Happy First Day of Spring!

I had planned a little Garden Party for today ... but the weather is not cooperating with me.  I do believe we'll be restricted to indoor activities this first day of spring; but we'll still have a party regardless of the nasty weather!

Here are a few things that I've got on my Possibilities List for this weekend:

Nest making: here and here (such fun, and we have birds galore in the yard)

Wheatgrass planting (not for the Easter bunny, but for some cute little birds and other pretty spring things): here

Pretty butterflies: here

Sowing flower seeds (indoors)

Making seed mats (oh this is a fabulous idea): here

Baking butterfly and flower shaped sugar cookies to decorate with pretty springy sprinkles and such

and drinking Fairytale tea (see here) which is full of beautiful dried flowers

Those are a few things that I'd like to do over the weekend.  What do you have planned to welcome spring?

In the Spring, I have counted 136 different kinds of weather inside of 24 hours. 
~ Mark Twain

I can identify with this quote! 

Yesterday was a lovely 70 degrees. 

This morning it is cold, windy, rainy ... with a freeze on the way!

Oh the joys of springtime in Texas!

We planted seeds in the garden yesterday.  I'm afraid they will all be washed away or end up as a crazy quilt instead of the neatly designed beds I planted.  Oh well... such is the life of a Texas gardener! 

At least I wasn't like the kind gentleman who gave me 2 tomato plants last week ... frantically covering his 140+ tomato plants with pots and grocery bags yesterday, while I planted seeds!  I covered my 2 little plants up as well ... losing 2 gifted plants would be a shame, losing 140+ would be terrible.   I do hope his plants survive, that would be a lot of tomatoes to replace, and a lot of work, too. 

Featured Blogger ~ Rosie from Rosie's Country Home

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 ! 

Chicken Cordon Blue

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

Great Frosting Recipes from my inbox...Check out the Root Bear Frosting!

25 Ground Turkey Recipes To Tempt You

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.