A New Look

So my blog has been focused on food mostly the past year as I tried out my skills in the kitchen with my new hubby. But for now, as I am not cooking much these days because I'm volunteering full time and taking online classes. I will share another type of creative endeavor. It's a poem titled:

Blue

Cars zoom by, outside the window
Some go fast and others lag slower
And I think I am watching a child’s tv show- (Mr. Rogers. Maybe…)
Where I saw little, fake cars move by slowly…
I am without worry
Nothing around me is anything but a story that I am creating.
I am painting my picture as I see the people through this window frame.
My lens is big and I make new discoveries each second.
A Texas Flag waves its hand at me in the wind.
The trees rustle overhead
As birds burst out from them like rockets from a ship.
Shooting out like darts into the blue sky.
They meet the clouds and do a dance before me.
They are very much alive.
The clouds show me they are alive too.
As they dodge the plane that wirs and whistles past.
The clouds know better than to stay in its path.
They scurry away.
And I am left looking at blue, blue, blue.
Miles, Miles, Miles.
Until I can’t see anymore.
I could drink that blue.

James "Rhio" O'Connor Memorial Scholarship Essay Contest

To all my readers, today’s post may be off the regular topic but it does have to do with food, in a way. I am applying for a scholarship in order to attain my Master’s degree in Marriage and Family Therapy. I do hope you enjoy.

My essay is in response to the following subject: Please write an essay about how James Rhio’s story inspires you and what you would do if you faced the same challenges that he faced. What steps would you take if you were given a dire cancer prognosis? How would you conduct your research and make an informed decision when choosing a treatment? Would you look beyond chemo, radiation and surgery if they had little to offer? What resources would you use to make an informed decision – friends, teachers, clinicians, researchers, other patients, libraries, etc?

             To begin, I will state that Mr. Rhio’s story is very impacting because I have experienced the loss of family members and a friend from cancer. In each case, the family member or friend had very aggressive cancer and each fought hard and chose either Chemotherapy or surgery but they eventually or even suddenly died. I also have two family members who have survived cancer. My heart is encouraged to hear that Rhio lived for 6 years after choosing to change his diet. A few years ago, my brother changed his diet to be healthier after reading books on how much diet affects the body. He is now a Pescatarian. When he taught me about his lifestyle diet I also changed my diet because I felt it was wise to listen to my body more. I had noticed that eating unhealthy foods was affecting my body more and more as I grew older. I am not a Pescatarian but I do try to stay away from pork and beef for the most part as well as fried foods and nutrient deficient foods. I have heard about ways to detox your body with juices and how good it is for the body. I strongly believe that diet can change your chances of getting diseases. I also believe that a change in diet can bring healing to the body. There is plenty of research on how proper diet can drastically improve your condition regardless of the disease you are facing whether it be cancer, diabetes, or some other disease. I have friends who have children with either Asperger’s or Austism and a diet change has helped their children greatly improve. I do wish that more people would be willing to change their diet and take on other remedies besides chemotherapy. It is evident that these days North Americans eat unhealthy, fatty, depleted and processed foods that affect the body in a very negative way.

I hope that my diet now will prevent any need for having to face cancer in the future, but I believe that if I faced cancer, I would try a natural method before surgery or chemotherapy. I would contact either a Nurse Practioner, a Naturopathic doctor, or similar healthcare professional as I have in the past when my health was subpar. I would seek out friends and family members who may know about more drastic diet changes and vitamins that I would need to implement. I would also personally read books and find all the information I could through the Internet about natural remedies. I have also heard of places where they guide you through detoxification from cancer and that would definitely be a method I would look into. These are the methods I would choose to help my body heal. Along with every physical step to healing I would also pray and seek God as well for my healing. I believe that with every ailment that is faced, we cannot only look at the body alone because we are connected as a whole- mind, body and spirit. I also believe God created us and knows our bodies better than we do. I’ve heard seeing a counselor or pastor is helpful as well because dealing with a disease can be stressful and we will need proper support emotionally as well. Stress is known for causing health problems so I would want to make sure to lean on God, church friends, my family and possibly a pastor or counselor for support.

            So in conclusion, I believe my methods would actually be similar to Rhio’s. He was definitely one who took the more uncharted path. I’m not sure if he got criticism for his decision but I would not be surprised if he had. Although Rhio’s choice is not as easy, or commonly accepted method of treatment for cancer, I feel it should be the one of the top methods for curing cancer. I believe with a healthy lifestyle we can avoid a lot of sicknesses. Yet our health has to become priority and we have to be disciplined enough to change our diet. Some may have to make sacrifices in order to afford healthier foods. Hopefully, since information is traded and shared more rapidly these days, in the future we will see more people turning to alternative methods as Rhio did. Hopefully lives will be changed, bodies will be restored, and more people will live healthy, long lives with out deadly diseases like cancer.

The love of Cooking

I'm convinced that no wife loves it all. I could be wrong, and that isn't the point really. Some women love being moms, some love raising their children, some love cleaning, keeping their home tidy and spotless, some love decorating, others are great at baking desserts and sweets, breads, etc. And then there are wives that love to cook. That would be me.  On the other hand I do enjoy having a clean home. Fortunately for me, my husband isn't very messy so I don't have to mop the floor everyday. :-) To some women cooking is a hassle. To me it is a delight. I just like to make fun things nothing too difficult. In January I learned to crochet. My first crafty venture. I made a scarf for myself. I didn't want to risk making my first item for someone else and it turn out ugly. I was pleasantly surprised it turned out pretty. Here it is.

Well to my surprise I realize that some women find cleaning very rewarding almost fun. That is strange to me. I see it as a necessary task. But what I also don't see yet is how mothers find raising children as fun. :-( Yes that sounds horrible for me to say. But honestly I fear it. I fear not enjoying motherhood. So many people say to me it's different when they are your own... but after reading blogs, seeing mothers, talking to mothers... I sometimes think, "Really? Are you sure?" Because these mothers I hear complaining don't seem to be complaining about other children. It's their own "precious" babies. I'm waiting to feel ready to be a mother. It sometimes feels like I could be close and then I get a dose of reality on how you lose your own life and have to give up everything for that "precious" being. I love taking care of my husband. I love cooking for, cleaning for, and loving him. Sometimes I feel I could take care of one more... but I'm not sure I could take on 2 or 3. And a baby is a lot more difficult than a grown man.

Just thoughts... But after seeing all my friends prego and thinking "aww... when that time comes it will be soo special!" I sometimes get doubts and feel overwhelmed before I even begin.
Well after all those worries, I heard this sermon on Grace. On how God gives you the Grace for the season that he has for you. How sometimes we are blessed with a Gift and we may or may not be graced to do it during that season. I think there have been times when I have done things in the Grace of God and out of the Grace of God. There have been things I have tried to make myself do not in God's grace and there are things I refused to do that God was giving me the grace to do. My husband and I are newlyweds. I guess I have time to grow into those mommy feelings. Until then, I will pray for the Grace of God when the time comes. Also, I will continue to share with you my new recipes I'm learning or creating. No wise mommy stories and No wise married advice because I'm still learning. Just yummy, good cooking.

Here's a better pic of the Mixed-berry muffins I shared in my last post.

Very Berry Muffins

This isn't my best looking batch but at least you get to see an example 

Serving Size: 12 regular size muffins

I've always loved muffins. Now I love making them homemade for my friends and family. I like using Whole Grain Wheat Flour or Buckwheat flour for a little more fiber. :-) I recommend using a combo of different types of flours to fit your palette. If you don't like your muffins semi-healthy you can use plain white flour. It will work just the same and probably turn out more fluffy. My family loves these and I hope your family will enjoy as well!


Muffin Ingredients:
1 cup of White Flour
1 cup of Whole Grain Wheat Flour or (Buckwheat flour)
3/4 or 1 cup of Brown Sugar (You can use the lesser amount of sugar for less sweet muffins. I sometimes use combinations of either 1/2 cup of honey or white sugar. Feel free to use your own preference)
1 tbsp of Baking Powder
1/2 tsp of Salt
1/2 cup of milk
1/2 cup of oil
1 egg
1 1/4 Cup of chopped blueberries, blackberries, strawberries, or raspberries (your favorite combo is best!)

Topping Ingredients:
1 tsp of Cinnamon
1/4 tsp of baking powder
1/4 Flour
1/4 White or Brown Sugar
2 Tbsp of melted butter


Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400 degrees
2. Grease Muffin pan or use paper cups
3. Mix flour, sugar, honey egg, baking powder, oil, milk and salt
** If muffin mixture seems too thick or dry (like cookie dough) you can add another 1/4 cup of milk
4. Fold in fruit
5. Pour muffin mixture into muffin pan
6. Mix up topping ingredients in medium sized bowl
** Topping mixture should look slightly clumpy
7. Sprinkle Topping mixture over muffin mixture
8. Bake 15-20 mins depending on your oven. They should be golden brown. When you stick a toothpick in and it comes out clean you know they are ready. :-)

Your muffins should turn out even better than this picture up above. Those were my first experiment. Not as successful as other times. Bring the delicious smell of mixed Berry muffins to your home today with this yummy recipe!

Buen Provecho!

Easier than Pie > Lasagna

I discovered something about myself and maybe you are the same way. I like looking at recipes to get good ideas but I don't like to stick to recipes strictly anymore. My husband helped me realize that my food turns out better when I'm not so precise and let myself be creative. Well, before I made this Easier Than Pie > Lasagna I looked at others' recipes. Some were difficult; some were easy. I wanted to make mine easier than most but unique. It may or may not be the most original but I hope you enjoy it! I encourage you to add your own little tweaks to make it your own. Buen Provecho!

Prep Time: about 20 mins

Cook time 50 mins

Serving size : 6

Ingredients:
1 pound ground beef

5 dashes of Onion powder 

3 dashes of Garlic powder

4 dashes of Minced Garlic bits

4 dashes of Italian Seasoning

30 ounces of spaghetti sauce (store bought or homemade)

2 eggs

1 (16 ounce) container of Cottage cheese
1 15 oz container of part-skim Ricotta cheese
1/4 cup shredded Parmesan cheese
12 lasagna noodles (16 oz package)
8 ounces shredded mixed cheeses ( I used HEB's Mexican blend Cheddar, Monterrey Jack, Asadero, Queso Quesadilla and I added extra shredded Parmesan) because I didn't have mozzarella. It turned out delicious. 

*Make sure you don't get a cheese mix that has Mexican spices added. Unless you really want to change it up, then go for it!

Before

1/4 cup of water

Topper Ingredients

4 dashes of Italian seasoning

10 dashes of Parmesan cheese

5 dashes of Crushed Red Pepper

Directions:
1.  Cook ground beef until brown. Season with Onion Powder, Garlic Powder and Minced Garlic bits. Stir in pasta sauce, and keep warm.
2.  In a bowl, mix cottage cheese, ricotta cheese, grated Parmesan cheese, and eggs.
3.  Spread a thin layer of the meat sauce in the bottom of a 8x12 inch pan. Then Layer with 3 uncooked lasagna noodles, next the Ricotta & Cottage cheese mixture, last shredded Mexican or Mozzarella cheese layer.
4.Continue this pattern of layering until all ingredients are used. You should have 3 full round of each layer.
Ending with the top layer of shredded Mexican/Mozzarella Cheese.
(As you can see in the "Before Picture above)

5.  Add water along edges. You may use less than 1/4 cup. This is to insure noodles do not get crispy. (I don't boil my lasagna noodles before I bake them and I don't use the precooked noodles. It's not necessary and your lasagna will still turn out great!)

6.  Bake at 350 for 45 minutes.

After

7.  Sprinkle Topper Ingredients all over. Bake for another 5-7 minutes. 

8.  Remove from oven, and let cool for about 15 minutes before serving.

* I turn my lasagna half way through to ensure that all sides cook evenly. My oven may be strange.

**If you are using a 8x12 pan you may need to put foil or a pan a row below the lasagna pan to avoid spill over from bubbling. This can happen. To avoid spill over you can use a 13x9 pan.

Hope your loved ones ask you to make this meal over and over.

Poppyseed Chicken

This is a very simple and tasty dish that your family will probably be asking you to make again and again! I got it from a friend and she got it from her friend... So I don't know it's origin but I DO know that it's delicious! And... slightly addictive. Hope you enjoy making this meal for others.


Serving size: 6
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Ingredients:
4 chicken breasts, cooked and chopped (I sometimes use 2 or 3 larger cut Chicken breasts to avoid it being too meaty)
2 cups minute rice (I sometimes use 2 1/2 cups to make the base more fluffly)

2 cups boiling water 

16 oz. sour cream

1 can of Cream of chicken

1 can of Cream of mushroom soup 

3 Tbsp poppyseeds 

2 cups crushed Ritz crackers 

1 stick of margarine, melted

Directions:

1. Mix rice and water together and pour into 13x9 inch casserole dish.
2. Cover with saran wrap and let stand for 5 minutes, or until most of the water is absorbed.
3. Meanwhile, mix together chicken, cream of mushroom & cream of chicken, sour cream, and poppyseeds.
4. Spoon mixture evenly over rice.
5. Combine crushed crackers and melted margarine and sprinkle over top.
6. Bake at 350 degrees for about 30 minutes.

*Sidenote: Allow your dish some time to cool off after you take it out of the oven. 15 mins or so. The casserole will hold together better. But if you don't care about the appearance and messiness just dig right in.

**Credit to : Maria Saab for introducing me to this lovely dish!

Close up photo:

Mexicana Chicken Spaghetti

My husband really enjoys this dish and suggested I share it with you all. I think this simple creation may be the reason he fell in love with me. It was also the first meal he asked me to make after 5 months without my cooking (Boot Camp, AIT training). :-)
It's my own Spicy Mexican spin on Chicken Spaghetti.
Many of you have had Queso dip at Mexican restaurants. Well often times they add Melted cheese, Tomatoes, Green Peppers, Onions and Ground Beef together and serve it as cheese dip with chips. Well I have a creation with similar ingredients to Queso and Chicken Spaghetti and made a pasta dish that is delicious and unique!

Ingredients:


Chicken breast - 2 to 3 (depending on size of chicken)
1 box Spaghetti or angel hair (serving size varies)
Velveeta - 12 oz serves 4 people
1/3 lb  Regular or Hot Ground Sausage or Ground beef (optional)
5oz (1/2 can of 10oz can) of Cream of mushroom

1- 10 oz can Regular Rotel 

Milk 1/2 - 1 cup (amount varies, add more if sauce gets too thick)

Garlic Powder -  5 dashes
Salt - 5 dashes
Ground Pepper - 5 dashes
Crushed Red Pepper - 3 dashes (optional)
Onion Powder - 3 dashes (optional)
Oil or 1/8 cup of butter (for cooking Chicken)
1 TBSP of Oil (For pasta)
1 dash of Salt (For Pasta
Garlic Powder - 2-3 dashes for Cheesy sauce

Directions:

1. Cook ground sausage or ground beef. For ground beef season with salt and Pepper (3 dashes of both). Cook until fully brown no pink.
2. Boil water with a dash of salt and a tablespoon of oil. When water reaches a boil add spaghetti as directed on the box's directions. When spaghetti is ready, drain in a strainer, and rinse noodles under cold water for 30 seconds to avoid sticking together. If noodles stick or dry out rinse in cold water again right before serving. Keep noodles in strainer until ready to serve.

Before Melted on Stove Top

3. Heat pan. Add oil or butter and chicken.
4. Season chicken with Garlic, Salt, Pepper crushed red pepper and onion powder if desired. Cut chicken into thin and small pieces (bite size) during cooking or before. Cook until no more pink is in the centers.
5. Add Velveeta, Rotel, cooked sausage, Cream of Mushroom and Milk to Either
Option 1: A pot on stove top
OR
Option 2: A large microwavable bowl

Option1:
Warming Sauce on Stove top: It will need to be stirred a lot. The danger of cooking it stove top is that the cheese could burn at the bottom. So keep the heat low or medium low and you should prevent this from happening. I also recommend breaking the Velveeta into smaller pieces. And stirring and watching closely. If the cheese burns at the bottom of the pan do not scrape the bottom when stirring. This way you can avoid burnt brown cheese in your food. If the burnt cheese somehow comes off the bottom, usually it is easy to pull out with a spoon or fork.

Melted and Mixed Sauce on Stove Top

*If cheese seems too thick add 1/4 cup of extra milk. If sauce is too watery let it keep warming on medium low and it will thicken. 

Option 2:

Warming sauce in the microwave: (No Pic sorry) Warm for a minute at first. Stir well Continue to heat 30 seconds and stir after each heating until cheese is fully melted and Rotel, cream of mushroom should be mixed in well.


7. Add cooked, bite size chicken pieces to the sauce & (if desired) extra Garlic seasoning.
9. Make sure sauce is warm, you can turn up heat but keep below medium to avoid burning).
8. Rinse noodles in strainer over with water to make sure they aren't sticking. Make sure they are drained well and Serve desired amount of noodles onto each plate.
9. Drizzle desired amount of cheesy, chicken sauce on top of spaghetti filled plate
And...
Dinner is served!

Great sides to add would be french bread, or canned corn.

Buen Provecho! Enjoy!