recipe swap

[Brief thought: Why does the post office have a line no matter WHAT time of day you go?]

While thinking about this upcoming school year and preparing my mind for what lies ahead (see last post), I have also been thinking about the practical things that may make this year a little easier on me. Last year not only was I trying to stay above water in my classroom, but I was trying to figure out what it meant to be a wife as well. During this process I discovered that I really enjoying cooking and baking! Who knew?! All those years that I spent trying to bypass the kitchen while my mom worked her magic somehow caught up with me... and I only wish I would have been a pupil at her feet instead of hiding in the corner to avoid "work." (It really is true.)

I tried a lot of different recipes, and I began to find some that didn't take too many ingredients or too much time, that we loved! These were perfect for those nights I had to stay late grading papers or working with students. However, these dishes that work well and that we love...needless to say they are getting a little old! I've actually started making up stuff, and finding things we like that way. Just the other night I made a Chicken Teryaki and Broccoli stir fry that was awesome! This week we've been eating on leftovers from a huge pan I made of a pasta lasagna bake (I don't know what else to call it since I made it up!) It is delicious! I made sure to write these "recipes" down for the future, which got me thinking about recipes from all of you!

So here is the deal:

I really want to increase my recipes in my little black recipe box. I have a lot of cookbooks, but many of the recipes take a very long time, or call for ingredients that I don't always have. What I would love from you is a recipe or two that works for you and your family that is fairly quick (Not necessarily including baking time), and has pretty basic ingredients that I would typically have or would be readily accessible: i.e. at Kroger/Wal Mart, not at specialty stores.

Please leave a comment with the recipe/s, and maybe even check back and get some ideas from others who have left a post. If you don't feel like leaving a comment or don't know how, feel free to email me! Help me prepare some great meals this school year!

In all fairness, I'll share something with you that isn't necessarily a meal, but it is a favorite in our house. It is easy, and if we have company that isn't even here for supper it makes a nice treat. (And yes, I stole this from mom):

Healthy Fruit Smoothie

amount of ingredients will depend on how much you're making, but for 2 people about as follows:

- 1 cup frozen strawberries (if you use fresh, add ice cubes)
- 1 large banana (or more if you like banana :)
- 1 carton low fat yogurt (I usually use strawberry banana, but you can experiment for a different flavor. Black Raspberry is good too)
- 1-2 cups low fat milk

Dump all ingredients in blender and blend until smooth.
Enjoy!!________________________
And since Brent and I enjoyed this so much, here is the "recipe" for the lasagna bake that I made:

- 8-10 oz. small pasta shells, cooked and drained
- pizza/spaghetti sauce (I mixed the two so it was a little thicker than just spaghetti sauce)
- 2 cups mozzarella shredded cheese
- 1 1/2 cups low fat cottage cheese
- 1 lb. cooked ground turkey/ beef (I used ground turkey)

Spread 1/2 of cooked pasta in bottom of greased casserole dish. Next, spread meat and sauce mixture over pasta. Next, spread cottage cheese. Spread one cup mozzarella cheese. Spread remaining pasta on top, and top with remaining mozzarella cheese (add more if you wish).

Bake at 400 for 10-15 minutes, or until cheese begins to golden. This will serve a lot of people, as Brent and I have eaten it for several days! :)

Your turn!!