Entre a la Maokai

Vayne stepped into the concealing shadows of the brush. She trusted her summoner's directions, indicating an enemy champion was coming down this lane. In the distance, she could see the enemy's tall sentry tower, it's crystals glowing dangerously. Behind her, a similar tower was erected but this one's power directed against her foes, not herself.

Suddenly a tree moved. Vayne's eyes widened. What manner of champion did she face who could move the very trees of the Fields of Justice? Then her eyes narrowed. It did not matter. She was a hunter of the night, rarely faced with a challenge she could not overcome in this arena. The tree moved again. Two purple, glowing, eyes appeared in the trunk. They shifted around, searching. She felt a surge of power come from her summoner. The mighty being who controlled the games and chosen her as it's champion.

Understanding flooded her and she felt impressed to attack. The tree wasn't something a champion controlled. It was a champion! Unable to give it further thought as her summoner urged her forward, she tumbled from the brush, aiming her wristbow and pelting the tree with silver tipped bolts. It roared and tossed a small sapling at her. She tumbled away, the creature landing with a squeak. It was disoriented for a moment then with a swift look around it began to chase her.

Alarmed, she moved away swiftly but it gave chase. The tree and the sapling lumbered after her as she retreated towards the friendly sentry tower. As she drew close, a powerful beam shot from the tower's crystals and vaporized the sapling. The tree stopped just outside the tower's range and tossed another sapling at her. It was vaporized as the first but not before searing Vayne's leg with a burning pain.

Feeling a surge of power from her summoner, Vayne felt emboldened. She ignored her wound and tumbled forward, drawing the large, dragon-headed crossbow from her back. She fired a powerful, large bolt into the tree. It howled in pain. She fired again, faster as she was fed more power. The second bolt crushed exactly where the first had struck. The creature turned to flee, knowing somehow that her third bolt was always the most deadly. She gave chase, the air seeming to propel her forward with speed. This was what she lived for. The chase!

Her third bolt hit the mark, splintering the great tree straight down the trunk. She fired again and again. The tree howled and raged, flailing his limbs and tossing branches and saplings. She dodge them all, swift and deadly in the final hour of the hunt. Soon, the tree was reduced to splinters in the field. The announcer's hard but feminine voice boomed across the field.

"Maokai has been slain."

Little did Vayne know but that her summoner was already thinking up ways to cook up a fitting tribute to her enemy of the field.

Entre a la Maokai

4 Servings | Total Time: 15 min | Journeyman

Mats:

• 1 cup Lentils, dry
• 2 cups+ Vegetable Broth
• 1 head Cabbage, shredded
• 12oz Smoked Ham, sliced
• Salt & Pepper to taste

Craft: Cook the lentils according to package instructions using broth instead of water. Drain and set aside. In a large pan over medium heat, brown the ham. Add cabbage and toss until cabbage just begins to wilt and become transparent. Add lentils. Season to taste. Serve hot.

Strategies: You can add or take away any veggies you'd like. If they're hard vegetables, nuke them in the microwave for a few minutes before adding them to the pan with the cabbage so they're sure to be cooked through. If you don't have any ham, any kind of meat will do.

LFM: Any sort of rolls are good but sourdough is especially delish! Also try serving this with a bit of pork gravy!

Cost:

• Lentils | $0.35
• Vegetable Broth | $1.00
  
• Cabbage | $1.35
  
• Smoked Ham | $2.00

Total Cost: $3.70
Cost Per Serving: $0.93

Category: Raid Night

Not "The Oatmeal Option"

This meal is in honor of Elisa from ecwrites.com. On 11/18/2011 she will be releasing her first book, "The Golden Sky." It is her journal from a time in her life full of trials and the loss of her son. Here is the quote from the back cover of her book. You can also order her book and read other writings of hers at the link below.





    
"The "death home" gave my son a really nice funeral, the kind I'd never wished to attend.  When they tried closing his casket, I nearly fell on my face, not wanting them to shut the lid on my baby.

        We lost it after that, totally cemented in our grief.  Cade got into drugs, joined a rock and roll band, and even grew out his damn hair.  At the time, I was sick of "the oatmeal option" (the only food we had), so I kicked Cade out of the house, and started modeling and working as a diesel mechanic.  That was how I met Earl, an old man and unlikely best friend; the "big sag," a middle aged woman who still flashed folks; my neighbor, the stripper next door, and "The Cowboy," a man who fell in love with me. 

        It was slow at first, but Cade reverted back to the man I'd busked with years before.  It wasn't until I killed a rogue skunk, and my daughter nearly choked on a fry, that I gave my husband another chance.  But could our marriage recover from the death of our son?" -EC Stilson

Not "The Oatmeal Option"
4 Servings | Total Time: 30 Minutes | Apprentice
Mats:

• 2 tsp garlic, minced
• 1/4 tsp pepper
• 1 tsp cornstarch
• 1 tsp veggi oil
• 1 lb sirloin tips, thinly sliced (Stir-Fry Beef)
• 3 tbl veggi oil
• 1 medium onion, thinly sliced
• 2 cups fresh green beans, trimmed
• 1/4 cup beef broth
• 1 tsp soy sauce
• 1 cup uncooked rice 

Craft: Cook rice according to package directions.  While rice is cooking, in a large mixing bowl, combine garlic, pepper, cornstarch, 1 tsp vegetable oil. Add beef, mix well. In a wok, heat 2 tbl oil over high heat for 1 minute then add beef; cook and stir for about 2 minutes or until beef begins to brown. Transfer beef to a bowl and set aside. Heat remaining 1 tbl oil in wok. Add onion; cook and stir until tender. Mix in green beans and broth. Cover and reduce heat to medium. Simmer for 4 to 5 minutes, or until bean are tender-crisp. Stir in soy sauce and beef. Cook, stirring constantly for 1 to 2 minutes or until heated through. Serve over hot rice.

Strategies: You can substitute the rice for ramen noodles if cooking rice makes you nervous.

Cost:

• Meat | $4.50
• Green Beans | $0.59
• Rice | $1.00

Total Cost: $6.09
Cost Per Serving: $1.52

Categories: Raid Night, Critical Hits

El's Extreme Tacos

Whenever there's a great game released it creates a ripple effect across the internet. People blog about it, make videos about it, create websites around it, and make guides for it. Some of these fan sites are generalized and others are specialized. El's Extreme Anglin' is a fan site dedicated completely to only one aspect of World of Warcraft. Fishing.

There's not a single question you could ask about fishing in WoW that El's doesn't have the answer to. They've got everything. Guides for leveling fishing. Where to find fish. The best places to farm achievements. How to get your pets and titles. Even a list of every food buff you can get from cooking fish! These awesome fish tacos are a tribute to such a great fan site that's always been there over the years and is still going strong!

El's Extreme Tacos

4 Servings | Total Time: 15 min | Apprentice

Mats:

• 16 Taco Shells
• 2 Tilapia Fillets
• 1 Tbl Canola Oil
• 1 cup Sour Cream
• 1 pkt Taco Seasoning Mix
• 1 Tbl Cilantro
• 1 Tbl Lime Juice
• 2 cups Lettuce, shredded
• 1 cup Cheddar Cheese

Craft: Cut tilapia into 1" pieces. Heat oil in a skillet. Season tilapia with 1/2 of the taco seasoning packet. Fry tilapia until cooked through and no longer translucent, about 5 minutes. Meanwhile, in a small bowl mix together sour cream, cilantro, lime juice and the rest of the seasoning packet. Stuff tacos with fish, cheese, lettuce and sour cream mix.

Strategies: Get more bang for the buck by adding finely diced tomatoes, onions, celery and bell peppers to your tacos. Pre-made taco shells are great when you're pinched for time but home fried taco shells are excellent for more flavor.

LFM: Serve with rice or a tropical fruit salad.

Cost:

• Taco Shells | $1.00
• Tilapia Fillets | $2.00
• Sour Cream | $1.00
• Taco Seasoning Mix | $0.50
• Lettuce | $0.50
• Cheddar Cheese | $2.00

Total Cost: $7.00
Cost Per Serving: $1.75

Category: Raid Night

*This meal contains staple items such as spices that you may or may not have in your pantry so your cost may vary.

Oven Fried Halos

There's nothing quite like a classic game. Especially a good one that launches many, many more sequel and branching games. Take Halo as a good example. It starts off all humanity vs aliens and then throws some zombies in there to threaten both! Only the Master Chief (aka you) can stop them! The Master Chief has become an iconic symbol in FPS games. There are very few people who wouldn't recognize him as at least being related to some random video game.

I was wondering how on earth I could make a recipe that is a tribute to such a great game like Halo. Thinking about 'halos' got me thinking about rings. And rings got me thinking about onion rings. But onion rings are, unfortunately, something that's hard to make at home. And REALLY hard to make healthier. These certainly are not the deep fried super crunchy rings you'd get at your local fast foodery place but they do come pretty close. Close enough for this Master Chef (see what I did thar?)!

Oven Fried Halos

4 Servings | Prep Time: 2-24 Hrs; Cook Time: 10 min | Journeyman

Mats:

• 1 White Onion
• 1 cup Panko Breadcrumbs
• 1 tsp Garlic Salt
• 2 Tbl Parsley, dried
• 2 cups Buttermilk

Craft: Separate the onion into rings and place in an air-tight container. Pour buttermilk over them, cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours or up to 24 hours. Preheat oven to 425° F. Cover a baking sheet with tinfoil and coat with cooking spray. Mix breadcrumbs, garlic salt and parsley in a shallow bowl. Coat each onion ring with the breadcrumbs and place on the baking sheet. Bake for 8-12 minutes or until rings are golden brown.

Strategies: If you don't have buttermilk you can make 'sour milk' by mixing 1 Tbl of Lemon Juice or Vinegar with 1 cup of milk.

LFM: This is great with any chicken dishes, burgers or sandwiches. Serve with sauces like ranch dressing and marinara sauce.

Cost:

• White Onion | $0.75
  
• Buttermilk | $1.00
  

Total Cost: $1.75
Cost Per Serving: $0.44

Category: Expansions, Snackage, LFG

*This meal contains staple items such as spices that you may or may not have in your pantry so your cost may vary.

Kim'Jael's Stuffed Chicken

There are times when I love Blizzard to death for making such a great game like World of Warcraft. And there are times when I want to hit them over the head with a Doomhammer for destroying the world and all the great things they had going for the game.  Take Azshara for example. Few people quested there. It was disjointed and random. Lots of quests from other zones would take you here but it had very few local quests of it's own. But the few quests it did have, had very unexpected surprises involved. Kim'Jael, the lonely goblin on the mount, teased and tormented by the blood elves to the south. They stole not only his equipment but his food too! Such tasty food such as his delicious Stuffed Chicken that no goblin should be without.

These flavor quests (pardon the pun!) are all gone now. No more exploration to discover hidden quests givers with unique stories like these. No curiousity and adventure. Just railroad quest chains that all tell the same basic story everywhere you look. But I digress...

Blizzard has done a lot of things right and they've done a lot of things wrong. Cataclysm didn't quite live up to my expectations but maybe Mists of Pandaria will. There is certainly one thing that will live up to my expectations though. Some of Kim'Jael's Stuffed Chicken! For old times sake.

Stuffed Chicken & Green Beans

2 Servings | Total Time: 30 min | Artisan

Mats:

• 2 Boneless Skinless Chicken Breasts
• 1 cup Baby Spinach
• 1 Tbl Bacon Bits
• 1 Stalk of Celery
• 1/2 cup Cream Cheese
• 1/2 cup Chicken Breading
• 1 Tbl Parsley
• 1 can French Cut Green Beans

Craft: Preheat oven to 375° F. Place spinach in a small bowl. Add 1 tsp of water, cover and microwave for 1-3 min or until spinach is wilted. Chop celery. Add celery, bacon bits and cream cheese to the spinach. Mix until combined. Pound chicken breasts to 1/4" thickness or thinner if you can. Place filling on one side of the chicken and roll up. Close with toothpicks. Combine breading and parsley. Lightly coat the chicken with the breading then place on a greased baking sheet. Bake for 20 minutes or until chicken is cooked through. Meanwhile pour can of green beans into a small pot and bring to a boil. Sprinkle with salt and pepper. Drain and serve on the side of the chicken.

Strategies: If you don't have time to pound the chicken and stuff it then you can serve the 'stuffing' as sauce over the top of the cooked chicken breast instead.

LFM: Dinner Rolls

Cost:

• Boneless Skinless Chicken Breasts | $2.00
• Baby Spinach | $1.00
• Cream Cheese | $1.00
• Chicken Breading | $1.00
• French Cut Green Beans | $0.50

Total Cost: $5.5
Cost Per Serving: $2.75

Category: Casual

*This meal contains staple items such as spices that you may or may not have in your pantry so your cost may vary.

Sam's Skillet Shrimp & Pasta

My humblest apologies for the neglect of this blog. Someone pushed fast forward on October I swear! I promise Leetah and I will be posting delectable recipes more frequently over the coming months. And now, on with the recipe story!

 ***

It's no secret that while Samwise Gamgee is a gardener, he also loves to cook. Truly there are very few hobbits who don't like to cook because cooking means food and there are honestly no hobbits that don't like food. Like any good cook, Samwise has his collection of beloved pots and pans to use in the kitchen. But there's one skillet that stands out above the rest. The cast iron frying pan! You can bake, saute, fry, and simmer in it! And this humble baby isn't just used for cooking either! If you doubt me, you need to go watch the Fellowship of the Ring again and pay more attention to the orc/goblin fight in the Mines of Moria. But when he's not bashing in orc heads with his Frying Pan of Doom he's busy whipping up something tasty for dinner!

This skillet shrimp is lemony, buttery and has a slight kick to it that anyone will enjoy! It's fast to fix up and extremely versatile if you have some random vegetables or meat bits you want to throw into it.

Sams's Skillet Shrimp & Pasta

4 Servings | Total Time: 20 min | Journeyman

Mats:

• 15oz Swabian Egg Noodles
• 1 Tbl Olive Oil
• 1/2 Stick of Butter
• 3 Cloves of Garlic
• 2 Tbl Lemon Juice
• 2 Large Kale Leaves
• 1 Tbl Parsley (minced fresh or dried)
• 2 cups Small Shrimp, shelled, deveined, tails off
• 1 cup Cabbage, shredded
• 1 Large Carrot
• 1/2 tsp Red Pepper Flakes
• Salt & Pepper to taste

Craft: Shave the carrot with a potato peeler to make thin strips. Cook noodles according to package instructions, using 2 extra cups of water. During the last 3 minutes of cook time, add cabbage and carrot to the noodles in the boiling water.

Meanwhile mince the garlic (keep separate), parsley(if using fresh) and kale. In a large cast iron skillet, melt the butter. Add olive oil and the garlic and cook over medium heat for 3 minutes. Add shrimp and lemon juice and cook, stirring occasionally  until the shrimp starts to turn pink. Add the kale, parsley, red pepper flakes, salt and pepper then cook 1 minute more. Remove from heat. When the noodles/cabbage/carrots are done, drain then add them to the skillet, stirring until combined. Serve hot.

Strategies: You can buy pre-minced garlic from the grocery store to save time or use a food processor to speed mince! Don't have any Swabian noodles? You can use linguine, fettucine or thin spaghetti just fine!

LFM: This is a one dish meal but any baked goods are awesome for dessert!

Cost:

• Swabian Egg Noodles | $1.50
• Kale | $1.00
• Small Shrimp | $5.00
• Cabbage | $1.00
  
• Carrot | $1.00

Total Cost: $9.50
Cost Per Serving: $2.38

Category: Raid Night

*This meal contains staple items such as spices that you may or may not have in your pantry so your cost may vary.

The Holtburger

Standing on a hill overlooking the River Prosper as it runs from the heights of Mount Esper into the lowlands, the town of Holtburg was one of the first Aluvian Villages. Settlers erected it in 2 P.Y. (Portal Year, time dating from the year humans overthrew Olthoi rule), having struck out into the wilderness from the safety of nearby Cragstone to log the vast Tiofor Wood to the west. The town has since become a major waypoint for travelers, as it stands between the villages surrounding Lake Blessed and Glenden Wood, with the Gharu'ndim settlements beyond.

It wasn't long after the settlement was established that it began to be well-known for a certain rare treat that Aluvians had not tasted since Asheron Called them to Dereth. Delicious ground meat between slices of bread with vegetables, savory sauces and sharp cheeses. This wonderful burger of times past quickly adopted the name HoltBurger. And it's enjoyed in every corner of Dereth today. It will take a little more than clap-clapping to put this burger together but it's well worth the effort.

The Holtburger

4 Servings | Total Time: 25 min | Artisan

Mats:

• 1 lb Ground Beef
• 1 cup Shredded Cheddar Cheese (sharp is best)
• 1 Tbl Garlic Salt
• 2 tsp Pepper
• 1 Tbl Onion Powder
• 1 Egg
• 4 Hamburger Buns
• Desired Toppings

Craft: In a large bowl mix together ground beef, garlic salt, pepper, onion powder and egg. Divide the beef into four equal portions. Divide each portion into two equal halves. Form each half into a very, very thin patty. Place 1/4 cup of cheese into the center of four of the patties. Cover with the remaining four and seal the seams. Pan fry or grill until meat is cooked through.

Strategies: I would not recommend an appliance grill for this recipe. The real smoky flavor from a true outdoorsy grill is the best. But if you don't have a choice, just be sure to oil your indoor grill really well so there is no sticking and falling apart.

LFM: Fries and/or Grilled Veggies.

Cost:

• 1 lb Ground Beef | $2.00
• Shredded Cheddar Cheese | $2.00
• Hamburger Buns | $1.00

Total Cost: $5.00
Cost Per Serving: $1.25

Category: Casual, Troll Fuel

*This meal contains staple items such as spices that you may or may not have in your pantry so your cost may vary.

Naaru Bean Balls

The Naaru are crystalline beings of the Holy Light. They are not only great champions of the light but their natures are literally light in nature. But like all things, Light cannot exist without the Dark. Sometimes, a wounded Naaru can be drained of their power and become darkened. Darkened Naaru becomes servants of the Void. It is extremely rare for a Naaru to fall into a darkened state and it is a tragic event for all the Naaru as a race. Even more rare is it for a Naaru to be redeemed from a darkened state.

It is this yin yang nature of the Naaru that inspired this dish. Black Bean Croquettes are a fairly common dish for people who love black beans but I wanted to expand my horizons so I created Butter Bean Croquettes as well as light and dark sauces for them. You won't know which one you like more, I promise!

Naaru Bean Balls

4 Servings | Total Time: 20 min | Artisan

Mats:

• 1 can Black Beans
• 1 can Butter Beans
• 1/2 can White Whole Kernel Corn
• 1 cup Breadcrumbs
• 1 cup Medium Salsa
• 2 Tbl Extra Virgin Olive Oil
• 1 pkg dry Ranch Dip
• 1 cup Sour Cream
• 1 Slices of Pepper Jack Cheese
• 3/4 cup Barbecue Sauce
• 1/4 cup Steak Sauce
• 1 Tbl Honey
• 1 Tbl Bacon Bits

Craft: Preheat oven to 425° F. Grease a baking sheet. Drain and rinse black beans. Mash black beans with a fork in a bowl. Mix in salsa, 1/4 cup at a time until moist but still firm. Form mixture into 1" balls, using breadcrumbs to firm them up if needed. Drain and rinse the butter beans. Mash butter beans in a separate bowl with a fork. Drain corn and add to the butter beans. Form mixture into 1" balls, using breadcrumbs to firm them up if needed. Place the bean balls on the baking sheet. Bake for 10 minutes. Meanwhile, in a small sauce pan mix ranch dip, sour cream and pepper jack cheese. Turn the heat to medium low and stir constantly until cheese is melted. Set aside. In a small bowl, mix barbecue sauce, steak sauce, honey and bacon bits. When bean balls are done serve them with dark sauce over the white balls and the white sauce over the dark balls. Or vice verse if desired. Two bean balls per serving.

Strategies: You can make extra bean balls and sauce then freeze them for later meals. To reheat them, bake at 425° F for 10-15 minutes. Reheat sauces in a covered bowl in the microwave for 2 minutes.

LFM: Coleslaw and fruit cocktail.

Cost:

• Black Beans | $0.50
  
• Butter Beans | $0.50
• White Whole Kernel Corn | $0.50
• Medium Salsa | $2.00
• Dry Ranch Dip | $1.00
• Sour Cream | $1.00
• Pepper Jack Cheese | $1.50

Total Cost: $7.00
Cost Per Serving: $1.75

Category: Raid Night, Critical Hits

*This meal contains staple items such as spices that you may or may not have in your pantry so your cost may vary.

Whiptail Saute

 For a time, Whiptail had it's hay-day. It grew, you picked it and within moments it was back again, for you to pick, again. And so on and on it went. Many, many farmers spent many many hours farming these ever present nodes in Uldum.

You would initially think that such a flood of the herb would have driven the costs for it on the AH to drop dramatically. Curiously though, it didn't. So where was all of this Whiptail being sold?

It wasn't.

Okay then, where was it being hoarded?

It wasn't.

The fact is, it was being milled. I mean, why not? Inks are, after all, far more profitable than mere herbs. But when you leave an inscriptionist to mill so many herbs non-stop, he will eventually have a large pile of excreted herbs that no longer have the ink in them, but may be a waste to simply throw away. So a few clever cooks gathered the piles of pulped Whiptail and brought it to their fires and seasonings to see what they could come up with.

 Sorry about the picture quality!

Whiptail Saute
6 Servings | Total Time: 15 Minutes | Apprentice

Mats:

• 1/8 cup water
• 1 bunch pulped Whiptail, or fresh spinach, rinsed and stemmed
• 1/3 cup cream cheese, softened
• 1 pinch salt
• 4 teaspoons lemon juice

Craft: Bring the water to a boil in a skillet over medium heat. Add spinach all at once, and reduce heat slightly. Cover, and let cook for about 3 minutes, or until spinach is not quite tender. Stir in the cream cheese and lemon juice, and season with salt. Cook, stirring, until the cream cheese is melted and well blended. Serve immediately.

Strategies: Try other seasonings like garlic or onion powder to change up the flavor a little.

LFM: This dip is wonderful with bread, crackers or chips!

Cost:

• Spinach | $1.89
• Cream Cheese | $1.19

Total Cost: $3.08
Cost Per Serving: $0.51

Categories: Expansions, Raid Night, Snackage

Nanner Dumplings

Asheron's Call was the first MMO I ever played. I was hooked. Being able to play a game that had the option of playing solo or pvp or grouping was just was I was looking for and I didn't even know it. A lot of people say that no other MMO will ever compare to your first. It's so true! Even though I've played a few MMO's since AC I've found that nothing can ever replace those first-game feelings of wonder and exploration.

One of the funniest things I discovered in AC was the fact that a lot of the same foods we have on our humble Earth are also in the world of Dereth. But they usually had different names. For some strange reason that really tickled me. Take Nanners for example. Maybe it's because that was one of my nicknames growing up but 'Nanners' is just awesome. And you can cook them if you have the skill! But unfortunately there aren't too many recipes that use Nanners. There MUST be something other than Chocolate Covered Nanners! The tuskers will hit harder until we find something else to make!

Nanner Dumplings

4 Servings | Total Time: 30 min | Journeyman

Mats:

• 1 Pie Crust Dough
• 2 Bananas
• 1 Tbl Lemon Juice
• 1/2 cup Powdered Sugar
• 1 tsp Allspice
• 1/4 cup Nutella

Craft: Preheat oven to 425° F. Dice bananas and toss in lemon juice then mix in allspice and half of the powdered sugar. Beat egg in a small bowl. Roll out pie crust (If you bought a 2-pack, freeze the other crust for future recieps) and cut out four large squares from it. Brush egg on the edges of the squares. Spread Nutella in the center. Scoop banana filling into the center of each square. Take the two opposite corners of the square and bring them over the filling, pinching the edges together. Take the other two corners and bring them to the center over the filling and pinch together. Pinch all the sides together to seal. Brush with egg. Place on a greased baking sheet and bake for 15-20 minutes or until crust is golden brown. When done, dust with remaining powdered sugar and serve warm.

Strategies: You can use the scraps of the dough to wrap around small pieces of banana and bake too. They make delicious mini-bites.

LFM: This desert is a good finishing move for any meal combo.

Cost:

• Pie Crust Dough | $1.25
• Bananas | $1.00

Total Cost: $2.25
Cost Per Serving: $0.57

Category: Rez Plz, Expansions, Phat Loot, Snackage

*This meal contains staple items such as spices that you may or may not have in your pantry so your cost may vary.

Tatooine Pasta

I am super excited to play SWTOR, and involve myself in the Star Wars Galaxy.  You see, I am very much a fantasy type person.  I am into dragons and castles and mages and all of that awesome stuff that WoW has.  Sci-Fi really isn't my thing, but I grew up on Star Wars and Star Trek.  I have a link with them that goes further back than even my having played Warcraft 1.  I have been watching Star Wars since the dawn of my time.  There is going to be so much cool lore to immerse myself in as well. Take for instance, the famous planet of Tatooine.  Everybody knows and loves Tatooine, the home planet of Anakin Skywalker and his more righteous children Luke and Leia.  It is a dry desert planet with nearly no vegetation, but it has been in every Star Wars movie and is the most iconic of the planets.  Reminiscing about this planet led me to crave a certain dish that reminds me of hot weather and the need for something to spice up the day. 

Tatooine Pasta
6 Servings | Total Time: 45 Minutes | Apprentice

Mats:

• 1 lb cooked chicken or ground beef
• 1 pkg taco seasoning
• 2 cups Ranch Dressing
• 1/4 cup chopped Onion
• 1 can Kidney or Pinto Beans, drained
• 1 can Corn, drained
• 1 cup cheese, shredded or cubed
• 8 oz Bowtie Pasta

Craft: Cook pasta according to package directions. If your meat is not cooked, do so now. Drain pasta and run under cold water to cool. Cool meat as well if necessary. Combine all ingredients together and mix well.

Strategies: You can add any vegetable to this that you would like, it is versatile that way. :)

LFM: Serve with a side of Nacho Dorritos and use them as your 'utensil' for best results.  You can try Ranch Dorritos but they don't add the same flavor that Nacho does.

Cost:

• Meat | $1.99
• Taco Seasoning | $0.99
• Beans | $0.59
• Corn | $0.59
• Cheese | $1.50
• Pasta | $0.98

Total Cost: $6.64
Cost Per Serving: $1.11

Categories: Casual

Spicy Cheaterfish Melt

Few people have ever been able to catch the cheaterfish in WoW. And those who have caught them, didn't know it. More often than not, the all powerful Warden catches the cheaterfish. Then it chops them up and serves them to you on a silver platter. Or in a tin can. In this case, we're taking the pouch-packaged kind and turning it into a fast fixin' lunch!'

It doesn't require a stove or that 'broiler' thingy. Just a toaster and a microwave. But even the microwave is optional if you're running short on time. Just throw the bread in the toaster, spread it with lemon pepper tuna and a slice of pepper jack cheese. I also like putting tomatoes and alfalfa sprouts on it for some juiciness and a little crunch that doesn't hinder the spicy flavors.

Spicy Cheaterfish Melt

2 Servings | Total Time: 5 min | Apprentice

Mats:

• 2 slices Bread
• 2 slices Pepper Jack Cheese
• 8 Grape Tomatoes
• 1 pkg Lemon Pepper Tuna
• 1 Tbl Mayo
• 1 cup Alfalfa Sprouts

Craft: Toast the bread. Slice the tomatoes in half. Mix tuna with mayo. Spread 1/2 cup Alfalfa sprouts on each slice of bread. Then add half the tuna to each slice. Top with cheese and tomatoes. Microwave for 30 seconds.

Strategies:

LFM: Green Salad, Carrots & Ranch Dressing

Cost:

• Pepper Jack Cheese | $1.00
• 8 Grape Tomatoes | $1.00
• 1 pkg Lemon Pepper Tuna | $1.00
• 1 cup Alfalfa Sprouts | $1.00

Total Cost: $4.00
Cost Per Serving: $4.00

Category: Troll Fuel

*This meal contains staple items such as spices that you may or may not have in your pantry so your cost may vary.

Muja Chicken

On the planet of Gala, Qui-Gon Jinn and Obi-Wan Kenobi fought to uncover a secret plot to undermine the dying queen's wishes of a democratic government.  Their role as Guardians of Peace takes Qui-Gon to the Hill People, a separatist faction whose leader is the true heir to the throne.  While in Hill country they find a fruit known as Muja.  It is so delicious they send it back to the Jedi Temple where the master chefs prepare it it many ways.  It is made into juice, muffins, even fruit filled donuts.  But the best recipe is the Muja Chicken.  

Muja Chicken
6 Servings | 1 Hour | Apprentice

Mats:

• 6 skinless boneless chicken breast
• 1 1/2 (1 oz) pkg dry onion soup mix
• 1 (10 fl oz) bottle Russian-style dressing
• 1 cup apricot preserve

Craft: Preheat oven to 350°. Place chicken in casserole dish. Mix other ingredients together and pour over chicken. Cover and bake for 1 hour.

LFM: This has a lot of sauce and goes really well when served over rice.

Cost:

• Chicken | $5.99
• Russian Dressing | $1.79
• Onion Soup Mix | $0.59
• Apricot Preserve | $2.15

Total Cost: $10.52
Cost Per Serving: $1.75

Categories: Hardcore

Twice Baked Oronok's Tubers

Oronok Torn-Heart is a little known NPC out in the lonely peaks of Shadowmoon in Outlands. The adventurers who bother to head out that way these days are usually just trying to get their achievements done or are just bored out of their minds and looking for something to do. Course that might be the same thing to some people. ~_^

I'm telling you though, when you just plow through quests without reading them more than you need to you miss great storylines like this one. Oronok is one of the few orcs left in Outland who threw off the yolk of demon bondage and now fights the Burning Legion. You assist him and his sons in helping to settle the elements of the land.

But when you first meet him, he doesn't want to help. Why? He's got a farm to salvage and protect. So the first quest that Oronok sends you on is to take one of his boars and go rootin' for tubers. These lovely tubers, like any good potatoes, have many uses. You can boil 'em, mash 'em, or stick 'em in a stew. In this case, Oronok likes to bake them. And depending on the spices they'll give you Agility, Spellpower, Spirit, or Strength! So next time you find yourself in Shadowmoon Valley, go grab a bite to eat and follow the interesting tale of Oronok and his sons.

Baked Oronok's Tubers

2 Servings | Total Time: 20 min | Journeyman

Mats:

• 2 Large Baking Potatoes
• 2 Eggs
• 2 Green Onions
• 1/2 Kielbasa Sausage
• 1 Stalk of Celery
• 1/2 cup Cheddar Cheese

Craft: Stabbity each potato with a fork then microwave for 3 minutes each. Slice each in half and scoop out of the center and set aside. Spray entire potato halves with cooking spray then place on a baking sheet. Preheat oven to 425° F. Dice onion and celery. Finely dice the kielbasa then brown in a skillet over medium high heat. Add eggs, onion, and celery to the skillet and cook until eggs are done. Spoon the eggs into the potato halves. Bake for 10 minutes. Meanwhile, mash potatoes, adding a little water and salt and pepper. Divide into two portions and roll into ball. Flatten the balls and pan fry for 2-3 minutes on each side until they are crispy brown. When potatoes are done, sprinkle with cheese and bake another 2-3 minutes or until cheese is melted.

Strategies: If you've got extra veggies lying around it doesn't hurt to dice them up and add them to the mix. This recipe is great for getting rid of leftovers.

LFM: Bananas, Strawberries and/or Pineapple chunks.

Cost:

• Large Baking Potatoes | $1.50
  
• Eggs | $1.25
• Green Onions | $1.25
• Kielbasa Sausage | $2.00
• Cheddar Cheese | $2.00

Total Cost: $8.00
Cost Per Serving: $4.00

Category: Rez Plz, Raid Night

*This meal contains staple items such as spices that you may or may not have in your pantry so your cost may vary.

Great Moodha's Noodles

After defending Wizard City from the machinations of Malistaire, then putting to rest the mummies of Krokotopia, and defeating the legions of cat burglars in Marleybone, a young wizard just might find themselves hankering for rest and relaxation in the tranquil meadows of Moo Shu. And there can't be R&R without plenty of tasty asian-style food. That is, after all, the represented culture in Moo Shu.

This noodle dish is the worthy of the Great Moodha herself. It's got a lot of spices and flavors and textures going on to tickle your tastebuds and please your palette. They also make for great leftovers! Easily reheated or wrapped up with some cheese in a tortilla.

Great Moodha's Noodles

6 Servings | Prep Time: 40 min; Cook Time: 25 min  | Journeyman

Mats:

• 8oz Bean Threads or Rice Noodles
• 4 Eggs
• 2 Tbl Curry Powder
• 2 Tbl Sesame Oil
• 3 Tbl Extra Virgin Olive Oil
• 4oz Shrimp, peeled, deveined, tails off
• 1 lb Ground Pork
• 1 Tbl Ground Ginger
• 1 Tbl Garlic, minced
• 1/2 Green Bell Pepper
• 1/2 Red Bell Pepper
• 1/2 Yellow or Orange Bell Pepper
• 1/2 Onion
• 4 Green Onions
• 1/2 cup Alfalfa Sprouts
• 1 cup Snow Peas
• 1 cup Beef Broth
• 3 Tbl Soy Sauce
• 2 Tbl Rice Wine Vinegar
• 4 Tbl Fresh Cilantro, chopped

Craft: Bring a pot of water to a boil. Drop in noodles and boil for 2 minutes. Drain in a fine mesh strainer and rinse under cool water. Let stand in the strainer.

Brown pork in a medium skillet. Slice peppers and onion into long, thin strips. Chop green onions. In a small bowl whisk together eggs, sesame oil and 1/2 of the curry powder. Heat 1.5 Tbl of olive oil in a very large skillet over medium-high heat. Add eggs and reduce heat to low. Scramble until done then remove from skillet and set aside.

Turn heat back up to medium high and add 1.5 Tbl of olive oil. Add peppers, ginger, garlic and remaining curry powder. Cook 3-5 minutes, stirring frequently. Add cooked pork and shrimp. Cook 2 minutes more. Add green onions, sprouts, snow peas and noodles. Cook 2 minutes more. Pour in beef broth and bring to a boil. Add soy sauce and rice vinegar. When sauce has reduced, add eggs and toss to combine. Garnish with cilantro.

Strategies: These make excellent leftovers, especially when topped with a little cheese inside a flour tortilla.

LFM: Apple tart for dessert or a tangy fruit sorbet.

Cost:

• Bean Threads | $2.25
• Eggs | $1.25
• Shrimp | $2.00
• Ground Pork | $2.00
• Green Bell Pepper | $1.00
• Red Bell Pepper | $1.50
• Yellow or Orange Bell Pepper | $1.50
• Onion | $1.00
• Green Onions | $1.00
• Alfalfa Sprouts | $1.00
• Snow Peas | $2.00
• Beef Broth | $2.00

Total Cost: $18.50
Cost Per Serving: $3.09

Category: Journeyman, Hardcore

*This meal contains staple items such as spices that you may or may not have in your pantry so your cost may vary.

Kaja Nacho Casserole

It's a little known fact that the makers of Kaja Cola have delved into realms outside the beverage industry. I mean, there's only so much you can do with a drink. They've got Kaja Cola, Kaja Cola Zero-One, the Kaja Cola Six Pack, and the limited edition Banana Kaja Cola. Yes, it was time to branch out. Branch out into food!

Now, let's not confuse foods and beverages. In WoW there is a big difference. Food gives you health back. Drinks will give you mana back. The Kaja Cola Company ruled the drink industry in Kezan and they decided they wanted a part of the food industry too. Not only could their mana addicts get great ideas from their drinks but they could also rope in the likes of rogues and warriors with their food! If only they could find the right recipe...

Kaja Nacho Casserole

4 Servings | Total Time: 20 min | Journeyman

Mats:

• 1lb Ground Beef or Turkey
• 1 bag Tortilla Chips
• 1 packet Taco Seasoning
• 1 can Diced Tomatoes with Green Chilies
• 1 can Olives, sliced
• 4 oz Cream Cheese
• 1 cup Sour Cream
• 1/4 cup Cilantro, chopped
• 1 Tbl Lime Juice
• 1 cup Cheddar Cheese
  

Craft: Preheat oven to 350° F. Add ground beef to a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add ½ packet of taco seasoning. Cook for 4-6 minutes or until beef is browned. Add tomatoes, undrained and olives, drained. Add Cream Cheese and stir until melted. Remove from heat. In a separate bowl, stir together rest of the taco seasoning, sour cream, cilantro and lime juice. In a casserole dish, layer chips, meat, sour cream, and cheese. Top with cheese. Bake uncovered for 10 minutes

Strategies: This is also really good if you replace the canned tomatoes with fresh tomatoes and a can of green chilies. You can also reduce the sodium by making your own taco seasoning with cumin, paprika, onion powder and chili powder.

LFM: A crisp green salad.

Cost:

• Ground Turkey | $1.50
• Tortilla Chips | $2.00
• Taco Seasoning | $1.00
• Diced Tomatoes with Green Chilies | $1.00
• Olives | $0.50
• Cream Cheese | $1.25
• Sour Cream | $1.00
• Cheddar Cheese | $2.00

Total Cost: $10.25
Cost Per Serving: $2.57

Category: Raid Night, Critical Hits

*This meal contains staple items such as spices that you may or may not have in your pantry so your cost may vary.

Sholazar Parfait

Situated in the icy lands of Northrend, Sholazar Basin is a tropical paradise to ease those numb, adventuring fingers of yours. It's almost surreal and more than a little bizzarre to find a jungle zone in Northrend. I mean, it's called the Roof of the World. We're talking polar ice caps here. But there it is, a creation of the titans, filled with tropical creatures, warm rivers, thriving vegetation, and very wild wildlife.

This change in temperatures has you going from craving a hot Black Coffee to searching for a cool cup of Kungaloosh. But with the abundance of fruit in the basin, why not a tastier treat to beat the heat? It's fast and easy too so you can get back to that level grind.

Sholazar Parfait

1 Servings | Total Time: 5 min | Apprentice

Mats:

• 1 cup Vanilla Yogurt
• 1 small Banana
• 1/2 cup Pineapple Chunks
• 1/4 cup Granola or 1 Granola bar, chopped
  

Craft: Slice the banana. In a cup or bowl layer 1/3 of the fruit and 1/2 cup of yogurt. Layer it again and top with fruit and granola.

Strategies: Try it with some shredded coconut too!

LFM: Perfect for breakfast by itself or for dessert.

Cost:

• Vanilla Yogurt | $0.75
• Banana | $0.50
• Pineapple Chunks | $1.00
• Granola | $0.50

Total Cost: $2.75
Cost Per Serving: $2.75

Category: Rez Plz, Expansions, Phat Loot, Snackage

Talandra's Rose Flatbread

I have been an herbalist at heart for as long as I can remember.  I have always found herbs fascinating.  When I was twelve I started my own herb garden growing things like mint and lavender, parsley and basil.  So naturally when I started playing WoW I had my first professions practically handed to me on a silver platter with my freaking name on it.  Herbalism and the accompanying Alchemy.  I loved creating potions and elixirs from the various herbs found around the map in game.  However I was not terribly found of having to find the herbs.  Wouldn't it be so much easier to just grow an herb garden like IRL?  Or even go down to the grocery store and buy them dried in a bottle on a shelf?  Alas, this may not be an option available in game, but it is one for your kitchen IRL.  Today I present you with one of my favorite appetizers, Talandra's Rose Flatbread.

Talandra's Rose Flatbread
4 Servings | Total Time: 5 Minutes | Apprentice

Mats:

• 1 10-ounce fully baked thin pizza crust (such as Boboli)
• 1 Tbl Extra-virgin olive oil
• 1 tsp minced fresh rosemary
• 1/4 tsp Sea salt
• 1/4 tsp Pepper

Craft: While barbecue is heating to medium or oven is heating to 400° brush 1 side of pizza crust round with oil, then sprinkle each with 1/2 teaspoon rosemary, sea salt, and pepper. Place on grill or in oven, seasoned side down. Brush top with oil, then sprinkle with remaining rosemary, sea salt, and pepper. Cook until just golden, about 2 minutes per side on the grill or 6 minutes in the oven. Cut pizzas into wedges and serve.

Strategies: You can make this with your own home made pizza dough and adding a little sprinkle of mozzarella cheese.  Also try changing out the herb to basil or oregano or a combination of your favorites.

Cost:

• Pizza Crust | $5.00

Total Cost: $5.00
Cost Per Serving: $1.25 
*This meal contains staple items such as spices that you may or may not have in your pantry so your price may vary.

Categories: Troll Fuel, Snackage, Expansions, Raid Night, Critical Hits

Game Cube Hash

I love older games and game systems. Call me crazy but there's something about dusting off something you haven't played in a bit that hits you in the nostalgia gland. I'm a big Zelda fan. And I know that The Wind Waker for the GameCube was one of those love/hate games. Some people really loved it, some people really hated it. I think I'm somewhere in between. My favorite Zelda games were from the N64. So the graphical differences took some getting used to but the game play was still awesome as expected from this franchise. And don't get me started on how excellent Twilight Princess was.

Anyway! (I'm such a Zelda geek) This dinner is to pay homage to the GameCube and all the fabulous games that go with it. Everything is chopped up into cube shaped making this a fun and colorful pixelated dish. It's also absolutely superb as breakfast!

Game Cube Hash

4 Servings | Total Time: 30 min | Apprentice

Mats:

• 4 slices Bacon
• 6 Gold Yukon Potatoes
• 4 oz Smoked Ham
• 1 Green Bell Pepper
• 1 Yellow/Orange Bell Pepper
• 1 Red Bell Pepper
• 4 Green Onions
• 2 Tbl Parsley, chopped
• Salt
• Pepper
• Sour Cream 
• Salsa
  

Craft: Cook Bacon in a large skillet with lid. Remove from pan when done, leaving bacon grease in the pan. Dice potatoes, ham, and bell peppers into 1/4" cubes. Roughly chop the green onions and parsley. Cook the potatoes in the skillet, covered for 5-10 minutes or until potatoes are cooked through but not yet browned. Add ham and bell peppers. Sprinkle with salt and pepper if desired. Cook 5 more minutes. Crumble bacon and add back into the skillet. Add green onions too. Cook a few minutes more then pour into a large bowl. Garnish with salsa, sour cream and parsley.

Strategies: You can use fully cooked leftover baked potatoes for this recipe to cut the cook time in half!

LFM: Fresh fruit or canned tropical fruit salad. Also good with a sunny-side-up egg on top and yogurt or a parfait on the side.

Cost:

• Bacon | $2.00
  
• Gold Yukon Potatoes | $1.00
• Smoked Ham | $3.00
• Green Bell Pepper | $0.50
• Yellow/Orange Bell Pepper | $1.00
• Red Bell Pepper | $1.00
• Green Onions | $1.00

Total Cost: $9.50
Cost Per Serving: $2.38

Category: Casual, Rez Plz

*This meal contains staple items such as spices that you may or may not have in your pantry so your cost may vary.

Cairne Asada Salad

"We're allied with the Tauren? Fantastic! We'll be having steak twice a week." This /silly is epic!  The first time I heard it I lol'd and almost rofl'd.  Though rofling takes a lot more effort than loling, and would include actually rolling on the floor, which I don't do because I am an adult.  But it was hilariously funny.  I am a big meat fan myself and can't keep my mind off of all the fabulously meaty names for the Tauren.  Names like "Rumproast" and "SirLoin" and "PrimeCut" and "Angus" and "Kobe" etc.

Alas, since I am Alliance, I take any chance I get to put a Tauren on my table for dinner.  Heck, lunch and breakfast work too!  When invading Thunder Bluff last year I was fortunate enough to be able to butcher Cairne Bloodhoof and stick him in the freezer to be served on very special occasions.  The addition of his royal and well kept carcus will make any salad fit for the carnivore in you.

Cairne Asada Salad
4 Servings | Total Time: 30 Minutes | Journeyman

Mats:

• 1 3/4 pounds beef sirloin steak
• 1/3 cup olive oil
• 3 tablespoons red wine vinegar
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/8 teaspoon ground black pepper
• 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
• 3/4 cup crumbled blue cheese
• 8 cups romaine lettuce - rinsed, dried, and torn into bite-size pieces
• 2 tomatoes, sliced
• 1 small green bell pepper, sliced
• 1 carrot, sliced
• 1/2 cup sliced red onion

Craft: Cut steak into strips and cook in a wok on high for approximately 5 minutes or until meat reaches desired doneness.  Remove from heat and let sit until cool enough to handle. In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, vinegar, lemon juice, garlic, salt, pepper and Worcestershire sauce. Mix in the cheese. Cover and place dressing in refrigerator. Onto chilled plates arrange the lettuce, tomato, pepper, onion and olives. Top with steak and drizzle with dressing.

Strategies: You can save time by using a premade salad dressing.

Cost:

• Steak | $5.00
• Blue Cheese | $2.59
• Tomato | $0.99
• Bell Pepper $0.99
• Onion $0.63

Total Cost: $10.20
Cost Per Serving: $2.55

Category: Casual, Critical Hits, Expansions

Warlord Gorchuk's Chicken Salad

Flying over Silithus today to go put out some bonfires had me reminiscing. I recalled what Silithus looked like Pre-AQ Patch. I remembered wandering around and being impressed with the changes (and killed by new mobs) after the AQ Patch. I remember gathering (oh the grinding!) all those blasted supplies so we could finally open the gates to the new raid instances. Not that my guild was raiding anything but MC and ZG back then but that's not the point! The epicness (and never-want-to-do-again-edness) of it all was a great moment in memory.

Since I started on that train of thought you KNOW I had to go to youtube and start watching all the WoW Machinimas from my favorite makers. Namely Oxhorn, Nyhm, and Crainius. But today I was mainly watching Oxhorn. So this is for you Ox and that gold farmin' Gorchuk too!

Warlord Gorchuk's Chicken Salad

4 Servings | Total Time: 10 min | Apprentice

Mats:

• 12 oz bag Broccoli Slaw Mix
• 1 cup Chicken, cooked, diced
• 1 can Water Chestnuts, diced
• 1 cup Snow Peas
• 1 can Mandarin Oranges
• 2 Green Onions
• 1/4 cup Olive Oil
• 2 Tbl Rice Wine Vinegar
• 1/2 Tbl Soy Sauce
• 1/2 Tbl Seasame Oil
• 2 tsp Sugar or 4 Sweetener Packets

Craft: Drain the water chestnuts and oranges. Chop the snow peas and green onions. In a large bowl, toss together the broccoli slaw, chicken, chestnuts, snow peas, oranges and green onions. In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, vinegar, soy sauce, seasame oil and sugar. Pour the dressing over the salad and toss.

Strategies: If you don't have any chicken, this salad is just fine without it. Or try some pork!

LFM: Croissants!

Cost:

• Broccoli Slaw Mix | $1.75
• Water Chestnuts, diced | $1.00
• Snow Peas | $2.50
• Mandarin Oranges | $0.50
• Green Onions | $1.00

Total Cost: $6.75
Cost Per Serving: $1.69

Category: Raid Night, Troll Fuel

*This meal contains staple items such as spices that you may or may not have in your pantry so your cost may vary.

Freya's Fried Rice

Freya, Keeper of Ulduar and the Protector of Sholazar Basin. Like the other watchers and keepers in Ulduar, she was charged with making sure Yogg-Saron did not escape from his imprisonment. But again, like all the others in Ulduar, she eventually became corrupted by the maddening influence of the Old God.

Before that time when she was his puppet, however, she was dedicated to her Conservatory within Ulduar's great halls. Here she groomed the landscape and encouraged the vigorous growth of lush plants. With plants in such abundance it's not surprising she found a scrumptious combination of foods to keep her titan's body fit and fueled. I imagine it was pretty popular with the other Keepers too!

Freya's Fried Rice

4 Servings | Total Time: 25 min | Apprentice

Mats:

• 2 cup Long Grain White Rice, uncooked
• 4 cups Beef Broth
• 2 Eggs
• 4 Green Onions
• 8 slices of Bacon
• Soy Sauce
  

Craft: Combine rice and beef broth in a pot. Bring to a boil then reduce heat, cover and simmer for 20 minutes. Meanwhile scramble eggs in a large tall-sided skillet. When done, remove from skillet and set aside. Cook bacon in skillet. When done remove from skillet and set aside, leaving grease in pan. Chop green onions and sauté for 1 minute in skillet. When the rice is done, add to the skillet and stir, gently scraping up any browned bits. Crumble bacon and add to the rice. Add eggs and desired amount of soy sauce. Stir until combined and heated through.

Strategies: This is a great recipe to use any leftover meats or veggies that you have. You can also easily do a meatless fried rice by using mushrooms instead of bacon and vegetable broth instead of beef broth.

LFM: Spinach Salad and jello for dessert!

Cost:

• Long Grain White Rice | $0.50
• Beef Broth | $1.25
• Green Onions | $1.00
• Bacon | $2.50

Total Cost: $5.25
Cost Per Serving: $1.32

Category: Raid Night

*This meal contains staple items such as spices that you may or may not have in your pantry so your cost may vary.

Cheezeburger Tator Tot Pie

Welcome to my fourth installment of gamer food remakes. I don't know about some of you gamers out there but in this household, burgers and tator tots are a classic pairing. Even more so than burgers and fries. Although I guess it's still deep-fried potatoes so what's the diff, eh? Anyway! Since I've been trying to get on a healthier kick I've been looking for a way to remake this tasty but oh-so-not-good-for-you meal.

Well I finally figured it out. I've seen the so-called 'crockpot cheeseburger' recipes and the tator tot casserole recipes and the shepherd's pie recipes. Somehow, my subconscious mind decided it'd be a great idea to combine elements from all three recipes and see if I couldn't make a tasty dish! I have to admit, sometimes these screwy ideas of mine don't exactly work out. But in this case it did work out. And glorious were the results! All I need now is a cat in the picture.

Cheezeburger Tator Tot Pie

4 Servings | Total Time: 30 min | Journeyman

Mats:

• 8oz Ground Turkey
• 1/4 cup Onion, minced 
• 1 Tbl Garlic, minced 
• 1/2 can Small Peas, drained/rinsed 
• 2 Wedges Laughing Cow Light Swiss Cheese, room temp
• 1/3 cup Shredded Cheddar Cheese
• 12 Hamburger Style Dill Pickle Slices 
• 2 Tbl Ketchup 
• 4 tsp Mustard 
• 36-ish Tator Tots

Craft: Preheat oven to 400° F. Brown the turkey in a pan with garlic and onion. Drain, add peas and set aside. In a small bowl mash together cheese wedges and cheddar. Put a layer of 4 pickle slices in the bottom of each ramekin. Divide the meat/peas into the four ramekins on top of the pickles. Next layer the cheese mix. Next add 1/2 Tbl ketchup and 1 tsp of mustard to each. Top with a layer of tator tots (about 9 each). Sprinkle with salt & pepper if desired. Bake for 20 minutes.

Strategies: You can use ground beef if you prefer but there's no difference in taste. Only health and calories!

LFM: Jello!

Cost:

• Ground Turkey | $1.50
• Onion | $0.75
• Small Peas | $0.50
• Laughing Cow Light Swiss Cheese | $3.00
• Shredded Cheddar Cheese | $2.00
• Tator Tots | $1.50

Total Cost: $9.25
Cost Per Serving: $2.32

Category: Casual, Critical Hits

*This meal contains staple items such as spices that you may or may not have in your pantry so your cost may vary.

Archaeologist Sammich

A few weeks ago I mentioned I've been a bit bored with World of Warcraft. It took a break and did some communion with other games but now I'm diving back in! I haven't seen ALL the new 1-60 zones since Cataclysm was released so I decided to level up a worgen hunter. After getting through Gilneas (best zone to date IMO) and working most of the way through Darkshore, I found myself at the Absent-minded Prospectors camp. Though the ruins were flooded, he was still there, up on a ledge. Pity. That old escort quest was super annoying and very difficult to do. I'm pleased to say it's still annoying to escort him...but in a funny, durp, kind of way.

When I completed all the quests at this hub I noticed it was past noon and I was hungry! I turned in my last quest and there, like a beacon in the night, was my lunch time inspiration. Now, normally I have leftovers for lunch. Sandwiches do get boring after all. But when the Jr. Archaeologist handed me his old sandwich platter turned shield, I thought a sandwich sounded mighty fine. And mighty fast. But what to make?

I glanced through my fridge and saw a package of swiss cheese slices. Swiss cheese is one of my favorite cheeses (is there really any cheese I don't like?). There's no mistaking it's sharp, tangy, distinct flavor. Pair that with a salty, fatty, corned beef and some fresh, crisp tomatoes and you've got yourself a sammy that you would be willing to let the escort quest fail for!

Archaeologist Sammich

1 Serving | Total Time: 5 min | Apprentice

Mats:

• 1 slice Whole Grain or Rye Bread
• 1 tsp Butter
• 1-2 oz Corned Beef, sliced
• 1 slice Swiss Cheese
• 1/4 cup Alfalfa Sprouts
• 2 slices Roma Tomato

Craft: Toast the bread. Spread the butter over the bread. Then add the sprouts, meat, cheese and tomatoes. Microwave for 15-30 seconds or until the cheese is melted then enjoy!

Strategies: Alfalfa sprouts lend a delicious texture to any dish you'd normally think to use lettuce for. And there's nothing wrong with using lettuce and sprouts too!

LFM: Chips & salsa or carrot sticks and ranch dressing.

Cost:

This meal was mainly composed with leftovers. Your cost will vary.

Category: Troll Fuel

Wartime Mealtime

World War II is a popular setting for gaming battlefields.  Many first and third person shooters, strategy and tactics games, and even naval and flight simulator games have used this war as it's basis for creation.  These games (like any good game,)  take focus, dedication and a precious many hours to fulfill successfully.  When we take a break to refuel our bellies we not only want something tasty and nourishing, but also a meal that will keep us in character so we can stay at the top of our game.  Stepping back from a game after devoting hours of precious concentration can be detrimental to our game play if we snap out of it too much.  This sandwich is simple and simply appropriate for any WWII gaming buff.  It will keep you in the zone with a tasty reminder of the rations most of the people lived on during these trying times.  SPAM.

Wartime Mealtime
2 Servings | Cook Time: 10 Minutes | Apprentice

Mats:

• 1 tblsp butter
• 1/4 cup finely chopped onion
• 2 slice fully cooked luncheon meat (e.g. Spam)
• 2 egg, beaten
• 4 slices bread (or bun of your choice)
• 2 slices American cheese (optional)
• 2 slices tomato (optional)

Craft: Melt butter in a small skillet over medium-high heat. Saute the onion in butter until soft. Chop up the slice of luncheon meat or mash with a fork, and add it to the skillet. Cook for 2 or 3 minutes, until browned. Pour the egg into the skillet so that it covers all of the meat and onion. Cook until firm, then flip to brown the other side. Place the egg and meat onto one slice of the bread and top with cheese and tomato if desired. Place the other piece of bread on top. Bread can also be toasted first. 


Strategies:  Any sandwich toppings or omelet toppings can be served on this creation.  And remember, don't salt the eggs because the Spam will be plenty salty.  This meal is easily cooked for multiple people, just double, triple, quadruple, etc. the ingredients and cook it all at once.


Cost:

• Spam | $3.50

Total Cost: $3.50
Cost Per Serving: $1.75
*This meal contains staple items such as spices that you may or may not have in your pantry so your cost may vary.

Category: Raid Night, Rez Plz, LFG, Troll Fuel