Hello Everyone,
This week is super exciting for me because we have a lot to celebrate. My second child has her second birthday party this weekend as well as the baby’s baptism. You also chose this week’s menu to be under $10 per meal. I accomplished this with one exception, Emmy’s chicken pasta. This can be done for less than $10 but you’ll have to use some serious coupon work. The rest easily fall into this category. Not only are these meals cheap but they are awesome!!! The homemade dressing is my newest addiction. I use it on everything from salad to grilled veggies to a marinade for my meat.
The drink for this week is also a favorite that reminds me of the Czech Republic every time I have it, and that is often. It is also under $10. You could go grocery shopping this week with $100 and walk out with money in your pocket. Add coupons to that and you could match my savings, I spent $50.29 and saved $54.50. And that was for the whole week!
I challenge you to try and let me know how it works out for you. If you need a little help, try http://www.couponmom.com/ for some great tips plus listings of all the sale items for your favorite grocery store.
Day 1 – Meatless Monday Mac-n-Goat Cheese (adapted from a Rachael Ray recipe)
I tried this recipe and made some pretty major changes to make it fit our $10 limit. I think it is better than the original recipe plus half the carbs!
½ box whole-wheat pasta cooked to directions with ¼ cup pasta liquids reserved
¼ cup olive oil
2 cloves garlic, minced
¼ tsp crushed red pepper flakes
1 pint cherry tomatoes cut into halves
1 box frozen spinach, thawed and wrung dry
4 ounces goat cheese crumbled (use the store brand)
Heat olive oil in skillet over medium heat. Add garlic and pepper flakes and cook until fragrant, about 3-4 minutes. Add tomatoes, spinach, and reserved pasta water and cook until heated through. Season with salt and pepper. Mix pasta, veggies, and cheese in serving bowl.
Day 2 – Grilled Chicken over Salad with Emmy’s Homemade Dressing
My friend Emmy made me dinner when the baby was born. We all loved it and I decided to split it into two meals. This is the first. Warning: this dressing is intoxicating. I now eat it on everything.
¼ cup extra virgin olive oil
¼ cup balsamic vinegar
2 T honey
2 T Dijon or spicy mustard
Combine all ingredients in a jar. Screw on lid and shake until combined. You will need to shake it before each use.
Pour half into a zip-top bag and add 4 chicken breasts to bag. Let out the air and zip shut. Marinate chicken for 30 minutes. Cook chicken on grill or grill pan until juices run clear. Slice and serve over a salad with remaining dressing in jar.
Day 3 – Emmy’s Chicken Pasta
This is her exact recipe. It has lots of ways you can change it to suit your tastes but the original recipe is to die for.
1 pkg. boneless skinless chicken breasts,
salt and pepper both sides and sauté or grill till done. Cut in pieces before or after cooking. Set aside.
Sauté 2-3 cloves of minced garlic, ½ chopped onion, a few handfuls of mushrooms, 1 chopped bell pepper, and a several spoonfuls of sun dried tomatoes. Sauté until veggies get soft.
Pour 1 jar of marinara and 1 jar of alfredo sauce over veggies (I use Clasico but I’m sure it doesn’t matter), add chicken and cover on low until you are ready to serve with pasta. May need a little salt and pepper depending on what sauce you use.
Day 4 – Honey-Pecan Pork with Frozen Veggies
This is so easy you may never eat take-out again. Serve it with rice and a frozen veggie.
http://allrecipes.com/Recipe/Awesome-Honey-Pecan-Pork-Chops/Detail.aspx
Day 5 – Tequila Lime Chicken
This is one great recipe, especially if you like Mexican food.
http://www.rachaelray.com/recipe.php?recipe_id=2752
Day 6 – Whole-wheat Banana Banana Bread
I found this recipe on allrecipes.com and had to make it whole-wheat. It works great just by swapping the original all-purpose with whole-wheat or unbleached flour. You can also use baby food bananas, sweet potatoes, or other fruits. Have fun with this one.
2 cups whole-wheat flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup butter
3/4 cup brown sugar
2 eggs, beaten
2 1/3 cups mashed overripe bananas or baby food of your choice
1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Lightly grease a 9x5 inch loaf pan.
2. In a large bowl, combine flour, baking soda and salt. In a separate bowl, cream together butter and brown sugar. Stir in eggs and mashed bananas until well blended. Stir banana mixture into flour mixture; stir just to moisten. Pour batter into prepared loaf pan.
3. Bake in preheated oven for 60 to 65 minutes, until a toothpick inserted into center of the loaf comes out clean. Let bread cool in pan for 10 minutes, then turn out onto a wire rack.
Day 7 – Leftover Night
Enjoy the fruits of your week’s labor. Pull out all the leftovers and let everyone warm up their favorite or just grab a frozen pizza and pop it in the oven. Either way, rest! You deserve it.
Cocktail of the week – Red Wine Cola Spritzer
My cousin Jenny and I drank these most evenings when we were in Tabor, Czech Republic. It was the perfect summer drink when you knew you had a mile walk home.
3 ounces (half a glass) red wine
3 ounces (half a glass) cola (I always use diet but it’s great with whatever you have)
Combine and enjoy!
This week’s meals are so good, I may eat them again next week. Let me in on some of your family’s faves. I’d love to use them in the weeks to come.
With really great, cheap food,
Brooke
Sunday, May 17, 2009
Monday, May 11, 2009
Veggie Lovers Come and Get It!!!
Hello All,
It is a great week for recipes. The vegetables at the store look great and are relatively cheap. It’s also vegetarian week. You may be thinking that you are not a vegetarian and if you’ve made any of my other meals you know that I am not either but there are some great advantages to meat-free cooking. First, the cost should be less considering that meat is usually more expensive than veggies. Second, it is more eco-friendly to go meatless. And lastly, the health benefits are amazing. I like the idea so much that I will now include one meatless meal a week, I call it “meatfree Mondays.” After trying this week’s menu, I hope you become a believer, too.
I will also start a new feature called the signature cocktail. I love a nice drink but hate to pay the prices at a restaurant. This is a great way to entertain friends without the need to stock a full bar. The drink this week is also figure-friendly to match the menu’s theme.
Enjoy the beginning of summer with meals that taste great and make you bathing suit ready.
Day 1 – Greek Pizza
You all know how much I love a good pizza. This one’s so tasty you won’t miss the meat.
Refrigerated pizza dough
3 cloves of garlic, minced
½-1 cup kalamata olives
1 cup feta cheese
2 cups grated mozzarella cheese
1 small jar sundried tomatoes, drained and chopped
1 small red onion, diced
2 handfuls spinach, chopped
Peperocini’s chopped (to taste)
Preheat oven to 450 degrees. Roll out dough onto a cookie sheet or pizza stone. Spread garlic onto dough. Top pizza with all toppings. Bake in oven for 30 minutes or until dough is golden brown and cheese in melted.
Day 2 – Artichoke Frittata
This is my homage to breakfast for dinner. This would also make a great brunch dish or potluck dinner.
http://rachaelray.com/recipe.php?recipe_id=2658
Day 3 – Spring-Summer Ziti
You will love this fresh take on classic pasta dish. It is supper easy and the kids will love it.
http://rachaelray.com/recipe.php?recipe_id=1832
Day 4 – Beautiful Berry Salad
This salad makes a fresh, gorgeous salad. It would be perfect for a ladies’ night or lunch. It is not your typical greens and dressing.
http://find.myrecipes.com/recipes/recipefinder.dyn?action=displayRecipe&recipe_id=1734330
Day 5 – Grilled Eggplant Parm
This dish takes a little longer than most of my meals but it is well worth it. It is not only super healthy but also low carb. Bathing suits, here we come.
http://rachaelray.com/recipe.php?recipe_id=2738
Day 6 – Quick Veggie Stir-fry
Make this dish with a side of brown rice. You’ll think you’re at a Japanese restaurant.
http://allrecipes.com/Recipe/Japanese-Zucchini-and-Onions/Detail.aspx
Day 7 – Leftover Night
Enjoy all the veggie dishes from earlier in the week. Plus, there’s the added benefit of not having to worry about rubbery microwaved meat.
Signature Cocktail –
The Skinny Margarita
Ingredients : 2 ounce clear Tequila A splash of fresh lime juiceA splash of Cointreau, Grand Marnier or Triple SecCombine all ingredients over a glass of ice. Garnish with a lime wedge and salt or sugar if you like. Makes one serving. If you prefer a frozen Skinny Margarita, crush ice in a blender, then pour in ingredients
With fresh garden vegetables galore,
Brooke
It is a great week for recipes. The vegetables at the store look great and are relatively cheap. It’s also vegetarian week. You may be thinking that you are not a vegetarian and if you’ve made any of my other meals you know that I am not either but there are some great advantages to meat-free cooking. First, the cost should be less considering that meat is usually more expensive than veggies. Second, it is more eco-friendly to go meatless. And lastly, the health benefits are amazing. I like the idea so much that I will now include one meatless meal a week, I call it “meatfree Mondays.” After trying this week’s menu, I hope you become a believer, too.
I will also start a new feature called the signature cocktail. I love a nice drink but hate to pay the prices at a restaurant. This is a great way to entertain friends without the need to stock a full bar. The drink this week is also figure-friendly to match the menu’s theme.
Enjoy the beginning of summer with meals that taste great and make you bathing suit ready.
Day 1 – Greek Pizza
You all know how much I love a good pizza. This one’s so tasty you won’t miss the meat.
Refrigerated pizza dough
3 cloves of garlic, minced
½-1 cup kalamata olives
1 cup feta cheese
2 cups grated mozzarella cheese
1 small jar sundried tomatoes, drained and chopped
1 small red onion, diced
2 handfuls spinach, chopped
Peperocini’s chopped (to taste)
Preheat oven to 450 degrees. Roll out dough onto a cookie sheet or pizza stone. Spread garlic onto dough. Top pizza with all toppings. Bake in oven for 30 minutes or until dough is golden brown and cheese in melted.
Day 2 – Artichoke Frittata
This is my homage to breakfast for dinner. This would also make a great brunch dish or potluck dinner.
http://rachaelray.com/recipe.php?recipe_id=2658
Day 3 – Spring-Summer Ziti
You will love this fresh take on classic pasta dish. It is supper easy and the kids will love it.
http://rachaelray.com/recipe.php?recipe_id=1832
Day 4 – Beautiful Berry Salad
This salad makes a fresh, gorgeous salad. It would be perfect for a ladies’ night or lunch. It is not your typical greens and dressing.
http://find.myrecipes.com/recipes/recipefinder.dyn?action=displayRecipe&recipe_id=1734330
Day 5 – Grilled Eggplant Parm
This dish takes a little longer than most of my meals but it is well worth it. It is not only super healthy but also low carb. Bathing suits, here we come.
http://rachaelray.com/recipe.php?recipe_id=2738
Day 6 – Quick Veggie Stir-fry
Make this dish with a side of brown rice. You’ll think you’re at a Japanese restaurant.
http://allrecipes.com/Recipe/Japanese-Zucchini-and-Onions/Detail.aspx
Day 7 – Leftover Night
Enjoy all the veggie dishes from earlier in the week. Plus, there’s the added benefit of not having to worry about rubbery microwaved meat.
Signature Cocktail –
The Skinny Margarita
Ingredients : 2 ounce clear Tequila A splash of fresh lime juiceA splash of Cointreau, Grand Marnier or Triple SecCombine all ingredients over a glass of ice. Garnish with a lime wedge and salt or sugar if you like. Makes one serving. If you prefer a frozen Skinny Margarita, crush ice in a blender, then pour in ingredients
With fresh garden vegetables galore,
Brooke
Monday, May 4, 2009
I'm back, plus one!
Hello Everyone!!!
I am happy to report that I am back to blogging with new baby in tow. Baby Vendula was born 2 weeks ago and is doing great. Vasek and I are getting less sleep but it is totally worth it.
This week’s menu is for those of you that are super busy. I am using quite a few convenience foods, pantry items, and simple recipes that you can literally throw together. I hope you’ll continue going through the menu and making your grocery list. I have been keeping my grocery store total to $50 or less and you can, too.
Day 1 – Baked Hawaiian Chicken with Rice and Veggie
This recipe cooks for an hour and half but the hands on time is 5 minutes. You’ll use it tomorrow night as well to make a great pizza.
Place a whole chicken minus the skin in a baking dish. Salt and pepper it. Brush on a thick coat of apricot jam. Pour a can of crushed pineapple in juices over chicken. Cover and bake at 375 degrees for 1-1/2 hours. Use juices from chicken as gravy over cooked rice and a side of your favorite veggie. Reserve remaining chicken and pineapple for tomorrow night.
Day 2 – Hawaiian BBQ Pizza
This is my own creation. It is fantastic. Use a store bought pizza crust to make it super simple.
1 store bought pizza crust
2 cups shredded chicken
1 cup BBQ sauce
2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
1 can pineapple rings in juice
Preheat oven to 450 degrees. Heat pizza stone, if using. Roll out crust with a little flour until desired shape. Place crust on stone. Mix chicken with BBQ sauce. Spread over pizza. Top with cheese and place pineapple slices on top. Cook for 30 minutes or until golden brown and cheese is melted.
Day 3 – Veggie-“not”-sagna from Rachael Ray
This is one of my favorite recipes. It is so healthy and really tasty. I would even use less pasta to save on the carbs.
http://rachaelray.com/recipe.php?recipe_id=1881
Day 4 – Grilled Chicken Breast with Roasted Asparagus Beds
You’ll love the simplicity of this meal plus it’s figure friendly.
Heat a grill pan or outdoor grill. Marinate chicken in your favorite Italian dressing. Place chicken on grill and cook turning once until chicken is no longer pink. Take chicken off grill and cover with foil to keep it warm. Place asparagus on grill and cook until bright green and crisp to the bite. Place a “raft” of asparagus on plate and top with chicken.
Day 5 – Taco Night
I noticed this week that the Old El Paso Taco Kit and ground beef were on sale. Those two things make this meal for 4 under $6. Just follow the directions on the box.
Day 6 – Clean Out Your Freezer Night
After my mom went shopping for me I noticed I had several freezer foods in the freezer. I will make a meal out of those. Most of you also have stuff in your freezer; use tonight to have a meal you paid for weeks ago.
Day 7 – Left Over Buffet
If you’re like me, your fridge will have several Tupperware of left overs from this week. Set them all out on the counter and let the family choose their favorites.
I am planning a completely veggie lovers menu for next week. Not only are meatless meals great for you, the environment also benefits. I am trying to appeal to those of you who think it’s not a meal without meat.
With baby hugs and kisses,
Brooke
I am happy to report that I am back to blogging with new baby in tow. Baby Vendula was born 2 weeks ago and is doing great. Vasek and I are getting less sleep but it is totally worth it.
This week’s menu is for those of you that are super busy. I am using quite a few convenience foods, pantry items, and simple recipes that you can literally throw together. I hope you’ll continue going through the menu and making your grocery list. I have been keeping my grocery store total to $50 or less and you can, too.
Day 1 – Baked Hawaiian Chicken with Rice and Veggie
This recipe cooks for an hour and half but the hands on time is 5 minutes. You’ll use it tomorrow night as well to make a great pizza.
Place a whole chicken minus the skin in a baking dish. Salt and pepper it. Brush on a thick coat of apricot jam. Pour a can of crushed pineapple in juices over chicken. Cover and bake at 375 degrees for 1-1/2 hours. Use juices from chicken as gravy over cooked rice and a side of your favorite veggie. Reserve remaining chicken and pineapple for tomorrow night.
Day 2 – Hawaiian BBQ Pizza
This is my own creation. It is fantastic. Use a store bought pizza crust to make it super simple.
1 store bought pizza crust
2 cups shredded chicken
1 cup BBQ sauce
2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
1 can pineapple rings in juice
Preheat oven to 450 degrees. Heat pizza stone, if using. Roll out crust with a little flour until desired shape. Place crust on stone. Mix chicken with BBQ sauce. Spread over pizza. Top with cheese and place pineapple slices on top. Cook for 30 minutes or until golden brown and cheese is melted.
Day 3 – Veggie-“not”-sagna from Rachael Ray
This is one of my favorite recipes. It is so healthy and really tasty. I would even use less pasta to save on the carbs.
http://rachaelray.com/recipe.php?recipe_id=1881
Day 4 – Grilled Chicken Breast with Roasted Asparagus Beds
You’ll love the simplicity of this meal plus it’s figure friendly.
Heat a grill pan or outdoor grill. Marinate chicken in your favorite Italian dressing. Place chicken on grill and cook turning once until chicken is no longer pink. Take chicken off grill and cover with foil to keep it warm. Place asparagus on grill and cook until bright green and crisp to the bite. Place a “raft” of asparagus on plate and top with chicken.
Day 5 – Taco Night
I noticed this week that the Old El Paso Taco Kit and ground beef were on sale. Those two things make this meal for 4 under $6. Just follow the directions on the box.
Day 6 – Clean Out Your Freezer Night
After my mom went shopping for me I noticed I had several freezer foods in the freezer. I will make a meal out of those. Most of you also have stuff in your freezer; use tonight to have a meal you paid for weeks ago.
Day 7 – Left Over Buffet
If you’re like me, your fridge will have several Tupperware of left overs from this week. Set them all out on the counter and let the family choose their favorites.
I am planning a completely veggie lovers menu for next week. Not only are meatless meals great for you, the environment also benefits. I am trying to appeal to those of you who think it’s not a meal without meat.
With baby hugs and kisses,
Brooke
Saturday, April 18, 2009
Spring Break...Here I come!
Hello Again,
I know you are all waiting like I am for the baby. It’s Saturday night and still no baby. I thought I’d get this week’s menu together in hopes to bring on labor. I am also on spring break which means I am trying to relax. This week, I’ve included quick and easy meals that can double up in some cases as lunch or dinner for the next day.
I hope you enjoy these. I hope I’m eating hospital food and holding my new baby. I’ll keep you posted.
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 quesadillas or BBQ chicken pizza.
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 – BBQ Chicken Pizza
This is a great quick and easy recipe that is nice enough to serve to guests.
http://www.marthastewart.com/recipe/barbecued-chicken-pizza?backto=true
Day 3 – Quick Cheese and Chicken Quesadillas
This is a go to meal if you have only 15 minutes to cook.
Heat skillet to med-hi heat and cook whole-wheat tortillas filled with cheese, chicken, and salsa. Cut into triangles and serve with salsa and sour cream.
Day 4 – Black Bean Soup in the Slow Cooker
This is super easy recipe to throw in the crock pot and go about your day. It’s also very healthy.
http://find.myrecipes.com/recipes/recipefinder.dyn?action=displayRecipe&recipe_id=1879976
Day 5 – Pasta Puttanesca
This is a favorite at my house. It’s almost all canned or pantry items.
http://rachaelray.com/recipe.php?recipe_id=401
Day 6 – Grilled Sausages with Onions and Sweet Potatoes
This is the meal my husband most often cooks. We buy the Italian sausages in the deli section and wrap each onion and sweet potato in foil. We use the grill to do all the cooking. To make the onions even more special, sprinkle a little seafood seasoning on them with a pat of butter. Enjoy!
Day 7 – Leftover Night
Use whatever’s in the fridge to fill your plate.
Soon with lots of labor and a bundle of love,
Brooke
I know you are all waiting like I am for the baby. It’s Saturday night and still no baby. I thought I’d get this week’s menu together in hopes to bring on labor. I am also on spring break which means I am trying to relax. This week, I’ve included quick and easy meals that can double up in some cases as lunch or dinner for the next day.
I hope you enjoy these. I hope I’m eating hospital food and holding my new baby. I’ll keep you posted.
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 quesadillas or BBQ chicken pizza.
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 – BBQ Chicken Pizza
This is a great quick and easy recipe that is nice enough to serve to guests.
http://www.marthastewart.com/recipe/barbecued-chicken-pizza?backto=true
Day 3 – Quick Cheese and Chicken Quesadillas
This is a go to meal if you have only 15 minutes to cook.
Heat skillet to med-hi heat and cook whole-wheat tortillas filled with cheese, chicken, and salsa. Cut into triangles and serve with salsa and sour cream.
Day 4 – Black Bean Soup in the Slow Cooker
This is super easy recipe to throw in the crock pot and go about your day. It’s also very healthy.
http://find.myrecipes.com/recipes/recipefinder.dyn?action=displayRecipe&recipe_id=1879976
Day 5 – Pasta Puttanesca
This is a favorite at my house. It’s almost all canned or pantry items.
http://rachaelray.com/recipe.php?recipe_id=401
Day 6 – Grilled Sausages with Onions and Sweet Potatoes
This is the meal my husband most often cooks. We buy the Italian sausages in the deli section and wrap each onion and sweet potato in foil. We use the grill to do all the cooking. To make the onions even more special, sprinkle a little seafood seasoning on them with a pat of butter. Enjoy!
Day 7 – Leftover Night
Use whatever’s in the fridge to fill your plate.
Soon with lots of labor and a bundle of love,
Brooke
Sunday, April 12, 2009
It was a Tornado Drill, not labor.
Hello Everyone,
Unfortunately, I am writing this from my home computer. I was hoping to have to use a laptop from a hospital room to give you some great recipes this week. Alas, God had other plans. I have decided to use some of my favorite recipes that I’ve posted in the past via email. Those of you who are new to my blog/email menus, these will be new. For all my loyal followers, these are some of the best of the best.
There were a few criteria for this week, cheap, easy, and fast. I am not planning very far in advance the next couple of weeks so you’ll also see a bunch of pantry items used.
I hope you enjoy them all. I also hope that I will soon be enjoying hospital food with my new bundle of joy. I think it’s waiting for doctor to be back in town. That’s on Tuesday. Please keep me in your prayers. I’ll post when we have pictures.
Day 1 – Three Cheese Calzones
I love this recipe for the simplicity of it. I also love the prepared pizza dough in my supermarket’s deli section. It’s better than take-out, and I love take-out.
http://www.realsimple.com/food-recipes/browse-all-recipes/three-cheese-calzones-00000000007848/index.html
Day 2 – Crispy Chicken Cutlets with Romaine Salad
This is a light and quick take on the normal chicken with salad. It’s so good you’ll use it again and again.
http://www.realsimple.com/food-recipes/browse-all-recipes/crispy-chicken-cutlets-creamy-romaine-00000000006909/index.html
Day 3 – Asian Night with Chicken Satay
This is great date night meal or anytime dinner. My kids also love it. Tell them it’s worms and they’ll eat it.
http://rachaelray.com/recipe.php?recipe_id=1554
Day 4 – Pasta with Goat Cheese and Asparagus
This is real delight with only 5 ingredients. It is spa quality meal for pennies on the dollar.
http://www.marthastewart.com/recipe/pasta-with-goat-cheese-and-roasted-asparagus?autonomy_kw=pasta%20with%20goat%20cheese%20and%20asparagus&rsc=header_1
Day 5 – Slow Cooker Roast Pork
This crock-pot staple is reinvented with a fruity flair. It’s so easy you can make it for company and they’ll never know it took you 15 minutes to prepare it.
http://www.bettycrocker.com/recipes/recipe.aspx?recipeID=36763&Source=SearchResultPage&terms=slow%20cooker%20pork%20roast
Day 6 – Chicken Salad Croissants
This is a super easy meal that uses your deli and bakery. I get a container of your favorite chicken salad, mine is tarragon, and a pack of croissants. Slice in half then heat the rolls in the oven. Stuff with chicken salad and serve with you favorite veggies or chips.
Day 7 – Leftover Night
Take a look in your fridge or pull out all the leftovers for a buffet. Waste not, want not, right?
Have a great week.
With 2 cm and 50% effacement,
Brooke
Unfortunately, I am writing this from my home computer. I was hoping to have to use a laptop from a hospital room to give you some great recipes this week. Alas, God had other plans. I have decided to use some of my favorite recipes that I’ve posted in the past via email. Those of you who are new to my blog/email menus, these will be new. For all my loyal followers, these are some of the best of the best.
There were a few criteria for this week, cheap, easy, and fast. I am not planning very far in advance the next couple of weeks so you’ll also see a bunch of pantry items used.
I hope you enjoy them all. I also hope that I will soon be enjoying hospital food with my new bundle of joy. I think it’s waiting for doctor to be back in town. That’s on Tuesday. Please keep me in your prayers. I’ll post when we have pictures.
Day 1 – Three Cheese Calzones
I love this recipe for the simplicity of it. I also love the prepared pizza dough in my supermarket’s deli section. It’s better than take-out, and I love take-out.
http://www.realsimple.com/food-recipes/browse-all-recipes/three-cheese-calzones-00000000007848/index.html
Day 2 – Crispy Chicken Cutlets with Romaine Salad
This is a light and quick take on the normal chicken with salad. It’s so good you’ll use it again and again.
http://www.realsimple.com/food-recipes/browse-all-recipes/crispy-chicken-cutlets-creamy-romaine-00000000006909/index.html
Day 3 – Asian Night with Chicken Satay
This is great date night meal or anytime dinner. My kids also love it. Tell them it’s worms and they’ll eat it.
http://rachaelray.com/recipe.php?recipe_id=1554
Day 4 – Pasta with Goat Cheese and Asparagus
This is real delight with only 5 ingredients. It is spa quality meal for pennies on the dollar.
http://www.marthastewart.com/recipe/pasta-with-goat-cheese-and-roasted-asparagus?autonomy_kw=pasta%20with%20goat%20cheese%20and%20asparagus&rsc=header_1
Day 5 – Slow Cooker Roast Pork
This crock-pot staple is reinvented with a fruity flair. It’s so easy you can make it for company and they’ll never know it took you 15 minutes to prepare it.
http://www.bettycrocker.com/recipes/recipe.aspx?recipeID=36763&Source=SearchResultPage&terms=slow%20cooker%20pork%20roast
Day 6 – Chicken Salad Croissants
This is a super easy meal that uses your deli and bakery. I get a container of your favorite chicken salad, mine is tarragon, and a pack of croissants. Slice in half then heat the rolls in the oven. Stuff with chicken salad and serve with you favorite veggies or chips.
Day 7 – Leftover Night
Take a look in your fridge or pull out all the leftovers for a buffet. Waste not, want not, right?
Have a great week.
With 2 cm and 50% effacement,
Brooke
Sunday, April 5, 2009
Hoppy Easter!!!
Welcome back,
Those of you who went to prom know the teachers had as good a time as the students. I was happy to see Beth back with us again. I’ve missed my dancing buddy. And all of you will be glad to know that labor didn’t start because of the Cha-Cha slide.
I am trying to branch out a little this week. I’ve got different meat sources as well as fun new recipes to get you excited about cooking. One word of caution, I am using shrimp, bacon, and fish. These are all items that I have found on sale. I wouldn’t recommend purchasing these at full price unless you’re cutting costs elsewhere. I always use frozen shrimp here in Georgia to insure that it is the freshest I can find.
I am also including a great squash casserole for you to take to any Easter gatherings you may have planned. Squash is readily available now at a pretty good price.
Day 1 – Creamy Shrimp with Corn and Bacon (Real Simple)
I can’t find this on the website so I’m retyping it. This is a restaurant quality meal that you can make in 30 minutes.
1 cup rice cooked to package directions
4 slices bacon
1 T. olive oil
1 onion, chopped
½ cup dry white wine
¼ cup heavy cream
1 ¼ lb. shrimp, peeled and deveined
1 (10 oz.) package frozen corn
Salt and pepper
In a large skillet, cook bacon until crisp and put on paper towel. Wipe out skillet and heat oil. Add onion and cook 4-6 minutes until soft. Add wine, cook until reduced by half, 2-3 minutes. Add cream and bring to a boil. Stir in shrimp, corn, and salt and pepper to taste. Simmer until shrimp is cooked, 4-6 minutes. Stir in crumbled bacon and serve over rice.
Day 2 – BLT
Since we opened the bacon last night, let’s finish it with an all-time favorite. I would use a really great whole wheat bread, the traditional lettuce, tomato and bacon, and if you can find a ripe avocado, slice it and put it on top. You can also add sliced boiled egg or sliced turkey to bump up the healthy protein.
Day 3 – Crock pot Chicken with Leeks and Tarragon
http://www.realsimple.com/food-recipes/browse-all-recipes/chicken-tarragon-leeks-00000000011463/index.html
Day 4 – Fish Sticks with Beans and Apple Sauce
This is inspired my childhood daycare. They loved the frozen fish sticks and so did we. Make it a quick and easy dinner by opening a can of your favorite beans, BBQ, and apple sauce. Most men also love this, though I’m not exactly sure why.
Day 5 – Breakfast for Dinner – Revamped
You all know how much I love breakfast foods. This is a twist, Italian style, using a jarred marinara sauce. Serve with crusty bread, toasted with butter and parmesan.
Simmer 2 cups marinara sauce in skillet. Crack in 4 eggs and cover with lid. Cook until the whites are set and top with pepper and grated parmesan cheese.
Day 6 – Pizza Night!!!
I just received my new pizza stone and have been dying to test it out. This is one of my all time favorite pizza recipes that I borrowed from a long closed pizza place in Tampa.
White Pizza
Store bought pizza dough
Minced garlic, 3 cloves (more if you’re a garlic-holic like me)
½ cup ricotta cheese
1 tomato thinly sliced
½ cup parmesan
2 cups mozzarella cheese, shredded
Put pizza dough on heated pizza stone. Rub garlic on dough. Top with remaining ingredients. Cook pizza at 450 for about 20 minutes.
Day 7 – Squash Casserole
This is super easy recipe that you can whip up for any potluck. You may want to use reduced fat and sodium soup to lighten it a little. I hope you enjoy.
http://allrecipes.com/Recipe/Squash-Casserole-II-2/Detail.aspx
Have a happy Easter and great cold snap. All these meals will keep you warm and full to survive this last clip of winter.
With Easter eggs in purgatory,
Brooke
Those of you who went to prom know the teachers had as good a time as the students. I was happy to see Beth back with us again. I’ve missed my dancing buddy. And all of you will be glad to know that labor didn’t start because of the Cha-Cha slide.
I am trying to branch out a little this week. I’ve got different meat sources as well as fun new recipes to get you excited about cooking. One word of caution, I am using shrimp, bacon, and fish. These are all items that I have found on sale. I wouldn’t recommend purchasing these at full price unless you’re cutting costs elsewhere. I always use frozen shrimp here in Georgia to insure that it is the freshest I can find.
I am also including a great squash casserole for you to take to any Easter gatherings you may have planned. Squash is readily available now at a pretty good price.
Day 1 – Creamy Shrimp with Corn and Bacon (Real Simple)
I can’t find this on the website so I’m retyping it. This is a restaurant quality meal that you can make in 30 minutes.
1 cup rice cooked to package directions
4 slices bacon
1 T. olive oil
1 onion, chopped
½ cup dry white wine
¼ cup heavy cream
1 ¼ lb. shrimp, peeled and deveined
1 (10 oz.) package frozen corn
Salt and pepper
In a large skillet, cook bacon until crisp and put on paper towel. Wipe out skillet and heat oil. Add onion and cook 4-6 minutes until soft. Add wine, cook until reduced by half, 2-3 minutes. Add cream and bring to a boil. Stir in shrimp, corn, and salt and pepper to taste. Simmer until shrimp is cooked, 4-6 minutes. Stir in crumbled bacon and serve over rice.
Day 2 – BLT
Since we opened the bacon last night, let’s finish it with an all-time favorite. I would use a really great whole wheat bread, the traditional lettuce, tomato and bacon, and if you can find a ripe avocado, slice it and put it on top. You can also add sliced boiled egg or sliced turkey to bump up the healthy protein.
Day 3 – Crock pot Chicken with Leeks and Tarragon
http://www.realsimple.com/food-recipes/browse-all-recipes/chicken-tarragon-leeks-00000000011463/index.html
Day 4 – Fish Sticks with Beans and Apple Sauce
This is inspired my childhood daycare. They loved the frozen fish sticks and so did we. Make it a quick and easy dinner by opening a can of your favorite beans, BBQ, and apple sauce. Most men also love this, though I’m not exactly sure why.
Day 5 – Breakfast for Dinner – Revamped
You all know how much I love breakfast foods. This is a twist, Italian style, using a jarred marinara sauce. Serve with crusty bread, toasted with butter and parmesan.
Simmer 2 cups marinara sauce in skillet. Crack in 4 eggs and cover with lid. Cook until the whites are set and top with pepper and grated parmesan cheese.
Day 6 – Pizza Night!!!
I just received my new pizza stone and have been dying to test it out. This is one of my all time favorite pizza recipes that I borrowed from a long closed pizza place in Tampa.
White Pizza
Store bought pizza dough
Minced garlic, 3 cloves (more if you’re a garlic-holic like me)
½ cup ricotta cheese
1 tomato thinly sliced
½ cup parmesan
2 cups mozzarella cheese, shredded
Put pizza dough on heated pizza stone. Rub garlic on dough. Top with remaining ingredients. Cook pizza at 450 for about 20 minutes.
Day 7 – Squash Casserole
This is super easy recipe that you can whip up for any potluck. You may want to use reduced fat and sodium soup to lighten it a little. I hope you enjoy.
http://allrecipes.com/Recipe/Squash-Casserole-II-2/Detail.aspx
Have a happy Easter and great cold snap. All these meals will keep you warm and full to survive this last clip of winter.
With Easter eggs in purgatory,
Brooke
Sunday, March 29, 2009
April Fool's Day!!! No jokes this week, just great food.
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
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
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