'In the Kitchen' Archive Fridays - Featured Food Blog 'Chubba Gurl'

Welcome to this week's edition of 'In the Kitchen' Archive Fridays!  Today I'll be featuring another food blog feature that I did on Everything 'In the Kitchen' Up Close back in 2009!  Make sure to scroll to the bottom of this post for an update on 'Chubba Gurl'!  The information contained in the original post may not be completely up to date, although, all the links should still work.  

Enjoy!

"This week’s featured food blog is called ‘Chubba Gurl – Basic Everyday Home Cookin’. The author of Chubba Gurl is Carmen from Utah. Carmen has been married for 14 years and she enjoys cooking for her husband and her three daughters.


The main reason I chose to feature this blog is that it is chock full of family friendly meals that I think would appeal to many people. I think Chubba Gurl does a fantastic job of summarizing top-notch recipes that she finds from various sources, such as other websites and blogs, Recipezaar, cookbooks, as well as some of her own favorites. I really enjoy the pictures that the author of Chubba Gurl includes with a majority of the recipes on her blog. Many of the recipes also include systematic instructions, which is a bonus!

Another aspect I really like about Chubba Gurl is the ‘My Fav Food Blogs’ Feature included on her left sidebar. This is a great way to find out about new and interesting blogs, that you may or may not know of, that are dedicated to food and cooking. I think this is a great resource for anyone interesting in finding recipes or new food blogs to read. I was happy to see such a wide variety of blogs listed (many that I haven’t heard of before).

Here is a list of my top 10 favorite recipes listed at Chubba Gurl (no ranking order):
1.) Crock Pot Salisbury Steak (recipe from Southern Plate)
2.) Peanut Butter Choc Chip Brownies (recipe from My Tasty Treasures)
3.) Sour Cream Banana Bread (recipe from Recipezaar)
4.) Cheeseburger Paradise Soup (recipe from Taste of Home)
5.) 7 Layer Taco Dip (recipe from AllRecipes.com)
6.) Crazy Crust Taco Pie
7.) Carm’s Goulash
8.) Kitchen Sink Cookies
9.) Turkey Pot Pie (recipe from AllRecipes.com)
10.) Grandma Ople’s Apple Piece (recipe from AllRecipes.com)


The recipes I’ve listed above are only from the last 6 months on the Chubba Gurl Blog. I can assure you that there are several others worth checking out. I could have made this list a lot longer but I figured that limiting it to 10 recipes would give you a good idea of what she has to offer. As you can see from the above list, Chubba Gurl offers a variety of recipes that are good for each and every meal of the day.

Overall, I think Chubba Gurl is a fantastic blog for anyone who loves to cook (or eat). Because of the vast variety of recipes offered at Chubba Gurl, there are sure to be at least a few that catch your eye. Are you looking for something to make for supper tonight? Check out Chubba Gurl today!"

Update:

A few weeks ago I shared a guest blog that was originally featured on Everything 'In the Kitchen' Up Close.  Unfortunately, the blog of the blogger who wrote that post had ended up in the blogosphere graveyard.  This week, it is the same story.  Chubba Gurl posted for the last time on her website in May of this year.  There has been no explanation of if the blog is gone forever or if she is planning on posting again in the future.  She had a period from June 2010 to May 2011 when there were no posts, so this may be the same kind of break.  We'll have to wait and see!

Since I originally featured Chubba Gurl, she has featured many more great recipes! I love that she shares pictures of her experience cooking many of the recipes included on her site.  Chubba Gurl has also changed her blog design so the pictures included in this post are no longer current.  I personally like the new design!

Since recipes don't expire, I still think that Chubba Gurl is a blog worth checking out if you are looking for a new recipe for your family.  Or, if you like food blogs in general, check out the right column of Chubba Gurl's blog to find a list of many other food blogs (her favourites).

'In the Archive' Fridays - Dine Without Whine - Meal Planning for Busy Families

Welcome to 'In the Kitchen' Archive Fridays! Today I'm going back to the archives of Everything 'In the Kitchen' Up Close to feature a post I originally wrote as a sponsored post but failed to receive any money after writing it (through MyLikes). I haven't tried the Dine Without Whine program.  This post contains objective information that I received from their website only.  Make sure to read all the way to the bottom of this post for an update and more information. 

Enjoy! 

Dine Without Whine - Meal Planning for Busy Families - www.dinewithoutwhine.com

Dine Without Whine was created by Christine Steendahl a.k.a “The Menu Mom”.  The purpose of Dine Without Whine is to make dinner time for families as easy and enjoyable as possible.  Dine Without Whine is made purposly for busy families but I personally believe that it can be used by any family, big or small.

Dine Without Whine provides you with new menus and grocery lists each Thursday.  The menus include easy to find ingredients and meals that your whole family will love.  Dine Without Whine ensures your satisfaction with the program by offering two other Menu Planning sites take your family's eating habits into consideration: Kid Approved Meals and Menu Planning Central. 

Additionally, Dine Without Whine offers a number of subscription options to ensure their plan fits into nearly every budget.  The following is a list of five (5) membership options available on the website (all of which are payable via credit card or PayPal):

1.) Dine Without Whine - Monthly Subscription with $.01 One Week Trial Offer ($0.01 for the first 7 days. Then $6.95 for each month)

2.) Dine Without Whine - 3 Month Membership ($19.95 for 3 months)

3.) Dine Without Whine - 6 Month Membership ($39.95 for 6 months)

4.) Dine Without Whine - 12 Month Membership  ($74.95 for one year)

5.) Dine Without Whine - Lifetime Membership (a one-time fee of $139.95 for lifetime subscription)

One thing I like about the Dine Without Whine program is that you can purchase gift subscriptions for other people.  I think this would make a great house warming, wedding, or baby shower gift!

You can learn more about the program and sign up for your trial subscription here: Dine Without Whine - Meal Planning for Busy Families

Update:
I haven't tried out this system yet.  I was originally planning to try out the free trial and completely forgot about it.  Now that it is on my radar again, it is definitely something I'm interested in trying.  There are a lot of different meal planning programs out there and I'm yet to find out that works just right for our family.  From meal planning failures in the past, I've learned that I like to try new recipes, as well as incorporate old favourites into each week's plan.

Dine Without Whine now has a blog that you can check out.  A number of the most recent articles are all about condiments - there is even a recipe on how to make your own ketchup (neat!).   You can also subscribe to the Dine Without Whine newsletter on their main page to receive a free copy of 'Menu Planning for Today's Busy Family'; I've yet to check this out.

Finally, now, when you sign up for the free trial offer, you receive one bonus: either a grocery savings guide, or an entertaining guide.  Full details are available on their main page.

'In the Kitchen' Archive Fridays: Super Foods - Add High Powered Nutrition To Your Day

Welcome to 'In the Kitchen' Archive Fridays!  Today I'm going back to the archives of Everything 'In the Kitchen' Up Close to feature a guest post written by Gemma at the blog Way Beyond Green that discussed native super foods (along with some recipes). Make sure to read all the way to the bottom of this post for an update (includes a couple of links to some interesting food blogs). 

Enjoy!

"Welcome to this week's guest article on Everything 'In the Kitchen' Up Close! Today, Gemma from Way Beyond Green will introduce you to native super foods and share some of her favorite recipes with you.

Nature's super foods...native foods are ounce for ounce your best value for quick, affordable and delicious health foods. Native foods are the natural result of hundreds of years of adaptation and nature's selective process; native foods are the champions of the food chain. Low fat, low carb and packing a powerful double punch as potent nutritional sources and disease fighting agents, super native foods are champions you want in your cupboard. And to top that, most native food varieties are available locally anywhere in the US and Canada. They typically very affordable, especially when in season.

This is the first segment in a two part series. In the first part we'll take you through Breakfast and Mid-day meals. Providing you with super foods that will help you start the day with lots of energy and leave you feeling healthy.

In our second article, we'll cover a Mid-day Meal and Dinner ideas. I will be providing you with more great recipes and quick and easy meal ideas using these super foods.

Super Native Foods #1: Berries
There are native berries that are readily available and in abundance throughout North America. In fact in some parts of the country, during the late summer months you can pick buckets full for free and it's a great outdoor activity for the entire family. By harvesting our own food, we not only save money but we also reconnect with our local environment and ensure that you're getting the highest vitality food available. Plus, it is a lot of fun.

Blueberries, cranberries, salmonberries, and huckleberries are all native berries that not only help the environment, but are great in handfuls and fantastic with yoghurt and granola.

Dried, fresh or frozen berries are potent capsules of Vitamin C and antioxidants needed for mental alertness, immunity, cell regeneration, and disease prevention. For hundreds of years, a handful of dried berries has been the preferred breakfast for champion moms and hungry babies.

Freezing berries is a great way to store this fabulous super food for later use. To freeze berries for later use, lay fresh berries flat out on a cookie sheet (don't wash them) and lay the cookie sheet level in freezer. A few hours later, dump the individual frozen berries in plastic baggies so you can use them later. As long as they stay frozen, you won't get a "big glob" of berries and can grab a handful on the go or easily add them to your cooking.

Suggested varieties:
Blueberries, cranberries, salmonberries and huckleberries

Recipes:Blueberry Muffins with Quinoa
Quinoa Corn Whole Orange Muffins Recipe This recipe didn't have berries in it, but it looked so darn good, I say throw a handful in. By the way, you don't have to thaw frozen berries - just throw them directly into the batter.


Super Native Foods #2: Quinoa & AmaranthAlthough strange sounding, quinoa (KEEN-wah) and amaranth are really very similar to oatmeal or other hot cereals. Quinoa is and amaranth are extremely high in protein and fiber and it is estimated that they contain 75% and 87% of an adult's daily nutrional requirements. Gluten and wheat-free these native foods are tiny capsules of energy and vitality, and contains hundreds of years of plant dna intelligence designed for survival. Forget Starbucks, that's what I need in the morning!

Suggested varieties:
Quinoa, amaranth, ground blue corn meal

Breakfast Meal Suggestions:Dried, fresh or frozen berries with granola or hot cereal such as quinoa, amaranth or blue corn meal. Prepare just like you would regular oatmeal. It takes almost no time to make and it is good prepared ahead of time. Just keep it covered in the refrigerator and reheat. If you need a quick breakfast on the go, simply skip the cereal and go for the berries.

Recipes:
Hot Quinoa Breakfast With Fruits. This link even gives you a breakdown of nutrient values.
Blue Corn Meal Crepes
Quick Lemon-Scented Quinoa Salad

A Traditional Oaxacan Recipe: Rich & Amaranth pudding. This is outrageous and still pretty good for you. You can simply reduce the sugar and the condensed milk in the recipe to make it even healthier for you. Condensed milk, or canned ingredients are often used by indigenous communities after true indigenous sources were no longer available. In the past, this was probably made traditionally (I'm guessing) with fresh goat's milk. If you choose to go this route, fresh goat's milk can often be purchased at your health food store and is fantastic for your immune system and digestion.

I hope you noticed, I've included a couple of different ways to cook these native foods. Once you find out wonderful they are, you'll want to add more to your diet. Oh, and I learned this the hard way... Do you want your kids to eat healthy? Don't say a word. Just tell them it's grown up food.

Additional resources:
waybeyondgreen.org
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Category:Native_crops_by_country
http://www.squidoo.com/nativefoods

This week's guest writer

Gemma Benton is a mom and grandmother who raised her family on traditional Native American foods, wild harvested plants and herbs for over twelve years. She is actively involved in the preservation of native american and indigenous traditions. You can learn more about the benefits of native foods and indigenous cultures at her blog waybeyondgreen.org."

Update:

Unfortunately, when doing my research for this archive Friday, I discovered that Gemma is no longer blogging.  Gemma is no longer posting new content at Way Beyond Green but she still has all the old articles available online for you to view.  Way Beyond Green has articles on food (general), diet and supplements, a bunch of recipes, and instructions on how to cook various foods (e.g. different types of vegetables).  At the end of Gemma's blog, she references two other blogs that she retrieved information from to share on her blog.  Both are worth checking out.  One that is sourced is one that I recently found out about and love: Simply Recipes.  Simply Recipes has tons of recipes sorted by main ingredient, type of meal, special cooking categories and more.  The other blog sourced is called Green Drink Reviews.  It is a review blog that reviews natural health products, but also discusses health tips on a regular basis.  It is worth taking a look at if you are interested in or already purchase health food products or are a health-conscious person.

'In the Kitchen' Archive Fridays: GelPro REreview

Welcome to 'In the Kitchen' Archive Fridays!  Today I'm going back to the archives of Everything 'In the Kitchen' Up Close to feature a review I did for GelPro.  Make sure to scroll down to the bottom of this post for an update on my experience with the product between the time I reviewed it in 2009 and now!

Enjoy!

"Standing in the kitchen for long periods while cooking or cleaning up, can often lead to sore legs, back, neck and/or joints. When I found out about a great new product created by GelPro that provides comfort and style, I was interested in learning more. GelPro creates floor mats that make standing in your kitchen for long periods much easier and more enjoyable.

GelPro realizes that many people in the world love to cook, but unfortunately, many also experience pain in their feet, legs, and joints after standing on a hard floor. GelPro came up with an anti-fatigue mat that “looks as good as it feels!” Each GelPro mat is made from a “soft, shock-absorbing gel core.” This easily turns any style of floor (even polished concrete and hardwood) into one of the most comfortable places to stand in your home.

I was pleasantly surprised to learn about the number of ailments and conditions GelPro mats can help:
-arthritis
-leg, neck and back pain
-plantar fasciitis
-diabetes (by increasing blood flow)

Since each of these problems can worsen after standing on a hard surface for long periods of time, it is no wonder that the soft gel core in the GelPro mats is an ideal solution!

“Fatigue resulting from cooking is something GelPro Mat founder and engineer, Robb McMahan is especially familiar with as it was his direct inspiration for developing the GelPro Mat. Robb’s wife Lisa complained about her fatigue and pain after cooking Thanksgiving dinner for the family. Relying on his innovative spirit, Robb designed a solution for his wife that has grown into a product that pros like Martha Stewart and the Barefoot Contessa depend on in their kitchens.”

I love that GelPro mats are extremely diverse. Besides being used in the kitchen, they can also be used on any hard surface that you stand on for extended periods of time, such as your laundry room, bathroom, or even your garage floor. In addition, GelPro has developed many different sizes, patterns, and colors to ensure you will be able to find the perfect GelPro mat to match your needs and décor!

ReviewI was so happy to find out that I would be receiving a GelPro mat to try out in my kitchen! After standing for long periods, my legs get tired and my joints sometimes start to hurt. I was really looking forward to trying the GelPro mat to see if it would help with alleviate these problems.

GelPro sent me their Cordoba mat in Truffle (Size 20” x 36”) to review. This size and style of GelPro mat regularly sells for $124.95 USD on their website.


When I was first asked to choose a mat I liked and that would go well in my space, I honestly had no clue what to pick. Sometimes I find it so hard to choose items sight unseen, especially when it comes to trying to match colors off a computer screen. Luckily, GelPro makes it extremely easy to choose the right color. When you go to the GelPro products page and choose a style, then a color, a description of that color will appear. In the description, GelPro suggests types of colors and hardware that go well with the style and color of GelPro mat you have chosen. For example, here is what the one I chose said, “Truffle infuses hints of red with warm dark coffee brown. Rich and alluring, it is strong enough to satisfy the needs of those wanting heavier accents. Truffle is a perfect velvety neutral for all color schemes that beautifully enhances oiled bronze hardware.”

Since our flooring is a darker brown with hints of red, I figured the Cordoba Truffle would compliment my kitchen perfectly. And, I was right! When my Truffle Cordoba mat arrived, I took it out of the box and set it up. I was happy to see that the color looked exactly like what was shown to me on the GelPro website. As soon as I placed it on my kitchen floor, I knew I had made the right choice. It looked wonderful!

For people who are still unsure about the color, they can order fabric sample kits to match against their floors, hardware, appliances, etc. There is a $10 charge (+ $1 shipping) for the sample but when you do order your mat, this $10 fee will be reimbursed. This is a foolproof way to ensure you get the right color! **Note: “up to one fabric sample rebate per mat ordered.”

When I was first setting up the GelPro mat, I also noticed that the mat was quite a bit lighter that I thought it would be. It was very easy to pick up and move around if need be.

Next came time to step on it (I was so excited)! As soon as I did, I was shocked. The GelPro mat was so much softer than I originally thought it would be. Even though I knew it would be soft, in actuality, it exceeded my expectations. I immediately began looking forward to cooking in the kitchen that evening.

Later that evening, I was able to try out the mat while making super. I placed the mat in the corner of my kitchen where I do all my prep work. Since my kitchen is quite small, the size of this mat is perfect because it fits well right in front of my prep space and range. As I prepared our supper, I noticed how soft and luxurious the GelPro mat felt on my feet. It felt much more relaxing than standing on our hard kitchen floor. After I finished cooking, my feet still felt relaxed and my legs and joints were not sore at all.

Another aspect I loved about the GelPro mat was how easy it is to take care of. Because of the outer material/fabric used for the mat, it does not stain and it is simple to clean. When I spill something on it, all I need to do is wipe it with a wet cloth, then, it is as good as new again. For me, something that is low maintenance is a high priority in my house!

I have been using the GelPro mat for just over a week now and I am very satisfied with it! I am so happy that GelPro gave me the opportunity to test their product. I love that this mat is comfortable, prevents pain, and looks stylish at the same time. Whether you are in need of a place to relax your feet while you cook or you suffer from acute or chronic pain, the GelPro mat is the perfect solution! I believe that a GelPro mat is a must-have accessory for every kitchen. I would highly suggest this mat to anyone. Now that I have one that I love, all I have to do is buy another one for in front of our kitchen sink, and possibly a couple for Christmas or birthday gifts. I have several family members who I know could benefit from a GelPro mat!"


Update:
Two years later and yes, I am still using my GelPro mat in front of my kitchen sink.  It is an item that I have really appreciated having in the kitchen, especially when baking, cooking lengthy recipes, or when pregnant!  This mat is really comfortable and definitely makes my joints a bit happier.  Since I received one of the smaller mats for review, my husband and I have discussed getting another one (and I have joked about how great it would be to cover our entire kitchen floor with GelPro).  However, since it isn't a priority, we haven't been able to justify getting another one yet.  Although, it is something that we may have to add to our Christmas list this year. 

After using the GelPro mat for an extended period of time, there is only a couple of things I noticed that could be improved.  First of all, the mat tends to slip if you step or move on the mat the wrong way.  This seemed to be a particular issue for me during pregnancy (perhaps a bit clumsier) when I managed to throw my hip or back out a couple of times after stepping on the mat the wrong way.  Because of that, I'd love to see GelPro add a non-slip bottom to their mats.  Also, over time, the edges of the mat have started to curl slightly.  This isn't a huge deal since it doesn't affect the usability of the mat at all and things like that are usually expected over time.

All-in-all, I have loved using my GelPro mat and I would recommend it.

Since reviewing this mat, a few things have been added to the GelPro website.  GelPro now has two new lines of products: GelPro Plush (an added layer of foam for extra comfort) and NewLife (an eco-friendly option).  In addition, GelPro now has a clearance center on their website, which allows you to save 20% or more on their products.

'In the Kitchen' Archive Fridays: Microplane REreview

Welcome to the third installment of 'In the Kitchen' Archive Fridays!  Today I'm going back to the archives of Everything 'In the Kitchen' Up Close to feature a review for the first time.  The review is of the Microplane 4-sided box grater.  Make sure to scroll down to the bottom of this post for an update on my experience with the product between the time I reviewed it in 2009 and now!

Enjoy!

"Recently, I was surfing the net looking for new and interesting kitchen tools when I came across a company called Microplane. Microplane originally started by designing woodworking tools in 1990, but only 4 years later, they realized the need for high quality, ‘sharper cutting tools’ in the kitchen and introduced their kitchen tool line.

The story of how the kitchen tool line came to be is quite amusing: “The big moment came, when Lorraine Lee, a homemaker in Ottawa, Canada, was making an Armenian orange cake. Out of frustration with her old grater, she picked up a new tool her husband, Leonard, had brought home from their hardware store, Lee Valley Tools. She slid the orange across its blades and was amazed. Lacy shards of zest fell from its surface like snowflakes. The Lees marveled at the tool, ate the cake, then promptly changed the product description in their catalogue. The Microplane® grater had earned permanent space in the kitchen.”

Microplane is now known worldwide for making quality kitchen, personal care, and woodworking tools that are sharp for superior results, yet safe.

Review
After seeing all the neat kitchen tools Microplane carries (graters, slicers, zesters, etc.), I was determined to try one out for myself. Microplane offered to send me one of their newest award winning products: the Microplane® Specialty Series 4-Sided Box Grater. This amazing grater has been classified as Fine Cooking Magazine’s choice of best overall box grater. In addition, the 4-sided box grater received top honors in the 2009 Housewares Design Awards for Kitchen Hand Tools. After seeing all the features of this grater and hearing about all the awards that it had won, I was really looking forward to testing it out.

The Microplane 4-Sided Box Grater includes Microplane’s three most popular grating blades, the fine/zester, medium ribbon and extra coarse. Microplane has also added a slicer blade to this product. Each blade is made from premium surgical grade stainless steel and the overall grating area size is 5.25” by 4.25”. To ensure that this grater is easy to use and comfortable to handle, Microplane decided to include an ergonomic soft grip handle. Rubber feet ensure that while you are using the grater, it won’t slip. Microplane has truly thought of everything with their new 4-Sided Box Grater. They have even included a plastic cover that you can easily slip over the top when it is not in use. This is a great way to protect yourself and others in your household.

When it comes to doing dishes, it is really not something I enjoy doing (who does?). We have a dishwasher and use it as often as possible. I do admit that if something isn’t dishwasher safe, I generally will not purchase it. Unless, I really really really like it. Luckily for me, Microplane has catered to people like me with this product. Since it is made with stainless steel, rubber, and plastic, it is completely dishwasher safe. Microplane has made this grater easier than ever to clean and has even made the fine blade removable for easier cleaning access.

Finally, it came time to test out Microplane's grater! I was busy making chicken wraps in the kitchen for lunch when I remembered that the Microplane had a slicer on the side of it. Since I had to cut vegetables and shred cheese and I hadn’t tried out the Microplane 4-Sided box grater yet, I figured it would be the perfect opportunity. I was about to cut slices of cucumber so I decided to use the slicer instead of a knife as I normally would. I was extremely impressed by how sharp the blade was. I have a Mandolin for slicing things but I never use it because it is so dull. I am impressed that the blade on the grater is even better than mandolin I have, especially since the slicer is not the main function of the grater!

Next, I had to shred some cheese; so of course, the grater was a perfect solution. When I picked up the grater and looked at the blades, I noticed they were quite different from any other grater I had ever owned. Instead of the holes being round, they were rectangular. I thought this was neat. I am embarrassed to admit that when I shredded cheese with Microplane’s grater for the first time, I was excited about the new and interesting shape of it. Both the small size and large side of the grater were the same shape. After making my chicken wraps, I have been using the Microplane 4-Sided Grater on almost a daily basis. My other graters have gone into retirement. Each time I have used the grater (all functions of it), I have had wonderful results.

One thing I did notice is that the small grater side seems a bit smaller than most graters. At first, I thought it made it a bit harder to grate cheese on the small setting. But then, I noticed that it wasn’t necessarily harder, it just took a bit more time. The fact that this grater grates cheese a bit smaller is actually a good thing for me. When I use the small side of my grater, it is often because I will be melting the cheese. Since cheese melts faster the smaller it is, I don’t have to worry about overcooking the rest of my food if I am just adding it at the end (for example: a baked potato or garlic cheese bread).

In conclusion, I can see why the Microplane 4-Sided Grater has won all the awards that it has; this is a great product! After seeing the high quality blades that Microplane uses in their products, I am certainly looking forward to trying more of their products in the future."

Update:
It isn't all the time that I review a product that I find myself using for years to come.  The Microplane 4-sided Box Grater is a product that I loved when I reviewed it 2 years ago and I still love it today.  Not only do I love this grater but it has become one of my favourite kitchen gadgets.  While I do have other graters, Microplane is my primary grater and I'm truly disappointed when it happens to be dirty or unavailable for whatever reason.  After two years of using this product at least a few times each week, it performs just as well as the day I got it; the blades haven't dulled at all and the overall sturdiness remains the same.  Microplane truly sets itself apart from other graters on the market with it's surgical stainless steel blades (they are the sharpest blades I've experienced from a kitchen product).  The only part of the grater that I no longer use is the plastic shield (cover) that came with the grater; I found that it was just easier to store the grater without it. 

Since receiving this item for review, I have purchased numerous other Microplane products because I know that Microplane equals (=) quality!  I have also often suggested Microplane products over other brands to family and friends and they have been equally impressed by the quality.  Overall, I have thoroughly enjoyed using the 4-sided Microplane Box Grater and would highly suggest Microplane kitchen products to anyone who spends anytime at all in the kitchen!

'In the Kitchen' Archive Fridays: Meal Planning 101

Welcome to the second  installment of 'In the Kitchen' Archive Fridays!  Today I'm featuring an article on Meal Planning written by Jessie from Vanderbilt Wife!  Make sure to scroll to the bottom of this post for an update on Jessie's blog! 

Enjoy!

"Welcome to Everything 'In the Kitchen' Up Close's very first guest article! Today, Jessie from Vanderbilt Wife will talk to you about her experience with meal planning. Jessie has created a six step guide to help get you started!  Read her words below to find out the tips and tricks she uses to plan meals for her family:

My mom rarely planned meals. When I was in middle school and high school, she would often call me and ask me to defrost meat, get out stuff for meatloaf, or throw together her pineapple chicken recipe. Sometimes it was a stop at Ukrop’s, our local grocery store, on the way home from her full-time job. They had a great selection of prepared foods. Or maybe Dad brought home Chinese food or Taco Bell.

If you have the funds, it’s not such a bad way to eat. But I got married at 22 and became the wife of a graduate student. We didn’t have the money to eat impulsively. So, out of necessity, I started meal planning.

Over the years, I’ve discovered there are two real methods of meal planning: the cheapskate and the non-cheapskate [way]. It’s just been in the past few months (since I had my first baby and then went back to work) that we’ve moved to the true cheapskate plan. It’s not quite as fun or easy, but it works. If you don’t care about saving money, just skip the first two steps here (although in this economy, it certainly can’t hurt to pinch some pennies).

So when I sit down to meal plan, here’s the process I go through:

1.) Cut coupons from Sunday’s circulars. I only cut out the coupons for items I think I would use—IF the coupon made the item cheaper than a generic (or if I am partial to that specific brand … our dishwasher rebels if we use anything but Cascade Complete, for example).

2.) Scour the grocery store ads. I make a list of the great deals as I go through the ads for the two grocery stores I frequent (and occasionally Aldi, if I need a lot of staples). Usually the ads will remind me of a coupon I just cut, and I make sure to make a note of the coupon by the sale price.

3.) Create your menu. If you’re going the cheapskate route, use the best deals from the ads to make your meals. Ingredients might remind you of a favorite dinner, or you can use the ingredient search on AllRecipes.com to find a new creation! If you’re not as worried about saving money, you can start here by making our your menu list for meals you’d enjoy that week. I plan 5 meals a week, because it is just my husband and me eating real food and I know we’ll eat leftovers some nights. I try to limit waste of food and time. Can you make rice for a side dish on Monday, and then have fried rice on Wednesday? If so, make it all Monday and set aside the extra to refrigerate before you serve it. Extra baked chicken can be cubed or shredded for a casserole. Leftover vegetables can all be thrown into a bag in the freezer and brought out later for soup or to make vegetable stock.

Some people use the same tried-and-true recipes all the time; I am crazy about trying out new recipes, so I am constantly looking through cookbooks, magazines, and food blogs for new ideas.

I sketch out which day of the week we will eat each meal, but if I don’t feel like eating the meal assigned to that day, I just make something else I have the ingredients for instead of getting take-out or having to run to the grocery store again.

4.) Make your grocery list. Look at all your recipes and make a list of the items you don’t have already in your pantry or fridge. I sort these out by section of the grocery store, so I don’t find myself wandering all over the place once I’m there. Note to yourself if you have a coupon for an item. If you’re cheapskating, you need to sort your list according to stores as well. I usually end up going to two stores to get the best deals. Add anything you need for lunches, breakfast, snacks, and toiletries to your list.

5.) Shop! For me, shopping once a week works. I would advise you to try to narrow it down to once or twice a week, because you will save money.

6.) Prepare. If there are items that will take a long amount of time to prepare, and all the adults in your household work, go ahead and make those items on the weekend or when you have time.

Menu planning is such a habit for me I can’t imagine ever going without it! It saves us time, money, and sanity, and gives me more time to spend with my daughter because I’m not running out to the store or a restaurant every night. If I’m not going to get home from work on time, I can direct my husband to the recipe and ingredients so he can start preparation or get dinner in the oven. If you aren’t menu planning now, give it a test run one week and see how it works for you! "

Update:When Jessie wrote this article, she was mother to 4-month old Libbie.  Now, two years later, there is a new addition: a darling little boy named David born in December of 2010 (Congratulations Jessie!).  Jessie is still keeps busy writing her tales of being a stay-at-home-mom and housewife on her blog: Vanderbilt Wife.  On Mondays, make sure to head over to Vanderbilt Wife for 'Meal Planning Mondays' to see what Jessie has planned for her family for the week.  She also shares yummy recipes with her readers on a regular basis!  One recent recipe that looks amazing is the Blueberry-Lemon Ricotta Muffins.  You can find Jessie's complete compilation of recipes in her Recipe Index.  I also suggest checking out her Chocolate Avocado Cake post, which contains a whole bunch of great recipes from the bloggers of the Secret Recipe Club.

Vanderbilt Wife is a great blog that I definitely recommend checking out!  Jessie offers many great articles on both cooking and motherhood.  This blog is a must read for anyone who likes to cook or bake, or has small children!  Being interested in both topics myself, I found myself reading article after article at Vanderbilt Wife (and I have a ton bookmarked for later!).  Hopefully you'll find yourself doing the same during your visit!

'In the Kitchen' Archive Fridays: Featured Food Blog 'Cooking during Stolen Moments'

Welcome to the first installment of 'In the Kitchen' Archive Fridays!  I figured that the best way to start the event is by posting the very first food blog feature that I did on Everything 'In the Kitchen' Up Close back in March of 2009!  Make sure to scroll to the bottom of this post for an update on 'Cooking during Stolen Moments'!  The information contained in the original post may not be completely up to date, although, all the links should still work.  

Enjoy!

"Welcome to my very first featured food blog posting! The name of this weeks featured food blog is "Cooking during Stolen Moments....an Affair with my Kitchen." When I saw this blog for the first time, I almost had to leave the room to stop myself from drooling all over my keyboard. “Cooking during Stolen Moments” is run by a woman named Kate. Before Kate started her blog, ‘dinner rush hour’ was not the easiest hour in the day to make it through. She recalls a baby, toddlers, and an older child, all of whom seemed to want her attention at the same time…supper time. Kate set out to discover how to make supper time a bit easier. Kate has found a solution that has eliminated the dreaded “dinner rush hour” and now shares her plan with others, through her blog. Kate’s plan involves what she calls “Stolen Moments”. Stolen moments are chunks of free time in between activities that she uses to prepare supper. 

As you look through Kate’s blog you will find amazing recipes that feature fabulous pictures of the entire preparation and cooking process. She also leads you through the entire recipe from beginning to end with step-by-step instructions. In addition, Kate enjoys sharing all her tips and tricks in the kitchen. Besides making meals in stolen moments, Kate seems to enjoy developing a monthly grocery budget for her family. I was shocked to see that Kate’s family has a monthly budget of only $350. This budget satisfies six hungry members and includes breakfasts, lunches, dinners, snacks, and desserts for her whole family. After reading that, I think I could learn a thing or two from her. I sadly admit that for two people in my household, we spend even more than that. Finally, Kate makes it extremely easy to locate different recipes. Labels down the side of her blog clearly define all the recipes on her blog. I love this! It makes it so much easier to find what I am looking for.

Now…on to her fabulous recipes. The first time I visited Kate’s blog she had posted a recipe she entitled ‘Buffalo Chicken Spaghetti’ (sounds amazing, doesn’t it?) Well, hopefully Kate doesn’t mind but I took a screen shot of her blog to entice you all over there. However, I do warn you…once over there, you may not be able to put the mouse down….or you might get the urge to immediately cook one of her fabulous meals! Please keep in mind, this screenshot is just the beginning of it. You’ll have to head over to “Cooking during Stolen Moments” to get all the step-by-step instructions for this recipe, as well as others.

Here are a few other recipes on “Cooking during Stolen Moments” that caught my eye:

• Pizza-Stuffed Meatloaf
• Stromboli
• Cinnamon-Apple Stuffed French Toast
• Bacon, Cheese & Egg Biscuit Cups

Somehow, after looking after her four children, cooking up a storm in those stolen moments, budgeting, and writing her cooking adventures on “Cooking during Stolen Moments”, Kate manages to contribute to her two other blogs: Happy to be at Home and A Simple Walk. "

Update:

Since completing this Food Blog feature back in March of 2009, Kate has moved 'Cooking during Stolen Moments' to a new web location!  You can continue to read about her latest moments in the kitchen at http://stolenmomentscooking.com/.  The website has a beautiful new look and still continues to offer you all the joys of her original website.  Unsurprisingly, Kate's blog has grown substantially over the past couple of years.

One thing I love about her new website (other than the brilliant look of it) is the Recipe Index.  The recipe index is fantastic because it sorts all the recipes that she has shared on her blog in an easy to navigate system, sorted by type of dish (e.g. chicken, baked goods, beans, pasta, and more!).

When reading through Kate's About page, I noticed that she had an exciting announcement in September of 2010...a new addition to her family - a new baby.  Kate is now a mother to five.  I'm impressed that an even busier Mom manages to find the time to put her heart into 'Cooking during Stolen Moments'.  Since I'll soon be a new Mom, this is encouraging and wonderful to see!

Another exciting announcement is that in 2010, Kate's 'Cooking during Stolen Moments' was awarded the Top 50 Mommy Food Bloggers award from Babble.com. 

Kate from 'Cooking during Stolen Moments' can now be found on Facebook and Twitter. 

A note about Kate's old blog...If you are checking out the links to posts on her old website, you will notice that the background is no longer there and shows up white.  This makes it difficult to read her posts.  For ease of reading, I suggest highlighting the text so it appears against a darker background instead of white (the text on the page is a beige colour). 

Announcing 'In the Kitchen' Archive Fridays!

Some of my long time readers may remember a couple of years back when I had a sub-blog called Everything 'In the Kitchen' Up Close.  It was a space for me to dedicate posts (review, giveaway, and otherwise) to anything and everything kitchen related.  After a few months of posting on the site, the reality of life caught up to me and I realized that as a blogger, university student, part time worker, girlfriend at the time (now wife), daughter, and friend...I had to make some choices.  One of those choices was to stick with my main blog, Everything Up Close, and suspend posts on Everything 'In the Kitchen' Up Close.  Although I was slightly disappointed, I realized that spreading myself too thin wouldn't result in any benefits.  I figured that if in the future I decided to talk about kitchen or food related topics, I could do that right here or reopen Everything 'In the Kitchen' Up Close if time allowed. 

Since then, life has not slowed down much, if at all.  It may have even got a bit busier.  And, with our first baby on the way, I doubt I'll be gaining any extra time in the near future.  Thus, I have decided to permanently delete the Everything 'In the Kitchen' Up Close blog and transport the posts that I did on that site over here. 

Every Friday ('In the Kitchen' Archive Fridays), I will be re-posting one of my original Everything 'In the Kitchen' Up Close posts here.  For the review posts, I will be adding an extra review update component that discusses any changes in thoughts I've had about the particular product since testing it a couple of years ago.  I will discuss whether or not I still use the item and any further suggestions and comments.

I hope you will enjoy this special feature and learn a bit about the food related topics I featured and a few new products in the process!  I'd love to hear feedback from you on what you think about the posts.  I'd also love to know if this type of topic is something you'd be interested in continuing to read about on Everything Up Close.

This event will happen every Friday over the next several months.  Enjoy!