Archive for the ‘* Best Value $1 or Less per Serving’ Category
Chewy Oatmeal Molasses Cookies
These are very good! No need for a electric mixer here, you can do this by hand easily. I made these on 4 Mar 2017, big hit with the Thais.
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup white sugar
- 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1/2 cup shortening, or butter
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 egg, chicken or duck
- 1/2 cup molasses
- 2 cups all purpose flour
- pinch salt
- 1 1/4 teaspoons baking soda
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1 cup quick cooking rolled oats
Instructions
- Cream the sugar and shortening together in a large mixing bowl with a large sturdy spoon. Add the vanilla, egg, and molasses; beat until well blended. When mixed it sort of looks like chocolate pudding.
- Combine the flour, salt, baking soda, and spices in another bowl; blend well. Add the dry mixture to the first mixture, mix well. Fold in the oatmeal. Cover and chill in the fridge to firm up the dough at bit. This photo is after the flour mixture was mixed in.
- Preheat your oven to 190 C. Lightly grease a baking sheet with butter.
- Drop the dough using two tablespoons, one to scoop, and one to push off on to the prepared baking sheet. This photo shows the consistency of dough.
- Bake 10 to 12 minutes. Cool on the sheet for a few minutes, then transfer to a rack to cool completely. Enjoy.
Notes
Low cost.
Provided courtesy of good friend, Stephen Connell.
United States.
United States.
Oatmeal Butter Cookies
Sounds good, on my to make list. Quick cooking oats are on my shopping list now.
Ingredients
- 1 cup butter, softened 1 block 227 grams
- 1 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1/2 cup white sugar
- 1 egg
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1 1/4 cups all purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 2 1/2 cups quick cooking rolled oats
Instructions
- In a large bowl, beat the butter until smooth, add both sugars, beat until fluffy. Beat in the egg and vanilla, then add the flour, salt, cinnamon, and oatmeal. Cover the bowl and chill in the refrigerator until it is firm.
- Preheat the oven to 160 C. Shape the dough into large marble sized balls and place on ungreased cookie sheets. Flatten each ball with the bottom of a drinking glass dipped into granulated sugar.
- Bake the cookies for 12-15 minutes or until the cookies are just set and light golden brown. Cool the cookies on the cookie sheets for about a minute, then remove to wire racks to cool.
Notes
Low cost.
Provided courtesy of good friend, Stephen Connell.
United States.
United States.
Turkish Eggplant and Ground Beef Casserole
This is a common dish in the eastern Mediterranean called Moussaka. This sounds really good. Very common ingredients, this sounds really good. It is unclear on the size of the eggplant used so I will clarify that when I prepare this. Times are estimated.
Ingredients
- 5 purple eggplants
- 1 onion, finely diced
- 1 green bell pepper, sliced into thin rings
- 4 large tomatoes, divided, 6-8 plum tomatoes
- 500 grams ground beef
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste, divided
- salt and pepper, as needed
- 1/2 teaspoon ground allspice
- 1/2 teaspoon sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- 3 tablespoons butter
- 3 tablespoons all purpose flour
- 3 cups milk
- 1 cup mild yellow cheese, shredded
- red bell pepper, slices for garnish
- olive oil, as needed
Instructions
- Peel the eggplants using a vegetable peeler, begin at one end and remove a strip of peel from end to end. Leave a strip of peel about the same width, then peel another strip from end to end. Slice the eggplants about 1/4 inch thick and place in a large bowl of salted water and let them soak for about 30 minutes.
- Slice the green pepper into thin rings. Grate 1 large tomato or maybe 2 plum tomatoes.
- Cook the onion in 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet until tender. Then add the bell pepper slices and cook until soft. Then add the ground beef and cook until browned, then add the grated tomato, 1 tablespoon of tomato paste, 1 teaspoon of salt, 1/2 teaspoon of pepper, and the allspice. Mix this together, reduce heat to a simmer, cover and cook for about 10 minutes then remove from heat.
- Grate the other 3 large tomatoes or 4-8 plum tomatoes and put them into a small saucepan. Add the remaining 1 tablespoon of tomato paste, 1/2 teaspoon of salt, 1/4 teaspoon of pepper, oregano, and sugar. Simmer this on low heat for about 10 minutes then remove from heat.
- Remove the eggplant slices from the water and blot them dry with paper towels. Fry them on both sides in olive oil until tender and golden brown on both sides. Drain them well on paper towels.
- Line the bottom of a large baking dish with the fried eggplant slices to make a single layer, make sure there are no gaps between the pieces. Spread the tomato sauce over the eggplant. Next, cover the tomato sauce layer with the meat mixture.
- Preheat your oven to 180 C.
- In a large pan, melt the butter over medium heat. Whisk in the flour and cook for a minute, then whisk in the milk and continue whisking until the sauce thickens, when it has the consistency of pudding it is ready.
- Pour the hot sauce over the meat layer, covering it completely. Sprinkle the grated cheese evenly over the top of the casserole. Bake for 30 minutes or until the top turns golden brown and the casserole is heated through.
- Let the casserole rest for at least 10 minutes before cutting and serving.
Notes
Figure about 100 Baht/500 grams ground beef and about 90 Baht for the cheese, Edam or a mild Cheddar would work well. For 6 servings, this is about 93 cents per serving.
Provided courtesy of good friend, Stephen Connell.
United States.
United States.
Loco Moco
This is standard in Hawaiian fast food places, this is a simple recipe and it is good. (I thought this would have had SPAM in it being Hawaiian 😉
Ingredients
For the Gravy (or use a gravy packet)
- 3 tablespoons butter
- 3 tablespoons all purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon Worcherstershire sauce
- 2 cups beef stock, fresh or from powder
- salt and pepper, to taste
For the Patties
- 500 grams ground beef, (1 lb)
- ½ cup onion, finely diced
- salt and pepper, to taste
Other Ingredients
- 4 eggs
- 4 cups cooked rice
Instructions
- Melt butter in saucepan over medium heat. Add flour; whisk until mixture becomes a dark brown color, 6 to 8 minutes. Add the Worcestershire sauce and whisk for about 1 minute. Add beef stock and salt, and pepper to taste and bring to a boil. Reduce heat and cook until sauce is thickened, about 20 minutes.
- While the gravy is thickening, mix the ground beef, onion, salt, and pepper together. Divide the mixture into 4 balls; flatten them into patties. Fry the patties to the desired doneness.
- Fry the eggs sunny side up.
- To plate this, divide the rice between 4 plates, place a burger patty on top of the rice, pour on some gravy, place an egg on top of the burger patty, drizzle a bit of gravy over the egg, serve and enjoy.
Notes
Low cost per serving, figure about 100 Baht/500 grams of beef. For 4 servings, this is about 74 cents per serving.
Fried Rice with Bacon
There is as many ways to prepare fried rice as there is shades of green. There is no right or wrong way. The original use for fried rice was to use up left over rice and left over items from a meal, so this one is a little more creative and sounds really good.
Ingredients
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- 3-6 slices bacon, chopped
- 1/2 teaspoon sugar
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 6 eggs
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup grape tomatoes, halved or use cherry tomatoes
- 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, peeled, minced
- 3/4 cup snow peas, trimmed and cut in half
- 1 bell pepper, color is up to you
- 1 bunch spring onions, thinly sliced, white and green
- 4 cups cooked rice
Instructions
- Heat the oil in a large non stick skillet over medium high heat. Add the bacon and cook, until almost crispy. Add the sugar and 1 teaspoon soy sauce; stir-fry until the bacon is glazed, about 1 minute. Transfer to a bowl using a slotted spoon; reserve the drippings in a separate bowl. Wipe out the skillet.
- Heat 2 teaspoons of the drippings in the skillet over medium heat. Whisk the eggs and 1/2 teaspoon salt in a medium bowl and add to the skillet and cook, undisturbed, until just set, about 3 minutes. Transfer to a plate and break up the eggs into large pieces.
- Heat the remaining drippings in the skillet over medium high heat. Add the tomatoes and ginger and stir-fry until the tomatoes are softened, 2 to 3 minutes. Add the snow peas, bell pepper, and scallions; stir-fry until crisp-tender, about 3 minutes. Add the rice and the remaining 2 teaspoons soy sauce; stir-fry until warmed through, about 2 minutes. Stir in the eggs and cook 1 minute. Top with the bacon. Serve as a side with pork or a prawn dish.
Notes
Low cost.
Provided courtesy of good friend, Stephen Connell.
United States.
United States.
Sinless Cookies
Sounds really good and not overly sweet as well.
Ingredients
- 2 bananas
- 1 cup quick cooking rolled oats
- 1/2 cup chocolate chips
- 1 tablespoon peanut butter, heaping
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 180 C.
- Mix all the ingredients together, drop by spoonfuls on to a cookie sheet and bake for 15 minutes.
Notes
Low cost.
Provided courtesy of good friend, Stephen Connell.
United States.
United States.
Slow Cooker Beef Stew II
Another good sounding stew recipe, this one uses caraway seed as well. On my to cook list.
Ingredients
- 1 kilo beef, any cut, cut into 1 1/2 inch pieces
- 1 teaspoon sweet paprika, plus more for garnish
- salt and pepper, to taste
- 1/3 cup all purpose flour, plus more for coating beef
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 500 grams potatoes, cut into large chunks or quarters
- 250 grams fresh mushrooms, sliced or chopped
- 2 carrots, chopped
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1/2 cup red wine
- 2 1/2 cups beef stock, fresh or from powder
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon caraway seeds
- 1/2 cup fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions
- Toss the beef with the paprika, 1 1/2 teaspoons salt and 1/2 teaspoon pepper. Coat in flour and shake off any excess. Heat 2 tablespoons of the oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Add the beef and brown on all sides. Remove the skillet from the heat and transfer the beef to your slow cooker and add the potatoes, mushrooms, carrots, and onions and stir to combine.
- Heat the remaining 1 tablespoon of oil in the skillet over medium heat. Add the tomato paste and stir until the oil begins to turn brick-red, about 1 minute. Add the flour and wine and whisk until thick, some lumps are ok. Add the beef broth, thyme, caraway, salt and pepper to your liking and bring to a simmer, whisking, continue simmering and whisking until the gravy is smooth and thick, just a few minutes.
- Pour the gravy into the slow cooker, cover and cook on low for 8 hours. The meat and vegetables should be tender. Season with salt and pepper as needed and stir in the parsley. Serve.
Notes
Estimate about 200 Baht/kilo for beef, this vary greatly. For 8 servings this is about 74 cents per serving.
Provided courtesy of good friend, Garland Davis, US Navy Cook (Ret).
United States.
United States.
Meat Loaf and Potato Casserole
Sounds very good, much like a Cottage Pie. There is two shortcuts to used for cost savings as well. Links to the shortcuts are listed in the Recipe Notes section.
Ingredients
- 500 grams ground beef
- 3/4 cup onion, diced
- 1/3 cup seasoned breadcrumbs, OR make from a shortcut
- 1/4 cup BBQ sauce, OR make from a shortcut
- 1 egg, lightly beaten
- 2 teaspoons chili powder
- 3/4 teaspoon salt
For the Potatoes
- 6-8 potatoes, quartered
- 2/3 cup evaporated milk
- 1 tablespoon butter, room temperature
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 cup bacon, cooked crsipy and chopped
- 2/3 cup Cheddar cheese, shredded
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 190 C. Coat 9x9 baking dish with lightly with butter. In a large bowl, combine beef, onion, breadcrumbs, BBQ sauce, egg, chili powder, and salt until well mixed. Gently press into bottom of baking dish.
- Bake uncovered for 20 to 25 minutes, or until cooked through. Remove from oven and carefully pour off any excess fat if needed.
- Adjust oven temperature to broil and place oven rack 6 to 8 inches from heat source. If using a counter top oven like me, switch to the top coil only and leave the rack in the center.
- While the beef is cooking, boil the potatoes until tender, skin on or off is up to you. Once the potatoes are done, remove from heat, same pot, add the milk, butter, parsley, and garlic powder, mash with a potato masher until smooth. Stir in bacon. Spread evenly on top of beef mixture and sprinkle with cheese.
- Broil for 3-5 minutes or until the cheese is lightly browned. Serve with a vegetable on the side for a nice meal.
Notes
Figure about 100 Baht/500 grams of beef. For 4 servings, this is about 74 cents per serving.
Shortcuts: Seasoned Breadcrumbs, BBQ Sauce.
Provided courtesy of good friend, Stephen Connell.
United States.
United States.
Asian Beef Burgers
Sounds like a really good alternative to a standard burger, I am looking forward to making this.
Ingredients
For the Burgers
- 500 grams ground beef
- 1 cup Shiitake mushrooms, chopped
- 1/3 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
- 2 spring onions, chopped, white and green
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 2 teaspoons Chinese 5 Spice
- 2 teaspoons fresh ginger, minced
- olive oil, as needed
- 4 hamburger buns, OR make from a shortcut
- 2 cups cabbage, thinly sliced or chopped
For the Tomato Garlic Jam
- 2 medium tomatoes
- 1/4 cup sugar
- fresh lime juice, from 2 limes
- 1/2 cup red bell pepper, diced
- 5 cloves garlic, smashed and minced
- 1 Bird's Eye Chili, minced
- 2 tablespoons fish sauce, to taste
Instructions
- Peel tomatoes by slicing a small X in the base of each tomato. Place tomatoes in a pot of boiling water for 30 to 45 seconds or until skin loosens. Remove tomatoes with a slotted spoon and slip skins off when cool enough to handle. Chop tomatoes.
- To make tomato garlic jam, combine sugar and lime juice in a small saucepan. Warm over medium heat until sugar dissolves. Add chopped tomatoes, red bell pepper, garlic, and chili. Bring to a boil, reduce heat and simmer uncovered for 30 minutes or until mixture has reduced by about half. Stir in fish sauce (if using) and allow to cool to room temperature.
- In a large bowl, gently mix together ground beef, shiitake mushrooms, cilantro, scallions, soy sauce, Chinese 5 spice, and ginger. Form into 4 equal-size patties.
- Add a splash of olive oil to a non stick skillet over medium heat. Place patties in the pan. Cover and cook 4 minutes. Then flip and cook 3 to 4 more minutes. Serve burgers on buns topped with tomato garlic jam and shredded cabbage or coleslaw mix.
Notes
The beef would cost about 100 Baht/500 grams, for 4 servings, this is about 74 cents per serving.
Shortcut: Hamburger Buns.
Provided courtesy of good friend, Stephen Connell.
United States.
United States.
Homemade SPAM
I really like canned SPAM but the price is very costly, and has preservatives and a load of salt as well. So I set out and found a couple of recipes on the internet. This version has NO curing salt to keep the color a nice pink shade and cannot be stored like the canned stuff.
Ingredients
- 1 1/4 kilos pork shoulder
- 250 grams ham
- 2 cloves garlic, smashed and minced
- 1 tablespoon sea salt
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 1/4 cup corn starch
Instructions
- Take the pork should and cut into large cubes/strips that will fit in your grinder, fat and all. Place the chopped pork in the freezer for about 30 minutes. Cut the ham into large cubes/strips that will fit in your grinder. Mince the garlic and mix into the ham chunks, place in the freezer for 30 minutes.
- Preheat your oven to 150 C. Set up your grinder. Remove the ham from the freezer. Grind the ham with the finest grate on your grinder. To the ground ham, add the salt, sugar, and corn starch, mix with your hands. Remove the pork from the freezer, add the ground ham to the pork chunks and mix in with your hands, then grind the pork with the ham mixture with the finest grate on your grinder. After grinding, give it a mix with your hands as well.
- Pack the ground meat mixture into a loaf pan and cover with foil. Place the loaf pan in a large baking dish and fill that dish with water to 3/4 full. Carefully place this in the oven and cook for 3 hours, the target internal temp of the SPAM should be minimum 68 C at 3 hours.
- Take out the baking dish carefully and remove the foil on the loaf pan it will be full of fat. Carefully drain this off (you can save this for fried potatoes if you like or discard). Cover the loaf pan loosely will foil, set another loaf pan on top and fill with weights, like bricks that are covered with foil, etc, place this in the fridge overnight. The next morning, the SPAM is ready for use. Slice, fry, enjoy.
Notes
Pork shoulder will cost about 125 Baht/1.25 kilos. Ham (Makro has good ham) will cost about 100 Baht/250 grams. This will make about 1,500 grams of SPAM, minus the fat you will drain off. This makes 4 cans of SPAM.
One can of SPAM (US import) is about $6.15 (340 grams), one can of Tulip brand SPAM equivalent (Denmark import) is about $3.07 (340 grams).
This homemade type is about $1.65 per can. Great savings!
Per serving, figuring about 3 slices per person, 9 slices in a can, this is about 55 cents per serving. This can be used in many recipes, Mac and Cheese comes to mind.
Adapted from an internet recipe.
