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9/26/2010

18. Try 25 new recipes (5/25)

Tonight I made "Brown Bag Burritos." That is the link to the original recipe, I posted mine below with a few changes. Glen & I have been struggling with lunches lately. We usually eat leftovers, sandwiches or takeout. I'm not sure what changed - maybe I've been cooking smaller portions, or we've been eating larger ones. Either way, we often are coming up short with easy lunches to grab. I had bookmarked this recipe a few weeks ago and couldn't wait to try it.

I figured out the cost, and it's approximately $.60/burrito. Even if Glen eats 2 for lunch, that still costs less than $2 for a great home cooked lunch. We have not tried them yet, but we both tasted the filling several times and it was soo good! I will definitely try these again, and I may add rice next time!

Brown Bag Burritos

  • 2 lb. ground beef (I used ground turkey)
  • 2 cans refried beans
  • 1 1/3 c. enchilada sauce (I used 8oz tomato sauce, 1/3 cup salsa)
  • 1/2 c. water (omitted)
  • 1/3 c. minced onion
  • 1 Tbsp. chili powder (I used 1 tsp)
  • 1 Tbsp. garlic powder
  • 1 tsp. salt
  • 1 tsp. dried oregano
  • 3 c. shredded cheese (cheddar, Mexican blend, whatever)
  • 20 flour tortillas (burrito-size) (I only used 18)

Brown ground beef; drain. Add remaining ingredients (except tortillas). Bring to a boil. Reduce heat; cover and simmer for 20 minutes.

Heat 3-4 tortillas at a time. (I heated 4 at a time, between 2 damp paper towels for 45 seconds in the microwave)

Spoon 1/4 c. beef mixture down the side of each tortilla. (1/4 cup = 3 heaping tbsp. I used 4-5 tbsp in each burrito. It was easy to scoop with the small tablespoon, instead of a big serving spoon)

Roll up. Wrap each burrito in a paper towel, then wrap in foil. Refrigerate or freeze. I like to pack them in the tortilla ziplock bag. When ready to eat, remove foil and microwave for about a minute. The paper towel keeps the burritos moist. If you’re eating on the run, though, just grab and go!

9/07/2010

Can we say SLACKER?!

I've been neglecting my blogs lately. :( We moved from Wilson to Raleigh about 3 weeks ago, and life has been a little hectic! Let's see if I can catch up!

16. Read 50 books (3/50)
I FINALLY finished "Eat, Pray, Love." I started this book in June and had the hardest time getting through it. It was an interesting story but very drawn out. I'm probably just too accustomed to reading fiction. I do not plan on seeing the movie.

18. Try 25 new recipes (19/25)
I made my first homemade pizza! I started with this sauce recipe, it was awesome! The dough recipe came from an encyclopedia cookbook from the 70's. Overall, it was a great pizza. I look forward to making it regularly and perfecting my techniques.

49. Replace coffee and end tables
Our coffee/end tables were from Ikea. The end table had a shattered leg, and the coffee table was starting to bubble. Ikea furniture is cute, but its definitely disposable. I prefer real wood stuff! My grandmother in NJ gave me 2 end tables and a coffee table that are solid cherry wood. They look lovely in our living room. I hope to refinish and polyurethane them someday.

61. Have ten date nights
Glen & I took a night off to enjoy Olive Garden's NeverEnding Pasta Bowl. We triple dated with 2 other couples and had a fun time. Aunt Nancy was kind enough to babysit (and clean up cat puke, that makes an awesome sitter!)

84. Take him to a park 50 times (13/50)
I'm glad to say I do not think I can count all the times we've played at the park the last few weeks. Here is what I can remember: we played at the park in Wilson one last time before we moved, visited the Wake County Landfill Park, Shelley Lake and Laurel Hills with our playgroup, and Laurel Hills again with Daddy. Caleb loves the park and I love getting out!

87. Go out and feed the ducks
Last week we visited Shelley Lake with Ashley & Jenny, and their kiddos Jack & Maddie. The kids all had fun feeding the ducks. Maddie loved eating the bread herself, Jack kept asking for "piece!" and Caleb just enjoyed the throwing. I can't wait to do it again!

Whew! I think we're caught up, no pictures because Glen has my computer disconnected for some updating! Oh well!