Well last week my husband and I decided we need to eat a little different and add a lot more veggies to our dinners and since I absolutely love to cook I was up for the challenge. Sunday we went to our favorite place to buy our produce (its a secret) but what i can tell you is that we got most all of the fruits and veggies on my list for only $12. At the super market I would only be able to by my tomatoes and a bundle of cilantro for $12 hahaha. Once we got home I spent the next 2 hours slicing, dicing and cleaning my goodies so that I could be sure of it that there were no nasty germs on them. How did I clean them you might ask, PERFECT question!! Most of you might know these already but for the ones that dont ill quickly give you 2 different kinds so you can get rid of all your nasty germs too.
1 cup distilled white vinegar
2 cups water
Last night we started small by having one of our favorite Olive Garden Specials that also makes for great left overs... Zuppa Toscana. Lets just start by saying it was absolutely flawless and perfect in every way... said straight from the mouth of my amazing husband!!! You may be thinking that this is not a completely "HEALTHY" meal, but just by adding kale it made it 10 times healthier to this family with a husband who would rather eat MRE's before he touched certain veggies. To many of you that do not know what MRE stands for :
Meal Ready to Eat, a US military precooked vacuums sealed ration pack.
Needless to say they are the compete opposite of a home cooked meal and
are not the pick of the litter.
Needless to say they are the compete opposite of a home cooked meal and
are not the pick of the litter.
Tonight I plan to cook up some fresh Egg Plant, pasta and fresh green beans or potatoes. I have "convinced" my husband to try it by telling him its like a meat substitute for Chicken Parmesan. Egg Plant is not my favorite but it definitely didn't make me puke either. One of the ingredients that I use for all of my breaded food is Panko Bread Crumbs. It is an Asian bread crumb that is already deep fried bread crumbs that are thicker and crunchier. One of my amazing Navy wives introduced me to it and now I use it for everything you should try it!!
Ingredients:
- 1 lb ground Italian sausage
- 1½ tsp crushed red peppers (key ingredient to add the spice)
- 1 large diced white onion
- 4 Tbsp bacon pieces
- 2 tsp garlic puree (minced)
- 8-10 cups water
- 3 cubes of chicken bouillon
- 1 cup heavy cream (milk)
- 1 lb sliced Russet potatoes, or about 3 large potatoes (any kind)
- 1/4-1/2 a bunch of Kale (use your own discretion)
- 1. In a large pot Saute onions and garlic over low-medium heat for approximately 15 mins or until the onions are soft. Add the Bacon, Italian sausage and crushed red pepper.
2. Once the meat is browned Add chicken bouillon and water to the pot and heat until it starts to boil.
3. Add the sliced potatoes and cook until soft, about half an hour.
4. Add the heavy cream and just cook until thoroughly heated.
5. Stir in the kale 5 to 10 mins before serving depending on how crunchy you want it.
