Month: November 2012
Uses For Vinegar Around The Home
Thanksgiving Togetherness
Smug – that is what I first feel as I sit watching video of Black Friday shoppers storming the stores that dared to open on Thanksgiving. It is easy to make fun of them. So simple to look down upon them and say, “How ridiculous, how silly they are, losing sleep all to just get a deal on some electronic item, thinking it is something they NEED!”
Thanksgiving is supposed to be a time for togetherness with family and friends, right? To gather together to give thanks for what we have, and reflect on what we strive for.
But then I realize something about those Black Friday Shoppers. They are often with a partner – perhaps their child, their mom, their best friend, or husband. They have huge smiles on their faces. They have a goal; they face an adventure together that may, or may not, pan out. They laugh with strangers, comparing their lists, asking what the other is there for. They are thankful for their place in line, knowing they have it over all those who fall behind them. They strategize and plan. They work together for a common goal.
Sounds a little like the original Thanksgiving, doesn’t it? (minus the bright lights and Black Friday Circulars!)
Thanksgiving Togetherness can be found across the country, in so many variations. It is not the location of that celebration; it is not the size bird being served. It is about the common goals and dreams — of both the individual and the community — and the ability to be thankful wherever you are. Simple as that.
(Full Disclosure: Simple Solutions Diva is very thankful that her kids did not drag her out of bed at 3 a.m. this year to hit the stores like last year!)
Simple Holiday Survival: Crockpot Cooking
Recipe: Crockpot Ropa Vieja
Crockpots are the ultimate in easy cooking! Ropa Vieja is a cuban dish that is so versatile ~ You can serve it over yellow rice, you can stuff it in Tacos or Burritos, or you can make sliders out of it. It is great to serve to a crowd, so you can keep your holiday entertaining simple! When I make this dish, I tend to be generous with the spices. I’ve listed lower spice amounts here, but feel free to play with the amount of spices yourself, based on your personal taste!
(FYI – Ropa Vieja is Cuban for “Old Rags” because it is shredded!)
- 2 lb. Pork Tenderloin OR 4-6 Boneless Chicken Breasts
- 1 cup Mojo Sauce/Marinade (find it in ethnic or mexican food aisle of grocery store)
- 1 cup Chicken Broth (add more if you would like more liquid)
- 2 T. Minced Garlic (add more or less to taste)
- 1 tsp. cumin (add more to taste)
- 1 T Chili Powder (add more to taste)
- 1 Vidalia Onion, chopped
- 1 can Rotel tomatoes with green chilies
- Optional Ingredients (If you like smokey flavor):
- ½ tsp. Smoked Paprika
- 1 or 2 smoked chipotle peppers, finely chopped (Found in the mexican food aisle in a can)
- NOTE: The ingredients list is for a milder version of this recipe. If you love spiciness, increase the garlic to 4 T.; cumin to 1 T; Chili powder to 2 T. I recommend playing with the ingredients based on your taste!
- Place chopped onions in bottom of crockpot; lay meat over the onions.
- Pour chicken broth and mojo sauce/marinade over meat.
- Add spices, can of Rotel, and any remaining ingredients.
- Cover and cook on high for four hours, or low for 8.
- When it is finished cooking, use two forks and gently shred the meat right in the crockpot and mix it well into the juices. (Learn from my mistake - use oven mitts when shredding - the steam is extremely hot!)
- Serve over yellow rice and sprinkle with cheddar cheese. Or serve it up as taco meat/burrito meat, or as sliders on mini rolls. I love to use green Tabasco sauce (it is milder) as a condiment with this.
Smoothie Lovers Day on Pinterest
Simple Solutions Diva loves smoothies, and she’s posted five, easy smoothie recipes (thanks to Real Simple Magazine!) on her Simple Recipes Pinterest Board! Click on the photo below to view these great recipes!
Choosing The Right Blender For You
Hostesspocalypse! Three Recipes To Make Your Childhood Favorites On Pinterest!
With the sad closing of Hostess, the maker of Twinkies, Sno-Balls and Ring Dings, Simple Solutions Diva has found three recipes to re-create your favorites (for emergency use after your personal stash is gone!). Click the photo below to visit the Simple Recipes Board!
Simple Holiday Survival: The Holiday Dinner
Simple XMAS Decorating Ideas Board on Pinterest
SimpleSolutionsDiva.com just started a Pinterest board for Simple XMAS Decorating Ideas. Click on the photo below to check out some great ideas that are pretty and easy to make!