Welcome!

Hi and thank you for visiting my blog. My name is Tina, I am 42 years old and married to a wonderful man named Robert. I live in the Cleveland, Ohio area with my husband and our two pugs, Koko and Lucy and a special kitty, named Trixie.

I am of Italian decent and love to cook not just for my family but for everyone! I have a lot of weeknight dinner guest and try to keep it casual but delicious! My Mom passed away a few years ago and was my great teacher.

In 2012 I have changed the way I eat. A real lifestyle change to be healthier, eat a nutrient dense diet and remove all processed foods, refined flours and sugars from our diet. I do cook a lot healthier than my Mom did and do a lot more vegetarian meals, poultry and fish. I'm trying to find a way to keep the traditions of family, friends and good food in my house always.

I plan to post my weekly menus, update with new recipes, health information and articles and how to eat mostly organic in an economical way. I will also periodically post personal updates of my journey to regain health and hope.

Tuesday, July 8, 2008

Beans, Beans They are good for the Heart and the Wallet!

Okay, so continue on my Cheap Eats Week, we had Black Beans and Rice tonight. I usually prefer to use dry beans as they are very inexpensive and have no salt added, they do take more time. Today was a beautiful day and I preferred to be at the pool instead of the kitchen. This dinner for two cost just about $5.00!

Black Beans and Rice
2 15 oz. cans of Black Beans, rinsed (I like Goya brand)
1 green bell pepper, chopped
1 red bell pepper, chopped
1 jalapeno pepper, chopped
1 vidalia onion, chopped
1 garlic clove, minced
2 cups of chicken stock
1 tsp. chili powder
2 tsp. cumin
pinch of cayenne

In a large sauce pan over medium heat saute onion, bell peppers, jalapeno and garlic in olive oil until soft. Add beans, chicken stock and seasonings. Bring to a boil and then reduce heat to simmer, simmer 30 minutes.

Brown Rice
Follow package directions. I use this rice steamer for perfect rice every time!
Beans - $1.60
Peppers - $3.25
Rice - $.50
Total dinner for two = $5.35
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2 comments:

What's Cookin Chicago said...

Mmm, red beans & rice is such a comforting dish and its great to have meatless meals every now and then. Thanks for sharing this as I've started to incorporate more meatless means in my weekly menus!

July 9, 2008 at 12:17 AM
Stephanie said...

Looks tasty. I love using beans too - we're on a tight budget so they really help a lot!

With meals like this, you should think about participating in Frugal Fridays. Every Friday you make a meal for 4 that costs $10 or under, and post it on www.frugalfridays.net. Then you can see everyone else's great, cheap meals too! Lots of fun!

July 9, 2008 at 3:19 PM

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