Monday, October 15, 2012

Meal Planner Monday

When you read this menu, you may ask yourself, "Self, why does this girl use so much butternut squash?" To that question I have to reply, it's because it's in season! Did you know that one of  the best ways to cut costs on your grocery bill is to eat in season?  Why yes, it is!! Some other Fall Vegetables is season can be found on this nifty website: HERE! Keep this in mind when you are planning your own meals! You'll be glad you did!

Mini Roasted Vegetable Burritos Recipe
Prep Time: 20 min  Total Time: 35 min  Serves: 8

INGREDIENTS
    • $1.99-  8(6-inch) soft flour tortillas
    • 50¢-  1/2 small onion sliced thin
    • $1.50-  1 small red bell pepper, seeded, cored and sliced
    • $1.00-  1 small green bell pepper, seeded, cored and sliced
    • 80¢-  1 cup Spanish or white rice, cooked, kept warm
    • $1.25-  1 cup shredded white Cheddar cheese
    • 30¢-  1/4 cup sour cream
    • 0-  olive oil, for drizzling
    • 0-  Salt and pepper, for seasoning
    • 30¢-  1 teaspoon cumin
    • hot sauce optional
Total: $7.64


INSTRUCTIONS

    1. Preheat the oven to 400 degrees.
    2. Place the sliced onions and peppers on a sheet pan and lightly toss with olive oil, cumin and salt and pepper. Place in the oven a roast until soft and lightly caramelized (browned on the edges). About 10 minutes.
    3. Evenly distribute the rice and cheese in the center of each tortilla.
    4. Evenly distribute the roasted peppers and onions on top of the rice and cheese. Top with sour cream and a dash of hot sauce.
    5. Fold the top and bottom of each tortilla in towards the middle. Then roll to form mini burritos.

Black Bean and Butternut Squash Quesadillas

Prep Time: 25 min  Total Time: 35 min  Serves: 4
INGREDIENTS
    • $1.99-  8 whole Burrito-sized Flour Tortillas
    • $2.00-  1 cup Butternut Squash Puree (Get a small Butternut squash and cook it in a little water for 15-20 minutes over medium heat, until squishy)
    • $2.50-  2 cups Colby Jack Cheese
    • $1.00-  1 can (15 Oz. Size) Black Beans
    • $1.00-  1 cup Medium Salsa
  • Total: $8.49


INSTRUCTIONS

    1. Spray a large griddle or skillet with cooking spray and heat over medium heat.
    2. Working in batches as necessary, place one tortilla on the griddle and spread with 1/4 cup squash. Sprinkle with 1/4 cup cheese. Add a quarter of the black beans and drizzle with about 3 tablespoons of salsa. Top with another 1/4 cup cheese and finish with another tortilla.
    3. Heat 5 minutes per side or until browned and crispy as desired. Repeat with remaining tortillas. Transfer to a plate and use a pizza cutter to slice into wedges. Serve hot with sour cream, avocado, and lime.

Skillet Gnocchi with Chard & White Beans

Prep Time: 30 min  Total Time: 30 min  Serves: 6

INGREDIENTS

    • 20¢-  1 tablespoon plus 1 teaspoon extra-virgin olive oil, divided
    • $2.99-  1 16-ounce package shelf-stable gnocchi, (see Tip)
    • 60¢-  1 medium yellow onion, thinly sliced
    • 12¢-   4 cloves garlic, minced
    • 0-  1/2 cup water
    • $2.99-  6 cups chopped chard leaves, (about 1 small bunch) or spinach
    • $1.39-  1 15-ounce can diced tomatoes with Italian seasonings
    • 79¢-  1 15-ounce can white beans, rinsed
    • 0-  1/4 teaspoon freshly ground pepper
    • $1.25-  1/2 cup shredded part-skim mozzarella cheese
    • $1.00- 1/4 cup finely shredded Parmesan cheese
    • Total: $11.33

INSTRUCTIONS

    1. Heat 1 tablespoon oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium heat. Add gnocchi and cook, stirring often, until plumped and starting to brown, 5 to 7 minutes. Transfer to a bowl.
    2. Add the remaining 1 teaspoon oil and onion to the pan and cook, stirring, over medium heat, for 2 minutes. Stir in garlic and water. Cover and cook until the onion is soft, 4 to 6 minutes. Add chard (or spinach) and cook, stirring, until starting to wilt, 1 to 2 minutes. Stir in tomatoes, beans and pepper and bring to a simmer. Stir in the gnocchi and sprinkle with mozzarella and Parmesan. Cover and cook until the cheese is melted and the sauce is bubbling, about 3 minutes.
  • Sausage, Pumpkin and Arborio Soup

    Prep Time: 10 min  Total Time: 55 min  Serves: 6

    INGREDIENTS

      • 35¢-  2 tablespoons EVOO, plus more for drizzling
      • $4.99- 1 pound bulk Italian sweet sausage with fennel
      • 12¢-  3 to 4 cloves garlic, chopped
      • $1.09-  1 onion, chopped
      • 0-  1 large bay leaf
      • $2.00- 1 butternut squash or small pumpkin (2 pounds), peeled and cut into 3/4-inch dice
      • 0-  Kosher salt and freshly ground pepper
      • 0-  Freshly grated nutmeg
      • $1.79 ($3.59 a pack)- 6 cups chicken stock (Short cut- buy Knorr Homestyle Chicken stock, it's like getting a Four cartons for a fraction of the price!)
      • $1.28-  2 cups half-and-half
      • $1.13-  1 small bunch kale, stemmed and chopped
      • $1.20-  3/4 cup Arborio rice
      • 0-  A few fresh sage leaves, torn
      • $1.00- Shaved Parmigiano-Reggiano, for serving
    • Total: $14.95


    INSTRUCTIONS

      1. Heat the EVOO in a soup pot or large Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the sausage and cook, crumbling it with a wooden spoon, until browned. Add the garlic and onions and cook until soft, about 5 minutes. Add the bay leaf and squash and season with salt, pepper and a little nutmeg. Stir in the stock and half-and-half and bring to a boil. Reduce the heat to medium and add the kale. Simmer until the squash is tender, about 20 minutes. Add the rice and simmer until just tender, 18-20 minutes, stirring every 2 to 3 minutes. Stir in the sage. Ladle the soup into shallow bowls. Top with Parmigiano-Reggiano and a drizzle of EVOO. Cook's Note: The soup, without the rice, can be covered and refrigerated for a make-ahead meal. Add the rice before serving.
    • Broccoli Cheese Soup

      Prep Time: 10 min  Total Time: 30 min  Serves: 14

      INGREDIENTS

        • $1.00-  1 to 1/2 cups chopped onions
        • 21¢-  2 tablespoons butter
        • 0-  6 cups hot water
        • 36¢-  6 chicken bouillon cubes
        • 3¢-  1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
        • 50¢- 8 ounces uncooked pasta
        • 0-  2 teaspoons salt
        • $3.98-  2 crowns of fresh broccoli (can use 4-10 oz bags of frozen)
        • $1.92- 6 cups milk
        • $5.00-  1 pound process cheese (Velveeta), cubed
      • Total: $13.00


      INSTRUCTIONS

        1. In a Dutch oven or soup kettle, saute onion in butter until tender. Add the water, bouillon and garlic powder; bring to a boil. Stir until bouillon is dissolved. Add pasta and salt; cook and stir for 3 minutes.
        2. Add broccoli; cook and stir for 3-4 minutes or until pasta is tender. Add milk and cheese; cook and stir over low heat until cheese is melted. Yield: 12-16 servings (4 quarts).
      • Roasted Apple and Butternut Galette

        Prep Time: 25 min  Total Time: 1 hour  Serves: 4


        INGREDIENTS

          • $2.00-  3 cups Diced Butternut Squash (peeled, Seeded, And Cut Into 3/4-inch Cubes - 3 Cups Is About 1/2 Of A Medium Squash)
          • $2.00-  2 whole Large, sweet apples (NOT GRANNY SMITH!!) Peeled,  Cored And Diced Into 3/4-inch Cubes
          • $1.00-  1 whole Medium Onion, Halved, Then Sliced Thinly
          • 7¢- 2 Tablespoons Canola Oil
          • 70¢-  2 Tablespoons Pure Maple Syrup (can substitue with the less expensive Agave Nectar)
          • 1¢-  1/2 teaspoons Djion Mustard
          • $3.00- 1 whole Prepared Pie Crust Dough, Enough For One Crust
          • $1.50- 1/2 cups Fresh Parmesan Or Pecorino-Romano Cheese Shavings, For Garnish
          • 25¢- 1 whole Egg, Beaten, Optional Egg Wash For Crust
        • Total: $10.53


        INSTRUCTIONS

          1. Preheat oven to 425 degrees F.
          2. Place prepared squash, apples, and onion onto a rimmed cookie sheet. Toss with the oil, then spread them out in a single layer. Roast in the center of the oven until everything is tender and beginning to turn golden (and even darker) in spots, about 35-40 minutes. Remove from the oven and let it cool until room temperature. TIP: You can do this a day ahead of time. Simply store the roasted bits in the fridge, covered, until ready to use.
          3. Preheat (or reduce temperature) to 375 degrees F.
          4. Whisk together the maple syrup and the mustard in a small bowl. Set aside.
          5. Roll out pie crust dough into a circle, roughly 12 inches across. Transfer to a clean, rimmed baking sheet. Spread the roasted vegetables onto the dough circle evenly, leaving a 2-inch border all around. Brush the maple-mustard mixture onto the vegetables. Fold the dough edges toward the center, sealing any cracks or rips. You should have a rustic-looking free-form pie.
          6. Bake in the center of the oven for about 25 minutes, until the crust is golden brown. Let it sit for 10 minutes or so before slicing. (It stays together better that way). Cut into slices and sprinkle some Parmesan shavings over top.
          7. Serves 4.
          8. Notes: 1. You could also use frozen butternut squash chunks if you like. I would thaw them first and drain any excess moisture before roasting. 2. You could also whisk an egg and brush it around the edges of the pie crust. That helps it to brown more beautifully.
        Grand Total: $65.94

        Shopping List

        Mini Roasted Vegetable Burritos Recipe

        4 (6-inch) soft flour tortillas
        1/2 small onion sliced thin
        1 small red bell pepper, seeded, cored and sliced
        1 small green bell pepper, seeded, cored and sliced
        3/4 cup Spanish or white rice, cooked, kept warm
        1 cup shredded white Cheddar cheese
        1/4 cup sour cream
        olive oil, for drizzling
        1 teaspoon cumin
        hot sauce

        Black Bean and Butternut Squash Quesadillas

        8 whole Burrito-sized Flour Tortillas
        1 cup Butternut Squash Puree
        2 cups Colby Jack Cheese
        1 can (15 Oz. Size) Black Beans
        1 cup Medium Salsa

        Skillet Gnocchi with Chard & White Beans

        1 tablespoon plus 1 teaspoon extra-virgin olive oil, divided
        1 16-ounce package shelf-stable gnocchi, (see Tip)
        1 medium yellow onion, thinly sliced
        4 cloves garlic, minced
        6 cups chopped chard leaves, (about 1 small bunch) or spinach
        1 15-ounce can diced tomatoes with Italian seasonings
        1 15-ounce can white beans, rinsed
        1/4 teaspoon freshly ground pepper
        1/2 cup shredded part-skim mozzarella cheese
        1/4 cup finely shredded Parmesan cheese

        Sausage, Pumpkin and Arborio Soup

        2 tablespoons EVOO, plus more for drizzling
        1 pound bulk Italian sweet sausage with fennel
        3 to 4 cloves garlic, chopped
        1 onion, chopped
        1 large bay leaf
        1 butternut squash or small pumpkin (2 pounds), peeled and cut into 3/4-inch dice
        Kosher salt and freshly ground pepper
        Freshly grated nutmeg
        1/2 pack knorr chicken stock (makes 7 cups stock)
        2 cups half-and-half
        1 small bunch kale, stemmed and chopped
        3/4 cup Arborio rice
        Shaved Parmigiano-Reggiano, for serving

        Broccoli Cheese Soup

        1 to 1/2 cups chopped onions
        2 tablespoons butter
        6 chicken bouillon cubes
        1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
        8 ounces uncooked pasta
        2 crowns broccoli, chopped
        6 cups milk
        1 pound process cheese (Velveeta), cubed

        Roasted Apple and Butternut Galette

        3 cups Diced Butternut Squash (peeled, Seeded, And Cut Into 3/4-inch Cubes - 3 Cups Is About 1/2 Of A Medium Squash)
        2 whole Large, Cored And Diced Into 3/4-inch Cubes (DON'T GET GRANNY SMITH!)
        1 whole Medium Onion, Halved, Then Sliced Thinly
        2 Tablespoons Canola Oil
        2 Tablespoons Pure Maple Syrup or Agave Nectar
        1/2 teaspoons Djion Mustard
        1 whole Prepared Pie Crust Dough, Enough For One Crust
        1/2 cups Fresh Parmesan Or Pecorino-Romano Cheese Shavings, For Garnish
        1 whole Egg, Beaten, Optional Egg Wash For Crust


Wednesday, October 10, 2012

Sharpie Lampshade

I didn't really know how to title this post. I imagine it conjures up pictures of lampshades made of actual Sharpie pens. No, this isn't that. It's just another use of the magical, wonderful, multi-purpose Sharpie!

Inspiration for this project came from a very  unlikely place. It almost shames me to admit this... all right, I'm going to share an embarrassing secret; I watch Good Luck Charlie with my kids and I actually like it! There. That feels better! It's in watching this silly show that I spotted a lamp that I loved and wanted to have for my own.

This is a terrible picture and it doesn't give do the darn lamp justice, but it's all I've got!!
I guess it's a little like this:

How to make a Hand Drawn Lamp Shade

To make this lampshade you need a few tools:

Scissors
Tape
Sharpie
Lamp Shade

First I found a suitable pattern online.  The lampshade I'm using is square and only 7 inches high by 10 inches long at it's widest point. I simply created a template that was 8x11 inches.

I measured and cut out the shape of each side of my lampshade.

Next I fit the patterns on the inside of the lamp shade, printed side up against the shade and I traced with my sharpie.


I did this one panel at a time  until all four side were finished and Voilà! A floral print lamp shade. Eat that Good Luck Charlie- Just Kidding.. I like you!!



Monday, October 8, 2012

Meal Planner Monday

Uggg! Today is one of those days; three hundred appointments, four kids to lug around and to top things off, I can't find my car keys!! I need to take a deep breath and hopefully the rest of the day will go smoothly with little fighting!

Gosh, I'm such a Debbie Downer today!! I better just leave you with your meal planner!!


Meal 1


Easy Potato Tacos Recipe 

(Not that easy, but worth it!)

Prep Time: 30 min    Total Time: 1 hr 20 min     Serves 6

INGREDIENTS

  • For the potatoes

    • $2.00-  1 1/2 pounds red potatoes
    • 75¢-  1 poblano chile, roasted, peeled, seeded and minced
    • 35¢-  2 tablespoons olive oil
    • 42¢-  4 tablespoons butter
    • 60¢-  1 Spanish onion, sliced
    • 2¢-  1 tablespoon sugar
    • 8¢-  tablespoon red wine vinegar
    • 89¢-  1 jalapeno, seeds and stem discarded, minced (optional)
    • 15¢-  1 tablespoon roasted garlic (roast a few cloves yourself)
    • $2.50- 1 cup Manchego cheese, grated (Fiesta Cheese works well)
    • $1.00- 1 cup cabbage, finely shredded
    • Kosher salt and freshly ground black paper to taste
  • For the taco shells

    • $1.99- 8 6-inch corn tortillas
    • canola oil, for frying
  • Total: $10.75


INSTRUCTIONS

    1. Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Place the potatoes in a roasting pan in the oven for 1 hour, until tender when pierced with a knife (during the last 20 minutes, throw olive oil-drenched garlic in the pan to roast.) Cool until they are manageable, then peel them, discarding the skins.
    2. Combine 1 tablespoon olive oil and 1 tablespoon butter in a medium skillet and set over medium-high heat. Add the onion and sauté for about a minute. Add the sugar and the vinegar and continue to sauté for about 4 minutes, until the onions begin to caramelize and are completely soft.
    3. Add the jalapeño and continue to sauté 1 more minute. Remove from the heat and reserve.
    4. Add the remaining tablespoon of oil to a sauté pan and sauté the cabbage until it wilts, about 2 minutes. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
    5. Mash the potatoes with the roasted garlic and remaining butter. While the potatoes are still hot, stir in the cheese, onion, poblano and the cabbage. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
    6. Pour enough oil in a 10-inch sauté pan to a little more than cover the bottom of the pan. Get the oil hot over a medium-high heat. When it is hot place a tortilla shell in the pan and let it crisp for about 5 seconds.
    7. With a tongs flip the tortilla over to cook the other side (about 5 more seconds). This softens the shells just enough.
    8. Now with the tongs flip it over again, bend the tortilla into a taco shape and hold for 7 seconds. When it is crisp turn it over to crisp the other side for about 7 seconds.
    9. Place a generous amount of potato filling in each tortilla and serve with your favorite salsa.

Meal 2

Loaded Potato & Buffalo Chicken Casserole

Prep Time: 30 min    Total Time: 1 hr 5 min   Serves: 6

INGREDIENTS
    • 93¢- 1/3 cups Olive Oil
    • 0¢-  1 to 1/2 teaspoon Salt
    • 47¢-  1 Tablespoon Freshly Ground Pepper
    • 75¢-  1 Tablespoon Paprika
    • 85¢-  2 Tablespoons Garlic Powder
    • 60¢-  6 Tablespoons Hot Sauce
    • $2.40-  10 whole Medium Potatoes, Cut Into 1/2-inch Cubes (I Leave The Skin On)
    • $7.50-  1.5 pounds Boneless Skinless Chicken Breasts, Cut Into 1/2-inch Cubes
    • $2.50-  2 cups Fiesta Blend Cheese Or A Mix Of Cheddar & Monterey Jack
    • $1.00-  1 cup Diced Green Onion
    • $3.99-  1 cup Cooked And Crumbled Bacon
  • Total: $20.99


INSTRUCTIONS

    1. Preheat oven to 500 F. This is not a typo, 500 F is correct! Coat a 9 x 13 inch baking dish with non-stick baking spray and set it aside.
    2. In a large bowl mix together the olive oil, salt, pepper, paprika, garlic powder and hot sauce. Add the cubed potatoes and stir to coat.
    3. Carefully scoop the potatoes into the prepared baking dish, leaving behind as much of the olive oil/hot sauce mix as possible. Bake the potatoes for 45-50 minutes, stirring every 10-15 minutes, until cooked through and crispy and browned on the outside.
    4. While the potatoes are cooking, add the cubed chicken to the bowl with the leftover olive oil/hot sauce mix and stir to coat. Put it into the refrigerator to marinate until the potatoes are ready.
    5. Once the potatoes are fully cooked, remove them from the oven and lower the oven temperature to 400 F. Top the cooked potatoes with the raw marinated chicken.
    6. In a bowl mix together the cheese, bacon and green onion and top the raw chicken with the cheese mix. Return the casserole to the oven and bake for 15 minutes or until the chicken is cooked through and the topping is bubbly delicious.
    7. Serve with extra hot sauce and/or ranch dressing.

Meal 3

Butternut Squash Lasagna

Active Time: 1 hr 40 mins  Serves: 8-10

INGREDIENTS
    • 12¢-  1 tablespoon olive oil
    • $2.00-  1 (1 1/2- to 2-pound) butternut squash, peeled, seeded, cut into 1-inch cubes
    • 0-  Salt and freshly ground black pepper
    • 0-  1/2 cup water
    • 10¢-  3 amaretti cookies, crumbled
    • 42¢-  1/4 cup butter
    • 6¢-  1/4 cup flour
    • $1.12-  3 1/2 cups whole milk
    • $3.49-  3/4 cup (lightly packed) fresh basil leaves
    • 0-  Pinch of nutmeg
    • $1.65- 12 no-boil lasagna noodles
    • $2.75- 2 1/2 cups shredded whole milk mozarella cheese
    • $2.00- 1/3 cup grated parmesan cheese
  • Total: $13.71


INSTRUCTIONS

    1. Heat the oil in a heavy large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the squash and toss to coat. Sprinkle with salt and pepper. Pour the water into the skillet, then cover and simmer over medium heat until the squash is tender, stirring occasionally, about 20 minutes. Cool slightly, then transfer the squash to a food processor. Add the amaretti cookies and blend until smooth. Season the squash puree to taste with more salt and pepper.
    2. Melt the butter in a heavy medium saucepan over medium heat. Add the flour and whisk for 1 minute. Gradually whisk in the milk. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat. Reduce the heat to medium and simmer until the sauce thickens slightly, whisking often, about 5 minutes. Whisk in the nutmeg. Cool slightly. Transfer half of the sauce to a blender. Add the basil and blend until smooth. Return the basil sauce to the sauce in the pan and stir to blend. Season the sauce with salt and pepper.
    3. Position the rack in the center of the oven and preheat to 375 degrees F. Lightly butter a 13x9x2-inch glass baking dish. Spread 3/4 cup of the sauce over the prepared baking dish. Spread one third of the squash puree over 3 lasagna noodles. Arrange noodles, puree side up, atop the sauce (the noodles will expand as they bake). Sprinkle with 1/2 cup of mozzarella cheese. Drizzle 1/2 cup of sauce over the noodles. Repeat layering 3 more times.
    4. Tightly cover the baking dish with foil and bake the lasagna for 40 minutes. Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella and parmesan cheeses over the lasagna. Continue baking uncovered until the sauce bubbles and the top is golden, 15 minutes longer. Let the lasagna stand for 15 minutes before serving.

Meal 4

Brown Butter Garden Veggie Skillet

Prep Time: 35 min   Total Time: 10 min   Serves: 4-5

                                                                                    INGREDIENTS
    • $1.79-  2 cups Whole Wheat Pasta , Such As Rigatoni
    • 35¢-  2 Tablespoons Olive Oil
    • 99¢-  1 whole Small Red Onion, Diced
    • 60¢-  1 whole Zucchini, Chopped
    • $1.00-  2 ears Fresh Corn, Cut From The Cob
    • $3.49- 1 cup Grape Or Cherry Tomatoes
    • 0- 1/2 teaspoons Salt
    • 0- 1/2 teaspoons Pepper
    • 42¢-  4 Tablespoons Unsalted Butter
    •  $2.50-  2  cups Italian blend cheese
    •                                                                                     Fresh Parsley, For Garnish
  • Total: $11.14


INSTRUCTIONS

    1. Preheat oven to 400ºF. Prepare water for pasta and bring to a boil. Once boiling, add pasta to cook. Drain when finished.
    2. While pasta is cooking, heat a large oven-safe skillet oven medium-low heat. Add in olive oil, then add in onions, zucchini, corn and tomatoes with salt and pepper, stirring to coat. Cook for 10-15 minutes, tossing occasionally, while softened.
    3. While pasta and vegetables are cooking, heat a small saucepan oven medium heat. Add in butter and whisk constantly, stirring until bubbly and brown bits appear on the bottom, about 5-6 minutes. Remove and set aside.
    4. Turn off heat under vegetables and add in pasta. Drizzle in brown butter and add in Parmesan, stirring well to coat. Top with Provolone, then place in the oven and cook for 10 minutes, just until cheese is melted. Remove and serve immediately, garnishing with parsley and extra cheese if desired.

Meal 5

Stuffed Pepper Soup

Prep Time: 5 mins  Total Time:  40 mins   Serves:  6

                                                                                    INGREDIENTS
    • 80¢-  3 cups cooked brown rice (1 cup uncooked rice)
    • $3.99-  12 oz.  boca crumbles (looks like brown beef, but it's not!)
    • 89¢-  1/2 cup chopped green bell pepper
    • $1.00-  1/2 cup chopped red bell pepper
    • 60¢- 1 cup finely diced onion
    • 15¢- 3 cloves garlic, chopped
    • $2.78-  2 cans (14.5 oz each) cans petite diced tomatoes
    • $1.50-  1 3/4 cups tomato sauce (I used Francesco Rinaldi Sweet and Tasty Tomato)
    • $1.09- 2 cups reduced sodium, fat-free chicken broth
    • 0- 1/2 tsp dried marjoram
    • 0- salt and fresh pepper to taste
  • Total: $12.80


INSTRUCTIONS

    1. In a large pot or dutch oven, brown ground meat on high heat and season with salt. Drain fat if any, reduce heat to medium-low, then add peppers, onions and garlic. Cook about 5 minutes on low heat.
    2. Add tomatoes, tomato sauce, chicken broth, marjoram and season with salt and pepper to taste. Cover and simmer on low heat for 30 minutes. Serve about 1 1/3 cups of soup in each bowl and top with 1/2 cup cooked brown rice.

Meal 6

Lighter General Tso's Chicken

Prep Time: 45 min    Total Time: 45 min    Serves: 4

 INGREDIENTS
    • $1.00-  1 1/4 cups long-grain brown rice
    • 20¢- 1/4 cup cornstarch
    • $3.99- 1 pound snow peas, trimmed and halved crosswise
    • 15¢-  4 garlic cloves, sliced
    • 32¢-  2 teaspoons fresh ginger, grated and peeled
    • 9¢-  3 tablespoons light-brown sugar
    • 20¢-  2 tablespoons soy sauce
    • 16¢- 1/2 teaspoon red-pepper flakes
    • 50¢-  2 large egg whites
    • 0- Coarse salt and ground pepper
    • $4.99- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch pieces
    • 10¢-  2 tablespoons vegetable oil, such as safflower
  • Total: $11.70


INSTRUCTIONS

    1. Cook rice according to package instructions. Meanwhile, in a large bowl, stir together 1 tablespoon cornstarch and 1/2 cup cold water until smooth. Add snow peas, garlic, ginger, sugar, soy sauce, and red-pepper flakes; toss to combine, and set aside.
    2. In another bowl, whisk together egg whites, remaining 3 tablespoons cornstarch, 1/2 teaspoon salt, and 1/4 teaspoon pepper. Add chicken, and toss to coat.
    3. In a large nonstick skillet, heat 1 tablespoon oil over medium-high. Lift half the chicken from egg-white mixture (shaking off excess), and add to skillet. Cook, turning occasionally, until golden, 6 to 8 minutes. Transfer to a plate; repeat with remaining oil and chicken, and set aside (reserve skillet).
    4. Add snow-pea mixture to skillet. Cover; cook until snow peas are tender and sauce has thickened, 3 to 5 minutes. Return chicken to skillet (with any juices); toss to coat. Serve with rice.
Grand Total: $81.09

Shopping List

Butternut Squash Lasagna

1 tablespoon olive oil
1 (1 1/2- to 2-pound) butternut squash, peeled, seeded, cut into 1-inch cubes
Salt and freshly ground black pepper
3 amaretti cookies, crumbled
1/4 cup butter
1/4 cup flour
3 1/2 cups whole milk
3/4 cup (lightly packed) fresh basil leaves
Pinch of nutmeg
12 no-boil lasagna noodles
2 1/2 cups shredded whole milk mozarella cheese
1/3 cup grated parmesan cheese

Loaded Potato & Buffalo Chicken Casserole

1/3 cups Olive Oil
1 to 1/2 teaspoon Salt
1 Tablespoon Freshly Ground Pepper
1 Tablespoon Paprika
2 Tablespoons Garlic Powder
6 Tablespoons Hot Sauce
10 whole Medium Potatoes, Cut Into 1/2-inch Cubes (I Leave The Skin On)
2 pounds Boneless Skinless Chicken Breasts, Cut Into 1/2-inch Cubes
2 cups Fiesta Blend Cheese Or A Mix Of Cheddar & Monterey Jack
1 cup Diced Green Onion
1 cup Cooked And Crumbled Bacon

Lighter General Tso's Chicken

1 1/4 cups long-grain brown rice
1/4 cup cornstarch
1 pound snow peas, trimmed and halved crosswise
4 garlic cloves, sliced
2 teaspoons fresh ginger, grated and peeled
3 tablespoons light-brown sugar
2 tablespoons soy sauce
1/2 teaspoon red-pepper flakes
2 large egg whites
Coarse salt and ground pepper
1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch pieces
2 tablespoons vegetable oil, such as safflower

Brown Butter Garden Veggie Skillet

2 cups Whole Wheat Pasta , Such As Rigatoni
2 Tablespoons Olive Oil
1 whole Small Red Onion, Diced
1 whole Zucchini, Chopped
2 ears Fresh Corn, Cut From The Cob
1 cup Grape Or Cherry Tomatoes
1/2 teaspoons Salt
1/2 teaspoons Pepper
4 Tablespoons Unsalted Butter
2 cups Italian blend cheese
Fresh Parsley, For Garnish

Easy Potato Tacos Recipe

1 1/2 pounds red potatoes
1 poblano chile, roasted, peeled, seeded and minced
2 tablespoons olive oil
4 tablespoons butter
1 Spanish onion, sliced
1 tablespoon sugar
1 tablespoon red wine vinegar
1 jalapeno, seeds and stem discarded, minced (optional)
1 tablespoon garlic(for roasting)
1 cup Fiesta Cheese cheese blend
1 cup cabbage, finely shredded
Kosher salt and freshly ground black paper to taste
8 6-inch corn tortillas
canola oil, for frying

Stuffed Pepper Soup

3 cups cooked brown rice
12 ounces BOCA Crumbles
1/2 cup chopped green bell pepper
1/2 cup chopped red bell pepper
1 cup finely diced onion
3 cloves garlic, chopped
2 cans (14.5 oz each) cans petite diced tomatoes
1 3/4 cups tomato sauce (try Francesco Rinaldi Sweet and Tasty Tomato)
2 cups reduced sodium, fat-free chicken broth
1/2 tsp dried marjoram
salt and fresh pepper to taste