tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-53833323173235865402024-03-05T22:55:45.852-05:00Tracey's RamblingsTraceyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05758105823151764664noreply@blogger.comBlogger210125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5383332317323586540.post-45739592717827950572012-07-09T20:35:00.000-04:002012-07-09T20:35:06.357-04:00Chicken and Pinto Tostadas<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://i46.photobucket.com/albums/f107/dtthackston/IMG_3855.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://i46.photobucket.com/albums/f107/dtthackston/IMG_3855.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
1 1/4 pound boneless, skinless chicken<br />
1/2 cup salsa<br />
1/4 cup water<br />
2 Tbsp. taco seasoning<br />
1 can pinto beans, drained<br />
8 tostada shells, heated if desired<br />
additional toppings<br />
<br />
1. Place chicken in a crock pot. In a small bowl, mix salsa, water, and taco seasoning mix; pour over chicken.<br />
2. Cover; cook on low 8-10 hours.<br />
3. Remove chicken from crock pot; place on cutting board. Use 2 forks to shred the chicken. Return chicken to the crock pot. Stir in beans. Increase heat to high. Cover; cook 15-20 minutes.<br />
4. Spoon chicken mixture over tostada shells. Top with desired toppings.<br />
Makes 8 servings Traceyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05758105823151764664noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5383332317323586540.post-42718144317870660372012-07-08T19:34:00.003-04:002012-07-08T19:34:21.844-04:00Sour Cream 'n Chive Mashed Potatoes and Marinated Broccoli and Carrot Salad<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://i46.photobucket.com/albums/f107/dtthackston/IMG_3851.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://i46.photobucket.com/albums/f107/dtthackston/IMG_3851.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Sour Cream 'n Chive Mashed Potatoes</div>
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<a href="http://i46.photobucket.com/albums/f107/dtthackston/IMG_3849.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://i46.photobucket.com/albums/f107/dtthackston/IMG_3849.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
- 3 lb. small red potatoes</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
- 8 oz. chive-and-onion cream cheese spread</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
- 12 oz. sour cream</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
- 1 1/2 tsp. salt</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
- 1/4 tsp. pepper</div>
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- 3 Tbsp butter, melted</div>
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- 1/2 cup French-fried onions</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
1. Spray 13x9-inch pan with cooking spray; set aside. In large pot, place potatoes; add enough water just to cover. Cover and heat to boiling; reduce heat. Simmer covered 20-25 minutes or until potatoes are tender; drain.</div>
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2. Mash potatoes until no lumps remain. Add cream cheese, sour cream, salt, and pepper; mix until well blended. Spoon into pan. </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
3. Heat over to 350 F. Drizzle butter over potatoes. Cover and bake 30 minutes. Sprinkle onions over potatoes. Bake uncovered 15 minutes longer. </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Makes 16 servings</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Marinated Broccoli and Carrot Salad</div>
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<a href="http://i46.photobucket.com/albums/f107/dtthackston/IMG_3848.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://i46.photobucket.com/albums/f107/dtthackston/IMG_3848.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<div style="text-align: left;">
- 1 1/2 cups broccoli florets</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
- 1/4 cup sliced carrot</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
- 3 Tbsp. Italian dressing</div>
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<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
1. In saucepan, heat 1 inch water to boiling. Add broccoli and carrot. Cover and heat to boiling; reduce heat. Cook 10 to 12 minutes or until broccoli is crisp-tender; drain.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
2. Toss vegetables with dressing. Cover and refrigerate about 1 hour or until chilled.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Makes 2 servings</div>Traceyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05758105823151764664noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5383332317323586540.post-393131105860490162012-07-07T17:38:00.004-04:002012-07-07T17:38:58.264-04:00Easy Chicken and Garden Veggies and Summer Citrus Fruit Salad<div style="text-align: center;">
Easy Chicken and Garden Veggies<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://i46.photobucket.com/albums/f107/dtthackston/IMG_3842.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://i46.photobucket.com/albums/f107/dtthackston/IMG_3842.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
4 slices bacon, cut into 1/2-inch pieces</div>
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1 1/4 pound boneless, skinless chicken</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
1/2 tsp. garlic salt</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
1/4 tsp. ground pepper</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
1/4 cup water</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
8 oz. fresh green beans, trimmed (only used 4 oz.)</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
1 medium yellow bell pepper, cut into 1/2-inch pieces</div>
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2 medium plum tomatoes, cut lengthwise in half, then sliced (didn't use these)</div>
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1/2 cup balsamic vinaigrette dressing or Italian dressing (used Italian dressing)</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
1 In 12-inch skillet, cook bacon over medium heat 3 to 4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until crisp.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
2. Sprinkle both sides of chicken with garlic salt and pepper. Add chicken to bacon in skillet. Cook 3 to 5 minutes or until browned on both sides. Discard excess bacon drippings if necessary. </div>
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3. Add water and green beans to skillet. Cover and cook over medium-low heat 8 minutes. Stir in bell pepper. Cover and cook 3 to 5 minutes, turning and stirring vegetables occasionally, until chicken is done.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
4. Stir in tomatoes and dressing. Cook uncovered about 2 minutes, stirring occasionally, until tomatoes are thoroughly heated.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Makes 4 servings</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Summer Citrus Fruit Salad<br />
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</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
1 cup vanilla yogurt</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
1 Tbsp. mayonnaise</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
1/4 tsp. grated orange peel (didn't use)</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
2 Tbsp. orange juice</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
2 cups strawberries, sliced</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
1 kiwi, peeled, cut up</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
1 small bunch seedless grapes, cut in half</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
1 can (11 oz) mandarin orange segments, drained</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
1. In large bowl, mix yogurt, mayonnaise, orange peel and orange juice.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
1. Gently stir remaining ingredients into yogurt mixture. Cover and refrigerate at least 1 hour but no longer than 4 hours.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Makes 8 servings</div>Traceyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05758105823151764664noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5383332317323586540.post-56003435581389581802012-07-06T18:09:00.000-04:002012-07-06T18:09:02.165-04:00Honey-Mustard Chicken Sandwiches, Chessy Garlic Potatoes, and Raspberry-Banana Yogurt Salad<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://i46.photobucket.com/albums/f107/dtthackston/IMG_3835.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://i46.photobucket.com/albums/f107/dtthackston/IMG_3835.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
Honey-Mustard Chicken Sandwiches</div>
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<a href="http://i46.photobucket.com/albums/f107/dtthackston/IMG_3839.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://i46.photobucket.com/albums/f107/dtthackston/IMG_3839.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
1/4 cup Dijon Mustard</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
2 Tbsp. honey</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
1 tsp. dried oregano</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
1/8 to 1/4 tsp. ground red pepper </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
1 1/4 lb. boneless, skinless chicken breasts or tenders</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
4 buns</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br />1. Heat grill for heat. In small bowl, mix mustard, honey, oregano, and red pepper. Brush on chicken.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
2. Cover and grill chicken over medium heat 15-20 minutes brushing frequently with mixture until chicken is done.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Makes 4 servings </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Grilled Cheesy Garlic Potato Packet</div>
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<a href="http://i46.photobucket.com/albums/f107/dtthackston/IMG_3838.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://i46.photobucket.com/albums/f107/dtthackston/IMG_3838.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
1/2 tsp. olive or vegetable oil</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
8 oz. Yukon gold potato, cut into 1/2-inch pieces</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
2 tsp. chopped fresh chives</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
1/2 tsp. garlic salt</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
1 Tbsp. grated Parmesan cheese</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
1. Heat grill for heat. Spray large piece of foil with cooking spray.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
2. In small bowl, pour oil over potato pieces; toss to coat. Add chives and garlic salt; toss to coat. Spring with cheese; toss to coat.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
3. Place potatoes on foil and fold foil creating a packet. Grill for 15-20 minutes until potatoes are golden brown and tender.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Makes 2 servings</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Raspberry-Banana Yogurt Salad</div>
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<a href="http://i46.photobucket.com/albums/f107/dtthackston/IMG_3836.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://i46.photobucket.com/albums/f107/dtthackston/IMG_3836.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
3/4 cup boiling water</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
1/2 package sugar-free raspberry-flavored gelatin</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
1 container (6 oz.) red raspberry yogurt</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
1/2 cup fresh or frozen raspberries</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
1 small banana, sliced</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
1. In a small bowl, pour boiling water over gelatin; stir until dissolved. Stir in yogurt; gently stir in raspberries and banana. </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
2. Refrigerate about 2 hours or until set.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Makes 2 servings. </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>Traceyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05758105823151764664noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5383332317323586540.post-89928693666714771962012-07-06T15:59:00.000-04:002012-07-06T15:59:08.595-04:00July 6th-July 15th MenuIn an attempt to stay on track with eating somewhat healthier and streamlining the amount we spend on going out to eat, I am going to start posting our weekly menu. Making a weekly menu is something I have done since David and I got married a little over 8 years ago. It really helps with the "What's for Dinner?" question that is posed everyday. It also helps me with grocery shopping. All of that being said, we sometimes do not stick to the menu and that's okay! I hope to share new recipes with pictures on nights that we try new things. Check back often and hopefully I can inspire some of you with your daily question of "What's for Dinner?"<br />
<br />
Friday July 6th- Honey Mustard Chicken Sandwiches, Cheesy Garlic Potatoes, and Raspberry-Banana Yogurt Salad<br />
<br />
Saturday July 7th- Easy Chicken and Garden Veggies and Summer Citrus Fruit Salad<br />
<br />
Sunday July 8th- BBQ Pork Chops, Marinated Broccoli and Carrot Salad, and Sour Cream and Chive Mashed Potatoes<br />
<br />
Monday July 9th- Crock Pot Chicken and Dumplings and Corn<br />
<br />
Tuesday July 10th- Toasted Turkey Sandwiches and Sweet Potato Fries<br />
<br />
Wednesday July 11th- Chicken and Pinto Tostadas and Mexican Rice<br />
<br />
Thursday July 12th- Cheesy Potato Soup and Rolls<br />
<br />
Friday July 13th- Hamburgers, Garlic Oven Fries, and Fruit<br />
<br />
Saturday July 14th- Hungarian Goulosh, Rice, and Greenbeans<br />
<br />
Sunday July 15th- Steak Fajitas and Corn on the Cob Traceyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05758105823151764664noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5383332317323586540.post-66061977013862605332011-06-22T13:46:00.000-04:002011-06-22T13:46:57.013-04:00More Grocery Bill SlashingI haven't posted in a while, but that doesn't mean I haven't been couponing! School is out for the summer so I figured I would really try and see what I could stock up on now so I don't have to do so much once school is back in! This is just an example of what I got this week at 3 different stores:<br />
<br />
Publix:<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://i46.photobucket.com/albums/f107/dtthackston/IMG_7740.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="154" src="http://i46.photobucket.com/albums/f107/dtthackston/IMG_7740.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">2 boxes of Froot Loops, 1 box of Apple Jacks, 1 side of Mashed Potatoes, 1 side of Macaroni and Cheese, 1 box of Great Grains Cereal, 4 boxes of Betty Crocker Potatoes, 1 deodorant, 2 bags of Wacky Mac Pasta, 1 package of Bagel Thins, 2 Hormel Kid Meals, 2 packs of Chicken Nuggets, 4 bags of Frozen Pasta (ravioli, stuffed shells and tortellini), 2 boxes of Cheddar Bites</div><div style="text-align: center;">Total before discounts/coupons: 75.64</div><div style="text-align: center;">Discounts and coupons: 51.29</div><div style="text-align: center;">Total paid: 24.35</div><div style="text-align: center;">Percentage Saved: 67.8% </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
Bi-Lo:</div><div style="text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://i46.photobucket.com/albums/f107/dtthackston/IMG_7741.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="189" src="http://i46.photobucket.com/albums/f107/dtthackston/IMG_7741.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">4 containers of Nuts, 6 boxes of Hamburger or Chicken Helper, 1 bag of Tostito Chips, 2 packages of Cheese, 4 Gallons of Milk, 1 carton of Eggs, 2 packages of Smoked Sausage, 5 peaches, 1 container of Dip</div><div style="text-align: center;">Total before discounts/coupons: 78.82</div><div style="text-align: center;">Discounts and coupons: 43.82</div><div style="text-align: center;">Total paid: 35.00</div><div style="text-align: center;">Percentage Saved: 55.6%</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">Ingles:</div><div style="text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://i46.photobucket.com/albums/f107/dtthackston/IMG_7738.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="229" src="http://i46.photobucket.com/albums/f107/dtthackston/IMG_7738.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">2 boxes of Raisin Bran, 2 packages of Oatmeal with Fruit, 1 bag of Sugar, 6 containers of Peanut Butter</div><div style="text-align: center;">Total before discounts/coupons: 32.42</div><div style="text-align: center;">Discounts and coupons: 17.56</div><div style="text-align: center;">Total paid: 14.86</div><div style="text-align: center;">Percentage Saved: 54.2%</div>Traceyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05758105823151764664noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5383332317323586540.post-33630986908605769552011-05-23T19:08:00.000-04:002011-05-23T19:08:10.774-04:00Week 3-Part of Week 5 of Slashing the Grocery BillThanks to <a href="http://www.southernsavers.com/">Southern Savers</a> again, I was able to do pretty good the past couple of weeks shopping. Here is my Bi-Lo trip:<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://i46.photobucket.com/albums/f107/dtthackston/IMG_7666.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="257" src="http://i46.photobucket.com/albums/f107/dtthackston/IMG_7666.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"> Price before coupons/discounts: $42.06</div><div style="text-align: center;">Price after coupons/discounts: $18.12</div><div style="text-align: center;">Total savings: $23.94</div><div style="text-align: center;">What I got: 3- 8 pack Lance crackers, 2 packages of pads, 2 boxes of tampons, 2 jars of spaghetti sauce, 1- 4 pack disposable razors and 1- 3 pack Jell-O Temptations </div><div style="text-align: left;"> </div><div style="text-align: left;">My new favorite store, Publix:</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://i46.photobucket.com/albums/f107/dtthackston/IMG_7668.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="199" src="http://i46.photobucket.com/albums/f107/dtthackston/IMG_7668.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"> Price before coupons/discounts: $52.76 <div style="text-align: center;">Price after coupons/discounts: $11.27</div><div style="text-align: center;">Total savings: $41.49</div><div style="text-align: center;">What I got: 2 bottles of salad dressing, 1 box cheese sticks, 6 containers of yogurt, 2- 4 pack kid's yogurt, 2 tubes of toothpaste, 3- 6 pack Propel water, 2 bottles Trop50, 2 containers of almonds, and a bag of dog treats </div><div style="text-align: left;"> </div><div style="text-align: left;">I can't seem to get the hang of it but still go to CVS:</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://i46.photobucket.com/albums/f107/dtthackston/IMG_7684.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="234" src="http://i46.photobucket.com/albums/f107/dtthackston/IMG_7684.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"> <div style="text-align: center;">Price before coupons/discounts: $14.72</div><div style="text-align: center;">Price after coupons/discounts: $4.80</div><div style="text-align: center;">Total savings: $9.92</div><div style="text-align: center;">What I got: 1 box of Q-tips, 1 bottle of laundry detergent, 3 containers of Pringles </div><div style="text-align: center;"> </div><div style="text-align: left;">Last, but not least, Ingles:</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://i46.photobucket.com/albums/f107/dtthackston/IMG_7685.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="229" src="http://i46.photobucket.com/albums/f107/dtthackston/IMG_7685.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"> <div style="text-align: center;">Price before coupons/discounts: $51.40</div><div style="text-align: center;">Price after coupons/discounts: $17.13</div><div style="text-align: center;">Total savings: $34.27</div><div style="text-align: center;">What I got: 4 cans of corn, 4 cans of green beans, 4 boxes (76 tubes total) powdered drink mix, bottle of mustard, 2 packages of hot dogs, 1 bottle of BBQ sauce, 1 package of napkins, 1 bottle of marinade, 2 packages of cheese </div></div></div></div>Traceyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05758105823151764664noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5383332317323586540.post-3966230252931886102011-05-05T19:45:00.000-04:002011-05-05T19:45:09.760-04:00Week 2 of Slashing the Grocery BillWell, I spent most of Tuesday night stalking the <a href="http://www.southernsavers.com/">Southern Savers</a> website waiting on all of the local store ads to update. When they were all updated I did a little cheer and grabbed my coupons and came up with a plan. A plus to David being home now is that I can do more shopping in the afternoon and not worry about having to rush to get the boys from daycare. I went to 4 different stores this week and feel like I did pretty good overall. <br />
First stop was Ingles:<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://i46.photobucket.com/albums/f107/dtthackston/IMG_7589.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://i46.photobucket.com/albums/f107/dtthackston/IMG_7589.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Price before coupons/discounts: $34.20</div><div style="text-align: center;">Price after coupons/discounts: $13.36</div><div style="text-align: center;">Total savings: $20.84</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">Next up was Publix:</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://i46.photobucket.com/albums/f107/dtthackston/IMG_7587.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="210" src="http://i46.photobucket.com/albums/f107/dtthackston/IMG_7587.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Price before coupons/discounts: $28.98</div><div style="text-align: center;">Price after coupons/discounts: 9.79</div><div style="text-align: center;">Total savings: $19.19</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">Then I went to Bi-Lo:</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://i46.photobucket.com/albums/f107/dtthackston/IMG_7588.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="163" src="http://i46.photobucket.com/albums/f107/dtthackston/IMG_7588.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Price before coupons/discounts: $18.33</div><div style="text-align: center;">Price after coupons/discounts: $8.46</div><div style="text-align: center;">Total savings: $9.87</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">Last stop was CVS:</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://i46.photobucket.com/albums/f107/dtthackston/IMG_7590.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://i46.photobucket.com/albums/f107/dtthackston/IMG_7590.jpg" width="216" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"> Price before coupons/discounts: $10.28</div><div style="text-align: center;">Price after coupons/discounts: $2.28</div><div style="text-align: center;">Total Savings: $8.00 + $1 ECB</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">Overall I spent $33.89. I know I could have done a lot better had I had some coupons, but I think I did fairly decent with it being my 2nd week. I did learn that you have to watch the coupons while things are getting rung up. I went through the self-check out at Bi-Lo and realized later that one coupon did not double like it was supposed to. A mistake I will not make again. Also, they were out of the soap at CVS I was hoping to get for free. Can't wait to see what next week holds! </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div>Traceyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05758105823151764664noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5383332317323586540.post-43467671405598879922011-04-30T19:47:00.000-04:002011-04-30T19:47:40.733-04:00Slashing the Grocery BillI always thought of myself as a savvy shopper when it came to groceries. I meal plan week to week and then I shop for the big bulk stuff at Costco and the other stuff I just get at Wal-Mart with coupons when I have them cause you know...Wal-Mart is cheaper...right? Well, we found out almost 4 weeks ago that David was getting laid off the end of April. What a total shock to us! While I am very thankful that I still have my teaching job, we all know that there is no way I could support our family of 4 (still hoping for 5 someday) very long and keep up our current lifestyle. <br />
<br />
After having what I now call our week from hell, which included losing electricity one night/morning, hitting a deer and needing a new bumper for the van, and an ER visit for Jonas, I decided I needed to start figuring out more ways to save money NOW. Thankfully I have friends there to help and teach me. I have quickly learned that Wal-Mart is not the cheapest place to get all things! I actually went shopping at Publix for the first time ever today. I thought it would be fun to post every week about my savings. Now, I am currently building up my coupon stock (please let me know if you would like to contribute) so it may take a while, but I already have a shopping trip I am proud of! Check it out: <br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://i46.photobucket.com/albums/f107/dtthackston/IMG_7583.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="171" src="http://i46.photobucket.com/albums/f107/dtthackston/IMG_7583.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br />
</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br />
</td></tr>
</tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;">Price before coupons/discounts: $13.45</div><div style="text-align: center;">Price after coupons/discounts: $2.74</div><div style="text-align: center;">TOTAL SAVINGS: $10.71</div><br />
I actually ended up getting paid 25 cents for the razors! I don't plan to turn into one of those crazy people who can feed an army for several years on what they have stockpiled, but I do hope to be able to buy things that my family will eat for little to no money! I am actually looking forward to the challenge ahead of me! Stay tuned for next week's savings!Traceyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05758105823151764664noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5383332317323586540.post-91629338855661681852011-04-30T19:28:00.000-04:002011-04-30T19:28:56.820-04:00Golden Chicken and Noodles<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://i46.photobucket.com/albums/f107/dtthackston/IMG_7585.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://i46.photobucket.com/albums/f107/dtthackston/IMG_7585.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<ul><li>6 boneless, skinless chicken breast halves</li>
<li>2 10 3/4-oz. cans broccoli cheese soup</li>
<li>2 cups milk</li>
<li>1 small onioin, chopped (I will probably leave this out next time)</li>
<li>1/2-1 tsp. salt</li>
<li>1/2-1 tsp. dried basil (I didn't use this)</li>
<li>1/8 tsp. pepper</li>
<li>4 oz. macaroni noodles, cooked </li>
</ul><ol><li>Place chicken pieces in slow cooker.</li>
<li>Combine remaining ingredients except macaroni noodles. Pour over chicken.</li>
<li>Cover. Cook on High 1 hour. Reduce heat to Low. Cook 5-6 hours.</li>
<li>Before serving, mix macaroni noodles into mixture.</li>
</ol>Traceyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05758105823151764664noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5383332317323586540.post-68660761699550816982011-04-23T09:13:00.000-04:002011-04-23T09:13:34.241-04:00Deep-Dish Layered Southern Banana Pudding<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://i46.photobucket.com/albums/f107/dtthackston/IMG_7521.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="248" src="http://i46.photobucket.com/albums/f107/dtthackston/IMG_7521.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><ul><li>46 Nilla Wavers, divided</li>
<li>3 Tbsp. butter, melted</li>
<li>1/2 cup chopped pecans</li>
<li>1/3 cup packed brown sugar</li>
<li>1 tsp. ground cinnamon</li>
<li>2 pkg. (3.4 oz each) vanilla flavored pudding</li>
<li>2 cups cold milk</li>
<li>1 tub (8 oz) cool whip, thawed, divided</li>
<li>4 bananas, sliced</li>
<li>1 pkg. cream cheese, softened</li>
<li>1/4 cup granulated sugar</li>
</ul><ol><li>Heat oven to 350 F. Crush 30 wafers; mix with next 4 ingredients. Spread onto bottom of 15x10x1 pan sprayed with cooking spray. Bake 5 min.; stir. Bake 3 to 5 min. or until golden brown; cool.</li>
<li>Beat pudding mixes and milk with whisk 2 min. (pudding will be thick). Stir in 1 cup cool whip. Layer 1/3 of the crumb mixture and half each of the bananas and pudding in 2 qt. serving bowl; repeat.</li>
<li>Beat cream cheese and granulated sugar in medium bowl with mixer until blended. Gently stir in 1 cup of remaining cool whip; spread over top, sealing to edge of bowl. Sprinkle with remaining crumb mixture, Refrigerate 3 hours. Top each serving with remaining cool whip and whole wafers just before serving. </li>
</ol>Traceyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05758105823151764664noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5383332317323586540.post-39841294193360200142011-04-23T09:06:00.000-04:002011-04-23T09:06:57.425-04:00Sante Fe Soup with Melted Cheese<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://i46.photobucket.com/albums/f107/dtthackston/IMG_7519.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="242" src="http://i46.photobucket.com/albums/f107/dtthackston/IMG_7519.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<ul><li>1 lb. Velveeta cheese, cubed</li>
<li>1 lb. ground beef, browned and drained</li>
<li>15 1/4-oz. can corn, undrained</li>
<li>15-oz. can kidney beans, undrained (I used black beans and will drain and rinse next time)</li>
<li>14 1/2-oz. can diced tomatoes with green chilies</li>
<li>14 1/2-oz. can stewed tomatoes</li>
<li>2 Tbsp. dry taco seasoning</li>
<li>corn chips or soft tortillas</li>
</ul><ol><li>Combine all ingredients except chips or tortillas in slow cooker.</li>
<li>Cover, Cook on High 3 hours.</li>
<li>Serve with corn chips as a side, or dip soft tortillas in individual servings in soup bowls.</li>
</ol>Traceyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05758105823151764664noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5383332317323586540.post-87830924736294334652011-04-03T20:42:00.000-04:002011-04-03T20:42:05.227-04:00Tie Dye Cupcakes<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://i46.photobucket.com/albums/f107/dtthackston/IMG_7453.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"></a><a href="http://i46.photobucket.com/albums/f107/dtthackston/IMG_7467.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="297" src="http://i46.photobucket.com/albums/f107/dtthackston/IMG_7467.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>These were a lot of work but turned out great! The frosting was a bit of a challenge for me, but I thought of a better way to do it next time. Sure hope my students love these! <br />
<br />
-1 box white cake mix<br />
-water, vegetable oil and egg whites called for on cake mix box<br />
-gel food colors or paste food colors in read, range, yellow, green, blue and purple (I used liquid)<br />
-2 containers white frosting<br />
<br />
1. Heat oven to 350F. Place baking cup in each of 24 regular-size muffin cups. Make cake mix as directed on the box for cupcakes, using water, oil and egg whites. Divide batter evenly among 6 bowls. Add a different food color to each bowl to make red, orange, yellow, green, blue and purple. <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://i46.photobucket.com/albums/f107/dtthackston/IMG_7453.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="171" src="http://i46.photobucket.com/albums/f107/dtthackston/IMG_7453.jpg" width="320" /> </a> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">2. Place 1 level teaspoon of each color batter into each muffin cup, layering colors in order of rainbow- red, orange, yellow, green, blue and purple. Do not stir! Each cup will be about 1/2 full.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://i46.photobucket.com/albums/f107/dtthackston/IMG_7457.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://i46.photobucket.com/albums/f107/dtthackston/IMG_7457.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>3. Bake 15 to 20 minutes or until toothpick comes out clean. Cool 10 minutes. Remove to cooling racks. Cool completely.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://i46.photobucket.com/albums/f107/dtthackston/IMG_7460.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://i46.photobucket.com/albums/f107/dtthackston/IMG_7460.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>4. Divide frosting evenly among 3 bowls. Tint 1 red, 1 yellow and 1 blue with food colors. Refrigerate about 30 minutes. In large disposable decorating bag fitted with #6 star tip, place spoonfuls of each color of frosting side by side in bag, alternating colors and working up from tip of bag. Do not stir colors together. Starting at 12 o'clock on outer edge of each cupcake and using constant pressure on bag, pipe frosting clockwise for 3 rotations, working toward center and ending in small peak.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://i46.photobucket.com/albums/f107/dtthackston/IMG_7461.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://i46.photobucket.com/albums/f107/dtthackston/IMG_7461.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
Of course my boys had to try them out and make sure they were okay! I think they approved!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://i46.photobucket.com/albums/f107/dtthackston/IMG_7472.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://i46.photobucket.com/albums/f107/dtthackston/IMG_7472.jpg" width="213" /></a><a href="http://i46.photobucket.com/albums/f107/dtthackston/IMG_7477.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://i46.photobucket.com/albums/f107/dtthackston/IMG_7477.jpg" width="213" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;"></div>Traceyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05758105823151764664noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5383332317323586540.post-29866354493739431902011-02-19T20:04:00.000-05:002011-02-19T20:04:59.372-05:00Adoption<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://i46.photobucket.com/albums/f107/dtthackston/IMG_7308.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="258" src="http://i46.photobucket.com/albums/f107/dtthackston/IMG_7308.jpg" width="320" /> </a></td><td style="text-align: center;"> </td><td style="text-align: center;"> </td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sorry- these guys are not up for adoption!</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br />
</td></tr>
</tbody></table>I have debated for the past month to post this or not. I am still unsure about it but decided to go ahead and post to try and get over some of my insecurities about the topic. Long story short- David and I will be exploring adoption soon! Now here's the long story:<br />
<br />
Back in September 2009, our pastor began a series all about adoption. This series looked at adoption in a variety of ways. Several examples of adoption were given and David and I decided then to sponsor a child through <a href="http://www.compassion.com/">Compassion</a>. This was the extent we were willing to go to at the time in regards to adoption. <br />
Fast forward a bit to January 2010 when our pastor announced our partnership with a children's home in Haiti and the possibility of an upcoming mission trip. Once information came out about this trip, I debated back and forth about going. I had decided not to go on the trip, (you will see where I am going with this story in a bit) but felt very unsettled about my decision. I prayed about it and still felt unsettled but was sticking to my guns about not going. A little later we had a cookout for our community group in our backyard. During the cookout, Haiti came up and the possibility of going was brought to my attention. I said a prayer in my backyard that night and decided I needed to go to Haiti. I almost felt an instant relief when I changed my mind!<br />
In July 2010, I went to Haiti. This is a trip I will never forget and something that I feel makes an impact on my daily life. I saw things that I never knew existed! Now, I went into Haiti knowing adoption from Haiti was not an option since their minimum age requirement is 35. That didn't change the fact that my heart ached for all of the children there who were orphans or deserved so much more out of life. When I returned, I discussed with David the idea of adoption. We kind of put it on the back burner as a possibility.<br />
Several months later I revisited the idea through prayer and looking at it financially. I decided that it wasn't the best decision for our family. Again though, I had a very unsettled feeling about it (see, I got there...now that's how it links to the Haiti situation). At that point I figured I would give it up to God and just file it away as something not for our family.<br />
A little over a month ago, I had a child placed in my classroom who is in foster care. This brought the idea back to my mind and I brought it up with David again. Of course, David is such a laid back person and is open to just about anything I am willing to consider. Again, I decided it wasn't a good idea for us.<br />
Almost a month ago, we were told about a little girl locally who might need a new home. We were at church when I had this conversation and it was before the service. I said I would think about it, knowing in my mind that we had decided it wasn't for our family. Boy did God have something else in store! Through our pastor's sermon, (which was about shalom or peace) I realized that most of the reasons behind our decision were for selfish reasons. Most of my reasons revolved around money (which is there, but being spent in other ways currently) and the fact that I really don't like change. I realized that I am too comfortable with my current lifestyle and I shouldn't be. After the service, I decided I was interested.<br />
We found out a little over a week ago that adopting this little girl is very unlikely at this time due to the entire circumstance. While I was initially sad, I realized that this is a God thing! Much like the cookout in our backyard, I needed a situation to show me the reason why I felt unsettled about adoption. <br />
<br />
Now, David and I are really going into this blindly. We have family members and friends who have gone through the adoption process who I am sure I will bug between now and the end of the process. While I am a major planner, I am trying not to over plan this entire situation. I know God is in control and that there is a child out there for our family. For the time being, we are planning to begin the process with DSS and go from there. Now, we know there isn't a guarantee that we will get a child placed in our home through DSS, but it is a starting point for us.<br />
<br />
I have been asked by several people so far about our reasons behind adoption. Yes, I know we have two healthy wonderful boys and there really isn't a valid reason why we couldn't have more children. We decided after Jonas, however, that we were done having biological children. This is a decision I still stand firm by. My personal reason for adoption is to give a child a home who might not have a home otherwise. We are not seeking out an infant for several reasons. For now, we are hoping for a child between 1-5. For my own selfish reasons, I really want a little girl (this house NEEDS some pink). <br />
<br />
Again, I know God already has our child picked out and has seen this entire situation from the beginning to the end. I am thrilled to see what he has in store for our family! Traceyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05758105823151764664noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5383332317323586540.post-67615697673518452892011-02-19T19:18:00.000-05:002011-02-19T19:18:55.826-05:00South of the Border Chicken SoupSorry no picture, it wasn't really pretty once I remembered to take a picture, but it sure was yummy!<br />
<br />
<ul><li>1 tsp. canola oil</li>
<li>1/2 pound boneless, skinless chicken breast</li>
<li>1/2 onion, chopped</li>
<li>3 cloves garlic, minced</li>
<li>2 tsp. cumin</li>
<li>4 cups 99% fat free chicken broth</li>
<li>14 1/2 oz. canned diced tomatoes</li>
<li>10 oz. frozen corn kernels</li>
<li>1 can black beans, rinsed</li>
<li>1 cup salsa</li>
</ul><ol><li>Heat the oil in a large saucepan. Add chicken and cook until browned. Remove chicken from saucepan and keep warm.</li>
<li>Add the onion and garlic to the pan. Cook until tender. Stir in cumin and cook 1 minute. Add broth, tomatoes corn, beans and salsa; bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer for about 10 minutes. Return the chicken to the pan and heat through. Serve with cheese and tortilla chips.</li>
</ol>Makes 10 (1 cup) servings Traceyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05758105823151764664noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5383332317323586540.post-82310313187526269422011-02-19T18:57:00.000-05:002011-02-19T18:57:42.336-05:00Cheese Enchiladas<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://i46.photobucket.com/albums/f107/dtthackston/IMG_7309.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://i46.photobucket.com/albums/f107/dtthackston/IMG_7309.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
-8 oz. low fat cream cheese<br />
-7 oz. fat free shredded cheddar cheese<br />
-1 cup salsa<br />
-6 flour tortillas (I used whole wheat)<br />
-sour cream (optional)<br />
<br />
<ol><li>Preheat oven to 350.</li>
<li>Beat cream cheese and 1 cup cheddar cheese together. Spread on tortillas.</li>
<li>Place tortillas seam side down in a greased pan.</li>
<li>Cover with remaining cheese and salsa.</li>
<li>Bake covered for 20 minutes. </li>
</ol>Traceyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05758105823151764664noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5383332317323586540.post-31077806227485299432011-02-06T15:46:00.000-05:002011-02-06T15:46:25.285-05:00Beefy Corn and Black Bean Chili<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://i46.photobucket.com/albums/f107/dtthackston/IMG_7297.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://i46.photobucket.com/albums/f107/dtthackston/IMG_7297.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>1 pound ground beef, browned (I used 1/2 pound to cut back a bit)<br />
2 teaspoons chili powder<br />
1 can corn<br />
1 can black beans; rinsed<br />
1 can beef broth<br />
1 can tomato sauce<br />
<br />
Place all ingredients in your crock pot and cook on low for 6-8 hours. <br />
<br />
Makes 5 (1 cup) servings<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><span id="goog_460404769"></span><span id="goog_460404770"></span>Traceyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05758105823151764664noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5383332317323586540.post-86330184622079884572011-02-06T15:40:00.000-05:002011-02-06T15:40:10.458-05:00Smothered Steak<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://i46.photobucket.com/albums/f107/dtthackston/IMG_7295.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://i46.photobucket.com/albums/f107/dtthackston/IMG_7295.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>3 tablespoons all-purpose flour<br />
1/4 teaspoon salt<br />
1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper<br />
4 (4-ounce) cubed steaks<br />
3/4 cup beef broth<br />
2 teaspoons canola oil<br />
Cooking spray<br />
3/4 cup thinly sliced onion<br />
<br />
1. Combine first 3 ingredients. Dredge steak in flour mixture, shaking off excess. Reserve excess flour mixture. Combine reserved flour mixture and broth in a 1-cup glass measure, stirring with a small whisk; set aside.<br />
2. Heat oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Add steak to pan. Cook 3 minutes on each side or until brown. Remove from pan.<br />
3. Coat pan with cooking spray. Add onion to pan; saute 5 minutes or until tender. Stir in broth mixture, scraping pan to loosen browned bits. Return steak to pan. Bring to a boil; cover, reduce heat, and simmer 7 minutes or until gravy thickens and steak is tender. Serve sauce over steak.<br />
<br />
Makes 4 servingsTraceyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05758105823151764664noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5383332317323586540.post-10371973767568656582011-02-06T15:34:00.000-05:002011-02-06T15:34:54.691-05:00Chicken Scaloppini<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://i46.photobucket.com/albums/f107/dtthackston/IMG_7231.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://i46.photobucket.com/albums/f107/dtthackston/IMG_7231.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>4 (6-ounce) skinless, boneless chicken breast halves<br />
1 large egg white<br />
2 teaspoons water<br />
1/2 cup Italian-seasoned breadcrumbs<br />
2 teaspoons olive oil, divided<br />
1/2 cup chicken broth<br />
1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice<br />
<br />
1. Place each chicken breast half between 2 sheets of heavy-duty plastic wrap; pound to 1/2-inch thickness using a meat mallet or small heavy skillet.<br />
2. Combine egg white and water in a shallow dish, stirring with a whisk. Place breadcrumbs in another shallow dish. Dip each chicken breast half in egg mixture; dredge in breadcrumbs.<br />
3. Heat 1 teaspoon oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Add half of chicken to pan. Cook 3 minutes on each side until golden brown. Transfer to a plate; cover and keep warm. Repeat procedure with remaining oil and chicken.<br />
4. Add broth and lemon juice to pan, stirring to loosen browned bits. Cook, uncovered, over high heat 2 to 3 minutes or until reduced to 1/3 cup. Drizzle sauce over chicken.<br />
<br />
Makes 4 servingsTraceyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05758105823151764664noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5383332317323586540.post-92205859513169997352011-02-06T15:28:00.000-05:002011-02-06T15:28:40.206-05:00Egg Mugs<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://i46.photobucket.com/albums/f107/dtthackston/IMG_7227.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://i46.photobucket.com/albums/f107/dtthackston/IMG_7227.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Denver Omelette in a mug!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>AKA...the best breakfast in a flash, ever! I regularly get e-mails from <a href="http://www.hungry-girl.com/">Hungry Girl </a>and thought these sounded totally gross at first. I got brave one weekend and tried them out. They are my new favorite thing to make for breakfast before work. They are super quick to make and easy to clean up after as well. I don't think I will make scrambled eggs or an omelette the old fashioned way again! David and I tried two different recipes and loved them both. If you are interested, head on over to the website and do a search for egg mugs. A list of past e-mails with recipes will come up! <br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://i46.photobucket.com/albums/f107/dtthackston/IMG_7228.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://i46.photobucket.com/albums/f107/dtthackston/IMG_7228.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Egg McMuggin'</td></tr>
</tbody></table>Traceyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05758105823151764664noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5383332317323586540.post-44250960277292264132011-02-06T15:19:00.000-05:002011-02-06T15:19:59.338-05:00Beef Steak in Mushroom Gravy<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://i46.photobucket.com/albums/f107/dtthackston/IMG_7216.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://i46.photobucket.com/albums/f107/dtthackston/IMG_7216.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
6 tablespoons all purpose flour<br />
1 teaspoon dried onion flakes<br />
1 teaspoon dried parsley flakes<br />
4 (4 oz.) cubed steaks<br />
1 can cream of mushroom soup<br />
1/2 cup jar sliced mushrooms (drained)- I didn't use these<br />
1 3/4 cups beef broth<br />
<br />
1. In a small bowl, combine flour, onion flakes, and parsley flakes. Coat steaks on both sides with flour mixture.<br />
2. In a large skillet, sprayed with butter flavored cooking spray, cook steaks for 3 minutes on each side, until browned.<br />
3. In a large bowl, combine mushroom soup, mushrooms, beef broth, and remaining flour mixture. Pour soup mixture evenly over steaks.<br />
4. Bring mixture to a boil, evenly spoon gravy over steaks.<br />
<br />
Makes 4 servings.Traceyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05758105823151764664noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5383332317323586540.post-29024091838819546792011-01-10T14:43:00.000-05:002011-01-10T14:43:28.805-05:00Roasted Potato Wedges<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://i46.photobucket.com/albums/f107/dtthackston/IMG_7213.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://i46.photobucket.com/albums/f107/dtthackston/IMG_7213.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
These are great as a side to just about anything!<br />
<br />
-1 pound baby Yukon gold potatoes, halved (see below for my fab find)<br />
-1 teaspoon olive oil<br />
-1 teaspoon chopped fresh rosemary (I used Italian seasoning mix)<br />
-2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese<br />
-1/4 teaspoon salt<br />
-cooking spray<br />
<br />
I found this little bag of potatoes and thought I would try them. While they weren't so cheap, they turned out great!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://i46.photobucket.com/albums/f107/dtthackston/IMG_7215.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://i46.photobucket.com/albums/f107/dtthackston/IMG_7215.jpg" width="213" /></a></div><br />
1. Preheat oven to 475.<br />
2. Combine potato and oil in a medium bowl, tossing to coat. Combine rosemary, cheese, and salt in a large zip-top plastic bag; add potato, tossing to coat. Place potato on a jelly-roll pan coated with cooking spray. Bake at 475 for 20 minutes or until browned and crispy.<br />
<br />
Yields 4 servings (about 3/4 cup)Traceyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05758105823151764664noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5383332317323586540.post-56736014465979283152011-01-10T14:29:00.000-05:002011-01-10T14:29:43.560-05:00Smoked Sausage-and-Vegetable Pile-Up<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://i46.photobucket.com/albums/f107/dtthackston/IMG_7212.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://i46.photobucket.com/albums/f107/dtthackston/IMG_7212.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
-Cooking spray<br />
-7 ounces smoked turkey sausage, diagonally sliced (I used 14 ounces)<br />
-1 cup chopped onion<br />
-1 cup chopped bell pepper<br />
-1 cup sliced zucchini (I didn't use this)<br />
-1 (20-ounce) package refrigerated garlic mashed potatoes (see below for what I used)<br />
-2 cups frozen whole-kernel corn<br />
<br />
I used these for my mashed potatoes. They are great because they are low in just about everything and cheap!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://i46.photobucket.com/albums/f107/dtthackston/IMG_7211.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://i46.photobucket.com/albums/f107/dtthackston/IMG_7211.jpg" width="213" /></a></div><br />
1. Heat a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Coat pan with cooking spray. Add sausage; saute 2 minutes or until browned. Remove from skillet; keep warm.<br />
2. Return pan to heat; recoat pan with cooking spray. Add onion, bell pepper, and zucchini Coat vegetables with cooking spray; saute 5 minutes or until tender and beginning to brown. <br />
3. While vegetables cook, heat potatoes according to package directions.<br />
4. Add corn and cooked sausage to onion mixture. Saute 4 minutes or until thoroughly heated. Serve sausage mixture over mashed potatoes.<br />
<br />
Yields 4 servings (1 cup sausage mixture and 1/2 cup mashed potatoes)Traceyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05758105823151764664noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5383332317323586540.post-1451336492734300992010-12-04T20:19:00.000-05:002010-12-04T20:19:54.353-05:00French Dip Roast Beef Sandwiches and Cheese Fries<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://i46.photobucket.com/albums/f107/dtthackston/IMG_6980.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://i46.photobucket.com/albums/f107/dtthackston/IMG_6980.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><b><span style="font-size: large;">French Dip Roast Beef Sandwiches</span></b><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;">One 8-ounce loaf French bread, cut into 4 equal pieces (we actually did 2 equal pieces)</span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;">12 ounces cooked lean boneless roast beef thinly sliced</span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;">2 cups hot beef broth</span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;">4 slices provolone cheese (optional) </span></span><br />
<ol><li><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;">Pour 1/8 cup beef broth on each piece of bread, cut side up.</span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;">Place roast beef and cheese on bottom of sandwich, close up and wrap with foil. Place in oven at 350 for 10 minutes.</span></span></li>
</ol><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;">Makes 4 servings</span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;"> </span></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://i46.photobucket.com/albums/f107/dtthackston/IMG_6978.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://i46.photobucket.com/albums/f107/dtthackston/IMG_6978.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><b><span style="font-size: large;">Cheese Fries</span></b><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;">cooking spray</span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;">2 large uncooked potatoes</span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;">salt</span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;">pepper</span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;">2 ounces low-fat or fat-free cheddar cheese, shredded </span></span><br />
<ol><li><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;">Preheat oven to 400. </span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;">Peel potatoes. Cut potatoes into 1/2-inch strips. Sprinkle with salt and pepper. Spray with cooking spray.</span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;">Place potatoes on a greased cookie sheet and bake for 20 minutes. Toss fries around and bake for another 20 minutes. During final 2 minutes, take fries out of the oven and cover with cheese. </span></span></li>
</ol><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;">Makes 4 servings, </span></span>Traceyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05758105823151764664noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5383332317323586540.post-57768183707966535282010-12-02T19:37:00.000-05:002010-12-02T19:37:53.065-05:00Mexican Cornbread<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://i46.photobucket.com/albums/f107/dtthackston/IMG_6975.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://i46.photobucket.com/albums/f107/dtthackston/IMG_6975.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>1 teaspoon vegetable oil<br />
2 medium jalapeno peppers, seeded, deveined and finely chipped<br />
1/2 cup chopped onion<br />
1/2 cup diced red bell pepper<br />
1 cup minus 1 tablespoon all purpose flour<br />
1 cup uncooked yellow cornmeal<br />
1 tablespoon double-acting baking powder<br />
1 teaspoon salt<br />
1 teaspoon sugar<br />
1 cup drained cooked fresh or frozen corn kernels<br />
1/2 cup low-fat milk<br />
1/2 cup plain nonfat yogurt<br />
1 egg white<br />
<ol><li>Preheat oven to 400. Spray 8" square baking pan with nonstick cooking spray.</li>
<li>In large nonstick skillet, heat oil; add jalapeno peppers, onion and bell pepper. Cook over medium heat, stirring frequently, 8 minutes, until vegetables are tender. Transfer to small bowl; cool to room temperature</li>
<li>Meanwhile in medium bowl, combine flour, cornmeal, baking powder, salt and sugar.</li>
<li>Add corn, milk, yogurt and egg white to onion mixture; stir to combine. Add corn mixture to flour mixture; stir just until combined. Transfer mixture to prepared baking pan; bake 30 minutes, until cornbread pulls away from sides of pan. Transfer pan to wire rack to cool.</li>
</ol>Makes 6 servingsTraceyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05758105823151764664noreply@blogger.com0