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Feta Stuffed Meatball Mediterranean Bowl
June 19, 2017 Lee
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Feta Stuffed Meatball Mediterranean Bowl

This sounds really good. I'll have to do some research to source of ingredients, but that should be relatively easy. On my to cook list.
Print Recipe
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Course Main Dish
Cuisine Mediterranean
Servings 4 servings

Ingredients
  

For the Meatballs

  • 750 grams lean ground beef
  • 3 spring onions, thinly sliced
  • 1 egg
  • 2 tablespoons mint, chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, smashed and minced
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 85 grams Feta cheese, cut into 1/2 inch cubes
  • salt and pepper, to taste

For the Spiced Chickpeas

  • 2 cans chickpeas, drained, rinsed, or 4 cups cooked
  • 3 tablespoons olive oil
  • 6 cloves garlic, sliced
  • 1 shallot, sliced
  • 2 teaspoons smoked paprika
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • pinch red chili flakes
  • 1/4 cup fresh cilantro leaves
  • salt and pepper, to taste

For the Zucchini Noodles

  • 4 zucchini, spiralized
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 4 teaspoons lemon juice, juice from 1/2 of a lemon
  • pinch salt

Addional Items as desired

  • carrot, grated
  • grape tomatoes, halved
  • cucumber, sliced
  • Feta cheese, cubed

Instructions
 

For the Meatballs

  • Heat oven to 220 C. Line a sheet tray with parchment paper.
  • Combine beef, green onions, garlic, egg, mint, cumin, salt and pepper in a large bowl. Roll golf ball sized meatballs with your hands and pop a cube of feta inside. Bake for 15 to 20 minutes.

For the Chickpeas

  • Add olive oil to a large sauté pan over medium-high heat. Once hot, add garlic and shallot and sauté until softened, about 4 minutes. Sprinkle with smoked paprika, cumin and chili flakes. Stir until fragrant, about 1 minute. Season with a pinch of salt and pepper. Stir in chickpeas and cook for 5 minutes. Taste for seasoning and adjust. Turn off heat and stir in cilantro leaves.

For the Zucchini Noodles

  • Add zucchini to a bowl and drizzle with olive oil, lemon juice and salt. Toss with hands. Let soften for 5 to 10 minutes at room temperature.

To Assemble

  • Add zucchini noodles to the bottom of the bowl, top with meatballs, spiced chickpeas, feta, grated carrots, sliced grape tomatoes and sliced Persian cucumbers. Serve.

Notes

Figure the beef at about 150 Baht/750 grams. For Feta cheese. my estimate is about 40 Baht for that. For 4 servings, this is about $1.40 per serving.
Provided courtesy of good friend, Stephen Connell.
United States.
* Fair Value $1.01 to $1.50 per Serving,MEATBALLS
Chicken Bacon Ranch Calzones
June 19, 2017 Lee
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Chicken Bacon Ranch Calzones

Sounds delicious! Several shortcuts to use as well to tailor this and make it your own recipe. Links to the shortcuts are listed in the Recipe Notes section.
Print Recipe
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Course Appetizer
Cuisine American
Servings 8 servings

Ingredients
  

  • 500 grams pizza dough, OR make from a shortcut
  • 1/2 roasted chicken, shredded
  • 1 packet dry ranch dressing mix, OR make from a shortcut
  • 1 red onion, thinly sliced
  • 1/2 cup bacon, cooked crispy, crumbled
  • 4 slices Mozzarella Cheese, cut in half
  • Cheddar cheese, shredded, as needed for topping
  • 1 egg
  • 1 tablespoon water
  • Ranch dressing, for dipping

Instructions
 

  • Preheat your oven to 200 C.
  • Roll out or use your hands, one piece of dough until flat and somewhat round in shape, does not have to be perfect.
  • In a medium bowl, mix together the chicken, ranch packet, red onion, and bacon.
  • Place a 1/2 slice of Mozzarella on the rolled out dough. Top with 2-3 tablespoons of the chicken mixture.
  • Fold one side of dough up and over ingredients, and seal calzone by crimping the edges together. Place on a parchment lined baking sheet. Repeat for the remaining calzones.
  • Mix together the egg and water to make egg wash, brush each calzone with the egg wash and sprinkle with Cheddar to your liking.

Notes

Low cost, easily under $1 per serving.
Shortcuts: Pizza Dough, Ranch Dressing Mix.
Provided courtesy of good friend, Stephen Connell.
United States.
* Best Value $1 or Less per Serving,APPETIZERS / SNACKS
Spinach & Cheese Calzones
June 18, 2017 Lee
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Spinach & Cheese Calzones

Sounds delicious! Several shortcuts to use as well to tailor this and make it your own recipe. Links to the shortcuts are listed in the Recipe Notes section.
Print Recipe
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Course Appetizer
Cuisine American
Servings 8 servings

Ingredients
  

  • 500 grams pizza dough, OR make from a shortcut
  • 1 cup frozen spinach, thawed and squized dry
  • 1/2 cup Cottage cheese, OR make from a shortcut
  • 4 slices Mozzarella Cheese, cut in half
  • 1 teaspoon garlic, smashed and minced
  • 3 tablespoons butter, melted
  • 1 teaspoon dried parsley
  • tomato sauce, for dipping, OR make from a shortcut

Instructions
 

  • Preheat your oven to 200 C.
  • Cut the pizza dough into 8 pieces on a floured surface.
  • Roll out or use your hands, one piece of dough until flat and somewhat round in shape, does not have to be perfect.
  • Layer two tablespoons spinach, 1 tablespoon Cottage cheese, and a 1/2 slice mozzarella cheese.
  • Fold one side of dough up and over ingredients, and seal calzone by crimping the edges together. Place on a parchment lined baking sheet. Repeat for the remaining calzones.
  • In a small bowl, mix together melted butter, Parmesan, garlic, and parsley, brush each calzone with the mixture.
  • Bake for 15-20 minutes or until golden brown. Serve with tomato sauce for dipping.

Notes

Low cost but I will update when I make these.
Shortcuts: Pizza Dough, Cottage Cheese, Tomato Sauce.
Provided courtesy of good friend, Stephen Connell.
United States.
* Best Value $1 or Less per Serving,APPETIZERS / SNACKS
Hawaiian Calzones
June 18, 2017 Lee
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Hawaiian Calzones

Sounds delicious! Several shortcuts to use as well to tailor this and make it your own recipe. Links to the shortcuts are listed in the Recipe Notes section.
Print Recipe
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Course Appetizer
Cuisine American
Servings 8 servings

Ingredients
  

  • 500 grams pizza dough, OR make from a shortcut
  • 8 slices ham
  • 4 slices Swiss cheese, cut in half
  • 8 slices fresh pineapple, about 2x4 inches each
  • 8 tablespoons Cottage cheese, OR make from a shortcut
  • 4 tablespoons spring onions, chopped, green and white parts
  • black sesame seeds
  • 1 egg
  • 1 tablespoon water
  • tomato sauce, for serving, OR make from a shortcut

Instructions
 

  • Preheat your oven to 200 C.
  • Cut the pizza dough into 8 pieces on a floured surface.
  • Roll out or use your hands, one piece of dough until flat and somewhat round in shape, does not have to be perfect.
  • Layer ham, Swiss cheese, pineapple, 1 tablespoon cottage cheese, and 1/2 tablespoon spring onion.
  • Fold one side of dough up and over ingredients, and seal calzone by crimping the edges together. Place on a parchment lined baking sheet. Repeat for the remaining calzones.
  • Mix together the egg and water to make egg wash, brush each calzone with the egg wash and sprinkle with black sesame seeds.
  • Bake for 15-20 minutes or until golden brown. Serve with tomato sauce for dipping.

Notes

Low cost but I will update when I make these.
Shortcuts: Pizza Dough, Tomato Sauce, Cottage Cheese.
Provided courtesy of good friend, Stephen Connell.
United States.
* Best Value $1 or Less per Serving,APPETIZERS / SNACKS
Meatball Parmesan Calzones
June 18, 2017 Lee
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Meatball Parmesan Calzones

Sounds delicious! Several shortcuts to use as well to tailor this and make it your own recipe. Links to the shortcuts are listed in the Recipe Notes section.
Print Recipe
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Course Appetizer
Cuisine American
Servings 8 servings

Ingredients
  

  • 500 grams pizza dough, OR make from a shortcut
  • 8 tablespoons tomato sauce, OR make from a shortcut
  • 16 party size meatballs, OR make from a shortcut
  • 4 slices Mozzarella Cheese, cut in half
  • 4 tablespoons Parmesan cheese, grated
  • fresh basil, as needed
  • black pepper, to taste
  • 1 egg
  • 1 teaspoon water

Instructions
 

  • Preheat your oven to 200 C.
  • Cut the pizza dough into 8 pieces on a floured surface.
  • Roll out or use your hands, one piece of dough until flat and somewhat round in shape, does not have to be perfect.
  • Spread 1 tablespoon of tomato sauce on the flattened dough. Wrap up two meatballs in a slice of Mozzarella and place them in the center of the dough. Sprinkle with 1/2 tablespoon Parmesan cheese and some fresh basil.
  • Fold one side of dough up and over ingredients, and seal calzone by crimping the edges together. Place on a parchment lined baking sheet. Repeat for the remaining calzones.
  • Mix together the egg and water to make egg wash, brush each calzone with the egg wash and sprinkle with black pepper to your liking.
  • Bake for 15-20 minutes or until golden brown. Serve.

Notes

Low cost but I will update when I make these.
Shortcuts: Pizza Dough, Tomato Sauce, Party Meatballs.
Provided courtesy of good friend, Stephen Connell.
United States.
* Best Value $1 or Less per Serving,MEATBALLS
Party Size Italian Meatballs
June 18, 2017 Lee
1 Comment

 

Party Size Italian Meatballs

Sounds good! This recipe makes lot of meatballs. This is a make ahead recipe that you can freeze to keep on hand, just thaw, add to a slow cooker with pasta sauce (or sauce of choice) and heat up. You can make the party size as appetizers or larger ones for dinners. Links to the shortcuts are listed in the Recipe Notes section.
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Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 55 minutes
Course Appetizer, Main Dish
Cuisine American
Servings 30 servings

Ingredients
  

For the Meatballs

  • 2 1/2 kilos ground beef, not lean
  • 2 cups bread crumbs, OR make from a shortcut
  • 4 eggs
  • handful fresh parsley, chopped
  • 1 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
  • 1/4 cup tomato sauce, OR make from a shortcut
  • 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning, OR make from a shortcut
  • 2 teaspoons salt
  • 1 teaspoon black pepper

To Serve

  • tomato sauce, OR make from a shortcut

Instructions
 

  • I grind meat I purchase so I know the fat content and freshness of the meat. For this recipe I cut it nearly in half for a first test and used pork shoulder which is the perfect amount of fat.
  • In a very large bowl, mix all Meatball ingredients together by hand but don't over work it.
  • Form into ping pong size balls with your hands as evenly and smooth as possible, for dinner meatballs shape into larger ones. I made dinner size meatballs, this is 12 from just half the meat mixture. Place meatballs on rack of broiler pan or wire rack, evenly apart but not touching.
  • You may have as many as 60-70 party size meatballs if just making those.
  • Preheat your oven to 180 C (350 F).
  • Bake for about 25 minutes or until well browned and fully cooked for the party size meatballs, large dinner size meatballs may take 30 minutes or more.
  • If freezing, allow meatballs to cool to room temp, bag in single layers then freeze.

For Serving as Appetizers

  • Place the meatballs, just cooked, thawed if frozen, amount is up to you, in your slow cooker, top that with the amount of pasta sauce to cover them and mixed in, and heat on Low setting until good and hot. Serve.

For Serving Dinner Meatballs

  • Use as needed for Spaghetti & Meatball type dishes. If using frozen, just thaw out first then use as needed.

Notes

Figure about 500 Baht/2 1/2 kilos of beef. Source it locally and you may get it for less. Figure about 150 Baht for the Parmesan cheese. For 30 servings of party size, this is about 63 cents per serving. Use pork and cost is much less.
Shortcuts: Bread Crumbs, Tomato Sauce, Italian Seasoning.
Variants: 1. Use pork instead of beef or a combination of the two. 2. Use a 4 cheese blend instead of the Parmesan.
Used in Recipe Listed on this Site:
 
Adapted from an internet recipe.
#1 Go-To Recipes,* Best Value $1 or Less per Serving,APPETIZERS / SNACKS,INGREDIENTS,MEATBALLS
Broccoli Salad
June 18, 2017 Lee
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Broccoli Salad

Sounds great as I really like broccoli. On my to cook list. Not a cheap salad based on some of the ingredients. Link to the shortcut is listed in the Recipe Notes section.
Print Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Total Time 15 minutes
Course Side
Cuisine American
Servings 6 servings

Ingredients
  

For the Salad

  • 1 1/2 kilos fresh broccoli, about 3-4 heads
  • 1/2 red onion, diced
  • 1 cup sunflower seeds, roasted
  • 3/4 cup golden raisins
  • 250 grams bacon, cooked crispy, crumbled
  • 1 cup Cheddar cheese, shredded

For the Dressing

  • 1 cup mayo
  • 1/3 cup sour cream, OR make from a shortcut
  • 3 tablespoons lemon juice
  • 1/4 cup sugar, more to taste
  • salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions
 

  • Cut the broccoli into bite size pieces, including the stems. Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Add the broccoli and cook for 1 minute. Place broccoli in an ice bath or rinse with cold water to stop cooking, drain well.
  • While the broccoli is draining, in a medium bowl, whisk together the Dressing ingredients.
  • In a large bowl, add the broccoli and the remaining Salad ingredients. Pour the Dressing over the top and gently toss to coat all ingredients. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
  • Chill the salad for several hours or overnight before serving.

Notes

Figure about 40 Baht/head for the broccoli. Going with 4 heads, as they are normally small, about 160 Baht. Figure 90 Baht for the cheese (about half a 250 gram block). Figure about 150 Baht/250 grams bacon. For 6 servings, this is about $1.96 per serving, not a cheap salad but it does sound good tasting.
Shortcut: Sour Cream.
Provided courtesy of good friend, Stephen Connell.
United States.
* High Cost $1.51+ per Serving,Sides - Salads
Green Eggs & Ham
June 17, 2017 Lee
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Green Eggs & Ham

Just for fun, and to mark the milestone of reaching 1,000 recipes, Dr. Seuss's Green Eggs & Ham. When I reach 2,000 recipes I may make a recipe for One Fish, Two Fish, Red Fish, Blue Fish. It is just Deviled Eggs and ham slices.
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Prep Time 5 minutes
Total Time 5 minutes
Course Appetizer
Cuisine American
Servings 2 servings

Ingredients
  

  • 4 hard boiled eggs, peeled
  • sliced ham, as needed
  • mayo, as needed
  • green food coloring, as needed

Instructions
 

  • Cut eggs in half lengthwise and scoop out yolk and place the eggs on a plate and the yolks in a bowl, mash yolks with a fork and add a spoon or two of mayo and a squirt of mustard and mix that up, you are looking for a creamy consistency just like deviled eggs. Eggs are in half, yolks removed and mashed, just before the mayo went in.
  • Add green food coloring to the yolk mixture a few drops at a time and mix until the desired color is achieved.
  • Mix a few drops of food coloring into 1/4 cup water in a small bowl. Roll up 1-2 slices and pierce with a toothpick. Dip into the water with food coloring, drain excess, place on plate. Serve.
  • The idea for this was inspired by this children's book.
* Best Value $1 or Less per Serving,5 Ingredients or Less,APPETIZERS / SNACKS,EGGS - ALL,Eggs - Chicken
Chicken & Potato Casserole
June 16, 2017 Lee
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Chicken & Potato Casserole

This casserole has a garlic Parmesan cream sauce and sounds delicious! On my to cook list. Link to the shortcut is listed in the Recipe Notes section.
Print Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Course Main Dish
Cuisine American
Servings 6 servings

Ingredients
  

  • 6 chicken thighs, bone in, skin on
  • 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning, OR make from a shortcut
  • salt and pepper, to taste
  • 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, divided
  • 3 cups fresh spinach, or 2 cups frozen, thawed, squeezed dry
  • 500 grams small potatoes, quartered
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped

For the Garlic Parmesan Cream Sauce

  • 1/4 cup unsalted butter, 1/4 of a standard block
  • 4 cloves garlic, smashed and finely minced
  • 2 tablespoons all purpose flour
  • 1 cup chicken broth, fresh or from powder, more as needed
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream, or whipping cream
  • 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
  • salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions
 

  • Preheat your oven to 200 C. Lightly grease a 9x13 baking dish with butter.
  • Season chicken with Italian seasoning, salt and pepper, to taste. Melt 2 tablespoons butter in a large skillet over medium high heat. Add chicken, skin-side down, and sear both sides until golden brown, about 2-3 minutes per side, set aside.
  • Melt remaining 1 tablespoon butter in the skillet. Stir in spinach and cook, stirring occasionally, until it begins to wilt, about 2 minutes; set aside. If using frozen, just thaw and squeeze out the water.
  • To make the garlic Parmesan cream sauce, melt butter in the skillet over medium heat. Add garlic, and cook, stirring frequently, until fragrant, about 1-2 minutes. Whisk in flour until lightly browned, about 1 minute.
  • Gradually whisk in chicken broth, thyme and basil. Cook, whisking constantly, until incorporated, about 1-2 minutes. Stir in cream and Parmesan until slightly thickened, about 1-2 minutes. If the mixture is too thick, add more milk as needed; season with salt and pepper, to taste.
  • Place chicken in a single layer into the prepared baking dish. Ass potatoes to the sides and top, then add spinach, and the cream sauce.
  • Bake until completely cooked through, juices run clear, about 25-30 minutes. Garnish with fresh chopped parsley, serve.

Notes

Six chicken thighs might be near a kilo, about 70 Baht. For the cheese, go with about 150 Baht. For 6 servings, this is about $1.08 per serving.
Shortcut: Italian Seasoning.
Adapted from an internet recipe.
* Fair Value $1.01 to $1.50 per Serving,CASSEROLES
Lebanese Spicy Potatoes (Batata Harra)
June 15, 2017 Lee
1 Comment

Lebanese Spicy Potatoes (Batata Harra)

Stephen Connell, United States.
Absolutely brilliant combination of flavors. I made this on 29 June 2017 as a side dish to a chicken meal I made. You can make this as spicy as you want it, and let me tell you, local homemade red chili paste in a village, is spicy!
5 from 1 vote
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Course Side
Cuisine Lebanese
Servings 4 servings

Ingredients
  

  • 3 cups potatoes, cubed
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon red chili paste, more or less to taste, go with 1/4 tsp if you cannot handle spicy
  • 50 grams fresh coriander leaves, chopped, plus more for garnish, (2 oz)
  • ½ cup lemon juice, or lime juice, either one is fine

Instructions
 

  • Cube your potatoes, I used 2½ medium sized potatoes for just over 3 cups.
  • Bring a pot of water to a boil, add the potatoes and boil for 10 minutes with 1 teaspoon of salt added.
  • Prep the other ingredients while the potatoes are boiling. Shown here my garlic, coriander, chili paste (1 teaspoon of that was used, a small bag lasts a while), and the lime juice. I use lime juice as it is everywhere, lemon juice on the other hand is not that easy to find, they can be used interchangeably.
  • Take drained potatoes and fry in oil, drain on paper towels.
  • Heat olive oil in a non stick, large skillet, add garlic and chili paste, cook for just a minute or two then add coriander and lemon (lime) juice, cook for a few minutes.
  • Add the potatoes. The potatoes will cook through and the liquid will be absorbed.
  • Cook until starting to browned, when the liquid is absorbed, the potatoes will be tender. Ready to serve. This is an excellent side dish.
: LEBANESE,POTATOES,SIDES