Blog Content??

Please check out the poll that I added to the sidebar!  I'm very interested in finding out what YOU would like to read about in Dutch Girl Diary. 

Do you like tutorials with lots of pictures on how to do artsy-craftsy things?

 A simple quilt that would make a great tutorial

Maybe you prefer weekly meal plans with new recipes that are Tried and True favorites?

What about ramblings about what's going on in my life with a sprinkling of family photos?

 Abigail's almost 4 - her first night in big girl bed

Perhaps inspirational posts about being a homemaker in our exceedingly materialistic and humanistic world bring you great encouragement?

Maybe you'd like all of the above???

I look forward to your feedback and comments.  =)

I'm Going to Have Fun with my New Freezer

This little darling is being delivered between 11am and 3pm TODAY!

I've been gently asking ((cough-nagging-cough)) Mr. K for one for the last 3 years and he very kindly agreed to purchase one this year.  In honor of our new addition to the household, I'd like to share a couple of my MOST FAVORITE freezer cooking recipes:

BAJA BURRITO FILLING

Brown together in large dutch oven - drain off extra grease:

3 pounds lean ground beef

3/4 cup chopped onion

Add to meat mixture, stirring well to combine:

3/4 cup flour

3 tablespoons chili powder

1 tablespoon salt

1 1/2 teaspoons paprika

3/4 teaspoons garlic powder

1 1/2 cups water

1 1/2 cups enchilada sauce

Let cool before dividing between 3 quart freezer bags or freezer containers.

BEER MARINADE FOR CHICKEN

4 pounds chicken legs and thighs

1 cup BBQ sauce

1 teaspoon garlic powder

1 teaspoon onion powder

1 bottle beer (1 can Coke optional replacement)

Salt and Pepper to taste

Wash chicken and divide between 4 quart freezer bags.

Mix marinade and divide evenly between bags.

Seal, label, freeze.




LITTLE ITALY COOKING SAUCE
Use in lasagna, with meatballs, or as pizza sauce!
Makes 9 quarts


Saute in very large stock pot in a bit of EVOO:
1 large onion, chopped finely
1 large green pepper, chopped finely

Add and simmer 1/2 hour or until desired thickness:
6 cans crushed tomato (87 ounces total)
12 cans tomato sauce (96 ounces total)
6 cups water
6 cans tomato paste (36 ounces total)
1/4 cup + 2 tablespoons dried parsley flakes3 tablespoons salt
1/4 cups + 2 tablespoons cornstarch (mix with a little water so it won't clump when added to pot)
1 tablespoon garlic powder
3 tablespoons sugar
1 tablespoon + 1 1/2 teaspoons Italian seasoning

ETA @ 11:20am - She's here!!!  It's so nice being at the beginning of the delivery schedule rather then the end.  Miss Francis Freezer is sitting next to the fraternal twins Miss Lucy Washer and Miss Gwendolyn Dryer in the Utility Room.  I do hope they play nice.  =)  

 

Blizzard of 2010

We are living in a Winter Wonderland after receiving almost 3 feet of snow since last Saturday!!  These are the kind of snow piles I remember as a child growing up in West Michigan.

 

 

This is the fourth day off from school and Abigail is enjoying it immensely.  The neighbor girls come over for their daily romp in the snow with her.  

The snow compacted to the perfect snowman-making consistence yesterday so Mr. K and Abigail did just that.

 

Keep warm and be safe, my friends!