This Mom's Guide

A mother, a wife, a cook, a serial dieter, a blogger, a friend, a woman bringing you along for the ride.

People Are Life’s Ebbs And Flows

Written By: ThisMomsGuide - Apr• 11•12

Image from dreamstime.com

I have decided people are put in your life for reasons and then they leave. Friends, lovers, strangers, family members they come and go like ebbs and flows. It is is evident in my life for sure. I have had best girl friends and they were such strong parts of my life. Helping me grow or change or even remain the same. Then one day they are gone, whether from death, or disappointment, or just disappearing as life goes on.  Certain family members are not part of my life and all of sudden they are and my life is enriched, and some that were a big part are gone. Sometimes this can create a void but I find it only allows something or someone else in. Strangers can be there to offer advice that changes you forever or offers you help when no one else does.

Sometimes people are there to hurt you, to teach you, to push you, to support you, to love you, to hate you, to pray for you, or even to disappoint you. There is always a lesson, a stepping stone. However long you have people in your life, treat them well, give as much as you take, and enjoy them as  you have them. You are in their lives for a reason as well.

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St. Patty’s Day Fun

Written By: ThisMomsGuide - Mar• 16•12

My sweet Irish Daughter

Everyone is Irish on St. Patricks day right? Well my daughter is all year long, so leprechauns are very important to her. So they leave something every year. This year they are leaving Leprechaun Bark! Tasty gift for us all and so easy!

The Supplies:

  • Pretzels (thin rods or regular ones)
  • Cool Mint Oreos or regular
  • M&M’s
  • 2 bags of the chocolate wafers – I chose Green Vanilla Flavor – next time I might do 1/2 this and 1/2 dark chocolate
  • Shamrock & white and green Sprinkles

Break up about 2 cups of pretzels, break up two rows of Oreos, melt according to package the chocolate wafers, and then separate the green M&M’s

Spread the pretzels on a wax paper

then top with Oreos

And Melted chocolate (use a spatula if needed to spread) while the chocolate is still warm sprinkle M&M’s and sprinkles. Cool in fridge or on the counter completely

Break up the bark

And put in goodie bags however you like…

Note: This delightful treat was brought to you by http://www.yourhomebasedmom.com/lucky-leprechaun-cookie-bark/ check out her blog for other ideas for your home!

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Lenten Meal – Adobe Shrimp Tacos

Written By: ThisMomsGuide - Mar• 09•12

Lent, for some reason I always want ground beef on Fridays. I think it’s really because I can’t. If you are like me, the minute you can not have something it’s the one thing you want. That cute boy that your best friend wanted in school. Those ridiculously priced shoes that would cost you a paycheck. Chocolate when you are on a diet. So what is the solution? Make sure your replacement is worthy. Worthy to fill a need. Tonight I wanted tacos in the worst way. Instead I made a very fulfilling shrimp taco and it was delicious.

Adobe Shrimp Tacos

Ingredients for the slaw portion:

  • 2-3 Scallions- chopped
  • 2 cups of Angel Hair Slaw Or a mix of shredded regular cabbage and purple cabbage
  • 1/2 cup of sour cream
  • Juice of 1/2 of a lime
  • 1 small chipotle in adobe sauce (2 if you like spicy smoky flavor) from a can- found in Mexican Aisle in the supermrket, important- not a whole can of them – just one, minced fine
  • 1 tsp of sugar (optional)

Mix together well and set aside.

Ingredients for the Shrimp:

1 1/2 lbs peeled and deveined large raw shrimp
2 Tbsp of Olive Oil
Juice from 1/2 of a lime
1 tsp of Old Bay Seasoning
1 Tablespoon of garlic powder
1 Tablespoon of Cilantro Flakes
1 Tablespoon of Cumin
1 tsp if black pepper

Combine well together and put on a hot grill pan and cook through turning repeatedly.

Get 8 soft flour, or corn, or Multi-grain tortillas, chopped avocado and diced tomatoes.

Combine it all together. The slaw mix is something to use per taste. So try a little on it at a time. I like a decent amount, my hubby only a thinner amount, he’s not a big sour cream guy.

Enjoy!

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Chipotle At Home, Well As Close As It Gets

Written By: ThisMomsGuide - Mar• 08•12

How to Make Chipotle Burrito

Homemade Chipotle Rice Recipe

Ingredients

1 Tbsp olive oil

1/3 cup(s) cilantro, very minced

1 1/2 tsp Butter

3 cup(s) cooked white rice, Cooked – Basamti Rice or Asian Rice

1 serving(s) Lawrey Seasoned Salt, 2 shakes

2 Tbsp fresh lime juice, I do juice of 1/2 a small Lime

Directions:

Mix it all together. (taste to make sure salt ratio is good for you.) Serving size is 1/2 cup.

 

Homemade Chipotle Black Beans Recipe

Ingredients

1/8 tsp chili powder

1/8 tsp garlic powder

1/8 tsp McCormick Ground cumin

2 cup(s) canned black beans, 1 whole can placed in strainer and rinsed with water

Directions:

After the beans have been thoroughly rinsed place in a pan with all the spices over low heat till heated thru. Serving Size is 1/2 cup.


Homemade Chipotle Pepper Onion Side Recipe

Ingredients

1/2 large uncooked vidalia onion(s), Chopped

1 medium sweet red pepper(s), Chopped

1/2 tsp olive oil

1 large green pepper(s), Chopped

 

Directions

Mix Olive oil and onions well in a saute pan, cook over medium high heat until “sweated” Add peppers. I turn up the heat pretty high because I like them caramelized (which means to me gets the little burned edges..yum) A side note: I do not season this because this can be reused in anything, like sups, salad, pizzas, etc..so I don’t like a certain flavor profile added, Serving size 1/2 c

 

Homemade Chipotle Chicken Recipe

Ingredients

           1/4 cup(s) cilantro, Very minced

2 Tbsp fresh lime juice, I use 1/2 of a small lime’s juice

3/4 cup(s) water

1/2 Tbsp olive oil

1 serving(s) Lawrey Seasoned Salt, 1 quick shake

1/4 tsp chili powder

1/2 tsp McCormick Ground cumin

1 serving(s) Ground Coriander Seed Seasoning, 1/4 tsp

1 tsp black pepper

2 clove(s) (medium) garlic clove(s), Minced

14 oz uncooked boneless skinless chicken breast(s), started as 1lb but became 14oz when fat was remove

Directions:

Combine all the ingredients (but chicken) in one bowl. As for the chicken it has a more authentic taste when grilled, if you grill I slice the chicken into larger chunk (3 chunks per breast) if I am cooking on the stove then I chopped the chicken into small pieces. I marinate it in the the bowl with all the other ingredients ( the longer it marinates the better but 15 min is the min I like to do) When I cook on stovetop after it is cooked I turn up heat to quick char it, but you do not have to.

IF you want the Barbacoa instead go to this website for a fantastic recipe. Barbacoa Done Right

 

You can also top with

sour cream

shredded cheese

guacamole

chopped Jalapenos

Salsa

Chopped Romaine Lettuce

You could put in a

large flour (burrito size) tortilla like the one made by Mission

small flour tortillas

small corn tortillas

Tortilla Chips

Chopped Romaine Lettuce

 

Now if I can get the Original Chipotle I do, but sometimes I just can’t.

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Wrapped Ravoli

Written By: ThisMomsGuide - Mar• 07•12

I never knew people used wonton wrappers to make Ravioli. I must have lived under a rock or in a cave. But as of today, I made my first batch and my recipes options will never be the same. Yesterday I made baked chicken thighs and light creamed spinach (if you are not watching calories go for the full fat kind of Creamed Spinach), which I had leftovers of both, but the idea of reheating everything did not appeal to me. I was browsing through Pinterest.com and I came across raviolis made with these wonton wrappers that I have in my fridge most of the time. As I drooled over some of the pictures I thought wait a minute…I know what is for lunch

Creamed Spinach & Chicken Ravioli

Makes 15 raviolis

Ingredients:

One-Two leftover cooked finely diced chicken thigh
1 cup of leftover Creamed Spinach

SIDE NOTE: If you wanted you could just buy a rotisserie chicken and Stouffers or Boston Market creamed spinach and use that for a super easy time saving time

30 Wonton Wrappers
One Egg
A little water
Olive oil
Cherry Tomatoes
3/4 cup of chopped Cremini Mushrooms
Couple of shakes of Garlic Powder
Couple of shakes of Onion Powder
Salt to taste
Pepper to taste
Pam Cooking Spray

Directions:

Put a large pot full of water the burner and turn on high.

Put the creminis in a large skillet with Olive Oil, garlic, onion powder, salt, and pepper over medium heat. Slice tomatoes in half and add, turn on simmer till done to your liking and put in a bowl. Keep skillet out for later.

Mix the chopped chicken thighs and the creamed spinach (cold) together. Then spoon a small amount roughly  3/4 Tablespoon onto the center of the wonton wrapper. Scramble the egg and the little water together and use a pastry to brush a little egg wash  around the edges of the wrapper. Then place the second wrapper on top and then gently press the top wrapper all around the edges of the filling first, making sure to get out all the air bubbles. Then gently work your fingers out to the edges, lining up the corners and pressing it to seal. (Don’t seal the edges first; lots of air will be trapped in there.)

Lay them on a plate (do not let them touch- they stick)

Put them slowly and gently in the boiling water for three minutes. Heat skillet back to medium high heat, put either olive oil or pam in skillet. Using a slotted spoon gently remove each ravioli one at a time and place in skillet, cooking for a couple of minutes on each side (Water will make hot oil splatter…careful). You can skip the skillet part is boiled ravioli is your thing, I personally like them finished off this way.

Place on plate and top with the cremini and tomato mix and salt and pepper). So AMAZING! Better than any restaurant…really!

 

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The Most Appetizing Meatball

Written By: ThisMomsGuide - Mar• 05•12

I love a good meatball, who doesn’t? There are so many kinds and each one can be connected to a memory for many people. For me a few always stick out in my mind. For instance the big ole slow cooked Italian Meatballs. This reminds of big Italian style family dinners, where I have cooked them all day with a meat sauce and we eat too much and have to wear the elastic waist pants to get through the night. Then Turkey/Chicken Meatballs, satisfying and healthy, I make these when I am watching the calories and it helps with those meat cravings. And then there is my Sweet & Spice Appetizer Meatball. I make these for parties and it is always a hit. They are the most appetizing meatballs. In fact I just made these this past Sunday and a few wanted the recipe. So here it it goes.

Sweet & Spice Appetizer Meatball

Ingredients

  • 1 pound ground beef
  • 1/2 cup dried bread crumbs + 1/2 cup dried bread crumbs more (separated)
  • 1/2 cup chopped onion (fine diced)
  • 1/4 cup milk
  • 1 egg
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
  • 1/8 teaspoon ground black pepper
  • 1/4 cup shortening, canola oil, vegetable oil, or olive oil + 2 tsp more (separated)
  • 1 cup of beef broth
  • 12 ounces Asian Sweet chili sauce
  • 1/4 cup of Ketchup + 1/4 cup more (separated)
  • 1/8 cup of mustard
  • 1 1/3 cups grape jelly

Directions

  • In a large skillet heat the 2 tsp of oil and the minced onion over medium heat till translucent. Remove and put in a small  bowl to cool.
  • In a large bowl, combine ground beef, first 1/2 cup of bread crumbs, onion, milk, egg, salt, first 1/4 cup Ketchup, mustard,Worcestershire sauce, and ground black pepper. Mix together, and shape into small-medium meatballs and roll in the remainder 1/2 cup of breadcrumbs.

  • In the same skillet, heat shortening or oil over medium heat. Add meatballs, and cook until lightly browned on all sides, about 5 to 7 minutes.

  • Add the 1 cup of beef broth and cover. Cook for an additional 5 min, stirring once. Remove from skillet, and drain on paper towels.

  • Add chili sauce, the remainder ketchup, jelly to skillet or a pot; heat, stirring, until jelly is melted.

  • Return meatballs to skillet, and stir until coated. Reduce heat to low. Simmer, uncovered, for 25-30 minutes.
  • Serve in pot or on a tray with toothpicks with sauce pour on or remainder sauce on side.

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Modge Podge Fun

Written By: ThisMomsGuide - Mar• 01•12

Lately I see a lot shows and sites doing crafts using Modge Podge. I was a Modge Podge Virgin till today. Thanks to Pinterest and the show, The Chew I have been itching to try it. And because of Pinterest I got the idea for savings jar for working out and candle holders, and this is what I came up with. You can also use these for storing things, gift packaging, and dry ingredients to give to someone of a baking recipe. So glad I am no longer a virgin of Modge Podge..my first time was a little messy, not perfect but definitely fun and worth doing again.

What You Need:

Canning Jar, or Mason Jar, Or I used an empty cleaned Spaghetti Sauce Jar
Cut Outs of Magazine and/or Newspapers supporting a theme you want
Modge Podge
Empty Container (for Modge Podge)
Sponge Brush
Glue Gun
Scrap Paper cut in a circle width of lid
Decorations for top of lid such as rhinestones, ribbon, lettering, stickers, etc…
Paper Towel

Spread the Modge Podge on the back side of print and put them on then outside of the jar, working out gently the bubbles and creases. After you have the whole thing decorated the way you want, apply a thin layer on top of it. Wiping glass that has no print, allow to dry, repeat steps of applying a new top coat, and wiping.

One Side of the three I did - One is my Exercise Money Jar, one is a storage jar, one is a candle holder.

Glue the ribbon on the sides of lid using glue gun, and top with scrap paper circle and decor.

The other side of the three I did

Get your Podge on….

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Melting The Day Away

Written By: ThisMomsGuide - Feb• 29•12

Life is stressful, let’s face it. Bills, kids, marriage, health issues, the news, the world’s problems…it is never ending. If we are truthful we know that food makes us happy. And if it’s healthy well that is just bonus. I created a dish called the Mexican Melting Pot. It’s healthy (good for the guilt and scale), it’s Mexican (good for cravings and the soul), filling (good for our bellies), easy (good for our busy lives) and versatile (good to make one big pot and make multiple different meals out of it). So grab your beautiful family, enjoy each other’s company, talk about only good things at the dinner table, and let this Mexican Melting Pot melt the day away.

 

Mexican Melting Pot

Ingredients:
1 lb of ground chicken
1 lb of ground turkey
One ¾ c of water
1 small onion (diced)
2 minced garlic
1 can of diced tomatoes and green chilies
1 1/2 envelopes of Taco Seasoning
1 T of cumin
1 T of coriander
1 T of cilantro flakes
1 can of black beans
1/4 cup of corn

DIRECTIONS

1.In a pan cook the onion and garlic together then add the meats together and drain. Put in a crock pot on low. Add the tomatoes/chilies, water, seasonings and water. Cook for 5hours.
2. Add the beans and corn, cook for another hour.
3. Serve with homemade salsa, fat free sour cream, romaine lettuce.
4. This can be cooked all on the stove top. The crock pot just allows the meat to absorb the flavor more

Versatility options:

  • You can serve over rice.
  • In a salad
  • Over Tortilla Chips
  • As a burrito
  • As tacos
  • In a taco shells
  • In Wonton Bowls (see Below)

Wonton Bowls are easy:

Spray two muffin tins with cooking spray and mold the won tons in each cup and then spray very lightly again.  Bake them at 350 for about 7 – 8 minutes just till light golden brown.  Remove from muffin pans and cool on a cookie sheet before filling.

Top with cheese, and melt….yum
 

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Panini’s At Home

Written By: ThisMomsGuide - Feb• 16•12

There is a restaurant in Ohio called Paninis. It is a bar/restaurant establishment that serves up plenty of yummy food, but they are known for their “OverStuffed Sandwiches“  which the thickest cut of a Italian Bread stuffed with protein of your choice and cheese, and a vinegar based coleslaw and french fries. No side because when I mean stuffed I mean stuffed. I usually have a food coma afterwards. It was perfect during my drinking days when I was young. Drunk as a skunk, let’s all go to Panini’s and get a stuffed sandwich and get a little more sober.

Now as I am older, I still love the sandwich but not my waist line. Through trial and error I have made a healthier version of this beloved sandwich.I hope you an enjoy as much as I do! Of course the original is always better and I do get it from time to time, but healthy is better for your soul and your pants.

Jay’s Healthy ‘Panini Inspired’ Sandwiches
Serves 2

4 slices of either whole grain rye or wheat or pumpernickel
3 T of Butter Substitute (I use Smart Balance Light or I can’t believe it’s not butter) melted or real butter if wanted
4 oz of Lean Roasted Turkey or a lean ham Shaved
2 slices of cheese (low fat swiss, low fat Mozzarella, Provolone, shredded is ok)
Coleslaw mix (directions below)
Homemade French Fries (directions below)
Panini Press (optional) (can use a brick wrapped with aluminum foil)
Flat Pan or Grill Pan
Pastry Brush

Warm turkey or ham on the pan and remove. Butter with the pastry brush on both pieces of bread. Set down one slice buttered side down on a med-high grill pan for the pretty stripes or a flat pan. Place turkey on top and cheese. Place other slice of bread buttered side up and if you have a Panini press or brick covered in aluminum foil place on top.  Turn down to medium. Flip when browned and replace Panini Press. When browned on both sides open up bread. Line the interior with the fries and top with slaw (and tomatoes if you like). Replace bread and cut sandwich in half and serve immediately!
Cole Slaw (I make this in the AM for dinner)


1 ½ T of Natural Honey or Organic Grade B Maple Syrup
2 T of Red Wine Vinegar
1 ½ T of White Vinegar
2 T olive oil
¼ cup of water
1 T of fresh ground black pepper
Shredded Napa Cabbage
1 scallion chopped (optional)
1 tsp of salt

Mix dressing and onions together. Dip finger in it, should be a little tart with a spicy sweet. Put cabbage in it and keep rotating the cabbage in the bowl with some tongs off an on while it sets on the counter till cabbage has all wilted and is marinating. Cover and put in the fridge.If possible stir with tongs to keep it evenly marinated a couple times before serving.

French Fries (I cut the potatoes in the AM so they are ready to go in the evening)


I cut 3 peeled potatoes into ½ in thick shoestring type fries and set in soup bowl of water with 1/2 tsp of sea salt on the counter till dinner time. Drain the water, lay the fries on a paper towel. In the bowl, put in 1 T of olive oil, 1 tsp parsley flakes, 1 tsp of onion powder, and 1 tsp of black pepper and I mix with my hand and toss the potatoes until they all have the mixture on them. Spray a cookie sheet with Pam and bake 475 degrees for 20-25 min. (turn half way through)

The Finished product:

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52 Reasons Are Just Enough

Written By: ThisMomsGuide - Feb• 16•12

Love is just the best. Isn’t it? I know blah blah…I am not just talking about the love of your lover. Love in general. Love I have for my husband is just one love I have. I love my kids, my parents, my step sister, my family, my cousins, my in-laws, my neighbor, my ex-neighbor, my friends, hell I even love a lot of my social media friends.

I am someone who vocalize love to everyone in three ways usually with either with words, act of services, or gifts. Through Pinterest I found the best tangible way to show my love that encompasses all three ways. It can work for anyone. And everyone loves to hear that they are loved, but to show them a tangible thing that they can have to hold and when times are tough that they can flip through it and be reminded is so wonderful.

I made one for a friend who loves her husband very much and they are going through a very tough emotional time together. It is called “52 Reasons I Love You”. 52 Reasons are a lot, sure everyone come up with the first 25 easy…but to keep going, you dig deep and maybe by the time you are done with this act of love, 52 Reasons becomes just the beginning. Share with someone you love some reasons that they are special to you. Like I said it’s for anyone. One for your mother on Mother’s Day. One for your child growing up to fast. One for the friend who is always there for you. One for your unborn child. You could even make one for your spouse with the words of your children and do 52 Reasons We Love You. The possibilities are endless, just like the possibilities of LOVE.

52 Reasons I Love You

Start with a deck of cards

Come up with 52 Reasons and a paragraph that says 52 Reasons I Love ________, Love Always, _____

Make sure you center it and it’s thin enough to fit within the deck cards.

I Measured out one colored square to make an insert (with a little white border around) and use it as  a guide to make a total of 54 cards (for two Joker cards as well – they are the covers.) Do any color scheme you like and glue them on. Make sure no glue is seeping out, I would dry them with something weighing on them because they a curl when dry. The front cover card will have your introduction. Last card is the end of the cover- any decoration you want or a small wallet pic of you and your love.

I then cut out the reasons, and using a good craft glue stick stick (I use regular Elmers Glue on this card and you can see the glue lines)  it on it can go vertical or horizontal, but keep in mind a hole is going in the left hand corner.

Use a hole punch in the upper left hand and use one as a guide to ensure every card is uniformed.

You can use Ribbon, or a Plastic ring (which I used from my Measuring Spoons), or Metal Key Ring

Final Product spread out…you can see the last card.

Adapted from Pinterest Pin

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