Stuffed Zucchini

So I got a new toy. A Nikon D3200. We wanted to get something we cold take video with that was easier for me to use than the Go Pro. So now we have a camera that can take awesome HD video and great photos! It's a lot smaller and easier to handle than Jared's camera, so it will be easier for me to use.

After being out of town, I was excited to get back home and back to cooking. I made stuffed zucchini this week. Really easy, healthy and yummy.

1/4 diced onion
1 can diced tomatoes- drained
1/2 lb. hamburger - you could use ground turkey too
2-3 medium sized zucchini
the zucchini you scooped out
taco seasoning- you could use whatever seasoning you want though.
shredded cheese

Preheat oven to 350. I just browned the onion and hamburger on the stove.  Add the zucchini filling and tomatoes. Let cook for about 10 minutes, making sure the meat is done. Lay the zucchini shells in a pan with about an inch of water. Fill the shells with the filling and bake in the over for 40 minutes. Once done, check the zucchini with a fork or knife and make sure its tender. Top with cheese and let bake for another 5-10 minutes or until cheese is melted.

Now that I have this fancy new camera I'm sure you can all expect more blog posts from me. I have no excuse now.

Octopus

Thought I would make Ellie a little sea creature friend. Came out pretty cute.

Here is a link to the pattern I used http://www.lionbrand.com/patterns/81095AD.html 

Momtrepreneur

Aren't we all. The thought crosses all of our minds. What can we do to make a little extra money?or someone would be interested in my products, these would sell. I think this is a realistic goal for anyone who puts in the appropriate time and energy. I am in the process of learning this myself. I have created the brand LE Designs. I have a talent, and products to sell. I have launched an Etsy page, and now I must try to keep up with all the other momtrepreneurs out there. Wish me luck!

A wise man once said

Jared's dad sent this quote to him while he was on his mission. Made this to hang in our room. This is a good way to look at life. Thanks Ric for the wise words. 

Sensory Block

Once again, I am finding uses for extra yarn. I have been tempted to make some blocks for Ellie. I made a sensory block. The two sides not pictured I used a bobble stitch for extra added texture. I filled the block with fill and added a few ribbons. You can crochet 6 square the same size and sew them together or follow a pattern similar to this one http://www.lionbrand.com/patterns/90653AD.html.

Headbands

Sweet and Simple! Crochet band with a knot. Has a vintage feel to it. 

Lemon Loaf

My mom has made lemon loaf for Christmas as long as I can remember. Now that I have my own family I want to keep some traditions going and start some of our own. Lemon loaf is definitely on the keep list. It is such an easy recipe, and makes a really great gift for friends and neighbors. 

Lemon Loaf

1 yellow cake mix (make sure it's a cake mix with NO PUDDING)

1 3oz. box lemon jello

4 eggs

3/4 cup water

   - combine the above ingredients in the mixer and beat on high for 4 minutes.

2/3 cup oil

       - add oil to the above mixture and beat on high for another 4 minutes.

Grease and flour your loaf pan. I used 5 mini loaf pans since I was handing them out as gifts. Divide the batter evenly, and bake at 350 for 20-30 minutes.

Make sure to check the loaves with a knife or toothpick to make sure they are cooked through. They should be slightly brown on top. Here in Utah they took almost 35 minutes. 

Icing

Powdered Sugar

lemon juice

lemon or orange zest

mix to the desired consistency

Once the cakes have cooled, poke the tops with a fork and poor icing on top. 

ENJOY!

Hope you all love this recipe as much as I do. I love being able to start traditions with my little family. Having a baby in the house makes me even more excited about Christmas, even though she has no idea what is going on. 

Please feel free to share your favorite Christmas recipes and tradition with me!

MERRY CHRISTMAS