A book review

I don’t generally write book reviews or even comment on what I have been reading.   My children say I read too much and I would say reading preferences are all over the place.  I enjoy everything from Christian mysteries to Clive Cussler to biographies written by David McCullough.  Well, I stumbled upon a very interesting read and thought I would share.  In part, because I think it would make a great read for high schoolers.  My understanding is that teachers are looking for reading material that crosses multiple academic disciplines and this book does it.  This book brings together math, science and history in a unique way. 

Hidden Figures by Margot Lee Shetterly

After I finished this book, I realized I am product of these women and many others.  My chosen profession when I am not chasing three children around is in what today we call a STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math) field.  My field even 30 to 40 years ago was predominately male.  Today, new graduates are predominately female.  Though I occasionally laugh at some surveys I am asked to fill out for eager young researchers about women in my field, after reading this book I realize how far we have come in just a short time.

The goal of this book was to tell the untold story of the women mathematicians, specifically black women mathematicians in the race to space.  What I enjoyed most about this book is that they looked at multiple women and told their stories.  Each within the back drop of what was going on in the world at time.  Also focusing on their unique contributions to space and aeronautics but also to their communities.  In addition, it showed how each one paved the way for the next and affected change.  It also showed how slow progress could be but how persistence produced change.

I had read about predominately black colleges in the past but had also thought of them as producing only school teachers and practical education.  This book opened my eyes to how advanced these colleges were and realized that in two generations how much in society has changed.  I also realized that dreams of one generation can encourage and grow the dreams of the next generation.

I have no idea if the movie that is coming out will be as good as the book but the book is well worth read.

http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/hidden-figures-margot-lee-shetterly/1123655109?ean=9780062363596&st=PLA&sid=BNB_DRS_Core+Shopping+Books_00000000&2sid=Google_&sourceId=PLGoP62464

Mock Ham Loaf

This is my version of A Basic and More Recipe...the original used hot dogs and crackers.  This version was a huge hit with my family.

1 pound ground beef
1 package turkey polish kielbasa (about 13 ounces or any other kielbasa)
1 cup fresh bread crumbs
1 egg
1/2 cup milk

Syrup:
1 cup brown sugar
3/4 cup water
1 tablespoon vinegar
1 tsp mustard

Preheat oven to 350. Mix beef, kielbasa, bread crumbs, egg and milk together.  Form into a loaf and place in a pan.  Make syrup by heating sugar, water, vinegar and mustard until it boils.  Pour half the syrup on ham loaf. Reserve the rest.   Bake for 1 and 1/2 hours.  Baste occasionally.  Serve with the reserved syrup.

Ruthanna's Meatloaf Cassarole

Ruthanna Roberts made a version of this for a fellowship meal.  I loved it and thought it would make a good teen dish/large crowd dish.

This is my version.  But the bottom line is that you make a flat meatloaf and top with cheese and mashed potatoes.  You could also add veggies (mushrooms, mixed veggies)

Make a meatloaf.  This is my favorite recipe.  It is from The Basics and More cookbook.

 Preheat oven to 350.  Mix all ingredients together.

1.5 to 2 pounds of hamburger
1 cup bread crumbs
3/4 cup milk
1 egg
1/4 cup onion or 2 to 3 Tablespoons minced onions
1 tsp Montreal steak seasoning

Flatten into a 9 x 13 pan.  Bake 30-45 minutes

Remove from oven.  Drain extra grease.  Meanwhile make mashed potatoes (about 5 to 7 servings of instant)

6 slices of american cheese
4 ounces velveeta cheese cut into small pieces
Mashed potatoes
(If you are adding veggies place them on top of meatloaf after the american cheese and before the potatoes)

Place the 6 slices of american cheese.  Top with  mashed potatoes.  Then add velveeta cheese to the top.  Push the cheese down into the potatoes.  Bake another 15 to 20 minutes.

In the cupboard soup

The other night I was trying to avoid a trip to the Dollar General (the walmart of the cove)...so this is the resulting creation.  It was considered a hit.

2 cups of turkey ham
2 cans of creamed soup
1 can of mixed veggies, drained
2 cups of cooked rice
8 ounces of velveeta cheese
about 4 cups of water

Throw everything in the crockpot on low for 2 to 4 hours.  It is pretty thick.  if you want it thinner add water or milk.

You can make this more fresh by using fresh veggies, Make your own creamed sauce.  Use wild rice.  Use a creamy cheese.

Papa

This is the remembrance video from the funeral for anyone that is interested.  When you enlarge it, it throws the portions off.  If you would like a copy please email me.

Chicken and dumplings

Yes, I am a delinquent when it comes to posting but I want to remember this...so I am sharing.

I couldn't find the exact post I saw yesterday on facebook but this one was close.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TEAn3VhYhjo

But didn't get things together fast enough to crockpot it.

So here is my stove top version that was a hit.

2 large chicken breasts...boiled in about 6 cups of water save water.

2 cans of cream of chicken

1tsp bullion powder or chicken base or 1 cube

about 3 cups of leftover mixed veggies

2 tubes of small refridge biscuits or 1 grands - cut into small pieces.

A touch of montreal steal seasoning to taste

Remove cooked chicken breasts and shred.  Return to pot along with all ingredients except biscuits.  Bring to a boil and add biscuits.  Cook covered until the biscuits are done about 15 minutes.

This was a hit with my family.  If you are not into processed foods...run.  If you would like to go less processed...make your own gravy and biscuits and use different veggies.  Either way enjoy.

The Gym

I have been avoiding this post and wanting to do this post at the same time.  Here is why.  I have terrible discipline and fear being a hypocrite.  Yes, I am aware we all are at some point, but the subject of weight and health are complicated. I know that many people struggle to be healthy and are presently thinking that skinny people have no idea.  Yes, I am aware that I have no idea.  However, I wish to write this to be honest and to encourage the trainer I have been working with at the gym.

What most people don't realize is that my weight has been inching up slowly over the past 10 years.  Yes, some of it came on when I was doing infertility treatments but a great deal had to do with my lack of exercise and to a lesser extent my food habits.  Because of 3 kids and being 30 minutes plus from a gym that would have child care, I ignored the exercise part of being healthy.  At home, there was always one more thing that needed done more than exercise.  As I slowly gained weight, I knew that I was beginning to have trouble keeping up with my kids.  Things I had done without thinking with Aaron and Andrew, I wasn't doing with Angela.  In February, a gym opened about 10 minutes from my house and didn't mind if my daughter was there.  So I put my toe into the exercise world  and started doing classes.  You see I need the discipline of having to show up somewhere.  In May, I started to personal train.  I had talked to someone I trusted about what to look for in trainer and Kaila seemed to match.  So I gave it a try.

I suspect that you are waiting for me tell you about my amazing weight loss.  No, I have not lost a single pound. But I asked Kaila for a different goal.  On a side note she does help people lose weight and seems pretty good at it.  My goal was to be healthy because in my job when I am not chasing 3 kids around I tell people to be healthy and exercise.  I also needed the pressure of telling someone I will show up on X day and actually doing it.  In May as I began my journey to be healthy there were a lot of things I could not do and I often felt like I was going to fall on my head.  She always offered alternative ways to do the task but also encouraged me through it.  This is not to says I don't regularly come home sore and discovering muscles I haven't used since...lets just say high school was a LONG time ago.

The thing I have enjoyed most is that the exercises are varied each time.  Yes, they are the same basic moves but she has me do them in different positions and on different machines.  I remember fearing free weights.  That is something guys with way too much testosterone use to pretend to be tough.  She has used those weights to improve my balance and strength muscles in ways I could never imagine.  It seems like every week I do a exercise I tried at the beginning of the summer and I get to say I couldn't do that before.  I am measuring success not by the weight I have lost but by the strength  and skills I have gained.  I can now squat with weight on my shoulders, I can balance on a buso ball without feeling like I am falling on my head.  I can lift my legs over and under things that I thought were impossible when I started.  I have seen muscles return to my legs, arms and yes my bottom.  My clothes are fitting better even though I haven't lost a pound and I haven't gained any either.  I am keeping up with my kids in ways I haven't been able to for a while.

With the kids headed to school, exercising should get easier but I have learned many things this summer.  One, I still need the pressure of someone telling me what to do.  Two, I can get up at an unearthly hour to go exercise.  Three, I can look my patients in the face and tell them I get it and I am attempting to practice what I preach.

Finally, I am typing this to hold myself accountable.  It is easy for me to say I am too busy.  So now it is in print, I am reminded to practice what I preach.  I hope, also, that this might encourage someone to define success a little different or hang in there if you are not seeing instant results.  You are getting healthy and that is success.

First Day of School

You need to forgive the hair in the pictures.  We were using a different camera than normal.

Angela is starting Kindergarten this year.  She has Mrs. Lamb and she is super excited about the turtle in her room.  She also likes her purple hexagon and Elsa book bag.

 Aaron will be having his 3rd year with Mrs. Mowry and he will be a 3rd grader.  He will have some new classmates this year.

Andrew is my 5th grader.  He has reached the point that he says school is boring but he has a goal of straight A's.  He was super close last year.

 They wanted pictures with Daddy and the dog and each other.

Gnocchi

Image from pastaequipment.com

Gnocchi....I had never had it before but had recently seen a couple of recipes that made curious to try it.  Needless to say it was a hit in the Barbee house.  I bought some in the pasta aisle but they say you can also find it in the freezer section too.  If you are really inspired, you could make it from scratch.  I am not however that inspired.  The cooking time of this stuff pre-made is 2 minutes.  Okay.  I put together several recipes to make mine tonight.  So I am sharing...in part so I can make it again.

2 pounds gnocchi (this was two packages said 3 servings each) - Cook according to directions
1/2 pound of bacon cut into small pieces
3 cups spinach cut into small pieces (I have a little electric chopper that does this...if you are lazy don't chop it...my kids eat the little pieces...looks less like spinach)
1/4 cup of flour
3 to 4 cups of milk
1 cup very sharp cheddar cheese (most recipes call for parmesan...didn't have any)
1 to 2 tsp garlic seasoning mix (I like McCormick salt free)

Cook bacon. Remove bacon from pan  and set aside.  Add flour to pan.  Stir to make a paste.  Slowly add milk, stirring with a whisk.  Add seasoning.  Cook and stir until slightly thickened. 2 to 3 minutes before serving add back in bacon.  Also add spinach.  Just before serving add cheese.  Mix with gnocchi and serve.

This got rave reviews from the family despite the pasta looking funny and having lots of spinach in it.

A few Christmas pictures...yes I am behind.

These are our pictures from the school christmas concert.  Andrew had a speaking part this year and was thrilled because he got to dress up instead of wearing chapel clothes.  Aaron was excited that he was not in the first row.

 Cousins at Christmas.

 Christmas present adventures.

New Hanbok

Andrew was so excited about his new hanbok.  So here is our boy.

Cooking with Andrew and Aaron too....

Andrew has taken interest in cooking with me lately.  I think, mostly because it means he gets to do something with mommy.  And he is a do something with someone all the time kind of guy.  It has been fun to see him enjoy helping and being so proud of the results.  He loves to make his own eggs BY HIMSELF.  He has "taught"  Aaron how to do it as well.  He is my regularly dessert maker for Sabbath eve and sometime even for church pot lucks.  He picked out the dessert for this week.

We had a minor disaster awhile back, perpetuated by his sister.  He had made this dessert cookie pizza that included icing.  We had left it on the counter.  His sister climbed up licked the icing.  Normally this is not a big deal we would have rolled with it but it was for covered dish dinner.  This was not going to fly...so a quick replacement item was made.  Andrew however was quite distraught.  So we let him make it again for the next covered dish...minus the sister assistance.

 Now Aaron has started to get in on the helping thing too and Angela wants to lick the batter bowl.  Cooking has encouraged Andrew to try new foods, because even if he isn't convinced that he will like it, the fact that he put it in makes it better.  Cooking with my boys sometimes means dinner is a little late but the joy they get from helping is worth it (most of the time).

Leftover Potato Soup

I made this last night out of leftovers...the rest of the leftovers are going in a quiche today...it keeps coming back.

3 baked potatoes skinned and chunked (we had baked potatoes monday night)
4 cups chicken broth
1 cup chicken chunks already cooked(some on sale in the fridge section - rest went into quiche)
1 cup ham chunks(had lunch meat)
1 cup of milk with a 1/4 cup of flour dissolved in it.
1 cup of shredded cheese ( had italian mix in the house)

Place potatoes, broth, chicken and ham in the pot.  Heat to boiling.  Add milk mixture to pot.  Cook until it begins to thicken.  Add cheese.  Serve cheese is melted.  This took less than 20 minutes.

We had steak'ums on the side.

So tonight quiche contains, chicken, steak'um, broccoli (leftovers)  and cheese.

NOTE: Don't have baked potatoes throw them in the microwave and you will have them in about 5 minutes...stab them with a fork to prevent a microwave disaster.

Ham Roll Ups

Here is another left over creation...

3 cups shredded ham or turkey ham

24oz size container of cottage cheese

2 cups of mozzarella cheese, divided

1/2 cup of Parmesan cheese

1 egg

1 tablespoon of garlic and herb seasoning(I like McCormick's salt free brand)

1 large jar of Alfredo/white sauce

12 lasagna noodles 

Cook lasagna noodles according to package.  Drain cottage cheese.  Mix cottage cheese, 1.5 cups of cheese, Parmesan, egg and seasoning.  Spoon and spread about 1/3 cup of cheese mixture onto the noodle.  Spread 1/4 cup of ham over cheese mixture.  Roll and place in greased 13 x 9 pan.  Repeat for the remaining noodles.  Pour Alfredo sauce over pasta, top with remaining cheese.  Cover and bake at 350 for 30 to 45 minutes.  

Family pictures...finally

My sister-in-law took these amazing pictures.  We were at Bethel University in Minnesota.  It is the land of a thousand lakes and there was a little one at the college.  Angela is so the third child.  We are lucky to take any pictures at all.  School has started back and we are adjusting.

Empanadas and Chicken Pot Pie

I am reminded again how food even when it is different is the same.  I find it fascinating that most cultures that I have run into have some sort of noodle comfort food and a form of chicken noodle soup or soured foods.  Take for example the lo-mein, or drunken noodles (Thai) or Pancit (Filipino) or mac and cheese (american).  Kimchi a Korean dish isn't that different from Sauerkraut.  I don't have to go through the list of chicken soups but you get the idea.  The same goes for pastries filled with stuff.  The filling vary depending on what is available but dough with stuff in it crosses cultures.  Shall I start the list pasties, chicken potpie, wontons or pot stickers, calazones, even pepperoni rolls. Well you get the idea.  This happens to be empenadas and my cookbook tells me there are hundreds of variations from Mexico to Chile.  Their roots can be traced to Spain and the Middle East.  This happens to be an Argentinian version.  It contains 1 pound cooked lean meat, 2 cups shredded potatoes, 3 tablespoons of beef broth and a little salt and pepper.

Place in 6 inch crusts.  This recipe is nearly identical to the pie crust recipe I use.  This contains a little baking powder which I use in my pie crusts.  Seal and punch wholes in the top.

 Coat with egg mixture.   Miss Angela helped me.

 Bake at 450 for 10 minutes and then lower to 350 and bake 30 minutes.

Being a typical lazy american - here are a few short cuts I came up with to speed up the process.  You can make this recipe faster if you use prepared pie crust, preshredded hashbrowns and there is probably precooked shredded beef out there somewhere without sauce.

The amazing thing is there are recipes that contain everything from beans to bananas.  This is just empanadas.  The amazing diversity in food is so much fun.  It is fun to think that in the last 7 days I have bot empanadas and Chicken pot pie.

Doggie Therapy

We jokingly referred to Andrew's learning not to be afraid of the dog as doggie therapy.  Well we have another kid that is afraid of dogs and we are helping her face her fears.  However we are missing Tina girl.

 She was an incredibly patient dog.  And as the picture shows with time Andrew overcame his fears.  Well Tina girl is gone but we have found two incredible dogs who happen to be rescues to help us out.  Yesterday was the first day.  Angela was willing to be in with the dogs but didn't want to be down but by the end she was willing to get close to the dogs.  She was bravest when she was downstairs and they were upstairs.

 This is Samson and he is 3 years old and super mellow.  He isn't used to kids but was great because he stayed in one place so Angela could watch him and the boys loved petting him.  He is in training to be a service dog.

 This is Zippo and she is a sweetie.  She is 6 year old boxer.  She loves to be where the people are and to play.

Aaron and Andrew want to know why we can't go back again today but we will be going back weekly for a while so Angela can get comfortable with dogs.  So if you think about it say a prayer that doggie therapy goes well.

Cheesy BBQ Rice One Pot Meal

It was a put together what is in the refrigerator night and this is the result.  After we added the crunchy chips it was voted a hit.  So I am sharing.

3 cups water
1 and 1/2 cups rice (we use Korean short grain but any will do)
2 cups of frozen veggies (we had corn)
1 container of pulled bbq chicken from the refridge section of the store (Lloyd's is one example)
1 and 1/2 cups of cheese
1-2 cups of crushed tortilla chips

Bring water to a boil.  Add rice and veggies and reduce heat to simmer and cover.  When rice is almost done (about 15 minutes) , add chicken.  Heat through about 5 minutes.  Top with cheese and chips just before serving.

So here was our dinner in a pot served with applesauce on the side.

Side note for the Pampered Chef people.  I made this in my new Rockcrok.  It worked great.

Buckeye Brownies

I made these brownies up and this is what used.  A lady used to sell these at work and I always wanted to try to make them.

You need a 9 x 13 pan of brownies.  A box mix is fine or this is a super fast and easy recipe from Hershey's.  Don't make the icing. https://www.hersheys.com/recipes/recipe-details.aspx?id=98.

To make the topping I used another Hershey recipe.

3/4 cup butter melted
1 and 1/3 cup peanut butter
3 cup confectionery sugar

Mix together until smooth consistency.  Set aside.

Melt 2 cups chocolate chips and 2 tablespoons of Crisco until smooth.

Top brownies that have cooled for about 10 minutes with peanut butter mixture.  Carefully spread.  Then pour chocolate over top.  Spread evenly and let cool.  Cut and serve.

North Carolina visit

This was our first long trip with 3 kids and overall they did very well.

 Perry's Dad made a fabulous meal for actual thanksgiving day.  We also enjoyed visiting with great grandparents.  It was a relaxing few days.

 Friday evening we had a Thanksgiving with lots of extended family.  The kids had a great time playing with all the cousins both old and young.

The days flew by and Perry had to return to work.