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Buffalo Chicken Soup… Only using leftovers.

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Well I think I made the absolute best soup that I have ever made in my life. If you like buffalo chicken then you will love this soup. To be honest with you, there’s not really a recipe other than using leftover buffalo chicken. I went tomy pantry and my refrigerator and gathered up what I could find to add to make a soup. I found things like diced tomatoes, black beans, some baked beans, garlic and spices, cream corn, some fresh celery and carrots. Mix this altogether along with your chicken and you have one awesome pot of soup.

Leftovers
Buffalo Chicken Soup in the Instant Pot

Buffalo Chicken Soup! Only using leftovers https://youtu.be/8MlM6WpAQOA

Prepping and Organizing a Pantry….

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This has always been something that I have wanted to do.  I think overall I have had small sections of my kitchen and/or a closet or two with some pantry items.  But over all I have never had a full and complete set up for a pantry.

Well, now fast forward.  After 30+ years of marriage and raising a family, I decided in January of 2020 to create one.  First of all, I did not have the time to create a pantry and the space for one, or at least I didn’t think I did. Now we find ourselves with more time then we realized we would have, and a situation that makes us realize that a pantry is so needed.

I have to admit that I had a rude awakening, along with a bit of panic shopping.  I did not think that I had certain things on hand, so I went right out and spent funds from our budget to accommodate what I thought we needed.  After we had all these goodies piled on our dining room table, it was time to now set up our pantry.  So, we gathered all our items from every little spot that we stored things in, and brought them to one place in our home.  Then we cleaned out our one and only closet to make a pantry where we could store everything.  After setting it up and putting things away, we realized that we had spent money on things we already had, and had items in large amounts (like extra cans of tomatoes that we did not need).

This taught me a BIG lesson in life, and one that I will hold onto for a very long time.  I wasted money on things I don’t need, I am using up space that I could use for something else, and I probably wasted time in buying these items too.  Now it is time to make a change!  I have a pantry set up with an inventory list of my staples, how many I want on hand, and then how many I need to buy for the next time.

Have you found yourself without a pantry?  Or are you well organized in this area?  Either way leave a comment below with pictures of what you have set up or what you would like to do.

These are trying times in our country; it is a good time to reevaluate what we do and why and how to make things better for ourselves.

I would love to hear from you.

Lynn A. C. Wilson – Resume of a Mother

Can Essential Oils help? Some basic suggestions for basic needs.

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People ask me all the time what essential oils do I use and why.  I use them for basic first aid, colds and allergies and other basic health needs. This is not by any means a “go-to” for all things….but an alternative at times.  I have used natural alternatives for over 25 years and used medical when needed as well.  This is something that we choose to look into and we are true believers that many of our basic health and nutritional needs come from nature.  We forget that in years past that our ancestors only knew of natural.  Again…. this is not the only answer but it does help with many situations.

Here are a few items we use:

Myrrh – This is great for that nagging cough. Rub some on your throat to calm a cough that will not leave you, especially at night.

Oregano – This is an easy go-to when you feel like something is coming on. Oregano is a “hot oil”, so if you are sensitive you might  want to use a carrier oil with it. We use it on the bottom of our feet. We rub some on our heels and big toes at night before bed. For us it helps clear the head, and in the morning we awake feeling a whole lot better. We will use this for a few days in a row to keep our health in check while the cold season is upon us.

Tea Tree – We use this along with oregano when there is more of a threat of cold and flu. You also apply this on the bottom of your feet.

Peppermint – There are so many uses. Where do I begin?

Headaches- you can use this on your temples, back of the neck, and wrists. (I use it straight, but my adult son is sensitive and needs to use it as a carrier oil.) Breathing- put a drop in your hands and rub your hands together, and then breathe into them for a breath of fresh air. It’ll help open your lungs. Defuse this at night to help with a stuffy head and breathing.

Defender – (different names depending on the brand that you use.)- We use this as a hand sanitizer, especially when shopping, touching carts, and being around so many people. This can help prevent cold germs. We also will use this on our neck, wrists, and feet to help prevent any issues before the cold season approaches.

Digest – (different names depending on the brand that you use)- This is for those times you have stomach issues. This will help settle your stomach for about two to four hours before you might need to apply again. Rub on your tummy area and/or wrists.

Lavender – is great for scars, cuts and burns.  I have used this time and time again for all of these things listed with great results.

Our special tea – is a blend of peppermint, lemon, and thieves (like defender). Use one drop of each with some hot water and honey. It tastes great and helps with the aches and pains of a cold, and you will sleep better! Our youngest son will ask for “Mom’s tea” when he does not feel well. He is not pushed into this; it is his choice.

Side note: When using oils for tea, make sure it is one that states that it can be taken internally.

These are a few things that we use and have enjoyed the benefits.  How about you? What do you use? What are the pros and cons that you have found? Leave me a comment below. I would love to hear your feedback!

 Lynn A.C. Wilson – Resume of a Mother

check out my YouTube channel for some other Essential Oil helps…

At Home with Lynn Wilson – YouTube

Honey, Garlic Instant Pot Pork chops #quick and easy dinner

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Need a quick and easy and delicious dinner?  Check this out!

Ingredients:

  • 4-8 pork chops (thin sliced or if thick, pound down for a thinner cut) – taste better this way
  • 2-3 teaspoons of garlic
  • 2 tablespoons of butter
  • ½ cup honey
  • ¼ soy sauce
  • salt and pepper to taste
  • 2 strips of bacon
  • 1-1/2 teaspoon of orange marmalade

 

How to cook in the Instant Pot:

  • Turn your pot to sauté
  • Place butter and 2 strips of bacon in the pot to cook for 1-2 minutes only (cut bacon up into small bite size pieces)
  • Salt and pepper both side of chops
  • Place chops in pot and brown on both sides
  • Turn Instant Pot off
  • Now pour in the rest of the ingredients on top
  • Place lid on pot in sealing position
  • Turn on Manuel for 7 minute for thin chops and 10 minutes for thick chops
  • When you are done with you 7 minutes ….do a quick release
  • Open pot away from you and enjoys your oh so good pork chops.

 

Great over rice, pasta or just about anything!

 

Ranch and BBQ Red Chili Kielbasa # Quick and Easy Meal

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If you like something quick, easy, and really tasty….than this might be something good for you to try.  We serve this over rice and add broccoli on the side, or you can even use this as an appetizer. Either way, I think you will really enjoy this!!

Ingredients:

two packages of kielbasa

one package of dry ranch dressing mix

one bottle of Red Chili BBQ sauce

Preparations: 

  • slice up the kielbasa into bite size pieces

 

  • dump into a crock pot

 

  • sprinkle the ranch mix over meat

 

  • pour the bottle of BBQ sauce over top

 

  • turn on high for one hour and low for two hours

 

  • Once done, mix together well and enjoy!

 Lynn A. C. Wilson – Resume of a Mother

Sausage Casserole (or AKA Hotdog Casserole) # Quick and Easy

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Do you want quick and easy? Do you want simple and yummy? Do you want a crowd pleaser….try this yummy recipe!

Ingredients:

1 package of hotdogs, kielbasa, or chicken sausage

5 lbs. of potatoes

1 can or bag of sauerkraut

2 bay leaves

1 cup water

½ stick of butter

How to prepare:

I use a slow cooker (I have tried doing this in the instant pot but I didn’t think it tasted as good).

Potatoes – Wash, peel, and cut in half;  dump in the crock pot.

Meat – Slice the meat of your choice into bite size pieces and pour over top of the potatoes.

Next, take the sauerkraut and pour over the meat and potatoes, and then add butter and water too.

Add two bay leaves on the top of the mixture, and then cook two hours on low for four hours on high.

Before serving ….just remember to take out the bay leaves.

Oh soooooo good!!!

 Lynn A.C. Wilson – Resume of a Mother

 

 

Homemade Meatballs #Quick and Easy Meal

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Nothing beats homemade meatballs over a big plate of pasta!  Meatball subs and sandwiches are always a treat too. I find when I have a crowd over or a large family gathering for the holidays, this is a great thing to serve. This is a simple foolproof recipe that I am sure you will enjoy!

Ingredients:

  • 3 lbs. of meatloaf mix (my preference but you can use ground chicken, turkey, or 100% beef)
  • 1 cup of breadcrumbs
  • ½ parmesan cheese
  • 2 eggs
  • ¼ cup of milk
  • 1 – 2 teaspoons of crushed garlic
  • 1 teaspoon of onion powder
  • ¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
  • salt and pepper to taste
  • 2 large jars of spaghetti sauce (enough to cover the meatballs)

 

Easy to prepare

  • Dump everything in a bowl and then mix together.
  • Roll into the size of a meatball that you prefer.

 

Easy to cook:

  • Toss in a crock pot and cover with spaghetti sauce for four hours on high, or six hours on low ( if you find this is the best tasting).

Or…

You can bake them in the oven or fry them in a pan first, and then cook on the stove top or crock pot the same way.

For best results, I find letting them cook slow and long will retain all the flavors!

Lynn A. C. Wilson – Resume of a Mother

 

 

Mac & Cheese #quick and easy meal

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Good old fashioned mac & cheese…is there anything better?  Whether it is a cold, rainy, or snowy night, or a beautiful summer night, this is a good thing to make.  Mac & cheese is always a crowd pleaser….and here is one of my favorite recipes. Enjoy!!

  • 1 1b. of elbow macaroni (or the pasta of your choice)
  • 1½ cups of cheddar cheese
  • 1 cup of queso fresco cheese
  • ½ cup of cream cheese
  • 1 cup milk
  • ½ stick of butter
  • salt and pepper to taste

Cook pasta to al dente, drain, and rinse.

In a separate pot, melt and mix together the butter, milk, and cheeses.

Add the salt and pepper to the cheese mixture (to taste).

Place pasta in a casserole dish; pour cheese mixture over it, and stir it in with the pasta a little bit.

Bake at 350 degrees for about twenty minutes.

Serve and enjoy!!

 

Lynn A.C. Wilson – Resume of a Mother

 

Self-Care (Mental, Emotional and Physical Health) #5-5-5 Challenge

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When you are too busy, then you are just too busy.  Usually what suffers is yourself. You forget to take time to keep yourself in good shape. Mental, physical, and emotional health need to be a complete package.  I know myself; I am running around taking care of others, and working full-time. I find that my needs are not being taken care of.

Physically, I need to get up, walk, and eat right. That seems to be something that I can do, when I push myself.  But, when it comes to my mental and emotional health, I seem to feel like, “I am ok”, but I am not. I need to keep these areas in check too.

I decided for this year I need to challenge myself and be creative with how I do it, but also realistic.  I need something that I know that I can really do, yet not set myself up for a fall.

Come and join me in my “5-5-5” challenge this year.  Leave me a comment below, and visit my channel on how to also help yourself.

Lynn A. C. Wilson – Resume of a Mother