Thrifty Recipes Blog - Living On Food Banks

Old Fashioned Shoo Fly Pie

2/29/2012

Here's an old fashioned favorite that some of you may be familiar with. It is inexpensive, and a really good pie. I've been perusing recipes from an old recipe file that has authentic renditions of family favorites. These recipes are tried and true, and made it often to the dessert table when I was younger. You will be amazed at the spicy delicate flavor when you make this pie for your own loved ones. If you have someone that enjoys gingerbread and other spice cookies, you're going to love this one. Best of all, you can still create such luxurious desserts on limited means.

1 pie crust
3/4 cup flour
1/2 tsp. cinnamon
1/8 tsp. cinnamon
1/8 tsp. cloves
1/2 cup sugar
1/2 tsp. salt
2 tab. butter
1 1/2 tsp. baking soda
3/4 cup boiling water
1/2 cup molasses
1 egg

Combine flour, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, sugar, and salt in a bowl. Dissolve baking soda in boiling water in another small bowl. Add eggs to baking soda mixture. Stir well. Pour baking soda mixture in a pie shell. Stir 1/4 cup flour mixture VERY gently on top. Pour the remaining flour mixture on top of pie. Bake at 325 for an hour. Top with whipped cream if desired.

Apple Pie Butter

2/28/2012

Lately as some of my medical tests are coming back, I noticed an
increase desire to get back to the natural path of life. I am supposed to keep
my sugar and processed food diet to a minimum. Unfortunately, with a limited
income available, I've forfeited many of my own personal foods to supplement my
children's diet. What I am finding is that if I resort to a "from scratch"
approach, I can make my once favorite items for pennies! No need to buy that
prepackaged organic fare if I can make it easily at home. This spread is great
on toast, pancakes, and waffles. There is no sugar in it, and it has no fat. Best of all it is easy,
and comes out perfect every time.

I use my toaster oven for this instead of turning on the entire stove. More money saved!

4 cups of chopped apples, cores removed
unsweetened juice
1 tab. honey
1/4 tsp. allspice
2 tsp. cinnamon

Wash apples thoroughly and chop, don't peel. Place in an oven proof dish and just bearly cover with juice. Orange juice works quite well. Add the rest of the ingredients. Place in toaster oven on 350 for about 30 minutes or until done. There will be more juice when it is done, so handle with care. Place all in a blender and rotate on high until smooth. Place back in baking dish, and cook an additional 20 minutes or so, stirring frequently until mixture is thick. Should easily mound and stay in once place when topped on a plate. You will never buy canned items again!

Homemade Beef Lo Mein

2/24/2012

It delights me to see so many readers utilizing this site each day. The fact that I can help all those on a limited budget provide wholesome, satisfying food for their families just thrills me! Just knowing that one end of your stress is alleviated every time you click on, keeps me inspired to find new alternatives for you each blog.

I'm going out on a limb with this one. If you want to try this, you'll need to purchase some Chinese products to make this and future recipes available soon. I've been doing this for years, and you can purchase all the products for under $15. But, most importantly, they will last you six months to a year! It is well worth the investment simply due to the fact you can take 1/2 to a whole pound of any meat and feed a large family or have ample leftovers the next day. DO NOT purchase these products from your local supermarket, as the prices are just TOO high. Go to your local Chinese mart and buy them there. That is where you'll find the best deals. Just get on and Google it! No need to worry about special noodles as thin or regular spaghetti does the trick!

Purchases at your local Chinese grocery:
soy a sauce
rice vinegar
Mirin
sesame oil
oyster sauce

Take 1/2 to 1 pound of any meat (beef, pork, chicken)
Mix marinade:
1/2 tab. soy a sauce
1 tsp. Mirin
2 tsp. rice vinegar
1/2 tsp. sugar
1/2 tb. cornstarch
1 tsp. sesame oil
Marinate 15 minutes

Meanwhile in a wok or large fry pan:
2 tab. oil
2 garlic chopped
1 onion
2 tsp. fresh grated ginger (very cheap in the grocery aisle)
1 tsp. salt
1/2 tsp pepper
1 1/2 cup Frozen Seasoning Blend
3 cups broccoli (separate florets a tad)
1 cup sliced carrots
* Feel free to toss in other veggies you may have in your fridge)
Fry all until crisp/tender and remove to bowl.

Fry Meat:
1 tab. oil
meat and marinade
Fry meat with marinade until cooked through, and then place on top of other vegetable mixture.

Boil Noodles:
Boil one pound of any spaghetti noodle until al dente.

Mix Sauce:
2 tab. oyster sauce
1 tab. Mirin
3 tab. soy a sauce
1 cup chicken broth (Use those canned soups and place noodles to the side - fill remaining with water to make one cup)
1 tab. cornstarch
2 tsp. sesame oil
1/2 tsp. sugar
1/2 tsp. pepper

In Wok or frypan:
Place noodles, veggies, and meat. Toss lightly and begin to warm mixture. Toss the remaining sauce on top and stir gently. Taste for improvement. Should you need more "kick" mix the following:
1 tab. soy a sauce
1 tab. Mirin
1 tsp. sesame oil
Stir and toss again. You can repeat this until the desired results appear. You are going to be amazed as to how close this taste to your local Chinese restaurant. In all honesty, mine has more flavor than our local fare!

Grilled Garlic Bread

2/23/2012

I have just realized, after talking to my sister this morning, that I have not shared my delicious grilled bread with you! I've shared some grilling recipes, but not one of the most important side products. This garlic bread recipe is an inexpensive way to use up day old bread that usually tops your food pantry bag. Sometimes, it is useable, but often, the ends are so hard, it would be difficult to bite into, let alone make a sandwich. By using this recipe, you can eliminate the carb side, and instead make a fresh salad with your entree. You must watch it carefully, as to ensure the bread doesn't burn as it grills quickly!

I take this day old bread, cut off hard ends, and then slice diagonally down the middle. I put them in Ziploc bags for easy retrieval when utilizing this recipe. Spices can be bought at your local Dollar Tree.

1 half loaf of bread
2 tab. tub margarine
2 tsp. garlic
salt
2 tsp. paprika
2 tab. parmesan cheese

Spread bread with 2 tab.
margarine. Sprinkle with garlic salt, paprika, and parmesan cheese. Grill spread
side down for about 3 minutes or until slightly golden. Cut into bite size
servings.

Satisfying Pork Chops

2/22/2012

There is nothing more satisfying after a long, engaging day then
a deliciously seasoned breaded pork chop. Pork is on sale constantly and real
bargain to add to your weekly dinner menu. In fact, if you scout around, many of
your local supermarkets will offer a buy one get one free. On these days, I
stock up my freezer for future dinner entrees. There are so many recipes that
can be had with pork, and it is one item on the dinner fare that is greeted
amicably by most members of your family. Recently my son asked for these, and I
realized I had never shared the recipe with my readers! You're going to be
making this one often, so keep it handy.

You can use my own homemade bread crumbs or purchase your own. Both will make magnificent results.

1 lb of pork chops (doesn't matter what cut)
1 egg
1/2 cup milk
2 cups Seasoned Bread Crumbs

Oil to fry
salt
pepper

Season pork chops to taste with salt and pepper.
Let stand five minutes allowing spices to marinate. Make an egg wash of the egg
and milk by mixing thoroughly. Place Seasoned Bread Crumbs in a large bowl.
Place oil on large fry pan, approximately several tablespoons, and set heat on
med./low. Begin dredging pork chops first in egg wash and then pressing bread crumb
mixture as cover each pork chop in the coating. Fry on each
side approximately seven to ten minutes until golden brown.

Homemade Chicken Soup

2/21/2012

There is nothing more that spells love than a homemade pot of chicken soup, especially if you have someone under the weather in your house. That simmering pot of aromatic joy that includes fresh onions, celery, and carrots is like no other. This recipe is inexpensive and creates a large quantity that can be utilized as a left over snack the following day. Coupled with a fresh loaf of bread, you've got dinner with little effort! At times you may receive one of those frozen breads that can be popped in and warmed up in your oven from your local food pantry. This completes a great meal with little cost.

My son was not feeling well the other day, and I began his favorite requested treat upon waking. In just a few hours, we had ladles of soup that I swear has its own medicinal properties because he felt much better by nightfall! I use chicken soup I receive from my food pantry instead of bouillon. This saves money and time.

2 whole legs of chicken
3 cans chicken soup (drained and noodles set aside)
4 carrots peeled and sliced
4 stalks of celery sliced
1 whole onion sliced
2-3 garlic cloves chopped
2 bay leafs
2 tsp. salt
1 tsp. pepper
2 tsp. Herbs De Provence (found at local bulk health food store under $1)
1 tsp. turmeric (optional)
1 1/2 cups of your favorite noodles

To a pot on top of the stove, add chicken, drained chicken soup, carrots, celery, onion, and garlic. Cover with water. Add remaining herbs and spices and let simmer 1 1/2 hours. Take chicken out and set aside to cool. While pot is still simmering, add noodles and let cook on low for about 10 min. Meanwhile take cooled chicken off the bone and replace it in pot. Turn off pot and replace lid. All you need is a loaf of bread!

Double Chocolate Cookies

2/17/2012

These cookies are scrumptious and take little preparation time considering they delve out such wonderful results. If you're a coupon clipper like me, you can get those buy one get one free candy bars to add to this recipe. Then most of the remaining ingredients can be found in your pantry. If you're not a coupon clipper, than you need to start on this budget! Go to Coupons.com located at the right side bar of my blog and sign up. Coupons is a great place to begin your coupon hunt. They come preloaded to your email, and all you have to do is click and print. Easy to use, and fast! You'll never miss a bargain with these.

2 cups flour
1/2 cup cocoa powder
1 tsp. baking soda
1/2 tsp salt
12 ounces milk chocolate
3/4 cup of butter or margarine
3/4 cup light brown sugar
1/2 cup sugar
2 large eggs
2tsp. vanilla

Heat over to 375 degrees. Whisk together flour, cocoa, baking soda, and salt. Chop 6 ounces of your chocolate and add 1 tab. butter to melt in microwave. Finely chop remaining for cookie batter. Beat all ingredients together at once and then stir in remaining finally chopped chocolate. Drop by heaping tablespoonfuls onto ungreased baking sheet about two inches apart. Bake for 9 to 11 minutes.

Thrifty BBQ Chicken Legs

2/15/2012

I came across this BBQ sauce stretcher completely by mishap looking for BBQ recipes. Spring will soon be here, and the essence of BBQ cooking stimulates the senses as neighborhood BBQ grills fire up and do what they do best. There is always some buy one get one meat sale, and in turn, I must have access to ample BBQ sauce once the outdoor frenzy begins. But, purchasing quality BBQ sauce can be an expenditure for sure. So, at times, I resorted to rubs and marinades of products gracing my pantry shelf. Unfortunately, the results were not as expected. Well, not anymore! I can buy BBQ sauce and stretch it by 75%! Now we can have BBQ fare anytime with this handy recipe.

I must share with you a secret when grilling legs on the open grill. Get a spray bottle of water, and lightly mist legs before putting them on the hot surface. When grease flares up, mist coals. Keep doing this until the fat is rendered from the legs. No more burnt legs!

1 bottle of your favorite BBQ sauce
1 1/2 cups of grape jelly
4 chicken legs cut in half

Mix contents together well and microwave for two minutes. Mix well again to ensure there are no lumps. Place chicken on dish and sprinkle with salt and pepper. Let sit for 5 minutes to allow spices to marinate. Place on outdoor grill and do your best grillin' adding BBQ sauce when legs are almost cooked through.

Cornmeal Peach Crisp

2/14/2012

This a lovelyaddition to any dinner night. Most importantly, it contains one of those canned
ingredients that I perpetually receive from the local food pantry. I just love
peaches! The delightful tender flesh taste great fresh or canned. It is one
canned product that you don't mind opening and eating straight from the source!
I use my canned peaches in yogurt and cottage cheese parfaits, along with a
quick topping for pancakes. There is never a shortage of uses. Better yet, some
days when I don't have a fresh veggie, or I'm just plumb lazy, and don't feel like
making a side vegetable, I open up a can of these beauties and set them out as
a dinner accompaniment. Delicious!

What a luscious, crisp this recipe makes, and no one will know it is from canned peaches.

2 cans 15 oz.
sliced peaches (or one large can)
2 tab. lemon juice
1 cup cornmeal
1 tsp. salt
3/4 cup butter
1/2 cup walnuts (optional)

Drain peaches reserving 2/3 cup. Add peaches to 8 x 8 inch baking pan with reserved juice. In
a bowl rub cornmeal, salt, and butter with fingertips making small course
granules. Top on peach mixture. Bake at 350 for 20 minutes until golden on top.
May serve with ice cream.

Rice Cooker Chinese Rice

2/10/2012

I came up with this concoction last evening reminiscing about my
Green Tea visits. I had acquired quite a bit of packaging materials when I could
scrounge together a few dollars to secure my kids a Chinese dinner. For those
that are not familiar with the Green Tea, it is a local establishment here in
Florida. Noted as a small "hole in the wall" that offers great Chinese food. They
have superb lunch specials, and if you get there before 3:00 pm, you can get
quite a large portion for only $3.99. I can actually buy two of these and feed
the three of us for a special treat. There are establishments like this all over the
U.S. If you check your local listings, you'll be able to enjoy the same fare.

Yesterday, I was cleaning out my meat drawer and noticed several soy a sauce
packets, duck sauce from the Green Tea, and a bit of dried rice seasoning from
my local EXTREME discount store. I thought why not put these together in the rice
cooker and make something unique and different? It turned out spectacular!

3 cups of rice (rice cooker amount)
1/4 cup dried rice seasoning
3 packets of left over soy a sauce
2 packets of left over duck sauce
2 tab. oil
1 tsp. seasoned salt
1/2 tsp. pepper
1/2 cup of peas

Add
rice and fill with water to the third line in your rice cooker. Add remaining
ingredients and stir briefly. Set your cooker on White Rice. When bell tings,
fluff and your ready to serve. Great with grilled chicken!