Well since my crockpot recipe project was kind of a flop this winter (not that I wasn't using my crockpot, I just wasn't remembering to blog about it), I decided to redeem myself with a series of quick, easy and cheap dinners. There are a couple of recipes that I have come to rely on for a busy throw-together meal, and I think sharing them here will give me the motivation to find a few more. And I will invite anyone reading this to add their own favorite "five minute/five dollar" meal in the comments section. Not that the 5/5 rule is the most important thing, but I do like the snappy sound of it so I will use it as more of a loose guideline. Anything goes, as long as it's cheap and easy. So far starters, here is recipe number one for your condsideration.
Veggies and noodles in spicy peanut sauce
2 packages of ramen noodles (chicken flavor)
1 bag of frozen mixed veggies
1/3 cup hot water
1/3 cup natural peanut butter
2 teaspoons soy sauce
2 teaspoons vineger ( I use rice vinegar if I have it)
1 teaspoon sugar
1 minced garlic clove (or a shake of garlic powder)
hot pepper seeds or hot sauce to taste
Cook the ramen noodles according to package directions. Meanwhile, steam the frozen veggies according to their package directions. Also meanwhile (remember you only have five minutes), combine the remaining ingredients in a small saucepan and warm over low heat, feeling free to taste-and-tweak ingredients to suit your family's preference, of course. Drain the noodles thoroughly and sprinkle with half of the chicken flavoring (one packet of seasoning for two packages of noodles). Combine noodles and veggies in a medium serving bowl and top with the peanut sauce, tossing lightly to coat everything. Voila!