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...]
Homemade Dairy-Free Ranch Dressing
I was inspired. You see. I like salad. I like lettuce. But straight iceberg lettuce is tough to swallow. It's just so bland. But it's cheap. And a great base for salads. What if I topped it with some STRONG homemade garlic ranch dressing. Like this... A match made in heaven. Be warned: You will suffer from "garlic breath" after eating this. But the fullness of … [Read more...]
Maple Rosemary Chicken with Asparagus
Sounds gourmet-ish, doesn't it?!? My favorite part of this meal, besides... the fact that it was pure delicious-ness, and the fact that the house smelled UH-mazing while it was in the oven, ...was that I was able to take video with my iPhone, upload it straight to You Tube, and then put the videos right on the site. Took just minutes! Expect more … [Read more...]
Black Bean Fajitas
My camera battery is still dead. ***Note to self: Make this quick, and go find that charger. We all really enjoyed this. Even the boys, who mentioned...several times...that their lips were on fire. {Forgive the iPhone photos} Black Bean Fajitas Fast and easy weeknight dinner! Kid approved! 4 cups cooked black beans 1 can Rotel diced tomatoes and green … [Read more...]
Chicken and Broccoli Stirfry
It's great to be home. And it's great to be back in the kitchen. The first half of the day, I wandered around the kitchen...feeling lost. Lost in my own kitchen! But once dinner time rolled around, I was fully re-acquainted and ready to cook! Chicken and Broccoli Stirfry Your family will love this simple skillet meal! 3 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, … [Read more...]
Apple Cinnamon Oatmeal
Warm. Slightly crunchy. Just the right sweetness. Mmmm... Apple Cinnamon Oatmeal Warm. Slightly crunchy. Just the right sweetness. 4 cups water2 cups quick cooking oats ($.20) $.50 containers bought here1 large honeycrisp apple, diced ($1.12)Few dashes of cinnamon ($.05)3-4 Tbsp brown sugar, or other sweetener ($.15)1 tsp lemon juice ($.05) Bring 4 cups … [Read more...]