New Recipes Adventure, first step...find a cookbook!

I am trying to be frugal, really like I think most people these days and am starting my adventure with a cookbook I already own. That way I am not taking up space on my shelf with books I don't use and I  am only spending money on the food, which face it we need anyways.

So I am picking a great cookbook my Grandma gave me almost 5 years ago as a bridal shower gift. I know I have used it but not to it's potential. I am starting my cooking adventure with Real Simple: Meals Made Easy. Which states most meals go from oven to table in less than 30 minutes and freeze well. Perfect for a house of two where number two comes home for dinner at odd times. Namine at The Clutter Box suggested I write the date as well as notes each time I make something so I remember whether we liked it or not. Great Idea! And better than my old use of sticky notes.

I decided to start at the beginning and think I should try EVERYTHING (unless it has shredded coconut, I HATE that). If we don't try new things what is the point of this adventure? So tomorrow is the day!

We are starting with the first section ONE POT MEALS! Sounds easy! I will fill you in with pictures and what my husband and I think, our first adventure is Roast Chicken and Vegetables which says it takes 30 minutes to prepare, 1 1/2 hours in the oven and makes 4 servings....pray my oven works tomorrow! Last night I was down to only one burner working again. I cant wait until next month when I get a new gas stove. :)

I have this really cool baking dish though from Pampered Chef (another great gift from my grandma :), which by the way is an AMAZING piece of kitchenware) that I can use to cook a chicken in the microwave....I think to keep the house cool and cut down time on the recipe I will use it instead. Last time I cooked a chicken in it, total cooking time =30 min. It is a toss up of one of my favorite kitchen items. Thanks Grandma for jump starting my adventure!

I can't wait! Not sure if I am more excited for a new meal or to use my baking dish because I am cheesy like that! :)

A New Recipe a Week?

I am thinking about starting a new adventure! Trying one (to start) new recipe each week.

When I lived by myself and when I had room mates I cooked all kinds of new foods and ate REALLY healthy. I worked down the street from the farmers market and my dad gave me free beef (we raised our own). I ate pretty well in college, way more steaks! Now I never know what time my husband is going to come home from work so it makes it hard to plan meals as well as I am not supposed to eat much beef. I have TONS of cookbooks and I have found I have stopped bothering to try new things over the last year.

So my resolve is to start with one cookbook I already own and try at least one new recipe a week. I also have decided my sticky notes I put in my cookbooks are disapearing...I am going to be a rebel and write in my cookbooks! Why not? It's not like I am giving them away or harming them, I am making them more useful for their intended purpose.

Do you have any recipes that you recommend I try on my new adventure?