Mexican Bean Pie ~ my take!

I made this recipe tonight: http://allrecipes.com/Recipe/Mexican-Bean-Pie/Detail.aspx

I did change a bit though.  I did not use canned beans.  I cooked the black beans and pintos myself (simmered with onions and carrots).  I did use Fantastic Foods refried beans mix for that part though.
I didn't add the corn as I don't really care for it.

For the seasonings part I used Healing Pixie's Taco Blend... I was generous with the amounts of it (cumin, chili powder, oregano, cinammon.. I believe that is what is in it) and added a little salt.

I did not use all the cheddar that the recipe called for.  I used maybe 3/4 cups for the entire thing. I would probably be happy without the cheddar to be honest to make this vegan.  I topped it with salsa after it was cooked.

Things I would changed: I would probably add salsa to the bean mixture maybe a cup. I would add onions and garlic. Saute those and add the peppers. Cook those for a few minutes before adding the beans.

Everyone at my home enjoyed it.

Weekly Menu! Happy New Year!

Holidays are over and must get back on track!  I've been in a cooking standstill.  I am changing it up and experimenting. I will eventually bring back old favorites!

Monday
Mexican Bean Pie ~ probably little to no cheese with this one

Tuesday
Vegetable Frittata

Wednesday
Quinoa soup

Thursday
Sweet Potato Burritos ~ little to no cheese

Friday
Pasta with Marinara Sauce and salad

Saturday
Vegetable Pizza ~ possibly vegan if the store has Daiya cheese... it is always sold out!!

Sunday
Minestrone slow cooker

Just finished the Christmas Card

Snow Flurries Cocoa Christmas Card

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Weekly Menu

This coming week's menu (2 birthdays Carson's, my son and mine!)

Monday ~ Tacos w/ refriend beans (we are having leftovers Sunday and having chili Saturday instead from last week).

Tuesday ~ Carson's bday, so making homemade pizza and salad

Wednesday ~ Moroccan Chickpeas Couscous (my birthday unless hubby surprises me with something)

Thursday ~ Indian Spiced Lentil Ragu

Friday ~ Vegan Pot Pie

Saturday ~ Carson's bday party

Sunday ~ Tofu Tikka Masala

In the kitchen!

I was in the kitchen yesterday busily making vegetable broth and making pumpkin bread.

Making broth from scratch not only saves you money but is better for you.  I save vegetable trimmings (all but cabbage and lettuce type things) like onion peels, mushroom stems, and other vegetable peelings.  I also chop up celery (including leaves) and carrots.  Also I put herbs in such as basil, parsley and cilantro.
Next I fill up a large pot enough to cover everything up.  Cover, bring up to boiling, reduce heat to a simmer and keep covered for an hour.

After an hour, strain your broth.

I keep containers in the freezer on hand at all times. I make a lot of stew based things and use the broth for rice.

Also made pumpkin bread using whole wheat bread and all purpose flour.  Instead of using vegetable oil, I used coconut oil.  I don't use all the sugar called in the recipe either. And I used flax seed instead of eggs for this recipe, so it is vegan!
Before

and after

 I used this recipe: http://mybakingadventures.com/2009/10/18/healthy-pumpkin-bread/ with the mods indicted above.

Next blog post will be about making applesauce!  I have entire peck of apples and I love making homemade applesauce!

Looking for Holiday Cards, your search is over!

Shutterfly has one of the best holiday card selections to show off your family for the holidays.  Every year we send out holiday greetings that showcase pictures of our family.  This year Shutterfly has made the search easy!
My favorite holiday card is the Picture Joy.  You can't pick just one picture for your holiday card then this picture card card for you.  Click here to view it
  You can pick 3 -6 pictures for this card. This works out perfect for us since we have two children and 3 pets.  We have to have a furry ones on our holiday cards because they are part of the family, too.
  Also we could make a collage for the year to send family and friends, picking our favorite family photos throughout the year.  This way family that is lives far away can see the events or moments that they may have missed.
  There are so many different formats to choose from.  They have flat photo cards: http://www.shutterfly.com/cards-stationery , also photo cards: http://www.shutterfly.com/cards-stationery/christmas-cards and even holiday party invitations: http://www.shutterfly.com/cards-stationery/christmas-invitations .
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Weekly Menu

This week's menu:

Monday ~ Vegetable soup with black bean burgers ~ all homemade and vegan

Tuesday ~ Chicken Patties (probably boca since it will be a busy day with election and hubby out of town) w/ sweet potato fries

Wed ~ Mexican rice & bean bake ~ vegan

Thursday ~ Veggie Vindaloo with Naan Bread

Friday ~ Stove Top Cheeze Mac ~ vegan

Saturday ~ Tacos with homemade refried beans

Sunday ~ Pantry Chili ~ vegan