Archive for the ‘* Fair Value $1.01 to $1.50 per Serving’ Category
Creamy Garlic Parmesan Mac & Cheese
November 12, 2016 Lee
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Creamy Garlic Parmesan Mac & Cheese

Sounds really good! Since 3 types of cheese is used, this is not a low cost dish.
Print Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 40 minutes
Total Time 55 minutes
Course Main Dish
Cuisine American
Servings 6 servings

Ingredients
  

  • 500 grams dry pasta, macaroni, spirals, any bite size pasta will work

For the Topping

  • 2 tablespoons butter
  • 2/3 cup panko breadcrumbs

For the Sauce

  • 1/4 cup butter, this is 1/4 block of 227 gram butter
  • 4 cloves garlic, smashed and minced
  • 1/4 cup all purpose flour
  • 4 1/2 cups milk
  • 1 tablespoon corn starch
  • 1 tablespoon chicken stock powder
  • 3/4 cup Cheddar cheese, shredded
  • 1 cup Parmesan cheese, grated, divided
  • 3/4 cup Mozzarella Cheese, shredded
  • salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions
 

  • Cook the pasta in a pot of boiling water until just tender, drain and rinse with cold water, set aside.
  • Preheat your oven to 190 C.
  • In a large oven proof pan melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat, then add in the panko bread crumbs and stir to coat and cook until golden brown, transfer to a bowl and set aside.
  • In a bowl, whisk together the corn starch and 1/2 cup of the milk, whisk until lump free, set aside.
  • Using the same pan you made the bread crumbs in, melt the 1/4 cup of butter on medium and add the garlic and cook for about 1-2 minutes, whisk in the flour and whisk continuously, and cook for about 2 minutes then reduce heat to low and whisk in 4 cups of the milk, about 1/2 cup at a time. Bring this to a boil until beginning to thicken. Add the corn starch mixture and stir into the sauce to thicken it completely, season with salt and pepper to your taste and then stir in the chicken stock powder.
  • Remove the sauce from the heat and stir in the Cheddar cheese, 3/4 cup of the Parmesan cheese, and the Mozzarella cheese. Stir until all the cheese is melted into the sauce, then add the pasta and mix until completely coated with the sauce. At this point if you are using an oven safe pan, top with the panko bread crumbs and the remaining Parmesan cheese and place in the oven for 10-15 minutes until bubbly. If you do not have a oven safe pan, spread the mac and cheese into a baking dish, then top with the panko bread crumbs and the remaining Parmesan cheese and place in the oven for 10-15 minutes until bubbly.
  • Cool for 5 minutes and serve.

Notes

Cheddar cheese would cost about 70 Baht for just under half a 250 gram block, Parmesan would run about 150 Baht, and Mozzarella about 70 Baht for half a block of 200 grams. For 6 servings, this is about $1.42 per serving.
Adapted from an internet recipe.
* Fair Value $1.01 to $1.50 per Serving,Pasta - Mac & Cheese
Slow Cooker Chicken Parmesan
November 11, 2016 Lee
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Slow Cooker Chicken Parmesan

Sounds really good and is a dump and forget recipe with easy available ingredients. Link to the shortcut is listed in the Recipe Notes section.
Print Recipe
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 4 hours
Total Time 4 hours 5 minutes
Course Main Dish
Cuisine American
Servings 6 servings

Ingredients
  

  • 1 kilo chicken breast fillets
  • 200 grams Mozzarella Cheese, sliced

For the Sauce

  • 1 can whole peeled tomatoes, chopped, with juice
  • 1 can tomato paste, this is the really small can
  • 2 cloves garlic, smashed and minced
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon pepper
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1 teaspoon dried basil
  • 1 tablespoon brown sugar

Instructions
 

  • Spray your slow cooker with cooking spray (shortcut listed below) or grease lightly with butter. Mix all of the Sauce ingredients in the slow cooker, then add the chicken and toss that a little to get the chicken coated. Cover and cook on Low setting for 4-6 hours or High setting for 3-5 hours.
  • When the chicken is cooked through and tender, place the cheese slices on the top and cook for another 15 minutes, covered. Serve on top of pasta.

Notes

Chicken breast fillets run about 77 Baht/kilo. The cheese will run 142 Baht for a 200 gram block. For 6 servings this is about $1.08 per serving.
Shortcut: Cooking Spray.
Adapted from an internet recipe.
* Fair Value $1.01 to $1.50 per Serving,Chicken - Slow Cooker
Cheesy Meatball Skillet
November 11, 2016 Lee
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Cheesy Meatball Skillet

Sounds wonderful in deed! There is also two cost saving shortcuts you can make as well for this dish. On my to cook list. Links to the shortcuts are listed in the Recipe Notes section.
Print Recipe
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Course Main Dish
Cuisine American
Servings 4 servings

Ingredients
  

For the Sauce

  • 2-3 cups marinara sauce, OR make from a shortcut
  • 1 cup Mozzarella Cheese, shredded
  • 1 tablespoon fresh basil, chopped

For the Meatballs

  • 500 grams ground beef
  • 3 cloves garlic, smashed and minced
  • 1 egg, lightly beaten
  • 1 tablespoon Worcherstershire sauce
  • 1/2 cup Italian bread crumbs, OR make from a shortcut
  • 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
  • salt and black pepper, to taste
  • olive oil, as needed

Instructions
 

  • Add all of the meatball ingredients to a large bowl and mix by hand to combine. Scoop out about a golf ball size of meat and roll in your hands to make a ball. You should get about 14-16 meatballs, depending on the size you are making.
  • Using a large pan, cast iron would be ideal for this, on medium heat, heat a splash of olive oil and brown the meatballs until evenly browned, about 8 minutes or so, you will have to do this in batches as well. As the meatballs are browned, transfer them to a plate with some paper towels to drain them. When all the meatballs are browned, drain any oil from the pan.
  • Reduce the heat to a low simmer and pour in the marinara sauce, and add the meatballs back one at a time and coat them in the sauce. Simmer the meatballs in the sauce for 5-10 minutes, gently moving them around every few minutes. You can test a meatball with a thermometer for doneness or sacrifice 1 by cutting it in half. When the meatballs are done, sprinkle on the Mozzarella cheese and cover until the cheese is melted, sprinkle on the basil.
  • Serve on a bun for a meatball sandwich or over pasta.

Notes

Ground beef will run about 100 Baht/500 grams. Mozzarella cheese will cost about 70 Baht for the 1 cup shredded (about 100 grams from a block). For 4 servings, this is about $1.25 per serving.
Shortcuts: Marinara Sauce, Italian Breadcrumbs.
Adapted from an internet recipe.
* Fair Value $1.01 to $1.50 per Serving,MEATBALLS
Lasagna Pot Pie
November 10, 2016 Lee
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Lasagna Pot Pie

This sounds absolutely wonderful. A must try for me. Lot of shortcuts to use in this recipe as well for cost savings. Since this dish does have cheese in it, it is not low cost. Links to the shortcuts are listed in the Recipe Notes section.
Print Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Course Main Dish
Cuisine American
Servings 6 servings

Ingredients
  

  • 500 grams gound beef
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • 2 cups Mozzarella Cheese, shredded, divided
  • 2/3 cup marinara sauce, OR make from a shortcut
  • 1/2 cup Ricotta cheese, OR make from a shortcut
  • 3 tablespoons Parmesan cheese, grated
  • 1/2 cup Bisquick Mix
  • 1 cup milk
  • 2 eggs

Instructions
 

  • Heat your oven to 180 C. Lightly grease a 9 inch pie dish.
  • In a large non stick pan, brown the ground beef and drain, then stir in the garlic salt, Italian seasoning, marinara sauce and 1/2 cup of the Mozzarella cheese. Spread the Ricotta cheese in the bottom of the pie dish, then sprinkle on the Parmesan cheese, next pour the meat mixture over the cheese.
  • In a separate bowl, mix together the Bisquick mix, milk, and eggs, pour this over the meat mixture. Bake for 30-35 minutes or until a knife inserted in the center comes out clean, then top with the remaining Mozzarella cheese and bake for another 5 minutes to melt and brown the cheese. Remove from oven and cool for 5 minutes before slicing, serve.

Notes

The ground beef will run about 100 Baht/500 grams. The Mozzarella cheese will cost 142 Baht for one block of 200 grams, shredded that is about 2 cups. Ricotta and Parmesan is low quantities needed so no prices listed. Going with the prices listed, for 6 servings, this is about $1.18 per serving.
Shortcuts: Marinara (Pasta) Sauce, Cottage Cheese, Bisquick Mix.
Adapted from an internet recipe.
* Fair Value $1.01 to $1.50 per Serving,BEEF
Cheesy Italian Chicken Pot Pie
November 10, 2016 Lee
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Cheesy Italian Chicken Pot Pie

This sounds really good, but because of the cheese used, this is not a low cost meal. On my to cook list. Links to the shortcuts are listed in the Recipe Notes section.
Print Recipe
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 40 minutes
Total Time 50 minutes
Course Main Dish
Cuisine American
Servings 6 servings

Ingredients
  

  • 1 1/2 cups chicken, breast or thighs, or both, cooked and chopped, or even turkey
  • 2 cups Mozzarella Cheese, shredded, this is one 200 gram block, divided
  • 1/3 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 cup tomato sauce, OR make from a shortcut
  • 1/2 cup Bisquick Mix, OR make from a shortcut
  • 1 cup milk
  • 1/4 teaspoon pepper
  • 2 eggs

Instructions
 

  • Preheat your oven to 205 C and either butter a pie dish (glass would be best) or use a cooking spray or shortcut for that.
  • Mix the chicken, 1/2 cup of the Mozzarella cheese, the Parmesan cheese, salt, oregano, basil, garlic powder, and tomato sauce, then spoon into the prepared pie dish and smooth that into an even layer.
  • In a separate bowl, stir Bisquick, milk, pepper, and eggs until well blended. Pour over chicken mixture. Bake uncovered for 35 minutes. Sprinkle with remaining mozzarella cheese then bake for 5 more minutes. Allow to rest for 10 minutes before slicing. Serve.

Notes

Chicken will cost about 60 Baht/kilo, for 1 1/2 cups, use about 3 chicken breasts or a combination of breasts and thighs, or leftover chicken or turkey which would be ideal and lower cost. The Mozzarella cheese will cost 142 Baht for one block of 200 grams, shredded that is about 2 cups. For the Parmesan cheese, this will cost about 100 Baht. For 6 servings, this is about $1.48.
Shortcuts: Tomato Sauce, Bisquick Mix, Non Stick Cooking Spray.
Adapted from an internet recipe.
* Fair Value $1.01 to $1.50 per Serving,CHICKEN & TURKEY,LEFTOVERS
Chicken Monterey
November 9, 2016 Lee
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Chicken Monterey

Not sure how this got its name but it does sound very good. On my to cook list for sure. Links to the shortcuts are listed in the Recipe Notes section.
Print Recipe
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 40 minutes
Total Time 50 minutes
Course Main Dish
Cuisine American
Servings 4 servings

Ingredients
  

  • 4 chicken breasts, boneless and skinless, pounded just a bit flat to even them out
  • 8 slices bacon, chopped and fried crsipy, retain the fat
  • 1 teaspoon Lawry's Seasoned Salt, OR make from a shortcut on this site
  • 1 cup BBQ sauce, feel free to use more as you like, OR make from a shortcut on this site
  • cheese, shredded, amount is up to you as well as taste, Cheedar would be great, I would start with 1 cup and go from there
  • spring onions, chopped, white and green parts

Instructions
 

  • Pre heat your oven to 180 C and get out a 9x13 baking dish.
  • Heat a non stick pan with about 2 tablespoons of bacon fat, sprinkle the chicken with the seasoning salt and brown the breasts for about 4-5 minutes on each side.
  • Place chicken in a your baking dish, top with the BBQ sauce, cheese, then bacon, cover with foil and bake for 15 minutes. Remove foil and bake for another 10 minutes, removed from the oven, top with the chopped spring onions and serve. Good sides would be mac & cheese and buttered long beans.

Notes

Chicken breasts will run about 60 Baht/kilo, for 4 breast I will just use 60 Baht. The cheese, if you use 1/2 block, shredded this is about 90 Baht. For 4 servings, this is about $1.10 per serving.
Shortcuts: BBQ Sauce, Lawry's Seasoned Salt.
Adapted from an internet recipe.
* Fair Value $1.01 to $1.50 per Serving,CHICKEN & TURKEY
Crock Pot Cream Cheese Chicken
November 8, 2016 Lee
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Crock Pot Cream Cheese Chicken

Anything with Cream cheese sounds great to me, this is a must try for sure. Only 4 ingredients and 2 can be made with shortcuts, win win! Links to the shortcuts are listed in the Recipe Notes section.
Print Recipe
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 3 hours
Total Time 3 hours 5 minutes
Course Main Dish
Cuisine American
Servings 4 servings

Ingredients
  

  • 250 grams Cream cheese, this is 1 standard block, softened
  • 1 packet dry Italian salad dressing mix, OR make from a shortcut
  • 4-6 chicken breasts, boneless and skinless
  • 1 can condensed cream of chicken soup, OR make from a shortcut

Instructions
 

  • Spray your slow cooker with non stick spray or mist with olive oil, place the chicken in, place the Cream cheese in, pour in the can of soup and sprinkle the packet of Italian seasoning over the top. Cook on Low setting for 6-8 hours. Give it a gentle stir at about the 3 hour mark. At 6 hours, check the tenderness of the chicken, it is done when it falls apart.
  • Serve over rice or pasta.

Notes

Chicken breasts run about 60 Baht/kilo, that should be 4 to 6 pieces. Cream cheese will run 120 Baht. For 4 servings, this is about $1.33 per serving. Use the shortcuts for savings as well.
Shortcuts: Dry Italian Dressing Mix, Condensed Cream of Chicken Soup, Cooking Spray.
Adapted from an internet recipe.
* Fair Value $1.01 to $1.50 per Serving,Chicken - Slow Cooker
No Crust Chicken Pot Pie II
November 3, 2016 Lee
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No Crust Chicken Pot Pie II

I like the idea of the potatoes used in this. There is one shortcut for additional savings.
Print Recipe
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 6 hours
Total Time 6 hours 10 minutes
Course Main Dish
Cuisine American
Servings 4 servings

Ingredients
  

  • 4 chicken breasts
  • 1/2 small onion, finely diced
  • 2 cans condensed cream of chicken soup, OR make from a shortcut
  • 3-4 potatoes, washed and cubed
  • 2 cups frozen peas and carrots
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream, OR use evaporated milk (my preference)
  • salt and pepper, to taste
  • biscuits, home made would be best, as needed

Instructions
 

  • Season the chicken with salt and pepper on both sides and place in the slow cooker, top with the diced onion, then pour in the contents of the soup over the top, then top that with the diced potatoes, salt and pepper the potatoes to your liking as well. Cover and cook on Low setting for 6 hours. Then use 2 forks and shred the chicken, it will be tender, will take just a minute or two.
  • Add the peas and carrots, and the heavy cream (or evaporated milk) and stir to mix. Cover and cook for an additional 20-30 minutes. While this is cooking, make your biscuits.
  • When the biscuits are ready, split each in half and place on a deep plate or large bowl and ladle on the pot pie mix from the slow cooker.

Notes

Chicken breasts cost 60 Baht/kilo, skin on but boneless, takes all of 3 seconds to remove the skin and trim any fat. Four breast may be about 700 grams, go with that, more chicken, no one is going to complain. For 4 servings, 60 Baht for the chicken, 100 Baht for the 2 cans of soup, this comes to about $1.18 per serving, if you make the soup yourself, you can reduce the soup price to about 45 Baht for both cans.
Shortcuts: Condensed Cream of Chicken Soup.
Adapted from an internet recipe.
* Fair Value $1.01 to $1.50 per Serving,Chicken - Slow Cooker
Crockpot Italian Chicken
November 3, 2016 Lee
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Crockpot Italian Chicken

Sounds really good and a slow cooker dish as well, bonus! This is a simple recipe with few ingredients but you can save by making the shortcuts listed.
Print Recipe
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 4 hours
Total Time 4 hours 5 minutes
Course Main Dish
Cuisine American
Servings 4 servings

Ingredients
  

  • 4 chicken breasts, boneless and skinless
  • 250 grams Cream cheese, this is 1 standard block, softened
  • 2 cans condensed cream of chicken soup, OR make from a shortcut
  • 1 packet dry Italian salad dressing mix, OR make from a shortcut
  • 2 tablespoons garlic powder
  • 500 gram pasta, I would use fettuccine but any bite size pasta is ok

Instructions
 

  • In your slow cooker, add the soup, dry dressing mix, and garlic powder, stir to combine and add the chicken breasts, cook on Low setting for 4 hours. Remove the chicken carefully to a plate and shred, then return to the slow cooker. If the sauce is too thick, add a little milk to thin to your desired consistency.
  • Just before you are ready to serve, cook the pasta in a pot of boiling water until just soft, drain pasta well and add to the sauce and mix in, cook for another 10 minutes to heat the pasta through, serve.

Notes

Chicken breasts cost 60 Baht/kilo, skin on but boneless, takes all of 3 seconds to remove the skin and trim any fat. Four breast may be about 700 grams, go with that, more chicken, no one is going to complain. For 4 servings, 60 Baht for the chicken, 100 Baht for the 2 cans of soup, this comes to about $1.18 per serving, if you make the soup yourself, you can reduce the soup price to about 45 Baht for both cans.
Shortcuts: Condensed Cream of Chicken Soup, Dry Italian Salad Dressing.
Adapted from an internet recipe.
* Fair Value $1.01 to $1.50 per Serving,Chicken - Slow Cooker
Best Slow Cooker Macaroni & Cheese
November 1, 2016 Lee
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Best Slow Cooker Macaroni & Cheese

Adapted from an internet recipe.
This is excellent mac & cheese, and the can of cheese soup is the key ingredient, and you can make that from a Shortcut on the site! Keep in mind, use block cheese you shred yourself, as packaged shredded cheese will not melt as well due to packaging to keep the shred separated. I made this on On 21 Mar 2021 and the entire family loved this! I used a variant and the steps/photos will reflect that. Link to the shortcut is listed in the Recipe Notes section.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 3 hours
Total Time 3 hours 5 minutes
Course Main Dish
Cuisine American
Servings 8 servings

Equipment

  • Slow Cooker

Ingredients
  

  • 1 can condensed Cheddar cheese soup, (10½ oz / 298 g), Shortcut
  • 2¾ cup half and half, or evaporated milk
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper
  • ½ teaspoon paprika
  • 500 grams uncooked elbow macaroni, (1 lb)
  • 2 cups Sharp Cheddar cheese, shredded, (8 oz / 226 g)
  • 1 cup Colby or Edam cheese, shredded, (4 oz / 113 g)
  • 3 tablespoons butter, melted

Instructions
 

  • To your slow cooker, add the half and half (or evaporated milk), cheddar cheese soup, paprika, and black pepper, and whisk mix until the mixture is smooth.
  • Into your slow cooker, add the uncooked macaroni, half of the shredded cheeses, and butter. Stir together.
  • I added a variant and added 1 can of smoked spam that I diced, and I had some leftover cocktail sausages so I chopped those and added them as well.
  • Mix the meats or other variants into the mixture.
  • Top the mixture with the rest of the shredded cheeses. Put the lid on and cook on Low setting for 3 hours.
  • At the 3 hour mark, turn slow cooker off, remove lid and give the mac and cheese a stir. If the mixture is too thick, stir in a spoon or two milk.
  • Serve and enjoy.

Notes

The Cheddar cheese would run about 180 Baht, the Colby or Edam, another 90 Baht, the condensed soup about 90 Baht, same for making yourself but you will know what is in it. For 10 servings, this is about $1.06 per serving.
Shortcut: Condensed Cheddar Cheese Soup.
Variants: 1. Add chopped broccoli, chopped ham, chopped smoked sausage, chopped hot dogs, chopped smoked cocktail sausages (Little Smokies), cooked cubed chicken, diced Spam.
# Buster Approved,#1 Go-To Recipes,* Fair Value $1.01 to $1.50 per Serving,Pasta - Mac & Cheese - Slow Cooker