When That New Recipe Fails, You Can Prevail

When That New Recipe Fails, You Can Prevail by Kristen Sarich

This week started off with a new kitchen gadget and a failed recipe. We have TWO crockpot recipes, a weekend seafood dinner, and few other neat ideas. I also bought a convection oven this week from Target. Between breakfast (bagels, waffles, etc) and not having to use the big oven for biscuits or reheating lunches, it was something I have wanted for a while. And there was a great deal this week. 20% off with Cartwheel, 10% off coupon, plus 5% off Redcard! I couldn’t pass it up (@$55)

This is my week.

(my average prices do not include spices, butter, oil, etc)

Monday

Avocado Turkey Burgers (@$11)

• Ground Turkey  $5.58 (2lbs)
• Avocado $1.00
• Potato Buns $0.94 (½ )
• Fries $1.99
• Sliced White Cheddar $0.94 (½ )

First off the this was my failed recipe. Two reasons, My avocados just were not ripe enough so I had to scratch the avocado mayo. I had just enough for the sliced avocado on the burger. I made a cilantro lime mayo instead. (fresh cilantro, lime juice, mayo) Also the burgers did not cook through in the time that was given in the recipe. I finished them in the oven, at 425 since that was what the oven was set on for the fries, until the internal temp reached 160.

Tuesday

Sausage Alfredo Pasta (@$10.50)

• Pasta $1.00
• Smoked Sausage $2.00
• Alfredo Sauce $2.89
• Garlic Knots $2.10
• Bagged Lettuce $2.50

I dice the sausage and saute it with a little cajun seasoning. Drain and then toss with cooked pasta, alfredo sauce, and cooked pasta. Garlic knots and a salad finish off this quick and easy meal. One package of sausage, one jar sauce, and one box of pasta. By using more pasta, you don’t get gobs of sauce and there ends up being plenty for leftovers.

Wednesday

Mojo Pork & Tostones (@$14)

• Pork Roast $9.53 (Trader Joes)
• Black Beans $0.99
• Rice $0.94
• Plantains $1.10
• Mojo Marinade $1.59 (Goya, half bottle)

Crockpot!! I put the pork and marinade straight in the crockpot and cooked on low for 8 hours. It came out yummy and tender. I was surprised at how flavorful the meat turned out. And my toddler had 3 helpings, so definitely a win. Served with basic black beans & rice and tostones. Had tons of leftover pork for lunch sandwiches since we did not have our usual Wednesday night dinner guests.

Friday

Broccoli Cheese Potatoes (@$7)

• Potatoes $2.97 (for 6)
• Broccoli $1.00 (Farmers Market)
• Broccoli Cheese Soup $1.68
• Shredded Cheese $1.00 (½ )

Crockpot!!! I love restaurant baked potatoes, with the butter and salt. It never seems like the oven baked potatoes at home taste the same plus now that it is getting summer, the gas oven heats up the house so much. I ran across this idea and wanted to give it a try. I then added steamed broccoli, a little broccoli cheese soup and more cheese for another toddler (and roommate) approved dinner.

Saturday

Cajun Foil Packets (@$18)

• Red Potatoes ($1.29)
• Corn $0.98
• Onion $0.50
• Shrimp  $10.00 (6.99lb at Fresh Market)
• Smoked Sausage $2.00
• Old Bay Seasoning $3.37

I usually don’t count spices in my pricing but this was one I do not usually keep and had to buy for this meal. I am using this recipe with a few changes of course. I am using smoked sausage since I already had that on hand as well as cooking in the oven as we do not own a grill (yet). The cook time in the oven was significantly longer, 25 minutes. I also pre boiled the potatoes and corn while I deveined the shrimp. I bought whole shrimp (minus the head) because I usually double check the ones that come deveined anyway so why pay double for no reason. If you need help with your shrimp, click here. I also added a little bit more oil and almost double the spice. I ended up serving with warm rosemary sea salt bread I picked up at Fresh Market when I was there today. 

5 meals for around $60.

Tried to add a little more variety this week with the seafood so it does end up being a little more expensive but not by much.