Naf Naf Lentil Soup

7 Comments April 16, 2019 FrugalHausfrau

I’ve been meaning to post Naf Naf Lentil Soup for awhile, but today I was inspired because it has to be the perfect after tax day soup – especially if you’re not getting a refund! Made in minutes with a handful of ingredients, it’s not only absolutely delish, it’s downright cheap to make. It’s modeled after the soup at the fast casual restaurant, Naf Naf Middle Eastern Grill. I had to stop in awhile back to try their Chicken Shawarma, but it was the Lentil Soup that blew me away!

Naf Naf Lentil Soup

Kale Salad With Creamy Caesar

6 Comments April 12, 2019 FrugalHausfrau

First of all, a disclaimer! This really isn’t a “Caesar” dressing in this Kale Salad With Creamy Caesar, but it IS a dressing that’s creamy and cool and punching with enough flavor to stand up to and tame any kale salad. It’s a little bold, a little brash and as the kids would say, “Gangsta.” (That’s when the kids say, “Mom, no one says that, lol!) I don’t think there could be anything more perfect with a Kale salad than this creamy dressing.

Kale Salad With Creamy Caesar

Fresh Pea Pesto

23 Comments April 4, 2019 FrugalHausfrau

Spring has finally started to spring here! I have a shoot from a daylily coming up. And of course, raking and clean up (with some snow still in the yard) is happening, thanks to my son. We’re hoping to get some of the leaves up before the spring rains hit – a horrible job since I couldn’t rake last fall. But with spring comes renewed life & renewed hope – and this Fresh Pea Pesto.

Fresh Pea Pesto over pasta

Braised Pork Roast with Sausage & Cabbage

19 Comments March 31, 2019 FrugalHausfrau

Usually, I think of long, slow cooking like Braised Pork Roast with Sausage & Cabbage in the fall, but a pot of this glorious dish couldn’t be better on a cold, drizzly spring day. This is like Sunday dinner extraordinaire! You might want to try to make this sometime this spring before it gets too warm for a hearty dinner.

Braised Pork Roast with Sausage & Cabbage

Not Grandma’s Salmon Loaf

13 Comments March 24, 2019 FrugalHausfrau

As a child, I don’t think anything struck more terror in my heart than learning dinner was Grandma’s Salmon Loaf. It was on regular rotation during both Advent, the weeks leading up to Christmas and Lent, before Easter, when there were many days of fasting, abstinence, and obligation when meat wasn’t served. I’ve always thought about making a post for that Salmon Loaf, but just never could do that to y’all – or to me! So that’s prompted me to come up with Not Grandma’s Salmon Loaf!

Not Grandma’s Salmon Loaf – this is the recipe that will win you over!

Best Bacon Waffles

6 Comments March 23, 2019 FrugalHausfrau

There are a lot of “holidays” in the Spring, but ya wanna know what one of my faves is? Waffle Day. It’s on March 25th but I celebrated it this year, early, with these glorious, crispy and fluffy Best Bacon Waffles! And then I slathered them with my Bacon Pecan Syrup (although I left the pecans out) and had my own little celebration. This is an excellent waffle recipe, btw, without the bacon, too. I like it even more than the Alton Brown’s Really Good Waffles that are already on my site.

Best Bacon Waffles

Simon Pearce Vermont Cheddar Soup

15 Comments March 13, 2019 FrugalHausfrau

I’ve become a pretty big fan of Simon Pearce’s Restaurant and an even bigger fan of the Simon Pearce Vermont Cheddar Soup. And the weird thing is, I’ve never been to the Mill at Simon Pearce, the restaurant in Quechee, Vermont. And never had their Simon Pearce Vermont Cheddar Soup there, either. But no matter, I can have it right here in Minnesota (you betcha) where it seems just as at home on a snowy March night.

Simon Pearce Vermont Cheddar Soup

Instant Pot Corned Beef & Cabbage

8 Comments March 8, 2019 FrugalHausfrau

Ya gotta know I have a bit of a thing for Corned Beef. Heck, I and can hardly wait every year to make it for St. Paddy’s day! I even have a couple of recipes already on my site, Corned Beef & Cabbage Dinner for the Crockpot or Oven and a Whiskey & Marmalade Glazed Corned Beef. Both are delish but I just had to make an Instant Pot Corned Beef for this year. I’ve actually made it several times just to make sure ~~I got my fill~~ I perfected it before I posted the recipe, here.

Instant Pot Corned Beef & Cabbage

New Orleans Creole Jambalaya

12 Comments March 4, 2019 FrugalHausfrau

Mardi Gras is almost upon up, and Mardi Gras always makes me think of New Orleans and New Orleans always makes me think of Jambalaya. See how my mind works? It’s all about the food, lol! And while my fave Jambalaya Recipe is already on my site, one made with a roux (that’s said to be the Cajun-style) I really wanted to up my game this year and perfect a Creole-style Jambalaya, the tomato-y kind. Yeah, I’ had to get out of my (very delish) Cajun rut and make this New Orleans Creole Jambalaya for Mardi Gras this year.

New Orleans Creole Jambalaya

Stuffed Bell Pepper Soup Instant Pot/Stove Top

16 Comments February 23, 2019 FrugalHausfrau

So I was trying to think of the last time I made Soup. It was so long, I had to look it up! I made a White Chicken Chili that can be made in the Slow Cooker, Instant Pot or on the Stove in January, and it’s pretty soup-like but the last bone fide soup I made was in December: My friend Tanya’s Instant Pot Mexican Chipotle Chicken Soup. So I’m due! You, my friends, are due! I’m getting out of my Mexican soup rut and shaking things up with this Stuffed Bell Pepper Soup Instant Pot/Stove Top.

Stuffed Bell Pepper Soup Instant Pot/Stove Top

Orzo with Sausage & Peppers

10 Comments February 7, 2019 FrugalHausfrau

If you follow me (and if you don’t, I’d love it if you do, see the right sidebar) you know I made Boston Sausage & Pepper Grinders right before Superbowl 2019. See the New England Patriots were playing the Los Angeles Rams (and the Patriots won) and I thought those “grinders” (that’s just the local name for sandwiches) would be perfect for the Superbowl or any game day, or really anytime! What’s not perfect? Leftovers. Leftover link sausages? They’re kinda sad. So I’ve refashioned them into Orzo with Sausage & Peppers.

Orzo with Sausage & Peppers

Grilled Hawaiian Pineapple Pork Chops

27 Comments January 31, 2019 FrugalHausfrau

Ok, so I hate January. And February. And I’m not too wild about March, either. That’s because I live up Nord in Minnesota, you betcha, and while December is kind of exciting, by the time January rolls around, I’m just about done with it! But you know what I love about January? Pineapples! You heard me right! And I now love these Grilled Hawaiian Pineapple Pork Chops.

Grilled Hawaiian Pineapple Pork Chops

White Chicken Chili Slow Cooker – Instant Pot – Stovetop

15 Comments January 28, 2019 FrugalHausfrau

It’s been pretty bitter in the Twin Cities, but we’re having a little heatwave and are up to 12 degrees. Which would be great if we didn’t get about 7 inches of snow last night and even better if the high tomorrow wasn’t expected to be -5 with a low of -25 and worse on Wednesday. But that’s exactly the time you want soup! And even better a pretty much pantry soup (if your pantry is anything like mine) and not just any soup. You want this little White Chicken Chili Slow Cooker – Instant Pot – Stovetop number coz it’s going to warm you from the inside out!

White Chicken Chili Slow Cooker – Instant Pot – Stovetop

Simon Pearce Quechee Quiche

22 Comments January 25, 2019 FrugalHausfrau

We are having “Arctic Chill.” It got ccccold last night and right now it’s minus 11. And I have no right to complain because I live in Minnesota, but we’ve been so spoiled this year it’s a shock. We Minnesotans know that a real Arctic Chill can be 34 to 35 below, so there’s that. Maybe we’re actually lucky. But today I feel particularly lucky because I don’t have to go anywhere and I have a piece of Simon Pearce Quechee Quiche I’m going to have for breakfast!

Simon Pearce Quechee Quiche – it’s a little puffy out of the oven but it settles a bit

Cubby’s Beet & Goat Cheese Salad

18 Comments January 22, 2019 FrugalHausfrau

I haven’t posted a big ol’ salad for a while and for a while I’ve been intrigued by this Cubby’s Beet & Goat Cheese Salad. As stated on Cubby’s website, the salad is a mix of Spring Greens, Roasted Red Beets, Toasted Pistachios, Goat Cheese, Avocado, Orange Slices, Orange Zest, and Orange Balsamic Vinaigrette.

Cubbys Beet & Goat Cheese Salad

Shortcut Chicken Fajitas; perfect for a prep meal.

12 Healthy Budget Meal Strategies

19 Comments January 17, 2019 FrugalHausfrau

I hear over and over it’s too expensive to eat “healthy” and you hear it so much, it’s gotta be true, right? I think that’s an “oft-repeated lie.” Stay with me as I prove that wrong with these 12 Healthy Budget Meal Strategies & recipes to go with them. You don’t always have to pay a lot to eat well, and might just save money if you shop carefully and cook at home. Bonus!

Instant Pot Mexican Chipotle Chicken Soup

6 Comments December 15, 2018 FrugalHausfrau

I was chatting with my friend Tonya on facebook book the other day. I asked if she’d made anything great in her Instant Pot and she gave me this recipe, Instant Pot Mexican Chipotle Chicken Soup. This soup saved my life! Thanks Tonya for sharing!

Instant Pot Mexican Chipotle Chicken Soup

Cheap Holiday Party Tray

19 Comments December 12, 2018 FrugalHausfrau

When the holidays roll around and you’re asked to a party, do you usually say, “What can I bring?” And what if you don’t usually cook, or can’t cook. And maybe your budget is overextended as it is. That’s when you might think Party Tray. And if you know how to assemble a Cheap Holiday Party Tray, all your problems are solved. At least the what to bring option is. I apologize that this tray isn’t decked out in Christmas trappings. Between my bad shoulder and hand, I’m a bit limited and obviously made this Cheap Holiday Party Tray right around Thanksgiving. If you follow me, you might even recognize a few of these items. I’ll link to them, too.

Cheap Holiday Party Tray

Nathalie Duprees Meatloaf

19 Comments December 11, 2018 FrugalHausfrau

Do y’all know Nathalie Dupree? She’s like the queen of Southern cooking; the Southern Julia Child. So when a friend (the same friend who introduced me to Panera’s Steak & White Cheddar Panini and many other meals & recipes over the years – she has great taste!) mentioned that Nathalie Duprees Meatloaf was a family favorite, I couldn’t wait to try it. It’s actually been on my must make list for a while and I gotta say it’s just the perfect thing to make on a cold winter weekend.

Nathalie Duprees Meatloaf

Almost Bon Appetit’s Dry Rubbed Turkey

14 Comments December 8, 2018 FrugalHausfrau

I know I probably should have had this post out weeks before Thanksgiving, but better late than never, right? Anyway, I figure a lot of you must have Turkey for Christmas, too, or you can pin it for next year. And what a turkey this Almost Bon Appetit’s Dry Rubbed Turkey is! The “Almost” is because I’ve changed it up, just a bit. Find the original recipe here on Bon Appetit’s site; they have several dry-brined turkey recipes.

Almost Bon Appetit’s Dry Rubbed Turkey

Fast Fresh Instant Pot Lo Mein

18 Comments December 3, 2018 FrugalHausfrau

I’m a huge fan of Lo Mein so when a friend mentioned she saw a recipe for Instant Pot Lo Mein, I was wowed. Could I make a Fast Fresh Instant Pot Lo Mein? One that’s as good or even better than my skillet versions? Maybe even better than takeout? The answer’s “Yes!” As in yes, yes, yes, pluheese! If you love Lo Mein, this Instant Pot version will rock your world.

Fast Fresh Instant Pot Lo Mein

Lighter Mongolian Beef

20 Comments December 2, 2018 FrugalHausfrau

When I decided to make my Lighter Mongolian Beef, I wanted to look a little into the history of Mongolian Beef. I already knew it wasn’t an authentic Mongolian recipe but had heard rumors that Mongolian Beef was invented by the owner of PF Chang’s. Turns out that Mongolian Beef was originally made in Taiwan.

Lighter Mongolian Beef

Ina Garten's Guacamole Salmon Sandwiches

Ina Garten’s Salmon & Guacamole Sandwiches

16 Comments November 29, 2018 FrugalHausfrau

So yesterday, I posted Ina Garten’s Guacamole, and while that’s perfect for just about any party or gathering, it’s really perfect with Ina Garten’s Salmon & Guacamole Sandwiches.

Ina Garten’s Guacamole Salmon Sandwiches

Olive Garden’s Zuppa Toscana Copycat

15 Comments November 25, 2018 FrugalHausfrau

There’s something about Olive Garden. People love it or hate it, but I have to say they’ve cracked the code on how to keep America’s diners happy and coming back. My folks are big fans (more about that, below) but my favorite thing, by far on the menu, is their Zuppa Toscana Soup. Luckily, it’s super easy and fast to make at home. You just need Olive Garden’s Zuppa Toscana Copycat recipe.

Olive Garden’s Zuppa Toscana Copycat

Best Ham Stock Instant Pot or Stovetop

7 Comments November 23, 2018 FrugalHausfrau

Here it is, Thanksgiving already. Well, just past. And I thought this might be a great time to put out a recipe on my Best Ham Stock, Instant Pot or Not. I know a lot of you have had Turkey and so I’ve already got you covered with my Best Chicken or Turkey Stock.

Best Ham Stock Instant Pot or Stovetop Read More

Vietnamese Beef & Potatoes Bo Xao Khoai Tay

23 Comments November 1, 2018 FrugalHausfrau

I’ve seen quite a few versions of Stir-Fried Beef & Potatoes and quite a few photos, and this recipe for my version, Vietnamese Beef & Potatoes Bo Xao Khoai Tay seems to be different. It’s how the Chef at my favorite Vietnamese restaurant in the Twin Cities makes their Vietnamese Beef & Potatoes and it is utterly crave-worthy!

Vietnamese Beef & Potatoes Bo Xao Khoai Tay

Minnesota Cassoulet “Bean Pot”

24 Comments October 25, 2018 FrugalHausfrau

It’s easy to always think about St. Paul & Minneapolis, the Twin Cities, as a Swedish/Norwegian city and we do have a large population. Maybe our weather made them feel at home. But it’s just as easy to forget that our earliest settlements were French and/or French Canadian. So in honor of our French, here’s a “Bean Pot” or if ya want to be fancier, I’ll just call this a Minnesota Cassoulet Bean Pot.

Minnesota Cassoulet “Bean Pot”

Freshly Popped Homemade Popcorn

10 Comments October 20, 2018 FrugalHausfrau

As far as a frugal snack, there’s not much that beats out popcorn. That is if you’re ditching the boxes of the microwave stuff and sticking with a bag or a jar of kernels and making your own Freshly Popped Homemade Popcorn. Yanno, microwave popcorn packets are the biggest rip-off since instant oatmeal packets. Hey, it HAD to be said! I mean really, what’s going to be next? Bottled water, lol?!

Freshly Popped Homemade Popcorn

Frugal Hausfrau

Recipes so Good no-one will know you're Cheap!

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Naf Naf Lentil Soup

Kale Salad With Creamy Caesar

Fresh Pea Pesto

Braised Pork Roast with Sausage & Cabbage

Not Grandma’s Salmon Loaf

Best Bacon Waffles

Simon Pearce Vermont Cheddar Soup

Instant Pot Corned Beef & Cabbage

New Orleans Creole Jambalaya

Stuffed Bell Pepper Soup Instant Pot/Stove Top

Orzo with Sausage & Peppers

Grilled Hawaiian Pineapple Pork Chops

White Chicken Chili Slow Cooker – Instant Pot – Stovetop

Simon Pearce Quechee Quiche

Cubby’s Beet & Goat Cheese Salad

12 Healthy Budget Meal Strategies

Instant Pot Mexican Chipotle Chicken Soup

Cheap Holiday Party Tray

Nathalie Duprees Meatloaf

Almost Bon Appetit’s Dry Rubbed Turkey

Fast Fresh Instant Pot Lo Mein

Lighter Mongolian Beef

Ina Garten’s Salmon & Guacamole Sandwiches

Olive Garden’s Zuppa Toscana Copycat

Best Ham Stock Instant Pot or Stovetop

Vietnamese Beef & Potatoes Bo Xao Khoai Tay

Minnesota Cassoulet “Bean Pot”

Freshly Popped Homemade Popcorn