So I get bored at work every once in awhile and so now I'm a fiend for wealth wars. It's slow moving, yet so addicting. I have to admit, that I peruse the Money Matters board on The Nest and click on people's money blogs. I'm a snoop. I whole-heartedly admit it! I think that's why I like blogging so much, because people can get a peek into my life and I can get a peek into other people's lives.
Moral of the story:
I like blogs.
Try out Wealth Wars HERE.
PSH
3.19.2008
3.15.2008
Banana Chocolate Chip Bread
We've had two overripe bananas sitting on the counter for two days - it was time to take action.
McTatty's Banana Chocolate Chip Bread
1 2/3 cup flour
1 cup plus 2 tbsp sugar, or just one cup is fine too - if you're feeling sugary, add more
2 LARGE eggs
1/2 tsp cinnamon
1/4 tsp ground cloves (yes, secret ingredient, smells awesome in the oven!)
1/4 tsp allspice
1 tsp baking powder
1 tsp salt
1/2 cup oil
1/2 stick butter, melted
1 tsp vanilla
1/2 cup chocolate chips, just tossed in a little flour
Cream eggs, sugar and butter until light and fluffy. I didn't do that last night, but it still turned out good - even just whisking the eggs, sugar and melted butter together works just fine!
Mix all the dry ingredients together, then add the dry to the egg-sugar-butter mixture. Add the oil, the vanilla, and the chocolate chips. Combine by folding together. Pour into a 9x4 or 9x5 bread pan and bake at 350 for 40-60 minutes. Just until toothpick comes out clean.
The outside will be brown and crusty while the inside will be nice and fluffy!
PSH
McTatty's Banana Chocolate Chip Bread
1 2/3 cup flour
1 cup plus 2 tbsp sugar, or just one cup is fine too - if you're feeling sugary, add more
2 LARGE eggs
1/2 tsp cinnamon
1/4 tsp ground cloves (yes, secret ingredient, smells awesome in the oven!)
1/4 tsp allspice
1 tsp baking powder
1 tsp salt
1/2 cup oil
1/2 stick butter, melted
1 tsp vanilla
1/2 cup chocolate chips, just tossed in a little flour
Cream eggs, sugar and butter until light and fluffy. I didn't do that last night, but it still turned out good - even just whisking the eggs, sugar and melted butter together works just fine!
Mix all the dry ingredients together, then add the dry to the egg-sugar-butter mixture. Add the oil, the vanilla, and the chocolate chips. Combine by folding together. Pour into a 9x4 or 9x5 bread pan and bake at 350 for 40-60 minutes. Just until toothpick comes out clean.
The outside will be brown and crusty while the inside will be nice and fluffy!
PSH
3.14.2008
Turkey Meatballs.... And Spaghetti
I'm in love with ground turkey. The only thing I haven't made so far is turkey tacos. I'm a little bit afraid that my husband will be able to tell the difference. But with meatballs, I don't think he really cared all that much!
Turkey Meatballs
1 lb ground turkey
1 small onion, or 1 whole shallot
2 tsp worchestershire sauce
2 large eggs, yolks & all
1/4 cup bread crumbs
1/2 cup parmesan cheese
Salt & pepper to taste
1/2 tsp dried basil or LOTS of fresh basil - however much you're feelin' the herbs
3 LARGE cloves garlic, finely chopped & mashed to a pulp
1/4 cup olive oil
So I started with my mom's regular swedish meatball recipe, but decided that I wanted spaghetti instead. Meatballs are easily modified, but if you're afraid of not sticking to the recipe, don't worry, it's not that hard!
Dump all ingredients except for olive oil into a large mixing bowl. TAKE YOUR RINGS OFF. Then start to combine. Don't over mix - it's just right when you can form a small golf ball size meatball in your hands. If it's too sticky, add 1 - 2 tbsp more bread crumbs, if it's not sticky enough, add another egg OR 1 - 2 tbsp olive oil.
Heat a LARGE frying pan to hot with the olive oil, and I mean get it screaming hot so it smokes. Be careful - drop the meatballs in and fry until golden brown on all sides. It should only take about 45 seconds for color to begin, then roll 'em around to another side. Once brown on all sides, remove from pan.
Then:
If you're making homemade spaghetti sauce, here's my recipe:
1 can tomato sauce
1 can diced tomatoes
1/2 tsp cayenne pepper
1 tsp sugar
Handful of fresh basil, if on hand
Pinch of thyme, or maybe more than a pinch if needed
Salt & pepper to taste
Combine all in the same pan used to make the meatballs - if using an already made sauce, just pour in and bring to a simmer.
Drop the meatballs in and simmer for 10 - 12 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Cook spaghetti like normal.
Enjoy!
I LOVE spaghetti and meatballs - it's one of my favorite meals and now turkey has made it even better!
PSH
Turkey Meatballs
1 lb ground turkey
1 small onion, or 1 whole shallot
2 tsp worchestershire sauce
2 large eggs, yolks & all
1/4 cup bread crumbs
1/2 cup parmesan cheese
Salt & pepper to taste
1/2 tsp dried basil or LOTS of fresh basil - however much you're feelin' the herbs
3 LARGE cloves garlic, finely chopped & mashed to a pulp
1/4 cup olive oil
So I started with my mom's regular swedish meatball recipe, but decided that I wanted spaghetti instead. Meatballs are easily modified, but if you're afraid of not sticking to the recipe, don't worry, it's not that hard!
Dump all ingredients except for olive oil into a large mixing bowl. TAKE YOUR RINGS OFF. Then start to combine. Don't over mix - it's just right when you can form a small golf ball size meatball in your hands. If it's too sticky, add 1 - 2 tbsp more bread crumbs, if it's not sticky enough, add another egg OR 1 - 2 tbsp olive oil.
Heat a LARGE frying pan to hot with the olive oil, and I mean get it screaming hot so it smokes. Be careful - drop the meatballs in and fry until golden brown on all sides. It should only take about 45 seconds for color to begin, then roll 'em around to another side. Once brown on all sides, remove from pan.
Then:
If you're making homemade spaghetti sauce, here's my recipe:
1 can tomato sauce
1 can diced tomatoes
1/2 tsp cayenne pepper
1 tsp sugar
Handful of fresh basil, if on hand
Pinch of thyme, or maybe more than a pinch if needed
Salt & pepper to taste
Combine all in the same pan used to make the meatballs - if using an already made sauce, just pour in and bring to a simmer.
Drop the meatballs in and simmer for 10 - 12 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Cook spaghetti like normal.
Enjoy!
I LOVE spaghetti and meatballs - it's one of my favorite meals and now turkey has made it even better!
PSH
3.05.2008
Kitchen Gardens
Oh, how I wish I didn't live in an apartment.
As I read this article from The Simple Dollar, I realized that next year I'll be able to do this, woo hoo! Planning a kitchen garden is something that my family has done every year since I am able to remember.
Tomatoes, lettuce, squash, green peppers, potatoes, carrots, green onions, marigolds, cucumbers, zucchini - almost all vegetables I think I've helped plant and grow. My favorite is still the sweat peas, but of course the rabbits like those as much as I do!
Every day this week I've been making myself an omelet for lunch. Protein is what I've been craving lately - and calcium. Omelets are easy to make, and even more fun to eat when you have a variety of vegetables - from your own garden. My goal is to do this next year in our cute little bungalow and just have 3 - 4 large planters with everything we eat. We'll see if that happens!
McTatty's Lunch Omelets
2 - 3 eggs
1 tbsp milk
2 - 3 slices of deli turkey
1/4 cup mozzarella or Italian cheese blend
Salt & Pepper to taste
1/4 cup grape tomatoes, halved & kinda juiced (so that the omelet isn't too runny)
My usual array of toppings:
Mushrooms
Green onions
Turkey
Cheese
Chili powder & cumin
I like to pile everything up - I'm in love with omelets.
Creating the perfect omelet:
1. Beat the eggs with the milk.
2. Spray a 7 - 8 inch skillet with Pam and heat over medium - low. Toss in the turkey.
3. Wait until turkey is sizzling, then pour in the egg mixture. Add the salt & pepper. And wait. like 30 - 45 seconds.
4. Pull up a little piece of one side, let runny egg go under the cooked part - keep doing this all around the pan, the egg will cook evenly.
5. Add the toppings to one side, fold the omelet over the otherside and let cook for another 35 - 45 seconds.
C'etait parfait! Voila!
PSH
As I read this article from The Simple Dollar, I realized that next year I'll be able to do this, woo hoo! Planning a kitchen garden is something that my family has done every year since I am able to remember.
Tomatoes, lettuce, squash, green peppers, potatoes, carrots, green onions, marigolds, cucumbers, zucchini - almost all vegetables I think I've helped plant and grow. My favorite is still the sweat peas, but of course the rabbits like those as much as I do!
Every day this week I've been making myself an omelet for lunch. Protein is what I've been craving lately - and calcium. Omelets are easy to make, and even more fun to eat when you have a variety of vegetables - from your own garden. My goal is to do this next year in our cute little bungalow and just have 3 - 4 large planters with everything we eat. We'll see if that happens!
McTatty's Lunch Omelets
2 - 3 eggs
1 tbsp milk
2 - 3 slices of deli turkey
1/4 cup mozzarella or Italian cheese blend
Salt & Pepper to taste
1/4 cup grape tomatoes, halved & kinda juiced (so that the omelet isn't too runny)
My usual array of toppings:
Mushrooms
Green onions
Turkey
Cheese
Chili powder & cumin
I like to pile everything up - I'm in love with omelets.
Creating the perfect omelet:
1. Beat the eggs with the milk.
2. Spray a 7 - 8 inch skillet with Pam and heat over medium - low. Toss in the turkey.
3. Wait until turkey is sizzling, then pour in the egg mixture. Add the salt & pepper. And wait. like 30 - 45 seconds.
4. Pull up a little piece of one side, let runny egg go under the cooked part - keep doing this all around the pan, the egg will cook evenly.
5. Add the toppings to one side, fold the omelet over the otherside and let cook for another 35 - 45 seconds.
C'etait parfait! Voila!
PSH
3.02.2008
Slow Cooked Chicken Noodle Soup
I have a small passion for my little 3 quart crock pot. If my husband knew how to cook with it... holy buckets, would I be the happiest wife ever!
A woman at work is VERY pregnant and we had her baby shower on Friday - since it's still kinda chilly in south central Indiana, I decided to make home made chicken noodle soup.
I chopped everything up and then brought it all to work to throw in the crock pot at 8 am. Blech, to early!
Homemade Chicken Noodle Soup
1 lb organic chicken UNCOOKED (sorry, my environmental tendencies have come out MUCH more)
1/2 bag baby carrots, chopped in half
2 - 3 celery stems, chopped
1 tsp thyme
salt & pepper to taste
Juice of 1 lemon
5 -6 cups of water
1 - 2 cans of chicken stock
1 onion, chopped
1 tbsp greek seasoning (don't ask, just do)
1 tsp oregano (I used the dried Mediterranean oregano)
1/2 tsp paprika
1 package egg noodles or something with a similar shape
Chop the chicken into bite size pieces, throw into a glass bowl or plastic bag. Add the lemon juice, greek seasoning, about 3 tbsp olive oil and paprika. Let sit in refrigerator overnight.
The next morning - throw everything into the crockpot except the noodles.
Put the noodles in about 45 minutes to 1 hour before you serve.
Yep, easy. VERY easy.
In fact, I almost didn't want to post this because this is the type of recipe that I've been making for the past 3 weeks!
PSH
A woman at work is VERY pregnant and we had her baby shower on Friday - since it's still kinda chilly in south central Indiana, I decided to make home made chicken noodle soup.
I chopped everything up and then brought it all to work to throw in the crock pot at 8 am. Blech, to early!
Homemade Chicken Noodle Soup
1 lb organic chicken UNCOOKED (sorry, my environmental tendencies have come out MUCH more)
1/2 bag baby carrots, chopped in half
2 - 3 celery stems, chopped
1 tsp thyme
salt & pepper to taste
Juice of 1 lemon
5 -6 cups of water
1 - 2 cans of chicken stock
1 onion, chopped
1 tbsp greek seasoning (don't ask, just do)
1 tsp oregano (I used the dried Mediterranean oregano)
1/2 tsp paprika
1 package egg noodles or something with a similar shape
Chop the chicken into bite size pieces, throw into a glass bowl or plastic bag. Add the lemon juice, greek seasoning, about 3 tbsp olive oil and paprika. Let sit in refrigerator overnight.
The next morning - throw everything into the crockpot except the noodles.
Put the noodles in about 45 minutes to 1 hour before you serve.
Yep, easy. VERY easy.
In fact, I almost didn't want to post this because this is the type of recipe that I've been making for the past 3 weeks!
PSH
2.17.2008
Pizza Pizza Pizza
So this past Monday was my husband's birthday, Thursday was Valentine's Day and the two of us were super sick - me with a Sinus infection and currently an ear infection while he had a cold, strep throat and a horrible seal-like cough.
I'm not a big fan of anti-biotics simply because I think that people are over medicated, but my opinion came to a huge halt on Wednesday when you could actually see my glands in my throat.
Needless to say, I haven't been cooking much! I have been making a lot of "homemade" pizza though - better than take-out and almost as good as Papa Murphy's!
What you'll need:
Pillsbury refrigerated pizza dough
1 - 2 cups mozzarella cheese
1/2 -3/4 cup marinara sauce
1/2 cup chopped olives
Pepperoni
Thinly sliced green pepper
And whatever else you want on it!
Preheat oven to 400 degrees.
Spread out the pizza dough, top with the marinara sauce (only a little bit, otherwise it seems like the dough gets kinda soggy...)
Top with the cheese (only use mozzarella, otherwise it doesn't taste as good!), then with the pepperoni, then the olives, then a little more cheese.
This only taste 10 - 12 minutes. You'll be able to smell when it's done! (oh crap, that sounds too much like Rachael Ray...).
PSH
I'm not a big fan of anti-biotics simply because I think that people are over medicated, but my opinion came to a huge halt on Wednesday when you could actually see my glands in my throat.
Needless to say, I haven't been cooking much! I have been making a lot of "homemade" pizza though - better than take-out and almost as good as Papa Murphy's!
What you'll need:
Pillsbury refrigerated pizza dough
1 - 2 cups mozzarella cheese
1/2 -3/4 cup marinara sauce
1/2 cup chopped olives
Pepperoni
Thinly sliced green pepper
And whatever else you want on it!
Preheat oven to 400 degrees.
Spread out the pizza dough, top with the marinara sauce (only a little bit, otherwise it seems like the dough gets kinda soggy...)
Top with the cheese (only use mozzarella, otherwise it doesn't taste as good!), then with the pepperoni, then the olives, then a little more cheese.
This only taste 10 - 12 minutes. You'll be able to smell when it's done! (oh crap, that sounds too much like Rachael Ray...).
PSH
2.11.2008
Celebritory Black Bean Soup & Grilled Cheese
So I'm not one for grilled cheese and tomato soup - I will eat it, but I like my grilled cheese with black bean soup. Today we had two great reasons to celebrate - my husband's birthday and my new job!
I make a lot of black bean soups - sometimes they're more southwestern, sometimes they're so Minnesotan that I'm not really sure if it counts as black bean soup! Here's the one I made tonight...
Black Bean Soup
3 cans of black beans
1 small onion, chopped
3 cloves of garlic, chopped
1 green or red bell pepper, chopped
1 can diced tomatoes
2 cans stock (chicken, beef or veggie works, if you want thick soup, just use one can)
1 tbsp chili powder
1 1/2 tbsp cumin
2 tsp coriander
Salt & pepper to taste
Cilantro to mix in at end & for garnish
1 8 oz bag frozen corn
In a stock pot over medium heat, put olive oil in to cover the bottom then add the green pepper & onions. Sweat until clear & soft for 5 minutes. Add the garlic, cook 2 minutes more. Add in all other ingredients except for corn and cilantro.
Bring to a boil and simmer 15 minutes. Then add corn, simmer 5 minutes longer. Mix in some cilantro (but not if you're going to freeze it) or just garnish with cilantro.
Serve hot with grilled cheese sandwiches.
Yum!
Grilled Cheese Sandwiches
Bread for however many sandwiches
2 slices cheese for however many sandwiches
Kraft American cheese has the best melting, but I really like cheddar or provolone
Margarine
Chili powder
Preheat oven to 425 degrees.
Spread margarine over one side of each piece of bread. Top bread with 2 slices of cheese, sprinkle with a little chili powder. Cover the cheese with another slice of margarine coated bread and put into the oven.
Flip after 6 minutes, then let toast for another 3 - 4 minutes.
Slice diagonally and serve with the black bean soup!
PSH
I make a lot of black bean soups - sometimes they're more southwestern, sometimes they're so Minnesotan that I'm not really sure if it counts as black bean soup! Here's the one I made tonight...
Black Bean Soup
3 cans of black beans
1 small onion, chopped
3 cloves of garlic, chopped
1 green or red bell pepper, chopped
1 can diced tomatoes
2 cans stock (chicken, beef or veggie works, if you want thick soup, just use one can)
1 tbsp chili powder
1 1/2 tbsp cumin
2 tsp coriander
Salt & pepper to taste
Cilantro to mix in at end & for garnish
1 8 oz bag frozen corn
In a stock pot over medium heat, put olive oil in to cover the bottom then add the green pepper & onions. Sweat until clear & soft for 5 minutes. Add the garlic, cook 2 minutes more. Add in all other ingredients except for corn and cilantro.
Bring to a boil and simmer 15 minutes. Then add corn, simmer 5 minutes longer. Mix in some cilantro (but not if you're going to freeze it) or just garnish with cilantro.
Serve hot with grilled cheese sandwiches.
Yum!
Grilled Cheese Sandwiches
Bread for however many sandwiches
2 slices cheese for however many sandwiches
Kraft American cheese has the best melting, but I really like cheddar or provolone
Margarine
Chili powder
Preheat oven to 425 degrees.
Spread margarine over one side of each piece of bread. Top bread with 2 slices of cheese, sprinkle with a little chili powder. Cover the cheese with another slice of margarine coated bread and put into the oven.
Flip after 6 minutes, then let toast for another 3 - 4 minutes.
Slice diagonally and serve with the black bean soup!
PSH
2.07.2008
Fun Things About Me
| You Are a Bad Girl |
 You are 20% Good and 80% Bad You're a total bad girl, from your wild hair to tattooed toes. But you're too badass to even care if you're labeled "bad"! |
| Your French Name is: |
 |
| Your Five Factor Personality Profile |
 Extroversion: You have medium extroversion. You're not the life of the party, but you do show up for the party. Sometimes you are full of energy and open to new social experiences. But you also need to hibernate and enjoy your "down time." Conscientiousness: You have high conscientiousness. Intelligent and reliable, you tend to succeed in life. Most things in your life are organized and planned well. But you borderline on being a total perfectionist. Agreeableness: You have medium agreeableness. You're generally a friendly and trusting person. But you also have a healthy dose of cynicism. You get along well with others, as long as they play fair. Neuroticism: You have low neuroticism. You are very emotionally stable and mentally together. Only the greatest setbacks upset you, and you bounce back quickly. Overall, you are typically calm and relaxed - making others feel secure. Openness to experience: Your openness to new experiences is high. In life, you tend to be an early adopter of all new things and ideas. You'll try almost anything interesting, and you're constantly pushing your own limits. A great connoisseir of art and beauty, you can find the positive side of almost anything. |
| People Envy Your Confidence |
 You have the attitude and self esteem to take on anything. Failure is beyond not an option for you - it doesn't even cross your mind. People envy your ability to take on any challenge ... and they're secretly afraid you think you're better than them. You don't. You're just sure of yourself. |
| You Are Fairly Normal |
 You scored 45% normal on this quiz Like most people you are normal in some ways... But you aren't a completely normal person. You're a little weird too! Why You Are Normal: When you're in a car, you prefer to be the driver If given the choice, you would choose to have more money over more time You prefer ruffled potato chips You find the Macarena to be the more embarrassing dance You eat the frosting first Why You Aren't Normal: You would rather be tan than pale You would rather be a movie star than an astronaut You prefer non fiction to fiction You think fishnet stockings are sexy You prefer your family to your friends |
2.03.2008
I Actually Did Work Today
I absolutely love photography - I get inspired every once in awhile to go out on the streets and just shoot what I find. Here's a collage of what I did today.
Don't worry - I'll be posting more food and recipes this week!
On the menu that I know already:
Stuffed bell peppers
Homemade pizza
And others, hopefully not Ramen!
PSH
2.01.2008
Bowl For Kid's Sake
http://communitybowl.kintera.org/pharayda
I'm bowling for the BBBS of South Central Indiana. We do have to raise pledges and let me tell you - I absolutely positively HATE asking for money. But if there's one thing that I do support, it's this.
Your contribution is tax deductible - you will receive a receipt for your 2008 tax forms.
Please contribute - every dollar is very important!
Thank you so much for your support, the children appreciate this more than you know...
Patty Harayda
I'm bowling for the BBBS of South Central Indiana. We do have to raise pledges and let me tell you - I absolutely positively HATE asking for money. But if there's one thing that I do support, it's this.
Your contribution is tax deductible - you will receive a receipt for your 2008 tax forms.
Please contribute - every dollar is very important!
Thank you so much for your support, the children appreciate this more than you know...
Patty Harayda
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