Monday Blahs Equal Leftovers

Unfortunately the weekend took its toll on me and I woke up sick this morning.  Sore throat and upset stomach. So that yummy ham from yesterday is going to do double duty for dinner tonight.  Ham sandwiches it is!

Ham & Potatoes

Finally on Sunday I cooked again!  We took advantage of the Thanksgiving sales going on and bought a spiral cut honey ham.  I baked that following the directions on the ham and then made "microwave" potatoes to go along with it.

Here is how I make these potatoes:

Slice 4 to 5 medium potatoes thinly
Layer the slices with sliced onion and butter in a microwave safe casserole dish.
Sprinkle pepper on to taste.  I never use salt but you can if you like.
Then microwave on high for 5 minute increments stirring in between until done.

Papa John's

So Saturday night before heading out to listen to some live music at the Lafayette Brewing Company we just ordered a pizza.  Simple and fast while getting ready for a date night.  We had half pepperoni and half ham with mushrooms on all of it.  Plus clean up is super easy!!

Route 66

Last night Todd and I had a fun night out.  First we went bowling and then ate at Route 66 diner.  We both had what is called the "Barney" Burger.  A cheeseburger with grilled onions.  I had a side of onion rings, while Todd had fries.  We topped that off with a chocolate milkshake for me and a chocolate malt for him.  Yummy!

4 Cheese Lasagna

Tonight's dinner consisted of one lb, one pan, one meal or however the commercial goes for Hamburger Helper. Yes this self proclaimed "pretty decent cook" opted for ease tonight.  For a side we had leftover bread made last night.  Not the healthiest of meals but quick and easy and fairly tasty.

So the recipe.

1 lb hamburger
1 box hamburger helper
milk
water

Follow the directions on the box =)

Beef Stew

Tonight's dinner is left over beef stew with a loaf of fresh baked bread.  The bread is courtesy of a bread machine box mix.

I have a tendency to cook way more than is necessary for 2 people so there are always a ton of leftovers.  Good thing stew is as yummy the second and third time around as it is the first time =)

This however is contributing to the hubby and I eating the same things all the time.  So lesson learned cut my mother's wonderful family recipes in half or keep eating leftovers!!

So here is the recipe.

1/3 cup flour                                       1 Tbs lemon juice
1 tsp salt                                           1 Tbs Worcestershire sauce
1/4 tsp pepper                                    2 bay leaves
4 Tbs oil                                            1/4 tsp all spice
4 cups hot water                                
2 lbs stewing beef
1 large onion
12 small carrots
8 small potatoes

Mix the flour, salt and pepper
Roll beef in the flour mixture
Heat oil in heavy pan
Brown beef in pan
Once all meat in browned add water
Add lemon juice, Worcestershire sauce, allspice, bay leaves and onion.
Lower heat, cover and simmer for 1.5 - 2 hours or until meat is tender
Add carrots and potatoes
Cook until vegetables can be pierced easily with a fork

I typically make this in a crock pot.  When I do I brown the meat and then add all the ingredients to the crock pot at the same time.  I also use baby carrots and about 5 large potatoes.  But you can use as many carrots and potatoes as you wish.  Cook on high for about 2 hours and then turn down to low for another 3 to 4  hours.

Hello!

My name is Erin, an engineer who dreams of being a chef, but settles for being a fairly decent home cook.  I love to cook but rarely try new recipes.  Between my husband and I we are kind of picky.  But I'm starting this blog in an attempt to keep track of what we eat so I can see just how often I make the same things, and to try to make myself experiment a bit more.

I'm going to try to post our evening meal every night along with the recipe for those who would like to experiment along with me.

So here it goes.  Hopefully it will be a little bit educational and a whole lot of fun!!