Here comes the weekend!

So, if there's anything a working mom looks forward to, it's the weekend. A little extra time with the hubby, playtime with the kiddos, and (in my case) a little extra time in the kitchen.

Most weekends, I have a pretty grand plan for what will be going on. The problem is, we're pretty stocked. Busting even. I have ziti, beans (garbanzo and black), lasagna, and chili in the freezer for quick meals. I have probably 5 dozen muffins left, and two different kinds of pancakes. Not to mention all the vegetable purees for my Deceptively Delicious recipes (and those inspired).

So, Now what?

Well, it's Strawberry Season. That means it's time to get on my Jam making for the year. I hate store bought jam. I was spoiled on homemade in the beautiful Pacific Northwest Berry Heaven. Smuckers is just crap when you're used to an assortment of jams made of fresh fruit.

Although Strawberries are part of the uneatable "Dirty Dozen," we simply cannot afford to buy organic for jam. Not to mention I've never been able to find a batch that is mold-free. So, I instead follow the lead of The Omnivore's Dilemma, and buy local. At least there are fewer preservatives. I always end up making Freezer Jam, as I love the TASTE. It's just berries and sugar - YUM!

I also noticed that Eggplants are on sale at Publix. So, I perused a few recipes and found a 2 that perked my interest. Truthfully, I have never LOVED Eggplant Parmesan. However, I found a nice recipe for a middle eastern eggplant dip. I also got the idea for making Curry from a web board I frequent. I have some massaman paste and coconut milk. So, we'll see what I can share come Sunday or Monday!

So, what do YOU plan to do this weekend? Why don't you take a step to de-preservative your life and make something HOMEMADE? It's really not that scary! It can be as simple as making pancakes for your family, from scratch (no Bisquick or Krustez allowed!) Then make a double batch, and freeze everything you don't eat. Or, make a double batch of muffins, and do the same. Make an extra big pot of chili, and freeze half. Then use it on a day you would otherwise go out or eat some ready-made meal. Go on. Make some plans...you DO have the whole weekend!