The Search is Over and Steak Paprika

*Insert cheesy 80s mix tape*

"And I'm never gonna let you go, I'm gonna hold you in my arms forever . . . . "

That's right folks, the search is over! I'm so delighted! I have finally, after years of frustration, found the perfect dishwasher soap. I've just been dealing with white spots, film, flakies, globs and smeared dishes forever, and now my search is over. Dishwasher detergent is expensive, and I've tried every brand on the Target shelves believing their grease fighting promises only to be disappointed. New soap, amazing! Smells good, cleans great, no gunk and here's the kicker - child safe! Yeah, no dangerous warning on the back, all natural and affordable. Can you guess what brand it is? If you want to know more, email me or leave a comment w/ your email and I'll let you in on the secret. Rejoice!

And since my dishwasher can handle every crusty dish I put in there, let me share this fabulous recipe with you. My husband loves this steak over pasta dish, and the paprika makes it spicy good. You could serve it over rice, but penne pasta is my fave. Don't go skimpy on the mushrooms, they "make" this dish in my opinion.

Husband Rating: 5 stars

Father-in-law stamp of approval recipe

2-3 Tbsp. butter

4 4oz. flank steaks

1 cup sliced mushrooms

4 Tbsp. diced onion

2 cloves garlic, minced

2 tsp. paprika

2 Tbsp. flour

1/2 cup sour cream

1 cup beef broth

3 cups cooked pasta

Dash of black pepper

Cook pasta according to package directions. Melt butter over medium heat in a skillet. Cook steaks in butter 5-7 minutes, or until desired doneness. Remove steak, but save the drippings in the pan. In drippings saute mushrooms, onion and garlic. Stir in paprika and dash of pepper. When mushrooms are tender stir in beef broth, and stir over medium heat for 2 minutes. In a separate bowl stir together flour and sour cream. Whisk in to pan and stir until smooth. Slice steak into thin strips. Pour mushroom sauce over noodles and top with sliced steak. Enjoy!

Linking up with Foodie Friday, Friday Favorites, and Show off your Stuff Party

Chicken Sale? Now what?

Have you found a great chicken sale? What comes next? How can you make it useful?

I know I've bought a big package of chicken at some great price, forgot about it or didn't get it all used and ended up throwing half of it away. *gasp* I know, I'm so embarrassed:) I want to share my easy ideas for using chicken, listen up.

This picture is an average 1 month chicken supply. It's roughly 7 lbs, and cost me just under $14. I only buy chicken if I can find it for under $2/lb, that's my rule. I always purchase it from the meat counter instead of the aisle, that way they will package it for me however I want for free.

First, I have them pack 2 chicken breasts in one package, 2 chicken breasts in another and all the rest together. The wrapped packages you see have 2 pieces of chicken and are going right in my freezer. These are perfect for when I want to make something like Honey Dijon Chicken, Ritzy Chicken Nuggets, or Chicken Stir Fry. Simply put the chicken in your fridge the day before and you're good to go.

Next, you see the ziploc bags on the right? I get several marinades ready to go for a fast meal. Here I made Lemon Pepper Chicken (delicious on the grill), Sun-dried Tomato Basil (which is delicious with Asparagus Alfredo or for Smothered Grilled Chicken) and Teriyaki Chicken (which I use for my Teriyaki Noodle Bowls or a quick stir fry. And really, all I do is dump in the bottled marinades, you could totally make your own or go coupon some cheap Kraft marinades. After I add the chicken to the marinade I label and put right in the freezer. The night before I want to use it, I toss it the fridge to thaw. Delicious!

Finally, the last thing I do with the chicken it to cook and shred it. Click here to read my easy instructions on boiling and shredding chicken. I usually put 1 1/2 - 2 cups in each ziploc bag. Shred it or dice it, or some of each. It's soooo handy to have pre-cooked chicken to whip out right before dinner. I confess, sometimes I don't even have time to thaw the chicken. A few turns in the microwave and I'm in business. The cooked chicken is essential for quick meals like Chicken Quesadillas, Chicken/Rice/Bean Burritos and Chicken Tostadas. Throw it on Garlic Chicken Flatbread Pizza or make BBQ Chicken Sandwiches.

So what do you think? If you spend a few extra minutes prepping your chicken, you have a month full of chicken meals that are ready to roll.



Now go make something delicious with chicken!

(And for all your ladies from fabulesslyfrugal.com, I'm excited to be picking up my Zaycon Foods all natural chicken this weekend. I can't believe I got 40 lbs, of chicken for $1.48 per lb. I'm splitting it with my mom, but still, that is going to last me for months!!!)

November Sharing Times

I'm not going to be posting individual lessons for November sharing times, but I did compile some great ideas from the Friend that could really get you started!

You could easily create a fun service board game with this artwork from the Friend. You could cut apart the people needing service and spread them around the chalkboard. Draw simple squares connecting them. Have children roll the dice until they arrive and identify the service. Children could be on 2 teams. Cute eh?

When we're helping we're happy would make a great lesson. I love these printable buttons for a calender for the month of November. Scroll down and read the ideas for a puzzle, smile game and scriptures.

Here is a cute cartoon sketch of the story of President Kimball and his service to a family at the airport. It would be fun to read piece by piece or act out.

I love this idea that talks about how Jesus served others and we should do. Cute ideas, plus you get to make a kindness bouquet of flowers:)

This one could be an awesome sharing time as you discuss having a Happy Home. What makes a happy home? Serving your family! Love the ideas and printables.

Have a fabulous sharing time lesson!