Rachael Eliker's Blog, page 3

Sleeping Babe

Even Spiderman needs a nap once in a while.Does anyone else love pictures of sleeping kids? I know I do. There's something so special about catching them when they're asleep, especially when they're completely oblivious to what's going on around them and/or have fallen asleep in some of the oddest places. Brothers make good pillows.
While perusing my photo collection of napping kids, it seems like Adam and Peter have been the most likely to fall asleep NOT in their bed, but I think the tradition s...

Grilled Chicken Gyros

In an effort to continue to expand our dinner options, we introduced the kids to gyros. Not the truly authentic kind, slow roasted on a skewer, but an easy Americanized version that is still very tasty! Marinate the chicken early, have some pita bread ready, mix up fresh tzatziki sauce, and it's a quick, delicious meal.
Ingredients: Gyro toppings 1/2 Small red onion sliced1 tablespoon olive oil1 cup garbanzo beans, optional1/4 cup fresh lemon juice more for drizzing on top4 pieces pita bread grille...

The Baby's Growing Up

Happy first birthday, cutie pie!It goes without saying that being the youngest of seven children threw Adam into a busy life the moment he was born. There has always been someone to play with, snuggle him, change his diapers, feed him, coo over him, and teach him something new. As the mother of seven children, it has been equally busy for me, which means, that even as much as I adore each of my children, sometimes I don't have time to stop and document that love. As Adam is quickly approaching h...

Whole Wheat Burger Buns

We do plenty of grilling in all seasons, but one thing I never seem to have on hand are buns (not that it would matter anyway... most of the kids won't touch store-bought bread products after eating homemade bread for so long. 😅). This recipe is an easy solution for even the most inexperienced bread maker. Plus, they're primarily made with whole wheat, but are still so soft, fluffy, and last for several days (if everyone doesn't gobble them up in one sitting). Great for hamburgers, pulled pork, ...

A Girl Needs Her Space

One of Claire's innate qualities is her creativity. It doesn't matter WHAT she's trying to make more beautiful--hair, cookies, pillows, artwork, the yard--she is fascinated by the creative process. I love that about her. I also love that along with her unique ability to see things for their potential, she seeks to share that gift with others. This past Christmas, she handmade all of her siblings, and her twin cousin, their very own present. They were all delighted that she'd taken the time to mak...

Honey Garlic Baked Pork Chops

If you want juicy, tender, flavorful pork chops, but don't want to go outside to grill them, this recipe is for you!
Ingredients:
2 Tablespoons honey4 cloves garlic minced2 Tablespoons soy sauce (low sodium works great for this recipe)1 Tablespoon ketchup1/2 tablespoon sweet chili sauce1/2 teaspoon dried oregano4 (4 ounces each) bone-in pork chops, fat trimmed2 Tablespoons olive oil1 Tablespoon butterSalt and pepper, to tasteChopped fresh parsley, for garnish (optional)
Preheat oven to 400F. In a s...

Farming Must Go On

Deep down, I always knew I wanted to be a farmer and/or rancher. There's so much about it that appeals to me--open spaces, animals, hard work that never ever ends. KIDDING. Except, I'm not. It's very fortunate that I happen to be built for hard labor, and in general, I do enjoy the satisfaction of a job well done and going to bed tired. I'm not sure what I thought farmers and ranchers did, come cold weather, when I was younger, but I probably naively thought they tucked in for the winter and enjo...

Cheesy Ground Beef Pasta Skillet

One of the goals I've set for myself before turning 40 (gasp! I'm getting old!) is to try forty new-to-me recipes before I turn forty. Maybe I'll take a stab at something from The Art of French Cooking by Julia Child et al, but to boost my confidence, I decided to start with something simple. This dish isn't high class, but it's a yummy comfort food that's on the table in less than 20 mins, and was familiar enough that the kids had no qualms eating it. Sounds good enough to add to the rotation t...

Meet Panama!

We did something a little crazy...🤪Anyone who knows me even even a little bit knows that I am an animal lover. Not the superficial, "aww, that ____ is cute!" I'm a bona fide, lifelong, animal lover, and a crazy one at that. Crawling on floor, pretending I'm like horse? My whole childhood. Jumping into bushes in pursuit of a frog? Yep. Me. Happy with a bird on my shoulder, a squirrel climbing on my leg, a snake slithering through my fingers, or a rat on my lap? It's perfectly natural to me. Thirte...

Teenager Alert

This gorgeous gal's a teenager!I'm not entirely sure how it happened, but Jack and I are now the parents of a teenager. It happened way back in the spring, but our family life keeps us so busy, that I haven't gotten caught up celebrating everyone's special days. But, I have thought often about Evelyn being the big One-Three, and every time, it blows my mind. We are on full-blown teenager alert. As evidenced by the overload of photos I have of Evelyn since the time she was born, she has always bee...