Finals

Although I haven't been posting lately, I have been eating lol
Going through finals for the semester and boy has this been a rough one. Cook. Create. Coexist.

Dinner

Last night I made Teriyaki Chicken Wings with Jasmine rice.. let me point out that I have never paid so little for Jasmine Rice and it was great quality. I have been shopping at Food Lion. I am very impressed with the savings.
Enjoy peeps
Cook. Create. Coexist

Food Lion strikes again

Parma Rosa tossed Ravioli with Italian Sausage and Green Peas

Yup! I have discovered another meal for 2 that costs under $10.. and if I do say so myself, its DEEELICIOUS!!!
Knorr Parma Rosa sauce mix 1.79
Food Lion Mild Italian Sausage 3.79 (with MVP card)
Food Lion Green Peas 1.19
Food Lion Cheese Ravioli
Took less than 30 minutes

Below are pictures that show exactly how it was done.

Enjoy Peeps.
Cook. Create. Coexist

Food Lion: Meals that impress for less. PORK CHOPS AND APPLESAUCE REMIX

I don't know about you but my spending has drastically changed since 2 things happened:
1. I turned 30
2. I became a mother.

As a working mom and full time college student I have realized that my dollars tend to spend differently now. The value of each and every dollar I make must be stretched as far as I possibly can. I don't spend on things I used to and I definitely feel differently about the way I used to spend my money.

I often think back on my life in my 20s before I became a parent and I imagine how different life would be. How much I would have in a savings account if I was more wise about my spending then. I can recall nights in my 20s when I would sign my bar tab without even looking at the total.
Now as a parent in my 30s I have to monitor my spending as if my wallet was on house arrest. I honestly feel like my wallet is a prisoner. I have to know when it leaves the house, how long it's been gone and who it was with. I have to make a constant effort to spend wisely.
So imagine my joy when I decided to shop at Food Lion and I found numerous inexpensive meal options. Meal options that don't exchange quality for lower prices. Healthy, impressive and tasty meal options in every isle.
The meal I present to you today was less than 25 dollars and fed 4 adults. (And my picky 3yr old) I even satisfied my inner 20s self by including a bottle of wine! Yes!! All for less than 25 dollars!!! My wallet smiled with glee as the sun finally hit it's face. FREEDOM!!!!

This is my play on
PORK CHOPS AND APPLESAUCE
Below is a picture diary with step by step directions on how to make a meal that can impress the in-laws without breaking the bank.
Thank you Food Lion

Ingredients:
1 Taste of Inspirations 1.5lb Smoked Cherrywood & Chipotle Pork Loin
4 large Sweet Potatoes
1 Jalapeño
1 Pack of Asparagus
6 pk Applesauce
1 jar Polaner Raspberry Preserves
1 bottle Matthew Fox Cab/Sav
(Things already in kitchen)
Salt, Ground Ginger, Balsamic Vinegar, Sofrito, Sugar, Lemon Pepper, Butter

Prep time:
Overnight marinade for Pork Loin
1.5 hours cook time for Pork Loin
30 min for meal prep

Marinade:
1 tblsp Sofrito
1 tblsp Balsamic Vinegar
1/2 Jalapeño (chopped) remove seeds if sensitive to spice
1 pk Applesauce
1 tblsp Raspberry Preserves
Mix all in a bowl with Pork Loin and cover. Refrigerate overnight.
Next day:
Preheat oven to 375°
Wrap Pork Loin in foil with thermometer side up. Cook for 1.5 hours

When Pork Loin has 30 minutes remaining in cook time, begin preparing the rest of your meal.

Wash and peel Sweet Potatoes. Add to a large pot and fill pot with water. Set on medium-high heat. Wait for water to reach boiling.

Meanwhile add
2 pk Applesauce
1/2 Jalapeño without seeds/veins
2 tblsp Raspberry Preserves
1 tblsp Sugar
Set on medium heat
Bring sauce to a simmer, stirring throughout. Turn off and take sauce off heat. It needs to cool down.

Check on Pork Loin, uncover it. Thermometer should be out, turn off oven and leave loin in oven uncovered.

Wash and chop Asparagus. Add to pan with inch of water, sprinkle with Salt and add 1 tblsp of Butter then cover and let it steam.

Sweet Potatoes should be boiling by now. Remove from heat. Drain and Mash. Add 1tblsp of Salt, Ground Ginger and Lemon Pepper.

Once your sauce has cooled, blend until Jalapeño isn't noticeable.

All components should be complete. You are ready to plate. Oh and don't forget to open that bottle of wine. :)

Enjoy Peeps. Cook. Create. Coexist.