FHE

It looks so idyllic.
It was not.
Gathering is always a challenge and then getting people to put down their phones is a challenge.  Our lesson went well enough but the game was a challenge.  There was cheating, there was playing without intent to win, there was looking at the phone and playing a different game while waiting for his turn, there was loud music and complaining and weird noises.  I am not sure why this is a problem but it is.

This morning was overcast and it rained during the night.  That was awesome.

I have been trying to think of ways to be more frugal.  This week I spent some time doing research (looking at pinterest) for budget meal ideas.  I got the ingredients for four of them and so far I have made 3 and they have all been good.  (meaning more than 3 people liked the dish). Two I would make again so I would call that a success.

Crock pot cheesy pasta bake

INGREDIENTS

• 2 lb. lean ground beef
• 1 yellow onion, diced
• 1 teaspoon garlic, minced
• 15 oz. marinara sauce
• 15 oz. stewed tomatoes
• 1 teaspoon basil
• 1 teaspoon oregano
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• Red pepper flakes to taste
• 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
• 2 beef bouillon cubes
• 2 tablespoons sugar
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 10 oz. frozen spinach, cooked
• 1 lb. penne/rigatoni/bow tie pasta, cooked al dente
• ½ cup Parmesan cheese, shredded
• 1½ cups Mozzarella cheese, shredded

INSTRUCTIONS

1. Over medium high heat, brown the beef until cooked. Drain any fat
2. Remove beef and saute onions and garlic until onions are translucent
3. Transfer onions and beef to a slow cooker and pour in marinara sauce, tomatoes, basil, oregano, Italian seasoning, red pepper flakes, Worcestershire sauce, crumbled beef bouillon cubes and sugar
4. Stir to mix well and season with salt and pepper to taste
5. Cook for 6-8 hours on low
6. Cook the pasta till al dente, according to package instructions. Drain well and add cooked pasta, Parmesan and Mozzarella to the meat sauce and stir to combine
7. Cook on high for 30 minutes
8. Mix in cooked or raw spinach leaves and stir well
9. Dish and serve hot

Chili Corn Dogs

ingredients
8 hot dogs
2 cans of pillsbury pizza dough
cheddar cheese
2 cans of chili ( you can make your own but I bought STAGG, which I think is the best canned one)
1/4 cup of butter
garlic

directions
Wrap hot dog in slice of cheese and then in a roll of pizza dough.  Pour cans of chili in the bottom of your baking pan, put hot dog rolls on top.  Sprinkle garlic powder into butter and brush on top of rolls and then bake.

The third one I have no picture for but it was yesterday's curry chicken and rice.  I  wouldn't necessarily make the hot dogs again but the boys liked them and they were tasty.  The other two I will make again for sure.