Bare Cupboard Challenge Day #2

I have to tell you that this has become a bit of a game for me and I love it. One observation that I am learning is that we mommies can be pretty creative if we put our minds to it!

This week I have spent money only on Vitamin D milk for the baby....of course we are 2 days in, but that's still good :)

As Americans, we are so used to the philosophy of "instant gratification" that we think we can just go out and get anything we want when we want it because somehow it is "owed" to us in order to truly be happy. I am reading a book right now called "The Missional Mom: Living with Purpose at Home and in the World" by Helen Lee. (Stole this pic from Amazon so you can not actually look inside from my blog unless you go to Amazon!)

Anyone who wants to re-evaluate their families in light of Christ's calling needs to grab hold of this book. She has been recently talking a lot about the effect that our culture has in discipling our kids. I did not realize how much pressure I am under, and how much our countries ideals have seeped into the way that I think and live within my family. This book already has made me not only re-evaluate what I am doing as a mom, but also set my mind free of some pressures that I now realize really are not Christ-like!

One area that I am learning a lesson on is the way that I spend money. I believe that God is also teaching me this lesson through some tangible ways because quite frankly, we have almost nothing in our checking account this month. This month the money was used up in some random ways....some could not be helped. But, I think I could have been wiser in some of my spending. I think it is awesome how God uses our present circumstances along with the words I have been reading to really teach me!

Now onto the nuts and bolts of day # 2's dinner.

Do you have 1 meal that everyone holds all other meals up against (and they all fall short?) Well, this meal is it for our family. I discovered this recipe back when we were first married from the Betty Crocker Favorites cookbook. In the years I have been making it, we have tweaked it so now it does not exactly resemble the original recipe. But, it is always amazing.....sometimes my husband gets a hankering for "Irish Italian" and will make it for me for dinner.

No pictures, but it is easy enough. I hope you all try it and love it as much as we do! One disclaimer is that this meal, though delicious, is not pretty. It actually looks like dog food and it makes us laugh. But, it tastes divine :)

Irish Italian Spaghetti

1 pounds ground turkey or beef (we eat mostly turkey in our house.....I did not have a pound but I had 3/4 of a pound and it worked out perfectly!)

1 Tbs. EVOO

2 cloves fresh garlic, chopped

salt and pepper to taste

1 can each of Campbells condensed cream of mushroom and tomato soups (Campbells is the best by far. I have tried the cheaper brands and we have all realized we will pay a couple of cents more for Campbells to get the best flavor!)

crushed red pepper flakes

Fresh basil (you could use dried, but fresh always tastes better.....plus I have a plant!)

1/2 tsp. Oregano

1 tsp. chili powder

spaghetti or noodles cooked according to the package directions

1. Brown meat with the garlic cloves in 1 Tbs. EVOO until all pink is gone. Season with salt and pepper. Meanwhile cook the noodles according to the package directions

2. Once meat is browned, add the 2 cans of soup, stirring well. Add the rest of the spices and bring to a boil. Then reduce heat and cover for approximately 20 minutes to allow flavors to blend

3. Serve over hot noodles.

Enjoy! We sure did.....and do on a pretty regular basis!

**P.S. As you know, I like to incorporate cooked and pureed veggies to a lot of my dishes. Though I am out for this week, this is a good one to add cauliflower to. You will not taste it in the dish and your kids (and husband) will get an extra helping of this lovely veggie!