MMMMMMMeatball Mushroom Stew!

We had this tonight with homemade biscuits. This is a very thick stew. You can add more water if you like, but be careful to not dilute the flavor too much. If you don't eat meat, meatballs can be omitted.

Meatball Mushroom Soup

• 1/2 lb. ground beef or turkey
• 2 cans cream of mushroom soup
• 1 1/3 c. water (I used 1 1/2 c.)
  
• 1 1/3 c. milk (I used 1 1/2 c.
  
• 1 tsp. Italian seasoning
• 1 tsp. dried minced onion
• 1/2 tsp. dried minced garlic
• 1/4 c. quick-cooking barley
• 1/4 c. uncooked elbow mac (I'll leave this out)
• 1/4 c. uncooked long grain rice
• 1 medium carrot, shredded
• 1 (4 oz.) can mushrooms
• 2 Tbsp. grated Parmesan cheese
• salt, pepper, beef bouillon if desired, to taste
  

Shape ground meat into 1 inch balls; set aside.

In a large saucepan, combine soup, milk and water; bring to a boil. Add Italian seasoning, onion, garlic, barley, macaroni and rice. reduce heat; simmer uncovered for 15 minutes.

Meanwhile brown meatballs in a nonstick skillet (I put mine in a 350° oven for 15 minutes) until no longer pink. Stir carrot into soup; cover and simmer for 5 minutes. Use a slotted spoon to transfer meatballs to soup. Stir in mushrooms and Parmesan cheese; season to taste and heat through.

Recipes for the latest menu plan!

Most of the recipes I used are scattered throughout this whole blog, but I do try to incorporate new ones each month. Here are the recipes for those new ones!

Macaroni pie with mushroom sauce (this is a microwave recipe but I think it can be adapted to the oven if you like)

• 1/3 c. dry bread crumbs
• 2 Tbsp. grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 Tbsp. margarine or butter
• 7 to 8 oz. macaroni rings (or use regular macaroni), cooked and drained
• 1 c. creamed cottage cheese
• 3/4 c. to 1 c. shredded cheddar cheese
• 2 eggs, slightly beaten
• 1/2 tsp. salt
• 1/8 tsp. pepper

Mushroom Sauce

• 1 can cream of mushroom soup
• 1 4 oz. can mushroom stems & pieces, drained
• 1/4 c. milk
• 1 Tbsp. margarine or butter
• 1 Tsp. instant minced onion
• 1/8 tsp. Worcestershire sauce

Mix bread crumbs, Parmesan cheese and margarine in a 2 cup measure. Microwave on high, stirring every 30 seconds, until light brown, 1 1/2 to 2 minutes. Set aside.

Mix hot macaroni, cottage cheese, cheddar cheese, eggs, salt, and pepper. Turn into greased 9 inch pie plate. Cover with waxed paper and microwave on medium (50%) 8 minutes. Sprinkle reserved crumbs over pi. Microwave uncovered on medium (50%) until center is almost set, another 8 to 10 minutes. Let stand 10 minutes before serving.

MUSHROOM SAUCE: Mix all ingredients in 4 cup measure. Microwave uncovered on high, stirring every minute until hot and bubbly, 3 to 4 minutes.



Homemade Croutons

• 4 Tbsp. margarine or butter
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/2 tsp. basil
• 1/2 tsp. oregano
• 2 c. bread cubes

In a large skillet, heat margarine. Add seasonings. Cook for no more than one minute. Stir in bread cubes and saute for a minute or two. Spread on ungreased baking sheet. Toast in a 400° oven for about 10 minutes, turning occasionally until golden brown and crisp.



Ranch Lentils

• 2 c. dry lentils
• 2 tsp. salt
• 5 cups water, divided
• 1 lb. lean ground beef or turkey
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 envelope dry onion soup mix
• 1 c. ketchup
• 1 tsp. prepared mustard
• 1 tsp. vinegar
• 1 tsp. black pepper

Wash and drain lentils. In a saucepan add lentils, salt (optional) and 4 cups water; bring to a boil. Cover and simmer 20 minutes or until the water is absorbed and the lentils are tender. In a skillet, cook beef or turkey and garlic until meat is browned; drain. Stir in soup mix, ketchup, mustard, vinegar, pepper and remaining water. Gently stir in lentils. Pour into a 2 quart casserole dish. Bake, covered, at 400° for 30 to 35 minutes.



Bread bowls for bread machine

• 1/2 c. warm water
• 1/2 c. warm milk
• 1 egg, room temperature
• 2 Tbsp. butter
• 1 tsp. salt
• 1/4 c. sugar
• 3 c. all-purpose flour (I'll use unbleached or a mix of unbleached and wheat)
• 2 1/4 tsp. active dry yeast
• cornmeal, for baking pan

Place ingredients in bread machine in accordance with manufacturer's instructions. Set for dough cycle, this is a 1.5 lb. recipe.
Once cycle is complete, take out dough to a floured surface & cut into 4 equal portions. Don't work the dough too much, just enough to shape into rounds. Spread a thin layer of cornmeal on baking pan. Place all four dough rounds on pan and cover with thin towel to let rise in a warm area about an hour, until doubled in size.
Bake in a preheated 350° oven for 20 to 25 minutes; higher elevations at 325° for 15 - 20 minutes, until golden brown. Remove from pan and place on cooling rack.
To use for bowls, cut a thin layer across the top and hollow out to about 1/4 to 1/2 inch thickness. Fill with your favorite chili, chowder, or stew!



Vegetarian Meatloaf

• 2 cups water
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup lentils
• 1 small onion, diced
• 1 cup quick-cooking oats
• 3/4 cup grated cheese (cheddar, swiss, jack or american)
• 1 egg, beaten
• 4 1/2 ounces cups spaghetti sauce, BBQ sauce (our preference) or 4 1/2 ounces cups tomato sauce
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• 1 tablespoon dried parsley
• 1/2 teaspoon seasoning salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

Add salt to water and bring to a boil. Add lentils and cook until very soft and most of the water is gone. Drain and partially mash lentils. Scrape into a mixing bowl and allow to cool slightly. Add onion, oats, and cheese and mix. Add rest of ingredients and mix well. Spoon into a loaf pan that has been generously sprayed with cooking spray. Smooth top with the back of the spoon. Bake at 350° for 30 to 45 minutes, until top of loaf is dry, firm, and slightly golden brown. Cool on rack for 10 minutes. Loosen loaf by inserting and running a knife along the sides between the loaf and the pan. Turn out loaf onto serving platter. Top with more sauce if desired.




Lentil vegetable stew

• 3/4 c. 1/8-inch carrot slices (about 1 large carrot)
• 1/2 c. chopped onion
• 1 clove garlic, finely chopped
• 2 c. hot water
• 1 16 oz. can stewed tomatoes
• 1 4 oz. can mushroom pieces
• 3/4 c. uncooked dry lentils
• 1/2 c. sliced celery
• 2 Tbsp. dried parsley flakes
• 2 tsp. salt
• 1 tsp. or 1 cube instant beef boullion
• 1 tsp. Worcestershire sauce
• 1/4 tsp. pepper
• 1 bay leaf
• 1 c. hot water

Add carrot, onion, and garlic to a casserole dish with a little water. Cover loosely and microwave on high for 4 minutes; break up and stir. Cover and microwave 3 to 4 minutes longer.

Stir in 2 cups hot water, stewed tomatoes (with liquid), mushrooms (with liquid) and remaining ingredients except 1 cup water. Cover tightly and microwave on high stirring every 6 minutes, until vegetables are tender, 24 to 28 minutes.

Stir in 1 cup hot water. Serve with crusty French bread if desired.




One pot chicken & veggies

• Olive or vegetable oil
• 1 - 1 1/2 lb. chicken, cut into 3 to 4 oz. pieces
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 lb. red potatoes, halved or quartered if large
• 1 lb. carrots, cut into 1 inch long pieces
• 4 stalks celery, cut into 1 inch pieces
• 1 c. chicken broth
• 2 tsp. thyme
• 2 tsp. oregano
• 1 tsp. basil
• 1 Tbsp. parsley
• dash of salt and pepper
• 2 tsp. cornstarch

Brush the bottom of the pot with oil. Add chicken and cook over a medium high heat until both sides of chicken pieces are golden brown, about 8 to 10 minutes. Remove chicken from the pot.
Add the onion, garlic, potatoes, carrots and celery to the pot. Cook over a medium high heat, stirring often, until the onion is translucent, about 5 minutes.
Add the broth and spices to the vegetables. Cook over medium high heat until it reaches a boil. Place chicken on top of the veggies, sprinkle with salt and pepper. Place lid on pot and reduce heat to low. Simmer until veggies are fork tender and meat is cooked through, about 30 minutes.
Use a slotted spoon to transfer the veggies to a platter, top with chicken, cover with pot lid to keep warm. Add cornstarch to the leftover broth and whisk until smooth, cook over medium high heat stirring constantly until thickened. Spoon gravy over chicken & veggies or serve separately.




Chicken tortilla soup

• 1 c. carrots, diced
• 1 c. celery, sliced
• 1 c. onions, diced
• 1/2 tsp. minced garlic (1 clove)
• 1/8 tsp. salt
• 1/4 tsp. pepper
• 2 Tbsp. corn oil
• 4 (15 oz )cans of chicken broth, or 8 c. water + 8 tsp. (8 cubes) chicken bouillon
• 1 (15 oz.) can diced tomatoes (optional)
• 1 can Rotel tomatoes & chilies
• 1 pkt. taco seasoning (I'll use my own recipe)
• 10 ct. pkg. corn tortillas (broken or cut into pieces)
• 2 c. cooked cut up chicken (you can also use grilled chicken fajita meat)
• 1 c. milk
• 12 oz. taco or Mexican blend or Monterey Jack cheese
• Corn tortilla chips, broken into pieces

Saute carrots, onions, and celery in corn oil. Add garlic, salt and pepper. Add chicken broth and bring to a boil. Add tomatoes, Rotel, taco seasoning, and chicken. Stir well. Add tortillas. Let boil for 20 minutes or until tortillas are thoroughly incorporated into soup, stirring occasionally to keep from sticking. Reduce heat and add 8 oz. of the cheese. Simmer for an additional 10 minutes. Add milk, simmer 10 more minutes. Garnish with shredded cheese and broken tortilla chips.
NOTE: You can substitute 1 c. Masa flour for 10 corn tortillas. Gradually add masa flour, mixing into broth, to thicken the soup.




Pumpkin cake roll

cake

• 1 cup sugar
• 3/4 cup flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 2 teaspoons pumpkin pie spice
• 1/8 teaspoon salt
• 3 eggs, beaten
• 3/4 cup canned pumpkin
• 2 tablespoons confectioners' sugar

filling

• 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
• 1 cup confectioners' sugar
• 3 tablespoons butter, softened
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

CAKE: Preheat oven to 350°F Butter 15x10-inch baking pan. Line pan with wax paper; butter paper. In a large bowl, mix (I used a wisk) the sugar, flour, baking powder, 2 teaspoons of the pumpkin pie spice and salt. Stir in eggs and pumpkin until well blended and smooth. Spread evenly in prepared pan. Bake 15-20 minutes or until toothpick inserted in center comes out clean. Place clean kitchen towel on work surface; dust with 2 tablespoons confectioners' sugar. Loosen cake around sides of pan with small knife. Turn out onto sugared towel, wax paper-side up. Fold 1 side of towel over short side of cake, then roll up cake jelly-roll style. Cool cake completely (I did it in the fridge).
FILLING: In a medium bowl, mix cream cheese, 1 cup confectioners' sugar, butter, and vanilla until well blended and smooth.
ASSEMBLY: Unroll cake onto towel. Peel off wax paper. Spread cream cheese mixture evenly over cake. Using towel, roll up cake and place seam-side down on serving platter. Trim ends of cake. Enjoy right away or refrigerate until ready to serve. Sprinkle cake with additional confectioners' sugar just before serving.




Chicken Paprika

• 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 1 1/2 cups chicken broth
• 2 tablespoons sweet Hungarian paprika, more to taste
• black pepper
• 1/2 cup white wine or water
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch (more if needed to achieve desired thickness)
• 1/2 cup cold water, to mix starch
• 1 1/2 tablespoons garlic powder (I use minced frequently, but will cause chunkier gravy)
• 2 tablespoons canola oil or olive oil
• 1/2 cup sour cream

Cube chicken into 1-2 inch chunks- as desired. In a deep skillet, brown chicken breasts with oil, garlic and pepper. Once cooked, add onions and cook for 2 minutes, stirring lightly. Add paprika (at least 2 tbsp -more to taste) and the chicken broth. Bring to a rolling bubble, add wine and simmer for 5 minutes. In a cup on the side, mix cold water and cornstarch completely. Spoon mixture into simmering chicken, stirring until desired thickness is achieved. Cook for at least 5 more minutes to cook out the starch taste. When ready to serve, remove from heat and stir in the sour cream, enough to achieve the creaminess desired. Serve over your favorite pasta, mashed potatoes or rice.

Menu plan from 10/17 - 11/30

Yes, you read that title right: here's a menu plan for SIX WEEKS!

I don't usually plan for that long, but our shopping trip on Saturday got a little out of hand and we overspent on our grocery budget. I felt sick about it so I decided that I would make things stretch for six weeks instead of four. With the addition of a couple of more gallons of milk, a few more dozen eggs, and very few odds & ends, we should be able to do it!

I was challenged by someone to list my costs for each meal. I can't really do that for breakfasts and lunches because I keep things stocked for breakfast and lunches are typically whatever we happen to have on hand, but I did my best with dinners. We were gifted with well over 100 lbs. of potatoes, we have plenty of chicken, winter squash, rice, oatmeal, home canned green beans & fruits & beet pickles, and we have carrots in the garden. Here's what I came up with for a menu plan:

For SIX weeks

Breakfasts are all the same: choice of eggs, oatmeal, farina, pancakes or waffles, smoothies.

Lunches: baked potatoes with various toppings, leftovers, sandwiches (PB & J, tuna, egg or chicken salad, cheese).

Dinners:

Week 1:

• chicken & sausage jambalaya - 50¢ for sausage, 88¢ for Rotel, 35¢ for 15 oz. tomato sauce, 1/2 green pepper 35¢, 1/2 bunch green onions 65¢. everything else on hand. Total $2.73. Feeds 8.
• copycan manwich, scalloped potatoes, steamed broccoli - $1.49 for ground turkey, 15¢ for 8 oz. tomato sauce (homemade buns, free potatoes). Everything else on hand . Total $1.64 Feeds 8
  
• Hawaiian chicken, rice, green beans - had to purchase 1 can pineapple for $1. Everything else on hand. Feeds 8
  
• Redneck casserole, tossed salad - 1 can baked beans $1, 1 pkg. hot dogs 89¢, 1 bag tator tots $1.79, 1 cup cheddar cheese 85¢, 1 head lettuce $1.09, everything else on hand. Total $5.62. Feeds 8
• Taco salad - 1 head lettuce $1.09, 2 tomatoes approx $1.50, 2 cans black beans $1.18, 8 oz. shredded taco cheese $1.69, 99¢ for 1 bag nacho cheese chips, everything else on hand. Total $6.45 Feeds 8
  
• Broccoli cheese soup in bread bowls - didn't have to buy anything, have everything on hand. Total $0 Feeds 8
• Spicy chicken fillet sandwiches, potato salad, fruit - 1 tomato approximately 75¢, 1 cup Miracle whip 45¢, 4 eggs 33¢, (homemade buns), everything else on hand. Total $1.53 Feeds 8

Throw in 2 gallons of milk @ $2.59 each

TOTAL FOR WEEK 1 - $24.15

Week 2:

• Rosemary chicken & potatoes, green beans - everything on hand. Total $0 Feeds 8
• Beef stroganoff over homemade noodles, glazed carrots - beef $2.55, 16 oz. sour cream $1.00, everything else on hand. Total $3.55
• chicken & rice casserole, green beans - 1 can cream of chicken soup 69¢, 1 can cream of celery soup 69¢, everything else on hand. Total $1.38
• Acorn squash with sausage & apple filling, dinner rolls - 1 lb. pork sausage $1.99, everything else on hand. Total $1.99
• Meatball mushroom stew in bread bowls - 1 lb. ground turkey $1.49, 2 cans cream of mushroom soup $1.18, 2 cans mushrooms $1. Everything else on hand. Total $3.67
• Tuna melts, BBQ chips, beet pickles - 2 cans tuna $1.18, 1 bag BBQ chips 99¢, everything else on hand. Total $2.17 Feeds 8
• HALLOWEEN MEAL of pizza mac o'lantern, bat wings with artichoke dip, spooky eyeball eggs, ghost cupcakes - 2 boxes mac & cheese $1.32, 1 lb. ground turkey $1.49, 1 jar spaghetti sauce $1.19, 1 dozen eggs 99¢, 1 cake mix 89¢, everything else on hand. Total $5.88

Add 2 gallons milk @ $2.59 each

TOTAL FOR WEEK 2 - $21.23

Week 3:

• chicken & sausage jambalaya - 50¢ for sausage, 88¢ for Rotel, 35¢ for 15 oz. tomato sauce, 1/2 green pepper 35¢, 1/2 bunch green onions 65¢. everything else on hand. Total $2.73. Feeds 8.
• hamburger goulash, veggie sticks - 1 lb. ground turkey $1.49, 1 can diced tomatoes 35¢, 2 cans tomato soup 98¢. everything else on hand. Total $2.82
• Spicy roast chicken, potato & olive cheesy casserole, peas - 1 jar green olives $1.98 (won't use them all), 1 bag peas $1. Everything else on hand. Total $2.98
• Macaroni pie with mushroom sauce, green beans: 16 oz. cottage cheese $1.50, 8 oz. shredded cheddar $1.69, 4 eggs 33¢, 2 cans cream of mushroom soup $1.18, 2 cans mushrooms $1, everything else on hand. Total $5.70 makes 2 pies
• chicken alfredo, tossed salad with Italian dressing & homemade croutons - 1 pkg cream cheese 99¢. 1/2 head lettuce 55¢. Everything else on hand. Total $1.54 Feeds 8
• Ranch lentils, shredded carrot salad - 1 lb. ground turkey $1.49, everything else on hand. Total $1.49
• Chicken strips, oven fries, peas & carrots - 6 oz. hot sauce 40¢, 4 eggs 33¢, 1 bag frozen peas & carrots $1. Everything else on hand. Total $1.73

Add 2 gallons milk @ 2.59 ea.

WEEK 3 TOTAL - $24.17

Week 4:

• Wet burritos - 1 lb. ground turkey $1.49, 1 can refried beans 55¢, 2 tomatoes $1.50, cream of chicken soup 69¢, 8 oz. taco cheese $1.69, everything else on hand. Total $5.92 Feeds 6 to 8
• Bruschetta chicken bake, green beans - 1 box chicken stuffing 60¢, 15 oz. diced tomatoes 35¢, everything else on hand. Total 95¢
• chili dog casserole, veggie sticks - 2 cans chili $1.98, 2 pkg. hot dogs $1.78, 8 oz. shredded cheddar $1.69. Everything else on hand Total $5.45 Feeds 8
• chicken pot pie with biscuit crust - 1 can cream of chicken soup 69¢, 1 can cream of potato soup 98¢, 1 bag frozed mixed veggies $1. Everything else on hand Total $2.67
• Beef stew in bread bowls - beef $2.55, everything else on hand. Total $2.55
• Shredded BBQ chicken sandwiches, potato salad, carrots - 2 cups Miracle whip 90¢, everything else on hand. Total 90¢
• Vegetarian meatloaf, baked potatoes, green beans - everything on hand. Total $0.00
• cheesy potato soup, apple/blueberry muffins, squash or broccoli - everything on hand Total $0.00

Throw in 2 gallons milk @ $2.59 each

WEEK 4 TOTAL - $23.62

Week 5:

• Oven fried chicken, oven fries, corn pudding or squash - everything on hand, total $0.00
• chili - 1 lb. ground turkey $1.49, 2 cans tomato soup 98¢, 1 can diced tomatoes 35¢. Everything else on hand. total $2.82
  
• sesame chicken, rice, glazed carrots - everything on hand. total $0.00
  
• lentil vegetable stew, winter squash, dinner rolls - everything on hand, total $0.00
  
• one pot chicken & veggies - 1 pkt onion soup mix 40¢, 1 can mushroom soup 59¢. Everything else on hand. Total 99¢
  
• tuna melts, oven fries, veggies - tuna $1.18, 1 bag frozen veggies $1. Everything else on hand. Total $2.18
  
• chicken tortilla soup - 1 can Rotel 88¢, 1 can diced tomatoes 35¢, everything else on hand. total $1.23

Throw in 2 gallons milk @ $2.59 each

WEEK 5 TOTAL - $12.40

Week 6:

• beef roast, potatoes, carrots - beef roast $4.80, everything else on hand. Total $4.80
  
• teriyaki chicken, rice, steamed broccoli - 1 bag frozen broccoli, $1. Everything else on hand. Total $1
  
• porcupine meatballs, mashed potatoes, green beans - 2 lb. ground turkey $2.98, 2 cans tomato soup 98¢, everything else on hand. Total $3.96
  
• THANKSGIVING DINNER we take green bean casserole, dinner rolls, pies, pumpkin cake roll - 1 can cr of mushroom soup 59¢, french fried onions 99¢, 1 pkg. cream cheese 99¢, 3 cans pumpkin $3. Everything else on hand. Total $5.57
  
• pigs in a blanket, oven fries, veggie sticks - 2 pkg. hot dots $1.78. Everything else on hand Total $1.78
  
• chicken paprika, homemade noodles, peas & carrots - sour cream $1.19, 1 bag frozen peas & carrots $1. Everything else on hand. Total $2.19

throw in 2 gallons milk @ $2.59

WEEK 6 TOTAL - $21.89

NOW, when I say "everything on hand", that means that I have the supplies on hand to make the rest. Free potatoes, squash, apples, carrots in my garden, homecanned goods, homemade buns, pasta, & tortillas, things already in the freezer & pantry, salad dressings from scratch, bulk rice & oatmeal, etc. I also have all the chicken (whole or parts) I need thanks to raising 102 hens this summer. To keep my supplies stocked cost me:

$16.69 for a 50 lb. bag of flour

$ 2.19 each for 2 4lb. bags of white sugar

$ 1.49 for a 3 lb. bag of onions

$ .99 each for 2 bottles of ketchup

$1.79 each for 2 jars Miracle Whip

$ .69 each for 10 boxes margarine

$ .99 for one bunch celery

$ .99 each for 12 dozen eggs

$47.89 TOTAL for miscellaneous





GRAND TOTAL $175.35

Easy Artichoke Dip with Pita Crisps - YUM!

This is one of my older son's favorites, and it's a good one! He got it from his manager at work and it immediately became a favorite at home.


Artichoke Dip

• 14 oz. can artichoke hearts, chopped (Reese's is best)
• 1/2 c. Hellman's mayonnaise (NO Miracle Whip)
• 8 oz. cream cheese
• 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 cloves garlic, minced OR use 1 tsp. minced garlic from a jar

Mix all ingredients together. Put into a baking dish. Bake at 350° for 25 - 30 minutes until bubbly & golden brown. Top with a bit more Parmesan before serving. BEST served warm with fresh pita chips!


Fresh pita chips:
Take 1 pkg. pita pocket bread and cut into wedges/triangles with a pizza cutter. Place on a cookie sheet and spray with cooking spray, sprinkle with parsley if you like. Bake at 350° for 10 to 15 minutes until they reach desired crispness.

Enjoy!