ThriftyFun Recipes - July 25, 2008

Vol. 7, Num. 144, July 25, 2008 (Read It Online) Thank you Connie, Melody, Artlady, Robin, Sherry, Scott, Sandy, Polly and sbb1 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 newsletter contains: Recipe Requests: Healthy Substitutes for Cream of Mushroom Soup Peach Cobbler With Pie Crust Cobbler Using Dry Cake Mix Recipe For Frito Lay Pie Today's Food Tips: Update from Connie Use a Potato Peeler for Grating Cheese Make Your Own Seasoning Salt Use Seasonal Veggies For Baby Food Today's Contest Recipes: Ham and Cheese Rotini Heavenly Biscuits Peaches and Cream Gelatin Salad Italian Sausage Bowtie Bake Cheesy Tater Tot Casserole Robins's Recipe Corner: Chicken Pot Pie Scalloped Pineapple Spicy Harvest Fruits Bread Beef and Bacon Wrapped Chicken Sour Cream Fruit Salad Dressing Lemon Cake Top Pudding Today's Sponsor: 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 Recipe Requests: Healthy Substitutes for Cream of Mushroom Soup This not a request as such but a question. Why do so many recipes have soup, especially mushroom added to them? I've noticed that at least one of Robin's daily recipes has it in. Canned soup contains a lot of hidden salt and other additives which, if you're on certain diets, isn't too healthy. Jan from Grantham, UK Editor's Note: This is a common American ingredient in many casseroles and "quick" meals. If you have suggestions for healthy alternatives, please post them here. Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf47077835.tip.html Email to a Friend | Get Responses | Bookmark | Link | Rate It: | Print Peach Cobbler With Pie Crust I am looking for the best peach cobbler recipe with the crust pie, not crumbs like an apple crisp? Anyone have something like that? Ann from Sac,CA Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf28862703.tip.html Email to a Friend | Get Responses | Bookmark | Link | Rate It: | Print Cobbler Using Dry Cake Mix There's a recipe where you use pie filling, dry cake mix, butter, and what else? It makes something similar to a cobbler, and I would love the exact recipe for this. Claudia Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf53644973.tip.html Email to a Friend | Get Responses | Bookmark | Link | Rate It: | Print Recipe For Frito Lay Pie We were watching Unwrapped on Food Network and they mentioned a Frito Lay pie. Does anyone know about such a meal? I do know it's something from Texas and involves chili with cheese. Thanks for any ideas! Jodie W from Louisville, Ky Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf35776837.tip.html Email to a Friend | Get Responses | Bookmark | Link | Rate It: | Print Contests: 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! Today's Food Tips: Update from Connie I would like to let everyone know that I had another scan of my body this past Friday and the cancer is now in remission. The scan showed no spreading of the cancer, thank goodness. I'm to have another check-up in two months and will be seeing a new oncologist for the continuation of the check-ups or anything else that will be required. I'll also be offline for a while as I'm moving from Arkansas to Missouri, to a city/town called Liberty. Will be busy getting new doctors, drivers license, and all that other good stuff when moving to a new state. I'll be closing down on the 30th of this month, July. I'll try to get back online as quickly as possible. Wishing everyone a blessed day filled with sunshine, love, and happiness. By Connie from Cotter, AR Editor's Note: Connie is a long time contributer to ThriftyFun who has shared countless recipes and ideas with the ThriftyFun community. It's great to hear that things are progressing well and we wish you the best with your move. Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf51061856.tip.html Email to a Friend | Get Responses | Bookmark | Link | Rate It: | Print Use a Potato Peeler for Grating Cheese I love cheese sandwiches with whatever other ingredient I choose, but I hate grating the cheese. I always miss the dish I'm aiming for or the bread slice and make a mess with bits of cheese all over the work top, which stick like glue when I'm trying to wipe them off. So I came up with the idea of using a potato peeler. How easy is it ... very. The slices are thin, it's much quicker, no tiny bits flying off everywhere. Peeling cheese this way is also a doddle on home made pizza toppings. By Polly from Selsey UK Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf50243004.tip.html Email to a Friend | Get Responses | Bookmark | Link | Rate It: | Print Make Your Own Seasoning Salt Make your own seasoning salt by refilling the now finished container with one 1/2 parts salt, and one teaspoon of the following: paprika, onion powder, garlic powder, and black pepper. Reseal the top and give a shake before each use. NOTE: You can even add any extra spices of your choice like poultry seasoning for example. I discovered this when I ran out of this condiment. They do sell it on this side of the globe, but its considered an imported item so its price is more than I wish to spend. I just read the ingredients labeled on the back and realized I had all the spices separately right in my kitchen cabinets. By sbb1 from Umm al Quain, UAE Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf83272481.tip.html Email to a Friend | Get Responses | Bookmark | Link | Rate It: | Print Use Seasonal Veggies For Baby Food Since vegetables are in abundance right now, it's a great time to prepare homecooked food for your little ones. Prepare and cook whatever vegetables you have available, keeping in mind that additives are best not added to baby food. When cooking is done, puree the vegetables and pour them into ice cube trays. Freeze. Remove the veggie cubes and store them in sealed bags in the freezer. When preparing lunch or dinner for your little one, all you need to do is pop out a cube or two and heat it up. The bonus for you is knowing what went into the food as well as the savings at the grocery store. By Sandy from Elon, NC Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf15466899.tip.html Email to a Friend | Get Responses | Bookmark | Link | Rate It: | Print Today's Contest Recipes: Ham and Cheese Rotini Ingredients 1 package ham cubes (can be found in deli with the lunch meat) 1 package tri colored rotini 1 package of cheddar cheese, grated or cubed Directions In frying pan, place a small amount of Olive Oil and saute ham lightly. Meanwhile cook noodles according to directions on package. Add noodles and cheese to ham, stir well and you have a quick and simple dinner. Source: One of my stepdaughters gave me the recipe By Sherry from Silverdale WA Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf52357777.tip.html Email to a Friend | Get Responses | Bookmark | Link | Rate It: | Print Heavenly Biscuits Ingredients 1 package dry yeast 1/4 cup warm water 2 1/2 cups flour 1/2 tsp. baking soda 1 tsp. baking powder 1 tsp. salt 2 - 4 Tbsp sugar (depends on how sweet you like them) 1/2 cup butter or shortening 1 cup buttermilk butter, melted Directions Preheat oven to 400 degrees F. Dissolve the yeast in warm water, set aside. Mix the dry ingredients. Cut the shortening in as you would usually do for pie dough. Stir in the buttermilk and the yeast mixture. Blend thoroughly, the dough is ready to refrigerate or roll into biscuits. Turn the dough out onto a floured board and knead very lightly as for regular biscuits. Roll out and cut as you would for regular biscuits, placing on a greased pan. DO NOT overwork the dough. Form biscuits and let rise in pan until very fluffy (30-60 minutes). Before baking, brush tops with lots of melted butter. Bake 12 to 15 minutes or until golden brown. You can mix these up one day and bake them the next 3 days. The dough will keep the refrigerator in a covered bowl. They also freeze well. Just allow to thaw and rise before baking. I normally double this and freeze what I haven't used in a few days. Variations: Add 1/2 cup of cheese Add garlic to the butter baste Add fresh herbs to the butter (for more intense flavor add some to the biscuit dough) Use 1/2 - 2/3 cup of whole wheat flour Source: I got this from the web years ago, but have made some changes over the years. By Scott E. from Chicago, IL Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf24343173.tip.html Email to a Friend | Get Responses | Bookmark | Link | Rate It: | Print Peaches and Cream Gelatin Salad This is a delicious fat-free dessert. It tastes very creamy. Ingredients 1 large. can sliced peaches, drained (save juice) 1/2 cup fat-free cream cheese 1/3 cup fat-free sour cream 1/4 cup sugar 1 3 oz. package peach flavored gelatin water Directions In food processor, combine 1/2 can drained peaches, cream cheese, sour cream and sugar. Blend until smooth. Add water to juice from peaches to make 1 cup and heat over medium heat until almost boiling. Remove from heat and add gelatin. Stir until dissolved. Cool slightly and combine cream cheese mixture. Add remaining peaches and pour into mold or dish. Chill until set. Makes 6 servings 114 calories per serving Source: Low Fat - No Fat Cookbook By Artlady from Edmond, OK Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf65951223.tip.html Email to a Friend | Get Responses | Bookmark | Link | Rate It: | Print Italian Sausage Bowtie Bake This is easy, tastes incredible, and you don’t have to cook the pasta beforehand, which saves you a step. Feel free to substitute whatever pasta shapes you have on hand! Ingredients 1 package (1 to 1.2 lbs) Italian sausage, hot or mild 1 tsp. olive oil (just enough to cover the bottom of your skillet lightly) 1/2 cup chopped onion Salt and pepper to taste 8 oz. bowtie pasta, uncooked (I use half of a 1 lb. box) 1 26-28 oz. jar chunky spaghetti sauce 1 can Italian style tomatoes 1 tsp. minced garlic Nonstick cooking spray 8 oz. shredded mozzarella cheese Directions Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Remove Italian sausage from its casings (I just snag the casing with a knife and rip it) and cook this together with the onion in a little olive oil. If it looks a little dry, you can add a little water (under 1/2 cup) to the skillet. Once done, salt and pepper it and take it off the burner. In a large bowl, stir together the jar of spaghetti sauce plus one jar of water, Italian style tomatoes, minced garlic, and uncooked pasta. Add the sausage, and stir again. Spray a 9x13 inch dish with nonstick cooking spray and pour this mixture in. Even it out with a spoon so it's not one huge lump in the middle, cover tightly with foil, and plop it in the oven for about 20-25 minutes. Stir it after about 15 minutes so that everything gets nice and tender. After the time's up, check it out. If it looks drier than it should, stir in a little more water and stick it back in. After it's done, take off the foil, sprinkle it with mozzarella, and stick it back in just long enough to melt. You can serve this with garlic bread or cheese Texas toast, and it's good with green beans, too (especially if you put some bacon bits and a little Italian seasoning in them). Source: I found this recipe on a bulletin board at my old job and am not sure of the original source. By Melody from El Dorado, AR Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf95378791.tip.html Email to a Friend | Get Responses | Bookmark | Link | Rate It: | Print Cheesy Tater Tot Casserole Ingredients 2 lbs. ground beef 1 can cream of mushroom soup 1 can cream of chicken soup 1 bag tater tots 1 bag shredded mozzarella cheese Directions Brown and season ground beef. In 9x13-inch casserole dish, layer tater tots ground beef then spread the soups over ground beef and top with mozzarella cheese. Bake in 425 degree F oven for at 30-40 minutes or until hot and bubbly. Let sit 5 minutes before serving. Variations: Use ground turkey instead of ground beef; use different cream soups and cheddar cheese soup. By Connie from Cotter, AR Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf37829351.tip.html Email to a Friend | Get Responses | Bookmark | Link | Rate It: | Print Robin's Recipe Corner: Chicken Pot Pie Chicken Pot Pie Ingredients Pastry: 1 1/2 cups flour 1 tsp. salt 1/3 cup chilled butter, cut in small pieces 1 large egg 2-3 Tbsp. ice water Filling: 4 cups cubed cooked chicken 1 Tbsp. butter 1 lb. fresh mushrooms, sliced 1/4 cup water 1 1/2 cups whipping cream 2 Tbsp. flour 1 1/2 tsp. paprika 1/2 tsp. salt 1/2 tsp. pepper 3/4 cup reduced-sodium chicken broth Glaze: 1 large egg, lightly beaten Directions To prepare pastry, in a medium bowl, mix together flour and salt. Using a pastry blender or 2 knives, cut butter into flour until coarse crumbs form. In a small bowl, beat together egg and water. Add to the flour mixture; mix lightly until a soft dough forms. Shape into a disk, wrap in plastic wrap, and chill in the refrigerator for 1 hour. To prepare filling, place chicken in a 2 qt. casserole. In a large skillet, melt butter over low heat. Add mushrooms; increase the heat to medium high; and saute' until browned and the liquid evaporates, about 5 minutes. Add the water; cook until almost evaporated, about 2 minutes. Add mushroom mixture to chicken; stir to combine. In a medium saucepan, whisk together cream, flour, paprika, salt, and pepper, over low heat; cook until thickened, about 5 minutes. Whisk in broth. Pour sauce over chicken mixture. Preheat oven to 400 degrees F. On a lightly floured surface, using a lightly floured rolling pin, roll the pastry to fit the top of the casserole. Place on top of pie; trim and seal the edges. Roll out trimmings. Cut out leaves and flowers. Brush pastry with glaze; add the decorations; brush again with glaze. Bake until filling is bubbly and crust is browned, 25-30 minutes. Transfer to wire rack to cool slightly. Serve warm. By Robin from Washington, IA Chicken Pot Pie II Ingredients 4-6 chicken breasts 1 small onion, diced 1 can cream of mushroom soup 1 chicken bouillon cube salt and pepper, to taste 3-4 potatoes, peeled, cubed 2-3 carrots, peeled, diced 1 can green peas corn starch (opt.) 1 can refrigerator biscuits (10 count) Directions Place chicken breasts in large saucepan. Add next 5 ingredients and 2 soup cans water. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer for 45 minutes. Remove chicken and chop meat into bite-sized pieces. Add vegetables to the stock. Cook for 15 minutes. Return chopped chicken to stock. Thicken with cornstarch if necessary. Spoon into 9x13 inch baking dish. Slice each biscuit in half and arrange over chicken mixture. Bake at 400 degrees F for 10-15 minutes until biscuits are brown. By Robin from Washington, IA Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf161842.tip.html Email to a Friend | Get Responses | Bookmark | Link | Rate It: | Print Scalloped Pineapple Ingredients 4 cups white bread (8 slices), cubed 1 cup sugar 3 eggs, beaten 1 cup melted margarine 1 cup crushed pineapple, well drained 1/2 cup milk Directions Mix everything together. Bake at 350 degrees F in glass, Pyrex or Corning Ware dish for 45-55 minutes. Good with ham or turkey! By Robin from Washington, IA Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf743081.tip.html Email to a Friend | Get Responses | Bookmark | Link | Rate It: | Print Spicy Harvest Fruits Bread Ingredients 1 1/2 cups whole wheat flour 1 tsp. baking powder 1/2 tsp. baking soda 1/2 tsp. nutmeg 1/4 tsp. salt 1/2-2 tsp. cinnamon 4 egg whites 1 cup sugar 1/3 cup honey 1/2 cup corn oil 1 carrot, shredded 1 yam, shredded 1 cup chopped raisins Directions Sift first 6 ingredients together. Beat next 4 ingredients together in bowl. Add 1-2 tablespoons hot water, mixing well. Stir in shredded vegetables. Add dry ingredients and raisins, mixing well. Pour into greased and floured 2 pound coffee can. Place inside crock pot. Cover with damp paper towel. Cook partially covered, on high for 3 1/2-4 hours. By Robin from Washington, IA Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf78370199.tip.html Email to a Friend | Get Responses | Bookmark | Link | Rate It: | Print Beef and Bacon Wrapped Chicken Ingredients 1 small jar dried beef 6 chicken breasts, skinned 6 slices of bacon 1 can golden mushroom soup 1 pint sour cream Directions Place 3 slices dried beef around each chicken breast. Wrap with bacon slices. Secure with toothpicks. Arrange chicken in 9x13 inch baking dish. Mix soup and sour cream together. Spoon over chicken, covering completely. Bake at 350 degrees F for 1 hour. By Robin from Washington, IA Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf38922913.tip.html Email to a Friend | Get Responses | Bookmark | Link | Rate It: | Print Sour Cream Fruit Salad Dressing Ingredients 3 Tbsp. Miracle Whip 3 Tbsp. sour cream 2 Tbsp. sugar Directions Combine all ingredients in small bowl, mixing well. Pour over fresh or canned fruit. By Robin from Washington, IA Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf27336897.tip.html Email to a Friend | Get Responses | Bookmark | Link | Rate It: | Print Lemon Cake Top Pudding Ingredients 3 Tbsp. flour 3/4 cup sugar 2 Tbsp. margarine, softened 2 egg yolks, beaten 1 cup milk 1/3 cup lemon juice 2 egg whites, stiffly beaten Directions Cream flour, sugar and margarine together in bowl. Add egg yolks, milk and lemon juice, mixing well. Fold in egg whites. Pour into 8 inch baking dish. Place in large pan of hot water. Bake at 375 degrees F for 40 minutes. Yield: 4 servings. By Robin from Washington, IA Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf74021092.tip.html Email to a Friend | Get Responses | Bookmark | Link | Rate It: | Print Today's Sponsor: 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 More Stuff: Coupon Swap! Swap coupons with other ThriftyFun.com users.