Saturday, October 3, 2009

Spinach salad

This salad is super easy and has a tasty homemade vinaigrette.

Spinach Salad

5 oz spinach
diced red onion
berry vinaigrette
berries
walnuts

1. Toss together spinach, onion, and vinaigrette (I like to go light on the onion).

2. Top with chopped walnuts and berries of the same persuasion as your vinaigrette.

Berry Vinaigrette

1/3 c berries of your choice (I have used strawberries and raspberries, and loved them both)
2 T sugar
1/4 c balsamic vinegar
1/4 c canola oil (or olive oil if you're a stickler...but remember, this is a budget recipe site)
1 T or so of garlic salt

1. In a microwave safe bowl, combine sliced berries and sugar. Microwave on high 1 min.

2. In a separate bowl, slowly whisk oil into the vinegar. Then, add garlic salt. Taste, adding more salt or pepper if you prefer.

3. Take out the hot berries and mash with a fork or whisk. Pour into the vinegar mixture, then pour over the salad and toss.

Stuffed Hamburgers

So, I never exactly stick to my plan. It just never quite happens that way, but I usually take the inspiration of what I planned and do something with that.

We made the stuffed hamburgers, but I didn't actually ever make the buns, so we used lettuce wraps. Super yummy! For the side, we did the spinach salad.

Stuffed Hamburgers

2 lbs 80/20 ground beef
diced onion (I dice an entire onion and store it in the fridge, then sprinkle in a little for my recipes.)
1 T worcestershire sauce
1 T soy sauce
1 1/2 t seasoned salt
1 t garlic salt
salt and pepper to taste
2 c shredded cheese (your choice)

1. Mix all the ingredients except the cheese together in a medium bowl.

2. Begin shaping the burgers. Pick up about half of the amount of ground beef you usually use to make your burgers. (I usually make smaller rather than larger burgers, so adjust to your burger style). Flatten the patty in your hand, making a well in the center (but don't let it make a hole in the meat). Place about 2 T of shredded cheese in the well (more for larger burgers).

3. Taking an equal sized amount of meat again, place it over the cheese and fold together until it forms a patty with no cheese showing.

4. Cook the burgers over medium heat for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway.

5. Serve over buns with favored condiments.



Thursday, October 1, 2009

What I'm cooking this week

Below is the menu and shopping list for the week. After my shopping trip, I will post approximate prices (which will vary based on location). Most of the posted recipes will be slightly altered by substituting more cost-effective alternatives, and I will repost pictures and altered recipes.

Happy Eating!

Friday: Manicotti
Saturday: Baked "Chimichangas"
Monday: Steak Fingers and Crash Potatoes
Wednesday: Stuffed Hamburgers (including homemade buns) and spinach salad

Check back this week for the updated recipes based on these recipes, as well as posts about the recipes that are my own! My recipes are all for 4 people.

My shopping list* for the week:

Produce:
garlic cloves
cilantro
parsley
green peppers
spinach (2-5 oz bags)
cranberries
small red onion

Frozen section:
boneless skinless chicken breast

Center aisles:
cream of mushroom soup
spaghetti noodles
no-boil lasagna
penne
any other pastas on sale
Worcestershire sauce
instant rice
tabasco
refried beans

Side aisle:
a cheap cut of steak (not important what type)
80/20 ground beef--about 4 to 5 lbs.
cheese--lots of it, in various flavors!
ricotta

Back of store:
eggs
milk
uncooked tortillas

Things I already have in my pantry/fridge for these recipes:
yellow onions
chicken bouillon
seasoned salt
red pepper flakes
salt, pepper
new (red) potatoes
canola oil
dried herbs
tomato sauce
(28 0z) can diced tomatoes
(28 oz) can crushed tomatoes
parmesan cheese
lemons
cornstarch
ketchup
white distilled vinegar
balsamic vinegar
cider vinegar
garlic salt
sugar
breadcrumbs
bacon
bread dough recipe (get buns if you don't make your own bread)

*Please note: my location designations are based on the Walmart store layout.