Thank You · The Lane's Thrifty Kitchen

Thank You

I appreciate some of you sharing your dinner struggles.

Sounds like I got lots of work to do to help.

Let's start with some simple tips and ideas and then I want to share a family favorite recipe.

Figuring out WHAT to cook? Try this. Make a list of the top 10 dishes you like, your family likes, and is Thrifty. Then you can rotate.
Grocery prices? First step, What do you have on hand. I like to take an inventory of what we have, then create my menu's for the week. This saves a lot of money!!
No time or energy? I understand this one too well. I believe that if you have that menu made up it makes it a lot easier to make meals and it addressed the 1,2,3 above.
Picky eaters? I grew up in a house that you eat what your served or go without! When we were raising our 4 kidos, we would make all kinds of stuff that they didn't like. Our rule was, "I would like a small serving while I am learning to like it". It worked!
Cooking just for one or two? This is a hard one. We cooked for 6 + leftovers for so many years. Now we are empty nesters. I made beef stew the other day and we had to freeze 4 extra servings. I am working on this one by really thinking about my quantities and adjusting my recipes.

This recipe for Chili - Copy cat Wendy's Chili -

I served this at my restaurant, people really liked it.

Ingredients:

2 lb. ground beef

4 c (1 qt.) tomato juice

1 (29 oz.) can tomato puree

1 (15 oz.) can red kidney beans, drained

1 (15 oz.) can pinto beans, drained

1 medium onion, chopped (1 1/2 c)

1/2 c celery, diced

1/4 c green bell peppers, diced

1/4 c chili powder, (more or less to taste)