A Little Bit Better in 2026 Part 2

Posted on by theexileskitchen by Amanda Ellison Anglin

In continuing to try to do a little bit better this year, breakfast on-the-go is a must for me. My money is tight starting out the new year with Miss Marigold needing to go to the vet’s office because she had a bellyache (yucky, yucky). And car maintenance, including a tow to the shop, came up this month. I realized that I need to be much better at saving for unexpected expenses. So, cooking a quick breakfast sandwich at home will save me money and time. 

Here’s my typical breakfast:

2 pieces of Dave’s Killer Thin sliced bread- a drizzle of honey on each slice, along with a shake of cinnamon. Toasted for 5 minutes on 400°.

In a small microwavable bowl place a super thin- sliced piece of ham. I had Land o Frost in the frig. Next drop in an egg. Salt and pepper the egg and scramble around. (Ooo. I  just thought that a little Dijon mustard would have been a nice kick to the simple egg. Hmm. I need to try it!)

Place in the microwave, cover, and zap it for one minute.

When your toast is toasted and your ham and egg are cooked, well, assemble your sandwich.  The sweet of the honey and savory of the ham/egg is a nice combo. 

I wrap my breakfast sandwich in a paper towel and put in my purse or work bag.

Now, it takes all of 5 minutes to make. Calories are:

Honey drizzle-   21

Bread-               200

Egg-                     72

Ham-                   18

Cinnamon-           0

A total of 311 calories. Comparable to a Micky D’s Egg McMuffin at 310 calories which costs  between $4 to $7. A Chick-fil-a Egg White Grill at 300 calories which costs $5 to $6. This homemade breakfast sandwich costs pennies, or rather rounded up nickles, to make with no time spent in the drive-through line.

Sticking to resolutions Blessings from the Exile’s Kitchen. 

Have You Ever Seen a Bloodhound Pout?

Posted on by theexileskitchen by Amanda Ellison Anglin

Miss Marigold was at her food dish, when she realized her favorite person had gone out to get on the tractor. She stretched herself between the kitchen and dining room doorway and threw her soulful eyes at me. But I had just sat down with my cup of coffee and made her wait. Spoiled? Just a bit.

It’s strawberry season, so a pie is on tonight’s menu. Lemon Strawberry Pie. Put this recipe under refrigerator pies and Sunday dinner favorites. Also, it’s just in time for your Easter celebration.

Here’s what to do:

In a big mixing bowl whip up a small carton of heavy whipping cream… (what else does one do with whipping cream?). I added a 1/3 cup of sugar, a little salt and vanilla.

Once nice a fluffy, add the zest of one lemon, the juice of the same lemon and a can of sweetened condensed milk.

Mix all of that together, then add in a generous cup of fresh strawberries that have been washed, capped, sliced and lightly sweetened with a little sugar. I prepared my strawberries the night before, because this step is the most time consuming of this recipe. Slowly let the mixer incorporate the strawberries into the whipped mixture. Next, pour into a graham cracker crust.

I just used a store bought crust, but if you’re industrious enough to make your own, go for it!

Decorate the top of your pie with strawberry slices, if you wish. Lightly cover with plastic wrap and chill in the frig a few hours before serving.

George in the background, with that spoiled bloodhound Marigold.

The local Piggly Wiggly had some springy candies, so I bought Jordan Almonds and Gelly Frogs. They’re gilding the lily of my strawberry pie stand. Try this for Easter dessert.

Blessings from the Exile’s Kitchen and spoiled Marigold.

What Day Is It?

Posted on by theexileskitchen by Amanda Ellison Anglin

I think it was Wednesday today. Each 24 hours blends into another. Told to not go into work, my mother, Marigold and I bugged out to the country, not quite a week ago.

I’ve spent this time planting my big garden. G90 corn under planted with contender green beans: 2 rows. Almost half a row of squash: zucchini and yellow crooked neck. The rest of the rows will be zinnias, cosmos, bishop’s flower and a multitude of sunflowers. Pink flamingo whirlygigs mark where I’ve planted what. Plus, detailed notes are kept in a notebook. A gentle rain for most of yesterday (Tuesday?) graced the turned ground, making it perfect for planting.

Early evening, after a simple supper of braised chicken tenders and tossed salad, I sat down at the piano and right hand pecked out old hymns. I have trouble reading bass clef. Marigold was on the porch and she started barking, when she heard my feeble notes. Everyone is a critic.

Gardening. Writing. Music- kinda. What’s keeping you from going stir crazy?

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Blessings from the Exile’s Kitchen while hunkering down at Flowers Proper.