tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-298704622012-02-03T03:45:36.050-05:00Adventures in my world of cooking, baking and eating.Jennyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06100295997954408204noreply@blogger.comBlogger6721100tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29870462.post-33519896909795441592012-01-04T07:52:00.001-05:002012-01-04T07:53:43.219-05:00

Enjoy!

Jennyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06100295997954408204noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29870462.post-11405744995320306132012-01-02T20:43:00.002-05:002012-01-02T21:12:34.239-05:00

Happy New Years!While Christmas is a time of winging it, relaxing some of the routine and going with the flow, New Years is usually a time to get serious, more organized and with good intentions. I always try to have good intentions when it comes to menu planning but frequently find life gets in the way of my intentions. Here is to hoping this year is better for my intentions!Chinese Food for

Jennyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06100295997954408204noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29870462.post-84680484528588217422011-12-19T07:25:00.000-05:002011-12-20T07:36:10.374-05:00

Well it's the week before Christmas, where I will be hosting and cooking Christmas dinner, and I have not yet planned what I will be making! I'm leaning towards beef tenderloin, with a scape pesto and scalloped potatoes, but only if I can find beef tenderloin for less than $17 a pound!In the meantime, this makes me motivated to have a simple menu for the week leading up to Christmas. While the

Jennyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06100295997954408204noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29870462.post-16090850628531146292011-12-12T07:42:00.000-05:002011-12-13T07:47:53.927-05:00

It's less than two weeks to Christmas, and I will be doing some festive cooking, but for some reason can't decide what I'd like to make! I'm not a traditionalist when it comes to Christmas dinner, so turkey is rarely on the top of my list. Plus I live with three guys who aren't really fans of turkey unless its on a club sandwich.ACK! It's less than two weeks to Christmas and I haven't baked a

Jennyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06100295997954408204noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29870462.post-41363374709984353062011-11-28T07:44:00.000-05:002011-11-29T07:53:11.390-05:00

A few things were missed off the menu last week, some to be tried again this week, but planning ahead is sure making a difference to my stress levels. I'm back at a 40+ hour a week work schedule, not including the driving time, and not getting home until well after everyone else, so knowing I have things defrosted and ready to go is a big help.Here we go, the menu for the week:Roast chicken with

Jennyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06100295997954408204noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29870462.post-10642373367830264562011-11-23T07:53:00.004-05:002011-11-23T08:01:43.883-05:00

Let me just say now, as much as I love being in Canada, I really, really dislike winter and snow.And now I need to go clean off my car so I can get to work.

Jennyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06100295997954408204noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29870462.post-37034952723097036002011-11-21T08:39:00.005-05:002011-11-21T08:50:50.901-05:00

The weather has been very moody lately, as well as indecisive. I can't figure out if I should start making warm weather meals for days like today (frost, cloudy and a high of -2C) or a light salad to match the 17C weather we had earlier last week!Since the weather and I can't make up our minds, I, at least, deferred the decision to my children by getting their input in this week's menu plan.

Jennyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06100295997954408204noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29870462.post-52766380787033231912011-11-14T08:02:00.000-05:002011-11-15T08:07:43.187-05:00

I'm feeling very uninspired this week when it comes to my menu plan. I didn't expect that, not after spending the weekend at the Ottawa Food and Wine Show (mostly working, with one stint a as a guest.) After seeing and tasty some pretty yummy items, I expected to be inspired to create some of these tasty treats. Simple menu this week, with only one "new" item planned.Burgers and fries.Pinapple

Jennyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06100295997954408204noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29870462.post-14163453564575287512011-11-07T20:41:00.002-05:002011-11-07T20:47:20.773-05:00

So before "the ink could dry", or I'd even gotten as far as posting my menu plan for the week, circumstances had caused the menu to change. What I thought might just be a mildish case of food poisoning ended up having a fever attached to it, so today's plan of taco salad was replaced with someone else throwing chicken fingers and fries into the oven since not only did I not cook, I didn't get

Jennyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06100295997954408204noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29870462.post-73044601258125006502011-10-24T08:45:00.000-04:002011-10-27T08:50:37.655-04:00

There are times when I can't be bothered to do a menu plan, where I have the time and energy to throw caution to the wind and cook on the fly.This is not one of those times.Making a menu plan, however, is only part of the battle. If I don't plan ahead and get the necessary ingredients, then remember to prep them in advance (as in thaw out that whole chicken!), then I might as well have not made

Jennyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06100295997954408204noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29870462.post-4085602660615714002011-10-17T09:17:00.000-04:002011-10-18T09:38:32.842-04:00

Right now it looks like I skipped a week of menu planning. In reality, I didn't. I just set the auto publish button to a very unrealistic time and date and did not notice that it hadn't published when I thought it would. (Transposing numbers does not work well when it comes to dates.)It's October, which around here means busy, busy, busy. I'm back at Saunders Farm this Haunting Season, but in

Jennyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06100295997954408204noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29870462.post-25082168903872445102011-10-15T09:06:00.000-04:002011-10-18T09:16:48.572-04:00

While we've ended receiving our CSA for the year, I still have several more weeks that I have yet to publish. I want a record of each week, though, so I thought I'd do a little catch up this week.For week 12, we received:Savoy CabbageQuart of PotatoesTomatoescucumberpepperhot peppergarlicred onionscarrotsbeetshead lettucedelicata squash (I traded it for a second head of lettuce - we really like

Jennyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06100295997954408204noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29870462.post-39127924384157820602011-10-10T05:29:00.002-04:002011-10-10T05:34:49.976-04:00

Well even though I am only now posting about week 11, of 16, we are quickly approaching the end of the season for our CSA. Only one week left!I am going to be so sad when this is done. I've really enjoyed having the veggies every week.1 big bag of cut lettuceA head of Napa CabbageA pint of cherry tomatoes or a quart of large heirlooms - mine was a mix, see the beautiful Zebra? It was divinely

Jennyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06100295997954408204noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29870462.post-8552094708653737472011-10-03T08:02:00.003-04:002011-10-03T08:08:00.961-04:00

Happy October!The colors around here are absolutely gorgeous, even though the weather is cold and dreary. I seriously dislike winter, so while I love fall and its cooler temperatures and beautiful scenery, I am dreading what comes next. That said, I understand that the forecast for this weekend calls for a humidity index of 30!!Won't be so nice out early in the week, so we will be eating some

Jennyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06100295997954408204noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29870462.post-35647350654056124582011-09-28T08:50:00.002-04:002011-09-28T08:56:57.141-04:00

This week's share makes me a bit sad. See that beautiful Romanesco Cauliflower in the middle there? I did not get to use it and it went bleh on me!This week also makes me happy - see the little bunch of green on the left? It was celery and it was so cute to look at that despite not liking celery, it made me smile. My little guy took the little celery stalks in his lunch with a bit of dip, so

Jennyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06100295997954408204noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29870462.post-83928557716729564232011-09-26T08:40:00.000-04:002011-09-28T08:48:49.353-04:00

Fall is very much in evidence around here, with the colors of the leaves and farmers cutting down yellowed corn fields. Where it isn't matching up is in the temperature. Suddenly we have some heat again, along with humidity. So while we might be thinking more warming meals, there is still time to get summertime bbq in.Sunday: Chicken casserole (Everyday Food App, left over from previous week).

Jennyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06100295997954408204noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29870462.post-61344392150786064382011-09-19T08:06:00.001-04:002011-09-22T08:09:07.180-04:00

Well last week was a good week to indicate why I like writing my menu plan in pencil. Monday's chicken parmesan turned into chicken with tomatoes sauce and pasta when I could not find my breadcrumbs or parmesan cheese and ran out of mozzarella cheese. Thursday turned into take out Chinese food night when the day turned into a busy, sick kid day.So here is trying again this week!Sunday: Left

Jennyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06100295997954408204noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29870462.post-7840461408272412682011-09-16T08:50:00.000-04:002011-09-17T08:00:49.272-04:00

No, you aren't seeing double in this picture. There really is two big bunches of carrots. Our CSA this week didn't come with both bunches, we made use of the trade box instead. For a change I had my oldest son with me for pick up, instead of my little one, and he made a huge, icky face when he picked up the kale. Then he made a nice, but still huge face, when Stephanie, the Roots and Shoots

Jennyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06100295997954408204noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29870462.post-83081658922916119982011-09-12T08:52:00.000-04:002011-09-12T08:52:00.323-04:00

It's been awhile, but back to school and back to a more "normal" work week mean that my sanity could be saved by doing a menu plan again. Even though we still have several weeks left of CSA, which will slightly influence what produce I have to work with, I think I have a pretty good idea of what's coming, and what we will have to eat right away or I can store away for future use. Plus, alot of

Jennyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06100295997954408204noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29870462.post-16032839729022163942011-09-07T07:09:00.003-04:002011-09-07T07:17:20.495-04:00

I'm falling a bit behind on updating my CSA shares, so thought I'd do a two-for-one post.Here is week seven. This week we received:carrotsonionscucumberzucchinikalebunched arugulaa quart of new potatoesa pint of tomatoeshead lettuce2 peppers1 garlicI don't think I traded anything from this share, but I also don't think I ever ended up doing anything with the kale. However that pint of lovely

Jennyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06100295997954408204noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29870462.post-85278142661212082462011-08-22T09:48:00.002-04:002011-08-22T09:57:13.930-04:00

Back from vacation and back to our weekly share. (In case you missed it, we were away for week 5 and shared our veggies with a friend.) This week we received: head lettuce bok Choy (we traded ours in the trade bin for a second bunch of carrots, by the request of my 12 year old, who loves carrots but hates bok Choy) onions pint of new potatoes (I turned these into yummy garlic mashed potatoes,

Jennyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06100295997954408204noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29870462.post-17407564623113679632011-08-19T09:25:00.000-04:002011-08-22T09:48:39.978-04:00

There has been no menu plan around my house this summer, since I am cooking primarily from what we get from our CSA share. Here are a few things I've made. Shrimp stir fry with bok choy, spicy greens mix, and spring onions, topped with spring onion greens. Nappa cabbage, sauted with bacon. Kale and sausage pasta. Chicken stir fry with peppers, zucchini, and spring onions. Good, fresh

Jennyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06100295997954408204noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29870462.post-57417475179741635022011-08-11T15:33:00.002-04:002011-08-11T16:02:37.905-04:00

I have to admit, whether I like the vegetable or not, I'm really enjoying taking this picture every week. I like having a visual record of everything we got in our share that week. Four week four, we received: Big bag of spicy mix Head of Lettuce Big head of Bok Choy Buch of Radish Bunch of Turnip little bag of beans A greenhouse cucumber 1.5lbs of Zucchini! A bunch of Carrots A greenhouse

Jennyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06100295997954408204noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29870462.post-13766663876763292782011-08-02T14:29:00.002-04:002011-08-03T08:40:30.188-04:00

Week Three gave us our first beans of the season, as well as our first carrots. I'd have loved more beans and my children would have loved more carrots.Here is what we got:1 head BroccoliI head Bok Choy1 bunch Onions1 bulb Garlic1 bunch Carrots1 bunch Hakurei Turnips1 bunch Radishes1 bunch Basil1 Cucumber1 lb Zucchini1/3 lb Beans1 bag Salad MixAs soon as we got home, I prepped a bunch of the

Jennyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06100295997954408204noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29870462.post-12273102626726031012011-07-24T14:52:00.002-04:002011-07-24T14:57:33.214-04:00

Week Two of our share from Roots and Shoots, and it includes:Spring OnionsLettuceKaleCucumberHakurei TurnipNapa CabbageSpicy Mustard GreensPeasZucchiniThe peas, some zucchini and turnip immediately went into my lunch box with some hummus. Yummy!Lettuce and spicy Mustard greens were used throughout the week for salads in his lunch. He's been on a big salad with lunch thing lately and my little

Jennyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06100295997954408204noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29870462.post-77127194612332938592011-07-21T14:13:00.002-04:002011-07-21T15:49:04.064-04:00

Week one of our CSA included some purple kale, a vegetable I've actually never used before.Of course I made chips from them. Kale Chips are probably one of the most popular seasonal recipes around, so it seemed a good place to start. I didn't take any pictures of those chips, however, as they were mostly overdone (and frankly, they aren't very photogenic.) The recipe I followed said 20-25

Jennyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06100295997954408204noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29870462.post-46851873057544735992011-07-20T12:16:00.002-04:002011-07-20T12:22:26.767-04:00

Well we suspected, but have confirmed, that no one in my house likes radishes. My dad loves them, so if I get some in my share before we go visit him, I will bring them to him to enjoy.In the meantime, I tried cooking them. I had heard that roasted radishes were a completely different taste from raw, which are too strong and peppery for all of us. For this batch, I quartered my radishes, and

Jennyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06100295997954408204noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29870462.post-66550515467331929222011-07-19T09:17:00.006-04:002011-07-20T12:23:11.130-04:00

So we joined a CSA this year (Community Supported Agriculture, for those who don't know). Big investment, yes, in both money and time (picking up each week then trying to figure out what to make with what we received,) but something we needed to try at least once. If it ends up being worthwhile for us, in both money and time, we will do it again.And if nothing else, we've made the commitment

Jennyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06100295997954408204noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29870462.post-35423277031035830252011-05-23T07:45:00.000-04:002011-05-25T08:09:21.697-04:00

Happy 2-4 Weekend fellow Canucks! What a lovely weekend it is turning out to be, despite the constant threat of thunderstorms and rain showers.My youngest son and I actually had the chance to plant a veggie garden this weekend, including this little container garden on my back deck. In addition to a tomato plant, I have a square box with 3 different types of lettuce, and a long, shallow box

Jennyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06100295997954408204noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29870462.post-74922915870993763142011-05-20T07:55:00.004-04:002011-05-20T08:08:44.214-04:00

How much easier can you get with a salad that involves greens, corn, tomatoes and chunks of sausage? Sure, the recipe calls for grilling corn on the cobb, which is not in season yet, but is easily substituted for frozen corn. It also calls for making a dressing, another step I skipped, using bottled dressing instead. Oh, and I didn't slice my cherry tomatoes thin - I used grape tomatoes which

Jennyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06100295997954408204noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29870462.post-53036990657983533262011-05-16T07:30:00.002-04:002011-05-20T07:47:09.386-04:00

After a week of beautiful weather, we are forecasted to get nothing but rain this week. Ugh.Did someone forget to tell the weather that it's April showers that bring the May flowers? Not May showers drown the May flowers? Normally the May long weekend is the time when I get a bit of a veggie garden in but so far this year I've barely even given it any thought, since it seems likely that

Jennyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06100295997954408204noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29870462.post-26292695041336898652011-05-12T09:42:00.000-04:002011-05-13T16:41:06.568-04:00

I've never been a huge fan of Martha Stewart, and admit, I'm still not. But I recently had her Martha's Everyday Food app for the iphone recommended to me by someone who knows food, so decided to give it a try.This Beef and Orange Stir-Fry is the first recipe I've tried from it, since we seem to be enjoying having stir-fry for dinner since the weather warmed up, and everyone in this house has

Jennyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06100295997954408204noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29870462.post-35144938780247621022011-05-12T09:27:00.000-04:002011-05-13T16:41:06.875-04:00

I am happy to report we had an uneventful week here, with no massive power outages, missing roofs or accidents! We had happy events; a visit by my brother, short, but still nice, and my oldest son placed in the medals in both of his events at a Taekwon-Do tournament on the weekend. All around a good week.I've no big plans for this week, menu wise, and some "lazy" nights planned. Here goes:

Jennyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06100295997954408204noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29870462.post-57760469153911324622011-05-01T09:01:00.001-04:002011-05-04T09:37:48.654-04:00

Last week was interesting and had an effect on my menu plan. The first few days went very well, with new recipes that were eaten by everyone (Beef and Orange Stir Fry being the favorite.) A last minute change to our schedule on Wednesday resulted in picking up something quick for dinner on the way home, rather than making what I'd planned.Then things got really crazy for a bit.If you live in

Jennyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06100295997954408204noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29870462.post-73882105183464173512011-04-25T16:02:00.003-04:002011-04-25T16:30:06.025-04:00

This week's menu plan is recipe heavy. It's been awhile since I've done this, and I feel a need.Each of the recipes that I plan to try are completely new to me, nothing repeated. I'm even trying a new recipe for banana bread, which I just pulled from the oven.This could be fun or a total disaster. Cross your fingers for the fun part - I really don't want to have to make a second meal every

Jennyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06100295997954408204noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29870462.post-90262055986207490602011-04-18T07:45:00.000-04:002011-04-21T08:06:41.547-04:00

Last week's menu plan was one of those rare plans where I made everything I said I was going to make, when I said I was going to make it. It doesn't happen very often where nothing changes, I'm not running late or forget to take something out to defrost.I'll try to do better next week. (Yes, I'm kidding!)Sunday: Prime rib chili with tortilla chips and fixins (based on Tyler Florence's recipe

Jennyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06100295997954408204noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29870462.post-38273662616976537962011-04-12T07:49:00.003-04:002011-04-12T07:55:00.894-04:00

Jennyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06100295997954408204noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29870462.post-24831388559852083652011-04-11T07:38:00.000-04:002011-04-12T07:45:30.599-04:00

Last week's plan went pretty well as, well, planned. Except for Thursday, where I had planned to make panini sandwiches and ended up taking my two boys out for a nice dinner instead.I did end up finding my old coil notebook for my menu plan, and have started to use it again. This notebook dates back to July 2007, and I am always fascinated looking back at what I'd planned for the week and how

Jennyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06100295997954408204noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29870462.post-64845548043925151902011-04-07T16:48:00.002-04:002011-04-07T19:44:16.905-04:00

Canada Dry Gingerale, with lime, also known as "A little nasty."

Jennyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06100295997954408204noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29870462.post-24867695961496972622011-04-04T07:47:00.000-04:002011-04-05T08:43:37.827-04:00

I used to do my menu planning in a coil notebook - two pages usually equaled a month and a notebook would last me quite awhile. I would write the month at the top and the days of the week along the side, both in pen, then use a pencil for the plan. There was enough room in the margin that I could jot down a note of where to find a recipe if I was doing something out of a book. It really worked

Jennyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06100295997954408204noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29870462.post-82355366715699210922011-03-28T07:41:00.001-04:002011-04-05T08:26:18.428-04:00

The weather is slooooooowly getting nicer. Which means we are getting closer to bbq season, now that I can get at my bbq through all the snow. While my week's entire plan does not involve bbq'ing every day, I did try and schedule a few things in.Sunday: Homemade make your own pizzaMonday: Fried chicken legs with potato salad and coleslawTuesday: Steak and cheese subs with green saladWednesday:

Jennyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06100295997954408204noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29870462.post-34080610441491523272011-03-23T07:54:00.005-04:002011-03-23T08:08:24.967-04:00

Try this.It's a Toblerone-Topped Caramel Cheesecake, recipe from Kraft Canada. I'd link the recipe, but I can't seem to navigate the Kraft website. It has changed a fair bit since I last browsed it and I'm not impressed. (Can someone please explain to me why you HAVE to have a Facebook account to do anything anymore?)**Note** I finally found the recipe link on the website, but following it led

Jennyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06100295997954408204noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29870462.post-71090529683504031332011-03-21T07:48:00.000-04:002011-03-23T07:53:33.071-04:00

I know, it's been months since I've posted a menu plan. Actually, it's been months since I've fully written a menu plan.But since I wrote one this week, I felt I might as well post it.Sunday: Bbq'd honey lime pork tenderloin with scalloped potatoesMonday: Homemade fish and chips with coleslawTuesday: Pork citrus soy stir fry (from Rachel Ray's Look and Cook, which I will post if I remember to

Jennyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06100295997954408204noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29870462.post-32924929687084487702011-03-13T11:51:00.002-04:002011-03-13T11:59:45.834-04:00

Been quite awhile since I've blogged - no particular reason, no enthusiasm or desire to blog.Still cooking and baking, though, and occasionally remembering to take pictures.Last month my oldest child turned 12 and requested a 4 tiered cake of any flavor for his birthday. I was disinclined to make 4 tiers for a 12 year old, so he got 4 layers instead, alternating vanilla and chocolate with a

Jennyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06100295997954408204noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29870462.post-77487403305246600182010-12-06T20:20:00.000-05:002010-12-07T20:24:16.431-05:00

I can't seem to finish this weeks plan. I've gotten the first half of the week done, but am drawing a blank on what I want to do for Thursday and Friday. Probably because I am not home for dinner either of those days.For now, here is what I have:Sunday: Dinner at in-laws (thanks J&C!)Monday: soup and grilled ham and cheeseTuesday: Roast chicken with scalloped potatoes and roasted

Jennyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06100295997954408204noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29870462.post-16604027137228285322010-11-29T19:32:00.000-05:002010-12-01T19:38:39.255-05:00

Wow, is it really less than a month until Christmas? November sure went by fast!This week I have a few days off work, time that I can spend in the kitchen, mostly cleaning, but also cooking. And I'm still having fun with my mixer, even though I haven't baked up a storm yet.Sunday: Grey Cup dinner: various little munchies, including nachos and chicken fingersMonday: Homemade lasagna (and by

Jennyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06100295997954408204noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29870462.post-33881876730818313652010-11-23T11:05:00.000-05:002010-11-25T11:11:59.610-05:00

*** Ugh, forgot to hit post on this, so this is a few days late!***I bought myself a present on the weekend, a new stand mixer to go along side of Bob, my faithful little KA. Hrothbert, aka Bob's Big Little Brother, is shiny and much more powerful, but has yet to have his picture taken!I plan to use him throughout the week, and include him in some of my planning.Sunday: Peach Bourbon chicken

Jennyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06100295997954408204noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29870462.post-10046845033182058632010-11-17T21:33:00.001-05:002010-11-25T11:18:01.688-05:00

I learned something last week: My grandparents oven is broken.They didn't know it. And I wish I'd known it before I started dinner, since they have a perfectly good convection oven on the counter beside the oven.It was really a shame, because the dinner I was making included this lovely chicken, glazed with a peach-bourbon glaze, would have been so tasty otherwise.The big tip off for me should

Jennyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06100295997954408204noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29870462.post-31805246874465030442010-11-14T21:20:00.003-05:002010-11-14T21:32:36.524-05:00

Well, I'm back.My working-7-days-a-week schedule did end two weeks ago, but a few things have come up since then that have prevented me from being home, menu planning, cooking (and even cleaning.) And while last week did see me doing some cooking, and even taking some pictures so I could eventually blog about it, this is the first "back to normal" week we've had for quite some time.I'm jumping

Jennyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06100295997954408204noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29870462.post-31141031889755539292010-10-31T23:35:00.005-04:002010-11-01T00:03:09.300-04:00

A few images from what I've been doing for the past month. Sadly, today was the last day the Farm was open until next year, and I will miss it and the people I've been working with.Cortland apples, ready to be candied and carameled. Sorry, no pictures of caramel - they would disappear off the trays almost as fast as we could make them.I love how the red candy apple drips and the blue candy

Jennyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06100295997954408204noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29870462.post-41466008365614947372010-10-27T22:29:00.000-04:002010-10-30T01:35:44.139-04:00

Tonight, I cooked dinner for the Ottawa Senators, their wives and their children.You know, these guys here:I love my job!(And in case you are wondering, I did not come home with a single picture or autograph. I did come home with the compliment that I make amazing french fries from a few players though, and that works for me too.)

Jennyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06100295997954408204noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29870462.post-54038901231630257712010-10-04T00:38:00.002-04:002010-10-04T00:54:56.826-04:00

I know, I just said I wasn't going to be blogging.But I can't sleep, and I know how menu planning helps out my week, plus I had a recipe I wanted to look up, so I am menu planning at the same time as I'm not sleeping.I even got a grocery list going for some of this plan. How organized is that? Here goes, my contribution to Menu Plan Monday:Sunday: Chicken caesar salad (made by the hubby while I

Jennyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06100295997954408204noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29870462.post-11817334752487833722010-10-03T20:32:00.005-04:002010-10-03T20:47:13.589-04:00

Okay, right now I am. 8:30 on a Sunday night, I am home.But I haven't been much this week, and won't be for the next four weeks. If you are looking for me, you can find me here:That's right - Haunting Season has started at Saunders Farm and I am right in the thick of things!If you click on the links in either the daytime or evening parts and come across The Farmer's Table - fresh local foods,

Jennyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06100295997954408204noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29870462.post-56662140176902314752010-09-20T07:55:00.002-04:002010-09-20T08:30:14.613-04:00

Hello? Is anyone there?Its been a few weeks since I've done any sort of blog post, I know. Anyone miss me?The last few weeks have been very busy, and the next five are going to be even busier. Busy times in life is when a menu plan helps the most, so you are not scrambling for dinner at 6:30pm, with no idea what to do at all. A few minutes planning the week before can be a huge de-stresser.

Jennyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06100295997954408204noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29870462.post-56598731360612189422010-08-24T13:21:00.006-04:002010-08-24T13:59:51.392-04:00

I'm a little late in posting the menu plan for the week. Sorry, but I've spent the last 3 1/2 days being sick, sick, sick!I'm feeling better now and thought a little attention to what everyone is going to eat for dinner (except possibly me - I feel better, I still don't feel great) would be a really, really good idea.Sunday: Hamburgers done on the bbq. I'd premade these a few weeks back, then

Jennyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06100295997954408204noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29870462.post-62817011149652288972010-08-20T11:17:00.003-04:002010-08-20T11:28:35.276-04:00

Is that a face only a mother could love?One sporting a "mustache." This week's theme for I Hearts Cooking Clubs, Mark Bittman style, was "Can I have a sip?" A theme my son took literally, when he took my frozen hot chocolate from me and had a sip. Then a second, third, and finally he just walked off with my glass.Similar to a Starbuck's Double Chocolatey Chip Frapaccino (a favorite among most of

Jennyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06100295997954408204noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29870462.post-35920326541058510662010-08-16T08:51:00.000-04:002010-08-17T09:01:49.125-04:00

Being layed back last week really worked for us - we did end up having company, and things worked out just fine. Yes, there was take out involved, but only for one night.I've got a bit of an easier schedule this week, working a few less hours, and have a bit more time for family and the kitchen. Over the last few weeks, I've been doing alot of food prep and catering, having a wonderful,

Jennyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06100295997954408204noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29870462.post-6533145238537363292010-08-15T14:08:00.003-04:002010-08-15T14:22:25.470-04:00

It's Potluck time at I Heart Cooking Clubs (and thank goodness it is!) I've been busy, busy, busy, and while I've done a tonne of cooking, none of it has been for home.Muffins are always a great thing to make and have on hand when you are pressed for time. They take minutes to come together, bake while you are showering, and are great warm right out of the oven, or at room temperature later on

Jennyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06100295997954408204noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29870462.post-4040212312827192522010-08-09T00:01:00.000-04:002010-08-10T00:11:47.037-04:00

Is it Monday already? This summer is just flying by!I'm not going to do a full week's planning this week. Part of it is because I'd like a week off, but also because I don't know how many people I will be cooking for this week. I could be cooking for just the 4 of us. Or I could have company and be cooking for 1-2 more people. Or my kids could be going away a few days and I could be cooking

Jennyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06100295997954408204noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29870462.post-72233056604684519552010-08-06T21:45:00.001-04:002010-08-07T22:02:33.287-04:00

This week's theme for Mark Bittman and the I Heart Cooking Clubs could not have been more appropriate. It has been sweltering around here lately, and that's before you add in the extra humidity!So when invited to Beat the Heat, I had a great idea and the ingredients on hand to do it. Even better, I had a little helper desperate to be involved.My little guy has been desperate for me to make

Jennyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06100295997954408204noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29870462.post-44079902532060411372010-08-02T14:04:00.000-04:002010-08-03T14:12:56.553-04:00

Long weekends throw me off, menu planning wise, though I do get more of a chance to mess around in my kitchen. I took advantage of the extra day to throw together a double batch of banana bread (half in muffin form) and some zucchini bread as well, making snacks for lunches.Summer is going by way to fast for me. How about for you?Simple plan for the week, hopefully one that will help clear up

Jennyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06100295997954408204noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29870462.post-41710925372790860132010-07-27T08:39:00.003-04:002010-07-27T09:02:36.373-04:00

Sometimes the best menu plans aren't enough to keep you organized. Take, for example, yesterday. My plan had been for a Southwest Chicken salad for dinner. I had the chicken, some veggies, the sauces, and was only missing the greens. Not a problem, I had to go into town anyways to pick up a prescription and some birthday cards. Kids and I could be there and back, have dinner, get packed up

Jennyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06100295997954408204noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29870462.post-482135106621988662010-07-26T20:23:00.004-04:002010-08-09T14:11:22.013-04:00

The July 2010 Daring Bakers’ challenge was hosted by Sunita of Sunita’s world – life and food. Sunita challenged everyone to make an ice-cream filled Swiss roll that’s then used to make a bombe with hot fudge. Her recipe is based on an ice cream cake recipe from Taste of Home.-It has been awhile since I've done one of these - Daring Baker Challenges, not a Swiss Roll Cake.Before this, I'd never

Jennyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06100295997954408204noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29870462.post-49040104878068641462010-07-23T23:00:00.004-04:002010-07-23T23:21:04.148-04:00

My favorite theme for I Heart Cooking Clubs is Potluck. Where we get to do what we want, from anything.Not that the themes are very restrictive, far from it! But just saying Potluck brings images of variety and surprise. You never know exactly what you are going to get at a Potluck (except maybe for potato salad - doesn't someone always bring potato salad?)I went very simple for my selection

Jennyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06100295997954408204noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29870462.post-54794251958647972272010-07-21T10:49:00.002-04:002010-07-21T10:59:19.523-04:00

One of my plans for last week's dinner involved making beef ribs in my slow cooker. If you think about it, a slow cooker is a great way to make ribs. The best ribs are those that are cooked at a low temperature over a long period of time. Sounds like a slow cooker to me.I used the last of my part cow I bought in the fall, three packages of beef braising ribs. Braising ribs aren't my favourite

Jennyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06100295997954408204noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29870462.post-69882283746422141492010-07-19T01:14:00.007-04:002010-07-20T10:02:58.030-04:00

Happy Monday Morning.I mean that literally - it is 1:15am right now, as I type. Monday morning. I'm just not sleeping.Last week's menu plan went pretty well. I got to try a few new recipes, and no one went hungry. The baked potato bar I'd planned for Thursday was changed to chicken caesar salad wraps, after a busy, but fun, afternoon that was badly planned meal wise. Asin the kids and I

Jennyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06100295997954408204noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29870462.post-91516498737013841432010-07-18T20:13:00.002-04:002010-07-18T20:32:01.204-04:00

It's my birthday today! Yes, I made my own cake. I like to make my own cake - then I get exactly what I want, and this year, this is what I decided to make: White Chocolate Strawberry Meringue Cake, from Tish Boyle's Cake Book.This cake is fun to make, and can be made in stages (I made the meringue last night and let it sit in the oven all night long.)It was grown-up elegant, but still

Jennyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06100295997954408204noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29870462.post-80432516808328425222010-07-17T20:34:00.002-04:002010-07-18T20:57:02.181-04:00

I've been a bit remiss lately, not in cooking, but in remembering to take the pictures off my camera and put them onto my computer! I admit, I'm still learning iPhoto, and not figuring out how when I edit a picture there, how I can get it to save to my library of photos, the ones I would upload to here. Or figure out how to upload a photo from iPhoto to here. (And if you know how and can

Jennyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06100295997954408204noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29870462.post-43801318566005815272010-07-11T12:48:00.004-04:002010-07-11T22:17:11.433-04:00

Been hot enough for you? Food rather went off the radar for us last week, with temperatures soaring and the humidity making things even worse. No one was interested in eating, all we wanted to do was try and stay cool. So last week's 'something shrimp' turned into 'scrounge for yourself' (I think I had a sandwich) and Friday night turned into nachos while watching a movie, picnic style. The

Jennyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06100295997954408204noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29870462.post-57482180746702308992010-07-09T10:26:00.004-04:002010-07-09T11:11:52.316-04:00

It has been a bit turbulent around here the last few months, between work, school and the computer problems I've had, but things seem to finally be settled down and I have time to get back into the kitchen! Or in this case, the bbq.And when I finally have time to cook again, to whom would I turn for inspiration but the Pioneer Woman herself, Ree. This is my variation on Ree's CPK's BBQ Chicken

Jennyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06100295997954408204noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29870462.post-69617235815513148862010-07-05T21:33:00.003-04:002010-07-05T23:28:16.934-04:00

Outstanding in our FieldsA Farm Feast NightSaunders Farm along with Savvy Company and Epicuria Fine Food Store are excited to host this new culinary experience. Everyone is invited to explore the wonderful activities at Saunders Farm in the summer sunshine - roam the luscious gardens, get lost in a maze and cool off in the splash pad. After a hayride and tour of the Farm, you can watch the

Jennyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06100295997954408204noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29870462.post-24849616977204216722010-07-05T08:53:00.002-04:002010-07-05T09:06:14.333-04:00

We are on vacation here, mostly, and have friends visiting us. Our household has more than doubled in size for a few days, but meals have not been chaotic. Want to know if menu planning works? Try it with 9 people to feed and it will prove itself to you!I did have a menu plan for last week, written down on the fridge, but it was only 2-3 days in advance, so I didn't post it.This week is

Jennyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06100295997954408204noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29870462.post-65190050023396685582010-06-26T20:10:00.002-04:002010-06-26T20:12:19.640-04:00

So after two attempts with two different Dell computers, I am now the owner of a MacBook.Now how to figure out how to get all my stuff over to this computer!(Yes, this means there will still be alot of quiet coming from me, while I continue to learn how to use this new computer.)

Jennyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06100295997954408204noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29870462.post-68637652329400521732010-06-22T08:02:00.003-04:002010-06-22T08:07:27.516-04:00

This week marks the last week of school for the kids, and the last week of my full time employment. I have voluntarily taken a huge cut in hours, down to 1.5 shifts a week from 5 full shifts, in order to be home with my kids this summer. I think I remember what it is like to be home with the kids. And I'm pretty sure I remember how to cook and bake with them home as well.This week also marks

Jennyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06100295997954408204noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29870462.post-27261903698307040912010-06-20T08:39:00.004-04:002010-06-20T11:25:55.370-04:00

It is Father's Day today, and I've already missed my chance to wish my Dad a Happy Father's Day (even though I called shortly after 8 am on a Sunday, I was still too late, he was gone!)My boys greeted their father with breakfast, which they made with only supervision from me. My oldest has gotten more comfortable in the kitchen and made some lovely, crisp bacon, as well as scrambling eggs all

Jennyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06100295997954408204noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29870462.post-90215856035370776102010-06-14T07:44:00.002-04:002010-06-14T07:51:41.803-04:00

I had a lovely week off from work (more details about that still to come), but reality had to happen, so back to work I go this morning.And while I did have a menu plan for last week that I did not post, we also tried to be very flexible. After all, I was going to be in a kitchen all day, every day, and while it was fun, it was also very tiring.So here we go for the week, my contribution to Menu

Jennyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06100295997954408204noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29870462.post-58562897281133030862010-06-13T16:00:00.004-04:002010-06-13T16:32:17.175-04:00

It is a beautifully sunny day outside. About 25C outside, not too hot, not too cold. Perfect for a light, summery meal.Which is why I'm posting about pot roast and popovers for this week's I Heart Cooking Clubs, Mark Bittman Edition.Don't laugh. It's all I had pictures of, despite the stacks of recipes made recently. This was it.And somewhere in the world, there is a Mark Bittman fan, a

Jennyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06100295997954408204noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29870462.post-81205051025222593542010-06-07T21:07:00.002-04:002010-06-07T21:11:27.244-04:00

And you'll never guess where I am!!!I've gone back to school for the week, to college of all places (cause that's what you do when you take time off of work!)Today was day one of Introduction to Baking and Pastry, the first course I will need to get my culinary certificate. For the next 4 days, I will be in a baking lab, wearing my chef's coat and little black hat, saying, "Yes Chef" and baking

Jennyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06100295997954408204noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29870462.post-32517905244624460942010-06-02T08:36:00.002-04:002010-06-02T08:40:09.037-04:00

Computer problems continue, waiting for the new one, but for now, here is a quick menu plan for the week:Sunday: Roast chicken with rice and creamed cornMonday: Pork chops with yellow carrotsTuesday: Pasta with tomatoes, garlic and chili peppersWednesday: Bbq`d steak with grilled veggiesThursday: Bbq`d hamburgers with saladFriday: Left oversGo to Menu Plan Monday for more plans and ideas.

Jennyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06100295997954408204noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29870462.post-2392225234943599682010-05-30T08:51:00.002-04:002010-05-30T09:09:55.949-04:00

Technical computer difficulties continue (things did not go well with the new pc, still working on it), so the only way I can participate in this week's I Heart Cooking Clubs, themed GARLIC!!, is to go back to my archives and see what I have available.Nothing, unfortunately, with the words garlic in the title, but at least one recipe with garlic in it, so that's the best I could do.Spaghetti is a

Jennyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06100295997954408204noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29870462.post-28234415170973304962010-05-22T22:33:00.001-04:002010-05-22T22:35:15.503-04:00

Good difficulties, new computer kind, but still down for a bit.Taking me awhile to move things from one pc to the other, and I will get there, but for now, not going to make this week's I Hearts Cooking Club, and may not make Menu Plan Monday either.Have a lovely holiday weekend!

Jennyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06100295997954408204noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29870462.post-57809524180143256892010-05-18T20:40:00.002-04:002010-05-18T20:46:20.776-04:00

I know, it isn't Monday.Been a change in the last few weeks, the way I've been shopping and planning. Instead of my going out Saturday or Sunday and doing my shopping, I've been going Monday night, after work, while my son is still in tkd class. Upside to this is that I'm shopping without, "Mom, can we get some of this?" Downside is I'm doing it after work, so I'm usually quite hungry.As a

Jennyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06100295997954408204noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29870462.post-22203757213064340242010-05-16T10:32:00.002-04:002010-05-16T10:41:48.293-04:00

A quickie for me today, running late for what I'd like to do this morning but did not want to miss this week's posting for I Hearts Cooking Club, where we are cooking up Mark Bittman. Theme for this week is Movie Night, which leaves a very broad interpretation.Sure popcorn or candy is traditional (and if I'd had time, I would have made some homemade peanut brittle from HTCE, but I didn't), but

Jennyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06100295997954408204noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29870462.post-32449373465642978492010-05-12T20:24:00.003-04:002010-05-12T20:38:34.776-04:00

Yup, I forgot to write up my menu plan for the week.I remembered, sometime Monday, but I was at work when I remembered. Which did my blog no good at all.So here it is, Wednesday, and I'm finally posting my plan for the week for Menu Plan Monday.Sunday: Mother's Day and I had a pj day, eating nachos while watching tv. The boys left me alone and went elsewhere for supper.Monday: Hamburgers on the

Jennyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06100295997954408204noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29870462.post-44285276303998740802010-05-09T08:23:00.003-04:002010-05-09T08:56:27.126-04:00

I'm a mom. Meet my punks, my boys....Yup, that's my oldest. Growing up so fast and gaining maturity. (hehehe)And my little Sous Chef, in a very normal, typical position for him. If asked what I've accomplished in my life so far, those two are my answer. I have two beautiful, silly boys, each confident in their own selves, polite to others, and unique in their own way.My little one greeted me

Jennyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06100295997954408204noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29870462.post-37327044995129367172010-05-06T08:11:00.005-04:002010-05-08T12:40:11.944-04:00

It wasn't hard to pick a selection for this version of Foodie Fans of the Pioneer Woman. What was hard was finding one with a picture I was willing to show anyone!First up we had the Rib Eye Steak with Whiskey Cream Sauce, on pages 166 and 167. Scrumptious, and tasty it was. Wish I'd made more. Will definitely make it again. But if you want to see a good picture of it, open the book up and

Jennyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06100295997954408204noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29870462.post-28529349995736452322010-05-03T07:30:00.003-04:002010-05-03T07:46:00.412-04:00

Oh happy day! Happy, happy day!Saturday morning saw me putting down all the seats of my car so my brand new bbq could be loaded up into it! Saturday afternoon/evening saw rain, rain and more rain but I did not care! I was bbq'ing even if it was a blizzard! A hurricane! A monsoon!Yes, that is rain you see on my bbq, and steam you see rising off the grills, but I persisted and we had a bbq on

Jennyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06100295997954408204noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29870462.post-86132553550111286082010-04-26T08:10:00.003-04:002010-04-26T08:30:45.425-04:00

It was such a lovely weekend that I'm dreading it being over. The sun was out, the weather was lovely, and we spent time together as a family, went exploring, found a new park for the kids to play at and just had some laughs.We live on the outside of Ottawa, and this area has lots of little villages around it, each with a church or two. At this time of the year, most of those churches are

Jennyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06100295997954408204noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29870462.post-90843232908468630722010-04-24T20:58:00.002-04:002010-04-24T21:07:07.807-04:00

Who doesn't love a jar full of chocolate chip cookies? Not my family, that's for sure. I personally prefer oatmeal raisin, but generally don't turn down a soft, chewy chocolate chip cookie.Looking back over the last few weeks of cooking Mark Bittman, it seems we don't really like much of his recipes at all. So since this week's theme for I Hearts Cooking Club was potluck, I wanted something

Jennyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06100295997954408204noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29870462.post-23582337138735306582010-04-19T08:11:00.002-04:002010-04-19T08:18:53.871-04:00

Tried something a little different and fun this weekend. Together with a friend and her son, we went trout fishing again at the local trout farm (each member of our family caught a fish, including one by my oldest that was caught before he put any bait on his line.) Then, I took the 7 fish we caught, discovered it is very, very, very difficult, almost impossible, to fillet a little fish.

Jennyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06100295997954408204noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29870462.post-19244209842764457062010-04-16T08:37:00.003-04:002010-04-16T21:20:34.570-04:00

It's the second week of Mark Bittman and I'm still here and still cooking from How to Cook Everything.On the advice of several other bloggers, I did look into borrowing the libraries copy of Kitchen Express. It is now sitting on my living room couch, waiting for me to read it.This week's them was Pantry Staples, and what pantry does not have banana's waiting to be used? One of the things I like

Jennyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06100295997954408204noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29870462.post-23731648855383667042010-04-15T07:50:00.000-04:002010-04-16T08:34:11.141-04:00

Ree's Chocolate Sheet Cake, found on pages 218, 19 and 20. A lovely chocolate cake with chocolate icing, plenty for a crowd.I must have made this cake a good half dozen times before I ever got a picture of it. It isn't a picturesque cake, nothing fancy, but people dive into it and it's hard to take a pretty picture of something that people are inhaling.The only reason I didn't have to fight off

Jennyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06100295997954408204noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29870462.post-81381661247646641702010-04-14T08:23:00.005-04:002010-04-14T19:16:58.304-04:00

Let's start with the free...On Thursday, April 14th, if you bring your own mug in, Starbucks will give you a free brewed coffee. That's great if you drink coffee, not so good if you drink Green Tea Latte's.Now for the nearly free:On Wednesday, April 28 from 5-10 p.m., Baskin Robbins will host its second annual 31¢ Scoop Night in support of the Canadian Fallen Firefighters Foundation (CFFF).

Jennyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06100295997954408204noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29870462.post-75793253353522735882010-04-12T08:29:00.000-04:002010-04-13T08:32:33.507-04:00

Short and sweet as I still have 5 or 6 things to do before I leave for work this morning!Sunday: Pot roast with roasted potatoes and broccoli, plus Yorkshire puddingsMonday: Hamburgers and saladTuesday: Penne with tomatoes, garlic and chili peppers (possibly garlic bread)Wednesday: Happy Shrimp with riceThursday: Panini sandwiches and fruitFriday: Left over night or Breakfast for dinner.Have you

Jennyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06100295997954408204noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29870462.post-38570109040523885132010-04-10T15:00:00.004-04:002010-04-11T08:49:55.869-04:00

Now that the period of Nigella Lawson is over for the I Hearts Cooking Club, its on to the next chef. Chosen by vote, Mark Bittman won out over Jamie Oliver (my first choice), and Bobby Flay (my second choice).I've owned How to Cook Everything for years, and occasionally consult it for something. It is where I went when looking for a simple flour tortilla recipe, for example. But I admit, it

Jennyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06100295997954408204noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29870462.post-89493871927399782732010-04-06T05:49:00.000-04:002010-04-06T05:49:00.191-04:00

Monday was sort of a holiday for many people. While my hubby did not have the day off, the kids did and I took the day off from work to stay home and do work.And since we didn't get home until Sunday night, I had to do my menu planning and shopping on Monday.So here goes, my menu for the week, for submission to Menu Plan Monday:Sunday: Make do with what is in the house, appropriately, eggs and

Jennyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06100295997954408204noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29870462.post-39792477962992967532010-04-04T19:32:00.001-04:002010-04-05T17:49:24.111-04:00

We aren't home for Easter this year, but just because we aren't, doesn't mean I can't find a stove and get cooking!While the Easter Bunny had to go traveling to find the kids (leaving chocolate eggs in very odd places), I brought some items from home to make things festive for the grown ups. Including these fun eggs that I turned into Deviled Eggs, as part of the ham dinner I made.Despite the

Jennyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06100295997954408204noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29870462.post-15525611653420513452010-03-31T07:54:00.006-04:002010-03-31T08:46:21.044-04:00

Mike and Ron picked well again!Big Easy's Seafood and Steakhouse, located on Preston Street, was the location for the 8th Omnivore's Ottawa Supper Club, where 45 or so of us gathered for good food.Restauranteur Val Belcher greeted us with a glass of sparkling wine upon arrival (and I actually drank mine, though it took me the entire night to do so), while Chef Barrin Bruck and his crew put

Jennyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06100295997954408204noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29870462.post-25178897530802509282010-03-29T07:15:00.002-04:002010-03-29T07:55:29.120-04:00

Since I returned to work last fall, our schedule has been a little hectic. I've done plenty of cooking between now and then, but most of it quick stuff that I can throw together. I've rarely had time to just let loose in my kitchen and enjoy myself.Yesterday I took some time.Boy, did I need to do that. I needed to remind myself that I loved playing in my kitchen and making a mess. And since I

Jennyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06100295997954408204noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29870462.post-66371574573268106192010-03-24T21:35:00.000-04:002010-03-25T21:39:04.253-04:00

Seems I went and forgot to post my Menu Plan for the week, both here and at Menu Plan Monday. Oops.I did make a plan, wrote it down, and posted it on my kitchen fridge. Then I forgot.Oh well, better late than never....Sunday: Pulled beef tacos with rice and refried beans.Monday: Sausages with noodles and mixed veggies.Tuesday: Penne with tomatoes, garlic and chili.Wednesday: Fried

Jennyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06100295997954408204noreply@blogger.com1