The Blue Collar Kitchen

I love making this from scratch (so do the kids), however, time is sometimes a problem. I will show you both ways to make it.

1 pack of Spinach and Cheese Ravioli

2 cups and half and half

1/2 cup of parmesean cheese

1 tbl of thyme

2 tsp of garlic

Left: Southern Chicken Pot Pie
Right: Grandma's Apple Pie


Who says you can't have pie for dinner and dessert? Here is a great example that you can have both. What is even better is that they are both quick and easy recipes. Chicken Pot Pie is a great week day dinner because it is what I like to call a "one bowl" meal. Everything is combined in one dish meaning less mess to clean up.

This is a great inexpensive meal that can be cooked, plated, and on the table in only thirty minutes. For my family of four, this meal only cost around $7. Here is how I did it.

Preheat the waffle maker to your desired color (most waffle makers can be set for light, medium or dark). Mix your waffle mix according to the directions on the bag. Spray the waffle maker with non-stick spray, add some batter and close the waffle maker. I recommend Krusteaz.
pancake and waffle mix from Sam's Club. It works great for pancakes and waffles and is very inexpensive. You can get a ten pound bag for around $6.50 and it will make a lot of pancakes and waffles.

While the waffles are cooking, prepare your favorite type of bacon. I usually cook mine in the microwave on a microwave bacon dish. It only takes 5 minutes and you can use the left over bacon grease to fry the omelets in. Cooking the bacon in the microwave not only saves time, but it is also a safe way to allow the kids to help with the cooking.

Be sure to keep cooking more waffles while the bacon is cooking. Always respray the waffle maker with non-stick spray before you add more mix; it will save you time and a lot of frustration. I used fresh chives and cilantro in my omelets for this meal. If you do not have fresh herbs, dried will do just fine. Dice up the fresh herbs, or if you are like my wife, use an herb mincer. They are very inexpensive and easy to use. Set the herbs aside for now.

Making omelets can be intimidating at first, but they are really simple to make. I recommend purchasing a small Omelet Pan, it really makes the the process less frustrating. Take a teaspoon of the left over bacon grease a heat it on medium heat in the omelet pan. Scamble six eggs (or more if needed) with 1/2 cup of milk and salt and pepper to taste. Pour a small amount of the eggs into the omelet pan. VERY IMPORTANT; only pour enough of the egg mixture to cover the bottom of the pan, and then a little more. If you have too much of the egg mixture in the pan, the middle of the omelet will not be done and the omelet will break when you flip them.

Add your herbs and some of your favorite shredded cheese around the omelet. Once two thirds of the egg mixture appears cooked, take your turner and flip the omelet over. This takes a little practice, but after a few tries, you will have it down. The number one reason the eggs stick is becaused the pan was not greased enough before adding the eggs. Allow the eggs to cook for a minute on this side, then use the turner to flip the omelet in half. Place the omelet on your plate and continue this process until all four omelets are cooked

Now it is time to plate. This is a great time to get the kids involved. Take one or two waffles and place them on a plate leaving enough room in one corner for the omelet. Sprinkle a little powdered sugar on top of the waffle, then add the blueberries, butter, and syrup. Place the omelet in the corner and sprinkle some shredded cheese over it and then a few of the fresh herbs. Place the bacon next to the waffles and you are ready to eat.

If this is your first time to make waffles and/or omelets, it may take 45 mintues to 1 hour to complete this meal. After a few times, you can complete this meal in 30 minutes.

Don't forget to double the waffle recipe to have breakfast ready for tomorrow.

A few times a month my family gets in the mood to have breakfast for our dinner meal. I always enjoy this meal not only because I love breakfast foods, but it can be cooked and on the table in only 30 minutes. Another great advantage of cooking breakfast for dinner is that you can double the recipe of pancakes and/or waffles and you will already have breakfast for tomorrow ready.

Waffles, pancakes, and biscuits are great items to double the recipe on because the extras can be refrigerated and then warmed up in the morning for breakfast. Most kids love the frozen waffles in the freezer section at the local grocery store, but they can be expensive and most are small, meaning it takes more to fill everyone up.

If you don't already have one, consider investing in a waffle maker. They are inexpensive, around $25, and you will get years of use out of them. Waffles are a big hit with the kids at any meal, and they love to make them. A great way to get the kids involved in cooking is to mix a large batch of waffle mix on the weekend and let them cook a big stack of waffles. You can let them decorate some and eat them, then freeze the rest for a quick breakfast down the road.

I try to always think about how I can utilize some part of each meal in another meal down the road. Cooking breakfast for dinner is a great way to get a head start on the next day. Be sure to check out my next blog for and example of a great breakfast for dinner recipe that made a great 2 for 1 deal.