ThriftyFun Recipes - April 7, 2008

Thank you Robin, Jackie, Connie Claire, Darlene, Cyinda and Monique for today's tips and recipes!

Submit Your Favorite Recipe!

Need a recipe? Submit a request

Thanks for reading,

Susan

• Send to a Friend!

Edit Your Subscriptions: To edit your ThriftyFun subscriptions, click the Update Profile/Email Address link at the bottom of this newsletter.

Today's Food Tips:

• Using Baharat
• 99.9% Silver ot Keep Milk and Water Fresh
• Freeze Cabbage Before Cooking

Today's Contest Recipes:

• Orange Roughy with Rice
• Stuffed Beef Rollups
• Never-Fail Tabouli
• Pineapple Loaf Cake
• Swiss Steak

Robins's Recipe Corner:

• Savory Turkey Stuffing
• Quick Pickled Beets
• Lighthearted Fettuccine Alfredo
• Seafood Salad Mold
• Sugarless Applesauce Cake

Crafting for Fun and Money!

If you are an avid crafter, capable writer and own a digital camera, you are eligible to participate. Submit your craft projects to ThriftyFun and we will pay $15 for any crafts that we publish.

More Information:
Click Here: http://www.thriftyfun.com/post_craft.ldml

• Tip Contest
  Submit a Tip or Recipe!

• Photo Contest
  Submit a tip with photo!

The above contests are weekly. We pick 2 tip winners and 1 photo winner at the end of each week. Each winner will win $25!

• My Frugal Life
  Submit a My Frugal Life Essay!

Using Baharat

Description:

In Arabic, "bahart" means spices, this is a blend of spices usually consisting of: allspice, pepper, cardamom, cloves, coriander, cumin, nutmeg, paprika, and cassia bark. This spice blend is used in many Middle Eastern cuisines. Depending on the country in which this spice mix is prepared, there may be variations of the spices included.

Uses:

This spice mix is used in many Middle Eastern cuisines to flavor meat, poultry and fish and soups. It can also be used as a condiment to give a dish a little extra kick after the meal is prepared. This spice blend can be used before grilling, in lentil dishes, or even eggplant.

Preparation:

Buy premixed and packaged or create your own mix using the spices mentioned above.

Storage:

As with all ground spices, they should only be stored for 6 months. After this period, the ground spices lose a lot of flavor.

Recipes:

Here is a website that talks more about Baharat and has specific regional spice blends that can be made up.

• Baharat

Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf18311121.tip.html

Email to a Friend | Get Responses | Bookmark | Link | Rate It: | Print

99.9% Silver ot Keep Milk and Water Fresh

The pioneers who traveled west would put silver coins in their water barrels to keep the water from spoiling. Back before there was refrigeration, people would put a silver coin in their milk jugs to keep the milk fresh longer.

These days we have no REAL silver coins in circulation. But you can buy "Silver Rounds" from any coin store. A "silver round" is one measured ounce of 99.9% silver. It's cast to look something like a silver dollar. These days they cost under $20, but can be used over and over again.

Real silver is a natural germ fighter. In tests, silver has kept milk fresh for 2 - 10 extra days. A Silver Round can also be put into water dispensers to keep not only the water fresh but also the spout clean. Keep milk and water fresh the natural way, by putting a 99.9 % silver round in your storage containers.

By Cyinda from Seattle

Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf47824676.tip.html

Email to a Friend | Get Responses | Bookmark | Link | Rate It: | Print

Freeze Cabbage Before Cooking

I have found a way to reduce the amount of cabbage smell that emanates in a kitchen when it's cooking! Want to know the secret? Freeze it! Cut up your freshly bought cabbage, wash it, pat it dry with kitchen paper and portion it into ziploc bags -press out the air and seal. Then pop in your freezer.

When you come to cook it; it takes about 1-2 minutes in a pan of boiling water OR alternatively stir-fry it in a little olive oil which I like to do. Delicious and saves on the cooking time.

And, quite by accident, I found there's no lingering cabbage smell in the kitchen so now I get to eat cabbage more often in my diet and we all know it's very good for you!

Source: I found this out myself!

By Monique from Somerset, UK

Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf44744219.tip.html

Email to a Friend | Get Responses | Bookmark | Link | Rate It: | Print

Orange Roughy with Rice

Try this recipe with flounder, sole or red snapper. Each is delicious with creamy rice.

Ingredients

• 1 pkg. (5.7 oz) instant creamy chicken-flavored rice and sauce mix.
• 2 cups water
• 1 Tbsp. butter or margarine
• 1 cup fresh broccoli florets
• 1/4 tsp. onion salt
• 1/4 tsp. pepper
• 1/8 tsp. dill weed
• 1/8 tsp. paprika
• 4 fresh or frozen orange roughy fillets (about 6 oz. ea.)
• 1 Tbsp. olive oil

Directions

In a large saucepan, combine rice mix, water and butter. Bring to a boil; stir in broccoli. Reduce heat; cover and simmer for 7 minutes, or until the rice is tender. Meanwhile, combine the onion salt, pepper, dill and paprika; sprinkle over the fillets. In a large skillet, cook fillets in oil over medium heat for 4 to 6 minutes on each side, or until fish flakes easily with a fork. Remove rice from the heat; let stand for 2 minutes. Serve with fish.

By Connie from Cotter, AR

Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf88754152.tip.html

Email to a Friend | Get Responses | Bookmark | Link | Rate It: | Print

Stuffed Beef Rollups

This recipe is really good. With meat prices going up and with families pinching pennies, this is expensive and really quite easy!

Ingredients

• 1 1/2 lb. ground beef
• 2 eggs slightly beaten
• 1/2 tsp. salt
• 1/8 tsp. pepper

• 1/2 dry bread crumbs
• 1/4 tsp. sage
• 1/4 tsp. marjoram leaves
• 1/3 cup chicken broth

Directions

Heat oven to 375 degrees. In a large bowl combine beef, eggs and salt, mix well. In a small bowl, combine all stuffing ingredients, set aside.

Divide beef into 6 portions. Using waxed paper, I use about 12 pieces as you will take one ground beef portion and put on one piece of paper and press into a 4 inch square. Remove top piece of waxed paper then add 2 Tbsp. stuffing, spread to within half in of edges. Use your wax paper as a guide, roll it up like you would a pumpkin roll. Then seal seams and sides putting seams on the bottom of your 12x8 inch (2 qt.) baking dish. Do the same with all the rest. Bake 20 minutes.

While they bake, make your gravy as directed on the package (1.87 oz. pkg of brown gravy mix, although I often use more). Pour over meat for another 20 min. Although mine were not always quite square, it still worked fine for me. Sometimes when I was in a hurry, I would just drop the stuffing in the middle, spread it out a little and roll it up and it still worked.

Helpful hints from a harried mom. Enjoy however you make them.

By Darlene from Fairview, PA

Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf51371144.tip.html

Email to a Friend | Get Responses | Bookmark | Link | Rate It: | Print

Never-Fail Tabouli
By Claire Bush

This Middle Eastern side dish looks elegant, but is very simple to prepare. Use the smaller amount of oil for a lowfat, but still flavorful, version. Good with lamb chops or barbecued chicken.

Ingredients

• 2 cups dry bulgur wheat (in bulk section of most supermarkets)
• 2 cups boiling water
• 1/2 cup Italian (flat leaf) parsley
• 3 Roma tomatoes, diced
• 1 small cucumber, diced
• 2 Tbsp. diced fresh mint (optional, but good)

• 1/4 to 1/2 cup olive oil mixed with 2/3 cup lemon juice, salt and pepper

Directions

Boil 2 cups water in saucepan, then slowly add bulgur, cover and remove from heat. Let stand 20-30 minutes, then remove lid and fluff with fork. Add parsley, tomatoes, cucumber, and mint, then toss with dressing.

Chill or serve at room temperature

Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf28211518.tip.html

Email to a Friend | Get Responses | Bookmark | Link | Rate It: | Print

Pineapple Loaf Cake

Ingredients

• 1 egg
• 3/4 cup sugar
• 1/2 tsp. vanilla extract
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp. ground cinnamon
• 1/2 tsp. baking soda
• 1/4 tsp. ground nutmeg
• 1 (8 oz.) can crushed pineapple, undrained

• 1 (3 oz.) pkg. cream cheese, softened
• 3 Tbsp. butter, or margarine, softened
• 1/2 tsp. vanilla extract
• 2/3 cup confectioners' sugar
• 1/3 cup chopped walnuts

Directions

In a small mixing bowl, beat the egg, sugar and vanilla. Combine the flour, cinnamon, baking soda and nutmeg; add to egg mixture alternately with pineapple. Beat just until combined.

Pour into a 9x5x3-inch lightly greased loaf pan. Bake at 350 degrees F for 30 to 35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted near the center comes out clean. Cool for 10 minutes before removing from pan to a wire rack to cool completely.

For Frosting: In a small mixing bowl, beat the cream cheese, butter and vanilla until fluffy. Gradually beat in the confectioners' sugar until smooth. Spread over top and sides of cake; sprinkle with the chopped walnuts.

Yields: 6 servings

By Connie from Cotter, AR

Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf15659766.tip.html

Email to a Friend | Get Responses | Bookmark | Link | Rate It: | Print

Swiss Steak

Swiss Steak I

Ingredients

• 1 Tbsp. olive oil
• 2 lb. boneless lean beef steak, cut into 1-inch cubes
• 1 can (14 oz) beef broth
• 2 Tbsp. Worcestershire sauce
• 1/2 tsp. ground black pepper
• 3 Tbsp. minced onions
• 1 Tbsp. minced garlic or garlic powder
• 2 cans (10 3/4 oz. each) Campbell's Cream of Mushroom Soup
• 1 cup milk
• 1 package beef gravy mix

Directions

Heat oil in a large skillet. Add beef and cook until browned, stirring often. Add broth, Worcestershire sauce, pepper, onions and garlic. Cover and cook over low heat for 30 minutes. Add cream of mushroom soup, milk and beef gravy mix. Mix together well. Cover and continue to cook over low heat for 30 minutes more, stirring occasionally. Serve over hot, cooked rice or egg noodles.

By Jackie from Willits, CA

Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf650508.tip.html

Email to a Friend | Get Responses | Bookmark | Link | Rate It: | Print

Savory Turkey Stuffing

Ingredients

• 8 cups bread cubes
• 3/4 cup turkey or chicken fat or butter
• 1 1/2 cups chopped onion
• 1 cup chopped celery stalks and leaves
• 1/3 lb. pork sausage meat
• 1/3 cup finely chopped mushrooms (opt.)
• 2 Tbsp. chopped parsley
• 2 tsp. poultry seasoning (opt.)
• 1 Tbsp. salt
• 1/4 tsp. pepper
• 1 cup chicken stock
• 1 large egg, lightly beaten
• 1 Tbsp. chopped green pepper (opt.)

Directions

Bread should be stale but not hard and may be biscuit, corn bread, white, whole wheat, rye, raisin, or any combination. Melt fat in large frying pan. Add onion, celery, and green pepper; cook until vegetables are tender, stirring constantly. Brown pork sausage separately with mushrooms and add to vegetables. Combine this mixture with bread; add parsley and seasonings. Mix chicken stock and large egg beaten lightly; pour into bread mixture and mix well. Use to stuff turkey or bake in separate casserole dish.

By Robin from Washington, IA

Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf56973255.tip.html

Email to a Friend | Get Responses | Bookmark | Link | Rate It: | Print

Quick Pickled Beets

Ingredients

• 5 cans small beets
• 1 tsp. salt
• 1 cup white vinegar
• 1 cup sugar
• 3 cups beet juice

Directions

Dissolve sugar in vinegar. Add salt and beet juice. Add beets. Store in refrigerator.

By Robin from Washington, IA

Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf62226696.tip.html

Email to a Friend | Get Responses | Bookmark | Link | Rate It: | Print

Lighthearted Fettuccine Alfredo

Ingredients

• 1 cup lowfat cottage cheese
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/4 cup lowfat milk
• 1/4 cup egg substitute
• 1 medium clove garlic, peeled and pressed
• 1/4 tsp. ground nutmeg
• 1/4 tsp. freshly ground black pepper
• 1/8-1/4 tsp. salt
• 1/2 lb. fettuccine
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil or parsley

Directions

Bring a large pan of water to boil. Meanwhile, in a food processor or blender, process cottage cheese until very smooth. Add Parmesan, milk, egg, substitute, garlic, nutmeg, pepper, and salt. Process until very smooth. Cook fettuccine according to package directions in boiling water. Drain and put back into hot pan. Add cheese sauce; place pan over medium heat. Cook 1 minute, stirring constantly, until sauce has thickened and coated pasta. Toss with basil and serve.

By Robin from Washington, IA

Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf20039335.tip.html

Email to a Friend | Get Responses | Bookmark | Link | Rate It: | Print

Seafood Salad Mold

Ingredients

• 1 pkg. lemon gelatin
• 3 Tbsp. lemon juice
• 1/2 tsp. prepared mustard
• dash salt
• paprika
• 1 cup tuna, salmon, lobster, crabmeat, or shrimp
• 1/2 cup thinly sliced celery

• 1/2 cup drained diced tomato
• 1/2 cup cucumber
• 1 tsp. minced onion
• dash salt
• 1 cup mayonnaise

Directions

Dissolve gelatin (follow directions on package). Add 3 Tbsp. lemon juice, mustard, salt, and paprika. Chill. When partially set, add 1 cup of seafood and 1/2 cup thinly sliced celery. Serve with Tomato-Cucumber-Mayonnaise after the ingredients have been mixed together.

By Robin from Washington, IA

Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf90969606.tip.html

Email to a Friend | Get Responses | Bookmark | Link | Rate It: | Print

Sugarless Applesauce Cake

Ingredients

• 1 cup raisins
• 2 cups water
• 1 tsp. baking soda
• 1/2 tsp. ground nutmeg
• 2 eggs, beaten
• 2 Tbsp. liquid sweetener
• 1 tsp. vanilla
• 1 cup dried fruit, diced
• 2 cups flour
• 1/2 tsp. cinnamon
• 1 cup applesauce (unsweetened)
• 3/4 cup vegetable oil
• 1/2 cup chopped nuts

Directions

Combine raisins, dried fruit, and water in saucepan. Cook, uncovered, until water evaporates. Combine dry ingredients in mixing bowl. Combine next 5 ingredients. Blend with dry ingredients thoroughly. Pour into a greased 10 inch fluted tube pan. Bake at 350 degrees F for 35-40 minutes.

By Robin from Washington, IA

Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf75143917.tip.html

Email to a Friend | Get Responses | Bookmark | Link | Rate It: | Print

Crafting for Fun and Money!

If you are an avid crafter, capable writer and own a digital camera, you are eligible to participate. Submit your craft projects to ThriftyFun and we will pay $15 for any crafts that we publish.

More Information:
Click Here: http://www.thriftyfun.com/post_craft.ldml

Coupon Swap!
Swap coupons with other ThriftyFun.com users.