Last week I was craving minestrone soup, but many of the vegetables that I use in it are not in season. Buying imported, out of season veggies would have greatly increased the cost of the dish, so I decided to replace them with something that is always in season: tortellini! :) I reduced the cost of this soup, by using homemade chicken broth. I also used dry beans that I … [Read more...]
Spaghetti Frittata
Do you ever end up with just a couple handfuls of spaghetti noodles?! And you don't know what to do with them?! Several weeks ago the boys had MRIs. It happens every year. This year, they asked if I thought Ryan could do the MRI without sedation. He would have the chance to watch a movie through the "magic googles" and would get to wear heavy headphones to both hear the … [Read more...]
Sharon’s Vegetarian Lasagna
An easy peasy vegetarian lasagna! Sharon's Vegetarian Lasagna Prince Lasagna Noodles $1.99Bag of Shredded Mozzarella Cheese (8 oz.) $1.993 T. Parmesan Cheese .24 cents1 egg .13 centsRicotta cheese (15 oz) $2.39Can of plain tomato sauce (28 oz.) $1.192 organic carrots (grated) .19 centsOregano, basic and garlic powder (from the pantry)1 Loaf of Italian … [Read more...]
Rigatoni with Grilled Chicken and Dried Tomatoes
Seriously I have had enough. Winter started way too early this past November. And it continues to drag on, with a tease of warm weather here and there. In a feeble attempt to pretend that it may in fact be spring, or summer, I pulled out the tomatoes and basil that I dried, after having picked them from my garden last year. And for a few glorious minutes, I got to taste … [Read more...]
5 Ways to Make Homemade Macaroni and Cheese
Macaroni and Cheese...a kid favorite for sure! But why can't it be an adult favorite?! With just a little sprucing up, it sure can be! I remember my mom making "the blue box" and mixing in peas and tuna. It was the "all-american meal" back in the 80s. That...and chicken cordon bleu's from the freezer. Two meals that I am both fond of, but somehow disgusted by. (I do … [Read more...]
Italian Wedding Soup
Here is my version of Italian Wedding Soup. Simple. Delicious. So yeah. There's going to be a wedding this year. My sister's!!! I'm honored to stand beside her as the matron of honor, and I'm thrilled that Charlie gets to be a ring bearer! And there's going to be an Italian at the wedding. My sister's fiance is Italian. Dark headed, dark eyed with a last name that's … [Read more...]
Penne Pasta with Sweet Sausage and Basil Sauce
When I got home from Atlanta this week, I had to quickly jump back into reality. I came home to 6 piles of laundry that needed to be taken care of, a sink full of dishes, a weekend's worth of meals to be made (thankfully I'd already made 2 for next week!), and the prospect of having to regroup again for next week's trip to Chicago and Minneapolis! (I'd love to meet … [Read more...]
Slow Cooker Macaroni and Cheese
This Slow Cooker Macaroni & Cheese ranks right up there with premium comfort food. A great side for a New Year's Day meal. Okay, I confess. We even have this easy recipe as the main course on busy weeknights or for Sunday dinner. It's a dressier version of the boxed kind. Homemade macaroni and cheese for the seven of us. A highly requested family … [Read more...]
Baked Garlic Rosemary Chicken with Sherry-Simmered Carrots
Looking for something to spruce up your holiday side dishes and meal?!? Might I suggest adding a splash (or a cup!) of Holland House cooking wines to your marinade, or a splash of Holland House vinegars to a homemade salad dressing. Make your home merry this holiday season with the delicious flavors of Holland House Wine for Cooking and Premium Vinegars. They will … [Read more...]
Slow Cooker Beef and Vegetable Soup
Takes 10 minutes to brown the beef. In that 10 minutes, you can get everything else ready for the soup. And then 6.5 hours later, your meal is ready! So simple, so quick, so delicious!!! (For when you're tired of turkey and you need some beef!) Slow Cooker Beef and Vegetable Soup Ingredients 1.25 lb. ground chuck ($2.23) On sale for $1.79/lb 1/2 onion, … [Read more...]