It's Cookie Time

When I was a kid my mom always made sugar cookies with me. So now that Hulk is big enough it was time to carry on the tradition. I'll be honest. I was dreading it a little. The mess, the hassle, the mess, did I mention the mess! Yeah I wasn't really looking forward to it. But I decided I had to suck it up and just do it.

 

And boy am I glad I did! We had SOOOO much fun. Seriously one of the most fun evenings we have ever had. We both laughed so hard. I was crying halfway thru from laughing at him. He kept rolling the dough so seriously and then he would just crack up and say "this is so funny mama." And it was so dang funny and fun and just wonderful!

 

There was once when I was laughing and started crying that I was a bit overwhelmed with missing my mom. The sad tears quickly turned to happy tears. This child heals my heart. Everytime we have moments like this I'm reminded of how magical the relationship is between a parent and their child. While yes I miss my mom I know she was with us tonight. Laughing a little bit too. And I hope and pray that some day in the very distant future Hulk will have a moment with his own children and know I'm still there too.

I could get a million dollars on Christmas morning and it wouldn't matter. Tonight was the best gift of all!

Once Upon A Time

Once upon a time I was a vegetarian except on Fridays. I didn't eat meat or dairy except on Fridays. And I ate lots of veggies and fruit and rice and beans. And my blood sugar got a little bit high. And then I got a kidney infection and my blood sugar got really really high. And the dietician says I can't be a vegetarian anymore. Not even just 6 days a week. I have to eat the meat my friends.

So since last Thursday I'm no longer a vegetarian any day of the week. My stint as a 6 day a week vegetarian didn't last long. But I tried it. I am good at some things. Being a vegetarian is not one of those things. Along with telling me I can't be a part time vegetarian the dietician also gave me a lot of other rules. There are lots of things I can and can't eat. In fact this diet is much different then the first diabetic diet I was on years ago when I was diagnosed. In some ways I think it's harder and in other ways it's easier. I can tell you though I'm hungry. Hungry, hungry, would almost eat my baby hungry. It's a good thing I'm not a canibal.

But my blood sugar is stablizing. I know my infection is improving so that helps but I've been following this stupid eating meat and no other stuff I really like diet and it's working. I can complain all I want but the truth is if I just do as they say I feel better. It's a lot of damn work but I do feel better. So I'm gonna stick with it I suppose. But for the record I would like to be a vegetarian except on Fridays and I'm very hungry!

Food For Thought

I've been thinking a lot about food lately. About where it comes from, who is growing it, why I'm eating it, what it means to me. I've been thinking about what is on it, how expensive it is, and what I want food to do for me and my boy. I've been reading a lot of books about food. I've been watching documentaries about food. I'm really trying to learn about our food.

And while I'm learning I'm making changes. Since last Friday we have had no meat and no dairy for me. Hulk still gets limited milk but no other dairy. The first few days I felt pretty yucky but now I'm feeling wonderful! We are eating lots of fruits, veggies, whole grains, beans, etc. Stuff Hulk is already pretty used to. I've been considering this for several months but couldn't quite make up my mind. So I decided it was time to just jump in and see if we could do it. It's been pretty easy and I'm excited to see where this journey takes us.

Now I have lots of learning to do regarding vegitarian recipes, etc. Any suggestions????

Tradition

My sister's birthday is today! She is 23 this year which is just crazy to me! But since it's here birthday I made her traditional birthday cake.

 

You know some people make cakes from scratch and others make elaborately decorated cakes. But around these parts we are all about Strawberry cakes straight out of a box. Call us simple if you wish but we love them. Well actually my sister loves them. They are her favorite. So that's what I make.

 

Usually I do try to fancy up this boxed cake by making it in layers with lots of yummy cream cheese frosting. But I couldn't find my round cake pans. I believe that some little boy used them for something and didn't return them. And because I was making the cake during that boy's nap time I didn't waste a moment looking for them. I baked the traditional strawberry cake out of box in a nice aluminum throw away pan. I'm so darn fancy. Your jealous aren't you?

So here's to tradition, simplicity, and a super 23rd birthday to my beautiful sister.

 

Mixing It Up

Lately I have really been trying to mix up what we are eating. We were starting to get in a real rut of eating about the same five meals over and over. And when that starts happening it is a sign for me that I'm really close to giving up on eating right for my diabetes. So I started on a hunt for some new recipes that were budget friendly and still healthy. Oh and they also have to be quick to make! I have a lot of recipe rules. If it's not cheap and quick it's just not happening around here.

So I visited www.kraftfoods.com in search of some new recipes. And boy did I hit the jackpot. Once there I discovered they have a ton of budget friendly recipes as well as low calorie healthy recipes. All of their healthy living recipes are marked with a little sunshine symbol. So this week we tried out a new recipe and loved it. The Hulk ate two servings even though he has been rather picky lately. So because I'm kind I'll share it with you.

Tuna Cakes

2 cans tuna drained and flaked
1 box stuffing mix (It called for stove top but I used the off brand)
1 cup shredded mild cheddar cheese (I only used 1/2 cup and thought it was fine)
3/4 cup water
1 carrot, shredded
1/3 cup mayonnaise (I used fat free)
2 T. sweet pickle relish

Mix all ingredients and form into patties. Refrigerate for 10 minutes. (I actually made mine the night before so I could just cook them when I got home quick and it worked great.)

Heat large skillet sprayed with cooking spray to medium heat. Place patties in the skillet and cook until golden brown on one side, then flip and cook until golden brown on the other side. Took about 10 minutes total.

I served it with broccoli and califlower and it was delish. These are for sure staying on our to have again list.

Clickin Mama

Pumpkin Plans

The Hulk and I both love pumpkin. Not just the pumpkin carving and decorating. But we also like to eat pumpkin. And I'm always looking for new recipes to try using pumpkin. I found a recipe I kinda liked but then I had to change it up a bit to meet our needs. So below is my recipe for pumpkin pancakes or pumpkin muffins.

2 eggs
1/4 cup splenda (or sugar)
1 cup milk
1/4 cup vegetable oil
1 t. vanilla
1 can (15 oz) pumpkin
2 cups flour
2 t. baking powder
1 t. cinnamon

Blend all ingredients together until they are mixed well. You can either cook as pancakes which The Hulk prefers. Or you can cook them as muffins which I prefer. If you cook as muffins I cooked them at 375 for about 25 minutes.

Easy to make, cheap to make, high fiber and not to much fat. And if you are diabetic this is one muffin that doesn't shoot my blood sugar to the roof. So hopefully it won't for you either! We like it and hope you will too!

Clickin Mama

Dinner Creation

I kind of created another dinner recipe tonight and it was rather tasty. The Hulk and I both give it two thumbs up. So since we are generous we will share it with you all.

1 lb hamburger
1 white onion chopped
1 green pepper chopped
3 T. minced garlic
1 packet taco seasoning
1 can corn drained
1 can black beans drained and rinsed
1 can tomato sauce
2 cups brown rice

Brown the hamburger with the garlic, onion and green pepper, drain. Put it back on the stove on med/high heat and add the corn, taco seasoning, black beans, and tomato sauce. Bring to a boil. Once it is boiling pour over 2 cups of rice in a casserole dish. Mix it up and then cook in the oven at 350 for about 20 minutes.

I ate mine with a few tortilla chips crunched up over the top of it and it was really yummy! It makes a lot which worked out great because I'm putting half in the freezer for another time and we will eat it again tomorrow as left overs. But if you don't want such a big batch the just half everything. Happy eating!!!

I also did the math and I only have about $5.50 in this whole batch of food. We will get a total of 6 meals out of what we have for leftovers and what is frozen. So that means it's right around .90 a meal. You can't beat that! Wahooo!

Clickin Mama

Cooking With The Hulk

The Hulk is really turning into my little cook. If you turn your back for a minute he finds his way to the pantry and begins to gather his ingredients.




He is dedicated to trying new combinations. Right now he is really interested in macaroni, brown gravy, Special K and lentils. Yes brave and bold. That's my little chef!



And like a real chef he does have to sample his work as he goes. No waiting till the end. He also believes that the dog should sample the food too. He isn't opposed to sharing his finds and creations with animals as well as humans.



Clickin Mama

Couscous Chicken

I tried a new concoction today. I was a little leery but it turned out great! The Hulk and I both give it two thumbs up. If you need a healthy yummy meal in 15 minutes then this is the recipe for you!

Couscous Chicken

1 cup low sodium chicken broth
3/4 cup whole wheat Couscous (I use the near east brand)
1 1/2 cups of mixed veggies
1/2 pound diced chicken
1 T. Olive Oil
Garlic

Heat the olive oil in a skillet, add chicken and garlic and cook until the chicken is no longer pink. Bring the chicken broth to a boil on the stove top. While you are waiting for the broth to boil add the veggies in with the chicken to get them warm. Once the broth begins to boil remove it from the heat and add the couscous, chicken and veggies to the pot. Stir and cover. Allow it to sit for 5 minutes. Fluff with a fork and serve.

We had this for dinner tonight with some fresh strawberries. It was a great meal and so fast! It seriously was ready to eat in less than 15 minutes. For this reason alone we are adding it to our favorite meals list!

Clickin Mama

Yummy Stuff

So I tried a new recipe tonight. What can I say I'm bold like that! It was in some magazine I was reading months ago and it sounded good but I was scared to try it. But tonight I did and boy am I glad! It was so good and so easy! And since I love to spread the joy here is the recipe!

Salsa Chicken

2 Chicken Breasts
1 can reduced fat cream of mushroom soup
1/2 jar of salsa

Place chicken in crockpot and cover with the soup and salsa. Cook on low heat for
6-8 hours or high heat for 4-5 hours. I served it over brown rice but I think it would be great over pasta also.

So after you try it let me know what you think!

Clickin Mama

Yummy Stuff

I tried a new recipe last night and I really liked it. So I just have to share it with you....

1/2 pound ground turkey
1 medium onion chopped
2 Tablespoons minced garlic
3 Tablespoons Worcester Sauce
1 can cream style corn
1 cup green beans
1 can cream of mushroom soup (I used fat free)
1 soup can water
2 cups whole wheat egg noodles

Brown the turkey and onion in a skillet, drain off the fat. Return to skillet and add the garlic, and Worcester sauce. Cook on med. heat for another 3-5 minutes. Place meat mixture in a 2 quart casserole and place the uncooked egg noodles on top of the meat. In a sauce pan combine the soup, water, cream style corn and green beans. Heat until it comes to a boil. Then pour the soup mixture over the noodles and meat. Stir it slowly so the soup goes down between the noodles. Place the casserole in the oven and cook for 45 minutes at 350 degrees.

Very yummy and not bad for ya. The whole wheat pasta is good and you can sneak some veggies in there. The Hulk and I both gave this recipe a thumbs up! Very simple, yummy and healthy! WAHOOOOO!!!!

Clickin Mama

Turkey Balls

I've been trying lots of new recipes lately. The Hulk is eating more and more regular food, very little baby food so I'm trying to cook for both of us the way I expect him to eat. Which means I'm trying new recipes to come up with a balance of healthy and tasty meals! I don't dislike veggies I just have a hard time with some of them. They have to be seasoned well for me to enjoy. So I'm experimenting and we are making progress. One of our new favorite things a little creation I came up with called Turkey Balls. The Hulk loves them and so do I. Here is my recipe if that's what we want to call it....

1 lb. lean ground turkey
1 diced green bell pepper
1 1/2 cup finely chopped carrots
1 egg beaten
1/2 cup italian seasoned bread crumbs
2 t. ground sage
3 T. Worcheister Sauce
2 T. diced onion
2 T. garlic
1 can tomato sauce
ketchup

Mix all the ingredients and half the can of tomato sauce up. I just used my hands to squish it all together. Form into balls and place the balls in a casserole dish. Pour the remaining half can of tomato sauce over the balls and also cover with ketchup. Cook for 35-40 minutes in 350 degree oven.

I serve the turkey balls with lima beans and mashed sweet potatos. It really is a healthy little meal. Lots of protein, fiber, vitamin c, good stuff! And the most important part is that it tastes Yummy!!!

Clickin Mama

Feeding The Hulk

Feeding The Hulk is one of my favorite things to do. When he first came home I loved giving him his bottles. For the first while I was the only one that fed him. It was a bonding thing for me. I was probably a little weird about it. I would only let Heather feed him if I couldn't. And I would always sit in the same chair and sing songs while he ate. Well and I would make up some crazy food that was in the bottle. Sometimes he got mashed potatoes and other times it was blueberry pancakes. It was just nice. Feeding him.

Feeding him is still one of my favorite things but for many other reasons. There is no longer sweet little lullabies being sung. And I don't joke about blueberry pancakes because now he really will eat blueberry pancakes! So no joking allowed. Now he does a lot of his own feeding and he has gotten fairly good at it. He can double fist bananas and slam them down faster than any kid I've ever seen. And mandarin oranges... you better watch out. He will bite ya if you try to take one off of his tray.

One thing that I love about feeding him now is the sound he makes. I swear with every bite I give him he makes this MMMMMM sound. With EVERY bite! It makes me feel like the best millet making sweet potato mashing mom in the world. I love that sound! He is so silly! I also love being able to watch him grow into this independent creature. What a blessing! He still needs me to feed him when a spoon is necessary but it's so cool to watch him take charge and do things himself. I never knew how proud that would make me! Kids rock! And while he is doing well at self feeding we still have a ways to go. Sometimes The Hulk misses his mouth as you can see below...

Hot Chocolate

Yummy! Hot Chocolate is one of my very favorite things. I just love it. For some reason it is a total comfort for me. When I was a kid I always knew as I ran home freezing from the bus stop that my mom would have hot chocolate waiting for me. And sure enough she never let me down. Every once in awhile she would switch it up and have apple cider but almost every day it was hot chocolate. I loved that!

Now as an adult I am a little bit of a hot chocolate snob. I really like flavored hot chocolates. The raspberry chocolate and the mint chocolate. YUM YUM YUM! I'm a bit picky about the brand. The swiss miss packet works every once in awhile but I'm more of a gourmet hot chocolate girl now.

And you would think the cup wouldn't matter. But oh it does! See some mugs just are big enough. There is nothing worse than trying to mix up your hot chocolate and having some of it spill over the side. Oh no that just doesn't work for me. So I've been on the hunt for a huge wonderful hot chocolate mug. I used to have one years ago but it got broken. And I wasn't having much luck. But my bestest friend Darby hooked me up with a super hot chocolate mug for Christmas! Check out my new delicious beverage holder. It got a good work out today.



Drink up and Enjoy Friends!

Clickin Mama

Victory Gardens

I had never heard of Victory Gardens until recently. Actually my step mom Cricket mentioned them while we were in Texas. I knew they were popular during WW II but didn't know much else. Then when I was at school today I saw a flyer up that is for a workshop on creating a victory garden. So now my curiousity got the best of me and I had to do some googling.

It seems that while Victory Gardens were a hit in the past they are making a big come back. Revive The Victory Garden is a pretty informative site all about the history of the victory garden. It also provides a lot of information about how to create a Victory Garden and the benefits of it.

Basically the point of a victory garden is to produce the fruit, vegetables, and herbs that you and your neighbors consume. By doing this you reduce the cost of produce. You also reduce the environmental damage caused by hauling produce. There are other benefits like knowing how your food was produced and connecting with your neighbors, etc. But overall the victory garden is just another cool way to go green.

So I'm thinking I may have to try it out. The Hulk will be walking by the time summer comes around so we will be outside a lot anyway. We might as well grown our own food right.... Maybe we could get a couple of our neighbors to play along....