Kitchen Remodel - Yes or No

Tough times can bring on more hanging out in the kitchen. The Internet is such a great source for new recipes and new cooking ideas. In the meantime, there is a slim chance we will remodel or upscale what we already have in our kitchen. 

My Pinterest boards are a great reminder of where I find good ideas ( pinterest.com/reneesbags ) and I plan to post some of the remodel ideas here as well. We have a medium size galley kitchen.  I am looking for storage ideas and for eating bar ideas.  Let me know if you have a good idea for a galley kitchen or know of a good Internet site. We can dream together.

I found this photo here: http://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/2264887/thumbs/mehand-s-galley-kitchen-ideas

Exploring Internet with Pinterest

I recently found a new way to search and explore the Internet.  I am a "picture" person and creating pin boards of the things that interest me is a great way to return to that subject and to share what I find.  My latest is a newly acquired taste for asparagus. Under my "Good Food" pin board at  http://www.pinterest.com/reneesbags/good-food/, is a picture of asparagus. When clicking on the photo, it takes me to the corresponding article with some great information.  The article is short and sweet...just my speed.  Here is the photo from the good people at Allyou magazine ( http://www.allyou.com/food/how-to-cook-asparagus-00411000074591/ ).

 Pinterest makes it very easy to pin photos of almost everything and anything you want to see again or share with your family or the world. I have created several different pin boards for many different subjects (not just food). I am learning how to use Pinterest, and it is well worth the time it takes to get the hang of it.

Maybe I will see you there!

Peace in your Kitchen,
Renee

Okay, so my doctor wants me on low carbs because of my high cholesterol count. He says to me, "Eat all the cheese and eggs you want".  What? Cheese and eggs?  He did not say one thing about beans and legumes...I love those!  And it's a good thing I do since I do not eat meat, and I need to be creative to get enough protein.  Slowly, slowly I am down a couple pounds (the "slow" is because of those almonds, walnuts and pecans). This is good protein, but I snack too much. I call this diet "Earth Food".  Hmmm, like Earth Day.

And what are you doing for Earth Day.  I like this celebration.  I think each year it gets more and more publicity.  The schools here are big into it.  We recycle big at my house.  I am into recycling in my sewing and handmade shop: ReneesBags.etsy.com.  I just love going to the local second hand store to see what goodies I can find.  I needed a 3 yard piece of fabric to make a long, narrow apron tie.  Three yards of fabric would be an outrageous price compared to a beautiful, large, unwanted foot stool cover I found.  And now I have some really great coordinating fabric to use on another project.  Here is the apron:

I call it a work apron because of all the pockets. You can use it with any of your projects like crafts, painting, house keeping and even working out doors.  When done, just keep the pockets loaded with your tools, roll it up and it will be ready again when you are.  Easy washer and dryer care.

Till the next time, Happy Earth Day!.

Renee

Veggie Eating is Not Enough

Ok, so I found out today that I have to go on a low carb diet. Essentially, The Atkins Diet. My cholesterol is too high, and the carbohydrates that I eat cause me to produce too much insulin. The name for this condition is dyslipidemia. In short, when I eat one slice of bread, my body thinks I ate two slices of bread. The low carb diet should take care of the problem or at least make it better.

I have decided it is important for me to stick to my diet plan. Plus, the secondary bonus is loosing weight. Yep, 20 pounds lower on the scale would be great!

Since I consider myself vegetarian, except for eating fish, eggs and cheese, I will have to cut out a few staples: pasta and pizza dough and potatoes (French fries) and sandwiches and sugar. But I love all kinds of other food which is on the diet. I think this will work!

The doctor wants to see my diet journal, but I do not have to count calories or limit the non-carb foods. In 2 months I get another lab test to see how it is going. So wish me luck.

In addition to what the doctor gave me, I found a really cool web site on this subject:
http://lowcarbdiets.about.com/ I did some pinning of their information. That is Pinterest.com and this is my page: pinterest.com/reneesretro . You might want to consider signing up for pinterest. It is another way to run across lots of really neat things.
Tom, my significant other, is hooked on it, too (well, sort of).

I will check back another time to let you know how I am doing.

Renee

Click Here to Visit My Etsy Shop!

iPad 2 Case, iPad Blue Denim Cover, Handmade iPad Sleeve, Denim iPad Case, Blue Denim Hip Bag - $22.00

Handmade Denim iPad Sleeve,



I really like designing and sewing new things. I have made iPad 2 cases, and now that the iPad 3 is coming out, please check the measurements if you have the new one. This iPad envelope-style, quilted case is easily slipped into your bag, brief case, carry-on or back pack ready for use when you are away from home. The envelope design has a flap with a hook and loop closure. It is like an envelope pocket for your iPad and protects your device while at home or away.



The ...

Click Here to Visit My Etsy Shop!

Sun City West, AZ Arts and Craft Festival

Spring Arts and Crafts Fair
Saturday, March 24, 8am to 3pm
Come and join us at this super great, fun affair!!

One of Phoenix Valley's largest craft fairs is at Sun City West's Recreation Center Campus, at 19803 R.H. Johnson Blvd., includes the Arts and Crafts Courtyard, the Social Hall and the Village Store. Parking and admission are free.

Thousands of one-of-a-kind items are featured in this annual extravaganza. From popular metal work, clay and ceramic pieces to fine art, fun holiday crafts and utilitarian items, the fair boasts a wide range of offerings. Other items include jewelry, handmade quilts, leather, stained glass, calligraphy, baskets, silk flowers, porcelain pieces, decorative art painting, wooden objects, copper enameling, woven works and much more.

Breakfast, lunch and various beverages and snacks will be available for purchase at great prices.

Here is a list of all their clubs and activities: http://www.scwclubs.com/ I belong to the sewing group and they have wonderful quilts, purses, doll clothes, kitchen items, aprons, and many, many things for you, your family and your friends. This is a huge sale and you will have a very good time.


Click Here to Visit My Etsy Shop!

Trying to get organized so I can be organized

It has been a while since checking in here on the blog.  I wanted to post some information about a new project.  Since I mostly have it done, I'll let you in on it now.  I have what those with sewing machines call "a stash".  A stash can drive you nuts if it is not organized.  It doesn't take long to build up a pile of assorted fabrics.

Not long ago I was reading on another blog, SmashedPeasNCarrots - http://smashedpeasandcarrots.blogspot.com/2010/11/mini-fabric-bolts-and-some-studio.html, about how she organized her stash.  I believe she is the first person to post the idea on her blog. She purchased comic book boards at her local comic book store to fold her stash pieces.  The boards are acid free and great for holding the folded fabric.  If you go to her blog you will see her
h u g e stash.  She also has an Etsy shop: SmashedPeasNCarrots.etsy.com

Here are my before and after photos.  No real big deal, but it helps me a lot when I want to start a new sewing project.  And it is nice to look at!

Before:

And here is after:

My shelves will not hold the fabric boards upright, so I just stack them with the folded edge plainly in sight.  There were 100 boards in the package, and I used every one!  This is about all my fabric, but I'm going to order more boards: Amazon.com - $12 for 100.

That's about it for now, folks.

I have to get my tax information in order for the tax lady.
Oh, and by the way, here is my Etsy shop: RenesBags.etsy.com
AND here is my new retro shop: ReneesRetro.etsy.com

Bye,
Renee

Yeah for Shop Small!  Today is Shop Small Business Saturday...That's ME! Thank you to everyone who has visited my shop, liked my shop, told someone about my shop, wished me "Good Luck" this shopping season...etc, etc.  Thank you.  Thank you.

http://www.etsy.com/shop/NeonSunset

Pumpkin Pie Again

It is hard to believe another year has gone by, and all America is getting ready for a big holiday.  That also means big food.  Lots of food!  And then lots of shopping.  It used to be in my family we would always exchange names for our Christmas gift drawing...aunts and uncles and everybody.  It was so much fun.  My family is much smaller today, and we pretty much know what each other would like to have.

But back to Thanksgiving.  Many people today are not so much into the turkey tradition.  As you might know, my favorite place to find a wonderful, huge recipe variety is on VegWeb.com.  Those wonderful people send out a newsletter by email, and you can find the Thanksgiving edition posted on their site at this link: http://hosted.verticalresponse.com/211087/e1f0a13155/1493001999/ae708a6fca/ .  They only send it out if you sign up for it.

The November's newsletter features Thanksgiving Desserts and is loaded with Thanksgiving recipes and information.

Happy Thanksgiving to you, your family and your friends!

Kitchen, etc.

I wanted to share the ideas I have for your kitchen or for Holiday gift giving.  Some of these items can be used as housewarming gifts, as “Thank you” gifts and for “I know you will like it” gifts.

These things are in my shop in the section titled, “Kitchen, etc.”.  Sadly for you, I sold a very cute cupcake hot pad, and a very sassy, pretty ruffled apron. 

Happily, I found a lonely, like new place mat at the second hand shop, and it became this lovely double oven mitt. http://www.etsy.com/listing/83891676/double-oven-mitt-pot-holder-2-hande

It needs a new kitchen to help get those heavy casseroles out of the oven or help get the hot dishes out of the wall-mount micro wave.  I added a pretty green fabric with tiny purple polka dots.

You will find 4 different table runners to choose from.  Here is a picture of the Christmas fabric table runner.http://www.etsy.com/listing/81512067/christmas-table-runner-reversible

It is fun to change the look of your table throughout the year.  Changing table runners actually changes the look of the whole room.

Aprons, now I have aprons…8 at this writing.  Just in time for Thanksgiving, I selected this apron to post here: http://www.etsy.com/listing/81748784/fall-apron-womens-full-autumn-pumpkin

This apron and 5 others are up-cycled.  Like-new table cloths and pillow cases are now living as aprons…very retro and practical aprons.  The other 2 aprons are new polka dot fabric with 3 layers of ruffles.  Very fun to wear!  Some have pockets and some do not.  They all wash and dry beautifully.

My kitchen section needs some more ideas, and I would love to hear any suggestions you might have.  I thought of designing and sewing small appliance covers, more hot pads and a new item: an oven rack guard.  I have the special fire proof fabric and will post again when it is designed and listed.  In the meantime, let me know if you have any ideas!

Happy, healthy cooking and Peace in Your Kitchen!
Renee

Back in the Saddle

So here it is, much later in time, and I have revisited my blog.  I am the same person, with the same ideas, but with some new ideas.  Social media has a lot to do with that.

I now have an Internet shop with handmade items for you and the family: 
http://www.etsy.com/shop/neonsunset

I have a Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/NeonSunsetEtsy

And I have a Twitter page:   https://twitter.com/#!/NeonSunsetEtsy

I hope those links work for you and that you have time to visit.

I will be back another time to post again.  In the meantime, I am setting up my shop with another new item.  It takes time because I try to list 3 different choices of the same item.

Video: Preparing BBQ Tofu

This recipe is for all those vegetarians out there who miss the BBQ flavor. Getting used to cooking with tofu doesn't take long, and another name for this recipe could be BBQ Hot Wings. Be sure to share this with your non-vegetarian friends and family...they will love it.

Video: Preparing General Tao's Tofu

Video embedding:



General Tao's Tofu is one of the most popular recipes on VegWeb.com. I know you will enjoy this tofu stir fry. You can vary the recipe according to what you have on hand in your kitchen or vary it according to your taste.

Video: Preparing Delectable Tofu Desserts

Video embedding:



Note:  This is my favorite video, but it mysteriously vanished.  I will work on getting it back.

Silken Chocolate Cherry Mousse and Pumpkin Tofu Pie

I continue to receive requests for educational videos and particularly directions on how to cook with tofu. The 2 recipes on this video have never let me down and I'm sure you will enjoy them, too. Again, thanks to the VegWeb.com recipe data base.

Let me know your experience with these recipes and any ideas you might have.

As always, Peace in Your Kitchen!

Renee

Cooking Light with Healthy Recipes

Cooking tips and great ideas about cooking light with easy recipes.

We all have very little time for putting together healthy meals; even those who are retired and those who are stay-at-home working people. This collection of cooking tips and free recipes is meant to make you feel like you just graduated from cooking school...well, maybe not quite. And don’t forget cooking for a crowd. With a little planning, easy recipes can make it a snap! Well, here goes…

Tip 1. Think of the foods you are passionate about. We all know that “Million-dollar Success Stories” are created by people who are passionate about their work. Passionate...what a word! The same goes in the kitchen. If you like it and want it, you will be successful.

Tip 2. Determine your cooking situation: cooking for 2, cooking for 1, cooking for a crowd, cooking with simple recipes, cooking for kids, cooking gourmet, etc.

Tip 3. Allow yourself the freedom to stock a pantry in your favorite cooking style: Italian, South West, Country Home Cooking, Southern Cooking, etc. When ingredients are on hand, cooking becomes fun. Check your selected recipes for any additional shopping needs.

Tip 4. All cooking styles can be vegetarian and delicious!

Tip 5. Presentation, presentation, presentation! Even if you are cooking for one, treat yourself to a lovely table setting at least two times a week. More fun! Pretty center piece, candles, placemat, pretty table cloth, cloth napkins, etc.

Now for the recipes...simple, healthy recipes for complete meals, all found at vegweb.com. Many have reader comments and helpful tips. Modify as needed for your cooking palette. Desserts are included and can be prepared or not.

This 5 course meal can be changed to a 3 or 4 course meal. Use when “company’s coming” or “just because”. The recipes can be printed out and please consider using VegWeb's Grocery List Maker provided at the top of each recipe. It’s an amazing shopping assistant!

Really Good, Fast Lentil Soup submitted by mlharris - Put together ahead and reheat...delicious!
Mandarin Salad - submitted by jessesmum - Bright, light and delicious!
Pasta Mia - submitted by Redd - Low fat!...Whoopee!
Simple Chocolate Mousse - submitted by lax - Delicate, special and easy!

This meal is great for cooking outdoors. Fun, easy recipes! Again, use the Grocery List Maker.

Veggie BBQ - submitted by gorskins - Great variety...something for everyone!
Black Bean Pasta Salad - submitted by Annie - Great! Another make ahead recipe!
Garbanzo Bean Burgers - submitted by KL Marbury - Pan fry or use heavy foil on the grill.
Instead of making the patties, grocery freezer sections have some very good veggie burgers. Select one, grill and brush with your favorite BBQ sauce.
Don’t forget whole wheat buns and condiments.
Monas Chewy Good n Gooey Pecan Brownies - submitted by Mona - Well, you have to live a little. Only have one...if you can!

Video: Tofu Prep 101

Cooking with tofu and finding tofu recipes can be very easy in today's vegetarian market. Internet sites like VegWeb.com are just loaded with information and tofu recipes on how to cook tofu. I hope this article is helpful and that you learn new ways for cooking with tofu.

Tofu, or bean curd as it is some times called, is made by coagulating soy milk and then pressing the resulting curds into blocks. It is a food of Chinese origin. Acid type coagulants are used for silken and softer tofu. Salt coagulants are used to make a more firm tofu and adds calcium.

Commercial tofu comes in aseptic packaging (does not need refrigeration) and has a shelf life of one year. Water packed tofu requires refrigeration. Silken tofu is soft, firm or extra firm. Regular tofu is firm or extra firm. In some cases the soy milk is curdled directly into the packaging and others are allowed to cool, become firm, cut into pieces and in some cases, flavored or further processed.

The process of freezing tofu makes it a meat-like texture to be used in easy tofu recipes. The moisture creates ice crystals which in turn create layered cavities. After thawing the tofu, it is then squeezed or pressed to remove the moisture. This can be done by sandwiching the tofu between two plates and paper towels or dish clothes. Place a weight such as a pan of water, or canned food on top of the plates for about 15 to 20 minutes. Pour off the liquid.

Unused left over tofu can be kept refrigerated for 3 days in a sealed container and covered with water. Change the water daily.

For tofu desserts, sauces and shakes, blend silken, soft or firm tofu until creamy smooth. Mix together with other ingredients according to the recipe. Making tofu cheesecake is one of the many easy dessert tofu recipes.

For stir fried tofu recipes, deep fried tofu, tofu salads and casserole tofu recipes, cube, slice, or crumble regular, firm or extra firm tofu. Use as is or freeze and thaw. Mix together with other ingredients according to the many easy recipes.

If you would like to learn how to make tofu at home, here is a site with directions and photos for making tofu: Homemade Tofu

Nutrition:

High in protein - about 10.7% for firm tofu and 3.7% for soft silken tofu.
Low in saturated fat.
Low in calories.
Beneficial amounts of iron.
No cholesterol.
Sometimes high in calcium (depending on the coagulant used in processing).
High in magnesium.

The Recipe Directory at VegWeb.com has a Tofu Recipe section with six pages of recipes. Categories: BBQ, Baked, Fried, Burgers/Patties and Miscellaneous. Tofu can also be found in recipes throughout the entire Recipe Directory.

You Don't Eat Meat?

How many times have you heard this: "What? You don't eat meat?!". "What can you eat?" Well, times are changing and main-stream groceries along with most restaurants (even fast food restaurants) have vegetarian choices.

Educating the population is slowing turning the tide. The senior population is catching on to the benefits of the veggie diet. Public eateries now highlight menus with "healthy" choices that are veggie or will gladly make veggie changes. Family gatherings are more open to different types of diets (vegetarian being one of them). Food companies are listening and stocking the frozen food sections in groceries with veggie burgers, veggie ribs, veggie crumble, veggie sausage, etc. There are many types of tofu, soy cheeses and non-dairy ice creams. These foods are processed and not meant to be one's entire food choices; however, vegetarian lunch and dinner plates are becoming easier to put together.

The following list explains the varieties of a vegetarian diet:

Lacto vegetarian: no meat or eggs but consumes dairy
Ovo vegetarian: no meat or dairy but consumes eggs
Lacto-ovo vegetarian: no meat but consumes dairy and eggs
Vegan: no meat, eggs, dairy, honey and avoids all animal products such as leather and fur

The following list is less common practices of the vegetarian diet:

Raw food: usually vegan food not heated over 116 degrees Fahrenheit (46.7 degrees Celsius) - may be warmed slightly but never cooked
Fruitarian: only food which falls off the plant without harming the plant such as nuts, fruit, seeds, beans, tomatoes, cucumber, pumpkin, etc.

Each individual must choose for him/herself the type of vegetarian diet; plus, must be mindful of eating a variety of nutritious food and limit quantity. But, don't forget to have fun, be inventive and experiment with different recipes.

Garbanzo Beans aka Chickpeas

Here is my first challenge to anyone who is reading this post:
It is not unusual for people to say, "I don't like chickpeas!" Below is an amazing recipe using this often unwanted bean. Wait! It's delicious! Just try it!

Reasons for you to wrap your arms around this versatile legume? OK?

1. Good source of iron and protien
2. Has low glycemic carbohyrates (the best kind)
3. Low in calories and fat free
4. Cholesterol lowering fiber
5. Contributes to heart health (folate and magnesium)



Garbanzo Tacos (submitted by burch)

Ingredients (use vegan versions):

2 cans garbanzo beans
1 packet taco seasoning (any brand)
lettuce
lard-free tortillas or hard taco shells
tomatoes
onions
salsa
any other items you like on your taco

Directions:

Dump both cans of beans into a skillet (but use the liquid from only one can).

Dump in the taco seasoning. Stir and let simmer for about 10-15 minutes.

Add beans and other ingredients to your tacos, burritos, and/or taco salads.

Especially good recipe for those who aren't crazy about the flavor of garbanzo beans. The seasoning takes over.

Serves: 6
Preparation time: 15 minutes

A Custom-Made Pantry List

Time to get started. The #1 important item to consider is the Pantry. We think of the pantry as something our ancestors had. But if you're lucky enough to have a space in the kitchen large enough to hold all the essentials of great healthy cooking, that is a pantry. So whether your pantry is in different cupboards or not, take a look and see what surprises are there. Don't forget to check the expiration dates.

The Custom-Made Pantry List (linked above) can be found on VegWeb. I have repeated the list below, but keep in mind, because of the many different ethnic groups, not everyone will want to keep the same things on hand. Change the list in whatever ways suit your favorite cooking style (a post later on vegetarian/vegan diet choices).

Whole grain breads
Brown rice
Grains such as couscous and barley
Rolled oats
Whole grain dry cereal
Flours (wheat, unbleached, pastry, cornmeal)
Pasta
Legumes (dried or canned - kidney beans, black beans, lentils)
Condiments (soy sauce, miso, mustard, pickles, etc.)
Olives
Vinegars of choice
Oils (olive, vegetable, sesame)
Soy/Rice milk of choice
Sweeteners (date, maple and unbleached cane sugars, Stevia, etc.)
Vanilla extract and other flavorings
Baking powder
Baking soda
Cornstarch or arrowroot
Nutritional yeast and baking yeast
Nuts
Egg replacer of choice
Sea salt
Black pepper
Herbs and Spices
Shelf-ready tofu and or Textured Vegetable Protein
Vegetables - canned, frozen
Fruits - canned, frozen
Dried fruit (raisins, peaches, apricots and others)

Health, Wealth and Happiness

I don't know about the "Wealth", but the "Health and Happiness" can be found right in your own kitchen! Daily nutrient recommendations can be meant with a vegetarian diet. A variety of food groups, and the right amount of food is all it takes.
This page, the American dietetic Association (ADA), has good tips and resources pointing out the need to focus on protein, iron, calcium, zinc and vitamin B 12. I have selected entree recipes from VegWeb to help get you on the health and happiness trail.

Protein - beans, nuts, nut butters, peas and soy products:
Beef Stroganoff You Thought You'd Never Have Again!


Iron - whole wheat breads, peas, some dried fruits (apricots, prunes, raisins), spinach, kidney beans, black-eyed peas, lentils, turnip greens, molasses and iron-fortified cereals:
Yummy Mock Chicken Salad - This is incredible, easy and inexpensive!
Spinach Casserole

Calcium - soy products (tofu, soy milk), some dark green leafy vegetables (collard greens, turnip greens, bok choy, mustard greens), fortified breakfast cereals, and calcium fortified orange juice:
Soy Delicious Strawberry Banana Smoothie or Shake
Asparagus and Bok Choy Stir-fry


Zinc - beans (white, kidney and chickpeas), wheat germ, pumpkin seeds and zinc-fortified breakfast cereals:

Vitamin B 12 - nutritional yeast, B 12 fortified cereals, veggie burgers and soy milk: