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Do you know what I would give to send you just a whiff of the yummy aroma from my kitchen right over this internet connection?  (Think anyone will ever come up with that one?) Well, if you could smell how heavenly my kitchen smells right now you'd get to cooking, 'cause it feels like Italy in here! 🙂
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As I stood in the front office at my children's school recently chatting coupons with a few other moms, one of the comments that came up (again!) is that it's just not worth clipping coupons because the only groceries bargains you'll snag are on processed foods. Can I just say bahhhhhhummmmbugggg????Â
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Yes, there are tons of deals and coupons on processed foods, but if you're willing to take the time to shop wisely, you can also get some pretty decent deals on just plain food, saving you money as well as providing well for your family! I even substituted Al Fresco Chicken Sausage for this recipe that I purchased a few weeks ago for a whopping dollar after my coupon, which is completely natural with no added fillers . . . you can't beat that!
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And if you shop wisely, there are times that you'll find decent prices on produce.  (Although they're definitely more difficult to come by!) But this week at Publix grab some Green Peppers for $.79/lb., BOGO Fresh Express Salad, Onions for $.99/lb., and Canteloupe for $1.50 (YAYYYYYY!) Like you all mentioned yesterday, produce is undoubtedly what our family struggles to save on more than anything else, however by watching your grocery stores sales ad you should be able to pinch a few pennies even in the produce department!
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Okay, now I'll hop on down from my coupon soap box and share the meal . . .
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Slow Cooker Italian Pasta Bowl
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 pounds sweet Italian Sausage
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$1/1 Reynold's Slow Cooker Liners or $1/1 Reynolds Slow Cooker Liners 1/30/2011 SS Insert
Thanks to I Heart Publix for more coupon matchups, and check out $5 Dinner Mom for more bargain meal deals! If you need a little more menu inspiration, check out the Recipe Index. Join Passionate Penny Pincher on Facebook to keep up with all the meals & deals.
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I made this last night for dinner and here’s the verdict:
I didn’t use the second zucchini because my crock pot was small. I panicked after pouring everything into the bowl, turning around and seeing a cup of red wine sitting on the counter. I couldn’t pour it into the pot or everything would spill out. I just didn’t put it in.
Despite all that, it was delicious! It was warming and hearty and after two bowls I was stuffed (but wanting more). I put some aside to give to my parents later that evening and my father, who is a picky eater, actually asked for more!
I think that all the panic and questions (see above comments) came from my not wanting to experiment with recipes. But my husband pointed out, I have to be fearless somehow. Why not with cooking?
This is a keeper recipe and thank you so much Laurie for answering my questions and sharing this (and other) recipes with us! Thank you, thank you, thank you!
I just poured everything into the slow cooker and realized I still have the cup of red wine vinegar left. Where was I suppose to add that?
Along with the broth ~ hope that helps!
Hi Laurie! Quick question: do we drain the tomatoes before adding them in or is that optional?
Hi Bree! It’s been so long since I made it that I can’t remember (yikes!) Since I didn’t say, I’m assuming they’re supposed to be undrained, but reading through the amount of liquid in the list I’m afraid that will be a lot of juice. So, if I were doing it again, I’d probably drain off a little of the liquid (a few teaspoons?) and keep the rest. (How embarrassing that I don’t remember ~ ugh!)
I would like to try your recipe, but you did not list how much tomatoes in your ingredients list.
Thanks Kristine – I added it!