Nobel Peace Prize Idea ( if I do say so myself)

A year ago I thought I'd be smart and plan a month of meals - the goal being to eliminate planning each week to just once a month. The menu only included supper because who really maps out breakfast, lunch and dinner? At the end of the month I realized I was a genius. (OK, you caught me. I already thought I was - cuz I'm a firstborn.)
What was my idea worthy of a Nobel Peace Price?
Use the menu three months--creating a seasonal meal plan system.
Fall: September - November
Winter: December - February
Spring: March - May
Summer: June - August

The biggest headache of meal preparation is the thinking,deciding and list making. With every meal decided, grocery shopping is a cinch. With my three month plan, I only have to think 4 times a year!! (now you're thinking I'm a genius too! and a QVC personality) I've added breakfasts and lunches - which are usually the same for every season.

Why even care enough to plan tomorrow's meals- led alone next month's? I have an internal drive to create an eating experience with every bite my family takes. When food/meals are esteemed, flavors are relished, and the act of eating is enjoyed, I believe we will
*learn to appreciate the "hands that prepare it"
*know when to say when
*enjoy a great variety of foods
*and much more

Personally, I feel its my role to be the best chef of Ardenland that I can. In fact, it's become a hobby to learn new recipes and attempt new cuisines.

But in all honesty, the best part for me is TIME EFFICIENCY. The time I save by thinking four times a year - instead EVERY DAY - allows me to do other things with my life BUT still provide a quality food service for my clientele. :)

The peace of knowing what's for supper at 9:00am is noble indeed!

TO DIE FOR Oatmeal Pancakes

We got a gift of Great Harvest Oatmeal Pancake for Christmas. Matt loved it so much he challenged me to find a recipe. I found this somewhere in lala-land.

The easiest pancake mix ever. I sometimes combine the dry ingredients in the evening to make it faster in the morning. I could make them everyday and my family wouldn't complain.


1 C wheat flour (whole wheat pastry flour makes them good too)
1 C old fashioned oats
1/4 C wheat germ (opt if you don't have)
1 T brown sugar (optional: sugar)
1 tsp baking soda
2 egg whites (accidentally used 2 eggs once and turned out fine)
1 egg (option #2: replace with flaxseed meal: mix 3 T water w/ 1tsp flaxseed meal. Sit for 1 minute.)
2 C milk
1/4 C canola oil

Stir dry. Stir wet. Mix.
I usually double this for the four of us plus some leftovers. Enjoy.

Let me know what you think. Were they to die for?

Homeade Crackers

At $3.00 a box, crackers are a big expense, but necessary ingredient, on my shopping list. I just found this recipe and will try it this week. I think the girls will enjoy participating in making the snack they love best.

http://www.choosingvoluntarysimplicity.com/the-easiest-crackers-i-have-ever-made/

Moses or God's Wife?

Tori: "Why is Moses out there? Why is Moses out there?"
Sophia: "That's not Moses, Tori. That's God's wife - right mom?"

A recent debate on the way to church about the statue in front of the Catholic parish. Unfortunately, neither child had the identity correct -- it was Mary. Needless to say there was a theology lesson the rest of the trip.
I was a little proud of my girls for recognizing a figure and utilizing their Bible knowledge. They surprise me sometimes at what they learn, remember, and repeat.

Homeade Granola - Great as a cereal, yogurt or ice cream topper

6 C quick oats
1/2 C maple sugar (for you non-vegans use regular sugar:)(no I'm not vegan -just the recipe)
3/4 C wheat germ
1/2 C cocunut
1/2 C sesame or sunflower seeds
1 C chopped nuts
1 C raisins
1/2 C safflower oil (highly recommended, but can use other oil)
1/3 C maple syrup (sweet) OR 1/3 C brown rice syrup (found at Sunflower or Raley's)
1 1/2 tsp vanilla

1. Spread oats on baking pan - bake 10 mins. Transfer to mixing bowl. Add sugar, wheat germ, cocunut, seeds, nuts, raisins. Mix well. Add oil, syrup, vanilla. Mix until moist.

2. Spread half mixture on baking sheet. Bake 5 mins. Stir. Bake 5 more mins - until browned evenly.
Cool on pan. Transfer to bowl. Bake other half of mixture the same way.

My culinary skills have come a long way since becoming the head chef in Ardenland. I've learned to experiment and be adventurous. It's my pleasure to share with you my messes and success for your dining pleasure.

elephants in the bathroom sink

We've (more like I've) been battling an army of ants in our bathroom sink. The origin seems to be from the overflow drain in the back of the sink.
Yesterday as I sprayed them with biodegradable spray - not trying to be PETA friendly, it's just the closest thing that stops them in their tracks - Sophia exclaimed that "We don't like ants in the bathroom and we don't like ELEPHANTS in the bathroom either."

HUH??? Could two animals of distinct size and ability be that closely related in a 3 year old's mind. I firmly agreed with her that "no, we don't like ants or elephants in the bathroom sink. (Frankly my bio spray wouldn't be as affective on an elephant.)

Just in case, I'll be on the look out for dumbo.