11.18.2013

Pumpkin Pie Spice


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With all these yummy pumpkin treats begging to be made around this time of year, pumpkin pie spice is a must-have ingredient. It is incredibly easy to make and can be made with spices you probably you already have on hand.

Today I'm sharing two ways to make it...a teaspoon of spice and a large batch.


Let's start with the large batch.

4 parts ground cinnamon
2 parts ground ginger
2 parts ground nutmeg
1 part ground cloves or allspice

I usually use Tablespoons as my "parts".




11.15.2013

Lasagna Soup

Happy Friday! Last week, I mentioned I was going to share some budget friendly dinners this month. Today I am sharing the first recipe...Lasagna Soup


You can make this for under $10 and it makes enough for dinner, plus leftovers!

It's easy to throw together and has great flavor! 


I've put prices next to the ingredients. Some things I didn't put a price on because they are hard to calculate and would be pennies on the dollar. Also, some pricing might different around the country, but nevertheless, this is a family favorite that is easy on your pocket book. WIN WIN!


LASAGNA SOUP

adapted from Paula Deen


Ingredients
1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil
1 onion, chopped (.25)
1 pound ground Italian sausage ($3.99)
3 cloves garlic, chopped 
1 teaspoon dried oregano
4 cups (32 oz) low-sodium chicken broth ($1.79)
1 28-ounce can crushed tomatoes (1.09)
1/2 pkg. lasagna noodles, broken into pieces (about 7-8 noodles) (.50)
1 zucchini, sliced (.50)
1/2 cup chopped fresh basil (.69)
1/3 cup grated parmesan cheese (plus more for sprinkling) (.85)


Directions
Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed pot over medium-high heat. Add the onion and cook, stirring, until softened, about 5 minutes. 
Add the sausage, garlic and oregano and cook, stirring and breaking up the sausage with a wooden spoon, until the sausage is browned, about 3-5 minutes. 
Add the chicken broth, zucchini, tomatoes and noodles; cover and bring to a simmer. 
Uncover and cook until slightly reduced, about 10 minutes. Stir in basil and parmesan; simmer 2 more minutes.
Divide the soup among bowls. Top with parmesan.




























Serve with a salad and some crusty bread and you've got yourself a filling and fabulous meal! YUM!

11.07.2013

Garlic Herb Dinner Rolls


I'm sharing a super easy and tasty dinner roll recipe over at 30 Days today. My family goes bonkers over these and they are perfect for Thanksgiving dinner. 

Or to accompany your favorite soup. 
Or salad.
Or lasagna. 
I could keep going. 
They really do go with almost any dish.

Go get the recipe here.

11.05.2013

Halloween 2013


This Halloween was a fun one.

It didn't rain (BONUS!)

The kids were happy to out running around the neighborhood.

Other than our sweet baby frog girl falling asleep and missing the trick-or-treating, there were no melt-downs or tantrums. WIN!

The Boy was Luke Skywalker, Sweet Pea was the Tooth Fairy ("poof! I got your toof!") and Baby Girl was set on being a frog (or a ribbit, as she calls it). There was no changing her mind. Froggie or bust!

As for me? I was Flo the Progressive lady.



This is the first year I've dressed up in a long time. And I forgot how fun it was! 

I also forgot how hard it is to find a good, clean costume. Almost every woman's costume is short, tight and trashy. When did Halloween become an excuse to dress inappropriately?

Anywhoo, October is gone and we keep moving forward.

For the month of November, I'm focusing on eating healthy dinners at home on a budget. I'm excited to share some recipes with you throughout the month! Stay tuned