Frugal Monday Menu on a Wednesday | Lentil Salad

Sorry, I didn't get to post this on Monday, but I do want to share my lentil salad. It's cheap to make and yummy to eat.

I read recently where more people are turning to bean recipes for their low cost, but high protein value. It makes sense. Meat costs are skyrocketing and will probably keep going up, up, up. And then, of course, there the issue of too many hormones and if that's actually "beef" in the package.

Lentils are one of my favorite go-to beans. Unlike most legumes, it's cooks up fast, usually in about 20 to 25-minutes with a pre-soak. They also have a great meaty flavor (love that lentil soup). One of my favorite ways to use them is in a salad, either as a side dish or with the addition of a little cheese to create a main dish.

To start, measure out about a cup to a cup and a half a beans.

I spread them out on a baking pan first and then sort them them, picking out anything that looks bad. I then rinse them and add them to a pot with enough water to cover them by an inch or so.

Boil the lentils for about 20 to 25-minutes or until soft (but no mushy soft, you want a little bite). Also, don't add salt to the water. That toughens the beans. When they're done, rinse in cold water.

Add the lentils to a bowl and then add a variety of diced vegetable you like, such as cucumbers, onion, peppers, tomatoes, parsley or cilantro, olives (black or green).

Make a vinaigrette-style of dressing. I like to use a bit of Penseys' Greek Dressing mix to olive oil, vinegar and lemon juice (we like ours zingy so it's heavy on the vinegar and lemon).

Mix it up well and add a little cheese if you like. I like a salty, dry cheese like French Feta or Mexican Cotija. Serve it on a bed of lettuce and enjoy.

As for cost, I figure I spent about $5 to $6 on this. The lentils and veggies are pretty cheap, but the cheese -- what you buy and how much you use -- will be the difference in price. I usually use about 1/4 lb to 1/3 pound of cheese. Oh, and this actually makes a lot, so Hubby and I ate this for dinner and still had leftovers for a lunches for a couple of days. 

Do you have some favorite lentil recipes to share? I'd love to hear about them.

Till next time!

~Katherine

Sorry, I didn't get to post this on Monday, but I do want to share my lentil salad. It's cheap to make and yummy to eat.

I read recently where more people are turning to bean recipes for their low cost, but high protein value. It makes sense. Meat costs are skyrocketing and will probably keep going up, up, up. And then, of course, there the issue of too many hormones and if that's actually "beef" in the package.

Lentils are one of my favorite go-to beans. Unlike most legumes, it's cooks up fast, usually in about 20 to 25-minutes with a pre-soak. They also have a great meaty flavor (love that lentil soup). One of my favorite ways to use them is in a salad, either as a side dish or with the addition of a little cheese to create a main dish.

To start, measure out about a cup to a cup and a half a beans.

I spread them out on a baking pan first and then sort them them, picking out anything that looks bad. I then rinse them and add them to a pot with enough water to cover them by an inch or so.

Boil the lentils for about 20 to 25-minutes or until soft (but no mushy soft, you want a little bite). Also, don't add salt to the water. That toughens the beans. When they're done, rinse in cold water.

Add the lentils to a bowl and then add a variety of diced vegetable you like, such as cucumbers, onion, peppers, tomatoes, parsley or cilantro, olives (black or green).

Make a vinaigrette-style of dressing. I like to use a bit of Penseys' Greek Dressing mix to olive oil, vinegar and lemon juice (we like ours zingy so it's heavy on the vinegar and lemon).

Mix it up well and add a little cheese if you like. I like a salty, dry cheese like French Feta or Mexican Cotija. Serve it on a bed of lettuce and enjoy.

As for cost, I figure I spent about $5 to $6 on this. The lentils and veggies are pretty cheap, but the cheese -- what you buy and how much you use -- will be the difference in price. I usually use about 1/4 lb to 1/3 pound of cheese. Oh, and this actually makes a lot, so Hubby and I ate this for dinner and still had leftovers for a lunches for a couple of days. 

Do you have some favorite lentil recipes to share? I'd love to hear about them.

Till next time!

~Katherine

Frugal Monday Menu | Mama Mia Minestrone

 

I had all the right intentions, but life just got in the way yesterday. But that's okay, because any day is the right day for a frugal meal. 

Going meatless is a sure way to keep a meal within budget. In my family a favorite meatless meal is minestrone. I haven't figured it out yet, but my meat-loving guys love it! 

Minestrone is an Italian vegetable soup and is a great way to clean-out-the-fridge and makes an affordable meal. There are tons of recipes that use a variety of ingredients. Martha Stewart alone has a few variations including a Classic Style and her Autumn Minestrone (which seem mixed up to me because her Classic seems more Autumn and her Autumn feels more classic ??).

Most recipes have three constants: a tomato broth, beans and pasta. The differences come with the types of vegetables that are added. 

For me, it's was clean out refrigerator (and freezer) day which is good since Minestrone is also one of the recipes that doesn't need exact measurements. 

I started by sauteing a diced onion in some olive oil. I would have used celery, but that wasn't in the fridge. After the onion was softened I added diced carrot and sliced mushrooms. I cook those until the mushrooms were fairly soft. Then I added two small cans (14.5 oz ea) of diced tomatoes and three cans of water. I also added some dried herbs: basil, oregano, parsley and a couple shakes of hot red pepper flakes. Salt and pepper was also added.

While the soup simmered, I boiled a small pan of water and added a couple handfuls of Orecchiette pasta (those are those cute hat-shaped pasta). I always cook my pasta separate from the soup to keep it from getting gummy (the soup, that is). I also drained and rinsed a small can of cannellini beans (aka white kidney beans).

After the broth and veggies cooked for about 40 minutes, I added green beans and broccoli from the freezer (and I still haven't emptied those partial bags - UGG!) I cooked the soup for another 10 minutes or so and then added the beans and pasta. Five minutes later, it was ready to eat.

With the sprinkle of a little Parmesan cheese and French Bread, we called it dinner.

The bread was probably the most expensive part of the meal. In all, I have to say this was another less than $5.00 dinner. And my guys ate it up!

Do you have a go-to minestrone recipe or do you just wing it! I'd love to hear what you have to say!

Till later...

Katherine

 

I had all the right intentions, but life just got in the way yesterday. But that's okay, because any day is the right day for a frugal meal. 

Going meatless is a sure way to keep a meal within budget. In my family a favorite meatless meal is minestrone. I haven't figured it out yet, but my meat-loving guys love it! 

Minestrone is an Italian vegetable soup and is a great way to clean-out-the-fridge and makes an affordable meal. There are tons of recipes that use a variety of ingredients. Martha Stewart alone has a few variations including a Classic Style and her Autumn Minestrone (which seem mixed up to me because her Classic seems more Autumn and her Autumn feels more classic ??).

Most recipes have three constants: a tomato broth, beans and pasta. The differences come with the types of vegetables that are added. 

For me, it's was clean out refrigerator (and freezer) day which is good since Minestrone is also one of the recipes that doesn't need exact measurements. 

I started by sauteing a diced onion in some olive oil. I would have used celery, but that wasn't in the fridge. After the onion was softened I added diced carrot and sliced mushrooms. I cook those until the mushrooms were fairly soft. Then I added two small cans (14.5 oz ea) of diced tomatoes and three cans of water. I also added some dried herbs: basil, oregano, parsley and a couple shakes of hot red pepper flakes. Salt and pepper was also added.

While the soup simmered, I boiled a small pan of water and added a couple handfuls of Orecchiette pasta (those are those cute hat-shaped pasta). I always cook my pasta separate from the soup to keep it from getting gummy (the soup, that is). I also drained and rinsed a small can of cannellini beans (aka white kidney beans).

After the broth and veggies cooked for about 40 minutes, I added green beans and broccoli from the freezer (and I still haven't emptied those partial bags - UGG!) I cooked the soup for another 10 minutes or so and then added the beans and pasta. Five minutes later, it was ready to eat.

With the sprinkle of a little Parmesan cheese and French Bread, we called it dinner.

The bread was probably the most expensive part of the meal. In all, I have to say this was another less than $5.00 dinner. And my guys ate it up!

Do you have a go-to minestrone recipe or do you just wing it! I'd love to hear what you have to say!

Till later...

Katherine

A Dark, But Not So Gloomy Day

While it's not as cold as it has been, it has been wet and a wee bit chilly. Of course, not nearly as cold as our friends back east. I've been hunkered down by the fire and just when the sun comes out and I think I can let the fire die, the sun's gone and it's cold in here again! UGH!

Perfect day for cowboy beans.

I'm not sure why I call it cowboy beans. Maybe because it seems like something a pioneer woman would cook up (sans the crock pot). It's just dry pinto beans, bacon, onions, garlic, red pepper (sweet) and a couple dried chilies. It's starting to smell good, though.

Maggie Mae got me out of the house today for a couple of walks.

I never walk fast enough for her. Everything is dead and dry around here with so little rain. There aren't even any little bits of green spouting. Hubby told me the rain gauge said we got 1.5 inches out of this last rain. That's the most we've gotten at one time this whole season.

It's a dry, dry year, on the heels of several. Fire season is not going to be good this year.

After our second walk, I had to get back to work and finish some Squidoo lenses. I just wrapped up the  seventh one which makes an interesting niche -- alarm clocks. Did you know there are LOTS of types of alarm clocks -- for the elderly, that project on the ceiling, old fashioned Big Ben styles and my favorites, kids clocks. There are enough different styles of clocks that I could add a few more. Maybe I will, but I'm ready to go on to something else.

I'm still on my countdown. 15 more work days and I'm off. I don't know whether to start celebrating or panic!

Oh well, life goes on! And I hope yours is going well.

While it's not as cold as it has been, it has been wet and a wee bit chilly. Of course, not nearly as cold as our friends back east. I've been hunkered down by the fire and just when the sun comes out and I think I can let the fire die, the sun's gone and it's cold in here again! UGH!

Perfect day for cowboy beans.

I'm not sure why I call it cowboy beans. Maybe because it seems like something a pioneer woman would cook up (sans the crock pot). It's just dry pinto beans, bacon, onions, garlic, red pepper (sweet) and a couple dried chilies. It's starting to smell good, though.

Maggie Mae got me out of the house today for a couple of walks.

I never walk fast enough for her. Everything is dead and dry around here with so little rain. There aren't even any little bits of green spouting. Hubby told me the rain gauge said we got 1.5 inches out of this last rain. That's the most we've gotten at one time this whole season.

It's a dry, dry year, on the heels of several. Fire season is not going to be good this year.

After our second walk, I had to get back to work and finish some Squidoo lenses. I just wrapped up the  seventh one which makes an interesting niche -- alarm clocks. Did you know there are LOTS of types of alarm clocks -- for the elderly, that project on the ceiling, old fashioned Big Ben styles and my favorites, kids clocks. There are enough different styles of clocks that I could add a few more. Maybe I will, but I'm ready to go on to something else.

I'm still on my countdown. 15 more work days and I'm off. I don't know whether to start celebrating or panic!

Oh well, life goes on! And I hope yours is going well.

Cooking on a Cold Day

The weather's been weird. Warm enough to make the peaches think it's time to bloom.

But then it turns cold.

Brrrrr!

I've been hunkered down in the kitchen with the wood stove to keep warm (it's really doing a great job this winter, too). Between working on a new "project," which I'll show ya all in a few days, I was thinking about dinner.

Ground turkey was on the menu for today, but how should I use it? Chili... burgers... meatloaf! That's it!

My favorite recipe for turnkey meatloaf is from Ina Garten. She's the Barefoot Contessa and one of my favorite Food Network chefs. My hubby isn't a big meatloaf fan (thanks to his mother and her crunchy onions in ground beef recipe). This is the first of my many attempts at making meatloaf that he really loves. The boys love it, too.

It's a simple recipe and I've added my own touches to it. I've already put that info, plus a lot more about Ina, up on Squidoo, so rather than repeat myself, I'll just give you this link.

Yummy!

Thanks for stopping by,

The weather's been weird. Warm enough to make the peaches think it's time to bloom.

But then it turns cold.

Brrrrr!

I've been hunkered down in the kitchen with the wood stove to keep warm (it's really doing a great job this winter, too). Between working on a new "project," which I'll show ya all in a few days, I was thinking about dinner.

Ground turkey was on the menu for today, but how should I use it? Chili... burgers... meatloaf! That's it!

My favorite recipe for turnkey meatloaf is from Ina Garten. She's the Barefoot Contessa and one of my favorite Food Network chefs. My hubby isn't a big meatloaf fan (thanks to his mother and her crunchy onions in ground beef recipe). This is the first of my many attempts at making meatloaf that he really loves. The boys love it, too.

It's a simple recipe and I've added my own touches to it. I've already put that info, plus a lot more about Ina, up on Squidoo, so rather than repeat myself, I'll just give you this link.

Yummy!

Thanks for stopping by,

Canning Meat... Again!

It's seems about once a month I find myself canning meat. This time my local Vallarta market had pork cushion meat. They also call it tamale filling. I don't make tamales... yet, but I do like to take advantage of thrifty food finds. A few months back, I bought a pressure canner so I can put up meats, and vegetables that I grow in the garden. A pressure canner is an absolute must for low acid foods and while it's a bit pricey upfront, it pays for itself over time.

I'm making sure of that. So far I've canned chicken (breast and dark meat), beef cubes and pork cubes. If you're asking why I don't just freeze the meat, well, my freezer space is limited and right now it's filled up with a combination of raspberries (red and black), cherries (sweet & sour) and a couple full turkeys!

One of the reasons for canning is to save money on the food bill, but I also can to save time. I like the idea of grabbing a "good" can of food, warming it up and having it on the table in less than 20 minutes. And I've got the canning process down so it doesn't feel like it takes a lot of time. After the prepping I monitor the canning process while I'm working on the laptop in the kitchen. While I've canned just meat pieces so far, this time I wanted to try a meal in a jar. And therein lies my dilemma.What should I make with the pork?

My first thought was shredded pork and barbeque sauce for pulled pork sandwiches. Then I though shredded pork with onions, peppers and tomatoes for tacos. I flipped back and forth until I was totally flummoxed. I can usually make a decision, but this time around... I was at a loss! UGG!

So what did I finally do? Shredded pork in broth!

Not quite what I had in mind for a handy, ready meal on the shelf, but it will still works. Now I can add the barbeque sauce or taco seasoning to the already prepared meat and still save time. I can also use it for soups, casseroles or whatever else the muse suggests.

If you're interested in finding out more about how to use a pressure cooker to can meats, take a look at my Squidoo lens on canning meat.

It's seems about once a month I find myself canning meat. This time my local Vallarta market had pork cushion meat. They also call it tamale filling. I don't make tamales... yet, but I do like to take advantage of thrifty food finds. A few months back, I bought a pressure canner so I can put up meats, and vegetables that I grow in the garden. A pressure canner is an absolute must for low acid foods and while it's a bit pricey upfront, it pays for itself over time.

I'm making sure of that. So far I've canned chicken (breast and dark meat), beef cubes and pork cubes. If you're asking why I don't just freeze the meat, well, my freezer space is limited and right now it's filled up with a combination of raspberries (red and black), cherries (sweet & sour) and a couple full turkeys!

One of the reasons for canning is to save money on the food bill, but I also can to save time. I like the idea of grabbing a "good" can of food, warming it up and having it on the table in less than 20 minutes. And I've got the canning process down so it doesn't feel like it takes a lot of time. After the prepping I monitor the canning process while I'm working on the laptop in the kitchen. While I've canned just meat pieces so far, this time I wanted to try a meal in a jar. And therein lies my dilemma.What should I make with the pork?

My first thought was shredded pork and barbeque sauce for pulled pork sandwiches. Then I though shredded pork with onions, peppers and tomatoes for tacos. I flipped back and forth until I was totally flummoxed. I can usually make a decision, but this time around... I was at a loss! UGG!

So what did I finally do? Shredded pork in broth!

Not quite what I had in mind for a handy, ready meal on the shelf, but it will still works. Now I can add the barbeque sauce or taco seasoning to the already prepared meat and still save time. I can also use it for soups, casseroles or whatever else the muse suggests.

If you're interested in finding out more about how to use a pressure cooker to can meats, take a look at my Squidoo lens on canning meat.

Savoring Peach Pie

Every year about this time I'm flush with peaches. We have old trees, new trees and they put out a lot of peaches. Except this year. A late frost right after they started to bloom did them in. Only one small tree, tucked away in a sheltered spot, managed to produce peaches. Not many, but enough for one peach pie.

Luckily, I didn't screw it up and it turned out perfect. I used this peach pie recipe here, but without the cinnamon, sugar on top and lots more peaches. It was simply "peachy" and thoroughly enjoyed.

Here's hoping to a better peach crop next year because I have whole bunch of recipes and canning I'd like to try.

Linking to the Tuesday Garden Party at An Oregon Cottage

Every year about this time I'm flush with peaches. We have old trees, new trees and they put out a lot of peaches. Except this year. A late frost right after they started to bloom did them in. Only one small tree, tucked away in a sheltered spot, managed to produce peaches. Not many, but enough for one peach pie.

Luckily, I didn't screw it up and it turned out perfect. I used this peach pie recipe here, but without the cinnamon, sugar on top and lots more peaches. It was simply "peachy" and thoroughly enjoyed.

Here's hoping to a better peach crop next year because I have whole bunch of recipes and canning I'd like to try.

Linking to the Tuesday Garden Party at An Oregon Cottage

Fried Green Tomatoes Breakfast

The hubby reminded me this morning I had a few tomatoes to be picked out in the garden. While I was out there picking the ripe ones, a green one caught my eye. Hmm... how about a friend green tomato for breakfast?

My great grandmother and grandmother -- both from Arkansas -- made fried green tomatoes every summer while I was growing up. The hubby and kids don't get it. Oh well, their loss! Just means more for me ;).

Now my two Southern grandmothers would be appalled that I don't fix 'em right, but I think all that flour and cornmeal just gets in the way. I just like mine fried up in a little olive oil and butter with salt and pepper.

Yes, just right. Now that's the way to start your day.

Oh yeah... just right. I love the tangy, meaty flavor of the tomatoes.

I'm thinking maybe a fried green tomato lunch. How about you? Want to join?

These are the mornings I love. No rush (at least not too much) and a chance to doing something I haven't done in long, long while. When I was working at the "job," I would have grabbed a can of protein drink to slug down while I was make that hour long commute. Maybe my muse isn't so far away after all (at least I'm hoping she close by today because I have lots of product descriptions to write).

Enjoy your day, everyone!

Linking to:

Women Living Well
Wow Us Wednesday

The hubby reminded me this morning I had a few tomatoes to be picked out in the garden. While I was out there picking the ripe ones, a green one caught my eye. Hmm... how about a friend green tomato for breakfast?

My great grandmother and grandmother -- both from Arkansas -- made fried green tomatoes every summer while I was growing up. The hubby and kids don't get it. Oh well, their loss! Just means more for me ;).

Now my two Southern grandmothers would be appalled that I don't fix 'em right, but I think all that flour and cornmeal just gets in the way. I just like mine fried up in a little olive oil and butter with salt and pepper.

Yes, just right. Now that's the way to start your day.

Oh yeah... just right. I love the tangy, meaty flavor of the tomatoes.

I'm thinking maybe a fried green tomato lunch. How about you? Want to join?

These are the mornings I love. No rush (at least not too much) and a chance to doing something I haven't done in long, long while. When I was working at the "job," I would have grabbed a can of protein drink to slug down while I was make that hour long commute. Maybe my muse isn't so far away after all (at least I'm hoping she close by today because I have lots of product descriptions to write).

Enjoy your day, everyone!

Linking to:

Women Living Well
Wow Us Wednesday