Right now, I am taking care of my 89 year old Grandmother full time. I haven't had time to focus on the waiting part of adoption. LOL

However, I have been learning from my time here with Grandma that you CAN make food that is WHOLESOME, HOMEMADE, and QUICK!

Here are a couple of recipes to share with you. You will appreciate the time you save making quality food for your family.

I realize I am not a mom yet, but taking care of an 89 year old woman who was totally active (who is still totally "with it" in her brain) and is now a recent amputee with a failing heart is VERY akin to taking care of an infant. LOL

RECIPE #1:

EASY Shepherd Pie (c) Kristi Howard, 2006
My variation of a Shepherd's Pie is SO easy, you won't know why you didn't think of this yourself!

Serves: 3-4 Depending upon appetites.
Prep-time: 5-10 mins.
Cooking time: Approximately 30 mins., allow 5 minutes for cooling.

You'll need:

For topping:

• 1 cup instant mashed potatoes
• 1 quart sized sandwich baggie

For "Pie":

• 1 pound of ground beef or turkey
• 1, 16oz package of frozen vegetables
• 2 tbsp of tomato paste (can substitute 8 oz of v-8 vegetable juice)
• 1 tsp worchestershire sauce


• 1/2 cup diced onion
• 1 clove of garlic, minced (or 1 tsp minced in a jar)
• 1 tbsp margarine (we like Land O Lakes margarine tub)
• 1 cup of water

Preheat oven to 350º Spray a baking or casserole dish with Pam for Baking.

Make the instant mashed potatoes according to package directions. Allow time to cool off somewhat.

In a large skillet, add the onions and garlic to the spread...cooking until the onions begin to "sweat". They will glisten and retain their white color.

Add the ground beef, and cook until the beef is brown. Drain off the grease in a colander, and return the beef to the skillet.

Add the vegetables, tomato paste, worchestershire, and water, and slowly return this mixture to a boil. Turn off the heat.

Pour the meat/veggie mixture into the casserole. Put the instant potatoes inside the plastic baggie, seal, and then snip one of the bottom corners off the baggie, and squeeze the potatoes evenly onto the top of the meat mixture, until top of casserole is completely covered.

**Variation** You can add 1/4 cup of finely grated parmesean or shredded cheddar cheese to the top of the potatoes once you top the casserole**

Bake in the oven for approximately 20 - 25 minutes (until the tips of the potatoes are lightly browned), and then increase the oven temperature to 400º and bake another 3 to 5 minutes.

Remove from oven, and let it sit for 5 minutes before serving.

RECIPE #2
Kristi's Citrus Chicken (c) 2006, Kristi Howard

This sweet and sour chicken is excellent for the most finiky of palettes.
Serve upon white rice with a side salad and bread for a delicious treat!

Serves: 4-6 Depending Upon Appetites
Prep Time: 5 minutes (Can be prepped the night before)
Cooking Time: Approximately 35 mins, until chicken is completely done. Temperature should reach 170º inside.

You'll need:

• 1/4 Cup Lime Juice (fresh IS best)
• 1/4 cup orange juice
• 1/4 cup lemon juice
• 1/2 cup sliced onion


• 2 tbsp Paprika


• 6 boneless, skinless chicken breasts

To Prep the night before:
***HINT FROM GRANDMOTHER*** Soak chicken breasts in salt water for an hour if they have been frozen to plump them up and make them extra juicy!!! It DOES WORK!!!***

Wash chicken breasts and place in baking dish, and pour the citrus juices over them. Cover with aluminum foil, and place in the refrigerator until ready to bake.

To Prep the day of baking:

Wash chicken breasts, place in baking dish, pour the citrus juices on the chicken, and let sit for 15 minutes (desireably).

Preheat oven to 350º

If you don't have the time, pour the juice on the chicken, top with onion and paprika, and place in your 350º degree oven until chicken is fully cooked (approximately 35 minutes).

If you have a meat thermometer, chicken should be 170º to be considered fully cooked.

I do have a whole host of EASY and quick homemade recipes to share, so please, if you would be interested in seeing more recipes posted, definitely leave a comment for me!

Hope you enjoy these recipes!!!

Until Tonight,
Kristi