Easy Pizza Ideas

   My family loves to eat pizza. We probably eat it a lot more than we should. But really, can you blame us? Sometimes the craving of the gooey cheese and piles of vegetables and meat are just too much to pass up.

   Since we like pizza so much, we have a few different variations we make. Yes, there is the regular circle pizza on crust that everyone thinks of when you hear the word "pizza". We have other favorite ways to make this family favorite.

   First, we buy some French Bread. You can buy a loaf for a dollar at Walmart. Cut it in half and chop up any vegetables you would like to add.

   Spread as much sauce on it as you'd like. The bread will soak up the sauce so feel free to lather it on.

   Sprinkle on your cheese and whatever toppings you like. I forgot a few of the vegetables I wanted so we had pepperoni and green onion pizza.

   Next, we put them in the broiler. About five minutes will work. Just keep and eye on it. When the cheese is melted, it's ready. Using the broiler will make it melted and warm but leaves the inside soft.

   Another thing we like to do, is making pizza on tortillas. I found I like the corn ones better. This makes a great snack or meal. You can even throw another tortilla on top and make it quesadilla style. My mother in law makes them in a sandwich maker and calls them pizza pockets. Anyway you make it, my kids LOVE it and will gobble them up faster than you can make them.

   Booth ways are fast and cheap. Depending on how much you put on top of your pizza, it can be made for about $5. This is a great meal for those times when you need something fast or aren't really in the mood for cooking.

   Are there any other pizza variations you enjoy?

Easy Chicken Parmesan

   I am always looking for easy, fast recipes. Some days I don't have time to spend all day in the kitchen making my family a nice meal. But then again, who wants to spend all day in the kitchen anyway? I have found one of the easiest ways to make Chicken Parmesan. It's fast, it's easy and it doesn't cost too much.

   First we buy some chicken patties. You can buy any kind you'd like. We use these since they are pre cooked and only need to be heated through. This makes it even faster to make.

   Cook however many patties you need according to the directions on the package. While these are cooking, make whatever type of noodles you like. You also need to heat up your sauce if you are using a jar. If not, make your sauce. We used a jar of mushroom and green pepper pasta sauce.

   Once your noodles are done, place them on your plate.

   Add a chicken patty

   Pour some sauce over the top and sprinkle on some Parmesan Cheese. Dinner is ready!

   This is one of the best fast and cheap dinners! My family loves it. It only takes about half an hour to make which leaves more time to spend with your family. It's also a great meal to let your kids help put together.

   What is your favorite fast and easy meal? I am always looking for new ideas!

It's Taco Time!!!

My family loves tacos!  Over the last few years, I have developed a recipe for taco meat that EVERYONE in my family loves.  My recipe is a little unusual.  I use lean ground turkey instead of ground beef because I can’t eat beef due to an allergy (Insert happy cow sound here!).  Not only is it tasty, but it is also much lower in fat that your typical recipe made with ground beef. 

 

Here are the ingredients:

• 1 lb lean ground turkey
• 1 packet taco seasoning of your choice
• 2 cups hot water
• 1 can of nonfat refried beans
• 1 cup chunky mild salsa

First, brown the ground turkey, drain, and return it to the pan. Then, stir the taco seasoning into the hot water and let it dissolve.  Pour the liquid into the ground turkey and stir.  Simmer until the water is gone (about 15 minutes).  Add the refried beans and salsa.  Stir and heat until bubbling.  THAT’S IT!  It is so quick and easy.  The refried beans are a yummy addition and make the increase recipe quantity.  It is like you are doubling the recipe without doubling the cost!!!! 

 

Since this is such an easy recipe, I often double it so we can have lunch leftovers throughout the week.  A great aspect of this recipe is that it can be used for more than just tacos! Of course, you can serve it with hard shell tacos or soft tortillas and all the toppings.  Add this recipe to a large tortilla with cheese and it makes a delicious burrito.  This also makes the best taco salad topping (my personal favorite).  It can even be used as just a tasty dip for tortilla chips!  I think the versatility of this recipe is why it is my family’s favorite.   The kids love that they can make their lunch or dinner however they want. 

Give this recipe a try when you get a chance!  If you are running short on time, this is a great option.  Just a note—it freezes well too.  You can freeze your extra batch for another quick dinner later on.  It only takes a few minutes to defrost.  Try freezing it in individual portions to be reheated as needed for weekend lunches or snacks. 

Here is my favorite way to enjoy this recipe.