When Steve and I lived in the Dominican Republic, one of our favorite side dishes was smothered okra. I would go into the fruit and veggie market and get a pound of fresh okra. I'd grab some peppers and an onion, then I'd probably pay $1 for it all...maybe $1.25, and I'd be on my way. Eddy was my market man...and he always gave me a great deal! Nothing had prices on it, but … [Read more...]
Dairy-Free Chocolate Pudding
About a year ago, I was introduced to "chocomole" by Katie from Kitchen Stewardship. She included a link to a recipe in one of her e-books, "Healthy Snacks To Go" and I was intrigued. So intrigued that I made in the next week. I could not believe it. I still can't believe it. It's a dairy-free pudding. (I can't remember the last time I had pudding.) This chocomole … [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...]
Mexican Bean Tostadas – How to Make Tostadas
So it occurred to me at about 5 pm on Sunday (when the Super Bowl had not started yet...somehow in my head the game was supposed to be in the afternoon), that we needed to eat dinner. And while all the appetizers that I had out would have probably sufficed, I still wanted to have something "dinner-ish" to serve to the guys! (We'd hoped to have friends over...but that … [Read more...]
Mango Avocado Salsa with Sweet Lime Vinaigrette
When I was in Texas over the holidays, I went rummaging through my mom's refrigerator trying to come up with a fun appetizer for a family dinner we were having. I found a mango that I was going to use in a fruit salad, but when I cut into it and discovered it was tangy and not-so-sweet, I decided we needed to add more bold flavors, to help hide the tangy mango! I ended up … [Read more...]
Easy Fried Rice
This is a guest post recipe from Connie. My family of 10 loves this recipe. There are so many ways to prepare it by adding different vegetables and meats, that we often vary it by what we have in the fridge. The "must haves" for this recipe are simple - just rice, eggs, and soy sauce. Then you can add any other veggies or leftover meats that you have available to round out … [Read more...]
Slow Cooker Creole Chicken
A simple variation of chicken and rice. It's simple to make. It calls for simple ingredients. And is simply delicious! This is the last of the recipes that was on my "pantry challenge" list from December and January. And how fitting that I'm making it on the last day of January! I had the chicken thighs in the freezer and knew I wanted to use them in the slow cooker … [Read more...]
Mushroom Quinoa Pilaf
When I was in Atlanta I bought 8 lbs of organic quinoa for $20. That's about half the price of what I've paid for it before at Whole Foods. I try to get some whenever I'm down in that area (closest store is in Cincy) and whenever I can squeeze it into the budget. In the past, we have enjoyed the following quinoa meals... Red Quinoa with Avocado, Black Beans and … [Read more...]
Kasha Turkey Chili
I found a box of Kasha in the pantry alongside the other grains when I was rummaging through the pantry on Friday. I'd purchased this a while back and tried a recipe...and didn't like it at all! But I thought I'd give it another chance. You know...let it redeem itself! +There was a recipe on the back of the box for a Kasha Chili. But I wanted to add some protein for my … [Read more...]
Spinach and Tomato Stuffed Chicken Breasts
Spinach and Tomato Stuffed Chicken is an easy weeknight dinner for your family! Oh please. Please. Please, for all that is good and right in this world. Please, make these. When I asked for spinach recipes last week, I had this one in the back of my mind to try as I asked. Last summer when on vacation with my family, I made for them a similar recipe that used sun dried … [Read more...]