11/29 Menu

I hope everyone had a great T-day with lots of leftovers. Because of our current leftover situation, I'm only planning four meals this week.

Day 1- Corned Beef Sandwich Melts

Day 2- Citrus Pork Chops with Steamed Broccolini

Day 3- Grilled Chicken Salad with Raspberry Jam Dressing

Day 4- Pan Seared Scallops with Spinach

Enjoy!

11/27 Pick of the Week

Corn Dog Chili
It was a success! Plus I might have actually found a chili that Ryan likes. (It has no beans.) It's very easy to make. I'm trying to cut down on carbs (more on this later). So, I didn't make the cornbread pancakes. Instead I just served the chili over some wholewheat crackers, topped with a little shredded cheese.

Enjoy!

(I hope to do a full T-day post early next week.)

The Reader

I know I'm probably late (very late) to the game, but I'm addicted to Google Reader. Like most bloggers, I'm an avid blog reader. I love 'em, can't get enough.

Before Google Reader, my normal day would include going to My Favorites-Blog Folder- then clicking through all my favorite blogs to see if there were updates that day. And I'm not ashamed to admit, I may do this more than once a day. I had a few blogs that I was "following" via Google connect, but I didn't know what that meant. I just wanted them to know that I was following.

I knew what Google Reader was, but just wasn't sold on the process. I liked going to the different blog sites, seeing the design, maybe reading some comments. But then I realized the real beauty of Google Reader. It's like an INBOX. Duh!

Someone updates their blog and I immediately know. Also double bonus, I can follow more blogs this way. I don't have to remember the site address. I don't have to add them as a favorite. Just subscribe to the feed. Done and done.

(I know there are other reader programs out there, but I'm a Google girl. So I can't comment on any of other readers.)

This past week, I've been furiously subscribing to any and all blogs that I find entertaining. I only have 33 right now. Send me your favorites because clearly I need some more to add to the list.

And if you've read this post on Google Reader, thanks for reading through a feed!

P.S. Smiling Mommy how do I add the "Thanks for reading OLBA through a feed." note to my posts?

11/22 Menu

It's T-day week and we are headed to Memphis Wednesday post-work. So only a few meals planned for this week. Although, I have volunteered to bring something to Ryan's family T-day meal. I was given pecan pie. Sure, why not? Never made a pecan pie before. Stay tuned to see how this baking disaster turns out.

Day 1- Corn Dog Chili
How funny. I was thinking chili and searched OLBA's labels to look at some recipes. Turns out last year during Thanksgiving week, I also wanted chili. I picked out this recipe, but I know I never made it. Take 2.

Day 2- Pesto Shrimp & Pasta

Day 3- Chicken & Apple Pot Pies
Honey Crips are still around. Yum! For a healthier version, skip the puff pastry.

Enjoy! Happy Turkey Day!

11/15 Pick of the Week

Chicken Caesar Pizzas
You know we have a special place for anything "caesar" and pizza. It's a fast and easy recipe, my favorite. Don't be afraid. Anchovy paste is your friend. Rachael's non-creamy caesar dressing recipe has never failed me. It always tastes good.

Enjoy!

Strawberry Birthday

This post is a few weeks over due. Happy Birthday Ryan! Every year we always debate whether to make a whole cake for two people. Last year, I bought a couple fancy cupcakes to share. This year, I asked him what he wanted and he said strawberry cake. I said ok.

Even though I'm not a baker, I decided to try a cake from scratch. Here are the results-
I don't know why or how, but the frosting was a little thin. My mom kept telling me to add more sugar. It still didn't work and I ended up with a bunch of leftover frosting. In the end, it tasted good, right Ryan and Les?

Gift in a Jar

Dear OLBA- I was wondering if you could help me find some recipes. I am looking for the kind that you put in mason jars to give away for Christmas, where you put all the ingredients in to make brownies, muffins or something similar. I want to do them for my child's teachers. Also, where do I get the jars? Thanks. - Stuck in Jar

Dear Stuck in a Jar-

I'm all about the easy to make homemade gift. Gifts in a jar are perfect! There are lots of recipes out there. So I just compiled a few that I thought were easy to put together and sounded delicious to make.

Also I think you should be able to find the mason jars at Ace Hardware, Walmart, or online at Amazon or Canning Pantry.

Spiced Tea
Spiced Mocha Mix
Candy Cane Hot Cocoa Mix

Cake Mix
Snickerdoodle Cookie Mix

Instant Potato Soup
Herbed Rice Mixture (scroll to very bottom)

Cajun Spice Mix
Chili Seasoning Mix

I think my favorites are the drinks. Plus they are the easiest for the gift recipient to use. You've inspired me to do this myself, maybe for the dreaded co-worker gifts. Stay tuned to see how my project turns out next month.

Good luck and happy organizing.