It's fall!!!

I spent some time yesterday thinking about what Mom's need.. I really want this blog to be a resource for friends... A place to get or give advice. If you sew and want to show us what you make, let me know.. I would love to show you off.. If you have some advice we all need, please share...With the economy being what it is we need to have a central place for help, encouragement, and info!

I know I need about 20 more hours in a day.. however, since that isn't possible how about a quick cheat sheet for 5 quick meals that cost you less than $10? I was talking to some other mom's at soccer practice last night about eating out.. A coke is now $2 or $2.25 at a restaurant.. so you have spent almost $10 if you don't order water.. so here are some easy cheap recipes that your family will think you spent a ton of time cooking for them!

I bring out the crockpot for a few of these.

I borrowed this one from Stephanie over at http://crockpot365.blogspot.com/2008/11/salsa-chicken-and-black-bean-soup.html.. I love her blog.. use it all the time :)

• Salsa & Black bean soup - 1 pound chicken (I used frozen breast tenderloins), 1 cup dried black beans (or 2 cans, drained and rinsed) 4 cups chicken broth, 1 cup sliced mushrooms, 1 cup frozen corn, jar prepared salsa (16 oz),1 1/2 tsp cumin, /2 cup sour cream (to stir in at the end) ,shredded cheddar cheese, avocado slices, cilantro (all optional) Drain and rinse the beans. Add to the crockpot. Put in the chicken, and add the broth and salsa. Pour in the corn and mushrooms, and add the cumin. Stir, but don't disturb the beans---let them stay at the bottom of the pot, closest to the heating element. Cook on low for 6-8 hours, or on high for 4-5--similar to normal soup-cooking time. Stir in the 1/2 cup of sour cream before serving, and garnish with shredded cheese and avocado slices.

• Taco Chicken Breasts- put chicken breasts or tenderloins in the crock pot.. cover with water.. pour in taco seasoning packet and mix... cook all day.. shred.. can be used in soft tacos, quesadillas or with lettuce in a southwest salad

• Rotisserie Chicken in the crock pot - add your favorite seasonings.. I use kosher salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning.. use what you like.. I believe at Kroger the other day I saw crock pot packets.. wow.. OK anyway, take the icky stuff out of the cavity (ewwww) and take off any skin and put it in the crock pot - rub the spices on and do NOT add water - cover and cook on high 4 - 5 hours or on low about 8 hours

• Tomato soup and grilled cheese.. dress up the grilled cheese by using something other than American. I like to add some spinach and bacon.. not all that healthy but yumm!

• Chicken and dumplings - use the left over chicken and add a package of Mary B's dumplings to a large stockpot. You can use about 8 cups of chicken broth.. or you can use chicken bullion or you can use water and chicken broth. follow Mary B's directions on cooking. I usually add some salt and some poultry seasoning. and to space out the chicken I usually serve this two days later!

Hope these help! See you next week!