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 Gumbo with Iceberg Ranch Wedges
This dinner is inspired by a gumbo that my dad had for lunch when we were in Dallas last month. All I knew about gumbo was that people from LA made it. A lot. Call me "gumbo ignorant." I was. But no longer. Did a little research on Wiki...and learned quite a bit. Hop on over there and see how "gumbo savvy" you are! I digress. A simple soup. Err, gumbo! With a whole … [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...]
Mushroom Swiss Steak
I found in the freezer...6 eye of round steaks...that I bought back in early September. The beautiful part is that I bought 6 eye of round steaks for just over $2! They came in 2 packages, each with 3 steaks and each just over $2. I used a $2 coupon for Private Selection beef from a Kroger mailer. Can't beat 6 eye of round steaks for just over $2!!! I wanted to make a … [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...]
Cranberry Chicken and Rice
So this meal was pretty good. Came out a little on the bitter side, so I just sprinkled a little sugar over the cranberries on everyone's plate and we were all happy! So...you could add a little extra sweetener in before you bake it, or you could do as I did. It really was tasty...after it was properly sweetened. And boy am I glad that I froze some fresh produce from … [Read more...]
Lemon Pepper Chicken with Chili French Fries
Part Freezer-Part Pantry Meal I froze the chicken breasts in the marinade. I froze the broccoli when on sale. And I used up some potatoes from the pantry to make the fries. And who says seafood seasoning had to be used on seafood!!! Lemon Pepper Chicken with Chili French Fries This flavorful chicken pairs perfectly with fresh cut fries! 3 large … [Read more...]
Honey Ginger Salmon
Several times in 2009, I found fresh Atlantic salmon on sale for $2.99/lb...regularly $7.99/lb! This great deal never appeared on the front page of the store circular...but was hidden on the inside pages! I asked for a pound. Brought it home. Cut it into 4 4 oz. portions. Added the marinade. And froze. Saturday night, it went straight from the freezer to the oven to … [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...]
Chicken Zucchini Stew on Rice
Tonight's dinner is straight out of the freezer! From the freezer: 2 cups of shredded chicken, 1 container of chopped up summer veggies, about 2 cups of homemade chicken stock, and blanched broccoli. Toss into pot. Stir occasionally. Eat! Chicken Zucchini Stew on Rice A great way to use up extra veggies and leftover chicken! 2 tsp 2 tsp olive oil1 … [Read more...]