The Urban Homemaker Blog

Category: Homemaking

  • Busy Mom Strategies for Grocery Shopping

    dinnerPhoto courtesy of http://recipes.slides.kaboose.com

    Whether you are facing a difficult pregnancy, recovery from surgery, other long term illness, death of a loved one or other losses, or just a busy mom, there are times when we really need to simplify grocery shopping and menu planning drastically.

    Recently, I haven’t had the energy to do much cooking either.  What helps me the most to conquer, “Mom, what’s for dinner? dilemma” are some of the following ideas.

    • Taking a Saturday morning to cook 2-3 different dishes in bulk.
    • Start my dinner in the morning during breakfast preparation.
    • Purchase take-out barbecue and fill in with easy side dishes like cole slaw and cut up fruit.
    • Making large batches of the meal so I have plenty of leftovers for an extra meal or leftover night.
    • Baked Potato night with canned chili topping, shredded cheese, onion and sour cream
    • Lowering my standards a bit.
    • Relying on basics such as tacos, sloppy joes, meatloaf, and diced chicken breast pieces.
    • Don’t forget a huge Sunday Roast can make several other meals during the week- such as French Dip sandwiches, beef stew, or “goulash” (one pot meal of whatever is around”.
    • Make breakfast for dinner.

    Grocery Shopping when You Are Sick

    Tawra Kellam  is the author of Dining on a Dime Cookbook.  She has been disabled with Chronic Fatique Syndrome and Fibromyalgia for 22 years.  For her, dealing with food, groceries, buying it, and making it are a challenge she has addressed with a few simple strategies.

    Read Tawra Kellam’s complete article Grocery Shopping when You are Sick.  Please post some of your practical ideas for getting dinner and groceries done when you are not at full strength below

    Don’t forget the Real Foods for Teens course deadline is October 1

    Visit me at Twitter:  TheUrbanHome

  • Would you love a Bosch Mixer?

    AwesomeBoshBREAD_sm

    Nearly 25 years ago, my neighbor a mother of four, told me why she loved her Bosch mixer for making whole grain bread.  She said she had already burned out three food processors in bread making.

    Besides, she said, she was cleaning up her kitchen while the mixer did the kneading work, and her house was spotless!  This really got my attention.

    A Bosch Mixer can be used for the following everyday kitchen tasks and much more:

    • make up to six loaves of bread
    • make triple batches of cookie dough
    • Make your own healthy salad dressings
    • Puree tomatoes
    • Make cookies ( use batter whips, cookie paddles, or dough hook)
    • Mash potatoes
    • Puree cooked beans, lentils and split peas for soups, sauces, and dips.
    • Make bread crumbs
    • Crack Grain
    • Chop up nuts
    • Mix meat loaves (use batter whips or cookie paddles)
    • Prepare pesto
    • Prepare hummus
    • Prepare salsa
    • Mix cakes and quick breads
    • Whip cream fast and easy
    • Beat egg whites to the stiff peaks stage for meringues, etc. (Quick and easy)

    You can save $150 over retail if you act now while the Bosch with blender is on sale for $389.95.  A Bosch without Blender is $359.95.

  • Moving to the Camp Kitchen

    I spent a large portion of my time last week moving kitchen essentials into my camp kitchen and boxing up the non-essentials from my “old” kitchen.  The picture below shows my kitchen table, working counter top with a hot plate, electric tea kettle,  and storage for silverware, mixing bowls, and pots and pans.

    IMG_0223.JPGThe right corner of the camp kitchen contains an old computer desk that I used for writing ebooks and newsletters when Duane was still living.  Now I have my bible,  laptop, home telephone and answering machine located here.  To the right of the main eating table (outside the picture) is a very old set of file drawers that are doubling as a counter to house my microwave/convection oven combo, an airpot being used as a faucet for cold drinking water, and my beloved Bosch.

    IMG_0222.JPGAlong the left side of my camp kitchen facing the window is my entire family library with a banquet table set up in front for my cutting board, utensil storage, and dish washing station.  The trash can is in front of the banquet table.

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    IMG_0226.JPG

    I now have my dining room, family library, kitchen, and desk area tucked into about a 10 X 12 foot space.  It’s all very cozy but surprisingly functional.

  • Kitchen Remodeling Plans- Part Two

    mollkitpic1The above picture is a rendering of my proposed kitchen remodel floor plan with window seats.

    The most exciting development in the last week is that a Paonia, Colorado customer has asked if she could have my old cabinets and help with the demolition project.  She came over, made measurements, took pictures, went home and called back a little while later saying she thought everything would work in her kitchen and is very excited and so am I.

    I really am old-fashioned at heart, I believe in the old adage of “use it up, wear it out, make it do, or do without.”

    So why am I no longer making do with these serviceable cabinets, then?

    My kitchen remodeling project has several goals:

    1.  Replace/Update 35 year old appliances that are not repairable.

    2. Re-do the kitchen layout so the kitchen can accommodate more people and add an island to facilitate traffic flow.

    3. Expand the existing small kitchen space into the existing dining space to add a desk and get family paperwork off kitchen counters and move the dining room table into the existing sun room, a large space that is underutilized.

    4.) Most importantly, I intend this “new” kitchen to be my future studio for producing instructional DVD’s.

    In the last week I have been able to reduce the cabinet costs by choosing to use rustic alder (it’s on sale this month) instead of rustic cherry, making minor cabinet modifications that don’t take away from the original design, and identifying other cost saving options.

    mollkitpicMy plan is to order the new cabinets next week, and use the week-end to decide whether to keep the window seat cabinets (lots of extra storage and seating) or eliminate these cabinets from the project to cover other costs.  An elder in our church who I consult when facing big decisions has encouraged me to give myself permission to waffle back and forth in the next few days, – yes, I want the window cabinets, no – I can live without them.  So that is what I’m going to do.

    The above picture shows a representation of the kitchen without the window seat cabinets.  Whether I do with or without the window seat I will be putting a small bistro table in the space in front of the window for eating.  The funny looking beams at the ceiling line represent beams going up to a cathedral ceiling in the new kitchen area.  The existing kitchen area ceiling will have to stay the traditional 8 feet.

    I’d love to hear from you with your thoughts.

  • The Living Farm – Joining a CSA

    Thursday, my assistant Renee and I received our first newsletter from The Living Farm CSA in Paonia, Colorado  tn_carrotsP1010498(Community Sustained Agriculture) we have just joined.  Although I dream of a fabulous garden in the five large raised beds Duane built, the reality is, my gardening skills have yet to yield enough produce for Mary and I to live on.

    Renee has a small family of 3, and Mary and I are a family of two, so together we decided that it is time for both families to put our money where our mouth is, so-to-speak, and take the plunge to eat more organically and in particular, LOCALLY by investing in one 40 week CSA share commitment.

    tn_spinach beds 1Eating locally, also known as, becoming a locavore, is defined “as collaborative effort to build more locally based, self-reliant food economies – one in which sustainable food production, processing, distribution, and consumption is locally integrated”  is a topic I will take up in more depth another day

    It is exciting to me because the family we are buying our produce live in my town and they are not strangers to me.  The Gillespie family mom, Lynn, wrote the book Cinder Block Gardening (now out of print) that inspired Duane to build the raised beds in my back yard.  They are also the same family who has been  producing fresh Mesculan Greens that I have been buying at the local grocery store for several years.tn_cherokeeP1010340

    So when Renee discovered  The Living Farm CSA was starting this month, we decided to join because unlike other CSA’s in our area, the deliveries will be for 40 weeks starting next week (March 20) and going through December.

    tn_tomatoesP1010153We have been promised fresh tomatoes by June, which in Colorado is just barely past the frost free date, so early season fresh tomatoes and strawberries, that have been locally grown in the Living Farm’s greenhouses was another big reason we decided to take the plunge and make the commitment.

    In our first weekly email newsletter,   Lynn writes about their new CSA:

    “This is more than just weekly produce. This is a chance for you to get connected with the land and the farm. I want to take you on a journey of fine food, seasons, loss and triumph. A farm is a living breathing entity all on its own. Then we add the cycles of life, death, hot and cold, wet and dry, wind, bugs and disasters. What we are left with is miracles, life force and skill.

    You will be able to taste the hard work, the love and the dedication to bring you this fine food.  New varieties of food that you didn’t even know existed will appear on your dinner plate. Old favorites will spring forth with amazing new and delectable tastes.tn_sheephelpingcleanup sunshinegardenP1010106

    If you will allow yourself to go beyond “filling the void” and really embrace the local organic food you will be amazed at what you find. My favorite part of the farm is giving people the “ah ha” moment. When they realize the vast difference of the food and how they feel and function after eating the organic local food.”

    Our newsletter advised us that our first pick-up will include Bok Choy, a vegetable I have never tried and don’t know anything about and even included a simple recipe for preparing the Bok Choy that sounds delicious!  Here is the recipe:

    Stir Fried Bok Choy (taken from Robin Miller-food network)

    1 tbsp. olive oil
    2 cloves of garlic, minced
    1 tbsp. minced fresh ginger
    8 cups chopped bok choy
    2 tbsp. reduced sodium soy sauce
    Salt and pepper to taste

    Heat oil in a large skillet on medium heat. Add garlic and ginger and cook for 1 minute. Add bok choy and soy sauce and cook 3-5 minutes until greens are wilted and stalks are crisp-tender. Season to taste with salt and pepper.

    If  hope you will be inspired to investigate what CSA opportunities exist in your area and consider supporting family friendly farming.

    In the next few months I will be writing more about our experiences and hope you will follow our adventure and share your family’s experiences with Community Supported Agriculture.tn_combineP1010236

  • Holiday Open House for Neighbors

    Ed Note: My 2nd Annual Neighborhood Open House was held yesterday afternoon. The following vingette is written from my daughter Laura,  a 20-something’s point of view.  Enjoy!

    mixed_holiday_wreath12 guests arriving. 11 coats a’hanging.  10 dripping boots.  9 plates of cookies.  8 people eating.  7 cups a’sitting.  6 ladies chatting.  5 children screaming.  4 degrees outside.  3 broken ornaments.  2 spilled drinks.  1 Christmas party!
    holiday-open-house-image-board-1sm

    Yesterday was my mom’s Christmas party for her neighbors.  Since my husband and I are visiting from Tennessee, we were lucky enough to be invited along with the neighbors.  And because my husband and I had been visiting friends 70 miles away, we arrived just in time for the party, and were lucky enough to escape the prep work.

    My poor mother!  Thankfully, she was lucky enough to have the help of a creative neighbor, who enjoys putting together parties.

    My mom is always brilliant when it comes to serving food and put together a lovely mix of appetizers and snacks.  She filled our tummies with pinwheels, brushettas, veggie and fruit platters, and topped it off with apple cider and wine.  Neighbors also contributed with a delicious array of cookies.  There are 11 months to diet from one month of Christmas for a reason!

    The special part about her Christmas party was that it was made up of mostly neighbors.  What a blessing to live in a place where you know your neighbors well enough to have a party with them.  I think that we all lament the social isolation in neighborhood communities, but few of us have made an effort to reach out.

    Of course, it takes time.  My mom has lived in this community for seven years and this was her second neighborhood Christmas party. (The first one was before my dad passed away in December of 2007.)   I appreciate that she was willing to step out and bring everyone together!

    Some of the appetizers recipes follow in the next blog entry below.  I hope that you can enjoy making some of these recipes, and perhaps even enjoy them with your neighbors.  Merry Christmas!

    Ed Final Note:  Several neighbors mentioned that since we were having such a good time visiting together, we should do this more often!   The success of the party was not the food, but building relationships with friends and neighbors.  Memories created. Goal achieved.

  • Appetizing Appetizers

    Mentoring Moms created an Open House Buffet in about 45 minutes last week. Here is the fruit tray:

    Fruittray

    The BLT Bruschetta recipe below is a simple gourmet delight,  very delicious, you must try it!

    Bruschetta

    BLT Bruschetta

    5 Slices Maple flavored Bacon, cooked and crumbled
    ½ C. finely chopped seeded tomato
    ½ C. finely chopped leaf lettuce
    ½ C. prepared pesto, divided
    ½ C. shredded Mozzerella, optional
    2 Tbsp  minced fresh basil
    ¼ tsp salt
    ¼ tsp pepper
    1 10 ½ oz loaf French Bread, sliced thin
    3 Tbsp Olive oil

    Brush French Bread with olive oil and toast by baking at 400° F 9-10 minutes – watch closely- until golden brown.  Mix crumbled bacon with finely chopped tomato.  Spread pesto mixture on each slice.
    Sprinkle with a little Mozzerella.  Heat until cheese is melted and garnish with chopped lettuce and basil.

    Appetizer Tortilla PinwheelsPinWheels
    The red and green ingredients make these colorful and tasty for the Christmas holidays.

    2 packages of cream cheese (8 oz.) softened,
    1 package ranch salad dressing mix (dry mix)
    1/2 cup minced sweet red pepper
    1/2 cup minced celery
    1/4 cup minced green onions
    1/4 cup minced black olives (optional)
    3-4 flour tortillas (10 inch)

    In a mixing bowl beat cream cheese and dressing mix until
    smooth.  Add the red peppers, celery, onion, and olives; mix well.
    Spread about 3/4 cup on each tortilla.  Roll up tightly; wrap in
    plastic wrap.  Refrigerate for at least 2 hours.  Slice into 1/2 inch
    pieces.  Yield: 15-20 servings  (double or triple as needed)  Make
    ahead!

    My neighborhood Open House will be Sunday, December 20, 2009.   Remember to focus on the guests and relationships.

    I hope you have a great time with your holiday get-togethers and a beautiful spread of food with minimal effort.

  • The First Thanksgiving – an Historical Perspective and Contest

    Ed Note: According to apronmemories.com here is a huge reason to not only be humbled but exceedingly thankful to our Puritan ancestors as we prepare for the big day.  “Let us not grow weary in doing good, for if we do not give up we will reap a harvest of righteousness.”  I am so grateful to these folks who had a vision and did not give up despite overwhelming difficulties.

    “Of the eighteen married women who sailed on the Mayflower, only four lived through the first winter to see Fall of 1621.  With the assistance of five surviving girls and one maidservant, the four, thankful to be alive and grieving for those not, prepared a meal of gratitude.”

    We have an amazing amount to be thankful for even during difficult times.  I am particularly thankful for the legacy left to my family and I by my late husband Duane, that my daughter and son-in-law will be home for Christmas,  my daughter, Mary for her terrific housekeeping and musical talents, and my son Stephen’s soon-to-be  officer commissioning.  Please post some of the things, large and small  you are thankful for.

    I have complimentary copies of either one of my spiral bound books (your choice), A Beginner’s Guide to Baking Bread or  Breakfasts for Busy Moms, for 15 people who post their thankful comments. I am particularly looking for contest particpants willing to share how they have faced very difficult trials this past year and you are still able to see the positive blessings of God’s goodnesss to you and your family.

  • Three Cookbooks for the Price of Two

    THREE FOR THE PRICE OF TWO

    Gifts for all occasions for just under $10.00 each and the shipping is free! Spiral Bound, Plastic Splash Cover Cookbooks
     Coupons codes: Buy Three get One Free – BTGO, Buy Four Get Two Free – BSGT Buy Six Get Three Free – BNGT

    I like to get as much of my holiday shopping done in November as I can.  I always need some $10.00 and under gifts for last minute gifts.  My spiral bound cookbooks make perfect gifts for friends and relatives.  These books are filled with tasty, reliable, healthy, practical recipes.

    FAST AND HEALTHY MENUS FOR BUSY MOMS by Marilyn Moll

    The focus of this book is that, yes, you can cook fast and healthy meals for your family with natural whole ingredients. You must have reliable recipes, a plan, and a willingness to commit to that goal.

    A BEGINNER’S GUIDE TO BAKING BREAD by Marilyn Moll
    If you’re new to bread baking, this is a no-nonsense, easy to use book that teaches whole grain bread baking step-by step.  Over 90 pages and includes the two-stage process.

    BREAKFASTS FOR BUSY MOMS by Marilyn Moll
    Kick that cold, breakfast cereal habit and learn to cook a wide variety of nutritious breakfasts, including hot, kid-pleasing cereals using the nutrient packed two-stage process and much more.

    Choose any combination of my books – 1 of each, 3 of each, 2 of one, 1 of another or any combination of multiples of three or more of my cookbooks and get one cookbook free for every three cookbooks you put in the shopping cart.  Use the above coupon codes to save  $14.95,  $29.90 or $44.85.  If you want more, put a note in the comments section of check out.

    What an easy way to encourage your friends and relatives who are looking for a way to get started with a healthier lifestyle!

  • Celebrating Fall

    My sister and I cooked up quarts of applesauce Friday morning from outstanding Paonia apples. We have learned, over the years, the best sauce, is a combination of different types of apples. This year we used three of my favorites, Honey Crisp, Jonathan, and Gala. A bit of sugar and plenty of cinnamon mixed into the sauce, then poured into jars,wipe the lids, screw on the caps, water bathed, cooled, checked for good seals, and the beautiful pink sauce now lines my pantry shelf for the winter that is coming.

    What a huge sense of satisfaction, accomplishment, and contentment to complete this activity.

    My sister and I, usually with some children to help (not this year though) have made this applesauce-making day a family tradition we look forward to every Fall. Normally we aim for the last week end of September or the first weekend of October so we can also enjoy what is known in these parts as Color Sunday.

    Color Sunday is “officially” designated as the last two week ends of September when the Aspen trees are at the peak of their golden, yellow brilliance. About a 45 minute drive from here is actually the world’s largest Aspen grove all in one place. Behind the gorgeous and colorful trees are the tall mountains of Mount Gunnison and Mount Beckwith, both are in the 13,000 to 14,000 feet in elevation range.

    This year, my friends from Denver, Mary and Atif joined my sister and I for Paonia’s annual Mountain Harvest Festival. This includes, farm tours, wine tastings, a chili cook off, an evening of concerts for one small price at several different venues, brunch in the park Sunday morning, craft fairs, fabulous weather and a farmer’s market. Although this little tradition, The Mountain Harvest Festival, was established a few years after our family moving to the western slope of Colorado, I skipped it last year as the loss of Duane was too fresh for me to consider attending any of the events.

    The one thing I hadn’t counted on this year, however, is these particular friends are almost the only ones I have NOT seen since the Memorial Service. They found themselves struggling with driving over here knowing Duane wouldn’t be here. What will it be like for them? Nearly 18 months since Duane’s passing, truthfully I hadn’t even considered that this might be a bit hard for all of us.

    After all, these special friends had assisted Duane and I with our semi-annual grain sale for 15 years always followed my a family dinner in a restaurant. There were so many wonderful memories, now over. After spending some time at Duane’s grave side Saturday morning, I think we were all able to take one more step towards acceptance and closure and then move on enjoying every minute of the entire week end together. Memories we will never forget of just being together.

    I truly praise God for how far he has brought me in the last year and a half that I really could just savor and enjoy the company of my friends and the new fun- time traditions we started this year by spending the evenings around the campfire. I am a widow, a single mom, beginning to see that God is healing my broken heart, starting new things in my life and that he truly is faithful to have plans for me, plans for welfare, not for evil, to give me a future and a hope.

    May you and your family enjoy God’s goodness during our Fall season of harvest, warm days and cool nights. I encourage you to take the time to enjoy harvest events, putting away the last of the garden produce into the freezer or canning up the remaining tomatoes. Savor every moment, find the good and the positive in all things and you will begin to experience a contentment you didn’t know could exist.