The Rooster Chick

Whole Wheat Chocolate Chip Cookies

2010-10-25T10:27:00.001-04:00

Holy Whole Wheat Chocolate Chip Cookies Batman!

Threw together a yummy batch of whole wheat chocolate chip cookies over the weekend, and thought I'd share the recipe.

Ingredients

2 cups whole wheat flour
1 package (12 oz) semi-sweet chocolate chips (2 cups)
3/4 cup granulated sugar
3/4 cup packed brown sugar
1 cup butter or margarine, softened
1 teaspoon vanilla
1 egg
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt

Directions

Preheat oven to 375°.

Mix sugars, butter, vanilla and egg in a large bowl. Stir in flour, baking soda, and salt (dough should be stiff). Stir in chocolate chips. Drop dough by rounded tablespoonfuls about 2 inches apart onto cookie sheet.

Bake 8-10 minutes or until light brown (centers will be soft). Cool and devour.

Bon Appetite!

Turkey Meatloaf

2009-12-15T14:18:00.000-05:00

Tasty Turkey Meatloaf

I know, so there are probably as many meatloaf recipes as there are moms who make them, right?

Well here’s my take on this good old-fashioned comfort food classic and also hubbies favorite meal of all time. He takes it with a heaping pile of smashed red potatoes and green beans.

Ingredients

2 lbs ground turkey meat
2 eggs
¾ cup milk
½ cup dried whole wheat bread crumbs
¼ cup chopped onions
¼ cup chopped green bell peppers
1 tsp salt
1 tsp ground sage
¼ cup ketchup bbq sauce combo

Directions

Thoroughly combine all ingredients (except ¼ cup ketchup bbq sauce combo) in a large bowl. Pat mixture into a loaf pan and bake at 350° for 1¼ hours. Spoon off excess fat and top with ketchup bbq sauce combo.

Bon Appetite!

Broiled Salmon Cakes

2009-11-23T20:13:00.000-05:00

Broiled Salmon Cakes

Take a little stroll with me down memory lane with this recipe. It gives me warm fuzzies and makes me think of my momma. Although she'd fry them up in a skillet, I prefer to broil them.

I'm not a big fan of fishy grease splattering everywhere and the house reeking of salmon for days, as frying them in a skillet tends to permeate the house more IMO. Just sayin'

Ingredients

1 can (14-15 ounce) Salmon, (drain, skin & de-bone)
1 lightly beaten egg
¼ cup dried whole wheat bread crumbs
¼ cup low-fat or light mayonnaise
¼ cup finely chopped celery
¼ cup finely chopped onion
¼ cup finely chopped green or red bell pepper
1 tsp Old Bay Seasoning (cause I’m a Maryland girl and all y‘all)

Directions

Flake salmon in a medium bowl. Add remaining ingredients and shape into 6 patties. I line a baking sheet with foil and lightly coat with Crisco’s Olive Oil cooking spray. Broil 7-8 minutes per side in a preheated oven until golden brown.

I like to serve with mashers and California Medley (broccoli, cauliflower, and carrots) or for breakfast/brunch with grits (again, I’m from Maryland).

Bon Appetite!

Herb Roasted Red Potato Wedges

2009-11-16T11:07:00.001-05:00

Herb Roasted Red Potato Wedges

I love the easy elegance and versatility of this simple side dish. I've served them with everything from Sloppy Joes to scrambled eggs. Simple and delicious!

Ingredients

4-5 medium red potatoes
1 tbsp olive oil
basil
oregano
parsley
thyme
garlic powder
salt
pepper

Directions

Preheat oven to 425°. Rinse and cut potatoes in half length wise and then cut into wedges about the width of your thumb. In a casserole dish toss potatoes with olive oil and seasonings. After tossing, I usually place them skin side down (like a see-saw) in a single layer so that I don't have to turn them. Bake uncovered for 30-35 minutes or until potatoes are tender.

Bon Appetite!

Yoplait "Strawberry" Light Thick & Creamy

2009-11-04T06:23:00.002-05:00

Ahhh... the simple pleasure of Yoplait's "Strawberry" Light Thick and Creamy yogurt. Best yogurt evah, yo! lol

No really. Like sneak downstairs after everyone's asleep, hovering on your tippy toes while peeping around the corner of your dark kitchen, oh thank goodness it's only the cat kinda good. Yeah, that good.

Only 100 calories and it's fat free! They should really start selling this stuff by the tub, bucket, or even better... pallet! lol

Just sayin' ladies, you heard it here first.

Guess where I'm headed?

Barbecue Turkey Sloppy Joes

2009-11-01T06:51:00.006-05:00

No Fuss Barbecue Turkey Sloppy Joes

Ingredients

1 lb ground turkey meat (season with salt and pepper)
1 cup BBQ sauce
1/4 cup chopped onion
1/4 cup chopped green or red bell pepper

Directions

In a large skillet over medium heat, brown and drain ground turkey meat, onions and peppers. Reduce heat to low and add barbecue sauce. Cover and simmer about 10 minutes.

Use an ice cream scoop to serve over whole-wheat hamburger buns and enjoy!

We usually have a side of herb roasted red potato wedges or carrot and celery sticks with blue cheese and ranch dressing.

The Family Manager Takes Charge

2009-10-29T19:26:00.002-04:00

The Family Manager Takes Charge: Getting on the Fast Track to a Happy, Organized Home by Kathy Peel

Save Time In The Kitchen & Get Dinner On The Table In A Hurry! - Part 7 of 7

2009-10-26T09:31:00.004-04:00

7.) Sort-It and Season-It

Whenever you bring meats home from the grocery store, try to get in the habit of prepping them before you put them into the freezer.

Take time to rinse, season, and divide into meal size portions before freezing. It just takes a few extra minutes in the beginning, but it’s sooo worth the convenience in the long run.

I love reaching into my freezer knowing that I can always fall back on a bag of chicken breast that have already been sliced and seasoned.

Just pop them in the microwave for a quick thaw, and they're ready for the pan, grill or oven.

What are some of your tips for sorting and re-packaging your meats?

Free French Stuff!

2009-10-23T23:44:00.002-04:00

Girls, if you're a fan of French Country and would love the chance to win some pretties for your nest, you'd better head your captains quarters on over to Cynthia's Cottage before Friday Oct. 30th!

Just sayin'

Cutting The Morning Madness and Getting Your Kids Out The Door On Time - Part 2

2009-10-23T10:20:00.014-04:00

5.) Pre-pack Lunches - Preparing and packing lunches the night before can save you a ton of time and stress the following morning. Everyone can easily grab what they need from the fridge that morning and head straight for the door.

6.) Pre-select Clothes - Get kids in the habit of picking out their school clothes each night before bed. Make sure they include EVERYTHING. Honestly, can you even count how many times you've been late because someone was searching for a shoe? Plus you get the “What to Wear Wars” out of the way and plenty of time to deal with rips, wrinkles, or anything else that could cause a morning meltdown (theirs or yours).

7.) Set The Breakfast Table - Take a few minutes after dinner to make a quick mental note of what to prepare for breakfast and set the table accordingly. Whether you’re a “just add hot water” kind of family or egg scramblers, keep it simple during the week. Save the freshly squeezed O.J. and homemade cinnamon rolls for the weekend. lol

8.) Stagger Wake-Up Times - Staggering wake-up times can be especially helpful if you are limited to one bathroom, have more than one child, have a large family, or all of the above. This technique really helps to cut down on traffic jams and bottle necks.

By making just a few small changes in your normal daily routine, you’ll save yourself a ton of stress and get your family out the door prepared and on time.

How do you keep the morning mayhem to a minimum in your home?

Save Time In The Kitchen & Get Dinner On The Table In A Hurry! - Part 6 of 7

2009-10-20T09:03:00.004-04:00

6.) Pressure Cooking - Fast and Furious

Pressure Cookers have come a long way since the 1950's horror stories of spattered ceilings and flying lids. Today’s pressure cookers are much easier to use and safer than ever.

They are the perfect tool for busy moms with busy families because of the incredible amount of time they can save.

Foods that would normally take hours to prepare, cook in 1/3 the time of conventional cooking methods.

So give it a try the next time you're strapped for time and need to get a super quick meal on the table. Just add your liquid and ingredients, and… Voila, dinner in no time!

Stay tuned for Part 7 of this 7 part series.

What are some of your favorite recipes to prepare using your Pressure Cooker?

Green Smoothie Recipes

2009-10-17T23:53:00.012-04:00

With the hubs bringing home 3 bags of Spinach this week, plus already having an open bag in the fridge, I figured this would be a good time to try my hand at making one of those Green Smoothies that seem to be all the rage these days.

Although I've been bumping into Green Smoothie recipes all week long, I couldn't for the life of me remember the who and where of it all. So I decided to throw a little something together using what little I had on hand, which happened to be...

1 handful of Spinach
1/2 cup V8 Splash Mango Peach
1 peach cup with the juice (you know the ones)

... and ladies, I've gotta say that I loved it! Looking forward to trying many other recipes and variations.

Cheers!

Got a Green Smoothie recipe you'd like to share?

Save Time In The Kitchen & Get Dinner On The Table In A Hurry! - Part 5 of 7

2009-10-14T07:17:00.004-04:00

5.) Plan Your Meals For The Week Ahead

Organize your dinner menu for the week ahead and you will be surprised at how much time you can save.

No need to run screaming into the night here ladies, it doesn’t have to be anything complicated.

Pasta on Monday, turkey cutlets on Tuesday, etc. Just something to use as a basic guideline to help curb the dinner time crunch. Why not start today?

Stay tuned for Part 6 of this 7 part series.

What are some of your favorite meal planning tips?

Cutting The Morning Madness and Getting Your Kids Out The Door On Time - Part 1 of 2

2009-10-11T22:14:00.011-04:00

Frazzled, grumpy and running late. Does this sound like a typical morning in your household?

A simple way to relieve stress and streamline your families morning routine is to prepare what you can the night before.

Check out the tips listed below.

1.) Bathe The Day Away - Encouraging children to bathe before bedtime can be a huge time saver. Not only can it cut down on bathroom time in the morning, but it can also help them unwind, sleep easier and maybe even a little later.

2.) Early To Bed, Early To Rise - Set an age appropriate bedtime that allows 8-10 hours of sleep for each child, and Stick To It! Hitting the sack at 10:00 one night and 7:30 the next can be tough on their little bodies.

3.) Mom, Get Your Rear In Gear! - Consider getting a jump start on your morning routine before your children are awake. You will have plenty of time to get showered, dressed, and maybe even squeeze in a cup of coffee before anyone needs your attention. Use this quiet time to collect your thoughts and prepare for the day ahead.

4.) Pack Those Sacks - Encourage school aged children to pack their schoolbags somewhere between completing their homework and bedtime.

This is also a good time to…

Pack money for lunch/field trips
Record important school events on the Family Calendar
Replenish supplies
Sign permission slips, notes, etc.

You can even go as far as having them put their backpacks at the front door where they’ll be ready and waiting for them in the morning. Just grab and go!

Check back later for Part 2 of this article.

How do you curb the morning chaos in you household?

Save Time In The Kitchen & Get Dinner On The Table In A Hurry! - Part 4 of 7

2009-10-08T08:39:00.028-04:00

4.) Make The Most Of Your Mornings

Whenever possible, prepare what you can ahead of time.

While the kids are enjoying breakfast, take a few minutes to marinade meats, chop veggies, grate cheeses, form patties, prepare a dinner salad, or anything else that you can do to get a head start on the dinner hour.

A few morning prep tricks can speed up the dinner process later that evening, and help get your meal on the table in less time.

Stay tuned for Part 5 of this 7 part series.

How do you use your mornings to get ahead of the dinner rush?

Meal Planning Made Easy

2009-10-07T06:58:00.005-04:00

I came across this little gem while doing some research on the topic of meal planning - as it relates to - “Simple Ways To Save Money On Your Groceries“.

I thought this resource was worthy of a post all it’s own.

A 7-day dinner meal plan with corresponding grocery list for only $1.25 per week - just print and go! Need I say more? Check it out!

Save Time In The Kitchen & Get Dinner On The Table In A Hurry! - Part 3 of 7

2009-10-06T07:26:00.009-04:00

3.) Double-Up - Cook It Once and Eat It Twice

One of the best ways a busy mom can save time and money in the kitchen is by doubling recipes.

Give it a try the next time you make something simple like pasta sauce or chili. Simply double your ingredients. It takes very little extra effort for such a big return.

Serve half that evening and freeze the other half for a quick meal next week or maybe even next month.

Be sure to let the second half cool down before pouring into a gallon size freezer bag. Squeeze the air out and lay it flat in your freezer to save space.

Whether you choose to thaw in the fridge the day before, submerge in water that evening, or pop it in the microwave for a quick defrost, having a few home cooked meals waiting in your freezer ready to heat and eat will surely save you time in the kitchen.

Stay tuned for Part 4 of this 7 part series.

What are some of your favorite meals to double up on?

Organizing Kids Rooms: 3 Simple Steps To Conquering The Clutter - Pt. 3

2009-10-05T08:31:00.004-04:00

Step Three: Maintain Order (No, really)

Ok, so now that the hard part of clearing the clutter and stowing the stuff is out of the way, it’s time to set some simple ground rules to help make staying tidy and organized a part of each day.

In addition to the usual "put it away when you're done", I find that having a "Morning Pick-up Routine" and an "Evening Pick-up Routine" really helps us a lot.

This will help them to stay ahead of any messes that would have otherwise accumulated during the week making it one large project to tackle over the weekend. That’s no fun!

Speaking of “staying ahead of messes“, here’s a tip inside of a tip.

Set up a "Donation Station" in a place where everyone has access. Whatever works best for your family, a hall closet, laundry room, garage, etc.

Whenever family members come across something that they no longer want or use, it goes into the “Donation Box“. When the box is full, drop it off at your local donation center.

Your family will benefit in 3 ways:

1.) You enjoy a less cluttered home
2.) You help other families
3.) You get a tax deduction (just be sure to ask for a receipt)

Everyone’s a winner!

Don't worry if your child’s bedroom doesn't exactly look like a page torn from the latest Pottery Barn Kids catalog. (A girl can always dream right?)

That's not the goal. What’s important is that they learn to be responsible for their own things. A valuable lesson that will serve them well for years to come.

What's your secret to helping your kiddos stay organized?

Simple Ways To Save Money On Your Groceries - Part 3

2009-10-04T10:15:00.013-04:00

13.) Stock up on good deals. If there is a really good deal on something, be sure to buy enough to last until the next sale. This will allow you to pay the lowest price possible for that item.

14.) Take advantage of rain checks. If the sale item you want is sold out when you arrive at the store, ask for a rain check and come back when the item is in stock. You will still be able to take advantage of the sale price.

15.) Take a quick inventory. Before heading to the store, take some time to check your fridge, freezer and pantry to see what you currently have in stock so that you don’t spend on unnecessary duplicates.

16.) Use coupons wisely. Use only for those items and brands that you would normally purchase. You can maximize your savings by combining them with sale items and shopping at stores that double or even triple their value, and that also accept competitor's coupons.

17.) Use the “Cash Only” policy. Take only what you've budgeted for groceries. This really helps to cut down on those budget busting impulse buys because you won't have any credit cards to fall back on.

18.) Waste not, want not. Keep wasted food to a minimum by serving smaller portions and using leftovers efficiently. Use leftovers for lunches, in other dishes, or freeze in single-size portions for quick and easy meals on nights when you're too busy or tired to cook.

Bonus Tip:

No matter how small the amount, stash away whatever cash you have left from your purchase in a small container or envelope until you have enough to open a rainy day account. Smart and simple.

What are some of your tips for saving money on your groceries?

Save Time In The Kitchen & Get Dinner On The Table In A Hurry! - Part 2 of 7

2009-10-03T10:06:00.020-04:00

2.) Crock Pot Cooking - Just Set-It and Forget-It!

Jumping jelly beans! The kitchen’s on fire and you can only grab one item. What would it be? I’d have to say my beloved crock-pot. There she is, I call her “Old Faithful”.

Crock-pot cooking is a fantastic way to prepare a no-fuss dish that’s sure to delight. Simply toss in your ingredients in the morning before heading out, and you’re in business. This one-pot-wonder does all the work for you.

Imagine returning home and being greeted by the wonderful smell of a slowly simmered home cooked meal. Mmm… just plate and serve.

So dust off the old crock-pot and put her to work. This is hands down my go-to method for pulling together a melt-in-your-mouth meal for my family on those super busy days.

Stay tuned for Part 3 of this 7 part series.

What are some of your favorite recipes to prepare using your Crock Pot?

Organizing Kids Rooms: 3 Simple Steps To Conquering The Clutter - Pt. 2

2009-10-02T07:51:00.006-04:00

Step Two: Stow The Stuff

Now that you've cleared the clutter, step two involves organizing and storing what’s left using kid friendly storage items such as bins, bookshelves, clear containers, cubbies, hooks, etc. Every item will need a place to call "home”.

The key here is finding an easy system that's right for your child and will motivate them to be and stay organized.

If you find that even after the big purge your child still has too many toys and books or you just want to limit the amount of stuff in your child’s room in general, rotate them. Just pop a few of them into a box and stash them away.

After about a month or so, pull them down and trade them out. Rinse and repeat. They’ll get a real hoot out of re-discovering their "new" old toys.

Be sure to stay tuned for Part 3 of this series.

What are some creative ways that you use to keep your kiddos clutter contained?

Simple Ways To Save Money On Your Groceries - Part 2

2009-10-01T05:56:00.012-04:00

7.) Don't be afraid to try store brands. Many store brand products are made by the same companies that make the more expensive name brands. The only difference being the price and fancy packaging.

8.) Find a store in your area that will honor all competitors' ads by matching their prices. That way you get the best deals without having to drive all over town. Saving money, time and gas.

9.) Never shop hungry! You’ll be tempted to buy everything in sight. An empty tummy is practically a guarantee that you will overspend and splurge on items that you don't really need.

10 Plan your meals for the week. Having a game plan for meals will help you eliminate last minute trips to the grocery store or drive-through. Major budget busters!

11.) Shop alone whenever you can. I know, I know, save your tomatoes. lol But honestly, ever notice how items seem to mysteriously appear in your cart when you have a few little helpers along for the ride?

12.) Shop less. The longer you can hold out before hitting the store, the less you'll spend. Believe me, those little “I’ll just grab a few things” trips here and there during the week add up big time!

Be on the lookout for tips 13-18 in Part 3 of this series.

Do you have any special tips or techniques for keeping your grocery budget under control?

Save Time In The Kitchen & Get Dinner On The Table In A Hurry! - Part 1 of 7

2009-09-30T09:54:00.005-04:00

1.) Breakfast For Dinner?

Why not? Dinner time doesn't have to mean dinner food, especially in our household. Mix things up a bit the next time you’re in a pinch and need to get dinner on the table in a hurry.

Remember that nothing shakes up a boring week night meal like having breakfast for dinner. The kiddos will love it!

Stay tuned for Part 2 of this 7 part series.

Does your family enjoy having breakfast for dinner now and then?

Organizing Kids Rooms: 3 Simple Steps To Conquering The Clutter - Pt. 1

2009-09-29T08:27:00.004-04:00

Let's face it, where there are kids clutter is sure to follow. Kids are natural born hoarders whose rooms are notorious for being a cluttered mess.

At times you may have even wondered if a tornado had just ripped through their bedroom or if perhaps it was possibly burglarized while you were loading the dryer. One never knows.

As much as we would like to, we will never completely eliminate the clutter. But, there are a few things that can be done to get it under control and make life much easier for everyone.

Avoid the impulse to tackle this project all on your own, instead use this as an opportunity to teach them responsibility and the basics of organization.

Believe me, the time you invest now will pay huge dividends in the long run.

Step One: Clear The Clutter!

The very first step towards bringing calm and order to the chaos is getting rid of the clutter.

Start by sorting through everything in the room and remove as much as possible that doesn't NEED to be there starting with the floor. Well… you do NEED the floor, but you get what I mean.

I find that using three large bags or boxes marked donate, trash, and keepers works well for making quick work of this step. Just grab the item and toss it right into it’s new home.

Yippee, we can see a floor again!

Be sure to stay tuned for Part 2 of this series.

Do you enlist your kiddos in the conquering of the clutter?

Simple Ways To Save Money On Your Groceries - Part 1

2009-09-28T00:07:00.004-04:00

Wondering how to feed your family without busting your budget?

I’ve put together 18 tips to help you save more at the store and keep your hard earned dollars where they belong…in your purse!

1.) Always shop with a grocery list. Your list will keep you on track and you’re less likely to forget needed items or buy unnecessary duplicates.

2.) Are there any Discount Grocers in your area like Aldi’s or Save-A-Lot? Now granted you won’t find anything lavish or luxurious about these sort of Discount Grocers, but you will find great bargains.

3.) Check the weekly grocery ads for good sales. Whether you decide to plan your menu and shopping list around sale items or do a little stocking up, it’s good to know what’s available. And don’t forget those coupons!

4.) Cook “It” yourself. Whatever “it” may be. Chances are if the directions call for heat and serve, you’re probably paying a pretty hefty price for it. Besides costing less, homemade meals taste better and are much healthier for your family.

5.) Create a grocery budget and stick to it. If you shop weekly, just take the total amount that you’ve budgeted for groceries and divide that by the number of weeks in that month. Bring a calculator to help keep track of your expenses.

6.) Does your grocer have a Savings Card Program? If so, be sure to sign-up in order to get bonus coupons, discounts, and special deals when you present your discount card at checkout.

Be on the lookout for tips 7-12 in Part 2 of this series.

How do you save money in the grocery department?

Uses For Ground Meat

2009-09-27T16:45:00.024-04:00

So I was supposed to have the whole weekend all to myself. No Mr. Rooster Chick, no Baby Chick, and most of all... NO COOKING! Well that went out the window around 2 this afternoon when I got a call from Mr. Rooster Chick saying... "See ya in 20 minutes hon!"

Uhhh, ok.

Now don’t get me wrong, I’m as happy as a clam to see my gang - errr um a whole day early and all - but Momma Chick wasn’t expecting to be on kitchen duty tonight.

So I leap over the cat and scramble to the freezer to grab some ground turkey meat to toss into the microwave on defrost - easy enough right?

While the turkey meat and microwave are doing their dance, I do a little brainstorming - while catching my breath - and decide to go with Spaghetti. Super creative, I know - but it’s always a pleaser and I had everything on hand, no Sunday afternoon trip to the market or harassing thy neighbors for basil. Good deal.

I also came up with some additional scrumptious meal ideas that you can create using ground meat, and thought I’d share them with you here. I’m sure this list will grow with time, so check back now and then. Bon appetit!

Burgers
Burritos
Cabbage Rolls/Casserole
Calzones
Cheesy Mac
Chili
Dirty Rice
Enchiladas
Jambalaya
Lasagna
Manicotti
Meatballs (Bbq, Sweet & Sour, Swedish)
Meatloaf
Mexican Lasagna
Pizza
Quesadillas
Salad
Salisbury Steaks
Shepard’s Pie
Sloppy Joes
Soups & Stews
Spaghetti
Spanish Rice
Stroganoff
Stromboli
Stuffed Shells
Stuffed Peppers
Tacos
Tamale Bake/Casserole
Twice-Baked Potatoes
Ziti

What are some of your favorite recipes that call for ground meat?

Gettin' My Tweet On

2009-09-27T02:17:00.005-04:00

Just opened an account on Twitter. You can follow my Tweets at... TheRoosterChick.

Tweet ya around!