Bacon + Mexican = HECK YES
OK so as a lot of my readers know, ( you know the 5 of you that religiously read this thing thank you thank you thank you) I am trying HARD to keep my budget in check out of necessity this year.
So far i have not gone but about 50 - 100 bucks out of my budget for the year. This is only groceries. Does not include health and beauty ( paper products, razors etc) cat food or cat litter, dog food etc. However, I have done very well on that part too, but this is mainly food.
I started January 1st its now July 1st- i have spent between 350-400 bucks on food this year. A little over my budget but still good. Im proud.
However, I am trying to use up things around the house , as once we are out of our hole financially, I want to start eating more non processed and non canned things. So im using it up NOW.
Enter Bacon Taco Bake.
I had some turkey bacon. It needed to be used. I had 1 pie shell that needed to be used. 1 can of beans. Some ground turkey. Soooo the baby was born.
Recipe:
1 pie shell
( if you really wanna cut down on carbs/calories opt to not use this or you can always use tortillas as the bottom and sides)
Turkey bacon ( as much as you want i used what i had)
1/2 can refried beans
1 package ground turkey
1 package Chili O seasoning ( or taco seasoning)
1 can diced tomatoes
And any other things you might like ( i used taco sauce and cheese)
Directions- place pie shell in pie pan
Cook ground turkey with tomatoes and seasonings till DONE
Cook turkey bacon
Layer bacon on bottom , then beans, then meat mixture, taco sauce and cheese- repeat :) ending with cheese.
Bake for 450 ( whats on the package of the pie shell) for 12-15 min depending on your oven, and voila!
<3 me some bacon
Wednesday, July 2, 2014
Tuesday, June 17, 2014
Mish mash soup
I wanted to make chicken noodle soup. I had no chicken thawed.
I had a can of chicken breast that i use on salads.
I had a little thing of chicken homestyle stock
I had some chicken cubes
I mish mashed those all with water and veggies and bam- chicken soup with some thin spaghetti noodles.
Seriously- its good
Veggies- i used baby carrots and boiled them for a few and then added some frozen peas. I then added a can of mixed veggies no salt added. And some water. I put in my chicken stuffs up there and let it simmer for a bit. Then added some garlic, onion and some bell pepper. oh and some chopped celery.
Simmer about an hour.
Add your noodles right at the end. Make sure you have enough liquid as the noodles will absorb the liquid.
So gooooood.
So cheap.
My work is done!
I had a can of chicken breast that i use on salads.
I had a little thing of chicken homestyle stock
I had some chicken cubes
I mish mashed those all with water and veggies and bam- chicken soup with some thin spaghetti noodles.
Seriously- its good
Veggies- i used baby carrots and boiled them for a few and then added some frozen peas. I then added a can of mixed veggies no salt added. And some water. I put in my chicken stuffs up there and let it simmer for a bit. Then added some garlic, onion and some bell pepper. oh and some chopped celery.
Simmer about an hour.
Add your noodles right at the end. Make sure you have enough liquid as the noodles will absorb the liquid.
So gooooood.
So cheap.
My work is done!
Saturday, March 29, 2014
Amazing Velveeta Copy Recipe
I am so going to be trying this recipe!!!
Here's the blog link
Have you ever done this????
I enjoy making copycat recipes for pennies. I have done a lot over time and I have books on stuff like this. But Im excited to try this so i can use it for homemade mac and cheese, as well as dips for my homemade pretzels!!!
If you have any AWESOME copycat recipes please share in the comments!
Here's the blog link
Have you ever done this????
I enjoy making copycat recipes for pennies. I have done a lot over time and I have books on stuff like this. But Im excited to try this so i can use it for homemade mac and cheese, as well as dips for my homemade pretzels!!!
If you have any AWESOME copycat recipes please share in the comments!
Monday, March 10, 2014
Rub those pennies!
Blarg.
I have been horrible about updating on here. Ive had so much going on. And sickness has invaded my life. This weather has really screwed me up and over.
So im going to make this short and sweet.
As of March 10 2014- I have NOT spent over 50.00 a month on my food budget for the house.
In fact, so far this month i have only spent 25.00 and only because it was a good sale.
However, I will note that we did order pizza out to celebrate one night. And we have had some fast food here lately. But with the money we didnt spend last month we carried it over to this month. Not great for two reasons- one my diet and 2 my budget. But we are back on track. Every person is human and has off days ( or weeks)
I have had to turn our heat off. Which is not idea. But our electric bills have been through the roof! So we are hoping mother nature decides to kick winter on its hiney and bring in the spring. We had it turned down to 68 but just last week turned it off. Trying to cut corners as much as we can. We can layer on more than we can take off. (ill be wishing for cooler weather in a few months im sure)
Our 3 year anniversary is coming up in a month. However, we do believe he will ( hopefully) be gone to ALS (military) by then. It would be the best anniv. present ever. So pray!!!
We finally sent that cable box back to the cable company :) So bye bye DirecTV for good. Now if we could just find cheaper internet service!
FYI- I am working towards paying off all our old debt ( credit cards that are in default, loans, current debt) by the end of 2014. So this might be a very slim year for us in so many ways. I actually have told hubby that while he's gone for 2 months ( since they will be feeding him) that I will be eating a lot of soup and rice and salad to cut back on our budget even more. Hoping not having to pay for gas for 2 months will also help us out.
If you are out there struggling- remember- someone else is there for you. Im here if you ever wanna talk.
xoxo
Steph
I have been horrible about updating on here. Ive had so much going on. And sickness has invaded my life. This weather has really screwed me up and over.
So im going to make this short and sweet.
As of March 10 2014- I have NOT spent over 50.00 a month on my food budget for the house.
In fact, so far this month i have only spent 25.00 and only because it was a good sale.
However, I will note that we did order pizza out to celebrate one night. And we have had some fast food here lately. But with the money we didnt spend last month we carried it over to this month. Not great for two reasons- one my diet and 2 my budget. But we are back on track. Every person is human and has off days ( or weeks)
I have had to turn our heat off. Which is not idea. But our electric bills have been through the roof! So we are hoping mother nature decides to kick winter on its hiney and bring in the spring. We had it turned down to 68 but just last week turned it off. Trying to cut corners as much as we can. We can layer on more than we can take off. (ill be wishing for cooler weather in a few months im sure)
Our 3 year anniversary is coming up in a month. However, we do believe he will ( hopefully) be gone to ALS (military) by then. It would be the best anniv. present ever. So pray!!!
We finally sent that cable box back to the cable company :) So bye bye DirecTV for good. Now if we could just find cheaper internet service!
FYI- I am working towards paying off all our old debt ( credit cards that are in default, loans, current debt) by the end of 2014. So this might be a very slim year for us in so many ways. I actually have told hubby that while he's gone for 2 months ( since they will be feeding him) that I will be eating a lot of soup and rice and salad to cut back on our budget even more. Hoping not having to pay for gas for 2 months will also help us out.
If you are out there struggling- remember- someone else is there for you. Im here if you ever wanna talk.
xoxo
Steph
Monday, February 17, 2014
Freezer Meals - Winner Winner Chicken Dinner!
Spent the better part of the mid morning working on 2 chicken dishes.
Which with this brings me up to 38 dinners. I have done spaghetti, soups, lasagna, and working on the pizza. Im going for 60 total.
Here's my recipes. I followed exactly. There is just two of us so these doubled for me and sometimes tripled b/c we dont eat a lot anymore and really watch our portions and pair them with a side to make things last.
Chicken Casserole
( I used 4 throw away containers for these to portion them out. they are 97 cents at Walmart for 2)
4 Cooked and Shredded Chicken Breasts
5 Cups cooked rice
2 cans cream of chicken soup- however I made my own cream of mushroom soup
1 cup chicken broth ( i used it from boiling my chicken)
2 bags of frozen peas and carrots
3 cups cheese
3 cups sauteed onions ( i omitted this as it was used in my cream of mushroom soup)
Combine everything except the cheese and put into pans. Top with cheese.
on the lid write 350 for 10 minutes
Here's what mine looked like
Then i covered with foil wrote the above and date and what it was
My second chicken dish- Baked Cheesy chicken pasta
6 tbsp butter - I instead used just 1 tablespoon of wildtree butter flavored grapeseed oil
salt/pepper
1 box pasta
2 chicken breasts halved ( i shredded mine)
1/2 c flour
garlic ( i used minced)
6 cups milk- i used 4 cups
1 can mushrooms
6 ounces parm
1 1/2 cup cheese
Boil the pasta.
Cook your chicken ( i had boiled it previously)
I used canned mushrooms and put them in the pan and cooked them a bit, then added the flour and garlic and whisked continuously while adding milk slowly. Make sure you do this otherwise you will have clumps of flour (ewww) you will wisk til it gets thick and smooth. It took awhile for me.
Take that, the cheese, the pasta and the chicken and mix together.
Divide into dishes and on your lid/foil write 400 degrees for one hour covered w/ foil.
Soooo good. I had to try it :)
Super easy recipes.
Which with this brings me up to 38 dinners. I have done spaghetti, soups, lasagna, and working on the pizza. Im going for 60 total.
Here's my recipes. I followed exactly. There is just two of us so these doubled for me and sometimes tripled b/c we dont eat a lot anymore and really watch our portions and pair them with a side to make things last.
Chicken Casserole
( I used 4 throw away containers for these to portion them out. they are 97 cents at Walmart for 2)
4 Cooked and Shredded Chicken Breasts
5 Cups cooked rice
2 cans cream of chicken soup- however I made my own cream of mushroom soup
1 cup chicken broth ( i used it from boiling my chicken)
2 bags of frozen peas and carrots
3 cups cheese
3 cups sauteed onions ( i omitted this as it was used in my cream of mushroom soup)
Combine everything except the cheese and put into pans. Top with cheese.
on the lid write 350 for 10 minutes
Here's what mine looked like
Then i covered with foil wrote the above and date and what it was
My second chicken dish- Baked Cheesy chicken pasta
6 tbsp butter - I instead used just 1 tablespoon of wildtree butter flavored grapeseed oil
salt/pepper
1 box pasta
2 chicken breasts halved ( i shredded mine)
1/2 c flour
garlic ( i used minced)
6 cups milk- i used 4 cups
1 can mushrooms
6 ounces parm
1 1/2 cup cheese
Boil the pasta.
Cook your chicken ( i had boiled it previously)
I used canned mushrooms and put them in the pan and cooked them a bit, then added the flour and garlic and whisked continuously while adding milk slowly. Make sure you do this otherwise you will have clumps of flour (ewww) you will wisk til it gets thick and smooth. It took awhile for me.
Take that, the cheese, the pasta and the chicken and mix together.
Divide into dishes and on your lid/foil write 400 degrees for one hour covered w/ foil.
Soooo good. I had to try it :)
Super easy recipes.
Friday, February 14, 2014
Freezer Meals Part 2
Im working on Pizza today!
Pizza crusts are super easy to make. In fact, this is my go to recipe HERE
I make up 5 at a time. I buy my flour in bulk at Sam's Club. Its pretty cheap and I store it in those large painters buckets. You can buy them at Wal-Mart. Great seal and keeps it neat. I hate keeping the flour in the bag it tends to attract flour moths' and other bugs in your cabinet.
I start with this base recipe, then make my dough. Then if i am not going to use it, i roll it out onto my pans, par bake it for 3 min at 500 degrees. Then cover it with plastic wrap after cooled, and foil, and put it in my freezer flat to freeze.
Once I take them out- bake 350 for 12-15 min depending on your oven temps. And what you are putting on top.
I am making the following. And im going to go ahead and bake my ingredients onto the crust when I par bake. So all I have to do is take out and bake and im done.
- Cheeseburger Pizza
- Chicken Pizza
- Spaghetti Pizza
- Veggie Pizza
- Mac and Cheese Pizza
- BBQ chicken Pizza
- Pasta Pizza
Yes i know some of those arent the.... healthiest of options and its a lot of carbs but sometimes you just have to have a good yummy pizza. The dough alone is about 102 calories per serving ( 8 servings) so just take that and add in your ingredients. Remember, when you add fresh ingredients and make it yourself you can control the calories. You can easily have 2 pieces of each pizza and stay within your calorie range.
The good thing is that once you make the basic dough, you can do whatever you want with it :)
Pizza crusts are super easy to make. In fact, this is my go to recipe HERE
I make up 5 at a time. I buy my flour in bulk at Sam's Club. Its pretty cheap and I store it in those large painters buckets. You can buy them at Wal-Mart. Great seal and keeps it neat. I hate keeping the flour in the bag it tends to attract flour moths' and other bugs in your cabinet.
I start with this base recipe, then make my dough. Then if i am not going to use it, i roll it out onto my pans, par bake it for 3 min at 500 degrees. Then cover it with plastic wrap after cooled, and foil, and put it in my freezer flat to freeze.
Once I take them out- bake 350 for 12-15 min depending on your oven temps. And what you are putting on top.
I am making the following. And im going to go ahead and bake my ingredients onto the crust when I par bake. So all I have to do is take out and bake and im done.
- Cheeseburger Pizza
- Chicken Pizza
- Spaghetti Pizza
- Veggie Pizza
- Mac and Cheese Pizza
- BBQ chicken Pizza
- Pasta Pizza
Yes i know some of those arent the.... healthiest of options and its a lot of carbs but sometimes you just have to have a good yummy pizza. The dough alone is about 102 calories per serving ( 8 servings) so just take that and add in your ingredients. Remember, when you add fresh ingredients and make it yourself you can control the calories. You can easily have 2 pieces of each pizza and stay within your calorie range.
The good thing is that once you make the basic dough, you can do whatever you want with it :)
Wednesday, February 12, 2014
Easy Lasagana for Your Freezer
We only have 2 people. I hate wasting food.
So I decided to make 4 small ones for us using the fewest amount of ingredients and fewest amount of $$$.
Keep in mind these are for 2 people. We pair this with a salad and/or bread. I am trying to limit my calories and actually eating a regular SERVING.
So I bought these containers- this is 4 regular meals w/ one piece each for a leftover meal. Especially if you pair it with a piece of garlic bread and a small salad
So here's the breakdown of what i used
2 boxes noodles ( I got these for about 50 cents a box when they were on sale for .99 cents on base and i used a coupon
Spaghetti sauce- I cheated and used cans b/c I needed more than I could make for cheap. And i was tired. So thats 2.00
Ricotta the most expensive item- came out to almost 6 bucks for 2 of the small tubs
Parm cheese- i had this on hand
Shredded cheese on top- i bought the large 5 lb bag for 8.00 but this is for multiple meals
I actually paid nothing for everything but the boxes of noodles b/c I used a gift card to walmart.
All you do is follow the instructions on the box to cook your noodles.
Then i layered everything but i was VERY sparing on the fillings. You are layering so no need to put half your filling on one layer! If you run out just use more sauce, or find something else to use to layer. There is no wrong or right way to do this. Ive even used veggies, regular cheese ( yes sliced cheese ) before. Just have fun with it.
Layer everything ending with sauce on top then top with cheese. This made me 4 of these. Im covering in plastic wrap, then with foil.
Write on a freezer tag or the foil- uncover, remove plastic, cover with foil 350 for 35 min
Voila!
Of course if you have coupons use them. Use sales. The containers i bought for 98 cents for 2. I dont keep a lot of pans on hand to use. And these make my life a lot easier in the end with the freezer meals.
Next up- Cheese pizza w/ homemade crusts!
xoxo
Steph
Thursday, February 6, 2014
Making {Brownies} and other things in your waffle maker....
Im obsessed with finding new uses for everything I already own. If you came into my kitchen you would be like "Did she rob a kitchen store?" Its that bad. I buy so much stuff, that I never use, to do one thing.
Homemade yogurt maker anyone??? ( yep did that, could have just done it with stuff I already had)
So here's some of the best ones I have found, and am getting ready to try and see if they work. I'll update this post with pictures and success or fail.
1. Ice Cream without the Machine
I have read over the post, read the instructions, and want to give this a go. However, it will have to wait till its not 10 degree's outside and I want Ice Cream. So this one might take awhile to do.
2. Hashbrown Waffles
OMG I seriously will be trying this soon. I love hashbrowns. And I hate to try to cook them b/c they never come out crispy and I dont use a lot of oil. So this is tip top on my list!
3. Brownie Waffles
Seriously... I am beginning to think this waffle craze is amazing!
4. Bread in the Crockpot
I can't wait to try this.
These look like they would be a great addition to my kitchen!!!
Homemade yogurt maker anyone??? ( yep did that, could have just done it with stuff I already had)
So here's some of the best ones I have found, and am getting ready to try and see if they work. I'll update this post with pictures and success or fail.
1. Ice Cream without the Machine
I have read over the post, read the instructions, and want to give this a go. However, it will have to wait till its not 10 degree's outside and I want Ice Cream. So this one might take awhile to do.
2. Hashbrown Waffles
OMG I seriously will be trying this soon. I love hashbrowns. And I hate to try to cook them b/c they never come out crispy and I dont use a lot of oil. So this is tip top on my list!
3. Brownie Waffles
Seriously... I am beginning to think this waffle craze is amazing!
4. Bread in the Crockpot
I can't wait to try this.
These look like they would be a great addition to my kitchen!!!
Freezer Meals for 2 + Months ( for a family of 2) Part 1
After looking for months over various sites, I came down to using these recipes. We have 2 in our family, and If my husband leaves to go for 2 months for his training ( which we are hoping for!) then this will feed me a lot longer then planned.
This will be the first part of several parts. Trying to make it easier :) I make my own stuff sometimes, but you can of course buy yours!
Advice- clean your kitchen from top to bottom first. Make sure everything is clean, washed, dried and at your disposal. Nothing worse then starting, realizing something is dirty, having to wash it, and adding more time to this. Alot say to do your prep work first. For the chicken I DID do it all at once, and saved the broth for the recipes. I also DID do all the Hamburger at once. And the sauces (spaghetti, creams etc). You can of course do it however you want.
Shopping List for non food items: Throw away pans ( I got mine from the Dollar Tree. They sell them 3 for 1.00 for the round ones and you can also get the square ones. They come with lids so perfect for these)
Zip lock bags ( gallon ones ) or Food Saver bags
Sharpie
Foil
Saran Wrap
Recipe 1- Veggie Soup
Pretty simple of the bunch.
1 can V8 Juice or Vegetable Juice either one is fine
Water- I add water ( usually 2 cans from the v8 can)
Beef Bouillon Cubes- I use 2
1 bag of mixed veggies frozen
Celery cut up
Carrots cut up
Potatoes- i use a few and cut them up into cubes
Salt
Pepper
Seasonings- totally up to you!
You can also add hamburger to it as well. I personally do not.
This makes 3-4 meals for us. We always pair it with grilled cheese :)
Recipe 2: Spaghetti
The 2nd super easy recipe of the bunch!
Figure out how much you need to make ( noodles/sauce) and then go from there depending on how many meals and how many you need to feed.
For us, I use one box of spaghetti noodles ( or whatever kind of noodles you want to use) and I make the sauce homemade and divide it up between the two.
Sauce- tomato paste
can of tomatoes
celery
onion
bell peppers
garlic powder
water
salt
sugar
I use grapeseed oil to saute the celery, onion and bell peppers. I add a pinch of salt and a pinch of sugar. I also use garlic powder to give it some flavor. Once they are nice and done, I add in the tomatoes ( do not drain) and the tomato paste. I then start to cook and add water to thin it out to what I like. I dont use any set amount, just whatever looks good to me. I let it simmer for about 30 min to meld the flavors.
While you are doing that, cook the noodles. I cook them about 5 min less then the package states. So they are not fully "cooked" so when i boil them later they dont get too mushy.
Divide them and the sauce into two packages and seal. I use a food saver. You can use a gallon zip lock freezer bag or whatever you want to freeze.
Makes 2 meals for us and pair it with bread and salad
Recipe 3: Potato Soup
Potatoes- I used about 6 peeled and chopped up into small pieces
1 bag of mixed frozen veggies
1 onion chopped
2 stalks celery chopped
4 cups of chicken broth ( i used what I had from when I boil chicken)
Garlic- i use garlic powder you can use regular garlic minced or whatever type you want i just use enough to taste so totally your preference
Sautee your celery and onion ( you dont have to it just gives it a bit more flavor to me) Or just chop it up and add it in with your soup mix below.
Base- this is the base of your soup- 3 tablespoons butter, 1/4 cup flour and 1 cup heavy cream.
Melt butter and then whisk in the flour to create your base. You have to stir constantly to make sure it doesnt clup or over heat ( med heat is what i use) then add in your cream. Bring to a boil and keep whisking, stirring. You now have your base.
In a larger stock pot while you are making your base, I boil my potatoes till tender. Then remove from water and drain. Put back in the pot, add in your stock and everything else, and let cook ( i put it on low heat while making the base and let it cook and heat up. Then I add in my base to my soup mix and simmer and stir it, till thick.
Its not science you can add more potatoes more veggies whatever, just make sure your base is good.
This is bagged in two freezer bags ( or food saver bags). I just boil it in the bag. I know some put it in their crockpot on low and monitor it for a few and then just let it sit on low to heat up.
For the above use your sharpie to mark on the bags the date and any instructions you might think you need for it. Pretty simple soup recipes I use over and over again.
This will be the first part of several parts. Trying to make it easier :) I make my own stuff sometimes, but you can of course buy yours!
Advice- clean your kitchen from top to bottom first. Make sure everything is clean, washed, dried and at your disposal. Nothing worse then starting, realizing something is dirty, having to wash it, and adding more time to this. Alot say to do your prep work first. For the chicken I DID do it all at once, and saved the broth for the recipes. I also DID do all the Hamburger at once. And the sauces (spaghetti, creams etc). You can of course do it however you want.
Shopping List for non food items: Throw away pans ( I got mine from the Dollar Tree. They sell them 3 for 1.00 for the round ones and you can also get the square ones. They come with lids so perfect for these)
Zip lock bags ( gallon ones ) or Food Saver bags
Sharpie
Foil
Saran Wrap
Recipe 1- Veggie Soup
Pretty simple of the bunch.
1 can V8 Juice or Vegetable Juice either one is fine
Water- I add water ( usually 2 cans from the v8 can)
Beef Bouillon Cubes- I use 2
1 bag of mixed veggies frozen
Celery cut up
Carrots cut up
Potatoes- i use a few and cut them up into cubes
Salt
Pepper
Seasonings- totally up to you!
You can also add hamburger to it as well. I personally do not.
This makes 3-4 meals for us. We always pair it with grilled cheese :)
Recipe 2: Spaghetti
The 2nd super easy recipe of the bunch!
Figure out how much you need to make ( noodles/sauce) and then go from there depending on how many meals and how many you need to feed.
For us, I use one box of spaghetti noodles ( or whatever kind of noodles you want to use) and I make the sauce homemade and divide it up between the two.
Sauce- tomato paste
can of tomatoes
celery
onion
bell peppers
garlic powder
water
salt
sugar
I use grapeseed oil to saute the celery, onion and bell peppers. I add a pinch of salt and a pinch of sugar. I also use garlic powder to give it some flavor. Once they are nice and done, I add in the tomatoes ( do not drain) and the tomato paste. I then start to cook and add water to thin it out to what I like. I dont use any set amount, just whatever looks good to me. I let it simmer for about 30 min to meld the flavors.
While you are doing that, cook the noodles. I cook them about 5 min less then the package states. So they are not fully "cooked" so when i boil them later they dont get too mushy.
Divide them and the sauce into two packages and seal. I use a food saver. You can use a gallon zip lock freezer bag or whatever you want to freeze.
Makes 2 meals for us and pair it with bread and salad
Recipe 3: Potato Soup
Potatoes- I used about 6 peeled and chopped up into small pieces
1 bag of mixed frozen veggies
1 onion chopped
2 stalks celery chopped
4 cups of chicken broth ( i used what I had from when I boil chicken)
Garlic- i use garlic powder you can use regular garlic minced or whatever type you want i just use enough to taste so totally your preference
Sautee your celery and onion ( you dont have to it just gives it a bit more flavor to me) Or just chop it up and add it in with your soup mix below.
Base- this is the base of your soup- 3 tablespoons butter, 1/4 cup flour and 1 cup heavy cream.
Melt butter and then whisk in the flour to create your base. You have to stir constantly to make sure it doesnt clup or over heat ( med heat is what i use) then add in your cream. Bring to a boil and keep whisking, stirring. You now have your base.
In a larger stock pot while you are making your base, I boil my potatoes till tender. Then remove from water and drain. Put back in the pot, add in your stock and everything else, and let cook ( i put it on low heat while making the base and let it cook and heat up. Then I add in my base to my soup mix and simmer and stir it, till thick.
Its not science you can add more potatoes more veggies whatever, just make sure your base is good.
This is bagged in two freezer bags ( or food saver bags). I just boil it in the bag. I know some put it in their crockpot on low and monitor it for a few and then just let it sit on low to heat up.
For the above use your sharpie to mark on the bags the date and any instructions you might think you need for it. Pretty simple soup recipes I use over and over again.
Sunday, February 2, 2014
Nothing goes as planned....ever
So I had my meal plan and budget for February.
Then decided that since I had a gift card I was going to use that for some items. Which I got.
Then I decided that I will not be buying ANYTHING this month besides milk and essentials I need to bake with. I am trying to get a bill paid off asap. Which means- lots of rice, lots of soup, and lots of whatever we can find in our cabinets this month.
Even if it means me eating sweet potato fries. Which I am doing tonight. I will waste no food.
Lucky for me, I do my shakes for B/L and then dinner.
Charles is a different story. So I am basically letting him have all the leftovers if he wants them. Ive told him no more eating at work unless he absolutely has to buy something. We do not have the extra $$ for anything right now.
I know a lot of people do without for their kids. I have no kids. I have me , my husband and our fur babies. I do make sure they always have food and litter though. I do without so I can get us debt free.
So here's to a month of literally no budget and no shopping if at all possible. Ill even barter. As long as I dont spend anything, I consider it fair game.
xoxo
Steph
Then decided that since I had a gift card I was going to use that for some items. Which I got.
Then I decided that I will not be buying ANYTHING this month besides milk and essentials I need to bake with. I am trying to get a bill paid off asap. Which means- lots of rice, lots of soup, and lots of whatever we can find in our cabinets this month.
Even if it means me eating sweet potato fries. Which I am doing tonight. I will waste no food.
Lucky for me, I do my shakes for B/L and then dinner.
Charles is a different story. So I am basically letting him have all the leftovers if he wants them. Ive told him no more eating at work unless he absolutely has to buy something. We do not have the extra $$ for anything right now.
I know a lot of people do without for their kids. I have no kids. I have me , my husband and our fur babies. I do make sure they always have food and litter though. I do without so I can get us debt free.
So here's to a month of literally no budget and no shopping if at all possible. Ill even barter. As long as I dont spend anything, I consider it fair game.
xoxo
Steph
Tuesday, January 21, 2014
February Meal Plan + Budget
Finished my meal plan for February. And my budget.
Had my mom go shopping for me today- she was already going to Kroger and so she picked up things for me which are going into my budget of course.
Peanut butter 1.88
Cheese 3.29
Hot dogs 1.00
Saltines .88
Chips 1.00
Chili 2.00 ( 2 cans)
Bologna 1.00
Eggs 1.29
Tortilla's 1.00
Beans 1.00
Fries 2.00 (2 bags)
Spaghetti Sauce 2.00 ( 2 cans)
Hamburger buns 1.00
Hot dog buns 1.00
20.34 total so far for Feb.
Here's my meal plans for the month Days 1-28
Spaghetti
Lasagna (just need ricotta)
Burgers/fries
Hot dogs/fries
Beef and Rice
Veggie Pasta ( need some mixed veggies )
Soft tacos
Cheese omelets
Cheese pizza
Chili and hot dogs
Nachos
Manwhich ( need the sauce )
Soup and salad ( need salad )
Spaghetti
Burgers and fries
Lasgana ( need ricotta)
Soft tacos and rice
Grilled cheese
Baked potatoes ( need potatoes)
Nachos
Soup ( not sure what kind just yet)
Mac and Cheese and beef
Ramen noodles night
Chili frito pie ( need the fritos and another 2 cans of chili)
Pizza
Veggie pasta
Free night
Free Night
I dont need much left to get. I have not bought milk either. Which we will need. Im trying to use up some of the stuff we had in our deep freezer and pantry as sides or just whatever on whatever night.
Had my mom go shopping for me today- she was already going to Kroger and so she picked up things for me which are going into my budget of course.
Peanut butter 1.88
Cheese 3.29
Hot dogs 1.00
Saltines .88
Chips 1.00
Chili 2.00 ( 2 cans)
Bologna 1.00
Eggs 1.29
Tortilla's 1.00
Beans 1.00
Fries 2.00 (2 bags)
Spaghetti Sauce 2.00 ( 2 cans)
Hamburger buns 1.00
Hot dog buns 1.00
20.34 total so far for Feb.
Here's my meal plans for the month Days 1-28
Spaghetti
Lasagna (just need ricotta)
Burgers/fries
Hot dogs/fries
Beef and Rice
Veggie Pasta ( need some mixed veggies )
Soft tacos
Cheese omelets
Cheese pizza
Chili and hot dogs
Nachos
Manwhich ( need the sauce )
Soup and salad ( need salad )
Spaghetti
Burgers and fries
Lasgana ( need ricotta)
Soft tacos and rice
Grilled cheese
Baked potatoes ( need potatoes)
Nachos
Soup ( not sure what kind just yet)
Mac and Cheese and beef
Ramen noodles night
Chili frito pie ( need the fritos and another 2 cans of chili)
Pizza
Veggie pasta
Free night
Free Night
I dont need much left to get. I have not bought milk either. Which we will need. Im trying to use up some of the stuff we had in our deep freezer and pantry as sides or just whatever on whatever night.
Monday, January 13, 2014
Cheap veggie soup
Its a soup kinda week here. I have so much going on ( literally, I need 3 of me today alone) and decided this week would be soup week.
Easiest ( and cheap) Veggie Soup. You can add in ground beef and make it veggie beef soup if you want.
1 Can of V8 Juice ( or something similar)
1 can of diced tomatoes w/ the juice
2 cans of water ( after I emptied the V8 juice i used that can)
4 beef bouillon cubes
1 bag of frozen mixed veggies
1/3 box of elbow macaroni
salt
seasonings to your liking
Put everything BUT the macaroni into a big pot and let simmer for about an hour ( boil then turn it down to low to kinda meld the flavors together) then add the macaroni and let cook on med low ( stir occasionally so it doesnt stick to the bottom) till its cooked. Done
This made a HUGE pot for us. Dinner and lunch and dinner tomorrow. Or you can freeze it as well!
Cost- around 4 bucks total depending on how much you pay for your items. I had everything on hand and just purchased the V8 juice. But its very filling!
Easiest ( and cheap) Veggie Soup. You can add in ground beef and make it veggie beef soup if you want.
1 Can of V8 Juice ( or something similar)
1 can of diced tomatoes w/ the juice
2 cans of water ( after I emptied the V8 juice i used that can)
4 beef bouillon cubes
1 bag of frozen mixed veggies
1/3 box of elbow macaroni
salt
seasonings to your liking
Put everything BUT the macaroni into a big pot and let simmer for about an hour ( boil then turn it down to low to kinda meld the flavors together) then add the macaroni and let cook on med low ( stir occasionally so it doesnt stick to the bottom) till its cooked. Done
This made a HUGE pot for us. Dinner and lunch and dinner tomorrow. Or you can freeze it as well!
Cost- around 4 bucks total depending on how much you pay for your items. I had everything on hand and just purchased the V8 juice. But its very filling!
Ghetto Broke? Need Lunch? Here's one!
Yeah, I am in that period for lunches where I do not want to eat another pb and J but I do not want to spend any money ( mainly because I do not have it to spend) and I do not want to dig into my dinner stash of groceries. I usually drink a shake for lunch or have a tortilla w/ peanut butter. But today, I was just plain TIRED of the same thing.
I had 3 very small chicken breast pieces I had thawed out from the end of a large bag.
Some dehydrated onions from Thrive ( so good and so much easier then trying to chop real ones and dealing with the tears)
About a cup of spaghetti sauce left over that HAD to be used up.
And I had some elbow mac
So , put them all together in a pan, with some roasted garlic grapseed oil and a little water- voila pasta.
And oh my gosh it smells and looks amazing. And it tasted soooo good. Not bad for on the fly ( and this is usually stuff you have in your house already ) and great for a one person or two person meal ( just add more mac and more water )
I had 3 very small chicken breast pieces I had thawed out from the end of a large bag.
Some dehydrated onions from Thrive ( so good and so much easier then trying to chop real ones and dealing with the tears)
About a cup of spaghetti sauce left over that HAD to be used up.
And I had some elbow mac
So , put them all together in a pan, with some roasted garlic grapseed oil and a little water- voila pasta.
And oh my gosh it smells and looks amazing. And it tasted soooo good. Not bad for on the fly ( and this is usually stuff you have in your house already ) and great for a one person or two person meal ( just add more mac and more water )
Thursday, January 9, 2014
January 9th update
Since the 4th I have not spent one single penny on food. Nothing. Nada.
I am down to about 7 bucks left to spend this month on food. And right now, the way its going I do believe the only thing I will need to purchase will be milk.
I just want to state something- my mom does help me out. However, she does NOT buy a lot of things for me. Even before January, it might have been 5 bucks here or 5 bucks there. This month, anything she has spent that is for our family has been added into the total. I want this to be as honest of a challenge as I can get it. She does pick things up for me, because I have no car to go do so and she's already going to the store herself. So just wanted to clarify that for everyone.
My husband ate the rest of my salsa. That was supposed to be for another meal. So I have to get creative and make my own. I have everything I need. Its for our soft taco night thats coming up the end of the month. I have to re-arrange things sometimes. But I have made it work.
February is going to be a interesting month because I want to try new things out. I have this itch on so many pinterest recipes but they call for things I do not have in my budget this month. Except mac and cheese. And im going to give that one a go when we have it in our menu. The Panera Mac and Cheese that I have pinned. It looks sooooo good.
Just a quick recap on what the rest of my month's meals look like:
10th- Baked Potatoes loaded
11th- Baked Chicken and Mac and Cheese ( not Panera this day but box mac and cheese) I have a full day of baby showers and meetings
12th - Veggie soup ( that I have made and all I have to do is pop it in the crock pot to reheat- i have a baby shower this day too and church
13th- Leftover soup
14th- My birthday! I will be eating at my parents this night
15th- Potato soup
16th- Potato soup leftovers
17th - Grilled cheese w/ homemade bread and chicken noodle soup
18th- I have a pre-bridal fair party this night so ill be eating with my family
19th- Fish and veggies
20th- Chicken Helper
21st- Pizza ( crust is premade and in the freezer just have to pop it out and fix it)
22nd- Soft taco night
23rd- Beef stroganoff mix thats a crockpot meal
24th- Salisbury Steak meal w/ side
25th- Chicken and mac ( panera mac and cheese!!!)
26th- Chicken Parm and side
27th- Lasagna and side
28th- Burgers- possibly something else
29th- Baked potato night
30th- Chicken Pot Pie homemade
31st- Soup and Salad ( not sure what soup just yet)
As you can see its a pretty good variety of items. Yes we have leftovers and stretch meals. But we eat WELL. And I have a lot of things in my pantry I have stockpiled that has helped with this month's budget that I used up. So February should be interesting ;)
xoxo
steph
I am down to about 7 bucks left to spend this month on food. And right now, the way its going I do believe the only thing I will need to purchase will be milk.
I just want to state something- my mom does help me out. However, she does NOT buy a lot of things for me. Even before January, it might have been 5 bucks here or 5 bucks there. This month, anything she has spent that is for our family has been added into the total. I want this to be as honest of a challenge as I can get it. She does pick things up for me, because I have no car to go do so and she's already going to the store herself. So just wanted to clarify that for everyone.
My husband ate the rest of my salsa. That was supposed to be for another meal. So I have to get creative and make my own. I have everything I need. Its for our soft taco night thats coming up the end of the month. I have to re-arrange things sometimes. But I have made it work.
February is going to be a interesting month because I want to try new things out. I have this itch on so many pinterest recipes but they call for things I do not have in my budget this month. Except mac and cheese. And im going to give that one a go when we have it in our menu. The Panera Mac and Cheese that I have pinned. It looks sooooo good.
Just a quick recap on what the rest of my month's meals look like:
10th- Baked Potatoes loaded
11th- Baked Chicken and Mac and Cheese ( not Panera this day but box mac and cheese) I have a full day of baby showers and meetings
12th - Veggie soup ( that I have made and all I have to do is pop it in the crock pot to reheat- i have a baby shower this day too and church
13th- Leftover soup
14th- My birthday! I will be eating at my parents this night
15th- Potato soup
16th- Potato soup leftovers
17th - Grilled cheese w/ homemade bread and chicken noodle soup
18th- I have a pre-bridal fair party this night so ill be eating with my family
19th- Fish and veggies
20th- Chicken Helper
21st- Pizza ( crust is premade and in the freezer just have to pop it out and fix it)
22nd- Soft taco night
23rd- Beef stroganoff mix thats a crockpot meal
24th- Salisbury Steak meal w/ side
25th- Chicken and mac ( panera mac and cheese!!!)
26th- Chicken Parm and side
27th- Lasagna and side
28th- Burgers- possibly something else
29th- Baked potato night
30th- Chicken Pot Pie homemade
31st- Soup and Salad ( not sure what soup just yet)
As you can see its a pretty good variety of items. Yes we have leftovers and stretch meals. But we eat WELL. And I have a lot of things in my pantry I have stockpiled that has helped with this month's budget that I used up. So February should be interesting ;)
xoxo
steph
Homemade Chicken Noodle Soup- Frugal Style
It's a cold and windy day, and what would be the perfect meal? Soup! I was slated to have something else tonight, but at 2 am decided to make soup and white bread instead. I have been searching for a good white bread recipe for some time. And I think I might have finally found it- but that's another post!
I decided to make some homemade chicken noodle soup. Its fairly cheap to make and doesn't take a ton of time to do so. Here's the ingredients ( this is my recipe I did not get it from any website)
2 People for 2 meals
4 frozen chicken breasts ( or can be unfrozen but I always forget to put out meat )
water- I did not measure this. I used a large pot and filled it about halfway. You need enough to cover and to make a broth AND to cook off some- because some WILL disappear while cooking (into the air, into the chicken into the noodles)
1 chicken bouillon cube
salt
pepper
Wildtree Garlic and Herb seasonings- you can also use Italian seasonings and garlic
1 bag of frozen veggies
1/3 of a bag of noodles ( about 4 oz)
Put the chicken, water, cube, seasonings in a pot and boil it. Yes the chicken can be frozen and put in! Cook to boiling and then reduce to med high heat and cook for about 20 min. I then add the veggies and cook for another 20-30 min on med or med low. Then after you have a good broth from everything, scoop out your chicken and pull it apart and then re-add to the stock. Then add your noodles and let cook for about 20 min til the noodles are tender.
Done. Now- you can add more seasonings to your taste but it works for us. We like a very mild soup but this had plenty of flavor for us with all the seasonings.
Here's the finished product- please excuse my picture the flash made the broth white lol (its not!!!)
I decided to make some homemade chicken noodle soup. Its fairly cheap to make and doesn't take a ton of time to do so. Here's the ingredients ( this is my recipe I did not get it from any website)
2 People for 2 meals
4 frozen chicken breasts ( or can be unfrozen but I always forget to put out meat )
water- I did not measure this. I used a large pot and filled it about halfway. You need enough to cover and to make a broth AND to cook off some- because some WILL disappear while cooking (into the air, into the chicken into the noodles)
1 chicken bouillon cube
salt
pepper
Wildtree Garlic and Herb seasonings- you can also use Italian seasonings and garlic
1 bag of frozen veggies
1/3 of a bag of noodles ( about 4 oz)
Put the chicken, water, cube, seasonings in a pot and boil it. Yes the chicken can be frozen and put in! Cook to boiling and then reduce to med high heat and cook for about 20 min. I then add the veggies and cook for another 20-30 min on med or med low. Then after you have a good broth from everything, scoop out your chicken and pull it apart and then re-add to the stock. Then add your noodles and let cook for about 20 min til the noodles are tender.
Done. Now- you can add more seasonings to your taste but it works for us. We like a very mild soup but this had plenty of flavor for us with all the seasonings.
Here's the finished product- please excuse my picture the flash made the broth white lol (its not!!!)
Tuesday, January 7, 2014
Chicken Enchiladas!
So we are on day 7 here. End of the first full week on the 50.00 Budget.
I am still on track. I bought milk tonight so that will be added to my total. Leaving me about 7 bucks left for the remaining 24 days of this month. I have only strayed once from my menu- and that was to basically say "make whatever you can find night" because I was exhausted.
And , because im so on the ball, I forgot to put chicken out to thaw. LOL. It happens. I accept it and move on.
So tonight's dinner was chicken enchiladas. Which turned out AMAZING. And, me being me, forgot to get a picture. I even had it all primed to get one. And I still forgot. Mainly because they smelled so amazing when I got them out of the oven, my hungry tummy could not wait one more second.
Here's the recipe I used.
7 flour tortilla's - fajita size
1 can of enchilada sauce
1/4 cup shredded jack cheese
1/2 cup onion
1/2 cup mixed bell pepper
1/3 packet taco seasoning
4 small chicken breasts- unfrozen chopped into very small pieces
I used Thrive Onion and Bell pepper ( shelf stable food) so I had this on hand. I find they work well for cooking and I dont have to worry about them going bad or freezing them. Also, I only use 1/3 of the packet of seasoning. Its really all it needs to me. Im frugal. Im not going to waste anything or overload on something, even a packet of seasoning, if I do not have to.
We chopped the chicken into like very very small pieces. It made for a better, easier filling, then the bigger pieces would have to me. Then we added it with a half a can of the sauce, and half of the taco seasoning ( .5 of the 1/3 packet). Then added in the onions and bell pepper that had been re-hydrating while cutting the chicken. You can OF COURSE use fresh. I just had these on hand. I cooked it til the chicken was done. While prepping this I turned the oven on 350 and got my pan out. I used a cake pan. ( you use what you have :) )
I used 7 tortilla's b/c thats what would fit into my pan. Barely. I should have gone with 6. Also, i put down foil for easy clean up- however, easy clean up was not easy getting it out of the pan when done. So I suggest using some sort of greasing ( butter, pam spray whatever you use) so the flour tortilla's do not stick to the foil. Because foil is not fun to chew.
I filled the tortillas, wrapped them up and placed them seam side down. Once done, I mixed the remaining sauce with the remaining taco seasoning from the 1/3 of packet and poured it over the flour tortilla's. I then put the shredded jack cheese on top.
Bake at 350 for 20 min. Oh my gosh SO STINKING GOOD. And fed me and my husband w/ one left over ( which of course he ate because we can't leave food in this house). I also made a side dish of some steak fajita rice i had to go with it. Honestly, did not need the rice. The enchiladas filled me up pretty well. 2 would be plenty with a side.
Tomorrow night is hamburgers and homemade fries. However, I am almost out of bread. And I refuse to buy anymore till I might need it. So I am going to be making some homemade white bread again. To see if I can get this new recipe to work. I can do without bread for my burger.
Xoxo,
Steph
I am still on track. I bought milk tonight so that will be added to my total. Leaving me about 7 bucks left for the remaining 24 days of this month. I have only strayed once from my menu- and that was to basically say "make whatever you can find night" because I was exhausted.
And , because im so on the ball, I forgot to put chicken out to thaw. LOL. It happens. I accept it and move on.
So tonight's dinner was chicken enchiladas. Which turned out AMAZING. And, me being me, forgot to get a picture. I even had it all primed to get one. And I still forgot. Mainly because they smelled so amazing when I got them out of the oven, my hungry tummy could not wait one more second.
Here's the recipe I used.
7 flour tortilla's - fajita size
1 can of enchilada sauce
1/4 cup shredded jack cheese
1/2 cup onion
1/2 cup mixed bell pepper
1/3 packet taco seasoning
4 small chicken breasts- unfrozen chopped into very small pieces
I used Thrive Onion and Bell pepper ( shelf stable food) so I had this on hand. I find they work well for cooking and I dont have to worry about them going bad or freezing them. Also, I only use 1/3 of the packet of seasoning. Its really all it needs to me. Im frugal. Im not going to waste anything or overload on something, even a packet of seasoning, if I do not have to.
We chopped the chicken into like very very small pieces. It made for a better, easier filling, then the bigger pieces would have to me. Then we added it with a half a can of the sauce, and half of the taco seasoning ( .5 of the 1/3 packet). Then added in the onions and bell pepper that had been re-hydrating while cutting the chicken. You can OF COURSE use fresh. I just had these on hand. I cooked it til the chicken was done. While prepping this I turned the oven on 350 and got my pan out. I used a cake pan. ( you use what you have :) )
I used 7 tortilla's b/c thats what would fit into my pan. Barely. I should have gone with 6. Also, i put down foil for easy clean up- however, easy clean up was not easy getting it out of the pan when done. So I suggest using some sort of greasing ( butter, pam spray whatever you use) so the flour tortilla's do not stick to the foil. Because foil is not fun to chew.
I filled the tortillas, wrapped them up and placed them seam side down. Once done, I mixed the remaining sauce with the remaining taco seasoning from the 1/3 of packet and poured it over the flour tortilla's. I then put the shredded jack cheese on top.
Bake at 350 for 20 min. Oh my gosh SO STINKING GOOD. And fed me and my husband w/ one left over ( which of course he ate because we can't leave food in this house). I also made a side dish of some steak fajita rice i had to go with it. Honestly, did not need the rice. The enchiladas filled me up pretty well. 2 would be plenty with a side.
Tomorrow night is hamburgers and homemade fries. However, I am almost out of bread. And I refuse to buy anymore till I might need it. So I am going to be making some homemade white bread again. To see if I can get this new recipe to work. I can do without bread for my burger.
Xoxo,
Steph
Saturday, January 4, 2014
January 4th Update time!
Ok so, yesterday was great! Nacho's were smashing. I forgot to take a picture!!! They were so good and I was so hungry.... ;)
I used : chips ( got them on sale!) 3/4 bag between us two. Yes I know its a lot of chips. And im on a diet. BUT its a once a month thing. And I actually gave my husband more of the 3/4 of a bag. I had 2 servings of chips probably.
I used salsa, sour cream, refried beans ( 3/4 can split between us) , diced tomatoes and an avocado. And shredded cheese on top ( about 1/4 of the bag each) Not the healthiest of meals but it was so good. I did puree the avocado and tomatoes up with some garlic ( didnt look the greatest but tasted amazing)
Then tonight I had Tuna Helper. I originally had chicken helper on my menu- but I was sick today so changed it to Tuna last night because I didnt feel like having to thaw and cook chicken tonight.
Anyways, I promised to update with ANY purchase I made for my food budget.
My mom purchased stuff for me yesterday ( cat food, litter, creamer , cheese and water i think) so I will be adding the avocado and the can of tomatoes that i purchased into my budget (2.00) to pay her back for that as she is paying for the other for me. Yes my mom is awesome. She helps me with things here and there. It was a good price and on sale ( seriously 3.99 for a huge block of cheese 3.00 off is crazy)
I also purchased milk today for 2.60- so i have 4.60 to add to my budget. I knew I would have to have milk. I just cant stand how much it is. As my mom says "The cows are on strike"
So total budget update for the month- 40.68 for the month. Which leaves me with 9.32 to spend on food till the end of January. I already know i will have to have milk again at least twice. And another bag of chips. But I think i have the rest down. I might even come out without spending the remaining 9.32 (all of it)
I used : chips ( got them on sale!) 3/4 bag between us two. Yes I know its a lot of chips. And im on a diet. BUT its a once a month thing. And I actually gave my husband more of the 3/4 of a bag. I had 2 servings of chips probably.
I used salsa, sour cream, refried beans ( 3/4 can split between us) , diced tomatoes and an avocado. And shredded cheese on top ( about 1/4 of the bag each) Not the healthiest of meals but it was so good. I did puree the avocado and tomatoes up with some garlic ( didnt look the greatest but tasted amazing)
Then tonight I had Tuna Helper. I originally had chicken helper on my menu- but I was sick today so changed it to Tuna last night because I didnt feel like having to thaw and cook chicken tonight.
Anyways, I promised to update with ANY purchase I made for my food budget.
My mom purchased stuff for me yesterday ( cat food, litter, creamer , cheese and water i think) so I will be adding the avocado and the can of tomatoes that i purchased into my budget (2.00) to pay her back for that as she is paying for the other for me. Yes my mom is awesome. She helps me with things here and there. It was a good price and on sale ( seriously 3.99 for a huge block of cheese 3.00 off is crazy)
I also purchased milk today for 2.60- so i have 4.60 to add to my budget. I knew I would have to have milk. I just cant stand how much it is. As my mom says "The cows are on strike"
So total budget update for the month- 40.68 for the month. Which leaves me with 9.32 to spend on food till the end of January. I already know i will have to have milk again at least twice. And another bag of chips. But I think i have the rest down. I might even come out without spending the remaining 9.32 (all of it)
Thursday, January 2, 2014
January 2nd- Fish and Fries
I love fries. Love them. They are my weakness.
However, after watching Freaky Eaters, and seeing the two people addicted to fries ( literally they ate nothing but french fries) I kinda had a moment of hate for my love of fries. It quickly passed ;)
(seriously if you have not seen that show watch it. I do not make light of people that have addictions, but it really put into perspective things about food addictions and your health. Its on netflix)
So tonight, I am making fish and fries. Homemade fries from real potatoes. I do not fry them (haha made a funny) I bake them. I use garlic grapeseed oil- this is good oil. Its organic. And its just a great flavor to the fries. I cut them up skins on, and put them in a baggie with 2 tablespoons of oil and some sea salt and garlic powder, and shake. Then bake them till crispy! So good. One medium potato yields a good serving of fries and with oil its only around 160 calories for your serving. Much better then the fries from your local fast food chain. I used my version of THIS RECIPE. My tip would be start out at 10 min on one side and 10 on the other. Mine were done in 17 minutes. I checked them so i could turn them at 20 min and they were done and some had started to burn on the edges. SO start smaller and go up from there
Fish is not my husbands favorite. But he eats it. I also added some veggies to help round this dish out that I had on hand. I did put some garlic grapeseed oil and sea salt on the fish this go around. I decided against adding anything else or breading it this time.
Here's my picture of my fries. :)
However, after watching Freaky Eaters, and seeing the two people addicted to fries ( literally they ate nothing but french fries) I kinda had a moment of hate for my love of fries. It quickly passed ;)
(seriously if you have not seen that show watch it. I do not make light of people that have addictions, but it really put into perspective things about food addictions and your health. Its on netflix)
So tonight, I am making fish and fries. Homemade fries from real potatoes. I do not fry them (haha made a funny) I bake them. I use garlic grapeseed oil- this is good oil. Its organic. And its just a great flavor to the fries. I cut them up skins on, and put them in a baggie with 2 tablespoons of oil and some sea salt and garlic powder, and shake. Then bake them till crispy! So good. One medium potato yields a good serving of fries and with oil its only around 160 calories for your serving. Much better then the fries from your local fast food chain. I used my version of THIS RECIPE. My tip would be start out at 10 min on one side and 10 on the other. Mine were done in 17 minutes. I checked them so i could turn them at 20 min and they were done and some had started to burn on the edges. SO start smaller and go up from there
Fish is not my husbands favorite. But he eats it. I also added some veggies to help round this dish out that I had on hand. I did put some garlic grapeseed oil and sea salt on the fish this go around. I decided against adding anything else or breading it this time.
Here's my picture of my fries. :)
January 1st- Cheeseburger Pizza
I have started my 50.00 a month budget. I kicked it off with pizza! Homemade. Here's some pics and the breakdown of costs. I also made another crust to freeze as well.
Crust:
Yeast, Flour, Sugar, Water, Olive Oil, Salt
Yeast- Buy in bulk from Sam's Club. Its much cheaper then the packets you can buy. Unless you have coupons to make them free. I have loaded up when I have .40 cent off 2 coupons from the commissary as it made them around 40 cents each in the past. However, I can purchase 2 huge bricks of Yeast for around 5.00 at Sam's. If you don't think you would ever use that much yeast ( and some dont) then go in with someone else that is a baker/bread maker etc. 2.50 for several lbs is much cheaper then 3 packets for 40 cents to 1.00. It only takes 2 1/4 teaspoons for a pizza crust.
Flour- Same. I buy in bulk as well from Sam's and I use this. My only tip would be to get something for it to be in instead of leaving it in the bag. I bought a 5 gallon white painters tub from walmart to use. Its worked amazing for over 5 years now. Not all will fit in it but I go through it fast enough to only need one tub. You can of course go in with someone and split the flour as well. I believe the last time I purchased the flour it was around 8 bucks for the large bag. This is regular all purpose flour. Not bread flour.
Sugar- I want to purchase in bulk I just never have as it calls for very little in most baking items I do. But I am getting to the point where I will need to start purchasing in larger bulk.
Water- um its free ;)
Olive Oil- I do not buy this often. I do not use it often. I actually use grapeseed oil. Which is not cheap either. this is the most expensive ingredient by far. But it doesnt take a lot so it lasts me a good while. I dont fry anything anymore.
Salt- I buy it as well in bulk from Sam's because I use very little in every day stuff but need it for baking. I use sea salt in my every day life stuff.
Now onto the toppings. I am on a budget. And I still wanted to be able to make a cheeseburger pizza. However, ground beef is freaking expensive. So , I got creative. {dont judge}
I had purchased a 40 ct box of hamburgers from Sam's back in like October. We use them for obviously our hamburger nights. Sooooo.... I got one out, cooked it up ( no oil!) and cut it into tiny pieces. Voila! There's our ground beef. I used 1/4 cup may and a 1/4 cup ketchup for the base ( makes thousand island dressing thats pretty much what it is peeps) and spread it around. Added pickles. Topped with 1/3 bag of shredded cheese. I also used real butter and garlic to brush around the edges. Gave the crust an extra kick.
Best. Pizza. Ever
Crust:
Yeast, Flour, Sugar, Water, Olive Oil, Salt
Yeast- Buy in bulk from Sam's Club. Its much cheaper then the packets you can buy. Unless you have coupons to make them free. I have loaded up when I have .40 cent off 2 coupons from the commissary as it made them around 40 cents each in the past. However, I can purchase 2 huge bricks of Yeast for around 5.00 at Sam's. If you don't think you would ever use that much yeast ( and some dont) then go in with someone else that is a baker/bread maker etc. 2.50 for several lbs is much cheaper then 3 packets for 40 cents to 1.00. It only takes 2 1/4 teaspoons for a pizza crust.
Flour- Same. I buy in bulk as well from Sam's and I use this. My only tip would be to get something for it to be in instead of leaving it in the bag. I bought a 5 gallon white painters tub from walmart to use. Its worked amazing for over 5 years now. Not all will fit in it but I go through it fast enough to only need one tub. You can of course go in with someone and split the flour as well. I believe the last time I purchased the flour it was around 8 bucks for the large bag. This is regular all purpose flour. Not bread flour.
Sugar- I want to purchase in bulk I just never have as it calls for very little in most baking items I do. But I am getting to the point where I will need to start purchasing in larger bulk.
Water- um its free ;)
Olive Oil- I do not buy this often. I do not use it often. I actually use grapeseed oil. Which is not cheap either. this is the most expensive ingredient by far. But it doesnt take a lot so it lasts me a good while. I dont fry anything anymore.
Salt- I buy it as well in bulk from Sam's because I use very little in every day stuff but need it for baking. I use sea salt in my every day life stuff.
Now onto the toppings. I am on a budget. And I still wanted to be able to make a cheeseburger pizza. However, ground beef is freaking expensive. So , I got creative. {dont judge}
I had purchased a 40 ct box of hamburgers from Sam's back in like October. We use them for obviously our hamburger nights. Sooooo.... I got one out, cooked it up ( no oil!) and cut it into tiny pieces. Voila! There's our ground beef. I used 1/4 cup may and a 1/4 cup ketchup for the base ( makes thousand island dressing thats pretty much what it is peeps) and spread it around. Added pickles. Topped with 1/3 bag of shredded cheese. I also used real butter and garlic to brush around the edges. Gave the crust an extra kick.
Best. Pizza. Ever
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