Hello Folks,
It has been a hectic week and it shows no sign of slowing down any time soon. This week uses a lot of sale items and cheap pantry items to make dinner quick and easy. I hope you enjoy this week’s meals. I have two recipes with buttermilk and two with cherry tomatoes. Both are super cheap and good for you. Ok, maybe the benefits of buttermilk get lost in my Granny’s chocolate cake but it is so worth it.
I was surprised by this week’s poll results. We are so excited to see our new baby and find out if it is a boy or girl. You guys think it’s a boy. Vasek’s mom wants a boy too. Our house is now ready for the new arrival. I’m not sure if we’re ready but it will happen regardless. And thanks to the great shower that Jessica and Susan gave us, we are truly ready for anything!
Day 1 – Crock Pot Pot Roast
This great recipe will give you an excuse to open a bottle of wine. It cooks while you’re at work and can be finished with some instant mashed potatoes and a frozen vegetable. You can’t ask for an easier meal.
http://www.recipezaar.com/Red-Wine-Crock-Pot-Roast-64811
Day 2 – Hamburger and Grape Tomato Pizza
You have got to try this recipe. You actually put the ground meat on uncooked and it cooks on the pizza. I use store made pizza crust. It’s a keeper.
http://www.marthastewart.com/recipe/hamburger-and-grape-tomato-pizza?backto=true
Day 3 – Instant Potato Soup
This will make any rainy evening a night to remember. I love potato soup but I don’t always have time to make it from scratch. This uses some fresh vegetables and instant potatoes to make it an "any night" supper.
INSTANT POTATO SOUP
4 slices bacon, diced
• 1 medium onion, chopped fine
• 1 carrot, sliced fine
• 2 ribs celery, chopped fine
• 1 (10 ½-ounce) can chicken broth
• 2 ½ cups milk (or equal parts milk and cream)
• 1 ½ cups instant mashed potato flakes
• Salt and pepper
• 2 green onions, thinly sliced (optional)
Place the bacon in a 2-quart Dutch oven or saucepan and cook over medium-high heat until crisp. Remove bacon pieces with a slotted spoon and set aside. Add onions, carrots and celery; cook over low heat until vegetables are soft, stirring occasionally.
Add chicken broth to the pot and bring to a boil. Remove from heat and add milk. Gradually stir in instant potatoes, blending smoothly. Season to taste with salt and pepper.
Gently heat soup to desired temperature; do not boil. Add more milk if soup seems too thick, more flakes if too thin. Serve topped with green onion and reserved bacon. Makes 6 servings.
Day 4 – Penne with Salami, Cherry Tomatoes, Olives and Capers
This is a remake of a Tyler Florence dish that is a little cheaper and has ingredients that are easier to find.
1 pint cherry tomatoes
½ lb. hard salami, halved and sliced
2 garlic cloves, minced
¼ cup white wine
¼ cup black olives, sliced
¼ cup capers
½ lb. whole wheat penne
Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Bring large pot of water to a boil. In a small baking dish, combine tomatoes with 2 teaspoons olive oil, sprinkle of salt and pepper. Roast tomatoes for 10 minutes, until the skins begin to split open. Salt boiling water and add pasta.
In a large skillet, heat 3 teaspoons olive oil and salami. Cook over med-hi heat for 2-3 minutes, to heat salami. Remove with a slotted spoon to a paper towel lined plate. Add garlic to skillet and cook for 1 minute. Add tomatoes and wine. Cook until liquid is reduced by half. Add olives, capers, salami, pasta and ½ cup pasta cooking water. Stir to combine.
Day 5 – Buttermilk Baked Chicken
Try this recipe with chicken breast cut into strips for a kid friendly meal. Serve with your favorite vegetable.
http://erinlovesmarc.blogspot.com/2007/04/super-crispy-buttermilk-baked-chicken.html
Day 6 – Granny Pruett’s Chocolate Cake
I know that cake is not technically a dinner food but several of you have asked for this recipe so here it is.
1 stick butter
½ cup Crisco shortening
1 cup water
¼ cup cocoa
2 cups self-rising flour
2 cups sugar
2 eggs
½ cup buttermilk
1 tsp. vanilla
Heat first four ingredients to boiling.
Mix flour and sugar to remove lumps.
Add hot mixture to dry mixture and mix well.
Beat eggs in buttermilk and vanilla. Add to batter.
Pour into 13 x 9 baking pan. Bake for 20-35 minutes at 350 degrees. Longer if using a glass dish. It is done when a toothpick comes out clean.
Icing
½ stick butter
Splash of milk
2-3 T. cocoa
½ box confectioner’s sugar, sifted
Heat butter, milk, and cocoa until creamy and smooth.
Add mixture to sugar and blend until smooth.
Poke holes in hot cake and pour icing over cake. It must be hot for the icing to sink into cake.
Day 7 – Leftovers
Pull out all the leftovers and have a leftover buffet!!! It will save you money and time. This is a great Friday night dinner.
Have a great week and eat well. I know we will. I’m looking for some quick and easy recipes for the first couple of weeks after the baby arrives. Send me your family favorites and I’ll share with the rest of the class.
With love and mashed potatoes with gravy on top,
Brooke
Sunday, March 29, 2009
Sunday, March 22, 2009
Welcome Spring!!!
Hello Everyone,
It has been another great week. I’m beginning to realize that the baby coming is inevitable and the nesting has begun. It really is amazing how much I can get done. The down side to this is that I don’t feel like cooking. This week’s menu will reflect that. We all need a light week. This is also true if you or your family members are engrossed in March Madness.
There is one exception, the shrimp dish this week will be our date meal. We are still trying to save money by not eating out and this will really make us feel like we getting a treat without having to pay a tip. It is quick, easy, and oh, so good.
I’m also hosting a Pampered Chef party for my friend, Dustin. The first recipe is from him, for one of your March Madness nights.
Day 1 – Hot Artichoke & Spinach Dip
1 jar (6 oz.) marinated artichoke hearts, drained & coarsely chopped
1 pkg (9-11 oz.) frozen creamed spinach, thawed
¼ c. mayo
¼ c. sour cream
1 small garlic clove, pressed
½ c. (2 oz.) grated fresh Parmesan cheese
Diced red bell pepper (optional)
1. Preheat oven to 375. Coarsely chop the artichokes using Food Chopper; place in Small Batter Bowl.
2. Add spinach, mayo & sour cream, mix well.
3. Press garlic into the bowl with the Garlic Press. Grate Parmesan cheese & add to mixture; mix well with the Mix 'N Scraper. Spoon into Small Oval Baker.
4. Bake 20-25 minutes or until heated through. Garnish with bell pepper if desired. Serve with your favorite chips or toasted baguette slices.
Day 2 – Hotdog Pizzas
I created this recipe for my little ones. Funny how it was Vasek who really loved it.
6 pitas or 3 English muffins, whole-wheat, toasted
4-6 hotdogs, your favorite kind, cut into slices or cubed
4 T. tomato paste
¼ - ½ cup ketchup, to your taste
1 – 2 T. mustard
1 bag shredded mozzarella cheese
In a skillet over med-hi heat, cook hotdogs until browned. Add tomato paste, ketchup, and mustard. Cook until heated through. Top pitas or split English muffins with hotdog mix. Top with cheese. Place under broiler until cheese is melted and golden brown.
Day 3 – Nacho Night
Ok, this really isn’t a recipe, more like a list of ingredients that you put on top of bed of tortilla chips. Add your favorite toppings or don’t add some of mine. I serve this on the cookie sheet I use in the oven with bowls of salsa, guacamole, and sour cream for dipping.
Tortilla Chips
Can of black beans, drained and rinsed
Sliced or diced jalapeño pepper
Crumbled bacon
Diced tomato
Diced red onion
Refried beans
Mexican mix shredded cheese
Day 4 – Golden Chicken with Noodles
http://allrecipes.com/Recipe/Campbells-Golden-Chicken-with-Noodles/Detail.aspx
Day 5 – Shrimp and Angel Hair Pasta
http://www.realsimple.com/food-recipes/browse-all-recipes/angel-hair-spicy-shrimp-00000000006395/
Day 6 – Mostly Frozen Dinner
This may seem a little like cheating but some nights you just want to get something healthy on the table fast.
1 package frozen fish, look for fish that is not breaded to get a healthy option
1-2 boxes frozen vegetables
1 box flavored couscous
Cook everything to package directions. You should have something in the oven, microwave, and stovetop. It should all come together in about 20 minutes. No trip to the local seafood place and probably the same quality.
Day 7 – Leftover Night
Have a great week. Don’t get bogged down in the day to day stuff, in a year, it won’t matter. Just keep focused on the truly important things in your life, family, friends, and happiness.
With little time and lots of love,
Brooke
It has been another great week. I’m beginning to realize that the baby coming is inevitable and the nesting has begun. It really is amazing how much I can get done. The down side to this is that I don’t feel like cooking. This week’s menu will reflect that. We all need a light week. This is also true if you or your family members are engrossed in March Madness.
There is one exception, the shrimp dish this week will be our date meal. We are still trying to save money by not eating out and this will really make us feel like we getting a treat without having to pay a tip. It is quick, easy, and oh, so good.
I’m also hosting a Pampered Chef party for my friend, Dustin. The first recipe is from him, for one of your March Madness nights.
Day 1 – Hot Artichoke & Spinach Dip
1 jar (6 oz.) marinated artichoke hearts, drained & coarsely chopped
1 pkg (9-11 oz.) frozen creamed spinach, thawed
¼ c. mayo
¼ c. sour cream
1 small garlic clove, pressed
½ c. (2 oz.) grated fresh Parmesan cheese
Diced red bell pepper (optional)
1. Preheat oven to 375. Coarsely chop the artichokes using Food Chopper; place in Small Batter Bowl.
2. Add spinach, mayo & sour cream, mix well.
3. Press garlic into the bowl with the Garlic Press. Grate Parmesan cheese & add to mixture; mix well with the Mix 'N Scraper. Spoon into Small Oval Baker.
4. Bake 20-25 minutes or until heated through. Garnish with bell pepper if desired. Serve with your favorite chips or toasted baguette slices.
Day 2 – Hotdog Pizzas
I created this recipe for my little ones. Funny how it was Vasek who really loved it.
6 pitas or 3 English muffins, whole-wheat, toasted
4-6 hotdogs, your favorite kind, cut into slices or cubed
4 T. tomato paste
¼ - ½ cup ketchup, to your taste
1 – 2 T. mustard
1 bag shredded mozzarella cheese
In a skillet over med-hi heat, cook hotdogs until browned. Add tomato paste, ketchup, and mustard. Cook until heated through. Top pitas or split English muffins with hotdog mix. Top with cheese. Place under broiler until cheese is melted and golden brown.
Day 3 – Nacho Night
Ok, this really isn’t a recipe, more like a list of ingredients that you put on top of bed of tortilla chips. Add your favorite toppings or don’t add some of mine. I serve this on the cookie sheet I use in the oven with bowls of salsa, guacamole, and sour cream for dipping.
Tortilla Chips
Can of black beans, drained and rinsed
Sliced or diced jalapeño pepper
Crumbled bacon
Diced tomato
Diced red onion
Refried beans
Mexican mix shredded cheese
Day 4 – Golden Chicken with Noodles
http://allrecipes.com/Recipe/Campbells-Golden-Chicken-with-Noodles/Detail.aspx
Day 5 – Shrimp and Angel Hair Pasta
http://www.realsimple.com/food-recipes/browse-all-recipes/angel-hair-spicy-shrimp-00000000006395/
Day 6 – Mostly Frozen Dinner
This may seem a little like cheating but some nights you just want to get something healthy on the table fast.
1 package frozen fish, look for fish that is not breaded to get a healthy option
1-2 boxes frozen vegetables
1 box flavored couscous
Cook everything to package directions. You should have something in the oven, microwave, and stovetop. It should all come together in about 20 minutes. No trip to the local seafood place and probably the same quality.
Day 7 – Leftover Night
Have a great week. Don’t get bogged down in the day to day stuff, in a year, it won’t matter. Just keep focused on the truly important things in your life, family, friends, and happiness.
With little time and lots of love,
Brooke
Sunday, March 15, 2009
Luck of the Irish to Everyone!!!
Hello All,
It is ironic or should I say lucky that I had already planned to do this week’s menu using all the stuff in my cupboards. We had car expenses this week that were a little more than I had budgeted for as well as an extra doctor’s visit and medication co-pay. My challenge to myself and you this week is to spend less than $50 at the store and use what you have in your cupboards, pantry, or freezer. I know this can easily be done.
Subsequently, Oprah had a show on this week that featured a family that spent over $400 a week on eating out. You have to really try to spend a lot of money to total that much. And surprise, she did her whole show on cooking at home with great recipes that don’t cost a lot. I hope that you are already doing that plus using coupons and buying what’s on sale. Even if you don’t have some of these things in your cabinets, this should cost you no more than $75, if you buy the store brand and on sale cuts of meat.
Not only should food be cheap and easy but also really great for you. You’ll notice that this week’s menu is packed with super foods, too. These are foods that were deemed to have more nutrients than the average food so take heart in knowing you’re doing what’s best for your family and your wallet.
Day 1 – Spiced Braised Beef with Sweet Potatoes (Crock-Pot)
This recipe is really easy and it cooks in the crock-pot, two great qualities in my opinion. It’s also wonderful. It has an Indian flair to it. You can easily omit the spinach and chick peas, which I did because I didn’t have them on hand. Sweet potatoes are a super food that you can really feel good about eating.
http://www.realsimple.com/food-recipes/spiced-braised-beef-sweet-potatoes-00000000008587/index.html
Day 2 – Cabbage and Hay Pasta from Rachael Ray
This is one of my mom’s favorite go to meals. Cabbage is super cheap right now and is considered one of the super foods, rich in all that’s good for you. Use this for a St. Patty’s day dinner with an Italian twist.
http://rachaelray.com/recipe.php?recipe_id=2493
Day 3 – Black Bean Soup
With just six ingredients, the black beans being your super food, you can whip up a meal that will really warm you up after the rain. Consider baking the tortillas for a healthier option and switching them to one of the whole-wheat varieties. You could also use tortilla chips to make it even faster. The one change I would make to this recipe is to use chicken stock instead of water. Other than that, it is great!!!
http://www.foodandwine.com/recipes/black-bean-soup-with-crispy-tortillas
Day 4 – Italian BBQ Chicken with Polenta a la Rachael Ray
You can use jarred BBQ sauce if you really want to speed this up, but try it this way, it’s amazing. Don’t search forever for quick cooking polenta, just get corn meal. It is the same thing. I’d add a vegetable to this dish but you don’t have to.
http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/rachael-ray/italian-barbecued-chicken-with-polenta-recipe/index.html
Day 5 – Chipotle Shrimp Tacos
I use canned chipotle, they are easy to find and cheaper. Only use one!!! It will scald your tongue with any more than that. Spicy foods are great for your body, too. I would add a bag of cole slaw mix to this recipe. Use it as the lettuce; it adds that super food into this recipe.
http://www.oprah.com/recipe/food/recipesseafood/20090227-tows-curtis-chipolte-shrimp
Day 6 – Frozen Pizza Night with a Twist
Frozen pizzas are always on sale or already in your freezer. I love the cheapest, thinnest, crispiest ones I can find. Make this a little healthier by adding a salad on top. I know this is a little weird but very good. Top yours with pesto, tomato, and goat cheese, or use a bag of salad mix with your favorite dressing, try Greek or Caesar for great new flavor.
Day 7 – Soy-Glazed Chicken with Rice Noodles (Modified from Rachael Ray)
I usually save leftovers for the last day but this recipe was so good I had to let you try it. I made quite a few changes from the original so I’m typing the whole thing. Just cut and paste into a word document for easy printing.
½ cup chicken stock
1/3 cup soy sauce
1 inch of ginger root, peeled and left whole
½ cup orange marmalade (not low sugar)
Pepper
3 T. canola oil
2 lbs. chicken breast, cut into thin strips (you can use pork or shrimp as well)
3 scallions, thinly sliced
1 bell pepper, seeded and thinly sliced
1 (10 oz.) package of frozen broccoli, thawed
1 cup shredded carrots
1 package of rice noodles, these are in the Asian section and look like white ramein noodles.
Prepare noodles to package instructions.
Bring first 5 ingredients to a rolling boil in small sauce pan. Reduce heat by half and continue to cook until it is thick sauce. Don’t forget to whisk it to keep it from burning.
Heat oil in a large skillet, add chicken until cooked all the way through and brown on the outside. Remove from pan. Add scallions and cook one minute. Add the rest of the veggies and cook until crisp tender. Add chicken back to pan and sauce. Stir until warmed through. Toss with noodles and serve. This is better than take-out!!!
I hope you enjoy this week’s menu. It’s so good and so good for you. I have no idea for a theme for next week, leave me your ideas and I’ll get to work on it. Have a great week.
With love, super foods, and pantry items,
Brooke
It is ironic or should I say lucky that I had already planned to do this week’s menu using all the stuff in my cupboards. We had car expenses this week that were a little more than I had budgeted for as well as an extra doctor’s visit and medication co-pay. My challenge to myself and you this week is to spend less than $50 at the store and use what you have in your cupboards, pantry, or freezer. I know this can easily be done.
Subsequently, Oprah had a show on this week that featured a family that spent over $400 a week on eating out. You have to really try to spend a lot of money to total that much. And surprise, she did her whole show on cooking at home with great recipes that don’t cost a lot. I hope that you are already doing that plus using coupons and buying what’s on sale. Even if you don’t have some of these things in your cabinets, this should cost you no more than $75, if you buy the store brand and on sale cuts of meat.
Not only should food be cheap and easy but also really great for you. You’ll notice that this week’s menu is packed with super foods, too. These are foods that were deemed to have more nutrients than the average food so take heart in knowing you’re doing what’s best for your family and your wallet.
Day 1 – Spiced Braised Beef with Sweet Potatoes (Crock-Pot)
This recipe is really easy and it cooks in the crock-pot, two great qualities in my opinion. It’s also wonderful. It has an Indian flair to it. You can easily omit the spinach and chick peas, which I did because I didn’t have them on hand. Sweet potatoes are a super food that you can really feel good about eating.
http://www.realsimple.com/food-recipes/spiced-braised-beef-sweet-potatoes-00000000008587/index.html
Day 2 – Cabbage and Hay Pasta from Rachael Ray
This is one of my mom’s favorite go to meals. Cabbage is super cheap right now and is considered one of the super foods, rich in all that’s good for you. Use this for a St. Patty’s day dinner with an Italian twist.
http://rachaelray.com/recipe.php?recipe_id=2493
Day 3 – Black Bean Soup
With just six ingredients, the black beans being your super food, you can whip up a meal that will really warm you up after the rain. Consider baking the tortillas for a healthier option and switching them to one of the whole-wheat varieties. You could also use tortilla chips to make it even faster. The one change I would make to this recipe is to use chicken stock instead of water. Other than that, it is great!!!
http://www.foodandwine.com/recipes/black-bean-soup-with-crispy-tortillas
Day 4 – Italian BBQ Chicken with Polenta a la Rachael Ray
You can use jarred BBQ sauce if you really want to speed this up, but try it this way, it’s amazing. Don’t search forever for quick cooking polenta, just get corn meal. It is the same thing. I’d add a vegetable to this dish but you don’t have to.
http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/rachael-ray/italian-barbecued-chicken-with-polenta-recipe/index.html
Day 5 – Chipotle Shrimp Tacos
I use canned chipotle, they are easy to find and cheaper. Only use one!!! It will scald your tongue with any more than that. Spicy foods are great for your body, too. I would add a bag of cole slaw mix to this recipe. Use it as the lettuce; it adds that super food into this recipe.
http://www.oprah.com/recipe/food/recipesseafood/20090227-tows-curtis-chipolte-shrimp
Day 6 – Frozen Pizza Night with a Twist
Frozen pizzas are always on sale or already in your freezer. I love the cheapest, thinnest, crispiest ones I can find. Make this a little healthier by adding a salad on top. I know this is a little weird but very good. Top yours with pesto, tomato, and goat cheese, or use a bag of salad mix with your favorite dressing, try Greek or Caesar for great new flavor.
Day 7 – Soy-Glazed Chicken with Rice Noodles (Modified from Rachael Ray)
I usually save leftovers for the last day but this recipe was so good I had to let you try it. I made quite a few changes from the original so I’m typing the whole thing. Just cut and paste into a word document for easy printing.
½ cup chicken stock
1/3 cup soy sauce
1 inch of ginger root, peeled and left whole
½ cup orange marmalade (not low sugar)
Pepper
3 T. canola oil
2 lbs. chicken breast, cut into thin strips (you can use pork or shrimp as well)
3 scallions, thinly sliced
1 bell pepper, seeded and thinly sliced
1 (10 oz.) package of frozen broccoli, thawed
1 cup shredded carrots
1 package of rice noodles, these are in the Asian section and look like white ramein noodles.
Prepare noodles to package instructions.
Bring first 5 ingredients to a rolling boil in small sauce pan. Reduce heat by half and continue to cook until it is thick sauce. Don’t forget to whisk it to keep it from burning.
Heat oil in a large skillet, add chicken until cooked all the way through and brown on the outside. Remove from pan. Add scallions and cook one minute. Add the rest of the veggies and cook until crisp tender. Add chicken back to pan and sauce. Stir until warmed through. Toss with noodles and serve. This is better than take-out!!!
I hope you enjoy this week’s menu. It’s so good and so good for you. I have no idea for a theme for next week, leave me your ideas and I’ll get to work on it. Have a great week.
With love, super foods, and pantry items,
Brooke
Sunday, March 8, 2009
After a snow day, I'm ready for spring...
Hello Everyone,
The time change has come again and it always throws me off for at least a week. I am looking forward to longer days and higher temperatures. It’s amazing that we had a snow day last week and this weekend, I’m wearing shorts. It does put me in the mood for some fresh recipes that are super fast. My goal this week is to have healthy recipes that require less than 30 minutes to prepare. Most of these are favorite internet recipes so they are easy to print but I add my suggestions for making them better for you or faster to create. They all have printer-friendly option at the request of a loyal friend.
Day 1 and 6 – Soy or Balsamic Glazed Mushrooms over Chicken
This is one recipe done two ways. Mushrooms are on sale this week so make one at the beginning of the week and one at the end. Let me know which your family likes best.
2-4 skinless, boneless chicken breasts (one per person will still have leftovers)
Olive oil
Salt and Pepper
2 (8 oz.) packages of sliced mushrooms
4 T. butter
4 cloves of garlic, minced or finely chopped
4 tsp. soy sauce or balsamic vinegar (this is the only change needed to make the other recipe)
Season chicken with salt and pepper. Pour 3-4 T. olive oil in large skillet over med-hi heat. Cook chicken until brown on first side, about 7-8 minutes. Flip chicken and cook until done and remove to a plate. In the same skillet, drop in butter and melt. Add mushrooms and stir until they have softened and release their liquid, about 5 minutes. Add the garlic to the pan and cook for another minute. Add soy sauce or vinegar and cook until almost all of the liquid has evaporated, about 4-6 minutes. Pour mushrooms over chicken breasts and serve with a veggie and couscous.
Day 2 – Broken Noodles with Tomato Sauce and Ricotta
Ricotta is one of my favorite cheeses. It’s high in protein and relatively low in fat if you buy the reduced fat. I’m using it twice this week to make sure you don’t throw any away. This is also a great way to use that jarred marinara sauce that’s always on sale. I use one large jar and a cup of chicken broth to make my dollar go farther. I also use whole wheat pasta. This is quick and easy to make, it may replace your normal spaghetti.
http://www.marthastewart.com/recipe/broken-noodles-with-tomato-sauce-and-ricotta?autonomy_kw=broken%20noodles&rsc=header_1
Day 3 – Honey Soy Glazed Chicken on a Bone
My three year old loves to eat “chicken on a bone.” My friend, Jessica, hates it but will eat wings. You can make this recipe with either drumsticks or wings, both a great price at most markets. This is best served with a salad or carrot and celery sticks. I’ll be eating these while watching American Idol.
http://www.marthastewart.com/recipe/honey-soy-glazed-chicken?autonomy_kw=honey%20soy%20glazed%20chicken&rsc=header_1
Day 4 – Beer Braised Pork and Black Beans
This is a great recipe full of flavor. I cook it for 8 hours on low and it comes out perfect. The best part is that it costs about $10 and tastes like a fancy meal at the Mexican restaurant. You can also use a slotted spoon to get just the beans and pork and put it into tortillas.
http://www.realsimple.com/food-recipes/browse-all-recipes/slow-cooker-beer-braised-pork-10000001694943/
Day 5 – Pesto Pizzas
This is one of my favorite Friday nighters. I love pizza that doesn’t taste like every other pizza. This recipe uses pesto as sauce and can be made even more healthy with the addition of fresh spinach and sundried tomatoes.
Small whole wheat pitas (split them in half if you like crispy crust)
Jar of pesto sauce
Shredded mozzarella cheese
Fresh spinach
Sundried tomatoes
Preheat oven to 450 degrees. Top pitas with sauce, pesto, and cheese. Finish with toppings mentioned or your favorites. Heat in oven until cheese is melted and slightly brown. Enjoy!
Day 6 – See day 1
Day 7 – Leftovers!!!
Before I let you go I want to remind you that strawberries are in season and super cheap. Take advantage and buy some. Freeze them in the freezer before washing on a cookie sheet until hard and place them in a freezer bag to store. You can also slice them first. Here are a couple more ideas:
Strawberry Muffins:
http://allrecipes.com/Recipe/Mimis-Giant-Whole-Wheat-Banana-Strawberry-Muffins/Detail.aspx
Strawberries Flambéed in Vodka with Ice cream:
http://allrecipes.com/Recipe/Strawberries-Flambeed-in-Vodka-with-Hot-Ice-Cream/Detail.aspx
Strawberry BBQ Sauce:
http://allrecipes.com/Recipe/Strawberry-Barbecue-Sauce/Detail.aspx
Strawberry Margaritas: (wishful thinking, of course)
http://allrecipes.com/Recipe/Frozen-Strawberry-Margarita/Detail.aspx
Enjoy this great weather. I know the girls and I will. I look forward to hearing from you and trying your recipes. Add a comment to the bottom of this blog and include a favorite recipe or idea.
With strawberry kisses and a healthy start to spring,
Brooke
The time change has come again and it always throws me off for at least a week. I am looking forward to longer days and higher temperatures. It’s amazing that we had a snow day last week and this weekend, I’m wearing shorts. It does put me in the mood for some fresh recipes that are super fast. My goal this week is to have healthy recipes that require less than 30 minutes to prepare. Most of these are favorite internet recipes so they are easy to print but I add my suggestions for making them better for you or faster to create. They all have printer-friendly option at the request of a loyal friend.
Day 1 and 6 – Soy or Balsamic Glazed Mushrooms over Chicken
This is one recipe done two ways. Mushrooms are on sale this week so make one at the beginning of the week and one at the end. Let me know which your family likes best.
2-4 skinless, boneless chicken breasts (one per person will still have leftovers)
Olive oil
Salt and Pepper
2 (8 oz.) packages of sliced mushrooms
4 T. butter
4 cloves of garlic, minced or finely chopped
4 tsp. soy sauce or balsamic vinegar (this is the only change needed to make the other recipe)
Season chicken with salt and pepper. Pour 3-4 T. olive oil in large skillet over med-hi heat. Cook chicken until brown on first side, about 7-8 minutes. Flip chicken and cook until done and remove to a plate. In the same skillet, drop in butter and melt. Add mushrooms and stir until they have softened and release their liquid, about 5 minutes. Add the garlic to the pan and cook for another minute. Add soy sauce or vinegar and cook until almost all of the liquid has evaporated, about 4-6 minutes. Pour mushrooms over chicken breasts and serve with a veggie and couscous.
Day 2 – Broken Noodles with Tomato Sauce and Ricotta
Ricotta is one of my favorite cheeses. It’s high in protein and relatively low in fat if you buy the reduced fat. I’m using it twice this week to make sure you don’t throw any away. This is also a great way to use that jarred marinara sauce that’s always on sale. I use one large jar and a cup of chicken broth to make my dollar go farther. I also use whole wheat pasta. This is quick and easy to make, it may replace your normal spaghetti.
http://www.marthastewart.com/recipe/broken-noodles-with-tomato-sauce-and-ricotta?autonomy_kw=broken%20noodles&rsc=header_1
Day 3 – Honey Soy Glazed Chicken on a Bone
My three year old loves to eat “chicken on a bone.” My friend, Jessica, hates it but will eat wings. You can make this recipe with either drumsticks or wings, both a great price at most markets. This is best served with a salad or carrot and celery sticks. I’ll be eating these while watching American Idol.
http://www.marthastewart.com/recipe/honey-soy-glazed-chicken?autonomy_kw=honey%20soy%20glazed%20chicken&rsc=header_1
Day 4 – Beer Braised Pork and Black Beans
This is a great recipe full of flavor. I cook it for 8 hours on low and it comes out perfect. The best part is that it costs about $10 and tastes like a fancy meal at the Mexican restaurant. You can also use a slotted spoon to get just the beans and pork and put it into tortillas.
http://www.realsimple.com/food-recipes/browse-all-recipes/slow-cooker-beer-braised-pork-10000001694943/
Day 5 – Pesto Pizzas
This is one of my favorite Friday nighters. I love pizza that doesn’t taste like every other pizza. This recipe uses pesto as sauce and can be made even more healthy with the addition of fresh spinach and sundried tomatoes.
Small whole wheat pitas (split them in half if you like crispy crust)
Jar of pesto sauce
Shredded mozzarella cheese
Fresh spinach
Sundried tomatoes
Preheat oven to 450 degrees. Top pitas with sauce, pesto, and cheese. Finish with toppings mentioned or your favorites. Heat in oven until cheese is melted and slightly brown. Enjoy!
Day 6 – See day 1
Day 7 – Leftovers!!!
Before I let you go I want to remind you that strawberries are in season and super cheap. Take advantage and buy some. Freeze them in the freezer before washing on a cookie sheet until hard and place them in a freezer bag to store. You can also slice them first. Here are a couple more ideas:
Strawberry Muffins:
http://allrecipes.com/Recipe/Mimis-Giant-Whole-Wheat-Banana-Strawberry-Muffins/Detail.aspx
Strawberries Flambéed in Vodka with Ice cream:
http://allrecipes.com/Recipe/Strawberries-Flambeed-in-Vodka-with-Hot-Ice-Cream/Detail.aspx
Strawberry BBQ Sauce:
http://allrecipes.com/Recipe/Strawberry-Barbecue-Sauce/Detail.aspx
Strawberry Margaritas: (wishful thinking, of course)
http://allrecipes.com/Recipe/Frozen-Strawberry-Margarita/Detail.aspx
Enjoy this great weather. I know the girls and I will. I look forward to hearing from you and trying your recipes. Add a comment to the bottom of this blog and include a favorite recipe or idea.
With strawberry kisses and a healthy start to spring,
Brooke
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