Anyone who gardens knows that Zucchini is the Italian grandmother of the vegetable world... "Eat, eat, don't you want more? But I made this just for you!" As usual, my zucchini is overproducing and I am coming up with as many different ways as I can to cook this stuff! Good thing everyone in my house likes it.
Zucchini Parmesan
Zucchini, sliced into 1/2 inch rounds
Italian dressing of your choice
Breadcrumbs (I used a mix of seasoned and panko)
Tomato Sauce of your choice
Shredded mozzarella cheese
1. Marinate zucchini in Italian dressing for at least 1 hour.
2. Preheat oven to 350 degrees
3. Coat zucchini rounds in breadcrumbs (no need to dip in egg, the dressing will hold the breading on.) Place in one layer in a baking dish
4. Bake uncovered about 15 - 20 minutes
5. Remove from oven. Drizzle with sauce and top with cheese. Bake again 10-15 minutes or until cheese is melted.
The Verdict
We made 3 trays of this... it was all gone within two days. We cut it up small for Julia and she loved it too! You could serve this with pasta as a side, over rice, in a sandwich, or as a stand alone dish. You can certainly use jarred sauce... I know, you're thinking, "But Puttanesca! You're Italian! Don't you make your own?" Yes, I do, but jarred sauce is very convenient, especially for parmesan dishes, pita pizzas, etc. I open a jar of sauce, pour it all into a saucepan, spice it up (extra garlic, onion powder, and oregano, usually) and return it to the jar. Stored in the back of the refrigerator, it will keep a few weeks.
Showing posts with label italian. Show all posts
Showing posts with label italian. Show all posts
Thursday, July 16, 2009
Wednesday, June 10, 2009
$1.38 per serving ~ Veal Bolognese
I almost never buy veal. Too expensive! But my Italian appetite loves it, so when I saw veal with $2.00 off coupons because it was near expiration, I jumped on it. If you buy near-expiration meat, just freeze it right away, and then use it right after thawing.
Veal Bolognese ~ $1.38 per serving, $8.25 total cost
1 lb. ground veal ($5.00)
2 tbsp. minced garlic
1 small onion, chopped ($0.35)
1/2 cup dry red wine (leftovers are free!)
1/2 cup chicken stock ($1.00)
1 large carrot, finely chopped ($0.25)
1 28 oz. can crushed tomatoes ($1.00)
1 bay leaf
Salt and pepper to taste
1 lb. large curly pasta ($0.65, I used rotini)
1/2 cup grated cheese
Fresh basil leaves
1. Bring large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook pasta according to package directions.
2. Meanwhile, brown veal, garlic, and onion in deep skillet until cooked through.
3. Add wine to deglaze skillet, loosening all browned bits.
4. Add stock, carrots, tomatoes, bay leaf, and salt and pepper. Simmer at least 15 minutes, untill carrots are tender.
5. Meanwhile, toss hot pasta with grated cheese.
6. Just before serving, remove bay leaf, add fresh basil, and toss with pasta. Serve with bread and more cheese at the table.
Makes 6 servings.
The Verdict
This is one of Jim's favorites. Josh said he didn't like it, but then he finished his plate and asked for more. I've been taking the leftovers for lunch all week!
Veal Bolognese ~ $1.38 per serving, $8.25 total cost
1 lb. ground veal ($5.00)
2 tbsp. minced garlic
1 small onion, chopped ($0.35)
1/2 cup dry red wine (leftovers are free!)
1/2 cup chicken stock ($1.00)
1 large carrot, finely chopped ($0.25)
1 28 oz. can crushed tomatoes ($1.00)
1 bay leaf
Salt and pepper to taste
1 lb. large curly pasta ($0.65, I used rotini)
1/2 cup grated cheese
Fresh basil leaves
1. Bring large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook pasta according to package directions.
2. Meanwhile, brown veal, garlic, and onion in deep skillet until cooked through.
3. Add wine to deglaze skillet, loosening all browned bits.
4. Add stock, carrots, tomatoes, bay leaf, and salt and pepper. Simmer at least 15 minutes, untill carrots are tender.
5. Meanwhile, toss hot pasta with grated cheese.
6. Just before serving, remove bay leaf, add fresh basil, and toss with pasta. Serve with bread and more cheese at the table.
Makes 6 servings.
The Verdict
This is one of Jim's favorites. Josh said he didn't like it, but then he finished his plate and asked for more. I've been taking the leftovers for lunch all week!
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.
Tuesday, January 27, 2009
$0.35 per serving ~ Brown Lentil Soup
I have a terrible cold. So I made Italian comfort food. This is what happens when I "wing it" in the crock pot!
Brown Lentil Soup ~ $0.35 per serving, $3.50 total cost
1 lb. brown lentils, picked over and rinsed ($1.00)
2 cartons (32 oz. each) vegetable broth ($2.50)
1 cup prepared tomato sauce ($0.25)
8 oz baby carrots ($0.50)
1 medium onion, chopped ($0.25)
1 tbsp. cumin
1 tbsp. dried thyme
salt and pepper to taste
grated cheese to taste
1. Combine all ingredients except grated cheese in 6 qt. CrockPot. Cook on low 8-10 hours.
2. Serve topped with grated cheese.
Makes 10 servings(!!!!!)
The Verdict
I served this with bread fresh from the breadmaker. Everyone had seconds and there is still plenty for lunch. It tastes just like my grandma used to make! If you like lentils, you will love this.
Brown Lentil Soup ~ $0.35 per serving, $3.50 total cost
1 lb. brown lentils, picked over and rinsed ($1.00)
2 cartons (32 oz. each) vegetable broth ($2.50)
1 cup prepared tomato sauce ($0.25)
8 oz baby carrots ($0.50)
1 medium onion, chopped ($0.25)
1 tbsp. cumin
1 tbsp. dried thyme
salt and pepper to taste
grated cheese to taste
1. Combine all ingredients except grated cheese in 6 qt. CrockPot. Cook on low 8-10 hours.
2. Serve topped with grated cheese.
Makes 10 servings(!!!!!)
The Verdict
I served this with bread fresh from the breadmaker. Everyone had seconds and there is still plenty for lunch. It tastes just like my grandma used to make! If you like lentils, you will love this.
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!
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 :)
Wednesday, November 12, 2008
$0.80 per serving ~ Crockpot Lasagna
I haven't created a recipe out of my head for a while. So I decided to try my hand at something I've never done! I hear tell you can cook pasta in a crockpot, so why not try lasagna? I hate boiling the noodles and then trying to assemble the lasagna, so I gave it a whirl.
Crockpot Lasagna a la Trisha ~ $0.80 per serving
1 jar pre-made tomato sauce ($1.00)
1 lb. ground beef ($2.00)
1 15 oz. container of ricotta cheese ($2.50)
1 cup shredded mozzarella ($1.40)
8 lasagna noodles, broken in half ($0.50)
1. Brown ground beef on stovetop and drain. Mix cooked beef with ricotta cheese.
2. Pour enough sauce in to cover the bottom of a 6 qt. crockpot. Lay four noodle halves on the bottom. Layer 1/4 of the meat mixture onto noodles, top with a handful of cheese. Place 4 more noodle halves and pour sauce over it. Continue to layer until ingredients are gone, ending with noodles, sauce, and a sprinkling of cheese on top.
3. Cook on high for 5 hours. Turn off heat, uncover, and let stand for at least 20 minutes before serving.
Makes 8 servings
The Verdict
Wow. Wow! WOW! This was amazing! Next time I will increase the sauce and the ricotta, as iti absorbed a TON of moisture, but it was really fantastic!!! Make sure that you place everything carefully that it does NOT touch the sides or you will have a sticky mess to clean up. But YUM!!! :)
Crockpot Lasagna a la Trisha ~ $0.80 per serving
1 jar pre-made tomato sauce ($1.00)
1 lb. ground beef ($2.00)
1 15 oz. container of ricotta cheese ($2.50)
1 cup shredded mozzarella ($1.40)
8 lasagna noodles, broken in half ($0.50)
1. Brown ground beef on stovetop and drain. Mix cooked beef with ricotta cheese.
2. Pour enough sauce in to cover the bottom of a 6 qt. crockpot. Lay four noodle halves on the bottom. Layer 1/4 of the meat mixture onto noodles, top with a handful of cheese. Place 4 more noodle halves and pour sauce over it. Continue to layer until ingredients are gone, ending with noodles, sauce, and a sprinkling of cheese on top.
3. Cook on high for 5 hours. Turn off heat, uncover, and let stand for at least 20 minutes before serving.
Makes 8 servings
The Verdict
Wow. Wow! WOW! This was amazing! Next time I will increase the sauce and the ricotta, as iti absorbed a TON of moisture, but it was really fantastic!!! Make sure that you place everything carefully that it does NOT touch the sides or you will have a sticky mess to clean up. But YUM!!! :)
Tuesday, November 11, 2008
$0.43 per serving ~ Trisha's IN-famousVodka Sauce
We're having Jim's dad and stepmom over today, and I really need to clean. Fortunately, I have a large container of vodka sauce in my freezer! There's plenty of pasta in the house and I've got Italian Herb bread in the breadmaker!
I call this my INfamous vodka sauce after the movie "The Three Amigos". "You know, IN-famous? That means more than famous!"
Trisha's IN-famous Vodka Sauce ~ $0.43 per serving not including pasta
1/2 cup of butter ($0.50)
1 large onion, chopped ($0.35)
1 cup of vodka ($1.50)
2 28 oz. cans of crushed tomatoes ($2.00)
1 quart of half and half, light cream, or heavy cream ($2.50)
Salt and pepper
1. Melt butter in large pot. Saute onion until translucent.
2. Add vodka, simmer for at least 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
3. Add tomatoes, simmer for at least 15 minutes, stirring occasionally.
4. Add cream, stir until well blended. Add salt and pepper to taste. Simmer for at least 15 minutes. Serve over freshly cooked pasta.
Makes 16 servings
The Verdict
Everyone I know loves this sauce. It's flavorful and comforting, and great with garlic bread. I usually pour some of the freshly made sauce over a pound of pasta, then split the rest into 3 equal sized containers to freeze for future meals. This sauce can be frozen up to 6 months. I love only having to put the effort in on one day, and knowing there's three more super-fast meals in the freezer afterwards!
I call this my INfamous vodka sauce after the movie "The Three Amigos". "You know, IN-famous? That means more than famous!"
Trisha's IN-famous Vodka Sauce ~ $0.43 per serving not including pasta
1/2 cup of butter ($0.50)
1 large onion, chopped ($0.35)
1 cup of vodka ($1.50)
2 28 oz. cans of crushed tomatoes ($2.00)
1 quart of half and half, light cream, or heavy cream ($2.50)
Salt and pepper
1. Melt butter in large pot. Saute onion until translucent.
2. Add vodka, simmer for at least 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
3. Add tomatoes, simmer for at least 15 minutes, stirring occasionally.
4. Add cream, stir until well blended. Add salt and pepper to taste. Simmer for at least 15 minutes. Serve over freshly cooked pasta.
Makes 16 servings
The Verdict
Everyone I know loves this sauce. It's flavorful and comforting, and great with garlic bread. I usually pour some of the freshly made sauce over a pound of pasta, then split the rest into 3 equal sized containers to freeze for future meals. This sauce can be frozen up to 6 months. I love only having to put the effort in on one day, and knowing there's three more super-fast meals in the freezer afterwards!
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!
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!
Tuesday, October 21, 2008
$0.94 per serving ~ Mediterranean Minestrone Soup and Garlic Bread
Based on Grandma's recipe...
Mediterranean Minestrone Soup ~ $0.94 per serving ~
3 medium carrots, sliced ($0.75)
1 medium onion, chopped ($0.35)
1 cup water
1 packet seasoning ($1.00)
1 28 oz. can diced tomatoes, undrained ($1.00)
1 15 oz. can beans of your choice ($1.00)
1 6 oz. can tomato paste ($0.60)
1 can green beans ($0.45)
1 cup uncooked small macaroni ($0.50)
1 cup water
Grated cheese
1. Mix all ingredients except green beans, macaroni, second cup of water, and cheese in slow cooker.
2. Cover and cook on Low setting for 6-8 hours
3. Stir in green beans, water, and macaroni. Increase setting to High. Cover and cook 20 minutes.
4. Serve sprinkled with cheese.
Makes 6 servings.
The Verdict
I used some frozen semolina bread to make garlic bread, just slathered it with butter and garlic and parsley and toasted it under the broiler. I always save random ends of bread for this! When I made this I used garbanzo beans and a Red Monkey "Mediterranean Mojo" seasoning packet. If I didn't have that in the cupboard, I'd have used garlic powder, oregano, basil, salt, pepper, and a pinch of sugar. Any seasoning packet you like will do, or experiment with the spices in your cupboard. I definitely needed more seasoning... it was missing something.
It was good. Not great, but good. It makes a lot and is very filling. I'm sure I'll make it again, it tends to be a solid winter option in this house :)
Mediterranean Minestrone Soup ~ $0.94 per serving ~
3 medium carrots, sliced ($0.75)
1 medium onion, chopped ($0.35)
1 cup water
1 packet seasoning ($1.00)
1 28 oz. can diced tomatoes, undrained ($1.00)
1 15 oz. can beans of your choice ($1.00)
1 6 oz. can tomato paste ($0.60)
1 can green beans ($0.45)
1 cup uncooked small macaroni ($0.50)
1 cup water
Grated cheese
1. Mix all ingredients except green beans, macaroni, second cup of water, and cheese in slow cooker.
2. Cover and cook on Low setting for 6-8 hours
3. Stir in green beans, water, and macaroni. Increase setting to High. Cover and cook 20 minutes.
4. Serve sprinkled with cheese.
Makes 6 servings.
The Verdict
I used some frozen semolina bread to make garlic bread, just slathered it with butter and garlic and parsley and toasted it under the broiler. I always save random ends of bread for this! When I made this I used garbanzo beans and a Red Monkey "Mediterranean Mojo" seasoning packet. If I didn't have that in the cupboard, I'd have used garlic powder, oregano, basil, salt, pepper, and a pinch of sugar. Any seasoning packet you like will do, or experiment with the spices in your cupboard. I definitely needed more seasoning... it was missing something.
It was good. Not great, but good. It makes a lot and is very filling. I'm sure I'll make it again, it tends to be a solid winter option in this house :)
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...
Monday, October 13, 2008
$1.32 per serving - Ravioli with Peas in Rose Sauce
The weather was so beautiful today we decided to drive down to Cape May and wander. After two nights running of Julia sleeping poorly (baby girl inherited my allergies, poor thing) I was really not in the mood, but Jim really wanted to go. I'm glad I gave in and went, even though we ate lunch out. Josh had a great time and the sea air seems to have helped Julia's congestion.
Breakfast - $1.05
Bagels with peanut butter and pears again
Lunch - $5.75
We split a small pizza and each had a small soda or lemonade.
Funny how it galls me to pay this much and I've only been tracking a few days!
Ravioli with peas in rose sauce - $1.32 per serving
1 package frozen mini ravioli (any filled pasta will work) $3.50
1 cup frozen peas $0.50
2 tbsp. flour
1 dash black pepper
1 cup milk $0.25
1 14 oz. can diced tomatoes $1.00
Grated cheese (I prefer pecorino romano)
1. Cook pasta according to directions, adding peas the last minute of cooking. Drain and keep warm.
2. Stir together flour and pepper, and slowly stir in milk. Cook and stir over medium heat until thick and bubbly. Cook 1 minute more, then add undrained tomatoes and heat through.
3. Add pasta and peas to tomato mixture and toss gently to coat. Sprinkle grated cheese over each dish. Makes 4 servings
The Verdict:
Jim and Josh really enjoyed this one. I found the flavor a bit bland, and will try one of the cans of tomatoes with spices already added next time I catch them on sale. (Maybe the one with garlic and balsamic vinegar, yum!) This was VERY fast and easy. It's definitely a keeper for crazy nights after work, to avoid the dreaded call for pizza...
Even on sale, filled pastas tend to be expensive. I have to watch for a sale on that again soon, I'm nearly out of it.
Breakfast - $1.05
Bagels with peanut butter and pears again
Lunch - $5.75
We split a small pizza and each had a small soda or lemonade.
Funny how it galls me to pay this much and I've only been tracking a few days!
Ravioli with peas in rose sauce - $1.32 per serving
1 package frozen mini ravioli (any filled pasta will work) $3.50
1 cup frozen peas $0.50
2 tbsp. flour
1 dash black pepper
1 cup milk $0.25
1 14 oz. can diced tomatoes $1.00
Grated cheese (I prefer pecorino romano)
1. Cook pasta according to directions, adding peas the last minute of cooking. Drain and keep warm.
2. Stir together flour and pepper, and slowly stir in milk. Cook and stir over medium heat until thick and bubbly. Cook 1 minute more, then add undrained tomatoes and heat through.
3. Add pasta and peas to tomato mixture and toss gently to coat. Sprinkle grated cheese over each dish. Makes 4 servings
The Verdict:
Jim and Josh really enjoyed this one. I found the flavor a bit bland, and will try one of the cans of tomatoes with spices already added next time I catch them on sale. (Maybe the one with garlic and balsamic vinegar, yum!) This was VERY fast and easy. It's definitely a keeper for crazy nights after work, to avoid the dreaded call for pizza...
Even on sale, filled pastas tend to be expensive. I have to watch for a sale on that again soon, I'm nearly out of it.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)