I don't always follow my philosophy of eating fresh, clean, healthy food. Sometimes I need comfort food. Something about food from childhood that's quick, easy, and processed just hits the spot. It's also not very expensive.I like to think that the reason that I can successfully keep my grocery budget to an average of $30 a week is because when I was a youngster, my mother had a strict grocery budget and could economize like a pro. (A freezer full of meat from Costco also helps in reducing the weekly grocery budget.) Originally, there were 8 of us for my mom to feed. We weren't poor, but 6 kids are a lot to feed. So my mom got creative. She also served this veal over spaghetti tossed with oil and garlic salt. This lovely and filling meal (including 1lb. of spaghetti, will feed 8 and came to a total cost of $8.21. You can't beat cheap comfort food.
For a family of ethnically German-Irish, why veal parm is so beloved will remain a mystery. I think this is still my sister M's favorite meal.
Veal Parmigiana
an old Shazam family favorite
8 Redi Serve veal patties
1 (29oz) can tomato sauce
1 (2-cup) bag shredded mozzarella cheese
1 Tbsp thyme leaves
salt and pepper to taste
Heat an electric skillet to 350 degrees and spray with cooking spray. If the skillet is large enough brown both sides of all 8 patties at the same time, otherwise brown the patties in two batches and then layer the patties back into the skillet. Pour the tomato sauce over the patties and then sprinkle the thyme and the cheese on top. Turn the temperature down to 200 degrees and simmer for 10 minutes.
I hear you on economizing. That freezer of meat helps. And the CSA BOX.I think we run up our grocery bils on on unncessary stuff that gets thrown out. Im lookin back as to how my Mom and grandmother did it. And veal parm rocks!
ReplyDeleteGiven the tally of my latest grocery store trip, you are my hero.
ReplyDeleteComfort food is great, especially when it's not terrible on the waistline or the pocket book. It's even a bigger bonus when there are lots of leftovers for lunch. My mom's tuna and noodle casserole is like that for me.
I am a huge comfort food/food from my childhood kind of girl. Especially when it's this cheap - especially with how expensive groceries are getting!!
ReplyDeleteThat recipe was originally from the Campbell Soup book and it came from Aunt Margie. I liked the tomato sauce better. I don't think it is low cal though.
ReplyDeleteThanks for sharing one of your families favourite meals with us. We all have our comfort foods:D
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