Tag Archives: cooking

Product Reviews

Krusteaz Pumpkin Quick Bread Stuffing

pumpkin bread stuffing

This up coming week is Thanksgiving you know what is amazing… Stuffing try a twist this year with my Krusteaz Pumpkin Quick Bread Stuffing.  Fall is here Pumpkin spice everything! Krusteaz, makers of premium baking mixes, has an entire line of pumpkin spice mixes including muffins, cookies, bars and quick bread.  Krusteaz has it all Pumpkin Spice Cookies, Pumpkin Spice Muffins, and Pumpkin Spice Quick Bread

Pumpkin Bread stuffing with Krusteaz Pumpkin Quick Bread mix it is truly a special stuffing for you family sweet and savory . My husband said talk about making something from scratch.  He said yummy goodness that is stuffing he really enjoyed.

pumpkin quick bread

Krusteaz Pumpkin Quick Bread mix  you will need:

  • Oil
  • water
  • 2 eggs

Pumpkin Bread Stuffing:

  • 1 package Krusteaz Pumpkin Quick Bread mix- made, cut in cubes, and dried
  • 1lb package of sage sausage
  •  1 small onion diced small
  • 2 celery stalks diced small
  • 2 granny smith apples 1 1/2 cups diced
  • 1/4 tea spoon of rosemary
  • 2 sage leaves whole
  • 1/4 teaspoon of thyme
  • 1/4 of dried cranberries
  • 1 can of chicken broth

pumpkin bread stuffing

  1. Make the Krusteaz Pumpkin Quick Bread following the instruction on the package remove from oven and allow the bread to thoroughly cool.
  2. Cut the bread in to slices then into cubes.
  3. Place cubes on backing sheet and place in oven at 225 degrees for 2 1/2 hours- till dry and crispy (save some for a salad with left over turkey)
  4. In a large pot brown sausage , pouring off fat remove sausage set aside
  5. Dice all veggies  place celery and onion in with sausage dripping 1 pat of butter cook to tender
  6. Add sage, rosemary, thyme
  7. Add sausage, and apples to pot.
  8. Add Krusteaz Pumpkin Quick Bread
  9. Add 1/2 the can of broth, and slowly add more as needed.
  10. Allow the stuffing to sit 2 hours (or overnight)  in fridge
  11. Add extra broth , Then Bake 325 for 20min prior to serving

Here is a printable recipe of the Pumpkin Bread stuffing with Krusteaz Pumpkin Quick Bread mix

pumpkin_bread_stuffing__4209

 

Also be sure to save the extra dried quick bread cubes to use as Krusteaz Pumpkin Croutons with your leftover turkey salad

See my post:  Thanksgiving Leftover Salad

Disclosure: I was provided samples of the Krusteaz Pumpkin Quick Bread and a gift card for ingredients for my post

@Krusteaz #Krusteaz

 

Cooking

Meal Planning Monday Inexpensive meals ideas

mushrooms

Meal Planning Monday: inexpensive meals ideas.  I have been away for a long time and my meal planning has suffered.  It has been a trying time and I feel with the start of spring I can get back to what I enjoy.  I need to make myself happy and I know I will be a better mom and wife for it.  I am trying to get back to things I enjoy, blogging being part of my happiness.   My little space in the world.

I had a great loss this winter.. actually the lost has been since last July resulting in my fathers passing this past February.   I miss him and I will address it at another time.  With him being so sick for so long my life was in an emotional limbo and truly super exhausting.

My 1st step back to sharing with my readers is my meal planning.

Meal Planning for a family of 4 ideas what to feed a family that are inexpensive yet homemade:

Sunday: Loaded potato skins

Monday: Shepard’s Pie

Tuesday: Baked chicken, asparagus, rice

Wednesday: Chili

Thursday: Special Meal for my mom

Friday: Pasta with sausage (Kids cooking)

This week I spent $101 on groceries and $20 at the produce store.

I am hopping you have a wonderful week and may life bring you joy.

Cheers.

 

 

 

Cooking, LIfe

Menu Planning and Life

mushrooms

This week is a busy week.  I have a lot going on at work and in my life.  I have a bazaar at work, I am headed at the end of the week to a wedding in Dallas leaving my husband to do the running with the kids.  Plus my daughter is preforming in a play on Sunday.   I need to meal plan which I have not been doing any regularity lately causing me to be very disorganized.

My meal planing this week is all about easy because of how much I have to get done.  Easy for my self and my husband is super important.  also Tuesday night I have to make a pot of my  Split pea soup for the Bazaar.

I really also want to tell you about what else I have been up to.  I am still sewing and making superhero capes.   Check out BABYPOP (for your custom capes starting at $17 for custom letter, color, and logo they make great Christmas gifts.

babypop super hero capes starting at $17

I even make capes for the family pets !

super dog cape

My mask are $4.50 each at my store Babypop

super hero mask

I have been reading more because the political environment makes me shut of the TV.   I just finished Orphan Train and now I am reading Boys on the Boat.  Both books are amazing.  What are you reading .. any suggestion for my next book.

Meal Planing this week:

Sunday : Baked Fish and potatoes asparagus

Monday: Beef and noodles

Tuesday:Pork chops

Wednesday: Chili

Thursday: Perogies and kielbasa

Friday: Pizza

Saturday: Burgers and Tator Tots

 

Be sure to check out my posts :

My top 10 Favorite Things to buy at Aldi and Save

save at target

disclosure affiliate

 

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Cooking, sponsored posts

LG ProBake Double Oven for the Holidays

The reviewer has been compensated in the form of a Best Buy Gift Card and/or received the product/service at a reduced price or for free

ProBake Convection™ – Baked to Perfection on Every Rack, Every Time

The holidays are coming and I am feeling the need to bake.   Thanksgiving being the food holiday my tired old oven is a real concerned .  I would love to have the option of the ProBake Convection™ in my home.  This oven bakes to perfection every time.  Un like my current oven that anything on the bottom rack well lets say it is less than perfection.  I love the ProBake Convection™  – Baked to Perfection on Every Rack, Every Time.  The idea of my kitchen having a professionals style of cooking makes me giddy.  Inspired by pro-style ranges, this LG range moved the heating element from the bottom of the oven to the back wall for optimal heat distribution.  Enjoy consistent browning on top and bottom – with every cookie baked to perfection with LG’s ProBake Convection ranges.

 

ProBake Double Oven available at Best Buy for our Prep for the Holiday
ProBake Double Oven available at Best Buy for our Prep for the Holiday

 

The other major holiday concern is cleaning my oven.  My current oven takes 5 hours and a temperature of over 500 degrees heating up the house and causing me to open up the windows. EasyClean® –  LG’s ProBake Convection ranges feature LG’s EasyClean®:  3 Steps. 10 minutes. 1 spotless oven.  In three easy steps and 10 quick minutes your oven can be sparkling clean, without strong chemical fumes or high heat with LG’s Easy Clean.  I love the cleaning of the LG oven because I also wont be wasting heat by having my windows open int he cold weather.  It helps with those heating bills that is a win win great food, easy clean, and saving money.

LG’s ProBake Convection ranges feature LG’s EasyClean®, get a clean oven in just 10 minute
LG’s ProBake Convection ranges feature LG’s EasyClean®, get a clean oven in just 10 minute

 

Here is another way to save money with this oven and BestBuy.  Kitchen Bundle Rebate through 10/29, where consumers receive a Visa Gift Card valued up to $400 with purchase of a 4 piece Kitchen Package  &  Receive 5x reward points with your Best Buy account on any ProBake Range purchase from 9/28 – 10/29.  This can also be stacked with the kitchen bundle rebate mentioned above.

 

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Cooking, LIfe

Menu Planning with Teens

Meal Planning on Budget with Teenagers

Meal Planning with teens : This week has been a long week I have been going back and forth to NYC because of family health concern.  So meal planning has become important. Since I have been back at work my son has been making dinner on some nights. He has been great asking how he can help.

Monday : Chicken Pot Pie cupcakes

Tuesday  Shrimp Enchiladas with Creamy Poblano Sauce from little spice jar

Wednesday : Tornadoes Hot Dog  from TasteMade on Instagram

Thursday: Burger and fries one pot From Betty Crocker

Friday: Homemade Pizza

Having my son help with dinner is amazing, not only is he learning to follow recipes and instruction but he is learning a skill.  So he wont only eat junk food his life he will learn cooking is fun.  I know he will make about 2 of these meals, anything helps.    I sent my husband the shopping list for the week since I am out of town he can shop for the ingredients.

I am linking up Organizing Junkie and Motivation Monday

What are you cooking with your kids or how do they help with dinner?

Be sure to check out last weeks post on getting your kids eat veggies.

13 Great Ideas to get kids to eat Their Veggies #seethelite

Also love to save check out  My top 10 Favorite Things to buy at Aldi and Save

My top 10 Favorite Things to buy at Aldi and Save

Have a great Week!

 

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Cooking

Menu Planning Monday

mushrooms

Since I have been back working out side of the house the hardest thing has been making dinner when I get home.  I feel like planning our meal is more Important now then ever before.  I have my son set up meals but that means I have to have all the directions written out.

This past weekend was memorial day.  It was great weekend for burger and corn.  We are extending it a few more days with an easy meal.

Tuesday: Hot Dogs, tater tots

Wednesday: Crock Pot Taco Chicken

Thursday: Pizza

Friday: Ravioli

Enjoy your week

 

 

 

 

 

Cooking

Meal Planning with Teens

Meal Planning on Budget with TeenagersDaylight savings time always messes me up.  I never know what time it is.  I never really understood the purpose of daylight saving ..because of Farmers and longer time in the field but it is unnecessary.  This morning I think my Iphone changed but the clock I have which changes automatically is pre 2008 so my clock turns automatically  a few weeks prior to the current week of March 13th so I seriously was so confused this morning.

I finally figured it out feeling like a confused child.

This week is a fun week the schools Talent show. I have my moms group and my sons volunteer.   It is also St Patrick’s Favorite so My favorite Holiday Meat!  Corned Beef!!

Meal Planning with Teens

Monday : Pork Chops, Rice and Black Beans

Tuesday: Roasted Chicken Mac n Cheese

Wednesday London Broil, egg noodles, cauiflour

Thursday: St Patrick day Corned Beef, Potatoes and Cabbage

Friday Taco Night, Re-fried Beans, Yellow Rice

Saturday: Pasta Night red sauce with sausage

Linking Up with  Motivation Monday and Menu Plan Monday

Meal Planning on Budget with Teenagers

 

 

 

Cooking

Meal Planning with Teens

Meal Planning on Budget with Teenagers

 

Meal Planning with Teens: This week is busy! I had a mean plan set up but did not get a chance to share it til today.   This week my daughter has practices for the talent show and also the church play audition results.  We are excited for her this week.  My son is doing alot after school so he has been busy coming and going.  I have been busy looking for a full time job, which has been a daunting task.  My husband has been home at a decent time every night so sit down family meals are really important to connect with all they moving parts in our family.

This Saturday I am hosting my sons friends a delayed birthday.  He has requested homemade Shrimp Spring Rolls, Pot Stickers, Fried Rice.  He decided when I made them a few weeks ago it was his preferred birthday meal with his friends.  It is less work then the homemade sushi party we did a few years ago.

Meal Planning with Teens

Monday: Asia General Taos with white rice and store bought egg rolls (quick meal)

Tuesday: Baked Chicken, Cauliflower, Rice a Roni (my son loves it it was a processed treat)

Wednesday : Quiche Ham and cheese and Spinach Quiche

Thursday; Pork Chops, Cauliflower, Tator Tots

Friday: Homemade Pizza

Saturday:  Homemade Shrimp Spring Rolls, Pot Stickers, Fried Rice

This next week is busy so I am looking for great Planning ideas that I can get on the table.

 

Product Reviews

Meal Planning

mushrooms

 

This week is a fun week. My daughter has her many choir this week,  She sings in 3 choirs one at church and 2 at school.  She also is starting addutions for a church play and also go found out she is singing solo for the talent show at school.  I am so Proud of my little singing angel.  I love hearing her sing,  she sounds so happy.

My Son has finished swimming.  I was a great season. He has decided to volunteer with kids and is loving it he is teaching see kids swim.  He is so happy and working hard.  So far I expect this to be a good week with a teenager.

Meal Planning with Teens

Sunday : Chicken Pot Pies

Monday: Broccoli Cheese soup

Tuesday: Baked Chicken, Butternut Squash, Spinach

Wednesday: London Broil, Rice and Beans,Broccoli

Thursday: Pork Roast, Brussels Sprouts, Fingerling Potatoes

Friday:  Pasta Night

Saturday: Homemade Spring Rolls, Fried Rice, Pot Stickers

 

Be sure to check out my $40 Amazon Gift Card and Dark Rising Book Giveaway

Link up with : Organizing Junkie and Motivation Monday

Cooking

Tips for Budget Menu Planning with Teenagers

Meal Planning on Budget with Teenagers

 

Tips for Budget Menu Planning with Teenagers: We are back to a somewhat 1/2 busy life. Swimteam is over and no more 5am practices, I have to drive him too. Also hopefully he will start to eat a little less but with a son that is over 6’1” at 14 that might not change. Also this week he turns 15, which makes me really sad to know he is growing up so fast.

Since things are currently slow with my superhero cape business I try to be keeping an eye out for great deals. I love Aldi and many grocery stores have wonderful deals on meat. Which my family loves their protein is my biggest expense. I know Shoprite puts chicken on sale 40% off every few weeks, Fresh Market has Chicken Breast and Fresh Farm Raised Ground Beef on sale for $3.99 a lb every Tues.  If I am out towards Fresh Market I make it on a Tuesday.

A few weeks ago I was able to pick up a Ditz and Watson semi bone less ham for $9.08 for 16 lb. I also purchase a smaller ham for 8lb for $5. We made soup, steaks, and breakfast for a week on the 8 lb ham. When I went to the store the hams were on mangers special. They we not expired till April, the manger just need the room. The large ham we will save for Easter.

I find my deal my deals early morning after 7am I go right after I drop my son off at school. I know many bloggers say late at night, but mornings always work best at my stores.

How to menu plan on a budget with teens:

Monday: Rack of ribs (sale $5.30) Loaded Baked Potatoes ($2.00) and Saute Spinach ($2)
Tuesday: Tacos Venison (free), Rice ($1), Cheese ($1), Salsa (fridge)
Wednesday: Chili : Beef 1/12 Pound ($5) Beans 2 cans ($2.79) Onion (.50)
Thursday: Aisa Style chicken thigh ($4 /8 thighs) and Fried Rice (left over rice from Tues with broccoli )
Friday: Soup Potato Cheese and Broccoli

Breakfast:
Eggs sandwiches, Banana Smoothies, eggs and avocados

Lunches :
My husband: does leftovers altering days,
My son: started bringing sandwiches
My daughter: loves cold cereal in a bag with veggies and fruit- Everyone get a brown paper bag of stove top popcorn. (made fresh every morning)
Me: Spinach salad, with varieties of topping, been, nuts, olives

Afterschool snack:
Ready made soup, fruit, home banana bread, cupcakes, gram crackers

That is this week:
Be sure to check out my $40 Amazon Gift Card and Dark Rising Book Giveaway