Oatmeal Casserole

I made this for our breakfast on Oct. 17.  I actually very rarely eat, much less make breakfast, so I decided to make this is a special treat over the weekend.  I don't remember where I actually got this recipe from, but I have had it for many years.  I am not sure if I have ever made it before, but it is really yummy.  Mel and I both give it a 10!  It is such a wonderful and filling breakfast.  I did not have coconut or nuts to add, so I used little packets of snack mixes from a healthy snack company called "Graze"  ( they have awesome food, by the way).  We topped it with brown sugar, honey, cinnamon sugar, and extra milk.  I think I will make this once a month.

 P.S.  Sorry the pictures turned out so dark, this camera works better outdoors than in.  

Green Chile Burgers

I made these for Mel on Oct.10th.  He said they are excellent, a 10!  I changed the recipe quite a bit, but basically just used the concept of the diced green chilies in the burgers.  I used ground turkey instead of beef, and canned chilies instead of fresh.  I also did not make the sauce that goes with it because it called for tomatillos, which were way too expensive.  Instead, Mel topped these with sliced tomatoes, leeks, mayo, and sriracha sauce.  I'm looking forward to trying yet another burger idea from this same Rachael Ray magazine next week (even though I don't eat them!).

Meat Lover's Tamale Pie

I made this for Mel last Sunday.  The recipe is called "Pork Lover's Tamale Pie," but I used three kinds of meat, so I changed the name.  I used ground turkey, beef bratwurst, and bacon.  Also, I do not have an oven-proof skillet, so after cooking the meat and making the cornbread dough, I placed it in a cake pan and cooked it in the oven that way.  I think I also changed the spices used, but stayed pretty close to the recipe.  Mel loved, loved, loved this dish!  Gave it 12 points out of 10 and can't wait for me to make it again!   

Cleaning Tips

I don't usually post cleaning tips, but these work so great, I just had to share! 

I got the first tip from a show called "The Fab Life."  To clean a greasy pan, place one dryer sheet in the bottom, fill with warm water, and soak over night.  You will be amazed at how quickly and easily the pan comes clean of grease.  I still wash it in the dish washer afterwards, but it makes it so much easier to rinse before the dishwasher.

I don't remember where I got this second tip from, but it is also amazing.  Because I have asthma, I am chemical-sensitive.  Plus, I am in between paychecks right now, but have a clogged sink.  A super safe and much cheaper way to unclog a sink is by dumping some baking soda in the sink (I didn't measure it).  Fill the sink with hot water and let the soda dissolve down the drain.  If it doesn't dissolve, just use a Q-tip to push down the clumps.  This works just as quick as Drano.  I repeated the treatment just to make the sink work even better, so a second dose of baking soda may be helpful as well.