Thrifty Recipes Blog - Living On Food Banks

Mummies on a Stick

10/13/2018

Just because money is a little tight doesn't mean you can't have a little fun around dinner time. Here's a great way to get a bit more into the holiday spirit by offering this quick mummy wrap recipe for dinner tonight.

Serve these cuties up and your family will be thrilled with giggles afterwards.

1 tube (11 ounces) refrigerated bread sticks
10 Popsicle sticks
10 hot dogs
Prepared mustard

Separate dough; roll 10 pieces into 24-in. ropes. Insert a Popsicle stick into each hot dog. Starting at the stick end, wrap one dough rope around each hot dog, leaving 2 in. of the hot dog uncovered at the top for the mummy head.

Place mummies 1 in. apart on a greased baking sheet. Place remaining bread sticks on another baking sheet.

Bake at 350° for 18-20 minutes. Add dots of mustard for eyes. Save leftover bread sticks for another use.

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Mississippi Mud Pie

10/7/2018

Last week's dirt cups were amazing. Equally amazing is the lawn decorations that bestow our front lawn in the Halloween spirit. Nothing puts a smile on your face than pulling into your own driveway with a few haunted creatures greeting you.

This week I've dug out my favorite Mississippi Mud Pie recipe. This too eludes Halloween tradition and my kids look forward to it each year. It's easy and inexpensive with ingredients you may have already found gathering in your cupboards. I true traditional treat!

1 1/4 pound chocolate chip cookie crushed (save 4)
1/3 cup of margarine melted
1 small container of whipped topping
6 oz. of chocolate chips ( about 1/2 bag)
1 can evaporated milk
1 container of vanilla ice cream

In a bowl combine crushed cookies and melted butter. Press into 13 x 9 inch pan. Place in freezer 1/2 hour to harden. Slice vanilla ice cream into 1 inch slaps and place on bottom of pan. Smooth with back of spoon. Freeze again for 20 min. In a pan add chocolate and milk. Stir until thick and let cool completely. Pour over vanilla ice cream layer and freeze 1/2 hour. Smooth one tub of whipped topping over top. Sprinkle with remaining crushed cookies.

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Halloween Dirt Cups

9/29/2018

Getting out those Halloween decorations this weekend? How' bout a little after dinner treat tonight for those little ones to spark that festive mood? This recipe is quick, easy and inexpensive. Your kids will just love the flavors that mesh in this good 'ol favorite recipe. Take a few moments this afternoon preparing a real treat while you organize, discard, and hang up those chilling decorations!

2 cups cold milk
1 package of Jell-O chocolate pudding, small
1 tub Cool Whip
1 16 oz. package of chocolate cookies, crushed
8 - 10 clear cups or dessert cups
Gummy worms, candy flowers, chopped peanuts, or other gummy treat

Pour milk in bowl with small box of pudding mix. Whisk until blended. Let mixture stand five minutes. Stir in whipped topping and half the crushed cookies. Place one tab. of reserved crushed cookies in each cup, fill cup 2/3 full with pudding mixture, and top with another 2 tab. of crushed cookies. Decorate with gummies and such. Quick and YUM!

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Labor Day: Birdie in the Nest Bacon and Cheese Sandwich

9/3/2018

Any time there is a three-day-weekend you can bet I'm in the kitchen whipping up something spectacular so that my family rises smelling a quick treat. These sandwiches take minutes to make.

I am usually blessed with a bit of bacon in my monthly food bag. So, I'm always looking for ways to put it to good use. You're going to love these sandwiches. You can bet they are sure fire fillers.

2 slices sourdough bread
1 tablespoon mayonnaise
1 large egg
1 slice American cheese
2 cooked bacon strips

Using a biscuit cutter or round cookie cutter, cut out center of one slice of bread (discard center or save for another use). Spread mayonnaise on one side of bread slices. In a large skillet coated with cooking spray, lightly toast cutout slice, mayonnaise side down, over medium-low heat. Flip slice; crack an egg into center. Add remaining bread slice mayonnaise side down, to skillet; layer with cheese and bacon.

Cook, covered, until egg white is set, yolk is soft-set and cheese begins to melt. If needed, flip slice with egg to finish cooking. To assemble sandwich, use solid slice as bottom and cutout slice as top

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Labor Day: Miniature Corn Pups

9/3/2018

There are so many wonderful grill recipes for adults on Labor Day, but about something special for the little ones? Here's a miniature old time favorite that kids will just love to pitch in and help fry.

Got a small electric fry basket? Then you're all set and these take only a few minutes from start to finish.

1 cup all-purpose flour
2 tablespoons cornmeal
1-1/2 teaspoons baking powder
1/4 teaspoon salt
Dash onion powder
3 tablespoons shortening
3/4 cup milk
1 large egg
1 package (16 ounces) hot dogs, cut into 2 inch pieces
Oil for deep-fat frying
ketchup

In a small bowl combine the flour, cornmeal, baking powder, salt and onion powder; cut in shortening until crumbly. Whisk milk and egg; stir into flour mixture just until moistened. Dip sausages into batter.

In an electric skillet or deep fryer, heat oil to 375°. Fry sausages, a few at a time, until golden brown, 2-3 minutes. Drain on paper towels. Serve with ketchup.

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Fourth of July Coconut and Oats Cookies

7/4/2018

Remember one of the most important steps to ensuring holiday fun, is the step of preparation. The more you prepare ahead of time, the more you'll enjoy those individuals you love. These cookies can be prepared in advance, frozen to ensure freshness, and then set out on a lovely platter for your Fourth of July Holiday.

1 cup instant oats
1 cup flour
1 cup brown sugar
1/2 cup coconut
1/2 tsp. baking soda
1/4 cup margarine
3 tab. water
2 tab. pancake syrup

Beat brown sugar and margarine until fluffy. Add 1 cup of flour and beat for 2 mins. Add water, pancake syrup, baking soda, oats, and coconut. Mix on low speed until combined.. Drop by tablespoons onto greased cookies sheet. Bake at 350 for 12 minutes or until the edges are golden.

Fourth of July Red, White, and Blue Shortcakes

7/4/2018

I was in Aldi yesterday picking up a quart of strawberries for $1.29. Knowing I had some leftover blueberries from last month's food pantry bag stashed deep in the freezer, I knew I had a red, white, and blue concoction to share. This recipe is quick, thrifty, and easy to make. You can put these beauties together in around 30 minutes and surprise your family tonight with a real treat!

Aldi's blueberries were on sale for $1,29 a pint this week!

Biscuit

2 cups fresh strawberries, sliced
1 1/2 cups blueberries
3 tab. pancake syrup

Shortcakes

2 cups whole wheat or white flour
2 1/2 tsp. baking powder
1/2 tsp. salt
1/4 tsp. baking soda
1/2 cup cold butter or margarine, cubed
1/2 cup milk
1/4 cup pancake syrup

Cool Whip

In a bowl, mash 2/3 cup strawberries with syrup. Add the rest of the strawberries and blueberries. Refrigerate. In a bowl mix flour, baking powder, salt, and soda. Cut in butter until mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Whisk in egg, milk, and syrup until just moistened. Turn out on lightly floured board and roll into 3/4 inch thickness. Cut with a 2 1/2 inch biscuit cutter or inverted drinking glass. Place on greased cookie sheet two inches apart. Bake at 400 for 12 - 15 minutes or until lightly browned.

Split shortcakes and fill with berry filling and cool whip. Place more on top if desired.

Fourth of July Grilled Brown Sugar Mustard Thighs

7/4/2018

I was just at Winn Dixie when low and behold there are HUGE packs of chicken thigh specials! For only $1.59 a pound you can pick up a good size tray for your Fourth of July BBQ. What a special treat! All you need is a package of hot dogs and you've got a great grill-in fare happening at your place on the Fourth!

At this very moment, buy one get one Ball Park Franks are on sale. Nothing like splurging a buck on some good dogs. Just seems to make the festivities all the better!

This recipe adds flavor through and through allowing you to marinate overnight. So get cooking and slip some of these thighs into a Ziploc baggie for tomorrows grill fest.

1/3 cup yellow mustard
1/2 cup packed brown sugar
1/4 tsp. cinnamon
1/4 tsp. crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
8 - 10 bone in chicken thighs

In a bowl mix all ingredients. Place chicken in a Ziploc bag and reserve 1/4 cup marinade. Pour rest over chicken and place in refrigerator overnight. Grill chicken covered over medium heat until thermometer reaches 170 degrees. Serve with reserved marinade.

Fourth of July Caesar Salad

7/4/2018

Have you ever wondered how real Caesar Salad is made? This recipe has been with me for years, and I can attest you'll taste none better. Need something special for your Fourth of July table yet? Then give this a try. Got to have some special fare for the holidays!

For the Croutons:
3 cups French or Italian bread cubed
2 tab. extra virgin olive oil
1 tsp. Italian herb blend
1 tsp. salt
1/2 tsp. pepper
Toss bread cubes with ingredients and bake in a 450 degree oven for 8 to 10 min. turning occasionally. Set aside to cool.

For the Salad:
1 large clove of garlic, peeled
1 large head of Romaine lettuce
2 tab. fresh lemon juice
1 soft boiled egg (cooked in boiling water 1 minute, left in its shell)
3 anchovy fillets mashed
1/2 tsp. Worcestershire sauce
1/3 cup extra virgin olive oil
1/3 cup freshly grated Romano cheese
Cut garlic clove in half and rub around inside of a wooden bowl. Discard. Break Romaine lettuce into bite size serving pieces. In a small bowl combine lemon, egg, Worcestershire sauce, and olive oil. Whisk well. Toss mixture with salad and toss with cheese. Top with croutons. Serve immediately.

Fourth of July Coleslaw

7/4/2018

Happy Fourth of July! I happened to receive a bag of mixed cabbage in my food pantry bag. Anytime you receive a bag of fresh veggies in your food pantry box, one must ensure there is a recipe handy to construct it quickly.

Often, these items are handed out on the expiration date. You can just tell they won't be any good the following day. This recipe is quick and will use ingredients you already have on hand to make this delicious side for dinner this evening.

Did you know? The recipe for coleslaw as it is most commonly prepared is fairly young, as mayonnaise was invented during the mid-18th century. The term "coleslaw" arose in the 18th century as an anglicisation of the Dutch term "koolsla" ("kool" in Dutch sounds somewhat like "cole") or "koolsalade" meaning "cabbage salad".

1 bag of coleslaw mix
1/2 cup mayonnaise
1 tablespoon sugar
1 teaspoon celery seed, optional
1/2 teaspoon mustard
1/4 teaspoon salt

In a medium bowl place cabbage mix. Combine remaining ingredients; stir into vegetables. Chill until ready to serve.