For those who have been to my home, you have seen my "store". It is the place in my basement where I store all my great buys and stockpile. I was helping my neighbor try to figure out how to save more with coupons. So I showed her the store with the promise that her hubby could come take a look too! I guess I am a dork that I love to help others figure out how to save their hard earned money! I love it!
This week, I was sent a special box of coupons by Sherri from swaggrabber.com. She had gathered over $19,000 worth of coupons. I had a ball going through the box and have some much needed work on my coupon binder! With some super high value coupons and free product coupons, I rocked out this week. My total was $139.83 before coupons and sales. My total was $54.17. I used over 53 coupons. I saved 62%! I was so excited. That will allow us to eat for the next 9 days without making a trip back to the store!
I had to restock our cereal since the boys finished off about 15 boxes in 3 weeks. We had some detergent, meds, and some basics that just needed restocking!
Have a great week. See you after Spain!
Wednesday, March 31, 2010
Menu Planning Week of March 30-April 8
I am so sorry that I have neglected my blogging for so long. I have gotten super involved around here and don't have as much free time. A good thing but still I have to slow down some!
It has gotten cooler here and we have rain all week. That is why you will see so many soups!
T: Chicken Noodle Soup-too easy not to make homemade (from Progresso Soups and More Recipe book)
1 Tbsp olive or veg oil
2 cloves garlic, finely chopped
8 med green onions sliced (1/2 cup)
2 med carrots, chopped (1 cup)
2 cups cooked chicken
2 cups uncooked egg noodles (4 oz)
1 Tbsp chopped fresh parsley or 1 tsp parsley flakes
1/4 tsp pepper
1 dried bay leaf
5 1/4 cups Progresson chicken broth (2 32oz containers)
In 3 qt. saucepan, heat oil over med heat. Add garlic, onions, and carrots; cook 4 minutes, stir occasionally
Stir in remaining ingredients. Heat to boiling; reduce heat. Cover; simmer about 10 minutes, stirring occassionally until carrots and noodles are tender. Remove bay leaf.
I did not use bayleaf and cooked in my crockpot.
W: Chicken Stir Fry
From a birthday party this weekend, I was able to use the veggies left from our veggie tray. Serve with brown rice.
H: Chunky Veggie and Brown Rice Soup (from American Heart Association Light and Easy Recipes book)
1 tsp olive oil
1/2 lg white or red onion, coarsely chopped
1 med rib of celery, coarsely chopped
1 med carrot, coarsely chopped
2 sm zucchini, coarsely chopped
4 cups chicken broth
1/2 cup uncooked instant brown rice
1/2 tsp dried thyme, crumbled
1/4 tsp salt
1/8 tsp pepper
In lg saucepan, heat the oil over medium heat, swirling to coat the bottom. Cook the onion, celery, and carrot for 2-3 min or until tender crisp, stirring occasionally. Stir in zucchini. Cook for 2-3 minutes, or until tender-crisp, stirring occasionally.
Pour in the broth. Increase the heat to med. high and bring to a simmer. Reduce the heat and simmer, partially covered, for 10 minutes, or unitl the veggies are tender. Stir in the remaining ingredients. Simmer, partially covered, for 10 minutes, or until rice is tender and flavors blended.
F: Burgers
S: A birthday party
S: Ham
M: Breakfast for dinner
T: Homemade Pizza
Whole Wheat Crust Recipe
1 pkg dry yeast
1 c water (very warm)
1 Tbsp honey
2 1/2- 3 c whole wheat flour
Sprinkle yeast with water. Add honey, stir and allow to stand for 10 minutes. Add flour, work to form dough. Knead and place in lightly oiled bowl. Cover and let rise 45 minutes. Punch down.
Add your favorite ingredients (load up on those veggies) and cook about 10 minutes in a 350 degree oven!
W: Salmon Steaks with Mustard
Go here for the recipe. I don't think I can copy the recipe onto my site.
H: Chili Dogs
We are living for Spain for Spring Break. I will post when I get back or if I get my menu together before we leave. Enjoy!
It has gotten cooler here and we have rain all week. That is why you will see so many soups!
T: Chicken Noodle Soup-too easy not to make homemade (from Progresso Soups and More Recipe book)
1 Tbsp olive or veg oil
2 cloves garlic, finely chopped
8 med green onions sliced (1/2 cup)
2 med carrots, chopped (1 cup)
2 cups cooked chicken
2 cups uncooked egg noodles (4 oz)
1 Tbsp chopped fresh parsley or 1 tsp parsley flakes
1/4 tsp pepper
1 dried bay leaf
5 1/4 cups Progresson chicken broth (2 32oz containers)
In 3 qt. saucepan, heat oil over med heat. Add garlic, onions, and carrots; cook 4 minutes, stir occasionally
Stir in remaining ingredients. Heat to boiling; reduce heat. Cover; simmer about 10 minutes, stirring occassionally until carrots and noodles are tender. Remove bay leaf.
I did not use bayleaf and cooked in my crockpot.
W: Chicken Stir Fry
From a birthday party this weekend, I was able to use the veggies left from our veggie tray. Serve with brown rice.
H: Chunky Veggie and Brown Rice Soup (from American Heart Association Light and Easy Recipes book)
1 tsp olive oil
1/2 lg white or red onion, coarsely chopped
1 med rib of celery, coarsely chopped
1 med carrot, coarsely chopped
2 sm zucchini, coarsely chopped
4 cups chicken broth
1/2 cup uncooked instant brown rice
1/2 tsp dried thyme, crumbled
1/4 tsp salt
1/8 tsp pepper
In lg saucepan, heat the oil over medium heat, swirling to coat the bottom. Cook the onion, celery, and carrot for 2-3 min or until tender crisp, stirring occasionally. Stir in zucchini. Cook for 2-3 minutes, or until tender-crisp, stirring occasionally.
Pour in the broth. Increase the heat to med. high and bring to a simmer. Reduce the heat and simmer, partially covered, for 10 minutes, or unitl the veggies are tender. Stir in the remaining ingredients. Simmer, partially covered, for 10 minutes, or until rice is tender and flavors blended.
F: Burgers
S: A birthday party
S: Ham
M: Breakfast for dinner
T: Homemade Pizza
Whole Wheat Crust Recipe
1 pkg dry yeast
1 c water (very warm)
1 Tbsp honey
2 1/2- 3 c whole wheat flour
Sprinkle yeast with water. Add honey, stir and allow to stand for 10 minutes. Add flour, work to form dough. Knead and place in lightly oiled bowl. Cover and let rise 45 minutes. Punch down.
Add your favorite ingredients (load up on those veggies) and cook about 10 minutes in a 350 degree oven!
W: Salmon Steaks with Mustard
Go here for the recipe. I don't think I can copy the recipe onto my site.
H: Chili Dogs
We are living for Spain for Spring Break. I will post when I get back or if I get my menu together before we leave. Enjoy!
Thursday, March 25, 2010
High Value Coupon for Fruit Snacks and Skinny Cow
The Story of Coupons
Collin, at hip2save.com, has done a marvelous piece to inform you about how a coupon works. Go here to read the full story!
Wednesday, March 17, 2010
Scotties High Value Coupon
Go here to receive a high value coupon on Scotties tissue. This should make for free or very cheap tissue! When you put in your info, make sure to answere "NO" to the question! You can print out your coupon!
Love those free tissue. Store them for the winter even if you don't have seasonal allergies!
Love those free tissue. Store them for the winter even if you don't have seasonal allergies!
Tuesday, March 16, 2010
Commissary Trip on March 16th
Short week for me due to our trip to Prague this week. I still have meat in the freezer and just needed to pick up a few things. There were so HOT deals at the commissary!
HOT DEALS:
Gold Medal Flour $1.25 (cpn. 75 cents)= 50 cents!
Cookie Mix $1.25 (cpn. $1/2)= 75 cents
Dawn Dish Liquid $1.49 (cpn $1.50)=FREE!
Ziploc Easy Zip Bags 99 cents (cpn. 55 cents)= 44 cents
My youngest asked for breaded fish fillets for his birthday in a couple of weeks. They were down from $4.29 to $2.99 plus 50 cent hanging coupon! Yippee! Not my favorite meal but it is what he wants!
I saved 58% with coupons and sales today and only spent $28.72 out of pocket! I sure wish that $2.42 surcharge would take a hike though!
Have a great week!
HOT DEALS:
Gold Medal Flour $1.25 (cpn. 75 cents)= 50 cents!
Cookie Mix $1.25 (cpn. $1/2)= 75 cents
Dawn Dish Liquid $1.49 (cpn $1.50)=FREE!
Ziploc Easy Zip Bags 99 cents (cpn. 55 cents)= 44 cents
My youngest asked for breaded fish fillets for his birthday in a couple of weeks. They were down from $4.29 to $2.99 plus 50 cent hanging coupon! Yippee! Not my favorite meal but it is what he wants!
I saved 58% with coupons and sales today and only spent $28.72 out of pocket! I sure wish that $2.42 surcharge would take a hike though!
Have a great week!
Monday, March 15, 2010
Lettuce Wraps
While I don't usually post friends' recipes, I thought that this was one that I must pass on. My friend, Melissa, made these for her family and said they were delicious! It is nice to have something to remind us of PF Chang's for those of us overseas who won't get any for awhile!
Turkey and Lettuce Wraps
1/2 C. water
1/2 C. instant brown rice
2 tsp. sesame oil
1 lb. 93% lean ground turkey
1 tbsp. minced fresh ginger
1 lg. red bell pepper, finely diced
1- 8 oz. can water chestnuts, rinsed and chopped
1/2 c. chicken broth
2 tbsp. hoisin sauce
1 tsp. five-spice powder
1/2 tsp. salt
2 heads boston lettuce
1/2 C. chopped herbs*
1 lg. carrot shredded
I will annotate changes I made due to what I had on hand
1. Bring water to boil in saucepan. add rice, reduce heat to low and cover. cook 5 minutes. remove from heat, set aside.
2. Heat oil in large nonstick pan over med-high heat. add turkey and ginger (I used powder instead of fresh), cook 6 minutes, stirring and crumbling. stir in cooked rice, bell pepper, water chestnuts, broth, hoisin sauce, salt and five-spice (couldn't find at commissary so made my own; anise, clove, cinnamon, szechwan pepper and ground fennel seed-i didn't use the fennel seed, didn't have any). Heat thru for 1 minute.
3. to serve, spoon portions of mixture into individual lettuce leaf (couldn't find boston lettuce, just used regular iceberg and it worked fine) top with herbs and carrot
* suggested herbs: cilantro, basil, mint, chives
Says it makes 4 servings, but it was enough for my hubby and I to have dinner 3 wraps each and lunch the next day in spinach tortillas.
Hope you enjoy it!
Turkey and Lettuce Wraps
1/2 C. water
1/2 C. instant brown rice
2 tsp. sesame oil
1 lb. 93% lean ground turkey
1 tbsp. minced fresh ginger
1 lg. red bell pepper, finely diced
1- 8 oz. can water chestnuts, rinsed and chopped
1/2 c. chicken broth
2 tbsp. hoisin sauce
1 tsp. five-spice powder
1/2 tsp. salt
2 heads boston lettuce
1/2 C. chopped herbs*
1 lg. carrot shredded
I will annotate changes I made due to what I had on hand
1. Bring water to boil in saucepan. add rice, reduce heat to low and cover. cook 5 minutes. remove from heat, set aside.
2. Heat oil in large nonstick pan over med-high heat. add turkey and ginger (I used powder instead of fresh), cook 6 minutes, stirring and crumbling. stir in cooked rice, bell pepper, water chestnuts, broth, hoisin sauce, salt and five-spice (couldn't find at commissary so made my own; anise, clove, cinnamon, szechwan pepper and ground fennel seed-i didn't use the fennel seed, didn't have any). Heat thru for 1 minute.
3. to serve, spoon portions of mixture into individual lettuce leaf (couldn't find boston lettuce, just used regular iceberg and it worked fine) top with herbs and carrot
* suggested herbs: cilantro, basil, mint, chives
Says it makes 4 servings, but it was enough for my hubby and I to have dinner 3 wraps each and lunch the next day in spinach tortillas.
Hope you enjoy it!
Friday, March 12, 2010
Victoria Secret Free Shipping and Reward Card
I love VS. I don't always buy from them but I do miss browsing the store at the mall. Right now, VS is offering a great deal esp for those of us overseas!
Victoria Secret is offering free shipping on ALL orders with coupon code SHIPFREE PLUS they are sending Secret Rewards cards with every order (NO MINIMUM). These cards are great because you at least get $10 off your purchase, but if you are lucky you could get $50, $100, or $500!!! This is for future purchases and will be placed in the box with your order. Check out the clearance section for sure!
Last time, VS offered this. I was able to order a sweater, a free gift of a scarf and free shipping all with a $10 reward card!
If you are part of Ebates or Shop at Home, you also get 2% back on your purchase from VS. Not a member, sign up and receive a $5 first time purchase reward!
Victoria Secret is offering free shipping on ALL orders with coupon code SHIPFREE PLUS they are sending Secret Rewards cards with every order (NO MINIMUM). These cards are great because you at least get $10 off your purchase, but if you are lucky you could get $50, $100, or $500!!! This is for future purchases and will be placed in the box with your order. Check out the clearance section for sure!
Last time, VS offered this. I was able to order a sweater, a free gift of a scarf and free shipping all with a $10 reward card!
If you are part of Ebates or Shop at Home, you also get 2% back on your purchase from VS. Not a member, sign up and receive a $5 first time purchase reward!
Wednesday, March 10, 2010
Clearance and Mark Down Foods
Do you ever wonder why someone would buy marked down bread, meat, cheese, or chips? Do you have any idea for what to do with them? I have to say that I look at the mark downs as a way to extend my grocery dollar.
Crushed bag of chips...use to make a coating for chicken and bake in oven
Meat...................freeze it and it will be fine later(you should check out the bacon in my freezer)
Graham crackers........make a crust for a cheesecake or other dessert
Cheese.................freezes very well!
Milk...................can be frozen; just shake very well when you take it out
Day old bread..........french toast, toasted sandwiches, breakfast casserole
Very ripe fruit........freeze for later, use in muffins, smoothies, baking
When you see a markdown, think not I wonder why someone would buy that but what could I do with that!
Happy Clearance Shopping!
Crushed bag of chips...use to make a coating for chicken and bake in oven
Meat...................freeze it and it will be fine later(you should check out the bacon in my freezer)
Graham crackers........make a crust for a cheesecake or other dessert
Cheese.................freezes very well!
Milk...................can be frozen; just shake very well when you take it out
Day old bread..........french toast, toasted sandwiches, breakfast casserole
Very ripe fruit........freeze for later, use in muffins, smoothies, baking
When you see a markdown, think not I wonder why someone would buy that but what could I do with that!
Happy Clearance Shopping!
Tuesday, March 9, 2010
Commissary Shopping March 9th
Whew! I think now that I have been doing this for awhile now, I have gotten my speed and money down where I need them. This week was a week of sales.
I went back with more Del Monte coupons and had to stock up. I promise very soon that they will be back to normal soon!
I also had to buy my Snuggle. The large bottle were $2.99 and the $3 coupon made them FREE!
I also bought two Duncan Hines cake mixes for 79 cents each and then used my 75 cents off coupon--4 CENTS!
Celestial Seasonings Tea is on sale for $1.49 and $1 off coupons make it 49 cents. Cleared out the binder for that!
Cream cheese was back to $1.09 so I used $1/2 to get them for 59 cents each.
Do you make your own granola or use large quantities of oats? The large size is $2. I know I paid $3.82 the last time I bought them!
My total was well over $100 this time. I saved 52% with coupons and sales ($71.64). I did spend over my $50 budget but I have stocked up on some products that will cost way over double when they return to regular price! Total I spent $66.73. Again, a great week!
I would love to see you Monday, March 15th at 10 am at the Yellow Ribbon Room. I want to share some tips with you!
I went back with more Del Monte coupons and had to stock up. I promise very soon that they will be back to normal soon!
I also had to buy my Snuggle. The large bottle were $2.99 and the $3 coupon made them FREE!
I also bought two Duncan Hines cake mixes for 79 cents each and then used my 75 cents off coupon--4 CENTS!
Celestial Seasonings Tea is on sale for $1.49 and $1 off coupons make it 49 cents. Cleared out the binder for that!
Cream cheese was back to $1.09 so I used $1/2 to get them for 59 cents each.
Do you make your own granola or use large quantities of oats? The large size is $2. I know I paid $3.82 the last time I bought them!
My total was well over $100 this time. I saved 52% with coupons and sales ($71.64). I did spend over my $50 budget but I have stocked up on some products that will cost way over double when they return to regular price! Total I spent $66.73. Again, a great week!
I would love to see you Monday, March 15th at 10 am at the Yellow Ribbon Room. I want to share some tips with you!
Eating Out Request
We simply don't eat out that much. Our choices are limited and it is expensive. So yesterday, Easton requested that we eat at Burger King. I already had dinner thawed and was ready to throw it on the stove as soon as we got back from picking up Ben. (His car needs a new starter)! We discussed the possibility and decided that Tuesday would work much better for us.
I have spent ALOT of time in the gym and have really been watching what I eat to lose the last of the weight to reach my GOAL! I had to do some research so I didn't blow my time at the gym today and the rest of the week for that matter. Just some info to share: Whopper Jr (NO mayo), Hamburger or 5 pc Chicken Nuggets have 290 cal and 12 fat grams. Small fries adds 230 cal and small onion rings 150 cal. I paired the Whopper Jr with a small fry and a diet coke! While it does take some adjustment to a smaller amount of food, I did not leave hungry. My perspective changed and I saw all that I did get to eat.
Are you having a hard time maintaining your goals from the New Year, losing self control, or desiring to see more results? I know when my friend Allyson commented she could tell how much working out had helped me when she was watching me Sunday in the praise band that she helped my self control go up a notch!
Your body is yours and you want it to last! Take care of it!
I have spent ALOT of time in the gym and have really been watching what I eat to lose the last of the weight to reach my GOAL! I had to do some research so I didn't blow my time at the gym today and the rest of the week for that matter. Just some info to share: Whopper Jr (NO mayo), Hamburger or 5 pc Chicken Nuggets have 290 cal and 12 fat grams. Small fries adds 230 cal and small onion rings 150 cal. I paired the Whopper Jr with a small fry and a diet coke! While it does take some adjustment to a smaller amount of food, I did not leave hungry. My perspective changed and I saw all that I did get to eat.
Are you having a hard time maintaining your goals from the New Year, losing self control, or desiring to see more results? I know when my friend Allyson commented she could tell how much working out had helped me when she was watching me Sunday in the praise band that she helped my self control go up a notch!
Your body is yours and you want it to last! Take care of it!
Monday, March 8, 2010
MY Family! AHHHH!
Tonight, we had fish tacos. While not everyone is a huge fan of fish, they have loved pan fried fish in the past. Of course, tonight was NOT that night. So after eating my fish taco with salsa and guac, I left the table. That is right. I walked away and left them to figure it out on their own.
I guess I am just done with people who do nothing to get ready for dinner complaining. I enjoyed dinner. It was so yummy and very healthy. I cook most of the time for my whole family but tonight it was just for ME (apparently)!
Share some of your funny, frustrating, and fizzle dinner stories! I can't be all alone, can I?
I guess I am just done with people who do nothing to get ready for dinner complaining. I enjoyed dinner. It was so yummy and very healthy. I cook most of the time for my whole family but tonight it was just for ME (apparently)!
Share some of your funny, frustrating, and fizzle dinner stories! I can't be all alone, can I?
Menu Planning for Tuesday, March 9th-Tuesday, March 16th
Well, another busy week at my house! What to do, plan AHEAD! While I long for a Chickfila meal, I detest the thought of having to eat Taco Bell, Subway or Pizza Hut at the Food Court. I make sure to plan ahead to keep myself away from the nastiness and the fat! Can you tell I have been working really hard at the gym?
This week, this is our menu!
T: Chili Frito Pie; not so healthy but paired with a salad not so bad!
W: We have an FRG meeting this week (thing Family Readiness Group-families of soldiers).
I will take Banana Pudding (recipe care of Michael Groover (Paula Dean's hubby). I will also make Chicken Dorito Casserole that was shared with me by my friend, Rebecca!
Banana Pudding:
1 8 oz pkg cream cheese
1 14 oz can sweetened condensed milk
1 5 oz pkg instant vanilla pudding mix
3 cups cold milk
1 tsp vanilla extract
1 8oz container cool whip
1/2 a 12 oz pkg vanilla wafers
4 bananas, sliced
In a lg bowl, beat cream cheese until fluffy. Beat in condensed milk, pudding mix, cold milk and vanilla until smooth. Fold in HALF cool whip.
Line bottom of 9 X 13 dish with vanilla wafers. Arrange bananas evenly over wafers. Spread with pudding mixture. Top with cool whip.
Chill 1 1/2 hours.
Chicken Dorito Casserole: See Tuesday of this week's menu plan
H: Chipotle Chicken Sandwich (care of Pillsbury Recipes)
F: Birthday Party NO DINNER PLANS!
S: Buffalo Chicken Meatballs: See here
S: Empanadas and Brown Rice: I use pie crusts, cut in 8ths. I usually stuff with chicken that I have already cooked in crockpot (frozen chicken breasts in chicken stock; cook all day; tears apart easily), cheese, salsa, black beans, and then dip into guac or sour cream.
M: Mexican Pasta Skillet (Care of Woman's Day Feb 2010 p. 136)
1 cup cooked pasta (bowties or rotini)
1 tsp oil
1 lb. ground meat
1 small onion
2 tsp cumin
1 10 oz can mild enchilada sauce
1 11 oz can Mexican style corn
1 Tbsp cilantro, chopped
Cheese to garnish
Heat 1 tsp oil in skillet. Brown meat, add in onion and cumin.
Stir in enchilada sauce, corn and pasta
Add cilantro to skillet and cook until mixture is heated through. Garnish with cheese.
T: Ginger Chicken (care of Taste of Home Dec/Jan 2010 p. 42
Ingredients:
1 egg white, beaten
1 tablespoon soy sauce
1 teaspoon cornstarch
1/8 teaspoon white pepper
1 pound boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch pieces
SAUCE:
1/2 teaspoon cornstarch
2 tablespoons rice vinegar
2 tablespoons soy sauce
1 teaspoon sugar
STIR-FRY:
1 tablespoon plus 2 teaspoons peanut oil, divided
1 medium green pepper, julienned
3 green onions, cut into 1-inch lengths
1/2 cup canned bamboo shoots, finely chopped
2 to 3 teaspoons minced fresh gingerroot
1/4 cup slivered almonds, toasted
Hot cooked rice, optional
Directions
In a large resealable plastic bag, combine the egg white, soy sauce, cornstarch and pepper. Add chicken; seal bag and turn to coat. Refrigerate for 30 minutes. For sauce, combine the cornstarch, vinegar, soy sauce and sugar until smooth; set aside.
Drain chicken and discard marinade. In a large skillet or wok, stir-fry chicken in 1 tablespoon oil until no longer pink. Remove and keep warm.
Stir-fry green pepper and onions in remaining oil for 2 minutes. Add bamboo shoots and ginger; stir-fry 3-4 minutes longer or until vegetables are crisp-tender.
Stir sauce mixture and add to the pan. Bring to a boil; cook and stir for 2 minutes or until thickened. Add chicken and heat through. Sprinkle with almonds. Serve with rice if desired. Yield: 4 servings.
Have a happy week! Not matter what you are eating, plan ahead so you don't just grab something on the run!
This week, this is our menu!
T: Chili Frito Pie; not so healthy but paired with a salad not so bad!
W: We have an FRG meeting this week (thing Family Readiness Group-families of soldiers).
I will take Banana Pudding (recipe care of Michael Groover (Paula Dean's hubby). I will also make Chicken Dorito Casserole that was shared with me by my friend, Rebecca!
Banana Pudding:
1 8 oz pkg cream cheese
1 14 oz can sweetened condensed milk
1 5 oz pkg instant vanilla pudding mix
3 cups cold milk
1 tsp vanilla extract
1 8oz container cool whip
1/2 a 12 oz pkg vanilla wafers
4 bananas, sliced
In a lg bowl, beat cream cheese until fluffy. Beat in condensed milk, pudding mix, cold milk and vanilla until smooth. Fold in HALF cool whip.
Line bottom of 9 X 13 dish with vanilla wafers. Arrange bananas evenly over wafers. Spread with pudding mixture. Top with cool whip.
Chill 1 1/2 hours.
Chicken Dorito Casserole: See Tuesday of this week's menu plan
H: Chipotle Chicken Sandwich (care of Pillsbury Recipes)
F: Birthday Party NO DINNER PLANS!
S: Buffalo Chicken Meatballs: See here
S: Empanadas and Brown Rice: I use pie crusts, cut in 8ths. I usually stuff with chicken that I have already cooked in crockpot (frozen chicken breasts in chicken stock; cook all day; tears apart easily), cheese, salsa, black beans, and then dip into guac or sour cream.
M: Mexican Pasta Skillet (Care of Woman's Day Feb 2010 p. 136)
1 cup cooked pasta (bowties or rotini)
1 tsp oil
1 lb. ground meat
1 small onion
2 tsp cumin
1 10 oz can mild enchilada sauce
1 11 oz can Mexican style corn
1 Tbsp cilantro, chopped
Cheese to garnish
Heat 1 tsp oil in skillet. Brown meat, add in onion and cumin.
Stir in enchilada sauce, corn and pasta
Add cilantro to skillet and cook until mixture is heated through. Garnish with cheese.
T: Ginger Chicken (care of Taste of Home Dec/Jan 2010 p. 42
Ingredients:
1 egg white, beaten
1 tablespoon soy sauce
1 teaspoon cornstarch
1/8 teaspoon white pepper
1 pound boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch pieces
SAUCE:
1/2 teaspoon cornstarch
2 tablespoons rice vinegar
2 tablespoons soy sauce
1 teaspoon sugar
STIR-FRY:
1 tablespoon plus 2 teaspoons peanut oil, divided
1 medium green pepper, julienned
3 green onions, cut into 1-inch lengths
1/2 cup canned bamboo shoots, finely chopped
2 to 3 teaspoons minced fresh gingerroot
1/4 cup slivered almonds, toasted
Hot cooked rice, optional
Directions
In a large resealable plastic bag, combine the egg white, soy sauce, cornstarch and pepper. Add chicken; seal bag and turn to coat. Refrigerate for 30 minutes. For sauce, combine the cornstarch, vinegar, soy sauce and sugar until smooth; set aside.
Drain chicken and discard marinade. In a large skillet or wok, stir-fry chicken in 1 tablespoon oil until no longer pink. Remove and keep warm.
Stir-fry green pepper and onions in remaining oil for 2 minutes. Add bamboo shoots and ginger; stir-fry 3-4 minutes longer or until vegetables are crisp-tender.
Stir sauce mixture and add to the pan. Bring to a boil; cook and stir for 2 minutes or until thickened. Add chicken and heat through. Sprinkle with almonds. Serve with rice if desired. Yield: 4 servings.
Have a happy week! Not matter what you are eating, plan ahead so you don't just grab something on the run!
Friday, March 5, 2010
COUPON CLASS
44th ESB is hosting another coupon class taught by yours truly on March 15th(Monday) from 10-11:30. I will give you tips to save you and your family some cash on your commissary shopping trips! Bring a pen and paper and I will supply the rest. We will have drawings during the class! Come on out!
Crockpot Chicken Tortilla Soup
In my opinion, there is no easier recipe than this. Great news, dump it into the crockpot and 8 hours later...tada!
Here it is folks!
1 pkg chicken breasts (3-4 depending on number of people serving)-FROZEN
1 can rotel
1 can corn, drained
1 can pinto, ranch styles, black beans (your choice); drained and rinsed
1 cup salsa
2 Tbsp cumin
1 carton of chicken broth(make it as soupy or stewy as you like)
I use Pam on the bottom of my crockpot. Put chicken breasts in first FROZEN (how easy is this) and then dump. It is that easy. Turn on the crockpot to low and cook 7-8 hours. I have let it cook as long as 12 hours before using a 110V crockpot. Serve on top of tortilla chips with sour cream, guac and/or cheese. Yummo!
Hope you enjoy!
Here it is folks!
1 pkg chicken breasts (3-4 depending on number of people serving)-FROZEN
1 can rotel
1 can corn, drained
1 can pinto, ranch styles, black beans (your choice); drained and rinsed
1 cup salsa
2 Tbsp cumin
1 carton of chicken broth(make it as soupy or stewy as you like)
I use Pam on the bottom of my crockpot. Put chicken breasts in first FROZEN (how easy is this) and then dump. It is that easy. Turn on the crockpot to low and cook 7-8 hours. I have let it cook as long as 12 hours before using a 110V crockpot. Serve on top of tortilla chips with sour cream, guac and/or cheese. Yummo!
Hope you enjoy!
Wednesday, March 3, 2010
Commissary Shopping Week of March 1-8
Well, I did not have a very long list this week but I stumbled upon some great deals that made me pull out my binder and use as many coupons as I could find.
If you use canned veggies, tomatoes or fruit in your cooking, you DO NOT want to miss the sale on Del Monte's canned foods this week. Regularly as low as 60 cents or as high as $1, this week they are between 37 and 54 cents! Half price sale! So use those coupons you printed off or have gotten from ACS or the Yellow Ribbon Room!
Tide was also on a big sale down from $8.47 to $4.99. Use those $1 off coupons to get it for less than $4 and save over 50%!
Watch the cereal, they have started to go on sale again. Cheerios, Cinnamon Toast Crunch, and Kashi Crunchy Lean were in my basket this week. Great coupons out there for cereal so be ready to go with those!
This week, my savings was amazing! My total was $98.59 without coupons or sales. With coupons and sales, I saved 56%! I walked away paying only $43.47. I will tell you that I have enough canned veggies to last awhile!
I know storage can be an issue. Please remember that stocking up now allows you to pay less in the future. My savings didn't happen overnight. Build up those stockpiles so it is no problem when you need to make a dish for FRG or PWOC!
Have a great week saving!
Please check out coupons.com and redplum.com. Many have reset because it is a new month!
If you use canned veggies, tomatoes or fruit in your cooking, you DO NOT want to miss the sale on Del Monte's canned foods this week. Regularly as low as 60 cents or as high as $1, this week they are between 37 and 54 cents! Half price sale! So use those coupons you printed off or have gotten from ACS or the Yellow Ribbon Room!
Tide was also on a big sale down from $8.47 to $4.99. Use those $1 off coupons to get it for less than $4 and save over 50%!
Watch the cereal, they have started to go on sale again. Cheerios, Cinnamon Toast Crunch, and Kashi Crunchy Lean were in my basket this week. Great coupons out there for cereal so be ready to go with those!
This week, my savings was amazing! My total was $98.59 without coupons or sales. With coupons and sales, I saved 56%! I walked away paying only $43.47. I will tell you that I have enough canned veggies to last awhile!
I know storage can be an issue. Please remember that stocking up now allows you to pay less in the future. My savings didn't happen overnight. Build up those stockpiles so it is no problem when you need to make a dish for FRG or PWOC!
Have a great week saving!
Please check out coupons.com and redplum.com. Many have reset because it is a new month!
Menu Plan for Monday, March 1-Monday, March 8
Sorry I have not been posting. Honestly, I didn't know if anyone was actually reading them. My friend, Allyson, told me today that I hadn't posted in a while so here I am. My planning got off some while Ben was away!
M: Beef and Veggie Stir Fry (comes from the Parents January 2010 Issue)
Recipe:
1 lb lean beef strips
1/4 tsp salt
1/8 tsp black pepper
1 1/4 tsp ground ginger, divided
2 Tbsp reduced sodium soy sauce
2 Tbsp water
1 Tbsp rice wine vinegar
2 tsp cornstarch
1 tsp onion powder
1/2 tsp garlic powder
2 cups chopped celery
1 lb. mixed frozen stir fry veggies * I subbed fresh peppers.
2 tsp canola oil
2 cups cooked brown rice
!. Season beef with salt and pepper and 1/4 tsp ginger. Combine soy sauce, water, viengar, cornstart, onion and garlic powders, and remaining ginger in a bowl. Set aside. In another bowl, mix celery and veggies, set aside.
2. Heat wok or skillet on medium high. Add oil and seasoned beef; stir fry until seared, 2-3 min. Remove beef from pan and set aside. Add veggie mixture to pan and stir fry until thawed or about four minutes. Return beef to pan. Stir sauce mixture and add to pan. Cook until sauce is thickened about 2 minutes. Per serving: only 226 calories!
T: Grilled Chicken: I usually marinate in Italian seasoning but have really enjoyed the
**Cook extra for Friday's meal
W: Spaghetti
H: Honey Grilled Tenderloins: See Wednesday
F: Spinach Salad with Chicken: I add mandarin oranges and almonds. I use this balsamic recipe.
S: Herb Chicken Sliders with Raspberry Mustard: Click here for the recipe from Pillsbury
S: Chicken Tortilla Soup
M: Fish Tacos: You may use any fish you wish. I will pan fry some tilipia.
Sauce for on top.
1/2 c sour cream
1/4 c chopped fresh cilantro
2 Tsp fresh lime juice
2 green onions, chopped
Combine and set aside.
Place fish on torilla and serve with sauce.
I will serve with rice and green beans.
Happy Eating In!
M: Beef and Veggie Stir Fry (comes from the Parents January 2010 Issue)
Recipe:
1 lb lean beef strips
1/4 tsp salt
1/8 tsp black pepper
1 1/4 tsp ground ginger, divided
2 Tbsp reduced sodium soy sauce
2 Tbsp water
1 Tbsp rice wine vinegar
2 tsp cornstarch
1 tsp onion powder
1/2 tsp garlic powder
2 cups chopped celery
1 lb. mixed frozen stir fry veggies * I subbed fresh peppers.
2 tsp canola oil
2 cups cooked brown rice
!. Season beef with salt and pepper and 1/4 tsp ginger. Combine soy sauce, water, viengar, cornstart, onion and garlic powders, and remaining ginger in a bowl. Set aside. In another bowl, mix celery and veggies, set aside.
2. Heat wok or skillet on medium high. Add oil and seasoned beef; stir fry until seared, 2-3 min. Remove beef from pan and set aside. Add veggie mixture to pan and stir fry until thawed or about four minutes. Return beef to pan. Stir sauce mixture and add to pan. Cook until sauce is thickened about 2 minutes. Per serving: only 226 calories!
T: Grilled Chicken: I usually marinate in Italian seasoning but have really enjoyed the
**Cook extra for Friday's meal
W: Spaghetti
H: Honey Grilled Tenderloins: See Wednesday
F: Spinach Salad with Chicken: I add mandarin oranges and almonds. I use this balsamic recipe.
S: Herb Chicken Sliders with Raspberry Mustard: Click here for the recipe from Pillsbury
S: Chicken Tortilla Soup
M: Fish Tacos: You may use any fish you wish. I will pan fry some tilipia.
Sauce for on top.
1/2 c sour cream
1/4 c chopped fresh cilantro
2 Tsp fresh lime juice
2 green onions, chopped
Combine and set aside.
Place fish on torilla and serve with sauce.
I will serve with rice and green beans.
Happy Eating In!
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