We have been alternating between high temperatures and flash floods. Every time it rains, I want comfort foods like pot roast and potatoes. But it is so hot that I don't want to turn on the oven. My slow cooker once again came to my rescue! I love that is allows me to cook family favorites without heating up the house. When I make my pot roast, I put the vegetables … [Read more...]
Sloppy Dogs
The Perfect Way to Use Up Leftover Sloppy Joes --> Sloppy Dogs! A few weeks ago, I mentioned that I was going to be taking a vacation "sorta." Well, I hope you don't mind that I didn't tell the full truth (for security reasons!), but I really did take a vacation. I really was in Cincinnati by myself with the baby...but my husband and children were home. But the week … [Read more...]
Juicy Salsa Burger
My boys love burgers. It's generally what they order off the kids' menu when we go out for dinner, and what they would request if I asked them what they wanted to grill for dinner. When Hellmann's asked us to give this new recipe for the Juicy Salsa Burger a try, I hoped it would be a hit with the family. I knew the burger part would be a hit...but I wasn't so sure about the … [Read more...]
Slow Cooker Chicken Tortilla Soup
This recipe is part of the 9 Organic Meals from Costco for $100 Plan. I love simple, load and go meals in the slow cooker. They make my life simple...and I especially love this one because my entire family will eat this without a grumble. Including the 18 month old! With this recipe, it helps to have the chicken cooked ahead of time and shredded. You can cook your chicken … [Read more...]
Grilled New York Pork Chops with Zucchini & Tomatoes
A few weeks ago, I was challenged by the National Pork Board to come up with a pork chop recipe for under $10...easy peasy! But what surprised me was that I had to use a New York Pork Chop. A New York Pork Chop??? What in the world is a New York Pork Chop? Sounds kinda like a steak to me. Well, I then learned that pork chops have recently been renamed...and that my wonder … [Read more...]
Beef & Bean Oven Tacos
Tacos. We love tacos. The boys devour them. They love the crunchy mess. They love the flavors. They love to see how full they can make them. And they love to eat them on their special taco plates. (My mom gave us some for Christmas...GREAT gift!) I love the concept of making tacos in the oven...and melting the cheese over the top of the meat. Then piling on the … [Read more...]
Walking Stuffed Peppers
So I have a beef with stuffed peppers. They are too tall. And hard to eat. Do you just bite into it and risk everything falling out? Do you use a fork? Do you cut it up and eat it by bites? Introducing... Walking Stuffed Peppers! {Read more and get the recipe on my guest post at Living a Frugal Life} … [Read more...]
Sauteed Okra Recipe
Learn how to make a simple sauteed okra recipe to accompany your favorite summer meals. Summer comes and it's always time for fried okra. But it's also always good to have a lighter version of a garden favorite. That's when it's time to slice up and saute your okra. Four cups of sliced okra makes a wonderful side for my family of seven. Yum! Sauteed Okra … [Read more...]
Slow Cooker Lemon & Garlic Chicken
It's really unfortunate that photos can't communicate taste. And flavor infusion. Because seriously, I can taste the lemon and garlic flavors that infused perfectly into the chicken and the potatoes...just looking at the photo. I was actually quite surprised...as I've made a number of different garlic-chicken-potatoes slow cooker meals in the past, but not this one. This … [Read more...]
Asian Spinach Salad with Soy-Sesame Vinaigrette
While I do my best to eat salads for lunch during the winter months, I find myself gravitating towards soups and breads when it's chilly outside. But come spring and summer, I'm enjoying a delicious salad for lunch most days of the week. And I especially love picking lettuce and spinach leaves from my garden. I enjoy making my own vinaigrette for my salads as well, and … [Read more...]