I rarely cook any type of fish at home, unless I’m entertaining, because my kids don’t like any of it. But I spied this super simple recipe for teriyaki salmon recently and decided to make it anyway, haters be damned. It seriously took less than fifteen minutes to make and was delicious served over steamed rice. Swipe left for the recipe - I made it as written but subbed Japanese cooking wine for the sake because I googled for a substitute while standing in the Asian grocery store because I was too cheap to buy sake for one recipe that I may or may not love. The cooking wine was listed as an acceptable substitute and it seemed to do the trick! Oh! And I also removed the skin. If you like salmon, save this recipe when you want a simple and healthy way to make it.
“If you can’t control your woman, you’ve fou “If you can’t control your woman, you’ve found a good one.” I told someone last week that I feel pretty much like a plant … needs plenty of sunshine and fresh air, occasional watering and feeding, and a steady stream of kind words. It’s not really that complicated. 💛
Truth be told, these are my favorite types of meal Truth be told, these are my favorite types of meals… platters where you can just pick at them while sipping wine and catching up with a friend. Chances are, if you come over for a meal, you’re getting an assortment of things to nosh on, maybe a mix of homemade appetizers… but just an array of deliciousness you can snack on whilst enjoying the evening. 

I’ve been wanting to make a lox platter for awhile now, so here we are. I sprinkled some Everything But the Bagel seasoning onto smoked lox and then added sliced cucumbers and radishes to the platter along with sliced bialys and crackers. Dipping items are a must so I included hummus and tzatziki. A fun platter just to nibble from, but a bialys sandwich with everything stuffed in it was pretty perfect too. Hope that gave you a little bit of inspo for something you can easily whip up too!
I had planned another type of post tonight, but in I had planned another type of post tonight, but in light of today’s news, it just doesn’t feel right. Some days it can be hard to find the sunshine, especially a day like today. I can’t make sense as to why things like today continue to happen while people spend copious amounts of energy worrying about banning books and drag shows. Make it make sense. Just make it fucking make sense. It doesn’t. You can’t. Until it does, use your voice. Show up to meetings. Sign the petitions. Text ACT to 644-33 to get involved (I did). Be so loud that you can’t be ignored, until things change. Thirteen school shootings this year. When is enough, enough?
Weekend photos in review, old school edition. Cont Weekend photos in review, old school edition.
Context: 1) Lola has zero chill in the car, 2) fulfilling request for Chicken Parm Penne with Vodka Sauce, 3) Sunday vibes 4) my favorite porchetta sandwich 5) from @butlerandtheboard 6) affirmations, 7) the sun was out today
Just like the moon, you’re whole no matter what Just like the moon, you’re whole no matter what phase you’re in. ✨ Got this one back in September and it’s one of my favorites. I sometimes forget it’s there until I get a random flash of it.
Happy #NationalPuppyDay to these two. I used to ca Happy #NationalPuppyDay to these two. I used to call Clifford an asshat, because he basically was. But there’s a new asshat in town… 🙄 Clifford is now a freaking rockstar. His tumor and age have slowed him down a LOT and he virtually never misbehaves, and we are seriously so proud of him. Lola, on the other hand, is still full blown PUPPY. Tonight I’m assembling a gate to replace the wooden one she ate through. 😂 Berners love wood and she is OBSESSED with being in the kitchen. So one new metal gate coming right up as soon as I can figure out how to put it together.
Last week when I met the owners of the new French Last week when I met the owners of the new French bakery in town, I told them how happy I was that they were opening … because now I had an endless source for gifts for my mom’s future birthdays and Christmases. She was born in Paris and we’ve grown up with a healthy appreciation for French things … starting with their pastries and baguettes, but so much more. My daughter took her first trip to Paris last year and thoroughly enjoyed the croissants there and she deemed the ones at @chocolatinenj just as perfect. No surprise there since the owner is a French pastry chef! If you’re local and haven’t been, do make a point to stop in and visit. They’re open Wednesday through Sunday and have a wide selection of sweet and savory items and a few French retail selections as well. We’ve tried the macarons, the Croque Monsieur, the croissants, the tomato tarts, the baguette … basically we’re working our way through their display case in due time. Don’t miss this one - enjoy!
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Food and Life

The $7 Dinner Challenge #1

October 13, 2008 · $7 Dinner Challenge, Narrative

No Peek CasseroleWhen we started talking about the Dinner Challenge idea last week, I actually started with it being a $15 dinner.  Sarah said, “No way, must be cheaper!”  And, of course, she was right.  $15 is no challenge.  So then we were at $10 … and a game of Name that Tune ensued.  You know, “I can name it in 5 notes … 4 notes …” and pretty soon you’re the schmuck who thought you could name that song with one note, which is crazy.  Aren’t you glad we stopped at $7?

Truth be told, there are different ways of looking at the challenge.  For some, it’s possible that $7 isn’t a challenge … package of Ball Park hot dogs, buns, french fries and a bowl of ice cream can be had for $7 and still fulfill the requirements we laid out.  But where is the challenge in that?  And though I have, ahem, had a slight unexplainable lust for hot dogs lately, I wanted to do better.  Because therein lies part of the challenge.  At least for me.  To prove that it could be done.

Doing such a challenge definitely requires a little bit of planning.  It’s not like you can pick out a recipe or two, go to the market for your ingredients and return home to cook.  You really have to budget and plan ahead.  I had a few ideas rattling around over the past few days and took out the store’s sales circular to see what I could make work with what was on sale this week.  Once I spied that ground beef was on sale for $1.99/lb at Shop Rite, I was able to narrow it down.

Tonight’s dinner?  No Peek Casserole as the main course (includes mushrooms in the dish) and Blueberry Crisp Shooters for dessert.  One tried-and-true recipe, one new.  But could it be done for $7?

So here’s how it stacked up (all ingredients purchased today from Shop Rite):

ShopRite:
1-1/2 lbs of ground beef: $3.00
half of a box of onion soup mix: 0.50
large can of mushrooms: 0.89
bag of egg noodles: 0.69
frozen blueberries: 1.99

Had on hand: 2/3 cup milk, flour, sugar, mayo, cinnamon

I debated about the “had on hand portion.”  I mean, when we say “$7 Dinner Challenge,” does that mean that you should buy every single ingredient for the recipes within the $7?  Well, it depends.  Do you have a few ingredients on hand?  Then, frugality would rule and it would make sense to use them.  So, within reason and the honor system totally in effect, obviously don’t spend money you don’t need to.  Sometimes it’s just as much a challenge in cooking up a fabulous meal without leaving your house armed with a shopping list, you know?  Use your judgment and play fair.

Now the recipes… No Peek Casserole is a dish I’ve been making for at least 6 years now, and for something that takes nearly no prep time save for browning the ground beef, it delivers up a rich meaty sauce that is simply divine.  If you haven’t tried it yet, do!  I don’t think you’ll be disappointed.  This one recipe is the reason I keep a can or two of Cream of Mushroom soup on hand.  (And definitely the only reason, since when it comes to soup, I prefer a homemade version)  When Nicholas spied the finished dish on the counter, he recognized it right away, and I got a quick clap and “Oooh, I love when you make that.”  Served over plain egg noodles, the dish serves more like 5-6 than 4, and even allowed for extra plain buttered noodles for the baby too, so it was a win-win all around.

The Blueberry Crisp recipe … so not a winner.  To keep myself on budget, I halved the recipe and served it in shot glasses.  A new one from AllRecipes, it just didn’t have a consistency that I liked, although it received 4-1/2 stars.  The “crisp” just wasn’t.  Nicholas didn’t like it, and come to find out, The Husband doesn’t like blueberries.  Who knew?  And why didn’t you tell me?

So was today a success?  Even with the dud of a recipe, resoundingly so.  A very easy, hearty dinner for four coming in at $7.07, with enough left over for actually another dinner.  You certainly can’t beat that!

Did you join us on our $7 Dinner Challenge?  Leave your link below so we can all get a little more inspiration … and join us back here next Monday as we do it all over again.

P.S.  Word has it that the folks at Dinner Tonight, the blog of Everyday Food, Martha’s food magazine, are joining us – can’t wait to see what Editor-in-Chef Deb and her crew cook up… and the rest of you too!

P.P.S.  Book #18.  Need to catch up on adding them to the list, more coming.  LOVE the idea of a Christmas book every Christmas from the latest comment on that post.  We do a gift of new pajamas that the kids open on Christmas Eve … now adding the book idea to it.  Thank you!

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Posted In: $7 Dinner Challenge, Narrative

Comments

  1. Sarah Caron says

    October 13, 2008 at 11:31 pm

    $7.07! Not bad. Sounds like it was a successful exercise. Can’t wait to see what you come up with next week!

    Sarah Carons last blog post..The $7 Dinner Challenge: Week 1

    Reply
  2. Bob says

    October 13, 2008 at 11:41 pm

    I failed, but I tried.

    Bobs last blog post..Socialism

    Reply
  3. Lisa says

    October 14, 2008 at 12:27 am

    I would totally be the one shouting “73 cents! 73 cents” and end up serving saltines and sugar packets stolen from Starbucks.

    Reply
  4. Cate says

    October 14, 2008 at 12:31 am

    Sarah – that Granita sounds delicious! Nick was actually asking for watermelon today, but I said no … might just have to rethink that.

    Bob – you did a fabulous job – no failure there! And there’s always next week. :)

    Lisa – thanks for my laugh of the day – too funny. As one who hoards the extra sauce/salt/ketchup packets from take-out, I am so with you.

    Reply
  5. Kris says

    October 14, 2008 at 9:00 am

    I just saw this recipe in my stack of ones to be filed last night – I had printed it out a while ago. Now I will have to try is because it looks so yummy!

    Reply
  6. Darius T. Williams says

    October 14, 2008 at 9:04 am

    OMG – I remember shop rite from my days of living in New Jersey – oh, how I miss it! I can’t even remember the one I used to go to – but they had the best produce ever! Ahhh – this looks and sounds delish!

    -DTW
    http://www.everydaycookin.blogspot.com

    Darius T. Williamss last blog post..This I Want, But Don’t Need

    Reply
  7. Judith in Umbria says

    October 14, 2008 at 9:55 am

    I never got clear as to whether I could do it on 7 euro, but I’m still willing if it is OK.

    Judith in Umbrias last blog post..News of the day

    Reply
  8. Patsy says

    October 14, 2008 at 10:18 am

    Oh, I totally forgot about the new challenge! I hope to join in next week. So, if we have ingredients on hand in the fridge or pantry, they don’t have to count to the $7? Just want to make sure I’m following the rules!

    Patsys last blog post..Dulce De Leche Apple Bars – Oh My!

    Reply
  9. Maris says

    October 14, 2008 at 12:23 pm

    I had every intention of joining this week but leftovers got the better of me…I’m in next week, for sure! :)

    I love the idea of blueberry crisp in shotglasses – what a fun way to serve desserts at a party!

    Mariss last blog post..Banana-Nut Bread

    Reply
  10. Cate says

    October 14, 2008 at 10:45 pm

    Kris – the best parts are the edges of the casserole dish when it comes out of the oven. Yum.

    Darius – really? Would never think of produce immediately after Shop Rite. ;)

    Judith – sorry! Absolutely ok, and I think it’s great to get outside-of-US inspiration too. :)

    Patsy – correct, within reason. Hope you join in. :)

    Maris – love dessert shooters, indulging without the guilt.

    Cates last blog post..A Love for Bool Gogi (Bulgogi)

    Reply
  11. flowers22 says

    October 15, 2008 at 9:08 am

    Phew! This was tough and I’m glad I don’t have to work this hard daily but it was a neat challenge. I think I succeeded.

    My brother posted on his site about his try at the $7.00 dinner challenge and that inspired me. I wasn’t sure I could do it because I have a teenaged son in the mix who often requires QUANTITY at meals; but I was willing to try. I planned all day long – good thing I didn’t have to include my time in the cost.

    My meal was jalapeno poppers, baked chicken legs, fried rice, and balsamic roasted onions – $6.99

    http://www.recipezaar.com/105670
    Appetizer – poppers: $1.50
    6 jalapenos – 22-cents
    2 oz. cream cheese – 27-cents
    1/8 lb. cheddar cheese – 38-cents
    ¼ lb. bacon – 63-cents

    Chicken: $1.56
    Ginger soy sauce (in refrigerator)

    Fried Rice: $1.91
    Rice – 59-cents
    Seasoning – 69-cents
    Green onions – 20-cents
    2 eggs – 18-cents
    Peas [½ 50-cent can] – 25-cents

    http://www.recipezaar.com/59885
    Roasted Onions: $2.02
    Onions [2.2 lbs. @ .50/lb.] – $1.10
    Butter – 42-cents
    Olive Oil [¼ c. = estimate price] – 50-cents
    3 T Sugar, 6 T vinegar, and 1 T parsley (pantry)

    Appetizers are useful. We find that by eating a little something 10 or so minutes before the main meal we eat less and we really enjoy jalapeno poppers!

    The onion recipe was new and we LOVED it.

    I had never made fried rice with a seasoning packet before but it turned out pretty well and we have a good bit left so we can eat it again tomorrow night.

    I counted on 2 legs for hubby & son and one each for daughter and me. The son ended up eating just one…and we were all stuffed!

    Thanks for the challenge.

    Reply
  12. flowers22 says

    October 15, 2008 at 9:09 am

    I have pictures but I don’t know how to include them.

    Reply
  13. kathryn says

    October 15, 2008 at 9:55 pm

    I’m glad you whittled it down to $7 – it’s tricky but achievable. And while you could easily “cook” tinned baked beans on toast and some fresh fruit for that amount, I also wanted to try something more challenging.

    I like your idea of minaturising the dessert in shot glasses. A taste of sweetness, without all the excessive kilojoules form a large dose.

    Reply
  14. Nate says

    October 27, 2008 at 2:02 pm

    I think you did a great job getting it down to $7. That is truly frugal living!

    Nates last blog post..Chopped Shrimp Waldorf Salad

    Reply

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I rarely cook any type of fish at home, unless I’m entertaining, because my kids don’t like any of it. But I spied this super simple recipe for teriyaki salmon recently and decided to make it anyway, haters be damned. It seriously took less than fifteen minutes to make and was delicious served over steamed rice. Swipe left for the recipe - I made it as written but subbed Japanese cooking wine for the sake because I googled for a substitute while standing in the Asian grocery store because I was too cheap to buy sake for one recipe that I may or may not love. The cooking wine was listed as an acceptable substitute and it seemed to do the trick! Oh! And I also removed the skin. If you like salmon, save this recipe when you want a simple and healthy way to make it.
“If you can’t control your woman, you’ve fou “If you can’t control your woman, you’ve found a good one.” I told someone last week that I feel pretty much like a plant … needs plenty of sunshine and fresh air, occasional watering and feeding, and a steady stream of kind words. It’s not really that complicated. 💛
Truth be told, these are my favorite types of meal Truth be told, these are my favorite types of meals… platters where you can just pick at them while sipping wine and catching up with a friend. Chances are, if you come over for a meal, you’re getting an assortment of things to nosh on, maybe a mix of homemade appetizers… but just an array of deliciousness you can snack on whilst enjoying the evening. 

I’ve been wanting to make a lox platter for awhile now, so here we are. I sprinkled some Everything But the Bagel seasoning onto smoked lox and then added sliced cucumbers and radishes to the platter along with sliced bialys and crackers. Dipping items are a must so I included hummus and tzatziki. A fun platter just to nibble from, but a bialys sandwich with everything stuffed in it was pretty perfect too. Hope that gave you a little bit of inspo for something you can easily whip up too!
I had planned another type of post tonight, but in I had planned another type of post tonight, but in light of today’s news, it just doesn’t feel right. Some days it can be hard to find the sunshine, especially a day like today. I can’t make sense as to why things like today continue to happen while people spend copious amounts of energy worrying about banning books and drag shows. Make it make sense. Just make it fucking make sense. It doesn’t. You can’t. Until it does, use your voice. Show up to meetings. Sign the petitions. Text ACT to 644-33 to get involved (I did). Be so loud that you can’t be ignored, until things change. Thirteen school shootings this year. When is enough, enough?

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I rarely cook any type of fish at home, unless I’m entertaining, because my kids don’t like any of it. But I spied this super simple recipe for teriyaki salmon recently and decided to make it anyway, haters be damned. It seriously took less than fifteen minutes to make and was delicious served over steamed rice. Swipe left for the recipe - I made it as written but subbed Japanese cooking wine for the sake because I googled for a substitute while standing in the Asian grocery store because I was too cheap to buy sake for one recipe that I may or may not love. The cooking wine was listed as an acceptable substitute and it seemed to do the trick! Oh! And I also removed the skin. If you like salmon, save this recipe when you want a simple and healthy way to make it.
“If you can’t control your woman, you’ve fou “If you can’t control your woman, you’ve found a good one.” I told someone last week that I feel pretty much like a plant … needs plenty of sunshine and fresh air, occasional watering and feeding, and a steady stream of kind words. It’s not really that complicated. 💛
Truth be told, these are my favorite types of meal Truth be told, these are my favorite types of meals… platters where you can just pick at them while sipping wine and catching up with a friend. Chances are, if you come over for a meal, you’re getting an assortment of things to nosh on, maybe a mix of homemade appetizers… but just an array of deliciousness you can snack on whilst enjoying the evening. 

I’ve been wanting to make a lox platter for awhile now, so here we are. I sprinkled some Everything But the Bagel seasoning onto smoked lox and then added sliced cucumbers and radishes to the platter along with sliced bialys and crackers. Dipping items are a must so I included hummus and tzatziki. A fun platter just to nibble from, but a bialys sandwich with everything stuffed in it was pretty perfect too. Hope that gave you a little bit of inspo for something you can easily whip up too!
I had planned another type of post tonight, but in I had planned another type of post tonight, but in light of today’s news, it just doesn’t feel right. Some days it can be hard to find the sunshine, especially a day like today. I can’t make sense as to why things like today continue to happen while people spend copious amounts of energy worrying about banning books and drag shows. Make it make sense. Just make it fucking make sense. It doesn’t. You can’t. Until it does, use your voice. Show up to meetings. Sign the petitions. Text ACT to 644-33 to get involved (I did). Be so loud that you can’t be ignored, until things change. Thirteen school shootings this year. When is enough, enough?
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