whole grain pancakes

 photo: istock

I have been on the quest for easy, all natural pancakes.  There are many recipies out there but some end up too heavy, others not flavorful enough.  This fall I decided to look through my old trusty cookbook, Joy of Cooking finding a recipe that offered everything I was looking for and seemed to tackle the high altitude issue.  The batter looked watery but the cakes ended up fluffy and tender.  I like to make a double batch to freeze for the week ahead.  I just pop one in the microwave for a minute and it is ready for toppings!

Whole Grain Pancakes
(makes about 10 medium pancakes)

Sift in a large bowl:

• 1/2 c flour or 1/4 c flour and 1/4 c Quinoa Flakes (found at Whole Grocer or Smith's)
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp baking powder
• 3/4 tsp baking soda
• 1 c whole wheat flour
• 1/8 to 1/4 c milled flax (my addition but not required)

Stir in:

• 1 egg
• 2 tbl honey (put a little vegetable/canola oil in the spoon first as the honey will slide right out)
• 2 c milk or a combo of milk and low fat or non-fat yogurt 
• 2 tbl melted butter, cooled

OPTIONS: add 1/2 cup Pumpkin, 1 tsp Vanilla, 1 tsp Cinnamon, 1/2 tsp Nutmeg.   Pumpkin is a good source of Vitamin E (Alpha Tocopherol), Pantothenic Acid, Magnesium, Phosphorus, Potassium and Copper, and a very good source of Dietary Fiber, Vitamin A, Vitamin C, Vitamin K, Iron and Manganese.

my momma's spaghetti and meatballs

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photo:  foodnetwork.com

I love my mom's spaghetti and meatballs.  Thick sauce with tangy tomato and really flavorful meatballs.  While this recipie calls for hamburger occasionally I like to mix in italian sausage for a bit of extra zing.  Today I made the meatballs exclusively with an italian sausage from Graziano's Grocery on the south side of Des Moines, Iowa.  I grew up eating this sausage which is loaded in spices and fennel.  During my trip back to Iowa last month I bought some of the fresh sausage, froze it then brought it back home via a cooler.  I wish I could share a website with you but I can't find one.  They are a small, old fashioned, italian grocer who makes their own meats, bakes bread and has some of the best buffalo mozzarella around.  I really miss these types of shops living in Jackson.  If you ever get to Des Moines, check them out at 1601 South Union Street.

The recipe is easy although takes a little time with meatball creating and frying.  All the ingredients are in an average cupboard so no shopping for special items.  A great meal to whip up on a Saturday morning!  This dish only gets better over time and freezes well.

Spaghetti and Meatballs

• 2 6-oz cans tomato paste
• 1/4 c water
• 1/2-3/4 c bread crumbs
• 2 beaten eggs
• 1-1.5 lbs ground beef or mixture of beef and italian sausage
• 1/4 c minced onion (I use dried cause it is easier and less pungent)
• 1 garlic clove, minced
• 2 tbls minced parsley (I use dried)
• 1/4 c parmesan cheese, grated (I like to use a combo of parm and romano)
• 1.5 tsp salt
• 2 c hot water
• 1 tsp basil
• 1 tsp oregano
• 1.5 tsp salt
• 1/4 tsp pepper
• 1/2 tsp sugar

In a small bowl combine 1 tbls tomato paste, 1/4 c water, bread crumbs and set aside.  In a large bowl mix meat, onion, garlic, parsley, cheese, salt, and eggs.  Add bread crumb mixture and combine well.  Form and fry meatballs in large skillet with about 2-3 tbls of olive oil.  Meanwhile, in large bowl combine hot water with remaining tomato paste and stir until combined.  Add basil, oregano, salt, pepper, and sugar.  Pour over meatballs, stir, and simmer for 15 minutes.  Cover and simmer for 15 minutes up to 1 hour.  

hanna andersson - 30% off winter outerwear

I know, I know...it is a little too soon to be thinking about snow, blowing wind and cold.  But, when a good sale comes along it is smart to plan ahead.  Kid's outerwear is expensive so if you want something that is not only durable and warm but cute too you need to think ahead.  Hanna Andersson is having a pre-season sale with 30% off all outerwear.  Check it out.

it is about time

 ...a company other than Victoria's Secret sends me a bra catalog.  I am desperate for a new one and absolutely despise shopping for them.  And, I am not happy with my past few VS experiences.  Thank you Bounce for reminding me that there are options out there!

Last fall, after weening my second child I found myself in Denver, alone and able to shop for a few hours.  The moment the sales person at VS asked if she could help me I burst into tears.  Mind you, I was a bit emotional from weening, crazy hormones and the fact that my chest resembled two deflated balloons.  The gal assured me that all was okay as she quickly ushered me into a changing room.  After trying on many styles I found two that worked, sorta.  I still have to tuck a boob back in occasionally (new since the 2nd kid and so strange to me) and the bras have seemed to have stretched out with the straps fraying.  I wash them in gentle, hang dry and don't wear them everyday.  For the price of these bras I expect them to hold up.  Jump to two weeks ago when I finally had another quiet moment to shop for a bra.  I went to VS with my favorite bra expecting to show them what I needed and walk out with new ones.  Nope.  They don't make these styles anymore.  What?  Why?? That doesn't make sense to me.  It is a basic, soft padded underwire bra.  No lace, no special decorations, just a great simple bra.  The salesperson convinces me to try on new styles.  Sure, I have about 15 minutes to spare before I need to head back to the family so why not?  I try on around 10 styles which all gave me, how do I explain this?  um...boob fat.  Not back fat but basically the same thing.  A large "pinchable" amount on the sides of my breasts under my arm.  In close examination I see that the side cut of the bras are different.  The new ones are cut closer to the inside of the breast and don't cover as much of the sides.  When I explained my frustration the clerk (and I am not kidding here) said, "I work exclusively in fitting and every woman has this.  It is how all bras fit."  What? Really??  I don't think so.  I put my original bra on and showed her how well it fit.  She shrugged her shoulders and said nothing. Erg! Does every woman who buys bras from VS have this?  Are we all walking around with odd boob fat showing through our tees?  I left the store in a rage.  Mad because I spent my precious alone time shopping for an ill-fitting bra.  Mad because the salesperson was in her early 20's and obviously did not understand the fitting needs of a 43 year old woman.  Mad because the customer service I received was sub-par and I deserve better. 

I know I should go to the department stores and be fitted properly but habits die hard.  I started shopping at VS ages ago and get sucked in while walking past the windows, that and I had a coupon for a free pair of panties.  Oh how fast we fall victim when offered a $5 pair of undies.  Also, once in the mall I tend to forget about having to buy a bra and start dreaming about the desire of a perfect cropped pant or that gorgeous sweater in a beautiful shade of plum.  I never make it past the shoe stores and sale signs. 

Now back to Bounce - a new catalog and on-line site from Title Nine, a trusted name in women's sportswear.  Offering all styles from basic to pretty lace to hard core work out (no bounce!) and even nursing bras, all at decent prices.  I know it will be hard to purchase without trying them on but I am going to try.  Goodbye VS, Hello Bounce!