What's Cooking
Family Recipe: Cheesy Brussel Sprouts
If you would have told me as a kid that I would grow up to enjoy Brussel sprouts I would have thought you were crazy. Brussel Sprouts were one the dreaded vegetable my Mom would occasionally cook for our family. I grew brussel sprouts in our garden this summer because I thought it would be good to “try” this dreaded vegetable one more time since it is healthy for me. I was able to harvest quite a few brussel sprouts from our two plants, enough for several dinners. I picked the sprouts when they were still small so they wouldn’t be as bitter. My husband came up with this amazing Cheesy Brussel Sprouts recipe that our entire family LOVED (including the kids). Three cheers for eating more healthy veggies!
Cheesy Brussel Sprouts:
- 2 cups small Brussel Sprouts
- 1/2 cup sliced Onions
- 1 clove of Garlic
- 1 tablespoon Olive Oil
- 1/2 cup shredded Cheese (Parmesan, Cheddar, Mozzarella or any family favorite)
1. Wash the Brussel Sprouts, pull off any wilted or brown outer leaves, and cut each one in half.
2. Slice an onion up into thin strips.
3. Peel the outer shell off the Garlic Cloves and slice each section in half.
4. Put the olive in a sauce pan on medium heat. Add onions and garlic, saute for 1 minute.
5. Add Brussel Sprouts and saute until tender.
6. Sprinkle Shredded Cheese over top of the cooked Brussel Sprouts and serve.
Fresh & Healthy: Pears from our Neighbor
Fresh Pears from our Neighbor! Thank You!!! A few days ago the girls and I were walking back from the bus stop when a neighbor stopped to talk with us. She generously offered us some of her pears. A couple of the other neighbors had picked some pears and she wanted to make sure we came over and got a few as well. Her tree was producing a lot of pears this year and she didn’t want them to go to waste.
The girls begged me to pick some pears so the next day after school we went over and picked a few pears. It has been wonderful eating fresh pears for breakfast, lunches at school and snacks. We even made an awesome Strawberry Pear Smoothie for an after school treat and Pearsauce. I am thankful for our neighbors and their generosity. It is the little things in life that can make a really big difference.
Save A Lot: Deals for the week of September 28 – October 4, 2011
The Save A Lot weekly ad deals are listed below for your convenience. The items on sale are continued from last week so if you haven’t had an opportunity to stock up this week would be a great time to do it. You do not need any coupons to get the Save A Lot Today prices. Sign up for the Smart Shopper Club, by doing so you will get a $5.00 off of $25.00 coupon!
Meats and Seafood
Ground Hamburger (80% Lean) – $2.49 per lb
Fresh Chicken Leg Quarters – $0.79 per lb
Sugardale Smoked, Stadium, or Cheddar Brats (14 oz) – $1.99
Holten Beef Patties (24 oz) – $1.99
Farmington Pork Sausage (16 oz) – $1.99
Oscar Mayer Ready to Serve Bacon (2.1 oz) – $2.49
Use $0.55/1 coupon booklet from Kraft Food & Family (found at Food Lion & BiLo) Expires 12/31/11
$1.94 each after couponPick 5 for $19.99 promo on going: Pick any 5 specially marked packages of your favorite cuts of fresh, frozen or smoked meats and pay just $19.99 (about $2 per pound).
Fridge and Freezer
Buyers Best Crinkle Cut French Fries (32 oz) – $0.99
McClary’s Cheese Singles (10.7 oz) – $0.99
Bright & Early Orange and Grape Drinks – $1.00
Morning Delight Cinnamon Rolls with Icing – $1.69
Coburn Farms Shredded Mozzarella Cheese (12 oz) – $2.99
Produce
Jumbo Vine Ripe Tomatoes – $0.99 per lb
Gala Apples (3 lbs) – $2.49
Cucumbers – $0.50
Cabbage – $0.39
Cantaloupes – $1.49
Navel Oranges (3 lbs) – $2.99
Caeser Salad Kit (5.6 oz) – $2.49
Household
Angel Fresh Dryer Sheets – $0.99
Glo Classic Dish Liquid (25 oz) – $0.99
Save A Lot Today Bath Tissue (4 count) – $0.89
Save A Lot Today Liquid Laundry Detergent (45.4 oz) – $1.99
Save A Lot Today Soap Scum Remover (32 oz) – $1.00
Save A Lot Today All Purpose Pine Cleaner (32 oz) – $1.00
Save A Lot Today All Purpose Cleaner with Bleach (32 oz) – $1.00
Grocery
Del Monte Spaghetti Sauce (25.6 oz) – $0.88
Mantia’s Spaghetti or Elbow Macaroni Noodles – $0.99
Green Giant Vegetables (14 to 15 oz) – $0.59
Andy Capp Fries – $0.69
Tony’s Mega Pouch (Pepperoni Pizza or Egg & Bacon) – $0.79
Arizona Drinks (23 oz) – $0.79
Bisquick Shake & Pour (5.1 oz) – $0.99
Diane’s Garden Tomato Sauce (8 oz) – $0.29
Kurtz Ketchup – $0.89
Kurtz Wing Sauce – $1.39
Marcum Chicken Coating Mix – $0.99
Marcum Seasoned Bread Crumbs (11 oz) – $0.99
O Days Mac & Cheese – $0.39
Potatoes on the Side Scallop or Au Gratin – $0.99
Save A Lot Today Toaster Pastries – $0.99
McDaniel’s Enhanced Coffee Creamer (16 oz) – $1.79
Mantia’s Crispy Crust Pizza Mix – $0.49
Mantia’s Pizza Sauce (14 oz) – $0.99
Wylwood Mushroom Pieces and Stems – $0.59
Bell’s Sliced Ripe Olives – $0.79
Sugardale Sliced Pepperoni (8 oz) – $1.99
Grissom’s Garlic Bread Sticks (12 oz) – $1.99
Cloverhill Strawberry Cheese Claw (4.25 oz) – $0.59
Mrs. Freshley’s Buddy Bars or Oatmeal Creme Pies (8 count) – $1.00
Health & Beauty
Being Well Allergy Tablets (30 Count) – $2.49
Remember you can use the $5/$25 printable coupon to sweeten these deals! Plus you can earn up to 5 additional $5 off $25 coupons for sharing the coupon with your friends.
For more information about Save A Lot’s coupon policies go here. If you find additional deals or savings please let me know and I will add them to the list.
What’s for Dinner: Our Weekly Menu Plan
I am ready for another week of menu planning! It has been wonderful getting each day started with a plan of action in place. I typically look over the menu the evening before to see if I need to pull out any specific items (like meat out of the deep freezer), the next morning I go over the what needs started, prepped or put in the crockpot, and as I am wrapping up homework time with the girls in the late afternoon I start putting together the last few items for the evening meal.
Our Weekly Menu Plan
- Monday (Beef Entree): Homemade Pizza (Hamburger & Pepperoni), Ranch Salad (using lettuce from the Garden & Hidden Valley Ranch Salad Kit we got from the box sale and only used half of the kit from a previous week)
- Tuesday (Seafood or Pork Entree): Grilled Lemon Pepper Catfish, Parmesan and Romano Rice, Fresh Fruit Salad
- Wednesday (Chicken Entree): Chicken Tikka Masala, Naan, Jasmine Rice
- Thursday (Pasta or Vegetarian Entree): Four Cheese Pasta, Steamed Vegetables
- Friday, Saturday, & Sunday: Leftovers, Family Preference, and Hosting
I have a general pattern I try to follow for my weekly Menu Plan (for example Monday we have a beef entree, Tuesday a seafood or pork entree and so forth). It is my goal, at least in the beginning, to have at least the main dish and one side planned. I will put together the remaining side dishes (veggies / fruits) based on the food items that need to be used up first and compliment the main entree.
Setting a weekly menu plan helps me utilize my time better, thus freeing up extra time to spend with my family. On the days that I am working longer hours I can prep the meal in advance so it will be easier to pull together once I am home. As I go through the menu planning process I will try to share some of our favorite family recipes. If there is a specific recipe you would like please let me know and I will do my best to accommodate (some recipes are a toss together meal and I do not use any set measurements).
As a family of four our life can get busy. What’s for Dinner is our weekly menu planning series and one of the ways to help keep us organized, on schedule, and within budget. Our family typically eats 6 to 7 dinner meals at home a week. We do try to go out to eat at least once a month as a special treat. Breakfasts are eaten at home before work and school, lunches are eaten at work, school, or home, so dinner is our main meal together as a family. Dinner is our time to reconnect, share, and enjoy being together after a busy day. Our weekly menu plan covers Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday only because the weekend (Friday, Saturday, and Sunday) is our time to spend with family and friends. The weekends tend to be more spontaneous and my husband (who is the better cook) likes pitching in therefore we keep the menu open for variety. We use up the leftovers throughout the week for our lunches and on the nights that we are busy or can’t cook.
Photo by Liz
Fresh & Healthy: Community Supported Agriculture (Week 19 & 20)
I took a couple weeks off because I didn’t have a chance to snap a picture before eating the goodies. It is week nineteen and twenty receiving fresh produce from our CSA! This is our last week of our summer CSA Harvest schedule. The Fall Harvest begins the first week in October so there will be only one week in between. Our family has been enjoying a half of share of fresh produce, local honey, eggs and more from a local farm.Week 19 & 20 of Fresh Goodies from our CSA!
Fresh Goodies from our Local CSA Farm! Items in our Basket this Week:
- 1 bundle White Radishes
- 1 bundle Pink Radishes
- 1 bundle Bok Choy
- 1 bundle Leafy Greens
- 1 Acorn Squash
- 5 Pears
- 4 Sweet Potatoes
- 3 Red Tomatoes
- 1 Green Tomato
- 5 Summer Squash
- Handful of Spicy Red & Green Chili Peppers
- 1 Dozen Fresh Eggs
I am looking forward to eating these goodies this week! Anyone have a great recipes for Radishes? Thanks everyone for the delicious Recipes, keep them coming!!! The CSA’s are gearing up to do their Fall Harvest soon, if you want to get involved this is a great time to contact them. Fall Harvest starts the first week in October and runs 10 weeks.
To find out how you can be a part of a local CSA check out this post – Fresh & Healthy: Community Supported Farms
Living on a Budget: Groceries $40 for 4
Another week with a busy school schedule, including a “Back to School” Night. Here is my weekly update on our Groceries $40 for 4.
Groceries from Ingles, Walmart, and Dollar Tree Ingles Groceries:- $16.00 at Ingles for 5 containers of fresh Strawberries, 1 container fresh Blueberries, 1 tray White & Sweet Potatoes, 5 bags Bing Cherries, 2 containers Half & Half Cream, 1 bag Laura Lynn Bread, 4 bottles Pink Lemonade, (all the items were marked down on clearance or on sale)
Walmart Groceries:
- $15.40 at Walmart for Baking Soda, 2 cans Peaches, 1 bag Sugar, 1 bag English Muffins, 1 block Cheese, 1 jar Salsa, 2 boxes Vanilla Pudding and 6 packs Taco Seasoning.
Dollar Tree Groceries:
- $3.00 at Dollar Tree for 2 bags Whole Wheat Bread and 1 box Toaster Pastries.
This week I spent $34.40 on groceries. Even though I was only a little under on my budgeted amount for the week I was able to stock up on several items. Thankful for the reduced cost of Whole Wheat Bread at Dollar Tree with all the lunches I have been making for school and work. I hope that next week is an even better week and we can come under budget for the week.
It is my goal to give you regular updates on this budget section so you can celebrate the good weeks with me and thump me on the bad weeks! As always you are welcomed to join the journey with me. I would love to hear your story and how you are doing too. The purpose of our family doing this it to watch our grocery spending while allowing us to feed our family, enjoy life, share with others, and yet stay on track with our budget.
Living on a Budget is a series of ways our family uses a budget to help keep us accountable with our finances. Life doesn’t always go as planned. We have used some of the ideas I will be sharing for years while others are ones we are just starting to implement as we continue finding ways to be creative and have fun with what we have been given. Having a plan in place allows us the freedom to be smart with what we have been given, get more creative when it is a tight (week, month, year or a season) and when necessary live a much more simplified life. A budget helps us stay on track so we have more opportunities to enjoy the many blessings we have been given as well as share what we have with others. There is so much more to life than having all the stuff. We may not have the newest or greatest items in our house, we drive used cars, and wear hand-me-down clothing…..however, if our family is taken care of and have love for each other and others we have more than all the riches in the world.
Family Recipe: Sour Cream Banana Coffee Cake
I received this recipe several years ago from my Aunt Vick. Lately, I have been able to get quite a few bananas on clearance at the store and have several bags of frozen bananas in the freezer to use throughout the winter. As I was looking for a recipe to utilize some of the bananas and I came across this one which is perfect! If you are looking for a great alternative to banana bread for a breakfast, brunch, or snack this is one you should try.
Sour Cream Banana Coffee Cake:
- 1/2 cup Butter
- 1 cup Sugar
- 2 Eggs
- 1 cup mashed Bananas
- 1/2 teaspoon Vanilla
- 1/2 cup Sour Cream
- 1 teaspoon Baking Powder
- 1 teaspoon Baking Soda
- 1/4 teaspoon Salt
- 2 cups Flour
- 1/2 cup Sugar
- 1 teaspoon Cinnamon
1. Cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
2. Add eggs and blend.
3. Add bananas, vanilla, and sour cream.
4. Add salt, baking powder, baking soda and flour.
5. In another bowl mix 1/2 cup sugar and cinnamon.
6. Sprinkle 1/2 of Sugar / Cinnamon mixture over the bottom of a well greased bundt pan. Spoon in 1/2 of the batter into the pan. Sprinkle on remaining cinnamon mixture and cover with the rest of the batter. Cut through with a knife to swirl it a little bit.
7. Bake at 350 degrees for 45 minutes.
For an extra special treat you can add a simple frosting or glaze to this delicious cake!
Photo by Little Blue Hen
SkyTop Orchard: $1.00 off a Bushel of Apples Coupon
If you are looking for a great fall family activity you might want to try Apple Picking!
SkyTop Orchard is now open for apple picking and is offering a coupon for $1.00 a bushel of Apples.
You can pick your own apples or buy apples they have picked in their store
What is at SkyTop Orchard:
- Pick Your Own Apples, Peaches, Pears, and Grapes (check to see what is currently in season)
- “Made While You Watch” Apple Cake Doughnuts
- Hayrides
- Pick Pumpkins, Gourds, and Fall Decorations
- Picnic Areas
- Barnyard Goats, Sheep, Chickens, Turkeys, Peacocks, Ducks and Geese
- Free Apple Cider
- Nature Trail through a Bamboo Forest
- Orchard Pond
- Bees working in their Beehive
- Apple Goods, Hot Apple Cider, Caramel Apples, Fudge Apples and More
- Honey, Jams, and Gifts
- Kids Playground
- Wooden cut-outs for pictures
- And More!
Where is SkyTop Orchard:
- Sky Top Orchard is located above Flat Rock, NC on Pinnacle Mountain Road
- When using GPS enter the address of 3403 Greenville Highway, Flat Rock, NC 28731
Save A Lot: Deals for the week of September 21 – 27, 2011
The Save A Lot weekly ad deals are listed below for your convenience. You do not need any coupons to get the Save A Lot Today prices. Sign up for the Smart Shopper Club, by doing so you will get a $5.00 off of $25.00 coupon!
Meats and Seafood
Ground Hamburger (80% Lean) – $2.49 per lb
Fresh Chicken Leg Quarters – $0.79 per lb
Sugardale Smoked, Stadium, or Cheddar Brats (14 oz) – $1.99
Holten Beef Patties (24 oz) – $1.99
Farmington Pork Sausage (16 oz) – $1.99
Oscar Mayer Ready to Serve Bacon (2.1 oz) – $2.49
Use $0.55/1 coupon booklet from Kraft Food & Family (found at Food Lion & BiLo) Expires 12/31/11
$1.94 each after couponPick 5 for $19.99 promo on going: Pick any 5 specially marked packages of your favorite cuts of fresh, frozen or smoked meats and pay just $19.99 (about $2 per pound).
Fridge and Freezer
Buyers Best Crinkle Cut French Fries (32 oz) – $0.99
McClary’s Cheese Singles (10.7 oz) – $0.99
Bright & Early Orange and Grape Drinks – $1.00
Morning Delight Cinnamon Rolls with Icing – $1.69
Coburn Farms Shredded Mozzarella Cheese (12 oz) – $2.99
Produce
Jumbo Vine Ripe Tomatoes – $0.99 per lb
Gala Apples (3 lbs) – $2.49
Cucumbers – $0.50
Cabbage – $0.39
Cantaloupes – $1.49
Navel Oranges (3 lbs) – $2.99
Caeser Salad Kit (5.6 oz) – $2.49
Household
Angel Fresh Dryer Sheets – $0.99
Glo Classic Dish Liquid (25 oz) – $0.99
Save A Lot Today Bath Tissue (4 count) – $0.89
Save A Lot Today Liquid Laundry Detergent (45.4 oz) – $1.99
Save A Lot Today Soap Scum Remover (32 oz) – $1.00
Save A Lot Today All Purpose Pine Cleaner (32 oz) – $1.00
Save A Lot Today All Purpose Cleaner with Bleach (32 oz) – $1.00
Grocery
Del Monte Spaghetti Sauce (25.6 oz) – $0.88
Mantia’s Spaghetti or Elbow Macaroni Noodles – $0.99
Green Giant Vegetables (14 to 15 oz) – $0.59
Andy Capp Fries – $0.69
Tony’s Mega Pouch (Pepperoni Pizza or Egg & Bacon) – $0.79
Arizona Drinks (23 oz) – $0.79
Bisquick Shake & Pour (5.1 oz) – $0.99
Diane’s Garden Tomato Sauce (8 oz) – $0.29
Kurtz Ketchup – $0.89
Kurtz Wing Sauce – $1.39
Marcum Chicken Coating Mix – $0.99
Marcum Seasoned Bread Crumbs (11 oz) – $0.99
O Days Mac & Cheese – $0.39
Potatoes on the Side Scallop or Au Gratin – $0.99
Save A Lot Today Toaster Pastries – $0.99
McDaniel’s Enhanced Coffee Creamer (16 oz) – $1.79
Mantia’s Crispy Crust Pizza Mix – $0.49
Mantia’s Pizza Sauce (14 oz) – $0.99
Wylwood Mushroom Pieces and Stems – $0.59
Bell’s Sliced Ripe Olives – $0.79
Sugardale Sliced Pepperoni (8 oz) – $1.99
Grissom’s Garlic Bread Sticks (12 oz) – $1.99
Cloverhill Strawberry Cheese Claw (4.25 oz) – $0.59
Mrs. Freshley’s Buddy Bars or Oatmeal Creme Pies (8 count) – $1.00
Health & Beauty
Being Well Allergy Tablets (30 Count) – $2.49
Remember you can use the $5/$25 printable coupon to sweeten these deals! Plus you can earn up to 5 additional $5 off $25 coupons for sharing the coupon with your friends.
For more information about Save A Lot’s coupon policies go here. If you find additional deals or savings please let me know and I will add them to the list.
What’s for Dinner: Our Weekly Menu Plan
Last week our menu plan went well. I think the entire family enjoyed having dinner on the table at a specific time and it was a lot easier for me to prep as well as pull the meal together because I know exactly what we are eating each day.
Our Weekly Menu Plan
- Monday (Beef Entree): “Back to School” Night at the girls school (dinner is part of the event)
- Tuesday (Seafood or Pork Entree): Peppercorn Pork Tenderloin, Mash Potatoes, Pearsauce
- Wednesday (Chicken Entree): Honey Mustard Chicken, Whole Grain Rice Pilaf, Mixed Fresh Fruit Salad
- Thursday (Pasta or Vegetarian Entree): Vegetarian Chili, Easy Summer Vegetables, Cornbread & Crackers
- Friday, Saturday, & Sunday: Leftovers, Family Preference, and Hosting
I have a general pattern I try to follow for my weekly Menu Plan (for example Monday we have a beef entree, Tuesday a seafood or pork entree and so forth). It is my goal, at least in the beginning, to have at least the main dish and one side planned. I will put together the remaining side dishes (veggies / fruits) based on the food items that need to be used up first and compliment the main entree.
Setting a weekly menu plan helps me utilize my time better, thus freeing up extra time to spend with my family. On the days that I am working longer hours I can prep the meal in advance so it will be easier to pull together once I am home. As I go through the menu planning process I will try to share some of our favorite family recipes. If there is a specific recipe you would like please let me know and I will do my best to accommodate (some recipes are a toss together meal and I do not use any set measurements).
As a family of four our life can get busy. What’s for Dinner is our weekly menu planning series and one of the ways to help keep us organized, on schedule, and within budget. Our family typically eats 6 to 7 dinner meals at home a week. We do try to go out to eat at least once a month as a special treat. Breakfasts are eaten at home before work and school, lunches are eaten at work, school, or home, so dinner is our main meal together as a family. Dinner is our time to reconnect, share, and enjoy being together after a busy day. Our weekly menu plan covers Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday only because the weekend (Friday, Saturday, and Sunday) is our time to spend with family and friends. The weekends tend to be more spontaneous and my husband (who is the better cook) likes pitching in therefore we keep the menu open for variety. We use up the leftovers throughout the week for our lunches and on the nights that we are busy or can’t cook.
Photo by Liz
