When life gives you lemons...

Hopefully it also gives you sugar and water or your lemonade won't be very good! There are few things that go together better than hot summer afternoons and an ice cold glass of lemonade (well, perhaps a margarita...), but today we'll stick with lemonade. Sitting on the porch, sipping lemonade, these are the days we dream about all winter.
We get all those lovely mixes and such, but making your own lemonade is really so simple, and it reminds me of going to my grandma's house in the summer! So, if you're in the mood for a bit of nostalgia...
Here'e what you'll need:
1 1/2 Cups Water
1 1/2 Cups Sugar
Zest from 2 lemons
2Cups of lemon juice
1/2 teaspoon of salt

How you do it:
Boil the lemon zest, sugar and water, stirring until sugar is dissolved. IMPORTANT: LET COOL then pour into pitcher

Stir in your lemon juice and salt, add water and ice and some lemon slices

But doesn't it take FOREVER to juice a lemon?
Not really. I just roll it on the counter under my palm, slice it in half and squeeze over a bowl, then get the seeds out with a spoon. If you have a citrus press, you can also use one of those (if you don't know what a citrus press is, there is a link with a picture of one. It's the second link in my sources, and don't worry, I won't tell)

Fresh lemonade is great for cookouts, to go with muffins for brunch, or just for sipping outdoors with a good book! Enjoy!

Photo from Foodnetwork.com

Sources:

http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/perfect-lemonade-recipe/index.html

http://www.thekitchenista.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=93:how-to-juice-a-lemon&catid=56:how-to&Itemid=87

Pot Roast and Leftovers

You know we love leftovers for lunches! A great classic is always a good pot roast. It makes a great weeknight meal because it can be made in a slow cooker and will be ready for you after a long day at work. There's nothing better than knowing a great meal is waiting for you!
The recipe I use is simple and requires only a few ingredients:
4 Lb. Chuck Roast
1 package of onion soup mix
1 Cup of water
Garlic- I use about 3 Tablespoons of minced
salt and pepper to taste
3 Potatoes, peeled and chopped
baby carrots and 1-2 stalks of celery, chopped

Let everything cook on low for 8-10 hours.

While you are at work- remember several times how much you love slow cookers. I always feel like I have my own personal chef at home!

Things to think about-
Some people prefer cooked pasta instead of potatoes in the pot roast- might be interesting to try-
I also sometimes use the little red potatoes instead

Of course, the Pot Roast leftovers make great lunches, I like to make Biscuits with them (usually just Grands) and bring those to heat up with the Pot Roast. You can have a little bit of home in your lunch. Perfect!

Marie's Easy Slow Cooker Pot Roast from allrecipes.com (link listed below)

source of photo and recipe variation

Pack a lunch!

It can sometimes be tough to find something to bring for lunches for work or school. I started making my lunches in college to save money, but found that I really like it. When the day is tough, it's nice to have a little but of  something to remind you of home for lunch, plus you don't have to worry about standing in line- Bonus- packed lunches are usually healthier too! Seems like a win-win. But what to make- you can only take so much peanut butter and jelly! I have a few ideas to share with you-
-any leftovers are good for lunches. I usually make extra rice whenever we have it on the weekend because I know I will use it for lunches later, then throughout the week, I make extras of what we are having so that there is enough for lunches. I do BBQ chicken rice and "taco rice" a lot simply by putting leftovers over rice. We usually have one mexican night every week with tacos or fajitas. Regular chicken can always be added to make chicken fried rice.
-We can't have rice everyday either though, can we? I do like sandwiches and I think they have their place, I just don't like the same thing everyday. Every week I usually get at least two sandwich meats that go well together for a club- really just depends on what you like. If you just want to use one of the meats, there is some variety. I try to include bacon, but bacon never seems to survive in my house until the next day! I use provolone or swiss cheese and spinach or leaf lettuce. The farmer's market is great for getting your freshest vegetables, and it really makes such a big difference.  Bonus! It's usually cheaper than the stores too!
-To go with sandwiches, I like to make a quick pasta salad on the weekend- I use corkscrew pasta, olive oil and a water,  and a splash of balsamic or white wine vinegar then add fresh parsley (chopped), basil and bacon bits (sometimes) The great thing about pasta salad is adding in whatever you like- olives, diced tomatoes, cherry tomatoes, pepperoni all go well too, and no re-heating is necessary, so it's great if you don't have a microwave.
-Tuna, chicken or egg salad- again, these are easy enough to throw together on the weekend for lunches during the week.
-fruit or veggies and dip
-Make a parfait- layer vanilla yogurt, vanilla yogurt and your favorite berries and top with granola
-Soups- great for winter/fall and easy to make in bulk and freeze for later
Remember, once in a while, include cookies or dessert too- there are some days at work when you know you'll need a bit of chocolate to boost your mood!

Hope you got some brilliant ideas! Have anything to add? Don't be afraid to share your ideas in comments- we'd love to hear them!

Southwestern Chicken Pasta Salad from Cookinglight.com 

Sources and more great ideas!
http://www.webmd.com/food-recipes/features/15-fresh-brown-bag-lunch-ideas
Image source: http://www.cookinglight.com/eating-smart/smart-choices/healthy-lunch-ideas-00412000067923/page26.html

Happy Monday.

When you're at work, it's hard to think of a better feeling than knowing that a fabulous dinner is waiting for you at home, right? That's why we love slow cookers! Here is what I am trying tonight:

Orange Chicken- This is an Asian style dish,so try it if you're in the mood for takeout.
 It goes perfectly with rice and green beans or asparagus sauteed with minced garlic and a touch of soy sauce or balsamic vinegar
What you need:
about 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, thawed and chopped into small pieces
flour (to coat chicken before cooking)
olive oil- enough to saute chicken
salt 1/2 Tablespoon
3 Tablespoons of Ketchup
6oz of frozen orange juice concentrate (you can just put in refrigerator overnight to thaw)
4 Tablespoons of Brown sugar

Mix Orange Juice, brown Sugar, Vinegar, salt and ketchup. Pour flour into a bowl, cover chicken chunks in flour, shake off excess

Pour a small amount of olive oil into a skillet and brown chicken- It doesn't need to be fully cooked since it's going in the crockpot. When chicken is done cooking, pour into crockpot with sauce.

Cook on low for 5-6 hours or high for 2-3 hours.

Enjoy!

Our beautiful summer is still in full swing! Looking for more ideas ways to get the best out of  your summer? Why not pack a picnic and head to your favorite spot? Picnics make normal dining seem like a new, fun adventure. Kids can have a blast with it, or it can be a romantic date with your sweetie! Head to Alex Bay to the beach or one of the area's beautiful state parks (Kring Point, Keewaydin, Grass Point or the Scenic View Pavilion in the village- you know, the place with the beach, big playground and the view of Boldt Castle).  You could head to the River or the park right in town.
A picnic can even be fun in your own backyard!
Food ideas:
Little ones will love finger foods such as cheese and crackers, grapes, mini-sandwiches, juice or soda in glass bottles (cream soda or IBC Root Beer)

-Creative wraps or Pitas-
Pick a meat-
Add grilled Chicken (cut into bite-size pieces), flank steak- cooked and sliced, Ham, Turkey, Salami, pepperoni *Try a Club Wrap with a combo of sandwich meats perhaps?


Inside (pick any that sound good!)
romaine lettuce and/or spinach with any of the following- black beans, roasted red peppers, shredded cheese, tomatoes (sliced or diced), olives, capers, Bacon, minced garlic, pickles


Dressings: -You could also try cooking the chicken in some of these to give it more flavor if you're using chicken
 Caesar dressing, , BBQ sauce, Italian Dressing, Ranch dressing, olive oil,
-Sides: Favorite Potato or Pasta Salad (for a quick pasta salad, add olive oil, water and a splash of balsamic vinegar to cooked pasta) add minced garlic, pepper, olives, pepperoni, or diced tomatoes as desired
- slice and clean your favorite fruits or throw together a fruit salad- For fun bring a fruit dip, or Cool Whip

Don't forget!
-A big blanket- should be big enough to lay on comfortably, may want two if you'll be bringing the kiddos along
-Plastic silverware and napkins
-Plastic bag for garbage
-Something to do after you eat- toys for kids, books, magazines, bubbles 
-Sunscreen
-A camera to capture summer memories! 


For you and your sweetie- Tips to make a picnic romantic- :)
-Bring wine- for summer, stick with a sweet red (like Red Cat) or something mild like a Pinot Grigio or champagne
-Chocolate covered strawberries for dessert
-Go in the evening and get some star-gazing in if possible

Enjoy your Summer Picnic!

Photo from Martha Stewart.com- LOVE the Barnum's Animal Crackers in here!!!!!! Those were the best- I used to bug my Mom for them in the store all the time! :)

Resources and Links I loved!
Martha Stewart- http://www.marthastewart.com/353782/plan-picnic-your-backyard/@center/276964/60-days-summer#/233776

Looking for a park-find one near you!- http://nysparks.com/
*you can check on the site too, but most of the parks also have a day-use area with grills, so you could also bring hot dogs and burgers to grill out!

Hello Again! The fourth is approaching quickly! Hope you've made plans for fun! Planning on beating the crown to the fireworks? Try a picnic then fireworks: Most parks have public accessible grills- bring foil and charcoal and plenty of hot dogs and hamburgers for a cookout lunch. Both Thompson Park and the Scenic View Park Pavilion in Alex Bay have grills. Here is one of my favorite ideas for a quick and easy pasta salad (Personally I don't like mayonnaise in pasta- maybe use Italian dressing for a little more flavor) This makes for a pretty light, low-calorie treat!
Toss cooked pasta  (I use tri-colored rotini but it can be anything really) in olive oil or extra virgin olive oil (2-3 Tablespoons) and 6 Tablespoons of water.
-Add lightly sauteed minced garlic and canned diced tomatoes (drained)
-Add fresh herbs- I use basil and a bit of parsley
-freshly ground pepper
-Other ideas for add-ins: Cooked crumbled bacon, spinach, whatever you like!

Another treat for you! I saw this great recipe for american flag cheesecake bars! Perfect if you're entertaining or looking for something to bring to a party!

(photo from My Recipes.com)
http://www.myrecipes.com/recipe/american-flag-cheesecake-bars-10000001909077/