Sated for a steal: Mentality behind the meal

So I love to cook.  Preferably in large quantities so that I can feast on leftovers instead of insta-food when work has left me wiped out for the day. Not that I don't enjoy me some Ramen or boxed mac and cheese, but, you know, nutrition and all that.  So I try and make food with both health and reheatability in mind.

I also prefer to keep my meal costs pretty low. Like many, bills and student loans keep me pretty well under thumb, so I try and save where I can. This used to mean a lot of that insta-food I mentioned, but I've found over time I don't have to give up quality meals to cut costs.

Now, I know food prices vary depending on location, time of year, coupons or sales, and other factors, so I'm not going to base my meals on being under a certain amount. After all chicken isn't always the cheapest, the veggies you want aren't always in season, and sometimes you need to invest a little in a staple that will cover multiple meals. I think saving is more about creativity with ingredients, patience to really shop and compare, and gaining experience as you go.

That being said, sometimes I do spend a little extra. The point of saving to me is to not waste money so as to afford other wants or needs. So yes, I might post a bit more lavish recipe once in a while. But I still try hard to spend as little for my luxuries as possible.

So with all this being said, it's time to get to the kitchen!

Making Mama Proud: Let the recipe writing begin!

I love to cook. I grew up in a family that infrequently ate out or grabbed fast food. Those were treats that were fun and delicious but...

Honestly? Thinking about it, those weren't the 'treats' that excited me most. Special occasions meant Dad's home made pizza or BBQ.  Mom's chicken pot pie should have fed an army, but who could turn down seconds? FYI, never me.

So while I truly enjoy the experience of dining out, or the convenience  (and caloric goodness) of a drive through meal, for me, home made is the way to go.  It's fun, delicious, and, frankly, cheaper.

But I have a bad habit. It has to do with recipes. I am constantly whipping up a meal with whatever ingredients I have or am craving. Into the pot they go, out comes a meal. Particularly good ones end up pictured on Facebook or chatted about with my parents. And then that dreaded question comes up.

'What recipe did you use?'

Well...

You see, I rarely actually follow recipes, and almost never write my own creations down. In my defense, it took ages for my parents to put some of their recipes to paper, so you might say it's a hereditary problem.  And normally, it doesn't bother me to not have a specific recipe that I rarely follow anyways.

Until I can't replicate it or share it.  So, I decided to finally follow my mom's advice and start writing things down. So here it is, the chronicles of my culinary adventures!