"We don't become southern, we're born that way."

Monday, February 13, 2012

Healthy Fried Rice Recipes



                                                             Chicken Version
1C. uncooked brown rice -steamed in rice steamer with 1 C. water
Make in the morning, let cool, then place in the refrigerator uncovered until ready to make supper. This keeps the rice from being gummy.
Dice up about 3 slices of sweet onion (videlia is the best when it is in season)
Slice up 2 carrots
Add 8 oz of fresh or frozen broccoli
Desired amount of shredded cooked chicken
Saute the vegetables in about a T. of olive oil over medium heat in a covered pan
Do the same in a big pan to the chicken, when hot add the cold rice and mix well to heat up. Add some soy sauce, when thoroughly hot stir in vegetables and remove from stove. Serve immediately.
                                                              Beef Version
1 C. uncooked brown rice -steamed in rice steamer with 1 C. water
Make in the morning, let cool, then place in the refrigerator uncovered until ready to make supper. This keeps the rice from being gummy.
Dice up about 3 slices of sweet onion (vidalia is the best when it is in season)
16 oz of fresh or frozen broccoli
Desired amount of sliced or diced steak
Saute the vegetables in about a T. of olive oil over medium heat in a covered pan
Do the same in a big pan to the beef, when hot add the cold rice and mix well to heat up. Add some terriyaki sauce, when thoroughly hot stir in vegetables and remove from stove. Serve immediately.

Sunday, February 12, 2012

Thirsties Duo All In One Review

I just ordered and received 6 of the new Thirsties Duo All In Ones; 3 in each size. My first impression was LOVE these as I eagerly pulled them out of the box, all the while thinking that I hope that they will fit and perform as well as they look. So, after prepping and trying them out, here are my thoughts.... Oh the potential they have to be PERFECT! Here are the general pros: adorable, two adjustable sizes, trim, buttery soft stay dry fleece on the inside, can easily be turned inside out for faster drying time, easy to add a doubler to the tunnel, available in snap or aplix closure, (I chose snap) gentle elastic, easy to spray off EBF or solid stool. Now the cons for each size, and really the cons are about the size/ fit, nothing else. Size one: there is less snaps on the width than the Duo Wrap making not enough size options at the waist. My little 10 lb. 14 week old is on the middle rise and the loosest waist setting on the AIO, but on the Wrap he is on the middle rise and waist setting. So the only problem is it needs more snaps at the waist, other than that it is perfect and I love the fit! The size two has the same problem, but also needs a bit more rise and width in the booty area IMO. There is NO WAY this would fit to 40 lbs! My 2 1/2 year old is 26 1/2 lbs (he is average build and fairly slender 15th percentile) and is on the loosest settings. It looks a bit small, but is still comfortable as long as he doesn't grow! It is most definitely smaller in every way than the Duo Wrap, so be prepared for that. All in all it is still a fantastic diaper!!
                                                 Size 1 Duo Wrap and Size 1 Duo All In One
                                               Size 2 Duo Wrap and Size 2 Duo All In In One

Spinach Casserole Recipe

This is one of my absolute favorite recipes, especially when it is paired with a baked potato and/or some grilled meat. I have adapted this from an original recipe called Emerald Creme Casserole. I hope you enjoy this!
Ingredients:
2 10 oz boxes of chopped spinach- cooked and well drained
3 eggs-beaten
2 T. of flour-any kind
12 oz cottage cheese
8 oz of cheddar cheese- cut into small cubes
Mix all. Pour into a greased casserole or split into 2 pie pans. Would make a great quiche in two pie crust as well.  Delicious- even spinach haters will eat this! Cook on 375 until bubbly and cheese is beginning to brown. About 30-45 min depending on which pan you put it in- the thinner you spread it the quicker it will cook.

Tuesday, February 7, 2012

Spicy Lowcountry Black Eye Pea Soup Recipe

Here is my own original recipe. Makes a ton, you may want/need to cut in half or freeze. It does freeze well.
Prep- soak beans and rice the night before. (Of course you could go ahead and cut up your cabbage and cook your sausage if you have the energy or motivation or need to.)
Ingredients:
1 lb. of sausage
2 jalapenos- finely diced (this is quite spicy, you may only need one if your family isn't big spice lovers)
1 head of cabbage
1 1/2 C. dry black eye peas
2 29 oz. cans of petite diced tomatoes
1 C. of brown rice

1. Soak beans and rice.
2. Cook sausage with the jalapenos. Rinse and drain.
3.While sausage cooks chop up your cabbage.
4. Open the tomatoes (do NOT drain) and pour into a full size crock-pot, add beans, (drained) add cabbage, salt and pepper, and finally the sausage. Cook all day on low or half a day on high. (will update with exact times)
5. Stir periodically to ensure even cooking of the cabbage.
6. Cook the rice sometime before you are ready to serve. Add to crock-pot. I like to add it in about 30 minutes before serving.
7. Optional, cook up some fresh southern cornbread, muffins, or cakes to serve alongside. Yum! (Don't forget the butter :) Enjoy. Also, some shredded cheddar is delicious sprinkled over each serving.

My Ergo Baby Carrier Experiences With the New Heart to Heart Infant Insert


I totally love the Ergo and I think that every parent needs one. But, I have to say that they are hit or miss for those first few months. When Sqeaky was still itty- bitty, he just seemed too tiny. Then a few weeks later he seemed more comfortable and had more head control, so he enjoyed napping in it for a couple of weeks. Then he decided he didn't like being so squished, or not able to really look around. So that is where we still are. I think he needs to be at about the same development for this as a Bumbo seat. Yes, I tried all this with the new Heart to Heart Insert. I really hoped it would be love from day one, but nope. I started using the Ergo with Boo-Bear at 5 months and it was much better. Once they fit without an insert it is the bomb and I can't live without it!! (Seriously, I would take this with me as my one item on a deserted island... ) Not to mention the insert is a pain to deal with, especially when you are out and about. Not user friendly, I wish they made it like the Beco Butterfly 2, now that would be great. Will update...