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!

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.

Garlic Clam Pasta - $5.00

2 (6.5 ounce) cans minced clams, with juice   $3.00

¼ cup butter

¼ cup Olive Oil

2 Tsp minced garlic (or more if you're like me!)

1 Tbs dried parsley

Black pepper to taste

¼ Tbs dried basil

1 (16 ounce) package pasta of choice               $1.00

Grated Parmesan Cheese

Total                                                                   $5.00

(Added $1 total to count for misc items)

Cook pasta according to package directions.

Meanwhile prepare the sauce. Combine clams with juice, butter or margarine, olive oil, minced garlic, parsley, basil, and pepper in a large saucepan. Place over medium heat until boiling. Remove from heat and add grated parmesan to thicken sauce to desired consistency.

Serve warm over pasta.

California Rolls - $5.50

Roll:
1 Avocado                                      $1.00
4 Sheets of Seaweed                    $1.00
Seasame Seeds (optional)
1 Cucumber                                   $1.00
Crabmeat                                       $2.00
Wasabi
Soy Sauce
Rice:                                               $0.25
1 cup short grain rice
1 cup water
1 Tbs rice Vinegar
2 Tbs Sugar
1 Tbs Salt
Total                                              $5.50
(inclueds $0.25 for misc incrediants)
For Rice:

Place the rice into a mixing bowl and cover with cool water. Swirl the rice in the water, pour off and repeat 2 to 3 times or until the water is clear.

Place the rice and 1 cup water into a medium saucepan and place over high heat. Bring to a boil, uncovered.

Once it begins to boil, reduce the heat to the lowest setting and cover. Cook for 15 minutes. Remove from the heat and let stand, covered, for 10 minutes.

Combine the rice vinegar, sugar and salt in a small bowl and heat in the microwave on high for 30 to 45 seconds. Transfer the rice into a large wooden or glass mixing bowl and add the vinegar mixture. Fold thoroughly to combine and coat each grain of rice with the mixture. Allow to cool to room temperature before using to make sushi.

For Rolls:

Cut avocodo into small chunks, slice avocodo into toothpick type pieces, and flake apart crab.

Squeeze the lemon juice over the avocado to prevent browning.

Cover a bamboo rolling mat with plastic wrap. Lay out 1 piece of dry seaweed onto rolling mat. Wet your fingers with water and spread about 1/2 cup of the rice evenly onto the seaweed. Sprinkle the rice with sesame seeds. Turn the sheet of nori over so that the rice side is down. Place 1/8 of the cucumber, avocado and crab sticks in the center of the sheet. Grab the edge of the mat closest to you, keeping the fillings in place with your fingers, and roll it into a tight cylinder, using the mat to shape the cylinder. Pull away the mat and set aside. Cover with a damp cloth. Repeat until all of the rice has been used. Cut each roll into 6 pieces. Serve wasabi and soy. sauce.

BBQ Pork Ribs

3 lbs Pork Ribs            $6.00
1 Bottle BBQ Sauce    $1.00

Total                          $7.00
Rub:
3 Tbs brown sugar
1 1/2 Tbs paprika

1 1/2 Tbs ground black pepper

1 Tsp garlic powder

1 Tsp ground mustard

Mix rub and use on ribs.  Let sit overnight.

To cook preheat oven to 300.  Place ribs in pan and coat in BBQ sauce.  Cover pan with foil and bake 1 hours.

After 1 hour flip ribs and add more BBQ sauce if needed.  Recover and cook for an additional hour.

Remove from oven and let cool.

Homemade Pizza - $4.50

2 Boxes Jiffy Pizza Crust Mix       $2.00
1/2 Jar Spagehtti Sauce                $0.50
1/2 lb Cheese                               $1.00
1/2 Onion
1/2 Bag Peppers                          $1.00
Total                                           $4.50

Preheat Oven to 425.

Grate Cheese and chop onion (optional).

Prepare Pizza Crust based on Jiffy Box instructions and add ingredients as directed.

Oven Roasted Corn - $2.00

4-6 Ears of Corn          $2.00
4-6 Tbs Butter
Garlic Salt (to taste)
Black Pepper (to taste)
Paprika (to taste)
TOTAL                       $2.00

Preheat Oven to 350 Degrees.

While Oven is heating tear 1 large piece of foil for every ear of corn.  Our kids will not eat a full ear of corn so we cut/break them in half first but cook the entire ear together.

Place Corn in the center of the foil diagonally and sprinkle corn with Garlic Salt, Pepper, and Paprika.  Put in 1 Tbs of butter with corn.  Fold corners of foil around ends of corn and roll corn in foil (seal tightly!).

Bake in oven for 45 minutes.

Hot Dogs and Beans - $3.25

1 Pack all Chicken (or Turkey) Hot Dogs       $1.00
2 Can Pork N Beans                                      $2.00
1/8 Cup Brown Sugar                                    $0.25
Total                                                             $3.25

Cut hotdogs into small chunks and add to medium pan with 2 cans of Pork N Beans.

Cook over medium heat.  While cooking add Brown Sugar (if desired) and cook until boiling.

Remove from heat and serve with Veggie.

Stuffed Chicken Parmesan - $5.00

6-8 Breaded Chicken Patties               $3.00

½ Jar Spaghetti Sauce                         $0.50

½ Pound Mozzarella                            $1.50

TOTAL                                                  $5.00

I usually get my chicken patties at Costco – a box of 40, but I showed the price as if you got a small box at any grocery store (on sale usually 2 for $5 or 2 for $6).

Preheat oven to 350.

Take frozen chicken patties and put in microwave until unthawed (usually about 1 minute).

While chicken is unthawing cut half a pound of mozzarella cheese into small slices or shred cheese (I prefer shredded cheese)

Cut a “pocket” into each patty and stuff each pocket with mozzarella cheese.

In a dish place each stuffed chicken piece and cover with half a jar of Spaghetti Sauce.  Sprinkle any remaining cheese on top and put in oven for 15-20 minutes.

Pulled BBQ Chicken Sandwiches - $5.00

3 lbs of chicken (any kind)                 $3.00

1 Bottle BBQ Sauce                             $1.00

Sliced Bread or Buns                           $1.00

TOTAL                                                $4.00

Take chicken and lightly salt/pepper each piece. Place in slow cooker (no additional liquid needed) on low for 4 hours.

After 4 hours add half a bottle of BBQ sauce and rotate chicken. Cook an additional 4 hours on low (won’t hurt if you need to leave it in longer).

Remove chicken from slow cooker and remove any bone if you did not use boneless chicken.  The chicken should fall right off the bone.

Use large forks to shred the chicken and add more BBQ sauce as you prefer.  Serve warm on bread/buns.

A Blog Makeover

I posted about why things have changed for us when it comes to the meal part of our lives.  So I sat trying to figure out how to break it down.  I want to give you WHAT we are eating HOW MUCH it cost and HOW to make it, but that would make for an awfully long blog post every week.  So instead I think I will post the recipes I use here and then use here and then post the meal plan on my other blog with links.  That way you can still use this to find recipes.  Good idea? Well I hope so because I’m stubborn and since this is how I’m starting I will most likely keep it this way.

So take this as your warning.  Recipes here we come!

Not all meals are “healthy”.  Because honestly healthy is relative.  It really all depends on what type of diet you want.  The recipes I’ll be sharing are what is good for our family needs.  I hope you find them helpful.

Green Bean Spaghetti - $5.00

SALE NEWS:  I said it before, but I’ll say it again – canned veggies on sale for $0.69 a can.  Great time to stock up!

2 cans of cut, sliced, or whole Green Beans (on sale)                                        $1.50

1 can Spaghetti Sauce ($0.99 cent store)                                                          $1.00

1 lb Hamburger Meat (On sale for $2.50/lb)                                                     $2.50

Total                                                                                                                       $5.00

This is a GREAT Low Carb meal for your family. Add some carbs for $1.00 more by tossing with pasta of your choice (as shown in picture).

In a large skillet brown the Hamburger meat.

While the Hamburger is cooking pour both cans of green beans into a pot (with juices from can) and let simmer over medium heat.  Cut green beans have the least amount of 'green bean flavor' but not as good of texture.  If you like green beans like we do (and you aren't trying to hide them or their flavor) I suggest cut or even better whole green beans.

Once Hamburger is fully cooked add the can of spaghetti sauce and any additional seasoning you may want.  If you like mild flavor the sauce should be fine as is.  We like a little more punch to ours so we add some garlic powder or minced garlic (big jars of minced garlic can be found at the $0.99 cent store!) and some black pepper.

Let hamburger and sauce simmer on low for about 10 minutes.  While this is simmering remove green beans from stove and drain all juice.  Pile green beans onto each plate (like you would spaghetti noodles).

After hamburger and sauce are done simmering top green bean with sauce and enjoy!  This does a great job of masking the flavor of the green bean so even my kids will eat it.

Chili Cheese Potatoes and Broccoli – $5.25

SALE NEWS: Farmer Johns Hot Dogs and Stater Bros brand buns on sale $0.99 each. Also stock up canned veggies for $0.69 each.

1 can Nacho Cheese (buy at $0.99 only store or on sale)              $1.00

2 can Chili (buy at $0.99 only store or on sale)                               $2.00

1 bag of Frozen Broccoli                                                                     $1.50

½-1 pound bag of potatoes (buy at $0.99 only store or on sale) $1.00

Total                                                                                                       $5.25

I stole this idea from Tracy – Thank you Tracy!!

Preheat oven to 400.

While oven is heating clean potatoes and chop into bite sized chunks.  Put potatoes in a dish and cook in the oven for 30 minutes or until cooked to desired tenderness.  If you prefer you can use whole potatoes (poke with holes! And cook for an hour)

While potatoes are cookie microwave broccoli in a bowl covered with plastic wrap (this will keep the moisture in for a more “steamed” texture.  The microwave instructions should be on bag – if not do a minute at a time until no longer cold.

Heat chili (I get bean and meat chili, but you can use whatever you prefer) and cheese in separate pans on the stove about 5 minutes before potatoes are done.  Instead of Nacho Cheese you can also use shredded cheese, but I like the extra kick from the Nacho Cheese.

When everything is complete scoop potatoes on to each plate and top with broccoli, chili, and nacho cheese.  It’s amazing – and even if you don’t like broccoli the chili/cheese combo hides the flavor.

Parmesan Crusted Chicken and Pasta - $5.50

1 Can Spaghetti Sauce ($0.99 Cent Store)        $1.00
3 lbs Chicken ($0.99/lb on Sale)                        $3.00
2 Eggs                                                               $0.50

Parmesan Crust                                                 $1.00
1 cup grated Parmesan
4 tsp Oregano
1 tsp garlic powder
1 tsp paprika
1 tsp pepper

Total                                                                $5.50

Chicken thighs/drumsticks at $0.99/lb or if you prefer boneless skinless chicken breast at $1.99/lb (this would increase cost of recipe to $8.50)

The chicken part is low carb recipe so if you are trying low carb you can substitute the noodles for an alternate side, but I'd still use some spaghetti sauce for dipping! (If you have leftovers from other recipes like the English Muffin Pizzas this is a great way to use it!) The crust probably only costs about $0.50 to make if you buy your Parmesan in bulk like we do, but in case you don't I used to more expensive price.

CHICKEN Option 1: Boneless Skinless Chicken Breast

Put 2 lbs (about 4 breasts) into large plastic bag and use kitchen mallet (or roller) to pound chicken into thin pieces.  Cut each chicken breast into large strips for easier cooking or leave in one piece for a "prettier" meal.

CHICKEN Option 2: Bone In Chicken - I suggest Drumsticks

Break 2 eggs into one bowl and use whisk to stir.

In a separate bowl combine all ingredients for the Parmesan crust

Next, put noodles in water and cook according to package directions.

While pasta is cooking add oil to skillet - enough so the bottom is barely covered and turn on medium heat.

Once oil is heated take prepared chicken and dip in egg then roll in Parmesan crust mixture until fully coated.

Place chicken in skillet (as much as will fit) and cook for 5 minutes on each side.  If cooking drumsticks you may need to do quarter turns ever 2.5 minutes.  To keep crust for becoming overcooked/burnt shake pan every 2 minutes just to move the chicken around a bit.

While chicken is cooking put sauce in sauce pan and heat until slightly bubbly.  Don't forget to check your noodles and stir too!

To finish put pasta and chicken on plate and drizzle sauce all over everything! Yummy!