If the tortillas were larger, this would remind me of Freebirds. With a backwards F. If there were fresh cilantro mixed into the rice, or fresh guacamole to put on top, this would remind me of Chipotle. Either way, you can't go wrong with these...super simple. Super cheap. Super yummy! But before we get to the recipe... Tacos v. Burritos. What's the main … [Read more...]
Best of 2010 – $5 Dinners’ Recipes
I wanted to include some of our favorite (and yours too) recipes from this past year. Because of the nature of food blogging and cookbook writing, I'm always experimenting and trying new cooking methods, messing with ingredients in some of our favorite meals, and coming up with new family favorites. I rarely make the same thing twice, with the exception of spaghetti and … [Read more...]
Scalloped Sweet Potatoes with Ham
I was unable to find a small ham for our Christmas dinner, so I went ahead and purchased a large one. I have had fun coming up with new ways to use the leftover ham, especially since this has given me an excuse to play with some of my Christmas presents. My entire family loved the scalloped sweet potatoes with ham, giving it the highest compliment in their vocabulary, "this … [Read more...]
Slow Cooker Macaroni and Cheese
This Slow Cooker Macaroni & Cheese ranks right up there with premium comfort food. A great side for a New Year's Day meal. Okay, I confess. We even have this easy recipe as the main course on busy weeknights or for Sunday dinner. It's a dressier version of the boxed kind. Homemade macaroni and cheese for the seven of us. A highly requested family … [Read more...]
Red Beans and Rice
I've been wanting to whip up Red Beans and Rice for a month or two. Ever since I picked up Creole seasoning at the store to make Jamie's Cajun Meatball Stew, really. I turned to the one man who could help me make the best Red Beans and Rice with what I had on hand. Emeril. We're on a first name basis...because well, he's on a first name basis with everyone! So, Emeril has … [Read more...]
Chicken and Wild Rice Soup with Pearled Onions
My December "clear out the pantry" challenge continues. Tonight in the form of Chicken and Wild Rice Soup with Pearled Onions. I pulled a whole chicken from the freezer and cooked it in the slow cooker on Saturday. My plan was to then use half the cooked and shredded chicken for this soup, and the rest for BBQ chicken sandwiches for lunch yesterday. I also saved the broth … [Read more...]
Beef Stew with Cider and Cinnamon
Seriously. It works. You're just going to have to trust me on this one. (The cinnamon and cider flavors are a subtle and delicious addition to this stew.) Beef Stew with Cider and Cinnamon Ingredients 1-2 Tbsp olive oil ($.10) About 1 lb. beef stew meat ($2.39) 1 small red onion, chopped ($.30) 2 garlic cloves, crushed ($.10) 1 Tbsp steak seasoning … [Read more...]
Mediterranean Fava Bean Salad
Have you ever had a fava bean?!? I hadn't...until recently. I had no idea what to expect. I didn't realize they were "big" beans. And I had no idea what they tasted like. I picked up a can of fava beans to use as a "prop" for a news segment that I did sharing the Just Add One with other home chefs. But you know me...nothing ever goes to waste in my kitchen... One … [Read more...]
Baked Garlic Rosemary Chicken with Sherry-Simmered Carrots
Looking for something to spruce up your holiday side dishes and meal?!? Might I suggest adding a splash (or a cup!) of Holland House cooking wines to your marinade, or a splash of Holland House vinegars to a homemade salad dressing. Make your home merry this holiday season with the delicious flavors of Holland House Wine for Cooking and Premium Vinegars. They will … [Read more...]
Spiced Cranberry Almond Party Mix
Party Mix. It brings up so many great memories of holiday parties and other gatherings! When it comes time for holiday parties, it's easy to get overwhelmed with all the possibilities of what to serve. I've tried a number of different varieties of party mix at different events, and I've experimented with a number of different combinations in my own kitchen. And I have … [Read more...]