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!:)

A New Recipe/Science Experiment!

Actually...I knew this recipe would work because I saw Paula Dean do it. I don't know her exact recipe. But I just wanted to use the concept anyway.

See this?

Wanna know what it is?

2 beaten eggs, 2tbsp diced onion, cut up ham, salt and pepper (or whatever you want)...in a ziploc bag.

Place in medium-large saucepan of boiling water.

Wait 7 Minutes

Take the bag out of the water


Place on a plate
Top with cheese
and enjoy a delicious, non greasy omelette!


I know it looks weird in the bag, but it looks nicer on the plate...and it was REALLY good!

Another recipe from the Tolson's kitchen

1 package Italian Sausage
5-6 potatoes (we used red-skinned potatoes..but you could use any kind)
1 small onion
1 bag of frozen broccoli
1 cup of baby carrots
A few pats of butter

This recipe is pretty easy. First, cut up all the veggies (except the broccoli) and place in a baking dish. Drizzle with olive oil and season with salt and pepper. Place in a 400 degree oven for about an hour. Meanwhile, take your sausage and place in a skillet with an inch of water. This allows the sausage to cook longer without burning. When the water has evaporated, turn and brown on all sides. Also, place the broccoli in a microwave safe bowl and defrost it while everything else is cooking.

Above is my favorite chicken sausage from TJ's of course!!

When the sausage is done, remove and slice. Add a little bit of butter into the skillet to pick up all of the browned sausage bits. (Don't skip this step... this is what makes everything come together) Reserve until veggies are done. When everything is cooked, toss it all together in the veggie pan and drizzle with the butter sauce from the skillet. Basically it is a deconstructed casserole that you put back together at the end. My entire family loves this meal (with the exception of my husband with the broccoli...he just picks it out)

We usually serve this with whole wheat rolls, and the beauty of this recipe is that you can really use any veggies and brands of sausage that you want! Enjoy!

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! :)

Kaya's Dinner Menu

Since Lauren did such a fantabulous job getting this thing started I could not help but support her efforts in embracing the whole "domestic, stay home more and be responsible for some household affairs like feeding my family" thing. Hers will be a very hard act to follow. Here are a few disclaimers about my menu:

1. I'm starting the week on Sat. rather than Monday because I've already gone shopping for next week and I don't have anything else to serve this weekend. Sorry Lauren I know this overlaps your menu by two days

2. This week is kind of crazy because Rod is fasting on two of the days that we usually have a decent family meal.

3. One of the days I will be serving something from Lauren's menu because what would be the point of sharing with each other if we were not learning from one another. This meal also happens to be one of our weekly regulars adding meatballs and the only meal Rod will eat as a leftover so I will also be serving this as a leftover meal on one of the days.

4. I'M ON A FOOD BUDGET. I would say it's for Journey Up but truth be told I'm ALWAYS on a food budget so nothing new there. If you're looking for new ways to cook prime rib or any kind of steak for that matter you should look elsewhere. If you want to know how to feed your family for the week on $60.00 I'm your gal.

So, in considering all of the above good luck getting anything new out of our dinners this week. However, I will say if your anything like me and have problems being organized in this area I highly recommend you email Lauren and sign up for a week. As I type this ALL of my food shopping is done, my meals are planned and I know how much extra money I have to spend the rest of the week. This OCD lady is beyond happy. :) Here it is......

Saturday
Chinese 5 Spice Chicken
dessert: rootbeer floats

Sunday
Crockpot chessy chicken, rice and corn on the cob
dessert: brownies

Monday
Meatloaf, baby carrots and garlic mashed potatoes
dessert: brownies

Tuesday
small group
kids will be having mac n' cheese

Weds.
fasting
kids will be having pizza (not sure what vegetable I will toss in to lower mama guilt factor)

Thursday
Lauren's spaghetti
corn on the cob
dessert: trader joes blueberry ice cream

Friday
Leftover spaghetti
salad

Mid-Week Special

As I'm learning to be creative in cooking for my family, I had an itch this morning...while the kids were taking naps. I felt like baking something sweet, but not a cake... Something crunchy, but not a cookie. After looking in my cupboards 10 times over, and with the help of allrecipies.com, I decided to attempt cinnamon sugar biscotti. I've never tried to make biscotti, but I love it with coffee and it didn't seem too hard... the result??? Delicious, wonderful, easy. Definitely something I could make at least once a week!!


Perfect for dunking!









Cinnamon Sugar Biscotti is also known as the "Italian version of French Toast"!





The Recipe? Simple. You should have all of these ingredients in your kitchen!

INGREDIENTS

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 2/3 cup white sugar
• 6 tablespoons butter
• 1 egg
• 1 egg yolk
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 egg, beaten
• 
  
• 3 tablespoons white sugar
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

DIRECTIONS

1. Preheat oven to 325 degrees. Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
2. Sift together the flour, 1 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon, baking powder and salt, set aside. In a medium bowl, cream together the 2/3 cup sugar and butter. Beat in 1 egg, egg yolk and vanilla. Stir in the dry ingredients.
3. On a lightly floured surface, divide dough into two pieces. Roll each piece into a log about 9 inches long and 1 1/2 inches wide. Place logs on the prepared baking sheet and flatten slightly. Brush with the beaten egg.
4. Bake for 25 to 30 minutes in the preheated oven, until golden and firm to the touch. Cool for 15 minutes.
5. On a cutting board, slice each log crosswise at a diagonal into 1/2 inch slices, using a serrated knife. Place back on the baking sheet, cut side down, and sprinkle with a mixture of the remaining cinnamon and sugar. Return to the oven for an additional 15 to 20 minutes, until toasted. Cool on wire racks, and store in an airtight container.

Enjoy!