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Potato & Chicken Casserole I
August 16, 2016 Lee
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Potato & Chicken Casserole I

With cheese and bacon, my favorites, this is a must try.
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Course Main Dish
Cuisine American
Servings 6 servings

Ingredients
  

  • 1 kilo chicken breasts, boneless and skinless, cubed
  • 8 potatoes, washed and skin on, cubed
  • 1/3 cup olive oil
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons salt
  • 1 tablespoon black pepper
  • 1 tablespoon paprika
  • 2 tablespoons garlic powder
  • 3 tablespoons hot sauce, or to taste
  • 2 cups Cheddar cheese, shredded
  • 1 cup cooked bacon, crumbled
  • 1 cup spring onion, chopped

Instructions
 

  • Preheat your oven to 250 C, lightly grease a baking dish with butter, set aside.
  • In a large bowl mix the olive oil, salt, pepper, paprika, garlic powder, and hot sauce. Add the cubed potatoes and let marinate for 10 minutes. Using a strainer and another bowl, drain the potatoes and set the sauce aside.
  • Spread the potatoes in the baking dish, the size of the dish was not stated in the original recipe, when I make this I will use a 9x13 dish, and have my large pie dish ready as well. Bake this for 45 minutes and stir the potatoes every 15 minutes.
  • While the potatoes are cooking, fry the bacon, shred the cheese, and chop the spring onion. Using the bacon fat, brown the chicken cubes and add them to the leftover sauce the potatoes were in, coat the chicken in the sauce.
  • When the potatoes are done, drain the sauce from the chicken and spread the chicken over the potatoes, sprinkle all the cheese on top of the chicken, then add the bacon on top of the cheese, and then half of the spring onion over the top. Bake for 3-5 minutes or until the cheese is melted. Remove from the oven, sprinkle on the rest of the spring onion, serve.

Notes

Chicken breasts will cost about 60 Baht/kilo. The bacon will cost about 80 Baht, that should make a cup of crumbled bacon. The cheese will cost about 180 Baht for a 250 gram block of real Cheddar. For 6 servings, this comes out to about $1.57 per serving, for 8 servings, this is about $1.18 per serving. Overall, not a bad price for a casserole with chicken, bacon and cheese.
Adapted from an internet recipe.
* Fair Value $1.01 to $1.50 per Serving,CASSEROLES
KFC Style Cole Slaw
August 16, 2016 Lee
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KFC Style Cole Slaw

This is a cheater recipe to make KFC style Cole Slaw. I have to try this. Link to the shortcut is listed in the Recipe Notes section.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Total Time 20 minutes
Course Side
Cuisine American
Servings 10 servings

Ingredients
  

  • 8 cups cabbage, shredded
  • 1/4 cup carrot, shredded
  • 1/3 cup sugar
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/8 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/4 cup milk
  • 1/2 cup mayo
  • 1/4 cup buttermilk, OR make from a shortcut
  • 1 1/2 tablespoons white vinegar
  • 2 1/2 tablespoons lemon juice

Instructions
 

  • Combine cabbage and carrots in a large salad bowl. Mix remaining ingredients together in another bowl and combine thoroughly. Pour liquid ingredients over cabbage and carrots and stir. Refrigerate at least two hours before serving (overnight is better). Stir well before serving.

Notes

Shortcut: Buttermilk.
Adapted from an internet recipe.
Sides - Salads
More Garlic Slow Cooker Chicken
August 16, 2016 Lee
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More Garlic Slow Cooker Chicken

This sounds absolutely delicious! On my to try list for sure!
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 7 hours
Total Time 7 hours 15 minutes
Course Main Dish
Cuisine American
Servings 4 servings

Ingredients
  

  • 1-2 kilos fresh chicken, any cut, legs and thighs sound perfect for this
  • 1 large onion, sliced
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 2 teaspoons paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon black pepper
  • 20-40 cloves garlic, peeled but left whole

Instructions
 

  • Place the sliced onion in your slow cooker.
  • In a large bowl, mix the chicken with the rest of the ingredients, use your hands. Place the chicken on top of the onions. Cook on High setting for 4-5 hours or Low setting for 7-8 hours. Serve. The onions and garlic go great over pasta.

Notes

The chicken will run you about 76 Baht per kilo for quarters, separate those yourself, leave the skin on and just trim away any excess fat. Using 1 kilo of chicken, this about 55 cents per serving for 4 servings, more servings, even less. Same cost for 2 kilos and 8 servings. This would be an excellent meal to serve when you have the Thai family visit, serve with corn on the cob or with pasta with the onions and garlic on the pasta.
A good variant would be to use some of the juices from the pot to make a chicken gravy and use that on mashed potatoes.
Adapted from an internet recipe.
* Best Value $1 or Less per Serving,Chicken - Slow Cooker
Fry Sauce II
August 16, 2016 Lee
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Fry Sauce II

Contrary to the name, this is used on sandwiches as well as used for fries. I personally do not like ketchup on fries, I use mayo only. This is a combination of that. I am going to have to make both of these and compare them.
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Course Side
Cuisine South American
Servings 0

Ingredients
  

  • 1/4 cup mayo
  • 2 tablespoons ketchup
  • 1 teaspoon vinegar
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt

Instructions
 

  • Mix well and refrigerate. Use for a dipping sauce on French Fries or even on burgers. Store in the fridge for up to 3 days.

Notes

Adapted from an internet recipe.
5 Ingredients or Less,CONDIMENTS
Fry Sauce I
August 16, 2016 Lee
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Fry Sauce I

Contrary to the name, this is used on sandwiches as well as used for fries. I personally do not like ketchup on fries, I use mayo only. This is a combination of that.
Print Recipe
Course Side
Cuisine South American
Servings 0

Ingredients
  

  • 1 cup ketchup
  • 1/2 cup mayo
  • 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt

Instructions
 

  • Mix well and refrigerate. Use for a dipping sauce on French Fries or even on burgers. Store in the fridge for up to 3 days.

Notes

Adapted from an internet recipe.
5 Ingredients or Less,CONDIMENTS
Egg in a Hole Burgers
August 16, 2016 Lee
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Egg in a Hole Burgers

These sound good as a once in a while meal. On my to cook list.
Print Recipe
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Course Main Dish
Cuisine American
Servings 4 servings

Ingredients
  

For the Burgers

  • 500 grams ground beef, OR minced pork, OR bulk Italian sausage
  • 8 strips bacon
  • 2 tablespoons butter
  • 4 eggs
  • 4 hamburger buns
  • salt and pepper, to taste
  • lettuce
  • Cheddar cheese, use real cheese, sliced

For the Sauce

  • 3 tablespoons mayo
  • 1 tablespoon Sriracha Chili Garlic sauce

Instructions
 

  • Make the sauce by mixing together the may and Sriracha sauce, set aside.
  • Fry the bacon strips and drain them on paper towel, set aside.
  • Form the meat into 3 equal sized patties, use a small drinking glass to cut out the center of each patty so you have 3 donut shaped patties, use the meat from the three circles and make a 4th donut shaped patty. Season with salt and pepper.
  • Heat a heavy non stick pan or a cast iron pan and melt the butter. Add the patties and cook for 2 minutes, then flip. Crack an egg into the center of each patty then cover and cook until the egg whites are set.
  • Toast the buns if desired, spread with the sauce. Build the burgers as bottom bun, lettuce, burger patty, 2 bacon slices, Cheddar cheese, top bun. Serve with a side of your choice.

Notes

Ground beef would cost about 150 Baht/500 grams, minced pork runs about 70 Baht/500 grams. The bacon and cheese is probably no more than 60 Baht total. For 4 servings, this would be about $1.55 per serving if using beef, and about 96 cents per serving if using pork. Overall, not bad.
Provided courtesy of good friend, Al Easley.
United States.
* Fair Value $1.01 to $1.50 per Serving,BURGERS & SANDWICHES
Stuffed Peppers Italian Style
August 16, 2016 Lee
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Stuffed Peppers Italian Style

This sounds interesting, and is wide open to what you want to fill the peppers with, but the anchovies seem to be the key ingredient here. This is a bit of a rewrite from what I found originally. When I make this, I will edit the recipe even further on my findings. On my to cook list.
Print Recipe
Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour
Total Time 1 hour 30 minutes
Course Main Dish
Cuisine American
Servings 8 servings

Ingredients
  

  • 4 bell peppers, any color, cut in half lengthwise and seeded
  • 1 cup cooked rice, this is approximate
  • 2 cups cooked chicken, cubed, this is approximate
  • 1 tin anchovy fillets, in olive oil, drained, reserve the oil, this a 47-55 gram tin
  • 1 small onion, diced
  • 2 cloves garlic, smashed and minced
  • 8 green olives, pitted, chopped
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
  • 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes
  • 3/4 cup tomato sauce, OR make from a shortcut on this site, feel free to add oregano and Italian seasoning

Instructions
 

  • Preheat oven to 180 C, place peppers in a lightly greased with butter baking dish; set aside.
  • Heat about a tablespoon of the reserved anchovy oil in a large heavy skillet over low heat. Saute onion until translucent, then stir in garlic. Let garlic cook for 2 minutes, then stir in the rice and chicken. Add the anchovies, olives, 1 tablespoon of the reserved anchovy olive oil, black pepper and red pepper. Mix until well blended, removed from heat.
  • Mound pepper halves with stuffing. Surround peppers with tomato sauce and a small amount of water. Cover with foil.
  • Bake 45 to 60 minutes, or until peppers are tender. Uncover for the last 15 minutes of baking, and baste occasionally with the sauce. Serve by spooning some sauce on pasta and topping with a pepper half.

Notes

Two cups of cooked chicken is low cost, maybe about 30 Baht, at the most. The anchovies however, will run about 125 Baht per tin. Use the shortcut to make the tomato sauce from tomato paste for additional savings. For 8 servings, this is about 60 cents per serving, great value.
Adapted from an internet recipe.
* Best Value $1 or Less per Serving,CHICKEN & TURKEY
Minced Beef SOS
August 16, 2016 Lee
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Minced Beef SOS

This is a old school classic than many US Armed Forces will remember. Served over toast traditionally, but may be served over biscuits, hash browns, or even pasta. Add a couple of fried eggs on top for a hearty breakfast or dinner. I have not had this since 2005, I made this last night on 22 Sep 2016 and was pleasantly surprised, excellent taste, easy to put together. My photo of it plated, no need to really take step by step photos for this, and my comments below.
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Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 20 minutes
Course Breakfast, Main Dish
Cuisine American
Servings 4 servings

Ingredients
  

  • 500 grams ground beef, OR minced pork, see Step 1
  • 1 teaspon powdered chicken stock
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1/2 cup all purpose flour
  • 1 1/2 cups milk
  • ground mace, OR ground nutmeg

Instructions
 

  • The fat from the ground beef adds flavor to this, do not drain that off. However, if you use minced pork, drain the fat or this will not work out well.
  • Heat a large non stick pan over medium high heat, add the ground beef, chicken bouillon, garlic powder, black pepper, and onion powder. Cook and stir until the beef is crumbly, evenly browned, and no longer pink, about 7-10 minutes.
  • Stir in the flour and stir constantly for 2-3 minutes, add the milk and continue stirring and bring to a simmer. Reduce heat to low and add a little bit of mace or nutmeg, the flavor will be correct when you just start to taste the mace or nutmeg. Then simmer for about 5 minutes to thicken, it will thicken fast. Serve over toast, biscuits, hash browns, or even pasta. Top with a few fried eggs for a complete and filling meal.

Notes

Ground beef would cost about 150 Baht/500 grams, minced pork runs about 70 Baht/500 grams. For beef, this is about $1.10 per serving for 4 servings, if using pork, this is about 52 cents per serving.
Variants. Add a can of stewed whole tomatoes and break them up with the spatula, this makes Red SOS (in US Armed Forces, this would be called Train Wreck). Replace the minced beef (or pork) with chipped beef for Creamed Beef. Another option is to omit the beef and make the white sauce and then use a can or two of drained tuna.
For leftovers, stuff some bell peppers, top with cheese, and bake in a 180 C oven for 30 minutes or until the cheese is golden brown.
Adapted from an internet recipe.
#1 Go-To Recipes,* Fair Value $1.01 to $1.50 per Serving,BEEF
Anchovy & Garlic Pasta
August 10, 2016 Lee
2 Comments

Anchovy & Garlic Pasta

Adapted from an internet recipe.
Lot of room for changes as you see fit. This can be a main dish or a very nice side dish. I made this last night on 14 Aug 2016, very nice flavor but nothing to write home about. I made this again on 1 Nov 2016 and modified the recipe to reflect new findings, less oil and used Fettuccine pasta, much much better.
5 from 4 votes
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Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 15 minutes
Course Main Dish
Cuisine Italian
Servings 2 servings

Ingredients
  

  • 1 tin anchovy fillets, in olive oil, this is a 47 to 55 gram tin
  • 6 cloves garlic, smashed and minced
  • 3-4 spirals Fettuccine pasta
  • ground black pepper, to taste
  • fresh parsley, chopped, optional
  • Parmesan cheese, grated, optional

Instructions
 

  • Fettuccine that I buy, and all brands that I have seen here, the pasta is in little spirals in the package. I normally use 3-4 spirals for 2-3 servings. This is a 250 gram pack that has 6 spirals, this is imported from Italy and is surprisingly low cost. One spiral is about 40 grams.
  • Cook pasta in a pot of boiling water until just tender, about 5 minutes, drain well, and set aside.
  • Heat a heavy non-stick skillet over low heat, add the garlic and open the tin of anchovies and dump the contents into the pan, season with black pepper to your liking, use a spatula to break up the anchovies a bit most will basically melt into the olive oil and cook until garlic just begins to color, 3-5 minutes.
  • Add the pasta and mix to coat the pasta well and heat through, remove from heat. This is 2 spirals of pasta used.
  • Garnish with fresh chopped parsley and grated Parmesan cheese if desired. A green salad on the side would be good with this.

Notes

The anchovies cost me 125 Baht per 47 gram tin. For 2 servings, this is about $1.84 per serving. The cost is due to imported anchovies. Overall not a bad price for a once in a while meal.
Variants: 1. Add sliced spring onions, fresh chopped basil, diced tomatoes, sliced mushrooms such as Shiitake or King Oyster. 2. Add cubed cooked chicken, Italian sausage, etc. 3. Use spaghetti noodles or Soba noodles.
Updated on 12 October 2024.
* High Cost $1.51+ per Serving,PASTA
Slow Cooker Sausage & Potatoes I
August 3, 2016 Lee
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Slow Cooker Sausage & Potatoes I

Excellent and spruced up a bit with cheese if you like. I made this on 17 Aug 2016. Photos added and the recipe modified slightly. Links to the shortcuts are listed in the Recipe Notes section.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 7 hours
Total Time 7 hours 10 minutes
Course Main Dish
Cuisine American
Servings 8 servings

Ingredients
  

  • 5 links spicy smoked sausage, sliced into 1/4 inch pieces
  • 1 large onion, quartered then sliced
  • 6-8 small potatoes, washed, skin on, cut into large chunks
  • 1 can condensed cream of mushroom soup, OR make from a shortcut
  • 1/2 teaspoon Cajun spice mix, OR make from a shortcut, or to taste
  • 1 1/2 cups Cheddar cheese, shredded, optional

Instructions
 

  • Place the sausage, onion, and potatoes in your slow cooker.
  • Add the Cajun spice mix and the can of soup, mix, then cover 7-8 hours on Low setting or until the potatoes are cooked.
  • When the potatoes are cooked, you can serve at this point, or if you are using the cheese (recommended), add the cheese and mix, cover and cook for another 20 minutes, then serve. This photo shows I added cheese and is after the 20 more minutes of cooking.

Notes

The sausage would cost about 150 Baht/500 grams (this is about 5 large links). This makes the dish to about 55 cents per serving for 8 servings. If you make the soup from the shortcut here you have more savings. If you use the cheese, one block (250 grams) is 180 Baht. This increases the price per serving to $1.21. Overall, a reasonable price for a filling meal.
Variant, add sliced or chopped mushroom.
Shortcuts: Condensed Cream of Mushroom Soup, Cajun Spice Mix.
Adapted from an internet recipe.
#1 Go-To Recipes,* Fair Value $1.01 to $1.50 per Serving,Pork - Slow Cooker