Happy New Year!!!!!!

Well, we had a white Christmas. There was no dreaming of one, we had it!!!!! I am happy to share that we did the Sausage and Egg Casserole in the crock pot for Christmas morning. We also had the Harvard Beets and the Warm Fruit Salad for Christmas lunch. I even had a co-worker that made the Grape Salad and LOVED IT!!!!!!
Now we are moving to a new year. New Years Eve and New Years Day have special traditions in some homes. Do you have one in yours?
We will be having the SOUTHERN favorite of Black-eyed Peas and Greens with cornbread and relish.......I am hungry thinking about it!!!!!!!

I have a new cooking challenge for 2011. I will share that with you a bit later.

Have a WONDERFUL and BLESSED NEW YEAR!!!!!!!!

In the kitchen with you,
Doula Mama Pam

Merry Christmas!!!!!

Wishing you and your family a VERY MERRY CHRISTMAS!!!!!!!
Yes, I am making the Sausage and Egg Breakfast Casserole and we are going to have Harvard Beets with our lunch for Christmas!!!!! Yummy!!!!!

May the Lord bless you!!!!!!

Doula Mama Pam

It's Almost Christmas....Are you ready?

Well, yesterday afternoon for some reason it finally hit me that I was almost out of time for baking. I have been so very late doing anything. I have not baked one thing, nor have I even made my famous Peppermint Bark.
I decided to change all of that yesterday afternoon. I now have Chocolate Chip Muffins, Chocolate Chip Cookies, Peanut Butter Cookies, Triple Chocolate Brownies and next coming up is Peppermint Bark. I can't wait to get it made. Something so very simple and people just love it. Who knows, I might even get some pretzels in the chocolate to. The hubby loves those.

What is your favorite thing to bake during Christmas?
Do you keep it or give it away?
Want to share a favorite baked goodie idea? Let me know and we can post it!!!!!!!!!

I think if it is OK with my husband I will share his Mother's Pumpkin Cake tomorrow.
IT IS WONDERFUL!!!!!!!

Have an awesome day and send the ideas and recipes.

Doula Mama Pam

Harvard Beets!!!!!!!!! Thank You Tami!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I think that I should first explain who in the world Tami is. Tami is the daughter of my "Other Grandparents" who are technically not biologically related to me. We are close enough in age that we could be sisters. She is someone that just amazes me. She is a joy and a delight to be around. I am hoping I can get her to send me some of her recipes that we can share on here.
This is one that I had never had before. I have actually grown to like beets. Of course, only if they are prepared right. This is my favorite and you could just hand me the entire bowl and I would be completely happy!!!!!!!!!
Even if you don't like beets,
PLEASE TRY THIS!!!!!!
YOU WILL NOT REGRET IT!!!!!!!!!!
They are sooooo very good!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Harvard Beets

1 Quart canned beets (2 cans)
1 Tbsp. white vinegar
1 tsp. salt
1/4/ cup orange juice
1/2 cup of sugar or Splenda
1 1/2 Tbsp. cornstarch

Drain beets and set aside. KEEP THE LIQUID!!!
Mix cornstarch into a small amount of the liquid and set aside.
To the rest of the beet liquid, add vinegar, salt and orange juice.
Cook over medium heat until mixture comes to a boil and boil it for 1-2 minutes.
Place in cornstarch mixture and continue cooking until mixture thickens.
Add Splenda (sugar) until it dissolves.
Add beets and cook until heated thoroughly.

I am telling you,,,,, you will never look at beets the same again!!!!!!!!!!
Thanks Tami.

Doula Mama Pam

Grape Salad!!!!!

This is so very good and can even be made healthy/low-fat/fat-free.
I had this for Thanksgiving and it was WONDERFUL!!!!!!!

1 8oz cream cheese
1 pint of sour cream
1 cup of Splenda or sugar
1 tbs. vanilla
Let cream cheese soften to room temperature and mix the above 4 ingredients with mixer

Spoon in 3 cups of red grapes and 3 cups of green grapes- leave them whole. DO NOT CUT THEM.

Top with 1 cup of crushed pecans mixed with 3/4 cup of Splenda BROWN Sugar.

Cover and let sit in fridge overnight.

Thank you Tami!!!!!!!!!!!
I can't wait to make it !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Doula Mama In The Kitchen

Chocolate Banana Crepes

Chocolate Banana Crepes

2 cups Bisquick
1 1/2 cups milk
2 eggs
2 bananas, thinly sliced
1 jar Nutella or melted chocolate
1 stick of butter
Mix together in a large bowl all of the bisquick, 1 cup of milk, and the two eggs. Next add the remaining milk until well mixed.
Grease a crepe pan with some butter. Pour crepe mixture onto pan in a large, thin circle. Spread out mixture by lifting up the pan and tilting it in different directions. Flip crepe once it bubbles and cook on other side.
Once cooked, gently place crepe open face on a plate and spread a very thin layer of the chocolate or Nutella on one side of the crepe. Place 3 or 4 slices of banana on top. Then fold up the crepe.

I can't wait to make these!!!!!!!! Thanks Julie

Spaghetti N'Meatballs

Spaghetti N' Meatballs

1 lb (approx. 2 handfuls) spaghetti, break into pieces
1 26-oz. jar spaghetti sauce
20 frozen fully cooked meatballs
1 c water

Combine all ingredients in Crock-pot; mix well. Cook on Low for 4 hours until pasta is tender and meatballs are completely heated, stirring once during cooking. Serves 6.


Talk about easy!!!!!!! Thanks Julie!!!!!

Crock Pot Sausage and Egg Casserole

Crock Pot Sausage & Egg Casserole

1 doz eggs, beaten
14 slices of bread
2 1/4 c milk
2 1/2 c cheddar cheese, grated
1 lb. sausage, cooked & drained
1/2 tsp. salt
1 tsp. pepper
Lightly grease Crock Pot with butter. Cut bread into large squares. Layer bread, sausage, cheese in the Crock Pot. Beat eggs, milk, salt & pepper. Pour into Crock Pot mixture. Cook on Low for 8-10 hours

Thank You Julie

Cabbage Ramen Noodle Salad

Cabbage Ramen Noodle Salad

· 1/2 head cabbage, finely chopped (Or a bag of coleslaw or even try broccoli slaw)
· 4 green onions, chopped
· 1 pkg. Top Ramen noodles (beef or chicken), crumbled
· ½ c. sliced almonds
· 1 can of mandarin oranges
· 3 tbsp. Toast sesame seeds.
· 1 pkg. sunflower seeds (optional)
· ½ cup cranberries or golden raisins (optional)

Toss and Mix together.

(Can make ahead and refrigerate a few hours before enjoying)


DRESSING:
· 3 tbsp. sugar
· 3 tbsp. vinegar
· 1/2 c. salad oil
· Flavor packet from the noodles.

Mix dressing and salad together just before you are ready to eat. Top the salad with cooked chicken strips for a meal.


This is VERY GOOD!!! Thank you Julie!!!!!!!

Holiday Hot Fruit Salad

Holiday Hot Fruit Salad

Ingredients:

3/4 cup sugar
1/2 cup butter -- melted
1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1/8 teaspoon salt
30 1/2 ounces canned sliced peaches -- drained
30 1/2 ounces canned sliced pears -- undrained
46 ounces canned chunky applesauce
1/2 cup dried apricots -- chopped
1/4 cup dried cranberries


Directions:
In a 3-quart slow cooker, combine the sugar, butter, cinnamon, nutmeg and salt. Stir in the remaining ingredients. Cover and cook on high for 2 hours or until heated through.
Serves: 10

Thank you Julie for sharing!!!!!! I have eaten this and it is SOOOO GOOD!!!!!!!!

Well It Is About Time

Yes, I am still here. This particular blog has been so very neglected and for that I am so sorry. I have a great friend at work, Julie, who is a fabulous cook. She asked me about the blog the other day. She was sweet enough to donate some of her recipes and I think I have had them and they are AWESOME!!!!!!!

Do you have some favorites that you would like to share? Especially this time of the year when we cook all of our "old favorites". If you have some that you would like to share, please send them to me and we can post them. Of course, you get ALL the credit!!!!!!!!

ENJOY!!!!!

Doula Mama In The Kitchen!!!!!!

Fruit In A Bowl!!!!!

This is a dessert that my Mother-In-Law taught me about many years ago. I have done so many variations. There is not a set "standard". This is one of those things that you can make it a different every time depending on what is in season or what mood you are in.


Fruit in a Bowl (Trifle)

2 banana's- sliced
1 pint of strawberries- sliced
1 container of blueberries
1 angel food cake
2 small packages of instant vanilla pudding- prepared
2 containers of Cool Whip- thawed

Cut angel food cake into thirds. Take one third and tear/cube into bit-size pieces. Take 1/3 of all the different fruits and sprinkle over the angel food cake. Take one container of Cool Whip and blend into the prepared pudding. Use 1/3 of the pudding/Cool Whip mix and spread over the cake and fruit. Repeat until all cake, pudding and fruit has been layered in. You may need to push down on the cake a little to get it all in the bowl. Once it is all layered, use the other container of Cool Whip as "icing". Cover and refrigerate for at least 6 hours.

You can substitute any fruit that you like. You can even use canned fruit if it is the dead of winter and there are no fresh fruits available as well as frozen. Hope you enjoy this as much as we do. This is a great dessert to take on picnic's, cookouts, or even covered dish events.
Oh, by the way, don't plan on bringing anything home. Your bowl will be CLEAN!!!!!!

Laboring and Cooking With You,
Doula Mama Pam

Kim's Almond Joy Cake

I HAVE FOUND A NEW FAVORITE RECIPE!!!!!
Kelly over at Kelly's Korner has this recipe posted. I saw it today and I was totally taken by it. The one that she has posted is for a Butterfingers's Cake. Well, one of GREAT friends has a birthday tomorrow. I was thinking at work and we came up with the idea of making it out of her favorite candy bar. Almond Joy!!!!! So, let the belt out. Put on the elastic waist and get ready!!!!!!!!!

Kim's Almond Joy Cake

1 box of white cake mix, prepared
1 can sweetened condensed milk
1 can of Hershey Syrup
3 Almond Joy Candy bars
1 container of Cool Whip
1 cup of coconut
1/2 c. chopped almonds

Prepare cake mix as directed. Once out of the oven, allow to sit and start cooling. Mix together milk and syrup. Poke holes in the cake and pour mixture over the cake and start soaking in. Take the candy bars and chop them up into small bits. This works great if you will place them in the freezer for a little bit. Sprinkle over the cake. Place in refrigerator to finish cooling. When ready to serve, cover with Cool Whip, sprinkle with coconut and almonds. YUMMMMY!!!!!! Thank you so much Kelly for sharing such an awesome recipe.

Other Ideas
Use Butterfingers, caramel topping and yellow cake
Use Heathbar, chocolate cake and Hershey Syrup

Hope you enjoy this one!!!!!!!!!

Laboring and Cooking With You,
Doula Mama Pam

Artichoke Dip

At one time in my life, I could not stand artichokes. I actually had no clue as to how to eat them and the artichoke heart to me just looked bazaar. Well, the 2 years that I went vegetarian, I learned to eat them and now just LOVE THEM!!!!!!!! I cheat because I always buy the canned ones. This is a recipe that my friend Michelle makes. IT IS KILLER!!!!! (My husband, the NON VEGTABLE EATING MAN, even likes this.

Disclaimer- *****If you make it as directed it is NOT figure friendly*******
However, you can make it with reduced fat or fat free mayo. That is what I typically do.

Hot Artichoke Dip

1 can of Artichoke Hears, chopped fine
1 cup of Mayonnaise
1 cup of Parmesan Cheese-finely grated fresh
Couple of dashes of hot sauce- if you like (my addition)

Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Mix all 3 ingredients. Place in a very shallow oven-safe-serving dish. Place in oven for approx. 20 min. until hot, bubbly and slightly brown on top. Serve with water cracker or any other favorite thin cracker and enjoy!!!!!!!!

Add In's---
4 oz of lump crab meat
Substitute chopped frozen spinach-drained dry- and thawed for the artichokes
Small baby asparagus

Hope you enjoy this one!!!!!!!

Laboring and Cooking with You,
Doula Mama Pam

BBQ Meatballs--YUMMY!!!!!!

BBQ Meatballs!!!!! This has become almost a staple in our home. We just love them!!!!!! You can serve them with a salad and call it a night. PERFECT!!!!

BBQ Meatballs

1 package of Ground Turkey (at least a 1 pound pack)
{Yes, you can use Ground Beef if you prefer}
1/2 cup plain breadcrumbs
Salt and Pepper to taste
1 heaping TBSP of Chili Powder
2 cloves of garlic minced or pressed
1 egg
1 bottle of your favorite BBQ sauce

Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Place first ingredients EXCEPT for BBQ sauce in a large mixing bowl. Use your hands and combine well. Once combined, use a small scoop and make small meatballs. I use the medium Pamper Chef scoop. Roll around in your hand to make sure they are well formed. Place in a 9x9 pan and place in the oven, uncovered, for approx. 20-25 minutes. Remove from the oven and pour the entire bottle of BBQ sauce over the meatballs. Place back in the oven for 20 minutes.
ENJOY!!!!!! These are just wonderful for Mass Cooking. They reheat beautifully and you can even make them up and freeze after the first part of cooking. EXCELLENT!!!!!! Great for taking as a covered dish or to a party. Make them a bit smaller and just add tooth picks for an awesome appetizer! I promise, you will not have any to take home!!!

Laboring and Cooking With You!!!
Doula Mama Pam

Myrene's Chili-Rubbed Salmon

Myrene's Chili-Rubbed Salmon

1 tsp. chili powder
2 tsp. dillseeds
1 tsp. lemon pepper
1/2 tsp. ground cumin
4 (4-6oz) Salmon Steaks
1/4 c. butter
Garnishes

Combine first 4 ingredients and press over steaks. Melt butter in large skillet over medium heat; add steaks and cook 5 minutes on each side or until fish flakes easily. Garnish if desired. Serve with lemon wedges.
**You can adjust the spice to taste**

Thank you so much Myrene for sharing!!!!!!!

Laboring and Cooking With You,
Doula Mama Pam

White Chili

This is one of my all time favorites, among many that my Mom makes. It is soooooo good!!!!!!!

White Chili
(Great for Mass Cooking)

1-2pound chicken (Chicken should be covered with water when cooking. save broth and de-bone chicken when it is fully cooked)
3 cans great northern beans (14-15 oz. cans)
1 Tbsp. ground cumin
1 medium chopped onion
4-8 oz. shredded Monterey jack cheese

Add the chopped chicken back into the pot with the broth. Add all other ingredients except cheese. Bring to a boil and cook for 30 minutes. Add in cheese and stir until well mixed and cheese has melted.

Freezes and reheats well.

Serve with your favorite chip and salsa.

Laboring and Cooking with You,
Doula Mama Pam

Texas Trash

Texas Trash

1 head lettuce, shredded
2 to3 tomatoes
1 can kidney beans (rinsed and drained)
8 oz. grated sharp cheddar cheese
1 bag Frito's or Doritos, Crushed
1/2 onion, chopped fine
1 bottle Catalina or Italian dressing

Shred lettuce into bite-size pieces in large bowl. Add tomatoes, beans, cheese, and onion. Just before serving, add Frito's and dressing. Toss well.

Serves 10-12 people

GREAT for taking to a cook-out or to a party!!!!!!!

Taco Soup

Taco Soup
1 lb. ground beef browned and drain with onion
1 can rotel
1 can diced tomatoes
1 can tomato soup
1 can water
1 can corn
1 can kidney beans
1 can pinto beans
1 lb. velvetta cheese cut up
Mix all ingredients in crockpot and cook.

Jessica must have know that this is one of my favorites because it is MEXICAN!!!!!! Check out Jessica over on her blog here.

Laboring and Cooking with you,
Doula Mama Pam

Mexican Chunky Salsa

Mexican Chunky Salsa

1 Can of black beans, drained and rinsed well
1 can of whole kernel corn, drained and rinsed
1 jar of you all time favorite salsa (can be mild, medium or hot)
1 small jar of diced green chile's (optional)
***If you are making this for a large crowd, you can double or even triple***

Open and prepare the beans and corn. Pour all 3 (or 4) ingredients in a bowl and combine very well. Place in refrigerator for at least 4 hours. Over night is best.
Serve with a big bag of tortilla chips (Scoops are my favorite) and ENJOY!!!!!!!!
****Another idea
Great on a Mexican salad
Great heated and rolled in a tortilla with cheese and heated.
YUMMY!!!!!!!

Laboring and Cooking With You,
Doula Mama Pam

Mass Cooking Checking In

Let me just tell you, it has changed my home and changed our evenings and our weekends and our BUDGET!!!!! Ashley and I were discussing how much things have changed and how nice it is to have dinner ready to go.
Literally Heat and Eat!!!!!
To Answer a Few Questions....(these are the one's that we hear the most)

1- How do you know what to prepare? You can do this one of two ways. First, look at what you already have on hand. What is in the pantry and the freezer? What are you hungry for? What is the weather? If is is snowing, cold and rainy, you may want a nice warm bowl of soup or stew. If it's hot and humid you may way a grilled chicken salad with fruit. You get the idea.
2-How do you go shopping? I ALWAYS make sure that I have the STAPLES in my pantry. Flour, sugar, favorite seasonings, cream of _____soup, rice, pasta, and cheese. Those types of things I always get, especially if they are on sale. I have a grocery store that will every once in a while put things on "Buy 2 get 3 FREE" That is just a No-Brainer for me. I will get all 5. See what is on sale at your local store and always check out the Costco or Sam's if you are a member. For Example- We eat a lot of Ground Turkey. At the grocery store, the turkey that is 93/7 is about $6 per pack. I can get 4 packs of 93/7 at Costco for about $12. Same with the turkey burgers that my husband adores!!!!! 10 frozen burgers of $9.99. They are either 1/4 or 1/3 pound burger at $1 a piece. Here again,,,,,,No-Brainer!!!!! Just look for what your family likes or the one thing you want to try out.
3-How long does it take to do this? Both Ashley and I do ours on Sunday afternoon. I have a 3 year old and typically try to do it while he is down for nap. She has 2 and one takes a nap and Steve takes care of the older and she can get in the kitchen and get it done. It typically takes NO LONGER THAN 2 hours. We use the crock pot at least once a week most weeks. A soup, a stew, a roast, or pulled BBQ pork. If you cook it on Sunday night, then place it in the frig. and all you have to do is heat and eat.
Our goal is to post what we prepare during the week and PLEASE join in and send your ideas and your recipes. The more, the better!!!!! More ideas, the more choices that we have!!!!! It really it a lot easier on you, your family and your budget.
Even this past week I was tired and worn down and just out of old habit asked my husband "What do you want for dinner?" His response...."We have all of that food at the house, let's just do something there" Yes, he was right and it would only take 10 minutes to heat and we saved $25 from going out to dinner.
Join in!!!
So FUN!!!!

Laboring and Cooking With You,
Doula Mama Pam and Ashley

Cornmeal Battered Oven Fried Fish

Cornmeal Battered Oven Fried Fish
1/2 cup yellow cornmeal
1 tsp paprika
1 tsp dried thyme
1 tsp salt
1/2 tsp celery seed
1/2 tsp onion powder
1/2 tsp pepper
1/2 cup milk
1 lb. Fillets of fish of your choice (I used catfish)
1 medium lemon
Preheat oven to 425 degrees. Coat baking sheet with cooking spray. In a shallow bowl mix all ingredients except milk. Put milk in seperate bowl. Dredge fillets in milk and then to the other mixture. Coat fish on both sides. Bake thouroughly for 15 minutes.

This one is going to be a favorite!!!!!! Jessica, you did it again!!!!! Link us with Jessica HERE.

Laboring and Cooking With You,
Doula Mama Pam

Sausage Dirty Rice

If you live anywhere in the south, you have probably had or seen Bojangles. I LOVE Bojangles chicken. Little bit spicywith just the right amount of heat to it. French fries have a seasoning salt on them that can make your mouth water just looking at them. They also have a southern favorite called Dirty Rice. It's a mix of rice, sausage and other small(very small) amounts of vegetables. My oldest, Kyle, will actually eat the Dirty Rice and NOT pick out the veggies!!!!!! I made this once and that was all it took. It was a KEEPER!!!!!!!

Sausage Dirty Rice

1 package of your favorite sausage (mild or hot) just remember who is eating it.
1 package of Knolls Vegetable soup mix
2 cups of instant white or brown rice
2 cups of water
1/2 tsp of crushed red pepper flakes (optional)

Bring water to a boil. Once it is boiling, add the soup mix and make sure it is dissolved in the water. Add rice and put a lid on it. Take it off the heat and allow to cook. Brown sausage in a large skillet. Break it up as much as possible while browning. Once finished, drain off the fat in the pan. Toss rice with a fork and add to the skillet with the sausage. Combine and heat all the way through. If you have a small amount of water left in the bottom of the rice, that will evaporate when you add to the skillet with the sausage.
You can serve immediately or you can refrigerate over night. The longer it sits, the better it is.
Great for Mass Cooking.
Great for Breakfast with eggs and toast
Great for dinner with a side salad.
Great all alone.

Let me know what you think.

Laboring and Cooking with You,
Doula Mama Pam

Chicken Pie Made-Easy!!!!!

This is one of my favorite from my childhood. My Mom would make this and it seemed we always had green peas or a salad and bread with it. I have even toyed with the idea of putting green peas in it......but hubby would for sure NOT eat that!!!!!
This is also a really good one that does well for Mass Cooking. Couple of changes at the bottom and it's GREAT!!!!! Let's get it started.

Chicken Pie Made Easy

1 can of Cream of Chicken or Mushroom
1 8oz container of Sour Cream (Reduced Fat or Fat Free)
2 Cooked Chicken breast, chopped. (Boiled, roasted, canned)
1/2 Sleeve of Ritz Crackers-crushed
Salt and Pepper to taste

Preheat oven to 375 degrees. In a bowl, mix together soup, sour cream, chicken, salt and pepper to taste. Mixture will be thick. Place mixture in a oven safe 8x8 or 9x9 pan. Sprinkle crumbs over the top and place in the oven to bake for approx. 20 minutes or until hot and bubbling.

--Mass Cooking Option--
**Combine ingredients, place in baking dish and cook when you are ready. Remember-if your dish is cold, DO NOT put it into a hot oven.
**Cook dish as directed. It reheats well in the microwave. The topping is not as crunchy but it is still wonderful.
**You can also double or even triple this if you are going to be feeding a large family or taking it to someones home.

Laboring and Cooking With You,
Doula Mama
PS- Do you have a favorite? Send it to me and I'll be happy to get it posted for you!!!!!!

Italian Meatball Sub

This is for sure a Mass Cooking Idea!!!!!!

Italian Meatball Sub

1 package of ground turkey (you can use beef if you prefer)
1 jar of your favorite marinara sauce
1 tablespoon of Italian Seasoning or Pizza Seasoning
1 egg
1/2 cup of seasoned bread crumbs
Salt and Pepper
2 cloves of garlic minced or pressed.

Preheat oven to 375 degrees
In a large mixing bowl add turkey, seasoning, salt, pepper, egg, bread crumbs, garlic and 1/2 cup of marinara sauce. Now you MUST use your hands and mix well. I use a medium cookie scoop to make the meatballs. You can use whatever you have available. Just make sure they are all the same size. Place meatballs on cookie sheet and bake for 15-20 minutes. Once they are browned, remove them from the oven. In a 9x9 dish, place the meatballs. Cover with the marinara sauce and return to the oven, uncovered, for another 15-20 minutes until hot and bubbling.
Options-
*Once cooled, place in refrig. and eat whatever day you have chosen.
*Freeze well for a party- just make the meatballs bite-size.
*Serve immediately

Take a sub roll of your choice. Toast under the broiler until nice and crunchy. Place warm meatballs on crunchy rolls and top with mozzarella cheese and Parmesan cheese. Place under broiler until melted and slightly browned and ENJOY!!!!!!!!

Hope you enjoy this as much as we do!!!!!!

Laboring and Cooking With You,
Doula Mama Pam

Mass Cooking Introduction!!!!!!

Today is a little different. I wanted to share with you what a Great Friend of mine-Ashley and I have started doing. I was doing this a while back but really not "committed" so to speak. It was kind of hap-hazard. Then the New Years Resolution hit me square in the face.
*I am responsible for what my family eats.
*I am responsible for my family's health.
*I am responsible for what we waste our money on eating out.

It was time!!!! Sooooooo I was talking at work with Ashley (the above mentioned Great Friend) and she and her husband are doing Dave Ramsey's Financial Peace. After much discussion across the hall back and forth we came up with a plan. I tried it one week and she was going to give it a shot and see what happened. This is probably nothing new to most of you. You have probably seen it on TV, the Internet and even other blogs. Mass Cooking is what I would call it. Basically all we do is plan the week and do all of the "Main Dishes" on Sunday afternoon and then put them in the fridge and all you have to do is heat and eat all week and prepare some type of quick side. You can even be as simple as apple sauce or even the Steamers that you can get now that are ready in 4-6 minutes.
*Dinner at home.
*Dinner around the table
*Dinner you feel good about serving.
*Dinner YOU prepared and know what is in it.
So, here is the plan for what I did the first week.
Sunday Afternoon cooking plan - Ground Turkey was on sale and therefore, I ran with that.
Huge pot of Ground Turkey Chili in the crock pot.
"Hamburger Helper" Cheeseburger Macaroni (I substitute whole wheat pasta for the pasta in the box)
Turkey Cheeseburgers
Turkey Sloppy Joes
Spaghetti Sauce.
BAM!!!!!!
HEAT AND EAT ALL WEEK!!!!! It was AWESOME!!!!!!!
This past week looked like this......
Frozen chicken breast on sale (BOGO Free!!!)
*Baked Spice Chicken for a huge Chicken Salad on Romaine lettuce
*Baked Italian Chicken with pasta and tomato sauce
*Crock pot of Chicken and Rice
*Pulled BBQ Pork Tenderloin Sandwiches (Got a deal at Costco)
BAM!!!!!
Heat and Eat All Week!!!!!!!
This is sooooo VERY easy and VERY COOL!!!!! Not sure what is on the list for next week. How about you? Do you ever cook like this? Have you ever thought about it? I have flipped over it!!!!!!! I am so totally hooked!!!!!!!
PLEASE share your ideas with Ashley and I. We would love to see what you have been cooking lately!!!!!!

Laboring and Cooking With You,
Doula Mama Pam and Ashley

Praline Grahams

Praline Grahams
1 pkg. Graham Crackers
3/4 cup margarine
1/2 cup sugar
1 cup chopped pecans


Separate each graham cracker into 4 sections. Arrange on a cookie sheet with edges. Place each cracker so that it is touching. Melt butter in a saucepan, stir in sugar and pecans. Bring to a boil; cook 3 minutes, stirring frequently. Spread mixture evenly over graham crackers. Bake at 350 degrees for 12 minutes. Remove from pan, and let cool on wax paper.


YUMMY!!!!!! Thank you Jessica. You can link up with Jessica HERE. Keep on the look out. Jessica has more to share!!!!!!

Laboring and Cooking With You,
Doula Mama Pam

Barbecue Meatloaf

Barbecue Meatloaf (great with the faux taters)

1 lb ground round
1/2 cup bbque sauce, divided
1/4 cup chopped onions (finely chopped is best)
1/4 cup seasoned breadcrumbs
2 large egg whites
1/4 tsp chili pepper
Oven to 375 degrees. Combine meat with 1/4 c bbque sauce, onions, breadcrumbs, egg whites and chili pepper in a large bowl. Shape mixture into a 7 x 5 loaf. Spread remaining bbque sauce (I add extra to cover all the loaf). Cook until done (approx. 45 mins - depending how you shape it)

Four servings - 277 cals, 39g protein, 10g carbs, 9g fat, trace of fiber(got this recipe from Muscle and Fitness)

Thanks Meg!!!!!!

Faux Taters

Faux taters -
1 steamed head of cauliflower (cut into pieces),
1/4 block cream (light) cheese,
shredded cheese
Natures Seasonings.
Blend in food processor until it looks like mashed potatoes. Taste to see if you need to add more natures seasoning. Keep warm in a 300 degree oven until ready to grub on! Can also add bacon bits - Be sure to garnish with them too!

Meg Rogers

Meg is a great friend of mine. I had the honor of being her Doula when she and her husband, Jason, had their little boy, Cash. I have to give Meg credit. She is the one that named me "Doula Mama". Once I had seen it and she called me that, well, it just stuck. She and her husband have a goat farm. Here is the link to their farm. If you live in the area, go and check it out HERE. I'm not sure if they can ship to you but if you are interested in what they have, by all means, call her or e-mail her.

Can't wait to give this a try!!!!! Thanks Meg!!!!!

Laboring and Cooking With You,
Doula Mama Pam

Oh My Goodness!!!!!!

Its another blog. What in the world was I thinking???? This is going to be sooo much fun!!!! I decided to this off the cuff and share with you what all I do with working full time, being a Birth Doula, a Wife, a Mother, and a Sinner Saved by Grace.
I'm not sure how many times I will be posting. Not sure if it is once a day or once a week. If you have thoughts or ideas, I would love to hear them. Of course, I will post pictures of what I cook.

I want to share what I have learned about cooking, cooking for my family, cooking healthy and nutritious food and yet of course, we will indulge every now and then.

The most fun is going to be getting other readers and bloggers to join in and do a post. I'm thrilled about that!!!!! That will be soooo cool. Love the idea of a Guest Blogger!!!!!!!

Join with me on this journey. It's going to be a blast......and yummy to!!!!!!

In The Kitchen With You,
Doula Mama Pam