This totally qualifies as a Pantry Staples meal. Beef + Black Beans + Salsa + Rice = simple, crazy cheap, yet delicious meal. Hope you enjoy this super simple 'pantry staples' dinner that you might even be able to make tonight...without having to run to the store! Salsa, Black Bean and Beef Skillet Dinner The perfect "straight from the pantry" dinner! … [Read more...]
Mexican Beef Quinoa Skillet
Alrighty y'all! Tonight's recipe comes from faithful reader Marilyn! And I've got another similar one that I'll share tomorrow night. This week might turn into "Skillet Dinner Week"...or it might not?!??!? (Hint: I've got some great grilling recipes coming your way!) So if it rains...and you can't get out to the grill, stay in and make these skillet dinners … [Read more...]
Sesame Chicken Stir-fry
SPLURGE ALERT!!! CONVENIENCE FOOD ALERT!!! (BTW I have loved hearing your do's and don't's when it comes to convenience foods!) It was one of those days. It started too early. It was filled with distractions. And a few schedule changes. And it left me in no mood to cook. Y'all have those days too, right? There is but one option for dinner on a day like … [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...]
Pan Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Chicken and Pasta
Over the Christmas holidays, we visited the Second Street Market here in Dayton. I saw these little gems in a bin...and they were calling my name. I like brussel sprouts. I've liked them all my life. But I've never cooked with them. I'd only eaten them from a bag out of the freezer. Cooked, of course. But never had I made them from "fresh" sprouts. Since I wasn't … [Read more...]
Beef Roast for Company
Company is coming for dinner. And all you can think about is...do I have enough $$$ in this week's budget to make a nice meal for our dinner guests??!!?? If you're on a tight budget, but want to splurge a bit...to make a nice meal for your friends...but not without compromising your budget! Here you go... This could be a meal in and of itself...but with a side salad, it's … [Read more...]
Raspberry Chocolate Chip Brownies
It's not my fault. It's not! I am a chocoholic. And I need a support group! So who's fault is it...perhaps the fault of the market where I found these raspberry chips. Perhaps the fault of this beautiful post of Jenny's that I stumbled upon. Perhaps the fault of all the Valentine's Day chocolate that is EVERYWHERE. Perhaps the fault of the pantry challenge. Perhaps my … [Read more...]
Ranchero Black and Pinto Beans
At this point, we're just throwing things together...a little of this from the freezer with a little of that from the pantry! But I must say...this is a WINNER!!! (You know it's a winner when you arrive at the dinner table half full because you've been sneaking bites from the skillet!) Video Disclaimers Please excuse the t-shirt and sweatpants (just keepin' it … [Read more...]
Slow Cooker Beef Roast with Balsamic Onions
I will make this again. Maybe tomorrow. It was THAT GOOD! If you like the balsamic flavor, this is a must try! Slow Cooker Beef Roast with Balsamic Onions The balsamic onions are a magical complement to the slow cooked, shredded beef. 2 lb. beef chuck roast2 small white onions (sliced)4 garlic cloves (smashed)1/4 cup balsamic vinegarSalt and … [Read more...]
Beef Roast Marinara
When it looks like THIS outside... ...and every tree is sight is covered with frost and snow... ...it's SO WONDERFUL to be able to pull out some of these... ...delicious green peppers, straight from the garden, rather the freezer! But straight from the garden into the freezer... ...and remember that spring is coming. But not soon enough! Green peppers can … [Read more...]









