request: aimee's spaghetti

This is a pretty-please request for Aimee.  Will you post your famous spaghetti recipe so I don't have to call you every time I want to make it? I swear I had it written down but can't find it for the life of me.

Request: Go-To Meals -- Here, here!

I'm a little late on the bandwagon, but I'd like to second the request for go-to meals. We could desperately use ideas around our house these days. I'd also love to get ideas for freezer meals that turn out well; I've had good luck turning a few of the recipes on here into freezer meals (doubling the recipe, freezing half for later) but I'd love pointers, tips, or even just links to your favorites for freezing.

My only contribution in the go-to meals department isn't so much a recipe as a technique I use a lot for chicken and pork chops. For chicken, we use bone-in, skin-on pieces; for pork chops, we usually go with bone-in center cuts. The bones and skin add a lot of flavor.

In a large skillet, heat approximately 2 tablespoons of cooking oil (don't use EVOO or butter; they'll burn) over medium-high heat until shimmering and just beginning to smoke. Pat meat dry with paper towels and season with salt and pepper. Add meat to skillet skin side down; cook until well browned (you'll know when it's ready because the meat will release easily from the skillet; if it sticks, it isn't finished cooking.) Turn meat over, cover pan with lid, and reduce heat to medium. Cook through. This usually takes no more than 10-15 minutes and can take a lot less, depending on how thick your meat is.

We love this because you can do a lot of things with it: sprinkle on any herb or spice mixture you like with the salt and pepper; top chicken with fresh tomatoes and basil, salsa, just about anything; or deglaze the pan after the meat is done and use the fond to make a quick pan sauce. If I pull a pack or two of meat out of the freezer once a week, I can whip up a couple of last-minute meals when I need them.

Request: Go-To Meals

Mandy (and Matt and Maddy) let me be the first to respond.  Here are a few of my go-to meals:

Zucchini and Corn Quesedillas (you can even eliminate the zucchini and they'd be delish!)
Quesedillas are a definite go-to meal for me - the possibilities are endless.  Just use whatever beans and veggies you have on-hand (fresh or frozen)

Spiced Lentil Tacos - letils are cheap and can be stored for a very long time. And, just use what toppings you have on had at the time.

I'm also a big fan of any type of pasta dish.  Its easy to keep dried pasta and even jarred sauce on hand.  You can jazz-up your sauce with additional veggies (fresh, frozen or canned) or even some meat. You can also do a variety of baked dishes - just mix your pasta, sauce and whatever cheese you have, toss in a greased casserole dish, top with more cheese and bake at 350 until bubbly and cheese is melted (I'm guessing around 20 mins)

Omelettes are also easy, fast and can be made with ingredients you have on hand.  Sautee some veggies in a little olive oil, add beaten eggs and cook until eggs are firm - top with cheese before serving.  Serve with toast and some fruit (fresh, frozen or canned) and you've got a great meal.

And, if all else fails microwave popcorn and cold cereal are acceptable meals in my book!  Hope this helps.

Request: Go-To Meals

Like everyone else, I'm super busy this time of year and am also trying to stretch out my trips to the grocery store to see if that saves me any money.  Put those together and you'll probably find me around 4pm wondering what on earth I'm going to make for dinner.  This is where you come in.  What are your go-to quick, easy, tasty meals that you can make at a moment's notice with ingredients you probably already have on hand?  Matt and Maddy thank you in advance.

request: favorite desserts

Michelle has spoken. She would like a favorite desserts post! Hop to it!

request: favorites

So, I made a request last May for everyone to list their favorite recipes. I got a whopping TWO responses {other than mine.} Meggs and Kristin are exempt from this second request. Will you create a post {labeled favorites} and link to your top 5 recipes from the site? They can either be yours or one you found on this blog. Pretty please?

Request: budget-friendly meals

So, I know everyone has noticed that food at the grocery store is getting really expensive. That, combined with the fact that I officially quit my job 10 days ago to be a stay-at-home mom has me looking at our grocery budget. Does anyone have any yummy budget-friendly meals they can share? I'll be looking online for some, too, and will post what I find. Thanks!

So, this little recipe experiment has been going strong for over a year now and I have to say, I love it! We have so many things to choose from and I know I've found new favorites along the way. Now for the request. Sometimes the sheer number of recipes is overwhelming and it's hard to find a really great meal. I think we should all create a post with our top 5 favorite recipes from the blogs and include the links, using the tag 'favorites'. What do you all think?

Request: Tres Leches

Does anyone have a recipe for tres leches? I'd like to try making one and would rather try a recipe from one of you, instead of one from allrecipes or Food Network.

Help! I need a "spooktacular" appetizer!

Any ideas for a killer appetizer for an Adult Halloween Party this Saturday! Keep in mind, the hostess is an amazing cook -- I'm going to have to come up with something amazing even to be worthy of bringing it into her kitchen! Thanks for your help!

Request: vegetarian

I've always known, but there are tons of articles out there touting going vegetarian as a great way to save money and be healthier. While I don't think I can go completely meatless, I would like to start cooking at least one or two vegetarian meals per week. This is where you come in. We have a handful of tasty meals on the blog, but I'd love to have a few more to choose from. Do you have more you can share?

Request: side dishes

It looks like we've hit a little bit of a plateau on recipes. Come on, I know you've got more to share! {Some of you contributors still haven't posted anything!} To hopefully inspire a few more recipes, I've got a request. I've been really good about cooking real meals most nights but I've realized I don't necessarily make sides to go with the entree. I especially would like some ideas for vegetables -- we definitely don't eat enough and I've only got a few tricks up my sleeve. Help!!

Request: Homemade Alfredo and Marinara Sauces

Just looking for some great homemade options for Alfredo and Marinara sauces. I usually have scads of tomatoes, peppers and onions in the garden during the summer and thought it would be fun to find some marinara recipes that use fresh ingredients. My stepson is also a huge Alfredo sauce fan and I'm bored with my current recipe. Any ideas???

I'm loving all the recipes coming in. I've tried three of them already and my family is really enjoying the variety! Thank you!

Request: Crock Pot Meals

The post I did for specific recipes didn't work quite as I had hoped. Kristin is the only one who commented with specific requests. Maybe this is a better way to do it: title your post 'Request:' with what you're looking for. Hopefully someone(s) will post with a recipe in response. Let's try this out ...

I'm looking for good Crock Pot recipes. Matt started his new job today, which means we both work in offices now and I don't have the luxury of calling him and asking him to defrost the chicken so it will be ready when I get home. If we want to have real meals at home, I think our best bet is to get an arsenal of Crock Pot recipes that can cook all day while we're working. Do you guys have anything you can share?