Sunday, January 20, 2008

UPDATE on My 2008 Goals

Updates (so far) on my goals:

1. To spend more time focusing in God's Word. I really need to do my daily devotions, I have let them fall by the wayside. I do try to read my Bible every morning, and I pray every day, but I need to get back into my devotions/studies. UPDATE: I have been trying to keep up with this daily.

2. To spend more quality & quantity time with my children. I want them to remember me as a mommy who loved them, not just because I tell them so. I want to try to do at least 1 fun thing with them each week, so they will remember their mommy time. UPDATE: So far have baked cookies with them a few times and took time to sit down and watch movies together and play games together as a family.

3. Don't nag so much at my family (dh included). Instead of nagging, if I will just do things myself, there won't be anything to nag about. Maybe then kids & dh won't be so reluctant to help out when asked. Especially if I ask less often. UPDATE: Have been trying to rely solely on myself to keep everything up by myself. I have made new lists on what I need to do & how often…spending less time on net to make it happen.

4. To make my house a "home". Not only would I like to take 2008 to try to decorate my home, I also would like it to become more of a place of bliss for my family, rather than a house we all reside in. UPDATE: Am currently working on decluttering the Master Bedroom. Once it is done, it will be decorated. Next will be Jacob’s bedroom.

5. Declutter/Organize my house and try to keep it clean so it maintains itself. This has been a long on-going goal for me:) I want to create routines/schedules that I can achieve, rather than feeling let down at the end of the day, for not finishing. Also a big part of this, and #4 is that I want my family to come home to a clean home daily. I don't want any machines (dishwasher, washer/dryer, etc) going when they come home. I want it all to be "done" when they get here. The only thing that should be running is the stove/oven (because kids get home 90 mins before dh & if dinner is already ready when they get home, it will be cold when he gets home). I think this would add to the relaxed atmosphere I am striving for (thanks for the tip Nichole). I also want to thank my dear friend Tami for challenging me & working with me on weekends:) UPDATE: I’ve been working on decluttering MBR for 2 days and have gotten about ½ way through. I have freecycled 9 trash bags of stuff, tossed 3 black trash bags of stuff, got 3 black trash bags of summer clothes out of the house. I am hoping to finish the decluttering by the end of tomorrow and then finish all the cleaning by Saturday. As far as the “machines” going, nothing has ran while dh & kids are home (except on weekends). I have also finally created master to-do lists that are “doable” and not so overwhelming. They finally make sense to me and everything is on one page, so I don’t have to hunt stuff down.

6. To take time at least once a week and do something I enjoy...whether it's scrapping, or watching a chick flick (rather than disney movies, lol). UPDATE: Haven’t quite gotten around to this goal, but I intend to once I get everything decluttered….the MBR is about the only room that really needs decluttering, the others just need straightening up or organizing.

7. To find a way to make more money from home, so I can feel like I am contributing something, and also to make things not so hard on dh and the kids. I already sell Pampered Chef, but don't make much money and I do bookkeeping/taxes, but that's seasonal. UPDATE: Haven’t yet figured out a way to do this.

8. To start saving money, instead of spending every penny that falls into our hands. I want to have money put aside for the future.
UPDATE: Haven't started saving yet, but have made sure the bills were paid on time, instead of letting any be late.

9. To become more self-sufficient. Like growing all of our produce for the year, except things that have to be fresh (like salad stuff, etc). To learn to can, to start raising our own meat/poultry.UPDATE: This will have to wait until it gets warmer.

Sorry & 1/2 way there!

Sorry it's been so long since I posted. I promise to be back soon. Been busy working on those goals:)

Well, we're half way there to another blog contest (200 posts)....I can't wait:)

Saturday, January 12, 2008

January OAMC Grocery list

Produce:
24 small red potatoes
24 large red potatoes
18 medium potatoes
3 cups baby carrots
1 1/2 pounds baby carrots
15 stalks celery
3 3/4 cups celery -- chopped
2 1/4 cups onion -- chopped


Condiments:
3 teaspoons horseradish
3 cups Russian salad dressing
18 tablespoons ketchup
9 tablespoons beef/steak seasoning -- ex. LaGrille Steak Spice or Victorian Epicure's Beef & Steak Seasoning


Boxes/Pasta:
2 1/2 bags egg noodles -- cooked as directed
4 packages stuffing mix, with seasoning packet
18 cups unseasoned stuffing cubes


Canned Goods:
24 ounces mushroom pieces
6 small cans sliced mushrooms



Soups:
15 large cans cream of mushroom soup
5 cans cream of celery soup
3 cans beef broth
5 1/4 cups chicken broth
6 packets onion soup mix -- any variety
9 tablespoons onion soup mix
2 1/4 envelopes beefy onion soup mix


Baking/Spices:
2 1/4 cups brown sugar
1 1/2 teaspoon sage
3 tablespoons dried onion flakes
3 teaspoons poultry seasoning
3 teaspoons garlic powder
3 teaspoons dry mustard


Dairy:
3 pounds sour cream
3 3/8 cups sour cream
1 1/8 pounds Swiss cheese slices
2 1/4 cups grated Parmesan cheese
1 1/2 cups butter
12 ounces cream cheese
18 ounces shredded cheddar cheese
6 eggs


Beverages:
42 oz. cola



Meat:
6 pounds ground beef
3 small frozen roasts -- 1 1/2-3 pounds each beef round tip
3 roasts, trimmed -- about 5 lbs. each
48 boneless skinless chicken breasts
30 small thick pork chops
18 pork chops
2 1/4 pounds sirloin steak
12 cups cooked turkey
3 hams

Tuesday, January 8, 2008

Correction to January OAMC

The Tastes Like Thanksgiving Casserole (OAMC 3 meals-24 servings)has 2 1/4 cups sour cream (not 102 cups...LOL).

In the original recipe, I meant to type 3/4 cups, but left out the /, so it was 34 cups....so when MasterCook scaled it for me, instead of being 2 1/4 cups (or 18 ounces) it ended up being 102 cups.....way too much sour cream for me.

Sorry for the inconvenience.

I am updating it in the recipe, as well, so that anyone who goes in later will see the correct version.

Saturday, January 5, 2008

January OAMC

Okay, this month I will be doing mostly crockpot meals for my OAMC session.

In my instructions, I tell you to divide the ingredients between 3 crockpots, but you don’t have to have 3 crockpots. You could either make 1 batch at a time OR you could try to get 1½ batches in a crockpot (if you have a larger one) and make 2 batches….OR you could just buy 1-2 more crockpots.

I have 3 because of our large family, but they come in handy when OAMC’ing and also at potlucks or the holidays when trying to keep things warm. I wouldn’t trade mine for anything….ok, maybe a million bucks, lol.

Now this month, I have 11 recipes for you (for 3 meals each = 33 meals). If I get particularly industrious, I may post this as OAMC (this post) AND OAWC (separate post) for those of you who only like to cook weekly. Now, I won’t get all of this cooked in one day, but will probably take 5-6 days, since I am only using the crockpots (takes about 6-8 hours for most recipes).

Also, I can scale these recipes to fit your needs (in case you want to make the recipe, but not for OAMC, or if you just have a smaller family). Just email me at catsgoals@wmconnect.com and I will send you the scaled recipes.

Will post grocery list later.

Are we ready to go now???
Chicken Stroganoff (OAMC 3 meals-18 serv.)

Recipe By :Cherylann
Serving Size : 18
Categories : OAMC

Amount Measure Ingredient -- Preparation Method
-------- ------------ --------------------------------
12 boneless skinless chicken breasts -- frozen (don't worry about thawing)
3 pounds sour cream
24 ounces mushroom pieces
3 cans cream of mushroom soup

Divide chicken breasts into 3 crockpots, mix up the rest of the ingredients, divide between crockpots and pour them on top, making sure chicken is covered. Cook 8 hours on low. Serve with wide egg noodles.





Cola Roast (OAMC 3 meals-18 servings)

Recipe By : Cherylann
Serving Size : 18
Categories : OAMC

Amount Measure Ingredient -- Preparation Method
-------- ------------ --------------------------------
3 small frozen roasts -- 1 1/2-3 pounds each beef round tip
3 packets onion soup mix -- any variety
3 small jar sliced mushrooms -- undrained
3 cans cola -- diet or regular, any brand
salt and pepper -- to taste

Place frozen roasts in 3 crockpots. Sprinkle each with salt and pepper. Mix cola and onion soup mix until dissolved. Pour over roasts, add mushrooms. Cook on low for 6-8 hours.

NOTES : Be careful when you remove the roast - it is so tender it will fall apart! I mix the "juice" with a jar beef gravy and mashed potatoes.

Pork Chop Special (OAMC 3 meals-18 serv.)

Recipe By :Cherylann
Serving Size : 18
Categories : OAMC

Amount Measure Ingredient -- Preparation Method
-------- ------------ --------------------------------
30 small thick pork chops
2 Tablespoons salt
3/4 teaspoon pepper
1/2 teaspoon sage
3 cans cream of mushroom soup
3 tablespoons dried onion flakes

Trim the excess fat from the chops and use it to grease a large skillet. Over high heat, brown each chop lightly on both sides. Salt and pepper each as it finishes and place it in the crockpot.

Add the sage. Turn the soup (undiluted) and the onion flakes into the still hot skillet. Scrape the pan juices and turn them into the crockpots.

Cover and cook on Low for 8 to 10 hours.





Crockpot Swiss Chicken (OAMC 3 meals-18 serv.)

Recipe By :Cherylann
Serving Size : 18
Categories : OAMC

Amount Measure Ingredient -- Preparation Method
-------- ------------ --------------------------------
18 boneless skinless chicken breasts
4 packages stuffing mix, with seasoning packet
4 cans cream of mushroom soup
1 1/8 pounds Swiss cheese slices
2 1/4 cups chicken broth -- or a little bit of water
2 1/4 cups grated Parmesan cheese

Place chicken breasts in bottom of 3 buttered crockpots. Cover with Swiss cheese (or provolone, or fresh spinach and then cheese.)

In a bowl, combine the soup, stuffing mix, and broth. Spoon mixture over chicken in crockpots. Sprinkle with parmesan cheese.

Cook on high for 4 hours. Chicken will be well done, but moist.





Crockpot Beef Stroganoff 2 (OAMC 3 meals-18 servings)

Recipe By : Cherylann
Serving Size : 18
Categories : OAMC

Amount Measure Ingredient -- Preparation Method
-------- ------------ --------------------------------
2 1/4 pounds sirloin steak -- cut into 1" slices
2 1/4 envelopes beefy onion soup mix
2 cans cream of celery soup
3 cans cream of mushroom soup
1 1/8 cups sour cream
2 1/2 bags egg noodles -- cooked as directed

Spray 3 crockpots with nonstick spray.

Mix all ingredients, except egg noodles. Divide into crockpots.

Cook on low 6-8 hours, stirring occasionally.

Serve over cooked egg noodles.

Pork Chops with Mushrooms (OAMC 3 meals-18 servings)

Recipe By :Cherylann
Serving Size : 18
Categories : OAMC

Amount Measure Ingredient -- Preparation Method
-------- ------------ --------------------------------
18 pork chops
6 cans cream of mushroom soup
24 small red potatoes -- quartered
3 cups baby carrots
6 stalks celery -- diced

Put the pork chops in 3 crockpots . Add potatoes, carrots and celery to crockpots. Pour 2 cans of soup over top of each crockpot. Stir gently.

Serving Ideas : Great with rice or mashed potatoes.



Tastes Like Thanksgiving Casserole (OAMC 3 meals-24 servings)

Recipe By :Cherylann
Serving Size : 24
Categories : OAMC

Amount Measure Ingredient -- Preparation Method
-------- ------------ --------------------------------
18 medium potatoes -- peeled and cut into chunks
3 3/4 cups celery -- chopped
2 1/4 cups onion -- chopped
1 1/2 cups butter -- cubed
18 cups unseasoned stuffing cubes
3 teaspoons poultry seasoning
3/4 teaspoon sage
3 cups chicken broth
12 cups cooked turkey -- cubed
3 cans cream of mushroom soup -- undiluted, or cream of chicken or celery
3 cans cream of celery soup -- undiluted, or cream of chicken or mushroom
3 teaspoons garlic powder
2 1/4 cups sour cream -- divided
12 ounces cream cheese -- softened
1 1/2 teaspoons pepper
3/4 teaspoon salt
18 ounces shredded cheddar cheese

Grease 3 13X9X2" baking dishes.

Place potatoes in a Dutch oven and cover with water. Bring to a bol. Reduce heat; cover and cook for 15-20 minutes or until tender.

In a large skillet, saute celery and onion in butter until tender. Remove from heat. In a large bowl, combine stuffing cubes, poultry seasoning and sage. Stir in broth and celery mixture. Transfer to prepared dishes.

In a large bowl, combine turkey, soups, garlic powder and 1/4 cup sour cream; spoon over stuffing mixture.

Preheat oven to 350°.

Drain potatoes; mash in a large mixing bowl. Beat in the cream cheese, pepper, salt and remaining sour cream; spread over turkey mixture. Sprinkle with cheese.

Bake for 35 minutes or until heated through.

NOTES : **Can use 6 cans cream of mushroom, 6 cans cream of celery, 6 cans cream of chicken; or any combination.

**Can substitute 4 1/2 cups leftover mashed potatoes for the 6 potatoes.


Farmhouse Pot Roast (OAMC 3 meals-18 servings)

Recipe By :Cherylann
Serving Size : 18
Categories : OAMC

Amount Measure Ingredient -- Preparation Method
-------- ------------ --------------------------------
3 roasts, trimmed -- about 5 lbs. each
24 large red potatoes -- cut into chunks
1 1/2 pounds baby carrots
9 stalks celery -- chopped
3 cans mushroom pieces
4 large cans cream of mushroom soup
3 cans beef broth
6 cups water

Put roasts in bottom of three 5-6 quart crockpots. Top each with potatoes, carrots, celery and mushrooms.

Pour in soup, broth and water into each crockpot.

Cook on low for 6-8 hours, or until beef is done and falling apart.

NOTES : Can substitute 9 beef bouillon cubes and 6 cups of water for the beef broth. Can substitute venison for beef.



Ham in Cola (OAMC 3 meals-18 servings)

Recipe By :Cherylann
Serving Size : 18
Categories : OAMC

Amount Measure Ingredient -- Preparation Method
-------- ------------ --------------------------------
3 hams -- reserve bones for soups
2 1/4 cups brown sugar
3 teaspoons dry mustard
3 teaspoons horseradish
3/4 cup cola -- NOT diet

Use just a touch of the cola to make a paste out of the brown sugar, mustard and horseradish. Pour the rest of the cola over the hams in 3 crockpots. Rub the paste over the cut side of the ham. You can cook the ham paste side up or down. I usually do it down so the cut portion of the meat is in the paste and juices. Cook on low 8-10 hours.

NOTES : I ran out of regular coke the last time I made this and substitued cherry coke and it was really good.




Crockpot Russian Chicken (OAMC 3 meals-18 serv.)

Recipe By :Cherylann
Serving Size : 18
Categories : OAMC

Amount Measure Ingredient -- Preparation Method
-------- ------------ --------------------------------
18 boneless skinless chicken breasts
3 cups Russian salad dressing
3 packages onion soup mix
2 1/4 cups water

Divide chicken into 3 crockpots. Stir ingredients together and pour over chicken. Cook on low for 8 hours.

Serving Ideas : Great with brown rice.




Crockpot Meatloaf (OAMC 3 meals-18 servings)

Recipe By :Cherylann
Serving Size : 18
Categories : OAMC

Amount Measure Ingredient -- Preparation Method
-------- ------------ --------------------------------
6 pounds ground beef
6 eggs -- beaten with a fork
18 tablespoons ketchup -- or chili sauce or salsa; reserve half for topping
9 tablespoons onion soup mix
9 tablespoons beef/steak seasoning -- ex. LaGrille Steak Spice or Victorian Epicure's Beef & Steak Seasoning


Mix it all ingredients together and mush into the bottom of 3 crockpots. Spread an additional 2 or 3 Tablespoons of ketchup (or Chili sauce or salsa) over the top. Cook for 6-8 hours on low or 3-4 hours on high.

NOTES : Variation: Put half the meatloaf mixture into the bottom of the crockpot. Spread with 1 - 2 cups shredded cheese. Mush the rest of the meatloaf on the top.

Tuesday, January 1, 2008

Goals for 2008...

I won't call them resolutions, because then I will just get frustrated January 5th, when I've already slipped, and I will just feel defeated and quit.

1. To spend more time focusing in God's Word. I really need to do my daily devotions, I have let them fall by the wayside. I do try to read my Bible every morning, and I pray every day, but I need to get back into my devotions/studies.

2. To spend more quality & quantity time with my children. I want them to remember me as a mommy who loved them, not just because I tell them so. I want to try to do at least 1 fun thing with them each week, so they will remember their mommy time.

3. Don't nag so much at my family (dh included). Instead of nagging, if I will just do things myself, there won't be anything to nag about. Maybe then kids & dh won't be so reluctant to help out when asked. Especially if I ask less often.

4. To make my house a "home". Not only would I like to take 2008 to try to decorate my home, I also would like it to become more of a place of bliss for my family, rather than a house we all reside in.

5. Declutter/Organize my house and try to keep it clean so it maintains itself. This has been a long on-going goal for me:) I want to create routines/schedules that I can achieve, rather than feeling let down at the end of the day, for not finishing. Also a big part of this, and #4 is that I want my family to come home to a clean home daily. I don't want any machines (dishwasher, washer/dryer, etc) going when they come home. I want it all to be "done" when they get here. The only thing that should be running is the stove/oven (because kids get home 90 mins before dh & if dinner is already ready when they get home, it will be cold when he gets home). I think this would add to the relaxed atmosphere I am striving for (thanks for the tip Nichole). I also want to thank my dear friend Tami for challenging me & working with me on weekends:)

6. To take time at least once a week and do something I enjoy...whether it's scrapping, or watching a chick flick (rather than disney movies, lol).

7. To find a way to make more money from home, so I can feel like I am contributing something, and also to make things not so hard on dh and the kids. I already sell Pampered Chef, but don't make much money and I do bookkeeping/taxes, but that's seasonal.

8. To start saving money, instead of spending every penny that falls into our hands. I want to have money put aside for the future.

9. To become more self-sufficient. Like growing all of our produce for the year, except things that have to be fresh (like salad stuff, etc). To learn to can, to start raising our own meat/poultry.