tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-81633847813165027522024-03-05T17:41:37.395-07:00But Mama, I'm Hungry!Country Cookin' Mamahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05505473285374214057noreply@blogger.comBlogger87125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8163384781316502752.post-61604257532567733972015-03-03T14:52:00.000-07:002015-03-03T14:52:54.293-07:00$65 a Week Challenge, Week 5<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Welcome to week 5 of my $65 a week challenge! To read how and why I'm doing this, you can read week one's post, <a href="http://butmamaimhungry.blogspot.com/2015/02/65-week-grocery-challenge.html" target="_blank">here</a>.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The first week of a new month always brings new promise, and this month is my birthday month, which is always more fun! I did my weekly shopping on Monday this week, right before we got a nice layer of snow on the ground. I'm not the fondest of driving in the snow, so I was especially happy that I did my shopping yesterday when I woke up this morning. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> I've been trying to be a bit more strict with what I've been eating and trying not to think too much about it. Since we're going to Disneyland in late April, I want to be comfortable walking around the parks for 3 days straight, so I've been eating a bit differently lately. I swear, I'm the queen of always eating a different diet. Whatever... I guess I get bored with things and need to change it up? So, I've been eating Special K in the mornings with fat free milk and fruit and then vegetable soup for lunch and a regular dinner. I'll eat a couple of snacks during the day, either yogurt, fruit or a protein shake, usually trying to keep it around 100-150 calories for snacks. So, the things I've been making and buying are a bit different, but that's okay. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Here's what I bought for this week's groceries:</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">2 boxes Special K, 4 gallons milk, 3 two liter sodas, 14 yoplait yogurts, 2 boxes sugar free jello, 2 boxes sugar free pudding, 2 bottles taco bell hot sauce, 1 box graham crackers, </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">1 bottle peanuts, 3 packages cheese, Nature's Season, 2 avocados, 1.4 lbs roma tomatoes, 2 lbs strawberries, 1 package mini pepperoni, 1 tub light cool whip, 3 lbs halo mandarin oranges, 1 package mini marshmallows, 1 package sugar snap peas, 1 bunch bananas, 3 lbs apples, 1 package mushrooms, 1 head cabbage, 1 bunch asparagus, 8 oz light sour cream, 2 lbs carrots, 12 oz package bologna, 2 zucchinis and 2 dozen eggs.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I have been shopping at Walmart for the past few trips and have been plugging in my receipt into their <a href="https://savingscatcher.walmart.com/" target="_blank">Savings Catcher </a> which scans your receipt to see if there was a lower price on anything at local stores. I racked up a whopping $5.54, which I redeemed for a gift card and took that in to use on some of my groceries. I also checked <a href="http://coupons.com/">coupons.com</a> and <a href="https://www.kelloggsfamilyrewards.com/en_US/home.html" target="_blank">Kellogg's Family Rewards</a> before leaving my house and found a few coupons that I used. I had also heard on a money saving facebook page that Albertson's had asparagus on sale his week for .98 cents a pound. I forgot to check the ad before I left, but the cashier still let me price match! </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>My total spent out of pocket for all of the groceries pictured above was $69.20</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I guess I got a little carried away with my coupons and whatnot and wasn't paying as close of attention as I should have been. Oh well. Since my monthly budget is $275, it actually leaves me with a little more than $65 a week, more like $68.75 a week. In the end, everything will even itself out and $69.20 is much better than I was doing. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Here's What I've been cooking this past week:</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">On Saturday I roasted a turkey that someone gave us around Thanksgiving time. I injected it with some <a href="https://www.blogger.com/%3Ca%20href=%22http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B005LSRSJ2/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B005LSRSJ2&linkCode=as2&tag=bumaimhu-20&linkId=YZHS7JSCRBXGUGSN%22%3ECajun%20Injector%20Creole%20Butter%20%3C/a%3E%3Cimg%20src=%22http://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=bumaimhu-20&l=as2&o=1&a=B005LSRSJ2%22%20width=%221%22%20height=%221%22%20border=%220%22%20alt=%22%22%20style=%22border:none%20!important;%20margin:0px%20!important;%22%20/%3E" target="_blank">Creole Butter</a> that my husband got from his work for free. I then roasted it according to the turkey wrapper directions. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">This gave us lots of leftovers, which I love! On Sunday night, I made an enchilada casserole, that I forgot to get a picture of. I made the enchilada sauce homemade. I found a recipe on <a href="https://www.pinterest.com/cntrycookinmama/" target="_blank">Pinterest</a> that we like, but of course I've tweaked it a little. You can find the original recipe over at <a href="http://www.gimmesomeoven.com/red-enchilada-sauce/" target="_blank">Gimme some Oven</a>. I basically make it the same way, but substitute one of the cups of chicken broth for 8 oz of tomato sauce. This give me the traditional enchilada sauce flavor that I was looking for. I've made this recipe a few times and we really like it!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Last night I made roasted broccoli and a creamy gnocchi bake. I created this recipe myself and I'll be sharing that with you soon, so come back and check for that!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Right now, as I type this, I'm using up the rest of the leftover turkey, making two big pots of soup. One is a traditional turkey noodle and the other is a variation of <a href="http://notquiteavegan.com/2014/05/fat-burning-cabbage-tortilla-soup.html" target="_blank">this recipe</a>, with turkey added. I also have whole wheat rolls rising. If those turn out well, I'll share that recipe later this week!</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjq0vIkXn4a7wup3xdf_8B0eoMoSHDJbZIGSiyVoc1SSegaO2y6yclUz_6xC_9Ynpk_ahHHuMP7I-DahjEIR3pNbZ1TW1XaPIxF9FgwgTvWbi-eIxlcVYQ3sIYhhsfSeXek0A0mFZX-ABM/s1600/icecreamsandwiches.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjq0vIkXn4a7wup3xdf_8B0eoMoSHDJbZIGSiyVoc1SSegaO2y6yclUz_6xC_9Ynpk_ahHHuMP7I-DahjEIR3pNbZ1TW1XaPIxF9FgwgTvWbi-eIxlcVYQ3sIYhhsfSeXek0A0mFZX-ABM/s1600/icecreamsandwiches.jpg" height="219" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Another thing I made today are these Faux Ice Cream Sandwiches. They are a great low calorie sweet treat that helps with my sweet tooth. To make these I mixed together 1 key lime yolpait yogurt and about 1/3 of a tub of light cool whip. I then put a spoonful of the mixture between graham cracker halves. Then wrapped them up in plastic wrap and froze them. Now they are in the freezer waiting for a late night snack! You could use any flavor yogurt and any variety of graham crackers to mix it up. I'll be looking for chocolate graham crackers next time I'm in the store. I didn't find them at walmart yesterdy. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Early last week I made a big pot of <a href="http://kitchen-parade-veggieventure.blogspot.com/2006/01/day-285-weight-watchers-zero-points.html" target="_blank">Weight Watchers Zero Point Soup</a>. I don't really follow a recipe, but that one is similar. I just throw in whatever veggies I have in the fridge and then cook until tender. I also added a can of kidney beans for more protein. This has provided me with a week's worth of lunch! I actually just ate my last bowl of this soup for lunch today. This week I'll be eating the soup I spoke of earlier and when that runs out I'll make another type. Soups that are low calorie are always a good option for a quick lunch. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">So, there you have it. That's what's been cooking at my house! </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">What did you cook this past week? </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Were you able to stick to your grocery budget this week?</span></div>
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<br />Country Cookin' Mamahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05505473285374214057noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8163384781316502752.post-38540062740465344832015-02-24T15:52:00.001-07:002015-02-24T15:52:44.697-07:00Week 4 of the $65 a Week Grocery Challenge!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Here we are at the end of February and the beginning of my fourth week of the $65 a week challenge. If you're new to the blog and want to know why I'm spending only $65 a week on groceries, you can go over to <a href="http://butmamaimhungry.blogspot.com/2015/02/65-week-grocery-challenge.html" target="_blank">my first week's post</a> and see why I'm doing this. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Last week we had my husband's birthday and I was sick most of the week. On my husband's birthday we used a gift certificate that we got at Christmas to go out to dinner as a family to celebrate his birthday. And then since I was sick most of the week, I didn't make anything too exciting that I thought was worth taking pictures of to share the recipe with you all. Hopefully this week will be a little different! </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I went shopping today for this week's groceries. <b> I spent a total of $66.48.</b> $1.48 over my $65 a week budget, but I'll take it. I had Diet Mt. Dew on my list, which is my husband's special treat that we splurge on. I wasn't able to find it in the smaller 12 pack at a good enough price for me to justify buying it, so I had to spend a little more, $5.48 for the bigger pack. But, on the bright side, I won't have to buy that next week, as this should last him a bit longer. So, that's why I went over budget a bit. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Here's a breakdown of what I got this week:</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">3 gallons of milk, 3 dozen eggs, 3 packs of shredded cheese, 8 yoplait yogurts, 20 pack diet mt. dew, corn tortillas, flour tortillas, 2 liter soda, 1 loaf bread, 1 bag onions, 1 green bell pepper, 3 pack romain lettuce, 1 bunch bananas, 1 bag apples, 1 bag halo oranges, 1 lb strawberries, zucchini, broccoli, 2 special K cereals, mushrooms, tomatoes, hot dogs, animal crackers and yogurt raisins. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Total spent this week: $66.48</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Total spent week 1: $62.66</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Total spent week 2: $68.04</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Total spent week 3: $64.71</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Total for the month of February: $261.89</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">That is well under my $275 a month budget! I'd say I'd call this month a success! </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I'm pretty happy that I was able to only spend $261.89 for the entire month for my </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">family of 5. Which is much better than the $600+ I was spending before! </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Do you think you could feed your family on a reduced budget? How much do you think you could comfortably spend a month? Or a week?</span></div>
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<br />Country Cookin' Mamahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05505473285374214057noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8163384781316502752.post-30457013019058390692015-02-16T20:35:00.001-07:002015-02-16T20:35:50.216-07:00$65 A Week Challenge, Week 3! <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">You can see how this week's shopping went at the bottom of this post. In the meantime, here's what's been cooking lately.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEje4kMHRcUUxHa1BjwMMncvx4Cok1q23Z7r_HsSPl7DUkjlnjvbQTrnUZJ4aVMhDgF_Prt-6rEKQ9LQ6LjN8qTp2t4oiLOgI7aY1eG9gwvK6yDGNzzBQtzC9DAbiDEESbW0yfyin_NOeO4/s1600/pasta.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEje4kMHRcUUxHa1BjwMMncvx4Cok1q23Z7r_HsSPl7DUkjlnjvbQTrnUZJ4aVMhDgF_Prt-6rEKQ9LQ6LjN8qTp2t4oiLOgI7aY1eG9gwvK6yDGNzzBQtzC9DAbiDEESbW0yfyin_NOeO4/s1600/pasta.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">One night for dinner I made brown rice pasta with ground venison and added veggies to my canned pasta sauce. No recipe for this, just a simple quick dinner to put on the table.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Total cost for me to make this meal: about $4</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Last week a friend and I hosted a Valentine's Day party for the little kids in our area. We had a great turn out and it was lots of fun. I was responsible for cookie decorating so I made a couple of batches of sugar cookies and some frosting and the kids had a blast decorating them and were able to take them home. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I searched pinterest for a sugar cookie recipe that didn't need to be refrigerated and found this really good recipe over on <i><a href="http://www.inkatrinaskitchen.com/2011/12/best-sugar-cookie-recipe-and-kitchenaid_28.html" target="_blank">In Katrina's Kitchen</a>. </i>It is titled </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i>Best Sugar Cookie Recipe EVER</i> and I'd have to agree that these were pretty much perfect for what I was wanting. Go check out the recipe! Since I was able to get butter for $2 a pound last week, these cookies weren't too expensive to make. Two batches cost me about $3.25 to make, extra for the frosting.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUSmFl3b50Uh1V838PMUeGJQJaq__dCCwk-0LwR9IJFJvs1UonFKsAmfiFk6QedRlGLxl8zJuxmdnMm8vQ7K89vnM3pRVMkbM3L9tmRgWJnZW34tUpWAjKYlnX6WxZ3BbFIXdef5dHtHk/s1600/pizza.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUSmFl3b50Uh1V838PMUeGJQJaq__dCCwk-0LwR9IJFJvs1UonFKsAmfiFk6QedRlGLxl8zJuxmdnMm8vQ7K89vnM3pRVMkbM3L9tmRgWJnZW34tUpWAjKYlnX6WxZ3BbFIXdef5dHtHk/s1600/pizza.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">One of the nights that my husband was out of town last week I made homemade pizza for the kids. They loved it! Pizza is always a special treat! I topped the kid pizza with Antelope sausage that my husband and I made during hunting season along with cheese and olives. It was super good!</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5_aawOx2X7x-hwZtVvMBJrIFY0Y-OqrSnh1oCO0UJ1BcW6QgnjW9yq6AYEq2jrTCx_hAw4zVbAFSjhRQsYg6a8lOsL584CSskO9pxtZvsCuPet6go808D4U-hKp2KoOJ0OMkM5eIAt8A/s1600/vegpizza.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5_aawOx2X7x-hwZtVvMBJrIFY0Y-OqrSnh1oCO0UJ1BcW6QgnjW9yq6AYEq2jrTCx_hAw4zVbAFSjhRQsYg6a8lOsL584CSskO9pxtZvsCuPet6go808D4U-hKp2KoOJ0OMkM5eIAt8A/s1600/vegpizza.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">My pizza was a bit more adventurous. It has the sausage and olives along with zucchini, garlic, green bell peppers, onion and mushrooms. Then I topped it with fresh tomato after it baked. SO GOOD! </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Total cost for our 3 big pizzas: about $7</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Here's a good pizza dough recipe:</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Pizza Dough:</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">2 1/2 C. Medium Hot Water<br style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" />1 Tbsp. Yeast<br style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" />2 Tbsp. Sugar<br style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" />3 Tbsp. Oil<br style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" />1 tsp. Salt<br style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" />6 C. Flour (you can do half all-purpose and half white wheat or 100% whole wheat)<br style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Directions:</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 21.6000003814697px;">Preheat oven to 425 degrees</span><br style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" /><span style="line-height: 21.6000003814697px;">1. Pour medium hot water in mixing bowl. Sprinkle yeast on top and allow to dissolve.</span><br style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" /><span style="line-height: 21.6000003814697px;">2. Add sugar, salt, and oil. Gradually add approximately 6 cups of flour. Let mix in electric mixer for about 6 minutes.</span><br style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" /><span style="line-height: 21.6000003814697px;">3. Place dough on sprayed cookie sheet or pizza pan and press to fill pan, top with sauce, cheese and your favorite toppings.</span><br style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" /><span style="line-height: 21.6000003814697px;">4. Cook for 12 to 14 minutes or until cheese is bubbly and crust is cooked through.</span><br style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" /><span style="line-height: 21.6000003814697px;"> </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 21.6000003814697px;">Makes 3 to 4 pizzas.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Now onto this week's shopping. My husband pointed out to me that I wasn't technically over budget last week since the week before I was actually under budget! So, I stuck to my $65 budget for this week. Everything I purchased for this week is pictured above. The total for this week's groceries was $64.71! So, I stuck to budget and got a few things I wasn't even planning on getting. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Here's what I got:</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">5 dozen eggs, 2 gallons milk, twirly lollipop (not pictured), ham lunch meat, 3 packages shredded cheese, Cinnamon Toaster cereal, celery, 8 oz mushrooms, mayo, 2 liter soda, sliced cheese, taco bell hot sauce, saltine crackers, fresh salsa, tortillas, 1.1 lbs roma tomatoes, strawberry syrup, 1 lb brown rice pasta, 1.79 lbs broccoli, 3 avocados, .61 lbs banana chips, .65 lbs mixed nuts, 2.13 lbs tangelos, 2 lbs carrots, 1.20 lbs yellow delish apples, 2.44 lbs bananas, 2 lbs green cabbage, raisins, hot dogs and Smucker's jam.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I'm so used to buying a FULL cart of groceries every time I go shopping, so I'm getting used to only getting what I need and leaving with a very empty cart compared to what I'm used to. But, I think it's been going pretty good so far! </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">How did you do on your grocery budget this week?</span></div>
<br />Country Cookin' Mamahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05505473285374214057noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8163384781316502752.post-5725474240676155512015-02-11T14:44:00.000-07:002015-02-11T14:44:57.964-07:00The Best Buttermilk Biscuits You'll Ever Make!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNcsQD4xr-P43c8r78U-I5DPSIJkIHMYwl03w1MfOUeX9pXT6ljmmwLTcseSIgEUtTy7ACGo6k_PYghoSPKQIywdpOQWld7DO3zk4S4nxzr2sHSt5JrrbBa7u0UFnlRtmWVpwr7K4P5Xw/s1600/biscuits.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNcsQD4xr-P43c8r78U-I5DPSIJkIHMYwl03w1MfOUeX9pXT6ljmmwLTcseSIgEUtTy7ACGo6k_PYghoSPKQIywdpOQWld7DO3zk4S4nxzr2sHSt5JrrbBa7u0UFnlRtmWVpwr7K4P5Xw/s1600/biscuits.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Dinners this week have all been pretty laid back. Not much cooking has been going on. Sunday I baked some chicken thighs and made mashed potatoes and gravy, served with corn. Monday we had leftovers of that for dinner. And last night we had leftover sausage gravy with these homemade buttermilk biscuits. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I don't cook much when my husband isn't home, which is okay with me!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">A few years ago I was at our local library and I stumbled upon this cookbook. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i>Cooking Up a Storm</i></span></div>
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<iframe frameborder="0" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" scrolling="no" src="//ws-na.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/q?ServiceVersion=20070822&OneJS=1&Operation=GetAdHtml&MarketPlace=US&source=ss&ref=ss_til&ad_type=product_link&tracking_id=bumaimhu-20&marketplace=amazon&region=US&placement=159217101X&asins=159217101X&linkId=C7BI56RCJBZ4UJXJ&show_border=true&link_opens_in_new_window=true" style="height: 240px; width: 120px;"></p>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">It has lots of old fashioned recipes and fun stories to go along with it. I liked it so much, that I bought it and have made a few recipes from it. But let me tell you, I found one recipe in it that is the BEST recipe I've ever stumbled upon for Buttermilk Biscuits. Look no further if you've been on the hunt for a good biscuit recipe! It's in this book! </span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkOCuQQSc_y6Csz5YrU29eqqTIE9bs3LlWUtJanEtYSzkpua90-MKVmQElsQLvDizr2WCg9RupAZWBqxhBzIkCE5dz_YCZWExg71d1BxXVRW3qsExp8gGfTnx0yQeMpRWpZRT_1tXugbY/s1600/SAM_4122.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkOCuQQSc_y6Csz5YrU29eqqTIE9bs3LlWUtJanEtYSzkpua90-MKVmQElsQLvDizr2WCg9RupAZWBqxhBzIkCE5dz_YCZWExg71d1BxXVRW3qsExp8gGfTnx0yQeMpRWpZRT_1tXugbY/s1600/SAM_4122.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I didn't have any fresh buttermilk on hand, but I did have a can of dry buttermilk, so I mixed some of that up and used it in place of the fresh. The biscuits still turned out just as good as ever! If you decide to use reconstituted buttermilk or even regular milk with vinegar or lemon juice in it, to sour it, you will have to use less. Real buttermilk has a thick consistency, and the other two options are thinner, so you have to gauge by feel how much liquid to put in. If you use real buttermilk, then just put the amount in the recipe and they will come out perfect!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b>Buttermilk Biscuits</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">As seen in the cookbook <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/159217101X/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=159217101X&linkCode=as2&tag=bumaimhu-20&linkId=QT76YJF5G6MPK4FJ">Cooking Up a Storm (Good Old Days)</a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=bumaimhu-20&l=as2&o=1&a=159217101X" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Preheat oven to 450 degrees.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Sift together:</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">1 3/4 cups flour</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">1/2 teaspoon salt</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">2 teaspoons baking powder</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">1 teaspoon sugar</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">1/2 teaspoon baking soda</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Cut in:</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">5 tablespoons butter or 1/4 cup lard (I always use lard)</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Add and <i>lightly mix (25 strokes only)</i>:</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">3/4 cup buttermilk <i>or</i> regular milk mixed with 1 tablespoon vinegar or lemon juice</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Turn dough onto floured board and knead gently for about 30 seconds. Pat dough to a thickness of 1/2 inch. Cut with biscuit cutter or a glass. Bake on greased cookie sheet for 10-12 minutes. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> Note: It is best to stack to cookie sheets, one on top of the other, to prevent over-browning the biscuit bottoms.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Breakfast for dinner was a quick and easy meal to put on the table with leftover sausage gravy over hot biscuits and scrambled eggs with cheese on top.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Total cost for this dinner: about $2</span></div>
<br />Country Cookin' Mamahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05505473285374214057noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8163384781316502752.post-44720261034525824002015-02-09T17:12:00.000-07:002015-02-10T07:38:58.671-07:00$65 A Week Challenge Week #2 Plus Disneyland Prep!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">What a week it's been! My first week of the $65 a week challenge went really well. I was able to stay within my budget and make lots of homemade foods for my family. Here's how this week went.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I did a few more grocery store stops for this week's shopping. I started last Friday, so technically it was still "last week", but, I applied the money towards this week's budget, since the food was all for this week. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I stopped by a local store to pick up some motion sickness pills for my husband who was going on a 9 hour road trip for work. He wasn't sure if he'd be having to sit in the back seat, so I planned ahead and got him the motion sickness pills. It's never fun to be car sick for 9 hours... </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">While I was there, I noticed that they had a produce bag special going on. I looked at what was offered and decided that it was well worth the $15 price. So, I picked one up. You can see all I got for $15 in the photo above. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Here's a breakdown of what was in the bag:</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">1 lb carrots, 1 bag salad mix, 1 guacamole mix, 1 pineapple, 3 grapefruits, 4 oranges, 5 HUGE gala apples, 4 roma tomatoes, 2 mangoes, 2 bell peppers, 4 green apples and 2 avocados. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I also shopped at the dollar store twice and Walmart once for this week's groceries. I still have things leftover from last week's shopping trip, so I didn't need to get as much stuff. Plus, like I mentioned before, my husband is out of town most of this week, which means I don't need as much food in the house. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Here's what I got:</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Walmart: 2 gallons of milk, 18 count package eggs, 16 count flour tortillas, 2 liter diet twist, 12 pack diet mt. dew (not pictured), chocolate syrup (for my 4 year old who is obsessed with chocolate milk), 8 oz package cheese, 4 lbs butter (I had 1 lb on my list, but as I was looking at butter I saw an older gentleman with 16 lbs of it in his cart, I asked him if it was on sale somewhere else to price match and he said it was! Fred Meyer has them on sale this week for 2 for $4, so only $2 a pound. The normal price is over $4.50 each!) and 9 oz package of lunch meat. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Dollar store: Chips, cinnamon toasters and a can of sardines (not pictured, for my son who is weird.)</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Total for this food: $30.45</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJ7VgDlKD4XEqlaZz3mL-SOaCea4khhmOadTav40onFed6XkpIaNJWLj9yoAR5r-olOdkPZGNjrXmXMaQkeuhOTlE0eIGA-nz2uc_25JN8NaaIBEV_OPCzEqqM9R3wkFmjxxGmY1HODcQ/s1600/dis1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJ7VgDlKD4XEqlaZz3mL-SOaCea4khhmOadTav40onFed6XkpIaNJWLj9yoAR5r-olOdkPZGNjrXmXMaQkeuhOTlE0eIGA-nz2uc_25JN8NaaIBEV_OPCzEqqM9R3wkFmjxxGmY1HODcQ/s1600/dis1.jpg" height="400" width="300" /></a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I came up with this crazy idea to go to DISNEYLAND this Spring and my husband agreed! We're going to do it very frugally, eating breakfast and most of our dinners in our room and bringing pre-made lunch and snacks with us into the park, so I decided that since my total spent so far for this week's food was only $45.45 I would use the remainder of my budget on getting ready for Disneyland. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Here is what I got at my first trip to the dollar store:</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">2 quarts shelf stable milk, 1 drink mix, 1 Jif to go, 1 package gnocchi</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Here is what I got in my second trip to the dollar store and at Walmart for our </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Disneyland trip.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Dollar Store: Fiddle Faddle, Whales crackers, peanut butter crackers and sour cream and chive crackers.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Walmart: Crunchy granola bars, Breakfast on the go packs, raisins, capri suns, fruit crisps and drink mix.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Total spent at both dollar store trips and Walmart for Disneyland:</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">$22.59</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b>Total spent this week, all together: </b></span><b style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-large;">$68.04</b></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">So, I was over budget by $3.04, which means that next week I'll only have $61.96, which I'll round up to $62. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I guess I went a little overboard with the Disneyland Prep, I could have left off a thing or two and been on budget, but it will all even itself out at the end of the month.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">How was your budget for this week? </span></div>
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<br />Country Cookin' Mamahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05505473285374214057noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8163384781316502752.post-47485818863529451692015-02-06T19:02:00.001-07:002015-02-06T19:05:11.313-07:00Breakfast Tacos & Chicken and Veggie Stir Fry<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMvzCmOzwmPdWpbwwMUEVDr-DgHDXFb524UlkfyNdbFfBjDjZxCkXCP9N1tqHQfGlg2FrSuKlNsYj1yFcJjFJYA6TcWOivJZlv_KXhT-4kF0e-zbS_IIolme-ydgFWjRtPPpAor5cExEo/s1600/breakfasttacos.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMvzCmOzwmPdWpbwwMUEVDr-DgHDXFb524UlkfyNdbFfBjDjZxCkXCP9N1tqHQfGlg2FrSuKlNsYj1yFcJjFJYA6TcWOivJZlv_KXhT-4kF0e-zbS_IIolme-ydgFWjRtPPpAor5cExEo/s1600/breakfasttacos.jpg" height="310" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">This morning for breakfast I decided to use 4 slices of leftover bacon to make some Breakfast Tacos for my family's breakfast. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I scrambled 10 eggs, that a friend gave me from her chickens, cut the bacon up into small bit sized pieces, warmed up 10 small soft taco sized tortillas, diced a couple of tomatoes and an avocado and we had breakfast. Add a little cheese on top and some hot sauce and you're good to go. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The total cost for me to make this was: about $2.50</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Since the bacon was from our pigs and the eggs from a friend. </span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDmhYh5PmYEaHFzyiOwLUj1NMUvXSkHYGABJU8burk3rOg2t2oTGFNJGZE2WKszT6cL7tgmIYE0PTEk1d9cEqDkS2_05z0uLVRNQawIHXBP9PjGcH2UagcjAGGd6_T2UVR9R6UORtvb7s/s1600/stirfry.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDmhYh5PmYEaHFzyiOwLUj1NMUvXSkHYGABJU8burk3rOg2t2oTGFNJGZE2WKszT6cL7tgmIYE0PTEk1d9cEqDkS2_05z0uLVRNQawIHXBP9PjGcH2UagcjAGGd6_T2UVR9R6UORtvb7s/s1600/stirfry.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Last night I decided to make a Chicken and Veggie Stir Fry. I took out a package of chicken that I got in the Fall from <a href="https://www.zayconfoods.com/refer/zf118341" target="_blank">Zaycon Foods</a>. From my 40 lbs of chicken I got about 20 packages of chicken breasts. They are HUGE chicken breasts and each one weighs nearly a pound each. At the time I purchased the chicken it was $1.89/lb, I believe. The price does fluctuate, but not by much. I think it's well worth it for even $2.00/lb. I think I'll be getting another box when they come back to my area in a few weeks. If you aren't on their email list, I suggest getting on it so that you can get in on some great chicken deals! Just head on over to <a href="https://www.zayconfoods.com/refer/zf118341" target="_blank">Zaycon Foods</a> and sign up!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I made the stir fry sauce from scratch, using things I had on hand, instead of buying a stir fry seasoning mix. I found a pretty good looking recipe on <a href="http://www.food.com/recipe/sauce-for-a-stir-fry-247127" target="_blank">Food.com</a>, but of course I changed it up a little bit.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">2 tsp. chicken bullion granules</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">4 Tbsp. corn starch</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">1/4 tsp. powdered ginger</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">1 Tbsp. ground fresh chili paste</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">1/2 Tbsp. honey</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Mix all ingredients together in a bowl and add to stir fry once the meat and veggies are almost done cooking. Bring to a boil so it can thicken and then serve.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEtNkNbHNuRs_IDJmjBbpldKTPs9a_92O1-PEpuJp0v9Mk6VTFeLExstv78VzWiNJhXu2TtvX52MR6s0d0uGiaxIjgmMR6kZlilKt0LnSvir6iNddiEt0qi9fcEJRDu1tqrrqvVATvf5U/s1600/finishstirfry.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEtNkNbHNuRs_IDJmjBbpldKTPs9a_92O1-PEpuJp0v9Mk6VTFeLExstv78VzWiNJhXu2TtvX52MR6s0d0uGiaxIjgmMR6kZlilKt0LnSvir6iNddiEt0qi9fcEJRDu1tqrrqvVATvf5U/s1600/finishstirfry.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">To make this stir fry I used one package of chicken and about 6 cups of chopped veggies. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I also cooked 2 cups of brown rice to serve it over.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Total cost for me to make this dinner: about $7</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Thanks for stopping by!</span></div>
Country Cookin' Mamahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05505473285374214057noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8163384781316502752.post-35115832785797092702015-02-05T11:26:00.001-07:002015-02-05T11:27:49.043-07:00Busy Bee in The Kitchen<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0lNg9sj4jlbpwDLyPmgqyL2YWIgNywwFssUL1PuFIczWYYP6yy78Gh90eij2cuH1CeCvIMgNTm15SNl6z6JmfVNv4E0lbthxPCM5UIyYQpNF2roRti8Jlmxsxi9PSEktKwqsrMRPCePQ/s1600/flour.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0lNg9sj4jlbpwDLyPmgqyL2YWIgNywwFssUL1PuFIczWYYP6yy78Gh90eij2cuH1CeCvIMgNTm15SNl6z6JmfVNv4E0lbthxPCM5UIyYQpNF2roRti8Jlmxsxi9PSEktKwqsrMRPCePQ/s1600/flour.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">One of the ways I save money is by grinding my own flour for baking. When stores have their case lot sales, I'll buy a couple of 50 lb bags of whole wheat for under $20 each and then use them all year to grind into wholesome whole wheat and make homemade bread and other goodies with. I do still buy white flour to use in things like cookies and other baked goods, but I buy that during the case lot sales too at about $8 for a big 20 lb bag.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiePdO6ZAzwsx3wBsXwlKsJz73qx37C25AvqV4Xs6NLC14RrIxWSXw1XDS_pA55RqiEAAIsNSTmXSiFc1e7H7O1xc86NDGaomhuRo7jyzozGyqlqsQdLn-wYQ5GnKp1OJYX8GyzBs6pA8g/s1600/breaddough.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiePdO6ZAzwsx3wBsXwlKsJz73qx37C25AvqV4Xs6NLC14RrIxWSXw1XDS_pA55RqiEAAIsNSTmXSiFc1e7H7O1xc86NDGaomhuRo7jyzozGyqlqsQdLn-wYQ5GnKp1OJYX8GyzBs6pA8g/s1600/breaddough.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Yesterday I spent the day baking. I made a double batch of my </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="http://butmamaimhungry.blogspot.com/2009/07/awesome-whole-wheat-bread.html">Awesome Whole Wheat Bread</a> and turned that into three loaves and 10 big cinnamon rolls. </span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_P4vhDORH7Dy68zfy9TuDd6ZZYc1iNaydxN2IxEHqQC1T2YyVVAgnJS3LYgl9DSvTTN-LaxQV6pvBYsiyahHITyuPFF3jTKmlGYCmLq4M257f-70rBH0_6laF-UAhrZ9IUh-exKaIE8w/s1600/cooling.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_P4vhDORH7Dy68zfy9TuDd6ZZYc1iNaydxN2IxEHqQC1T2YyVVAgnJS3LYgl9DSvTTN-LaxQV6pvBYsiyahHITyuPFF3jTKmlGYCmLq4M257f-70rBH0_6laF-UAhrZ9IUh-exKaIE8w/s1600/cooling.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I stuck one of the loaves of bread in the freezer to use next week and kept the other two out for this week's use. The cinnamon rolls acted as an after school snack for my boys, dessert for my husband and breakfast for my boys this morning. We still have two leftover that will be snacked on today as well.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDkg04mU9o4kn_Nkh5eON0pd2ChIW3f_Rxd5kutJtBZ6rvt09ps6KaLEy2iwrgiIqKqXiflIU76H4OtkF-WQh3TNOu_uZIKpHT7zsimrL9rGC0nUCekBjK8f-fSFBV5fQOTv4tUgfp6Hw/s1600/glazed.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDkg04mU9o4kn_Nkh5eON0pd2ChIW3f_Rxd5kutJtBZ6rvt09ps6KaLEy2iwrgiIqKqXiflIU76H4OtkF-WQh3TNOu_uZIKpHT7zsimrL9rGC0nUCekBjK8f-fSFBV5fQOTv4tUgfp6Hw/s1600/glazed.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">To make the cinnamon rolls, I melted 1 Tablespoons of butter and spread that out onto the rolled out dough. Then I sprinkled with brown sugar until it was covered lightly and then added a thin layer of cinnamon and a couple of handfuls of raisins. I then rolled them up and cut them and let them rise in the pan. They were then baked along with the bread for about 25 minutes. Once they were out and had cooled for a few minutes I made a very simple glaze out of 2 Tablespoons melted butter, 1 cup powdered sugar, a dash of vanilla and a couple tablespoons of milk. Easy, frugal and delicious!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Total cost for 3 loaves of bread and 10 big cinnamon rolls: </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">About $2</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivZwUTxi_fE_9qNRRaDt1biaG967GpcgpOQ-kfD3jnDyuWtwkZLNhU9ormbJvayiUEe6R8fJ596TLUPIUM-jLT1pbqR39voy3MtpYitCLeiUbzoAvS45jMuEXZuThrDte-QoiJCXSEDjc/s1600/hardboiled.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivZwUTxi_fE_9qNRRaDt1biaG967GpcgpOQ-kfD3jnDyuWtwkZLNhU9ormbJvayiUEe6R8fJ596TLUPIUM-jLT1pbqR39voy3MtpYitCLeiUbzoAvS45jMuEXZuThrDte-QoiJCXSEDjc/s1600/hardboiled.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">While I was in the kitchen, I took out a dozen eggs and boiled them. I like to keep boiled eggs in the fridge for quick breakfasts before the boys get on the bus in the morning. My daughter also likes to snack on them during the day. At under .11 cents each, they make for a thrifty handy snack to have on hand.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Total cost for 12 boiled eggs: $1.30</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinsBSsfEY3BuiQif0FE56PXOrpFIgTBO-yY5fQPjyuDIA65MTIox6O8L6VZzb08eZ4Bdbf5D9REUyiAiAVivI7E9uqlTRwdjK3uRAaUIzNh9BTJy_q3NBPRgkVF9HW_C39R11D5kZ9vLA/s1600/indiandtaco.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinsBSsfEY3BuiQif0FE56PXOrpFIgTBO-yY5fQPjyuDIA65MTIox6O8L6VZzb08eZ4Bdbf5D9REUyiAiAVivI7E9uqlTRwdjK3uRAaUIzNh9BTJy_q3NBPRgkVF9HW_C39R11D5kZ9vLA/s1600/indiandtaco.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">We had a busy night last night. The kids wanted to head over to the library for a Planes Party at 6pm and I had a Church activity to be to at 7pm, so we quickly ate these <a href="http://butmamaimhungry.blogspot.com/2009/08/navajo-tacos.html" target="_blank">Indian Tacos</a> and Tostadas and were out the door. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">To make these, I found 6 rhodes rolls in my freezer, took them out and let them rise and then fried them right before serving, I also fried some corn tortillas for tostada shells. Topped with some leftover homemade <a href="http://butmamaimhungry.blogspot.com/2009/08/authentic-refried-beans.html" target="_blank">refried beans</a>, ground venison from the freezer seasoned with taco seasoning, a little bit of shredded cheese, lettuce, tomatoes, onions, <a href="http://butmamaimhungry.blogspot.com/2009/09/easy-guacamole.html" target="_blank">guacamole</a>, sour cream and hot sauce. All that makes for a filling dinner on the cheap!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Total cost for Indian Tacos and Tostadas with leftovers for lunch: about $3</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Thanks for stopping by!</span></div>
<br />Country Cookin' Mamahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05505473285374214057noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8163384781316502752.post-44273967231176914092015-02-03T17:05:00.001-07:002015-02-03T17:11:41.368-07:00What's Been Cooking? Cheater Lemon Cake, Buffalo Chicken Dip and Honey Mustard Pork Chops<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Tonight we have dinner with the Boy Scouts for the Blue & Gold Banquet, </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">so I don't have to cook dinner! Gotta love that! </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Every family has been asked to either bring a dessert or salad. Normally I'd bring a nice green salad or a yummy quinoa salad, but since I'm trying to reserve my veggies for my family's dinners this week, I decided to bring a dessert. </span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj66D8kyKcCJfMXOWo2rQevbZmhiI-ZNYB3SU3ydAR3BR5ig61Ei_JQe7ZlsAnB33eowCi7rVvU0p6JFJ80hyycZ-3Xix61PUGpvJX1ePKaFHqDu0z_h03vmWo8Fjkbpmk0ZrF23560tJw/s1600/lemcake.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj66D8kyKcCJfMXOWo2rQevbZmhiI-ZNYB3SU3ydAR3BR5ig61Ei_JQe7ZlsAnB33eowCi7rVvU0p6JFJ80hyycZ-3Xix61PUGpvJX1ePKaFHqDu0z_h03vmWo8Fjkbpmk0ZrF23560tJw/s1600/lemcake.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I took a look in my pantry to see what I had that needed to be used up and came out with a lemon cake mix. I usually try to buy cake mixes when they are on sale for $1 or less per box. So, I baked up the cake, according to the box directions.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxb2pP_WSAU_3SBFh4aTI7qkGZtxYT7tvZtrf5t-v_bnBp1VtaKScEF6ScZvsKoWaGxrIvcIATtyYO4lh-R1ra6cskC0AJIBuAEqzJAXcyTi6WkC5AbtaX6EYynUBBdTX43L5cBa_3ooM/s1600/bufchickdip.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiVdgkLpI5uWREoUVQmBh2Bze_qvBv3Y0XVn6_QqMS7P8hY1gsnaDK2m-2v7O6g7EFd4s-oU-8xfcPHwUiqPbKoy20T2dJFEwRm3oxu_xEwZ4tN2Ks_rEipSDv_g_67shOtdG1QiXABeY/s1600/lemon+cake.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiVdgkLpI5uWREoUVQmBh2Bze_qvBv3Y0XVn6_QqMS7P8hY1gsnaDK2m-2v7O6g7EFd4s-oU-8xfcPHwUiqPbKoy20T2dJFEwRm3oxu_xEwZ4tN2Ks_rEipSDv_g_67shOtdG1QiXABeY/s1600/lemon+cake.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Once it was done cooling I made a very simple glaze to go on top. I figured a glaze would be more cost effective than a frosting. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Simple Lemon Glaze for Cheater Lemon Cake:</b></span></div>
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<li><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">2 Tablespoons melted butter</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">1 cup powdered sugar</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">2 Tablespoons lemon juice</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">1 Tablespoon water</span></li>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Whisk all ingredients together and then pour over baked and cooled cake.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The total cost for my pot luck worthy Cheater Lemon Cake: about $2</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Since I'm not making dinner tonight and the banquet isn't until 7pm, I decided to make the kids a yummy after school snack that should hold them over until the later dinner. We didn't watch The Super Bowl this past Sunday, since we got rid of satellite TV in 2014 and now only have Netflix. Not that any of us actually missed watching the game, but we did miss out on all of the yummy game time foods that we usually eat while watching for the commercials. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Enter Buffalo Chicken Dip! Served with a sleeve or two of club crackers, this dip hit the spot for my boys when they got off the bus. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Back when I started this blog, <a href="https://www.pinterest.com/cntrycookinmama/">Pinterest</a> wasn't a thing yet. And now, we can type in any kind of dish we want to make and have tons of recipes pop up WITH pictures! I eat with my eyes first, so Pinterest makes picking recipes out, so much easier. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I found this recipe for <a href="http://www.sincerelymindy.com/2014/01/18/spice-gameday-buffalo-chicken-dip/">Buffalo Chicken Dip</a> and decided to give it a try. Of course I changed things up a little, to use what I had. And cooking on a budget is all about flexibility! You must be able to alter recipes to fit what you already have in your house if you want to save money. </span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Buffalo Chicken Dip:</span></b></div>
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<li><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">8 oz cream cheese</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">1/2 cup buffalo wing sauce</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">1/2 cup ranch dressing</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">1 large can chicken, drained</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">1/2 cup shredded Sharp cheddar cheese</span></li>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Heat oven to 350 degrees. Mix all ingredients, except for the shredded cheese, in a baking dish. No need to dirty two dishes, so just mix it all up in what you are going to bake it in. Once all of the ingredients are mixed, add the cheese on top and bake for about 20 minutes or until hot and bubbly.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Total cost for Buffalo Chicken Dip: about $4, plus the cost of crackers.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The picture above is before baking, I didn't get one after it was cooked. But, my boys loved it and it was much appreciated by them when they got off of the bus. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Since I'm not cooking dinner tonight, I thought I'd link over to the recipe that I used last night to make <a href="http://www.budgetbytes.com/2015/01/honey-mustard-pork-chops/">Honey Mustard Pork Chops</a>. They were a hit!! Served along with roasted potatoes that we gleaned back in October from local Potato fields (which equals lots of free potatoes!) and a side of honey glazed carrots (can we say cheap!?), our entire dinner last night cost us about $4 or so. Since we have to pay for the pigs to be butchered, that's our main cost.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Thanks for stopping by!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The price of food seems to be getting higher and higher and I've found myself spending an easy $150+ a week on groceries for my family of 5. Most months we're in over $600 just for food. So, I've decided to take action and put my family on a strict $65 a week grocery budget. This budget will be for only food items. No household products, although I do plan on being very thrifty in that department also. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">February 2015 is my first month doing this. And here is the picture of my first week's sho</span><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">pping. </span><span data-reactid=".7q.1:3:1:$comment10205978926131470_10205978971292599:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1:0" style="background-color: #f6f7f8; color: #141823; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 12.2880001068115px;"> </span><span data-ft="{"tn":"K"}" data-reactid=".7q.1:3:1:$comment10205978926131470_10205978971292599:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1:$comment-body" style="background-color: #f6f7f8; color: #141823; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 12.2880001068115px;"><span class="UFICommentBody" data-reactid=".7q.1:3:1:$comment10205978926131470_10205978971292599:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1:$comment-body.0"><span data-reactid=".7q.1:3:1:$comment10205978926131470_10205978971292599:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1:$comment-body.0.0"><span data-reactid=".7q.1:3:1:$comment10205978926131470_10205978971292599:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1:$comment-body.0.0.$end:0:$0:0">Here's a breakdown of what I got: 5 dozen eggs, 3 gallons of milk, mayonnaise, a large container of yogurt, a large container or sour cream, 8 oz mushrooms, 1.4 lbs broccoli, 3 jalapeno peppers, 4 (8 oz) packages of shredded cheese, 1.5 lbs zucchini, 1 head lettuce, 1 package hot dogs, 6 heart lollipops, 2 lbs real butter, 1.71 lbs roma tomatoes, 1 lb bulk raisins, 2.24 lbs pears, 2 lbs carrots, 2.35 lbs bananas, 1 bunch cilantro, 1 head cabbage, 2 lbs oranges, 2.5 lbs apples, 5 avocados, 2 green bell peppers, 12 pack diet mt. dew and 1 box conversation hearts</span></span></span></span></div>
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<span data-ft="{"tn":"K"}" data-reactid=".7q.1:3:1:$comment10205978926131470_10205978971292599:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1:$comment-body" style="background-color: #f6f7f8; color: #141823; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 12.2880001068115px;"><span class="UFICommentBody" data-reactid=".7q.1:3:1:$comment10205978926131470_10205978971292599:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1:$comment-body.0"><span data-reactid=".7q.1:3:1:$comment10205978926131470_10205978971292599:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1:$comment-body.0.0"><span data-reactid=".7q.1:3:1:$comment10205978926131470_10205978971292599:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1:$comment-body.0.0.$end:0:$0:0"><br /></span></span></span></span></div>
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<span data-ft="{"tn":"K"}" data-reactid=".7q.1:3:1:$comment10205978926131470_10205978971292599:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1:$comment-body" style="background-color: #f6f7f8; color: #141823; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 12.2880001068115px;"><span class="UFICommentBody" data-reactid=".7q.1:3:1:$comment10205978926131470_10205978971292599:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1:$comment-body.0"><span data-reactid=".7q.1:3:1:$comment10205978926131470_10205978971292599:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1:$comment-body.0.0"><span data-reactid=".7q.1:3:1:$comment10205978926131470_10205978971292599:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1:$comment-body.0.0.$end:0:$0:0">My grand total for all that was $62.66, so I have $2.34 left for this week. If I choose not to use that $2.34 this week, I'll roll it over into the next week. My goal is to keep my monthly food budget under $275 a month. </span></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Now, to make things clear, I have a very well stocked freezer, full of meat that my husband hunted for. I've got elk and venison hamburger, steaks, stew meat, sausage... Pretty much if you can think of it, we've got it. This is a huge blessing to us and helps immensely with our food budget. Yet, I'd still find myself spending $150+ a week at the grocery store. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I also have about 1 1/2 pigs worth of pork in my freezer. This last Spring, my family raised two pigs for meat and we are greatly benefiting from that now! We plan on doing the same this coming Spring, so that we always have a steady flow of pork in the freezer. I also occasionally will order a 40 lb. box of boneless skinless chicken breasts from <a href="https://www.zayconfoods.com/refer/zf118341">Zaycon Foods</a> at only $1.99 or less a pound. </span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrjF1LXFFz6c2xgNw5XrrAUqoiABOkL4sAKy885aiGauFrCT_UaO5TlvNAzW62KHkrKlytnf3_aEeszInaZrTjaXXe9QQe150Mall6u20mG2xBxiiijlIu5jUWFwSnIfM3LvXdoZE2I98/s1600/bulkchicken2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrjF1LXFFz6c2xgNw5XrrAUqoiABOkL4sAKy885aiGauFrCT_UaO5TlvNAzW62KHkrKlytnf3_aEeszInaZrTjaXXe9QQe150Mall6u20mG2xBxiiijlIu5jUWFwSnIfM3LvXdoZE2I98/s1600/bulkchicken2.jpg" height="320" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">So, as you can see, I will not be purchasing meat very often. I simply just don't need to! </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I also keep a fairly well stocked pantry. I have lots of beans, grains, flours and sugars. I will occasionally need to re-stock these items, but not very often. And I will usually do that when our local stores have Case Lot sales. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I will not be purchasing many pre-made items. Pretty much no frozen pizzas or dinners. Not many snack type items or breads. Cookies from a box...What are those? About once a week I'll have a baking day, where I bake all of the bread and treats that my family will eat for the week. </span><br />
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<br />Country Cookin' Mamahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05505473285374214057noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8163384781316502752.post-65029768655577228122011-09-19T10:29:00.002-06:002011-09-19T11:18:28.129-06:00The World's Best Potato SaladSince Spud (potato) Harvest is coming up soon around these parts, I figured it would be fitting to share a potato recipe with you all today.<br /><br />Since I've been married, which will be eight years this November, I've yet to impress my husband with a good potato salad. He's not normally a picky eater, and will pretty much eat anything. But, potato salad is a different story. He doesn't like it too dry. He doesn't like it too sweet. He doesn't like it with dill.... Don't get me wrong, he will eat anything I make, but he rarely compliments on my potato salads. That is until he tried this one. I first made it a couple of weeks ago to go with some ribs I had made. <br /><br />I found the recipe on <a href="http://allrecipes.com/recipe/worlds-best-potato-salad/detail.aspx">AllRecipes.com</a> but of course I changed things up a bit. If you're like me you know what I mean. You take a recipe as a base and then fix it up to your likings. I'm glad I did, and I'm glad I wrote down what I did!! He loved this one and even thought it worthy to bring along to a little catering job that we did just this last weekend. And everyone that ate at the dinner we provided said it was mighty delish! <br /><br />Sorry I don't have a picture of this recipe right now, but I'm sure I'll be making it again soon and I'll post a picture of it then. <br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">The World's Best Potato Salad</span><br /><br />6 medium Idaho Russet potatoes<br />1/2 small onion, finely chopped<br />1 cup celery, finely chopped<br />6 hard-boiled eggs, diced<br />5 slices bacon, cooked and chopped (optional)<br /><br />dressing:<br /><br />2 eggs<br />1/3 cup sugar<br />2 teaspoons cornstarch<br />1/2 cup vinegar<br />1 (5 oz) can evaporated milk<br />1 tsp. yellow mustard<br />1/4 cup butter<br />1 cup mayonnaise<br />1/4 cup relish<br />1 tsp. celery seed<br />1 tsp. salt (or to taste)<br />1/4 tsp. pepper (or to taste)<br /><br />paprika for garnish<br /><br />Whisk together eggs, sugar and cornstarch in a medium saucepan. Stir in vinegar, evaporated milk and mustard. Cook over medium heat, stirring frequently until thickened, this could take about 10 minutes. Remove from heat and stir in butter. Refrigerate until completely cool. Then stir in mayonnaise, relish, celery seed, salt and pepper.<br /><br />Wash the potatoes, but do not peel. Place whole potatoes into a large pot and fill with enough water to cover. Bring to a boil and cook for about 20 minutes, or until easily pierced with a fork. Drain and let cool. Once cool, peel and dice into a large bowl. Add onion, celery, eggs and bacon into bowl and mix. <br /><br />Stir in cooled prepared dressing with the potato mixture. Make sure everything is evenly coated. Garnish with a shake or two of paprika for color. Cover and refrigerate for at least 3 hours, but overnight is best. Serve and enjoy!Country Cookin' Mamahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05505473285374214057noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8163384781316502752.post-53964636153110162972010-11-15T13:35:00.003-07:002010-11-16T16:30:59.734-07:00Oatmeal Cookie Granola<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiV8uU-sYSoA6aH5Ps2nUZfR2ndnstWFZ6cw6AJMf5V44RU_nceNCkIA9NiR9UIGYX315fQBc_duKF524pU7Jgb6NSjI2JZI5lIOYozydJJqjYwRFRsUG54-PoZP-GmbdRSZGZcyCyoXUw/s1600/RECIPES3+049.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiV8uU-sYSoA6aH5Ps2nUZfR2ndnstWFZ6cw6AJMf5V44RU_nceNCkIA9NiR9UIGYX315fQBc_duKF524pU7Jgb6NSjI2JZI5lIOYozydJJqjYwRFRsUG54-PoZP-GmbdRSZGZcyCyoXUw/s400/RECIPES3+049.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5539136231679933794" border="0" /></a>This is by far my favorite granola recipe! The original recipe came from <a href="http://sisterscafe.blogspot.com/2008/03/my-favorite-granola-ever.html">The Sisters Cafe</a> but of course I can't just make a recipe like it's stated, so I altered it a little bit to my likings. This is a great breakfast granola with milk or yogurt or you can be like me and sit with the container of granola for a snack! I think it tastes like an oatmeal cookie, the cinnamon and vanilla really stand out! I love this granola and I always have it on hand.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Oatmeal Cookie Granola</span><br /><br />4 cups Oats (I use old fashioned)<br />1 cup flour, all purpose or whole wheat, whatever you have<br />1 1/2 cups shredded coconut<br />¼ cup flax seed (optional)<br />1 cup or more almond slivers and/or pecans pieces<br />1 cup brown sugar<br />1 stick butter<br />1/3 cup water<br />½ tsp salt<br />1 tsp vanilla<br />1 ½ tsp cinnamon<br />1/2 cup craisins<br />1/2 cup raisins<br /><br />Preheat oven to 300. In a large mixing bowl combine the oats, flour, flax seed, coconut and nuts. Set aside. In a saucepan over medium heat, combine brown sugar, butter, and water and heat until the butter has melted and the mixture is bubbly. Using a wooden spoon, stir the mixture together until smooth, and then stir in the salt, vanilla and spices. Pour mixture over the oats mixture and stir will to coat. Let stand for about 10 minutes.<br />Spread mixture on two cookie sheets, separating it into irregular clumps with your fingers, and allowing space between clumps for the hot air to circulate. Bake in oven for 15 minutes at a time, stirring after each 15 minutes, baking for a total of one hour. Cool completely and add raisins and craisins and store in an air tight container.Country Cookin' Mamahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05505473285374214057noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8163384781316502752.post-2394361499202593182010-11-13T11:22:00.003-07:002010-11-13T11:33:22.104-07:00Cheddar Bay Biscuits<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFCabce2ux0Peal1AEKxYHrW0-iq11q6OPxx4-Dzkq7tTPJsqmf6G_4h_uQHg99x1vDR33wIwFFVt8pobXca6Yfym4P9Q622Xge2Bls4w2tksMC7s4ndLGTUwAR5qMT5tIfHijldA7lSA/s1600/RECIPES3+026.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFCabce2ux0Peal1AEKxYHrW0-iq11q6OPxx4-Dzkq7tTPJsqmf6G_4h_uQHg99x1vDR33wIwFFVt8pobXca6Yfym4P9Q622Xge2Bls4w2tksMC7s4ndLGTUwAR5qMT5tIfHijldA7lSA/s400/RECIPES3+026.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5539101666632602082" border="0" /></a>One of my favorite easy things to make to accompany a meal are these cheddar bay biscuits. They are so yummy and whenever I make them, my family gobbles them up. If you've ever been to Red Lobster, then you have had cheddar bay biscuits, but I honestly think that these are better! They aren't as greasy as Red Lobster's and they just plain taste better. When I make these I use <a href="http://www.chguenther.com/consumerbrands/pioneer.aspx">Pioneer Brand</a> baking mix, because I like it better then Bisquick, but you can use either or a store brand would even work. I hope you try these, let me know what you think!<br /><p style="margin-bottom: 0in; font-family: verdana;" align="LEFT"><span style="color:#000000;"><span><span style="font-size:85%;"><strong><span>Cheddar Bay Biscuits</span></strong></span></span></span></p> <p style="margin-bottom: 0in; font-family: verdana;" align="LEFT"><span style="color:#000000;"><span><span style="font-size:85%;"><strong><span><span style=""></span></span></strong></span></span></span></p><p style="margin-bottom: 0in; font-family: verdana;" align="LEFT"><span style="color:#000000;"><span><span style="font-size:85%;"><strong><span><span style="">2 cups baking mix (I like Pioneer Brand the best)<br /></span></span></strong></span></span></span></p> <p style="margin-bottom: 0in; font-family: verdana;" align="LEFT"><span style="color:#000000;"><span><span style="font-size:85%;"><strong><span>½ </span></strong><strong><span><span style=""> cup shredded cheddar cheese </span></span></strong></span></span></span> </p> <p style="margin-bottom: 0in; font-family: verdana;" align="LEFT"><span style="color:#000000;"><span><span style="font-size:85%;"><strong><span><span style="">2 tablespoons melted butter</span></span></strong></span></span></span></p> <p style="margin-bottom: 0in; font-family: verdana;" align="LEFT"><span style="color:#000000;"><span><span style="font-size:85%;"><strong><span><span style="">2/3 milk</span></span></strong></span></span></span></p> <p style="margin-bottom: 0in; font-family: verdana;" align="LEFT"><br /></p> <p style="margin-bottom: 0in; font-family: verdana;" align="LEFT"><span style="color:#000000;"><span><span style="font-size:85%;"><strong><span><span style="">Preheat oven to 400° F.</span></span></strong></span></span></span></p> <p style="margin-bottom: 0in; font-family: verdana;" align="LEFT"><span style="color:#000000;"><span><span style="font-size:85%;"><strong><span><span style="">Mix the baking mix and cheese together in a bowl, add melted butter and milk and mix until combined. Drop by spoonfuls onto a greased cookie sheet. Bake for 8 to 10 minutes or until golden brown. Top baked biscuits with garlic herb butter and enjoy!</span></span></strong></span></span></span></p> <p style="margin-bottom: 0in; font-family: verdana;" align="LEFT"><span style="color:#000000;"><span><span style="font-size:85%;"><strong><span><span style="">Makes 9 biscuits.</span></span></strong></span></span></span></p><p style="margin-bottom: 0in; font-family: verdana;" align="LEFT"><span style="color:#000000;"><span><span style="font-size:85%;"><strong><span><span style=""><br /></span></span></strong></span></span></span></p> <p style="margin-bottom: 0in; font-family: verdana;" align="LEFT"><span style="color:#000000;"><span><span style="font-size:85%;"><strong><span><span style="">Garlic Herb Butter </span></span></strong></span></span></span> </p> <p style="margin-bottom: 0in; font-family: verdana;" align="LEFT"><span style="color:#000000;"><span><span style="font-size:85%;"><strong><span><span style="">¼ cup salted butter, melted</span></span></strong></span></span></span></p> <p style="margin-bottom: 0in; font-family: verdana;" align="LEFT"><span style="color:#000000;"><span><span style="font-size:85%;"><strong><span><span style="">¼ - ½ teaspoon garlic powder</span></span></strong></span></span></span></p> <p style="margin-bottom: 0in; font-family: verdana;" align="LEFT"><span style="color:#000000;"><span><span style="font-size:85%;"><strong><span><span style="">½ teaspoon dried parsley</span></span></strong></span></span></span></p> <p style="margin-bottom: 0in; font-family: verdana;" align="LEFT"><span style="color:#000000;"><span><span style="font-size:85%;"><strong><span><span style="">Mix all ingredients together and top hot cheddar biscuits.</span></span></strong></span></span></span></p>Country Cookin' Mamahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05505473285374214057noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8163384781316502752.post-54139535032262439752010-11-09T08:34:00.003-07:002010-11-09T09:07:46.950-07:00Pumpkin Yeast Bread<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4_q6QbOqDdu1MjpsHFWWSxoKF0ho4L_AgR1rp_PAYYLobWzHRgWcG6_lcpnRDbePwRd3CJRVL3Fd2mObRoJHHPe9GQtxYreeoQljPFUNG1-4Z56V7dXsDwDkFIePnI8-FYIVcY4UEOq4/s1600/RECIPES3+018.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 309px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4_q6QbOqDdu1MjpsHFWWSxoKF0ho4L_AgR1rp_PAYYLobWzHRgWcG6_lcpnRDbePwRd3CJRVL3Fd2mObRoJHHPe9GQtxYreeoQljPFUNG1-4Z56V7dXsDwDkFIePnI8-FYIVcY4UEOq4/s400/RECIPES3+018.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5537574546607769394" border="0" /></a>I had some leftover canned pumpkin in my fridge the other day, so I decided to make some pumpkin bread with it. I wasn't in the mood for the traditional quick bread type of pumpkin bread and we were getting low on sandwich bread, so I decided to make some pumpkin yeast bread. Easy enough, I just used my regular <a href="http://butmamaimhungry.blogspot.com/2009/08/yummy-to-tummy-white-bread.html">white bread</a> recipe and substituted one cup of the water called for in that recipe for one cup of canned pumpkin! Pumpkin is pretty moist, so I figured it would work out, and I was right! You can't really taste a difference, so it doesn't taste pumpkiny, but your adding 6 grams of fiber to the recipe! Plus you get a nice orange color that kids think is pretty cool. If you wanted to use wheat flour to make this bread you could, since my recipe calls for <a href="http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_noss?url=search-alias%3Daps&field-keywords=vital+wheat+gluten&x=0&y=0">vital wheat gluten</a> and <a href="http://beprepared.com/product.asp?pn=FP+E100&SID=GOOGLE&EID=GLP200703395&gclid=COGW6MuKlKUCFUHsKgodHQnWLg&bhcd2=1289317661">dough enhancer</a>, you'll still get a light fluffy loaf. So, if you have leftover pumpkin that you need to use up, why not try this recipe?!<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrZNqUSx9qKBgqUJ1o9QZbozVAdqP6axAEEKJHgtnqajBxuKuit8uCB1HwrFr0JQcO0LWcCFtiJXrLeThwKrAtU1YazQiearEvawrmQIDA4DRSBP2ZzYSR5IUZ8aKbeWbIttziV8IiM4s/s1600/RECIPES3+018.jpg"><br /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjymaP78ovcORysAOXuCVm-jCMeiAEVJ-pIQI2keDB1s8f9brFjGC_OhPIg5Nm7Y77xvev2I_OOMwO7R5qajv6khMq_6A3LFkGzEGyZhINdFA83LvglZiyt2KW2WTCsT5L7hndkuhB0rU/s1600/RECIPES3+020.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjymaP78ovcORysAOXuCVm-jCMeiAEVJ-pIQI2keDB1s8f9brFjGC_OhPIg5Nm7Y77xvev2I_OOMwO7R5qajv6khMq_6A3LFkGzEGyZhINdFA83LvglZiyt2KW2WTCsT5L7hndkuhB0rU/s400/RECIPES3+020.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5537574260052606850" border="0" /></a> <p style="margin-bottom: 0in; font-family: verdana; font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-size:100%;">Pumpkin Yeast Bread</span></p> <p style="margin-bottom: 0in; font-family: verdana;"><span style="font-size:100%;">1 cup warm water</span></p> <p style="margin-bottom: 0in; font-family: verdana;"><span style="font-size:100%;">2/3 cup sugar</span></p> <p style="margin-bottom: 0in; font-family: verdana;"><span style="font-size:100%;">1 ½ tablespoons yeast</span></p> <p style="margin-bottom: 0in; font-family: verdana;"><span style="font-size:100%;">1 cup canned pumpkin</span></p> <p style="margin-bottom: 0in; font-family: verdana;"><span style="font-size:100%;">1 ½ teaspoons salt</span></p> <p style="margin-bottom: 0in; font-family: verdana;"><span style="font-size:100%;">¼ cup oil</span></p> <p style="margin-bottom: 0in; font-family: verdana;"><span style="font-size:100%;">1 tablespoon dough enhancer</span></p> <p style="margin-bottom: 0in; font-family: verdana;"><span style="font-size:100%;">1/3 cup vital wheat gluten</span></p> <p style="margin-bottom: 0in; font-family: verdana;"><span style="font-size:100%;">5 – 6 cups all purpose flour</span></p> <p style="margin-bottom: 0in; font-family: verdana;"><span style="font-size:100%;"><strong><span><span style="">In the bowl of an electric mixer combine the water, sugar and yeast. Let sit until the yeast has proofed, about 10 minutes. Add the remaining ingredients and mix with dough hook attachment until combined. Then let the mixer knead the dough until it is smooth and elastic, about 5 – 7 minutes. Turn dough into a greased bowl and cover with a towel, place the bowl in a warm place and let dough rise to double it's size. After it has risen, punch the dough down and divide into two portions. Form loaves with the dough and place into greased bread pans. Cover with a towel and let rise in a warm place until the dough is about an inch above the pan. Once risen, place the bread into a preheated 350° F oven and bake for 30 to 35 minutes. When done baking remove from pans immediately and let cool on a wire rack. Makes 2 loaves.</span></span></strong></span></p><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxbEr0zYLmkRkB7Kp6lZN5cE4YclpGr1AYlS-P5wf7ObDzlwMCEWEXZl4vDqNqAGIn6YkQTKUAzRcb-OmkH6ysg3q0Nm9Ykqq8GYDa9cLsZ7sTcCN4GFruIlFGbUCRR8Ms5c-L6pboeSs/s1600/RECIPES3+006.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxbEr0zYLmkRkB7Kp6lZN5cE4YclpGr1AYlS-P5wf7ObDzlwMCEWEXZl4vDqNqAGIn6YkQTKUAzRcb-OmkH6ysg3q0Nm9Ykqq8GYDa9cLsZ7sTcCN4GFruIlFGbUCRR8Ms5c-L6pboeSs/s400/RECIPES3+006.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5537574248408870642" border="0" /></a>With half of my dough I actually made a pan of cinnamon rolls. If you want to do that, roll out half of the dough at a time into a rectangle that is about 1/4 of an inch thick. Spread about 3 tablespoons of melted butter on the dough, followed by about 1/3 cup brown sugar mixed with 1 teaspoon cinnamon. Spread evenly, add raisins or nuts if desired and then roll up long ways. Cut into 1 1/2 inch pieces and place in a greased dish. Let them rise until doubled and then bake at 350<span style="font-size:85%;"><strong><span><span style="">° </span></span></strong></span>for 20-25 minutes until golden brown. I didn't frost mine, but if you want them frosted I would use a cream cheese frosting maybe about 4 ounces of cream cheese, 1/4 cup of butter, 1 1/2 cups of powdered sugar, a tablespoon of milk if needed and maybe some vanilla, about 1/2 teaspoon would work well. I would use that much for the whole batch of bread being turned into cinnamon rolls, so for half a batch just cut that in half. If you wanted them frosted, frost about 5 minutes after you take them out of the oven so that the frosting doesn't melt everywhere.<br /><br />Now, just so you know, in my picture of the cinnamon rolls you might see some little cinnamon chips on top of them. I put cinnamon chips inside of my rolls and they made a huge mess, so I wouldn't recommend doing that. The filling melted out all over the place and was a gooey mess. So, learn from my mistake and don't do that! :)Country Cookin' Mamahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05505473285374214057noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8163384781316502752.post-79094230271287221842010-11-05T10:22:00.006-06:002010-11-05T16:02:00.008-06:00Red Raspberry Brownie Cheesecake Squares<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5zeKUXMjTEo_7U93sbK-d2FFhp4kD30DWIlxXfMVf__znjgUCL-VMy-I9TjBD_DLgRvF6dIbgiB_pMiL8q2kOKRZv39XKHcyeTkcQdiOztHEIp7FrgA1KBr-KmE7uxsV_Dv0peb3eIGc/s1600/cheesecake+bars+005.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5zeKUXMjTEo_7U93sbK-d2FFhp4kD30DWIlxXfMVf__znjgUCL-VMy-I9TjBD_DLgRvF6dIbgiB_pMiL8q2kOKRZv39XKHcyeTkcQdiOztHEIp7FrgA1KBr-KmE7uxsV_Dv0peb3eIGc/s400/cheesecake+bars+005.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5536103708411130114" border="0" /></a><br />So, I was looking through my recipes and I noticed that I haven't posted my recipe for Red Raspberry Brownie Cheesecake Squares! Duh.... This is a recipe that I came up with a few years ago when I entered the Pillsbury Cook-Off contest. It didn't get chosen, but everyone that has ever tried it has said that these are the best brownies ever! These would be great to take to a pot luck during the holiday months. Enjoy!<br /><br /><p style="border: medium none; padding: 0in;font-family:trebuchet ms;" align="LEFT"><span style="font-size:100%;"><b>Red Raspberry Brownie Cheesecake Squares</b></span></p> <p style="border: medium none; padding: 0in;font-family:trebuchet ms;" align="LEFT"><span style="font-size:100%;"><br /></span></p> <p style="border: medium none; padding: 0in;font-family:trebuchet ms;" align="LEFT"><span style="font-size:100%;">1 box fudge brownie mix plus ingredients to make</span></p><p style="border: medium none; padding: 0in;font-family:trebuchet ms;" align="LEFT"><span style="font-size:100%;">2 (8 oz.) packages cream cheese, softened</span></p> <p style="border: medium none; padding: 0in;font-family:trebuchet ms;" align="LEFT"><span style="font-size:100%;">1 cup granulated sugar</span></p> <p style="border: medium none; padding: 0in;font-family:trebuchet ms;" align="LEFT"><span style="font-size:100%;">¼ cup all purpose flour</span></p> <p style="border: medium none; padding: 0in;font-family:trebuchet ms;" align="LEFT"><span style="font-size:100%;">1 tsp. pure vanilla extract</span></p> <p style="border: medium none; padding: 0in;font-family:trebuchet ms;" align="LEFT"><span style="font-size:100%;">2 eggs</span></p> <p style="border: medium none; padding: 0in;font-family:trebuchet ms;" align="LEFT"><span style="font-size:100%;">1/3 cup seedless red raspberry jam</span></p> <p style="border: medium none; padding: 0in;font-family:trebuchet ms;" align="LEFT"><span style="font-size:100%;">½ cup semi-sweet chocolate chips</span></p> <p style="border: medium none; padding: 0in;font-family:trebuchet ms;" align="LEFT"><span style="font-size:100%;"><br /></span></p> <p style="border: medium none; padding: 0in;font-family:trebuchet ms;" align="LEFT"> <span style="font-size:100%;">Preheat oven to 350° F. Line a 9x13 in baking pan with aluminum foil, spray with cooking spray and set aside. Prepare brownies as package states, pour into baking pan and bake for 15 minutes. While brownie layer bakes, beat cream cheese with an electric mixer until fluffy. Add sugar, flour and vanilla, beating well. Add eggs, one at a time, beating after each addition. When brownie comes out of oven, spoon cheesecake mixture over brownies, spread as evenly as possible. Dot with jam and swirl with knife. Top with chocolate chips and bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the cheesecake looks set but still a little wiggly. Cool for 10 minutes, then refrigerate for at least 2 hours. When ready to serve, remove from pan using aluminum foil, peel away and place brownie on cutting board. Cut into 24 squares, making sure to wipe knife between each cut. Place on serving tray and enjoy! Make sure to refrigerate any leftovers! Serves 24.</span></p>Country Cookin' Mamahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05505473285374214057noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8163384781316502752.post-44631021857511360272010-05-28T15:47:00.002-06:002010-05-28T15:58:56.661-06:00Cinnamon Roll Sugar Cookies<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-wyZoWzqO1nreGxS5Vn7aCVsbXztJBUQo_QLRS6JUUVW84XNkDAZnmHtUA8e_-a0FH7tIRlvsktDTUbaUvlEcHBasQR6GYjKLUynLfATsmXjL6PsqogPMyRNIvF-fxRQCt6vmczUEKFA/s1600/recipes2+415.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-wyZoWzqO1nreGxS5Vn7aCVsbXztJBUQo_QLRS6JUUVW84XNkDAZnmHtUA8e_-a0FH7tIRlvsktDTUbaUvlEcHBasQR6GYjKLUynLfATsmXjL6PsqogPMyRNIvF-fxRQCt6vmczUEKFA/s400/recipes2+415.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5476441317567563666" border="0" /></a><meta equiv="CONTENT-TYPE" content="text/html; charset=utf-8"><title></title><meta name="GENERATOR" content="OpenOffice.org 2.3 (Win32)"><style type="text/css"> <!-- @page { size: 8.5in 11in; margin: 0.79in } P { margin-bottom: 0.08in } --> </style> <p><strong><span style="font-weight: normal;">I was over at <a href="http://picky-palate.com/">Picky Palate</a> today looking at the recipes that I hadn't seen because I've been in this rut of not wanting to cook for so long, when I came across <a href="http://picky-palate.com/2010/02/11/cinnamon-roll-sugar-cookies-yes/">this</a> recipe for Cinnamon Roll Sugar Cookies! I knew right when I saw it that I HAD to make them!! I love cinnamon rolls and I love cookies, which you probably already knew since I have so many cookie recipes! These cookies did not disappoint! They taste just like a cinnamon roll, but in a sugar cookie form!
<br /></span></strong></p><p><strong><span style="font-weight: normal;">I made my frosting with heavy cream that I had in my fridge, so it took a lot more then the original recipe states. And my frosting was a lot thicker still, but I think I prefer it this way because I was able to pipe it onto the cookies in a cute little design. And so far I haven't been able to try them out of the fridge, like Jenny says to eat them because I've been too impatient and couldn't wait for them to sit in the fridge for the 30 minutes! But they are awesome even if not refrigerated! The recipe does make a TON, so make sure you have a lot of people to share them with! The guys at my hubby's work are going to be the recipients of lots of cookies tomorrow!</span>
<br /></strong></p><p><strong>
<br /></strong></p><p><strong>Cinnamon Roll Sugar Cookies</strong></p> <p>2 C. sugar
<br />1 C. butter, softened
<br />3 eggs
<br />1 tsp. vanilla
<br />1 C. sour cream
<br />6 Cups flour
<br />2 tsp. baking soda
<br />2 tsp. baking powder
<br />1/4 tsp. salt</p> <p>8 T. butter, softened and <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">divided</span>
<br />1 1/2 C. packed light brown sugar, divided into 1/4 Cups
<br />1 1/2 T. ground cinnamon, divided</p> <p><span style="text-decoration: none;"><b>Frosting</b></span>
<br />8 oz softened cream cheese
<br />1/2 C. powdered sugar
<br />2-4 T. milk or 1/4-1/3 C. cream, to thin icing</p> <p>1. In an electric or stand mixer, cream the sugar and butter. Add eggs, vanilla and sour cream until well combined. Slowly add in the flour, baking soda, baking powder and salt until well combined.</p> <p>2. In 2 batches, place in plastic wrap in a disc shape and chill for at least 2 hours for best results.</p> <p>3. Once chilled, cut each disc into thirds and roll into a 1/8 inch thick oval, about 12 inches X 5 inches. Spread each rolled pieces of dough with 2 Tablespoons softened butter, 1/4 Cup packed brown sugar and 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon. Start rolling from the long end closest to you, rolling into a log shape. Using a sharp knife, cut 1/2 inch pieces of dough then placing onto a <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">silpat</span> or parchment lined baking sheet. Bake at 350 degrees for 10-13 minutes. Remove and let cool for 5 minutes before removing from baking sheet.</p> <p>4. To prepare frosting, beat the cream cheese until softened and smooth, slowly add powdered sugar and milk until desired consistency. Frost cookies then place in refrigerator until ready to serve. </p> <p>Makes at least 6 dozen</p>
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<br />Country Cookin' Mamahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05505473285374214057noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8163384781316502752.post-8064135000577988322010-05-21T11:50:00.002-06:002010-05-21T11:55:35.258-06:00Coconut Cake<span>Hi everyone! I haven't posted on here in so long! I honestly don't have a very good excuse, except for the fact that I'm currently 25 weeks pregnant with my third child, it's a girl!! Her two brothers are looking forward to having a sister and I'm looking forward to having a girl! Anyhow, I haven't been up to much cooking lately, which my husband is less then thrilled about. But, cooking just hasn't been my thing lately. I do however, want to share this recipe for yummy coconut cake with you. It's so yummy!! If you choose to use chocolate cake, it will taste like a mounds bar! And if you choose to use white cake, it will taste like a heavenly coconut cake. This cake is a poke cake, so it is pretty messy, but it's way yummy! I'll have to make this when I get a chance and take some pictures of it, but for now, here is the recipe! I hope you all enjoy it! And I'll try my best to start posting more often. <br /></span><span style="font-weight: bold;"><br />Coconut Cake</span><br /><br />1 box white or chocolate cake mix plus ingredients to make the cake<br />1 can sweetened condensed milk<br />2/3 can coconut milk<br />1 small tub cool whip<br />½ cup flaked coconut<br /><br />Bake cake according to directions on box for a 9x13 cake. While cake is still warm, poke holes it it with the end of a skinny wooden spoon. Mix the sweetened condensed milk and coconut milk together and pour over warm cake. Let cool completely and then top with cool whip and coconut. Refrigerate and Enjoy! Serves 8-12.Country Cookin' Mamahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05505473285374214057noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8163384781316502752.post-5734865203544507882009-11-10T06:11:00.005-07:002009-11-10T06:11:00.135-07:00Apple Fritters<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEllcG7ZUuh6WWDCbmmHLTpa8oDz6lr-qwTqOHaMiZCFS6U4PW-nXrMbna54_lrqGDCVgPxS6U75HBVb1652sdzhnsBbqyuwmn1wVM91uFEDBgMgp6h2IQyTA1kAr9yWQUvVL69jl5z3o/s1600-h/recipes2+364.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5399943835266150034" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEllcG7ZUuh6WWDCbmmHLTpa8oDz6lr-qwTqOHaMiZCFS6U4PW-nXrMbna54_lrqGDCVgPxS6U75HBVb1652sdzhnsBbqyuwmn1wVM91uFEDBgMgp6h2IQyTA1kAr9yWQUvVL69jl5z3o/s400/recipes2+364.jpg" /></a><br />Yum!! Apple fritters are one of my all time favorite donuts to get at bakeries. Who knew that I could make them at home, so easily!! I got this recipe from an Amish cookbook that I have, added the cinnamon and the glaze and had an awesome end result! With is being Fall right now, apples are cheap (or free if you can find them) so it's a great time to make these babies! Have fun!<br /><br /><div><strong></strong></div><div><strong>Apple Fritters</strong><br /><br />1 cup flour<br />1 ½ teaspoons baking powder<br />½ teaspoon salt<br />2 tablespoons sugar<br />½ to 1 teaspoon cinnamon (depending on how much you want)<br />1 egg, beaten<br />½ cup plus 1 tablespoon milk<br />1 ½ cups (about 3) apples, peeled and diced<br />oil for frying<br /><br />Heat oil in a deep frying pan. Mix all dry ingredients together in a bowl with a wire whisk. Add egg and milk to the dry ingredients and mix well. Add apples to the batter and blend well. Drop by spoonfuls into hot oil and fry until dark golden brown, about two minutes per side. Once done frying, let cool on paper towels. Dunk in glaze (recipe follows), covering fritters liberally. Place fritters on a wire wrack with parchment paper underneath it, for easy cleanup. Let glaze harden and enjoy! Makes 12 small fritters.<br /><br /><strong>Fritter Glaze<br /></strong><br />2 cups powdered sugar<br />1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract<br />2 tablespoons milk (or more to desired consistency)<br /><br />Mix all ingredients together until desired consistency is acquired, adding more powdered sugar or milk if need be.<br /></div><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNfiXM7ugjEnCDdh6VSz8f2IAxTZFMB0dpqvGKNfKmIvjx9AB_j4sJ8pko1u16_e97L6otYTGt_SPObzV3JnUo8-W9ulhpbKi-OjlwSvV2jLtFS2yESu2LS_Qe-kqP6HEDqPJh8pZds6Q/s1600-h/recipes2+370.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5399943412556226514" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNfiXM7ugjEnCDdh6VSz8f2IAxTZFMB0dpqvGKNfKmIvjx9AB_j4sJ8pko1u16_e97L6otYTGt_SPObzV3JnUo8-W9ulhpbKi-OjlwSvV2jLtFS2yESu2LS_Qe-kqP6HEDqPJh8pZds6Q/s400/recipes2+370.jpg" /></a>After they were all made we were looking at them and saw some animal shapes!! My kids loved trying to find animals in the apple fritters.<br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_-sOg-ASUMO8O0JJeLZ2UF4T6n3I6zAHmOLcXy7F2bMe3sSEr0hAFEPyCWvP6Efai82gsxMVS0j5LdNFdqXgtDjEoL2ntL0kLOtjGuV7vUThZKQvey6Rqah97fQ6fIMV58z9-o4JulSY/s1600-h/recipes2+371.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5399943409474849730" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_-sOg-ASUMO8O0JJeLZ2UF4T6n3I6zAHmOLcXy7F2bMe3sSEr0hAFEPyCWvP6Efai82gsxMVS0j5LdNFdqXgtDjEoL2ntL0kLOtjGuV7vUThZKQvey6Rqah97fQ6fIMV58z9-o4JulSY/s400/recipes2+371.jpg" /></a></div></div>Country Cookin' Mamahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05505473285374214057noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8163384781316502752.post-33856658271751128842009-11-09T06:24:00.005-07:002009-11-09T06:24:00.273-07:00New PicturesI just wanted to let you know that I updated a couple of pictures. <div><br /><div>I have a new picture of the <a href="http://butmamaimhungry.blogspot.com/2009/07/cookies-cream-chocolate-chip-cookies.html">Cookies & Cream Chocolate Chip Cookies</a>, with the Oreos cut instead of crushed, which does make a big difference! </div><div> </div><div> </div><div><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5399930745766634354" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZtG_2ELEelbOMGBg6logL2LvfN7yFooqViylzHyRGVNgqamyo_uhDYdHzws5O96u704P5hE6hyeDuJ-WOpO2IZwl9gsKJPgt_b7SCiU37jRGZNpAaykgEZMYJoGgZaVOuL4qallPwaHA/s400/recipes2+306.jpg" /></div></div><br /><p>I also have a new picture for <a href="http://butmamaimhungry.blogspot.com/2009/10/hey-everyone.html">Vegetable Ham Alfredo Soup</a>, which if you haven't already made it, you need to!! It's so yummy!!</p><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5399938569238397874" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKoD3GSm6wlYJBIV7Pan9mVjDdA6t_20paJMQogRFckELsYZxuqePVbBw5Tma-Lwa1oC_zLy7A8WWEUAAsNHh88DXtmsknL1Yex1PS7mvpBfZ-jtS8gk2kyHyeS5PuCYYHIStEJkAODnw/s400/recipes2+345.jpg" /><br /><p></p>Country Cookin' Mamahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05505473285374214057noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8163384781316502752.post-39108947556561168442009-11-06T06:13:00.003-07:002009-11-06T06:13:00.224-07:00Chicken Stuffed Shells<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIJ4soS-TCVsby689iXoiZD3Q00AsJ0DAtms-CTNauo8CLGE5HZolS_19EuevgyAok3wGg6vj3-N09u9gpFAwpvLvv21sqjzNDMINof2rgrOwW09LRgtyd72epWvt3qbs8hlx0ghCgwQ0/s1600-h/recipes2+241.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5399927751474312354" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIJ4soS-TCVsby689iXoiZD3Q00AsJ0DAtms-CTNauo8CLGE5HZolS_19EuevgyAok3wGg6vj3-N09u9gpFAwpvLvv21sqjzNDMINof2rgrOwW09LRgtyd72epWvt3qbs8hlx0ghCgwQ0/s400/recipes2+241.jpg" /></a><br />When I first saw this recipe I thought it was kind of a weird combination to combine stuffing and pasta, but I decided to give it a try since it sounded so easy. I'm glad I did, because my kids love these stuffed shells!! They have a comfort food, homey feel to them. Try them out and see how your family likes them!<br /><br /><div><strong>Chicken Stuffed Shells<br /></strong><br />½ package giant pasta shells, cooked & drained<br />2 cups cooked chicken, shredded or cubed<br />1 (6 ounce) box chicken flavored stuffing mix, prepared according to box<br />2 (10.5 ounce) cans cream of chicken soup<br />½ soup can milk (use an empty cream of chicken can)<br />1 teaspoon dried parsley<br /><br />Cook and drain pasta, set aside. Prepare the stuffing mix and place in a big bowl. Combine chicken, prepared stuffing, one can of cream of chicken soup, mix well. Stuff shells with chicken mixture and place in a 9x13 inch baking pan that has been greased. Once all of the shells are filled, mix the remaining can of cream of chicken soup and ½ can of milk together along with the dried parsley. Pour the soup mixture over the shells, cover with foil and bake in a 350° F oven for 30 minutes or until hot and bubbly.</div>Country Cookin' Mamahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05505473285374214057noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8163384781316502752.post-19763680551215980332009-11-05T07:54:00.002-07:002009-11-05T08:11:50.483-07:00Sourdough Bread<img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5400633553886172834" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCGesFB1ZbYD1TSZii_SGipVz2X5Ac1MDVM5JfkPPXXkY6TTi27OiySxtxZVSjLHAf3E9xqmpF8Os2WJ82COAyYshGQpwvxSh8az1WIegf929D7NF-rK1fAB4ONLjQwApVkO15oUEgaVE/s400/recipes2+390.jpg" /><br /><br />A couple of months ago I was reading up on how to make sourdough bread, I was intrigued by the fact that sourdough bread uses absolutely no yeast!! So, I thought that sourdough would be the perfect option for having bread during a situation that you might be living off of food storage and might have run out of yeast. So, I made a starter and let it grow and ferment and sour and now, I have some awesome bread!! All from water and flour. Granted, when I actually make the bread I do add a little oil, sugar and salt, but no yeast at all. And it's so yummy! I encourage all of you to start a sourdough starter, this way you can always make bread, with or without yeast! <br /><br />Now, I'm not an expert about sourdough, so I'm going to lead you to a website by S. John Ross, who is an expert. You will learn everything you need to know about sourdough, from the feeding and care of your "pet" to the hooch that forms on the top. <a href="http://www.prismnet.com/~sjohn/sour.htm">You can check out his website here.</a> This is the recipe that I used to start my starter and to ultimately make my bread. I have two starters, this way I can have an extra in case one dies, which is pretty unlikely. Plus, we've been enjoying bread weekly and even pizza from the dough!! As you can see from my pictures I shape my dough into baguettes, we like it this way the best, but you can shape it in a regular loaf pan or as a round, it's up to you. It does take a lot of time, but not a lot of hands on time. And when I want to make bread I have to think about it about a day in advance, but that's not that big of a deal. Just read up on how to make the <a href="http://www.prismnet.com/~sjohn/sour.htm">sourdough here</a> and mostly, have fun!<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiz6aBDCjAR0YUP2WffL-bP1eBjAj0QgLp-7jezSK6pdXx1R5-NgDyEYXQx8bTcVW3vPtCQJKq49pCoWZWzicdYRayeJvqpoGRlUOdMz7lDeLMgF07QDEXk9i18IwDU9aSMMfrXT8SHR60/s1600-h/recipes2+393.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5400633561460806594" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiz6aBDCjAR0YUP2WffL-bP1eBjAj0QgLp-7jezSK6pdXx1R5-NgDyEYXQx8bTcVW3vPtCQJKq49pCoWZWzicdYRayeJvqpoGRlUOdMz7lDeLMgF07QDEXk9i18IwDU9aSMMfrXT8SHR60/s400/recipes2+393.jpg" /></a>Country Cookin' Mamahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05505473285374214057noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8163384781316502752.post-82472146628103749662009-11-03T10:00:00.002-07:002009-11-03T10:05:43.294-07:00Chocolate Chip Pudding Cookies<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMPNFKqUzFkvLgIxaEV6QWx0KjjYN2gYniXMPGZvPUvpgoA5S5ws2UH4gZ-irF-9S8oEpsL-sPi_VLhQnjo3dvIWEuVtqrMGbYQVwRPLdXztYpgxQKtu_v0wKOcpkkgrXl7GLVnKgIOcQ/s1600-h/recipes2+318.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5399923660441269202" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMPNFKqUzFkvLgIxaEV6QWx0KjjYN2gYniXMPGZvPUvpgoA5S5ws2UH4gZ-irF-9S8oEpsL-sPi_VLhQnjo3dvIWEuVtqrMGbYQVwRPLdXztYpgxQKtu_v0wKOcpkkgrXl7GLVnKgIOcQ/s400/recipes2+318.jpg" /></a><br /><br />What's better than a warm chocolate chip cookie and a glass of milk? Nothing! These pudding cookies are soft, moist, and all around yummy!! Add these to your holiday cookie plates and people will surely ask you for the recipe!<br /><br /><div></div><br /><strong>Chocolate Chip Pudding Cookies</strong><br /><br />2 ¼ cups all-purpose flour<br />1 teaspoon baking soda<br />1 cup butter, softened<br />¾ cup packed light brown sugar<br />¼ cup white sugar<br />1 (3.4 ounce) package instant vanilla pudding mix<br />1 teaspoon vanilla extract<br />2 eggs<br />2 cups chocolate chips<br /><br />Preheat oven to 375°F.<br />Combine the flour and baking soda. Set aside. Mix the butter, brown sugar, white sugar, pudding mix, and vanilla. Beat until creamy. Add the eggs and mix well. Gradually stir in the flour mixture. Stir in the chocolate chips. Drop onto ungreased cookie sheets about 2 inches apart. Bake for 8 to 10 minutes. Makes about 3 dozen.Country Cookin' Mamahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05505473285374214057noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8163384781316502752.post-90589396489909696022009-10-14T07:55:00.004-06:002009-10-14T08:44:56.445-06:00Soda Can ChickenFirst things first, I need to announce the winner of <em><a href="http://www.once-a-monthcooking.com/">Once-A-Month Cooking Family Favorites</a></em>! Thank you to everyone that entered!! And if you didn't win, be sure to get yourself a copy of the book <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Once-Month-Cooking-Family-Favorites/dp/0312534043/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1255058475&sr=8-1">here</a>. The winner of the book is.................<br /><br />tjones330@... who said: oh WOW!! i SOOOO need this book. I'm a big fan on these authors, but have just started getting into OAMC. This sure would be a great guide!<br /><br />Congrats tjones, I've emailed you, so be sure to check your email and get back with me. If I don't hear back from tjones by next week, I'll pick a new winner. Again, thanks to everyone that entered!<br /><br /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5392457993574040082" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheW_tMg_QsN3V_Jg2Ven2TGRMKckGjBqwPsFFVO1MRuZrprs-gkwEgTT81IH2TwKnHuOrkpyXxzdhIDPUcKw5Ex1PWT8Zf3Y07wmhJwCL-DbYrwJj39AiAl2jvwRPe0QzJKyfzQDrbdtQ/s400/recipes2+266.jpg" /><br />Now, onto the recipe for the day! I was on <a href="http://cafemom.com/">CafeMom</a>, in one of my groups and someone mentioned using soda in "beer can" chicken. Since I don't drink alcohol, I thought this idea was awesome! So, I used root beer to make "soda can" chicken! It was really simple!! I know that in the original recipe it says to do this on the grill, but it's starting to get cold and windy out here (well, it's always windy out here) so I decided to make it inside in my oven! So, this recipe isn't really a <em>recipe</em>, but more of a technique. Either way, I hope you try it soon!! Oh, and I used root beer, but you could also use sprite or coke, maybe even dr. pepper or mt. dew! Try it out and see how your family likes it!<br /><br /><p><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5392457997853804546" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9sV42OuRbDMAA1UfuFBk3hv-WYgw2nxna1x5nTntRrkO245lA0l6vkKSEgtymTbG-nQIXAmTV9cuGVwJURdcS5m_a2TJ0oQdogZ27HGZKz4qqd6U-tQ8SUiOO67WP5gp6xNVQ5u-9I3s/s400/recipes2+271.jpg" /> </p><p></p><strong>Soda Can Chicken<br /></strong><br />1 whole chicken<br />1 12 oz. can soda of your choice<br />seasonings of your choice, I used <a href="http://butmamaimhungry.blogspot.com/2009/07/my-go-to-seasonings.html">My Go To Seasonings</a><br /><br />Preheat an oven to 375° F.<br />Season the chicken with the seasonings of your choice, be sure to season generously. Open the can of soda and pour out about half of the soda into a glass and save for another use or drink it! Place the soda can onto a baking pan or roasting pan that is large enough to collect any juices that might come out of the chicken. Carefully put the can of soda into the bottom of the chicken and sit it upright on the baking pan. Be sure that your oven racks are low enough that the chicken will fit into it while standing. Place the chicken into the oven and bake until the chicken is cooked through, about and hour to an hour and half, depending on how large your chicken is. Enjoy!Country Cookin' Mamahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05505473285374214057noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8163384781316502752.post-5282640560258437092009-10-08T21:04:00.005-06:002009-10-08T22:11:08.190-06:00OAMC Family Favs Giveaway!!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPemjOT7O1WRYoqRwOZ7hm37mlS_6PFnwx-Y-RKBOxgkMSg-G0GEK0uLGXF6Yq2zpi5WuiHMb3xu8y-8LDnEm6pROg3r2TcaAatjr0h17YTQalX5DmXmlcMFFcw4YDeP-Wj6MOnrzHynM/s1600-h/cookbookcover.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 210px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 258px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5390431345102607330" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPemjOT7O1WRYoqRwOZ7hm37mlS_6PFnwx-Y-RKBOxgkMSg-G0GEK0uLGXF6Yq2zpi5WuiHMb3xu8y-8LDnEm6pROg3r2TcaAatjr0h17YTQalX5DmXmlcMFFcw4YDeP-Wj6MOnrzHynM/s400/cookbookcover.jpg" /></a> I was asked by the creators of <a href="http://www.once-a-monthcooking.com/">Once-A-Month Cooking</a>, Mimi Wilson and Mary Beth Lagerborg, to do a review and giveaway of their newest book, <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Once-Month-Cooking-Family-Favorites/dp/0312534043/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1255058475&sr=8-1">Once-A-Month Cooking Family Favorites</a>. I must admit, I've never been into the OAMC (once a month cooking) way of doing things in the kitchen. I like the hands on, being in the kitchen for a few hours a day kind of cooking. It keeps me busy, it's my hobby and I just generally like to cook (obviously that's why I have this blog!). But that might change as my kids get older and we have more activities going on, so I decided to go ahead and look through the book. I really enjoyed looking through it and got quite a few recipes that I'd like to try out. The Jerk Chicken sounds way yummy, not to mention the Poppy Seed Chicken.<br /><br />The book features shopping lists, pantry lists, menu charts, and the general know how of OAMC. With seven different menu cycles, there are lots of different choices!! Something for everyone from the gluten-free family to the gourmet. Something that might appeal to busy moms on the go is the fact that a whole month's worth of meals is ready for the taking in the freezer. If you know your going to be super busy, you could just pull out a meal and have it ready in no time. The book also includes lots of tips, including tips on freezing and tips on thawing. And in each recipe, they tell you what to freeze the meal in, whether it be in a zip loc bag or container.<br /><br />I'm thinking this would be the perfect book for a new mother to have. Just think, you are pregnant and due in about a month, so you start cooking now!! Then, when your baby is here, you already have a month's worth of meals in your freezer and you can spend more time sleeping or with your new baby! Something I could have used after my second son was born. :)<br /><br /><strong>If you would like to have a copy of </strong><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Once-Month-Cooking-Family-Favorites/dp/0312534043/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1255058475&sr=8-1"><strong>Once-A-Month Cooking Family Favorites</strong></a><strong> for yourself, just leave me a comment here on this post, please be sure to include a way for me to contact you. I'll be giving away one copy. You have until Tuesday the 13th at midnight mountain time. Open to US only, because I've got to mail the book out to you. And please, only one entry per person. I'll announce the winner on Wednesday the 14th. And for now, go check out their </strong><a href="http://www.once-a-monthcooking.com/"><strong>website</strong></a><strong> for a free </strong><a href="http://www.once-a-monthcooking.com/download_recipes.html"><strong>one week cycle </strong></a><strong>to see how you like freezer cooking.</strong>Country Cookin' Mamahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05505473285374214057noreply@blogger.com49tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8163384781316502752.post-16788664714719783022009-10-07T06:30:00.003-06:002009-10-07T06:30:00.404-06:00Oatmeal Coconut White Chocolate Macadamia Nut Cookies<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFJDH76CCZx3y3OfRf_2XxVJuU56gDS-lykbnilGmpw9wFzg5IM7EJAokUdyb_gB87Ebev0mIBjW4e_mWxgVFO65WK68UDxUEZ1JpLFVMmaS2akD_dWEd6oU_PVVyNj-OEyZFF_MkSda0/s1600-h/recipes2+297.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5389557443554773394" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFJDH76CCZx3y3OfRf_2XxVJuU56gDS-lykbnilGmpw9wFzg5IM7EJAokUdyb_gB87Ebev0mIBjW4e_mWxgVFO65WK68UDxUEZ1JpLFVMmaS2akD_dWEd6oU_PVVyNj-OEyZFF_MkSda0/s400/recipes2+297.jpg" /></a><br /><div>As promised, here is my winning oatmeal cookie recipe from this year's fair. Sorry it's taken me so long to get it up!! This cookie has to be one of my all time favorites, it's crunchy and chewy at the same time. Has some of my favorite ingredients in them and they are just so yummy!! I was kind of worried when I entered it in the fair as an oatmeal cookie that it wouldn't win anything, because it's not your ordinary oatmeal cookie, but luckily the judges liked it! I'm sure you'll love them too!</div><div></div><div></div><br /><strong>Oatmeal Coconut White Chocolate Macadamia Nut Cookies</strong><br /><br />½ c. butter (no substitutes)<br />½ c. shortening (no substitutes)<br />1 c. packed brown sugar<br />½ c. granulated sugar<br />2 eggs<br />1 tsp. pure vanilla extract<br />1 ½ c. flour<br />1 tsp. baking soda<br />½ tsp. salt<br />3 c. old fashioned oats<br />½ cup coconut<br />1 c. macadamia nut pieces<br />1 c. white chocolate chips<br /><br />Preheat the oven to 350° F.<br />Cream the butter and shortening together in an electric mixer. Add sugars and continue mixing until nice and creamy. Add eggs, one at a time, then vanilla. Gradually add flour, a little at a time, mix well but not too much! Add baking soda and salt. Add all of the oats, and mix well. Add the coconut, macadamia nuts and white chocolate chips and mix. Drop by the rounded tablespoon onto a cookie sheet and bake for 10 – 12 minutes. I bake mine for 10. Let cool on sheet for at least 4 minutes and then transfer to a rack. Store in bags or an air tight container. Enjoy! Makes about 3 dozen.Country Cookin' Mamahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05505473285374214057noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8163384781316502752.post-69186668394128737692009-10-06T12:00:00.002-06:002009-10-06T12:30:11.248-06:00Buffalo Chicken Soup<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQFo3szYBhtBMS7V10Bnw9h-zhfay7A8wL8cWW6oY2-qtPiU-EHnzSpF-noEt7nsDuQ2zIq5M1RiG2bBtOu27qui7gblqNDLoda-WlJIaf8Kb4X2oTWnZnv7U1FpBSdHTAtENFiBxVhqI/s1600-h/recipes2+254.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5389554363059409138" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQFo3szYBhtBMS7V10Bnw9h-zhfay7A8wL8cWW6oY2-qtPiU-EHnzSpF-noEt7nsDuQ2zIq5M1RiG2bBtOu27qui7gblqNDLoda-WlJIaf8Kb4X2oTWnZnv7U1FpBSdHTAtENFiBxVhqI/s400/recipes2+254.jpg" /></a><br /><div>My husband loves hot wings, like really really loves them. So, to incorporate the wonderful flavor of buffalo hot wings and a fall favorite, soup, I came up with this yummy recipe for buffalo chicken soup! It's spicy, savory and <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_0" class="blsp-spelling-error">delish</span>!! Not to mention that it's sure to keep you warm in this cold weather! My kids even loved this soup, so it's not too spicy for little ones, just a little kick! This soup can also be made in the crock pot, if your going to be out and about during the day and need dinner to be made for you when you get home. Just start it out on the stove and once you get to the part where you add the remaining ingredients, just pop it in the crock pot and let it cook all day. Probably 8 hours on low would be fine.</div><div></div><div></div><br /><strong>Buffalo Chicken Soup</strong><br /><br />1 small onion, diced<br />1 cup celery, diced<br />¼ cup butter<br />¼ cup flour<br />3 (14.5 oz) cans chicken broth<br />½ cup blue cheese salad dressing<br />4 cups cooked chicken, diced<br />¼ cup chicken wing sauce<br />8 ounces Velveeta cheese<br />4 small potatoes, diced<br />1 teaspoon garlic salt<br /><br />Saute onions and celery in butter until tender. Add in flour and stir, cooking the flour for one minute. Slowly add the chicken broth, stirring well so that no lumps form. Add remaining ingredients and simmer, stirring occasionally, until the potatoes are cooked through, about half an hour. Enjoy with crusty bread!Country Cookin' Mamahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05505473285374214057noreply@blogger.com1