A quick "Chicken and Rice" dinner. But it didn't seem like a chicken and rice dinner. Simple, yet TASTY! I might have a new "weekend" favorite with this one. I try to keep our meals simple on the weekend, spaghetti, tacos, and now this...I'll save my cooking and blogging energy for the week days! I marinated this chicken in some canola oil and Emeril's Essence seasonings. … [Read more...]
Buffalo Chicken Wings
Half of the family has finished their dinner. The other half was sidetracked by the gorgeous weather, and the desire to use every moment of sunlight to work on "opening up the garden." (Nevermind that it might snow next week. I've GOT to get my seeds for the spinach and lettuces, or is it LETTUCI?!, into the dirt.) So open the garden up we did. The little people ate … [Read more...]
Stretching the Protein in your Dinner – Beef and Bean Tacos
This recipe is featured in our 20 Meals from Costco for $150 Meal Plan #1. Stretching those proteins! It's KEY! Proteins can be very expensive. So stretching them can help bring down the overall cost of your meal...and ultimately your grocery bill! (If you haven't checked out my How to Spot a Great Price on Meats, now would be a great time to do that!) What I love … [Read more...]
Pantry Staples List
I recently asked on the $5 Dinners Facebook Fan page what you would like to see in a "grocery shopping list" template. And while I have a few shopping lists in the works, several of you asked for a basic pantry staples list. So I wanted to ask everyone for help in creating an Pantry Staples List. What ingredients MUST be in your pantry at all times? What ingredient … [Read more...]
Sesame Chicken Stir-fry
SPLURGE ALERT!!! CONVENIENCE FOOD ALERT!!! (BTW I have loved hearing your do's and don't's when it comes to convenience foods!) It was one of those days. It started too early. It was filled with distractions. And a few schedule changes. And it left me in no mood to cook. Y'all have those days too, right? There is but one option for dinner on a day like … [Read more...]
Lentil Casserole
Tonight's simple, filling and frugal meal ideas come from Tara! Love that you can the simple instructions for the Lentil Casserole..and seems like a no fuss dinner, as long as you remember to get it into the oven in time! And can't beat the variations of the black bean burritos...soft shell, hard shell or over chips!!! Thanks so much for these easy and simple … [Read more...]
How to Save on Diapers
Diapers. Oh diapers. They are expensive...but they don't have to be. (I don't use cloth diapers. I explain here.) My goal, as with everything, is to pay as little as possible...and this rings especially true with diapers...as I buy them often. I watch the drugstore circulars and the grocery store circulars to see if there are any great deals to be had. (I use … [Read more...]
Pepperoni Calzones
These didn't stay on our plates very long! And, they are completely freezer friendly, so be sure to make a big batch and freeze for a future meal! (Freeze after baking.) Pepperoni Calzones These are just so fun and so delicious! 1 cup water1 Tbsp olive oil 1 tsp salt1 cup whole wheat flour2 cups white flour 1 tsp garlic powder 1 tsp Italian seasoning 1 Tbsp … [Read more...]
Cranberry Pork Chops
I made this recipe what seems like EONS ago...but it really wasn't that long ago! But at the same time, it's been too long. Y'all know what I mean. These kiddos of mine have turned up the dial on "time"...to warp speed. (It's all happening too fast...they are growing up way to fast.) Again. I digress! Anyhoo. Made this using some fresh "holiday" (meaning … [Read more...]
Chicken Gumbo with Iceberg Ranch Wedges
This dinner is inspired by a gumbo that my dad had for lunch when we were in Dallas last month. All I knew about gumbo was that people from LA made it. A lot. Call me "gumbo ignorant." I was. But no longer. Did a little research on Wiki...and learned quite a bit. Hop on over there and see how "gumbo savvy" you are! I digress. A simple soup. Err, gumbo! With a whole … [Read more...]