Is anyone cooking out there???

Well, since no one has posted in a while... I can safely assume that we are all eating out, or maybe just eating pb&j's for dinner. :)

I have a few recipes that I will share to get you out of your eating rut... I mean really, how many pb&j's can you have???

First is My Breakfast Burrito. I know some might scoff at having breakfast for dinner, so you have my complete permission to use this recipe for breakfast.

For my family of four you will need....

1 dozen eggs (don't freak out.. I use the whites for half of the recipe)
Favorite Breakfast meat (i.e. bacon, ham, sausage) We use ham.
1 cup of shredded cheese (we use cheddar)
1 package of frozen potatoes (you can use anything.. tater tots, hash browns, country style... the point being a potato that doesn't need a ton of cooking)
Tortillas

Options...
Salsa, sour cream, your choice of veggies (we use tomatoes and broccoli on a good day!!)

So, first I separate my eggs ( 6 whole, and 6 whites) into a bowl. I try to cut back where I can, so I can add yummy stuff later. I add salt and pepper and a dash of milk or cream and scramble to your family's likes. At the same time, I pop the potatoes (we use the tater tots)in a hot oven to crisp up. When the eggs are just about done I add about a cup of diced ham just to warm through.

Then you can assemble how you like. My husband and I like the potatoes inside the tortilla, but the kiddos don't, so I just make up the burritos to each person specifications. It is really fast and easy and yummy. I also try to serve with fresh fruit.. so it balances things out a little bit. :)


And I want you to know that I did take pictures, but I have misplaced them.. so here is a stock photo that looks every bit as good as mine. Yes, it does... stop saying that it doesn't!!


Ok... my next dinner is Baked Chicken Parmesean (but shhhh, my son hates Parmesean cheese.. but doesn't even know it is in here!!)
Oh.. and this dinner will feed 6-8 people

1 package frozen chicken breasts (Trader Joes's $5.99)
2 cups favorite seasoned bread crumbs (or just toast some bread and throw it in the food processor)
1 cup Parmesean cheese, grated
1 can favorite tomato sauce
1 package of spaghetti
1 cup shredded mozarella cheese

Options... French Bread, and salad. :)

So, I use the frozen chicken because it is easier. I rinse it off (still frozen) so the bread crumbs will stick without having to use egg and flour and all that mess! If you didn't use seasoned bread crumbs, I would advise adding some salt, pepper, and garlic to your breadcrumbs. Then you just press the crumbs into your chicken and put in on a baking sheet. Bake at 350 for about 45 minutes. Meanwhile, cook your spaghetti noodles. When the chicken is done, take a little bit of sauce and spoon it over the chicken and then sprinkle with the mozarella. Put it back in the oven just until the cheese is melted.

Then you just plate it up. The picture below is my hubby's portion and he had salad, which I didn't take a picture of. I know... don't write to me about how many carbs are in that there meal!! Just eat up!:)

As promised.. tonight's dinner.

Recipe for Tostadas...

1 package flour tortillas (you can use corn as they are cheaper, but I am allergic so we have to go with flour)
1 lb. ground meat (we use turkey)
1 28oz can of refried beans (we use No fat Rosarita)
1 Tbsp. each garlic, cumin, and chili powder.
Salt and pepper to taste
Optionals... any taco filling your family loves...

So, I start by browning the meat and spices in a skillet. You can certainly use the taco seasoning from the store.. but I don't like all the preservatives they add, so I came up with this combo of spices that taste very similar. When browned, add entire can of beans. You will also need to add a little water to get everything mixed up. This is the base for your tostada. It shouldn't be too thick.. it needs to be spreadable.

While this is going on, heat a little bit of oil (not olive..)in a skillet and turn to medium high. If you prefer not to crisp up your tortillas, you can call it Burrito night, assemble and be done, but my family looooves the crispies.... :) I just brown on both sides, drain, and assemble with our fave ingredients. We like lettuce, tomato, avocado, cheese, sour cream, salsa and olives. I put everything in little bowls because not every ingredient is liked by every person. Anything goes for your family... And, yes, I did take pictures tonight!!! :)




ETA... I have 2 more things to say about this filling... 1. I use it to fill a small tortilla, heat it up, and wrap it in foil for my son's lunchbox!! He luurves it! And 2. I heat it up with some cheese and use it for a kick-booty bean dip!! :) Happy eating.

Tolson's Dinner Menu

Well, I realize that I am also overlapping the Kaya's menu, but wanted to post a few recipes for next week before I forget. And.. Todd's mom and I are splitting the dinner duties, so I don't usually have to plan for a whole week. This week, I am in charge of 3 meals, so I will give you the info for that. Also, when I am cooking, I have to make enough for 7 people usually, but I will cut the recipe down to 4 people... well 2 adults, and 2 elementary kiddos...

Sunday - Cheryl's night
Monday Dinner was Guacamole Burgers with Terra Chips (under $8)
Tuesday Dinner was Pan Seared Turkey Cutlets with Mashed Potatoes and Garlic Green Beans (under $8)
Wednesday Dinner is Tostadas - posting recipe and pictures tonight! (under $9)
Thursday - Cheryl's night
Friday - Cheryl's night

Recipe for Burgers-
1 1b. ground beef (I use ground Turkey for me)
1-2 ripe avocadoes
salt
pepper
garlic
1 package hamburger buns
Options... cheese for burgers
tomato, onion and lettuce for buns
1 package Terra Chips (TJ's has the best price)

Form the meat into patties. Season with spices.. grill. Pretty easy!
Scoop out the insides of the avocado. Mash with garlic, salt, pepper and a dash of lemon juice. (btw.. if you don't have lemon juice, a spoonful of sour cream, plain yogurt, or mayo makes the guacamole a little tangy and creamy!!)

Spread one side of bun with guacamole, top with optional ingredients and enjoy. I make my children choose one veggie.. either the lettuce (and I use good green lettuce) or tomato.. sometimes they pick both. I like the Terra chips because they are baked, and they are made out of root veggies, so it is a little healthier. :) Mine didn't look quite this good.. but it was close.


Recipe for Turkey Cutlets- (Mashed potatoes are soo personal, so I won't give you that recipe)
1 package boneless, skinless turkey cutlets (I like Trader Joe's version)
Poultry Seasoning, Garlic, Salt and Pepper
1 box Chicken Stock (You can use Turkey stock.. but it is hard to find)
1 package frozen green beans
Butter and flour (for thickening)

So, the trick with these cutlets is to sear them quickly, and get them out of the pan after about 2 minutes on each side. Don't worry, they will cook again in the gravy. I season both sides with the spices and pan sear them (high heat). Then I set them aside and cover so I can make my gravy.
Add 2 Tbsp. of butter to the turkey pan (bring heat down to medium). This will bring up all the bits of turkey flavor and will make your gravy delish!! When that is melted, add 2 Tbsp. of flour and mix together. This makes a roux, which is what thickens your sauce. When the roux has cooked a minute, add about half of the box of stock and whisk together. When this comes up to a bubble.. you will have gravy! Add your turkey back in and let cook a few more minutes on medium. Serve with the mashed potatoes!!

And for my green beans... I just steam them in a little water, drain them, and then add a bit of butter (or butter substitute) and garlic salt! Works for my family. :) And... btw.. I didn't take pictures of the burgers or the turkey.. this is Rachael Ray's picture.. but you get the idea! :)