So it's been a couple of days...

Because I've been apartment sitting I haven't had a chance to update this as much as possible. It's also because I left my computer charger at my apt, and didn't pick it up for 3 days..  I've had to fend for myself in a place that really doesn't have too much to offer too so finding things to eat has been interesting.

Today tho I received a lovely recipe from my best-est friend ever, Jake. Here's what he sent.

Italian Jumbalaya

Saute one diced green pepper with 1/2 a cup of onions and two tablespoons minced garlic, add in 1 pound ground beef. Add teaspoon of season salt. Cook hamburger through, then add one jar or large can of spaghetti sauce. do not drain hamburger grease. Add half a cup of parmesan cheese, half a cup of sour cream, 3 tablespoons butter, teaspoon each of basil, oregano, and garden seasoning and combine. Allow sauce to cook for at least 30 mins. Add one cup to one and a half cups of cooked rice to sauce and mixed until well blended. Serve with garlic bread. Variation could be done with smoked sausage or italian sausage.

I just might try it when I get enough money to start cooking for myself again.

Thanks Jake!

Some interesting ideas

Becca writes in:
Imani, i have a challenge for u
im tryna get rid of some pancake mix, one can of chicken, some bologna and sprinkles.

impress me

My response:
Shred up the chicken and chop up the bologna. Put it in the pancake mix. Make them into pancakes. You can either use maple syrup or a spicy glaze for the pancakes. Don't Over Saturate the pancakes. Put the Springkles on ice cream such a vanilla or mint chocolate chip.

Becca:
actually not bad. I didn't use the sprinkles yet.

*****

Samuel writes in:
so i have dil pickles, broccoli, funfetti frosting, and heavy whipping cream?

Imani:
Sam, chop the pickles up finely and mix them with the broccoli. Eat that as a veg entree. Fold the whipped cream into the Funfetti until light and fluffy. Add Becca's sprinkles. Spoon into mouth while watching Steel Magnolias.

got chicken?

So here's a recipe that will last a couple of days as well as fill you up.

 So one day I was walking to a coffee shop in Grand Central here in the city when people were literally throwing bags of Homestyle Mac and Cheese at me and other people walking by. Later on that evening I decided I was hungry, but wanted to make something that would last a while. I really didn't have much in my fridge or the cabinets. All I had was a can of white chicken breast, some herbs, shredded cheese and sun-dried tomatoes.
So I decided to make a layered casserole. What you'll need.
1 can of white chicken breast in water
2 bags of homestyle mac and cheese
1 jar of sun dried tomatoes
1 bag of shredded cheese
rosemary (dried or fresh)
thyme
oregano
garlic clove
salt
pepper

open the can, drain the water and shred up the chicken in a bowl. mix that with chopped garlic, rosemary, thyme and oregano. let sit. Next get the jar of tomatoes and slice them in quarters or smaller if you so choose. When that's done get a medium sized fry pan and put the oil the tomatoes are kept in in the pan. Just a little to coat the pan for now. let the pan heat up, then put the chicken and herbs in the pan. Let that crisp up a bit by slowly adding more oil. So essentially you're pan frying the chicken, but not deep frying it. Add the tomatoes.
While this is cooking prepare the mac and cheese. Just follow the directions on the bag.
once the mac and cheese is prepared and the chicken is crispy enough to your liking (the chicken is already cooked since it's canned) find a casserole/bread pan. Place about an inch of mac and cheese in the pan then sprinkle the chicken/tomato mix on top. On that added the shredded cheese. Layer until full. Then on top of everything add a thicker layer of the shredded cheese. Place in the oven about 5-10 min. or you could place it under the broiler for a few to crisp up the cheese on top. Then serve. ENJOY!

those pesky ends...

Ever wonder what to do with those ends of bread loaves. They're not quite soft and sometimes they end just kinda crusty. Well cutting them up and putting them in an oven on low heat with some olive oil and herbs/garlic and you've got yourself some croutons. BUT even better, if you're craving something a little more fancy and don't want to go spend anything. they're perfect for making homemade stuffing! who knew? I'll tell ya: a cute little chef down in Brooklyn that's who. Hopefully I can get the recipe and I can post it on here and you all can enjoy the yummy goodness that I did last night while watching Glee. Yes, don't judge.

Day 1.

Today my roommate convinced me to start a Twitter and Blog about food. Not just about food in general, but how to cook it, what to cook when there's not a lot in the fridge (and still have it taste good) as well as reviews and places of interest of different restaurants in NYC and other places that I might travel to while I have this. I'm hoping that everyone who reads this gets something out of it, whether it's answering a simple questions about how to know when you're frying something is done to "I have a banana, Triscuits, and random sauces in my fridge. What do I do?!"

I'm also writing this because having lived in places where I either didn't have enough room to cook big meals, or enough money to really buy food I know how difficult it can be to eat 2-3 meals a day. I don't want you to go hungry if you can avoid it. So please start asking questions. That's what I'm here for. You.



 Eventually there will be guest bloggers, guest reviewers, and a recipe site for things I have made, my friends have made and for you to submit for others to enjoy as well!