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Hot Dog ‘n’ Bean Casserole
June 24, 2017 Lee
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Hot Dog ‘n’ Bean Casserole

Sounds great. Key thing is quality hot dogs. There is good Thai brands, imports are available in larger cities as well. To keep the costs down, go with a good Thai brand. Only five ingredients. Link to the shortcut is listed in the Recipe Notes section.
Print Recipe
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Course Main Dish
Cuisine American
Servings 6 servings

Ingredients
  

  • 500 grams hotdogs, sliced into 1/4 inch diagonal slices
  • 3 cups baked beans, OR make from a shortcut
  • 2 tablespoons brown sugar
  • 1 tablespoon ketchup
  • 1 cup Gouda cheese, shredded

Instructions
 

  • Preheat oven to 190 C. Grease Coat an 8 inch square baking dish lightly with butter.
  • In a large bowl, combine all ingredients except the cheese, mix well then pour into the baking dish.
  • Cover tightly with foil and bake for 20-25 minutes or until heated through. Remove foil, sprinkle the cheese on and bake 10 more minutes or until the cheese melted and just starting to brown.
  • Serve with your favorite hotdog condiments, such as diced onion, dill relish, or even yellow mustard.

Notes

I will price this when I purchase the good quality hotdogs. I will estimate this is low cost for now.
Shortcut: Baked Beans.
Provided courtesy of good friend, Stephen Connell.
United States.
* Best Value $1 or Less per Serving,CASSEROLES
Potato Spinach Lasagna
June 24, 2017 Lee
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Potato Spinach Lasagna

Sounds great, main ingredients are spinach and potatoes. Link to the shortcut is listed in the Recipe Notes section.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 45 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 5 minutes
Course Main Dish
Cuisine American
Servings 6 servings

Ingredients
  

  • 280 grams frozen spinach, chopped or leaf, thawed
  • 750 grams potatoes
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1/2 tablespoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 tablespoon dried oregano
  • 1/2 tablespoon dried basil
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 3 cups pasta sauce, OR make from a shortcut
  • 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
  • 250 grams Mozzarella Cheese, shredded

Instructions
 

  • Preheat your oven to 190 C. Grease a large casserole dish with butter.
  • Slice the potatoes in half lengthwise, then slice each half into 1/4 inch slices.
  • Cook the spinach in a saucepan according to package instructions. Drain and squeeze out excess water. If using leaf spinach, lightly chop the spinach after draining and squeezing it dry.
  • In a large bowl, combine potato slices and olive oil and toss to coat. Add garlic, oregano, basil, and salt and toss to coat.
  • In prepared casserole dish, coat bottom with 1/3 of the pasta sauce, 1/3 of the potatoes, 1/3 of the spinach, 1/3 of the Parmesan, and 1/3 of the Mozzarella. Repeat layers 2 more times.
  • Bake uncovered 45 minutes or until potatoes are tender.
  • Serve, perfect sides would be a green salad and garlic toast.

Notes

I cannot price this until I get some frozen spinach, but with the cheese, this is probably a fair cost meal. I will update this after I make it.
Shortcut: Pasta Sauce.
Provided courtesy of good friend, Stephen Connell.
United States.
* Fair Value $1.01 to $1.50 per Serving,CASSEROLES,POTATOES
Sesame Soy Beef Meatballs
June 22, 2017 Lee
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Sesame Soy Beef Meatballs

These sound very good indeed. On my to cook list.
Print Recipe
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Course Main Dish
Cuisine Asian
Servings 4 servings

Ingredients
  

  • 500 grams lean ground beef
  • 2 spring onions, sliced
  • 1 egg, beaten
  • 1/4 cup bread crumbs, OR make from a shortcut
  • 3 tablespoons fresh cilantro, finely chopped
  • 1 tablespoon soy sauce
  • 2 teaspoons sesame oil
  • 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, minced
  • salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions
 

  • Preheat your oven to 250 C. Rub a large baking dish with olive oil or use a olive oil mister.
  • In a large bowl, combine ground beef, spring onions, egg, bread crumbs, cilantro, soy sauce, sesame oil, ginger, season with salt and black pepper to taste, mix well to combine. Use your hands to mix and shape mixture into 12 balls.
  • Transfer to prepared baking dish and bake for 15 to 20 minutes, until golden brown and cooked through.
  • Use with recipes calling for meatballs.

Notes

The beef will cost about 100 Baht/500 grams. For 4 servings, this is about 74 cents per serving.
Shortcut: Bread Crumbs.
Adapted from an internet recipe.
* Best Value $1 or Less per Serving,MEATBALLS
Turkish Meatballs & Vegetables (Izmir Kofte)
June 22, 2017 Lee
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Turkish Meatballs & Vegetables (Izmir Kofte)

This is a popular meatball and vegetable casserole originating from Turkey. Kofte means meatballs, and Izmir is the city from where this is commonly made. Sounds really good! This can be made on the stove top or baked in an oven.
Print Recipe
Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 45 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 15 minutes
Course Main Dish
Cuisine Turkish
Servings 4 servings

Ingredients
  

For the Meatballs (Kofte)

  • 500 grams ground beef, or ground lamb, or a mix of both
  • 1 medium onion, grated
  • 2 slices stale bread
  • 1 egg, beaten
  • 1 bunch fresh parsley, finely chopped
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • black pepper, to taste

For the Vegetables

  • 500 grams medium potatoes, sliced like thin apple quadrants
  • 1 green bell pepper, sliced
  • 1 medium carrot, roughly sliced
  • 4 cloves garlic, smashed and minced
  • 1 can chopped tomatoes, or can of whole tomatoes drained and chopped
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 cup water
  • salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions
 

  • Preheat your oven to 180 C.
  • Discard the crusts of the bread, soak in the water and squeeze dry. Then crumble them into a large bowl. Add all the meatball ingredients except the meat and mix with your hands well, this will soften the onions and enable the spices to blend in the mixture evenly. Add the ground meat and mix well again until the mixture resembles a soft dough.
  • With wet hands take a piece of meat mixture the size of a large walnut and roll into a large finger shape about 1 inch thick. Continue until all the mixture is used. The meatballs can now be covered and stored in the fridge until required.
  • In a baking dish, create layers with the vegetables and the meatballs. Add the chopped tomatoes, water, and olive oil. Season with salt and pepper and gently mix. Bake in the oven for about 45 to 50 minutes or until the potatoes are soft and the sauce has thickened. To cook on the stove top, use a wide heavy pan and cook the casserole covered, at medium to low heat. You can start with medium heat until it starts bubbling and turn to heat to low. I would imagine 40 to 45 minutes should be enough.

Notes

The beef will cost about 100 Baht/500 grams. For 4 servings, this is about 74 cents per serving.
Provided courtesy of good friend, Stephen Connell.
United States.
* Best Value $1 or Less per Serving,CASSEROLES,MEATBALLS
Jamaican Jerk Seasoning
June 22, 2017 Lee
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Jamaican Jerk Seasoning

Stephen Connell, United States.
Easy make ahead shortcut. The amounts of cayenne and crushed red pepper will determine the heat levels of this.
Print Recipe
Prep Time 5 minutes
Total Time 5 minutes
Cuisine Caribbean
Servings 1 cup

Ingredients
  

  • 1 to 3 teaspoons cayenne pepper
  • ¼ to ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 tablespoon garlic powder
  • 2 teaspoons onion powder
  • 2 teaspoons dried thyme
  • 2 teaspoons dried parsley
  • 2 teaspoons sugar
  • 2 teaspoons salt
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • 1 teaspoon ground allspice
  • ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • ¼ teaspoon ground cinnamon

Instructions
 

  • Combine all ingredients and store in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Use when called for in recipes or just to rub chicken or pork chops prior to grilling.
Ingredients - Spice Mixes
Eggs in Purgatory
June 22, 2017 Lee
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Eggs in Purgatory

Strange name for eggs poached in tomato sauce, this is a Southern Italian dish, and it sounds really good. This is a fast, low cost, skillet dish.
Print Recipe
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 8 minutes
Total Time 13 minutes
Course Breakfast, Lunch, Main Dish
Cuisine Italian
Servings 2 servings

Ingredients
  

  • 6 eggs
  • 2-3 fresh basil leaves, torn
  • 1 cup tomato puree, more as needed, OR make from a shortcut
  • 2 slices bacon, chopped
  • 1 clove garlic, smashed and minced
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
  • salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions
 

  • Heat a bit of olive oil in a deep pan to medium heat, add the garlic and basil leaves, cook briefly until fragrant. Add the bacon, and cook until just cooked through.
  • Pour in tomato puree until the base of the pan is covered, stir to mix everything. Lower the heat to a simmer. Season the sauce with salt to your liking, then gently break in eggs. Sprinkle with oregano, freshly ground black pepper and the grated Parmesan. Cover and simmer over low heat for about 8-10 minutes until egg whites are firm but yolk is still runny.
  • Serve with buttered toast.

Notes

Low cost.
Shortcut: Tomato Puree.
Adapted from an internet recipe.
* Best Value $1 or Less per Serving,EGGS - ALL,Eggs - Chicken
Sausage, Pepper, and Onion Frittata
June 22, 2017 Lee
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Sausage, Pepper, and Onion Frittata

Sounds really good, a twist on the favorite of Sausage, Peppers, and Onion. Link to the shortcut is listed in the Recipe Notes section.
Print Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Course Breakfast, Lunch, Main Dish
Cuisine American
Servings 4 servings

Ingredients
  

  • 250 grams Italian sausage, OR make from a shortcut
  • 8 eggs
  • 1 large onion, halved, thinly sliced
  • 2 bell peppers, your choice of color, thinly sliced
  • 1/2 Mozzarella Cheese, shredded or cubed, optional
  • 2 teaspoons fresh oregano leaves, chopped, optional
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions
 

  • Preheat your broiler. In a large oven proof skillet (cast iron would be ideal), heat 1 tablespoon of the oil. Cook the sausage over high heat, breaking it apart with your spatula into 1 inch pieces or so, until browned, about 5 minutes. Remove to a plate.
  • To the same pan, add the remaining oil. Cook the onion and peppers over medium heat, scrapping up any brown bits from the bottom of the pan, until very soft and caramelized, about 10 minutes.
  • While the onion and peppers are cooking, in a large mixing bowl, beat the eggs with salt and pepper to your liking until the yolk and whites are very well combined.
  • Add the sausage back to the pan, season with salt and pepper to your liking and spread out in an even layer. Reduce the heat to low and pour the eggs over the sausage and vegetables, making sure the pan is evenly coated with eggs.
  • Cook until the sides are set and there’s just a shallow layer of uncooked eggs on the top, 5 minutes. Sprinkle the mozzarella and oregano over the top, if using, and transfer the pan to the broiler. Cook for 2 minutes, until the top is cooked and beginning to lightly brown.
  • Remove from the oven and allow the frittata to sit in the pan for 5 minutes before slicing. Cut into wedges and serve alongside a simple salad as breakfast, lunch, or dinner.

Notes

Low cost, if making the sausage from ground chicken, even less cost.
Shortcut: Italian Sausage.
Adapted from an internet recipe.
* Best Value $1 or Less per Serving,EGGS - ALL,Eggs - Chicken,Eggs - Duck
Moroccan Eggs
June 20, 2017 Lee
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Moroccan Eggs

Also known as Shakshuka. This can be a breakfast, lunch, or dinner dish. I will have to try this version.
Print Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Course Breakfast, Lunch, Main Dish
Cuisine Mediterranean
Servings 4 servings

Ingredients
  

  • 1 can whole tomatoes, drained, reserve juice, and chopped
  • 6 spring onions, sliced
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons ground cumin
  • 1/2 teaspoon honey, if needed
  • 3 tablespoons cilantro, chopped
  • 4 eggs
  • 4 cloves garlic, smashed and minced
  • pinch cayenne pepper, or to taste
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions
 

  • Pour the olive oil into a small to medium non stick or cast iron pan over medium heat. Cook the spring onion until softened, then add the garlic, cayenne, and cumin. Next add the tomatoes, salt and pepper, and a bit of tomato juice from the can as well if you desire. Add the honey if the tomatoes are not sweet enough to your taste. Simmer for 15 minutes until the mixture thickens a bit.
  • Once mixture is thickened, crack one egg in each quarter of the skillet. Spread the whites with a fork so that they cover the surface more evenly if you desire. Cover with a lid (I use a glass lid so I can see what is happening) for about 2-3 minutes to set the eggs to your liking. Serve garnished with cilantro and warm fresh bread on the side.

Notes

Low cost, under $1 per serving, easily.
Provided courtesy of good friend, Stephen Connell.
United States.
* Best Value $1 or Less per Serving,EGGS - ALL,Eggs - Chicken,Eggs - Duck
Mexican Casserole
June 20, 2017 Lee
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Mexican Casserole

Sounds great, easy to obtain ingredients and use the shortcuts for savings as well. Links to the shortcuts are listed in the Recipe Notes section.
Print Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Course Main Dish
Cuisine American
Servings 8 servings

Ingredients
  

  • 750 grams ground beef
  • 1 onion, diced
  • 2 cloves garlic, smashed and minced
  • 2 teaspoons chili powder
  • 225 grams corn chips, OR make from a shortcut
  • 2 cups chili beans, OR make from a shortcut
  • 1 can whole peeled tomatoes, chopped, drained
  • 1-2 green Bird's Eye chilies, seed and diced
  • 1 can condensed cream of chicken soup, OR make from a shortcut
  • 2 cups Cheddar cheese, shredded

Instructions
 

  • Preheat your oven to 180 C. Grease a 7x11 inch baking dish with butter.
  • In a large skillet, brown the beef 5-7 minutes. Drain off excess fat, add onion, garlic, and chili powder. Continue to cook and stir for 2 minutes. Add the beans to the cooked meat mixture. Combine the tomatoes with the soup in a small bowl, mixing completely.
  • Place about 3/4 of the crushed corn chips into the bottom of the casserole dish. Spoon on half the beef mixture, then half the soup mixture. Then add half of the shredded cheese. Repeat the layers, ending with shredded cheese.
  • Sprinkle the top of the dish with the remaining crushed corn chips. Bake 30-35 minutes until bubbling and top is lightly browned. Remove from oven, let rest for 5 minutes, serve.

Notes

Figure about 150 Baht for the beef and about 180 Baht for the cheese, think a 250 gram block. For 8 servings, this is about $1.21 per serving.
Variant: Use Chorizo instead of ground beef.
Shortcuts: Corn Chips, Chili Beans, Condensed Cream of Chicken Soup.
Provided courtesy of good friend, Stephen Connell.
United States.
* Fair Value $1.01 to $1.50 per Serving,CASSEROLES
Corn Chips from Scratch
June 19, 2017 Lee
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Corn Chips from Scratch

This, I have to try, I love corn chips but have not seen them here, plus can be used in other recipes as well. On my to cook list, soon!
Print Recipe
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 15 minutes
Course Appetizer
Cuisine American
Servings 0

Ingredients
  

  • 1 cup yellow corn meal
  • 1 tablespoon cooking oil
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 3/4 cup boiling water

Instructions
 

  • Preheat your oven to 205 C. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or foil, if using foil, oil it as well.
  • Mix all ingredients in a bowl.
  • Turn dough out on to your prepared baking sheet. Spread dough out evenly and thinly across pan. You may scored the dough into chip shapes or leave it whole and break it up later.
  • Bake for 10 minutes, allow to cool to room temperature and then break apart. Have salsa ready and enjoy.

Notes

Low cost.
Adapted from an internet recipe.
* Best Value $1 or Less per Serving,APPETIZERS / SNACKS