Foodie Frugal Friday #8

Welcome to Foodie Frugal Friday #8 ! Fridays are my "day off" from my blog. Every Friday I will feature some recipes from across the web and blog-land.

Here a great way to use all those zucchini!

Stuffed Zucchini Boats

Don't forget about the Zucchini blossoms!

http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/jamie-oliver/crispy-zucchini-flowers-stuffed-with-ricotta-and-mint-recipe/index.html

Chicken and Spinach Phyllo pastries--yum!

http://www.cookstr.com/recipes/smoked-chicken-and-spinach-filo-triangles

Oh my word! Sticky pork and radish noodle stir fry? Yes please!

http://www.bbcgoodfood.com/recipes/586649/sticky-pork-and-radish-noodles

How about this little sweetie to end your meal?

Pink meringue cupcake with raspberry curd

Not sure what kind of wine to serve? Pick a  Rosé  because it possesses the characteristics of both red and white. Not overly sweet or dry, a Rosé has the ability to compliment a wide variety of foods.

http://www.wine.com/v6/Rose-Wine/wine/list.aspx?N=7155+126&Ns=p_Special_Price|0

Have nice weekend y'all!

Foodie Frugal Friday #7

Welcome to Foodie Frugal Friday #7 ! Fridays are my "day off" from my blog. Every Friday I will feature some recipes from across the web and blog-land.

I went to the grocery store  and found myself in the produce aisle admiring all the delicious seasonal fruits and vegetables. They all looked so good I wanted to buy everything! Then I started wondering what is actually in "season"? I live in Ohio and everything is pretty much dormant except for lettuce, spinach, peas and radishes...IF you were lucky and smart enough to start them early. Given that it is March that is a risky proposition. I did start my garden early but that was only after checking The Farmers Almanac, spying on following the old -tymie farmers around the area and dancing naked in the garden under a full moon with a goat. HAHAHAHA--just seeing if you were paying attention!

I found this great map/chart on Epicurious that lists the peak season produce by state--so that is kinda cool!

http://www.epicurious.com/articlesguides/seasonalcooking/farmtotable/seasonalingredientmap

Can you imagine what is was like before the times of interstate transport? You wanted watermelon in January there was no market around the corner where you could mozy in and pick up out of season produce. When I do purchase produce I try to purchase ONLY those items grown in the US. Sometimes that means denying myself but it is worth it to support US farms. Most of the stuff in the local market is sourced from  Florida, Washington, Texas and California.

So what's in "season"? Artichokes, asparagus, broccoli, cabbage, squash, spinach, sweet potatoes, pears, apple, grapefruit, lemon and kumquats--just to list a few!

Yummy, creamy, dreamy spinach and artichoke dip!

http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/alton-brown/hot-spinach-and-artichoke-dip-recipe/index.html  

Bacon wrapped aparagus bundles!

http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/rachael-ray/bacon-wrapped-asparagus-bundles-recipe/index.html

Roasted broccoli with Parmesan and pine nuts...mmmm

kalynskitchen.com

Crunchy and flavorful chicken cabbage salad!

http://www.whfoods.com/genpage.php?tname=recipe&dbid=287

An apple pear salad with lemon poppy seed dressing? Yes please!

http://www.myrecipes.com/recipe/apple-pear-salad-with-lemon-poppy-seed-dressing-10000001589419/

Oh Yum!! Curried beef stuffed squash!

http://www.tasteofhome.com/Recipes/Curried-Beef-Stuffed-Squash

How about a nice Kumquat and ginger cocktail?

http://cocktails.about.com/od/rumrecipes/r/kmqtgngr_cprna.htm

Kumquats not your thing? What about the Grapefruit Moon?

http://www.signaturedrinkseries.com/?portfolios=grapefruit-moon

Happy Weekend Y'all!

Foodie Frugal Friday #6

Welcome to Foodie Frugal Friday #6 ! Fridays are my "day off" from my blog. Every Friday I will feature some recipes from across the web and blog-land.

Here in the Midwest the weather has been abnormally warm for March. In fact we have exceed two historical record highs. Instead of feeling Spring-like it has felt decidedly like summer. So much so our AC has already been turned on. AND NOT by me! The hubbs  actually turned it in . Normally we fight over it and  the no AC until Memorial weekend rule is in effect.

Since the weather is decidedly summer-esque so shall be my foodie frugal forte.... In the words of Yogi Bear, "Hello, Pic-a-Nic Basket!"

Oh Yum--Doesn't this look awesome?  Cherry tomatoes, asparagus and Mozzarella. Cool and delicious!

http://www.tasteofhome.com/recipes/Asparagus-Mozzarella-Salad 

A  tasty Muffeletta sandwich

http://www.countryliving.com/recipefinder/muffuletta-sandwich-3099 

Marinated chick pea salad

http://www.cookinglight.com/food/top-rated-recipes/five-star-picnic-recipes-00400000044054/page8.html 

Cheesecake is ALWAYS the perfect dessert

http://www.myrecipes.com/recipe/marble-cheesecake-squares-10000000701127/ 

Ice cold lemonade

http://www.bettycrocker.com/recipes/picnic-lemonade/32965bd1-fe21-46d7-afce-aae1e4219bf7 

 I would love to have this as my picnic quilt! I love the postage stamp quilts!

filminthefridge.com

This picnic basket is adorable! My suggestion go to a  thrift store for your picnic basket. Most often you can find them for under $15. Otherwise for new one  plan on spending $40 and up for the rattan variety. (And that is just not frugal)
 

And you gotta have some cute (unbreakable) dishes for your Picnic right?

grassrootsmodern.com 

I really want to go on a picnic now. Can you just imagine--fresh air, sunshine, yummy food, total peace and relaxation. Like a mini vacation without all the expense and hassle of a real vacation. What could be more frugal than that?

 Happy weekend y'all!

Foodie Frugal Friday #5

Welcome to Foodie Frugal Friday #5 ! Fridays are my "day off" from my blog. Every Friday I will feature some recipes from across the web and blog-land.

Feeling a wee-bit-O-Irish with St. Patty's day on Saturday. Here's a mind blower- approximately 30 MILLION Americans claim they are of Irish descent! This is according to the census 2010.

What is it that brings out the Irish in us all for St. Patrick's Day? I am sure for some it is a nod to familial history. But for most I believe it is simply just a chance to celebrate with friends and family, enjoy some good food,  enjoy some fine drink and usher in Spring. Talk about welcoming the green! 

Most Irish dishes tend to be meat and potato heavy. Did you know corned beef and cabbage isn't traditional Irish fare? It wasn't popular until Irish immigrants came to America where beef was affordable did this dish become synonymous with Irish food.

A great many of Irish recipes resulted from using leftovers from previous meals. That is what frugality is all about- using what you have!

Doesn't this traditional Sausage and Potato Coddle look delicious? This is a hearty one dish meal, easy to make and easy on the pocketbook.

http://southernfood.about.com/od/stpatricks/r/bl80315l.htm 

The traditional Dingle Pie is simple a lamb pasty. Originally they were made using mutton. The Dingle Pie were to believe originated from the famous Lammas (loaf mass) fair in Dingle, Co Kerry and offered a portable option to the traditional Shepherd's Pie.

http://www.europeancuisines.com/Ireland-Irish-Dingle-Pie-Pastry-Recipe-2008 

Speaking of Shepherd's pie...It is a mutton or lamb pie with out a pastry, topped with potatoes. However when used with beef it is a Cottage Pie. (And in true frugal foodie form, I have a cheat version where I use left over sloppy joe's.  And top it with either mashed potatoes, cheesy mashed or if I am feeling adventurous, cayenne spiced sweet potatoes. But then I guess it isn't traditional Irish !)

http://www.food.com/recipe/cottage-pie-authentic-irish-recipe-19091 

The traditional Courgette soup is nothing more than Zucchini soup!  This is a great Spring dish, served chilled and we ALL know Zucchini is ever prolific! What a great way to use up some of your Zukes (instead of hiding them in your neighbors car or on their porch, ha)! Serve this with a nice salad and some traditional Soda bread or Brown bread--aye!

http://www.irishabroad.com/culture/kitchen/Recipe.asp?RcpID=86 

Craggaunowen Chicken is a dish named in honor of Craggaunowen  "the living past"  a heritage site located near Quinn in County Clare. Serve with Boxty, Colcannon or a Leek Tart.

http://www.irishabroad.com/culture/kitchen/Recipe.asp?RcpID=259 

 This is the traditional Boxty which is simply an Irish potato pancake. Boxty is great for breakfast, brunch, an appetizer or a side dish. Here's a funny dittie about Boxty...

"Boxty on the griddle,

Boxty in the pan

If you don’t get boxty

You’ll never get a man "

http://gourmetfood.about.com/od/appetizersandsoups1/r/irishtatercakes.htm 

Ireland has 7500 km (that's 4660 miles to us yanks) of gorgeous, unpolluted coastline that is rich in aquatic life, resulting in some exceptional seafood. Seafood is also one of Ireland's economic boons. Traditional fish cakes often use Cod or Salmon.

http://www.irishabroad.com/culture/kitchen/Recipe.asp?RcpID=93 

Some other traditional Irish dishes worth trying are:

Red Onion Tart with Cashel Blue Cheese 
Truffled Wild Mushrooms Tartlets 
Seafood chowder with potato and spring onions 

Traditional and contemporary Irish desserts often use apples. But the dessert everyone talks about is the Guinness Chocolate cake! (Which is to die for!)

http://www.nigella.com/recipes/view/chocolate-guinness-cake-3086 

 And of course nothing is more authentic than an Irish Coffee! Irish whiskey (Jameson), brown sugar, coffee (strong!) and whipped cream. Wooo-weeee!

http://www.traditionalirishcooking.com/traditional-irish-cocktails.html 

If Irish coffee isn't your thing (don't hate) here are some guaranteed  good time Erin Go Braugh libations!
http://dailycollegian.com/2012/03/15/authentic-irish-cocktails/ 
http://cocktails.about.com/od/cocktailrecipes/tp/st_pty_cktl_tp.htm 

And now to leave you with some breathtaking photos of the land that inspired such a simple and savory fare 

alcjourneys.com 

triporiginator.com 

Dublin, thetravelpeach.com  

mernin.com 

irelandscape.com 

Beannachtam na Feile Padraig

(Happy St. Patrick's Day)

Foodie Frugal Friday #4

Welcome to Foodie Frugal Friday #4! Fridays are my "day off" from my blog. Every Friday I will feature some recipes from across the web and blog-land.

The weather is still playing fickle. Monday we had a dusting of snow. Wednesday we had beautiful blue skies, sunshine and was sweater free 63°F. Thursday was rain, rain rain but 55°F.  Spring is formally around the corner (March 20th y'all!) So I declare Spring has Sprung! What is more spring than a brunch/ garden party? And if I ever get around to hosting my ladies garden party luncheon these are some of the yummy foods I am gonna serve!

One of the first foods I always think of for a Spring menu is the ever versatile Fritatta. You can make a fritatta to serve all seasons, all reasons and any appetite. I didn't have a picture of the fritatta that I make so I had to find one from the web. Oh boo!

source

Here's what you need:

6 eggs 

1/4 c. fine shred cheese (I use an Italian blend)

1/2 tsp garlic powder

1/4 tsp onion powder

1/4 tsp. salt

1/4 tsp.ground  red pepper

1/8 tsp. nutmeg

1/8 tsp dry mustard powder

1 tbs Olive Oil 

1 bunch of spinach washed and stemmed

8  cherry tomatoes quartered  

(scale ingredients depending on the number of servings required)

Step 1

In med sized bowl whisk together eggs, cheese and spices. Set this aside to cook the spinach.

Step 2

Heat oil in a heavy skillet over medium heat until hot. (water droplets should sizzle and dance across the skillet). Add the spinach to skillet and saute until the spinach wilts (about 2 minutes). Stir occasionally to avoid the spinach burning.  Add the tomatoes and cook for additional minute, stirring occasionally.

Step 3

Add the egg, cheese spice mixture to the skillet. Cover and let cook until the eggs are set (12 minutes).  Remove from heat and let stand 3-5 minutes. Invert semi cooled fritatta to a platter carefully. Cut into wedges and serve.

A good accompaniment is a Prosciutto, Pepper and Mozzarella Panini. Rachel Ray has an awesome recipe! Looks soooo good!

http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/rachael-ray/panini-with-prosciutto-roasted-pepper-and-mozzarella-recipe/index.html

 And you need a little green to go with the Paninni and Fritatta. How about a tasty Radicchio, Fennel and Pear Salad.

http://www.wholefoodsmarket.com/recipes/2668

The finishing touch is this Melon-Berry dessert. Just the right amount of sweet for a lovely Spring luncheon.

http://busycooks.about.com/od/sidefruitsalads/r/strawberrysalad.-8zv.htm

Be sure to have a variety of beverages on hand. Tea (hot and iced), Coffee, sparkling water, and for the adult beverages a nice white wine or class it up with Bellini's. A nice tray of almond biscotti and Anise tea cookies will be appreciated for the nibbles.

Are you hungry yet? 

Can you just picture the table dressed in crisp white linen and a floral centerpiece of daffodils, tulips, crocus and hyacinth perfuming the air?

frugalflower.com

Each place setting a will be collection of mismatched china of family heirlooms and filled in with similar pieces from yard sales and thrift stores

flickr.com

It sounds simply divine, does it not? Makes me feel downright sociable. Good weather, good food, good friends (and maybe a little drinky-tinky) are all you need.

Happy weekend y'all!

Foodie Frugal Friday #3

Welcome to Foodie Frugal Friday #3! Fridays are my "day off" from my blog. Every Friday I will feature some recipes from across the web and blog-land.

The last vestiges of winter are hanging on here in Ohio with the occasional  tantalizing tease of  Spring. Wednesday we had a high of 68°F and the forecast for the weekend  is a wintry mix...boo!

So let's wrap up in our nubbiest sweaters, snuggle in with a fuzzy fleece blanket and settle in for some comfort food.

How about some yummy crock pot chicken and cornbread dumpling? This tasty option breaks down to $1.88 per serving. Cheaper if you use coupons, sub veggies from your garden and make the dumplings from scratch.

http://www.5dollardinners.com/2008/12/crockpot-chicken-and-cornbread-dumplings.html  

What about some savory red beans and rice? This is a nice meatless option, only  $0.87 per serving but guaranteed to fill you up! You can almost hear the jazz with every bite.

http://cookeatshare.com/recipes/red-beans-and-rice-1425

Beef Stuffed Cabbage Rolls was actually one of my favorite dishes my mom would cook when I was a kid. You can serve with rise or butter noodles. Either way it hits the spot!

http://allrecipes.com/recipe/stuffed-cabbage-rolls/

How about a little "Q" to warm things up? I don't know about you but  I sure do love me some BBQ. I take it anyway I can get it beef, chicken or pork. It's alllll good! Here is a nice southern crock pot  version of Cola and Peach glazed chops. These look so good I had to wipe the drool off my keyboard. Serve this with a side of mac n-cheese and whoo-weee I am in heaven!!

http://www.bigoven.com/recipe/211503/Crockpot-Coca-Cola-Peach-Barbecue-Pork-Chops

Nothing screams comfort to me like chocolate. Ice cream, pudding, hot chocolate, candy bar or cake.  Here is an super fast and easy Chocolate Cherry Dump cake.  I am quite sure there wouldn't be any leftovers of this. Yum!

http://bakingvintage.com/?p=855

And to finish everything off how about nice tall glass of Sweet Tea. You can never go wrong with sweet tea regardless of the season. And I won't look if you wanna add a splash or two of some bourbon to ramp up your internal thermostat.

http://www.10thkitchen.com/tag/cocktail/

Happy Friday Y'all! Have a great weekend!