Butternut squash is such a lovely squash. It's simple to prepare, needs little adornment, and totally delicious. The gorgeous orange color is a celebration of sorts of the glory of autumn. I like it in soup. This soup features butternut squash in a top 8 free, vegan way. It's a savory soup with just a touch heat and natural sweetness from the squash itself. We'll … [Read more...]
October Potatofest Recipes
Our feeding the larger family ways will help you feed a crowd and take a break during the holidays! October is potato month for me for several reasons. Not only are potatoes frugal and can be served in a variety of ways, but October is right up next to November and December. October is the month I pile the potatoes in the freezer – freeing me up at holiday time. … [Read more...]
Homemade Onion Soup Mix
Make Your Own Onion Soup Mix Instead of paying for a couple of envelopes of onion soup mix, why not mix up some yourself and save some money? Oh, and did I mention, a you'll be making an even better tasting version of the soup mix , too? Only Costs Pennies to Make If you're like me, you buy your spices in bulk. After all, they last for years. Why not buy large … [Read more...]
Tortellini Soup
Last week I was craving minestrone soup, but many of the vegetables that I use in it are not in season. Buying imported, out of season veggies would have greatly increased the cost of the dish, so I decided to replace them with something that is always in season: tortellini! :) I reduced the cost of this soup, by using homemade chicken broth. I also used dry beans that I … [Read more...]
Spicy Chorizo and Lentil Soup
Splurge Alert! Over the summer I'd stop at the local traveling farmer's market in my town. It comes through every Thursday through the summer, and I look for the sign every week (as I can't remember when it starts back up. May, likely?!) on Thursdays when I take Charlie to school. There are many days when I just which we had more grocery budget money to spend on the … [Read more...]
Beef, Red Cabbage and Kale Stew
Is Kale one of those items in the produce department that you walk right by...not even giving it a second glance?! Mainly because you are not sure what to do with it?! Well, first off...it can be used to turn smoothies green. And second, it does beautifully in soups and stews. It's packed with vitamins, minerals and nutrients, and makes … [Read more...]
Italian Wedding Soup
Here is my version of Italian Wedding Soup. Simple. Delicious. So yeah. There's going to be a wedding this year. My sister's!!! I'm honored to stand beside her as the matron of honor, and I'm thrilled that Charlie gets to be a ring bearer! And there's going to be an Italian at the wedding. My sister's fiance is Italian. Dark headed, dark eyed with a last name that's … [Read more...]
7 Ways to Make Chili
There are probably 1,000 different ways to make chili. Beans, no beans. If so, what kind of beans. What cut of meat. Diced tomatoes, stewed tomatoes or crushed tomatoes. Fresh crushed garlic, or fresh minced garlic. Heat, or sweet, or both. Top with sour cream, or shredded cheese. Green onions or red onions. Sharp cheddar or mild cheddar. Or... Endless … [Read more...]
Spanish Stew – Vintage Recipe
The other day the lovely Beth from The Natural Mommy (who incidentally is "in real life - IRL" friends with some of my IRL friends...which makes us virtually IRL friends. We are totally virtual friends, but as far as I'm concerned we are IRL friends, even though we haven't met. Follow that?!) tweeted that I never post anything nasty here on the site. I'm often asked that...what … [Read more...]
Heat ‘N Sweet Chili
Ever since I scored that fabulous deal all those cans of tomatoes and diced tomatoes with green chilies, I can't seem to stop making chili! After making the Spicy Southern Chili, I thought another chili with some kick was in order...but this time with a little sweetness added in as well. Sweetness...in the form of maple syrup. I give you my Heat 'n Sweet Chili! For a … [Read more...]