Inside Out Burgers

YES - it's a Rachael Ray thing again.

Here's the deal:
Basically you put all your ingredients INSIDE the burger patty before you cook it.

eg: ground beef, chopped up cheddar cheese, fried bacon (cook it first please - no food poisoning), chopped onion, mustard, salt & pepper all go into the burger patty mixture then you cook it as usual in a NON-STICK skillet - that's important b/c the cheese melts out some and can get sticky!

You can do it with anything.

Ground Turkey or chicken or pork.

Katey's fav were the chicken burgers with Havarti & dill. I left the capers out that day as my guests were not adventurous eaters - it was a success!

Use your imagination and have fun - if you like jalapenos (not me, but if you like them...) try some chopped up and use Monterrey jack cheese. Or use ground chicken with sliced up deli ham and swiss mixed in for a "cordon blue" effect.

It's a great way to get kids to try new things - it's burger after all, but it can also be fun and a little fancier than standard burger fare if you're having guests on game night.

Really it's not more difficult than making a "plain ole hamburger," but you get LOTS of praise - makes me feel like that Rice Crispy Treat commercial lady.

Great - NOW I'm hungry.

I'll keep you posted!

AmyDe

Menus on Monday

The "OFF" is pervasive - it extends into regular daily life. I am trying to shake it any way possible and schedules and lists help me. I've already got my stock-up grocery lists ready for tomorrow. Anyone who doesn't know about The Grocery Game should check it out. It's fun and it can save tons if you don't allow yourself to get overwhelmed (I'm trying not to).

This Week:
Monday: Tortellini w/sauce, fruit, salad
Tuesday: Steak fried rice w/fruit and ice cream for dessert
Wednesday: Tacos
Thursday: Leftover Madness
Friday: Inside Out Bacon Cheeseburgers, carrot sticks, fries, frozen grapes
Saturday: Crock Pot Chicken, veggie medley, fruit smoothies
Sunday: Chicken and Dressing Casserole, Green Beans, Green Salad, Glazed Carrots & Pineapple Casserole

Knitting is on hiatus. I've been crocheting some dishcloths/washcloths, but can't seem to focus on knitting so I'm giving it a break for now. I even took my infamous LIST off my sidebar and trashed it - it may just be a "giftcard Christmas" after all.

Right now I'm focused on homeschooling, pottery classes for the kids, library trips, museum trips, homecooked meals, and lots and lots of books. When my brain gets totally fried I do word searches or fill-in puzzles and I've been doing lots of those lately - hmmm??? That's ok - I'm finding a new way. No, I'm finding my way back.

I'll keep you posted!

AmyDe

Off...

I'm feeling "OFF" lately. I don't know if it's the heat and change of season or just general restlessness, but lately I'm feeling just "OFF." June has been a month filled with very little knitting or crafting at all. I am going to be sewing this weekend for Anna & Toby, but that's out of need more than inspiriation so...

I don't know, maybe just getting in front of the sewing machine and working will help me push through the funk I'm in. We'll see.

I did pick up a book at Barnes & Noble last night. Paid full price for it can you believe it? It's really lots of fun. I like the information in it more than the projects, which are really cute.



If you sew at all - ESPECIALLY if you're a beginner (Stephanie) you should get this book. It's fun and inspired. It's written how I work - knowing what to do and then saying "What if?" or "So what!" to get the results you want.

Here's to a less "FUNK" filled weekend!

Oh guys please keep Stacie in your thoughts and prayers as she's having a rough go right now!

I'll keep you posted!

AmyDe

Thanks Katey - This is Neat...

Read my VisualDNA™ Get your own VisualDNA™

Referred by my friend Katey.

I'll keep you posted!

AmyDe

In Case You're Wondering...

Where I've been.



Here's a clue. Hopefully with the arrival of my new Knitpicks DPNs there will be more knitting progress to report soon. Meanwhile....

I'll keep you posted!

AmyDe

Menu Monday

It's that time again - last week I didn't plan and we ate an embarrassing amount of take-out so we're back on track this week b/c our wallets and waistlines need us to be. Plus if I have to look at another Wendy's baked potato and side salad again I think I might flip out.

Most often I don't cook from recipes, but when I do they are Rachael Ray's. I find them tasty, easy, and best of all QUICK - it IS what she's known for after all. I have many of her cookbooks, but my favorite two - mostly b/c of formatting - are 365 No Repeats and Express Lane Meals. I LOVE them and when we're in a rut (like now) they really help us out.

I write all over the pages with notes about what to buy (other than pantry staples) and any changes I have to make b/c of preferences. I also make notes about which dinners we really enjoy. It's fun and I am so glad that Rachael bears the criticism she receives with "a grain of salt" because her methods and recipes make my life easier and my family's meals more fun.

This week I'm in 365 No Repeats b/c that's what was by the couch when I got hungry and started making a grocery list. If you have Rachael's books I hope you enjoy them as much as I do. If you don't have her books give her recipes from her website a try to check her out. It's easy and fun. Oh and if you want to purchase one of her books I'd try Express Lane Meals first - it's got great recipes and the format and concept of the "Pantry" will revolutionize the way you think about dinner. Express Lane Meals truly makes it easy for the quick stop on the way home from work to be the grocery store instead of the fast food chain.

I know I sound like "This has been a paid advertisement for Rachael Ray Enterprises" It's not I swear (though I wonder if I could arrange it), I just love and appreciate Rachael's efforts and her approach.

Monday: Chicken Salad Croissants, Mandarin Oranges, Carrot Sticks, Chips

Tuesday: Rosemary Corncakes with Prosciutto and Chicken Sausages, Fruit Salad
(#19 in Rachael Ray's 365 No Repeats)

Wednesday: Couple-of-Minute Steaks and Potato Ragout, Peas w/onions, Pineapple Casserole
(#47 in RR 365 No Repeats)

Thursday: Peasant Soup, Crusty Bread, Strawberry Shortcake
(#118 in RR 365 No Repeats)

Friday: Pork Chops with Grainy Mustard, Steamed Veggies, Rice, Peaches
(#111 in RR 365 No Repeats)

Saturday: Chicken Thighs w/Potatoes & peas, Crusty Bread, Spinach Salad, Fresh Cherries, Brownies
(#50 in RR 365 No Repeats)

I'll keep you posted!

AmyDe

And The Winner Is...

Thank you for all the kind comments and words of encouagement. I had so much fun reading each of them.

Drumroll Please...............

LARISSA WINS!

Larissa send me your address by email emayde_at_gmail_dot_com and I'll send you the sock monkey tote!

Congrats!

I'll keep you posted!

AmyDe