Meals on a Budget

Over the years, I have been a volunteer chef at the local preschool where many of the children there are homeless and rely on a nourishing meal. They have since relocated the preschool and it is now housed in the local homeless shelter. I volunteer as a teacher, when time permits, to teach mainly women who are transitioning back from homelessness how to cook on a budget. Typically the meal is for a family of 4 and should cost $10.00. One way to achieve a cost effective meal is to rely on beans as they are high in protein and inexpensive. I prefer canned beans, but you can soak dried beans overnight as well. I want to share with you some of my meals for families on a budget.

First, a few things about homelessness based on an article by National Alliance to END HOMELESSNESS
The solution to homelessness is straightforward: housing. By connecting people experiencing homelessness to housing (public housing) and services, they have a platform from which they can address other areas that may have contributed to their homelessness — such as unemployment, health, and substance abuse.
In many places across America, there is simply not enough available affordable housing. Without this housing stock, many homeless Americans are likely to continue to cycle in and out of homelessness

Also, low-income families are at high risk for homelessness due to unemployment or being underemployed due to a number of factors, such as a challenging labor market; limited education; a gap in work history; unreliable transportation or unstable housing; or poor health.

The homeless shelter that I volunteer at provides training and job placement, and educates residents (some are residents some are out on their own, but come back for continued support and education) on health care options. Most importantly it provides a place that is warm, caring and nurturing – something they desperately need!

My job is to teach them to make a meal. It’s amazing that the first meal I made with them was eggplant and no one had heard of an eggplant let alone eaten one! My Armenian Eggplant Casserole I am happy to say was a bit hit! You should see the dishes they developed! Here is the link to my recipe.
https://marioochskitchen.com/recipe/armenian-eggplant-casserole/

This meal is my families’ favorite. It is on the lighter side but we serve it with a side of sour cream, and you can offer some delicious warm bread along side it to dip into the eggplant. This is my go-to meal! Here is a fabulous bread recipe as well. Here is the link.https://marioochskitchen.com/recipe/armenian-easter-bread/

Here are a few soups which are also family favorites Pasta Fagioli Soup made with white beans and Lentil Soup. These soups are very hearty. Here are the links.https://marioochskitchen.com/recipe/pasta-fagioli soup/https://marioochskitchen.com/recipe/lentil-soup/

Pasta is another great option when you are trying to feed a family and provide a hearty meal. Pasta, Tuna and Peas is a great choice. Here is the link.https://marioochskitchen.com/recipe/pasta-tuna-peas/ We all love this meal, and it offers the peas and tuna both of which have added protein. Peas are a starchy vegetable, but are very nutritious. Another meal that was offered by another chef the day I visited the shelter was pasta with blanched kale, and you can add a white bean to that.

Meat and chicken also offer necessary vitamins, some more ideas for incorporating meat and chicken are my taco boats ( or tacos), chicken and rice burrito bowls, enchiladas with cheese sauce, and sloppy joes all of these can be found on my website by typing the name in the search bar. These meals are low on cost, but high on taste!

Enjoy!! xo

Spring is in the air!

I am looking forward to Spring and all that it has to offer from Easter egg hunts, to flowers blossoming in my yard, to green grass, and long dinners outside with friends. We had a mild winter with very little snow fall along the east coast. I am still hoping for a little more snow fall though before all the trees start to blossom. This is the time of year we prune back our apple trees. Unfortunately, we didn’t have apples last for the first time in 16 years! Apparently, there was too much rainfall. I also look forward to seeing the blossoms on my apple trees this Spring.

With Spring comes more time for outdoor entertaining! As you know, I’ve been a big fan of these cheese boards “Charcuteries” is the proper name and pronounced (shahr-koo-tuh-reez). In fact, we even do a cheese board dinner some weeknights. If you are planning on entertaining this Spring try incorporating some cheese boards into your menu. It creates a place where everyone will gather, and it sets off a rustic vibe especially when you are eating outdoors. Try to find some rustic boards like the ones seen in these photos. Adding fruit, cheese, and healthy crackers are a great start and you can build your board from there.

Figs are always a hit at my house, but they are seasonal fruits and very hard to find. They are a nice addition to any board, add some honey to drizzle on top and of course pair it with some goat cheese! Don’t forget candles for outside parties, and colorful dishes to have a nice color balance with the food you are displaying. A crisp white linen sets the back drop for this gorgeous display, and will have your guests talking and coming back for more and more food, so stock up on everything and keep it in the frig ready to add to that Charcuterie, so it always looks welcoming.

READY, SET, ENTERTAIN! Happy Almost SPRING! xo Mary

Eat in a Rainbow of Colors

My Rainbow Fruit and Veggie Platter is inspired by the beautiful Christie Brinkley who recently turned 65 years old! She is a true testament of ageless beauty and healthful eating habits. She is just as beautiful on the inside with her humanitarian efforts, and support of many good will organizations like Smile Train. She eats in a rainbow of colors like you see in this gorgeous photo, with the exception of the meat of course as she is a strict vegetarian. Choosing organic fruits and veggies is a good healthy habit so that you avoid unnecessary pesticides. Something she makes a priority especially with her line of Bellissima Prosecco.- A line I have had the pleasure of working with to develop some wonderful drink combos. It is organic and vegan!

Here are some helpful hints on arranging the most beautiful, eye-catching and colorful fruit and veggie platter. Click on the link here.https://marioochskitchen.com/recipe/rainbow-fruit-and-veggie-platter/ And remember to eat in a rainbow of colors to maximize your health benefits at each and every meal and snack!

Valentine’s Day Snack Board

What’s on your Valentine’s Day Menu? What about doing a Valentine’s Day Snack Board? These are easy to assemble with a little planning. The kids LOVE them, and so do the adults. And yes, chocolate is involved. Have I gotten your attention?!!

Start by finding a large wood board 20 by 20 is a great size. They sell these all over. Sur La Table has some nice ones, albeit a bit pricey. Marshalls, Homegoods and Target have some as well. Next, think about the components your family will love. My family loves my Pepperoni Pizza which has the same ingredients as my Pepperoni Pinwheel Recipe. Click on the link here. https://marioochskitchen.com/recipe/pepperoni-pinwheels/  Use a pastry sheet by Pillsbury and shape into a heart. I have a heart pan I used, but you don’t necessarily need that. Shape the dough into a heart and use a round pizza tin. Assemble the layers of spices, pepperoni, and you can add the shredded cheese last. Bake and let this cool completely. Place in the center of your board as a focal point. Don’t forget to save some pepperoni and place on the board.

Next, Cheese is always a winner and pairs well with the pizza. I shaped the cheeses into hearts by using a cookie cutter. You can even buy sliced cheese and use that. I would offer 2-3 different types of cheeses. I found the baby bell wrapped cheese and turn turned them upside down.

Now pick some fruit. I chose the red grapes, pomegranates, and gala apples to stay within the red-colored theme for Valentine’s day. You can do cherries, whole pomegranates cut in half to show the bright red seeds, strawberries if they are in season, figs cut in half, or bright red tomatoes. or even sliced tomatoes. Be creative!

Then pick some crackers or chips. I was lucky to find these bright red tortilla chips, so I used these too. If you have chips add a white bean dip or even better a salsa! Put it in a red colored jar. Add a raspberry, strawberry or fig jam in a clear glass jar.

Last, you will want to use some garnish. I used fresh thyme leaves which don’t wilt and give the board an earthy, rustic vibe. Also, don’t forget to have some dark chocolate for a sweet treat. If you can dip some strawberries in chocolate, everyone loves those!! Assemble everything as artfully as possible. Start with the pizza, then place your cheeses, and add the crackers and fruit last. Be sure the fruit is completely dry. Garnish with thyme last. Enjoy! Happy Valentine’s Day!

Directions for hand dipped strawberries: melt some dark chocolate in microwave, mix, dip each strawberry until evenly coated with chocolate. Place on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. After 15 minutes the chocolate will harden and they will be ready to eat! Can store in frig for up to 1-2 days.