Quick and Easy and CHEAP!!

I cook from scratch probably 95-99% of the time. But sometimes due to time or energy I will break open a box or cellophane wrap and zap something in the microwave. Not too often mind you, although with one particular product I find myself doing it more and more.

Wild Oats(AKA Henry's in SoCal) makes a yummy instant rice noodle soup! Thai Noodle Cart also makes one although it is over a dollar versus 59 cents for this one.

It is not quite filling enough to satisfy bigger hungers on it's own and a little plain, but I spruce it up a little by sauteing a bit of cabbage and onions in a little sesame oil and add to it.

If you're needing a little protein boost top with a scrambled egg and bean sprouts. Yum! This has been my lunch daily for this past week or more, I am hooked!(minus the egg)

A Courtship Made in Heaven

I am not a big fan of ice cream. I can take it or leave it and more often than not I leave it. It just doesn't do much for me.





One day because we had a coupon and I got the item for free or near free we bought this:

All I can say is YUM, YUM, YUM!! Now this is GOOD stuff!! Dove's Chocolate & Cherry Courtship. Try it, but I warn you it is addicting! And without a coupon quite expensive, but oh, so worth it!

More Potato Dishes!

For a person on a tight budget the potato should be your best friend! It is so versatile and quite tasty, not to mention affordable!

We love to bake them and top them with a cheese sauce and broccoli, or with last nights chili. Homemade oven fries topped with chili and cheese also makes a tasty meal!

One of my favorite potluck dishes to take is this one:

2 cups cheddar cheese, shredded

1 can cream of celery soup

1 can cream of mushroom soup

1 cup sour cream

1/4 cup butter

1 t. seasoned salt

1 t. garlic powder

1/2 t. pepper

about 5-6 large potatoes cooked & sliced

In sauce pan mix soups, sour cream, butter, and cheese and seasonings. Cook until smooth. Add potatoes and mix well. Add to grease baking dish and bake for 40-60 minutes at 350.

This works well as a side dish or even a main dish served with a salad and bread!

Another easy potato dish is to shred/grate your potatoes like making hash browns. Do the same to a zucchini. Press both together between paper towels to drain moisture/water. In a fry pan melt lots of butter and add the veggies in. Shape in the form of a patty and cook on both sides until crisp. Drain on paper towel and serve topped with chopped tomatoes, sliced green onion and just a touch of shredded mozzarella cheese. This is a favorite around here!

If you search this blog you will find more potato recipes for yummy soups, tasty casseroles and festive tacos. So buy a bulk bag and have a week or two of frugal, yummy, and easy to make meals!

The Tastiest Mac& Cheese

It seems most kids these days prefer the yucky processed mac & cheese in the blue box over moms home made rendition which is usually far healthier not to mention way tastier. Well, moms fear no more, I finally found a recipe even the pickiest of kids seem to enjoy! I have not had a complaint ever! I honestly don't see much different in this one than many others, but there must be something, cause even my kids eat it. Not only that, they BEG for it several nights a week!

I got this recipe from the Sara Snow show on TLC(one of the few reasons I miss my cable!!)

Mac & Cheese

I usually double this for my family of six and we get a few left overs for lunch the next day!

1 1/2 cups elbow macaroni

3 T butter

3 T flour

1/2 t salt

dash pepper

2 C grated cheddar cheese

2 cups milk

2-4 roma tomatoes sliced(to me this is a must for an adult friendly touch, but alas, two of my kiddos are tomato haters, so I don't get to add this touch as often as I like. Another idea I've heard of people trying is broccoli )

1 C bread crumbs(I use homemade, when I slice my fresh bread I save the crumbs in a freezer bag in the freezer, or when I have left over bread I fear wont get eaten quickly enough I run it through the food processor to create crumbs. Homemade crumbs really are so much tastier than store bought! If you're not making your own yet, I HIGHLY suggest you start...TODAY!)

Preheat oven to 350 degrees

Cook pasta until firm

Melt butter. Blend in flour. Whisk in milk.

Cook at medium heat until thick.

Add salt and pepper, and 1 1/2 cups of cheese.

Stir to melt.

Place cooked macaroni in greased baking dish.

Pour sauce in. Top with sliced tomatoes(or broccoli, or skip all together!)

Sprinkle with cheese and bread crumbs, bake for about 35 minutes. Start with lid on and then take it off for about the last 20 minutes.

I usually serve with Bush's Vegetarian Baked Beans and either salad or a green veggie! Enjoy!

Black Bean and Rice Casserole

With the economy just getting worse and worse daily we are back to a lot of rice and beans around here! The good news is that not only are grains and legumes still quite affordable, they don't have to be boring! Think beyond just a heap of rice with a spoon full of beans heaped on! Though we should be grateful if we have even that, as many do with much less or nothing at all!
This is yet another family favorite. It is good the first night with corn chips on the side or to scoop it all up with, and a great filler for burritos the next night or two!

1 can black beans rinsed and drained(or make your own from dried beans for even bigger savings!)

1 can (10 oz) diced tomatoes and green chilies, undrained

1 can (8 oz) tomato sauce

1 jar (8oz) picante sauce

2 cups cooked rice(I like to use brown, not only is it healthier, the texture works better in this recipe. The kids wont even notice, as it is covered well!)

1 cup sour cream

2 cups cheddar cheese, divided

In a bowl, combine the first four ingredients. Stir in the rice, sour cream and 1 cup of cheese. Transfer to a greased 13x9x2 inch baking dish. Sprinkle with the remaining cheese. Bake, uncovered, at 350 for 20 minutes or until the cheese is melted.

I usually double to have left overs for lunches and burritos. For a potluck you can add corn, olives or other yuumies to make it more special!

Yummy Fried Rice

I just found this recipe in a very old Prevention Cookbook I've had for ages. I don't know why I never saw/tried this one before. I just made it for lunch today and it was SO good!

2 cups long-grain white rice(I like Jasmine!)

1/4 cup veggie broth(it calls for sherry or chicken stock)

1 teaspoon canola oil

1 cup thinly sliced carrots

1 cup thinly sliced broccoli stems(I used the tops too!)

2 tablespoons fresh minced ginger(I skipped this one)

2 cloves minced garlic(I used 4!)

1 cup thinly sliced green cabbage

2 scallions, diagonally sliced(I used a brown onion)

1/4 cup water

1 tablespoon honey

2 teaspoons dark sesame oil

1/2 tsp ground red pepper(I used crushed)

1 teaspoon hoisin sauce(optional, but IMHO this is what made it so yummy!)

2 tablespoons soy sauce

Cook rice according to package directions.

Meanwhile in a no-stick skillet combine the sherry or broth and canola oil;bring to a boil over med-high heat. Add the carrots, broccoli, ginger, and garlic. Cook and stir for 5 minutes, or until carrots soften slightly. Add the cabbage and scallions. Cover and cook for 3 minutes. Transfer the veggies to a plate;cover to keep warm.

Add the water, honey, sesame oil, red pepper, and hoisin sauce to the skillet. Bring to a boil. Add the rice. Cook and stir for 3 minutes, or until hot. Add the veggies. Cook and stir for a minute. Add soy sauce and enjoy!!