Beef & Cabbage Soup aka "Pigs in a swimming pool"

        This is a super easy, low maintenance, delicious soup that I whipped up last night.  I'd been craving Crapper (Cracker) Barrel's Beef & Cabbage soup for awhile now, and I decided to recreate it to the best of my ability!  I'm rather famous (atleast in my house) for my Cabbage Rolls aka "Pigs in a blanket", so I tried to keep some of the basic flavors/concepts for this soup! My husband nicknamed it "Pigs in a swimming pool", since the pigs are outside of their blankets, swimming around =) ... I hope you enjoy it as much as we did!  Oh, serve it with some delicious crusty bread, or even some soft homemade dinner rolls!  Yum!!!!

        Ingredients:

• 2 tsp Olive Oil
• 1lb Ground Beef (or half beef half pork)
• 1 small Onion, chopped
• 2 stalks of Celery, chopped
• 3 cloves of Garlic, chopped
• 28oz can Diced Tomatoes (and their juice)
• 28oz can of water
• 8-12oz Dry Beans (Navy, Northern, whatever you like, smaller ones are best)
• 49.5oz can Chicken Broth
• 3-4 Beef Bullion cubes
• 2 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
• 1 tbsp Ketchup
• 1/2 tsp Cumin
• 1 tsp Parsley
• 1/2 tsp Basil
• 1/4 tsp Dill Weed
• 1/2 tsp Garlic Powder
• Salt & Pepper to taste
• 3/4 head of Cabbage, chopped

        Directions:

1. In the bottom of a large stock pot or dutch oven, add your olive oil, meat, onion and celery.  Cook over medium heat until the meat is browned and the onions are translucent.  Add the garlic and stir often so it doesn't burn, until the garlic is aromatic (about a minute or two).
2. Dump in the diced tomatoes, water, dry beans, chicken broth, bullion cubes, worcestershire sauce, & ketchup.  Stir until well combined. 
3. Bring to a boil, and lower to a simmer.  Simmer for about 2-3hours until the beans are soft.  (Test them often, because cooking times/temps may vary depending on the type of beans used).
4. When the beans are starting to soften, add your cabbage and the seasonings that are left and cook until the cabbage and beans are deliciously edible.
5. Serve with a crusty french bread or some soft dinner rolls!  
6. Enjoy!

Learning to live, or living to learn... Part 2; Education

        When I had my first child, who is turning 10 years old next month (oh Mylanta, where does the time go?), I was in a very different place than I am now.  Understandably so... Nevertheless, I honestly, like most young parents, didn't know what I was doing!  At 17 years old, I knew very little about the world, relationships, child-rearing, work-ethic, God, handling money, relating to others, education... the list goes on!

        Flash forward to present day, more specifically, around when my second child was born (nearly 1 year ago now!), and there have been lots of changes, indeed!  I've done lots of soul searching in the past 3-4 years, and changed many aspects of our lives (sometimes, to my husband's dismay =)  ).  I've become much more health conscious, set up an envelope budget system to get our (many) bills caught up, and like I hinted in my previous post:  decided on a "parenting style".  Now, that's not to say I subscribe to a cult-like idea of how to parent my children, and do ritualistic things to ensure that I'm following the "grain"... Not at all.  I follow my own idea (and the bible of course) on how to raise my children, but I do look into studies and articles which reinforce my idea that children thrive best when closely connected, and gently corrected with love and attention.  

        Naturally, among these studies, I have found many "bunny trails" to peak my interest in other areas of our lives.  One of which is the choice to educate at home.  Now, there are many factors to consider in this equation, and it's not for everyone.  Things one should ask themselves when considering home education, include, but are not limited to:

• (If your children are already attending public school) Is the current system working for us?
• Do I enjoy spending time with my children - lots of time?
• Which type of schooling do my children want/prefer (if both styles have been discussed or tested)?
• Do you have strong religious or political views that don't coincide with the public school system?
• Do one or both parents stay home or work from home to enable this lifestyle?
• Can you afford it? (depending on what type of schooling, you may choose to use a curriculum, but also there is the cost of traveling, museums, co-ops, fun group activities, and of course the lost income of the parent staying home.) *this can vary greatly, depending on many factors!
• Are there many resources available in your area to compliment a diverse learning environment?
• Any other concerns your spouse and you might have.

        After much prayer, research, discussion, and 4+ years of dealing with public schooling for my son, we have decided that homeschooling is the right choice for our family.  Ideally, our daughter, when old enough, will never have to see the inside of a traditional classroom (unless she chooses to!).  I was asked, when withdrawing my son last month (mid-April), by his principal, why we chose this.  Out of curiosity, he said, he asks all parents what helped them come to this decision.  Honestly, the answer is that there wasn't one specific reason... There were many factors that lead to this decision.  The current system wasn't working for us.  My son was not thriving in this environment.  I, being a stay at home mom now, felt like my children would benefit most from being home with me.  Many of the secular and downright worldly ideas taught in school directly clashed with our faith.  I want my children to be happy, healthy, free-thinking, individuals with the freedom to choose what to learn and` when to learn it.

        Now, I'm sure someone reading this subscribes to the common misconception that home-schooled children are "sheltered" & "unsocialized" but not only is this wrong, it's actually quite opposite from the truth!  Think about this:  In public school, evolution is taught as the absolute truth.  I remember books filled with Darwin and his theories, photos of monkeys "evolving" into men, and talk of dinosaur fossils from millions of years ago.  Now, what I don't remember hearing is anything about this information being an 'opinion' or 'one of many' ideas about how the world came to be.  Thankfully, at home, I was exposed to the bible, and other information supporting what I believe to be the truth.  This is not to say that I will do what the public school system is doing, but on the other end of the spectrum.  I don't plan to teach my children Creationism only, while avoiding touchy subjects like evolution, big-bang, etc.  I plan to expose them to everything.  Explain what we believe, and why, and (so far my son, being the free-thinker that he already is, believes what the bible teaches) pray that they follow the right path.  

        As far as socializing, if you think spending 7 hours in a 18x18 room with the same predetermined 15-20 people your age day in and day out for 185 days a year while not being allowed to talk about or do what you want for 6.5 of those hours is socializing, then I don't even know what to say.  All of that, combined with after-school time-sucking homework activities, doesn't leave very much "free time" now does it?  My children will have plenty of time to see their friends (99% of which are different age groups and attend different schools), meet new friends (church, play-groups, internet, neighborhood exploration, & more), & "socialize" (morning, noon, evening, so much free time now that they aren't subject to arbitrary things like 8:00PM bedtimes, homework, & school bells.

        Again, homeschooling is not the right choice for everyone.  Your family dynamics, lifestyle, feelings, & environment will all affect the way things will work themselves out.  Making any big decision for your children should take both your spouses and your children's feelings/needs into consideration.  The most important thing in parenting is to have both mom and dad on the same page.  Without this, there will be discord and chaos, both of which will be more harmful than any "parenting style" or choice of education you could ever choose for your children.  

Learning to live, or living to learn... Part 1; Labels & Boxes

        About one year ago, everything I thought I knew started to change.  Many of my beliefs and ideas about life, living, children & more started to instead become questions... I started researching everything from natural living to different parenting styles, & everything in between.  After many hours of reading, watching videos, asking questions in forums, & observing those who lived these lifestyles in action, I felt fairly confident to "label" myself a Crunchy Christian mama practicing Attachment Parenting and it felt good to know who I was.  However, flash forward a year, to present day, and here I am thinking how absolutely stupid and downright restrictive these (or any) labels can be!!!

        One of the things that bothered me about most mainstream parenting/public school systems was putting our children into boxes, more specifically, labeling them.  "This child is hyper-active, so he just MUST have ADHD."  "This child is reserved and quiet, so she's definitely shy and sheltered."  "That boy likes to climb trees and chase dogs, he's ornery and wayward!"  Labeling our children almost invites or encourages them to fill these shoes.   The other day my husband said something to me that reinforced this idea.  I have this bad habit of assuming things, especially about those closest to me, because I feel like I know them.  I know them well enough to place labels on them.  I know them well enough to expect them to fill these expectations I have of them!
Me(while making dinner with one hand, and holding the baby with another): "so I guess you're going to play that game again..."
Husband(about to take baby, but instead, leaves the kitchen and goes to pick up the Xbox controller)
Me "What are you doing??"
Husband: "What I'm expected to do"
[This was resolved, and he did end up holding her so I could make dinner, like he usually does - but this example shows that assumptions can lead to the outcome we are trying to avoid!]

        I believe in positive thoughts, and to an extent, the Law of Attraction.  Even the bible tells us to focus on things that are good, and not the bad.  Anyway, why shouldn't we use this process in all aspects of our life?  Why not expect the best behavior from our children?  Assume that our spouse is trying so hard to make us happy and not piss us off?  Appreciate that everyone isn't perfect, and maybe that woman who cut us off in traffic on a busy highway isn't a vengeful speed demon bent on ruining our whole week and trying to cause an accident, and maybe she's just a busy, tired, mom trying to make it to her only daughter's dance recital on time?  Instead of focusing on what could be, or what we perceive things to be, why don't we start focusing on the good, and expecting it, instead of almost "summoning" the bad?

        This is obviously something I'm still working on, and I'll most likely never "get there", but I'll keep trying, striving, and asking God to help me!  Let's realize that our children, our spouse, and every single person we encounter is a unique and diverse individual with different thought processes, ideas, needs, wants, & goals than us, and we don't have to put them in a neat little box to make ourselves comfortable.  We shouldn't assume the worst about someone just because it fits our preconceived ideas about who they are, what they've done in the past, and how we imagine that they feel about us.  I don't want to be labeled, so I'll be the change that I want to see!

Flavorful & Delicious Chicken and Dumplings

Flavorful & Delicious Chicken and (flat) Dumplings

        Now, when I say chicken and dumplings, you may envision your momma's chicken and dumplings, with fluffy moist clouds floating alongside chopped veggies in chicken broth... but these are not your momma's chicken and dumplin's!!!!!!!

        My love affair with chicken & dumplings goes way back.  Way, way back.  Back to my momma!    She doesn't do much cookin' anymore, but when she did, the most memorable meals from my childhood included chicken & dumplings, creamed chipped beef, & fried bologna sandwiches... Now you probably wouldn't find any of those things in your standard 5-Star Restaurant, but if I ruled the world, things would be better, I promise...  Anyhow, thinking about those foods from my childhood makes me nostalgic, and makes me miss my momma's cooking... So over the years I occasionally recreate the (simple) recipes myself.  However, I've never had much luck with the fluffy poofy (Bisquick) drop dumplings that my mother made with ease, so I've been playing around with roll dumplings lately.  After many attempts that left myself (and my family) less than satisfied, I finally created something to be proud of!  Now, I plan to work on some drop dumpling recipes in the future, but for now this hits the spot, does the job, and makes me smile.

        **Note: The broth should be made the day before, and left to sit overnight in the refrigerator.

        Ingredients (chicken/broth):

• Whole chicken (washed, gizards and other fun/gooey stuff removed)
• 3 cloves of garlic, chopped
• 2 stalks of celery chopped OR 1tsp celery seed
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 2 whole carrots (peeled)
• 3 bay leaves
• salt & pepper to taste
• 2 tbsp olive oil (or bacon fat)
• 1 tbsp butter
• 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar
• dash of cayenne pepper
• corn starch (to thicken at the end)
• 1/2 tsp ground thyme
• 1/2 tsp sage
• 1 tsp parsley

        Ingredients (dumplings):

• 3.5 C flour
• salt & pepper to taste
• 1 tsp baking powder
• 3 tbsp cold bacon fat
• 3 tbsp cold chicken fat
• 1/4 C chicken broth (from above)
• 1/2 - 1 C milk

        Directions:

1. Heat up the olive oil (or bacon fat) and butter in a skillet on medium-high heat.
2. Rub your chicken down with salt & pepper & place into hot skillet to sear, flipping after several minutes so that both sides get nice and brown.
3. Transfer the chicken from the skillet to a large stock pot (carefully!) while keeping your skillet hot.
4. Add chopped onion, celery, & garlic to skillet, and saute for several minutes until the onions are translucent.
5. Add apple cider vinegar to the skillet and scrape up all the little stuck on browned bits =)
6. Pour this concoction over your chicken in the stock pot and add also your bay leaves, carrots, thyme, sage, cayenne & parsley.
7. Fill the stock pot the rest of the way with water - only just until the chicken is barely covered.
8. Pop a lid on your stock pot, and place it on the burner on medium-high heat to bring to a boil.  Reduce heat just a tad so that you have a healthy simmer going.
9. Simmer for 2-3 hours or until your chicken starts to melt off of the bones =)
10. Pour everything through a fine strainer into a large bowl to store liquid in the refrigerator.
11. Separate chicken off of the bone, and store chicken in a large ziploc bag in the fridge also, while discarding bones, veggie mush, and bay leaves. (You can freeze the bones in a large bag for making Bone Broth later!)
12. Wait 24 hours (or overnight) for the broth to cool and the fat to solidify.
13. Skim the fat from the top of your chicken broth carefully.  (I like to put the fat in a small bowl and transfer it to the freezer for 10-15 minutes to get it extra cold!)
14. Pour the broth into your large stockpot (reserving 1/4 cup of it to the side) and heat it up over medium to medium-high heat to a healthy simmer)
15. Meanwhile, put your flour, baking powder, salt & pepper in a large bowl, cut in your solidified bacon & chicken fat until it's all crumbly and mixed.  Then add your chicken broth & just enough milk to make it doughy and pulled together.
16. Drench your countertop with flour and transfer your dough ball to the counter, kneading it 4-5 times to get it all together.
17. Using a rolling pin or a glass or a Pringles can, or whatever you can find that is cylindrical and fairly clean - roll out your dough really thin (I didn't measure it, but you want it less than 1/8 inch thickness - the thinner the better!)
18. Using a pizza cutter (my favorite method) cut up your dough into 1in. squares.  Let them sit for 15 minutes to dry up a bit.
19. Once your broth is simmering well, scrape up your dumplings using a dough cutter or metal spatula (you can bring some flour with them too, although not necessary.  Add them to the broth and cover with lid.
20. After 6 minutes they should have fluffed up a bit, but test them to make sure (I 'tested' atleast 15 this way, hello carbs!).  Remove them with a slotted spoon, and continue this method until all of your dumplings are cooked.
21. *I put the cold chicken in the serving dishes, and lay the dumplings on top as they finish.  This helps to heat the chicken up, as does the broth once we add it in the next step!
22. After your dumplings are finished, whisk some corn starch into a small amount of cold ice water, and add this a little at a time to your simmering broth, until it's the thickness that you desire.  I did about 3 tbsp. and that was enough for us =)
23. At this point, I like to taste it, and add a bit more sage, pepper, or whatever I think it might need at the time!
24. Pour your thickened broth over the chicken and dumplings in their serving dishes, and you're all ready to serve it!  I like to add some more salt, pepper, and hot sauce to mine!  YUM! Enjoy!

Let thy food be thy medicine??? Huh?

        Confession: I used to silently giggle at coworkers who lovingly called their diets a lifestyle, and I now admire such dedication and strive to better myself and improve my family's overall health and environmental footprint.  There are still some things that I'm not completely sold on when it comes to revamping our diets and way of life, but I am willing to invest the time to research all facets and make a wise and informed decision.  See, I'm a very opinionated person, and if you know me personally, you are probably violently nodding in agreement.  BUT, when it comes to non life and death matters, for the most part I am quite reasonable (just don't ask my husband =)  )  I realize that there are 2 sides (sometimes more) to a fence, and everyone has to take their own path and make their own choices/decisions in life.  While some choose to completely avoid meat all together, I have chosen to cut back, and add more variety in our diets.  Others have even cut out animal by-products such as eggs, cheese, butter, etc... I have to say, that I LOVE cheese, and butter, and I enjoy the occasional egg here and there too... So that would not work for me!  I also believe that these foods were meant to be consumed, aswell as animals (to an extent) because God put them here for us to enjoy as companions but also as food (usually not at the same time.............).

        To me, any lifestyle/diet change doesn't have to be all or nothing.  So many people think it does, get overwhelmed and discouraged, and give up.  This is what scared me at first, but when I realized slow and steady changes, that we could deal with worked better, I felt so much more encouraged to do this thing and make changes for the better!  If you know that you aren't eating as healthy as you like, you feel that you're taking too much medicine/pharmaceuticals for too many ailments that seem to keep making you feel worse, and you just to improve your life/health in general, then what's stopping you?  I believe that if you want something bad enough, you'll go for it until you get it!

        Baby steps are your key here, and research, research, research!  Firstly, Netflix and YouTube are AMAZING resources that you can use to your (and your family's) benefit!  My husband for one, does not enjoy reading books/researching online/etc... so I try to get him to watch documentaries with me instead.  It's actually easier on me too now, with a small baby, to watch something rather than find the time to read about it.  A few really good documentaries to get you started are Forks over Knives, Fat, Sick, & nearly Dead, & Food Matters.  That's just the tip of the iceberg,  but it's a good start, and gives you an idea of all of the hidden dangers out there.  Part of my brain is rocking in a corner, in the fetal position screaming "WHY DID YOU WATCH THAT!! WHY DID YOU FILL ME WITH SCARE TACTICS, NOW I AM SCARED TO EVEN BREATHE OR LEAVE THE HOUSE OR DRINK WATER OR LOOK AT A BABY CARROT!!!!"  but alas, it's better to know -  because when you know better, you do better!

        Yes, now that I know the dangers of food dyes, GMOs, High Fructose Corn Syrup, Soy, etc... I think twice before every purchase... Yes, I still do buy some of these things, because they are cheaper and my family is used to them.  Yes, it scares me and I worry more than I used to when I was in the dark (ignorance is bliss, aye?)  BUT... I have made some positive changes, I have been more careful about what we buy,  I now make more things from 'scratch', I plan to start a garden this year, I try to help other people with my new-found knowledge (without overwhelming them to the point where they run away screaming and crying - that only happened once....I think..), and I feel better equipped to make healthy choices for my family.

        I still enjoy Cola, although I know the dangers of soda.  I justify it because I used to drink 2-4 cans of soda per day, and now I only have several glasses a week (if that, sometimes we just don't buy it, if it's not around to tempt us, we don't drink it!)  We have switched to farm eggs, rather than store-bought eggs, for quite a few reasons, one being the fair treatment and diet of the chickens - as well as supporting local business!  My son and I no longer drink cow's milk, we switched to Almond, which I actually think tastes BETTER!  My husband wasn't an easy sell for that, and is still drinking cow's milk *blegh*.  We also still buy the occasional loaf of bread (I don't have a bread machine yet, and rarely find enough time/will/gumption/motivation/energy to make homemade bread - although I LOVE it and find it so delicious UGH *note to self stop being lazy pleasethanks*.  Cereal, and Knorr Pasta are two of are pantry regulars also, cereal because my son loves it for breakfast... and pasta for quick/easy side dishes on rushy-rush nights.... I know, it takes about the same amount of time to make actual pasta, but it's one of the things I usually coupon for, and stock up on for the mean time.

        A lot of the health problems that we experience in this country are due to our poor American diets (among other things), and can be prevented/reversed if we would just take the time and energy to prepare real, wholesome, hearty meals from natural ingredients, and stay away from boxed and processed foods as much as possible.  The best advice I ever got for grocery shopping was "Don't take your husband or kids"  but no seriously, the best advice I got for visits to the grocery store was "Shop around the edges!"  and it makes sense!  Fresh produce and most 'staples' and basics are around the perimeter of the store, where most junky, preservative-laden and boxed foods are down the aisles.

        Basically, you need to be realistic and make small changes that work for you, or everyone will be miserable and your healthy food will slowly rot in the crisper drawer, turning into a pile of green mush with blue and grey fuzz, for you to find 2 months later when you finally get around to cleaning your fridge only because the condiments stick to the shelf when you try to pick them up.... not that that's ever happened to us or anything *coughbrusselsprouts*  Butttt... yea!  Use your brain, not your eyes/stomach, and you'll do fine, kid =)

Super Bowlness Wings™

        First of all, I hope you're wearing socks while reading this, because they are about to get knocked off.  And, if you're not wearing socks, well, I don't know what will happen... so please go get some socks... I'll wait...

        Alright, are you wearing socks now?  Great, we can begin!

        Before I divulge my deepest darkest secret recipe (it's more coveted than Bush's Baked Beans - atleast I like to pretend that it is, and I didn't tell my dog how it's done, so I'm pretty well protected there...)  I have a question.  What color are your socks?  Just joking!!  It's actually a much more personal, and you don't have to answer outloud, you can keep it to yourself.  Think back in your life, to how many times you've ordered wings.  Coulda' been Buffalo, BBQ, Honey-BBQ,  Spicy, Sweet & Spicy, Buffalo Ranch, Sweet & Sour, Chipotle, Cajun, Honey Garlic, Teriyaki, Thai Chili, Mild, Medium, Hot, Firey Pits of Hell, OMGWTFBBQ, or any other flavor one could possibly conceive... Now think of how much you've probably spent in your lifetime on all of those wings!  The average wing (in dirty jerzee, atleast) will run you anywhere from as much as $1.19 each to as little as $.25 each.  Typically the more you order the lower the price goes.  $5.99 for 5 wings, and $15.99 for 30 at my local pizza joint.  $.25 is usually only seen during a special such as 'Happy Hour' at your local watering hole, and even then that's abnormally low.

        Considering the economy we are in, I don't know about you, but I can't justify selling a kidney to support my latest appetizer addiction.  I've been craving wings HARDCORE lately, and no I'm not pregnant =)  I am, however, breastfeeding, which I have read can lead to intense cravings as well!  Anyhow, enough bunny trails, onto the good stuff.  They say (who are they by the way? let me know if you find out...)  that necessity is the mother of invention, and boy oh boy is that true!  I NEEDED some wings for the Super Bowl.  (Note:  I watch the Super Bowl for the commercials and the food.  We planned to order some pizza & wings for the big game, but after looking at the "sales" flyers we were slightly disappointed, realizing that we wouldn't be able to remortgage our house in time to purchase everything our hearts (ie: stomachs) desired.  This is where the light bulb came on.  This is where greatness is born.  THIS is where miracles happen, my friends.  Yes, it's that serious.

        OK, so after doing a brief internet search (3hours17minutes worth roughly) I came to several conclusions.

1. Google is stalking me and my purchases, and likes to rub my Amazon Wish List in my face on nearly every banner of every webpage I visit.
2. My nursling likes to pop off every 15 seconds and check to see what I'm doing online.
3. This is the only one that pertains to this topic so pay attention.  None of these recipes would do!

        Now, as many of you know, I like to re-purpose things, and this includes recipes!  I don't really consider it stealing because I find several recipes that I love, and combine the best of all of their delicious world's, and then I add my own spin, and Voila!  It's mine! =)  In this instance, my mother-in-law and I created this delicious recipe together!

        I'd like to introduce you to my Super Bowlness Wings™.  This is obviously a play on words, a clever one that I totally created myself, and I like to pretend that I trademarked it by putting a ™ after the name, however I didn't shell out the cash for that, so I'll just hope no one steals my thunder until I can afford the actual ™.  Also, I just want you to know that they can be made Bone-In or Bone-Out.  The only difference is the bone.  Honestly.  How beautiful is that?

        Now that you're salivating, your stomach is growling, and you're just about ready to lick your screen, I will give you what you came here for.

Not quite as saucy as the final product should look.... I think this was near the end of the batch!

        Ingredients:

• 40 chicken wings (frozen & defrosted or fresh) OR chicken breast cut into 'wing' size
• 8-10 cups of vegetable oil in a deep fryer
• 2 cups of flour
• salt & pepper to taste
• 1 tablespoon of garlic powder
• 1 cup of red-wine vinegar
• 1 chipotle pepper (in adobo sauce) and 2 tablespoons of the sauce
• 1.5 tablespoons of chili powder
• 1 tablespoon of smoked paprika
• 1 tablespoon of white sugar
• 2 tablespoons of brown sugar
• 2 tablespoons of honey mustard
• 2 tablespoons of honey
• 1 stick of butter, chopped in eigths
• 2 tablespoons of cornstarch
• 1/4 cup of filtered, cold water

        Directions:

1. Heat up your oil in the deep fryer now, so it's nice n hot when you are ready!
2. Mix flour, salt, pepper, & garlic powder in a large bowl.  Add wings, toss around until coated well.  After that, you can either leave them in the bowl, or transfer to a cookie sheet/plate until ready to fry - and place them in the fridge to chill a bit while you do the next step!
3. Add chipotle pepper & adobo sauce to a blender until smooth puree.
4. Mix red-wine vinegar, adobo puree, chili powder, & sugars to a medium saucepan, and bring to a simmer.  Simmer 30 seconds.
5. Add honey mustard, honey, and butter.  Stir until melted.
6. Mix together cold water & cornstarch.  Mix into sauce w/ a whisk just until mixture thickens a bit.
7. Set sauce aside.
8. Bring out your wings.  Fry about 5-6 at a time, for anywhere from 3-5 minutes until golden brown and crispy.  Remove to brown paper bag, paper towels, or a rack to drain.
9. At this point you can douse the wings in the sauce a little at a time, as you finish frying them, or you can wait until they're all fried.  They stay hot for quite awhile =)
10. Enjoy!

Back to basics

        When most people hear things like cloth diapering, homemade soaps, and home remedies replacing conventional medicine, they think back to stories maybe their parents or grandparents told... A simpler time, when you couldn't just hop in your gas-guzzling sports car and drive 30 feet to the nearest shop for pretty much anything, when men brought home the bacon and women stayed home and cooked said bacon, and when folks made decisions for their families based upon experience and knowledge rather than trusting what they said on TV.

        I've been tinkering in the "natural realm" for several months now, and while most consider many of these things 'alternative', it's actually quite the norm. Before we had 60+ brands of laundry detergent to choose from, an entire aisle devoted to curing your cough, and throw-away/disposable everything, our ancestors SOMEHOW managed to live. *perplexed* While it's true that while many of today's modern conveniences have made our lives simpler, more enjoyable, and given us more "free time", there is a double edged sword hidden amongst the lillies.

        Now, I'll unashamedly admit, I like to keep a small stock of "easy meals" on hand for nights when I'm just not feelin' it... Sometimes this is a freezer stock of homemade meals, but not always, however, you'll be hard-pressed to find me serving dinner from a box more than twice per month... Don't misunderstand and think that I'm trying to say that you're a horrible person if you feed your family convenience food more often than not, or whatever other conclusion that you might read between the lines and come to. I'm simply saying that when you know better, you do better. Rewind several years and you'd be talking to a major contributor of income for the local taco joint, Mcdonalds, and Hambooger Helper. Mainstream Media / TV / Magazines tell us that these "wholesome meals" will leave your family full, satisfied, and nutritionally complete. Catchy jingles, eccentric cartoon mascots, and phrases like "All Natural Ingredients", "Organic", & "Mom Approved!" make us feel all fuzzy in the cockles of our hearts while serving this food to our families - but the fact is, manufacturers pretty much have free reign when it comes to advertising/labeling. There are all sorts of loopholes to be jumped through, so we have to trust ourselves when making a purchase, not the Fat Cats trying to line their pockets.

        I'll be completely honest here and say that I don't see us ever becoming 100% natural or whatever phrase you would describe someone eating and doing all the right things to live said lifestyle - reason being, if we hold ourself to such unrealistic expectations (truly, does ANYONE actually "get there"?) we will become disappointed, discouraged, and more likely to give up. My plan is simple: Keep researching tirelessly, never give up or settle, use mommy superpowers (aka instinct/common sense) to uncover the truths, take it a day at a time (easy does it, small changes), and keep a blog of our experiences and findings for both personal use and to help others heading down the endless path of healthier, easier, frugaler (I made that up), and more basic living =)

        Besides the whole health aspect of living a simpler life, I actually enjoy this stuff!  It's funny because when my mom comes to visit, and she sees me cooking/baking/cleaning with baking soda & vinegar, she sometimes will remind me that I never took an interest in any of this "housewife stuff" as a young girl.  She tells me how I refused learning to cook with her, and she doesn't have to tell me how I was never one for helping with house chores - I remember that much!  I'm not sure what caused the change, and it wasn't motherhood because I had my first son at the ripe young age of 17...  Things never really happened for me until I was pregnant last year with my daughter (who is now 8 months old) and Nesting hit hard!  I just felt like I was possessed by the spirit of Betty Crocker in the kitchen, I heard the call of the laundry pile wooing me from down in the cellar before the basket was even full, my kitchen sink had to be shiny and dry unless it was currently in use, the cobwebs adorning our 8ft. ceiling - OK well I didn't go THAT far.... those are still there sometimes =)  But you get the point!  Anyway, I'm glad it happened, and I'm thankful that I was able to leave my job to be a Stay-at-home-mommy, because I now have the energy to make those dreams happen!

        If you have any questions or suggestions please don't hesitate to leave a comment, and I'll get back to you as soon as possible! I would say email me, but let's be real, I have over 3k emails and I rarely ever check them. Thanks =)