Breakfast Burrito $2.27

a SUPER easy dinner that is oh so healthy... and yummy.  Really, the only part that gives this the "breakfast burrito" title is a) the recipe book (Eating For Life) that I borrowed it from, and B) the views of Americans that Eggs are for Breakfast...get over that misnomer and ENJOY!

4 Breakfast Burrito
4 (8 inch) tortillas .40
4 whole eggs .32
8 egg whites.40
some lettuce .10
8 Tbsp (1/2cup) black beans (can be "refried").30
4 Tbsp cheddar cheese shredded .35
1 cup Salsa.40
$2.27

Whisk the egg and egg whites together - pour into a large warm (med-low heat) skillet sprayed with olive oil cooking spray - stir gently and occasionally until "set".

While the eggs are cooking, place lettuce on the tortillas, followed by 2 Tbsp black beans, then, when finished, top with cooked eggs, shredded cheddar and 2 Tbsp of salsa on each tortilla.  Roll up, top with a small amount of sour cream if desired and share the rest of the salsa amongst your family.

try some of that left over cilantro you have from Sunday night too!  See you next time!

What to do with the Groceries you just bought! --- THE MENU! $38,23

More fun, more easy nights in the kitchen... less stress at the grocery store, and no stress over what to make for dinner - it's all right here for YOU!

Sunday - Sloppy Joes (Happy birthday to my Sister, this is one of her favorites!)$4.01
Monday - Pollo Formaggio $5.20
Tuesday - Santa Fe Chicken Soup (Jillian approved)$5.08
Wednesday - Corned Beef, Potatoes, Cabbage$8.15 Happy St. Patrick's Day$
Thursday - Mediterranean Mahi Mahi $9.10
Friday - Fettuccine with Tomato Cream Sauce (meatless)$3.44
Saturday - Left-over Lunch - and dinner with Mom! $3.25

Hopefully you'll have some left over Corned Beef - we're counting on it to make mini Ruebens next Sunday -please save some!

Yummm.

SHOPPING... what better thing to do in the rain?

Get ready to rock ... we think you might need two stores again this week, but really - you're saving so much money by using a discount store like Aldi, it's OK to grab the items on the list from somewhere else... but just don't buy a milllion extras, or the mission is blown (but, if you wanna buy 2 or 3 cans of cannelini beans or the diced chilis, it's probably a safe bet that both of these items will be back in the shopping list in the next 2-3 weeks!). 

So, let's rock...

Aisle One - Baking/etc.
Worchestershire Sauce (2 Tbsp) 1.99
Prepared yellow mustard (1 Tbsp).69
1 jar Roasted Red Peppers $1.19
1 16 oz can Evaporated Skim (or Lowfat) milk .75

Dairy
1 Cup Shredded Mozzarella Cheese $2.29
sour cream (1/2 cup).89

Pantry
(2 nights) linguine .99
1 can diced tomatoes.59
1 can tomato soup .49
brown rice (NOT instant, the real stuff!) 1.99
taco seasoning.34
corn tortillas (do not substitute flour).31
diced green chilis (tiny tiny can) .79
Parmesan Cheese (1/4 cup)$2.29

Produce
Carrots.49 (definitely a St. Patricks day Deal!)
Celery $1.19
3 lemons.89
1 lime.29
onion (2) $.69 (definitely a St. Patricks day Deal!)
Fresh Salsa (or jarred if preferred $1.99
Potatoes $.89 (for 5 lbs of red potatoes - definitely a St. Patricks day Deal!)
Cabbage.89
3 Roma tomatoes$1.99
Fresh Basil (preferred, try to splurge if you can)$1.99
Multi colored peppers - red preferred 2.99

Meat
Corned Beef  (a good size one, we're making another dish with it next week). $6.05
1 to 1 1/2 pounds lean ground beef - 90% lean or better 3.23, $2.49 if you subbed turkey

Frozen
Vegetable Normandy (or veggie of choice)$1.19
2 lbs Chicken Breast (not tenders) $4.00
1 lb Mahi Mahi$4.99
1 bag frozen peas.99

Misc.
hamburger buns (the cheap ones).49
white wine - for cooking $2.29
1 box chicken broth 1.29
2 Chicken Boullion cubes
Capers (don't worry, we'll actually use them next week too!) 1.99
Cannelini Beans .63 (at Jewel)

So there you have it - we're obviously planning a corned beef & cabbage dinner - which will be an unknown adventure to both of us... but we'll give you our best, as always!  Need I remind you to check your pantry first?  Nah, I think you know the drill... happy shopping - happy savings!

$57.02 seriously!!  Aldi rocks!  (and Jewel had some good sales too, corned beef for $1.68 per pound - and thanks for putting my cannelini beans on sale at $.63 per can - we got three cans!)

Lenten Standby - Tuna Melts $2.51

At least once during each lenten season we all lose sight of the slowing down and reflecting that is suppose to happen during these 40 days, and over commit.  Today/tonight is one of those nights for us, and I know the start of a tremedously busy weekend for both the Heron and D'Egidio families.  That said ... let's get these 8 minute Tuna melts to the table.

Tuna Melts
2 cans Tuna in Water .98
1/4 cup finely chopped onion (to taste).10
1/4 cup finely chopped celery (to taste).10
Enough Mayonnaise with Olive Oil, Reduced Fat Mayonnaise or Miracle Whip Lite to make whatever consistency of goop you desire.59

4 slices of Colby, Cheddar, or American cheese.25
4 big hamburger buns - or 8 "regular size" hamburger buns.49

Drain the tuna well, then add the onion and celery, stir, then slowly add the "mayo" product to get the consistency that holds the tuna and veggies together to your liking.  For some this may be a 1/4 cup, for others, nearly a cup.

Divide the tuna equally amongst the bottoms of (4 or 8) buns - top with a slice of cheese (or a half), replace top and set entire bunch on a sheet of aluminum foil - wrap the aluminum foil tightly around the sandwiches and bake at about 400 (or whatever temp you've got going for the other things in the oven) for about 5-7 minutes

Remove from oven, cool slightly, and serve with carrot and celery sticks or brocolli/cauliflower or even a salad! 

Relax - dinners on the table.

Joe's Chopped Salad $6.27

This salad makes for a happy husband here in the Heron household.  He's actually enjoyed everything on the menu this week... and without a doubt, this will make one more night of good eats!

Joe's Chopped Salad actually distinctly resembles a chopped salad available in a "local-chain" restaurant around here famous for its hot dogs, Italian Beef, and burgers... tonight I present,

Joe's chopped salad
all quantities are "to your liking"...

romaine $1.26
red cabbage (optional)
green onion.20
bleu cheese.79
D'Italini pasta (those little guys that look like pencil erasers).39
Chopped Chicken Breast$1.25
grape tomatoes (or chopped tomatoes)$1.99

crumbled bacon .60
avocado .79

chop the romaine, slice a small amount of red/purple cabbage into it, then some green onion, bleu cheese, pasta, chicken and tomatoes  AND the dressing below ... then top with chunks of avocado and small crumbles of bacon.  serve with bread if you feel the need - but there isn't much carb left need after a good helping of this salad.
 
Dressing
1/4 cup lite miracle whip
1/4 cup reduced fat sour cream
2 Tbsp dijon mustard
1 1/2 tsp minced garlic
1 Tbsp lemon juice
1 tsp. red wine vinegar
 
mix well - allow to sit for at least 1/2 hour to flavor through.

BLUEBERRIES THE SUPER SUPER FOOD!

My family would think I am the nicest mom and aunt because I give them fruit smoothies every time they ask for one, or even when they dont ask. Lucky for me and them, most of them prefer fruit smoothies over icecream or chocolate. The reason I am happy for that is because fruit is so healthy. My favorite fruit to serve alone, or in a smoothie is the little purple one- blueberries.
All berries are loaded with nutrients, but blueberries seem to be superseeding them in all departments.
They are rich in vitamins A,C, and E and betacarotene, as well as rich in minerals, potassium, manganese, magnesium. They are very high in fiber and low in saturated fat, cholesteral and sodium. However this is the tip of the iceberg, for recent studies tell us that of all the fresh fruit and vegetables, blueberries provide the most health protecting antioxidents. Those valuable elements which prevent cancer causing cell damage and may also limit the changes wrought on by age related diseases.
That little purple ball may be tiny, but it packs a big punch of health benefits, to all age groups

Minestrone Soup $3.38

Minestrone Soup a staple in our home growing up, and a staple in many, many Italian restaurants, however I have never made it before. I checked online for a bunch of recipes, and some are very similar and some vary a lot. i am going to give it a shot, and I may tweak it along the way.

1 medium onion diced .20
2 celery stocks sliced .10
2 carrots diced .10
2 garlic cloves .10
1 medium potato(cubed in small pieces).30
1/4 olive oil.25
2 pieces bacon .20
1 bayleaf .05
1 can 16 oz kidneybeans.99
1 can 16 oz whitebeans .99
6 cups water
2 boulion cubes .10

fry 2 pieces bacon
Heat oil low
add garlic, onion, celery carrot
saute on low until onion glassy
crumble up bacon and add to mix with bacon juice
in a big pot, let 6 cups water come to a boil
add boulion cubes and disolve, add potatoes
add bacon, onions, garlic, celery, carrot and bayleaf to pot, and simmer on low for 40 minutes

remove from heat
strain vegetables, potatoes and bacon(discard bayleaf)
take half that mixture and puree in blender or food processor
add all back in the soup pot
add beans and simmer 20 more minutes
serve

Ill let you know how goes it

This is the Heron version of the soup - we actually enjoyed it a great deal.  We might have enjoyed some spinach in it - but probably only we adults.  Ellie actually enjoyed this soup as well as Joe and I did.  You'll see I needed some color in my soup - my recipe is in the comment section - but then to that I added 1 drained can of tomatoes and 1/2 pound of frozen green beans.  YUMMY!

Dijon Mustard Honey Glazed Salmon $6.78

Time for some Omega 3's!! This is a quick easy way to prepare salmon, and combines savory and sweet, which is complimented nicely with sweet potato fries. Tonight is my sons B-Day. Happy 11th Birthday Michael, so I did make his favorite - Biscotti icecream cake. That will be the highlight of his evening, I will probably take a pass on icecream cake, so the sweet poatoes will be my sweets for the evening.

4 Salmon Filets $3.99
2 tablespoons honey.20
2 tablespoons dijon mustard.15
salt and pepper
1/4 cup olive oil.20
4 medium sweet potatoes $1.25
some kind of green vegetable.99

salt and pepper salmon
combine mustard and honey
brush on both sides salmon
bake at 400 for 10-12 minutes or until flakey to the fork touch

peal and slice sweet potatoes like frenchfries
toss with olive oil salt and pepper
(for different flavors try garlic salt, or peprika, or cinnamon-be creative)
bake at 400 degrees for 40-50 minutes - putting the meat in during the last 10-15 minutes.

We used Mahi Mahi as it was on top in the freezer - really good - I didn't have nearly as much sauce as Barbara's ... perhaps I was "short" in my "measuring" techniques.  Regarless, it was really yummy!

Pasta with Chickpeas $6.35

Pasta with chickpeas is probably considered an odd combination in America, but it is a very common dish in Italy. I have decided to combine the chickpeas with tomatoes to add more flavor. The dish is rich in fiber as well as protein. Im very excited to get reaction from Kim about this dish. Rosemary is optional, I think it is great compliment to the garbanzo beans.

1 medium onion finely chopped .40
2 large garlic cloves(minced).20
2 fresh rosemary sprigs.10
2 tsp olive oil.10
10 oz cherry tomatoes(cut in halves)$1.99
1 cup chicken broth.59
2 cans chickpeas(garbanzo beans)$1.98
1 lb whole wheat short chunky noodles(penne, orrechiette, fusili).99
salt and pepper
parmesean cheese optional

heat oil

add onion, garlic, half the tomatoes, half the chickpeas, rosemary sprigs

saute with low heat until onions are soft

remove from heat(remove rosemary sprigs)

put mixture in blender and puree

Return to skillet add chicken broth and remain chickpeas and tomatoes, add salt and pepper to taste

meanwhile cook pasta according to instruction

when cooked, drain pasta and toss with chickpeas sauce.

top with parm cheese(optional)

serve immediately

yummoooo!!!

In case you need proof that the Heron family also enjoyed, here's our family picture...

Kim

Feb 28-March 6 Grand Total $42.43

Cool Beans, under $50.00 for 7 great meals, that included steak, shrimp, chicken, and pasta....its really easy to do this, and even more importantly, very rewarding.

Here is the breakdown:

Ravioli with mystery pasta sauce $4.23
Thai salad with Shrimp $12.19
Oriental Stirfry $5.09
Cream of Brocolli soup $1.94
Steak with Balsamic vinegar and carmelized onion $10.88
Pasta with Tuna $3.04
Frenchtoast $5.06

Total $ 42.43

Sunday Night Chicken Enchiladas $8.93

Chicken Enchiladas
4 portions cooked chicken breast***$ 2.50
4 green onions, sliced .49
2 Tbsp fresh Cilantro,k shopped .15
3 10 oz cans or (1 28-oz can) Green Enchilada sauce
8 tortillas (taco size).79

1 cup cheddar cheese, shredded .73
lettuce (optional)
salsa .99
sour cream ,89
ripe (black) olives ,59

shred cooked chicken by pulling apart with 2 forks, set aside

Lightly coat a large skillet with cooking spray and place over medium-high heat.  Add green onion and cilantro - saute' for 2 minutes.  Add shredded chicken and 1 can (or 1/3 of a big can) of enchilada sauce.  Cook, stirring occassionally until heathed through - about 5 minutes.

Preheat oven to 350 degrees

Pour the rest of the enchilada sauce into a medium bowl and microwave until warm - 90 seconds or so.  Dip each tortilla in the sauce and fill with about 1/8th of the meat mixture.  Roll up and place seamside down in a sprayed 9X13 pan.

Pour remaining heated sauce over enchiladas and sprinkle with cheese. 
Bake at 350 degrees until heated through and cheese is melted - approx. 15 minutes.

Serve on a bed of lettuce (optional) and top with sour cream, salsa and black olives.  Guacamole would also be GREAT on top of these enchiladas.

***the fastest, easiest way to cook chicken for this meal is to place the chicken breasts in a large pot and coer with wter.  Bring to a boil over high heat - reduce to medium and simmer until no onger pink in the center (15 minutes?).  Drain and let cool slightly - shred. 
BUT, if you have left over rotisserie chicken-use it, grilled chicken- use it, oven roasted chicken - use it!  The point is any chicken on had will work well in these awesome enchiladas!


Guacamole
2 avocados $1.60
1/2 tsp cumin .10
1/2 tsp garlic salt.05
1/2 tsp seasoning salt.05

Cut avocados in half, scoop flesh from shell.  Mash avocado goodness with seasoning  -  cover and refrigerate for about 30 minutes to flavor thru.  This is best done when no one else is watching because they might eat it before it flavors thru because guacamole is just that darn good!  You can serve the extra guac on chips ... or spoons!