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9 Comments» Continue ReadingI’m starting to build a repertoire of recipes that will feature the bounty of home-grown veggies I’m hoping to harvest this coming summer. It’s not too early to dream, is it? Zucchini is always a faithful producer in the garden, but often gets overlooked by summer’s end when creativity grows tired. Whet your tastebuds now for zucchini, and you will be more than eager to get those seeds in the ground in a few short months! Stuffed Zucchini with Marinara 4 medium sized zucchini 1 lb. pork, or turkey sausage 1 egg 1 cup bread crumbs, w/ Italian seasonings 1 clove garlic, minced 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese 1 large jar of marinara sauce 1 package (approx. 16oz) dried whole wheat spaghetti* Preheat oven to 350F. Cook spaghetti as directed; drain, and place in a 9×13 baking dish sprayed with non-stick cooking oil. Set aside. Trim both ends of zucchini […]
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» Continue ReadingI will readily admit that I do not enjoy baking, due in part, no doubt, to an unimpassioned sweet tooth. I’d much rather fix a rack of lamb than bake cookies any day. However, my boys understand the language of love spoken through the efforts of sweet treats that emerge from the kitchen more than they do from a well-crafted Greek salad. Pity, as I do make a mean Greek salad. For those of you who can’t resist baking on Valentine’s Day, here’s a confection sure to bring a smile to your little loves underfoot, and perhaps to your Valentine. Don’t bother offering me one, thank you. I’ll take a rosy piece of seared Ahi if you’ve got any. Happy Valentine’s Day! Red Velvet Whoopie Pies Cookies 1 box Devil’s Food cake mix 3/4 cup water 1/2 cup vegetable oil 3 eggs 2 tablespoons red food color 1 box (4-serving […]
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» Continue ReadingIf it’s cold outside in your neck of the woods, and your fridge and pantry are stocked with mere budget-friendly grocery staples, this is what you should make tonight for dinner. It’s not fancy, or completely authentic (without the lamb), but boy, is it satisfying and easy on the budget. Double or triple the recipe, and make several pans in one afternoon. One to serve, one to freeze, and one to give to your quiet neighbor across the way. Shepherd’s Pie is always greeted with warmth and welcome. Shepherd’s Pie 4 large potatoes, peeled and cubed 1 tablespoon butter 1 cup sour cream a bit of milk for consistency salt and pepper to taste 5 carrots, chopped 1 tablespoon vegetable oil 1 onion, chopped 1 pound lean ground beef 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour 1/4 cup ketchup 3/4 cup beef broth 5 cups frozen peas/veggies, thawed a couple squirts of worchestershire […]
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» Continue ReadingIn honor of Chinese New Year today, I thought I’d post my recipe for Hot and Sour Soup. As a staple in all Chinese restaurants and homes, there are infinite ways to prepare this satisfying tradition. My parents never used recipes, or wrote anything down while they cooked. That explains a lot about me, I know. I grew up knowing this soup by taste, by smell, by texture, and have always reproduced it in my kitchen accordingly. It was not until my friend Susan recently requested a cooking lesson, that I actually recorded (approximate) measurements for the ingredients. Don’t be deterred by the ingredients–a visit to your Asian market will lay your fears to rest. It’s so simple to make, you may never stop for take-out again. Just thank Susan. 1/4 c. dried black fungus (rinsed and reconstituted in warm water) handful fresh enoki mushrooms (cut off root ends and […]
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» Continue ReadingOne of the easiest ways to blow your budget is to buy ingredients for a super spectacular dessert you’ve always wanted to try. Don’t get me wrong–there are definitely those occasions and a place for marscapone cheese, real vanilla beans, and creme fraiche. But for the many other moments when hospitality or the occasion calls for a budget friendly dessert, there is one place I love to go: Caramel Sauce. With ingredients most of us regularly have in stock: sugar, butter, heavy whipping cream…you can be well on your way to many special desserts that often take nothing more than other ingredients you already have in your home! And, seriously…this is so delicious, you may be surprised that you made it yourself. Let me whet your appetite: Caramel apple pie, caramel cheesecake, caramel apple. turtle brownies, caramel bread pudding… You’ll be amazed how quickly you can whip something together! One-Stop […]
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» Continue ReadingBeing frugal is less about setting a dollar amount and more about a state of mind, don’t you think? It’s not so much about doing all you can to not cross a certain financial line, but rather, to train your appetite to want what you already have. Simply put, I think frugality is more about doing the most with what you have than it is about having the most of what you can. I remember this line from a Sheryl Crow song says: It’s not having what you want, it’s wanting what you’ve got. My point is this: The goal really isn’t to just have more money. The goal is to be godly stewards of whatever God has given us; to make the absolute most of all of it with gladness. With gladness. If we are honest, sometimes leftovers are not looked upon with gladness at the meal table. Perhaps […]
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» Continue ReadingI seem to be talking quite a bit about breakfast lately…especially the make-ahead-grab-and-go kind of breakfasts. However, truth be known, all the menfolk in our household quite enjoy breakfast for dinner, thus elevating budget-friendly breakfast recipes to reasonable meals for other times of day as well. What makes these burritos worthwhile? You can make them ahead, freeze them, then warm them up in microwave or out on the grill for a crisp tortilla. And as eggs, cheese, potatoes, and tortillas can all be purchased in bulk, a breakfast burrito finds its rightful place at the Frugal Table. Budget Breakfast Burritos Ingredients (loosely): 18 eggs, beaten + 1/4 cup milk or half and half beaten in 1 lb. shredded cheese About 16 oz. sausage or bacon, or turkey sausage 6 lbs medium size potatoes butter, and vegetable oil for cooking Homemade salsa 18-24 medium size tortillas salt and pepper to taste […]
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» Continue ReadingThis week is dedicated to making mealtime monetarily manageable. (The Preacher made me write that.) Whether you have six children, or one, you undoubtedly seek to cut down your grocery bill. Ease, nutrition, family friendliness, and culinary interest, have always ranked highly among the factors that go into meal planning for my family. But, as our family anticipates baby boy Number 5 (while the other 4 grow and eat like mad!), FRUGALITY now tops that list. I’m eager to share with you some menus and meal plans that may serve your family as they have mine; however, as principles always make for better strategy, here are 10 simple tips, first, on cutting down grocery bills: 1. Buy bulk: I always buy carrots, celery, onions, and potatoes in bulk. They are base ingredients to a great variety of recipes. In the beginning of the week, I cut up a quarter of […]
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