Post From A Pal

Kathy's poor girls pantry moment... January 10, 2010

Trying to decide what to make for dinner, I scan the fridge to see what I want to get rid of. Ok, there's some ham and some mashed potato left overs. Bright idea.... potato soup! This is what I did......cut up onion and a few more potatoes that I had, chopped in a few carrots, covered them with water and brought to a boil, then simmered adding one chicken bouillion at a time to taste. Chop up ham and put in pot, then add mashed potatoes (helps to thicken and adds flavor). Let cook til tender. Add a can of evaporated milk and salt and pepper to taste. I baked a nice loaf of bread to accompany this masterpiece. Great for our Florida winter arctic blast!

Life, Love, Laughter

January 23, 2010  Random Thoughts.........

LIFE has taught me many valuable lessons about myself and through these lessons I am able to stand firmly in the knowledge of what I can live with and let go of what I cannot.

LOVE comes in many forms. We all seek its sustenance even though it is alluring yet abominable, immeasurably awe-inspiring yet curiously confounding, exhilarating yet exhausting while all the while suprisingly soulfully sustaining.


LAUGHTER...without it my soul would be an empty shell because without laughter, the first two would be unbearablely difficult to endure! :)

Splendid Superiority

January 15, 2010

We all have something inside that ignites our spirit.  I call it splendid superiority.  We find it when we least expect it,  sometimes not even grasping that a soul stirring situation silently transpired.  Situations present themselves, our innate survivor mechanisms surge, supressed splendid superiority reveals itself and suddenly the problem is solved....show over.  Splendid superiority reigns! ;) 

Some of the most amazing creations have resulted from the inspiration which comes from these soul stirring moments. Recently some of my splendid sista's shared some of their stirring stories as they uncovered their own ability to peer past their present problem and ponder the possibilies beyond the peril.  They found that there is  power in pursuing the plentiful possibilities life presents.  There is superior strength that is gained from the pursuit and glorious grace that is generated in the undertaking. It is this grace which governs the  groundwork for future endeavors.  

 Poor Girls Pantry was established as the result of a soul stirring state of affairs.  Painstakenly obvious became the growing desire to proclaim the ability within, of which we are each equipped, to posess peace.  Sanctioned by the splendid superiority straining against adversity, the writer inside sprang to life fueled by the postively poignant power gained from hurdling the seemingly ceaseless obstacles life has continually presented.  The search for self sustenance surprisingly paved the way to simplicity.  Perceived peril perished under the wave of positive power the creative energy emitted.  Surprising tranquility emerged giving way to the glorious grace that guides, generating a beacon of strength sustaining and saturating the soul.  Silent, splendid superiority significantly reigns within us all.  Give yours permission to SHINE.

Payday......Party in the Pantry!

January 6, 2010   

Payday.....Party in the Pantry!!

Every two weeks, a fiesta breaks out in the pantry!  Sometimes I swear I can hear the muffled rattling of maracas as I walk past.  I'm certain that there is a top shelf macaroni Macarena materializing.  :)

Speaking of Macarena......while wandering the aisles of the local grocery store seeking sustenance, I suddenly became aware of the swagger which I developed in response to the salsa tunes seeping from the ceiling speakers.  Ironically, at the checkout line I discovered that not only did the music manipulate my meandering, but it also maneuvered my meal mind set.  I stood bemused as  I observed the conveyor carrying items characteristic of a Columbian family friend's feast.  A perfect pork roast paved the way for the frejoles negros and arroz amarillo . Yummy yucca strode silently aside the fresh plaintains all eager to join together for a festive feast. A kelly green lime rolled along beside the cervezas while the cilantro, garlic and saltry seasonings joined forces with a jar of olive oil to bring up the rear.  It seems that the theme for this week's mind boggling menu had musically materialized.  Step aside flamenco dancers, the new tenants of this poor girls pantry are in Macarena motion!
Resulting Recipe:  Black Beans & Yellow Rice (add pork or chicken - your choice)
Ingredients needed:  (add more or less depending on how many mouths you are feeding)
2 whole tomatoes or a dozen (or so) grape tomatoes
(any variety will do, but I used grape tomatoes because they make stew style sauce) ($1.99)
1/2 red onion
1 garlic clove
splash of olive oil 
1 bag Safron yellow rice ($.72)
1 can Goya freoles negros ($.59)
Tyson fajita chicken strips (already seasoned - easy and delish!) ($7.99)
2 Green Plaintains ($1.29)
1 can Goya yucca ($.89)
Saute tomatoes, garlic and slices of red onion and cilantro in olive oil, open can of yucca, drain and add to mix, simmer. In separate pan, boil water, add 1 tbsp. olive oil, and rice (follow time on bag - easy breezy)
Once rice is finished, mix black beans (drained) into the rice then lay chicken on top, cover and cook on low for about 15 minutes.  While these are cooking, peel and slice the plaintains in diagonal slices.  Saute in olive oil, add salt to taste.  Once chicken and rice mix is done, drizzle the tomatoe mixture over the top of it all.  Mmmmmmmm, muy delicioso!  Pop open a cerveza, add slice of lime.....fiesta begins! Fabulous feast for lest than $15.00..... Enjoy! ;)

Chili today.....gone Tamale!

 January 4, 2010

Chili today.......gone Tamale! 
My father has a notorious nack for peculiar puns.  Regardless of my ability to forecast their arrival at the slightest seasonal shift, my amusement greets them with delight  as effortlessly as his delivery.  His token cold weather claim, "It's chili (chilly) today and hot tamale (tomorrow)!" is as much expected as the wind is windy.  

As I stepped outside this morning into the bone chilling weather conditions, his quirky quote resonated in my ears instantly inspiring me to prepare a piping hot pot of chili.  Chili has always been one of my favorite meals.  It has an extended life.  I much prefer it's flavor after the second day and even more so after a third.  It is the gift that keeps on giving.  Pardon the pun.  Go ahead, let go of that immature giggle you are attempting to suppress.  It happens.  But seriously, a shameless plug for Beano should be inserted here.  :) 

While the chili is simmering overnight in the crock pot,  I am googling the creation of these cornmeal characters called, Tamales.  They are a Mexican dish made of minced and seasoned meat packed in cornmeal dough, wrapped in corn husks, and steamed.  I'm finding the process to be slightly more time consuming than I would prefer.  Tomorrow I will ponder the prep time while I pick up some much needed produce to fill the empty spaces in this poor girls pantry.   Perhaps there may be a pearl of wisdom that my new Publix friend can provide.

This time honored play on words offers a creative way to mix up the menu and stretch the sensational flavors while simultaneously saving the budget by using the seasoned chili meat and sauce to create Chili Tamales. So, in essence we are actually going to be experiencing chili today and hot tamales the next.  Dad will be proud.  :)

Leftover Recipe Idea passed on by a pal:  pour chili into casserole dish with lid, mix cornbread mixture and pour on top of chili, cover and cook at 350 degrees for 20-25 minutes.  It is really good.  The cornbread mixture is so moist and full of the chili flavor.  Add a dollop of sour cream and it's a done deal! Delish! :)

Life is an adventure.....meatballs are momentous!

January 3, 2010

My sister is constantly pressing me to utilize my gifts.  We don't always see our situations as prosperous until someone else points out their perspective.  So, in answer to her inquisitive insistance, I will begin the journey with the first of many momentous meals of 2010.

Meatballs Are Momentous
With ten dollars in  my pocket and 3 days until payday, I wandered into my local Publix store in search for fine cuisine suitable for feeding four hungry mouths four meals.  A quick mental scan of the poor girls pantry revealed 4 sandwich rolls nearing the stale date therefore must be consumed soon, a box of angel hair pasta, a clove of garlic, remnants of pesto, roughly a tablespoon or two of olive oil occupying the only jar on the top shelf and an abandoned hunk of dough that never developed into the delicate danishes desired for the Christmas feast.  My first thought? Meatballs!  Never ask questions, just go with what you feel.  Great advice from my son, Aaron. Trust me and him....it never fails!

On the way over to the meat section, I calculated and compared the cost of cheeses, scoured the stores sales ads for this week's BOGO deals. If you are not familiar with this term, you soon will find it a godsend.  (BOGO = Buy One Get One....like I said, a godsend.)  Spaghetti sauces were on special so I selected two jars of tomatoe basil, snagged a pack of provolone cheese and headed to the meat counter only to discover an empty space in the cooler which the pre-made meatballs typically occupied.   I choose the pre-made meatballs because it cuts down on prep time, uses their spices, not mine and includes a lovely spinach garnish.  Seriously, get the most out of your resources, there is a two for one deal in itself.

If you have never asked for what you want, you will never get it. 
At first I was disappointed and resigned to have to make my own, but a quick glimpse through the window met an inquisitive employee eager to accomodate. He explained the holiday crunch was to blame for the missing meatballs so I asked how long it would take to make some more of those delish delights. Customers are always right and ten minutes later I was greeted with freshly made meatball masterpieces and a new friend in the meat department who will be a great resource for future endeavors. So, with 60 cents left in my pocket, and a menu brewing in my mind, I headed home to deliver delishesness to the eagerly expectant mouths of the members of my household. 

4 MEALS PREPARED - cost $9.40 plus poor girl pantry items
Meatball Subs on toasted roll with melted cheese
Angel hair pasta with meat sauce served with garlic breadsticks
Pizza with tomatoe sauce, garlic, spinach and cheese
Leftovers :)

Preparation/Cook Time: 30 -45 minutes (including chat time and taste testing with family)

Directions:  saute olive oil, pesto and garlic slices, add meatballs w/spinach and seasonings to taste. Cover and cook on low simmer.  If you have any leftover wine, add a splash! 
In separate sauce pan, cook sauce over low heat.  When meatballs are done, add to sauce, cover and cook on low.  Fill large pasta pan half full of water, add olive oil and pesto. Bring to boil then add angel hair pasta, stirring occassionally so they don't stick to each other (hate that!). 
While this is all cooking, break off piece of dough, roll out into rectangle shape using flour on counter and rolling pin as needed.  Cut into strips.  Twist strips and place on baking sheet.  Brush with melted butter, sprinkle with garlic seasonings. Bake top rack on 350 for 8 min.
Roll out remaining dough for pizza.  Place on round pizza pan, add sauce, spinach and shred remaining cheese.  Brush crust with remaining melted butter/garlic seasonings. Bake low rack on 350 for 20-25 min.