Breakfast Belt

Last week, I ordered the "breakfast belt" at this restaurant called Nick and Sam's. Wow, so simple, yet so delicious! I had to go home and attempt to make it myself. Surprisingly, this breakfast entree only took about 20 minutes to make, if you're efficient.


Ingredients:

• 3 egg whites, 1 yolk
• 3 strips of bacon
• a handful of spring mix
• salt & pepper
• 2 english muffins
• soy sauce

Guacamole - Combine ingredients to make guacamole

• 1 avocado, smashed
• the juice of half a lime
• a handful of minced cilantro
• 1 garlic clove, minced
• 5 cherry tomatoes cut into fourths
• salt & pepper

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven 340 F. Toast english muffins.
2. On medium heat, cook bacon in a large skillet to desired crispiness. 
3. While the bacon is cooking, make the guacamole. 
4. With a pair of tongs, take out the bacon and lay it on paper towels on a plate. Pour excess grease in a cup or small bowl. (Pouring grease down the drain is bad for your pipes! Let the grease solidify and dispose it in the trash.) 
5. Switch the heat to medium-low heat, and fry the eggs for 2 minutes or so. Dazzle a bit of soy sauce. 
6. Take out the english muffins. Spread the guacamole on a muffin half. On the other muffin half place the eggs, bacon pieces, and a handful of spring mix. 

Costs:

• 3 egg whites, 1 yolk- $0.25
• 3 strips of bacon-$ 0.50
• a handful of spring mix $0.35
• 2 english muffins- $1.20
• salt & pepper
• soy sauce

• 1 avocado, smashed- $1.50
• the juice of half a lime-$0.10
• a handful of minced cilantro -$0.10
• 1 garlic clove, minced- $0.08
• 5 cherry tomatoes cut into fourths- $0.50
• salt & pepper

Approximate Cost: $4.58 for a serving of 2 

xoxo,

Amy

Caviar d'Aubergine

The first time I tried caviar d'aubergine was when I was in Belgium, and I became instantly hooked. I loved it so much that every time I went to the grocery store (once a week), I bought 2 containers! The literal translation of caviar d'aubergine is eggplant caviar. There isn't any fish eggs in this dip, but the seeds of the eggplant resemble caviar, which gives it its name. I think eggplant caviar serves as a great spread on sandwiches; it's a healthy substitute to mayonaise, avocado, ranch etc. I personally like it best on toasted french bread, but I've seen my friends eat it with both tortilla and pita chips.

**There's so many versions of eggplant caviar, so you can really play with what you want to put in it.

Ingredients:

• 1 Medium-large eggplant
• 1 garlic clove
• a handful of cilantro
• 1 lemon
• salt & pepper
• olive oil

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven 475 F. Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil. Slice the eggplant in half. Drizzle olive oil over the eggplant. Sprinkle eggplant with salt and pepper. Bake for about 18-20 minutes or so.
2. Roughly chop the cilantro. Mince garlic (I do this because the food processor does not do a good job.) 
3. Skin the baked eggplant and add it into the food processor. Add the cilantro, garlic, and the juice of half a lemon into the food processor and mix. Sprinkle a bit of pepper. Sprinkle a generous amount of salt. 
4. Chill in fridge. Once cooled, you can determine if the spread needs the juice of the other half of the lemon or not. Served chilled. 

Costs:

• 1 Medium-large eggplant- $2.20
• 1 garlic clove- $0.12
• a handful of cilantro- $0.20
• 1 lemon- $0.20
• salt & pepper
• olive oil

Approximate Cost: $2.72 for a serving of 4 

xoxo,

Amy

Honey Soy-Glazed Baked Salmon

Hi Everyone! I apologize for the lack of posts this semester. After I came back from Europe, I had to put my hobbies on hold for a bit. (If you guys want to check out my adventures abroad, take a look at my Oh Crepe! blog.) Summer is now beginning, which means I have more time to explore a myriad of recipes!

So let's get on to cooking!

My first post this year will be a simple, healthy, and delicious dish, Honey Soy-Glazed Baked Salmon. I'm not a huge fan of cooked salmon, but this dish just melts right into your mouth. YUM. Its affordable ingredients and easy preparation makes this gourmet meal a delight to share with your friends! I made this salmon dish along with some other dishes for a dinner party for some friends.


Ingredients:

• 3oz. salmon fillet 
• 1/4 cup of soy sauce (light or regular)
• 1/4 cup of honey
• 1 clove of garlic, minced
• 2 tbsp. of minced onions
• a few sprigs of cilantro
• splash of olive oil
• pepper & salt 

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 375F. Mince onions. Mince garlic. Mince cilantro. Skin salmon fillet.
2. In a small bowl, combine soy sauce, olive oil, honey, minced onions, cilantro and garlic. 
3. Marinate the salmon fillet, making sure the salmon is fully coated with the mixture. 
4. Place salmon on aluminum foil on a baking sheet, and pour mixture evenly over the salmon. Sprinkle salt and pepper to flavor.
5. Bake for about 10-15 minutes. 

Costs:

• 3oz. salmon fillet~ $2.50 ( $5 for 6 oz salmon)  
• 1/4 cup of soy sauce (light or regular)
• 1/4 cup of honey~ $0.80
• 1 clove of garlic, minced -$0.12 ( $0.99 for a bulk which consists of 8-10 cloves)
• 2 tbsp. of minced onions 
• a few sprigs of cilanto-- $.05 ($0.29 for an entire bunch)
• splash of olive oil
• pepper & salt 

Approximate Cost: $3.50 for 1 serving




xoxo,
Amy

Crumbled Beef & Pork Sandwich

So when I made the stuffed bell peppers, I originally used 1 lb. of ground beef and 1 lb. of ground pork. This amount actually ended up being a bit too much, so what to do with the excess mixture? Well I just generously topped the mixture with soy sauce, and stuffed it into french bread!

Ingredients: 

• Leftover mixture from stuffed bell peppers recipe
• Soy sauce
• Shredded carrots
• Chopped cilantro
• 1/2 loaf of french bread
• olive oil

Instructions:

1. Cut loaf of french bread into fourths, place in toaster oven until desired crispiness. 
2. On medium heat, add some olive oil to a skillet. Once hot, add mixture and generously soak with soy sauce. Cook for about 5-10 minutes, or until well done. 
3. While the meat is cooking, shred carrots and chop cilantro.
4. Stuff cooked mixture into toasted french bread, top with carrots and cilantro.

Costs:

• Leftover mixture from stuffed bell peppers recipe
• Soy sauce
• Shredded carrots- $0.16
• Chopped cilantro- $0. $.10
• 1/2 loaf of french bread($1.98 for a loaf) $0.99
• olive oil

Approximate Cost: $1.50 (additional cost to the cost of the stuffed bell peppers) for a serving of 2 

I would roughly estimate that the cost of 2 sandwiches would be about $4. 

xoxo,

Amy

Colorful Stuffed Bellpeppers

Stuffing jalepeno peppers got me into stuffing bell peppers! Bell peppers come in a variety of colors, so these are really fun for dinner parties, or just dinner with your roomies. :) Personally, these were not my favorite; there was just too much meat. 

Ingredients:

• .75 lb. ground beef (lean)
• .75 ground pork (or turkey)
• 4 large bell peppers
• 2 eggs, beaten
• 1tbsp. BBQ Sauce
• 1 tbsp. garlic salt
• 1 cup bread crumbs
• 1 sm. onion, diced
• salt and pepper 

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven 375F.
2. In a small bowl, crack eggs and beat well. Rinse and cut off tops of bell peppers, and save for displaying later. Hollow and deseed each bell pepper. 
3. In a medium bowl, combine beaten eggs, ground beef, ground pork, break crumbs, onions, garlic salt. Mix well. Sprinkle generously with salt and pepper. 
4. With a spoon, carefully stuff each hollow bell pepper with mixture. Spread BBQ sauce over each pepper, put the top back on, and place into oven to cook for about 45 minutes or so. 

Costs:

• 4 large bell peppers- $3.99 for 3( red, orange, yellow) 
• .75 lb .ground beef
• .75 lb. ground pork (or turkey)
• 2 eggs, beaten- $0.20
• 1tbsp. BBQ Sauce
• 1 tbsp. garlic salt
• 1 cup bread crumbs-(I had panko bread crumbs left over from making chicken strips)- $ 0.50
• 1 sm. onion, diced-$0.27
• salt and pepper 

Approximate Cost: $11 for a serving of 4

Sidenote: If you're looking for a kick, my friend Timothy made this recipe, and he added some cayenne pepper! Cayenne pepper tends to do the trick :)

xoxo,

Amy

Jalepeno Poppers!

So after eating some jalepeno popper samples from Sur La Table, I went home and attempted to make my own. "Attempted" is the key word here, my poppers didn't look as presentable as the ones in the store. :(  Regardless of their lack of visual appeal, these are baked so they are much healthier than the poppers you would find at any restaurant!

Ingredients:

• 3 slices pepper jack cheese
• 6 jalepeno Peppers
• 1/8 cup of onion, minced
• 1/8 cup of fresh cilantro, chopped
• 1/3 cup of cream cheese
• salt and pepper

Instructions

1. Preheat oven 425F.
2. Rinse. Slice the jalepeno peppers in half lengthwise, and deseed. 
3. In a small bowl combine the cilantro, salt, onion, and cream cheese. Fill the jalepeno halves with the mixture.
4. Cut each slice of pepper jack cheese into 4ths or so and place on top of filled jalepeno half.
5. Bake for about 15 minutes or so, and sprinkle with salt and pepper.

Costs:

• Pepper jack cheddar cheese-($2.68 for six slices)-$ 1.34
• 6 Jalepeno Peppers- $0.35
• 1/8 cup minced onion-($0.41 for an onion)- $0.10
• 1/8 cup of fresh cilantro-($0.33 for a bunch)-$0.04
• 1/3 cup cream cheese-($1.42 for 1 cup)-$0.47

Approximate Cost: $2.30 for 12 jalepeno halves

xoxo,

Amy

Mediterranean Pitas

Vegetarian-friendly and easily packed into a ziplog sandwich bag, these mediterranean pitas are perfect to bring anywhere and to anyone!

Ingredients: 

• 1 medium size carrot
• 1/4 of a large cucumber
• 1/4 cup of kalamata olives
• 1.4 cup of feta cheese, crumbled
• 1 lemon
• 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
• salt and pepper
• mini pitas, cut in half

Instructions:

1. Shred carrot. Peel and cut cucumber into matchsticks. Chop olives.
2. In a medium size bowl, combine carrots, cucumbers, olives, feta cheese, lemon juice, olive oil, salt and pepper.
3. Toast mini pitas, and stuff with mixture.

Costs:

• 1 medium size carrot-$0.16
• 1/4 of a large cucumber-($0.34 for an entire cucumber)-$0.09
• 1/8-1/4 cup of kalamata olives ~($4.00 for a jar)- $80
• 1/4 cup of feta cheese, crumbled-($2.38 for a cup) -$0.60
• 1 lemon-$0.16
• 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
• salt and pepper
• 2 pitas halves -($1.98 for 6 halves)-$0.67

Approximate Cost: $2.48 for one serving

xoxo,

Amy

7 Layer Dip

I was at a Mexican restaurant the other day, and I came to the conclusion that most of the dishes consist of the same ingredients. Fajitas= tortilla, meat, veggies, & cheese. Nachos= tortilla, meat, veggies, & cheese. Tacos= tortilla, meat, veggies, & cheese. The list goes on. Well this 6 or 7 or 8 layer dip (depending on how many layers you want) consist basically of you guessed it.... tortilla, meat, veggies, & cheese. :D

Ingredients:

• 1/2 bag of shredded iceberg lettuce
• 1-1/2 pounds of ground beef
• 2-3 roma tomatoes, diced
• a bag of finely shredded cheese( the mexican mixture which is cheddar & monterey jack)
• 1 can of refried beans
• 1/2 cup of chopped green onions
• 1/4 of an onion, chopped

Instructions:

1. On medium high heat pour some oil into a large skillet. Add the chopped onions. Let it cook for a minute or two, and then add the ground beef. Sprinkle with salt and pepper ( I added a hint of soy sauce, but you can season the beef however.) Cook well for about 4-5 minutes.
2. In a large container, for the first layer spread the refried beans at the bottom of the container. Add the cheese for the second layer. Once the beef has cooled, you may add the beef and onions for the third layer. Spread the sour cream very slowly for the fourth layer, or it'll get clumpy on your spatula. Fifth layer, lettuce. Sixth layer tomatoes. Seventh layer green onions. 
3. Serve with tortilla chips.

Costs:

• 1/2 bag of shredded iceberg lettuce-$1.15
• 1-1/2 pounds of ground beef-$2
• 2-3 roma tomatoes, diced-$0.60
• a bag of finely shredded cheese( the mexican mixture which is cheddar & monterey jack)-$2.28
• 1 can of refried beans-$0.80
• 1/2 cup of chopped green onions-$0.20
• 1/4 of an onion, chopped-$0.25

Approximate Cost: $8-9 for a serving of 5

xoxo,

Amy

Soy-Glazed Baked Carrots

Carrot lover or not, you're going to love these! Drizzled with soy sauce and olive oil, these carrots are the perfect side dish, or even a light, scrumptious, afternoon snack. I really enjoyed eating these carrots because you get a combination of sweet and salty; a taste of sweetness from the natural flavor of the carrots and a nice salty kick from the soysauce. Inspiration from one of my great friends, Amy Abell. :)


Ingredients:

• Bag of carrots ( about 6-7 carrots
• Olive oil
• Salt & pepper
• Soy sauce

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven at 400F. Spray baking pan with cooking spray.
2. Peel carrots with a vegetable peeler. Slice carrots in half hotdog style. Laying one of the halves on the cutting board, flat side down, slice the carrot diagonally. You'll get longer strips of carrots this way. 
3. Throw on to the baking sheet. Drizzle with olive oil and soy sauce. Sprinkle with salt and pepper. Toss so that the carrots are covered evenly. 
4. Bake for about 20-25 minutes. 

Costs:

• Bag of carrots ( about 6-7 carrots) - $ $1.12
• Olive oil
• Salt & pepper
• Soy sauce

Approximate cost- $1.12 for a serving of 2-3

xoxo,

Amy

Black Bean & Corn Spanish Salad

I always see my roommate Jessica eating this corn and black bean mixture. I sneaked a bite, thought it was delicious, and asked her for the recipe. If you look closely at the photo above, you can see Oscar in the background! :)


Ingredients:

• 1 tbsp. salt
• 6 tbsp. of lime or lemon juice (I've used both, there's a mild difference) 
• 5 tbsp. of oil ( I use olive)
• 2 tbsp. vinegar (cider or red wine)
• 1 cup cilantro
• 1/2 cup red onion
• 3 roma tomatoes
• 1 red bell pepper ( or green, green is less $$)
• 2 tsp. of garlic
• 30 oz of black beans ( 2 small cans, or 1 large can)
• 1 can of corn 
• pepper
• 3/4 tsp. cumin (optional)

Instructions:

1. Drain black beans & rinse. Drain corn. Mince cilantro. Chop onion. Chop bell pepper. Chop tomatoes, and make sure you deseed the tomatoes or the salad will become soggy. Mince Garlic. Combine all in a large bowl.
2. In a small bowl, combine salt, lime or lemon juice, oil, vinegar, and optional cumin.
3. Pour the mixture over the vegetables.
4. Stir and chill.

Costs:

• 1 tbsp. salt
• 6 tbsp. of lime or lemon juice (I've used both, there's a mild difference) - $0.40
• 5 tbsp. of oil ( I use olive)
• 2 tbsp. vinegar (cider or red wine)
• 1 cup cilantro- $0.29
• 1/2 cup red onion- $0.60
• 3 roma tomatoes- $0.65
• 1 red bell pepper ( or green, green is less $$)- $1.68
• 2 tsp. of garlic
• 30 oz of black beans ( 2 small cans, or 1 large can) $1.25
• 1 can of corn $ 0.81
• pepper
• 3/4 tsp. cumin (optional)

Approximate Cost: $5.68 for a serving of 4 

( a lot of the ingredients involve kitchen basics such as salt, vinegar, and oil that I did not include in the calculations.)

xoxo,

Amy

Weekend Breakfast!

Ricotta cheese, asparagus, bacon, and poached eggs on thick-sliced toasted country bread is a perfect treat for your weekend guests! This well-balanced breakfast took me approximately half an hour to whip up, but only half the time the second time around.


Ingredients:

• 1/4 cup of fat free ricotta cheese
• 2 slices of toasted thick-cut country bread
• salt and pepper
• 8 pieces of asparagus
• 2 slices of bacon, crumbled
• 2 eggs

Instructions:

1. Bread: Preheat oven to 400F. Thaw loaf of bread in room temperature for about 15 minutes, and then bake for about 10-15 minutes.
2. Bacon: In a large skillet on medium heat, place pieces of bacon on the cool skillet. Cook until desire crispiness.
3. Asparagus: Bring a medium pot of water to boil. Cut the white ends off the asparagus. Place asparagus in a steamer over the pot, and steam for about 2-3 minutes until soft, yet slightly crunchy.
4. Once the bread is baked, cut the loaf into thick slices. Spread the ricotta cheese and sprinkle with salt and pepper. Top with the steamed asparagus spears. (Now you're prepared to poach the egg!)
5. Poached Egg: Bring a pot that 2/3rds full of water to a boil. Splash the water with some white vinegar (not necessary, but helps.) Crack an egg into a soup ladle. With a spoon, swirl the boiling water, and carefully drop the egg into the center of the whirlpool. Wait 2-3 minutes to cook. 
6. Top the toast with the poached egg. Sprinkle with salt, pepper, and bacon bits.

Costs:

• 1/4 cup of fat free ricotta cheese($1.78 for a tub)- $0.22
• 2 slices of toasted thick-cut country bread (a loaf or 10 slices cost $2.98) ~ $0.60
• salt and pepper
• 8 pieces of asparagus( $1.98 for a bunch of about 40) ~ $0.40
• 2 slices of bacon, crumbled( $2.99 for 25 slices) -$0.24
• 2 eggs- $0.20

Approximate Cost: $1.66 for a serving of 2




xoxo,
Amy

Smoked Salmon Crisps

If you're looking for something affordable, extremely easy to prepare, and satisfying, then this recipe is for you! Smoked salmon crisps are the perfect snack and an easy appetizer, especially when you're having a few guests over. I really like this snack, because you contrasting textures in one bite: the crunch from the chip and the tenderness from the smoked salmon.


Ingredients:

• 1 cup of sour cream
• 2 tbsp. chopped fresh dill
• salt and pepper
• a bag of thick potato chips or kettle cooked chips
• 4 oz. smoked salmon.

Instructions:

1. The smoked salmon usually comes ready to serve and pre-sliced (or you can slice it yourself.) 
2. Mix sour cream, dill, salt, and pepper. Put as much as your heart desires onto a large chip and top with a small slices of salmon.

 Costs:

• 1 cup of sour cream- $0.61
• 2 tbsp. chopped fresh dill-($2.47 for about 10 stems, you need 2) $.50
• salt and pepper
• a bag of thick potato chips or kettle cooked chips-$2.29
• 4 oz. smoked salmon- $4.97

Approximate Cost: $8 for a serving of 3-4



xoxo,
Amy

Cream Cheese Cucumber Wraps

Delicious, quick to make, and just only about $0.42 per serving make these turkey wraps fantastic as finger foods, lunch, or an afternoon snack.


Ingredients:

• 1.5 oz. of fat free cream cheese
• 1 large flour tortillas(or wheat)
• 1/8 of a large cucumber
• 3 pieces of smoked turkey deli meat
  

Instructions:

1. Chop the cucumber. Mix cream cheese and cucumber. Warm tortilla for about 15 seconds. Spread the mixture onto the tortilla. Top with 3-4 slices of smoked turkey.

Costs:

• 1.5 oz. of fat free cream cheese-$0.26
• 1 large flour tortillas-$0.23
• 1/8 of a large cucumber$0.04
• 3-4 pieces of smoked turkey deli meat$0.34

Approximate Cost: $0.42 for one serving 

 


xoxo,
Amy

Tropical Mahi Mahi Kabobs

It's summer time and what better way to enjoy it then with some tropical kabobs! These kabobs are great for barbeques, pool parties, or just a day for grilling. They taste great, they look great, and best of all they are great to make! :)


Ingredients:

• 4 tbsp. of brown sugar
• 6 tbsp. of soy sauce
• 32 cubes of pineapple (I bought the pre-cut pineapple, but you can easily buy a whole one and cut it yourself )
• 24 cubes of mahi mahi or about 1.25 lb
• 1 red bell pepper 
• 1 orange bell pepper
• 1 small sweet onion or 1/2 of a big one
• wooden skewers

Preparation:

• In a small bowl, combine brown sugar and soy sauce. 
• Cut the bell peppers, onions, pineapple, and mahi mahi into squares. Toss the peppers, onions, and mahi mahi in the mixture.

Instructions: ( definitely recommend grilling, because you get the smoky taste!),

1. For the oven. Preheat oven at 375 F. 
2. Thread the pineapple, mahi mahi, bell peppers and onion onto twelve 12 inch skewers. Brush the kabobs with mixture, oil, and sprinkle with salt and pepper.
3. Place the kabobs on a baking sheet. Pour any remaining mixture. Rotate every 4 minutes to cook for about 15-20 minutes. Transfer to platter.
4. For the grill. Rotate occasionally, and cook for about 10 minutes. 

Costs:

• 4 tbsp. of brown sugar
• 6 tbsp. of soy sauce
• 32 cubes of pineapple- $3.48
• 12 cubes of mahi mahi or about 1.25 lb- $9
• 1 red bell pepper- $1.68
• 1 orange bell pepper-$1.98
• 1 small sweet onion- $1

Approximate Costs: $18 for a serving of 6

xoxo,

Amy

Potato Pancakes

If you're a fan of breakfast foods, then you'll be a fan of potato pancakes. It's exactly what it sounds like a pancake-like potato hahah :) Potato pancakes are not only delicious, but takes absolutely no time to make! These took me about 25 mintutes to prepare and cook.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup sour cream
• 1/4 cup of chopped fresh chives
• 1/2 of a large onion
• salt and pepper
• 1 lb. of potatoes or  a bag of old-fashion shredded hashbrowns
• 2 tbsp. of corn starch or potato starch
• 2 eggs, beaten
• oil for frying

Prepartion:

• Slice onion in half. Thinly slice the onion half, you want thin shredded pieces. Coarsely grate the potatoes if you decided to buy whole potatoes.

Instructions:

1. In a small bowl, combine sour cream and chives. Add salt and pepper.
2. Combine the potato and onion. Squeeze out any excess liquids. Add corn starch and 1 tsp. salt. Mix in the eggs. Drain any excess water through a fine strainer.
3. Medium heat, add 1/4 inch of oil to a large skillet. Scoop 1/8- 1/4 cup of the mixture onto a cutting board and flatten to about 3 inch-wide pancakes.Using a spatula, place the pancakes into the pan and cook for about 5 minutes. Flip once making sure both sides are golden. Place on napkins on a plate to soak up any excess oil. Sprinkle with salt and serve with sour cream and chives. 

Costs:

• 1 cup sour cream-$1.22 for 2 cups ~ $0.61
• 1/4 cup of chopped fresh chives-$0.68 for a bulk
• 1/2 of a large onion- $0.50
• salt and pepper
• 1 lb. of potatoes or  a bag of old-fashion shredded hashbrowns- $1.94
• 2 tbsp. of corn starch or potato starch
• 2 eggs, beaten- $0.15
• oil for frying

Approximate Cost: $4 for a serving of 4-5

xoxo,

Amy

Spaghetti with Curry-Tomato Sauce

May has been such a busy month for me! I apologize that I haven't posted in awhile, but no worries, I'll have plenty of time this summer to overload you guys with recipes! :) I am a huge fan of curry, and I only know a few people who are on the same boat. Nonetheless, I think you're going to fall in love with this curry-tomato sauce!

Ingredients: 

• 1 lb. spaghetti
• 2 tbsp. olive oil
• 1 onion
• 4 cloves of garlic
• 2 tbsp. of curry powder
• 1/2 cup  chicken stock
• 1/4 tsp. of red crushed peppers
• 1 can san marzano tomatoes (28 oz.)
• 1 can chickpeas/garbanzo beans
• cilantro leaves
• parsely (optional)
• grated aged gouda cheese( optional)

Preparation:

• Chop onion. Finely chop garlic. Coarsely chop cilantro.

Instructions:

1. Bring a large pot of water to boil. Follow instructions on back of pasta package. Cook as directed. Drain and reserve 1/2 cup of the pasta cooking water. ( I poured this water into a coffee mug, and later measured out 1/2 cup)
2. While the pasta is cooking, heat olive oil in a large skillet on medieum-high heat. Add onion, red crushed peppers, and garlic. Stir for about 2 minutes. Add curry powder and salt. Stir for a minute. Add chicken stock. 
3. Add tomatoes and crush with a wooden spoon. Add chickpeas, stirring occasionally, for about 15 minutes or so. 
4. Using the large pot you cooked your pasta in, toss the pasta with the reserved cooking water and then the sauce. Top with optional gouda cheese and cilantro. 

Costs:

• 1 lb. spaghetti- $1
• 2 tbsp. olive oil
• 1 onion- $1
• 4 cloves of garlic- $0.50
• 2 tbsp. of curry powder
• 1/2 cup  chicken stock- $2.45 for 4 cups~ $0.31 for 1/2 cup
• 1/4 tsp. of red crushed peppers
• 1 can san marzano tomatoes (28 oz.)- $4.49
• 1 can chickpeas/ garbanzo beans- $1.12
• cilantro leaves- $0.29
• parsely (optional)
• grated aged goat cheese-$7 for about a block ( optional, I love goat cheese, but it's a bit pricey. Add your choice of cheese, and it'll still taste great!) 

Approximate cost: $10 for a serving of 5 


Approximate cost with optional goat cheese: $17 for a serving of 5

xoxo,

Amy

Queso con Miel

Cinco de Mayo? What better way to celebrate the holiday then with quessooooo! Queso served with tortilla chips is a tex-mex specialty that can be a scruptious appetizer or snack. This queso isn't your ordinary queso, because it has a thicker consistency. Not only is it delicious, but so easy to make! Plus you can serve it at barbeques, pool parties, game days, and a variety of other occasions.


Ingredients:

• 1 large onion
• 2-3 cloves of garlic
• 1 tbsp. extra virgin olive oil
• 1/2 tbsp. chipotle in adobo
• 1/4 cup cilantro
• salt
• 1 pound Monterrey Jack cheese ( 2 8oz. bags)
• 1/2 cup queso fresco
• 1/4 cup pumpkin seeds, toasted
• 2 tbsp. honey
• tortilla chips

Preparation:

1. Dice onions. Mince garlic. Chop cilantro. Puree chipotle in adobo. Shred queso fresco.

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 450 F.
2. Medium heat, in a skillet, saute the onion, garlic, olive oil until soft. Add the chipotle puree, cilantro, and a pinch of salt.
3. Spread the onion in an even layer in a baking pan, top with the shredded cheese and place in oven for 15 minutes or so.
4. Remove from the oven. Sprinkle with queso fresco, pumpkin seeds and a drizzle of honey.

Costs:

• 1 large onion-$1.06
• 2-3 cloves of garlic, minced-$0.20
• 1 tbsp. extra virgin olive oil
• 1/2 tbsp. chipotle in adobo, pureed- $0.79
• 1/4 cup cilantro-$0.07 ($0.29 for a bulk)
• salt
• 1 pound Monterrey Jack cheese-$4.56 ($2.28 for 1 package)
• 1/2 cup queso fresco-$2.98
• 1/4 cup pumpkin seeds, toasted-$0.45(you can find these in the self-serve areas in HEB, Whole Foods, or Central Market)
• 2 tbsp. honey
• tortilla chips

Approximate Cost: $10 for a serving of 5




xoxo,
Amy

Honey-Roasted Peanuts & Pretzels Chicken Strips

You don't have to feel so guilty eating these chicken strips, since they are coated with crushed pretzels and honey- roasted peanuts! :) Not many steps to make, you can easily make these in 15-20 minutes.


Ingredients:

• 1 bag of pretzels
• 1/2 cup of honey roasted peanuts
• 3 sprigs of fresh thyme
• 1/4 cup of olive oil
• 8 chicken tenders or a pound of chicken
• 2 eggs
• salt and pepper
• honey mustard, ranch, or barbeque sauce for dipping, ( I did a spicy mayo which consists of red garlic chili paste, mayo, and sriracha)

Instructions:

1. Grind peanuts and pretzals in food processor until fine. Pour into a shallow dish. Add thyme, salt, and pepper.
2. Crack eggs and mix well in a seperate bowl. 
3. Slice chicken breast into strips. Coat chicken in peanut/pretzal mixture, then egg, then the mixture again. Place on a plate.
4. On medium heat, pour enough olive oil to take 1/4 inch on the side of the skillet. When oil is hot, with a pair of tongs place coated chicken to cook on each side for about 3- 4 minutes.
5. Take out and place on paper towels to soak up excess oil, when cooking the rest of the strips.

Costs:

• 4-5 cups of pretzels- $1.00 or so
• 1/2 cup of honey roasted peanuts-$0.72
• 3 sprigs of fresh thyme- $0.55 $2.77 for 15 sprigs
• 1/4 cup of olive oil
• 1 lb. of chicken-$4
• 2 eggs- $0.18
• salt and pepper
• honey mustard, ranch, or barbeque sauce for dipping

Approximate Cost: $6.50 for a serving of 3-4




xoxo,
Amy

Roasted Tomato & Garlic Soup

One of my favorite meals to eat is tomato soup with a grilled cheese sandwich. This particular soup recipe is not only for the health conscious eaters, but also for all the lazy folks out there who prefer not to slave in the kitchen:) The majority of the work consist of peeling the garlic, slicing the tomatoes, and chopping the onions and basil leaves... the rest you can let the oven/stove do ;)


Ingredients:

• 2 bulks of garlic
• 12 Roma tomatoes
• olive oil
• salt & pepper
• a handful of fresh basil leaves
• 2 tbsp. of herbs (ex. rosemary, parsley)
• 1 can of crushed tomatoes with italian herbs
• 4 cups of vegetable stock 
• 1 onion

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven 425F. Peel dry layers off of garlic cloves. Place cloves on aluminum foil on a baking sheet. Drizzle with olive oil and sprinkle with salt and pepper. Wrap the cloves with the aluminum foil. Cook for 40-45 minutes. 

2. In the meantime, clean tomatoes and cut in half lengthwise. Place halves faced up on foil on a baking sheet. Drizzle with olive oil and sprinkle with salt, pepper, and herbs. Then, set the oven to 300 F and cook for about 1 hour and 40 minutes.

3.When the tomatoes are done, on medium heat, saute chopped onions with olive oil until soft for about 10 minutes.

4.Place the roasted garlic cloves, half of the roasted tomatoes, the sauteed onions and the canned tomatoes in a food processor/blender. Puree until smooth. Place the mixture in a pot with the vegetable stock. Stir and simmer on low heat.

5. Chop the remaining roasted tomatoes and stir them into the soup to add texture. Sprinkle in half of the shredded basil leaves.

6. Chop the remaining basil leaves more finely, and sprinkle on top of soup when serving. 

Costs:

• 2 bulks of garlic- $1.00
• 12 Roma tomatoes- $3.40
• olive oil
• salt & pepper
• a handful of fresh basil leaves- $2.47
• 2 tbsp. of herbs (ex. rosemary, thyme, parsley)
• 1 can of crushed tomatoes with italian herbs- $1.24
• 4 cups of vegetable stock - $2.45
• 1 onion- $0.27

Approximate Total Cost: $10 for a serving of 7-8

xoxo,

Amy

Chicken Lettuce Wraps

I went to P.F. Changs recently, and I always order the lettuce wraps for an appetizer. These lettuce wraps are amazing and extremely delicous! So I decided to look up the recipe and make them myself! :)


Ingredients:

• 3 tbsp. oil
• 2 boneless skinless chicken breasts
• 1 cup water chestnuts
• 2/3 cup of mushrooms
• 3 tbsp. chopped onions
• 1 tsp. minced garlic
• 4-5 leaves iceberg lettuce

Special Sauce Ingredients(optional): 
(I didn't end up making this sauce, so I can't tell you how it taste.)

• 1/4 cup of sugar
• 1/2 cup water
• 2 tbs. soy sauce
• 2 tbs. rice wine vinegar
• 2 tbs. ketchup
• 1 tbs. lemon juice
• 1 tbs mustard
• 2 tbs. water
• 1-2tbs garlic and red chile paste

Stir Fry Sauce Ingredients:

• 2 tbs. soy sauce
• 2tbs. brown sugar
• 1/2 tsp. rice wine vinegar

---------------------------------------------------------

Preparation:

1. Special Sauce- Dissolve the sugar in water in a small bowl. Add soy sauce, rice wine vinegar, ketchup, and lemon juice. 
2. Mix well and refrigerate until ready to serve.
3. Combine the hot water with the mustard and set aside.
4. Stir Fry Sauce- Combine soy sauce, brown sugar, and rice vinegar together in a small bowl.
5. Chicken Mixture- Chop onions. Mince garlic. Chop water chestnuts and mushrooms to the size of your pinky nail.

Instructions:

1. Chicken Mixture- On medium-high heat, pour oil into a skillet. Saute chicken breasts for 4-5 minutes per side or when fully cooked. Remove chicken and lay on paper towels on a plate to cool.
2. Keep oil in pan, hot. 
3. When chicken is cool cut it into the same size pieces as the water chestnuts/mushrooms.
4. Lower temperature to medium. Add another tbs. of oil to the pan.
5. Add chicken, garlic, onions, water chestnuts, and mushrooms to the pan. Add the prepared stir fry sauce to the pan and saute the mixture for a few minutes.
6. Top with the prepared special sauce.

Costs of ingredients:

• 3 tbs. oil
• 2 boneless skinless chicken breasts- $3-4
• 1 cup water chestnuts- $0.50
• 2/3 cup of mushrooms, 4-5 medium mushrooms - $0.70 ($1.87 for 8 oz)
• 3 tbs. chopped onions-$0.08 ($0.47 for an onion)
• 1 tsp. minced garlic(1 clove)-$0.12 ($0.50 for 1 bulk)
• 5-6 leaves iceberg lettuce- $0.99 for a head of lettuce

• 2 tbs. soy sauce
• 2tbs. brown sugar
• 1/2 tsp. rice wine vinegar

Approximate Cost: $6-7 for a serving for 2-3

xoxo,

Amy