Tortillas, Eggs, And Cheese = Quick Chilaquiles=quick breakfast in one pan

Yummy breakfast chilaquiles, all made in one pan.  Think
of it like a tastier quesadilla or enchilada with a twist.

Well this is what I cooked to feed my hungry mouths today.  All I had was three eggs and four unexpected mouths to feed.  Well to stretch the food out and still make it tasty, filling and really cheap, I added corn tortillas.  

I know there are many variations in making chilaquiles.  I like them with chicken, olives and cheese, or with green chili, cheese, and a white sauce. Yummy.  Anyway, back to this breakfast quick one pot dish. Besides the main ingredients, using the right spices is key to making anything taste good.  This is what I did.

Ingredients:

• Corn tortillas 6-8 cut into two inch strips
• Eggs 3
• Cheese 1/4 cup (white or yellow)
• Oil 1/8 cup
• Chorizo 1/2 sausage (Mexican sausage, I used soy and found it at the dollar store(optional)
• Onion 1/2 chopped small
• Garlic 1-2 cloves
• Salt to taste or chicken bullion like Knorr
• Pepper to taste
• Cayenne Red pepper 1/2-1 teaspoon crushed or powder (optional)
• Chili powder 1 teaspoon (optional)

Instructions:

• In a large skillet heat oil on medium/high.  Fry tortillas till crispy and remove to a dish.
• Add onions and garlic to skillet and brown
• Add chorizo, cook till brown.
• Add tortillas back to the pan, mix lightly
• Add eggs and stir in spices.  cover till eggs are cooked
• Top with cheese and serve warm. 

I was able to stretch out the three eggs to feed four, and this meal probably cost about $2.00  Well everyone here is now a happy camper, especially me.  I hope you can use this chilachiles for breakfast, or any time of day.  It works, and is tasty too.  Well, till the next time, many blessings.

Sincerely,

Mary Helen

Homemade Seasoned Bread Crumbs.

Here I have wheat crackers, corn flakes, flour, cornstarch,
and the main ingredient...dry bread.  Don't forget the
spices.

Seasoned bread crumbs made from day old bread can be used in many recipes like breading fish, chicken, or vegetarian patties.  If you make the bread into larger pieces, it is great to stuff that turkey or chicken without having to purchase the packaged stuffing.  Seasoning your dry bread is easy to do using your favorite herbs and spices. It is a great way to use that extra bread that is either getting dry or just forgotten.  Just make sure it is still good and not moldy.  Once prepared, I keep a large canister with all my seasoned breadcrumbs in the pantry ready to scoop out whatever I need, whenever I need.  However, my breadcrumbs don't just contain bread.

All blended nicely in my Ninja

I use whatever has been made with nuts or grains.  For example there might be 1/2 cup of corn flakes left in the box, or other non sweetened cold cereal.  That will go into my canister.  Maybe I had some extra toasted sesame seeds, that too goes into the canister.  Perhaps I have some leftover sourdough bread, or any other kind of bread.  That too goes in the canister.  Anyway, here is a basic recipe guaranteed to give your meal that crispy crunchy texture one looks for in a fried chicken or fish, or veggie patty.  This is what I do.

Ingredients: Note, all ingredients must be dry.

• Bread any kind, 1/2 pound of dry bread. You can dry it on a cookie sheet in your oven, using your pilot light, or oven light.  Note, you can use some cold cereal like corn flakes, just add it to the bread crumbs.  It gives it taste and texture.   You can also use crackers, like matzo, and saltines, and wheat crackers.
• Cornstarch 1 cup
• flour  1/2 cup.
• Wheat bran 1/2 cup (optional)
• Salt  Season to taste
• Pepper season to taste
• Garlic  season to taste
• Onion season to taste
• Cayenne Pepper, season to taste
• Parsley dried 1/4 cup
• Poultry seasoning if you are cooking chicken and want that Southern fried taste
• Italian seasonings if you want that Italian Kick
• Curry powder and so on.  Get the picture.  

I would make a basic seasoned bread crumbs ready for you to use, using all but the last three spices.  I only add the last three spices when I know I am cooking Italian, etc.  Then I add some Italian herbs.  I wouldn't want to add Curry powder when I am going for Italian right?

Voila!  Instant seasoned bread crumbs.  It still has bit of corn flakes,
 and wheat crackers.  Also helps to  give it great texture.

Anyway, it's that simple.  You get to use all that extra bread.  By the way, every loaf of bread usually has a few pieces of bread that does not get used up.  I freeze them in a freezer bag until I accumulated enough to make these seasoned bread crumbs.  See, I told you it was easy.

Well, that's it for tonight.  Thank you for allowing me to be of service.  Goodnight, and many blessings:)

Sincerely,

Mary Helen

Below are some dishes I made using this Seasoned Bread Crumbs.

This bread crumb stuffing is made with my bread crumbs.  Only difference
is I used larger pieces of bread.  I pre-cut the bread before I dried it.

Here are vegetarian patties that held up well with my seasoned breadcrumbs

These Chicken strips were cooked with my seasoned breadcrumbs.

And so was this shrimp:)

Finally, but not all, my boneless fish strips and potatoes were also made with my seasoned breadcrumbs....see
the heart potato?  Yum Mojo style.  Crispy and not greasy.

EASY ROASTED BREAD STUFFING WITH CHICKEN BREAST

Easy Roasted Bread Stuffing With Chicken Breast.  The stuffing was tasty with the chicken breast on top with some of it's juices running into the dressing while roasting.  That's what made made it flavorful.   Perfectly moist chicken too.

Today I'm fixing dinner. It's not a day where I want to spend a lot of time in my kitchen. However, I do have some bread crumbs, vegetables,and a large chicken breast. This dish is so tasty, and costs no more than $2.00 to serve 3-4 servings, if you break it down piece by piece. It's a great way to use that extra bread you might have on hand.  It's so easy to make.  I do have my powerful Ninja to do my chopping, and that alone is most of the work. If you don't have a Ninja, it's not a lot of veggies to chop anyway, it's still easy to make.  This is how I made it to the table in 30 minutes, with 3 min prep time.

All I had was a few ingredients besides the chicken breast.

Ingredients:

• Chicken breast 1 large cut in 4 pieces slices leaving the meat on the bone. (Can use any  part of the chicken, this is what I had on hand:)
• Bread crumbs, Seasoned 2 1/2 cups
• Celery stalks 2 chopped
• Onion 1/2 large or 1 medium
• Apple 1 small
• Raisins 2-3 tablespoons
• sesame seeds 1 tablespoon (totally optional)
• Water 1 cup
• Butter or oil 3 tablespoons (I used coconut oil.
• Chicken bullion cube 1 (I use 1 teaspoon Knorr Chicken seasoning)
• poultry seasoning 1/2 teaspoon

Instructions:  Preheat oven to 375 F

Instructions will be tutored via photos.  Enjoy:)

Chop, celery, onions, and apples.  I used my nifty Ninja,
which processed all this in 3 short pulses.  Yes folks, that's
a total of three seconds to chop this.  Sweet huh?  I'm
still enjoying my Ninja and have definitely put it to
use every single day.  

Add to breadcrumbs, and mix in raisins and sesame seeds.

In a small sauce pan heat water, oil, bullion cube, and poultry
seasoning. Heat till dissolved and add evenly to bread crumb
mixture.  Mix well.  You want it moist, not too wet.

Top with chicken breast which has been sliced in four...
leaving to meat attached to the bone.  Cover well with
foil and bake for 12 minutes.  Remove foil and bake
another 12 minutes.  

Let set 5 minutes before serving.  This picture just does not do this meal
 justice.  Both the Chicken and the dressing came out moist and tasty.

Okay, so now you know a little more about me...fast and easy.  In the kitchen that is:)  I also like to make food as healthy as possible using as much fruits and vegetables whenever possible.  It gives me more nutrition, as well as fiber and keeps me more in check.  Besides I believe in waste not want not.  Nothing goes to waste in my kitchen.  However, there is an exception to this rule, as this is a test kitchen, and I do a lot of experiments here.  So my rule is, if it...
looks bad,
smells bad,
You do NOT want to take the taste test.  It get's trashed fast.  Other than that, I use everything nowadays.

Well that's it for now.  If you like this recipe please check a box on the right of this blog.  Remember, as I share with you, please feel free to share with others.  Someone you know could possibly use this simple, super cheap meal.  It tastes good, and fills the belly with nutrition.  Feel free to check out my other easy recipes designed to fit a paupers budget.  Besides it will fill all those hungry bellies.  Till the next time...Many Blessings.

Sincerely,

Mary Helen

                                           










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INSTANT POTATO CHEESE SOUP WITH MY NINJA MEGA KITCHEN SYSTEM 1500W

Thanks to my Ninja,  I was able to have this Potato Cheese Soup on the table in less 8 minutes without any effort.  That means more vegetables, fiber, and nutrition.  Sweet:)

I can't believe how easy it was to prepare this Creamy Potato Cheese Soup now that I have my Ninja.  It makes it so  easy to literally throw something together.  Just like I threw these veggies in the Ninja to make my soup "instant".  My vegetable intake for my family has increased 10 fold if not more daily.  The containers wash so nicely.  It makes me want to use all those vegetables I bought and said I was going to use. Right?  I'm not alone here I know:)

1.  Put vegetables and meat in the blender.  I didn't add the
smoked sausage in this pic, but I will in the future.

Sad to say sometimes I have to throw some fruits and vegetables away because it goes bad.  My intentions were to use all those fruits and vegetables I had bought at the beginning of the week. However, time goes by, I am either too tired to prepare them as I had initially planned, or just plain too busy.   Now I able to use all my fruits and veggies I buy because my Ninja Mega Kitchen System does all the hard work.  Those fruits and veggies get pureed, chopped, or added to bread dough, sauces, etc.  They get used, and we get the nutritional benefits.  Anyway, enough chit chat, and lets do what I do best...cook and share:)

2.  Pulse 3 times

Ingredients:

• Potato 1 med/large cut in 1/2
• Celery 1 stalk cut in pieces
• Onion medium 1/4
• Garlic 1 clove
• Parsley or cilantro a few sprigs
• 1/4 cup grated cheese (white or yellow mellow)
• Smoked dogs 2 (Can use any meat like bacon, chicken, or none at all)
• Milk 1/2 cup
• Cornstarch 1 tablespoon
• Chicken boullioun (I used Knorr)
• Enough water to cover veggies.

Instructions will be tutored via photos:)

3.  Saute in a pan for about 2 minutes

4.  Add water to cover food.
Add chicken boullioun
Mix cold milk with cornstarch and add slowly to soup
stirring
Cook for about 4-5 minutes till tender.
Top with cheese and parsley or cilantro, and serve.

Voila, here you have it...Instant Potato Cheese Soup, made with my nifty Ninja.  Gosh,
the more I use it, it more I like it.y

One more comfort food for you to enjoy during this cold winter.  I got so caught up with telling you how nifty my Ninja was, I forgot to mention that this Potato Cheese Soup is not only easy to make with or without the Ninja.  It's a great comfort food, that can be served alone as is, or with a sandwich.  Yum.  It is fresh, has no preservatives, and is loaded with nutrition and fiber.  Did I mention how cheap this dish is if it is homemade.  

Well I hope you like this easy dish made with my Ninja.  Now,my job is done.  Time for an easy clean up:).  I love one pot dishes, so convenient.  Till then, Many Blessings:)

Sincerely,

Mary Helen

CRISPY CRUSTED PITA PIZZA

Crispy Crusted Pita Pizza.  So quick and easy especially if you have a Ninja.  You can top it with whatever you have on hand.

Did you know that pita bread makes a great crispy crust?  Well it does if you know how.  Imagine how many individual pizza's you can make with just one bag of pita bread.  You could fee a whole family.  Sometimes, I have company and I always like to share with them something to eat before they leave.

This is so quick, it only takes a few minutes to chop whatever you are going to use.  Only 3 seconds to chop if you have a Ninja Pulse.  Yes, my Ninja makes my life so much easier.  I absolutely love it!

Anyway, you can top it with just about anything you have in your refrigerator.  It's also a great way to get rid of any left-over food too.  Just don't tell them it's re-hashed.  Anyway, it's healthy, easy, cheap, and by all means definitely tasty.  This is what I did to serve 2.

Ninja Kitchen System - PULSE (Google Affiliate Ad)

By the way, this Temptations bakeware is the best I've ever used.  And I've been baking for many years now. If you ever try Temptations bakeware  by Tara, you might not ever want to go back.  Why?  Because it's presentable,
durable and so easy to clean.  Nothing every sticks.  Ever!

Ingredients:

• Pita bread 2 (just double or triple recipe for more)
• Spaghetti Sauce 1/2 cup (Canned spaghetti sauce is ok)***
• Mozzarella cheese 1/4 cup shredded or chopped in small pieces.
• Meat topping your choice (I used turkey pastrami slices for this one.  One per pizza.)
• Vegetable topping (your choice)
• Olive oil  enough to brush each pita bread
• Oregano, a pinch crushed between your fingers for each pizza.

Instructions:

***The secret to the success of any pizza is in the dough,  and the sauce.   The dough is taken care of by the "no-fail pita bread".  As for the sauce canned is fine. But if you saute some chopped veggies, you can hide them in the sauce.  Again I used my nifty Ninja Mega Kitchen System to chop some onions, garlic, bell peppers and carrots in no time.  I sauteed them, added the spaghetti sauce and no one will ever know anything came from a can, or that it has carrots.  Lol.  Just like semi-homemade.

• Preheat oven to 380 F
• Brush olive oil abundantly on each pita bread to avoid bread getting soggy.
• Top with Spaghetti sauce.  
• Add meat, cheese, oregano, then veggies.
• Place on cookie sheet and bake for 4-7 minutes depending on desired crispiness.
• Let cool one minute before serving

There you have it.  Another quick, cheap and easy meal for 2 or more.  They will definitely ask you to make it again, because it's definitely a winner.  It's so easy, you just might oblige.  Have fun, be creative, and share.  If you find this recipe helpful, please click the box on the right.  And again, feel free to share.  Till then, Many blessings.

Sincerely,

Mary Helen

CREAM OF CABBAGE SOUP WITH SMOKED HOT DOGS

"CREAM OF CABBAGE SOUP WITH SMOKED DOGS" made using my Ninja Pulse.  It makes it so easy to make dishes like this that is loaded with phyto-nutrients that help me with cellular rejuvenation.  Food is medicine.  Taking this kind of medicine has helped me get off hundreds of pharmaceutical meds.

Soups on folks.I like to think of my food as medicine. I enjoy eating food so much more when it is loaded with nutrition. Why?  Because food is medicine when using wholesome unprocessed foods with herbs.  You get lots of micro phyto-nutrients.  Phyto-nutrients are found in plant foods like cabbage and chili peppers.  Cabbage and chili peppers rank high on the phyto-nutrient list.  It is necessary for cellular rejuvenation, aka cellular reconstruction.  To me, cellular rejuvenation is all that I need to hear.  Here is a creamy cabbage soup with smoked hot dogs,  It is easy to make. very healthy and so comforting to eat. This recipe serves four and costs no more than $2.00 to make. By the way, it absolutely delicious! Now with the weather cooling down, hearty soups are the perfect solution to warm up with on a cool day. So with that, no more talk. Lets get down to business and cook.

Okay, okay, before I continue, I will give credit where credit is due.   What made this recipe so quick was I used my Ninja Pulse.  It chopped my onion, and cabbage  together in just a few pulses.  I just love my Ninja.  I could have spent 5 minutes chopping the cabbage and onions.  But I didn't.  I could have shed tears while chopping the onion.  But I didn't.  It washes so well as long as you wash it right away.  Yup, I'm a happy camper.  So happy, I just had to share.


Ingredients:

Lot's of Micro Phyto-nutrients here.

• Cabbage 1/2 head chopped small
• Onion 1 large chopped small
• Smoked hot dogs 4-6 sliced into 1 inch pieces
• Water 1 1/2-2  cups. (Approximately more or less, adding more till desired thickness is obtained.)\
• Vinegar 1-2 tablespoons  (you decide)
• Milk 1/2 cup cold (more if you want a white sauce)
• Cornstarch 1 tablespoon
• Red chili pepper. 3 pods
• Parsley flakes 1 tablespoon
• Salt and pepper to taste or bullion cubes
• Pan large saute 
• Butter 1/8 cup (can use oil)

Add smoked hot dogs after you slightly
caramelized the veggies.

Instructions:

• In a large pan add butter or oil, heat on med-high.
• Add chopped vegetables and chili peppers and sauté till slightly caramelized or tender.
• Add vinegar, salt and pepper
• Add 1/2 of the water and hot dogs
• Mix cold milk with cornstarch slowly adding to vegetable mixture, keep stirring.
• Add any additional water till you reached your desired thickness.  Stir
• simmer for 5 minutes 
• sprinkle with parsley or chopped chives.
• serve hot and enjoy

Cream of cabbage soup with smoked hot dogs served in
my favorite cookware.  Temptations.  I really like cooking
and presenting my dishes in them.  They wash so well.
Nothing ever sticks.  Ever:)

Well here you have it.  So easy, so quick, so cheap, and so nutrition.  Best of all, it is so delicious.  Your family would think you took hours to make.  It's another "poor mans food" that is really not poor at all.

Please share if you like it and if it was helpful please click the box on the right.  Again, thank you for allowing me to be of service.  Till the next time...Many Blessings.

Sincerely,

Mary Helen