Friday, October 23, 2009

Busy People's Fast & Frugal Cookbook



I recently had the chance to read "The Busy People's Fast and Frugal Cookbook" by Dawn Hall. I received this book from Thomas Nelson book review bloggers program. http://brb.thomasnelson.com/

The name of this book would catch anyone's eye. Cookbooks that say that they are fast and frugal and for busy people seem to be something that I feel many would be interested in getting. With the economy the way it is, many people are dining out less and eating more at home. Many people want fast and inexpensive meals to cook for their families. Dawn Hall shows home cooks how to prepare simple and fast food that's as healthy as it is easy on the budget.
I like that Hall gave her readers an introduction in which she shares her personal story and the inspiration for creating this cookbook. This cookbook is divided into nine different food categories, ranging from breakfast and brunch all the way to desserts and including beverages. Within each category ,the recipes are according to how long they take to make. Most of these recipes should take 10 to 30 minutes or less. For each recipe, she gives you a supply list which includes the grocery items, as well as the supplies you will need to make this meal. Hall includes helpful hints(ideas or easier ways of doing things) that might make things much easier. The nutrition facts are included(like how many calories,fat,protein,etc.) and show that the recipes are healthy. I really liked that feature. I was impressed with the frugalness of the recipes. Many times when you get cookbooks, the recipes are complicated and expensive, not with this book.
I think almost everyone would enjoy using this cookbook from time to time. I think this would be perfect for beginners and would make a nice gift.

4 comments:

The Four Week Vegan said...

Fast, frugal, and nutritional info are all things I look for in a cookbbok. I'll have to check it out.

Connie K said...

Thanks for Stopping by today & The birthday wishis The cook sounds great meals in minutes ~Thumbs up !

MRVILLA'SWIFE said...

Thank you so much for sharing this book. I am going out today to buy it. I am a mother of 5 kids that works full time and we are always cooking quick easy meals during mine and my husbands work week!!!!!

Dawn Hall said...

Awe! Thank you so very much for reviewing my Busy People's Fast and Friugal Cookbook! Iam very grateful! Here is a complete meal to see if people like my style of cooking....Enjoy and thank you again so much!

Creamy Chicken and Noodle Soup
Grandma would be so proud!

Ingredients
12 cups plus 1 cup chicken broth made from bouillon, divided
6 stalks celery, finely chopped (to make 2 cups)
2 tablespoons minced garlic (from a jar)
1 (12-ounce) package fettuccine
½ cup cornstarch
1 (14.5-ounce) can sliced carrots
2 (12.5-ounce) cans chunk chicken breast in water


Instructions for entrée:
• In a large non-stick Dutch oven or soup pan bring to boil 12 cups of chicken broth made from bouillon.*
• Finely chop 6 stalks of celery with the leaves to make 2 cups, add to broth.
• Add 2 tablespoon minced garlic (from a jar) to the broth stir well.
• Add 1 (12-ounce) package fettuccine into the broth; break the fettuccine in half before adding to broth.
• Bring soup to full boil stirring occasionally.
• Cook at a full boil soup for 12 -14 minutes or until fettuccine is tender.
• Dissolve ½ cup cornstarch into 1 cup chicken broth and set aside. Pour into the soup.
• Add to soup 1 (14.5-ounce) can sliced carrots and 2(12.5-ounce) cans chunk chicken breast in water. Breaking up the big chunks of chicken before putting into soup.
• Stir until everything is heated through.

Yield: 16 (1 cup) servings
Calories per serving: 153 (9% fat); Total fat: 1 g; Cholesterol: 19 mg; Carbohydrate: 22 g; Dietary Fiber: 1 g; Protein: 12 g; Sodium: 541 mg
Diabetic Exchanges: 1 1/2 starch, 1 very lean meat

Helpful Hint:
• To make the broth: Add ¼ cup chicken granules instant bouillon to 12 cups water stirring until dissolved, and 1 teaspoon chicken granules instant bouillon to the 1 cup water stirring until dissolved.

Meal Suggestion:
30 minutes for total meal:
Homemade Seasoned Crackers
Instructions to prepare suggested meal
Set timer for 30 minutes

30 minutes before meal
• Make the Creamy Chicken Noodle Soup according to the directions. After you put the pasta into the boiling broth, then make the Homemade Season Crackers.
10 minutes before meal
• Begin making the Homemade Seasoned Crackers according to directions.(Recipe below)
5 minutes before meal
• Place the seasoned crackers in the oven. Bake until crispy, 3-4 minutes.
• Finish making the soup.

LIST FOR SUGGESTED MEAL:
Supplies List for entire meal

Large non-stick Dutch oven or soup pan
Cutting board
Oven
2 Baking sheets
Timer

Grocery List for entire meal
PRODUCE
Celery (6 stalks needed)

PACKAGED
1 (12-ounce) package fettuccine
1 (14.5-ounce) can sliced carrots
2 (12.5-ounce) cans chunk chicken breast in water
4 fat-free flour tortillas

PANTRY
Chicken broth made from bouillon (13 cups total needed)
Minced garlic
Cornstarch
Garlic salt
Dried parsley (5 teaspoons needed)
Paprika
Butter flavored cooking spray

*************************************
Homemade Seasoned Crackers
These were a huge hit with the children!

Ingredients
4 fat-free flour tortillas
1 ½ teaspoon garlic salt
5 teaspoons dried parsley
1 teaspoon paprika

Instructions
• Place oven rack in middle of oven. Pre-heat oven to 450 degrees.
• Cut 4 fat-free flour tortillas into 8 pie shaped wedges. Arrange wedges in single layer on 2 baking sheets.
• Spray wedges with butter flavored cooking spray on both sides of wedges.
• Sprinkle 1 ½ teaspoons garlic salt, 5 teaspoons dried parsley and 1 teaspoon paprika evenly over wedges.
• Place in oven and bake for
• Place the seasoned tortillas in the oven. Bake until crispy, 3-4 minutes.

Yield: 16 (2 crackers) servings
Calories per serving: 31 (0% fat); Total fat: 0 g; Cholesterol: 0 mg; Carbohydrate: 6 g; Dietary Fiber: 1 g; Protein: 1 g; Sodium: 168 mg
Diabetic Exchanges: 1/2 starch