I wanted to include some of our favorite (and yours too) recipes from this past year. Because of the nature of food blogging and cookbook writing, I'm always experimenting and trying new cooking methods, messing with ingredients in some of our favorite meals, and coming up with new family favorites. I rarely make the same thing twice, with the exception of spaghetti and … [Read more...]
Archives for December 2010
Scalloped Sweet Potatoes with Ham
I was unable to find a small ham for our Christmas dinner, so I went ahead and purchased a large one. I have had fun coming up with new ways to use the leftover ham, especially since this has given me an excuse to play with some of my Christmas presents. My entire family loved the scalloped sweet potatoes with ham, giving it the highest compliment in their vocabulary, "this … [Read more...]
Slow Cooker Macaroni and Cheese
This Slow Cooker Macaroni & Cheese ranks right up there with premium comfort food. A great side for a New Year's Day meal. Okay, I confess. We even have this easy recipe as the main course on busy weeknights or for Sunday dinner. It's a dressier version of the boxed kind. Homemade macaroni and cheese for the seven of us. A highly requested family … [Read more...]
Red Beans and Rice
I've been wanting to whip up Red Beans and Rice for a month or two. Ever since I picked up Creole seasoning at the store to make Jamie's Cajun Meatball Stew, really. I turned to the one man who could help me make the best Red Beans and Rice with what I had on hand. Emeril. We're on a first name basis...because well, he's on a first name basis with everyone! So, Emeril has … [Read more...]
How to Quickly Thaw Freezer Meals
During the past few weeks of my $35/week pantry challenge, I have been on a mission to use up all the ingredients, sauces and other goodies from the pantry and freezer. Last week I planned to use up the part of my Chunky Bolognese Sauce that I'd made back in October. I had every intention of pulling the sauce from the freezer the night before and putting it into the … [Read more...]
Chicken and Wild Rice Soup with Pearled Onions
My December "clear out the pantry" challenge continues. Tonight in the form of Chicken and Wild Rice Soup with Pearled Onions. I pulled a whole chicken from the freezer and cooked it in the slow cooker on Saturday. My plan was to then use half the cooked and shredded chicken for this soup, and the rest for BBQ chicken sandwiches for lunch yesterday. I also saved the broth … [Read more...]
Christmas Cookie Decorating
Last week I threw caution to the wind, made spontaneous plans and broke all of my rules... I was chatting with some friends after church last Sunday...and I just blurted out that we should get the kids together for a cookie decorating party. I knew that I had lots of wiggle room in our grocery budget and decided to splurge and have a little fun with the kids and our … [Read more...]
Beef Stew with Cider and Cinnamon
Seriously. It works. You're just going to have to trust me on this one. (The cinnamon and cider flavors are a subtle and delicious addition to this stew.) Beef Stew with Cider and Cinnamon Ingredients 1-2 Tbsp olive oil ($.10) About 1 lb. beef stew meat ($2.39) 1 small red onion, chopped ($.30) 2 garlic cloves, crushed ($.10) 1 Tbsp steak seasoning … [Read more...]
Peanut Butter Chocolate Special K Bars
Peanut Butter Chocolate Special K Bars - perfect family treat or gift for holiday or bake sale contribution! Special K Chews. Special K Bars. Hawgs. Scotcheroos. Whatever you want to call this sweet treat, These are a favorite family recipe that we traditionally always make for the holidays, and they're wonderful for holiday gifts and bake sales … [Read more...]
Mediterranean Fava Bean Salad
Have you ever had a fava bean?!? I hadn't...until recently. I had no idea what to expect. I didn't realize they were "big" beans. And I had no idea what they tasted like. I picked up a can of fava beans to use as a "prop" for a news segment that I did sharing the Just Add One with other home chefs. But you know me...nothing ever goes to waste in my kitchen... One … [Read more...]