Frugal recipe exchange - anyone interested?

[pcrowder]

After going to the store today and seeing the skyrocketing prices, I'm figuring I'm going to have to start making 99% of the stuff we eat from scratch. We call it "eating poor", although d/h says when we "eat poor", everything tastes better.

So, what I was thinking - maybe we could each post some of our frugal recipes on here for others to share? I know I get sick of the "same old, same old" all the time, and am looking for some new ones.

I'll start with one of mine, and will add more if you guys are interested, and would LOVE to have some of yours!


WACKY CAKE


1 ½ CUP FLOUR
1 CUP WHITE SUGAR
3 TABLESPOONS COCOA POWDER
1 TABLESPOON VINEGAR
1 Teaspoon BAKING SODA
½ Teaspoon SALT
6 TABLESPOONS MELTED SHORTENING OR COOKING OIL
1 Teaspoon vanilla

MIX WELL IN UNGREASED BAKING DISH. *COVER WITH 1 CUP (MEASURE CAREFULLY) COLD WATER. *STIR WELL AND BAKE 35 MINS AT 350 DEGREES. *FROST IN BAKING DISH AS CAKE IS SO SOFT IT WILL BREAK IF REMOVED. *SERVE WARM WITH HOMEMADE ICE CREAM OR WHIPPED CREAM, IF DESIRED.

[mom2]

Great post - surprised more haven't joined in

We love ranch dressing and I like the old fashioned kind made with buttermilk

Ranch style dressing mix

1/8 t. garlic powder
1/2 t. pepper
1/2 t. onion powder
1/2 minced onion
1/2t accent (I always omit this)
1/2 t. dried parsley
1 cup. Mayo
1 cup buttermilk

I can't tell the difference between this and the packaged mix that costs well over $1.00. We buy all of these spices at Sams in large containers so this mix costs just a few cents to mix up.

I used to have a small cookbook that was all mixes, don't know where it went or even remember the name of it. is anyone familiar with it.

[rivahmom]

Cheese Burger and Fries Casserole

1 lbs Ground beef browned seasoned to taste (I use steak seasoning and whorchestershire(sp) sauce)
5-6 diced potatoes lightly fried
velvetta cheese (or real cheese just add a little milk to make it creamy)
1 can of diced tomatoes (use salsa for a kick)
1 can Mushroom
1 fried onion
Bread Crumbs

Mix Beef, Potatoes, mushrooms, onions, tomato, and add to a casserole. chunk the cheese on top and mix a little through out. Top with bread crumbs. Bake 350 degrees for 30 min or until done. I top with sour cream or mayo and some lettuce. It taste like eating a burger without the bun.

[dearg]

Love this thread, great idea.

Thanks for the recipes, just printed them out. ;D

Here's one I'm sure you have but I use it a lot.

I use the buttermilk and keep it sealed up tight in the fridge.

Baking Mix

* 4 1/4 cups all purpose flour
* 2 tablespoons baking powder
* 1 1/2 teaspoons salt
* 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
* 1 teaspoon cream of tartar
* 3/4 cup instant nonfat dry milk (or buttermilk powder if you prefer)
* 1 cup plus 2 tablespoons shortening

Combine everything but the shortening and mix well with a wire whisk. Use a pastry blender or a heavy duty mixer to cut in the shortening until it is mixed in thoroughly.

Store in airtight container. Use like any store bought baking mix to make pancakes, muffins, waffles, and biscuits.

Use within 10-12 weeks.
Pancakes

* 2 cups baking mix
* 1 2/3 cup milk (more if you like thinner pancakes)
* 1 egg

Waffles

* 2 cups baking mix
* 1 egg
* 1 2/3 cup milk
* 2 tablespoons oil

Biscuits

* 2 cups baking mix
* 2/3 cup milk

Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Combine mix and milk until the dough is stiff and sticky. Knead it on a floured board 8 to 10 times. Roll out until it is 1/2" thick and cut into circles. If you don't have biscuit cutters, use a glass or can. Bake 10 to 15 minutes. Makes about twelve 2" biscuits.

[rivahmom]

Chicken Parmesan Casserole
This is what I use my home canned darkmeat chicken on.

Jar of chicken lightly heated and mixed with parmesan and bread crumbs to coat.
Jar of Spagetti Sauce
Cooked Pasta (I prefer Penne)
Italian cheeses like mozzerella and especially parmesan.


Layer pasta, sauce, chicken, touch of more sauce and lots of cheese. Cook 350 until the cheese is melted and it is warm throughout. This normally goes pretty quick so ration for frugalness. ;)

[pcrowder]

CHUNKY PEACH PANCAKE SYRUP

TAKE DESIRED AMOUNT OF PEELED, STONED, SLICED OR CHOPPED PEACHES. *SPRINKLE LIBERALLY WITH SUGAR, ADD WATER TO ALMOST COVER. *COOK UNTIL SOFT. RUN THROUGH SIEVE OR BLENDER TO PUREE.
RETURN TO KETTLE AND BRING TO BOILING. *ADD ENOUGH WATER TO MAKE DESIRED SYRUP CONSISTENCY (WE LIKE IT RATHER THICK, LIKE A RUNNY PEACH BUTTER). *POUR INTO HOT JARS AND ADD 1/2 VITAMIN C TABLET TO EACH JAR (KEEPS IT FROM TURNING BROWN.) *SEAL JARS AND WATERBATH FOR 15 MINUTES.

NOW--IF YOU NEED PANCAKE SYRUP IN A HURRY, YOU CAN ALWAYS ADAPT THIS RECIPE -- YOU CAN USE A PINT JAR OF HOME-CANNED PEACHES, OR AT THE VERY LEAST, A CAN OF STORE-BOUGHT PEACHES. *JUST DRAIN THE JUICE OFF THE PEACHES INTO A BOWL, RUN THE PEACHES THROUGH THE BLENDER OR FOOD PROCESSOR, AND ADD WHATEVER JUICE YOU NEED TO MAKE IT THE DESIRED CONSISTENCY. ADD SOME CINNAMON AND NUTMEG IF DESIRED.*HEAT AND SERVE. *

ALSO - YOU CAN, IN A PINCH, HEAT UP A LITTLE APPLE OR PEACH OR PLUM OR PEAR OR PUMPKIN BUTTER, ADD A LITTLE WATER TO THIN IT, AND DO THE SAME WITH IT. *YOU CAN MAKE A PANCAKE SYRUP OUT OF ALMOST ANYTHING IF YOU NEED SOME IN *A HURRY!

*********ALL OF THESE PANCAKE SYRUPS ARE WONDERFUL OVER WHOLE WHEAT PANCAKES.

[elemay17]

The easiest/cheapest recipe I know:

1 Package Stuffing (Homemade or store)
1/2 C. Milk
1 C. Cheddar Cheese Shredded
1 Can Cream of Chicken Soup
1 Pint Canned Chicken
1 Bag (about 14oz.) of frozen broccoli or fresh

Make stuffing as directed on box.
Boil Broccoli until tender
Mix Broccoli, Cheese, Soup, Milk, and Chicken in a Casserole dish, top with stuffing and bake at 375 until warm, melty and delicious! (I use canned chicken because it is already cooked through, if you use fresh I would cook it before baking it)

PS: Love the thread!

[pcrowder]

Oatmeal Pancakes

2 cups milk
1 tsp salt (less if desired)
1 ½ cup raw oats
2 tablespoons sugar
1 cup flour (white or light wheat)
2 beaten eggs
2 ½ tsp baking powder
1/3 cup cooking oil or melted shortening

Pour milk over oats and let stand 10 mins. *Sift together flour, baking powder, salt, and sugar. *Add sifted dry ingredients stir in oil and eggs. *Bake on lightly greased griddle until golden brown. *Serve hot with syrup, jam, jelly, or preserves. Makes 10 –12 pancakes.

[pcrowder]

APPLESAUCE RAISIN NUT BREAD

1 cup brown sugar
2 teaspoons soda
1 stick margarine or butter
2 teaspoons cloves
1 ½ cups applesauce
¾ tsp cinnamon
2 cups white flour
1 cup chopped walnuts
1 cup raisins

Cream sugar and butter. Add remainder of ingredients with the nuts and raisins being added last.
Bake at 350 degrees in greased and floured pan for one hour.
Makes 1 large loaf.

[TNDadx4]

This is a great idea for a thread :)

Here is ours. My dw was in the hospital and a friend from church made this for us and the family loved it. I hope you all do, too.

KING RANCH CHICKEN
1/4 cup margarine (or butter)
1 med. green bell pepper, chopped
1 med. onion, chopped
1 can (10-3/4 oz.) condensed cream of mushroom soup ( I have also replaced this will celery soup as well)
1 can (10-3/4 oz.) condensed cream of chicken soup (I vary this recipe,
by using 2 cans of the cream of chicken, versus using the mushroom
soup)
1 can (10 oz.) Extra Hot or Milder Ro-tel or generic diced tomatoes
2 cups cubed cooked chicken
12 corn tortillas, torn into bite-sized pieces (I end up using more
than this, about 18 )
2 cups (8 oz) shredded cheddar cheese

In a large saucepan, cook pepper and onion in melted margarine, until
tender-about 5 min. Add soup, Rotel and chicken, stirring until
well blended. In a 13x9x2-inch baking pan, alternately layer tortillas,
soup mixture and then cheese, repeating for 3 layers, ending with cheese.
Bake 40 min. or until hot and bubbling. Serves 8


Really easy to double the batch and freeze mixture for later….just leave out the tortilla shells

[reedb66]

Does any one like potato soup ? This recipe is fast and cheap and tastes pretty good


6 cups water
2 cups milk
1 cut up onion
1 16 oz bag frozen peas or what ever veggie you like in soup
1 cup fake or real bacon bits
cut up some ham sandwhich meat if you want and add to it
instant potato flakes ( add to thicken to your liking )
salt and pepper to taste
put everything in pot and cook together till boiling then add potato flakes till thickened to your liking serve it up and enjoy.

The nice parts are its guick and easy (under 10 min) you can vary the size and the ingredients to your liking and it will fill you right up ;D

Reed

[pcrowder]

Crock Pot PHEASANT STEW –

TAKES 10 minutes to prepare, 8 hours to cook

1 or 2 pheasants , cut up into pieces (or any other game bird)
Salt, pepper and paprika to taste
1 c. sour cream
1 c. cream of mushroom soup
1/4 tsp. Worcestershire sauce
2 tbsp. instant onions or 2 large onions, chopped

Season cut up meat. Mix sour cream, soup and Worcestershire sauce. Add instant onions. Cook in slow cooker on low for 8 hours.

[pcrowder]

Crock Pot Venison Barbecue –

takes 10 mins to prepare, 8 hrs to cook.

3 lbs. boneless venison chunks
1 lg. onion
1/2 c. green pepper, chopped
Water
2 tsp. instant beef bouillon
1 (10 to 11 oz.) can tomato soup
1/4 c. Worcestershire sauce
1 tsp. garlic powder
1 tsp. dry mustard
1 tsp. thyme
1 tbsp. paprika
2 tbsp. brown sugar
Hamburger or Onion Buns

Remove fat from meat and place mat in crock pot. Add onion, green pepper and water to cover. Add bouillon. Slow cook on LOW until meat is well done and shreds easily with a fork. Let water cook down to about 1/2 cup of liquid. Add rest of ingredients and stir to mix. Simmer for about 1 hour, stirring occasionally. Meat should be pretty well shredded by the end of the cooking time. Spoon over toasted bun halves to serve.

[pcrowder]

GREEN TOMATO PIE


Chop 2 cups green tomatoes. Cover with water and bring to boil. Boil briefly. Drain. Add to tomatoes:

½ cup brown sugar
2tablespoons white vinegar
½teaspoon cinnamon
½cup chopped raisins
3tablespoons melted butter
½teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon ground cloves
¼teaspoon mace

Line 9” pie plate with pie pastry. Fill with tomato filling, and top with 2nd crust. Slash to let steam escape. Bake at 375 for 40 minutes.

[mom2]

pcrower, I am gaining weight just reading your recipies.

cream of broccoli or cauliflower soup - great when it's cold

boil either fresh or frozen in just enough water to cover until done
add canned milk, salt, pepper to taste and a big chunk of velveta cheese - to taste. When it's hot and the cheese is melted - it's ready

[pcrowder]

mom2 - that sounds yummy! I do have some velveeta, but I'm out of brocolli, but have to go to town tomorrow, and will get some.

Another good brocolli recipe is:

get 2 of the small boxes of chopped brocolli (or 1 bag).
Cook in a little via microwave or on the stove still almost done. Drain off water and set aside in case you need it after the next step.
Take TWO 8 oz pkgs cream cheese, some onion powder to taste (or finely chopped onions), and a little milk (or the rest of the water from above) to make it thin enough to stir with a wooden spoon (a very thick paste consistency). *Mix with the chopped brocolli and put in a baking dish. Cover with buttered bread crumbs if desired. Bake at 350 till heated through. It is sooo good! I've had people who HATED brocolli beg for more!

[GoodDaughter]

...........

[pcrowder]

EVERYONE NOTE: I edited my brocolli/cream cheese recipe above to read TWO 8-oz pkgs of cream cheese! Sorry - my fingers are arthritic today!

[ShaunaRB]

All the above recipes sound delicious!! * I actually have a frugal recipes folder, but it's along a different line of thinking. *They are recipes to help save money on "treats" or everyday items at the grocery store. *Not sure if anyone is interested, but here are a couple...

Chocolate Syrup

* ** * 1 cup cocoa powder
* ** 2 cups sugar
* ** 1/4 teaspoon salt
* ** 1 cup cold water
* ** 1 tablespoon vanilla extract

Directions
* * *Combine cocoa and sugar and blend until all lumps of cocoa are gone.
* * *Add water and salt and mix well.
* * *Cook over medium heat, bringing it to a boil.
* * *Remove from heat once it boils.
* * *When cool, add vanilla (or much of the flavor boils away).
* * *Store in the fridge.

Pan Release (Pam)

* ** * 1/2 cup corn oil or canola oil or vegetable oil
* ** 1/2 cup vegetable shortening, room temperature (Crisco shortening is good)
* ** 1/2 cup all-purpose flour

Directions

* * *Place all ingredients in a mixing bowl.
* * *Using an electric mixer beat until mixture has increased in volume slightly and resembles marshmallow cream.
* * *Place in a container with a lid and store on the counter or in a cupboard (in hot weather it may be refrigerated).
* * *The mixture tends to separate slightly upon sitting in your cupboard or refrigerator so mix before using, then brush pans using a pastry brush or a clean paper towel.


Homemade Marshmallows

* ** * 2 1/2 tablespoons unflavored gelatin
* ** 1/2 cup cold water
* ** 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
* ** 1 cup light corn syrup
* ** 1/4 teaspoon salt
* ** 1/2 cup water
* ** 2 tablespoons pure vanilla extract
* ** confectioners' sugar (for dusting)

Directions
* * *Combine gelatin and 1/2 cup cold water in the bowl of an electric mixer with whisk attachment.
* * *Let it stand 30 minutes.
* * *Combine granulated sugar, corn syrup, salt, and 1/2 cup of water in a small heavy saucepan; place over low heat and stir until sugar has dissolved.
* * *Wash down sides of pan with a wet pastry brush to dissolve sugar crystals.
* * *Clip on candy thermometer; raise heat to high.
* * *Cook syrup without stirring until it reaches 244° (firm ball stage)
* * *Immediately remove pan from heat.
* * *With mixer on low speed, slowly and carefully pour syrup into the softened gelatin.
* * *Increase speed to high; beat until mixture is very thick and white and has almost tripled in volume, about 15 minutes.
* * *Add vanilla; beat to incorporate.
* * *Generously dust an 8x12 inch glass baking pan with confectioners' sugar.
* * *Pour marshmallow mixture into pan.
* * *Dust with confectioners' sugar; let stand over night uncovered, to dry out.


Homemade Gel Pack

* ** * 3 cups water
* ** 1 cup rubbing alcohol

Directions

* * *Mix, then seal in a freezer bag, then encase in a second bag.
* * *Place in the freeze
* * *Note: The more alcohol you use, the softer the pack will be, making it more gentle on injuries than an ice pack.

[Thyme]

Casserole
1-16 ounce container sour cream
1-can cream of chicken soup
1-bag salad croutons, any flavor
1-16 ounce bag frozen chopped brocolli
1- pint jar of turkey or chicken, drained of liquid

Mix all ingredients together in glass dish , microwave 20 minutes or until top is lightly browned.
can also be cooked in oven 50 minutes, 350 degrees.

[Teg]

PEACH COBBLER

1 cup self rising flour
1 cup milk (skim or regular)
1 cup Splenda or Sugar
1 can peaches in own juice
Butter flavored Pam

Mix first 3, fold in peaches, pour into greased (Pam) dish and then give a light spray of Pam on top. Bake in 375 degree oven for 30-35 minutes or until golden brown

6 servings

[TNDadx4]

Awesome recipes! Thanks everyone!

I am going to get some more from my wife.

Teg - I was looking for a Peach Cobbler for our Youth Pastor. Thanks!

[Cil]

This is a recipe my stepfather found and I like it better than regular potato salad.

Mediterrainin Style Potato Salad

All measurement depend on the quanity you want. This is the basics.

4-5 lbs. red potatoes. peeled, cooked to for tender, not mushy, and cut into bit sized pieces
1/2 c. olive oil
Juice of 1-2 lemons
1-2 fresh parsley, chopped
1 meduim can sliced black olives
1 medium jar green olive with pimentos. chopped
Salt and pepper to taste

Mix all together and refrigerate at least 3 hours. Then about an hour before serving, bring to room temperature.

This recipe you do not have to worry about food poisoning since there is no mayo in this recipe.

[CanNerd]

This recipe you do not have to worry about food poisoning since there is no mayo in this recipe.
Except for the potatoes, oil, fresh parsley, olives, and pimentos. ;D Some mayo, like Hellman's, will actually protect potato salads from spoilage.

Good recipe though.

[GoodDaughter]

Hey, does anyone have a truly good recipe for crockpot stuffing? If so, could you please post it?

[CanNerd]

I don't know about truly good, but here is a recipe:

http://southernfood.about.com/od/stuffingrecipes/r/bl104c14.htm

[Teg]

Teg - I was looking for a Peach Cobbler for our Youth Pastor. Thanks!




Glad to be of help, I hope they like it.

[ShaunaRB]

Hey, does anyone have a truly good recipe for crockpot stuffing? If so, could you please post it?
I've used this recipe for the past 3 years. My family refuses to eat StoveTop anymore.


Crockpot Stuffing

* 1 cup butter or margarine
* 2 cups chopped onions
* 2 cups chopped celery
* 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
* 12 ounces sliced mushrooms
* 12 cups dry bread cubes
* 1 teaspoon poultry seasoning
* 1 1/2 teaspoons dried sage
* 1 teaspoon dried thyme
* 1/2 teaspoon dried marjoram
* 1 1/2 teaspoons salt
* 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
* 4 1/2 cups chicken broth
* 2 eggs, beaten

Directions

Melt butter or margarine in a skillet over medium heat. Cook onion, celery, mushroom, and parsley in butter, stirring frequently.
Spoon cooked vegetables over bread cubes in a very large mixing bowl. Season with poultry seasoning, sage, thyme, marjoram, and salt and pepper. Pour in enough broth to moisten, and mix in eggs. Transfer mixture to slow cooker, and cover.
Cook on High for 45 minutes, then reduce heat to Low, and cook for 4 to 8 hours.


To make the slow cooker stuffing in the oven, prepare as directed using the full amount of broth. Transfer to a 9x13 inch baking dish or other large casserole dish. Bake uncovered for 45 minutes to 1 hour at 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). This recipe is designed for use in a standard 4 quart slow cooker. Larger slow cookers will also work.

Hope this helps! ;)

[Southerngirl]

Our version of Potato soup, inexpensive and easy.......

Potatoes (as many as it takes to fill a large pot)
butter
milk
seasonings, I use pepper and garlic seasonings (whatever you like)
1/2 diced onion

I cut up the potatoes into small chunks (the smaller you cut the chunks the quicker it cooks), fill with water and I add one stick of butter, cook until the potatoes are soft enough to get a fork through, drain off the water. Add the diced onions, add milk to cover the potatoes and simmer on low heat until it reaches the desired thickness that you want.
I add cream of mushroom soup to my bowl (hubby doesn't like it) and it's really a good flavor!

Quick and easy and inexpensive. A huge pot can be served as left overs later or the next day.
We added baked beans to the soup the next day or veggies to make another meal out of it.
Southerngirl

[pcrowder]

PAT'S KLONDIKE STEW

1 CAN WHOLE KERNEL CORN, DRAINED
2 CANS SCOTCH BROTH OR VEG. BEEF SOUP
1/2 C. WATER
1 LB. VENISON, ELK OR CARIBOU HAMBURGER, BROWNED & DRAINED*
1 ONION, FINELY CHOPPED
4-5 POTATOES, DICED

*YOU CAN USE BEEF HAMBURGER, IF THAT'S ALL YOU HAVE.

COMBINE ALL INGREDIENTS, COOK UNTIL POTATOES ARE DONE.

[pcrowder]

TOMATO SOUP SPICE CAKE

2 cups white flour
1 1/3 cup white sugar
4 teaspoons baking powder
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 ¾ teaspoon allspice
1 ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
¾ teaspoon ground cloves
1 can (10 ¾ oz) tomato soup (you can use generic, but Campbells is best)
½ cup shortening or cooking oil
2 eggs
¼ cup water
1 cup raisins
1 cup chopped walnuts

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Grease and flour a 13 x 9 pan. Mix dry ingredients in large bowl. Add soup and shortening/oil. Beat on medium speed with mixer for 2 mins., or 300 strokes by hand. Add eggs and water. Beat 2 more mins. Pour into pan. Bake for 35-40 mins until done. Frost with cream cheese or white frosting, adding colored sugars to the top of the frosting if desired.

[pcrowder]

FOIL BAKED CHICKEN

1/3 C. VINEGAR
1/3 C CATSUP
1/4 C BROWN SUGAR
2 tbls WORCHEST. SAUCE
2 TBLS LEMON JUICE
6# CHICKEN PIECES

2 TSP EACH OF THE FOLLOWING:

SALT,
PAPRIKA,
CHILI POWDER,
DRY MUSTARD

COMBINE ALL INGREDIENTS EXCEPT CHICKEN. ADD 1/2 C WATER. LINE BAKING DISH WITH FOIL.
ADD CHICKEN, POURING SAUCE OVER TOP. SEAL UP TOP OF FOIL.
BAKE AT 400 FOR 45 MINS.
OPEN FOIL, BAKE FOR 15 MINS TO BROWN.
8 SERVINGS.

[Teg]

SWEET POTATO CASSEROLE

3 cups mashed sweet potatoes (bake them, cool them and mash them)
4 egg whites
1 cup Splenda or Sugar
1/2 cup canned pumpkin (not the pumpkin pie mix)
1 tsp vanilla
1/2 cup regular or fat-free milk

Topping:
1/4 cup brown sugar
1/4 cup chopped pecans

Preheat oven to 350. Mix sweet potatoes, egg whites, Splenda, pumpkin, vanilla and milk together until smooth. Spray a casserole dish with cooking spray. Pour sweet potato mixture into the dish. Combine the brown sugar and pecans and sprinkle on the top of the sweet potato mixture. Bake for 30 minutes.

[pcrowder]

This is going great! * ;D *Hope we can get even MORE recipes going! I know I'm sure sick of cooking the "same old, same old" all the time! *Wow! At this rate, we'll be eating new and improved for quite awhile at my house!!! *;D

[quiltlover]

This was a favorite of my kids:

Brown a little bit of ground beef with lots of onion, add a can of rinsed kidney beans and two cans of Vegetarian Vegetable soup (has to be vegetarian--the flavor is better than Veg. Beef!). Add only about 3/4 can of water to this and simmer a while; serve it over rice or mashed potatoes. This is also good served over baking powder biscuits.

________

Another favorite: Migas

Tear up some corn tortillas into some hot oil in a skillet and fry till nice and golden; you can also add some ham. Add beaten eggs and scramble it all up till cooked. Top with grated cheese. Use any amounts of tortillas and eggs that you want.

-----------------

And here's one that my mom did: Thicken up a couple cans of chicken noodle soup (mixed with a little milk) with a cornstarch/milk slurry (or do the same to one of those Mrs. Grass or Liptons chicken noodle soup envelopes), add a little powdered boullion for extra flavor, and serve over toast strips or baking powder biscuits. This is REALLY YUM!

[Teg]

DELUXE MEATLOAF

2 eggs lightly beaten
1 cup seasoned bread crumbs
1-1/2 cups ketchup, divided (mix half rest on top)
1 can 16 oz, kidney beans, rinsed, drained & mashed
1 large onion & 1 celery rib chopped
2 teaspoons of Worchester sauce
1 teaspoon lemon pepper seasoning
1/2 teaspoon seasoned salt
2-1/2 lbs of ground beef
1/2 cup of water

In a large bowl combine the eggs, 1 cup ketchup, beans, bread crumbs, onion, celery, Worchester sauce, lemon-pepper and seasoned salt; crumble beef over mixture and mix well. Shape into two loaves. Place in a 13x9x2 inch baking dish coated with nonstick cooking spray. Combine the remaining ketchup with the water and pour oven the loaves, Bake uncovered at 325 degrees for 70 minutes.

12 servings

[Katrina-Sisu]

We eat mostly vegetarian so here are some vegetarian recipes that we like. (Meat is so danged expensive up here.)

Sweet Broccoli Stirfry
http://vegetarian.about.com/od/sidevegetabledishes/r/broccolisweet.htm

Scrambled Rice

http://www.hillbillyhousewife.com/scrambledrice.htm

Hot Dog Casserole (not vegetarian but can be made that way)

http://www.bettycrocker.com/recipes/recipe.aspx?recipeId=37096

Easy Vege Pie

http://www.bettycrocker.com/recipes/recipe.aspx?recipeID=34588&Source=SearchResultPage

Kat

[Katrina-Sisu]

Here is one that is a favorite of Hubby and I, SOS made with tuna and peas.

I made a basic white sauce (1.5 cups usually) (salt and pepper to your liking) and then I add cheese until it just tastes cheesey enough. I use Edam since it's cheap up here but American cheese or whatever will work.

Add 1 can drained tuna and about 1/2 cup of peas and mix up. Heat through and serve over bread or biscuits.

It's super frugal and sort of a junk food for Hubby and I :).

Kat

[firegirl969]

One Dish Meal

1 lb ground meat, browned
1/2 diced onion
2 cans mixed veggies
1 can whole kernal corn
1 can sweet peas
1 can green beans
2 cans tomatoes
box of elbow macarroni
salt and pepper to taste

Mix all together and cook till pasta is done. Amounts and list of veggies can be changed to suit tastes.

We have cooked this on our woodburning stove with ease.

[Southerngirl]

We made this for lunch today and even the kids liked it!

Cooked chicken cut up
cooked rice, however many servings you need
1 or 2 cans of generic vegetable soup.

We mixed them together and it gave them a really good taste.
Was quick and easy.

[firegirl969]

Southerngirl,

I make a similar recipe but use a cream of whatever soup and put grated cheddar cheese on top to make a casserole. Great way to use up leftovers.

[Teg]

BANANA OATMEAL COOKIES

1 1/2 cups flour
1/4 cup sugar or splenda
1/2 tsp. baking soda
1 tsp. salt
3/4 cup plain yogurt (or you can use applesauce)
1 egg
1 cup ripe bananas, mashed
1 3/4 cup uncooked Quaker Quick rolled oats

Combine flour, sweetener, baking soda, and salt in a large bowl. Stir in yogurt or applesauce with a fork until the mixture looks like fine crumbs. Beat the egg. Stir the egg and the rest of the ingredients into the flour mixture. Beat well. Drop by teaspoonfuls onto a greased cookie sheet. Bake at 400 degrees for about 12 minutes or until brown.

[pcrowder]

Pinto Bean Fudge
1 - 15-oz. can pinto beans, drained and rinsed
3/4 c. melted butter
1 c. cocoa
1 T. vanilla
1 c. chopped pecans (optional)
2 pounds powdered sugar

Puree beans until smooth. *Heat through. *Add melted margarine, cocoa and vanilla. *Mix in powdered sugar slowly. *Add nuts, if desired. *Press into 9x13-inch greased pan. *Store in the refrigerator.

[idris]

Anzac Biscuits

Traditional biscuits baked by anxious wives and mothers during World War I, packed in food parcels, and sent to the Australian soldiers in the trenches.


INGREDIENTS
1 cup rolled oats
3/4 cup desiccated coconut
1 cup plain flour
1 cup sugar
125g (4oz) butter
2 tablespoons golden syrup*
1/2 teaspoon bicarbonate of soda
1 tablespoon water

Preheat oven to 300F (150C)

Mix oats, flour, sugar and coconut together.
Melt syrup and butter together.
Mix soda with boiling water and add to melted butter and syrup.
Add to dry ingredients.
Place 1 tablespoonfuls of mixture on greased tray (allow room for spreading).
Bake for 20 minutes.
Loosen while warm, cool on trays.
(makes about 35)
*made from sugar: sounds about the same as seen in BHM 117.
A traditional treat in Australia & New Zealand:
and very tasty, and long-lasting. My mother's uncle would have gotten his on the Western Front.

[Katrina-Sisu]

I forgot one of my favorite very easy, VERY good casserole recipes. I don't take credit for the recipe but I put my own spin on it.

Take hashed tater pieces in the bottom of a casserole dish, about 2-3 cups or more for a bigger family. Then add about 1/2 cup of onions and bits of hotdog chopped up. Then add about 1/2 cup or 1 cup of cheese sauce or your favorite sauce.

Do the same layering again, taters, onions, hotdogs and then the rest of the sauce. I put some black pepper on top of the sauce.

Cook at 190C or 350F for about an hour until the top get bubbly. VERY good and we like it with a side of teriyaki veges.

You can substitute anything in place of hotdogs, I've used bacon before and it works great. I make our own cheese sauce with Edam and it comes out okay.

Kat

[Katrina-Sisu]

If you have a really large family or would like to cook and freeze, the Duggars have tons of recipes.

http://www.duggarfamily.com/recipes.html

Kat

[CanNerd]

Cook in microwave 20 minutes or until top is lightly browned???

[Katrina-Sisu]

Cook in microwave 20 minutes or until top is lightly browned???


If it's about my recipe I have no clue lol, I haven't cooked it in a microwave. I do it in the oven but it reheats well in the microwave.

Kat

[MIKENSUE]

HARD TIME CAKE ( from Gramma)

1C. brown sugar
1C. boiling water
1 C. raisins
1/3 C. Lard
1 1/2 C. flour
1/4 t. cinnamon
1/8 t. cloves
1/4 t. ginger
1/4 t. allspice
1 t. baking powder
1 1/2 t. vanilla
1/4 t. nutmeg

Boil sugar, lard, water, and raisins together for one minute. Cool to lukewarm. Sift in remaining ingredients, bake at 350 degrees until knife insterted in center comes out clean. Frost with chocolate frosting.



PUDDING CAKE

Cut 2 T. butter into 1 C. flour. Add 3/4 C. sugar, 1/2 t. salt, 2 t/ baking powder, and 2 T. cocoa.
Add 1/2 C. milk,1 t. Vanilla and beat well. Add 1/2 C. chopped nuts if desired.
Place in greased and floured 8x8 pan.
Mix together 1/2 C. sugar, 1/2 C. brown sugar and 2 T. cocoa. sprinkle over batter. Then pur 1 C. boiling water over thetop and bake 45 minutes at 350 degrees. Serve warm, plain, with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream.


Please note that neither recipe calls for eggs. These were used in the winter when eggs were short, but everyone still wanted a treat.

Sue

[tufhelp]

Sue is there any flour in the Hard Times cake?

[MIKENSUE]

Oh my gosh! Thank you for pointing that out. Stupid me, I went in and modified it. THanks again.

Sue

[Mom5farmboys]

What a great idea!!

I make homemade yogurt in my crock pot, its so easy. I've never had a batch yet that didn't turn out right, and I'v been doing this about 6 months now. I have 5 boys and we eat a lot of smoothies, this is great for that.

CROCK POT YOGURT

2 quarts milk (you can use any kind, whole or skim, I usually use reconstituted powdered milk)

Put milk in crock pot and turn on low. Let "cook" 2 1/2 hours.

Turn crock pot off.

Let sit 3 hours.

Stir in 1 cup yogurt. The kind with live active cultures. I usually use plain or vanilla. Whisk in until completely dissolved

Return cover to crock. Wrap in heavy bath towel and place in a warm area. Let sit 8 hours or overnight. Refrigerate 4 hours before serving.

I have a few more frugal recipes to post, but I don't have time to look them up right now. But I'll post more later.

[Teg]

CREAMED CORN PANCAKES


1 16oz can creamed corn
3 heaping tablespoons of flour
1 egg
1 tsp. baking powder

Combine all ingredients. Spray a skillet with cooking spray and heat. Pour 1/4 cup corn batter onto the hot skillet. Fry until golden brown. Turn over and brown other side. Salt lightly and serve.

[Bootz]

Wow guys! I cannot afford to make most of these recipes. Cheese and creamed soups are expensive.

I haven't made the pudding cake in awhile and lost the recipe in my last move. I'm really thankful for that one. It tastes so rich without rich ingredients. Well if I skip the nuts :-)

My mom made that hotwater spice cake, I think. I don't have all the spices, but will maybe try a bland version with oil, when I run out of eggs. I hit a lucky sale last week.

I think I'm going to try and make a casserole with a white sauce, chopped, hardboiled eggs, a can of veggies and some pasta and some type of topping of stale bread.

I have a few potatoes going bad. I'm not sure if I want to try and make soup or a shepherds pie.

I haven't cooked much since my last move and I lost a lot of my ultra cheap recipes. I have learned the need to type out recipes and save them to the USB thumb drive that I keep copies of all my personal and medical records on. Ultra cheap recipes are right up there with a copy of a tax return. Not easily replaced.

I think my old potato soup recipe had chicken bullion, powdered milk and dillweed in it, instead of butter and meat. I found some dillweed for $1.00 in the ethnic foods aisle and bought it. I think maybe it had some onion too. Well I'm off to the kitchen to experiment.

[Cil]

I personally like what I call "The Whatever Soup"

Ingredients:

WHATEVER is on hand.

Season to taste

Cook for at least 2 hours.

How easy is that?

[Bootz]

What are your basic broths for "whatever soup".

Chicken bullion, powdered milk and potatoes in the soup, make chowder broth.

A can of tomatoes can make a broth.

vegetables and meat will make a broth.

I don't have this mastered at all, but beans make a broth.

Barley makes a broth right? What about other grains?

[zbery1]

Flatten out 1/2 to 1lb of uncooked bulk sausage in the bottom of a 9x9 pan or comparable baking dish.

Whisk together until smooth-
2 eggs
1 C milk
1C flour

Pour mixture over sausage
Bake at 400 for 20-30 minutes, until golden brown.

I always served this with green beans, very filling and the kids loved it

[Mom5farmboys]

YOUR BAKED BEANS

48 oz canned Great Northern Beans
1 1/2 lbs Chop Suey Meat
salt/pepper
1 14oz bottle ketchup
3 TBL prepared Mustard
1/4 lg sweet onion-minced

In 3 quart casserole, combine and bake uncovered 325* for 3 hours.

I usually substitute pork steak or leftover pork roast for the chop suey meat and I also substitute plain tomato sauce in place of the ketchup and its still good. I have even used vension steaks (cut up in bite sized pieces) and it was good.

It will reduce quite a bit in the oven, so I have have played with this recipe a bit and made it in the crock pot (on high for about 5 hours) and it was very soupy--so I cooked some pasta (16 oz box of shells, but I think elbow macaroni would be good too--I just used what I had on hand) and mixed that in once it was cooked and it was very good.

[Cil]

What are your basic broths for "whatever soup".

Chicken bullion, powdered milk and potatoes in the soup, make chowder broth.

A can of tomatoes can make a broth.

vegetables and meat will make a broth.

I don't have this mastered at all, but beans make a broth.

Barley makes a broth right? What about other grains?


It's whatever you have on hand. Don't worry too much about a broth. Whatever you cook will end up making a broth of some kind. My last soup was made of ground turkey, all sorts of veggies [fresh and 1 large can of italian stewed tomatoes w/the juice, white beans [that soaked over night] and left to simmer for at least 2-3 hours. That soup lasted me 3 days. I live by myself.

Cooking should be fun and enjoyable. Learn how to experiment.

[NCLee]

Cabbage & Sausage Soup

The ingredients that follow should be adjusted for the size of the head of cabbage and the amount that you wish to cook. (1/2 head, for example)

1 head of green cabbage, cored, & chopped
1 med - large onion, diced
2-3 carrots, quartered, then sliced
2-4 ribs of celery, diced
1 pkg turkey sausage or equivalent* See Note below
Cut in half lengthwise, then into 1/4" slices
1 can of low sodium chicken broth
salt and black pepper to taste
red pepper flakes (optional - to taste)

In a heavy bottom pot or enameled dutch oven, saute the onions, carrots, celery in a little canola oil or olive oil until softened and beginning to brown. Add the red pepper flakes, if used. Add the sausage, and continue to saute until you get light browning on the sausage and other ingredients.

Add the broth. Increase the heat to high. Add the cabbage. Add additional stock or water, as needed to cook and for the amount of "pot liker" (sp) that you want at the end.

When the pot comes to a boil, reduce heat to a good simmer. As the cabbage wilts down, stir to mix all the ingredients. Add salt and pepper to taste.

When, the cabbage is done to your taste. Turn off the heat. Cover, and let set a few minutes for the flavors to further blend.

Serve in soup bowls with plently of the pot liker. Serve with cornbread or biscuits. Alternate, drain the liquid and serve separately. (In the winter, this makes for a good hot beverage.)

* Notes: I use this sausage, because we're on a low fat diet. Substitue any equivalent style of sausage that you prefer. http://www.jennieo.com/products/BratwurstsandDinnerSausages/FullyCookedLeanSmokedTurkeySausage.aspx

With a medium sized cabbage this will make enough for 3 adults for 2 evening meals with some left over for lunch the third day.

To stretch it further and/or for another flavor, add a 29 oz can of mixed vegetables or the equivalent of frozen mixed veggies.

You can boost the flavor of the chicken broth with Herb Ox Chicken Instant boullon & seasoning (NO MSG in this one). Take that into account with adding salt. If using good homemade broth/stock this isn't needed.

Hope you enjoy. I worked out this recipe, after we had to quit eating ham hocks and cabbage as a part of going to a lower fat diet.

Lee

[Mom5farmboys]

HALUSKI

Melt 1/4 cup butter in pan

Add 1 med head cabbage--chopped fine

Add 1 cup chopped onion

Stir frequently

Add salt/pepper

Add 1/4 cup oil

Add 1 pkg wide egg noodles--cooked to pkg directions

Mix well

***optional***

Cooked Kielbasa cut in pieces and mixed in just before serving.

[Teg]

Griddle Flat Bread

This is a great, easy flat bread recipe that makes a delicious side dish to any meal (I like them with my eggs at breakfast).

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 5 minutes

Ingredients:


3 cups all purpose flour
1 cup ice water
3 tablespoons shortening
1/2 tablespoon salt
2 teaspoons baking powder
pinch of baking soda
Preparation:

Combine all ingredients and form into a dough. Cut into 4 or 5 equal pieces. Roll out to a thin 8 inch circle. Prick the surface of the dough with a fork and cook on an oiled hot griddle. Turn with a spatula. Watch these flat bread disks closely because they cook fast, best when warm.

[Mom5farmboys]

Meatloaf

1 lb hamburger, ground turkey, ground venison, or bulk type sausage, (or any combination of these meats)
1 1/2 cups corn flakes, crushed cracker crumbs, bread crumbs, or oatmeal
onion-chopped
salt/pepper
2 eggs (1 will work just as well too)
a good squirt ketchup

Mix together ---set aside

Potatoes
Peel and slice potatoes thinly
layer into bottom of a covered baking pan, covered casserole dish, or crock-pot
sprinkle salt, pepper, and chopped onions (or onion powder) in between the layers-keep layering potatoes until dish is about half full.

Press meatloaf mixture down firmly on top of the potatoes, smoothing the top with your hands. Squirt ketchup over the top of all and spread it evenly.

Bake in 350* oven covered 1 hour--remove lid and continue baking 30 more minutes or until center of meatloaf tests done (take a small spoonfull out of center of meatloaf and look for pink--pink means it still needs to go longer).

Crock-pot directions--cook on low for 6-8 hours

Usually I double the meat portion but I have a big family.


Another variation on this is to skip the potatoes and form the meatloaf mixture into burgers, fry in skillet in olive oil and serve on bread or buns.

OR meatballs--I use a cookie dough scoop and form balls and bake on a cookie sheet (if you put the uncooked meatballs in the fridge to chill for at least an hour --longer is better- they will not be crumbley after they are cooked) Bake 350* for approx 30-45 min depends on the size of the scooper you have. Then to serve I sometimes pour spaghetti sauce over and cook spaghetti or rice or make a gravy or cream of chicken soup over the meatballs and serve with cooked egg noodles, pasta, potatoes, or rice.

[MNMOM]

Crock Pot PHEASANT STEW –

TAKES 10 minutes to prepare, 8 hours to cook

1 or 2 pheasants , cut up into pieces (or any other game bird)
Salt, pepper and paprika to taste
1 c. sour cream
1 c. cream of mushroom soup
1/4 tsp. Worcestershire sauce
2 tbsp. instant onions or 2 large onions, chopped

Season cut up meat. Mix sour cream, soup and Worcestershire sauce. Add instant onions. Cook in slow cooker on low for 8 hours.

I don't have any pheasants on hand, but I do have a couple of cornish hens in the freezer that I'm going to try this recipe on.

[Mom5farmboys]

This is by far my childrens favorite dish and I serve it often. Whenever anyone doesn't feel good they ask for this--its just as comforting as chicken noodle soup IMHO.

Chicken and Noodles

2 leg/thigh chicken pieces

Put chicken in crock pot and cover with water, season with onion powder (or onions) garlic powder, a chicken bouillion cube or two (or salt if omitting the bouillion) and pepper. Cook on low for 8 hours or high for 4-6 hours. Basically you want the meat to be falling off the bones. Seperate the meat from the skin and bones. Break into bite size pieces. Strain the broth through a wire type strainer.

Thicken the broth into gravy (I use cornstarch and milk as a thickener). Bring the broth to a boil, stir in the thickener and stir continuously until it comes back to a boil and gets thick.

Then add:
1 can cream of chicken soup
1 can creamed corn

Stir well until all is combined. Add the cooked broken up meat.

Next add:
1 16 oz pkg shell macaroni-cooked to pkg directions
1 15 oz can peas-drained
1 15 oz can sliced carrots-cut each slice into quarters

stir to combine and heated through then serve.

[MIKENSUE]

My girls always called this dog food stew, as all the veggies saved would usually end up in the dog dish in a town person's house.
First, every meal you have for the next month, save even the smallest bite of veggies in a container in the freezer. Spagetti-o's and mac and cheese are OK too. Also any leftover meat you don't think may be eaten beore it goes bad.

Take one fresh or frozen rabbit, a package of wild game (Deer or antelope) put into the pot with one chopped onion, some dehydrated celery (or fresh if you got it) 2 beef boullion cubes, cover with water, and simmer until the meat is falling off the bone.
Scoop out the meat, put in a bowl to cool. Add all the leftover frozen veggies, meat etc. you have, peel and cube about 5 large potatoes, 6 large carrots and bring to a boil. Bone out the meat and add to the mixture. Boil until potatoes and carrots are just about done.
Turn down to a low simmer.
Now mix 1/3 cup flour, 1/3cup cornmeal, 1 teaspoon baking powder and a dash of salt and pepper in a bowl. In another small bowl mix together 1 egg, 2 tablespoons milk and 1 tablespoon cooking oil. add to the flour mixture, stir until moistened and drop by spoonfulls on the bubbling stew.Cook for 20 minutes COVERED, DON'T peek and serve.

Sue

[Grizzy]

Wolfey and Sweetpea tole me to make that Doggie Food one, Sue...
onion? check
veggies? check check

antelope, wabbit, Bambi... :girl_wacko:
(cut'n canOspam up to look like bugsbunny)
sigh

~justabear~

[MIKENSUE]

ye make it jes like ya like it grizz. No buddy gonna argue wif a grizzy! We got a lotta "Snack size" bunnies here now. mighty tasty and tender

Sue

[Mom5farmboys]

Depression Casserole

1 large onion --chopped
1/2 cup ketchup (tomato sauce with a tsp of sugar added works too)
1/4 cup vinegar
1-2 TBL cooking oil
1/2 cup water
1 tsp mustard
1/4 tsp pepper
1 lb hot dogs-cut into 1" pieces

In saucepan saute onion in oil until tender. Stir in ketchup, water, vinegar, mustard, and pepper. Bring to a boil, stirring occasionally. Place hot dogs in a 1 quart baking dish, pour sauce over. Bake uncovered 375* for 30 min, or until bubbly. Serve over toast or rice.

[Mom5farmboys]

Brown Sugar Pancake Syrup (5 min)

1/2 cup brown sugar
1 cup water
1 Tbl butter
salt
1 tsp vanilla (optional)

Bring all ingredients to a rolling boil. Remove from heat. Let syrup sit 3-5 min before serving.

[Katrina-Sisu]

Depression Casserole

1 large onion --chopped
1/2 cup ketchup (tomato sauce with a tsp of sugar added works too)
1/4 cup vinegar
1-2 TBL cooking oil
1/2 cup water
1 tsp mustard
1/4 tsp pepper
1 lb hot dogs-cut into 1" pieces

In saucepan saute onion in oil until tender. Stir in ketchup, water, vinegar, mustard, and pepper. Bring to a boil, stirring occasionally. Place hot dogs in a 1 quart baking dish, pour sauce over. Bake uncovered 375* for 30 min, or until bubbly. Serve over toast or rice.

Have you ever made this? It sounds really good and I wonder if it tastes like BBQ?

Thanks!

Katrina

[NCLee]

Sounds like this might be a good way to use those fat-free hot dogs we buy from time to time. They sure don't taste like the real thing. I don't like them, but I'm in the minority here when the urge for a hot dog hits the others. So this recipe may be a good way to compromise. :wink:

Lee

[Mom5farmboys]

Have you ever made this? It sounds really good and I wonder if it tastes like BBQ?

Thanks!

Katrina


Yes I have made it and it tastes more like a sweet and sour dish than BBQ, but I like it because its different and I usually have all the ingredients in the house. I especially like it with rice, and then some steamed broccoli and peppers on the side, with a little extra sauce drizzled over.

[Mom5farmboys]

Spaghetti Mac Bake

24 oz jar of spaghetti sauce
12 oz package elbow macaroni-uncooked
1 lb sausage ( I have also used ground beef, or turkey, or venison)-browned and drained
3 cups water
1/2-3/4 lb grated cheese

Combine ingredients (except for cheese) in 9 x 13 pan. Cover with foil. Bake at 400* for 4o min. Remove foil-add cheese. Return to oven until cheese is melted.

[Katrina-Sisu]

Yes I have made it and it tastes more like a sweet and sour dish than BBQ, but I like it because its different and I usually have all the ingredients in the house. I especially like it with rice, and then some steamed broccoli and peppers on the side, with a little extra sauce drizzled over.

Thanks! :)

I'm definitly going to try this! :)

Kat

[Mom5farmboys]

Homemade Cream Soup Mix for Casseroles

2 cups powdered milk
3/4 cup cornstarch
1/4 cup instant powdered bouillion-chicken, beef, or vegetable
2 TBL dried onion flakes
1 tsp celery flakes
1 tsp basil leaves
1 tsp thyme
1/2 tsp pepper
1//8 tsp garlic powder
1/4 cup mashed potato flakes

Combine ingredients --store in an airtight container

To replace 1 can soup:

1/3 cup mix
1 1/4 cups cold water
1/2 TBL butter

Mix in saucepan--cook until thickened

[MIKENSUE]

THANK YOU for sharing that one! I am going to try it tomorrow as I have all the ingredients. Can't wait to try it in a casserole.
By the way, I buy my boullion from bulkfoods.com in 5 lb batches, cuz we can a lot of meat in the fall. This saves quite a bit. Also get my yeast from there too. much cheaper.
Sue

[Mom5farmboys]

your welcome! I have my notebook with all my cheap recipes open by the computer and as I get time I have been trying to get them all on here. It really makes me happy to share them, I'm glad you were able to use some of them.

[Mom5farmboys]

Muffins or Bread

1 cup oil
1 TBL vanilla
2 eggs-beaten
2 cups sugar
3 cups flour
salt
1 TBL cinnamon
1/2 tsp baking powder
1 tsp baking soda
1 cup chopped nuts **optional

add 2 cups any of the following:
grated or chopped apples
applesauce
bananas
berries
carrots-grated, cooked and mashed, or baby food
coconut
peaches-fresh or canned-chopped or pureed
pears-fresh or canned-chopped or pureed
pineapple-crushed and well drained
pumpkin puree
strawberries
canned sweet potatoes, or yams--mashed
grated zucchini

OR add 1/2 cup of any of the following:
1/2 cup lemon juice
1/2 cup orange juice
1/2 cup jam or jelly

combine:
Bread-- Spoon into 2 well greased loaf pans--bake 325* for 1 hour

Muffins--Bake 375* 15 min (greased muffin tins--makes 24 muffins)

[Mom5farmboys]

A Good Hot Sandwich

1 cup cubed velveeta
3 hard cooked eggs- peeled and chopped
1 can spam (I use leftover cubed ham, turkey, or browned ground meat)
onion powder, garlic powder
1/3 to 1/2 cup mayo


Combine all ingredients, mix well. Put into hamburger buns and wrap each in tin foil. Bake 325* for 30 min

[Mom5farmboys]

Fried Apples-N-Onions

1/2 lb bacon- sliced and fried brown and crisp (reserve 2 TBL drippings)
2 lb onions-sliced
2 lb apples-tart-chopped (do not peel)
2 TBL brown sugar

Heat bacon drippings in pan, add apples and onions. Cook over med-high heat for 3-5 min Sprinkle brown sugar over all-cover skillet and cook until tender (a few minutes more) Serve with bacon slices if desired.

[NCLee]

Does the type of onion make a difference in this recipe?

Lee

[Mom5farmboys]

Lee,

I always just use yellow cooking onions because thats what I usually have in the house, but I bet Vidalia would be really tasty if you've got them around.

[NCLee]

Thanks for the heads up on the onions. Sounds like red onions might also be a good choice.

Lee

[Mom5farmboys]

Sloppy Bean Joes


1/2 lb lean ground beef- browned (Or ground turkey, or venison)
1/2 cup chopped green pepper
1/2 cup chopped onion
16 oz can pork and beans -mashed (or leftover cooked or baked beans)
12 oz bottled chili sauce

Comine everything- simmer in crock pot on low 6 hours. Serve on lightly toasted hamburger buns-open faced.

[Mom5farmboys]

Apple Schmarran

1/4 cup flour
2 tsp sugar
dash salt
2/3 cup milk
2 eggs-beaten
1 med tart apple-peeled and diced
1 1/2 tsp raisins (optional)

3 TBL butter
cinnamon
confectioners sugar

Combine flour, sugar, and salt. Whisk in milk and eggs. Add apple and raisins. Fry batter in butter. It should be nicely browned, so don't stir too often. Serve with cinnamon and confectioners sugar sprinkled over top. I usually triple this recipe for my crowd and then also make toast.

I have used canned pears in place of the apples, I have also used olive oil, or lard in place of the butter, or a mixture of fats when I was out of one or the other. I have also sprinkled granulated sugar over the top in a pinch. I was thinking also about warming some jam or jelly and pouring that over the top instead of the cinnamon and sugar, or pouring honey or maple syrup over the top.


Also something else I have made that everyone seemed to like was, leftover quick bread (like banana bread, or pumpkin bread etc) sliced and dredged in eggs and fried like french toast.

[gump]

PB&J minus the J :)

[Dawgus]

Great recipe for extra eggs, and we ALWAYS have extra eggs! These are easy and fairly fast. We have these for dinner at least once a week, usually when one of us doesn't really feel like making a big meal. They come out usually light and fluffy around the edge, and the center is about the consistancy of french toast.



4 eggs
1 cup flour
1 cup milk
Mix well (do i REALLY have to say that? LOL)

preheat oven to 350
put 1/4 stick butter in pie plate or small pan and let melt while oven heats

Pour batter over melted butter and bake 20 minutes

I love 'em sprinkled with powdered sugar or cinnamon sugar, though they are still good with syrup.

[pcrowder]

Moist devils food cake recipe with cocoa
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Ingredients:
• 1 cup unsweetened cocoa
• 1 1/3 cups granulated sugar
• 1 1/4 cups milk
• 2 cups white flour, sifted or stirred before measuring
• 1 1/4 teaspoons baking soda
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 2/3 cup solid shortening
• ½ c mayonnaise
• 3 eggs
• 1 1/4 teaspoons vanilla extract
Preparation:
Grease and flour one 13 x 9 pan. Beat at medium speed eggs, shortening, vanilla, mayonnaise. Slowly add in half of the cocoa and half the sugar. Beat till well blended. Pour into the rest of the cocoa and sugar and add milk gradually; mix until well blended. Add remaining ingredients, continue beating for about 2 minutes, scraping bowl with a spatula occasionally. Pour into prepared pan. Bake at 350° for 35 to 40 minutes or till done in center.

Serve with frosting or dust with powdered sugar (if you have any).

[MIKENSUE]

COCOA BROWNIES

1 1/2 Cups flour
2 Cups sugar
3/4 Cup cocoa
1 teaspoon salt
3/4 Cup cooking oil
4 eggs
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
2 teaspoons vanilla
2 Tablespoons milk
1 Cup chopped nuts (optional)
Place all ingredients in mixing bowl, stir until moistened. Pour into 13x9 inch greased pan and bake at 350 for 30 minutes

[jan_in_georgia]

Sometimes, beans and cornbread gets kinda old and I need to mix it up a bit. So, I make a version of Hoppin' John.

Cook 1 lb. of black eyed peas in your crockpot with onion, garlic, whatever you have.
Add left over meat bits if you have them (ham, lunchmeat, leftovers, whatever).
Cook brown rice (however much your family eats for a meal).

In a large pot, mix drained beans and meat(save some of the pot liquid in case you need it) with brown rice. Add some salt and hot sauce.

Serve with steamed collard greens with pepper sauce.

We have this every New Year's Day. It's a southern tradition and really good. It's one of those simple meals that fills you up and tastes great with whatever modifications you make.

If you have leftovers, mix in some homemade white sauce or even a can of soup. Put in casserole dish and top with either cheese or stale bread crumbs. Freeze for another meal that won't be too much the same. You can even mix in the leftover collards!

Hope ya'll enjoy!
Jan

[vigilant20]

My dad grew up with this one, it sounds weird but was one of our favorites too.

Fricassee
Undiluted can of cream soup, your choice
Warm and serve over cooked riced
Pepper generously

[NCLee]

Doesn't sound weird to me. :) You've just made me hungry thinking about it. And it hasn't been long since I ate a late breakfast this morning.

Lee

[bookwormom]

reading all those recipies makes me realize that I am cooking very frugal. Here is one of my time saving hints, also saves on buying canned cream soups for casseroles.

Depending on size of skillet and family size,

melt about a pound or two of whatever fat you cook with, lard, butter, etc. add flour and stir, it should be sort of like an easy to stir paste, enough flour to hold it's shape. cook until it turns golden brown, while stirring. then drop on cookie sheets like cookies. cool to firm and put in plastic food storage bags and keep in refrigerator. You can add this to hot milk for instant gravy, thicken meat juices for gravy, whatever needs thickening, the liquid of canned green beans or a can of mushrooms, for instance. I do not remember when I bought the last can of any kind of cream soup. This saves time and money.

[jen_in_southtexas]

Bookwormom,

Thanks. What a great idea!

[Mom5farmboys]

I just made this for the first time this afternoon and not only did the crew make it disappear quickly, there was a lot of humming going on. : )


Granola Breakfast Cereal

1/3 cup honey
1/3 cup vegetable oil
3/4 cup brown sugar

Combine in small saucepan and heat until sugar is dissolved.

In 9 x 13 cake pan combine:
5 cups oatmeal
1/2 cup raisins
1/2 cup dry milk powder
dash salt
3/4 tsp cinnamon

mix well, then pour liquid mixture all and mix until well combined. Bake 375* for 10 min. Cool in pan.


The only thing I would add is to maybe spray the pan with non-stick cooking spray it did tend to stick a little, and once it is removed from oven I would give it a stir again just to prevent the sticking.

My kids ate it when it was cool in a bowl with milk.

I have a little bit of corn syrup that needs to be used up, next time I may add a little vanilla to it and use it in place of the honey and see how that works, also was thinking maybe using maple syrup instead of the honey too, for a change.

[Mom5farmboys]

Vanilla Pudding or Pie Filling

2 cups milk
3 egg yolks- beaten
1 cup sugar
dash salt
3 heaping Tbl cornstarch

Combine in saucepan (if too thick add a little milk) cook over med heat, stirring constantly until mixture thickens. When thickened add 1 tsp vanilla.

For Chocolate: add 3 Tbl cocoa before cooking

[iowasue]

.

Mom,

Here is a good granola recipe given to me by my friend Mitch that doesn't even require any oil and it is delicious. I keep it on hand all the time.

3 cups oatmeal
1/2 cup choice of chopped nuts; I do pecans because they are cheapest here, walnuts and almonds also work well
1/2 cup pumpkin or sunflower seeds
1/2 cup raisins or dried cranberries
1/2 cup maple syrup (I usually use honey; molasses works too)
1 tsp cinnamon
1 tsp vanilla
1/2 tsp salt

Preheat oven to 300°

Mix all ingredients together and spread on a half sheet pan or 2 jelly roll pans. Bake for 30-40 minutes, mixing every 10 minutes. Cool. Store in air-tight container.
It's good without the nuts and seeds and fruit too - you can keep or leave out any of them to taste.

[iowasue]

Here's a cheap-to-make soup that everybody likes - tastes like tuna casserole. This cost me about 89¢ per hearty serving this week.

Tuna Cheese Chowder

2 carrots, shredded or chopped fine
1 onion, chopped
1/4 cup butter or margarine
1/2 cup all purpose flour
2 cups chicken broth
2 cups milk, whatever kind you use
1 small can tuna (6 oz), drained and flaked
1/2 teaspoon celery seed
1/2 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
1/4 teaspoon salt (optional)
1 cup cheddar cheese, shredded

In a large saucepan, saute the carrots and onion in the butter until the onion is transparent. Mix in the flour, let cook 1 minute. Add the chicken broth and milk gradually, off-heat. Mix well, heat and stir constantly until thick and bubbling. Add the remaining ingredients except cheese and heat through. Add the cheese and stir until it melts. 4 servings. The servings make a 1 1/2 cup bowl. If everybody really likes tuna and you got it on sale, you may want to add 2 cans.

[cubcadet]

reading all those recipies makes me realize that I am cooking very frugal. Here is one of my time saving hints, also saves on buying canned cream soups for casseroles.

Depending on size of skillet and family size,

melt about a pound or two of whatever fat you cook with, lard, butter, etc. add flour and stir, it should be sort of like an easy to stir paste, enough flour to hold it's shape. cook until it turns golden brown, while stirring. then drop on cookie sheets like cookies. cool to firm and put in plastic food storage bags and keep in refrigerator. You can add this to hot milk for instant gravy, thicken meat juices for gravy, whatever needs thickening, the liquid of canned green beans or a can of mushrooms, for instance. I do not remember when I bought the last can of any kind of cream soup. This saves time and money.

I think it`s called a roux

[cubcadet]

I think my dad got this one from my Polish uncle-

Saute` a couple pounds of hamburger, drain fat
boil some cubed potatoes
combine meat and taters and add back a little of the potato water and mix in some salt, pepper and two or three dollops of Gulden`s mustard to taste
reduce on medium heat till thick

I`d like to add that if you let this sit for a day in fridge, it tastes better- just my opinion.

[pcrowder]

My mom made something she called "stewed hambuger" - you fry and crumble about a lb of hamburger but don't drain off the grease. You mix 2 or 3 Tbls of cornstarch or flour and 2 or 3 cups of milk* in a mason jar (depending on how thick you like the gravy) and shake it up to mix and keep it from being lumpy, and then pour it into the hamburger in the pan. Cook over med heat and stir contantly, adding salt liberally to taste. We would serve it over mashed potatoes or cold boiled potatoes. It's not exactly the healtiest thing for you with the fat from the hamburger and the salt, but it's a hot meal none the less, and is better than starving.

*I've made it with water and powdered coffee creamer when we were really really poor - tastes like milk and substitutes when you're out of milk or too poor to buy any.

[Cherokeewoman]

One of our favorite meals is to cook up a pot of black beans (season to taste) and then put them on top of rice. Now here is what makes this special. Chop up some onions fairly fine and soak them in vinager with a dash of salt and pepper. Put this on your beans and rice and add a little hot sauce.....heck those beans will be so good it will make your tounge slap your brain! Another recipe we love is kiddney beans in sauce. I usually use two cans of store bought or one quart jar of kiddney beans. Add in 2 small cans of tomato sauce, some adobo seasoning to taste and 2 packages of Goya Sason seasoning and some finely chopped cilantro. Let it cook for awhile, I serve this over rice and my family loves it...A friend of mine who is from Puerto Rico gave me the recipe and we eat it at least 3 times a month!

[Gracie]

This is something my family like any time of the year, but especially in the summer, as it is a nice cold salad that just hits the spot! Take a head of Cauliflower and a head of Broccoli, dice up the tops, as you choose, then peel the stalks (this I learned from Grizzy, ty!) and dice them to too in a fairly large bowl. Pour either homemade or store bought ranch dressing over it, to taste, mix well, then pop it into the refrig. so will be nice and chilled before the rest of your meal is ready, just before adding it to your table, mix it well again to evenly coat your veggies with dressing. Hope you all enjoy this as much as we do!

[Gracie]

Another quick and easy salad for any time of year, and by buying all the ingredients @ Aldi's, it costs less. Start with taking a chilled can of cherry pie filling and a can of crushed pineapple, juice too, and pour them into a fairly large bowl, on top of this you slice up 3 to 6 bananas, for a larger batch will use the 6, then pour on at least half a package of tiny marshmallows. Fold all ingredients together...adding more marshmallows, if there looks to be too few, then pop a lid on your bowl, then tuck it into your fridge., till good and cold. Whenever have taken this to get to gethers, have always brought home an empty bowl.:yes4:

[Mzcry]

Salsa chicken..easy and cheap, especially if you can a lot of salsa.

1 package of boneless chicken, or cut up chicken.
1 jar of salsa to go along with it (more chicken = more salsa)
Optional: Taco seasoning and cheese.

Put chicken in pan, sprinkle with taco seasoning, turn, sprinkle with taco seasoning, pour salsa over the whole thing and bake at 350 for 25-30 minutes or until chicken is done. You can add cheese and melt for a few minutes.

I serve it with brown rice and cornbread and a green vegetable.

[cubcadet]

LOBSCOUSE
-boiled beef in salt water
-onion w/cloves
-pickles
-beets
-potatoes

Boil up meat in brine till done and drain and set brine aside
Boil up vegetables and run with meat thru a grinder
Add salted meat broth, mustard to taste and simmer till you like the taste (I leave the mess out on the stove 1 day to combine flavors)
Warm up some and use like hash with an over easy egg on top

Here`s a more complicated recipe-

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bkm1EXu_XSU

[BWHLover]

Split Pea Soup

In a crock pot add
4 to 6 cups of dried split peas
1/4 cup of dried vegetable flakes
1/2 cup of uncooked bacon end pieces or ham or both

Pour boiling water to fill the pot.

Cover with foil and lid, cook for 2 hours, add 1 onion chopped, cook for another 2 to 3 hours and serve.

[Middle Sister]

It's too hot for it right now, but it makes us feel good because we grew all ingredients:

2 quarts canned tomatoes (don't drain)
1 package (about a cup) frozen okra
1 package frozen creamed corn
handful of chopped onions
1 package frozen squash

Just let it simmer for a few hours. I've also added broccoli, peas, beans... whatever I see in the freezer.

The type of corn really changes the flavor. My favorite is really sweet.

[Bondo]

Thought I would bump this thread and also post a link to this book. We have been cooking out of it for a few meals. All have been great, have mostly whole foods and are pretty frugal.

Eat Cheap but Eat Well by Charles Mattocks

http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_ss_i_0_7?url=search-alias%3Daps&field-keywords=eat+cheap+but+eat+well&sprefix=eat+che%2Caps%2C227


by the way, I got this from my local big Lots for $5, so may want to look there if you have one near by.

[LoiDreams]

most people know how to make tuna salad sandwiches mine have a twist.

tuna
mayo
onion minced
pickle relish sweet or dill works
hard boiled egg shredded
grated cheese
hot dog buns

mix all ingredients together. Spoon into hot dog buns. Wrap in foil and bake in 350 degree oven for about 30 minutes. I sometimes add a little powdered garlic.

amounts vary by taste and quantities needed.

[LoiDreams]

a family favorite

canned or shredded chicken
carrot grated with small holes but not cheese grater
onion minced or shredded
mayo

biscuits home made or store bought and baked

mix ingredients and spoon into warm biscuits.

[sweetsadie]

Poor Man Rolls

1 cup self rise flour
1/2 cup milk
1/4 cup mayonaise

Mix
Pour into greased muffin tin evenly
Bake at 350 for about 30 mins. until brown

*this makes about 6 small rolls

[blowininthewind]

The wheat I bought for .36 cents a pound.
rice .50 a pound
pinto beans .50 a pound direct from grower


brown and cook the wheat and rice in different pans since they have different cooking times. Add a mixture of wild plants and vegetables that I got either at food pantries, grocery store or farmers markets and of course I add sprouted wheat and beans.

At times I add chicken gotten through the commodities program or from a butchered animal picked up locally.

A meal of this sorts can cost as little as .75 cents a person.

[Mom5farmboys]

I made my own homemade instant oatmeal this weekend. My mom bought some and my boys really seemed to like them. Normally its not something that I get. A box of 10 packets (14 oz) at Aldis is $1.39. A 2lb box of oatmeal (quick cooking) is $1.99. It turned out that that I made 3 lbs 6 oz of instant oatmeal for $1.75 total. Way cheaper.

This is how I did it.

I dehydrated a quart jar of my homemade chunky applesauce, and when it was dry I ground it up in my food processor and added it to this recipe, which I tripled.

2 cups quick cooking oats (put in food processor and pulse slightly)
1/2 tsp salt
1/4 cup dry sweetener ( sugar, or brown sugar, or artificial sweetener)
I used brown sugar
1/2 cup powdered milk (dry)
1 TBL cinnamon (or 1 tsp to 2/3 cup dry mix)
coffee creamer (optional)
I had some I wanted to use up so I added about 1/4 cup

Mix together and store in airtight container.

To make the equilivant of a single packet use 1/3 cup mix to 2/3 cup water, and microwave 1 minute.

My boys ate it this morning for breakfast and were happy with the results.

[jeanb]

This is inexpensive to make and it keeps well for left overs.
Cornbread Casserole
1 lb. ground beef
1 can cream corn
1 can pork & beans
1/2 onion diced
1 pkg. Jiffy cornbread mix
5 or 6 slices american cheese
.Season the ground beef with season salt and pepper, saute the meat and onions until the meat is done.
.Add the cream corn and pork and beans to the meat, stir and pour into casserole dish.
.Mix the cornbread acording to package, but add 1/4 cup more milk, pour over the mixture. Top the cornbread with sliced cheese and bake in a 300 degree, around thirty minutes or until the cornbread is done.