ThriftyFun Recipes - January 6, 2009

Thank you Janette, Morganna, Leon, Sandy, Robin, Raymonde and Terri for today's tips and recipes!

Submit Your Favorite Recipe!

Need 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.

Recipe Requests:

• Recipes for a Galloping Gourmet Perfection Aire Countertop Convection Oven
• Homemade Almond Extract
• Pineapple Cheesecake Recipe
• Amaretto Syrup Recipe
• Restoring Pizza Stone to Original Color
• Buying Nuts at Wholesale Prices
• Oster Kitchen Center Pasta Maker Manual
• Foods That Increase Metabolism

Today's Food Tips:

• Saving The Bagged Salad
• Remove Cardboard Liner From Mayo Jar
• Save Money With The Pick 5 Meat Program

Today's Contest Recipes:

• Double Stuffed Meat Loaf
• Frosted Pumpkin Bars
• Amazingly Simple Turtle Candies
• Pork with Honey
• Taco Soup

Robins's Recipe Corner:

• Tomato And Zucchini Dish
• Blind Date Cake
• Chicken Parmigiana
• Whole Wheat Pizza
• Rainbow Ice Cream Cake
• Oatmeal Rolls

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

Recipes for a Galloping Gourmet Perfection Aire Countertop Convection Oven

I need a recipe, instruction booklet for the Galloping Gourmet Perfection Aire Countertop. I seemed to have lost mine.

Ida-Mae

Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf81620438.tip.html

Email to a Friend | Get Responses | Bookmark | Link | Rate It: | Print

Homemade Almond Extract

Can someone tell me how to make homemade almond extract?

fayyaaz

Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf57087851.tip.html

Email to a Friend | Get Responses | Bookmark | Link | Rate It: | Print

Pineapple Cheesecake Recipe

I need to find a cheesecake recipe that has a pineapple layer between the cheesecake filling and the graham cracker crumb bottom.

Caroline from West Islip, NY

Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf75399315.tip.html

Email to a Friend | Get Responses | Bookmark | Link | Rate It: | Print

Amaretto Syrup Recipe

How do you make amaretto syrup?

Tiger's Mother from Altoona, PA

Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf85294805.tip.html

Email to a Friend | Get Responses | Bookmark | Link | Rate It: | Print

Restoring Pizza Stone to Original Color

I received a pizza stone for a gift. However, with use it has turned very dark almost burned looking. I am not able to restore it to its original color. What did I do or not do to have this happen. My daughter-in-law has a stone and has used it as much as I have and hers does not look like mine. Please help.

Kathleen

Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf75662506.tip.html

Email to a Friend | Get Responses | Bookmark | Link | Rate It: | Print

Buying Nuts at Wholesale Prices

I am looking for a source for pistachios and other nuts that costs less than $4 a pound. Does anyone know of a mail order or internet company that offers nuts at "super wholesale" prices? I currently buy them from Costco but was wondering if there was possibly a more inexpensive source. The best I can get on pistachios is a little under $4 a lb, pecans are about the same. Someone here has to know.

Anna from Twin Falls, Idaho

Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf86300433.tip.html

Email to a Friend | Get Responses | Bookmark | Link | Rate It: | Print

Oster Kitchen Center Pasta Maker Manual

I was recently given the pasta maker for the Oster Kitchen Center. It does not have any instructions. If any of you have one of these, can you tell me how to use it. Thanks.

Loretta from Lancaster, CA

Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf88149041.tip.html

Email to a Friend | Get Responses | Bookmark | Link | Rate It: | Print

Foods That Increase Metabolism

Does anybody know of any good diets? I prefer ones that are fast but work with healthy and natural things? Also, does anybody know of foods that increase metabolism?

Aliesha

Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf15274760.tip.html

Email to a Friend | Get Responses | Bookmark | Link | Rate It: | Print

• 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!

Saving The Bagged Salad

Prewashed salad fixings are great, except they go bad so quickly due to excess moisture in the bag. To extend your salad greens' life, open the bag once you get home, place a paper towel inside and then close with a bag clip. The paper towel absorbs the extra moisture. This gives salad about an extra week.

By Morganna from Anderson, IN

Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf26224495.tip.html

Email to a Friend | Get Responses | Bookmark | Link | Rate It: | Print

Remove Cardboard Liner From Mayo Jar

To keep mayo lasting longer and not have an odor, just remove the cardboard liner from the inside of the lid. You won't believe the difference this makes.

By Janette from Parkersburg, WV

Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf13696802.tip.html

Email to a Friend | Get Responses | Bookmark | Link | Rate It: | Print

Save Money With The Pick 5 Meat Program

One of the best ways to save money on your meat bill is to find a food store that has a pick 5 meat program, you can but any 5 meat items for $19.99. Look for the packages that run $5.00 or more if you were going to buy off the pick 5. you can save as much as $5.00 to $6.00 buying a pick 5

By Leon from Dalton, GA

Editor's Note: It looks like these Pick 5 programs are pretty common with smaller, more independent grocery stores. Check stores like Red Apple, IGA and Thriftway rather than the larger chains. If you find one, report it here in the feedback.

Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf70384122.tip.html

Email to a Friend | Get Responses | Bookmark | Link | Rate It: | Print

Double Stuffed Meat Loaf

Ingredients

• 2 lbs ground beef
• 1 1/2 tsp. salt
• 1/4 tsp. pepper
• 1 small onion chopped
• 1 Tbsp. Worcestershire sauce
• 1 cup dry bread crumbs
• 2 beaten eggs
• 1/2 cup tomato juice (+ 1 cup for topping)

• 1 cup soft bread crumbs
• 1/2 tsp. salt
• 1/2 tsp. sage
• 1 tsp. onion
• 1/4 cup melted margarine

Directions

Combine all main ingredients together. Place half of ingredients into a greased pan. Mix the filling ingredients together. Spread this mixture over meat mixture in pan. Place second half of meat mix on top of this. Pour 1 cup tomato juice over it. Bake at 300 degrees F for 1 1/2 hours.

By Sandy from Graettinger

Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf93172154.tip.html

Email to a Friend | Get Responses | Bookmark | Link | Rate It: | Print

Frosted Pumpkin Bars

Ingredients

• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 cup sugar
• 1 tsp. ground cinnamon
• 1 tsp. baking powder
• 1/2 tsp. salt
• 1/2 tsp. ground cloves
• 1 egg
• 2 egg whites
• 1 cup pumpkin (canned)
• 1/4 cup canola oil
• 2 Tbsp. water
• 4 oz. reduced-fat cream cheese
• 1 1/2 cup confectioners' sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/4 tsp. grated lemon peel

Directions

In a mixing bowl, combine the first six ingredients. Add egg, egg whites, pumpkin, oil and water; mix well. Transfer to an 11x7x2 inch baking pan coated with nonstick cooking spray. Bake at 350 degrees F for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted near the middle comes out clean. Cool on a wire rack.

In a mixing bowl, beat cream cheese. Beat in confectioners' sugar, then vanilla and lemon peel. Frost bars. Chill for 15 minutes, then cut. Refrigerate leftovers.

Source: Taste of home Magazine

By Raymonde from North Bay, Ontario

Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf28085693.tip.html

Email to a Friend | Get Responses | Bookmark | Link | Rate It: | Print

Amazingly Simple Turtle Candies

Ingredients

• Bag of Rollo candy
• Bag of small pretzel twists
• Pecan halves

Directions

Place pretzels on a microwave safe plate. Place a Rollo on each pretzel. Put into microwave for a few seconds, then check to see if the Rollos have softened. If not, put them back into the microwave for a few more seconds. You'll have to play with the time since all microwaves are different. (You may be forced to eat your mistakes.)

When they are a bit soft, push a pecan half down on the Rollo. Allow to cool and for the Rollo to get firm again.

These make a thoughtful gift when placed in a pretty tin. They'll think you are the Candy Queen. You can reveal the secret or just smile and say it's a closely guarded secret.

Source: A former colleague who taught Home Economics at the same school where I taught.

By Sandy from Elon, NC

Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf75902910.tip.html

Email to a Friend | Get Responses | Bookmark | Link | Rate It: | Print

Pork with Honey

Ingredients

• 2 lb. pork, chopped to 1 inch cubes
• 1 1/2 Tbsp.honey
• 2 oz. butter
• 2 grated onions
• 1/2 tsp. turmeric
• 1/2 tsp. ground black pepper
• 3/4 cup yogurt
• grated peel of an orange
• grated peel of a lemon
• 2 cloves garlic, crushed
• 4 ground cardamon seeds
• 1/2 tsp. cinnamon
• 1/4 tsp. ground mace

Directions

Heat a large saucepan and pour in the honey, stir until it sticks but is not caramelized. Add the butter and when hot add the pork cubes. Stir until brown for about 10 minutes.

Add 1 cup of water, season with salt, boil then simmer gently until pork is tender.

Meanwhile, mix the grated onions, turmeric, pepper, orange and lemon peel, garlic, cardamon, cinnamon and mace.

When the pork is done boil rapidly until the mixture has gone, add the mixed seasonings and toss. Cook again until the butter separates. Add half the yogurt and cook again until the butter separates. Add the rest of the yogurt and heat for about 5 minutes. Serve over a bed of rice.

Source: Wonderful ways to cook meats

By Raymonde from North Bay, Ontario

Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf12683291.tip.html

Email to a Friend | Get Responses | Bookmark | Link | Rate It: | Print

Taco Soup

Ingredients

• 1 lb. lean ground beef
• 1 onion, chopped
• 1 package taco seasonings
• 1 package dry Ranch seasonings
• 2 large cans diced tomatoes, undrained
• 1 can Rotel diced tomatoes and chili peppers, undrained
• 1 can refried beans
• 1 can hominy, drained
• 1 can pinto beans, undrained
• 1 can whole kernel corn, drained

Directions

Brown meat and onion. Drain. Add seasonings. Add to meat along with tomatoes. Simmer until well blended and hot. Enjoy!

Can serve with your favorite taco toppings, if desired.

By Terri from NV

Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf70938583.tip.html

Email to a Friend | Get Responses | Bookmark | Link | Rate It: | Print

Tomato And Zucchini Dish

Ingredients

• 2 medium zucchini
• 2-3 medium tomatoes
• 1 cup grated Swiss cheese (or more, if desired)
• 1/2 tsp. thyme or oregano (opt.)

Directions

Wash vegetables. Peel tomatoes, if desired. Slice vegetables about 1/4 inch thick. Layer all ingredients in flat oven dish with 2 inch sides, ending with cheese. Bake 325 degrees F for 40 minutes or until vegetables are tender.

By Robin from Washington, IA

Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf31179131.tip.html

Email to a Friend | Get Responses | Bookmark | Link | Rate It: | Print

Blind Date Cake

Ingredients

Cake:

• 1 cup dates, cut fine
• 1 1/4 cups boiling water
• 1 tsp. baking soda
• 2 eggs
• 1/2 cup shortening
• 1 cup sugar
• 1 tsp. vanilla
• 1 1/4 cup flour
• 3 Tbsp. cocoa
• 1/2 tsp. salt

• 1/2 cup sugar
• 1/2 cup nuts (your choice)
• 1/2 cup chocolate chips
• 1 carton Cool Whip

Directions

Boil water and pour it over the date pieces; set aside to cool. (Do not drain the dates.) When the dates are cool add the baking soda. Beat the eggs, shortening and sugar together and add the vanilla. Mix the flour, cocoa and salt together and add it to the egg mixture. Add the cool dates and water mix. Mix the batter together and pour into a greased and floured 9x13 inch cake pan.

Mix the sugar, nuts and chocolate chips together and sprinkle over the top of the cake batter. Press lightly into the top of the cake. Bake at 325 degrees F for 35 minutes. Let cool and top with Cool Whip.

By Robin from Washington, IA

Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf47334528.tip.html

Email to a Friend | Get Responses | Bookmark | Link | Rate It: | Print

Chicken Parmigiana

Ingredients

• 3 whole chicken breasts, split, skinned, boned and beaten
• 2 eggs, lightly beaten
• 1 tsp. salt
• 1/4 tsp. pepper
• 3/4 cup fine bread crumbs

• 2 cups tomato sauce
• 1/4 tsp. basil
• 1/8 tsp. garlic powder

Directions

Mix the eggs, salt and pepper. Dip chicken in egg mixture, then in bread crumbs. Heat 1/2 cup vegetable oil in frying pan. Quickly brown chicken on both sides. Remove to shallow baking dish. Pour excess oil from pan.

For the sauce: Stir in saucepan the above ingredients. Heat to boiling. Simmer 10 minutes or until thick. Stir in 1 tablespoon butter. Pour over chicken. Sprinkle 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese over this. Cover. Bake at 350 degrees F for 30 minutes. Uncover. Place 8 oz. of mozzarella cheese (sliced and cut in wedges) over chicken. Bake 10 minutes longer or until cheese melts.

By Robin from Washington, IA

Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf63840756.tip.html

Email to a Friend | Get Responses | Bookmark | Link | Rate It: | Print

Whole Wheat Pizza

Ingredients

• 1 cup warm water
• 1 package active dry yeast
• 1/2 tsp. salt
• 2 Tbsp. olive oil
• 1 1/2 cups whole wheat flour
• 1 1/2 cups white flour

Directions

With wooden spoon, mix water and yeast. Add salt and oil, then 1 cup flour. Mix until smooth. Mix the rest of the flour into the dough, using your hands to work it in if necessary. Dough should be firm, not sticky. Cover with towel and set in warm place for at least 1/2 hour. Prepare toppings with while dough is resting. Choose your favorite ingredients for toppings. Grease pizza pans or cookie sheets. Roll out dough on press out with fingers to 2 pizzas. Top with toppings and bake 10-15 minutes at 400-425 degrees F for chewy crust, longer for a crisper crust. Use all dough for 1 pizza for a ver thin crusted pizza.

By Robin from Washington, IA

Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf64854451.tip.html

Email to a Friend | Get Responses | Bookmark | Link | Rate It: | Print

Rainbow Ice Cream Cake

Ingredients

• 1 Angel food cake (10 inch)
• 1 package each strawberry, lime, and orange flavored gelatin
• 1 package frozen strawberries, partially thawed (10 oz.)
• 1 1/2 cups fresh or frozen blueberries
• 1 can mandarin segments, drained (10 oz.)
• Vanilla ice cream

Directions

Cut or tear cake into small pieces; divide into thirds and place in medium bowls. Sprinkle strawberry gelatin over one bowl of cake, lime gelatin over another, and orange gelatin over the third. Toss each lightly with a fork until cake is well coated with gelatin. In a 10 inch tube pan, put strawberry pieces in bottom, spoon strawberries over cake. Spread 1/3 of the ice cream over the strawberries. Repeat layers with lime cake pieces, blueberries, then the ice cream, and last layer the orange cake pieces, the mandarin oranges and ice cream. Freeze until firm. Unmold on a chilled dessert plate.

By Robin from Washington, IA

Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf56733625.tip.html

Email to a Friend | Get Responses | Bookmark | Link | Rate It: | Print

Oatmeal Rolls

Ingredients

• 1 1/4 cups boiling water
• 1/3 cup margarine
• 1/3 cup brown sugar
• 3/4 tsp. salt
• 1 cup oatmeal (quick oats)
• 1 package yeast
• 1/4 cup warm water
• 4 cups flour
• 1 egg

Directions

Pour boiling water over margarine, brown sugar, salt and oatmeal. Let stand until lukewarm. Meanwhile, sprinkle yeast over warm water and stir until it's dissolved. Combine oatmeal mixture with yeast and beaten egg. Add flour a little at a time to make soft dough. Knead until dough is smooth and elastic. Let rise, until doubled. Punch down. Shape into rolls. Let rise. Bake at 375 degrees F about 20 minutes or until lightly browned.

By Robin from Washington, IA

Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf33474109.tip.html

Email to a Friend | Get Responses | Bookmark | Link | Rate It: | Print

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

Coupon Swap!
Swap coupons with other ThriftyFun.com users.