Alright, sorry this is a little later than anticipated, but the winner of a new handmade chrisalis scarf is BLUE STRONG!!!! So, congratulations! Look for an email within the next 48 hours for more information :)
Sorry I didn't have more to give away today, but keep an eye out for the next giveaway!! It will be something a little different! Have a great weekend! I know I will, my darling husband will finally be home tonight!!
Just a midwestern wife, making a way in the world the only way I know how, and sharing with others who might be interested in the way I do things. Hoping to make life a little easier and more fulfilling!
Saturday, July 28, 2012
Mushroom and Barley Risotto
OKAY!!! The Winner of the giveaway will close a little later today, so keep your eyes peeled for the results!!
I have yet another mushroom recipe. I hope you guys like mushrooms, I know they are a highly debated fungi :) Not always so popular, but I love them, and they are a great way to fill foods for vegetarians because they don't have many calories or fats or anything. Anyway, this recipe turned out really well! It's quite yummy if I may say so myself. I'm pairing it with some panko fried tofu, but really any protein or protein substitute would work well! Check out the original recipe at Brown Eyed Baker.
I have yet another mushroom recipe. I hope you guys like mushrooms, I know they are a highly debated fungi :) Not always so popular, but I love them, and they are a great way to fill foods for vegetarians because they don't have many calories or fats or anything. Anyway, this recipe turned out really well! It's quite yummy if I may say so myself. I'm pairing it with some panko fried tofu, but really any protein or protein substitute would work well! Check out the original recipe at Brown Eyed Baker.
Ingredients
2 Tbl olive oil
1 white onion
8 oz mushrooms, sliced
2 cloves garlic, crushed
1 Tbl parsley
1 Tbl Thyme
1 cup barley
6 cups vegetable broth
1 Tbl butter
goat cheese to top
salt and pepper to taste
Directions
Place saucepan over medium heat with olive oil. Slice onion and saute for approximately five minutes. Then add the mushrooms and let them cook until their juices are released. This takes about ten minutes. If the mushrooms stick, add a little water. I didn't have that problem, but it might depend on your cookware. Once the mushrooms are done, add the crushed garlic and herbs. Stir thoroughly and then add the barley and continue stirring. Add four cups of the broth and turn heat to high. Bring to a boil and continue boiling until most of the liquid has been absorbed. Then reduce heat to medium and add the remaining broth 1/2 cup at a time letting it absorb. One it is finished, add the butter and the cheese! Season with salt and pepper if desired.
Enjoy!
Friday, July 27, 2012
Mushroom and Leek Pizza
Today I tried another experiment with things I love, but Josh doesn't particularly enjoy. So, I made a creative Kara pizza! It turned out really yummy!
Ingredients
1 pizza crust
2 Tbl olvie oil
2 cloves garlic
1 leek
1 container mushrooms
1 Tbl pesto
2 oz goat cheese
1 cup mozzarella cheese
3 fresh basil leaves
Directions
Preheat oven to 350 degrees. I used a premade pizza crust for my pizza, so it was pretty easy and quick to make. Cut mushrooms and leeks to desired pizza size. Chop garlic. Place a medium sized skillet over medium heat and add olive oil. Saute the leeks and garlic for approximately five minutes and then add mushrooms. While they are sauteing, spread pesto over the pizza crust. Then cut goat cheese into pieces and sprinkle on crust. Chop basil. When the mushrooms begin to become darker in color and appear juicier, add to the top of the pizza. Sprinkle mozzarella cheese on top, then the basil. Bake for approximately 10 minutes or until cheese is nicely melted. Remove from oven, cool, then cut and serve!
Ingredients
1 pizza crust
2 Tbl olvie oil
2 cloves garlic
1 leek
1 container mushrooms
1 Tbl pesto
2 oz goat cheese
1 cup mozzarella cheese
3 fresh basil leaves
Directions
Preheat oven to 350 degrees. I used a premade pizza crust for my pizza, so it was pretty easy and quick to make. Cut mushrooms and leeks to desired pizza size. Chop garlic. Place a medium sized skillet over medium heat and add olive oil. Saute the leeks and garlic for approximately five minutes and then add mushrooms. While they are sauteing, spread pesto over the pizza crust. Then cut goat cheese into pieces and sprinkle on crust. Chop basil. When the mushrooms begin to become darker in color and appear juicier, add to the top of the pizza. Sprinkle mozzarella cheese on top, then the basil. Bake for approximately 10 minutes or until cheese is nicely melted. Remove from oven, cool, then cut and serve!
Thursday, July 26, 2012
Homemade Fluffy Pretzels
Ok, when I found this recipe, I was sooo excited!! I love giant pretzels. There is something about them that is just so tasty! I especially like them with mustard, so when a friend of ours brought us some spicy mustard from their vacation, I knew it was time to finally try it! Josh doesn't like mustard, since he is gone I thought this would be a good time to try them. Plus, if they didn't turn out he'd never have to know about my mishap :)
Before we get to the goods...don't forget! We have a giveaway from Kara's Knits going on, and it ends on Saturday!! So get check out my first ever giveaway here!!!
Alright, here's some carb goodness! Makes 4 pretzels! Original recipe was for eight. You can find it at Fifteen Spatulas.
Ingredients
1 1/4 cup flour
1/4 tsp salt
1/2 tsp sugar
1 1/8 tsp instant yeast (half of a packet)
1/2 cup warm water
1/4 cup warm water
1/2 Tbl baking soda
salt for sprinkling pretzels
cooking spray for baking sheet
butter for spreading
Directions
Mix together all of the dough ingredients (the first list) in a large bowl with a spoon. Then knead the dough for approximately two minutes by hand. You can use a stand mixer, but mine is packed away until we move into a house :( Anyway, the dough should be soft, but not sticky. Sprinkle it with flour lightly and place in a bag to rise for 30 minutes.
Preheat the oven to 500 degrees. Remove dough from bag and place on baking mat. Cut into four pieces and let rest for five minutes. While waiting, make the baking soda wash. Mix together the warm water and baking soda and mix until mostly dissolved.
Roll each piece of dough into long ropes and shape into a pretzel! If you need help with that, I didn't take step by step pictures because I had to hurry a bit (had to go to work) but the original post does a great job showing how to do it, so check that out for help!
Once you have your pretzels, dip them into the baking soda mixture and place on your sprayed baking sheet. Sprinkle with salt and bake for approximately 8-9 minutes. Keep an eye on them though because ovens can vary. When nice and brown, remove from oven and spread butter on top while they are still hot. YUM!
I enjoyed mine with the mustard, but they were amazing by themselves too!
Before we get to the goods...don't forget! We have a giveaway from Kara's Knits going on, and it ends on Saturday!! So get check out my first ever giveaway here!!!
Alright, here's some carb goodness! Makes 4 pretzels! Original recipe was for eight. You can find it at Fifteen Spatulas.
Ingredients
1 1/4 cup flour
1/4 tsp salt
1/2 tsp sugar
1 1/8 tsp instant yeast (half of a packet)
1/2 cup warm water
1/4 cup warm water
1/2 Tbl baking soda
salt for sprinkling pretzels
cooking spray for baking sheet
butter for spreading
Directions
Mix together all of the dough ingredients (the first list) in a large bowl with a spoon. Then knead the dough for approximately two minutes by hand. You can use a stand mixer, but mine is packed away until we move into a house :( Anyway, the dough should be soft, but not sticky. Sprinkle it with flour lightly and place in a bag to rise for 30 minutes.
Preheat the oven to 500 degrees. Remove dough from bag and place on baking mat. Cut into four pieces and let rest for five minutes. While waiting, make the baking soda wash. Mix together the warm water and baking soda and mix until mostly dissolved.
Roll each piece of dough into long ropes and shape into a pretzel! If you need help with that, I didn't take step by step pictures because I had to hurry a bit (had to go to work) but the original post does a great job showing how to do it, so check that out for help!
Once you have your pretzels, dip them into the baking soda mixture and place on your sprayed baking sheet. Sprinkle with salt and bake for approximately 8-9 minutes. Keep an eye on them though because ovens can vary. When nice and brown, remove from oven and spread butter on top while they are still hot. YUM!
I enjoyed mine with the mustard, but they were amazing by themselves too!
Tuesday, July 24, 2012
Meal Plan 12
Hello! Ok, so this week is weird yet again! I am sorry for the inconsistency, but that is what life gives us, isn't it? This week is a little odd because I am only shopping for myself :( My wonderful husband is away being an amazing youth pastor in South Dakota on a missions trip. I am sooo proud of him and so happy that he is all mine, but I am sad to be cooking for myself all week.
Meal Plan 7/23-7/29
Monday:
Breakfast: PB/chocolate Greek
yogurt
Lunch: sandwich, dried fruit,
and sweet potato chips
Dinner: rice with black beans,
cilantro, lime & veggie taco, dried fruit
Dessert: PBgraham cracker balls
Tuesday:
Breakfast: yogurt blueberry bread
Lunch:
spinach, avocado, goat cheese grilled cheese
Dinner: Soft Pretzels with mustard and dried fruit
Wednesday:
Breakfast: yogurt blueberry
bread
Lunch: mushroom, barley risotto
and “chicken”
Dinner: leftover pretzels and fruit
Thursday:
Breakfast: blueberry bread
Lunch: mushroom and leek pizza
Dinner: mushroom/barley risotto
Friday:
Breakfast: blueberry bread
Lunch: Panko Crusted Tofu
Dinner: mushroom and leek pizza
Saturday:
Breakfast: bread or cereal
Lunch: mushroom pizza
Dinner: whatever Josh wants :) and cheesecake (his favorite)
Sunday:
Breakfast: cereal
Lunch: leftovers
Dinner: youth group...so frozen pizza probably
Groceries: avocado (.89), goat cheese (3.99), mushrooms (2 packages) (1.29),
garlic cloves (.89), coconut oil (5.98), veggie crumble (3.99), pizza crust (2 pack) (2.99), 3 leeks (2.48), mozzarella
cheese (2.99), apple cider vinegar (1.99), strawberries (1.29), cheesecake mix (2.49), gelatin (1.25), whipped topping (.89), ice cream (2.69)
Monday, July 23, 2012
Peanut Butter Graham Cracker Treats
DONT FORGET!!! My giveaway is going on this week....check it out here :) Now, on to the goods!
My husband is gone this week on a missions trip. I am super excited for him and the youth group because I am sure it will be a great trip, but super sad that I am unable to go. The good part is that I cannot go because I got a job, the sad part is that I will be away from my amazing husband for the first time since we got married. I am missing him dearly already. To quell my longing heart, I decided to make something tasty for myself. I know that Josh is not thrilled by peanut butter like I am, so I'm taking advantage by making peanut butter graham cracker balls!! They are similar to buckeyes in a lot of ways, but also different :) Check it out!
Ingredients
1 cup peanut butter
1 1/2 cup crushed graham cracker
3 oz of chocolate bark
Topping of your choosing (I used crushed oreo and different types of sprinkles)
Directions
Mix together the peanut butter and crushed graham cracker until fairly dry. Roll into balls and place on a wax paper lined baking sheet. Refrigerate for 30 to 60 minutes. Using a double boiler, melt the chocolate and dip the chilled treats into the chocolate with a fork. Add any toppings! Chill and eat when completely dry! YUMMY!
I am keeping mine in the freezer so that I can just grab one from time to time when I want, but they won't go bad since I will be eating them by myself for the next few weeks until they are finally gone!
My husband is gone this week on a missions trip. I am super excited for him and the youth group because I am sure it will be a great trip, but super sad that I am unable to go. The good part is that I cannot go because I got a job, the sad part is that I will be away from my amazing husband for the first time since we got married. I am missing him dearly already. To quell my longing heart, I decided to make something tasty for myself. I know that Josh is not thrilled by peanut butter like I am, so I'm taking advantage by making peanut butter graham cracker balls!! They are similar to buckeyes in a lot of ways, but also different :) Check it out!
Ingredients
1 cup peanut butter
1 1/2 cup crushed graham cracker
3 oz of chocolate bark
Topping of your choosing (I used crushed oreo and different types of sprinkles)
Directions
Mix together the peanut butter and crushed graham cracker until fairly dry. Roll into balls and place on a wax paper lined baking sheet. Refrigerate for 30 to 60 minutes. Using a double boiler, melt the chocolate and dip the chilled treats into the chocolate with a fork. Add any toppings! Chill and eat when completely dry! YUMMY!
I am keeping mine in the freezer so that I can just grab one from time to time when I want, but they won't go bad since I will be eating them by myself for the next few weeks until they are finally gone!
The original recipe can be found at Baby Gizmo.
Saturday, July 21, 2012
My First Ever Giveaway!!!
Alright, it's FINALLY time! It's my 100th post and I am ready to do a giveaway :) It's not huge, but it's pretty and fun! Plus, it would make a great gift. So...here it is!
A beautiful chrisalis scarf!! These are really great for all seasons, they are nice and light for spring/summer evenings, but also a great covering in the fall and winter! They are fun and different, and I love making them! So, this first giveaway is from my shop Kara's Knits :) How to enter you ask. Well, there are a few ways.
HOW TO ENTER
1) Like Kara's Knits! (1 entry)
2) Repin your favorite post from Midwestern Wife (1 entry)
3) Follow me on Pinterest! (1 entry)
Now, once you do any of those things, comment back here that you did them! It's as simple as pie! I will be keeping this entry open for ONE WEEK! So, check back here next week to see who the winner is. Also, don't forget to put your email address somewhere so that I can contact you if you're the winner :) Don't forget to tell your friends!!
A beautiful chrisalis scarf!! These are really great for all seasons, they are nice and light for spring/summer evenings, but also a great covering in the fall and winter! They are fun and different, and I love making them! So, this first giveaway is from my shop Kara's Knits :) How to enter you ask. Well, there are a few ways.
HOW TO ENTER
1) Like Kara's Knits! (1 entry)
2) Repin your favorite post from Midwestern Wife (1 entry)
3) Follow me on Pinterest! (1 entry)
Now, once you do any of those things, comment back here that you did them! It's as simple as pie! I will be keeping this entry open for ONE WEEK! So, check back here next week to see who the winner is. Also, don't forget to put your email address somewhere so that I can contact you if you're the winner :) Don't forget to tell your friends!!
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