Freezer Meals Part Four: Beef Stroganoff

Beef Stroganoff!!!

We ate this one this week so i took some pictures. I learned that its not a very photogenic meal, and food photography is hard. :)

2 lbs beef (stew meat recommended, i love tenderized round steak)
1 lg onion, chopped
1 can condensed cream of mushroom soup
1 can condensed cream of onion soup
8 oz sliced mushrooms - fresh or canned. if canned, drain.
1/4 tsp pepper
8 oz cream cheese, cubed
8 oz sour cream

For  freezer meal, I add all ingredients to bag, etc. The sour cream and cream cheese does look a little funny when it cooks all day, but boy does it taste delicious.

If you are cooking fresh, wait to add the sour cream and cream cheese until about 30 minutes before you are serving.

Cook on low 6-8 hours (are you noticing a pattern here?). Serve over egg noodles.

YUMMMMMMMMM

Freezer Meals Part Three: Man Pleasing Chicken

Man Pleasing Chicken

I am a little confused about the name of this meal, as it pleases everyone, but the woman the most. Tasty and easy - what's not to love!

1 each red and green bell peppers, chopped
1 cup carrots, peeled and chopped (Add more if you like carrots!)
1 lg onion, sliced
3 zucchini, sliced
2 tblsp flour
2 lbs boneless skinless thighs (there is enough sauce for more chicken if you have a big family or like leftovers)
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tsp salt
3/4 cup dijon mustard
1/8 cup maple syrup
1 tblsp rice wine vinegar

Add all ingredients to bag and freeze. Thaw overnight in fridge before cooking.

You can cook this two ways. I prefer crockpot on low all day (6-8 hours) because it is easy. You can also bake in a foil lined pan at 450 for 20-30 mins until internal meat temp is 165.

I usually serve over rice.

Tangy and sweet - this one always gets clean plates!

BLAST BALL

Blast Ball is similar to t-ball. This was Jacob's first year to be old enough to play at our rec center. He had SUCH a good time. Basically the kids would hit the ball, run to first base and stomp on it. The base had a squeaker in it and made fun noises. The fielding team would all run after the ball and whoever caught it would say "BLAST BALL!" and throw it into the coach at home plate. It was hilarious, disorganized and awesome. Like herding cats. But the kids had a blast (see what i did there) and thats what matters.

Freezer Meals, Part Two: Mongolian Beef

Crockpot Mongolian Beef

1lb stew meat

2 tsp olive oil

1 onion, sliced

1 tblsp minced garlic

1/2 cup soy sauce

1/2 cup hoisin sauce

1/2 cup water

1 tsp fresh minced ginger

Freezer Instructions: Add all ingredients to prelabeled freezer bag, freeze flat. Thaw in fridge the night before cooking.

Cooking Instructions: Add all ingredients to crock pot, cook on low 6-8 hours. 

I serve this with rice and steamed broccoli. I could probably eat it once a week, there are great leftovers and the kids eat it up. LOVE this recipe!!!!!

Crockpot Freezer Meals: Cincinnati Chili

About a year and a half ago, I decided i wanted to start making some freezer meals to have on hand for when life is too busy to cook (so basically, everyday). I found some recipes, invited some friends, went shopping and we had fun prepping out meals together.

Ive been hosting these once a month or so. A week ago, two girlfriends came over on Sunday afternoon and we made thirty meals in two hours. Not too shabby, especially as there was a lot of gabbing in between chopping and measuring. I have picked some real winners and a couple losers. I plan to post some of my favorites this week. I hope you enjoy!

CINCINNATI CHILI
2 lbs ground beef, browned
6 oz tomato paste
2 onions, finely chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 tblsp chili powder
2 tsp oregano
1 tsp unsweetened cocoa powder
1 tsp cinnamon
1/2 tsp all spice
1/2 tsp cayenne pepper
2 15oz cans kidney beans

Freezer Instructions: Add all ingredients to prelabeled bag. Freeze. When ready to eat, thaw in fridge overnight.
Cooking Instructions: Dump everything into a crockpot with 1 cup water. Cover and cook on low 6-8 hours.

We have also taken this camping and just heated over the fire in a big pot for an hour or so. The cocoa powder and cinnamon make the flavor unique and really, really delicious.

summa time

 aliza is getting to the age where she is truly in love with her big brother. she says "JAKE-AH!" whenever she sees him and always wants to be doing whatever he is doing. its too much for my heart.

 Jacob is way into ninja turtles, thanks in large part to uncle max and uncle bryce. he wears his shell constantly, to eat, to bed, everywhere.

aliza is turning into quite the chatty cathy. she is doing great at repeating and understanding words, with her own special brand of attitude. she is a little bit sassy, a lot independent (way more than jacob was at her age) and a lot of mini-me. (notice she is also wearing a "turta" shirt.)

Bucket List Check Off

...running a half marathon, check!

I wanted to run the 13.1 miles in 2.5 hours. I hit it right on the money. I trained for several months, had a great running partner and a fun course. If you live in the area and haven't ran Prairie Fire, what are you waiting for? There were tons of people with signs and cheering, live music, coffee stations as well as water and gel stations, etc. Plus i scored some sweet bling. I felt very accomplished when it was over (nine months later i am still patting myself on the back, lets be honest) although i couldn't walk for three days. :)

Stitch Fix #1

Have you heard of stitch fix? Lots of people have been saying how amazing it is, so I decided to try it. I filled out my style profile, linked to a pinterest board with several pins of things i liked, and wrote the stylist a note to the effect of "I have four small kids and a limited budget but i am trying to start dressing like a grown up." Then, I scheduled my first fix. Five items were delivered to my house. I tried them all on, decided what i wanted to keep, and sent the rest back in the pre paid envelope. Easiest shopping ever. I loved all five of my items if we are being honest, but kept these two. A cute navy dress that i can layer for fall or wear by itself in summer to church or work, and a polka dot casual shirt. Each item comes with a notecard giving two different ways to wear and accessory suggestions which is awesome!

Have you tried it? If you are interested, you can use my referral link and i get bonus cash. Thanks in advance! I really think you won't be disappointed. They are adding a wider range of sizes, including plus and maternity, so there is a little something for everyone. :)

I took pictures of me actually wearing these, but the lighting was terrible and my camera battery chose that moment to die. Next month, i plan to give you guys the full fashion show. 

Our Four Year Old

Its only a few months late... but Jacob had the best birthday a four year old boy could ask for. We had planned it at the park, and it was drizzling on and off. We decided to go ahead with the party.

there was mud, there were snacks, there were happy happy children. best party ever.