Delicious. Will feed a crowd. But most of all – easy. These muffins are so simple to make and have such wide appeal, they’ve easily become a go-to recipe in our home. You’ve likely seen the chocolate version. But what about the spice cake version? I was surprised at how many my teenagers gobbled up! Just two ingredients. A boxed cake mix... ...and vitamin rich … [Read more...]
Roasted Garlic Chicken with Red Potatoes
Our house is now on the market. Which means I'm in "do-all-it-takes-to-keep-it-super-clean" mode. I'm coming up with as many shortcuts and time savers as I can to keep the house clean and picked up throughout the day. We've already had 2 showings...another one on the calendar for this weekend. In anticipation of this "someone could be coming to look any time," I've decided that … [Read more...]
Chocolate Chip Blondies
When I was growing up these Chocolate Chip Blondies were my favorite treat in the world! I still love them and beg my mom to make them for me even though I've been stuck at 39 for a little while now. I have finally talked her into letting me have the recipe so I can share these blonde beauties with you. The piece of paper that she handed me is so old and worn that it … [Read more...]
Chocolate Hazelnut Brownies
Chocolate + Chocolate + Chocolate Hazelnut Spread = Divine Dessert. Divine. And one that won't require you to spend four hours in the kitchen. While I'm all about spending less money at the grocery store, I'm also all about spending as little time in the kitchen while still making fabulous food. This dessert recipe is the perfect example. You could have this ready … [Read more...]
3 Tips to Make Slow Cooking Healthier
I am so excited that it is slow cooker week here at $5 Dinners! My slow cooker has been a life saver for me in the kitchen. As a registered dietitian, I love to make my favorite recipes healthier. Here are my tips for boosting the nutrition in your favorite slow cooker recipe: Increase the veggies. Start by gradually increasing the amounts of the vegetables that your recipe … [Read more...]
Slow Cooker Marinara Sauce
Batch cook your Marinara Sauce in your slow cooker...love this idea and measuring tip from Jackie at Mom on a Mission! Be sure to add that to your list for your next batch cooking session, freezer cooking day or the next time you make spaghetti sauce. Photo Credit … [Read more...]
Slow Cooker Cranberry Chicken
Truly the easiest way I have found to feed my family of seven is to put the slow cooker to work for me. Whether I am out for the day or busy with homeschooling our age range, I can serve up slow cooker deliciosity. My slow cooker history will prove my love: A few of my slow cooker recipes here on $5 Dinners. Chicken, steak, hummus, yogurt and more. We enjoy Erin’s Slow … [Read more...]
Slow Cooker Chicken Taco Meat
Dina W shared her favorite chicken taco meat recipe on Facebook... "Chicken breast + taco seasoning + ranch dressing seasoning + rotel = BEST chicken taco meat ever! Homemade seasonings of course!" Homemade Taco Seasoning Homemade Ranch Dressing Update from Dina... 3-4 frozen chicken breast in the bottom of the slow cooker. 10 oz can Rotel diced tomatoes with … [Read more...]
Batch Cooking: Biscuits
Few things in my stretching-the-budget and filling-tummies career have made as big a difference as biscuits. Do you remember how much the canned variety costs? Oh, I dearly love the convenience. But I don’t like paying for it. Especially when I have to get so many cans to feed the seven of us. And that’s where batch cooking homemade biscuits comes in. But here’s the trick. … [Read more...]
Marvelous Meatballs
We do LOTS of bulk cooking because our family of seven always seems to be eating but momma doesn't always want to be cooking, and it's important to us (and to our budget) to prepare home cooked meals as often as possible. Our five kiddos are pretty picky and all seem to have different tastes so it feels a lot like hitting the lottery when we find a dish that always … [Read more...]