Noodle Shyt a Change Up Recipe

I know the name sounds terrible, but this is a great quick and cheap recipe.  When the father of my children and I first married, we didn't have much money. We kept expenses down by eating what I now call poverty meals. They were great tasting, the kids loved them, and they didn't break the budget. I still make most of them to this day, because they are good eats.  The kids and my favorite was a ground beef and noodle delight. We could eat it every night, but I felt that variety was necessary. We did, however, eat it frequently. One night the hubby came home from work, took a sniff of the air and said, "Are we having that noodle shyt again?" The stuff became lovingly know as Noodle Shyt from then on. If the adult children find out that I am making it, they  make all kinds of excuses to stop by at dinner time.

This is a change up recipe. This picture is of the original shyt, but it is great with any type of frozen or fresh vegetable. It is especially nice with kale or spinach. If you use any other type of veggie, it needs to be cooked before going into the casserole. 

Preheat oven to 350°F

Ingredients:

1 pound of lean ground beef
1/2 pound of noodles, any variety that has some heft to it.
1 small onion
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder or granules
2 to 3 cans of Cream of Celery Soup, however any cream soup would work.

Procedure

Brown onions, garlic and beef.  Cook noodles until done. Throw all ingredients into a large casserole dish, and add soup.  Mix well and cook in oven for 30 minutes. 

Change Ups

Add drained canned Veggies of choice
Add thawed frozen Veggies of choice-microwave to heat through
Add greens of choice

Who Say Old Dogs Can't Learn New Tricks? Snickerdoodle Recipe

My daughter insulted my snickerdoodle cookie recipe the other day. She swore that a friend of hers at work made the BEST snickerdoodle cookies because she uses cream of tartar. My Doubting Thomas mind went into denial. What the heck could that possibly have to do with making a great Snickerdoodle? So the chemist in me wanted the facts and went after them. I found this lovely explanation of just what Cream of Tartar is and does here. It helped me with my previous study of how to make your own cookie recipe here.

So now I'm convinced that my daughter is on to something. So I begged the cookie recipe from her, and now for the surprise. She was right about them being a superior cookie. Who would have guessed that a spring puppy could educate the old dog?

There were several things that I learned here. 

1. The darn things don't necessarily get really browned, and if you leave them in the oven until they do, you get a brick like Snickerdoodle. 
2. When you cook them properly, you get much softer cookies.
3. My spell check doesn't like Snickerdoodle, and keeps placing red lines under it.
4. If you add two more tablespoons of flour to the recipe the cookies are softer. Go figure. Learned this from my Grandmother-in-law.
5. The large end of a melon ball maker is the perfect size to make 1 inch cookie balls.
6. Here is a good deal on Good Ceylon cinnamon and it makes all the difference in the way the cookie tastes.
7. These are very easy cookies to make.

Here they are, with a favorite tea. They are perfect with a cup of Green Tea, but coffee is also good. There is nothing that improves the taste of coffee like a good sweet food, and snickerdoodles fit that bill nicely. So no more preamble, here is the recipe.

Snickerdoodles

Preheat oven to 400°F

Makes approximately 4 dozen cookies

Place parchment on the cookie sheet, no need to put oil or grease on the sheets. It also keeps them from browning too much on bottom.

Ingredients

1 ½ Cups sugar

½ Cup margarine

½ Cup Crisco

2 eggs

2 ¾ Cups flour

2 teaspoon Cream of Tartar

1 teaspoon baking soda

¼ teaspoon salt

Procedure

Mix ½ C sugar and 2 t cinnamon in a small bowl.

I found it easier to use my stand mixer for this.  Cream sugar & shortening. Add egg and mix well.

Combine remaining dry ingredients, and mix together well.  Add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredient a little at a time.

I the large end of my melon ball maker to make 1” balls. Roll the dough in sugar and cinnamon mixture.  Place 2” apart on cookie sheet.

Bake 8 – 10 minutes. Remember to err on the side of too short a time, and these things should not get brown on the edges, for if they do, they become hard as rocks. I left mine in 8 minutes exactly after the first batch, and they were divine.

I hope you enjoy.
Namaste

Reading Crochet Patterns

This is another one of my eclectic posts.  I have a new Great Granddaughter on the way, and will be crocheting things that I am now pinning on Pinterest. This instruction list will be most helpful.  With this post, the only thing I need to get up here is the afghan stitch, and I'm all set to renew my ability. I have been slacking since the kids started school, and I went back to work. I'm cutting back on the jobs I take, so have more play time. I'm looking forward to making some things for the baby, and my own home.

I found these old stitch instructions in a stack of old books that my mother-in-law had. Her daughter went through what she wanted, and I got the rest. I have seen so many patterns on Pinterest that have the those symbols in the bottom right of the instructions, and never knew how to read them. NOW, with these instructions I can interpret the instructions. YAY!

I decided to share these on Pinterest in order to keep them safe for posterity, and to share with friends. I have crocheted for many years, but have never seen those type of instructions until I started hanging out on Pinterest. I have not been able to find these instructions on Pinterest, and thought it was about time to get some out there that I could use when I need them. I needed to place them some place for my own benefit as well.

Healthy Smoothie Change Up Recipe-Revised Edition

Revising this smoothie recipe to discuss further the cinnamon controversy.  It has been researched throughout the world, and most cinnamon is a double edged sword. On one hand the cinnamon aids with the metabolism of sugar, but it is also hard on you kidneys. However, this applies to all cinnamon, except "True" cinnamon, which is called Ceylon Cinnamon. If it does not say Ceylon Cinnamon, it is probably Cassias Cinnamon also call Chinese Cinnamon.  If you use as much cinnamon as I like to then you are better off using the Ceylon.  

I have been experimenting with super food smoothie recipes. I've tried all kinds of stuff, and keep changing it to enhance the taste and potency. I have found that my cravings leave when I'm getting good nutrition from the foods I eat. What a surprise?NOT.  Well today I think I found a great recipe. One that most people will like a lot.

Just a little history here.

I have been trying to get my husband to drink these, and he takes a taste of mine and says it has sand in it. Huh? I don't use sand, and I don't notice this, so I go on experimenting. Today he tried my new concoction, and said it was nice and smooth, Eureka!

There are a few things that I did differently today. One I used my new Nutri-bullet blender; two I blended it a lot longer; and, three I use cashews instead of almonds in the recipe. I had already noted that the bullet actually pulverized chia seeds right in the drink mix, really a surprise as the Magic Bullet did not do that. So now I have a really well blended smoothie.

The smoothie experiment started as a desire to concoct Clean Gut Smoothie recipes. I used their list of ingredients and started whirring my way to health with the Magic Bullet, and it was working its magic. I didn't mind the chunkier feeling of some or the ingredients, as it actually allowed a bit of chewing which was an added bonus for me, but the hubby didn't like that.  So when I saw a great deal on a Nutri-Bullet, I snatched it up, and am glad I did. This is still a great recipe if all you have is a Magic Bullet, but there is a lot of texture in the smoothie.

Ingredients: Links are to nutritional facts for the food

Handful of baby spinach and kale*
1 inch of Ginger
1/2-3/4 cup of frozen blueberries
2 teaspoons of Bragg's Raw Apple Cider Vinegar-this really enhances the flavor, and is so good for you
1/8-1/4 cup of Raw Cashews-you can use them dry or soaked, but I used the dry ones. It's less work
Vegan Protein Powder-check canister for serving size-I decrease mine as the chia & nuts have protein also
1/2 teaspoon of Ceylon Cinnamon-do not exceed more than 1 teaspoon of cinnamon daily, see first paragraph.
1 scoop or serving of Organic Chia Seeds; check the package for serving size**
1/2 to full dropper of liquid stevia extract. I prefer the alcohol extracted as it is less bitter, not a Glycerite
Fill the bullet with half coconut water and half filtered water-watch not to over fill or it will leak

Now the secret is to whir this thing for at least a minute.  You will also find that if you let this sit for 15 minutes in the refrigerator that it will thicken due to the chia seeds. I like mine a little thick, hubby likes his more thin and sucks his down right away.

This one is a definite change up recipe, try a list of the following indigents:

Cored apple-leave the skin it is a good source of malic acid adjust berries as necessary
Cored pear-leave the skin adjust berries as necessary
Whole Grapes with seed-resveratrol in those seeds and skins adjust berries as necessary
Carrots-for beta carotene 
Organic Celery for Vitamin K, which helps coagulate blood
1/4 of a Small Red Beet-Scrubbed well if organic, peeled if commercial
1/2 to 1 whole Banana***
Try strawberries or mixed berries instead of blueberries. Beware of large raspberry seeds



Note: this is not intended as medical advice, it is just my experience.
*Cruciferous Vegetables such as kale and spinach are in the news for causing trouble for people who have thyroid problems. Do some research and decide for yourself if you want to use them. I don't have any issues, and have blood work every year because I'm OLD as dirt.
**Be sure to drink plenty of water throughout the day, as the chia soaks up liquid like a sponge. It will build a brick in you bum if you don't get adequate liquid to transport it. Trust me, I know.
***I have mixed feelings about bananas. For those people with no problems with diabetes or Insulin Resistance this is an excellent addition to the smoothie. For those people with diabetes or Insulin Resistance, beware, they are very high in carbohydrates, and will raise you blood sugar level a lot. Green bananas have less sugar, but they also have less of the cancer fighting benefits. They add great flavor and texture to the smoothie, so you weigh the benefit. I generally use 1/2 in an evening smoothie, but be careful, as this may also increase you desire to snack as the effects of the sugar wear off, so this is a great addition if you are going to bed soon after consuming one. It might even help you sleep better if you wait until it is out of your stomach.
****See cinnamon warning, I recommend using Ceylon with caution.

Savory Green Smoothie

This smoothie was a challenge that I gave myself to get away from sweet tastes. I drink two smoothies a day, and I needed something different. I have trouble with red tomatoes, so gave yellow tomatoes a try. They are lower in acid with about the same taste. 

The recipe is easy, and you could probably make this with any types of herbs and spices that strike your fancy. Mine is a chili inspired concoction. I guess I should mention that I use organic ingredients when they are available. I was things really well also.



Ingredients

1/2 Avocado-I will probably only use 1/4 on the next smoothie, this one is very thick.
1 small to medium yellow tomato
1 stalk celery
1 handful of baby spinach
1 tablespoon finely chopped onion, or to taste
1/4 teaspoon chili powder
1/4 teaspoon cumin powder
1 tablespoon chia seeds
Salt and pepper to taste
dash of ground red pepper to heat desired
Water to fill a 20 oz glass

Whir all this in the blender, and adjust water as necessary for the consistency you like.

This makes a good raw dinner. It meets the requirements for the clean gut die, and the plan. I actually used this as a test for the plan to see how well I tolerate yellow tomatoes.  It was a success, and I have added this to my safe food list.  I didn't do the exact calculations on the calories, but it is very low calorie.  It is satisfying, and something I will be using to break the monotony of the sweet smoothies.

I'm thinking of trying some balsamic vinegar, fresh basil, and oregano for an Italian twist on this mixture.  Will update the blog when I do that. Oh, another thought is adding lemon to the mix above. Looks like I have a great line up of things to try. May have to turn this one into a change-up recipe.

Oh a little secret. Let this set for about an hour in the fridge before drinking, this allows the herbs to release their good flavors. I learned this trick with gazpacho, and did it with this     

Homemade Almond Milk-Without Waste

Homemade Almond Milk

I wanted almond milk that didn't have additives, sugar, and other stuff that I couldn't control. Also, some of the almond milk had roasted or blanched almonds in them. I wanted them raw, and in a small town like the one I live in, you just can't buy it off the shelf.

I found that our local Meijer's store sells raw almonds at a decent price. I can make the milk, dry out the remains of the milk process, and make almond meal, that is almost as fine as regular flour, right in my food processor.  Win-Win. I don't know if you have priced almond flour, but you would probably cramp the budget some.

I make the milk by the 1/2 gallon in my 1/2 gallon ball jars I got from Amazon by accident. I was a bit miffed at first, but just love them now.  This doesn't make lots of flour, but it is enough to bread some cod fillets, and they are yummy (all recipes below). It also has the added benefit of being gluten free. It also meets the requirements for the Clean Gut process, see video for info.

Milk Recipe

Ingredient list 1/2 Gallon:

2 C Raw Almonds (Soak overnight in filtered water in the refrigerator.)

Enough Filtered water to make 1/2 gallon after the milk is processed

1/4 teaspoon Xanthum Gum

1/2 teaspoon Vanilla (Optional)

15 drops of alcohol extracted Stevia-the powders and glycerin extracted ones stink for this. (optional)

You can use any sweetener that suits your fancy.

Rinse the soaked almond, don't worry about taking the hulls off these, it just doesn't matter.  Place them in a blender that seals, use enough filtered water to process.  Process until the almonds are ground well.  Strain the almonds from the milk at this point. Pour the milk back into the blender. Save the left over almonds.

This part must be done quickly as possible to prevent lumps. Mix the Xanthum Gum with a bit of water, and pour into the blender while it is running. If your blender doesn't have a port for that you can stop briefly, but begin processing quickly or you may end up with gum lumps.  Process for a while to mix the gum well into the milk.

Add the sweetener and vanilla, if using, and blend a bit to incorporate.

End of Milk Process

Almond Meal/Flour

This process will give you a finer consistency of flour than using almonds before the milk process.  Spread the wet almonds out on a cookie sheet, (if you have a dehydrator that also works). Place the almonds in an over set at the lowest possible setting. You really don't want to roast them, just dry them.

Depending on how much you have this takes about 1-2 hours.  Check them occasionally to judge the timing. Once they are completely dried out, process them in a food processor or blender until they are a fine powder.  Keep an eye on it; I'm told this could end up going to almond butter, but I have never had that come close to happening.

Fish Breading

This was a major surprise to me when I first made it. I don't have a picture of it right now, as I am still processing my next batch.  I will post the picture of my fish later this week, as it is on the menu.

Ingredients:

1/2 cup Almond flour

1 egg

1/4 C milk

Old Bay Seafood Seasoning

Salt and pepper to taste. I don't use salt, and we don't miss it.

Enough oil to cover bottom of pan. I use grapeseed oil, and keep my pan on medium heat.

Mix the egg and milk. Dredge the fish in the wet mixture, then in the flour. Place in a hot skillet, and season with the old bay. I make sure you can see it really well, as we like this a lot.

Cook until the flesh is opaque, and flakes easily. This will depend on the type of fish.  I use cold water white fish, such as cod for this recipe, but my daughter uses almost any fish in the process.

I hope you enjoy the recipes.

Namaste

Green Diuretic Juice

Highlights in this article not by this author, but by google or other unwanted junk authors.

The weather is getting nicer, and warmer. This is good, because I am uncomfortable with cold weather. The problem with warmer weather is that I start to retain more water. I'm not sure I understand why, but I do know that it gets worse the warmer it gets.  I have decided that I need to do something about this. 

Exercises work to a point, but I also have some problems with arthritis that is exacerbated with to much repetitive movement.  So I watch my ankles, and when they get too out of hand I am using my diuretic green drink. I love how it tastes, and it is a simple whole food.  

I use all organic vegetables and fruit, because I  like to use them without peeling them.

The recipe is simple:

Makes 1 quart-has no fat and maybe 5-10 calories, and is loaded with vitamins, and antioxidants. 

Ingredients:

1 Lemon Zested and Juiced
1 inch of cucumber diced
1/2 inch of ginger-not peeled if organic
5-8 parsley leaves-no stems
10-15 drops of stevia extract-I prefer alcohol extracted.
Filtered water to fill quart jar.

Directions:

Juice the lemon, pour in jar.

Grate the ginger over the jar.  I just leave the ginger root whole, and grate off a 1/2 inch.  This way you get both chunks of ginger, and juice.

Place the cucumber and parsley in a blender with a small amount of water, and whir until the veggies are in really minuscule pieces. I use my Magic Bullet for this, and that works perfectly.

Now pour everything into the jar, and let it cool down in the refrigerator. It actually improves in taste if you leave it for the night.  I make this in the evening, and refrigerate it over night. It is a good juice with breakfast.

You should drink a jar a day when you are retaining water. This juice has so many wonderful health benefits.  Remember too much of even a good thing can be harmful.  Even this dilute, healthful concoction, in high volume, may be harmful to your teeth due to the acid effect of the lemon.  See warning in the live strong reference.

I'm also starting the Clean Gut Detox by Alejandro Junger, M.D., and this drink fits the bill there.  I'm trying lots of new recipes, that will be right in line with that diet, so stay tuned for more great recipes.

I hope you enjoy,
Namaste



References:
http://www.dietobio.com/aliments/en/cucumber.html
http://www.naturalnews.com/035044_parsley_antioxidants_blood.html
http://www.naturalnews.com/033562_ginger_health_remedy.html
http://www.naturalnews.com/036663_home_remedies_lemons_health.html
http://www.livestrong.com/article/16266-lemon-natural-diuretic/