BBQ Corn on the Cob

After being begged by two of the three children to buy corn, I bbq'ed corn on the cob tonight.  After doing some research into various methods, I decided to attempt this.  I didn't eat it (it's not on my current eating plan, too starchy), but heard nothing but happy munching from said two children and their father.

Here's the key.  Brine the corn.  At least 30 minutes before cooking, toss the corn into a lot of cold water, mixed with a good 1/2 cup of salt (and a 1/4 cup of sugar if the corn doesn't seem sweet enough).  Let it sit.  Then toss on the hot grill and turn until it looks roasty and feels tender.  Serve with butter (another thing I currently can't eat, boo me!)

sticky crockpots

I'm kind of known as an avid user of the crockpot.  It's true.  It's also true that crockpots can be super duper messy.  I own three (yes, three) crockpots, and only *1* of them has a removable liner.  So I've had to get creative for cleaning them out.

My favorite way to clean a sticky crock pot?  Easy peasy lemon squeezy.  A drop (or two) of dish detergent, fill with water to the "sticky point", throw on lid, and turn on to High setting for about an hour.  Then let water cool down, and clean it out.  That's it!

something new from something old

Tonight's meal plan was supposed to be my beloved coconut curry lentil soup.  The fridge, however, is filled wiht leftovers.  This has been an ongoing issue, with me on a special diet, but still making meals for a family of 5.  Leftovers have been piling up.

Last week, I made an enchilada lasagna type casserole thing...and all three children were less than impressed.  The hubby liked it, but it was a lot leftover for one person to eat.  So I decided to serve it tonight.

But wait!  I decided to play with it so that it didn't look just like the meal they had rejected the week before.  Lightbulb!

I took the leftover meal, and diced it up.  Added a drained can of black beans.  Mixed in a pan.  Then topped with mixed shredded mozza and cheddar cheese.  Baked. Voila!  They all ate it.

Go figure.

So, what are your tips for creating something new out of something old?  I can't be the only mom who has used this trick before ;)

Tex-Mex seasoning

My kids are huge fans of Tex-Mex food. Tacos, burritos, enchiladas, nachos. It could be the cheese toppings, because they aren't all salsa or sour cream fans (oh, what they miss by being a little picky...).

I discovered that it is possible - and way cheaper! - to make my own taco seasoning, instead of buying the little packets of the stuff at the grocery store. It's also much easier to cut back on the salt, so it's a win/win.

1 tbsp. chili powder
2 tsp. onion powder
1 tsp. ground cumin
1 tsp. garlic powder
1 tsp. paprika
1 tsp. dry oregano
1 tsp. sugar
1/2 tsp. salt

See, stuff you probably already have in the house! 3 tbsp of this mix equals one package of mix. I like to make a triple batch and have some on hand for quick tex-mex meals.