A little over 3 years ago my life changed for the better. I was doing the dishes after having a meal similar to this one. And just like you'd see on a "ticker" on ESPN or FoxNews, the phrase "$5 Dinners" passed through my brain. Then it passed through again. And again. And it wasn't long before I was sitting at the computer to see if this concept had been launched in … [Read more...]
Southwest Wild Rice Pilaf
I've had some wild rice in my pantry for way too long...and it's time to use it up! I like wild rice...but not "all" wild rice. Meaning I don't like to eat just wild rice as a side dish...even when it's flavored well, cooked in stock, etc. It has a "harsh" taste, if you will. So when making this pilaf, I decided to do a combination of brown rice and wild rice...to "tame" the … [Read more...]
Slow Cooker Applesauce
When you "accidentally" pick 30 pounds of apples, you've got to do something...and do it quick! That's a whole lotta apples to process! One of the easiest things to do is make slow cooker applesauce. I intentionally picked a bunch of Golden Sup apples from the orchard because I knew they were a sweeter variety, and wouldn't require any sweetener to be a good applesauce. I … [Read more...]
Tomato Eggplant Frittata
As we head into this holiday weekend, I thought I'd leave you with a simple breakfast for dinner recipe. Or it would be perfect for breakfast this weekend, as you hang out with family and friends! This may in fact be the most flavorful frittata that I've ever made. This is not to put a damper on the other frittata recipes featured here or in my Breakfast and Lunch cookbook. … [Read more...]
Hearty Ham Breakfast Scramble
This breakfast is perfect for the mornings when you want something tasty but without much mess. As it's made in one pan and is super quick and simple, it fits the bill nicely. I think this would make a fantastic breakfast for dinner as well! The only top 8 allergen it contains is eggs! First we'll saute onion, garlic, and mushrooms until the mushrooms take on this … [Read more...]
Oven Roasted Garlic Green Beans
If vegetables could taste like candy, these might be the Reese's of all cooked vegetables. The oven roasting gives the green beans a bit of a caramelized flavor...and the boldness and sweetness from the roasted garlic...and it's almost like they are candied vegetables. Almost. (Even though that's a ridiculous claim, you have to try them and decide for yourself.) This … [Read more...]
Taking Food Allergies to School
In all of my stumblings about lunch and going back to school these past 2 weeks, I discovered this book, Taking Food Allergies to School. I'm intrigued and plan on ordering...as Ryan will be taking his lunch to school all next year. He will not be allowed to trade with others, for fear of him having something he shouldn't...and chances are, he will have to eat at an … [Read more...]
Peach Pie
One of my favorite summer things is glorious fruit. Peaches are in their glory right now and on sale for under $1 a pound. That tells me it's time to make pie! Fruit pies are such a simple and lovely allergy friendly dessert. Peach just so happens to be one of my favorites. Many people think that you need to have whipped cream, ice cream, or something similar for a slice of … [Read more...]
Chilled Summer Squash and Orzo Salad
Hello garden goodies! It's that time of year when the zukes, squash, and tomatoes and abundant in gardens across the land. And I've got the p.e.r.f.e.c.t recipe that will use them all up in one shot! There's just something about a chilled orzo salad during the summertime it just makes my tongue, my tummy and my heart happy! Orzo is the perfect size, texture and does … [Read more...]
Grilled Ratatouille
Ratatouille is one of the most frugal dishes in my repertoire. When my garden is in full swing the only ingredient I have to buy to make this dish is olive oil. As much as I like ratatouille, I must confess it has a couple of downsides. First, if I turn on the oven on a hot July day and only have vegetables to show for it, I will have a mutiny on my hands. Which brings me to … [Read more...]