Posts by kar41287:
- 2 cans of DRAINED diced tomatoes with green chiles ( Rotel is a good
- brand)
- 1 handful or less of fresh cilantro (depending on how well you like the taste of cilantro)
- ½ medium white onion, chopped
- 3 garlic cloves, chopped
- 1 Tbs sea salt
- In a blender place all ingredients and blend to the consistency you want.
- 4 large Jalapenos
- 1 Small Bag of Low Fat or Fat Free Shredded Cheese (I like using mexican cheese.)
- Cut the stem off of the jalapenos.
- Using a skinny knife, hollow out the inside of the jalapenos without cutting the skin.
- Rinse out the inside of the peppers.
- Place the cheese into each pepper, filling them to the top.
- Bake cheddar peppers at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for 10 to 15 minutes, until cheese is melted.
- 2 cans of biscuits (Buttery Flaky Biscuits)/ 6 cans of butter garlic flavored crescent rolls
- 1.5 lbs lean ground beef
- 1 garlic clove
- 1/2 orange bell pepper
- 1/2 red bell pepper
- 1/4 large white onion
- 1/2 Tbs. paprika
- 1/2 Tbs. chili powder
- 1 tsp. sea salt
- Mexican shredded cheese
- In a large skillet, cook beef, garlic, bell peppers, onion, paprika, chili powder, and sea salt on medium high, stirring regularly until meat is brown.
- Drain grease from the skillet and pour contents into a large bowl.
- If using the biscuits roll them or hand pull into 5 to 6 inch long ovals. / If using crescent rolls separate the individual triangles and lay them flat.
- Place 3 Tbs of meat mixture into the biscuit ovals (each one side by side towards one half of the oval), or 1 Tbs into the crescent rolls (in the widest part of the triangle).
- Spread shredded cheese onto the meat mixture (as much as desired that will allow the dough to seal without ripping).
- Fold the biscuit ovals in half, sealing the edges (use a dab of water to keep the seal, if needed), or starting with the end closest to the meat mixture, roll and secure edges.
- Preheat oven based on directions on dough can.
- Spray a baking sheet and place empanadas on the sheet and place in oven.
- Cook as directed on the can or until golden brown.
- 1 cup Teriyaki Merinade and Sauce
- 1 Tbs Paprika
- 1 tsp Chili Powder
- 1 tsp Ground Pepper
- 1.5 lbs pork shoulder (Just cut the 3 to 3 1/2 lbs pork shoulder in half to fit the 3 quart slow cooker.)
- 1/2 cup 100% Natural Chicken Broth
- 1/2 cup Brown Sugar
- 1/4 cup Soy Sauce (Less Sodium)
- 1 cup Siracha Chili Sauce
- 1/2 can Crushed Pineapple Juice (Del Monte 15 1/4 oz)
- 1/2 Medium Red Onion – Chopped
- 2 Carrots – Chopped
- 4 Hamburger Rolls
- 2 Tbs Olive Oil or Canola Oil
- 1 Tbs Ginger – Chopped
- 1 Garlic Clove – Chopped
- 4 tablespoons peanut oil or olive oil
- 1 tablespoon minced fresh ginger
- 1 tablespoon minced garlic
- 1/4 teaspoon crushed red chili flakes
- 1/2 red onion, trimmed and cut into 4 wedges, layers separated
- 2 heads baby bok choy (Japanese turnip/Chinese cabbage), trimmed and cut lengthwise in quarters – or substitute with collard greens or Swiss chard
- 1/4 pound Chinese broccoli, stems and leaves separated, each cut into 1-inch pieces – or substitute with broccoli
- 1/4 pound Chinese long beans (asparagus beans/yard beans), trimmed and cut into 1-inch pieces – or substitute with green beans
- 6 scallions, trimmed, 5 cut diagonally into 1-inch pieces (to be stir-fried), 1 thinly sliced and set aside for garnish
- 1/4 head Napa cabbage (Chinese cabbage), leaves cut crosswise into 1-inch-wide strips – or substitute with cabbage but cook longer
- 2/3 cup good-quality chicken stock or vegetable broth, heated
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 tablespoons cornstarch, dissolved in 1 tablespoon cold water
- 2 teaspoons toasted sesame seeds
- China: Vegetable Stir-Fry
- Japan: Grilled Salmon
- Hawaii: Pulled Pork Sandwich and Fruit Kabobs
- India: Naan – Flat Bread
- Korea: Bulgogi (Thinly sliced beef.)
- Oatmeal helps relieve dryness, restore moisture, and aid in healing minor irritations due to skin sensitivity. Oatmeal also absorbs and removes surface dirt and impurities, while gently exfoliating.
- Honey hydrates skin, has natural antioxidant and anti-microbial properties, absorbs impurities, helping to fight acne, and protects the skin from sun damage.
- Sugar is a natural and gentle exfoliater.
- Olive oil is high in antioxidants, such as vitamin E, helps skin maintain elasticity, and a promotes smooth, radiant complexion.
Paying With Cash and Saving Money
May 9th, 2012
Paying with cash is quick and easy. Cash doesn’t acquire interest and is an instant reminder of the money available, without having to remember to update your bank register with every purchase. It helps to use cash when paying for things like groceries, gas, clothing, vehicle maintenance, supplies, and propane. Credit cards should be used sparingly, due to the interest rate, but not avoided due to credit scores. By paying with cash for everyday small purchases you can avoid increased debt. Instead, save credit cards for larger items or for months before taking out a loan, but make sure you have money saved up to pay off the balance.
An easy way to keep track of your budget when using cash is labeled envelopes. Let’s say after paying bills you have $700 remaining to budget for food, gas, and other expenses. Determine how much you spend for each item throughout the month (i.e. $400 for food, $200 for gas, and $100 for other expenses). Next, label an envelope for each category and write the amount budgeted on the envelope. Place the budgeted cash in the labeled envelopes. When you get change back, put it back in the labeled envelope you took the cash out of. At the end of the month use half of the cash remaining to pay off debt and the other half to increase your savings. To help increase the money saved, set goals for how much cash you want left in each envelope and write that on the flap as a reminder to determine if your purchase is necessary.
When budgeting your cash in the envelopes, be as specific as possible. I have basics like groceries, gas/diesel, and dog food, but I also have cash budgeted for future needs such as my property tax and 6 month insurance. The future envelopes get added to each month, saving up for the total needed; or if you are good at keeping up with your bank register, deducting these amounts from your register allows the money to accumulate in the bank.
By paying with cash and using labeled envelopes, you can control your finances and keep an eye on your budget. What are your budgeting tips and ways that using cash has benefited you?
Tip: If you have trouble keeping paper envelopes in order (they rip or get lost) try an envelope wallet. You can get a cheaper oilcloth cash envelope wallet or a beautiful cloth envelope wallet, like the one I use from CitrusDesigns on Etsy . But they will keep your cash organized and help you maintain your budget.
Next Financial Tip: Good Food for Little Cash – Grocery Shopping on a Budget of $250
Quick Hot Sauce
May 8th, 2012
Quick Hot Sauce
This is a quick hot sauce recipe that only costs around $1.75 and makes about 20 ounces.
My mother and I make this hot sauce all the time, and just love it. We think it tastes better than most Mexican restaurants, and it’s always a hit during family get-togethers. Enjoy!
Next Recipe: Japanese Grilled Salmon on Soba Noodle Salad
Cheddar Peppers
May 8th, 2012
Cheddar Peppers
An easy and healthy snack; cheddar peppers that only costs around 14 cents each.
Ingredients:
Directions:
These cheddar peppers are usually a hit at parties or any type of get-together.
Easy Empanadas
May 8th, 2012
Empanada
This empanada recipe is easy to make and makes large amounts: 12 using biscuits or 44 snack size using crescent rolls. I happen to prefer the empanadas using the crescent rolls since they are easy to grab on the go. Also, due to the simple ingredients this is a budget friendly recipe at $1.04 per biscuit empanada and $0.47 per crescent empanada.
Ingredients:
Instructions:
Easy Empanadas
Enjoy your easy empanadas!!!!
Tip: You can also place these empanadas in the freezer for pre-made meals; or as my husband does, bag up the empanadas you want the night before, place in the fridge, grab in the morning for lunch, then heat when ready to eat.
Hawaiian Pulled Pork Sandwiches
May 8th, 2012
Hawaiian Pulled Pork Sandwich
This Hawaiian Pulled Pork Sandwich recipe is delicious, budget friendly, and a good alternative to traditional bar-bq. I spent $11.33 on all ingredients used. That is $1.42 per Hawaiian Pulled Pork Sandwich, 8 total. Also, this is an easy meal to prepare before work and have ready when you get home since the pulled pork cooks in a crock pot/slow cooker for 8 hours.
Ingredients:
Hawaiian Sauce:
Directions
In a large bowl, combine teriyaki marinade sauce, paprika, chili powder, and pepper.
Remove plastic and netting from pork, rinse it, then cut in half if needed. Cut off any excess fat. Place the pork in the bowl of mixture and rub in the marinade. Inject the marinade about 6 times into the pork. Cover and set aside.
Wash hands.
In a medium bowl with a lid, whisk together chicken broth, brown sugar, soy sauce, chili sauce, and pineapple juice. Set aside. (Tip: If you prefer a sweeter taste, reduce the chili sauce and add more pineapple juice; the chili sauce makes the Hawaiian Sauce made later very hot.)
Pork Shoulder and Hawaiian Sauce in Slow Cooker
Put chopped onions and carrots in slow cooker. Pour a little of the marinade the pork in soaking in on the vegetables. Place pork on top of vegetables and pour HALF of the pineapple juice mixture over pork. Reserve remainder Hawaiian Sauce. Cover the pork and cook on low for 7 to 8 hours or on high for 4 to 5 hours.
About 20 minutes before pork is done cook the Hawaiian Sauce described below.
Shredded Pulled Pork
Take pork out and shred meat with a fork. Place pulled pork on hamburger buns and top with Hawaiian Sauce. Enjoy!
Hawaiian Sauce:
Hawaiian Sauce
In a medium pot heat the oil over medium. Add the chopped garlic and ginger and saute for about 2 minutes, until soft. Add the reserved juice mixture and bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer 10 minutes.
Prayer
May 3rd, 2012
Prayer
Since today, May 3, is the National Day of Prayer I began thinking of all the reasons for and benefits of prayer. Religions all over the world, self-help organizations, and some counseling methods use the power of prayer to encourage healthier and more positive lives.
To me prayer isn’t strictly a religious aspect, but it is more of a spiritual experience that helps me be more self-aware. The topics I mention during prayer, especially when alone are my true feelings and beliefs of gratitude, concerns, and hopes. Prayer allows me to reflect on my inner most thoughts and accept aspects of life or focus on changing my present situation; like the serenity prayer says, “God grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change, the courage to change the things I can, and the wisdom to know the difference.”
However, prayer doesn’t have to be prewritten verses and traditions. Prayer is more like speaking from the heart to a best friend who will never criticize you. It can be cathartic to speak your thoughts and feelings out loud, even if the response isn’t immediate. A sense of stress relief can occur through prayer, just by acknowledging matters of worry, and having the understanding you aren’t alone. This can be as simple as silently praying for patience or self-control during a stressful situation during the middle of the day. For example prayer can help when driving in congested traffic to keep road rage down and to feel more of a sense of control and safety, or to focus on being patient when helping a child complete difficult homework.
Besides praying during times of stress, I believe morning prayer helps set the tone for the day, especially if you keep a positive outlook during it. Saying things like, “Thank you for letting me wake to see another day, for the rain to nourish the plants, and for guiding me through the day with your ever-present love. I hope I am open to your signs and my inner voice to help my behavior and thoughts be wiser, healthier, and selfless” helps to begin your day with a happier perspective. Morning prayer is beneficial in visualizing what you want out of the day and how you will react to unplanned stressful situations. This can help you keep your inner thoughts positive, so life isn’t as difficult to deal with.
Throughout the day use prayer to take a moment for yourself, rethink the situation, and try to look at your problems with a more positive and open mindset. Self awareness, having the knowledge you aren’t alone, and taking time for gratitude make prayer a beneficial tool in dealing with everyday problems.
Chinese Vegetable Stir-Fry
May 2nd, 2012This Chinese vegetable stir-fry is an easy and delicious way to have a healthy meal. It is also a wonderful alternative for a vegitarian dish. If desired, you can also add some cooked chicken or beef strips and mix them into the stir-fry after adding the Chinese long beans.
Ingredients
Directions
Heat a large wok or large skillet over high heat. Add 2 tablespoons of the oil. When the oil is hot, add the ginger, garlic, and chili flakes and stir-fry just until there is a nice aroma, about 30 seconds. Scoop out the seasoning ingredients and set them aside.
Add the remaining oil. When it is hot, add the onion pieces and stir-fry until they turn glossy and bright, 1 to 2 minutes.
Add the bok choy ( collard greens or Swiss chard) and the Chinese broccoli stem pieces (chopped up broccoli). Stir-fry 1 to 2 minutes more.
Add the Chinese long beans (green beans) and the 1-inch scallion pieces. Continue stir-frying until they are bright green and glossy, 1 to 2 minutes more.
Add the Napa cabbage (cabbage) and the Chinese broccoli leaves, along with about 1/3 cup of the hot stock and the reserved seasoning ingredients. Continue stir-frying until the vegetables are cooked al dente, about 2 minutes more. Add the remaining stock, soy sauce, and cornstarch mixture and stir-fry until the vegetables all look lightly glazed with sauce, about 1 minute more.
Transfer the stir-fried vegetables to a serving dish. Top with the sliced scallions and sesame seeds and enjoy.
Note: I found this Chinese Vegetable Stir-Fry recipe by Wolfgang Puck on FoodNetwork.com and made my own ingredient substitutions.
Recipes for Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month
May 1st, 2012May was named Asian Pacific American Heritage Month in 1990 by President George H.W. Bush and renamed, to be more specific, to Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month in 2011 by President Barack Obama. In honor of this month, over the next few weeks I will be posting a different recipe in honor of various Asian countries and of the state of Hawaii.
The benefit of Asian cooking includes the nutritional value of fruits and vegetables such as, bananas, coconuts, sweet potatoes, bell peppers, yams, plantains, mangoes, papayas, and pineapples. Also, the lack of saturated fat and trans fat increases the health benefits, since lean meat and fish is used throughout the cooking.
I will be posting Asian American and Pacific Islander recipes from China, Japan, Hawaii, India, and Korea:
Keep track of this series. Some simple, delicious, and nutritious recipes will be posted. Plus, having culturally diverse recipes can make dinner time more interesting.
Natural Skin Care: Oatmeal, Honey, Sugar, and Olive Oil Skin Scrub
April 30th, 2012Natural skin care is important to me since I have sensitive and dry skin, and many products break me out or cause my skin to peel. I also have a hairless Chinese Crested puppy, Frodo, who has skin allergies and needs gentle exfoliating and moisturizing. Because of these issues I looked for a way to make a skin scrub/bath we could both use.I researched common ingredients and their benefits when applied to the skin and came up with four simple ingredients for my skin care mixture: oatmeal, honey, sugar, and olive oil.
Skin After: Smoother and Hydrated
Skin Before: Rough and Dry
The oatmeal, honey, sugar, and olive oil exfoliating and hydrating mixture I make shows results after 5 to 10 minutes of application.
To make this natural skin care mixture I combine about 1 cup of oatmeal, 1/4 cup of honey, 1/4 cup of sugar, and 1/4 cup of olive oil. I mix all of these ingredients in a bowel.
Oatmeal, Honey, Sugar, and Olive Oil Skin Care Mixture
Tip: You can alter the ingredient amounts, blend the mixture to make more of a paste, and heat the mixture for around 30 seconds. Also, use warm water to rinse it off.
Next Health Tip: Nutritional Benefits of Coconut Oil
It’s Arbor Day: Let’s Plant a Tree!
April 27th, 2012It’s Arbor Day, April 27, the day to recognize the trees around us and their benefits. Trees provide oxygen for humans and animals, are a habitat for animals to live in, provide shade from the sun, reducing our energy bills if located correctly around our homes, and can provide fruit for us to eat. Why wouldn’t we want to celebrate Arbor Day by making sure more trees are available for the world to enjoy?
With the rising cost of electricity Arbor Day would be a good day to plant shade trees for your yard. However, not all trees make good shade trees. When choosing a tree make sure the tree you are considering does not have an invasive root system, especially if you will be planting it near your house foundation, concrete patio, or septic system. Also, be sure the tree is not overly messy, dropping seed pods, twigs, or nuts each year. This can add a lot of work for your family and create potential damage to your home. Finally, find out how high the tree will be when it matures. Trees that are higher than the house could be potentially hazardous during droughts or storms. As a reference medium or large sized trees should be planted at least 30 to 50 feet from the house, while small flowering trees and fruit trees can be planted at least 8 feet from your home and are wonderful additions below electric lines, since they won’t interfere with the wires. ArborDay.org recommends a 25 foot maximum mature height and 20 foot spread when planting near power lines. Trees you might consider are eastern redbud, dogwood, and Japanese maple.
If you don’t own your own land, try celebrating Arbor Day by planting a fruit tree in a portable container. 
Since my husband and I travel in an RV we decided to grow orange, lemon, and plum trees in portable pots. This allowed us to save money on the cost of produce and bring our love of trees wherever we go. Since we wanted the trees to be sturdy and producing, but not too large to transport, we purchased young trees around 3 or 4 years old that had plenty of blooms. Make sure your containers are light weight but have a wide enough diameter for root growth.
No matter your choice of tree, you are sure to enjoy their beauty and benefit from their presence. Happy Arbor Day! 
Next Step to Green Living: A Menstrual Cup is a Girl’s Best Friend
