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Two-Ingredient Pizza Dough
February 26, 2017 Lee
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Two-Ingredient Pizza Dough

Garland Davis, United States.
Sounds pretty straight forward, I will have to give this a try. This is the instructions for making the dough, to make pizzas, follow pizzas instructions of your choosing.
Print Recipe
Prep Time 10 minutes
Total Time 10 minutes
Servings 2 10 inch pizzas

Equipment

  • Pizza Pans (two 12 inch)
  • Oven

Ingredients
  

  • 2 cups self rising flour, Shortcut
  • 1 cup Greek yogurt, full fat

Instructions
 

  • Put the flour and yogurt in a large bowl and mix with a fork until a shaggy dough forms. The dough may appear dry and crumbly at first, but it will come together as you mix it. Turn the mixture out onto a lightly floured work surface and knead until the dough is smooth and slightly elastic, about 8 minutes, dusting with more flour if necessary. If the dough feels too dry, add water, a tablespoon at a time and continue kneading until it is soft and pliable. Divide the dough in half, roll into balls and then use a rolling pin to roll out into two 10-inch pizzas. Dust a baking sheet or pizza peel with more flour or coarse cornmeal and place a circle of dough on top.
  • Proceed with a pizza of your choice using any recipe you like.

Notes

Shortcut: Self-Rising Flour.
PIZZA
Self-Rising Flour
February 26, 2017 Lee
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Self-Rising Flour

Adapted from an internet recipe.
I have never seen self rising flour for sale here, so for recipes that call for it, here you go.
Print Recipe
Prep Time 2 minutes
Total Time 2 minutes
Servings 1 cup self rising flour

Ingredients
  

  • 128 grams all purpose flour, 1 cup if no scale
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • 1½ teaspoons baking powder

Instructions
 

  • Whisk everything together in a bowl, now you have 1 cup of self rising flour.

Notes

Used in Recipe Listed on this Site:
INGREDIENTS
Patty Melts
February 25, 2017 Lee
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Patty Melts

Grilled sandwich with beef, onions, and Swiss cheese, I love everything about this. And easy to make. On my to cook list.
Print Recipe
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Course Lunch, Main Dish
Cuisine American
Servings 4 servings

Ingredients
  

  • 1/2 cup butter
  • 1 large onion, sliced
  • 750 grams ground beef
  • 1/2 teaspoon Worcherstershire sauce
  • salt and black pepper, to taste
  • 8 slices rye bread
  • Swiss cheese, sliced

Instructions
 

  • In a medium skillet, melt 2 tablespoons of the butter over medium low heat. Add the sliced onions and cook slowly until the onions are golden brown and soft, 20 to 25 minutes, stirring occasionally.
  • While the onions are cooking, In a medium bowl, mix together the ground beef, Worcestershire and salt and pepper to your liking, form into 4 patties.
  • I use block cheese, Swiss, from New Zealand, excellent cheese, so slice your cheese while the onions are cooking as well. You can slice as thin or as thick as you want, figure about 3 slices per side.
  • When the onions are done, melt 2 tablespoons of the butter in another skillet over medium heat. Cook the patties on both sides until totally done in the middle, 3 minutes or so each side.
  • To assemble each sandwich, slice of bread, slices of cheese to cover bread (about 3), hamburger patty, a quarter of the cooked onions, more slices of cheese and another slice of bread.
  • Using a griddle or a large skillet over medium heat, cast iron would be perfect, melt 2 tablespoons of the butter and grill the sandwiches until golden brown on the first side in the pan. Remove the sandwiches and add the remaining 2 tablespoons butter to the skillet. Return the sandwiches to the skillet, but flip them to the other side. Cook until golden brown and crisp, and until the cheese is melted. Slice in half and serve immediately!

Notes

Not a cheap meal based on cheese alone, figure about 180 Baht/block of 250 grams. For the beef, this will be about 150 Baht. For 4 servings, this is about $2.43 per serving.
Adapted from an internet recipe.
* High Cost $1.51+ per Serving,BURGERS & SANDWICHES
Chocolate Pudding Mix
February 25, 2017 Lee
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Chocolate Pudding Mix

This is not the instant kind, but is pretty fast, you will need to cook this briefly. This in the packaged form I have never seen where I live, so here is a shortcut.
Print Recipe
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 15 minutes
Course Dessert
Cuisine American
Servings 9 batches or boxes

Ingredients
  

For the Mix

  • 4 cups milk powder, non fat if you want
  • 2 2/3 cups sugar
  • 1 1/3 cups corn starch
  • 1-1 1/3 cups baking cocoa, 1 for light, 1 1/3 for rich flavor
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt

To Make Pudding

  • 2 cups milk
  • 1 cup pudding mix
  • 1 tablespoon butter
  • 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions
 

For the Mix

  • Mix all the ingredients and store in an airtight container.

To Make Pudding

  • Combine 1 cup of dry mix with 2 cups milk in a heavy bottomed saucepan. Bring to a boil, stirring constantly, stir in the butter and vanilla, then divide into bowls, allow to cool then refrigerate.

Notes

Adapted from an internet recipe.
DESSERTS
Traditional Sauerbraten
February 25, 2017 Lee
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Traditional Sauerbraten

Sounds really good, does take time to prepare this however. On my to cook list.
Print Recipe
Prep Time 2 minutes
Cook Time 6 hours
Total Time 6 hours 2 minutes
Course Main Dish
Cuisine German
Servings 6 servings

Ingredients
  

  • 1 1/2 kilos beef, like a roast or any large pieces
  • 2 large onions, chopped
  • 1 cup red wine vinegar, chopped
  • 1 cup water
  • 1 tablespoon salt
  • 1 tablespoon black pepper
  • 1 tablespoon sugar
  • 10 cloves garlic, peeled
  • 2 bay leaves
  • 2 tablespoons all purpose flour
  • salt and pepper, to taste
  • olive oil, as needed

Instructions
 

  • Place beef, onions, vinegar, water, 1 tablespoon salt, 1 tablespoon black pepper, sugar, cloves, and bay leaves in a large pot. Cover and refrigerate for 2 to 3 days, turning meat daily. Remove meat from marinade and pat dry with paper towels, reserving marinade.
  • Season flour to taste with salt and black pepper in a large bowl. Sprinkle flour mixture over beef. Heat vegetable oil in a large Dutch oven or pot over medium heat; brown beef on all sides, about 10 minutes. Transfer the beef to a slow cooker.
  • Pour the reserved marinade over the beef and cook on Low setting for 6-8 hours. When beef is fork tender, remove from the slow cooker to a plate and slice.
  • Strain the liquid from the slow cooker and make a gravy by heating that in a small pot and adding cornstarch.
  • Serve with potatoes or potato dumplings.

Notes

Beef would cost about 300 Baht/1 1/2 kilos, for 6 servings, this is about $1.47 per serving. Not bad for a once in a while meal.
Adapted from an internet recipe.
* Fair Value $1.01 to $1.50 per Serving,Beef - Slow Cooker
The Beery Batter
February 25, 2017 Lee
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The Beery Batter

Sounds like a good batter for fish.
Print Recipe
Prep Time 5 minutes
Total Time 5 minutes
Cuisine American
Servings 0

Ingredients
  

  • 2 cups all purpose flour
  • 2 teaspoons salt
  • 2 teaspoons black pepper
  • 2 teaspoons cayenne pepper
  • 2 teaspoons garlic powder
  • 2 1/2 cups beer

Instructions
 

  • Mix the dry ingredients together, whisk in the beer, batter is ready to use.

Notes

Provided courtesy of good friend, Stephen Connell.
United States.
INGREDIENTS
Sinless Cookies
February 25, 2017 Lee
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Sinless Cookies

Sounds really good and not overly sweet as well.
Print Recipe
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 20 minutes
Course Dessert
Cuisine American
Servings 0

Ingredients
  

  • 2 bananas
  • 1 cup quick cooking rolled oats
  • 1/2 cup chocolate chips
  • 1 tablespoon peanut butter, heaping

Instructions
 

  • Preheat your oven to 180 C.
  • Mix all the ingredients together, drop by spoonfuls on to a cookie sheet and bake for 15 minutes.

Notes

Low cost.
Provided courtesy of good friend, Stephen Connell.
United States.
* Best Value $1 or Less per Serving,DESSERTS
Slow Cooker Beef Stew II
February 24, 2017 Lee
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Slow Cooker Beef Stew II

Another good sounding stew recipe, this one uses caraway seed as well. On my to cook list.
Print Recipe
Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 8 hours
Total Time 8 hours 30 minutes
Course Main Dish
Cuisine American
Servings 8 servings

Ingredients
  

  • 1 kilo beef, any cut, cut into 1 1/2 inch pieces
  • 1 teaspoon sweet paprika, plus more for garnish
  • salt and pepper, to taste
  • 1/3 cup all purpose flour, plus more for coating beef
  • 3 tablespoons olive oil
  • 500 grams potatoes, cut into large chunks or quarters
  • 250 grams fresh mushrooms, sliced or chopped
  • 2 carrots, chopped
  • 1 medium onion, chopped
  • 2 tablespoons tomato paste
  • 1/2 cup red wine
  • 2 1/2 cups beef stock, fresh or from powder
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 1 teaspoon caraway seeds
  • 1/2 cup fresh parsley, chopped

Instructions
 

  • Toss the beef with the paprika, 1 1/2 teaspoons salt and 1/2 teaspoon pepper. Coat in flour and shake off any excess. Heat 2 tablespoons of the oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Add the beef and brown on all sides. Remove the skillet from the heat and transfer the beef to your slow cooker and add the potatoes, mushrooms, carrots, and onions and stir to combine.
  • Heat the remaining 1 tablespoon of oil in the skillet over medium heat. Add the tomato paste and stir until the oil begins to turn brick-red, about 1 minute. Add the flour and wine and whisk until thick, some lumps are ok. Add the beef broth, thyme, caraway, salt and pepper to your liking and bring to a simmer, whisking, continue simmering and whisking until the gravy is smooth and thick, just a few minutes.
  • Pour the gravy into the slow cooker, cover and cook on low for 8 hours. The meat and vegetables should be tender. Season with salt and pepper as needed and stir in the parsley. Serve.

Notes

Estimate about 200 Baht/kilo for beef, this vary greatly. For 8 servings this is about 74 cents per serving.
Provided courtesy of good friend, Garland Davis, US Navy Cook (Ret).
United States.
* Best Value $1 or Less per Serving,Soups, Stews, Chili - Slow Cooker
Meat Loaf and Potato Casserole
February 20, 2017 Lee
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Meat Loaf and Potato Casserole

Sounds very good, much like a Cottage Pie. There is two shortcuts to used for cost savings as well. 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
  

  • 500 grams ground beef
  • 3/4 cup onion, diced
  • 1/3 cup seasoned breadcrumbs, OR make from a shortcut
  • 1/4 cup BBQ sauce, OR make from a shortcut
  • 1 egg, lightly beaten
  • 2 teaspoons chili powder
  • 3/4 teaspoon salt

For the Potatoes

  • 6-8 potatoes, quartered
  • 2/3 cup evaporated milk
  • 1 tablespoon butter, room temperature
  • 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 cup bacon, cooked crsipy and chopped
  • 2/3 cup Cheddar cheese, shredded

Instructions
 

  • Preheat oven to 190 C. Coat 9x9 baking dish with lightly with butter. In a large bowl, combine beef, onion, breadcrumbs, BBQ sauce, egg, chili powder, and salt until well mixed. Gently press into bottom of baking dish.
  • Bake uncovered for 20 to 25 minutes, or until cooked through. Remove from oven and carefully pour off any excess fat if needed.
  • Adjust oven temperature to broil and place oven rack 6 to 8 inches from heat source. If using a counter top oven like me, switch to the top coil only and leave the rack in the center.
  • While the beef is cooking, boil the potatoes until tender, skin on or off is up to you. Once the potatoes are done, remove from heat, same pot, add the milk, butter, parsley, and garlic powder, mash with a potato masher until smooth. Stir in bacon. Spread evenly on top of beef mixture and sprinkle with cheese.
  • Broil for 3-5 minutes or until the cheese is lightly browned. Serve with a vegetable on the side for a nice meal.

Notes

Figure about 100 Baht/500 grams of beef. For 4 servings, this is about 74 cents per serving.
Shortcuts: Seasoned Breadcrumbs, BBQ Sauce.
Provided courtesy of good friend, Stephen Connell.
United States.
* Best Value $1 or Less per Serving,BEEF
Asian Beef Burgers
February 19, 2017 Lee
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Asian Beef Burgers

Sounds like a really good alternative to a standard burger, I am looking forward to making this.
Print Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Course Main Dish
Cuisine Mixed
Servings 4 burgers

Ingredients
  

For the Burgers

  • 500 grams ground beef
  • 1 cup Shiitake mushrooms, chopped
  • 1/3 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
  • 2 spring onions, chopped, white and green
  • 2 tablespoons soy sauce
  • 2 teaspoons Chinese 5 Spice
  • 2 teaspoons fresh ginger, minced
  • olive oil, as needed
  • 4 hamburger buns, OR make from a shortcut
  • 2 cups cabbage, thinly sliced or chopped

For the Tomato Garlic Jam

  • 2 medium tomatoes
  • 1/4 cup sugar
  • fresh lime juice, from 2 limes
  • 1/2 cup red bell pepper, diced
  • 5 cloves garlic, smashed and minced
  • 1 Bird's Eye Chili, minced
  • 2 tablespoons fish sauce, to taste

Instructions
 

  • Peel tomatoes by slicing a small X in the base of each tomato. Place tomatoes in a pot of boiling water for 30 to 45 seconds or until skin loosens. Remove tomatoes with a slotted spoon and slip skins off when cool enough to handle. Chop tomatoes.
  • To make tomato garlic jam, combine sugar and lime juice in a small saucepan. Warm over medium heat until sugar dissolves. Add chopped tomatoes, red bell pepper, garlic, and chili. Bring to a boil, reduce heat and simmer uncovered for 30 minutes or until mixture has reduced by about half. Stir in fish sauce (if using) and allow to cool to room temperature.
  • In a large bowl, gently mix together ground beef, shiitake mushrooms, cilantro, scallions, soy sauce, Chinese 5 spice, and ginger. Form into 4 equal-size patties.
  • Add a splash of olive oil to a non stick skillet over medium heat. Place patties in the pan. Cover and cook 4 minutes. Then flip and cook 3 to 4 more minutes. Serve burgers on buns topped with tomato garlic jam and shredded cabbage or coleslaw mix.

Notes

The beef would cost about 100 Baht/500 grams, for 4 servings, this is about 74 cents per serving.
Shortcut: Hamburger Buns.
Provided courtesy of good friend, Stephen Connell.
United States.
* Best Value $1 or Less per Serving,BURGERS & SANDWICHES