Book Review: I Dare You To Eat It

A few months ago I went to a meeting where Liesa Card talked about using food storage and the methods explained in her new book. She gave one example that really struck me and made me want to learn more. In a book about the accounts of pioneer children, there was one child who thought of the journey as a grand adventure instead of a miserable experience. The difference between this boy and all the other children is that his mother was prepared. Before embarking on her journey she obtained a small portable oven and was able to bake bread throughout the trip. He was able to look at the experience as an adventure because his mother was prepared and he always had food to eat. To help my children have a better outlook on whatever the world throws at us, I need to be prepared. That means that not only do I need to have food set aside, that means I need to know what to with it and it needs to be something that is at least vaguely familiar to my family.
I Dare You To Eat It is more than a cookbook. It's inspiring and encouraging. It makes using your food storage a reality. Here are the top five reasons you should have food storage:
1. It is healthy for you.-Whole grains are power foods
2. It's cheap.- $50 worth of rice can feed an adult for four months.
3. It can make cooking and meal preparation easier.- Trust me I promise that it can
4. Having food storage can get you through an emergency.- Whether it be a personal or natural disaster.
5. Numerous prophets of the Lord have advised us to do so.- Shouldn't this one be reason enough?
As a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, I believe that we have an inspired and living prophet who gives us counsel from our Heavenly Father who loves us. But even if you don't believe that, food storage is a good idea. Having food storage doesn't mean that you're crazy, it means that you're smart. Having a little set aside means that we are better prepared for whatever tomorrow may bring.
This book makes using your food storage a reality. It doesn't have to be weird or scary. Just find recipes (30 is a good number) that your family likes to eat that you can incorporate basic items into. And that doesn't mean that you have to start grinding your own wheat and making your own bread. If cooked right, wheat can taste GREAT. And what's weird about rice, potatoes, beans, pasta and oatmeal? I eat these things anyway.
Here's a summary of the book that the author gives on her website: "I Dare You to Eat It walks readers step-by-step through designing food storage to fit your family’s needs and preferences. In Chapter 1 I discuss the role of provident living in helping us to follow God’s plan and reach out to others. Chapter 2 provides an overview of a practical system for integrating food storage into normal, everyday meals. Chapter 3 explains the simple steps for implementing your own food storage plan, tailored to the way your family eats, followed by more than forty easy food storage recipes in Chapter 4. And Chapter 5 provides further advice, responding to frequently asked questions about storing dried goods and using stored food." There you go.
It's a quick enjoyable read. I even found myself laughing out loud at parts. I recommend it to anyone who is serious or curious about being prepared, eating better or saving money. For more information, check out this link: www.idareyoutoeatit.com

Ginger- Not just for cookie houses and Thai food

Currently there is some nasty horrendous gastro virus epidemic running through my extended family. While my in-laws were visiting us today, they started having symptoms too. I pray and hope that my kids don't come down with it as well. Anyway, it brought to mind a simple recipe that a co-worker once shared with me. It's fabulous for upset tummies and morning sickness too.

Orange-Ginger Smoothie
1 dreamsicle, stick removed
1/4 tsp powdered ginger
2-3 canned peach halves
1 T vanilla yogurt
Blend all ingredients in blender until smooth.

Besides decreasing the motility of the GI tract (it helps with diarrhea and cramping as well as nausea), ginger has many other benefits. It is useful for treating heart disease because it thins blood and lowers cholesterol. (So don't go overboard with it if you are on any kind of blood thinner.) In many countries, it is used as a treatment for the common cold. And the FDA has determined that is safe with no notable side effects.
Research in rats and mice have found that it prevents skin cancer, kills ovarian cancer and helps to treat diabetes, but it will probably be quite awhile before they can determine if it is potent enough to fix those problems in humans.

Motherhood's reach goes beyond home- Words of encouragement

Some days between the incessant messes and tantrums over ridiculous things, it's nice to have a reminder of the importance of why I do the things that I do. I found this article in a recent newspaper. http://www.ldschurchnews.com/articles/58182/Motherhoods-reach-goes-beyond-home.html

Drawing from modern and ancient examples of motherhood, John Hilton III, a part-time BYU professor, and his wife, Lani, shared during the Sperry Symposium at BYU Oct. 31 how motherhood reaches far more than in one's own home.

"Countless people today believe that … motherhood is a burden, and there are better areas for women to pursue," Brother Hilton said. "But many mothers in the Old Testament would disagree.

"These women offer several lessons for modern-day matriarchs. In contrast to some current philosophies, the Old Testament teaches the importance of motherhood by establishing the significance of posterity and the influence and blessings that come from raising children. It provides several accounts of sacrifices mothers make and shows how those sacrifices changed history."

The Old Testament also teaches the powerful influence mothers have not only on their children, but also on entire nations and future generations.

The Old Testament references the word "mother," or one of its derivatives, 232 times, which is 50 percent more than all of the other standard works combined, Sister Hilton said. This shows the importance of mothers in the Old Testament.

Whether it was keeping a home in order, caring for children, working in the garden or with their small animals, the workloads of mothers in the Old Testament are the same as mothers in today's society. Although the technical processes may be different, the same duties and responsibilities of mothers who lived anciently still exist today.

"Though we have many conveniences, our lives have become increasingly complicated," Sister Hilton said. "But for modern-day mothers our most important duty is the same that was given to mothers anciently."

Not only was motherhood the most important role of women in the Old Testament, it is also perhaps the deepest desire of women in the Old Testament, Brother Hilton said.

Old Testament matriarchs offer several lessons for modern-day mothers. Beginning with the example of the first mother on earth, Eve, the mother of all living, Brother and Sister Hilton shared how her example of teaching children the gospel not only blessed their posterity, but it also brought great joy to Eve's life.

Although Eve was blessed to be able to physically bear children, she was named the mother of all living before she had children. Motherhood is more than just bearing children — it is teaching the gospel and making all things known to children, said Sister Hilton. Regardless of having mortal children or not, motherhood is at the essence of being a woman.

Other lessons of the divine role of motherhood can be found through looking at other mothers' examples in the Old Testament. Sarah, Rebekah and Rachel are all women who honored God, were true to their covenants and continually strove to be faithful.

"Many people throughout the world today are descendants of Sarah, Rebekah and Rachel, each of whom was deeply committed to motherhood," Brother Hilton said. "The faith of these great matriarchs is evidenced in their desire to honor God, be true to their covenants and raise righteous posterity. Although each struggled to bear children, their consecrated service as mothers truly has blessed thousands of millions."

Other examples of motherhood in the Old Testament include Deborah, Rizpah and Hannah, each of whom were courageous mothers who were able to teach their children in righteousness and, in some instances, save nations.

Regardless of what the world teaches, motherhood is a faith-based work that is crucial to future generations and nations, the Hiltons explained.

"The examples and lessons from the Old Testament of mothers that we have discussed are only a few among many," Brother Hilton said. "Beginning with the mother of all living, mothers have a supremely important role in the Old Testament and this role continues to the present day."

"Although it may not be popular today for women to choose to be mothers," Sister Hilton said, "Old Testament matriarchs reach out across the centuries to affirm the value of motherhood. Their sacrifices alter the course of human history as we read of mothers in the Old Testament and throughout the scriptures. We should contemplate the sacrifices they made. Their lives testify to us of the importance of posterity and the vital role mothers play in shaping the future of the world."

Southwest Cheese Soup

Here's a recipe that I recently found that is fast, easy, uses ingredients I have on hand, and the best part is my family loved it. (I love soup, and it's just something my husband usually tolerates, but he really enjoyed this one.) It was perfect when I needed to make something warm and fast, after spending the late afternoon at the park with my family. The original recipe called for 16 oz of Velveeta. I am not a big Velveeta fan, it has a distinct processed cheese after-taste. However I read several reviews where they tried to use real cheese in this soup, and it just didn't work. They could never make it smooth and it was just a clumpy mess. Here's what I did below and turned out perfect.

Southwest Cheese Soup
1 14.5 oz can of diced tomatoes with green chiles, undrained
1 15 oz can of black beans, drained
1 15 oz can of corn, drained
1 c skim milk
8 oz of Velveeta, cut into cubes
1 c grated cheese (I used a pizza blend, but I think pepper jack would also be good.)

Mix all ingredients and stir over medium heat until cheese is thoroughly melted and mixture is smooth. (About ten minutes) Serve with crushed tortilla chips.

Book Review: Deceptively Delicious

My husband is allergic to almost all raw vegetables and many cooked veggies too. My kids just generally won't eat them. This makes getting my family to eat well-balanced meals a challenge, too say the least. I thought Deceptively Delicious by Jessica Seinfield, might be able to give me some pointers on getting my family to eat better, and it does. She has lots of great ideas. I haven't tried all of her recipes, but there are some good ones, as well as different tips on getting your family to eat better.
The recipe that I go back to the most is Macaroni and Cheese (with Cauliflower). My spin on it is below. The cauliflower isn't totally hidden, but I like the taste and my kids don't mind either. We have a winner! She suggests using pureed butternut squash as an alternative to cauliflower, but I don't know if I could pull that off. As it stands, this recipe is lowfat (as compared to regular mac & cheese), high in fiber, calcium and vitamin C and folic acid. It's pretty quick and easy to make (if you have the puree ready) and reheats well. I've made this for my brothers-in-law (who are very anti-vegetables and pretty picky eaters) and they eat it without complaint.

Macaroni and Cheese (with Cauliflower)
1 1/2 c macaroni
Nonstick cooking spray
1 T olive oil
2 T flour
3/4 c skim milk
3/4 c cauliflower puree (see below)
1 c shredded reduced fat Cheddar cheese
3/4 shredded reduced fat Mozarella cheese
4 oz Neufchatel
1/2 t salt
1/2 t pepper
1/2 t Tabasco sauce

1. Cook pasta according to package directions. Drain.
2. While cooking pasta coat medium sized saucepan with cooking spray and heat on medium. Add oil, then flour and cook stirring constantly until mixture is a thick paste, but not browned.
3. Add milk and Neufchatel. Mix until smooth. Add remaining sauce ingredients and mix until melted and smooth. Add pasta.

Cauliflower Puree
This takes a little bit of time beforehand, but I think it is well worth it.
Cut out core of one head of cauliflower and discard. Cut head into quarters. Steam for 8-10 minutes. Blend one quarter at a time with a few tablespoons of water until you have a smooth texture. Freeze in small tupperware containers until ready to use.

Other favorite recipes from this book include: french toast, carrot cake muffins and burgers 1.

10 Things That Make My Life Easier

1. Online Bill Pay-No postage required, no late fees and no stress. If you don't do it, you should.
2. My Shoe Rack- Granted, my almost two-year-old son feels like his purpose in life is to dump the shoes off the shoe rack and I have to put them back on several times each day, it still saves me time. By not wearing shoes in the house, the floor stays cleaner and I generally don't have to search for shoes. They're either right there by the door, or in a pile in front of it. :S (Someday he'll outgrow this, right?)
3. My double sit and stand stroller (as shown to the right)- I got it from Target for $100 shipped, it was totally worth every penny.
4. My washer and dryer- This is one that we may take for granted. The other day I was thinking about my great grandmother. She had thirteen children and an alcoholic husband during the Great Depression. My grandfather, being the oldest, dropped out of school in the fifth grade to help support his family. He eventually lied about his age to get into the navy and always sent money home. One year for Mother's Day he sent her a new washing machine. When she saw it she cried. No wonder, I think I would cry if I had to do laundry for fifteen people by hand, day in and day out. Instead one or twice a week I throw it in with detergent, press a button and have time to play with my kids. I am so grateful to have them. (The washer and dryer I meant, but I certainly am grateful for my kids too.)
5. The Sunday Paper- I love it so much I get two. It's coupon bliss, and the money I save more than covers the cost of the paper. (And I do enjoy reading it when I have the time.)
6. Amazon.com- Shopping could hardly be easier. I love their gift organizer. I can link to things that people have on their wish lists or I can add things that I find for people and it saves it for me when I have gift-giving occasion for that person. And if I don't have any ideas for a person they usually can make some pretty descent suggestions. Plus their prices are generally cheaper than other places. (Although I usually price check at B&N for books) And most of their items qualify for free shipping when you spend $25 or more. Christmas shopping, check.
7. The Crock pot-There is so much that can be done with it. So many hours that I'm not standing over the stove and it's pretty energy efficient too. I use it at least once a week.
8. Silicone bake ware- I was kind of hesitant about these when they first came out, I mean can they really be that good? The answer is, yes they are. I got a set of three red pans at Bed, Bath and Beyond for $4 last fall, and I use them all the time. (They're not normally that cheap, I just got an awesome deal because one of the pans has a small crack on one of the edges. It works fine.) So easy to clean and spraying with Pam is totally optional. (Although I still recommend it for particularly moist muffins.)
9. Google- Is there anything it can't do? I mean, really. It can even do your kid's math homework, or calculate/define anything you type into that magic white box. Try it out.
10. My husband- A good husband is hard to find, and I'm so grateful for mine! I love you sweetheart!

Best Sugar Cookies Ever

Fall is in the air and I feel like cooking. Here's an awesome recipe that I got from my best friend. Honestly, best sugar cookies ever. Soft and chewy, like the pink cookies from the store/vending machine, but without the thick layer of pink frosting, and they taste even better.

INGREDIENTS:

• 2/3 cup shortening
  
• 2/3 cup butter
• 1 1/2 cups white sugar
• 2 eggs
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/3 cup granulated sugar for decoration (or 1/4 cup sprinkles)
  
• 
  

DIRECTIONS:

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).
2. In a medium bowl, cream together the butter, shortening and sugar. Stir in the eggs and vanilla. Combine the flour, baking powder and salt, stir into the creamed mixture until dough comes together. Roll dough into walnut sized balls (or bigger if that's what you're going for) and roll the balls in sugar/sprinkles. Place them on an unprepared cookie sheet about 2 inches apart.
3. Bake cookies 10 to 12 minutes in the preheated oven, until bottom is light brown. Remove from baking sheets to cool on wire racks.