Reader Aanna from Texas writes, “I’m trying to simplify my cooking and cut back on spending. Do you have any advice, articles or sources that you’d recommend to me?”
Quiche, Casseroles, Salads
When in doubt, go with one of these. They are simple and quick and can be made cheaply, which whatever you have on hand in your home.
Crustless Quiche
- At least two eggs
- 1 cup whole milk, 1 can evaporated milk, 1 cup unflavored yogurt, or 1 cup sour cream
- Vegetables of your choice
- Meat of your choice
- Cheese
- Salt and pepper
- Nutmeg
Place your vegetables in a greased pie dish. Layer the vegetables, then add any pre-cooked meat of your choice. Top with shredded cheese. Whisk together the eggs and cup of dairy as well as some salt and pepper (to taste). Pour the egg mixture over the vegetables. Sprinkle nutmeg on top. Bake at 350 degrees until a knife placed in the center comes clean.
Simple Casserole
- Some cooked noodles
- A precooked meat
- A can of cream of something condensed soup or can of condensed tomato soup
- Spices of your choice
- Vegetable/s of your choice
- Cheese, optional
Mix all the ingredients together, adding one cup of milk measured out in the soup can. Pour into a greased casserole dish and cook at 350 degrees until heated through, about 30 minutes.
Salad (Do I really need to write out a recipe for salad? :))
- Salad greens of your choice
- Fresh vegetables of your choice
- Maybe some fruit (apples, pears or citrus are nice, but berries work well too)
- Almonds, pecans or walnuts
- Vinegar
- Olive oil
You know salads. Throw whatever produce you have in the house together in a bowl. Let individuals pour olive oil and vinegar over their portions.
Aren’t recipes so loose? You could hardly call them recipes. These recipes are what I use when I don’t know what else to do. I just use up whatever is already in my house and throw together a combination that seems like it will taste good.
Online Resources
Here are some online resources for finding simple recipes that will become your family favorites and “go-to” dishes.
A Year of Slow Cooking – This lady decided to use her crockpot every day for a year and document it in a blog. They recipes are easy and most of them are simply made with simple ingredients. A side note, every recipe is gluten free.
Simple Bites – An online blog that highlights food, not just recipes, but concepts about food. Each post is enjoyable, and I’ve gleaned some good information from them.
Woman’s Day Magazine Recipes – These recipes are made for the average American woman, someone who is busy but still wants to make great food. I find a great recipe each time I check this out. It’s full of keepers.
Delicious Living – This resource is focused on more natural living, which means their recipes are often choc full of produce. Although many of the recipes don’t seem that simple, I appreciate their focus on produce, which is cheaper than meat and easier to cook (in my opinion!).
Aanna, I hope these ideas help. Enjoy your journey in the kitchen as you simplify!
What advice would you add to mine? How do you keep things simple and frugal in the kitchen?
Very, very helpful. I am about to plan my menu right now and I’m going to incorporate quiches and salads for sure! Also, can’t wait to peruse those blogs. Thanks a million.
Great advice Naomi!! Can’t wait to try these out! I always wondered how my grandma made such amazing food without spending most of her time in the kitchen. Now I know!
As far as simplifying your meat portions goes…..I’m a little worried about not giving my husband the amount of protein he needs by doing that. He has a tough job and needs a good amount of protein each meal. Giving him beans all the time just isn’t fair to me if you know what I mean.
One thing I forgot to add about the quiche that is SO important! Add about 2 tablespoons of flour to the liquid mixture to keep everything firm when it’s cooked.