Week 74

I'm finding that I still love to cook and bake, but I stink at taking pictures of the process.  I so wish that I had a buddy to just hang out and take photos all of the time so that I could easily post recipes every week!  However, I do not have a 'buddy' that just hangs at my house, ready to try all new recipes and creations at any minute because all of my friends are moms like me.  Our lives generally require quick, immediate responses rather than calm, patient planning.  All that to say, that I'm still cooking, but forgetting to take pictures almost every time.  Working on this. . .

This is Annabelle modeling their dessert creation: strawberries, coconut whipped cream and chocolate sauce!  

Also, I've turned on verification if you want to post your menus because I've been getting lots of spam, so you'll just have to prove you are a 'human' by entering the secret code when you post!  I would be so very happy to see some of your weekly menus!

Week 74 Menu

Sunday - Leftovers (What a great way to start this week!)
Monday - Shredded chicken tacos, white rice, black beans

Tuesday - Roasted marinated salmon (from Costco) with mixed veggies

Wednesday - Chicken Teriyaki stir fry, broccoli, red peppers, carrots and white rice (I made this teriyaki sauce and just add it to my stir fry and dinner's done.  It lasts for a few weeks in the fridge!)
Thursday - Spaghetti with ground beef, zucchini pasta, whole wheat pasta (for kiddos), green beans

Friday - Out to dinner

Saturday - Shrimp something. . .

I would love to see what you all are cooking!  Post your menus!!!  :)

Sarah

Coconut Milk Whipped Cream

For those of you who cannot tolerate milk products (or just enjoy the taste of coconut), you have to try this stuff!  Coconut whipped cream is made from canned (full-fat) coconut milk, sugar and whatever other flavorings you prefer!  I've never been able to get this stuff as thick and creamy as milk-based whipped cream, but I promise you that it tastes amazing and you won't miss a thing!

There's quite a few different ways to whip up this stuff online.  I found the initial recipe at a blog called www.ohsheglows.com, but there are a bunch of sites that I researched before trying it out on my own.

Coconut Milk Whipped Cream

Ingredients:
1 can of full-fat coconut milk (Thai Kitchen regular or organic works really well)
3 tbls to 1/4 cup of powdered sugar (you have to judge this on your own, but I prefer 1/4 cup)
1 tsp vanilla extract (or any kind of extract)

Directions:
When using the coconut milk, do not shake the can before opening.  You want the fat to remain separated from that milk in the can.  So, open the can and use a spoon to gently take out the solid fat coconut and leave the thin milk in the can.  If a little bit makes it in with your solid stuff, that's fine.

Next, add your desired amount of sugar.  Remember that you should start small because you can always add more, but can't really take it away later.  You can also use other sources of sugar for this recipe.  You could use maple syrup, honey, granulated sugar and probably even sugar-substitutes.

The last step is to add the extract.  For this step, you could use any extract you like.  I really enjoy 1 tsp of vanilla and 1/2 tsp of almond extract.

Yield: 1 cup of whipped cream

Week 73: Rest?

I was thrilled  to attend a women's retreat this past weekend with a ton of other moms at Winshape Retreat in Rome, GA!  It's such a beautiful place nestled up in the foothills of Northern Georgia!  They make amazing food and the rooms are really peaceful!  It was a great weekend away, but I was very happy to return to my sweet family!

Chicken Ginger Soup

A few weeks ago we started our Paleo challenge, but I've been sick and that's really putting a damper on my ability to work out.  I got a double ear infection and it's giving me a feeling of vertigo when I over-exert myself.  I just went back to the doctor and I'm now on a second round of antibiotics and I'll be going to an allergist soon to see what is going on with me.

Week 73 Menu

Sunday - Chicken ginger soup
Monday - Leftovers

Tuesday - Rotisserie chicken, roasted cauliflower, green beans

Wednesday - Tomato basil soup, mixed green salad with leftover rotisserie chicken
Thursday - Pan seared salmon, mango salsa, broccoli

Friday - Ground beef tacos, black beans, seared zucchini

Saturday - Out to dinner

I would love to see what you all are cooking!  Post your menus!!!  :)

Sarah