Archive for the ‘5 Ingredients or Less’ Category
Fried Egg Sandwich I
August 8, 2020 Lee
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Fried Egg Sandwich I

This is the basic egg sandwich I grew up with, two variants, one with fresh bread and the other with toasted bread.
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Prep Time 2 minutes
Cook Time 5 minutes
Total Time 7 minutes
Course Lunch, Main Dish
Cuisine American
Servings 2 sandwiches

Ingredients
  

  • 2 eggs, chicken or duck
  • 4 slices bread, white, wheat,whole grain, your choice
  • salt and pepper, as desired
  • mayo, as desired
  • butter, as needed

Instructions
 

  • Heat a small non stick pan on medium heat, many people use a dedicated pan as their 'egg pan', with 1-2 teaspoons of butter. When hot, crack in the eggs and poke the yolks to break them. Season with salt and pepper as desired.
  • Fry the eggs until the bottom is set as well as the top is starting to set, then turn the eggs over. If using a small pan, you may be able to flip the eggs in round shape like the pan. Cook for another 2 minutes or until the whites are no longer runny. If using duck eggs, ensure they are cooked completely through.
  • While the eggs are cooking, place the bread on a plate and spread some mayo on each slice, using as much mayo as you like.
  • If using toasted bread, just toast the slices then spread mayo on each piece of toast.
  • If the eggs are separate when they cooked, place each fried egg on 2 of the 4 slices of bread or toast. If the eggs cook in a circle like the pan, use the spatula to cut the circle in half, then place each half on a slice of bread or toast.
  • Top each egg with another slice of bread or toast, mayo side down. Cut each sandwich in half diagonally, serve and enjoy.

Notes

Low cost per serving.
Been making fried egg sandwiches like this for years, very common method.
#1 Go-To Recipes,* Best Value $1 or Less per Serving,5 Ingredients or Less,BURGERS & SANDWICHES,EGGS - ALL,Eggs - Chicken,Eggs - Duck
Ting-a-Lings I
August 4, 2020 Lee
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Ting-a-Lings I

I remember my grandmother and my mother making these, so after reading through several recipes on the internet, this is what I put together. Lots of variables to make this your own signature candy.
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Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 15 minutes
Course Dessert
Cuisine American
Servings 24 candies

Ingredients
  

  • 500 grams almond bark, (1 lb)
  • 2 cups chow mein noodles
  • 1 cup mini marshmallows
  • 1 3/4 cup roasted peanuts

Instructions
 

  • Setup a double boiler on medium heat, add the almond bark or a combination of bark and chocolate chips. Line two baking sheets with parchment. (I had half a bag of chips on hand so I used those with the almond bark.)
  • While the chocolate is melting, measure out the noodles, marshmallows, and peanuts and place them in a large mixing bowl. Use a rubber spatula and toss them together. (I used trail mix in place of the peanuts.)
  • When the chocolate is fully melted and smooth, remove from heat and let sit about 5 minutes to let it cool just a bit.
  • Pour the chocolate into the chow mein noodles.
  • Use the rubber spatula again and toss everything together. What works really well is using the spatula with one hand and a large spoon with the other hand. Toss until everything is coated with chocolate.
  • Drop by tablespoons on the prepared baking sheets. Set the sheets aside to cool.
  • When the candies are cooled and solid, remove from the parchment and place on a serving tray. Serve and enjoy.

Notes

For pricing in Thailand, I have never seen US made "chow mein noodles" as they are different than Chinese noodles which is a type of ramen. So a good alternative, and the original way ting-a-lings were made, is with corn flakes. With the corn flake alternative, this would be low cost per serving.
Variants: 1. Use almond bark only, or milk chocolate chips, or semi-sweet chocolate chips, or dark chocolate chips, or any combination (I used 8 oz almond bark and 8 oz milk chocolate chips). 2. For the roasted peanuts, just keep that amount to 1 3/4 cups and consider using roasted almonds, cashews, mixed nuts, or trail mix (the trail mix I used was walnuts, dried apples, cranberries, and raisins). 3. For a Christmas theme, use vanilla almond bark and lightly sprinkle each candy with red and green candy sprinkles.
Adapted from several similar recipes.
#1 Go-To Recipes,* Best Value $1 or Less per Serving,5 Ingredients or Less,DESSERTS
Irish Stout Caramel Milkshake
July 24, 2020 Lee
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Irish Stout Caramel Milkshake

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 30 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 50 minutes
Course Dessert, Side
Cuisine American
Servings 10 servings

Equipment

  • Blender

Ingredients
  

  • 1 bottle Irish stout, (11.2 oz or so)
  • 1 cup sugar
  • 1 cup whipping cream, warmed until hot
  • 1 pint vanilla ice cream, (2 cups)
  • ½ cup milk

Instructions
 

  • In a medium saucepan, add the stout and place on medium heat, and simmer until reduced to about ½ cup.
  • Stir in the sugar, stirring, cook until mixture reads 135° C (275° F) on a thermometer. Remove from heat.
  • Whisk in the hot whipping cream about â…“ cup at a time. Let mixture cool to room temperature. Transfer sauce to an airtight container and place in the fridge for at least 1 hour to thicken and cool completely.
  • When ready to make milkshakes, add the ice cream, milk, and ¼ cup of sauce to a blender, process 30-40 seconds or until smooth.
  • Pour into serving glasses, drizzle with additional sauce, enjoy.
5 Ingredients or Less,DRINKS
Kit Kat Bars
June 30, 2020 Lee
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Kit Kat Bars

Two ingredients is all you need, vanilla creme wafer cookies and almond bark. But I must say, the strawberry and chocolate creme wafer cookies are also excellent choices. No quantities listed here, this is a make a much or as little as you want.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 20 minutes
Course Dessert
Cuisine American
Servings 0

Ingredients
  

  • almond bark, as desired
  • vanilla creme wafer cookies, as desired

Instructions
 

  • Setup a double boiler, keeping the center pot out of the water in the lower pot. Put the pot on medium heat and add your almond bark. Here, I used 1 1/2 lbs (680 g). Line a baking sheet or two with parchment paper.
  • When the bark is fully melted and creamy, drop a wafer cookie in, and using a fork, put it down in the bark, flip it over, then lift it out, and scrape off the excess from the bottom of the fork on the edge of the inner pot. Place the cookie on the prepared baking sheet.
  • Repeat with as many wafer cookies and or almond bark you have. Sprinkle the bars with candy sprinkles if desired. Set the sheets aside for 1-2 hours to setup. Kit Kat Bars (I made another sheet in addition to this one for a total of 42 Kit Kat Bars made, and I used vanilla, strawberry, and chocolate creme wafer cookies.)
  • Serve and enjoy.

Notes

Low cost.
Variants: 1. Use other flavors of wafer cookies. 2. Top bars with candy sprinkles as desired.
Sounded like a good idea, and it was. Lee Thayer.
United States.
* Best Value $1 or Less per Serving,5 Ingredients or Less,DESSERTS
Fried Red Tomatoes
June 28, 2020 Lee
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Fried Red Tomatoes

Fried red tomatoes are common with Full English Breakfasts and are a great addition. These make an excellent side dish with any meal.
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Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 15 minutes
Course Side
Cuisine American
Servings 4 servings

Ingredients
  

  • 2-3 ripe red tomatoes
  • dried basil, as desired
  • dried thyme, as desired
  • extra light olive oil, as needed

Instructions
 

  • Cut out the stem core on the tomatoes, then slice thick, between 1/4 and 1/2 inch.
  • Heat a tablespoon or so of olive oil in a non stick pan, when the pan is hot, add the tomato slices in a single layer, work in batches if needed. Sprinkle with basil and thyme as desired.
  • Cook for about 4-5 minutes, turn slices over when the tomato is softened and cook the other side.
  • Place cooked slices on a plate.
  • Serve as side dish, enjoy.

Notes

Low cost per serving.
Common way to cook red tomatoes.
#1 Go-To Recipes,* Best Value $1 or Less per Serving,5 Ingredients or Less,SIDES
Brownie Batter Milkshake
June 28, 2020 Lee
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Brownie Batter Milkshake

Adapted from an internet recipe.
On my list to make and taste!
Print Recipe
Prep Time 5 minutes
Total Time 5 minutes
Course Dessert
Cuisine American
Servings 1 milkshake

Equipment

  • Blender

Ingredients
  

  • 3-4 scoops vanilla ice cream, (large scoops)
  • 1½ cups dry brownie mix
  • 1 cup cold milk
  • chocolate sprinkles, as desired, for garnish
  • corn syrup, if using the sprinkles

Instructions
 

  • If using the sprinkles, lightly wipe the edge of a tall glass with corn syrup then dip edge into chocolate sprinkles.
  • To a blender, add the ice cream, dry brownie mix, and the milk. Blend until mixed well.
  • Pour into prepared glass, add a few sprinkles to the top, serve, and enjoy.
5 Ingredients or Less,DRINKS
Cake Batter Milkshake
June 28, 2020 Lee
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Cake Batter Milkshake

Adapted from an internet recipe.
Easy and oh so good! Link to the shortcut is listed in the Recipe Notes section.
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Prep Time 5 minutes
Total Time 5 minutes
Course Dessert
Cuisine American
Servings 1 milkshake

Equipment

  • Blender

Ingredients
  

  • 4 scoops vanilla ice cream, (large scoops)
  • ½ cup yellow cake mix, dry, Shortcut
  • splash milk
  • candy sprinkles, as desired, for garnish
  • corn syrup, if using the sprinkles

Instructions
 

  • If using the sprinkles, lightly wipe the edge of a tall glass with corn syrup then dip edge into sprinkles.
  • To a blender, add the ice cream, dry cake mix, and a good splash of milk. Blend until mixed well.
  • Pour into prepared glass, add a few sprinkles to the top, serve, and enjoy.

Notes

Shortcut: Yellow Cake Mix.
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Mackerel Patties
June 24, 2020 Lee
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Mackerel Patties

Adapted from an internet recipe.
This is a basic recipe for mackerel patties using canned mackerel in brine, and basic certainly is best, these are excellent tasting patties.
5 from 4 votes
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 20 minutes
Course Main Dish
Cuisine American
Servings 4 servings

Ingredients
  

  • 1 can mackerel, in brine, (15 oz / 425 g)
  • 1 sleeve saltine crackers, crushed
  • 2 eggs
  • black pepper, as desired
  • vegetable oil, for frying, as needed

Instructions
 

  • This is the can of mackerel I tested, Kroger brand, $2.29 per can. This is a product of Thailand.
  • Open and drain the mackerel, add to a mixing bowl and break up with a fork.
  • Add the crushed saltines and eggs to the bowl.
  • Season with black pepper as desired, mix together.
  • Shape into 4 patties. Heat a non stick pan with a tablespoon or two of olive oil, when hot, add the patties.
  • Turn patties over when browned turn over and repeat for the other side, seasoning pepper as desired.
  • Transfer the cooked patties to a serving plate.
  • Serve with sides of your choice and enjoy.

Notes

Low cost in the US, about 67 cents per serving for 4 servings from 1 can. In Thailand however, I have never seen mackerel in cans like this, always the small cans and in tomato sauce. So I will come up with a way to make 'canned' mackerel, probably just boil some. Then I will come back with a report on that.
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Easiest Pineapple Cake
June 11, 2020 Lee
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Easiest Pineapple Cake

This sounds like an excellent cake, on my to make and taste list soon. And only 5 ingredients!
Print Recipe
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 28 minutes
Total Time 38 minutes
Course Dessert
Cuisine American
Servings 8 servings

Ingredients
  

  • 2 cups all purpose flour
  • 1 1/2 cups sugar
  • 2 teaspoons baking soda
  • 2 eggs
  • 1 can crushed pineapple, with juice, (20 oz / 567 g can)

Instructions
 

  • Preheat your oven to 180 C (350 F). Grease a 9x13 pan with butter.
  • In a mixing bowl, add the flour, sugar, and baking soda. Mix together.
  • Add eggs and pineapple, mix together until well combined.
  • Pour batter into the prepared pan. Bake for 28-32 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean. Start checking at 28 minutes, as you do not want to overcook this cake.
  • Remove from oven and allow to cool completely.
  • Top with your favorite cream cheese frosting or whipped topping in a pinch.
  • Serve and enjoy.

Notes

Low cost per serving.
Inspired by Spend With Pennies and the link to this recipe is here.
United States.
* Best Value $1 or Less per Serving,5 Ingredients or Less,DESSERTS
Wild Rice (Pressure Cooker)
June 11, 2020 Lee
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Wild Rice (Pressure Cooker)

Hip Pressure Cooking, Laura Pazzaglia, United States.
I have not used this recipe yet but will be making this in the next 1-2 months and will come back with a report on how that goes. I will use my 9 liter (9½ quart) stove top pressure cooker with a pressure of 12 psi (80 kPa), so this will work with a electric pressure cooker as well. Follow all safety precautions for your model of pressure cooker.
Print Recipe
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Course Side
Cuisine American
Servings 3 cups cooked rice

Equipment

  • Pressure Cooker

Ingredients
  

  • 1 cup dry, wild rice
  • 3 cups water

Instructions
 

  • Rinse the wild rice and place in the pressure cooker. Add the water.
  • Place the lid on the pressure cooker and lock in place, add the weight to the lid. Place on high heat.
  • When the weight (jiggler) starts to vent pressure and move a little, reduce heat to low or medium low, but maintain the pressure venting and movement on the jiggler. Set your timer for 25 minutes.
  • When 25 minutes have passed, turn off the heat to the pressure cooker and move the cooker to an unused burner. Allow a natural pressure release, meaning you don't need to do anything, just let the pressure cooker cool until all pressure has vented, and the lid lock device indicates that zero pressure remains inside the cooker.
  • When no pressure is in the cooker, keep your face pointed generally away from the cooker and open the lid.
  • Drain any water. Fluff the rice, use as is as a side dish, add to soups, or even freeze for later use. Enjoy.

Notes

I will determine cost per serving after I make a batch and see how many cups dry I can get from a 1 lb bag. I will be bringing some wild rice from the US when I return to Thailand. Wild rice is available through Lazada for those in Thailand, at 650 Baht/500g. I will say high cost per serving for now and will revise that after I make it and determine cooked amounts.
Variant: 1. Use broth, or a mix of broth and water, as long as the amount is 3 cups total.
* High Cost $1.51+ per Serving,5 Ingredients or Less,Ingredients - Pressure Cooker,Sides - Pressure Cooker