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Beef & Red Pepper Kebabs
November 19, 2015 Lee
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Beef & Red Pepper Kebabs

What has me interested in this is the marinade, Creamy Italian Salad Dressing, will try this soon. This is one of those recipes that is easily changed.
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Prep Time 2 hours
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 2 hours 20 minutes
Course Main Dish
Cuisine Mixed
Servings 4 people

Ingredients
  

  • 600 grams beef, OR pork, cut into bitesize cubes
  • 2 red bell peppers, cut into square pieces
  • 1/2 cup Creamy Italian Salad Dressing
  • 1 teaspoon dried sage
  • 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
  • 8 bamboo skewers, soak in water 1 hour before grilling
  • salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions
 

  • Place beef cubes and red pepper in a bowl with salad dressing, sage, and rosemary and toss to coat. Thread the beef and pepper onto the skewers and pour over any leftover marinade, allow to marinate in the fridge for 1-2 hours.
  • Remove from fridge and season with salt and black pepper to taste.
  • Place on the BBQ over hot coals and cook until done, turning often. Serve with a green salad or a nice potato salad.

Notes

Beef in a rural area runs 150 to 200 Baht/kilo. Pork runs 130 to 160 Baht/kilo depending on the cut.
Using the 200 Baht/kilo figure, 600 grams of beef would be 120 Baht, or about $1 per meal per person. Add a potato salad or green salad, maybe some corn on the cob, and this is just over $1 per meal per person.
Provided courtesy of good friend, Denise Georgiades.
South Africa.
* Best Value $1 or Less per Serving,GRILLED / BBQ / SMOKER
Basil, Lemon, and Garlic Chicken Pasta
November 16, 2015 Lee
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Basil, Lemon, and Garlic Chicken Pasta

Sounds very good! Link to the shortcut is listed in the Recipe Notes section.
Print Recipe
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Course Main Dish
Cuisine American
Servings 4 people

Ingredients
  

  • 2 cups chicken stock
  • 4 chicken breasts, boneless, skinless, cut into strips
  • 2 tablespoons basil paste, OR make from a shortcut
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 clove garlic, crushed
  • 1 lemon, juice and zest
  • 1 1/2 cups dry Penne pasta, cooked and drained, or any amount you desire
  • 6-8 zucchini, sliced
  • 1 cup cream
  • Parmesan cheese, shredded, to serve

Instructions
 

  • Heat the oil in a large heavy-based pan, add garlic, chicken pieces, and courgettes for about 5 minutes or until the chicken is cooked through.
  • Stir in the basil paste, lemon juice, lemon zest, cream, and chicken stock. Bring to a boil then reduce heat and simmer for 5 minutes to thicken the sauce.
  • Serve over Penne pasta and top with shredded Parmesan cheese.

Notes

This is a low cost but great sounding meal. Until I make this, I will say easily under $1 per serving.
Shortcut: Basil Paste.
Provided courtesy of good friend, Denise Georgiades.
South Africa.
* Best Value $1 or Less per Serving,PASTA
Basil Paste
November 16, 2015 Lee
1 Comment

Basil Paste

Adapted from an internet recipe.
Print Recipe
Prep Time 5 minutes
Total Time 5 minutes
Servings 1 cup

Equipment

  • Food Processor / Blender

Ingredients
  

  • 4 cups fresh basil leaves, about 4 ounces, stems removed, washed, and dried
  • ¼ cup olive oil, may need a bit more as needed

Instructions
 

  • Place the basil leaves in the bowl of a food processor (or blender). Drizzle with ¼ cup of the olive oil. Pulse, then process until finely chopped to form a paste, adding a little more olive oil as needed so the paste is barely covered with oil.
  • Transfer to a plastic container with a tight-fitting lid and drizzle with oil to barely cover the top. Or transfer ½ to 1 cup of the paste to a heavy-duty freezer-safe resealable plastic storage bag, pressing the paste until it's flattened and removing the extra air, and then seal and freeze.
Ingredients - Spice Mixes
Hash Browns
November 13, 2015 Lee
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Hash Browns

Been making this for many years.
This is an easy side dish to prepare, I do not state servings on this recipe, 2-3 medium potatoes works fine for my wife and I.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Course Side
Cuisine American
Servings 0

Ingredients
  

  • 2-3 medium potatoes, washed, skin on or off, shredded
  • 2-3 tablespoons butter, or bacon fat
  • salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions
 

  • After shredding the potatoes, place in cold water and swish around for a bit, then pick up the potatoes and squeeze all the water, and I mean squeeze! Change the water and repeat this, do this 3-5 times or until the water you are squeezing out is clear and the water is clear. What you are doing is removing the starch. Once the water is clear and the potatoes are well squeezed, place on a plate. If using in another recipe where the hash browns will be cooked, use them now and disregard the rest of the recipe.
  • Heat a large heavy pan, cast iron is a good choice, to medium low heat and add the butter or bacon fat. When the butter is melted, swish it around in the pan a bit to coat the bottom. Add the shredded potatoes and pat out flat with a spatula. Salt and pepper to taste.
  • Now let it cook, you are not making a stir fry, no mixing, just let it cook, flatted out. Watch the edges and you will seem them start to brown up, using the spatula, lift up an edge and check the bottom, should be golden brown, when golden brown, try and flip the whole thing, think of it like a potato pancake.
  • If it falls apart, no harm, just keep cooking, you will just have to turn more often. If the hash browns stayed together, when the other side is golden brown, using the spatula, cut in half or quarters and plate up with eggs for a hearty breakfast.

Notes

Used in Recipes Listed on this Site:
#1 Go-To Recipes,5 Ingredients or Less,POTATOES,SIDES
Potato & Bacon Bake
November 13, 2015 Lee
3 Comments

Potato & Bacon Bake

Denise Georgiades, South Africa.
This is a South African traditional dish, it is delicious, highly recommended! The sauce is excellent. This is a light main dish and can be tailored with minced pork, sliced sausage, cubed chicken, or cubed ham instead of bacon. Serve with a salad and you have a great meal. Or serve as breakfast with a couple of eggs on the side. I made this on 5 Sep 2016 and took the step by step photos.
5 from 1 vote
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 40 minutes
Total Time 1 hour
Course Main Dish
Cuisine South African
Servings 8 servings

Equipment

  • Oven
  • Baking Pan

Ingredients
  

  • 6-8 large potatoes, washed
  • 2-3 cups bacon, chopped
  • 1 medium onion, coarsly chopped
  • 1 large shallot, coarsly chopped
  • 1 cup Cheddar cheese, shredded

White Sauce

  • 6 tablespoons butter
  • 6 tablespoons all purpose flour
  • 3 cups milk
  • salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions
 

  • Boil potatoes in a large pot until just tender but still firm. Drain and set aside.
  • Heat a pan on medium heat and fry bacon lightly, then add onion and shallot and cook for a few minutes until the onions are soft, remove from heat and set aside.
  • Preheat your oven to 180° C (350° F). Grease a large baking dish with butter.
  • For the sauce, melt butter in a medium, heavy-based saucepan. Add flour and stir over low heat for about 1 minute. Add milk and cook over medium heat, whisking constantly, until sauce is smooth and has thickened. Remove from heat and add seasoning. If the sauce is too thick, add a few tablespoons of milk at a time to thin the sauce a bit.
  • Cut the potatoes into thick slices, remove skin if desired. Layer half the potatoes in the baking dish. Cover with half the bacon mixture and pour half the sauce over bacon mixture. Repeat layers with remaining potatoes, bacon mixture and sauce. Sprinkle the cheese over the top. Photo shows just before the sauce was added.
  • Bake for 30-40 minutes or until golden brown.
  • Serve and enjoy.

Notes

The bacon or ham will cost between 100 and 200 Baht. Based on 200 Baht, for 8 servings, this comes to about 74 cents per serving. Excellent value.
Variants: Substitute bacon for minced pork, sliced sausages, cubed ham, even cubed chicken. Serve with a salad for a nice meal or for breakfast with eggs on the side.
#1 Go-To Recipes,* Best Value $1 or Less per Serving,: SOUTH AFRICAN,POTATOES
Beef Stew with Herb Dumplings
November 12, 2015 Lee
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Beef Stew with Herb Dumplings

Easy to prepare stew and the dumplings sound very nice! I will have to try this. Link to the shortcut is listed in the Recipe Notes section.
Print Recipe
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour
Total Time 1 hour 10 minutes
Course Main Dish
Cuisine American
Servings 6 people

Ingredients
  

Stew

  • 3 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 onion, sliced
  • 1 kilo beef, lean, cubed
  • 4-5 plum tomatoes, diced
  • 2 teaspoons paprika
  • 1 teaspoon mixed herbs
  • 2 2/3 cup water
  • 2 tablespoons onion soup powder mix, OR make from a shortcut

Dumplings

  • 1 cup self rising flour
  • 3 1/2 tablespoons butter
  • 1 teaspoon mixed herbs
  • water, as needed

Instructions
 

Stew

  • Heat oil in a pot and fry onion until clear then add beef and cook until well browned.
  • Add tomatoes, paprika, and mixed herbs, and cook for 5 minutes.
  • Add the water and allow to simmer for 1 hours, stirring occasionally.
  • At about 30 minutes of cooking time, mix the soup powder with a little water to form a smooth paste and stir into the stew and continue simmering to thicken.

Dumplings

  • Cut butter into flour with a fork until it resembles breadcrumbs and then add mixed herbs and enough water to form stiff dough.
  • Divide dough into 8 dumplings, drop dumplings into stew about 30 minutes before end of cooking time. Cover and simmer until fluffy and cooked and stew is thickened.

Notes

For beef, which is the most expensive item for this recipe, is priced at 316 Baht/kilo at Tesco. If you buy from a local fresh market you can find between 150 and 250 Baht/kilo. Based on 316 Baht, for 6 meals, this is about 53 Baht or about $1.66 per meal per person, still reasonable.
Figuring the rate at 250 Baht/kilo, 6 meals would be about 42 Baht or about $1.25 per meal per person, even better.
Figuring the rate at 150 Baht/kilo, 6 meals would be about 25 Baht or about $0.75 cents per meal per person, much better!!
Served with a green salad this would make a great meal.
Shortcut: Onion Soup Mix.
Provided courtesy of good friend, Denise Georgiades.
South Africa.
* Fair Value $1.01 to $1.50 per Serving,SOUPS, STEWS, CHILI
Ranch Potatoes
November 12, 2015 Lee
1 Comment

Ranch Potatoes

I will have to give this one a try soon, this has real possibilities. Links to the shortcuts are listed in the Recipe Notes section.
Print Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 40 minutes
Total Time 55 minutes
Course Main Dish
Cuisine American
Servings 6 people

Ingredients
  

  • 8-10 medium potatoes, washed and cut into 1/2 cubes
  • 1 can condensed cream of mushroom soup, OR make from a shortcut
  • 1 soup can milk
  • 1 envelope dry ranch dressing mix, OR make from a shortcut
  • 1 1/2 cups Cheddar cheese, divided
  • salt and pepper, to taste, go easy on the salt as well
  • 6 slices bacon, cooked, crumbled

Instructions
 

  • Preheat your oven to 180 C and grease 9x13 inch baking dish.
  • Add the potatoes to a saucepan. Add water to cover. Bring to a boil; cook about 10-12 minutes or until potatoes are almost tender; drain. Place drained potatoes into the baking dish.
  • In a bowl, mix together the soup, milk, salad dressing mix, 1 cup cheese, salt and pepper to taste; pour over potatoes. Sprinkle crumbled bacon and the remaining cheese over the top.
  • Bake, uncovered for 25-30 minutes or until potatoes are tender and the cheese is bubbly.

Notes

Potatoes are about 35 Baht/kilo, there is not a kilo of potatoes here, the rest is minimal. Easily a less than $1 per meal per person.
Shortcuts: Condensed Cream of Mushroom Soup, Ranch Dressing Mix.
Adapted from an internet recipe.
* Best Value $1 or Less per Serving,POTATOES
Cucumber Salad I
November 12, 2015 Lee
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Cucumber Salad I

Marinated cucumbers, onions, and tomatoes, excellent side dish.
Print Recipe
Prep Time 2 hours
Total Time 2 hours
Course Side
Cuisine American
Servings 0

Ingredients
  

  • 3 medium cucumbers, peeled and sliced 1/4 inch thick
  • 1 medium onion, peeled and sliced and separated into rings
  • 3 plum tomatoes, cut into wedges
  • 1/2 cup vinegar
  • 1/4 cup sugar
  • 1 cup water
  • 2 teaspoons salt
  • 1 teaspoon ground black pepper
  • 1 cup oil

Instructions
 

  • Combine liquids, salt and black pepper in a large bowl, mix well.
  • Add vegetables and mix, cover, and refrigerate for at least two hours before serving. After the meal, just return the covered container to the fridge, this keeps for several days.

Notes

Adapted from an internet recipe.
Sides - Salads
Simmered Black Beans
November 12, 2015 Lee
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Simmered Black Beans

Easy to make recipe for a side dish or a quick lunch.
Print Recipe
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour
Total Time 1 hour 5 minutes
Course Lunch, Side
Cuisine Mixed
Servings 1 large pot

Ingredients
  

  • 500 grams dried black beans, rinsed and picked over to remove bad beans and debri
  • 8 cloves garlic, peeled and smashed
  • 1 onion, peeled but leave root end on and cut in half, so it does not fall apart
  • 1 orange, rinsed and cut in half
  • salt, to taste

Instructions
 

  • Place beans in a large pot and add water until beans are submerged by 3 to 4 inches. Add the garlic and onion, squeeze in orange juice, then add the squeezed orange halves. Cover and place over high heat until water comes to a boil, then uncover pot and reduce heat to a bare simmer. Cook until beans are completely tender and creamy, 1 to 2 hours, stirring occasionally, and adding water if tops of beans become exposed.
  • Remove orange and onion halves. Increase heat to medium and simmer, stirring frequently, until reduced to a thick, creamy sauce that clings to the beans, about 10 minutes. Season to taste with salt. Serve as a side dish with fresh cilantro and a dash or two of hot sauce if desired.

Notes

This makes a pot of simmered beans, can use this for many sides or lunches, most expensive item is the beans, about 50 Baht for 500 grams (1 pound) and that is a lot of beans!
Adapted from an internet recipe.
5 Ingredients or Less,SIDES
Pan Fried Wahoo
November 11, 2015 Lee
1 Comment

Pan Fried Wahoo

Adapted from an internet recipe.
Fresh Wahoo cooked in a griddle pan after a 30 minute marinate in olive oil, cayenne pepper, lemon juice, lime juice, and chilli flakes. Can use a griddle pan or even grill. Wahoo can be caught around the coastal areas of Thailand and is an excellent, firm table fish. This marinade would work well with most firm white fish.
Print Recipe
Prep Time 35 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 50 minutes
Course Lunch, Main Dish
Cuisine American
Servings 4 people

Ingredients
  

  • 4 Wahoo steaks
  • ½ cup olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice
  • 1 tablespoon lime juice
  • salt and pepper, to taste
  • 2 tablespoons garlic, minced
  • cayenne pepper, to taste
  • pinch red pepper flakes

Instructions
 

  • Make you marinade, mix olive oil, lemon juice, lime juice, cayenne pepper, red pepper flakes in a bowl.
  • Rinse your fish and pat dry, place in the marinade. Cover and refrigerate for 30 minutes.
  • Heat griddle pan to medium, you don't really need oil because you can use the oil from the marinade while cooking. If additional oil is needed, use a spoon or two from the left over marinade.
  • Add the fish to the griddle pan, and season with salt and pepper to your liking.
  • Turn the fish steaks over several times for even cooking, and sprinkle the garlic on about halfway through cooking. Total cooking time is 15-20 minutes.
  • Serve with a basic fried rice and vegetable. Healthy and nutritious.

Notes

Probably the easiest way you are going to get a fresh Wahoo is either buying from a local fisherman, which can be very reasonable! Or you can catch yourself when you go out ocean fishing. Wahoo can come close to shore and is also caught well off shore while trolling.
I can only give a price estimate based on what I paid to get a fresh caught Wahoo. One day I was at the ocean surf fishing, caught absolutely nothing (called fishing, not catching, for a reason) and as I packed up fishing kit, a small boat came ashore right in front of me. I was curious so I walked over to see what his catch was, this was a local Thai fisherman. He had a lot of fish, and the one that caught my eye, was a 3 foot (1 meter) Wahoo, still flopping, doesn't get any fresher! So I reach into my pocket and I am counting money and I asked the fisherman, very proud of his catch, how much for the Wahoo. He thought about it for just a few seconds and said 300 Baht, without even hesitation or trying to bargain him down, I pulled out 300 Baht and handed it to him! He was a happy fisherman!!! A 3 foot Wahoo makes a lot of steaks! 300 Baht is about $8.90, I got more than 10 steaks from this fish, so easily less than $1 per meal per person, but this depends on how one obtains the fish. Add a basic fried rice or a potato salad and vegetable on the side, still less than $1.
* Best Value $1 or Less per Serving,FISH - ALL,Fish - Wahoo