It's All About The Sides

It really is, isn't it?  I mean sure, turkey is delicious.  But, without the sides, it's just not Thanksgiving!  And mashed potatoes and stuffing are great, but if you're anything like my family, you've got to have something green in there too.  These Brussels Sprouts are just the thing and so simple to make!  You don't even need a recipe!

Eat up!

Let the Festivities Begin!

You guys, there's only one week left until Thanks Giving!!  I know this time of year can be very stressful.  Regardless of whether you are hosting or not, this is a busy time of year.  Between parent teacher conferences, minimum days, vacations... it's a lot.  And don't even get me started on my personal stress... buying a home at the holidays, man, does that add stress.

So, I'm here to day to offer a very easy suggestion for entertaining, or dinner or last minute company... really anything that requires you to feed someone.  A cheese or appetizer board.  That's right!  So simple, so easy and if you do a little shopping ahead of time, so perfect for that last minute entertaining that we all seem to do this time of year!

Here are my rules for an appetizer board.  First off, don't stress!  All you need is 1-2 types of cheese, a can or jar of something pickled, a spread of some sort, fresh fruit or veg and some crackers or bread. 

If you grab a can of olives or jar of marinated artichokes next time your at Trader Joe's, some grapes, figs, or even cherry tomatoes, a box of crackers and some cheese your almost done!  I happen to have an herb garden and usually grab some sage or basil for added greenery, but you could easily use grape leaves or no leaves at all!  And don't forget to grab a bottle or two of bubbly or your favorite wine.  Entertaining should be fun, and if you go with a quick appetizer board with wine, no one will be disappointed! 

Entertaining a Crowd

I don't know about you, but this time of year, for my family, can be so very busy.  Between the multiple, extra curricular activities my kids have, church commitments, and general every day life, the holidays can be stressful.  Add in the company you may have visiting over the next few weeks, and there you have it, barely contained chaos. 

So, where does this recipe come in?  Well, I find that having a few well thought out recipes in your back pocket can be very helpful this time of year.  And pantry staples like pasta can go a long way with feeding big groups people.  And, since many of you have company that come to visit for more than just Thanksgiving Day and Christmas, it's nice to have something special you can make for the other days your visitors are with you.  Hence this recipe...

Penne Rustica

Ingredients:
1lb penne pasta
4 slices of thin proscuitto cut into long ribbons
1 turkey sausage link, diced into bite size pieces (I had garlic spinach)
15-20 medium shrimp, raw, tails off
1/2 cup of white wine
2 cups of heavy cream
1 cup grated parmesan cheese
1/2 red bell pepper sliced thinly
3 cloves of minced garlic
3 sprigs of fresh rosemary, 2 finely chopped, one whole for garnish
1/8 tsp of cayenne pepper
salt
olive oil


Directions:
I love using a cast iron skillet for this because you can put it directly in the oven and don't need to transfer stuff to a baking dish, but if you don't have one, you can absolutely use a baking dish. Preheat your oven to 425 degrees.  Heat your skillet over medium heat and add a little olive oil.

Heat your water for the pasta and follow the cooking directions for making the penne al dente, about 7 minutes.

While preparing the pasta, put the shrimp in the skillet and cook about 2 minutes on each side, until they just start to turn pink, then remove with a slotted spoon and place aside in a bowl. I know, they are not done yet, but this dish finishes in the oven and you don't want the shrimp to become rubbery so you don't want to cook them through yet.

Add the garlic to the skillet. When it begins to turn golden, add the sausage, proscuitto, peppers and rosemary. Add the wine and reduce by half, about 5 minutes.  Stir in the cream and the cayenne pepper. When cream begins to simmer add the parmesan, and stir until melted and sauce begins to thicken, then turn off heat. Taste the sauce and see if any salt is needed. (You may not need any since the parm & proscuitto is pretty salty.)

Add the cooked pasta to the sauce and then gently stir on the shrimp.  Put the skillet in the oven and let the pasta brown up on top, about 10 minutes.  Remove from heat and garnish with a little fresh rosemary.

Enjoy!

5 Tips to Successful Thrifting for Kids

If you follow me over on Instagram, you know I love shopping at thrift stores.  Today I thought I would share a little more about why and give you a few tips to make your thrifting a success!  So, the why... When Ella was a baby we were broke.  Like, literally living paycheck to paycheck, frequently using our overdraft plan, and generally just in a sad state financially.  I started shopping for the kids clothes at thrift stores, basically, as a way to save money and still be able to dress my children.  We really didn't have a lot of options then, but what happened was I learned I really enjoyed this way of shopping.  Flash forward seven years, and I'm still out scouring the racks for a good deal, and I love it!

1. Be smart and make a plan.

What I mean by this is, know what you need.  For example, I  know we are approaching warmer weather and that my kids will be a size larger than last summer.  So, I know I need summer basics.  Shorts, capri pants and sun dresses are all easy to find at thrift stores.  Know your sizes and what your kids like/need, and you'll be more successful when you go hunting.  If you go in without a plan, you are going to be more tempted to buy things that you don't need or won't end up using.  For example, I keep a note pad in my purse with a list of what my kids currently need.  Lily Claire needs 6 pairs of shorts in a size 10.  When I find a pair, I cross off the 6, change it to a 5 and keep looking.  When I have all the shorts she needs for a season, I STOP buying shorts!  No matter how tempted I am, she doesn't need more and it is a waste of money and drawer space to buy additional shorts.

2. Plan to shop frequently.

I think it's common for parents to do 2-3 large shopping trips a year to stock up on their children's clothes.  Think "back to school shopping" and "spring/summer clothes".  But, when it comes to thrift shopping, in order to get the best deals, you need to shop frequently.  Inventory literally changes daily at thrift stores, so if you aren't going often, you will miss a good find, or may not find anything on the day you do shop.  You need to know that not every trip will yield major finds, but if you are consistent, you will end up finding what you need.  

3. Buy the next size up.

This is a personal preference, but one that has been very helpful over the years.  Buy the next size up!  It's always going to be tricky if you go out expecting to find 5 pairs of denim shorts in a size 7 right now.  But, if you start looking now for the next size your child will be wearing, you won't feel as much pressure.  I have found, as my older children are maturing, I stick to very basic buying when it comes to sizing up.  My kids are getting a lot pickier about their style as they get older, so sticking to shopping for denim and basics is really helpful.  That way I can sub in trendy tee shirts or shoes as needed. 

4. Shop brand name.

Now, this is not something I'm able to necessarily do/afford when shopping retail, but when it comes to thrifting, I really suggest sticking with brand name clothing.  I know that for my girls Gap denim lasts and is high quality.  Old Navy makes cute Bermuda shorts.  Janie and Jack dresses and sweaters are timeless.  Find the brands you love and look for them at thrift stores.  Today I found a pair of Hudson jeans for Lily Claire that probably won't fit her until next winter.  But for $6 you bet I grabbed them and put them in the "next size up" bin I have in the closet.

5. Shop mid-week.

This is a rule I break.  But, mostly it's because I shop so often I don't worry about when I go.  If you are only shopping once a week or once I month even, I highly suggest aiming for a Tuesday or Wednesday.  Why?  Because folks tend to clean out their closets and make donations on the weekends.  It takes most thrift stores a few days to process donations, price them, and put them out on the floor.  This means mid-week is a great time to shop.  You will find a lot of new inventory, and hopefully have a more successful trip.  If, however, you are like me and shop often, you can kind of adjust this rule.  I know that Deseret Industries is good at daily adding lots of inventory to the store so I don't mind shopping there any day during the week.  

I could literally go on and on about thrifting, and I really do have some other things I have got to get done today, so, I'm going to leave you with these 5 tips for now and wish you luck with your shopping!  Follow me over @lilyseclaires on Instagram to see more of my daily deals and tips and leave a comment if you have any other fun suggestions!

Hawiian Roll Sliders Two Ways

Are you a slider fan?  I have to admit, I am.  I love a small sandwich.  It means I can eat more, right?  Today I'm sharing two of my favorite slider recipes, both made with my favorite Hawiian rolls, in honor of my girls returning from their trip to Maui with their grand parents this week.  First up is a yummy french dip version, followed by a ham and swiss.  So. So. Good.  Be sure to let me know which one you like best!

French Dip Slider

Ingredients:

1 pkg of hawaiian sweet dinner rolls
thinly sliced deli roast beef
6 slices of provolone cheese
1 sweet onion thinly sliced
6 tbs of butter divided
1 tbs ppoppy seeds
1 1/2 tsp worcestershire sauce
1 tsp onion powder

1/2 tsp seasoning salt

Instructions:
Sautee thinly sliced onion in 2 tbs of butter over medium heat until caramelized. This takes about 10 minutes, but while they are cooking you can start prepping the bread and other ingredients.

Remove the rolls from the package and slice completely in half with a serrated knife while still stuck together.  You should have one half with bottoms and one half with tops.  Place bottom half of rolls in a buttered or sprayed baking dish. Add a layer of thinly sliced roast beef and a layer of cheese. When the onions are done spread them over the layer of cheese and top with another layer of roast beef. Place the top half of rolls.  In an oven safe bowl melt 4tbs of butter for 30 seconds, then add worcestershire sauce and seasonings and stir well. Pour butter sauce over the top of the rolls and then cover with aluminum foil. Bake in 350 degree oven for 20 minutes covered, then remove the foil and bake for 5 minutes uncovered.

Ham and Swiss Slider

Ingredients:

1 pkg of hawaiian sweet dinner rolls
leftover ham thinly sliced (or thin sliced deli ham)
6 slices of swiss cheese
1/2 stick of butter, melted
1 tbs ppoppy seeds
1 1/2 tsp worcestershire sauce
1 tsp onion powder

1/2 tsp seasoning salt

Instructions:

Remove the rolls from the package and slice completely in half with a serrated knife while still stuck together.  You should have one half with bottoms and one half with tops.  Add a layer of thinly sliced ham and a layer of cheese then top with another layer of ham.  Place the top on the rolls.  In an oven safe bowl melt butter for 30 seconds, then add worcestershire sauce and seasonings and stir well. Place the rolls in a baking dish lined with foil. Pour butter sauce over the top of the rolls and then cover with another piece of foil. Bake in 350 degree oven for 20 minutes covered, then remove the foil and bake for 5 minutes uncovered.

Keeping Warm & Turkey Chili

It has been cold here in Northern California.  I laugh as I type this, knowing very well that cold for us is a high of 58 during the day and low 40's at night, but still, for us, it's down right chilly.  For many of you across the country, temps are below freezing!  I have really never experienced this type of weather, but I imagine a nice warm meal must be something you crave when the weather is like this. So, today I'm sharing an oldie, but goodie here on the blog.  My Turkey Chili recipe. 









Ingredients:
1 lb of lean ground turkey
1 can of black beans drained and rinsed
1 can of kidney beans drained and rinsed
2 cans of fire roasted diced tomatoes
1 onion diced
2 cloves minced garlic
1 pkg of taco seasoning (I like Trader Joe's brand)
1 pkg of ranch seasoning mix
olive oil
salt & pepper to taste

Suggested garnish toppings:
sour cream
cilantro
tortilla chips
cheddar cheese

Directions:

You can make this chili two ways, throw all the ingredients into a slow cooker and let it cook on medium all day, or if you get home from work and need to make something relatively quickly, the directions below will work just as well.

Brown turkey in a heavy bottom pot (such as a dutch oven) over medium heat with a little olive oil in the pan. Once the turkey begins to brown add the onions and garlic. Cook until the turkey is nearly cooked though, then add the taco seasoning and mix well. Add the tomatoes, beans and ranch seasoning. Simmer on medium heat for about 30 minutes to allow all the flavors to meld together. Serve in large bowls and garnish with your choice of suggested toppings.

Whether you choose the slow cooker method or the stove top method, I promise this will warm you right up and is the perfect comfort food for a cold winter day!

Side of Brussels? Yes, Please!

Did I lose you already?  I hope not.  It's true, I'm one of those people who loves brussels sprouts.  But, only when they are cooked right.  Do not boil or steam them, friends!  They stick and are watery and mushy and just gross!

Here's how to cook them so they are delicious!

Did ya get all that?  No, well let me summarize it really quick.  Cut your clean brussels in half length wise.  Add a few tablespoons of olive oil to a cast iron pan and place the cut side down until the entire pan is covered.  Sprinkle with a little more olive oil, a little granulated garlic and some salt and pepper.  Heat the pan on medium high heat until they begin to brown, then transfer to a 425 degree oven for about 15 minutes.  When you pull them out drizzle a little balsamic glaze or reduction over them and enjoy!

I promise, you'll never be disappointed in your brussels again!

Letter From A Stay At Home Mom

It's been a while since I've published a new blog post.  Between mommin' three kids, serving on the PTC board, running a house hold and occasionally showering (that's a joke!) I've barely had time to sit, let alone write.  These days I find the quick snap of a picture and a small caption on Instagram (@lilyseclaires) to be much more doable than a full blog post, but I really had something to say today, and I didn't want to edit it down to four lines...

So, here goes-

Dear Working Mom,

I do not judge you for working and being a mother.  I support your choice.  Actually, you may not even have a choice, it may just be a necessity.  But, I support you.  I'm happy for you.  But, when you think of me, and what I do, can I just say a few little things?

Please, don't assume that me staying home means that I sit on my sofa all day and watch HGTV and Food Network.  I would love to do that, really, but in actuality, I haven't turned on the tv during the day one time this entire school year for myself.  The only daytime tv that happens here is Daniel Tiger. 

I may not get a paycheck, but my job is still important.  In fact, the things I am able to do by not working outside the home actually help your child quite a bit.  The choir classes that your kids attends twice a week happen because I'm able to help with the fundraising.  The Fall Family Festival, that you all attended in October that was so fun?  That happened because several stay at home moms worked their rear ends off to make it happen.  The book fair that you shopped at?  The field trip that was so fun?  The dance a thon?  None of that would be possible without people like us.

Remember that day grandma forgot to pick your son up from school?  I was there and texted you that he was with me and everything was fine.  When you had to go in early and needed some helping getting him to school on time?  Yep, I got this, no problem!

In actuality, my day is spent cleaning, prepping food for my little people, doing laundry, volunteering my time at school...  Twice a week my daughter has in home therapy for developmental delays.  With three kids there is hardly a week that goes by that we don't have a visit to the pediatrician's office. 

I'm not asking for a thank you or even any recognition.  But please, may I just ask, could you not say "I'd kill myself if I had to be a stay at home mom."  or "I could never do that, I'd be so bored."

I assure you, I am in no way bored. 

Again, I don't judge you.  All I'm asking is that you show me the same kindness.


Signed,

A Stay At Home Mom