Day 4:Pantry Cleanout Pot Roast
I tell ya, this eating from the freezer and pantry thing is really fun! Maybe it’s because I’m finally enjoying the bounty of meats purchased months ago on major sale or finding creative uses for random root vegetables at the bottom of my veggie bin, or those last few Cajun walnuts given in a Christmas basket (thanks, Cathy!). It’s the odds and ends that sometimes come together to make the best meals…. Read the rest of this entry »
Day 1 FPC: Plum Chicken with Cabbage
Happy New Year everyone!!!!
As promised, I’m declaring the entire month of January a “Fridge and Pantry Cleanout” month whereby every meal will be formulated from stuff I have on hand in the fridge, freezer, other freezer, storage shed, or pantry. I just finished my proposed menu plan for the week, and I’ve gotta say, I think I’m going to be able to easily make it through the month of January (possibly February too) easily without buying much of anything.
Thursday’s Thrifty Meals on Friday: 5- Layer Dip
This week’s thrifty menu from New Seasons is packed with such flavor that you’ll never believe it’s vegan! Full of veggies and GAPS-friendly ingredients but light on the budget, you can enjoy this simple meal on a Friday or Saturday night!
Thursday’s Thrifty Meals from New Seasons
This week’s Thrifty Meal is one I’ve gotten many, many requests for. It’s a winner at potlucks, and it’s the perfect one-pot meal for a busy day when you need to have a nourishing dinner prepared! Best of all, the recipe is composed of ingredients that are simple and inexpensive! Read the rest of this entry »
Thursday’s Thrifty Meals at New Seasons!
This week’s Thrifty Meal from New Seasons is simple, nourishing, and will provide at least three (if not more) additional meals for the freezer or nourishing lunches. Using a thrifty cut of meat that’s on sale at New Seasons, along with a handful of cheap bulk spices (10% off all bulk items right now at New Seasons!) make this easy meal in the morning and forget the dinnertime hassle! Read the rest of this entry »
Frugal and Healthy Meal: Tongue Tacos
I know that the notion of eating tongue is probably totally unappealing to most of you; it was to me for sure. Recently, however, at an authentic Mexican restaurant, I ordered tongue tacos and they were delicious and inexpensive! When I found out that my grass-fed, organic beef farmer sold tongue for $2.50/lb, I had to figure out a way to use it in a delicious way. Here’s what I did, with pictures of the transformation from icky cow tongue to deliciously spicy, shredded beef! Read the rest of this entry »
Updated! Thrifty Chicken Broth in the Slow Cooker
My Favorite Slow Cooker Recipe: Taco Meat w/ Hidden Veggies
This recipe is adapted from my favorite Slow-Cooker book; Healthy Crockery Cookery by Mabel Hoffman. I discussed this book and outlined some of my favorite recipes back in this post.
Taco Meat w/ Hidden Veggies
serves 6-8
My family eats this like it’s going out of style! It’s great for a nourishing lunch or dinner. I use it to make tacos, burritos, taco salad, or just top with avocado and fresh tomatoes and leave it alone!
1 pound ground beef or turkey ( preferably from organic/free range/grass fed animals)
3 scallions, including tops, sliced
1 large bunch spinach , wash, stemmed, and cut into 1/4 ” slices
2 carrots, peeled and shredd
1 packet dry taco seasonings (I make my own to avoid MSG found in most all packaged taco seasonings using garlic powder, cumin, chili powder, coriander, oregano , and sea salt. I just let the spirit lead when it comes to amounts, but it’s never been bad! )
To make your own taco seasoning mix, check out this website.
Directions: Mix crumbled meat with taco seasoning s and place in slow cooker. Layer with the vegetables. Cover and cook on LOW for 4 hours or until onions are tender.
Note: Despite the inclusion of spinach, it does not detract at all from the overall flavor and texture. Rather, it absorbs the flavors very impressively and melds quite well with the meat. So much so that my children never bat an eye when eating it!
