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Main Meals
Meals cooked on a budget with or without cost breakdown.


Chicken Hominy
How we get from corn to hominy is the process of nixtamalization. The short version is to let dried corn kernels soak in an alkaline solution (lime or wood ash). This will remove the tough outer hull, making niacin (Vitamin B3) and calcium bioavailable. Nixtamal is the product obtained from this century old process which later is ground to produce soft masa dough. (See citation page for resource.) Ingredients: 30 oz can hominy 1 pound chicken breast (I used cooked) 2 tablespo
jetties-chicory-1z
7 days ago1 min read


Spicy Cabbage
Cabbage, broccoli, cauliflower, kale, kohlrabi and Brussel sprouts are all members of the mustard family commonly known as "cruciferous" vegetables. You do not have to eat it fermented as kimchi or sauerkraut, it makes for a delicious stovetop cooked vegetable. Packed with vitamins, minerals, rich in fiber and antioxidants it is considered a super food. In my family, we cook cabbage as part of a New Year's tradition. Ingredients: 1/2 head of cabbage cut and diced 1/4 onion,
jetties-chicory-1z
Jan 41 min read


Potatoes au Gratin
"Gratin" is the French word for crust. In cooking language "au gratin" translates to a dish that is topped with either breadcrumbs or cheese and browned under a grill. Roux and béchamel are integral parts of this dish. In food terminology, according to the Michelin Guide, a roux is a smooth paste made from flour that is fried in fat and added to sauces. It was invented in the 17th century at King Louise XIV th court and revolutionized French cooking (see citation page). Béch
jetties-chicory-1z
Dec 8, 20252 min read


Warm Potato Salad
Known by its scientific name solanum tuberosum, and to a layperson like myself as tater, tuber, or spud, the potato is a member of the nighshade vegetable family. Whether you like it baked, boiled, fried, roasted, mashed, as salad, or au gratin, it can track its roots back to the Western Titicaca Basin area which is located in the Andes mountains of Peru. Here traces of tuber consumption were found as early as 3,400 BC - 2,200 BC years ago. The powerful poato packs 'resistant
jetties-chicory-1z
Dec 2, 20252 min read


Maultaschen
A new recipe from a lovely, lively lady living in the Commonwealth of Virginia. I have known her for a long time and am excited she has shared her recipe for "Maultaschen," which are large, meat-filled pasta dumplings considered the "national dish"of the Swabian region in Germany. Per anecdote, Maultaschen were invented by lay brother Jakob on a Maudy Thursday as a way to disguise meat in dough. The strict lenten fasting did not allow the Cistercensian monks at the Maulbronn
jetties-chicory-1z
Nov 29, 20252 min read


Shrimp Pasta
All the way from the 'Golden State' or the 'Golden Bear State,' where the (sadly extinct bear) California grizzly, the golden trout, and lovely poppies are state symbols, comes a shrimp pasta recipe. Thank you to culinary chef Ha for providing us with this amazing meal for a gathering of eight. I would hop right over to sample but at the time, can only do a virtual California visit. INGREDIENTS 2 pounds of peeled and deveined shrimp 1 bag of penne pasta - or your favorite kin
jetties-chicory-1z
Nov 14, 20252 min read


Stuffed Green Peppers
Yesterday, I had a chance to cook a delicious stuffed green pepper recipe and finally write down the ingredients and the steps after having prepared this meal for decades. It can be for two or four people depending on appetites. Dish pares well with either potatoes, noodles, or rice. INGREDIENTS 2 green bell peppers (on the smaller side) 1/2 pound of ground turkey 1-2 heels of bread (depends on thickness) 1 egg 1/3 small onion, diced 1/2 tsp of salt 1/4 tsp of red pepper 1 TB
jetties-chicory-1z
Nov 5, 20251 min read


Avocado Toast
An easy and quick three-ingredient solution for breakfast or brunch. INGREDIENTS 1. 1/2 avocado 2. 1 slice of toast or sour dough bread 3. 1 egg Additional: avocado cooking spray or a few drops of oil, salt, pepper. STEPS Toast bread, heat skillet with a bit of oil or spray and cook egg sunny side up, while egg is cooking, scoop avocado and spread on the bread, COST egg $0.50, avocado $0.80, bread $0.20 Total = $1.50 (Cost of ingredients depends on type of avocao and bread u
jetties-chicory-1z
Nov 3, 20251 min read


Get Your Cheap On - eating and travel news - Thanksgiving 2025
We are not only about 'Cooking on the Cheap,' and sharing recipes, we are also about traveling the path less taken and finding uniqueness at the turn ahead. Welcome to our special edition; Thanksgiving Newsletter. We'd love to hear about your favorite Thanksgiving moment whether sad or glad. Go to the website cheapcuisine.com and share your thoughts (or tips and recipes) on our "Get in Touch to Chirp" page. Explore my Cornish hen and cornbread dressing recipe with cost break
jetties-chicory-1z
Nov 1, 20252 min read


Gembalaya
INGREDIENTS 2 TBS of tomato paste 1 jalapeno (sliced and chopped) 1 small onion (chopped) 1/2 lbs. pre-cooked chunked chicken 2 sausage links (I used apple gouda chicken sausage) 2 bolillos (for the bolillos only; 1/2 tsp oil) 1 cup of rice 3 cloves of garlic, chopped 1/2 tsp of salt 1-2 bay leaves 1/2 tsp of oregano 1/2 tsp pepper 1 TBS of paprika (smoked if available) 2 tsp of chicken broth mix 1 TBS of oil STEPS Bring 2 cups of water to a boil, add rice and reduce hea
jetties-chicory-1z
Oct 26, 20252 min read


Baby Crepes and Flådlesoup
Does it seem like a strange combination? Keep reading! Ingredients for Crepes: 2/3 cups of unbleached flour or regular flour 1 1/4 cup of almond milk or regular milk 2 eggs 1 1/2 TBS of olive/canola oil or avocado oil Steps: Mix flour, milk and eggs with a hand whisk. Heat a 10 inch skillet with 1/2 TBS of oil. (The amount of oil determines how crispy the crepes. Add 2 x 1/4 cup of crepe mix to heated skillet. Using handle, slant skillet to spread mix evenly. When crepe appe
jetties-chicory-1z
Oct 25, 20251 min read


Bounty of Fall Stew
Autumn is a wonderful season when leaves transform, temperatures cool, and we gather the abundance offered. Visiting the Farmer's Market is essential to experience the difference. Recipe Results : due to differences in ingredients, regional pricing, cooking equipment, individual skills, and other factores, I can not guarantee that your results will be the same as mine. You use my recipes at your own risk. Chicken Stew with Fresh Vegetables (4). Ingredients: 1 1/2 pounds of
jetties-chicory-1z
Oct 21, 20252 min read


Affordable Cooking Tips for Budget-Friendly Meals
Cooking on a budget doesn’t have to mean cooking bland or unhealthy meals. With smart planning and a pinch of creativity, you can create delicious, nutritious dishes that keep your taste buds satisfied and your wallet happy. This post offers practical tips and strategies to help you prepare budget-friendly meals without compromising on flavor or nutrition. Plan Your Meals Meal planning can save you both time and money. By taking just a few minutes at the beginning of the week
jetties-chicory-1z
Oct 21, 20254 min read
Affordable Ingredients for Delicious Home-Cooked Meals
Cooking at home can be both enjoyable and economical. With the right ingredients, you can create delicious meals without breaking the bank. This blog post will explore affordable ingredients that can elevate your home-cooked meals, making them tasty and satisfying. The Importance of Cooking at Home Cooking at home has numerous benefits. It allows you to control the ingredients, portion sizes, and flavors. Plus, it can save you money compared to dining out. By using affordable
jetties-chicory-1z
Oct 20, 20253 min read
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