The necessity invention dinner

When I got married the first time back in 1974 I was worried about our ability to live on just $400. a
month.  I remember my Dad saying to me, "Necessity is the mother of invention." 

I've heard his words many times in my head throughout the past 42 years, and again yesterday
afternoon. With most of our pots and pans and utensils packed, I was determined to make dinner.


I found this stray disposable pan in the garage. I washed it out and then took what I had in the fridge
and began layering....


2 red potatoes cut up
some fresh green beans
half yellow onion sliced
some frozen peas
some frozen chicken thighs
1/8-1/4 c water over all

I salted everything, but mostly the chicken.

Then I mixed up a simple sauce and poured it over all but mostly on the chicken:
1/4 olive oil
1 t oregano 
1 t salt
several shakes of pepper
3 cloves garlic (my garlic press was packed so I just sliced it thin)

I covered it with foil and baked it for a long while @ 350' (about an hour I think)
It would have gone quicker had the chicken been thawed so adjust for that.
Then I removed the foil and turned up the oven to 400' for another 20 minutes
I broiled it for the last 2-3 minutes so it would look a bit crispy and brown on top.



Cut up some fresh cantelope, toasted some bread, and there was dinner. 
I must say it had a very good flavor, and I will make this again even after the move is over.

I just worked with what I had. 
I think you could put any vegetables in this. 


PS  Today I took the leftovers and put them in some chicken broth and it made a delicious soup.
I didn't have to season it at all since the leftovers still had plenty.
Dennis has been sick lately, so this hit the spot just right. 





6 comments:

Susan Anderson said...

You are something else! I would have been at the golden arches, for sure.

grandmapeg said...

Looks yummy! You definitely have a cooking talent!

Anonymous said...

It looks delicious! And very healthy. You did good in creating a nice dinner. We would be eating peanut butter sandwiches. Isn't it too hot in CA to use the oven? Maybe that is why our unit has lasted 32+ years, I rarely use it!
Love the lived-in look.:) Is that happy birthday tape on the one box? Where can one buy that tape? I wanted those clear totes you showed in another post but the nearest Costco is 45 miles away and ya have to get a membership. Yeesh. Guess we have to make do with what we can get here in ol' ruckytuck.
Pjc

Anonymous said...

We lived on about 400 a month in 1974 also. It was tight. No extra for anything. But we survived. Wouldn't want to do that again! But, it's good to know that we can tighten our belts and make do when necessary.

Scrapally said...

I am impressed! It would have been sandwiches or 5 dollar pizzas for me! I hope the move has gone well (sorry Dennis is sick!) and I can't wait to see pictures of your new home!

Richard said...

Uh...seems like every time you go three layers deep in the crisper, Dennis gets sick. Think I'll have Ashley Nef send over some fresh veggies.

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