- Use old, used or un-used envelopes to write your grocery and errand list on then gather your coupons to put inside the envelope so they're available when you need them.
Helpful Tips When Shopping on a Budget
Bacon Wrapped Pan Sauted Asparagus Spears
What You Will Need for Four Servings:
One Pound of Washed and Trimmed Fresh Asparagus Spears - Thinner Works Best
One Half Pound of Bacon
Lightly Greased Pan on Medium Heat
How to Assemble:
Wrap four to five spears in uncooked bacon that's been cut in half until all spears are used.
Put the bundles into the heated pan with the bacon seam side down to seal the seam and hold the bundles together.
Cook several minutes per side, turning as needed.
The asparagus is ready when it's tender and the bacon should be crisped around the same time.
Serve warm and refrigerate leftovers.
Good re-heated for lunch the next day.
One Pound of Washed and Trimmed Fresh Asparagus Spears - Thinner Works Best
One Half Pound of Bacon
Lightly Greased Pan on Medium Heat
How to Assemble:
Wrap four to five spears in uncooked bacon that's been cut in half until all spears are used.
Put the bundles into the heated pan with the bacon seam side down to seal the seam and hold the bundles together.
Cook several minutes per side, turning as needed.
The asparagus is ready when it's tender and the bacon should be crisped around the same time.
Serve warm and refrigerate leftovers.
Good re-heated for lunch the next day.
Taco Lettuce Wraps
It seems Asian wraps are the thing these days and I do like them and enjoy making them but had an idea for using other ingredients for a change and now that we've had Asian and Mexican wraps we discover we like both.Variety is the spice of life.
What You Will Need:
Iceberg Lettuce Leaves
One Pound of Hamburger
Onion
Garlic
Shredded Cheese
Chili Powder
Cumin
One Can of Rinsed Black Beans if Desired
Chopped Fresh Tomato or Salsa
Taco Sauce
Cook as you normally would for tacos and instead of using the bread wraps or tortillas, use large lettuce leaves to hold the meat mixture.
Add cheese to melt
Using a taco seasoning packet works fine.
Trim the Fat While Saving Money
Usually I buy boneless, skinless chicken thighs that are on sale but lately they've been pretty costly so I've purchased thighs with the bone in and skin on.
I've found that many of the thighs have excess fat (yes, I meant to do that) and so I've used my kitchen scissors to trim some of the fat leaving some on for flavor and to keep the chicken moist.
One good recipe is baked chicken with barbecue sauce.
Adding the sauce to the tops of the chicken thighs before cooking sometimes keeps the skin rubbery and unappealing.
First, cook the chicken at a medium to high heat until the fat/skin is rendered and lightly crispy.
Then top with barbecue sauce and cook until done adding more to taste after they're done.
I've found that many of the thighs have excess fat (yes, I meant to do that) and so I've used my kitchen scissors to trim some of the fat leaving some on for flavor and to keep the chicken moist.
One good recipe is baked chicken with barbecue sauce.
Adding the sauce to the tops of the chicken thighs before cooking sometimes keeps the skin rubbery and unappealing.
First, cook the chicken at a medium to high heat until the fat/skin is rendered and lightly crispy.
Then top with barbecue sauce and cook until done adding more to taste after they're done.
HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY!
Let - Us - Eat - Cake!
Walmart has, in my opinion, a fine bakery. The donuts are as good as our new, local donut specialty store and the cakes are quite tasty.
My favorite is the yellow cake with buttercream icing.
Fresh Shrimp Cooked With Smoked Beef Sausage
Slice and saute a one pound package of sausage. We like Hillshire Farms brand, and then add the shelled shrimp to the pan with the sausage and cook until it becomes that famous "Pinkish Orange" shrimp color.The sausage and its drippings really adds a nice flavor to the shrimp which can be bland if not fried or cooked with Old Bay Seasoning.
Add a tossed salad or green beans and you're done. Baked beans would go well with this dish too.
If there is no time to shell the shrimp yourself or you're not so inclined, then purchase the frozen bags of shelled shrimp or buy it at the seafood counter. They usually put out fresh and frozen types and it frequently goes on sale.
If it's already cooked, just add it to the sausage to heat through.
Easy Supper
We haven't had our Mexican pie in a while so I made it tonight and added lettuce and reduced fat sour cream. I layered on a plate the shredded lettuce then the pie and then a little extra shredded cheese on top and then a little sour cream. It was a tasty dish for a chilly day.
http://elleseasymeals.blogspot.com/search/label/easy%20mexican%20pot%20pie
http://elleseasymeals.blogspot.com/search/label/easy%20mexican%20pot%20pie
When In Doubt Take The Chicken Out...
...of the freezer.
Somedays it is really hard to decide on what to prepare for dinner and I have found on those days that taking chicken out of the freezer to thaw is the best answer for the unanswered, "What's for dinner?" question.
If your pantry has pasta or rice you're covered.
If you have an oil and/or butter it's fixable.
If you have any vegetable at all, even just onion, you can use it to make a nice meal.
Stay stocked on these staples to help make making dinner a pleasure:
Onions
Pastas
Frozen broccoli, corn, etc.,
Canned tomatoes, corn, beans, etc.,
Seasonings including, salt, pepper, cumin, chili powder, onion powder, garlic powder etc.,
Try to keep a jar of Parmesan in the fridge to sprinkle over almost any chicken dish.
Olive Oil
Vegetable Oil
Somedays it is really hard to decide on what to prepare for dinner and I have found on those days that taking chicken out of the freezer to thaw is the best answer for the unanswered, "What's for dinner?" question.
If your pantry has pasta or rice you're covered.
If you have an oil and/or butter it's fixable.
If you have any vegetable at all, even just onion, you can use it to make a nice meal.
Stay stocked on these staples to help make making dinner a pleasure:
Onions
Pastas
Frozen broccoli, corn, etc.,
Canned tomatoes, corn, beans, etc.,
Seasonings including, salt, pepper, cumin, chili powder, onion powder, garlic powder etc.,
Try to keep a jar of Parmesan in the fridge to sprinkle over almost any chicken dish.
Olive Oil
Vegetable Oil
Rich Buttery Chocolate Homemade Cake With Rich Buttery Chocolate Homemade Frosting
I think I have finally found a chocolate cake that is too rich for my taste.
It's hard to believe. I thought I could eat anything rich.
Those days are over.
This cake takes the cake.
I may never bake this moist, chocolatey, rich, gooey cake again.
Two sticks of butter in the cake batter.
Almost two in the icing.
I had to use ice cream to cut the sweetness.
Really.
I found this recipe on the Pioneer Woman's website.
Just look under the recipe titled The Best Chocolate Sheet Cake Ever and you'll find it listed with yummy pictures.
Good luck! :)
Ham is the New Turkey
Thanksgiving wouldn't be the same without being thankful that you can eat what you want.
I'm sure there were wild and domestic hogs to be found in the 1600's.
Ham, baked sweet potatoes, macaroni and cheese made with the healthier pasta and low fat cheese and milk, sweet corn, fordhook lima beans, yeast rolls, chocolate pecan pie and pumpkin pie.
A feast for the eyes and the stomach.
I'm sure there were wild and domestic hogs to be found in the 1600's.
Ham, baked sweet potatoes, macaroni and cheese made with the healthier pasta and low fat cheese and milk, sweet corn, fordhook lima beans, yeast rolls, chocolate pecan pie and pumpkin pie.
A feast for the eyes and the stomach.
Cheap,Easy and Healthier Creamy Chicken and Rice
What You Will Need:
Large 4 Quart Pot of Boiling Water With Lid
One Medium to Large, Whole Chicken
Two Bags of Boil in Bag White Rice
One Bag of Boil in Bag Brown Rice
One Sweet Onion - Chopped
One or Two Tablespoons of All Purpose Flour
One Tablespoon of Butter
Seasonings to Taste:
Salt
Pepper
Paprika
Poultry Seasoning
Onion Powder
Garlic Powder
Dried or Fresh Celery (I use dry)
Add the seasonings to the pot of boiling water and then put the whole chicken into the pot and cover.
Cook on a gentle boil until done. I checked every 15 minutes.
The meat is cooked when it falls apart easily. Maybe 40 minutes.
Remove the chicken with two tongs or forks for security and put into a dish or bowl large enough to give you room to remove the meat from the bone.
After the chicken is removed, cut open the bags of rice and pour all of the contents of the bags into the boiling chicken broth. Cook according to instructions, usually 10 minutes.
Add the chopped onion with the rice.
While these boil I like to stand next to the stove to pull the chicken apart, removing the skin and bone and then drop medium size pieces of it into the boiling water with the rice and onion.
Check frequently because boiling chicken and rice has a tendency to boil over the sides just like chicken and dumplings.
Let simmer for several minutes together and then add the flour and butter stirring until it's well incorporated and not lumpy.
The flour and butter mixture is what gives the creamy texture to the dish.
The little bit of extra starch gives it a chicken and dumpling or even a risotto texture and taste.
Let simmer until it starts to thicken then take it off the heat and let sit for several minutes.
Taste and adjust seasonings.
I usually need to add more salt and pepper and I like to use sea salt with iodine and fresh cracked pepper.
Serve warm and refrigerate leftovers, if you have any.
This is great the next day for lunch or supper.
It's also a great cold weather dish.
Large 4 Quart Pot of Boiling Water With Lid
One Medium to Large, Whole Chicken
Two Bags of Boil in Bag White Rice
One Bag of Boil in Bag Brown Rice
One Sweet Onion - Chopped
One or Two Tablespoons of All Purpose Flour
One Tablespoon of Butter
Seasonings to Taste:
Salt
Pepper
Paprika
Poultry Seasoning
Onion Powder
Garlic Powder
Dried or Fresh Celery (I use dry)
Add the seasonings to the pot of boiling water and then put the whole chicken into the pot and cover.
Cook on a gentle boil until done. I checked every 15 minutes.
The meat is cooked when it falls apart easily. Maybe 40 minutes.
Remove the chicken with two tongs or forks for security and put into a dish or bowl large enough to give you room to remove the meat from the bone.
After the chicken is removed, cut open the bags of rice and pour all of the contents of the bags into the boiling chicken broth. Cook according to instructions, usually 10 minutes.
Add the chopped onion with the rice.
While these boil I like to stand next to the stove to pull the chicken apart, removing the skin and bone and then drop medium size pieces of it into the boiling water with the rice and onion.
Check frequently because boiling chicken and rice has a tendency to boil over the sides just like chicken and dumplings.
Let simmer for several minutes together and then add the flour and butter stirring until it's well incorporated and not lumpy.
The flour and butter mixture is what gives the creamy texture to the dish.
The little bit of extra starch gives it a chicken and dumpling or even a risotto texture and taste.
Let simmer until it starts to thicken then take it off the heat and let sit for several minutes.
Taste and adjust seasonings.
I usually need to add more salt and pepper and I like to use sea salt with iodine and fresh cracked pepper.
Serve warm and refrigerate leftovers, if you have any.
This is great the next day for lunch or supper.
It's also a great cold weather dish.
Easy Tender Chicken Tenders
What You Will Need to Feed Four:
Four Skinless/Boneless Chicken Breasts
Oil for Frying Heated Over Medium Heat
Flour for Dusting the Chicken
Seasonings to Taste:
Salt
Pepper
Garlic Powder
Four Skinless/Boneless Chicken Breasts
Oil for Frying Heated Over Medium Heat
Flour for Dusting the Chicken
Seasonings to Taste:
Salt
Pepper
Garlic Powder
Onion Powder
Paprika
Poultry Seasoning
The secret to making tender chicken tenders using white meat which tends towards dryness due to less fat content than dark meat, is to soak the chicken in a bowl of salted water for several hours before cooking.
I use kitchen scissors to cut the breasts into strips and then add them to a bowl of room temperature water to which I've added a scant palm full of salt.
Let this sit in the fridge for at least two hours and then drain, season but don't use much salt because the meat has absorbed some from the salt water bath, then dust with flour and add to the preheated oil and let cook until just done.
About 20 minutes or according to thickness. Smaller, thinner pieces will cook faster.
Overcooking will make the chicken taste dry.
Use a slotted utensil to remove the cooked chicken tenders from the hot oil and place on paper towels to drain and cool.
This recipe is adaptable for different ways of eating including low carb or low fat by using whole wheat flour to dust and by using less oil or a mix of healthy oils to brown the meat.
Baking the dusted chicken in a very hot oven would produce a nice end result also.
A nice honey mustard sauce for dipping and a side of freshly, microwaved broccoli make this a nice lunch or dinner.
Paprika
Poultry Seasoning
The secret to making tender chicken tenders using white meat which tends towards dryness due to less fat content than dark meat, is to soak the chicken in a bowl of salted water for several hours before cooking.
I use kitchen scissors to cut the breasts into strips and then add them to a bowl of room temperature water to which I've added a scant palm full of salt.
Let this sit in the fridge for at least two hours and then drain, season but don't use much salt because the meat has absorbed some from the salt water bath, then dust with flour and add to the preheated oil and let cook until just done.
About 20 minutes or according to thickness. Smaller, thinner pieces will cook faster.
Overcooking will make the chicken taste dry.
Use a slotted utensil to remove the cooked chicken tenders from the hot oil and place on paper towels to drain and cool.
This recipe is adaptable for different ways of eating including low carb or low fat by using whole wheat flour to dust and by using less oil or a mix of healthy oils to brown the meat.
Baking the dusted chicken in a very hot oven would produce a nice end result also.
A nice honey mustard sauce for dipping and a side of freshly, microwaved broccoli make this a nice lunch or dinner.
Salad for Supper
One head of lettuce torn into bite sized pieces.
One medium cucumber sliced into circles after peeling down three sections to make it pretty.
One half of a medium large sweet Vidalia onion sliced thinly.
Four ounces of mild cheddar cheese sliced into thin squares.
Sixteen ounces or one pound of baked sandwich ham sliced into thin squares.
Salt, cracked pepper, Ranch dressing, Ritz crackers made with wheat and you're all set.
I'm really glad I had the ingredients handy because I felt a little sick and didn't feel much like cooking.
I try to always keep some ingredients handy for times like this.
Things for an easy soup made with beef or chicken for pot pie kept in the freezer will get used since these are on my frequent menu rotation.
Mini Cheesecake Muffins
These yummy gems have no flour. Just cream cheese, egg , sugar or Splenda and a splash of vanilla.Lose Weight Eating Eggs
I'm trying to eat eggs for breakfast more often because I keep hearing that they are good for you and they help keep you full longer helping you eat less and lose weight.
My favorite way to eat eggs is to scramble over medium heat in a little olive oil. I also add a little water, maybe a teaspoon, to the eggs before I beat them with a fork. It helps them mix better and keeps them moist.
A little salt and fresh ground black pepper and I am happy for several hours.
If I'm really hungry, a slice of toast with a little real butter and jelly made with fruit and no added sugar usually does the trick. It gives a bit of the quick carb energy and tastes slightly sweet which I like.
My favorite way to eat eggs is to scramble over medium heat in a little olive oil. I also add a little water, maybe a teaspoon, to the eggs before I beat them with a fork. It helps them mix better and keeps them moist.
A little salt and fresh ground black pepper and I am happy for several hours.
If I'm really hungry, a slice of toast with a little real butter and jelly made with fruit and no added sugar usually does the trick. It gives a bit of the quick carb energy and tastes slightly sweet which I like.
The 125 Calorie Sandwich
I like to call this my "snack time" sandwich because it's so light in calories that it doesn't add too much portion to my portion controlled life. But, since it has great volume, it is usually very filling and satisfying.
I try to only eat things I really like and this is my newest addition to that long list except I am trying to make the list healthier.
What I Used:
Two slices of those new white wheat breads, soft like white but healthier = 50x2=100 calories Yellow mustard on both slices = 0 calories...I wonder how they do that?
Three thin slices of chicken = 25 calories
One cup or more of iceburg lettuce leaves = 6-8 calories per cup
OK, it is a 131 calorie sandwich and since it all adds up, I will remove one lettuce leaf or just jiggle my foot a few times to make up for the extra 6-8 calories.
I try to only eat things I really like and this is my newest addition to that long list except I am trying to make the list healthier.
What I Used:
Two slices of those new white wheat breads, soft like white but healthier = 50x2=100 calories Yellow mustard on both slices = 0 calories...I wonder how they do that?
Three thin slices of chicken = 25 calories
One cup or more of iceburg lettuce leaves = 6-8 calories per cup
OK, it is a 131 calorie sandwich and since it all adds up, I will remove one lettuce leaf or just jiggle my foot a few times to make up for the extra 6-8 calories.
Grilled BBQ Chicken with Cheesy Rice and Baked Beans
This going into the meal recipe rotation. I don't know how often we will have it but it's good enough to keep the ingredients handy.
I usually just add Parmesan cheese to the rice but after deliberating we decided to add some Cheddar and it was really good. Not mac and cheese good but good and it went well with the baked beans from a can.
Our favorite barbecue sauce recipe is a red hickory flavor. It seems to blend well with chicken that's been grilled or baked.
Keep a little skin on the chicken for some extra flavor. It crisps on the edges and flavors the meat nicely.
I usually just add Parmesan cheese to the rice but after deliberating we decided to add some Cheddar and it was really good. Not mac and cheese good but good and it went well with the baked beans from a can.
Our favorite barbecue sauce recipe is a red hickory flavor. It seems to blend well with chicken that's been grilled or baked.
Keep a little skin on the chicken for some extra flavor. It crisps on the edges and flavors the meat nicely.
Hello Risotto
To some it is a sacrilege but to me it is a very good thing.
Yes, I cook risotto in the microwave.
YIKES!
It is good. Not perfectly good, not just good enough, but very good.
No standing, watching, stirring, waiting, adding hot liquids, stirring , watching some more.
I do watch and stir but the main thing about microwaving risotto is to use a high bowl. Risotto in the microwave has a tendency to bubble over and it's a hard mess to clean.
So, watch a little, stir a little, enjoy a lot.
Yes, I cook risotto in the microwave.
YIKES!
It is good. Not perfectly good, not just good enough, but very good.
No standing, watching, stirring, waiting, adding hot liquids, stirring , watching some more.
I do watch and stir but the main thing about microwaving risotto is to use a high bowl. Risotto in the microwave has a tendency to bubble over and it's a hard mess to clean.
So, watch a little, stir a little, enjoy a lot.
Easy Pannini
A stovetop grill and a sturdy spatula work as well as any machine to make a pretty pressed sandwich.
What I Used:
White wheat bread
Deli Sliced Ham
Low fat Monterrey Jack with Colby cheese, pre-sliced
Butter
Spray Oil
How I Made It:
Pre-heat the grill pan over medium low heat
Assemble the sandwich
Put a little butter on the outside
Place on the grill
Press down with the spatula for several seconds then let sit and cook until a crispy brown
Flip and repeat
Good served warm with baked chips and/or raw vegetables.
What I Used:
White wheat bread
Deli Sliced Ham
Low fat Monterrey Jack with Colby cheese, pre-sliced
Butter
Spray Oil
How I Made It:
Pre-heat the grill pan over medium low heat
Assemble the sandwich
Put a little butter on the outside
Place on the grill
Press down with the spatula for several seconds then let sit and cook until a crispy brown
Flip and repeat
Good served warm with baked chips and/or raw vegetables.
The Healthier PB&J
Using whole grain bread, jelly made with fruit with no added sugar and organic, unsalted peanut butter made from freshly ground raw or dry roasted peanuts is a great way to incorporate good, healthy foods in the life of a child.
A light sprinkle of naturally minerally enriched sea salt on top of the peanut butter makes this sandwich sing!
Side Options Are:
-Carrots
-Apple
-Celery
-Raisens
-Pretzels
Dessert Options Are:
-Yogurt Covered Raisens
-Yogurt Covered Pretzels
-Older PB&J lovers might choose chocolate covered coffee beans as a sweet finish
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