Recipe Roundup, inspired by Erin!
Here are some of my go-to recipes. Some I've mentioned before, some I haven't, some are new. These are very budget-friendly, mostly healthy, and make good leftovers. If you would like to check the nutritional content of these recipes, copy/paste them into this calculator. I ignore the "health grade" it gives the recipes because I don't feel it is accurate (does not take into account that artificial ingredients are unhealthy, for example).
Pumpkin Oatmeal: I made this today for my sick husband. It is packed with vitamins. We sweetened it with honey, which was especially important due to Daniel's illness. I read an article recently rom th very reputable cracked.com that revealed that honey is more effective than cough syrup in treating colds and coughs. Go nature!
44 Clove Garlic Soup: I mention this soup all the time because I believe it has magical healing powers. Daniel requested it last night to soothe his sinus infection. I added chicken because he needs lots of protein (or at least thinks he does), but I think it's filling enough without it. Serve with a crusty bread, plenty of lemon (for extra healing powers), and a bit of Parmesan. Under 300 calories with the full amount of Parmesan and whipping cream, so don't feel that you need to substitute with milk (unless you just don't want to buy cream). Also, I know 44 cloves of garlic sounds like a lot, but don't leave any out. And definitely dip bread in the oil leftover from roasting the garlic.
Chicken diable: Whoa, found this recipe on Google Books, in the actual cookbook I have! This one is quick, easy, and so delicious you won't believe how little time it takes to make it. Daniel has decided to add this to his very limited repertoire of recipes because he loves mustard. Now that this is on Google Books, skim through the entire document to learn why it is my favorite of all cookbooks ever.
Black Bean Quesadillas: Quick, easy, freezable. Definitely make your own taco seasoning. I use Chipotle or Ancho chili powder as opposed to generic chili powder-- it makes a huge difference. Keep in mind that the Budget Bytes girl likes things pretty spicy.
Crunchy Asian Salad: Erin & I found half a cabbage was enough for this. Lasts all week even with the dressing on top!
Eggplant Pomodoro Pasta: If you can help it, don't skip any of the ingredients! Although I've never added capers.
Cornmean-crusted chicken nuggets with blackberry mustard: I make this when blackberries go on sale, but of course it's just a good chicken nugget recipe anyway.
Cincinnati Chili: Not healthy, but a great comfort food! Best made ahead of time and freezes well. Cincinnati chili is more of a sauce served on top of spaghetti than a hearty chili. It smells heavenly on the stove and is perfect during cold weather.
Lightened-Up Pasta Carbonara: Oh my goodness, just try it. Daniel requests this all the time.
Pasta with white beans and arugula: To make this more budget-friendly, use spinach instead of arugula (or a mixture) and bulk sun dried tomatoes or fresh tomatoes.
Salmon burgers: No recipe for this, but here's roughly what I do: 1 can salmon, 1 egg, salt, pepper, Italian seasoning, grated zucchini, bread crumbs. Form into patties and cook in a skillet until brown on both sides. Serve on toast with mustard & greens.
Cowboy Caviar: Leave out avocado for a make-ahead snack. Use cabbage to make this into a salad, or serve with tortilla chips.
I'm going to stop now before I get too carried away! Let me know if you try any of these! I can't wait to see what you all post. Let's do desserts next!
Pumpkin Oatmeal: I made this today for my sick husband. It is packed with vitamins. We sweetened it with honey, which was especially important due to Daniel's illness. I read an article recently rom th very reputable cracked.com that revealed that honey is more effective than cough syrup in treating colds and coughs. Go nature!
44 Clove Garlic Soup: I mention this soup all the time because I believe it has magical healing powers. Daniel requested it last night to soothe his sinus infection. I added chicken because he needs lots of protein (or at least thinks he does), but I think it's filling enough without it. Serve with a crusty bread, plenty of lemon (for extra healing powers), and a bit of Parmesan. Under 300 calories with the full amount of Parmesan and whipping cream, so don't feel that you need to substitute with milk (unless you just don't want to buy cream). Also, I know 44 cloves of garlic sounds like a lot, but don't leave any out. And definitely dip bread in the oil leftover from roasting the garlic.
Chicken diable: Whoa, found this recipe on Google Books, in the actual cookbook I have! This one is quick, easy, and so delicious you won't believe how little time it takes to make it. Daniel has decided to add this to his very limited repertoire of recipes because he loves mustard. Now that this is on Google Books, skim through the entire document to learn why it is my favorite of all cookbooks ever.
Black Bean Quesadillas: Quick, easy, freezable. Definitely make your own taco seasoning. I use Chipotle or Ancho chili powder as opposed to generic chili powder-- it makes a huge difference. Keep in mind that the Budget Bytes girl likes things pretty spicy.
Crunchy Asian Salad: Erin & I found half a cabbage was enough for this. Lasts all week even with the dressing on top!
Eggplant Pomodoro Pasta: If you can help it, don't skip any of the ingredients! Although I've never added capers.
Cornmean-crusted chicken nuggets with blackberry mustard: I make this when blackberries go on sale, but of course it's just a good chicken nugget recipe anyway.
Cincinnati Chili: Not healthy, but a great comfort food! Best made ahead of time and freezes well. Cincinnati chili is more of a sauce served on top of spaghetti than a hearty chili. It smells heavenly on the stove and is perfect during cold weather.
Lightened-Up Pasta Carbonara: Oh my goodness, just try it. Daniel requests this all the time.
Pasta with white beans and arugula: To make this more budget-friendly, use spinach instead of arugula (or a mixture) and bulk sun dried tomatoes or fresh tomatoes.
Salmon burgers: No recipe for this, but here's roughly what I do: 1 can salmon, 1 egg, salt, pepper, Italian seasoning, grated zucchini, bread crumbs. Form into patties and cook in a skillet until brown on both sides. Serve on toast with mustard & greens.
Cowboy Caviar: Leave out avocado for a make-ahead snack. Use cabbage to make this into a salad, or serve with tortilla chips.
I'm going to stop now before I get too carried away! Let me know if you try any of these! I can't wait to see what you all post. Let's do desserts next!