety that God has given us in bounty.
I think this kind of change is testimony to the fact that while humans are in need of change, we are also in need of rhythm. The seasons, mercifully, are only four, and they do cycle back. We can anticipate what is to come (rhythm), and we can benefit from its going (change).
Now let's hope I can wake up on time tomorrow since we moved the clocks forward!
A new season comes and I wonder how I can let go of the way I've been living day in and day out for a whole new way. Will I get used to the longer days? Won't I miss the cozy, dark days I've grown accustomed to? After all, I had to get used to that a few months ago and feel quite happy about it right now. How can we shift our activities and routines suddenly?? I'm not ready! This means digging out different clothes, shoes, and accessories of all sorts. It means putting away the snow clothes, snow boots, gloves, and hats for wind breakers, gardening gloves, bike helmets, and flip flops. It means eating dinner when it is still light outside... heck, it means doing EVERYTHING when it is still light outside because by June, it will still be light at 9:30 at night!
After some reflecting, I was able to tie in to this cycle a different cycle. It's the cycle of prayer times in one day. Similar to the seasons, the times of prayer change with the amount of sunlight hitting the earth. So, in the shorter days of the year the prayer times are very close together. In the longer days of the year, the prayer times are very spread out. Just as I feel I'm not ready for spring, I feel like I'm not ready for the widely-spaced prayer times. I wonder how I can let go of the way I've been living day in and day out for a whole new way. Will I get used to the longer days? Won't I miss the cozy, dark days I've grown accustomed to? After all, I had to get used to that a few months ago and feel quite happy about it right now. How can we shift our prayer times so drastically??
But we do. The seasons change and the days change. And our routines and activities change. And this is a good thing. It makes us pay attention. Old routines need to catch up and adjust. Hopefully it's a chance to refresh, to ditch a bad habit, to start a good habit, or to just enjoy the variety that God has given us in bounty.
I think this kind of change is testimony to the fact that while humans are in need of change, we are also in need of rhythm. The seasons, mercifully, are only four, and they do cycle back. We can anticipate what is to come (rhythm), and we can benefit from its going (change).
Now let's hope I can wake up on time tomorrow since we moved the clocks forward!
Sunday, February 10, 2013
My Uses with Coconut Oil
It's no secret that coconut is a great oil and fat to have in your diet. A simple google search will yield enough articles and blog posts to support and affirm the goodness. I had fun this afternoon going through this lady's blog reading how she makes lotion bars and deodorant bars. (I personally just apply the coconut oil directly on my skin for deodorant and am not sure why I'd need the baking soda and arrowroot powder).
I've been trying to have a teaspoon or two daily, and I'm mostly only able to get it into my coffee. And one batch of popcorn.
I've bought mine from amazon.com and it is this kind. That is a good price and better than what I found locally. I keep one in my bathroom and one in the kitchen. I've also scooped some out into a little container to keep next to a bathtub.
So here's my short list of how I've been using it and how I hope to use it in the near future:
1. as a deodorant straight out of the tub
2. as a facial moisturizer
3. on my hands, arms, and legs as a moisturizer
4. a tiny bit on my palms and then smooth down frizzy hair
5. one teaspoon in cup of coffee
6. use to pop popcorn
7. spread on toast
8. stir fry vegetables
9. fried an egg in it (not so good)
10. one teaspoon in a cup of tea
11. oil pulling see here for tips and sources
How are you using it?
I've been trying to have a teaspoon or two daily, and I'm mostly only able to get it into my coffee. And one batch of popcorn.
I've bought mine from amazon.com and it is this kind. That is a good price and better than what I found locally. I keep one in my bathroom and one in the kitchen. I've also scooped some out into a little container to keep next to a bathtub.
So here's my short list of how I've been using it and how I hope to use it in the near future:
1. as a deodorant straight out of the tub
2. as a facial moisturizer
3. on my hands, arms, and legs as a moisturizer
4. a tiny bit on my palms and then smooth down frizzy hair
5. one teaspoon in cup of coffee
6. use to pop popcorn
7. spread on toast
8. stir fry vegetables
9. fried an egg in it (not so good)
10. one teaspoon in a cup of tea
11. oil pulling see here for tips and sources
How are you using it?
Tuesday, February 5, 2013
Free Grammar Texts: all grades
If you're looking for a school book style of grammar, here are some links to two well known textbooks. Pick your level and print... voila. Free.
Scott Foresman Reading and
McGraw-Hill
Scott Foresman Reading and
McGraw-Hill
Tuesday, January 29, 2013
Easy Peasy Free Homeschool Resource
I like to pass along useful freebies when I can...
http://allinonehomeschool.wordpress.com/
You can use this resource in so many ways, even if you do not homeschool. There are reading lists and words of guidance and encouragement.
Have a look!
http://allinonehomeschool.wordpress.com/
You can use this resource in so many ways, even if you do not homeschool. There are reading lists and words of guidance and encouragement.
Have a look!
Saturday, January 26, 2013
Carrot Soup (or Sweet Potato)
Here's the recipe to a delicious, invigorating, nourishing soup. I thank my mom for the recipe.
Carrot Soup (or Sweet Potato Soup)
1/2 of a large onion, chopped
1" fresh ginger, peeled and finely chopped
2 tsp curry powder
1/4 cup rice
2T oil
3-4 sweet potatoes or 2lbs carrots, peeled and cubed
10 cups water or chicken broth
Saute onion and ginger till translucent. Add rice and curry; stir one minute. Add carrots (or potatoes) and broth. Simmer for about half an hour and then puree till smooth.
I wish I had a picture.
Carrot Soup (or Sweet Potato Soup)
1/2 of a large onion, chopped
1" fresh ginger, peeled and finely chopped
2 tsp curry powder
1/4 cup rice
2T oil
3-4 sweet potatoes or 2lbs carrots, peeled and cubed
10 cups water or chicken broth
Saute onion and ginger till translucent. Add rice and curry; stir one minute. Add carrots (or potatoes) and broth. Simmer for about half an hour and then puree till smooth.
I wish I had a picture.
A huge boost to morale
As many of my readers know, I am a 'regular' on the Well Trained Mind forums. It is there I've learned about new curriculum, new tricks, how to better manage my time, energy, and meals, and how to be a better homeschooler. It's the book of the same name that gave me the confidence I needed to commit to homeschooling, and the forums have provided tremendous support. The other day I opened up a topic that quickly caught my attention and brought tears to my eyes. It was just exactly what I needed to hear at that moment in time subhanAllah. I asked the poster if I could quote her, so here are her words... and she prefaced this all by talking about how 'not-perfect' she is, the normalness of her daily life. She goes by Valerie. Here is what she said:
"So now that we've established the "don't think I'm a supermom" context, here's my point: the "grunt work," the mind-numbing repetition of the essential skills, the patient and kind persistence in correcting until a skill is mastered, the effort put forth to ensure that their mental banks are well-stocked with needed facts, dates, and contextual data--all that effort is worth it for the eventual pay-off.
Please, oh please, do whatever you need to do to get through that part and move on with your day.
If you need to, set a timer and agree to book (i.e., run, sprint) through that skill-building work, and then when the timer is done, you're done: JUST DO IT. It will be enough if you do it consistently and with enough of a good attitude to enable learning. Take small steps day after day after day, month by month, year by year, and you'll get the job done.
Make time, too, for joy in your day: 30 minutes of a read aloud, 15 minutes of a tickle fight, making a habit of drawing a quick "I love you" on a small palm, a popsicle together, falling asleep with the toddler's sweaty head in the crook of your arm--find your joy with your children each day. Do that for yourself and for them. You'll be teaching them the essence of love: we're in this together, the good and the bad, the hard and the fun, the work and the play.
When you get to have big kids, even teens, you will reap the reward. Yes, some will have to "go their own way", whether it is related to academics or not, and they'll cause us to develop callouses on our knees.
But if you are still homeschooling, you may get the reward of studying George Herbert poetry together and watching your strapping 17 year-old man-cub get a bit misty at the mystery of Christ's righteousness enfolding us. The reward might be watching the lightbulb moment when that same teen studies Clarence Carson on economics and exclaims, "Mom, have guys really been talking about the free market since the 1600s?" He's beginning to understand in a visceral way--not just head knowledge--what it means to join The Great Conversation. And, if you have an early bloomer, you might have three or four years of that kind of mind-to-mind engagement, watching a beautiful, inquisitive young mind unfold and mature into something unique and delightful. Just as young parents can't bear the thought of having someone else be there for their baby's precious firsts, I can't imagine missing out on the joy of this journey with my teens. I'm privileged beyond measure.
Dear moms engaged in the trenches with little ones: I wish you peace and strength for today. I know you will need it. But I'm going to go all Stephen Covey on you: please reserve one ounce of strength for yourself to remember your dreams for your journey with each child. Or do it in your dreams after you've collapsed into bed. : )"
"So now that we've established the "don't think I'm a supermom" context, here's my point: the "grunt work," the mind-numbing repetition of the essential skills, the patient and kind persistence in correcting until a skill is mastered, the effort put forth to ensure that their mental banks are well-stocked with needed facts, dates, and contextual data--all that effort is worth it for the eventual pay-off.
Please, oh please, do whatever you need to do to get through that part and move on with your day.
If you need to, set a timer and agree to book (i.e., run, sprint) through that skill-building work, and then when the timer is done, you're done: JUST DO IT. It will be enough if you do it consistently and with enough of a good attitude to enable learning. Take small steps day after day after day, month by month, year by year, and you'll get the job done.
Make time, too, for joy in your day: 30 minutes of a read aloud, 15 minutes of a tickle fight, making a habit of drawing a quick "I love you" on a small palm, a popsicle together, falling asleep with the toddler's sweaty head in the crook of your arm--find your joy with your children each day. Do that for yourself and for them. You'll be teaching them the essence of love: we're in this together, the good and the bad, the hard and the fun, the work and the play.
When you get to have big kids, even teens, you will reap the reward. Yes, some will have to "go their own way", whether it is related to academics or not, and they'll cause us to develop callouses on our knees.
But if you are still homeschooling, you may get the reward of studying George Herbert poetry together and watching your strapping 17 year-old man-cub get a bit misty at the mystery of Christ's righteousness enfolding us. The reward might be watching the lightbulb moment when that same teen studies Clarence Carson on economics and exclaims, "Mom, have guys really been talking about the free market since the 1600s?" He's beginning to understand in a visceral way--not just head knowledge--what it means to join The Great Conversation. And, if you have an early bloomer, you might have three or four years of that kind of mind-to-mind engagement, watching a beautiful, inquisitive young mind unfold and mature into something unique and delightful. Just as young parents can't bear the thought of having someone else be there for their baby's precious firsts, I can't imagine missing out on the joy of this journey with my teens. I'm privileged beyond measure.
Dear moms engaged in the trenches with little ones: I wish you peace and strength for today. I know you will need it. But I'm going to go all Stephen Covey on you: please reserve one ounce of strength for yourself to remember your dreams for your journey with each child. Or do it in your dreams after you've collapsed into bed. : )"
February Meal Plan
Side note: I always make sides, so just because they're not listed doesn't mean we don't eat greens.
February Meal Plan
1.
Hamburgers
Friday
2.
Koshari
3.
Grilled Salmon, veggies, rice
4.
Shepherd’s Pie
5.
Broccoli Soup w/ Cornbread Tue
6.
Broiled Chicken, Veggies
7.
Crockpot: BBQ Zesty Chicken Thurs
8.
Lentil Curry
Friday
9.
Kafta Waraq
10.
Roast Leg of Lamb Sunday
11.
Whole roasted chicken in crockpot, salad, rice
12.
Molokhieh (when Abed is travelling) Tuesday
13.
Mujaddara
14.
Chicken Paprika
Thursday
15.
Kafta Balls with veggies Friday
16.
Chicken Nuggets in skillet Saturday
17.
Malfoof
Sunday
18.
Musaka
19.
Fasulia, Rice
Tuesday
20.
Chicken Burgers
21.
Broccoli Rice Casserole Thursday
22.
Baked potatoes
Friday
23.
Roast chicken pieces, potatoes, carrots, any
other veggie Saturday
24.
Spaghetti and Sauce, Salad
25.
Roasted veggies over pasta
26.
Italian chicken with rice (crockpot)
27.
Sloppy Joes
28.
Curried chickpeas, rice
this is a picture of my rice cooker with an attempt at making makloobeh in it. i cooked the meat separately, oven-fried the eggplant separately, then combined everything in the rice cooker to cook. it turned out great! (makloobeh wasn't even on my january meal plan)
Tuesday, January 15, 2013
Day 15's Crock Pot dinner
Right in the middle of my monthly meal experiment and things are going swimmingly. Even though I'm not going in the exact order of the list, I am still following it along. Yesterday I made the meatloaf that was originally slotted for the 9th, and today I got out the chicken leg quarters for the BBQ Chicken Pieces in Crockpot which was for day 10. The leftovers of the meatloaf went to work with my husband, and we still have a little bit left.
When I was ready to assemble the meal, I realized I was going to use a new recipe for this BBQ chicken in the crock pot, but I couldn't remember where I saw it. I started looking things up on my pinterest board and on the homeschool forums I frequent (and from where I got this terrific idea). I couldn't find it. But that was OK with me because I know my family has had enough BBQ flavored food (they're not hot on it in the first place), so I browsed pinterest (more specifically, the blog of the lady who cooked for 365 days in her crockpot) and decided to sprinkle the leg quarters with a packet of dry italian salad dressing like this one:
I added a little more garlic powder and onion powder, about a cup of water, and turned it on high. Once it started to smell good (not longer than an hour later) I decided to put some veggies in. I put some cut carrots (like 6 big carrots since my peeps like 'em). I walked out to the garage where I have a big bag of reddish potatoes from Costco sitting in the cool temperature and grabbed only 3 of those because my peeps aren't so in to those. So I just cut those up in big pieces and threw them in. Then I whipped out my new BFF, remember who that is, yes, my rice cooker! Set that baby up for 6:40pm and got ready to head out for the afternoon. Oh, my 10yr old and I made a tray of brownies first, so we all had a little yummy snack before finally walking out the door. :)
Verdict: the chicken was falling off the bone when we got home at 7pm. Rice was steaming hot. The seasonings and spices were fantastic and we all loved it. I used two forks to take the meat off the bone, but I did not add it back to the crockpot. I kept it on the side and then we just served the rice, then chicken, and a spoon of the saucy vegetables. It was great, and I'll make it again.
Saturday, January 12, 2013
Day 12 of Monthly Meal Plan
Last week was our first week back to the full school routine, and I wasn't sure if the January Meal Plan was going to be stressful or a relief. It turned out to be a relief. I wasn't burdened with not having the right meat or veggie to complete a meal, nor was I stumped trying to decide what to make. On the contrary, I made good use of small pockets of time here and there to prepare the ingredients that I would finally assemble at the end of the day.
What ended up being a tremendous help is my rice cooker with timer. I set it up with rice and it was ready at dinner time. I used the crock pot a lot, too, and I even prepared the Musa'ka like I normally would (all parts separate) but assembled it into the slow cooker and turned it on before leaving the house for the afternoon. It was warm and bubbly for dinner, and the rice cooked on the timer and was ready too.
A huge bonus, too, was that my husband was able to take lunch to work from our leftovers. He was very happy about that, and so was I, actually!
Making the grocery lists was easy this weekend. I didn't buy anything I didn't need, and I was confident in what the plan was. Our weekly schedule changed from what I expected it to be, so I won't need Thursdays to be crock pot nights like I thought I would. Now I'll need Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday to be crock pot nights! It's been easy to arrange for that, though, because I can also put my oven on a timed bake and have it turn on and off on a timer. (thank you automation!)
So, all in all, the list is working out well. I've been going in order, mostly, with just a switcheroo here and there. When I made the list I didn't pay much attention to the distribution of chicken and beef, but now I see that I have a some days where it is beef, beef, and then beef. So if I do this for February I will be a little more careful about that. Also, don't forget that I plan on some type of salad and/or side veggie to go along with the dinners.
I've enjoyed this experiment, and I hope it's encouraged any of my readers to find a way to simplify their routines or to at least make them easier!
What ended up being a tremendous help is my rice cooker with timer. I set it up with rice and it was ready at dinner time. I used the crock pot a lot, too, and I even prepared the Musa'ka like I normally would (all parts separate) but assembled it into the slow cooker and turned it on before leaving the house for the afternoon. It was warm and bubbly for dinner, and the rice cooked on the timer and was ready too.
A huge bonus, too, was that my husband was able to take lunch to work from our leftovers. He was very happy about that, and so was I, actually!
Making the grocery lists was easy this weekend. I didn't buy anything I didn't need, and I was confident in what the plan was. Our weekly schedule changed from what I expected it to be, so I won't need Thursdays to be crock pot nights like I thought I would. Now I'll need Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday to be crock pot nights! It's been easy to arrange for that, though, because I can also put my oven on a timed bake and have it turn on and off on a timer. (thank you automation!)
So, all in all, the list is working out well. I've been going in order, mostly, with just a switcheroo here and there. When I made the list I didn't pay much attention to the distribution of chicken and beef, but now I see that I have a some days where it is beef, beef, and then beef. So if I do this for February I will be a little more careful about that. Also, don't forget that I plan on some type of salad and/or side veggie to go along with the dinners.
I've enjoyed this experiment, and I hope it's encouraged any of my readers to find a way to simplify their routines or to at least make them easier!
Friday, January 4, 2013
Day 4 : Shepherd's Pie
Dutifully following along, today was Shepherd's Pie. I've made something similar only once before, so this is almost the first time I've ever made this. Thanks to the plan, the ingredients were ready to roll this morning. I assembled the dish... here is a peek:
I covered it, put it in the fridge, and left the house till almost 5pm. Popped in the oven for an hour, and dinner was ready. What I didn't tell you earlier is that I also chopped up a big green salad this morning and kept IT in the fridge (tomatoes separate, of course) until dinner time. Here is the after (I do not even pretend one of those glamour bloggers with gorgeously-lit dishes on clean surfaces with the afternoon sun artistically streaming in through the window... you get my kitchen counter.)
I think we should have sufficient leftovers to cover for tomorrow. I'll take that time to prep a little for the following day and for anything coming up during the next week. We'll see how this pressure holds up once I start back to homeschool on Monday.
This whole 'plan' is an experiment to see if it will help me or not. What I might try next month is, let's use Sheperd's Pie for example, make two of them at one time and either freeze one for later, or keep it to bake the next day. Then I could freeze those leftovers. It will be more clear after another week or two.
I think we should have sufficient leftovers to cover for tomorrow. I'll take that time to prep a little for the following day and for anything coming up during the next week. We'll see how this pressure holds up once I start back to homeschool on Monday.
This whole 'plan' is an experiment to see if it will help me or not. What I might try next month is, let's use Sheperd's Pie for example, make two of them at one time and either freeze one for later, or keep it to bake the next day. Then I could freeze those leftovers. It will be more clear after another week or two.
Thursday, January 3, 2013
Day 3 Meal Plan
So here we are on day 3. I learned my lesson from the frozen chicken fiasco yesterday and pulled out the beef for stew yesterday for today (at the same time I took out the chicken). It was ready to go this morning, and since I knew I'd be out of the house from 10am-6pm I got to work while still sipping my first cup of coffee (this is not something I like to do, but it was an unusual circumstance).
I cooked up the beef stew in the pressure cooker and had it cooling around 9am. Before I left the house I set up the rice in my new rice cooker (my new BFF), and I pulled out the beloved crock pot.
In it I put a bag of frozen french style green beans, 2 Tbsp tomato paste, and all the broth from the meat I just cooked. I shook in a little garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper, closed the lid, and set it to low. I put the meat in a bowl in the fridge since it didn't need to be sitting in the crock pot all day. I popped in the house for about 1 minute around 4:10pm at which time the meat got dumped into the crockpot to warm it up in time for dinner.
Side note: my husband went home around lunchtime while I was not there, so I asked him to set the crock pot to "warm" instead of "low" because I know it cooks too hot. I will probably do that again when I will be gone that many hours with the crock pot since it really doesn't need to be on 'low'.
One glitch in today's dinner.... turns out my rice cooker is on a 24 hour clock and not a 12 hour one. So when I set the timer to be ready at 6:00, it was thinking AM and I was thinking PM. Silly rice cooker..... I got a phone call from my husband who was home (while I was not) asking me what's up with the rice. It was 6:08 (pm, haha) and it sure didn't look like it was ready. I was bummed, but we both laughed when we realized the mess-up. He was able to successfully press the "Cooking" button which activated the rice making magic, and we ate a hot meal eventually, just not at 6:00, or should I say, not at 18:00.
Look at the picture. Again, notice how un-messy the kitchen is? Nice. Alhamdullah, the food tasted great, and leftovers will be going to work with my husband tomorrow. I was able to get a few ingredients prepped for tomorrow night's dinner which I will assemble after breakfast tomorrow and bake once I get home at 4:00 insha'Allah. Nope, I'm not telling what the dish is (ok, you could scroll down and read my other blog entry), but I will say it won't be in the crock pot. Are you relieved?
I cooked up the beef stew in the pressure cooker and had it cooling around 9am. Before I left the house I set up the rice in my new rice cooker (my new BFF), and I pulled out the beloved crock pot.
In it I put a bag of frozen french style green beans, 2 Tbsp tomato paste, and all the broth from the meat I just cooked. I shook in a little garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper, closed the lid, and set it to low. I put the meat in a bowl in the fridge since it didn't need to be sitting in the crock pot all day. I popped in the house for about 1 minute around 4:10pm at which time the meat got dumped into the crockpot to warm it up in time for dinner.
Side note: my husband went home around lunchtime while I was not there, so I asked him to set the crock pot to "warm" instead of "low" because I know it cooks too hot. I will probably do that again when I will be gone that many hours with the crock pot since it really doesn't need to be on 'low'.
One glitch in today's dinner.... turns out my rice cooker is on a 24 hour clock and not a 12 hour one. So when I set the timer to be ready at 6:00, it was thinking AM and I was thinking PM. Silly rice cooker..... I got a phone call from my husband who was home (while I was not) asking me what's up with the rice. It was 6:08 (pm, haha) and it sure didn't look like it was ready. I was bummed, but we both laughed when we realized the mess-up. He was able to successfully press the "Cooking" button which activated the rice making magic, and we ate a hot meal eventually, just not at 6:00, or should I say, not at 18:00.
Look at the picture. Again, notice how un-messy the kitchen is? Nice. Alhamdullah, the food tasted great, and leftovers will be going to work with my husband tomorrow. I was able to get a few ingredients prepped for tomorrow night's dinner which I will assemble after breakfast tomorrow and bake once I get home at 4:00 insha'Allah. Nope, I'm not telling what the dish is (ok, you could scroll down and read my other blog entry), but I will say it won't be in the crock pot. Are you relieved?
Adventures in my new meal plan
The paper listing the January meals hangs on the fridge. It's a delight, really.
A funny thing happened. January 1 came. We happened to have a lot of leftovers that I did not want to throw out, so I made everyone eat them without cooking the meal listed on day 1. Turns out nobody really felt like trying Koshari which was scheduled for that day, so we just went ahead to day 2 the next day which was Zesty BBQ Chicken Sandwiches. Maybe I'll try the Koshari next month.
Since it was the first time to try this, and it was the new year, and I wasn't really on my game, I forgot to actually pull the frozen chicken out of the freezer on that day. I also kinda thought I might be making that Koshari anyways, but I wasn't, so why I didn't pull the chicken out, I don't know. However, a few hours in a bowl of cold water defrosted those little bird breasts in no time, and I was able to put them in the crock pot around 1:30pm. My crock pot cooks really hot, so I wasn't worried about a few skinless, boneless chicken breasts getting cooked in time for dinner. I followed the recipe exactly, and I had to just help myself to dinner shortly after 5pm (instead of waiting till 6) because it looked and smelled too good! (if you do the math, you'll see that I did not cook the chicken the recommended 6-8 hours on low) It was a treat for me. I've been craving something with BBQ flavor, so this shredded chicken really hit the spot. By the way, I just pulled out two forks and shredded the chicken right there in the pot. The sauce mixed in with it perfectly and wasn't too messy once in the buns! Sadly, my husband wasn't too impressed, but I will be making it again whether for lunch or maybe as a backup on a "leftovers" night if we have a little bit of this and that but not enough for everyone. Look at my picture below. See how un-messy the kitchen is? It's beautiful. We had some salad in the fridge from the day before, in case you're worried about the lack of greenery. Also, I often serve raw carrots with meals since some of my kids prefer raw veggies to cooked ones. No problem!
A funny thing happened. January 1 came. We happened to have a lot of leftovers that I did not want to throw out, so I made everyone eat them without cooking the meal listed on day 1. Turns out nobody really felt like trying Koshari which was scheduled for that day, so we just went ahead to day 2 the next day which was Zesty BBQ Chicken Sandwiches. Maybe I'll try the Koshari next month.
Since it was the first time to try this, and it was the new year, and I wasn't really on my game, I forgot to actually pull the frozen chicken out of the freezer on that day. I also kinda thought I might be making that Koshari anyways, but I wasn't, so why I didn't pull the chicken out, I don't know. However, a few hours in a bowl of cold water defrosted those little bird breasts in no time, and I was able to put them in the crock pot around 1:30pm. My crock pot cooks really hot, so I wasn't worried about a few skinless, boneless chicken breasts getting cooked in time for dinner. I followed the recipe exactly, and I had to just help myself to dinner shortly after 5pm (instead of waiting till 6) because it looked and smelled too good! (if you do the math, you'll see that I did not cook the chicken the recommended 6-8 hours on low) It was a treat for me. I've been craving something with BBQ flavor, so this shredded chicken really hit the spot. By the way, I just pulled out two forks and shredded the chicken right there in the pot. The sauce mixed in with it perfectly and wasn't too messy once in the buns! Sadly, my husband wasn't too impressed, but I will be making it again whether for lunch or maybe as a backup on a "leftovers" night if we have a little bit of this and that but not enough for everyone. Look at my picture below. See how un-messy the kitchen is? It's beautiful. We had some salad in the fridge from the day before, in case you're worried about the lack of greenery. Also, I often serve raw carrots with meals since some of my kids prefer raw veggies to cooked ones. No problem!
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