ROASTED ASPARAGUS...AND MORE!

credit: woodleywonderworks

'Tis the season for thinking about spring 'crops'...like asparagus.

We love to eat it fresh-roasted and I wanted to share this simple recipe idea.  I'm also including a link below for a combo of different veggies.  Sounds yummy to me!  My friend Lois loves to roast assorted veggies together and it's a wonderful dish!

Use about 2# of fresh asparagus spears - bend them toward the bottom and they'll break off where the tough part begins (I learned that from food network and it works great!) Wash and dry the stalks; spread them out, in a single layer, on a cookie sheet. Drizzle a couple of Tablespoonsful of olive oil over them - stir around so it all gets coated - then sprinkle with salt, pepper and garlic powder.  Depending on the size of the stalk, bake at 400 degrees for 10 - 12 minutes, turn the asparagus over, then roast until tender - 12 - 15 minutes longer. 

We love to eat these with our fingers right off our plates.  Try them - you'll like them!
Another recipe I devour quickly is an asparagus casserole.  I'll share that one soon too.

Don't forget to check out the recipe below too.

Roasted Root Vegetables

MAKE IT A MEATLESS MONDAY!

OK Gals - I wanted to suggest that you try a meatless meal, and the soup below is a great dish to 'build around'.  It's a good way to get enough vegetables for the day, and helps you to stay frugal. Maybe you could choose one day out of the month to enjoy a meatless meal??  I enjoy ordering the '4 vegetables' on the menu at Cracker Barrel - and I certainly need to eat more veggies.

Broccoli Cheese Soup

We enjoyed this soup (my revisions below) along with fresh tomato, cucumber and onion salad - topped with our favorite Ranch dressing.  And a side of cottage cheese too.  You could add a muffin, or even a grilled cheese sandwich.  And a cookie or pudding for dessert would top it off nicely. 

This is how I made my soup...just in case you want an easier option...

• I used a bag and a half of frozen broccoli instead of fresh
• I sauteed chopped onion, celery and carrot in olive oil, then added the chicken broth - brought it to a boil, then added the broccoli, and allowed it to simmer atleast 15 minutes, or until tender. 
• I used the amount of chicken broth called for, but reduced the cream by half.  I also used half the amount of cheese too - it was plenty!
• I made a roux, by melting 3 Tb. butter, then adding enough flour to whisk in until you have a thick paste.  I added the cream to that mixture, whisking as you go, and then the cheese, stirring until it melts.  Add to the broth and vegetables when it's time.
• Instead of whirring the soup in a blender, we prefer a hearty soup, so I just mashed the cooked veggies with a hand held potato masher.  It leaves smaller chunks, and gives you something to bite into when enjoying.
• If you wanted to add meat, I suggest cooked chicken or even diced ham.  Would make a great one-dish meal!

I found this info at the WebMD site...
Go Meatless More Often



Eating vegetarian meals more often is a slimming habit, according to WebMD's "recipe doctor," Elaine Magee, MPH, RD. Vegetarians weigh up to 20% less than meat eaters. While there are several reasons for this, legumes play an important role. Bean burgers, lentil soup, and other tasty legume-based foods are simply packed with fiber. Most Americans get only half of this important nutrient, which fills you up with fewer calories.

THE JELLY BEAN PRAYER...AND MORE

Jelly Bean Prayer

HAPPY EASTER!

PRAISE HIM!  PRAISE HIM!

HE IS RISEN, JUST AS HE SAID!

Leader Enterprise Article - April 2010 - Spring Cleaning Tips

Spring is in the air! And hasn’t it been glorious!? The longer daylight hours seem to light a fire under us to clean,scrub,get rid of dust bunnies and organize our homes.
I'm sharing some simpler spring cleaning tips to help motivate you.It feels good to get your home freshened.It also helps shake off winter and welcomes the warmer temperatures.But don’t wear yourself out and try to ‘binge’ clean.Doing a little at a time can make a real difference over time.


Open up the windows and doors in your home and let the fresh air in and the winter doldrums out.


Get rid of your old sponges and look for some cheery, colorful ones to brighten up your kitchen.



Take your wastebaskets outside for a good cleaning. You can hose them out and turn upside down to dry.Sprinkle the bottoms lightly with baking soda to keep the odors down.I keep replacement bags in the bottom of the basket,so they are handy when the next one is needed.


Wash small knicknacks instead of dusting them.
Wipe refrigerator out with baking soda water to rid odors,or vinegar water to reduce mildew.An open box of soda will easily absorb odors for several weeks.Be sure to vacuum the coils and motor to remove dust and dirt and keep the motor running properly.


Wash your shower curtain and liner in the washer,adding a bath towel for scrubbing action.Hang to dry or pop in the dryer for a few minutes,then rehang.
Sprinkle your carpets with a light dusting of baking soda;let stand overnight,and in the morning,vacuum away the odors.If you prefer purchased fragranced carpet fresheners,add baking soda to stretch the product but retain the scent.

Air out throw rugs on the clothesline to freshen.

To remove scuff marks from no-wax floors,it’s as easy as rubbing with a dry paper towel.Don’t use anything abrasive as it removes the shine and scratches the floor.

We don’t have to spend money on pricey products to make our home ‘sing’ and smell fresh and clean.Here are a few ideas for using natural products in your home.


A wonderful natural air freshener is made by mixing lemon juice and water in a spray bottle.



Grind citrus peels in the garbage disposal to eliminate nasty odors and freshen the drain.Boil peels to freshen up the whole house.

To remove showerhead build up,remove and soak in white or cider vinegar,then scrub with a toothbrush.If it can’t be removed, pour vinegar into a plastic bag and tie around your showerhead so the nozzle is submerged.Let it set overnight,or atleast 8 hours.It should dissolve any mineral deposits.




Wondering what to do if someone comes to your door and you haven't gotten around to spring cleaning?Always have get well cards ready.Put them on the mantle,then let in your guest,sigh,and mention how of course you would have cleaned by now if that nasty bug hadn’t kept you down.


I have been using this recipe and am very pleased with the results.


HOMEMADE LAMINATE FLOOR CLEANER
In a spray bottle, mix 1 cup water,1 cup rubbing alcohol,1 cup white vinegar and 1 Tb. liquid dish soap. Shake,spray and mop as usual. A sponge mop does not do well on laminates - use a cloth mop.




Next month I will be sharing my two favorite asparagus recipes.