2009-04-16T11:49:00.002-05:00

Baked Shells with Chicken and Cheese - delicious
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 35 minutes
Serves: 8
Ingredients:
1 lb. medium pasta shells
2 cups milk
4 cups shredded Monterey Jack cheese
4 cups chopped, cooked chicken meat
1 teaspoon garlic salt
1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper

Preparation:
1) Preheat oven to 375ºF.
2) Cook pasta as per package instructions.
3) In a saucepan over medium heat, bring milk to just boiling. Add garlic salt,
pepper, and about 3/4 of the shredded cheese. Whisk until cheese is melted.
4) Combine sauce, chicken, and pasta in a baking dish. Top with remaining cheese.
Bake for 20 minutes or until bubbling and browned on top.

2009-04-15T00:09:00.000-05:00

Feed Your Family For Less

2009-04-14T16:32:00.007-05:00

As times get tougher in this economy, almost everyone hopes to find more ways to save money. One of the best places to start is in one of the areas where spending money is already a must- FOOD.

A few tips to keep in mind:
1) Make a budget so you know what you have to spend.
2) Always make a list. Planning your menu around foods that are on sale can
save you several dollars each week.
3) Clip coupons. This is just like getting free money. There are several internet
sites that have coupons available, and even a few that will pay you to print
and use their coupons. Feel free to check out the links below....
http://www.bettycrocker.com/
http://www.allprintablecoupons.com/
http://www.couponsurfer.com/
http://www2.quickrewards.net/?r=ThaDreamer - This is the site that will pay
you to print and use their coupons. You can also get rewards for shopping
online and taking surveys.

Visit http://www.getcreative-savemoney.blogspot.com/ for more money saving tips.

There are several delicious menu ideas that you can try tonight that will allow you to cut costs and feed your family on a budget. Check back often for updates.

Meatloaf Muffins - A Must Try
Prep Time- 10 minutes
Cook Time - 25 minutes
Serves - 6

Ingredients:
1 lb. 80% lean ground beef
1/2 lb. ground pork
1/2 cup Bisquick mix
1 small onion, finely chopped
1 egg
1/4 teaspoon pepper
1/4 cup ketchup
1 tablespoon brown sugar
optional for glaze topping-
1/4 cup ketchup
1 tablespoon brown sugar

Preparation:
1) Heat oven to 450ºF. Spray muffin pan with cooking spray. In a small bowl,
blend ketchup and brown sugar (set aside if you want to use the ketchup
glaze.)
2) In a large bowl, add the remaining ingredients and the ketchup mixture.
Mix well. Fill each section of the muffin tin with the meat mixture. Brush each
mini loaf with the glaze if desired.
3) Bake 20 - 25 minutes or until the loaves are no longer pink in the center.

Cream of Broccoli Soup - My Absolute Favorite
Prep Time - 5 minutes
Cook Time - 25 - 30 minutes
Serves - 6

Ingredients:
8 oz. fresh or frozen broccoli, chopped fine
1 small onion, chopped fine
3-4 celery ribs, cut small
1/2 quart(16 oz.) Chicken stock or broth
1/2 quart half and half
2 oz. butter
2 oz. flour

Preparation:
1) Heat chicken broth. Add broccoli, celery, and onions. Bring to a boil.
Let simmer 10 - 15 minutes.
2) Heat half and half and add to the rest of the soup. Simmer 10 - 15 minutes
or until vegetables are tender.
3) Melt butter in a separate pan. Add flour and blend into a paste.
4) Add flour paste to soup, and blend until thickened. Serve.

Variations:
1) Add cauliflower and/or carrots for a richer flavor.
2) Add cheese to make a creamy cheese soup.
3) To combine both of these, I use Green Giant Broccoli, Cauliflower,
Carrots, and Cheese Sauce - found in the freezer section.

Biscuit Pizzas - Quick and Easy
Prep Time: less than 5 minutes
Cook Time: 10 - 15 minutes
Ingredients:
1 can refrigerator biscuits, such as Grands
1 can or jar of pizza sauce
1 package shredded Mozzarella cheese
any desired pizza toppings, such as Pepperoni, Sausage, Mushrooms, etc.
cooking spray
Preparation:
1) Preheat oven to 350ºF. Spray baking sheet with cooking spray.
2) Flatten each of the biscuits onto the baking sheet.
3) Spread sauce over the top of biscuits.
4) Top with cheese and any other desired toppings.
5) Bake pizzas 10 -15 minutes, until biscuits are golden brown.

Forget eating out. You can save hundreds of dollars a year just by choosing
to cook for your self. Try these restaurant similar recipes instead -
http://restaurantqualityhomecookedprice.blogspot.com/