Wednesday, September 19, 2007

Wednesday!

Yes!!!! Another week over 1/2 way completed!

I went to Curves. I placed our produce co-op order.

School didn't go according to our normal schedule this a.m. because we discovered we were out of TWO essentials: milk and dog food. While at Sam's, I picked up 3 types of cheese and 10 lbs of beans. I think I had a craving for beans and rice. ::snort::

Nolan and Zander carry 25 lbs of bird seed and dream....
of hefting 52 lbs of dog food!
We DID manage to school in the afternoon which is pretty amazing for the younger ones and I. We are typically useless for anything but crafts and games in the afternoon.

I decided to get some beans going in the crock pot. My thought was that I could later turn them into refriend beans. Josiah loves to throw beans and cheese in a tortilla for a quick snack/lunch. One thing led to another and before I knew it I'd thrown all the ingredients for our favorite refried beans into the crock pot...along with a cup of rice because I wanted it to thicken up and I didn't want to drain the spicey liquid. It worked wonderful. At 5 hours I had some savory beans and rice for dinner instead of a steak.....and at 8 hours I had only to stir to get refried beans...no fat. LOL

Jamin and I continued to work through the HUGE curriculum for driving in TX. I can't believe all the work that goes into getting a permit or license down here. Good stuff - but surprising - I've not noticed the drivers down here to be any better than any other state we've lived in...and considerably worse when it rains! ::snort:: ::ducking::

Mike came home and burned the steaks for me. I fielded several phone calls while making bisquits, fruit, and oven fries....Jamin threw a "man's salad" together. Do y'all know what a mans salad is? HUGE pieces of lettuce, quarters of red peppers, and quarters of carrots....very basic but manly, yes! LOL

While we were all bustling to get dinner on the table, Stacia came running in with Arielle following....
"I dit - I dit"

Oy vey - WHAT did she do NOW????? She went potty in the toilet! I think she is training herself....I'd best get on board. ::snort:: Quite the change from Zander who cared NOTHING about such things until he was past 3.

The younger ones, Michael, and I, headed to a new building area to find an errant rocket. We didn't find it. The older boys finished cleaning up dinner and met us. It was a great night for a walk.....lots of cool breeze...maybe fall will reach us here eventually.

Josiah had his first college exam today. He's not home but I trust it went well. He has another one on Friday.

I believe the Students are arriving back for Master's Commission this week. Bre and Krista both report being busy with preparations. The first week is always an orientation and a big trip up to the mountains/retreat etc. The second year students arrived last week. Bre was still trying to find a few more host homes for students last time I talked to her.

BBQ Meatballs (Freezer/Crockpot Meal)

Meatballs:
3 lbs ground beef (I use turkey these days)
1 12 oz can evaporated milk (I do whatever I think I should do)
1 C oatmeal
1 C cracker crumbs (or another C oatmeal)
2 eggs
1/2 C chopped onions (or more)
2 tsp garlic powder (use fresh)
2 tsp sea salt
1/2 tsp pepper
2 tsp chili powder

Sauce:
2 C Catsup
1 C Rapadura (brown sugar)
1/2 tsp liquid smoke (WHAT is this stuff - Zander won't eat this meal so I use it)
1/2 tsp garlic powder (I use fresh)
1/4 C chopped onion

To make meatballs, combine ingredients (mixture will be soft) and shape into walnut size balls. Place meatballs in a single layer on wax paper-lined cookie sheets; freeze until sold. Store frozen meatballs in freezer bags until read to cook.

To make sauce, combine ingredients and stir until "sugar" dissolves. Place frozen meatballs in a 13 x 9 inch baking pan; pour on the sauce. Bake at 350* for an hour.

Yield 80 meatballs.

I'm trying to get favorites on the blog s0 that I'm not at the whim of "I Don't Know" who puts my cookbooks in strange places. I use this sauce as our BBQ sauce - you can use LESS sugar. I've used this over meatloaf. It's WONDERFUL to have the meatballs in the freezer - you can make so many DIFFERENT meals with them. In a pinch you can even buy Sam's meatballs and top with sauce. LOL

I have a lot of sauce recipes to throw in a crock pot or oven with meatballs. LOL

For more yummy eats check my recipe index.
Menu for 17 September

Yeah - I KNOW it's Wed - but remember I couldn't do my Sat chores on Saturday. ::snort::

Monday - Shepherd's Pie

Tuesday - BBQ Meatballs & Rice - Crockpot

Wed - Steak Burn, Corn on the Cob

Thursday - Chicken - Crockpot

Friday - Pizza - HOMEMADE - I can do this even though Jamin isn't home. ::snort:: I'm not sure if I'll do deep dish or "normal", but we'll have fun!

**I'm not sure what I'll do with that whole chicken in the crockpot - feel free to send your suggestions! LOL