Thursday, January 31, 2013

Egg in the Hole

This is an easy, versatile breakfast that has many names. I grew up with my Grandma and Mom calling them Toad in the Hole, but my best friend in grade school had a different name for them - Eggs in a Nest. They are simply an egg in a hole. 

The normal way is to do this in a frying pan, but then that means cooking them almost one at a time. If you are doing several, I find baking them much easier. Plus it allows me to walk away and do other things while they are cooking.

We like even having these for a quick dinner when things have been so busy during the day.  

sprinkled with cheese and ham

Ingredients
serves 6 

2 tablespoons unsalted butter, room temperature, plus more for sheet
6 slices sandwich bread
6 large eggs
Salt and pepper to taste

Optional toppings: grated cheese, finely chopped green onion, crumbled bacon, ham, chopped parsley, sliced avocado, hot sauce, and chopped tomatoes 

Directions

Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Generously butter (or use coat with cooking spray) a rimmed baking sheet. 

Butter bread on both sides. With a cookie cutter or drinking glass, cut a 2 1/2-inch round from center of each bread slice. Place slices and rounds on sheet and bake until golden, 6 to 8 minutes. Remove from oven and flip bread.

Carefully crack 1 egg into center of each slice. Season with salt and pepper. Bake until egg whites are set, but yolks are still slightly runny or cooked hard, 8 to 10 minutes, rotating sheet halfway through (sprinkle with cheese, bacon, ham, onion, if using, during last minute of baking). Serve with desired toppings.

NOTES:
During the holidays - I used heart, star, snowflake shaped cookie cutters.  With Valentine's approaching, I will be doing these for breakfast with crumbled bacon and cheese on top and using a heart cookie cutter on the bread. 

Wednesday, January 23, 2013

Baked Eggrolls and Homemade Sweet and Sour Sauce


I have been craving eggrolls, but Master doesn't like eggrolls because he doesn't like cabbage. So I came across a recipe that still had cabbage, but had quite a few other veggies in them so that inspired me to figure out a way that Master might eat an eggroll or two.

Last winter I made some chicken thighs in the crock pot with teriyaki on them and decided to make wraps. Instead of lettuce or tomatoes as a topping in the wraps, I used a bag of shredded broccoli slaw. I didn't mix it into slaw, just used the raw ingredients to top our wraps and it was really good.  Broccoli slaw has some cabbage in it, but very little so Master can usually put up with it as the other flavors are so much more pronounced.  He really enjoyed the broccoli slaw on the wraps so thus came the idea of using broccoli slaw for eggrolls instead of nappa cabbage. They turned out pretty good. He enjoyed them and said he would have them again.

Baked Chicken Eggrolls
2 large Chicken breasts cubed and sauteed in 1/4 cup of teriyaki sauce and 2 tablespoons of soy sauce. After chicken is cooked through, add 1 bag broccoli slaw  &  1/2 cup sliced green onions.  Add 2 tablespoons teriyaki and 1 tablespoon soy sauce if the liquid has been absorbed into the chicken.  Cook until veggies are just underdone as they will cook some more when you bake the eggrolls.

Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F. Spray a cookie sheet with cooking spray. Place 1/4 cup of the mixture on the middle of an eggroll wrapper, turned like a diamond. Fold the bottom corner up, over the filling. Fold in the two sides, then roll upwards. I didn't have a problem with them sticking or staying closed, but if you do put a dab of water on the corner to help it stick. Place on the pan seam down.  Repeat until you run out of the mixture, about 15 to 20 rolls.

Place eggrolls on cookie sheet, they can be close, but not touching. Brush the egg rolls on all sides with the vegetable oil. Bake for 12 to 16 minutes or until lightly brown and crispy. Serve with sweet and sour sauce.

Homemade Sweet and Sour
adapted from Serious Eat's recipe

1 tablespoon cornstarch
1 tablespoon water
2/3 cup orange juice
1/3 cup rice vinegar
1/3 cup light brown sugar
3 tablespoons ketchup
1 tablespoon soy sauce

In a small bowl, whisk together cornstarch and water. Set aside.  In a medium saucepan, combine orange juice, rice vinegar, brown sugar, ketchup, and soy sauce and bring to a boil over medium heat. Take a tablespoon of the hot mixture and stir into the cornstarch slurry. After well mixed pour it into the saucepan. Cook until thickened, about 1-2 minutes. Remove from heat and use immediately or store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two weeks.

Monday, January 14, 2013

Organizational Links

I find that often my lists have lists.  Now recently I find myself checking out a variety of "lists" apps for my iphone. So now my apps have apps.  I have, however, found a few worth sharing that others may enjoy learning about as well.  Some I have kept, others have gone by the way side over the past year.  In no particular order of importance....

List Wrangler:  I find that this one has great templates for setting up the re-occuring lists that you use daily, weekly, monthly, yearly.  The ability to customize, set dates, reminders and all that sort is very helpful.  I only wish that this app integrated with my icloud calendar.  It does not.

Todoodles:  This app was okay.However, I found it lacking in some ways that the already free "reminders" app on my phone does not already accomplish the same thing.  I was not overly impressed with many of this apps features, and kept wishing it would do more.

Remember the Milk:  I like that this has a website as well where you can update and integrate items.  I also liked that these lists could be customized somewhat.  Yet I wasn't in love with this app either.

Checklist:  This was a complete waste of 99 cents in my opinion and did absolutely nothing but allow you to create a singular list, which plenty of other free apps already do and do better.

A Personal Assistant:  This app is interesting in that it allows you to manage a variety of online accounts all from one place.  It is convenient and quick.

Ewallet:  I have heard great things about Ewallet but haven't actually used it.  I haven't heard anything bad about it however and those that I know who have tried it or continue to use it really enjoy it.

Grocery IQ:  This app is fun and useful.  It has barcode scan ability.  List sharing ability. (a huge perk!!) and I can integrate my coupons.  This is a winning app for my family.  Oh and it's free!


There are so many more great apps out there that I know people use, please list any that you love in the comments section so that those of us with Type A personalities and a need for even further list making, organizing, etc.  can check it out.

Friday, January 11, 2013

Friday Favorites


6 Air Purifying House Plants - list of 6 house plants to help your air in your home. He gives reasons why they are good.
Free Herbal Medicine Library - free ebooks - I haven't had time to really explore yet but looks like it could be a good resource.
Guide to the Knives You Actually Need - not only does it tell you what knives it thinks you need, it has a glossary of terms, how to sharpen and just basics of a knife.
Decluttering Tips and Tools - by Design Sponge
Cheesy Cauliflower Pancakes - looks like would be a different way to serve Cauliflower as a side dish

Monday, January 7, 2013

New Year, new changes....

I know if you are anything at all like me, then the new year always brings about new things, and changes.  While I try and adhere to those changes all year long, I don't always succeed.  However, I have been working hard for  year now to eat better and in a more healthy way.  I've read countless articles on foods that are better to eat for a healthier you and they all seem to list the same ones.  So I would like to share what those are with all of you.  I have found that I have been able to incorporate them more and more into my family's daily eating.  I plan to continue to do that in this new year.

1.  Mushrooms:  Mushrooms are found to be very high in vitamins as well as satisfying when substituted for meat in many dishes.  Portobello mushrooms are especially meaty and make a great substitute.  By doing this you still get a satisfying feeling of being full, but you are cutting your calories and fat in take significantly.  One of my favorite ways to do this is to make a "veggie burger".  I grill or sauté a portobello mushroom cap.  Then I drizzle a bit of basalmic vinegar on it.  I like to top it with a grilled or roasted red pepper and perhaps a slice of sharp provolone cheese.  When I want a bit more zing, I like to add some grilled onions to the mix.

2.  Eggs:  I realize that for some with cholesterol issues, eating eggs may not be a viable option.  However, if this isn't your medical issue, then studies have shown that people who eat eggs for breakfast are fuller longer and lost twice as much weight as those who ate bagels or other bread products for breakfast.

3. Apples:  There is truth to an apple a day keeps the doctor away.  Apples are low in calorie and very high in dietary fiber.  Boosting your fiber is good for weight loss and digestion.  It is also a great way to stay full and satisfied longer.  If you are looking for a protein option to pair with your apple, try a bit of natural peanut butter or a slice of cheese.

4. Low calorie desserts:  Okay while not "healthy" per say, studies have shown that by not completely denying yourself sweet treats, helps you to stick to your eating plan longer and achieve your goals more readily.  By planning in some calories each day for a treat you don't feel deprived and since you know you have a treat coming you will be more likely to not binge.

5. Soup:   Several studies have shown that those who start their meal off with a vegetable based broth soup are more likely to eat 20 percent fewer calories over all at each meal.  So make a big batch of vegetable soup and start your dinners off with a nice warm bowl.

6. Oatmeal:  Steel cut unprocessed oats are a great breakfast option for those looking to eat carbohydrates at breakfast.  They take longer to digest, they do not cause a spike in insulin production since they digest slower than refined carbohydrates, they are fiber filled so they keep you full longer.  You can also make them ahead of time so that they are ready for the eating.  you can also add in fresh fruit or nuts.  Or even some dried fruits.  Lots of different options for your oatmeal.

7. Hot Chili Peppers:  Studies have shown that those who eat spicier foods eat about 10 percent less in calories than those who don't.  It also showed that if you consume a hot pepper 30 minutes before eating your meal your metabolic rate increases slightly helping you to burn calories faster.  So indulge in some really yummy spices.

8. Almonds:  Almonds are a great mid day snack when eaten whole and raw.  They take longer to chew and thus you feel more satisfied.  They are also high in protein and healthy fat so that you insulin stays balanced.  They are one of the brains super foods and are just an over all great addition to your daily diet.

9.  Greek Yogurt:  I can't say enough great things about greek yogurt.  While it took me awhile to get used to its thicker consistency, it is a great source of both protein and dairy all in one.  It's also versatile. You can use it as a savory addition in many recipes.  You can also sweeten it with a bit of honey and some fruit and you have a great breakfast or snack.  Its higher in protein than other yogurts, lower in sugar, and filled with good fats.  It's really a great food to incorporate daily.

10.  Olives:  Lastly Olives are one of those great foods that you should try and have a few every day.  They are filled with healthy fats, they will help fill you up while cutting down on calories.  They add lots of flavors when you use them in a recipe, or you can enjoy a few along with a slice of cheese, or a handful of nuts as a quick snack.  They are easy to take with you on the go, and they also satisfy any salt cravings you may have.  It's a winning food!

So in 2013, live well, be well, and eat well.

Friday, January 4, 2013

Friday Favorites

52 Totally Feasible Ways to Organize Your Entire House  - has some cleaver ways to organize
22 Kitchen Aid Mixer Tips and Tricks  - Tipnut gathered some links to help with cooking and fixing your Kitchen Aid Mixer
10 Habits of a Clean Home - some good basic habits to help keep your house clean
27 Ways to Make Your Groceries Last as Long as Possible  - some tips I knew and some I didn't. I want to do the fresh herbs and olive oil and also the mushrooms as we seem to eat a lot of those, but I hate that the plastic always seems to build up moisture and ruin them.  I also liked the paper towel trick with the salad.
50 Slow Cooker Recipes 


Wednesday, January 2, 2013

2012 Year in Review - July through December

Thank you for reading Domestic Servitude.  Just thought I would take a moment to highlight the posts that were popular in 2012. As always if you have a suggestion please feel free to comment or email danae atdanaewhispering@yahoo.com.


July 
Guest Post: Laundry Soap Recipe - a guest author giving us homemade laundry soap recipe 
Vintage Pillowcase Apron - katie shares how to make an apron from a pillowcase
Cleaning the Trash Can - a basic how-to on cleaning the trash can

August 
Dusting the Ceiling Fan - a little tip on how to quickly dust the cleaning fan
2 Body and Beauty Care Book Reviews - 2 small reviews on books with homemade body and beauty care recipes and information

September
Cleaning the Ceiling Fan - a step-by-step instruction on how to clean the ceiling fan - using the tip used above
It's Time for....Fall Cleaning - offers printable lists and links to helpful posts within the site as well is outside of it
Crab Rangoon - recipe for Crab Rangoon

October
Autumn Treats - a list of recipes for baked goods to make 

November
Slow Cooking Series - November brought a month long series all about Slow Cooking 
6 Reasons to Use a Slow Cooker - a list of reasons to use a crock pot/slow cooker
Baked Beans - slow cooker recipe for baked beans
Rheya's Slow Cooker Post - Rheya shares 2 recipes and a book review

December
31 Days of Posting - December brought 31 days of posting and all of them were really close in stats so please go and take a look at all 31 posts 
Surviving the Holidays on a Diet - a post from Jouet about dieting while baking and eating scrumptious food during the holidays
Making the Most of Citrus Peels - katie shares some ideas on what to do with citrus peels
Holiday Themed Potluck - Jen shares ideas, information and links to help throw a holiday potluck


View January 2012 through June 2012 top posts.



Wishing everyone a Happy New Year!

Tuesday, January 1, 2013

2012 Year in Review - January through June

Thank you for reading Domestic Servitude.  Just thought I would take a moment to highlight the posts that were popular in 2012. As always if you have a suggestion please feel free to comment or email danae at danaewhispering@yahoo.com.

January
Edible Massage Lotion  - recipe for natural homemade edible massage lotion by katie
Rice and Sausage Casserole - recipe for a really good and easy casserole
Guest Post: Review of ToodleDo - guest post reviewing a task list app

February
Guest Post: Pack like a Pro & Other OCD Tips - exceptional post on packing like a pro
Dirty Laundry - laundering tips from Jouet
How to Wash Pillows - pillows need to be washed and this post gives steps and tips to wash them

March
2 Week Menu Plan - kaya shared a 2 week menu plan with reviews of recipes
Cleaning Your Computer - this post explains how to clean the outside of your computer
Spring Cleaning - links to printable lists to help in spring cleaning

April
You Turkey - a slow cooker recipe for turkey from kaya
Tips for Vacuum Care - keeping your vacuum in shape helps extend its life
Review for Eco-Friendly Cleaners -  Dahpne reviews 4 eco-friendly products

May
Tacos a New Way - a recipe that is different from regular old tacos
Community Shared Agriculture - Jen does some posts on her weekly CSA haul and this was the first in the series
Easy Peasy Corn Squeezy - kaya shares her easy method of cooking corn on the cob

June
Simple yet Delicious Breakfast - Jen shares her recipe for making popovers
Crockpot Honey Chicken - recipe for the slow cooker
CSA - Week 5 - Jen sharing her CSA haul and a recipe to use strawberries

July through December coming up tomorrow.

Wishing everyone a Happy New Year!

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