I love how fast stir-frys come together. Broccoli and Beef is one of my favorite dishes, but I avoided making it for years because I thought the recipe involved too many steps for an easy stir-fry dinner. The recipe I was given by a friend involved cooking the meat in oil, steaming the veggies, cooking both in a marinade and then adding a sauce - just not going to … [Read more...]
Enchilada Stuffed Pasta Shells
My oldest child was born while my husband was deployed in the first gulf war. Our squadron's support group organized dinners for me every night until my husband returned 4 weeks later. But that is not all. Whoever brought me dinner packed a lunch for me to enjoy the next day. Seriously. I have been paying that amazing gift forward for the last 20 years. One of my favorite … [Read more...]
What to Make When…Ground Beef
It's time for another version of "what to make when." Every several weeks ground beef, ground chuck and ground round will go on sale, ranging from $1.49/lb to $2.99/lb...depending on the type. I prefer ground chuck and stock up when it's on sale for $1.99/lb, but will also pick up ground beef when it hits the $1.49/lb sale mark. Ground round doesn't usually go on sale for … [Read more...]
Shredded Beef Sandwiches with Red Cabbage and Apple Slaw
Right now in SW Ohio, we are entering what my friend Jenny has dubbed "hormonal weather" season. It's the high, low, warm weather tease one day, snow flurries the next. HOT FLASHES. That's what these warm weather teases are y'all. Weather hot flashes. One day there's a dusting of snow on the ground and the next we are swinging at the park in our t-shirts. It's during … [Read more...]
Beef, Red Cabbage and Kale Stew
Is Kale one of those items in the produce department that you walk right by...not even giving it a second glance?! Mainly because you are not sure what to do with it?! Well, first off...it can be used to turn smoothies green. And second, it does beautifully in soups and stews. It's packed with vitamins, minerals and nutrients, and makes … [Read more...]
Spanish Stew – Vintage Recipe
The other day the lovely Beth from The Natural Mommy (who incidentally is "in real life - IRL" friends with some of my IRL friends...which makes us virtually IRL friends. We are totally virtual friends, but as far as I'm concerned we are IRL friends, even though we haven't met. Follow that?!) tweeted that I never post anything nasty here on the site. I'm often asked that...what … [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...]
Goulash on Mashed Red Potatoes
This meal was a group effort, if you will. We made this at grandma's last week. We don't normally stay at grandma's house for days at a time, but when it's 50 degrees in your house and you have no heat or power...you have to move into grandma's. So we did. I brought the beef, red onion and tomatoes from home. I stole borrowed used some paprika from grandma's … [Read more...]
Spicy Southern Chili with Bread Bowls
It's been years since I've had chili in a bread bowl. Maybe even a decade worth of years. I'd forgotten how amazingly delicious the bottom of the bread bowl tastes, after it's had time to soak up all the chili juices. A perfect warm your tummy meal! First up. The Chili Bread Bowls Made with, yes, chili powder in the dough! The dough has a lovely orange … [Read more...]
5 Ways to Make Meatballs
Up next in the "5 Ways" series...meatballs! These are another versatile food that do really well with "mixing and matching!" Here are a few options for your meatballs... 1. Herbed Meatballs 2. Spinach Meatballs 3. Asian or Sweet and Sour Meatballs 4. BBQ Meatballs in the Slow Cooker 5. Meatball Subs OK...here's a question for you! How many eggs do you … [Read more...]