ThriftyFun Recipes - February 3, 2009

Thank you Meg, Holly, Starchild, Robin, Raymonde, Roseoma3, Betty an Kathleen for today's tips and recipes!

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Recipe Requests:

• Tomato Jam Recipe
• Recipes for a Mini Crockpot
• Food Container Ideas

Today's Food Tips:

• Personal Pita Pizzas
• Link: Quick Asparagus Lasagna
• Brew Twice and Save

Today's Contest Recipes:

• Chocolate Fudge
• Old-Fashioned Tomato Soup
• Rivera Egg Pie
• Chocolate Fruit Balls
• Asian Vegetable Beef Soup

Robins's Recipe Corner:

• South of the Border Stack Up
• Casserole Dish
• Creamed Hamburger with Mushrooms
• Mocha Toffee Pie
• Crisp Sugar Cookies
• Party Dessert

Crafting for Fun and Money!

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Tomato Jam Recipe

I would like a recipe for Tomato Jam that doesn't have ginger in it please. It tastes a lot like Raspberry Jam. Many thanks.

Averil from New Zealand

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Recipes for a Mini Crockpot

I purchased a mini crock pot at the local Goodwill Store, I couldn't resist, its so cute. However I can not figure out anything to make in it. I am assuming small appetizers and dips. Does anyone have any recipes they can share with me. Thanks!

monnat96 from Pingree Grove, IL

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Food Container Ideas

What can I use for food containers without buying ones?

Joanne

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Personal Pita Pizzas

A great way to save money on ordering pizzas! We make pita pizzas, either whole wheat or white pitas work great (mini or regular), either tomato sauce and/or pizza sauce works fine, whatever cheese you like and, of course, any toppings. It works great for a quick lunch of a personal pizza.

By Meg from Westboylston, MA

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Link: Quick Asparagus Lasagna

Sara Moulton's cooking show had an interesting recipe for asparagus lasagna with won ton squares that was a no boil, just bake, type of recipe. Although I have not prepared it, this seems like something that would work nicely when in a rush to get dinner on the table and could easily be adapted to additional variations. if your family doesn't like asparagus, how about using mixed squash or a dab of leftover (but still sprightly) veggies?

The recipe located in middle of the page.

• Quick Asparagus Lasagna

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Brew Twice and Save

Money is tight, and we love our morning coffee. I found a way to save 50%. I find the brand name on sale, and buy the darkest roast (look for scale on tin). Brew a full batch of coffee, pour into pitcher. Then fill reservoir with water again. Using the same grounds, brew again. When finished, pour in with first batch. Mix. Now you have 20 cups of coffee for the cost of 10. Remember: dark roast and regular strength cost the same! I strongly suggest using brand name (there is a difference in this case), and you can also use coupons! Live Thrifty!

By Starchild from Swanton, VT

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Chocolate Fudge

My husband loves it so I will surprise him with a batch for Valentine's Day.

Ingredients

• 2 cups sugar
• 1 small can (5 fl oz) Carnation Evaporated Milk
• 12 Kraft Marshmallows
• 1 stick butter
• dash salt
• 6 ounces semi sweet chocolate morsels
• 1 cup chopped nuts (optional)
• 1 tsp. vanilla

Directions

Mix sugar, milk, marshmallows, butter and salt in a heavy saucepan. Cook and stir over medium heat until it comes to a full boil. Set your timer for 5 minutes. Boil and stir the mixture for 5 minutes. Remove from heat. Add chocolate morsels and stir until they are melted. Add nuts and vanilla. Pour into a buttered 2 quart pyrex dish. Cool and cut into squares.

Source: I've had this recipe since 1960.

By Betty from NC

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Old-Fashioned Tomato Soup

Ingredients

• 1 pint home-canned tomatoes (or can of STEWED tomatoes from the grocers)
• 1/4 teaspoon of baking soda
• 3-4 cups milk (approximately)
• 1 Tbsp. butter
• salt and pepper

Directions

Pour in large saucepan, bring to a boil - quickly stir in baking soda - It will bubble and foam. Stir in milk, salt and pepper, and the butter. Cook over low heat till butter melts.

This is a thin soup floating with tomato chunks and crackers and butter. This (plus homemade potato soup) is what our family of 9 were raised on!

Source: it was handed down in my family. My dad showed mother how to make it when they were married.

By Roseoma3 from Liberal, MO

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Rivera Egg Pie

Ingredients

• 3 Tbsp. oil
• 1 large onion, diced (about 2 1/2 cups)
• 2 (9-inch) refrigerated, unbaked pie crusts (a 15-ounce package)
• 3/4 pound smoked ham, diced
• 1 (10-ounce) package frozen chopped spinach, thawed and drained
• 1 1/2 cups freshly grated Parmesan
• 1 cup ricotta cheese
• 4 eggs, plus 1 yolk, slightly beaten
• 1/4 tsp. kosher salt
• 1/4 tsp. freshly cracked pepper
• 1 egg white, lightly beaten

Directions

Preheat oven to 425 degrees F.

Heat oil in large skillet over medium-high heat. Add onion and saute until translucent and just golden, about 8 minutes. Remove from heat, transfer to a large bowl and allow to cool while preparing crust.

Remove 1 of the prepared pie crusts from the refrigerator, and place in an ungreased, 9-inch pie plate. Shape the crust to fit the form of the pan with a 1/2-inch overlap around the edge.

To the onion mixture, add the ham, spinach, cheeses, 4 eggs plus 1 yolk, salt, and pepper, and mix well. Spread mixture into prepared crust. Cover with remaining pie crust; crimp edges and score to vent. Brush with egg white and bake until golden brown, about 40 to 45 minutes. Let stand at least 15 minutes and serve warm or at room temperature.

Makes 8 servings.

By Kathleen from Dothan, AL

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Chocolate Fruit Balls

Ingredients

• 1 lb coconut
• 2 1/2 cups vanilla wafers crumbs (about 65 wafers)
• 1 (14 ounce) can Eagle Brand Sweetened Condensed Milk
• 1 (8 ounce) package chopped dates
• 1 cup finely chopped nuts (walnuts or peanuts)
• 1/2 cup chopped candied cherries
• 2 Tbsp. unsweetened cocoa confectioner's sugar or unsweetened cocoa
• Additional candied cherries (optional)

Directions

In a large bowl, combine all ingredients except unsweetened cocoa confectioner's sugar and additional candied cherries, and mix well. Chill 1 hour.

Shape into 1-inch balls. Roll in confectioner's sugar. Store tightly covered in refrigerator. Garnish with additional candied cherries if desired.

Source: Eagle Brand recipe

By Raymonde from North Bay, Ontario

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Asian Vegetable Beef Soup

Ingredients

• 1 pound beef stew meat, cut into 1-inch cubes
• 1 tbsp. canola oil
• 2 cups water
• 1 cup beef broth
• 1/4 cup sherry or additonal beef broth
• 1/4 cup reduced sodium soy sauce
• 6 green onions, chopped
• 3 tbsp. brown sugar
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 tbsp. minced fresh ginger root
• 2 tsp. sesame oil
• 1/4 tsp. cayenne pepper
• 1 1/2 cups sliced fresh mushrooms
• 1 1/2 cups julian carrots
• 1 cup sliced bok choy
• 1 1/2 cups uncooked long grain rice
• Chive blossoms, optional

Directions

In a large saucepan, brown the meat in oil on all sides, and drain. Add the water, broth, sherry, soy sauce, onions, brown sugar, garlic, ginger, sesame oil, and cayenne pepper. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat, cover and simmer for 1 hour.

Stir in mushrooms, carrots, and bok choy. Cover and simmer 20-30 minutes or until the vegetables are tender. Meanwhile, cook rice according to package directions.

Divide rice among six soup bowls, 3/4 cup in each, top each bowl with 1 cup of soup. Garnish with chive blossoms if desired.

Source: A friend Jean

By Raymonde from North Bay, Ontario

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South of the Border Stack Up

Ingredients

• 1 lb. ground beef
• small onion
• 1 package chili seasoning mix
• 2 cans tomato sauce (8 oz. size)
• 10 tortillas
• 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
• 1 can chili beans

Directions

Brown meat, add chopped onion and cook until tender. Stir in seasoning mix, tomato sauce and chili beans. Simmer 10 minutes. Layer meat sauce, tortillas and shredded cheese into two stacks using 5 tortillas in each. Place stack in a 9x13 inch pan. Cover well and bake 20 minutes at 350 degrees F.

By Robin from Washington, IA

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Casserole Dish

Ingredients

• 8 oz. noodles, cooked and drained
• 1/2 cup chopped onion
• 1 can cream of chicken soup
• 1 can corned beef, cut up
• 1/2 cup shredded cheese
• 1 cup milk

Directions

To cooked noodles, add onion, cream of chicken soup and corned beef. Mix well and add cheese and milk. Put into baking dish. May sprinkle crumbled potato chips over top, if desired. Bake 20 minutes at 350 degrees F.

By Robin from Washington, IA

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Creamed Hamburger with Mushrooms

Ingredients

• 3/4 lb. ground beef
• 1 can mushroom stems and pieces, drained (reserve liquid)
• 1 Tbsp. instant minced onion, softened in 1 Tbsp. hot water
• 1 Tbsp. flour
• 1 cup milk
• 1/2 tsp. salt
• 1/8 tsp. hot pepper sauce
• fresh ground pepper, to taste
• English muffins, split and toasted
• grated Parmesan cheese (opt.)

Directions

Cook and stir until slightly thickened. Serve on English muffins. Sprinkle lightly with Parmesan and parsley.

Serves 4.

By Robin from Washington, IA

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Mocha Toffee Pie

Ingredients

Crust:

• 3/4 cup flour
• 1/4 tsp. salt
• 1/4 cup shortening
• 3/4 cup finely chopped walnuts
• 1 square unsweetened chocolate, grated
• 1/4 cup firmly packed brown sugar
• 1 Tbsp. water
• 1 tsp. vanilla

• 1/2 cup butter, softened
• 3/4 cup sugar
• 2 tsp. instant coffee powder
• 1 square unsweetened chocolate, melted and cooled
• 2 eggs

• 2 cups heavy cream
• 1/2 cup confectioner's sugar
• 2 Tbsp. instant coffee powder
• chocolate curls

Directions

Preheat oven to 375 degrees F. Combine flour and salt in large bowl. Cut in shortening with pastry blender until mixture forms particles slightly larger than grains of rice. Stir in walnuts, brown sugar and chocolate. Add water and vanilla. Toss with fork. Press into 9 inch pie pan to form crust. Bake at 375 degrees F for 15 minutes. Cool.

Beat butter in mixer bowl until creamy. Gradually add sugar and beat until mixture is light and fluffy. Blend in chocolate and instant coffee. Add eggs, 1 at a time, beating for 2 or 3 minutes after each addition. Turn into cooled pie shell. Chill.

Combine cream, sugar and instant coffee in small mixer bowl. Chill for 1 hour. Beat until stiff. Spread on chilled pie.

By Robin from Washington, IA

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Crisp Sugar Cookies

Ingredients

• 1 1/2 cups sugar
• 1 cup margarine or butter
• 2 eggs, unbeaten
• 3 Tbsp. sour cream
• 1 tsp. vanilla
• 1/2 tsp. lemon extract
• 3 cup sifted flour
• 1/2 tsp. soda
• 1/2 tsp. salt

Directions

Add sugar to shortening and make fluffy. Beat in eggs, one at a time. Add cream and flavoring. Stir in flour sifted with soda and salt. Mix well. Makes a nice drop or rolled cookie. Bake on ungreased sheet at 400 degrees F for 6-9 minutes. Better to grease cookie sheet lightly.

By Robin from Washington, IA

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Party Dessert

Ingredients

• 1 Cool Whip (13 oz.)
• 1 cherry pie filling (2 0oz.)
• 1 crushed pineapple, drained (20 oz.)
• 1 can Eagle Brand milk
• 1/2 cup chopped nuts

Directions

Mix well. Can be frozen. I do not care for nuts, so I leave the nuts out of this and it is still very yummy!

By Robin from Washington, IA

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