Busy Home Economist

Gluten Free Product Review - Hodgson Mill Brown Rice Angel Hair Pasta

2012-02-02T00:00:00.000-08:00

One of the toughest things about living gluten free is finding products that resemble the normal foods that I miss. Often gluten free food products have a strange texture or the taste is off. Sometimes, they are just plain and simply bad.

Today for lunch, we tried the Angel Hair Brown Rice Pasta with Golden Milled Flax Seed by Hodgson Mill. I prepared the pasta according to package directions and promptly rinsed it in cold water. One thing I immediately noticed was that the angel hair didn't clump together. I feel pretty sure that it would have if I had not rinsed it, as the water was very cloudy. I served the pasta with a bit of meat sauce, topped with Parmesan. It tasted wonderful. The texture was perfect and it reminded me of gluten containing pasta. I can't report on leftovers because there are none.

I will definitely be purchasing this brand of pasta again. It was a gift from my mother, so I'm not absolutely sure of the price, but Wal-Mart does sell it by the case (12 - 8 oz. boxes) for about $45, or a little under $4/box. Even better, Hodgson Mill currently has their Angel Hair, and other pasta varieties, marked down by 50% at their online store. A case of six - 8 oz. boxes will cost you $8.25 + shipping (which starts at about $10). UPS ground shipping costs do NOT increase proportionally as you add cases. This is a situation, where you truly do save on shipping if you buy more...which is exactly what I plan on doing. My days of preparing two different pasta dinners are over!!

Developing Goals

2012-02-01T10:43:00.000-08:00

By nature, I am a planner. I like to know what is happening, before it happens and to have it all laid out on my calendar. Why have I never engaged in active, weekly or monthly goal setting? I have goals, but when I examine them, I realize that they are long term. I want to get our family out of debt, organize our home, educate our children, eat healthier, lose weight, and much more. The problem with these goals is that they are too broad. While some of these can be quickly attained, most of them will take months if not years to fulfill.

Short term goals, conversely, provide for periodic success. This success will help me to stay on track, keep motivated, and provide a deep sense of satisfaction. I have repeatedly come across the acronym SMART for goal setting. According to this acronym goals should be Specific, Measurable, Adjustable, Relevent, and Time-bound.

I will be sharing my monthly and yearly goals in a future post, but for right now (even though the week is half-way over), I want to establish my goals for this week.

Spiritual

Establish the habit of a morning devotional time.
Plan a family service project to be completed this week.

Family

Cook one meal with each child, individually, this week
Plan a date night to enjoy with my husband.

Educational

Establish the habit of preparing homeschool lesson plans each evening, rather than waiting until morning.
Help Hannah to establish the habit of self-starting the school day.
Prepare mealtime reading schedule.

Home Management

Organize the schoolroom shelves
Develop a clean kitchen schedule (include the girls).

Financial

Begin using the cash envelope system
Re-establish an allowance system for the girls (including saving/giving/spending jar)

Personal

Complete the week gluten free.
Finish reading Five Conversations You Must Have With Your Daughter
Limit Computer Time to 1 hour/day

Photo Credit
Photo Credit

5 Ways to Avoid the Urge to Order Out After a Busy Day

2012-01-31T00:00:00.000-08:00

Because we are running with gazelle intensity to pay off debt (thanks to Dave), we try to limit the number of times that we eat out each month. It, however, never fails that there are several extremely busy days a month that I find myself fighting back the urge to load the family into the car, head for the closest restaurant, and give myself the night off. The problems and solutions discussed below have helped me to win that fight.

The Problem: I don't know what to prepare.
The Solution: Plan a Weekly Meal Menu - Having a meal plan is a huge help after a busy, stressful day. Let's face it, sometimes we return from work, or school, or just from carting kids around and we are almost too tired to even think. Having that menu on the side of the fridge will almost allow you to complete meal prep on autopilot...almost. If you have never used a meal plan or weekly menu, it's very easy to get started. Begin with dinner. Keep your weekly schedule in mind as you select your meals. If Tuesday is long and the family walks in the door at 6pm, make that a crock pot night. Have the kids set the table and prepare a salad the evening before while you get the crock pot ready. Perhaps one night a week your family attends church or some other event. Plan to have sandwiches or some other meal that involves easy clean up. You plan your week...why not plan your meals? After you have designated your dinners, then move on to lunch, breakfast, and snacks. Once you have your entire menu, create a grocery list based on your menu.

The Problem: We don't have anything to eat in the house.
The Solution: Grocery Shop at Regular Intervals -When your life is hyper-scheduled, it can be difficult to find time to shop for groceries. Grocery shopping once a week, or even one big shopping trip a month, will guarantee that you have something to prepare. One other plug for the meal plan...if you rotate menus, your grocery list is almost always 90% complete. This reduces the time needed to plan for a shopping trip.

The Problem: My kitchen is a mess
The Solution: Empty Your Dishwasher Before You Go to Bed - When my kitchen is a mess, the last thing I want to do is cook. Not only is there too little space for meal prep, but the thought of having to wash even more dishes is an exhausting one. An empty dishwasher allows me to clean as I go...and...the kids can more easily fulfill their task of cleaning off the table. Having an empty dishwasher (and an empty sink) is the beginning of a clean kitchen. When the kitchen is clean, the task of cooking is much less overwhelming.

The Problem: I just don't feel like cooking.
The Solution: Keep One Convenience Meal in Your Freezer at All Times - Whether it's a frozen pizza or leftover chili, it is a good idea to always have something in your freezer (or pantry) that can be prepared on a whim. We all have those unexpected calamities...car trouble, a sick child, traffic, a meeting that runs too long. I don't know about you, but those are the nights that I am most likely to give in to the urge to make an unplanned restaurant run. To avoid the extra expense, I like to keep a quick and easy to prepare meal (in a disposable container) in the freezer. If it's been a tough day, paper plates and plastic cutlery are also a must to keep clean up at a minimum.

The Problem: I don't have time to cook tonight
The Solution: Allow Your Family Members to Help Out - When you have a meal plan, it is very easy for someone else to step in and prepare the meal. On several occasions, I have come home from an activity that lasted longer than expected to find that my husband had prepared our meal. If the menu didn't help, the freezer convenience meal generally did.

Photo Credit

Kids Eat Free!!!

2012-01-30T06:02:00.000-08:00

One great way to reduce your entertainment budget (or stretch your current budget a little further) is to take advantage of "Kids Eat Free" offers. Restaurants with hyperlinks have information about their "Kids Eat Free" guidelines online. Because restaurants often change menus and pricing, it is always a good idea to call ahead.

**********A Work in Progress!!!**********

Sunday

Dickey's Barbecue Pit - Kids (12 and under) always eat free (with the purchase of an adult meal) on Sundays, but through the month of February, kids eat free every day!
Double Daves Pizzaworks - One child (7 and under) eats free with the purchase of an adult buffet.
Rico's Mexican Grill - One child eats free with the purchase of an adult entree.
Firehouse Subs - One children's combo with the purchase of an adult combo.
The Goose's Acre - Two children (12 and under) eat free with the purchase of one adult entree.

Monday

Santa Fe Flats NewMex Grille - One child eats free with the purchase of an adult entree.

Tuesday

Denny's - It appears that many Houston area restaurants will allow 2 children (10 and under) to eat when one adult entree is purchased.
Berry Hill Baja Grill - Up to two children (10 and under) eat free when an adult spends $9.

Wednesday

James Coney Island - From 4pm to close, kids (10 and under) will receive a free combo with an adult purchase of $5.50.
Jason's Deli - I am hearing reports that many restaurants will allow one child (12 and under) to eat free with the purchase of an adult entree.
Backyard Grill - one kids (12 and under) meal (from The Playground) with the purchase of an adult entree

Thursday

Juan and Lefty's - Kids eat free everyday with the purchase of an adult entree.

Friday

Juan and Lefty's - Kids eat free everyday with the purchase of an adult entree.

Saturday

McAlister's Deli - In the Houston area, two kids can eat free with the purchase of one adult entree.
Berry Hill Baja Grill - Up to two children (10 and under) eat free when an adult spends $9.
Texas Land & Cattle - One child's menu item with the purchase of an adult entree.

National Kids Eat Free Websites

Thank you to Tesa, Crystal, Mindy, Bron, Jennifer, Rhonda, Chandra, Nicole, Donna, Sara, and April for helping me to compile this list.

Menu Planning Monday

2012-01-30T06:00:00.000-08:00

Sunday:

Breakfast - breakfast quiche, fruit

Lunch - eat out at Dickey's Barbecue Pit (Kids eat free on Sunday)

Dinner - Soup, crackers (toast, sandwiches, or potato), green salad

Monday:

Breakfast - Pancakes, egg, fruit

Lunch - Macaroni and cheese, diced chicken, fruit, veggie sticks

Dinner - Burrito bowls, green salad

Tuesday:

Breakfast - Cold cereal, yogurt, fruit

Lunch - sandwiches, fruits/veggies, cookie

Dinner - Adventure of the Month for January

Wednesday:

Breakfast - Sausage/cheese balls, fruit

Lunch - green salad w/diced chicken, cheese, eggs, cranberries, nuts

Dinner - Sandwiches, potato wedges

Thursday:

Breakfast - Cold cereal, yogurt, fruit

Lunch - sandwiches, fruits/veggies, cookie

Dinner - Breakfast for Dinner (biscuits/pancakes/waffles, eggs, potatoes, sausage)

Friday:

Breakfast - Toast, egg, fruit

Lunch - Chicken and Rice primavera, fruit

Dinner - Homemade pizza, green salad, fruit or dessert

Saturday:

Breakfast - muffins, eggs, fruit

Lunch - cooks choice (leftovers)

Dinner - Grill out (grilled chicken, beef, pork, hamburgers, or hotdogs), roasted veggies, green salad

Gluten Free Cornbread

2012-01-28T17:42:00.000-08:00

Since I was a little girl, I have loved cornbread and pinto beans. My Mom would serve them on a cold night and they always hit the spot. There's just something about fresh cornbread with a little bit of butter. Cornbread is also one of the things that I have missed the most since adopting a gluten free lifestyle. I have tried several different recipes, but the finished product either tasted weird or had a really crumbly texture. Well....tonight I tried something a little more familiar. I basically made my standard cornbread recipe, substituted the flour with Bob's Red Mill Flour Blend and added a bit of xanthan gum. The result was extremely satisfying. It not only had great flavor, but also had a very "normal" texture that held together. I would highly recommend this recipe and can't wait to make it again. (A quick note on xanthan gum: Yes, it is expensive (about $12 for a small bag), but it makes all the difference in the texture of gluten free baked goods. A little goes a long way, so that small bag will last a very long time.)

Gluten Free Cornbread

Ingredients:

1 cup GF All purpose flour mix (I like Bob's Red Mill flour blend.)
1 cup cornmeal
1/4 cup sugar
1 tbs. baking powder
3/4 tsp. salt
1/2 tsp. xanthan gum
5 tbs. butter, melted
2 eggs, room temperature, beaten
1 cup milk, heated to room temperature (or at least not super chilled)

Directions:

Combine flour, cornmeal, sugar, baking powder, salt, and xanthan gum in a mixing bowl, and preheat the oven to 400F.
Use 1 tbs. of melted butter to grease your baking pan (mine was about an 8′x10″ casserole dish) and set in the oven while you finish prepping the batter.
Add the rest of the butter, eggs, and milk to a medium bowl and use a whisk to combine. Then add the wet ingredients directly to the dry ingredients, and stir until just mixed.
Take your baking dish out of the oven and pour in your cornbread batter. Use a spatula to even it out if you need to. Bake 20 - 25 minutes or until passes the clean knife test.

Freezer Cooking Saturday

2012-01-28T14:19:00.000-08:00

Each Saturday I spend a few extra moments in the kitchen in hopes that I can cook less and wash fewer dishes during the upcoming week. Sacrificing a few hours today allows me to spend more time with my family during the week and keeps us from splurging on convenience foods or eating out at the end of our busier days. Here is today's plan:

~~Brown 2 pounds ground beef for spaghetti, add sauce, and divide among three containers to freeze (next weeks meal and 2 more)~~
~~Butternut squash bites~~ (I'm not sure if I'm completely sold on these. They weren't bad, but they also weren't great. I'm going to play around with this recipe before posting it.)
Crustless ham and cheese quiche for tomorrow
~~2 pounds of dry beans in the crock pot (soaked last night), dinner tonight and divide the rest to freeze (tonight's meal and beyond)~~ (I was ended up with three 2-cup containers)
~~Cut celery, cucumber, and carrots for next weeks snacks~~
~~Shred cheese for next week~~
~~Wash spinach and lettuce for salads~~
Gluten Free peanut butter cookies
~~No cook strawberry freezer jam~~ (found one more container in the freezer)
~~Dice onions from co-op box (freeze on a cookie sheet, then bag)~~
~~Chop bell peppers from co-op box (freeze, then bag)~~

It's a lot to do in one day, but if I am successful, meal time next week will be a breeze! Time to get to work. I will post these recipes and many more in the weeks to come.

Photo credit

$5 Printable Enfamil Coupon

2012-01-28T05:58:00.000-08:00

If you use formula, here is a quick way to add $10 back into your grocery budget. It is being reported that many Wal-mart stores sell small cans for under $5, making them free. Or better yet, you can reduce the price of the large can, which you will use anyway! This coupon does take a few moments to print so you will want to be patient AND by selecting the "back" (arrow) icon, you should be able to print two of these. Go here to print your coupons.

Coupon Policies

2012-01-27T22:58:00.000-08:00

While coupons no longer offer the great savings that they once did, they can still help us to save money on things that we need. Here are the coupon policies for the stores in our area. I have highlighted a few of the more important points.

Kroger - There are a number of manufacturers coupons available on the Kroger website. Go here to check them out. Kroger also has a number of digital coupons that can be loaded directly onto your shoppers card. You can find them here .

Houston area Kroger stores no long double or triple coupons. All coupons are accepted at face value.
Digital coupons will be applied before paper coupons. Digital and paper coupons cannot be stacked (used on a single item).
Coupons must be presented at time of checkout.

Randalls - Go here to load digital coupons onto your shoppers card.

Houston area Randall's stores will double one coupon of a particular type. Additional coupons of that same type will be accepted at face value.
Coupons cannot be stacked.

Food Town - Go here to print SmartSource coupons.

Food town only accepts coupons at face value.
While not mentioned on the website, manufacturers coupons can be stacked with Food Town coupons (such as the coupon that is generally part of the weekly circular).

Food Fair - Go here to print SmartSource coupons.

Food Fair doubles and triples coupons during promotional events.
Only one like coupon will be doubled/tripled. Additional coupons will be accepted at face value.

Walmart

Accepts competitors coupons if they include a specified price for a specific item.
Accepts Catalina (checkout) coupons printed at a competitors' register providing that the words "Manufacturers Coupon" are found. (Walmart does not accept Catalina coupons that apply to the entire basket.)
Walmart does NOT accept percentage off coupons, BOGO coupons that lack a specific value.
If the value of a coupon exceeds the price of the item, the overage is applied to the remainder of the purchase. LOVE THIS!!!
Supervisor verification will be needed if more than 40 coupons are used in a single transaction.
Walmart will match a competitors' advertised sale price (except for % off and BOGO sales).

Target - go here to print Target coupons

Target will accept one manufacturers coupon AND a Target coupon for a single item (unless restricted by either coupon)
Item must match coupon description (size, quantity, flavor)
Coupon value may be reduced if it exceeds the value of the item (you should not expect overage).
Coupons must be presented at the time of checkout.
Sales tax will be applied to the full price of an item (pre-coupon)
Internet coupons with a clear bar code are accepted.
Target does NOT honor internet coupons for free items.
A Target BOGO (Buy one, get one) coupon can be partnered with a manufacturers BOGO coupon, unless restricted by either coupon.
Target will match a competitors' advertised sale price, BUT this is done at customer service AFTER checking out.

CVS

CVS will allow you to stack a manufacturers coupon with a store coupon.
% off coupons may not be applied to sale items.

Walgreens

The number of manufacturers' coupons (including Register Rewards) may not exceed the number of items in the transaction.
Manufacturers' coupons may be stacked with store coupons.
2 coupons may be used in conjunction with a BOGO sale providing that the net price does not drop below zero. AWESOME!!
Register Rewards cannot be used to receive RR for the same offer.

You Made That Gluten Free Pizza Crust from What? (Pictures will be posted later)

2012-01-23T02:44:00.000-08:00

Friday night is pizza night at our house. Until recently, I have watched my family devour my homemade pizza while I ate a baked potato or side salad. I missed pizza. Well....I came across this recipe some time back and finally had the guts to give it a try. Not only does it taste great, but it satisfies my pizza desire and the whole family loves it. One word of warning: if you are looking to replicate traditional pizza crust, this is not the recipe for you. It is, however, a great alternative! (Also, this is a very dense crust. I have found that one pizza now satisfies my family of four.)

Ingredients:

2 cups cooked, riced cauliflower
2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
2 egg, beaten
Italian spices, to taste
olive oil (optional)
pizza sauce, shredded cheese and your choice of toppings*

Directions:

To "Rice" the Cauliflower:
Take 1 large head of fresh cauliflower, remove stems and leaves, and chop the florets into chunks. Add to food processor and pulse until it looks like grain. Do not over-do pulse or you will puree it. (If you don't have a food processor, you can grate the whole head with a cheese grater). Place the riced cauliflower into a microwave safe bowl and microwave for 8 minutes. There is no need to add water, as the natural moisture in the cauliflower is enough to cook itself. One large head should produce approximately 3 cups of riced cauliflower. The remainder can be used to make additional pizza crusts immediately, or can be stored in the refrigerator for up to one week.

To Make the Pizza Crust:
Preheat oven to 450 degrees. Spray a cookie sheet with non-stick cooking spray. In a medium bowl, stir together 1 cup cauliflower, egg and mozzarella. Add spices, stir. Transfer to the cookie sheet, and using your hands, pat out into a 12" round. Optional: Brush olive oil over top of mixture to help with browning. Bake at 450 degrees for 15 minutes. Remove from oven. To the crust, add sauce, toppings and cheese. Place under a broiler at high heat just until cheese is melted (approximately 3-4 minutes). Enjoy!

*Note that toppings need to be precooked since you are only broiling for a few minutes.

On the Menu for Monday Night - Burrito Bowls

2012-01-16T15:18:00.000-08:00

I will be the first to admit that when it comes to presentation, this is not the most beautiful dish in the world, but boy is it good and easy. The fact that two of the main ingredients are freezer friendly means that I can prepare in bulk, reducing my time in the kitchen and the number of pans I need to wash for the rest of the month. This recipe is also gluten free!!

Burrito Bowls

2 cups (precooked volume) rice
1 lb. ground turkey or beef
1/2 onion, finely diced
Taco seasonings (to taste)
2 cups black beans, drained
Cheddar cheese, shredded
Lettuce, shredded
Tomato, diced
Black olives, sliced
Avocado, diced
Salsa, Catalina dressing, Hot sauce (optional)
Four tortillas, tortilla chips, taco shells (optional)

Prepare rice according to package directions. Meanwhile, brown onion with ground turkey or beef. (If you are using ground turkey, you may want to saute the onion in a bit of olive oil before adding the turkey.) Warm beans (if you will not be adding them to the meat) and prepare all other ingredients. Drain ground meat and season to taste. Layer in the order mentioned above in the ingredients list. Serve with warm tortilla chips if you like.

I mentioned earlier that this is one of my freezer meals. At the beginning of each month, I prepare 4-5 weeks worth of seasoned ground beef or turkey, depending on the number of Mondays in the month, and a big crock pot of black beans. I have found that for a family of four, one pound of meat not only covers our dinner, but also leaves enough leftovers for my husband's lunch the next day. As for the beans, 32 oz. of dried beans provides enough for the entire month. After cooking, I just divide into freezer safe containers or bags. I prefer to freeze the beans in plastic or glass containers so that I can add enough of the cooking juice to cover. I think that protects them from potential freezer burn. Never cooked dry beans? I will be adding a photo tutorial in several weeks.

My Favorite Pancake Recipe

2012-01-15T21:15:00.000-08:00

This simple recipe produces pancakes that are light and fluffy...the closest that I have ever come to restaurant quality. These pancakes can also be frozen for a quick and easy breakfast anytime. Place pancakes on a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze before storing in an airtight container. To defrost, place pancakes in a single layer on a microwave safe plate and microwave for 30 second intervals until perfectly hot. (One goal I have for this recipe...convert it to gluten free. I'll post it as soon as I have it perfected.)

Ingredients:
1 1/2 cups flour
2 1/2 tablespoons sugar
3 1/2 heaping teaspoons baking powder
1 teaspoon salt
1 egg, beaten
1 1/2 cups milk
1/3 cup butter, or margarine, melted

Mix dry ingredients thoroughly. Add egg and milk, using only enough milk to make a thick or heavy pourable batter. Stir in butter. Yields 20 three inch pancakes.

(Recipe from "Lone Star Legacy - A Texas Cookbook", published by the Austin Junior Forum)

Simplifying Life at Mealtime

2012-01-14T07:39:00.000-08:00

When my husband and I first got married, we were on a very tight budget, but had limited flexibility because it was just the two of us. We lived in an apartment, carried very little debt, ate out occasionally, and when cooking, prepared foods that were on sale. I was an opportunistic, coupon shopper and enjoyed a market that doubled/tripled coupons (even up to $1.00 on occasion), but had never really considered a weekly menu.

Then life happened. We bought our first home, then moved into our second, added a child, acquired some debt, became a single income family, added a second child, and acquired more debt. Something had to change. We were spending almost every penny that came in as we watched our savings account dwindle, while making minimum payments on our debt. We were in trouble financially. We were "making it" from day to day, but were unprepared for any emergency, big or small. We began searching for ways to cut back and save money.

It was during this time period that I began menu planning. I worked out a 4 week menu that we repeated monthly. It included easy recipes (loved by my family), crock pot meals, make ahead dinners, church lunches, breakfasts, snacks, and even occasions when we would eat out or entertain friends. Having this menu allowed me to stockpile shop, make the most of sales, and avoid dinner time panics that often resulted in ordering pizza or takeout. My husband could even take dinner prep on occasion. We were saving money and time...it was great!

Well, life happened again. We took the leap into homeschooling, I took on a part time job (to give some added help to debt elimination) and we found ourselves in the car more often with extra-curricular activities. I needed to simplify even further. It was my husband who suggested that I move to a one week menu that we would repeat. I hadn't considered this, because...well....if you're super mom, surely you go to great lengths to give your family mealtime variety. But I had to admit that I loved the simplicity of the idea. With the help of our family, we created a weekly menu (breakfast, lunch, dinner, and snacks) that we liked. I created a single shopping list and updated needs as the week progressed. Now, I could really stockpile shop, take full advantage of sales, prepare ahead, work around our schedule, save money and time. We have been doing this for almost a year.

The big question that always arises...don't you get tired of eating the same thing all the time? Sometimes, we do. When that happens I replace one meal on the menu, two if necessary. But for the most part, I haven't had any complaints. This type of menu planning is not for everyone, but for us, it was a great way to simplify our lives. This is also a good way to start if you are new to the concept of the weekly menu. We may, at some point, return to the 4 week menu plan, but for right now...the extra time spent with my family and the money saved which helps to further reduce our debt is well worth the sacrifice of variety.

Our Weekly $60 Menu

(recipes will be updated throughout next week/ $60 amount does not include Sunday's meal out)

Sunday:

Breakfast - breakfast quiche, fruit

Lunch - eat out using certificates from Restaurant.com

Dinner - Soup, crackers (toast, sandwiches, or potato), green salad

Monday:

Breakfast - Pancakes, egg, fruit

Lunch - Macaroni and cheese, diced chicken, fruit, veggie sticks

Dinner - Burrito bowls, green salad

Tuesday:

Breakfast - Cold cereal, yogurt, fruit

Lunch - sandwiches, fruits/veggies, cookie

Dinner - Spaghetti w/meat sauce, green salad, roasted veggies

Wednesday:

Breakfast - Sausage/cheese balls, fruit

Lunch - green salad w/diced chicken, cheese, eggs, cranberries, nuts

Dinner - Sandwiches, potato wedges

Thursday:

Breakfast - Cold cereal, yogurt, fruit

Lunch - sandwiches, fruits/veggies, cookie

Dinner - Breakfast for Dinner (biscuits/pancakes/waffles, eggs, potatoes, sausage)

Friday:

Breakfast - Toast, egg, fruit

Lunch - Chicken and Rice primavera, fruit

Dinner - Homemade pizza, green salad, fruit or dessert

Saturday:

Breakfast - muffins, eggs, fruit

Lunch - cooks choice (leftovers)

Dinner - Grill out (grilled chicken, beef, pork, hamburgers, or hotdogs), roasted veggies, green salad

Coming up....Saving Money by Stockpile Shopping

photo credit

Gluten Free Cocoa Brownies

2012-01-12T19:35:00.001-08:00

Cocoa Brownies

These brownies are fantastic!! They are easy to make, have a wonderful flavor, and perfect texture. One word of warning, the batter tastes little funny, but the finished product does not. This recipe does contain xanthan gum, which is pricey, but lasts a long time. For info on xanthan gum go here.

Ingredients:
1/2 cup (1 stick) butter or substitute
1/2 cup cocoa
1 cup sugar
2 eggs
1 tsp. gluten free vanilla
1/2 cup gluten free flour blend
1/4 tsp. salt
1/4 tsp. xanthan gum

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Melt butter in a medium sized saucepan over medium heat, stirring occasionally. Remove from heat. Add cocoa and sugar, stirring until well combined. Add eggs, one at a time, stirring after each addition. Stir in remaining ingredients, but do not over mix. Pour into greased 8 inch baking dish. Bake 25-30 minutes, until brownies pass the toothpick test. Allow to cool before cutting. Brownies can be stored in an airtight container on the counter (for a few days) or in the refrigerator (for a bit longer). Makes 16 two inch brownies.

Note: Ingredients like chopped walnuts or chocolate chips can also be added to the batter. I personally like to sprinkle a touch of powdered sugar over these brownies right after I remove them from the oven.

http://www.examiner.com/gluten-free-food-in-national/recipe-gluten-free-cocoa-brownies

It's Green Chile Season compliments of Hatch, New Mexico

2011-09-03T13:25:00.000-07:00

If you've visited your local market lately, you most likely have come across one of the many things that I miss about New Mexico...green chiles. Green chiles are picked and roasted when they are green and turn red as they ripen. They can be used in your favorite dishes or frozen for later use at either stage. If you frequently purchase canned green chiles, green enchilada sauce, or red enchilada sauce...you might want to give making your own a try. You can save enjoy the flavor of fresh chiles, save a lot of money, and eliminate the preservatives that accompany canned, processed products. Here are a few of my favorite websites with great photo tutorials:

Reconstituting Dried Red Chile Peppers
Roasting and Freezing Green Chile Peppers (Some markets may roast chiles for a small fee. Frozen green chiles can also be chopped and added to any meatloaf, soup, or casserole. My dad likes to defrost a chile and simply add it to a sandwich or hamburger.)
Homemade Green Enchilada Sauce
Homemade Red Enchilada Sauce
Green Chile Salsa

More green chile recipes:

What are your favorite green chile recipes?

Gluten Free....and Good?

2011-09-02T07:22:00.000-07:00

Due to health reasons, I do my best to live a gluten free lifestyle. It was very difficult in the beginning. I often prepared two separate meals, one for my gluten loving family and one for myself. I read every ingredients label, called every 1-800 number available, and found myself deeply missing some of the foods that I had to give up. There are substitutes, but many of them are second rate (at best) and very expensive. I just couldn't justify doubling our grocery budget for one person. So, I accepted the challenge of modifying the foods that I already prepare, and that my family loves, making them gluten free. The result....gluten free dishes that actually taste good. Not just gluten free good....normal person good. These items allow me to simplify meal preparation, keep a low budget and enjoy mealtime with my family. I would like to share these recipes with you.

Burrito Bowls
Corn Bread
Cauliflower Pizza Crust
Cocoa Brownies

Simple Salmon Croquettes

2011-03-14T16:32:00.000-07:00

Salmon Croquettes

1 can salmon
1 egg
1/4 cup bell pepper, finely diced
1/2 cup bread crumbs (about 1 slice bread)
garlic seasoning to taste
1 pinch basil
1/4 cup grated Parmesan
1/2 cup bread crumbs
oil

Combine first five ingredients in a med-large bowl, mix well and set aside. In a shallow bowl or pie plate, combine remaining ingredients. Warm 2-3 tablespoons oil over medium heat in a large non-stick skillet (it is better if you can cook all of these at one time or in two shifts). Take golf ball sized portions of the salmon mixture and form into patties, about 2 inches in diameter and 1/2 inch thick. Don't over press or the patties will be difficult to turn. Bread patties with the seasoned crumbs and place in skillet. Cook on each side until golden brown.

Free Educational Websites

2011-03-14T08:35:00.000-07:00

This page is a work in progress, but I wanted to go ahead and post it with many of you entering spring break. Some of these sites are new to me. I will include explanations for each learning site, as I have time to explore them. If you are familiar with educational sites that you would like to share, please comment!!

Games for young children:
kidsdinos.com - Children can create their own dinosaur, play various matching games, and learn about dinosaur classification. This site also features a different dinosaur each week.
starfall.com - If you're not familiar with starfall, you are really missing out. Great for mouse skills, learning letters and sounds, kids love starfall. My youngest, if allowed, would spend hours playing and learning.
kidsmemory.com
learningplanet.com - lots of games for little ones
Pattern Block Play - In this open ended activity, children can place, move, and change the color of pattern blocks.
Kindersite - various games for children K-3
primarygames.com - lots of games, multiple subjects
Preschool and Kindergarten games - colors, shapes, numbers
Kids Corner - animal games

************************************************************

Language Arts - Spelling
spellingcity.com - My daughter loves this site. After entering you child's spelling words, he/she can take practice spelling quizzes, enjoy simple spelling lessons, and play games. This site has transformed our spelling lessons from bland, to fun! (Thank you Sara, for sharing this terrific site.)
kidsspell.com - This site gives you the opportunity to use one of their many spelling lists (starting with very simple words) or customize your own. One thing I like about this site is that it offers games for various ages, beginning with Kindergarten.
spellingtime.com

Language Arts - Grammar
English Grammar Website - This is a tutorial site and does not contain games. The grammar practice is suited for children grade 1 and older, who have learned about nouns. Also includes diagramming and writing tutorials.
dailygrammar.com - Daily Grammar has 440 short lessons, beginning with verbs. These lessons are designed to be used once per day. Quizzes can be found on the Daily Grammar blog.
Noun Dunk - Simple game reviewing common and proper nouns.
Sentence Clubhouse - Simple game reviewing the four types of sentences.
Grammar Gorillas - Interactive (not game) review of the parts of speech.
Live on the Pronoun Reef - Simple game reviewing pronouns.
learningplanet.com - games reviewing parts of speech for K+
Verb Power - Simple game reviewing verbs, helping verbs, and contractions.
Punctuation Campground - Simple game reviewing punctuation.
Sentence Speedway - Simple game reviewing phrases and clauses.
Preposition Desert - Simple game reviewing prepositions.
Language Arts Games -
softschools.com - language arts games

Science
kidsastronomy.com
kidsbiology.com
A to Z Animals - articles, facts, quizzes
Elementary Science games and quizzes

Math
kidsnumbers.com
learningplanet.com - lots of math related games
mathplayground.com - lots of math related games
Spooky Sequences - simple sequence game (sequencing by fives, sequencing by tens)
IXL - math practice through 8th grade (fun, quiz-like)
funkidsonlinemath - simple math games through pre-algebra
softschools.com - math games
coolmath4kids - lots of math games and lessons
math-play.com - elementary and middle school math games
gamesgames.com - math puzzle games

Geography
kidsgeo.com
Geography map games (USA)
Geography map games (World)

Week Three Menu

2011-03-12T17:18:00.000-08:00

Breakfasts:

Cold cereal, fruit x 2

Homemade sausage biscuits, fruit x 2

Toast, egg, fruit x 2

Baked oatmeal, fruit

Lunches:

Sandwiches, pretzels, fruit x 2

Chicken noodle soup, crackers, fruit

Broccoli noodle bowl, fruit

Leftovers x 2

Fish, hushpuppies, roasted green beans, salad

Dinners:

Hot dogs, roasted potato wedges, fruit salad

Salmon croquettes, roasted broccoli/cauliflower/carrots, salad

Crockpot BBQ ribs, mashed potatoes, green beans

Tuna salad sandwiches, fruit salad

Oven fried chicken, broiled squash, green peas

Pizza, salad

Chappell Hill sausage, baked beans, steamed broccoli

Super Easy Lasagna

2011-03-12T14:58:00.000-08:00

Lasagna is a complicated dish, right? Boiling the noodles, preparing the sauce...it's just a lot of work, right? Wrong!!! For years, I stayed away from lasagna because of the prep work. Well, this recipe is easy, can be assembled the day before, and tastes great!!

Easy Lasagna

Ingredients:

1 lb. ground beef
3 1/2 cups (32 oz.) thick spaghetti sauce
1 1/2 cups water
15 oz. carton Ricotta cheese
1 1/2 cups shredded Mozzarella
1/2 cup grated Parmesan
2 eggs
1/4 tsp. salt
1/4 tsp. pepper
8 oz. lasagna, uncooked
1/2 cup shredded Mozzarella (for top)

Procedure: Brown beef in large saucepan; drain off excess fat. Add sauce and water; simmer about 10 mintues. Combine remaining ingredients, except lasagna and 1/2 cup Mozzarella, in medium sized bowl. Pour about 1 cup tomato sauce on bottom of 9"x13" baking pan. Layer 3 pieces of uncooked lasagna over sauce; cover with about 1 1/2 cups of additional red sauce. Spread half of cheese filling over sauce. Repeat layers of lasagna, sauce and cheese filling. Top with layer of lasagna, remaining sauce and 1/2 cup Mozzarella. Cover with aluminum foil and bake at 350 degrees for 50-60 minutes. Remove foil and bake about 10 minutes longer. Allow to stand 10 minutes before cutting.

Pizza Dough

2011-03-11T17:03:00.000-08:00

Friday night at our house always means two things...family fun and homemade pizza. Sometimes we play games, sometimes we watch a movie, sometimes we make two large pizzas, and sometimes we make little mini pizzas...each person crafting their own. I have tried many recipes and this is the one that I prefer.

Ingredients:
2 1/2 - 3 cups all-purpose flour (1 cup can be replaced with whole wheat)
1 package active dry yeast
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 cup warm water (about 120 degrees)
2 tablespoons olive oil

In a large mixing bowl combine 1 1/4 cups of the flour, the yeast, and salt; add warm water and oil. Beat with an electric mixer (or stir vigorously by hand) on low speed for 30 seconds, scraping bowl. Beat on high for an additional 3 minutes. Using a wooden spoon, stir in as much of the remaining flour as possible.

Turn dough out onto a lightly floured surface. Knead in enough remaining flour to make a moderately stiff dough that is smooth and elastics (6-8 minutes). Divide dough in half. Cover; let rest for 10 minutes.

Preheat oven to 425 degrees for 2 thin crust pizzas. Grease two 12-inch pizza pans or large baking sheets and lightly sprinkle with cornmeal. On a lightly floured surface, roll each dough half into a 13-inch circle. Transfer dough circles to prepared pans. Build up edges slightly and prick dough with a fork. Do no allow pizza rounds to rise. Bake about 10 minutes or until light brown.

Remove from oven and top with sauce, spices, cheese, and toppings. Bake for an additional 10 minutes, or until cheese is bubbly.

Blanching and Freezing Fresh Broccoli

2011-03-11T14:21:00.000-08:00

Broccoli is one of several fresh vegetables that can be stockpiled for later use. While freezing is the best way to preserve broccoli, it does required a little bit of prep work. Broccoli, like other vegetables, contains an enzyme that over time causes toughening, flavor loss, and nutrient loss. Blanching, or quick scalding, retards the enzyme activity. Blanching is not a difficult process, but it does required a little bit of time. After the broccoli has been blanched and cooled, it can then be tray packed to freeze and then stored.

What you will need: a stockpot (half filled with water) with a lid, an ice bath (large bowl 50% water, 50% ice), colander (for draining), timer, slotted spoon, knife, cutting board, trays (for freezing)

Procedure:

Heat stockpot, half filled with water, over medium high heat until you have a rolling boil. *In the mean time wash and cut broccoli and prepare the ice bath.

Set your timer to 4 minutes. Add all of the cut broccoli to the boiling water at the same time, cover, and immediately start timing. You don't want to cook the broccoli.

After 4 minutes, quickly move broccoli to ice bath. Cool for 5 minutes.

Transfer remaining ice to stockpot and broccoli to colander, to drain briefly.

Arrange in baking dish or tray in a single layer. Freeze throughout, 45-60 minutes.Bag and label. While I'm sure it won't last that long in your home, broccoli can be frozen for up to 1 year.

* Note - I generally repeat this procedure several times throughout the day. My freezer space is limited, so I blanch about a pound at a time. Blanching water can be reused multiple times during a single day process and then be used to water plants.

Week Two Menu

2011-03-07T16:00:00.000-08:00

Breakfasts

cold cereal, fruit x 2

homemade pancakes, fruit x 2

homemade biscuits, fruit x 2

toast, eggs, bacon

Lunches

Eat Out

Veggie/noodle bowl, fruit

PBJ sandwiches, fruit, goldfish x 2

Veggie/rice bowl, fruit

leftovers

Tortilla soup, homemade bread

Dinners

Chef Salad, crackers

Rich & Tangy meatloaf, roasted asparagus, steamed carrots

Chicken pot pie, garden salad

Ham and cheese sandwiches, roasted potato wedges

Chicken fajitas, rice, pinto beans

Homemade pizza, salad

Hamburgers, grilled potato wedges, apple pie

Snacks

fruit

fruit bread

veggies

peanuts/almonds/pecans

homemade fruit roll-ups

Rich and Tangy Turkey Meatloaf

2011-03-07T15:25:00.000-08:00

This recipe is a nice change of pace from the traditional tomato sauce containing meatloaf. Go here to see the original recipe.

Rich and Tangy Turkey Meatloaf

1 lb. ground turkey
1 cup bread crumbs
1/4 cup finely diced onion
1/2 cup Feta cheese, crumbled (optional)
1/2 cup Central Market organics (HEB brand) rich & tangy bbq sauce

Preheat oven to 400 degrees and lightly grease a loaf pan or baking dish. Combine all ingredients, then place in prepared pan. Bake at 400 degrees for 25 minutes. Brush 2 tablespoons of additional sauce over meatloaf and bake an additional 5-10 minutes. Allow to rest 5 minutes before serving.

Roasted Potato Wedges

2011-02-28T15:33:00.000-08:00

These potatoes have become a staple around my house. They are great right out of the oven or reheated as leftovers. I like to make a huge batch of them for use throughout the week.

Roasted Potato Wedges

potatoes, cut into wedges
olive oil
seasoning of choice (Italian or Cajun seasoning, garlic powder and Parmesan, or salt and pepper)

Preheat oven to 375 degrees. In a large bowl, toss potatoes with just enough olive oil to lightly coat. Season and toss again. Bake potatoes, in a single layer, in large roasting pan 30-45 minutes (depending on how browned you like your potatoes).

Week One Menu

2011-02-28T12:11:00.000-08:00

Breakfasts:

Cold Cereal, fruit, juice x 2

Cinnamon toast, fruit, milk x 2

Homemade Pancakes, fruit

Homemade biscuits, bacon, egg

Doughnuts (Daddy/daughter time)

Lunches

Roast, potatoes, carrots, salad

Hot dogs, roasted potato wedges, fruit

Sandwiches, chips, fruit x 2

Whole wheat noodles with chicken and broccoli, fruit

Leftovers

Potato soup, homemade rolls, salad

Dinners:

Quesadillas, rice

Easy Ground Turkey Stroganoff, steamed carrots, roasted green beans

Pinto beans, cornbread, salad

Pizza burgers, salad

Chicken fried rice, salad

Homemade pizza, salad, popcorn (Family Fun Night!!)

Pork chops, grilled veggies (potatoes, mushrooms, zucchini), cake balls

Snacks:

Fruit

Homemade fruit roll-ups

Goldfish crackers

Cherry tomatoes

I will update with recipes as time permits.

Chick-fil-A Free FryDay - March 4

2011-02-28T09:15:00.000-08:00

Celebrate the national launch of Heinz Dip & Squeeze ketchup at your local Chick-fil-A.

On Friday, March 4, 2011, from 2 to 4pm get one free medium order of Waffle Potato Fries™ when you mention you're there to try the new Heinz Dip & Squeeze. Go here for more information and to find a store near you.

Target Deals 2/27 - 3/5

2011-02-28T08:40:00.000-08:00

Kellogg’s Cereal, Select (Crunchy Nut and Frosted Mini Wheats Shown) 2/$5
-$1/1 Kellogg’s Crunchy Nut Cereal 10.8 oz or Larger Target Web Coupon x3/5
*Watch for Packages with Try Me Free Rebate on the Back
-$1/1 Kellogg’s Crunchy Nut Cereal, 10.8 Oz. +, Any – 01-23-11 RP x3/6
-$1/1 Kellogg’s Crunchy Nut Cereal Manufacturer’s Site HERE
= .50 cents each after stack

Red Seedless Grapes 2 lb $2.58
=$1.29 a pound

Market Pantry Frozen Boneless Skinless Chicken Breasts 2.5 lb bag $5.50
-$1.50/2 Market Pantry® Frozen Chicken Items Target Web Coupon x3/26
=$4.75 for 2.5 lbs compared to regular price or $2.38/lb.

Hormel Always Tender Assorted Bone-In Pork Chops $1.99 lb
-$1/1 Hormel Always Tender Products
=$.99/lb

Foster Farms Fresh, Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breast Family Pack $3.49 lb
-$1/1 Foster Farms Boneless & Skinless Fresh Chicken Breast Item 2-27-11 SS x5/31
-$1/1 Foster Farms Boneless & Skinless Fresh Chicken Breast Item, Any – 01-02-11 SS
=$2.49/lb

Clorox Disinfecting Wipes 75 ct $3.99
-.75/1 Clorox disinfecting Wipes (excludes 9 ct) Target Web Coupon x5/17
-.75/1 Clorox Disinfecting Wipes 70 ct+ 1-2-11 SS x2/27
=2.49 after stack
*Watch for the 3 packs to possibly be on sale as well for a possible better deal.

Febreze Fabric Refresher 18.5 or 27 oz $4.49
-$1/1 Febreze Sport Refresher ETS Target Coupon 2-13-11 RP x3/31
-$1/1 Febreze Fabric Refresher 2-27-11 PG x3/31
-B1G1 Free Febreze Fabric Refresher 1-16-11 PG x2/28
*If your store allows a $ Off along with a B1G1 coupon- you can do the following…

DEAL IDEA: Buy 2 Febereze Sport Fabric Refresher ($4.49) = $8.98
-$1/1 Febreze Sport Refresher ETS Target Coupon 2-13-11 RP x3/31
-$1/1 Febreze Fabric Refresher 2-27-11 PG x3/31
-B1G1: FREE Febreze Air effects or Fabric Refresher wyb Fabric Refresher 1-16-11 PG x2/28
= $2.49 for 2. If your store allows a Target Coupon on an MQ Freebie, then use another…
-$1/1 Febreze Sport Refresher ETS Target Coupon 2-13-11 RP x3/31
= $1.49 for 2 or .75 cents each *NOTE- B1G1 coupon expires 2/28

Lysol 40 oz Multi Surface Cleaner OR 22-32 oz Sprays $1.99
-$1/1 Lysol Disinfectant Spray, 12oz or larger – 02-06-11 SS
-.75/1; $1/2 Lysol Multi-Surface Cleaner Pourables, any – 02-06-11 SS
-$1/2 Various Lysol Trigger Sprays (Home Solutions) HERE OR (Lysol.com) HERE
= as low as .99 cents each after coupon

Earth’s Best 2nd Foods 4 oz Jarred Baby Food 10/$7
-10% off Earth’s Best Organic 2nd food Target Baby Mailer x3/9
-$1/7 Earth’s Best Organic Baby Food
= $3.90 for 7 after coupon or .55 cents. Even better if you have the mailer coupon.

Disney’s Bambi DVD+Blu-ray Combo Pack with Exclusive Bonus Disc $22.99
-$10/1 Bambi Diamond Edition on Blu-ray or DVD Combo Pack
= $12.99 after coupon

Megamind DVD+Blu-ray Combo Pack 22.99; 2 pk DVD $22.99: DVD $16.99
-$5/1 Megamind on DVD or Blu Ray
*Final price depends, but if you planned to purchase, at least you get a break with the coupon

Various Merona Apparel on Sale (& look for clearance too!)
20% off Merona Accessory, Apparel or Shoes Target Web Coupon x3/26

Target Gift Card Deals 2/27 - 3/5

2011-02-28T06:37:00.000-08:00

Charmin 18 pk Ultra Soft Double Roll OR 9 pk Mega Roll Bath Tissue $9.99
-$1/1 Charmin Bath Tissue Target Coupon 1-30-11 RP x3/31
-$2.50/2 Charmin: (1) Freshmates Wipes AND (1) Bath Tissue Target Coupon 1-30-11 RP x3/31
-$1/1 Charmin Ultra Strong, Ultra Soft or Sensitive Bath Tissue Target Coupon 2-20-11 RP x4/30
-$2/1 Charmin Sensitive Bath Tissue Target Coupon 2-20-11 RP x4/30 (If Included)
-.25/1 Charmin 1-30-11 PG x2/28/2011
-.25/1 Charmin 2-27-11 PG x3/31

DEAL IDEA: Buy (2) Charmin 18 pack ($9.99) = $19.98
-$2.00 (use two $1/1 Charmin Bath Tissue Target Coupon 1-30 or 2-20-11 RP x4/30
-$.50- use(2) .25/1 Charmin 1-30-11 PG x2/28/2011
= $17.48 - $5 Gift Card Back wyb 2
= $12.48 for two 18-packs or .33 cents per roll after coupons and Gift Card

DEAL IDEA: Buy (2) Charmin 18 pack ($9.99) & (2) Charmin 40 ct Freshmates ($2.49) = $24.96
-$5.00 (use two -$2.50/2 Charmin: (1) Freshmates AND (1) Bath Tissue TQ 1-30-11 RP x3/31
-$.50(use two -$.25/1 Charmin 1-30-11 PG x2/28
= $19.46– $5 Gift Card Back wyb 2 Charmin Bath Tissue
= $14.46 for two 18-packs of bath tissue AND 2 tubs of Freshmates after coupons & Gift Card

FREE $5 Gift Card wyb (2) Select P&G Items Listed**Pantene 25.4 oz Conditioner or 2-in-1 Shampoo & Conditioner $5.99

*Pantene 33.8 oz Shampoo or Conditioner $7.49
-$1/1 Pantene Product 2-27-11 PG x3/31
-$1/2 Pantene products, excludes trial size – 01-23-11 SS x2/28

DEAL IDEA: Buy (2) 25.4 oz Conditioner or Shampoo ($5.99) = $11.98
-$2.00 (use two $1/1 Pantene Product 2-27-11 PG x3/31
= $9.98 - $5 Gift Card Back wyb 2
= $4.98 for 2 Large bottles or $2.49 each after coupons and Gift Card

FREE $5 Gift Card wyb (2) Select P&G Items Listed

**Crest Toothpaste Pro-Health 6 oz OR Vivid White or Whitening With Scope 5.8 oz 2 pks $5.49
-$1/1; .75/1 Crest Toothpaste 4 oz+ OR Liquid Gel 2-27-11 PG x3/31
-.75/1; $1/2 Crest toothpaste 4.0 oz or more or liquid gels – 01-30-11 RP2/28

DEAL IDEA: Buy (2) Crest Pro-Health Toothpaste twin-packs ($5.49) = $10.98
-$2.00 (use two -$1/1 Crest Toothpaste 4 oz+ OR Liquid Gel 2-27-11 PG x3/31
= $8.98 - $5 Gift Card Back wyb 2
= $3.98 for two twin-packs or approximately $1 each tube after coupons and Gift Card

***Note: Target deals and prices may vary by region & even store location.

Make It Yourself Monday - Homemade Croutons and Breadcrumbs

2011-02-28T05:04:00.000-08:00

I don't know about y'all, but I always seem to have a little bit of bread going to waste in my home. Whether it is the last hamburger bun in the package, the crust cut from my little ones sandwiches, or the bread heel...I just don't like seeing anything go to waste. I also don't like paying for things that I can easily make myself. Croutons and breadcrumbs are two items that fall into the "easy, do it yourself" category.

Homemade Croutons

Bread, any kind, cut into cubes
olive oil
seasoning

Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Place cubed bread into baking dish and toss with olive oil. The bread should not be soaking with olive oil, but should be lightly coated. Add spice of choice and toss again. Bake for 5 minutes, toss. Repeat until croutons are toasted. (This is not a walk away recipe. You will have to watch these closely.)

*****************************************************************************

Homemade Breadcrumbs

Bread, any kind

Preheat oven to 300 degrees. Tear bread into chunks and process into course crumbs. Spread the crumbs on a baking sheet and bake until dry, but not toasted, 6-8 minutes (do not allow the crumbs to brown). Shake the sheet several times during baking. Allow bread crumbs to cool completely on baking sheet before transferring to a resealable container. Store in the freezer.

(I like to freeze leftover hot dog buns to make a big batch of bread crumbs.)

Groupon Deal of the Day

2011-02-27T07:19:00.000-08:00

If you have yet to hear about Groupon, it's a pretty cool deal. Groupon negotiates huge discounts—usually 50-90% off—with popular (and local) businesses. They send the deals to thousands of subscribers in a free daily email, and send the businesses a ton of new customers. Because these deals are local, you can rest assured that they are legit. I have taken advantage of several Groupon discounts and have been very satisfied. If your family eats out regularly (or if your spouse has a weekly, work restaurant budget) this would certainly be a way to stretch your dollars and save a little money in the process. Discounts are offered for a variety of services all over the Houston area (Not from the Houston area, just enter your zipcode for deals specific to your location). Check it out!! (I will update this post daily. Link is found on the right side of the page under "My Favorite Websites and Blogs".)

Today's Deal:

Redbox: $1 buys you three one night rentals (while this is a Abilene offer, it can be used at any kiosk nationwide) - go here for more details

Cough Syrup Alternative for Night Time Coughing

2011-02-26T05:33:00.000-08:00

Isn't it amazing? A child can go all day without coughing once, but get her in bed and turn off the lights and the hacking begins almost immediately. While a persistent cough can be a symptom of illnesses, like the common cold, it can also be a natural reaction to the presence of an irritant or secretion, such as sinus drainage. Regardless of the cause, we have found a cough syrup alternative that works for us. Don't get me wrong, I'm not against medicine, but I prefer to use it only when absolutely necessary.

So, what do I do when my kiddos are in bed, coughing up a storm? I grab the Vicks Vaporub and a pair of socks. Simply apply a generous amount of Vicks to the arch of each foot and cover with socks. I usually notice a difference within about 10 minutes. Sounds crazy, I know, but it works, is long lasting, and I'm often able to treat my kids without even waking them. (Suffer, from restless leg syndrome? I have also found that Vicks Vaporub, applied this way, even relaxes my aching legs and allows me to relax.) Here's to a restful night!!

(Note - Many doctors advise against applying Vicks to the check/throat of children under 2 years of age. I have not found any information that would indicate any potential danger in applying Vicks to the bottom of the feet of very small children. It would be wise to discuss this, and any treatment, with your doctor if you have children under 2 years of age.)

Children's Museum of Houston Family Membership, Half Price!!!

2011-02-25T05:30:00.000-08:00

If you've been thinking about purchasing a family membership to the Children's Museum of Houston...today is the day to take action. The Houston Chronicle, through their Daily Deals, is offering a one year family plus membership for $47.50, half off the regular price. Let's hope these museum deals keep coming!!!

Go here to purchase your membership.

Free 8x10 Photo Collage at Walgreens...today only!!

2011-02-24T13:15:00.000-08:00

Today only, you can order a free 8x10 photo collage at Walgreens.com. Use coupon code FREE 8X10 COLLAGE PRINT_DEAL at checkout and choose to pick up your collage at your local store to receive free shipping. Go here to order your free photo collage.

This offer is available today only (Feb. 24, 2011).

(Thank you moneysavingmom for posting this offer.)

2011-02-23T10:17:00.000-08:00

Additional Target deals......

Miracle Whip released a new coupon on Facebook! Head on over there and click on the “Love or Hate” tab (left hand side) to print a coupon valid for $1/1 ANY size Miracle Whip product. You can use this coupon to score a pretty great deal at Target…

Miracle Whip 30 oz Jar $2.50
Use the $1/2 Select Kraft product (Miracle Whip Included) Target store coupon
Plus, use 2 $1/1 coupons found here
Final cost $1 each!

Wish Bone Salad Spritzer $1.43
-.50/1 Red Plum insert
-$1.50/2 Target coupon here (it is on the redplum.com site, but it prints as a Target coupon)
=2 for $0.86 or $0.43 each!!!

Target Deals 2/20 - 2/26

2011-02-21T08:04:00.000-08:00

Wolfgang Puck Organic Soup $1.99-$2.99 (Regular Price)
-$1/1 Wolfgang Puck’s Organic Canned Soup Target Web Coupon x3/26
-$1/1 Wolfgang Puck Soup Printable Manufacturer’s Coupon on Walmart Site
= as low as FREE after a stack depending on price at your store.

Hormel Always Tender Fresh Boneless Center-cut Pork Chops 15 oz $3.49
-$1/1 Hormel Always Tender Product Manufacturer’s Site
-$1/1 Hormel Always Tender flavored meat, any – 02-13-11 SS
= $2.49 after Coupon

Nabisco Wheat Thins 16 oz $3.29
-$1/2 Nabisco Crackers Excl Single Serve Target Web Coupon x4/15
-$1/2 Nabisco Crackers 1-30-11 SS x3/31
= $2.29 after Coupon Stack (but look for smaller sizes possibly on sale too)

Planters Nut-rition 9.75 oz & Select other Varieties $4
-.50/1 Planters Nuts (No Size Exclusions) Target Web Coupon x4/15
-.75/1; $1/1 Planters Nutrition can or multi-pack, any 9-12oz – 01-02-11 SS
= $2.50 for NUTrition after Coupon Stack

Tide Liquid Laundry Detergent 75 oz (Febreze Sport Shown) $8.99
-$1.50/1 Tide+Febreze Freshness Sport Laundry Detergent ETS Target Coupon 2-13-11 RP x3/31
-.35/1 Tide Laundry Detergent 2/2011 P&G x2-28-11
=$7.14

Ziploc 10-100 ct Bags, Select $2.23
-$1/2 Ziploc Brand Bags 2-13-11 SS
-$1.25/2; $1/2 Ziploc Bags 1-9-11 SS x3/5
= as low as $3.21 for 2 or $1.60 each.

Miracle Whip 30 oz Jar $2.50 (PC thru 3/12)
-$1/2 Kraft Select Products (Miracle Whip Included) Target Web Coupon x2/28
-.75/1 Miracle Whip Product
*Use a $1/2 Target Coupon & two .75/1 coupons to pay $1.25 each

Dentyne Pure 3-Pack $1.79 (Sale thru 2/26)
-.75/1 Dentyne Pure 3pk Gum Target Web Coupon x3/26
-$1/1 Dentyne 3 pack or Bottle 2-13–10 SS x4/10
= .04 cents each after stack & sale!

Up & Up All Purpose Cleaner with Bleach $1.37
Up & Up Bleach $1.47
-$1/1 Up & Up Cleaning Item ETS Target Web Coupon x3/26
=.37 cents for Cleaner or .47 cents for bleach after coupon

Up & Up Cotton Balls 100 ct $1.12– $1.29
Up & Up Cotton Swabs 300 ct Plastic $1.42
-.50/1 Up & Up™ Cotton Item ETS Target Web Coupon x3/26
= as low as .62 cents after coupon for the cotton balls

Up & Up Dryer Sheets 40 ct $1.37
-$1/1 Up & Up Cleaning Item ETS Target Web Coupon x3/26
= .37 cents after coupon

Up & Up 55 yds Mint Waxed Floss .89
Up & Up Single Count Toothbrush $1.29
Up & Up Mouthwash 16.9 oz $1.37
-$1/1 Up & Up Oral Care Item ETS Target Web Coupon x3/26
= FREE Floss, .29 cent toothbrushes & .37 cents mouthwash after coupon

Up & Up 20 ct PantiLiners .87-.89 (Regular Price)
-.75/1 Up & Up™ Feminine Care ETS Target Web Coupon x3/26
= as low as .12 cents after coupon depending on price at your store

Note: Target sales will vary be region and sometimes store.

One Year Family Membership to The Health Museum - Half Price

2011-02-21T07:23:00.000-08:00

If you've ever thought about getting a membership to The Health Museum/Houston...now is the time to do it. Today only, a family membership (5 members) is $30...that's half the regular price. Not really into year long commitments, but would still like to check out the museum? For $16, you can snag 4 one day admissions.

Go here for more information.

My $60/Week Monthly Menu

2011-02-21T00:09:00.000-08:00

Many of you have asked about my families monthly menu, so I am posting it. It will take a little time to upload each menu, along with recipes and shopping lists, but I will eventually get it all done.

Swagbucks

2011-02-20T00:56:00.000-08:00

I don't know about you, but I do quite a bit of searching online. Whether I'm looking for a new recipe, store hours, or even coloring pages for the kids...I tend to always start with Google.

Well, about 2 years ago, I heard about a mom who had purchased all of her Christmas gifts by trading her Swagbucks in for Amazon.com e-cards. I was all ears. After doing a little research, I found out that Swagbucks is an online search engine (powered by Google and Ask.com) that periodically rewards the user with "bucks" that can be traded for merchandise...my favorite the amazon.com $5 e-card.

It is very simple to sign up for. There are no fees, no credit card required and no phone number or address requested. All you have to do is use their search engine. So just how much does one have to search to begin earning "bucks"? I have found that I earn them when I least expect them and it takes about 2 weeks to earn enough (450) to trade for an amazon.com $5 e-card. Since Feb. of 2009, when I first signed up for Swagbucks, I have earned $360 worth of amazon.com cards. I have used them to purchase homeschool materials (at an incredibly discounted rate), Christmas gifts, books, and even a Sterno cooking rack for our hurricane kit. Right now, I'm saving up for a solar oven.

I have had no problems whatsoever with this service. Getting an amazon account was easy and my traded "bucks" can be credited toward my account at anytime for later use. I would definitely suggest checking out this opportunity if you'd like to have a little something to show for your time spent on the computer. Plus if you get started soon...you just might have an extra $100 or so to spend on Christmas gifts...if you decide to wait that long to spend your e-cards. Go here or click on the banner to start earning.

Easy Homemade Biscuits

2011-02-19T08:03:00.000-08:00

Once a week, I try to make a breakfast from scratch...usually it is Saturday morning. My kids love watching and being involved in the process. The youngest is especially fascinated by the many ingredients that come together to make something completely different (kitchen chemistry - chemical change). Not only are these biscuits easy and fun to make, they are also very economical.

Easy Homemade Biscuits

3 cups all-purpose flour
1 tablespoon baking powder
1 tablespoon sugar
1 teaspoon salt
3/4 teaspoon cream of tartar
3/4 cup butter (or 1/2 cup butter and 1/4 cup shortening)
1 cup milk

Preheat oven to 450 degrees. In a large bowl combine all dry ingredients. Using a pastry blender, cut in butter until mixture resembles course crumbs. Make a well in the center of mixture and add milk all at once. Stir, with a fork, just until mixture is moistened.

Turn dough out onto a lightly floured surface. Knead 4-6 times until dough holds together. Pat or roll dough until 3/4" thick. Cut with a floured biscuit cutter ( or my favorite...drinking glass) and place on an ungreased cookie sheet (or lightly greased pie plate). Re-roll scraps as necessary.

Bake for 10-14 minutes, until golden brown. Serve warm.

This recipe makes about 12 biscuits.

Stockpiling 101

2011-02-18T12:51:00.000-08:00

When it comes to saving money at the grocery store, I've tried it all....coupon shopping, once a month shopping, big box stores, and much more. The method that I have found to be the most effective is stockpile shopping. To be a little more specific, each week I set aside a portion of my grocery budget to purchase large quantities of a few non-perishable items that I regularly use, such as tomato sauce,flour,canned soup, rice, even some fresh veggies that freeze well. Having these items on hand allows me to shop from my pantry and reduce the number of items on my grocery list (making it possible to stockpile other items). Stockpile shopping also allows me to take advantage of the rock bottom sale prices that grocery stores offer every several months. Here are the basics:

Give menu planning a try. I have found that cooking from a monthly (or weekly) menu not only helps me to save money, but also time. If you're new to menu planning, you're going to want to start small...try one week at a time. Stick to simple meals, requiring a limited number of ingredients, that have a nice balance of fresh and shelf stable foods...that your family enjoys. Plan for breakfast, lunch, dinner, snacks, and special occasions (such as birthdays or potlucks). Once you have your rough menu, go back and list every single ingredient needed to prepare each meal. You now have a workable grocery list that you can file away for grocery day.

Getting started. The most frequent question that I am asked concerning the stockpile method of shopping has to do with how much money has to be spent in the beginning. If your menu is comprised of simple meals with minimal ingredients, you will spend less than someone who has planned complex meals. For the first several weeks, you will probably find yourself purchasing every single item on your grocery list. It takes a little time to build a stockpile...maybe 4-6 weeks...but the goal is to reduce spending long term.

Building the stockpile. Each week, you will want to set aside a small amount of your budget to purchase pantry or freezer items that are on sale. These items might be part of your weekly grocery list or could be found on another week's list. As your stockpile grows you will find yourself buying fewer items from the current list and more items for your stockpile. I have been doing this long enough that sometimes I go weeks without purchasing meat or cheese. Most weeks, I have 6-10 ingredients that need to be purchased for my menu, fresh vegetables, milk, bread, and eggs. The rest of my budget is used to purchase items for my stockpile. Be prepared, once you get to this point...you will get strange looks from the cashier. Most people don't shop this way. The funniest purchase I ever made was 60 cans of chili, which I paid about $6 for....in one purchase. No...we don't eat that much chili, but you better believe that I'm the first to sign up for it whenever there is a hotdog cookout!!

Remember that on sale doesn't always mean the best price. To get the best deals, you have to understand how the grocery store sales cycle works. While a grocer might advertise sales from time to time, the best, rock bottom deals occur once every 10-12 weeks. With this new way of shopping, you will begin to learn the sales patterns for the items that you buy the most, allowing you to make the most of every penny you spend. I guess you could say that the ultimate goal of this method, is to build a stockpile that will last 10-12 weeks.

Know what fresh items you can stockpile. Canned items are easy, we know they have an extended shelf life, but what about fresh items? When prepared correctly, there are many fresh veggies and fruits that can be frozen or even dried. Bell peppers and onions can be chopped, frozen on a cookie sheet in a single layer, then stored in the freezer. Tomatoes can be frozen whole and unpeeled. Many fruits can be frozen, although their texture will be altered. Broccoli, cauliflower, corn, green beans, and asparagus (asparagus will have an altered texture an can be used for soups and casseroles) can all be frozen after blanching. Most meats, cheeses, butter, and even sour cream (for cooking) can also be frozen. The shelf life of items like oils, baking mixes, and even batteries can be extended by storing them in the refrigerator.

Be an opportunistic shopper. Frequently, grocery stores will reduce the prices of meat, dairy items, and vegetable for quick sale. If the meat and veggies can be frozen, I jump at the chance to save on these items. Eggs that are close to the "best by" date can be deviled for a dinner time treat and milk can be frozen. I know what you're thinking...what would you do with frozen milk. No, I wouldn't drink it, but I would use it to make a cream soup or for baking. Also, I don't ever purchase anything that is beyond the freshness date or could possibly be spoiled. (You don't have to worry about anything that I bring for a church lunch.)

Vegetable Recipes

2011-02-11T15:00:00.000-08:00

Blanching and Freezing Fresh Broccoli
Roasted Potato Wedges

Begin at the Beginning....

2011-01-29T11:02:00.000-08:00

When most people find out that I am able to keep a very low grocery budget, they want to find out the techniques that I use. While menu planning, coupons, and stockpiling help to me to spend less, those things don't determine my budget...I do!! I am the one who set a realistic weekly amount based on the size, ages, and activities of our family members. It took a while, and a bit of experimentation, to determine our budget, but once I settled on a number...I stuck to it. If you want to spend less with the help of a budget here are a few tips to get you started:

Be realistic. You should not compare your weekly expenditures to those of your friends, who may have different dietary needs or young children rather than teenage boys. The grocery stores in your area will also be a determining factor as to how much you can save. Isn't saving the goal here. Even if you are only able to save $15/week...that is a monthly savings of $60 or yearly savings of $720.
Determine the weekly needs of your family. I'm talking bare bones here. Does your husband take a lunch, what does he need in that lunch? Can you send leftovers? What about your kids? Are they school aged, packing a lunch or are they at home during the day? What about breakfast? Do you have a little one who requires formula? Different families have different needs. Put those needs on paper...create a game plan. I would also suggest creating a weekly or monthly meal plan (breakfast, lunch, dinner, and snacks) and then developing a grocery list based on your menu.
Evaluate your weekly purchases. Do you buy several items that you could sacrifice in order to save money? Do you regularly purchased processed or pre-packaged items that you could prepare at home for less? Are you in the habit of preparing and sticking to a grocery list. Would it be possible to comfortably reduce your spending by 10%? If the answer to any of those questions is yes, you have already created a little wiggle room, making it easier to reduce your weekly spending.
Evaluate your shopping environment. Do you grocery shop when hungry? Does shopping with your children cause you to hurry? Do you shop at a market that offers free samples? Each of these can cause impulse buying.
Be prepared to experiment. It took me about a month, to determine a realistic budget that I could consistently and comfortably live with. You can begin by trying to save $5...then $10....then $15...maybe even $50/week. You will eventually find a base that you cannot go below. I would not suggest making that base amount your weekly budget, but would instead shoot for a little above that base. Remember, you don't have to spend your entire weekly budget. If you find that you repeatedly spend less than your budget, you can save it for a rainy day, use it to stockpile (which I will talk about this next week), or put it toward debt.

A good grocery budget is just the beginning to saving money at the grocery store. In the upcoming weeks, I will discuss several strategies and share some of my favorite recipes that have helped me to make the most of my money. I hope that you will find them useful.

Why I Blog....

2011-01-29T09:41:00.001-08:00

Several years ago, I began blogging about money saving strategies to help my family and friends save on groceries, toiletries, cleaning supplies...you name it. While I'm certainly not an expert, I do like to save money and find good deals...and I have to admit that it's something I'm good at. When my husband and I decided to home-school the girls, it was obvious that something had to go...so I deleted my blog. Here I am about a year later, home-schooling is going well, I'm more organized than ever, and I would like to give it another shot. More than anything, I return to my original purpose...people are looking to save money...if possible, I would like to help.

Easy Ground Turkey Stroganoff

2011-01-28T16:26:00.000-08:00

Easy Ground Turkey Stroganoff

1 lb. ground turkey

1/4 medium onion, chopped

4 oz. mushrooms, stemmed and sliced

1 can cream of mushroom soup

1/3 can milk

12 oz. egg noodles, cooked and drained

1/4 cup sour cream, or more to suit your taste

In a large skillet, over med-hi heat, cook ground turkey and onion until well browned, with a small amount of liquid remaining in the skillet. Add mushrooms, cooking a few minutes until slightly softened. Reduce heat to low. Add soup, milk, and egg noodles, stirring to combine. Stir in sour cream just before serving.

You Can Use That For......?

2011-01-26T12:12:00.000-08:00

Many of the items that we keep in our pantry, refrigerator, and even medicine cabinet have alternate uses that we don't realize. Just another way to save a little cash!! (I will continue to update this list as my research continues.)

Vicks Vaporub - Works great to cut night time coughing.

Saving Money On.......

2011-01-25T17:23:00.000-08:00

Eating Out

Easy Homemade Meatballs

2011-01-20T21:22:00.000-08:00

These versatile meatballs can be served over pasta with tomato sauce or along with mushrooms over rice. The best part...they can be made ahead of time and frozen for later use.

Easy Homemade Meatballs

1 lb. lean ground beef or turkey
1/4 medium onion, finely diced
1/4 bell pepper, finely diced
1 cloves garlic, finely diced
1 egg
1 cup dry bread crumbs

Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Combine all ingredients and form into 1 1/2 inch balls. Arrange on a 9 x 13 inch dish and back approximately 30 minutes, until meatballs are browned and cooked through. Allow meatballs to rest about 15 minutes before serving.

Main Dishes

2011-01-20T21:06:00.000-08:00

Burrito Bowls
Easy Spanish Rice

Week Four Menu

2011-01-20T20:46:00.000-08:00

Breakfasts - combination of the following

Cold cereal

Toast

Homemade biscuits

Homemade pancakes

Fruit

Hard boiled/scrambled eggs

Milk

Ham/broccoli quiche Saturday morning

Lunches -

Sunday - Spanish rice, black/pinto beans, salad

Saturday - Chicken noodle soup

Leftovers x 2

Sandwiches x 2

Steamed veggies w/penne

Dinners -

Sunday - Eat out

Monday - Meatballs, seasoned rice, broiled green beans, green salad

Tuesday - Lasagna, broiled broccoli, green salad

Wednesday - Chicken salad sandwiches, baked potato wedges

Thursday - Pancakes, scrambled eggs, canadian bacon

Friday - Pizza, green salad

Saturday - Grilled skewers (chicken, potatoes, zucchini, mushrooms), green salad

Easy Spanish Rice

2011-01-20T19:57:00.000-08:00

This simple concoction can be spooned into taco shells or served over tortilla chips. Occasionally, I even like to cover with a layer of corn tortillas, top with shredded cheddar, replace the lid, and wait for the cheese to melt. That gives the tortillas just enough time to soften. Add a side of black or pinto beans and a dinner salad for a complete meal.

Easy Spanish Rice

Ingredients:
1 pound ground chuck (or ground turkey)
1 28 oz. can diced tomatoes, crushed
1/2 chopped onion
1-2 tbsp. chili powder
1/2 tsp. salt
1/2 tsp. pepper
1 cup quick cooking rice, uncooked

Brown ground beef in a large skillet, stirring until it crumbles. Once the beef is well browned, add onion and cook until transparent. Drain and return to skillet. Add tomato and spices, stir well and bring to a boil. Add rice; cover; reduce heat, and simmer 5 minutes or until rice is tender. Add additional water if needed.

Bread Recipes

2011-01-19T17:59:00.000-08:00

Croutons
Easy Homemade Biscuits
My Favorite Pancakes
Pizza Dough

Frugal Recipes

2011-01-19T17:57:00.000-08:00

This page is a continual work in progress. New recipes will be added weekly. If you would like to share one of your favorite, inexpensive recipes. Let me know...I would love to post it!!

Breads
Main Dishes
Vegetables