Wassail

Wassail

One of my all-time favorite winter drinks. I've made Wassail one way for SO MANY YEARS. That recipe found HERE, is great and long lasting but FULL of sugar.

However, I need something healthier -especially since the name Wassail comes from the words
Waes Hael
(one historical version anyway found here)
OR
Ves Heil Hal
(another historical link here)

That said BOTH mean Good Health.

So I found 4 similar recipes that had varying amounts and differing spices.

Putting them together I created two amazing recipes - both the same taste but for differing budgets.

Wassail

2 cups fresh cranberries

2 sliced oranges
2 sliced lemons
1 qt Apple juice or cider
2 C Cranberry juice

1 qt Orange juice

1 tsp Cinnamon
3 Cinnamon sticks
2 tsp whole cloves
2-inch fresh sliced ginger
1 tsp Allspice

2 C Pineapple juice

1 cracked whole nutmeg

Add all ingredients into either a crockpot/slow cooker or large stock pot on low for several hours to allow the spices to flavor fully.

~~~~~

Now for the budget-friendly version of the above recipe, you can buy frozen concentrate of apple, orange, pineapple & cranberry juice.
One qt of apple cider was almost 6.00 yet a frozen 100% apple juice was 1.20.
I used 2 frozen apple concentrate, 2 frozen orange concentrate, 1 pineapple & 1 cranberry then added almost 2 quarts of water and the rest of the ingredients.

Boiled Egg Salad Sandwiches

Boiled Eggs Salad Sandwiches

served on my hubby's Fresh Bread (recipe for the bread later)

5 Boiled Eggs - peeled

1/4 -1/3 C. Miracle Whip or Mayonnaise

Sliced bread (6 slices as this made 3 large sandwiches)

1 tsp. Salt

1 tsp. Paprika

A few drops of Tabasco if desired, this adds such a yummy factor!

Combine all ingredients. I use a strawberry/egg slicer to get the eggs sliced nicely to start off. Add the seasonings and dressing, finish combing until your desired consistency. Spread across sliced bread, sprinkle with a bit more paprika and serve immediately. Yummy, yummy, yummy! 

No this isn't trick photography, my hens lay us wonderful eggs with very bright yellow yolks.

Increase or decrease amounts depending on how many sandwiches you would like to make. 

This is a family favorite

Coop or Hutch Natural Cleaner

As I love and adore the Fresh Eggs Daily Blog I found this wonderful coop cleaning recipe on her blog.

I only had ONE small problem the other day... I needed to clean out our rabbit hutch from where our new bunnies decided to pee inside their nest - on the wood.
I couldn't wait a full month for the cleaner to be ready.

Hence I made a NOW batch omitting the vanilla and cinnamon and adding in all the goodness of the oranges.
I pulped them, squeezed them and even zested them so that every bit of orangeness was mixed into the vinegar.
I have a second batch made properly setting downstairs so I can clean the coop out in a month, but yesterday was shear desperation of getting the rabbit pee off of everything!

Ingredients for the proper mix

Four oranges (or six limes, four lemons or two grapefruit or a mix)

Two cinnamon sticks

Two vanilla beans 

 Bottle of white vinegar (or cheap vodka)

Two canning jars

Spray bottle

Due to the thick mix of desperation I ended up straining it into a large tin can I couldn't spray the rabbit hutch with it in a spray bottle but used a thick Ikea hand cleaning scrub brush to scrub the walls of the rabbit hutch.

Afterwards it smells amazing! No more nasty, vile pee smell (and with rabbits it gets STRONG smelling).

So really this recipe is great for many small animal areas and is fantastic for cleaning up strong smelling odors!

I can't wait to try to right mix on the chicken coop!

Broiler Barbecue Rabbit

There are a few things to know about cooking Rabbit. The majority of recipes call for long cook times at a lower heat.
As this was my first time cooking rabbit I turned to the BEST source I could think of.
My Grandma's old Modern Encyclopedia of Cooking circa 1947.

                   

                         Broiler Barbecued Rabbit

1 dressed rabbit, 1 1/2 lbs                       1/8 tsp pepper
2 cups cold water                                     1 tsp sugar
2 tsp salt                                                   1 tbsp lemon juice
1/4 cup butter, melted                             1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
4 tsp grated onion                                   1/4 c water
1 tsp salt

Start broiler oven 10 min before baking. Set to mod hot (350F).
Clean and wash the rabbit thoroughly. Cut into serving pieces place in bowl, cover with cold water and add salt (first units of water and salt).
Soak 1 1/2 hours. Drain, pat dry with paper towels. Melt butter in saucepan, remove from heat, add remaining ingredients and beat thoroughly.
Dip rabbit pieces in sauce and arrange on aluminum foil-lined shallow pan and place in broiler 3 inches from heat source.
Broil 30 min, basting with remaining sauce every 10 min.
After top side is well browned, turn rabbit over increase heat to 375F and broil another 40 min, basting frequently.
Increase heat to 400F and broil 15 minutes so that meat brown richly. Remove to platter, pour remaining sauce over rabbit and serve with rice.

After turning the first time

Now I'm not that great at sticking to recipes. Due to time constraints I used all the methods and very few of the actual ingredients.
I had a 2.3 lbs rabbit, we soaked it for over 2 hours. Then I basted it with a store bought BBQ sauce mixed with melted butter.
After it was cooked, I heated extra BBQ sauce before drizzling it over the cooked meat and the white rice.

It was DELICIOUS!


I know I've stopped posting recipes for the last little bit and that truly is a shame since my cooking this last year has really taken off but I will try to post more of the unusual things I've been cooking!
For cooking rabbit the very first time this was a WIN!

Easter Crockpot Ham

This year the hubby wanted a very simple meal with just us. This is opposite of how we normally spend holidays.

In fact last year for Easter I had my dad and stepmother, Shayne, Sara & Sue. After the dinner Lori came by as well.

Alright so I am the person who likes to make everything BIG. I LOVE to cook big, eat big, party large and just surround myself with friends and family.

I also normally have a HUGE meal.

Due to the smallness (just us four) I downsized my menu. 

I also get the irony of serving ham on Easter. We celebrate the life and resurrection of a Jew (Jesus) with ham... but since I can't afford a full Passover meal or Lamb at all... we did ham.

I found this trick on Pinterest a few years ago and will NEVER EVER make Ham any other way!

This makes it so tender and juicy, it literally falls off the bone. Hubby didn't have use the knife once!

Crockpot Rootbeer Ham

Ham

1 C. Rootbeer

Add items to crock pot, cook on low for a few hours (4-6 hours). Cover with tinfoil if your crock pot lid doesn't fit. Every hour pour the juice/soda over the top of the ham to keep the top moist. If your ham came with a glaze packet, instead of adding water to it, use the extra juice from the ham.

I served the ham with a glaze as well as scalloped potatoes and broccoli. While it was a small meal for a holiday it was delicious!

Spicy Thai Chicken & Noodles

My original post ~ Oh Sesame! was just the noodles with grilled chicken on the side. Good, but missing something.
The next time I made the noodles (which I LOVE!) I thought it would taste even better with fresh cut lettuce.
So I went to make it and starting thinking that I also wanted chicken...
Voila the best dish EVER was created!

Spicy Thai Chicken & Noodles 

1 box Angel hair pasta
1-2 tbsp. crushed red pepper    (1 for yum, 2 for HOT)
1/4 C. Veg. Oil
1/2 C. Sesame Oil
6 tbsp. Honey
6 tbsp. Soy Sauce
(one cube of cilantro if you don't have fresh) 

4-6 Chicken Tenders - grilled

1 Head of Romaine Lettuce

To taste and to add right before serving green onions, cilantro, peanuts & toasted sesame seeds. 

Boil, cook & drain pasta.
Heat both oils & crushed red pepper. If using the cilantro mini cube add to oils and heat over med heat in a small pan.
Strain, reserve oil.
Add honey & soy sauce to oil reserve and whisk.
Toss noodles to coat - refrigerate several hours until chilled.
Top each serving with chopped green onions, cilantro peanuts & sesame seeds.

Cut lettuce and bed it on the bottom of however many plates (serves 2-4)

Top with noodles and toppings including cut up grilled chicken.

Honestly its heaven!

Saucy Apricot Chicken ~ Slow Cooker

Saucy Apricot Chicken

4-6 boneless skinless Chicken breast

1 (12oz-15oz) jar Apricot preserves

1 pkg or 1/4 C dry onion soup mix

Place all items in Crock pot (slow cooker)

cook on low 4 1/2 - 5 hours.

Serve with rice or on rolls.

I added 1 cup of small veggies to the rice and then topped it with some of the remaining sauce in the cooker, was amazing!

Improved H.E Laundry Soap

Powdered Laundry Soap

3 bars Fels Naptha - grate fine - scroll down for some great tips!
1 box (76 oz) Borax
1 box (55 oz) Washing Soda
2 C. Baking Soda
2 containers OxyClean (I of course use dye free ALL now also makes a Oxy soap which I adore!)
1-2 containers of Purex Fabric Softener Crystal (1 for large, 2 for small)

1 large container. I bought a 10 lb pet tub. This way it opens easily but has a better seal than most.

Mix all ingredients together and store in a cool dry place.

To use 2 Tbsp. per load. 1 Tbps for a small load.


To grate the Fels Naptha the easy way, cut the bar with a knife into smaller chunks and add to a food processor. Add a cup of washing soda, or borax or oxyclean and pulse until grated.
I only have a tiny processor so it took a bit to do all three bars.

Note: this makes almost 10 lbs of soap that is safe for any High Energy washer. (will work in regular as well)
The place I found this claimed that it lasts a family of four a full year and costs roughly 30.00.
I don't think it will last us a year. Instead I am banking on 6 months. However 6 months of laundry soap for 30.00 is still amazing!

*****UPDATE*****

4-11-14
I was down to my last 1 inch of soap so I went and made another full batch. Not only did it last 13 months in a house of 4 people (2 very dirty children) we still weren't all the way done!
I LOVED this soap!

Also I did the Fels Naptha differently this time and would highly recommend it. Using my processor I shredded all three blocks, then I poured it out into another bowl, added the large spinning blade, re-added the shredded and then chopped it up for a few minutes splitting the batch in half and using 1 cup of baking soda with each half. MUCH finer!

The price this time was closer to 35.00 dollars but for a great laundry soap that will last more than a year that is pennies per load! (we average 4-5 loads a week)

Weekly Menu

This is a first for me, so I hope you like it - I am starting from today. I will try to post it next time starting on Monday.

Weekly Menu

Thursday 
Nachos
This time I will be making a Family Nacho - using melted cheese and ground turkey. I will post an updated version of this recipe tomorrow.
Guacamole

Friday
Spaghetti and Meatballs

Saturday
Chicken Enchilada's 

Sunday
Oven Chili Cheese Dogs

Monday
Grilled Chicken Salad

Tuesday
Chicken and Black Bean Flauta's

Wednesday
Chicken Pot Pie

Thursday - Valentines Day
I had planned a special menu for this day, however my husband missed his birthday dinner out so we are doing Chinese take out from Kowloon Cafe.

Friday
Sausage and Bean Crockpot soup - will post recipe after

Saturday
Tuna Fish over Rice

Sunday
Left over night/ or more spaghetti and meatballs

Chicken & Black Bean Flautas

Chicken and Black Bean Flautas

6 10 inch flour tortilla's or 10 8 inch flour tortilla's
1/2 C. Chopped Onion
1 Clove garlic, minced or 1 1/2 tsp chopped garlic
1 tsp cooking oil
2 C. Shredded cooked chicken
1 C. Canned black beans, rinsed and drained
1 C. Corn
1/2 C. Salsa
1/2 C. Shredded Mexican Cheese, blend
2 Tbls. Snipped fresh cilantro or oregano. (or one small cilantro cube)

Cooking oil for Baking.

Preheat oven to 350. Wrap for tortilla's in foil. Heat in oven 10 minutes. Mean while in large sauce pan cook onion, garlic and if using cilantro cube, until tender.
Stir in chicken, black beans, salsa, cheese and fresh cilantro if using.
For each Flauta spoon 1/2 C. filling.
Roll tightly and secure with wooden tooth picks.
Place Flauta's on a large baking sheet & brush with 1 tbsp. cooking oil.
Bake in a 350 oven for 30-40 min or until golden brown.

Serve and enjoy!

Really we made this last night and it is now in my favorite collection. Its that great!

BLT on English Muffin's

BLT

Turkey Bacon

Lettuce

Tomato

Cheese

Mayo

&

English Muffins

Cook or toast then assemble!

Oven Chili Cheese Dogs

Oven Chili Cheese Dogs

8 Hot dogs

8 Hot dog buns

1 can Chili Cheese

1/4 - 1/2 C. Diced Onion (to personal taste)

Cheddar Cheese

Mayonnaise

Mustard (I omitted) 

Sweet Relish (I omitted) 

Preheat oven to 350

Line the inside of the hot dog buns with mayo & relish. Evenly spread mustard. Fill with hot dogs and squish onto foil lined 13x9 baking pan.

Top hot dogs with chili, cheese and onion. Cover with foil and bake 45 minutes.

This was amazing - its a new family favorite. As for the condiments, use what you like normally before covering with the chili and cheese. ;)

Crock Pot Mashed Potato's w/ Chops and Glaze

Crock Pot Mashed Potato's

5 Lbs Potato's (Seirra gold or red potato's) diced w/ peel
1 C. Water
1 C. Butter, Sliced
1 Tbsp. Salt
3/4 tsp. ground black pepper
1 1/3 C. Milk, warmed

Add potato's, water, and butter to slow cooker. Season with salt and pepper.
Cover and cook on high for 4 hours.
Do not remove extra water from the slow cooker. Mash.
Mash while adding milk to create creamy texture.
Keep warm on low serving until serving.

Keep lid on cooker and serve from cooker - after serving package up left overs.

Pork Chops

6-10 Pork Chops
1 bottle of Balsamic Glaze
1-2 tsp frying oil.
Salt and Pepper to taste

Heat pan, salt and pepper chops, lightly glaze the side that you will place onto the hot surface.
Cook Pork Chops grilling on both sides glazing each side once during cooking.
Once cooked through, plate and add decorative glazing, serve with warm mashed potato's.

Yummy!

Grilled Chicken Salad

Grilled Chicken Salad
Makes two salads

1 1/2 C. Chicken (I used precooked southwest chicken strips)
1/2 C. Corn
1 tsp. Green Onion (sliced)
1 C. Black beans
1/4 C. Black Olives
1 head of lettuce

Take the chicken, corn and onion and grill lightly on high. Once grilled add onto the top of half a head of lettuce shredded. Use dressing of choice.
Optional shred cheese or add grape tomato's.

~~~

Also up coming in a week or so I will be posting a dye free Valentines Day Menu. So far it looks amazing, healthy, tasty, no added dyes. So stay tuned ;)

Teriyaki Chicken & Rice

Teriyaki Chicken and Rice

2-3 Cups cooked white or brown rice
2 Cups cooked large veggies
4-8 pieces of chicken (4 breasts or 8 tenders)
1 bottle of Honey Teriyaki Sauce

Marinate the chicken while it defrosts, or if fresh marinate 15 minutes and then grill.
Grill on both sides until cooked all the way through, then turn up the heat and sear.
(professionals sear the meat first and then cook the center slowly, unless you fully understand how to do this correctly I wouldn't advise this)
serve cooked chicken over rice with the veggies on the side and add 1/4 - 1/3 cup sauce to each plate.

Voila, nice dinner in 20 minutes, cheap, easy and yummy!

Taco Salad

Taco Salad
Makes one Salad

1 head of Romaine lettuce cut
1/2 C. Black beans
1/4 C. Ground Beef pre-cooked
1/4 C. Shredded Cheese (personal favorite is colby jack)
1/8 C. Slice Olives
1 Tbsp. Sliced Green Onion
1 small handful of Cherry or Grape Tomatos
1/4 C. Spicy Ranch Dressing
Garnish with Corn Tortilla Chips

Line bottom and sides of bowl with chips, lay cut lettuce on top of the chips, then add the rest on top of the lettuce.
Eat and Enjoy.

To make it meatless - remove ground beef and add more beans and olives.
To go full vegan find a vegan friendly dressing and also remove the cheese.

Thai Chicken and Noodles

Thai Peanut Chicken & Spicy Thai Noodles

This time instead of using the crock pot for the chicken I marinated the chicken then grilled it.

Thai Peanut Chicken

Spicy Thai Noodles

These really are amazing! The Spicy Noodles have become a family favorite.

HandCream

Hand Cream

16 oz Baby Lotion

8 oz Vaseline

8 oz Vitamin E Cream

5-7 ml fragrance (your choice I choose Autumn Harvest)

Mix until it resembles frosting - my recipe is a double of the above.

it filled 19, 4 oz with at least 10 oz to spare

I made a big batch for a party I am hosting in a month and yes I have been prepping for this party for three months now.

Things like this though whether I have a big turn out or not are great - they can also be used for Christmas gifts as well as teacher/neighbor gifts.

Kapha 6 Spice

Kapha 6 Spice

2 parts dried ginger
2 parts black pepper
2 parts turmeric
1 part coriander
1 part cumin
1 part sweet paprika
1 part salt
1 part turbinado sugar/stevia
1 part dried mango powder**

Yes I know that the name is a misnomer, since there are more than 6 spice's in the spice mix. What can I say - its what its called!
* I used 2 tbsp. for the two parts and 1 tbsp. for the 1 part. Just to give you a jumping off point.
**Also this is a specialty store spice and I have not been able to find it locally yet - so for this first time I have omitted it, but am still searching for it.

This is an AFTER spice. As in After the food is cooked. This is not something that I will be putting on my husband or children's foods. Its for my Kapha/dosha. Its to help get my metabolism moving faster, burning more fat and out of its sluggish rut.

You can also add ~ mustard seeds, cayanne pepper, anise, basil, parsley, fennel & cinnamon. These are to change the taste and flavor if and when you get bored or to make it flow better with a dish. They all work with the Kapha system.

Ayurveda

Ayurveda ~ The Three Dosha's, Kapha, Pitta & Vata

A year ago I tried eating for B, the blood type diet. I lost 5 pds in two weeks - then never again.
I loved the membrane fluid cocktail and have continued to drink it although not as frequently as I should.
This week I am trying out Ayurveda. Click here to read my full post and find the test to figure out what Dosha you are.

I am Kapha.
This explains oh so much!
Luckily for me, I like spicy and hot foods!
I have toned down my foods due to my hubby and kids being spice, "lightweights".

Now I will be making my own secret spice mix, a spice I will add to food AFTER its been cooked.

Why am I telling you all of this? Well because I will be blogging many of the recipes. You don't have to join me, but you should be aware of what I mean when I type, Kapha or Tri-Doshic (which means good for everyone).

If I  lose any weight I will let you know, if I feel more alert and awake you will be notified. Hopefully (prayerfully) this will be a better lifestyle change then the last few were.
You see I don't want a diet - I want a way of life.
I love indian food - Gujarati is among my favorites - however cooking it in America is not easy. Converting recipes to fit a US supermarket is not easy.
So this has been a long expensive process with very few results. Following the dosha's at least I can find recipes that have been converted! LOL
Not only converted, but also perfect for my body type! *crosses fingers*

Here goes another adventure!