2014 - Book 6

"The Fault In Our Stars" - Indiana

Okay, I realize some of you might have strong feelings about this book because it is very popular right now, but bear with me. First of all, I did like this book . . . it is one of the better ones on the US of YA list that I've read so far. However, I was not a fan of the premarital sex (which seems to be in every book these days unfortunately, at least it was very minimal in this one) or the view that a belief in God or heaven implies that you are unintelligent. I happen to believe in God and heaven and I don't think anyone would classify me as an unintelligent individual. But, apart from that, and the few bad words, this was a pretty quality book.

The basic premise of the book is that it is a love story between two teenagers battling cancer. I think this book is so relevant and popular now because everyone, it seems, has been personally affected by cancer in some way. This was particularly moving to me because one of my best friends in grade school died of brain cancer when we were only in 6th grade. The emotions are raw and run pretty high in this book, but not in a bad way. It's a very real book and I enjoyed that aspect of it. Also, part of it is set in the Netherlands so I felt like I got to go on a journey with the characters too, which I always enjoy.

Supposedly this is coming out as a movie this year, but I'm not so sure I want to go see it. I did enjoy the book, but I have a feeling the movie will be a bit disturbing. Cancer is ugly and I'm sure actually seeing the damage it's having on these young bodies will be even more emotional than just reading about it. Also, I'm not entirely sure I buy the casting of the male lead because that is not how I pictured him looking at all, but that's open to each person's interpretation I guess.

So, all in all, it was a good book, one of the better that I've read so far this year, but there was a little room for improvement. I'm interested to see what comes of it after the movie.

Apart from reading, I promised you more recipes this week, and I will provide those in the form of my second crock pot freezer meal prep extravaganza :)

Before I tell you about all of the recipes I made this time, I feel the need to clarify something about one of my previous recipes. My favorite of my first batch of freezer meals was one that I dubbed "nacho soup". It was a taco flavored black bean concoction of yumminess, but I think I had my recipes switched up. When making this 2nd batch, I thought I made it again, but then realized I had used a different recipe so here is the break down:

Chicken Taco Soup

This is the real recipe: "Chicken Taco Soup"

This is the recipe that I thought I was using until I realized that the real one had chicken in it, and the one I made during my 2nd batch was with hamburger: "Black Bean Taco Soup"

That's what I get for using two lists that each have a "taco soup". So, because of that mix-up, there are no repeat recipes in my 2nd batch of meals from the first batch of meals, but that's okay I guess :)

This is what I made:

Enchilada Wraps (x1) (I omitted the olives)

Sloppy Tamale Pie (x1) (Again, I left out the olives, because I just don't like them)

Chunky Chili with Veggies (x1) (I'm looking forward to trying this one because of the nice beef in it (I used a chuck roast), I think I may have ruined it by cutting with the grain though instead of against . . . I didn't know which was the right way and it was the last one I made so I was tired and ready to be done. Hopefully cooking it in the slow cooker with keep it tender)

Black Bean and Corn Salsa Chicken (x2)

Mom's Slow Cooker Chili (x1)

Chicken Curry with Cabbage and Peppers (x2)

A sample of what the meals look like

Black Bean Taco Soup (x1)

Teriyaki Chicken (one recipe makes 2 batches)

Think I bought enough groceries?

Almost all of the ingredients (minus some spices and garlic that I already had) came to $84.48. Not too bad for 11 full meals that will feed us for at least 2 - 3 meals a piece I'm expecting. If each only fed us both for two meals, that's only $1.92 a meal / person. Better than the Dollar Menu if you ask me :) Also, the meat was by far the most expensive part, so if you find some that are vegetarian, or reduce the amount of meat you add, you could save even more money.

Again, I'll keep you posted as we try them out and let you know which ones are keepers :) I'm happier with the variety of ethnicity of meals this time . . . there is some Asian and Indian, not just a majority of taco flavored things like last time . . . I think that will be an improvement :) Oh, and since I made these all by myself (my husband cut up all of the meat for me last time) it took 5 hours, but for the amazing amount of work I've saved in the kitchen after my last batch of freezer meals, one Sunday afternoon is a small price to pay. Try it out with your family and let me know how it works!

A well stocked freezer :)

Let me know if you give any of them a try and what you think . . . talk to you later :)