"Frugalicious" Recipes

I would know like to unveil what I like to call my ever-expanding list of "frugalicious" recipes. These are recipes that "taste" good on two levels. They taste good to my palate, and they are tasty to my wallet as well. In a nutshell, these are recipes that taste good and are also cheap.

But first, a few introductory notes. These recipes begin at the grocery store. And most of them are very basic recipes. As a matter of fact, you will find that most of them involve chicken and vegetables. Kind of goes without saying, because there's not really a cheap recipe out there that has filet mignon or a piece of Red Snapper in it.

Most of these recipes will also involve "staples". Things like rice and pasta. So, when it comes to purchasing these things, unless you have a need for organic food in your life, there is no reason to go up the price chain when purchasing these items. The store brand of spaghetti will do just as well as the most expensive one. I worked in the restaurant business for close to twenty years, and it is beyond me when people can tell you that one brand of spaghetti tastes better than another. Sure, if you only tasted the spaghetti, and it was in a side-by-side comparison, you may be able to notice some minor differences, but mixed in with a recipe I really don' think anyone can tell.

I also think this goes for chicken as well. I have actually had people tell me that one brand of chicken tastes better than another. And honestly, I just don't get it. What, does one company kill chickens from a better neighborhood than another company? Of course, with your veggies, be discerning and find the best quality. As I've mentioned before, a local farmer's market should be your best bet.

These recipes that I will give you usually have no "amounts" to them, so you'll probably need at least the smallest bit of cooking ability to put them together. One of the main reasons why is that a lot of time, the recipe I come up with is called a "refrigerator-cleaner-outer". Now when I was single, this process involved nothing more than dumping all the leftovers in my fridge into a pot, heating it up and eating it (I also had a flashy name for this recipe-I called it "Dave". My roommates loved it!!). Now that I am married with a son, I do have to get a little more creative.

Let me tell you about what I prepared for dinner last nite. My family doesn't really like to eat the same dish more than 1-2 days in a row, so our fridge has a tendency of filling up with small amounts of various leftovers. This is probably true of most fridges. So, yesterday this I what I had in my fridge:

--about 5 oz. cooked carrots.
--about 3 cups cooked brown rice.
--1 boiled chicken breast.
--about 1 1/2 scrambled eggs
--very small amounts of fresh, uncooked asparagus, mushrooms and zucchini.

This I what I did with it. Sauteed off a little yellow onion, threw in the mushrooms. Thawed out one pack of frozen chicken, cubed it and threw that in. When it was almost cooked, I added the cooked carrots, the leftover cooked chicken, the diced asparagus, and the cubed zucchini. I also chopped up some snow peas and threw those in.

I then found some teriyaki/stir fry type sauce or marinade and added that. Let it all simmer for an extra 5-10 minutes, served it over the leftover rice and topped it with the scrambled eggs.

What did I end up with? Well, it was probably a little bit of chicken stir fry, and a little bit of some kind of Chinese chicken dish. It was fantastic, and it cleaned out my fridge. Now, you might think that I contrived this list of stuff in my fridge and made the whole thing up, but this is exactly what we had for dinner last nite.

So, there you have it-the first of my "frugalicious" recipes. Soon, I'll get into more traditional recipes where you're not trying to clean out your refrigerator, but these types of things come in handy when the leftovers start to pile up

As I see it, saving money is more about a state of mind than it is about sacrificing things in your life or how much money you make. Want to learn more tips and strategies on how to save money on your bills, how to spend less money in general and some great methods for generating income in your life? Visit me at my personal finance blog http://yourfinances101.com/blog.

There you can check out my recently published book, "Don't Be A Mule: A Common-sense Guide to Saving More, Spending Less, and Generating Extra Income in Your Everyday Life."

Cheap, Easy and Tasty - Saucy Salisbury Steak

With the economy in its present state and food costs rising, restaurant business is down by 20% . If you're trying to cut down on your food expenses here's an easy, tasty and cheap recipe that you will like.

Saucy Salisbury Steak

For the steak:

1 ¼ lb. Ground chuck, ground sirloin or lean ground beef
¼ cup minced fresh parsley
¼ cup shredded parmesan cheese
1 clove garlic, minced
salt
pepper
flour

For the sauce:

1 Tbsp vegetable oil
2 cups thinly sliced onion
1 tsp sugar
1 clove garlic, minced
1 Tbsp tomato paste
2 cups beef broth
¼ cup dry red wine
1 Tbsp flour
salt
pepper
½ tsp dried or 1 tsp fresh thyme

In a medium bowl, combine meat, parsley, parmesan cheese, garlic, salt and pepper. Divide into four portions and shape into patties. Dredge each patty in flour. Heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add meat patties and brown on each side. Remove from pan and set aside on a plate or platter.

Into the same pan, add the onions. Sprinkle with sugar. Saute until the onions are soft. Stir in the garlic and tomato paste. Turn up the heat to high. Sprinkle the onion mixture with the 1 Tbsp of flour. Keep stirring until well blended and mixture begins to either turn brown or starts to sizzle. Stir in the broth, wine, salt, pepper and thyme. Bring the sauce to a boil and let in start to thicken.

Return the meat patties to the pan. Reduce the heat, cover and simmer for 10 minutes.

NOTES:

-You can serve this over rice or noodles.
-Serve with a green vegetable for a complete meal.
-You can eliminate the steak ingredients and have yourself a tasty French onion soup.
-An Italian company called Amore packages tomato paste in a tube. It looks like a toothpaste tube. You can find it with all the other tomato products if your grocery store carries it. Although the tube may cost a little more you may save more in the long run because you aren't wasting anything. Even a small can of tomato paste never seems to be used up before it spoils.
-Worried about the fat content? Try it with ground turkey instead.

Like this recipe? Find this and more cooking resources at http://www.2girlscooking.com

We have a FREE cookbook that will help you get dinner on the table in a hurry. Visit us to download your FREE copy of Cooking on the Run.

Budget Meal Recipes: 2 Fantastic, Low-Cost Dishes

Love to cook but don't have the cash? Looking for a few easy recipes you can make now without breaking the bank? Here are 2 of the best budget meal recipes!

1. Chinese Roasted Pork

Great Chinese restaurants usually serve a fantastic slow-cooked pork dish, but they also tend to be way too expensive for a tight budget. To make this budget meal recipe yourself, buy a 5-6 pound hunk of pork shoulder or butt - these cuts are extremely economical and totally delicious when cooked slow and low with the right seasonings.

To begin the cooking process, place the pork fat or skin-side down into a cold cast-iron or other sturdy pan. Turn the heat up to medium, and allow some of the fat to render out. After about ten minutes, remove the pork from the skillet and place it into a slow cooker along with the now-liquid fat that came off of it.

Now, you simply need to make a great sauce for this budget meal recipe. Combine 1 cup of soy sauce with 2 cups of chicken broth, 1/2 cup brown sugar, 3 teaspoons Chinese five-spice, 2 tablespoons dried ginger, 2 tablespoons garlic powder, and 1-2 tablespoons of cayenne pepper. Pour this sauce over the meat in the crock pot, fill it nearly the rest of the way with water, and cook the roast on low for 8-10 hours.

2. Bacon-Blue Cheese Burgers

Want a restaurant-quality burger without the restaurant price? Try this budget meal recipe on for size, and send your taste buds on an unforgettable trip!

Start by cutting your bacon into bits and browning them in pan. While the bacon is cooking, assemble 2 pounds of 80% lean ground beef and add 2 tablespoons each of salt, black pepper, and garlic powder. Once the bacon bits are done, add them to the pile along with about 6 oz. of blue cheese.

Now simply mix all of these ingredients together by hand and form 6 patties. Cook them on your grill until they reach the desired doneness. If you don't have a grill, or if it's too cold outside to use one, you can make burgers with a nice golden-brown crust on your cast-iron skillet or griddle pan.

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Ranchitty Ramen Noodles - A Quick And Easy Apartment Recipe

I know it sounds disgusting, but check this out. I discovered this recipe from none other than the classiest of classy folks, Schultz. The man loves ranch dressing so much, you'd think he had his entire life's savings invested in it. He puts it on everything. And by everything, I mean everything.

Here's the low down: I know that sometimes Apartmentites like to budget in some areas to free up the cash flow in others, so this morning I had the idea that I can help you out by giving out some of my super cheap recipe tips from time to time. Let's call it "Jeff's Gourmet on the Cheap."

Okay, okay...I'll get to the recipe. Settle your horses. You'll need a packet of chicken flavored Ramen Noodles, ranch dressing, and Tabasco sauce. First, prepare the Ramen per the directions.

Once the Ramen preparations are finished as read in the directions, add a dollop of ranch dressing and mix. Make sure and mix it very well. Last, squirt several drops of Tabasco sauce and stir. Once it's all mixed together, you have yourself a gourmet Ramen dish...which is kind of an oxymoron when you look at it. But I digress.

Seriously though. Try it! It adds that little extra kick to Ramen to make it so much more than that uber-cheap meal you had in college. And the best part is...it's still under a couple of bucks!

Remember, with the variety of various flavors of Ramen Noodles, this recipe can have many options. You may even add your own variations by throwing in things like Cheetos or garlic salt. (I've done both, and they make it even better!)

Jeff's just a regular guy with a funny goatee that really enjoys people and life. On top of that he is a bit of an expert on apartments, living in them, and getting the most out of the apartment living lifestyle.

As a Managing Partner of Apartment Home Living, Jeff wants to help you find the right apartment by getting to know you. Not only where you want to live & what you want to pay, but what you like. This way, we can help you find an apartment that fits your personality, not just your budget.

At AHL Apartmentites have a platform to share their own stories, get great info & tips on apartment living, read Jeff's entertaining blogs/stories, find Answers to a wide array of apartment related questions, and have a ton of fun sharing their love of apartment living with others. Don't forget to go and set up your own MyPlace page to really get the full Apartmentite experience!

Budget Friendly Recipes: Chili On The Cheap!

If you're like most people, your budget is tight and you're looking for a way to make some easy, cheap, and great-tasting meals. Chili is one of the best foods around, and it's also one of the cheapest! Here is a great budget friendly recipe for some seriously tasty chili.

Getting The Meat Right

Die-hard chili fans will tell you that you've got to use some type of steak or other whole cut of meat. However, ground beef is a MUCH more economical and still-delicious way of making this classic dish. Budget friendly recipes might need to compromise on authenticity, but never on flavor!

The best meat to use is one with a moderate fat content - too much and you have a greasy chili, too little and the meat is just dry and tasteless. Go for about 80% lean to get the best flavor out of this budget friendly recipe.

To Bean or not to Bean?

Again, chili enthusiasts have a strong opinion that beans are a big no-no when it comes to making a good chili. However, many people simply love the flavor and texture of beans in their chili, and they sure do make it a more well-rounded meal.

Personally, I love to use beans. I like a combination of black and red beans, and I use about equal parts beans and meat. Go with whatever you like best, but remember that the less beans you use, the more meat you'll need, and meat is much more expensive.

Spices and Other Ingredients

Of course it's the spices that can really make or break a great bowl of chili! You'll need plenty of cumin powder, chili powder, garlic powder, and salt. If you don't already have these on hand, pick up a good amount of each, as they are super-useful in lots of budget friendly recipes!

Next, you'll need some veggies. For every two pounds of ground beef you use, you'll need one large can of crushed tomatoes in their juice. Also, you'll need onions (as many or little as you like) and a few jalapeno peppers.

Putting It All Together

Making this budget friendly chili recipe couldn't be easier. You're going to need a cast-iron or other sturdy skillet and a big pot or dutch oven with a lid. Start by browning all of the meat you're using in the skillet, and then transfer it to the pot. Do the same with the onions, adding spices along with way.

Once all of the meat and onions are in the pot, add the tomatoes, beans, diced jalapenos, and more spices. Turn the heat and low, put the lid on, and cook for 4-5 hours. You'll need to stir it every so often, so stick around! Also, adjust your spices as you go along.

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Cheap Recipe Ideas From Your Favorite Restaurants For Easy Family Dinners

The search for cheap recipe ideas is becoming more and more necessary as tight food budgets become more and more prevalent in our country. But just because your family may have had to give up going out to restaurants for your dinners does not mean you have to give up your favorite restaurant meals. An actual recipe from your favorite restaurants can make for an easy family dinner - especially for those of us on a tight food budget.

If you are reading this article, you are probably one of the millions across the country who have sacrificed going out to eat simply because of the costs. Paying for the gas to drive to the restaurant, the tip for the waiter or waitress, and the "name" on the top of your menu has simply made eating out unaffordable to many of us. The quest for an easy family dinner often leaves us longing for the restaurant quality food we crave. In looking for cheap recipe ideas, many of us often overlook the fact that many of these same restaurant recipes we pay so much money for are available in restaurant recipe books so that we can enjoy them from the comforts - and savings - of our home!

Consider the following example for Red Lobster's Shrimp Diablo (which serves four people). Whether you use it to feed your family of four or as an appetizer for a large party, everyone will be amazed by the creation you made from your kitchen!

Red Lobster Shrimp Diablo
Ingredients: 3 pounds large uncooked shrimp in shells (no heads), 1 jar BBQ sauce, 1/2 cup ketchup, 1 tablespoon freshly-ground pepper, 4 tablespoons liquid crab boil, 1/4 cup red hot sauce, 1/2 pound unsalted butter, 1/2-1 gallon milk

1. Wash shrimp in cold water
2. Soak shrimp in milk overnight
3. Mix all sauce ingredients in sauce pan and stir until boiling
4. Remove from heat and refrigerate for at least 4-5 hours
5. Drain milk from shrimp and place in a baking pan
6. Cover shrimp evenly with the sauce
7. Let stand one hour
8. Bake uncovered at 450 degrees for 15 minutes

For the price of just one entrée from these restaurants, an entire cookbook of secret recipes could be yours! Delicious meals (which would cost your family hundreds of dollars) can be made right from your own kitchen. Imagine the savings in your bank account. Better yet, imagine the looks on your family's faces when you turn a restaurant quality dish into an easy family dinner!

Even if this particular recipe does not interest you, there are literally thousands of recipes available from the most well-known restaurants in the world. Cheap recipes from the Olive Garden, Chili's, Applebee's, Outback Steakhouse, Red Lobster, PF Chang's - even McDonald's and Starbucks - are available if you just make the investment in these recipe books.

Do not let a tight food budget interfere with your family dinners. Cheap recipe ideas can come from all sorts of places - and now you know that one of those can be your favorite restaurant!

Restaurant Recipes: Reviews and Secrets offers cheap recipe ideas from famous restaurants and reviews of the best restaurant recipe books. Visit Cheap Recipe Ideas and Easy Family Dinners for more information!

Money Saving Ideas - Save on Groceries to Make Easy Cheap Dinner Recipes

Many families struggle with finding meals that fit within their budget and still provide enough to eat for a family of 4 or more. This article will discuss different ideas for saving on meals, where to find recipes, and general ideas for pinching pennies at the table.

What Makes So Many Meals Costly?

There are many different factors that come into play when you're coming up with ideas for dinners throughout your week. The reason that seemingly mundane meals become so expensive is due to the cost of the ingredients - this is a no-brainer; if you make your food with other expensive foods, the cost will go up. Avoid using specialty ingredients that can only be used in one dish. These are often used for taste or garnish, so substitute accordingly when possible.

Another factor that drives up the overall cost is the size of the meal that you make. Avoid making meals that are too large for the people eating. If you're someone who really loves leftovers you might be able to justify the fridge full of extra food, but the reality is that leftovers often go uneaten and get thrown away. Try to portion the meals so everyone has enough to eat, but don't over do it. If you buy too much food at the grocery, you're better off making two meals.

General Money Saving Tips For Easy Cheap Recipes

We'll list out some general tips to save money when you're at the grocery store, and discuss some things to avoid as well.
Plan at least a week at a time (10 days might be better if you have the fridge/freezer space). Document each meal and what you need to make it. Avoid ingredients that don't add much to the meal. Some condiments and spices really don't provide much in the overall flavor of the dish and just add cost. Try to share ingredients. If you have a meal that involves 3 chicken breasts, you would probably benefit in sharing the cost with another meal and buying 5 instead. Pick up some salad in a bag, add the cooked chicken on top and cut the cost per meal almost in half. Try different things. Spaghetti and marinara is a notoriously cheap meal (you can probably feed 5 people for $5 if you plan accordingly) - try different variations, like a different type of noodle or sauce, to keep the family from boycotting spaghetti from the meal plan.Where to find Easy Cheap Dinner Recipes.

Scour the local library for cookbooks and modify accordingly (substitute when needed to save money), or search the web for cheap recipes. If can find 10-20 that you like, you could cut your grocery bill in half. Track your spending and watch the results. Once you see the difference in your pocketbook, you'll be motivated to move forward and keep up the good habit.

Easy Cheap Dinner Recipes.