Thrifty Recipes Blog - Living On Food Banks

Holiday Chocolate Peanut Butter Dream

1/4/2020

Another last minute choice added to our recent festive fare. This one hit the top of the charts as everyone dug into their servings after a delightful family dinner.

I must admit that this one really hit the target when it comes to a good old fashioned dessert. Little fuss went into this delight and all ingredients were had at Aldi's.

1 package (16 ounces) Nutter Butter cookies, divided
1/4 cup butter, melted
1 package (3.90 ounces) instant chocolate pudding mix
1-1/2 cups 2% milk
4 ounces cream cheese, softened
1/2 cup confectioners' sugar
1/3 cup crunchy peanut butter
1 carton (8 ounces) frozen whipped topping, thawed
1/4 cup milk chocolate chips
1/4 cup peanut butter chips

Preheat oven to 350°. In a large bowl, finely crush 24 of the cookies; stir in melted butter. Press onto the bottom of an ungreased 9-in. square baking pan. Bake until lightly browned, about 10 minutes. Cool completely.

In a small bowl, whisk pudding mix and milk until smooth; spread over cooled crust. In another small bowl, beat cream cheese, powdered sugar and peanut butter. Fold in 1 cup whipped topping. Spoon cream cheese mixture over pudding; gently spread to cover pudding. Spread remaining whipped topping over cream cheese layer. Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours.
Coarsely crush remaining 8 cookies. Sprinkle crushed cookies and chips over whipped topping before serving.

Vivaterra

Festive Mint Dessert

1/3/2020

We were behind on some traditional cookie baking when my son sent me this one. We decided it looked quick and easy so we'd give it a try for Christmas Eve.

It was definitely a hit with all the visitors and will be added to our favs for next year! Nothing beats a good icebox pie!

A word of advice, I buy most of my items from Aldi making this one a real frugal treat.

3/4 cup butter, divided
1 package (16 ounces) chocolate cream-filled sandwich cookies, crushed
2 quarts mint chocolate chip ice cream, softened
1-1/2 cups milk chocolate chips
1 cup confectioners' sugar
3/4 cup evaporated milk
1 carton (16 ounces) frozen whipped topping, thawed
Chocolate syrup and red and green sprinkles, optional

In a microwave, melt 1/2 cup butter. Stir in cookie crumbs. Press into a 13-in. x 9-in. dish. Freeze for 30 minutes or until firm. Spread ice cream over crust; return to the freezer until firm.

In a large saucepan, combine chocolate chips, confectioners' sugar, milk and remaining butter. Bring to a boil, stirring frequently. Cook and stir for 3-5 minutes or until thickened. Cool to room temperature. When cool, spread over ice cream; return to freezer until firm.

Spread whipped topping over ice cream (dish will be full). Cover and freeze for until firm or overnight.

Remove from the freezer 15-20 minutes before serving. If desired, drizzle with chocolate syrup and top with sprinkles.

Beddinginn

Christmas: Sauteed Asparagus and Mushrooms

12/28/2019

Here's another one that didn't even make it past the first thorough way in the buffet line. It is one of the most extraordinary items I made for a BYOD party over Christmas.

I got the bunch of asparagus for only $1 at Perrines, our local discount veggie spot. Nothing made such a high point as a few of these delicious veggie sides.

1 tablespoon bacon drippings
1 bunch asparagus spears
1/2 pound sliced fresh mushrooms
1 small onion, chopped
2 tablespoons sliced almonds, toasted
salt
pepper

In a large skillet, heat drippings over medium-high heat. Add asparagus, mushrooms and onion; cook and stir until tender, 10-12 minutes. Sprinkle with almonds and salt, pepper; heat through.

Tomtop

Christmas: Peas and Prosciutto

12/28/2019

Prosciutto goes on sale every year the week of Christmas. It is one very expensive lunch meat, but so worth the purchase. I asked for six slices, the cost was less than $3.

I made this side dish visiting my brother's pre Christmas event. There was not a scrap of pea left once everyone went through the buffet.

1 tablespoon olive oil
4 to 8 thin slices prosciutto, julienned
1/2 cup sliced fresh mushrooms
2 cups frozen peas, thawed
1 small onion, chopped

In a large skillet, heat oil over medium heat. Add prosciutto; cook and stir until heated, stirring occasionally. Remove with a slotted spoon; drain on paper towels. Cook and stir mushrooms, peas and onion in drippings until tender, 5-7 minutes.

Sprinkle with prosciutto.

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Broccoli with Cheese Sauce

12/21/2019

Good morning everyone! Merry Christmas to all! I do hope you have most of your sides prepped and ready, covered with saran wrap in the refrigerator. See? You already have a better outlook for the day! I was thinking of you when I awoke and thought you may be one side shy. So, here you are a fabulous, decadent creation to share next to your luscious turkey or ham.

Now, don't rush out there to prepare this. Sit back, read and do something for yourself for a change. This only takes a few minutes to prepare.

1 -2 pounds of broccoli
1 cup shredded cheese (you can mix cheddar, Colby, American - whatever your favorite)
1 cup milk
2 tab. butter
2 tab. flour
salt and pepper to taste

Steam broccoli until crisp/tender. Place butter and flour in saucepan and cook until thick and smooth. Add milk stirring constantly along with cheese. Season with salt and pepper. Cook on medium until mixture reaches desired consistency. Pour over drained broccoli.

WAFT

Christmas: Ham or Sausage Biscuits

1/2/2018

Who says being on a food budget can't produce wonderful products? I just came across another one to share! These are fantastic, and I chose this specific recipe after the holiday rush so that you can use up some of those leftovers! These are quite a treat the day after Christmas since leftovers are usually on the agenda. Each muffin comes out soft, chewy and full of flavor in their middles. You are going to be pleasantly surprised!

1/2 pd of Ham
1/2 pd of Sausage
2 1/4 cup Complete Pancake Mix
3/4 cup milk
6 tab. of cheddar cheese
Country Gravy Packet with tsp. garlic powder (optional)
Pam oil spray
1/4 cup milk

Set oven to 450 degrees. Place pancake mix and milk in bowl. Mix well. Place on lightly floured board, and gently need 4 min. Divide dough into 12 pieces. Take 2/3 of one piece and place in lightly sprayed muffin tin. Place ham or sausage, about 2 tab. in center and press down to make a mini filling. Add 1/2 tab. cheddar cheese on top. Take final 1/3 of individual dough piece and make a "rounded lid" for the muffin. Place on top, and press corners so cheese won't erupt. Gently brush tops with remaining cup of milk. Bake for 10-12 min. until golden. If desired, mix and cook gravy packet with garlic powder. Serve on top of each muffin

Christmas: Chocolate Chip Toffee Bars

1/2/2018

Each year there is a frenzy at my house to bake the most delectable, enticing cookies that are not produced at any other time of the year. Hence, the holidays made special with a few recipes that are tucked neatly away and only revealed this festive time of year.

I share with you today one of our favorites, the Chocolate Toffee Bar. These are inexpensive to make, yet decadent and lovely in a favorite cookie dish. Keep extra copies of this recipe on hand as this will soon be a requested
favorite.

2 1/3 cups of flour
2/3 cup light brown sugar
3/4 cup butter (1 1/2 sticks)
1 egg slightly beaten
2 cups semi sweet chocolate morsels
1 cup nuts (optional)
1 can 14 oz. of sweetened condensed milk
1 1/2 cup Heath Bits 'O Brickle
1 1/2 cups coconut

Grease 13 x 9 inch pan and set oven at 350 degrees. Combine flour, sugar, and butter in large bowl. Rub with fingers until mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Add egg and mix well. Stir in 1 1/2 cups chocolate morsels and nuts. Then set aside 1 1/2 cups of this mixture

Press remaining mixture in 13 x 9 inch pan. Bake 10 minutes. Top with canned milk (pour evenly). Sprinkle with reserved mixture, 1 cup toffee bits, and coconut.

On the very top add the last 1/2 cups of toffee bits, and remaining 1/2 cup of chocolate chips.

Bake for 25 - 30 minutes. Cut into bars and freeze so you can keep some till Christmas!

Christmas: Gourmet Latkes

1/2/2018

You don't have to be Jewish to make this traditional fare on Christmas Eve. These are by far the tastiest latkes you'll ever lay eyes on. Best of all, they can be whipped up in a flash if you have a food processor.

The trick is to be sure you squeeze the potatoes thoroughly before frying. This makes the crispiest latkes with soft pillow insides. Give these a try this year and bring on the good luck!

2 pounds russet potatoes, peeled
1 medium onion
1/2 cup chopped green onions
1/4 bunch of cilantro, chopped
1/4 bunch of parsley, chopped
1 tsp. chopped garlic
1 egg, lightly beaten
1/3 cup flour
1 1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon pepper
Oil for deep-fat frying

Coarsely grate potatoes and onion; drain by squeezing any liquid. Place in a bowl; add green onions, egg, cilantro, parsley, garlic, salt and pepper.

In an electric skillet, heat 1/8 in. of oil to 375°. Drop batter by heaping tablespoonfuls into hot oil. Flatten to form patties. Fry until golden brown; turn and cook the other side. Drain on paper towels.

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Christmas: Heavenly Gingerbread Cookies

1/2/2018

An early Merry Christmas to all my readers! I've been sharing favorite, inexpensive cookie recipes here the last few days to add joy to your holiday season. Most of these recipes contain ingredients that you can find in your pantry or receive from your local food bank. There is no reason to stop family customs, such as holiday cookie baking, just because you are on a tight budget. Cookie baking is a great way to bring the family closer and enjoy the holiday season.

2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
2 tsp. ground ginger
1 tsp. baking soda
3/4 tsp. cinnamon
1/2 tsp. ground cloves
1/4 tsp. salt
3/4 cup margarine
1 cup sugar
1/4 cup brown sugar
1 egg
1 tab. water
1/4 cup molasses
2 tab. white sugar

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Sift together dry ingredients. In another bowl cream together margarine, spices, salt, 1 cup sugar, 1/2 cup brown sugar. Roll into walnut size balls and dip into the remaining 2 tab. sugar. Bake 8-10 min.

Christmas: Triple Chocolate Candy Cane Cookies

1/2/2018

Here's one last cookie recipe to add to your repertoire for the holidays. These are triple chocolate candy cane cookies that will delight any table presentation. They are thrifty and reasonable to make, adding charm to the holiday season. Make a batch tonight, but hide them quickly for Christmas, or there may be nothing left while they're cooling!

3/4 cup margarine
1 cup sugar
1 egg
1 3/4 cups flour
1/2 cup cocoa
1/4 tsp. salt
1/4 tsp. baking soda
3 oz. white chocolate, chopped
2 tsp. oil
3 oz. semisweet chocolate chips
1/4 cup candy canes crushed

Set oven at 350 degrees. Cream margarine and sugar until fluffy. In another bowl whisk flour, cocoa, salt, baking soda. Beat into creamed mixture. Shape dough into 1 inch balls. Place 2 inches apart on baking sheet and flatten into 2 inch rounds. Bake 6-8 minutes. Cool for 5 minutes then cool completely on wire racks.

In microwave melt white chocolate with 1 tsp. oil. Stir until smooth and drizzle over cookies. Repeat with semi sweet chocolate using remaining oil. Sprinkle tops quickly with crush candy canes. Let stand until set.