FOOD

July 22, 2016

Until I get in a good habit of planning meals every week, this scenario will probably keep happening occasionally. But this guy loves McDoubles. Or basically cheeseburgers in general.

Don't worry, we still won't become fast food junkies. I make the majority of our food at home. Even if it's the standard fare: spaghetti with meat sauce, bean and cheese quesadillas, tuna melts, chili and rice, rice-a-roni with chicken, chicken gravy and rice, and sometimes chicken enchilada casserole. 

Onward and upward I guess. :)

March 21, 2016

I don't have any pictures at the moment. Most the time I forget to document with photos (which is why I am the worst blogger on the planet.) :)

But I want to mention that my confidence in the kitchen is growing. My main post this month mentions my history of laziness. And that is truly exemplified by my culinary skills-- or lack thereof. I had SO much opportunity and time as a single adult to get good and comfortable at making food. Sure, I can follow recipes. Sure, I can make decent food. And I know it's a process of time no matter when you start. I just can't help wishing I would have done more and started sooner to see the value of being able to make delicious food-- and a variety of delicious food.

I feed our family good meals. And I'm getting better at making "great" meals. I'm trying new recipes, and getting more comfortable with different options. That doesn't mean I don't often fall into a rut with the same-old same-old.  It takes boldness and daring to use a bunch of ingredients (that cost money) and to have the faith that it will work out so that it is yummy and everyone will like it. Yet accepting that it might not turn out, and that IT WILL BE OKAY. I've learned recently that failure in itself is not a bad thing. It is part of learning. It is what we do about that failure that matters.

"I'm not judged by the number of times I fail, but by the number of times I succeed. And the number of times that I succeed is in direct proportion to the number of times I fail and keep trying."

Bless my Jr. High Choir teacher, Mrs. Williams. You taught truth and ingrained it in my mind forever by that warm-up song we sang EVERY CLASS. I love you!

April 21, 2015

This may seem typical for some, but I had to take a picture when I felt I produced a good meal. We had baked crappie, steamed asparagus, and herbed rice (rice-a-roni brand, but why should a boxed side matter?) :) Not shown is the 100% grape juice for a beverage. It was just really healthy and yummy, and I wanted to remember it. I'll continue to strive for more such meals. :)

January 23, 2015

Changing Tendencies

This is a picture of one of the last sweet indulgences I had before trying to stay away from pure sugar items.  Apparently my glucose test at the doctor indicated I might possibly have borderline gestational diabetes.  Well, I didn't want to take an additional 3 hour glucose test so I decided I would just try to eat better. I have a sugar weakness, and although I hadn't been over-indulging...I was probably eating more candy and sugar items than necessary.

So I've tried to eat more whole grains, and have just said no to candy. I have an occasional sweet here and there, but it has been a drastic change for me. One requiring increased discipline. But I know my body and my baby are worth it. In testing my blood sugar levels, I have been in the normal range. That is a relief that my body's insulin is still doing its job.  I can't say I'll stay this dedicated after the baby comes, but I'm sure I'll be much better off for the effort and keep some of the better habits. :)

Recent Activity in the Kitchen

(posted 10/23/14)

Spaghetti Squash from the Garden

I baked it and scraped it with a fork and ate it with butter, pepper, and parmesan cheese.

Not too shabby. :)

7 Layer Bean Dip

Always a good game-day item.

Every other year we do a neighborhood Watermelon Party.

This idea came to me after the fact, but it was still fun to try.

Half a pepperoni, a sliver of green pepper or avocado, and olive pieces on whatever kind of pizza you want to make. (I just a used a pre-made crust dough and put sauce and cheese on top.)

And I don't have a picture, but I stewed tomatoes from the garden, prepped dry beans from food storage, and used them in two types of homemade soups-- chili and my own version of chicken tortilla soup. Yum!