Category: Fast meal

Breakfast That is “Love In a Jar”
breakfast · Fast meal · Make-Ahead

Breakfast That is “Love In a Jar”

RefreshHer6 Comments

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Yep, you read that right – love in a jar!  That quote came from my husband when I fixed these cute little Instant Oatmeal Jars to have ready for his breakfast.  He LOVES a good bowl of hot oatmeal with fruit and a handful of nuts.

Our morning routines find my husband downstairs with coffee and Bible, and me upstairs.  Because of this, he often starts our breakfast.  This winter he had gotten really proficient at making up a couple of servings of oatmeal for us to have each morning!  That is saying a lot for a guy who only feels confident enough to make about three things – Scrambled eggs, French toast and …okay, make that two!  Though he’d learned the simple art of cooking the Quick oats, I thought I’d make it even a little easier without purchasing those nasty packets of Instant Oatmeal.

Here was the result: Instant Oatmeal Jars

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The blessing of having the jars already filled is that there’s no measuring or finding a pan or the additives.  Just open a jar, add a cup of boiling water and let it set for 4-5 minutes.  Voila!  It’s done!  You can be as creative with flavors and additions as your taste buds allow.  I made up several jars and have them in the pantry ready for any morning we’re hungry for oatmeal!

Here’s how I made mine:

Instant Oatmeal Jars

1/2 C Quick cooking oats
1 Tbl Craisins
1Tbl Chopped nuts
Dash of salt
1/4 tsp cinnamon
1 Tbl brown sugar

Keep in a tightly closed jar until ready to use!

When ready to use:

  1. Add 1 cup boiling water (you could use milk instead) to the jar.
  2. Stir.
  3. Replace lid and let set for 4-5 minutes.
  4. Add other fresh fruits as desired. Eat!

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Here is the process in pictures:
1.
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3.
Oatmeal

4.

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We love blueberries, bananas and/or strawberries in our oatmeal!

This would make a great breakfast for a busy morning!  You could take the jar out the door with you, if needed.  Everything is contained and could be sealed back up when empty!

The first morning my husband had his “jar of oatmeal,” he sent me a text while I was getting ready upstairs.  It read,

“Now that’s love in a jar right there!”


That made me smile!! I’m on the lookout for freeze-dried fruits to add to my next batches.  I wonder what he’ll say about that?! I can’t wait to hear!

What would you add to a jar of oatmeal?  Peanut butter?  Coconut?  I’d love to hear!

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Fast meal · freezer · Main dish.

Hamburger Casserole – Better Than the Boxed Version!

RefreshHer4 Comments

hamburger cass 2a

I plan for my weekly meals but there are times when life happens and it’s getting to be near supper time and I realize that I don’t have any clue what we’re going to eat in an hour!  Every find yourself there?

Such was the case a couple of weeks ago.  I’d been helping with some projects at my daughter’s house, and didn’t think I’d be gone as long as I was.  When I got home, my wheels were turning as to what I could whip together for supper in a hurry.  I knew what basic ingredients I had on hand, so I set to finding a recipe that would include something with those staples.

I opened one of my old cookbooks and came across this great Hamburger Casserole that I hadn’t made in years.  I only made one tweak, due to not having something the recipe called for, but it was a great substitute.  My husband raved and raved about how good this was!  Bless him!  It really reminded me of the Hamburger Helper Casserole you buy in the store, only this was waaaay better!

Also, Kroger had offered for their Free Friday Download a bag of Barilla’s noodles that are pre-cooked.  All you do is steam them in the microwave for about 3 minutes!  Having those on hand really sped up this supper meal!  I will definitely be keeping those on hand for a fast dinner!

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Here’s the recipe:

Hamburger-Sour Cream Casserole

1 lb hamburger
1 onion, chopped
1/4 green pepper, chopped
1 can cream of chicken soup
1 can cream of mushroom soup
1 12 oz. can corn, drained – (I used frozen)
3 cups cooked noodles
1 cup sour cream (I used light sour cream)
1/2 tsp salt
1/4 tsp pepper
1 3 oz. can chow mein noodles – (I used buttered Panko crumbs instead and think I’ll always use those!)

In a skillet combine meat, onions, and pepper and brown slowly; drain fat.  Add all ingredients except chow mein noodles.  Place in a 9 x 13 inch baking dish and top with chow mein noodles.  Bake, uncovered for 25-3- minutes at 350 degrees.  Freezes well, but do not put chow mein noodles on top until ready to bake.

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I added cottage cheese with home canned peaches on top as a side, and it was a satisfying meal – even without planning ahead!

It’s wise if you can, to always keep staple items on hand for days like this.  That might include:

  • Ground beef
  • Cooked chicken breast
  • Pasta
  • Pasta sauce
  • Cream soups
  • Canned Salmon and Tuna
  • Bread crumbs – I love Panko for crunch
  • Canned tomatoes
  • Canned fruits

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This recipe is a keeper.  Men usually go for dishes like this.  Why don’t you try it out on your fella soon?

What do you try to keep on hand for quick meals?

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