been a while...

Well, it's been a while since I've updated the blog, before today. It was an interesting summer and fall, I must say and it left little time or more accurately, little energy for blogging. Sometimes, when you are in the thick of it, all you can do is be in it. So, the blog has been neglected. And while I write this blog as though lots of people read it, I don't know if they do, and even if they do I really can't imagine anyone being interested in my little dramas or dramadies, as the case may be. So, all in all, I think that enough said about that.

I have been very busy creatively though and have several things to feature on the blog! I have also been re-inspired in the kitchen and have turned soup making into an art (no false modesty here!).

When I have a lot on my plate to consider, mull over, contemplate, or decipher, my creative urge skyrockets. Does that ever happen to you?

Life if change. Growth is optional. Choose wisely.

#1 Meal - Time Saving Tip

My absolute favorite time saving technique is to make ahead one pound packages of browned ground meats, which I freeze in zipper freezer bags.

I start by buying differing kinds of ground meat at the grocery. Ground Turkey, Beef, Chicken, Sausage, doesn't matter. I usually usually make 6 pounds at a time and use two or three different kinds of meat. I use a small food chopper to chop up 1 stalk of celery, 1 large carrot, 1 clove of garlic and one yellow onion per 2 pounds. I brown two pounds at a time cause that's what fits in my skillet. I salt and pepper and include some veggies with each batch. When brown, I drain, then dump it into a huge bowl to wait until all the batches are finished. Mix well, then divide into zipper bags. ONce you fill the bags, squeeze the air out, zip, then smoosh the bag flat cause it stores much better in the freezer this way.

These little bags of wonder make in a hurry dinners! Just think of all the dishes you can make: spaghetti, chili, sloppy joes, omelet filling, pizza topping...