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Slow Cooker Cottage Pie
February 11, 2017 Lee
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Slow Cooker Cottage Pie

Sounds like an easy way to make Cottage Pie, looking forward to making this.
Print Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 7 hours
Total Time 7 hours 15 minutes
Course Main Dish
Cuisine European
Servings 6 servings

Ingredients
  

  • 750 grams beef, any cut, cut into 1 inch cubes
  • 3 cloves garlic, smashed and minced
  • 2 carrots, sliced
  • 250 grams mushrooms, roughly chopped
  • 1 1/2 cups corn, frozen, thawed, or canned
  • 3/4 cup beef stock, fresh or from powder
  • 6 tablespoons tomato paste
  • 2 teaspoons Worcherstershire sauce
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 3 tablespoons all purpose flour
  • 1 1/2 cups peas, frozen, thawed
  • salt and pepper, to taste

For the Mashed Potatoes

  • 750 grams potatoes, peeled, cut into 2 inch pieces
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 cup milk, warmed
  • 6 tablespoons butter
  • salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions
 

  • Place the beef cubes in a large slow cooker. Top with the garlic, carrots, mushrooms and corn.
  • In a medium bowl, whisk together the beef broth, tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, and oregano. Pour this into the the slow cooker and stir to combine.
  • Cover the slow cooker and cook on Low setting for 7 to 9 hours, until the beef is tender.
  • To make the mashed potatoes, place the potatoes in a large saucepan and cover them with 2 inches of water. Bring the potatoes to a boil over high heat and stir in the salt. Reduce the heat and simmer until the potatoes are tender when stabbed with a fork (start checking them at 15 minutes).
  • When the beef is tender, use a large spoon to skim any fat from the surface of the beef and veggie mixture in the slow cooker.
  • In a small bowl, mix the flour and 6 tablespoons (90 ml) water until smooth, then slowly stir the mixture into the slow cooker.
  • In a small bowl, mix the flour and 6 tablespoons (90 ml) water until smooth, then slowly stir the mixture into the slow cooker. Then add the peas and adjust the seasonings with salt and pepper to taste.
  • Spread the mashed in an even layer over the top of the beef and vegetables. Cover the slow cooker and cook on high for 15-30 minutes, until the gravy has thickened and the mashed potatoes are heated through.
  • Serve and enjoy.

Notes

Pork shoulder runs about 100 Baht/kilo, for this recipe this would be 75 Baht for 750 grams. For 6 servings, this is about 40 cents per serving, great value.
Provided courtesy of good friend, Stephen Connell.
United States.
* Best Value $1 or Less per Serving,Beef - Slow Cooker
Slow Cooker Cuban Pork
February 11, 2017 Lee
7 Comments

Slow Cooker Cuban Pork

This sounds really good and is a must try for me.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 8 hours
Total Time 8 hours 15 minutes
Course Main Dish
Cuisine American
Servings 6 servings

Ingredients
  

  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1/2 cup orange juice
  • 1/2 cup lime juice
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons salt
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
  • 1/8 teaspoon black pepper
  • 7 cloves garlic, smashed and minced
  • 1 onion, sliced thin
  • 1 bay leaf
  • 1 1/2 kilo pork shoulder, (3 lbs)

Instructions
 

  • In a medium bowl, whisk together the oil, juices, salt, cumin, oregano, red pepper flakes, pepper, and garlic.
  • Make slits in the pork with a knife and place the pork in the juice mixture and rub liberally all over with the oil mixture.
  • Place pork in the slow cooker, along with the onion and bay leaf. Poor the remaining juices from the bowl over the pork.
  • Cover and cook on low for 7 hours, if the meat shreds easily, it is down, if not done, cook another hour and test again. Using two forks, shred into thick chunks in the pot then use a large slotted spoon to serve it with.
  • Serve with mashed potatoes with some of the juice spooned over the top.
  • Serve in a tortilla with Cheddar cheese.
  • Serve with cilantro lime rice and black beans.

Notes

Pork shoulder runs about 100 Baht/kilo, for this recipe this would be 150 Baht for 1 1/2 kilo. For 6 servings, this is about 75 cents per serving, great value.
Variants: 1. Use pork loin in place of the pork shoulder. 2. Use a pork roast in place of the pork shoulder.
Provided courtesy of good friend, Stephen Connell.
United States.
Variant 1 tested by Tina Nolan, with excellent results.
United States.
# Buster Approved,#1 Go-To Recipes,* Best Value $1 or Less per Serving,Pork - Slow Cooker
Garlic Bread Lasagna
February 11, 2017 Lee
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Garlic Bread Lasagna

If nothing else, this does sound interesting. On my to cook list. No measurements are given and I will sort that out when I make this, but it is pretty straight forward on how to assemble this. Use the shortcuts as well. Links to the shortcuts are listed in the Recipe Notes section.
Print Recipe
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 40 minutes
Total Time 1 hour
Course Main Dish
Cuisine American
Servings 6 servings

Ingredients
  

  • olive oil, as needed
  • ground beef
  • 3 cloves garlic, smashed and minced
  • 1 large onion, diced
  • tomato sauce, OR make from a shortcut
  • garlic bread, OR make from a shortcut
  • Mozzarella Cheese, sliced
  • Parmesan cheese, grated

Instructions
 

  • Preheat your oven to 200 C. Get out a baking dish, 7x11 should work, or even a 9x13 if making a lot of sauce and you have lots of garlic bread on hand.
  • Heat a large non stick pan with a splash of olive oil and add the garlic and onion, when the onion starts to soften, add the ground beef and break that up and mix in with the onions.
  • When the beef is cooked through, drain well then stir in the tomato sauce and let that simmer for 10-15 minutes. Remove from heat.
  • Toast the garlic bread following the shortcut. Once toasted, use your hand and flatten down each slice.
  • To assemble this concoction. Spread half the sauce on the bottom of the baking dish. Then place slices of toasted and flattened garlic bread in an even layer. Cover that layer with slices of Mozzarella in an even layer. Spread the remaining sauce over the cheese, add another layer of garlic bread, another layer of Mozzarella, then sprinkle Parmesan over the top.
  • Bake for 40 minutes or until the top is starting to brown. Remove from oven and let rest for 10 minutes, serve.

Notes

The beef will run about 100 Baht/500 grams. I will have to give a per serving cost after I make this.
Shortcut: Tomato Sauce, Garlic Bread.
Provided courtesy of good friend, Stephen Connell.
United States.
* High Cost $1.51+ per Serving,BEEF
Poor Man’s Stew
February 11, 2017 Lee
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Poor Man's Stew

Sounds good and tasty. On my to cook list.
Print Recipe
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 6 hours
Total Time 6 hours 10 minutes
Course Main Dish
Cuisine American
Servings 4 servings

Ingredients
  

  • 500 grams ground beef, browned and drained
  • 750 grams potatoes, diced large
  • 2-3 carrots, sliced
  • 1 onion, diced
  • 2 cloves garlic, smashed and minced
  • 1 can tomato paste, 170 gram can
  • 2 cups water
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon pepper
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano

Instructions
 

  • Add the cooked ground beef, potatoes, carrots, onions, and garlic to a large slow cooker.
  • In a small bowl whisk together the tomato paste, water, salt, pepper, and oregano. Pour this mixture over everything in the slow cooker. Stir.
  • Cover and cook on Low setting for 6-7 hours, without opening the lid during the cooking time. Serve with buttered bread.

Notes

The beef will run about 100 Baht/500 grams. For 4 servings, this is about 75 cents per serving.
Adapted from an internet recipe.
* Best Value $1 or Less per Serving,Soups, Stews, Chili - Slow Cooker
Green Olive Coleslaw
February 11, 2017 Lee
1 Comment

Green Olive Coleslaw

This is a basic slaw recipe that has green olives and spring onions added. I do not buy anything precut like salad in a bag, so this is made with 3 fresh vegetables, jarred olives, and a homemade sauce, and it is delicious! Link to the shortcut is listed in the Recipe Notes section.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Total Time 15 minutes
Course Side
Cuisine American
Servings 6 servings

Ingredients
  

  • 1 head cabbage, see Step 1
  • 1/2 carrot, shredded
  • 4 spring onions, sliced, white and green parts
  • handful green olives with pimento, sliced
  • 1 bowl coleslaw dressing, shortcut is listed below

Instructions
 

  • Cabbage in Thailand is much smaller than what I remember in the US, I bought two, weighed them each was about 450 grams, about a pound, where as cabbage in the states is about 2 pounds per head. I only used one head as this is only for my wife and I.
  • To prepare the cabbage, peel off the outer leaves and cut the bottom of the core off, this gives you a clean cabbage before you chop it. Leaves and bottom of the core on the left, nice clean head of cabbage on the right.
  • Cut the cabbage in half from top to bottom, then cut each piece in half again so you have four pieces. Take each piece and cut the core out at an angle, then lay a piece down and cut in 1/4 inch slices, then cut the pile cross ways 2 or 3 times, do this for all four pieces and you have shredded cabbage. Place in a large bowl.
  • Shred 1/2 the carrot with a box shredder and place that in the large bowl. Slice the spring onion and the olives and place those in the large bowl.
  • Prepare the dressing from the shortcut for the coleslaw, shortcut is listed in the Recipe Notes section.
  • Pour the dressing into the large bowl and mix to coat everything. Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours to blend the flavors.
  • Serve as a side with any main dish.

Notes

Low cost.
Shortcut: Easy Coleslaw Dressing.
Adapted from an internet recipe.
#1 Go-To Recipes,* Best Value $1 or Less per Serving,5 Ingredients or Less,Sides - Salads
Garlic Bread
February 10, 2017 Lee
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Garlic Bread

This is always good, I have made this many times, and so easy, great side dish for any pasta.
Print Recipe
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Course Side
Cuisine American
Servings 8 servings

Ingredients
  

  • 1 loaf French bread, cut into 1/2 inch thick slices
  • 1/2 cup butter, softened, this is 1/2 standard block
  • 1 1/2 tablespoons garlic powder
  • 1 tablespoon dried parsley

Instructions
 

  • Preheat your oven to 180 C.
  • Mix the garlic powder and parsley into the softened, room temperature butter to make a paste. Spread butter paste on each slice of bread and place the bread on a baking sheet.
  • Bake for about 10 minutes until the bread is lightly toasted.

Notes

Adapted from an internet recipe.
5 Ingredients or Less,APPETIZERS / SNACKS,SIDES
Homemade Chick-Fil-A Cole Slaw
February 10, 2017 Lee
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Homemade Chick-Fil-A Cole Slaw

Can be written as coleslaw or cole slaw, either way, this does sound good!
Print Recipe
Prep Time 10 minutes
Total Time 10 minutes
Course Side
Cuisine American
Servings 6 servings

Ingredients
  

  • 4 teaspoons vinegar
  • 1/4 cup sugar
  • 1/4 teaspoon dry mustard
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1 cup mayo
  • 500-600 grams cabbage, finely chopped
  • 1/4 cup carrot, finely chopped

Instructions
 

  • Whisk vinegar, sugar, mustard, and salt together until sugar is dissolved. Add the mayo and whisk to combine. Pour this over the chopped cabbage and carrot and mix to coat. Refrigerate for 2 hours before serving.

Notes

Provided courtesy of good friend, Stephen Connell.
United States.
Sides - Salads
Corn, Beef and Biscuit Casserole
February 10, 2017 Lee
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Corn, Beef and Biscuit Casserole

Sounds good, I will say the use of green olives is interesting. Link to the shortcut is listed in the Recipe Notes section.
Print Recipe
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 40 minutes
Total Time 50 minutes
Course Main Dish
Cuisine American
Servings 6 servings

Ingredients
  

  • 2 1/4 cups Bisquick Mix, OR make from a shortcut
  • 2/3 cup milk
  • 2 tablespoons green olives with pimento, sliced
  • 500 grams ground beef
  • 1 medium onion
  • 2 cloves garlic, smashed and minced
  • 1 can whole peeled tomatoes, undrained, chopped
  • 1 can cream style corn
  • 1 teaspoon chili powder
  • 1/2 cup Cheddar cheese, shredded

Instructions
 

  • Preheat your oven to 200 C. In large bowl, stir Bisquick mix, milk and olives until soft dough forms.
  • In a large skillet, cook beef, onion, and garlic over medium heat until beef is thoroughly cooked, then drain off the fat. Stir in tomatoes, corn, and chili powder. Heat to boiling then pour in ungreased 11x7 inch glass baking dish. Drop biscuit dough by tablespoonfuls over mixture.
  • Bake 20 minutes. Sprinkle cheese over biscuits; bake 5 to 10 minutes longer or until biscuits are lightly browned and cheese is melted.

Notes

The beef will run about 100 Baht/500 grams. For 6 servings, this is about 50 cents per serving.
Shortcut: Bisquick Mix.
Provided courtesy of good friend, Stephen Connell.
United States.
* Best Value $1 or Less per Serving,CASSEROLES
Sloppy Joes I
February 10, 2017 Lee
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Sloppy Joes I

Sounds nice and sloppy, which would make a great Sloppy Joe, the sauce sounds excellent.
Print Recipe
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Course Main Dish
Cuisine American
Servings 6 servings

Ingredients
  

  • 500 grams ground beef
  • 1 medium onion
  • 1/3 cup celery, chopped
  • 1/3 cup green bell pepper, chopped
  • 1/3 cup ketchup
  • 1/4 cup water
  • 1 tablespoon Worcherstershire sauce
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/8 teaspoon hot sauce
  • 6 buns, split and toasted

Instructions
 

  • Cook beef and onion in a skillet over medium heat for 8 to 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until beef is brown, then drain well. Stir in remaining ingredients except buns.
  • Cover and cook over low heat for 10 to 15 minutes or just until vegetables are tender. Fill buns with mixture and enjoy.

Notes

The beef will run about 100 Baht/500 grams. For 6 servings, this is about 50 cents per serving.
Provided courtesy of good friend, Stephen Connell.
United States.
* Best Value $1 or Less per Serving,BURGERS & SANDWICHES
Potato Collops
February 10, 2017 Lee
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Potato Collops

This is a traditional Irish dish and sounds like a great side dish. A collop is small portion of any food or a slice of meat. I am planning to make this with small 1 serving baking dishes I have my eye on.
Print Recipe
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour
Total Time 1 hour 10 minutes
Course Side
Cuisine European
Servings 1 serving

Ingredients
  

  • 2-3 potatoes, washed, thinly sliced
  • 1 small onion, diced
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
  • 100 grams bacon, diced
  • 2 tablespoons butter
  • 1 cup milk, scalded
  • 1/4 cup Cheddar cheese, shredded
  • salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions
 

  • Preheat your oven to 180 C. Lightly grease a small baking dish with butter.
  • Place a layer of potatoes and onions in the baking dish, vegetables on a greased baking dish, sprinkle with parsley, salt and pepper, and some diced bacon.
  • Repeat with more layers until all are in the dish. Sprinkle cheese over the top, then pour the hot scalded milk over the cheese.
  • Cover with foil and bake for 45 minutes, then uncover and continue baking until the potatoes are cooked through and the top is nicely browned. Serve as a side.

Notes

Low cost.
Provided courtesy of good friend, Stephen Connell.
United States.
* Best Value $1 or Less per Serving,SIDES