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Beer Braised Chicken Thighs I
December 28, 2015 Lee
1 Comment

Beer Braised Chicken Thighs I

Potential here! This is a must try! Serve over egg noodles.
Print Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 40 minutes
Total Time 55 minutes
Course Main Dish
Cuisine Mixed
Servings 4 servings

Ingredients
  

  • 8 chicken thighs, bone in, skin on
  • salt and pepper, to taste
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground allspice
  • 4 tablespoons butter
  • 1 red onion, 1/2 finley chopped, 1/2 thinly sliced
  • 1 cup beer
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
  • 2 carrots, cut into 2 inch matchsticks
  • 250 grams yard beans, cut into 2 inch pieces
  • 2 tablespoons all purpose flour

Instructions
 

  • In a small bowl, combine the flour, 1 tsp. salt, 1/2 tsp. pepper and the allspice. Coat the chicken with the flour mixture. In a large, heavy skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of butter over medium-high heat. Add the chicken skin side down and cook until browned, about 5 minutes. Flip and cook until browned on the other side, 3 to 5 minutes; transfer to a plate. Discard all but 1 tablespoon of fat from the skillet. Add the chopped onion to the skillet and cook until softened, 3 minutes. Stir in the beer, scraping up any browned bits.
  • Return the chicken to the skillet, lower the heat, cover and simmer until cooked through, about 20 minutes. Transfer to a platter; tent with foil. Boil the liquid in the skillet for 2 minutes to reduce slightly. Whisk in 2 tablespoons of butter and the parsley.
  • Meanwhile, in another large skillet, heat the remaining 1 tablespoon of butter over medium heat. Add the sliced onion and cook until softened, about 3 minutes. Stir in the carrots, cover and cook for 5 minutes. Add the green beans and 3 tbsp. water, cover and cook until crisp and tender, about 5 minutes; season with salt and pepper. Divide the vegetables among 4 plates and top with the chicken and sauce.

Notes

Chicken thighs will cost about 65 Baht/kilo, 8 thighs would be about 1 to 1 1/2 kilo, but if you buy quarters (you need to buy 8 quarters) the thighs are larger, price is about the same, but you get 8 legs to use in another recipe. I will estimate this at 130 Baht for just purchased thighs (be on the safe side), so the meal is about 95 cents per serving.
Serve over egg noodles would be a great idea.
Adapted from an internet recipe.
* Best Value $1 or Less per Serving,CHICKEN & TURKEY
Smoky Pinto Beans
December 28, 2015 Lee
1 Comment

Smoky Pinto Beans

Adapted from an internet recipe.
I made this on 4 May 2016, excellent flavor but slightly modified and the recipe is changed to reflect the changes. Highly recommended.
5 from 2 votes
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 6 hours
Total Time 6 hours 15 minutes
Course Side
Cuisine American
Servings 8 people

Equipment

  • Slow Cooker (3½+ quart)

Ingredients
  

  • 500 grams Pinto beans, dry, sorted, and rinsed, (1 lb)
  • 1 large onion, diced
  • 250 grams bacon, cut into ¼ inch strips, (8 oz)
  • 2 cups chicken stock
  • 1 cup water
  • 1 can diced tomatoes, drained, (585 g / 20 oz)
  • salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions
 

  • Rinse the beans and place in a large bowl. Add water to cover by 2 inches. Let soak for at least 10 hours or over night.
  • Drain the soaked beans in a colander and discard the soaking water, rinse with fresh water and allow to drain. Add the onion, bacon, beans, stock, and water to your slow cooker and mix. Cover and cook on high for 3 hours.
  • Uncover and add the diced tomatoes and give a quick stir. Cover and cook on high for 3 more hours. Season with salt and pepper if desired.
#1 Go-To Recipes,Sides - Slow Cooker
No-Peeking Peking Chicken
December 28, 2015 Lee
1 Comment

No-Peeking Peking Chicken

Even though I have lived in Asia for 23 years now, as of 2015, I have never had Peking Duck so I will no be able to judge this one except on the yummy factor when I make it. Bone-in chicken thighs turn meltingly tender when slow cooked in this sauce, which is reminiscent of Peking duck. You can serve the chicken and sauce over rice. This sounds really good and I will be giving this one a try for sure!
Print Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 4 hours
Total Time 4 hours 15 minutes
Course Main Dish
Cuisine Mixed
Servings 4 people

Ingredients
  

  • 8 chicken thighs, bone in, skin and extra fat removed
  • 6 scallions, chopped, OR use Spring Onions
  • 4 cloves garlic, smashed and chopped
  • 1/4 cup soy sauce
  • 3 tablespoons honey
  • 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
  • 1/4 teaspoon sesame oil
  • salt and pepper, to taste
  • 2 scallions, chopped, save for garnish when serving

Instructions
 

  • Season the chicken with salt and pepper and place in a lightly greased 6 to 7 quart slow cooker.
  • In a small bowl, combine the scallions, garlic, soy sauce, honey, ginger, and sesame oil. Pour the mixture over the chicken, cover and cook on low heat until the chicken is tender and an instant-read thermometer inserted into a thigh away from the bone reads 82 C / 180 F, about 4 hours. Do not lift the lid for the first 3 hours, then you can remove the lid and check the internal temp. Serve with the liquid from the pot, sprinkled with 1/4 cup scallions. Serve over rice.

Notes

Chicken thighs will cost about 65 Baht/kilo, 8 thighs would be about 1 to 1 1/2 kilo, but if you buy quarters (you need to buy 8 quarters) the thighs are larger, price is about the same, but you get 8 legs to use in another recipe. I will estimate this at 130 Baht for just purchased thighs (be on the safe side), so the meal is about 95 cents per person. Serve a vegetable on the side to stretch this even further.
Adapted from an internet recipe.
* Best Value $1 or Less per Serving,Chicken - Slow Cooker
Mac & Cheese, Slow Cooker Style I
December 28, 2015 Lee
2 Comments

Mac & Cheese, Slow Cooker Style I

Denise Georgiades, South Africa.
I like Mac & Cheese, it was a staple when I was growing up, very cheap, easy to prepare, and often had a can of diced spam or hot dogs in it. This was made from a box, a very regular meal for a quick inexpensive meal. This meal however is not boxed and not inexpensive but has a lot of potential. Think of adding cubed ham, sliced grilled Kielbasa sausage or even Italian sausage, or even cooked cubed chicken. Or serving as a side with those dishes and a side of green beans, yummy!
Print Recipe
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 2 hours
Total Time 2 hours 10 minutes
Course Main Dish, Side
Cuisine American
Servings 6 people

Ingredients
  

  • 500 grams elbow macaroni, uncooked, (1 lb)
  • 1 can evaporated milk, standard can, (about 12 oz / 354 g)
  • 2½ cups milk
  • 226 grams Cream cheese, cut into large cubes and softened, (8 oz)
  • 3 cups Cheddar cheese, shredded, (1½, 250 gram blocks / 12 oz)
  • salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions
 

  • Add everything to a slow cooker, stir to mix, season with salt and pepper to taste.
  • Cover and turn on the slow cooker to Low setting for 2½ hours, do not open the lid, this is very important.
  • At the 2 hour mark, open the lid and give a quick stir. If the sauce seems took thick, add a bit of milk and another stir to get the right consistency, then cover and cook for the remaining 30 minutes.

Notes

Pasta will run about 55 Baht/500 grams. Cream cheese is about 120 Baht/250 gram block. Cheddar cheese is about 185 Baht/250 gram block, you will need about 1½ of these. For this meal the cost of the pasta and cheese alone (the milk is minimal) is 545 Baht. For a dish for 6 people, this would be about 91 Baht per person, or about $2.68 per person, not a cheap meal.
Now to extend this meal, serve as a side dish with a meat, like sausage or chicken, you will get more servings from this and lower the cost.
* High Cost $1.51+ per Serving,Pasta - Mac & Cheese - Slow Cooker
Chicken, Broccoli, & Pasta Skillet
December 27, 2015 Lee
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Chicken, Broccoli, & Pasta Skillet

This has good potential to be a top shelf keeper for me but I will try it out, it has all the right ingredients, chicken, broccoli, pasta, and cheese. Link to the shortcut is listed in the Recipe Notes section.
Print Recipe
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Course Main Dish
Cuisine American
Servings 4 people

Ingredients
  

  • 2 chicken breasts, boneless, skinless, cut into 1 inch cubes
  • 300 grams fresh broccoli, cut into pieces, including the stem, cooked
  • 500 grams pasta, any shape, cooked
  • 1/2 cup Cheddar cheese, shredded
  • 1 can condensed cream of chicken soup, OR make from a shortcut
  • salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions
 

  • In a large skillet, with a splash of olive oil, place the chicken pieces and cook on medium heat for about 4-5 minutes on each side until done.
  • Add the pasta and broccoli when the chicken is done, stir in the soup, and season with salt and pepper to taste.
  • Add the cheese to the top an allow to melt, OR if using a cast iron pan (preferred) place the pan in the oven/broiler and melt the cheese on top.

Notes

Chicken at 88 Baht/kilo for breast, and with the cheese and pasta, this is easily under $1 per person per meal.
Shortcut: Condensed Cream of Chicken Soup.
Adapted from an internet recipe.
* Best Value $1 or Less per Serving,CHICKEN & TURKEY
Crockpot Chicken and Dumplings I
December 27, 2015 Lee
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Crockpot Chicken and Dumplings I

This is a tailored version from a internet recipe sent to me by a good friend. Links to the shortcuts are listed in the Recipe Notes section.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 5 hours
Total Time 5 hours 10 minutes
Course Main Dish
Cuisine American
Servings 4 people

Ingredients
  

  • 4 chicken breasts, cut into 1 inch cubes
  • 2 tablespoons butter
  • 2 cans condensed cream of mushroom soup, OR make from a shortcut
  • 1 onion, finely diced
  • 2 cloves garlic, smashed and chopped
  • handful fresh mushrooms, lightly chopped
  • 1 cup peas

Dumplings

  • 2 cups all purpose flour
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1 tablespoon baking powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon pepper
  • 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
  • 3/4 cup buttermilk, OR make this with a shortcut on the site
  • 1 teaspoon dried parsley

Instructions
 

  • Place the chicken, butter, soup, and onion in a slow cooker, and fill with enough water to cover.
  • Cover and cook for 5 to 6 hours on High setting. About 20 minutes before serving, drop the biscuit mix into the pot in 8 large spoonfuls. Cover the pot and continue cooking for 12 to 15 minutes.

Dumplings

  • Whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt and pepper in a medium bowl. Whisk in the butter, buttermilk, and parsley. Drop the mixture into the pot in 8 large spoonfuls and continue to cook covered for 12 to 15 minutes or until the dumplings are firm.

Notes

Chicken breast run about 88 Baht/kilo, the chicken and the soup will run about 200 Baht max, for 4 people, this is about $1.45 per person, if you make the soup and buttermilk from scratch as listed on shortcuts here on the site, the price will be $1 or less per person.
Shortcuts: Condensed Cream of Mushroom Soup, Buttermilk.
Provided courtesy of good friend, Denise Georgiades.
South Africa.
* Fair Value $1.01 to $1.50 per Serving,Chicken - Slow Cooker
Crock Pot Bowtie Casserole
December 27, 2015 Lee
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Crock Pot Bowtie Casserole

Denise Georgiades, South Africa.
This is an easy to make casserole in a slow cooker, and has lots of potential! Think using cubed chicken or minced pork. For greens instead of spinach, try some of the greens available at Tesco and most open markets, like Chinese Cabbage or Mustard Greens. Links to the shortcuts are listed in the Recipe Notes section.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 6 hours
Total Time 6 hours 20 minutes
Course Main Dish
Cuisine American
Servings 6 people

Equipment

  • Slow Cooker

Ingredients
  

  • 750 grams ground beef, or minced or chicken, (1½ lb)
  • 1 onion, chopped
  • 1 clove garlic, minced
  • 1 can tomato sauce, 1½ cups, Shortcut
  • 1 can stewed tomatoes, 565 gram can, or use fresh tomatoes, chopped
  • 1 teaspoon oregano
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning, Shortcut
  • salt and pepper, to taste
  • 300 grams spinach, frozen (thawed) or fresh, (10 oz)
  • 500 grams dry bowtie pasta, or corkscrew pasta, cooked and drained, (8 oz)
  • ½ cup Parmesan cheese, shredded
  • 1½ cups Mozzarella Cheese, shredded

Instructions
 

  • Brown ground beef with onion and garlic, no need to cook it through, just brown it. Put in slow cooker and add sauce, tomatoes, and seasonings.
  • Cook for 6-7 hours on Low setting.
  • During the last 30 minutes, add the spinach, pasta, Parmesan cheese, and 1 cup of the Mozzarella cheese, and mix well, then turn the heat setting to High. Add the last ½ cup of Mozzarella cheese on to and allow to melt.

Notes

Ground beef would run about 150 Baht/kilo. Mozzarella cheese will run about 142 Baht for a package, and Parmesan will run about 140 Baht for a package, each package should be around the correct measurements needed. Mozzarella you will need to shred, Parmesan comes shredded. Even though the recipe calls for 750 grams of meat, just with a kilo and call it good, no one will complain. For these three major items, the cost would be about $2.12 per person for 6 meals. Not bad overall, still a reasonable dish to make at home instead of the high prices of a restaurant.
Shortcut: Tomato Sauce, Italian Seasoning.
* High Cost $1.51+ per Serving,Casseroles - Slow Cooker
Rosemary Ranch Chicken Kabobs
December 26, 2015 Lee
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Rosemary Ranch Chicken Kabobs

This sounds like one for the next time we have a cook out. Link to the shortcut is listed in the Recipe Notes section.
Print Recipe
Prep Time 50 minutes
Cook Time 8 minutes
Total Time 58 minutes
Course Main Dish
Cuisine American
Servings 6

Ingredients
  

  • 5 chicken breasts, boneless and skinless, cut into 1 inch cubes
  • 1/2 cup Ranch dressing, OR you can make from a shortcut listed on this site
  • 1 tablespoon fresh rosemary, chopped
  • 3 tablespoons Worcherstershire sauce
  • 1/2 cup olive oil
  • 2 teaspoons salt, OR to taste
  • 1 teaspoon lemon juice
  • 1 teaspoon white vinegar
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
  • 1 tablespoon sugar, OR use honey, to taste, optional

Instructions
 

  • In a medium bowl, stir together the olive oil, ranch dressing, Worcestershire sauce, rosemary, salt, lemon juice, white vinegar, pepper, and sugar. Let stand for 5 minutes. Place chicken in the bowl, and stir to coat with the marinade. Cover and refrigerate for 30 minutes.
  • Soak skewers, if using wood ones, in water for 30 minutes before use.
  • Preheat your grill for medium-high heat. Thread chicken onto skewers and discard marinade.
  • Lightly oil the grill, grill skewers for 8 to 12 minutes, or until the chicken is no longer pink in the center, and the juices run clear.

Notes

Chicken breasts run about 88 Baht/kilo, 5 would be just over, for the sake of argument, I'll say 100 Baht for chicken. For 6 people this would be about 50 cents a meal, add a salad and you have a meal.
For variation, the marinade sounds good, add thighs and legs and grill those, would be excellent.
Shortcut: Ranch Dressing.
Adapted from an internet recipe.
* Best Value $1 or Less per Serving,GRILLED / BBQ / SMOKER
Chicken Nuggets with Honey Mustard Sauce
December 26, 2015 Lee
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Chicken Nuggets with Honey Mustard Sauce

These are homemade from breasts, prepped, and cooked by you.
Print Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Course Main Dish
Cuisine American
Servings 4 people

Ingredients
  

  • 2 chicken breasts, boneless and skinless, cut into 1 1/2 inch pieces
  • 1/2 cup all purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • salt and pepper, to taste
  • 1 cup breadcrumbs
  • 1 egg
  • 1 cup oil for cooking, your choice of what you would like to use

Honey Mustasd Sauce

  • 1/4 cup mayo
  • 1/4 cup plain yogurt
  • 1 tablespoon honey
  • 1 tablespoon prepared yellow mustard
  • 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard, OR spicy mustard

Instructions
 

  • Place the flour on a large plate, season with garlic powder and salt and pepper to your taste.
  • Whisk the egg and 1 tablespoon of water in a bowl.
  • Place the breadcrumbs on a large plate, season with salt and pepper to your liking. (You are making an assembly line but with out all the processed garbage that big business do.)
  • Heat some oil in a large frying pan on medium high heat.
  • Now, coat some chicken pieces in the flour, then dip each piece one at a time in the egg to coat them, then into the breadcrumbs, gently pressing the crumbs onto the chicken pieces to coat them, then into the frying pan, work in batches, no need to over crowd the pan. Brown on each side, about 4 minutes each side, remove cooked nuggets to a planed lined with several paper towels. Serve while hot. Now wasn't that easy?
  • Serve with a vegetable and a salad for a nice meal.

Sauce

  • Combine all sauce ingredients in a medium bowl; mix well.

Notes

Chicken breasts run 88 Baht/kilo, 2 breasts for 4 people, even with a salad and vegetables, easily under $1 per person per meal.
Adapted from an internet recipe.
* Best Value $1 or Less per Serving,Chicken - Nuggets
Cream of Mushroom Chicken
December 25, 2015 Lee
2 Comments

Cream of Mushroom Chicken

This sounds really good, will need to add more mushrooms however. This is a simple skillet dinner that is easy to prepare. Link to the shortcut is listed in the Recipe Notes section.
Print Recipe
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Course Main Dish
Cuisine American
Servings 6 people

Ingredients
  

  • 2 tablespoons butter
  • 1 can condensed cream of mushroom soup, OR make from a shortcut
  • 1 cup water, or as needed
  • 1 onion, chopped
  • 1 kilo chicken breasts, boneless and skinless, cubed
  • 1 can evaporated milk
  • 1 package fresh mushrooms, think Tesco variety pack, chopped
  • salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions
 

  • In a large saucepan, melt the butter and add the onion and cook until soft, then add the soup, water and milk. Stir together over medium heat, and salt and pepper to taste and bring all to a boil.
  • When mixture starts boiling, add the cubed chicken and simmer until chicken is cooked through. Add the sliced mushrooms and boil over medium heat for about 5 minutes, stirring often. Serve over egg noodles, rice, or potatoes.

Notes

One kilo of chicken breasts will run about 88 Baht/kilo. For 6 servings, per person, cost is about 45 cents.
Shortcut: Condensed Cream of Mushroom Soup.
Adapted from an internet recipe.
* Best Value $1 or Less per Serving,CHICKEN & TURKEY,MUSHROOMS