New Year's Kitchen Goal

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Last year I shared with you my New Year's Frugal Kitchen Goal. Overall, I feel like I have achieved that goal. However, I have to admit that I abandoned the part of my goal where I aimed to prepare more homemade convenience foods. Although this had worked for me in the past, I felt like it was unrealistic concerning my new family dynamic. 

This year, my goal is a bit different. In 2014, I plan to simplify my time in the kitchen. This means that I would like to cook meals with fewer ingredients, cook/bake less often, and provide school lunches with minimal fuss. Plus, I want to maintain my current grocery budget and my commitment to serving “real” food. 

I have already been prowling around my grocery store looking for new options. Over the last couple of months, I have introduced some new things to my kids and they have been pleased. For example, I have found that my kids really like natural cashews and pistachios. In the past, I had only bought peanuts, almonds, and pecans. 

Do you have some simple recipes or "real" food solutions that your family loves? If so, please share! 

Happy New Year!

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A Very Big Christmas Cookie!

My little one loves to bake. She is always underfoot in the kitchen and she especially loves cookies. So, when I saw this gingerbread cookie shaped baking pan set including decorator frosting and candy, I knew that she would LOVE it! On Christmas morning, when all of the gifts had been opened, my little one was more than ready to get baking immediately.

So, we made our way into the kitchen, still in our PJ's, and with our aprons on to make a giant cookie. We used this Chocolate Chip Cookie recipe that I found at Fake It Frugal. It turned out perfectly and my little one decorated it all by herself. Well, mostly by herself. Big sister did the bow. I'm sure we will be making many more big cookies in the near future. 

By the way, when you check out the cookie recipe at Fake It Frugal, you may notice that several of the recipes there have been featured at You-Can-Make-That. In the past, I have told you about Fake It Frugal's Sugar Cookies, Oatmeal Cookies, and Brownies. 

Merry Christmas!

Luke 2:10-12

 

But the angel said to them, "Do not be afraid. I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is Christ the Lord. This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger."

Cracker Candy

The other day, a friend called to get a recipe from me. While paging through my book for the recipe I saw one for Cracker Candy. It looked so simple! So, I thought that I would give it a try. Although I strayed from the recipe a bit, using ingredients I already had on hand, I am very pleased with the outcome. This candy is going to make great gifts. And, you can make it up ahead of time and store it either in the refrigerator or freezer for later. 

I think that this may be the treat that we leave out for Santa on Christmas Eve. What do you like to leave out for Santa?

Cracker Candy

Club Crackers (about 1 sleeve)
1 cup butter
1 cup brown sugar
1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips

Line an 11X15 cookie sheet with foil. Evenly cover the surface of foil with crackers. In a sauce pan, melt butter and sugar. Boil for 3 minutes stirring constantly. Pour over crackers, covering them evenly. Bake at 400º for 3-4 minutes, or until bubbly. Remove from oven and sprinkle with chocolate chips. Let stand 5 minutes. Spread melted chocolate chips over the crackers. Refrigerate until firm. Break into pieces. Store in the refrigerator or freezer. 

Today I Am...

… home with a very sick little girl. This is the second time in two weeks she has gotten this stomach flu.

 

 

… sipping on freshly ground coffee with Homemade Peppermint Mocha Creamer. I love this stuff!

 

… pleased to have a few more gifts ready to give. I made these yesterday using a half recipe for the Chocolate Cookies I told you about earlier this month.

… looking forward to sharing a new recipe with you for Cracker Candy. 

 

Aunt Shirley's Macaroni and Cheese

We drove to Delaware for Thanksgiving to visit my Aunt Shirley and Uncle Bill. Aunt Shirley is an excellent cook and we enjoy talking about recipes and sharing cookbooks. One of Aunt Shirley's signature recipes is Macaroni and Cheese. She makes it for every holiday meal and takes it to church suppers. It is not only good hot from the oven, it is also still delicious warmed up the next day.

When the food was served on Thanksgiving, Aunt Shirley made sure to place the Macaroni and Cheese in front of me at the table. She knows that it is one of my favorite dishes and she wanted to make sure that I had easy access to it. I definitely ate way more of it than I should have over the Thanksgiving weekend, but I'm not complaining!

Macaroni and Cheese

2 cups elbow macaroni
12 oz. can evaporated milk
2-3 cups grated cheddar cheese
Salt and pepper to taste

Cook and drain macaroni according to package directions. Spread half of the macaroni into a 9X9 casserole dish. Sprinkle with half of the cheese. Salt and pepper to taste. Repeat. Pour evaporated milk of the macaroni. Bake at 350º for 25-35 minutes or until golden and bubbly.