ThriftyFun Recipes - June 2, 2008

Thank you Connie, LRP, Carol, Robin, Melody_yesterday and Shellbell for today's tips and recipes!

We have a new food related Saving Money On topic this week. Do you have any advice to share?

Saving Money on Grilling

It's grilling season! Do you have any tips for saving money on grilling food this summer? Post your ideas below.

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Recipe Requests:

• Decorating Ideas For A "Pizza" Cookie
• Looking For Powdered Egg Replacement Recipe
• Keeping Food From Sticking To Cuisanart Pan

Today's Food Tips:

• Make Refrigerator Pie Crust Taste Better
• Encourage Your Kids With Their Own Cookbooks
• Saving Money on Potatoes

Today's Contest Recipes:

• Crock Pot Ham and Beans
• Sloppy Joe Deep Dish Pie
• Homemade Chewy Granola Bars
• Easy Dessert Dip

Robins's Recipe Corner:

• Shrimp Rice Salad
• Luau Beef Strips
• French Poufs
• Golden Beef Quiche
• Meal-In-One
• Peaches 'N Cream Cake Pie

Crafting for Fun and Money!

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Decorating Ideas For A "Pizza" Cookie

I would like to make one of those large cookies that resemble a pizza. Any ideas on how to decorate it to look like a pizza? Not a decorator but I was thinking there must be some easy way to take pre-made candies and make them pizzish looking. I read I could take fruit roll ups and cut out little triangles for green peppers and thats as creative as I got.

Karen from Cinti, OH

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Looking For Powdered Egg Replacement Recipe

I am looking for an egg replacement recipe. I don't mean like Egg Beaters, which are a liquid, but a powdered egg replacement that could be used in baking.

Linda from Alamo, TX

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Keeping Food From Sticking To Cuisanart Pan

I have two Cuisanart stainless steel frying pans. I love them to cook with. Cleaning is a breeze. Just soak it and sponge it off. My problem is when cooking egg substitute, it sticks. What can I do to stop the sticking?

Mari from Los Angeles, CA

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Make Refrigerator Pie Crust Taste Better

I love the convenience of refrigerated pie crusts, but I must say, I do not like the flavor of the crust when I am making a dessert pie (as opposed to a quiche). So, before I put my pie in the oven I pour about 1 tablespoon of milk in a cup and add a dash of vanilla extract (You only need about an 1/8 tsp.). I brush that on the crust and lightly sprinkle with sugar. What a difference it makes! I recently used almond extract when I made a cherry pie and it was delicious.

By Carol from Landisville, Pa

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Encourage Your Kids With Their Own Cookbooks

I have 2 boys ages 5 and 8vwho like to work in the kitchen. I have found that if you let them select recipes, they are more apt to try new things.

I made 3 "cookbooks" for them. I took a three ring binder and pasted a picture on the front of what was in the cookbook: 1 with desserts, 1 with side dishes, 1 with main dishes. Inside I took and 3 hole punched recipes with pictures that I had run off the computer. I started with about 10 recipes in each, so they didn't get overwhelmed. Once a week, they take turns one picks the main dish, one picks the side and I pick one. They have to help make the meal, do clean up, and shop for anything we may need. Every couple weeks I take and add new recipes and take out ones we weren't so fond of.

I have found doing this has really cut back on the "Yuckies" as I call them. They eat a better variety of food, and I know what they're making is good for them. Also, its a great way to spend time together, teach important food prep rules, math lessons, reading,and talk about issues that re going on in the family, school, and friends. During these times they are very attentive, and open up more easily it seems so I can keep up on their world.

By Shellbell from Omaha, NE

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Saving Money on Potatoes

Tips and ideas for saving money on Potatoes as suggested by the ThriftyFun community.

Prep Potatoes for the Fridge

I live alone and do not use a lot of potatoes. To keep from having to throw some of them out, I peel the potatoes, cut into bite size pieces, rinse with cold water, put in a container, cover with water and put in fridge. I take out however much I need as I need them. Saves a lot of work every time I want some. I would change the water every couple days until they are used up.

By Linda

Check The Dollar Store

Where we live, they have bags of potatoes at the 99 Cent Only stores. I was able to buy a 5 lb. bag. They also have other vegetables there, we always buy organic romaine lettuce and also bunches of bananas.

By Mrsdawn

Don't Store Near Onions

I got this tip from a friend after I was complaining about my potatoes and onions always going bad before I could use them. I guess that they both interact with each other, encouraging them to go bad earlier. So now I keep the onions separate and they both last a lot longer. Also, if you have too many potatoes and no cool dark place to store them, you can put them in the refrigerator. Just make sure that you let them get to room temperature before using.

By Jess

Check Local Produce Warehouses

We live near a produce warehouse and the public can buy 50lb. #2 potatoes for $5.00 a box. Also, they have had oranges and some veggies for $5.00 a box. This is a very good deal, because they have red potatoes most of the time.

By Malinda

Menu Planning

One of the ways I save with potatoes is my menu. If I am going to have boiled potatoes, I boil more than a few so there will always be leftovers. The next day, the leftovers are reheated and seasonings are added. For more flavor, I might add sour cream or grated cheese or both and mash them for Mashed Potatoes.

If there are still leftovers the next day, I'll add a little flour, some diced onions and a beaten egg. Stir it all together, shape into patties and fry them for Fried Tater Patties.

I've also taken the left over boiled potatoes, cut them into chunks, and added other leftover vegetables, some beef broth or chicken broth, it's a personal preference thing, opened up a can of diced tomatoes and made vegetable soup.

Potatoes are the most versatile vegetable we have. It's a breakfast food, lunch or supper. You can make appetizers out of them. They are just the handiest item on the grocery list. Now that is how I save money on potatoes.

By Writer_wannabe

Storing, Using and Growing Potatoes

This may not be what what everyone is looking for but it has worked for me. I bought 2 vegetable bags from Current (currentcatalog.com) for $9.98. One was for onions and one for potatoes. These are not the green bags that can only be used 10 times, they are heavy drawstring bags with a zipper in bottom of one side. I got these in November and have not had any potatoes or onions sprout or rot! This is saving me a lot.

I can buy potatoes when on sale and not worry about them going bad. I watch ads for "buy one, get one free" and can usually buy 2 5 lb. bags of potatoes much cheaper than a 10 lb. bag.

Also if your family doesn't like instant mashed potatoes (like mine), I make mine half and half. It stretches my real potatoes a lot further. I started out using 1/4 instant and slowly went to 1/2 and they haven't noticed. I am also finding new side dish recipes for things less expensive. Or trying side dishes with potatoes and different other ingredients that help my potatoes last longer.

The last thing I am trying is growing my own this year. I planted some and they are coming up nicely. I hope this will save me a little on the groceries this year!

By brwnis65

Here are more useful pages:

• Growing Potatoes
  http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf54111762.tip.html

• Freezing Potatoes
  http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf000995.tip.html

• Freezing Mashed Potatoes
  http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf12257802.tip.html

• Potato Recipes on ThriftyFun
  http://www.thriftyfun.com/search.ldml?q=potatoes&top=833&act.x=0&act.y=0&act=Search

Do you have any more tips to share? Feel free to post them below.

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Crock Pot Ham and Beans

This is cheap eating at its best. Really good food for scraping by at the end of the month when your cash gets low.

Ingredients

• 1 lb. dried great northern beans or any other beans of your choice, including mixed beans
• 3 garlic cloves, peeled and sliced
• 1 large sweet onion, chopped coarsely
• 1/2 tsp. salt
• 1/2 tsp. black pepper
• 1 Tbsp. chopped parsley
• 1/4 tsp. ground cloves
• 1 lb. smoked ham or ham hocks (I use packaged diced ham)
• 6 cups water or broth

Directions

Sort beans overnight with enough water to cover them or, you may sort them and place in a saucepan with 2-inches of water to cover. Bring to a boil; boil for 3 minutes, then cover and remove from heat. Allow to sit for one hour after boiling, but don't lift the lid. Whichever method you use, rinse and drain the beans before placing them in the crock pot.

Put the rinsed beans, garlic, onion, salt, pepper, parsley, cloves, ham or ham hocks into the crock pot along with 6 cups of water or broth. Cover crock, and cook on LOW for about 8 hours, or until beans are tender. Skim any excess fat, if necessary, before serving.

Serves: 4

By Connie from Cotter, AR

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Sloppy Joe Deep Dish Pie

Ingredients

• 1 lb of hamburger
• 3 tsp. Worchestershire Sauce
• 1 can green beans
• 1 cup shredded cheese (your favorite)
• 1 can sloppy joe (manwich sandwich)
• 1 can (11 oz.) Pillsbury refrigerated crusty French loaf

Directions

Heat oven to 350 degrees F. Spray 9-inch glass pie plate with cooking spray. In 10-inch skillet, cook beef and Worcheshire. Stir in sloppy joe sauce until well mixed (reserve 1/4 cup for later). Carefully unroll dough in pie pan so edges extend over sides. Pat dough in bottom and up sides of pan, leaving dough extended over sides.

Spoon beef mixture into crust. Top with half of the cheese. Spoon in beans. Cover with remainder of sloppy joe sauce. Cover with remaining cheese.

In small bowl, slightly beat egg and water. Fold extended edges of dough up and over filling; seal all edges. Brush crust with egg mixture. Bake 38 to 48 minutes or until deep golden brown. Cool 15 minutes

By LRP from LWL, MA.

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Homemade Chewy Granola Bars

Granola bars are great for on the go snacks, but they are 1: loaded with sugar and/or 2: expensive!

Here is an awesome recipe that is soooo healthy, protein, fiber, etc. and they are chewy and inexpensive!

Homemade Chewy Granola Bars

In a bowl combine:

• 1/3 cup brown sugar
• 2/3 cup peanut butter
• 3/4 cup honey
• 2 Tbsp. hot water
• 2 tsp. vanilla

• 1 cup whole wheat flour
• 1/4 cup wheat germ or bran
• 1/2 cup sunflower seeds (opt.)
• 1 cup chocolate chips
• 1/2 cup raisins
• 1/2 cup coconut (opt)

Your kids will think they are eating cookies these are so good, but look at the great nutrition they will be getting! Enjoy!

By Carol from Landisville, PA

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Easy Dessert Dip

For a quick inexpensive treat try this: Mix equal parts of store bought chocolate icing and marshmallow cream. Microwave for 15 seconds. Keep an eye on it or it can boil over. You could use any flavor icing you like. My favorite (for now) just happens to be chocolate.

Use this as a dip for cookies (I'm using Nilla wafers) or to dip apple or banana in!

By Melody_yesterday from Sedalia, MO

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Shrimp Rice Salad

Ingredients

• 1 cup cold cooked rice
• 1 cup chopped cooked shrimp
• 3/4 tsp. salt
• 1 Tbsp. lemon juice
• 1/4 cup slivered green pepper
• 1 Tbsp. minced onion
• 2 Tbsp. chopped stuffed olives
• 3/4 cup diced fresh cauliflower
• dash pepper
• 1/3 cup mayonnaise

Directions

Combine all ingredients in large bowl in order given. Toss gently until well mixed. Serve in lettuce cups.

By Robin from Washington, IA

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Luau Beef Strips

Ingredients

• 2 lb. round steak, 1/2 inch thick
• 1 Tbsp. shortening
• 2 medium onions, thinly sliced
• 1 can pineapple chunks (20 oz.)
• 1/2 cup packed brown sugar
• 1 tsp. ginger
• 2 Tbsp. cornstarch
• 1/3 cup soy sauce
• 2 Tbsp. vinegar
• 1 can mushrooms
• 2 medium tomatoes, cut in wedges
• 1 medium avocado, sliced

Directions

Cut steak into 1/8x2 inch strips. Brown steak in shortening in skillet. Add onions and 1/2 cup water. Simmer covered, for 30 minutes. Drain pineapple, reserving juice. Add enough water to juice to measure 2/3 cup liquid. Combine with next 5 ingredients in saucepan. Cook until thick, stirring constantly. Add sauce, pineapple and mushrooms to steak, mixing well. Cook covered, for 5 minutes. Fold in tomatoes and avocado. Cook until heated through. Serve over rice.

By Robin from Washington, IA

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French Poufs

Ingredients

• 1/3 cups shortening
• 1 cup sugar
• 1 egg
• 1 1/2 cup sifted flour
• 1 1/2 tsp. baking powder
• 1/2 tsp. salt
• 1/4 tsp. nutmeg
• 1/2 cup milk
• 1 tsp. cinnamon

Directions

Combine shortening, 1/2 cup sugar and egg in bowl, mixing well. Sift next 4 ingredients together. Add to creamed mixture alternately with milk, beating well after each addition. Fill greased muffin cups 2/3 full. Bake at 350 degrees F for 20-25 minutes. Dip immediately in melted butter and then in mixture of 1/2 cup sugar and cinnamon.

By Robin from Washington, IA

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Golden Beef Quiche

Ingredients

• 1 unbaked pie shell
• 1 Tbsp. margarine, softened
• 3/4 lb. ground beef
• 1 medium onion, minced
• 1 can Cheddar cheese soup
• 6 eggs
• 1/2 cup milk
• 1/2 tsp. thym3
• 1/8 tsp. pepper

Directions

Rub pie shell with margarine. Brown ground beef and onion in medium skillet, stirring until crumbly. Spoon into pie shell. Combine ingredients in large bowl, mixing well. Pour over ground beef. Bake at 375 degrees F for 35-40 minutes or until quiche tests done.

By Robin from Washington, IA

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Meal-In-One

Ingredients

• 4 slices bacon, chopped
• 1 1/2 lb. thin sliced round steak, slivered
• 1 onion, chopped
• 1 can tomatoes, cut up (16 oz.)
• 1 beef bouillon cube
• 1 can mushroom pieces, drained
• 2 T. ketchup
• 1/2 lb. spaghetti, cooked
• Parmesan cheese

Directions

Brown bacon and round steak in skillet, stirring to brown all sides. Add next 5 ingredients, mixing well. Simmer for 45 minutes or until meat is tender. Stir in spaghetti and heat through. Serve sprinkled with Parmesan cheese.

By Robin from Washington, IA

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Peaches 'N Cream Cake Pie

Ingredients

Batter:

• 3/4 cup flour
• 1 tsp. baking powder
• 1 pkg. vanilla pudding, not instant (3oz.)
• 3 Tbsp. butter or margarine
• 1 egg
• 1/2 cup milk

• 1 can sliced peaches, drained, save juice (16 oz.)
• 1 cream cheese (8 oz)
• 1/2 cup sugar

• 1 Tbsp. sugar
• 1 tsp. cinnamon

Directions

Grease bottom of 9 inch pie plate. Combine batter ingredients and beat for 1 minute and pour into pie plate. Place peach slices over batter. Combine cream cheese, sugar, and 2 Tbsp. peach juice, and beat 2 minutes. Spoon within 1 inch of edge. Combine sugar and cinnamon and sprinkle over cream cheese filling. Bake 30-35 minutes at 350 degrees F, until crust is golden brown. Filling will appear soft. Place in refrigerator.

By Robin from Washington, IA

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