Cook it. Blog it! First entry

I joined the blogroll of Modkidboutique cooking club. Basically you cook something, and blog about it. So here is my First Entry since joining. It is a grilled dish, perfect for summer, yet budget friendly and super easy to do.

The zucchini and squash and peppers were from my own garden and I used the Chicken tenderloins, which cook faster and are much less expensive than Chicken breasts. If you have Chicken Breasts, you can cut them down into strips for quicker cooking.

GRILLED CURRY CHICKEN WITH ZUCCHINI AND MIXED PEPPERS

For better flavor let marinate a minimum 2 hours in the fridge. You can let them soak all day if you want. The longer you let them marinate the better your chicken will taste.

You can also use olive oil on the vegetables for a lighter option.

GRILL TIP: Before turning on your gas grill or lighting your charcoal, whichever grilling method you prefer, make sure your grill is clean. Then spray the grill with a light coating of PAM. This will keep everything from sticking.(trust me on this) And yes, put on everything at the same time! You want the chicken to finish cooking first so you can take it off while the veggies finish cooking up. This really is an important step in the process. If you cut into it right away all the juices will run out and leave you with dry chicken. But if you let it sit while the veggies finish cooking(about 5 minutes) you will have the most tender, tasty and moist chicken.

The peppers will get spicier as they roast. The jalapenos raw were spicy.(ohh, my mouth is hot, I need to take a drink)The jalapenos roasted were REALLY spicy. (as in sweat under your eyes and crying for no reason spicy). So just be careful. Don't be roasting scotch bonnets or Habaneros if you cant tolerate the heat when they are raw. Don't want any spice? Use bell peppers. I used a Poblano which had a nice mild burn when roasted. It was a pleasant slow burn which really wasn't bad at all.

Serve with couscous or brown rice for a nice healthy light meal.

You could also do this under your oven broiler.
Want to make it "kid fun"?? Thread your marinated chicken onto soaked skewers and grill them that way. Kids think it is more fun when they can eat off of a stick.

Please try it, and let me know how yours turns out. I really think this will be your new favorite grilled chicken recipe.


Bon Appetit Mes Amis!

The Beauty of Thank You Notes (REAL ONES!)

WHat has happened with the world?? Somewhere, the art of writing a thank you note has gotten lost in the day to day operations of technology. Now, instead of sitting down withour stationary and pencil, we can zip one off on our computer, add a recipient and zoom it off to them through the world wide web.

What happened to our card boxes? What happened to going to Hallmark or American Greetings and buying the packages of thank you notecards? Now there are so many services online that can send cards for you through email. You can even PAY a company to send out real cards for you, but how impersonal is that??

I will tell you from personal experience, people want a REAL thank you note. Sending off a generic email from evite or yahoo greetings just doesnt cut the mustard. They honestly like actual thank you letters in the post than through the impersonal computer. A Real hand written thank you note(yes, hand written, not typed on MS word) conveys thoughtfulness, caring and appreciation.

My Grandmother Beatrice was a FANTASTIC thank you note writer. She even gave me my own box of stationary and taught me the proper way to write them. Here is what I have been told since I was old enough to write.

The very fist rule of Thank You Note Writing is this:

***ALWAYS SEND A THANK YOU NOTE within 2 weeks of receiving a gift. ***

HOW TO WRITE A PROPER THANK YOU NOTE

1. Always start out with "Dear _________" (add persons name here). This is obvious. You are writing specifically to that person, and believe it or not it makes them feel good to see their own name. (Dear Aunt Bulah)

2. Thank you for the ________________. (insert item, service hospitality etc). You dont need to start off with "just a quick note" or "I wanted to write you to say...". A straighforward thank you for such and such is suficient. Thank you for the socks, thank you for your hospitality etc. HOWEVER, when money is concerned, you should usually say "Thank you so much for your generous gift,". Money shouldn't be mentioned directly, it is tacky. Appropriate euphamisms are "kindness" or "generosity" or "thoughtfulness".

Always let the giver know how much it was appreciated. (Thank you so much for the beautiful blankets you knitted for Joe and John)

3. Follow up with a positive attribute of the gift(even if you hate it) and how you will get use out of it. example. That acrylic snowman is the perfect Christmas decoration for our table during the holidays! His little hat is so cute and the boys love to plug it in and see it light up!" (speaking from personal experience here folks)

If the gift is monetary, you can say something like "we are really looking forward to buying a new blender" etc. Let them know their money (oops, I mean generosity) is going to good use. You definately dont want to let them know you went out to the bar and got drunk on your birthday with their 50 bucks.(The colors were perfect for their bedroom and the yarn was so soft. They really love snuggling with them and they are getting plenty of use!)

4. Mention them again, usually in the context of "it was great to see you at The New Years Party". Then let them know you are looking forward to seeing them again in the future. (It was really nice to see you at Grandmas 80th Birthday and I cant wait to see you again in June at the Family reunion)

5. Reiterate again the thank you and the appreciation. (Again, thank you for the time and effort you took to make those wonderful gifts for the boys. We really appreciate them)

6. Sign off. Usually "love" or "regards" or Sincerely" will do (Love Always, Sarah)

END IT THERE. Do not fill this thank you note with trials and tribulations, bragging, boasting etc. The thank you note is strictly for THANK YOU.

PERSONALIZE YOUR CARD! what I usually do is take a picture of the item in use(i.e. boys with blankets) and add the picture in with the thank you note. This way they have a tangible thank you and it shows the gift was really appreciated.

If it is a small child who cant write yet, have them draw a little picture or make a little scribble on the note. Start them early!

HOW TO GET ORGANIZED:

• Get a photobox from Michaels, Target, Walmart, Hobby lobby etc.
• Purchase an inexpensive address book
• Get a small pack of bic pens
• Purchase Thank youu cards or writing tablet with envelopes.
• Go to the Post office and buy a booklet of stamps. But the stamps that are mostly your personality. Most of my Thank yOu notes go out with Star Wars or Disney Stamps on them.

KEEP EVERYTHING IN THIS BOX! That way when it is time to write your thank you note, you will have everything you need right in front of you in this box. Also, keep the box in a place you will be able to find it.(Again, speaking from experience) No use in having all this stuff if you cant find the box!!!

Make sure your address book is up to date. When you receive a gift or letter from someone, check the return address against the address you have written in your book.

Fill your box with Thank you Cards. You can buy them preprinted and prepackaged. You can make them. Or you can buy a writing tablet at any drugstore and use that. Generally prepackaged thank you cards or handmade cards you buy come with envelopes. If you buy a writing tablet or make your cards, make sure you have the right size envelope.

For handmade cards (4.25 x 5.5) the invitation sized envelopes are what you need. Otherwise you can buy regular standard envelopes for the writing tablet.

ETSY SELLERS WITH THANK YOU NOTES

http://www.happpppy.etsy.com/- I especially LOVE these Ladybugs ---->

<----- http://www.storybymia.etsy.com/- These black beauty cards are stunning

http://www.freckledpink.etsy.com/- I am in LOVE with this ------>

embroidered pink floral card. So cute.

<---------http://www.coochie.etsy.com/- I LOVE this felted flower bouquet card.

http://www.bemidesigns.etsy.com/- these are simply adorable. Set of 6, you cant go wrong! ------------------->

<-------http://www.blueboygifts.com/ (you didnt think I wouldnt promote myself did you??)

So get out there. Rediscover the beauty of writing a thank you letter and dont let the hubbub abd bustle of todays world keep you from keeping this art form alive.

Herbal Bath Tea and Salts- Vegan Tub Tea How To

So my newest favorite thing is Tub Tea. I have used bath salts for years, but recently decided to add dried herbs to the mix. How soothing and wonderful...until I saw the mess in the bottom of my tub. I went online and did a little research and found out you can buy(OR MAKE) tea bags! So after doing some research, testing and experimenting, I think I have the PERFECT Tub Tea mastered.

I am passing on the wisdom to you, my fellow reader, to go enjoy yourself in a nice hot tea bath.

STEP 1: Go to local Fabric Store and buy 100% cotton Muslin. Cut into 4 or 5 inch squares(depending on how large you want your tea packets to be). Sew two together around 3 sides and part of the 4th side. Turn inside out. Or you can purchase premade bags for about 30 cents each and pay for shipping. I originally bought some wonderful drawstring tea bags, but realizes it would be cheaper and easier just to make them myself.
4x4 will hold about 1/2 cup of salt and herbs

STEP 2: Make Your Salt Blend. I use Sea Salt. (coarse ground). You can use a mixture of sea salt and Epsom Salts, or some people use Dead Sea Salt (which is a tad more expensive). Try Hobby Lobby for their Crafty Bobbles Sea Salt buckets. With a 40% off coupon it is only $5.40.I use seasalt that I ordered online plus add a little sea salt from my local Home Economist Health Food store. They have all sorts of sea salts available in their bulk department.You can add oatmeal to it as well. But use regular Rolled Oats, DO NOT USE QUICK OATS. You will have a cloudy gloppy mess in your tub as quick oats break up and fall apart far too quickly. i use Organic Rolled Oats from (again) Home Economist. If you add oatmeal, your balance should be abour 3:1 salt to oatmeal. Some people add powdered milk, but then it is no longer vegan friendly. So If you decide to add the powdered milk, use about 1/2 of what you used in oatmeal.

I Make a HUGE batch of seasalt and oatmeal blend at once and store it in a ziplock gallon baggie. That way I am not mixing up my salts and oatmeal when I have a special order come in. I can just get out my scoop and take out the base amount that I need. Press out all the air before sealing, roll up and keep in a cool dark place, this will last forever.

Now, count the number of tea bags you are making and measure out the appropriate amount of salt blend. About 1/2 cup per each 4x4 bag.

STEP 3: Select and Add your dried herbs of choice. Go online and google "dried herbs" You will find a ton of sites that tell you what properties each dried herb is good for. If in doubt, stick to the basics (Chamomile, Lavender, Calendula, Rose Petals, Lemongrass, rosemary). Let me just say that 1oz of cut and dried herbs is PLENTY, you wont need more than that unless you are making Tea for an army. I buy 2oz of lavender and Chamomile at a time, however, as I use those in almost every blend.

Add your herbs, a teaspoon at a time and mix.

WARNING: go sparingly on Spearmint and peppermint. A little goes a long way. If it smells overpowering in the bag in dried form, imagine steeping it in hot steaming water, it will be twice as potent. So keep that in mind and go sparing on the camphor and mint herbs. A little can add just the right amount of invigorating pleasure, but too much you can cause your body to go into fever mode to try and sweat it out.

You will end up with 1/3 the amount of herbs that you have in salt blend. So if you have a cup of salt, you will have about 1/3 cup of various mixed herbs.

STEP 4: Make a paper cone or use a funnel to empty about a 1/2 cup or so of the mixture into each of the tea bags.

Make sure they are nice and full, but leave room at the tip for whipstitching your bag closed, or if you have premade bags, pulling the drawstrings tight enough.

STEP 5: Use your bags. You Now have your bags of bath tea and salts. Give them away, or toss them into a tub of hot running water. If you are giving them away, be sure the recipient knows what herbs are in the bags.

If gently used, each bag can be reused for a second bath. Or you can open the bag, put the used herbs into a pot of hot steaming water and use as a facial.

RESOURCES:

http://www.leavesandroots.com/: wonderful site to buy Dried herbs. They even carry the drawstring tea bags. They have certain Certified Organic Herbs available as well. Every type of herb you can imagine. Shipping is fast and reasonable. The quality of the herbs are spectacular and they load you up! They start at 1 ounce packages. I received my herbs within 4 days of ordering. Plus they send you a catalog of all their herbs and spices.

http://www.chemistrystore.com/: Sea Salt, Dead Sea Salt and Epsom Salts available here. They ship UPS, so the shipping can be kind of pricey, and they add 3.50 to every order as a convenience charge. BUT they fill orders FAST and their products are wonderful. minimum amount in salts are 9 pounds. They usually ship out within 1 day of ordering.

http://www.thesage.com/: They have all salts available as well. You can order a minimum of 2lbs or up to 50 pounds. They have a variety of ship methods available. You can also buy tea bags here. They have the heat and seal paper bags available. You fill, then iron the open side shut with your household iron.

SHOPS WHO SELL HERBAL BATH TEAS:

http://www.thebalmshoppe.com/

http://www.spatherapy.etsy.com/

http://www.abreathoffrenchair.etsy.com/

BLENDS TO TRY:

Calming Blend: Rose petals, Lavender,Lemon Grass, Sage and Rosehips

Calming Blend 2: Chamomile, Linden, Lemon Verbena and Calendula

Comforting: Lavender and Rosemary

Sore Aching Muscles: Lavander, Sage, Raspberry Leaf and Rosemary

Breathe Easy: Eucalyptus, Peppermint, Spearmint, lemon Balm, Rosemary and Lavender. You can throw in a clove and star anise as well, but use those sparingly.

STANDARD HERBS TO HAVE ON HAND:

Lavender- relaxation, muscle tension, decreases minor depression. Very soothing

Calendula-Anti Inflammatory, topical-very mild herb, wonderful for any tea.

Chamomile- Aids nervous system, relaxes, helps sleep

Rose-rose petals add extra scent and are beautiful in any tea. Love and Harmony.

Peppermint or Spearmint-invigorating, stimulating, warm and relaxing, relieve tension

Orange peel- Adds an uplifting scent and is a mind clearing and "happy" smell

Rosemary-Anti depressant, stress and anxiety

In My arsenal I keep the following herbs: Chamomile, Calendula Leaves,Elder Flower, Eucalyptus, Hibiscus Flower, Lavender,Lemon Balm, Lemongrass, Lemon Verbena, Linden, Orange Peel, Peppermint Leaf, Red Raspberry Leaf, Rose Hips, Rosemary, Rose Petals, Sage, Spearmint.

I recently ordered Hops, Passionflower, Strawberry Leaf and Scullcap. Just waiting for those to arrive.

try out these bath teas:

http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=8847178

http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=8847407

http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=8848260

good luck and enjoy your bath teas!