I've been using my cash envelopes faithfully, each month of this year. I have 4 envelopes for groceries, 1 for each week of the month. 1 envelope for "lunches out." And another envelope for "blow money." We recently added the "blow money" envelope because we found that our miscellaneous monthly expenses were going beyond what we had intended. By putting these kinds of expenses … [Read more...]
Easy Broccoli and Beef
I love how fast stir-frys come together. Broccoli and Beef is one of my favorite dishes, but I avoided making it for years because I thought the recipe involved too many steps for an easy stir-fry dinner. The recipe I was given by a friend involved cooking the meat in oil, steaming the veggies, cooking both in a marinade and then adding a sauce - just not going to … [Read more...]
How to Clean Your Stained Cutting Boards
Several weeks ago, I mentioned stained cutting boards. And a number of you threw out some ways to clean them. After doing some research and experimenting in the kitchen, I figured out what works best for my strawberry stained wood cutting boards! Step 1- Sprinkle a little kosher salt on the cutting board and then gently squeeze some lemon juice over the … [Read more...]
Ham and Broccoli Breakfast Casserole with Extra-Sharp Cheddar
I was at a church brunch recently and the ladies at my table started talking about egg casseroles. It was fun to hear everyone's take on them for both sides - the cooking them and the eating them. After listening contentedly for a few minutes, I chimed in with a few thoughts myself. I love to add some flare to my egg casseroles whether it be a particular spice, or a bold and … [Read more...]
Bean and Cheese Sandwiches
In celebration of Cinco de Mayo, I'll be having these for lunch tomorrow! Molletes. (Pronounced, moy-ette-s.) Please pardon my incorrect breakdown of the sounds. Grammar, sounds and pronunciation are not my forte! Molletes are traditional Mexican sandwiches, and my spicy version is the perfect way to celebrate Cinco de Mayo with a little kick! Enjoy!!! Cinco … [Read more...]
Cheesy Spinach Quiche
With plenty of opportunities for luncheons and brunches coming up, don't overlook the chance to make an easy quiche. It's also a simple and frugal, last-minute supper to pull together. Especially if you already have store-bought, frozen pie shells on hand. The secret to its good taste is the pepper jack cheese. Plus, it's my grandmother's recipe, so you know it's extra … [Read more...]
Baked Rosemary Garlic Chicken
I like to tuck things into chicken thighs. (Exhibit A - Grilled Salsa Chicken & Exhibit B - Grilled Marinara Chicken) I realize that this might sound strange, but it's how I cook with chicken thighs...when I'm not cooking them in the slow cooker. The other day I was planning to fix some chicken thighs in the slow cooker with a couple garlic cloves and some rosemary from … [Read more...]
5 Ways to Make Quesadillas
I love the versatility of quesadillas. I love the different filling options and the different cooking options. If you're in the mood for a smokey quesadilla, you can make one on the grill. If you prefer to use a skillet or griddle to get that perfectly browned and crispy tortilla, then go with that option. Or you could always just put one into a sandwich/panini/quesadilla … [Read more...]
Enchilada Stuffed Pasta Shells
My oldest child was born while my husband was deployed in the first gulf war. Our squadron's support group organized dinners for me every night until my husband returned 4 weeks later. But that is not all. Whoever brought me dinner packed a lunch for me to enjoy the next day. Seriously. I have been paying that amazing gift forward for the last 20 years. One of my favorite … [Read more...]
Using Your Kitchen Shears
My kitchen shears might just be the most underutilized tool that I have in my kitchen. I'm hoping to use them more this summer! A few of their uses... 1. Chicken - Cutting up whole chicken into parts before cooking. Cutting chicken breasts or chicken thighs into bite size pieces before cooking. 2. Fresh herbs - Quickly snip cilantro stems from the leaves. Roll up some … [Read more...]