I love Brussels sprouts. But for some reason, we don't eat them regularly. They aren't part of our regular veggies with dinner rotation. (They should be!) I seem to always want them around the holidays. I also seem to always want them with bacon. Because bacon makes everything better, especially Brussels sprouts! With this recipe, we are going to cook the bacon, drain off … [Read more...]
Introducing ShopFreezEasy…
A little less than a year ago, I made the decision to separate out the "meal plans using ingredients from Costco" into its own little brand and website. We launched the website on February 22nd, and in the past 9 months we have developed a freezer meal plan membership program - complete with a "meal plan builder" web app (where you can create your own meal plans), mobile and … [Read more...]
Pumpkin Spice Hot Chocolate
Our Homemade Pumpkin Spice Latte has been getting rave reviews from our $5 Meal Plan members. It was on the menu recently and everyone who has tried it LOVES it. But I know that not everyone drinks coffee...and not everyone wants to give their kiddos coffee (mine don't need any extra energy or caffeine!!!). So today, I'm sharing an amazing recipe for Pumpkin Spice Hot … [Read more...]
Honey-Glazed Parsnips
Parsnips, what are those Erin? They're like carrots. Similar consistency, similar flavor and they cook up just the same. They're just a different color. If you've never tried them, this is a great recipe to start with...because I'm tossed them together with some carrots in a similar and delicious roasted and glazed recipe. It goes like this: roast the carrots and … [Read more...]
Cheesy Potato Casserole
Before we start into this delectable side dish, I need to make the following disclaimer. Calories don't exist on holiday feast day. They just don't. They can't really. ;) I'm teasing...there are ways to be smart about calories at a holiday feast...but I like to pretend they don't count or exist. (hehe) Making this calorie disclaimer is important with … [Read more...]
Garlic and Herb Shepherd’s Pie
Two Shepherd's Pie in one week. (Here are the "dinner cupcakes," if you missed them!) Yup yup. Because...meat and potatoes is the name of my feeding 5 boys game! ;) I love a great Shepherd's Pie meal because it's hearty, filling and budget friendly to boot! This garlic and herb shepherd's pie tasks the flavor up a few notches...and is the perfect savory dish for a … [Read more...]
Oatmeal Pumpkin Spice Cookies
I always knew this day was coming. Every mom of 4 boys knows this day is coming. You wonder about this day, the first time you have to start doubling recipes. When will the tripling of recipes begin? Welp, for this mama of 4 boys, it began the other week. With this recipe. I doubled the recipe (which is written below as the doubled version - it makes between 3-4 dozen … [Read more...]
Muffin Tin Shepherd’s Pie
These cute mini Shepherd's pies can be the perfect treat for getting your picky eaters to eat dinner. The small size of these muffin tin shepherds pies are fun for kids and great for serving a crowd. (Think: grab n go holiday party appetizer or snack!) You can also pack these for lunches, freeze them for dinner on a busy night, or make them "fresh" and serve them piping … [Read more...]
Cream Cheese Mashed Potatoes
Kinda makes you wanna lick the screen doesn't it??? Holy melted butter...and cracked pepper. This is the kind of recipe that makes me fall in love with mashed potatoes all over again. I seem to fall in love year after year...about this time...just before Thanksgiving! These creamy mashed potatoes will make everyone at your table drool. Seriously, they will. PRO TIP: … [Read more...]
Slow Cooker Pork Roast with Apple Relish
I adore these kinds of "frugal gourmet" kinds of meals. Loads of flavor - different from my normal "cooking method" - but still super easy to put together! You could totally make this by adding the "relish" at the beginning of the slow cooking time, but I prefer to have a little 'crunch' left in my apples with a relish-topping like this. If you plan to add the apples at the … [Read more...]