Green Beans are a favorite at our house. This elegant version elevates basic green beans to a whole new level. This dish is great for entertaining because it looks and tastes like you spent a lot more time on it than you actually did. Roasting the green beans assures they will be crisp tender and full of robust flavor. As an added bonus, the extra virgin olive oil and freshly grated Parmesan cheese greatly enhances the natural appeal of this classic side. Green Beans are actually the seed pod of the common bean plant — though I’m not really sure that fact makes them taste better! Names vary according to their characteristics of growth -- string beans, snap beans, pole beans, bush beans or French beans. Green beans are low in calories and carbs but high in nutritional value. They ... [Read More]
Budget Friendly
Peanut Butter Banana Bars
What do you do with a bag of bananas? Make Peanut Butter Banana Bars! Last time I was at the neighborhood grocery by my sister's house, they had just set out bags of perfect golden yellow bananas. I brought one of the bags home with me. I made Peanut Butter Banana Ice Cream and Banana Strawberry Blueberry Smoothies earlier. Peanut Butter Banana Bars were quick and easy to make, no added sugar. Except in the chocolate chips and you could make those sugar free to if you wanted. Or you could substitute chopped walnuts or peanuts instead. The peanut butter adds flavor, but it also gives a nice boost of healthy fat and protein, making the Peanut Butter Banana Bars even more filling and satisfying as a snack or dessert. The mixture will be rather wet, but that is what prevents these ... [Read More]
Cod Fish with Garlic Herb Butter
Fish is not a big staple in the Great Plains where the buffalo roam and cattle graze. So it's not the first thing a Cornhusker thinks of when it it is time to prepare dinner. However, it is part of a healthy diet, especially if you are striving for better heart health and general health improvements overall. Or need a change of taste! I am always looking for a different way to prepare fish. But I also like quick and easy. This recipe fits both! And the garlic herb butter is also fantastic on that other staple of the Great Plains, especially this time of year! Corn on the cob. Cod Fish with Garlic Herb Butter Print Prep time 5 mins Cook time 10 mins Total time 15 mins Quick, easy and tasty! Author: A Pinch of Joy by Charlene Vance Recipe type: ... [Read More]
Skillet Lasagna
Skillet Lasagna Is a loose rendition of the standard baked version. They both have all the elements of meat, cheese, tomato sauce and pasta in common. Baked lasagna has big ruffly noodles layered with sauce, meat, then cheese and repeat. Skillet lasagna stirs meat, sauce and noodles in the pan, then tops with cheese when the noodles are just right for eating. For anyone maximizing time, skip the layering and enjoy the same flavors. You can go from cupboard to stove to table in about 30 minutes! This recipe is budget friendly and kid friendly too! Something quick but a little more sophisticated? Check out Grilled Brie and Pear Sandwich. Skillet Lasagna Print Prep time 5 mins Cook time 30 mins Total time 35 mins Author: A Pinch of Joy by ... [Read More]
Toad in the Hole Grilled Cheese Sandwich
I’ve wanted to make Toad in the Hole ever since I read a British children’s book that referred to it – maybe at age 11 or 12. The name fascinates me! Recently I saw a grilled cheese sandwich topped with Toad in the Hole. What could be better than that? One more check mark on the bucket list!! Toad in the Hole Grilled Cheese Sandwich Print Prep time 5 mins Cook time 10 mins Total time 15 mins Fun and delicious! Author: A Pinch of Joy by Charlene Vance Recipe type: Sandwich Cuisine: American Serves: 1 Ingredients For each sandwich: 2 slices sour dough bread 1 tablespoon mayonnaise 1 large egg 1 slice cheddar cheese 2 cooked bacon strips Instructions Cook bacon slices in small skillet over medium heat. While cooking, follow steps below. Using ... [Read More]
Quick and Easy Chicken Ranch Pizza
A really quick lunch piping hot from the oven, Chicken Ranch Pizza is great for when you want some comfort food - fast and flavorful. Reach in the pantry and raid the refrigerator. Flat bread or prebaked pizza crust, shredded or chopped cooked chicken, a couple of sliced green onions and a package of cream cheese flavored with ranch dressing mix. Top with shredded cheese. Viola -- Chicken Ranch Pizza. From inspiration to table in about 25 minutes. I used a couple of cooked chicken breasts pieces left from last night's dinner, sliced thin then cut through perpendicularly to make small pieces. You could also use shredded chicken. This time I melted the cream cheese in a small skillet and spread it on two pieces of flat bread (about 9-10 inches square). Next time, I think it will ... [Read More]
