Homemade Spaghetti Sauce

Thursday, January 21, 2016
Homemade Spaghetti Sauce is easy to make and a great way to stock the freezer! Full of lots of meat and veggies. serenabakessimplyfromscratch.com

I don't think it's possible to make Homemade Spaghetti Sauce without making enough to feed an army. 

When I was growing up Granny would always make a large batch of the BEST Spaghetti Sauce and stock the freezer with the leftovers. She made the best homemade Spaghetti Sauce I ever had, aside from when I was in about 2nd or 3rd grade, and wanted the plain sauce without all the stuff, like my friends ate. That phase of life didn't last long and I quickly realized plain tomato sauce wasn't all it was cracked up to be.

This one time in 6th Grade I spent the night at my friends house, the next day while their parents were gone we became hungry so we made Spaghetti Sauce, and not like you open a can of Ragu Spaghetti Sauce, we made a giant stock pot full of Spaghetti Sauce! I can't remember the outcome of making a giant pot of Spaghetti Sauce but hopefully their family enjoyed it as much as we did! I also can't remember if we cleaned the kitchen, but I sure hope we did.

I can only imagine the look on their Mom's face when there was enough Spaghetti Sauce to feed an army, and the kitchen looked like a bomb went off.. It's moments like those I look back on, laugh, and pray their Mom wasn't frazzled.

My Spaghetti Sauce making ways haven't changed after all these years, I still make a ton, and try to keep a few jars in the freezer for an easy dinner.
2

Asian Shrimp Mango Black Rice Salad

Tuesday, January 19, 2016
Asian Shrimp Black Rice Salad with Mango, Pineapple, Kale, and Cilantro is a light, hearty, filling meal from Serena Bakes Simply From Scratch.

Writing this post today is incredible difficult for one reason.. I am out of ingredients to make more of this Asian Shrimp Mango Black Rice Salad, and can't wait to enjoy another mouthful of this deliciousness.

Asian Shrimp Mango Black Rice Salad is so hearty it doesn't feel like eating a typical salad, and a great healthy dinner option with only 394 calories per serving..

I used Village Harvest Black Rice as the base for the salad with it's delicious, earthy flavor. It contains plenty of iron, vitamins, minerals, and fiber making it the perfect start to a healthy, hearty salad, alongside shrimp, pineapple, mango, kale sprouts or baby kale, and cilantro.

The mango and pineapple help keep the salad light yet filling, providing that wonderful balance of sweet and sour flavors so common in Asian cuisine.

A simple Asian Vinaigrette is then drizzled over the top made with rice wine vinegar, sesame seed oil, soy sauce, fresh ginger, and seasonings, to deliciously compliment, and infuse the flavors.

Asian Shrimp and Black Rice Salad is equally delicious served warm on a chilly winter day, or chilled for an easy, healthy lunch or dinner.
1

Wonton Enchilada Taco Cups

Saturday, January 9, 2016
Wonton Taco Cups filled with homemade ground beef enchilada filling are a favorite easy finger food appetizer or dinner recipe.

Wonton Taco Cups filled with homemade ground beef enchilada filling are a favorite easy finger food appetizer or dinner recipe from Serena Bakes Simply From Scratch.

Enchilada Taco Cups are the hot thing in our house at the moment. I almost couldn't share these little bites of deliciousness with you, because I couldn't find the notebook I wrote the recipe on, before placing it into a safe place. It's probably a sign I need to condense down to one notebook to work on recipes, instead of 3. It would be embarrassing if I told you how often this occurrence goes on. 

Enchilada Taco Cups are super easy to make, and who doesn't love Mexican food? Colt and the kids can't get enough of these Enchilada Taco Cups, and seems to be the weekend favorite right now.

I used wonton wrappers for the shell since they come pre-cut in perfect bite size pieces and turn into delicious crunch cups.

Then I made an easy homemade saucy enchilada base with ground beef, and topped them with cheese, before popping them in the oven to get extra toasty. We then garnished the cups with tomato, avocado, sour cream, and salsa, or hot sauce.

For Cinco De Mayo or a Super Bowl party these would be fun with a condiment bar, so everyone can chose their own topping.

Not only are they tasty, but super easy to make which equates to a win in my book! 
2

Borscht with Beef

Sunday, January 3, 2016
Borscht Soup recipe made with beef and beets is a hearty healthy soup from Russia.

Borscht Soup has been a long time winter favorite of mine for as long as I can remember, even as a kid I loved a huge healthy bowl of the hearty goodness. I'm not sure if it's just a deep part of my bohemian genes or the gorgeous inviting colors, but it's definitely a soup that warms my soul.

Borscht is a great recipe if your looking to reduce your grocery budget in the new year with only 10 ingredients that are mainly kitchen staples, and really easy to make. It's also around 400 calories a serving, under 500 if you add a dollop of sour cream or greek yogurt so it's perfect if one of your New Years resolutions is healthier eating.

I adapted this recipe from my Dad's wife Anna, she's from Uzbekistan, so when I was looking for a  Borscht recipe she gave me a few authentic tips. 

She told me you can use beef or pork in the Borscht, and either is really tasty. I've tried it both ways, and they are equally delicious, but I think beef is my favorite. 

She adds less beets then I do, but I find the kids devour the soup even with more beets, so it's a great way to sneak in a few extra veggies in. I believe she uses fresh tomatoes, but I prefer canned tomatoes in the winter, since tomatoes this time of year aren't as ripe. 

I could have that mixed up, because I couldn't find my notes on Borscht, and made it strictly from memory this time.

I couldn't think of a better dish to kick off the first of the year, but something hearty, healthy, and delicious like this Beef Borscht recipe.
15
Serena Bakes Simply From Scratch Copyright © 2011-2023 All Rights Reserved. Powered by Blogger.