Some of My Off the Wall Recipes

I know I post some unusual food items sometimes.  I am pretty easy to please and I hate to waste anything.  I like finding new ways to fix food.
I know that come heck or highwater - I will be eating - and eating well.  I have learned to experiment with food and have fun with it.  Waste has never been in my vocabulary.

I will try to give recipes for a few 'odd' things I make (sort of recipes) - as I just usually wing it!
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VEGGIE/RICE BURGERS (from last week)
I had leftover dirty rice and leftover refried beans.  Mixed them together - added some finely chopped onion, a bit of beef bouillon, and bread crumbs.  (You could use crushed crackers or even oats).  Got it a consistency that I could form patties.  I then fried on a non-stick griddle.  Browned both sides and topped with cheese as they were about done.  Made for a very tasty sandwich and a side the next day.
If you just have regular red or black beans (or any kind) just smash them up a bit and add to any type of leftover rice.  You an also use lentils as a base for veggie burgers.

Rice mixes available at Aldi.  These are very good and provide enough for a small family.  No need to make a huge pot of something when you can use these mixes.  Very comparable to name brand and less than a $1 a box.  I always have these on hand.

STUFFING PATTIES
I mixed a box of Stovetop cornbread stuffing mix (you can use any type) with an egg and about 3/4 C water.  I added a small can of chunk chicken.  You could add any type of leftover meat.  I have done with chopped turkey and ground sausage.  You can also leave meat out entirely.
Form into patties and fry on griddle until golden brown on each side.  These are very good.  Great as a side instead of meat.  You could also do these in a waffle iron.  I have done that as well.

SALADS
I make pasta salads with fresh veggies - more veggies than pasta.  Any type of veggies work.  Can use Mayo or store bought or homemade dressing of any type.

I add whatever veggies I have.  Above is  brocolli, zucchini, cucumbers, tomatoes, peppers, onion, carrots with a little pasta.  You truly don't have to add pasta - I do, to make it more of a meal.

Ham, tuna, chicken or egg salad are huge summer favorites.  Eat on bread or bun or just plate it up with some veggies and chips and you have a simple, cool and refreshing meal.

I often add frozen peas to my meat salads - my Mom always did and so do I.  It just adds a veggie to the mix and it is colorful!

VEGGIES

Most of us steam or cook our veggies.  Some veggies are better roasted - can do on the grill in the summer.  I like sautéed or fried veggies.  We all think about fried potatoes, fried/breaded okra (YUM), fried green tomatoes or fried zucchini.

I like to add a bit of butter or bacon grease to a pan and sautee up green beans.  They are so good, add a bit of chopped onion or bacon crumbles.  Fried corn (or hominy) with diced onion and peppers is totally yum.  Love fried/sautéed  asparagus.

The list goes on and on.  Get outside the box a bit and try fixing things new ways.  Trust me you may find a new family favorite.  You can fry any type of veggie.

Another easy and fun food is fried apples!!!  Melt a bit of butter - peel and slice apples (got some that need used up?) and then add a bit of brown sugar or sugar and maybe a dash of cinnamon and cook until tender.  OH MY they are so good.  Great as a side with pork or use as a dessert!

TURKEY BURGERS
Turkey, chicken or pork grind makes great burgers.  It tends to be softer in texture, so you  may need to add bread crumbs, oatmeal, or cracker crumbs.  If you want a 'beef burger' taste add beef bouillon to your mix.  Fry up as you would with any burger.  This can be a healthier version of meat and it can be cheaper with the price of beef now.
I found a package of ground turkey in the freezer this week that I got on a clearance and made that into burgers.  Made enough for my meal and to freeze for later - all from a pound of meat.
You can also substitute in chili, tacos, meatballs, sloppy Joe's, etc.

1.19 and I got burgers for several meals - doesn't get much cheaper than that! (empty package - forgot to take picture with turkey in it!)

RICE MIXES

The mixes that I pictured above can be used in so many ways for a non-meat type meal. (Of course you can add meat if desired).

I use as a side dish, mix into burgers or meatloaf, use in enchiladas, burritos, tacos, frittatas, you name it.  I often make soup in the fall/winter with these being my base - just add veggies, tomatoes, broth, meat - whatever you want to add.  Makes for a nice hearty and tangy soup.

PORTABELLA MUSHROOMS

Not just a shroom any more.  They are great to use as a substitute for burgers.  Grill or fry until tender and top with cheese and plop on a bun with all the fixings.

I like to stuff the bella's with a mixture of cream cheese, sour cream, a bit of shredded cheddar and jalapenos and bake or grill.  Oh my goodness these are so yummy.

I can make these as a main course.  Mushrooms are a wonderful substitute for meat - so hearty and meaty tasting.

You can stuff mushrooms with about any combo you can come up with and then bake/grill.  They sell stuffed Portabella mushrooms at the grocery and the are very expensive.  Make yourself a delicacy at home for much less $$

Hope this gives you and idea or two of lighter ways to eat this summer or just a lighter way to eat in general.  Get into using things in new and different ways - it really can expand your food adventures and your dollars!
ENJOY