hiding vegetables

sometimes its hard to get your kids to eat their veggies so we are always told to "hide" them in other foods or come up with creative names for them that make them seem fun. i'm guessing the "fun names" game doesn't work on all kids, but if you are like me you don't know where to hide the veggies. here is one idea. awhile ago i posted a recipe for some homemade meatballs. add to that ingredients list finely chopped celery and shredded carrots. make sure you mix them in real good before forming the balls!

Chili Coke Roast

1 beef roast, 3-4 lbs
1 can of coca cola
1 package onion soup mix
1 bottle chili sauce

1. place all ingredients in crock-pot and cook for 7-10 hours depending on size of roast
2. the beat will flake apart when done
3. serve over mashed potatoes

Frugalicious Giveaway!!!

Click here to sign up for a free giveaway of a $5 gift card to Quiznos. YUM YUM!!!

Easy Chicken & Cheese Enchiladas

1 can (10 3/4 oz) cream of chicken soup
1/2 cup sour cream
1 cup Pace Picante sauce
2 tsp chili powder
2 cups shredded chicken
1/2 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
6 flour tortillas (6in), warmed
1 small tomato, chopped (about 1/2 cup)
1 green onion, sliced (about 2 Tbs)

1. Heat the oven to 350'F Stir the soup, sour cream, picante sauce & chili powder in a medium bowl
2. Stir 1 cup soup mixture, chicken & cheese in a large bowl
3. Divide the chicken mixture among the tortillas. Roll up the tortillas and place seam side up in a 2 qt shallow baking dish. Pour remaining mixture over filled tortillas. Cover the baking dish
4. Bake for 40 minutes or until the enchiladas are hot and bubbling. Top w/tomato & onion

yum yum! enjoy!

tip: if you want your enchiladas slightly more spicy add a can of diced tomatoes with green chilies to your meat mixture or on top

random facts and ideas

store your plastic wrap in the freezer. this will avoid the annoyance of sticking to itself, making it much easier to wrap up your holiday goodies!

often times broccoli stems go to waste due to people wanting to eat only the "tree" part of the broccoli. next time, save the stems and puree them, then add to a pesto or marinara sauce. a sneaky, delicious way to get your kids, or even just yourself, to eat vegetables!i

if you are trying to watch how many carbs you are eating but still love to indulge in a bowl of pasta now and then, here is a delicious, healthy way to do so. shred some zucchini then barely saute it until it just starts to go limp. this helps you eat less pasta and more vegetables! i do half pasta, half zucchini.



author of Empowering Your Health, Asa Andrews, MD, tells us how we can get more energy first thing in the morning. i do all three and noticed a difference once starting this routine. 1. have a big glass of water. after sleeping for several hours you have lost a significant amount of fluids. "Hydrating yourself will perk you up" 2. do jumping jacks. just a few will help increase blood flow, which gives you a huge burst of energy. I jumprope for the same purpose. 3. eat up. don't skip breakfast! having the right foods in the morning kicks energy levels and metabolism into high gear. some things recommended in Womans Day magazine is plain yogurt (protein), a handful of almonds (healthy fats) and an orange (carbohydrates and vitamin C) Avocados also have healthy fats and peanut butter not only has high amounts of protein but peanut butter is proven to help kick your metabolism into high gear. A little bit on some whole grain toast will do the trick!

Recipe of the Week

This is a family favorite. Was never a huge pork chop lover but thought I would give this recipe a shot and am SO glad I did!

Polynesian Pork Chops

4 boneless pork chops, 3/4 inch thick
1 tsp garlic powder
1 Tbs vegetable oil
1 medium onion, chopped
1 can Campbell's Golden Mushroom Soup
1 can (8oz) pineapple chunks
1/4 cup water
3 Tbs soy sauce
1 Tbs honey
2 cups cooked rice
sliced green onions

1. Season chops with garlic. Heat oil in skillet. Add chops and cook until browned. Add onion.

2. Add soup, pineapple with juice, water, soy sauce and honey. Heat to a boil. Cook over low heat 10 minutes or until done.

3. Serve with rice and garnish with green onions.

makes 4 servings prep/cook time: 20 minutes

Recipe of the Week

This recipe is probably my new favorite. It is SO yummy and extremely easy to make. AND, sense everything is homemade you feel like such an amazing chef by the time you are serving the meal. :)

Sweet and Sour Meatballs

1lb ground beef
1 egg
1 onion, chopped
1 cup dry bread crumbs (I use seasoned but you can use plain)
salt & pepper to taste
1 cup water
1/2 cup vinegar
1/2 cup ketchup
2 Tbs cornstarch
1 cup brown sugar
2 Tbs soy sauce (I actually used 3 Tbs so it wouldn't be too sweet and I think it turned out just right)

1. In large bowl, combine beef, egg, onion, bread crumbs, salt & pepper. Roll into meatballs about 1-1 1/2 inches in size

2. In a large skillet over medium heat, saute the meatballs until browned on all sides

3. In a separate medium bowl, mix together the water, vinegar, ketchup, cornstarch, sugar & soy sauce. Pour over the meatballs, and allow sauce to thicken. Continue to heat until the sauce just starts to bubble

Serve over rice and ENJOY!!! Serves 5 and takes about 20 minutes total, to prepare and cook