Five Things I can't Live Without - When Living With Kids.....

I love my kids..... more than anything.  They bring me joy, happiness and fulfillment.  Ninety nine percent of the time I love being a mom, and 1 percent of the time, well I fake it.  I have found that living with kids while rewarding can also be challenging, as anyone reading this who has children know.  For those of you who don't or are just in the beginning stages of parenthood, I thought I would list my top five things that I can't live without that help me from going insane on those 1 percent days....

Storage bins - okay seriously this sounds dumb, but trust me you won't be saying that when you step on a lego at 2 a.m when you are on your way down the hall to tend to a early morning feeding.  I have multiple storage bins, large sterolite ones that sit in my garage with air tight lids keep the kiddos off season clothing ( in a house with three kids there are way to many clothes for all four seasons to store in the closet at the same time).  I have bins that slide under the beds to hold board games and toys that are not part of the everyday play, and small bins that are easy to get to and carry for the little ones which hold everything from art supplies to matchbox cars and animal pet shops.  Spend a little extra and get thick durable ones (I prefer Sterolite), and bins with lids are always a plus ( and preferred in my house). Also look for bins that can stack upon one another.

Easy Footwear - Again sounds stupid right?  You may even be cringing at the thought of crocs.... but again let me say that you will thank me later I promise.  Each of my kiddos have a pair of crocs for the spring and summer months.  When you have a baby on one arm, your car keys and diaper bag in the other, and you are dangling a bottle from your teeth attempting to get the kiddos out the door so that you can get to the doctors appointment you are about to miss, you don't want to be fiddling around with laces and buckles.  The same rings true for winter months.  Each of my kiddos also own a pair of Ugg or Emu boots (for cold winter months) and a pair of rain boots because trust me, no matter how many times you say stay out of that big puddle... they are going to track right through it anyways. 

Activity Tote/Bag - each of my kids have a tote bag filled and ready to go at all times.  You can keep this in the trunk of your car or in the guest closet of your home.  Each bag includes crayons or markers with coloring and activity books, cheap plastic toys (like the little bag of animals you can find at the dollar store) that you won't be upset over if it happens to accidentally get left behind,  a bottle of water, and granola bar (or some other kind of handy snack).  These packed totes are lifesavers for me when we are stuck in traffic, or at the doctors office.  Any style of tote will do, even a reusable grocery bag can be used.  I happen to be in love with the custom tote above find it here.

Digital Ear Thermometer - simply stated: quick, efficient, easy to read and trust me that is all you want when your baby is screaming and burning hot at 3 in the morning.

Real quality time - life gets so busy in this byrdie house.  School for the kiddos, housework, cooking, dishes, laundry, pets, grocery shopping, working etc.  If you listen to nothing else I say... please listen to this.  Try to do something at least once a week with your kiddos.  Whether it be going out someplace so you can remove yourself from anything that will distract or temp you ( that unfolded basket of laundry, or dishes in the sink) or doing something together at home.  I try to do this a few times a week... it might be going out to breakfast on a Sunday morning or driving to the beach for the afternoon.  It can be an after school trip to the park for a couple of hours, or my favorite a movie night at home with a dvd rental and snacks.  Our family likes to make a nest of blankets and pillows when we do this.  The point is.... no cell phone, computers or chores.  Simply sit, dig, laugh, eat, run, joke, play, snuggle and truly take in these moments with your kiddos. 

BBQ Chicken Sandwiches........

I love this recipe for a number of reasons.  The top two reasons happen to be that this is my secret make dinner from leftover chicken recipe..... and it also takes maybe ten minutes to make.  The recipe is given for an individual serving, so it makes it easy to make the exact amount you need.  This is also a great recipe to make and pack for a brown bag lunch.  Did I also mention that it is yummy, and healthy? 

BBQ Chicken Sandwiches

1/2 cup shredded cooked chicken
1/4 cup shredded carrots
2 tablespoons bbq sauce
1 tablespoon of olive oil
2 slices of red onion
1 lettace leaf
1 whole wheat sandwich bun

Directions

Combine chicken, carrots and bbq sauce in a microwave safe bowl and mix.  Set aside.

In a small skillet add olive oil and heat over medium heat.  Add red onion slices and saute until onions are caramelized, about 3 minutes.

Microwave chicken mixture for 45 seconds, stopping to stir halfway through.

Place sandwich bun on a baking sheet or broiler pan and place under the broiler to lightly toast.

Assemble sandwiches by placing lettace on bottom half of bun and topping with chicken mixture.  Top with sauted onions.  Top with other half of bun and enjoy.

I like to serve this sandwich with baked beans.

324 calories in each chicken sandwich

Sunday Breakfast at The Way Station........

The byrdie family had a lovely little Sunday.  A little shopping and the best breakfast at a coffee shop here called The Way Station.  The Way Station has been open for over 40 years..... the inside decor is nostalgic and kitschy, the coffee is superb and the food is fantastic!  If you have a chance.. you have to stop by, but be prepared to wait a while for a seat because the place is always packed..

Waffles with Whip-cream and Strawberries.....

Daddy Byrds Country fried Steak and eggs....

A shot of Mama Byrds hash browns.... what the weigh station is best known for.  Haylei got the Thursday Breakfast and Sumo got the French Toast.  Baby byrd had a little bit of each.......

Linguine and Clams........

So I made this for dinner last night... It was hands down one of the top five yummiest dishes I have ever made.  It's really easy and surprisingly very cheap to make.  Also,  as usual it is healthy and low in calories (one serving consists of 8 clams and 1 cup of cooked pasta with broth, and has only 318 calories!)

Linguine and Clams:

Ingredients

1 1/2 pounds clams in shells
1 cup salt ( for soaking)
1/4 cup chopped shallots
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 3/4 cups reduced sodium vegetable broth or one 14.5 ounce can reduced sodium chicken broth
1/4 cup dry white wine
2 tablespoons lemon juice
1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper
4 cups hot cooked multigrain or whole wheat linguine (about 10 ounces when uncooked)
fresh italian flatleaf parsley
finely shredded Parmesan cheese

Directions

Scrub clams under cold running water.  To soak clams, in an 8 quart dutch oven or heavy pot combine 4 quarts cold water and 1/3 cup salt; add clams.  Soak for 15 minutes; drain and rinse.  Discard water.  Repeat soaking , draining and rinsing twice.

In a very large skillet cook shallots in hot oil over medium heat about 2 minutes or until lightly browned.  Add broth, wine, lemon juice and crushed red pepper.  Bring to boiling.  Add clams; reduce heat to medium-low.  Cook, covered for 8 to 10 minutes.  Discard any unopened clams.

Toss together clams and spaghetti.  Top with parsley and sprinkle with Parmesean cheese. 

Makes 4 Servings

Italian Penne with Fresh Mozzerella....

Made this for dinner tonight.... super easy, fresh ingredients, and so good!  Takes about 30 minutes to make and has only 256 calories per serving!  You could even indulge a bit and have a slice of fresh french bread with it.  (FYI french bread that you buy in the bakery section of your grocery store contains 150 calories per slice!  And that's with nothing on it... )


Italian Penne

Ingredients

3 ounces dried whole grain penne pasta ( about 1 cup)
nonstick cooking spray
1/3 cup chopped onion
2 cloves of garlic minced
1 14.5 ounce can of no salt added diced tomatoes
1 14 ounce can of quartered artichokes, drained and halved
1 cup chopped cooked chicken breast
1/4 cup kalamata olives sliced
1/8 teaspoon salt
1/8 teaspoon black pepper
2 ounces of fresh mozzarella cheese, coarsely chopped
2 tablespoons fresh basil leaves

Directions

Cook pasta according to package.  Drain and set aside

Lightly coat a large saucepan with cooking spray; heat over medium heat.  Add onion; cook about 3 minutes or just until tender.  Add garlic; cook for 1 minute more.  Stir in tomatoes, artichokes, chicken and olives.  Cook and stir about 5 minutes or until heated through.  Stir in cooked penne, tossing gently to heat through.  Sprinkle with salt and pepper.  Top with fresh mozzarella and basil.

Makes 4 servings
Serving size 1 1/2 cups

Sarah's Lean Mean Egg Sandwich.....

The key for me is to find easy, quick, filling and yummy choices to get me through my day.  Between the byrdies and the household I have very little time to food prep and cook for myself.  This is my new favorite thing to eat.  It's super quick and filling and it only has 225 calories! The best part is it takes only 5 min. to put together.

Sarah's Lean Mean Egg Sandwich

Ingredients

1 whole wheat sandwich thin ( I use orowheat multigrain with flax seed)
1/2 cup liquid egg substitute ( like eggbeaters)
1 tablespoon of feta cheese crumbles
2 tablespoons of brushetta ( I love trader joes brand)
1 cup of baby spinach leaves

Directions

Pour liquad egg substatute into a microwave safe mug.  Microwave on high for 1 1/2 minutes.  This will cook the egg and make it into a convienant patty like shape.

Toast the sandwich thins in toaster.  Spread one tablespoon of brushetta on each sandwich thin slices.  arrange spinach leaves on one of the sandwich thins.  Carefully scoop egg out of mug and set on top of spinach.  Sprinkle Feta crumbles on top of egg and top with remaining sandwich thin. 

I eat this with a peace of fruit for a filling and healthy lunch ( would be great for breakfast too!)

What I'm Crushing On......

Chevron Stripes - I love them on everything from walls to clothing

Storage Container House - this has to be the coolest idea I have ever seen!

Mini Party Hats for Toys- I may have to steal this idea for the baby birds 2nd birthday!

Vintage High Waisted 70's Jeans - found these on etsy... I just may have to buy them.

Butcher Block Counter-top - someday.... I will update and renovate my sad kitchen.  I had been sold on granite counter-tops, but now I am in love with the idea of a butcher block counter-top. 

Five Things I Can't Live Without - My Grocery Staples

Greek Yogurt - I usually buy plain and add my own mixes

Sandwich Thins - for a bread lover like me... these are a lifesaver.  Each thin (top and bottom piece) equal a total of only 100 calories.  I make sandwiches on them, use them as toast and I have even made breadcrumbs out of them.

Coffee - anyone who knows me knows that I have an obsession with coffee.  Perhaps more than I should.  I drink anywhere from 3 to 5 cups a day.

Spinach - by far my favorite green veggie, I use it for my salads, as a replacement for lettuce on my sandwiches and I cook with it a lot. 

Berries - while I love most fruit, berries are by far my favorite.  I almost always have a berry fruit salad mix in my fridge.

Trail Mix - okay I lied... there are six things I have to have.  I love trail mix... almost any kind will do although I am partial to mixes with nuts, raisins, dried fruit and yogurt chips. 

What about you?  Anything you have to have in your pantry?

Sarah's Dutch Oven Pot Roast.....

So I made pot roast for dinner tonight.  This is by far my favorite way to make it.  The flavor of the pot roast cooking for hours in the dutch oven  are unmatched.  I keep the seasoning simple... and cook the veggies along with the roast in it's own drippings.  This recipe also makes for the best gravy because it yields a nice helping of drippings with an excellent flavor. 

Sarah's Dutch Oven Pot Roast

Ingredients:

3 to 3 1/2 pound chuck shoulder pot roast
1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
1 cup beef broth 
3 carrots peeled and sliced
3 russet potatoes cleaned and cubed
3 celery stalks sliced
2 teaspoon Mrs. Dash (original)
2 cloves of garlic minced
1 teaspoon dried basil

For gravy:

2 tablespoons cornstarch dissolved in 2 tablespoons of water
1/2 teaspoon dried basil

Directions

Combine  Mrs. Dash, minced garlic and 1 teaspoon of basil.  Press into beef pot roast.  Heat olive oil in dutch over over medium heat.  Add the pot roast and brown on both sides. 

Add 1 cup of beef broth and bring to a boil.  Reduce heat and cover tightly.  Let simmer for 2  to 2 1/2 hours.  Add vegetables and cover.  Continue to cook for 3 to 4 hours or until veggies and roast are fork tender. 

Remove pot roast and veggies and keep warm.  Skim fat from cooking liquid.  Stir in cornstarch mixture and 1/2 teaspoon basil.  Cook and stir for 1 minute or until thick and bubbly.  Carve pot roast and serve with veggies and gravy. 

Pumpkin Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting....

So when coming up with this paticular recipe.... I kinda married a few of my favorite pumpkin baked goods.  After a few attempts I was able to come up with, what I think, is the perfect combination between the frosting and cake.   The pumpkin cake is extremely light, while the frosting is rich and creamy resulting in a perfect balance. 

Pumpkin Cake with Cream cheese Frosting

Ingredients

4 eggs
1 15 ounce can of pumpkin
1 1/3 cups of splenda sweetner
1 cup vegetable oil
2 cups of all purpose flour
2 teaspoons of baking powder
1 teaspoon baking soda
2 teaspoons of cinnamon
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon nutmeg
3 ounces of reduced fat cream cheese softened
1/4 cup butter
3/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 cups of confectioners sugar (powdered sugar)

Instructions

Heat the oven to 350 degrees

beat together the eggs, pumpkin, sugar and oil until well blended.  Add the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon and the nutmeg.  Mix until smooth. 

Spread the batter into an ungreased  9x13 inch pan.  Bake for 35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.  Allow to cool.

For the frosting, beat together the cream cheese, butter and vanilla extract until light and fluffy.  Add the confectioners sugar and beat until smooth.  Spread the frosting over the cake.  Cut into 24 squares.

Citrus Marinated Pork Chops.....

I don't cook pork chops too often.  I'm not sure exactly why... my family loves them.  I think that a lot of it has to do with the fact that I was around 20 before I actually tried a pork chop for the first time.  I personally am not a fan of breaded pork chops... in fact I like them when they are thin cut and have a light but flavorful seasoning.  Tonight I made a Citrus Marinade and let the pork chops soak in it for over 4 hours.  They were light and flavorful and the perfect pairing for the Mac and Cheese and salad that was also served. 

Citrus Marinated Pork Chops

Ingredients

4 boneless pork chops
1/2 cup of orange juice
2 tablespoons of olive oil
1 teaspoon minced garlic
1 teaspoon of chili powder
1/4 teaspoon of coarse black pepper

Directions

Place pork chops in a self sealing plastic bag.  Combine remaining ingredients and pour over the chops.  Seal bag and refrigerate for 4 - 24 hours.  Remove chops from marinade discard marinade.  Place chops on broiler pan and broil on high for 12 to 15 minutes turning once half way through. 

Sarah's Mac and Cheese

Before you read on... understand that this dish... is not healthy for you.  It is a truly yummy, indulgent comfort food which I believe is necessary from time to time.  I made this dish for dinner tonight.  I paired it with thin sliced pork chops and a spinach and apple salad.  I find that if you are gonna make something heavy like this... keeping the other dinner items on the light side help.

Sarah's Mac and Cheese

Ingredients

salt
vegetable oil
1 pound of elbow macaroni
4 cups of milk
1 stick of butter (8 tablespoons)
1/2 cup of all purpose flour
2 cups of gouda cheese grated
1 cup of mild chedder cheese grated
1 cup of aged asiago cheese grated
1 cup of raw milk chedder cheese grated
1/2 teaspoon of pepper
1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1 1/2 cups fresh sourdough bread crumbs ( 5 slices of sourdough bread crusts removed)

Directions

Preheat the oven to 375 degrees

drizzle oil into a large pot of boiling salted water.  Add macaroni and cook according to the directions on the package usually 6 to 8 minutes.  Drain well.

Meanwhile, heat the milk in a small saucepan, but don't let it boil.  Melt 6 tablespoons of butter in a large pot and add the flour.  cook over extra low heat for 1 minute stirring with a whisk.  While whisking add the hot milk and turn up the heat.  Continue whisking until thickened and smooth.. usually 3 - 5 minutes.  Turn off the heat and add all the cheeses, 1 tablespoon salt, pepper and nutmeg.  Add cooked macaroni and stir well.  Pour into greased 3 quart baking dish.

Melt remaining two tablespoons of butter and combine with the fresh bread crumbs.  Sprinkle breadcrumbs on the top.  Bake for 30 to 35 minutes or until the sauce is bubbly and the macaroni/breadcrumbs are browned on top.  

Five Things I Can't Live Without - In The Kitchen

I cook..... a lot.  Seriously, sometimes I feel like most of my day is spent in my kitchen.  Breakfast, lunch, dinner, snacks, food prepping, baking.... the list goes on and on.   Honestly... I spend the more time in my kitchen than any other room in the house.  Some days I love it... other days I wish I had a private chef to do it all for me!

One thing I have learned in my years of cooking..... is there are certain things that I could not live or should I say cook without.  Do you have anything like this????  If my home went up in flames and everything burned... these five things would be the first things I would HAVE to replace.

A Dutch Oven : funny enough I barely got mine this past Christmas.... but I love it more than ANYTHING else in my kitchen.  I have cooked a whole chicken in it, made numerous soups and stews in it...... you can even use it to make bread which I have yet to try.  I haven't even used a single pot out of my cupboard since I got mine.... honestly it's been life changing.  I also love the fact that mine is red.... it's so cute that I leave it out on my stove for display even when I am not using it.  It is seriously a one pot wonder.

Tovolo Cooking Utensils -  Oh how I love this brand!  Once I got my first spatula I was hooked.... then proceed to buy the cooking spoons and their tongs.  They are silicone cookware.... they will not melt no matter how hot they get.... not that I have ever left a spoon on the stove and had it melt, no never.  I also love that they have metal handles.  They are so well made..... once I got these I threw out every other spoon I had.

 

Calphalon Roasting Pan - basically any well made roasting pan will do.... I just know this one rocks, hence why I have it.  I have made Thanksgiving and Christmas turkey's, ham's, roasted whole chickens, made beef tenderloin and even prime rib using my roaster.  If you don't have one... it's a must.  Make sure you go ahead a pay a little more for a v rack for the inside if yours doesn't already come with one.  This makes the meat come out perfect... even on the bottom.

Pampered Chef Measuring Spoons - I have a small kitchen.  It's quite depressing actually.... but I made the choice to have a small kitchen so that my byrdies could have a backyard to play in.  Now one of the downfalls of the small kitchen is... you guessed it lack of space.  That means counter and drawer/cabinets.  I love pampered chef items.. but these are my favorite.  You only need two spoons.... one tablespoon and one teaspoon.  It has an adjustable sliding notch that lets you choose the exact measurement you need.  When I bought these I got to throw out the 10+ measuring spoons I had taking up space in my drawer.  Love these so much I use the EVERY SINGLE DAY.

Eat What You Love Cookbook - I got this cookbook as a gift from my awesome aunt for Christmas two years back.  It is my favorite cookbook.  Truth be told... I haven't even opened any of my other 25+ cookbooks since I got this one.  The recipes are yummy, low sugar, low calories and low fat.  I also love that they are relatively simple with practical ingredients.  I use it so much that it sits out on my kitchen counter at all times because I cook out of it at least 4 times a week.  Evidence is in this blog post here.... see it sitting out on my counter? 

So there you have it.... five things in my kitchen I could not live without.  What about you?  Anything in your kitchen you could not live without?