Archive for the ‘#1 Go-To Recipes’ Category
Tortilla Alfredo Pizzas
This is a cheater recipe when you want a fast and simple pizza. This is a base recipe for 1 tortilla pizza (1 serving), no quantities are listed, this is a make as much as you want guide. The use of a microwave makes this quickly with no heating up of your kitchen with an oven.
Equipment
- Microwave
Ingredients
- 1 flour tortilla, 8-10 inch size or so
- alfredo sauce
- Mozzarella Cheese, shredded
- chicken, cooked and cubed, canned chicken is perfect
- Italian seasoning
Instructions
- Place a tortilla on a microwave safe plate. Spread some Alfredo sauce evenly on the tortilla, keeping about ½ inch from the edge.
- Add some chicken.
- Sprinkle with Mozzarella cheese as desired.
- Sprinkle with Italian seasoning as desired. Cook in your microwave on full power for 2 minutes.
- Remove from the oven, and serve right on the plate it was cooked on. Enjoy.
Notes
Low cost per pizza.
Variants: 1. Add some diced red bell pepper or tomato. 2. In place of chicken, use chopped ham, cooked and crumbled bacon, or pepperoni.
Chocolate Peanut Butter Fudge
This is excellent fudge! I use a double boiler for melting chocolate as I have had chocolate seize on me when using a microwave. This comes together quickly and is tasty! Highly recommended.
Ingredients
For the Fudge
- 1 can sweetened condensed milk, (14 oz / 396 g)
- 1 bag semi-sweet chocolate chips, (12 oz / 340 g)
- 1 1/2 cups peanut butter
Optional Toppings - Use 1 or More
- peanuts, chopped
- pecan halves
- chocolate chips
- sprinkles
- mini Reese cups, cut in half
- peanut butter MM candies
Instructions
- Line a 8x8 pan with foil.
- Setup a double boiler and add the condensed milk and chocolate chips.
- Heat until the chocolate is melted and stirred into the condensed milk.
- Add the peanut butter and stir until the mixture is smooth. No photo of the peanut butter mixed in, as once you add the peanut butter and mix that in, it will begin to set, so do not delay getting it into the prepared pan.
- Spread the fudge into the prepared pan.
- Top with additional items as you like, pressing them into the top of the fudge. I added a couple of handfuls of peanut butter MM candies.
- Place in the fridge for 1 hour to chill or leave on the counter for several hours to set.
- Lift out of the pan with the foil, cut into squares, enjoy.
Notes
Low cost per serving.
Inspired by Spend With Pennies and the link to this recipe is here.
United States.
United States.
Butter Cracker Thin Mints
You can use Ritz crackers for this or go the frugal route (I know I will) and use a store brand butter cracker. This is incredibly easy and I wonder why I never thought of this. Quantity made is approximate.
Ingredients
- 500 grams chocolate compound, (chocolate bark, 1 lb)
- 3/4 teaspoon peppermint extract
- 40 butter crackers, Ritz or your choice, and as needed
Instructions
- Setup a double boiler and add the chocolate compound. Heat until the chocolate is fully melted. Stir in the peppermint extract. Line a baking pan or two with parchment paper or foil.
- When the chocolate is ready, drop a cracker in the chocolate, flip it over with a fork then lift it out and drip off excess, place the cracker on the paper or foil.
- Repeat until all the chocolate is used, I sprinkled the mints with some chocolate sprinkles I had on hand. I used 2 sleeves of a store brand cracker and made 45 mints.
- Allow crackers to fully cool or if in a rush, place them in the fridge for a few minutes.
- Serve and enjoy.
Notes
This is low cost based on the amount of mints made.
Inspired by Spend With Pennies and the link to this recipe is here.
United States.
United States.
Easy Stuffed Shells
This sounds good, and easy, and only 5 ingredients. This comes together quickly and is a delicious meal. Links to the shortcuts are listed in the Recipe Notes section.
Ingredients
- 1 box jumbo pasta shells, about 35 shells, (12 oz / 340 g box)
- 1 jar spaghetti sauce, (24 oz / 1 lb 8 oz / 680 g), Shortcut
- frozen meatballs, fully cooked, about 35, Shortcut
- 2 cups Mozzarella Cheese, shredded, (8 oz / 250 g)
- Italian seasoning, as desired, Shortcut
Instructions
- Heat a pot of salted water to boiling then add the pasta shells. Cook until just tender, then drain and run under cold water to stop the cooking process.
- While the shells are cooking, heat the meatballs. I place them on a plate, single layer and microwave on high for 2 minutes, roll them around then microwave again for 1 minute.
- Preheat your oven to 180 C (350 F). Grease a 9x13 pan with butter. Spread 1/2 cup pasta sauce on the bottom of the pan. Place a meatball in a shell and place in the pan.
- Repeat until all the shells are stuffed and placed in the pan.
- Pour the pasta sauce over the shells.
- Top with the shredded cheese and sprinkle with Italian seasoning as desired.
- Cover with foil, place in the oven and bake for 35 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for 5 more minutes or until bubbly.
- Remove from the oven, serve, and enjoy.
Notes
I have never seen pasta shells in Thailand but I would assume this could be made easily with any pasta, Low cost per serving when making the meatballs yourself.
Shortcut: Italian Seasoning, Frozen Meatballs, Pasta Sauce.
Adapted from an internet recipe.
Meatballs & Gravy IV
This is an excellent recipe that utilizes cooked frozen meatballs, store bought or homemade. I made this on 22 Mar 2020 exactly as written, the gravy is delicious. I used Kroger brand Home-style Meatballs, absolutely delicious. This is an easy gravy to make and when combined with the meatballs and egg noodles, this is a filling meal. Highly recommended. This recipe doubles well as I did this for a family get together.
Equipment
- Microwave
Ingredients
- 1 package frozen meatballs, (22-26 oz / 625-737 g)
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 tablespoons all purpose flour
- 1 cup beef broth
- 1/2 cup whipping cream
- 1/4 teaspoon dried dill
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped, optional
- cooked egg noodles, or mashed potatoes, for serving
Instructions
- Heat a large pot of salted water to a boil then add the egg noodles and cook until they are just tender. If you are using mashed potatoes, prepare those your favorite way.
- Prepare the meatballs according to the package instructions, basically, you need to heat them up, I used a microwave.
- In a large saucepan, melt the butter then whisk in the flour until smooth, whisk in the broth and whipping cream. Bring to a boil and whisk until thickened, about 1-2 minutes. Reduce to low heat and stir in the dill.
- Add the meatballs and stir into the gravy. Simmer until the meatballs are heated through.
- Serve over hot cooked egg noodles or mashed potatoes, garnish with chopped parsley, enjoy.
Notes
Low cost per serving.
Meatballs & Gravy III
This can be made two ways, one with the meatballs made as listed here, and two is to use cooked frozen meatballs. I made this on 26 Jan 2020 using store bought, cooked and frozen meatballs, and I must say, this is delicious, the gravy is very simple yet flavorful. Links to the shortcuts are listed in the Recipe Notes section.
Ingredients
To Make the Meatballs
- 500 grams ground beef, (1 lb)
- 1 egg
- 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 1 small onion, finely diced
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/8 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- cooking oil, as needed
To Use Frozen Meatballs
- 500 grams frozen meatballs, (1 lb)
For the Gravy
- 3/4 cup beef broth
- 1 can condensed cream of mushroom soup, Shortcut
- 2 tablespoons sour cream, Shortcut
- 250 grams dry egg noodles, (8 oz)
- black pepper, to taste, as desired
- fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish, as desired
Instructions
To Make the Meatballs
- Mix together the ground beef, egg, panko, salt, and nutmeg in a mixing bowl until well combined but not over mixed, an over mixed meatball is normally a dry meatball.
- Shape into meatballs, goal is about 20 meatballs.
- In a large non stick pan, heat 2 tablespoons cooking oil on medium heat. When the pan and oil are hot, add the meatballs, and cook until well browned on all sides (they will get cooked for a few more minutes later on). Remove from the pan and drain the fat from the pan, proceed with the gravy.
To Use Frozen Meatballs
- From frozen, measure out the meatballs, heat the meatballs in a microwave 30 at a time in a single layer for 2 minutes. Or heat in a 180 C (350 F) oven in a single layer for 25 minutes. Proceed with the gravy.
For the Gravy
- Heat a pot of salted water to a boil then add the egg noodles and cook until just tender. Drain.
- While the egg noodles are cooking, heat a large non stick pan or saucepan (same one used for the meatballs if you cooked those) and add the broth and bring to a boil, stir in the condensed soup and sour cream.
- Reduce heat to a simmer, taste and season with pepper to taste, then add the meatballs to the pan. Simmer for 5-10 minutes or until the fresh cooked meatballs are cooked through, or heated through if using heated from frozen meatballs.
- Serve over egg noodles, sprinkle with fresh chopped parsley if desired, enjoy.
Notes
Low cost per serving.
Shortcuts: Condensed Cream of Mushroom Soup, Sour Cream.
Adapted from the Campbell's recipe.
Peach & Fruit Cocktail Pie
I made this on 23 Jan 2020, and it is excellent pie. Very easy to put together, common ingredients. This is a great way to use up canned peaches and fruit cocktail you may have sitting around.
Equipment
- Oven
- Pie Dish (9 inch)
Ingredients
- 2 pie crusts, store bought or homemade, Shortcut
- 1 can sliced peaches, drained, 15 oz (425 g) can
- 1 can fruit cocktail, aka mixed fruit, drained, 15 oz (425 g) can
- 1 cup sugar
- ¾ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
- ½ cup all purpose flour
- 1½ teaspoons butter, softened
- 1 egg, beaten
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 180° C (350° F), get a 9 inch pie dish out, add the bottom crust to the dish.
- In a mixing bowl, add the drained peaches, fruit cocktail, sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, lemon juice, and vanilla. Stir to mix.
- To the mixing bowl, sprinkle in half of the flour and stir until the flour is mixed in, repeat with the remaining flour. Add the butter and stir that in.
- Pour the mixture into the prepared pie dish and spread out evenly.
- Top with the second crust, flute the edges then cut some slits in the crust. Brush the top with beaten egg.
- Bake for 50-55 minutes or until the crust is golden brown. (I am absolutely horrible at fluting a pie crust, I need to work on that.) Move to a rack to cool.
- Slice, serve, and enjoy.
Notes
Low cost per serving.
Shortcut: Pie Crust, Basic Buttery Pie Crust, or Olive Oil Pie Crust.
Variants: 1. Feel free to make a lattice top with the second pie crust. 2. Serve with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. 3. After brushing the top with the beaten egg, sprinkle on some sugar for a sweet crust.
Chocolate Peanut Butter Cereal Treats
For Christmas 2019 my Mom gave me a cookbook, specifically 'the chocolate cookbook' and that is where this recipe comes from. On my to make list and soon, these sound delicious!
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup peanut butter
- 1/3 cup semisweet chocolate chips
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 5 cups mini marshmallows
- 6 cups rice crispy cereal
- 115 grams peanut butter MM candies, (4 oz)
Instructions
- Line a 9x13 pan with foil and spray the foil with non stick spray. Measure out the chocolate chips, MM candies, marshmallows, and cereal.
- Setup a double boiler, measure and add the peanut butter, chocolate chips, and butter.
- Stir often until the chips are melted and mixed into the peanut butter.
- Add the marshmallows and stir to melt down the marshmallows.
- The marshmallows will melt down and the mixture will be smooth.
- If you use a really large sauce pan, just remove from heat and add the cereal and MM candies and mix together, OR, you can do as I did and put the cereal in a large mixing bowl and add the marshmallow mixture on top along with the MM candies. Use two spoons like you are tossing salad and mix the cereal into the marshmallow mixture.
- Pour the mixture into the prepared pan and press evenly into the pan. Allow the pan to cool completely.
- Cut into bars, serve, and enjoy.
Notes
Low cost per serving.
Adapted from a recipe listed in 'the chocolate cookbook', page 70.
Spaghetti Os Goulash
This was a childhood classic, and is my Dad's preferred way to make goulash to this day. This makes a delicious meal. Link to the shortcut is listed in the Recipe Notes section.
Ingredients
- 500 grams ground beef, (1 lb)
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- 2 cans spaghetti Os, original, (15.8 oz / 448 g each), Shortcut
- 2 cans mixed vegetables, drained, (15 oz / 680 g each)
- 1 can lima beans, drained, optional, (8.5 oz / 241 g)
- salt and pepper, as desired, to taste
Instructions
- Brown the ground beef in a pot or large sauce pan, breaking it up with your spatula as it cooks. When cooked through, drain any fat, then mix in the garlic powder.
- Add the canned Spaghetti Os to the pot, if using the Homemade Spaghetti Os from the Shortcut use the whole batch, then add the mixed vegetables, and lima beans if using. Stir to mix together.
- Cook until heated through.
- Serve and enjoy.
Notes
Low cost per serving.
Shortcut: Homemade Spaghetti Os.
Variants: 1. If using the homemade spaghetti Os, use 1½ lb / 750 grams ground beef or pork. 2. Use a 12 oz bag of frozen mixed vegetables, steamed in place of the canned. 3. Use canned beef (1½ lb / 680 g can), drained in place of fresh beef. 4. Use cooked meatballs in place of ground beef.
Ambrosia Salad
I remember this salad from when I was growing up, this is an excellent fruit salad. On my list to make this.
Ingredients
- 1 can Mandarin oranges, drained, (15 oz)
- 1 can pineapple tidbits, drained, (8 oz)
- 1 cup mini marshmallows, white or fruit flavored
- 1 cup shredded coconut
- 1 cup sour cream
Instructions
- Add the orange segments, pineapple pieces, marshmallows, and coconut to a mixing bowl. I used the fruit flavored marshmallows to add a little color to the salad.
- Give everything a gentle mix together.
- Add the sour cream and gently mix that in.
- Pour the salad into a serving bowl, cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours.
- Serve and enjoy.
Notes
Low cost per serving.
Adapted from an internet recipe.