#topdrawerthreads

[diabetesinsider]

Eggplant Zuke Bake

This is such a satisfying main dish to serve up and enjoy again the next day with the cheeses, sour cream and mayo helping the eggs hold together the zukes, eggplants, and onion ingredients. Serve it with thin tomato slices for a wholesome, heartwarming dining experience. The nut topping adds a nice crunch as finisher. See what you think...

2 t. salt

2 yellow zucchini, coarse grated with skin

1 green zucchini, coarse grated with skin

1 small eggplant, coarse grated with skin

2 T. margarine

1 lg. onion, diced

3 eggs, whisked

1 c. sour cream

1 t. mustard powder

1/2 t. thyme, dried

1/2 c. mayo - Duke's has no added sugar

1/2 t. black pepper

1 c. cheddar/mozzarella cheese mix, fine grated

1 c. whole wheat bread crumbs

1/2 c. Parmesan cheese, fine grated

1 c. walnuts, chopped fine or sunflower seeds, shelled

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. In a mixing bowl, add zucchinis, eggplant and salt tossing well - set aside. In a fry pan, add margarine and onions sauteing to caramelize. In another mixing bowl, add eggs, sour cream, mustard powder, thyme, mayo, black pepper folding together. Transfer zucchini and eggplants into a colander pressing excess water out with the back of a mixing spoon - as much as possible. In a large mixing bowl, add zuke mix, cheddar, bread crumbs, and Parmesan cheese tossing together. Pour liquid mixture over all coating well. Transfer to a baking dish. Sprinkle nuts or seeds over all. Bake for 25 min. until it sets up. Serve with fresh tomato slices on each serving for a pop of color if you like.

Once I've got the main dish in the oven, I pop downstairs to my sewing studio to stitch pocketed, fully lined chef aprons for my online shop - www.etsy.com/shop/topdrawerthreads .

Or I'm putting the finishing touches on upcycled recycled thrifted crocheted throw rugs worked by me for my online shop - www.etsy.com/shop/topdraweryarns .

My daughter's have an online shop - www.etsy.com/shop.yesdesigns - where they design and sew cotton pocket knickers with a handy front hip pocket.

My older daughter has an online shop - www.etsy.com/shop/wildwovenwomen - where she knits upcycled recycled thrifted yarns into bright, eye catching striped throws and afghans well suited to cozy up in on a cool evening.

[diabetesinsider]

Whole Wheat Orzo Pasta Salad

This is great as a hot side dish or main dish with a decent amount of protein that the garbanzo beans, cheese and orzo pasta bring. Throw in a cup of sunflower seeds if you like to really bring on the protein. It's great served with a green salad or fruit. Give it a whirl...

Orzo Pasta Salad

4 c. water

1/2 c. whole wheat orzo pasta

2 T. margarine

1 - 4 oz. jar capers, drained

1 - 6.5 oz. jar marinated artichoke hearts, drained, chopped

1 t. garlic powder

dash salt/pepper

dash chili flakes

1 med. lemon, grate rind and juice

1/4 c. Parmesan cheese, fine grated

1 - 15.5 oz. can garbanzo beans, drained

Bring water to a boil, add orzo pasta. Cook uncovered until tender - 8 to 10 min., drain. While the orzo is still hot, add the margarine, capers, artichokes, garlic powder, salt, pepper, chili flakes, lemon, Parmesan cheese, and garbanzo beans. Toss together well and enjoy!

When I'm not working out new ways with garbanzo beans, I'm sewing cotton pocket server aprons for my online shop - www.etsy.com/shop/topdrawerthreads .

Or I'm putting the finishing touches on handmade knit hats worked by me from upcycled recycled thrifted yarns from my favorite creative reuse source SCRAP PDX. This knit work is available through my online shop - www.etsy.com/shop/topdraweryarns .

My daughter's have an online shop - www.etsy.com/shop/yesdesigns - where they design and sew cotton pockets knickers for fun time wearing.

My older daughter has an online shop - www.etsy.com/shop/wildwovenwomen - where she works upcycled recycled thrifted yarns into eye catching striped cozy warm knitted afghans.

[diabetesinsider]

Cool Cucumber Salad

It's the meeting of buttermilk and dill that build the flavors in this cool summer salad. The red onion combined with subtle cucumber slices in the buttermilk dressing, colorful bell pepper bits add a pop of color. This a favorite served as a side dish on it's own or over a bed of cold, crisp greens.

1 cucumber, peeled, sliced

1/4 red onion, sliced paper thin into crescents

1/2+ t. salt

1 c. buttermilk

1 T. dill weed, dried

1/2 c. each green and orange bell pepper, seeded, diced

Toss all ingredients together, coating well. Serve on it's own or over a bed of cold, crisp greens.

Once I've got the main dish in the oven, I pop downstairs to my sewing studio to stitch pocketed, fully lined chef aprons for my online shop - www.etsy.com/shop/topdrawerthreads .

Or I'm putting the finishing touches on upcycled recycled thrifted crocheted throw rugs worked by me for my online shop - www.etsy.com/shop/topdraweryarns .

My daughter's have an online shop - www.etsy.com/shop.yesdesigns - where they design and sew cotton pocket knickers with a handy front hip pocket.

My older daughter has an online shop - www.etsy.com/shop/wildwovenwomen - where she knits upcycled recycled thrifted yarns into bright, eye catching striped throws and afghans well suited to cozy up in on a cool evening.

[diabetesinsider]

Hominy Bean Soup

Hominy lovers gather round...bean lovers, too. This hearty soup works well as a make ahead healthy eating friendly meal that reheats fast. Keep some homemade soup on hand, ready in the fridge for when you need to eat right...and right now.

1 ½ c. 13 bean mix

water

1 - 2 bay leaves

dash salt/pepper/garlic powder

3 - 4 c. tomato juice

1 - 15.5 oz. can white hominy, drained

1 - 15.5 oz. can golden hominy, drained

4 med. carrots, sliced thin

1 - 28 oz. can petite deiced tomatoes with liquid

In a large soup pot, add beans, salt pepper, bay leaves, and water to 1″ above level of beans. Bring to a boil, turn down to simmer and cover. Simmer until beans are tender. Add the tomato juice, both hominy, carrots, and tomatoes. Continue simmering until carrots are tender.

When I’m not simmering bean soup, I’m sewing cotton pocket sugar skull aprons for my online shop - www.etsy.com/shop/topdrawerthreads .

Or, I’m knitting mohair toques from upcycled yarn for my other online shop - www.etsy.com/shop/topdraweryarns .

My daughter’s have an online shop - www.etsy.com/shop/yesdesigns - where they design and sew cotton pocket knickers.

My older daughter has an online shop - www.etsy.com/shop/wildwovenwomen - where she knits brightly colored upcycled yarns into cozy striped afghans.

[diabetesinsider]

Go Tubing...

...at least the way I do, that is. Saw these tubes of pesto paste, garlic paste, tomato paste, and chili paste all used in meal prep on a camping video. I was impressed at how easy these made cooking out in the elements over an open fire look. These have come in so handy for a quick flavor boost cooking in my own kitchen, outdoors, and when I'm the visiting "head chef" for friends/relatives. In various combinations, these work well as part of pasta based dishes, middle Eastern lentil main courses, or South of the border favorites. The pesto for instance works well added to hot, cooked whole wheat pasta with some extra pine nuts tossed in, add some fresh basil if you're a mind to. These are available through my local grocer or on Amazon. Takes the hassle out of healthy meal prep when I'm on the go.

Note: I have no connection with any of these products. I'm just looking for ways to enhance my healthy eating goals with little extra effort on my part.

When I'm not stirring up great family meals, I'm sewing cotton pocket chef aprons for my online shop - www.etsy.com/shop/topdrawerthreads .

Or, I'm tearing old sheets into strips to crochet into upcycled recycled throw rugs to sell in my other shop - www.etsy.com/shop/topdraweryarns .

My daughter's have an online shop - www.etsy.com/shop/yesdesigns - where they design and sew cotton pocket knickers for cosplay or whatever other playfulness comes to mind.

My older daughter has an online shop - www.etsy.com/shop/wildwovenwomen - where she offers up hand knit soft, supple striped afghans and throws worked from upcycled recycled yarns thrifted locally.

[diabetesinsider]

Pesto Parmesan Pasta

Hot...fragrant...filling...fast to fix...sounds like just the thing for a quick healthy meal for one or for the whole family. This works well with a slice of beef roast and green salad to complete this hearty meal. This also rocks just eaten on it's own. Give this a whirl tonight...

1 c. whole wheat pasta, broken - spaghetti or linguine work well

oil

1 pt. cherry tomatoes

dash salt/pepper/garlic powder

1/2 c. pesto sauce

1/2 c. pine nuts

1/2 c. Parmesan cheese shredded

1/4 c. whole wheat bread crumbs

1 T. fresh basil, ribbon cut using kitchen scissors to speed the process

Bring 3 c. water to a boil, plunge the pasta in to begin the cooking process. In a large fry pan, add oil, tomatoes, and seasonings sauteing covered until the tomatoes split. When the pasta is cooked, drain off excess water. While the pasta is still hot, add the pesto sauce, tomatoes, pine nuts, Parmesan cheese - toss well covering everything. Serve up with bread crumbs sprinkled on top. Garnish with the basil. Grab a fork and get to it...

When I'm not quickly putting together a healthy meal for my family, I'm sewing cotton pocket aprons for my online shop - www.etsy.com/shop/topdrawerthreads .

Or, I'm putting the finishing touches on hand knit hats and scarves worked by me from upcycled recycled yarns for my other online shop - www.etsy.com/shop/topdraweryarns .

My daughter's have an online shop - www.etsy.com/shop/yesdesigns - where they design and sew cotton pocket knickers very suitable for leisure or cosplay or whatever you get up to.

My older daughter has an online shop - www.etsy.com/shop/wildwovenwomen - where she knits upcycled recycled yarns into cozy thick afghans and throws - just the thing to curl up into on a cold winter's eve.

[diabetesinsider]

Hale the Kale...

...cheers for the chard...a must do for the mustard greens - all worthy to add to your dinner side dish rotation. To cook any of these, I slice up an onion caramelizing it in olive oil. Add salt, pepper, and garlic powder tossing well. Throw in your greens preference, tossing again, and serve up with a slice of roast pork, hot rice pilaf, and chilled tart apple slices for dessert. The mustard greens are excellent with the onions, seasonings, then throw in a can of black eyed peas - great vegan meal. These are easy to fix, looks like you put some effort into it and is part of my healthy eating plan.

When I'm not quickly putting together a healthy meal for my family, I'm sewing cotton pocket aprons for my online shop - www.etsy.com/shop/topdrawerthreads .

Or, I'm putting the finishing touches on hand knit hats and scarves worked by me from upcycled recycled yarns for my other online shop - www.etsy.com/shop/topdraweryarns .

My daughter's have an online shop - www.etsy.com/shop/yesdesigns - where they design and sew cotton pocket knickers very suitable for leisure or cosplay or whatever you get up to.

My older daughter has an online shop - www.etsy.com/shop/wildwovenwomen - where she knits upcycled recycled yarns into cozy thick afghans and throws - just the thing to curl up into on a cold winter's eve.

[diabetesinsider]

Gadzooks - zukes...

...zucchinis that is. Use one or two colors of this veg that is so versatile as a main dish ingredient, shines as a side dish, or rounds out the meal as a dessert component. Slice them, saute them, then add some fresh lemon slices on top to brighten the flavor. Light...simple...nutritious...fast...that’s what makes this best.

2 T. olive oil

3 green zucchini, sliced

3 yellow zucchini, sliced

dash salt

dash ground pepper

water as needed

lemon slices

In a shallow fry pan, begin sauteing zucchini. Add salt and pepper. As zucchini is nearly tender, add a couple tablespoons water then place lemon slices on zucchinis and cover to steam. When zucchinis are tender, enjoy!

When I’m not cruising the aisles of the produce department, I’m sewing aprons for my etsy shop - www.etsy.com/shop/topdrawerthreads .

Or I'm crocheting cotton throw rugs torn by me from upcycled recycled sheets for my other shop - www.etsy.com/shop/topdraweryarns .

My daughter’s have an etsy shop - www.etsy.com/shop/yesdesigns - where they hand make and sell summer shorts and crocheted bikini tops.

My older daughter has an online shop - www.etsy.com/shop/wildwovenwomen - where she knits upcycled recycled yarns into eye catching chunky afghans and throws. Definitely recommended to snuggle up into.

[diabetesinsider]

Clove Lentil Soup

Yet another way with the basic lentil...delicious, too. Just bring the lentils to a boil with water, add the other ingredients and simmer for 30 min. You have dinner tonight and take away meals for the rest of the week - freezes well, too. See what you think...

1 1/2 c. brown lentils

5 c. water

1 med. onion, diced

1/2 t. turmeric

1 - 2 stalks celery, diced

3 carrots, sliced thin

1 1/2 t. cloves, ground

1 t. fresh ginger, grated fine

1 t. salt

dash black pepper

2 t. epazote

In a large soup pot, add lentils and water. Cover and bring to a boil. Add onion, turmeric, celery, carrots, cloves, ginger, salt, pepper and epazote. Turn down to simmer for 30 min or until tender. Ladle up and enjoy with apple slices on the side.

When I’m not working up new ways with lentils, I’m sewing aprons great for wearing in the kitchen, the garden or at your crafting area for my online shop - www.etsy.com/shop/topdrawerthreads and www.michaels.com/makerplace/storefront/topdrawerthreads .

Or I’m putting the finishing touches on crocheted rag rugs worked by me from upcycled recycled cotton strips for my other shop - www.etsy.com/shop/topdraweryarns .

My daughter’s have any online shop - www.etsy.com/shop/yesdesigns - where they design and sew cotton pocket knickers for summer frolic.

My older daughter has an online shop - www.etsy.com/shop/wildwovenwomen - where she knits brightly striped throws from upcycled recycled yarns.

[diabetesinsider]

Eeny...meeny...miny...moe...

- more eggplant that is. Add these chopped with seeds and skin coarse grated to stir fry or sliced thin layered in lasagna or breaded, fried, and baked in a rich tomato sauce topped with Parmesan cheese. It's just as easy as that. Don't be hesitant, throw these split side down, roasted to a soft texture when pierced with a sharp knife - then scoop out as the main ingredient in baba ganosuh. These are but a few ways to enjoy the goodness of the aubergine. The lone plant in my raised beds threatens numerous eggplants to enjoy if the abundant blossoms are any indication.

Photo: Left to right - Indian eggplant, Thai eggplant, Italian eggplant

When I’m not experimenting in the kitchen, I’m sewing cotton canvas pocketed work aprons for my online shop - www.etsy.com/shop/topdrawerthreads and www.michaels.com/makerplace/storefront/topdrawerthreads.

Or I’m pairing upcycled yarns to knit into warm winter hats and scarves for my other shop - www.etsy.com/shop/topdraweryarns.

My daughter’s have an online shop - www.etsy.com/shop/yesdesigns - where they hand make and sell pocket knickers for fun and frolic.

My older daughter has an online shop - www.etsy.com/shop/wildwovenwomen - where she works upcycled yarns into knit eye-catching striped afghans and scarves.

[diabetesinsider]

Saxophone apron 3 deep pockets red black gray cotton lined music jazz band blues marching notes treble cleft boho 15" L 21" W ready to ship

Smooth blues…jangling jazz…bright sharp marching band notes…saxophone's music float through the air across the three (3) deep pockets of this all cotton waist tie half apron. It has a gray apron base, is double fabric lined, has reinforced top stitching and is sewn by me.

READY TO SHIP

This apron is 15" long by 21" wide with 33" long ties (88" end to end), 8 1/4" deep pockets.

www.etsy.com/shop/topdrawerthreads

[diabetesinsider]

Sewing chef apron flames fire sewer cotton pockets sewers fiery black red orange lined batik crafting crafter 26.75" L 21" W ready to ship

This sewers on fire…or at least these blades are burning through the fabric in this all cotton crafters chef style apron. This apron is fully lined, top stitched and sewn by me. There is 1 one deep pocket on the right hip.

READY TO SHIP

This apron is 26 3/4" long by 21" wide with 30" long ties.

www.etsy.com/shop/topdrawerthreads

$26.00

[diabetesinsider]

Avocado half apron humor humorous beach 3 pockets lined cotton server waiter farmers market crafting gift idea 15" L 21" W ready to ship

www.etsy.com/shop/topdrawerthreads

Avocados are having a humorous pleasurable heyday at the beach across the 3 three deep front pockets of this half apron. They're soaking up the rays, building a sand castle, diving into the deep, enjoying an ice cream cone, and catching a wave…what a busy day! This apron works well to wear gardening, crafting, serving or whatever you get up to in a day. It's fully lined, top stitched, and sewn by me from all cotton fabric.

READY TO SHIP

This apron is 15" long by 21" wide with 31" long ties (84" end to end), 8" deep pockets.

$25.00

[diabetesinsider]

Graffiti server apron waiter half waist tie barista 3 pockets lined cotton hot pink base gardening artist funky 15" L 21" W ready to ship

www.etsy.com/shop/topdrawerthreads

Street art…graffiti…funky…eye catching…this cotton print half apron is all that and fun to boot. The images are eye catching and a fresh look for the utilitarian cover up. This apron is fully lined, top stitched and sewn by me with three 3 pockets across the front. The apron base is hot pink.

READY TO SHIP

This apron is 15" long by 21" wide with 32" long ties (84" end to end), 8 1/2" deep pockets.

$25.00

[diabetesinsider]

Chipmunk chef apron funny cute humorous cell pocket fully lined top stitched cotton brown green approx. 27" L 20" W 31.5" ties ready to ship

www.etsy.com/shop/topdrawerthreads

These bright eyed and bushy tailed chipmunks are wondering - are you friend or foe? A flick of the tail will send them scurrying away. The cotton apron has a front pocket (for acorn storage) and is fully lined and top stitched.

READY TO SHIP!

This apron is approx. 27" long by 20" wide with 31 1/2" long ties.

$24.00

[diabetesinsider]

Irish Whiskey apron half cotton 3 pockets lined server boho bartender hippie funky rye single malt scotch blended 15" L 21" W ready to ship

www.etsy.ocm/shop/topdrawerthreads

Single malt whiskey…rye whiskey…Kentucky straight bourbon…Imported Irish whiskey…single barrel whiskey…Scotch whiskey…sounds like a real tasting party to me! All of these are pictured on the whiskey print fabric for the three section deep pockets across the front of this half apron. This apron is fully double fabric lined and top stitched. The apron base is in rust checked print fabric.

This apron is 15" long by 21" wide with 33" long ties (87" end to end), 8 1/2" deep pockets.

$23.00