$70/Week Challenge - Day Five: Potato-Ricotta Gnocchi Bolognese

Please Note:  If you do not have a pasta press, these gnocchi, while light and delicious, are not the prettiest of pastas, thus the EXTREME CLOSE UP! :) 

Gnocchi
Ingredients:

• 16 oz whole milk ricotta cheese
• 1 C potato flakes (instant potatoes)
• 3/4 C flour (plus extra to roll)
• 2/3 C Parmesan Cheese
• 3 eggs
• 2 t garlic powder
• salt and pepper to taste

Bolognese Sauce

Ingredients:  

• 6 C Tomato sauce Click here for recipe
• 1 lb ground beef (I use 80/20 for this recipe, be sure to drain off fat)
• 1 small onion, diced
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 t red pepper flake (or to taste)
• 2 T canola oil
• Salt and pepper (to taste)

1. In a large skillet over medium high heat, saute onion in canola oil until golden brown (about 6-7 minutes).  
2. Add garlic and pepper flake and saute for an additional 2-3 minutes until garlic turns golden brown. 
3. Add ground beef and break up into small pieces and cook until browned.  Drain off fat and add salt and pepper to taste. 
4. Add tomato sauce and stir to combine.  Cover and reduce heat to low.
5. Combine all gnocchi ingredients in a large mixing bowl and mix with hands until it forms a sturdy dough.
6. Divide dough into 6 equal pieces.
7. Dust a clean, cool surface with flour.
8. Using clean hands, roll out the 6 pieces to 1" strands.
9. Cut the strands into 1" cubes.
10. In a large sauce pot, bring 4 quarts of salted water to a rolling boil over medium high heat. 
11. Add 1/2 the gnocchi and gently stir.  
12. When the gnocchi is done, they will float to the top.
13. Remove with a hand held strainer.  
14. Add the other 1/2 gnocchi and cook until they float to the top.  
15. Top with sauce and serve with Parmesan cheese and basil garnish.  
16. Pairs perfectly with a Lindemann's Bin 57 Shiraz, but that would be outside of budget. :D  This meal cost $9.50 for 6 servings!!   Enjoy! 

$70/Week Challenge - Day Four: One-Pot-$5-Wednesday-Night-No-Hassle Chicken Fried Rice

It simply does not get easier than this recipe.  This may very well be the recipe I take from this challenge and add to my weekly repertoire.  One pot.  Simple prep. Six servings for under five bucks and  dinner on the table in about 20 minutes???  What more can one ask for through the week?  Did I mention the kids licked their plates?   Enjoy! 

Ingredients

• 1 lb skinless, boneless chicken breasts, cut into 1/2" cubes
• 1 double box of Rice and Macaroni product (available everywhere, even outside of San Francisco)
• 2 T butter
• 3 T canola oil
• 1 T sesame oil
• 4 C water
• 1 C Chow Mein Noodles
• 1 8 oz can of mushroom stems and pieces, low sodium, drained
• 1 egg, whisked
• 1 t garlic powder
• salt and pepper to taste

1. Liberally salt and pepper chicken, and evenly coat with garlic powder.
2. Saute chicken in 2 T canola oil over medium high heat until browned.
3. Add butter, sesame oil and additional canola oil with rice/macaroni product.
4. Stir frequently until the macaroni starts to brown.
5. Following package directions, add flavor packet and four cups of water, along with mushrooms.
6. Bring to a boil. 
7. Cover and reduce heat to low. 
8. Cook for 18 minutes, or until most of the liquid has been absorbed.
9. Add whisked egg and stir.
10. Re-cover and cook for an additional two minutes.
11. Form rice mixture in a 1 C measuring cup and top with Chow Mein Noodles.  Serve with a nice salad (a sesame-mandarin orange-ginger dressing pairs perfectly).    
12. Enjoy! 

$70/Week Challenge - Day Three: Homemade Spinach Ham Pizza

Ingredients:

• 3 C bread flour
• 1 C  warm water
• 3 T extra virgin olive oil
• 1 1/4 oz package of active dry yeast
• 1 t sugar
• 1 t salt
• 1 C tomato sauce click here for recipe
• 2 C mozzarella cheese
• 2 T Parmesan Cheese
• 1/4 C fresh baby spinach
• 2 slices of Parmesan Pesto Ham, cubed

1. In a large mixing bowl, combine flour, water, olive oil, yeast, sugar and salt.  
2. Using your very clean hands, stir the ingredients until they form a solid ball (this will take a few minutes, and you will have to scrape down your hands several times).  You can use a dough hook on a food processor, but I don't think it comes out the same.
3. Place the dough on a clean smooth surface.  Gently kneed the dough for 8-10 minutes making sure to rotate the dough with each punch (the dough should be smooth and shiny, and have elasticity).  
4. Return the dough to mixing bowl and cover with a warm, damp dish towel.  
5. Allow the dough to rise for at least 1 hour.
6. Preheat the oven to 425 degrees.
7. "Punch" the dough down and remove from bowl.  Kneed the dough for an additional minute, on a well floured surface (also dust your hands with flour as well).  
8. This is the part, if you are fancy, where you toss and spin the dough.  If you can do this, form it into an 18" circle.  If  you are not fancy (I am not), take a floured rolling pin and roll it to form. 
9. Top with sauce, spinach, Parmesan cheese, mozzarella cheese, and ham pieces. 
10. Drizzle top with olive oil and sprinkle with dried basil. 
11. Place on a pizza stone, or pizza pan and bake for 20-25 minutes until crust is brown and cheese is bubbling. 

The Cook At Home Dad's Go-To Tomato Sauce

I don't think I've ever made the same tomato sauce twice...until I came up with this go-to recipe!  I believe in pairing every fresh herb and spice with its dried counterpart to provide a wonderful depth of flavor.  I keep it simple by sticking to tomato basil, and then alter the flavor of the sauce depending on the dish I'm making (if it is a traditional spaghetti and meatballs, I flavor the meatballs with onion and oregano, and  cook it in the slow cooker---the sauce infuses the meatballs which in turn infuse the sauce!  YUM!).  Whether you are looking for a quick-pizza sauce (omit the wine), or a robust all day simmered depth, give this one a whirl!  

Ingredients:

• 4 T extra virgin olive oil
• 1 Head of garlic, peeled
• 1 C fresh basil leaves
• 2 T garlic powder
• 2 T dried basil
• 1/2 t red pepper flake
• 2 T capers or green olives (adds a subtle layer of tang to the sauce, without overpowering the flavor)
• 2 cans diced tomatoes in puree
• 1 can crushed tomatoes
• 1 small can of tomato paste
• 1/4 C red wine (Shiraz works best--only add this if you are planning to simmer this for a long while)

1. Brown garlic cloves (whole) in olive oil in a large sauce pot over medium high heat, stirring frequently (this will take several minutes, but the flavor of the garlic becomes deep, rich, and sweet in a way it would not if you were to mince or chop it).
2. Add pepper flakes.  
3. Carefully add in 2 cans of diced tomatoes and reduce heat to low.
4. Add capers/olives, red wine, and basil leaves.
5. Using a mixing wand, carefully blend the sauce until smooth (make sure there are no random whole capers).  If you do not have a mixing wand, you can transfer the sauce in batches into a blender.  Be extremely careful,  as a hot mixture will cause the lid of the blender to blow and splatter if you don't pulse it first
6. Return heat to medium high and add crushed tomatoes. 
7. Bring to a boil. 
8. Reduce heat to low, and gently incorporate tomato paste.
9. Stir until well combined.
10. Add remaining ingredients and salt and pepper to taste. 
11. Simmer on low for HOURS.  Literally cook the living daylights out of it.  The longer it cooks, the better it tastes! 
12. Mangia!

$70/Week Challenge - Day Two: Parmesan Pesto Ham and Roast Beef Gouda Grinder (Sub, Hero, Sandwich)

Ingredients:  

• 1/4 lb Parmesan Pesto Ham (check your local deli)
• 1/4 lb Roast Beef
• 1/4 lb Gouda Cheese
• 1 large seeded Italian or French Loaf of Bread
• 4 T mayonnaise 
• 1 T horseradish sauce (or to taste--I kept this mild for the kids)
• 1  roasted red pepper (jarred)
• 1/2 C mixed field greens

1. Slice bread lengthwise.
2. Mix horseradish and mayo and spread mixture on both sides of bread.
3. Add all ingredients and top with salt and pepper.
4. Serve with kettle potato chips, pickles, and pepperoncini.
5. Enjoy! 

Total Cost:  $8.75, 6 servings

$70/Week Challenge - Day One: Mushroom Gouda Salisbury Steaks with "Potatoes Au Gratin" and Sauteed Spinach

Well, $10 for a dinner for five is a much bigger challenge than I anticipated.  I did go over budget, but am way under budget for tomorrow, so I am hoping that I will still keep to $70 for the week.  These "steaks" were a huge hit at my house, but the processed potatoes?  Never again.  I can come up with something not processed for $1.  Look for that recipe later this week.  This would pair perfectly with a 2009 Betz Family Clos de Betz Columbia Valley Red.  But since we are on a budget, it paired great with water and lemon.  Enjoy!

Ingredients:

• 1 pound ground beef or turkey                                      $3.99
• 1 packet of Mushroom/Onion soup mix                      $0.50
• 1 egg                                                                                 $0.17
• 1 14.5 oz can Beef Broth                                                 $0.89
• 1 package box of processed potatoes au gratin           $1.00
• 3 T butter                                                                        $0.25
• 1/2 C milk                                                                       $0.16
• 2 C water                                                                         freeish
• 1 package pre washed baby spinach                            $1.50 (bogo)
• 1 lemon                                                                            $0.50
• 1 8 oz package sliced mushrooms                                 $1.99
• 6 slices Gouda Cheese                                                    $1.20
• 2 garlic cloves                                                                 $0.10
• 2 T flour                                                                           N/A
• 2 T olive oil                                                                      N/A                                                                   

1. Prepare sodium laden, processed potato product per box directions. (seriously, this is the last time I will ever make this, $1 or not!  I can get the ingredients and make it fresh for around $1)
2. Preheat oven to 450 degrees.
3. In a large mixing bowl, combine beef or turkey, soup mix, and egg.  Mix well.
4. Shape meat mixture into six, equal sized oval shapes. Tip  half the meat mixture and then divide each half into thirds for a universal size
5. Place steaks relatively spread out on a sheet pan and bake for 10 minutes, or until cooked through, turning over after 5 minutes.
6. In a small saucepan over medium high heat, melt 2 T butter and whisk in 2 T flour.
7. Slowly add beef broth and whisk until well combined.  Reduce heat to low.  Simmer for 10 minutes.
8. In a small saute pan, add 1 T olive oil and lightly saute garlic that has been finely minced and add spinach and salt and pepper to taste.
9. Add the juice of one small lemon to spinach.
10. Remove spinach.  Add 1 T olive oil to the same pan and saute mushrooms until they have sweat and become soft (about five minutes).  Add salt and pepper (to taste).
11. Top each "steak" with mushrooms and a slice of Gouda cheese.
12. Return to oven for 2 minutes.  
13. Enjoy! :) 

CAHD tip:  line your sheet pan with aluminum foil and spray with cooking spray for easy clean up!  It is the only dish that got done tonight.

Happy Belated Father's Day....Mom!

Last year was my first father's day since my biological father passed away. I spent the day mourning less the loss of the human being whom I had little connection to, but more the loss of hope that I would ever have a dad. I felt semi orphaned. I always hoped things would get better with my father, even when we were estranged and in difficult times. Sadly, that will never be. Today marks the two year anniversary of his death. I have been trying to give meaning to the loss since this past father’s day and I was a bit surprised with what I came to.

I am a very proud and dedicated stay at home dad. I would say the first word I would use to describe my 'self' is "father." It is the most important role in my life. My three children are the most remarkable and amazing universes. I am the domestic-half of the partnership that is their air traffic control guiding them through their journeys towards the beautiful tomorrows that await them. My three girls each amazed me at first sight, and continue to leave me baffled and breathless with each step as they toddle forward (and much too quickly).

I understood relatively soon after becoming a dad that a lot of who I am as a father is because of who my father was not. I am actually grateful for that realization. It gives credit to a man I love without justification. I love my father and always will; however, he does not, and never did, deserve it. I believe he now knows that, freed of the limitations his life provided. This second "fatherless" father's day and second anniversary of his death have left me pondering: what were the 'positives' that led me to become the man/father I am and am becoming?

I grew up in an impoverished matriarchy. There were simply no men in the world I grew up in, aside from television, teachers, preachers, etc. My biological father left my six-months-pregnant mother with a six year old daughter, a one year old son, and no skills, no money and no hope. We were living in the other side of my father's parents' duplex when she was told to leave, pregnant. Her family of origin had moved 500 miles away the year prior. Proud as she was, she turned to public assistance, packed up what she could, and transferred her brood to what she could afford: a roach (and once rat) infested third floor apartment on the "bad" side of town.

It is interesting to define detail here, because that is not how it felt. Somehow, I always felt SAFE. I was that kid that brushed his teeth and, in horror, found wings and legs from a roach both on my brush and in my teeth. I was that kid who woke up to pee in the middle of the night and watched the roaches scurry in the light. I was that kid who had to sift through his cereal to make sure I wasn't consuming any of those diseased demons (I loathe roaches, in case I did not get that across ). Yet, somehow, I felt SAFE. We lived in squalor and walked on streets that were drug laden, crime infested, and dangerous. Home. In the center of so much horror was home.

My mother could not afford a car, so we walked everywhere. Once a week we had the luxury of paying $5.00 for a cab which lugged our young family and four giant, thin green garbage bags that would always tear whilst being carried down three flights of stairs, off to the Laundromat. My mother somehow saved up enough money to buy a luxurious used Pinto!! It may not have smelled fresh and clean, but could take us to more than just a place to wash our clothes...the PARK! The grocery store! Anywhere!!! The possibilities were ENDLESS!! That Pinto was my first limousine!

My younger brother and I were beaten up daily by bullies. Our mother grew tired of black eyes and bloody noses and eventually told us to never throw the first punch, but defend ourselves. She told us to be brave and fight back (if we had the internet back then, she would have said: “MAN UP!” LOL).

I will never forget the day that her advice came into play. We had typically tried every possible route to avoid conflict, but this day was different: It was a sunny warm June day on one of the last days of school. The scent of summer and freedom was in the air, and I still smell a specific scent from time to time that brings me back to that day. I was having a particularly good moment (so good I remember it over 30 years later), and we arrived at our street we typically scurried across, and saw the usual gang. They were playing stick ball in the road, and blocked the path to our front door as usual. I had a choice: Do we walk around the entire block, up the huge hill, across the road with the dogs that are always loose to go the other way, or walk forward? I remember making the choice: we are going to walk directly to our home, ‘I am walking on air,’ ‘life is good,’ ‘I got this!’

The softball that was whipped at my head was not unexpected, nor was the fight that ensued. We were kicked, punched, and my hair was literally torn out of my head-- you know, a typical Friday. There was something different about this day. I heard my mother's voice, and I stood up, scared shitless, yet empowered. I lunged back for the first time. I punched, I body slammed, clearly I “broke.” I “won.”

We were given warning the next day from the bullies’ older brothers that we were "going to be sorry." Two days later, our luxurious Pinto was stolen and we were forced to revert back to our once a week cab rides and endless walks. My mother embraced me and prided me on the fact that I stood up for myself. I was sorry. I felt guilty. If I had not taken the bullies down, we would still have a car!! My mother would have none of that. She made it clear to me that standing up to them, and fighting back was more important than that car that meant so much to our struggling family.

It would be five years before we would own another vehicle. My mother walked us to our school to drop us off. She would then walk to work and put in overtime. She walked to work on Saturdays to earn time and a half. She came home and conducted her second shift of raising us…making sure we were empowered and making sure we felt safe. She succeeded beyond her expectations, I think. Where did I learn to become a man and a father? I learned from a warrior who chose to be selfless so that her children could become. I learned from a champion who rose above impossible to make things possible for her children. I learned from a soldier who braved hell and made things safe when they weren't and she did not feel safe so her children would. I learned from a soul with so much love that she loves others truly so much that her self does not matter. I learned from a woman who accepted her plight was to "do it all," and did more. And most.

I am the man and the father I am because of the ‘man’ and the father that my mother chose to be when called upon by my father choosing to be nothing. My mom put herself through school and got off welfare. She moved up, step by step, and has a cute condo and a "brand new" car (when she bought it a few years ago, but it was a MOMENT).

My mother is retired, now, and lives comfortably. She remembers her plight, but doesn't comprehend it or understand the importance of what she has done. She knows not the amazing human being she is or how much she has accomplished. She doesn't know her own strength or resilience or influence.

My mother sleeps at my house once a week to help me with my three young girls and to allow me to work on my art. My mother tells me almost daily how proud she is of me. My father once uttered, right before his death, that he was proud of the father I am. I suppose since that is the most important role for me, I should take that as him being proud of "me." I struggle. My mother is proud of every single word I've said, even in times of the most chaotic chaos. And I know it. She reads every word I write, listens to every song I've written and recorded, and eats every recipe I cook. I mock my mom in my work, but it is a tribute. I am being ironic because she is my hero and does not comprehend why. Sometimes she gets upset by the things I say and the extent to which I publicly share our history. Mostly, she laughs as I mock her, lightheartedly, and supports my every move.

In my experience admining on different pages, I encounter MANY others like my mom: those who do it all, brave the second shift with non-involved partners, those who “lean in.” I am a full time stay at home dad whose tenure is just about up. It has been an arduous, wondrous, amazing, demanding, rewarding experience. I have help and support. I will never comprehend how my mother, or those like her, play both roles and so well.

I am a very proud, brave, strong, wise man and I now understand wholeheartedly that I learned it ALL from my mother and I celebrate her and those in the place she bravely pioneered. Happy Belated Father's Day, Mom. xoxoxoxo


This post originally appeared on the blog http://www.fodder4fathers.com/  Reposted with permission.