Beans

Pa and I love Beans, burritos, beans and rice, even black beans in a green salad is very yummy, three bean pizza is good too.  Beans are just so yummy!

Problem is... we try to get the kids to enjoy beans as we do.  But, they just don't.

However... last night I tried a simple trick.  This is not my idea though, it came from Erleen Tilton.  What you do is blend the beans then mixed them into what ever, in our case last night we made ground beef, canned tomatoes and seasonings.  Put it in a tortilla and they ate it.  None of them complained.  They didn't eat very much, but they did eat it!!

They were all hungry about 30 minutes later but we made progress!!

Pizza Night

April 30, 2009

Three Bean Pizza that is.  And it is so yummy.

1 tablespoon olive oil

1 large onion, coarsely chopped 

3 cloves garlic, finely chopped

1 can (15 ounces) black beans, drained and rinsed

1 can (8 ounces) chick-peas, drained and rinsed

1 can (12 ounces) red kidney beans, drained and rinsed

1 jar (12 ounces) chunky salsa

1/4 cup chopped cilantro OR: parsley

1 tube (10 ounces) refrigerated pizza dough

4 ounces shredded Monterey Jack cheese (1 cup)

1.  Preheat oven to (425 degrees).

2.  Heat oil in large skillet over medium heat.  Add onion; saute 3 minutes or until softened.  Add garlic; saute 2 minutes.  Add black beans, chick-peas, red kidney beans, salsa and cilantro to skillet; cook, stirring occasionally, until heated through, about 5 minutes.

3.  Meanwhile, prepare the pizza dough for a 12-inch pie according to the package directions. 

4.  Sprinkle dough with half the cheese.  Spoon bean mixture on top of cheese; spread to cover entire surface.  Sprinkle with remaining cheese.

5.  Bake in preheated hot oven (425) for 10 to 15 minutes or until hot and bubbly and cheese is melted.

Our kids don't like beans so this was a tough one to get down their throats.  So I made brownies as bribery.  Emma has gotten to an age where she is able force food down.  David scraped off the top and ate two slices.  He was okay with the beans just not the chick-peas. There were a lot of tears with Abby and Jacob just ate the crust.

Our goal is to make one meal a week that isn't liked too much but good for us.  I hope the kids get used to these meals soon, so we can eat healthier without much complaint.  -Ma

What to do with Sour Oranges

When we first moved into our house 4 years ago we were excited to have a citrus tree, however we couldn't figure out what it was.  They have the color of an orange yet they are kind of shaped like a lemon.  Then one day a friend came over and he grew up here in Mesa and he told us that this mystery tree of ours is a sour orange tree.  What?  He said, "ya you can make marmalade, or tang.  You can even graft in other fruit trees and make like a fruit salad tree.  I guess these trees are very strong, they can endure a lot.

So today we went out and picked some of those sour oranges so we could make some marmalade.

Then we brought them inside to wash.

And we made marmalade.  Although I don't think I did it right.  Is it supposed to be runny??

Anyways it looks neat.  -Ma

Put Just Right

When I was younger, my older brother and his friend would go into my room and move my 

nick-nacks on my dresser.  They wouldn't move them much just ever so slightly.  Then they would wait.  I would go into my room and I would always notice that something was touched, something was moved.  They would do this over and over again.  They would always watch, and they would always be stunned that I could see a difference. 

This morning I poured David a bowl of cereal, he ate a little bit and then ran to go potty.  When he came back he said, "Who ate my cereal?"  Emma piped in, "Mama did!"  I laughed and said, "How can you tell?  I just had one bite."  He just giggled. -Ma

One of "Those" Day's...

So, we just need to have "one of those day's" occasionally so we know when we have a great day! Yesterday was "one of those day's"  I woke up a little tired so I was a little cranky, but I can usually keep the crankiness under control.

As I was getting dressed I asked Emma if she could get herself dressed, she was excited to pick out her clothes, so she quickly went into her room, got her shirt on then she stopped.  I asked her at least 4 more time to get her pants on.  She would look at me then continue to do "her" thing.

I asked her why she wont get dressed her reply was that she wanted to write on her chalk board first.  She knew that she needed to get dressed and she just wouldn't.  This was making me so angry.  I kept thinking if she would just listen then we could work as a team.

Finally we got her dressed, fed and out the door.

Still frustrated by her attitude and disrespect.  This is not a problem that just started, she wont listen when it is time to do homework, eat dinner, go to bed, etc..

I went outside to "become one with nature" it usually makes me feel better.  I pulled some weeds in the garden.  David was a great helper.  Jacob thought it was great that there are flowers on the pea plant and pulled one off.  Thankfully he listened when I told him that the flowers stay there. 

 

Found an egg on the ground in the chicken run.  For some reason the last couple of days a chicken wants to lay her eggs outside of the coop.  Can't say that I blame her, she made a nice nesting hole and there is straw in there, it looks so cozy.

I was feeling better, but still on edge so I went to the store to get chocolate... peanut M&M's. One knows that this IS a fix all.  And of course it did work.

At about 1:30, I was just getting started on the dishes.  Jacob was walking towards the house, speaking in baby talk about his hand.  It looked serious, so I closed up the dish washer and and went to help out.  Thinking he was upset because his hands were dirty, I scooped him up and proceeded to clean his hands.

Ohhhh, what is that poking me I thought.  Looking closer I could see all the hair like cactus needles in his hand.  I grabbed the tweezer and sat in the sunniest part of the house, the front door.  He sat still for about 3 minutes.  Then I realized he had a stinky diaper and I also knew that he wouldn't sit still long enough for me to get all of the needles out of his hand.  Changed the diaper, then packed up the kids and went to a neighbors house to get help holding him down.  He sat really well, I mostly needed help holding his hand opened.  It took us at least 10 minutes to get those out.  Upon returning home I went to look at his sweater that he had on before.  It has needles all over it, unbelievable!!

Eat more chocolate... the day will get better!!

Emma gets home, we have a pleasant greeting.  Day seems to be going well.  

Make dinner Mac and Cheese for the kids and burritos for us.  For some reason Emma just doesn't want to sit at the table.  She says that she is not ready to eat.  Pa and I ask her to sit at least 7 times.  One would think that is enough.  Nope she still fights.  Emma runs down the hall, Pa asks her nicely to come sit down and if she doesn't she will not be able to eat.  Emma screamed, "I HATE YOU!"  Whoa--- where did that come from????  She is sent to her room, she fights that.  What is happening I think, this is not MY little girl!

After everyones composure is back, we sit down as a family and talk about what happens when we make choices and that with every choice there will be a consequence, whether good or bad there will be a consequence.  We talked about how we (Ma and Pa) love the kids and that we don't want to do anything that will hurt that.  We talked about how Ma and Pa have a role, that we need to teach the kids, and how important it is for them to listen.  Everyone was in agreement, until Emma decided she was now hungry.  I told her that her consequence for not eating with us is that she can't eat till morning.  Then she kicked me.  Okay, now it is bed time.

After many tears, she finally fell asleep, and I was very surprised that she wasn't crazy hungry this morning.

My heart hurts that she is pushing buttons and that we have to go through such hard ship with her.  I am hopeful that she is learning, and hopeful that she happily learning and not angry.  I think that if she is happily learning the we will have the love and respect that I always dreamed I would have in my family.  Sigh.  -Ma

Early morning church

We now go to church at 8:30 in the morning.  Yawn!  One thing that I really want to do each Sunday morning is make breakfast, we don't want any hungry bellies.  

When I went in to wake Pa and Jacob this is what I found.  I thought Jacob was just snuggled up to Pa.  Arm wrapped around neck...

However this is what I found on the other side.  Pa is always complaining about the lights being too bright in the morning.  I guess Jacob wants to help him out.  he, he, he.

For Breakfast this morning I made...

Cream Brullet

(I am sorry, I really don't know how to spell that.  So, I wrote it like ballet, spell checker didn't like it.)

(It is oven baked french toast)

1 cup butter

1 cup brown sugar

2 Tablespoons corn syrup

Melt these ingredients together.

Pour into cake pan.

One loaf french toast bread or jewish egg bread cut into slices with or without crust.

put bread into bottom of pan, make sure to cover all spaces.

5 eggs

1 1/2 cups half and half

1 teaspoon vanilla

1/4 teaspoon salt

Mix these ingredients together and pour over the bread.

Cover and chill over night

Next morning bake uncovered at 350 for 45 minutes or till golden brown.

Remove from oven and sprinkle with powdered sugar (optional).

The top part was really good, however I burnt the bottom.  We were all very sad about this.

Jacob likes to play a game at the table.  He raises his arms, then we do the same.  He waits till he feels he has made us wait long enough then he drops his arms.  Laughter, always goes along with this game.

-Ma

David's Sandwich

Mom, can I make a sandwich?

Not the kind you make, but the kind I make.

I need one of these (hotdog bun),

will you get me some yogurt?

I just need to taste the yogurt first.

Will you get me some cheese, please.

Mmmm, this is going to be good.

I just need some crackers.

Hmm, I need something else.

More yogurt.

And cheese.

It's a good David sandwich.

Oh ya, this is so good!

I love this last picture because of his eyes.  When he was just little and nursing, he would latch on and immediately his big blue eyes would roll back and you could tell that he was in heaven.

-Ma

Hardy Tarte Yams

I came up with a holiday recipe for sweet yams layered with apples. Tastes sooooo goood. Like apple pie and sweet yams together. Very delicious. Was a hit with everyone this Thanksgiving!

Ingredients

1 large yam (red flesh)

2 tart medium apples (Granny Smith)

1/3 cup pure maple syrup

1/2 cup brown sugar, not packed

1 lemon

6 tablespoons of butter

2 teaspoons of vanilla

2 teaspoons of nutmeg

1/2 teaspoon of ginger

Directions

1. Cook yam with skin on, in boiling salted water until tender (25 minutes)

2. When cool peel and slice crosswise a little bit thicker than 1/4 inch.

3. Zest the lemons and then juice them reserving the zest and juice.

4. Peel, core and slice apples.

5. Pour majority of pure maple syrup on the bottom of the 1.5 quart Corning casserole dish.

6. Layer yams then apples over the maple syrup

6. Dash brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, vanilla, and a spritz of lemon juice on top of the apple layer.

7. Add slices of butter.

8. Add another layer of yams and apples to top this layer the same way. Until all is gone.

9. Cover with lid or foil and bake 45 minutes at 325 degrees °F.

9. Remove cover and put temperature up to 400 degrees and cook for 15 minutes more.

10. You can microwave this dish. Cover and cook it for about 20 minutes on high. Check for tender apples by inserting a knife. There will be juice at the bottom, so serve with a slotted spoon. Serves 4-6. Enjoy! - Pa

Hardy Black Bean Soup

I'm looking for a good black bean soup recipe. I'm going to can it in my pressure canner. I've got five pounds of black beans soaking overnight. I found this recipe, it sounds good. We also have the Ball Blue Book of preserving. On page 64 there is a recipe for canning navy beans with pork and tomato sauce. Ma says I should prepare the black bean soup according to that recipe. Sounds good to me! I'll let you know how it turns out. - Pa

Ingredients And Procedures

2 tablespoons oil 3 medium onions -- chopped 4 cloves garlic -- minced 48 ounces canned black beans (frijoles negros) -- drained and rinsed 1 tablespoon fresh oregano -- finely chopped 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin -- or to taste 1/2 teaspoon fresh thyme -- finely chopped 1 bay leaf 2 cups cubed ham -- cooked 2 cups chicken stock 1/4 cup dry sherry 16 ounces canned whole tomatoes -- drained & chopped 1/4 cup fresh tomatoes -- peeled and chopped salt and freshly ground pepper -- to taste ACCOMPANIMENTS: fresh lime or lemon wedges sour cream radishes -- thinly sliced green onions -- sliced cilantro leaves chile salsa In a wide-bottomed, large saucepan over medium heat, heat oil. Add onions and cook until soft, 3 to 5 minutes. Add garlic and cook 1 minute longer. Stir in beans, oregano, cumin, thyme, bay leaf, ham, stock, sherry, and tomatoes. Increase heat and bring mixture to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer, uncovered, about 30 minutes. Season to taste with salt, if necessary, and pepper. Serve soup with your choice of accompaniments, or cool to room temperature and refrigerate or freeze. Makes about 7 cups. * Timesaver Tip: Soup can be made up to 2 days ahead, covered, and refrigerated, or it can be frozen. To freeze, spoon soup into one large or several smaller individual freezer containers. Cover, label, and freeze at 0 degrees F up to 1 month. To serve, defrost soup 15 to 20 minutes on Defrost setting of microwave, or thaw in refrigerator 8 to 24 hours. Gently warm soup in a saucepan or microwave at 50% power until it is warmed through. Stir several times both during defrosting and during reheating. Microwave Version Put oil in a 2-quart casserole and microwave on 70% power 45 seconds. Add onions and microwave another 3 minutes, until onions are soft. Add garlic and microwave a minute longer. Complete step 2 as directed above. Cover casserole with waxed paper or loosely with plastic wrap and microwave, still on 70% power, 30 minutes. time and timesaver tip same as above.

More free recipes

Beans-With Pork and Tomato Sauce (Ball Blue Book of Preserving)

1 quart dried navy beans (about 2 pounds)

1/4 pound salt pork, cut in pieces

1 cup chopped onion (about 1 medium)

3 tablespoons sugar

2 teaspoons salt

1/4 teaspoon cloves

1/4 teaspoon allspice

1 quart tomato juice

Cover beans with cold water and let stand 12 to 18 hours in a cool place (Lucky it's winter in Arizona!). Drain. Cover beans with boiling water by 2 inches in a large saucepot. Boil 3 minutes. Remove from heat and let stand 10 minutes; drain. Combine onion, sugar, salt, spices and tomato juice; heat to boiling. Pack 1 cup beans into hot jars; top with a piece of pork; fill jar 3/4 full with beans. Ladle hot tomato sauce over beans, leaving 1-inch headspace. Remove air bubbles. Adjust 2-piece caps. Process pints 1 hour and 5 minutes, quarts 1 hour and 15 minutes, at 10 pounds pressure in a steam-pressure canner.

You are Unique

I love to go to Costco... most of the time just to get the fun food.  What better thing to do than walk around a LARGE busy store and get food along the way?

Okay so more than the food I love the cute little lady's that hand out the food.  Some are grouchy... but that is another story!  And some are so nice.  Pa and I went to Costco on Veterans Day and they were passing out yummies.  We talked with two ladies, one about soy milk.  And the other about how the world is and what it was.  She was passing out cottage cheese with blue berries, we talked about what it was like in her time.  If you have moldy cottage cheese scrap off the top and eat the rest, don't let it go to waste.  We talked of how I was taught to scrape the inside of the egg when you crack it (don't waste anything).  We talk of how there was no room for wants in her time.  We talked of flat screen T.V.'s.  Then we talked of our tiny house and how it is squishy but we are happy that we have each other.  She spoke of how couples need to hold on to each other to make it.  How it is more important to have a family, children.

Then she looked at our cute and unruly children, we were in the refrigerated isle and they were walking on the ledge by the doors.   She said, "You are unique.  It is nice that you are able to put your family first and not the world."

I am very thankful for a great family, we might not have a house that fits our family by the worlds standards.  Or a two car garage that can hold our unneeded stuff.  Or two full sized bathrooms.  Or even a flat screen T.V..  But we do have each other and a lot of love that goes around and I am so thankful for that.  I will take being unique. -Ma

Bread Dough

If your bread dough wont rise, never fear, you can make pizza. I tried to make bread yesterday and the stuff wouldn't rise... I don't know what was wrong with it. I never make bread and I used a recipe that is titled, 'Perfect White Bread'. I did add a cup of wheat flour. But, I just don't know what I did wrong. Guess we were destined to eat pizza last night. -Ma

Chickens and EGGS

About two months ago I noticed that the biggest chicken of the groups was acting very unusual. She was over by the banana trees fluffing her feathers. However I noticed that she was acting stranger than the normal feather fluffing. This is what she would do. It seemed that she was in labor she would fluff then roll to one side then she would fluff and sit up right then fluff and roll to the other side, this went on for a good 10 to 15 minutes. For a while there I thought that she was hurt, so I went over and she appeared to be fine. Now I was thinking that she could possibly lay an egg but at the same time she was so big and the comb on top of her head was so tall we thought that she could have been a rooster.
The next day Pa was outside, he found a beautiful brown egg. And the cool thing is, she didn't lay it under the banana tree she did it in the coop!!! And a cooler thing is, she is a hen not a rooster!!
So, you ask how many eggs do you get a day??? We get 3 eggs a day, once we got 4 but the 4th egg was very small and I think it came from a chicken that was accidentally stepped on as a chick.

Oh, I need to let ya'll know that the fence for the chickens is DONE, there wings have been clipped and the strawberry plants are trying to recuperate. We will probably have to plant more. Oh well, at least they are contained! -Ma