Fishes and Loaves

After writing the last post, "Beggars Can be Choosers," I felt compelled to illustrate exactly how I shop and what I do with what I've purchased.

Times are tough. I'm not only referring to the current economic state of the nation but to my station in life. I am on my own. I no longer have a house full of food furnished by Mom and Dad. There is no magical force stocking my shelves, only the harsh reality of slim pockets. Sometimes I can't buy much. I know anyone in their 20s or 30s who is struggling through this transitional phase can sympathize.

I am not comparing myself to Jesus, but what I am about to show you will mimic the time he fed hundreds with a loaf of bread and a single fish. If this were a tangible exercise you would come to my house, look in my closet and then my refrigerator and think, "There is no way she can make a meal out of this." Don't be so sure. I love making fools out of people, oops, uh, feeding the masses.


Grocery receipt:
1 small red onion
1 bag spinach
1 bag arugula
1 lb. frozen scallops
2 porkchops
1 1/2 lb. ground meat
1 bunch asparagus
1 lb. button mushrooms
2 pieces tilapia
1 can white beans
Kalamata olives

Pantry leftovers:
roasted red peppers, Thai lime dressing, soy sauce, Archer Farms Chipolte Raspberry Honey Mustard, Planter's Deluxe mixed nuts, half-dozen eggs, 2 oranges, Whole Food's 3 cheese blend-shredded, dried cranberries, pistachios



Other necessities:
*These are items I feel everyone should have. You most certainly won't be buying these on each shopping trip. They last a while and are a vital part of your cooking arsenal...


salt, pepper, garlic powder, butter, flour, sugar, garlic cloves, olive oil, canola oil, balsamic vinegar


Here is an overview of what I concocted:
Monday: Berry pistachio porkchops with Balsamic roasted mushrooms
Tuesday: Mediterranean burgers with Sauteed spinach
Wednesday: Scallops in a tangy Raspberry sauce with Orange hazelnut asparagus
Thursday: Thai tilapia with Vegetable saute
Friday: White bean pasta with Arugula salad


Seems impossible? Untrue? I have witnesses. I have well-fed witnesses. For my next trick, I mean post, I will divulge my secrets/recipes. There's a lot of smoke, but no mirrors.