Honey, I think the stove is broken.....

This year, we are trying to eat out only once or twice a month. It is so expensive and so unhealthy.....but so easy after a long day!!
*must maintain willpower.....*
When we do go out to eat though (and I am given the choice), 3 out of 4 times I would choose P.F. Changs. Their food is so good, and the atmosphere is relaxing yet sophisticated. And they serve a dish that I could probably eat every day.....

Lettuce Wraps.

Any one with me on this? Those things are one of the best inventions EVER!

So naturally, when I spotted this recipe in my inbox yesterday, I immediately put it in my "to make" pile. I will be trying this recipe out as soon as possible! And of course, there will be pictures to share..... ;-)

Bargain Meal of the Week: May 26-June 1, 2010

I am not gonna place any bets on it, but........
I think it is finally summer!

This week, the warm weather has hit and everything looks sunny and green and SUMMER-Y!

I love the summer time, especially because it is filled with fruit and salads and ice cream treats.

And to welcome summer, King Soopers has some great deals on yummy bbq/picnic foods. So get out there, and grill and picnic to your heart's content!

Grilled Barbecue Chicken with Corn on the Cob and Baked Beans

Chicken Drumsticks--$0.98/lb. (use 2 lbs: $1.96)
Sweet Baby Ray's Barbecue Sauce (Honey Chipotle kind)--10/$10 (use 1 bottle: $1)
Sweet Corn--4/$1 ($1)
Bush's Beans--3/$5 (use 1 can: $1.66)

Est. Cost: $5.62

Remember to check out the Grocery Gathering this week!

I'd like to introduce you to my friend Hominy

My family is very good about trying new foods. In fact, we eat such a variety that they really are not surprised by much.

Except ethnic foods.

Because of our tight budget, I am not good about looking outside of the normal grocery store fare, to cook ethnic dishes for my family. I don't add many different ingredients, besides the normal fruits and veggies and grain products that are common in American cooking. So, they are not keen on "weird foods", as they call them. Hopefully we are never called to be missionaries in a foreign land.....they might waste away to nothing. ;-)

Therefore, when I found a recipe for chicken tortilla soup and excitedly made it, it was not met with as much enthusiasm as I had. Because it had HOMINY in it.

(Heaven forbid.....)

I grew up eating hominy. We lived in Idaho when I was little, and it was a pretty common staple in grocery stores. So I thought nothing of adding it to this soup....in fact, I was excited for a reason to use it! My family was NOT excited.

It looked delicious when I served it, and I was able to eat my fill (for once!) due to my family's lack of enthusiasm. And this recipe made enough for two meals, so I served it over rice the next night, which seemed to help a little. I guess rice disguises hominy? Who knows......


Chicken Tortilla Soup

1 t. olive oil
2 zucchini, cut into small cubes
1 can (29 oz) crushed tomatoes
6 cups chicken broth
1 can (15 oz) white hominy
1 1/2 t. cumin
1/2 t. cayenne pepper (I left this out)
1 deli rotisserie chicken, meat pulled off and shredded (I used 2 cooked chicken breasts)
1 bunch fresh cilantro, chopped
Optional toppings: sliced avocados, tortilla chips, shredded cheese, fresh limes, sour cream

1. Heat oil in a stockpot. Add the zucchini and saute for 2 minutes.

2. Add the crushed tomatoes, chicken broth, hominy, cumin, cayenne pepper and shredded chicken. Heat to a boil. Turn down the heat and simmer for 15-20 minutes. Stir in a handful of chopped cilantro just before serving.

3. To serve, place a handful of tortilla chips in the bottom of a soup bowl. Ladle hot soup over the tortilla chips. Add a generous squeeze of lime and top with additional toppings, if desired. Refrigerate any leftovers.

Serves 4 to 6.

Bargain Meal of the Week: April 28-May 4, 2010

Don't you love this time of year?! The weather starts tempting you with days of sunshine and warm temps, and all of the summer produce starts to make its appearance.

This week's ad got me all excited because one of my favorite produce items is on major sale this week--the first sweet corn of the season! Yummy!

Enjoy the frugal menu, and enjoy the hints of summer. ;-)

Grilled Chicken with Fresh Mango Salsa
and Corn on the Cob

Boneless Chicken Breasts--$1.99/lb. ($3)
Ataulfa Mango--2/$1 ($1)
Cilantro--2/$1 ($0.25)

Fresh Sweet Corn--4/$1 ($1)

Est. Cost: $5.25

(Remember to stop by the Grocery Gathering for other local deals!)