We are going through a bit of a beans phase. Ryan is still learning to like them. (And these sweeter beans were a great start). Charlie has always loved beans. Tyler can't get enough of beans. How to Make Baked Beans From Scratch! Add the molasses. The ketchup. The sweet chili sauce. The worcestershire sauce. And some … [Read more...]
What to Make When…Pork Roasts
When it comes to pork roasts, there are a number of ways to go about doing them! I prefer the slow cooker, as the pork gets so tender and juicy. And delicious. I typically purchase the pork shoulder for anywhere between $1.49/lb and $1.99/lb, and I also like to buy the larger boneless pork tenderloins when they go on sale for $1.99/lb or less. When buying the larger … [Read more...]
Penne Pasta with Sweet Sausage and Basil Sauce
When I got home from Atlanta this week, I had to quickly jump back into reality. I came home to 6 piles of laundry that needed to be taken care of, a sink full of dishes, a weekend's worth of meals to be made (thankfully I'd already made 2 for next week!), and the prospect of having to regroup again for next week's trip to Chicago and Minneapolis! (I'd love to meet … [Read more...]
What to Make When…Pork Chops
Welcome to my new series called "What to Make When..." I hope this series will help you decide what to make when you find the particular ingredient on the front page of your grocery store's circular! First up...pork chops! Smothered Pork Chops Cranberry Pork Chops Italian Pork Chops Pork Chops with Peach Salsa Honey Glazed Pork Chops If you … [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...]
Split Pea Sausage Soup
My quest to create a little breathing room in the pantry and freezers continues... Last night I made this amazing soup. I think Steve said how much he liked it at least 6 times. (Which definitely says something. He's a quiet kind of guy. And for him to say that 6 times speaks volumes.) I took split peas from my legumes container, sausage links from the freezer and some … [Read more...]
Cheesy Pork Chops
You're very welcome! Oh, you'd like to hear the recipe first? ;) I am so happy to share this one with you. I found it a couple of years ago when I was tired of cooking the same thing all the time, yet I need recipes that are easy and fast. Taste is an added bonus because frankly one of the kids will complain no matter what it is. The first time I made the Cheesy Pork … [Read more...]
Potato Soup for 10
Don't you just love this time of year? The air is crisp, the nights are cool, and the children breathe in white puffs. I adore the fall! And if you ask me, there is nothing better on a cool fall evening than a big, hearty bowl of steaming soup. This potato soup is an often requested recipe in our family and it feeds all 10 of us for well under $10. My family loves it … [Read more...]
Smothered Pork Chops Recipe
Smothered Pork Chops. Oh yes. We'll be making you again!!! And as you can see, we have yet again another sorta vague recipe. It leaves me wondering...How many chops?! Based on the fact that I doubled the celery and onion it called for and that was plenty for the 9 chops I had...I'm going with 4 chops for the original recipe. Place the flour with a little salt and … [Read more...]
Chorizo Black Bean Soup
So as I start this one out, I'm going to preface it with...this is not going to be a $5 Dinner. Why not?! Let's just say that the pound of chorizo sausage alone cost almost $5. It's an all natural, homemade chorizo sausage that I got earlier this summer at the farmer's market. It's been waiting in the freezer...for this recipe! Here's the deal. Here's … [Read more...]