Dreamy Tomato Soup

Deviant Art - Saehral

I had the most epic dream. Yeah, I dream a lot. And yeah, they're usually pretty geeky dreams. My dreams seem to be affected by what game I played last or what series of books I read recently. Whenever I tell my husband about my geek dreams, he gives me that sly look and says "You've been playing too much <insert latest game addiction> lately." That's when I roll my eyes and tell him I'm not sharing my epic dreams with him anymore.

Anyway, I think my dream was inspired by a mix between Codex Alera, D&D, and SWTOR. It was freakin' awesome. I could fly, I had force powers, there was an large-scale battle going on with a big bad boss and his cronies that I was fighting my way through. There were close calls and bad falls. There were triumphs and lots of butt-kicking-for-goodness! But, like all dreams, when you start explaining it to someone else, it just can't compare to experiencing it yourself. It's all a confused jumble to try and sort out and tell someone else about. Words just don't suffice.

Now I'll bet you're wondering what all this has to do with tomato soup. I'm getting there. I love Campbell's tomato soup. I figured if you're going to have tomato soup, that's the best way you could have it. However, canned soup doesn't fit my into my diet very often anymore. (If you want to learn more about what I'm doing you can check out RillsMenu.com) But, I can make my own soups!

Do you know how hard it is to find a tomato soup recipe that tastes like my favorite canned soup? HARD! I've tried recipe after recipe. But the effort was worth it because I have success. This tomato soup is not only simple to make but it's epic-ly delish. DREAMWORTHY! It's seriously like something I dreamed about that I can't describe to you! You have to experience it! You will not believe how good this tastes. It's not just like Campbell's....it's better than!

Dreamy Tomato Soup

4 Servings | Total Time: 35 min | Journeyman

Mats:

• 2 Garlic Cloves, minced
• 1 Tbl Unsalted Butter
• 1 can Tomato Puree (not paste)
• 1/2 can Crushed Tomatoes
• 1 tsp Basil
• 1 1/2 cups Vegetable Stock
• 1/4 tsp Salt
• 1/2 tsp Sugar
• 1/4 tsp Pepper
• 1/2 cup Heavy Cream

Craft: In a large heavy-bottomed saucepan, sauté the garlic in the olive oil or butter on medium-heat for 1 to 2 minutes just until the garlic has softened, being careful not to burn the garlic. Add the basil, tomato puree and the crushed tomatoes, adding all juice. Bring mixture to a simmer. Add the stock, salt, sugar, black pepper, and red pepper flakes if using. Bring the mixture to a simmer and simmer for 10 minutes. Remove from heat and let stand 10 minutes to cool a bit. Puree the soup in 3-4 batches in a blender. (If you lack a blender, leave the soup slightly chunky for a ‘rustic’ version. Personally, I prefer pureed, silky tomato soup.) Return the pureed soup to a heavy-bottomed saucepan and bring back to a simmer over medium-heat. Stir in the heavy cream.

Strategies: You can top this with cheddar, pepperoni, crackers, bread...whatever suits your fancy. I personally love it with just a little cheese and some crumbled saltines.

LFM: Biscuits and/or salad!

Cost:

• Tomato Puree | $0.75
  
• Crushed Tomatoes | $1.50
  
• Vegetable Stock | $1.00
• Heavy Cream | $1.25

Total Cost: $4.50
Cost Per Serving: $1.13

Category: Critical Hits, Casual, Troll Fuel

Ghostcrawler Stuffed Wontons

Greg "Ghostcrawler" Street is the lead dev for World of Warcraft. He's prominent depicted by his avatar, a red crab. He has his own 'Dev Watercooler' blog and enjoys speaking about designs and intentions for WoW. Because he's so highly placed and so interactive with the community it brings both good and bad attention to him. He has his fans and his critics. I've been a little of both, I'll freely admit.

GC, as he is known, is in an unenviable position. He likes to interact with the community. Which most would say is a good thing. But that exposes him too. He'll never appease everyone so he'll always have frothing, maddened fans who think he's ruining the game. And he'll also always have 'fanbois' who support him and say he can do no wrong.

As for me, I find myself in-between opinions. I understand that he's just trying to figure out a good, fun, balance for the game and it's classes. But I am certainly irritated that he continues to nerf my favorite class and has turned it into a weak specter of what it once was. I've played a Retribution Paladin since Day 1. Even vanilla paladining wasn't as painful as it's been during the Cataclysm expansion. Though I'd never get into a fight (verbal or otherwise) with GC but it's made me so mad and frustrated that I went crab hunting for a good long while. And you know what I do with excessive amounts of crab meat? Make food!

Ghostcrawler Stuffed Wontons

6 Servings | Total Time: 35 min | Journeyman

Mats:

• 30 Wonton Wrappers
• 4 oz Cream Cheese
• 1 clove Garlic
• 1 Green Onion
• 1 large Celery Stalk
• 1 medium Carrot
• 1 can Lump Crab Meat, drained
• 1 Tbl Canola Oil
• Kitchen Weapon Proficiency: Food Processor

Craft:Combine all ingredients except wrappers in a large bowl. Place 1 tsp of the mixture inside each wonton wrapper. Use folding instructions on wonton package. Place on an oiled baking sheet, brush with oil and bake for 6-8 minutes or until edges are browned.

Strategies: Try to get as much air out of the wontons as possible while folding but don't fuss if the seams break open a little during baking. You can make a big batch and freeze them before or after baking for fast meals in the future.

LFM: Serve with salad, or chinese style noodles, or fried rice, or roasted vegetables.

Cost:

• Wonton Wrappers | $2.50
• Cream Cheese | $1.25
• Green Onion | $1.00
• Celery | $1.25
• Carrot | $1.00
• Lump Crab Meat | $2.00

Total Cost: $9.00
Cost Per Serving: $1.50

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.

Shyvana Jumbalaya

I tried to think of a fitting introduction to this fiery, tasty, dish. It's fast and simple but oh-so-tasty. It's got a punch of heat if you want it but it can be as mild as ketchup if you don't. When I sat down to ponder what to call it, my thoughts turned to League of Legends.

I like the game. I don't participate in the PvP since that aspect of any game doesn't appeal to me very much. But I do enjoy the simple Co-op vs. Bots. It fulfills that need for something simple, quick and easy to play. Just like this dish fulfills the occasional need for something simple, quick and filling.

As I started to think about each of my favorite champions, one in particular came to mind. The colors and heat of this dish pointed me at one of the more devastatingly powerful champions. Shyvana, the Half-Dragon.

Her short story intrigues me as much as her abilities and fighting capabilities do. I will willingly admit to being something of a lore junkie. Not quite a nerd. I don't know everything. But I love to learn more and always enjoy a good story. Shyvana's story is one of those that I wish there was more to read. It sounds so fascinating. How does a female dragon come to fall in love with a male human? And then give birth to a forbidden half-dragon child, knowing the consequences would go badly for herself and her lover? It makes a lore-junkie-wannabe-writer's mind turn! Turn I tell you!

Can I also mention that this being a dragon-related post feels highly appropriate for the Chinese New Year? Happy Dragony New Year!

Shyvana Jumbalaya

4 Servings | Total Time: 15 min | Apprentice

Mats:

• 1 Tbl Butter
• 1/2 Onion
• 1/2 Green Bell Pepper
• 4 Green Onions
• 1/2 Kielbasa Sausage
• 1/2 can Tomato Paste
• 1/2 can Tomato Sauce
• 3 tsp Hot Sauce, optional
• 1/4 tsp Red Pepper Flakes, more if desired, optional
• 1 tsp Pepper
• 4 cups Brown Rice, cooked

Craft: Dice onion, bell peppers, green onion and sausage. Melt butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add sausage and cook until browned. Add onion and bell pepper. Add tomato paste, tomato sauce, hot sauce, red pepper flakes and pepper. Stir until combined. Add rice and green onions. Reduce heat to low, cover and cook, stirring occasionally for 8 minutes.

Strategies: Anytime you cook rice, cook an extra couple cups and refrigerate or freeze it for meals just like this one.

LFM: Serve with salad and fresh fruit.

Cost:

• Onion | $0.50
• Green Bell Pepper | $1.50
• Green Onions | $1.00
• Kielbasa Sausage | $2.50
• Tomato Paste | $0.25
• Tomato Sauce | $0.25
• Brown Rice | $0.50

Total Cost: $6.50
Cost Per Serving: $1.63

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.

Greench's Split Pea Soup

The Feast of Winter Veil is over but we have fresh memories of new foes faced to keep us warm throughout the rest of the wintery months. And soup! Yes, after the Greench retreated to the furthermost databanks of the server (he got tired of getting ganked), adventurers discovered he had hidden more than just holiday treats and a lost reindeer in his cave.

There was a large pot of what looked like split pea soup. It was utter delishness! Spotting a cookbook nearby, the adventurers decided to see what was actually in the soup they had eaten. To their surprise, it was full of more than just split peas and ham. Leave it to the Greench to 'ruin' a perfectly good soup by making it healthy! Hmmph!

Greench's Split Pea Soup

8 Servings | Total Time: 45 min | Journeyman

Mats:

• 2 cups Dried Split Peas
• 1/2 cup Dried Lentils
• 4 cups/1 carton Vegetable Stock
• 4 Garlic Cloves
• 1 Large Onion
• 2 Large Celery Stalks
• 1 Medium Carrot
• 1 cup Ham, diced
• 1/4 Bunch of Asparagus
• 2 cups Spinach
• 1/4 cup Parsley, fresh (plus more for garnish)
• Grated Parmesan Cheese, for garnish
• Salt & Pepper if desired
• Kitchen Weapon Proficiency: Food Processor

Craft: Add split peas, lentils and stock to a large pot over medium high heat. Bring to a boil then reduce heat to simmer. Meanwhile, remove the tough ends from the asparagus. Thinly slice so the asparagus pieces are roughly the size of the peas. Add to the pot and stir. Roughly dice onion, celery and carrot. Add to a food processor with garlic cloves and pulse until well minced. Add the vegetables to the pot and stir to combine. Add spinach and parsley to the food processor and pulse until minced. Add to the pot and stir again. Let the soup simmer 30 minutes, stirring occasionally and adding water as needed. Season to taste. Garnish with grated parmesan cheese and parsley sprigs if desired.

Strategies: You hide nearly any vegetable in this soup. Just try to stick with the green colored onces and make sure they're well minced! If you want to add a kick to the soup toss in some hot sauce and/or red pepper flakes. This soup makes a relatively big batch but it also freezes well to make a quick reheat meal when needed.

LFM: Serve with rolls or cornbread.

Cost:

• Dried Split Peas | $0.30
• Dried Lentils | $0.30
• Vegetable Stock | $2.00
• Onion | $0.50
• Celery | $1.00
• Carrot | $1.00
• Ham | $2.00
• Asparagus | $2.50
• Spinach | $2.00

Total Cost: $11.60
Cost Per Serving: $1.45

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.

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.

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.

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

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

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.

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

Gilnean Shepherd's Pie

As some of you may know I'm the Site Manager over at wowvault.ign.com. It's a great job! I love it! I get to play games and write guides and be generally helpful. Three of my favorite things that rank right up there with cooking. This week I've been working on a guide to the best places to farm for critters for the Critter Kill Squad achievement. I was out exploring the hills of Gilneas where you can find herd after herd of easily AoE'd level 1 sheep.

Thinking about sheep for the better part of an hour also got me thinking about dinner. Which made me think about Shepherd's Pie. A delightful combination of meat, potatoes, veggies and cheese. The problem I have with it though is that it's usually a HUGE pie. Since I have only two people in my house we'd be eating shepherd's pie leftovers for days before I'd finally throw out the rest of it. Well I have a solution to that! Ramekins! They are individually sized dishes that are perfect for downsizing casseroles and the like.

But using ramekins for Shepherd's Pie wasn't good nuff for me. I always have to have a twist. So in honor of Gilneas for giving me the idea for dinner in the first place, I'm using the fabulous orange color of sweet potatoes. (I totally should have browned the top of it and then sliced three orange gashes in it so it would look more like the Gilnean flag but hindsight is 20/20. This will have to do.) Sweet potatoes give this dish a very interesting flair that sure to appease even a worgen.

Gilnean Shepherd's Pie

4 Servings | Total Time: 30 min | Journeyman

Mats:

• 2 Medium Sweet Potatoes
• 1 Tbl Extra Virgin Olive Oil
• 1/2 Onion
• 16 oz Ground Beef
• 1 tsp Salt, divided
• 1 tsp Garlic Powder
• 2 Tbl Flour
• 2 Tbl Tomato Paste
• 1 cup Beef Broth
• 2 cups Baby Spinach
• 1 can Peas
• 2 Tbl Butter
• 1/4 cup Milk
• 4 Tbl Parmesan Cheese
  

Craft: Peel and chop the sweet potatoes into about 1” chunks. Boil the potatoes for 10-15 minutes or until they’re easily pierced with a fork. Meanwhile, chop onion. Heat oil in a skillet. Add onion and sauté for 2 minutes. Add ground beef, ½ tsp of salt and garlic powder. Cook until browned. Drain fat. Stir in tomato paste. In a small bowl, whisk together flour and broth then pour it over the meat. Cook, stirring frequently until broth thickens, about 5 minutes. Add in spinach and peas to the meat mixture. When potatoes are done, drain and mash them. Add ½ tsp salt, butter and milk to the potatoes. Preheat the Broiler of your oven. Divide the meat mixture into four broiler-safe ramekins. Divide the mashed sweet potatoes and layer over the meat. Place ramekins on a baking sheet and broil 10 minutes. Sprinkle with Parmesan.

Strategies: If you don't like sweet potatoes you can certainly use any other kind of potato. If you don't have ramekins then just use a pie pan or casserole dish.

LFM: Serve with fruit & ice cream.

Cost:

• Sweet Potatoes | $1.25
• Onion | $0.50
• Ground Beef | $2.00
• Tomato Paste | $0.25
• Beef Broth | $1.25
• Baby Spinach | $1.75
• Peas | $0.75

Total Cost: $7.75
Cost Per Serving: $1.94

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.

Steamwheedle Port's Pineapple Tilapia

I remember the first time I set foot in Steamwheedle Port.

I was level 38 and I thought I was so clever. Normally, as Alliance, to get to Tanaris you used to have to go to Theramore, travel on foot to the Barrens, go south until you hit Thousand Needles, dodge the Horde guards at the Lift, head northwest to grab the Feralas flight point then go east and south through the Shimmering Flats until you finally hit Tanaris. A good two hour run if you didn't die. (In my day, you didn't get a mount to ride until 40. Spoiled whipper-snappers these days.)

For me, that's waaaay too round about. Just ask my husband how obsessive I can be about efficient travel and questing. I'm on a mission when I go to the grocery store! I beat myself up if I have to go back to an isle that we've already been to because I missed something on the list. Well, I'm the same way in game. Efficiency is the way to play. The 'normal' 2 hour route to Tanaris was just too long for my taste. So I jumped off the docks in Theramore and swam south along the mountains and coastline.

The first time I died because apparently there are level 50 elite sharks in the water. The second time I was careful to stay on land as much as possible until I was out of Dustwallow Marsh. I was quite pleased with myself! It only took me 30 minutes to reach Steamwheedle Port on the coast of Tanaris. After seeing nothing but blank mountainsides and sharks for the past half hour it was a glorious oasis with it's pineapple wallpaper buildings and fishing dock.

*sniffle* Alas, I shall never see it's beauty again. The Cataclysm's great tidal waves sank Steamwheedle Port to the bottom of the ocean. But I will always remember the good times when I eat this fish and pineapple meal. I dedicate it to you, Steamwheedle Port.

Curse you Deathwing!

Steamwheedle Port's Pineapple Tilapia

4 Servings | Total Time: 50 min | Journeyman

Mats:

• 4 Tilapia Fillets
• 1 cup White Rice, uncooked
• 2 cups Chicken Broth
• 1/4 cup Lime Juice
• 1/4 cup Cilantro fresh chopped or 2 Tbl dry
• 2 Tbl Olive Oil
• 2 Tbl Garlic, minced
• 1 cup Salsa
• 1 can Black Beans
• 1 can Pineapple Chunks
• Satl & Pepper

Craft: In a medium pot with lid, combine rice and chicken broth. Bring to a boil then reduce heat, cover and simmer for 20 minutes. Meanwhile, in a large shallow dish whisk together lime juice, half the Cilantro, olive oil, garlic and desired amount of salt and pepper. Place the tilapia in the marinade, turning to coat. Refrigerate for 20 minutes, turning fillets occasionally. Drain and rinse the black beans. Drain the pineapple. When rice is finished, preheat oven to 400° F. Stir together cooked rice, salsa, black beans, pineapple and remaining cilantro. Spread rice mixture in the bottom of a baking dish. Place Tilapia fillets on top and pour marinade over the fillets. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until fish is cooked through.

Strategies: Add hot sauce or use a spicy salsa for more heat. This dish is especially delicious if you use fresh pineapple instead of canned but will take longer to prepare.

Cost:

• Tilapia Fillets | $4.00
• White Rice | $0.50
• Chicken Broth | $1.50
• Salsa | $2.00
• Black Beans | $0.50
• Pineapple Chunks | $1.00

Total Cost: $9.50
Cost Per Serving: $2.38

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.

Capers & Crooks Chicken

This is a repost from our lost dataz.

Capers & Crooks Chicken

4 Servings | Total Time: 30 min | Journeyman

Mats:

• 4 Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts
• 8 oz Spaghetti Noodles
• 1 tsp Paprika
• Salt & Pepper to taste
• 2 Egg
• 1/4 cup Grated Parmesan Cheese
• 5 Tbl Butter, divided
• 1 jar Capers
• 1 Tbl Lemon Juice
• 1 can Peas

Craft: Cook noodles according to package instructions. Drain the peas and add them to the pasta during the last minute of cooking. In a shallow bowl combine flour and paprika. In a second shallow bowl combine eggs and parmesan cheese. Pound each chicken breast to about 1/4" thickness. Heat 1 Tbl of butter in a pan over medium-high heat. Sprinkle each chicken breast with salt and pepper on both sides then dredge in the flour. Dredge in the egg mixture then carefully place in the pan. Cook 2-3 minutes on each side. Repeat for other chicken breasts, adding 1 Tbl of butter per piece if needed. Turn the heat down to medium low. Drain the capers then add them to the pan with 1 more Tbl of butter and the lemon juice. Cook for about 5 minutes. When pasta is done, toss half the caper butter in the pasta and use the other half to garnish the chicken.

Strategies: You can trade out the peas in this recipe for any bite-sized veggie you have handy.

LFM: Fresh berries with ice cream or yogurt.

Cost:

• Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts | $2.50
• Spaghetti Noodles | $1.00
• Grated Parmesan Cheese | $1.50
• Capers | $1.50
• Peas | $0.50

Total Cost: $7.00
Cost Per Serving: $1.75

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.

Angel-Haired Basil

On the planet of E.D.N.III, there are 3 super-humans who depend on a Harmonizer to give them energy and keep them alive. The foxiest of the three was the only female, her name is Basil. She was given her first harmonizer 30 years before she meets the other two super-humans. It's special properties kept her youthful during this time. But none of this can ultimately save this angel-haired beauty in the end. She gives her life defending Wayne, the son of the man who gave her the first harmonizer.

We have prepared this meal in her honor. This pasta dish is full of the Thermal Energy that empowers the harmonizers. It will heal you instantly if you get hurt, and keep you young and beautiful for decades to come. 

 

Angel-Haired Basil
4 Servings | Cook Time: 1 Hour | Journeyman

Mats:

• 1 pkg Angel Hair pasta (8 oz)
• 2 tsp Olive Oil
• 1/2 cup Onion, chopped
• 1 tsp Garlic
• 1 can Petite Diced Tomatoes
• 2 cups Chicken, cubed
• 1 tbl Basil
• 1/2 tsp Salt
• 1/4 tsp Hot Sauce
• 1/4 cup Parmesan Cheese

Craft: In a pot, cook pasta for about 10 minutes. Drain and set aside. In a large skillet, heat 1 tsp olive oil over medium heat. Add chicken and cook until juices run clear. Set chicken aside. Use remaining 1 tsp olive oil and saute garlic and onion over medium high heat until tender. Stir in chicken, basil, tomatoes, salt and hot sauce. Reduce heat to medium low and cover. Simmer for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally. Toss sauce with pasta, serve topped with Parmesan cheese.

Strategies: If you aren't a fan of chunks of tomatoes, the diced tomatoes can be replaced with a can of tomato sauce.

Cost:

• Angel Hair Pasta $0.98
• Chicken $4.39
• Onion $0.49
• Diced Tomatoes $0.65

Total Cost: $6.51

Cost Per Serving: $1.63
*This meal contains staple items such as spices that you may or may not have in your pantry so your cost may vary.

Categories: Casual

Pasta of Awakening

Huddled in my room with four blankets and a space heater, I couldn't hear the call of summertime. Link defeated the IRL version of the Snowhead temple boss and spring came at last upon the land. But I did not know it. He trumpeted the Sonata of Awakening but I did not hear it. He let the light shine in to melt the snow but I didn't see it. He opened the windows to let in the summer breeze but I did not feel it.

But then came the food. Zucchini. Kielbasa Sausage. Tomatoes. Olives. Feta Cheese and Pasta! It was summer that I smelled! And suddenly, I could see and feel and hear! Summer was here and I could enjoy it! All thanks to the Pasta of Awakening.

Pasta of Awakening

6 Servings | Total Time: 30 min | Journeyman

Mats:

• 2 cups Egg Noodles
• 1 Zucchini
• 1 cup Whole Black Olives
• 1/2 Kielbasa Sausage
• 1 cup Grape Tomatoes
• 1/2 cup Feta Cheese
• 1/2 cup Cheddar Cheese
• 2 cups Spaghetti Sauce

Craft: Cook Egg Noodles according to package instructions. Dice the zucchini and sausage. Brown the sausage in a skillet over medium-high heat. Preheat oven to 350° F. In a casserole dish mix together noodles, sausage, zucchini, olives, tomatoes, feta cheese and sauce. Bake for 20 minutes then sprinkle with cheddar cheese.

Strategies: You can add more spring/summer veggies to this pasta if you'd like.

LFM: Garlic bread goes very well with this recipe.

Cost:

• Egg Noodles | $1.00
  
• Zucchini | $1.00
• Whole Black Olives | $1.00
• Kielbasa Sausage | $2.00
• Grape Tomatoes | $1.00
• Feta Cheese | $1.00
• Cheddar Cheese | $2.00
• Spaghetti Sauce | $2.00

Total Cost: $11.00
Cost Per Serving: $1.84

Category: Casual

Plan B

Plan A is always the best option when faced with any situation, gaming or no gaming. But it's always good to have a backup plan. And it's also great to know what to do on the fly. As a raid leader it makes me proud when I see the members of my raid think on their feet and save the day! Like when the healer dies and both your shadow priest and ret paladin start spam healing the tank without being asked and you end up winning the fight! It took longer of course but you made it.

Dinner can end up being like that sometimes. Something you tried just didn't work out but you've got some time for a do-over. I found myself in this quandary just the other day. I was rummaging through my pantry and fridge and thinking to myself..Plan B...Plan B...Plan...B! Suddenly it came to me as I spotted a couple of Bacon-wrapped Beef fillets that I wanted to use for something. And there was that half container of Brussels Sprouts that needed to be used. As well as that quarter bag of Baby Spinach. And ooo Black Olives! Oh yes, I was on a roll! I could toss it in some Balsamic vinegar with Basil! And wouldn't all that go great with some Baking potatoes? Okay that last one was reaching just a little bit. Either way, Plan B turned out pretty tasty with some steak sauce!

Plan B

4 Servings | Total Time: 40 min | Artisan

Mats:

• 4 Bacon Wrapped Beef Fillets
• 2 Baking Potatoes
• 1 cup Brussels Sprouts
• 1 Onion
• 2 Tbl Extra Virgin Olive Oil 
• 1 Tbl Basil, dried
• 1 cup Whole Black Olives
• 1 cup Baby Spinach
• 1/2 cup Balsamic Vinegar
• Salt & Pepper
• Steak Sauce, optional

Craft: In a large pan, heat 1 Tbl of oil over high heat. Add fillets to the pan and quickly sear both sides. Reduce heat and let cook 5-8 minutes or until steak is at desired doneness. Meanwhile, poke several holes in the potatoes and cook in the microwave for 3 minutes each then let cool. Trim all the Brussel sprouts and slice in half. Dice the onion. When the potatoes are cooled, dice them into 1” cubes. In another large pan with lid, heat 1 Tbl of oil over medium heat. Add onion, basil, potatoes and Brussel Sprouts and cook 3 minutes, covered. Add spinach. Cook until spinach just starts to wilt then add Balsamic vinegar. Salt & Pepper to taste. Cook 5 minutes more, uncovered. Add olives and stir to incorporate.

Strategies: If you want even more flavor, add a splash of cooking wine.

LFM: Chocolate Chip Cookies! (We went from Plan A to Plan B to Plan...C? *hyuck hyuck hyuck*)

Cost:

• Bacon Wrapped Beef Fillets | $5.00
• Baking Potatoes | $1.50
• Brussels Sprouts | $1.00
• Onion | $0.75
• Whole Black Olives | $1.25
• Baby Spinach | $1.50

Total Cost: $11.00
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.

Dark Side Cookies

Come to the Dark Side, we have cookies! I used to find this saying slightly amusing though very absurd if you analyze it. I mean, where did the Dark Side get cookies? What Sith Lord would confess to a baking habit? And I am sure that if anyone on the Dark Side did bake, they wouldn't turn out very tasty. 

But then I realized that you don't need to have a baking skill to be able to craft wonderful cookies. My eldest sister use to make these wonderful cookies all the time. Unfortunately she stopped making them when my older brothers teased her that there was poop on the counter. These are my favorite cookies, they aren't baked and they look like poop. Sounds like the perfect Dark Side cookie temptation if you ask me!

Dark Side Cookies
36 Cookies | Total Time: 45 Minutes | Apprentice

Mats:

• 1 3/4 cup Sugar
• 1/2 cup Milk
• 1/2 cup Butter
• 4 tbl Unsweetened Cocoa Powder
• 1/2 cup Peanut Butter (crunchy or smooth)
• 3 cup Rolled Oats
• 1 tsp Vanilla Extract
• Wax Paper

Craft: In a medium saucepan, combine milk, sugar, butter and cocoa powder. Bring to a boil and cook for about 2 minutes. Remove from heat and stir in peanut butter, oats and vanilla. Drop spoonfuls onto wax paper and let cool until hardened.

Strategies: You can use instant oats or regular oats for this recipe. You also have the choice of crunchy or creamy peanut butter. It all depends on your texture preference. Additionally, if you have room in your fridge, cooling the cookies there helps them set faster if you are in a time crunch, or just impatient.

Cost:

• Cocoa Powder $1.89
• Oats $0.98
• Wax Paper $1.45

Total Cost: $4.32

Cost Per Serving: $0.12
*This meal contains staple items such as spices that you may or may not have in your pantry so your cost may vary.

Categories: Casual, Phat Loot, Critical Hits, Snackage

Cookies of Indecision

I love cookies. Honestly, who doesn't? There is a cookie out there for just about every preference. The most common in popularity are Chocolate Chip, Oatmeal Raisin, and Peanut Butter. They are the Pepperoni, Cheese, and Hawaiian of the cookie realm. However, you can't order a cookie as half Peanut Butter, half Chocolate Chip. It doesn't work very well. Fortunately we have found a way to get all of your favorite cookies into one. So, whether you are feeling like Peanut Butter, or Chocolate Chip, or Oatmeal, you are covered with this recipe for even the most indecisive of people.

Cookies of Indecision
60-72 Cookies | Total Time: 1 Hour | Apprentice

Mats:

• 3/4 cup Butter, softened
• 3/4 cup Peanut Butter
• 1 1/4 cup Brown Sugar, packed
• 1 1/4 cup Sugar
• 1 1/2 tsp Baking Powder
• 1/2 tsp Baking Soda
• 1 1/2 tsp Vanilla
• 2 2/3 cup Rolled Oats
• 1 pkg Semi-Sweet Chocolate Chips (10 oz)

Craft: Pre-heat oven to 375°. Beat butter and peanut butter with an electric mixer in a large mixing bowl. Add sugar, brown sugar, baking powder and baking soda, mixing until well combined. Beat in eggs and vanilla, then flour. Stir in the oats with a wooden spoon until well integrated. Stir in chocolate chips in the same manner. Drop tablespoonfuls of dough onto an ungreased cookie sheet. Bake for 8-10 minutes or until edges are golden brown. Repeat the baking process until all dough is baked.  

Strategies: After they have cooled, you can store these cookies in an airtight container and freeze them for up to 1 month and still maintain their deliciousness. Also, if you want a slightly softer, (though not as healthy) cookie, change out half, or even all of the butter for shortening.

Cost:

• Peanut Butter $1.63
• Rolled Oats $0.98
• Chocolate Chips $1.99

Total Cost: $4.60
Cost Per Serving: $0.19
*This meal contains staple items such as spices that you may or may not have in your pantry so your cost may vary. 


Catergories: Casual, Phat Loot, Snackage

Brewfest Pretzeled Chicken

This is gonna be another guild bank clean out story. I know, I know. I told you all about it only a few days ago. But you really have no idea how large and cluttered my bank is! It takes a while to sort through and I have to agonize over every thing I want to keep or delete. My bank should be in the World of Warcraft Museum of Natural History. I could show you the evolution of WoW through expansions just by dusting off all the armor sets I have. I could give you a tour that covers the lore of the cultural festivities that each faction holds at different times of the year.

But I digress. There was another food item that I discovered hiding in a corner of my bank. Brewfest pretzels! Good thing pretzels don't really go bad for a very long time. And even if your pretzels do get stale you can still use them for this recipe! It's tasty, salty and goes well with any dip that you'd normally use for pretzels. Just go ahead and make it a wanna-be fondu party and slice up some carrot sticks, celery and maybe some snow peas to dip too!

Pretzeled Chicken Fingers

4 Servings | Total Time: 30 min | Journeyman

Mats:

• 4 Boneless Skinless Chicken Breasts
• 2 cups Buttermilk
• 2 Tbl Honey
• 1 Tbl Mustard
• 1 Tbl Garlic, minced
• 1 pkg dry Ranch Dressing mix
• 2 Eggs
• 6 cups Pretzels
• 1/4 cup Grated Parmesan
• Kitchen Weapon Proficiency: Food Processor

Recommended Addons:

• Ranch Dressing
• Mustard
• Honey
• Barbecue Sauce
• Marinara Sauce

Craft: Preheat oven to 400° F. In a food processor, grind up the pretzels into a course breadcrumb-like mixture. Pour the pretzels into a shallow bowl. Pour package of dry dressing mix into another shallow bowl. Whisk eggs in a third shallow bowl. Cut chicken breasts into strips. Coat the chicken in the ranch mix, then egg, then coat well in the pretzels. Lay the strips on a greased baking sheet. Spray lightly with cooking spray. Bake for 20 minutes.

Strategies: No food processor? No problem! Crush the pretzels in a bag with a rolling pin or heavy can.

LFM: Serve with other dip-able veggies such as carrot sticks, celery, broccoli, green beans, snow/sugar snap peas ect.

Cost:

• Boneless Skinless Chicken Breasts | $4.00
• Buttermilk | $1.50
• Ranch Dressing mix | $1.00
• Eggs | $1.00
• Pretzels | $2.00
• Grated Parmesan | $1.50

Total Cost: $11.00
Cost Per Serving: $2.75

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.