In preparing meals, we always say to ourselves “ if there are any leftovers, they can be used the next day.” I, for one, have said that many times! Just how do leftovers work? Well, this works if we have a plan for the leftovers. sandwiches? Burritos? In being a smart shopper, we look first of all for the basics of a main dish. If it is chicken, one chicken may make 4 servings, consisting of 2 sets of thighs and drumsticks, 2 breasts, plus the extra pieces for making a broth for other uses, such as a soup or sauce base.

This is for an average size chicken. They may be prepared by frying and served with mashed potatoes, or rice. How about making a stew using your favorite vegetables, or roasted with vegetables, making it a complete meal, by baking it with onions, carrots celery, Tomatoes, and yes, even apples, throw in a couple of potatoes, seasoning with salt pepper, garlic, or a casserole and there you have a complete meal!

In shopping for groceries, I find myself looking at the produce and meat counters happily with the thoughts of how I will create a recipe for a meal that meets our food requirements and healthy status. Foods that are feasible and tasting for our palate. By doing this, I too continue to get an education on food preparation, and it doesn’t matter how long or how much I love to cook! Every recipe is an adventure for me! Especially, in giving it a gourmet enhancement!

When it comes to preparing beef, we look for a way to stretch that one pound of ground beef, by adding rice, or potatoes, or a vegetable to enhance it. If it isn’t ground beef, a roast, a steak, and again prepare it as you would the chicken. Usually, this is where the casseroles come in. This is another example of a one pot meal. Which goes to say for all beef and poultry.

If your schedule is hectic and there is no time to come home and cook for your self or your family, the time is now to bring out the Crock Pot, or invest in one. Think of fixing a savory pot of chili with one pound of beef or poultry! Don’t forget
the rice so you may scoop it on top of a bowl of chili! A meal in a bowl with tortillas, or a crusty bread! This combination is a protein source at it’s best!

Just where are we going with all this? Well, for one, our time is precious, and needless to say, so is our budget. Our pockets seem to be emptying faster as we go grocery shopping. We still have to eat. Look for the sale ads on beef and poultry, and vegetables. Buy with a meal in mind. Going back to basics on food preparation is a good thing!

When I create my recipes to prepare meals in my home, I will pass them on to you as I have done in the past. They will be economical, tasty and in some cases, gourmet! If you have an economical and hearty recipe that you would like to share with all us, please let me hear from you. Until then, I will continue to serve you all with the best in food recipes to help our pocketbooks!

Let me share a simple, but savory and tasteful recipe with all kinds of possibilities for a lovely meal. It will take on the starring role with any kind of vegetables you you like, and open to any accompaniment of pasta, potatoes or rice. It’s your recipe now, so you create it with the best source of what you will find on the “specials” at the grocery store!

OVEN FRIED-CHICKEN
1 fryer chicken, cut up; 1½ cup flour ; ½ tablespoon paprika;1 teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon pepper; 1 teaspoon garlic powder;
1. Mix all the dry ingredients and roll chicken pieces in the mixture.
2. Place in a greased shallow pan, skin side up and bake for about 1 hour and 15 minutes
in a 350 oven or in a 400 degree oven for 1 hour. This recipe may be doubled.