As I am sitting here, the wind is whipping around and it is pouring down rain outside. Perfect comfort food weather. As long as we don't lose power. In which case, it would be perfect Thai take-out weather. Either scenario would be fine by me. Here's what's for dinner at my house this week: Monday -- Leftovers (starting off with a bang, I know) Tuesday -- Mexican Black Bean Chili, Cornbread, oranges Wednesday -- Dinner Out Thursday -- Kale & Carrot Frittata (While you're at Orangette, click around. Molly Wizenberg's writing is so lovely.), Buttermilk Biscuits Friday -- Buffalo Chicken Chili, tortilla chips Saturday -- Minestrone Soup, Keep Reading
What’s for dinner? This week’s menu plan (12/17)
The Settlers of Catan Board Game
Some friends introduced us to The Settlers of Catan. Have you played this board game yet? Oh, you should. I am totally hooked. And trust me, I am not a big gamer so don't think this is just for the hardcore strategy game types. My husband and I have played it with friends or just the two of us. It is easy to learn, interesting to play, and honestly the most fun I've ever had playing a board game. Because you can set up the board differently each time, no two games are alike. It doesn't stretch into eternity (Oh, Monopoly, how I hate you), just an evening's worth of fun. Big bonus. Whether you enjoy strategy games (like my husband) or just a Keep Reading
Best Pancake and Waffle Recipes
Looking to make pancakes or waffles this weekend. Here are some of our favorites that have been kid-tested. And I've tested many recipes on mildy-picky children. Pumpkin Pancakes Oatmeal Pancakes (our favorite!) Whole Wheat Buttermilk Pancakes -- best if you are low on time. Pumpkin Waffles - if you don't have cake flour, you can easily make your own Double Chocolate Waffles -- more of a dessert Blueberry French Toast Bake -- it's not pancakes but it uses maple syrup. And it sure is pretty. No pancake is complete with real maple syrup. And I'm picky about my syrup. I prefer Grade B. Amazon has Anderson's Pure Maple Syrup, Grade Keep Reading
HOBO Lauren Wallet
I wrote last month about how much I loved my HOBO Lauren Vintage Wallet. I know, that is a lot for a wallet. But it's functional, well-made and will last a long time. I'm not the type to cycle through with the fashions. I want something that is efficient and well made. The HOBO Lauren Vintage Wallet is just that. It's Italian leather with well built clasps and efficient use of space. It can be a wallet OR a purse. There is plenty of room to stash my cell phone in a side pocket but it's not too big to take up a bunch of room in a small purse. The two side pockets make it easy to store my store loyalty cards in one side and my budgeting envelopes in Keep Reading
Our Favorite Things: What’s In the Bible? DVDs for kids
This week I thought it would be fun to highlight some of my family's favorite things. Honestly, it has been an interesting challenge to figure out what we actually love and find useful. If this place went up in a blaze of glory, what would I actually replace with an identical duplicate? Honestly, not many items hold that place of distinction in my home. I promise that everything I post are items we truly love, use and value -- you certainly can't go wrong gifting these things this Christmas season. I'm kicking things off with our new favorite thing -- What's in the Bible? DVDs. What’s in the Bible? is a new DVD series from VeggieTales® creator Keep Reading
Great Value refrigerated cinnamon rolls and cookie dough
Last month, I had the opportunity to bake with Great Value refrigerated biscuit and crescent roll dough. Read those posts here (recipes) and here (party). For December, I picked up refrigerated cinnamon rolls and sugar cookie dough. This whole shop-for-dough-in-the refrigerated-section is new territory for me. In the past I'd push my grocery cart right on by without a second thought. I have no issue with convenience food in moderation, though; it really can be a life saver when time or money is tight. December often fits both requirements for many of us. I have also found refrigerated doughs to be a huge help when feeding larger groups. Keep Reading
What’s for dinner? This week’s gluten-free menu plan (12/10)
Menu Plan by Laurie, new mom to an adorable baby boy! So, the baby arrived a few weeks back, making our little family of four into a little family of five. My husband's FMLA time is over & he is back to work full time, and the wonderful meals brought over by family and friends are coming to an end. What does all of this mean? It means it's time for me to step it up again & start getting back into the rhythm of actually having dinner on the table for my family every night. As with most weeks of meal planning that I do, this menu attempts to utilize some basics and stretch them into multiple options throughout the week, and (of course) Keep Reading