So pork tenderloins were on super sale last week. So I bought one...with the intention of cutting it in half to use for 2 meals. I'd originally thought I would make 2 different meals, but as I was mixing this recipe up...I was completely overcome with the smells of the cranberry sauce and the many holiday memories that came with it. I got out another apple and another can of … [Read more...]
Butternut Squash Chili
It's always risky experimenting with recipes when you have guests over for dinner. But it's also good...in that you get great feedback. Good or bad. And this chili...only good feedback :) We had our family join us for dinner last weekend and this is what I made. I can't not purchase butternut squash at the store each week because they are so inexpensive. So easy to cook … [Read more...]
Chorizo-Apple Stuffed Acorn Squash
Every now and again I happen upon a recipe that sounds all fancy-schmancy, but can certainly be made for under $5. Take this recipe for example. Stuffed acorn squash. Chorizo. Sounds gourmet. It is. But it isn't. But it is. The end result is gourmet, the process and the price tag are not! The process is simple...cook the chorizo and mix in some rice and diced … [Read more...]
Ginger, Sweet Potato and Bean Soup
I know sweet potatoes and beans combined with Asian seasonings sounds like a crazy combination. You are just going to have to trust me on this. This soup is seriously delicious! It is also fast and easy to make, filling, and frugal. I pulled this soup together in under 20 minutes. I was able to do that because I had cooked rice on hand. If you don't have … [Read more...]
Mushroom Quinoa Casserole
Our family loves quinoa. I have photographic evidence of my 18-month-old trying to lick his bowl clean. A bowl that was filled with one of our favorite quinoa meals. I love that it's filled with protein, that it's gluten free and that you always leave the dinner table satisfied. This dish is a perfect weeknight meal, great as a main or side dish for company, as well as a … [Read more...]
Allergy-Free Roasted Potato Chunks
This is such a fantastic, remarkably simple side dish free of just about everything. It's perfect for a very restricted diet! This recipe yields 2-3 servings, so feel free to double it and put the potatoes in a 13x9 rather than the suggested 8x8. Roasted Potato Chunks These are the PERFECT side dish! 1 medium sweet potato (chopped into 1 inch pieces)1 large … [Read more...]
Chicken and Summer Squash Skillet
The inspiration for this recipe is extreme fatigue. My family was craving a home-cooked meal and I really wanted to make them one. I went so far as to plan on making garlic chicken and sauteed squash. But as I started cutting up squash in preparation for dinner, I began to wonder if I could get away with combining the ingredients from the two recipes and quickly cooking the … [Read more...]
Potato-Mushroom Smothered Pork Chops
I'd really like to call this a one-dish dinner. But I'm not going to. I could. But I won't, because I can't. Because yes, the second step in the process involves cooking all the food together in one dish. But there's a first step that involves 2 other pans. One for the potatoes, another for the mushrooms and onions. So too many dishes to justify not calling it … [Read more...]
Pumpkin Spice Baked Oatmeal
So we've had a handful of "brisk" mornings here in San Antonio. And by "brisk," I mean the temp has dropped below 70. Which must mean fall is here because I've seen a number of people out wearing sweatshirts. Or my blood is already starting to thin out some, because it's really not that cool?! While it may feel warm outside still, it's starting to feel like fall as we … [Read more...]
Roasted Butternut Squash with Crunchy Caramelized Onions
Butternut squash...I feel like it is my mission in life to not only help others spend less on groceries, but also to know what to do with the groceries when they buy them. As autumn approaches, the prices of fall fruits and vegetables plummet. At our house, we do our best to take advantage of these savings by bringing more variety to our diet and eating seasonally. My … [Read more...]