Monday, January 28, 2013

Moroccan Beef Chili

I reaching the tail end of residency, woo hoo, but I have had a heavy schedule.  It was nice to ease back in after maternity leave, but I definitely made up for it these past 2 months.  I've been trying to make a meal at least every other weekend that I can freeze and heat up on the days I don't have time to cook, which is basically everyday now a days.  I found this recipe in Clean Eating Magazine and I will definitely be adding it ot my favorites!  The flavors blend so well together and with the chickpeas it makes a hearty meal!  I didn't use a crock-pot and used my Dutch oven instead, but that set off our carbon monoxide detector, so crock pot it is next time!

From Clean Eating Magazine, Jan/Feb 2013, pg 49

INGREDIENTS:
Olive Oil
1 lb sirloin beed, trimmed of fat and cut into 1/4 inch-thick strips
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 yellow onion, coarsely chopped
1 tsp ground tumeric
1 tsp ground cumin
1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
1/2 tsp fresh ground black pepper
1/4 tsp red pepper flakes
3 cups low-sodium beef stock, divided
2 sweet potatoes, peeled and cut into 1-2 inch chunks
1 1/2 cups jarred or boxed unsalted diced tomatoes, with juices
1 1/4 cup dried chickpeas, soaked in water for 24 hours (or boiled for 1 hour until al dente, then drain and set aside)
1/3 cup chopped dried apricots

DIRECTIONS:
1. In large nonstick skillet on medium heat, heat 1 tablespoon oil.  Add beef and cook until browned and cooked through, about 3-5 minutes.  Transfer mixture to a slow-cooker.
2. Return skillet to medium and heat 1 tablespoon oil.  Add garlic, onion, turmeric, cumin, cinnamon, black pepper, and pepper flakes and cook, stirring constantly, for about 3 minutes.  Add 1 cup stock and stir, scraping up browned bits in bottom of skillet with a spoon. Transfer to slow cooker.
3. To slow cooker, stir in remaining 2 cups of stock, potatoes, tomatoes, chickpeas, and apricots; cover and cook on high for about 4 hours.  Season with salt if desired.

Sunday, January 20, 2013

Future Blogger?!



Saturday, January 19, 2013

Why We're So Tired - Our Child Care Arrangments

Joe and I keep telling each other how tired we are.  Well, let's talk child care.  Joe works nights part time.  When I was pregnant he offered to stay home with R2D2 during the day. For the most part, this has worked out very well.  We don't have to pack a bag for her every morning, she has yet to have a real cold, etc.  However, this leaves her parents very exhausted.  This week Joe worked 28 hours and I worked 72 hours with two overnight calls.  We are beyond, and I mean beyond, fortunate our families can help so much.  Joe's mom is retired and comes up about twice a week.  Joe runs some errands or catches up on sleep during those days.  We are also spoiled that when our moms come to visit they generally do our laundry as well.  I have also learned to not be shy and I have asked friends to watch her sometimes so we can give our parents a break.

We are exhausted, but this is working for us.  R2D2 and Joe have a great bond and she gets to see her grandparents at least weekly.  I really do not think I would have been able to complete my third year of residency (almost there) and have a newborn with out all of the help of our family and friends!

Sunday, January 13, 2013

Our Good Luck Charm. Go Ravens!!!



Tuesday, January 8, 2013

Bottle Feeding

About 10 days ago baby girl slept through the night and I went about 10 hours between feedings. I woke up quite uncomfortable so I had to pump for relief. Of course she woke as soon as I finished pumping and I ended up giving her some of what I just pumped. As I look at this picture, I love seeing her look up at me. I've been averaging 60 hour work weeks right now and I'm finding it hard to pump as frequently as I would like. Looking at the picture shows me though that we can still have special feeding times if I end up switching to formula. I'm hoping next week I won't feel as stressed and my supply will pick up. However, I keep reminding myself I'm not super woman and I I can only do so much. Baby girl prefers breast milk, but she's taken an occasional formula bottle and that's ok.

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