On a roll here

I tried two more recipe's from pinterest that I thought I would share.

First up is a recipe that Erik tried from a book that he recently read:  Scott Jurek's Minnesota Winter (Vegetarian) Chili  

This was super tasty!  I give it a solid 4 out of 5 stars.  It's great to make in bulk and use over the course of a week.

Since Erik decided to make the chili, I thought it might be good to pair it with a corn bread.  Since the chili is vegetarian/vegan, I decided to find the same type of option for the corn bread.  I found a Vegan Basil Cornbread recipe that looked great.  I did make some minor deviations from the recipe.  I didn't use whole wheat flour (I just used regular) and I used hemp milk instead of almond.  I can't say that it turned out AMAZING.  I will say that it grew on us.  The initial taste was...there is something missing...I'm not quite sure what it is, but next time I will use exactly what the recipe calls for.  I will give this recipe a solid 3 out of 5 stars.
***UPDATE:  I tried this recipe again using the whole wheat flour and almond milk and it turned out much better.  Best to stick with the recipe.

If you are looking for something yummy and healthy to make in bulk and maybe even to watch the super bowl...these are a great option.

New Years Resolution

I've never been the type of person who makes these lofty new years resolutions...maybe I fear failure too much...or I'm too lazy...or I just don't care....or they seem silly.  Whatever the reason I think I can count on one hand the times I have actually made a resolution, and actually fulfilled the goal.

2012- Have a baby...check...that was easy (I'm not sure this REALLY counts...but I'll take credit wherever I can).
2005- Drink more water...check...I actually did that.

Well that's it folks...

This year...why do one this year?
Well for the same reason everyone else does...I want to try new things, make changes and maybe NOT do things this year.  I wrote some of my goals down and I will share some with you:

1. read my bible
2. Potty train Eli
3. Get rid of binkie for Eli
(ok so those are resolutions for my kid...but any parent knows that this is a challenge for them as well)
4. Eat out less
5. Don't get pregnant
6. Don't move
7. Zak sleep through the night

There are a few more...but I'll spare you...

The biggest change/goal/resolution/fun idea that I have is, that I want to actually start doing some of the things I have pinned on Pinterest.  Every fall I get addicted to pinning fun and creative ideas...and like any other human...I get busy and don't do them.  SO this is the year!!!  Well, I actually started some of them last year...but I thought I would get a jump start.

So here we go:
First up: Bacon in Pancakes
Seems simple enough.  They turned out great!!

Second:  Greek Yogurt Banana Bread
This was a raging success!!  I have had rave reviews from my taste testers (Erik's co-workers and some awesome friends)

Third:  Zucchini Pizza Crust
I have tried this several times with many pinterest fails.  However, last night I NAILED IT!!  I was so excited!  The only thing I did differently, was shred the zucchini very finely.  I used a hand cheese grader with small holes (the type they use at restaurants to grade parmesan cheese).  It made the juices of the zucchini be strained easier so it was crispier.  In my previous attempts it has turned out to be zucchini pizza mush (but still tasty).

Fourth: Mason Jar Snow Men
I did this for Erik's co workers as a Christmas treat.  However, I filled it with Naked Popcorn (from Popcornopolis...which I swear they put crack in) instead of the yogurt covered pretzels.  It was much more affordable to do it that way.  It was also a great alternative as EVERYONE makes cookies and treats during this time of year.  Why not give something on the savory/salty side?!  This was a big hit.

Fifth: Santa Pancake
We did this Christmas morning.  Eli was not a fan of the whip cream but otherwise loved the strawberries and blueberries.  I even mixed a banana into the batter and it turned out great.

Sixth: Cookie Monster Cake
I did this for Zak's first birthday.  He didn't really like the cake...oh well.  He's one.  It was fun to make it for him though.

I think I have started off strong and we will see how it goes over time.  Feel free to follow along this year!

Happy New Year!!