With several threads talking about how to lower cost per person per meal, I thought sharing our favorites would help inspire and save further.
Cabbage noodles (Cabbage Balushka): 15 minute prep, well-loved by the family, few ingredients. What's not to love?!?
Fluffy pancakes : Add fruit, chocolate chips, crumbled oreos, etc on top or in the batter, or eat them plain. Our favorite are "chunky monkey" pancakes: banana coins in the batter; when done cooking, sprinkle with powdered sugar and top with chocolate sauce.
Crockpot yogurt: several variations on the web. Basics: heat milk to 185 degrees F, let it cool to 110 degrees F; mix in a container of yogurt from store with active cultures (single serving size or 3/4 cup). Let sit 8 hours.
Soups: chicken noodle, pizza soup (search on allrecipes.com), tortilla soup
Bread: using a bread machine, mixer, or food processor, it's a lot easier than you may think!
My favorite recipe (RAVED about!)
4 cup Water
1 1/3 cup Sugar
3 tablespoon Yeast or 2 packets of yeast
3 teaspoon Salt
1/2 cup Vegetable oil
12 cup Bread flour
Disolve sugar in warm water and then stir in yeast. Allow to proof until it makes a creamy foam. Mix in salt and oil. Then mix in flour one cup at a time. Knead dough on floured surface. Place in a greased bowl, turning to coat. Cover with a damp towel and allow to rise at least 1 hour. Punch dough down and knead. Divide in half. Place in greased pans and let rise another 30 mins. Bake at 350 for 30 mins.
Another cooking note: anything you see in the freezer section of the store, you can freeze or make ahead, too! Make an extra batch or two of cookie dough; cook some now, freeze the rest for later. Make bread/pizza dough and freeze some extras. Meals work the same way, too... meatloaf, casseroles, soups, nearly anything! If you are interested in further make-ahead cooking, google for freezable recipes, make-ahead recipes, Once a Month Cooking, etc. It's a lifesaver when school starts!!
Please share your favorites!!