2 Foodies - 2 Dogs - 1 Budget

Almond Amaretto Pancakes and Sausage Breakfast

Prep Time: 20 Minutes - Cost Per Serving Under $1.50

This morning I made some almond amaretto pancakes using Kona Coast Hawaiian Style mix.  It was the first time using the mix, and I could see pieces of almonds in the mix as I scooped it out of the container.  It was very easy to make, just add water, an egg and a little oil and beat it up until the batter is smooth.

As the pancakes were cooking, I fried up some fresh Farmer Johns link breakfast sausages.

This was a quick breakfast, under 20 minutes to make and under $1.50 per serving.  The pancakes from the Kona Coast mix by the way were really good.  Fluffy with small bits of almonds in every bite.

Panini for Breakfast YUM!

Prep Time: 10 Minutes - Cost Per Serving Under $1.50

Ok, I am a panini nut and eat them for breakfast as well as lunch, sue me.  Today's panini was a combination of swiss cheese, and Volpi's trio luncheon meat that I got at Trader Joe's yesterday.  The Volpi trio includes Mortadella, Genova Salame and Coppa.  I added some mustard and put it all on a nice thin rye bread and in the panini press for a few minutes.  Added some dill pickles on the side and this was a great way to start my day!  FYI, on the Volpi package at the bottom it says "It's a sandwich waiting to happen" and I couldn't agree more.

Smoked Pork Chops with Poached Eggs and Toast

Prep Time: 20 minutes - Cost Per Serving Under $4

Savory smoked pork chop grilled in an indoor grill pan.  These pork chops are from Hormel and are available in the meat section of your local supermarket.  They are thin cut, cook in about 5 minutes, and the smokey flavor is a great combination with eggs for breakfast.  No additional seasoning is necessary as the pork chops already are salty, just pan grill until you get those nice grill marks on each side. You can also cook the chops on a BBQ if that is easier and you don't have an indoor grill pan.

To make poached eggs, boil water in a pot (about 3 inches of water so eggs will be submersed).  Once water is boiling, add 1/4 cup of vinegar, and turn heat to low.  Crack each egg individually and put in a coffee cup or ramekin, then gently pour the egg into the water.  Once your eggs are in the water.  The eggs will start to float when they cook.  About  3 minutes for medium firm or 2 minutes if you like them more on the soft side.  If you like the yolk very firm, you can cook for 4 minutes.  Once cooked, use a slotted spoon or strainer to scoop out the eggs.  I like to put mine in a ramekin to serve.  Add salt and pepper to taste. Serve eggs and pork chop with one or two pieces of toast.  The toast is great for dunking into the ramekin to mix with the eggs.

Steamed Eggs & Sweet Italian Sausage with Honey Toast

Prep Time: 20 minutes - Cost Per Serving Under $3

Every Saturday Henry wakes up around 6am and does his training for a marathon with the Long Beach Front Runners.  This morning they are running 17 miles. 

Most times I am asleep while he is out running, but this morning I happened to wake up early and did a few chores around the house.  One of which was prepare breakfast for when the hungry runner returned.

I am not a runner, also I am not a foot person.  Some people love getting their feet massaged, especially if they have run 17 miles training for a marathon. Personally, my feet are ticklish and are a forbidden zone, and I don't like touching other peoples feet.  So everytime when Henry returns from a run and wants his feet rubbed I find an excuse not too, it's just me.  For xmas gifts in the past, I even gave Henry gift certificates to get foot massages by others hoping he would stop asking for me to do the deed.  This Saturday was different, when Henry walked in from his run, I directed him to the bathroom where I had his new gift plugged in and bubbling away.  A brand new Dr. Scholl's Water Jet Foot Spa.  Once he was bubbling away, I went back to the task at hand, finish breakfast.

For breakfast I made steamed eggs.   I put two eggs in each custard ramakin, poured in about a tablespoon of cream, added some salt, ground pepper, chives and thyme, then steamed them for about 10 minutes in a steamer.

While the eggs were steaming away, I pan cooked sweet italian sausage until the outside of the sausage carmelized nicely.  Once the eggs and sausage were done, I made some toast and spread a layer of honey on the toast.

Breakfast was yummy. Henry and I are about to do our food shopping in just a bit. We have a few friends that are coming over for dinner tomorrow.  Just a few friends I wanted to see prior to the operation Thursday.  Will update you on our menu for the dinner during the weekend.