maomi's Profile
I have some lovely almost sweet fresh ricotta from Coluccio's. What to do with it?
a big scoop of ricotta on top of a plate of spaghetti with tomato sauce is really delicious!
I have Turkey Thighs
don't have any inspired suggestions for flavoring, but I've often cooked them in a crock pot, then used the generous amount of tender meat in any number of dishes like chili, casseroles, and sandwiches.
Dinner in Danbury (off I-84) w/ 3-year-old
On our way to PA, we often stop at the Trader Joe's, just off exit 2B, and in that plaza is a Mexican place that is good for a quick bite. I forget the name, but you order at a counter and then they bring the food to you. Cheap and quick.
Long drive, glad there's wine waiting for you at the end!
Good places to eat in Raynham/Taunton MA area?
haven't tried it myself, but a friend raved about a deli -Tutto Italiano in Lakeville on Rt 44
Bristol RI-- Ricc's North End Trattoria
Just had dinner with 2 friends here. The food was very good. We got the special with 2 dinners plus a bottle of wine for $30 and then one other entree. The service was great and the food was good too. I will definitely go back.
Best BBQ New Hampshire
Has anyone else tried Pit Stop Smokehouse in Westmoreland? We stopped there for lunch on a recent trip and enjoyed it.....good food and service, reasonable prices. But I'm no expert on BBQ so I don't know how it stacks up against others. The menus is varied and interesting (in addition to BBQ ribs, pulled pork and chicken sandwiches, they had some pizzas with smoked meats, a nice sounding veggie sandwich and really good sweet potato fries!) The place is newish and deserves some support!
"healthy" cooking for a fan of "unhealthy" food?
due to my husbands heart health issues, we've changed our diet considerably over the last year or so....think first about ADDING good things- veggies, raw or roasted Whole grains...think polenta, brown rice,.
I have used turkey bacon in the past as a way to transition.....sort of like methadone. just don't expect it to taste like the real thing, and enjoy it on it's own.
There are some good brands of chicken sausage, the one I buy is a local store brand.
I still prefer butter to substitutes, just use more sparingly. I use olive oil when appropriate.
Explore different types of seafood.....
vegetarian meals came later, now we really appreciate them.
I also have made meatballs/ meatloaf using a combination of ground bison, pork and small amounts of beef.
after a while, you don't miss the fatty stuff. (salt, on the other hand, is a more difficult thing to avoid)
good luck
Healthy Recession Meals?
I usually buy meat and seafood only when it's on sale. you can save quite a bit this way.... especially if you have two or more markets to alternate between.
when turkey thighs or drumsticks are on sale, I cook them in the crockpot (season, but no liquid necessary), then use the meat for casseroles (turkey tetrazinni), salads, and chili.
I always cook as many vegetables as I can when my oven is on.....roasting them. Use some for the current meal, and some for future meals when you're rushed. (again, I'm lucky in that I have two nearby markets, so I can alternate and get the sale price on each)
for grains, polenta is cheap and you can make a lasagna- type dish with or without meat, and some veggies and cheese. (chill the polenta on a cookie sheet , then cut into pieces and use like lasagna noodles.)
http://chowhound.chow.com/topics/454690
also you can stretch protein like making salmon (or fish) cakes.
Making Cookies with Preschoolers
preschool kids are all about the process....cheesecake17's ideas are perfect.....preschoolers NEED to scoop, mix, knead,roll,cut,decorate,etc......
having everything ready at each stage - written recipe (preferably on a big board);
raw ingredients for kids to mix, then dough already made for them to roll and cut, and some already baked and ready to decorate. A lot of work for you, but so much learning for the kids!
Pizza = Crack
love the title, as I keep sneaking back to the kitchen for another little sliver......
and this is with a basic store bought dough and no extra toppings! what I've been doing lately is stretching the dough out and putting it on a cookie sheet that's been sprayed with n olive oil spray then dusted with cornmeal. then drizzle some olive oil on the dough and spread with your fingers. cover with thinly sliced roma tomatoes and then another (generous) drizzle of oil. then some seasonings- basil and oregano at least. sprinkle with a bit of grated mozzerella and some parmeggiano. then bake in a hot oven til it looks perfectly golden brown.
so simple and yet so addictive......
So what is for dinner tonight?
I bought a bottle of wine so that I can celebrate while my husband drowns his sorrows (yes, our votes cancel each other out)
I'm planning on sweet potato and black bean enchiladas; looking up recipes right now.
what makes your spinach pizza rich and creamy?
ideas for a (new) very tight food budget
there are many good suggestions on this thread- the best general advice is;- buy what's on sale (even better if you have two or more grocery stores that you can alternate between). - avoid convenience and processed food (shop the perimeter of the store).- avoid waste ;- cook once, eat twice (or more) by buying larger quantities and using leftovers to create new dishes (ex. leftover grilled fish becomes fish tacos)
Another tip- buy different, cheaper cuts of meat and search for recipes. I buy turkey thighs when they are on sale. I take the skin off and cook them in the crock pot - no liquid, just a few seasonings. When they are done, pull the meat off the bones and use it for casseroles, chili, tacos, sandwiches, etc.
Get the kids involved in meal planning and cooking.
Look at it as an adventure rather than a hardship. As tough as it may seem, there are always people in worse situations than you, so you should count your blessings.
Happy cooking
Maomi
