Author Archive
Sheet Pan Shrimp Fajitas
May 27, 2017 Lee
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Sheet Pan Shrimp Fajitas

Stephen Connell, United States.
Sounds good, shrimp and peppers together is a good combination. Links to the shortcuts are listed in the Recipe Notes section.
Print Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Course Main Dish
Cuisine Tex-Mex
Servings 8 servings

Equipment

  • Oven
  • Baking Sheet

Ingredients
  

Main Ingredients

  • 750 grams shrimp, peeled, deveined, tail removed, (1½ lb)
  • 1 yellow bell pepper, halved, thinly sliced
  • 1 red bell pepper, halved, thinly sliced
  • 1 green bell pepper, halved, thinly sliced
  • 2 Bird's Eye Chilis, seeded, finely chopped
  • 1 red onion, halved, thinly sliced
  • 1 lime, zest and juice
  • 2 teaspoons fresh lime juice
  • 1 clove garlic, grated
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • ½ teaspoon sugar
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 2 teaspoons chili powder
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • salt and black pepper

For Serving

  • 8-10 flour tortillas, toasted

Optional Items as Desired

  • lime wedges
  • fresh cilantro, chopped
  • guacamole
  • salsa, Shortcut
  • sour cream, Shortcut
  • Cheddar cheese, shredded

Instructions
 

  • Preheat oven to 230° C (450° F), and prepare a large rimmed baking sheet with a drizzle of olive oil.
  • In a large mixing bowl, combine all the Main Ingredients until vegetables and shrimp are evenly coated.
  • Evenly disperse the seasoned shrimp and vegetable mixture on the prepared sheet tray and bake for about 10 minutes.
  • Turn the heat up to broil, and cook for another 5 minutes or so until the shrimp is pink and firm and the vegetables begin to get a nice char.
  • Toast the tortillas over an open flame until charred on the edges, and serve everything on the sheet tray. Serve with desired optional toppings.

Notes

Go with medium white shrimp for 1bout 150 Baht/750 grams. For 8 servings, this is about 60 cents per serving.
Shortcuts: Salsa, Sour Cream.
* Best Value $1 or Less per Serving,SEAFOOD - ALL,Seafood - Shrimp/Prawn,TEX-MEX, sort of
Swiss Chicken Supreme
May 27, 2017 Lee
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Swiss Chicken Supreme

Sounds good, chicken and Swiss cheese go together well. On my to cook list. 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 4 servings

Ingredients
  

  • 4-6 chicken breasts, boneless, skinless
  • 1-2 tablespoons onion, grated
  • 2-3 cloves garlic, smashed and finely minced
  • salt and pepper, to taste
  • 4-6 slices Swiss cheese
  • 2 cans condensed cream of chicken soup, OR make from a shortcut
  • 1/2 cup sour cream, OR make from a shortcut
  • 1/4 cup water
  • 2 cups butter crackers, Magic brand, crushed, about 50
  • 1/2 cup butter, melted

Instructions
 

  • Preheat your oven to 180 C. Lightly grease a 9x13 baking dish with butter.
  • Place the chicken in the baking dish. Sprinkle with grated onion, minced garlic and season with salt and pepper as desired. Top each with a slice of cheese.
  • In a large bowl, combine the soup, sour cream, and water, pour over the chicken. Toss the cracker crumbs and butter, sprinkle over chicken.
  • Bake uncovered for 30-40 minutes or until chicken juices run clear and crumbs are golden brown. Serve over pasta.

Notes

Chicken will cost about 75 Baht/kilo, that would be 4 to 6 pieces. For 4 servings, this is about 55 cents per serving.
Shortcuts: Condensed Cream of Chicken Soup, Sour Cream.
Provided courtesy of good friend, Stephen Connell.
United States.
* Best Value $1 or Less per Serving,CASSEROLES
Pasta all’amatriciana
May 26, 2017 Lee
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Pasta all’amatriciana

This dish originates in the town of Amatrice in Italy. Originally a peasant dish made with simple ingredients.
Print Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Course Main Dish
Cuisine Italian
Servings 4 servings

Ingredients
  

  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 170 grams pancetta, or bacon, cut into 1/2 inch cubes
  • pinch red pepper flakes
  • 1/4 cup dry white wine, optional
  • 1 1/2 cans whole peeled tomatoes, Brooks brand, drained, chopped
  • pinch ground black pepper
  • salt, to taste
  • 500 grams dry spaghetti
  • 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese, grated

Instructions
 

  • Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Cook the pancetta and red pepper flakes until lightly browned, 4-5 minutes. Add the wine, scraping the bottom of the pan to gather any browned bits until wine is nearly all evaporated, about 3 minutes.
  • Add tomatoes and bring to a simmer, season with black pepper, reduce heat to low and simmer 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until sauce thickens.
  • While sauce is simmering, bring a large pot of salted water to boil. Cook pasta until just tender. Using tongs, transfer cooked pasta to the sauce and about ¼ cup of pasta water, stirring quickly until incorporated. If the sauce is too thick, add a bit more of the pasta water.
  • Remove from heat and stir in cheese. Season to taste with salt and pepper and serve.

Notes

Figure about 100 Baht for the bacon, on average, there is plenty of choices. For 4 servings, this is about 75 cents per serving.
Provided courtesy of good friend, Stephen Connell.
United States.
* Best Value $1 or Less per Serving,PASTA
Garlic Lemon Butter Parmesan Shrimp
May 25, 2017 Lee
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Garlic Lemon Butter Parmesan Shrimp

Sounds wonderful. Low amount of ingredients, on my to cook list. Link to the shortcut is listed in the Recipe Notes section.
Print Recipe
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 15 minutes
Course Main Dish
Cuisine American
Servings 4 servings

Ingredients
  

  • 500 grams fresh large prawn, peeled, deviened, tail removed
  • 1/4 cup butter, this is 1/4 standard block
  • 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning, OR make from a shortcut
  • 2/3 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
  • juice from 1 lemon, or 2 limes
  • 4 cloves garlic, smashed and minced

Instructions
 

  • In a medium sauce pan, melt butter and cook for 1 minute. Add shrimp and sprinkle on Italian seasoning. Cook covered for 2 minutes. Add lemon juice over shrimp and then sprinkle on Parmesan cheese. Cook for another two minutes or until shrimp turn white. Add your favorite side and enjoy!

Notes

I cannot price this until I get large prawn again. Probably a Fair priced meal.
Shortcut: Italian Seasoning.
Provided courtesy of good friend, Stephen Connell.
United States.
* Fair Value $1.01 to $1.50 per Serving,SEAFOOD - ALL,Seafood - Shrimp/Prawn
Smothered Chicken
May 25, 2017 Lee
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Smothered Chicken

Sounds tasty! Chicken, mushrooms, and cheese, perfect. On my to cook list. Links to the shortcuts are listed in the Recipe Notes section.
Print Recipe
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 50 minutes
Course Main Dish
Cuisine American
Servings 4 servings

Ingredients
  

  • 4 chicken breasts, boneless, skinless
  • 3 cups mushrooms, sliced, canned or fresh button
  • 2 onions, sliced
  • 2 cloves garlic, smashed and minced
  • 3 tablespoons butter
  • 1 can condensed cream of mushroom soup, OR make from a shortcut
  • 2 eggs, lightly beaten
  • 1 cup seasoned breadcrumbs, OR make from a shortcut
  • 3 cups Mozzarella Cheese, shredded
  • 3/4 cup chicken broth, or stock, fresh or from powder
  • salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions
 

  • Preheat your oven to 180 C. Cook mushrooms and onions in a skillet with 1 tablespoon of butter until just tender. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
  • Place the eggs in a shallow bowl and in a separate bowl place the breadcrumbs. Dip chicken into beaten eggs, then roll in bread crumbs.
  • Same skillet, melt the remaining butter over medium heat. Brown both sides of chicken then place chicken in a 7x11 baking dish (browning, no need to cook through), arrange onions and mushrooms on top of chicken, and top with mozzarella cheese.
  • Add chicken broth and cream of mushroom soup together in a bowl and whisk until blended then pour over top of mushroom, onion, and chicken. Bake for 30 to 35 minutes, or until chicken is no longer pink and juices run clear.

Notes

The chicken will run about 70 Baht/4 breasts. The cheese will run about 220 Baht/3 cups. For 4 servings this is about $2.13 per serving.
Shortcuts: Condensed Cream of Mushroom Soup, Seasoned Breadcrumbs.
Provided courtesy of good friend, Stephen Connell.
United States.
* High Cost $1.51+ per Serving,CHICKEN & TURKEY
Pina Colada Salad
May 25, 2017 Lee
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Pina Colada Salad

Sounds great. This is a fruit salad you can make with what you have on hand, the dressing is plain yogurt and coconut milk or cream. I look forward to making this. The yogurt measurement is an estimate, I will verify when I make this.
Print Recipe
Prep Time 20 minutes
Total Time 20 minutes
Course Side
Cuisine American
Servings 8 servings

Ingredients
  

  • 3 containers plain yogurt, small containers
  • 1 cup flaked coconut, sweetened
  • 1/4 cup coconut milk, or cream
  • 2 pineapples, peeled, cored, cut into 1 inch pieces
  • 3 bananas, peeled, sliced
  • 3-4 Mandarin oranges, peeled, and sections seperated
  • maraschino cherries, optional, for garnish
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions
 

  • Whisk together the yogurt, coconut, vanilla extract, and coconut milk in a large bowl. Stir in the fruit except for the cherries. Refrigerate for several hours. Serve cold with 2-3 cherries on each serving.

Notes

Low cost.
Adapted from an internet recipe.
* Best Value $1 or Less per Serving,Sides - Salads
Mexican Tortilla Casserole
May 25, 2017 Lee
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Mexican Tortilla Casserole

Sounds really good and I would say it makes a lot as well. On my to cook list. Plenty of shortcuts to use here for good savings. Links to the shortcuts are listed in the Recipe Notes section.
Print Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 50 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 5 minutes
Course Main Dish
Cuisine American
Servings 6 servings

Ingredients
  

  • 500 grams ground beef
  • 1/2 cup onion, diced
  • 1 packet taco seasoning mix, OR make from a shortcut
  • 2 cups Cheddar cheese, shredded
  • 1 can refried beans, OR make from a shortcut, 2 cups
  • 1 cup cooked rice
  • 1 cup Mexican corn, OR make from a shortcut
  • 4 large flour tortillas, 8 inches, or even corn tortillas
  • 1 cup thick salsa, OR make from a shortcut

Instructions
 

  • Preheat your oven to 180 C. Grease a 8 inch spring form cake pan with butter or olive oil spray.
  • Brown ground beef and onion, drain, then add the taco seasoning and cook according to package direction.
  • To assemble, place 1 tortilla in the bottom of the cake pan, spread 1/3 of the refried beans on it, top with 1/3 of the meat and sprinkle on some cheese.
  • Add the 2nd tortilla, top that with 1/2 the rice, 1/2 the salsa, 1/2 the corn and cheese.
  • Add the 3rd tortilla, top that with 1/3 of the refried beans, 1/3 the meat, and sprinkle on some cheese.
  • Add the 4th tortilla, top with the remaining refried beans, then the meat, then the corn, then rice, then the salsa and top with the cheese.
  • Bake covered with foil for about 40 minutes, uncover and bake 10-15 minutes longer, let sit 5 minutes before cutting. After baking top with sour cream, diced onion, and shredded lettuce if desired.

Notes

The beef will cost about 100 Baht, the cheese about 180 Baht. The tortillas would cost about 120 Baht for 4. Make the shortcuts for savings as well. For 6 servings, this is about $1.96 per serving.
Shortcuts: Taco Seasoning, Refried Beans, Mexican Corn, Salsa, Sour Cream.
Variants: Very easy to use leftover chili in place of the refried beans, or to use cooked chopped red bell pepper, use corn tortillas in place of flour tortillas, use cottage cheese in place of the salsa, you get the idea. You could make this a different meal each time you make it.
Provided courtesy of good friend, Stephen Connell.
United States.
* High Cost $1.51+ per Serving,CASSEROLES
Mexican Corn
May 25, 2017 Lee
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Mexican Corn

Sounds like a perfect side for any Mexican dishes. Link to the shortcut is listed in the Recipe Notes section.
Print Recipe
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 8 minutes
Total Time 18 minutes
Course Side
Cuisine Tex-Mex
Servings 4 servings

Ingredients
  

  • 3 tablespoons butter
  • 3 cups corn, frozen, canned, or fresh
  • 1 red bell pepper, diced
  • 1 zucchini, diced
  • 3 spring onions, chopped
  • 1 jalapeno pepper, seeded, chopped, or a Thai chili
  • 1/2 cup salsa, OR make from a shortcut
  • 2 tablespoons fresh cilantro, chopped
  • salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions
 

  • Fresh corn would be the best to use, but canned (drained) or even frozen corn can be used. For fresh corn, I would boil that first then cut from the cobs.
  • Melt the butter in a large skillet over medium high heat. Add the corn, red bell pepper, zucchini, green onions and jalapeño and cook until the vegetables are tender, about 7 minutes. Mix in the salsa and chopped cilantro. Stir until heated through, about 1 minute. Season to taste with salt and pepper.

Notes

Low cost.
Shortcut: Salsa.
Used in Recipe Listed on this Site:
Mexican Tortilla Casserole.
Adapted from an internet recipe.
* Best Value $1 or Less per Serving,SIDES
Potato & Bacon Foil Packs
May 25, 2017 Lee
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Potato & Bacon Foil Packs

Sounds like a great side dish, on my to cook list for when I have a BBQ. Links to the shortcuts are listed in the Recipe Notes section.
Print Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 35 minutes
Total Time 50 minutes
Course Side
Cuisine American
Servings 6 servings

Ingredients
  

  • 2-3 sheets foil
  • 10-12 small potatoes, thinly sliced
  • 1 packet dry onion soup mix, OR make from a shortcut
  • 12 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
  • 1 small onion, diced
  • 2-3 tablespoons butter
  • salt and pepper, to taste
  • 1 cup Cheddar cheese, shredded, for serving, optional
  • sour cream, OR make from a shortcut, for serving
  • olive oil, as needed

Instructions
 

  • Rub each sheet of foil with olive oil. Top each piece with equal portions of potatoes, bacon, 1 packet onion soup powder and mix together. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Add 1 tablespoon of butter to each packet. Wrap securely.
  • Grill for 20 to 30 minutes. Or you can bake it in the oven, at 180 C for about 35 minutes or till done. Let stand 10 minutes before serving.
  • Serve in foil placed in the center of the table, have sour cream and or cheese available if desired, and let people serve themselves.

Notes

The bacon would cost about 70 Baht, for 6 servings this is about 34 cents per serving. Using the optional cheese and or sour cream will increase the cost per serving.
Shortcuts: Dry Onion Soup Mix, Sour Cream.
Provided courtesy of good friend, Stephen Connell.
United States.
* Best Value $1 or Less per Serving,SIDES
Cheesesteak Casserole
May 24, 2017 Lee
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Cheesesteak Casserole

Sounds really good, I will certainly have to stock up on Provolone cheese next time in Phuket but I will make this before going there and simply use Mozzarella. Link to the shortcut is listed in the Recipe Notes section.
Print Recipe
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Course Main Dish
Cuisine American
Servings 8 servings

Ingredients
  

  • 750 grams ground beef
  • 3 cloves garlic, smashed and minced
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning, OR make from a shortcut
  • 2 green bell peppers, chopped
  • 2 onions, chopped
  • 350 grams Provolone cheese, or Mozzarella, or a bit of both
  • 500 grams dry macaroni
  • salt and black pepper

Instructions
 

  • Preheat your oven to 180 C. Get out a 9x13 baking dish.
  • In a large skillet, brown the ground beef with the garlic, season with salt and pepper as desired, add the Italian seasoning, drain fat off when cooked and remove beef to a bowl.
  • Same skillet, cook the peppers and onion until soft. While that is cooking, heat a pot of salted water to boiling then cook the pasta to just tender.
  • When the peppers and onions are done, add the ground beef back to the skillet and mix. Tear up the slices of cheese and add to the skillet and let them begin to melt, 2-3 minutes is all that is needed, it's ok if the cheese is not fully melted.
  • In a large heatproof mixing bowl, add the ground beef mixture and the drained pasta and mix everything together. Pour this into the baking dish and top with a few slices of Provolone, bake for 15-20 minutes or until the edges are starting to brown and the cheese is melted and starting to brown. Serve.

Notes

The beef will cost about 150 Baht/750 grams. The cheese, Mozzarella, will cost about 250 Baht/350 grams. I cannot price Provolone yet. For 8 servings, this is about $1.47 per serving.
Shortcut: Italian Seasoning, Italian Sausage.
Variant: 1. Use Italian sausage in place of ground beef.
Provided courtesy of good friend, Stephen Connell.
United States.
* Fair Value $1.01 to $1.50 per Serving,CASSEROLES