The Night Shift Cook Did A Good Job!

And....we liked it! (See this post for the recipe...)

This morning at 5:30 I turned the crockpot on high for about 25 min.
At 5:55 am, we sat down to eat. Everyone said they liked it rather well, although Jakin made it clear that he wouldn't want it EVERY morning. But he liked it.
I didn't get a pic before we dug in, but here is a pic of what was left...

I have definitely entered a new era in my view of what is possible for make ahead breakfasts...hmmm. What shall we throw in next time? Ideas?
Nichola
http//:peachfarmerswife.blogspot.com

I'm Hungry, So I Made Breakfast Before Bed *UPDATED With Pictures*

I am trying out a new recipe/idea tonight. Sitting in my crockpot on low is my version of this blogger's recipe...

A Year of Slow Cooking: Overnight Egg, Cheese and Sausage CrockPot Casserole

Picture of set to cook crockpot:

Here is what my version included:
I don't have sausage, so I used 1 lb ground beef with some misc. herbs/seasonings.
I shredded my 4 baking potatoes instead of chopping them.
I threw in a handful of Romano cheese, thanks to my good friend Lydia sharing her stash.
I added a roughly chopped onion on top of my 10 eggs and dribble of milk.
Salt and pepper used liberally on all layers.
I drizzled olive oil over the meat and potatoes and then dumped the unbeaten eggs on top, and then poked them a bit with a fork.
I think I stuck the fork down to the depths of the crockpot and lifted up a bit to let the layers combine a little, but not too much. It wasn't really a legal stirring of the pot. More of a poking at it.
We'll see what we have in the morning after letting it cook on low all night....
(Click here to view my results...)

Nichola
http//:peachfarmerswife.blogspot.com

Mixes

Image by alifayre via Flickr
I am finally having a little room to breathe in the kitchen project. Up to this point, so much of my input/research etc. has been needed, almost constantly. But the past week or so, I have not had to be "on site" quite as much. This has allowed me the luxury of giving our meals more attention.
So, I gave them some attention. It has been slim pickin's at times around here with mom busy with other stuff.

Several years ago, I borrowed a book from a friend titled, "Make-A-Mix Cookery" by Karine Eliason, Nevada Harward and Madeline Westover I now own my own copy and have wanted to get to a place that I could really start using it. I found that place last week.



I made the Quick Mix, Roll Mix and Muffin Mix listed in the book. In no time flat, I had cranked out biscuits, rolls, muffins, cookies, and even a cake from these 3 mixes. (Although, not all at the same time.) I love the ability to make things fast for my family without any additives, preservatives, etc.



Here is the recipe for the Quick Mix:

8 1/2 C. flour (I used white whole wheat flour)
1 T. baking powder
1T. salt
2t cream of tartar
1 t. baking soda
1 1/2 non-fat dry milk

2 1/4 shortening (I used Palm Shortening)



Mix all the dry ingredients, then cut in the shortening until it resembles cornmeal in texture.

Here is one recipe to use the quick mix for:




Never-Fail Rolled Biscuts

3 C. Quick Mix
2/3 milk or water


Preheat oven to 450 degrees. Combine ingredients and let sit for 5 min. Knead about 15 times and roll out on floured board to 1/2" thickness. Cut with biscuit cutter. Bake 10 to 12 min until golden brown. Makes 12 large biscuits.



These were very good and fast to do. I doubled the recipe for Quick Mix to give me more time between having to mix up the mix. My whole family has been enjoying these mixes, or at least they are enjoying the products made from them. =) Maybe your family will enjoy them as well.

 If you have a favorite mix/recipe to share, leave me a comment or leave a link to your blogpost with the recipe!

I was poking around in a forum and saw this in answer to a mom's question about meal planning. This is such a great idea, I just had to share it...

http://mrsbrooke.blogspot.com/2008/09/menu-planning.html