Dr. Oz’s 4 Foods to Buy Organic

If you watched Dr. Oz today (12-7-10) Dr. Oz revealed his four foods that he believes you should buy organic. I am often confused on the benefits of organic foods. Perhaps this is a good area to start buying organic


Peanut butter – pesticides are often used around peanut planets
Cereal – often not more expensive than regular brands
Ketchup – Twice the antioxidants in organic ketchups
Frozen Meals – Healthier than traditional

My Green Bean Casserole

There are a couple versions of this recipe out there, but here is how I make my Green Bean Casserole.  I often double the recipe for big crowds!

Ingredients:
2 cans of green beans
1 can of cream of mushroom coup
3/4 cup of milk
1/8 tsp pepper
1 small can of french fried onions

Directions:
Preheat oven to 350.  Combine beans, soup, milk, pepper, and 1/3 of the can of onions and mix.  Cook for 30 minutes.  Top with remaining onions and cook for an additional 5 minutes.  Enjoy!

My Cheesy Potatoes

We call them Cheesy Potatoes and here is my recipe for a party favorite in my household!

Ingredients:
1 package of cubed frozen hashbrowns (Approx 32 oz)
1 can of cream of chicken
1 pint of sour cream
1/4 cup melted butter
1/8 tsp pepper
1/2 tsp salt
1/2 cup diced onion
10 oz of shredded sharp cheddar

Directions:
Pre-heat oven to 350.  Put hasbrowns in a 9 x 13 pan.  I use the disposal aluminum pans for easy clean-up!  In a separate bowl mix together remaining ingredients.  Spread over top of the hashbrowns.  Bake in the oven for 1 hour and 15 minutes.  I let mine cook for about 20 minutes then give them a good stir. then they are good to go for the remaining time!  Enjoy!

Menu Plan Monday – Week of 12/6/10

December is officially here! There is less than 3 weeks until Christmas. My boys are so excited this year and I am getting so many questions about Santa Claus. My oldest son keeps reminding my husband that he has to clean out that chimney so Santa can come down it Christmas Eve! He better get busy!

Monday – Skillet Lasagna
Tuesday – Ham Bone Soup
Wednesday – Tacos
Thursday – French Toast & Bacon
Friday – Pizza Night!
Saturday – Eat Out
Sunday – Turkey Roast and mashed potatoes

This post is linked to MPM at I'm an Organizing Junkie!

All Aboard...For a Birthday Celebration!

Today is my baby's 2nd birthday, so I guess that makes him officially a toddler!  He and his brother are obsessed with Thomas the Tank Engine, so today we are having a Thomas themed party. 

I made my own cake this year with this delicious recipe for butter cream icing,  This is quickly becoming a family favorite and who knew it was so easy!  You'll need:

2 sticks of unsalted butter softened
3 cups of powdered sugar
1 tsp Vanilla
2 tbsp milk

Beat the butter until creamy.  Add other ingredients and beat until a nice consistency is formed.  Simple and easy and tastes amazing!

Santa Claus is Coming to Toys R Us - December 4th!

• Saturday, December 4th from 12 pm - 3 pm
• Santa & Geoffreywill pose for pictures, so bring your camera!
• Enjoy storytime and decorate your own gingerbread cookie!
• Receive FREE giveaways!
• Find a store here!

Gift Cards for the Holidays

**UPDATED**
Now is the time to begin to buy gift cards for the Holidays. Restaurants are always offering a **BONUS** when you buy a certain dollar amount. I am going to start a list of these deals that are being offered. I cannot guarantee these offers will be honored everywhere, you may want to call first to verify!


Arby’s – FREE COMBO wyb $20 in Arby’s Gift Cards at participating locations
Bob Evans - Buy $50 ger $10 bonus card
Brueggers - Buy $25 get $5 in Bakery Bucks
Carrabba’s - Buy $100 get $20 bonus card
Macaroni Grill - Buy $25 get $5
Outback Steakhouse – Buy $100 get $20 bonus card
Red Robin - Buy $25 get $5 in Bonus Bucks
Ruby Tuesday - Buy $25 get $5