Those of us who enjoy cooking, are always on a lookout for new gadgets, cookware and kitchen appliances, and other useful tools which would make the job easier, faster and still result with a scrumptious meal to put on the table.

I am on that list as well, and even though I already enjoy using my pressure cooker and a slow-cooker/crockpot, I came across yet another very useful kitchen appliance, the rice cooker.

Since I still do not have that one, I read about it on this blog, and it sounds like something I should add to my wish list, and you might find it useful as well.

Don’t let the name fool you, since it is not only for cooking rice.  According to Leah Ingram from Suddenly Frugal, this appliance may also be used to:

steam vegetables

cook seafood

make pasta–as in heat it up in the absence of a pot on a stove, not actually “make” pasta

act as a stockpot for making soup

cook and steam dumplings

Don’t you agree that it is a must have kitchen appliance?

I have a Flavor Scenter Steamer,  made by Black & Decker, which I use for steaming rice and vegetables.

This steamer may also be used for steaming fish, clams and chicken breast, but these are not my favorite foods to steam.

I love using it for steaming my rice, since it is such a clean way to get the job done (no overflowing all over your pot and stove)….what a mess that creates…which is my problem lots of times with cooking rice on the stove.

My daughter does not seem to have this problem, because she actually follows directions when cooking rice, and I seem to skip over some very vital parts in these directions…oh well…this way I had a good reason to own a steamer, and help the economy, at the same time.

I will continue to share posts about my other  favorite kitchen tools/gadgets, but as always, I would love to hear about your favorites as well.

photo credit: Right About Me

Today is an International Women’s Day. It is an occasion marked by women’s groups around the world. This date is also commemorated at the United Nations and is designated in many countries as a national holiday.

This is a very special day for women who are treated with dignity, love and appreciation, but hardly carries the same value for numerous women, mostly in underdeveloped counties, who struggle to survive.

When I came across this article about a very intelligent, enthusiastic, and driven to make a difference, young lady, Rebecca Kousky, I just had to spread the word.

Hopefully I will be able to reach many others who will do the same to help Rebecca continue her mission, and reach out to the less fortunate women around the world, to help them find opportunity, happiness, freedom, and independence.

Here is a short introductory for you about Rebecca Kousky and her invaluable mission, taken from her post:

“When–after graduating with a masters in Social Work from Washington University–I had the inspiration of starting up a nonprofit organization that would provide microfinance loans to women in developing countries so they could begin or maintain art- or craft- based businesses”…

to continue with this story, please visit her site.

Women worldwide are connected through arts and crafts, which creates opportunities for them to start their own businesses and improve their own living standards, as well as the lives of other women who assist them.

If you have been searching to purchase something very special, and unique, please check out the links below, as this is your place.

Not only will you find so many beautiful items made with precision and love, you will alsomake a difference and improve the lives of many struggling women around the world.  What a beautiful thing to do on International Women’s Day.

Special Sale – (check out ALL their departments…such cute stuff for children…)

Shop Designers – (look for store locations near you)

Gift Certificate – (Best thing for someone hard to shop for)

If you do not wish to shop, but would like to help out, you may make a donation to a very good cause:

Get involved in supporting women in developing counties:

HAPPY  INTERNATIONAL  WOMEN’S  DAY!!!!!

photo credit: miikkahoo

I never thought I would like the taste of a veggie burger, so at first I purchased some frozen ones, Veggie Medley by Gardenburger , and realized that they were not as bad as I thought.  Since I am not really a hamburger lover, veggie burger earned my approval.

I like making my own food at home, since it allows me to control what goes into it, and enables me to modify the recipe to my taste.

I looked up some recipes for veggie burgers, and came up with this modified version to fit The Fat Smash Diet.

Ingredients:

• 3 tablespoons olive oil
• 1/2 cup fresh corn kernels or frozen, thawed
• 6 mushrooms, finely chopped
• 2 scallions, finely chopped
• 1/2 red bell pepper, finely chopped
• 1 clove garlic, finely chopped
• 1 teaspoon cumin
• Dash cayenne pepper
• 1/2 cup chopped fresh spinach
• 1 carrot, peeled and grated
• 3/4 cup brown rice, cooked
• 1 egg white
• Salt and pepper

Directions:

1. In a large skillet heat 1 tablespoon oil over medium high heat.
2. Stir in corn, mushrooms, scallions, and bell pepper.
3. Saute for 3-4 minutes.
4. Add garlic, cumin and cayenne and cook for 30 seconds.
5. Remove from heat and stir in spinach.
6. Add carrot and brown rice and stir to combine.
7. Add egg white and season with salt and pepper.
8. Add some quick oats or more brown rice, if the mixture does not hold together.
9. Shape mixture into 6 disks and place on a plate.
10. Cover and chill for 1 hour.
11. Heat 2 tablespoons olive oil in non-stick skillet and cook veggie burgers until golden on each side.

Tip: I like to eat these veggie burgers plain in Phase I and II, but in Phase III, there is a choice of whole wheat bread or whole wheat muffin to serve these on.  Veggie Burgers, just like brown rice, are now part of my new food list, which I learned to enjoy.

photo credit: Alex E. Proimos

I came across this article about women and retirement, so of course I had to read it, and then needed to vent a little.

It is still men’s world out there… women came a long way, but not far enough…yet!

I commend young ladies who value education, go on to college and become professionals, and are easily self supporting, if needed to, then also start families and continue the traditional life cycle.

It is not easy to be a woman these days, since besides having a full time professional job, she still has to be the glue that holds the family together, the organizer, the planner, the wife and mother, the cook, the chauffeur,  the teacher, and so on, and on, and on.

I know that more and more men share the household chores with their wives, but there still is the reality of the ever so famous quote “go ask Mom”, just to pass yet another responsibility to mom.

I really did not plan to talk about family life, but rather about women and finances. Even though women are very engaging in so many aspects of the daily routine, many of them are not interested enough in financial matters of the family.  Most women still feel that this is a job for their husband, and there is nothing wrong with that, until that husband is not there to carry on.

This scenario may happen sooner than any woman may dream of, since it could be spurred by various factors, such as a temporary employment assignment away from home and family, serious illness, separation or divorce, or even a premature death.

At any rate, life must go on, and the financial responsibility requires the woman’s involvement, thus one has to be ready to carry on.  Even if you think you would hire a professional to do it for you, your still should understand what is going on.  I can’t believe how many women out there are still not interested in knowing how to balance a checkbook, how to pay bills, who is their insurance carrier or investment broker, plus so many other things of this nature.

To prevent unnecessary stress and disaster, women should be equally involved with their husbands in financial planning and decision making process throughout their life, just to be ready in time of need.

I was always told that “it is good to know everything, but not always good to do everything”, and this could not be more true about finances and decision making.  Not that I totally practice what I preach, but I am trying to know and do as much as I am able to, so if life draws me a short straw, I am not stuck in such a situation.

There are so many websites on this topic, community colleges are always offering non–credit courses on various money matters, and what better way to learn than by sitting down with your husband while he is involved with this task on regular basis, and offer your assistance, thus learn by doing.

If you still are not convinced that you should get involved, please click on the highlighted words, to expand your knowledge on the subject of money and finances for women, and let me know if you found these posts helpful and encouraging.

Also, tell us that you decided to get more involved in your family’s finances and financial planning.

The same suggestion goes to the husbands, to encourage their wives to be involved in family financial management, rather than being distanced from it.

photo credit: Photos8.com

If you are just like the rest of us, you are dreaming of financial success, and you want it to happen ASAP, or at least for it to start in 2010.

I have some ideas for you, which I found on Getting Rich Slowly, and will give you a short outline to refresh your memory about your plan (maybe), but if you are interested in expanding your knowledge further, please follow the link for more details.

These are their 10 suggestions to get you started, plus my 2 cents of advice:

• Track every penny you spend - nothing better than being aware where your money if going

• Develop a budget - best way to keep track of your cash flow

• Review your accounts (and ask for discounts) - that would be all accounts, incoming and outgoing of your funds

• Optimize your accounts – always a wise idea to analyze your financial position on regular basis

• Start an emergency fund – one should always be ready to survive for a 6 months period during those “rainy days”

• Get out of debt – it is best to consolidate your debt as much as possible, and look for best rates

• Fund your retirement – we all will need this one some day (sooner than you think)

• Automate your finances – not very difficult with all the nowadays technology

• Earn extra money – if there is a will there is a way

• Educate yourself – knowledge is power

All of the above are very valid, and common sense points, wouldn’t you agree?

Nobody said it will be easy, but you have to start somewhere.

One thing you have to remember, is that you can’t spend more than you make (many do just that), so you have to really watch where your money is going, and there is no better way to keep track of this than writing it all down, and review it weekly, or at least monthly (hopefully my children are reading this and taking my advice).

You must be very diligent about it, so no slacking off, even if you spend 75 cents in the vending machine for your daily snack, this will amount to $3.75 per work week, or $180 per work year.

Pennies make dollars, so every penny counts, if you really want to be accurate and learn where to cut corners.

Another important point is to educate yourself about finances, so even if you don’t make or have lots of money, you learn to use it wisely, to stay out of debt, and perhaps even start building up your savings or a retirement fund.

If you have other ideas for financial success, please share them with all of us.

If you would like to put together a meal that is easy to prepare, but looks complicated, you will love this recipe for Chicken Cordon Bleu.

You can use plain chicken breast, but I prefer a more flavored taste, so I marinate it for an hour, or overnight, in an Italian Salad Dressing.  For simplicity and ease, I also use Campbell’s Cream of Chicken or Cream of Mushroom soup, for the sauce.

4 servings.

Ingredients:

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 4 slices of smoked ham(Ham of the Bone, or Smoked Virginia Ham, from the Deli)
• 4 slices of Swiss cheese
• 2 tsp of deli mustard
• Italian Salad Dressing
• Salt, pepper, garlic powder
• Flavored breadcrumbs
• Oil for frying
• 1 can of Cream of Chicken soup (or Cream of Mushrooms)
• ½ cup of heavy cream, or whole milk
• ¼ cup of white wine (optional)
• Italian seasoning
• 4 toothpicks, or string

Directions:

1. Trim off all fat from the chicken breast.
2. Spread the breasts on a cutting board, cover with clear plastic saran wrap, and pound with a meat mallet to a ¼ inch thickness. (I like to place the chicken with the clear membrane side down, to keep it intact during this process).
3. Place the chicken in a large enough container, and pour the Italian Dressing, or marinate, over it.
4. Move the chicken around, to coat all pieces evenly.
5. Cover and let marinate in the refrigerator for an hour, or overnight.
6. Lay each piece of marinated chicken on a work surface.
7. Place one piece of ham and one piece of cheese on top of each breast (you might fold the ham and cheese in half for a better fit).
8. Spread ¼ tsp of deli mustard over the ham/cheese slices.
9. Roll up from the widest end towards the opposite end.
10. Fasten with tooth pick, or a string.
11. Dredge the chicken in flour seasoned with garlic powder.
12. Beat one whole egg with a tablespoon of water, salt and pepper.
13. Dip the floured chicken in the egg, then coat with flavored breadcrumbs, set aside.
14. Heat the oil in a frying pan, place the chicken roll ups in the hot oil and fry to a golden color, turning gently.
15. In a casserole dish, pour 1/4 cup of water on the bottom, and arrange a single layer of the browned chicken rolls.
16. Remove the toothpicks, or cut off and remove string.
17. Mix the Cream of Chicken soup with the sweet cream (if you are using wine, add the wine, and mix well).
18. Pour the sauce over the chicken.
19. Sprinkle with pepper and Italian seasoning.
20. Cover the casserole dish tightly with aluminum foil.
21. Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F, for 45 minutes.
22. Remove from the oven, let rest 10 minutes before serving.

Tip: I like to serve this chicken with garlic mashed potatoes, and cooked green vegetables.

If you love mushrooms, you can saute some mushrooms with onion and garlic, and place them on top of the chicken rolls before baking, or even just before serving.

photo credit: Ryan Somma

Ever since my daughter was in 6th grade, I became so much more conscientious about our environment and still continue to do all I can to support the “Green Team”.

It started one day when she asked me to stop packing her school lunches in brown paper sandwich bags, and suggested to buy a cloth reusable lunch bag with a logo “Save Mother Earth”.  She used that bag for a couple of years, until she made one of her own, in her Home Economics class.  She still is an excellent supporter of the Green Team, and a constant reminder for me to do the same.

Hopefully all of you are already faithful supporters of “living green”, and one of your New Year’s Resolutions is to continue your loyalty throughout 2010,  onwards.

I actually found a very useful website, about living green, and became a subscriber to their newsletter, which keeps me up to date with their news, ideas, and numerous tips.  I have been saving many of these tips, and will make sure to post several every month, to help you to be a wiser consumer, more aware of the environment, and an active contributor to “Save Mother Earth” .

Today I will share a tip with you about cutting down on the numerous  pieces of  unwanted “junk mail”, which comes to your mail box, and mine, and how to put a stop to that, and at the same time save thousands of trees from being destroyed to produce this wasted paper.

You can accomplish this by some help from Catalog Choice – a free mailbox clearing service!

Catalog Choice will help you stop junk mail from continuing to fill up your mail box, and your recycling bin.  They will do it with such ease, as you will never have to be put on hold by a customer service representative to get your name off the numerous mailing lists, they will do it for you.

The most favorite feature of Catalog Choice is that once you have created an account with them, they keep track of your selections of unwanted mail, and provide you with details on the progress of your request to be de-listed.

Now, all you have to do is to sign up with Catalog Choice, lay back, and figure out how will you utilize the extra time you will be saving by not reviewing your junk “snail mail”.

Also, to keep the ball rolling, please make sure you forward this information to your family and fiends, as the old saying goes:  “The More The Merrier”. Remember that we all live on the same planet, breath the same air, and it takes a village to accomplish something worthwhile.

Better yet, forward them this article so they subscribe to suburbangrandma.com and stay informed with all the “ecomii tips” I have saved and will be sharing in the future.

Thank you for supporting The Green Team and our environment.

photo credit: Marit & Toomas Hinnosaar

Poinsettias are one of those plants you find in every store during Christmas season, and at the curb shortly after Christmas.   It really does not have to be that way, since with proper care you can save your Poinsettia until next December, and admire fresh blooms for Christmas.

If you consider yourself a frugal shopper, and you love plants, you may wish to follow these steps to save your Poinsettia until next year:

1. Expose your Poinsettia plant to indirect sunlight for at least 6 hours each day while it is blooming.
2. Keep it slightly on the dry side, so please do not over-water.
3. Do not fertilize during flowering time.
4. Apply all-purpose fertilizer, after the plant has finished blooming.
5. Cut it back in early spring.
6. Fertilize monthly.
7. New growth will begin to appear later in the spring.
8. You may keep it outdoors for the summer, once all danger of frost is gone.
9. Fertilize more frequently during the summer months.
10. Prune the plant, to keep it from getting leggy.
11. Bring it indoors in early fall, once the temperature begins to cool.
12. It will set buds and produce flowers during November or December.

For Christmas blooms, follow this schedule of daylight and darkness for 8-10 weeks:

1. During October, November and early December, keep it in total darkness for 14 hours each night (no peeking).
2. Any stray light will upset the schedule.
3. Allow 6-8 hours of bright sunlight.

Once you follow these steps, you should be able to save money by not needing to purchase a new Poinsettia for the upcoming Christmas, and enjoy the old Poinsettia in a new full bloom.

Please share your experience with Poinsettias, if you have plants that have been saved from the previous year.

photo credit: volliem

If you are planning a New Year get-together with your friends, but still searching around for some party food recipes, I am here to help out.

To make this party planning a little less stressful for you, I am posting the links to some of the party foods recipes I have posted so far this year (there will be more by the end of the New Year…thanks for being a friend).

• Jalapeño Corn Dip
  

• Buffalo Chicken Wing Dip

• 7 Layer Guacamole Dip

• Swedish Meatballs

• Texas Caviar

• Mrs. Z’s Deviled Eggs

• Caramel Apple Dip

• Honey-Apple Brie Bites

• Turkey Taco Ring

Preparing these will keep you busy, but you will be basking in glory of compliments from your friends, as these are very popular and delicious party foods, which I personally tasted and used at my parties.

You can also include:

• Vegetable tray with dip -  (selection of baby carrots, grape tomatoes, red, green and yellow peppers, cut up celery sticks , sliced cucumbers, with your favorite dip).

• Cheese and crackers – arrange different cheeses cut up to bite size pieces with your favorite crackers.

• Kobasa  with party bread, or rye bread – Ukrainian or Polish smoked sausage, sliced up cold, or boiled for 20 minutes, cooled slightly, then sliced up.

• Canapés – If you still have some spare time, you can make small canapés with a bite size chunk of bread, dab of mustard (Kosciusko Mustard is really good), slice of kobasa, and top it off with a slice of pickle, spear it all with a fancy toothpick, and arrange these in a single layer on a serving dish.  Looks great and tastes even better.

• Chips and dip

• Pretzels with dip

• Pepperoni slices with cheese and crackers

• Tray of fresh fruit

• Pizza

• Chicken Wings

I am sure these will help you out for this party, or any other future parties you may host, since Super Bowl is coming up very soon.

As for the rest of the party planning, let your imagination run wild.

Have a super party

and

HAPPY NEW  YEAR!!

photo credit: bsabarnowl

Today was my last day at work before the Christmas Holiday,  so after I got home I decided to catch up on reading all my favorite blogs.

Many times this actually relaxes me and puts me in a totally different state of mind.  There are so many interesting posts to read, and all so easily found in one place.  I also enjoy leaving comments, expressing my opinion, and sharing my thoughts with others…You could say,  I exercise my freedom of speech.  The people who know me best, would agree with this statement.  I am “Miss Independent” who’s not afraid of speaking up, especially if I feel that the situation might benefit from my input.  Maybe sometimes I should keep my opinion to myself, but what can you say…once the cat is out of the bag, it’s hard to stick him back in.

So as I said, today I was catching up on some of my missed reading…AND…was very pleasantly surprised!!

Do you want to know why?…maybe I should tell you about it some other time, when you have more time to listen…I’m just kidding…I would not want the suspense to kill you…after all it’s time to be merry!!

I was selected as “The Commenter Of The Week” on one of my favorite blogs, All Women Stalk.  Plus, as the icing on the cake, I  WON a super nice  Prize (click on the word Prize  to find out what the prize is)…everything takes some effort you know… and you might get hooked on reading all their great posts as well.

I am so excited and honored, that I had to write this post and share this great news with all of you.

But don’t you worry, I did not forget about my promise to you about posting my cookie recipes….I do have until New Year to fulfill my promise, and I will.  Believe in me… Please.