Enchilada Night + A FREE Prilosec Sample :)

It's Enchilada night tonight - which is just about my favorite night of the week - the night when noone complains about dinner!  Here is my enchilada recipe - except I use a can of green chiles instead of jalapenos, sour cream/milk instead of yogurt, and whatever ole cheese is in the fridge!  It's a great base recipe - with lots of wiggle room - check it out!

I also found you a FREE Sample of Prilosec :)  Just click above for free hearburn relief in your mailbox!  This one I can just about guarantee you comes with a high-value coupon!

Birthday Cakes On A Budget: Airplane Cake

As spring & summer begin to roll around, birthday parties move away from Chuck E Cheese's, roller rinks, and arcades - and into our own backyards.  With the home party, comes the home cake - about 90% cheaper and yummier than a store cake (In my opinion!)

If you've taken advantage of cake and frosting deals at the grocery - your total cost to bake and ice a 9x13" cake will be about $1 (including eggs & oil).

If you buy a 9x13" Sheet Cake at a grocery or Walmart, you'll pay $20.  A "theme" cake will cost you upwards of $40.  In my family - $40 is about all we spend on each child's birthday, so naturally we opt for the home-cake :)

If you too are trying to cut costs on your child's birthday party this year - I'll be helping you out with a new segment on "amateur" cake decorating.  These aren't expensive, they aren't fancy, and they don't take much know-how.

Let's start with a super-easy cake:

The Airplane Cake

Easiest Airplane Cake.  Ever.

• Bake a cake, any size, any flavor.
• Dye a can of icing blue, and put in the microwave for about 20 seconds, or just until you could scoop/pour it over the cake easily.  I still had to spread mine around some, but warming it up for just a bit gives it a little shine and makes it spread much more smoothly.
• Put your pre-bought airplane somewhere on the cake, push it down a bit so the wheels anchor it in the cake.
• Fill an icing bag with white icing (canned or otherwise) and use one of your large tips to pipe out some big, cheerful cumulus clouds here, there and in the corners.  If you don’t have an icing bag, you can use a ziploc bag with a hole snipped in the corner.  If you find yourself entirely bagless, like me this time, you could even spoon all your icing into one of those cookie presses.  For clouds this billowy, you don’t need precision.
• Make a curly-q of chocolate chips trailing from the airplane to give it that “Just flew in to wish you a Happy Birthday!!” look.
• Put it in the fridge and wait for party time.

Want more cake ideas?  Stay tuned for next Friday!

Make London Broil taste like Steak!

Do you plan on buying some of the $1.98 /lb London Broil at Food Lion this week? (See Food Lion Deals HERE)  Well, if you're not sure what to do with it (That's me!) I found us a great summer grilling recipe on WeUseCoupons!

Marinated Grilled London Broil

For this easy marinade, mix up equal parts of:
Ketchup
Vinegar *Go HERE to print $1/2 Heinz Vinegar
Soy sauce
Minced Garlic

Put meat & marinade in a ziploc bag in the fridge for a few hours or overnight.   While you're grilling the steak (leave a little pink, otherwise it will get tough), boil the leftover marinade for a few minutes (to kill any bacteria from raw meat).  Slice meat thinly, and then drizzle over top of steak.  Another grill idea? Steak Kabobs!

I often get whatever beef is on sale freshly ground by the butcher (totally free) or cubed for stews and whatnot.  However, this isn't the best beef to have ground for burgers on the grill.  It is very lean and drier than other cuts - so if you do use it for burgers, be prepared to mix in some tomato sauce, or add a bit of ground italian sausage or chopped bacon to the patties, etc...  You're just looking to add juice or fat content there.

There are a some more London Broil recipes on WeUseCoupons - just Login HERE and scroll all the way down.  On the bottom right you'll see the words "Forum Jump" as seen below.  I just scrolled to Food Lion and saw "Flipping for a great recipe!"   They have a nice idea for cooking this lean meat in stir-fry as well!

How To Hard Boil An Egg!

I know, I know - my cooking suggestions this week are straight out of "Easter for Dummies", with my Coca Cola Crockpot Ham, and a Hardboiled Egg tutorial....  Well guys - I hate hardboiled eggs, and I think my mind forgets how to cook them on purpose every year.  So every year I have to go check to make sure I remember how.

If you have trouble making perfect hard-boiled eggs too - here is a step-by-step guide to help you out!  I hope everyone is having a nice Easter weekend with their family or friends!

Easter Story Cookies

I was reminded today while eating lunch with some friends of a great activity to do with my kids. Thanks Sharmin...even though you didn't mention it, seeing you reminded me since you gave me this several years ago.

Easter Story Cookies

Cookies to be made with children the evening before Easter.  Things you'll need:
1 cup whole pecans                                     1 tsp. vinegar
3 egg whites                                                 pinch salt
1 cup sugar                                                   zipper baggie
wooden spoon                                             tape
Bible

*Preheat oven to 300 degrees (this is imporant - don't wait until you're half done with the recipe!)
*Place pecans in zipper baggie & let children beat them with the wooden spoon to break into small pieces.  Explain that after Jesus was arrested, He was beaten by the Roman soldiers.  Read John 19:1-3
*Let each child smell the vinegar.  Put 1 tsp. vinegar into mixing bowl.  Explain that when Jesus was thirsty on the cross, He was given vinegar to drink.  Read John 19:28-30.
*Add egg whites to vinegar.  Eggs represent life.  Explain that Jesus gave His life to give us life.  Read John 10:10-11.
*Sprinkle a little salt into each child's hand.  Let them taste it and brush the rest into the bowl.  Explain that this represents the salty tears shed by Jesus' followers, and the bitterness of our own sin. Read Luke 23:27
*So far, the ingredients are not very appetizing.  Add 1 cup sugar.  Explain that the sweetest part of the story is that Jesus died because He loves us.  He wants us to know and belong to Him.  Read Psalms 34:8 & John 3:16.
*Beat with a mixer on high speed for 12-15 minutes until stiff peaks are formed.  Explain tha the color white represents the purity in God's eyes of those whose sins have been cleansed by Jesus.  Read Isaiah 1:18 & John 3:1-3.
*Fold in broken nuts. Drop by teaspoons onto wax paper covered cookie sheet. Explain that each mound represents the rocky tomb where Jesus' body was laid. Read Matthew 27:57-60.
*Put the cookie sheet in the oven, close the door and turn the oven OFF.  Give each child a piece of tape and seat the oven door. Explain that Jesus' tomb was sealed.  Read Matthew 27:65-66.
*GO TO BED!  Explain that they may feel sad to leave the cookies in the oven overnight.  Jesus' followers were in despair when the tomb was sealed.  Read John 16:20 - 22
*On Easter morning, open the oven and give everyone a cookie.  Notice the cracked surface & take a bite.  The cookies are hollow!  On the first Easter, Jesus' followers were amazed to find the tomb open and empty.  Read Matthew 28:1-9 & Rejoice!

Crock-Pot Cola Ham for Easter!

Easter's coming, and I'm already stressing out about how to get everything cooked and on the table at the same time for the Easter Meal.  I know some people have this down to a science, but I'm just not one of them!
For all you busy moms, this is my FAVORITE way to make the Holiday Ham the easiest part of your meal using Coke and a Crock Pot.  I give total credit to my wonderful mother-in-law for this one - as a pastor's wife, she just has a knack for cooking good Southern food the easy and yummy way!

What You'll Need:
* 3-4 lb Fully Cooked Ham (I'm using the "Butt" half this year)
* 1 can Coca Cola (I find it's the most carbonated)
* Slow-Cooker big enough for your ham

Fancy People Extras:
*Orange or Pineapple Juice (For an extra basting zing)
*Pineapple Rings (Stick in with toothpicks)
*Maraschino Cherries (Stick in with toothpicks)
*Whole Cloves

Directions:
Trim the fat, leaving a 1/4" layer.  Score your ham with shallow cuts diagonally (both ways) to make a diamond pattern.  Place in Crock Pot and pour Coke over it.  Cook on High for 1 hour, and then turn to Low for the next 6-7 hours.  While cooking, occasionally scoop out some of the liquid and pour over the ham to keep it moist.

NOTE: You can do this in the oven as well, just put it in a 350 degree oven for about 10 minutes/lb.  You'll want to set on a foil-lined pay and also wrap the ham in foil.  Wrap it in a way that allows you to baste with Coke frequently.

The acidity and carbonation in the coke tenderizes the ham and makes it very moist, plus gives a sweet flavor that noone would guess comes from a can of Coke!

What is your favorite way to cook your Easter ham?  Share it in the comment section!

Bacon-Grilled-Cheese Sandwiches

Photo Courtesy of AskYourCook.com

It's a chilly, thunder-stormy Sunday, and we came home from church with a van full of wet, hungry boys.  I had no ideas for a  warm, comforting lunch - but I did have a fridge full of cheese (Free at Food Lion this week!) and Ready-to-Eat Bacon (50¢ at Walgreens last week w/ $1.50 coupon!)   What emerged will go down in Miles Family History as the most perfect lunch EVER.

The boys had an American Cheese & Bacon Melt, while my husband opted for a Pepper-Jack & Bacon Melt.  I got crazy and did a little bit of both on mine!

So if you have some cheese & bacon in your fridge (That ready-to-eat kind expires QUICKLY) - then give it a try!   It's soooooooooo yummy......

$5 Turkey Rebate + Turkey Meatballs Recipe

Jennie-O has a great $5 Rebate out right now that will make for FREE turkey!  You need to Register with WellnessDaily to get it, and it's only to the first 25,000 (Go NOW!)

This comes at the PERFECT time, because I was just at my friend Debbie's house sampling all her homemade turkey meatballs (I "sampled" about 4 or 5) and wondering if there were any good sales on turkey.... Now I can just get some free!  She is a very awesome mommy (She has 4 kids under 5!), and was freezing ziploc bags of these for future spaghetti suppers.  I got the recipe from her, and thought I'd share with all of you.  And hey!  It uses Italian Breadcrumbs, which you hopefully stocked up on last week at Publix!

Debbie's Turkey Meatballs

Ingredients:
1 lb of Ground Turkey (or beef, if you prefer)
1/2 cup Italian Bread Crumbs
1/4 Cup Diced Onion (optional)
1 Egg
1/4 Cup Milk
1/2 tsp Pepper
1/2 tsp Salt
1/2 tsp Worcestershire Sauce

Preheat oven to 400.  Mix everything together in a big bowl.  Form into balls and place on a cookie sheet (line w/ tin foil or wax paper for easy cleanup).  Bake uncovered for 20-25 minutes.  Makes about 20 meatballs.

New Recipe Segment: Steak Tips Over Rice

I am no chef.  Seriously - I think the love of cooking is one of those things that may have to develop when:

a) Your whining 1 year old is not standing between you and the stove and pushing on your legs.
b) Your attempts at "nice" dinners aren't met with 4 little kids crying into their plates because it's not macaroni.  Again.  Picky eaters - I am one, and I apparently breed them.
c) Your weekly food budget is so small that you can't even afford one of the ingredients in those "Top Chef"  recipes.  I watch those chef shows.  I see my husband looking wistfully at that food. Frankly, I resent it, chef show!

It's easy to get stuck in a rut. I'm sure we all need more ideas for recipes that are

CHEAP + EASY + FAMILY FRIENDLY

Since, as I mentioned, I am no chef, I'll be mostly pointing to other people's recipes.  My favorite cooking site ever - SouthernPlate - will provide this week's recipe.  Each week I'll try to pick one that matches up with ingredients that are on sale. This week's recipe and ingredient list are below - Enjoy!

★Crockpot Steak Tips Over Rice★

Go READ this fabulously simple tutorial! 

You'll Need:

★- 1 Boneless Bottom Round Roast: $1.99/lb

   *Ask the butcher to cut this into stew meat- aka: your "Steak Tips")

★- 1 Can, Jar, or Packet of Gravy: cheap

   *I still have some leftover from those Holiday gravy sales!

★- White Rice:  50¢ for an easy-steam bag

   *Get it at Publix this week as part of the Green Giant Frozen Vegetables Sale.

I will probably add baby carrots and mushrooms to this dish - what do you think?  Doesn't it sound great?  And don't you wish that Christy Jordan was your best friend and neighbor????

Leave a comment if this is a segment you'd like to see every week!

Also, if you have an awesome recipe that meets all of the above requirements (Cheap, Easy, Family Friendly) - send it to us at: time2save@hotmail.com  with the header "Recipe Roundup".  Please make it look pretty so I can just copy & paste it here - and if you've got a picture - show it off!  Just think, this is your chance to be a published cook.....and help out those of us stuck in a rut!

~Bringing it all together ~

Couponing / Stockpiling / Meal Planning

So you heard us talk about stockpiling in our workshops. Maybe that’s a little intimidating, especially when you add trying to find five meals that your family enjoys. Let us help you out and get you started. This is a recipe that comes from one of our favorite cookbooks…yes, we told you about it – Don’t Panic, Dinner’s in the Freezer. I made this tonight for my family and it was a hit. I started with some of the boneless, skinless chicken breasts that were on sale for $1.99 at Bi-Lo last week. That is a great price for stockpiling chicken. I followed the recipe below and since I didn’t have breadcrumbs and didn’t want to make a trip for them, I improvised with some aging loaf bread in my refrigerator. I buttered and seasoned it with McCormick’s Montreal Chicken seasoning and then toasted it until it was golden brown. After it cooled, I simply crumbled it and it worked fine. For our sides I cooked lima beans, McKenzie corn (yummy!!), broccoli & cheese. Those are all other stockpile items that usually have coupons and go on sale at least half off sometime during the sale cycle. So, here’s the recipe. Remember you can freeze these ready to go!

Cheesy Chicken Bundles

1 cup bread crumbs
½ cup cheddar cheese, grated
½ cup fresh Parmesan cheese, grated
1 t. salt
¼ t. pepper
4-6 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
½ cup butter, melted

SERVING DAY:
2 TBSP butter, melted
¼ cup fresh Parmesan cheese, grated

COOKING DAY instructions (to freeze):
Mix together bread crumbs, cheeses, salt & pepper. Dip chicken pieces in melted butter, then in cheese mixture. Tuck sides of chicken breast under to form individual bundles. To freeze, wrap each bundle in plastic wrap, and then place in freezer bags.

SERVINGS DAY instructions:
Thaw, then place chicken bundles in large, shallow baking dish. Melt remaining 2 T. butter and pour over bundles. Sprinkle with ¼ cup Parmesan cheese. Bake uncovered at 350 degrees approximately 1 hour, until chicken is crispy.



Step 1: Toast Bread for breadcrumbs

Step 2: Chicken breaded ready to bake



Step 3: Out of the oven. All Done!

Step #4: Dinners Ready! YUMMY!

BROWNIE GOODY BARS
1 box (1 lb 6.5 oz) Betty Crocker® Original Supreme brownie mix
Water, vegetable oil and eggs called for on brownie mix box
1 container (1 lb) Betty Crocker® Rich & Creamy vanilla frosting
3/4 cup salted peanuts, coarsely chopped
3 cups crisp rice cereal
1 cup creamy peanut butter
1 bag (12 oz) semisweet chocolate chips (2 cups)

1. Heat oven to 350°F. Grease bottom only of 13x9-inch pan with cooking spray or shortening. (For easier cutting, line pan with foil, then grease foil on bottom only of pan.)
2. Make and bake brownies as directed on box for 13x9-inch pan, using water, oil and eggs. Cool completely, about 1 hour.
3. Frost brownies with frosting. Sprinkle with peanuts; refrigerate while making cereal mixture.
4. Measure cereal into large bowl; set aside. In 1-quart saucepan, melt peanut butter and chocolate chips over low heat, stirring constantly. Pour over cereal in bowl, stirring until evenly coated. Spread over frosted brownies. Cool completely before cutting, about 1 hour. For bars, cut into 6 rows by 4 rows. Store tightly covered at room temperature.

**Whitney C. if you are reading -- this is the recipe for my "special" Brownie Goody Bars that I brought to you at the hospital after you delivered Chloe and Reece. Now you can have them anytime without going into labor.




5 MINUTE CHOCOLATE MUG CAKE

4 tablespoons flour
4 tablespoons sugar
2 tablespoons cocoa
1 egg
3 tablespoons milk
3 tablespoons oil
3 tablespoons chocolate chips (optional)
A small splash of vanilla extract
1 large coffee mug(MicroSafe)

Add dry ingredients to mug, and mix well. Add the egg and mix thoroughly.
Pour in the milk and oil and mix well..
Add the chocolate chips (if using) and vanilla extract, and mix again.
Put your mug in the microwave and cook for 3 minutes at 1000 watts.
The cake will rise over the top of the mug, but don't be alarmed!
Allow to cool a little, and tip out onto a plate if desired..
EAT ! (this can serve 2 if you want to feel slightly more virtuous).

And why is this the most dangerous cake recipe in the world?
Because now we are all only 5 minutes away from chocolate cake at any time
of the day or night! Thanks mom for sending us this one. Its sounds yummy and dangerous!

Recipe Round-up! The best Brownies EVER!

Toffee Brownies
Recipe courtesy Paula Deen, 2007

Ingredients
1 (17.6-ounce) package brownie mix (with or without nuts)
Vegetable oil cooking spray
3 (6-ounce / the HUGE ones) candy bar
With almonds and toffee chips recommended- Symphony brand (can also use Hershey Milk Chocolate, Chocolate Almond, Dark Chocolate)

Directions
Prepare the brownie mix according to package directions.
Line a 13 by 9-inch cake pan with aluminum foil and spray with vegetable oil cooking spray. Spoon in half of the brownie batter and smooth with a spatula or the back of a spoon. Place the candy bars side by side on top of the batter. Cover with the remaining batter.
Bake according to package directions. Let cool completely, then lift from the pan using the edges of the foil. This makes it easy to cut the brownies into squares.

Salsa Pizza-Cheese Crust

1 pound lean ground beef
1 1/4 cups Old El Paso® Thick 'n Chunky salsa
2 cups Original Bisquick® mix
1/4 cup mild salsa-flavor or jalapeño-flavor process cheese spread
1/4 cup hot water
4 medium green onions, sliced (1/2 cup)
1 cup shredded Colby-Monterrey Jack cheese (4 ounces)

1. Heat oven to 375ºF. Grease large cookie sheet.
2. Cook beef in 10-inch skillet over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until brown; drain. Stir in salsa; remove from heat.
3. Stir Bisquick, cheese spread and hot water until soft dough forms. Turn dough onto surface dusted with Bisquick; roll in Bisquick to coat. Shape into ball; knead 5 times. Roll into 14-inch circle; place on cookie sheet.
4. Spread beef mixture over crust to within 2 inches of edge. Sprinkle with onions. Fold edge over beef mixture. Sprinkle with cheese.
5. Bake 25 to 28 minutes or until crust is golden brown and cheese is melted.

I haven't made this yet, but it looked extra yummy and easy to make. Not to mention combining my kids two favorite foods Mexican & Pizza.

Paula Deen's Sour Cream Biscuits
Ingredients
2 c self-rising flour .
8 oz butter, melted .
1 c sour cream
Directions
Preheat oven to 350°F.
Mix butter, flour & sour cream until JUST mixed.
Do Not Over mix.
Pour batter into muffin tins, 2/3 the way full to allow for biscuits to rise.
Bake for 20 mins. (can also use mini muffin pan)

These are so easy and delicious - they melt in your mouth. Morgan, my 5 year old daughter says they are so good she "plumb tears'em up!"

Easy Breezy RECIPE ROUNDUP

My Family loves this quick & easy Chili alone or on hot dogs.

Coney Island Chili / Chili Dogs
1 pound lean ground beef
1 (12-ounce) jar chili sauce
1 (1.48-ounce) packet chili seasoning
1/4 cup water
1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
1 tablespoon yellow mustard
1/2 teaspoon onion powder
8 beef hot dogs
8 hot dog buns
Shredded Cheddar, to serve
In a large pot over medium heat, brown the ground beef stirring constantly to break up all the clumps into fine pieces. Add the chili sauce, chili seasoning, water, Worcestershire, mustard and onion powder. Bring to a boil, lower the heat, and simmer for 30 minutes. Meanwhile, boil the hot dogs according to package instructions. Place hot dogs in buns, top with chili, cheddar cheese, and chopped white onion. Serve with Spicy Fries.

Spicy Fries
2 tablespoons taco seasoning
1 teaspoon salt
1 (26-ounce) bag frozen crispy French fries
Preheat oven to 450 degrees F.
Combine taco seasoning and salt; set aside.
On baking sheets make a single layer of French fries. Bake until golden brown, about 12 minutes and season with the spicy salt mixture. Serve with chili dogs.
Recipe courtesy Sandra Lee

Easy Chicken & Cheese Enchiladas

From: Campbell's Kitchen
Prep: 15 minutes
Bake: 40 minutes
Serves: 6
Ingredients:
1 can (10 3/4 ounces) Campbell's® Condensed Cream of Chicken Soup (Regular or 98% Fat Free)
1/2 cup sour cream
1 cup Pace® Picante Sauce (don't have to use Pace Brand Picante Sause)
2 teaspoons chili powder
2 cups chopped cooked chicken
1/2 cup shredded Monterrey Jack cheese
6 flour tortilla (6-inch), warmed
1 small tomato, chopped (about 1/2 cup) can be omitted
1 green onion, sliced (about 2 tablespoons) can be omitted

Directions:
Heat the oven to 350°F. Stir the soup, sour cream, picante sauce and chili powder in a medium bowl. Stir 1 cup picante sauce mixture, chicken and cheese in a large bowl. Divide the chicken mixture among the tortillas. Roll up the tortillas and place them seam-side up in a 2-quart shallow baking dish. Pour the remaining picante sauce mixture over the filled tortillas. Cover the baking dish. Bake for 40 minutes or until the enchiladas are hot and bubbling. Top with the tomato and onion.

Variation:

• Stir 1/2 cup canned black beans, drained and rinsed into the chicken mixture before filling the tortillas.
• You can also add brocolli and corn for the kids, once it cooks in the sauce you really can't tell, and they are getting their veggies and don't even have time to gripe about them.