Posts by admin:
- 1 pound ground beef
- 2 Tablespoons olive oil
- 2 onions, chopped (about 2 cups)
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 3/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 1/2 teaspoons paprika
- 1 1/2 teaspoons ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 3/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 3/4 cup water
- 1 Tablespoon arrowroot or cornstarch powder
- 20 medium pitted black olives
- 1/2 cup seedless black raisin, soaked for 5 minutes and drained
- 3 hard-boiled eggs, diced
- 20 Goya empanada dough (comes in a 10-pack), thawed
- 1 cup medium Pace Picante Sauce
- 1/3 cup olive oil
- 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
- 2/3 cup cilantro, chopped
- 2 cloves, minced
- 1/2 cup green onions, chopped
- 4 Tbsp water
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 tsp cayenne pepper
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1/2 tsp sugar
- 1 navel orange
- 2 flax seed “eggs” or 2 regular eggs
- 2 Tbsp ground flax seed meal plus 6 Tbsp warm water
- 1/2 cup So Delicious original coconut milk + 1 tsp. apple cider vinegar (to make buttermilk)
- or use regular buttermilk
- 1/4 cup coconut oil, softened
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 4 teaspoons baking powder
- 3/4 cup yellow cornmeal (stone-ground is best)
- 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 1/4 cup fresh cranberries
Fun Times Had by All
January 23rd, 2013
Hello from cold and crisp Pennsylvania where it is 11 degrees and the wind chill is crazy enough to take your breath away. Brrrrrr. We have been staying indoors the last couple of days and might even take a break today all bundled up cause it is a must.
I have been able to go out but we have kept Julianne indoors and healthy. She has been very active lately and she almost feels curious enough to tumble. The world looks fun from upside down. 🙂 We had an amazing day yesterday alternating from our first floor townhome to her second floor bedroom and then to the third floor (which is more like a loft) where the electric keyboard is located.
I finally realized that a change of location is crucial for her and training Julianne to ONLY climb the stairs with mommy or daddy is getting trickier. We decided against having a gate and to TEACH her to obey and some days are good and others are a time to teach her a lesson of obedience.
She definitely understands when it is time for her nap and I ask her if she is ready to go up to see her monkey in her crib and she gets all excited. We proceed to climb stairs and she loves it! It is also great leg exercise too.
This week we learned a new game. It might be short lived but I will work on it in 2 ways. I saw the idea on, of course, Pinterest. It keeps Julianne’s attention engaged and it helps her work with coordination and patience. I took an empty 1-liter bottle, made a hole in the side and taped it with masking tape to protect form the cut out plastic. Then I purchased some felt balls from the dollar store and I showed her how to drop the balls from the spout. Once she finishes she can retrieve from the hole made in the side of the bottle.
It definitely keeps her entertained and distracted while I prepare her meals.
🙂
Yesterday was also special because I had a nice outing with my neighbor. I have mentioned before that she and I have similar tastes. She is a definite foodie and we have traded recipes and even brought food to each others homes. It is lots of fun!
Anyway, yesterday, she treated me to a girl’s afternoon out. It was planned out and so special. Ryan took care of Julianne and I went out and relaxed. We first headed to a British tea place in the Wayne area. It was so warm and quaint and the goodies were super delicious!
We had great tea sandwiches, an almond cherry scone and a lavender scone with clotted cream , lemon curd, and raspberry preserves. The top tray had decadent desserts with a grasshopper brownie, cheesecake brownies and mini madelines. I could hardly finish and I ended up taking the desserts home to Ryan. He enjoyed them alot!
I cannot wait to go again and take my mom. In addition to it being a cafe they also sell British foods and prepared meals like pasties, shepherd’s pie, and more.
After we left there we checked out some of the boutiques in the area, trying to not stay too much in the cold. It was freezing! We then headed out to an awesome mall called King of Prussia mall. We spent our time shopping and checking out sales and really just taking our time. It was nice not having to worry about speeding out with a fussy baby or worrying that I was taking up my husband’s time. None of these are real issues, but somehow being a mother has made me worry and think about others more and stress more about the things that are not actually a problem.
Anyone else relate? Either way, it was nice checking out different stores and trying new products.
At the end of the evening, we decided to eat at Nordstrom’s Cafe which was surprisingly delicious. We both had the vegetarian panini which was creamy and flavorful and we split a chicken tossed salad with a lime vinaigrette. All in all it was a pleasant treat and I thank my neighbor for thinking of me.
When we got home, at almost close to 10pm, she proceeded to color my hair. We had all the intentions of getting pedicures but we decided to shop instead and try pedicures another day. I believe I have never had a friend to go shopping with and who truly was a foodie. Love it!
How have you been given a break lately?
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DROID XYBOARD 10.1 by MOTOROLA Giveaway
January 22nd, 2013
If you do not remember I was part of the Verizon Midwest Savvy Blogger Group the last 6 months. Now that the program is over and I decided what product I decided to keep I had the choice to give away the product that least interested me for my life.
Now that the iPad is so popular I know other companies have other options like Samsung and Motorola. Here is Motorola’s version called the XYBoard. I tried using it in the kitchen, looking up recipes and propping it up but somehow it was not my favorite device.
According to Verizon this device “comes with a Pre–Installed SIM Card that is both CDMA and GSM capable. Data in over 200 countries, more than 125 with 3G speeds. Initial setup required.”
Want to know a little more about this device?
The First Tablet Worthy Of The Name DROID
Welcome to a new dimension of DOES. Xyboard is a home theater system compressed to fit in your hands. Just 9mm thick and 1.3 lbs, it packs explosive power in a highly portable design. Take it anywhere, and get pulled into your entertainment with a 10.1–inch theatrical HD screen.
Off–Site Office*
Plow through business with an unfair advantage – Droid Xyboard includes a stylus instrument for faster and more accurate on–screen writing and editing capabilities. Now you can break the laws of productivity. *Available for 10” Xyboard only.
DROID DOES Durability
Keep surfing, shopping, watching, and working though spills, slips, and scratches. Xyboard is built to last, with Corning® Gorilla® Glass to resist scratches and a nanocoating to repel water.
Portable Powerhouse
Take your full–screen window to the web outdoors, and get blazing–fast streaming speeds with Verizon 4G LTE. Keep your productivity up with Xyboard’s multitasking dual–core 1.2 GHz processor.
Dual Cameras, Dual Hands
Don’t just snap pictures, snatch them with both hands via the 5MP camera. Then fly through your gallery on a 10.1–inch HD screen. And seize every scene with HD video capture. On your command, Xyboard engages in full–screen video–chat with its front–facing camera.
I do not have the original box for the device and I misplaced the stylus but it is only because I did not really need the stylus. That would be the only thing that would have to be replaced. This device was hardly used in the 3 months I had it but I do have the charger.
If you would love to win this, then sign up for the giveaway. This is only open to US readers.
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Recipe Flashback: Mini Chilean Empanadas al Horno {Oven-Baked Turnovers}
January 21st, 2013
{Note: I translated the title cause my hubby laughed at the Spanish title. You go figure what he made of it}
This past week seemed like a blur. My husband told me he cannot believe the amount of work I have been doing despite how far along I am. Yes, it is really strange but I feel like I am nesting and something more.
Last week I was inspired to cook several meals and then I threw the towel in and said I was not cooking anymore. Despite taking shortcuts I feel like I am so tired!! My head feels great but my body feels SO tired! Why am I sharing with you? Well, I am almost 37 weeks and I am SO ready to have this baby.
It has been getting harder keeping home with a toddler who is loving her new freedom learning how to walk everywhere. I am finding ways not to have to carry her cause it tires even me more. I feel so bad, but even so, Julianne is being a trooper. She sits on the sofa with me while we read books and she cuddles with me. I simply cannot believe we have another little one coming.
Whew, enough of that! Julianne got a new wagon for Christmas so she loves riding in it. She is so cute and funny. I cannot wait for the summer when we can be outdoors a lot more. She cried this past week when she had to come back inside. My outdoors girl!
What am I sharing with you today? This is a recipe I have made before but last time I used my homemade dough and they were ginormous empanadas. I really was craving these and Ryan hinted that he also had been thinking about them so I knew I had to find a QUICK way to make these yummy savory pasties or turnovers.
Something I love about several grocery stores in the area is the fact they carry Goya products. I have purchased frozen plantains and sweet plantains to satisfy the Cuban food craving and now I had empanada dough at my finger tips.
Granted there is something to say when it comes to thawed dough. It is quite not the same as fresh dough, but it cuts so much time and which is something this mama does not want to do: be in the kitchen for hours.
I took the empanada dough from the freezer and let it thaw but was careful not let it get to room temperature. It was easier to handle the dough cool and not all flimsy. I felt like I could have rolled out the dough a little more but my goal was simply to get it all done quickly.
I prepared the meat filling one hour prior to assembly and I had boiled eggs earlier that day. I let the raisins soak in water because they taste better once they are cooked in the empanada. My grandmother is probably rolling in her grave but I know I was able to enjoy a delicacy at a quicker rate.’:-)
Even though I did not take a picture of the process, please check out the last time I made these empanadas. I veganized the recipe so for those not eating meat, try my other recipe and you can have both sides of this delicious meal!
The one thing I was a bit frustrated with this recipe is the fact the dough did not have enough salt. Something that made up for it that is a MUST, is my Chilean chimichurri sauce. It has been nicknamed “Grandma’s secret sauce” amongst friends and family because it is so tasty.
The recipe for the sauce follows the empanadas so make sure to make it. I almost skipped it but I was able to chop chop everything quickly. After this meal was over, I plopped on the couch and did not get up. No more cooking for this mama for the rest of the week. Ha, NOT!
Mini Chilean Empanadas al Horno
by Noelle Kelly
Prep Time: 30 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Ingredients (20 empanadas)
Relleno (Filling)
Pebre sauce
Instructions
Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
Heat olive oil in a medium frying pan and saute’ onions for 5-7 minutes until transparent. Add beef and garlic and cook for 5 more minutes. Add seasonings and cook for 3 more minutes. Add water and simmer until liquid almost evaporates (5 minutes). Add arrowroot powder to ground beef mixture and cook until mixture thickens.
Assembly
Take one disc of dough. Add 1-1 1/2 Tablespoons of beef filling. Add a few raisins, one black olive and a 1/8th of the egg.
Take one side of the dough and bring to the front side of dough to enclose the filling sealing the ends and folding the excess dough and sealing upwards.
Place on a baking sheet lined with parchment. Repeat with the rest of the dough.
Brush some egg wash over the empanadas. Use 1 egg and beat well. Brush over empanadas.
Bake for 20 minutes and remove from oven.
Pebre
On a cutting board, chop the cilantro finely. In a small bowl, add all the ingredients and mix well. Can be made the night before or refrigerate before serving with meal.
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ZoLi Cup Product Review
January 18th, 2013
Julianne has been using this cup since she has been 6 months. She was still breastfeeding but I started having her drink water as she started eating her first foods. She would not take a sippy cup and it was also the same months she stopped using the pacifier. So many changes and transitions all at once!
Even though I did not force the sippy cup on her, I would try it every 3 days and she how she would receive it. She would bite the mouthpiece and smile and gnaw on it but no drinking. I then came across the ZoLi cup and wondered if the straw cup would prove to be different.
When I saw on their website that they were all about a product that was environmentally friendly I knew I had to try this product. ZoLi’s premium products and design make for an attractive product for parents searching for an alternate solution.
The first day I added water and handed her the cup she quickly started sucking through the straw. Who knew??? I figured since she got a hang of eating those food pouches and sucking down the food that perhaps she would get the concept of the straw.
Julianne loved the handles and she did really well drinking all her water. She has been a GREAT water drinker since she was 6 months old too! She would not drink her milk in there but that is a different story.
When ordering the cups I did not initially order the cleaning brush because it made it seem like it was optional. The instructions specified that water could be run through the straw. I quickly changed my mind about that. There was constant build-up and I did not feel like it was safe not using a brush.
I now use a brush to clean the straw daily especially since Julianne drinks her almond milk from there. This cup should not be turned upside down because it will leak. The seal did not exactly wear out on the lid, but I did have to make sure that it was placed on the cup correctly to PREVENT from spilling.
This cup also has a lid that is attached to the top that closes to hide or expose the straw. Julianne loves playing with that! The handles are easy to grab and what I saw is that my daughter learned how to place her cup into the cup holder very easily.
Another plus about this product? It is BPA and Pthalate Free Plastic! Yes, even though I personally used glass bottles for her homemade formula at 11 months I was happy to use this cup.
Can you see the weighted straw at the bottom of the cup? This allows Julianne to drink all her beverage at whatever direction she tilts her cup. It really is a lovely concept.
Thanks to ZoLi for letting me review these products. They have proven to be very successful in our home. I know I am not the only mother with a child who refuses certain cups. Why not prevent from having a collection of cups? Try this one.
On a side note: Julianne finally learned how to use the sippy cup at her grandmother’s home on the VERY first day it was handed to her at almost 14 months. Thanks to grandma and a fun sippy cup. 🙂
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Vegan Cranberry Orange Cornbread
January 16th, 2013
I am so happy to be posting a recipe. I have been taking photos of recipes and not had time to post. Anyone else having that problem? Oh, wait, maybe because I am trying to get through my to-do lists and preparing for baby #2. Hee hee.
Despite the lack of recipes being posted on my website I have indeed been baking. I have had plenty of energy to continue cooking and baking. My hubby likes that.
When I received my weekly email from Panera, I noticed a delicious recipe that I knew I had to make. We have a mill near where we live that ground up some nice cornmeal in the late fall when I went to one of the farmer’s market located there.
I had already made 2 cornbread recipes that were savory and that came out super delicious. I do not know what it was about this cornmeal but it was so moist and it made for great meals. I could not wait to make this sweet bread.
For some reason it has been easy to locate recipes for ingredients I KNOW I have on hand. Even though I had the hubby try to use items in the fridge before we left for the holidays it was quite impossible for him to finish all the produce.
What produce lasts 3 weeks you ask? Well I still had oranges, fresh cranberries and apples so I knew I could make this bread. It was very quick to prepare and as it baked it made the whole house smell SO wonderful! No need for a candle.
How was the finished product? Well, even though I did not quite know what the original recipe tasted like, the veganized version sure tasted delicious. The husband approved and my neighbor approved too.
I happened to run out of soy sauce that same afternoon and so they let me borrow some of their soy sauce. I, in exchange, gave them half of this loaf, seeing it only made 1 loaf, and my neighbor texted me later ASKING me to send her the recipe. SCORE! Always a good sign eh?
Feel free to make the original recipe but I assure you that the vegan version will not disappoint. I need to go and make more now. 🙂
Vegan Cranberry Orange Cornbread
by Noelle Kelly
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 40 minutes
Ingredients (1 loaf (8×4-inch loaf))
Instructions
Heat oven to 375ºF. Coat an 8-inch-by-4-inch loaf pan with cooking spray.
Grate zest from the orange into a large bowl. Cut the orange in half and squeeze in all of the juice. Whisk in flax seed “eggs”, vegan buttermilk, oil, sugar, brown sugar, and salt until blended.
Stir together cornmeal, flour, baking powder and cranberries, and add them to the wet ingredients, stirring just until batter is thoroughly mixed.
Spoon into prepared pan and bake until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean, 35 to 40 minutes.
Cool on a rack.
Eat with cranberry chutney. (Optional)
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