Dear Linzee,
First, I want to commend you on your current challenge to be a better cook. I think it's AWESOME. And since I've known you for quite possibly an entire lifetime (way before we met the boys that would become our husbands, when we were traipsing away as leaders on Young Life camp trips and whatever else it was we did as single ladies without the confinements of motherhood), I'm so excited that you have commissioned me to be apart of your culinary adventures!
In your post, you asked me to give you 5 of my most beloved and simplest recipes for you to learn to cook. I'd venture to say that 95% of the recipes I use regularly are easy peasy, because with the chaos of freelance work and 2 kids underfoot, I can't afford expensive or time-consuming kitchen work! As promised, I've gathered 5 of my favorite recipes. Two of them can be reworked into "leftover recipes," so I'm essentially giving you a 7 Day Meal Plan (shopping list included)!
Since you live literally a five minute walk down the road, I trust you'll let me know if you have any questions or want me to come keep you company in the kitchen :)
Here you go!
Monday
Entree: Chicken DiabloSide Dishes: Spanish Rice and Steamed Broccoli
Tuesday
Entree: Bacon, Apple and Gorgonzola Grilled Pizza (or just plain!)Side Dishes: Side Salad
Wednesday
Entree: **Slow Cooker Pepper Steak (use London Broil/Flank Steak, not a roast)
Side Dishes: Egg Noodles and a Side Salad or Crusty Bread (although I like this over Mashed Potatoes)
Thursday
Entree: Shredded Beef Sandwiches (take the leftover Pepper Steak, shred it with 2 forks and serve on crusty rolls with cheese and horseradish)
Side Dishes: Chips or Oven Baked Sweet Potatoes
Friday
Entree: Slow Cooker Chicken Casserole
Side Dishes: Side Salad
Saturday
Entree: Cranberry Chicken
Side Dishes: Mashed Potatoes and Steamed Broccoli or Asparagus
Sunday
Entree: Ginger Carrot Soup (from Rachel!)
Side Dishes: Crusty Bread and a Side Salad
** Cut recipe in half
Shopping List
- 3 1.5lb packages of boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 1.5lb London Broil/Flank Steak
- 1 container of Honey
- Butter
- Raw Pizza Dough (found near deli at grocery store)
- 1 block of Cheddar Cheese or package of Shredded Cheddar
- 1 container of Gorgonzola Cheese
- 1 package of Bacon
- 1 package of Shredded Mozzarella Cheese
- 2 Onions
- 1 Green or Red Bell Pepper
- 1 2lb package of Carrots
- 1-2 lbs of Broccoli
- 2 Russet potatoes
- 2-3 Sweet Potatoes
- Bagged Salad Mix or 2 Heads of Lettuce
- 1 Apple
- Soy Sauce
- Mustard
- Steak Sauce
- Worcestershire Sauce
- Lemon Juice
- 1 packet of Steak Seasoning
- 1 package of Stuffing Mix
- 1 can of Cream of Mushroom Soup
- 1 can of Evaporated Skim Milk
- 1 16oz can of diced tomatoes, Italian-style
- 1 Can of Whole Cranberry Sauce
- 1 box of Chicken Stock
- Beef Bouillon Cubes
- Curry Powder
- Garlic Powder
- Ground Ginger
- Dried Rosemary
- Crusty Rolls
Many of these ingredients you may have already in your fridge or pantry, so the list probably isn't so daunting! I tried to section the ingredients into categories that will make it easier to take around the grocery store (produce, meat, spices/herbs, cans, etc).
Also - these are all bigger/heavy meals. I normally only cook 3-4 meals per week and utilize the leftovers somehow (or account for 1 night of take out). You may find that some of the meals leave enough leftovers for two meals. If so, just reschedule the following day's meal for another day.
I look forward to hearing how this goes!
I'd love to hear from YOU, readers:
What loved/easy/frugal recipes would YOU share with Linzee?
What advice would you give her to become better in the kitchen?
Leave a comment, and I'll be sure to pass it on to Linz!
