Nifty Notion #10: Tuna Stuffed Tomatoes

Today's Nifty Notion is brought to us by the lovely Rebekah at We Live Inspired. Thanks for coming over and helping me out today! If you haven't yet visited her pages of inspired living be sure to do so. You will find lots of great tips, money saving ideas, amazing poems, and stories that will warm your heart. 

Without further ado, here she is to teach us a new recipe...


I am happy to be here at my dear friend Lizzy's blog today! The way we met was one of those serendipitous things where we both happened to be in the same place at the same time in an online forum. We were both brand new bloggers at the time, and we have so much in common that we became fast friends! I am blessed beyond measure to have Lizzy as a friend, as she is one of those true blue people you can count on. You may already have gathered this from reading her wonderful blog posts that are filled with so much heart :).   

  Today I am sharing a garden fresh healthy recipe that is easy to throw together for those days where you just can't be bothered (as Lizzy often puts it). Our new neighbor has a vegetable garden and he was kind enough to give us some fresh ripe tomatoes right off the vine. We only had 2 large tomatoes, (a perfect dinner for 2) , so this was the perfect way to use them! My mom made these for us during the summers when I was growing up.    


Tuna Stuffed Tomatoes   

Ingredients:

1. 1-4 tomatoes (depending on size you will be able to stuff up to 4 tomatoes with this recipe) - 1 tomato per person you are feeding :)
2. 1 can of flaked tuna fish (I like the kind packed in water instead of oil)
3. 2-3 Tablespoons of salad dressing or mayonnaise. (I use a salad dressing called Miracle Whip-it's popular in the USA) If you are on a health conscious diet , use lowfat.
4. chopped onion-however much you like. I typically throw in a couple of Tablespoons. Any variety of onion works well (even green onion), but I used a regular onion for this recipe.
5. Chopped celery
6. coarsely ground black pepper- I like using a pepper mill with pepper corns in it, but any pepper will do.
7. Parmesan Cheese ( I used the pre grated powder like Parmesan cheese, but you can use any kind you like)- I add about 1 Tablespoon.
8. Shredded cheese of choice-I used colby jack
9. lettuce or fresh spinach leaves-optional

It is so simple! All we are essentially doing is stuffing fresh tomatoes with tuna salad. If you REALLY can't be bothered ;) , you can make your tuna salad very basic (no chopping needed) and just use the tuna, mayo/dressing, and salt and pepper to season if you like.   

Directions: With a knife, carve a circle off the top of each tomato and remove. (Think of when you carve a pumpkin to make a jack o' lantern and are carving the top off to take the filling out.) Scoop out the core and seeds. Set aside.

   

Making the tuna salad- Drain can of tuna. In a small bowl add the tuna, chopped onion and celery, mayo/salad dressing, pepper and parmesan cheese. Mix until well combined. Fill tomatoes to overflowing with the tuna mixture. While I didn't use lettuce today, it makes a nice presentation to serve the stuffed tomatoes on a bed of lettuce or baby spinach leaves! Top each tomato with shredded cheese. Now it's ready to eat! I find it to be pretty filling and will eat this dish by itself. Surprisingly, my meat and potatoes guy even liked it! You can't normally get him to eat tomatoes unless they are on a hamburger :D.  

            
What is your favorite way to use garden fresh tomatoes?

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Nifty Notion #9: Hand-Towel Mop

There’s been a lot going on here lately. I am utterly exhausted from it all. Seems like an appropriate time to share another cleaning tip.

This one is a brilliant ‘quickie’ to sooth your frazzled cleaning soul, and potentially decreases the amount of pride that needs to be swallowed when the next unexpected (or even expected) visitor pops in.

You will need:

1 case of exhaustion

1 dose of desire for a cleaner floor

1 floor that needs mopping

1 old hand towel (it will never be the same again - so please don’t use a good one)

How to:

1. Completely wet towel in the sink.
2. Wring out until just damp.
3. Drop it on the floor.
4. Using your foot, rub the damp towel over the area that needs mopping.
5. Toss the, now dirty, hand towel into the laundry tub for later.
6. Enjoy the cleaner look and feel.
7. If you so desire - on a day you have regained some ‘oomph’, come back and do it properly with the mop and detergent.

You're welcome!

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Nifty Notion #8: Pumpkin Soup (dairy free)

Whether the weather is just warming up or cooling down, this recipe makes an ideal meal that’s quick and easy with minimal preparation required.

Dairy Free Pumpkin Soup, Lizzy Style

Serves 5-6

Before we begin I have to say that I rarely measure things exactly and often make it up as I go along – adding a splosh of this and a handful of that. This is one such meal. I will do my best to give quantities but they are really only an approximation.

You will need:

1/3 large pumpkin (I use Kent or Jap)

3-4 medium potatoes

1 medium to large onion

5-6 small garlic cloves

2 tablespoons olive oil

1 litre water

1 cup red lentils

1 tablespoon mixed dry herbs

1-2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce (I’m not really sure of the quantity here – I give the bottle a hearty shake and then a bit more. I guess it’s up to individual taste)

½ desert spoon honey

Salt to taste

How to:

1. Roughly chop pumpkin and potatoes into chunks. Peel and quarter onions. Peel garlic and cut in half.
2. Put in large saucepan with oil. Cook (stirring occasionally) until onion softens and pumpkin and potato begin to brown.
3. Add water, lentils, herbs, sauce, honey and salt.
4. Cover and bring to the boil, then reduce to a simmer (stirring occasionally) until everything is well cooked and quite soft.
5. Blend with a stick blender until smooth.
6. Serve and Enjoy!!

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Nifty Notion #7: Cleaning by Number

No doubt you’ve heard of painting by number - a handy little kit that tells you where to paint what colour. You barely have to think but soon have a masterpiece.

This is cleaning by number. A handy little tip that helps you to clean a cluttered room. You barely have to think and soon have a clean area.

Here’s how it works…

Option A: Good for days when you lack motivation but must. Days when you can’t see the wood for the trees.

1. Pick a low-ish number. No more than twenty.
2. Randomly choose that many things from amongst the clutter and put them away.
3. Pick another number (or if you really liked the previous one stick with that).
4. Randomly choose that many things from amongst the clutter and put them away.
5. Rinse and repeat.

Option B: Good for when you’ve really neglected an area. You don’t have the energy today (or tomorrow) but want to get started. A slightly longer term plan for dealing with the messy mounds.

1. Pick a bigger number. Somewhere between twenty and fifty.
2. Randomly choose that many things from amongst the clutter and put them away.
3. You’re done in this room for Today.
4. Tomorrow (and the day after, if needed) – rinse and repeat.

  

I have had to employ these methods this week to deal with a certain sewing area and the attached lounge room. Some days you can, some days you can not. The point is to work at a pace that suits. We’re not talking running, or even necessarily walking; crawl if you must. Just do something. You will feel better for it.

And here's some extra encouragement...

^{Isaiah 40:28} Do you not know?
    Have you not heard?
The Lord is the everlasting God,
    the Creator of the ends of the earth.
He will not grow tired or weary,
    and his understanding no one can fathom.
²⁹ He gives strength to the weary
    and increases the power of the weak.
³⁰ Even youths grow tired and weary,
    and young men stumble and fall;
³¹ but those who hope in the Lord
    will renew their strength.
They will soar on wings like eagles;
    they will run and not grow weary,
    they will walk and not be faint.

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Nifty Notion #6: Breakfast Smoothie

Ever have days when you slept in and just don’t have time to eat breakfast? Ever wake up and just can’t be bothered? If you’re like me you’ll be nodding. But skipping brekkie leaves me feeling pretty ‘blah’ for the rest of the day. 

Here’s my solution to a quick meal-on-the-run come meal-you-have-when-you-know-you-must-but-can’t-be-bothered. It’s great for other times too!

Breakfast Smoothie

Serves 1

You will need:

1 large or 2 small banana/s.

1 egg (raw)

1 teaspoon of honey

A dash of Vanilla

Cinnamon

Milk (of your choice – I use rice milk)  

How to:

1. Peel and blend banana/s.
2. Add egg, honey, a dash of vanilla, (and a pinch of cinnamon if so desired) and blend until smooth
3. Top up with milk to required level (I use a 500ml cup – so top up the banana mix to about that) and blend again.
4. Pour into cup and top with a light sprinkle of cinnamon
5. Enjoy!

Tip:

For extra goodness, add a spoonful or two of fibre mix at step 2.

PS - Did you click on the link next to the milk (in the ingredients list)? A real Aussie TV ad, good for a giggle :)

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Nifty Notion #5: Super Simple Guilt Free Ice Cream

This is so yummy. So simple. So (actually) good for you!

Banana, Mango, Coconut 'Ice Cream'.

Serves 3-4

You will need:

2-3 bananas

2 mangos

½ cup desiccated coconut (optional)

chopped fruit - ready to freeze

How to:

1. Slice and dice fruit into small pieces.
2. Spread evenly in a single layer in a container or on a tray.
3. Freeze.
4. Once frozen, place chopped fruit (with coconut) into a food processor and blend until smooth.
5. Scoop into bowls.
6. Devour!!! (In the most lady-like/gentlemanly manner of course!)

yes, it was as good as it looks!

Tips:

• The most basic ‘ice cream’ can be made with banana only. You can experiment with whatever fruits you so desire but it is important to use banana as the base - otherwise the consistency may be too thin and runny.

• Once made, it is best to consume the entire quantity straightaway. Only blend up as much as is needed at the time.

Experiment, have fun, and report back here with all successful (i.e. delicious) blends!

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Nifty Notion #4: Pill Popping Preparation

I take tablets. A small handful every day. At least I should. The truth is I often can not be bothered. I know I need them. I know they will help me function but in the moment am often too tired to be bothered standing there opening all the containers and getting them out. So I don’t (and end up paying for it).

A month or so ago a brilliant idea whirled into my head. I often say that I would be happy to take them if someone else would just get them all ready for me. What if that someone was me? What if I could get all my tablets for the week prepared and only have to deal with all those containers once a week?

I became a woman on a mission. I needed one of those handy compartmentalised pill travel sets. A big one. Most of the ones I had seen around were too small.  Just when it seemed all options had been exhausted (as was I), my ‘Hallelujah’ moment arrived. The girl at the chemist was very helpful. She listened to my dilemma. Looked at me as if I was a bit strange (let ‘em think what they like) and then sold me the most expensive piece of plastic I have bought without a lifetime warranty attached.

This has space for four lots of tablets per day for a week. Twenty eight wonderful sections. Requiring only two spots a day, I can fit a fortnights worth in this handy apparatus. Yeah!

So far the whole concept has worked really well. The costly contraption has earned its keep. I guess that means it can stay.

PS - Cheaper versions of this do exist. I know. I saw one the other day *sigh*

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Nifty Notion #3: Commercial Cleaning

So what is commercial cleaning I hear you ask? No, this does not involve hiring a maid.

Instead it is all to do with watching television. Yep! Watch TV and get the house clean. Or just a room. Or just the kitchen table. Whatever it is that really needs doing but right now, in this very moment, you simply do not have the necessary oomph required.

You will need:

1 messy room or task that you really can’t be bothered dealing with

1 television

1 good program that you enjoy watching

How to:

1. Turn on the telly (did I mention how easy this would be?).
2. Relax and enjoy the (first) segment of your program.
3. As soon as an advertisement appears, get up and get as much done as you can before you hear/see your show return.
4. Repeat steps 2 - 3 until either the program finishes or your task is complete, whichever comes first.

Easy peasy!

I have found that because of the short, and somewhat undefined, length of time to ‘go for it’ more actually seems to get done than otherwise. It’s like you’re racing the ads; more of a game than cleaning (such a dirty word). Before you know it, you have achieved something and rediscovered that long lost end of the dining table or arm chair. Heck, I have even hung the washing this way!

Warning: If you are anything like me, you will find yourself making such profound statements as, ‘This is an ad! Get moving Lizzy!’

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Nifty Notion #2: Simple Meal Idea - Nachos

This one is a family favourite around here. Most of you are probably familiar with what’s involved. I am going to share how we like to make them. It’s quick, it’s simple, and makes minimum mess too (bonus points for that!).

You will need:

1-2 packets of plain corn chips (depending how many mouths you need to feed)

1 jar salsa (we like mild)

1 tin brown lentils

Grated cheese

Fresh herbs

1-2 Avocados

Salad greens of your choice

What to do:

1. Preheat oven to 180^oC/ 350F
2. Drain and rinse lentils. Place in a small mixing bowl and stir in salsa.
3. In a large baking dish (I’m feeding a family of boys here) place a layer of corn chips.
4. Top with a third of the lentil and salsa mix. Sprinkle on some cheese.
5. Repeat steps 3 and 4 until you have about 3 layers worth or have used up all the ingredients.
6. Cook until cheese has melted.
7. Top with fresh herbs. (We like to use parsley, shallots, and oregano from our garden).
8. Mash avocado.
9. Serve with a generous dollop of avocado on top and salad on the side.
10. Enjoy!

My dinner tonight. Yummo!

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Nifty Notion #1: Sweeping the Room with a Glance

No, this is not a joke. Neither is it really a cleaning tip. What it is though, is a necessary place my heart had to come to - in order to love and accept myself right here where I am at.

It is permission to not be okay. Authorization to acknowledge a day that is just plain ‘blah’; to sit and listen to music, to sew, to read a good book, to put my feet up, to ignore the housework. Why? There are days, dear friends, when my body (and possibly yours) just needs to rest. Pushing myself to achieve things on those days would only result in being extra useless for the next few.

With a certain amount of awe, I have listened to other women discussing how long it takes to clean their houses each day. The sheer number of tasks they can achieve.  My comparing mind works overtime, soon leading to frustration. Discouraged I focus on the negative and forget to see the positive.  I become depressed.

But this is not God’s plan for my life. While we are called to be good stewards of all that He has given us, He does not intend for us to be overwhelmed by it.

^{Matthew 11:28} “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. ²⁹ Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. ³⁰ For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.”(NIV)

Consider the story of Mary and Martha.

^{Luke 10:38} As Jesus and his disciples were on their way, he came to a village where a woman named Martha opened her home to him. ³⁹ She had a sister called Mary, who sat at the Lord’s feet listening to what he said. ⁴⁰ But Martha was distracted by all the preparations that had to be made. She came to him and asked, “Lord, don’t you care that my sister has left me to do the work by myself? Tell her to help me!”

⁴¹ “Martha, Martha,” the Lord answered, “you are worried and upset about many things, ⁴² but few things are needed—or indeed only one. Mary has chosen what is better, and it will not be taken away from her.”(NIV)

This passage is not suggesting we should never do housework (wouldn’t we all love a verse like that!). Elsewhere Martha is acknowledged for her contribution.  But Jesus clearly states that it is not the be all and end all.  

Today, if it is not possible to be a Martha, be a Mary. Sweep the room with a glance and rest at Jesus feet.  

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Nifty Notions

A few folk have asked me recently, “How do you do it?” The ‘it’ referring to raising a family, keeping house, and dealing with CFS.

The simple answer is one day at a time and God!

In practical terms I have learned how to cheat (gasp!). I would love to live in an always organised, mostly tidy, feel-free-to-drop-by-at-any-time-and-I-will-not-be-embarrassed house. However this is just not reality. Over the years I have come up with a few simpler ways of doing the house work; or rather coping strategies for days when it is all too much.

Sometimes providing a meal for the family can also be a draining task. Take-out is not only expensive, but does not tend to be overly healthy either. As a family we have come up with a few favourites for such occasions.

A little light bulb came on (in my head) the other day. Why not share these things? Well…why not! I know I am not alone in this and have been grateful for friend’s suggestions over the years.

Consequently I am creating a new page to share my discoveries with you.  

Stay tuned for Nifty Notion #1…