Homemade Hamburger Helper (with Pork)

I eased my way into cooking when I first moved out of my parents' house with a lot of boxes and cans. Hamburger Helper was always one of those guilty pleasures. As I have raised my homemade meal standards, I have been forced to forgo shopping in most of those middle aisles at the grocery store (except for baking needs & spices!). I found this lovely recipe for homemade Hamburger Helper (here), and made the switch to ground pork. It is creamy, cheesy, and so satisfying, although probably still terrible for you.

To make this, you will need:

• 1 lb ground pork
• 2 cups of dry fusilli
• 2 1/2 cups of milk
• 1 1/2 cups of hot water
• 1 tbsp cornstarch
• 1 tbsp chili powder
• 2 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp sugar
• 1 tsp salt
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• 1 tsp cayenne pepper
• 1 tsp crushed red pepper flakes
• 2 cups shredded cheddar

1. In a large skillet over medium heat, brown the pork through and break up as cooking.
2. Add pasta, milk, water, and spices (everything except the cheese).
3. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat & simmer. Cook until pasta is cooked (about 15 minutes).
4. Add cheese, stir to combine and melt cheese. Enjoy!

Asian Pork Burgers

Ground pork was on sale, and so began the lengthy attempts to try to create different meals from the score. This recipe for Asian Pork Burgers is taken from Food & Wine, and then altered as I needed. The burgers ended up really tasty with lots of onion and sesame flavour.

To make these, you will need:

• 1 lb ground pork
• 2 green onions, chopped
• 2 tbsp fresh ginger, minced
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 tsp sesame oil
• 1 tsp salt
• 1 tsp pepper

To make the red cabbage slaw, you will need:

• 2 cups of red cabbage, chopped
• 1/2 tsp sesame oil
• 1 tsp soy sauce
• 2 tsp white wine vinegar

Of course, you will also need buns, and any fixings, like greens and sriracha.

1. Mix together all the burger ingredients with your hands and form into three 3/4 inch thick patties.

2. Grill the burgers on each side until cooked through. Meanwhile, prepare the cabbage by tossing the ingredients together.

3. Assemble the burger, and enjoy!

I served these burgers topped with sriracha for an extra bit of heat. I also made a salad that I need to recommend. We mix together:

• 4 cups of spring mix greens
• 1/3 cup of crumbled feta
• 1/4 cup of dried cranberries
• 1/4 cup walnut pieces
• 1/4 cup crispy chow mein noodles

Lately, I have been loving the Ginger Sesame dressing by Marzetti for this salad, but we have also tried and loved Renee's Asian Sesame dressing. Happy eating!