Summer Squash and Zucchini, Grilled

Heather says: I love zucchini.  It’s one of those plants I don’t have to grow to reap the benefits.  As the season turns toward summer local gardeners may have more than they know what to do with.  In fact August 8th is “Sneak Zucchini Onto Your Neighbor’s Porch Night.”  Friends and neighbors, I am here …

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Carrot Raisin Salad

Heather says: This classic pairs well with sandwiches and meals that call Spring and Summer to mind.  In its most basic form, the recipe here, it’s low cost and low effort.  There are many variations on this recipe, feel free to share yours in the comments. Ingredients: 2 cups coarsely shredded carrot 1/2 cup raisins …

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Simple Pizza Crust Recipe

Heather says: My kids love pizza night. They are young enough that the whole process is fascinating to them and there is a lot of excitement for little cost. My husband and I are in search of the “perfect” pizza crust that is doesn’t require a huge amount of advance preparation. This one is close. …

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Pizza Sauce Recipe

Heather says: This pizza sauce can be simmered on the stove or made with a slow cooker (Crock-pot® folks, Crock-pot®). Pizza night’s order of operations are as follows: I start the sauce, begin a crust, chop the veggies, roll out the dough, and finally add all the toppings. The kids help by eating all my …

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Tomato Gravy Recipe

tomato gravy over white rice in the foreground on a black plate in the background on the left are pinto beans and on the right is sautéed greens

Heather says: Digging through old cookbooks you may come across some strange ideas, especially concerning gelatin. However, there are many classic recipes forgotten or replaced by new convenience items. A perfect example is tomato gravy. Sure, the name doesn’t invoke images of glamour or haute couture, but not everything in life has to. Tomato gravy …

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Pseudo Shepherds Pie Recipe

Heather.jpgHeather says:

Traditional Shepherd’s pie contains lamb, gravy, and vegetables, covered with mashed potatoes. Its close cousin cottage pie contains beef. This version substitutes vegetable stock for the broth used to make the gravy and contains kidney beans to provide protein. As the mashed potatoes contain milk and are topped with cheese, this one dish* meal is suitable for lacto-ovo vegetarians. If you are opposed to alcohol, just use an additional 1/2 cup of stock.

*It ends up in one dish but takes several to cook.

Pseudo Shepherds Pie Ingredients

  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 medium diced onion
  • 2 cloves garlic – minced or pressed
  • 2 carrots, diced
  • 2 ribs of celery, chopped
  • 1 cup mushrooms – sliced
  • 1 cup vegetable stock
  • 1/2 cup red wine (or substitute an additional 1/2 cup of stock)
  • 1 tsp cornstarch
  • 2 cups or 1 can kidney beans (fully cooked)
  • 1/2 cup frozen vegetables (use whatever you have on hand: corn, green beans, peas)
  • 1/2 tsp dried thyme
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • pepper to taste
  • 4 potatoes – peeled, and cut into 1″ cubes
  • 1/2 cup milk
  • 1 tbsp butter
  • salt and pepper to taste
  • 2 oz of cheddar cheese

Directions after the jump.

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Cheap and easy: French Toast

Heather says: Time and again I hear people lamenting their inability to cook. It’s a skill that takes practice; start with a basic, forgiving item like today’s French toast If you have children, involve them in the process, it will help them become comfortable in the kitchen. This is a great way to use up …

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Gazpacho

Heather says: This was way before I learned about food photography, bear with me -Heather June 2010 With the temperature rising something has to give. Try this Andalusian favorite for a change of pace. Traditional gazpacho is often made with bread blended in, I prefer to serve it on the side or with a dollop …

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