As you can see from the first photo, I had some issues with dinner this evening. I was on my way to set my plate down for its photo op and somehow I managed to drop it, break the plate and send food and shards of ceramic flying everywhere. It was very frustrating - I was hungry and had it all arranged nicely for the picture. Hubby offered up his plate so I could at least get a finished product up - note the large quantity of bread!
Anyway, this is another meal that doesn't really require a recipe. I use Cardini's brand dressing, which is really good and much better than any homemade version I ever attempted (and believe me, there were several). Though I use store-bought dressing and just toss it with diced grilled chicken, cut-up romaine and parmesan, I do at least have one thing homemade: the croutons.
I read a blog recently where someone was cooking Rachael Ray recipes and made homemade croutons for the first time and couldn't believe how easy and good they were. She wondered why everyone doesn't always make their own - I agree. They are very easy to make and so much better than the packaged kind.
I take a loaf of French or Italian bread, cut it into small cubes, drizzle with olive oil, sprinkle with garlic powder and kosher salt, toss well to combine, then bake at 350 degrees for 10-15 minutes until golden brown and crunchy. They absorb the dressing a little but still stay pretty crunchy and are an excellent addition to any salad. They also make a tasty snack, which is why I always make way more than I really need!
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Estimated cost of meal:
Chicken: $1.50
Lettuce: $1
Dressing: $.60
Cheese: $.50
Bread/croutons: $1
Total: $4.60
Former Life Total: Dinner @ Houlihan's: $30
Leaner Life Savings: $25.40 or 85%!!!
1 comment:
Oh no plate down! Still looks yummy! And I think the bread industry needs a new spokesperson- Jake! How does he stay so thin?
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