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Elba's Eatery, WALNUT Street, Jacksonville, FL (2026)

11/19/2024

Today, I went back to my roots in preparation for the holidays, embracing a tradition that always warms my heart and taste buds—coquito! With the last PTSA meeting of the year tomorrow, I wanted to share a festive gift with my fellow board members. What better way to welcome the season than with this creamy Puerto Rican holiday drink?

For those unfamiliar, coquito is often compared to eggnog but is entirely its own delightful experience. Made with coconut cream, coconut milk, evaporated milk, condensed milk, cinnamon, vanilla, and nutmeg, it’s a sweet and spiced treat that’s rich in tradition. To give it a holiday-worthy kick, I added a splash of clear rum (or more, depending on your holiday spirit).

Nothing says holidays quite like the aroma of cinnamon and coconut blending together in a glass. Here's to keeping traditions alive, sharing joy, and ringing in the season, one sip at a time!

🎄✨ What are your favorite holiday traditions or drinks? Let’s share the spirit together!

11/16/2024

Cozy Lasagna Soup Day

With temps dipping into the 40s, it was clear—a soup day was calling. Scanning my kitchen, I realized I could whip up a comforting pot of lasagna soup with just a few extra ingredients. Thanks to grocery delivery (a lifesaver!), $29 later, I was ready to bring the idea to life.

I started by browning 2 pounds of ground beef, then added diced yellow onion and crushed garlic to the pan. As the kitchen filled with their mouthwatering aroma, I stirred in 15 oz of diced tomatoes, 28 oz of crushed tomatoes, 2 tablespoons of tomato paste, 2 tablespoons of Italian spices, 2 teaspoons of sugar, and salt and pepper to taste. Once warmed through, I poured in 4.5 cups of chicken broth and let it all simmer for 15 minutes.

For the final touch, I broke half a box of lasagna noodles into smaller pieces and added them to the pot, timing it so they’d be perfectly cooked just as it was time to serve. Each bowl was topped with a ricotta, mozzarella, and Parmesan blend—transforming the soup into something truly special.

To complete the meal, I paired it with an olive oil Italian loaf I made earlier in the day. Its dense texture made it perfect for soaking up every last drop of soup.

This bowl of goodness warmed both body and soul, proving that even in the chill of autumn, comfort can be found in the simplest of meals.

11/12/2024

Homemade Thai-Inspired Chicken Curry

We’re back at Elba’s Eatery, continuing our search for budget-friendly, delicious meals that make the most of what’s already in the kitchen. Today, I was hit with a serious craving for Thai flavors, so I put together a rich, creamy curry that’s simple and customizable! With pantry staples and a few fresh ingredients, you’ll have a bowl that rivals any takeout—and for way less than $17 a dish!

Here’s how I made it:

Ingredients:

2 tbsp vegetable oil
3 chicken breasts, chopped into bite-size chunks
1 large onion (or 2 small), peeled and finely chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 tsp minced ginger
2 tbsp mild curry powder (adjust to taste for more heat)
1 tbsp ground coriander
½ tbsp ground cumin
1 tsp paprika
½ tsp ground cinnamon
½ tsp salt
½ tsp black pepper
2 tbsp tomato puree (tomato paste in the US)
1 14.8oz can of finely chopped tomatoes
1 cup of chicken stock
1 14oz can full-fat coconut milk
1 tbsp cornflour mixed with 2 tbsp cold water (optional, for thickening)
2 cups of baby spinach
Instructions:

Cook the chicken and aromatics: Heat the vegetable oil in a large pan over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until it softens, about 5 minutes. Add the garlic and ginger, stirring until fragrant.

Add the spices: Stir in the curry powder, ground coriander, cumin, paprika, cinnamon, salt, and pepper. Let the spices toast slightly to release their flavors, then add the tomato puree and cook for another minute.

Combine with liquids: Add the chopped tomatoes, chicken stock, and coconut milk. Bring everything to a gentle simmer.

Add chicken and spinach: Stir in the chicken chunks, letting them cook in the simmering sauce until tender. Add the spinach toward the end, allowing it to wilt. If you prefer a thicker sauce, add the cornflour slurry and cook until it reaches your desired consistency.

Serve and enjoy: Ladle over rice or noodles and garnish with your favorite herbs, like cilantro or basil, for an extra pop of freshness.

This curry brings restaurant-quality flavor without the restaurant price, perfect for a cozy night in. Enjoy!

11/11/2024

As the air gets cooler, it's time for a simple yet satisfying classic that’s always a hit: Chicken Orzo. 🥣 This one-pot wonder is rich, warm, and adaptable for any pantry. Whether enjoyed hot or as a chilled salad, it’s perfect for savoring every spoonful of fall.

Recipe Highlights:

Start with 1 lb of cubed chicken - cook, then set aside.

In the same pan, deglaze with 2 cups chicken stock.

Add 2 tbsp butter, salt, and pepper, then bring to a gentle boil.

Stir in 1 cup orzo and let it simmer for 15 minutes.

Add the cooked chicken back in, along with 1 cup cherry tomatoes and a generous amount of spinach.

Once the spinach wilts, finish with a squeeze of lemon juice for brightness. 🍋

Tip: Leftovers make a delicious cold salad the next day! Feel free to get creative and make it your own with pantry staples.

11/08/2024

Veggie Bacon Rice Stir Fry - Fridge Clean-Out Edition

Sometimes, the best meals are born from what’s left in the fridge. Today was one of those days, so I got creative with a few bell peppers, red onion, celery, and carrots we had on hand. With a quick $10 bacon run and my pantry staple jasmine rice, a veggie bacon rice stir fry came together in the wok.

Here’s how it went down:

1. Cooked the Jasmine Rice: Always a staple in my pantry, it’s the base that brings it all together.

2. Bacon Prep: I chopped up the bacon and cooked it in the wok, making sure to save that golden bacon fat for extra flavor.

3. Veggie Sizzle: While the bacon fat was still hot, I gave the red onion a quick 3-minute sauté until it was aromatic, then tossed in fresh garlic and all the veggies, letting them soften up just right.

4. Stir-Fry Time: Once the veggies were ready, I added the rice and bacon back in, seasoning with soy sauce, salt, and pepper to taste. A little green onion and cilantro added the perfect finish.

5. Eggs in the Mix: While the flavors soaked in, I used the leftover bacon fat to fry some eggs to go on top.

This dish ended up being 3 parts veggies, 1 part bacon, and 1 part rice. But the rice and bacon worked wonders to get the kids happily digging in without realizing how many veggies were packed in each bite!

11/05/2024

Can You Make a Gourmet Meal for a Full Family on $35? Yes, You Can! (Well, Almost)

Hey, food lovers! So, I challenged myself to create a cozy, delicious, full-family meal for under $35, and while I went over budget by just $2, it was worth every penny. Today, I bring you a hearty Turkey Kielbasa Sausage and Potato Soup that not only warmed our souls but also tasted like something you'd pay much more for at a restaurant. Here’s how I did it, and how you can too!

The Ingredients Breakdown

To keep things on the healthier side, I opted for turkey kielbasa sausage over the more affordable pork option. Here's what you'll need:

1.5 lbs diced potatoes

2 stalks of diced celery

1 diced red onion

3 diced carrots

2-3 cloves of minced garlic

Fresh parsley for a burst of herbal freshness

5 cups chicken stock

1 cup whole milk for creaminess

Freshly shredded cheddar to melt on top

Toasted Italian bread with a house-made garlic butter spread

Cooking Method: Simple and Satisfying

1. Brown the Sausage
Start by browning the turkey kielbasa sausage in your pot to give it that rich, smoky flavor that sets the foundation for the soup. This step adds depth to every spoonful and also ensures the sausage is perfectly crisped before simmering.

2. Add the Veggies and Stock
Once the sausage is browned, toss in the diced potatoes, celery, red onion, carrots, garlic, and parsley. Add five cups of chicken stock, bring the soup to a boil, then reduce to a simmer. Let it cook for about 30 minutes until the potatoes are tender and the flavors meld beautifully.

3. Cream It Up
For a smooth, creamy texture, add in the whole milk during the last few minutes of cooking. This little addition brings the soup from hearty to heavenly, without being overly heavy.

4. Final Touches
Ladle the soup into bowls, top with freshly shredded cheddar, and add a sprinkle of parsley for a fresh pop of color. Serve it with slices of toasted Italian bread slathered in homemade garlic butter for the perfect dunkable side.

Total Time: Under 40 Minutes

This whole meal came together in about 40 minutes – fast enough for a weeknight, satisfying enough for any occasion, and so comforting on a chilly evening.

Verdict: Worth Every Dollar

In total, I spent $37 (a slight overage, yes!) but with the choice to use turkey kielbasa, it was exactly what I wanted. This soup felt way more luxurious than the budget would imply. Each bowl was filled with creamy goodness, rich with chunks of tender potatoes, fresh veggies, and flavorful sausage. Add the garlic buttered bread, and it was the perfect family meal that made us feel like we were dining out.

Next time, I might experiment with a few variations, but for now, this Turkey Kielbasa Sausage Potato Soup is going in the regular rotation. Try it yourself, and let me know how yours turns out – or if you manage to stick to the $35 budget!

11/01/2024

Elba's Eatery Halloween Dinner: Cozy Italian-Inspired Meal for the Family!

It was Halloween night, and a chilly one at that, so I decided to bring a touch of warmth and elegance to our dinner table, making everyone feel like they were at a fancy Italian restaurant—all within a $35 budget and minimal cleanup!

Here’s how it came together:

I started with Italian sausage, removing the casings to brown it into flavorful chunks. Once done, I set it aside to cool while I sautéed onion and garlic until soft. Next, I added chicken broth, Italian seasoning, and a bit of salt and pepper. As the broth started to bubble, I threw in some spinach until it just wilted, then stirred back in the sausage and some cheese-filled tortellini for a perfect pasta touch.

To bring that rich, creamy flavor, I added a bit of heavy cream, followed by mozzarella right in the pot. Once melted, it was ready to plate. I served each bowl with an extra sprinkle of Parmesan and mozzarella, plus a side of garlic bread for dipping—because who doesn’t love a little extra cheese?

This simple yet indulgent meal was absolutely delicious, and with only one pot to clean, it made for a perfect Halloween treat without the trick of a messy kitchen!

10/29/2024

Elba’s Eatery: Light and Fresh Dinner Under $30!

Last night, I was in the mood for something lighter and healthier. With the cooler weather settling in, a heavy meal just didn’t feel right. So, I set a $30 budget to create a fresh, satisfying dinner for the whole family—and it was a success!

I found petite filets on sale, and I already had leftover pita wraps and veggies in the fridge. I whipped up a quick dill-lemon sauce with some plain Greek yogurt and tossed the filets on the grill. After slicing them up, I topped the pita wraps with the grilled filet, roasted pepper slices, red onion, and zucchini, and drizzled on the yogurt sauce for a tangy, creamy finish. On the side, I made a refreshing hummus salad to keep things light yet filling.

Healthy, delicious, and affordable—this dinner was a win! Perfect for when you want flavor without the heaviness. 🍃💚

10/28/2024

Sunday Bow Tie Bake

After a full day of errands, two trips to Lowe’s, and a cleaning spree around the house, making dinner was the last thing on my mind. With the grocery store run officially skipped, it was time to get creative with what we had on hand. Luckily, a few pantry staples were on standby: pasta (always a lifesaver!), some leftover chicken, and a few extras like onions, lemons, and tomatoes.

With those in hand, I decided to whip up a simple but flavorful pasta dish:

1. Chicken Prep: I diced the chicken into bite-sized chunks and sautéed them with garlic, basil, olive oil, and a touch of salt and pepper.

2. Pasta Base: Instead of water, I cooked bow tie pasta in chicken broth for extra richness.

3. Bringing it Together: Mixed the chicken with the pasta and topped it off with raw onions, lemon slices, and fresh tomato slices. A sprinkle of basil and freshly grated Parmesan added the final touch.

4. Bake: Covered it all and baked at 400°F for 20 minutes, letting the flavors meld.

The result? A restaurant-quality, easy, and kid-approved meal!

10/25/2024

Greek Yogurt Chicken Wraps with Lemon Orzo

Sometimes, you’re asked to step outside your flavor comfort zone, and this week, I did just that! I decided to go Greek-inspired with these yogurt-marinated chicken wraps. Marinate the chicken in Greek yogurt and a blend of spices overnight for maximum flavor. When it’s time to cook, simply pan fry the chicken for a quick and easy weeknight dinner.

I paired the wraps with a light and flavorful orzo, cooked in chicken broth with a touch of lemon zest and fresh dill. Topped with a sprinkle of feta cheese, and dinner is ready in no time!

✅ Adult tested and approved, though the kids didn’t quite ask for seconds. 😄

10/16/2024

The other day at the store, I was craving something different for dinner but wanted to keep things cost-effective. I thought about what I already had in my pantry and suddenly, the idea hit me—flank steak tacos. All I needed to buy was the flank steak and street corn tortillas.

I found a nice piece of flank steak for just $18.00 and headed home, ready to put together a flavorful marinade using pantry staples. Here’s what I came up with:

Soy sauce
Olive oil
Apple cider vinegar
Fresh garlic
Hot sauce
Cayenne
Paprika
Red pepper flakes
Cumin
Oregano
Salt and pepper
I combined everything and let the steak marinate overnight, allowing the flavors to really soak into the meat. The next evening, I fired up the grill, placed my trusty cast iron skillet on it, and heated it to 450°F. Once the skillet was piping hot, I seared the flank steak and cooked it to a perfect medium.

After letting it rest for a few minutes, I sliced the steak thinly and served it on warm street corn tortillas. The result? A total slam dunk! No leftovers in sight, which is always a good sign.

For a meal that came together with just a few store-bought ingredients and pantry staples, these flank steak tacos hit all the right notes—flavorful, easy, and budget-friendly.

10/14/2024

Remember that Arepa I made topped with cilantro jasmine rice and jerk-seasoned chicken? It was such a hit, I just had to share the seasoning recipe with you! This jerk seasoning is packed with bold flavors, super easy to make, and chances are, you already have most of the ingredients in your pantry.

What I love about this recipe is its flexibility—you can adjust it to suit your taste. Want it spicier? Add more heat! Prefer a hint of sweetness? A little extra brown sugar does the trick. It’s all about making it your own.

Elba's Eatery

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