Day 19- Apple picking at the apple orchard

Today we picked about a 1/2 bushel of Jonathan apples at the apple orchard (for $5!).  Now we have lots of apples to eat and cook and bake with.  It was really fun and we're going to go back as other varieties come in season. We made a batch of this applesauce but then I realized my food chopper was broken- so it turned out extra chunky. (Like pie filling)

Stay tuned for a new challenge tomorrow...

Day 16- Fall Means Apples!

Every fall I go with my daughter's class to the apple orchard.  We hear the story about Johnny Appleseed.  We get some Gala apples (my favorite). As far as produce goes, apples are on the "dirty dozen" list for most pesticides used.  You can print a copy of the list here.  Generally, fruits that have rinds are OK but fruits you eat whole are more of a problem.  (not always but in general) Of course you should wash all your fruit- whether you are going to peel it or not. I usually try to buy local, in-season fruit whenever possible- but not always organic fruit.



Easy Microwave Applesauce Recipe:

• 6-8 apples peeled, cored, sliced
• 1/4 tsp cinnamon
• 1/4 cup water or apple juice
• 4 TBS sugar or other sweetener to taste

• place in large microwave-safe glass bowl
• cover loosely with wax paper
• microwave on high for 10 minutes
• stir and continue to cook until apples are tender
• mash with a fork
• cool before serving

Thursday Ultimate Recipe Swap over at Life As Mom.

(BTW- today is our 10 year wedding anniversary- thank you!)

Dinner tonight- Crockpot peanut chicken stew- package chicken thighs, one can diced tomatoes, one can drained chickpeas, onions, garlic, two dollops peanut butter- cook all day on low.  Really good over rice or linguine.  Can also add curry sauce if you like.

Day 15- Works For Me Wednesday

Every Wednesday, Kristen at We Are That Family hosts a blog carnival called Works For Me Wednesday.  There is usually a topic of the day and you can post your own tip or link up your blog. 

She is talking about her new ministry in Kenya, Africa a maternity home called The Mercy House- go read the story here. She is also hosting a giveaway today.

Have a great Wednesday!

Day 14- Tip the Scales Tuesday

I have a confession to make.  I kind of fell off the wagon over the weekend.  We were celebrating our anniversary early and we went out to eat- Mexican food- which was kind of a mistake- all those chips and cheese! And we went to see a movie and I had a Diet Coke. The next day we went to a college football game.  On the way, we went to lunch at Penn Station.  I have to say their grilled artichoke, mushroom and provolone sub is really good.  But I got fries too.

So... I got a brand new digital bathroom scale right before I started this journey.  Two things I like about the scale:  it has a large digital readout- and it weighs me about 5 lbs less than my old scale!

Anyone want to weigh in with me every Tuesday and report your loss or gain?  Let's just take a baseline reading today. You don't have to post your weight- but would you want to share what your goal is?

Go drink some water and good luck!

Day 13- Snack Bag Monday

We have a new pet- a cat named Oreo.  I don't really eat Oreos, so the name is kinda funny. My daughter named him- because he's black and white.  We got him from the Humane Society and he is getting along nicely.  Just wish he would stop scratching the furniture! 

So far on 90 Days of Change we have given up HFCS, Diet Soda, and Fast Food.  Today let's talk about snacks.  I love snacks- I am a snacker and that's probably not really a good thing but at least I can make some better snack choices.

Which brings us to Food Rules #39- "Eat all the junk food you want, as long as you cook it yourself."  Michael Pollan made this rule because he says a little junk food here and there is not so bad.  It's just too easy to get.  So if you had to make french fries yourself from scratch, or a pie, or ice cream- you wouldn't eat it that often. I found a yummy-sounding recipe on this blog for homemade "Cheez-its."

I'm An Organizing Junkie has a great feature on Monday called Menu Plan Monday!
The topic for today is- do you have any healthy snack recipes you love?  Please post a comment and share!  I can't wait to try some! We're having some Quinoa for dinner tonight- not sure what to make of it- kind of like couscous but it's a grain like rice.

9/11

No blog post today, Have a good weekend.

How to get a low-cost fully vetted pet

I'm taking a time out from my usual blog posting to put in a plug for the Summit County Humane Society of Greater Akron.  They are running a special right now on adoptable cats at their brand-new facility on Darrow Road (Rt 91) in Twinsburg.  You can adopt a fully vetted cat (neutered, all shots, and microchip) for $10.00 to $19.00 depending on when you show up.  You pay the price according to the time of day- for example at 1:00pm it's $13.00- get it?.  (The regular price for adult cats is $50 and kittens are $75.) You can find their cat listing on Petfinder.com.

If that's not a Frugal Friday tip, I don't know what is! :)