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Chicken & Broccoli Pasta
July 24, 2019 Lee
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Chicken & Broccoli Pasta

Sounds like a great tasting dish, on my to make and taste list. Link to the shortcut is listed in the Recipe Notes section.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Course Main Dish
Cuisine American
Servings 8 servings

Ingredients
  

  • 500 grams dry Penne pasta, or Ziti, (1 lb)
  • 500 grams broccoli florets, fresh or frozen, (1 lb)
  • 4 cups chicken, boneless, skinless, cut into bite size pieces
  • 1 can condensed cream of chicken soup, Shortcut
  • 2 cups milk
  • 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese
  • salt and pepper, as desired
  • extra light olive oil, as needed

Instructions
 

  • Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil, then add the pasta and cook for 5 minutes then add the broccoli and continue cooking until the pasta is tender, about 5-7 minutes. Drain.
  • While the water is heating for the pasta, heat a non stick pan with a tablespoon or two of olive oil, when hot, add the chicken pieces, saute until until no longer pink and just cooked through. Do not over cook the chicken or it may get tough.
  • While the pasta and broccoli is draining, add the soup, milk, and cheese to the pot you cooked the pasta and broccoli in and stir to mix together.
  • Add the pasta, broccoli, and chicken to the pot, stir to mix into the sauce. Cook on low heat until everything is heated through.
  • Serve and enjoy.

Notes

Low cost per serving. I will verify how much chicken is needed for 4 cups when I prepare this.
Shortcut: Condensed Cream of Chicken Soup.
Adapted from a recipe on a pasta package.
* Best Value $1 or Less per Serving,CHICKEN & TURKEY,PASTA
Peach Pie
July 23, 2019 Lee
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Peach Pie

Adapted from an internet recipe.
This is a really good pie and uses canned peaches as a convenience. I made this on 22 Jul 2019, exactly as written, perfect! Very well liked by the family.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 50 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 5 minutes
Course Dessert
Cuisine American
Servings 1 pie

Equipment

  • Pie Dish (9 inch)
  • Oven

Ingredients
  

  • 2 pie crusts, store bought or homemade, Shortcut
  • 2 cans sliced peaches, drained, 15 oz (425 gram) cans
  • 1 cup sugar
  • ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice
  • 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
  • ½ cup all purpose flour
  • 1½ teaspoons butter, softened
  • 1 egg, beaten

Instructions
 

  • Preheat your oven to 180° C (350° F), get out a 9 inch pie dish, add the bottom crust to the dish.
  • In a mixing bowl, add the peaches, sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, lemon juice, and vanilla. Stir to mix well.
  • To the mixing bowl, sprinkle in some of the flour and stir until the flour is well mixed in, repeat with the flour and stirring until all the flour is mixed in, I did this 4 times. Add the butter and stir that in.
  • Pour the mixture into the prepared pie dish and spread out evenly.
  • Top with the second crust, flute the edges then cut some slits in the crust. Brush the top with beaten egg. Bake for 50-55 minutes or until the crust is golden brown.
  • Remove to a rack to cool.
  • Slice, serve, and enjoy.

Notes

Low cost per serving.
Shortcut: Pie Crust.
Variants: 1. Feel free to use fresh peaches. 2. Feel free to make a lattice top with the second pie crust. 3. Serve with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. 4. After brushing the top with the beaten egg, sprinkle on some sugar for a sweet crust.
# Buster Approved,#1 Go-To Recipes,* Best Value $1 or Less per Serving,DESSERTS
Kielbasa Pasta Casserole
July 21, 2019 Lee
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Kielbasa Pasta Casserole

I like kielbasa and a good casserole, and this is a delicious win win. This is basically a nicely seasoned spaghetti without the long pasta and made with flavorful kielbasa instead of a meat sauce. Links to the shortcuts are listed in the Recipe Notes section.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 45 minutes
Total Time 1 hour
Course Main Dish
Cuisine American
Servings 8 servings

Ingredients
  

  • 500 grams dry ziti pasta, or penne, (1 lb)
  • 1 kilo Kielbasa sausage, cut into 1/4 inch slices, (about 2 lbs)
  • 1 bell pepper, your choice of color, diced
  • 1 1/2 - 2 jars spaghetti sauce, (about 40-54 oz), jars or cans, Shortcut
  • 2 teaspoons dried oregano
  • 1 teaspoon dried parsley
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning, Shortcut
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/2 cup Italian bread crumbs, divided, Shortcut
  • 250 grams Monterey Jack cheese, shredded, (8 oz)

Instructions
 

  • Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil then cook the pasta until tender, drain.
  • After starting the water, preheat your oven to 180 C (350 F) and get out a 9x13 baking dish.
  • Also after the water is starting to heat, heat a non stick pan on medium heat and when hot, add the sliced kielbasa and bell pepper. Brown the sausage, stirring them often. When the sausage is starting to brown, the pepper should be softened.
  • After draining the pasta, return it to the same pot, then drain any liquid from the sausage and add to the pasta, and add the spaghetti sauce, oregano, parsley, Italian seasoning, pepper, and 1/4 cup of the breadcrumbs to the pasta. Start with less spaghetti sauce than what is stated and add more as desired to your liking. I used 54 oz of sauce which was perfect.
  • Mix together then pour into the baking dish and spread out evenly.
  • Sprinkle evenly with the remaining 1/4 cup of bread crumbs, then the cheese.
  • Bake for 30 minutes until the cheese is starting to turn golden brown.
  • Serve and enjoy.

Notes

Low cost per serving.
Shortcuts: Italian Breadcrumbs, Italian Seasoning, Spaghetti Sauce.
Variant: 1. Add sliced sauteed mushrooms. 2. If using homemade spaghetti sauce, use 4 1/2 to 6 1/2 cups.
Inspired by Thelma S. of Just A Pinch Recipe Club and her recipe is here. United States.
#1 Go-To Recipes,* Best Value $1 or Less per Serving,CASSEROLES,PASTA
Salmon & Three Bean Salad
July 20, 2019 Lee
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Salmon & Three Bean Salad

Adapted from a label on a can of salmon.
This sounds good, on my to make and taste list. Feel free to use canned beans or cooked from dry. Links to the Shortcuts are listed in the Notes section.
Print Recipe
Prep Time 20 minutes
Total Time 20 minutes
Course Main Dish, Side
Cuisine American
Servings 4 servings

Ingredients
  

For the Salad

  • 1 can salmon, (425 g / 15 oz), Shortcut
  • 250 grams long beans, or green beans, (8 oz), Shortcut
  • 1 cup cannellini beans, rinsed and drained
  • 1 cup pinto beans, rinsed and drained, Shortcut
  • ½ cucumber, diced
  • 12 cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 6 spring onions, sliced
  • handful young fresh spinach leaves

For the Dressing

  • 3 tablespoons olive oil
  • 2 tablespoons lemon juice
  • 2 teaspoons grainy mustard
  • salt and pepper, as desired

Instructions
 

  • Drain and chunk the salmon, remove any skin and bones, then set aside. If using steamed salmon, use about 2 cups flaked and drained.
  • Cook the green beans in a pot of water until just tender, about 4 minutes, then drain and run under cold water to stop the cooking, drain well.
  • In a large salad bowl, add all the Salad ingredients except the salmon. Toss together.
  • Add the salmon and gently toss together. Cover and chill the salad until ready to serve.
  • In a small bowl, mix together the Dressing ingredients. When ready to serve, drizzle dressing over salad and gently toss.
  • Enjoy as a side or a light main dish.

Notes

High cost per serving.
Shortcuts: Steamed Salmon (Rice Cooker), Fresh Long Beans (Pressure Cooker), Pinto Beans (Pressure Cooker).
* High Cost $1.51+ per Serving,Fish - Salmon,Sides - Salads
Chicken & Green Bean Alfredo
July 18, 2019 Lee
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Chicken & Green Bean Alfredo

Adapted from a recipe listed on a canned vegetable label.
This is based on using canned green beans in the United States, and for Thailand, feel free to use fresh cooked long beans. This recipe uses canned, chunk chicken. Feel free to use fresh cooked chicken, cut into bite size pieces.
Print Recipe
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Course Main Dish
Cuisine American
Servings 4 servings

Ingredients
  

  • 170 grams dry Fettuccine pasta, (6 oz)
  • 1-1¼ cups alfredo sauce
  • 2 cans green beans, drained, (14.5 oz cans)
  • ½ can chicken, drained, (8 oz)
  • 2 tablespoons Parmesan cheese, grated
  • fresh basil leaves, for garnish, if desired

Instructions
 

  • Bring a pot of salted water to boiling, then add the pasta and cook until tender. Drain and return to pot.
  • In a saucepan on medium heat, add the beans, Alfredo sauce, and chicken. Stir occasionally and heat through.
  • Add the sauce to the pasta and toss to combine. Sprinkle with the cheese, garnish with basil if desired.
  • Serve and enjoy.

Notes

Low cost.
* Best Value $1 or Less per Serving,Chicken - Canned
Cheese Cracker Chicken Bites
July 16, 2019 Lee
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Cheese Cracker Chicken Bites

These sound delicious, bite size pieces of chicken tenders and cheese crackers, perfect. On my to make and taste list.
Print Recipe
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 13 minutes
Total Time 23 minutes
Course Appetizer, Lunch, Main Dish
Cuisine American
Servings 4 servings

Ingredients
  

  • 750 grams chicken breasts, (1 1/2 lbs)
  • 2 cups Cheez-It crackers
  • 2 eggs
  • 1 tablespoon whipping cream
  • salt and pepper, as desired

Instructions
 

  • Preheat your oven to 180 C (350 F) and get out a baking sheet. Line the sheet with foil (easy clean up) and spray with non stick spray, or just line the sheet with parchment paper.
  • Cut the chicken breasts into bite size pieces then season with salt and pepper as desired.
  • Crush the crackers but not into powder, and place in a shallow dish.
  • Add the eggs and cream to a bowl and whisk to mix.
  • Dip chicken pieces in the egg mixture then roll in the cracker crumbs until evenly coated and place on the prepared sheet, leaving a little space between each piece.
  • Bake for 10-12 minutes or until golden brown.
  • Serve and enjoy.

Notes

Low cost per serving.
Adapted from an internet recipe.
* Best Value $1 or Less per Serving,APPETIZERS / SNACKS,CHICKEN & TURKEY
Cheese Cracker Chicken Tenders II
July 16, 2019 Lee
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Cheese Cracker Chicken Tenders II

Another version of chicken tenders and cheese crackers, on my to make and taste list.
Print Recipe
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Course Main Dish
Cuisine American
Servings 4 servings

Ingredients
  

  • 1 - 1 1/2 kilos chicken tenders, (2-3 lbs)
  • 1 1/2 cups Cheez-It crackers
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/8 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1/4 teaspoon celery salt, or garlic salt
  • 1 egg, beaten
  • 1/4 cup milk
  • 3/4 cup butter, melted

Instructions
 

  • Preheat your oven to 190 C (375 F) and get out a baking dish.
  • Crush the crackers and place the cracker crumbs in a shallow dish and mix with the salt, celery salt, and oregano. In another dish, add the milk and egg and mix together.
  • Rinse and dry the chicken. Roll a tender in cracker crumbs to evenly coat. Dip the tender in the milk and egg mixture, roll again in the crumbs.
  • Place the tender in the baking dish, repeat for the remaining tenders.
  • Drizzle the melted butter evenly over the chicken. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until golden brown.
  • Serve and enjoy.

Notes

The chicken will cost 75 to 112 Baht. Going with 75 Baht, for 4 servings, this is about 60 cents per serving.
Adapted from an internet recipe.
* Best Value $1 or Less per Serving,CHICKEN & TURKEY
Cheese Cracker Chicken Tenders I
July 16, 2019 Lee
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Cheese Cracker Chicken Tenders I

These sound very good, chicken tenders and cheese crackers, sounds like a win win to me.
Print Recipe
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Course Main Dish
Cuisine American
Servings 4 servings

Ingredients
  

  • 12 chicken tenders
  • 1 cup sour cream
  • 3/4 cup butter, melted
  • 3 cups Cheez-It crackers

Instructions
 

  • Preheat your oven to 190 C (375 F) and get out a baking dish.
  • Crush the crackers, leaving them a bit chunky. Crush them with your hands, in a zip lock bag and a rolling pin, food processor, totally up to you. Place cracker crumbs in a shallow dish.
  • Dip the tenders in sour cream to evenly coat all sides.
  • Roll the tenders in the cracker crumbs to evenly coat all sides.
  • Place tenders in the baking dish and drizzle with the butter. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until golden brown.
  • Serve and enjoy.

Notes

I will price this when I get chicken tenders/fillets from Tesco again. For now I will say Low cost per serving.
Variant: 1. Mix a packet of Ranch Dressing into the sour cream before coating the chicken.
Adapted from an internet recipe.
* Best Value $1 or Less per Serving,5 Ingredients or Less,CHICKEN & TURKEY
Butternut Squash Fries
July 13, 2019 Lee
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Butternut Squash Fries

This recipe comes from my Mom from one of the many recipes she has collected over the years, and these not only sound good, they are excellent, a great alternative to rating mashed squash.
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Prep Time 25 minutes
Cook Time 40 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 5 minutes
Course Side
Cuisine American
Servings 4 servings

Ingredients
  

  • 1 butternut squash, the one I used was 1.5 kilos, about 3 lbs
  • coarse salt, as desired

Instructions
 

  • Preheat your oven to 220 C (425 F). Spray a wire rack with non stick spray and place on baking sheet.
  • Peel the squash, cut the ends off, then cut the round part off from the straight part.
  • Cut the round part and straight parts in half lengthwise. Scoop out the seeds from the round parts.
  • Use a straight knife or crinkle knife and slice the parts into fries.
  • Place the fries on the rack and sprinkle with sea salt as desired.
  • Bake for 20 minutes then use tongs to carefully turn the fries over, bake again for about 20 minutes or until they are tender.
  • Sprinkle with additional salt as desired, serve and enjoy as a side dish with your favorite dipping sauce such as ketchup, sriracha, mayo, etc.

Notes

Low cost.
Provided by my Mom, Joanne Thayer.
United States.
#1 Go-To Recipes,* Best Value $1 or Less per Serving,5 Ingredients or Less,SIDES
Mom’s Oven BBQ Ribs
July 13, 2019 Lee
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Mom's Oven BBQ Ribs

This recipe comes from my Mom, who has been making this since 1959 (60 years) when she first made this in a high school home economics class. This is the ribs recipe, the sauce stated here uses Mom's BBQ Sauce with a link in the Recipe Notes section. And you can also use any BBQ sauce of your choice. Link to the shortcut is listed in the Recipe Notes section.
Print Recipe
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 2 hours
Total Time 2 hours 10 minutes
Course Main Dish
Cuisine American
Servings 6 people

Ingredients
  

  • 2 kilos pork ribs, (4 lbs)
  • 1 batch Mom's BBQ Sauce, or BBQ sauce of your choice, Shortcut

Instructions
 

  • Preheat your oven to 160 C (325 F), get out a large baking dish.
  • Rinse the ribs and place in the baking dish, cutting the racks as needed to fit in the dish. Cover and bake for 1 1/2 hours.
  • Remove lid and pour on 1/3 of the BBQ sauce and bake, uncovered, for 20 minutes.
  • Repeat two more times to use all the sauce until the ribs are nicely browned and tender.

Notes

I will price this when I get ribs at Tesco again.
Shortcut: Mom's BBQ Sauce.
Provided by my Mom, Joanne Thayer.
United States.
* Best Value $1 or Less per Serving,5 Ingredients or Less,PORK