This was thrown together on a whim...
Ravioli and Broccoli~ $4.40 total cost, $0.88 per serving
2 packages mini ravioli (I used Seviroli's Mac-a-Roli) $2.00
1 bag broccoli florets $2.00
1 stick unsalted butter, cut up $0.40
grated lemon peel
2 handfuls grated cheese
1. Boil water and cook ravioli according to package directions. Steam broccoli in microwave 3-4 minutes.
2. Drain ravioli. Place butter into hot pot. Return ravioli to pot and add broccoli. Gently stir until butter is melted. Add lemon peel to taste and grated cheese. Toss and serve.
Makes 5 servings
The Verdict
This was ready in about 10 minutes! Jim and I loved it. The kids, not so much. I was bummed because I really thought they'd like these "mac-a-roli" that are filled with cheddar and ricotta. They taste like a less-salty macaroni and cheese dish. But neither of them ate it. I will try this again with regular cheese ravioli, and just do the mac-a-roli in plain butter and garlic.
Showing posts with label fast. Show all posts
Showing posts with label fast. Show all posts
Tuesday, April 20, 2010
Saturday, March 7, 2009
$0.92 per serving ~ Upside Down Pizza Casserole
Upside Down Pizza Casserole ~$0.92 per serving, $5.50 total cost
1 lb. ground beef ($2.00)
1 cup tomato sauce ($0.25)
1 cup shredded mozzarella ($1.75)
1 canister of 10 biscuits ($1.50)
1. Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Brown ground beef on stovetop over medium heat. Drain fat. Add sauce and stir through.
2. Pour into 2-quart casserole dish. Top with cheese. Flatten biscuits with hand and place on top of cheese, spread out over entire dish.
3. Bake for 15 minutes or until biscuits are golden brown.
Makes 6 servings
The Verdict
Josh said "This is the most delicious dinner, Mama!" with his mouth full, and didn't stop until he had a second helping. Jim loved it. If you're like me, you'll want to doctor up the prepared spaghetti sauce with your own spices... you can add chopped pizza toppings (mushrooms, onions, bacon, pepperoni) to the mix as well. This was super fast and easy.
1 lb. ground beef ($2.00)
1 cup tomato sauce ($0.25)
1 cup shredded mozzarella ($1.75)
1 canister of 10 biscuits ($1.50)
1. Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Brown ground beef on stovetop over medium heat. Drain fat. Add sauce and stir through.
2. Pour into 2-quart casserole dish. Top with cheese. Flatten biscuits with hand and place on top of cheese, spread out over entire dish.
3. Bake for 15 minutes or until biscuits are golden brown.
Makes 6 servings
The Verdict
Josh said "This is the most delicious dinner, Mama!" with his mouth full, and didn't stop until he had a second helping. Jim loved it. If you're like me, you'll want to doctor up the prepared spaghetti sauce with your own spices... you can add chopped pizza toppings (mushrooms, onions, bacon, pepperoni) to the mix as well. This was super fast and easy.
Sunday, March 1, 2009
$0.67 per serving ~ Rosemary Apricot Spaghetti
Another recipe from the newspaper that looked too good not to try!
Rosemary Apricot Spaghetti ~ $0.67 per serving, $4.00 total cost
1 box whole grain thin spaghetti ($1.00)
1/4 cup olive oil ($0.25)
4 tsbp. minced garlic
1/2 cup chicken or vegetable broth ($0.75)
1 tbsp chopped fresh rosemary
1/2 cup slivered dried apricots ($0.50)
1/2 cup dry chorizo sausage, diced ($1.50)
Salt and pepper
1. Cook spaghetti according to package directions in salted water. Drain and place in large serving bowl.
2. Meanwhile, heat oil over medium heat in a large skillet. Add garlic and cook until just golden, stirring often. Add broth, rosemary, apricots and chorizo to skillet and cook through for 3 minutes. Season with salt and pepper.
3. Toss with pasta, serve immediately.
Makes 6 servings
The Verdict
Josh left the sausage behind but housed the spaghetti and apricots. Jim enjoyed it, I had seconds. This was SO easy. I may try it next time with a different dry sausage, as I'm not the biggest fan of chorizo. It was a nice change of pace!
I am defrosting the frozen ham bone from Christmas... we're getting 10-14 inches of snow overnight, which means tomorrow is a day for soup. And baking with Josh!
Rosemary Apricot Spaghetti ~ $0.67 per serving, $4.00 total cost
1 box whole grain thin spaghetti ($1.00)
1/4 cup olive oil ($0.25)
4 tsbp. minced garlic
1/2 cup chicken or vegetable broth ($0.75)
1 tbsp chopped fresh rosemary
1/2 cup slivered dried apricots ($0.50)
1/2 cup dry chorizo sausage, diced ($1.50)
Salt and pepper
1. Cook spaghetti according to package directions in salted water. Drain and place in large serving bowl.
2. Meanwhile, heat oil over medium heat in a large skillet. Add garlic and cook until just golden, stirring often. Add broth, rosemary, apricots and chorizo to skillet and cook through for 3 minutes. Season with salt and pepper.
3. Toss with pasta, serve immediately.
Makes 6 servings
The Verdict
Josh left the sausage behind but housed the spaghetti and apricots. Jim enjoyed it, I had seconds. This was SO easy. I may try it next time with a different dry sausage, as I'm not the biggest fan of chorizo. It was a nice change of pace!
I am defrosting the frozen ham bone from Christmas... we're getting 10-14 inches of snow overnight, which means tomorrow is a day for soup. And baking with Josh!
Monday, February 23, 2009
$0.80 per serving ~ Chickpea-Tomato Ragout over Couscous
I needed something super-fast and a big change from our recent dinners. This was inspired by a recipe in the newspaper, with a few of my own changes.
Chickpea-Tomato Ragout over Couscous ~ $0.80 per serving, $4.80 total cost
2 tbsp. olive oil
1 medium red onion, diced ($0.30)
2 tbsp minced garlic
1 tsp ground cumin
2 15 oz. cans chickpeas, drained and rinsed ($1.50)
1 14 oz. can petite diced tomatoes, drained ($0.50)
1 tsp. dried thyme
2 tbsp. honey
2. tbsp. lemon juice
1 3/4 cups broth of your choice ($1.00)
Salt and pepper
1 cup couscous ($0.50)
Water according to couscous directions
1. Heat the oil in a heavy skillet over medium-low heat. Saute onion and garlic until fragrant. Sprinkle with cumin and stir to mellow.
2. Stir in chickpeas, tomatos, thyme, honey, lemon juice, and broth (I used vegetable). Bring to a boil, lower heat, and simmer 5 minutes.
3. While chickpeas are cooking, prepare couscous according to package directions.
4. Taste chickpeas and adjust seasonings as necessary. Serve over couscous in shallow bowls.
The Verdict
This is my favorite new recipe in a LONG time! Delicious and fresh-tasting, filling but not heavy, super fast and easy, and everyone enjoyed it. This was a great choice for a stressful day when I wanted something different and "spring-y". It was like being at a Morroccan restaurant! I think I'll make some mint tea tonight and complete the experience.
Chickpea-Tomato Ragout over Couscous ~ $0.80 per serving, $4.80 total cost
2 tbsp. olive oil
1 medium red onion, diced ($0.30)
2 tbsp minced garlic
1 tsp ground cumin
2 15 oz. cans chickpeas, drained and rinsed ($1.50)
1 14 oz. can petite diced tomatoes, drained ($0.50)
1 tsp. dried thyme
2 tbsp. honey
2. tbsp. lemon juice
1 3/4 cups broth of your choice ($1.00)
Salt and pepper
1 cup couscous ($0.50)
Water according to couscous directions
1. Heat the oil in a heavy skillet over medium-low heat. Saute onion and garlic until fragrant. Sprinkle with cumin and stir to mellow.
2. Stir in chickpeas, tomatos, thyme, honey, lemon juice, and broth (I used vegetable). Bring to a boil, lower heat, and simmer 5 minutes.
3. While chickpeas are cooking, prepare couscous according to package directions.
4. Taste chickpeas and adjust seasonings as necessary. Serve over couscous in shallow bowls.
The Verdict
This is my favorite new recipe in a LONG time! Delicious and fresh-tasting, filling but not heavy, super fast and easy, and everyone enjoyed it. This was a great choice for a stressful day when I wanted something different and "spring-y". It was like being at a Morroccan restaurant! I think I'll make some mint tea tonight and complete the experience.
Tuesday, February 17, 2009
$0.60 per serving ~ "I'm Tired and Embarassed" Dinner
I have no energy:
I'm Tired and Embarassed Dinner ~ $0.60 per serving, $3.50 total cost
1 pound ground beef ($2.00)
1 package "Cheesy Italian Shells" Hamburger Helper ($1.00), prepared with water only
1 cup frozen broccoli ($0.50)
1. Prepare according to package directions. Add broccoli at the same time as the pasta.
Makes 7 servings
The Verdict
It's food, it's easy, Jim & Josh always like it. Grandma taught me to keep stuff in the house for nights just like this. At least I'm marinating a flank steak for tomorrow's dinner...
I'm Tired and Embarassed Dinner ~ $0.60 per serving, $3.50 total cost
1 pound ground beef ($2.00)
1 package "Cheesy Italian Shells" Hamburger Helper ($1.00), prepared with water only
1 cup frozen broccoli ($0.50)
1. Prepare according to package directions. Add broccoli at the same time as the pasta.
Makes 7 servings
The Verdict
It's food, it's easy, Jim & Josh always like it. Grandma taught me to keep stuff in the house for nights just like this. At least I'm marinating a flank steak for tomorrow's dinner...
Monday, February 16, 2009
$0.59 per serving ~ "Josh's Favorites" Soup
Today I asked Josh what his favorite vegetables were. He said "Sweet potatoes, corn, peppers, carrots, black beans, tomatoes, and broccoli!" I didn't have any broccoli in the house, but I had the rest, and here is the result...
"Josh's Favorites" Soup ~ $0.59 per serving, $4.70 total cost
1 tsp. olive oil
1 small onion, chopped ($0.25)
2 tbsp minced garlic
1 red pepper, chopped ($0.50)
1 carrot, chopped ($0.10)
1 large sweet potato, chopped ($0.65)
1 can corn ($0.45)
1 14 oz. can diced tomatoes with basil and oregano, undrained ($0.50)
2 cups vegetable stock or broth ($1.50)
2 cups water
1 tsp. pepper
1/2 tsp. salt
1/4 tsp. cayenne pepper
1 15 oz. can black beans, rinsed and drained ($0.75)
2 tsp. lemon or lime juice
1. Heat oil in soup pot. Add onion, garlic, red pepper and carrot and cook, stirring frequently, until tender.
2. Stir in sweet potato, corn, tomatoes, stock/broth, and spices. Heat to a boil, reduce heat, cover, and simmer 20 minutes. Stir in beans and cook 5 minutes. Remove from heat and stir in juice.
Makes 8 servings
The Verdict
Josh was in heaven! That alone would be reason to make it again. It was surprisingly filling with a nice kick from the cayenne. I will enjoy this for lunch this week!
"Josh's Favorites" Soup ~ $0.59 per serving, $4.70 total cost
1 tsp. olive oil
1 small onion, chopped ($0.25)
2 tbsp minced garlic
1 red pepper, chopped ($0.50)
1 carrot, chopped ($0.10)
1 large sweet potato, chopped ($0.65)
1 can corn ($0.45)
1 14 oz. can diced tomatoes with basil and oregano, undrained ($0.50)
2 cups vegetable stock or broth ($1.50)
2 cups water
1 tsp. pepper
1/2 tsp. salt
1/4 tsp. cayenne pepper
1 15 oz. can black beans, rinsed and drained ($0.75)
2 tsp. lemon or lime juice
1. Heat oil in soup pot. Add onion, garlic, red pepper and carrot and cook, stirring frequently, until tender.
2. Stir in sweet potato, corn, tomatoes, stock/broth, and spices. Heat to a boil, reduce heat, cover, and simmer 20 minutes. Stir in beans and cook 5 minutes. Remove from heat and stir in juice.
Makes 8 servings
The Verdict
Josh was in heaven! That alone would be reason to make it again. It was surprisingly filling with a nice kick from the cayenne. I will enjoy this for lunch this week!
Saturday, February 14, 2009
$1.00 per serving ~ Mom's Famous Onion Soup
Yes, yes, I know.... 11 days without Puttanesca?!?!? Suffice to say we've been dealing with a lot over here, but all is well. This month I did my first ever monthly meal plan... and I only needed about $30 worth of groceries, plus my existing stockpile, to complete it! I even have a few "reserve" meals for moments when I just can't face the kitchen.
With that said, let me share a family favorite:
Mom's Famous Onion Soup ~ $1.00 per serving, $6.00 total cost
1/2 cup butter ($0.25)
5 large sweet onions, chopped ($1.25)
2 tbsp. flour
1 32 oz. box beef. chicken, or vegetable stock ($2.50)
salt and pepper
hardened bread ends (leftovers, free!)
6 slices mozzarella ($1.00)
6 slices swiss cheese ($1.00)
1. Melt butter in soup pot. Add onions and saute until browned, stirring regularly.
2. Add flour and stir until smooth.
3. Add stock and pepper to taste. Simmer 30 minutes covered.
4. Add salt to taste. Place bread ends in soup bowl, top with 1 slice each mozzarella and swiss. Ladle hot soup over top. serve immediately.
Makes 6 servings
The Verdict
When Jim saw me chopping onions, he was very happy. I don't make this very often, which is strange because it is so easy and so delicious! Josh wanted just the broth and bread, but he left all the onions in the bottom of the bowl. Typical 3 year old! The verdict is, I should make this more often!
With that said, let me share a family favorite:
Mom's Famous Onion Soup ~ $1.00 per serving, $6.00 total cost
1/2 cup butter ($0.25)
5 large sweet onions, chopped ($1.25)
2 tbsp. flour
1 32 oz. box beef. chicken, or vegetable stock ($2.50)
salt and pepper
hardened bread ends (leftovers, free!)
6 slices mozzarella ($1.00)
6 slices swiss cheese ($1.00)
1. Melt butter in soup pot. Add onions and saute until browned, stirring regularly.
2. Add flour and stir until smooth.
3. Add stock and pepper to taste. Simmer 30 minutes covered.
4. Add salt to taste. Place bread ends in soup bowl, top with 1 slice each mozzarella and swiss. Ladle hot soup over top. serve immediately.
Makes 6 servings
The Verdict
When Jim saw me chopping onions, he was very happy. I don't make this very often, which is strange because it is so easy and so delicious! Josh wanted just the broth and bread, but he left all the onions in the bottom of the bowl. Typical 3 year old! The verdict is, I should make this more often!
Wednesday, January 28, 2009
$0.96 per serving ~ Super Fast Mini-Meatloaves with Mashed Sweet Potatoes and Mixed Veggies
Jim has been begging for meatloaf, but who has time to bake a meatloaf for an hour on a school night?
Super Fast Mini-Meatloaves ~ $0.31 per serving, $3.25 total cost
2 lbs. ground beef ($2.50)
1 cup seasoned bread crumbs ($0.25)
2 eggs ($0.50)
4-5 dashes Worcestershire sauce
garlic powder to taste
salt and pepper to taste
1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Mix all ingredients together in a large bowl until well blended.
2. Spray cups in a 12-cup muffin pan. Form meat mix into 12 balls and place into muffin tin.
3. Bake at 350 degrees for 15-20 minutes.
Makes 12 servings
The Verdict
I served this with mashed sweet potatoes (Betty Crocker box, $1.20 total cost prepared, $0.40 per serving) and Green Giant Immunity Defense frozen veggies($1.00 total cost, $0.25 per serving.) Jim thanked me for finally making meatloaf and declared that the leftover minis were the perfect size for meatloaf sandwiches. Josh didn't say anything, but his demolished empty plate said it all for him. Success!
Super Fast Mini-Meatloaves ~ $0.31 per serving, $3.25 total cost
2 lbs. ground beef ($2.50)
1 cup seasoned bread crumbs ($0.25)
2 eggs ($0.50)
4-5 dashes Worcestershire sauce
garlic powder to taste
salt and pepper to taste
1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Mix all ingredients together in a large bowl until well blended.
2. Spray cups in a 12-cup muffin pan. Form meat mix into 12 balls and place into muffin tin.
3. Bake at 350 degrees for 15-20 minutes.
Makes 12 servings
The Verdict
I served this with mashed sweet potatoes (Betty Crocker box, $1.20 total cost prepared, $0.40 per serving) and Green Giant Immunity Defense frozen veggies($1.00 total cost, $0.25 per serving.) Jim thanked me for finally making meatloaf and declared that the leftover minis were the perfect size for meatloaf sandwiches. Josh didn't say anything, but his demolished empty plate said it all for him. Success!
Monday, January 5, 2009
$0.48 per serving ~ Lasagna Soup
Yes, two posts in one day. This was tonight's surprising dinner:
Lasagna Soup ~ $0.48 per serving, total cost $4.75
1 lb. ground beef ($2.00)
1 small chopped onion ($0.35)
1 package lasagna dinner mix ($0.75)
5 cups water
1 14.5 oz. can diced tomatoes undrained ($0.75)
1 can whole kernel corn, drained ($0.45)
1 can green beans, drained ($0.45)
2 tbsp. grated cheese, plus more to taste
1. Cook beef and onions in soup kettle over medium heat until cooked through. Drain.
2. Add lasagna sauce package (reserve noodles), water, tomatoes, corn, green beans, and 2 tbsp grated cheese. Bring to boil.
3. Reduce heat, cover and simmer 10 minutes. Add lasagna noodles.
4. Cover and simmer 10 minutes. Serve hot, with grated cheese to taste.
Makes 10 servings
The Verdict
WOW! Each of us (including Josh) ate 2 bowls and there are still 5 single serve containers left over. This was absolutely delicious and super easy. I suspect water will need to be added to the leftovers as the noodles will soak up the broth. Best with crusty bread to soak it all up!
Lasagna Soup ~ $0.48 per serving, total cost $4.75
1 lb. ground beef ($2.00)
1 small chopped onion ($0.35)
1 package lasagna dinner mix ($0.75)
5 cups water
1 14.5 oz. can diced tomatoes undrained ($0.75)
1 can whole kernel corn, drained ($0.45)
1 can green beans, drained ($0.45)
2 tbsp. grated cheese, plus more to taste
1. Cook beef and onions in soup kettle over medium heat until cooked through. Drain.
2. Add lasagna sauce package (reserve noodles), water, tomatoes, corn, green beans, and 2 tbsp grated cheese. Bring to boil.
3. Reduce heat, cover and simmer 10 minutes. Add lasagna noodles.
4. Cover and simmer 10 minutes. Serve hot, with grated cheese to taste.
Makes 10 servings
The Verdict
WOW! Each of us (including Josh) ate 2 bowls and there are still 5 single serve containers left over. This was absolutely delicious and super easy. I suspect water will need to be added to the leftovers as the noodles will soak up the broth. Best with crusty bread to soak it all up!
Tuesday, December 23, 2008
2 dinners in 1 post! Hearty Corn Chowder ($1.34 per serving) and Nana's Quiche ($1.11 per serving)
I've been so swamped with holiday preparations that I forgot to post! The chowder was last night's dinner and the quiche was tonight...
Fast and Hearty Corn Chowder ~ $1.34 per serving, $5.35 total
2 tbsp. butter ($0.15)
1 medium onion, chopped ($0.35)
2 tbsp. flour
1 can corn, drained ($0.65)
2 medium potatoes, chopped ($1.00)
4 cups milk ($1.20)
8 oz. deli ham, chopped ($2.00)
white pepper
salt
nutmeg
1. Melt butter in soup pot. Saute onions until slightly colored but not brown. Add flour and make roux. Stir constantly till bubbly.
2. Add corn, potatoes, and milk. Simmer until thickened.
3. Stir in ham and spices to taste. Continue to simmer until heated through.
Makes 4-5 servings
The Verdict
Everyone enjoyed this soup. It was VERY filling. We all needed to add more salt and pepper, so you can be a bit heavy-handed with the spices, the milk soaks a lot of it up. This was SUPER fast and easy!
Nana's Quiche ~ $1.11 per serving, $6.85 total
Makes 6 servings
The Verdict
My stepmom makes this, Josh calls her Nana. You can replace the ham with bacon, artichokes, or mushrooms. Play with the cheeses and spices. Ham works best with cheddar, artichokes with italian blend, and bacon with swiss. This is one of the only ways I will eat eggs!!!! Serve with a green salad for dinner, or with hash browns and fruit for brunch.
Fast and Hearty Corn Chowder ~ $1.34 per serving, $5.35 total
2 tbsp. butter ($0.15)
1 medium onion, chopped ($0.35)
2 tbsp. flour
1 can corn, drained ($0.65)
2 medium potatoes, chopped ($1.00)
4 cups milk ($1.20)
8 oz. deli ham, chopped ($2.00)
white pepper
salt
nutmeg
1. Melt butter in soup pot. Saute onions until slightly colored but not brown. Add flour and make roux. Stir constantly till bubbly.
2. Add corn, potatoes, and milk. Simmer until thickened.
3. Stir in ham and spices to taste. Continue to simmer until heated through.
Makes 4-5 servings
The Verdict
Everyone enjoyed this soup. It was VERY filling. We all needed to add more salt and pepper, so you can be a bit heavy-handed with the spices, the milk soaks a lot of it up. This was SUPER fast and easy!
Nana's Quiche ~ $1.11 per serving, $6.85 total
1 Pre-made frozen pie shell ($1.80)
8 oz. deli ham, chopped ($2.00)
1 cup shredded cheese ($1.80)
3 eggs ($0.75)
1 cup heavy cream ($0.50)
2-3 Tablespoons grated cheese
1/4 teaspoon salt
pepper, to taste
1. Preheat oven to 325 degrees.
2. Bake pie shell for about 10 minutes or until golden brown.
3. Place ham in the bottom of the browned pie shell.
4. Top with grated parmesan cheese, then shredded cheese.
5. Blend slightly eggs, cream, salt and pepper and pour over cheeses.
6. Bake 45 min. to 1 hour. Should be golden brown.
7. Let the quiche sit for nearly an hour before serving for best results (and easier slicing.)Makes 6 servings
The Verdict
My stepmom makes this, Josh calls her Nana. You can replace the ham with bacon, artichokes, or mushrooms. Play with the cheeses and spices. Ham works best with cheddar, artichokes with italian blend, and bacon with swiss. This is one of the only ways I will eat eggs!!!! Serve with a green salad for dinner, or with hash browns and fruit for brunch.
Sunday, December 14, 2008
$0.69 per serving ~ Quick & Dirty Spaghetti Sauce
I've been a bad Puttanesca! Things have been so crazy preparing for the holidays that I've been making only things I've already posted, eating leftovers, or having pancake nights for the family. When both parents are music teachers, holiday frenzy takes on a whole new meaning as we are both preparing and performing numerous concerts and working on our music for our church.
SO to make up for my absence, here is my "quick and dirty spaghetti sauce". (To my long-standing friends, this is NOT my traditional sauce that takes hours to make. I have shared that recipe with only 2 people who aren't blood relatives, and I will continue to keep that one secret.) I made this last night while finishing up all my yummies for my holiday baskets.
Quick & Dirty Spaghetti Sauce~ $0.69 per serving
1 lb. spaghetti ($1.00)
1 lb. ground meatball mix (beef, pork, and veal) ($1.50)
1 tbsp. olive oil
1 onion, chopped ($0.35)
4 tbsp. minced garlic
1 large carrot, peeled and shredded ($0.10)
1 small zucchini, peeled and shredded ($0.15)
2 28 oz. cans tomato puree or crushed tomatoes ($2.00)
1 small can tomato paste ($0.40)
Salt and pepper
Oregano
Basil
1. Saute vegetables and garlic in olive oil until soft.
2. Add ground meat and brown until cooked through.
3. Add tomatoes and tomato paste, spices to taste. Saute 20 minutes.
4. Serve over cooked spaghetti.
Makes 8 servings
The Verdict
Jim loves this almost as much as my traditional meat sauce. So does Josh. And even though I'm blessed to have a kid that eats his veggies, if you shred them fine enough they disappear into the spaghetti, so it would slip by a picky eater! Serve it with good bread to sop up the leftover sauce! I prefer to use thin spaghetti or angel hair because it really grows in the pot... you get far more servings out of thinner pastas. Grandma's secret!
SO to make up for my absence, here is my "quick and dirty spaghetti sauce". (To my long-standing friends, this is NOT my traditional sauce that takes hours to make. I have shared that recipe with only 2 people who aren't blood relatives, and I will continue to keep that one secret.) I made this last night while finishing up all my yummies for my holiday baskets.
Quick & Dirty Spaghetti Sauce~ $0.69 per serving
1 lb. spaghetti ($1.00)
1 lb. ground meatball mix (beef, pork, and veal) ($1.50)
1 tbsp. olive oil
1 onion, chopped ($0.35)
4 tbsp. minced garlic
1 large carrot, peeled and shredded ($0.10)
1 small zucchini, peeled and shredded ($0.15)
2 28 oz. cans tomato puree or crushed tomatoes ($2.00)
1 small can tomato paste ($0.40)
Salt and pepper
Oregano
Basil
1. Saute vegetables and garlic in olive oil until soft.
2. Add ground meat and brown until cooked through.
3. Add tomatoes and tomato paste, spices to taste. Saute 20 minutes.
4. Serve over cooked spaghetti.
Makes 8 servings
The Verdict
Jim loves this almost as much as my traditional meat sauce. So does Josh. And even though I'm blessed to have a kid that eats his veggies, if you shred them fine enough they disappear into the spaghetti, so it would slip by a picky eater! Serve it with good bread to sop up the leftover sauce! I prefer to use thin spaghetti or angel hair because it really grows in the pot... you get far more servings out of thinner pastas. Grandma's secret!
Tuesday, December 2, 2008
$0.75 per serving ~ Fettucine Alfredo
This is one of my all-time favorites. I haven't made it in a long time...
Fettucine Alfredo ~ $0.75 per serving
1 box whole grain fettucine ($1.00)
1 stick butter ($0.50)
2 cups heavy cream ($1.00)
2 cups grated cheese ($2.00)
white pepper
nutmeg
1. Cook fettucine according to package directions. Drain and keep warm.
2. Melt butter on stove. Blend in cream and cook until hot. Add cheese and stir until completely melted and well blended. Remove from heat and stir in spices to taste. Toss with pasta.
Makes 6 servings
The Verdict
I am amazed at how much less expensive the Market Pantry brand heavy cream at Target is, compared to the grocery store! You can replace the heavy cream with light cream, half and half, or even whole milk! Whole milk would need to cook a bit longer to thicken up. However, do NOT skimp on your grated cheese for this sauce. Use REAL parmesan or romano (I prefer romano), not the stuff in the green canister. Your tastebuds will thank you! (And the Rossano brand romano cheese at BJs in the HUGE bag? As good as the expensive hunks of cheese at the specialty store.) Thanks to Target and BJs, I can enjoy this more often.
You can add peas and ham for a heartier dish, just add frozen peas a few minutes before the pasta is finished cooking and drain them together, and add diced ham to the sauce when heating it through. ALWAYS serve with bread :)
Fettucine Alfredo ~ $0.75 per serving
1 box whole grain fettucine ($1.00)
1 stick butter ($0.50)
2 cups heavy cream ($1.00)
2 cups grated cheese ($2.00)
white pepper
nutmeg
1. Cook fettucine according to package directions. Drain and keep warm.
2. Melt butter on stove. Blend in cream and cook until hot. Add cheese and stir until completely melted and well blended. Remove from heat and stir in spices to taste. Toss with pasta.
Makes 6 servings
The Verdict
I am amazed at how much less expensive the Market Pantry brand heavy cream at Target is, compared to the grocery store! You can replace the heavy cream with light cream, half and half, or even whole milk! Whole milk would need to cook a bit longer to thicken up. However, do NOT skimp on your grated cheese for this sauce. Use REAL parmesan or romano (I prefer romano), not the stuff in the green canister. Your tastebuds will thank you! (And the Rossano brand romano cheese at BJs in the HUGE bag? As good as the expensive hunks of cheese at the specialty store.) Thanks to Target and BJs, I can enjoy this more often.
You can add peas and ham for a heartier dish, just add frozen peas a few minutes before the pasta is finished cooking and drain them together, and add diced ham to the sauce when heating it through. ALWAYS serve with bread :)
Sunday, November 23, 2008
$1.08 per serving ~ Chicken and Biscuits
It was a crazy weekend. I'm having a tough time adjusting back to the life of a working mom. Good thing we had a lot of leftovers in the house for Friday and Saturday!
Chicken and Biscuits ~ $1.08 per serving
Filling:
1 16 oz. package frozen mixed vegetables ($1.00)
2 cups cooked chicken, cubed ($2.00)
1 can condensed cream of chicken soup, undiluted ($0.70)
3/4 cup milk ($0.25)
1 cup shredded cheese ($1.50)
Biscuits:
1.5 cups baking mix ($0.60)
2/3 cup milk ($0.20)
Topping:
1/2 cup shredded cheese ($0.75)
1/2 cup french fried onions ($0.50)
1. Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Mix together all ingredients for filling and spread into a 13 X 9 baking dish. Cover and bake 15 minutes.
2. Combine baking mix and milk in another bowl. Drop by tablespoonfuls onto chicken mixture. Bake, uncovered for 25 minute or until biscuits are golden brown.
3. Top with cheese and onions. Bake 3-4 minutes longer or until cheese melts.
Makes 6 servings
The Verdict
We all really enjoyed this one. The chicken was already cooked (I defrosted and grilled 6chicken breasts on Friday so I would have some on hand for recipes I wanted to make this week) so it was super fast and easy. This makes 6 VERY large servings, so if you served it with a big salad, it would probably feed 8! It was a surprisingly elegant presentation... I could make this for company!
Chicken and Biscuits ~ $1.08 per serving
Filling:
1 16 oz. package frozen mixed vegetables ($1.00)
2 cups cooked chicken, cubed ($2.00)
1 can condensed cream of chicken soup, undiluted ($0.70)
3/4 cup milk ($0.25)
1 cup shredded cheese ($1.50)
Biscuits:
1.5 cups baking mix ($0.60)
2/3 cup milk ($0.20)
Topping:
1/2 cup shredded cheese ($0.75)
1/2 cup french fried onions ($0.50)
1. Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Mix together all ingredients for filling and spread into a 13 X 9 baking dish. Cover and bake 15 minutes.
2. Combine baking mix and milk in another bowl. Drop by tablespoonfuls onto chicken mixture. Bake, uncovered for 25 minute or until biscuits are golden brown.
3. Top with cheese and onions. Bake 3-4 minutes longer or until cheese melts.
Makes 6 servings
The Verdict
We all really enjoyed this one. The chicken was already cooked (I defrosted and grilled 6chicken breasts on Friday so I would have some on hand for recipes I wanted to make this week) so it was super fast and easy. This makes 6 VERY large servings, so if you served it with a big salad, it would probably feed 8! It was a surprisingly elegant presentation... I could make this for company!
Thursday, November 20, 2008
$0.89 per serving ~ Ham & Cheese Over Cornbread
Another attempt at something that would either be wonderful or awful.
Ham & Cheese over Cornbread
1 box cornbread mix ($0.40)
1 egg ($0.15)
1/3 cup milk ($0.10)
2 tbsp flour
2 tbsp butter
1 tbsp ground mustard
1 tbsp paprika
1 tsp white pepper
1.5 cups milk ($0.50)
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese ($1.50)
12 oz. fully cooked ham, cubed ($2.50)
1. Prepare and bake cornbread with egg and milk according to package directions.
2. Melt butter in saucepan and whisk in flour and spices. Add milk, stirring constantly until well blended. Bring to boil and Stir 2 minutes.
3. Add cheese and stir till melted. Add ham and stir until heated through.
4. Slice cornbread. Pour ham mixture over cornbread to serve.
Makes 6 servings
The Verdict
This was pure comfort food. Next time I will use my Spanish smoked paprika in it... I think it will give it a delicious smoky flavor.
Ham & Cheese over Cornbread
1 box cornbread mix ($0.40)
1 egg ($0.15)
1/3 cup milk ($0.10)
2 tbsp flour
2 tbsp butter
1 tbsp ground mustard
1 tbsp paprika
1 tsp white pepper
1.5 cups milk ($0.50)
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese ($1.50)
12 oz. fully cooked ham, cubed ($2.50)
1. Prepare and bake cornbread with egg and milk according to package directions.
2. Melt butter in saucepan and whisk in flour and spices. Add milk, stirring constantly until well blended. Bring to boil and Stir 2 minutes.
3. Add cheese and stir till melted. Add ham and stir until heated through.
4. Slice cornbread. Pour ham mixture over cornbread to serve.
Makes 6 servings
The Verdict
This was pure comfort food. Next time I will use my Spanish smoked paprika in it... I think it will give it a delicious smoky flavor.
Tuesday, November 18, 2008
$1.66 per serving ~ Hawaiian Sloppy Joes with Pineapple and Glazed Carrots
Back at the end of maternity leave, I watched a show and saw a recipe by R-ch--l R-y (letters omitted in case she really is as much of a draconian control freak as the tabloids say.) I loved the idea of Hawaiian-style sloppy joes, but the way she put it together seemed icky. So I made up my own version!
Hawaiian Sloppy Joes ~ $1.31 per serving
1 lb. ground beef ($2.00)
4 slices bacon, cooked and chopped ($1.25)
1 can Manwich sloppy joe sauce ($0.50)
1 can chunk pineapple ($0.50)
4 or 5 kaiser rolls, split and toasted ($1.00)
1. Brown beef on stove in large skillet. Drain. Add chopped bacon and sloppy joe sauce, heat over low heat.
2. Drain pineapple, reserving 1/2 cup of juice. Chop 1/2 cup of pineapple, set rest aside. Add chopped pineapple and reserved juice. Stir until well mixed and heat through.
3. Serve on buns.
Makes 4-5 servings, depending on the size of the rolls.
The Verdict
This was really good and a nice change of pace! If you don't want to use the canned sauce, you can make your own by mixing equal parts canned tomato sauce and red wine vinegar, then adding brown sugar and Worchestershire sauce to taste. I served it with frozen honey glazed carrots ($1.00 a box) and the rest of the pineapple on the side.
Hawaiian Sloppy Joes ~ $1.31 per serving
1 lb. ground beef ($2.00)
4 slices bacon, cooked and chopped ($1.25)
1 can Manwich sloppy joe sauce ($0.50)
1 can chunk pineapple ($0.50)
4 or 5 kaiser rolls, split and toasted ($1.00)
1. Brown beef on stove in large skillet. Drain. Add chopped bacon and sloppy joe sauce, heat over low heat.
2. Drain pineapple, reserving 1/2 cup of juice. Chop 1/2 cup of pineapple, set rest aside. Add chopped pineapple and reserved juice. Stir until well mixed and heat through.
3. Serve on buns.
Makes 4-5 servings, depending on the size of the rolls.
The Verdict
This was really good and a nice change of pace! If you don't want to use the canned sauce, you can make your own by mixing equal parts canned tomato sauce and red wine vinegar, then adding brown sugar and Worchestershire sauce to taste. I served it with frozen honey glazed carrots ($1.00 a box) and the rest of the pineapple on the side.
Friday, November 14, 2008
$0.88 per serving ~ Turkey Burger Pie with Salad and Green Beans
This one was quick and easy.
Turkey Burger Pie ~ $0.63 per serving
1 lb. ground turkey ($1.00)
1 small onion, chopped ($0.25)
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese ($1.50)
2 eggs ($0.50)
1 cup milk ($0.30)
1/2 cup baking mix ($0.20)
1. Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Cook turkey and onion in skillet over medium heat until meat is no longer pink. Drain and transfer to 9 inch pie plate coated with cooking spray.
2. Sprinkle cheese over meat mixture.
3. In a bowl, combine eggs, milk, and baking mix. Mix well and pour over cheese.
4. Bake at 400 degrees for 25 minutes.
Makes 6 servings
The Verdict
This was filling and hearty. It wasn't amazing, but it sure went down quickly and there was no complaining! I served it with leftover salad (free) and frozen green beans ($0.25 per serving).
Turkey Burger Pie ~ $0.63 per serving
1 lb. ground turkey ($1.00)
1 small onion, chopped ($0.25)
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese ($1.50)
2 eggs ($0.50)
1 cup milk ($0.30)
1/2 cup baking mix ($0.20)
1. Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Cook turkey and onion in skillet over medium heat until meat is no longer pink. Drain and transfer to 9 inch pie plate coated with cooking spray.
2. Sprinkle cheese over meat mixture.
3. In a bowl, combine eggs, milk, and baking mix. Mix well and pour over cheese.
4. Bake at 400 degrees for 25 minutes.
Makes 6 servings
The Verdict
This was filling and hearty. It wasn't amazing, but it sure went down quickly and there was no complaining! I served it with leftover salad (free) and frozen green beans ($0.25 per serving).
Thursday, November 6, 2008
$0.65 per serving ~ Healthier Carbonara
Sorry this post is late, we had some craziness last night and I didn't get to finish my update. Carbonara is one of my favorite dishes, and SOOOO bad for you, so I came up with a good healthy version!
Healthier Carbonara ~ $0.65 per serving
1 12 oz. package of whole grain fettucine ($1.75)
1 cup frozen green peas ($0.50)
4 slices center cut bacon ($0.85)
1 small onion, chopped ($0.30)
3 tbsp. minced garlic
1 tsp. thyme
3/4 cup fat free half and half ($0.50)
3/4 cup grated cheese ($1.00)
1. Cook pasta according to package directions. Three minutes before pasta is supposed to be done, add peas to the pot. Drain, reserving 1 cup of cooking liquid.
2. Meanwhile, cook bacon in large skillet until crispy. Remove bacon from pan and set aside. Discard all but 2 tbsp. of bacon drippings. Add onion to pan and saute until soft. Add garlic and thyme and cook another minute.
3. Stir in pasta and peas, reserved cooking liquid, and half and half. Cook until warmed through. Add cheese and crumbled bacon. Stir and serve.
Makes 6 servings.
The Verdict
Wow! I will never order carbonara again... this is so EASY! Serve with crusty bread and enjoy, enjoy, enjoy!
Healthier Carbonara ~ $0.65 per serving
1 12 oz. package of whole grain fettucine ($1.75)
1 cup frozen green peas ($0.50)
4 slices center cut bacon ($0.85)
1 small onion, chopped ($0.30)
3 tbsp. minced garlic
1 tsp. thyme
3/4 cup fat free half and half ($0.50)
3/4 cup grated cheese ($1.00)
1. Cook pasta according to package directions. Three minutes before pasta is supposed to be done, add peas to the pot. Drain, reserving 1 cup of cooking liquid.
2. Meanwhile, cook bacon in large skillet until crispy. Remove bacon from pan and set aside. Discard all but 2 tbsp. of bacon drippings. Add onion to pan and saute until soft. Add garlic and thyme and cook another minute.
3. Stir in pasta and peas, reserved cooking liquid, and half and half. Cook until warmed through. Add cheese and crumbled bacon. Stir and serve.
Makes 6 servings.
The Verdict
Wow! I will never order carbonara again... this is so EASY! Serve with crusty bread and enjoy, enjoy, enjoy!
Wednesday, October 29, 2008
$0.95 per serving ~ Tuna Mac n'Cheese Casserole served with Carrots, Snap Peas, Black Beans and Edamame
I may be the only person who LOVED tuna noodle casserole growing up. My mom made it every few weeks and everyone in the house complained about it but me. When I was in college they created "easy mac" and mini cans of tuna... I lived on that in grad school. I realized we have a ton of mac n cheese boxes and cans of tuna. So here I went, trying to make a version that wouldn't be quite so "starving artist" but still economical.
Tuna Mac n' Cheese Casserole ~ $0.70 per serving
1 package macaroni and cheese ($0.80)
prepared with 1/4 cup milk ($0.05)
and 4 tbsp. butter ($0.25)
1 can condensed cream soup, undiluted ($0.50)
1/2 cup milk ($0.10)
1/2 cup shredded cheese ($0.70)
1/4 cup bread crumbs
Parsley
1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Prepare macaroni and cheese according to package directions.
2. Stir in soup (I used cream of celery), tuna, and milk. Pour into greased baking dish.
3. Sprinkle with cheese (I used colby jack), bread crumbs (I used panko), and parsley.
4. Bake uncovered at 350 for 20 minutes.
Makes 6 servings.
The Verdict
Jim has an unnatural hatred of anything containing both cheese and tuna, so I considered it a victory when he pronounced this dinner "OK". He ate seconds! Josh absolutely loved it, which is awesome. Now I can toss tuna into his mac and cheese anytime I make it. I think next time I will add some pureed butternut or acorn squash to make the dish more nutritious. I served it with our favorite frozen boxed veggie - Green Giant's "Healthy Weight" blend, which is sugar snap peas, carrots, black beans and shelled edamame in a light butter sauce. YUM! And if you clip coupons and shop sales, they can be really cheap!
Coming Tomorrow...
We will be taking Josh and Julia up to the mall for trick or treating, which means dinner out... but fear not, faithful readers! Inspired by the lovely Tami, I will be posting some of Josh's favorite healthy snacks... which are also mine! My peanut butter yogurt dip will be posted, along with some others!
Tuna Mac n' Cheese Casserole ~ $0.70 per serving
1 package macaroni and cheese ($0.80)
prepared with 1/4 cup milk ($0.05)
and 4 tbsp. butter ($0.25)
1 can condensed cream soup, undiluted ($0.50)
1/2 cup milk ($0.10)
1/2 cup shredded cheese ($0.70)
1/4 cup bread crumbs
Parsley
1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Prepare macaroni and cheese according to package directions.
2. Stir in soup (I used cream of celery), tuna, and milk. Pour into greased baking dish.
3. Sprinkle with cheese (I used colby jack), bread crumbs (I used panko), and parsley.
4. Bake uncovered at 350 for 20 minutes.
Makes 6 servings.
The Verdict
Jim has an unnatural hatred of anything containing both cheese and tuna, so I considered it a victory when he pronounced this dinner "OK". He ate seconds! Josh absolutely loved it, which is awesome. Now I can toss tuna into his mac and cheese anytime I make it. I think next time I will add some pureed butternut or acorn squash to make the dish more nutritious. I served it with our favorite frozen boxed veggie - Green Giant's "Healthy Weight" blend, which is sugar snap peas, carrots, black beans and shelled edamame in a light butter sauce. YUM! And if you clip coupons and shop sales, they can be really cheap!
Coming Tomorrow...
We will be taking Josh and Julia up to the mall for trick or treating, which means dinner out... but fear not, faithful readers! Inspired by the lovely Tami, I will be posting some of Josh's favorite healthy snacks... which are also mine! My peanut butter yogurt dip will be posted, along with some others!
Thursday, October 23, 2008
$1.19 ~ Stromboli served with Dipping Sauce and Broccoli, plus Donuts for a Dollar!
I need an easy dinner tonight, I'm feeling under the weather. For me, pizza and the like are comfort foods... and I have everything on hand for this!
Stromboli ~ $0.84 per serving
1 lb. pizza dough ($1.00 - I get it from my local pizza place!)
2 cups shredded Italian-style cheese ($2.80)
1/4 pound capicola ($1.25)
Olive Oil
Salt and pepper
Grated Cheese
Flour
1. Preheat oven to 400 degrees.
2. With floured hands and surface, Stretch pizza dough out to a 9X13' rectangle.
3. Layer half the cheese, the capicola, and the rest of the cheese, leaving 1 inch around edges.
4. Roll up carefully, sealing long edge and tucking short edges under.
5. Place seam side down on cookie sheet. Brush top with oil, sprinkle with salt, pepper, and grated cheese.
6. Bake 20 minutes at 400. Let rest at least 10 minutes before slicing.
Makes 6 servings
The Verdict
I've made this for years, and I know the whole family loves it. I always serve it with broccoli drizzled with olive oil and garlic powder ($0.25 per serving) and a side of tomato sauce for dipping. ($0.10 per serving.) This is a favorite, and a good "go to" meal when things are hectic. My local pizza shop occasionally runs specials of 10 lbs. of dough for $10. I'll usually buy 20 pounds and keep them packages separately in the freezer. Pizza or stromboli is always easy to do, so I try to keep the fixings on hand...
Plus, you can make fresh donuts with pizza dough! :) Just roll out your dough, cut it into donut shapes w/ cookie cutters, and fry briefly on both sides in very hot oil. Drain on paper towels, then dip in sugar, sprinkles, or other topping. Enjoy!
Stromboli ~ $0.84 per serving
1 lb. pizza dough ($1.00 - I get it from my local pizza place!)
2 cups shredded Italian-style cheese ($2.80)
1/4 pound capicola ($1.25)
Olive Oil
Salt and pepper
Grated Cheese
Flour
1. Preheat oven to 400 degrees.
2. With floured hands and surface, Stretch pizza dough out to a 9X13' rectangle.
3. Layer half the cheese, the capicola, and the rest of the cheese, leaving 1 inch around edges.
4. Roll up carefully, sealing long edge and tucking short edges under.
5. Place seam side down on cookie sheet. Brush top with oil, sprinkle with salt, pepper, and grated cheese.
6. Bake 20 minutes at 400. Let rest at least 10 minutes before slicing.
Makes 6 servings
The Verdict
I've made this for years, and I know the whole family loves it. I always serve it with broccoli drizzled with olive oil and garlic powder ($0.25 per serving) and a side of tomato sauce for dipping. ($0.10 per serving.) This is a favorite, and a good "go to" meal when things are hectic. My local pizza shop occasionally runs specials of 10 lbs. of dough for $10. I'll usually buy 20 pounds and keep them packages separately in the freezer. Pizza or stromboli is always easy to do, so I try to keep the fixings on hand...
Plus, you can make fresh donuts with pizza dough! :) Just roll out your dough, cut it into donut shapes w/ cookie cutters, and fry briefly on both sides in very hot oil. Drain on paper towels, then dip in sugar, sprinkles, or other topping. Enjoy!
Thursday, October 16, 2008
$0.83 per serving ~ Pasta e Fagioli and Garlic and Cheese Biscuits
I knew my friend Karen would think I stole this from her, but this is my own recipe, from an attempt to cut down the recipe the way Grandma used to make it... She has a great recipe posted on her blog so check it out if you want one with more veggies...
Pasta e Fagioli ~ $0.63 per serving
2 tbsp. olive oil
2 tbsp. minced garlic
1 14.5 oz. can diced tomatoes with Italian seasoning ($1.00)
2 tsp. parsley
1 tsp. basil
1/2 tsp. oregano
1 15 oz. can cannellini beans, rinsed and drained ($1.00)
Salt and pepper
8 oz. small macaroni, cooked. ($0.50)
Grated cheese
1. Saute garlic in 1 tbsp oil until brown over medium heat. Cook macaroni in a separate pot. Drain, toss w/ 1 tbsp. olive oil, cover and keep warm.
2. Stir in tomatoes and cook until bubbly.
3. Add spices and simmer until tomatoes soften, about 15 minutes. Break up tomatoes with back of spoon if they are too large.
4. Add beans and cook until heated through. Season with salt and pepper.
5. Place a scoop of pasta in a bowl, ladle tomato mixture over it and toss thoroughly. Top with grated cheese to taste. Makes 4 servings.
Garlic and Cheese Biscuits ~ $0.20 per serving
2 cups all-purpose flour ($0.05)
1 pinch baking powder
1 pinch salt
1/3 cup shortening
1/2 cup shredded Italian cheese ($1.00)
2/3 cup milk ($0.20)
1/4 tsp. garlic powder
1. Preheat oven to 450 degrees.
2. Combine first 3 ingredients in a bowl. Cut in shortening with a fork. Mix in cheese.
3. Stir milk in with a fork just until moist.
4. Drop by rounded tablespoonfuls onto greased baking sheet.
5. Bake at 450 for 9 to 11 minutes or until golden brown.
6. Combine melted butter and garlic in small bowl. Brush over biscuits while warm.
Makes 12 biscuits/6 servings.
The Verdict
I did a few things differently than the recipe for the pasta fagioli. I got a ton of tomatoes and peppers from a neighbor at the end of the summer, so I jarred them after cooking them together with onions, garlic, and spices. So I replaced the diced tomatoes and all the spices with my jar... it was delicious! I have a business idea now... "Puttanesca's Pasta e Fagioli, just add pasta and fagioli!" Hm, maybe not. Josh wasn't nuts about the pasta e fagioli, but he did eat a decent amount of it. The biscuits, on the other hand, were a SMASHING success. We should have had 6 left over... we only had 4. Oh well, guess I can make more, and I can change-up the cheese based on what the main dish is. Colby Jack with Mexican, Cheddar with beef stew, ah, the possibilities are endless...
Pasta e Fagioli ~ $0.63 per serving
2 tbsp. olive oil
2 tbsp. minced garlic
1 14.5 oz. can diced tomatoes with Italian seasoning ($1.00)
2 tsp. parsley
1 tsp. basil
1/2 tsp. oregano
1 15 oz. can cannellini beans, rinsed and drained ($1.00)
Salt and pepper
8 oz. small macaroni, cooked. ($0.50)
Grated cheese
1. Saute garlic in 1 tbsp oil until brown over medium heat. Cook macaroni in a separate pot. Drain, toss w/ 1 tbsp. olive oil, cover and keep warm.
2. Stir in tomatoes and cook until bubbly.
3. Add spices and simmer until tomatoes soften, about 15 minutes. Break up tomatoes with back of spoon if they are too large.
4. Add beans and cook until heated through. Season with salt and pepper.
5. Place a scoop of pasta in a bowl, ladle tomato mixture over it and toss thoroughly. Top with grated cheese to taste. Makes 4 servings.
Garlic and Cheese Biscuits ~ $0.20 per serving
2 cups all-purpose flour ($0.05)
1 pinch baking powder
1 pinch salt
1/3 cup shortening
1/2 cup shredded Italian cheese ($1.00)
2/3 cup milk ($0.20)
1/4 tsp. garlic powder
1. Preheat oven to 450 degrees.
2. Combine first 3 ingredients in a bowl. Cut in shortening with a fork. Mix in cheese.
3. Stir milk in with a fork just until moist.
4. Drop by rounded tablespoonfuls onto greased baking sheet.
5. Bake at 450 for 9 to 11 minutes or until golden brown.
6. Combine melted butter and garlic in small bowl. Brush over biscuits while warm.
Makes 12 biscuits/6 servings.
The Verdict
I did a few things differently than the recipe for the pasta fagioli. I got a ton of tomatoes and peppers from a neighbor at the end of the summer, so I jarred them after cooking them together with onions, garlic, and spices. So I replaced the diced tomatoes and all the spices with my jar... it was delicious! I have a business idea now... "Puttanesca's Pasta e Fagioli, just add pasta and fagioli!" Hm, maybe not. Josh wasn't nuts about the pasta e fagioli, but he did eat a decent amount of it. The biscuits, on the other hand, were a SMASHING success. We should have had 6 left over... we only had 4. Oh well, guess I can make more, and I can change-up the cheese based on what the main dish is. Colby Jack with Mexican, Cheddar with beef stew, ah, the possibilities are endless...
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)