Friday, June 22, 2012

Chicken

I had chicken breasts marinating in a balsamic vinaigrette and I was not sure when/how I was going to cook them.  Heck, I didn't even know what time we all would eat.

Luckily, in between running kids to the park and doctor appointments, I had time to grill the chicken.  I also had time to cook some orzo.  You stay-at-home moms, as well as the working moms know, finding that 30 minutes of time does not always happen. If I did not have that longer stop at home, I would have put them in the crock pot.

Wednesday, June 20, 2012

BBQ Pork Chops

Last night, I had to take my older son to a baseball game (and guest coach!).  My husband had baseball practice with our younger son.  The girls were with me.  I knew we would all be home late and 4 o'clock was too early to eat dinner before leaving the house.  So, here was my plan:

In the morning I pre-cooked the pork chops in the oven.  I spread a dry rub on them, put them in the baking dish, and added a beer.  They cooked at 300 degrees for 1 hour.  I then refrigerated the pork.  When we got home from the game, I finished the pork chops with my homemade barbecue sauce (see recipe in sidebar), fixed some baked beans, and zucchini and salad.

We have just about the same schedule later today...I have to teach a class, practice, games, etc.  My chicken is marinating in balsamic vinaigrette.  Instead of baking in the oven, I may use the crock pot to get the chicken started.  I will have to let you know.

Tuesday, June 19, 2012

Sausage and Peppers

Sausage and peppers is one of my "go meals".  It can be made early in the crock pot or just before serving on the stove top.  Yesterday, I had class at night, so I made it during the day, on the stove top, and refrigerated it until dinner.  At dinner time, only the amount that was needed had to be reheated.

Here's what I do:

Brown sausage in a dutch oven coated with cooking spray.  Once it is browned, it is easier to cut into sections. I use a serrated knife to cut it.  Return the sausage to the dutch oven.  Add potatoes (baby potatoes work well, but you can slice larger potatoes.)  Add one can of tomato sauce, rosemary, basil, and oregano.  Cook until potatoes are almost tender, then add green pepper strips.  Cover and cook until potatoes are finished.

Tuesday, June 12, 2012

Baking and more

I felt like baking today...I really think it was procrastination from dissertation writing, but I had to go with the baking.  (I did dissertation write, a little.) 

I had ribs sitting in the refrigerator with a dry rub all morning.  About 1 o'clock, they went into the oven at 250 degrees... they slow cooked all day.  I boiled potatoes, then smashed them slightly onto a baking sheet, and topped with some garlic butter.  They became crispy in the oven.  And I tried Roasted Lemon-Parmesan Cauliflower with Capers as a side.  A great meal, if I do say so myself.

Dessert was Lemonade Cupcakes.   I like lemon anything!  These are great.  And, they looked great (see, procrastination has its benefits). 


Also, I still had strawberries from strawberry picking.  I made Strawberry Pretzel Icebox Pie.  It is currently in the freezer.  Procrastination may make me fat!  At least I'm eating well....and I share with the neighbors!

Monday, June 11, 2012

No school

This is the first full week without school.  I am still teaching a night class, but having the days free makes life more relaxing.  Just because the days are free, does not mean I want to be cooking all day.  Well, maybe sometimes.  I like to use my time to be organized so that I can enjoy the free time.

Today I made a large batch of waffles and put many in the freezer.  They will be gone before the week is over, so that is a task I will have to repeat.  Only the boys will be home for dinner so I put a batch of Bourbon Meatballs in the crockpot.  After class, I will snack on them.

Last week, I took my two youngest children strawberry picking.  Freezer jam is made and ready.  Also, while at the farm, I picked up eggplant and peppers.  I roasted the peppers and eggplant with onion, salt, pepper, garlic and olive oil.  Again, I did a large batch for the freezer.  I use the roasted veggies in rice or pasta or on top of a pizza crust.

Tomorrow's plan:  Ribs

Monday, June 4, 2012

Pork Tenderloin

Tonight I made Pork Tenderloin.  I prepped the pork on Saturday afternoon, so it was ready to go and the extra time with the dry rub made it very tasty.  As a side, I made Charred Broccoli.  The sauce is very good and even went well with the pork. I had some leftover potatoes, that I mashed.  Again, I put the four bean relish on my salad, this time with spicy ranch dressing.  I can't wait to have it again tomorrow.

Lots of Preps for the week

This is our last week of school.  It is also the week of my girl's dance recital (which means blocking and dress rehearsals) and together, my boys have about 4 baseball games...my best estimate at this point.  You moms know what I mean.

Yesterday, I started cooking because today was going to be busy AND I have to start planning for lunches at home. 

Tonight, we are having Crab Cakes.  I used this recipe because I like to try new recipes. It is a very good crab cake. I like to serve crab cakes with a remoulde sauce over a salad. I made a Four Bean Relish to last the week as needed. It looks great with the salad. I also roasted corn on the cob...best technique ever! 

For the non-crab cake eaters in the family, I made pasta with broccoli.  If you read the blog regularly, pasta and broccoli is always a hit!  I hope I have leftovers.