Protein Waffles + A New Job

I have my sister, Emily, to thank for this great waffle recipe.  We had this for dinner the other night and I didn't even feel bad.  

Let's be honest, I wouldn't have felt bad even if was the "real thing".

But really, these were so yummy and actually pretty healthy.  

^^my mouth is watering^^

Ingredients:

4 eggs

1 cup cottage cheese

1/2-1 cup of flour (I used about 3/4 cup)

I also added...

2 tablespoons of vanilla 

A few pinches of cinnamon

Throw it all in a blender and you've got your batter!  We used our waffle maker which made this easy peasy, but you could also just use the batter for pancakes.  

We made two batches and kept the leftover batter for the next morning....genius!  I was full for hours!  

So, I got a new job.

Let me say that again, I GOT A NEW JOB!!!!

It's been a long time coming guys.  A long time coming.  

Not that I don't love the job I have now, I'm pretty much obsessed with my patients.  It's actually kind of a bittersweet transition.  Especially since the whole first grade was lined up waiting to "race" with my patient during recess today.  You'd be surprised how fast those power chairs can go! They were even chanting his name cheering him on during each race. I wanted to cry it was so precious.  

Plus, he told me he wanted to listen to Taylor Swift during therapy today.  He pretended he didn't like the song, "We Are Never Getting Back Together", and then sang all the lyrics when he thought I wasn't looking.  

^^ All the kiddies lined up.  I told them they had to race two at a time ^^

So ya, it's definitely bittersweet.  

I'll be working full-time at the Reproductive Care Center in Sandy.  Pretty excited to do something totally different, and branch out!  I'll get to be trained in intrauterine insemination, ultra sounds, and assist with in-vitro.  Things we don't even learn to do in nursing school so I'm both excited and nervous.  

Also I'll be talking to adults so that might be weird.  I've gotten really used to turning treatments into a game, or singing/dancing my way through therapy.  I'm afraid I'll be starting an IV on an adult and tell them to put on their Vampire teeth and think bloody thoughts.... (it works guys).   

Feeling pretty blessed about this new adventure! My first 8-5 job....wish me luck!

^^  You're lookin at the newest impregrante-r of Sandy, Utah folks ^^

I'm not really sure if, "come visit me!" is appropriate here?

Thanks for reading!  Have an awesome weekend.  

Newlywed Dinners: Easy Crockpot Meatballs

Alright, this is the epitome of easy.  I know some people are crockpot haters, but I am definitely a supporter.  I fully embrace the laziness!  Especially as I'm working full time, and the hubs is in school all day, sometimes the crockpot is our only chance at a homemade (hot) meal.  

The key to a "Newlywed Dinner"?  It's easy, inexpensive, and fools your husband into thinking your an amazing cook.  (All you do is throw the ingredients in the pot and cook on low for 5 hours).  Fool proof. 

Ingredients:

1.25 lbs of meatballs

1 cup honey flavored bbq sauce

1/2 cup peach preserves (jam works too)

1/4 cup packed darn brown sugar (can also use light)

1 1/2 teaspoons balsamic vinegar

1/4 teaspoon lemon pepper

Literally all you have to do is mix together the ingredients, add in the meatballs, and pour into the crockpot.  Cook on low for 5 hours.  

I threw some rice in the rice cooker and we paired it with some edamame. Done and done!  

Side note: as I was making this dinner Braedon came over to "give me a hug".  He looked at my shirt with terror and said, "Stef, don't move".  Bad idea.  I screamed my head off and jumped around the kitchen like an idiot!  I was wearing this fuzzy sweater and was convinced a spider had made its new home!  

Wanna know the sad part?  This has happened before. My friend Micah, was the witness.  Same look of terror, same overdramatic reaction. Turns out I just had chocolate on my face.  (In my defense, all I saw was a brown glob out of the corner of my eye...I mean it could have been a spider)

Newlywed Dinners: Thanksgiving for Two

Ok, I have to admit, this was really intimidating, and definitely a learning experience! First of all, I really never cooked until I got married.  I loved to bake, but left the cooking for my mom.  I think I called her about 7 times while attempting to make my own Thanksgiving dinner today.  

Call 1: "So...um, how do you cook a turkey?? How do you make homemade gravy?  What should I stuff the turkey with?  How long do I cook it?"

Call 2: "Hey, I forgot, do I need to make a foil tent?"

Call 3: "All the recipe says is, "make a white sauce" for the cauliflower and carrots.  Where do I begin?"

Call 4: "My turkey has no juice...so now I can't make gravy"

Here's what I learned...

1. It's not as hard as it looks

2. You can't make gravy with a smoked turkey.  (oops).  I bought a smoked turkey

3. If you don't like the brown meat, just buy a turkey breast. Bonus: it's easier to cook

4. Don't be intimidated, you can do it!

I decided to make my Thanksgiving dinner favorites:

Mashed Potatoes

Cauliflower and Carrots

Turkey (of course)

Disclaimer:

Each of these are family recipes.  I come from a family of amazing cooks, which means that most of these recipes didn't have exact measurements or directions.  Apparently the cook inside of me was just supposed to know how!  My recipe posts tend to be long because I try to be very detailed- that's what my type A personality requires when it comes to cooking!  I'll do my best to be detailed, but if you have any questions just comment below. 

1. Mashed Potatoes

Directions: 

Peel your potatoes and place in a large pot. If you use large potatoes cut them in half and then lengthwise.  I chose not to cut my potatoes since they were pretty small.  Fill the pot so the potatoes are covered.  At the last second I decided to add three garlic gloves and some salt to the water to give my potatoes some flavor.  Definitely optional!  Bring to a boil, cover and simmer for about 15-20 minutes or until the potatoes are fork tender.  

This turned out to be the perfect amount of potatoes (7 small).  We definitely have leftovers, but it was my intention to have leftover for this meal.  If you don't like leftovers you can easily half each of these dishes.  

Once tender carefully transfer your potatoes to a large mixing bowl.  This is where the measurements are up to you....add some butter (I started with 1/4 cup but added more later on) and a few dollops of sour cream.   

Mash those babies up!  You'll want to get all the clumps out (unless you prefer lumpy mashed potatoes).  Start adding milk little by little and beat the potatoes with a hand mixer on high speed.  I also decided to mince up one clove of garlic and add it in at this point (do not add three like I had in the water!). Also optional.  Keep beating, adding milk, sour cream, and butter until you get the consistency you want.  The key to this step is adding the mix ins little by little- you can always add more! Also, it helps to have your butter melted- at first while the potatoes are piping hot it won't matter- but I was beating and mashing for a while! 

2. Cauliflower and Carrots

Ingredients:

1 head of cauliflower

5 long carrots

1/2 cup butter

1/2 cup flour 

2 cups milk

1/2 cup minced onion

1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese

Bring water to a boil in a large pot.  Chop up your carrots and cauliflower into bite size pieces, then cook until tender but still slightly crispy. (maybe 3-5 minutes) I would recommend boiling the veggies separately, but you could certainly add them together.   

I actually added more carrots after taking this picture (from 4 to 5 long sticks).  But it will look something like this.  Next you will make your "white sauce". 

After calling my mom, I got some good directions on the mysterious sauce.  First melt the butter and add in the onions-let them get soft. Pour in the flour and be sure to whisk thoroughly.  Next, add in the milk very slowly, and whisk as you add, you don't want clumps!  I kept my burner at low-medium heat the whole time.  

Lastly, you can add your cheese.  It's ok if the mixture bubbles, but at this point you do not want it to be boiling.  Turn the heat on low, keep whisking and be patient while the cheese melts.  

I wish I had made a little bit more sauce.  You'll want the sauce to completely cover the veggies- that way it'll make everything "stick".  It still tasted great, but next time I would probably do 3/4 cup butter, 3/4 cup flour, 2 1/4 cups milk, 3/4 cup cheddar cheese and probably still 1/2 cup onion.  

3. The Turkey

It's so much easier than it sounds!  After you've washed, and cleaned out the turkey (taken out the giblet, etc), rub olive oil, salt, and pepper all over. You can also add a little sage and thyme- whatever fresh herbs you prefer.  Confession: I used my hands.  Don't worry I washed them first!  

I chose to stuff the turkey with carrots, celery, and an onion.  After we ate Braedon requested that I also add a baked apple- it's his claim to culinary fame!  I'll have to try it next time just for him.  

Next, stuff your turkey.  I just did whatever I could fit, and put the rest on the outsides.  

You can use a pot like this, or a baking rack to cook your turkey.  The package will have instructions on how long to bake the turkey.  *Mom trick: if you buy a pop-up turkey be sure to still check the internal temperature with your own thermometer.  Sometimes it will reach 165 degrees F before the pop up "pops". 

Create a foil tent around the turkey and remove halfway through cooking.  My turkey cooked for about an hour and fifteen minutes, and weighed 3.87 pounds.  Personally, I didn't love the smoked turkey, it was a little too salty for me, but Braedon loved it!  I was really sad I couldn't make gravy after... my mom taught me how to make it homemade and I wouldn't settle for a packet.  I guess it just means I'll have to try again!

So there you have it! Since we were in Mexico for Thanksgiving and didn't get a "homemade" dinner, I jumped at the chance to try it on my own...with less pressure to have it be like "Mom's" Thanksgiving dinner. It was my first time making each of these recipes and I think they turned out pretty good.  I learned a lot and I figure it can only go up from here right??  

Any suggestions or family recipes are more than welcomed!  Please share with me! 

Pumpkin Pie Crumb Bars

I know this happens every year, but I really just can't believe it's already Thanksgiving again!  Last year at Thanksgiving I had a great time with my family, but it was a little tainted because I knew I would be working the night shift at the hospital.  Sleeping is kind of precious to me.  This year, I'm feeling pretty thankful that I won't have work, or school (sort of) to worry about!  The Murdock's are taking us to Cancuun and I'm pretty giddy about it.  It didn't really hit me until today, but I'm suddenly feeling spring fever and not wanting to accomplish any of the tasks I should get done before we leave.  My thoughts have been totally occupied by finding the perfect book to read on the beach, and what swimsuits I want to bring on the trip.  

Anyways, if you're assigned to bring a dessert for a Thanksgiving party, I highly recommend this one!  I've made it three times already this fall- it's wonderful.  If you love pumpkin pie and particularly love the crust- this is a winner.  The crust is like an oatmeal cookie brown sugar heaven.  I brought it to a family party and my Aunt Pam even asked for the recipe- she is the queen of desserts people.  I felt pretty honored.  

Pumpkin Pie Crumb Bars

Ingredients:

1 1/4 cups flour

1 1/4 cups quick oats (old fashioned works too)

1/2 tsp salt

1/2 tsp baking soda

1/2 cup granulated sugar

1/2 cup packed light-brown sugar

3/4 cup unsalted butter, melted

1 tsp vanilla extract

Pumpkin Pie Filling:

1/4 cup granulated sugar

1/4 cup packed-light brown sugar

1 tsp cinnamon

1/2 tsp nutmeg

1/4 tsp ginger

1 pinch ground cloves

1/4 tsp salt

1 large egg

1 large egg yolk

1/2 tsp vanilla extract

1 1/4 cups canned pureed pumpkin

1/3 cup evaporated milk or half and half

whipped cream and cinnamon, for topping (optional)

First, preheat your oven to 350 degrees.  Next, you'll make your crust.  Start by whisking together flour, oats, salt and baking soda until it's well mixed.  Add in the white and brown sugar, mixing until no clumps remain.  Combine melted butter and vanilla, then pour into the mixture slowly, stirring as you go and making sure it's evenly moistened.  (I really hate that word- moisture- but there's just no other way to put it).  

Press half the crust into a greased 8x8 baking dish and bake in preheated oven 15 minutes.  

While the crust is baking you can go ahead and make the pumpkin pie filling.  Whisk together 1/4 cup sugar, 1/4 cup brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, cloves, and salt. I also like to add a dash of pumpkin pie spice.  Here's a little mom *trick: packed and overflowing brown sugar-always! Whenever a baking recipe calls for brown sugar I always do a little extra.  Can't help it, that's what my mom taught me! Next you'll add in the egg, egg yolk and vanilla. 

There's probably a much better method to get the egg yolk but this is what works for me.  Just crack your egg into a bowl, and carefully scoop out the yolk with a spoon!  Sometimes the whites will kind of stick to the yolk but with a little patience it usually just falls right off.  

Next you'll mix in the pumpkin and milk, depending on how it looks, I'll add a little extra pumpkin puree. By this time, the bottom crust should be just about finished baking.

Pour the pumpkin pie filling over the crust

Spread evenly, and return to the oven to bake 15 minutes.  

Remove from the oven, and sprinkle the remaining cookie crumble bits on top (if you have any left).  I have the hardest time not snacking on the crust while I'm baking...woops. Return to the oven for another 20-25 minutes.  You'll know when it's done when the top is golden and the center jiggles only slightly.  Let it cool for 1 hour at room temperature, and another hour in the fridge. Cut into squares and top with whip cream and a sprinkle of cinnamon-honestly, it's great on it's own.  Or, you can just serve it warm with ice-cream right out of the oven like a crumble! 

Tonight I had somewhat of a wife fail.  I made german pancakes for dinner and we paired it with leftover stuffing from our turkey dinner at the in-law's last night.  I'm pretty sure Braedon mixed the two together- at least he has a full belly right? 

Happy Thanksgiving!

My New Job + Creme Brûlée French Toast

I recently started working as a pediatric home health nurse.  Coming from the hospital, this has been a totally different but very rewarding experience.  I get to see it all; loving parents, cute friends interacting with my patients at school, heartbreaking stories, humble living circumstances, and best of all happy families in spite of health issues.  I recently started my own nursing journal to document the many stories I'm collecting.  We truly do have the best, "how was your day?" answers.  Because of HIPAA, I can't go into detail about my patients but I'll try my best to tell "his" story. 

He is only in the first grade, and he's the most popular kid in the class.  He has a terminal illness, but has surpassed all of the doctor's expectations.  This makes his prognosis pretty unpredictable.  Although he doesn't have most of the functions others kids may take for granted, he still teases, laughs, and plays jokes on others. 

This is why my job is so great:

I get to watch him excel in spelling and math

Everyone asks to sit by him at lunch, and he says yes to everyone-it's a race to see who gets there first. 

We play tag at recess.  There are days when I'm tired, but he'll look at me with wide eyes, a bright smile, and say, "Come and get me!".  There is no way I can turn down the invitation!

During treatment, he requests we listen to Justin Bieber's Christmas Album.

After treatment, he's dancing and singing all the words to "Baby".  It's become our tradition to play that song just before we head back to class.

We arm wrestle when we get bored during math... he always wins.

He rolls his eyes and shakes his head teasingly at me when I have my "pure luck" moments; like forgetting to bring his book to the library, spilling food on myself, you know-the usual. 

I sense that he just wants to feel normal, he just wants to be treated like any other kid.  While he does have a lot of "exceptions" (like staying in from recess if he chooses) he won't accept offers to butt in line, follows all of the class rules, and tries his best to participate in class.  It's probably no secret that I've become attached- we've become really good friends.  I'm so grateful for my job, and for the relationships I've been able to build that wouldn't have been possible if I were working in the hospital.  I feel blessed to have a job that I'm actually excited to come back to!  

Alright, Creme Brûlée French Toast.  Pretty much the best breakfast ever.  I have Micah Ricks to thank for introducing me to this warm, gooey, sugary-sweet casserole of joy.  But seriously, I'm considering making it our Christmas morning tradition, which is a big deal because my family already has a "Christmas Casserole" tradition.  This is the Lion Houses's Recipe for Creme Brûlée French Toast.  

Best part?  It's so easy, and you can make it the night before (actually recommended). I count my sleeping hours as precious, so not having to get up at 6 am to accommodate Braedon's school schedule just to make him breakfast is a plus (worst wife award? yikes).  I couldn't even snap a picture because we licked the pan clean so fast.  

Ingredients:

[Egg Mixture]

5 large eggs

1 and 1/2 cups half and half

1/4 teaspoon salt

1 teaspoon vanilla

pinch of cinnamon (optional)

[Bread]

1 inch pieces (torn), to fill a 9 x 13 pan about 3 inches thick

Can use:

Crescent bread (this is what I use)

French baguette

Ezekiel

Challah

etc.

[Syrup Mixture]

1/2 cup butter

1 cup packed brown sugar

2 tablespoons corn starch

First, tear your bread and set aside.  It is recommended that your bread be a little dried out.

Next, make your "egg mixture".  Beat the eggs, half and half, vanilla, salt (and pinch of cinnamon if desired) for two minutes.  Set aside. 

Melt the butter in a small saucepan over low-medium heat.  Stir in the brown sugar and corn syrup.  Heat and stir long enough that the sugar dissolves.  Side note: corn syrup is ridiculously sticky!  I had never used it before, spilled it all down my arm and it took me a good 5 minutes to get it off!  

Now we're ready to start layering the casserole.

Start with the syrup and distribute evenly.

Next, layer the bread.  Then pour the egg mixture over the top to coat.  Sorry for the blurry picture, I was awkwardly trying to snap while pouring...

All done!  You can cover and store in the refrigerator to bake in the morning, or go ahead and bake right away.  I waited a few hours and then decided to bake it so I wouldn't have to wake up early to have it ready in time for Braedon.  I know, worst wife.  Tastes just as great reheated ;)
We cut up some strawberries to put on top, but honestly it doesn't really need anything extra! 

Hope you enjoy! 

Newlywed Dinners + Beating the Blues

Braedon keeps telling me that I need to start posting some "newlywed dinners", so tonight I'm taking his advice!  The point of a newlywed dinner is that it's inexpensive, simple, and easy- while secretly tricking your husband into thinking you're a gourmet chef.  Tonight I tried a new recipe, Spaghetti Squash Primavera. Braedon helped me with dinner, thank goodness, because it involved squash again and I was not in the mood for loosing a finger! 

This is a low calorie, light dish.  So if you're like us and always crave dessert, you won't feel too guilty after this meal.  

Ingredients:

1 medium-large spaghetti squash, cut in half lengthwise and baked

1 bag pre-cooked medium or large sized shrimp (you can also use chicken)

2 roma tomatoes

handful of spinach, stems removed

salt and pepper to taste

Preheat your oven to 400 degrees.  Cut the top off of the spaghetti squash and then slice in half lengthwise...like I've mentioned before, Braedon knows my track record with knives and was more than happy to help. Place the squash face down into a 9 x13 pan with 2-3 tablespoons water- obviously I couldn't quite fit the squash in one dish so I had to use two.  Bake in the oven for 50 minutes.  

While your squash is baking you can get everything else prepared, plus probably read a book or study!  Dice the tomatoes, and tear the stems off of the spinach.  Easy enough right? Simplicity is key for these newlywed dinners :).  I seasoned my tomatoes with a little garlic salt.  

The advantage to buying the pre-cooked shrimp is you don't have to worry about anything besides reheating it.  Just add a little olive oil (or butter or coconut oil) and let the shrimp simmer in a large frying pan.  I would start this about 5-10 minutes before your squash is done.  

When your squash is finished baking allow some time for it to cool; then scoop out the seeds and all the squishy guts!  Next, take a fork and run it along the squash width-wise to separate it from the peel.  While your doing this, just turn down your heat on the frying pan to low, and make sure there is enough liquid that your shrimp won't start sticking to the pan- but not too much that it's swimming!

I kind of just threw everything in but was wishing I had added the tomatoes and spinach first.  Once the squash was added it was hard to get the spinach to the bottom so it could wilt.  I would recommend adding them first. Then once the spinach is wilted and the tomatoes are warmed, add in your squash.  It doesn't need to cook long since everything is already heated!  Just add a little salt and pepper and you're good to go!  To be honest I served it with some canned mandarin oranges. So glamorous.  Like I said, cheap, fast, and easy!  You can't mess this one up. If you aren't a fish person just substitute the shrimp for chicken!  You could even use a rotisserie chicken and just peel off bite sized pieces to throw in.  

By the way, we will definitely have leftovers!  Perfect for lunch tomorrow.

On another note:

Today was just one of those days.  I got some disappointing news and was just being dramatic, you know, feeling all sorry for myself.  After dinner all I wanted to do was get in the bubble bath and eat Nutella strait from the jar.  Sort of surprised I didn't!  But instead, I blasted John Mayer throughout our speakers, sang along while making oatmeal cookies (I know, not much better than Nutella), and forced myself to do a Jillian Michael's "killer buns and thighs" workout. (slightly counterproductive) My sister is letting me borrow the video until she visits again in a few weeks, and I told her that wouldn't be a problem because I'd for sure have "killer buns and thighs" by then. HA! Guess I'd better get going.  

Also, Braedon slow danced with me in the kitchen after dinner today and I realized, life could be so much worse.  

Photo Cred: Angela Welch Young