Pasta with Clams and Broccoli

Argh... I had off 2 nights this week when I would normally have night class. Though I enjoyed my extra time, this meant I had 2 more meals to prepare this week!

Luckily, I've got this little pasta dish I enjoy that I think is fairly healthy. Cheap, too!

Pasta with Clams and Broccoli

Cook pasta according to box directions: I like whole wheat angel hair pasta- angel hair cooks faster! (approx. $1-$2 for whole box, but a whole box is not necessary for 2-4 people)

Add 1 can clams, including the juice (approx. $2)

Add fresh or frozen steamed broccoli (cheap)

If you have one around, add a chopped tomato or some fresh lemon juice, or both

Sprinkle with Parmsan cheese. (whole can is approx. $3, but it will last a long time)

I once read somewhere that adding broccoli to every meal is one of the best things you can do for your family. I don't exactly do that every night, but I do like to keep bags of frozen broccoli in the freezer to sneak into meals when I can.

Mini Pizzas

I am SO over cooking dinner. But I have to do it or my family would starve. Or eat Jack in the Box tacos on a way too regular basis. My dilemma is this: my standards are much too high for my levels of skill, motivation, or money. I will not make macaroni and cheese with hot dogs. I will not throw some fish sticks and tator tots in the oven. I've had enough Trader Joe's meals in a bag. I want to make a nice meal that has a high nutritional content, does not cost very much money, and only takes a half hour or less. My family requests that this meal tastes good as well. I think this is possible, and sometimes I do come up with a fabulous idea. I've tried in the past to write these ideas down in order to remember them, but I think now I'll try a computerized version. And so... My Blog!

I'll start this post with my current go-to meal:
(Note: I did not invent the English Muffin Pizza.)

English Muffin Pizzas
Spread whole wheat english muffin halves (I can usually find a pack on sale for $1) with

1 8 oz. can of tomato sauce ($0.45)

Add assorted leftover meats or vegetables for toppings

Top with shredded cheese (I like to keep a large package in stock- about $8 but it lasts a long time)

Throw in a 350* oven for about a half hour