Domesticity Strikes

I am trying to get back into my domestic groove. I think I have had plenty of excuses after having a baby: "I'm too tired", "Shower -vs- cooking dinner...no competition", and just feeling tired after caring for a baby and feeling NO drive to make a meal, or do anything creative in the home for that matter.

So after a vacation and now that Miya is getting to be a little more independent I have gotten my mojo back, or at least part of my mojo. I think one can only tolerate frozen trader joe's meals for so long (they are good, but can't replace home cooked meals.) So I planned my first week of meals and did my foodshopping and am on a roll. I planned many meals from The Pioneer Woman and it felt good to be working in the kitchen again. Also now that Miya seems to be tolerating dairy again (praise the Lord!) I feel like it's easier to plan normal meals now. Next time you see me I may be a whole 20 pounds heavier because I am making up for lost time with my beloved friends cheese and ice cream :) I can't get enough! Here are a few recent discovers that have been keeping me busy:

Easy homemade Artisan Bread

I found this great way to make bread that is seriously NO FUSS! I love my bread maker and still use it for a lot of different stuff, but I love artisan bread and you can't really get that from the bread maker. I found this great Instructable online that comes from the book "Artisan Bread in 5 Minutes a Day". It is seriously some good stuff. Basically you follow the instructions and make a batch of dough that doesn't even need to be kneaded. Store it in the fridge for up to 2 weeks and grab a ball when you need for loaves of bread, pizza crust, or rolls. You can get creative and make a round loaf or a baguette. She includes videos with instructions on how to prepare and cook the dough. You can use it to accompany meals or use for sandwiches.

If you don't think you can use it in 2 weeks you can parbake (bake 90% of the way) and then freeze it like that and bake the rest of the way when it thaws. I also halved the recipe as is suggested in order to have room to store it in the fridge and since I don't think I could use the whole batch from the original recipe. The dough develops a nice sourdough flavor after a few days...Mmmmm.

Another of my favorite blogs is Simple Mom. She posted this link in her weekend links: "20 Tips to Waste Less Food" from Small notebook. This was so helpful as I am still trying to learn how to not waste food! She has so many great pointers and you can find even more helpful tips in the comments section. My favorite was freezing fresh lemon or lime juice in ice cube trays so you can use it for recipes when you need it. She also mentions freezing leftover wine in ice cube trays for soups and or sauces. Such a great idea.

If you need some fresh inspiration check out Simple Mom, she is doing a whole series on Homemaking called Back to the Basics!

More on life soon...