Week 6 Saturday (2/15/14)

Recipe Review

Today’s Recipe and Location:  Sloppy Joes

         Found in: The Pioneer Woman Cooks: Food From my Frontier

                           Pages 58 - 59      Copyright:  2012  Harper Collins

I figured out that there are 466 calories per serving if no bun or 661 calories with a bun, if 8 servings are made. (Please note that the calorie counts vary depending on the specific brands of ingredients that you choose to use.)

         I have never been a big fan of sloppy joes, but I have to say that I really enjoyed these created by Ree.  Maybe my taste buds have changed so much that I am now open to new flavors.  I love the chili powder in these and would even add more next time.  I might also add a 4 oz. can of chilies and keep the chili powder, too.  I usually do not eat sloppy joes on a bun because I like having fewer calories but if I do splurge on a bun I use the mini Kaiser rolls.  If you are a big fan of sloppy joes, try these and let me know what you think.

It looks amazing - doesn't it?

Today’s critics: 

       Brandy - They were good, but missing the zing. I needed way more zing or sweetness or something... don't know what I'd do differently, but they needed something....

Random Reflections

         Until I started working on this blog I forgot how much I love to write. Writing if not forced, can be relaxing and fun.  I work really hard at school to help my students develop a love for writing.  For some, it will always be a chore, but if I can reach a few of them, it will be wonderful.

         When I began this blog, the goal was to write a Julie/Julia type review of Ree Drummond’s fabulous recipes.  Somehow, it just became a little bit about this and that and I was so surprised how it grew and grew. I think I was having so much fun I didn’t even realize how enormous it had become. 

         I have heard back from many people but they all tell me what they like and it varies from person to person so I am not going to worry about it.  People are too nice to say they think it’s a dumb idea so I am just going to continue to do what I love and put my thoughts down on paper.

Helpful Home Hints

Plumbing tip of the month:

         We waste a lot of fuel on water heaters. Sometimes people make a major mistake because of a misconception. Let’s say you are taking a shower and the water if just not hot enough for you. So you make elect to turn up your hot water heater.  MISTAKE!!  Did you know that there is an anti-scald or pressure balancing value in your shower?  This is there to protect you from being seriously burned.  Don’t turn up the water heater, because the real solution would be to call a plumber to adjust the value in the shower.  This value must be removed to be adjusted or changed, so this is a task you may not feel up to trying on your own. I would personally call a plumber because I do not want or need the hassle of a water problem. This was new information for me! 

         Your water heater should be set in the range of 125 – 130 degrees.  The 125 to 130 degree range is specifically for washing dishes. One hundred forty is unsafe and excessive.  According to code, your shower is only set between 110 – 120 degrees, which is for your safety. Any shower setting above 120 degrees can scald          you within two minutes. So be smart, save money, and avoid being scalded!  Happy showering!

         If you have any plumbing needs call Matt and Steve at:

Good Call Plumbing

630-365-6500

630-443-4100

Fax  630-365-6748

Email:  GoodCallPlumbing@yahoo.com

Tell them Becky sent ya!