tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5879795385972045418.post2109841955367112742..comments2024-03-26T00:26:19.756-07:00Comments on The Bluebirds are Nesting...: Pantries and Preparedness. Weekly progress and my easy Lasagna Recipe.Annabelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09027539528156492413noreply@blogger.comBlogger45125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5879795385972045418.post-48059999926356853622017-04-26T00:52:05.579-07:002017-04-26T00:52:05.579-07:00Hi Annabel, what a gorgeous lasagna ! You make it ...Hi Annabel, what a gorgeous lasagna ! You make it like I do, only I forgo the white sauce for calories sake, and use lean mince. I serve with veg on sale from aldi, or salad if a warm night. I plan my meals around the aldi "7 day specials". This is usually one of two meats, fruit, veg. I live alone you see (god willing not long now until I marry again! I believe I will find another husband and can't wait to make delicious food!) so what I make always goes in the freezer. I also love to make. Beef stew with red wine in the crock pot esp. In winter, soups, and made a corn, potato, chicken chowder last week that I blessed a neighbour with who struggles to eat healthy foods. She loved it ! My mother used to make ham , or egg sandwiches and freeze them for my dear stepfather when he worked everyday until 1 year after retiring was killed in a road accident. I found this a brilliant idea, as they thaw by lunch. I also keep tinned tuna, soup, and dry things to make meals if a disaster was to strike. Have a great week !, love soniaSoniahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08755978836374275623noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5879795385972045418.post-66093350927999290752017-04-25T22:15:33.612-07:002017-04-25T22:15:33.612-07:00Thank you Annabel! I am feeling much better. I had...Thank you Annabel! I am feeling much better. I had an infection in my lungs and because I have 3 autoimmune diseases it takes me longer to recover. I got better and then my husband had a seizure last week and has lots of appointments and tests to see if they can find out why. It's mandatory reporting from Drs to DMV in our state, which means my husband cannot drive for 6 months! There's always something isn't there!? But we have many things to be thankful for and we choose to be happy and hopeful that all will be well. I hope your situation improves as well! Thank you for your wonderful blog that is so encouraging and full of inspiration! 💗Melodyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01172422397871367225noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5879795385972045418.post-59866283699091203072017-04-25T18:32:35.427-07:002017-04-25T18:32:35.427-07:00Dear Cristy,
I am loving the sound of fried chicke...Dear Cristy,<br />I am loving the sound of fried chicken fingers! Having pizza bases is awesome. Then a pizza is only minutes away. <br />The basket was just right! That was really lucky! Drawers are just much easier to manage than shelves! I hope you have an amazing fruit and veggie harvest this year. What an asset! With love Annabel.xxxAnnabelhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09027539528156492413noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5879795385972045418.post-33535855881899439752017-04-25T18:30:19.765-07:002017-04-25T18:30:19.765-07:00Dear Sarah,
We also will use a meaty sauce as a p...Dear Sarah, <br />We also will use a meaty sauce as a pizza topping! It works!<br />Over time I keep adding new good frozen meals as I learn them. From this I have learned a heap and variations on the lasagna. <br />I hope you end up with a good lettuce crop! With love Annabel.xxxAnnabelhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09027539528156492413noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5879795385972045418.post-85194348600509604882017-04-25T18:28:32.311-07:002017-04-25T18:28:32.311-07:00Thanks Vicky! I love the idea of a ricotta topping...Thanks Vicky! I love the idea of a ricotta topping and have never tried that! I have heard of a ricotta layer. Im going to try some of these variations. Yum. I love the sound of stuffed peppers and cabbage rolls as well. Your garden is such a big asset. With love Annabel.xxxAnnabelhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09027539528156492413noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5879795385972045418.post-87767825834166440052017-04-25T18:27:02.855-07:002017-04-25T18:27:02.855-07:00Dear Jeanette,
Your freezer sounds like a wonderfu...Dear Jeanette,<br />Your freezer sounds like a wonderful shop! I would be stopping by if I was a bit closer! <br />I have a feeling it will soon include pizza bases, bread rolls and other sour dough things! <br />Well done on the organise session... with love Annabel.xxxAnnabelhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09027539528156492413noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5879795385972045418.post-64940262841429901822017-04-25T18:25:12.765-07:002017-04-25T18:25:12.765-07:00Dear Lana, Your example is an important one. I am ...Dear Lana, Your example is an important one. I am so glad you had that well stocked freezer! What a help. Now as your husband is rebuilding his health you are rebuilding the freezer. Well done! I hope your husband is feeling better.... it is hard when you feel you should be doing this or that and the temptation to over do it is always there. Thinking of you, with love Annabel.xxxAnnabelhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09027539528156492413noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5879795385972045418.post-76366656382576996522017-04-25T14:26:49.908-07:002017-04-25T14:26:49.908-07:00Hi Annabel,
Hopefully you and your dh are feeling ...Hi Annabel,<br />Hopefully you and your dh are feeling better.<br /> Everyone's freezer food sounds so exotic! All of the curries and words I haven't heard of are all things I have never tried! <br /> My freezer is boring. I keep frozen taco meat, homemade salsa, various soups, and Cincinnati chili and regular chili that can be eaten as is, or served over pasta. We had some Cincinnati chili that needed used up and we ate it as a pizza topping last night for dinner! My dh cocked an eyebrow, but the girls told him we were cleaning out the fridge and eating weird things today! Turns out, Cinci chili and cheese make a pretty yummy pizza! The kids planted some lettuce seeds into some cheap boxes I bought today, so hopefully soon we will be eating salad from our porch. Have a good week!<br />Sarahhttps://www.facebook.com/budgetcooking101noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5879795385972045418.post-52999808343583354132017-04-25T04:09:36.404-07:002017-04-25T04:09:36.404-07:00Ha ha!! Annabel, you've got me thinking! Also,...Ha ha!! Annabel, you've got me thinking! Also, I don't think I ought to be feeling hungry at this time of night! Mmmm! Jane - olive bread!! My cooking ideas are getting intertwined with outdoor and camp oven cooking right now! You never know what I'm likely to come up with!!<br />I have macadamia a from a few years ago. Thankfully, their very thick, very hard shells make great mini pantries! I need to use those up, then, in a couple of months' time, I think we'll need to eat olives every day. They last at least a year!<br />Thank you!!<br />RachelAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5879795385972045418.post-19112328860392772232017-04-25T03:43:51.971-07:002017-04-25T03:43:51.971-07:00Dear Allegra, Slices of pumpkin, zucchini, eggplan...Dear Allegra, Slices of pumpkin, zucchini, eggplant etc could be used instead of pasta also as a gf alternative. All yummy.<br />Pesto is a great thing to have on hand! I forgot about that! <br />A months supply would be great. One of my tinned emergency options is a tuna mornay. So easy, fast, yummy... and can come from the pantry. <br />I think chilly and curry is really good too! Many thanks! With love Annabel.xxxAnnabelhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09027539528156492413noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5879795385972045418.post-63371664092031777692017-04-25T03:40:23.743-07:002017-04-25T03:40:23.743-07:00Dear Maria, I am getting at freezing things flat ...Dear Maria, I am getting at freezing things flat and also without bulky containers because of the space and packaging issues. <br />The extra freezer is very handy. Double batch cooking just gives some things to stash away... very handy at times. I hope your week is going well! We had Anzac day so a holiday today... I made three trays of enchiladas! with lots of love, Annabel.xxxAnnabelhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09027539528156492413noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5879795385972045418.post-89179226591222303622017-04-25T03:37:31.092-07:002017-04-25T03:37:31.092-07:00Dear Rachel, I grew up with the car port my Pa alw...Dear Rachel, I grew up with the car port my Pa always said that. <br />The macadamia nuts are fantastic! I wonder how long they keep well for? I am sure you know but I am not sure.<br />And more olives! Jane made an olive bread and I have been meaning to send you a photo of this... it looked delicious.<br />A mini lasagna would work. Like a stack even and Vickys way with a ricotta topping... and olives on the side! Love Annabel.xxxAnnabelhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09027539528156492413noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5879795385972045418.post-9769695763988972542017-04-25T03:34:03.033-07:002017-04-25T03:34:03.033-07:00I love this Kelley, right there under your nose yo...I love this Kelley, right there under your nose you have new storage space plus well hidden away. I like these ahah moments! xxxAnnabelhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09027539528156492413noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5879795385972045418.post-79876233783573283502017-04-25T03:32:44.712-07:002017-04-25T03:32:44.712-07:00Dear Mel, It all sounds beautiful... I think I sho...Dear Mel, It all sounds beautiful... I think I should try the sticky sausages. Fried rice is amazing as you can add in so many things. I know building up spare meals will be very good for both when you are away and when you have your knee done. I am glad of the rain and the cooler weather as I really feel like soups, curries etc it is about time for them! Im off to Aldi tomorrow and will see what veggies are on special.... this will decide what kind of soup I am making! Also we have a lamb roast to have and I will use the bone as a soup base the way Nan used to.... it was a lamb roast bone, a handful of soup mix i.e. barley and lentils etc, all kinds of veggies and lots of pepper. Then whatever seasonings you want and blended. As kids we ate tons of that. <br />I hope you had a good day for Anzac day and a rest! With love Annabel.xxxAnnabelhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09027539528156492413noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5879795385972045418.post-32217419701892039282017-04-25T02:27:23.054-07:002017-04-25T02:27:23.054-07:00Your soups sound beautiful Melody! So does the dou...Your soups sound beautiful Melody! So does the dough and the banana bread! I googles RSV and see it is respiratory which would have set you back a bit. I hope you are better now. It would have been lovely to have meals to select from the freezer, this is one of the reasons to have a supply on hand. Such a big help. With much love Annabel.xxxAnnabelhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09027539528156492413noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5879795385972045418.post-60350989686657950282017-04-25T02:25:22.681-07:002017-04-25T02:25:22.681-07:00Bluey is very handy, thats what I say! I love the ...Bluey is very handy, thats what I say! I love the idea of his topping. Pumpkin, pasta, mince, cheese... these are all beautiful together. I think I will try this out. And yes the inclusion of heaps of stuff from the garden. Yum! <br />I am liking the chicken pasta dish also... and pumpkin soup (also pumpkin scones) is high on the list here. I love it. Its about time I made some actually and the weather is about right. With much love Annabel.xxxAnnabelhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09027539528156492413noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5879795385972045418.post-79690606347920826532017-04-25T01:49:01.459-07:002017-04-25T01:49:01.459-07:00Dear Debbie, I love the sound of the Mexican mince...Dear Debbie, I love the sound of the Mexican mince. I need to expand my mexican type dishes. I find curries good as if you make a heap the flavour seems to improve the next couple of nights. The weather is finally cooling which is good for all of these things. With love, Annabel.xxxAnnabelhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09027539528156492413noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5879795385972045418.post-34263960594118939402017-04-25T01:47:03.768-07:002017-04-25T01:47:03.768-07:00Dear Fiona,
Nice finds at the op shop! You must b...Dear Fiona,<br />Nice finds at the op shop! You must be so looking forward to your beautiful new kitchen! It will be gorgeous I know. Renovating isn't fun but the end result is good! With much love Annabel.xxxAnnabelhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09027539528156492413noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5879795385972045418.post-49985321417050454132017-04-25T00:26:32.198-07:002017-04-25T00:26:32.198-07:00Hi Maria, my grown kids certainly like to shop it!...Hi Maria, my grown kids certainly like to shop it! Plus, chocolate chip cookie dough to quickly make cookies when you absolutely need a chocolate goody for stressful times is great! Thank you for the sweet words. Have a wonderful week! ❤️Melodyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01172422397871367225noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5879795385972045418.post-48433363494818381462017-04-24T19:29:51.865-07:002017-04-24T19:29:51.865-07:00Annabel,
Your lasagna looks so good! I have never ...Annabel,<br />Your lasagna looks so good! I have never had it with white sauce before just ricotta. I do a lot of my freezer cooking during the garden season and it is so nice to pull out a pan of stuffed peppers or cabbage rolls and just pop them in the oven. <br />I hope you are having a great week! <br />XOXO<br />VickyAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5879795385972045418.post-22705620275643095132017-04-24T13:02:09.299-07:002017-04-24T13:02:09.299-07:00Congratulations on your new home, Bridge!
Annabel...Congratulations on your new home, Bridge!<br /><br />Annabel, your lasagna looks amazing, I'm going to make the cheese sauce next time I am making trays of lasagna!<br /><br />For my freezer, I make bean burritos; beef and bean burritos; breakfast burritos; homemade refried beans; ham and cheese pockets; chicken and broccoli alfredo pockets; pizza pockets; chili; soups; homemade taquitos; homemade egg rolls; meatloaf; cottage pies; turkey and dressing casseroles; and chicken penne alfredo. I make cakes; cookie dough logs; and both cinnamon and regular biscuits. That's all I can remember off the top of my head right now, but I've been doing freezer cooking for years as a working mom, trying to feed my family quickly, on budget, and tasty food they would eat! I also throw my bananas in the freezer that are getting too ripe and then when I bring them out, the mash so easily for banana bread or cake!<br /><br />I cleaned out my upstairs freezer that is an upright on Sunday and was amazed at how many things were in there that I had forgotten about! It is all nice and neatly organized now and I know exactly what is in there.<br /><br />JeanetteAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5879795385972045418.post-13071500818862109192017-04-24T07:19:11.404-07:002017-04-24T07:19:11.404-07:00My freezer was very well stocked when my husband h...My freezer was very well stocked when my husband had his heart attack back the end of December and I don't know what we would have eaten after I brought him home if I had not had all that to eat from. I am rebuilding it bit by bit. I keep soups and chili, roast beef and gravy for noodles, lasagna, pasta sauce, sausage gravy, cookie dough, frosting for cakes, pasta based casseroles for two,cooked sausage for pizzas, chopped cooked chicken, mac and cheese. Lanahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09380649410508372279noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5879795385972045418.post-82354536627420397142017-04-24T05:41:42.373-07:002017-04-24T05:41:42.373-07:00Annabel, I love your version of lasagna. And you m...Annabel, I love your version of lasagna. And you make so much at a time! So many time savers and money savers in that one recipe, it is just wonderful and a lot to ponder.<br /><br />I am currently working my freezer down, as it is almost vegetable and fruit time here. I want to be ready with enough room for those things in season.<br /><br />When I do have freezer meals available, I keep homemade enchillada sauce, home fried chicken fingers, spaghetti sauce, and when I have time to make it, pizza crusts for quick pizzas. I am not always dedicated to it. When I do it, I find that it helps immensely, and mainly on days I never expected to need it! <br /><br />Last week, after reading your post, I went digging around in my garage, looking for a container to hold the bread in. I found an old laundry basket that isn't strong enough for laundry any more. It is PERFECT for the space I had in my freezer. It suddenly cleared up loads of space and keeps all that homemade bread from falling out every time I open the fridge. I told my kids that this was a brilliant solution. I am so glad you suggested it! It never occurred to me, though the bread fell out every time I opened the door. lol. Cristyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11885394458317264217noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5879795385972045418.post-12510981757500053322017-04-24T04:37:17.686-07:002017-04-24T04:37:17.686-07:00Dear Cath,
I sometimes could seriously consider gr...Dear Cath,<br />I sometimes could seriously consider grating picky eaters haha! <br />That is a good idea to stretch the mince. I am amazed really at what can go in and how far it goes by the time you have the layers and topping etc. Mince isn't the bargain it used to be that is for sure. I watch for specials and shop at Aldi and this has made a difference. Before that it was $14 a kilo at Woolies and I thought no way.<br />I have made vegetarian lasagna and moussaka and they are really nice especially when there are some veggie bargains around or plenty in the garden. When mince is expensive this might be the way to go. Roasted pumpkin is really lovely in lasagna! Or perhaps picky eaters! <br />With love Annabel.xxxAnnabelhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09027539528156492413noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5879795385972045418.post-6491892540584738092017-04-24T04:30:52.426-07:002017-04-24T04:30:52.426-07:00Dear Patsy, You are having a really productive tim...Dear Patsy, You are having a really productive time with the herbs and your pantry. This last week in the class has been amazing. Allegra sharing what she did has been wonderful. I have been loving it and cant wait for the next round! Ill be there! I mention it because it has benefitted me but I know it would help anyone wanting to learn more... somehow I feel is a mission to encourage everyone as much as i can in this area.<br />Thanks for this information on the date. Have a good week Patsy! With love Annabel.xxxAnnabelhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09027539528156492413noreply@blogger.com