Love me some dried beans! I love cooking with dried beans...it's easy, cheaper and I love to play with flavors. Our boys love beans too...so it's a win-win situation for this busy mom! Cooking beans does take a little over an hour and they do have to pre-soak, so it does take a little pre-planning and a little time in the kitchen to get them going on the … [Read more...]
Pumpkin Spice Baked Oatmeal
So we've had a handful of "brisk" mornings here in San Antonio. And by "brisk," I mean the temp has dropped below 70. Which must mean fall is here because I've seen a number of people out wearing sweatshirts. Or my blood is already starting to thin out some, because it's really not that cool?! While it may feel warm outside still, it's starting to feel like fall as we … [Read more...]
Scene from My Kitchen Counter at 7:18 AM…
So this was the scene on my kitchen counter at 7:18 this morning. I'm still adjusting to the fact that my kiddos have to be on the bus at 6:55 am...and we all have to be up by 6:15. But... The upside is that I can get a lot lot lot done right after they get on the bus, while littlest brother is still sleeping. This morning that meant getting food ready for my "week away." … [Read more...]
Easy Fancy Spaghetti Casserole
I went to make our very favorite meal, Italian Stuffed Shells. Alas, no large shell pasta was in the pantry. What was I to do? Aha! Make it anyway with spaghetti noodles. I already had the noodles cooked – leftover from spaghetti a couple nights ago. So I mixed up the stuffing, poured in a can of sauce, added the cooked noodles. I tucked it in the oven. Frugal, favorite … [Read more...]
Roasted Butternut Squash with Crunchy Caramelized Onions
Butternut squash...I feel like it is my mission in life to not only help others spend less on groceries, but also to know what to do with the groceries when they buy them. As autumn approaches, the prices of fall fruits and vegetables plummet. At our house, we do our best to take advantage of these savings by bringing more variety to our diet and eating seasonally. My … [Read more...]
Cuatro’s Stock the Freezer List
Well, I had some time on a recent flight to Los Angeles, so I started my list and now here it is! Cuatro (our 4th boy, due to arrive in January) will be joining our family before I know it and I want to be prepared. I won't start on this list right away, but probably will do extra baking during the holiday season when all the baking ingredients and supplies are super cheap and … [Read more...]
Caramelized Onion Grilled Cheese
While it's difficult to say what my favorite soup is...because I love soup. All kinds of soups. But at the top of the list is French Onion Soup. With a thick-ole slice of bread and topped with Swiss cheese. Nom. I didn't realize this would happen when I was making this sandwich, but turns out...it tastes just like French Onion Soup. Just less drippy :) I don't eat a lot … [Read more...]
Toasted Ravioli Recipe
When we go out to our favorite Italian restaurant I always like to get the toasted ravioli appetizer but they disappear so fast that I decided to start making them at home so I could have more than one or two in a sitting. They're so good and so easy to make that I could eat them for my whole meal, but they do make for a nice simple appetizer and they're perfect for … [Read more...]
Mushroom Fajita Enchiladas Recipe
Calling all vegetarians! I've got a delicious new enchiladas recipe, make with mushrooms, peppers and my homemade taco seasoning. You don't want to miss out on this cozy, comfort food, filled with veggie goodness...Mushroom Fajita Enchiladas! Enjoy! … [Read more...]
Greek Chilled Quinoa Salad
I've been loving the Mediterranean kinds of dishes (like this one!), and can't see to add enough chopped pickles to my potato salad! This salad combines the traditional Mediterranean flavors and packs a powerful protein punch from the quinoa. I just know that once you make this salad, you'll be making it again and again. Its ease and tastiness is irresistible! PLEASE … [Read more...]