ThriftyFun Recipes - March 5, 2008

Vol. 7, Num. 46, March 5, 2008 (Read It Online) Thank you Frugalelf, Laura, Cajun, Harriet, Connie, Coral, Joan, Gary and Robin 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: Bakers Square Sour Cream Raisin Pie Today's Food Tips: Sprinkle Colored Sugar on Hot Cereals for Kids Beautifully Peeled Oranges Recycle Every Part Of Your Morning Coffee Attractive Container For Your Compost Scraps Today's Contest Recipes: Chocolate Banana Smoothie Roasted Red Pepper and Spinach Chicken The Easiest Cupcakes You'll Ever Make Carol's Bowtie Pasta Reuben Casserole Robins's Recipe Corner: Patagonia Pizza Microwave Bacon-Cheese Puffs Egg and Sausage Casserole Poppy Seed Bread with Orange Glaze Creamy Mandarin 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: Bakers Square Sour Cream Raisin Pie Does anyone have a recipe for Bakers Square Sour Cream Raisin Pie? Thank you! ML from IA Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf90295100.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: Sprinkle Colored Sugar on Hot Cereals for Kids I had such a hard time getting my grandson to eat his oatmeal or cream of wheat. I finally shook a little colored sugar sprinkles on top and poof, the oatmeal was gone. Each time we have hot cereals, I pick a different color and just sprinkle enough to make it pretty! By Frugalelf from Bridgton Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf87440379.tip.html Email to a Friend | Get Responses | Bookmark | Link | Rate It: | Print Beautifully Peeled Oranges Place oranges in hot water for about 45 minutes - 1hour; remove from water and let cool until you are comfortable handling them by hand. Take a tablespoon (or teaspoon) and begin peeling the orange from the navel, the skin should peel leaving all the white on the peal and virtually none on the orange. This is an old restaurant trick I learned long ago. By Cajun from Collinsville, IL Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf92795038.tip.html Email to a Friend | Get Responses | Bookmark | Link | Rate It: | Print Recycle Every Part Of Your Morning Coffee After I've sprinkled my used coffee grounds around my plants and fruit trees, Sprinkle Used Coffee Grounds Around Plants I rinse off the coffee filter and dry it on my dish drainer. When it's completely dry, I stuff it in my paper towel fire starter Homemade Fire Starters By Laura from Long Beach, CA Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf40761942.tip.html Email to a Friend | Get Responses | Bookmark | Link | Rate It: | Print Attractive Container For Your Compost Scraps Composting is always great. It recycles plant wastes and makes great soil. We have a composting unit in the back yard under a tree. When I worked in the kitchen, it was hard to save things for composting and I was always debating if it was worth the time to take the little I had out or if I should just throw it out. This was especially true at night or if I was not feeling well. Now I have a stainless steel container with a lid right by my sink (It is about 1 gallon size). Since it is not see-through and closes securely it is neither an eye-sour or a smell problem. I put the banana peel in after breakfast. The ends of carrots, onion and potato peelings, salad wastes, etc. from lunch and supper. I also put in tea bags (minus the staple and string. Coffee grinds are great too. When this can is full, I empty it into the composter . We also layer the leaves and grass clippings into this composter. Having the steel canister in the kitchen saves me time and I end up with great soil for my garden. By Harriet from Lakewood, CA Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf61498054.tip.html Email to a Friend | Get Responses | Bookmark | Link | Rate It: | Print Today's Contest Recipes: Chocolate Banana Smoothie Another one of my daughter's "Let's see what this tastes like" recipe. I say it's yummy, and simple to make. Ingredients 1 cup milk (we use 2%) 1 cup vanilla yogurt 1/2 cup chocolate syrup 2 medium bananas, halved 8 ice cubes Directions In a blender, combine all ingredients; cover and process until smooth. Pour into chilled glasses; serve immediately. Makes 4 servings By Connie from Cotter, AR Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf79401082.tip.html Email to a Friend | Get Responses | Bookmark | Link | Rate It: | Print Roasted Red Pepper and Spinach Chicken Cut up boneless chicken breast in cubes and saute in a large skillet with a little olive oil and garlic. Mix in cream of chicken soup (low calorie or fat free can be used). Add a half a can of water, about 5 cut up roasted red peppers and a package of frozen (thawed) spinach. Cook for about 15 minutes. Can be put over pasta. Enjoy! By Gary from New Jersey Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf43551457.tip.html Email to a Friend | Get Responses | Bookmark | Link | Rate It: | Print The Easiest Cupcakes You'll Ever Make Ingredients 1 cup all-purpose flour 1 Tbsp. baking powder 1 1/2 cups melted chocolate ice cream 1 cup chocolate chips Directions Preheat oven to 425 degrees F. Line a muffin tin with paper liners. Set aside. In a large bowl, combine flour and baking powder. Mix in ice cream until batter is smooth. Mix in chocolate chips. Fill muffin cups 1/2 full. Bake 8-10 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center of the cupcakes comes out clean. Top with ice cream, whipped cream, or chocolate syrup. Yield: 12 cupcakes Variations strawberry ice cream/white chips butter pecan ice cream/chopped pecans lemon ice cream/fresh blueberries peanut butter ice cream/chocolate chips coffee ice cream/chocolate chips By Joan from Chesapeake, VA Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf97686147.tip.html Email to a Friend | Get Responses | Bookmark | Link | Rate It: | Print Carol's Bowtie Pasta This recipe tastes like something from the Olive Garden. Easy enough for a weekday, but special enough for a romantic dinner! Ingredients 4 boneless chicken breast halves 1 Tbsp. olive oil 1 large zucchini, cubed 1 1/2 cups shredded carrots (if you want just pick up preshredded carrots in a bag - easy!) 1 jar sun dried tomato and Alfredo Sauce (Classico makes one) bow tie pasta Directions Cook chicken in a skillet in oil, cube and set aside. Add vegetables to pan, adding 2 Tbsp. water, cover and steam until cooked through. Stir in pasta sauce and chicken and serve over pasta. By Carol from Lancaster, PA Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf47588358.tip.html Email to a Friend | Get Responses | Bookmark | Link | Rate It: | Print Reuben Casserole This is a family favorite and is requested when making large dinners for any occasion. Ingredients 6 cups uncooked egg noodles 2 cans (14 oz. ea.) sauerkraut, rinsed and well drained 2 cans (10-3/4 ea.) condensed cream of chicken soup, undiluted 3/4 cup milk 1/2 cup chopped onion 3 Tbsp. prepared mustard 2 cups (8 ounces) Swiss cheese 3/4 lb.sliced deli corned beef, chopped 2 slices day-old lite rye bread 2 Tbsp. butter, melted Directions Cook the noodles according to the package directions. In a large bowl, combine the sauerkraut, soup, milk, onion, and mustard. Drain noodles and stir into the sauerkraut mixture. Transfer to a greased 13x9x2-inch baking dish. Sprinkle with the corned beef and cheese. Place bread in a food processor, cover and process until mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Toss crumbs with butter and sprinkle over the casserole. Bake uncovered, at 350 degrees F. for 40 to 45 minutes, or until bubbly. Yield: 5 or 6 servings By Connie from Cotter, AR Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf86403869.tip.html Email to a Friend | Get Responses | Bookmark | Link | Rate It: | Print Robin's Recipe Corner: Patagonia Pizza Ingredients 1 pkg. active dry yeast 1 cup warm water 1 Tbsp. sugar 1/2 tsp. salt 2 Tbsp. olive oil about 2 cups bread flour 3/4 cup cake flour 2 cups shredded Mozzarella cheese 1 pkg. ham, thinly sliced (3 oz.) 1/4 tsp. garlic powder 1/2 onion, thinly sliced 1/2 tsp. dried oregano leaves Directions Dissolve yeast in water. Stir in sugar, salt and olive oil. Let stand until bubbly, about 5 minutes. Add flour to make a fairly stiff dough. Knead on floured board until smooth, about 5 minutes. Turn dough over in greased bowl; cover. Let rise about 1 hour until doubled. Set quarry tiles, pizza stone, or baking sheet in middle of oven heated to 450 degrees F. Punch dough down. Let rest 10 minutes. Divide into 2 balls. Roll one to 11 inch circle. Sprinkle 1/2 of Mozzarella to within 1/2 inch of rim. Layer all ham. Roll out remaining dough and place on top of other. Press to seal around the edge. Cut 2 inch hold in center. Top with remaining cheese. Sprinkle with garlic powder. Slide onto hot baking surface. Bake at 450 degrees F for 10 minutes. Sprinkle with onions. Bake 10 minutes until bubbly and browned. Sprinkle with oregano and cut. By Robin from Washington, IA Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf72014567.tip.html Email to a Friend | Get Responses | Bookmark | Link | Rate It: | Print Microwave Bacon-Cheese Puffs Ingredients 1 pkg. cream cheese, softened (8 oz.) 1 egg yolk 1 tsp. instant minced onion 1 tsp. baking powder 2 1/2 Tbsp. imitation bacon bits 30 round butter crackers Directions Combine cream cheese, egg yolk, onion, and baking powder in large mixing bowl. Beat until smooth and blended. Add bacon pieces; blend well. Place 6 crackers in circle on paper plate. Top each cracker with 1 teaspoon cheese mixture. Heat in microwave at about 60% power for 25-30 seconds or until slightly risen. Serve hot. By Robin from Washington, IA Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf77173080.tip.html Email to a Friend | Get Responses | Bookmark | Link | Rate It: | Print Egg and Sausage Casserole Egg and Sausage Casserole I Ingredients 8 slices of bread, crumbled 2 lb. sausage, browned and drained 2 cups cubed American cheese 4 eggs, beaten 2 1/2 cups milk 3/4 tsp. prepared mustard 1 cup cream of mushroom soup 1/2 cup milk Directions Place bread crumbs in greased 9x13 inch pan. Sprinkle with cheese. Add browned sausage. Blend eggs, 2 1/2 cups milk and mustard. Pour over ingredients in pan. Refrigerate several hours or overnight. Blend soup and 1/2 cup milk. Pour over egg mixture in pan and bake at 350 degrees F for 3/4 hour. Cover while baking. By Robin from Washington, IA Egg and Sausage Casserole II Ingredients 1 lb. bulk sausage 1 tsp. dry mustard 2 slices bread, cubed (cut crust off bread) 1 cup Cheddar cheese 2 cups milk 1 tsp. salt (opt.) Directions Fry and drain sausage. Mix remaining ingredients together. Place in glass dish. Bake 45 minutes at 350 degrees F. By Robin from Washington, IA Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf34169928.tip.html Email to a Friend | Get Responses | Bookmark | Link | Rate It: | Print Poppy Seed Bread with Orange Glaze Poppy Seed Bread Ingredients 3 eggs, slightly beaten 2 1/4 cups sugar 1 1/2 cups oil 1 1/2 cups milk 3 cups flour 1 1/2 tsp. baking powder 1 1/2 tsp. salt 1 1/2 Tbsp. poppy seeds 2 tsp. almond extract Directions Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Grease and flour 2 loaf pans. Beat together eggs, sugar, oil, and milk in bowl. Combine flour, baking powder, and salt in separate bowl. Beat into egg mixture. Stir in poppy seeds and extract. Pour into two separate loaf pans. Bake 1 hour at 350 degree F. Bread is done with toothpick comes out clean. Cool bread in pans 10 minutes. Remove to racks placed on waxed paper. Spread with Orange Glaze while warm. Orange Glaze Ingredients 1/4 cup orange juice concentrate, thawed 3/4 cup powdered sugar, sifted 1/2 tsp. vanilla extract 1 tsp. almond extract Directions Stir together all four ingredients while Poppy Seed Bread is baking ;set aside. After warm bread has been remove to racks, spread with Orange Glaze. Allow loaves to cool. Store at room temperature. By Robin from Washington, IA Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf68203563.tip.html Email to a Friend | Get Responses | Bookmark | Link | Rate It: | Print Creamy Mandarin Orange Salad Ingredients 60 Ritz crackers, crushed 1/2 cup margarine, melted 1/4 cup sugar 1 can Eagle brand milk 1 frozen orange juice, thawed (6oz.) 2 small cans mandarin oranges, drained 1 Cool Whip (8 oz.) Directions Crush crackers. Add butter and sugar; press in 9x13 inch baking dish. Save some of mixture for garnish on top. Blend orange juice and milk. Stir in cool Whip and fold in oranges. Pour over crumb mixture; top with crumbs. Refrigerate or freeze. By Robin from Washington, IA Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf30176028.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.