Lamb and Chickpea Stew

Lamb Beef and Chickpea Stew, page 167

I've been absent from here, but not absent from my kitchen OR The Feed Zone. Jonathan has been traveling, we traveled as a family for the Thanksgiving holiday and I even was able to go on a little trip last week too. Soccer has finished, Futsol has begun and we are in the early months of Odyssey of the Mind*. I love this season of Waiting and as the world seems to swirl with excitement and hustle, I'm trying to pause each day and be still. I'm successful some days and not so much others.

This recipe is perfect for a chilly day. It is warm and filling and rich and yummy! Chas even gave it a 5. Well, the meat part with rice. He avoided the onions and chickpeas. I knew I had a better chance of success with Chas if I used beef, so I purchased extra lean stew meat instead of lamb. If you are new here, you need to know that Chas is a bit of a plain rice and meat kiddo. It's ok, we have rice in our house almost always.

While I'm still on a bit of a tangent, here are two kitchen tools I use often. The top one is perfect for coating the pan with oil. My sweet friend in Boulder, Dita, gave it to me. I love it, but I love her more. And the ceramic knife, not a fancy one, is always sharp. Another friend, Jock, turned me onto ceramic knives when we were at his Rwanda home for dinner one night. He's the coach of the Rwandan cycling team. Make sure to check them out. SO proud of them. It's been heart warming to see the success they are having, after watching the years Jock and other have dedicated to the program. We {heart} Team Rwanda!

TO THE STEW...

I added the spices to the meat as it cooked. I like to think it adds more flavor to the meat itself. Anyone know if this is true?

 I used large chunks of onion, so the non-onion-loving people in my family could remove them from their bowl and add them to mine.

Kombucha.
I brew my own.
It tastes apple cider vinegar-y.
Yum.

Simmer. Simmer. Simmer. This is the part where I had to add extra water. I didn't soak the bean overnight. I used chickpeas from the can.

I mentioned that I went on a little trip myself last week. I'll share more about it in the next post, but let's just say that I was able to meet some people I'd only communicated with in the cyber world and another that thought I'd only racing on television or in Triathlete, not chatting about our kids, products we like and past Australian politicians.


Kitchen Action
Lacking in Pantry: Nothing
Additions, Subtractions or Method Changes: lean beef instead of lamb & less onion
What I'll try next time: I'd like to try it with lamb, but only when I know I can either trick the boys or feed them something else
How it Scored:
Jonathan: 4
Elliott: 4
Chas: 5 (meat and rice only)
'becca: 4.5

*I coach, Chas is on a team and YOU score major points if you participated when you were in school. Any other OMers out there? Any of you go to world competition? I did. Not only am I a Nimrod, I'm a a bit of a nerd too. I try to wear it well.

Pork Green Chili

Pork Green Chili, page 181


I shared yesterday that life has been busy, really busy, the past few weeks. Finding myself with my head barely above water a few times, I also found heart thankful. Realizing this once again: When you are living life in a community you love, you may be fighting to keep your head above water, but really, it's unnecessary. Why? Because that community, family, will carry you to shore. They will be the calm, the close, the support.


I fully intended to fix the boys and their favorite gal pals the recipe on page 208, but when there was no yeast in the pantry, I had to change plans. I didn't want to head to the grocery again, so I made a not so summery, on the first day of summer chili. It was filling and delicious and when we added a bit of sour cream to the kids bowls and cilantro-mint yogurt sauce to mine, it gave it a hint of summer. 

How will you celebrate this day? What will you eat and drink? Who will you share it with? Where will you share? The kids, mine and the Beard girls, and I celebrated with a trip to Sonic for 1/2 price milkshakes and will soon jump in the lake. I will take the kids to do their Triple Threat Racing open water swim workout, then enjoy a cool drink on the deck with their momma. She's one of my favorites and one I spoke of above...a calm. a close. a friend. Thanks Amy for carrying me to shore. 

Kitchen Action
Lacking in Pantry: Pork to cube, fresh chilies & red beans
Additions, Subtractions or Method Changes: Subs...Ground pork for cubed pork, canned chilies for fresh, white beans for red Adds...Bragg's, apple cider vinegar, extra chili powder and cumin
What I'll try next time: I think it would be great with cubed pork, although the ground pork worked well.
How it Scored:
Amelia: 5
Gillian: 5
Chas: 1
Elliott: 5
'becca: 5

life

Hi there and happy final day of Spring. Life has been busy, extra busy. For the past couple of weeks our weekends have been spent at races working as volunteers or as participants, this weekend will be no different. We have entertained family visitors from out of town, I have been on 7 or 8 field trips with the boys, but we have still managed most meals around the table.

Only, they have not made it here to share.

Summer begins tomorrow and I am looking forward to her slow pace. It is my hope to share a new recipe tomorrow. It's the last day of school for my boys and time to celebrate!

Fruit and Ginger Cream

Fruit and Ginger Cream, page 254

Heavy whipping cream and my family are friends, great friends. For me it has been a growth process, but for my boys it has always been preferred. My mom makes a killer french silk pie. It's to die for, delicious! When I was young I'll never forget the first time she made it with fresh whipped cream. Having not ever had it and a lover Cool Whip by the spoon, I was unpleasantly surprised by its lack of sweetness.

I'm happy to report, my taste-buds have grown up and the thought of Cool Whip makes me cringe. There is nothing like fresh whipped cream on top of: scones, pancakes, fruit, warm pound cake, french silk pie, coffee, on a spatula as you make sure to empty the bowl completely - you get the picture. I am also happy to share, my boys have known fresh whipped cream since they were old enough to eat scones. The love fresh whipped cream, but also enjoy squirts of whip cream from a canister, especially when we play for distance. (please see note at end)

As I flipped through The Feed Zone for the first time, this recipe caught my eye. Surprised? Last night for dessert I served bowls full of berries, topped with cream. I made enough to have extra, because I had a scone delivery to make to a friend. Now I can deliver scones AND fresh whipped cream.

I will make it again, playing with the additions. I really liked the addition of ginger, but not 100% a fan of the liqueur I chose.


Kitchen Action
Lacking in Pantry: St. Germain elderflower liqueur
Additions, Subtractions or Method Changes: Grand Mariner for St. Germain 
What I'll try next time: To buy St. Germain for a tablespoon or not? That is the question. I'm not sure I will, but may try Chambord or another liqueur or just use honey as the recipe note suggests.
How it Scored:
Elliott: 1
Chas: 1
Jonathan: 4
'becca: 3

Note: If you are a momma or daddy and especially if you are an uncle or auntie you must play this game with the kiddos in your life: Whip Cream for Distance.
Object: No messes and much laughter
How to play: Kiddo lays down on the ground on his or her back with mouth wide open. Adult stands directly above kiddos head with canister of whip cream. Starting with arm fully extended below, squirt a bit into kiddo's mouth. Gradually moving up higher and higher until you miss. If you are brave you can switch places, allowing the youngster the opportunity to make it in your mouth.

Olympic Dreams

We were honored to meet and receive a tour of the Olympic Training Center from US Triathlete, Mark Fretta. It is moments such as these, where dreams are born. What a gift we were given by our friend & boys coach Shawn who arranged for it to happen.
Mark will race on San Diego at 2pm on Saturday for 1 of 2 spots on the men's 2012 Olympic team. Go Mark!

Muesli (Vanilla, Banana)

I have zero pictures of this being made or eaten. Last night we received a phone call from my parents asking us if we could help out a person stranded person in the area. Through the magic of social media, they realized a the youth pastor, of a pastor friend, of a friend, of a co-worker of my dad's, was indeed stranded and sitting at a McDonald's 20 minutes from our house. His bike was broken and he needed to get parts in the morning. Until the shop opened he would need  a place to rest his head and my parents knew we had an extra.

With what little information I had been given, the word I heard loudest was bike? I immediately thought he must be biking across America and popped into action mode. We will put the rack on the Jeep, come to his rescue and introduce him to our cycling friends in the morning making sure the rest of his trip was smooth sailing. As I came up with this plan, my thumb* dialed his number.

"Hi, I'm 'becca and you don't know me, but because of a message on Facebook my parents read (I'm not on Facebook) and a series of connections, we got your number and are happy to have you in our home for the night. Where are you and can I fix you a meal before you arrive? Oh and what kind of bike are you on?"

The conversation was short, but I learned this, it was not a Trek or Specialized, it was a Honda and he was on his way to Oklahoma to attend a week long spiritual retreat. His trip was rudely interrupted by a nail in the rear tire and he didn't need dinner. Because he was stranded at McDonald's and had eaten dinner there.

Jonathan and our boys hopped in the car to go pick him up and I made the guest room for him, cleaned the bathroom, swept and mopped the floors, finished laundry, tried to tidy up the kitchen and in the mix of it all threw together the ingredients for the Muesli the boys wanted to try the next morning. At the very least I would be able to feed him a healthy breakfast before he left our home.

He was so kind, a beef farmer, fish and wildlife worker and youth pastor. Oh and get this, he lives with is grandmother. Not weird, but sweet. He is young and she is old and it works. He spoke so genuinely about her, so darling. He was kind of surprised, but so thankful we opened our door to a stranger. I said in return:  it's what you do. It's how we should treat others, with grace and love and kindness and yummy food like Muesli...vanilla, banana, muesli.


Recipe
Ingredients ~
1 cup old fashioned rolled oats
1 cup white cows milk
splash of vanilla
1/4 cup vanilla yogurt
1/4 cup banana chips
1 fresh banana sliced

Method ~
In the order listed above and in a bowl, mix well. Cover with a lid, refrigerate and in the morning you have breakfast.

In the morning I woke at 4:45 to make it to a 5:20 swim workout with some tri pals. I usually train alone, so it was nice to have people to push me during our main set. I returned home to kiss Jonathan on his way to work and bake 2 batches of scones before they, my boys and our guest, woke. The warm scones and the cool Muesli went well together. Muesli was new to him and he liked it. My boys thought it was fair.

I drove him around out little town and to the Honda motorbike dealership. They had the parts he needed in stock, which was an answer to prayer. He wanted to be on his way to the retreat and I couldn't blame him. We drove to the place where his bike stayed the night and would be repaired. I handed him a bag of  bike treats I packed for him: fruit, cliff bars**, scones & almonds, wished him traveling mercies and waved.

I trust he made it to his destination and for some reason our paths crossed. He said our gesture gave him reassurance that there are still good people in the world. Maybe he needed that reassurance and I need to know that the Muesli is a perfect match for someone. So far we have had more misses than hits for the @nimrodboys. I'm beginning to think they like their oats warm. We have 2 more recipes to try. Tomorrow it's Chas' turn: Muesli Mango!
Muelsi, Chocolate Chip Recipe
Muesli, Honey and Jam Recipe

*That's for you Amy.
**I know, I know. I'm currently out of rice cakes.

Thanks, Mom

93 more days until London 2012 and hopefully a party to watch the opening ceremonies and parties in the days following to watch certain events. No doubt, I'll serve recipes from The Feed Zone. Are you a fan of the Olympics? I certainly am! I love the emotion and watching dreams achieved, the smiles and the tears. I especially love the moment the athletes spot that person (read as mom) in the crowd.

I cry. Every. Single. Time. 

When this commercial was sent to me earlier this week, I knew I had to share it. I shared it over here, but wanted to share it here too. I know it's not a recipe review, but take note of the breakfast meals served. 

Yesterday was a TTR swim morning, that really wasn't. I got a T3 (my coaching) email, mixed up with TTR (boys coaching), which resulted in boys ready to swim on a day when I was suppose to swim. It all worked out. They had a great workout and I watched, getting my swim workout in later in the day. After they finished and we were poolside breakfast, one of the coaches*, said something along the lines of, "Hey, we have that commercial right here." I laughed and said I better get my emails straight, but inside I was dreaming. What if...

Yesterday morning around 6:30 after 5am swim...

Breakfast poolside after a 5am workout: Oatmeal and Scones. The oatmeal was instant and from a package, but I baked the scones the night before. One out of 2...

I have not yet tried the recipe on page 55, Sweet Potato & Egg Burritos, but next week will. If I make them the night prior, I think they will be a great after swim breakfast. Make sure to check back to see how they scored. 

*I'd emailed the link to each of their coaches telling them thanks for making a difference in the lives of my boys. For their dedication and work and investment, I am thankful. Who will you share this commercial with?

Corn Cakes with Crisp Chicken

 Corn Cakes with Crisp Chicken, page 238

I am a a little over a month into this project and have shared bits an pieces of my life with you. A few of you have shared with me and I thank you. I'd love to hear more and seriously, that invitation I extended the very first day, still stands. If you are in the area, let's share a meal!

Today I thought I'd share a picture of what it looks like while I'm cooking. I'm a mess! I'm the kind of cook who must wear an apron and have 3 or 4 dish towels around at all times. Here it is, one of my most favorite spots in our home -- my cook top. It's a favorite spot because I get to make meals for my family and friends, but also because it has become a place for healing.

Food and I have not always been pals and I was a horrible cook when I was first married. Today, 13 years later (happy anniversary, Jonathan) I can say, after many meals of bland chicken breasts, Lipton rice packets and frozen vegetables I've come a long way. I'm not a fantastic cook, but the meals I prepare are healthy, prepared with love and that counts.

This journey through The Feed Zone has helped me in my journey to unwrap my mind from calorie counting and air filled rice cakes, wrapping it around healthy, whole and delicious food. This journey, it is making not not only me, but my family feel stronger. Now onto the recipe...Corn Cakes with Crisp Chicken!

This was our Easter dinner. Our plans changed a couple of days prior and time did not allow for me to grocery shop and prepare a traditional Easter meal. I had most of the ingredients on hand to make this meal, only missing an optional cheese addition.

I doubled the batch of corn cakes and have been enjoying them heated up and topped with almond butter and honey or butter and a bit of fresh ground, smoky sea salt. I have one left and will eat it as soon as I click, Publish.

Kitchen Action
Lacking in Pantry:
soft goat cheese
Additions, Subtractions or Method Changes:
I didn't cook it with oil, but a bit of water in the pan which helped to make the raisins plump. I used a little less onion and more jalapeno and raisins.
What I'll try next time:
Oil...I'll use oil to saute the chicken and soak the raisins in hot water for 5 or 10 minutes before adding to the chicken.
How it Scored:
Jonathan: 2.5 because it was dry, he also wished we'd had goat cheese. He used feta, instead.
Elliott: 3 for the same reason
'becca: 4.5 Chicken was dry, but really delicious and the corn cakes...great GF snack.

Choosing

Elliott trying to decide what he would like to cook next.

Meatballs in Red Wine Sauce, Part 2

Meatballs in Red Wine Sauce, page 234

Make sure you check out Part 1 for a little background on choosing the meal and peek into the most wild day of the week for our family.

This dinner could not have been more of a success. I think the pictures speak for themselves...

Chas was in the kitchen with me most of the time. He did much of the measuring and mixing and he loved it. He has spent time in the kitchen with me before, but prefers to be outside. It was cold and rainy and I'd said no to all things electronic. It may not have been his first choice today, but I believe in the future it may.

The best part - Squishing and SQUISHING!

Elliott came in, from what had now turned to a drizzle, to help chop peppers & tomatoes. Tiny little pieces and not a single sliced finger. 

I had a few ripe tomatoes, so we crushed our own instead of using canned. 

shaping the meatballs...I'll spare you all the boy jokes that were made as they worked. 

"And the meatball says..." Parents, name that show.

Chas' snap of me sauteing the meatballs before placing in sauce to simmer.

We had a great time in the kitchen together and talked about making healthy decisions for our bodies. If we want to continue to share in an active lifestyle, especially triathlon, these decisions are a must. It was especially encouraging to watch Chas chop veggies and place them in the sauce, knowing that was what he would be served for dinner. Elliott wanted his over noodles, Chas wanted his plain and I had mine over a bed of spinach. It was Meatballs in Red Wine Sauce 3 Ways.

The meatball simmered. The table was set. The food was blessed. And we all had seconds. 

Kitchen Action:
Lacking in Pantry:
I went to the grocery after the boys chose this for dinner and I didn't forget anything on my list. Perfect!
Additions & Subtractions or method changes:
I substituted venison for beef. My brother-in-law and daddy are hunters, to which we benefit.
I placed stale GF bread chunks in the Blendtec w/ fresh basil to make the bread crumbs
I omitted the red pepper flakes, for the boys.
Less olive oil. I was very light on the oil when sauteing  prior to simmer. A woman in my 30's, not a calorie burning professional, but an amateur -- I have to watch the calories and fat.

What I'll try next time:
I'd like to split the meat, adding the pepper flakes to half.

How it scored:
Elliott: FIVE
Chas: 5+
'becca: Perfect 5!

It was enjoyed so greatly, they both asked if they could take some in their lunches tomorrow.

Meatballs in Red Wine Sauce - Part 1

Thursday is the most wild day of the week at our house. It begins at 5 am & ends, exhausted, at 9:30 pm. It goes a little like this: 5:03 alarm. coffee. boil eggs. pour coffee. make toast. pack lunches. pack breakfast. walk dog. 5:23 wake boys. feed dog. coffee into travel mug. wake boys again. tell Jonathan his breakfast is ready to eat early or reheat. make sure swim, soccer & school bags are in car. make sure homework is finished. hugs and kisses for Jonathan as we head out the door. text, my pal and boys coach, Aly. 5:40 in the car. 6:00 boys in pool. 6:40 boys out of pool. 6:50 breakfast in the cafe area of fitness center 7:03 back in car and headed to school. 7:10 drop boys at school and head back to pool. 7:30 I'm in pool for my workout. 9:00 finished with swim and onto daily activities: errands, clean, work, volunteer work. 3:30 boys arrive home via bus, eat a heavy snack or 3, chill, beg to play xbox or on iPods (I usually give in). 4:00 homework & reading. 5:00 dress for soccer. 5:10 in the car for soccer.  5:20 at fields. 7:45 head home, shower, eat dinner, 9:00 gather in boys room, lights out, prayers 9:10 pour a glass of wine, visit with Jonathan about our day 9:30 sound asleep.

Blessings upon anyone who actually read the activities above. I'd have skimmed or skipped. This morning after their swim I asked the boys what they wanted to have for dinner. I handed them The Feed Zone & they checked out some of the dinner recipes. Quickly they settled on Meatballs. And as many young boys do, they laughed when I said, "Great, I'll go to the grocery, pick up the ingredients we need and we will have Meatballs after soccer tonight." I have a feeling this meal has already received a rating of 5, based solely on its name. Oh, life as a boymom is never, ever dull.

We have not had much of a winter in the Ozarks. Our yard is full of bright faced daffodils and fragrant hyacinth, but today it's cold & rainy. I have a large fire burning and am finishing the last of my afternoon cuppa coffee. I'd just stood up to stoke the fire and head to the kitchen to make banana bread & begin making dinner, when emails from soccer coaches appeared in my inbox.

Subject: Practice Canceled Tonight!!!

The banana bread, I will go ahead and bake, but I'll hold off on dinner and have the boys do the chopping, smashing and shaping. Check back later today or better yet, subscribe to see how they turn out.

What is the craziest day of the week for you &/or your family?