Sliders are very popular right now and this version made with ground turkey and baked rather than fried is not only good, but good for you. My kids ate these like there was no tomorrow and even the pickiest of them finished his plate without a complaint. Served with baked Parmesan fries this was the perfect 'fast food' meal and the cost per slider is about 45 cents - that's good, too.

Italian Turkey Sliders with Honey Dijon Mayo

Hands-On Time: 10 minutes
Ready In: 20 minutes
Serves: Makes 16 burgers

Ingredients:

20 ounces lean ground turkey
2 Tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese
1 clove garlic, minced
1/2 teaspoon each dried basil and oregano
1 teaspoon salt
pepper to taste
16 dinner rolls or slider rolls

Directions:

1. Combine ground turkey, cheese and all seasonings. Mix together well.
2. Shape turkey into 16 small patties.
3. Place patties on a greased baking sheet.
4. Bake… Read More

Chilly days mean big pots of soup around these parts. This one combines the flavor of a chicken taco in one warm bowl. Bake up a batch of cornbread to go with this and you're good to go.

Chicken Taco Soup

Hands-On Time: 5 minutes
Ready In: 20-25 minutes
Serves: 6

Ingredients:

1 pound boneless skinless chicken, cooked and shredded
2 cups cooked kidney beans
2 cups prepared salsa
6 cups chicken stock
… Read More

Traditionally made with minced lamb, this shepherd's pie is closer to an English Cottage Pie. Perfect for dark and cold winter days when the desire for comfort food is at a peak, this pie is also very frugal, making the most of winter vegetables. I've streamlined preparation and added flavor by using onion soup mix. Add a cup of thawed frozen peas for a change of pace.

Shepherd's Pie

Hands-On Time: 10 minutes
Ready In: 45 minutes
Serves:… Read More

Top pita halves with chicken, barbecue sauce and cheddar cheese for a quick busy-night dinner that will satisfy everyone. Add vegetable dippers and you're good to go with minimal fuss. The cost per serving (about $1.20) makes this easy on the wallet as well.

Chicken BBQ Cheddar Pitas

Hands-On Time: 5 minutes
Ready In: 15 minutes
Serves: 6 Two pita halves per person

Ingredients:

6 pitas - 6 inch size (I use whole wheat)
1 pound… Read More

These muffins are super-moist and flavorful - the perfect start to any morning, but especially a busy morning. With very little sugar and no white flour, they're also a healthier choice. I'll be making them for Christmas morning in anticipation of a food-filled day. Mixing the dry ingredients the night before helps to speed preparation, and with a 20 minute bake time, they're ready fast.

Morning Muffins

Hands-On Time: 5 minutes
Ready In: 25 minutes
Serves: Makes… Read More

The holiday rush is on and before you rush off to grab dinner at a not-so-cheap-or-healthy food joint, consider this quick and easy pie. Not only does it taste just like a burger from the local drive-through, it also happens to cost less per person; about $1.10 per serving. This was a winner with my entire family as long as I used the onion powder option over the real onion. Add a green salad rather than fries and a homemade… Read More