ThriftyFun Recipes - October 1, 2008

Thank you Robin, Carol, Rachel, Amber, Sandra, Mary, July and Deeli for today's tips and recipes!

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Recipe Requests:

• Corn Syrup Vs. Honey
• Ordering Bulk Dried Goods
• Recipes Using Lemon Curd
• Recipe For Rich Chocolate Brownies
• Making Banana Pancakes

Today's Food Tips:

• Have a Snack Basket
• Cookie Swap Party
• Reuse Healthy Choice Steamer Baskets

Today's Contest Recipes:

• Homemade Vanilla Wafers
• Paw-Paw's Dressing
• Cappuccino Bon Bons
• Quick and Easy Chicken Quesadillas
• Blueberry Surprise French Toast

Robins's Recipe Corner:

• Venison Barbecue (Crockpot)
• Raspberry-Rhubarb Souffle'
• Frozen Strawberry Preserves
• Perfect Chocolate Cake
• Hamburger Soup
• Bread and Butter Pickles

Crafting for Fun and Money!

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Corn Syrup Vs. Honey

I make a granola bar that's supposed to coat dry ingredients with a chewy, sticky sauce that's made with brown sugar, honey, and butter. We really don't like the honey flavor and it gets too sweet for our tastes. Can corn syrup be added to brown sugar and butter, and does this make it softer or harder?

I would think that corn syrup is not as sweet as honey, and would extend the volume, and hopefully would not make it too hard. Or should I add some water? Also, lately I've had a hard time melting the brown sugar in the butter. It just seems to stay granulated. Got any ideas?

wondernana from Clovis, CA

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Ordering Bulk Dried Goods

Our family would like to purchase 20 pound (or larger) bags of rice, oatmeal, different flours and other dried products. Is there a website that anyone would suggest for large amounts with low costs? We live a distance from any food co-ops etc. Thanks

MomtoAll from In Bliss

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Recipes Using Lemon Curd

I used half of a 10.5 oz jar of lemon curd in a recipe and now I'm looking for a recipe to use the other half of the jar.

Maryeileen from Brooklyn, OH

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Recipe For Rich Chocolate Brownies

I can't find my recipe for the really rich brownies. It was a mix that had chocolate chips and nuts in it. It was really soft and chewy. It had 3 different kinds of chocolate in it. The brownie mix being one, the chocolate chips being 2 and I can't remember the rest.

Kathleen from Springfield, MO

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Making Banana Pancakes

Do you have a good recipe for banana pancakes or do you just add some mashed bananas to the regular recipe? Thanks.

Dorothy

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Have a Snack Basket

I keep one of those little plastic baskets used for organizing in a cupboard that my kids can reach. This basket is filled with snacks that I feel they can eat without me knowing or are healthy alternatives to treats. We call it our snack basket. It is also a good tool to use with our toddler who likes to snack all day. We can put only a few snacks into the basket and when they are gone, then no more snacks!

Source: This is from many different sources, but "Super Nanny" had the idea for limiting snacks with a snack jar.

By Rachel from Indianapolis, IN

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Cookie Swap Party

I LOVE cookies so when I saw a book by Gooseberry Patch on Cookie Swaps I was in HEAVEN! There are MANY ways you can do your party. I set the date and just asked all my guest to bring a BIG batch of there favorite cookies (try to see what kind they are making so you don't end up with all one kind). When the guest arrived, we placed them on a table and everyone was able to get what ever they wanted. I also made a few other finger foods that were not sweet so we didn't all have a sugar overload, lol.

At the end of the night I gave everyone a bag to place whatever cookies that were left over in. We played a few games that were fun such as I broke the girls up into pairs they had one minute to write down all the words they could think of that started with a certain letter that the host chose (such as the letter D) then after 1 min they have to make up a story using all the word they came up with! I also had the guest bring a cheap1-5 dollar wrapped present and played a gift exchange game which with the right crowd can be dangerous (lol) and REALLY fun! We had lots of fun!

This year I am already planning I found some cute jars at a thrift store and I am going to fill it up with candy so they can guess how many there are (closest guess gets the jar) and I'm going to ask that all guest wear the UGLIEST sweater they can possibly find (I can't wait for this) I will give a gift to the one with the ugliest sweater also, and of course a prize will go to the best cookie. That reminds me tell your guest to bring the recipe with them cause if it is a good cookie you know that someone will want it!

Also while I was at the thrift store I noticed they had a huge pile of Christmas tins that were 25-50 cents they would be PERFECT for guest to take home there cookies in just make sure to clean them all out!

My party was a ladies only it is so nice to kick the men and kids out and have a night for the ladies!

Please feel free to tell me how you do your cookie swap parties I would LOVE to know and if you have anymore fun game ideas!

Also it probably wouldn't hurt to have a gallon of milk nearby!

By Amber from Pomona, MO

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Reuse Healthy Choice Steamer Baskets

I recently bought one of those Healthy Choice Steamers, and because I recycle, cleaned the steamer basket and the bowl it was in. Almost immediately my brain went into overdrive.

I hate using and cleaning a large colander for just one can of olives or corn, etc. So, why not keep one of these in your house. I poured in a can of olives and lifted the basket, to find it worked perfectly!

All the juice went to the bottom (some will stay with the food till you pick it up), and I had a nice little "colander" that rinses clean in a jiffy!

You could also use it for your hook style earrings by hanging it bottom side out on your bathroom wall or unfold a small paperclip to hang necklaces from.

Any other crafty people out there who can think of cool things to use this basket for are welcome to chime in!

By Sandra from Salem OR

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Homemade Vanilla Wafers

This about the humble little Vanilla Wafer. Did you know that the Vanilla Wafer is made out of just cake mix with less water, about 1 1/3 cup less than the cake mix calls for. Just use any cake mix, the oil, eggs and 2 Tbsp. milk or water. Put in a baggie or decorating bag with tip cut off, make silver dollar size or smaller dots of cake mix on parchment paper and bake 350 degrees F for about 15 minutes or less, check after 10 minutes to make sure they are not burnt.

Source: I found this out when I made a dessert out of vanilla wafers; taking 1 vanilla wafer, a dollop of crushed pineapple, repeat 2 more times, then cover with cool whip or whipping cream. After a while the vanilla wafer turned to a wonderful soft cake, so I tried this recipe with chocolate cake mix, or any cake mix you prefer to use, or just as a snack. The result was great. Enjoy

By Mary from Atascadero, CA

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Paw-Paw's Dressing

This is my FIL's WONDERFUL Thanksgiving and Christmas dressing recipe. He "shared" the recipe with me when I became a part of the family. Trust me, it is AWESOME and you will want to make an extra batch of it because it will go fast. All of the grandkids fight over the last piece. Yum Yum.

Ingredients

• 2 bags of Pepperidge Farm Herb Stuffing
• 16 oz. onion
• 16 oz. celery
• 4-5 jalapenos
• 1/2 stick butter

Directions

Chop and cook the above 4 items until tender (the day before).

Put all ingredients in a large bowl and mix together. Add chicken broth or turkey drippings to desired consistency. Sprinkle with Sage to taste. Layer in pan 3/4 inch thick. Bake at 350 degrees F until it looks yummy on top. Cut in squares and enjoy beyond belief.

By Julie from Liberty, NC

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Cappuccino Bon Bons

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Mix one box (standard, not jiffy size) brownie mix with 2 eggs, 1/3 cup water, 1/3 cup oil, 1 tsp. coffee crystals, 1 tsp. cinnamon and 1 4 oz. tub of whipped topping.

Using 40 2 inch foils, set on sheet and fill each with 1 tsp. of the mix. Bake 12-15 minutes. Garnish with cinnamon.

Source: Going through my box. Can't remember but most likely a Family Circle or Woman's Day. I haven't missed one of those in 25 years!

By Sandra from Salem, OR

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Quick and Easy Chicken Quesadillas

Ingredients

• 1 3oz can diced chicken breasts, drained
• 1/4 cup medium or hot salsa
• 4ea 8 inch flour tortillas
• 1 cup Colby, Monterey Jack or Cheddar cheese, finely shredded (mix & match is fun ;-)
• Cooking spray
• Sour cream and extra salsa for serving

Directions

Mix chicken and salsa in a small bowl. Layer two of the tortillas with 1/2 of the chicken mixture and 1/2 of the cheese. Top each with the remaining two tortillas.

Lightly spray the top of each quesadilla with cooking spray and lightly spray the skillet and lightly spray the skillet again for the subsequent quesadilla.

Cook each quesadilla uncovered over medium heat for 2 to 3 minutes on each side until golden brown.

Cut quesadillas into wedges and serve with sour cream and salsa.

By Deeli from Richland, WA

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Blueberry Surprise French Toast

Here is an amazingly delicious breakfast dish that is so easy, you won't believe it. It is also a great breakfast on a holiday morning, it is that special!

Ingredients

• 12 slices bread cubed (8 cups)
• 2 (8 oz) cream cheese, cubed
• 1 1/2 cups blueberries, fresh or frozen
• 2 cups milk
• 1/2 cup pancake syrup

Directions

Place 4 cups bread in a greased 13x9 inch pan. Layer on cream cheese, blueberries and remaining bread. Beat eggs, milk and syrup. Pour over all. Cover with foil and refrigerate 2 to 24 hours. Bake covered at 375 degrees F for 25 minutes. Uncover and bake 25 minutes more. Let stand before serving. Serve syrup on the side, if you wish. Enjoy!

By Carol from Landisville, PA

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Venison Barbecue (Crockpot)

Ingredients

• venison or beef chops or round steak
• barbecue Shake 'N Bake for pork

Directions

Spray insides of crock pot with non-stick spray. Trim meat carefully and cut into serving size pieces. Alternate layers of meat with sprinkled layers of Shake 'N Bake, ending with Shake 'N Bake. Cook at least 12 hours on low setting.

By Robin from Washington, IA

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Raspberry-Rhubarb Souffle'

Ingredients

• 3 cups fresh rhubarb, finely diced
• 1/2 cup sugar
• 1 package frozen raspberries, thawed (10oz.)
• 1 envelope unflavored gelatin
• 1 tsp. lemon juice
• 6 egg whites
• 1/4 cup sugar
• 1 cup heavy cream

Directions

Prepare 1 1/2 quart souffle' dish by adding a collar of either foil or waxed paper tired around the outside of dish extending over lip approximately 3 inches. Sprinkle rhubarb with sugar. Let stand for 1 hour. Meanwhile, blend raspberries in blender to soften. Simmer rhubarb in saucepan until barely tender. Drain, reserving enough liquid to make 3/4 cup. Add hot liquid to raspberries. Stir until gelatin in dissolved. Add rhubarb, lemon juice and salt. Chill until mixture is consistency of unbeaten egg whites. Beat egg whites until foamy. Add 1/4 cup sugar, gradually beating until stiff glossy peaks form. Fold in thickened raspberry mixture. Beat cream until very soft peaks form. Fold in raspberry mixture. Pour in souffle' dish and refrigerate until firm, at least 4 hours. Serves 8-10.

By Robin from Washington, IA

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Frozen Strawberry Preserves

Ingredients

• 4 cups strawberries
• 4 cups sugar
• 1/2 cup water

Directions

Wash berries before stemming. Combine 2 cups sugar and 1/2 cup water; let boil until it spins a thread. Add 2 cups berries; boil up good. Then add 2 cups sugar; bring to boil. Add 2 cups berries. Let boil good for 10 minutes. Pour into crock and let stand overnight. Stir often and seal cold. Freeze.

By Robin from Washington, IA

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Perfect Chocolate Cake

Ingredients

• 1 cup unsweetened cocoa
• 2 cups boiling water
• 2 3/4 cups sifted flour
• 2 Tbsp. baking soda
• 1/2 tsp. salt
• 1/2 tsp. baking powder
• 1 cup unsalted butter
• 2 1/2 cups sugar
• 4 eggs
• 1 1/2 tsp. vanilla

• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1/4 cup powdered sugar
• 1 tsp. vanilla

• 1 package semi-sweet chocolate chips (6 oz.)
• 1/2 cup light cream
• 1 cup butter
• 2 1/2 cups powdered sugar

Directions

Combine cocoa and boiling water; beat with wire whisk until smooth. Cool. Sift flour, soda, salt and baking powder. Cream together butter, sugar, eggs and vanilla until light. At low speed, alternate beating flour mix with cocoa mix. Do not over beat. Divide evenly into 3 greased and floured pans. Bake at 350 degrees F for 25-30 minutes or until surface springs back. Cool in pans 10 minutes. Remove and cool on racks.

For Filling: Whip and refrigerate, then spread between layers.

For Frosting: Combine chocolate chips, cream and butter. Stir over medium heat until smooth. Remove from heat and stir in sugar. In bowl set over ice, beat until frosting holds shape. Frost cake. Refrigerate for one hour before serving.

By Robin from Washington, IA

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Hamburger Soup

Ingredients

• 1 lb. ground beef
• 1 envelope dry onion soup mix
• 2 cans mixed vegetables, do not drain (16 oz. size)
• 4 cups V-8 or tomato juice or half of each

Directions

Brown ground beef and drain. Add soup mix and enough water to cover. Simmer for 10 minutes. Add vegetables and tomato juice or V-8. Season to taste. Simmer for another 10 minutes.

By Robin from Washington, IA

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Bread and Butter Pickles

Ingredients

• 10-12 med. size cucumbers, sliced
• 2 large white onions, sliced
• 4 1/2 Tbsp. pickling salt
• 2 cloves garlic, halved
• 2 trays of ice
• 3 3/4 cups sugar
• 2 1/4 cups cider vinegar
• 1 1/2 Tbsp. mustard seed
• 1 1/8 tsp. turmeric
• 1 1/8 tsp. celery seed

Directions

In large bowl, combine cucumbers, onions, salt & garlic. Stir in ice and enough cold water to cover. Let stand about 4 hours or overnight. Drain well and remove garlic. In a large kettle combine sugar, vinegar, mustard seed, turmeric and celery seed. Add drained mixture and bring to a boil. pack into pint jars, leaving 1/2 inch head space. Process. Makes 10 pints.

By Robin from Washington, IA

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