ThriftyFun Recipes - July 30, 2007

Volume Three, Number 145, July 30, 2007 (Read It Online) Thank you Babbie and Robin for today's recipes. We made an important change to our Recipe Search. It now indexes three letter words which means you can search for ingredients like "ham". It should make the search a lot more useful. Featured Search: Ham 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: Malt and Shake Recipes How To Use A Ham Bone Tips For Cooking Steak In The Oven Boston Pizza's Pad Thai Recipe Today's Recipes: Peanut Butter Crumb Cake Spaghetti Squash with Red Sauce Frosty Chocolate Mousse Cherry Tomato Mozzarella Saute' Flaming Hot Popcorn Toffee-Pecan Bars Apple-Brie Spinach Salad Roasted Yellow Pepper Soup $10 Dinners - Basil Tomato Salad with Grilled Chicken Butterscotch Pie 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: Malt and Shake Recipes Does anyone have a secret recipe for a delicious Malt or Shake. I have tried different ways to make them but just don't taste the same as Ice Cream Shops. Marilyn from Burlington, WI Editor's Note: Here is a recent article about Shakes and Malts that may be helpful. Old Fashioned Soda Fountain Treats (Part 2 - Shakes and Malts) Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf87001559.tip.html Email to a Friend | Get Responses | Bookmark | Link | Rate It: | Print How To Use A Ham Bone Any one know of a recipe that I can use a ham bone in. I had a huge ham in my freezer that I finally got around to cooking and dividing up for dinners and lunches. Now I have a this ham bone and I don't want to waste it. When I had my dog, this was not a problem. Now that he is gone, I want to make a soup or something out of it. Thanks for your help. carrieleenh from Hollis,NH Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf57029156.tip.html Email to a Friend | Get Responses | Bookmark | Link | Rate It: | Print Tips For Cooking Steak In The Oven If you were going to brown a steak on both sides in a pan and then place it in a hot oven to continue cooking, do you have a suggestion for oven temp and minutes for cooking? Please note the inch width of the steak in your response. Holly from Richardson, TX Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf71668376.tip.html Email to a Friend | Get Responses | Bookmark | Link | Rate It: | Print Boston Pizza's Pad Thai Recipe I'm looking for a recipe for Boston Pizza's Pad Thai, which my kids love. Boston Pizza is a Canadian chain. Here's a description of the dish from their website: "Pad Thai Our take on a Thai classic. Fettuccini noodles, carrots, red pepper, green onion and your choice of tender chicken breast or juicy shrimp, all tossed in our spicy Pad Thai sauce. Drizzled with peanut sauce then finished with chopped peanuts, fresh cilantro and lime." The US chain is called Boston's Gourmet Pizza but according to their website, they don't serve Pad Thai. Dolna from Nova Scotia Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf87099544.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 Recipes: Peanut Butter Crumb Cake Ingredients 2 cups brown sugar 6 Tbsp. shortening 1/2 cup peanut butter 2 eggs, well beaten 2 1/2 cups flour 1/2 tsp. salt 1 tsp. vanilla 1 tsp. baking soda 1 cup sour milk Directions Cream sugar and shortening; add peanut butter and mix well. Sift flour and salt together and add to first mixture; then mix until crumbly. Reserve 2/3 cup of this mixture for topping. Now add eggs, milk and flavoring to remaining crumb mixture and beat thoroughly. Add soda last and beat well. Pour into a large well-greased floured loaf pan. Sprinkle the reserved 2/3 cup crumb mixture over top. Bake in 350 degrees F oven for 45 minutes. Needs no icing. By Robin from Washington, IA Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf68289493.tip.html Email to a Friend | Get Responses | Bookmark | Link | Rate It: | Print Spaghetti Squash with Red Sauce Ingredients 1 medium spaghetti squash 2 cups chopped fresh tomatoes 1 cup sliced fresh mushrooms 1 cup diced green pepper 1/2 cup shredded carrot 1/4 cup diced red onion 2 garlic cloves, minced 2 tsp. Italian seasoning 1/8 tsp. pepper 1 Tbsp. olive oil 1 can tomato sauce (15oz.) Grated Parmesan cheese (opt.) Directions Cut squash in half lengthwise; discard the seeds. Place the squash, cut side down, on a microwave safe plate. Microwave, uncovered, on high for 14-16 minutes or until tender. Meanwhile, in a large skillet, saute' the tomatoes, mushrooms, green pepper, carrot, onion, garlic, Italian seasoning and pepper in oil for 6-8 minutes or until tender. Add tomato sauce; heat through. When squash is cool enough to handle, use a fork to separate strands. Place squash on a serving platter; top with sauce. Sprinkle with Parmesan cheese, if desired. By Robin from Washington, IA Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf99196126.tip.html Email to a Friend | Get Responses | Bookmark | Link | Rate It: | Print Frosty Chocolate Mousse Ingredients 1 1/2 cups heavy whipping cream 1/2 cup sugar 1/2 cup baking cocoa 1/2 tsp. rum extract 1/2 tsp. vanilla Directions Combine all ingredients in mixing bowl and mix until mixture mounds softly. Spoon into dessert cups and place in freezer for 2 hours. By imaqt1962 from Illinois Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf71571186.tip.html Email to a Friend | Get Responses | Bookmark | Link | Rate It: | Print Cherry Tomato Mozzarella Saute' Ingredients 1/4 cup chopped shallots 1 garlic clove, minced 1 tsp. minced fresh thyme 2 tsp. olive oil 2 1/2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved 1/4 tsp. salt 1/4 tsp. pepper 4 oz. fresh mozzarella cheese, cut into 1/2 inch cubes Directions In a large skillet, saute the shallots, garlic, and thyme in oil until tender. Add the tomatoes, salt and pepper; heat through. Remove from the heat; stir in cheese. By Robin from Washington, IA Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf41834514.tip.html Email to a Friend | Get Responses | Bookmark | Link | Rate It: | Print Flaming Hot Popcorn Ingredients 1/3 cup oil 1 habanero pepper 1/2 cup popcorn Directions Cut habanero pepper in half (I hold it by the stem not to get it on my hand). In a small saucepan, slowly warm oil and habanero pepper for about 3 minutes. Remove habanero pepper and be sure you get all the seeds out or someone will get a nice HOT surprise. Pop your popcorn in this oil; most of the popcorn will be hot, but not all. Tortillas are delicious cooked in this oil; I have even used this in salad dressing. If you like things with a bit of heat this is the way to go. I tried using jalapenos with no success, it didn't taste very good. By Babbie from Lemon Grove, CA Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf49380836.tip.html Email to a Friend | Get Responses | Bookmark | Link | Rate It: | Print Toffee-Pecan Bars Ingredients 2 cups flour 1/2 cup powdered sugar 1 cup cold butter or margarine 1 egg 1 can sweetened condensed milk 1 tsp. vanilla 1 cup toffee pieces 1 cup chopped pecans Directions Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. In large bowl, combine flour or sugar. Using a pastry blender, cut in butter until mixture resembles coarse crumbs; press onto bottom of lightly greased 9x13 inch baking pan. Bake 15 minutes. In medium bowl, combine egg, milk and vanilla; stir in toffee pieces and pecans. Spread evenly onto crust. Bake 25 minutes or until golden brown. Cool completely; cut into bars. By Robin from Washington, IA Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf55874495.tip.html Email to a Friend | Get Responses | Bookmark | Link | Rate It: | Print Apple-Brie Spinach Salad Ingredients 4 large apples, cut into 1/2 inch wedges 4 Tbsp. maple syrup, divided 8 cups fresh baby spinach 1 round Brie or Camembert cheese, cubed 1/2 cup pecan halves, toasted Dressing: 1/4 cup apple cider or juice 1/4 cup vegetable oil 3 Tbsp. cider vinegar 1 tsp. Dijon mustard 1 garlic clove, minced Directions Place apples on an ungreased baking sheet; brush with 2 tablespoons syrup. Broil 3-4 inches from heat for 3 minutes. Turn; brush with remaining syrup. Broil 3-5 minutes longer or until crisp-tender. In a large salad bowl, combine spinach, cheese, pecans and apples. In a small saucepan, combine the dressing ingredients; bring to a boil. Pour over salad and toss to coat. Serve immediately. By Robin from Washington, IA Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf31564442.tip.html Email to a Friend | Get Responses | Bookmark | Link | Rate It: | Print Roasted Yellow Pepper Soup Ingredients 6 large sweet yellow peppers 1 large onion, chopped 1 cup chopped leeks (white portion only) 1/4 cup butter, cubed 3 small potatoes, peeled and cubed 5 cups chicken broth 1/2 tsp. salt 1/2 tsp. pepper shredded Parmesan cheese, opt. Directions Halve peppers; remove and discard tops and seeds. Broil peppers 4 inches from the heat until skins blister, about 4 minutes. Immediately place peppers in a bowl; cover and let stand for 15-20 minutes. Meanwhile, in a large saucepan, saute' onion and leeks in butter until tender. Add the potatoes, broth, salt and pepper. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat; cover and simmer for 30 minutes or until potatoes are tender. Peel off and discard charred skin from peppers. Finely chop peppers; add to potato mixture. Cool slightly. In a blender, cover and process soup in batches until smooth. Return to the pan; heat through (do not boil). Serve with parmesan cheese, if desired. By Robin from Washington, IA Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf43262592.tip.html Email to a Friend | Get Responses | Bookmark | Link | Rate It: | Print $10 Dinners - Basil Tomato Salad with Grilled Chicken These meals are intended to be a relatively simple and healthy weeknight meal for a family of four. We assume that these dinners are being made in a kitchen stocked with regular kitchen staples. We will not include prices of oil, sugar, flour, spices, etc. unless you need a 1/4 cup or more. Regional food prices may vary and can be reduced by smart shopping techniques. This $10 dinner was inspired and purchased at a local farmer's market. Seasonal vegetables tend to be much cheaper directly from the source. A total of about $5.00 was spent on the veggies for this salad. Shopping List 3 large tomatoes 1 bunch fresh basil 1/2 bunch green onions 2 cucumbers Veggies = $5 1 lb. boneless chicken breasts $2.69 Balsamic Vinagrette Salad Dressing $2.00 Total Cost = $9.69 Staples Olive or Canola Oil Salt and Pepper Directions Thoroughly wash all vegetables and let dry. Peel cucumber, if desired. Add veggies in the following order: Slice into thin circles or chop cucumber. Slice or chop your tomatoes. I would half the tomato before slicing. If your tomato is very juicy and full of seeds, seed it first. The tomatoes from the farmer's market were very dense and red. Chop green onions, using all the white and most of the green parts. Basil should be cut into small ribbons. The best way to do this is to stack the leaves together, roll them up (like a cigar) and slice across the roll. I usually do a couple of passes lengthwise to avoid very long pieces. Add a small amount of salad dressing to coat all the vegetables and mix well. Place in refrigerator until serving time. This should be allowed to set for at least 20 minutes so the flavors can meld. You could make this the night before, if necessary. Heat a lightly oiled grill pan over medium heat. Salt and pepper the chicken breasts on both sides. Grill for about 4-5 minutes on each side, until cooked through. Allow to rest for 5-10 minutes and coarsely chop. You could also grill this on a barbecue or broil it in the oven. Place chicken on top of salad, either in main bowl or individual servings. This salad can get a bit juicy so I use a slotted spoon to serve in into individual bowls, leaving the juice. It is also easier to make sure everyone gets equal servings of chicken that way. Tips: This salad is perfect for hot summer evenings, when no one wants to cook or eat. It would also be good as a potluck salad as the flavors will continue to improve. You can substitute the balsalmic vinaigrette with an Italian dressing or simply dress it with olive oil, balsamic vinegar, salt, pepper and, maybe, some garlic cloves, crushed or pressed. Prepackaged chicken, leftover or rotisserie chicken would also be fine for this salad. Mozzarela (especially fresh) would be wonderful with the tomatoes and basil. You could also use an Italian blend or Parmesan. Any seasonal vegetables could be added if desired but will dilute the tomato/basil flavors. Lettuce or spinach could stretch this meal, or make it a more traditional salad. Croutons, or fresh bread cubes added to this would soak up the juices and make a "bread" salad, which would be much more filling. Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf47647856.tip.html Email to a Friend | Get Responses | Bookmark | Link | Rate It: | Print Butterscotch Pie Ingredients 3 Tbsp. butter 1 1/4 cups brown sugar 1/3 cup flour 1/8 tsp. salt 2 cups milk, scalded 3 egg yolks 1/2 tsp. vanilla 1 baked pie shell 3 egg whites 6 Tbsp. sugar 1/8 tsp. salt 1/2 tsp. vanilla Directions Melt butter in saucepan, add 1/2 of the brown sugar. Bring to boil and cook 1 minute. Blend rest of brown sugar with flour and 1/8 tsp. salt. Heat milk in top of double boiler, add the dry ingredients, then the cooked sugar and butter mixture. Cook in double boiler, stirring constantly until smooth and then cook 10 minutes longer. Beat egg yolks, add to mixture gradually and continue stirring. Cook 3 minutes. Remove from heat, add 1/2 tsp. vanilla. Cool. Pour into baked pastry shell and top with meringue. Beat egg whites then add white sugar and 1/8 tsp. salt gradually. Continue beating until stiff. Add 1/2 tsp. vanilla and spread on pie. By Robin from Washington, IA Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf951282.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.