Archive for the ‘#1 Go-To Recipes’ Category
Piña Colada
April 19, 2021 Lee
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Piña Colada

Recipe from the label on a can of coconut cream.
This recipes comes from a can of coconut cream, and I have enjoyed these, this recipe is excellent.
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Prep Time 5 minutes
Course Drink
Servings servings

Equipment

  • Blender

Ingredients
  

  • 4 oz coconut cream, or coconut milk, (113 g)
  • 4 fl oz pineapple juice, (118 ml)
  • 2-3 tablespoons crushed pineapple
  • 3 fl oz rum, (88 ml)
  • 2 cups ice
  • fresh pineapple wedges, for garnish, optional
  • maraschino cherries, for garnish, optional

Instructions
 

  • Place the first 5 ingredients in a blender, pulse until ice is finely crushed.
  • Pour into 2 serving glasses. Optionally, garnish each glass with a pineapple wedge on the rim and a maraschino cheery on top. Serve and enjoy.
#1 Go-To Recipes,DRINKS
Cranberry Pistachio Fudge
April 18, 2021 Lee
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Cranberry Pistachio Fudge

Adapted from a recipe by Trish at Mom On Timeout.
I came across this while researching fudge + pistachio recipes. Not only is this delicious fudge, it is a snap to make!
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Prep Time 2 minutes
Cook Time 2 minutes
Passive Time 2 hours
Course Dessert
Cuisine American
Servings servings

Equipment

  • Loaf Pan
  • Microwave

Ingredients
  

  • 340 grams white chocolate chips, (12 oz)
  • ¼ cup whipping cream
  • 1 tablespoon honey
  • ½ cup dried cranberries
  • ⅓ cup pistachios, shelled, chopped

Instructions
 

  • Line a loaf pan with foil, overhanging the two long sides with foil. Lightly spray with cooking spray.
  • To a microwave safe mixing bowl, add the white chocolate, cream, and honey, stir to mix together.
  • Place in the microwave and cook for 30 seconds, take out, stir with a spoon to check that the chips are melted. If they are not, repeat cooking for 30 seconds and checking with a spoon until the chips are melted, then stir to fully combine mixture.
  • Stir in the nuts and cranberries until mixed in.
  • Spoon mixture into the prepared loaf pan and smooth out evenly. Leave on the counter for 2 hours to set up completely or place in the fridge for 30 minutes once the mixture has cooled to room temperature.
  • Once cooled, use the foil on each of the long sides of the pan and lift out the fudge to a cutting board. Cut into squares, I cut 12 pieces but you can easily make 24 smaller pieces.
  • Arrange on a serving tray, serve, and enjoy.
#1 Go-To Recipes,5 Ingredients or Less,DESSERTS
Sardine Dip
April 18, 2021 Lee
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Sardine Dip

Just a Pinch Recipe Club - Chef Andy Anderson, United States.
This recipe comes from a good friend and Chef. If you like sardines in olive oil (or even water), you will love this recipe. Link to the Shortcut is listed in the Recipe Notes section.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Passive Time 2 hours
Course Appetizer
Cuisine American
Servings servings

Ingredients
  

  • 2 tins sardines in olive oil, undrained, (about 4 oz / 113 g per tin), Shortcut
  • 56 grams cream cheese, softened, (2 oz / ¼ of 8 oz / 226 g block)
  • 2 tablespoons mayo
  • 1 teaspoon lemon juice
  • pinch dried tarragon, crushed
  • pinch lemon pepper
  • chives, chopped, for garnish, optional
  • assorted crackers, for serving, or toast points

Instructions
 

  • Add all ingredients to a small mixing bowl. I used two tins of Great Value brand sardines in olive oil, feel free to use your favorite brand of sardines in olive oil or even water.
  • Mash and mix everything together.
  • Spoon mixture into a smaller bowl for serving, optionally garnish with some chopped chives. Cover and place in the fridge for 1-2 hours.
  • Serve with assorted crackers of your choice or toast points. Enjoy.

Notes

Shortcut: Sardines in Olive Oil (Slow Cooker).
#1 Go-To Recipes,APPETIZERS / SNACKS,Fish - Sardines
Buttered Dill Peas & Carrots
April 12, 2021 Lee
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Buttered Dill Peas & Carrots

Holly - Spend with Pennies
I got this recipe from a friend and I will say it is well liked by the family. Very easy to prepare and the dill gives a nice flavor to the dish. The original recipe is to sauté the carrots, I simmered them, both versions are listed in the steps.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Course Side Dish
Cuisine American
Servings servings

Ingredients
  

  • 1 teaspoon olive oil
  • 2 large carrots, peeled and cut into ¼ inch slices
  • 2 cups frozen peas
  • 1 tablespoon butter
  • ½ teaspoon dried dill weed
  • salt and pepper, to taste, as desired

Instructions
 

Sauté Method

  • Heat a non stick pan with the oil on medium heat. Add the carrots and sauté until tender yet crisp, about 5-6 minutes.
  • Add the peas and stir in the dried dried dill and 1 tablespoon of water. Cover and let cook 4-5 minutes.
  • Add the butter and mix in. Season with salt and pepper as desired, to taste.

Simmer Method

  • Add the sliced carrots to a saucepan and cover with ½ inch of water. Place on medium high heat and cook until the carrots are tender crisp.
  • Add the peas and continue to simmer until the peas are tender and heated through.
  • Drain the water from the saucepan, stir in the dried dill and ½ tablespoon of butter. Pour into a serving dish and top with another ½ tablespoon of butter. Serve as a side dish with any main dish. Enjoy.

Notes

Low cost per serving.
#1 Go-To Recipes,* Best Value $1 or Less per Serving,SIDES
Sausage Breakfast Bake
April 7, 2021 Lee
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Sausage Breakfast Bake

Adapted from a recipe in the Campbell's Creative Cooking With Soup, page 200.
This recipe is from a cookbook titled Campbell's Creative Cooking With Soup, printed in 1985. As you read this recipe, the ingredients list will have Options and you can choose an option from the list below the ingredients. This recipe sounds very good, on my to make and taste list. Links to the Shortcuts are listed in the Recipe Notes section. These photos are from one variant of this recipe, and it is delicious!
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Course Breakfast, Main Dish
Cuisine American
Servings servings

Equipment

  • Oven
  • Baking Pan (7x11 inch)

Ingredients
  

  • 340 grams Sausage Option, (12 oz)
  • 2 tablespoons water
  • 1 can Soup Option, (10½ oz / 298 g)
  • 2 eggs
  • ¾ cup Liquid Option
  • 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1 cup yellow cornmeal
  • ¼ cup sugar
  • 1 tablespoon baking powder
  • butter, as needed for serving
  • Topping Option, as needed for serving

OPTIONS

Sausage - Use 1 Item

  • pork sausage links, Shortcut
  • smoked sausage links
  • Italian sausage, links, cut into 2 inch lengths, Shortcut

Soup - Use 1 Item

  • condensed cream of mushroom soup, Shortcut
  • condensed Cheddar cheese soup, Shortcut
  • condensed cream of celery soup, Shortcut

Liquid - Use 1 Item

  • apple juice
  • milk
  • chicken broth

Topping - Use 1 Item

  • honey
  • maple syrup
  • fruit preserves

Instructions
 

  • Preheat your oven to 180° C (350° F) and grease a 7x11 baking pan with butter.
  • In a large non stick pan, add the Sausage Option and water and place on medium heat, cover and cook for 5 minutes, then uncover and continue cooking to brown the sausage and cook them through. When fully cooked, remove to paper towels to drain. I used the pork sausage links option.
  • In a small mixing bowl, add the Soup Option and eggs and stir to mix well. I used the cream of mushroom soup option.
  • To the soup mixture, slowly stir in the Liquid Option and oil, stirring until completely mixed together. I used the apple juice.
  • In a medium mixing bowl, add the flour, cornmeal, sugar, and baking powder. Whisk together.
  • To the flour mixture, add the soup mixture. Stir together until just moistened.
  • Pour into the prepared baking dish and spread out evenly. Arrange the sausages on top and push slightly into the batter.
  • Bake for 30 minutes or until the top springs back when lightly touched with your finger.
  • Use a spatula to cut and serve with. Serve with butter and Topping Option. Enjoy. After the photo I used the honey option.

Notes

Low cost per serving if using the Shortcuts.
Shortcuts: Pork Sausage, Italian Sausage, Condensed Cream of Mushroom Soup, Condensed Cheddar Cheese Soup, Condensed Cream of Celery Soup.
# Buster Approved,#1 Go-To Recipes,* Best Value $1 or Less per Serving,BREAKFAST (for dinner!),CASSEROLES
Malted Chocolate Fudge
April 6, 2021 Lee
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Malted Chocolate Fudge

Adapted from Malted Chocolate Fudge at Marsha's Baking Addiction
I found this recipe while searching for recipes that used malted milk powder. Not only did it sound easy to make it also sounded delicious, it is both easy and delicious! If you have a digital scale, weighing the ingredients in grams is the preferred way to measure the chocolate, malted milk powder, and Whoppers. The cooking method for this is a microwave oven.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Course Dessert
Cuisine American
Servings servings

Equipment

  • Microwave
  • Baking Pan (8x8 or 9x9 inch)

Ingredients
  

  • 525 grams chocolate chips, semi, milk, or dark, (18 oz)
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 can sweetened condensed milk, (14 oz / 397 g)
  • 65 grams malted milk powder, (½ cup)
  • 200 grams Whoppers, or Maltesers, (7 oz)
  • Whoppers, or Maltesers, optional, for topping

Instructions
 

  • Line a 8x8 or 9x9 baking pan with foil.
  • Measure out the chocolate
  • In a glass mixing bowl, add the chocolate chips, microwave for 30 seconds, remove and give it a stir, repeat until the chips are melted and creamy. (I did this 3 times and the chips were perfect consistency.)
  • Stir in the vanilla and condensed milk, mixture will thicken so microwave for another 15 seconds, then stir in the malted milk powder.
  • Stir in the Whoppers.
  • Spoon mixture into the prepared pan, add more Whoppers on top, pat down with the bottom of a glass or even the bottom of the Whoppers carton.
  • Let fudge cool for 3-4 hours, cut, enjoy.

Notes

I will say Fair cost per serving now as Maltesers are available through Lazada as well as malted milk powder.
#1 Go-To Recipes,* Fair Value $1.01 to $1.50 per Serving,DESSERTS
Sammy’s German Chocolate Cookies
April 4, 2021 Lee
2 Comments

Sammy's German Chocolate Cookies

Samantha - United States/Thailand
This is my daughter's recipe that she created. I made these on 4 Apr 2021, and my comment as well as the rest of the family, "damn good cookies!" Highly recommended.
5 from 1 vote
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Course Dessert
Cuisine American
Servings cookies

Equipment

  • Oven
  • Baking Sheets
  • Electric Mixer

Ingredients
  

  • 2¼ cups all-purpose flour
  • ¼ cup cocoa powder
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ½ cup chocolate chips, milk, semi, or dark
  • 1 cup sweetened shredded coconut, heaping
  • ¼ cup pecans, chopped, or walnuts
  • 1 cup caramel bits
  • 1 cup butter, (1 block / 2 sticks)
  • 1 cup sugar
  • 1 cup brown sugar, packed
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
  • 2 eggs

Instructions
 

  • Preheat your oven to 190° C (375° F), Line a baking sheet or sheets with parchment paper or foil.
  • Add the flour, cocoa, baking soda, and salt to a mixing bowl and whisk together.
  • In another bowl, measure and add the chocolate chips, coconut, pecans, and caramel bits.
  • In a large mixing bowl, add the softened butter and both sugars. Use an electric mixer to cream together for about 5 minutes, scrapping the sides occasionally to fully mix everything.
  • To the butter mixture, add the eggs and vanilla and mix that in for 1 minute.
  • Add the flour mixture and mix together with a large sturdy spoon.
  • Add the chocolate chip mixture and mix in.
  • Drop by rounded half tablespoons. (I went overboard on this batch and went with rounded tablespoons, they cookies were big but still delicious.)
  • Bake for 9-11 minutes or until set. Cool on the sheet for 5-7 minutes then move to a wire rack to cool completely. (I baked for 10 minutes and these were perfect.)
  • Place on a serving tray, serve, and enjoy.

Notes

Fair cost based on the caramel bits and pecans.
#1 Go-To Recipes,* Fair Value $1.01 to $1.50 per Serving,DESSERTS
Easy Pistachio Pie
March 30, 2021 Lee
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Easy Pistachio Pie

Adapted from Easy Pistachio Pie at Mom on Timeout.
I made this exactly as written and it is delicious, my family loved this! Easy to assemble and looks beautiful when served.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Course Dessert
Cuisine American
Servings servings

Equipment

  • Electric Mixer

Ingredients
  

  • 226 grams cream cheese, softened, (8 oz)
  • 1 box jello pistachio pudding mix, (96 g / 3.4 oz)
  • 1 can crushed pineapple, undrained, (567 g / 20 oz / 1 lb 4 oz)
  • 1 cup mini marshmallows
  • 1 container Cool Whip whipped topping, (8 oz / 226 g)
  • graham cracker pie crust, store bought or homemade

Toppings - Optional

  • whipped topping, can or fresh whipped
  • maraschino cherries
  • ¼ cup pistachio nuts, chopped

Instructions
 

  • In large bowl, add the cream cheese and jello mix.
  • Beat with an electric mixer until the cream cheese is light and fluffy.
  • Add the undrained can of crushed pineapple and mix together with the cream cheese using the electric mixer.
  • Stir in the marshmallows.
  • Fold in the whipped topping. (I forgot to get a photo after this step.)
  • Spoon mixture into the prepared pie crust. Place in the fridge for at least 3 hours to chill and set up.

For the Topping - Optional

  • Before serving, use a can of whipped cream, or pipe if using fresh made whipped cream, and add a border around the top of the pie. Place cherries as desired on top of the whipped cream, and sprinkle with chopped pistachios as desired.
  • Slice, serve, and enjoy.

Notes

High cost per serving just based on the limited availability of the whipped topping and pistachio jello. I will prepare this using fresh made whipped cream and will comment on how that goes. 
# Buster Approved,#1 Go-To Recipes,* High Cost $1.51+ per Serving,DESSERTS
Cornbread
March 29, 2021 Lee
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Cornbread

Adapted from a recipe by Betty Crocker.
This is adapted from a Betty Crocker recipe. I made this as written and I will say, this is some of the best cornbread I have eaten. Great texture, excellent flavor, perfect.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Course Side Dish
Cuisine American
Servings servings

Equipment

  • Oven
  • Baking Pan (8 or 9 inch)

Ingredients
  

  • 1¼ cup yellow cornmeal
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • ½ cup sugar
  • 1 tablespoon baking powder
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ¼ cup butter, melted, (½ stick or ¼ block)
  • 1 cup milk
  • 1 egg

Instructions
 

  • Preheat your oven to 200° C (400° F). Grease with butter a 8 inch square baking pan or a 9 inch round baking pan.
  • In a bowl, add the cornmeal, flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt. Mix together with a large fork or whisk.
  • In another bowl, add the melted butter, milk, and egg. Beat together with a large fork or whisk.
  • Add the cornmeal/flour mixture all at once to the wet mixture, stir until the flour is wet, batter will be lumpy. Pour batter into the prepared baking pan and smooth out.
  • Bake for 25 minutes or until golden brown on top and a toothpick inserted in the middle comes out clean.
  • Slice into squares, serve as a side dish. Enjoy.

Notes

Low cost per serving.
#1 Go-To Recipes,* Best Value $1 or Less per Serving,BREAD & PASTRY,SIDES
Salmon Dip
March 29, 2021 Lee
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Salmon Dip

Adapted from a recipe posted by Gourmet Canadiana.
I came across this recipe on Instagram and it called for a can of smoked salmon and the use of a food processor. I had a lot of regular canned salmon on hand so I went with that, and used an electric mixer in place of a food processor. The result was an excellent tasting dip! Highly recommended if you like canned salmon and dips. Links to the shortcuts are listed in the Recipe Notes section.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Course Appetizer
Cuisine American
Servings appetizer servings

Equipment

  • Electric Mixer

Ingredients
  

  • 226 grams cream cheese, softened, (8 oz)
  • ¼ cup sour cream, Shortcut
  • ¼ cup mayo
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice
  • 1 can salmon, drained, (15 oz / 425 g), Shortcut
  • 2 teaspoons dried dill weed
  • 2 tablespoons fresh chives, chopped
  • 2 tablespoons capers, drained
  • assorted crackers, for serving

Instructions
 

  • To a mixing bowl, add the cream cheese, sour cream, mayo, and lemon juice. (I microwaved the cream cheese first for 10-15 seconds and it is very softened, then added the other ingredients.)
  • Mix with an electric mixer until well mixed.
  • Add the drained salmon, dill, chives, and capers. (I took the photo before adding the chives.)
  • Mix with the mixer again to blend the salmon into the cream cheese mixture.
  • Spoon mixture into a serving bowl and serve with assorted crackers.

Notes

Low cost overall as you get a lot of appetizer servings from this.
Shortcuts: Sour Cream, Steamed Salmon.
Variants: 1. This would make and excellent sandwich filling!
#1 Go-To Recipes,* Best Value $1 or Less per Serving,APPETIZERS / SNACKS,FISH - ALL,Fish - Salmon