Author Archive
Kapusta – Polish Sausage and Cabbage Soup
February 7, 2017 Lee
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Kapusta - Polish Sausage and Cabbage Soup

Sounds great! Common ingredients as well. This is a slow cooker recipe but the sausage will be browned a little before going into the slow cooker. Servings is an estimate until I make this.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 10 hours
Total Time 10 hours 15 minutes
Course Main Dish
Cuisine Polish
Servings 4 servings

Ingredients
  

  • 2 cups potatoes, cubed, peeled or unpeeled
  • 4 cups cabbage, shredded fine
  • 1 carrot, shredded
  • 1 large onion, chopped
  • 2 teaspoons caraway seeds, crushed
  • 600 grams Polish sausage, or smoked sausage
  • 4 cups chicken stock, fresh or from powder
  • salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions
 

  • In a hot skillet cook the sausage to brown it up a little, no need to cook it through. Then slice in half lengthwise, then cut each half into 1/2 to 1 inch pieces, drain any fat and add to the slow cooker.
  • Add the rest of the ingredients and give it a quick mix. Cook on Low setting for 10-12 hours or High setting for 5-6 hours. Serve.

Notes

Only thing pricey is the sausage, for 600 grams, I will estimate 150 Baht. For 4 servings, this is about $1.10 per serving.
Provided courtesy of good friend, Stephen Connell.
United States.
* Fair Value $1.01 to $1.50 per Serving,Soups, Stews, Chili - Slow Cooker
Cream Cheese Potato Soup
February 7, 2017 Lee
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Cream Cheese Potato Soup

Sounds really good and common ingredients. On my to cook list. The number of servings are an estimate until I make this.
Print Recipe
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Course Main Dish, Side
Cuisine American
Servings 4 servings

Ingredients
  

  • 4 cups chicken stock, fresh or from powder
  • 4 cups potatoes, cubed, peeled or unpeeled
  • 1/4 cup onion, minced
  • 1/2 teaspoon seasoning salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground white pepper
  • 250 grams Cream cheese, cubed, softened, this is 1 standard block

Instructions
 

  • In a large pot, add the broth, potatoes, onion, seasoning salt, and white pepper. Boil on medium heat until potatoes are tender. Smash a few of the potatoes to thicken the soup.
  • Reduce the heat to low and add the cream cheese, stirring often until the cheese is melted and blended in. Serve as a main dish or a side.

Notes

Cream cheese will run about 120 Baht, for 4 servings, this is about 88 cents per serving. Excellent value.
Provided courtesy of good friend, Stephen Connell.
United States.
* Best Value $1 or Less per Serving,SOUPS, STEWS, CHILI
Apple Streusel Cheesecake Bars
February 6, 2017 Lee
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Apple Streusel Cheesecake Bars

Sounds delicious, on my to cook list. Link to the shortcut is listed in the Recipe Notes section.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 45 minutes
Total Time 1 hour
Course Dessert
Cuisine American
Servings 10 servings

Ingredients
  

  • 2 cups all purpose flour
  • 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
  • 1 cup butter, softened, this is 1 standard block
  • 500 grams Cream cheese, this is 2 blocks, 250 grams each
  • 1/2 cup sugar, plus 2 tablespoons, divided
  • 2 eggs
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 3 Granny Smith apples, peeled, cored, and finely chopped
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg

Streusel Topping

  • 1 cup brown sugar, packed
  • 1 cup all purpose flour
  • 1/2 cup quick cooking rolled oats
  • 1/2 cup butter, softened, this is 1/2 standard block

Garnish

  • caramel sauce, OR make from a shortcut

Instructions
 

  • Preheat your oven to 180 C.
  • In a small bowl, mix together the chopped apples, 2 tablespoons sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Set aside.
  • Mix together the streusel ingredients in a bowl and set aside.
  • In a medium bowl, combine flour and brown sugar. Cut in butter with a pastry cutter or large sturdy fork until mixture is crumbly. Press evenly into a 13x9 inch baking pan lined with aluminum foil. Bake 15 minutes, or until lightly browned.
  • While the crust is baking, in a large bowl, beat cream cheese with an electric mixer at medium speed until smooth. Beat in 1/2 cup sugar, eggs, and vanilla until smooth. Pour over warm crust.
  • Spoon apple mixture evenly over the cream cheese mixture, then sprinkle evenly with Streusel Topping. Bake 30 minutes, or until filling is set. Allow to cool for 10 minutes, drizzle with caramel sauce, serve.

Notes

The cream cheese is the only expensive item here, 240 Baht for 500 grams, and since a lot of butter is used, this is 123 Baht for 1 and a half blocks. For 10 servings, this is about $1.07 per serving.
Shortcut: Caramel Sauce.
Provided courtesy of good friend, Stephen Connell.
United States.
* Fair Value $1.01 to $1.50 per Serving,DESSERTS
Caramel Sauce
February 6, 2017 Lee
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Caramel Sauce

An alternative to store bought, and can be tailored to Salty Caramel Sauce if you like.
Print Recipe
Prep Time 2 minutes
Cook Time 8 minutes
Total Time 10 minutes
Cuisine American
Servings 1 cups

Ingredients
  

  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 1/4 cup water
  • 6 tablespoons salted butter, cut into pieces
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream, room temperature
  • 1 teaspoon coarse sea salt, optional
  • 1 teaspoon corn syrup, optional

Instructions
 

  • Add the sugar and water to a 3-quart saucepan set over medium heat. Stir until combined. Do Not Stir Again! Simply swirl the saucepan until the sugar has melted and turns a light amber color. If you use a candy or instant read thermometer, the mixture should register 350º at this point. (Optional, when mixing the sugar and water mix in the corn syrup to reduce the chance of crystallization of the sugar.)
  • Carefully add your butter and whisk until all the butter has melted.
  • Remove the saucepan from the heat and slowly pour in the cream, whisking constantly until all of the cream has been incorporated. Set aside to cool. (Optional, after whisking in the cream, whisk in the sea salt for a Salty Caramel Sauce.)
  • Once cooled to room temperature, pour into an airtight container and store in fridge, use as needed.

Notes

Adapted from an internet recipe.
Ingredients - Sauces
Slow Cooker Salisbury Steak III
February 6, 2017 Lee
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Slow Cooker Salisbury Steak III

Sounds great, and plenty of shortcuts to reduce the cost as well. On my to cook list. Links to the shortcuts are listed in the Recipe Notes section.
Print Recipe
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 4 hours
Total Time 4 hours 10 minutes
Course Main Dish
Cuisine American
Servings 8 servings

Ingredients
  

  • 1 kilo ground beef
  • 1 packet dry onion soup mix, OR make from a shortcut
  • 1/2 cup Italian bread crumbs, OR make from a shortcut
  • 1/4 cup milk
  • 1/4 cup all purpose flour
  • 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
  • 2 cans condensed cream of chicken soup, OR make from a shortcut
  • 1 packet au jus mix, OR make from a shortcut
  • 3/4 cup water

Instructions
 

  • In a large bowl, mix together the ground beef, onion soup mix, bread crumbs, and milk using your hands. Shape into 8 patties.
  • Heat the oil in a large skillet over medium high heat. Dredge the patties in flour just to coat, and quickly brown on both sides in the hot skillet. Place browned patties into the slow cooker stacking alternately like a pyramid.
  • In a medium bowl, mix together the cream of chicken soup, au jus mix, and water. Pour over the meat. Cook on the Low setting for 4 to 5 hours, until ground beef is well done. Serve with mashed potatoes and the sauce from the slow cooker.

Notes

Figure about 200 Baht for the ground beef. For 8 servings this is about 75 cents per serving.
Shortcuts: Dry Onion Soup Mix, Italian Bread Crumbs, Condensed Cream of Chicken Soup, Au Jus Mix.
Provided courtesy of good friend, Stephen Connell.
United States.
* Best Value $1 or Less per Serving,Beef - Slow Cooker
French Onion Dip Sandwiches II
February 6, 2017 Lee
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French Onion Dip Sandwiches II

This is a Leftover recipe and is quick and easy. Think left over roast beef, toasted rolls, and au jus for dipping. Link to the shortcut is listed in the Recipe Notes section.
Print Recipe
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 20 minutes
Course Lunch, Main Dish
Cuisine American
Servings 0

Ingredients
  

  • beef roast, leftover
  • sandwich rolls, toasted
  • 1 packet au jus mix, OR make from a shortcut

Instructions
 

  • Prepare the au jus either from the packet instructions OR by using the shortcut on this site.
  • While that is heating up, heat the left over roast beef up in a microwave then slice thinly. Toast the sandwich rolls to your liking.
  • Pour the hot au jus in a bowl for dipping, load up a roll with roast beef and enjoy.

Notes

Low cost as the roast beef is already paid for from a previous meal.
Shortcut: Au Jus Substitute.
Adapted from an internet recipe.
* Best Value $1 or Less per Serving,5 Ingredients or Less,BURGERS & SANDWICHES,LEFTOVERS
Au Jus Substitute
February 6, 2017 Lee
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Au Jus Substitute

I needed this cheater recipe for another recipe that called for a packet of dry au jus mix. I have never seen that available where I live so the next best thing is a bit of research and I found this.
Print Recipe
Prep Time 5 minutes
Total Time 5 minutes
Servings 12 cups

Ingredients
  

  • 4 tablespoons beef stock powder
  • 4 teaspoons onion powder
  • 2 teaspoons dried parsley
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 4 tablespoons corn starch

Instructions
 

  • Put everything in a blender and mix for about 30 seconds to make a fine powder. Store in a airtight container.
  • To prepare a "packet" of au jus, mix 4 1/2 teaspoons of the mix with 2 cups of water and heat for about 15 minutes until hot and slightly thickened.
  • To use a "packet" of au jus in recipe, simply use 4 1/2 teaspoons for each packet called for.

Notes

Used in Recipes Listed on this Site:
Slow Cooker Salisbury Steak III,
French Onion Dip Sandwiches II
Adapted from an internet recipe.
CONDIMENTS,Ingredients - Sauces
Spicy Vinegar
February 5, 2017 Lee
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Spicy Vinegar

Adapted from an internet recipe.
This is a Filipino vinegar used extensively there and can be used to marinate raw fish or as a dipping sauce. The longer you let this sit, the spicier it becomes.
Print Recipe
Prep Time 5 minutes
Total Time 5 minutes
Course Condiment
Cuisine Filipino
Servings 2 cups

Ingredients
  

  • 2-3 cups white vinegar
  • 1 cup Bird's Eye Chilis, fresh, roughly chopped
  • 3 tablespoons ginger, sliced
  • 1 head garlic, skin removed, crushed
  • 1 medium onion, quartered
  • 1 tablespoon black peppercorns

Instructions
 

  • Add the chilies, ginger, garlic, onion, and peppercorns to a large jar, cover and shake them up a bit to mix them. Pour in vinegar to fill the jar or at least cover the ingredients. Cover tightly and store for at least 3 days before use but it can be stored for longer and will get spicier.
: FILIPINO,CONDIMENTS,Ingredients - Sauces
Grilled Pork on a Stick
February 5, 2017 Lee
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Grilled Pork on a Stick

This is a Filipino recipe for the familiar grilled meat on a stick for anyone who has visited the Philippines. I look forward to making this. No servings or times given, this is a make what you want, think large crowd like family visiting, or when having friends visit, would be a good meal in itself while sitting around and chatting.
Print Recipe
Course Appetizer, Main Dish
Cuisine Filipino
Servings 0

Ingredients
  

  • pork butt, OR pork shoulder
  • 1 1/2 cups soy sauce
  • 2 cups brown sugar, packed
  • 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
  • 2 tablespoon banana ketchup, OR, sweet chili sauce
  • 10 cloves garlic, smashed
  • 2 teaspoons black pepper
  • 1/2 cup water
  • wooden skewers, as needed

Instructions
 

  • Take the pork and cut into thin strips.
  • Mix the marinade ingredients together and add the pork. Refrigerate over night, or if pushed for time, marinate for at least 2 hours prior to grilling.
  • Soak the skewers in water to prevent burning. Light your grill, charcoal would be preferred, when the coals are ready, no more flames, skewer the pork strips and grill until done, turning as needed. Serve as an appetizer or main meal with sides of your choice.

Notes

For pricing I will use pork shoulder at 103 Baht/kilo, A kilo would make a lot of sticks of meat! For an estimate of say 8 people (an average Thai family get together), this is about 38 cents per person. Great value.
Provided courtesy of good friend, Edward Coleman.
Philippines.
* Best Value $1 or Less per Serving,APPETIZERS / SNACKS,GRILLED / BBQ / SMOKER
Homemade Yellow Cake
February 4, 2017 Lee
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Homemade Yellow Cake

To cut costs, this uses the Homemade Yellow Cake Mix recipe on this site. This will make two 8 inch rounds, one 9x13 pan, or 24 cupcakes. Link to the Shortcut is listed in the Recipe Notes section.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Course Dessert
Cuisine American
Servings 12 servings

Equipment

  • Electric Mixer
  • Oven
  • Baking Pan(s)

Ingredients
  

  • 1 cake mix recipe, Shortcut
  • 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
  • 3 eggs, chicken or duck
  • ½ cup butter, softened, (½ block / 1 stick)
  • 1¼ cups milk
  • 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
  • frosting, of your choice

Instructions
 

  • Preheat your oven to 180 C. Grease and flour a 9x13 baking dish or two 8 inch rounds.
  • Add the butter to a mixing bowl, cream with an electric mixer for 1-2 minutes. Add the cake mix to mixing bowl, mix for 30 seconds. Add the eggs, oil, milk, and vanilla mix, mix on medium high for 1-2 minutes. Do not over work the batter or the result will not be a light and fluffy cake.
  • Pour the batter into your prepared pan(s) and bake for 20-25 minutes for two 8 inch pans, 30-38 minutes for a 9x13 inch pan, 15 minutes for cupcakes. Let cool completely before turning out to a platter before frosting.

Notes

Low cost.
Shortcut: Homemade Yellow Cake Mix.
Used in Recipe Listed on this Site:
Pineapple Upside Down Cake. Made it, GO-TO recipe.
Adapted from an internet recipe.
* Best Value $1 or Less per Serving,DESSERTS