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How to Save a Ruined Dinner

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This post uses affiliate links.

It happens to all of us at one time or another. We discover dinner didn’t go as planned and we don’t have a backup plan.  Unless you burned it to a crisp, there’s probably a trick you can use to make it better.  Here are just a few:

Too much salt added to your recipe? This has happened to many of us. You toss in a few of your go-to seasonings and a bit of salt for good measure, only to accidentally dump in way more than you planned on. Here’s what to do: Peel a potato and toss it into your pot, letting it simmer along with the rest of your ingredients.  Magically, the potato will soak up some of the excess salt!  Toss the potato when the meal is done cooking.  Voila!

Is the dish too spicy? Whether by accident or by design, sometimes a recipe ends up with a little too much kick for your liking.  You’ve got a couple options for fixing it:

  1.  Double all the ingredients except for the spicy ones, and then save the extra batch in the freezer.  So efficient!
  2. Sometimes adding a little bit of sugar or honey can reduce the spiciness of a recipe.  Add just a teaspoon or so at a time, stir well, and taste it.  Adjust as needed.
  3. Adding a little plain yogurt (Greek or regular), sour cream, or cream cheese can help calm down the spicy heat in a recipe while also increasing the creaminess of it.

Is your recipe lacking flavor? This is an easy one! Garlic, basil, and oregano are all great herbs to have on hand for quick flavor boost.  Start with a teaspoon of any one that you think will work with your recipe, then stir well and taste test.  Adjust as needed. 

Burned, baby, burned!  If you burn the edges or bottom of your pot as you’re cooking, stop stirring immediately. Remove the dish from heat and quickly remove the non-burnt part from the pan right away to prevent the spread of the burnt taste. Put the non-burnt food into a new pan and then do a good sniff and taste test to see if it is ok.  If so, you’re in the clear!  If you lost a significant portion of your food to the burn, you can always fill in with an extra side dish so everybody gets plenty to eat.  Frozen veggies are perfect for this and they only take a few minutes to prepare! 

 

Sometimes things don’t go as planned, whether in the kitchen or in life. It’s the nature of the thing, right?  Have you learned any tips or tricks that have helped you save dinner?  Please share in the comments!

 

 

 

Brainy Breakfasts will make your mornings better!

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affiliate links are used in this post

Brainy Breakfasts: Over 40 Grain-Free Breakfast Recipes!

We’re told that breakfast is the most important meal of the day, but so often our morning meal is composed of sugar and simple carbs. What our brains and bodies need is protein and core nutrients! Trisha Gilkerson has created a terrific new resource that not only offers the protein and nutrition that we need for breakfast, but she’s managed to do it all without grains!  For those of you that are gluten-free or avoid grains in general, you are especially going to love this!

Brainy BreakfastsIn this book you’ll find over 40 different breakfast recipes, including eggs, smoothies, baked goods, cereals, and more that are both kid AND grown-up friendly!  The full-color photos will get you inspired to try grain-free breakfasts, you’ll get a black and white version that’s perfect for printing if you don’t want to use a lot of printer ink, and you’ll love the printable recipe cards, too. Click here to buy. 

Family Friendly Recipes Week 3 Review

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So last week I followed the February Family Friendly Week 3 plan and here’s what we thought:

Ground Beef Stroganoff:  This was easy to make, but we felt it should have been saucier.  I will be fixing this recipe to reflect this.

Mexican Meatloaf:  While we had the ground beef out for making the stroganoff, it was a snap to mix up this meatloaf at the same time.  We made it in a bowl, formed it into a round right in the bowl, covered it and saved it in the fridge for a busy day when we needed an easy meal.  I had never made meatloaf in a crock pot before, and was pleasantly surprised to see that it turned out to be really good!  My 12 year old is not normally a fan of meatloaf, but he said that this is the one type of meatloaf he’d be happy to have again.  The flavor was good.  The only change I plan to make it to remove the crushed corn chips.  I felt that they made it smell a little weird, added some odd bits of texture every here and there, and didn’t add anything to the recipe itself.  To me, an unnecessary addition to an otherwise very good recipe.  Ours served 6 pieces that satisfied teenage boys.

Tarragon Chicken Casserole:  This was the day that we learned that we do not like tarragon.  It smells weird and adds nothing to the recipe.  Tarragon, be banned forever!  This recipe made a very full 9×13 pan, and was easy to prepare.  Honestly, I felt it needed a lot more flavor and I can think of many ways to improve it.  This recipe will be replaced with something else.

Broccoli Quiche:  This was easy to whip up.  I actually made two, one with added mushrooms and one just the way the recipe was.  My pie shells were not big enough to handle all of the liquid that was made, so I think that part of the recipe needs to be tweaked so nothing goes to waste.  I liked how full of broccoli this quiche was, and was kind of amazed that it only needed 4 eggs.  It took longer to cook than the recipe called for, but it came out good and I enjoyed it very much.  My guys aren’t big on quiche, but they ate it and felt it was pretty good.  I think I’d like to keep this one, with some adjustments.

 

Overall we are enjoying trying out the recipes and having some new variety for our dinners.  I still plan to make the Pork with Mustard Sauce and Lemon Broccoli Pasta.  Maybe tomorrow.  

 

Get your coloring fix here!

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*Menu Planning Central utilizes affiliate links.*

The adult coloring craze just keeps getting better! So many people are discovering how relaxing and fun it is to spend some time on a simple creative pursuit like coloring. I love it!

Today I’ve got some great coloring goodies for you!

 

First, I’ve got a FREE coloring book for you to download today!  It’s called Lollipop Trees and it has some great, relaxing designs included.  Simply click the image to download.

Lollipop Trees cover
Click to download

Next,  did you know that you can get FREE coloring pages each month from Color Monthly?  It’s true!

Color Monthly will send you 5 free printable coloring pages each month, PLUS you can take advantage of additional offers if you choose to.  Sign up is FREE!

color monthly

Finally, I’ve put together a huge assortment of 100 coloring books for you to check out.  You are sure to find something that is a perfect fit for your interests!

100 coloring books for grown-ups1. Adult Coloring Book: Stress Relieving Patterns – $8.94

2. A Coloring Book for Adults Featuring Mandalas and Henna Inspired Flowers, Animals, and Paisley Patterns – $5.87

3. Adult Coloring Book: Stress Relieving Animal Designs – $9.28

4. Secret Garden: An Inky Treasure Hunt and Coloring Book – $9.57

5. Enchanted Forest: An Inky Quest & Coloring Book – $9.57

6. Detailed Designs and Beautiful Patterns – $7.99

7. Balance (Angie’s Extreme Stress Menders Volume 1) – $8.49

8. Creative Haven Owls Coloring Book – $3.26

9. Adult Coloring Book: Butterflies and Flowers – $6.29

10. Creative Haven Creative Cats Coloring Book – $3.71

11. Art Nouveau Animal Designs Coloring Book – $3.86

12. Color Me Calm: 100 Coloring Templates for Meditation and Relaxation – $10.19

13. Harry Potter Coloring Book – $9.20

14. Creative Coloring Inspirations: Art Activity Pages to Relax and Enjoy – $6.57

15. Lost Ocean: An Inky Adventure and Coloring Book – $10.17

16. Mystical Mandala Coloring Book – $3.28

17. Adult Coloring Book: Stress Relieving Patterns Volume 2 – $11.69

18. Adult Coloring Book: Ocean Animal Patterns – $11.68

19. Creative Haven Entangled Coloring Book – $3.96

20. Coloring Books for Grownups: Dia de los Muertos – $6.99

21. The Time Garden: A Magical Journey and Coloring Book – $8.79

22. The Calm Coloring Book – $7.18

23. Beautiful Relaxation: Coloring Book for Everyone – $6.23

24. Beauty in the Bible: Adult Coloring Book – $10.79

25. Color Me Happy: 100 Coloring Templates That Will Make You Smile – $13.19

26. Paisley Designs Coloring Book – $3.59

27. Home for the Holidays: A Hand-Crafted Adult Coloring Book– $9.76

28. Fanciful Faces Coloring Book – $5.99

29. Whimsical Gardens Coloring Book – $5.17

30. A Coloring Book with a Hidden Picture Twist – $4.56

31. The Official A Game of Thrones Coloring Book – $10.17

32. “Today Is Going To Be A Great Day” Inspirational Adult Coloring Book – $7.99

33. Animal Kingdom: Color Me, Draw Me – $10.67

34. Tropical World: A Coloring Book Adventure – $8.22

35. I Love My Hair: A Coloring Book of Braids, Coils, and Doodle Dos – $10.87

36. Awesome Animals: A Stress Management Coloring Book For Adults – $8.99

37. Color the Psalms: An Adult Coloring Book for Your Soul – $9.99

38. Creative Haven NatureScapes Coloring Book – $5.99

39. The Affirmations Coloring Book – $11.74

40. Love You MOM: doodle & dream: A beautiful and inspiring adult coloring book for Moms everywhere – $7.99

41. Awesome Animals Volume 2: A Stress Management Coloring Book For Adults – $8.99

42. Outside the Lines: An Artists’ Coloring Book for Giant Imaginations – $12.46

43. Fantastic Cities: A Coloring Book of Amazing Places Real and Imagined – $10.92

44. Mandala Coloring Book: Stress Relieving Patterns – $6.29

45. Creative Haven Christmas Trees Coloring Book – $4.65

46. Disney Princess: 100 Images to Inspire Creativity and Relaxation – $9.71

47. Floral Bouquets Coloring Book – $3.59

48. The Official Outlander Coloring Book – $10.80

49. Doodle Invasion: Zifflin’s Coloring Book (Volume 1) – $9.65

50. An Adult Coloring Book: Wild and Free – $8.49

51. Midnight Forest Coloring Book: Animal Designs on a Dramatic Black Background – $5.99

52. Faith in Color: An Adult Coloring Book

53. Colorama Coloring Book for Adults , Create Something Wonderful & Relax – $14.79

54. Steampunk Fashions Coloring Book– $5.21

55. Goddesses Coloring Book – $2.87

56. The Coloring Cafe-Volume One: A Coloring Book for Grown-Up Girls – $8.99

57. The Mindfulness Coloring Book: Anti-Stress Art Therapy for Busy People – $9.19

58. Creative Haven Dimensions Coloring Book – $5.99

59. The Eclectic Owl: An Adult Coloring Book – $5.39

60. Adult Coloring Books: A Coloring Book for Adults Featuring Stress Relieving Patterns and Intricate Doodles – $7.99

61. Enchanting English Garden: An Inkcredible Scavenger Hunt and Coloring Book – $13.46

62. Really RELAXING Colouring Book 2: Colour Me Calm – $6.95

63. Creative Haven Snowflake Mandalas Coloring Book – $5.17

64. Joyful Designs Adult Coloring Book – $5.93

65. Adult Coloring Book: Relaxation Templates for Meditation and Calming – $6.99

66. Coloring Books For Grown-Ups: Dia De Los Muertos: Sugar Skulls Coloring Pages – $6.99

67. 35 Mandala Designs: An Adult Coloring Book – $6.29

68. Coloring Book for Adults with Patterns, Henna Flowers and Mandala – $3.99

69. Enjoy The Most Beautiful Landscapes Coloring Book For Adults As An Relaxing Activity and Stress Relief – $4.12

70. Creative Haven Modern Tattoo Designs Coloring Book – $5.39

71. Christmas Designs Adult Coloring Book – $7.56

72. Adult Coloring Book: Stress Relieving Animal Designs Volume 2 – $9.57

73. Simple Blessings: Coloring Designs to Encourage Your Heart – $9.00

74. Posh Adult Coloring Book: Pretty Designs for Fun & Relaxation – $7.92

75. Christmas Coloring Book for Adults – $6.59

76. Centered Angie’s Extreme Stress Menders Volume 2 – $10.76

77. A Collection of Coloring Books for Adults; Featuring Mandalas, Flowers, and Geometric Designs – $7.99

78. The World’s Best Mandala Coloring Book: A Stress Management Coloring Book For Adults – $8.95

79. Godey’s Fashions Coloring Book – $2.49

80. Butterflies Coloring Book – $3.88

81. Beautiful Designs and Patterns Adult Coloring Book – $7.19

82. Adult Coloring Book: Stress Relieving Cats – $10.79

83. Happy Campers Coloring Book – $8.99

84. Adult Coloring Books: A coloring Books for Adults Featuring Over 45 Highly Detailed Designs & Beautiful Patterns – $8.30

85. Color Me Mindful: Underwater – $8.58

86. Cats & Quilts: Adult Coloring Book – $9.57

87. The Art of Nature Coloring Book: 60 Illustrations Inspired by Vintage Botanical and Scientific Prints – $12.88

88. Wonderful World Of Horses Coloring Book – $3.40

89. Owls Coloring Book – $3.09

90. The Victorian House Coloring Book – $4.99

91. Doodle Fusion: Zifflin’s Coloring Book (Volume 2) – $11.16

92. Dream Catcher: A Soul Bird’s Journey – $7.99

93. Angels Coloring Book – $3.15

94. Wow: Angie’s Extreme Coloring Books Volume 1 – $10.76

95. Creative Haven Zenscapes Coloring Book – $5.99

96. Mermaids – Calm Ocean Coloring Collection – $9.95

97. Creative Haven Vintage Christmas Greetings Coloring Book – $5.17

98. Adults Who Color Henna Art: An Adult Coloring Book – $7.99

99. The Language of Flowers Coloring Book – $3.99

100. The Cat Lovers Coloring Book – $3.99

Let’s Get You Saving Money Before Christmas Gets Here!

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Menu Planning Central uses affiliate links.

Sick of spending a fortune at the grocery store?  Trying to find some more wiggle room in your budget before Christmas gets here?  Want to learn how to save more and spend less while living better?  Well, today is your lucky day! The Ultimate Homemaking Bundle is happening TODAY and TOMORROW ONLY, and you are going to LOVE this deal!  

There is a ton of great information included in this bundle, but one thing I’m really, really excited about for you is that Grocery University is included!

Grocery University is the course I took several years ago when I decided I wanted to start winning at the grocery store.  The information is so clearly presented and engaging, and I was immediately saving hundreds of dollars a month by using what I learned!  So, I KNOW this one resource alone is going to help you bigtime, and there are even more great ebooks that will help you save in other ways.  Perfect timing for all of us that want to spend less at the grocery store during the biggest eating time of year!

grocery university bundle

 

 

In addition to Grocery University, you’ll get a great collection of new cookbooks, meal plans, inspiration for your health, and a whole lot more.

 

food cookings homemaking bundle meal plans and more homemaking bundle holidays homemaking bundle

 

You can see everything that you’ll get HERE.  I already got my bundle and it is a great value! I think you will love it and I know this collection is well worth the purchase price!

The sale is only for today and tomorrow, and they have a great money-back guarantee, so you don’t have anything to lose.  Don’t miss this!

homemaking bundle

 

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Spread the love          Need a last minute appetizer? This versatile recipe comes together in under 15 minutes, but looks and tastes like it took a lot longer. Ingredients: 1 bag mini sweet peppers in assorted colors
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How To Choose The Right Slow Cooker

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Spread the love         Affiliate links are used in this post. Are you ready to give cooking in a slow cooker a try? It’s a wonderful way to prepare your family’s meals without having to spend hours in the kitchen stirring. Make a pot of beef stew that tastes like you’ve slaved for hours over the stove, […]

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