Cheesy Broccoli Quinoa

Cheesy Broccoli Quinoa
Serves 4

1 c quinoa, well rinsed
1 1/2 c vegetable broth or chicken broth
2 c broccoli, chopped
1 c shredded cheddar cheese
salt and pepper, to taste

Bring the quinoa, broth, and chopped broccoli to a boil over medium heat, reduce the heat and simmer, covered until the broth is absorbed & quinoa  is tender, about 13-17 mins.  Mix in the shredded cheese, until it melts.  Season with salt and pepper.

It's been way too long

So much has happened since I last posted.  I have lost 25 lbs.  Feeling stronger and better.  My kids have grown so much.  My oldest, Austen is now 18 years old.  I can't believe that I am the parent of an adult.  Weird!  Sienna is now 2 years old.  Jordan is 4 years old.  Kiera is almost 7 years old and Maya is 8 years old.  Sam and I will celebrate our 9th wedding anniversary in June.  I have changed a lot of my eating habits.  I still have some treats.  I will post more later.

No recent updates, sorry

Sorry, it has been so long since I updated or posted.  Things have been crazy around here.  Sienna recently turned 1!  At her 12 mo well child appt.  she weighed 20 lbs 5 oz and was 30 in long.  The ped says she's long and thin.  Her head circumference was in the 30%, length is 80% and weight was about 40%, I think.  Jordan also had his 3 yr well child appt.  He was 33 lbs and 36 in.  Not sure if they measured/weighed him correctly though.  Long story.  LOL.  They both have ear infections in one ear.  Sienna has had hers for almost a month now.  They had to switch meds.  Hope this one works.  She now has 7 teeth.  Eats everything.  Is a happy go lucky baby.  She is definitely a blessing in our lives.  My dh bought his twin brother's truck so I don't have to get up at 4 am to take him to work anymore.  So glad for that.   I am currently looking for a job so we can move.  Anyway, here's a picture of Sienna on her bday.  Don't mind the mess in the background, it's Jordan's snack.

Cookbook postponed for a few weeks and chocolate chip brownies

I have been having some heath problems.  I am ok, but need to postpone working my way through the cookbook.  =)


Chocolate Chip Brownies


1 c butter or margarine, softened
2 c sugar
6 eggs
1 tbsp vanilla
2 1/4 c flour
1 c chopped nuts
1/2 c cocoa
1 tsp baking powder
1 tsp salt
1 c chocolate chips
1 c vanilla baking chips

Cream the sugar and butter; add the eggs and vanilla and mix well.  Combine the dry ingredients.  Stir into the creamed mixture just until blended.  (Do not overmix).  Pour into a 10x15 pan.  Sprinkle with chips and nuts.  Bake at 350 for 30-35 minutes or until brownies test done.

Working my way through a cookbook

Has everyone seen the movie about Julia Child (Julie and Julia) ?  I thought it was interesting how Julie worked her way through one of Julia's cookbooks.  I have decided to do the same.  I have chosen 101 Things To Do With A Salad.  I love salads and hope to find some favorites using this book.  Cherry-Swiss Salad, Raspberry Chicken Salad, Chicken Fajita Salad, Avocado Chicken Caesar Salad, Jenny's Cashew Bow Tie Salad,  Summer Feta Pasta Salad, Hawaiian Coleslaw, Bacon Broccoli Salad, Mango Fruit Salad, and Tropical Ambrosia Salad are some that will be made.  I can't wait to get started.  Next week, we shall start.  See you then.

Freezer Berry Jam

I have been thinking of trying my hand at making freezer jam.  I think I will try this next week.   It's a small batch and has berries.  We shall see.

Freezer Berry Jam
Yield: 3-1/2 pints

4 cups blueberries
2 cups raspberries
5 cups sugar (seems like a lot, I will try less or use Splenda)
2 tblspns lemon juice
3/4 cup water
1 pkg (1 3/4 oz) powdered fruit pectin

In a large bowl, mash the blueberries.  Add raspberries and mash.  Stir in sugar and lemon juice.  Let stand for 10 minutes.  In a small saucepan, bring water and pectin to a boil.  Boil for 1 minute, stirring constantly.  Add to fruit mixture, stir for 3 minutes or until sugar is dissolved.

Pour into jars or freezer containers; cool to room temperature, about 30 minutes.  Cover and let stand overnight or until set, but no longer than 24 hours.  Refrigerate for up to 3 weeks or freeze for up to 1 year.

Nutrition facts (using sugar)--2 tablespoons = 82 calories, trace fat (trace saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, trace sodium, 21 g carbs, 1 g fiber, and trace protein.

Roasted Green Beans

Roasted Green Beans


1 pound fresh green beans, trimmed
1 tsp canola or olive oil
1 tsp water
salt and pepper, to taste
garlic powder, to taste

Preheat the oven to 500.  Line a rimmed baking sheet with foil.
Stir the beans, oil, and water together in a bowl until the beans are coated.  You can also shake them in a ziploc bag.  Spread beans out on the baking sheet and sprinkle them with salt, pepper, and garlic powder.  Bake for 8 minutes, or until cooked through.  These are good hot or at room temperature.