ThriftyFun Recipes - March 3, 2008

Vol. 7, Num. 44, March 3, 2008 (Read It Online) We have a new feature we are happy to announce today. We will be publishing articles about using various food products. Today's topic is Banana Leaves! Thank you Connie, Tina, Carol, Mom of 1, Robin, Barbara, Marion and Cajun for today's food 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: Kraft Classic Noodles Looking for an Easy Potato Soup Recipe What is 'Packed' Brown Sugar? Using Whipping Cream Instead of Frozen Whipped Topping Today's Food Tips: Using Banana Leaves Brown Bag Bananas And Store In The Fridge Poke a Hole in the Center of Your Burger Use Wax Paper In Your Microwave Today's Contest Recipes: Apple Cherry Salad Black Beans and Rice Roasted Rosemary Chicken and Potatoes Hearty Pasta Salad Sweet 'n' Tangy Chicken Wings (Crockpot) Robins's Recipe Corner: Baked Ham Roll-Ups Country Green Beans 6 Week Muffins Simple Cheesecake Bean, Pea and Orange Salad 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: Kraft Classic Noodles Does anybody remember the Kraft classic noodles? They were my husbands favorite. All I can find is the classic spaghetti. Anybody know how to make this? audrie12 from PA Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf10425433.tip.html Email to a Friend | Get Responses | Bookmark | Link | Rate It: | Print Looking for an Easy Potato Soup Recipe Does anyone have an easy potato soup recipe? Nicholas from Salinas, CA Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf65565065.tip.html Email to a Friend | Get Responses | Bookmark | Link | Rate It: | Print What is 'Packed' Brown Sugar? When a recipe calls for 'packed brown sugar' what is this? We have ordinary brown sugar and treacle sugar here in South Africa. I'm not sure what the 'packed' is. Carolyn from South Africa Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf69455270.tip.html Email to a Friend | Get Responses | Bookmark | Link | Rate It: | Print Using Whipping Cream Instead of Frozen Whipped Topping We do not have 'frozen whipped topping'. Would I just use whipped cream? Thank you for any replies. Carolyn from South Africa Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf62414090.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: Using Banana Leaves Description: Banana leaves are cut from the banana plant and are used as a wrapping to cook food in, instead of tin foil. Banana leaves leave a slight aroma and flavor to the foods cooked in them. Food wrapped in banana leaves can be steamed, baked or grilled. They can be purchased at many Asian or Hispanic markets, often in the freezer section. Uses: Leaves are never eaten, just used for wrapping. Banana leaves look beautiful and make a nice platter for finger foods. They can be used for steaming, baking and grilling. When storing something wrapped in a banana leaf in the fridge for later use, drape a damp towel over the top to keep the banana leaf moist. Do not leave them in the fridge uncooked for more than 2 days. Once cooked the banana leaves and what is contained inside will keep for a relatively long time. In Viet Nam (and many parts of South East Asia), many sweet treats, fish and rice dishes are wrapped and cooked in banana leaves. Preparation: Thaw the banana leaves for about 2 hours. Then run under cool water to soften and rinse off any debris. (Or you can submerge a few leaves in very hot water to thaw). Wipe off excess water with a kitchen towel, be sure to wipe in the same direction as the grain of the leaf in order to reduce the risk of tearing. Cut off any torn or yellow edges (note: cutting off the yellow part is purely for aesthetics sake). Cut off the thick middle vein because it makes it easier for the leaf to split. If a leaf happens to split just place another piece of leaf over the tear running in the opposite direction. Soak some tooth picks or kitchen string with the leafs, and use them to tie the leaves together when you have place your ingredients inside. Be careful when using toothpicks because they can rip the leave easily. If the parcel is small enough you can use thin strips of banana leaf to tie it together. When wrapping a large parcel use about 4 layers of leaves, each layer should have the grain of the leaf running in the opposite direction as the previous layer. Any leaves not being used should be re-frozen. Storage: Put in a plastic bag in the freezer. If you pre-made your meal and do not want to cook it yet, you can keep it it the refrigerator for a few days with a damp towel draped over your package. If you already cooked you meal, it should keep for at least a week in the refrigerator. Substitutions: Banana leaves are a great substitute to cling wrap or tin foil for storage. They can also substitute for parchment paper in sweet or savory dishes. Interesting Facts: In many parts of Asia, Latin America and Africa have used banana leaves to keep food good for long periods of time before there was access to refrigerators. Here is a recipe using banana leaves. If you have a favorite recipe, post it below. Lemon Grilled Fish in Banana Leaves Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf94928069.tip.html Email to a Friend | Get Responses | Bookmark | Link | Rate It: | Print Brown Bag Bananas And Store In The Fridge Bananas browning too quickly? Place bananas in a brown bag, set in the refrigerator. The skins will turn brown in a few days, but the fruit will be beautifully white and firm. By Cajun from Collinsville, IL Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf11613978.tip.html Email to a Friend | Get Responses | Bookmark | Link | Rate It: | Print Poke a Hole in the Center of Your Burger When making burgers , poke a hole straight through the middle with your finger after you have flattened them with your hands. This helps them cook faster, and stay flat. As the burger cooks, the holes fill in a bit, but it is also easier to check to see if they are done. Source: I'm not sure where I heard this tip, but I've been cooking my burgers like this now for over 10 years! By Marion from Ontario, Canada Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf76514103.tip.html Email to a Friend | Get Responses | Bookmark | Link | Rate It: | Print Use Wax Paper In Your Microwave I have a cute tip now I admit I have a small kitchen because we live in a small trailer so on my counter are things I use a lot. You guys had an e-mail about paper towels. Well, I have an tip for you! When you use the microwave a lot, use wax paper to put on top of the food in your microwave, it helps with the splatter and mess. You can also use it when you want to roll out your dough and make sandwiches too. Also I stopped buying paper plates too because my daughter used to tear them apart. Hey, dishes are dishes to me. For the people who might have a lot of clutter, try this great web site (you do not have to buy any thing). It is great way to help with your clutter. The website is www.flylady.com and she is great. I have used her stuff a lot. It's been a couple of years now but it is still in my head and it helps out a lot. By Barbara from Shoemakersville, PA Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf47502046.tip.html Email to a Friend | Get Responses | Bookmark | Link | Rate It: | Print Today's Contest Recipes: Apple Cherry Salad This recipe comes from my daughter and I've not yet had a chance to try it, but it sure sounds like a Blue Ribbon winner. Ingredients 1 pkg. (3 oz.) cherry gelatin 1 cup boiling water 1 can (21 oz.) cherry pie filling 4 medium apples, chopped 1 cup chopped celery Directions In a large bowl, dissolve gelatin in boiling water. Stir in the pie filling, apples and celery. Refrigerate for 30 minutes, or until thoroughly chilled. Yield: 8 to 10 servings By Connie from Cotter, AR Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf66637161.tip.html Email to a Friend | Get Responses | Bookmark | Link | Rate It: | Print Black Beans and Rice This is such an economical and easy dish to make, not to mention delicious. On days when I don't have bread to make a sandwich for lunch or don't have anything else to pack for my lunch, I'll cook the rice while preparing breakfast in the morning. Then I grab the other items and assemble everything at work. Ingredients 2 cups cooked rice 1 can black beans, drained salsa sour cream black olives (optional) Directions Spoon some rice into a serving bowl, top with some black beans. Microwave on high until heated through. Top with salsa and sour cream. You can add some black olives if you'd like. Serves about 4. Source: My own creation By Mom of 1 from Wilkesboro, NC Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf34070373.tip.html Email to a Friend | Get Responses | Bookmark | Link | Rate It: | Print Roasted Rosemary Chicken and Potatoes This is one of my easiest and DELICIOUS recipes. All in one pan, just add a salad or veggie! Ingredients 3 lbs chicken pieces (I prefer thighs) 6 cloves garlic, quartered 3 washed and unpeeled potatoes, quartered 1/4 cup olive oil 1 Tbsp. fresh rosemary leaves, or 1 tsp dried 2 tsp. kosher salt 1/2 tsp. pepper Directions Preheat oven to 450 degrees F. In a large roasting pan, toss all ingredients and lay in a single layer. Roast for 35-40 minutes. Enjoy! By Carol from Lancaster, PA Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf98037835.tip.html Email to a Friend | Get Responses | Bookmark | Link | Rate It: | Print Hearty Pasta Salad Ingredients 1 lb. spiral pasta, cooked 1/2 pound diced pepperoni 1/2 pound diced salami 1/2 pound diced ham one can black olives one small jar Spanish olives three diced tomatoes one bottle Italian salad dressing one half bottle Catalina dressing diced mozzarella cheese Directions Mix well and enjoy! By Tina from Ashtabula, Ohio Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf20675657.tip.html Email to a Friend | Get Responses | Bookmark | Link | Rate It: | Print Sweet 'n' Tangy Chicken Wings (Crockpot) Ingredients 3 lbs. chicken wingettes (about 30 wings) 1/2 tsp. salt, divided (I use sea salt) Dash Pepper 1-1/2 cups ketchup 1/4 cup packed brown sugar 1/4 cup red wine vinegar 2 Tbsp. Worcestershire sauce 1 Tbsp. Dijon mustard 1 tsp. minced garlic {or to taste} 1 tsp. Liquid Smoke, optional Sesame seeds, optional Directions Sprinkle chicken wingettes with a dash of salt and pepper. Broil 4-6 inches from the heat for 5 to 10 minutes on each side or until golden brown. Transfer to a greased 5-qt. slow cooker (crockpot). Combine the ketchup, brown sugar, vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, mustard, garlic, liquid smoke if desired and remaining salt; pour over wingettes. Toss to coat. Cover and cook on LOW for 3-1/4 to 3-3/4 hours or until chicken juices run clear. Sprinkle with sesame seeds if desired. Yield: about 2-1/2 dozen By Connie from Cotter, AR Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf66138527.tip.html Email to a Friend | Get Responses | Bookmark | Link | Rate It: | Print Robin's Recipe Corner: Baked Ham Roll-Ups Ingredients 2 pkg. chopped spinach (10oz. - double for 24 ham rolls) 2 cups corn bread stuffing mix (double for 24 ham rolls) 2 cups sour cream (double for 24 ham rolls) 12 slice ham (1/8 inch thick) 4 cups milk 4 Tbsp. cornstarch 4 Tbsp. butter 2 cups sharp grated cheese pepper, to taste Directions Cook frozen spinach as directed on package and drain. Combine with stuffing mix and sour cream; mix well. Spread each ham slice with about 1/2 cup spinach mixture. Roll and place seam side down in 9x13 inch Pyrex dish. Dissolve cornstarch and milk well in saucepan and heat. Add butter, cheese, and pepper; cook till thickened. Pour over ham rolls. Bake, covered, 15 minutes, uncovered, 15 minutes. (This is enough sauce for 24 ham rolls.) Bake in 350 degree F oven for 30 minutes total. By Robin from Washington, IA Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf66298768.tip.html Email to a Friend | Get Responses | Bookmark | Link | Rate It: | Print Country Green Beans Ingredients 1 lb. fresh green beans, trimmed 1/4 cup chopped onion 1/4 cup chopped fully cooked ham 1/4 cup butter or margarine 1/4 cup water 1 garlic clove, minced 1/2 tsp. salt 1/4 tsp. pepper Directions In a saucepan, combine all ingredients; cover and simmer for 15-20 minutes or until beans are tender. By Robin from Washington, IA Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf61128486.tip.html Email to a Friend | Get Responses | Bookmark | Link | Rate It: | Print 6 Week Muffins Ingredients 1 box raisins bran cereal (15 oz.) 3 cups sugar 5 cups sifted flour 5 tsp. baking soda 2 tsp. salt 4 eggs, beaten 1 cup melted shortening 1 qt. buttermilk Directions Mix first 5 ingredients. Add last 3 ingredients. Use a large bowl. Bake at 400 degrees F for 15-20 minutes in lightly greased muffin tins. The batter will keep 6-7 weeks, covered, in refrigerator. By Robin from Washington, IA Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf79485266.tip.html Email to a Friend | Get Responses | Bookmark | Link | Rate It: | Print Simple Cheesecake Ingredients 1 large pkg. crescent rolls 3 pkg. cream cheese (8 oz. each) 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar 1 cup sour cream 5 eggs 2 tsp. vanilla cinnamon Directions Beat together cream cheese, sugar, sour cream, eggs (1 at a time), and vanilla. Spread package of crescent rolls in bottom and slightly up sides of 9x13 pan. Pour cream cheese mixture over crescent rolls. Sprinkle with cinnamon. Bake at 350 for 40-45 minutes. Cheesecake will be slightly browned and split just a little. Make night before; refrigerate. Great topped with sweetened strawberries. By Robin from Washington, IA Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf52108952.tip.html Email to a Friend | Get Responses | Bookmark | Link | Rate It: | Print Bean, Pea and Orange Salad Ingredients 1 can French cut green beans, drained 1 can peas, drained 1 small bottle stuffed olives, drained and sliced 1/4 cup slivered almonds (opt.) 1 bunch green onions (opt.) 1 cup cut celery 1/3-1/2 cup oil (do not use peanut oil!) 1/4 cup vinegar juice (with optional rind) or 1 orange juice of 1 lemon 1 garlic bud, minced 1/2 cup powdered sugar (or less) 1/2 tsp salt 1/2 tsp Worcestershire sauce 1/2 tsp prepared mustard Directions Make marinade and pour over vegetables. Let stand overnight. By Robin from Washington, IA Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf84747333.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.