The Urban Homemaker Blog

Category: Family

  • Introducing The Wondermill Junior Contest

    WondermilljrUrban Homemaker’s 20th Anniversary celebration-The Wondermill Junior  Contest

    This contest is now closed.

    The winner of the  Wondermill Junior Grainmill is contest entry #118, Shawn. Shawn, you need to email me at marilyn@urbanhomemaker.com to claim your prize.

    The next contest will be posted at The Urban Homemaker blog by Friday.  Be sure to sign up for blog updates by email above left on this page, or “Like” The Urban Homemaker at Facebook.

    Here is how to participate in future Urban Homemaker Contests.

    There are up to five ways to enter the contest!

    You get one contest entry for each of the following steps you take and you post that you did it in  the comments section of this blog page below:

    1.  Post this article to your Facebook page and tell me you did so in the comments section below.

    2.  Post this article to your Twitter page and tell me you did so in the comments section below.

    3.  Sign up for receiving The Urban Homemaker blog posts by email above, and tell me you did so below in the comments.

    4.  Mention this contest in your blog posting and link back to this page and post your blog link in the comments section below.

    5.  Sign up to receive The Urban Homemaker Enewsletter, and tell me you did so below in the comments.

    In a time of food shortage or emergency, having a non-electric grain mill could be a blessing to your family, your friends and your neighborhood.

    The Wonder Junior is the highest quality most versatile hand mill available at an affordable price.
    Features Include:
    • The hopper is large and holds over one quart or 4 cups
    • Wonder Junior is one-piece construction so the hopper will not come off during use.
    • Heavy-duty patented double clamp
    • Attaches to tables or counters up to 2 inches thick
    • Clamp will  never move or loosen up like other hand grain mills on the market t
    • Uses extra large lifetime lubricated bearings
    • Heavy duty base can be bolted to any table or counter, if desired.
    • Stone heads are one-third thicker than other hand grain mills will give a lifetime of use
    • High-quality stainless steel burr heads are for milling wet or oily grains,  seeds, or coffee.
    • Limited Lifetime Warranty
    • You can create super fine flour or coarse cracked grains for cereals.

    Stainless steel burrs come standard with the Wondermill Junior Deluxe and will easily grind oily seeds, nuts, grains or even coffee without gumming up.

    Follow me at Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/urbanhomemaker

    Follow me at Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/TheUrbanHome

  • A Prayer to Bless Others

    I received this image in my email recently and thought it was a great way to pray for our loved ones and friends!  I printed a copy out to keep with my devotional materials.  Often I don’t know how to pray, even for my children.  I think this will help when I’m in doubt.

    image001

  • Living on a Dime – How one family does it.

    13 ebooks for $13.00
    13 ebooks for $13.00

    I hope you all had a wonderful New Year’s celebration and feel ready to face the New Year with optimism and purpose. I , personally, have struggled to face the last few New Years since my husband and father-in-laws deaths.

    But, the constant media barrage of negative reports about our national economy, unemployment, and ever increasing national debt have not helped my frame of mind either.

    I want 2011 to be different!  Are you determined to get-0ut-0f debt, make healthier, home cooked meals, and get organized?

    While I certainly don’t have all the answers and solutions I came across a new book entitled Radical Homemakers – Reclaiming Domesticity from a Consumer Culture. One of the premises of this book according to author Shannon Hayes, is to build a “life-serving economy” while reducing our “reliance on the extractive economy.” (p. 59)

    In other words, if we can find ways to reduce our expenses then the less dependent we are on the corporate paycheck and the better our family finances will become.

    To me, Tawra Kellam and her mother Jill Cooper, are very inspirational and authoritative writers on learning to live more with less cash. Jill raised her two children as a single parent on $500 a month. Tawra and her husband paid off a $20,000 debt in five years on a low income while raising their young children.

    From today through next Monday, the Living on a Dime ebooks have been discounted a whopping 85% off of the regular price. This once-a-year sale is a great deal because you can buy their 13 ebooks for $13.00. The 13 E-books include 445 pages of money saving tips, great recipes and plenty of inspiration to make life easier and more frugal!

    For example the Money Management ebook is a 72 page e-book designed to help you say goodbye to debt! Packed with lots of stories and advice, this e-book is an essential tool for your Debt Elimination Kit.

    Money Management includes the story of how Michael and Tawra paid off $20,000 debt on $22,000 per year income.

    • Do you find the idea of budgeting daunting? You’ll find information about how to make a budget and how to make budgeting simpler and easier.
    • Learn how to reduce your financial stress.
    • You don’t have to be a slave to debt!
    • Testimonial:
    “We’ve learned so much from Tawra… As of last week, our regular bills are finally all paid up! We’re no longer behind on any of them and can start working on our debt instead of playing catch-up with the utility companies. This was due in very large part to Tawra and her mom’s wonderful advice, ideas and guidance.”-Karen from Ontario, Canada

    “I was the most wasteful profligate spendaholic, I earned a lot, and thought I was entitled to spend every penny on myself. Now I have a savings, a growing IRA and have come to my senses.”  -Kathy from California

    Their other ebooks show how to save money in the kitchen, put together delicious and easy dinners, get and keep your home organized, save money on kids activities, move on a budget, save money on creative gifts and much more.

    I know you can will come up with enough practical tips, and money saving recipes to more than justify the $1.00 a book price. Besides, there is always a money back guarantee.

    Check out the complete offer here.

    Follow me at Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/urbanhomemaker

    Follow me at Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/TheUrbanHome

  • Christmas Breakfast Recipes

    PICT0640Our family enjoys the same Christmas breakfast each year, Pecan Cinnamon Rolls, Turkey sausage (recipe below) and Holiday Scramble after the “stockings are opened”. This is so easy I don’t do day-before-preparations.

    This year we will have Christmas breakfast at my daughter’s so I’ll let you know what we decide to have.  My guess is she will stick with tradition.

    The trick to getting breakfast ready quickly is doing the preparations the day before and refrigerating the cinnamon rolls or breakfast casseroles. There are two recipes for make-ahead Christmas Breakfast casseroles that your family may enjoy, especially if you are serving extra guests. All the recipes are below.

    HOLIDAY SCRAMBLE
    From     Breakfasts by Sue Gregg, p. 229, reprinted by permission
    Make the usual scrambled eggs special with this simple recipe.

    2-3 servings – double or triple as needed

    4 large eggs, beaten until light
    1/2 tsp. salt
    1/2 tsp. thyme leaves
    1/4 tsp. dry mustard
    1/4 cup sour cream
    1/4 cup Parmesan cheese
    1/4 cup chopped green pepper
    1 TB chopped onion, optional

    2 TB pimiento, chopped

    2. Scramble in: 1 TB butter

    ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

    Virginia’s Egg Scramble 8-10 servings  (It’s really good for a do-ahead!)

    From Breakfasts by Sue Gregg , p. 228

    AMOUNT: 9 X 12 GLASS OR PYREX PAN
    BAKE: 325 – 45 -65 Minutes

    1. Prepare Cheese Sauce. Blend butter and flour; stir in remaining ingredients: cook and stir until thickened over medium heat:

    2 TB melted unsalted butter
    2 TB flour (whole wheat pastry preferred)
    1 1/2 C. lowfat milk
    1/2 tsp. salt
    1/8 tsp. pepper
    1 1/2 tsp. worcestershire sauce

    2. Stir in cheese to melt:

    1 Cup firmly packed grated cheddar cheese

    3. Prepare Toasted Bread Crumb Mixture. Mix together:
    1 cup toasted whole grain bread crumbs
    1 1/2 TB melted unsalted butter.

    4. Grease or spray baking pan.

    5. Prepare Scrambled eggs. Combine eggs, onion, and mushrooms; scramble in butter until lightly done:

    12 extra large eggs, beaten
    1/4 cup chopped green onion
    and or 2 oz. can diced jalapeno or green chiles
    1 C. fresh mushrooms, diced
    3 TB melted unsalted butter

    6. Cover bottom of pan with cooked egg mixture. Spread Cheese Sauce over top; top with Toasted Bread Crumb Mixture.

    Garnish with paprika and minced parsley. (optional)

    7. Refrigerate until ready to bake. Bake at 325 degrees for 45-60 minutes.

    ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

    TURKEY SAUSAGE
    A great and tasty alternative to bacon and pork sausage, ground turkey contains 1/4 the fat of pork sausage and less than half the calories, and 1/5 the fat of bacon with less than 1/3 the calories. Many guests cannot believe they are eating turkey when they are served this recipe!

    AMOUNT: 12 patties (serves 6)

    1. Mix together thoroughly with a fork:

    1 lb ground turkey
    1 tsp. salt
    1/2 tsp. nutmeg
    1/2 tsp. sage
    1/2 tsp. thyme
    1/8 tsp. cayenne pepper

    2. Shape into 12 small patties. Fry in ungreased skillet or bake at 350? for 10 to 15 minutes in a shallow pan until done. Do not overcook or patties will become tough. Oven baking produces juicier patties and is easier when feeding a crowd.

    ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

    MARILYN’S FAMOUS PECAN CINNAMON BUNS

    If you would like to have hot-out-of-the-oven rolls without getting up at 4:00 a.m., prepare the rolls a day ahead. Place the shaped rolls on the maple glaze and raise them overnight in the refrigerator (instead of a warm place), keeping them carefully covered with plastic wrap. In the morning, the dough should have doubled and be ready to bake. Voila! Fresh bread in minutes and you didn’t even get up at 4:00 a.m. to do it! This recipe is extra delicious and healthy as it contains maple syrup for sweetening instead of sugar or honey. A fabulous gift to a new mom or new neighbors, or just for being friends.

    2 cups warm water (120F)
    2TB     SAF Instant Yeast
    1/2 cup dry milk powder
    1/2 cup oil or butter
    1/3 cup honey
    3 large eggs
    1 TB Salt
    6-8 cups     freshly milled whole wheat flour
    1/4 cup     Vital Gluten

    Caramel Topping:
    1/2 cup butter
    1-1/2 cup maple syrup
    1-1/2 cup chopped or whole pecans

    Cinnamon Roll Mixture:
    1 cup Sucanat, (SUgar CAne NAtural) or brown sugar
    1 TB + 1 tsp. cinnamon
    1/4 cup butter, melted

    Combine yeast, dry milk powder, vital gluten, and flour in a large mixer bowl. Add water, oil, and honey. Mix well for 1-2 minutes. Turn off mixer, cover the bowl and let dough sponge for 10-15 minutes. Add eggs and salt. Turn on the mixer; add additional flour, one cup at a time, until the dough begins to clean the sides of the bowl. Knead for only 5 minutes and keep the dough very soft and manageable. (Stiff dough will will produce heavy, dry rolls.) If the dough becomes stiff while kneading, drizzle additional water as you knead.

    To prepare sticky buns, melt butter and syrup and add the pecans. Divide this mixture evenly into the bottom of two – 9×13 baking pans. Divide the bread dough into two equal portions. Roll into a 20×28 inch rectangle. Spread 2 TB of melted butter over the rectangle of dough. Sprinkle with half the SUCANAT/cinnamon mixture. Roll up into a “jelly roll”, seal the seam, and cut into 1-1 1/2 inch thick pieces with dental floss. This will yield 12-15 rolls.

    Place the rolls into the prepared pans. Repeat this process with the remaining dough. Let the rolls raise in a warm area until doubled (approximately 30-60 minutes). Bake at 350 degrees for 30-35 minutes or till well-browned. Remove from the oven and let stand in the pan for 5 minutes. Turn out of the pan to cool onto a rack placed over a jelly roll pan (to catch the drippings and simplify cleanup). ENJOY!

    Baked French Toast Casserole (make ahead)

    1 loaf French Bread – slice 1 1/2-2 inches thick
    Place bread slices in a 13X9 buttered pan close together.

    6 large eggs
    1 1/2 cup milk
    1 cup milk, half/half or cream
    1 tsp vanilla
    1/2 tsp cinnamon
    1/4 tsp nutmeg

    Mix together and pour over bread. Cover with foil and put in refrigerator overnight.

    Topping:

    1/4 cups soft butter
    1/2 cup brown sugar
    1/2 cup chopped nuts – optional
    1 Tbsp light corn syrup

    Combine topping ingredients and sprinkle over entire casserole dish. Bake for 40 minutes at 350 degrees or until puffed and golden. Serve with maple syrup and butter.

    Follow me at Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/urbanhomemaker

    Follow me at Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/TheUrbanHome

  • Encouragement Chart – Print and Save

    YOU SAY

    GOD SAYS

    BIBLE VERSES

    You say: ‘It’s impossible’

    God says: All things are possible

    ( Luke 18:27)

    You say: ‘I’m too tired’

    God says: I will give you rest

    ( Matthew 11:28-30)

    You say: ‘Nobody really loves me’

    God says: I love you

    ( John 3:1 6 & John 3:34 )

    You say: ‘I can’t go on’

    God says: My grace is sufficient

    (II Corinthians 12:9 & Psalm 91:15)

    You say: ‘I can’t figure things out’

    God says: I will direct your steps

    (Proverbs 3:5- 6)

    You say: ‘I can’t do it’

    God says: You can do all things

    ( Philippians 4:13)

    You say: ‘I’m not able’

    God says: I am able

    (II Corinthians 9:8)

    You say: ‘It’s not worth it’

    God says: It will be worth it

    (Roman 8:28 )

    You say: ‘I can’t forgive myself’

    God says: I Forgive you

    (I John 1:9 & Romans 8:1)

    You say: ‘I can’t manage’

    God says: I will supply all your needs

    ( Philippians 4:19)

    You say: ‘I’m afraid’

    God says: I have not given you a spirit of fear

    ( II Timothy 1:7)

    You say: ‘I’m always worried and frustrated’

    God says: Cast all your cares on ME

    (I Peter 5:7)

    You say: ‘I’m not smart enough’

    God says: I give you wisdom

    (I Corinthians 1:30)


  • Savory Treats and Appetizers

    iStock_000001215593Small-300x225Take a class and learn to compliment holiday sweets with savory appetizers and classic winter dishes – spiced nuts, yogurt cheese spread, braised winter herbs and plenty of nourishing dips. Register Here.

    VIDEO: How to make radish roses, carrot curls and other vegetable crudites
    VIDEO: How to make chicken liver pate
    VIDEO: How to roast chestnuts over an open fire

    MENU: Favorite appetizers for Christmas
    MENU: Dishes to Bring to a Holiday Party
    MENU: Warm Treats for Winter Caroling

    RECIPES: Almond-flax bread, cheddar cheese balls with bacon and walnuts, chicken liver pate, savory spiced nuts, savory spiced seeds, grain-free cheese crackers, nut and seed crackers, homemade yogurt and herb crackers, olive tapenade, anchovy toasts, homemade yogurt cheese spread, braised winter herbs in olive oil and lemon, preserved lemon tapenade, blue cheese dip, roasted garlic, mulled wine, spiced cider, roasted chestnuts.

    This class will be December 8.  Register Here.

    Listen to my Interview  with Jenny McGruther to hear her passion for real foods.

    Follow me at Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/urbanhomemaker

    Follow me at Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/TheUrbanHome

  • Don’t Throw Out Those Turkey Bones

    brothSeveral years ago, I was told by an older wiser mom, that the secret to her soup is in making homemade broth.  Years later, I learned that the chicken base/bouillon cubes I was buying were actually loaded with MSG, and not only unhealthy  but  a poor facsimile to the real broth in health and taste.

    Never Throw Out Turkey, Chicken, Fish, Lamb, or Beef Bones

    • Before MSG came into widespread use there were no commercially available chicken or beef broths available so it turns out Grandmother knew best when she used what she had and made delicious and nutritious homemade broths.

    • The homemade broth or stock contains minerals including calcium but also magnesium, but also phosphorus, silicon, sulphur and other trace minerals.

    • Homemade broth helps build the immune system.  We all know that chicken soup is also known as “Jewish Penicillin”.

    • Good stock contains gelatin that has been proved useful in the treatment of diseases and very nourishing to the gut. Examples of diseases that benefit from homemade broth  include peptic ulcers, infectious diseases, jaundice and cancer.

    • French studies showed that babies had fewer digestive problems when gelatin was added to their milk.

    • Ask any soup maker – homemade broth makes superior soups, is excellent to drink when sick, and perfect for Real Gravy.

    • For More information about homemade stock: Read “Broth is Beautiful” by Sally Fallon Morell

    • Here is our absolutely most favorite soup recipe using turkey or chicken stock.  So enjoy those turkey leftovers, creatively:

    TURKEY CHOWDER
    If you make homemade turkey stock from the leftover bones the flavor skyrockets to a perfect “10”! Even if you can’t try this recipe out this year, be sure to save the recipe for future use. I usually double the amounts to have some leftover soup for the freezer. If you let the soup sit a day, the flavor improves with age. We’ve eaten this in bread bowls that I’ve made. Fabulous!

    2 C. sliced carrots
    3 C. water, turkey broth or canned chicken broth (watch out for vitamin C)
    1 large floret of broccoli OR 1-10 oz box of broccoli
    1 C. onion, chopped finely
    1/2 C. celery, sliced
    1 tsp. salt
    1/2 C. ground oat flour (blend rolled oats in the blender to make flour)
    2 C. milk or allergy alternative
    6 oz. Swiss cheese, grated
    1-1/2 C. diced turkey

    Combine carrots, broth, onions, celery, broccoli, and salt. Bring to a boil over medium heat. Simmer 10 minutes. Bring to rolling boil again, and gradually stir in the oat flour, stirring constantly.   Let simmer another 10 minutes until lumps disappear. Reduce heat. Add milk, turkey. Remove from heat. Stir in cheese. Serves 4-6.

    Follow me at Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/urbanhomemaker

    Follow me at Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/TheUrbanHome

  • Free Thanksgiving Menu and Recipes Download

    Roast Turkey

    Traditional Thanksgiving Menu from The Urban Homemaker

    Turkey, Homemade Gravy*, Herbed Stuffing*,

    Mashed Potatoes, Aunt Helen’s Sweet Potatoes*, Green Beans Amandine,

    Cranberry Relish Jello Salad*

    Pumpkin Bread*, Fantastic Whole Wheat Rolls*,

    Apple Pie*, Pecan Pie*, and coffee or tea.

    I admit, not having Thanksgiving at home this year makes me a bit sad, but I am so thankful we can share my favorite Holiday with my sister, her husband and friends in Denver.  Enjoy all the preparations with your children and build the best memories ever.

    Download the free Traditional Thanksgiving ebook with all the recipes today only. ($5.97 value)

    Follow me at Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/urbanhomemaker

    Follow me at Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/TheUrbanHome

  • Holiday Sweets and Treats!

    Sweets and Treats

    Love Christmas cookies and chocolate fudge? Learn the healthy way of making these favorite holiday sweets with whole grains, good-for-you fats like butter and coconut oil and natural sweeteners.  This class will be December 6.  Register Here.

    Class Includes:

    VIDEO: How to soak flour and make buttermilk gingerbread

    VIDEO: How to maple sugar walnuts

    VIDEO: How to make sugarplums

    MENU: Candies and Treats to share with neighbors.

    MENU: Sweets & Treats for Holiday Gift-giving

    MENU: Selection of Christmas Cookies Every Kid Loves

    RECIPES: Gingerbread, cinnamon-molasses cookies, sugar cookies, spritz cookies, honey macaroons, sprouted spelt and maple shortbread, honey and mandarin marmalade, fudge, maple sugar walnuts, white chocolate peppermint bark, sugarplums, pasteli, gingerbread men, almond-flour gingerbread men, cookie mix in a jar, pecan crispies, spiced oatmeal raisin cookies, chocolate-coconut truffles.

    For complete information on this class and others in the Happy Healthy Holiday Classes

    Listen to my Interview  with Jenny McGruther to hear her passion for real foods.

    Follow me at Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/urbanhomemaker

    Follow me at Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/TheUrbanHome

    Classes are from Jenny McGruther of  Nourished Kitchen – author of How to Cook Real Foods

    This is a new series from Jenny.  You can pick and choose which classes you are interested in.

  • Loss Leader Menu

    This week chuck roast  is on sale at my local grocery store.   I will buy at least a five pound roast because there are so many ways to use the leftovers.  *Leftover ideas are posted below.

    Here is the menu I’m going to use to take advantage of the savings.  I already have a whole chicken in my freezer bought when on sale:

    Monday:  *Roast Beef with Mashed Potatoes, steamed baby carrots with dill butter, and salad.

    Tuesday: Crockpot Roasted Herbed Chicken with roasted red potatoes, green beans, halved peaches, rolls.

    Wednesday:  *French Dip Sandwiches (from leftover roast beef), applesauce, and raw veggie platter.

    Thursday:  Chicken Barley Vegetable Soup with herbs, served with Applesauce muffins.

    Friday:  Poached Salmon (bought when on sale), with Horseradish sauce, and oven fries.

    *Other ways to use up LeftoverRoast Beef:

    Beef Stroganoff

    Barbecued Roast Beef

    Beef Stew

    Vegetable Beef Soup

    What creative uses will you use your leftover roast beef for?

    For more menus and recipes obtain Fast and Healthy Menus for Busy Moms.

    Follow me at Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/urbanhomemaker

    Follow me at Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/TheUrbanHome