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. 

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.

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 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

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 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 

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!

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!

Resolve to change

“If you focus on results, you will never change. If you focus on change, you will get results.” ~Jack Dixon

I'm not sure about any of the rest of you but every new year for as long as I can recall I set about making out a list of things I would like to change.  Usually at the top of my annual list are things like eat better, lose weight, be more organized etc.  It seems that each year the same things hit my list and for the first 30 days or so I make changes.  Sometimes they even stick long term.  Often what really happens is that I fall back into old patterns, and the things that I had all of this resolve and determination to change, well.... don't.

I came across the quote above awhile back while reading some things on change.  It really hit home for me.  If you focus on the end game, nothing changes.  If you focus on change, on being present in the moment, in actually "making" change occur, then you will see results.  Results aren't what happens when you focus on the end, results are what happen when you focus on the process, on being present with whatever it is you wish to alter.

In addition to that, I have found that I do much better when I focus on the positive rather than on the negative.  So for me, if i resolve to donate more time to those who need the time, I can accomplish this by focusing on streamlining other areas of my life to free up my available time.  I can achieve this result if I don't focus on the result itself but focus on what behaviors I need to alter NOW in the moment.  Doing this brings about the desired result.

I have also found that change is not something that happens just once, its something that is on going, its a process, it's effort, it's being present and committed.  It also isn't something we list just once at the start of a new year.  It's something we resolve to do, it's something we focus on doing, it's something we commit to doing, and then with all of these efforts we will achieve what we have set our mind to achieving.

MIT's McGovern Institute did a study that showed that it takes 21 to 28 days to form a new and lasting habit.  So it takes both short term and long term commitment to create new habits.  In the short term we need to commit to spending the necessary month to form the habit.  In the long term we need to commit to reinforcing the habit so that it brings us the desired results.

Also, a good rule of thumb is to be kind to yourselves.  Don't give up and throw in the towel on whatever it is you resolve to change if you fall "off the wagon".  Just get back up and continue on, push forward, and work harder to achieve your goals.  

That's what I plan to continue working on this year.  Creating new and lasting habits to replace some habits that I wish to change or remove from my daily living.  I resolve to be the best me I can be.  That to me is a fluid thing.   it isn't a one time change, it is a constant work in progress that requires effort and dedication.  Out of that, however, good things come my way.

So in closing what was a wonderful 2012 for my family, I wish you and yours a very happy, healthy, and prosperous 2013.  May whatever changes you choose to make stick, may you find peace and happiness with your world and the world of others around you.

Book Review: You've Got It Made: Deliciously Easy Meals to Make Now and Bake Later

 When I have checked a book out from the library more than 3 times, I think it is time to just go ahead and buy the book.  This book is one I should just accept, I need it among my other cookbooks.  This book's concept is right in the title make it now and bake it later.  It isn't necessarily a freezer recipe cookbook, but many of the recipes in do have freezer instructions. But some recipes are just to make and bake a few days later which helps when you know your week is going to be busy.

The main reason I keep going back to this book is that it has such a variety of recipes that are different.  Most of the make now and bake later type cookbooks seem to be making a big batch of something and then dividing it up and sending it to the freezer or the recipes use similar ingredients and base all the recipes off those main ingredients.  This book just gives you good recipes and tells you what to do to freeze it or just bake it later.  Every recipe in the book to me is guest ready too. Meaning it is perfect to serve for company or give as a gift to someone that ill or just busy and not able to whip up a good home cooked meal.  Many recipes do have a basic recipe and then variations, but still they are so different from what I normally read in these type of cookbooks.  It also has DIVA notes all along the way to give extra tips in making each dish. 

Fagioli Casserole -
Didn't work the way the recipe was written.
By improvising, it ended up being really good.

What I don't like about this cookbook, not every recipe has worked how written for me.  I have had the majority of recipes work, but a few that I had to improvise to make them work.  This cookbook also doesn't have photos which is typical of Diane Phillips cookbooks.  I wish there were photos, but I do know it is cheaper for publishers to not to have them, but I would really love to see how some look before making. 

Overall again, I think this is a book I want even though I have had some adventures in working out a few recipes, the majority are great. 

Often the recipes say use a 9 x 13 and I just use two 8 x 8 since there is only 2 of us and bake one right away and freeze the other for later.  It has worked out really well for me.  

This recipe I am going to share is one that I make quite a bit and also have given away as gifts during the holidays as well as given to friends   who were just coming home from the hospital.  It is always given really good reviews and it is so easy to change it up and use different ingredients. 

The books original recipe is for an Egg Strata and then offers many variations such as one called Roasted Tomatoes & Mozzarella Strata.  Basically I have taken that recipe and made variations of it now many time. 

So here is my adaptation of the Egg Strata....

Roasted Tomato & Chicken Strata

8 large eggs
2 cups milk
1 teaspoon salt
8 cups torn bread
2 cups grated or shredded cheese
3 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted

2 cups roasted tomatoes
1 cup cooked chicken, shredded



Coat the inside of a 9”x13” (or 2 - 8"x8")  freezer safe baking dish with cooking spray.   

In a large bowl, beat the eggs, milk, water and salt and pepper.  Place your bread in the egg mixture and toss to coat evenly.  

Transfer half the bread mixture into the baking dish.  Top with tomatoes, chicken and 1 1/2 cups cheese.  Place the rest of the bread mixture on cheese.  Sprinkle with 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese and drizzle with 3 tablespoons melted butter.   

Cover and refrigerate up to 2 days or freeze up to 2 months. 

TO BAKE and SERVE:

Thaw in refrigerator overnight if taking from freezer.  Let set out at room temperature for 30 minutes to 1 hour before baking.  Bake at 350*.   Bake for 40 to 50 minutes.  The strata should be puffy, golden and set in the center when done.  Let stand for 5 to 10 mins before serving. 

VARIATIONS:

* ham, Gruyere, spinach

* all veggie - mushrooms, peppers, spinach, tomatoes

* chicken and broccoli with Swiss cheese 

MY NOTES:

*  I have left off the Parmesan cheese and drizzled butter and it has still tasted good

*  In the above recipe I use mostly mozzarella cheese, but have also used all Parmesan. And have even left the cheese out completely.

* In the original recipe it calls for the bread to have the crusts cut off of it. But not sure I have ever seen the need of that and when I made it each way - really doesn't make much of a difference. 

*Stratas are good for breakfast, brunch or dinner. But I almost always serve for dinner. I add a big leafy green salad as a side. 

* I mostly use French or Italian bread, but in a note in the book it just suggests any bread that isn't spongy. A bread with some structure. 

*Once I needed to make it with less milk because the people I was giving it too limit their dairy intake. So I upped the eggs by 2 and did 1/2 cup of water and 2 tablespoons milk. It worked just as well as the original recipe. 

5 Tips for Saving at the Grocery Store

1. Check market circulars - You can find them online and it will help you plan your menu around what is one sale. Before walking into the store you should know the deals so you can plan properly.

2. Coupons - I will say I am not a huge fan of coupons as often items I buy don't have coupons. But when they do, I use them. I also use swagbucks.com that gives me points every time I use coupons from their website. Those points can can be turned in for gift cards and other items. So I am saving at the grocery store by using the coupons and also saving money through the gift cards I get through swagbucks. Many grocery stores now have digital coupons that they load to a value card which often give you money off things already on sale so make sure to check out your grocery stores website. Not many of my grocery stores double coupons, but one will and so often it can make some items nearly free after using them.

3. Eat First - I know that going to the store when I am hungry always seems to make me buy things that weren't on my list. Something always seems to catch my eye that will make my grocery bill go higher.

4. Skip Convenience Items - pre-packaged cake mixes, salad, meatballs or other items that I can put together and make using whole ingredients for less cost. I will have to say that even though they cost less - sometimes my time is needed elsewhere and so buying prepackaged salad or other items can be worth it to me in the long run. But most of the time I do buy the ingredients and make it myself.

5. Plan & Make a List - By looking at circulars, in my pantry, using the other grocery saving tips to plan my menus or at least know what I need to keep the pantry stocked for many of the standard meals cooked - I can keep to my list. Sticking to that list helps save money.

Friday Favorite

New Years Eve Printables - free party printables

Food and Wine Pairing - a little diagram to help know which wines go with which foods

How Much Food to Serve at a Party - a diagram to decide how much food you need per guest

Crispy Southwest Chicken Wontons - looks like a good recipe to make for a party

Easy, No Cook New Years Appetizers  - just a few ways to put together some quick appetizers

Planning for Gardening Season

It's hard to believe that we've just past the Winter Solstice and yet I'm already actively planning the spring garden.  Here in northwest Montana, I have months to go before I even start seeds in the greenhouse but the planning is already in full swing.  Those of you in warmer climates may already be starting seeds (and for the record I have a jealous).

Here are some quick and easy ways to get ready for that spring season:

1. Take an inventory of the seed stash: Look through all the seeds you have on hand and make a list.  Make note of what might be several years old and make a plan to use those up while still viable.  In my experience, even old seed will sprout just not always with as high of a rate as something only a year old. 
2. Plan the 2013 garden: I use a piece of graph paper and literally plot out where different plants will go.  I compare this plan to last year's actual garden to make sure that I practice crop rotation.  Be sure to look at that list of old seed and incorporate those items into the plan.
3. Hit the seed catalogs: Let me be honest here, I can get overwhelmed by the sheer variety in seed catalogs, especially the tomatoes but I take it in small bites.  I train my eyes to look for days until harvest so that I'm only looking at plants that will do well in my short season.  Generally speaking I make a huge list and then cull it down until I have a reasonable amount of seed for the garden space.
4. Review last year's journal: Assuming you had a garden last year and kept a journal, take a quick scan through it and review problem plants, frost dates, insect problems, etc.  Use this information to cull that seed list, too.
5. List other necessities: Make a list of other things you might need, compost, manure, straw, seed-starting pots, large flower pots, new sprinkler, etc.  Keep this list with you when you hit thrift stores or look through Craigslist, etc.  Generally speaking you can find bargains on this stuff before the season gets into full swing and you'll be all that more prepared.
6. Ask your neighbors: Run ads on Craigslist, Freecycle, etc. in your area asking for garden plants and other items.  Many gardeners have extra plants they need thinned in their garden and will gladly share with you if you just come dig 'em out.  This is a great way to get berry starts, perennial herbs, and many flowers.  Ask now and follow-up later. 
7. Plan to have fun: Gardening can be a ton of work but if it's complete drudgery well then it becomes to dread instead of something to look forward too.  When you're hitting those seed catalogs allow yourself to buy something fun or impractical just to see what will happen.  If you have kids, give them the chance to plant a row of whatever they want.  My own father did this to us and it planted a life-long love of gardening and plants in me. 

Happy Garden Planning to you! 

Storage Tips for After the Holidays

Re-post from December 2009 with a few added items...

* Store display items together - Such as...do you have a holiday village you put out? Pack them all together so that you aren't going through 5 different boxes just to get that village scene out and up next year. All garland, ornaments and lights for the tree should be stored together. All the decorations that go to a specific room or area packed together such as all the guest bathroom decorations are packed together.

* Save boxes or create ideal storage - I am one of those people that can't stand to save boxes normally. But for holiday items it can come in handy. Do you have a nativity scene with small pieces? Having a box that they fit in perfectly with the other pieces help keep them safe as well as together. Some ornaments are similar - just fit really well into their original box. Boxes might break down over the years so it is impossible to save them any longer, so create your own storage such as gluing plastic cups on to cardboard so that each ornament fits in one and isn't crushing or scraping against others. Or using or making sock divider as many ornaments fit nice in those too. Use egg cartons for small ornaments.

* Label everything - There is a piece of garland I hang in our dining room that just fits. I put that in one of those big big ziplocks and labeled it. Label plastic tubs that have tree decorations or the decorations for the kitchen and so on.

* Holiday Lights - Use a piece of cardboard, a paper towel or gift wrap tubing (cut down) or the original box to wind the lights around. I wind the lights around the whole box and then tuck the ends into the inside of the box. 

* Tool Kit - I have floral wire that I only use for my holiday wreath, thin ribbon that I use to attach Christmas tree ornaments, ornament hooks, spare lights and fuses - all in a little plastic pencil box that gets labeled and also stored with holiday items.

* Storage and Planning for next year - Right now everything fits perfectly into the tubs I have - there can't be one more thing bought. So I need to start thinking of how I will need to store things differently next year as I am sure I will have more holiday decorations. Are there things I can get rid of now? Donate? Repurpose for another holiday? Maybe I want to use the new wreath I bought so the old one can be maybe recycled/recreated for another holiday.

* Time to Save on purchases for next year - After-holiday sales are a great way to save on greeting cards, wrapping paper, decorations, ornaments, lights and storage solutions. Check what you might need a few days before Christmas and make a list of things want to purchase.

* Create a holiday planning book - write down recipes, menus, treats made, decorating things that worked and didn't work, guest and gift lists, what you would like to do next year, measurements that are important - such as you might need a new table cloth next year so write down the size you need while looking for after-holiday sales or any other useful information. Did a certain brand of cranberries work better in your cranberry salad this year? Did you run short on cider? What was a hit on the menu? Did the table centerpiece looks better this year then it ever has? Make a notes and include pictures or anything else that might be helpful. Such as I used Yukon gold potatoes one year so included the tag from the potatoes so I knew which brand I used so I could repeat that for each year after for Christmas dinner.

Before the craziness starts...

I realized something this year in talking with some friends.

Not everyone uses spreadsheets to track gift purchases (and budgets) year over year. Or sorts out their weekly menus on the spreadsheet with the corresponding grocery list attached. Or prides themselves on being finished with their holiday shopping and wrapping by early Dec.

I do. I find peace in the organization and structure. Honestly, if I was still wrapping (or buying) gifts at the last minute, I'd be very stressed out.

I have activities planned for the kids and family for each day they are here. I don't do last minute shopping. My pre-holiday baking is done on a schedule. I'll stock up on Christmas wrapping, cards, and ornaments the day after Christmas and already have purposes for them when I pack them up for next year.

This is pretty consistent to how I approach caring for the home. It's all on spreadsheets or on mobile apps. I clean as I go, which means someone cooking in the kitchen with me may find their 'stirring spoons' are cleaned up a few moments after they set them down. When I'm cleaning up the first meal, I'm already planning for two meals down.

I'm not in the moment.
I'm ten steps ahead.
When something unexpected happens, I'm already thinking of how that will impact things down the road.

While in some ways that means I'm an excellent, thoughtful hostess... it also means I'm flitting around in the background, always cleaning or planning when to take dessert out or when is the optimal time for coffee and tea without over-caffienating our guests so we're not wide awake at 4 am. It does make it hard for me to focus since I'm always scanning a room, checking for trash or empty glasses or plates that may need a refill. I rarely sit for long periods because I'm bustling around. My mind doesn't rest.

On Christmas, however, I do my best to take a few moments where I'm not the unfailing hostess with the perfectly timed agenda. Of the craziest of all days, I want to just let it go, and just be.

Be happy.
Be grateful.
Be hopeful.
Be aware.
Love and be loved.

I encourage you, no matter how family-filled and jam-packed your holidays get, to take a few moments to breathe deeply and let it all go. To recharge, and refocus.

Be in the moment, with all that surrounds you.

I know that it is a struggle for me to do so, but that my family is better served by my doing so.

Happiest of holidays to you and yours.

Shhhhh.... quiet now... over here....

That's right ... shhhhh.... let's be very quiet about this next topic... but know that we have all been there at some point in our life.  Be it Christmas, Hanukkah, Birthday, Anniversary, or simply a gesture of good will from another... we have all been the recipient of sometimes the "unwanted present".  Yes that's right, I dared to say it... unwanted present.

If you've gotten this far in your life never to have received a duplicate, or worse yet horrible simply not appropriate present, you are indeed very lucky and should probably go play the powerball Lotto.

With that pretense out of the way, the question always seems to come up post holiday as to what to do with unwanted holiday gifts.  With that in mind, and because most folks are too polite to speak of this with family and friends (let's face it, none of us want to hurt another person's feelings by expressing we didn't just love that golf sweater Aunt Joni purchased for us, or that blender we received at a bridal shower, right along with 10 other similar blenders) the reality still remains the same... sometimes we have gifts that we can't use, don't like, or otherwise don't know how to dispose of.

Here are some suggestions on how to handle just that situation.

Return the item: If you are fortunate enough to have a gift receipt or other receipt, return the item for store credit or cash.  This is always your first and best option for dealing with an unwanted present.

Re-Selling:  If you aren't able to return, perhaps you know of someone who is looking for the item that you have and is about to go purchase it.  Rather than them purchasing from a store, perhaps they would be willing to purchase the item from you.  Allowing them the much wanted item and you the much wanted cash.  Or if you don't know of someone you can always use sites such as ebay, craigs list, or local groups on sites such as Facebook or twitter, to sell your wares.

Donation:  You can always bank some karma bucks by donating the duplicate or unwanted items to a local charity.  So many charities are looking for all sorts of items and are happy to take new never used items off your hands.

Re-gifting:  This idea does not sit well with me personally, but there are certainly plenty of folks  who utilize this option... the re-gift.  This is where you wrap it up and give it to another unsuspecting individual.  Plenty of people like the re-gifting option so perhaps it works for you.

If none of the above suit your needs, then you could always put it to the curb (I never recommend simply holding onto an unwanted item as your home may then resemble an episode from hoarders).  I'm fairly certain if you don't want to take the time to donate the item that your trash man may very well find a use for the item even if he only donates or sells it himself.

I also recommend in order to avoid the problem of duplicate presents, especially when it comes to things like baby showers, bridal showers, grooms parties, go ahead and register somewhere so that people know the things you need, like, and desire.  This saves everyone a lot of time and effort and the need to do any of the above becomes unnecessary.

So whatever your situation, I hope the above is helpful this holiday season and that your holidays are merry and bright.

Christmas Cheers

During the holidays, there is a lot of baking, cooking and drink mixing that goes on.  Recipes range from simple to very complex.  And while I will make elaborate desserts or side dishes, I have a hard time making drinks that are anything but simple!

Here are two recipes I rely on during the holidays

Egg Nog

(Note: this recipe uses raw eggs.  I have been making the non-alcoholic version for over 30 years.  I have never had a problem  However, if you are pregnant or have a weakened immune system, then you may not want to use this recipe.)

5 egg yolks

3/4 cup sugar

1 cup heavy cream

2 cups milk

1 tsp vanilla

1/2 tsp fresh grated nutmeg (+more for garnish)

1/4 cup spiced rum*

Put eggs, sugar, cream, milk and vanilla in the blender.  Blend on high until smooth and creamy.  Add nutmeg and rum and blend on low till well mixed and frothy.  Pour into glasses/mugs and top with fresh grated nutmeg.  Serves 4.

I use fresh grated nutmeg because it has a better flavor then dried.  If you have never had it, you might find that you want to put it in everything after you try it!

Warm Cider and Rum Punch

(This recipe comes from Martha Stewart's Every Day Food, December 2010)

8 cups apple cider

1 apple sliced thinly

1 orange sliced thinly

2 cinnamon sticks

1 inch section of peeled ginger

2 cups dark rum*

Combine all ingredients in a pot and place over high heat.  Bring to a boil, reduce heat to low and simmer about 5 minutes.  Remove from heat and add 2 cups rum.  

*For both recipes I used Captain Morgan's Spiced Rum.  I prefer it to dark rum, but that is just my preference!

Creating Vinaigrettes

Vinaigrettes are so easy to make and are all about flavor.  Building amazing flavor to add to a salad.  Bring a salad to a meal at the holidays is always a fresh choice when we are eating such rich foods.

1.  Start with finely chopped ginger, onion, capers, shallot, garlic or herbs.  Honey, Dijon mustard or soy sauce also add great flavor.  Salt and pepper are always needed too for seasoning.
2. A vinaigrette needs acid - which comes from the vinegar....add red or white wine, sherry, cider or balsamic vinegar or lemon or lime juice will also work as an acid.
3. Add oil - olive oil is what I use the most, but safflower, vegetable or peanut oil. I like to do 2 to 1 ration or 3 to 1.  1 part acid or 2 to 3 parts of oil.
4. Mix - shake in a jar,  combine in a blender or  whisk in a bowl (don't use a metal bowl as it reacts to the acid and throws the taste of it off.)   I like using a jar and then just store it in for up to 3 days in the fridge.

Combinations to try:
* Garlic, thyme, Djon mustard, red-wine vinegar and extra-virgin olive oil
* Shallot, cilantro, roasted jalapeno, lemon juice, extra-virgin olive oil
* Shallot, honey, orange zest, lemon juice, extra virgin olive oil
* Shallot, tarragon, sherry vinegar, extra virgin olive oil
* Balsamic vinegar, extra virgin olive oil
* Oregano, parsley, garlic, white wine vinegar, extra virgin olive oil
* Ginger, garlic, honey mustard, soy sauce, rice vinegar, extra virgin olive oil
* Raspberry Jam,  honey mustard, white wine or balsamic vinegar,  extra virgin olive oil

Friday Favorites

How to blanch Vegetables - a basic for cooking, but something really I at times forget how to do

Last Minute Homemade Food Gifts - a list of some homemade gifts that you might have ingredients right in your house. Want to point out that I made Katie's Coffee Liqueur as my last minute gift and just stuck a tag on it saying "good after" with a little calendar on it and the date circled. Great last minute gift! It TASTES so good too! I had some last night and it was FAB!

Peppermint Bark Cookies - just look so festive and yummy!

Hostess Do's and Don't  - from Martha Stewart

Snowman Ornaments - a little craft to do with kids

Mocha Roasted Almonds

These yummy snacks make great party fare, awesome little treats for gift baskets, and truly yummy snacks to keep in the office drawer.  I imagine you could easily swap any nuts for almonds if you liked something else better.

Mocha Roasted Almonds

• 4 Cups Whole Almonds
• 2 Egg Whites, Beaten
• 1 teaspoon Coffee Liqueur or Vanilla Extract
• 3/4 Cup Brown Sugar
• 2 Tablespoons Cocoa Powder
• 2 teaspoons Instant Espresso Powder
• 1/2 teaspoon Salt

Preheat oven to 275 degrees.

Mix together brown sugar, cocoa powder, instant espresso, and salt.  Beat together the egg whites and coffee liqueur until frothy.  Pour the egg white mixture over the almonds and toss together, add the spice mixture and stir until the nuts are coated.

Spread onto a parchment paper / silicone sheet lined baking sheet.  Bake for 45 minutes giving the nuts a stir every 10 to 15 minutes.  Allow to cool before storing in an airtight container.