I always make too many mashed potatoes for Thanksgiving dinner. I assume everybody will want to eat as large of a serving of mashed potatoes as I do. Shockingly, that is not the case and I am left with a bowl of leftover mashed potatoes. I don't mind though because that means I have enough mashed potatoes to make Loaded Mashed Potato Casserole. This is a fast and easy way to … [Read more...]
Triple Squash Soup Recipe
There's something about pureed soups filled with the flavors of fall that warms my tummy and soul. I remember the first time I had homemade butternut squash soup. It was many years ago, and I remember thinking that my stepfather was nuts for going through the extra step of pureeing. It seemed like a bit much to do. You may think a pureed soup requires a lot of work, but it … [Read more...]
Sharon’s Macaroni Casserole
My 18 year old son created this recipe when there wasn't much left in the pantry and fridge...those are always the best. It turned out great and is a favorite with my teens! It is easy to make and feeds a crowd. This recipe uses American cheese, however, shredded cheddar or mozzarella would work even better. But you can use whatever kind of cheese you have on hand. … [Read more...]
Mexican Rice
I don't know about you, but I absolutely adore the lovely rice you get on the side at a Mexican restaurant. Tex Mex is the name of the game. After much trial and error I think I've finally recreated a recipe that's really close to what you'll find in a local restaurant. This rice pairs perfectly with any sort of Mexican dish and is super simple and cheap to put together. It's … [Read more...]
Roasted Broccoli with Golden Raisins and Peanuts
Broccoli Raisin Salad. Quite possibly my favorite "cold vegetable" salad. When thinking about trying a new way to fix broccoli, I kept going back to my favorite cold version of broccoli raisin salad. But it didn't sound right as I thought about it. Maybe it's the chili weather, or mourning the loss of summer (yes, I am in mourning. Not a winter person here.), or all the … [Read more...]
Balsamic Tomatoes with Feta and Fresh Herbs
This could be my most favorite flavor combination from this summer. From the bold balsamic to the tangy feta to the sweet basil and the perfect taste of vine ripened tomatoes. It's so raw. And fresh. And delicious! A few weeks ago (before the squirrels took over), I made this recipe with the striped tigerella tomatoes...a new variety for me this year, thanks to my friend … [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...]
Mediterranean Quinoa
It's we're on a bit of a quinoa roll these days! I have a number of recipes on One Dish Dinners using quinoa (with another coming next week!), Lisa shared her Cilantro-Lime Quinoa last week and we've made a number of different quinoa recipes here on $5 Dinners! If you haven't heard of quinoa (keen-wa), it's a gluten free grain from Peru that is gaining popularity quickly … [Read more...]
Fried Green Tomatoes
Sliced, dipped, dredged and fried tomatoes equal a plateful of delights as the showcase of veggie night. It’s an annual treat. I make fried green tomatoes maybe twice a summer. Veggie plate night, of course being a frugal way to feed our hodgepodge. And fried green tomatoes, of course being a way to liven things up a bit. I explained to the children that fried green … [Read more...]
Caesar Romaine Wedge Salad
So I have been racking my brain, trying to figure out what to do with this week's Grow. Eat. $ave. post about lettuce. I feel like I've been eating or talking about salads for weeks. (See Strawberry Spinach Salad, Asian Spinach Salad with Mandarins, plus I've been making lots of the salad dressings that are in my Breakfast and Lunch Cookbook over the past 2 months!) But I … [Read more...]