RECIPE: Slow Cooker Pork & ‘Kraut

This is one of Dot’s favorite recipes. I remember the first time I put this together. That was the moment I first thought of putting together my recipes for The Unemployment Cookbook. So you know this is very special to me.

Living in a tiny apartment, working a part-time substitute job at the school district, I knew after a full day of work, school, and errands for the both of us, Dot and I would be hungry the moment we walked back in the door.

I quickly layered Campbell’s Cream of Mushroom soup (undiluted), two pork chops, and a … read the rest. . .

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January Meal Plan: It’s All In The Pantry (and Freezer)

I’m changing how I do my meal plans. The last few months, I’ve been throwing together what I can find. Buying for one meal at a time.

With Dot’s schedule (read: college, work, boyfriend), together-at-the-table time just isn’t as frequent. But that doesn’t mean I can’t still cook well even on those evenings she’s not home.

This year, in keeping with my Word of 2014, my Better Plan for meal prep is improving:
Taking what I have and working with it. Why buy what I don’t need?

So last week I made a list of what I had and … read the rest. . .

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Stocking up the Cabinet

A month ago, I shared with you a few suggestions for stocking up the pantry to easily provide for your family and company without having to go to the store at the last minute. These tips are also great for those times when inclement weather or lack of transportation interferes with your daily schedule.

But what about those non-food needs? A well-stocked cabinet not only covers emergency moments, but can also provide some fun family time. Pretend you’re going camping: turn off the lights, the TV, the computers and see what you can do without electronics.

Batteries for flashlights and … read the rest. . .

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My #GrillMatesPack from Chatterbox and McCormick

Have you ever heard of House Party? It’s a social network website where companies choose applicants to showcase their product. Typically, if chosen to participate, you agree to invite at least 12 people to your shindig and promote the whazoo out of it before, during and after. Tweet, post, link, like, comment and share. Post videos. Tweet photos. Pin party ideas. Whichever product you’re chosen for, you also agree to host your party on a specific day. That’s right. It’s like a national block party with 1,000 gatherings taking place at the same time. How fun is that, right?… read the rest. . .

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Stocking up the Pantry

It’s only September, but chatter has it that winter will be wearing out its welcome with voracity this year. I’ve talked with many gardeners over the past few months who tell me their baskets are less than bushels-ful. The Farmer’s Almanac has the country abuzz with their predictions of an earlier, colder, and longer winter.

Now’s the time to start stocking up on those food items that can get you through any storm. They’re handy when there’s unexpected company. They’re reliable when you can’t get to the store. And most of the items are inexpensive, which allows you to save … read the rest. . .

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