Thursday, May 31, 2012

Freezer...

Just as I got caught up with foods to put into the freezer, the freezer died.  The good news is that we did not lose any of the food (we have an extra refrigerator/freezer and everything fit).  It was an old freezer and I am really surprised it lasted as long as it did.  It once belonged to my husband's grandfather, therefore, it was not the most energy efficient freezer on the market.

With two baseball games, dance lessons, and teaching a night class, the sloppy joe's from the freezer came in handy last night.  I made extra potatoes the night before that made a great side dish.  We all ate when it was possible in our schedule...not my favorite way to have dinner.

Saturday, May 26, 2012

Barbecue Sauce and more...

I have been behind on my "stash" in the freezer, until this morning.  I have been productive.  I started by going to the grocery store.  I planned on making Slow-Cooker Sloppy Joes, a double batch.  I plan may serve them on Monday (Labor Day), or not.  If I don't serve them then, I will have 2 batches in the freezer for other times. 

You see, planning ahead is fantastic for the school year, when I am working and need some ready to go suppers in the freezer.  However, planning ahead is even better in the summer, when I plan to be out and about with the kids and having fun.  No one wants to stop their fun...not even adults!

Since I purchased the large club pack of ground beef, I made a meat sauce that will also go into the freezer.  That is a possible 3 meals in the freezer (in case you are keeping count).

And, just in case you thought I was finished...

Tomorrow, Sunday, begins our summer tradition of "Sunny Sunday".  A close group of family/friends gather each week at my Aunt's pool.  We all bring food and drinks.  All winter long, we reminisce about past "sunny Sunday's" and plan for future "sunny Sunday's".  Tomorrow, I am bringing... barbecue ribs (see bbq sauce recipe below), scalloped potatoes with tomatoes and bell peppers, and red velvet cheesecake.  The cheesecake is baking as I type. The ribs have a dry rub on them and are waiting until tomorrow to slowly cook in a moderate oven and I will prep the potatoes before leaving.  I may make more...if the spirit moves me (and it usually does).

I made three batches of the barbecue sauce and froze two batches. 

Barbecue Sauce

1 12 oz. bottle chili sauce
1/4 cup ketchup
3 tablespoons brown sugar (preferable dark brown sugar)
3 tablespoons molasses
2 tablespoons bourbon
2 tablespoons mustard (I use whatever kind I have on hand)
2 tablespoons cider vinegar
1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
pepper sauce, as much as you prefer
1 teaspoon liquid smoke

Mix all ingredients together.  Use on chicken, pork. or beef.

Thursday, May 24, 2012

Ending the week...

Yes, it is only Thursday and not really the end of the week, but since there is no school tomorrow, it is my end of the week.  We only (hahaha) have a dance recital dress rehearsal and a baseball game tonight.  I am prepping meatball hoagies and roasted potatoes for whenever anyone wants to eat.

Under "normal" circumstances, I would have sauce and meatballs in the freezer.  The end of the school year does not constitute normal circumstances.  Reserves are low.  In this case, it is a good thing to know which convenience products are worth the money. 

Wednesday, May 23, 2012

Cooking on the Run

When a week is this busy, it is easy to for me to get anxious about dinner meals.  I am not a huge sandwich fan, and sometimes I feel like a sandwich is the only way to get food into my family. Also, I don't like to eat dinner too late.  Fortunately, my family does not mind an 8 o'clock dinner.

Last night, with baseball games, dance, and work responsibilities, dinner was going to be late and I was going to be absent from the meal.  I grilled chicken breasts early and my husband was able to heat the chicken and warm a vegetable and rice.  I made extra chicken for tonight...that chicken can go into a sandwich or a salad.  That is if anyone is home to eat it.  If not, Thursday is another day.

Monday, May 21, 2012

Some good recipes

My family has been super busy, so I have not had time to post much.  Of course, we still eat.  I have tried a couple new recipes:

Mini Scalloped Potatoes
Tomato-Basil Sauce with Polenta


Tuesday, May 1, 2012

Clams in Butter Wine Sauce

I have been using this recipe for a while, but I think I finalized it this past weekend for my daughter's birthday party.
Clams in Butter Wine Sauce

6 ears corn on the cob, husked and cut into thirds
2 pounds baby potatoes

3 sticks of butter, melted
1 cup white wine
1 tablespoon Old Bay seasoning
1 tomato, quartered
1 sprig fresh rosemary, chopped
2 tablespoons fresh basil, chopped
1 teaspoon fresh parsley, chopped

2 cups pearl onions, peeled
100 littleneck clams

Put potatoes and corn in a large dutch oven and cover with water. Bring to a boil and cook until potatoes are tender. Drain water from pot. Add butter, wine, Old Bay seasoning, tomato and herbs and cook until butter is melted. Stir.

Wash clams and discard clams that are open. Add clams to butter-wine mixture. Cook until the clams open. Serve with a crusty bread.

Grilled Vegetable Salad

I like salads, especially when I don't make them. The same with sandwiches. But I am trying to change that. This grilled vegetable salad had lots of veggies and is a change from the usual cold salad. The ingredients can vary according to your favorite vegetables. I used zucchini(cut in half), red onion (thickly sliced), red peppers (cut in wide strips), and romaine lettuce (cut in half lengthwise). Brush the vegetables with olive oil and sprinkle with salt and pepper. Heat grill to high (this time I used a stove top grill). Grill vegetables on each side until cooked with beautiful grill marks. For the lettuce, grill with cut side down just until slightly wilted.
Once the vegetables are grilled, chop into bite sized pieces. Mix all vegetables in a bowl. Add your favorite dressing. I used olive oil and balsamic venegar.