Market On The Move

This weekend I got a box full of produce for $10!!!!!!!  YES, I'm serious!!!

Here's how it works:
Market On The Move is a program of The 3000 Club, a nonprofit, charitable organization of like-minded people who bond together in order to rescue millions of pounds of fresh fruit and vegetables that would otherwise go in the trash.  They set up shop every Saturday and some Sundays, across the valley, to get fresh produce out to the community.  Locations are listed on their website. For a $100 annual membership, you can go to any pick up site, once a week, or just pay $10 each visit.
I went to pick up my veggies at a synagogue down the street from my house this past Sunday.  I was greeted warmly by a volunteer who asked me to sign in with my name and e-mail address.  I paid my $10 and got an enormous box to fill up.  The veggies were displayed on several long table.  I started at one end and just slid my box along down the row as I made my selections.  I ended up not filling my giant box to the brim because I wasn't sure how much I would really use and/or be able to share.  I ended up with enough to share with 4  families and still had plenty for my household. 

Here is what I came home with:
17 hot house tomatoes
10 eggplant
4 green bell peppers
16 zucchinis
6 pints of grape tomatoes

The selection is different every week.  

Here are some of the things I made with my loot.

Roasted Eggplant Spread

Thanks to Torey and Ina Garten for this delicious recipe.  I gave some to my Mom who put it in carne asada burritos last night and said it was super yummy.  I also tastes great on pita chips.  Today I spread it on a French bread from Fresh and Easy (98 cents), added mozzarella and parmesan and voila, a pizza!

Zucchini Bread

Thank you to Paula Deen for this recipe.  I did, however, make a few adjustments.  Instead of 3 cups of sugar, I did one cup of white sugar and one cup of brown sugar.  It was plenty sweet.  I added 1 tsp. or vanilla and one mashed up banana.  This recipe makes two loaves.

Homemade Tomato Sauce

This is something that my hubby and do often but it has no exact recipe.
8 tomatoes, diced
1/2 green bell pepper, diced
2 cloves garlic
Italian seasoning
oregano
red pepper flakes
olive oil
salt
pepper

Heat 2 tbsp. of olive oil in a sauce pan.  Add 2 cloves of minced garlic and saute for about 1 minute.  Add the green peppers and tomatoes.  Add all the seasoning to taste and let simmer for 20-30 minutes.  Serve over pasta with fresh basil and Parmesan cheese.  Super fresh tasting and easy.

I used the sauce again today to make a kid friendly version of the French bread, eggplant spread pizza that I described above.

I will definitely be visiting Market On The Move again next weekend. 
Hope to see you there!

Etsy....

Or "art porn" as Liz would call it.  After discovering Etsy you will never again have any trouble finding something fantastic to spruce up your home, a gift for a special friend, or a unique, one of a kind accessory to add to your collection.  This is an amazing website where you can buy and sell all things homemade or vintage.  Art, clothing, toys, candles, jewelry, the list goes on and on.  Each artist/seller has a page that is referred to as their "shop".  It is so easy to get sucked into Etsy world and just move from shop to shop, adding things to your "favorites" along the way. 

Check out some of my recent purchases.

Chella's Collection

I love having a vintage map of Holland, cut from a 1950's atlas, around my neck to help me feel close to home.  This pendant was only $18.  What a steal!!!

LaurenElaineDesigns

I asked Lauren to custom stamp a bracelet for me with the words "be here" stamped on the outside, as a reminder to live in the moment.  You can request any words, any font, and even have something stamped on the inside.  Mine has a hidden message....shhhhh.  This custom bracelet cost $6.95!!! 

Mignonne Handmade

Lastly, I have to mention my wonderful friend, Jenn Wood, who is an incredibly talented, local artist who sells all of her pieces through Etsy.  You must stop by her shop, Mignonne Handmade!

Asparagus...a true sign of Spring

I love asparagus.  The deep, woody flavor adds such dimension to any dish.  It makes me smile when I see those long green stalks back in my local produce section.  During the Spring, when asparagus is plentiful you can usually find them at a pretty good price. 
They were on sale last week at Safeway so I tried out a new recipe that came in this months "Everyday Food" mag.  Asparagus and Potato Flatbread.
It was truly delicious and not too much work.  My honey and I enjoyed it with a thinly cut skirt steak.  Great combo.

Here's what you need:
1 package pre-made pizza dough ( Fresh and Easy is cheap and yummy)
1/4 cup olive oil
1 medium Yukon Gold potato (peeled and thinly sliced)
1 bunch asparagus (cut into 1/4 inch pieces)
Grated Parmesan cheese (as much as you like)
Grated Gruyere cheese (also found for a good price at F&E, and as much as you like)

Preheat oven to 500 degrees.  Roll out your dough on a floured surface and transfer to a parchment lined baking sheet or pizza stone.  Brush with olive oil.  In a medium bowl, toss potato slices with 2 tsp. oil and season with salt and pepper.  Arrange potatoes on dough, leaving a 1/4 border.  Bake until edges of crusts are golden and potatoes are beginning to crisp around edges, about 12 minutes, rotating half way through. 
Meanwhile, toss asparagus with 2 tsp. oil and season with salt and pepper.  Reduce heat to 450, remove flatbread from the oven and top with asparagus.  Return to oven until asparagus is crisp-tender, 5 minutes.
Top with cheeses and bake until melted, 3-5 minutes.  Optional:  Broil for the last couple of minutes to brown the cheeses. 
Cut, serve, and enjoy!

Want more asparagus?
Try it roasted at 350 for 20 minutes with just olive oil, salt and pepper.  So simple and yummy.
Add it to an omelet or quiche.
Saute it with other veggies for a healthy stir fry.

Free Redbox Movie Rental

Check it out!!!  Free movie night! 
Redbox is celebrating 2 billion rentals by giving you a free movie. 
Just for today (March 8th),  use promo code: THANKS2U at any Redbox kiosk
and get a one day only, free DVD rental.  Sweet!

Happy Happy Hour

Yummy food and cheap beer, what's not to love!  Moto Sushi has an awesome happy hour Mon.-Sat., 3-6:15 (that 15 minutes comes in handy) and on Sunday 11-6:15.  Fifty percent off several aappetizers, including edamame, crispy spring rolls, and gyoza.  House sushi is also 50% off and includes some favorites such as spicy tuna rolls, Philadelphia rolls, and California rolls.  All of that AND 16oz. draft beers for $2.99  Love it!  The food is fresh and tasty and the overall atmosphere of the place is pretty laid back and friendly.  Just remember not to touch the window coverings!!!  They are pretty irresistible but they have several warnings on the menu about kids and adults alike being punished if you can't keep your paws off their unique shades.  Got you curious, huh?
Well, you will have to go check it out.  Enjoy the food and the decor!

Oh library, how I love thee...

As some of you know, I was a school librarian in my former life and it was the best job in the world.  Not only did I work with some of the most amazing people I got to share my love of books with children.  There is something so magical about taking children on a journey through a book.  I don't get to do that with as many kids as I used to but I now have one very special kid that I get to share books with, my little munchkin.  We have been going to the library at least once a week since she was about one year old and I have discovered that there is so much more to the library than just books.  Here are some ways in which you can use the Phoenix Public Library to it's fullest potential.

Children's / Family Story Times 
Story time for babies, toddlers, and families has saved me from total boredom and loneliness on many occasion, along with sharing the love for books and learning with my kiddo.


Videos
Recently borrowed:  Crazy Stupid Love, Everything Must Go, 50/50, Instructional videos for kids on yoga, ballet, and hula dancing.

Books
Recently borrowed:  The Family Fang by Kevin Wilson, The Dovekeepers by Alice Hoffman, What Alice Forgot by Liane Moriarty, Traveling Mercies by Anne Lamott and at least 10 new children's books every week.

Books on CD for children and adults
Great for roadtrips!

Music
Recently borrowed:  Evolver by John Legend,  Hard Candy by Madonna, Bon Iver by Bon Iver, The Best of the Laurie Berkner Band (kid music).

Culture Passes
Allows 2-4 entries to some cool local spots such as The Phoenix Zoo, The Children's Museum, The Desert Botanical Gardens, etc.

Holds
You can put books, movies, and CDs on hold at any location.  The library will notify you via e-mail when your item is ready for pick up. 

Reading Progams
The library currently has a winter reading program going on called "Catch BookBreath @ your Phoenix Public Library".  Children earn prizes by keeping track of the reading they do on their own or with their families.  The library also has a summer reading program to encourage reading throughout the summer break.

Library On-Line
The Phoenix Public Library also has many useful on-line resources.  One that we like to use is TumbleBooks-eBooks for eKids!   The Tumble Book Library offers a large selection of books that can be read to your child as they follow along with the words and pictures.  There are also books in Chinese, Spanish, French, and Russian.  Click on the "Learning and Research" tab on the library's home page to access TumbleBooks.

How do you use your local library?

Comfort Soup

I woke up feeling a little tickle in my throat this morning.  As the day progressed my nose started to run and my body felt a little achy.  I wanted to lay down on the couch and wrap myself up in a blanket but since I am the mom of an energetic 4 year old I had to suck it up and resort to plan B, make soup.  Elliot and I made our family's favorite soup this afternoon and it is now warming my soul and my belly.  This recipe comes to me courtesy of my lovely friend Andrea and her Bon Appetit Magazine hand-me-downs.


                        Lentil Soup with Italian Sausage

It doesn't cure any colds but it sure does taste good.

PS.  If you live here in Phoenix, you must make a special trip to Niccoli's Italian Deli for the homemade Italian sweet sausage.  I paid $5 for a pound today.  Worth every penny!

Super Spinach

Spinach is one of the healthiest, most nutrient packed foods out there.  It has earned the right to be listed as one of the Top Ten Superfoods because of it's amazing health benefits.  Each leaf of spinach might as well have a tiny blue and red cape with a "S" hanging from it.  You would think that something so magical would be hard to get your hands on but no, spinach comes washed and ready to go home with you in a sealed bag.  Thanks to one of my homegirls, Emmy, I now buy a new bag every week for $1-2, depending on the sale that week.  After seeing her pile it up high on a sandwich, I was hooked.  We use it in everything.  It doesn't have a very strong flavor presence so it can go undetected (if you need to be sneaky for the kids).
Here are some of the ways we use our Super Spinach:
Add it to any egg dish:  scrambled, quiche, frittata, omelets
Saute it with a little garlic as a side dish
Add it to pasta dishes (cooked or fresh right on top)
Add to casseroles, soups, and stews
Salads                                                                
Use it as your lettuce on sandwiches
Pizza topping
Add it to dips:  hummus or bean dip
Blend it into a fruit smoothie

Here are a couple of favorites that I whipped up yesterday.

White Bean and Spinach Dip

1 can white beans, drained and rinsed                                               
1 clove of garlic
 2 Tbsp. lemon juice                                                              
1/4 cup olive oil
1 handful of spinach
salt and pepper to taste
Combine ingredients in food processor
Serve with pita chips

Fruit Smoothies

1 cup of vanilla, lowfat yogurt                                                    
1/4 of a banana
hand full of blueberries (fresh or frozen)
hand full of spinach
1/4 cup of orange juice
small hand full of ice (optional)
Use blender or immersion blender to combine
Makes enough for me and my little honey
Serve as is or freeze it in Popsicle molds to make healthy cool, treats.
Try any combination of fruit with the base ingredients.

How do you use spinach?  

Baked Oatmeal

Have you ever met a Mennonite?  Chances are you have and they are probably the nicest people you have ever had the pleasure of meeting.  On top of that, they know how to cook and love to feed people.  This is how I came to know Baked Oatmeal.  I have been shown the Mennonite love through my belly.  Thank you Mennos!

I have never really been a big fan of oatmeal served in the traditional way.  It's a texture thing for me so when I first had baked oatmeal I realized that I really like the flavor of oatmeal, when it doesn't feel like I'm eating glue.  When it is baked in this way it keeps a texture that is pleasing and has a real earthy, nutty flavor.  You can add milk or yogurt if you want to add some creaminess.  You can also add nuts or berries to jazz it up.

Ingredients:
1/2 cup canola oil
1/2 cup applesauce ( I used the last of the homemade applesauce from a few posts ago)
3/4 cup brown sugar
2 eggs
3 cups rolled oats
1/2 tbsp. + 1/2 tsp. baking soda
1/2 tsp. salt
1 cup milk
Mix the wet ingredients together then add the dry stuff.  Throw it all in a greased 9 x 5 in. loaf pan.  Bake for 30 min. at 400 degrees.  Let is sit for 5 min. when it comes out of the oven to set.  Spoon out a warm portion, add topping or enjoy it straight up.  Either way, it's a super yummy way to start the day. 

Pancake Mornings

I didn't like pancakes until a couple of years ago.  I tried to like them.  I tried them at restaurants and I tried many pre-made mixes at home but I just never really loved it.  This all changed, as so many things do when you have kids, when Little Miss E asked me to make pancakes one morning.  I called up my recipe guru, Lizzy B, and got her "everyday single day" pancake recipe.  I have been in love ever since.  It is a sure way for my family to start the day with a smile and a happy tummy.

Ingredients:
1 cup flour
1 tbsp. sugar
1 tsp. baking powder
1/2 tsp. baking soda
1/4 tsp. salt
1 cup buttermilk (Shamrock Farms, $1.89 at Fresh and Easy)
1 egg
2 tbsp. canola oil
1-2 tbsp. milk (optional) to get the batter a bit thinner, just my personal preference

Time saver tip:  We always put a second batch of dry ingredients in a storage bag to have ready for next time.

Homemade Applesauce

This was so easy!  Who knew?  Well, my mom has told me many times how easy it is to make applesauce but I guess I wasn't listening.  Sorry Mom.  I did however listen, or feel inspired, to try it out when I saw an easy step by step recipe in the latest Martha Stewart Everyday Food.  I started with a bag of Fuji apples from the           $1 store.  YES, the $1 store!  The apples were a little banged up but they were from a farm in Washington and they smelled sweet so I thought, what the heck.  At home my little lady and I gave them a good scrub with baking soda and water (thank you for this tip, Lisa) to get rid of any chemical residue.

We followed these easy directions from there:

Peel, core, and slice 2 pounds of apples
In a large pot, add the juice of 1 lemon and 1 cup water to the sliced apples
Bring to a boil over high, then reduce to a simmer for 25-30 min.
Smash with a potato masher or pulse in a food processor until smooth
Add sugar if desired, I didn't because it was naturally sweet enough for our taste
Refrigerate for up to 5 days, or freeze, up to 2 months

What a fun, easy, family pleasing project. 
Bonus:  healthier and cheaper than store bought applesauce.
Enjoy

Dollar Store Scores

I frequently visit the two $1 stores in my area to see what kind of deals they have going on and I am usually quite pleased with my 4 quarter purchases.  I am a fan of the 99 Cent Only Stores and Dollar Tree. 
Here is a picture of my recent haul:

I get a lot of great "teacher" stuff at these stores to use with my tutoring clients and at home with my own kiddo.
Here are some other items that I often purchase at the $1 stores:
Plastic storage bags
Bandaids
Flossers
Craft beads
Pipe cleaners
Googly eyes
Craft sticks
Glue sticks
Pencils / Pens
Erasers
Scissors
Envelopes
Note pads
Post-it notes
Helium balloons
Goody brand hair clips and hair bands
Garbage bags
Paper plates and cups
Party decorations
Dog toys / treats
Greeting cards (Dollar Tree, specifically)

You never know what you might find and how you might save at the dollar store.

Free Coffee!!!

After a wonderful hike / run with my girl Chelsea this AM, I knew I needed some caffeine to keep the morning going so I hit the McDonald's drive-thru by my house for a small cup of coffee.  I ordered my usual half decaf / half regular and pull up to the window only to hear the nice man say, "It's free."  I immediately think that it's because of my charm and charisma but just to be sure I ask, "Why?"  The man tells me that it has been free all week, "Don't you watch TV or read the paper?" he asks.  Well, I guess I didn't get the memo.  Anywhoooooo...it's true.  McDonald's locations throughout the Phoenix Metro Area are offering free small coffee, no purchase necessary, through Jan. 22nd. 
I will definitely be taking advantage of this deal.
Cheers!

Crockpot Curry

I love the crock pot!  It is so wonderful to put delicious ingredients in a pot, walk away, and voila: a hot meal is ready in 4-6 hours.  Amazing!
This is one of my absolute faves.  So much depth of flavor.  Savory with a hint of sweetness.  Comfort food with a twist.

Ingredients:
1 can coconut milk
1 medium onion, chopped
1 green bell pepper, seeded and chopped
1 russet potato, cubed
3 garlic cloves, minced or finely chopped
1/2 head of cauliflower, cut into florets
1/2 bag of fresh spinach
6 tomatoes, quartered (or a can of diced tomatoes) (or 1 tbsp of tomato paste)
1/2 can of chicken broth
4-6 bone-in chicken thighs
2 tbsp. of curry powder
1 tsp. coriander
1 tsp. cumin
1 tsp. Garam Masala (optional)
1/2 tsp. ginger
A few dashes of hot sauce
Salt and pepper
White rice

Season both sides of the chicken thighs with salt and pepper then sear them in a skillet with a bit of olive oil over medium-high heat for about 4 minutes per side, until golden brown.  Put all your liquids and spices into the crock pot and stir to combine.  Then add chicken, then all the veggies.  Cover and let it go for 4 hours on high or 6 hours on low.  Time may vary depending on your crock pot.  Stir in the spinach just before serving.  We like to eat this over white rice but it tastes great on it's own.
This recipe is totally flexible.  You can add or delete almost any of the veggies and make it your own. 

Some suggestions: 
add diced eggplant
use sweet potatoes instead of russet
add a can of diced green chilis
add a can of chickpeas

Bon Appetit

Lasagna Soup

Making a traditional lasagna takes a lot of time and energy.  This simple lasagna soup is a great way to get the same flavors with way less work.  So simple, so delicious!  Whatever you do, don't skip the last step in the oven.  It totally makes the dish.

Quick tips: 
1.  Stir well as you add the broken dry lasagna pieces so they don't clump and stick together.
 2.  I used ground turkey instead of beef.  You could also use sausage.