Tonight we used up the last of my heirloom meat sauce. That's the recipe I can't share... it's been passed down through many generations of little Italian peasant women. When I make it, I am makingat least 5 or 6 meals at once. So we had the last frozen container of it tonight over ravioli with my stepmom's amazing garlic toast. Jim calls it garlic crack...
Garlic Butter for Toast ~ $0.50 total cost
1 stick of butter ($0.50)
1 tsp. granulated garlic
1/2 tsp. freeze dried parsley
Sliced Italian Bread (I use leftovers!)
1. Melt butter in microwave.
2. Let butter cool slightly and mix in garlic and parsley.
3. Pour into tub and refrigerate until solid.
4. Preheat oven to 450 degrees and cover baking sheet with foil.
5. Spread garlic butter on both sides of each slice of bread.
6. Bake for 3 minutes on each side. Remove immediately.
The Verdict
I made 12 slices. There's 1 left. :)
Monday, January 19, 2009
Saturday, January 17, 2009
I've been a bad, bad, Puttanesca...
I've allowed myself to get so caught up in the chaos that sometimes surrouds life with kids and two working parents that I've gotten off track. I've been allowing myself to give in to the ease of ordering pizza or making grilled cheese sandwiches and tomato soup.... but everyone is getting bored, including me! Today I plan to work on a meal plan for the rest of the month. I don't want to go out and buy anything other than milk, eggs, bread, or produce (and baby formula, but I think I have enough to get through the rest of the month already.)
I tried two new recipes, but they were so disappointing I won't even post them!
Stay tuned. And while you're waiting for my next recipe, some tips for time saving:
1. When you buy meat in bulk, separate it into 2 pound packages. Most recipes call for 1 pound... but you can brown/grill/bake both pounds and refreeze half of the cooked meat for later use.
2. The crock pot is your friend. It will brown ground meat in about half an hour on the high setting... no stirring or watching needed!
3. When you get your veggies home, pre-prep them. Pick over and break up your green beans, pre-peel and chop your squash, etc. Just don't pre-wash greens and herbs unless you plan to store them wrapped in paper towels and use them quickly! Moisture will make them spoil faster.
4. If you like fresh herbs, you can freeze them! I have big bags of fresh basil, parsley, and cilantro in my freezer. I pull the bag out, cut off enough for my recipe, seal it and put it back. Herbs keep a long time frozen!
I tried two new recipes, but they were so disappointing I won't even post them!
Stay tuned. And while you're waiting for my next recipe, some tips for time saving:
1. When you buy meat in bulk, separate it into 2 pound packages. Most recipes call for 1 pound... but you can brown/grill/bake both pounds and refreeze half of the cooked meat for later use.
2. The crock pot is your friend. It will brown ground meat in about half an hour on the high setting... no stirring or watching needed!
3. When you get your veggies home, pre-prep them. Pick over and break up your green beans, pre-peel and chop your squash, etc. Just don't pre-wash greens and herbs unless you plan to store them wrapped in paper towels and use them quickly! Moisture will make them spoil faster.
4. If you like fresh herbs, you can freeze them! I have big bags of fresh basil, parsley, and cilantro in my freezer. I pull the bag out, cut off enough for my recipe, seal it and put it back. Herbs keep a long time frozen!
Monday, January 5, 2009
$0.90 per serving ~ Sausage and Butternut Squash Stew
I had ever ingredient on hand, all things I wanted to use up, and I found this recipe in an old newspaper as I was tying up the recycling. Had to try it, since our Tuesdays have become so hectic with Josh in gymnastics and me in AquaFit class now.
Sausage and Butternut Squash Stew ~ $0.90 per serving, $7.20 total
1 large butternut squash, seeded and diced ($2.00)
3 small potatoes, peeled and diced ($0.50)
4 carrots, peeled and sliced into rounds ($0.50)
1 can green beans, drained ($0.45)
2 cups beef broth or stock ($1.75)
1 tbsp. balsamic vinegar
1 tsp. black pepper
1 tsp. crushed rosemary
1/2 pound turkey kielbasa, sliced ($1.00)
3 medium onions, chopped ($1.00)
1/4 cup cold water
2 tbsp. corn starch
Parsley to garnish
1. Combine all but last 3 ingredients in crockpot. Cover and cook on low 8 hours.
2. In a measuring cup, mix water and cornstarch and pour into the stew. Mix well and heat until liquid has thickened.
3. Serve garnished with parsley.
Makes 8 servings.
The Verdict
This was just "ok." Kind of bland, kind of boring, just kind of "there." I make better dishes with variations on these ingredients. If you try this one, play with the spices to get the flavor more interesting!
Sausage and Butternut Squash Stew ~ $0.90 per serving, $7.20 total
1 large butternut squash, seeded and diced ($2.00)
3 small potatoes, peeled and diced ($0.50)
4 carrots, peeled and sliced into rounds ($0.50)
1 can green beans, drained ($0.45)
2 cups beef broth or stock ($1.75)
1 tbsp. balsamic vinegar
1 tsp. black pepper
1 tsp. crushed rosemary
1/2 pound turkey kielbasa, sliced ($1.00)
3 medium onions, chopped ($1.00)
1/4 cup cold water
2 tbsp. corn starch
Parsley to garnish
1. Combine all but last 3 ingredients in crockpot. Cover and cook on low 8 hours.
2. In a measuring cup, mix water and cornstarch and pour into the stew. Mix well and heat until liquid has thickened.
3. Serve garnished with parsley.
Makes 8 servings.
The Verdict
This was just "ok." Kind of bland, kind of boring, just kind of "there." I make better dishes with variations on these ingredients. If you try this one, play with the spices to get the flavor more interesting!
$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!
$0.91 per serving ~ Cheater Chicken Pot Pie
I belong to a mommies' board since back before my Josh was born. There are a great bunch of ladies there! We have our ups and downs but on the whole they are wonderful and supportive and fun. Michelle passed me this recipe and I HAD to try it...
Cheater Chicken Pot Pie ~ $0.91 per serving, $4.70 total
1 lb. cooked chicken breast ($2.00)
1 bag frozen mixed vegetables ($0.75)
1 can cream mushroom soup ($0.75)
1 can cream of chicken soup
1 lb. bag frozen diced potatoes (hashbrowns)
1 tube of light crescent rolls ($1.00)
1/2 C milk ($0.20)
pepper to taste
My substitutions:
Leftover french fries, diced, instead of hashbrowns (FREE!)
Golden Mushroom condensed soup, instead of cream of mushroom ($0.75)
1. Shred 1 lb. of chicken breast, mix it with frozen potatoes and mixed vegetables.
2. In a separate bowl, mix 2 cans of soup with milk. Add a pinch of pepper to taste.
3. Pour soup mixture over chicken/veggie mixture, stir to combine.
4. Pour into bottom of 9X13 baking dish, bake at 375 until bubbly, about 30 minutes.
5. Unroll tube of crescent dough, separate into 4 flat rectangles. Place onto pot-pie mixture, bake as directed on can (or until they are lightly browned, about 20 minutes).
Makes 6 servings
The Verdict
Definitely EASY. And Josh said "Delicious dinner, Mommy!" It's a hit, and it's definitely a keeper. Thanks, Michelle!
Cheater Chicken Pot Pie ~ $0.91 per serving, $4.70 total
1 lb. cooked chicken breast ($2.00)
1 bag frozen mixed vegetables ($0.75)
1 can cream mushroom soup ($0.75)
1 can cream of chicken soup
1 lb. bag frozen diced potatoes (hashbrowns)
1 tube of light crescent rolls ($1.00)
1/2 C milk ($0.20)
pepper to taste
My substitutions:
Leftover french fries, diced, instead of hashbrowns (FREE!)
Golden Mushroom condensed soup, instead of cream of mushroom ($0.75)
1. Shred 1 lb. of chicken breast, mix it with frozen potatoes and mixed vegetables.
2. In a separate bowl, mix 2 cans of soup with milk. Add a pinch of pepper to taste.
3. Pour soup mixture over chicken/veggie mixture, stir to combine.
4. Pour into bottom of 9X13 baking dish, bake at 375 until bubbly, about 30 minutes.
5. Unroll tube of crescent dough, separate into 4 flat rectangles. Place onto pot-pie mixture, bake as directed on can (or until they are lightly browned, about 20 minutes).
Makes 6 servings
The Verdict
Definitely EASY. And Josh said "Delicious dinner, Mommy!" It's a hit, and it's definitely a keeper. Thanks, Michelle!
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.
Monday, December 15, 2008
$0.77 per serving ~ Vegetarian Chili
The crockpot saved my life again! I knew today would be crazy because it was Jim's first day at his new job. I didn't expect to be sick too! So Jim and Josh got a yummy hot meal and I got to go to bed as soon as I got home.
Vegetarian Chili ~$0.77 per serving
1 medium onion, chopped ($0.35)
1 small green bell pepper, chopped ($0.35)
3 14.5 oz cans diced tomatoes with mild green chiles, undrained ($3.00)
1 can red kidney beans, drained and rinsed ($0.75)
1 can pinto beans, drained and rinsed ($0.75)
3 tbsp. cocoa powder
2 tbsp. chili powder
2 tbsp. cumin
1 tbsp. brown sugar
1 package vegetable protein crumbles ($2.50)
1. Dump all ingredients except protein crumbles into crockpot. Stir well. Cook on low 8 hours.
2. Stir in protein crumbles and cook another 30 minutes. Serve.
Makes 10 servings
The Verdict
Vegetarian Chili ~$0.77 per serving
1 medium onion, chopped ($0.35)
1 small green bell pepper, chopped ($0.35)
3 14.5 oz cans diced tomatoes with mild green chiles, undrained ($3.00)
1 can red kidney beans, drained and rinsed ($0.75)
1 can pinto beans, drained and rinsed ($0.75)
3 tbsp. cocoa powder
2 tbsp. chili powder
2 tbsp. cumin
1 tbsp. brown sugar
1 package vegetable protein crumbles ($2.50)
1. Dump all ingredients except protein crumbles into crockpot. Stir well. Cook on low 8 hours.
2. Stir in protein crumbles and cook another 30 minutes. Serve.
Makes 10 servings
The Verdict
I served this to my friends J&W a while back. W is an unrepentant carnivore, so I didn't tell him it wasn't ground beef. When I told him after his first bite, he was stunned... and then asked for seconds. And thirds! This is a mainstay on my meal planning rotation.
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