Archive for the ‘5 Ingredients or Less’ Category
Classic Cheese Ball
February 26, 2020 Lee
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Classic Cheese Ball

Cheese balls make a great appetizer, I look forward to making this and tasting it as well. Link to the shortcut is listed in the Recipe Notes section.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 10 minutes
Course Appetizer
Cuisine American
Servings 16 servings

Ingredients
  

  • 2 packages Cream cheese, softened, (8 oz / 250 g each package)
  • 1/4 cup spring onion, thinly sliced
  • 1 tablespoon dry ranch dressing mix, Shortcut
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried dill
  • 1/2 cup pecans, chopped

Instructions
 

  • Add all ingredients, except the pecans, to a mixing bowl.
  • Use an electric mixer and beat until the mixture is smooth.
  • Shape mixture into a ball and wrap in plastic wrap. Place in the fridge for at least 1 hour or longer, even overnight, allows the flavors to blend more.
  • When you are ready to serve, place the chopped pecans on a plate. Unwrap the cheese ball, roll in the pecans to fully coat.
  • Serve with assorted crackers, enjoy.

Notes

Low cost per serving.
Shortcut: Ranch Dressing Mix.
Adapted from an internet recipe.
* Best Value $1 or Less per Serving,5 Ingredients or Less,APPETIZERS / SNACKS
Broccoli Cheese Soup
February 25, 2020 Lee
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Broccoli Cheese Soup

Adapted from a recipe on a Pioneer brand country gravy packet.
This is from a Pioneer brand country gravy packet and it is easy and really good. For this recipe you can use the gravy packet stated or make the shortcut and use that. Link to the shortcut is listed in the Notes section.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Course Lunch, Main Dish
Cuisine American
Servings 3 servings

Ingredients
  

  • 1 packet country gravy, Pioneer brand, or Shortcut
  • 1 package frozen chopped broccoli, cooked per instructions on package, (10-12 oz / 283-340 g)
  • 2 cups Cheddar cheese, shredded, (8 oz / 226 g)
  • 1 tablespoon Parmesan cheese, grated
  • 1 tablespoon onion, finely minced, optional

Instructions
 

  • Prepare the gravy packet per the instructions on the packet. Cook the broccoli per the instruction on the package, normally just steamed in the bag in the microwave then drained.
  • Stir in the cheese until mixed in. Stir in the onion if using that.
  • Stir in the cooked and drained broccoli. Heat the soup to warm the broccoli through. For a thinner soup, just stir in milk to your desired consistency.
  • Serve and enjoy.

Notes

Low cost per serving.
Shortcut: Homemade Country Gravy Mix.
# Buster Approved,#1 Go-To Recipes,* Best Value $1 or Less per Serving,5 Ingredients or Less,SOUPS, STEWS, CHILI
Frosting Fudge
February 24, 2020 Lee
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Frosting Fudge

Originally a Betty Crocker recipe.
This is a 2 ingredient fudge that is originally from a Betty Crocker cookbook. You can change this up any way you like by adding flavorings to the fudge, adding candies, cookies, trail mix, etc.
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Prep Time 5 minutes
Total Time 5 minutes
Course Dessert
Cuisine American
Servings 16 pieces

Ingredients
  

  • 1 can frosting, (16 oz / 454 g)
  • 1 bag chocolate chips, (12 oz / 340 g bag)

Instructions
 

Basic Instructions

  • Line an 8x8 baking pan with foil.
  • Add the chocolate chips to a heatproof mixing bowl, microwave on full power for 30 seconds, take the bowl out of the microwave. This softens them up.
  • Open the frosting and remove the foil seal, discard the lid and seal. Place the frosting container in your microwave, microwave on full power for 1 minute. Pour the hot frosting onto the chips.
  • Stir together until the chips are melted and everything mixed together, takes just 30 seconds to a minute.
  • Pour the mixture into the prepared pan and spread out evenly.
  • Place in the fridge for 30 minutes to firm up. Cut into squares and place on a serving tray. Serve and enjoy.

With Cookies

  • To add cookies to the fudge, place 10 cookies (think store bought, like Oreo's or chocolate chip cookies, in the fridge for about 10 minutes to chill, then chop and divide. Once the frosting and chocolate chips are mixed, stir in half of the chopped cookies, pour into the pan and top with the remaining chopped cookies.

With Flavoring

  • To add a flavoring, such as peppermint, which works very well, simply mix in 1 teaspoon after the frosting and chips are mixed.

With Dark Chocolate Kit-Kat Bars

  • Use a package of dark chocolate chips in the base recipe along with a can of chocolate frosting. Place two king size dark chocolate kit-kat bars in the freezer for 10 minutes. Remove the candy bars, unwrap, chop 1 bar and place pieces in a bowl. Chop the second bar. Prepare the base recipe, once the chips are melted and mixed in then add the kit-kat pieces from the bowl, stir until just coated. Pour into the prepared pan, top with the rest of the chopped kit-kat pieces, press them in just a bit.
  • Once chilled and firmed up, cut into squares, serve, and enjoy.

With White Chocolate Chips, Peppermint, and Kit-Kats

  • Chop two king size dark chocolate kit-kat bars. You need some peppermint extract and red or green food coloring. Prepare the base recipe with a package of white chocolate chips and a can of white frosting, when mixed, stir in 2 teaspoons peppermint extract and about 8 drops of food coloring, when mixed in, stir in half the chopped kit-kats then pour mixture into the prepared pan, spread out evenly and top with the remaining chopped kit-kats and press in gently to ensure they are set into the fudge.
  • Once chilled and firmed up, cut into squares, serve, and enjoy.

With Milk Chocolate Chips and Pecans

  • Chop a cup of pecans, divide in half. Use a bag of milk chocolate chips and a can of chocolate frosting and prepare the base recipe, when mixed together, stir in half of the chopped pecans, pour into your prepared pan. Top with remaining chopped pecans and press into the fudge as needed. Cool then chill in the fridge for a few hours.
  • Once chilled and firmed up, cut into squares, serve, and enjoy.

With Butterscotch Chips and Caramel Bits

  • Use a bag of butterscotch chips and a can of vanilla frosting and prepare the base recipe, when mixed together, pour into your prepared pan. Sprinkle the top with about a cup of caramel bits. Cool on the counter, then place in the fridge to firm up better.
  • Once chilled and set, cut into squares, and enjoy.

With Mint MM's

  • Prepare the base recipe with chocolate chips and chocolate frosting, when mixed together, mix in 1/2 cup mint MM's, pour into the prepared pan, then top with another 1/2 cup of mint MM's. Cool on the counter then place in the fridge.
  • Once chilled, cut into squares, serve and enjoy.

With Coconut and Mini MM's

  • Prepare the base recipe with chocolate chips and chocolate frosting, when mixed together, mix in 1 cup shredded coconut, pour into the prepared pan, then top with 1 cup of Mini MM's, I used the bottom of the measuring cup to press the MM's into the fudge. Cool on the counter then place in the fridge.
  • Once chilled, cut into squares, serve and enjoy.

With Dark Chocolate, Coconut, and Almonds

  • Prepare the base recipe with dark chocolate chips and chocolate frosting, when mixed together, mix in 1 cup shredded coconut and 1/2 cup of slivered almonds, pour into prepared pan, then top with 1/2 cup of sliced almonds, press them into the fudge just a bit. Cool on the counter then place in the fridge.

With Trail Mix

  • Prepare the base recipe with semisweet chocolate chips and vanilla frosting, when mixed together, mix in 1 cup trail mix, pour into prepared pan, then top with 1/2 cup or so of more trail mix. Cool on the counter then place in the fridge.
  • Once chilled, cut into squares, serve and enjoy.

With Coconut Pecan Frosting

  • Prepare using Coconut Pecan Frosting and milk chocolate chips, after microwaving and mixing, pour into prepared pan, top with sprinkles. Cool on the counter then place in the fridge.
  • Once chilled, cut into squares, serve and enjoy.

Notes

Variants: 1. Chocolate frosting and chocolate chips. 2. Vanilla frosting and dark chocolate chips. 3. Strawberry frosting and white (vanilla) chocolate chips. 4. Vanilla frosting and white (vanilla) chocolate chips and green food coloring and peppermint extract. 5. Add cookies of your choice. 6. Add sprinkles on top of your choice. 7. Be creative.
#1 Go-To Recipes,5 Ingredients or Less,DESSERTS
Quick Quesadillas
February 15, 2020 Lee
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Quick Quesadillas

Adapted from an internet recipe.
I say quick for these as I use a microwave and only a few ingredients. These are excellent for a quick meal. This is basically a make with what you have on hand or want to use. A full quesadilla uses 2 tortillas, a half quesadilla use 1 tortilla that is folded. Link to the shortcut is listed in the Recipe Notes section.
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Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 2 minutes
Total Time 7 minutes
Course Lunch, Main Dish
Cuisine Mexican
Servings 1 serving

Equipment

  • Microwave

Ingredients
  

  • 2 flour or corn tortillas, 8-10 inch size
  • cooked chicken, chopped
  • Cheddar cheese, shredded
  • Mozzarella Cheese, shredded
  • sour cream, for serving, as desired, Shortcut

Instructions
 

  • This will make 1 full quesadilla. Place both tortillas on a microwave safe plate, microwave for 15 seconds. Remove the top tortilla, sprinkle some Cheddar or Mozzarella on the tortilla on the plate.
  • Spread some chopped chicken on the Cheddar. I had some diced red bell pepper on hand so I added some of that as well.
  • Sprinkle some Cheddar, then some Mozzarella over the chicken.
  • Place the other tortilla on top and press down just a little to even everything out. Place back in the microwave for 1 to 1½ minutes.
  • Cut in half or quarters, top with sour cream, serve and enjoy.

Notes

Low cost per serving.
Shortcut: Sour Cream.
Variants: 1. Use cheeses of your choice. 2. Add refried beans. 3. Add chopped green chilies. 4. Use no meat or add cooked chopped meats of your choice.
# Buster Approved,#1 Go-To Recipes,* Best Value $1 or Less per Serving,5 Ingredients or Less,: MEXICAN,CHICKEN & TURKEY,Chicken - Canned
Chocolate Chip Cookie Chocolate Fudge
February 9, 2020 Lee
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Chocolate Chip Cookie Chocolate Fudge

I came up this from a previous fudge I made and is based on that way of making it. For the cookies, store brand is used, and Kroger brand "Chunky ChipMates" is highly recommended. Only 4 ingredients and 1 is optional.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Total Time 15 minutes
Course Dessert
Cuisine American
Servings 16 pieces

Ingredients
  

  • 1 can chocolate frosting, (16 oz / 454 g)
  • 1 bag semisweet chocolate chips, 12 oz / 340 g bag)
  • 10 chocolate chip cookies, store brand
  • candy sprinkles, optional, as desired

Instructions
 

  • Line an 8x8 baking pan with foil. Count out the chocolate chip cookies and place them in your freezer for 5 minutes to firm up, then take them out and chop them coarsely. Here is the chopped cookies and the can of store brand frosting.
  • Add the chocolate chips to a heatproof mixing bowl, microwave on full power for 30 seconds, take the bowl out of the microwave. This softens them up.
  • Open the frosting and remove the foil seal, discard the lid and seal. Place the frosting container in your microwave, microwave on full power for 1 minute.
  • Pour the hot frosting onto the chips, stir together.
  • Stir in half of the cookies you chopped earlier.
  • Pour the mixture into the prepared pan and spread out evenly.
  • Top with the remaining cookie pieces and push them onto the top. Sprinkle with candy sprinkles as desired, I used some chocolate sprinkles.
  • Place in the fridge for 30 minutes to firm up. Cut into squares and place on a serving tray. Serve and enjoy.

Notes

Low cost per serving.
Inspired by Spend With Pennies and the link to this recipe is here.
United States.
#1 Go-To Recipes,* Best Value $1 or Less per Serving,5 Ingredients or Less,DESSERTS
Tortilla Meatball Pizzas
February 7, 2020 Lee
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Tortilla Pizzas

Adapted from an internet recipe.
This is a cheater recipe when you want a fast and simple pizza. This is a base recipe for 1 tortilla meatball pizza, 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. Go with store brand items as I did for additional savings. Even though these are inexpensive and quick to make, they are actually well liked. Sometimes simple really is best.
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Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 1 minute
Total Time 6 minutes
Course Lunch, Main Dish
Cuisine American
Servings 1 tortilla pizza

Equipment

  • Microwave

Ingredients
  

  • 1 flour tortilla, 8-10 inch size
  • pasta sauce
  • Mozzarella Cheese, shredded
  • cooked frozen meatballs, thawed, cut in half
  • Italian seasoning

Instructions
 

  • Place a tortilla on a microwave safe plate.
  • Spread some sauce evenly on the tortilla, keeping about ½ inch from the edge. Amount of sauce is up to you. I used a sauce with mushrooms. Add some meatballs, cut side down.
  • Sprinkle with Mozzarella cheese as you desire and sprinkle the cheese with Italian seasoning as desired as well.
  • Cook in the microwave for 2 minutes. Microwaves can vary, so start with 1 minute first and check to make sure the cheese is melted and gooey.
  • Remove from the oven, serve, and enjoy.

Notes

Low cost per pizza.
# Buster Approved,#1 Go-To Recipes,* Best Value $1 or Less per Serving,5 Ingredients or Less,MEATBALLS,PIZZA
Tortilla Alfredo Pizzas
January 30, 2020 Lee
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Tortilla Alfredo Pizzas

Adapted from an internet recipe.
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.
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Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 2 minutes
Total Time 4 minutes
Course Main Dish
Cuisine American
Servings 1 tortilla pizza

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.
# Buster Approved,#1 Go-To Recipes,* Best Value $1 or Less per Serving,5 Ingredients or Less,Chicken - Canned,PIZZA
Chocolate Peanut Butter Fudge
January 24, 2020 Lee
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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.
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Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 20 minutes
Course Dessert
Cuisine American
Servings 16 pieces of fudge

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.
#1 Go-To Recipes,* Best Value $1 or Less per Serving,5 Ingredients or Less,DESSERTS
Butter Cracker Thin Mints
January 24, 2020 Lee
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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.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 20 minutes
Course Dessert
Cuisine American
Servings 40 thin mints

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.
#1 Go-To Recipes,* Best Value $1 or Less per Serving,5 Ingredients or Less,DESSERTS
Easy Stuffed Shells
January 24, 2020 Lee
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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.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 40 minutes
Total Time 1 hour
Course Main Dish
Cuisine American
Servings 6 servings

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.
# Buster Approved,#1 Go-To Recipes,* Best Value $1 or Less per Serving,5 Ingredients or Less,MEATBALLS