Vegetable Casserole

I got this from my friend, Nicol, who lives down the street. She brought it when we had them over for dinner a few weeks ago.

Ingredients:

12oz. bag frozen vegetables (or just cut up your own peas/green beans/etc)

1 small can of corn drained

1 cup mayonnaise

1 cup sharp cheddar cheese

3⁄4 stick butter

1 sleeve of Ritz crackers

Pepper to taste


Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Mix frozen mix frozen vegetables, corn,

cheese, pepper and mayonnaise in a small baking dish. Melt butter and mix

with crushed Ritz crackers and place on top of vegetable mixture. Cover

with foil and bake for 30-40 minutes then bake uncovered for 5 minutes to

crisp crackers.

Easy Spanish Rice

2 tablespoons olive oil (can use up to 1/4 cup)
1 onion, chopped fine
1 garlic clove, minced
2 cups of medium or long-grain white rice
3 cups of chicken stock (or water with chicken bullion)
1 heaping tablespoon tomato paste or 1 cup of diced fresh or cooked tomatoes, strained ( I just used 1 cup of canned diced tomatoes)
Pinch of oregano
1 teaspoon salt

In a large skillet brown rice in olive oil, medium/high heat. Add onion and garlic. Cook onion rice mixture, stirring frequently, about 4 minutes, or until onions are softened.In a separate sauce pan bring stock to a simmer. Add tomato sauce, oregano, and salt. Add rice to broth. Bring to a simmer. Cover. Lower heat and cook 15-25 minutes, depending on the type of rice and the instructions on the rice package. Turn off heat and let sit for 5 minutes.

Price Guesstimate: $1?

Steph's Comments: I wanted a quick, yummy side dish when I was making Chicken Tacos the other day, and Spanish Rice sounded yummy, but the only recipe I have is a little complicated, and it has bacon, which I didn't want to use... so, I googled and found this recipe, and it was a HIT - my husband even told me he could eat it alone for dinner! I think the real key is the chicken broth that you cook the rice in. I probably would add a whole can of tomatoes next time 'cause I'm a tomato girl, and I might try adding some other things - green peppers, green onions, etc. Also, I didn't think there was any need for the whole "brown the rice in oil" step - next time I'll just throw it all together and then cook it. But, it was yummy! Oh, I found the recipe here.

Chomp

2 large sliced cucumbers
1 large green paper, diced
1/2 large onion, diced
2 firm, ripe tomatoes, cut in wedges
(Suggested veggies - you can mix and match!)

Vinaigrette Dressing:
1/2 cup brown sugar
1/2 cup vinegar
1/2 cup water
1 tsp salt
1/2 tsp pepper
1/8 tsp thyme

Mix together dressing. Pour on top of veggies. Chill one hour before serving.

Price Guesstimate: Depends on the veggies you choose & the season, but VERY cheap. :)

Steph's Comments: My sister, Rachel, sent me this recipe. Apparently, it comes from when miners' wives wanted them to be able to eat something refreshing while in the mines, so they would mix up this little side dish. Oh, and it gets its name from the sound it makes when you bite. :) We tried it, and it was a great side to any summer meal! Thanks Rach!

Dunking Delights

2 eggs

2 TB milk

1-1/2 lbs broccoli

1 c. bread crumbs

3 heaping TB of parmesan cheese

salt to taste

Italian seasoning to taste (opt.)

In a plastic bag put eggs & milk. Shake until the eggs are broken up, add broccoli. Shake until the broccoli is covered. Add bread crumbs, parmesan cheese, salt, & italian seasoning. Cook at 400 for 20 minutes. Dip in marinara sauce or ranch. 

Price Guessimate: $1.50-ish

Steph's Comments: I found this delicious side dish/snack here. I changed "how" she did it (I thought a plastic bag would be easier!) and I added the italian seasoning, but the rest is hers. This is a GREAT way to change up normal broccoli. I really loved it, and I loved actually MAKING A SIDE DISH FOR DINNER. Seriously. I am usually a really lame mom and I focus on making a main dish and then my "side dish" is usually a cut up apple or something. Lame. This recipe is the real deal and your family will be so impressed with your domesticity! :) 

Baked French Fries

4 potatoes

1 Tbs olive oil

spices of your choice

Wash and cut potatoes. (I always leave the skin on but you can peel them too.) Put everything in a bag and shake! Lay on a cookie sheet and cook at 400 for 30 min, flipping fries after 15 min.

Price Guesstimate: $1 (not even!)

Steph's Comments: Sorry for the long hiatus. My husband was out of town, and I felt like I was running around with my head cut off! That, and I don't cook when my husband's not around - we just eat tomato soup & mac n' cheese 'cause that's what my kids will eat. :) So, that said, I'M BACK! And I wanted to start out with a very yummy side for practically any meal.... my mom made these a lot growing up. It's really fun to play around with the spices. I love garlic powder and salt & pepper... you can have a lot of fun with it. Thanks for the reminder Rach!