Friday, September 28, 2012

Apple Pancakes $2.50

Pancake Mix (I use Krusteaz)               $1.00
3 Apples                                                    $1.50
Cinnamon
Syrup
Total                                                         $2.50

First thing to know is we get the huge Costco size bag of pancake mix so this may even be cheaper for us.

Second thing is this one of families all time favorite recipes and I highly recommend it!

Take 2 apples (I usually use 2 different types) and use a grater with large holes to grate the apples and set aside.

Mix pancake mix according to directions and then add grated apples and cinnamon to taste.

Mix well and cook pancakes like usual.

While pancakes are cooking cut the other apple into small bite sized chunks.  Serve pancakes with syrup (and powder sugar) topped with cut apples.

Balsamic Marinated Chicken - $4.00

3 lbs chicken                                    $3.00
1 cup balsamic vinegar                   $0.25
1 cup olive oil                                   $0.25
1/4 cup honey                                 $0.25
3 tbs minced garlic                          $0.25
1 tbs salt
1/2 tsp. of black pepper
Total                                                $4.00            

The price is based on bone in chicken usually $.99/lb, but we prefer boneless chicken which is arond $1.99/lb which bumps the price up to $7.00


Wash the chicken under cold running water and pat dry.

In a large mixing bowl, combine marinade ingredients, place the chicken in a pan or plastic bag to marinate and pour the marinade over the chicken. Let sit in refrigerator for 4 hours.

Preheat oven to 350.  Place chicken (and marinade) in pan and cook for about 1 hour (or until all pink is gone) rotating every 15 minutes.

Let chicken rest for 10 minutes in machine and serve.

BBQ Crusted Chicken - $5.00

3 lbs Chicken                     $3.00
1 Bag BBQ Pork Rinds      $1.00
1/4 batch BBQ Rub           $0.50
Oil
Rub                                   $0.50
TOTAL:                           5.00

The price is based on bone in chicken usually $.99/lb, but we prefer boneless chicken which is arond $1.99/lb which bumps the price up to $8.00



If using chicken breast: pound chicken to about 1/5 inch thick and cut into strips (like chicken strips not fajita strips) or keep whole if you prefer.

Put chicken in a bown and cover generously with BBQ Rub (you'll use about 1/4 - 1/2 batch):
  • 1/2 cup paprika
  • 3 tablespoons cayenne pepper
  • 5 tablespoons freshly ground black pepper
  • 6 tablespoons garlic powder
  • 3 tablespoons onion powder
  • 6 tablespoons salt
  • 2 1/2 tablespoons dried oregano
  • 2 1/2 tablespoons dried thyme


  • Stir chicken around with rub until all pieces are lightly coated.

    Begin to heat oil in skillet (enough to just cover the bottom). While oil is heating take BBQ pork rinds (I also REALLY like spicy ones, but my kids dont so we normally use BBQ) and crush them.  I put them in a plastic bag and beat them with a rolling pin, but a food proccessor is a much wiser choice.  Place rinds on a large plate to roll chicken in.

    Once oil is hot take out pieces of chicken and roll in crushed rinds.  If it doesn't stick press down firmly on the chicken to make it stick (show the chicken whos boss).

    Place in oil and cook 3-5 minutes on each side (look for dark brown toasty color on rinds - not burnt).

    Chicken and Spinach Alfredo - $7.00

    1 lb Bonless Skinless Chicken               $2.00
    1 lb Pasta of Choice                              $1.00
    1 Jar Alfredo Sauce                               $1.00
    1/2 Bag Frozen Spinach                          $1.00
    Salt/Pepper
    Extra Garlic (Optional)
    Total:                                                    $7.00





    Cook pasta according to package directions and begin sauce while it is cooking.

    To make sauce cut chicken into small cubes (I use 2 lbs for extra chicken, but you can easily use 1 lb and be fine).  Sprinkle chicken cubes with Salt/Pepper and cook until pink is gone.  This is also when I throw in tons of extra minced garlic.

    While chicken is cooking thaw and drain spinach.  Once chicken is cooked add spinach and sauce and continue cooking until sauce is warm.

    Drain Pasta and pile on the sauce and enjoy!

    Thursday, September 6, 2012

    Pepper Stuffed Turkey Breast - $8.00

    3lbs of Turkey Breast        $6.00
    1 Large Bell Pepper          $1.00
    1 Large Onion                   $1.00
    Salt/Pepper to taste
    Total                                $8.00

    Preheat Oven to 350 degrees

    Take turkey breast and pound to make about 1 inch thick.

    Butterfly the turkey breast by cutting it in half leaving about half an inch of connecting meat on one side

    Salt and Pepper both side of the turkey generously

    Slide pepper and onion into strips.

    In a line place slices of bell pepper and onion and "roll" the turkey like you would sushi.  Stick tooth picks in to hold the meat in place.

    Roast at 350 degrees for 40-60 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 160 degrees.

    Chicken and Veggie Fried Spring Roll - $8.00

    Use filling from the Chicken Lettuce Wraps without the dipping sauce.
    Lettuce Wrap Filling          $5.00
    Spring Roll Wrappers        $3.00
    Carrot (optional)  
    Oil           
    Total                                $8.00





    To make spring rolls take sheet of spring roll paper and soak in water until pliable.  Spoon generous portion of filling and roll like you would a burrito. You can add shredded carrot to the filling for more texture if desired.

    Set aside for about 20-30 minutes to let wrap dry.

    Once wraps are dry pour enough oil into a sauce pan so the rolls can fry without touching the bottom.  Heat oil to 375 degrees.

    Once oil is heated place 1 roll into oil and heat until wraps are light brown in color.

    Remove and set on paper towel to remove excess grease.

    Let cook for about 5 minutes and enjoy!  I serve these with white rice.

    Steak Fajitas - $6.00

    1 Tbs oil
    1 large onion                         $0.50
    1 large bell pepper                $1.00
    1 pound steak strips            $3.00
    1 Lawry's Fajitas mix            $1.00
    1 large tomato                       $0.50
    1/4 cup water
    Tortillas                                 $1.00
    Sour Cream (optional)        
    Cheese (optional)
    Salsa (optional)   
    Total                                       $6.00
    Note: “optional” items not included in price


    Slice Onion and Bell Pepper into strips.
    Heat oil in large skillet on medium-high heat. Add onion and bell pepper; cook and stir 5 minutes or until tender. Remove from skillet.

    Cook and stir steak in same skillet on medium-high heat 3 minutes or until browned. Add Seasoning Mix and water. Bring to boil. Reduce heat to low; simmer 3 minutes, stirring occasionally. Return vegetables to skillet. Add tomato; cook until heated through.

    Spoon meat mixture into warm tortillas. Serve with assorted toppings, if desired.

    Chicken Lettuce Wraps - $6.00

    For Wraps:
    8 oz can water chestnuts, drained            $1.00
    1 cup sliced mushrooms                             $1.00
    5 scallions                                                     $0.25
    3 Tbs soy sauce
    2 Tbs Splenda (or sugar)
    ½ Tsp blackstrap molasses
    1 ½ Tsp minced garlic
    1 ½ Tsp rice vinegar
    3 Tbs oil
    1 pound ground chicken (or turkey)        $2.50
    Iceberg or leaf lettuce                                $0.25
    Total (includes $1 for misc and dipping sauce)                                                        $6.00





    For Dipping Sauce:
    ¼ cup Spenda (or sugar)
    ¼ cup water
    2 Tbs soy sauce
    2 Tbs rice vinegar
    2 Tbs sugar-free ketchup (or ketchup)
    1 Tbs lemon juice
    ¼ Tsp sesame oil
    2 Tsp dry mustard
    2 Tsp Wasabi Powder or Paste

    This is a low carb recipe that we love in our house! If you want to make it less low carb replace the Splenda with Sugar and leave out the molasses.

    For Wraps:

    Place the water chestnuts, mushrooms, and scallions in your food processor with the chopping blade in place. Pulse just enough to chop everything to a medium consistency.

    Combine the soy sauce, Splenda, blackstrap molasses, garlic, and rice vinegar. Set aside.

    Heat the oil in a wok or large skillet over highest heat. Add the chicken and stir-fry, breaking it up as it cooks. When about half of the pink is gone from the chicken, add the chopped vegetables and stir-fry everything together for a few more minutes. When the chicken is cooked through, stir in the seasoning mixture and let everything cook together for just another minute or so. 

    To eat place large spoonful into a piece of iceberg lettuce and drizzle with dipping sauce if desired.

    For Dipping Sauce:
    Combine all ingredients together in bowl and mix with a whisk.