This week's Featured Blogger was also nominated by her fellow bloggers.  Please stop by Rosie's Country Home and congratulate her for being this week's Featured Blogger! 

While you are there, be certain to check out her delicious sounding recipes like: Teriyaki Steak & Quinoa and No Yeast Whole Wheat Bread.

Congratulations Rosie!

Please help me choose the next Featured Blogger.  If you have a blogger you'd like to nominate as our Featured Blogger of the Week, send me an email at senioreditor@homesteadblogger.com .  Keep in mind that Featured Bloggers must be at least 18 years of age and their blog must be encouraging, uplifting, and/or inspiring. 

Who knows, you may be our next featured blogger ! 

I just read on Crystal's message boards that several of the ladies are working on crochet projects, knitting projects and yes even sewing projects.  I felt a little like the black sheep of the family when I posted that I am currently working on 3 recipe scrapbooks.  LOL  I don't crochet or knit, and I wanted to finish these projects before starting a new sewing project.  Two of them are for Christmas presents for my SILs and are more than 70% done I would say.  The third one is for a friend and I haven't even started it yet.  I am hoping to get my goodies out tonight and do some work on them though.

I am done with baby quilts for now (which I took pics of and uploaded on the computer and now can not find.  LOL  So I have requests out to the mommy's to send me pics of the babies with their quilts.  When I get them I will try to post for you all!) and will move on to Noah's quilt, and then the sisters and neices aprons for Christmas presents.  I love sewing up aprons.  Many moons ago every woman had several aprons to wear while housekeeping and cooking.  Now a days, I find many of my family and friends don't have one, but when they see mine they want one so badly!  LOL  So hopefully the girls will love their aprons when they receive them.

So, the question is....what projects are you working on right now??? Perhaps you are dipping candles like Chas, or making a new Spring table runner.  Tell us if you are making jelly, or sewing up pajamas (another project for the littles for Christmas this year!), or scrapbooking.  Enquiring minds want to know!

you see one of these in your yard (I couldn't get the dandelion NOT to look blurry!)

My kids are on Spring Break next week, so I won't be around online - I hope everyone has a wonderful first offical week of Spring (the vernal equinox is tomorrow!)

This is a yummy dinner, with a little "wow" value, but so simple to make.

First, you are going to need to set up some "dipping stations" with three small dishes.

In the first, you will beat together 2 eggs and 1/3 cup of milk.




In the next bowl, you will add 1/2 cup of flour and in the third bowl, you will combine 1 1/2 c dry bread crumbs, 1/2 tsp garlic powder, 1 1/2 tsp oregano, 1 tsp dry thyme leaves and 1/3 c parmesan cheese.


To make dry bread crumbs, just pop a couple slices of bread in the toaster, and toast. let the slices of toast cool, then tear into pieces, and give a buzz in a food processor. Instant bread crumbs. If you need fresh crumbs, skip the toasting step.


Now, you need one package of the thin-sliced, boneless chicken breasts. Depending on how many slices are in your package, that will determine how much of the other ingredients you need. I had 6 slices, so I need 6 slices of ham, 6 sticks of swiss cheese (about 1/2 inch thick, 3 inches long), and 6 toothpicks.


Now take one slice of chicken, layer on one slice of ham, and a stick of cheese.


Roll them up, and secure by sticking a toothpick straight through it. Repeat with all.


Now you are going to start dipping. Take the first roll, and dip it into the egg wash, coating all over.


Second, dip it into the flour.


Next...go BACK to the egg wash, and dip again.


And last, roll it around in the crumb mixture, coating all over.


Place on a baking stone/sheet. Repeat with all.


Bake at 350 degrees for 40-45 minutes. The cheese will ooze and get crispy in the edges, and the outside will be brown and crunchy.


Enjoy!







Printable Version:

2 eggs
1/3 c milk
1/2 c flour
1 1/2 c dry bread crumbs
1 tsp thyme leaves
1 1/2 tsp oregano
1/2 tsp garlic powder
1/3 c parmesan cheese
1 package thinly sliced chicken breasts
sliced deli ham (1 slice per chicken slice)
sticks of swiss cheese (on stick per chicken slice)
toothpicks

In a small dish, beat eggs and milk.
In a second dish, add flour.
In a third dish, combine bread crumbs, garlic powder, herbs and parmesan cheese.

Layer a ham slice onto a chicken slice. Place a stick of swiss cheese on top, and roll up, securing with a toothpick. Repeat with all.

Coat one chicken roll in egg, then flour, then egg again, and finally crumb coating.
Place on a baking stone/sheet. Repeat with all.

Bake at 350 degrees for 40-45 minutes.

Enjoy!

* * *

Conni is an army wife and homeschooling mom of three, living in North Carolina. You can find out more about her on her blog: MamaHen

I have to admit I have more energy than in previous weeks of this pregnancy, but I haven't accomplished much with that extra energy.  LOL  I am still dragging my feet a little, and I just need to get my booty into gear!!!  I have made a goal to get this house back into working order by next Friday!  I will work hard on it this weekend with a little help from hubs, and finish up the last details and grocery shopping and pantry organizing next week while Noah is in school!  I feel so disorganized and not myself when the house is in disaray, there is laundry waiting, etc.

So, today is Friday and Noah has no school.  He will be helping me in the toy area cleaning up, putting away and organizing.  He is a wonderful help!!!  After that is done, I will dust all the tables and such and vacuum.  Noah loves to wipe down the tables, so perhaps he will help with that as well!  In between cleaning, vacuuming, etc. I will try to get the dreaded laundry caught up today and put away before the weekend really begins.  For me that means, no laundry during the weekends.  We like to have at least one thing we don't worry about on the weekends.

Matthew will help me with dishes since my hip has been bothering me and I just can't stand very long right now.  It's one of the things he honestly doesn't mind doing.  I am thankful for his help, and hanging out in the kitchen usually puts him in the mood to bake.  LMSO  So maybe we will have some muffins or biscuits this weekend from hubs. 

Tonight Matthew has an appointment at 6 with our tax lady.  I have all the paperwork in order on the family's finances, etc. but since he has his own electrician business, he needs to talk to her about what she needs, etc. to figure his side of the taxes correctly.  We are praying for some BIG MONEY on our tax return, because I have a few bills that need to be paid in full soon.  If the tax refund is as big as I am hoping, we should be debt free except for our mortgage by the end of summer, or the end of the year at the latest!

I wrote our picture appointment for Easter pics down on the wrong day....so pics are TOMORROW, not today.  LOL  I am glad I checked with Renea last night instead of just showing up on the wrong day.  LOL I got NOah some cute sorts and polos yesterday, so I am thinking he will wear his choice of them.  

Well ladies, that is the boring antics of our household.  LMSO  Nothing too exciting here this weekend....taxes, coffee with the girls on Saturday morning, pictures that afternoon, etc,  LOL

I don't mind ground turkey how about you?

I hope you enjoy these recipes and find something you like

Happy cooking from our home to yours

Blessings sisterbrenda

ground turkey recipes..

25 Ground Turkey Recipes To Tempt You

This week’s Recipe Hit List is a collection of tempting recipes for ground turkey that I’ve found online. Substituting ground turkey for ground beef is a popular trick for dieters since it’s an easy way to shave fat from your diet (and you won’t even notice a difference in taste for many dishes). Altering recipes for ground turkey can be a bit tricky (so the dishes aren’t too dry), but I’ve found plenty of recipes that claim success and look so tempting and delicious: meat balls, meat loaves, lasagna, soup, burgers and plenty more ideas. Enjoy!

Ground Turkey Recipes

*Note: Descriptions below are quotes from the recipe sites

Moist and Tender Extra-Lean Turkey Meatballs Recipe By danispies.com

1. Moist and Tender Extra-Lean Turkey Meatballs: (as seen in picture) When opting to use all white meat in this recipe, my fear was that the extra lean turkey meat could have the tendency of drying out. So the challenge was to find a way to keep these babies moist and tender. And guys, I am proud to say, “Mission Accomplished”! o today I share with you my, “How-To-Keep-Your-Lean-Meatballs-Moist-and-Tender” Tips. Recipe & tips from Dani Spies.
2. Asian Meatballs With Sesame Lime Dipping Sauce: This was a very enjoyable meal and I will make it again. The meatballs were very easy to assemble. I used a 1/4 cup to measure the amount for each meatball. Then they baked in a very hot oven for just 15 minutes, emerging juicy and full of flavor. The tangy lime, sesame seed, and soy dipping sauce elevated the flavor–and added a fun factor. I love dipping sauces. Recipe from What Did You Eat?
3. Turkey Meatballs: Thank goodness for ground turkey. I just get a pound of it, season it with lots of fennel, red pepper, rosemary, and garlic, and form it into little balls. I usually brown the meatballs then simmer them gently in sauce to finish cooking. This whole meal takes less than an hour to make and eat, which is perfect for the middle of a workweek. Recipe from Where I’m Cooking From.
4. Curried Turkey Meatballs: Adapted from Indian Food Made Easy, by Anjum Ananad, this recipe originally called for lamb and cilantro, but I had turkey and parsley in the refrigerator and the turkey made for a much lighter dish. The meatballs and gravey were delicious as is, but you can serve them over basmati rice or noodles, or stuffed into a pita sandwich. Serves 4. Recipe from The Perfect Pantry.
5. Spaghetti With Turkey Meatballs And Sundried Tomatoes: This recipe was simple to make and great fun to eat. The meatballs were juicy and full of flavor, due to the chopped sundried tomatoes mixed into them. Meatballs freeze beautifully and I like to have them on reserve, to pull out a few to eat when I’m feeling a little hypoglysemic. And they’re handy for when I don’t feel like cooking. I served these with pasta, but they’re wonderful with rice or (my favorite) a big chunk of crusty bread. Recipe from What Did You Eat?
6. Chiptole Turkey Burgers: Do you have recipes that have you convinced that the dish is healthy, virtuous, practically spa-worthy because it involves a certain ingredient? Because I’ve got tons of them. Come summer, the turkey burger is at the top of that list. Swap out the ground sirloin for ground turkey and, voila, you’re on a diet! Never mind the fact that the generous canopy of cheese, the giant bun and the smears of condiments remain. It’s a turkey burger: eat it with reckless abandon. From The Kitchen Sink Recipes.
7. Grilled Cheese-Stuffed Turkey Burgers: Take a break from traditional burgers. Lots of spicy chiles, Monterey Jack cheese and salsa mix with ground turkey breast for burgers to serve to a crowd. Recipe from Betty Crocker.
8. Thai Turkey Burgers: They were quick to come together and had all of the great Thai flavors that my husband and I love so very much. All of the flavors worked perfectly together which resulted in a very flavorful burger. I topped the burger with a Cilantro Lime Aioli which lent itself perfectly to the flavors of the burger. Honestly, this is one of the best burgers I’ve personally had; I absolutely loved it. Recipe found at Le Petit Pierogi.
9. Mediterranean Turkey Burger Pitas: The burgers themselves are filled with feta cheese, onion, garlic and pesto, which smells so good when it grills you’ll be glad you made them before you even take a bite. Recipe from Culinerapy.
10. Turkey Meat Loaf: Today’s recipe is Turkey and Roasted Red Pepper Meat Loaf. I originally found this recipe in Real Simple and I was surprised. As much as I love the magazine, I usually find their recipes a little bland and they leave a little to be desired. But this one made the cut and I wanted to share it with you. Recipe from Christa Wagner.
11. Turkey Meatloaf: When I saw this recipe for turkey meatloaf I was intrigued. It is certainly healthier than the version I usually make using ground sirloin, and it is an Ina recipe – she’s never let me down before, so I gave it a shot. Good thing I did because we both agreed this is even better than my old meatloaf. The flavor was fantastic and I honestly didn’t really notice a difference in taste due to the turkey. It was also a lighter meal so I didn’t feel overly full after dinner which I appreciate. I guess we can kiss the old recipe goodbye! Recipe found at Annie’s Eats.
12. Autumn Turkey Loaf: What I love about this dish is that it incorporates pretty much everything I’d like for a turkey dinner all into one easy loaf. And it actually comes out tasting like all of those things at once, too! Recipe from The Red Kitchen Project.
13. Turkey Pasta Soup: This quick soup has such a great flavor that everyone I’ve shared it with has added the recipe to her list of favorites. It also simmers up well in a slow cooker. Recipe from Taste Of Home.
14. Black Bean and Turkey Chili: The awesome thing about chili is that you can do whatever you want to make it your own. Recipe from We Are Not Martha.
15. Quick Quinoa & Turkey Taco Stew: Recipe from GreenLiteBites.
16. Grown Up Sloppy Joes with Ground Turkey and Avocado: I swapped out ground beef for ground turkey to lighten things up, added a little kick of Tabsaco, and topped it all off with some avocado. I was pretty pleased with my new rendition and decided to throw them to the wolves when my lady friends came over last night. Judging by the empty tray at the end of the evening, they were too. Recipe from Feast On The Cheap.
17. Ground Turkey Tacos: I have cooked with ground turkey before… and the result was not the greatest, but I’m happy to report that this turned out well! I was also a little afraid they would be too spicy for my husband, but they tasted almost exactly like the store bought packet of taco seasoning minus all the extra sodium! Recipe from Oh, My Restless Soul.
18. Turkey Tacos with Cinnamon and Cumin: I saw this recipe several years ago on one of those fat-guy-learning-to-exercise-and-eat-right shows… I don’t remember what show it was. But my mouth was watering as they were making this so-simple meal, and the next day I got some taco shells so I could do it too. Not only is it low-fat and full of flavor, but it’s super-easy and quick to make, too! Recipe from Joyful Abode.
19. Turkey Spinach Lasagna: Recipe from The Cottage Loft.
20. Ground Turkey Stroganoff: Yes; it does have Cream of Mushroom Soup in it. But I’m no food snob, and I am short on time, and I happen to have a husband who adores the stuff. While I know there are recipes out there to make the soup from scratch, and believe me I have plans to try doing so, this meal hits the spot when you have a bit of time, a hungry family, and a huge to-do list. It’s in our meal rotation because like I said Brad loves it. Plus it can be made with ground turkey, which I often use in recipes that call for ground beef because it’s less fatty and better for us. And the best part? When all is said and done you can’t tell the difference in this dish. Recipe from Confabulation In The Kitchen.
21. Ground Turkey Shepherd’s Pie: I started working on this shepherd’s pie recipe after ordering an amazing plate of it in a nearby pub and vowing to recreate it. Half a dozen tries later, and I think I’m pretty happy with the final product, which is mostly a mix of a Joy of Cooking recipe (the best cook book for simple base recipes) and a Rachel Ray recipe I caught the last half of on TV. Recipe from Brood.
22. Unstuffed Cabbage with Ground Turkey: My mom and I really enjoy this recipe — I have made it with beef in the past, but it works just as nicely with the ground turkey. It is an easy way to use up a cabbage, something I get a lot of from our CSA. There’s only so much coleslaw a person can eat. Recipe from Chick In The Kitchen.
23. Stuffed Artichoke Bottoms with Ground Turkey and Nuts: I saved the artichoke bottoms because I wanted to try this artichoke recipe from the book The New Book of Middle Eastern Food by Claudia Roden. Called Mahshi Kharshouf, Roden claims this dish is an old classic in the Arab world. It was good! Instead of ground beef, veal or lamb, I used ground turkey meat. I also added crushed chili pepper for my husband who likes dishes spicier. Recipe from Cafe Nilson.
24. Asian Turkey Lettuce Wraps: It’s like a copy-cat version of the lettuce wraps from PF Changs, it looks like a chinese taco to me. I served this along with brown rice, and some steamed potstickers. It’s a light and refreshing and super easy meal to make and it also helped that I had fresh mint available growing in my garden to use. Be sure to have your napkins ready, you will get messy! Recipe found at Mrs. Regueiro’s Plate.
25. My Fried Turkey Dumpling/Potsticker/Guotie Recipe: Making potstickers/dumplings involves a special frying technique that is a combo of frying and steaming. I’m not one who gets picky about exact amounts. Turns out that dumplings are pretty forgiving. Recipe from The Fortune Cookie Chronicles.

Well I don't use hamburger helper all that often unless I'm in a pinch for a quick meal...

I would like to share with you

Blessings sisterbrenda

hamburger helper

Today, a recipe: Make your own Hamburger Helper. It's so easy, and you'll be kicking yourself for spending $2-3 on those little boxes of chemicals all these years! You can also make this gluten free by using chinese rice noodles and cornstarch.

We can't eat MSG or food dyes, and we would be a 3 box family by now, so this really saves money and health.

Hamburger Helper is basically meat, sauce, and noodles. The sauce usually comes in a powdered form, and is highly processed so that all you have to do is add water. I use egg noodles (plain, yolk free, whole wheat - whatever floats your boat) or no bake lasagna noodles, broken up, work well too. Now you know what to do with those crushed pieces in the bottom of the box! You can scale this up or down: the ratios are roughly 1 lb. ground meat, 8 oz. egg noodles, 16 oz. of sauce (that's two cups). But since YOU are in charge here, not Betty Crocker, you can make it noodlier, saucier, or meatier. Allow 1-1/2 oz. noodles for each adult portion and 4 oz. of uncooked meat.

Basic recipe
Brown the meat (sometimes I get sassy and use ground sausage. I always use ground turkey or turkey sausage, it's cheaper, healthier, and once you throw all the other stuff in you can't tell the difference). Add some chopped up onions if you've got them. Drain it to reduce fat (dump meat in colander, rinse with hot water, dump back in pan.)

I usually use half an onion in a recipe, but I'm lazy, too, so I sometimes chop the entire thing and save half in a sandwich baggie so I only have to wash the knife and cutting board once. Save money on soap, too!

Now, add sauce:
For Lasagna style, add 1 jar of spaghetti sauce, which I get free with coupons or buy the WalMart brand, for $1.00/16 oz. jar. I can't make this same amount of marinara sauce for cheaper than that! My family's big, so I brown 2 lbs. meat and add 2 jars of sauce, or 1 jar sauce and 1 large can of crushed tomatoes. I like the crushed tomatoes, it is thicker than tomato sauce but doesn't have chunks like diced tomatoes. Add garlic and italian seasoning to taste.

For Cheeseburger style, put about a cup of beef broth per pound of meat in a measuring cup. Add a spoonful of flour or cornstarch. Flour will give you brown gravy, cornstarch will give you a translucent sauce; use a small spoon if you go with the cornstarch. Mix it up with a fork until there are no lumps. Pour it into the skillet and bring to a boil.

For Taco style, drain 1 can of diced tomatoes into a measuring cup (15 oz. size). Add beef broth to make 1 cup, add flour, dump broth and tomatoes into pot. Add garlic and cumin, and maybe a spoonful or two of salsa if you prefer. Bring to a boil. (You can add a can of corn or whole pinto beans if you need to stretch it, or make it meatless. Use the bean juice and corn water from the can instead of adding water.)

For Stroganoff, make it like the cheeseburger style at this point, using milk instead of broth. Or use 1/3 dried milk powder mixed into 1 c. broth . Or, you can add in canned mushrooms; drain into a measuring cup and add milk to make a cup. I don't buy canned mushrooms, because they are pretty much expensive and tasteless. I buy dehydrated mushrooms at the Chinese food store (not shiitake, just generic dried mushrooms). You put them in a bowl, add boiling water, and let them sit. Much tastier, easier to store, and you get tasty mushroom water to use instead. Of course, that takes some of the convenience out of the hamburger helper style meal. Put a dash of Worcestershire sauce in if your family like it.

Bring meat and sauce to a boil, stirring often. (For stroganoff, make it a gentle simmer - don't want to have burned milk taste!)

Add the noodles and stir them in. Add more water if needed, so the noodles mix well into the sauce (note: it should not cover the noodles. You are not making soup Just enough water that you can mix the noodles in easily without a lot of clumping or your spoon getting stuck.)

Cover and continue to simmer, stirring often, until the noodles are soft (15 minutes or so down here at sea level for 16 oz. of noodles).

Now, top it off:
Lasagna style, turn off the stove and stir in some ricotta or cottage cheese, or I just sprinkle shredded mozzarella on top. Serve.

Cheeseburger, reduce heat to low, add a handful of cheddar cheese, and stir it in until it melts. Turn stove off, sprinkle more cheese on top, and serve.

Taco, turn off stove, top with cheese - monterey jack, pepper jack, or queso fresco are good choices. Serve.

Stroganoff, reduce heat to very low. Add a couple of big spoonfuls of sour cream and stir into mixture. Cook gently until heated through - do not boil! You can use non-fat plain yogurt as well, but it has a more acidic taste so it won't taste like true stroganoff.

I like this recipe because it is a true pantry recipe (except the stroganoff). Everything can be stocked and stored on a shelf, (My freezer is part of my pantry, so the meat counts as a pantry item too!) It cooks up in one pot. It's quick, convenient, and you can make it without meat for vegetarians or meatless Fridays. (Just add some sort of bean or tofu for protein.) You can easily make it fat free, or whole grain; it works as an organic recipe or regular; you can use stuff from your garden or from cans; you can use up your leftover spaghetti sauce or noodles; you can easily hide veggies in here for picky kids (shredded zucchini, carrots, smushed up white beans... )

Works for me!

I woke up to birds chirping outside my window.....a cool crisp air.......a little boy laughing......a hubby's kiss......oh what a wonderful day!  LOL    Ok, so I wanted to sleep in (but Noah had school), but most of the rest is true!!!  While I was running errands I had the window down from some fresh air and I have enjoyed the sun today as well!!!!!

Noah quickly got ready for school today because I spent an extra 10 minutes in bed trying to wipe the sleep from my eyes....and when he was gone on the bus, I went to WAL-MART!!!  Wally World and I have a love/hate relationship.  I love going there......and spending money.......but I hate going there....and spending money!!!  LMSO  I ended up finding a few winter shirts for Noah for next winter on clearance for $5 each and then found a pair of shorts and polo shirt he can wear for pics tomorrow.

Noah is having Easter pics taken tomorrow.  It is cheaper to have them taken now when they are running a special than to wait until his birthday in April to have his 4 year old pics taken, so I am taken advantage!  LMSO   He better smile is all I am going to say!!!

Noah's bus was LATE today coming home.  I was wondering if they were every going to bring my boy home.  LMSO  I called the school and they had some bus problems and were running late.  When they got here, the bus driver said it was their 3 bus of the day!!  UGH!!!  And since they have 19 kids in kids carseats, that means they moved carseats and had to rebuckle, etc. 3 times today! UGH!

Friday, Matthew is talking to our tax lady.  I already have the paperwork all ready for her, except his receipts and such on HIS business.  So the rest is up to him and her.  I am praying for BIG MONEY< NO WHAMMYS!!!  LMSO  I already have alot of the money allocated for one thing or another, so I am hoping it comes in quickly so I can pay off some bills.  I think by the end of summer, or at least by the end of the year for absolutely sure, we should be debt free again except for the mortgage.  Then we will start putting our extra money into paying off the mortage again!!!  YEAH!

This weekend, I am having coffee (ok I dont' drink coffee, so I will have chai! LMSO) with the girls at the coffee shop.  I don't get to make it often, but when I found out my girlfriend from California is going to be there, I put it on the calendar and told Matthew I needed to go and he was in charge of Noah!!!  LMSO

Well all, I hope you have a fabulous day!!!