Strawberries and Cream

May 22, 2013 By 2 Comments

 

This is probably my absolute favorite summertime dessert. (Well, at least right up there with Blackberry Cobbler & Cherry Cheese Cobbler . . . yum!) I got it from a very sweet lady at our old church fifteen years ago, and I’ve been known to lick the bowl a time or two making sure not to miss an ounce of that yummy cream. If you’re looking for just a fun sweet treat to try out this Memorial Day, I promise. . . this one’s for you.

 

Strawberries and Cream

Ingredients

  1. 8 ozs. cream cheese, softened
  2. large package instant vanilla pudding 
  3. 2 cups milk
  4. 12 ozs. Cool Whip
  5. 1 tsp. vanilla
  6. 1 prepared angel food cake
  7. 1 qt strawberries 
  8. 1 cup blueberries (optional)
  9. 1 tablespoon sugar

Directions

  1. Cream together first five ingredients, if too thick add more milk.
  2. Cut angel food cake in cubes or slices.
  3. Layer half the cake, half the cream, and half the fruit in trifle bowl, then sprinkle with 1/2 tablespoon sugar.
  4. Repeat layers again and serve.

 

Here are a few sales you’ll want to watch for this week on these items (I love the great produce prices on Memorial Day!)

  • Cool Whip 8 oz $.88 at Publix or $1 at Kroger
  • Strawberries $.99 at Aldi or $2.50 at Publix
  • Blueberries $1.99 at Aldi
Let me know if you try this one out ~ I promise you’ll love it!

 

Thanks to I Heart Publix for the coupon matchups, and check out $5 Dinner Mom for more bargain meal deals!  If you need a little more menu inspiration, go HERE. 

Filed Under: Desserts, Meal Deals, menu planning, Recipes, recipes

Menu Plan Monday: Week Of 5/20/13

May 20, 2013 By 2 Comments

 

20120125-185854.jpg

Have you made your menu plan yet for the week? With summer right around the corner (really!), this week is absolutely crazy for us, so we’re keeping it really simple around here. We’re actually doing a little traveling too, so here are my super penny pinched meal ideas for that as well!

 

Do you have anything yummy on your menu plan this week?  I’d love to hear what you’re having, and if you have any great recipe ideas please leave a comment to share!  Also, I could use any suggestions on how to eat frugally while on a road trip ~ leave your comments by clicking HERE.

 

 

Check out my recipes to try board on Pinterest, and see more penny-pinched recipe ideas.  This post is linked up to OrgJunkie’s Menu Plan Monday where you can find lots more menu planning ideas! 

 

Filed Under: Meal Deals, menu planning, Recipes, recipes

Peanut Butter Fudge Iced Brownies

May 15, 2013 By Leave a Comment

Ready to make the yummiest brownies ever? (I knew you were!) This recipe for peanut butter fudge iced brownies is soooo good, and since our weeknight’s have been nuts around here for making new recipes I figured you all could handle a little dessert. ;)

 

I know I know . . . aren’t you glad there’s no time for dinner? Here’s the recipe.

Print
Peanut Butter Fudge Iced Brownies

Ingredients

  • 1 or 2 prepared brownie mixes, depending on how much brownie you want underneath the yummy frosting (If you're planning to bake two, cut your oven temp down to 325, and bake about fifteen minutes longer than the box states)
  • 1 1/2 cups sugar
  • 7 tbsp milk
  • 2 tbsp shortenning
  • 2 tbsp margarine
  • 1/4 tsp salt
  • 1 tsp vanilla
  • 1/2 cup creamy peanut butter

Instructions

  1. Prepare brownies according to package directions and allow to cool completely before beginning icing.
  2. To make icing, combine sugar, milk, shortening, margarine & salt in heavy saucepot on stovetop.
  3. Bring to a rolling boil, stirring conatantly.
  4. After it reaches a rolling boil, continue to boil two more minutes on stove without stirring, until it reaches soft ball stage.
  5. Remove from heat, add vanilla and peanut butter.
  6. Beat until smooth, then quickly spread over completely cooled brownies. This will work in a 9x13 or 8x8 pan, you'll just have more or less frosting.
  7. ****Note: my frosting was a little on the thin side (I'm not sure that I boiled it long enough), so I let it cool in the freezer to thicken up a bit before frosting the brownies. Once it cooled it was perfect, but I was a little unsure to start!
Schema/Recipe SEO Data Markup by ZipList Recipe Plugin
http://passionatepennypincher.com/2013/05/peanut-butter-fudge-iced-brownies/

Brownies just begging to be frosted

 

Shortening-butter-sugar-goo mixing up on the stove


Brownies all iced and ready to go!

 

Here are a few sales that you’ll want to watch for this week on these items if you don’t have them at home: 

  • Starting Sunday at CVS, Skippy Peanut Butter is on sale 2/$5, and you’ll get $5 in ECBs back when you spend $15 (making it $1.67 after the coupon!)
  • Peter Pan Peanut Butter on sale 2/$5 at Winn Dixie or Food Lion

Thanks to Southern Plate for this great recipe!  Thanks to I Heart Publix for the coupon matchups, and check out $5 Dinner Mom for more bargain meal deals!  If you need a little more menu inspiration, go HERE. 

Filed Under: Desserts, Meal Deals, menu planning, Recipes, recipes

Slow Cooker Salsa Chicken

May 15, 2013 By 1 Comment

Find more penny-pinched slow cooker recipes!

 

This Slow Cooker Salsa Chicken recipe has been on my slow-cookin’ Pinterest board forever, but when my friend Mary mentioned last week that she tried it out and loved it, I knew I needed to make it at our house too! And, when I looked over what was in my pantry and fridge yesterday to make dinner, I realized this is one of those simple recipes that calls for ingredients I already had at home. (I love that.)

 

While I love coupon shopping, I absolutely hate making a second trip for things that weren’t on my list the first time around, so if I can find a meal with what I have at home I’m always so happy to try it out. This one was great for a busy weeknight meal, and having Mrs. Potts do the cooking after I spent five minutes filling her up of course makes life easier around here. Let me know what you think if you make it for dinner sometime soon!

Print
Slow Cooker Salsa Chicken

Ingredients

  • 4 boneless skinless chicken breast (can be frozen)
  • 1 cup salsa
  • 1 can condensed cream of chicken soup
  • 1 packet taco seasoning
  • 1/2 cup sour cream
  • tortillas

Instructions

  1. Place chicken in the crock pot.
  2. Sprinkle taco seasoning over chicken.
  3. Mix together soup and salsa and pour over chicken.
  4. Cook on high 3-4 hours or low 6-8 hours.
  5. Shred chicken and mix in sour cream.
  6. Serve on tortillas, or you could use it as a dip with chips or even over rice.
  7. Enjoy!
Schema/Recipe SEO Data Markup by ZipList Recipe Plugin
http://passionatepennypincher.com/2013/05/slow-cooker-salsa-chicken/

 

Here are a few sales that you’ll want to watch for this week on these items if you don’t have them at home: 

 

Recipe adapted from Mostly Homemade Mom.  Thanks to I Heart Publix for the coupon matchups, and check out $5 Dinner Mom for more bargain meal deals!  If you need a little more menu inspiration, go HERE. 

Filed Under: Main Dish, Meal Deals, menu planning, Recipes, recipes, Slow Cooker

Menu Plan Monday: Week Of 5/13/13

May 13, 2013 By 4 Comments

Crockpot Sloppy Joes

 

Have you made your menu plan yet for the week?  We’ve got activities every night this week, so while this is what I’m thinking, I’m not so sure how much will actually get made! (School’s almost out, surely summer will be quieter, right???)

 

Slow Cooker Mac & Cheese

Do you have anything yummy on your menu plan this week?  I’d love to hear what you’re having, and if you have any great recipe ideas please leave a comment to share!  

 

Check out my recipes to try board on Pinterest, and see more penny-pinched recipe ideas.  This post is linked up to OrgJunkie’s Menu Plan Monday where you can find lots more menu planning ideas! 

 

Filed Under: Meal Deals, menu planning, Recipes, recipes

Blueberry Banana Bread

May 8, 2013 By 13 Comments

Find more penny pinched recipes HERE

Homemade Blueberry Banana Bread

I made two loaves of this blueberry Banana Bread today, and oh my heavens it’s just delicious. With blueberries on sale at Publix Buy One Get One Free this week, and bananas at Aldi’s just $.33/lb. (don’t forget many Walmart stores will price match . . .) I just couldn’t wait to try it!

 

My son tried it after school for a snack and gave it rave reviews, which always makes this momma’s day. Here’s how to bake some up for your family ~ save a loaf for yourself and you could even give a loaf away as a teacher’s git.

 


Print
Blueberry Banana Bread

Ingredients

  • 2 cups flour
  • 1 tsp baking soda
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1/2 cup butter
  • 1 cup sugar
  • 2 eggs
  • 2 tsp vanilla
  • 2 ripe bananas, mashed
  • 1 cup fresh blueberries

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 350. Grease 2 medium size loaf pans.
  2. Mix together flour, baking soda and salt.
  3. In mixing bowl, beat butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
  4. Add 1 egg in at a time, then add vanilla.
  5. Add in bananas and then flour mixture until thoroughly combined.
  6. Carefully fold blueberries into batter, pour into loaf pans.
  7. Bake in preheated oven 30-35 minutes, or until toothpick inserted in comes out clean.
  8. Cool on wire pans for 10 minutes, then cool thoroughly on wire racks.
  9. Enjoy!
Schema/Recipe SEO Data Markup by ZipList Recipe Plugin
http://passionatepennypincher.com/2013/05/blueberry-banana-bread/

 

 

This post is linked to Real Kitchen Life & Beyond’s Fabulous Frugal Living.  Recipe adapted from All Recipes.  Thanks to I Heart Publix for the coupon matchups, and check out $5 Dinner Mom for more bargain meal deals!  If you need a little more menu inspiration, go HERE. 

Filed Under: Meal Deals, menu planning, Recipes, recipes

Savory Cream Cheese Chicken Rolls

May 8, 2013 By 2 Comments

Find more penny pinched recipes HERE

 

Do you ever have those nights where you know you’ve got to scoot out the door in a hurry but have handed over a peanut butter and jelly sandwich one too many times that week? This recipe is for exactly that night.

 

 

These Cream Cheese Chicken Rolls are a super easy way to throw together dinner in a pinch, but your family will at least get a hot meal as you race out the door. And of course, since you can’t mess up a Pillsbury crescent roll these are just perfect. (You really can’t. mess. them. up.) ;)

 

They’re also are pretty versatile . . . if I make them again I think I’ll exchange the cream cheese in some of them for shredded cheddar cheese (I’m thinking my kids will like cheddar cheese better) and add some chopped broccoli. We served them with carrot sticks and apples, and headed out the door . . . but definitely beat eating a hamburger at the drive thru!

 

Here’s what how to make them at your house too . . .

 

Print
Crescent Roll Recipe: Cream Cheese Stuffed Chicken Rolls

Crescent Roll Recipe: Cream Cheese Stuffed Chicken Rolls

Ingredients

  • (***Note: this makes 4 large rolls, if you need more you'll want to double the recipe)
  • 3 oz. package cream cheese, softened
  • 1 tablespoon butter, softened
  • 2 cups cooked chicken (I used a large can of canned chicken)
  • 1 tbsp. minced onion
  • 1/4 tsp. salt
  • 1/8 tsp. ground black pepper
  • 2 tbsp. milk
  • 1 package refrigerated crescent rolls
  • 1 tbsp. butter, melted
  • 1/4 cup bread crumbs

Instructions

  1. Mix together cream cheese, butter and cooked chicken with blender.
  2. Stir in minced onion, salt, pepper and milk. Mix well until thoroughly combined.
  3. Open crescent rolls and make into four squares (each square will have two rolls.)
  4. Place 1/4 chicken mixture in the center of the square and pull together corners of dough to make a pocket.
  5. Pinch corners around chicken mixture.
  6. Repeat with remaining 3 squares.
  7. Place on baking sheet, and brush with melted butter, then sprinkle bread crumbs on top.
  8. Bake at 350, for 20-25 minutes, until lightly browned.
  9. Cool and enjoy!
Schema/Recipe SEO Data Markup by ZipList Recipe Plugin
http://passionatepennypincher.com/2013/05/cream-cheese-chicken-rolls/

 

Here are a few sales that you’ll want to watch for this week on these items if you don’t have them at home:

 

  • Bumble Bee Canned Chicken Breast 10 oz BOGO $3.30 at Publix, or use Kroger Boneless Chicken or Tenders 2.5- 3 lb bag $6.99 
  • 4 C Bread Crumb 8-15 oz  BOGO $1.50 at Publix 

Recipe adapted from All Recipes.  Thanks to I Heart Publix for the coupon matchups, and check out $5 Dinner Mom for more bargain meal deals!  If you need a little more menu inspiration, go HERE. 

Filed Under: Main Dish, Meal Deals, menu planning, Recipes, recipes

Menu Plan Monday: Week Of 5/6/13

May 6, 2013 By 4 Comments

Slow Cooker Buffalo Chicken Sliders

 

Have you made your menu plan yet for the week?  As our days seem to be getting more and more busy each day, I decided to start sticking with a very basic menu plan throughout the week that we’ll actually do. (Anyone else feel like that?)  Here’s what I’m planning. . .

 

As you can tell, I’m taking full advantage of the BOGO chicken breast on sale at Publix this week.  Do you have anything yummy on your menu plan this week?  I’d love to hear what you’re having, and if you have any great recipe ideas please leave a comment to share!

 

Check out my recipes to try board on Pinterest, and see more penny-pinched recipe ideas.  This post is linked up to OrgJunkie’s Menu Plan Monday where you can find lots more menu planning ideas! 

 

Filed Under: Meal Deals, menu planning, Recipes, recipes

Chicken Fettucine Alfredo

May 1, 2013 By 2 Comments

Fettucine Alfredo

I don’t know about your family, but my family inhales Fettucine Alfredo at just about any Italian restaurant we visit. Since, I don’t like using the pre-made jars of Alfredo sauce, I  knew there had to be a yummy way to make it at home too, but it’s been awhile since I tried it.

 

This Chicken Fettucine Alfredo was delicious, however it makes a TON of sauce (seriously . . . a LOT), so if you have a smaller family definitely halve the ingredients. (Or do what I did and make the whole recipe and freeze the extras . . . that way you’ll have dinner ready to go the next time your craving Italian!)

 

With all the great deals on chicken this  week, you can bet we’ll be eating a bunch of chicken recipes this week. (Meat prices have been so high lately!)  Serve it up with some homemade bread and a side salad, and you’ve got dinner tonight. Yum!

 

Print
Chicken Fettucine Alfredo

Ingredients

  • 1 1/2 pounds boneless skinless chicken breast, cubed
  • 6 tablespoons butter
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
  • 1 lb. fettuccini pasta
  • 1 large onion, diced
  • 8 oz. package sliced mushrooms
  • 1/3 cup flour
  • 1 tablespoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon pepper
  • 3 cups milk
  • 1 cup half-and-half
  • 3/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 8 ounces shredded Colby-Monterey Jack cheese
  • 1/2 cup sour cream

Instructions

  1. Mix together chicken, 2 tablespoons butter, 2 cloves mixed garlic and Italian seasoning in skillet on stovetop.
  2. Cook over medium heat until chicken is no longer pink. Remove chicken from skillet and set aside.
  3. Meanwhile, bring a large pot of water to boil, and cook according to package directions.
  4. While pasta is cooking, melt 4 tablespoons butter in skillet.
  5. Cook onion, garlic and mushrooms until onions are clear.
  6. Stir in flour, salt and pepper, cook for an additional 2 minutes on low.
  7. Slowly add half and half and milk, stirring constantly until smooth and warmed through.
  8. Stir in Parmesan and Colby Monterey Cheese and stir constantly until cheese is melted.
  9. Cook an additional 1-2 minutes to let sauce thicken (sauce will thicken more upon standing.)
  10. Stir back in chicken mixture and sour cream, and cook over low-medium heat until warmed through.
  11. Serve over fettucine. Enjoy!
Schema/Recipe SEO Data Markup by ZipList Recipe Plugin
http://passionatepennypincher.com/2013/05/chicken-fettucine-alfredo/

 

Here are a few sales that you’ll want to watch for this week on these items if you don’t have them at home:

 

Recipe adapted from All Recipes.  Thanks to I Heart Publix for the coupon matchups, and check out $5 Dinner Mom for more bargain meal deals!  If you need a little more menu inspiration, go HERE. 

Filed Under: Main Dish, Meal Deals, menu planning, Recipes, recipes

Easy Chicken Marinade

May 1, 2013 By 3 Comments


This is probably my favorite time saving tip to get dinner on the table fast, and when we enjoyed some of this chicken over the weekend I knew I had to re-share it with you. The best part is that Publix, Kroger and Winn Dixie all have their boneless skinless chicken breast on sale Buy One Get One Free this week, so it’s a great time to stock up, freeze the chicken in the marinade, and have dinner ready any night you need it.

 

If I see chicken on sale at a really good price, I buy several pounds, mix up the marinade and pour over the chicken, then pop the chicken in the freezer in freezer safe plastic bags. When I know it’s going to be hard to pull dinner together in a hurry, I just put the chicken in the fridge in the morning to thaw, and throw it on the grill or broil it in the oven.

 

Can’t beat that for easy, and it saves us a trip through the drive thru! Here’s the recipe so you can make some too:

Print
Easy Chicken Marinade

Ingredients

  • 4-6 chicken breasts
  • 1/3 cup olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon salt (I usually use coarse Kosher salt, but regular table salt will work fine too)
  • 1/2 teaspoon pepper
  • 1 tablespoon garlic minced
  • 1 teaspoon seasoned salt

Instructions

  1. Poke a few holes in your chicken so that marinade soaks into the meat.
  2. Place chicken in plastic bag, mix remaining ingredients. Pour marinade over chicken.
  3. Refrigerate at least four hours, or freeze until ready to use. (I've frozen it for up to six months.)
  4. If you’re able, thaw out in refrigerator the morning you’re planning to grill it. (You could also thaw in microwave before grilling.)
  5. To grill, cook over medium low heat 6 minutes on each side, or until juices run clear.
  6. To broil, broil on low for 20-30 minutes, until juices run clear.
Schema/Recipe SEO Data Markup by ZipList Recipe Plugin
http://passionatepennypincher.com/2013/05/easy-chicken-marinade/

 

Here’s our penny pinched meal over the weekend . . . I spent just $3.49 to feed our family of five!

 

These are the best prices on chicken that you’ll want to pick up this week:

  • Boneless Skinless Chicken Breast BOGO at Publix – makes it $2.29/lb.
  • Perdue Boneless Skinless Chicken Breast BOGO at Kroger
  • Boneless Skinless Chicken Breast BOGO at Winn Dixie – makes it $1.99/lb.
  • Market Pantry Frozen Boneless Skinless Chicken Breast $5 at Target

This post is linked to Real Kitchen Life & Beyond’s Fabulous Frugal Living. Thanks to I Heart Publix for the coupon matchups, and check out $5 Dinner Mom for more bargain meal deals!  If you need a little more menu inspiration, go HERE. 

Filed Under: Main Dish, Meal Deals, menu planning, Recipes, recipes
« Older Posts