"Poverty Meal"

This past week was filled with ups and downs. I worked the business expo, which was sort of fun. I found out that the new cupcake company is not as great as it could be. I think that personalized baking and cooking is really key, especially because many desserts are too sweet. I also found out that I am a semifinalist for a scholarship competition. I have to get my friends and family to vote and get in the top 3 out of 8 contestants. It is a chance for me to win a good chunk of change that could really help pay tuition. I am hoping for the best!

This week has been stressful, yet exciting. I have 4 papers due this week, extra homework, and some organization president stuff to work on. I still have at least 10 different e-mails to send out. Ugh. It seems my time is mostly planned out. However, I took time to relax after my long day including: class, my senior assessment exam for english, and a visit to the local animal shelter to interview 3 different people. When I returned to my room, it was 4 pm and I was just burnt out. I watched the movie Have you heard of the Morgans? and jotted down a few other movies that I wish to see. I watched a bit of TV while dozing on my bed and just overall relaxed. I desperately needed that time to just chill. I feel much more level headed about the rest of this week. I am hoping to post one to three more times this week, since I've been slacking lately.

I cut up six kiwi and six bananas today so I could put them in my freezer. I absolutely adore smoothies now. I keep taking my fresh fruit and putting it in the freezer to make it last longer and to allow myself to make smoothies from it. My latest creation contained 3 frozen strawberries, a handful of frozen blueberries, a chunk of frozen spinach, and a good splash of Silk Fruit and Protein- Mixed Berry flavor. I like how Silk can instantly add protein to my smoothies! I should experiment with different healthy ingredients and see what else I could live with. I never even knew spinach would be alright until I tried it. First time for everything!

I will be gone on vacation for a week, though. My internet time will be rare and any internet time I have will need to be devoted to completing school work and keeping up with e-mails. Just a heads up! Hopefully my dorm won't be a roasting pot when I return like last time...

The recipe for today was quick to whip up, but we didn't have ground beef on hand. I used sausage and it turned out alright, but I felt it lacked flavor. I think this dish needs a bit more spice, and flavor boosters to make it absolutely delicious. I invite you all to experiment with the basic recipe and make it all your own! Next time I will add in basil, a bit of parsley, and maybe more garlic and onion.

"Poverty Meal" (from Food.com)

Ingredients:

• 1 large onion , chopped
• 2 garlic cloves , minced
• 1 Tbsp. olive oil
• 1 lb ground beef , browned and drained
• 2 (16 oz) cans stewed tomatoes
• 1 (16 oz) can water (fill the empty can from the tomatoes!)
• 8 ounces elbow macaroni , uncooked
• salt , to taste
• pepper , to taste
• parmesan cheese (optional)
• other cheeses to top (optional)

Instructions:

1. Saute the onions in a pan with olive oil until translucent. Add in the garlic and saute for about 3 minutes more.
2. Brown the ground beef in a pan and then drain off the fat.
3. Add the ground beef, the saute mix of onions and garlic, the tomatoes (juice and all), water, salt, pepper, and pasta into a large pot.
4. Bring to a boil.
5. Reduce the heat down to medium and cook for 15 - 20 minutes or until the pasta is tender. 
6. If desired, top with cheese.
7. Serve and enjoy!

The recipe suggests serving this dish with crusty bread and a salad. It is like Italian night that is simplified. As I said, make sure you add herbs and spices till it tastes right to you! Hope you enjoy! 

Love it? Hate it? Want to make it? Let me know what you think with a comment below!

As always...
Bon appétit!