Getting Started.....

Well, I have finally done it, gone and started a blog. This is a place for me to record stuff I've made, things I like, good deals, rants, random thoughts, etc. I recently moved to Austin TX from Cincinnati and since I'm currently unemployed, I figured I finally had the time to set up a blog.

I am enjoying all the great grocery choices in Austin. The grocery stores here are flat out amazing compared to the choices in Cincinnati. The only thing that would make Austin grocery shopping better would be if Trader Joe's opened up a store here. I LUV Trader Joe's!

I am trying to cook economically since we're down to one income until I get a job. Last week, I made a simple grilled salmon with green beans tossed in olive oil and garlic and roasted red potatoes. The whole meal for two costs less than $5 total - amazing. I also baked a chocolate cake - from scratch. So much better and cheaper than a mix. The cake was a total splurge, I certainly don't need the calories but damn, sometimes you need some chocolate.

Simple Broiled Salmon

8 oz Salmon filet (I prefer Atlantic salmon)
1 T butter, melted
salt/pepper

fresh green beans
1 garlic clove chopped
1 T olive oil
cherry tomatoes

Preheat the broiler. Meantime place aluminum foil on a cookie sheet, spray it with non-stick cooking spray. Place the salmon (skin side down) on the cookie sheet, drizzle with melted butter and add a generous sprinkle of salt and pepper. Broil on high for about 4-5 minutes per side. Watch the fish closely and if the oven starts to get smoky, remove the fish and turn the broiler on low. Salmon is done when it flakes easily with a fork.

About halfway through the cooking time, I add some fresh green beans to the cookie sheet (drizzle them with olive oil and some chopped garlic). Let the beans cook with the fish. I sometimes throw in some cherry tomatoes also.
DELISH - tastes just like what you'd get at a fancy restaurant for a fraction of the cost.