Sorry this is late this week! This is the first day I have felt more like myself. I had a viral infection that was hanging on for dear life. Due to my menu planning, I was able to put together some quick meals so we didn't eat out!
M: Spaghetti, Frozen Bread, Salad
T: Chicken Stuffed with Goat Cheese and Sundried Tomatoes
I HAVE NOT TRIED THIS RECIPE!!!! I had this at a great hotel in Poland called the The Blue Beetroot. I am just trying to recreate the magic of my meal there.
Recipe:
Use a paring knife to cut the small pocket into the chicken breasts. Serve this dish with orzo or rice to soak up the shallot-thyme sauce.
Yield: 4 servings (serving size: 1 chicken breast half and 2 tablespoons sauce)
Ingredients
1 cup boiling water
1/3 cup sun-dried tomatoes, packed without oil
2 teaspoons olive oil, divided
1/2 cup chopped shallots, divided
1 1/2 teaspoons sugar
3 garlic cloves, minced
2 1/2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar, divided
1/2 cup (2 ounces) crumbled goat cheese
2 tablespoons chopped fresh basil
3/4 teaspoon salt, divided
4 (6-ounce) skinless, boneless chicken breast halves
1/8 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
3/4 cup fat-free, less-sodium chicken broth
1/4 teaspoon dried thyme
2 teaspoons cornstarch
2 teaspoons water
Preparation
Combine boiling water and tomatoes in a bowl; cover and let stand 30 minutes or until soft. Drain and finely chop.
Heat 1 teaspoon oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium heat. Add 1/3 cup shallots, sugar, and garlic; cook 4 minutes or until lightly browned, stirring frequently. Spoon into a bowl; stir in 1 1/2 teaspoons vinegar.
Combine chopped tomatoes, shallot mixture, cheese, basil, and 1/4 teaspoon salt, stirring well.
Cut a horizontal slit through thickest portion of each chicken breast half to form a pocket. Stuff about 2 tablespoons cheese mixture into each pocket. Sprinkle chicken evenly with 1/2 teaspoon salt and black pepper.
Heat 1 teaspoon oil in pan over medium-high heat. Add chicken; cook 6 minutes on each side or until done. Remove chicken from pan; cover and keep warm. Add broth, remaining shallots, 2 tablespoons vinegar, and thyme; bring to a boil. Combine cornstarch and water, stirring with a whisk. Add cornstarch mixture to pan; bring to a boil. Cook 1 minute or until sauce is slightly thick, stirring constantly. Serve sauce over chicken.
W: Spinach Salad
This is an easy meal! I grill my chicken with a Italian dressing marinade (or whatever you please). Slice and serve on a bed of spinach, mandarin oranges, slivered almonds and top with balsamic vinegarette. So yummy!
H: Bacon Wrapped Chicken Bites
Recipe: I halve each bacon strip. Wrap it around small bite sized pieces of chicken. Put in a 350 degree oven for 15-20 minutes. Serve with green beans and fruit salad. So delicious!
F: Hot Ham and Cheese
Made just like a grilled cheese but add ham also!
S: Pork and Zucchini Stir Fry (from the Quick and Easy Weeknight Favorites Southern Living)
4 servings of brown rice (can cook while you make stir fry)
1/4 c cornstarch
1/4 c water
1 lb boneless pork cut into thin strips
3 Tbsp veg oil, divided
3 sm zucchini, sliced (about 3 cups)
1/3 cup Hunan sauce
1 Tbsp sesame seeds, toasted
I personally don't use the cornstarch or the sesame seeds.
Combine cornstarch and water, stirring until smooth. Add pork, tossing well. Heat 2 Tbsp oil in lg skillet over med high heat until hot. Add pork mixture, stir fry 3 minutes or until pork is no longer pink. Remove from skillet. Heat remaining 1 Tbsp oil in skillet. Add zucchini; stir fry 3 minutes or until tender.
Return pork to skillet, add Hunan sauce and sesame seeds. Stir fry until thoroughly heated. Serve with rice.
If you can't find Hunan sauce, substitute hoisin or stir fry sauce.
S: Chicken Parmesan
Recipe:
4-6 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (depending on how many are eating)
1 egg beaten
1 cup Italian style bread crumbs
1/2 c shredded Parmesan cheese (optional)
Red sauce
Whole wheat noodles
Addition Parmesan for topping
Flaten chicken to 1/4 inch thickness. You can do this by placing the chicken between two sheets of plastic wrap and then flatten using a rolling pin or meat mallet. Mix bread crumbs and cheese together. Dip chicken in egg and then coat with bread crumbs. Place in baking dish and bake at 350 for 25-30 minutes or chicken is done. Serve with whole wheat noodles and red sauce. Top with more Parmesan cheese.
I hope you can use at least one of these with your family. I know my boys will not be eating the chicken stuffed with goat cheese but they will have plain chicken. Have a great week! Cook some wonderful meals for your family!
Saturday, January 30, 2010
Wednesday, January 27, 2010
Commissary Shopping Week of Jan 25- Feb 1
This week, I have felt lousy. In fact, I felt so bad yesterday that I didn't go shopping. I am a person who craves consistency so this was a bit hard but I knew I wouldn't feel like messing with the coupons. Today, I had to go because when you cut your grocery bill in half, it left little room for extra stuff to cook.
Well, I did it! Under $50 again! This week I saved 44% with sales and coupons. The commissary just figures what you save with coupons but I think it is important to factor in your sales as well. My total was $85.94 before coupons and $48.94 after. Of course, $3.62 is that surcharge! YUCK!
To let you know what I was buying, I thought I would share so you understand that Ramen noodles are not a staple on this 1/2 budget plan.
I did stock up on some items that were on sale and I love but would NEVER pay full price for! I purchased 4 Lysol wipes, 3 cans of chili for that unexpected chili dog night or fast meal needed, and a box of cereal that was already $1 off plus my 75 cent coupon! I also had to buy coffee, mahi mahi, onion powder, olive oil, minced garlic, pickles, milk (Organic by the way at $4 a half gallon), and shampoo and conditioner. I tell you this to encourage you that you can cut your own budget (by 1/2 perhaps not this early in your coupon experience). I have been couponing seriously for about 2 years now. Make a goal for your family: 10% or $10 for your first 2-3 shopping trips. Experience some success and then raise the bar. I look foward to you sharing your experiences. Leave a comment. I want to celebrate with you!
Next week, I will be back to regular budget in order to build my stock back up. In the next 3-4 months, I will be 1/2 my budget again!
Well, I did it! Under $50 again! This week I saved 44% with sales and coupons. The commissary just figures what you save with coupons but I think it is important to factor in your sales as well. My total was $85.94 before coupons and $48.94 after. Of course, $3.62 is that surcharge! YUCK!
To let you know what I was buying, I thought I would share so you understand that Ramen noodles are not a staple on this 1/2 budget plan.
I did stock up on some items that were on sale and I love but would NEVER pay full price for! I purchased 4 Lysol wipes, 3 cans of chili for that unexpected chili dog night or fast meal needed, and a box of cereal that was already $1 off plus my 75 cent coupon! I also had to buy coffee, mahi mahi, onion powder, olive oil, minced garlic, pickles, milk (Organic by the way at $4 a half gallon), and shampoo and conditioner. I tell you this to encourage you that you can cut your own budget (by 1/2 perhaps not this early in your coupon experience). I have been couponing seriously for about 2 years now. Make a goal for your family: 10% or $10 for your first 2-3 shopping trips. Experience some success and then raise the bar. I look foward to you sharing your experiences. Leave a comment. I want to celebrate with you!
Next week, I will be back to regular budget in order to build my stock back up. In the next 3-4 months, I will be 1/2 my budget again!
Tuesday, January 26, 2010
Commissary Coupon Policy
Well, I have had some questions about the acceptance (or lack thereof) of some of my coupons but now I have an answer for you all. One of my favorite websites, Hip2Save, just did a video shopping experience for all her readers at the commissary. I commented about the commissary not accepting my coupons that exceed the value of the item and she sent me the manual for training the cashiers. Here is the link that I would cut and paste to find it for yourself http://www.hip2serve.com/2009/10/does-commissary-provide-overage.html. It is on pages 45-48. On page 48 it states, 'Valid coupons will be entered at the value stated on the coupon. If the value of the coupon exceeds the cost of the product, the customer will be given the full value of the coupon.'
I am now armed with a printed copy of the coupon policy and will use it when necessary. My advice--print one out too and carry it with you. Let's be informed shoppers saving money rather than scared shoppers reluctantly using our coupons!
I am now armed with a printed copy of the coupon policy and will use it when necessary. My advice--print one out too and carry it with you. Let's be informed shoppers saving money rather than scared shoppers reluctantly using our coupons!
Monday, January 25, 2010
Coupon Class
Due to the snowy weather conditions and rough roads, the class was not as big as I expected. However, I did have a few ladies come and they all took away a freebie and some useful information. My plan is to try again in February. I am thinking the first part of the month will work best.
Have a great week and happy coupon shopping!
Have a great week and happy coupon shopping!
Saturday, January 23, 2010
Coupons at the PX
For all my military friends out there, I confirmed what my friend, Kim Messer, told me a few weeks ago. Overseas PXs will accept coupons SIX months past the expiration date. They DON'T take internet or printable coupons though. I give full credit to Kim for setting me straight!
We learn something new everyday. Today that saved me $2! Yippee!
We learn something new everyday. Today that saved me $2! Yippee!
Friday, January 22, 2010
Pizza Crust Recipe
Tonight, we had Make Your Own Pizza. I wanted to try out a new recipe for pizza dough before I shared. It was SO yummy and much healthier than buying one from the store so I had to share!
Whole Wheat Pizza Dough
1 pkg dry yeast
1 c water (very warm)
1 Tbsp honey
2 1/2-3 cups whole wheat flour
Sprinkle yeast into the water. Add honey and stir. Leave for 10 minutes without touching. Add flour and work to form dough. I used 2 1/2 cups and it was enough. Knead and place in a lightly oiled bowl. Cover and let rise for 45 minutes. Punch down. This made four individual pizzas to feed my whole family. I will tell you this is so SIMPLE. I normally don't make my own crust but will be from now on!
Enjoy!
Whole Wheat Pizza Dough
1 pkg dry yeast
1 c water (very warm)
1 Tbsp honey
2 1/2-3 cups whole wheat flour
Sprinkle yeast into the water. Add honey and stir. Leave for 10 minutes without touching. Add flour and work to form dough. I used 2 1/2 cups and it was enough. Knead and place in a lightly oiled bowl. Cover and let rise for 45 minutes. Punch down. This made four individual pizzas to feed my whole family. I will tell you this is so SIMPLE. I normally don't make my own crust but will be from now on!
Enjoy!
Menu for Jan. 25-31st
Hope you liked some of the new recipes I posted last week. There are a few more new ones this week as well!
M: Easy Chicken Fried Rice
Recipe: 1 pkg chicken tenders
3 Tbsp veg oil, divided
2 lg eggs, lightly beaten
1 lg sliced onion-finely chopped
1 10 oz pkg frozen veg, thawed
5 cups cooked brown rice (3 bags)
1/4 c teriyaki sauce
1/4 c soy sauce
Cut chicken in small pieces. Brown in 1 Tbsp of oil until brown.
Heat 1 Tbsp oil over med-high heat; add eggs and gently stir one minute or until soft scrambled. Removed eggs and set aside.
Heat remaining oil. Add chicken and vegs and fry 2 minutes. Add rice and remaining ingredients. Stir fry 5 min. Add in eggs.
T: Blackened Mahi-Mahi
This seasoning recipe comes from About.com. I make my own since I can control the amount of salt and other spices according to our likes and dislikes. You can buy this at the store if you choose. Ben will only eat fish that is grilled or pan fried. NO baked fish for him!
Recipe for Blackened Seasoning
•1 heaping tablespoon paprika
•2 teaspoons salt
•1 heaping teaspoon garlic powder
•1 heaping teaspoon onion powder
•1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon ground cayenne pepper
•2 teaspoons black pepper
•1/2 teaspoon leaf thyme
•1/2 teaspoon leaf oregano
Here is the recipe for the fish. This is from cooks.com.
Enjoy!
1 1/2 lb. firm-fleshed fish fillets (We use Mahi-Mahi).*carried at comm.
1/4 c. flour
3 tbsp. butter
3 tbsp. cooking oil
1 tbsp. blackened fish seasoning or Creole seasoning
Dust the fillets with flour. Heat the butter and oil in a large, heavy frying pan over medium-high heat. Add the flour-covered fillets and cook 3 minutes on one side, turn, and sprinkle seasonings evenly over the browned side. Cook another 3 minutes and turn, sprinkling this side with seasonings. Turn the heat to high and sear each side for about 2 minutes. Serve immediately.
We also have done this in our cast iron skillet on the grill. Yummo!
W: Loaded BBQ Baked Potatoes
I will be using some of the BBQ from last Saturday. I will freeze what remains uneaten for this meal!
H: Honey Mustard and Bacon Smothered Chicken
Recipe: 4 6 oz. skinned and boned chicken breasts
1/4 tsp salt
1/4 tsp pepper
1 Tbsp butter
1 Tbsp veg oil
1/4 c honey mustard dressing
8 fully cooked bacon slices (I just cook while chicken is cooking.)
1/4 cup (1 oz) shredded Mexican 4 cheese blend
1. Sprinkle chicken with salt and pepper
2. Melt butter with oil in large skillet over med-high heat; add chicken and cook 8 minutes on each side or until done. Reduce heat to med-low; brush chicken with honey mustard.
3. Top each chicken breast with 2 slices of bacon and sprinkle with cheese. Cover and cook 2 minutes or cheese is melted.
ONLY 372 Calories! Serve with green beans and apple wedges
F: Easy Chicken Cordon Bleu-NEW one for MY family!
Recipe: 1 5.5 oz box season croutons, finely crushed
1/3 cup grated Parmesan cheese
2 egg whites
2 Tbsp water
1/2 tsp salt
1/4 tsp pepper
6 6 oz skinned and boned chicken breasts
6 1 oz cooked ham slices
6 1 oz swiss cheese slices
Optional: Honey Mustard Dressing
Preheat oven to 400. Combine crouton crumbs and Parmesan in lg. baggie; seal and shake well. Whisk egg whites and 2 Tbsp water in shallow bowl. Sprinkle salt and pepper on chicken. Dip 1 chicken breast in egg and then place in baggie. Seal and shake to coat. Place chicken on lightly greased rack in a broiler pan. Repeat for remaining chicken.
Bake 20 minutes. Top each chicken breast with 1 slice ham and cheese. Bake 5 more minutes. Serve with honey mustard.
Can be served with wheat noodles or a salad with strawberries and vinegarette.
Cal: 469 Serves 6
S: Chili Dogs
*Funny story about this. Easton is a picky eater, and therefore, never eats in the cafeteria. We have been eating so healthy that the other day he was actually craving a hot dog on the school lunch tray. I figured we should add these to our menu since the boy wanted one so bad!
S: I am taking a BREAK! I have cooked almost every night for a month. Momma wants a break. Leftovers, cereal, etc!
M: Easy Chicken Fried Rice
Recipe: 1 pkg chicken tenders
3 Tbsp veg oil, divided
2 lg eggs, lightly beaten
1 lg sliced onion-finely chopped
1 10 oz pkg frozen veg, thawed
5 cups cooked brown rice (3 bags)
1/4 c teriyaki sauce
1/4 c soy sauce
Cut chicken in small pieces. Brown in 1 Tbsp of oil until brown.
Heat 1 Tbsp oil over med-high heat; add eggs and gently stir one minute or until soft scrambled. Removed eggs and set aside.
Heat remaining oil. Add chicken and vegs and fry 2 minutes. Add rice and remaining ingredients. Stir fry 5 min. Add in eggs.
T: Blackened Mahi-Mahi
This seasoning recipe comes from About.com. I make my own since I can control the amount of salt and other spices according to our likes and dislikes. You can buy this at the store if you choose. Ben will only eat fish that is grilled or pan fried. NO baked fish for him!
Recipe for Blackened Seasoning
•1 heaping tablespoon paprika
•2 teaspoons salt
•1 heaping teaspoon garlic powder
•1 heaping teaspoon onion powder
•1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon ground cayenne pepper
•2 teaspoons black pepper
•1/2 teaspoon leaf thyme
•1/2 teaspoon leaf oregano
Here is the recipe for the fish. This is from cooks.com.
Enjoy!
1 1/2 lb. firm-fleshed fish fillets (We use Mahi-Mahi).*carried at comm.
1/4 c. flour
3 tbsp. butter
3 tbsp. cooking oil
1 tbsp. blackened fish seasoning or Creole seasoning
Dust the fillets with flour. Heat the butter and oil in a large, heavy frying pan over medium-high heat. Add the flour-covered fillets and cook 3 minutes on one side, turn, and sprinkle seasonings evenly over the browned side. Cook another 3 minutes and turn, sprinkling this side with seasonings. Turn the heat to high and sear each side for about 2 minutes. Serve immediately.
We also have done this in our cast iron skillet on the grill. Yummo!
W: Loaded BBQ Baked Potatoes
I will be using some of the BBQ from last Saturday. I will freeze what remains uneaten for this meal!
H: Honey Mustard and Bacon Smothered Chicken
Recipe: 4 6 oz. skinned and boned chicken breasts
1/4 tsp salt
1/4 tsp pepper
1 Tbsp butter
1 Tbsp veg oil
1/4 c honey mustard dressing
8 fully cooked bacon slices (I just cook while chicken is cooking.)
1/4 cup (1 oz) shredded Mexican 4 cheese blend
1. Sprinkle chicken with salt and pepper
2. Melt butter with oil in large skillet over med-high heat; add chicken and cook 8 minutes on each side or until done. Reduce heat to med-low; brush chicken with honey mustard.
3. Top each chicken breast with 2 slices of bacon and sprinkle with cheese. Cover and cook 2 minutes or cheese is melted.
ONLY 372 Calories! Serve with green beans and apple wedges
F: Easy Chicken Cordon Bleu-NEW one for MY family!
Recipe: 1 5.5 oz box season croutons, finely crushed
1/3 cup grated Parmesan cheese
2 egg whites
2 Tbsp water
1/2 tsp salt
1/4 tsp pepper
6 6 oz skinned and boned chicken breasts
6 1 oz cooked ham slices
6 1 oz swiss cheese slices
Optional: Honey Mustard Dressing
Preheat oven to 400. Combine crouton crumbs and Parmesan in lg. baggie; seal and shake well. Whisk egg whites and 2 Tbsp water in shallow bowl. Sprinkle salt and pepper on chicken. Dip 1 chicken breast in egg and then place in baggie. Seal and shake to coat. Place chicken on lightly greased rack in a broiler pan. Repeat for remaining chicken.
Bake 20 minutes. Top each chicken breast with 1 slice ham and cheese. Bake 5 more minutes. Serve with honey mustard.
Can be served with wheat noodles or a salad with strawberries and vinegarette.
Cal: 469 Serves 6
S: Chili Dogs
*Funny story about this. Easton is a picky eater, and therefore, never eats in the cafeteria. We have been eating so healthy that the other day he was actually craving a hot dog on the school lunch tray. I figured we should add these to our menu since the boy wanted one so bad!
S: I am taking a BREAK! I have cooked almost every night for a month. Momma wants a break. Leftovers, cereal, etc!
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