Because there doesn't seem to be enough hours in the day I sometimes run errands at lunch. It gives me a break out of the office and a chance to get some fresh air at the same time. At times I have been known to find a favorite song on the radio and crank up the tunes and sing along - great reliever for a stressful or monotonous day.
Today I ran to the grocery store because I'm going to be busy this weekend with other stuff I probably won't have time to do my normal Saturday morning run. When I pulled into the parking lot I noticed a man in a wheelchair with a sign saying he would take anything.......I thought to myself I must get him some food of some sort and give to him on my way out. I don't believe in giving people money. I do however believe in giving them food or toiletries of some sort. G and I both have carried granola bars in our cars for exactly these types of occasions and I have yet to have anyone turn down or not be grateful for the gesture.
Well I went into the store bought everything I needed and then stopped at the sandwich store next door to get some lunch.
Needless to say I completely forgot about the man until I pulled up along side him on my way out. There was only one thing to do - give him my sandwich. I had the resources and ability to get something else he clearly did not and it was lunch time.
I do not tell this story for pats on the back but more for a gentle reminder that its the little things you do for others you know or don't know that can make the biggest impact. And lets face it - it helps you to feel good as well.
With all the awfulness in the world - like the stabbings at the school in Pennsylvanian yesterday - the more we all practice small acts of kinds the better.
About Me
- Makanani
- I live in the Pacific NW with my husband,our 85 pound black lab and the newest member of our family our adorable little boy! I love to cook, stick my hands in the dirt and grow veggies and flowers, etc., craft for gift giving, repurpose things from my grandmother, find a cozy corner and curl up with a good book, and most of all hang out with my boys and our furry one.
Thursday, April 10, 2014
Wednesday, April 9, 2014
Peanut....peanut butter.....
So apparently this is the week of peanut butter. Bubba of course was thrilled and never left my side when I was cooking and the jar was out on the counter. Pickle not so sure about PB although he did like the soup.
This week consisted of Spaghetti (actually made w/ mild pork sausage this time) and the recipe below.
Chicken Satay Soup
Will probably not make this again.....
It was very heavy for a soup. The second night we had it I made a big pot of rice and we had it over that and it was much better.
The flavor however are wonderful! I would maybe do a little less PB though as it was a little on the sweet side.
I would also not put the chicken in but layer it on the top so it doesn't get lost.
And in the spirit of PB week I also made these
No bake PB Bars
These are super easy to make and are good as well.
I will say however they crumble. I figured it was easier to just leave them in the pan on the counter.
I cut out some for G and I to take to work every morning.
Will make these again for sure and might add raisins next time.
Not sure what the theme will be for next week yet....stay tuned ;)
This week consisted of Spaghetti (actually made w/ mild pork sausage this time) and the recipe below.
Chicken Satay Soup
 |
| here |
Will probably not make this again.....
It was very heavy for a soup. The second night we had it I made a big pot of rice and we had it over that and it was much better.
The flavor however are wonderful! I would maybe do a little less PB though as it was a little on the sweet side.
I would also not put the chicken in but layer it on the top so it doesn't get lost.
And in the spirit of PB week I also made these
No bake PB Bars
 |
| here |
These are super easy to make and are good as well.
I will say however they crumble. I figured it was easier to just leave them in the pan on the counter.
I cut out some for G and I to take to work every morning.
Will make these again for sure and might add raisins next time.
Not sure what the theme will be for next week yet....stay tuned ;)
Monday, March 31, 2014
Ah April.......
To say that I'm happy to see March go would be a major understatement. This month has been a complete roller coaster ride that I am more than happy to get off of. No need to rehash the details here but I'm glad its Spring and I time of fresh starts and new beginnings.
Spring is such a great time of year.....the flowers are blooming in my yard. So fun to see the new bulbs I planted and to remember all the existing ones. The trees right now are beyond wonderful and even though it doesn't last for long its so lovely to drive into work and see all the blossoms lining the drive.
Yesterday seemed to be a busy busy day. I must not move as fast as I used to or I am easily distracted by a very cute pickle that lives with me. So hard to find the balance on the weekends of getting stuff done and still spending time with him. Luckily he will happily play with him self if his dad and I are are busy with other things and this I believe is healthy and it will benefit him in the long run as well. I also know that by doing the prep I do on the Sunday's the week goes a lot smoother and I am able to spend more time with him during the precious hour or so that I get with him in the evenings. The juggling act of a mother is one I struggle with constantly and and try to be open to trying new things that will make it easier for all.
I have to say also that I have mastered what I believe to be the perfect recipe for making your own refried beans at home. I've looked at a lot of recipes (sorry folks but I'm NOT putting lard in them) and this is what I have come up with.
2 lbs pinto beans - rinse and pick out the ugly ones
1 small onion diced
1 - 2 cans of green chilis
Cumin sprinkled over the top of everything.
4 cups water
2 cups veggie broth
Salt
Put all of the above in your crock pot and cook on low for 8 hours.
I break the cardinal rule of never opening the lid of every recipe. This is no exception. I stir the beans about 4 hours in and check the level of liquid. I then stir and check them about every hour or so after that. I usually end up added another 1 - 2 cups of water.
When its done you need to take out some of the liquid. You won't want all of it in there. I take out the majority of it and put it in a bowl in case I need to add some of it back in. This is where your hand emulsifier comes in handy and if you don't have one you need to get one. You just blend away until you have the consistency you think your family will like. Then taste it and add salt and cumin as needed.
I kept some out for Pickle to eat and to put in the Enchilada's I was making for this week. The rest goes in freezer bags to lay flat in the freezer.
Super easy and really much cheaper than all those cans!
Also, on tap this week I made this......felt like some white trash food was in order so why not a good ol' chicken noodle casserole.
Chicken Noodle Casserole
I kinda divided this in half. You could make the whole thing and freeze or give away the other half. Also, I just used two chicken breast which was plenty. I also used Ritz Crackers for the topping since that's what I had on hand. It was good but next time I will put in some water chestnuts, use milk not half and half and might had a dash of curry or a bunch of some fresh herbs. I might also bake the chicken tossed in some spices. All in all a crowd pleaser for the boys.
Spring is such a great time of year.....the flowers are blooming in my yard. So fun to see the new bulbs I planted and to remember all the existing ones. The trees right now are beyond wonderful and even though it doesn't last for long its so lovely to drive into work and see all the blossoms lining the drive.
Yesterday seemed to be a busy busy day. I must not move as fast as I used to or I am easily distracted by a very cute pickle that lives with me. So hard to find the balance on the weekends of getting stuff done and still spending time with him. Luckily he will happily play with him self if his dad and I are are busy with other things and this I believe is healthy and it will benefit him in the long run as well. I also know that by doing the prep I do on the Sunday's the week goes a lot smoother and I am able to spend more time with him during the precious hour or so that I get with him in the evenings. The juggling act of a mother is one I struggle with constantly and and try to be open to trying new things that will make it easier for all.
I have to say also that I have mastered what I believe to be the perfect recipe for making your own refried beans at home. I've looked at a lot of recipes (sorry folks but I'm NOT putting lard in them) and this is what I have come up with.
2 lbs pinto beans - rinse and pick out the ugly ones
1 small onion diced
1 - 2 cans of green chilis
Cumin sprinkled over the top of everything.
4 cups water
2 cups veggie broth
Salt
Put all of the above in your crock pot and cook on low for 8 hours.
I break the cardinal rule of never opening the lid of every recipe. This is no exception. I stir the beans about 4 hours in and check the level of liquid. I then stir and check them about every hour or so after that. I usually end up added another 1 - 2 cups of water.
When its done you need to take out some of the liquid. You won't want all of it in there. I take out the majority of it and put it in a bowl in case I need to add some of it back in. This is where your hand emulsifier comes in handy and if you don't have one you need to get one. You just blend away until you have the consistency you think your family will like. Then taste it and add salt and cumin as needed.
I kept some out for Pickle to eat and to put in the Enchilada's I was making for this week. The rest goes in freezer bags to lay flat in the freezer.
Super easy and really much cheaper than all those cans!
Also, on tap this week I made this......felt like some white trash food was in order so why not a good ol' chicken noodle casserole.
Chicken Noodle Casserole
I kinda divided this in half. You could make the whole thing and freeze or give away the other half. Also, I just used two chicken breast which was plenty. I also used Ritz Crackers for the topping since that's what I had on hand. It was good but next time I will put in some water chestnuts, use milk not half and half and might had a dash of curry or a bunch of some fresh herbs. I might also bake the chicken tossed in some spices. All in all a crowd pleaser for the boys.
Sunday, March 23, 2014
What's cooking....
Its Sunday so let the cooking begin!
This is what I am cooking to help get us through the week!
Baked Oatmeal
This is beyond delish. I tasted it a little after it came out of the oven and let's hope there is some left for the week
Chicken Tortilla Soup
I kinda followed the recipe. I'm not a fan of black bean so I did Pinto and I add a can of corn. It's simmer away on the stove right now and let me tell you.....its spicy. Not sure Pickle will be able to tolerate.
Also, going to make this later
Lazy Day Chile Rellenos
Will probably pour a little enchilada sauce over the top we will see
I also have starting cooking bean and broccoli ahead of time. Then instead of having them hot with dinner we have them cold with a little fresh tomatoes and salad dressing. G loves this.
Hoping for a carefree week where dinner is just kinda waiting in the fridge for a little warmth with a definite mexican flair. We probably take the Chicken Curry Soup (which is wonderful and I will share later) out of the freezer for Thursday to add in a different.
This is what I am cooking to help get us through the week!
Baked Oatmeal
This is beyond delish. I tasted it a little after it came out of the oven and let's hope there is some left for the week
Chicken Tortilla Soup
I kinda followed the recipe. I'm not a fan of black bean so I did Pinto and I add a can of corn. It's simmer away on the stove right now and let me tell you.....its spicy. Not sure Pickle will be able to tolerate.
Also, going to make this later
Lazy Day Chile Rellenos
Will probably pour a little enchilada sauce over the top we will see
I also have starting cooking bean and broccoli ahead of time. Then instead of having them hot with dinner we have them cold with a little fresh tomatoes and salad dressing. G loves this.
Hoping for a carefree week where dinner is just kinda waiting in the fridge for a little warmth with a definite mexican flair. We probably take the Chicken Curry Soup (which is wonderful and I will share later) out of the freezer for Thursday to add in a different.
Thursday, January 23, 2014
Sunday, December 29, 2013
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