Thrifty Maven

Cinco de Mayo is just around the corner so add some spice to your menu this week. Today’s recipe is Chicken Chili Quesadillas provided to me by a reader in Fayetteville, NC. It’s not just thrifty it’s very tasty too.

Ingredients
8 (10-inch) flour tortillas
2 cups finely shredded Mexican cheese blend
2 cups shredded or finely chopped cooked chicken… Read the rest

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If you’re like me you probably have lots of boiled eggs around the house now that Easter is over and are looking for a tasty way to serve them. Deviled eggs are easy to make and taste great.

Ingredients

6 hard-cooked eggs
1/2 teaspoon dry or 1 teaspoon prepared mustard
1/8 teaspoon salt
Dash pepper
3 tablespoons mayonnaise, salad dressing … Read the rest

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Ok I know what you’re thinking? Really someone needs to tell me how to boil eggs? What next a recipe for how to boil water?

Actually this “recipe” produces tender, non-rubbery whites, just-cooked-through yolks, without a trace of that ugly green ring that sometimes forms around the yolk from overcooking.

Perfect Hard-Boiled Egg

Ingredients

Eggs

Directions
1. Place the desired … Read the rest

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Celebrate Easter with the Allens family this year! Claim your coupon for $.50 off when you buy 3 Allens Cut Italian Green Beans or Princella Sweet Potatoes.

Enjoy, and don’t forget to find yummy and easy recipes, like the Basil and Pecan Sweet Potato Bake on Allens.com.

Basil And Pecan Sweet Potato Bake

Ingredients

3 cans (14.5 oz) Princella … Read the rest

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Irish Soda Bread is a slightly sweet bread that is an Irish tradition.

Ingredients

3 tablespoons butter or margarine, softened
2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
2 tablespoons sugar
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/3 cup raisins, if desired
3/4 cup buttermilk

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Grease cookie sheet and set aside.… Read the rest

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One of my students brought this dish in to school for a school project in his culinary class that his teacher was holding. He thought I’d like to try it and I was pleasantly surprised at what a good cook he was.

He told me I could share the recipe with you.

Quinoa and Black Bean Stuffed Peppers

6 medium … Read the rest

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During Bass Pro Shop’s Next Generation Weekend kids can learn about fishing and partipate in their hands-on activites.

The Catch and Release pond is back! From Noon to 4pm, Kids have a chance to catch a live fish (rods, reels, and bait provided), enjoy a photo opportunity, and coloring pages.

Then from 1-4pm kids can participate in Bass Pro Shop’s … Read the rest

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When I was a little girl my grandmother used to sing this silly song about Irish Stew so I can’t help but think of her every time I make it for my family. Irish Stew is a very thrifty dinner option and very easy to make.

Ingredients

2 lbs stewing steak cut into small pieces
8 large potatoes, diced
4 … Read the rest

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Apple cakes like this one are the traditional sweet in Ireland. Apple cake is usually served hot with custard or cream, or cut into slices and spread with butter. Consider serving it to your family this St. Patrick’s Day for a wee bit of Irish tradition.

Ingredients:

8 oz flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
4 oz sugar
4 oz butter… Read the rest

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This is a traditional recipe for a very traditional family meal. It’s not only easy to make but easy on the wallet as well. This recipe makes four servings of about 3 ounces beef each, plus four servings for an additional meal

Traditional Beef Pot Roast

Ingredients

Onion, chopped 1/2 cup
Water 2 tablespoons
Beef chuck roast, boneless 2-1/2 pounds… Read the rest

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Here’s a tasty addition for your SuperBowl Party from Bob Evans.

Prep time: 15 minutes
Cook time: 25 minutes

Makes 8 servings

Ingredients
1 pound Bob Evans Zesty Hot Sausage Roll
1 (18 ounce) bottle Bob Evans Wildfire BBQ Sauce
1 egg
1/4 cup bread crumbs
1/3 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1/4 cup milk

Directions
Preheat oven to 400 degrees … Read the rest

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As you know Macaroni and cheese is my all time favorite meal. This is a fast and easy recipe and may well become one of your favorites too.

Ingredients:

1 tbsp. vegetable oil
1 lb. elbow macaroni
8 tsps. (1 stick) plus 1 tablespoon of butter
1/2 cup (2 oz.) shredded Muenster cheese
1/2 cup (2 oz.) shredded sharp cheddar … Read the rest

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Depression cake is a type of cake that was commonly made during the Great Depression. The ingredients include little or no milk, sugar, butter or eggs, because they were then either expensive or hard to get. Similar cakes are known as “War Cake,” as they avoided ingredients that were scarce or were being conserved for the use of soldiers.

Depression … Read the rest

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The start of the new year has a tendency to turn even non-believers, a tad superstitious.

Many of the world’s New Year’s traditions revolve around eating certain foods that serve as symbols to the eater’s hopes and wishes for the future.

A common good luck food in the southern United States are the black eye peas and greens. Black eye … Read the rest

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This recipe for Champagne Punch is quick and easy. It is also very good. We serve it for any special occassion including New Year’s Eve. It is always a big hit.

Champagne Punch:

1 (12 ounce) can frozen lemonade concentrate, thawed (small can)
1 (12 ounce) can frozen orange juice concentrate, thawed (small can)
1 (12 ounce) can frozen limeade … Read the rest

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Today marks the Postal Service’s busiest mailing day for holiday cards and packages, when more than 658 million pieces of mail will be processed — compared to 528 million on an average day. This represents an increase of more than 25 percent in the average daily volume of mail entering the system.

The busiest days for the delivery of holiday … Read the rest

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This is one of my favorite cookie recipes. They make a great after school snack or a yummy surprise when you pack your child’s lunch.

Ingredients
1 cup shortening
3/4 cup brown sugar
3/4 cup white sugar
2 eggs
1 tsp. baking soda
1 tsp. vanilla
1 tsp. salt
1 1/2 cup . flour
2 cup oatmeal
1 cup milk … Read the rest

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The people at IncredibleEdibleEgg.org is letting me share this recipe that quick, easy and delish. Wish I could take credit for it!

Ingredients:

1 cup shredded pepper Jack cheese (4 oz.)
4 large flour OR whole wheat tortillas (10 to 12-inch)
4 slices crisp-cooked bacon
1/4 cup sliced green onions
8 EGGS, beaten

Directions:

1. SPRINKLE 1/4 of the cheese … Read the rest

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Mothers and grandmothers are invited to join Pottery Barn Kids for a special Mother’s Day Doll Tea Party on Saturday, May 12 at 3pm or 4pm along with their child/grandchild. Bring a favorite doll or teddy bear for an afternoon of refreshments, stories and more. The event is free, but reservations are required.

… Read the rest

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My favorite retired Home Ec Teacher shares yet another one of her easy to make but yummy to eat recipes. This one’s a hit with the whole family at breakfast.

Monkey Shine Chocolate Chip Muffins

Ingredients

3 cup flour
2 cup sugar
2 tsp. baking soda
1 1/2 tsp. salt
2 eggs
1 cup sour cream
6 ripe bananas, mashed… Read the rest

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If your Super Bowl Party or tailgater features chili this recipe is very filling and tastes great. Another tip of the hat to Mrs. O. my not so secret weapon in making tasty family meals on a budget.

PREPARATION TIME: 30 MINUTES
COOKING TIME: 70 MINUTES
4 Servings, about 1-1/2 cups each

Ingredients:

1 pound Ground turkey
3/4 cup Onion, … Read the rest

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Thank you Mrs. O. for this recipe that’s good enough to serve when company’s coming or when you and the one you love want to have a special dinner for two.

Ingredients

1 lb. lean round or sirloin steak, cut into bite size pieces
1 large onion, choppped
1 can beef consomme
1/4 c. water
1 small can(or fresh) sliced … Read the rest

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A busy weeknight doesn’t have to mean fast food for dinner! Publix knows that the best meals happen at home, so they are excited to help you enjoy family mealtime without having to stress about what to prepare or spending hours in the kitchen. Stop by Publix during their “Best Meals Happen at Home” event to find great savings on … Read the rest

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Ingredients

2 large green peppers
1 lb. ground beef
1 medium onion, chopped
1 (15 oz.) can diced tomatoes, undrained
2/3 c. rice
1 c. water
1/2 tsp. salt
1/4 tsp. pepper
1/2 tsp. dried basil
1/2 c. shredded cheddar cheese

Directions:

1, Halve peppers and remove stems, seeds, and membranes. Immerse peppers in boiling water for 4-5 minutes, until … Read the rest

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Another big thank you going out to Mrs. O. my favorite retired Home Ec. teacher (retired). Great co-worker, kitchen oracle, and wonderful friend. This meatloaf recipe will have your family asking “meatloaf again?” and mean “can we have this meatloaf again soon?”

Ingredients

3 eggs
1 cup milk
4 slices bread, torn
1/2 cup chopped onion
1 cup (4 oz.) … Read the rest

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