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
Saturday, February 28, 2009
Swim suits, here we come...
Hello All,
I know that it’s hard to even think about putting on a swimsuit with the temperature dropping right now but I’ve had a request to do a good week of healthy, weight controlling recipes. I’ve tried a few ways to lose weight and found the most success with the South Beach diet. The main goal of this diet is to eat more healthy, i.e. more whole grains, lean protein and tons of veggies. I’ve created a week’s worth of really good for you recipes plus a great date night meal, to help you trim your wallet as well. I am always watching out for your budget.
Day 1 – Cream of Tomato Soup
This uses your favorite jar of marinara to make a quick and healthy soup that is warm and filling.
1 – 28 oz. jar good marinara (no high fructose corn syrup)
2 T. butter
2 T. your favorite fresh herb (I use rosemary.)
2 cups chicken stock
½ cup cream or non-fat cream
Pinch of nutmeg
Sauté herbs in butter in a medium sauce pan for 3-4 minutes. Add marinara, stock, cream, and nutmeg and heat for 5 minutes or until hot. Yes, it’s that easy and the taste is to die for.
Day 2 – Pesto Chicken
This is so good you’ll use it for guests. Make a double batch and put it on top of a salad for lunch or dinner tomorrow.
4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
½ cup jarred pesto sauce
1 large tomato sliced
Shredded mozzarella
Preheat oven to 375 degrees. In a bowl, toss chicken with pesto until well coated. Place chicken in baking dish in a single layer. Pour any remaining pesto on top. Bake covered for 20-25 minutes. Uncover and top chicken with tomato slices and shredded cheese. Bake 5 more minutes.
Serve with roasted asparagus, brussel sprouts, or broccoli.
Day 3 – Whole Wheat Spaghetti with Ham and Peas
This is a great substitute for alfredo pasta. It is really low in carbs and high in flavor.
½ box of whole wheat spaghetti
1 ½ tsp. olive oil
½ small red onion
1 tsp. dried basil
1/8 tsp. red pepper flakes
4-6 ounces thinly sliced deli ham, cut into strips
¾ cup fat-free half and half or cream
1 box frozen peas, thawed
Freshly grated parmesan
Cook pasta according to directions. Reserve ½ cup of the pasta cooking water before draining. Heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add onion, basil, and red pepper. Cook until onions are clear. Add ham, cream, and reserved cooking water and bring to a simmer. Let cook for 5-8 minutes until sauce thickens slightly. Add the peas and a healthy pinch of salt and pepper and cook for 2 more minutes. Toss with pasta and serve with grated parmesan as garnish.
Day 4 – Pan-seared Steak with Couscous and Veggies
This is a restaurant style steak recipe for two. Easy for weeknight dining in or a fancy date night. Serve it with couscous, prepared according to package directions and a roasted or even a frozen veggie along side.
http://allrecipes.com/Recipe/Easy-Flat-Iron-Steak-in-Wine-Sauce/Detail.aspx
Feel free to enjoy the rest of the wine with dinner.
Day 5 – Shrimp Scampi
This is a modified South Beach recipe. It is baked and can be served over pasta like in this recipe, brown rice, or couscous. Don’t forget to add a vegetable, I prefer roasted broccoli since the oven is already on.
½ box whole wheat spaghetti, cooked to package directions
2 lbs. shrimp, peeled and deveined
½ cup butter or margarine, melted
5 cloves garlic, minced
¼ cup fresh lemon juice
3 T. fresh parsley, chopped
1/8 tsp. red pepper flakes
Salt and pepper to taste
Preheat broiler to 500 degrees (260 degrees C).
Stir shrimp together with butter and all other ingredients. Place on a baking sheet and broil for 10-12 minutes or until shrimp are firm. Serve hot over pasta.
Day 6 – Date Night – Chicken in a Love Nest
This comes highly recommended from my fabulous mother. It’s a Rachael Ray recipe, and you can’t go wrong with Rachael. This is not on the diet exactly, but if you do some aerobic exercise together after dinner, I think it negates any extra calories.
http://rachaelrayshow.com/food/recipes/chicken-love-nest-asparagus-almondine/
Day 7 – No Cook Night
This is your call; leftovers, takeout, frozen pizza. Mom’s should get at least one night off, right?
Have a great week. And just think, this time next week, you could be a couple of pounds lighter. I’d settle for a good night’s sleep.
With fewer carbs but all the flavor,
Brooke
I know that it’s hard to even think about putting on a swimsuit with the temperature dropping right now but I’ve had a request to do a good week of healthy, weight controlling recipes. I’ve tried a few ways to lose weight and found the most success with the South Beach diet. The main goal of this diet is to eat more healthy, i.e. more whole grains, lean protein and tons of veggies. I’ve created a week’s worth of really good for you recipes plus a great date night meal, to help you trim your wallet as well. I am always watching out for your budget.
Day 1 – Cream of Tomato Soup
This uses your favorite jar of marinara to make a quick and healthy soup that is warm and filling.
1 – 28 oz. jar good marinara (no high fructose corn syrup)
2 T. butter
2 T. your favorite fresh herb (I use rosemary.)
2 cups chicken stock
½ cup cream or non-fat cream
Pinch of nutmeg
Sauté herbs in butter in a medium sauce pan for 3-4 minutes. Add marinara, stock, cream, and nutmeg and heat for 5 minutes or until hot. Yes, it’s that easy and the taste is to die for.
Day 2 – Pesto Chicken
This is so good you’ll use it for guests. Make a double batch and put it on top of a salad for lunch or dinner tomorrow.
4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
½ cup jarred pesto sauce
1 large tomato sliced
Shredded mozzarella
Preheat oven to 375 degrees. In a bowl, toss chicken with pesto until well coated. Place chicken in baking dish in a single layer. Pour any remaining pesto on top. Bake covered for 20-25 minutes. Uncover and top chicken with tomato slices and shredded cheese. Bake 5 more minutes.
Serve with roasted asparagus, brussel sprouts, or broccoli.
Day 3 – Whole Wheat Spaghetti with Ham and Peas
This is a great substitute for alfredo pasta. It is really low in carbs and high in flavor.
½ box of whole wheat spaghetti
1 ½ tsp. olive oil
½ small red onion
1 tsp. dried basil
1/8 tsp. red pepper flakes
4-6 ounces thinly sliced deli ham, cut into strips
¾ cup fat-free half and half or cream
1 box frozen peas, thawed
Freshly grated parmesan
Cook pasta according to directions. Reserve ½ cup of the pasta cooking water before draining. Heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add onion, basil, and red pepper. Cook until onions are clear. Add ham, cream, and reserved cooking water and bring to a simmer. Let cook for 5-8 minutes until sauce thickens slightly. Add the peas and a healthy pinch of salt and pepper and cook for 2 more minutes. Toss with pasta and serve with grated parmesan as garnish.
Day 4 – Pan-seared Steak with Couscous and Veggies
This is a restaurant style steak recipe for two. Easy for weeknight dining in or a fancy date night. Serve it with couscous, prepared according to package directions and a roasted or even a frozen veggie along side.
http://allrecipes.com/Recipe/Easy-Flat-Iron-Steak-in-Wine-Sauce/Detail.aspx
Feel free to enjoy the rest of the wine with dinner.
Day 5 – Shrimp Scampi
This is a modified South Beach recipe. It is baked and can be served over pasta like in this recipe, brown rice, or couscous. Don’t forget to add a vegetable, I prefer roasted broccoli since the oven is already on.
½ box whole wheat spaghetti, cooked to package directions
2 lbs. shrimp, peeled and deveined
½ cup butter or margarine, melted
5 cloves garlic, minced
¼ cup fresh lemon juice
3 T. fresh parsley, chopped
1/8 tsp. red pepper flakes
Salt and pepper to taste
Preheat broiler to 500 degrees (260 degrees C).
Stir shrimp together with butter and all other ingredients. Place on a baking sheet and broil for 10-12 minutes or until shrimp are firm. Serve hot over pasta.
Day 6 – Date Night – Chicken in a Love Nest
This comes highly recommended from my fabulous mother. It’s a Rachael Ray recipe, and you can’t go wrong with Rachael. This is not on the diet exactly, but if you do some aerobic exercise together after dinner, I think it negates any extra calories.
http://rachaelrayshow.com/food/recipes/chicken-love-nest-asparagus-almondine/
Day 7 – No Cook Night
This is your call; leftovers, takeout, frozen pizza. Mom’s should get at least one night off, right?
Have a great week. And just think, this time next week, you could be a couple of pounds lighter. I’d settle for a good night’s sleep.
With fewer carbs but all the flavor,
Brooke
Saturday, February 21, 2009
Asian Week
Good Weekend to All,
The Asian cuisine won this week but I had to include a few recipes for the rest of you. I have tried to take some of my favorites and make them healthier, easier, and faster. I hope you enjoy our little trip to the orient.
Day 1 – Two for One Baked Chickens
This is modified from a recipe in Southern Living magazine. You’ll use the leftovers for tomorrow’s chicken salad.
4 tsp. salt
2 tsp. fresh ground black pepper
2 (4-5 lb.) whole chickens, rinsed and patted dry
1 T. olive oil
4 baking potatoes cut into large chunks
2 stalks celery, cut into large chunks
2 large carrots, cut into large chunks
Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Place all vegetables on baking sheet with sides or roasting pan. Stir together salt and pepper. Sprinkle ½ tsp. salt mixture inside cavity of each chicken. Rub each chicken with ½ T. olive oil. Sprinkle remaining seasoning on chickens. Rub it in. Place chickens, breast side up on vegetables. Bake for 1 ½ hours or until legs and wings begin to fall away from body or meat thermometer registers 180 degrees. Let stand 10 minutes before slicing. Serve with roasted vegetables under birds. Let cool completely before refrigerating leftovers.
Day 2 – Crunchy Curry Craisin Chicken Salad
This is great recipe for lunch or dinner. Serve it over a salad of mixed greens or on a roll or sandwich bread.
2 cups cooked chicken, diced
1 scallion, thinly sliced
1/3-1/2 cup of mayo
1/3 cup pecans, chopped
1/3 cup craisins
2 T. yellow mustard
½-1 tsp. curry powder
Mix all ingredients in bowl and chill for 1-2 hours before serving.
Day 3 – Lettuce and Hand Rolls
This is really easy, really light recipe. You can switch chicken or turkey for the pork and it is just as tasty. This also makes a great appetizer.
http://www.epicurious.com/recipes/food/views/Lettuce-and-Hand-Rolls-242224
Day 4 – Baked Crab Rangoon
I modified this to lighten it up and made them smaller so they cook quicker. These are great on their own or dipped in plum sauce.
1 can (6 oz.) white crab meat, drained well and flaked
4 oz. Neufchatel Cheese, softened (this is just a light version of cream cheese)
2 green onions, thinly sliced
¼ mayo, light or regular
1 tsp. pepper
24 small wonton wrappers, this is half the package (Store the rest in a Ziploc in fridge.)
Preheat oven to 350. Mix first 5 ingredients. Spray mini muffin tin with cooking spray. Place a wonton wrapper in each tin, extend edges over the edges. Fill with crab mixture. Lightly spray rangoons with cooking spray. Bake for 15-16 minutes until golden brown and filling is heated through.
Day 5 – My Mom’s Recipe for Beggar’s Purses, Remixed
My friend Liz could never get to the final step of my mom’s recipe so I’ve come up with a way that she may make it the final product before eating all the filling. She also needed the salt lowered. I’ve done my best.
Small wonton wrappers
2 T. sesame seeds
2 tsp. sesame oil
¾ bag of coleslaw mix
2-3 T. low sodium soy sauce plus more for dipping
Preheat oven to 350. In a skillet, toast sesame seeds until golden brown, add sesame oil. When hot, add coleslaw mix and soy sauce, cook until tender.
Lay out wanton wrappers and wet edges with water all the way around. Place a spoonful of slaw mix in the middle and pull corners together. Press edges firmly together until it is sealed. Repeat with until you use up all veggie mix.
Spray mini muffin pan with cooking spray. Place a “purse” in each hole. Lightly spray all purses with cooking spray. Bake 10-15 minutes until purses are golden brown. Serve with soy sauce for dipping.
Day 6 – Grilled Shrimp Rice Noodles
This may sound a little exotic for you but you can get everything in your regular grocery store. You’ll find the rice noodles and fish sauce in the Asian section most everything else will be in the produce section. And there is relatively little shrimp so your grocery bill should still be low. Use any leftover scallions, thinly sliced, as a garnish.
http://allrecipes.com/Recipe/Grilled-Shrimp-Rice-Noodle-Bowl/Detail.aspx
Enjoy your week’s menu abroad. It is really fun to do this yourself. Let me know how it all works for you and forward me any of your own recipes.
With love and rice noodles for all,
Brooke
The Asian cuisine won this week but I had to include a few recipes for the rest of you. I have tried to take some of my favorites and make them healthier, easier, and faster. I hope you enjoy our little trip to the orient.
Day 1 – Two for One Baked Chickens
This is modified from a recipe in Southern Living magazine. You’ll use the leftovers for tomorrow’s chicken salad.
4 tsp. salt
2 tsp. fresh ground black pepper
2 (4-5 lb.) whole chickens, rinsed and patted dry
1 T. olive oil
4 baking potatoes cut into large chunks
2 stalks celery, cut into large chunks
2 large carrots, cut into large chunks
Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Place all vegetables on baking sheet with sides or roasting pan. Stir together salt and pepper. Sprinkle ½ tsp. salt mixture inside cavity of each chicken. Rub each chicken with ½ T. olive oil. Sprinkle remaining seasoning on chickens. Rub it in. Place chickens, breast side up on vegetables. Bake for 1 ½ hours or until legs and wings begin to fall away from body or meat thermometer registers 180 degrees. Let stand 10 minutes before slicing. Serve with roasted vegetables under birds. Let cool completely before refrigerating leftovers.
Day 2 – Crunchy Curry Craisin Chicken Salad
This is great recipe for lunch or dinner. Serve it over a salad of mixed greens or on a roll or sandwich bread.
2 cups cooked chicken, diced
1 scallion, thinly sliced
1/3-1/2 cup of mayo
1/3 cup pecans, chopped
1/3 cup craisins
2 T. yellow mustard
½-1 tsp. curry powder
Mix all ingredients in bowl and chill for 1-2 hours before serving.
Day 3 – Lettuce and Hand Rolls
This is really easy, really light recipe. You can switch chicken or turkey for the pork and it is just as tasty. This also makes a great appetizer.
http://www.epicurious.com/recipes/food/views/Lettuce-and-Hand-Rolls-242224
Day 4 – Baked Crab Rangoon
I modified this to lighten it up and made them smaller so they cook quicker. These are great on their own or dipped in plum sauce.
1 can (6 oz.) white crab meat, drained well and flaked
4 oz. Neufchatel Cheese, softened (this is just a light version of cream cheese)
2 green onions, thinly sliced
¼ mayo, light or regular
1 tsp. pepper
24 small wonton wrappers, this is half the package (Store the rest in a Ziploc in fridge.)
Preheat oven to 350. Mix first 5 ingredients. Spray mini muffin tin with cooking spray. Place a wonton wrapper in each tin, extend edges over the edges. Fill with crab mixture. Lightly spray rangoons with cooking spray. Bake for 15-16 minutes until golden brown and filling is heated through.
Day 5 – My Mom’s Recipe for Beggar’s Purses, Remixed
My friend Liz could never get to the final step of my mom’s recipe so I’ve come up with a way that she may make it the final product before eating all the filling. She also needed the salt lowered. I’ve done my best.
Small wonton wrappers
2 T. sesame seeds
2 tsp. sesame oil
¾ bag of coleslaw mix
2-3 T. low sodium soy sauce plus more for dipping
Preheat oven to 350. In a skillet, toast sesame seeds until golden brown, add sesame oil. When hot, add coleslaw mix and soy sauce, cook until tender.
Lay out wanton wrappers and wet edges with water all the way around. Place a spoonful of slaw mix in the middle and pull corners together. Press edges firmly together until it is sealed. Repeat with until you use up all veggie mix.
Spray mini muffin pan with cooking spray. Place a “purse” in each hole. Lightly spray all purses with cooking spray. Bake 10-15 minutes until purses are golden brown. Serve with soy sauce for dipping.
Day 6 – Grilled Shrimp Rice Noodles
This may sound a little exotic for you but you can get everything in your regular grocery store. You’ll find the rice noodles and fish sauce in the Asian section most everything else will be in the produce section. And there is relatively little shrimp so your grocery bill should still be low. Use any leftover scallions, thinly sliced, as a garnish.
http://allrecipes.com/Recipe/Grilled-Shrimp-Rice-Noodle-Bowl/Detail.aspx
Enjoy your week’s menu abroad. It is really fun to do this yourself. Let me know how it all works for you and forward me any of your own recipes.
With love and rice noodles for all,
Brooke
Friday, February 13, 2009
Yes, I am alive. Thank you for asking.
Hello Again,
It has been a crazy week at my house. I had to take a mandatory 3-day hospital vacation due to a fever and some contractions. The baby and I are both back to our normal selves and ready for Valentine's Day tomorrow.
Freezer foods won the poll so I will list several great ideas after this week's menu and recipes. Take a look at this week's poll. It will be for the week of the 22-28 but I wanted to give you plenty of time to answer and me time to prepare.
This week:
Day 1 -
The Classic Egg Salad Sandwich
This is modified from my friend Nicole's recipe.
6 eggs, hardboiled and shelled
1/4 cup mayo
2-3 T. mustard
salt
pepper
lettuce
sliced bread, toasted for extra texture
In a bowl, break eggs with the back of a fork until eggs are crumbly. Add mayo and mustard to taste. Season with salt and pepper. Make sandwich with lettuce if desired. Serve with a side of your choice, celery is really nice with this.
Day 2 -
Poppy Seed Chicken Casserole (frozen)
5 cups chopped cooked chicken
1 (10.5 ounce) can condensed cream of chicken soup
1 cup sour cream
1 1/2 cups crushed buttery round crackers
4 tablespoons poppy seeds
1/2 cup butter, melted
DIRECTIONS
1. Place the chicken into a 9x13 inch baking dish. In a medium bowl, stir together the condensed soup, 2 tablespoons and sour cream. Pour over the chicken. Freeze at this point, if you want to have it later in the week. You can also put this in two smaller baking dishes and bake one now and one freeze.
2. In a separate bowl, stir together the crushed crackers, remaining 2 tablespoons poppy seeds and melted butter. Sprinkle over the chicken and sauce.
3. Bake for 40-60 minutes in the preheated 350-degree oven, until the top of the casserole is browned and the sauce is bubbly.
Day 3 -
Whole Wheat Pancakes (Freezable!!!)
http://www.tammysrecipes.com/easy_whole_grain_pancakes
These are great for Valentine's Day. Add in a 1/2 cup chocolate chips before cooking. You can also put the batter in an empty ketchup bottle and squeeze out designs on the grill pan, think hearts, initials, faces, etc. These can be frozen up to a month if you wrap them in waxed paper and place in a freezer bag. Pop a couple out for a quick homemade breakfast. Don't forget to get creative with your toppings, syrup is good but jam, fresh fruit, and whipped cream is even better!
Day 4 -
Crock-pot BBQ Beef Sandwiches
You've got to try this recipe. It is perfect mix of sweet and tangy. I use a chipotle BBQ sauce then add the preserves. Wonderful!
http://www.laaloosh.com/2008/06/17/barbecue-beef-sandwiches-crock-pot-recipe/
Day 5 -
2 Quiche for the Price of 1
I modified this recipe from one I found on the internet. It is super fast and you can cook both then freeze one for later or the weekend. Just let it come to room temperature and place in a 400 degree oven until hot again. You can just microwave each piece, this way if you have late sleepers they don't miss out.
1/2 cup light mayo
1/2 cup milk
8 eggs, lightly beaten
8 ounces shredded cheddar cheese, reduced fat if you are watching calories
2 (10 ounce) frozen chopped spinach, thawed and squeezed dry
1/3 cup chopped onion
2 (9 inch) frozen thin pie shells (not deep dish)
Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Line a cookie sheet with foil.
Whisk together first three ingredients. Layer spinach, cheese and onions in pie shells, making several layers. Pour egg mixture into each pie shell. Cover with foil.
Bake for 45 minutes, uncover and continue baking for 15 more minutes until top is golden brown. If freezing, wrap with plastic wrap then tin foil.
Now for other things that freeze well and will save you time or money, here are some good tips. Anything that you can buy in the freezer section of your grocery store, you too can freeze. For example, most meats are shipped frozen anyway. Wait until they are on sale and stock up. I repackage them if they were thawed into individual freezer bags. Remember to date when you got them and refroze them. This is also true for cheese, milk and eggs. You can freeze them in their original wrapping. I buy all my shredded cheese on sale and freeze what I can't use in the next couple of days. Casseroles and soups are classic freezable foods, make sure to label them and include baking temps and times so you don't forget or your husband can easily pull it out and reheat. Bread, muffins, and donuts are also excellent frozen, buy from the bakery on sale and freeze them. I always have leftover muffins when I bake. I keep the extras in the freezer and have homemade muffins every morning for the rest of the week. Just pop them in the microwave for a few seconds. And my all time favorite thing to freeze is sausage balls. They are the most perfect food for a busy parent. Make a double batch and be ready for a quick breakfast, late night snack, or appetizer for a shower or potluck.
You may need to clean out your fridge before implementing these newfound freezer options. Make sure you know what's in there, keep a cheat sheet stuff to the side of freezer for quick recall or dinner ideas. Let me know what you keep in the freezer and keep your recipes coming.
With the joy of cooking and the art of reheating,
Brooke
It has been a crazy week at my house. I had to take a mandatory 3-day hospital vacation due to a fever and some contractions. The baby and I are both back to our normal selves and ready for Valentine's Day tomorrow.
Freezer foods won the poll so I will list several great ideas after this week's menu and recipes. Take a look at this week's poll. It will be for the week of the 22-28 but I wanted to give you plenty of time to answer and me time to prepare.
This week:
Day 1 -
The Classic Egg Salad Sandwich
This is modified from my friend Nicole's recipe.
6 eggs, hardboiled and shelled
1/4 cup mayo
2-3 T. mustard
salt
pepper
lettuce
sliced bread, toasted for extra texture
In a bowl, break eggs with the back of a fork until eggs are crumbly. Add mayo and mustard to taste. Season with salt and pepper. Make sandwich with lettuce if desired. Serve with a side of your choice, celery is really nice with this.
Day 2 -
Poppy Seed Chicken Casserole (frozen)
5 cups chopped cooked chicken
1 (10.5 ounce) can condensed cream of chicken soup
1 cup sour cream
1 1/2 cups crushed buttery round crackers
4 tablespoons poppy seeds
1/2 cup butter, melted
DIRECTIONS
1. Place the chicken into a 9x13 inch baking dish. In a medium bowl, stir together the condensed soup, 2 tablespoons and sour cream. Pour over the chicken. Freeze at this point, if you want to have it later in the week. You can also put this in two smaller baking dishes and bake one now and one freeze.
2. In a separate bowl, stir together the crushed crackers, remaining 2 tablespoons poppy seeds and melted butter. Sprinkle over the chicken and sauce.
3. Bake for 40-60 minutes in the preheated 350-degree oven, until the top of the casserole is browned and the sauce is bubbly.
Day 3 -
Whole Wheat Pancakes (Freezable!!!)
http://www.tammysrecipes.com/easy_whole_grain_pancakes
These are great for Valentine's Day. Add in a 1/2 cup chocolate chips before cooking. You can also put the batter in an empty ketchup bottle and squeeze out designs on the grill pan, think hearts, initials, faces, etc. These can be frozen up to a month if you wrap them in waxed paper and place in a freezer bag. Pop a couple out for a quick homemade breakfast. Don't forget to get creative with your toppings, syrup is good but jam, fresh fruit, and whipped cream is even better!
Day 4 -
Crock-pot BBQ Beef Sandwiches
You've got to try this recipe. It is perfect mix of sweet and tangy. I use a chipotle BBQ sauce then add the preserves. Wonderful!
http://www.laaloosh.com/2008/06/17/barbecue-beef-sandwiches-crock-pot-recipe/
Day 5 -
2 Quiche for the Price of 1
I modified this recipe from one I found on the internet. It is super fast and you can cook both then freeze one for later or the weekend. Just let it come to room temperature and place in a 400 degree oven until hot again. You can just microwave each piece, this way if you have late sleepers they don't miss out.
1/2 cup light mayo
1/2 cup milk
8 eggs, lightly beaten
8 ounces shredded cheddar cheese, reduced fat if you are watching calories
2 (10 ounce) frozen chopped spinach, thawed and squeezed dry
1/3 cup chopped onion
2 (9 inch) frozen thin pie shells (not deep dish)
Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Line a cookie sheet with foil.
Whisk together first three ingredients. Layer spinach, cheese and onions in pie shells, making several layers. Pour egg mixture into each pie shell. Cover with foil.
Bake for 45 minutes, uncover and continue baking for 15 more minutes until top is golden brown. If freezing, wrap with plastic wrap then tin foil.
Now for other things that freeze well and will save you time or money, here are some good tips. Anything that you can buy in the freezer section of your grocery store, you too can freeze. For example, most meats are shipped frozen anyway. Wait until they are on sale and stock up. I repackage them if they were thawed into individual freezer bags. Remember to date when you got them and refroze them. This is also true for cheese, milk and eggs. You can freeze them in their original wrapping. I buy all my shredded cheese on sale and freeze what I can't use in the next couple of days. Casseroles and soups are classic freezable foods, make sure to label them and include baking temps and times so you don't forget or your husband can easily pull it out and reheat. Bread, muffins, and donuts are also excellent frozen, buy from the bakery on sale and freeze them. I always have leftover muffins when I bake. I keep the extras in the freezer and have homemade muffins every morning for the rest of the week. Just pop them in the microwave for a few seconds. And my all time favorite thing to freeze is sausage balls. They are the most perfect food for a busy parent. Make a double batch and be ready for a quick breakfast, late night snack, or appetizer for a shower or potluck.
You may need to clean out your fridge before implementing these newfound freezer options. Make sure you know what's in there, keep a cheat sheet stuff to the side of freezer for quick recall or dinner ideas. Let me know what you keep in the freezer and keep your recipes coming.
With the joy of cooking and the art of reheating,
Brooke
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