Simple Lemon Baste Chicken

Lemon Baste
Originally uploaded by Simply Frugal

A wonderfully summery lemon tarragon combination

Chicken breasts	4
Flour	1/2 C
Salt	1 tsp
Tarragon	1 tsp
Oil	1/4 C
Lemon juice	1/3 C
Onion	2 Tbsp
Garlic clove	1
Pepper	1/4 tsp

Combine onion, garlic, tarragon, lemon juice, and pepper in food processor.
Combine flour and salt.
Dredge chicken breasts in flour mixture.
Place oil in oven pan and preheat oven to 350° F, until oil is very hot.
Place dredged chicken breasts in hot oil turning once to keep skin side up.
Baste with lemon tarragon mixture several times.
Bake for about 30-40 minutes.

Mango Salsa

Mango Salsa
Originally uploaded by Simply Frugal

Here's a way to use the mangos that are in season for the next few weeks

Mango Salsa

Red bell peppers	1 C
Mango	1
Red Onion	1/4 C
Cilantro	1/4 C
Green chiles	2 Tbsp
Lime juice	2 Tbsp
Chili powder	1/4 tsp

Dice mangoes, peppers, and red onions.
Mince fresh cilantro and green chilis.
Combine and sprinkle with lime juice and chili powder, stirring once or twice.
Refrigerate for 2-3 hours or overnight.

Extremely Frugal version
Use canned tomatoes instead of red peppers and canned green chilis.
Substitute yellow onions for red onions and lemon juice for lime juice.

Cantaloupe Salsa

An interesting way to make cantaloupe a dinner side dish.

Cantaloupe	1 1/2C
Onion	1/4 C
Red bell pepper	1/4 C
Fresh chilis	1 Tbsp
Cilantro	1/4 C
Salt	1/4 tsp
Lime Juice	2 Tbsp
Oil	1 Tbsp

Coarsely chop the cantaloupe. Dice the onion and bell pepper Finely chop the fresh chilis and cilantro.

Toss vegetables with salt, lime juice, and oil. Let sit for at least one hour. Served with broiled or grilled chicken.

Simplify it:
Use green bell pepper instead of red.
Or substitute diced tomatoes for bell pepper.
Use canned green chilis instead of fresh.
Use lemon juice instead of lime juice.

Simple Lemon Thyme Chicken

Lemon Thyme Chicken
Originally uploaded by Simply Frugal

Lemon Thyme Chicken
4 servings

Leg quarters	2.5 lb
Olive oil	1 Tbsp
Garlic	3 cloves
Lemon juice	1 Tbsp
Thyme	1 tsp

Arrange leg quarters in roasting pan skin side up.
Whisk together olive oil, crushed garlic, lemon juice, and thyme.
Brush over chicken, and let marinate for 1 hour.
Place in oven (no need to preheat) and set to 350 F. Roast for 50-60 minutes, checking to be sure thick part of thigh is done.
Drain off pan juices, and skim off fat. Serve pan juices on the side.

Black Bean Soup

Black Bean Soup
Originally uploaded by Simply Frugal

A sturdy bean soup with Caribbean flavors.

CUBAN BEAN SOUP
Six servings
Buy: Black beans, pork loin (ham, dry sherry, fresh lemon)

	6 servings	2 servings
Black beans	2 C	2/3 C
Olive oil	2 Tbsp	2 tsp
Onions, chopped	1 C	1/3 C
Garlic	2 tsp	1 tsp
Pork shoulder	8 oz	3 oz
Tomato	1/2 C	3 Tbsp
Vinegar	2 Tbsp	2 tsp
Cumin	1/2 tsp	dash
Bay leaf	1	1/3
Pepper	dash	dash
Salt	1/2 tsp	dash

Wash beans well. Soak over night, drain soaking water. Cover beans with water and bring to a boil. Turn down heat and simmer until soft, about 3 hours. Drain. Puree the beans. Lightly rinse the pan, and return beans.

Chop pork into small dice.

Heat the oil until a haze forms. Add the onions and the garlic and stir until soft. Add the cumin, bay leaf, and pepper, and stir for 1 minute. Add tomato, pork, sherry OR vinegar, and stir until mixture thickens slightly. Add to bean puree and heat for 15 minutes.

Serve garnished with slices of boiled egg and lemon.

Fancy Fixins
Use ham instead of pork
Use annatto oil in place of olive oil
Use fresh tomato in place of canned diced tomato
Use sherry instead of vinegar

Extremely Frugal Apple Crisp

Apple Crisp
Originally uploaded by Simply Frugal

Tart apples with a simple oatmeal, butter, and sugar topping.

Apples, tart	4 C
Lemon juice	2 Tbsp
Water	2 C
Oatmeal	1 C
Flour	1/2 C
Brown sugar	1 C
Cinnamon	2 tsp
Butter	1/2 C

Preheat oven to 350 F.
Mix lemon juice with water in 1 qt bowl.
Wash, core, and slice apples, dropping them into the acidulated water as you slice them.
Mix oatmeal, flour, sugar, and cinnamon well.
Cut or rub in butter until it is the size of small peas.
Place apple slices in greased casserole. Add 1/4 C acidulated water.
Cover with oatmeal topping.
Bake for 35-45 minutes.