• militaryblog

    Super Bowl Sunday: It’s all about the food

    The Super Bowl is this Sunday and I admit, the first thing it brings to mind is food for me.  Clearly the 49ers or Ravens are not in my top 10 teams.  Don’t judge.We will be enjoying Chili, Source: militaryblog.militaryavenue.com via MilitaryAvenue.com on Pinterest Buffalo Chicken Dip, Source: spicedblog.com via MilitaryAvenue.com on Pinterest Salsa, Source: militaryblog.militaryavenue.com via MilitaryAvenue.com on Pinterestand some crunch veggies and dip.  But there are some other great ideas too that I thought you would enjoy!  Be sure to watch our new Celebrations, Gatherings and more – Military Family Style Pinterest Board for more fun ideas  Source: pizzazzerie.com via MilitaryAvenue.com on Pinterest Source: facebook.com via MilitaryAvenue.com on…

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    Money Saving Idea: Getting Comfortable in the Kitchen

    Throughout the next month the focus is going to be on saving money.  No pressure on my part as that leads to nothing but guilt, and therefore failure.  However, when I do find myself doing ‘the right thing’ I want to focus on it and think about how I can make it that much better.  (My motto, “Little Drops of Awesome“) There will be a lot of trust.  Trust that this focus is important, necessary, part of managing the household.  It helps with some of the stress on my marriage.  It helps me feel like a better manager of God’s provisions.  Money doesn’t bring happiness but I’d sure like to try peace…

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    Summer Meals and Menu for Children of All Ages!

    Camp Grandpa! It is July on our calendar and fireworks are getting to explode in my heart as the grands are getting ready to arrive. Activities are on Grandpa’s plate. Their hunger for adventure, outdoors, hammering, mud and total movement are insatiable. Therefore, Grandma is getting ready to find some ‘fuels’ that are kid appropriate: lunches and dinners. We have a bread lover, a meat on bone lover, a thick steak fan, and one who isn’t too certain what is the best… well ice cream is there, but not on my meal plan! The secret plan that Grandpa and I have is to keep them so active and involved that…

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    Tasty Tuesday: Healthy & Yummy Chicken Nuggets

    There is something about chicken nuggets that make my children’s mouth water, whether the frozen variety cooked in the toaster oven or the kind fresh out of the deep-fat fryer at our favorite fast food restaurant. Are they on the list of healthy-meals at the Kocsis household though? Not so much.However, earlier this week I made a delicious breaded and baked chicken nugget that knocked my boys’ socks right off!  I know it is a good meal when there are no leftovers, when they ask for more and I have to say “Sorry, they are all gone.”, when I think ‘We are definitely doing these again’! Healthy & Yummy Chicken NuggetsINGREDIENTS:3-4 thick slices bread1/2…

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    Those Summer Utility Bills

    It is almost summer and we have had the weather to prove it!  Operation keep the house cool has been in full effect!  You see, we are not big air condition users.  I love fresh air.  Windows open, the sound of children playing, the joy in the noise of summer.  But with summer can come a higher utility bill.  This is the reason my husband does not like the Air Conditioner.  It is expensive.  So in an effort to live comfortably and keep the budget in the green I have two quick tried and true tips. Save Money in the Laundry Room Does your dishwasher or clothes-washer have a timer…

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    Soldiering On…

    Last night I fell into bed. Sometimes my mind has time to wander after I turn off the lights.  I think about what I did earlier in the day, what I accomplished, what I forgot to do, what I can get done tomorrow.  I think about my blessings. Thank God for my family.  Dream about what our future holds.  It can all be a pleasant way to drift into dream world. But last night there was none of that.  It was a hectic day that involved making 30 Valentines Cookies for my 3rd grader’s class, which in and of itself involved multiple (yes, multiple) trips to the grocery store.  It was laundry and sheet…

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    Chicken Breast in a Puff of Pastry

    Pure deliciousness emanated out of my kitchen Saturday night.  It smelled of pastry and cheese and a hint of bacon.  It sounded like “mmmmm”, “This is good” and even “Can I have some more, please”.  A home prepared meal that took about 30 minutes to prepare and 30 minutes to bake. Before I share my newest recipe I’d like to introduce you to my kitchen help:He’s a keeper, even if he refuses to wear pantstodayChicken Breast in a Puff of PastryIngredients:3 or 4 chicken breasts2 frozen puff pastry sheets4 oz cream cheese3 or 4 slices of bacon, roughly cut1 green onion1 large egg, beaten1 Tb of McCormick’s Perfect Pinch for Rotisserie Chicken – It is my new…

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    Tasty Tuesday: Slow Cooking BBQ Chicken

    A new baby, a sick family member, a recent (or upcoming) PCS, or ‘just because!’; there are many reasons a gift of dinner is so appropriate and heart-warming.  If you are looking for a great dinner to deliver ahead of time this is a great one to try.  (Bonus is that you will have two to give and one to keep!) Slow Cooking BBQ Chicken: 3 large unpeeled sweet potatoes4 large green peppers1 large red pepper2 medium onions3 tsps quick cooking tapioca3 – 4 pounds chicken thighs or breasts2 8-ounce cans of diced tomatoes3 tablespoons packed brown sugar3 tsps Worcestershire sauce3 tsps yellow mustard powder3 cloves garlic, minced3 teaspoons salt Chop, dice, cut … into your preferred bite size pieces.  Dump everything evenly into three one-gallon…

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    Herb Pull Apart Yeast Rolls

    There is nothing like fresh bread out of the oven to complete a meal.  In the past my family has been big fans of frozen store bought rolls, like Pillsbury or Rhodes.  However, I recently discovered how much more delicious made from scratch rolls can be.  A perfect compliment to soups, steak, or chicken.  This side-dish complements the senses. This easy recipe recipe makes 18 rolls, which would be perfect for a Thanksgiving get together but if you are making just for a family dinner you can freeze what you don’t plan on eating for another night.  It’s a great way to save a little money and have homemade deliciousness on hand!…

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    Leif Landed First Day

    I love today.  The calendar has it marked as Columbus Day.  Oh the memories of childhood elementary school drawings and the smell of crayons are still carried in my mind.  There were the stories and songs of the Nina, the Pinta and the Santa Maria sailing the ocean.  Somehow these brave crews found the West Indies and are credited for laying claim on the Western Hemisphere.  I always pictured a career group of sailors from Genoa working together, sharing food and chores: organized and cordial. And then I had humor thrown into the vision. In my Dad’s hometown in upstate New York live a cluster of Norwegian octogenarians.  They love…