Ever since we have started to eat vegetarian, the cooking smells in the house are great! Previously, if I had to cook chicken the smell would infect the whole house and it would smell like fried chicken for a few days.
Also I have increased my use of herbs and spices, both fresh and dried. So those smells mix with the cooking smells of the veggies and grains and the whole house smells great! Even the next day the remaining smells are pleasant.
We have been eating vegetarian for almost three weeks now and keep finding things that make this lifestyle change better and easier for us. Not to mention the husband has lost even more weight!
Thursday, January 21, 2010
Tuesday, January 12, 2010
Make Room for Produce
So we have been eating vegetarian for about three weeks now. Because we are eating healthier, I am buying more produce. I have a side-by-side fridge and can not fit all of the produce in the drawers! I have a salad spinner that I keep the greens in and that takes up almost a whole shelf in itself!
So I was thinking, which can first...America eating less fresh fruits and veggies or a smaller produce drawer?? I guess mine is a pretty good size, but forget it if I buy fresh broccoli or something that is circular or big, it takes up the whole drawer! Then the drawer is not even square, it has an angle at the back so it is not even as deep as the fridge itself!
I could overcome this by purchasing my produce on an as needed basis. But that would probably mean I would spend more at the grocery store or I would have to drag my toddler into the grocery store after work, when I am already pressed for time.
Because I have done so much research on our new diet, reading cookbooks and other vegetarian sites, I have learned more about how to store my produce. I have made notes of which fruits and veggies fare better outside of the fridge. I have learned to keep my fresh herbs in a jar of water with a plastic bag over top. As I mentioned above, I have been putting my greens in a salad spinner to keep them crunchier as well as my scallions. So not only have I been buying more produce I have stopped putting a lot of it into the crisper drawer and still do not have enough space!
When things begin to go bad, I have been trying to use them in different ways. Such as cutting up peppers and other veggies and freezing them for later use. I have also used veggies to make soups and put different toppings on salads such as apples and pears. My next goal is to use these going bad veggies to make vegetable stock.
Still does not solve my space issue for my produce!! I guess I will continue to fit the produce into my drawers like a puzzle while trying not to bruise the veggies in the process!
So I was thinking, which can first...America eating less fresh fruits and veggies or a smaller produce drawer?? I guess mine is a pretty good size, but forget it if I buy fresh broccoli or something that is circular or big, it takes up the whole drawer! Then the drawer is not even square, it has an angle at the back so it is not even as deep as the fridge itself!
I could overcome this by purchasing my produce on an as needed basis. But that would probably mean I would spend more at the grocery store or I would have to drag my toddler into the grocery store after work, when I am already pressed for time.
Because I have done so much research on our new diet, reading cookbooks and other vegetarian sites, I have learned more about how to store my produce. I have made notes of which fruits and veggies fare better outside of the fridge. I have learned to keep my fresh herbs in a jar of water with a plastic bag over top. As I mentioned above, I have been putting my greens in a salad spinner to keep them crunchier as well as my scallions. So not only have I been buying more produce I have stopped putting a lot of it into the crisper drawer and still do not have enough space!
When things begin to go bad, I have been trying to use them in different ways. Such as cutting up peppers and other veggies and freezing them for later use. I have also used veggies to make soups and put different toppings on salads such as apples and pears. My next goal is to use these going bad veggies to make vegetable stock.
Still does not solve my space issue for my produce!! I guess I will continue to fit the produce into my drawers like a puzzle while trying not to bruise the veggies in the process!
Wednesday, December 30, 2009
That's SOO Trashy
Every week, when I or my hubby roll the trash can to the curb, I am surprised at the amount of trash that my neighbor's produce. Their 55-60 gallon trash cans are overflowing and sometimes have an additional 30 gallon trash can that is overflowing too! We usually have one bag per week with second bag of trash per week and we have one kid in diapers.
How do we do it? First, we recycle. Yeah, believe it or not a lot of what others may throw away we recycle. So when you look at the amount of recycling we have every other week, which is two 30 gallon cans, I still don't think that it would amount to the same amount of trash that others produce. Secondly, we compost or use the garbage disposal, food trash NEVER goes into our trash can. Thirdly, I try not to use plastic bags for produce (I have mesh ones), for left overs (I reuse plastic containers), I bring my own bags to the store (reusable ones), and for the most part don't do convenience cooking. Fourth, we reuse items or put them to reuse by donating them to Goodwill, Salvation Army, or any local charity that may put them to good use. Fifth, we rarely use paper towels. It will literally take use a month to go through a roll. I use good old towels that we wash. Sixth, I am also conscious of packaging and TRY to purchase things that come in packaging that recycles or can be reused. (such as buying something in a can as opposed to a plastic bag)
Ok, so I realize that I am the exception. But I wish that others might think a little more about the trash they produce. Maybe an image of what the dump looks like might help. I'm sure one whiff of the dump might make a few others stop and think. I try and do the best that I can to help the planet survive knowing that others may not chose to or be financially able to do so. I still can't help think about how much trash one family produces. One 60 gallon trash can per week produces 3300 pounds which converts to 1.65 tons of trash!!! That is ALOT of trash. Maybe if trash pick-up service was more expensive people might think, how about $1= 1 pound. Could people afford $3300+ for trash pick up?
Maybe each person could try and find one new way to reduce the amount of trash they produce this year. Making one small step can make a difference and I challenge others to give it a try while we still have the chance!
How do we do it? First, we recycle. Yeah, believe it or not a lot of what others may throw away we recycle. So when you look at the amount of recycling we have every other week, which is two 30 gallon cans, I still don't think that it would amount to the same amount of trash that others produce. Secondly, we compost or use the garbage disposal, food trash NEVER goes into our trash can. Thirdly, I try not to use plastic bags for produce (I have mesh ones), for left overs (I reuse plastic containers), I bring my own bags to the store (reusable ones), and for the most part don't do convenience cooking. Fourth, we reuse items or put them to reuse by donating them to Goodwill, Salvation Army, or any local charity that may put them to good use. Fifth, we rarely use paper towels. It will literally take use a month to go through a roll. I use good old towels that we wash. Sixth, I am also conscious of packaging and TRY to purchase things that come in packaging that recycles or can be reused. (such as buying something in a can as opposed to a plastic bag)
Ok, so I realize that I am the exception. But I wish that others might think a little more about the trash they produce. Maybe an image of what the dump looks like might help. I'm sure one whiff of the dump might make a few others stop and think. I try and do the best that I can to help the planet survive knowing that others may not chose to or be financially able to do so. I still can't help think about how much trash one family produces. One 60 gallon trash can per week produces 3300 pounds which converts to 1.65 tons of trash!!! That is ALOT of trash. Maybe if trash pick-up service was more expensive people might think, how about $1= 1 pound. Could people afford $3300+ for trash pick up?
Maybe each person could try and find one new way to reduce the amount of trash they produce this year. Making one small step can make a difference and I challenge others to give it a try while we still have the chance!
Sunday, November 29, 2009
You Cooked it How Long?!?
My whole chicken turned out pretty good and I survived touching the raw chicken as well. Luckily, my husband stepped up to the plate and was willing to stick his hand into the chicken to get the bag of stuff out of it! I wanted to touch the chicken as little as possible and so the packaging went out with the other parts ASAP.
I was not sure how long to cook it or when it would be done, so I called the Perdue hot-line. The woman asked me how I had cooked the chicken and when I started by saying, I put it in at 400 degrees....she replied "Oh, no! Let me send you a $5.00 coupon." So I am not one to turn down a free coupon, even if I had no plans of buying chicken ever again, but I am sure I can find some way to use it!
I almost called the Mrs. Smith's hot-line as my pumpkin pie remained watery in the middle even on the following day. I put it back in the oven and after about 20 minutes it was done correctly. I guess I should not try to cook something I have not cooked for the first time on Thanksgiving! Thankfully, they have the hot-lines available for people to call, even if you are a somewhat experienced cook!!
I was not sure how long to cook it or when it would be done, so I called the Perdue hot-line. The woman asked me how I had cooked the chicken and when I started by saying, I put it in at 400 degrees....she replied "Oh, no! Let me send you a $5.00 coupon." So I am not one to turn down a free coupon, even if I had no plans of buying chicken ever again, but I am sure I can find some way to use it!
I almost called the Mrs. Smith's hot-line as my pumpkin pie remained watery in the middle even on the following day. I put it back in the oven and after about 20 minutes it was done correctly. I guess I should not try to cook something I have not cooked for the first time on Thanksgiving! Thankfully, they have the hot-lines available for people to call, even if you are a somewhat experienced cook!!
Sunday, November 22, 2009
Chicken Count Down
My husband and I have decided to go even more vegetarian at the end of the year. By this I mean, we have both given up red meat about two years ago. Now we have decided to give up chicken as well.
Personally, I have never been a big fan of meat and survived most of my 20s as a vegetarian with a rare, but occasional piece of chicken. When I married a carnivore, I began to eat more meat. When I became pregnant, I ate ALOT of meat, particularly hamburgers, which probably had something to do with the fact that I could smell them cooking all day at work. At the end of my pregnancy, my cholesterol had skyrocketed.
I have always been a little grossed out by raw meat. I have never cooked any meat that was on the bone or eaten it off the bone for that matter. All of the gristle, bones, and veins don't do it for me. So the plans to stop eating chicken is a welcomed decision for me.
Of course, I have stockpiled chicken in my freezer. I last purchased chicken in August and we decided to drop chicken from our diet in October so I have been using up the chicken we have with the knowledge that I will not buy anymore.
Yes, my daughter will also go vegetarian with us as well. When she first started going to daycare we told them she was not to eat red meat or hot dogs. (there's nothing good about a hot dog) Although, we will still allow her to eat chicken at daycare. I will make an effort to make sure she receives all of the nutrients she needs to grow at home.
At this point in time, I have one baggie of frozen raw chicken, seven baggies of cooked, chopped chicken, and two bags of breaded chicken nuggets. So we will definitely run out of chicken before the end of the year.
Personally, I have never been a big fan of meat and survived most of my 20s as a vegetarian with a rare, but occasional piece of chicken. When I married a carnivore, I began to eat more meat. When I became pregnant, I ate ALOT of meat, particularly hamburgers, which probably had something to do with the fact that I could smell them cooking all day at work. At the end of my pregnancy, my cholesterol had skyrocketed.
I have always been a little grossed out by raw meat. I have never cooked any meat that was on the bone or eaten it off the bone for that matter. All of the gristle, bones, and veins don't do it for me. So the plans to stop eating chicken is a welcomed decision for me.
Of course, I have stockpiled chicken in my freezer. I last purchased chicken in August and we decided to drop chicken from our diet in October so I have been using up the chicken we have with the knowledge that I will not buy anymore.
Yes, my daughter will also go vegetarian with us as well. When she first started going to daycare we told them she was not to eat red meat or hot dogs. (there's nothing good about a hot dog) Although, we will still allow her to eat chicken at daycare. I will make an effort to make sure she receives all of the nutrients she needs to grow at home.
At this point in time, I have one baggie of frozen raw chicken, seven baggies of cooked, chopped chicken, and two bags of breaded chicken nuggets. So we will definitely run out of chicken before the end of the year.
Monday, November 16, 2009
Waste Not
This past weekend, I hosted a party where I made several appetizers. I ended up spending more than my weekly "allowance" when I bought all of my ingredients. So I have decided to not grocery shop this week.
I went to the store on Sunday and purchased milk and bread. I have plenty of food in the pantry and freezer. Because I have practiced "stockpiling" for over a year now, I am able to skip a week or two of grocery shopping. The only thing that I am low on for the week is fresh veggies. But I have plenty of leftover carrots, radishes, and peppers that I can use. I also have plenty of frozen and canned vegetables that I can add to my meals.
I reviewed my menus from weeks past and was surprised at the quality of the meals I will be able to prepare. There are a few things on sale that I'd like to get at the store, but will keep away for the week to save a little money. Now all I have to do is make sure I do not spend double next week!
I went to the store on Sunday and purchased milk and bread. I have plenty of food in the pantry and freezer. Because I have practiced "stockpiling" for over a year now, I am able to skip a week or two of grocery shopping. The only thing that I am low on for the week is fresh veggies. But I have plenty of leftover carrots, radishes, and peppers that I can use. I also have plenty of frozen and canned vegetables that I can add to my meals.
I reviewed my menus from weeks past and was surprised at the quality of the meals I will be able to prepare. There are a few things on sale that I'd like to get at the store, but will keep away for the week to save a little money. Now all I have to do is make sure I do not spend double next week!
Wednesday, November 11, 2009
Planning Plan A
I'm a planner, I admit it. I love to plan things, meals, shopping lists, parties, events, and outings. I have always been the one in my immediate family who does the planning. Get together for someone's birthday or for the holidays.
I don't mind doing this and actually enjoy it. What I don't enjoy is people who can't commit. You tell me you want to do something and when- it goes on my calendar. It's done and planned. I can't understand why this is not how everyone else works. If someone asks me if I want to do something and I don't want to I simply say no or no thanks. Why is it so hard for others to do this? Why does it have to be drawn out over weeks? Well, we're not sure if we can make it. Or yeah sure it sound like fun. But no commitment! Am I one of those people who is good as a back up plan? So are they saying, "we'll come if nothing else better comes up."
Honestly, I find this hemming and hawing absolutely frustrating and would much rather be told no upfront immediately than to be led on for weeks. (or days). So please, just say no, you won't hurt my feelings at all. Actually, I'd appreciate your direct answer. "No thanks, it does not sound like something I'd want to do." Or even simpler "No." Then I can get on with my planning and not worry about whether or not you'll make it.
I don't mind doing this and actually enjoy it. What I don't enjoy is people who can't commit. You tell me you want to do something and when- it goes on my calendar. It's done and planned. I can't understand why this is not how everyone else works. If someone asks me if I want to do something and I don't want to I simply say no or no thanks. Why is it so hard for others to do this? Why does it have to be drawn out over weeks? Well, we're not sure if we can make it. Or yeah sure it sound like fun. But no commitment! Am I one of those people who is good as a back up plan? So are they saying, "we'll come if nothing else better comes up."
Honestly, I find this hemming and hawing absolutely frustrating and would much rather be told no upfront immediately than to be led on for weeks. (or days). So please, just say no, you won't hurt my feelings at all. Actually, I'd appreciate your direct answer. "No thanks, it does not sound like something I'd want to do." Or even simpler "No." Then I can get on with my planning and not worry about whether or not you'll make it.
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