I love, love, LOVE fall.  Cider mills and comfy sweaters are the best!  Favorite part? The food!  Who doesn't love comfort food!?

My mom used to make these pork chops growing up and this was one of the first recipes I had to steal for my own kitchen.  There are a lot of pork and apple recipes out there, but this one is by far my favorite.  The apple cider vinegar gives it a great, unique flavor. 

Try it out!

Ingredients

• 1 lb of pork chops, pounded to 1/4-1/2 inch thick
• I tend to keep them thicker, they reheat better

• 1/4 cup flour
• 2 tablespoons of butter
• 1/2 cup apple cider vinegar
• 1/4 cup sugar
• 1/4 cup apple juice
• 2 Granny smith apples, cored and sliced
• 2/3 cup whipping cream
• I never have this on hand.  I use any milk or even almond milk I have on hand.

Let's get cookin'! 

1. Season chops with salt and pepper, then shake in the flour.
2.  In a skillet, melt the butter over medium heat.  Add chops and brown 3-5 minutes until mostly cooked.  Remove from skillet.
3. Add vinegar, sugar and apple juice to the pan and dissolve sugar.  Add apples.  Poach apples in liquid until they are cooked and sauce is syrupy (about 8-10 minutes).
4. Add whipping cream and stir, then return chips to pan.  Cook for 2-3 minutes and let sauce thicken.
•  If sauce is still thin, add a bit of corn starch

I make this with a side of boiled baby red potatoes and a veggie.  Quick and easy meal!





 

Fill 'em up Banana Bread

This summer I have been experimenting with a bit of freezer cooking.  One thing we always like to have on hand for a quick snack is bread.  I saw this recipe for a banana bread on my fellow blogger friend's site (Mrs. Weber's Neighborhood).  I have been searching for a great recipe that isn't too mushy or dry and this one is perfect!  It freezes so well, we usually make 3 loaves at a time.

I have made it a few times and this time I changed it up.  I know, I know...why mess with something good?  Here's why:  I have little toddlers that can throw down some food.  Not quite where it all goes, but their appetite is the main reason it is absolutely necessary for us to shop at Costco.  I am lucky they like to eat healthy foods, at least!  My new trick is I have been adding flax and other forms of fiber to anything I can: smoothies, pancakes, etc.  It fills up their bellies!  Just be careful at first...haha.

So here it is, my crazy fill 'em up banana bread.  It has extra protein (Greek yogurt) and fiber from the flax and oatmeal, yet you can't tell at all!  This is a perfect way to use up markdown bananas in your freezer.

Thank you, Lauren, for the inspiration!

Ingredients

• 1/2 cup butter, melted
• 1 cup sugar
• 1/2 cup of Egg beaters (or 2 eggs)
• 1 teaspoon of vanilla
• 1.5 cups flour 
• 1/2 cup plain oatmeal
• 1/4 cup ground flax 
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup plain 0% Greek yogurt
•  2-3 bananas

Mix it up!

1. Preheat oven to 350
2. With a mixer (or by hand in a bowl), combine the butter and sugar.
3. Add egg beaters and vanilla.  Mix until combined completely.
4. In a small bowl add flour, salt, soda, oatmeal and flax.  Mix it up with a spoon ans slowly add to big bowl.  Mix for a minute or so to combine.
5.  Add yogurt and bananas.  
6. Pour into a bread pan (or cupcake tin!) and bake for 50-60 minutes.  I always cook it a bit longer than expected to get the center cooked.  It won't burn, it adds a great crust to the bread.

Enjoy! 
 

See you in Cinncinati?

I found out a few weeks ago that I will be attending my first blogging conference in the end of September: Bloggy Con!  I am super excited.  I applied to be a volunteer and I just happened to be picked, thus earning a free ticket. 

For people in the non-blogging world, conferences are a great way to network and meet new brands.  Also, the seminars are going to be a great learning experience!  If I want to keep doing this blog, I would like to know as much as I can and hopefully turn this little old blog into something great! 

When I started this blog, it was mostly to share tips on how to use coupons and find deals.  Slowly, it has become more about fun recipes and finding great products for kids.  I am hoping to figure out exactly where I want to take my blog!

If you are going, be sure to come up and introduce yourself!  I cannot wait to meet some new friends and get away for a few days...it will be weird to be kid-free for 2 days! 

Anyone who has been to a conference before, any newbie tips are welcome!  Also, if you are a brand looking to sponsor someone, email me!  I would love to represent someone at the conference in any way I can!

Best pizza crust EVER!

Sunday nights are one of the only nights that Ricky has off of work, so we always make a big dinner.  Ricky loves to cook, but it just turns out that I am the main chef in the family because of this schedule. 

Last Sunday I was catching up on my magazines and I saw a recipe for an olive oil pizza crust in Family Fun magazine.  I really wanted to try it, since we planned on making pizza, but I knew it was going be hard to convince Ricky.  He is half Italian and originally from Chicago.  When he makes pizza, he uses a family recipe that you don't mess with.  It's amazing, but I like to switch things up.

After much coaxing, we decided to try this out.  I will say, this is the BEST CRUST EVER!  Of course, Ricky is still up in the air about it ...but I would have to say his clean plate said it all. 

Yes, making your own crust takes some time.  But it will be worth it!  The next day, I made a double batch using the Kitchen Aid and now we have 4 crusts waiting for us in the freezer.  I would recommend doing the same!

Olive Oil Crust (aka BEST CRUST EVER!)

From: September 2012 Family Fun magazine

Ingredients: (Makes 2 large crusts or 4 mini)

• 1 1/3 cups warm water
• 2 1/2 teaspoons active dry yeast
• 1/2 teaspoon sugar
• 1/4 cup olive oil, plus extra for the bowl
• 3 1/4 - 3 1/2 cups flour
• 1 teaspoon salt

Let's make some dough (prepare to get messy!)

1. In a large bowl (or the bowl of a stand mixer), stir together water, yeast and sugar.  Set aside until foamy and bubbling (5-6 minutes).  Stir in olive oil.
2. Here's where it gets fun.  Choose which way you're going: mixer or muscle (aka hands).
• In a MIXER: add 3 1/4 cups of flour and salt to the bowl.  Using the hook attachment, mix everything at medium speed.  Knead for 5 minutes
• With your hands (use those muscles!):  Stir in 3 1/4 cups of flour and salt and mix with a wooden spoon, or hands.  Sprinkle a dry surface with flour and knead the dough until it is soft (about 10 minutes).  If it's really sticky , add more flour.
3. Oil a large bowl and with floured hands, place the dough in the bowl and coat with the oil.  Cover with a clean towel and set to rise for about 1 hour.
4. You can use the dough right away (duh!), cover and put it in the fridge overnight
• If you want to freeze it, punch it down and wrap tightly in plastic

Are you ready to tackle your own dough?

Here's how ours turned out:

Mine had Italian sausage (real, not turkey), kale, pesto and peppers.  The kale added the best flavor, I would recommend it!!  Ricky was giving me a look because I put kale in everything lately, but he really liked it too.

Ricky tackled the deep dish.  We weren't too sure how it would end up, but he made it perfectly.  He added a whole 1/2 inch thick layer of sausage, pesto and I don't even want to know how much cheese.  Definitely not a diet pizza, but sometimes you have to make what you enjoy!

What are your favorite toppings for a pizza?

Pinterest recipe review: freezer pickles

Our garden is kind of going downhill in the past few weeks.  The only thing that seems to be alive and kickin are the cucumbers.  We have them coming out of our ears!  I don't have all of the canning supplies I need yet, but I had to do something with these cucumbers! 

Hello, Pinterest! 

I saw tons of recipes for freezer pickles, but I really was hesitant.  I finally went through about 5 different recipes and picked one that had a decent amount of reviews.   It happened to be this one.


Ingredients:

• For brine:
• 1 cup vinegar
• 1/4 cup sugar
• 1/4 cup water

• Cucumbers, sliced how you like
• Garlic cloves
• Fresh dill
• Sprinkle of red pepper flakes

1.  Mix brine ingredients together in a pan, just enough to dissolve sugar.
2. Place sliced cucumbers in whatever containers you are using.
3. Pour brine over cucumbers, add 1 teaspoon of dill and 1-2 cloves of garlic and a dash of pepper flakes.
4. Cover and place in freezer for at least a week.  When you're ready to eat, just place them in the fridge.

 Pros:

• Super quick and easy!  The only time consuming part was the slicing of the cucumbers.  Total, I would say it took me 30 minutes start to finish.  
• No canning process, just put in containers you already have.
• They have a great flavor.

 Cons: 

• The pickles aren't super crispy.  I think it could have been the way I sliced them.  

I can see myself making these again before the garden season is over.  The girls eat a whole container in one sitting!

Have you made pickles before?  What process do you use?  

Today only! Weight Watchers Magazine for $4.50/yr!

Even if you aren't officially a Weight Watchers member, this magazine is a great read.  I love the healthy recipes and workout ideas.  I also like that most of the fashion is affordable and easily accessible.

If you want to catch this deal, click on the link below and enter code 5571.    

Wed, Aug 22, Subscribe to Weight Watchers Magazine, just $4.50/year (67% off) from DiscountMags.com! Use Promo Code: 5571

Today only! Family Fun Magazine for $3.99/yr!

Do you read Family Fun Magazine?  I love, love, love it!  It's a nice addition to other parenting magazines because it focuses more on what to do with your kids and great crafty ideas.  Also, the recipes are always awesome and kid-friendly.  I always rip out pages to save for later in a "kid binder".  Yes, I know I could just pin them on Pinterest, but I like hard copies and the girls can flip through to pick out activities.  I used a rock-star birthday cake idea for the twins' 3rd birthday this year and it turned out so cute.

Okay, I'll stop gushing now!  Order today to get this deal by clicking the link below!  Also, it's time to start thinking about Christmas gifts (gasssp!)...this is a great and inexpensive idea!

Tue, Aug 21, Subscribe to FamilyFun Magazine, just $3.99/year (66% off) from DiscountMags.com! Use Promo Code: 1072

Mmmm Mondays: Garlic bread from markdowns

I love markdown groceries!  Ricky thinks it's my superpower: I can scope out a bright markdown sticker from a mile away.  If you look in my linen closet, most of the toiletries have Target clearance stickers on them.  It's the way to go!

I've shared some tips in the past about what to do with markdowns you might find:

• Markdown Bananas
• More markdown tips from produce to meat
• Markdown tips!

Today I'll cover one of my favorite finds: markdown bread.  I love to make fresh breadcrumbs or croutons.  My favorite thing is homemade garlic bread!  Lately, there have been a lot of butter freebies at Meijer and I have a ton in the back of my fridge.  This is a great way to use it all up!

Yes, I know you can find relatively cheap garlic bread in the freezer section, but it doesn't really taste as great as homemade.  Plus, you have no clue what they put in that stuff!


Here's what you need:

• Butter.  Any kind, although it needs to be room temp or spreadable
• Seasonings: Italian herb, garlic salt/powder...whatever is on hand.  I like pesto too!
• Fresh garlic, 2-3 cloves minced
• Optional: Parmesan cheese

(Pretty self-explanatory) Instructions:

1. Slice bread
2. Combine seasonings, garlic and butter
3. Spread on both sides of the bread
4. Place bread (back as whole) on a baking sheet and freeze
5. Once frozen for a day, break it into sizes your family will use and wrap in foil. 

Bake at 400 for 5-8 minutes!  Enjoy with some spaghetti!  

What's your favorite type of markdown to find?  

Review: Rubbermaid LunchBlox

I wish that was my kitchen!

Have you seen these Rubbermaid LunchBlox in the stores yet?  I've had a coupon and I kept checking them out in the food storage aisle.  Yes, I'm a dork like that.  I love new products though!  When I was offered one to try, I was even more geeked out. 

I love many things about this product. The huge freezer block is perfect.  We left our bag in the hot car for a shopping trip, and it was ice cold after a couple of hours.  I also love the different containers and how they lock together on the lid. 

This would be great for both kids and adults.  The salad container is really cool because it keeps everything separate.  No one likes a soggy salad!  If using with kids' lunches, I would be afraid they would lose the pieces.  The LunchBlox aren't cheap.  It would be great if regular Rubbermaid containers fit into the ice block, as a replacement type of thing.  Even with the coupon, they are still a bit out of my price range.

All in all, I would highly recommend this product.  I love the variety of sizes available and the innovative ice block.  I think that if you are considering saving money and bringing lunches to work, this is perfect for you.  For kids? I would be hesitant about the potential waste of money.  As I said before, the price is steep, but they are quality products.  If you are going to use them daily, it would be a great investment! 

Have you tried these yet?

Mmmm Mondays: crock-pot chicken cacciatore

I absolutely love my crock-pot.  Running around with the girls all day, it is so great to have a low-effort and amazing meal waiting for us.  This cacciatore recipe has been in my recipe binder for a while, it was from an old Women's Day.  Usually, this is for a nice cold winter day, but with this weather I wanted to bring it out again.

All you have to do is make some rice or mashed potatoes and a veggie and you're set for dinner!

Ingredients:

• 1.5 cups marinara sauce (I use Prego)
• 1/2 cup thinly sliced onions
• 2 peppers thinly sliced (optional)
• 1/4 cup tomato paste
• 1/4 cup red or white wine (I prefer red)
• 1/2 teaspoon: rosemary and kosher salt
• 8 bone-in chicken thighs, skin removed
• NOTE: I am not a huge fan of bone-in chicken, but I still recommend it.  I tried it with skinless and it turned into a mush.  I did like bone-in breasts though.
•  8 oz mushrooms, sliced

 Mix it up!

1. Turn on the slow cooker.  
• HIGH- cooks in 2.5-3.5 hours, LOW- cooks in 5-7 hours
2. Chop veggies, skin the chicken (a paring knife helps).
3. Mix marinara sauce, onions, tomato paste, wine, rosemary and salt in the slow cooker.
4. Add chicken and mushrooms.  Mix to cover all of the chicken.
5. Put the lid on and you're good to go!  I find the sauce gets a bit thin, so I add some corn starch near the end to thicken it up.

What's your favorite crock-pot meal? 

TODAY ONLY! Lucky Magazine for $5.99!

Today (August 7) you can snag 2 years of Lucky Magazine for $5.99!  I read this magazine to find out what is in fashion. Not like I can afford most of it, but it's a fun read.  Maybe someday when I don't have toddlers spilling on me all day, I can bump up my fashion again! 

They have a great monthly section called "Designer Deals" where you can catch great discounts on certain websites.  A definite must-read!  Also in the "Lucky Breaks" section you can enter to win awesome prizes.  I'm sure they are hard to win, but it's worth a shot!

To get this deal, just click on the link below and enter the promo code!

Tue, Aug 7, Subscribe to Two-years of Lucky Magazine, for only $5.99 (75% off) from DiscountMags.com! Use Promo Code: 1543

Coupon alert: BOGO + 20% off at Famous Footwear!

This post brought to you by Famous Footwear. All opinions are 100% mine.

When you are shoe shopping for three little ones, there are many important factors: price, convenience and speed of service!  Since the twins like to wear the same shoes, it is really hard to find two of the same size in stock.  You wouldn’t think that would be the case, but it is!  Drives me crazy! 

Now that it is August, it’s time to start shopping for back-to-school.  The twins start preschool and I’m trying to keep my cool.  Weren’t they just my little babies, swaddled in the same crib?!  I know it will be good for all of us to have them go to preschool, but I’m sure there will be some tears come the first day of school.

As we are shopping, bargains are a must!  Right now Famous Footwear has a great promo going on: BOGO (buy one, get one 50% off) + an extra 15% off!  The coupon is valid from now until 8/18!  When you have a family of 5, every little bit helps! 

With their selection, we will be stocking up for the whole family.  Ricky’s work shoes are looking a bit rough and he loves the Sketchers he got from there.  This Mama needs some new flats, too.  The twins are obsessed with anything pink, sparkly or light up.  I only draw the line at character shoes!

Remember the issue I was talking about earlier about finding sizes for the twins?  It’s really not an issue at Famous Footwear because if they don’t have it in stock, you can get it shipped to your house.  Or if your kids are having one of those “It’s the end of the world and I am a cranky toddler” days, you can order all of your shoes from the website and have them shipped for free to your store.  Next time you are running errands, you can swing by and pick up your new shoes.  I really appreciate a store that gives you so many hassle free options to shop. 

To get an extra 20% off, you simply need to be a member of their rewards program.  It’s super quick and easy to sign up in store.  I love any program where you accumulate points for money you spend.  For every dollar spent, you get 1 point.  Along with points, you get special discounts throughout the year.  When I am in the market to buy something, I usually start checking my email for those special discount emails!  I refuse to buy anything without a sale and coupon…you all know that!

To print your coupon, click this link: BOGO + 15% off Famous Footwear Coupon

Happy shopping everyone!  Try to go early to avoid the crowds!

 

Mmmm Mondays! Go-to granola

We love oatmeal in this family.  Nothing better is a warm bowl of maple brown sugar oatmeal for breakfast...in the winter.  During the summer it's too hot for it!  This summer we have been hooked on granola.  We make parfaits, put it on our frozen yogurt or just add it to our fruit salads. 

Only bad thing?  We were buying it.  I don't know why I didn't think to make it before now, but I just assumed buying it would be cheaper. 

I saw this great recipe and I knew I could add our favorite ingredients to make it just like the stuff we buy.  Plus this is a great kid-friendly cooking recipe.  Olivia is my kitchen helper and she loved to measure out everything for me.

Here's what you need for our Nutty Coconut Cranberry granola:

• 4.5 cups of old-fashioned oats, uncooked
• 1/3 cup sliced almonds
• 1/3 cup chopped pecans
• 1/3 cup shredded coconut
• 2 teaspoons cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 cup maple syrup
• 1/4 cup apple juice
• 1 tablespoon canola (or vegetable) oil
• 1/2 cup craisins

Once you have all of these ingredients on hand, it will be easy to whip up a batch.  Also, you can add and subtract whatever you like!  I love the versatility of granola.

1. Preheat the oven to 350.  Line a cookie sheet with parchment paper.
2. Combine oats, nuts, coconut, cinnamon and salt in a big bowl.
3. In a smaller bowl, whisk: syrup, juice and canola.  Add to big bowl and mix well.
4. Pour onto cookie sheet and spread evenly.
5. Cook for 20-25 minutes until toasted.  Add craisins and store in an air-tight container.

Enjoy!

TODAY ONLY! Everyday with Rachael Ray for $4.50

Today (8/3) only, you can grab a year of Rachael Ray magazine for only $4.50.  I absolutely love this magazine because there are great recipes, gift ideas and colorful photos.  Plus, I am kind of obsessed with Rachael Ray.  She taught me how to cook so many different things!  I mark recipes in each magazine and save them (much to Ricky's dismay...). 

Click on the link below, using the promo code for the discount!

Fri, Aug 3, Subscribe to Every Day With Rachael Ray Magazine, just $4.50/year (81% off) from DiscountMags.com! Use Promo Code: 9785

August = Free haircut month at JCP!

Can you believe it's August already?!  The twins start preschool this fall and it's starting to set in.  I am overjoyed, yet super sad that my babies have grown up so fast!

With August comes back-to-school shopping and your kiddo might need a haircut too! Head on over to JCP and get a free one while you are already out shopping.  Your child just needs to be in K-6.  I wish the girls were eligible for this!


You need to be a JCP Rewards member. Not a member?  Super easy to sign up!

Garden update! Planning on canning

The drought was rough on our garden, but luckily it is still doing well!  Actually the squash and cucumbers are going crazy.  By next week we are going to be up to our ears in squash, cucumbers and jalapenos.  The tomatoes, green beans and bell peppers are moving a lot slower, but hopefully this month we will get some veggies!

Earlier, I tried to cage our tomatoes but they are just growing up and out of them.  Next year I will have to try a different technique.  We will have to build at least one more garden box, too.  It's a great learning experience! 

Our herbs are a sad sight.  I trimmed them and they pretty much look dead now.  So sad!  We only have mint left.

My main goal right now is to learn how to can.  My mom always canned tomatoes and peaches when I was growing up and I just remember it be a long process.  Hopefully she can teach me some short cuts! I am hoping to do salsa, pickles and pasta sauce.  The rest of the veggies I am going to blanch and freeze.  I am so happy we have a big freezer in the basement!  Next winter we will be set for quite some time!

I have a Ball canning book which has some great tips and recipes.  I am looking at jars right now, hopefully I can find some on Freecycle!

Does anyone can?  I would love some tips, or even a helper...I'll provide some wine!  

New to the blog?  Here's the story of the garden this year:

• Post 1: Garden time!
• Post 2:  Herbs are going crazy!