ThriftyFun Recipes - November 5, 2009

Vol. 8, Num. 217, November 5, 2009 (Read It Online) We are running very low on food and shopping tips. If you have any advice to share with the rest of the ThriftyFun community, please send it in to us. You could win $25 in our weekly contest. We are always looking for more great recipes too. Thanks today goes to kas2, mkymip, Cricketnc, Deeli, Nancy S. M., laniegirl and Dorty for this newsletter's tips and recipes. 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: Popping Fresh Corn from the Field How to Tell if Flour is Self Rising? British Style Sweet Macaroon Bar Recipe Cooking Bag Steak Slow Cooker Beef with Balsamic Vinegar Today's Food Tips: Use Red Clay Saucer for Baking Stone Deodorize Your Oven Mix and Match Frozen Soups Today's Contest Recipes: Deeli's Mac and Cheese Easy Ground Beef Hash Cranberry Cake Deeli's Chicken Liver Pate Sweet Corn Bites Robins's Recipe Corner: Hot Mulled Cider Bachelor Bread Frank Stew Upside-Down Ham Loaf Peanut Butter Delight Cake 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: Popping Fresh Corn from the Field I gleaned a popcorn field, but the popcorn will not hardly pop. Does it have to cure first or something? By Diana from Philpot, KY Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf58342875.tip.html Email to a Friend | Get Responses | Bookmark | Link | Print | Rate It: | How to Tell if Flour is Self Rising? My flour is in a canister. I have no idea if it is self rising or not. Is there a way to test it to tell which it is? By Linda from Bloomington, IL Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf62197285.tip.html Email to a Friend | Get Responses | Bookmark | Link | Print | Rate It: | British Style Sweet Macaroon Bar Recipe I want to find the recipe for the British sweet, macaroon bars. I know the filling is made with icing sugar and potato, but I don't know the quantity. By Lynn from Centurion, South Africa Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf72428790.tip.html Email to a Friend | Get Responses | Bookmark | Link | Print | Rate It: | Cooking Bag Steak I am looking for a recipe for fuss free steak using a cooking bag. By Bonnie from N.F. Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf55740820.tip.html Email to a Friend | Get Responses | Bookmark | Link | Print | Rate It: | Slow Cooker Beef with Balsamic Vinegar I am looking for a slow cooker recipe for beef and balsamic vinegar. I tried it once with moose meat and it was awesome. I got new computer and can't find the recipe. I would appreciate any help I can get. Thanks. By Faye from The Pas MB Canada Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf46782010.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: Use Red Clay Saucer for Baking Stone When I had wanted a baking stone, and it was rather expensive, so, I thought about using red clay saucers, like red clay pots can bake bread in them, and I knew that pots and saucers can be fairly large. I was told to get red clay pots and saucers that are not painted or coated, just plain red clay. I basically coated oil all over the saucer like I would with cast iron, and I baked them low for at least 4 hours. Whenever I saw that the saucer looked dry looking, I spread some more oil on it, until it stopped leaving dry spots. Make sure that you use a potholder when reapplying oil, the saucer is hot. I also spread the oil inside and outside, completely covered with the oil. I really like and use it now for baking, and for many different things, they clean off easily, most of the time, with just a cloth or paper towel, or dampen anything stuck with a little water, and it quickly wipes out clean, and give it another wipe with fresh oil, and I store it in the still warm oven that is turned off. The pizza crusts are amazingly perfect, like bought pizzas, rolls, round loaves of homemade bread, chips and cheese. I also have two smaller saucers, for personal pizzas, chips and cheese, crustless quiche pies, small pies or tarts, many things can be baked in them. For the smaller ones, they fit right on to a plate, and it keeps the food warmer longer while eating. Saucers come in many different sizes, so look for sizes that will fit anyone's needs. Source: I believe I got the idea of Martha Stewarts clay pots for baking. By kas2 from Rockford, MI Contest Contender! This post is a contest contender! Read it and then Rate it: Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf40815412.tip.html Email to a Friend | Get Responses | Bookmark | Link | Print | Deodorize Your Oven If baking or roasting anything in your oven leaves an unpleasant odor, leave a shallow bowl of baking soda or white vinegar in the cold oven for a few days or more. This will absorb the odors in the oven. If you are going to use white vinegar, place the bowl on a cookie sheet or something stable so it doesn't spill. Also, do not forget to remove it when you are preheating the oven. If you are forgetful, just be sure to use a oven proof bowl, just in case. 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/tf59942099.tip.html Email to a Friend | Get Responses | Bookmark | Link | Print | Mix and Match Frozen Soups I have a tip that I have been doing for many years now. Every late fall through winter I enjoy making huge pots of soup and freezing it into individual containers. Then when I want one, instead of having the same soup over and over again, I do some mixing and matching. One time, I might add some cooked chopped potatoes, one time some cooked noodles or rice. Or sometimes I'll thicken it and turn it into stew. Also I don't put the meat in it when I first make it either. This way I can mix and match that, too. I might put in some ground beef, or stew beef, or chicken or turkey. Also sometimes I might add some extra different vegetables too, like maybe some broccoli, or whatever. Sometimes I'll even thicken it up and serve it OVER rice or noodles. This way I can make one pot, but have many different meals. By Cricketnc from Parkton, NC Contest Contender! This post is a contest contender! Read it and then Rate it: Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf22153795.tip.html Email to a Friend | Get Responses | Bookmark | Link | Print | Today's Contest Recipes: Deeli's Mac and Cheese Simply had to spice up this traditionally boring recipe a little bit and I also love it baked with the bread crumb topping rather than serving directly out of the saucepan ;-) Ingredients: 8 oz. uncooked elbow macaroni 4 Tbsp. butter 2 Tbsp. flour 2 cups half & half, or milk if desired 1 Tbsp. Dijon mustard 1/2 tsp. salt 8 oz. cheddar cheese, shredded 1 Tbsp. canned diced jalapenos, if desired (it adds a really nice not too hot kick) 1/2 cup bread crumbs 1 Tbsp. butter, melted Directions: Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Cook macaroni according to package directions. Drain. Meanwhile, melt 1/4 cup butter in a 3 to 4 quart saucepan, stir in flour and cook over medium heat until smooth (about 1 minute). Add half & half, Dijon mustard and salt. Continue cooking, stirring occasionally, until sauce is thickened (about 3 to 4 minutes). Stir in cooked macaroni, cheese and jalapeno and then spoon into an 8 x 8 baking dish. Mix breadcrumbs and remaining melted butter in a small bowl and sprinkle over macaroni and cheese. Bake for 20 to 25 minutes or until heated through and golden brown. 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/tf44889377.tip.html Email to a Friend | Get Responses | Bookmark | Link | Print | Easy Ground Beef Hash Quick and easy to prepare, low cost, tastes great! Ingredients: 4 potatoes, peeled, chopped 1 Tbsp. of oil 1 cup of chopped onion 1 cup of raw, grated carrots, about 4 large 1 lb. ground beef salt, pepper to taste, 2 tsp. garlic powder or to taste 1 Tbsp. flour 1 16 oz. can of French onion soup 1 cup frozen peas (optional) Directions: Peel and chop potatoes, cover with water, bring to a boil and cook for approximately 15 to 20 minutes until almost tender. Drain well. Place the oil in a large skillet over medium high heat, and add chopped onion, grated carrots and stir fry for 3 to 4 minutes. Add ground beef, stirring until no longer pink. Add salt, pepper, garlic powder and flour. Blend well and cook 3 minutes longer. Add the French onion soup undiluted from the can, into beef mixture, blending well. Reduce heat to low and cook for 10 to 15 minutes stirring occasionally. Add the drained potatoes and peas if desired. Blend well, cover and cook on low heat for 10 minutes longer. Servings: 4 to 6 Time: 15 Minutes Preparation Time 25 to 30 Minutes Cooking Time Source: my own invention By Nancy S. M. from Cross Lanes, WV 25313 Contest Contender! This post is a contest contender! Read it and then Rate it: Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf77571652.tip.html Email to a Friend | Get Responses | Bookmark | Link | Print | Cranberry Cake This is such a festive cake for either Thanksgiving or Christmas and so moist. My son who does not care much for cranberries, likes this cake. Ingredients: 3 eggs 2 cups sugar 3/4 cup butter or margarine, softened 1 tsp. almond extract 2 cups all purpose flour 2-1/2 cups fresh or frozen cranberries, thawed 2/3 cup chopped pecans whipped cream, optional Directions: In a mixing bowl, beat the eggs with sugar until slightly thickened and light in color, about 5 minutes. Add butter and extract; beat 2 minutes. Stir in flour just until combined. Stir in cranberries and pecans. Spread in a greased 13x9x2 baking pan. Bake at 350 degrees F. for 45 to 50 minutes or until a wooden pick inserted near the center comes out clean. Serve with whipped cream if desired Servings: 16-20 Time: 15 Minutes Preparation Time 45-50 Minutes Cooking Time Source: Taste of Home cookbook By laniegirl Contest Contender! This post is a contest contender! Read it and then Rate it: Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf64001416.tip.html Email to a Friend | Get Responses | Bookmark | Link | Print | Deeli's Chicken Liver Pate Okay, this is time consuming for an appetizer but it's so tasty and worth the effort! I love eating it on sesame flavored melba toast and celery, too! :-) Ingredients: 1 lb chicken livers, cleaned 3 Tbsp. brandy (I buy those tiny bottles like the size served on airplanes) 2 Tbsp. minced shallots 10 Tbsp. unsalted butter, at room temperature 1/2 tsp dried sage Course salt and pepper to taste Directions: Soak chicken livers in the brandy for 3 to 4 hours in a cool place but not the refrigerator. Drain the livers over a bowl and reserve the liquid. Saute the shallots in 1 of the butter until wilted. Add the chicken livers, sage, salt and pepper. Saute livers until they are no longer pink inside, about 5 minutes. Transfer the mixture in to the bowl of a food processor and add remaining butter. Process until mixture is thoroughly combined and smooth. Add the reserved brandy liquid and process for 30 seconds. Transfer to a covered bowl and refrigerate for about 24 hours before serving. Will keep well for about 3 to 4 days in the refrigerator, but serve at room temperature. Source: Have been making this for a couple of decades because I didn't want to pay the exorbitant prices for this yummy item at a restaurant anymore, so don't remember where I found the recipe. 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/tf97016035.tip.html Email to a Friend | Get Responses | Bookmark | Link | Print | Sweet Corn Bites Delicious as a starter or teatime snack, good for vegetarians. Ingredients: 250ml sweetcorn (canned or frozen) 5ml salt 125ml wholewheat flour 125ml cake flour 10ml baking powder 10ml mixed herbs 125ml milk, cream or yogurt 15ml butter (melted) sunflower oil for shallow frying For some spice add chopped green chili, pepper, cilantro or spring onion. Directions: Sift the dry ingredients together and add the herbs. Mix the milk and butter. If you using frozen corn, pulse a few times in a food processor. Mix all the ingredients together until a smooth batter is formed. You can use one cup of cake flour if you don't have wholewheat flour. Heat oil in a pan and when hot. Drop table spoonfuls of batter in oil and fry for 4 minutes on each side, until light brown or cooked. Drain on paper towel. Serve with chutney or sauce or tea. Servings: 4 Time: +-20 Minutes Preparation Time +-8 Minutes Cooking Time Source: homemade By Dorty from SA Editor's Note: Here is a Wikipedia entry on cooking weights and measures, with some conversion charts that may be helpful. There are also several other conversion websites online: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cooking_weights_and_measures Contest Contender! This post is a contest contender! Read it and then Rate it: Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf90625593.tip.html Email to a Friend | Get Responses | Bookmark | Link | Print | Robin's Recipe Corner: Hot Mulled Cider Ingredients: 1/2 cup brown sugar 2 qt. cider 1 tsp. whole allspice 1 1/2 tsp. whole cloves 2 pieces stick cinnamon orange slices (opt.) Directions: Put all ingredients in crock pot. If desired, tie whole spices in cheesecloth or put in tea strainer. Cover and set on low for 2-8 hours. If spices are loose, strain before serving. Drop orange slices in cup of hot cider before serving, if desired. By Robin from Washington, IA Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf88570865.tip.html Email to a Friend | Get Responses | Bookmark | Link | Print | Rate It: | Bachelor Bread Ingredients: 1 1/2 cups sugar 1/2 cup oil 2 eggs 1 tsp. vanilla 1 tsp. salt 2 cups flour 1 tsp. soda 1 cup peanut butter 1/4 cup buttermilk 4 bananas, mashed only slightly or cut into small pieces Directions: Mix sugar and oil. Add eggs, vanilla, and salt. Stir flour and soda together. Add to sugar and oil; mix well. Bake at 350 degrees F. for about 50 minutes or until done. Fill 2 medium loaf pans 1/2-2/3 full. By Robin from Washington, IA Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf58732672.tip.html Email to a Friend | Get Responses | Bookmark | Link | Print | Rate It: | Frank Stew Ingredients: 4 hot dogs, cut 1/2 " slices 1/4 cup chopped onion 2 Tbsp. butter 1 can bean soup 1 can vegetable soup 1/2 soup can water 1 soup can chopped tomatoes Directions: Mix and simmer until heated through. By Robin from Washington, IA Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf43797193.tip.html Email to a Friend | Get Responses | Bookmark | Link | Print | Rate It: | Upside-Down Ham Loaf Ingredients: 1 Tbsp. butter or margarine 1/2 cup dark brown sugar, firmly packed 1 can crushed pineapple (13oz.) 3 maraschino cherries, quartered milk 1 egg 1 cup soft white bread crumbs 2 Tbsp. mustard 1 tsp. salt 1/8 tsp. pepper 1 1/2 lb. fully cooked smoked ham, ground 1/2 lb. pork, ground Directions: Slowly melt butter in 8x8 inch pan, over low heat. Stir in sugar until smooth, remove from heat. Drain pineapple well, reserving liquid. Spread pineapple evenly over sugar mixture in pan. Arrange liquid with enough milk to measure 1 cup. In large bowl, beat egg slightly with fork. Stir in milk mixture, bread crumbs, mustard, salt and pepper. Add ham and pork, mix until well combined, using hand if necessary. Spoon meat mixture evenly over pineapple in pan; bake 1 hour at 350 degrees F. Drain off excess liquid. Invert loaf on platter so pineapple is on top. By Robin from Washington, IA Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf19135295.tip.html Email to a Friend | Get Responses | Bookmark | Link | Print | Rate It: | Peanut Butter Delight Cake Ingredients 2 1/4 cups flour 2 tsp. baking powder 1 tsp. baking soda 1/2 tsp. salt 1 cup sugar 1/2 cup light brown sugar 3/4 cup butter flavor shortening 3/4 cup creamy peanut butter 3 large eggs 1 1/2 tsp. vanilla 1 cup buttermilk 3/4 cup chocolate syrup Glaze: 1 cup powdered sugar 1/4 cup chocolate syrup 1 tsp. vanilla water 1/4 cup peanuts Directions Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. grease 10 inch Bundt pan and lightly flour. Sift flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Combine sugar, brown sugar, shortening, and peanut butter in large bowl. Beat on low speed until creamy. Add eggs (1 at a time). Add vanilla and mix well. Add dry ingredients and milk. Spoon 2 cups batter into bowl and add chocolate syrup; mix. Spoon remaining batter into Bundt pan. Spoon chocolate batter over the peanut butter batter. Bake 1 hour and 10 minutes. Cool 45 minutes in pan. Mix glaze and pour on cake (add water to thin). By Robin from Washington, IA Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf49386319.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.