Finally. A cooking demo that doesn't feature my 8 year old spanking himself, or a super fussy baby that has to sit on my lap while I cook... If y'all need budget gourmet, this is a meal for you. Get this one on your meal plan...ASAP. And before I get to the recipe, I must confess something. From the moment I say/yell (depending on the day and if they are outside!), … [Read more...]
Chili Pasta Bake
Our church is experiencing a flurry of new babies and I'm on the team that delivers meals to new mamas! I adore getting to see the tiny humans when I drop off the meal and I LOVE getting to serve new moms in this way. A few weeks ago, I had the privilege of taking a meal to a family I hadn't met who just had their first little girl...a fiery little red head. She was so sweet … [Read more...]
Roasted Garlic & Parmesan Noodles
Because sometimes spaghetti with meat sauce just gets old. Y'all. I love garlic. I love cooking with it and add it to anything that it makes sense to add to. Last year, when I was super-preggers with Cuatro, the entire family got the flu. I had had my flu shot so figured it wouldn't get it. After all 4 of my guys started to feel better, I was hit with it. I knew right … [Read more...]
Slow Cooker Pasta E Fagioli
This recipe is part of our 6th Costco Meal Plan: 20 Slow Cooker Freezer Packs from Costco for $150! Pasta E Fagioli. Or "Pasta and Beans" in Italiano. This is a delicious and simple twist on the classic Italian soup. PLEASE...pay close attention to the directions on when to add the pasta into the slow cooker. It's not when you think it is! :) Couple notes about this … [Read more...]
Slow Cooker Chili Mac
This recipe is part of our 6th Costco Meal Plan: 20 Slow Cooker Freezer Packs from Costco for $150! Stop. Before you go any further. YOU NEED TO READ THESE DIRECTIONS. (Ok, do I have your attention?) I don't want you to miss this. Do not. I repeat DO NOT. DON'T. DO.NOT. add the pasta when you start the slow cooker in the morning. It will turn to complete MUSH. … [Read more...]
Moroccan Homemade Hamburger Helper
The other day, I had a delicious lamb tagine. It was a lovingly made, braised dish that took the chef hours to prepare. Though I generally dislike lamb, the chef used Australian lamb (which is a bit less game) and added enough wonderful Moroccan flavours, that I thoroughly enjoyed the dish. Regardless of how delicious I found it, I knew that it would never appeal to my picky … [Read more...]
Pumpkin Pasta Casserole
This quick and easy recipe for Pumpkin Pasta Casserole is perfect for chilly, fall evenings. If you are a gardener, you may only have to buy 2 ingredients to make this recipe: pasta and cheese. If you aren't a gardener, it is still frugal as most of the produce is on sale right now. You can't taste the pumpkin in the casserole. It adds a natural sweetness, nutrients, … [Read more...]
Baked Mac & Cheese Balls
Have you ever had Baked Mac & Cheese Balls?! There's a small family owned restaurant near my house called Philly's. I am addicted to their mac & cheese bites and needed to find a way to make them at home because Philly's isn't open 24/7. I also try to bake instead of fry and these mac & cheese balls are perfect. I suppose they are supposed to be for an appetizer or … [Read more...]
Zucchini Meatballs
Summer is upon us. (Maybe, I did see a ton of sweater and coat comments in my FB feed over the weekend from my friends up north.) One of the things that I love about summer is the fresh produce, farmer's market and being able to get great prices on fruits and veggies throughout the summer. One veggie in particular is usually easy to find at super low prices...zucchini. Zucchini … [Read more...]
Chicken and Broccoli Alfredo Lasagna
From Alea: My daughter says we "speed date" food because I love playing with ingredients and am constantly creating new recipes. My family becomes attached to certain recipes and wants me to make the same things over and over and over again. My daughter says that asking for spaghetti twice in one month is not asking for the same thing over and over again. :) It feels like it to … [Read more...]