My Daughter's First Review

To my delight, my daughter's choir newsletter include a review of the Kenny Roger's show from OnMilwaukee.com. According to blogger John Schulze:

"Rogers and Dean delighted in harmonizing with the young singers. The children did exceptionally well, and appeared pretty comfortable on the big stage. I can only imagine how proud their parents must have been."

We were sooooooo proud Mr. Schulze...so proud:-)

He went on to say:

"It was a very impressive display of some of the finest voices Milwaukee has to offer, and a really unique way for Rogers to share his experience with each city on his tour."

Now, I know you aren't supposed to believe your own press, but it is hard not to when it's soooooo true:-) LOL.

Click here for his full review.

Get Ready to Detox

Over the next couple days, we are all bound to overindulge. For those in good health, bouncing back will be easy, but for those who are not, a detox may be in order.

Most sites I have studied say that you should eliminate animal protein, sugar, caffeine and alcohol during a detox. I am a realist and I say reduce. They also say that the key to cleaning up everything is ginger. It does so much to support your kidneys and liver that take a hit over the holidays.

The recipe I posted yesterday has ginger in it. I have also been spicing up my green tea, smoothies and salad dressing with this wonderfully delicious anti-inflamatory ingredient. But check out this powerhouse recipe:

Almond Chicken Soup with Sweet Potato and Ginger
Ingredients:
4 cups chicken stock
1/2 yellow onion, diced
1 garlic clove, minced
1 large sweet potato, peeled and diced (2 cups)
1 8 ounce boneless, skinless chicken breast, cut into 1-inch pieces
1/2 cup almond butter (homemade)
2 tbs fresh ginger, minced
Coarse salt and freshly ground black pepper
1 lime, cut into wedges

Directions:
1. Process 6 ounces of almonds in a food processor for 15 minutes, scraping the sides often. Set aside. (You will have left overs so, keep remaining in the frig for 2 weeks:-)

2. Combine the stock, onion, garlic, and sweet potato in a stockpot and bring to a boil. Reduce the heat to a simmer and add the chicken, then cover and simmer for 20 minutes.

3. In a small bowl, whisk together the almond butter and 1/2 cup of the soup mixture into a thick paste. Add  ginger to the soup and bring to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer, covered, for 5 minutes. Stir in the almond butter paste. Season with salt and pepper.

4. Ladle the soup into bowls, and squeeze with lime wedge.

Servings: 4

Cooking Times
Preparation Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes

Nutrition Facts
Serving size: 1/4 of a recipe (12.8 ounces).
Percent daily values based on custom values.
Nutrition information calculated from recipe ingredients. One of the recipe's ingredients was not linked. This ingredient is not included in the recipe nutrition data.

Amount Per Serving
Calories 199.73
Calories From Fat (18%) 36.16
% Daily Value
Total Fat 4.08g 7%
Saturated Fat 0.76g 7%
Cholesterol 34.22mg 17%
Sodium 824.71mg 34%
Potassium 635.89mg 18%
Total Carbohydrates 19.14g 9%
Fiber 2.22g 7%
Sugar 2.61g
Protein 21.55g 34%

Recipe Type: Cheap, Chicken, Detox, Light Meal, Main Course, Quick Meals, Simple Supper, Soup

Recipe Cost: $5.70
Serving Cost: $1.43

Happy Recovery:-)

Playing along with Tackle It Tuesday with 5 Minutes for Mom .

Seasame Beef and Broccoli

When there are no good sales at the grocery store, you have to get creative with your leftovers. After making my Christmas Beef Wellington this weekend, I used the leftovers to make my featured recipes today. Use low sodium soy sauce,  low sodium beef stock and brown rice to make it even better for you!

Sesame Beef and Broccoli
Ingredients:
1 Tbs vegetable oil
1 piece (3/4 pound) filet of beef, cut in 3/4-inch strips (about 2 cups)
1/2 tsp salt
4 scallions, finely chopped (about 1/4 cup)
2 small garlic cloves, minced
1 lb broccoli, florets cut into small pieces, stalks peeled and cut into 1/4-inch dice
1 cup low-sodium beef broth
3 Tbs soy sauce
1 Tbs plus 2 teaspoons cornstarch
1 tsp dark sesame oil
2 cups Cooked rice, for serving

Directions:
1. Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet over high heat until hot but not smoking. Add beef, and sprinkle with the salt. Cook, stirring occasionally, until browned, 3 to 4 minutes. Using a slotted spoon, transfer beef to a plate.

2. Add scallions and garlic to skillet. Cook, stirring constantly, until golden, about 30 seconds. Add broccoli and 1/2 cup water. Cook, stirring occasionally, until mixture is dry, about 3 minutes. Stir together broth, soy sauce, and cornstarch in a small bowl, and add to skillet. Cook, stirring constantly, until mixture is no longer cloudy, 1 to 2 minutes. Return beef and any juices to pan; cook, stirring often, until beef is heated through, about 1 minute. Remove from heat, and stir in sesame oil. Serve with rice.

Servings: 4

Cooking Times
Preparation Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 20 minutes

Nutrition Facts
Serving size: 1/4 of a recipe (11.9 ounces).
Percent daily values based on custom values.
Nutrition information calculated from recipe ingredients.

Amount Per Serving
Calories 326.96
Calories From Fat (38%) 125.72
% Daily Value
Total Fat 13.95g 24%
Saturated Fat 4.03g 37%
Cholesterol 26.62mg 13%
Sodium 944.5mg 39%
Potassium 794.11mg 23%
Total Carbohydrates 37.94g 18%
Fiber 1.97g 7%
Sugar 1.31g
Protein 15.84g 25%

Recipe Type: Beef, Chinese, Healthy, Light Meal

Reviews
5 stars - I added red pepper flakes and ginger to the scallions and garlic for an additional layer of flavor and extra nutrition. - Susan Ewing 12/19/2011

Source
Author: Martha Stewart
Web Page: http://www.marthastewart.com/316130/sesame-beef-and-broccoli
I am posting this menu plan along with I'm an Organizing Junkie and $5 Dinners .

Recipe Cost: $9.84 ($3.10 on sale and w/ leftovers)
Serving Cost: $2.46 ($0.78 on sale an w/ leftovers)

Season to Celebrate

My youngest's performance with Kenny Rogers was just on our local Channel 12 Christmas special!!

I love the way she is looking up to him in this picture!

Playing along with Wordless Wednesday at 5 Minutes for Mom and Wordful Wednesday on parenting By dummies:-)

A Lighter Christmas

I worked on Christmas menus this weekend. I have 2 appetizer parties this season and with my new take on health, it was actually kind of tricky finding something that wasn't awful for you. So, I decided that reinventing a classic was the way to go:

Artichoke-Spinach Dip
Ingredients:
1 can (11 oz) Artichokes, canned
5 lemons
1 packages (18.5 oz.) frozen spinach, thawed and drained
2 Tbs mayonnaise, light
1 Tbs finely chopped shallot
1 garlic clove, finely chopped
3/4 cup part-skim ricotta cheese
1/4 tsp coarse salt
1/8 tsp cayenne pepper
Freshly ground pepper
1/3 cup plus 2 tablespoons shredded part-skim mozzarella
1 Tbs shredded Parmesan cheese
1 whole-wheat baguette (9 ounces), cut on the diagonal into 1/4-inch-thick slices and toasted

1. Put spinach into a steamer basket set over boiling water. Cook until wilted, about 2 minutes. Let cool. Squeeze out water, and coarsely chop spinach.

2. Pulse artichoke hearts, the finely grated zest and juice of lemons, the mayonnaise, shallot, garlic, ricotta, salt, and cayenne in a food processor until combined; season with pepper. Transfer to an ovenproof dish. Stir in spinach and 1/3 cup plus 1 tablespoon mozzarella. Sprinkle with Parmesan and the remaining tablespoon mozzarella.

3. Heat dip in oven 10 minutes. Remove from oven. Preheat broiler. Broil dip until edges are bubbling and top is golden brown, 2 to 3 minutes. Serve dip with toasted baguette.

Servings: 8
Yield: 2 cups

Cooking Times
Preparation Time: 8 minutes
Cooking Time: 12 minutes
Total Time: 20 minutes

Nutrition Facts
Serving size: 1/8 of a recipe (6.5 ounces).
Percent daily values based on custom values.
Nutrition information calculated from recipe ingredients. One of the recipe's ingredients was not linked. This ingredient is not included in the recipe nutrition data.

Amount Per Serving
Calories 245.8
Calories From Fat (25%) 60.84
% Daily Value
Total Fat 7.07g 12%
Saturated Fat 2.7g 25%
Cholesterol 11.88mg 6%
Sodium 528.39mg 22%
Potassium 410.94mg 12%
Total Carbohydrates 41.34g 19%
Fiber 8.43g 28%
Sugar 11.82g
Protein 12.37g 19%

Recipe Type: Appetizer, Dips, Healthy

Source
Source: Whole Living
Web Page: http://www.wholeliving.com/130397/artichoke-spinach-dip?czone=balance/stressfree-cnt/holiday-eating

I am going to serve this with hummus and a veggie tray. Now that's a Merry Christmas!

Playing along with Tackle It Tuesday with 5 Minutes for Mom .

Christmas Savings

Christmas is fast approaching and it is coming even faster for me since the entertaining starts this weekend! I am making my famous Beef Wellington and here is my shopping list:

Pick N Save l Beverages ¨ 3 1 case (24 cans) Cola $23.94 l Deli ¨ 1 cup Hummus $3.00 l Condiments ¨ 1 jar Peanut butter $3.89 l Canned fruit and juices ¨ 4 Cranberry Juice $12.20 l Dried beans and rice ¨ 4 cans Beans $4.36 l Soups and gravies ¨ 2 cartons Soup, beef broth or bouillon, powder, dry (French Onion & Fontina Cheese Soup) $2.46 l Cooking oils and shortening ¨ 2 bottles vegetable oil $6.40 l Syrups and sauces ¨ 2 bottles Syrup $6.92 l Dairy ¨ 1 dozen eggs $1.56 ¨ 1 cubic inch Fontina (French Onion & Fontina Cheese Soup) $3.75 ¨ 1 gallon Milk (Mashed Potatoes, Honey Molasses Dinner Rolls) $3.15 ¨ 1 Package Tortillas $1.99 ¨ 2 cups Unsalted butter (Beef Wellington, Mashed Potatoes, Honey Molasses Dinner Rolls) $3.09 ¨ 10 Yogurt $10.01 l Freezer Section ¨ 1 shell Puff pastry, frozen, ready-to-bake (Beef Wellington) $5.00 Store Total: $91.72 Woodman's l Bakery ¨ 2 Loaves Wheat Bread $4.38 l Bread ¨ 1 bag Pita Bread $1.39 l Liquor ¨ 3 Bottles Red Wine $10.00 l Produce ¨ 2 lbs apples $1.98 ¨ 2 lb. Bananas $0.78 ¨ 2 lb. Carrots $1.70 ¨ 2 heads Cauliflower $5.00 ¨ 1 bunch fresh thyme leaves $1.99 ¨ 3 ea Lemons $0.99 ¨ 1 head lettuce leaves $1.49 ¨ 1 lb Mushrooms (Beef Wellington) $2.39 ¨ 2 ea Onions (French Onion & Fontina Cheese Soup) $0.65 ¨ 5 lbs Potatoes (Mashed Potatoes) $1.50 ¨ 1 Bunch Scallions (Beef Wellington) $1.00 Store Total: $35.24 Grocery List Total: $126.96

And here is how I am saving on all this at Pick N Save:

Old Orchard Apple, Cranberry or Pomegranate Juice Blends 12 oz 4/$5
-$1/4 Old Orchard Frozen Juice Concentrate printable
Final Price: $1 each WYB 4, or $.75* each WYB 4

Crisco Olive Oil or Cooking Oil $3.99
-Save $1/2 Crisco shortening, baking sticks all-vegetable shortening or olive oil exp 12/14/11 (Pick ‘n save weekly circular 12/8/11)
Final Price: $3.49 each WYB 2, or $2.99* each WYB 2

Hungry Jack Syrup 2/$6
-Save $1/2 Sunday Supplement 11/06/2011 RP
Final Price: $2.50 each WYB 2 or $2.00 each WYB 2 on Wednesday

Crystal Farms Unsalted Butter 2/$6

Roundy's Cola 4/$11

Skippy Natural Peanut Butter $1.98 until the end of the year and/or while supplies last (they are running out quickly!)

With some free milk and eggs, that brings my total to $105.48 which is only 17% but every little bit helps!



Search for Coupons

I am posting this menu plan along with I'm an Organizing Junkie and $5 Dinners .

Get Out the Peppermint Lattes

With everyone focused on health, there will be no annual Ewing Family Cookie Day this year:-( So, I drowned my sorrows in this:

And St. Nick stockings have mittens and hats and very little candy this year!

Playing along with Tackle It Tuesday with 5 Minutes for Mom .

Anti-Inflamatory Diet on a Budget

So, my doctor diagnosed me with chronic inflamatory disorder. If I can reduce my inflamation, a host of my problems could be handled. The good news is that there is a TON on sale at Pick N Save this week that qualifies. Supplement these sales with produce from Woodman's and you have a GREAT healthy and affordable week. Check it out:

Pick N Save l Produce ¨ 3 lbs Onions (Meatloaf, Black Bean Soup) $2.97 l Condiments ¨ 1 jar Peanut butter $3.89 l Canned fruit and juices ¨ 2 bottles Cranberry Juice $6.10 l Meat and poultry ¨ 6 lbs Chicken breast (Sweet and Sour Chicken) $28.74 ¨ 2 lbs Salmon $19.98 l Cereal ¨ 6 box Cheerios $23.70 l Dairy ¨ 12 ea Egg (Meatloaf) $1.81 ¨ 1 gallon Milk (Mashed Potatoes) $3.15 ¨ 10 Yogurt $10.01 Store Total: $100.35 Woodman's l Bakery ¨ 2 loaves Whole-wheat bread $4.38 l Produce ¨ 2 ea Apples $1.98 ¨ 2 lb. Bananas $0.78 ¨ 2.5 x 1 lb Broccoli florets $2.48 ¨ 2 lb. Carrots (Sweet and Sour Chicken) $1.70 ¨ 1 floweret Cauliflower florets $2.50 ¨ 3 ea Lemons $0.99 ¨ 1 head Lettuce leaves $1.49 Store Total: $16.30 Grocery List Total: $116.65

To make it even cheaper, check out these deals:

Pick N Save until 12/7/11
Onions: 3lb. Bag for .99

Langers Juice, 2/$5
$0.55/1 Langers Juice
$1.95 or $1.40 after doubled coupon on Wednesday

Skippy Natural Peanut Butter on sale for $1.98/jar (until the end of the year so stock up! With the drought this summer, this price will skyrocket in 2012!)

Boneless Skinless Chicken Breast $1.88/lb (Normally, $4.29/lb.) GIANT DEAL but, limit 2 3lb packages!

Salmon $6.88/lb. (Normally, $9.99/lb.)

General Mills Cereal, Buy 6 at Regular Price & Save $9 instantly at checkout plus get a coupon for FREE Milk and Eggs to be used on your next visit (or a second transaction like I do:-)
$1/3 General Mills Cereal, 10/23/2011 SS Insert
$1/3 General Mills Cereals
Final Price=$1.28/box

That brings my Pick N Save total down to $48.03 which is a 52% savings!!!



Search for Coupons

I am posting this menu plan along with I'm an Organizing Junkie and $5 Dinners .