Archive for the ‘* Best Value $1 or Less per Serving’ Category
Cilantro Lime Chicken II
April 28, 2020 Lee
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Cilantro Lime Chicken II

A great sound chicken recipe, on my to make and taste list for sure. Simply prepare the marinade, marinate the chicken (any pieces you want), and cook the chicken (grill, bake, or broil), how simple is that?
Print Recipe
Prep Time 10 minutes
Total Time 2 hours 10 minutes
Course Main Dish
Cuisine American
Servings 4 servings

Ingredients
  

  • 1 kilogram chicken breasts, boneless, or thighs, (2 lbs)
  • 1 lime, for serving

For the Marinade

  • 2 tablespoons lime juice, fresh preferred
  • 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, minced, plus some for garnish
  • 1 1/2 tablespoons honey
  • 2 cloves garlic, smashed and minced
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon chili powder
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

Instructions
 

  • Add all marinade ingredients to a mixing bowl that will hold all the chicken and stir to combine.
  • Place the chicken into the marinade and mix them around to coat the chicken. Cover and place in the fridge for at 30 minutes and up to 2 hours, but NOT over 2 hours.

To Grill

  • Heat your grill to medium high heat. When hot, oil the grates and grill the chicken for 7-8 minutes, turn the chicken over and grill for 7-8 minutes more. Use a meat thermometer for a reading of 74 C (165 F) to indicate done.

To Bake

  • Preheat your oven to 200 C (400 F), line a baking sheet with foil or parchment paper, place chicken pieces on the baking sheet and back for 20-25 minutes, use a meat thermometer for a reading of 74 C (165 F) to indicate done.

To Broil

  • Line a broiling pan with foil, place grate over the foil, place chicken on the grate. Broil 5-6 minutes per side with the chicken 4 inches from broiler element. use a meat thermometer for a reading of 74 C (165 F) to indicate done.

To Bake Bone in Thighs

  • Preheat your oven to 220 C (425 F), remove chicken from marinade, reserving the marinade, and place chicken skin side down in a shallow baking pan, bake for 3-4 minutes to brown them up a bit. Turn the pieces over and bake for another 2 minutes.
  • Pour in the reserved marinade into the pan, bake for 20-25 minutes, use a meat thermometer for a reading of 74 C (165 F) to indicate done.
  • For any method used, when done, let rest for 5 minutes, then sprinkle with chopped cilantro leaves and serve with lime slices as desired. Enjoy.

Notes

Low cost per serving.
Inspired by Spend With Pennies and theĀ link to this recipe is here.
United States.
* Best Value $1 or Less per Serving,CHICKEN & TURKEY,GRILLED / BBQ / SMOKER
Sausage Potato Soup
April 23, 2020 Lee
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Sausage Potato Soup

Sounds like an excellent soup, on my to make and taste list.
Print Recipe
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 4 hours
Total Time 4 hours 20 minutes
Course Main Dish
Cuisine American
Servings 8 servings

Ingredients
  

  • 1 onion, diced
  • 1 tablespoon butter
  • 340 grams ring smoked sausage, sliced, (12 oz)
  • 3 cloves garlic, smashed and minced
  • 1 stalk celery, chopped
  • 1 carrot, chopped
  • 1 large potato, diced
  • 3 cups cabbage, chopped
  • 1 1/4 cups corn
  • 4 cups beef broth, (1 quart)
  • 2 cups water
  • 2 tablespoons tomato paste
  • 1 bay leaf
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1/4 teaspoon dried dill
  • 1 can diced tomatoes, with juice, (15 oz / 425 g)
  • 1-2 tablespoons cornstarch

Instructions
 

  • Heat the butter in a non stick pan, when hot, add the onion, celery, and sausage. Saute until the onion and celery is tender.
  • Place the contents from the pan into your slow cooker, add the remaining ingredients, except the diced tomatoes and cornstarch, to your slow cooker. Cover and set to High setting for 4 hours or Low setting for 8 hours, or until the potatoes are tender.
  • When the potatoes are tender, stir in the cornstarch then stir in the undrained diced tomatoes. Cover and cook for another 10-15 minutes.
  • Remove the bay leave, taste and season with salt and pepper as desired.
  • Serve and enjoy.

Notes

Low cost per serving.
Inspired by Spend With Pennies and theĀ link to this recipe is here.
United States.
* Best Value $1 or Less per Serving,Soups, Stews, Chili - Slow Cooker
Rice A Roni (Rice Cooker)
April 11, 2020 Lee
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Rice A Roni (Rice Cooker)

Inspired by My Forking Life and the original recipe is here. United States.
This is excellent rice, highly recommended if you like seasoned rice. A basic Cook and Warm rice cooker works perfect this. This can be tailored to your liking in many ways. Link to the shortcut is listed in the Recipe Notes section.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Course Side
Cuisine American
Servings 4 servings

Equipment

  • Rice Cooker

Ingredients
  

  • 1 cup dry Jasmine rice, rinsed
  • ā…“ cup dry orzo pasta, or broken spaghetti
  • 2 tablespoons butter
  • 2 cups chicken broth, Shortcut
  • Ā½ teaspoon dried thyme
  • Ā½ teaspoon garlic powder
  • Ā¼ teaspoon onion powder
  • Ā¼ teaspoon ground turmeric
  • 1 teaspoon dried parsley
  • Ā¼ teaspoon salt

Instructions
 

  • Add the butter to the rice cooker pot and place on Cook. Melt the butter then add the orzo. Cook the orzo for a few minutes, stirring, until just starting to brown.
  • Add the rinsed rice, broth, and seasonings. Stir together.
  • Cover and let the cooker run its cycle.
  • When the cooker switches to Warm, remove lid, fluff rice, serve as a side dish and enjoy.

Notes

Low cost per serving.
Shortcut: Chicken Broth (Pressure Cooker).
Variants: 1. Use beef broth in place of chicken broth. 2. Use mushroom broth in place of chicken stock, and add sautĆ©ed mushrooms. 3. Add cooked chopped chicken. 4. In place of orzo, use broken spaghetti in Ā½ to 1 inch lengths.
Used in Recipes Listed on this Site:
#1 Go-To Recipes,* Best Value $1 or Less per Serving,Seasoned Rice - Rice Cooker,Sides - Rice Cooker
Cream Cheese Frosting
April 11, 2020 Lee
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Cream Cheese Frosting

This is a basic, but tasty, cream cheese frosting, this is my go-to frosting.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Total Time 10 minutes
Course Dessert
Cuisine American
Servings 1 batch

Ingredients
  

  • 250 grams Cream cheese, this is one regular block, (8 oz)
  • 5 tablespoons unsalted butter, room temperature
  • 1 tablespoon sour cream, Shortcut
  • 2 1/2 cups confectioners sugar
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice

Instructions
 

  • Add the cream cheese, butter, and sour cream to a mixing bowl and allow the butter to come to room temperature.
  • Cream together with an electric mixer.
  • Add half the powdered sugar, beat until the mixture is free of lumps, then add remaining sugar and mix until smooth and free of lumps. Mix in the vanilla extract and lemon juice. You may need to mix just a bit more powdered sugar to get the consistency you desire.
  • This will easily frost a 9x13 cake, a 9 inch layer cake, or 24 cupcakes. Only frost when the cakes are completely cooled.

Notes

This is low cost per serving.
I would not make the sour cream if just making this, just plan this this around sour cream you have made and available.
Shortcut: Sour Cream.
Adapted from several internet recipes.
#1 Go-To Recipes,* Best Value $1 or Less per Serving,DESSERTS
Cookie Dough Fudge
April 6, 2020 Lee
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Cookie Dough Fudge

I found this recipe and made it on a whim, was not disappointed! This is excellent fudge, and so easy!
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Total Time 3 hours 15 minutes
Course Dessert
Cuisine American
Servings 16 pieces

Ingredients
  

  • 3/4 cup butter, room temp, (3/4 block / 1 1/2 sticks)
  • 1/2 cup sweetened condensed milk
  • 1/4 cup whipping cream
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
  • 1/3 cup brown sugar, packed
  • 1 1/4 cups all purpose flour
  • 3 cups powdered sugar
  • 1 cup chocolate chips

Instructions
 

  • Line a 9x9 pan with foil.
  • Add the butter, cream, vanilla, and condensed milk to a mixing bowl, mix with an electric mixer until creamy and smooth.
  • Add the brown sugar and mix again.
  • Add the flour and mix that in with the electric mixer.
  • Remove the mixer and clean off the blades. Swap those out for a sturdy spoon. Add half the powdered sugar and mix that in, then add the remaining powdered sugar and mix that in, the dough will be quite stiff. Then add the chocolate chips.
  • Mix in the chocolate chips.
  • Scoop the dough into the prepared pan, and pack down evenly. Place in the fridge to chill for at least 3 hours.
  • Run a butter knife along each side of the pan where there is no foil, then use the foil and lift the fudge out of the pan and place on a cutting board. Use large knife and cut into 16 squares.
  • Serve and enjoy.

Notes

Low cost per serving.
Adapted from an internet recipe.
# Buster Approved,#1 Go-To Recipes,* Best Value $1 or Less per Serving,DESSERTS
Beef Alphabet Soup
April 2, 2020 Lee
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Beef Alphabet Soup

Adapted from an internet recipe.
Sounds like an excellent soup, and tasty. On my to make and taste list. Links to the shortcuts are listed in the Recipe Notes section.
Print Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour
Total Time 1 hour 15 minutes
Course Lunch, Main Dish
Cuisine American
Servings 4 servings

Ingredients
  

  • 500 grams ground beef, or ground pork, (1 lb)
  • 3 cups beef broth
  • 1 carrot, peeled and diced
  • 3 cloves garlic, smashed and minced
  • 2 tablespoons dried minced onion
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning, Shortcut
  • 1 can Great Northern Beans, (15 oz / 425 g), Shortcut
  • 1 can diced tomatoes, undrained, (15 oz / 425 g)
  • 1 cup dry alphabet pasta

Instructions
 

  • Brown the ground beef in a large pot, when no longer pink, drain, and return the beef to the pot.
  • Add the broth, carrot, garlic, onion, Italian seasoning, beans, and tomatoes. Bring to a boil then reduce to a simmer and let cook, stirring occasionally, for 40 minutes.
  • Stir in the dry pasta, cook an additional 10-15 minutes or until the pasta is tender.
  • Serve and enjoy.

Notes

Low cost per serving.
Shortcuts: Italian Seasoning, Great Northern Beans (Pressure Cooker).
Variants: 1. Use orzo in place of alphabet pasta. 2. Use beans cooked from dry, use about 2 cups cooked to replace 1 can.
* Best Value $1 or Less per Serving,SOUPS, STEWS, CHILI
Chocolate Malt Chocolate Chip Cookies
April 2, 2020 Lee
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Chocolate Malt Chocolate Chip Cookies

Excellent cookies, probably the chocolate cookies I have made, everyone loved these. Highly recommended!
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 25 minutes
Course Dessert
Cuisine American
Servings 2 dozen

Ingredients
  

  • 1 cup butter, room temp, (1 block / 2 sticks)
  • 1 cup brown sugar, packed
  • 1/2 cup sugar
  • 2 eggs
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
  • 1/2 cup cocoa powder
  • 3/4 cup malted milk powder
  • 2 1/2 cups all purpose flour
  • 2 teaspoons baking soda
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 2 cups chocolate chips

Instructions
 

  • In a large mixing bowl, add the flour, baking soda, salt, cocoa powder, and malted milk powder. Whisk together.
  • In another mixing bowl, add the butter, brown sugar, and sugar, cream together using an electric mixer until fluffy. Add the eggs and vanilla, mix with electric mixer until fully incorporated.
  • Now use a sturdy spoon and add the flour mixture to the butter mixture and mix until combined, repeat until all the flour mixture is mixed in. The dough will be stiff.
  • Add the chocolate chips and mix those in.
  • Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and place in the fridge for at least 1 hour or even overnight. (I chilled it for an hour then proceeded with cooking them.)
  • When you are ready to bake, preheat your oven to 180 C (350 F) and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
  • Spoon dough by rounded tablespoons onto the prepared baking sheets. Bake for 10 minutes or until set.
  • Remove from oven and let cool on sheet for 5 minutes.
  • Then remove to a wire rack to cool completely.
  • Serve and enjoy.

Notes

Low cost per serving.
Adapted from an internet recipe.
#1 Go-To Recipes,* Best Value $1 or Less per Serving,DESSERTS
Creamy Baked Tortellini
April 2, 2020 Lee
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Creamy Baked Tortellini

This is absolutely delicious, I did however use a jarred sauce, but the flavor of the dish is excellent. Highly recommended.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Course Main Dish
Cuisine American
Servings 8 servings

Ingredients
  

  • 567 grams cheese tortellini, refrigerated, (20 oz)
  • 2 cups ham, chopped
  • 2 tablespoons butter
  • 2 cloves garlic, smashed and minced
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
  • 1 tablespoon all purpose flour
  • salt and pepper, to taste, as desired
  • 1 2/3 cups milk
  • 1 1/2 cups Sharp Cheddar cheese, shredded, divided
  • 1/3 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
  • 1 cup frozen peas, thawed

Instructions
 

  • Preheat your oven to 180 C (350 F), get out a 9x13 baking dish.
  • Cook the tortellini per the package instructions, boiling would be the preferred method. Drain.
  • In a saucepan, melt the butter with the garlic and basil on medium heat. Cook for a few minutes or until fragrant.
  • Whisk in the flour and season with salt and pepper as desired. Cook and whisk for 1 minute.
  • Slowly whisk in the milk, bring to a boil while continuously whisking on medium heat.
  • Remove from heat and whisk in 1 cup of Cheddar and the Parmesan cheeses. Whisk until the cheese is melted and the sauce is smooth.
  • Add the cooked tortellini, ham, and peas to the 9x13 baking dish, pour the sauce in.
  • Mix everything together and spread out evenly.
  • Sprinkle on the remaining Cheddar.
  • Bake for 20 minutes.
  • Serve with sides of your choice and enjoy.

Notes

Low cost per serving.
Variant: 1. In place of making the sauce, use your favorite jarred Alfredo sauce (22 oz jar), just heat sauce, stir in the cheese, and proceed per the instructions.
Inspired by Spend With Pennies and theĀ link to this recipe is here.
United States.
# Buster Approved,#1 Go-To Recipes,* Best Value $1 or Less per Serving,PASTA
Fusilli with Meat Sauce
April 1, 2020 Lee
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Fusilli with Meat Sauce

Holly - Spend with Pennies
Or Rotini, either way, this is a quick and tasty meal. I made this on 21 Apr 2020 with several of the Variants listed, delicious. Link to the shortcut is listed in the Recipe Notes section.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Course Main Dish
Cuisine American
Servings 4 servings

Ingredients
  

  • 500 grams ground beef, (1 lb)
  • 1 small onion, diced
  • 2 cloves garlic, smashed and minced
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning, Shortcut
  • 1/4 cup beef broth
  • 1 jar pasta sauce, (24 oz / 680 g)
  • 250 grams dry fusilli pasta, (8 oz)
  • 1/4 cup Mozzarella Cheese, shredded
  • 2 tablespoons Parmesan cheese, grated

Instructions
 

  • Heat a large non stick pan and add the beef, onion, and garlic, cook beef until no pink remains. Drain any fat.
  • While the beef is cooking, heat a pot of salted water to a boil then cook the pasta until just tender. Drain the pasta.
  • Return the pan with the beef to heat, add the broth and Italian seasoning, stir into the meat, simmer until the broth evaporates.
  • Stir the sauce into the meat, simmer for a few minutes to heat the sauce through.
  • Add the pasta and stir into sauce, simmer for another few minutes to warm the pasta through.
  • Sprinkle the cheeses on the top.
  • Serve and enjoy.

Notes

Low cost per serving.
Shortcut: Italian Seasoning.
Variants: 1. Use bulk Italian sausage in place of ground beef. 2. Use ground pork in place of beef. 3. Use rotini or sprials, or colored versions.
Inspired by Spend With Pennies and theĀ link to this recipe is here.
United States.
# Buster Approved,#1 Go-To Recipes,* Best Value $1 or Less per Serving,PASTA
Chicken Cordon Bleu Lasagna
March 26, 2020 Lee
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Chicken Cordon Bleu Lasagna

Sounds like an excellent lasagna, on my to make and taste list. Links to the shortcuts are listed in the Recipe Notes section.
Print Recipe
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 35 minutes
Total Time 55 minutes
Course Main Dish
Cuisine American
Servings 8 servings

Ingredients
  

  • 1 package lasagna noodles, oven ready type, you will not use all of them
  • 1/2 cup butter, (1/2 block / 1 stick)
  • 1 package cream cheese, softened, (8 oz / 250 g)
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 2 cups Swiss cheese, shredded, (8 oz / 250 g)
  • 1 3/4 cups warm milk
  • 2 1/2 cups rotisserie chicken, diced, Shortcut
  • 250 grams deli ham, chopped, (8 oz)
  • 1/2 cup bread crumbs
  • 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning, Shortcut

Instructions
 

  • Preheat your oven to 200 C (400 F). Get out a 9x9 baking dish.
  • Melt the butter in a saucepan on medium heat then stir in the cream cheese.
  • When the cream cheese is melted, about 5 minutes, stir in the salt, onion powder, and pepper.
  • Slowly whisk in the milk and continue whisking until smooth.
  • Once the mixture is smooth, whisk in 1 1/2 cups of shredded Swiss cheese. Whisk until cheese has melted and sauce thickened, 5-10 minutes. Remove from heat.
  • Spread a thin layer of sauce on the bottom of the baking dish. Place 3 lasagna noodles on top of the sauce. Three noodles should fit well, break noodles to and fit as needed to cover the bottom.
  • Spread half the chicken and half the ham over the noodles.
  • Pour 1 cup of sauce over the chicken and ham.
  • Repeat with another layer of noodles, remaining chicken and ham, and another 1 cup of sauce.
  • Add another layer of noodles, remaining sauce, remaining 1/2 cup shredded Swiss cheese, bread crumbs, and sprinkle with Italian seasoning.
  • Cover with foil, bake for 25 minutes. Remove foil and bake for another 10 minutes or until the crumbs are nicely browned.
  • Remove from the oven and let stand for 10 minutes.
  • Slice, serve, and enjoy.

Notes

Low cost per serving.
Shortcuts: Rotisserie Chicken, Italian Seasoning.
Variants: 1. Use boil first lasagna noodles in place of oven ready. 2. Use ham slices instead of chopped. 3. Use your favorite roasted chicken in place of rotisserie chicken.
Adapted from an internet recipe.
* Best Value $1 or Less per Serving,CHICKEN & TURKEY,PASTA