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Easy Indian Food Recipes

Someone posted that Indian food had become popular in Great Britain because it is inexpensive and tastes good. The poster was surprised it hadn't caught on in the U.S. I have noticed there are more Indian restaurants in our area than five years ago. I love Amy's Indian frozen meals. I'd like to prepare Indian foods, but I haven't any easy recipes. The ones I've found online have too many ingredients to be frugal or practical for us. I did get a packet of seasonings, Chip Shop Curry at Publix. I put it in the Crock pot with chicken pieces and mushrooms. I cooked it for four hours and served it over rice and it was very good.
Does any one have any easy Indian recipes to share?

SusannL from Florida

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No Bake Pie Recipes Using Raw Eggs

I have several fabulous "no bake" pie recipes with either raw egg yolks or raw egg whites in them. My friend tells me she uses organic eggs just fine in her recipes calling for raw eggs. I know the fuss about salmonella, so do I just sadly discard these wonderful recipes?

I almost posted to a recipe request for Banana Cream Cheese Pie this morning and realized it had raw egg yolks in it. Has anyone substituted dry egg powder for the the raw eggs or what have other readers done?

Rebecca from Melbourne, FL

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Sun Dried Tomato Recipe

Does anyone have a good homemade sun dried tomato recipe? The kind where you store it in olive oil.

Candy from Franklin, KY

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Flavoring In Homemade Beer

I was wondering if anyone has used any type of flavoring for homemade beer. I notice the store I shop at had blueberry, strawberry etc..

Cale

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The Skinny On Trans Fats
By Claire Bush

Your morning muffin may no longer contain trans fats, but are the replacements any healthier?

Studies have shown that the use of trans fats increases risk of coronary disease, raises levels of "LDL" (so-called 'bad' cholesterol), and may place consumers at risk for cancer, diabetes and infertility.

Last year, the federal government required grocers to amend food labels to show the amount of trans fats in packaged foods. Manufacturers began a flurry of research to create baked goods and snack foods that tasted good without the use of the unhealthy oils. The results have been mixed, according to nutritionists.

A recent study conducted in Malaysia and at Brandeis University shows that the use of saturated fats to replace trans fats may raise glucose levels and depress insulin production, a trend which can lead to diabetes. The bottom line? While trans fats are considered somewhat harmful, swapping saturated fats may be just as unhealthy.

For example, Entenmann's frosted chocolate doughnuts now contain "0 Grams of Trans Fats." A quick glance at the label, however, shows that each doughnut - made with palm kernel oil - contains 16 grams of saturated fat, or about 80 percent of the recommended daily intake for most adults.

According to the American Heart Association, only about 7 percent of total daily calories should come from saturated fat; trans fat should make up only about 1 percent. To help consumers monitor their fat intake, the heart association has set up an online calculator at their website, http://www.americanheart.org.

Home cooks can also substitute ingredients such as unsweetened applesauce or pureed bananas for most of the fat in recipes for baked goods. And a new, non-caloric gel made from corn fiber, Z Trim, is now being marketed as a healthy aid in controlling fat intake, according to the manufacturer, Fibergel (http://ztrim.com.)

So before grabbing that package of "No Trans Fats" Oreos, read the label - and be aware that calories and fat - no matter what the source -still count.

The Skinny On Trans Fats

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Tips For Staying Within Your Grocery Budget

Groceries continue to go up and I have been determined to not go over my grocery budget. Here are several things I have started doing to stay within our food budget.

I only grocery shop once a month. This has been a little difficult to do, but I am savings more money!

I sit down once a month and plan a menu for the month. Once that is accomplished I go through my coupons and put the ones I am going to use in a envelope so I have them ready for the shopping trip.

I buy the store brand, unless will known brand is on sale for the same or less. I do not have any complaints about the store brand. Why pay for all that advertising for well known products?

There is a bread outlet about five miles from my home. I go there once a month and stock up on bread, rolls, tortillas, etc at excellent prices. These products freeze and keep. I always run other errands in that direction on the same day. The half price bookstore isn't far from the bread outlet, so I can usually pick up a real bargain there, too.

Check with you store, they may give a senior discount. I shop at Krogers and filled out the short application for their Kroger card, which gives me another 10% off on all of their Kroger and their Private selection brand.

I watch the cashier as the items ring and thus am able to catch an error while I am checking out. The last time I shopped an item rang up wrong, and the cashier gave it to me at no charge because it scanned wrong.

The store I shop at has a markdown area for items they are no longer going to carry, I check that and usually find several great deals. For example, a box of Lara Banana Nut Bars, which were out of date by one day. I got the whole box for $3.99! These sell for 1.99 each and the box had ten in it.

I do have to stop for milk and a couple other items during the month. When I do I just pick the items up at the convenience store where I get gas. This way I am not going into the grocery store and buying more then I need. The gas station I stop at has competitive prices on milk, eggs and a few other items.

This shopping once a month has been very good for me. It has caused me to be better a better shopper and the great thing is, it is saving our family money. Hope you will try it.

By Bobbie from Rockwall, TX

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Substitutes For Egg In Meatloaf

If you are on a diet to lower your cholesterol or want to limit the use of eggs for other reasons, you can omit the egg when you make meatloaf. Substitute 1/4 cup tomato sauce, beef broth, or even applesauce for the egg in your recipe. I made meatloaf last week using ground turkey and extra-lean, ground beef mixed half and half. I used tomato sauce in place of the egg. It not only tasted delicious, but the tomato sauce made the ground turkey look reddish like beef. Ground turkey is not only cheaper than ground beef, it is better for your health.

Warm wishes for good health always.

Source: Joanna Lund in her cookbooks.

By Carol from Wyoming, PA

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Use Lemon Juice To Reduce Onion "Tears"

I have found that putting lemon juice on my cutting board before cutting an onion keeps me from tearing up while cutting. Just pour some on the board take your onion, cut in half and make sure to put your newly exposed ends into the lemon juice. Then just cut like you usually would!

By Morgan from Newburg Missouri

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Black Bean Burritos

The zesty flavor in these lunch burritos is a great surprise.

Ingredients

1 (15 oz.) can black beans, rinsed and drained
1 (4 oz.) can chopped green chilies
1/4 cup chopped onion
1/4 cup chopped green pepper
1/4 cup chopped sweet red pepper
1 Tbsp. olive oil
3 tsp. chili powder
1/2 tsp. minced garlic (or to taste)
1/4 tsp. dried oregano
1/4 tsp. ground cumin
1/8 tsp. salt
8 flour tortillas (8-inch), warmed
1 cup (4 ounces) shredded Monterey Jack cheese
Salsa and Sour Cream

Directions

Place beans in a large microwave-safe bowl; mash lightly. Stir in the chilies, onion, peppers, oil, chili powder, garlic, oregano, cumin and salt. Cover and microwave on high for 2 to 3 minutes, or until heated through, stirring once. Spread about 1/4 cup bean mixture down the center of each tortilla. Top each with 2 Tbsp. of the cheese; roll up. Place seam side down in an ungreased 11x7x2-inch microwave-safe dish. Cover with a damp microwave-safe paper towel. Microwave on high for 25 to 40 seconds, or until heated through. Serve with salsa and sour cream.

Makes 4 servings.

By Connie from Cotter, AR

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Easy Chicken For Work Lunches

This is a recipe that I use for making lunches for myself for work. I typically buy meat that is on sale at the store and kind of mix and match the ingredients according to the kind of meat.

I buy enough meat to make at least 5 lunches. If there is some meat leftover, you could freeze it for cooking later or make more than you need right now and freeze it for later eating. I am partial to chicken, but depending on what is available and other factors (dietary requirements, budget, etc.), you could get other meats, too. Cooking time may need to be adjusted for different meats.

Ingredients

5 chicken breasts or pork chops
long grain wild rice
Spices (whatever spices you like, but I like celtic sea salt, pepper, garlic, red peppers, lemon pepper seasoning, rosemary). I change it up frequently for interest.
Cooking oil (I like organic olive oil, but any oil will do)
Baking Pan with lid (I personally use glass.)

Directions

Place pieces of meat in baking pan. Pour a little oil over each piece of meat. Add spices to taste. Add rice, if desired. Put lid on pan. Place in oven for 1 hour at 350 degrees F.

Like I said earlier, I take this chicken with me to work. It saves me money not having to buy lunch out at around $5-6 a pop, but also is healthier for me, as I have food allergies.

By crazyliblady from Pittsburg, KS

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Super Easy "Homemade" Chocolate Pudding

I am not a fan of instant or even cook 'n serve chocolate pudding. But I have found a way to make a very easy, very rich shortcut version of homemade.

Prepare a 4 serving box of cook and serve vanilla pudding as directed. When pudding comes to a boil, turn heat to low and add 2/3 cup chocolate chips you can adjust the amount to your liking) and stir until melted and smooth. Remove from heat and add 1/2 tsp vanilla. I guarantee this will be one of the best chocolate pudding recipes you have ever tasted in no time flat! Enjoy!

By Carol from Landisville, PA

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Ice Cream Sundae Pie

I love to make this pie it is out of this world!I try very hard not to have to use a oven to cook over summer and this does not have to be baked but it is hard to eat just one slice! The nice thing is if you need to make more then one, you will have enough ingredients to make 2-3 more at the least which is nice. Also if you are storing ice and other things in the fridge, another nice thing about pie is the fact you can use the cookie racks you use to cool your cookies off to stack them on in the freezer. One problem out of the way!

Ingredients

1-9 inch chocolate pie crust for one pie.

Filling:

1 cup vanilla ice cream softened
1/4 caramel or strawberry topping
1 cup chocolate ice cream softened
1/4 marshmallow creme
1/4 cup fudge ice cream topping
1/2 cup chopped pecan's (optional)
1 cup whipped topping or more if you like whipped cream!
6-8 Maraschino cherries (you can use more I always do. I love maraschino cherries) with stems and drained and dried.

Directions

Spread vanilla ice cream into pie crust. Pour caramel or strawberry topping evenly over vanilla ice cream.I like to put this in freezer for about 15 minutes so it is firm enough to put the chocolate ice cream on top. Spread chocolate ice cream evenly over caramel or berry topping. Drop marshmallow creme by teaspoonfuls over chocolate ice cream. Pour fudge topping over marshmallow creme. Sprinkle with pecans. Wrap tightly with foil; freeze pie at least 8 hours or overnight.

Let stand at room temperature about 10 minutes before serving. Serve with whipped topping and cherries. It makes 6-8 servings.

Enjoy! Enjoy. Enjoy!

Source: I found this recipe in Pillsbury cookbook years and years ago. Everyone really enjoys it!

By Darlene from Fairview, PA

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Chicken Fried Steak

This recipe is a little different in that I refrigerate the prepared steaks for 24 hours prior to finishing them.

Ingredients

4 cube steaks
Seasoning salt (your choice)
2 to 3 Tbsp. red wine or apple juice
2 cups Bisquick baking mix
1/4 lb. butter, melted
1/3 cup vegetable or olive oil
Salt
Ground black pepper to taste.

Directions

The night before, put steaks in a single layer in a dish. Brush both sides with an even coating of the cooking oil. Dust them on both sides with a generous amount of seasoning Salt. Drizzle each steak with the wine or juice. Seal with foil and refrigerate for about 24 hours prior to preparing the final dish.

Remove steaks from the fridge and coat both sides well with Bisquick mix. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Preheat oven to 375 degrees F. Combine the butter with the oil in a large skillet until melted.

Place steaks in the skillet. Brown both sides of each steak until crispy. Transfer to a baking pan and seal with foil. Bake at 375 degrees F. for about 30 minutes.

Serves: 4

By Connie from Cotter, AR

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Midget Microwave Meat Loaf

Ingredients

1 lb. ground beef
1 egg
1/3 cup dry bread crumbs
1/3 cup ketchup
2 Tbsp. milk or water
1/4 oz. instant onion soup

Directions

Combine all ingredients together and shape meat into a ring in 9 inch pie plate (center will be open). Cook 9-10 minutes on medium. Excellent for a quick meal with mashed potatoes. Drain liquid while cooking if necessary. Let stand 4-5 minutes before serving. Makes 6 servings.

By Robin from Washington, IA

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Favorite Steak

Ingredients

1 flank steak
1 can tomatoes
1/2-1 cup flour
1 tsp. salt
1/2 cup celery, cut up
1/2 cup green peppers, cut up

Directions

Pour flour into flank steak on both sides. Brown well on both sides. Place in roaster. Add tomatoes, seasoned as you like them. Cover and bake at 325 degrees F for 2 hours.

By Robin from Washington, IA

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Caramelicious Fudge Brownies

Ingredients

1 pkg. fudge brownie mix (21 oz.)
20 caramels
3 Tbsp. milk
1/2 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
1/2 cup chopped pecans (opt.)

Directions

Prepare and bake package of fudge brownie mix according to package directions. Meanwhile, in small saucepan over low heat, melt caramels with milk. Stir until smooth. Immediately after removing brownies from oven, sprinkle with chocolate chips and pecans. Drizzle with caramel. Cool completely before cutting.

By Robin from Washington, IA

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Easy Baked Beans

Ingredients

2 green peppers, finely chopped
1 small onion, finely chopped
1/2 cup brown sugar
1/2 cup white sugar
2 tsp. prepared mustard
2 tsp. Worcestershire sauce
2 (16 oz.) cans pork and beans
6 slices bacon (uncooked)

Directions

In 2 qt. casserole dish, combine all ingredients except bacon slices. Arrange bacon over the mixture and bake, uncovered, at 325 degrees F for 1 1/2 hours.

By Robin from Washington, IA

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Poppy Seed Salad Dressing

Variation #1

Ingredients

1 cup sugar
1 tsp. salt
2 tsp. dry mustard
2/3 cup vinegar
2 Tbsp. onion juice (comes in a bottle)
2 cups salad oil
3 tsp. poppy seeds

Directions

Mix sugar, salt, dry mustard and vinegar by hand. Add onion juice and slowly add salad oil, beating constantly. Add poppy seeds and continue beating for a few minutes. Store in refrigerator; keeps well. Especially good on fruit salads.

Variation #2

Ingredients

1 1/3 cups sugar
2 tsp. powdered mustard
2/3 cup vinegar
3 Tbsp. onion juice
1 cup salad oil
3 Tbsp. poppy seed

Directions

Place sugar, mustard and vinegar in blender; mix. Continue blending while adding onion juice and oil in slowly. Blend until thick. Add poppy seed and mix. Refrigerate.

By Robin from Washington, IA

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ThriftyFun Recipes - April 4, 2008

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