Happy Friday Reader!

Well, we've survived the first week of Daylight Savings, a full moon and now, Friday the thirteenth. lol

To add insult to injury, the weather here in Nebraska is about as predictable as herding cats — 75° one minute, and snowing a handful of hours later.

While nothing in life seems predictable at the moment, I can still rely on some easy, delicious recipes to keep our grocery budget on track and create meals that fit our crazy schedules (and weather) — even ones to celebrate a holiday!

St. Patrick's Day Dinner Quick and Easy

Growing up in Nebraska, I wasn't exposed to many St. Patrick's Day celebrations. I DID know about some silly tradition of pinching anyone who didn't wear green on March 17th, though. So, I was always careful about my wardrobe. lol

Now as an adult, I can enjoy a lovely Irish-inspired meal on the 17th, and I can highly recommend it as a budget-friendly, easy and delicious dinner your whole family will enjoy!

While you'll no doubt hear of those celebrating St. Patrick's Day with corned beef, it's a little too pricey for my budget. I'm opting instead for a filling and absolutely scrumptious dinner combo that you'll want to celebrate year-round!

​Colcannon Soup​

Colcannon Soup is a rustic, hearty, meat-free meal you can prep in one pot in about 30 minutes. Humble, affordable potatoes and cabbage are elevated in a rich, creamy and flavorful broth that makes you want just one more bite. It's a celebration of textures and tastes that's inexpensive to make and a joy to eat. P.S. You can still satisfy your unwavering carnivores by adding some sausage to the pot.

Get the Easy Recipe: Colcannon Soup​

​Soda Bread​

I love quick bread recipes! And this is one of THE best! Soda bread is heavenly. Imagine the best crusty loaf with a tender middle, and to make it even more glorious, sweet pops of raisins.

Soda bread is certainly humble and affordable, but it can hold its own against any fancy bread on the table. A thick shmear of creamy butter is all you need to make a warm slice into "the best bread you've ever tasted"!

You don't need yeast. There's no kneading. It can be mixed up in about 5 minutes and baked in just 30. Yes! YOU can make this easy bread recipe! I'll show you how.

Get the Easy Recipe: Soda Bread​

Cabbage

Cabbage is an often-overlooked vegetable. But there are a LOT of reasons to add it to your grocery list.

• It's inexpensive.
• It's easy to cook in a variety of ways.
• It can be eaten raw.
• It has so many health benefits.
• It can bulk up and stretch a meal.
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With just cabbage and salt, I ferment homemade sauerkraut that is better than any I've ever eaten. I think you'd love it, too! The added benefit to gut health from fermenting, rather than pickling, the cabbage is a real win for us, and it tastes so good.

Cabbage is definitely an inexpensive way to add tons of nutrition to your recipes.

• Cabbage is low in salt, calories and sugar.
• It's high in fiber.
• Cabbage is a great source of antioxidants which help boost the immune system and fight inflammation.
• It is loaded with essential vitamins and minerals we need every day.

Favorite Easy Recipes with Cabbage

​Ground Beef and Cabbage, One Pot 30-Minute Easy Recipe Delicious served over mashed potatoes, rice or egg noodles. Flavorful, healthy and budget-friendly.

• ​Quick & Easy Italian Salad (Cabbage Salad) a meal in one bowl
• ​Slow Cooker Kalua Pork with Cabbage smoky, delicious, easy
• ​Coleslaw with Homemade Coleslaw Dressing easy 10-min side
• ​Delicious Broccoli Ramen Coleslaw easy, tangy side
• ​Easy Homemade Egg Rolls Recipe​
• ​Egg Roll Bowls | Dinner in 25 Minutes!​

Grab a head of cabbage at the grocery store this week. There are a myriad of delicious ways to add this healthy and affordable vegetable to your meal rotation.

Bake some scrumptious soda bread. Laugh around the dinner table and enjoy the ones you love most.

Happy Spring! Have a blessing-filled week my friend! And I hope someone else does your dishes. Hugs!