#bean and veggie stew with macaroni

[makingparadiseathome]

Semi-Homemade Bean and Veggie Stew with Macaroni

Looking for a satisfying one-pot meal that’s easy to make and full of nutrients? Look no further than this delicious, hearty bean and pasta soup. Loaded with fiber-rich pinto beans, kidney beans, frozen mixed veggies, and a medley of seasonings, this soup will surely become a staple in your dinner rotation. Plus, it’s a snap to whip up — all you have to do is combine all the ingredients in a pot…

[msbarrows]

I am woefully far behind again on Thing A Day, which I'm blaming mostly on seasonal sadness and partially on addiction to a new game (House Flipper, which has turned out to be a lot more fun than I initially expected, and was an excellent diversion from the seasonal sadness).

Did my weekly usuals of laundry and cleaning the bathroom. I meant to bake cookies but did not. But I did at least do one of my planned activities and baked a tortiere (French Canadian pork pie) for the holidays; I'd originally been thinking of making it for Christmas Eve but then decided I'd rather stick to my usual meal plans of not doing two prep-heavy meals back-to-back and made it on the 23rd instead. I had it all assembled early enough that I had some time to spare before it needed to go into the oven, so I rolled out the pastry scraps, grabbed my little tin of leaf-shaped cookie cutters, made some egg wash, and festively decorated that thing:

I'm very proud of how it turned out. Two thirds of it are now in the freezer for future meals, as is an entire magarine tub of the precooked filling, sufficient to make a second pie.

I have finally cracked the mystery of my dad's proportions; my previous tortieres have been lacking on filling compared to dad's, despite using his preferred recipe. But I had an entire 3lb club pack of pork to use up this year, which is sufficient for a triple batch of the filling by the recipe dad preferred, and half of that is exactly enough to fill a pie as deeply as my dad did. Split between two pies cut in six pieces that works out to 1/4lb of meat per slice, which is a decent sized serving.

And my little 'what have I cooked recently and should avoid cooking again too soon' list:

Dec 17 - I have no memory of this date

Dec 18 - Fish sticks, french fries, and steamed corn & squash (very new world veggies menu, much to my amusement)

Dec 19 - Hamburgers and a big salad

Dec 20 - Beans cooked in broth, with mild Italian sausages and steamed mixed veg

Dec 21 - Steak marinated in beer and topped with garlic butter, with seasoned potato wedges, corn, and a salad

Dec 22 - Chili with rice and a cucumber salad

Dec 23 - Tortiere with boiled potatoes, baked squash, and green peas

Dec 24 - Beef and macaroni stew (yay for having some lactose free cheese on hand, I used to make this frequently before youngest bro developed lactose intolerance)

Dec 25 - I will be baking a ham, roasting half a squash, and probably making a salad and mashing some potatoes

[caribbeanvibesblog]

Today's lunch was inspired by:

1. A picture my sister sent of her lunch while on vacation.

2. A documentary I watched that mentioned one must eat at least 30 veggies, etc per week—there are about 15 in this meal alone!

3. What I had in the freezer and pantry

4. Desire to be done cooking by 10 am today. :-)

What inspires you? What's on your menu this weekend?

#lunch #lunchtime #mealideas

Recipes:

https://cookingwithria.com/2021/05/stewed-beef/

https://cookingwithria.com/2020/03/rias-rice-and-beans-recipe/

https://cookingwithria.com/2012/07/trinidad-macaroni-salad/

[dinnerrecipesite]

Delicious & Easy Dinner Recipes for Every Occasion

Dinner time is a wonderful opportunity to unwind, connect with loved ones, and enjoy nourishing, flavorful meals. Whether you’re preparing a casual weeknight dinner, hosting a special dinner party, or just looking for a quick and easy recipe to satisfy your hunger, there's a recipe for every occasion. In this article, we will explore a variety of dinner recipes, from light and healthy options to hearty and indulgent dishes, perfect for every event or mood.

Table of Contents:

Quick Weeknight Dinners

Healthy and Light Dinner Recipes

Comfort Food Favorites

Dinner Party Ideas

Family-Friendly Meals

Vegetarian & Vegan Options

One-Pan Wonders

International Flavors for Dinner

Budget-Friendly Dinners

Conclusion

1. Quick Weeknight Dinners

When the week is busy, and time is limited, preparing dinner can often feel like a challenge. However, there are several easy and delicious dinner ideas that can be put together in 30 minutes or less. Here are some tasty, quick options:

Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta

A classic and simple dish, garlic butter shrimp pasta is a one-pan wonder that is flavorful and satisfying. To make, sauté shrimp in garlic and butter, toss with pasta, and sprinkle with freshly chopped parsley and parmesan cheese. Serve with a side of fresh salad or garlic bread for a complete meal.

Chicken Stir-Fry

A stir-fry is an excellent way to incorporate vegetables into a quick meal. For a chicken stir-fry, sauté bite-sized pieces of chicken breast with an array of colorful veggies (like bell peppers, carrots, and snap peas). Add a flavorful sauce made from soy sauce, garlic, ginger, and honey, and serve over rice or noodles.

Quesadillas

Quesadillas are incredibly easy to make and versatile. Stuff tortillas with a combination of cheese, cooked chicken, beans, and veggies. Cook in a skillet until crispy and golden on both sides. Serve with salsa, guacamole, and sour cream.

Caprese Salad with Grilled Chicken

For a light but satisfying option, try a Caprese salad with grilled chicken. Simply grill chicken breasts, slice them, and layer with fresh mozzarella, tomato, and basil. Drizzle with balsamic glaze and olive oil. Serve with some fresh crusty bread.

2. Healthy and Light Dinner Recipes

Sometimes, you want something nutritious yet light for dinner. Whether you're focusing on a low-calorie or high-protein meal, these healthy recipes are both delicious and satisfying.

Grilled Salmon with Asparagus

Salmon is a great source of protein and healthy fats. Grill salmon fillets with a simple lemon, olive oil, and garlic marinade. Pair with roasted asparagus and quinoa for a well-rounded, nutritious dinner.

Zucchini Noodles with Pesto

For a low-carb alternative to pasta, zucchini noodles (or zoodles) are a great choice. Toss the zoodles in fresh pesto made from basil, garlic, pine nuts, parmesan, and olive oil. Top with grilled chicken or shrimp for added protein.

Baked Sweet Potato with Toppings

Baked sweet potatoes are rich in fiber and vitamins. Roast whole sweet potatoes in the oven until tender, then top with a variety of healthy toppings. Try black beans, avocado, Greek yogurt, and salsa for a filling and nutritious meal.

Chickpea Salad

For a plant-based dinner, a chickpea salad is a great option. Combine chickpeas with chopped cucumbers, tomatoes, red onion, and feta cheese. Toss with olive oil, lemon juice, and fresh herbs like parsley or mint.

3. Comfort Food Favorites

Sometimes, nothing hits the spot like a hearty, comforting meal. These recipes bring warmth and satisfaction, perfect for those moments when you crave something indulgent.

Macaroni and Cheese

A classic comfort food, macaroni and cheese is creamy, cheesy, and utterly satisfying. Use a combination of cheddar and mozzarella cheese for the perfect melty texture. Add a sprinkle of breadcrumbs on top and bake until golden and bubbly.

Beef Stew

Beef stew is a rich, flavorful dish perfect for colder evenings. Brown chunks of beef and simmer with carrots, potatoes, onions, and herbs in a rich broth. Let it cook slowly until the beef is tender and the flavors have melded together. Serve with a side of crusty bread.

Chicken Pot Pie

A classic chicken pot pie is the epitome of comfort food. Fill a flaky pie crust with a creamy mixture of cooked chicken, peas, carrots, and onions. Top with another layer of pie crust and bake until golden brown. It’s the ultimate cozy meal.

Lasagna

Lasagna is a timeless favorite. Layer lasagna noodles with a rich meat sauce, ricotta cheese, and mozzarella. Bake until bubbly and golden. You can make it ahead of time and store it in the fridge for easy reheating.

4. Dinner Party Ideas

When hosting friends or family, you want to serve a meal that feels special but doesn’t require a ton of effort. These recipes will impress your guests while being easy to prepare.

Beef Wellington

For a show-stopping main course, Beef Wellington is a perfect choice. Beef tenderloin is seared and coated in a mushroom duxelles before being wrapped in puff pastry and baked. Serve with roasted vegetables and a rich red wine sauce for an elegant dinner party meal.

Stuffed Chicken Breast

Stuffed chicken breasts make for a flavorful and sophisticated meal. Fill chicken breasts with a mixture of spinach, cream cheese, and garlic, then bake until cooked through. Pair with a fresh salad and roasted potatoes.

Salmon en Papillote

Salmon en papillote (baked in parchment) is a delicate and flavorful dish that requires minimal prep. Place salmon fillets with herbs, lemon, and vegetables inside parchment paper, seal the packet, and bake. The result is tender, perfectly cooked salmon with aromatic flavors.

Paella

Paella is a Spanish dish that combines rice, seafood, and saffron for an unforgettable meal. It's a one-pan dish, making cleanup easier after a dinner party. You can customize it with your choice of proteins—such as shrimp, chicken, or chorizo—and serve it family-style.

5. Family-Friendly Meals

Getting the family around the dinner table can be a challenge, but these recipes are sure to please even picky eaters.

Taco Night

Taco night is always a hit with kids and adults alike. Prepare a variety of toppings, including seasoned ground beef, chicken, lettuce, tomatoes, cheese, salsa, and guacamole. Let everyone build their own tacos for a fun, interactive dinner.

Mini Meatloaves

Mini meatloaves are a great way to serve a classic dish in a fun, individual portion. Mix ground beef with breadcrumbs, egg, and seasoning, and form small loaves. Bake them with a drizzle of ketchup or barbecue sauce. Serve with mashed potatoes and green beans.

Homemade Chicken Nuggets

For a healthier twist on fast food, make homemade chicken nuggets. Coat pieces of chicken breast in breadcrumbs and bake until crispy. Serve with a side of honey mustard or ketchup for dipping.

Sloppy Joes

Sloppy Joes are easy to make and loved by kids. Brown ground beef with onions, bell peppers, and a tangy tomato sauce. Serve on hamburger buns with a side of crispy fries or carrot sticks.

6. Vegetarian & Vegan Options

Vegetarian and vegan meals can be just as flavorful and satisfying as those with meat. These plant-based recipes will show you just how delicious meat-free dinners can be.

Vegan Buddha Bowl

A Buddha bowl is a nourishing, nutrient-packed meal made up of grains, vegetables, and plant-based protein. You can fill the bowl with quinoa, roasted sweet potatoes, sautéed spinach, chickpeas, avocado, and tahini dressing for a delicious vegan dinner.

Vegetable Stir-Fry

A vegetable stir-fry is quick, healthy, and customizable. Stir-fry your favorite veggies (like broccoli, carrots, and mushrooms) in a wok with soy sauce, garlic, and ginger. Serve over rice or noodles for a complete meal.

Stuffed Bell Peppers

Stuffed bell peppers are a hearty and satisfying meal. Fill halved peppers with a mixture of quinoa, black beans, corn, and diced tomatoes. Top with avocado and cilantro for a fresh touch.

Vegan Tacos

Make delicious vegan tacos using a variety of plant-based fillings, such as lentils, mushrooms, or tempeh. Top with fresh veggies, salsa, and a squeeze of lime. Serve with guacamole and cilantro.

7. One-Pan Wonders

One-pan meals are the perfect solution for busy nights when you don’t want to spend time cleaning up multiple dishes. Here are a few ideas:

Sheet Pan Chicken Fajitas

Toss sliced chicken, bell peppers, and onions with fajita seasoning, then spread them out on a baking sheet. Roast in the oven until the chicken is cooked through and serve with tortillas and your favorite taco toppings.

Baked Ziti

Baked ziti is a simple but satisfying dish that comes together in one pan. Combine cooked ziti pasta with marinara sauce and ricotta cheese. Top with mozzarella and bake until bubbly and golden.

One-Pan Salmon and Vegetables

Place salmon fillets on a baking sheet alongside your favorite veggies (such as broccoli, sweet potatoes, and carrots). Drizzle everything with olive oil and season with herbs. Roast in the oven for an easy, healthy dinner.

8. International Flavors for Dinner

Spice up your dinner routine by trying recipes inspired by international cuisines.

Thai Red Curry

A Thai red curry is rich and aromatic, made with coconut milk, red curry paste, and a variety of vegetables like bell peppers and zucchini. Add tofu, chicken, or shrimp for protein, and serve over jasmine rice.

Indian Butter Chicken

Butter chicken is a rich, creamy Indian dish that is full of flavor. Marinate chicken in yogurt and spices, then cook it in a tomato-based sauce with butter and cream. Serve with basmati rice and naan bread.

Japanese Ramen

Ramen is a comforting and customizable dish. Prepare a flavorful broth with miso or soy sauce, and add ramen noodles, boiled eggs, sautéed vegetables, and your choice of protein, such as pork, chicken, or tofu.

9. Budget-Friendly Dinners

Eating well doesn’t have to be expensive. Here are some budget-friendly recipes that will satisfy your cravings without breaking the bank.

Vegetable Fried Rice

Fried rice is a great way to use up leftover rice and vegetables. Sauté the vegetables with garlic, ginger, and soy sauce, then add in the rice and stir-fry until crispy. Add a scrambled egg or tofu for protein.

Pasta Primavera

Pasta primavera is a simple dish made with pasta and seasonal vegetables. Sauté the veggies in olive oil, garlic, and a bit of lemon juice, then toss with cooked pasta. Sprinkle with parmesan cheese for added flavor.

Chili

Chili is a hearty and affordable meal that can be made in one pot. Combine ground beef or beans with tomatoes, onions, and chili spices, and simmer until the flavors meld together. Serve with cornbread for a complete meal.

10. Conclusion

Dinner doesn’t have to be complicated to be delicious. Whether you're in need of a quick weeknight meal, hosting a dinner party, or cooking something light and healthy, there are countless options to suit every occasion. By exploring these easy and tasty recipes, you can elevate your dinner game without spending hours in the kitchen. So, gather your ingredients, unleash your creativity, and enjoy a delicious dinner tonight! Attach

[budddhatattoo]

Top 5 Traditional Recipes to Bring Comfort to Your Table

Introduction: Welcome to Sailaw's Kitchen, your go-to resource for authentic, home-cooked meals that bring comfort and delight to your family gatherings. Whether you're looking to add some warmth to your dinner routine or explore traditional recipes, we've got you covered. In this article, we’ll share five classic dishes that are sure to bring flavor and a touch of nostalgia to your table.

1. Classic Chicken Curry There’s nothing quite like a hearty, home-cooked chicken curry to bring people together. This easy-to-follow recipe will guide you through creating a perfectly spiced, creamy dish that pairs beautifully with rice or naan.

Ingredients: Fresh chicken, onions, garlic, ginger, a blend of spices, and coconut milk.

Cooking Tip: Sautéing the onions until golden brown gives a richer depth to your curry.

Explore more chicken recipes here.

2. Traditional Vegetable Stew Our vegetable stew is a comforting and healthy option that’s full of seasonal vegetables and rich flavors. It’s perfect for a cold evening or when you're craving something hearty yet nutritious.

Ingredients: Carrots, potatoes, green beans, tomatoes, and a blend of herbs.

Cooking Tip: Let the stew simmer longer to deepen the flavors and get tender veggies.

Learn about more healthy options.

3. Grandma's Baked Mac & Cheese This baked mac & cheese recipe is perfect for those who love cheesy, gooey comfort food. It’s an all-time favorite, made with rich cheese and a crispy breadcrumb topping that adds the perfect crunch.

Ingredients: Elbow macaroni, sharp cheddar cheese, milk, butter, and breadcrumbs.

Cooking Tip: For an extra creamy texture, mix a little cream cheese into the sauce.

Check out other family-favorite dishes.

4. Spicy Lentil Soup Our spicy lentil soup is both nourishing and full of flavor, ideal for those who love a bit of kick in their meal. It's loaded with spices that not only add flavor but also provide health benefits.

Ingredients: Red lentils, garlic, cumin, turmeric, and chili flakes.

Cooking Tip: Use vegetable broth instead of water for a richer taste.

Discover more soup recipes.

5. Homemade Apple Pie End your meal with our delightful homemade apple pie. Made with fresh apples, cinnamon, and a flaky crust, it’s the ultimate dessert that everyone will love.

Ingredients: Apples, cinnamon, sugar, butter, and flour.

Cooking Tip: Chill the dough before rolling it out to achieve a perfect, flaky crust.

Find more dessert inspirations.

Conclusion: Cooking at home doesn’t have to be complicated. With these traditional recipes, you can easily bring warmth and flavor to your dinner table. At Sailaw's Kitchen, we believe that the best meals are made with love and simple ingredients that everyone can enjoy.

For more recipes, cooking tips, and to stay updated with our latest dishes, visit Sailaw's Kitchen. Explore the joy of cooking today and make every meal a special one!

[stevishabitat]

50 DELICIOUS & DIRT CHEAP MEALS FOR EVERYDAY

Breakfast

Sausage & Gravy Casserole

Tater Tot Bake

Baked Oatmeal

Bacon & Cheese Pull Aparts

German Pancakes

Banana Oatmeal

Breakfast Cookie

Sausage Muffins

Cinnamon Swirl Bread

Egg in a Hole

Sweet Potato Hash

Lunch

Potato, Egg & Cheese Waffle

Egg Salad

Cheesy Beef Quesadilla

Pigs in a Blanket

Mini Corn Dogs

Baked Potato & Chili

Chicken Pot Pie

Tuna Melt

Spaghetti Pie

Tortilla Pizza

The Best (Grilled) PBJ

Cheesy Chicken & Broccoli

Cheeseburger Cups

Turkey Sliders

Dinners

Pizza make your own dough

Chicken & Rice

Chicken Spaghetti

BBQ Chicken Pot Pie

Garlic BBQ Chicken

Teriyaki Chicken & Rice Casserole

Chicken & Dumplings

Taco tater Tot Casserole

Homemade Hamburger Helper

Doritos Nacho Bake

Taco Pizza

Homemade Sloppy Joes

Spanish Rice & Beef

Poor Man's Stew

Polish Sausage Sandwiches

Macaroni & Sausage Bake

Creamy Sausage & Potatoes

Homemade Fish Sticks

Tuna Noodle Casserole

Fish Cakes

Pizza Rolls

Broccoli Cheddar Pizza

Cheesy Spinach Pockets

Spaghetti Aglio Olio

Bean & Cheese Enchiladas

Sides

Steamed Rice

Mashed Potatoes

Steamed Frozen Veggies

Noodles & Butter

Roasted Veggies

www.moneyforthemamas.com

[fake-ascension]

soup simmering :D

also to those who wanted the recipe- i'm very much a 'measure with your heart' kinda dude when cooking but heres the basics:

Ev's Vegetable soup

things you need:

decent sized pot

some olive oil

salt & pepper

minced garlic (i just buy those small jars of minced garlic for easy cooking, measure with your heart but i used like 2 good spoonfuls)

1 onion, chopped

a couple stalks of celery, chopped

a few carrots, peeled and chopped

2 or 3 small potatoes, peeled and chopped

1 can of green beans, drained (i used french-cut)

1 can of diced/stewed tomatoes, keep the juices (i used italian stewed tomatoes

2 cups V-8 juice (any sort of vegetable/tomato juice works i guess)

4 cups chicken/veggie broth (i just used water and threw in bouillon cubes)

frozen corn ( i used a couple of hand fulls, but measure with your heart)

frozen peas (also measure with your heart)

some sorta of pasta, optional (I just used left over boxes of noodles i have on hand, this batch had salad macaroni but wide egg noodles are good too!)

how to make it:

put the oil in your pot, add salt, pepper, and your garlic

add the onion, celery and carrots and cook down until they start to soften up (i sometimes the pot lid to steam them for a few minutes to cook 'em down faster) & i tend to add extra salt & pepper as the veggies cook down

add your can of tomatoes (if youre using stewed tomatoes kinda smash them around to break up the big chunks) and potatoes, let everything simmer in the tomato juices for a minute or 2

add green beans, stir everything together

at the V-8 juice & chicken broth (if youre using bouillon cubes like me, you can just toss the cubes whole and just stir it up rlly good)

add the noodles (optional) and let it simmer for like 10-15 minutes

throw in your peas & corn and give everything a good stir

turn the heat on low and put your lid on, let it simmer for a good 30 minutes to make sure the potatoes & noodles cook down

add salt & pepper if you think it needs more

and now you have!!! ev's veggie soup!!!!! i like to eat it with a shit ton of saltine crackers or french bread from the grocery store bakery!!! if anyone makes it pls show me pics :)

soup part 2: electric boogaloo

[love-takes-work]

Sorry if this has been asked before but, out of the food you’ve made from SU - which one(s) would you say is(are) the most worth it to make?

I'm not really sure what constitutes "worth it"!

Just about everything is worth doing once. Are you talking about what's tasty enough to justify the work, or just which things are the most delicious? Well, if the following doesn't answer your question, feel free to clarify, but here are a few lists:

Stuff I've made that wasn't very good, would not make again

***Cereal to Stop the Foot***

***Moldy Tuna Burrito***

***Colonel Kernel’s Classic Creamed Corn***

***Lars’s Herring Lunch***

***Fire Salt Fries***

***Durian Juice***

***Blowtorch Grilled Cheese***

***Onion Rings*** (I just don't like onions)

***Macaroni Cheese / Macaroni and Nothing***

***Mayo Sandwich***

***Caprese Salad***

***Guacola***

***Pizza Bagel*** (the pepper flakes were too spicy for me)

***Sandwich & Formula***

***Rainwater Macaroni***

***Potluck*** (I didn’t like the fruits, especially durian)

***Drinkable Beans***

***Jungle Moon Alien Carcass*** (didn’t like the sauce)

***Mooncakes***

***Fruit Loops Cereal***

***Everything Bagel Dog***

Stuff I've made that was decent to good, but it's not anything special or the effort outweighs the benefit:

***Giant Bird’s Egg***

***Scary Frybo Fries***

***Sandwich NOT for Cats***

***Amethyst’s Birthday***

***Pearl’s Birthday***

***Suitcase Sam’s Lunch***

***Our Own Snacks***

***Crystal Lizards for Lion***

***The Largest Bowl of Ice Cream***

***Slurpable Fish***

***Chaaaaps***

***Amethyst’s Torta***

***Cliff Picnic***

***Dad Breakfast***

***Cherry Man’s Secret Meal***

***Secret Team Bits***

***Fish Kebabs***

***Big Fish***

***Cheeseball Cake***

***Baby Melon***

***Mama Sadie Lunch***

***No Home Boys Lunch***

***Waffle-Egg Sandwich***

***Breakfast-Only Breakfast Special***

***Rebel Turkey Legs***

***Bodyguard Sandwich***

***Crying Breakfast Friends Frozen Breakfast (and Melted Ice Cream)***

***Three-Way Sub***

***Pizza Steven Universe***

***Tea and Cookies with Uncle Grandpa***

***Amethyst’s Pile of Food***

***Club Sandwiches for Amethyst***

***Fresh-Squeezed Lemonade***

***Best Breakfast in the World***

***Perfectly Timed Afternoon Sandwich***

***Vidalia’s Noodles & Butter***

***Soup When it Rains***

***Marshmallow-Hot Dog Kebab***

***Poutine***

***Amethyst’s Hoagie***

***That was a CAKE??***

***Fresssshhh Donuts***

***Pepe’s Burgers***

***The Finest Steak and Brie***

***Corndogs for Shorties***

***French Toast Breakfast***

***Fantastic Fries***

***Mozzarella Sticks, French Fry Pizza, and Deep Fried Pizza***

***Me-Time Meal***

***Fancy Orange Juice***

***Cereal Dust and Mushed-Up Carrots***

***Protein Bars & Pine Tea***

***Egg Salad***

***Sugar Shock Shut Down***

***BRUNCH!***

***Shield Sautéed Veggies***

***Gem Harvest Cake***

***Gem Harvest Meal***

***Korean Lunch***

***Zoo Fruit***

***Lars’s Pumpkin-Shaped Pumpkin Bread***

***Lars’s Ube Roll Cake*** (I’ve made this 3 times trying to get it right--it’s honestly not one of my favorite flavors, others would disagree)

***Food for Stranded Humans***

***Donut Box for the Suspects***

***Jungle Moon Fruit***

***Party Sub***

***Pink Lars Donuts***

***Pink Diamond Shards***

***Tots & Tot Bits***

***Fish Stew Pizza’s Everything Pizza***

***Battle Rations***

***Bixbite’s Perfect Pizzas***

***Zoo Fruit Drinks***

***Carrot Bean Meal***

***Tomato Soup on the Go***

***Clams, Peanut Butter, and a Side of Fresh-Cut Grass***

***Bluebird’s Cake***

***Amethyst’s Breakfast vs. Steven’s Breakfast***

***Off Colors Graduation Cake***

***Spicy Chili***

***Together Forever Cake***

***Cookie Cat Ice Cream***

***Big Fish***

Stuff I've made that I've made multiple times or would definitely make again--FAVES BOLDED:

***Hot Dogs***

***Cookie Cats***

***Vanilla Cookie Cats***

***Fry Bits***

***Bagel Sandwiches for Crystal Shrimp***

***Together Breakfast***

***Bigger Together Breakfast***

***Popcorn for Onion***

***Strawberry Battlefield Cake***

***Large Pizza, Extra Fishy: Fish Stew Pizza***

***Greg’s Funnel Cake***

***Edible Cloud***

***Hot Dogs & Hamburgers***

***Oyster Crackers***

***Fire Salt Donuts***

***Zucchini with Linguine***

***Fusion Cuisine Dinner***

***Dog-Nut***

***Nut-Dog***

***“Nicey Spicey” Pretzels***

***Garnet’s Chocolate Chip Cookies***

***Marshmallows***

***Biscuits and Jam***

***Smoothie, Orange Slices, Juice***

***Square Pizza***

***Lion Lickers***

***Cookie Cat Cake***

***Burrito Pizza***

***Snack Sushi***

***Korean Street Food (Hotteok & Banana Milk)***

***Salad That’s Mostly Cheese***

***Together Breakfast Wedding Cake***

***Snow Cones***

***Dirt***

***Nighttime Hot Cocoa for Steven***

***Ice Cream a la Pie***

***Steven’s Homemade Cookie Cats***

[kangaroo-sniper-imagine]

Mercs and dinner duty

Engie

Most likely to cook. Mostly stews, chilis, meatloaf, roast chicken; heavy, hearty meals. Has a meal equation; meat, starch (noodles, rice, potatoes, corn), root vegetables (carrots, radishes, turnips) and non-root veggie (broccoli, beans, peas). Good home cooked meal. Once refused to cook for a month because he felt underappreciated, and everyone came crawling back and begging because he’s the only one to remember the vegtables

Spy

Good food, a little over dramatic tho. Steaks and lamb, honey glazed carrots or roasted small potatoes; pretentious foods. It tastes good! But it takes all day to make, and like every French cook, he uses a shit ton of wine, and drinks most of it. By the time dinner rolls around he’s buzzed and acts insulted if someone doesn’t like 100% of the meal

Medic

Lots of potatoes. He doesn’t mean too, it’s just that he cooks what his mother cooked for him, and, well, he’s German. It’s potatoes and sausage, cuz it’s easy and quick to make and he’s a busy guy. Sometimes he’ll get inspired and try to make something “outstanding” and he either nails it and everyone rejoices, or he fails and everyone has food poisoning for a week.

Sniper

Not as bad as everyone would assume. Mick is a mama’s boy and was at her hip in the kitchen when she cooked. They’re simple meals; grilled cheese and tomato soup, meat pies, homestyle macaroni and cheese, shepherd's pie, etc. All really nostalgic, really, and he knows all the recipes by heart. Mick loves cooking on the base kitchen because the one in his trailer is way too small.

Heavy

Cooks the same meal every time it’s his turn to cook dinner. His mother’s borscht and rye bread. He wakes up early to make the bread and is very careful preparing the borscht. It’s his favorite food and it reminds him of home and his family, and he is honored to make it every time. When he sees the cleaned out bowls, he smiles and can’t wait to tell his mother when he sees her next that all of his teammates love her food.

Scout

Can’t cook alone. Not because he can’t be left unsupervised, but if you had seen my Scout HC post, I believe that Jeremy can only cook with others around because, to him, it’s supposed to be a family ordeal. So usually Spy, Pyro, or Demo help him. He makes big family dinners, like spaghetti and meatballs, ham and cabbage, and lasagna. It taste good, if not simple, but you’d be surprised who fights to help Jeremy cook because he just act so happy and grounded when he does

Demo

To be a bit of a bastard, because frankly he loves cooking but loves pranking his team more, he makes traditional Scottish food. And if you don’t know, some traditional Scottish food is terrible. He made haggis before and all but Medic was disturbed for days. And right as he’s about to be removed from the dinner duty rotation, he makes something stellar like a fish dish and he stays on for another month before the discussion of kicking him out comes back

Soldier

Good, old fashioned american food! Baked ham, cornbread, he grills so much food, it’s like a cookout. He’ll try and grill anything at least once. In all honesty, Jane is actually better at baking, but it’s his secret skill that no one has figured out yet

Pyro

Banned from the kitchen. They can help, but they aren’t allowed to be unsupervised, for obvious reasons

[vegetalass]

RDR2 Boys Cooking + Eating Habits

Arthur 

Somebody else on here wrote some headcanons about Arthur not being able to cook and just eating microwave food all the time and I just have to say…. That’s canon 

Lowkey though he’s trying his best to get better at cooking

Probably the only thing he knows how to make is pasta 

He adds a bunch of random frozen veggies to water as the noodles are cooking 

And then smothers the whole thing in butter and calls it a meal

Or he puts marinara sauce on it straight from the jar 

And yes, that means it’s cold

He’s also getting better at friend rice, too

But he’s really bad at actually making rice 

If he doesn’t add too much water… He burns the bottom 

Charles makes a mental note to buy him a rice cooker for his birthday 

Makes his own popsicles out of random fruit juices and eats them 24/7 

Thinks this qualifies him as a chef

Eats pickles and olives straight out of the jar with a fork 

And sauerkraut too probably 

Just goes over to john’s house on his pizza nights 

Puts ketchup on eggs

John 

Pizza dad 

Probably orders pizza, salad, and a 64oz soda twice a week 

Everything else is just Dino chicken nuggets, Eggos, hot dogs, quesadillas, and frozen peas and corn 

Food you feed to little kids, basically 

Mostly because he does have a little kid 

But also because it’s easy and takes minimal effort and he doesn’t mind eating it, too

Abigail would be mad but she has no room to talk

The most you’ll see him actually make is buttered pasta (like Arthur) or sometimes beans and rice 

Abigail bought them a rice cooker a while ago so that’s one thing he doesn’t have to worry about 

Probably always has some type of dessert laying around 

Doesn’t mean it’s good, but it’s there 

Abigail buys a bunch of those gross, low calorie ice creams and John ends up having to finishing them 

Family lunches consist of a bologna sandwich on wheat bread with American cheese and mayo, a piece of fruit, a bag of chips or crackers, a go-gurt, and some gummies 

And yes he makes them for himself and Abigail too 

They’re all eating good at the Marston household 

(Not really)

Charles 

Everything he cooks are things that can’t be made in single batches 

Lots of healthy soups, chilis, stew, etc…

Most of the time, he makes too much of whatever it is so he always has leftovers 

Everyone is jealous when he brings them for lunch

Probably finds all of his recipes in the newspaper or random magazines he reads while at the grocery store checkout line

Everyone is like, “Charles… Why are you reading Women’s Fitness?” 

And he’s like, “Check out this salad recipe, though”

Puts hot sauce on everything 

Salad, macaroni and cheese, hamburgers... You name it 

And he’s the king of snacking

All of his snacks are healthy, though

Raw veggies and fruit and quinoa chips from Whole Foods or something like that

Nobody likes this

He’s one of those people who brings hard boiled eggs everywhere as a “snack,” too

And yea, he puts hot sauce on those, also 

He really likes those weird protein bars that are hard to bite into and taste like chalk 

The flavors are either normal stuff like white chocolate macadamia or Protein Power Punch with whey, chia and seaweed 

There’s no in between 

He’s also a charcuterie board legend

Hosea is jealous of this talent

Micah

Spends all his money on take out 

He’s totally one of those weird people who’s entire trash can is just filled with take out boxes and cans of coke or beer

Constantly eating fast food 

You ask him what he bought at the supermarket and he’s like “Pub mix and bud light” 

SIR 

Everything that he does manage to cook only involve one step of preparation 

Unseasoned, fried meats and boiled veggies 

Sometimes scrambled eggs and bacon

If he’s feeling fancy, he will make plain sandwiches

This is very rare, though

Can and will complain about anyone’s cooking

Even if it’s good and he he likes it

There are certain people he can’t do this to, though, or they won’t let him eat

The only person’s cooking he doesn’t complain about is Dutch’s

Constantly snacking from an entire party sized bag of chips

And yes, he eats straight out of the bag and wipes his fingers on his jeans

His oven is dirty

Hosea 

A meal for him is probably a handful of almonds and an applesauce or yogurt cup 

He is constantly making a bunch of those Tik Tok recipes where you just put a bunch of random stuff into your crock pot and add ranch seasoning and cream cheese

*insert all of those memes about mom pulling out the crock pot*

If you complain, he says “Well, you’re always welcome to cook, too”

Wears an apron when he cooks

Constantly eating plain toast with butter

And bananas 

And cheese sticks

Thinks that this makes him “healthy” 

Definitely likes to snack on those cocktail fruit cups and canned mandarin oranges

His entire freezer is just full of ice cream 

It’s all weird flavors like Cherry Garcia, chocolate banana, and pistachio though

Everyone hates him for this

Raisins are his late night treat 

Has a secret stash of candy no one can find 

That’s okay though because it’s mostly Werthers Originals

And Chiclets gum

He picks out all the orange ones, though

Dutch

Tries to re-plate takeout so he can call it his own

Everybody sees through this but they stopped commenting on it like four Thanksgivings ago 

Buys a bunch of those meals from Costco that all you need to do is heat up in the oven

He does like fast food but only from the less popular places

Carl’s Jr., Wendy’s, BK, Arby’s, etc. 

A&W, too, because he’s old and weird

He can totally cook, he just never does 

It’s just normal stuff like spaghetti and meatballs or chicken and rice, though

Tuna fish casserole

He over-seasons everything, though

Mostly because he’s trying to prove that he’s a good cook 

Eats dessert twice, every night 

Once right after dinner, and then later when he’s feeling like a treat 

Will eat in bed

Uses a little bib and tray and everything 

Likes pumpkin and sunflower seeds

Would eat hot wings with gloves on 

He’s the one who taught Arthur to put ketchup on eggs 

Kieran 

The second I realized that Kieran would probably be white trash, my life changed 

Hamburger Helper meals for LIFE

That one cheeseburger pasta? Kieran probably eats that three times a week 

He 100% makes the ketchup-butter sketti from Honey Boo Boo 

“It’s been a while since I done had roadkill in my belly”

His favorite dessert is ambrosia salad or that weird yogurt/Cool Whip covered jello that was popular in the 2000s

Probably has a TV dinner every once in a while, too

Instant mashed potatoes and minute rice type of guy 

Also gives me big microwave cheddar broccoli vibes 

I’ve said this before, but his house is probably stocked with all kinds of on-brand goodies 

Probably always has some kind of chip and cookie around 

Eats dinner in front of the TV

Dips french fries in mayonnaise

All of this said though, he isn’t a picky eater and will eat whatever is put on his plate 

That’s why he’s great to take to restaurants, because he never complains

Honestly it’s just so sweet to think of him making big crockpot meals to share with ppl even if his cooking is a lil.... strange 

Javier

Thinks that the hot dog combo from Costco is a suitable dinner 

Also gets hot food from the grocery store for dinner a lot

Literally will just heat up a can of something and eat it plain 

Beans, chili, soup… 

Doesn’t doctor it up or change it at all 

He’s happy to share but no one wants any

Chips and dip, 24/7

And it’s just Tostitos Hint of Lime chips and hummus

Probably puts hummus on everything, too 

Corn chips, tortilla chips, tortillas, vegetables, sandwiches, etc. 

Will put anything in a tortilla and call it a sandwich 

Eats leftovers cold 

The rest of the gang thinks this is a sin

Makes stir fry with whatever is laying around the house

It’s a little gross because he will try to add leftover beans

Refuses to eat fast food

The only exception he’ll make is for french fries and ice cream

Walks around and eats at the same time

Isn’t above asking the other boys to share with him 

Despite the fact that this only happens if what they’re eating is good

Which is almost never

Sean

Sean can’t cook. That’s the end of it

The most he can make is that weird microwave Mac and cheese where the pasta is boiled in the mug?? 

He never does it tho and just sticks with the normal, frozen Mac and Cheese you can microwave instead

Uses his microwaving ability to make mug cakes

And microwave scrambled eggs

Burns his popcorn every single time

He’s probably set of the smoke detector or fire alarm multiple times

He’s Irish though so of course he’s addicted to potatoes and cabbage

And since he’s from the UK, he likes stuff like beans on toast and marmite

He’s a little nasty too so catch him eating bologna sandwiches on wonder bread

Not even the Marstons are that bad

When he does get takeout, he overspends trying to use a delivery app 

He’s like, “And do I need the extra side of special sauce for $5…? Yes.” 

Cooks like this 

[behealthay]

10 Healthy Comfort Foods near me that i should eat everyday

Over the last 2 decades, we’ve piled on a great deal of exceptionally great healthy comfort foods. We love sharing these top 10 best healthy comfort foods, as they’re currently family top choices in a wide range of homes over the world. These comfort foods are what home-cooking is all about. These foods have moved towards becoming the healthy choice throughout the world in the recent years.

#10 Chicken Potpie Tartines

Chicken potpie tartines is one of the best healthy comfort foods for you. It has a blend of mushrooms, frozen peas, matchstick cut carrots and some chicken. Chicken potpie tartines is an easy to cook food, keeping up your health-consciousness. This would spare your times and save you from consuming unhealthy foods. You can give it the extra touch by serving it with some sauce according to your taste.

#9 White Bean and Vegetable Bowl with Frizzled Eggs:

This simple bowl of brothy goodness is stacked with two veggies and umami juicy taste. It’s additionally incredible for times when you’re short on money, as it costs just about a few dollars for around 4 servings. This would be a great blend with the vegetables and eggs providing vitamins with proteins.

#8 Shortcut Risotto with Brussels Sprouts:

Our basic method produces exemplary risotto in a short time. Pre-cooked, dark colored rice stews with a flour-thickened blend of dairy and chicken stock, supported with a pinch of cream cheddar for additional extravagance. This is the mouthwatering recipe providing all the health nutrients being a great addition to the healthy comfort foods.

#7 Gluten-Free Peanut Butter Chocolate Cookies:

You likely have everything close by to make these chewy, chocolate nutty spread treats. To fit the treats on a solitary sheet container, isolate these cookies into columns. Squeezing the cookies help you to prepare them more rapidly and get flawless fresh edges, else they’ll be excessively round and half-cooked. This would give a great booted edge to your list of healthy comfort foods. These are great for controlling your hunger and sweet tooth.

#6 Sirloin Steaks with Mushroom Sauce and Chive-Garlic Potatoes:

It won’t become more special than a major bit of steak finished with exquisite sauce and matched with rich pureed potatoes. Furthermore, our adaptation figures out how to hold calories under control. The entire dinner has only 300 calories, with simply 3 to 4 grams of immersed fat. To get the full steak house taste, include this with around 80 calories for every serving. You will get obsessed with this healthy comfort food providing a great treat.

#5 Hot and Sour Soup with Noodles:

Some people move towards progressively balanced tastes, while others have cravings for extreme chili to fulfill their appetite. This hot and harsh soup is a take-out essential, but it also can be cooked at home. This winter supper is perfect when you’re sick, yet want to try something according to your taste. This healthy comfort food is great for those who have cravings for spice.

#4 Extra Vegetable Fried Rice:

This is the perfect healthy comfort food when you invite over some friends to your house. You would just need frozen peas and a blend of some vegetables with red pepper. This extra vegetable fried rice won’t feel heavy on your stomach and it provides you with the perfect mix of healthy nutrients. It’s an easy to make comfort food which your guests will love and won’t get over it in one serving.

#3 Roasted Butternut Squash Risotto:

This is possibly the best healthy comfort food you’ll made for this year. You can have this for breakfast, lunch or supper, too. You can serve it with white wine and include a little bit of spinach with the butternut squash towards the end. The shriveled greens, velvety rice, and nutty squash would make irrefutably the ideal dinner. You won’t get over its taste after having one bowl of this.

#2 High Protein Mac and Cheese:

Here and there our most loved healthy comfort foods simply require a little dietary lift. This macaroni and cheese is made with protein-enhanced pasta, at that point makes a sauce from lightly sliced cheddar and without fat cheese, so you get a huge amount of protein and flavor, with less fat and calories. This is a perfect boost for your body as it is one of the comfort foods providing huge amount of proteins with taste.

#1 Sweet Potato and Kale Brown Rice Casserole:

Considerable a lot of us experienced their childhood with mushy rice meals, and this healthy comfort food presents a more beneficial take with a different blend in it. You would require dietary boost like brown colored rice, sweet potato and kale to make it. This sweet potato and kale brown rice casserole is an incredible meal for those who are health-conscious. It would be a protein power pack if you are into athletics.

[themiscyra1983]

Cassandra’s Half-Assed Cuisine in Quarantine: Low and Slow Beef Stew Over Noodles

Good evening, cats and kittens, and welcome to the last of my recipes, at least for the time being. This one will perhaps be judged less harshly by the esteemed @docholligay, your friend and mine, as it does involve some actual proper cooking. I’m not saying no judgment. I am saying less.

As with my Hot and Horrific Chili Queso, I don’t have a specific provenance for this dish. It’s based on something my parents would make for me and my sister since our childhood, well before I can remember. The Lease family has roots all over the place, if by ‘the place’ you mean Europe. Most immediately, we are Swedish (via my grandmother, an immigrant), Scottish (via my great-grandmother, through whom I am linked to Clan MacGillivray, if only unofficially, as that was her maiden name), and Irish (via my grandfather; the less said about him the better, but I like Ireland even as I loathe that no-account bastard through the mists of time). Any part of our heritage could have inspired this simple, hearty meal, though more likely my parents found it on the back of a gravy packet or something and added it to our repertoire. Truth be told, a lot of our family recipes were things my parents initially found on a package, which then mutated over the years when they lost the original recipe; such is the case with our Chili Ole, an amalgam of ground beef, tomato paste, macaroni, beans and various spices. No idea what that dish was originally. No idea how to actually make it.

And, though I do know how to make this, I similarly have no idea where this actually came from.

But this was a special meal for us. Simple but time consuming, it was a bit infrequent in our family meal rotation, making it special for us. Today I make it strictly on special occasions, when I have a whole day to myself, as it involves the slow cooker and while I know the point is to just let the thing run, I don’t like leaving it completely unattended. So this is a Christmas and birthday kind of meal for me. And it was my dad’s specialty; since he now lives a thousand miles away, it’s not like he can make it for me.

Now, my dad doesn’t cook very much, and even less these days, it seems. His girlfriend was shocked to learn I thought highly of his gravy, but I do have fond memories of him making gravy for our Thanksgiving dinners and for this dish. He gave me the best instructions he could recall, but the truth is, I’ve never been able to make the stuff thicken the way I like - the way he could. So, because I can’t actually advise you on making gravy, and in the spirit of this being half-assed, I’m going to tell you to add premade gravy. But in the course of this recipe you’re going to end up with a by-product that could certainly be the basis of a gravy or a broth, so I’ll tell you how my dad said to make the gravy at the end, even though it doesn’t work for me.

But let’s start with the half-assed version. As I said: this is a time-consuming recipe, but also a simple one. It involves a few ingredients, a bunch of waiting, and then tasting and adjusting to taste as you finish it off. The most expensive part will be the steak. You can use stew beef if you prefer, but I actually found my experience using small, tender steaks much more satisfying. It was necessity inspiring invention when I couldn’t get stew beef but now I actually prefer it. You can also use onion powder instead of diced onion (in fact this is what my dad does), but I find the latter makes things more flavorful. If you want to use onion powder, I’d say add a couple tablespoons.

Here’s what you’ll need.

The Stew:

About 24 ounces worth of tender angus steaks

One small or about half a medium onion, freshly diced

Two tablespoons of garlic powder

Salt

Pepper

About 24 ounces of premade gravy (Heinz Savory Beef Gravy works for me)

The Noodles:

One 12-ounce package of egg noodles

One stick of butter or margarine (or four ounces for those of you who don’t get the stuff in quarter-pound sticks)

Cut the steaks into bite-sized chunks and place into your slow cooker or Instant Pot. Add the diced onion and garlic powder, and sprinkle with salt and pepper. Cover this mixture with water - about 4 cups, enough to cover everything. Stir until you feel the ingredients have been distributed evenly. Put your slow cooker on low and leave to cook for eight hours.

After eight hours of cooking, remove the mixture from the slow cooker and drain, saving the water for other uses if desired. Put the drained mixture in a large saucepan and heat over low heat on your stovetop, adding the gravy and stirring often. Taste occasionally and add more garlic powder, onion powder, pepper and/or salt to taste.

In another pot, prepare the egg noodles as directed on the package, bringing enough water to cook them to a boil, adding the noodles, and stirring occasionally until tender. Once they’re ready, drain the noodles. Cut up the margarine or butter and add it to the pan, then return the noodles and stir thoroughly. Add a little olive oil as well if desired.

When the noodles are done and the beef stew is sufficiently hot, you’re ready to serve. I like to put the noodles in a bowl first, add some grated mozzarella on top, and then ladle the beef stew on top of that, adding salt and pepper if needed and to taste. You can also mix it all thoroughly and in fact this is sometimes what I do with leftovers (leaving out the cheese, which I add after reheating). The stew also goes well over potatoes as prepared in a variety of ways - mashed, boiled, those little red potatoes perfectly cooked, you name it.

This can easily make six servings or so, or four very hearty servings. I beg you to have a salad as well - I make a point of eating my greens. This is a lot of starch and protein and you should get some more veggies in there.

So What About the Gravy?

Again, I’ve never been able to make this work. Perhaps it’s the corn starch that’s giving me problems - my dad was diagnosed with celiac several years ago and stopped using flour. We could have noodles made from wheat (made in a separate pot, and tasted by the non-celiac folks in the house), but he had to taste the gravy to make it properly, so: gluten-free gravy. If you already know how to make gravy, you should use your process.

But this is what my dad told me.

You will need:

About two cups of water

About 3-4 heaping spoonfuls (my dad was not specific, I went with tablespoons) of corn starch (my family always used Argo brand)

Some Gravy Master, mainly for coloring - maybe about a teaspoon at most

When the stew mixture is done in the slow cooker, do NOT drain it off - add everything to the saucepan. In a separate vessel, mix the water, starch, and Gravy Master into a slurry, then add this to the pan as well. Stir everything together, heating over low heat, tasting occasionally. Add additional water if you find the gravy is getting too thick (spectacularly not a problem for me). As in the above process, add additional spices while cooking to taste.

Last Notes

To be honest, the “or margarine” up there is about my personal taste - it’s what I grew up with, as my family was often poor. We had butter, but used it sparingly, sticking with margarine for a lot of our cooking, including pasta. Butter tastes too...’buttery’ to me on pasta now. I use margarine (and I’m specific about the brands I like; I used to use Promise but after I started having trouble finding it I switched to Land O’ Lakes); you may very well prefer butter. I wouldn’t call either option exactly healthy.

In my dad’s version of the recipe - which uses stew beef and onion powder and involves his own gravy, as described above - he also browns the beef before adding it to the slow cooker, no more than about five or ten minutes in a frying pan over fairly low heat. I’ve never found this step necessary in my version of the recipe but you may like the effect.

...now I’m thinking about that Chili Ole my family used to make, whatever the hell that actually was before we got our grubby little hands on it. I’ll have to see if my dad remembers how we made that. But that’s all the ‘recipes’ I have for now; a LOT of what I eat otherwise boils down to ‘follow the directions on the package’ or ‘make a goddamned sandwich’ or ‘okay it’s a burger, cook a burger and slap it on a bun and top it with stuff’. If I think of anything else, well, my keyboard’s always ready to go.

For now, stay safe, stay healthy, and try to eat better than I do.

[themanicnami]

Grocery Tips From a Fellow Broke Person

So I know I have been talking about budgeting food often recently but its because I just had a bunch of bills stacked up and so I am breaking out all of my personal tools for groceries for the next few months. I feel several on this site are int eh same boat, and if needed here are some of my personal tips on grocery shopping.

If you can’t get fresh get long lived

Simply put, we know how healthy it is to eat fresh veggies and fruits, it is important to eat them in your diet for numerous health reasons. But fresh is not always an option, depending on where you live, fresh may be expensive or it may be a time of year where fresh produce may have gone up in price or you may not have a place to store them for one reason or another.

There is nothing wrong with frozen vegetables! They are affordable, last a long time, easily stored and are easy to cook. You can find them for around .50 cents to about 2.47 a bag depending on the brandy, type and size of bag. Sometimes this is more affordable than the fresh. 

Canned veggies are also always an option. They may have their downsides with studies showing too much preserved food can cause health issues, they are still a better option than just straight ramen and noodles every day! They still hold vitamins in them that your body needs. You can even buy sodium free canned vegetables now and ones stored in broth. If you don’t have refrigeration or a freezer, canned vegetables are an option for you.

The same goes for fruit! You can find frozen berries of all sorts in the freezer section and also canned fruit can be high in sugars but when in a bind, sometimes it is a better option than nothing at all.

 Buy In Bulk

If this option is available for you try to buy things in bulk, they may be pricier in the moment but if they are non-perishable food items with a long shelf life they can last you long enough not to worry about buying them again for weeks or even months. Some bulk items that I recommend looking into for their long storage life would be: rice, pastas, dried beans, lentils, peanut butter/other nut butter products and cooking oils. 

If you are able to afford buying the little boxing display sized of items sometimes that is for the best. At my personal grocery store you can buy a small pallet (for the shelf) of ramen for 5 dollars. Though it is not ideal, it is a good base to mix things in with as I spoke about in my previous post. I can also buy bulk of boxes of macaroni and cheese, boxed rice, boxed pasta sides and trays of soup. I have happily done this before because all of them had long shelf lives of a year or more in some cases and I still have them in my pantry ready for eating.

Proteins, Proteins, Proteins

Meat can be expensive we all know this, but luckily there are some affordable meat options! Depending on your local grocer they may have a display near the entrance of on sale meats, usually this is due to overstock or because they want to put fresher cuts up and need to get rid of their current stock. I have found 20 piece chicken legs for 3 dollars due to this as well as pork chops for 6. 

If you do not have a sale item for overstocked meats, you need to compare your prices. Check what they have, sometimes you’ll still find sales or good deals. In general - chicken is the least expensive meat option. Sausages and ground meat tend to be less expensive than prime cuts. Beef in general tends to be more pricey while pork can range. Depending on your area, this may vary but if you have the storage for meats, fresh chicken and sausages are often your best bet for affordable choices.

Eggs are wonderful options as well, they can store a while if you know how to pick them. When selecting eggs, if you know you will eat them go for the larger containers like around 18 eggs. They tend to be a better deal than getting the smaller options though always check your eggs for cracks or wetness on the container. If you are worried how fresh they are pick up an egg and shake it near your ear, if it feels dense and doesn’t make much noise then its good. If it feels very liquid like and makes sloshing sounds its close to going rotten and should not be bought.

Canned meats are always a good option for people who do not have a place to store frozen or fresh meat. Canned tuna shouldn’t be eaten a lot but it can be a good source for protein. It can be mixed into macaroni, ramen, rice, casseroles and more to add flavor. Try to buy tuna canned in water, it tends to be healthier than that stored in oil.

Canned chicken is always a good option as well, it can be eaten more regularly than tuna and can be cooked up into soups, rice, stir fry and more! Canned ham, spam, canned beef, crab and salmon are other canned meats that are often easily found in different types of grocery stores.

Beans can be easily bought dried and in bulk which makes them a good choice especially for those who may not be fans of the meat options above. You can also buy them canned for easy cooking like in soups, chili and stews.

Sales and Coupons and Grocery Store Brand

Always look for sales, if you see items on sale for a great discount and its something you will eat and it can be stored well, stock up! It prevents you from having to buy it for more later. Coupons can come in the mail though it may appear as junk mail, if they are for the grocery store you shop at, give them a look. There may be some that may be worth while. Make sure you read their terms, some are only good during certain times or if a certain amount is spent. You can also check for product coupons which work on all stores because they come directly from the production company. These can often be found online or on the company’s website. 

Sometimes brands are more expensive than the grocery store’s own brand. In these cases it may be a matter of taste in some things but with other things like canned vegetables, tuna, rice, noodles etc it can be almost a dollar cheaper to buy the grocery store’s brand with little to no difference with the brand named items. I personally always buy canned veggies that are from my local grocer as well as tuna and canned chicken - I have found they taste the same as the other brands but in the end saves me ten to twenty dollars after shopping.

Happy shopping everyone!

[holdtheskeletongrillby]

Hey guys, I'm not much of a cook, but let me tell you the loosest way to make stew I know that will feed you for at least a week that you probably can still find stuff for in the grocery store rn since people ignored the veggies mostly where I live.

First get a big ass pot and fill with water

Put it on your stove and heat that bad boy. Add either bouillon cubes or that liquid starter stuff until the water tastes like more than just h2o. If you're someone that makes your own stock, you're probably better versed in cooking than this dumb tutorial, but hey, you can use that, too. Just flavor your water. I like using chicken broth. But any kind is fine.

When that's hot, if you've got some kinda noodle, add that. I managed to get ahold of some angel hair spaghetti instead of the ramen noodles I usually use. But any noodles will work. Throw some macaroni in there, doesn't matter.

Obtain some frozen vegetables. Probably should have had a list at the start of this so you could prepare. Anyway, you can grab some bags for less than a dollar, so 3 dollars is enough for the frozen veggie portion of this meal. I like to use a bag of peas and carrots, a bag of corn, and a bag of lima beans. Throw that shit in.

Now panic as you cut some onions. Dice up a good handful. Or you can buy the already diced if you can find some. Onions were still aplenty when I went to the store last, so I got white and green. Toss that shit in.

Garlic powder out the wazoo or any spice or seasoning you like. Stir your stew, man. If you're sharing this meal, use two spoons to taste it so you don't contaminate the food. I however live alone and am a pile of trash, so I slurp that shit up with my stirring spoon. Can't contaminate myself, after all. Except with the humiliation of crying in front of my boss because I am losing my mind.

Next, if you have managed to find a store where people haven't panic bulk purchased the eggs, crack a few of those sexy baby chicken fetus food balls into this tasty mess. Let them heat a little before stirring more so you can have some delicious hard yolks instead of a mess. If you're a vegan, you probably stopped reading at the broth part unless they make vegetable broth bouillon cubes... Idk about what best substitutes for egg... I also added fresh mushrooms, and those are good... Add mushrooms.

And just before you turn off the stove to let this cook the last of the way under its own heat, add your meat, if you have/want any. I usually do beef or pork, just for contrasting flavor to the broth. It's yummy.

You could probably do this all in a slow cooker, too, but this way I'm done in 10-15 minutes. I usually just reheat my shit on the stove through the week and keep the pot in my refrigerator until I'm done, but you might have standards about your food, so you can portion it out in containers and store it properly. Like in the freezer if it's going to last longer than a week or so. Add soy sauce or salt to taste for extra umph.

I think the total cost is ~$20 for a week of solid eating, and I eat big portions. The most expensive thing is the meat. Which again, anything will work, so you can probably find a single pack somewhere to use. If not, skip it. Who cares? I'm not your mother. Add tofu or something.

Tldr, heat water and add stuff until you think "Hey, this looks like food maybe."

[somebodytolove1976-blog]

Cooking Tips That Everyone Needs To Read

A lot of people think that cooking is a nuisance. This article gives you with suggestions to do that.

Preparation is incredibly important prior to cooking for family or friends. Gather all of your ingredients beforehand. This process will limit the amount of stress you experience when cooking the meal and help to ensure that you are able to cook the masterpiece you want.

Partially frozen meat to make slicing into thin strips. This method is especially useful when preparing Asian dishes. However, be sure to allow the meat strips to thaw before cooking them, so it cooks evenly.

Try adding cauliflower in with your mashed potatoes to cut some calories and fat. The taste of cauliflower helps it to blend nicely with your potatoes while picking up the potatoes. Cauliflower has the same texture and color as potatoes, so the dish will be transformed into one that has more vegetables and fewer calories.

Do you regularly cook with fresh basil? Place several sprigs of fresh basil in a glass container. Fill the glass with water so that the stems can absorb it. Put it on top of your kitchen counter and it will remain fresh for up to seven days! The basil will grow roots if you change out the water regularly. Trim or cut the basil once in a while so it grows even more and stays fresh.

This seasoning can also be utilized on various foods other than meat. You can add it to scrambled eggs and roasted pumpkin seeds. Everyone will wonder what you're doing to make it so good.

Use fresh ingredients whenever possible, as they bring out the best flavor of the dish, and they may cost less over the long run.

Plan to make a large pot of stock in order to freeze and store it. Good chicken stock that you make at home makes a great starter for soups, stews, casseroles and more.

Oil or butter both have fat than necessary to your dishes. Try using nonstick cooking spray instead: this product does not to stick and keep it free from fats that contribute little to a healthy lifestyle.

Beans or tofu are great sources of protein if you may not have yet considered adding to your diet. Both beans and tofu are readily available to buy at almost every grocery stores. Try frying tofu and you will have a tasty alternative to meat. Beans can always be cooked with herbs is a meal full of flavor and protein.

This will keep fruits fresh for much longer. This also a good way to have access to seasonal fruits that might otherwise not be available at the time you want them.

If you are having people over to your home to eat, do not pour the salad dressing on the salad, allow your guests to put the dressing on themselves. Some people enjoy lots of dressing than others; let guests pour their own dressing. Offer many different types of dressing.

Don't cook with wines that you wouldn't drink regularly. There are cooking wines available at the supermarket.

Storing herbs and spices in warm location will lead them to lose their flavor.

Never trash the leftovers whenever you have cooked a turkey. Cut the leftover meat and put it away in airtight container. Turkey remains fresh up to three weeks and you can use it in sandwiches or a salad.

Many popular veggies and herbs have a scent that remains on cutting boards even after use. Use permanent pen to make a mark so you know which is which.

Always follow instructions to the instructions if you are making something like macaroni and cheese. The macaroni turns out perfect and delicious because the nice velvety cheese is melted over the noodles. Use a solid face spoon when you serve macaroni and cheese. Spice it up with some pepper!

When you have a large or complicated meal to prepare, do the prep work the evening before the actual cooking is to take place to minimize stress. Get all of the ingredients that you will need, and chop or measure anything you can in advance. You will only have to get everything put together when it's time for you do good advance preparation.

Raw onions have sulfurous gas when they are chopped. This excessive gas by-product can damage the flavor of your fresh salsa. The gas is removed by rinsing and pat the onions dry.

When you are sauteing a food, don't put too much oil in the pan. Make sure you saute foods on a low temperature as well.

As was shown in the above article, there are numerous ways for cooking to be more interesting and less of a hassle. By following the tips presented above, your time in the kitchen can be a creative, joyful experience.

[leantimes]

Soup, a Super Food

Soup is one of my favorite foods.  It's cheap, and you can feed a crowd of people with a tiny amount of food.  It's also the first thing I ever learned how to cook and one of the easiest things for people who want to get their feet wet cooking but aren't sure where to start.  I have a lot of friends who don't do much cooking -- so here's a few tips for soup-making.  

Start by making your own stock.  It's super easy.  By definition, stock requires bones; if you're making a "veggie stock," you're technically making a broth.  Either way, the great thing about stock is that it uses up all of the bits and pieces from other things you cook.  Save all of your vegetable ends, your bones from meat, your shrimp tails, etc. and make stock with them.  Keep it to one type of animal per meat stock -- pork stock, chicken stock, beef stock -- but you can get by with putting several types of fish into a seafood stock.

The way I make my stock is pretty simple.  Take a big pot and chop up some onions, carrots, garlic and celery.  If you have other vegetable "bits" floating around, put those in too! Toss that in the pot and start heating it.  Add your bones -- if they have a bit of meat on them, all the better -- and then cover it with lots of water.  Add some salt and herbs.  Cook this at a bare simmer for a few hours.  Even better, put the whole concoction into a crockpot and forget about it overnight.  Then just strain off the stock and put it in the fridge.

The fat will rise up to the top.  You can peel this off to use in cooking if that's your thing, or just toss it.  The rest of it can be frozen.  Freeze in an ice cube tray and them dump the cubes of stock out into a big plastic baggy.  That way you always have just the right amount of stock on hand.  

Tips for Making SoupOnce you have a nice, homemade stock to work with, you can make just about anything taste good.  You don't need stock in order to make soup, of course, but the stock does add some richness and depth of flavor.  Here are a few really simple soups to start off:

Make chicken noodle by combining chicken stock with chunks of fresh chicken, fresh vegetables, and noodles.  You can make homemade noodles if you want, or substitute noodles for rice, barley or some other grain.  Carrots are essential.  For flavorings, I like to use salt, pepper, marjoram, thyme and rosemary.  Seasoning salt is good too.  

Make a wholesome vegetarian minestrone by combining a big can of stewed tomatoes with veggie stock, beans (I like white beans like cannelinis, or chickpeas) and vegetables (I like corn and green beans in this a lot) and either some pasta (shells or macaroni is my favorite).  Finish it at the end with a splash of red wine vinegar to kick it up a notch.  

Make a super simple chili by combining a can of crushed tomatoes, two small cans of tomato sauce, a cup or two of beans and chili powder, cumin, salt, pepper and garlic.  You can add the meat of your choice if you want.  Use the leftovers over pasta or rice.

Want a stupidly simple, shockingly delicious soup?  Boil some potatoes (the little white or red ones are best, but any will work) in fish or veggie stock.  Poach some fish (something fairly sturdy - I like perch for this) in the same stock after the potatoes are softened.  Add some salt to the broth if necessary.  Finish it off with an ample squeeze of lemon.  Trust me when I tell you that this is amazing and has saved my hide on nights when there was essentially nothing in my pantry that I could eat.

One of my favorite soups is to combine stock or water with crushed tomatoes and tomato sauce, fresh onions, bell peppers and jalapenos, chili powder, cumin, garlic, salt and pepper, corn and any other miscellaneous veggies I have on hand. Finish it off with a fresh squeeze of lime.  

Make a super easy chowder by combining potatoes with stock and slow-simmer until the potatoes are softened and mashable.  Even better, upcycle leftover mashed potatoes.  Add broccoli or corn and cheese if you wish.  Finish off with some milk or cream at the end of the cooking process.  Season simply with salt and pepper, or put in just a smidge of mustard to bring out cheese.  You can boost the nutrition and lower calories by replacing some of the potatoes with cauliflower.  

Around Halloween, I like to do a hearty pumpkin soup.  Sweat out some leeks in the pan, then combine pumpkin and stock.  Add salt, pepper and a bit of nutmeg.  Blend all of this, then add some currants or raisins at the end and garnish with toasted pumpkin seeds.  

I could go on and on.  Just suffice to say, it's pretty hard to screw up soup.  You can even toss everything into a slowcooker and neglect it for several hours and it'll still turn out delicious.  Here's a few tips for rescuing a soup that's suffering:

Add some salt.  Do it in small quantities, so you don't get overwhelmed, but you'd be amazed at how much it fixes flavor.  You know you have the perfect amount of salt when the food tastes suddenly better without tasting salty.  

Add a splash of vinegar or lemon/lime to brighten up flavor

Add tomato to basically any brothy soup to make it taste good

Add cheese to basically any creamy soup to make it taste good

If you add too much salt, just dump in more of everything else and make a double or triple batch.  Freeze the excess.  

You can cook pretty much any grain in soup.  Don't try to cook beans in soup, though, because they won't absorb liquid properly if there's any salt in the liquid.