ThriftyFun Recipes - October 20, 2008

Thank you Summer, Pam, Cyndi, Willene, April, Carol, Raymonde and Bobbie for today's tips and recipes!

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Recipe Requests:

• Diabetic Pumpkin Pie Recipe
• Using Up Potato Chip Crumbs
• Using Enamel Pots on a Glass Stovetop
• Making A Dessert To Be Sold Charity Function
• What Is Catalina Dressing?

Today's Food Tips:

• Use Up Extra Milk By Making Pudding
• Add a Slice of Bread to Fresh Baked Cookies
• Bring a Cooler to Keep Restaurant Leftovers Cool

Today's Contest Recipes:

• Almond Puff Pastry
• "Almost Hamburger Helper" Mix in a Jar
• Pineapple Delight
• Sunshine Chicken
• Black Halloween Punch

Robins's Recipe Corner:

• Broccoli Amandine
• Strawberry Cake
• Golden Apricot Bars
• Colorado Burritos
• Easy Chocolate Roll-Up
• Beefy Tater Tot Casserole

Crafting for Fun and Money!

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Diabetic Pumpkin Pie Recipe

I'd like a recipe for pumpkin pie for a diabetic. Also has anyone ever tried doing a Mock Apple Pie with Splenda?

Peggy from Oak Grove, MO

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Using Up Potato Chip Crumbs

I'm looking for simple recipes where I can use up potato chip crumbs. There always seems to be a ton of them in the bottom of the bag and it's ashame to let them go to waste. I have put them on top of tuna casserole before.

Haley from Centreville, MD

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Using Enamel Pots on a Glass Stovetop

Does anyone out there know if it is safe to use porcelain enamel pots on the stovetop (ie Rachel Ray, Kitchen Aide, etc.). I love the pots but am afraid to purchase them if they are not safe. Help!

Barbara from Merchantville, NJ

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Making A Dessert To Be Sold Charity Function

I am a member of a motorcycle club that is hosting a charity benefit ride for a little boy with a softball size tumor. I would like to know what type of dessert would be the best to make for a large event? I would have to make it so that it could be sold individually, 2-3 cookies, couple brownies, ect.

What would be a good recipe or dessert for such an event that is not too time consuming or costly? Another lady is doing the all time favorite No Bake Cookies! Thank you for all your help!

April from Demorest, GA

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What Is Catalina Dressing?

Could someone please advise me what Catalina salad dressing is? Is there something equivalent in Australia?

Vivienne from Australia

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Use Up Extra Milk By Making Pudding

Because I am a Weight Watcher, I keep skim milk on hand at all times, but sometimes I can't use it all before the expiration date. I keep instant pudding mix on hand and make pudding with the milk that's about to expire. This way, I don't have to throw away the milk and I get a special treat.

By Summer from Macon, GA

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Add a Slice of Bread to Fresh Baked Cookies

While living in Denver, I discover that fresh baked cookies (even in a zip-locked bag) dried out quickly. By adding a slice of bread, the cookies stayed moist. Just change the bread when the slice dries out.

By Pam from Davie, Florida

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Bring a Cooler to Keep Restaurant Leftovers Cool

Whenever I travel, I take along an icechest with 16 oz. bottles of frozen water, so I can save any left-over restaurant food. Many times I can make a meal out of them. Sometimes, I get to refreeze these bottles, when a hotel has a freezer in the room or at someone's house, that we may be visiting.

By Cyndi from Angwin, CA

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Almond Puff Pastry

This is a fairly inexpensive recipe I love to bring to Pot Lucks. I always get compliments.

It makes 2 so it's nice because you can leave one home for the family if you don't expect a large crowd. Very easy to make but seems as if you spent a lot of time.

Ingredients

Dough:

• 2 cups flour
• 1 cup (2 sticks) butter or margarine
• 2 cups of water + 2 Tbsp.
• 3 eggs
• 1 tsp. almond or butter flavoring or extract

• 2 cups confectionery sugar
• 1 tsp. almond extract

Directions

Step 1: Mix to a fine meal; 1 cup flour, 1 stick margarine or butter, 2 Tbsp. water. Divide in half and place on cookie sheet and spread each out to 3x12 inches.

Step 2: Bring to a boil; 1 cup water, 1 stick butter or margarine, add 1 tsp. almond extract, remove from heat, add 1 cup flour (all at once), mix well. Add 3 eggs, one at a time, mix well. Spread over step one, bring over edges.

Bake 350 degrees F for 1 hour. Open oven during baking at your own risk, it may fall.

For Icing: Add desired amount of milk. Top with cherries, almonds or chopped walnuts. Ice while pastry is still warm.

Source: Toy Fare-Ingredients by the toymakers at Fisher Price 1980

By April from Buffalo, NY

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"Almost Hamburger Helper" Mix in a Jar

Ingredients

• 2 cups nonfat dry milk
• 1 cup corn starch
• 1/4 cup beef bouillon powder
• 2 Tbsp. onion flakes
• 1 tsp. dried basil
• 1 tsp. dried thyme
• 1 tsp. black pepper
• 2 Tbsp. dried parsley
• 1 Tbsp. garlic powder

Directions

Mix the ingredients together and store in an airtight jar.

Attach the following recipes to the jar:

Chili Mac:

• 1 lb ground beef, browned and drained
• 1 cup water
• 1/2 cup macaroni noodles (uncooked)
• 2 cans chopped tomatoes
• 1 Tbsp. chili powder
• 1/2 cup mix

Stroganoff:

• 1 lb ground beef, browned and drained
• 2 cups water
• 1/2 cup mix
• 2 cups uncooked egg noodles
• 1/2 cup sour cream

Potato Beef Casserole:

• 1 lb ground beef, browned and drained
• 3/4 cup water
• 6 potatoes, peeled and thinly sliced
• 1 cup frozen mixed veggies
• 1/2 cup mix

Quick Lasagna:

• 1 lb ground beef, browned and drained
• 1/2 cup mix
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 cups water
• 16 oz tomato sauce
• 3 cups lasagna noodles, uncooked, broken in bits
• 1/4 cup parmesan cheese
• 2 cups mozzarella cheese, shredded

Source: http://www.razzledazzlerecipes.com/

Mix in a jar recipes ... for Christmas

By Carol from Wyoming, PA

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Pineapple Delight

Ingredients

• 1 box vanilla wafers
• 12 oz Cool Whip
• 1 can of 20 oz Dole Crushed Pineapple(use juice)
• 1 can Eagle Brand sweetened condensed milk
• 1 Tbsp lemon juice

Directions

Mix all the ingredients together except the wafers. Line 1 1/2 quart dish with 1/2 vanilla wafers.

Pour half of the mixture over the wafers then add another layer of wafers and top with rest of mix.

Best if chilled overnight.

By Willene from Canton, GA

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Sunshine Chicken

Ingredients

• 3 lb. of chicken thighs
• 1/2 tsp. of salt
• 1/8 tsp. ground pepper
• 5 tsp. of cornstarch
• 2 tsp. of white sugar
• 1 cup of chicken broth
• 1/2 cup of orange juice
• 2 Tbsp. of brandy
• 2 tsp. of cider vinegar
• 1 tsp. of grated orange peel
• 1/2 tsp. dried tarragon
• 1 navel orange, peeled and sectioned
• 1/2 seedless grapefruit, peeled and sectioned

Directions

Preheat oven at 350 degrees F. Arrange chicken skin side up in a 12x8x2 baking dish. Season with salt and pepper. Bake for 45 minutes.

In a medium saucepan, mix cornstarch and sugar. Stir in broth, orange juice, brandy, vinegar, orange peel, and tarragon. Cook, stirring, over medium heat until sauce boils and thickens, about 3 minutes. Stir in orange and grapefruit sections.

Spoon sauce and fruit over chicken. Return to oven for 15 minutes longer, until chicken is tender.

Enjoy.

Source: A friend, Janet.

By Raymonde from North Bay, Ontario

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Black Halloween Punch

• 1 (.13 ounce) envelope unsweetened grape soft drink mix
• 1 (.13 ounce) envelope unsweetened orange soft drink mix
• 2 cups white sugar
• 3 quarts cold water
• 1 liter ginger ale

Directions

To make a frozen hand, wash a disposable glove, fill with water, seal with a rubber band and freeze until hard.

Stir together grape soft drink mix, orange soft drink mix, sugar and water until solids are dissolved. Combine with chilled ginger ale just before serving. Dip the frozen hand briefly in warm water, then peel off the glove. Float the prepared hand in the punch bowl for a ghastly effect.

By Babbie from Lemon Grove, CA

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Broccoli Amandine

Ingredients

• 3 lbs. broccoli
• 1 cup butter
• 2 tsp. salt
• 1/4 cup lemon juice
• 2/3 cup toasted slivered almonds

Directions

Discard large broccoli leaves and tough ends of stalk. Wash broccoli well. Split each stalk lengthwise into halves or quarters depending on size. Steam broccoli about 15 minutes, until stalks become tender-crisp. Meanwhile, melt butter in saucepan. Add salt and lemon juice. Simmer, stirring occasionally, 5 minutes. Add almonds. Arrange broccoli on heated platter. Top with almonds in sauce. Note: To toast almonds, preheat oven to 375 degrees F. Place slivered almonds on cookie sheet and toast for 7 minutes or until golden.

By Robin from Washington, IA

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Strawberry Cake

Strawberry Cake I

Ingredients

• 1 box French Vanilla cake mix
• small box of strawberry Jello
• 4 eggs
• 3/4 cup vegetable oil
• 16 oz. frozen strawberries

Directions

Beat all ingredients except strawberries for 3 minutes. Then beat in strawberries for 2 minutes. Bake in bundt pan at 350 degrees F for 55 minutes.

For Frosting: Take a small container of cream cheese, one stick butter or margarine and one lb. of powdered sugar. Beat together until creamy. Enjoy!

By Cindy from Kalkaska, MI

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Golden Apricot Bars

Ingredients

• 2/3 cup dried apricots
• 1/2 cup butter, softened
• 2 Tbsp. honey
• 1 1/2 cup whole wheat flour, sifted
• 1 tsp. baking powder
• 1/4 tsp. salt
• 1/2 cup honey
• 2 eggs, well beaten
• 1 Tbsp. vanilla
• 1/2 cup walnuts, chopped

Directions

Rinse apricots, cover with water and boil 10 minutes. Drain, cool and snip. Mix softened butter with the 2 Tbsp. honey and 1 cup whole wheat flour, sifted. Pack into bottom of greased 8 inch square pan. Bake at 350 degrees F for 25 minutes. Sift remaining 1/3 cup flour with baking powder and salt. Beat honey into eggs, beating well after each addition. Stir in sifted flour mixture, flavoring, walnuts and chopped apricots. Spread over baked layer. Return to oven and bake 30 minutes more. Cool in pan and cut in squares.

By Robin from Washington, IA

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Colorado Burritos

Ingredients

• 3 Tbsp. oil
• 1 lb. hamburger
• 1 onion, chopped
• 1 clove garlic, crushed
• 2 tsp. salt
• 1 can diced green chilies
• 1 can refried beans
• 2 cans mild enchilada sauce
• 1/2 cup cheddar cheese, shredded
• 12 corn tortillas

Directions

Brown meat, onion and garlic in oil until meat is browned and onion is tender. Add salt and can of green chilies. Mix 1 can enchilada sauce with the can of refried beans and cheddar cheese. Heat. Set aside. Fry tortillas about 10-12 seconds on each side. Spoon about 1/4 cup of meat mixture into each tortilla, along with 2 tsp. enchilada from second can. Fold tortilla and place, seam side down, in long shallow casserole dish. Spoon refried bean, enchilada sauce and cheese mixture over folded tortillas and bake at 300 degrees F for 15 minutes.

By Robin from Washington, IA

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Easy Chocolate Roll-Up

Ingredients

Filling:

• 1/4 cup butter
• 1 cup chopped pecans
• 1 1/3 cup flaked coconut
• 1 can sweetened condensed milk

• 3 eggs
• 1 cup sugar
• 2/3 cup flour
• 1/3 cup cocoa
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 1/4 tsp soda
• 1/3 cup water
• 1 tsp vanilla

Directions

Line a 15x10 inch jelly roll pan with foil. Melt butter in pan, sprinkle with pecans and coconut. Drizzle with milk. In mixer bowl, beat eggs at high speed for 2 minutes, until fluffy. Gradually add sugar; continue beating for 2 minutes. No need to sift flour, spoon into measuring cup. Add remaining ingredients; blend 1 minute at low speed. Pour evenly into pan over filling. Bake at 375 degrees F for 20-25 minutes until cake springs back when touched in center. Sprinkle cake (in pan) with powdered sugar. Cover with towel. Place cookie sheet over towel; invert. Remove pan and foil. Start with 10 inch side, roll up jelly roll fashion, using towel to roll cake. Do not roll towel in cake. Leave wrapped. Cool, then slice. Serve with Cool Whip or ice cream.

By Robin from Washington, IA

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Beefy Tater Tot Casserole

Ingredients

• 1 1/2 lbs. ground beef, browned
• 1 can cream of celery soup
• 1 can cream of mushroom soup
• 1 can corn, drained
• Tater Tots or potato puffs

Directions

Brown ground beef; drain. Add soups, corn and meat in a 2 qt. casserole dish; mix well. Arrange Tots on top of mixture. Bake, uncovered, at 350 degrees F for 30-40 minutes.

By Robin from Washington, IA

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