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Fiesta Fried Onion Rings
July 24, 2020 Lee
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Fiesta Fried Onion Rings

Adapted from a recipe card in "Cooking with Beer".
For Christmas 2019 my Mom gave me a cookbook, specifically 'Cooking With Beer' recipe card set and that is where this recipe comes from. This sounds very good, on my to make and taste list.
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Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Course Side
Cuisine American
Servings 4 servings

Ingredients
  

  • 2 large white onions
  • 1 cup club soda
  • 1/2 cup beer
  • 1 egg white, whisked until frothy
  • 2 1/4 - 2 1/2 cups all purpose flour, divided
  • 1 tablespoon cornstarch
  • 1 packet chili seasoning mix, about a 1.24 oz packet, divided
  • cooking oil, for frying, as needed
  • 1 cup queso sauce, or cheese sauce, for serving

Instructions
 

  • Slice onions into 1/2 inch slices and separate into rings, set aside.
  • In a large bowl, mix together the club soda, beer, egg white until well combined.
  • Add 1 1/2 cups flour, the cornstarch, and 2 tablespoons of the chili seasoning mix. Stir until well combined then let sit for 15 minutes.
  • Add 1-2 inches of oil to a large saucepan and heat to 180 C (350 F). While the oil is heating, line a baking sheet with paper towels.
  • Place 3/4 cup of flour in a shallow dish. Dip each onion ring into the flour, coat and evenly shake off excess flour (use an additional 1/4 of flour if needed).
  • Dip floured onion rings in small batches into the prepared batter, and let the excess batter to drain off.
  • Carefully lower rings into the hot oil using a long handled fork, skewer, or tongs. Fry 3 minutes or until golden brown.
  • Remove with a slotted spoon to paper towels to drain.
  • Repeat deep frying the rings until all are cooked.
  • Sprinkle the onion rings with remaining chili seasoning.
  • Serve with queso sauce or your favorite cheese sauce, enjoy.

Notes

Low cost per serving.
* Best Value $1 or Less per Serving,SIDES
Trail Mix Bark
July 23, 2020 Lee
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Trail Mix Bark

This is a straightforward recipe with just two ingredients, your favorite trail mix and almond bark. The trail mix I am using is just a combination of chopped walnuts, dried apple and cranberries, and raisins.
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Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 20 minutes
Course Dessert
Cuisine American
Servings 8 servings

Ingredients
  

  • 750-1000 grams almond bark, (1 1/2 - 2 lbs)
  • 500 grams trail mix, your favorite kind, (1 lb / about 4 cups)
  • candy sprinkles, optional, just to add some color

Instructions
 

  • Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Setup a double boiler, add the bark.
  • While the bark is melting, open the bag of trail mix (I used a 1 lb / 500 g bag and it measured out to just over 4 cups) and place on a plate or shallow bowl so you can grab handfuls of this. The mix I used is just chopped walnuts, dried apple and cranberries, and raisins.
  • Heat until the bark is all melted and smooth.
  • Pour the bark onto the parchment. Gently shake the pan around while tilting it to spread out evenly.
  • Sprinkle trail mix evenly over the bark. Use the bottom of a drinking glass, or I just used the bottom of the measuring cup I used, and justly tap down the mix, you are just making sure everything is in the bark.
  • Top with sprinkles if desired to add bit of color.
  • Allow the bark to cool and it will set up. Break bark up into large chunks. Enjoy as a snack or a dessert.
  • I made this again on 6 Aug 2020, and used vanilla almond bark. Perfect.

Notes

I will price this when I get home, for now I will say Fair cost per serving. A lot depends on the type of trail mix used as well.
Variants: 1. Use vanilla or chocolate almond bark. 2. Use any type of trail mix you prefer, just keep the weight to 500 g / 1 lb.
Adapted from an internet recipe.
#1 Go-To Recipes,* Fair Value $1.01 to $1.50 per Serving,APPETIZERS / SNACKS,DESSERTS
Cheddar-Beer Hush Puppies
July 21, 2020 Lee
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Cheddar-Beer Hush Puppies

Adapted from a recipe card in "Cooking with Beer".
For Christmas 2019 my Mom gave me a cookbook, specifically 'Cooking With Beer' recipe card set and that is where this recipe comes from. This sounds very good, on my to make and taste list.
Print Recipe
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Course Side
Cuisine American
Servings 36 hush puppies

Ingredients
  

  • 1 1/2 cups medium grain cornmeal
  • 1 cup all purpose flour
  • 2 tablespoons sugar
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 bottle lager, (12 oz / 330 ml)
  • 1 egg, beaten
  • 3/4 cup Cheddar cheese, shredded, (3 oz / 85 g)
  • 2 fresh Jalapeno peppers, seeded and minced
  • cooking oil, for deep frying, as needed

Instructions
 

  • Fill a saucepan with 3 inches of cooking oil. Heat to 180 C (350 F). Line a baking sheet with 3 layers of paper towels.
  • While the oil is heating, add to a large mixing bowl the first 7 ingredients and whisk together.
  • In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together the lager and egg.
  • Slowly whisk the beer mixture into the cornmeal mixture until smooth.
  • Stir in the cheese and jalapenos.
  • When the oil is hot, work in batches, drop the batter by heaping tablespoons into the oil. Fry 2 minutes or until golden brown, turning as needed.
  • Transfer hush puppies to the prepared baking sheet to drain.
  • Repeat cooking the remaining batter until all are cooked.
  • Serve as side dish, enjoy.

Notes

Low cost per serving.
* Best Value $1 or Less per Serving,SIDES
Cheddar & Leek Strata
July 17, 2020 Lee
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Cheddar & Leek Strata

Adapted from a recipe card in "Cooking with Beer".
For Christmas 2019 my Mom gave me a cookbook, specifically 'Cooking With Beer' recipe card set and that is where this recipe comes from. This sounds very good, on my to make and taste list.
Print Recipe
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 40 minutes
Total Time 3 hours
Course Side
Cuisine American
Servings 12 servings

Ingredients
  

  • 8 eggs, lightly beaten
  • 2 cups milk
  • ½ cups beer, your favorite brand
  • 2 cloves garlic, smashed and minced
  • salt and pepper, as desired
  • 1 loaf sourdough bread, cut into ½ inch cubes, (500 g / 1 lb loaf)
  • 2 small leeks, washed and chopped
  • 1 red bell pepper, diced
  • 1 ½ cups Swiss cheese, shredded, (6 oz / 170 g)
  • 1 ½ cups Sharp Cheddar cheese, shredded, (6 oz / 170 g)

Instructions
 

  • To a mixing bowl, add the eggs, milk, beer, garlic, salt and pepper. Stir until well blended.
  • Grease a 9x13 baking dish with butter or non stick spray. Place half of the bread cubes on the bottom of the baking dish. Sprinkle half of the leeks and half of the bell pepper over the bread cubes.
  • Sprinkle with ¾ cup Swiss cheese and ¾ cup Cheddar cheese.
  • Add remaining bread cubes on top of cheese, sprinkle remaining leeks and bell pepper on top of bread cubes.
  • Top with remaining Swiss and Cheddar cheeses.
  • Pour the egg mixture evenly over the top.
  • Cover with foil and place a smaller baking dish on top to act as a weight. Place in the fridge for minimum 2 hours or overnight.
  • When you are ready to bake, preheat your oven to 180° C (350° F). Remove the smaller baking dish and the foil. Bake uncovered for 40-45 minutes or until the center is set.
  • Serve as a side dish with any meal, enjoy.

Notes

Low cost per serving due to the number of servings even though two cheeses are used.
* Best Value $1 or Less per Serving,EGGS - ALL,Eggs - Chicken,SIDES
Boston Baked Beans
July 16, 2020 Lee
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Boston Baked Beans

Adapted from a recipe card in "Cooking with Beer".
For Christmas 2019 my Mom gave me a cookbook, specifically 'Cooking With Beer' recipe card set and that is where this recipe comes from. This sounds very good, on my to make and taste list.
Print Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 40 minutes
Total Time 55 minutes
Course Side
Cuisine American
Servings 4 servings

Ingredients
  

  • 2 cans Navy beans, drained, (15 oz/425 g), or 3 cups cooked
  • ½ cup beer, or lager, your favorite brand, not a dark beer
  • â…“ cup onion, finely diced
  • â…“ cup ketchup
  • 3 tablespoons molasses
  • 2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 teaspoon dry mustard
  • ½ teaspoon ground ginger
  • 4 slices bacon, cut into 1 inch pieces

Instructions
 

  • Preheat your oven to 180° C (350° F). Place the beans in a 7x11 glass baking dish.
  • In a medium bowl, add remaining ingredients except the bacon. Stir to mix.
  • Pour mixture over the beans, stir to coat the beans.
  • Place the bacon pieces in a single layer on top of the beans.
  • Bake uncovered for 40-45 minutes or until most of the liquid is absorbed and the bacon is browned.
  • Serve as a side with any dish, enjoy.

Notes

Low cost per serving.
* Best Value $1 or Less per Serving,SIDES
Bock BBQ Bean Salad
July 16, 2020 Lee
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Bock BBQ Bean Salad

Adapted from a recipe card in "Cooking with Beer".
For Christmas 2019 my Mom gave me a cookbook, specifically 'Cooking With Beer' recipe card set and that is where this recipe comes from. This sounds very good, on my to make and taste list. Bock is a strong lager but feel free to us a lager of your choice. Links to the shortcuts are listed in the Recipe Notes section.
Print Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Total Time 15 minutes
Course Side
Cuisine American
Servings 4 servings

Ingredients
  

  • 1/3 cup BBQ sauce, your favorite brand or homemade, Shortcut
  • 1/4 cup Bock beer, or your choice of strong lager
  • 3 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon molasses
  • 1 teaspoon hot pepper sauce, your favorite brand
  • 1/2 teaspoon mustard seed
  • 1 can Pinto beans, drained, (15 oz/425 g), or 1 1/2 cups cooked, Shortcut
  • 3 plum tomatoes, seeded and coarsely chopped
  • 4 stalks celery, halved lengthwise then sliced
  • 1/2 cup spring onion, sliced
  • salt and pepper, as desired
  • lettuce leaves, optional, as desired

Instructions
 

  • In a large mixing bowl, add the first 6 ingredients. Mix together.
  • Add the beans, tomatoes, celery, and spring onion, toss to coat. Taste and season with salt and pepper as desired, and additional hot sauce as desired.
  • Serve as a side as is or over lettuce leaves. Enjoy.

Notes

Low cost per serving.
Shortcuts: Basic BBQ Sauce, Pinto Beans (Pressure Cooker).
* Best Value $1 or Less per Serving,SIDES
Beer-battered Mushrooms
July 15, 2020 Lee
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Beer-battered Mushrooms

Adapted from a recipe card in "Cooking with Beer".
For Christmas 2019 my Mom gave me a cookbook, specifically 'Cooking With Beer' recipe card set and that is where this recipe comes from. This sounds very good, on my to make and taste list.
Print Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Course Side
Cuisine American
Servings 6 servings

Ingredients
  

  • cooking oil, for deep frying
  • 1 cup all purpose flour
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon chili powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1/8 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 cup beer
  • 1 egg, separated
  • 500 grams fresh small button mushrooms, brushed clean, stems trimmed, (1 lb)

Instructions
 

  • Heat about 2 inches of oil in large pan to 180 C (365 F).
  • While the oil is heating, add the flour, baking powder, chili powder, salt, and black pepper to a mixing bowl and mix to blend.
  • In a small bowl, whisk the beer and egg yolk.
  • In a medium bowl, add the egg white and beat with an electric mixer until soft peeks form.
  • Stir the beer mixture into the flour mixture until just blended, fold in the egg whites.
  • Dip mushrooms into the batter in batches and carefully place in the hot oil. Fry mushrooms turning occasionally, until golden brown, remove to paper towels to drain. Stir the batter between batches, and return the oil to 180 C (365 F) before each batch.
  • Serve as a side dish with any meal. Enjoy.

Notes

Low cost per serving.
* Best Value $1 or Less per Serving,MUSHROOMS,SIDES
Asparagus with Honey Garlic Sauce
July 15, 2020 Lee
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Asparagus with Honey Garlic Sauce

Adapted from a recipe card in "Cooking with Beer".
For Christmas 2019 my Mom gave me a cookbook, specifically 'Cooking With Beer' recipe card set and that is where this recipe comes from. This sounds very good, on my to make and taste list.
Print Recipe
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 20 minutes
Course Side
Cuisine American
Servings 4 servings

Ingredients
  

  • 500 grams fresh asparagus, tough root ends trimmed off, (1 lb)
  • 1/4 cup Dijon mustard
  • 1/4 cup beer, or dark ale, your favorite brand
  • 3 tablespoons honey
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic, smashed and minced
  • 1/4 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt

Instructions
 

  • Bring a pot of water to a boil, then add the asparagus and cook until tender, about 2-3 minutes. Drain, and place on a serving tray with all spears pointed the same direction.
  • While the asparagus is cooking, in a small mixing bowl add the rest of the ingredients, mix until blended.
  • Pour sauce over the asparagus.
  • Serve as a side dish with any main dish. Enjoy.

Notes

Low cost per serving.
* Best Value $1 or Less per Serving,SIDES
Egg Roll Skillet
July 15, 2020 Lee
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Egg Roll Skillet

This dish does not use egg roll wrappers so this is a low carb dish. And this is delicious! Easy to put together and minimal ingredients. I made this on 15 Jul 2020, very tasty and highly recommended.
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Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 20 minutes
Course Main Dish
Cuisine American
Servings 4 servings

Ingredients
  

  • 500 grams ground pork, (1 lb)
  • 4 spring onions, sliced, white and green seperated
  • 2 teaspoons fresh ginger, grated
  • 4 cloves garlic, smashed and minced
  • 500 grams coleslaw mix, (1 lb)
  • 3 tablespoons soy sauce
  • 1 teaspoon sesame oil, or to taste

Instructions
 

  • Heat a large non stick pan and add the pork, breaking it up with your spatula. Cook until no pink remains, drain off the fat.
  • To the pork, add the spring onion white parts, ginger, and garlic. Stir to mix in. Add the coleslaw mix and stir that in.
  • Cook, stirring often, until the cabbage is tender, about 5-8 minutes. Stir in the soy sauce and sesame oil, stir until coated. Garnish with the green parts of the spring onions
  • Serve and enjoy.

Notes

This is Low Cost per serving.
Variant: 1. Add sauteed mushrooms.
Inspired by Spend With Pennies and the link to this recipe is here.
United States.
# Buster Approved,#1 Go-To Recipes,* Best Value $1 or Less per Serving,PORK
Strawberries & Cream
July 10, 2020 Lee
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Strawberries & Cream

Specifically the whipped cream in the pressurized can. My Mom made this for a dessert one evening and I have never had strawberries like this, just strawberries and cream. Easy and brilliant. This is very versatile so you can make this with any berries you like, or any combination. No servings or quantities listed as this is a make as desired guide.
Print Recipe
Prep Time 5 minutes
Total Time 5 minutes
Course Dessert
Cuisine American
Servings 0

Ingredients
  

  • fresh strawberries, as desired, trimmed
  • 1 can whipped cream

Instructions
 

  • Trim the strawberries by cutting off the green part, and coring if needed. Cut strawberries in half, and chop the large ones.
  • If using other berries, give them a rinse and sort through them and remove any bad ones.
  • Place strawberries in each serving bowl, adding a smaller amount of other berries as desired.
  • Top with some whipped cream. Serve and enjoy.

Notes

Low cost per serving.
Variants: 1. Use additional berries with the strawberries, strawberries and blueberries is an excellent choice. 2. Instead of strawberries, use your favorite berries!
Common method for serving berries as a dessert.
#1 Go-To Recipes,* Best Value $1 or Less per Serving,DESSERTS