Confession Time. See that bag of chocolate chips down there. I could eat it in one sitting. I really could. I would feel a little less guilty about consuming straight up chocolate chips if they were in a trail mix. Enter the pantry challenge. I found half-full bags of dried cranberries, cashews, pecans, slivered almonds, and of course, chocolate chips in the … [Read more...]
Black Bean Soup
We had the pleasure of eating at Panera a few times in December and through the holidays with family and friends. I kept ordering their Black Bean Soup. Perhaps because it warmed my tummy. Perhaps because it went great with a salad. But something was amiss. I loved the consistency, the warmth, but it lacked ZEST. I *big puffy heart* Panera. I do. But I prefer a … [Read more...]
Chicken Zucchini Stew on Rice
Tonight's dinner is straight out of the freezer! From the freezer: 2 cups of shredded chicken, 1 container of chopped up summer veggies, about 2 cups of homemade chicken stock, and blanched broccoli. Toss into pot. Stir occasionally. Eat! Chicken Zucchini Stew on Rice A great way to use up extra veggies and leftover chicken! 2 tsp 2 tsp olive oil1 … [Read more...]
Mushroom Barley Soup
UPDATED with cooking time! Oops!!! When I saw mushrooms marked down at the store...I took advantage...and I made this soup! That night. I found (and slightly modified) the recipe in the Smuckers Family Favorite Recipes booklet. Scrum-didli-umptious! Mushroom Barley Soup Hearty and delicious! 2 Tbsp butter or margarine1 small … [Read more...]
Chicken Taco Bake over Chips
While I was stocking up the freezer, I cooked a few whole chickens in the slow cooker. One of those times, I combined some of the shredded chicken with a can of Rotel diced tomatoes with green chilies, some frozen corn, black beans and ground cumin. Mix. And Freeze. Thaw. And Warm. So simple...I love it! I found some tortilla chips in the pantry. You see. My Dad … [Read more...]
Ham and Cheese Frittata
Still looking for that perfect Christmas morning recipe...or the morning after Christmas recipe?!? If you've got some diced ham in the freezer, go get it out now to thaw! And use it on Christmas morning to make this for brunch! If you're having ham for your Christmas dinner and need a way to use up the leftovers, this would make a fabulous breakfast on the … [Read more...]
Good Morning America Segment
If you missed the Good Morning America segment this morning, head on over here to watch the segment on ABCNEWS.com! If you are visiting the website for the first time after seeing the cookbook featured on GMA, WELCOME!!! Feel free to explore! Recipes Coupons Meal Planning Cookbook Signing Schedule And a little about me, The $5 Dinner Mom! *Please note: Above … [Read more...]
The $5 Dinner Mom Cookbook
Tweet this It's HERE!!!!!! In. Real. Life!!!!!!!!! I got my copy 2 weeks ago. And I still can't believe it! It's here. And it's real! If you pre-ordered your book, then it should be arriving on your doorstep soon!!! Now for the major excitement... The $5 Dinner Mom Cookbook will be featured on GOOD MORNING AMERICA on Tuesday Morning (the 22nd!) by contributor Sara … [Read more...]
Ginger Maple Pancakes
I have been doing lots of experimenting with pancake batters, and these were just too good not to share :) These pancakes were D-E-L-I-S-H! And with no sugar in the batter!!! Enjoy these with some scrambled eggs and fresh fruit for a meal that's surely under $5! Ginger Maple Pancakes A delicious batter, grilled to pancake perfection! 2 cups flour1 … [Read more...]
Hearty Lentil Stew with Cornbread
Hearty Lentil Stew with Cornbread A fabulous and budget friendly way to do stew...with a side of cornbread. 1 small white onion (chopped)2 stalks celery (sliced)2 cloves garlic (minced)1 small green bell pepper (chopped)6 cups water1 cup barley1 cup dry lentils1 lb. bag shredded carrots15 oz. can tomato sauce2 Tbsp apple cider vinegar2 Tbsp soy sauce1 tsp … [Read more...]