Reminder: No Dining April

So tomorrow starts our No Dining April challenge.  I am wondering…who is with me???

Lunch Ideas…

So with us doing this No Dining Out in April, I need some ideas for what to make my husband for lunch for work.  He doesn't have access to a microwave so it has to be something that is yummy but doesn't need to be heated up….SUGGESTIONS WANTED!!

Creamy Italian Crock-Pot Chicken

4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts

1 envelope Italian salad dressing

1/4 cup water

1 package (8oz) cream cheese

1 can condensed cream of chicken soup

hot cooked noodles or rice

1.  Cut the chicken into medium sized chunks and place in slow cooker

2.  Combine salad dressing and water – pour over chicken.  Cover and cook on low for 3 hours.

3.  In a small mixing bowl, beat the cream cheese and soup until blended.

4.  Pour mix over chicken.

5.  Cook 1 hour longer or until juices run clear.

6.  Serve over rice or noodles.

 

My family absolutely loved this.  Next time, I will have to double the recipe though.  If you have a family like mine, with 3 kids…and 2 are growing boys…one of these recipes might not be enough.

Swag Bucks – How To Earn

Swag Bucks is a search engine that awards you in the form of Swag Bucks (points that can be traded in for prizes).  You can chose from a variety of prizes including gift cards.  My favorite is a $5 Amazon gift card for 450 Swag Bucks.

You get 30 Swag Bucks for joining and can win anywhere from 10 – 50 Swag Bucks a day if you search until you win in the morning and in the evening.

To sign up, go here.  You account will be credited 30 Swag Bucks just for joining!

Here is how to earn more Swag Bucks:

1.  Searching is the key.  Swag Bucks should be used a replacement for your current search engine.  Use it frequently.  Use it to visit websites.  Most of the time instead of going directly to a website such as Facebook, I will search for it in Swag Bucks into of going directly to it.

 

2.  By browsing Special Offers, you can earn bonus Swag Bucks just by browsing the Special Offers section every day.

Here’s how to do it:

a.  Look across the top of the Swag Bucks for the Ways To Earn Option.

b.  Select Special Offers from the drop down box.

c.  Click on the blue box that says No Obligation offers on the right side.

d.  Scroll through these offers by clicking skip or next.

e.  One you get through 3-7 offers, it will alert you that you have received today’s bonus Swag Bucks.

 

3.  Using the Swag Bucks toolbar every day will at least earn you 1 Swag Buck.  Plus there are often exclusive Swag Bucks on the toolbar.

 

4.  Completing Special Offers by signing up for different products.

 

5.  Swag Codes are bonus codes that you enter in the “Enter Your Swag Code” box on the Swag Bucks homepage.

 

6.  Twice a month, Swag Bucks sends out a newsletter.  These have a bonus Swag Buck in them.  Make sure you get the newsletter by going to the homepage and click on Newsletter on the left menu.

 

7.  Swag Bucks offers you bucks for going through their website to do your shopping.  Just got to Swag Bucks, click Ways to Earn at the top.  Then click Shop and follow all the instruction.

 

8.  Trade in your used electronics for Swag Bucks.  Just go through Swag Bucks, click Ways to Earn and then click Trade In.

 

9.  Swag Bucks has a weekly poll.  If you submit a topic and they use it, you will receive bonus Swag Bucks.

 

10.  Make sure to read Swag Bucks blog, become a fan on Facebook, and follow them on Twitter.

 

11.  Every Friday, Swag Bucks offers a higher domination of Swag Bucks to winners.  They call it Mega Swag Bucks Friday.  Instead of the typical 10 – 30, you might win 50, 100, or more.

 

12.  If you send Swag Bucks a picture of your prize of a video of you unboxing your prize, you get bonus Swag Bucks.  You get 10 Swag Bucks for each prize photo and 20 Swag Bucks for each video.  You are limited to 5 of each.  Email it to prizephoto@swagbucks.com. 

 

13.  Swag Bucks will award each user 13 swag Bucks if you upload a picture of yourself to your account by April 1st.

 

14.  Swag Bucks has an awesome referral program.  Refer your friends to swag bucks and when they win by searching, you win the same amount.  You only win from their searches and there is a limit of 1000 swag bucks per referral.  After they reach 1000 swagbucks, you no longer receive credit.  There is no limited to how many friends you can refer.

 

  My favorite prize is the Amazon.com gift card.  They come in 3 different dominations which is $5, $25, and $50.  $5 is the best value, then $50, then $25.  You can get 5 of each a month but you can only request 2 prizes a day.

Swag Bucks says that they post gift cards on the 16th and 30th of the month.  This is not always true.  If the date is a on a weekend or holiday, it will be delayed.

When you receive your gift card codes for Amazon, here it how to add them to your account:

1.  Go to Amazon.com

2.  Click your account in the top right corner.

3.  Look for Gift Cards in the payment box.

4.  Select:  Apply a Gift Certificate/Card to your account.

5.  Enter the code that Swag Bucks gave you and click redeem now.

6.  The gift card is now stored in your account as a balance.  You can add as many gift cards and will be saved in your account.

No Dining April

I got this idea from another blog that I read regularly.  I didn't follow hers in March so I decided to do one on my own in April.

Can you go an entire month without going out to eat? A week? A Day?  I want to challenge everyone to try this for the month of April.

Everyday I will post about our progress and look for comments from everyone else on their progress.  We will also exchange recipes this month in April and talk about the challenges of not going out to eat.

I do have 3 rules that I want everyone to follow:

1.  You must give yourself some kind of challenge.  Whether it is to cut your dining bill or get rid of all your dining out spending.

2.  You are allowed 1 freebie mail that you don't have to count or even tell us about.  Please report daily so you get the support you need.

3.  Free meals DO NOT count.  This is a challenge to spend less so if someone takes you out to eat or you use a coupon, that is great.

I am hoping that also doing this will help us start to eat better.  I have learned now that there is no way to just jump into losing weight, it is a step by step process.  So for the first month, it will be to cut out dining out. 

I also know this will help us financially.  I couldn't believe when I saw that we spent close to $300 a month just eating out.  That is almost as much as I spend on groceries so that is just sad.

Mac and Cheese Casserole

1 (16oz) container low fat cottage cheese

1 (8oz) container sour cream

1 large egg

3/4 tsp salt

1/4 tsp pepper

2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese

8 oz dry elbow macaroni

paprika

breadcrumbs and butter/margarine (optional)

Cook the macaroni while you prep the rest of the ingredients.  In a large bowl, combine the first 6 ingredients and stir well.  Drain macaroni and add to bowl.  Stir to combine.  Spoon into lightly greased 1 quart baking dish and sprinkle with paprika.  If you desire, you can melt a little better and stir in some breadcrumbs, then sprinkle that on top as well.

Bake at 350 degrees for 45 minutes, let stand 10 to 15 minutes before serving.

 

This one was a big hit with my kids and myself.  I really loved it. My husband thought it was too dry.  Either way, I would make again.

Cheesy Sausage and Veggie Casserole

2 lbs potatoes, cubed (peeled if desired)

2 tsp oil

1 lb Polish or smoked sausage, sliced

3 tbsp flour

2 cups milk

1 1/2 cups shredded cheese

1 tsp cumin

1/4 tsp salt

1/4 tsp black pepper

1/2 lb California-blend frozen veggies, thawed

1.  Place potatoes in a large pot of cold water.  Bring to a boil and boil for about 15 minutes until fork tender.

2.  Meanwhile, heat the oil in a large skillet.  Add sausage and cook until lightly browned, about 5 minutes.  Remove sausage with slotted spoon and set aside.

3. Whisk flour into drippings in skillet and cook for 2 minutes.  Add milk and bring to a slow boil until thickened, stirring frequently.  Remove from heat and add cheese and seasonings.  Stir until melted.

4.  In a large casserole dish, layer the potatoes, veggies, and sausage.  Pour cheese over the top and stir to incorporate everything.  Bake at 375 degrees for 35-45 minutes, until bubbly and lightly golden on top.

Chicken and Veggie Chowder

1/2 lb carrots, peeled and sliced

1 1/2 lb red potatoes, sliced

1/2 lb broccoli, cut into bite size pieces (fresh or frozen)

1/2 lb cauliflower, cut into bite sized pieces (fresh or frozen)

1/2 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts

4 cups water

2 cups chicken stock

1 tsp each – salt, pepper, thyme plus more to taste

1 1/2 cup milk

1 tbsp flour

2 tbsp water

1.  Place veggies in a large stockpot.  Top with chicken.  Pour water and chicken stock into the pot.  Add salt, pepper and thyme.  Bring to a boil and simmer until chicken is fully cooked and veggies are tender, about 20-30 minutes.  Remove chicken from pot and let cool.

2.  Using a immersion blender or potato masher, coarsely mash most of the veggies.  (you will want a somewhat creamy consistency, but still keep some bigger chunks of the veggies).  Stir in milk.

3.  In a small bowl, whisk the flour in 2 tbsp water until fully dissolved.  Bring the soup to a boil and slowly pour in the flour mixture, stirring constantly.  Let soup boil until thickened, about 5 minutes.

4.  Dice or shred the chicken and add back to the pot.  Stir until heated through.  Re-season with salt, pepper, and thyme to taste, if necessary.

The Absolute Best Wedding Entrance

I wish I could be brave enough and creative enough to do something like this :)

Easy Creamy Mexican Skillet

1 lb ground beef

1 tsp chili power

1/2 tsp cumin

1/2 tsp garlic powder

1/2 tsp salt

4 oz cream cheese

1/2 cup sour cream

1 cup salsa

1/2 – 1 lb egg noodles, cooked and drained

1.  Brown ground beef with seasonings in a large skillet.  Drain.  Stir in cream cheese, sour cream, and salsa until cream cheese is completely melted.

2.  Add cooked egg noodles to the skillet and toss to coat. Serve and enjoy!

Thursday

Well, so far this morning, I cleaned the kitchen, worked on more consignment stuff, and now I am working on my desk.  I have to get my bedroom and bathroom done but I am waiting for Bryn to take a nap.  So right now, I am going to update my blog…and go from there….

Wednesday and Busy Thursday

Well today, I spent the day running errands so tomorrow it is a total clean the house day.  The only thing that should still be yucky is my foyer.  That is because I have a ton of boxes of stuff for consignment.  It is amazing how much clothing my children have.  So far, there is at least $800 worth of clothes…so if I actually sell all of it and get my 55%, that would be nice.  I know some of it will probably sit there until the 50% off day but I am hoping that most of it will sell before then.  I still have boxes and boxes of stuff to go through in the garage.  Whatever is priced between now and Monday, is it.  I cant put anything else in.  So for the rest of the day today, I am going to be pricing clothing.

So tomorrow, I am going to have to get up and put on my cleaning clothes.  There really isn't that much to do downstairs.  Just the normal stuff, like dishes and vacuum the floor.  Upstairs, that is rough.  Well, our room is anyone.  I have bunch of clothes to go through up there and our bathroom is scary.  I am hoping I can do some tonight if Jay gets home at a good time.  I’m not crossing my fingers though. 

Shop-Vac at Lowes.com - $19.97!!

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Sylvania NB530SLX Blu-ray Disc Player $59.99

Here is a HOT deal on Amazon. I’ve never seen a Blu Ray player this cheap. Amazon has the Sylvania NB530SLX Blu-ray Disc Player (Black)  for just $59.99 (down from $199!) and it ships free!

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Tac-aroni

1 lb ground beef

1/2 onion, diced

1 tbsp chili powder

1 tbsp cumin

2 tsp garlic powder

1 tsp salt

1/2 lb elbow macaroni

1 1/2 cup beef stock or broth

1 8oz can tomato sauce

1 14.5 oz can crushed tomatoes

2 cups frozen corn

1 cup shredded cheese

1.  Brown ground beef and onion.  Stir in seasonings.

2.  Add noodles, stock, tomato sauce and crushed tomatoes to the skillet.  Bring to a boil, reduce heat to low.  Cover skillet and simmer, stirring occasionally, until noodles are tender, about 15-20 minutes.

3.  Stir in corn until heated thoroughly.  Top with cheese and serve.

Chicken Pork and Peppers

1 1/2 lb boneless pork loin chops, julienned very thinly, about 1” lengths

1 large green pepper, julienned

1 scallion, thinly sliced

2 tbsp corn starch

2 tbsp soy sauce

3 tbsp oil

1 cup white rice

1 tbsp butter

2 cups hot water

Prepare rice as follows:  In a 2 quart pot with tight fitting lid, melt butter and add 1 cup dry rice.  Sauté in butter and “nutty smelling”.  Be careful not to burn the rice.  Add 2 cups of water, reduce heat to low and cover.  Cook for 20 minutes.  Turn off heat.  Let sit, covered until ready to serve.

Meanwhile, in a large bowl, mix the thinly sliced pork strips, corn starch, and soy sauce together.  Mix well to coat all of the pork.  Set aside for 5 minutes or so.

Using a large wok or skillet, heat 3 tbsp of oil on HIGH heat.  When the oil is hot, add the pork, reduce heat to medium high.  Stir fry meat in the oil.  When the meat is ALMOST done, add the peppers.  Stir around in the pan just to quickly cook the peppers.  They need to be tender crisp.  Sprinkle on sliced scallions just before serving.   Stir in.

Serve over rice.

Bangers and Mash

For Bangers:

2 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil

1 package mild Italian sausage

1 onion, sliced

2 cloves garlic, minced

1 1/2 cups beef stock

1 tsp thyme

1/2 tsp pepper

1.  Heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.  Add sausages and cook for about 10 minutes.  Flip sausages, cover skillet and cook 10 minutes longer.

2.  Remove sausage and set aside.  Add onions and garlic to skillet, season with salt to taste.  Cook for 5 minutes, stir in beef stock, thyme and pepper.  Add sausages back to skillet.  Bring stock to a slow boil and let simmer until reduced by half, about 5 minutes.  Serve over mashed potatoes.

For Mash:

1 1/2 lb potatoes

1/3 cup butter

1/2 cup milk

1/3 cup sour cream

salt, pepper, garlic powder to taste

1.  Peel and cube potatoes.  Put in a large pot filled with cold water.  Bring to a boil and simmer about 15 minutes, until potatoes are tender. Drain.

2.  Return potatoes to the pot.  Mash with butter.  Stir in milk, sour cream, salt, pepper, and garlic power to taste.

Chicken Taco Soup

1 lb chicken breast

1 can corn,drained

1 can chili beans or light red kidney beans

2 cans diced tomatoes with green chilies

1 8oz can tomato sauce

1 bottle of beer or 1 can chicken broth

1 packet taco seasoning

Place all ingredients into your crockpot and mix well.  Set on low for 7-8 hours or high 3-4.  Pull chicken out, shred, and place back into crockpot.

Porcupine Meatballs

1/2 lb ground beef

3 cups fully cooked rice

1 cup shredded cheddar cheese

1 tsp Italian seasoning

1/2 tsp each – salt, garlic powder, pepper

Put all ingredients in a large bowl and combine.  Press into large balls and bake for 350 degrees for 35-40 minutes until beef is fully cooked.

Cocoa Cookies

1 box Devil’s Food Cake Mix

2 eggs

1/3 cup oil

1/2 cup sugar in a shallow, wide bowl

Flat Bottomed Glass

Preheat oven to 375.

Mix cake mix, eggs, and oil together.  This will be thick dough.

Use a small cookie scoop (1 tsp) and portion out.  Roll into balls and 2” apart on a cookie sheet.  Dip the glass in sugar and press each ball into 1/4” thickness.

Bake 6-8 minutes.  Allow to cool on cookie sheet for 1 minute then move to cooling rack.

Make 2 dozen cookies.

BBQ Mini Meatloaves and Meatloaf Bites

2 lbs ground beef

1 egg

1/2 cup bread crumbs

1/4 red onion, finely chopped

4 garlic cloves, finely chopped

BBQ Sauce

1.  In a mixing bowl, combine ground beef, egg, bread crumbs, finely chopped red onion, and finely chopped garlic.  Scoop onto regular or mini size muffin tins, filling about 2/3 – 3/4 fill.  Press your finger into each meat muffin to create a small “well” for BBQ sauce.  Add a “blop” of BBQ sauce to each muffin.

2.  Bake at 350 degrees for 30 – 35 minutes.

EasyWalker SKY Nursery Bag

EasyWalker SKY Nursery Bag is normally $59.99 but is now on Amazon for a great price of $13.64.  Plus, with any $25 order, you get FREE Super Saving Shipping.

Pioneer 7" Widescreen In-Dash DVD System

Amazon.com offers the Pioneer 7" Widescreen In-Dash DVD Multimedia Entertainment System, model no. AVH-P4100DVD, for $359.09 with FREE Shipping

Staples Deal: 4GB Flash Drive Only $2.75

Here is a great deal on portable computer storage.  Staples has SanDisk 4GB USB flash drive on sale for $15 (reg price $30). Plus you get a $10 Staples gift card back via mail in rebate when you buy one. To make it an even better deal use this 15% off printable coupon (coupon expires 3/23) to end up paying only $2.75 each after coupon and mail in rebate.

Ozzy Osbourne's Ozzfest: 10th Anniversary on Blu-ray

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New Super Mario Bros. for Nintendo DS - $25 with FREE Shipping

Amazon.com offers Nintendo's New Super Mario Bros. for Nintendo DS for $25.

Kids Bowl Free This Summer

Kidsbowlfree.com is a great website.  We used this once last summer and for the two kids to bowl, it just cost us about $7 for the shoes.  I am definitely going to use this program again.  Signups for the coming summer start Tuesday, March 23rd. 

How the program works:

1. All of the participating bowling centers are listed at http://www.kidsbowlfree.com/all_centers.php.
2. Select a bowling center near you.
3. Register directly on the bowling center page (The registration is valid only at the bowling center where you register and cannot be used at any other bowling center unless otherwise noted.)
4. Once you register, you will have the opportunity to purchase the family pass.  The Family Pass was created to allow for adult family members to enjoy bowling throughout the summer as well. The Family Pass starts from $24.95 and includes 2 GAMES PER PERSON PER DAY. The Family Pass covers up to 4 adult family members. You may have 1, 2, 3, or 4 adults on the family pass.

This low one-time payment covers up to 4 adults for the entire summer and is a tremendous value.

***Very Important****

After your registration we will send you two (2) emails.

The first email is a welcome email and contains your account information.

The second email is very important. This email does not contain coupons, but you will need to click the link confirming your subscription to our service. If you do not click the link, our system will not send your weekly coupons to you.

When do you receive the coupons and family pass?

The "program start" and "program end" dates are listed on the bowling center page that you register with. You can sign up for the program before the start date, but the coupons and family passes will not be loaded into your account until the start date has occurred.

Once the program has begun, we will send you an email every Sunday morning that contains a link to your coupons and family passes for that week. It is not required that you view this email to print your coupons.

Old Navy – 30% Off

The Gap Give and Get Coupon ends today but luckily there is another 30% off coupon for Old Navy that is good through April 4th! Just go here to print your coupon it is good for 30% off of 1 single item that you purchase. *Keep in mind that this is an in store only coupon!

Nutella Fudge Bonbons

1 12oz bag chocolate chips

1/4 cup butter

2 tbsp nutella

1 can sweetened, condensed milk

1 tsp vanilla

2 cups flour

additional nutella (about 1/4 – 1/2 cup)

1/2 cup powdered sugar

1 – 2 tbsp cocoa powder

1.  Melt chocolate chips and butter over low heat in a sauce pan, stirring constantly to prevent scorching.  remove from heat once fully melted and stir in 2 tbsp nutella.  Add sweetened, condensed milk and vanilla.  Stir until combined.  Add flour 1/2 cup at a time until fully incorporated.  (If it gets too hard to stir together in the pot, pour onto parchment paper or aluminum fold and knead until combined).  the finished dough should be very pliable, almost like playdoh consistency.

2.  Take about a tbsp of dough and flatten.  Spoon some nutella into the center and form dough around it, rolling into a ball.  Repeat until done.  Bake at 350 for 6 to 8 minutes.  Cool.

3.  Meanwhile, stir together powdered sugar and cocoa powder.  Add milk gradually until desired drizzling consistently is reached.

4.  Spoon icing over the cooled bonbons and decorate as desired.  Let icing harden before storing.

Sour Cream Mashed Potatoes

4 lbs potatoes (peeled and cubed)

salt and black pepper

2 cups sour cream

1/2 cup milk

4 tbsp butter

1.  Place potatoes in a large pot.  Add cold water to cover and bring to a boil.  Add 2 tbsp salt.  Reduce heat, and simmer until tender, 15 to 18 minutes.  Drain the potatoes and return them to the pot.

2.  Add sour cream, milk, butter and 1 tbsp salt and 1/4 tsp pepper and mash.  Transfer to a heatproof bowl, cover, and warm.

Deviled Eggs

6 large eggs – hard boiled and peeled

1/3 cup mayo

1 tsp prepared mustard

salt to taste

paprika if desired

1.  Cut each egg in half lengthwise and remove yolks to a bowl.

2.  Mash yolks well and blend with mayo, mustard, and salt.

3.  Fill whites with yolk mixture using a spoon, a pastry bag, or a plastic bag with the corner snipped off.

4.  Sprinkle with paprika, if desired, and refrigerate, covered, until serving time.

Chicken Parmigiana

3/4 cup plain breadcrumbs

3/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese

8 chicken cutlets (about 1/2 lb total) or 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, halved horizontally

salt and freshly ground pepper

1 large egg, lightly beaten

2 cups jarred tomato sauce

1/4 cup olive oil

6 ounces mozzarella cheese, cut into 8 inch think slices

1.  Heat broiler.  Combine breadcrumbs and Parmesan in a shallow bowl.  Season both side of the chicken with 1/2 tsp salt and 1/4 tsp pepper.  Dip chicken in the beaten egg, then dredge in breadcrumb mixture, turning to coat both sides.

2.  Spread tomato sauce onto the bottom of a 10x15 inch baking dish.  Heat 2 tbsp oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium heat.  Place 4 chicken cutlets in skillet; cook until golden, 1 to 2 minutes on each side.  Using a spatula, transfer browned cutlets to baking dish, placing them on top of sauce.  Repeat with remaining oil and cutlets.

3.  Top each cutlet with a slice of mozzarella.  Broil about 4 inches from heat source until sauce is hot and cheese is melted and lightly browned in spots, 5 to 8 minutes.  Serve immediately.

Chicken Pomodoro

2 tbsp olive oil

1/4 onion, diced

5 cloves garlic, minced

1/4 tsp crushed red pepper flakes

salt and pepper, to taste

2 15oz can diced tomatoes

1 1/2 tsp sugar

3 tbsp pesto or 1/3 cup fresh basil leaves, torn or cut chiffonade style

1/2 lb chicken breasts, cooked and cubed (optional)

1.  Heat olive oil in a large skillet.  Add onion, garlic, and crushed red pepper flakes.  Season to taste with sale and pepper.  Cook until onions are nearly translucent, about 3 minutes.

2. While the onion and garlic cooks, pour the tomatoes (with liquid) into a food processor or blender.  Process until coarsely chopped to desired consistency.  (Press less time for thicker, heartier sauce or longer for creamier sauce.)

3.  Add the tomatoes and sugar to the skillet.  Simmer for about 5 minutes, until very fragrant and somewhat thickened.

4.  Stir in the pesto and simmer an additional 5-10 minutes. (If using fresh basil, let the sauce simmer for 10-15 minutes and then stir in the basil after removing from the heat.)

5.  Stir the chicken into the sauce just until warmed through.  Serve over pasta.

Sloppy Joe Spaghetti Bake

1 lb ground beef

1/2 onion, diced

1 15oz can diced tomatoes

1/3 cup ketchup

1 1/2 tbsp mustard

1 tbsp brown sugar

1 tsp chili powder

1/2 tsp cumin

1/4 tsp black pepper

1/2 lb spaghetti, cooked and drained

1 cup shredded cheddar cheese

1.  Brown ground beef with onions in a large skillet.  Drain.  Stir in tomatoes, ketchup, mustard, brown sugar, and seasonings.  Simmer for about 10 minutes, until flavors are combined.  Remove from heat.

2.  Place cooked spaghetti noodles in a casserole dish and top with sloppy joe mixture.  Cover with cheddar cheese.  Bake at 350 degrees for 10 minutes, or until cheese is melted.  (Or, refrigerate until dinner time and then bake for about 20 minutes, until heated through.)

Spicy Cheese Dip

2 tbsp butter or margarine

1 1/2 tbsp flour

1 cup milk

1 cup shredded cheese

1 tsp hot sauce

1/2 tsp salt

1/2 tsp pepper

1/8 tsp cayenne pepper

1.  Melt butter or margarine in a small saucepan over medium heat.  Stir in flour and cook for 2 minutes.  Whisk in milk and bring to a slow boil until thickened to gravy consistency.  Remove from heat and add remaining ingredient.  Stir until cheese is melted.

Pretzel Chicken

1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, pounded flat

salt, pepper, and paprika, to taste

2 eggs

2 tbsp water

2 tsp hot sauce (i.e. Tabasco)

2 cups crushed pretzels

oil for frying

1.  Season chicken breasts on both sides with salt, pepper, and paprika to taste.

2.  In a shallow dish, whisk together eggs, water, and hot sauce.  Dip chicken breasts into egg mixture, crushed pretzels, egg again, and then pretzels again. For best results, do this step earlier in the the day and then refrigerate pretzel-coated chicken breast.  This will help the coating stay on while frying.

Chicken Nachos

1 tbsp olive oil

1/2 – 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts

1 tsp cumin

1/2 tsp salt

1/4 tsp black pepper

1 jar salsa

1/4 cup water

1/2 tsp cumin and chili powder

tortilla chips

shredded cheese

any other desired toppings

1.  Heat oil in a large skillet.  Season both sides of chicken with cumin, salt and pepper.  Add chicken to skillet and cook just until both sides are slightly browned, about 2-3 minutes per side.

2.  Add salsa, water, and remaining seasonings.  Cover skillet and simmer over medium low heat for at least 20 minutes, until chicken is fully cooked.  (You can simmer this all day as you would in a crock pot, if desired.)

3.  Remove chicken and shred.  Set aside.  Bring remaining liquid in the skillet to a boil and simmer until thickened and reduced by about half.  Remove from heat and stir chicken back in to skillet.

4.  Spread tortilla chips on a cookie sheet and pour chicken mixture evenly on top.  Add shredded cheese and bake at 350 degrees for 8 – 10 minutes, until cheese is melted.  Top as desired and serve.

Thrift Store Shopping

I find it funny when people turn up their noses at thrift store shopping.  I think some of my best items, I have found shopping at the thrift store.  Unfortuately, a lot of times, I can’t find clothes for myself since I am a bigger girl but, I always find stuff for the kids.  Kids grow so fast, it just seems ridculous to pay so much for the items they are going to use. 

I got every Wednesday to a thrift store here where I live.  I love it there.  I have pretty much gotten all of Brynlee’s clothes for summer.  For the most part, the boys don't really need anything except for a few pairs of shorts.  I am hoping that the closer it gets to “spring cleaning” time, the more people will be getting rid of.

yesterday, I went to my favorite store, and here is one thing that I scored for Brynlee:

That’s right, a pair of actual brand name Crocs.  They were barely worn.  I brought them home…washed them and use a Magic Eraser on them..and now they look BRAND NEW.  For this item I paid….$1.  One dollar for an item I am pretty sure it close to $20 brand new.

Santa’s Whiskers Cookies

1 cup butter

1 cup sugar

1 tsp vanilla

1 1/2 tbsp milk

2 1/2 cups flour

3/4 cup maraschino cherries, diced but 1 tsp juice from the jar

1 cup coconut

1. Beat the butter and sugar together until fluffy.  Add vanilla and milk and beat until combined.

2. Add flour, mixing just until incorporated.  By hand or with the mixer, work the cherries and tsp of juice into the dough.

3.  Separate dough in half and form each half into a 8 or 9 inch log.  Roll each half in coconut to cover.  Wrap in freezer paper or plastic wrap and freeze about 30 minutes, until firm.

4.  Slice the logs of dough into cookies, about 1/4 inch wide.  Place on baking sheets and bake at 375 for 8-10 minutes.  Cool on wire racks.

Fast Chicken Fajitas

1 1/2 lbs chicken cutlets

2 tbsp vegetable oil

1 tsp chili powder

coarse sale and ground pepper

3 bell peppers, thinly sliced

1 medium red onion, halved and thinly sliced

4 garlic cloves, thinly sliced

8 flour tortillas

fresh cilantro leaves, for serving

lime wedges, for serving

1.  Heat broiler, with rack set 4 inches from heat.  Arrange chicken on a rimmed baking sheet lined with aluminum foil; rub with 1 tbsp oil.  Sprinkle with chili powder, and season with salt and pepper.  Broil, without turning, until chicken is opaque throughout, 5 to 7 minutes.  Remove from oven; set aside.

2.  On another rimmed baking sheet lined with foil, toss peppers, onion, garlic, and remaining tablespoon oil;  season with salt and pepper.  Broil, tossing occasionally, until vegetables are crisp-tender and slightly charred, 6 to 8 minutes.

3.  Meanwhile, thinly slice chicken crosswise.  Stack and wrap tortillas in a damp paper towel;  microwave on high until warm, about 1 minute.  Transfer chicken and pepper mixture to a platter, and serve with tortillas, cilantro, sour cream, and lime wedges.

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Planning Ahead for Christmas 2010

Even though the holidays have been over for a while and for many people, the credit card bills have already came in.  I, fortunately, am not one of these.  I don't own a credit card so I have no reason to charge on one.  I have decided this is why I should come with a Christmas budget for 2010.

I want to get a spreadsheet together that would include:

1.  The people I specifically buy gifts for with dollar amounts.

2.  Get together Christmas Card list so I can anticipate what postage would cost.

3.  Estimate on baking and food costs.

I can also use this spreadsheet to mark off gifts as I purchase them through the year.

When it comes to saving money for Christmas, this is what I plan to do:

1.  Collecting loose change in a jar.  Right now, we only have about $9 but each little bit helps.

2.  Sell unwanted items on eBay or Craigslist.  The money you earn will depend on what you are selling.

3. Using SwagBucks to search the internet.  Get SwagBucks and turn them in for gift cards.

Crunchy Chicken Fingers

12 oz skinless, boneless chicken breast halves

1 egg, lightly beaten

1 tbsp honey

1 tsp yellow mustard

1 cup package cornflake crumbs or 2 cups cornflakes, finely crushed

1/4 tsp salt

dash black pepper

1.  Heat over to 450 degrees.  Cut chicken into 3/4 inch strips.  In a shallow dish, combine the egg, honey, and mustard.  In another shallow dish, stir together cornflake crumbs, salt and pepper.  Dip chicken strips into the egg mixture; roll them in crumb mixture to coat evenly.

2.  Arrange chicken strips on a baking sheet.  Lightly spray with nonstick cooking spray.  Bake 12 to 15 minutes or until chicken is cooked through.

Velveeta Down Home Macaroni and Cheese

1/4 cup butter or margarine, divided

1/4 cup flour

1 cup milk

1/2 lb (8 oz) Velveeta, cut into 1/2 inch cubes

2 cups elbow macaroni, cooked, divided

1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese

1.  Heat oven to 350 degrees.

2.  Melt 3 tbsp butter in medium saucepan on medium heat.  Whisk flour;  cook 2 minutes, stirring constantly.  Gradually stir in milk, cook until mixture boils and thickens, stirring constantly.  Add Velveeta;  cook 3 minutes or until melted, stirring frequently.  Stir in macaroni.

3.  Spoon into 2 quart casserole sprayed with cooking spray'; sprinkle with cheddar.

4.  Bake 20 minutes or until heated through.

 

I made this at Christmas and it was sooo good.  My boys loved Mac and cheese so to them, it was the greatest.

Classic Meatloaf

3 slices white sandwich bread

1/3 cup whole milk

1 1/2 pounds ground beef chuck

1/2 pound ground pork

1/2 medium onion, grated

2 garlic cloves, minced

1 large egg

1/2 cup ketchup

coarse salt and ground pepper

1.  Preheat oven to 400 degrees.  Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil or parchment paper.  Place bread in food processor; pulse until fine crumbs form.  Transfer to a small bowl;  stir in milk.  Set aside, about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.

2.  Meanwhile, in a large bowl, combine beef, pork, onion, garlic, egg, 1/4 cup ketchup, 1 1/2 teaspoons salt, and 1/4 teaspoons pepper.  Add bread-milk mixture, and mix very gently with a fork (do not over mix).

3.  Place meat mixture on prepared baking sheet, and form into a loaf about 9 inches long and 4 to 5 inches wide.

4.  Bake, brushing twice with remaining 1/4 cup ketchup during baking, until instant-read thermometer registers 160 degrees, 45 to 55 minutes.  Let meatloaf rest 10 minutes before slicing and serving.

 

This meatloaf was the absolute best one that I ever have made.  There were NO leftovers from this one and I think they wish I had doubled the recipe.  I think next time, I will.

Blue and Gold 2010

Ryan’s Cub Scouts Blue and Gold was held on February 27, 2010.  It was great.  They had a spaghetti dinner as well as barbecue which Jay loved :)

Brynlee, I guess she wasn't too thrilled but at least she kept the party hat on.

Evan worried me a lot that day.  He looked so tired, I thought he was getting sick or something.  Last year, he threw up at the Blue and Gold so I was just praying that we weren't going to have another repeat.

Ryan, though, he was having fun and couldn't wait for food.

    Our cake was made by Donna Frazier and it was wonderful.  All the other Blue and Golds we have went to for Ryan was a potluck kind of dessert.  I think that this cake helped make the day extra special.

All the leaders, getting our leader appreciation gifts.

 

All in all, I think it was a great Blue and Gold.  It was definitely the best out of the 3 we have attended so far.

The width strains against the failing hate.