There's a chef among us.....

My poor little food blog, how I have neglected you! I have been cooking and experimenting up a storm in the kitchen, but have not taken the time to share any of it. :-(

This summer, we have had the privilege of having a house guest. Normally, that would not be a privilege, considering this one has stayed for 3 months and my husband and I have lost our bedroom to him.
But all is forgiven....

Because he is a CULINARY SCHOOL GRADUATE.

Yes, that is exactly what I am implying.....he has cooked spectacular food for us all summer! And in the process, I have learned a thing or two about cooking. He has helped us branch out of our bland little food rut. I have been using items like fish sauce and scallops and sushi rice and other such exotic items that had never graced my table in the past.
(Yes, we were boring eaters. It is now out in the open for all to know......)

Here is what he whipped up for us last week......

Anyways....my point of this whole post is that I have discovered several things through having a "chef" live with us.

1) Cooking awesome food is NOT as hard as I once imagined.
2) Cooking awesome food CAN be expensive though.
3) Cooking awesome food is cheaper than eating out and can impress your husband and friends.

I will definitely be trying more adventurous menu items from here on out. It CAN work on a limited budget--you just have to plan ahead and watch for sales!

(Watch out, Food Network! Sarah's in the house!)

Bargain Meal of the Week: June 2-8, 2010

This time of year is always busy for us (as I'm sure it is for many of you). Between backyard bbqs, graduation parties, and vacation plans, I am worn out on the nights that we are home.
A simple meal is a blessing to prepare.

Some of the items in this week's ad are perfect for a quick summer supper!

Tuna Salad Sandwiches with Doritos and Fresh Watermelon Slices

Chicken of the Sea Light Tuna--$0.59/can
King Soopers Old Fashioned Bread--$1.77 (use 8 slices--$1.18)
Doritos--$2.18 (eat 1/2 the bag--$1.09)
Pureheart Personal Size Watermelons--2/$5 ($2.50)

Est. Cost: $5.36

Bargain Meal of the Week: March 10-16, 2010

My husband's doctor told him he needs to lower his cholesterol--high cholesterol runs in his family.
Which means that I ought to be cooking heart-healthy foods for the guy......yeeeeeaaaaahhh. I have been a bad wife and have not researched heart-healthy cooking like I should. I mean, really--how hard is it to pick up a Mediterranean cookbook at Borders?

In an effort to look like a caring wife, I am going to be trying out a heart-healthy recipe once a week. Hopefully, I can find ones that he will enjoy or this whole "helping my hubby eat better" thing might not go over so well. ;-)

Here is the first one I am trying.....enjoy!

Spicy-Crusted Salmon Over Spinach with Rice (serves 4)

*Kroger Value Fish Fillets (Salmon)--$3.99/lb.
(need 4 pieces=$4.00)
*Private Selection Organic Baby Spinach--$3.99
(need handful=$1.00)
*Zatarain's Rice Mix--10/$10
(pick a lower sodium one=$1.00)

Est. Cost: $6.00
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Remember to check out the Grocery Gathering for local deals
and King Sooper's homepage for coupons!