ThriftyFun Recipes - October 5, 2009

Vol. 8, Num. 194, October 5, 2009 (Read It Online) I hope everyone had a nice weekend and is starting to adjust to slow fall cooking. Today, we have a nice article from Eileen about how much food is wasted and thrown away in a given week. Please post your own feedback about using food before it is wasted. Thank you to Dorty, mykymip, Loretta, LadyL1, chicken42, Deeli and Gina for today's recipes and tips. Be sure to give a "thumbs up" to any recipes or tips that you really liked. We use this information to help us select a winner for our weekly contests. Post your own tips and recipes too, you could win $25.00! Submit Your Favorite Recipe! Submit a Food tip! Looking for a recipe? Submit a request Thanks for reading, The ThriftyFun Team 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: Freezing Summer Squash Too Much Salt in Homemade Canned Soup Fried Green Tomatoes Boiled Dough Cookies Recipes for George Foreman Roaster Waffle Topping Recipes Today's Food Tips: Soak Beans Overnight Add Beef Broth to Ground Turkey How Much Food Do You Toss? Today's Contest Recipes: Corn Crust Taco Pizza Colorful Chicken Lemon Lemon Pound Cake Chicken Salad Bagel Sandwiches Cheese Puffs Appetizer Robins's Recipe Corner: Peas and Potatoes Ham Asparagus Pineapple Casserole Liver Burgers Cheezy Chowder Cry Baby Cookies 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: Freezing Summer Squash I would like to know how to freeze zucchini? By rose0909 from Oklahoma City, OK Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf58568676.tip.html Email to a Friend | Get Responses | Bookmark | Link | Print | Rate It: | Too Much Salt in Homemade Canned Soup My daughter-in-law and I were canning vegetable soup for the first time. We used too much salt. I don't know if we were both adding it or if I was too heavy handed with the shaker. Well it's canned. Any idea's on how to fix it would be appreciated. Thanks. By mockingbird from Liberty, IN Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf72921909.tip.html Email to a Friend | Get Responses | Bookmark | Link | Print | Rate It: | Fried Green Tomatoes I am looking for a recipe for fried green tomatoes. By kateh09 from Charleston, SC Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf90812027.tip.html Email to a Friend | Get Responses | Bookmark | Link | Print | Rate It: | Boiled Dough Cookies Does anyone have a recipe for a cookie that you boil first and then bake? My husband says his mother used to make something she called "tadows", I haven't a clue as to the correct spelling. He said she made two kinds: 1. round with anise seeds in them. 2. one that was "sweet", that's all he could describe it as. These were round and then scored around the edges, baked and then they puffed up when they baked. Both cookies ended up with white icing on them at the last step. But he is sure they began with some kind of a dough, he doesn't know if it was a yeast dough or not. Then the cookies were boiled and then baked. He was only a boy and his mother has long since passed away so there's no one to get the recipe from or even the correct spelling. Sound familiar to anyone out there? Any help would be appreciated since I'd like to make them for him. He's 61 and apparently his mom didn't bake too often so I'd like to make them for him. Thank you. By metroplex from Houston, TX USA Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf66037968.tip.html Email to a Friend | Get Responses | Bookmark | Link | Print | Rate It: | Recipes for George Foreman Roaster I would like to find a recipes for a George Foreman roaster. Especially a beef roast. By busha2two from Streator, IL Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf15226613.tip.html Email to a Friend | Get Responses | Bookmark | Link | Print | Rate It: | Waffle Topping Recipes I manage a Waffle Bakery and I am looking for easy toppings for my waffles. Any ideas or tips? By joycem from Pittsburgh, PA Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf88997841.tip.html Email to a Friend | Get Responses | Bookmark | Link | Print | Rate It: | 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, 2 photo winners (1 photo and 1 pet photo) and 1 recipe 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: Soak Beans Overnight Always clean and soak your legumes overnight. The next morning rinse, add water and bring to a rapid boil for 5 minutes then lower the heat to medium and let it cook. It cooks well. Don't add salt while it is boiling, because its delays the cooking process. By Dorty from SA Contest Contender! This post is a contest contender! Read it and then Rate it: Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf42079140.tip.html Email to a Friend | Get Responses | Bookmark | Link | Print | Add Beef Broth to Ground Turkey Add low-salt beef broth or gravy to ground turkey for more flavor. By mkymlp from NE PA Contest Contender! This post is a contest contender! Read it and then Rate it: Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf67057603.tip.html Email to a Friend | Get Responses | Bookmark | Link | Print | How Much Food Do You Toss? The Average American tosses $859 worth of food a year, how do you stack up? According to the 2009 Department of Labor's consumer expenditures reports, the average American spends $6133 on food each year. And according to several reports, the average American wastes 14 percent of their food purchases. Broken down, this means the average American is tossing $858.62 each year. That's $71.55 per month. If that same amount was invested at 6.5% from age 20 to 65, that's $230,000 being tossed in the trash. We're hearing a lot these days about would-be retirees who simply don't have the assets needed to leave the work force. The almost quarter of a million dollars tossed as bad lettuce would come in handy to those and others struggling with a job loss or temporary leave of employment to raise young children. These numbers were startling to me as I think we are actually worse than the average American in tossing food that's gone bad. I would guess we easily toss 20 percent, if not more. So I challenged myself to track this for a week and actually see the numbers for myself. As you will see, the amount wasted clearly was substantial. These days I'm finding myself tossing a lot less and plan to start another week of "food tracking" this month. Day 1, August 16. Tossed: 1 small squash - 50 cents entire bag of cherries - $5.00 container of strawberries - $3.00 small squash - .50 1/2 tomato - .25 1/4 container of guac - 75. Total day one = $10.00 (What I clear after taxes, commute, babysitting costs, dry-cleaning, and associated work expenses for one hour). Day 2, August 17 The only thing wasted thus far today was about 1/8th of a bagel with cream cheese, and that was partly to just be a bit healthier and eat less. The bagel with cream cheese is a bit over $2.00 so I will estimate that at .25 tossed. I could have just wrapped it to take home. The moment he saw me toss it, my five year old exclaimed, "Mom! I didn't know you were going to be so wasteful!". Also, my "new awareness" forced me to cut up an almost overripe canteloupe and my two year old and I are eating that now for dinner. Edited to add: Bedtime snack ended with 1/2 cup of leftover yogurt that had to be tossed as my two year old poured his water in it for fun. This is organic yogert, about $4.00 for a the container that has four cups. So that is 50 cents more being tossed tonight. Day 3, August 18 Some of this may be sinking in, only tossed some bread crusts today. Cost of one piece of whole wheat bread is about 20 cents, so we'll call this a nickle for the day and pats on the back all around. Day 4, August 19 Unlike the re-using my trash challenge, which is driving me a bit batty, I'm thrilled with my newfound dedication to tossing no food. I "re-used" the crusts today and just slathered on peanut butter and the boys look at it like a whole new sandwich. And the tiny bit of French bread that was to be wasted is in a recycled bag in my car to bring to the fish pond we go to to feed the fish. Not bad! Day 5, August 25 Nothing tossed today, but a bowl of bean casserole is looking a bit shady and we went out to dinner which will just add another day to its aging, but otherwise good! Day 6, August 26 Bean casserole will be going into the compost (1.50?) (80 cents can of beans, salsa, some onion). Used up the last of a very sad onion with the last of the spinach for a spinach pasta which is sitting in the fridge for tomorrow's lunch. Pat on the back again Eileen - doing really well at this. September now and time to see if my progress is holding steady. Good wishes. Eileen Editor's Note What are some of your personal experiences with household food waste. Post your tips and advice here! Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf77157567.tip.html Email to a Friend | Get Responses | Bookmark | Link | Print | Rate It: | Today's Contest Recipes: Corn Crust Taco Pizza This has easy, fun ingredients that kids will enjoy, and if made with lower fat items, is quite healthy, compared to some of the "fast food" stuff. It looks like a pizza, smells like tacos and is just all around good. ingredients: 1 small box corn muffin mix 1 lb. lean ground beef 1 pkg. (1.25 oz.) Taco seasoning 3/4 cup shredded cheddar cheese, (can use the new Mexican mixes) shredded lettuce, salsa and sour cream to serve with the dish Directions: Prepare corn muffin mix as directed on package. Spread on greased pizza pan, or pan of similar size. Bake at 400 degrees F. for 8-10 minutes, or until lightly browned. Brown ground beef, drain any fat. Mix 1 pkg. Taco seasoning and 3/4 cup Water as directed on pkg., (Be sure to check the brand you have to make sure it calls for 3/4 cup water). Add this to the meat, mix together. Sprinkle half the cheese on the baked corn muffin crust, top that with the cooked meat mix, then the rest of the cheese. Bake another 5 minutes or until cheese melts. Serve with the shredded lettuce, salsa, and sour cream. Any of these things, cheese, and sour cream can be the lower fat variety, and will work quite well. servings: 5-6 time: 15-20 minutes preparation time 15 total minutes cooking time source: This may have come off of a taco season pkg. (ages ago), but I am not sure. by Loretta from Theodore, AL Contest Contender! This post is a contest contender! Read it and then Rate it: Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf70469754.tip.html Email to a Friend | Get Responses | Bookmark | Link | Print | Colorful Chicken Ingredients: chicken pieces or breasts salt and pepper 1 pkg. onion soup Kraft orange french dressing 1 can whole berry cranberries Directions: Put chicken in 9x13 inch dish. Salt and pepper to taste. Sprinkle onion soup over pieces. Drizzle about 1/2 bottle of French Dressing over pieces. Drop cranberries by spoon on top of pieces. Bake for 1 hour at 350 degrees F. Delicious and pretty. I use juice over rice for a nice side dish with this chicken. Add a vegetable and your done. By LadyL1 from Brentwood, TN Contest Contender! This post is a contest contender! Read it and then Rate it: Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf70015202.tip.html Email to a Friend | Get Responses | Bookmark | Link | Print | Lemon Lemon Pound Cake It is very moist, and you can add your own flavors, icing or glaze. Ingredients: 2 1/2 sticks of butter 6 eggs 2 tsp. of lemon extract 3 cups of sugar 3 cups of flour 1 tsp. of baking powder 1 can of Carnation evaporated milk pinch of salt frozen lemon juice Directions: Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Cream butter and sugar in large bowl until light and creamy. Add eggs one at a time mixing well after each. Add lemon extract mix well. Sift flour, baking powder, and salt. Add half of the flour and milk to butter mixture, beat until smooth and creamy. Repeat the above with balance of flour & milk. Pour batter into a greased tube pan. Bake for 1 hour (DO NOT open oven door before the hour is up) After hour is up, test cake until it is done. Prick cake on top and bottom, with a fork and brush on the lemon juice. Serves 16 to 18 By chicken42 from Philadelpha, PA Contest Contender! This post is a contest contender! Read it and then Rate it: Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf16092418.tip.html Email to a Friend | Get Responses | Bookmark | Link | Print | Chicken Salad Bagel Sandwiches Great way to use up leftovers and they can be wrapped and stored in the fridge for the next day if you would like to make ahead. Ingredients: 2 cups cooked chicken, chopped or diced 6 slices cooked bacon, crumbled 1/4 cup celery, finely chopped 2 green onions, finely chopped 1/2 tsp. dried basil leaves 1/4 tsp. garlic powder 1/4 cup mayonnaise, or more to taste 4 bagels*, split 1/2 cucumber, thinly sliced *I happen to love sesame for this recipe but onion is yummy, too. Directions: Mix chicken, bacon, celery, onions, basil, garlic powder and mayonnaise in a bowl. Spread chicken mixture on bottom halves of bagels, top with cucumber slices and cover with top halves of bagels. By Deeli from Richland, WA Contest Contender! This post is a contest contender! Read it and then Rate it: Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf89813825.tip.html Email to a Friend | Get Responses | Bookmark | Link | Print | Cheese Puffs Appetizer My neighbor used to make these for her family once a month when my son was a little boy. She was always so sweet to bring us a ziplock bag filled with the frozen puffs so we could have them too. Beware though, they are very addictive! Ingredients: 1/2 cup better 3 oz cream cheese 1/4 lb. sharp cheddar grated 1 loaf of unsliced French bread Directions: Melt 1/2 cup butter, 3 oz of cream cheese and 1/4 pound grated cheese. Cut up a 1 pound loaf of unsliced bread into about 1 inch square cubes. When cheese is melted fold in 2 beaten egg whites. Dip bread into cheese mixture, place on wax paper tray and freeze. After they are frozen put in a freeze zip lock. To serve, place on a baking sheet and bake at 400 degrees F. for 8 to 10 minutes. Makes about 3 dozen. Source: my neighbor from 20 years ago By Gina from Oklahoma City, OK Contest Contender! This post is a contest contender! Read it and then Rate it: Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf93351536.tip.html Email to a Friend | Get Responses | Bookmark | Link | Print | Robin's Recipe Corner: Peas and Potatoes Ingredients: 3 cups fresh peas 12 small new potatoes 1 1/2 tsp. salt 1 cup cream 3 Tbsp. butter Directions: Cook peas and potatoes separately in salt water until soft, and almost dry. Combine. Add cream and butter. Heat thoroughly. Do not boil. By Robin from Washington, IA Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf49122786.tip.html Email to a Friend | Get Responses | Bookmark | Link | Print | Rate It: | Ham Asparagus Pineapple Casserole Ingredients: 2 Tbsp. butter 1 cup uncooked rice 2 cups boiling water 1/2 tsp. salt 1 cup drained pineapple bits 2 cups cooked cubed ham 1 lb. fresh or 1 pkg. asparagus (cooked until barely tender) 1 can cream of chicken soup 3/4 cup milk 1 cup grated cheddar cheese Directions: Melt butter, add rice and cook over low heat, stirring until golden brown. Add water and salt, continue cooking until rice is tender and water is absorbed. Put into a 3 qt. casserole; place drained pineapple in an even layer, then cubed ham. Arrange asparagus on top. Stir cream of chicken soup with milk; pour over and sprinkle with cheese. Bake 30 minutes at 300 degrees F. By Robin from Washington, IA Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf87898610.tip.html Email to a Friend | Get Responses | Bookmark | Link | Print | Rate It: | Liver Burgers Ingredients: 1 lb. ground beef 1/4 lb. ground liver 1 small onion, chopped 1 egg 1/2 cup bread crumbs 1/2 tsp. salt Directions: Mix all ingredients well, add more crumbs if too moist. More liver may be added if a stronger liver taste is desired. Grill until done to your taste. By Robin from Washington, IA Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf83318828.tip.html Email to a Friend | Get Responses | Bookmark | Link | Print | Rate It: | Cheezy Chowder Ingredients: 1 chicken bouillon cube 1 1/2 cups boiling water 2 cups potatoes, chopped 1 pkg. frozen mixed vegetables (10oz.) 1/4 cup onion, chopped 1 can cream-style corn 1 jar Cheez Whiz (8oz.) 1/2 cup milk Directions: Dissolve bouillon in water. Add potatoes, vegetables and onion. Cover and simmer 10 minutes or until tender. Add remaining ingredients and heat until cheese is melted. By Robin from Washington, IA Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf32096187.tip.html Email to a Friend | Get Responses | Bookmark | Link | Print | Rate It: | Cry Baby Cookies Ingredients: 1 cup sugar 1 cup shortening 1 egg, well beaten 1/2 cup molasses 2 tsp. baking soda in hot water 1 cup hot water 1 tsp. cinnamon 1 tsp. ginger 1 tsp. salt 4 cups flour 1 cup nuts Directions: Mix and cream shortening and sugar. Add beaten egg, molasses, soda and hot water. Add other ingredients in order given; cinnamon, ginger, salt, flour and nuts. Mix well and drop by spoonfuls on greased cookie sheet. Bake at 375 degrees F. for 15 minutes. These cookies can be iced while hot, if you desire. By Robin from Washington, IA Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf65022203.tip.html Email to a Friend | Get Responses | Bookmark | Link | Print | Rate It: | 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.