Loving Our Home | Home Tips, Advice, and Easy Recipes

Simple Home Tips and Solutions

Ricotta Mozzarella Calzones

By Leave a Comment

Eating Italian food is always a decadent and enjoyable experience for me. The cheese, the tomatoes, the spices… yum! One of my favorite Italian foods is the classic ricotta mozzarella calzone–I’ve learned that I can make it easily at home instead of buying one for $8-$10 at a local pizza restaurant. When all the ingredients are purchased I can make 2-3 calzones for the price of one at a restaurant.

Flickr/habeshaIngredients

Whole milk ricotta cheese
1 egg
Salt and pepper to taste
Mozzarella cheese
Pizza dough

* Keep in mind that you can now purchase quality pizza dough at your local grocery store. You can even purchase wheat pizza dough if you prefer. You might also want to get a jar of marinara sauce to dip your Ricotta Mozzarella Calzone into for added flavor.

* You can also add mushrooms, sliced green peppers and/or pepperoni to the mozzarella mixture if you’d like.

Instructions

Preheat oven to 375*  Then cut your dough in half so that you have two pieces for two calzones. On a well floured surface, roll your dough out to desired thickness. Now in a large bowl add ricotta cheese, egg, salt and pepper. Mix well. Then add about a 1/2 cup of ricotta mixture to center of the dough. This is the time to add all of the other ingredients of your choice. Top with mozzarella cheese. Fold dough over and pinch edges to keep ingredients inside. Repeat for other piece of dough. Place calzones on non stick cookie sheet. Bake for 10-15 minutes or until crust is golden brown. Serve with a bowl of marinara sauce for dipping. Enjoy!!!

Posted by Lorraine

 

Photo credit: Flickr/habesha

Recipe Ideas for Ground Turkey

By Leave a Comment

Have you ever been shopping the meat department at your local grocery store and noticed ground turkey on sale? There are plenty of delicious recipes that you can prepare with it. Plus, it’s healthier than ground beef. Most recipes that call for beef can be substituted with ground turkey. So before you reach for that package of beef next time you’re out grocery shopping, check out these recipe ideas for ground turkey.

Mini Turkey Sliders

Ingredients

2 lbs ground turkey
1 small onion diced
1/2 green pepper finely diced
3-4 garlic cloves minced
1 tsp salt and pepper
1/2 jalapeño pepper finely diced ( optional )
2 tsp dried oregano
1 tsp dried basil
1 egg beaten ( optional )
1/2 cup panko bread crumbs ( optional )

Instructions

Combine all ingredients in a large bowl and mix together. Then take about a golf size ball of meat and roll into a ball. Then flatten into a patty. Make as many as you can with mixture. Added bonus is that leftovers can be frozen. (Raw or cooked) cook on medium high heat and serve like you would a beef patty.

Flickr/ginnerobot

Cabbage Rolls With Turkey Meat

Ingredients

2 lbs ground turkey
1 head of cabbage
1 1/2 cups of rice cooked (brown or white)
1 8oz can unseasoned tomato sauce
2 tsp garlic powder
3-4 tsp onion powder
1/2 tsp black pepper
1/2 tsp salt
1 Tbsp dried oregano

Instructions

Begin by boiling a large pot of water on high heat. Place a colander on top. Now with a large sharp knife, carefully cut off the bottom of the cabbage. Then gently peel off whole leaves of cabbage. Place cabbage leaves into colander and cover with lid. Allow leaves to steam until leaves are tender. Be sure not to over cook. Set aside to cool. Now in a large sauce pan add ground turkey and seasonings. Cook on medium high heat until meat is fully cooked. Lower heat and add rice. Mix well and taste. Begin making cabbage rolls by taking one cabbage leaf and adding 3-4 spoonfuls of meat mixture. (Depending on the size of leaf) Remember to put mixture near the stem and roll forward. Place roll into a large casserole. Repeat. Place oven on 350*. The last step is to pour the tomato sauce evenly over cabbage rolls. Bake uncovered for 30-40 minutes until cabbage is fully cooked.

Easy Turkey Meatloaf

Ingredients

2 lbs ground turkey
1 envelope onion soup mix
1 egg
1 cup unseasoned bread crumbs
1/4 cup ketchup

Directions

Preheat oven to 350*
Combine all ingredients minus ketchup in a large bowl and mix well. Place mixture into a loaf pan and spread out evenly.then spread ketchup evenly on top. Bake for 30-40 minutes. Serve with a side salad, mash potatoes and/or green beans.

Enjoy these simple and delicious recipe ideas for ground turkey!

Posted by Eve

 

Image via Flickr/ginnerobot

Quick Tips to Organize Coupons & Receipts

By Leave a Comment

The best way to save money, ensure you’re getting the best deals and also track your spending is to have easy access to your receipts and coupons. Here are a few tips for how to organize coupons and receipts in your purse or bag.

Coupons1) Purchase a few coupon holders at your local Dollar Store to use for both coupons. When labeling your holder, arrange coupons by the general layout of the supermarket. For example, frozen food coupons together, aisle foods together and all household products together.

2) Go through your coupon holder every month to clear out expired coupons and make room for new ones.

3) To keep your store receipts in order, take a mailing envelope and label it with the type of store or business (home improvement, grocery store, pet shop, restaurant, gas station etc). Make yourself get into the habit of placing the receipts in the appropriate envelope each time you come home from shopping so that you can always accept them for returns.

4) Keep your business receipts separate from personal ones in their own envelope and be sure to write down the purpose of each purchase.

5) For major purchases it’s a great idea to make a photo copy of the receipt for your records. Most receipts ink fade rapidly, way before the return policy expires. This is a great way to ensure proof of purchase.

6) If you don’t always carry your purse with you, keep your coupon holders and receipt envelopes in your car so that you always have a chance to save some $$.

Posted by Eve

Photo credit: Flickr/Chris Potter

Breaded Italian Chicken Roll with Turkey & Mushroom Gravy

By Leave a Comment

Some of the best memories I have are those witnessing my mom dedicating her time to cook special meals for the family. This recipe is a version of her Breaded Italian Chicken Roll with Turkey & Mushroom Gravy. It requires a bit of work, but is definitely worth the effort!

chickenroll3

Main Ingredients

4 chicken thighs deboned
1 cup Italian seasoned bread crumbs
2 eggs (beaten)
1 cup flour
2 tablespoons onion powder
2 tablespoons garlic powder
2 tablespoons dried oregano
1/2 tablespoon salt
1/2 cup oil
4 pieces sliced turkey breast
4 thick slices of Swiss cheese (optional)

Ingredients for Gravy

2 beef bouillon cubes
2 cups hot tap water
2 tablespoons flour
5-6 large fresh mushrooms (sliced)
3 large garlic cloves (thinly sliced)
1/4 teaspoon salt

Instructions for Chicken

Wrap the chicken thighs in plastic wrap and pound flat. ( use rolling pin or mallet ) Combine all seasoning in a large bowl and generously season both sides of chicken. Now, in one bowl add bread crumbs. In another bowl add eggs. Then in a large fry pan add oil and place on medium high heat. Begin your chicken roll by placing one slice of turkey on each thigh. If your using cheese now is the time to place on top of turkey. Roll each thigh into a tight roll. First, roll chicken in egg wash then roll into the bread crumbs. Then place in fry pan and repeat steps for remaining pieces. Allow chicken to fry on both sides until golden brown. Remember, you are not fully cooking chicken you are just browning it. Now place a large cooling rack on top of a baking sheet. Turn oven to 350*. Chicken is placed on a rack to not allow bottom of chicken to get soggy. Bake for 30-40 minutes.

chickenroll2

chickenroll1
Instructions for Gravy

While chicken is cooking in the oven you can begin to prepare your gravy. Start by turning the used fry pan on medium high heat. Add mushrooms and 1/4 teaspoon of salt. Sauté 3-5 minutes. Now add garlic slices and lower heat. Sauté another 3-5 minutes. Meanwhile, in a large bowl add 2 cups of hot water and bouillon cubes. Use a fork to help break down cube. Add flour and stir vigorously. Slowly add mixture to pan and gently stir. Reduce heat to low and allow gravy to thicken. Spoon gravy on top of chicken and serve.

This Breaded Italian Chicken Roll With Turkey & Mushroom Gravy recipe requires patience, but it’s worth it because the results are AMAZING. You and your family will really appreciate it. Serve with scalloped potatoes and a side salad for a filling dinner.

Enjoy!!

Posted by Eve

 

 

3 Ways to Use a Store Bought Rotisserie Chicken

By Leave a Comment

A super easy way to make a variety of different meals is with a juicy store-bought rotisserie chicken. You will love these mouth watering recipes because they are easy to make and only require a few extra ingredients.

Chicken Club Sandwich

Ingredients

3 slices toasted bread
2 slices chicken breast
4 strips of bacon cooked
2 leaves of lettuce
4 slices of tomato
mayo (to taste)
salt & pepper (to taste)

Instructions

Take toasted bread slices and smear mayo on top. Then lightly season with salt and pepper. Place a leaf of lettuce on a slice of bread then add tomato, bacon and chicken. Place another piece of bread on top, mayo side up and repeat. Cover with last piece of bread. Cut in half and serve with a deli pickle.

Chicken Salad

Ingredients

2 cups of chicken (diced)
1 celery stalk (peeled & finely diced)
1/2 small red onion (finely diced)
1/4 cup red seedless grapes cut in half
1/3 cup mayo
Salt & pepper to taste

Instructions

In a large bowl, add mayo, onion, celery, grapes and chicken. Gently combine with a large spoon. Let chill for 30 minutes before serving. Serve on lettuce cups with potato chips on the side.

Chicken Soup

Use this recipe when you want to use up all of the remaining rotisserie chicken.

Ingredients

1 onion (cubed)
2 celery stalks (chopped)
2 carrots (chopped)
1 tablespoon garlic powder
1 tablespoon onion powder
2 chicken bouillon cube
1 cup egg noodle pasta (cooked) *optional
2 teaspoons dried parsley flakes
4 cups water
Salt to taste

Instructions

In a large pot on medium high heat place whole chicken, water, bouillon, garlic powder, onion powder, parsley flakes, carrots, and celery. Allow to boil covered for at least 30-45 minutes, until chicken falls off bone. Salt to taste. Add cooked pasta last. Before serving remove large pieces of bone. Enjoy with garlic bread.

All of these recipes are extremely flexible. For instance, use for favorite type of bread, wrap or pita. Or substitute mayo for mustard or avocado. I hope you enjoy these recipes.

Posted by Eve

Image credit: Flickr/mercedesfromtheeighties

Tips to Stay Cool During a Heat Advisory

By Leave a Comment

Depending on where you live, it can really get oppressively hot during the summer months. When the heat becomes dangerous, weather authorities will issue a heat advisory for the public. Here are a few tips for how to stay cool during a heat advisory:

Tip #1. If you don’t put an AC on at any other point during the summer to save energy, put it on during a heat advisory. If you don’t have access to the lovely comfort of central air or an AC unit in the window, travel to your local library, coffee shop or a big box store and spend the hottest hours of the day relaxing there. Also, it is often cooler sitting outside under a large shaded tree than in your enclosed home. Get a comfy chair and have a seat there with a small battery operated fan and a spray bottle filled with cold ice water to spray on your skin (don’t forget your sunscreen and bug deterrent).

Tip #2. Do not allow sunlight to penetrate into your home. All it does is raise the temperature in your home. Invest in affordable room darkening shades or blinds that will block out the heat. Keep fans on in every room to keep air circulating.

Flickr/gagilas

Tip #3. Eat foods that don’t require you to turn on the stove top or oven. You can try eating cold sandwiches, salads, etc. If possible, consider ordering take out.

Tip #4. Wear thin light colored clothing. Dark clothing absorbs more heat therefore, raising your body temperature. 100% cotton clothing is best since it’s a breathable fabric. Stay away from polyester or polyester blended materials.

Tip #5. Avoid all types of alcoholic beverages. Alcohol causes your body to dehydrate. Instead of consuming alcoholic beverages, keep a bottle of ice water with lemon and fresh mint leaves handy. Make a pitcher of ice water and make sure to squeeze in plenty of lemon juice while muddling in the mint leaves. This drink will keep your body hydrated and cool.

Tip #6. Fill a bucket with ice and get a clean washcloth. Dip the washcloth in the ice water periodically, wring it out and drying your face and neck with it frequently during the day to stay cool.

Tip #7. Take a cold shower at the hottest time of the day. A cold shower really helps to balance out your body temperature, rinse away sweat and make you feel refreshed.

3761877701_a3858973a7_z

Follow these simple tips to stay cool during a heat advisory. Also, make sure you check in on older folks to ensure that they’re staying cool during the summertime.

Posted by Eve

Photo credits: Flickr/gagilas, Flickr/stevendepolo