Tuesday, March 31, 2009

Crock Pot Pasta Meat Sauce

1 lb. lean ground beef or pork, browned
1/2 medium onion, chopped
1/2 green bell pepper, chopped
3 carrots, peeled and thinly sliced
1 zucchini, cut into quarters lengthwise, then slice
2 cloves garlic, diced
2 cans (15 oz. ea.) tomato sauce
1 can (15 ox.) diced tomatoes, undrained
1/2 tsp. dried basil
1/2 tsp. dried oregano
1/2 tsp. dried thyme
Cooked pasta
Sauté ground beef in a skillet until browned thoroughly. Drain off liquid.
Place ground beef in a crock pot/slow cooker. Add vegetables and herbs,
and stir.
Cover and cook on LOW heat setting for 6 to 8 hours or on HIGH heat setting
for 3 to 4 hours.
Serve over cooked pasta. Top with shredded cheese, if desired.
Nutrition Information:
Per serving = 180 calories, 20 g carbs, 5 g dietary fiber, 19 g protein,
3 g fat (1 g saturated), 40 mg cholesterol, 900 mg sodium.

Saturday, March 28, 2009

No Bake Power Energy Bites

No Bake Power Energy Bites


1/2 cup chopped dates
1/2 cup figs, stemmed
1/2 cup raisins
1/4 cup wheat germ
5 tablespoons nonfat dry milk powder
1/2 cup graham cracker crumbs
2 teaspoons fresh lemon juice

In food processor, combine first five ingredients. Process until dough forms a ball. In small bowl, mix the crumbs and lemon juice. Roll dough into 1" balls and coat with crumbs. Store in an airtight container for up to two weeks.

Monday, March 23, 2009

Name Change - Maybe

I wanted this blog to be about general household tips and a bit of recipes. The Village Pantry seems to indicate only recipes which is not my forte. I am great on telling you how to save money, make your own cleaning supplies, find shortcuts to save on repairs etc.

Anyway, contemplating a new name. In keeping with my "Village" theme (which ties in with my crafting business - The Village Craftsmith) and my nickname (The Village Idiot) I might go with The Village Chief Cook and Bottle Washer but I am still searching.

Whatever I decide on I will start posting some of my household hints except gardening hints. Those can be found on my container gardening blog.

Thanks for stopping by,
Linda B:)