Recipe: Chinese Chicken Peanut Crunch Salad

The day after Thanksgiving Costco gives out these amazing free cookbooks to members. I have been collecting these cookbooks for about 10 years now.

As I was doing my weekly menu planning for family dinners this week, I came across some delicious looking recipes I wanted to try.

This recipe is inspired by the Mandarin Peanut-Crunch Salad with Crispy Wontons on page 115.

Here is my version of the salad recipe.
I titled it Chinese Chicken Peanut Crunch Salad

3-6 chicken tenderloins, cooked, cut to bite sized pieces
1 tablespoon olive oil

mixed greens of choice (your desired amount)
1 head of romaine lettuce, chopped
shredded red cabbage (your desired amount)
carrots, cut bite size (your desired amount)
1 naval orange, peeled, cut into bite size pieces
1/4 cup roasted peanuts, chopped
1/4 - 1/2 cup chow mein noodles

Dressing:
1/4 cup rice vinegar
2 tablespoons olive oil
2 tablespoons brown sugar
1 tablespoon orange marmalade
1 1/4 teaspoons chili-garlic sauce

In a skillet, add olive oil to pan. Cook chicken tenderloins until done and cut into bite size pieces. Set aside.

Prepare the dressing. In a blender, combine all ingredients and process until smooth. Adjust sweetness to taste. Place in bowl and set aside.

In a large bowl, prepare greens, cabbage, carrot, orange, peanuts, and noodles, add in chicken. Mix together and add desired amount of dressing.

Makes 4-6 servings.

 

Happy Cooking!

 

- Susan

Refurbished Kids Desk

One of the things I really enjoy doing is taking something that has great potential yet needs a “face lift” and turning it into something that looks amazing, new, and fun, such as a piece of furniture, in this instance a kids desk.

My girl has outgrown her small IKEA kids table. She needed more space, a taller area to work.  I had been looking in stores and on Craigslist and at places like Goodwill and Value Village (second hand stores) but either it was more than I was willing to pay or it just wasn’t what I was looking for.

Well with patience I came across this kids desk on Craigslist. I was so anxious to bring it home and start sanding it down. It was in good condition structurally, however the top was a chalkboard that did not write on well and the rest was painted in an off white color with not so pretty door knobs on it. Blah.

I took my kids and went to Home Depot to pick up a few paint supplies. While at Home Depot I had Kate pick out new drawer pulls. As soon as we got home I started on refurbishing this desk. I took the drawers out, sanded the entire desk down to “rough it up” and did the same with the drawers. The desk had huge gouges in it, which I filled in with wood glue, waited for it to dry and sanded it down and painted right over it. I wiped the desk down to get rid of all the sawdust and started to roll on the coats of white paint. As I was waiting for the desk to dry I worked on the drawers, laying them out getting them ready to spray paint.

This project took me about one day to do. Take a look at the before and after pictures below. 

OUCH! Big gouge

More dings and dents

During the sanding stage

Now here are the AFTER photos of the kids desk.

Remember the big gouge from the picture above? It is all gone!

The dents in the middle of the desk have been removed (or filled in)!

These are rose like drawer knobs that adds just detail to the desk.

So there you have it! My girls refurbished kids desk. What do you think? Colorful, fun? I just love the new, fresh look.

- Susan

Random Post: Meal Planning Service

As I was purusing the latest Living Social deals on my iphone app, I came across this one for Menu For The Week deal. 

Here are the details of the deal:

Skip the suppertime stress, and put this deal in your grocery cart. Each week for a year, these pros will do the major meal prep work for you:

• $20 ($48 value) for a 12-month membership, including access to online recipe archive
• Includes a weekly e-mail with a variety of family-friendly recipes and more
• Simple, nutritious recipes take about half an hour -- perfect for busy parents

Weekly Meal Inspiration
Each week, you'll get seven recipes -- five dinner dishes, one dessert, and one brunch spread -- along with an easy-to-follow grocery list; ideas for breakfast, lunch, and snacks; and access to the online recipe collection and menu archives.

Menu for the Week's Website | Facebook

I decided to give this one a try and purchased the Living Social deal. It was only $20 for 1 year which costs me less than $2 a month. I get 7 recipes a week as well as a grocery shopping list all prepared for me. I get a break from hours of meal planning each week as well as the last minute "What's for dinner at 5:00 pm". 

I'm excited to see what meals will be showing up in my inbox every Friday for the week. 

Happy cooking!

-Susan

Organizing: Tips to Consider for a Successful Summer Gathering

It’s that time of year when the weather gets nice, BBQs gathering happen, pool parties, and summer gatherings happen. In order to make your gathering a success, consider these tips:

Clean in pieces. As soon as you ask friends over, start cleaning a little each day. Thirty minutes at a time can have your house in top shape in time for guests.

Take inventory. Before you even send out the invites, see what you have and what you need for entertaining. Stock up on supplies to save the stress of running around at the last minute.

Finding fridge space. Cool drinks and food are essential for summer entertaining, but the fridge gets packed in a hurry. So use your washing machine. Fill it with ice, and stick your beverages in to cool quickly (about 30 minutes). The great thing is the ice melts and goes right down the drain – no mess.

Tap a “secret” source. Stock up on supplies. You can get a huge selection from Uline, or go to your local party store.

Exercise grill diligence. Gests are mingling, you’re ready to grill a platter of kabobs and oh no! you forgot to get propane. To avoid an embarrassing party, set aside an hour a few days before the party to make sure the grill is clean, the tank is full, and everything is in working condition.

 

Cater to comfort. Encourage your guests to linger and visit well into the summer evening. Have the essentials they might need on hand. Think blankets, s’mores supplies, sunscreen, and bug spray.

Build your stash. Invest in one entertaining upgrade each year. Start with a dozen white cotton napkins. It’s a great way to cut paper waste. Plus, fabric doesn’t ball up or stick to barbecue sauce.

Plan the pairings. Come up with three simple summer menus paired with cocktails then practice making them. The more comfortable you are with what you’re serving, the more relaxed you’ll be at party time.

Plan it easy. Work party prep into your week. Make your playlist during your lunch hour at work. Plan the food you’re going to serve during your commute. Make dishes one at a time throughout the week so by the time the weekend comes, you’re ready to go.

Ditch cleanup duty. To avoid feeling like you have to clean up instead of socialize, take a tip from pro catering companies: Set up a “sanitation station.” Pick an out-of-the-way-space, like the mudroom or garage. Set up a garbage can and some buckets with soapy water for dishes. Let them soak overnight, then clean them easily the next day.

Cut up tunes. Create three summer entertaining playlists: brunch, lunch, and dinner. Think upbeat.

Raise your spirits. Premixed cocktails are the way to go! They cut the fuss (you don’t feel obligated to keep mixing drinks) and your budget (you aren’t trying to stock a full bar).

Time it right. Summer weekends fill up fast, so we tuck parties into post-work corners of Friday nights and earlier-than-expected Sunday mornings.

Send less on linens. A bolt of burlap is my secret weapon. It’s super inexpensive. I use it for everything: cut-to-fit tablecloths, runners, draping, wrapping, and lining.

Call for backup. Last minute guests? Our local Mexican restaurant does large orders to go, which is a huge help when you are short on time.

Make it almost potluck. Sharing the food load is fine. Most people want, or even expect, to contribute to a meal. Ask your guests to bring something east, such as a watermelon, fresh bread, or ice cream. They’re helping, but not preparing.

Shine a light. Retro style camp lanterns come in dozens of colors. Plus, the lanterns use oil, so they won’t blow out in the summer breeze.

Let ‘em nibble. Have at least one appetizer ready for guests to nosh on when they arrive. A tasty bite covers many behind schedule sins.

Get a bargain. Off price retailers like T.J. Maxx, and Marshalls are a treasure trove of seasonal entertaining pieces. I love scavenging for drink dispensers, platters, cake stands, serving bowls, and candles.

 Article taken from Better Homes and Garden June 2013

Organizing: Garage Sale: Supplies for the Day of the Sale, Part 3

If you missed, Organizing: Garage Sale, Cleaning Out the House, Part 1 you can read about it here.

If you missed, Organizing: Garage Sales, Pricing Your Items, Part 2 you can read about it here.


On the day of the garage sale you will be busy setting out your items early.

Typically the rush happens first thing in the morning when people want to get all the good stuff. It will be busy and you will want to have everything organized beforehand so you aren't frantically looking for something or making signs the morning of while you have a big line waiting.

A day or two before the sale collect these items and place in a box or bin labeled clearly, such as Garage Sale Supplies.

• Plastic bags - for customers to put their items in (after they pay of course).
• Box or bin - to collect your clothes hangers back
• Cash box
• Calculator
• Notebook - to keep track of purchases, especially if it is a joint garage sale and you have multiple people selling items.
• Pens/Pencils
• Blank Computer Paper - for extra signs or to mark a large item "Sold"
• Markers or Sharpies - to make extra signs or label items
• Extra colored price tags or roll of masking tape (whatever you used to price your items, bring extra - to label items if something gets missed or price tag falls off.
• Signs in your neighborhood - to direct people where the garage sale is
• Price signs - to let people know how much items are
• Category Signs - to keep your sale organized, such as boy clothes, girl clothes, household items, home decor, adult clothing, furniture, craft supplies, fishing supplies, gardening, Kids Toys.
• Food - if you plan to sell water bottles, cups of coffee, candy bars, lemonade, etc.

If I have missed a supply that should be included in my garage sale supply bin, leave me a comment.

-Susan

Organizing: Garage Sale: Pricing your Items, Part 2

If you missed, Organizing: Garage Sale, Cleaning Out the House, Part 1 you can read about it here.

As I am cleaning out the house I keep piles of like items together. I gather boxes and place all boy clothes in one box, all girl clothes in another box, all household items (vases, frames, dishes) in another box. My house does become a little cluttered with all the piles until the day of the garage sale. It does tend to be an organized disaster (with clutter all over the house). When I start out organized in the beginning it makes the pricing process way easier.

In the past I have used the colored circle stickers and put the price on them. I have found they don’t stick very well, especially to sets of clothes. This year I plan to use strips of masking tape on some items. It sticks, yet it is easier to remove from any item.

The pricing process can be a bit time consuming. Since I have piles and piles of kids clothes and don’t have the time to price every single individual shirt or pair of pants, I chose one price for each item of clothing, for example $.50 each, unless otherwise marked. I create one big sign (colorful and easy to see) that explains the item being sold and price per item and always add "unless otherwise marked". Any kids clothing item I don't want to sell for $0.50 each I will add a price to that specific item.

When pricing items, use your own judgement. How much would you pay for an item at a garage sale?

It is really important to label your items clearly. Whether signs are hung up that indicate the price or there are price stickers on the items, label clearly!

Up Next: Organizing: Garage Sale Supplies for the Day of the Sale, Part 3

Organizing: Garage Sale, Cleaning Out the House, Part 1

This week I am getting ready for a garage sale on Saturday.

The past few years my parents’ neighborhood has had an annual neighborhood garage sale. Almost every year we have participated. Every year it gives me a chance to clean the house out, and get rid of unwanted, too small clothing items. It is quite a satisfying feeling, really!

Since I have two small children growing way to fast, I always have a plethora of kids toys, clothing, and books to add to the garage sale pile.

Here is how I go about organizing my items to sell:

I start in the kids’ rooms and go through every drawer, cubby, and closet. The kids are involved in the process right along with me. By the time we are done with both the rooms we have quite a pile started.

Next I will work in the master bedroom. I go through old clothes, shoes, bags, and work my way around through each drawer and closet. Anything I haven’t worn in awhile, or don’t like goes straight into the garage sale pile.

Next I will peruse my bookshelf and add any cookbooks I haven’t used in a really long time, books, or kids movies.

I simply work my way around the house going through each room: kitchen, office, garage, bedrooms, and finally end up outside in our shed cleaning out gardening items.

As I am cleaning out the house I like to keep piles of like items together: boys clothes, girls clothes, gardening items, adult clothes, household items, kids toys. I gather boxes and place all like items in boxes or keep them in piles together (if they don't fit in boxes).

My house does get a little messy for a few days with the piles all over, however, it is just part of the process. I would prefer to have piles everywhere for a few days than have these unwanted items cluttering my house forever.

When I start out organized it saves a bunch of time in the end for pricing, and organizing the night before or morning of the garage sale.

 

Next up: Organizing: Garage Sales, Pricing the Items, Part 2

-Susan

Random Post: Planting Our Garden

It was a gorgeous, amazing, hot, sunny, everything wonderful weekend in the Northwest. I took complete advantage of the beautiful weather and spent most of the day outside, and got some veggies planted in our garden. I wanted my children to be involved in the garden planting process. I asked each of them what they wanted to plant in the garden. Next we headed off to get the veggie plants at the store. We came home and got each of the veggie beds ready to plant.

Here is the layout of our garden. Not a huge space, but enough to enjoy some fresh fruits, vegetables, and herbs.

The first veggie bed consists of cucumbers, zucchini, and onions.

 

The second bed consists of tomatoes, onions, Jalapeño hot, and a pepper plant.
 

The third are the herbs which are rosemary, two kinds of parsley, and basil.

I do have room for more plants but wanted to start out small since I don’t want to overcrowd the veggies as the plants will grow bigger.

We also have a big pot of strawberries. Just imagine fresh strawberry jam, strawberry shortcake, just plain delicious, fresh strawberries.

 

Yum, I can’t wait for this garden to grow!

-Susan

Recipe: Lemon Chicken Romano

I love this site, Cooking Classy, as well as this recipe, Lemon Chicken Romano. Yummy!

 

Ingredients

2 (8 oz) boneless, skinless chicken breasts, trimmed, halved horizontally*, and pounded to 1/2-inch thick

 

2 oz shredded Whole Milk Mozzarella cheese (1/2 cup)

 

2 oz shredded Provolone cheese (1/2 cup)

 

1 large egg

 

1 Tbsp all-purpose flour

 

1/2 cup Panko bread crumbs

 

1 1/2 oz finely shredded Romano cheese (1/2 cup)

 

1 Tbsp chopped fresh oregano

 

Zest of 1 lemon (2 tsp)

 

1/2 tsp garlic powder

 

Salt and freshly ground black pepper

 

2 1/2 Tbsp vegetable oil

 

2 1/2 Tbsp extra virgin olive oil

 

Lemon slices or wedges for serving (you can just use the one that was zested)

 

Directions

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Sprinkle each side of the chicken cutlet lightly with salt (about 1/16 tsp per each side), let stand at room temperature 20 minutes. Combine Mozzarella and Provolone cheese in a bowl, set aside.

 

In a shallow dish, whisk together flour and egg until smooth. In a separate shallow dish, toss together Panko bread crumbs, Romano cheese, oregano, lemon zest, garlic powder and 1/4 tsp pepper. Pat chicken dry with paper towels. Working with 1 chicken cutlet at a time, dredge chicken in egg mixture coating both sides and allowing excess to run off, then immediately transfer to Romano mixture and coat both sides with mixture, while pressing gently to allow crumbs to adhere. Transfer chicken to a plate and repeat process with remaining chicken cutlets. Pour 2 1/2 Tbsp olive oil and vegetable oil into a 10-inch non-stick skillet and heat over medium-high heat. Once oil is hot, add 2 coated chicken cutlets and fry without moving them until bottom is crispy and golden brown, about 2 minutes, then using metal tongs rotate to opposite side and cook until golden brown, about 2 minutes longer. Transfer fried chicken to a large plate lined with paper towels to drain. Repeat process with remaining 2 pieces of chicken.

 

Place cutlets on rimmed baking sheet, sprinkle tops with Mozzaralle cheese mixture and transfer to preheated oven to bake until internal temperature registers 165 degrees on an instant read thermometor, about 12 minutes (you can broil during the last 1 - 2 minutes if desired). Remove from oven and garnish with lemon slices or wedges, serve warm. Squeeze fresh lemon juice from lemon slices over chicken just before enjoying.

 

*freeze chicken breasts for 15 minutes to help slice easier, then lye breast flat and trim into two pieces through the thickness of the breast.

 

 

Recipe Source: Cooking Classy

Random Post: A Beautiful Day!

It is a beautiful day here in the Northwest. Blue sky, sun shining, trees are full of buds. I love this weather. A great day to work in the yard and plant flowers, or sit in the sun and drink a cup of coffee.

Enjoy the rest of your day!

-Susan

Organizing: Store Coupons

I have started a new coupon organization system by store. So far the results have been incredibly helpful, organized, and a time saver.

I currently have two coupon expandable organizers, each section inside is labeled by category. The blue organizer carries all coupons relating to food, categories consist of: Baking, Canned, Cereal, Drinks, Frozen, Refrigerated, Snacks, etc.

 

 

 

The long purple coupon organizer holds all coupons relating to personal care and household related items, categories consist of: Beauty, Body/face wash, Deodorant, Toilet paper/Paper towels, Oral Care, Cleaning, Razors, etc.

 



I cut coupons each week and stuff them into the appropriate divider using the blue and purple coupon organizers.

Well lately there are so many good-can’t-pass-up-deals going on at multiple stores. I review blogs and go through store ads and cut store coupons I think I will use during the week. Then I match the store coupons with manufacture coupons. I take a long envelope and label it with the store name (Safeway, Walgreens, Target). I paper clip the store coupons together in one stack. I paper clip the manufacture coupons in another stack. Then I place the piles of coupons into the appropriate store envelope. When it is time to go to the store I have everything in one envelope. I know exactly what I need, and makes the shopping trip a lot quicker and smoother.

I will use the Safeway store as an example below.

Here is the paper clipped stack of Safeway store coupons:

Here is the paper clipped stack of manufacture coupons to use at the Safeway store:

Here is the envelope I keep my Safeway coupons in. It isn’t fancy, but it works for me and so far I have found it to be really useful.

I have been able to save between 47-65% off every transaction. I’m working on getting the savings number to be higher, but this is still a huge savings for us.

-Susan

Random Post: Money Saving at Target

I am just too excited not to post something about this last shopping trip at Target. First off, I LOVE Target. When I add Target coupons on top of Manufacture coupons, and gift cards I love them even more.

My last trip to Target my retail total came to $116.45. When I added coupons, and gift cards I only paid $31.14 out of pocket.  This trip was amazing. I also was able to get some free and majorly discounted new products to try, such as the Cambells Skillet Sauces, which I am very excited about.

Here are the details of my whole transaction:

Ponds Facial Cleanser     $4.22
Target Coupon              -$1.00
Manufacture coup          -$1.00
                Total            $2.22 each

I purchased 3 Ponds Facial Cleanser for a total (with coupons) $6.66, a $6.00 savings.

Shick 3 pc. Disposable razors      $9.49

Target coupon                         -$3.00
Manufacture coupon                 -$4.00
                Total                       $2.49 each

I purchased 4 Schick 3 pack disposable razors for a total (with coupons) $9.96, a $37.96 savings.

Voots Childrens Vitamin            $7.99

Target Coupon                       -$2.00
Manufacture coupon                -$2.00
                Total                     $3.99 each

I purchased 3 Voots vitamins for a total of (with coupons) $11.97, a $12 savings.

Cambells Skillet Sauces            $1.99

Target coupon                       -$1.00
Manufacture coupons              -$1.00
                Total                     $0.01 moneymaker (FREE)

I purchased 4 Cambell’s Skillet Sauces for a total (with coupons) for Free, a savings of $7.96

Excedrin Headache medicine, 24 ct.         $3.39

Target coupon                                     -$0.50
Manufacture coupon                             -$1.00
                Total                                  $1.89 each

I purchased 4 Excedrin headache medicine, 24 ct. for a total (with coupons) for $7.46, a savings of $6.10.

TUMS Freshers, 50 ct.           $3.99
Target coupon                    -$1.00
Manufacture cou                 -$1.50
                Total                  $1.49 each

I purchased 3 Tums Freshers, 50 ct for a total (with coupons) for $4.47, a savings of $7.50.

On top of the coupons I used, I also used a total of $21.40 in Target  gift cards I had received from promos.

This is an $80 savings with this transaction! My original transaction retail price before coupons and gift cards was $118.00. I paid $31.14.

Here are a few picture of my purchase from Target.

All of the above (21 items) I purchased for $31.14.

If I would of not used any coupons, the three packs of disposable razors (shown above) would of cost me $30 just by themselves. 

Happy Couponing!

-Susan

Random Post: Save Money and Flavor By Freezing These Foods

I found this article from All You incredibly interesting, and I just had to share. I even learned a thing or two. Aside from all the items you can freeze listed below, I even freeze butter. A local grocery store had a sale on butter (plus coupons I had to use). I stocked up and threw half my stockpile in the freezer. I won’t have to buy butter for awhile.

I did the same thing with Starbucks 12 oz. coffee. The store was having a sale, plus I had coupons to make the items even less. I stocked up and put all the bags in the freezer.

Freezing food can be a great money saver and keep foods at their most delicious (just be sure to label and date everything!)

Freeze and save

Get the most out of your supermarket dollars by freezing extras strategically―you’ll be amazed by how much you can save! Be sure to label freezer bags carefully with the item, amount, and date frozen.

Cheese

You can freeze many hard or semi-hard cheeses, such as Cheddar, mozzarella, muenster, provolone, Swiss and Parmesan. They may become crumbly after you thaw them, so plan to use them in cooking rather than to slice or place on sandwiches. Wrap cheese tightly in plastic wrap and place in a freezer bag for up to 4 months. Thaw in the refrigerator and use within a day or two of thawing.

 

Milk

Unless you know you’ll use a whole container shortly after thawing, it’s best to freeze milk in smaller portions. One-cup or pint-size portions are convenient. Freeze milk in freezer-safe containers or in well-sealed freezer bags – but be sure to include some extra space, as milk expands when it freezes. Use the frozen milk within 1 month. Defrost in the refrigerator, and shake it well before using it. Milk sometimes becomes grainy after it’s been frozen and defrosted – if the texture is too unpleasant to use for drinking or on cereal, use the milk for cooking or baking.

Citrus

The best way to freeze citrus is to freeze the juice in ice-cube trays until solid, then transfer the cubes to a freezer bag. Freeze it in 1- to 2-Tbsp. portions―it should keep indefinitely. Thaw at room temperature or in the fridge (or use lemon cubes in iced tea). You can also freeze the zest: Zest the fruit onto a sheet of plastic wrap, wrap tightly and place in a freezer bag.

Eggs

Whisk together whites and yolks until just combined. Measure into an ice-cube tray, using 3 Tbsp. of the mixture per segment (3 Tbsp. is equivalent to 1 large egg). Freeze until solid, then transfer cubes to a freezer bag for up to 6 months. Thaw in the refrigerator.

Tomato paste

Spoon tomato paste into an ice cube tray, freeze until solid, then transfer cubes to a freezer bag and freeze for up to 3 months. Be sure to measure how much you’re putting in each compartment (1 Tbsp. is a convenient amount) and label it on the freezer bag.

Ginger

Peel and slice ginger into 1-inch pieces, wrap in plastic and place in a freezer bag for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge or at room temperature.

Nuts

Place nuts in an airtight container, or wrap them tightly in plastic and place in a freezer bag and freeze for up to 6 months. Thaw at room temperature or in the refrigerator – or, if using them for baking, toss them into a recipe frozen (though you may need to add a few minutes to your baking time).

Fresh herbs

For whole sprigs, wash, pat dry with paper towels, wrap tightly in plastic wrap and place in a freezer bag. Freeze for up to 6 months. Alternatively, chop herbs and place in an ice cube tray. Pour a tablespoon or two of water on top of the herbs and freeze. Transfer cubes to freezer bags; freeze for up to 6 months. To use, simply toss a cube into a skillet when the recipe calls for herbs and let the water cook off.

Again, don’t forget to label freezer bags carefully with the item, amount, and date frozen.

Reader Comment:  A fabulous reader emailed me with another tip about freezing food. "For liquid items that are frozen in ziplocks, you can lay them out flat on an empty corner of the freezer shelf. Make sure they are REALLY flat. Once they are frozen you can stand them upright, like books on a bookcase. It makes them all easy to see and is a good space-saver. It saves having to pull out half the bulky packages from the freezer to get to the back of the pile!" 
Thanks, Sara!

-Susan

http://www.allyou.com/food/family-meals/8-surprising-foods-you-can-freeze-00400000061790/