Strawberry Spinach Salad

Found recipe here - http://allrecipes.com/recipe/strawberry-spinach-salad-i/

Even if you don't like spinach, everyone loves the strawberry spinach salad crumbled with feta and this is a tasty one!

• 2 tablespoons sesame seeds
• 1 tablespoon poppy seeds
• 1/2 cup white sugar
• 1/2 cup olive oil
• 1/4 cup distilled white vinegar
• 1/4 teaspoon paprika

• 1/4 teaspoonWorcestershire sauce
• 1 tablespoon minced onion
• 10 ounces fresh spinach - rinsed, dried and torn into bite-size pieces
• 1 quart strawberries - cleaned, hulled and sliced
• 1/4 cup almonds, blanched and slivered
  *feta cheese
  *candied walnuts (chop some walnuts, rinse them under hot water, sprinkle with powdered sugar, salt, and cayenne and cook lightly

1. In a medium bowl, whisk together the sesame seeds, poppy seeds, sugar, olive oil, vinegar, paprika, Worcestershire sauce and onion. Cover, and chill for one hour.
2. In a large bowl, combine the spinach, strawberries and almonds. Pour dressing over salad, and toss. Refrigerate 10 to 15 minutes before serving.

I've been in love with all of my new Pampered Chef tools and it has made cooking so fun! Strawberries went from awesome to Amazing! ;0) The core and more scoops the top off perfect and the egg slicer slices them into perfect thin even slices! I left out the sesame seeds, added candied walnuts and of course feta! My husband asked me to make more! which took me seconds to throw another batch together!

Greek Pizza

Found recipe here - http://allrecipes.com/recipe/greek-pizza-with-spinach-feta-and-olives/

I bought a big thing of feta at Costco and have been looking for recipes to use it!

pizza crust - there was a sale on Pillsbury pre-made crusts for $1.20 so I bought a bunch for those nights when you don't have time to make one. I think they actually taste pretty good and are so easy to use!

1/4 cup mayonnaise
2 cloves garlic
1/4 cup feta

1/4 cup oil-packed sun-dried tomatoes, coarsely chopped
1/8 cup olives
1/2 tsp dried oregano
1 cup baby spinach leaves
1/4 cup feta
1/4 small red onion, thinly sliced
*mozerella cheese

1. Adjust oven rack to lowest position, and heat oven to 450 degrees. Mix mayonnaise, garlic and feta in a small bowl. Place pizza crust on a cookie sheet; spread mayonnaise mixture over pizza, then top with tomatoes, olives and oregano. Bake until heated through and crisp, about 10 minutes.
2. Toss spinach and onion with the 1 Tb. sun-dried tomato oil. Top hot pizza with spinach mixture and remaining feta cheese. Return to oven and bake until cheese melts, about 2 minutes longer. 

I adjusted the recipe for us. We don't like olives, so left those out altogether. I chopped the spinach to sprinkle on top. I added mozerella cheese on top too (recipe actually calls for double the amount of feta). I just used fresh sliced tomatoes (though I did just order some sundried tomato seasoning from Pampered Chef I am excited to get!) and sprinkled it with some greek seasoning. I thought it turned out yummy and is a nice variation to add to the mix!

Vegetable Cheese Soup

We had this soup at a Relief Society activity awhile back and I've made it a few times since, it's good, but not the healthiest of soups. :)

I cut this recipe in half and it still makes a lot-

Cook till tender in 3 quarts water:

4 large sliced carrots

6 sticks celery with leaves chopped

1 large onion chopped

3 large potatoes diced

12 – 13 chicken bouillon cubes (I use McCormick’s chicken soup base – ½ tsp per cube)

Melt ¾ lb butter in different pan. Blend in well 1 ¼ cups flour and stir slowly into soup. Add 16 oz Cheese Whiz. May add some grated cheese also.

About 20 minutes before serving, add:

1pkg frozen broccoli or fresh broccoli

1 pkg frozen peas (I put in a can of corn instead)

Served great with bread bowls. This soup freezes well.

I never have cheese whiz. Sometimes I just use cheese and a little milk or sour cream, this time around I actually had some fake nacho cheese in a jar I put a little in. I top with shredded cheese, salt and pepper!

Black Bean Tacos

Black beans are my best friend. That is no surprise. So it mexican. So to combine the 2 gives you a great cheap, meatless, fast meal!

There was an awesome recipe I used from a book I got from the library, but I didn't have it and never wrote it down, so I used one found here - http://allrecipes.com/Recipe/black-bean-soft-tacos/detail.aspx It's definitely not as simple, but still yummy.

• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 tablespoon canola oil
• 2 cans black beans, rinsed and drained
• 1/2 can diced tomatoes with green chiles (I had 1/2 can in my fridge. You could use more if you wanted probably)
• 1 can diced green chilies
• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• 1 tablespoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/4 teaspoon pepper
• 8 (6 inch) flour tortillas, warmed
• 1/2 cup shredded reduced-fat Cheddar cheese
• 1 large ripe avocado, peeled and sliced (optional)

Directions

1. In a nonstick skillet, saute onion and garlic in oil until tender. Stir in the beans, tomatoes, chilies and seasonings. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat; simmer, uncovered, for 3-5 minutes or until mixture begins to thicken. Spoon about 1/2 cup off center on each tortilla; sprinkle with cheese. Fold one side of tortilla over filling. Garnish with avocado.

We ate ours on corn tortillas with sour cream!

Meatless and/or 5 Minute Meals

I'm getting around to tagging my recipes, but when I list my dinners for the month, I don't always include every one in it's own separate post if recipes are simple. Meatless is usually my 5 minute I don't feel like actually cooking meals. So if you're looking for those, you won't be able to see them if they aren't tagged in their individual posts. So... here is my list-

Sweet and Sour Rice w/ Veggies - basic recipe, leave out your chicken or meatballs

Tostadas-shell with refried beans, lettuce, cheese, tomatoes, etc

Spaghetti - pasta and red sauce

Pasta Alfredo - pasta and white sauce (use the packet when I don't feel like making it)

Baked Potatoes - I grew up on baked potatoes as a meal with some green beans or corn. Jack thinks he needs chili or sour cream and cheese on top. Whatever. It's still a very cheap meal however you do it.

Fish Sticks & Fries - no explanation really needed :)

Mac and Cheese - Kid Dinner if I'm not really hungry

Tuna Melts or Grilled Cheese - really, any kind of sandwich can do if it's one of those days

Pancakes -I usually like spam and toast with it if I'm doing it for dinner

French Toast, Omelets, lots of breakfasts are meatless so go with that!

My fake meatless foods-

(They actually have meat, but I still consider them cheap [which is why I mainly do meatless] if they're fake meats :)

french bread pizza - I usually put our lunch meat (ham) and pineapple on it. Of course, you can always make any pizza vegetarian style

Chicken Sandwiches - you know, the cheap patties on a hamburger bun. Toppings are endless, seriously so many varieties you can make!

Chicken Strips & Pasta-roni

hot dogs

chili dogs

pigs in a blanket

Taco Salad

Simple, fast, cheap meatless meal!

lettuce

black beans

corn

taco seasoning

cheese

salsa

corn chips

french dressing OR ranch dressing

Mix together, enjoy! :)

Tortellini Caesar Salad

I first had this several years ago and it's my go-to to impress whenever a salad is needed. :) I was hosting a play date lunch and used the leftovers for dinner with some yummy bread!

1 package of (9 ounces) frozen cheese tortellini
1/2 cup mayonnaise
1/4 cup milk
1/4 cup plus 1/3 cup shredded parmesan cheese,
divided
2 tablespoons lemon juice
2 garlic cloves, minced
8 cups torn romaine
1 cup seasoned croutons
halve cherry tomatoes, optional

cook tortellini according to package directions. Meanwhile, in a samll bowl, combine the mayo, milk, 1/4 cup parmesan cheese, lemonjuice and garlic; mix well. Drain tortellini and rinse in cold water; place in a large bowl. Add the romaine parmesan. Just before serving, drizzle with dressing and toss to coat. Top with croutons and tomatoes if desired.

And I love my garlic so usually put 5-6 garlic cloves instead, YUM!

Shake and Bake Potatoes

These were good, but not amazing. Probably won't make again. I'm looking to duplicate some I loved when I was younger. I may try adding some flour next time to make them more breaded. Anyway, I found recipe here - http://www.food.com/recipe/shake-and-bake-potatoes-13244

• 8 -10 small red potatoes, washed and cut into cubes
• paprika
• cumin
• dried basil
• dried oregano
• garlic powder
• ground cayenne pepper
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil or 2 tablespoons olive oil
• salt
• fresh ground pepper

Directions:

1. 1
   Mix the spices in a plastic bag, add the oil.
2. 2
   Place the potatoes in the bag and shake to coat.
3. 3
   Spray an aluminum foil covered baking sheet with "Pam".
4. 4
   Place potatoes on baking sheet.
5. 5
   Bake in a preheated 350°F oven for one hour.
   
   
   

Minestrone Soup

I know it's summer, but soups are always so easy and it's a cheap, meatless meal. I made some home baked bread to go along with it.

I used the recipe found here - http://allrecipes.com/Recipe/kens-minestrone-soup/detail.aspx

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 tablespoon minced garlic
• 1 onion, thinly sliced
• 2 large carrots, diced
• 1 (29 ounce) can Italian-style stewed tomatoes
• (I took a can of my garlic and onion diced tomatoes and pureed them in the blender since Jack doesn't like tomato chunks)
• 1 (15 ounce) can cannellini beans
• 1 (15 ounce) can kidney beans
• 1 (15 ounce) can green beans, drained
• tiny shell pasta
• 1/4 teaspoon dried parsley
• 1 pinch dried basil
• 1 pinch dried oregano
• 1 pinch Italian seasoning
• 2 bay leaves
• 2 tablespoons vegetarian chicken flavor seasoning
• 1 pinch cayenne pepper

Directions

1. In a large 4 to 5 quart saucepan, heat olive oil over medium heat. Mix in garlic, onion and carrots. Saute the vegetables until just tender; approximately 5 minutes.
2. Add tomatoes with juice, cannellini beans, and kidney beans to the saucepan. Fill each can with water, and add the water to the saucepan. Mix in green beans and pasta. Sprinkle parsley, basil, oregano, Italian seasoning, bay leaves, chicken-style seasoning, and cayenne pepper into the soup; stir well. Bring the soup to a boil, then reduce heat to simmer. Cover, and let simmer 30 minutes.

I go heavy on the seasonings (much more than a pinch) and add tiny shell pasta. I'm not sure how much (maybe 1/3 bag), but be aware it does expand quite a bit when it cooks. Also top with parmesan cheese-it makes this. This made A LOT, but it was good.

Potato Pepper Onion Skillet

I was proud of myself with this meal. Jack is the expert potato cook but I was in charge tonight since Jack was out late with his master's classes. There wasn't much to it, but the way I cooked my potatoes I followed here - http://southernfood.about.com/od/potatorecipes/r/r70529d.htm

• 2 to 3 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 1 large onion, quartered, thinly sliced
• 1 red bell pepper, diced
• 1 medium clove garlic, finely minced
• 6 medium red-skinned potatoes, cut in 1/2-inch dice
• 1 teaspoon ground paprika
• 1/2 to 1 teaspoon salt, or to taste
• Freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Preparation:

Heat oil in a large, heavy, nonstick skillet or electric skillet over medium heat. Add onion and sauté until tender. Add the red pepper and garlic and cook for 1 minute longer. Add the potatoes, paprika, about 1/2 teaspoon salt, and pepper. Cover and cook for about 10 to 15 minutes, or until potatoes are just tender. Uncover and increase heat to medium-high. Continue cooking for about 8 to 10 minutes, turning occasionally, until nicely browned.
Serves 4 to 6.

Like I said, I cooked the potatoes according to this order and added in my own seasonings until I reached what i liked. You'll love my measurements. :) I used red onion and added in green bell pepper too!

seasoning salt (a lot)

garlic (generous)

paprika (generous)

chili powder (little)

pepper (little)

dash of cayenne red pepper

onion powder

I also scrambled 2 eggs in (I think a must!)

Turned out delicious!

Southwestern Salad

Black beans, corn, and red onion have SO many uses it's unbelievable. There was nothing special to this salad, I served it with baked potatoes so it's another easy, meatless, cheap dinner. However, I will post the dressing I mixed up to serve atop.

Lettuce

Black beans

corn

red onion

monterey jack cheese

cherry tomatoes

Lime Vinaigrette

• 1/2 cup of chopped cilantro (I didn't have so simply left out and it still tasted good atop salad)
• 1/4 cup canola oil
• 1-2 tbsp fresh lime juice
• 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar OR red wine vinegar
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• 1/2 tsp oregano

Black Eyed Pea Salad

I've made this a couple times and it is a great healthy, light, super easy salad. I served it alongside some grilled tuna melts.

I found the recipe here - http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/neelys/black-eyed-pea-salad-recipe/index.html

Ingredients

• 1/2 large tomato, diced
• 1/4 medium red onion, finely chopped
• 1/2 small red bell pepper, finely chopped (didn't have)
• 1/2 jalapeno, finely chopped (never use)
• 1 tablespoon chopped green onions
• 1 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley leaves (or 1 tsp dried)
• 1/8 cup unseasoned rice wine vinegar
• 1/8 cup canola oil
• 14 teaspoon sugar
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper
• 1 (15-ounce) can black-eyed peas, drained

Directions

Combine the first 6 ingredients in a bowl.

In a separate small bowl, whisk together the rice wine vinegar, canola oil, sugar, and salt and pepper.

Toss all together and let marinate for at up to 8 hours in the refrigerator before serving. (Again, I've made this and eaten it right away, still great!)

Noodles with Lime Peanut Sauce

Found recipe here - http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/ellie-krieger/aromatic-noodles-with-lime-peanut-sauce-recipe/index.html

Jack really liked this sauce and it's a good meatless meal!

• 3/4 pound spaghetti
• 2 cups (about 9 ounces) broccoli florets
• 1/2 cup natural creamy peanut butter
• 1/4 cup low-sodium soy sauce
• 1/4 cup water
• 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
• 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice
• 1 scallion, cut into pieces
• 1/2 tsp ginger
• 2 tablespoons brown sugar
• 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (or more if you'd like)
• 1/2 cup shelled unsalted peanuts (I didn't have any)

Directions

Cook the pasta in a large pot of water according to the directions on the package. Drain and rinse with cold water. While the pasta is cooking put the broccoli in a steamer basket over a large pot of boiling water and steam it for 3 minutes.

Toast the peanuts in a dry pan over a medium heat until they become fragrant, about 3 minutes. Set them aside to cool. Make the sauce by pureeing the peanut butter, soy sauce, water, vinegar, lime juice, scallion, ginger, sugar and red pepper flakes in a food processor or blender until smooth.

Right before serving, toss the pasta with 3/4 cup of the peanut sauce. Divide into 6 serving bowls and top each serving with the vegetables. Drizzle the remaining sauce over the vegetables. Coarsely chop the peanuts, sprinkle them on top and serve.