New spin on Cobb Salads...serve it wedge style! I love fresh salads during the summer, especially when some, or all of the ingredients are coming out of my garden. (Or down the street from the local farmer's market!) There's just something primitive about eating foods that you grew, or you know who grew them, and where they were grown. There's a comfort to this primitive … [Read more...]
Slow Cooker Vegetables Feed the Larger Family
As we head into the summer months, my beloved slow cooker switches into high gear. See, I try and avoid using the oven if at all possible, so the slow cooker gets a lot of use. We all know you can save money and feed many by serving garden vegetables. One way I save is by having veggie night once a week. And sometimes the slow cooker helps me out. All I do is rinse and slice … [Read more...]
Crunchy Parmesan Spaghetti
Spaghetti noodles. With a little crunch. Served warm or cooled. I'm loving these noodles as a side dish this summer. They are the perfect compliment to grilled chicken, steaks and/or shrimp "on the barbie", and grilled pork chops. It's uber simple...instead of tossing with marinara or meat sauce, you toss the cooked noodles with a mixture of bread crumbs and grated … [Read more...]
Cinco Layer Dip Recipe
Seven Layer Dip just got a little skinnier and a little cheaper for Cinco de Mayo! As tradition dictates, parties for Cinco de Mayo happen all over the country to celebrate Mexican heritage and pride. This year at our house, we'll be celebrating with cinco layers and not seven. Overall, it's the traditional Seven Layer Dip, minus the olives and tomatoes. I've removed … [Read more...]
Roasted Red Cabbage with Homemade Ranch Dressing
Not only is it pretty, but I'm pretty sure you are going to fall in love with this Roasted Red Cabbage like we did! Cabbage may be one of those veggies that you see on sale throughout the summer, but you're not sure what to do with it. Besides making cole slaw, of course! I ran across these roasted cabbage wedges from Martha, but decided that they would be … [Read more...]
Batch Cooking: Biscuits
Few things in my stretching-the-budget and filling-tummies career have made as big a difference as biscuits. Do you remember how much the canned variety costs? Oh, I dearly love the convenience. But I don’t like paying for it. Especially when I have to get so many cans to feed the seven of us. And that’s where batch cooking homemade biscuits comes in. But here’s the trick. … [Read more...]
Parmesan Garlic Knots
Today I'm going to tell you about an amazing side that I've discovered. If you like garlic bread with your pasta, you are going love Parmesan Garlic Knots. If you get the generic biscuits in a can from Wal-mart, even if they aren't on sale they are $1.25 for 40 so you'll have plenty! And it will keep practically any pasta dish under $10 for your family! And the good thing is … [Read more...]
Loaded Mashed Potato Casserole
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...]