BBQ Shrimp

This dish can be used as the main course or appetizer. My Bishop loves these tasty treats as do my entire family. Super simple, yet, oh so divine. The amount you need is the amount you make. We will base our recipe on one pound of shrimp. You may then adjust it to your need.

Ingredients:
1 pound large shrimp - raw, peeled and deveined, fresh or frozen

1 pound bacon - You will need 6-10 strips of bacon.

1 bottle Kraft Brown Sugar BBQ sauce

30 wooden toothpicks or 6 skewers (Soak in water while preparing shrimp to avoid burning the stick, no need to soak metal skewers.)

That's it three ingredients.

Usually, I say the brand doesn't matter, but for this recipe the Kraft Brown Sugar BBQ Sauce is the only one I use.

For appetizers we will use toothpicks; for entree' we will use skewers.

First, peel shrimp. Then devein the shrimp by gently running a sharp knife around the rounded side of the shrimp. A vein that may contain a black or red substance should be revealed. Simply pull it out and discard. (Many stores sell shrimp already peeled and deveined. You pay a little more, but it makes the job easier. Just be sure the shrimp are raw.)



Now wrap the shrimp in bacon.

For Skewers: Place 4 or 5 shrimp on skewer then wrap bacon around each shrimp in a spiraling motion. Slip bacon over both ends of skewer to hold in place.

For Appetizers: Cut 9 or 10 strips of bacon into thirds. Wrap each shrimp in bacon and secure with a toothpick.



Place under broiler for about 6-8 minutes or until bacon is cooked but not crispy.

Remove from broiler, brush on BBQ sauce and place back in broiler to heat through.



For a pretty display, place appetizers on a tray with fresh Kale around the edges of the tray. Looks fancy and it's cheap!



For a meal, place skewers on a bed of rice pilaf with a side of broccoli. Its is an awesome meal!

Serve immediately.



So what's it cost:

1 pound of shrimp--------------$8.00 (varies by season)

1 pound of bacon---------------$2.50 (You will not use the entire pound.)

1 bottle BBQ sauce-------------$1.50 or less

Total Cost-------------------- $12.00



Makes 6 skewers or 25-30 appetizers.



Happy cooking!

Kim

Roasted Beef with Mushroom & Onion Gravy

Today's addition to our recipe cards is probably my all time favorite. This dish is so easy to make yet so incredibly delicious. You will need a crock pot for this one or you will have to run your oven for hours at about 275 degrees.


Roasted Beef with Mushroom and Onion Gravy

Beef roast (about 3 pounds)
1 packet of Lipton dry onion soup mix
1 can of Campbell's Cream of Mushroom soup
Black pepper


Place a beef roast (any cut will do, one with a little visible fat is good) in a crock pot.

Season lightly with pepper.

In a bowl, mix the dry onion soup mix with the cream of mushroom soup. With a spatula, spread soup mixture evenly over the roast.


Place the lid on the crock pot and turn on low. That's it! Come back in 8 hours or so and you will have the most delicious beef roast ever.



Note: If the gravy is too thick, add a little water or milk to thin to desired consistency. If the gravy is too thin, mix a little flour and water in a cup to from a thickening agent and stir into the gravy to thicken. Be sure to get all of the lumps out before pouring into your gravy.



My family goes wild for this dish especially when I put mashed potatoes, corn, salad and biscuits on the side. Of course, you can serve this with any side you wish, but be sure to make something on which to use this delicious gravy.





So what will this cost:

Beef roast 3lbs ----------$6.00

Onion soup mix -----------.60

Cream of Mushroom -----.89

Total Cost ---------------$7.49





I based this on a 3 pound roast. You can of course go larger or smaller depending on your family size. This will feed 6 heartily.





As always, I have listed the brands I like, but I have made this recipe using store brand soups and they were just as tasty. I have also used the fat free version of the cream of mushroom soup and it is also just as tasty.

Filling the Pantry

I have made reference to having a well stocked pantry but failed to tell you how or with what it should be filled. Today's post will give you an idea of what you should have on hand at all times, so that you can create awesome meals, without running to the store daily. Remember, the idea is to get your pantry stocked over time to save money. Going out and buying all of this at one time will be expensive. Buy one or two items per shopping trip and in a few months you will be stocked and ready for any recipe. I will categorize the items by Herbs & Spices, Condiments, Canned, Bagged & Boxed Goods, Baking Supplies and Meat. Items can be name brand or store brand in most cases. I will tell you the brands I like best, but you should find the ones you like best.

Herbs & Spices

(McCormick would be my choice of name brand. However, they are very expensive so I usually buy from the Dollar Store.)

Cinnamon

Basil

Oregano

Parsley

Celery Seed

Onion Powder

Nutmeg

Cilantro

Salt

Mint

Black Pepper

Red Pepper

Seasoned Salt

Old Bay

Chili Powder

Paprika

Ginger

Garlic Powder

Bay Leaves

Cloves

Dill Weed

Pumpkin Pie Spice

Italian Seasoning

Vanilla Extract

Almond Extract

This is a very basic list. You will add so many more spices as we go on our cooking journey, but this will get you started on your way.

Condiments

(Some of the brands I like best are Hunt's, Hellman's and Heinz)

Yellow Mustard

Brown Mustard

Ketchup

Olive Oil

Vegetable Oil

Red Cider Vinegar

White Vinegar

Balsamic Vinegar

A-1 Steak Sauce

Lawry's Marinades

Salad Dressings

Heavy Mayonnaise

Relishes

Cool Whip

Ice Cream Toppings

Worcestershire Sauce

Prepared Horseradish

Peanut Butter

Jelly

Honey

Syrup

Canned, Bagged and Boxed

(Our fruits and veggies for stocking are limited to canned and frozen products. I prefer frozen to canned. Weekly you should buy the fresh produce to supplement this list. I always use fresh produce versus canned or frozen when I can. Fresh tastes better! )

Green Beans

Corn

Peas

Broccoli

Mixed Veggies

Canned Pineapple

Spaghetti Sauce

Whole Tomatoes

Tomato Paste

Tomato Sauce

Canned Peaches

Spinach & Greens

Sweet Potatoes

Canned Pumpkin
Pie Filling

Rice

Cereals

Oatmeal

Bread Crumbs

Crackers

Soups Creamed and Others

Tuna & Other Canned Meats

Bread Crumbs

Sauerkraut

Pancake Mix

Grits

Cream of Wheat

Meat

(Having a well stocked kitchen includes being prepared with fresh, frozen, boxed and canned foods. You should have a emergency canned meats included above. Listed below are meats you should have in your freezer. )

Hamburger

Ground Turkey

Sausages

Chicken Whole & Pieces

Turkey

Ham

Pork Chops

Pork Roast

Beef Roast

Fish

Shrimp

Crab Meat

Bacon

Breakfast Sausage

Italian Sausages

Ribs

Assorted Steaks

Baking Supplies

(I like Gold Medal or Pillsbury flour, Domino Sugars, Jiffy or Bisquick Mixes, Duncan Hines or Pillsbury cake and brownie mixes and Nestle or Hershey chips. Use what you like and what is cost effective. Making goodies from scratch taste awesome, but time doesn't always allow, so keeping mixes on hand is a wise move )

All Purpose Flour

Self Rising Flour

Sugar

Brown Sugar (Dark & Light)

Baking Soda

Baking Powder

Biscuit Mix

Corn Meal

Corn Bread Mix

Extracts & Spices

Yeast

English Walnuts

Pecans

Black Walnuts

Almonds

Cocoa Powder

Raisins
Coconut

Chocolate Chips

Muffin, Cake & Brownie Mixes

Eggs

Butter

Shortening

Vegetable Oil

Milk

Canned Milk

Sweet Condensed Milk

Powdered Sugar

Karo Syrup

Molasses

This list of pantry items is long, but it is still just a starter list. You will have to buy according to your family's likes and dislikes. You may note that the meat section does not include lamb products or any cuts that are exotic. These meats are best served fresh. If you like them they should be purchased as needed.

Happy Cooking!

Kim

Barbecue Cups: Fun for the Whole Family

While raising 8 kids, I had to be super frugal all of the time. Finding meals that would satisfy my criteria for healthy and their criteria for good wasn't always easy. This is an easy recipe that my mom made for me when I was a kid. It covers several food groups and fills the tummy. Served with a fruit salad and carrot & celery sticks or any veggie, it is a complete meal.

Barbecue Cups

Ingredients:
Barbecue
1 pound ground beef, turkey or pork
1 small onion
1 small green bell pepper
16 ounces Contadina* or Hunts* tomato sauce
1 small Contadina* or Hunts* tomato paste
1/4 cup Domino* brown sugar (I prefer dark brown sugar)
salt and pepper to taste
oregano to taste about 1/2 teaspoon

Cups
2 cups Biscuit mix such as Bisquick* or Jiffy*
Milk

Topping
Kraft* Cheddar or American Cheese

*Any brand may be used including store brands. These are just brands I commonly use. Getting the best buy for your money is the key to your shopping success.

In large skillet brown the meat, onion and green pepper. Season with oregano, salt and pepper. Drain any excess fat. Add tomato sauce & brown sugar. Simmer on low heat while you prepare the cups.

Mix biscuit mix with enough milk to make a firm dough ball. Roll out dough to 1/4 inch thickness on floured surface. Cut into eight 6 inch circles. Press dough circles into muffin pan and pinch edges like a pie crust.

Return to your skillet and add enough tomato paste to thicken your Barbecue. Fill each dough cup with Barbecue mix and bake at 350 degrees until crust is brown 12-15 minutes.

Top with cheese and return to oven until cheese melts. Gently remove filled cups from pan. Serve.

Makes 8 cups. Serving size- 1 or 2 cups.

So what's the cost? I am located on the east coast of the US, so my pricing will reflect the costs here.
Ground meat $2.00
Onion .50
Bell Pepper 1.00
Tomato Sauce 1.00
Tomato Paste .50
Brown Sugar .25
Biscuit Mix 1.00
Milk .50
Cheese 1.00
______
$7.75

This price is for the amount used of each product. If you don't have your pantry stocked and have to buy all of the ingredients, you will pay more but remember you are only using a portion of each ingredient purchased. (Example: If you have to buy a gallon of milk to get 2 cups you will pay for $3.oo for the milk though you will only use about $.50 cents worth for this recipe.)

Remember to shop for your stock ingredients and have them in your pantry at all times. I could make this particular meal almost any day as all of the items are commonly stocked in my freezer and cupboard. Many stores put canned tomato products on sale weekly. My store often has them 10 for $10.00 mix and match. I always buy ten to keep my pantry stocked. Watch for coupons in the newspaper and online for the tomato paste and sauce as well asthe biscuit mix. Be careful though to know your store brand prices as they are often lower than brand names even with a coupon. I know that Wal Mart has a their brand of biscuit mix for nearly half the price of the name brand. Doing a little investigating can save you lots of money.

Happy cooking!
Kim

Pasta Primavera for 6 on a Budget

If you are like me, you have a million things to do and one of them is the daunting task of finding something good to eat that everyone will like and it won't break the bank. I have searched numerous recipes and have found some favorites that my family loves. Today, I will share one of those recipes with you. You will need to shop for the ingredients or pick them from your garden depending on your situation but it is a quick, very filling meal that doesn't cost an arm and a leg to prepare.

Pasta Primavera
One pound of pasta (I like Linguine for this one, but choose your favorite)
1/2 pound of green beans, snapped and cut into 2 inch pieces (Frozen cut green beans work.)
1/2 pound of asparagus, cut in 1-2 inch pieces
2 orange sweet peppers, cored, seeded and cut into strips
3/4 cup chicken broth
3/4 cup half and half (I use fat free to cut the fat)
3/4 teaspoon of salt
1/3 cup of grated Parmesan cheese
1/4 teaspoon ground Nutmeg
1/4 teaspoon of Black Pepper
2 Tablespoons of olive oil
5 cloves garlic, peeled and sliced
2 cups grape tomatoes, halved
1/4 cup parsley, chopped
Shaved Parmesan

Bring a large pot of water to boiling. Add asparagus and green beans. Cook 4 minutes. Add peppers to the water and cook one minute more. Remove vegetables from water using slotted spoon and set aside.

Add pasta to water and cook according to package directions. While pasta cooks, move to the next step.

In a separate pot place half and half, chicken broth, salt, pepper and nutmeg, simmer over medium heat, while pasta cooks.

Drain pasta

In a large frying pan sautee garlic in oil for about 30 seconds. Add cooked vegetables. Cook for about 90 seconds. Spoon into pasta pot with drained noodles.

Stir grated cheese into half and half mixture. Add to pasta and veggies. Add parsley. Toss gently until pasta is coated.

Serve. This meal can stand alone however, I served this with a salad, garlic bread and Tequila Lime chicken (my husband and kids are meat eaters).

Makes 6 servings.
Around 400 calories.

So how much would this meal cost? I live on the east coast of the USA; my prices are based on my costs.

Asparagus $1.00
Green beans $1.00
Orange Peppers $2.00
Pasta $1.25
Half and Half $2.00
Chicken broth made from bouillion $0.25
Garlic $0.50
Grape Tomatoes $1.25
Parmesan cheese $2.50
Parsley $0.50
_______
$12.25
Under $2.00 per serving.

So what if you absolutely hate, asparagus? Use another veggie, broccoli or carrotts would work well. Use your imagination and the veggies you like. Try adding snap peas for a different taste.

I like to use Barilla or San Giorgio pasta, but any store brand will work. This recipe could cost me much less if I have fresh veggies from my garden. The asparagus is in, so I would not have to spend the money on that. A well stocked pantry is key to cheap, delicious cooking. Buying pasta on sale could save me $0.25 - $0.50 per pound. Using vegetables that are on sale will also save. My pantry, at any given time has all of the ingredients for this meal minus the fresh vegetables. So, eventhough the cost of my meal might still be around $12.00 it would not cost me that all at once. When my market sells pasta 10 for $10.00, I buy it. When the cheese goes on sale, I buy it. If I wanted to make this meal tonight, the only items I would purchase are the peppers, parsley, tomatoes and green beans.

Always stock your pantry with often needed items. Condiments, spices, herbs, canned and boxed items keep for very long periods of time. Purchase one or two items each week in a larger quantity than you need for the week to begin the stock up process.

Use store savings cards, coupons and sales to get your best bang for your buck. I once saved over $100.00 on a single shopping trip simply using coupons. I also bought over $800.00 worth of groceries for under $200.00 using a store promotion, coupons and store savings card. I was the talk of the store that day.

If you think you don't have time to clip, compare and save then you should make time. The savings could mean more money to spend on your fun time. My aunt actually saved all of the money she got using coupons and took her family of six to Disney World. It took her time, but in the end what a reward!

I hope you enjoy your pasta! Check back later for another tasty recipe and money saving tips.

This recipe was found in a Family Circle magazine I bought from the grocery store.