a healthier chili mac

I love the idea of boxed pasta dinners.  1. Brown beef.  2. Open box.  3. Dump stuff into pan.  4. Eat it.  How great is that?!

But the labels on those boxes are scary.  Whether its the sodium content or fake ingredients, it’s really not dinner the way God intended.

In an effort to find a healthier option, I created my own version of boxed chili mac.  You can make it as healthy as you want: choose standard macaroni noodles or dare to try the organic whole wheat option.  Either way,  it’s as easy as Hamburger Helper without all the junk.

Chili Mac

• 1 lb. macaroni noodles
• 1 lb. ground beef
• 1 tsp. salt, divided
• 2 Tbsp. olive oil
• 1 onion, finely chopped
• 1 large green pepper, finely chopped
• 2-3 garlic cloves, minced
• 2 14.5-oz. cans tomato sauce
• 1-2 Tbsp. sugar
• 2 Tbsp. cumin
• 1 Tbsp. paprika
• chili powder to taste
• 3 tsp. arrowroot powder (or flour)
• shredded Mexican cheese (optional)
• cilantro for topping (optional)

Cook pasta according to package directions.  Brown beef in pan over med-high heat.  Add 1/2 tsp. salt.  Drain.  Lower heat and add olive oil to pan.  Saute onions and green peppers  for about 5 minutes.  Add garlic and cook for another minute.   Add tomato sauce and 1/3 – 1/2 cup water, depending on thickness of sauce.  (Water is optional.)  Stir in remaining salt, sugar, cumin, paprika and chili powder.  Remove a small portion of the sauce and put in small bowl.  Set aside.  Return beef to pan.  Let simmer.  Add arrowroot powder to reserved sauce.   Stir or whisk until combined.  Add to sauce in pan.  Continue to simmer until sauce thickens slightly and pasta is done.  Adjust seasonings to taste.  Combine pasta and sauce.  May be served with a shredded Mexican cheese blend and/or cilantro.

quiz: family summer activities

It’s almost here! Five weeks to go…

What are you planning for your family this summer?

Be as brief or as detailed as you’d like.  For example, “swimming” OR “parks” OR “waiting for school to start again.”  (Kidding.)  Truly, I think summer rocks!  I love that kids can still enjoy some carefree time of family, friends and fun without the academic and social pressures that society heaps on them.  I already have some plans for the kids, but maybe I’ll add some of your creative and fun ideas, too!

Trader Joe’s Faves

I first discovered Trader Joe’s while living in L.A. last year. If you are a TJ’s fan, then I don’t need to tell you how THRILLED I was when I learned the grocery chain was coming to Leawood! If you haven’t shopped there, or if you are looking for more reasons to love it (as if you needed any), here’s my list of Trader Joe’s faves.

1. None of the junk.
TJ’s is like Whole Foods in this department. They offer both natural and organic foods without the junk you find in a conventional grocery store. Not to say they don’t sell junk food… see no. 7 below.

2. More bags for less dough.
I think I’m pretty accurate when I say you can save over 25% on your groceries when compared to Whole Foods prices.

3. Frozen Mandarin Orange Chicken
This is one of their best-sellers and very popular with my kids!

4. Oatmeal Cranberry Dunkers
Shaped like a biscotti, these cookies pair great with a cup o’ joe in the morning. They are drizzled with enough frosting to satisfy your sweet tooth but not enough to overwhelm your breakfast. Yes, they are totally addictive. I am a dunker junkie.

5. Cheap Flowers
Really, do you need an explanation for this one?

6. Kids Coloring Contests
All completed coloring pages are displayed at the front of the store.

7. Whoopie Pies
All the benefits of the treat without having to actually make whoopie. (Yes, we are still talking about cookies…)

8. Blueberry Scones
I don’t usually like scones, but these are fantastic with a cup of coffee. (Careful, they dry out fast, so consume the package of three in one morning. I won’t tell.)

9. Cinnamon Rolls in a Can
Really, is there anything more fun than pulling cinnamon rolls out of a can? These are as good as Pillsbury without the pudgy dough boy.

10. Crescent Rolls
(See no. 9.)

What do you like about Trader Joe’s?

living in cupcake land

I remember the first time I wore a jogging suit. Although I probably bought it on sale, it looked expensive and my husband was mildly amused by this, because as he pointed out, I don’t jog. In fact, I hate working out. This was before moms across America ran around in yoga pants every day. For the first time, I was wearing the uniform of the Johnson County housewife.

If your not familiar with the expression, journalist Richard Rhodes dubbed Johnson County as “Cupcake Land” in the 1980s. Author Thomas Frank explains this nickname in his book “What’s the Matter with Kansas?”

“Cupcake Land encourages no culture but that which increases property values; supports no learning but that which burnishes the brand; hears no opinions but those which will further fatten the cupcake elite; tolerates no rebellion but that expressed in haircuts and piercings and alternative rock. You know what it’s like even though you haven’t been there. Smooth jazz. Hallmark cards. Applebee’s. Corporate Woods. …The people of Cupcake Land approve of age when talking about wine and cheese; they expect their cities to be brand new.”

So yes, it’s difficult to keep a healthy life perspective while living in the well-manicured Johnson County suburb. It’s sterility is rivaled only by its ego. Keeping up with the Joneses is a must.

On the other hand, it is safe, clean and predictiable. And for this mother, those qualities can be comforting at times, especially when my husband is receiving cancer treatments. Or when the future is uncertain. And we live in one of the few cul-de-sacs where the neighbors actually know one another, at least enough to borrow a cup of sugar, babysit one another’s children or help move heavy furniture.

Besides, I like listening to smooth jazz in my stylish jogging suit.

hello friends!

As the wife of a cancer patient, I need an outlet – a shallow outlet.  Nothing that requires deep thought or strained effort.  Just something fun…and girly.  Keepng this in mind, I am taking the advice of author Gretchen Rubin: start a blog.  So, Gretchen, here it is.  Sort of a personal experiment.  And since my kids bring me so much happiness, I’m going to share the lighter side of being mom.  Specifically, a Johnson County mom.  If you live or have ever lived in Johnson County, Kansas (a.k.a. “Cupcake Land”), I’m sure you’ll have thoughts to share, too.

Happy homemaking!