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 

Donatello Soup

First off I would like to begin by saying thank you all for your patience! The break was much needed and now that my baby girl is 4 weeks old, it's time to get back in the ring.

As I was growing up, the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles became super popular.  The four freakishly large turtles were taught Ninjutsu by their slightly creepier sensei Splinter the Rat.  It was very bizarre and more than a little peculiar to see large tortoises named after Renaissance artists fighting evil megalomaniacs using nunchaku and dual-wielding katanas and sais.

I was intrigued.  Of course, being a girl, I was drawn to the one wearing the purple mask.  His name was Donatello and he was the peacemaker.  He would rather use his knowledge and scientific skills to solve problems than hit guys over the head with his bo staff.  He was the gentleman type. The type of over-sized turtle you would bring home to meet the parents... Ok, maybe that is taking it a bit too far, but I had an infatuation with him.  That is probably why I made this soup, just for him!
  

Donatello Soup
6 Servings | Total Time: 45 Minutes | Apprentice

Mats:

• 16 oz pkg Cheese Tortellini
• 1 lb Italian sausage
• 5 cups beef broth
• 1 cup carrot, sliced
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 1 can Diced tomatoes

Craft: Pour beef broth into a large pot and set over medium high heat. Add sliced carrots. In a skillet, saute onion for 2 minutes then add sausage. Cook until sausage is fully browned. Add tomatoes, sausage and tortellini to pot and let simmer until tortellini and carrots are tender and is heated through.

Strategies: You can use almost any vegetable you want with this soup.  Feel free to swap out and mix it up with what you have available.

Cost:

• Tortellini | $4.75
• Italian Sausage | $1.26
• Beef Broth | $2.50
• Onion | $0.45
• Diced Tomatoes | $0.63

Total Cost: $9.59
Cost Per Serving: $1.60

Categories: Casual

Think G(r)eek Salad

One of my most favorite gamer-type-gear websites is ThinkGeek.com. So it's not surprising that I happened to come up with this particular name for this recipe as I sat down for lunch. Especially because it's a greek style salad. It's topped with delicious feta, olives and an olive oil based dressing. I also threw in some radishes and cucumbers for good measure. Salad is one of those great things that's easy to eat at the computer since you only need a fork, it doesn't get your hands messy, it's actually something healthy for you, and you can mix up different ingredients all you want to have a different salad every time!

I know you're thinking that salad isn't exactly gamer food. And I say BAH! It is for THIS gamer! I'll still be gaming when I'm 90 and beating my great-grandchildren because I decide to have some salad every once in a while in between pizza and cheetos. ~_^

Think G(r)eek Salad

4 Servings | Total Time: 5 min | Apprentice

Mats:

• 10 Romaine Leaves
• 8 Radishes
• 1 Cucumber
• 2 stalks Celery
• 1 cup Grape/Cherry Tomatoes
• 1 can Whole Black Olives, drained
• 1 cup Feta Cheese
• Olive Oil-based Salad Dressing
  

Craft: Chop the romaine. Peel and dice the cucumber. Dice the celery and radishes. Combine all the ingredients together in a medium bowl and drizzle with dressing.

Strategies: Italian or Ranch dressing works perfectly fine for this salad too.

LFM: This salad goes well with any meal but if you're having it by itself just have some bread!

Cost:

• Romaine Leaves | $1.50
• Radishes | $1.00
• Cucumber | $1.00
• Celery | $1.00
• Grape Tomatoes | $2.00
• Whole Black Olives | $1.50
• Feta Cheese | $2.00

Total Cost: $10.00
Cost Per Serving: $2.50

Category: Raid Night, Expansions

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