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October 2009 Archive

October 30, 2009

Naturally Orange

Our kids get enough artificial candy gunk this time of the year, don’t they? Why not try a way create orange colored frosting for your little pumpkins?

I developed this naturally orange colored frosting for some pumpkin cookies the boys and I made last Halloween. They were so cute, so tasty and so naturally cute that I just had to share.

First, make your cut-out pumpkin cookies. We like to use gingerbread dough for cut-outs, but whatever floats your boat is just fine.

Once they’re cooled, whip up some…

Naturally Orange Frosting [more]

October 29, 2009

Pumpkin Seeds

Have you carved your pumpkins yet? If you have, did you save the seeds? Did you know that pumpkin seeds toast up super yummy and are rich in iron, zinc and antioxidants?

I have tried many times to roast pumpkin seeds and I have found that the best way to roast them is to do it in a fairly low temperature oven for about an hour or more. Oh, and there are a few other tricks to do too. [more]

October 28, 2009

Eggs in a Nest

The holiday season is almost upon us and with it comes holiday visitors. Need a yummy, warm and filling way to feed your visitors breakfast? Try a new Sweet Pea favorite, Eggs in a Nest.

Eggs in a Nest

2 medium russet potatoes, shredded
½ teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon ground pepper
¼ teaspoon paprika
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 pound of turkey breakfast sausage
1 medium onion, diced
8 eggs
16 ounce container reduced fat cottage cheese
12 ounces shredded cheddar cheese

Preheat oven to 375 degrees. [more]

October 27, 2009

Tuesday's Tip

I like learning new things in the kitchen; new techniques, new recipes and new cuisines. I am usually up for a good challenge, but when it came to learning how to do yeast dough, I almost gave up.

For the longest time I think I allowed my intimidation with the temperatures and science behind yeast stop me from just diving in and trying new recipes. But then along came the idea of making my own pizza dough, and I just *had* to learn. [more]

October 26, 2009

That's a wrap

A new week is upon us and with it comes new busyness and excitement. R and G both have Halloween/Harvest parties at school this week, Thursday brings Trick or Treating (still don't understand why we have it on the 29th this year) and SPH has a busy work week too.

Each weekend I try and come up with a menu plan for the week to help ease the stress of each night's meal. With an extra busy week, I tend to focus on easy-to-prepare favorites, some of which can be made ahead or in the slow cooker. [more]

October 23, 2009

Fall Frost

Have you had to pull your summer vegetable plants? We pulled ours a couple weekends ago and were left with copious green tomatoes:

[more]

October 22, 2009

Up and Around

R’s back at school, G’s doing pretty well and I have to say I am feeling loads better than just a few days ago. My energy is still dragging, but compared to Monday, I feel like a rock star. [more]

October 19, 2009

Sharing

As parents, we all seek to encourage sharing, but this time, I could have done without...

R, our 5 year old, went from a typical high-energy day to completely lethargic, feverish, and a chronic cough Friday morning. I took him to the doctor and he tested positive for H1N1.

Despite my best efforts to wash our hands frequently, use sanitizer and do every basic flu prevention remedy, I got sick the next day, and now G, our two year old, is sick as well. [more]

October 15, 2009

Jenny's Lunch Bunch

Long before I was a mom, I was an aunt. I still remember when SPH’s sister Jenny had her first baby, our sweet niece Corinne. I was thrilled to be an aunt, and at the same time, to have a mommy mentor in Jenny. [more]

October 14, 2009

Busy Parent Pantry Item

I think one of the handiest tools in a busy parent’s pantry has got to be couscous. Couscous is a very small bead shaped pasta that can be cooked without boiling, you just simply pour a very hot liquid over it, cover it and in about 5 minutes, it is ready to go.

In recent years, it has become easier to find whole wheat couscous, which is just as easy to prepare, but with the benefit of whole grains. [more]

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