• Family Recipe: Bierocks

    You can pack your bierocks with more meat less bread if you want! I usually do a mix of both (more bread and more meat) so people can choose what they want to eat. This one is a picture of a more bread.

    My Grandma taught me how to make this delicious recipe that is basically a dinner roll stuffed with hamburger, sauerkraut, and cheese called Bierocks (although the first half of the word is pronounced like the word “beer” it does not contain any actual beer).  Even though the combination sounds a little interesting it really tastes amazing!  I am not sure where the recipe actually originated from but I do have family from Czechoslovakia so maybe that area.  I remember as a kid helping my Grandma make this recipe and have great memories of spending time together talking while cooking for the harvest crew.

    Fresh out of the oven and ready to be eaten!

    Every once in awhile I like to make up a big batch of Bierocks so we can eat some right away and the rest I like to stick in the freezer to pull out on those busy days for a quick meal.  I have used a number of different bread recipes to make Bierocks and they all have turned out well.  Today I will share the latest bread version I made earlier this week using Money Saving Mom’s Freezer-Friendly Pizza Dough.  We have made this pizza dough so many times and love it, so we figured why not try using it to make Bierocks!

    Dinners ready…….Bierocks…..come and get it!

    Bierocks:

    • DOUGH
    • 2 cups warm water (105 to 115 degrees F.)
    • 2 Tablespoons active dry yeast
    • 2 teaspoons sugar
    • 2 teaspoons salt
    • 4 Tablespoons oil (vegetable, Canola, or olive oil)
    • 5 cups flour (can use all whole-wheat, half white/half whole-wheat, or all white)

    Pour the warm water into a bowl and sprinkle the yeast over it. Stir to dissolve.

    Add the remaining ingredients and mix.  Put onto a floured surface and knead dough for two to five minutes until smooth and no longer sticky.  Take the kneaded dough and roll out.  

    Note:  I used this recipe but split the dough into thirds, two of the pieces I wrapped and put in the freezer for future pizzas or other recipes and used the remaining third to make the Bierocks.  I love that I get the base to 3 meals out of 1 pizza dough mixture! 🙂

    • FILLING:
    • 2 pounds Ground Beef
    • 1/3 Onion (diced)
    • 2 teaspoons Salt
    • 1 teaspoon Pepper
    • 2 cans Sauerkraut
    • 1 cup shredded Cheddar Cheese (or mixed cheese)

    Brown beef with onion and seasoned with salt and pepper.  Drain any excess oil off the meat.  Mix the sauerkraut into the meat and cook on medium for 2 to 4 minutes until the sauerkraut is mixed well.

    Cut the dough 3 to 6 inch circles (depending on the size you want it to be).   Place 1 ice cream scoop (or 1/4 to 1/2 cup) of meat filling onto each circle.  Sprinkle about a teaspoon of cheese over the top of the meat.   Bring the four corners up over the filling and pinch together to seal on the bottom.  Repeat with remaining dough and filling. Place seam down on greased baking sheets.  Sprinkle the remaining cheese over the top of the bierocks.

    Bake at 350 degrees for 12 minutes or until the dough starts turning a golden brown color.  You can rub a little bit of butter over the  tops of the bierocks immediately after taking them out of the oven for additional flavor and color if you want.  Makes approximately 24 Bierocks

    You can eat these plain or (my favorite) with a touch of ketchup.  Any leftover Bierocks after eating them for dinner are wrapped individually and put in a freezer ziplock so we can easily pull one, two or more out at a time, stick them in the microwave (or toaster oven) and have a meal ready in minutes.

    Ground hamburger and sauerkraut mixture

    Bierocks stuffed and ready to be baked

    Cheese sprinkled over the top of some of the Bierocks (we like the cheese inside and out but it is optional).  I made some with cheese and some without since we have a family member who cannot have dairy.

    Picture of the Bierocks without cheese!

  • November 30-30-30 Challenge: Saying Thanks 30 Ways to 30 People for 30 Days (Day 8)

    As I was reflecting back on the many amazing blessings in my life I realized that don’t let those around me know how much I truly appreciate them enough.  The idea of participating in a “thankfulness” challenge for the month of November was started a few months ago when I purchased cards for my family to send out for the Thanksgiving Holiday (see the picture of the front of the card below).

    It is my wish to show my gratitude to the people I interact with day to day.  For the month of November I am planning a 30-30-30 Challenge.  It is my goal to say thanks in 30 ways to 30 people for 30 days.  Each day I plan to do at least one activity expressing my thanks to one person every day for thirty days.

    Day 8

    Who:  Grandparents

    I am thankful for the grandparents in my life.  It has been a real privilege not only having a relationship with all of my grandparents but all 4 of my great grandmother’s when I was growing up.  I have many wonderful memories with my grandparents.  Today I sent out the “I’m Thankful For….” cards and sent emails letting them know I was thankful for them.

    Day 7

    Who:  Friends

    Do you have those people in your life that you have been friends with for years and they have been an encouragement in your life in the good times and the bad?  These are “true blue lifelong friends” who in many ways are like a sister or brother.  Whenever you get together you pick back up like you seen each other just the day before when in reality it has probably been several months or in some cases years.  Although I am thankful for technology because it makes it easier to stay in touch even though there may be many miles apart.  I am thankful for the blessing of these special friendships.  Today I mailed out “I’m Thankful For….” cards and sent messages to several others

    Day 6

    Who:  Siblings

    Today I mailed out “I’m Thankful For…..” cards to our siblings and sent texts to several of them.  Even though I had my fair share of sibling disputes with my brothers growing up I love them dearly and am so very thankful for them.  I am thankful for my sister-in-laws and brother-in-laws too, they are awesome!  I am very blessed with wonderful siblings (and their spouses) and appreciate them so much!

    Additional Activity:  The girls and I spent a couple hours today cleaning and organizing our church’s food pantry.  It was a great time of working together, talking about the many amazing blessings we have in our lives, and why it is important to share what we have with others (i.e. giving food to people within our local community).  The girls worked hard and cheerfully.  I couldn’t have gotten it done as quickly if they hadn’t pitched in and helped.  The best part was as we were leaving a lady walked up to us and wanted to know if we had any food.  I was able to pull some items from the pantry and share them with her.  The girls were excited that we were able to help someone.  Although we never know the full situation or the intent of an individuals heart many people within our own community are struggling.  I am thankful for moments when the girls can experience situations like these because it really does make a positive impact on the lives of our children.

  • November 30-30-30 Challenge: Saying Thanks 30 Ways to 30 People for 30 Days (Day 7)

    As I was reflecting back on the many amazing blessings in my life I realized that don’t let those around me know how much I truly appreciate them enough.  The idea of participating in a “thankfulness” challenge for the month of November was started a few months ago when I purchased cards for my family to send out for the Thanksgiving Holiday (see the picture of the front of the card below).

    It is my wish to show my gratitude to the people I interact with day to day.  For the month of November I am planning a 30-30-30 Challenge.  It is my goal to say thanks in 30 ways to 30 people for 30 days.  Each day I plan to do at least one activity expressing my thanks to one person every day for thirty days.

    Day 7

    Who:  Friends

    Do you have those people in your life that you have been friends with for years and they have been an encouragement in your life in the good times and the bad?  These are “true blue lifelong friends” who in many ways are like a sister or brother.  Whenever you get together you pick back up like you seen each other just the day before when in reality it has probably been several months or in some cases years.  Although I am thankful for technology because it makes it easier to stay in touch even though there may be many miles apart.  I am thankful for the blessing of these special friendships.  Today I mailed out “I’m Thankful For….” cards and sent messages to several others

    Day 6

    Who:  Siblings

    Today I mailed out “I’m Thankful For…..” cards to our siblings and sent texts to several of them.  Even though I had my fair share of sibling disputes with my brothers growing up I love them dearly and am so very thankful for them.  I am thankful for my sister-in-laws and brother-in-laws too, they are awesome!  I am very blessed with wonderful siblings (and their spouses) and appreciate them so much!

    Additional Activity:  The girls and I spent a couple hours today cleaning and organizing our church’s food pantry.  It was a great time of working together, talking about the many amazing blessings we have in our lives, and why it is important to share what we have with others (i.e. giving food to people within our local community).  The girls worked hard and cheerfully.  I couldn’t have gotten it done as quickly if they hadn’t pitched in and helped.  The best part was as we were leaving a lady walked up to us and wanted to know if we had any food.  I was able to pull some items from the pantry and share them with her.  The girls were excited that we were able to help someone.  Although we never know the full situation or the intent of an individuals heart many people within our own community are struggling.  I am thankful for moments when the girls can experience situations like these because it really does make a positive impact on the lives of our children.

    Day 5

    Who: Parents

    Mailed out thank you notes to our parents and called them to talk for a few minutes.  I am thankful for the godly parents in my life.  Although, they are human like myself they are loving and kind.  I have been blessed with great parents.

  • November 30-30-30 Challenge: Saying Thanks 30 Ways to 30 People for 30 Days (Day 6)

    As I was reflecting back on the many amazing blessings in my life I realized that don’t let those around me know how much I truly appreciate them enough.  The idea of participating in a “thankfulness” challenge for the month of November was started a few months ago when I purchased cards for my family to send out for the Thanksgiving Holiday (see the picture of the front of the card below).

    It is my wish to show my gratitude to the people I interact with day to day.  For the month of November I am planning a 30-30-30 Challenge.  It is my goal to say thanks in 30 ways to 30 people for 30 days.  Each day I plan to do at least one activity expressing my thanks to one person every day for thirty days.

    Day 6

    Who:  Siblings

    Today I mailed out “I’m Thankful For…..” cards to our siblings and sent texts to several of them.  Even though I had my fair share of sibling disputes with my brothers growing up I love them dearly and am so very thankful for them.  I am thankful for my sister-in-laws and brother-in-laws too, they are awesome!  I am very blessed with wonderful siblings (and their spouses) and appreciate them so much!

    Additional Activity:  The girls and I spent a couple hours today cleaning and organizing our church’s food pantry.  It was a great time of working together, talking about the many amazing blessings we have in our lives, and why it is important to share what we have with others (i.e. giving food to people within our local community).  The girls worked hard and cheerfully.  I couldn’t have gotten it done as quickly if they hadn’t pitched in and helped.  The best part was as we were leaving a lady walked up to us and wanted to know if we had any food.  I was able to pull some items from the pantry and share them with her.  The girls were excited that we were able to help someone.  Although we never know the full situation or the intent of an individuals heart many people within our own community are struggling.  I am thankful for moments when the girls can experience situations like these because it really does make a positive impact on the lives of our children.

    Day 5

    Who: Parents

    Mailed out thank you notes to our parents and called them to talk for a few minutes.  I am thankful for the godly parents in my life.  Although, they are human like myself they are loving and kind.  I have been blessed with great parents.

    Day 4

    Who:  Pastors

    Dropped off thank you notes at the church office on the way into service.

  • November 30-30-30 Challenge: Saying Thanks 30 Ways to 30 People for 30 Days (Day 4 & 5)

    As I was reflecting back on the many amazing blessings in my life I realized that don’t let those around me know how much I truly appreciate them enough.  The idea of participating in a “thankfulness” challenge for the month of November was started a few months ago when I purchased cards for my family to send out for the Thanksgiving Holiday (see the picture of the front of the card below).

    It is my wish to show my gratitude to the people I interact with day to day.  For the month of November I am planning a 30-30-30 Challenge.  It is my goal to say thanks in 30 ways to 30 people for 30 days.  Each day I plan to do at least one activity expressing my thanks to one person every day for thirty days.

    Day 1

    Who:  Hair Stylist

    I needed a hair cut after putting it off for several weeks so I headed to the salon.  My hair has a pretty simple and easy cut so it usually only takes a few minutes for a hair stylist.   I had never met the person who cut my hair before, but took the time to learn a little bit about her.  She has two small kids, ages 2 and 6.  For my expression of thanks today I made it a point to give her a generous tip and tell her “thank you”.

    Day 2

    Who: My Spouse – Jake

     I am so thankful for everything Jake does for our family.  He works really hard, is an awesome Dad to our girls, and loves me.  Jake is my best friend and I am very grateful for him.  He takes good care of all of us and I don’t tell him “thanks” enough.  Today I gave him a hand written thank you card and a bag of chocolate truffles

    Day 3

    Who:  Daughters – Brina & Karlie

    I am very thankful for my two girls!  They light up my world, make me laugh, and help build extra character in my life.  It took many prayers and a few tears before God gave these two precious blessings in my life.  You can read more about my journey with my  Loosening My Grip: Why Can’t I Get Pregnant? series.   As a way of saying thank you to the girls I gave them thank you notes and spent time reading some of our current book Little House in the Big Woods together.

  • November 30-30-30 Challenge: Saying Thanks 30 Ways to 30 People for 30 Days (Day 3)

    As I was reflecting back on the many amazing blessings in my life I realized that don’t let those around me know how much I truly appreciate them enough.  The idea of participating in a “thankfulness” challenge for the month of November was started a few months ago when I purchased cards for my family to send out for the Thanksgiving Holiday (see the picture of the front of the card below).

    It is my wish to show my gratitude to the people I interact with day to day.  For the month of November I am planning a 30-30-30 Challenge.  It is my goal to say thanks in 30 ways to 30 people for 30 days.  Each day I plan to do at least one activity expressing my thanks to one person every day for thirty days.

    Day 1

    Who:  Hair Stylist

    I needed a hair cut after putting it off for several weeks so I headed to the salon.  My hair has a pretty simple and easy cut so it usually only takes a few minutes for a hair stylist.   I had never met the person who cut my hair before, but took the time to learn a little bit about her.  She has two small kids, ages 2 and 6.  For my expression of thanks today I made it a point to give her a generous tip and tell her “thank you”.

    Day 2

    Who: My Spouse – Jake

     I am so thankful for everything Jake does for our family.  He works really hard, is an awesome Dad to our girls, and loves me.  Jake is my best friend and I am very grateful for him.  He takes good care of all of us and I don’t tell him “thanks” enough.  Today I gave him a hand written thank you card and a bag of chocolate truffles

    Day 3

    Who:  Daughters – Brina & Karlie

    I am very thankful for my two girls!  They light up my world, make me laugh, and help build extra character in my life.  It took many prayers and a few tears before God gave these two precious blessings in my life.  You can read more about my journey with my  Loosening My Grip: Why Can’t I Get Pregnant? series.   As a way of saying thank you to the girls I gave them thank you notes and spent time reading some of our current book Little House in the Big Woods together.

    People appreciate sincere thanks.  I want to make a positive impact on the lives of others.  As I share my 30-30-30 challenge with you I hope it will spark your imagination and encourage you to share your story too.

    In everything give thanks!

    – 1 Thessalonians 5:18

  • November 30-30-30 Challenge: Saying Thanks 30 Ways to 30 People for 30 Days (Day 2)

    As I was reflecting back on the many amazing blessings in my life I realized that don’t let those around me know how much I truly appreciate them enough.  The idea of participating in a “thankfulness” challenge for the month of November was started a few months ago when I purchased cards for my family to send out for the Thanksgiving Holiday (see the picture of the front of the card below).

    It is my wish to show my gratitude to the people I interact with day to day.  For the month of November I am planning a 30-30-30 Challenge.  It is my goal to say thanks in 30 ways to 30 people for 30 days.  Each day I plan to do at least one activity expressing my thanks to one person every day for thirty days.

    Day 1

    Who:  Hair Stylist

    I needed a hair cut after putting it off for several weeks so I headed to the salon.  My hair has a pretty simple and easy cut so it usually only takes a few minutes for a hair stylist.   I had never met the person who cut my hair before, but took the time to learn a little bit about her.  She has two small kids, ages 2 and 6.  For my expression of thanks today I made it a point to give her a generous tip and tell her “thank you”.

    Day 2

    Who: My Spouse – Jake

     I am so thankful for everything Jake does for our family.  He works really hard, is an awesome Dad to our girls, and loves me.  Jake is my best friend and I am very grateful for him.  He takes good care of all of us and I don’t tell him “thanks” enough.  Today I gave him a hand written thank you card and a bag of chocolate truffles

    People appreciate sincere thanks.  I want to make a positive impact on the lives of others.  As I share my 30-30-30 challenge with you I hope it will spark your imagination and encourage you to share your story too.

    In everything give thanks!

    – 1 Thessalonians 5:18

  • November 30-30-30 Challenge: Saying Thanks 30 Ways to 30 People for 30 Days (Day 1)

    As I was reflecting back on the many amazing blessings in my life I realized that don’t let those around me know how much I truly appreciate them enough.  The idea of participating in a “thankfulness” challenge for the month of November was started a few months ago when I purchased cards for my family to send out for the Thanksgiving Holiday (see the picture of the front of the card below).

    It is my wish to show my gratitude to the people I interact with day to day.  For the month of November I am planning a 30-30-30 Challenge.  It is my goal to say thanks in 30 ways to 30 people for 30 days.  Each day I plan to do at least one activity expressing my thanks to one person every day for thirty days.

    Day 1

    Who:  Hair Stylist

    I needed a hair cut after putting it off for several weeks so I headed to the salon.  My hair has a pretty simple and easy cut so it usually only takes a few minutes for a hair stylist.   I had never met the person who cut my hair before, but took the time to learn a little bit about her.  She has two small kids, ages 2 and 6.  For my expression of thanks today I made it a point to give her a generous tip and tell her “thank you”.

    People appreciate sincere thanks.  I want to make a positive impact on the lives of others.  As I share my 30-30-30 challenge with you I hope it will spark your imagination and encourage you to share your story too.

    In everything give thanks!

    – 1 Thessalonians 5:18

  • Family Activities: Fall Festivals

    Jake on the spinning teacup with the girls!  The last time I went on this ride it made me so sick and dizzy I thought I was going to throw up in one of the girls pumpkins full of Halloween candy!

    One of the fun activities our family enjoys participating in every Fall is the local festivals!  The girls love getting a chance to go for a ride on carnival rides, hayrides, bouncy castles, check out ambulances, firetrucks, helicopters, pet farm animals and more (for free)!  They always have a blast at this event!

    Here are a few pictures from one of our favorite fall festivals that we try to go to every year at a local church in our area.   Although you do get a bag of candy the highlight is the fun activities (not candy).  If you are looking for a safe place to trick or treat for Halloween check to see if any of your local churches do a  “Trunk or Treat” event.

    Off they go on another ride!

    Going UP……..

    Jake and the girls flying by me on a chair swing!

    Brina flying down the slide!

    Karlie zooming down the giant slide!

    All of us went on the Thomas the Train ride together!

    Checking out the inside of the ambulance!

    They had a lot more activities going on that I didn’t get pictures of like face painting, hair glitter, carnival games and more!  Do you have fall festivals in your area that your family always looks forward to attending?  What type of activities do they have at the festival?

  • Fresh & Healthy: Lunch Box Meals

    Karlie is ready to pack up her lunch!

    I found fresh strawberries marked down at the grocery store last week and after picking out 1 bad strawberry the rest were perfect.  The girls were excited to get strawberries in their lunch this week for their fruit. 🙂

    Lunch Box Meal:

    • Peanut Butter & Jelly or Almond Butter & Jelly Sandwiches
    • Fresh Strawberries
    • Fresh Carrots
    • Cashews or Peanuts
    • Strawberry Yogurt
    • Ritz Cheese Bits or Elf Grahams
    • Bugles or Corn Chips
    • Whole Grain Crackers
    • Cherry Kool-Aid Jammers or Yahoo Chocolate Milk

     Fresh strawberries, carrots and more!

    The girls are always excited to help with their lunches and they do a great job.  This year we have a lot of extra activities going on after school so it has been hard to get all the activities, homework, dinner, baths, lunches made, and everything else done after school so I have been pitching in to help them when it is getting too close to bed time.  If they don’t get a chance to pack their lunches before beds they are always eager to find out what is in them.  Many times I catch them sneaking a glance in their lunches at breakfast or on the way to school.