I used to have a food blog, years ago.  When my husband got tapped to do a radio show, he and his partner needed a name for it.  I gave them mine because it was perfect for their needs.  Unfortunately, a few months down the line hackers busted in and deleted the entire site. Gone were all the recipes I had created, the drink pairings, the love.  It was sad.

So I forget that I like things like gallettes, or gougeres, or that I know how to make an excellent French Onion Soup…because in the past we used to write recipes down on paper, and now we write them down online.  But what happens when some troll comes through and deletes it all?  I should really keep a copy on my computer.

Anyway, being on the cooking spree that I am on, I’m going to share the recipes from the last couple of nights.  It’s pretty interesting to see how little this is costing me to actually *make* dinner.  The problem is this is taking quite a bit of thought, and while thinking is good (yay for using your brain!), it’s not always feasible to maintain.  I guess this is where a meal out every week or so comes in?  Or mac and cheese?

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chimichurri steak pizza ($8.50)

pizza dough from Trader Joe’s (about $2.50 I think)

steak from grocery store, discounted to $4 for 2lbs

chimichurri sauce ($2 and change)

-1 c flat leaf parsley ($1 for a bunch)

-1 c cilantro ($1 for a bunch)

-2-4 cloves garlic (depending on how spicy you like it)

-salt to taste

-pepper to taste

-2 T red wine vinegar

-1/2 c olive oil

Puree all ingredients except olive oil in blender, drizzle oil in slowly to incorporate.

Directions:

Cook steak to your liking.  I like to sear both sides for a few min each on high, and stick it in the oven to finish.  Whatever floats your boat steak-wise.  Put aside to rest.

Heat a pizza stone or a pan in your oven.  I divided the dough into 3 (one little for the kid) and cooked them individually.  I used a pizza stone and promptly set the fire alarms off because it got so hot, cooked in a min or two, and I wasn’t paying attention.  Pay attention!      

Thinly slice steak and whatever veggies you want (I had leftover bell peppers) and put them on your individual pizzas!  Drizzle sauce (or in my kid’s case, attempt to drizzle sauce and have him scream bloody murder.  Damn 2-year olds.)

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grilled eggplant and caper basil vinaigrette

eggplant (however much you want to make.  I made a very small amount because it was just the kids and I) ($1.50/eggplant at my store)

whole wheat spaghetti noodles (free from last couponing adventure!  Or more likely around $0.25)

caper basil vinaigrette (no idea.  maybe $1?  Things that lie around the house.  This also makes enough for 2 humans, so increase as needed)

-2 T capers

-2 T minced basil

-2 T olive oil

-Salt to taste

-Pepper to taste

Blend in food processor until the consistency you desire.

Directions:

Slice eggplant however you like them sliced.  I like them long-ways.  Brush each side w/olive oil, dust with salt and pepper, and put on a hot grill pan.  Grill for about 4 min each side, or more until soft.  Cook spaghetti according to directions.  Drizzle spaghetti and grilled eggplant w/ sauce.  Enjoy.  My kid put the eggplant in his mouth, shrieked, and took it out.  He chowed through the noodles and sauce.

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Play Dough

This recipe is directly from this website, and cost me, I don’t know, $1?  $2?  for the entire bunch.

1 cup white flour
1/2 cup salt
2 tablespoon cream of tartar (find it in the spice section)
1 tablespoon oil
1 cup water
food coloring

Mix first 4 ingredients in a pan. Add water and mix well. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, for 3 – 5 minutes. Dough will become difficult to stir and form a “clump”.  Remove from stove and knead for 5 minutes–add food coloring during kneading process. Play dough will keep for a long time stored in a covered plastic container or plastic sandwich bag.

I have no idea how to get the color right – an excessive amount of food coloring? – so my blue is sort of muted and my red is definitely pink.  Oh well.  At least the kid’s favorite color is pink, so he loves it!

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Unfortunately today is going to be an eat out day I think, due to a meeting that I have that end at 6:30pm.  Break my streak!  Or it might be a scrounge and see what’s in the refrigerator when I get home day.  Regardless, it is nice to get my creative mind juices flowing again. It definitely feels good, and feels like I’m on the right track toward…something.