Wednesday, April 28, 2010

Homemade Taco Seasoning

Recent studies have shown that Americans are now 50% salt. Well, maybe not quite, but we really do get too much sodium because it seems easier to open a packet than to mix our own seasonings. If you really want to reduce sodium in your diet, go natural. This taco seasoning mix is delicious!

Taco Seasoning

1 TBSP chili powder
1/4 tsp garlic powder
1/4 tsp onion powder
1/4 tsp crushed red pepper flakes
1/4 tsp dried oregano
1/2 tsp paprika
1 1/2 tsp ground cumin
1 tsp sea salt
1 tsp pepper

Mix thoroughly. Makes enough for seasoning 1 lb ground beef or other taco meat. After browning meat, add seasoning, about 1/4 to 1/3 cup water and simmer until liquid is absorbed.


Tuesday, April 27, 2010

There's more to me than just needlework

I've decided that this blog shouldn't just be about stitching; there's much more to me than that. I like cooking and I have some really awesome recipes to share. I've got a couple of nifty household helper ideas that have become essential in my home and I think others might like them, too.

I may as well start with a recipe I came up with not long ago. Easy and colorful, it's a quick supper with very little prep time.

Italian Sausage with Pineapple and Peppers on Rice
Serves 2 - 4

2 cups cooked rice

1 lb Italian sausage, mild or hot, depending on your tastes
1 small yellow onion or 3 green onions, chopped
1 8oz. can pineapple chunks with 1/4 cup juice reserved
1 cup frozen pepper slices or fresh yellow and red bell peppers

Crumble and fry Italian sausage until brown, add chopped onion and cook until slightly softened. Add 1/4 cup pineapple juice, stirring occasionally, reduce over medium heat until meat and onion are coated and glossy and a small amount of liquid remains. Add pineapple and peppers, mix thoroughly and heat through. Serve over cooked rice.

For extra spice, add a pinch of crushed red peppers to taste.

I serve it with greens tossed with a mild vinaigrette or roasted garlic buttermilk dressing.


Sunday, April 11, 2010

New Patterns at wyrdbyrd designs

I have finally posted some of my newer designs! Six pretty squares are yours free at http://sites.google.com/site/wyrdbyrdsnest/.

"Sunday in the Parlor" is a great beginning blackwork piece. I accented the meandering leaves with red seed beads. "Lassen" and "Yuba" are named for nearby counties in Northern California, and "Join the Club" is quite possibly one of my favorites.

I'll be posting more patterns in the days ahead.

Happy Stitching~

Friday, April 2, 2010

It's snowing...again

April. Snowstorms in April. It's not uncommon up here in the Sierras, but it sure does put a hamper on spring fever.