A while back we all worked together to create a Pantry Staples List...along with some Pantry Staples Printable Recipes (that you all sent in!) to go with the List. And while I don't have any intention of creating a recipe list (because the possibilities are infinite) from the Refrigerator Staples List, I do intend to create a Refrigerator Staples List. The List Dairy … [Read more...]
Best Cookie Dough Stock-Up Tips
My best cookie dough tricks: Double up your favorite cookie dough when you’re making dessert for dinner, or just making them for a snack. Drop tablespoons of the extra dough that you don’t bake right away onto a foil or parchment paper lined rimmed cookie sheet. Place the cookie sheet into the freezer for 15 to 20 minutes to flash freeze the dough. Once the dough has … [Read more...]
Avocado Chicken Tacos
So I made these a few weeks ago...and I'm so sorry it took me so long to get them posted. I used 2 of the smaller peppers from my garden, along with some of my cherry-like tomatoes. And avocados. *swoon* And I think these would be just as great with ground beef or ground turkey tacos. Love the different flavor and texture that the avocado chunks brought to … [Read more...]
Green Chile Burgers
We've been doing burgers every Sunday night all summer...and these are up there in my top 5! Loved the Mexican flavor...the zip (but not so zippy that the kids wouldn't eat them)...the added smokiness from the grill. Yum! Green Chile Burgers Change up your next burger night with this green chile recipe! 1.2 lb. ground beef4 oz can green chilies 1 egg1 Tbsp … [Read more...]
How to Cut and Freeze a Large Butternut Squash (Video)
Remember that giant butternut squash I bought at the farmer's market a month ago?! For just $3.50! Well, I finally got around to cutting it up...feel free to watch :) Steam-bake it. Then puree the flesh. Here are a few things you can do with the butternut squash puree. Make homemade baby food. Hide in the cheese sauce of homemade mac and cheese. … [Read more...]
Grilled Chicken & Simple Pasta with Sauteed Tomatoes
Recently, we weren't feeling well. Ryan called my mom, as he is quite handy with my iPhone...and he informed her in a bold, confident and cheerful voice that he was sick. She didn't believe him. In an effort to ease back into regular eating, I made this partly bland-partly not-so-bland dinner for us. The boys had just the noodles, chicken and a few bites of green beans, … [Read more...]
Spinach Tomato Saute
Picked a bunch of cherry-type tomatoes from the garden...opened the fridge to figure out what to do with them...and the $2 box of spinach practically fell of the shelf. When that kind of thing happens, I take it as a sign... And here's the result... Heat olive oil in a skillet. Add fresh crushed garlic and let it sizzle for about 3o seconds. Add the … [Read more...]
Double Chocolate Mint Brownies – The Lazy Way
These really should break some sort of chocolate rules. They really should. So we went to Steve's company picnic recently and we were slated to bring dessert. I had every intention of making triple layer mint brownies. Also known as Grasshopper Brownies. But I got lazy. In truth, I ran out of time! I made the brownies part in the early morning. (Nothing like baking … [Read more...]
Rigatoni with Italian Sausage and Red Peppers
Super Simple Supper! This is a one dish dinner. (That brings up an important question...when you hear one dish dinner, do you think of it being a dinner that is SERVED in one dish, or COOKED in one dish?!) So this is technically a one dish served dinner...as the whole meal is in one bowl. But it was cooked in 2 pots...a pot for the pasta, and a skillet for the sausage, … [Read more...]
Grocery Budget Makeover – The “Brand Loyal” Edition
Linda writes...and I think this is something we can all relate to... I spend $200-$300 a week on food, paper products, cleaning supplies, office, & drug store items. We eat fresh veggies, whole grain products, eggs, meat/chicken/pork or fish daily. 3 meals a day for 2 at home. We're very health & weight conscious. Fresh food is important. We can't have a … [Read more...]