Saturday, June 5, 2010
I Love My Hometown!
I absolutely love this time of year and the little things that make my hometown special really start to shine! The Farmer's Market on the downtown square started last weekend and they seemed to have a fairly packed group. Fresh baked goods, home grown veggies, garden decorations and the list could go on and on. We've only had this for the past couple of years and it just continues to grow! As I mentioned in the last post, we are seeing quite a bit of business really starting to boom in Winchester, as well as other places in Randolph County. Jason's Meat Market, On the Square and Sweet Sensations (open soon) are just a couple of our recent additions. Since my parent's and my brother-in-law own locally owned and operated businesses here in town, it makes me happy to see other "Mom and Pop" establishments. I would love to take the time to do a complete history on the evolution of the downtown square...all of the businesses that have come and gone, families that have been in business for generations, etc. Even in my twenty-some years, the square has almost completely changed, more than once! With the addition of the Winchester Main Street group, we have been able to recognize the strengths and weaknesses of our community and build upon what we do best...mid western hospitality! The updating of some of the downtown buildings (making them business ready) has been a tremendous asset and I think that the investors in these projects should be commended for their hard work and efforts. Some no longer live here and still want to give back to their hometown...how great! We may be small in number, but we are mighty in spirit. We are very well known for our school sports, coins, racing, pies, chocolate and golfing...what more could you ask for? I love being a small town girl :-) I mean, the Mayor is my facebook friend! So take the time today to see what makes your hometown special. God Bless!
Friday, June 4, 2010
Summer Tummy...fill it right!
I love summertime and the abundance of freshness that it brings with it! Farmer's Market is in full swing, flowers blooming and the smell of grilled food fills the air of our quaint town. With the addition of Jason's Meat Market in downtown Winchester, grilling season has taken on a whole new role...it is wonderful to be able to pick up ribs, roasts, steak burgers, etc. right here in our own backyard! It is also nice to keep all of the heat outside, not in the house! Grilling out also gives me the opportunity to utilize all of the Stonewall Kitchen products that are being sold at another new downtown business, On the Square. Winchester is having a HUGE revitalization...come visit us! Since spending time in the water sounds like more fun than staying in the kitchen on these hot summer days, here are a couple of my picks for great eats, with less heat!
Orchard Salad with Chicken: So all of the produce at the market was too good to pass up and those two left over chicken breasts needs be used in something...hmmmmmm. 4 cups of town romaine lettuce (or whatever you have), at least a half cup of each fruit (I like blueberry, sliced strawberry and pineapple) and 2 sliced chicken breasts. Want to kick-it up? Add some nuts or toasted sunflower seeds. I serve with a honey mustard dressing and yum-o!
Fiesta Corn Salad: This may sound like a side dish, but there is plenty to satisfy a summer hunger! Cook roughly 2 cups of corn (fresh, frozen, canned) in the desired method. While corn is cooking, chop one red bell pepper into small pieces and saute in a small skillet with 1 Tablespoon of butter. Add to corn when finished. In a medium sauce pan, add 1 8oz block of room temperature cream cheese, 2 Tablespoons butter and 2 Tablespoons granulated sugar and warm throughout. While warming, chop 2 green onions and add to corn mixture. When sauce has warmed, add corn mixture and stir. Place mixture in a serving dish and chill for at least 2 hours. When ready to serve, crush BBQ corn chips on top! So delicious :-)
As always, enjoy and be safe!
Orchard Salad with Chicken: So all of the produce at the market was too good to pass up and those two left over chicken breasts needs be used in something...hmmmmmm. 4 cups of town romaine lettuce (or whatever you have), at least a half cup of each fruit (I like blueberry, sliced strawberry and pineapple) and 2 sliced chicken breasts. Want to kick-it up? Add some nuts or toasted sunflower seeds. I serve with a honey mustard dressing and yum-o!
Fiesta Corn Salad: This may sound like a side dish, but there is plenty to satisfy a summer hunger! Cook roughly 2 cups of corn (fresh, frozen, canned) in the desired method. While corn is cooking, chop one red bell pepper into small pieces and saute in a small skillet with 1 Tablespoon of butter. Add to corn when finished. In a medium sauce pan, add 1 8oz block of room temperature cream cheese, 2 Tablespoons butter and 2 Tablespoons granulated sugar and warm throughout. While warming, chop 2 green onions and add to corn mixture. When sauce has warmed, add corn mixture and stir. Place mixture in a serving dish and chill for at least 2 hours. When ready to serve, crush BBQ corn chips on top! So delicious :-)
As always, enjoy and be safe!
Thursday, June 3, 2010
Sweet, treats and blooms!
I should start our by saying "sorry" for my continual lags in posting...here is a promise to actually doing this on a more frequent basis. Since I have been on the hunt for a new job these past couple of months, it has given me the opportunity to be more creative in the kitchen and dive into some passions that I did not have much time to do before. In preparation for the upcoming JuneFest that will be happening in downtown Winchester in the next couple of weeks, I have been preparing to make about 8 cheesecakes, some sweet dips and cake balls. Yes, I said cake balls! After seeing a post about these delicious little treats, my curiosity got the best of me and it was time for some research...and I am glad that I took the time to look these up! Simple, delicious bites of heaven! Bake a cake, crumble it up in a bowl, add a can of icing, freeze, dip in chocolate coating...voila cake balls! Here are a few flavor creations I am hoping to attempt:
Monkey Madness (banana as the main flavor)
Cordially Yours (cherries)
Strawberry Patch (you guessed it)
Luau Love (tropical flavors)
Wedded Bliss (oh yes, traditional wedding cake)
Have a flavor you want me to try, let me know! I am fairly game for anything! Of course, the famous Fields' Cheesecake will be making its triumphant return and Cheesecakes for a Cause remains in effect...all profits from our JuneFest booth will be donated to the American Cancer Society for the Relay for Life of Randolph County. Come see us!
Monkey Madness (banana as the main flavor)
Cordially Yours (cherries)
Strawberry Patch (you guessed it)
Luau Love (tropical flavors)
Wedded Bliss (oh yes, traditional wedding cake)
Have a flavor you want me to try, let me know! I am fairly game for anything! Of course, the famous Fields' Cheesecake will be making its triumphant return and Cheesecakes for a Cause remains in effect...all profits from our JuneFest booth will be donated to the American Cancer Society for the Relay for Life of Randolph County. Come see us!
Monday, March 1, 2010
Growing Our Garden
Steven and I have been active in a new church for the past two months and learning more about how to live "Right here, Right Now" with God. Yes, we have both been in church since birth, but Voice for Christ just brings something different in our lives. We've met so many great people and now know that we have a tremendous church support system. Blessings have been flowing and we want to give back.
Since we have been married, we have maintained a decent size garden on the back part of our property and plan to expand this year in order to participate in a share garden with our friends. Mr. Fields has quite the green thumb and a great reputation for his hearty onions! He would eat onions on just about anything...so it saves us big bucks in the spring and summer months. S0, we will make sure to plant extra onions to share with our fellow gardeners. For example, Phyllis is in the mood for squash and zucchini, so she will share her bounty with us in exchange for some onions. What a great way to have LOTS of summertime produce without having to cultivate a large garden! I am most excited for herbs...nothing beats home grown chives, cilantro, dill and of course basil!!! I am going to utilize terracotta pots so they can live outside in the summer and come inside for the winter...makes my mouth water!
At the end of the gardening season, the share gardeners will be hosting a canning party to keep our veggies and fruits tasty throughout the winter months. I will honestly say that I have never canned anything, so it will be a learning experience for us all. This will be a prime time to ask Mom Darla for some assistance. The last thing I need is exploding pressure cookers in my kitchen. :)
Another great tip on how to save on your grocery bill and add some variety to your dinnertime...casserole swaps! The process is simple and the possibilities are endless! Gather a group of friends (2-4) and have each family fill out a brief survey of likes, dislikes, allergies, etc. and pass out a copy to each member of the group. It is also helpful to send an extra casserole dish to each of your friends...these can be purchased for under $5 and can be very helpful for your swap buddies and saves the environment from all of those tin-foil pans! It will also save a lot of money in the long run. Then purchase enough ingredients to make yourself a casserole (or main dish) and then for an additional casserole to pass out to your swap buddies! Think of creative dishes that are fairly inexpensive (tuna noodle, chicken casserole, pizza pasta bake) and easy to make in the masses. Send your casserole (usually ready to bake) to your swap buddies and enjoy! So now you have your tuna noodle, the next door neighbors crunchy chicken and your best friend's zucchini bake...yum-o!
We can plant a seed with little and watch it grow into something fruitful. A small investment of time, resources and love can yield a mighty crop. Hope everyone has a blessed day.
Since we have been married, we have maintained a decent size garden on the back part of our property and plan to expand this year in order to participate in a share garden with our friends. Mr. Fields has quite the green thumb and a great reputation for his hearty onions! He would eat onions on just about anything...so it saves us big bucks in the spring and summer months. S0, we will make sure to plant extra onions to share with our fellow gardeners. For example, Phyllis is in the mood for squash and zucchini, so she will share her bounty with us in exchange for some onions. What a great way to have LOTS of summertime produce without having to cultivate a large garden! I am most excited for herbs...nothing beats home grown chives, cilantro, dill and of course basil!!! I am going to utilize terracotta pots so they can live outside in the summer and come inside for the winter...makes my mouth water!
At the end of the gardening season, the share gardeners will be hosting a canning party to keep our veggies and fruits tasty throughout the winter months. I will honestly say that I have never canned anything, so it will be a learning experience for us all. This will be a prime time to ask Mom Darla for some assistance. The last thing I need is exploding pressure cookers in my kitchen. :)
Another great tip on how to save on your grocery bill and add some variety to your dinnertime...casserole swaps! The process is simple and the possibilities are endless! Gather a group of friends (2-4) and have each family fill out a brief survey of likes, dislikes, allergies, etc. and pass out a copy to each member of the group. It is also helpful to send an extra casserole dish to each of your friends...these can be purchased for under $5 and can be very helpful for your swap buddies and saves the environment from all of those tin-foil pans! It will also save a lot of money in the long run. Then purchase enough ingredients to make yourself a casserole (or main dish) and then for an additional casserole to pass out to your swap buddies! Think of creative dishes that are fairly inexpensive (tuna noodle, chicken casserole, pizza pasta bake) and easy to make in the masses. Send your casserole (usually ready to bake) to your swap buddies and enjoy! So now you have your tuna noodle, the next door neighbors crunchy chicken and your best friend's zucchini bake...yum-o!
We can plant a seed with little and watch it grow into something fruitful. A small investment of time, resources and love can yield a mighty crop. Hope everyone has a blessed day.
Wednesday, January 13, 2010
Meat the Savings
One of the most expensive items that you will purchase for your family is that of the protein variety. However, here is a sure fire way to save on the most needed staple!
1. Check the front and back pages of most supermarket circulars, that is where most chain stores advertise their weekly meat savings. Do you use a lot of chicken breast and they happen to be a steal? Buy them and freeze the extra, just make sure to mark the date on the package so you know when they need to be used by. You aren't going to save much if you waste much!
2. Always talk with the butcher or meat-case manager, they may be able to make deals on bulk purchases that are not on sale. It is also wise to check the fresh meat counter vs what is already pre-packaged, you may find a better deal at the counter! You may also get alerted to upcoming sales from the sales staff...if they know you and what you typically buy, they'll be more eager to tell.
3. Look for package deals! Many stores are selling meat packs for $20 or less that include: chicken, ground round or chuck, bacon or sausage and some type of roast. Even if you don't see any in the display case, ask! The last time we purchased one, we ended up saving well over $5.
4, Stretch! Use less meat and add more veggies and grains to keep you full. Make fajitas, stir fry, pasta toss, etc. Just use your imagination!
5. Remember that meat is not the only source of protein. Nuts and beans can certainly make great additions to salads and soups to give you your needed protein and a meal without meat. For a family of four, take a head of lettuce and core and chop into 4 large wedges. Cut one granny smith apple into julienned strips and divide. Add 1 oz of pecan and drizzle with your favorite dressing. Oh so good and makes your tummy happy.
Hope that these tips help. Happy Meating :)
1. Check the front and back pages of most supermarket circulars, that is where most chain stores advertise their weekly meat savings. Do you use a lot of chicken breast and they happen to be a steal? Buy them and freeze the extra, just make sure to mark the date on the package so you know when they need to be used by. You aren't going to save much if you waste much!
2. Always talk with the butcher or meat-case manager, they may be able to make deals on bulk purchases that are not on sale. It is also wise to check the fresh meat counter vs what is already pre-packaged, you may find a better deal at the counter! You may also get alerted to upcoming sales from the sales staff...if they know you and what you typically buy, they'll be more eager to tell.
3. Look for package deals! Many stores are selling meat packs for $20 or less that include: chicken, ground round or chuck, bacon or sausage and some type of roast. Even if you don't see any in the display case, ask! The last time we purchased one, we ended up saving well over $5.
4, Stretch! Use less meat and add more veggies and grains to keep you full. Make fajitas, stir fry, pasta toss, etc. Just use your imagination!
5. Remember that meat is not the only source of protein. Nuts and beans can certainly make great additions to salads and soups to give you your needed protein and a meal without meat. For a family of four, take a head of lettuce and core and chop into 4 large wedges. Cut one granny smith apple into julienned strips and divide. Add 1 oz of pecan and drizzle with your favorite dressing. Oh so good and makes your tummy happy.
Hope that these tips help. Happy Meating :)
Tuesday, January 12, 2010
Gourmet Girl...on a Budget!
My big plans for 2010 include more inventive cooking, organizing and getting back to my scrap booking. While I am getting back into the swing of things, I want to be more resourceful and budget-friendly! Being married to a resourceful man that also moonlights as an awesome cook, I think that I am in luck :) I've been working on recipes that utilize fresh ingredients as well as items that I can buy/cook in bulk to use later on down the road. I think that this is also a great time to start sharing meal times with our families. It usually only costs pennies more to include one of our families in our meal, so why not? So, I have decided to talk about my journey and include gourmet budget and time saving tips! Today, I have decided to talk about my grocery store tips that will save you time and money!
HOW TO SURVIVE...GROCERY STORE EDITION
1. Keep a layout or an aisle listing of your favorite or most frequented stores. This will help you write a grocery list in the order of how you travel the store. In some cases, larger stores will have maps on their website or at the customer service desk, so go ahead and check it out. If not, make a list of your own the next time you visit. It may help you from running back and forth!
2. We all need the staples from the inner aisles of the store, but fresh produce, meat and dairy are almost always around the perimeter. Try only going down the aisles that house products that you absolutely need and you are bound to save a few dollars.
3. Check the circulars for your area and see if your favorite store does a price match on items that you use frequently. It is also best to do a quick check of their price match policy. Some stores only offer price match on items that say the actual price, not buy one get one or 2 for a certain price. Some also require that you have the circular or sale bill in hand, so make sure to take it. I place post-its for each item on the front of the ad and hand them the little note. If they need the ad, I have it, but they don't have to flip around that big circular! Trust me, the cashier will be happy if you are organized.
4. Coupons and store savings clubs are also great ways to save. Most stores are now accepting online coupons, but it is best to check their policy. I check a variety of websites, such as those of my favorite stores, redplum and other coupon sites. The Sunday paper offers coupons, but most of them are becoming few and far between. Some in store savings clubs also print coupons at the register for items that you normally purchase, which can be very helpful for future trips. Get a coupon at one store but want to use it at another? Ask the store if it can be counted as a price match. If they are eager to get your business, they will more than likely oblige. If you are swapping coupons, make sure you belong to a legitimate group or know those that you are trading with...many people print out coupons or copy them and try to sell them on auction sites at a decent price. With a bit of work, you can save on your own, with no up front costs.
Just keep a few tips in mind and you are sure to save. Keep track of your grocery expenses and see how they shrink! Happy shopping!
HOW TO SURVIVE...GROCERY STORE EDITION
1. Keep a layout or an aisle listing of your favorite or most frequented stores. This will help you write a grocery list in the order of how you travel the store. In some cases, larger stores will have maps on their website or at the customer service desk, so go ahead and check it out. If not, make a list of your own the next time you visit. It may help you from running back and forth!
2. We all need the staples from the inner aisles of the store, but fresh produce, meat and dairy are almost always around the perimeter. Try only going down the aisles that house products that you absolutely need and you are bound to save a few dollars.
3. Check the circulars for your area and see if your favorite store does a price match on items that you use frequently. It is also best to do a quick check of their price match policy. Some stores only offer price match on items that say the actual price, not buy one get one or 2 for a certain price. Some also require that you have the circular or sale bill in hand, so make sure to take it. I place post-its for each item on the front of the ad and hand them the little note. If they need the ad, I have it, but they don't have to flip around that big circular! Trust me, the cashier will be happy if you are organized.
4. Coupons and store savings clubs are also great ways to save. Most stores are now accepting online coupons, but it is best to check their policy. I check a variety of websites, such as those of my favorite stores, redplum and other coupon sites. The Sunday paper offers coupons, but most of them are becoming few and far between. Some in store savings clubs also print coupons at the register for items that you normally purchase, which can be very helpful for future trips. Get a coupon at one store but want to use it at another? Ask the store if it can be counted as a price match. If they are eager to get your business, they will more than likely oblige. If you are swapping coupons, make sure you belong to a legitimate group or know those that you are trading with...many people print out coupons or copy them and try to sell them on auction sites at a decent price. With a bit of work, you can save on your own, with no up front costs.
Just keep a few tips in mind and you are sure to save. Keep track of your grocery expenses and see how they shrink! Happy shopping!
Wednesday, December 16, 2009
I want snow!!
I am anxiously awaiting the first major snowfall of winter, but it looks like that may not come anytime soon :( The temperatures are nice and frosty, so why not let us enjoy the sights of winter as well? I guess good things come to those that wait, so I better just wait! But you all know me, and being patient isn't always my strong suit!
This year will be the first Christmas that my dear friend Tracy will not be here to share with us. She recently moved North and we certainly will miss her cheer. I could go on for hours about our wacky holiday memories...driving in circles in Indianapolis, making crazy gingerbread houses, on and on! However, this will also be the first year that my Great-Grandma will be involved of all of the holiday cheer since she is now residing with my parents. Nothing says lovin' like a Christmas morning in our household :) My brother won't be here until after Christmas, so I think we certainly have first dibs on all of his gifts, ha ha. Just kidding!
I need to finish up a couple of cheesecakes before next week and then I am going to do a mad dash to start/finish my fudge and cookies. We are having lots of get togethers after Christmas, so it will allow me some wiggle room to catch up. My sweet husband already gave me my KitchenAid Mixer (yay), so there is no excuse for the lack of yummy baked goods :)
Well, I hope you are all enjoying the Christmas spirit and gearing up for a beautiful New Year. God Bless!
This year will be the first Christmas that my dear friend Tracy will not be here to share with us. She recently moved North and we certainly will miss her cheer. I could go on for hours about our wacky holiday memories...driving in circles in Indianapolis, making crazy gingerbread houses, on and on! However, this will also be the first year that my Great-Grandma will be involved of all of the holiday cheer since she is now residing with my parents. Nothing says lovin' like a Christmas morning in our household :) My brother won't be here until after Christmas, so I think we certainly have first dibs on all of his gifts, ha ha. Just kidding!
I need to finish up a couple of cheesecakes before next week and then I am going to do a mad dash to start/finish my fudge and cookies. We are having lots of get togethers after Christmas, so it will allow me some wiggle room to catch up. My sweet husband already gave me my KitchenAid Mixer (yay), so there is no excuse for the lack of yummy baked goods :)
Well, I hope you are all enjoying the Christmas spirit and gearing up for a beautiful New Year. God Bless!
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