Mexican Pie

I’ve been rearranging and decluttering  the kitchen. I decided to look once again at my few cook books and see if I was using them or if any needed a new home. I came across this recipe I haven’t made in a few years. It was a family favorite and  seems it still is. It’s quick and easy to prepare, tastes yummy, and forms a nice thin corn bread on top. It’s good the next day too and freezes well. Enjoy!

( I used all Gluten Free ingredients)

(From Eat Well, Live Well The Canadian Diabetic Associations Guide to Healthy Eating, 1990)

 

Mexican Pie
1 Medium Onion
1 TBSP vegetable oil
1 can tomatoes (19 oz/540 ml)
1 can kidney beans (19 oz/540 ml) (I soaked and cooked the beans)
1 can corn (12 oz/341 ml) (I used frozen)
1 TBSP chili powder ( I suggest 2 TBSP or more)
¾ cup cornmeal
1 cup 2 percent milk (I used soy milk)
2 eggs
1 ½ cup shredded cheese (cheddar, swiss, mozzarella, or a mixture)
In a large skillet on medium high heat, cook onion in oil until transparent. Cut up tomatoes. Add tomatoes, kidney beans, corn and chili powder to skillet. Cook on low heat, uncovered, for about 1 hour, or until slightly thickened, stir occasionally. (I used a masher and mashed the mixture a little to thicken the sauce). Pour into 9 X 13 inch baking pan. Sprinkle corn meal evenly over surface. In separate bowl, beat together milk and eggs. Pour evenly over corn meal. Sprinkle with cheese. Bake uncovered 350 oven, 50 – 55 minutes. Cut into squares to serve.

 

 

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Time Saving Ideas

I really like these time saving ideas that I came across this morning on Real Simple. Maybe you will too.

1. Send gift certificates for presents. Order online—no shopping, no wrapping, no exchanges.

2. Buy bagged salad greens and rotisserie chickens, two cornerstones of quick, healthy dinners. Add shredded chicken to casseroles, salads, soups, and pastas.

3. Ask for the earliest appointment. The later in the day you book a doctor’s visit, a haircut, or a meeting, the greater the chance it will be delayed.

4. Keep a stash of all-purpose birthday cards on hand, at home, and in the office.

5. Put a list of movies you want to rent and books you want to read in your wallet or smartphone.

6. Keep doubles and triples of things you use all the time (scissors, tape, reading glasses, cleaning supplies) in every corner of the house. This will prevent extra trips up and down the stairs for minor projects.

7. Get an electronic tag for your car if it is accepted at toll plazas in your area.

8. Invest in a wireless handheld e-mail device (such as a BlackBerry). Keep in touch with friends during unexpected downtime.

9. Sign up for automatic bill paying at your bank’s website.

10. Buy a case of your favorite olive oil or wine so you don’t have to make last-minute trips for hostess or birthday gifts.

11. Buy movie tickets in advance using Moviefone or Fandango to avoid wasting time on lines.

12. Whenever possible, double a recipe. Eat half right away, and freeze the rest for a future meal.

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Curried Broccoli and Sweet Potato Soup

Curried Broccoli and Sweet Potato Soup

(From The Diabetes Choice Cookbook for Canadians, 2002, Pg 48)

I sure enjoy making and eating a good soup. This one is quick to make; high in fiber; and a good source of Vitamin A and C.

Ingredients

2 tsp vegetable oil

1 ½ minced garlic

1 ½ cups chopped onions

1 tsp curry powder (or more if you like)

4 cups chicken stock (add more stock if too thick)

4 cups broccoli florets

3 cups peeled diced sweet potatoes

2 TBSP honey

(I use gluten free ingredients)

Directions

• In a large saucepan heat oil over medium heat.
• Add garlic, onions and curry.
• Cook for 4 min or until onions are softened.
• Add vegetable stock, broccoli and sweet potatoes. Bring to a boil.
• Cover and reduce heat to low and simmer for 30 min or until vegetable are tender.
• Transfer soup to food processor or blender. Purée. Add honey and serve.

I sometimes add soft tofu just before pureeing – for extra protein. Once served, I add a little ground flax seed to my bowl.(Flax seed is high in fibre; healthy fats and antioxidants).

Brown the onion, garlic and curry.

Add Stock, Sweet Potatos and Broccoli

Puree.

Freezes well.

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‘To Do’ Lists

I can’t say enough about ‘ to do’ lists or ‘lists’ in general. That’s because I’m simply better organized, at home and at work, when I use one. I transfer things from my mind to a list.  I save time (and money) because with a list,  I’m not being pokey. Otherwise, I go from this to that and I don’t really accomplish much.  Lists help me prioritize too. My recent lists have included: Thanksgiving dinner, fall gardening,  and clients to contact this week. I keep a daily list too.  It’s for things that  I dont want to fall through the cracks like: meditation, exercise,  call a friend, or pick up library books.   Today I came across this amazing online tool called Wunderlist, maybe you’ve heard of it.  It’s very easy to use and it’s FREE.  Starting today, I’m managing my tasks from my home computer, office computer and my iPod Touch.  If you’re like me, always looking for ways to stay organized, give this a try.  I think you’ll like it. Have a nice day. Linda

                                                                                (Wunderlink screen)

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Hand Held Sanitizer

I am quite pleased with this small appliance, it sure comes in handy for things that are hard to clean.   I’ve found it very helpful for the following:

Sanitize my exercise mat and my car seat.

I keep my keyboard and phone germ free too.

Some people like to use it to steam clothing and draperies, although I haven’t tried that yet.

If you have some hard to clean areas, you might find the hand held sanitizer helpful. It is inexpensive too.  So give it a try.  Have a nice day. Linda

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Homemade Household Disinfectant

With lots of bugs in the air, I’ve been using disinfectant a little more lately. I really like the mixture below and I’ve been using it for sometime now. I make a larger batch and keep the extra on hand until I have the time to make more. I use it in the bathroom; kitchen; on door knobs and any other place that needs a good cleaning. It is so easy to make; cost effective; and leaves fixtures very shiny. Give it a try; I’m sure you will be happy with it.

1 TBSP liquid dish soap

½ cup vinegar

½ cup rubbing alcohol

½ c water

Mix and put in spray bottles

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Easy to Make Cushion Covers

An easy; fast; and inexpensive DIY decorating project that I have tried, and that has worked out very well, is sewing cushion covers. Cushions add a new look to any room instantly.  I went through a phase of buying various cushions, but storage became a problem. I decided to sew a few covers to put over existing cushions. Now, when I change the covers for a new look, I store the unused covers in a drawer. Having made a few sets now, I am really pleased with the outcome. Also, I purchase the fabric at the end of a season in order to get a good price. Here are easy instructions to change the look of a room quickly:

Supplies

Sewing machine

Pillow form – or use an existing cushion

Thread to match fabric

Fabric – Front – upholstery fabric.

Fabric – Back – upholstery fabric.

Velcro

Note: when pressing fabric, do not place iron directly on the fabric. Place a t-towel on the fabric and iron the t-towel – to prevent damaging the upholstery fabric.

Measure:

Measure your pillow form or cushion and subtract one inch from the length and width measurement (to allow for a snug fit). For example, if your form/cushion is 16 X 16 then subtract one inch from the length and width for tight fit (15 X 15). Add ½ inch to each side for seam allowance (16 X 16). We are back to the original measurement.  Add 7  inches to the back piece (for the overlap). Using the above example, the dimensions will be 16 X 16 for one front piece and 16 X 23 for one back piece. Cut your fabric to the correct dimensions.

Form the overlap (opening) in the BACK fabric:

Fold the back piece in half.  Iron to form a crease. Using the above example again, the measurement is now 16 X 11 ½ when folded.  Cut fabric in half along the crease. You now have 2 pieces of back fabric -16 X 11 ½ inches each.  Fold the 11 ½ inch right side under ½ inches to wrong side. Sew down.  Fold right side under another 1 inch to wrong side. Sew. Press. Repeat for the other 16 X 11 ½ piece. You now have 2 back pieces measuring 16 X 10. Place one back piece over the other back piece – right sides together. Overlap the 1 “seams at the centre, until the two pieces together now measure 16 X 16 “- not 16 X 20.   Pin. Baste together. (This forms the opening in the back of the back piece).

Complete –

With right sides together, sew front 16 X 16 piece to back 16 X 16 piece – ½ “ seam.  Trim corners. Push out corners with knitting needle or pencil.

Press. Turn to right side. Press.  Determine where you would like to place the Velcro for the closure. Pin in place. Sew. Insert your form/cushion. Close. The cover should be a little snug. You are done.

(Velcro – I used 2 strips on 2” for each cushion)

Variation – if you would like to make a cover without an opening then follow these instructions.

Measure your pillow form with a tape measure. Do not rely on the measurement on the packaging. Subtract ½ inch from each side (to allow for a snug fit). For example, if your form/cushion is 16 X 16 then subtract ½ inch from the length and width for tight fit (15 X 15). With right sides together sew ½ inch seam all around. I like to use a very small zigzag. Leave about an 8 inch opening (a space large enough to stuff your form/cushion inside).  Trim corners. Push out corners with knitting needle or pencil. Press. Turn cover to right side.  Press. Stuff form/cushion into cover. Work cushion down to corners. Hand sew opening closed.  You’re done.

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Homemade All Purpose Cleaner

I’m wondering if you’re making your own general purpose cleaner.  I’ve been using this mixture for sometime now and I really like it. I like to keep bottles in the kitchen, bathroom and shower.  It’s inexpensive; easy to make; smells nice; and cleans wonderfully. I think you’ll like it if you give it a try.

½ tsp baking soda

2 tsp Borax

½ tsp liquid dish soap

2 cups hot water

Mix and put in spray bottles

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Applesauce to the Rescue

I just love to bake with applesauce.   I use it as a substitute for butter/oil/margarine in a recipe – to make it more nutritious.  The recipe I use for spice muffins calls for 1 1/3 cups of oil, I simply substitute 1 1/3 cups of applesauce. I’m fortunate to have an apple tree, which grows very tart apples.  When the apples are ripe, I make my own apple sauce and freeze in 2-cup amounts.   To make the sauce, I cut apples (peel on) into bite size pieces. I put these into a large pot and sprinkled with cinnamon.

Then I add a little water and let simmer on the stove for ½ hour or until the sauce is chunky. When cool, I put in freezer bags, label and freeze.

Applesauce is so nice to use in baking or simply on a piece of toast.

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Flower Cards

Ladies, if you are interested in flower gardening, you may like this idea. When your flowers are looking their best, take pictures. Print the photo and glue it to a blank note card (available at craft stores).  Now you have a lovely card. I use my cards for all occasions. Have a nice day. Linda

By the way, I also use landscape photos on my cards. Fall photos look great too.

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Mirror and Glass Cleaner – Homemade

I really enjoy cleaning the glass and mirrors in my home weekly. I feel the house looks so much brighter with the added shine.  I also use glass cleaner on fixtures in the bathrooms for a nice sparkle.  I have made my own glass cleaner for many years. It is so simple; convenient; and inexpensive. Here is what you need:

¼ tsp of liquid detergent

3 tablespoons of vinegar

2 cups of water

Mix and pour into spray bottle

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Homemade Jewelry Cleaner

Ladies, it is so easy to have your jewelry looking nice all the time. Just soak it in jewelry cleaner for a few minutes; scrub with a very soft toothbrush; rinse with cold water; and dry with a soft clothe. Jewelry looks so much nicer when it is clean .  Here is a recipe that I have been using for over 20 years. Use it on gold, silver and costume jewelry. I have been told not to put gemstones in homemade cleaner.  I make a new batch about once a year. Give this cleaner and try, I am sure you will like it.  Shine on. Linda

2 TBSP liquid dish soap

½ tsp ammonia

1 cup water

Mix and store.

Once a year, at Christmas time,  I take my wedding rings to the jewelers for a professional cleaning – it a free service.

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Stick (Immersion) Blender

One day, I saw my favorite TV cook using one of these gadgets and I thought I definitely could use one.  When my small food processor burnt out, I replaced it with a stick blender. I use the stick blender mostly to puree soups. It is so convenient with little clean up. I simply put the wand in the pot; puree the soup; and rinse it off.  Some people like to use a stick blender for smoothies;  sauces; and spreads like hummus.  If you are not using a stick blender, give it a try. I think you will like it.

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Floor Sanitizer

Just over a year ago, I bought a floor steamer/sanitizer mop.  I have to say, this is one of the best home purchases I’ve made.   For about 18 months now, I have been cleaning my floors (linoleum and hardwood) with water only. The very first time I used the steamer/sanitizer; my youngest daughter came in the house and said ‘wow, the floors look great mom’. In the beginning, I found it difficult to push the mop back and forth. The pads  seemed to grip the floor.  In time, and after about 4 uses, the pads were not so dirty and the mop was far easier to push – because the build up of residue was finally removed. Since using this steamer/sanitizer, I wash my floors less often as they stay cleaner longer. Ladies, consider making the switch to a floor steamer/ sanitizer. Not only is it environmentally friendly, but you will save money by not buying floor cleaners  and your will save time by cleaning your floors less often. Have a great day. Linda

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Freezer Contents – List

Do you have a list of your freezer contents in your kitchen? I like to keep one right on my fridge. This way, I know what is in the freezer when I am planning a meal or menu. We try to remember to update the list as we use things. My husband usually creates a new list every couple of weeks. Creating a list saves time and money. If you are not using a list, I hope you start soon.

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Dryer Balls

Ladies, are you using dryer balls? If not, I am sure you will like the results if you begin. When I use my electric dryer, I have found that dryer balls reduce drying time, soften fabrics and reduce wrinkles. They work by lifting and separating clothes/towels/sheets….allowing air to flow more efficiently. Dryer balls reduce the amount of energy used and therefore save money on the energy bill.  Some contain PVC and others do not. They are a little noisy, so beware.  I use them during the day when I will not bother anyone in my family. Give them a try; I am sure will be happy.

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Menu Planning – Main Meal

For many years I have benefited from menu planning.  I save time, money and I waste little food.  I started planning menus about 20 years ago when my girls were very young.  Menu planning is quite simple & if you write down your menus you can reuse them. I base my menus mainly on what is available in my pantry and deep freeze. I tend to buy items on sale and then use when I plan my menu. My local grocery store offers 10% off the first Tuesday of the month. I do my larger shop at this time. When life was fuller, I planned breakfast, lunch and supper meals. Now, I plan main meals only when I am at home. When I travel and have a kitchen available, I include three meals on my menu.

Here is a main meal  sample menu:   

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Easy Black Forest Cake

One of my favorite cake recipes is Easy Black Forest Cake. I acquired the recipe many years ago while volunteering at a children s summer camp. I have just started making the recipe again as it is so easy. It freezes well too. I like to have one (or part of one) in the freezer for convenience. My daughter Erin just loves this cake. I make this for all occasions.  Enjoy. Here is the recipe….

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Chili Bar

I thought I would share this easy entertaining idea that I have tried and really enjoy preparing for and serving to my family and friends. I like it because it is easy and stress free. It is a chili bar. I read about this first in Real Simple magazine last year. Start by making a large pot of chili (you can make this ahead and freeze). Then fill small bowls of toppings to put on the chili. I have used: chopped romaine, chopped radishes, chopped scallions, chopped black olives, chopped tomato, avocado, pumpkin seeds, cranberries, and other similar items.  I also fill a bowl with tortilla chips. My guests first put tortilla chips on their plate, then chili on top, then whatever toppings they like on the chili.  By using tortilla chips you can eliminate cutlery.  I am not able to fit everyone around a table.  Therefore I provide each guest with a decorative t-towel for his or her lap.  To decorate my buffet table I first put down a white tablecloth, then I scatter cards/photos  (or whatever theme you like) on the table. I then cover the table with a clear plastic table protector. This keeps the tablecloth clean and the cards in place. I put a center piece in the middle. Next I put the chili on the table in a nice serving dish with the toppings around it.  I keep dessert simple – an apple crisp or easy black forest cake.  We invite 3-4 couples over for a casual evening – usually on a weeknight. We also play a game like jeopardy (homemade and theme based).   This evening is so simple and stress free. It is also easy to tweak. I hope you give it a try. Linda

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Spinach

In my part of the world, the weather is getting chilly. As I think about winter cooking,  spinach comes to my mind. I discovered frozen spinach when my girls were younger and life was very full. Frozen spinach, in my mind, is one of the best inventions ever. It is convenient, inexpensive, full of nutrients, and already chopped. I add it thawed, just before serving, to: soups; stews; chili; and spaghetti sauce. I use fresh spinach also.  I buy the pre – washed bag for convenience. I like to add it to a sandwich wrap for lunch. I use it in salads often. Sometimes I put fresh spinach in the bottom of individual soup bowls and just pour hot soup over it. I also add fresh spinach to: soups; stews; chili; and spaghetti sauce. Spinach adds wonderful color to dishes also. There are so many ways to use spinach – be creative, you won’t be disappointed. Bye for now. Linda

P.S. Our lovebirds really like spinach too.

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