Summertime EATS on a budget!

We all know summertime means feeding crowds. Whether that be the children (most often with friends) out of school and “starving” or those wonderful summertime barbcues.

But things can add up quickly, especially with the current grocery prices and shortages

TIP: If the store is out of an item… don’t fret. Most have NIGHTLY trucks coming in. Try the items availability 1st thing the next morning.

Okay, from the recipes I’ve seen scroll by I’ve been trying the few ingredients, fast cheap ones. Below are the ones I’ve tried and were winners!

Ice Cream. (Tastes more like frozen custard which for me is a win-win) Best yet… you can set the kids up to make it!

(1) Can Sweetened Condensed Milk

(1/2) Quart of Heavy Whipping Cream & 1 Tsp of Vanilla.

Whip using hand blender beat for about 8-10 minutes until mixture is thick. At this point you can fold in other goodies should you decide too. Think diced peaches or strawberries or pieces of chocolate.

Put in airtight freezer safe container with lid. Freeze for at LEAST 3 hours. If wanting for ice-cream cones…freeze at least 6.

This ended up making about the same as a store-bought brick and the cost was also about the same. $4.50

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Now this recipe was moms that I tweaked a bit, but most of us have at least half the ingredients on hand and my picky eaters love it,

YOU tweak it with whatever you have on hand and make it your own.

Rice and Cheese Casserole.

I would have said Broccoli Rice and Cheese, but lately I’ve been winging it with whatever I had on hand.

Instant rice (Make to whatever amount you need for your family.)

A cream of anything soup

Cooked Hamb, Diced Ham or even shredded Chicken.

Microwave Broccoli, Peas, peppers and onions or even Spinach would work. Whatever you have.

Velvetta

Butter

Milk, Canned Milk or Heavy whipping Cream. (Whatever you have on hand)

Cook your meat as you microwave your veggie. (Go sans veggie if you have to) Cook your instant rice and add a bit of butter, the soup and meat.

Mix well and add your milk and cheese and cook over medium heat until the cheese is melted.

Now, you can get fancy and put in a casserole dish and top with shredded cheese and some Durkee’s fried onions… but if trying your best to cut a few corners and save a few bucks, just serve out of the pot as is.

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This one is another of mine I’ve tweaked over the years and the kids actually eat.

Cowboy Baked Beans

Ground Beef (however much you want) cooked, crumbled and drained. Again, you can pretty much add whatever cooked meat you want. Bacon, chicken etc.

(3) Large cans of store brand backed beans.

(1) Seasoning Jar of Chopped or Minced Dried Onions.

Mix together and add a few squirts of mustard, barbecue sauce and about a cup of shredded cheddar. Mix well and bake in 350-degree oven for about 1-2 hours.

Kids think of it as sweet chili.

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Back to another dessert hack. Not mine, saw on Tik Tok I think. But tried it and WOW!

Gooey Cinnamon Rolls

(1) Pack of Kings Hawiian rolls. (Or store brand)

(2) Sticks Butter

(1/2) block of Cream Cheese

(1 1/2) Cups Powdered Sugar

Splash of Vanilla

2 plus tsp depending on level of Cinnamon you want

Melt 1 stick butter and pour in square glass casserole pan. Keeping the rolls whole, set them in pan and wiggle around gently to coat the bottom of the rolls in butter. Flip and repeat on other side of rolls.

Next melt the remaining butter and add cinnamon and sugar and mix well.

Using a butter knife stab the rolls all around. Pour the butter cinnamon mix evenly over top of the rolls.

Bake at 350 about 10-15 minutes. While the rolls are baking. Soften the cream cheese, add a splash of vanilla and the powdered sugar and using hand mixer blend well.

Sit icing in fridge until the rolls are done.

Ice when they come out and enjoy.

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Summer salad.

8-10 Roma Tomatoes quartered.

(1) Can of Black Olives cut in half.

(1) Block of Mozzarella Cheese, cubed.

(1) Red Onion Thinly Sliced

1/2 Cup of Parmesean Cheeser

Lightly toss with your favorite oil-based dressing. OR… turn into a meal, by adding diced ham or cubed chicken.

Since I’ve returned to writing… a little, I figured I’d pause and share some of the on the “cheap side” recipes above.

If you happen to try any, shoot me a message on how you liked it.

Bobbi Romans

Disgruntled, Menopausal and Getting Older. PT2

Before I go into the perks, let me warn you of a few things that happen as we age. Skin tags, weird spots and bad surprises with sneezes.

Totally real shit. My feet have spots, my neck has skin tags and allergy season is hell when that 3rd sneeze hits. We go from where’s a tissue to kegels while running in the span of about 30 seconds.

Its allergy season in Florida so sneezes are many. I really should wear running shoes more often! But I am NOT at the Depends stage yet. It’s still mind over matter… for now.

Let me offer a small warning on skin tags. My sweet little dermatologist offered to remove them. Aww, yes please. Get these oddities off of me please and thank you.

Now one would think you’d get a few numbing shots here and there before removal.

NO!

Before I could blink, she came at me with a scalpel and zip, zip snip they were gone, she was done and I sat there in pure shock, not breathing. I swear she had an oddly happy look on at my expression of horror. So, if and when you get these special little skin nuggets, make sure you speak with your dermatologist PRIOR to scalpel pick up.

Just saying.

Tomorrow’s warning will be on menopause themed. Because I mean every woman dreams of swapping their periods for a hot that’s so hot, you breath and melt. Your bra is soaked, your hair is stuck to your face and your beloved family is swearing you’re going to make them hypothermic.

They lie as you melt.

Bobbi Romans

Disgruntled, Menopausal and Getting Older. PT1

I keep opening up the laptop to write this, then deleting and shutting it back down. But then it hit me.

I’m old, I’m menopausal and I’m pissed. What better time to vent.

Each day I awake with good intentions. With a semi-smile ambling for the coffee I know the hubs has already made. I don’t walk as smoothly as I once did. Some weird something with my heel. Each new day seems to spawn some new, weird ailment.

Getting old sucks… but there are some perks I’ve learned to embrace.

Let’s start with the sucky part. Blew a knee out getting into bed once. Got a kink in my neck getting out of bed once. Seems, so long as your feet can hit the floor without drama, you should be okay-for the most.

You think that author pic doesn’t look that bad? Buwahaha… that was over 10 years ago. Come on, whose going to chose the old pic to post freshly out the gate.

But, now? I’m down.

Why?

Because it is what it is. As soon as you learn to embrace the fact you’ve aged, certain things rather tumble into place. That doesn’t mean just let everything fly, find what DOES matter to you and what doesn’t. Chose things to let go of.

My eyebrows are spattered with grey. Now, if not filled in, I appear to not to have any. Not okay. But mom jeans? OKAY….

Comfort has taken precedence over fashion. I’ve just decided I want eyebrows as I wear my stretchy pants.

Just saying.

And I really gotta tell you…the freedom that came from being okay with this choice was EPIC! Not only do I spend my days comfortable, but life moves faster when you give up the extra 30 min-hour for hair, 30-min on make-up and 30 minutes trying to pick the perfect outfit.

Lunch break is almost over so I’m going to stop PT1 for now but tell me your “Getting Older” hacks in the comment section below.

Are you fighting aging, or have you said thrown caution to the wind and embraced all the idiosyncrasies that come with this process? (Skin tags, age spots and grey…oh my!)

To be fair… here is a pic from last year. I’ll share one from this year (better hair at least) at the end of my series.

Bobbi

Popeyes New Macaroni & Cheese Review

The Good: It is truly so good, I ate it before remembering to get a picture. I mean good. True melted cheese on top, creamy, cheesy and smooth. Not clumpy or one cheese bite here and plain bite next.

Probably the best fast food macaroni and cheese I’ve ever had.

The Bad: It was about 6 bites.

The Bad: It was $3.99

https://www.popeyes.com/menu/picker-eb9293e0-ca1d-4a04-a7d6-d0a36d6080ca

Popeyes, if you’re out their watching reviews here’s a tip.

A) Your fries need a 3rd option size. That tiny vs party needs a medium up in there.

B) Your amazing macaroni and cheese, needs a bit more to the serving for the $3.99 price.

Yes, we know everything has gone up. We know this. But for those of us that cook… we KNOW how much macaroni and cheese costs.

Do your Popeyes fans a solid. Just a few spoonfuls more.

FYI: To any that haven’t tried their chicken sandwich… its a must try.

2 Ingredient (FAST) Strawberry Cake

Okay, who is addicted to trying all those FB and TikTok recipes? *Raises hand*

ME!

So, this one went by and WOW…it worked and is SOOO good!

(1) Box of Angel Food Cake

(1) Can of Strawberry pie filling.

Mix together, bake at 350 for about 30-40 min or until golden and fluffy but not wet jiggly.

Let cool and top individual servings with whipped toppings.

Enjoy!

Free Ebooks

Dear readers,

With so much going on right now I wanted to do something as so many may be on lock-down or Spring break with nothing to do.

It isn’t much, and I will not post a link to my Amazon Author page as this isn’t promotion but the only thing I could think of to do.

Starting TOMORROW 03/19/2020 through 03/23/2020 all of my available Ebooks, I own the rights to, will be free. (If I did it right)

If there is an ebook you want (that I own rights to) that is NOT free–let me know and I will go make it so.

Stay safe, wash those hands and PLEASE, PLEASE lets pull together as a nation. Lets care about those with medical conditions and the elderly… lets watch each others back with care and compassion.

-Bobbi Romans

Book Signing Event!

If you happen to be in the N. Florida area this coming Saturday, February 8th I along with Authors Carolyn Hector, Shannon Richard and Becky Harmon will be signing books between 4:00 and 6:00 PM at …

My Favorite Books 1410 Market Square Suite #C-2 Tallahassee Florida.

There will be wine and cheese and a host of other goodies!

If you aren’t familiar with my writing, I write everything from Paranormal Romance, to Contemporary Romance all the way to sweet coming home again type drama. But in all of my works, including a horror story, anything that can go wrong, will, because that’s how my real life rolls, so much so, it bleeds into my stories.

So there is quirkiness in all of it.

In my most popular series, the Swamp Magic Series, my shifters don’t turn into creatures, but rather take on some of their unique qualities. Armadillos can hold their breath up to SEVEN minutes under water. Opossums, play dead until the predatory leaves thinking his meal is safe, but this feature also allows the Opossum to regroup and heal up a bit before slinking away.

I love the underdog creatures of the world and all their quirky uniqueness!

For more information on the event click any of the below links.

My Favorite Books

Carolyn Hector Amazon

Becky Harmon Amazon

Shannon Richard Amazon

and then there’s mine…

Bobbi’s Amazon Page

Thanksgiving Contest & Recipe!

In celebration of Thanksgiving and giving thanks, I’m hosting up what hopefully will be a little fun with a nifty prize at the end.

We love food. We love cooking. We are HUMAN…That means not all our loving meals quite come out like we intend. Maybe we ran out of something and tried to wing-it with another ingredient.

Maybe our oven takes a crap on Thanksgiving morning. (True story) Or maybe it’s not even the food, maybe our toilet became old faithful and you didn’t even know one could blow like that!! (Another true story)

Share your favorite Thanksgiving BLOOPER and sometime on the Friday after, I’ll pick a winner.

What’s the prize you ask?

An autographed copy of my sweet coming home, Thanksgiving themed story. The story of realizing you aren’t at the card table anymore and that you and your siblings are now grown.

An American Holiday-Turkey, Cranberry Sauce & Prozac!

 

Amazon

In the story Kristi James shares a family recipe. Great Grandma Obaugh’s Cranberry Salad- Well folks, that was my grandmother Obaugh’s cranberry salad recipe, so while the story is completely fictional, this of all my stories holds the most little truths here and there.

For those who wish the recipe for Thanksgiving… Prepare the night before for best results.

Large Box Cherry Jell-o
One Cup Sugar
One Cup Walnuts or Pecans
One Cup Celery
One Cup Raw Cranberries
One Can of Crushed Pineapple
One Orange

Large box of Cherry Jell-o and one cup of sugar. Add HALF the required boiling water and mix until all is dissolved. Set in refrigerator to HALF set.

While you are waiting.

Chop walnuts or pecans, celery and raw cranberries. Once Jell-o is half-set, add all ingredients, including entire can juice and all of crushed pineapple and grate the entire orange (zest) and then using fingers shred the flesh up into the jell-o.

Mix well and set in refrigerator overnight.

If you try it… PLEASE, PLEASE let me know what you thought. I loved sharing Great Grandma’s recipe and I thought she’d get a kick too!

Happy Thanksgiving
~ Bobbi Romans

Breakfast Cookies-A Cheap, Fast, On-the-Go, Morning Meal!

Breakfast Cookies- A quick, cheap warm something for the kiddos before school.

I love Jiffy recipes. I grew up watching my grandmother use Jiffy, so… memories do lots for me and I broke out the ole Jiffy cookbook and remembered this gem!

2 Cups Jiffy
(1) Tube of Sausage. (1lb- UNCOOKED)
1 ½ Cups Shredded Cheese. (I used Cheddar)
2/3 Cup of Milk

Preheat oven to 400.

Mix all the above WELL, then drop by scoop onto baking sheet.

Bake for 15-20 Min. You don’t have to wait for them to cool before using a spatula to remove and get the next batch in.

Makes 24-30 (depending on size you make) Cookies.

Sour Cream Pot Roast (Crockpot)

Sour Cream Pot Roast

This is Momma’s recipe, its fast east and not too pricey. I’m going to tell you how I do it now, but also include her original recipe.

One large chuck roast
One packet of dry onion soup mix
(1) Small container Sour Cream

As you race out the door, toss the roast frozen or thawed into the Crockpot, with one packet of Dry Onion Soup and one cup of water. Turn on high for frozen, Medium for thawed.

By the time you get home from work (or 6/8 ish hours later) the roast will be fork shreddable. Shred, add sour cream and mix well.

Serve over rice, noodles or with mashed potatoes, a nice side salad and rolls.

NOW—That was my “cheating” in a rush recipe. Below is momma’s FULL recipe for those not rushing out the door.

Soak chuck roast over night in apple juice after having stabbed that sucker all over with a fork first.

Next morning, roll roast in flour and in a skillet with a few tsps of oil, fry the roast front/back and all sides until browned.

Place in Crockpot with packet of Dry Onion Soup Mix.

Since the roast is thawed and even fried on the outer parts, turn Crockpot to LOW.

Follow same instructions as above.

This is one of my family’s favorites!

-Bobbi Romans