Bargain Meal of the Week 3/5/09

It's time for another week of Bargain Meals! Erin over at $5 Dinners (a great read!) is hosting a gathering of bloggers all over the internet, creating frugal meals straight from the sales circulars of their favorite stores. Check it out for even more inspiration. I contribute every Thursday for the current sales at Publix, which run from Wednesday to the following Tuesday. Keep in mind that you do not need to purchase two of a product to get the buy one get one price. Publix marks down their products to half price for the BOGO deals.

There are a million variations to this, and it is often a great way to use up leftovers. This week is one of our favorites and really good for you:

Baked Vegetable Frittata (Quiche with out the crust)

Ingredients:

1 carton Egg Beaters - $1.66 on sale, free with coupons
1 package of favorite fresh vegetables - $1.66 on sale, .67 with coupon
1 small onion, chopped
1/4 cup milk
1 tablespoon butter
8 - 12 ounces cheddar cheese, shredded - Kraft Chunk Cheese $1.66 on sale
1/8 teaspoon pepper
1/2 teaspoon salt

Directions:

Wash and cut up vegetables to bite size pieces. Place in microwave safe bowl. Add about a cup of water. Cover the bowl with microwave-safe plastic wrap and turn over one corner to vent. Microwave on high for 4 to 8 minutes (depending on thickness of vegetable) or until your veggies reach the desired consistency (tender but still crisp). Drain.

Meanwhile, sauté the onion in the butter until tender. Add the drained vegetables; stir and cook until heated and mixed well. Put half of the cheese in a greased pie plate. By putting cheese on the bottom, it makes a nice crust. Place the vegetable mixture on top. Mix the egg beater, milk, salt and pepper. Pour evenly over vegetables; top with remaining cheese. Bake 350º for 25-35 minutes or until knife inserted near center comes out clean.

My husband likes to eat this with green hot sauce.

Total Cost: $4.98 or $2.33 with coupons, plus a bit more for onion, milk, butter & seasoning.

Coupons:

Egg Beaters, $1.66 ea
-$1 off Egg Beaters with yolk printable (IE) or printable (FF)
-$1 off Egg Beaters printable (Food Lion) – this is a Manufacturer coupon but most stores will enter as a competitor
Final Price: if store takes both coupons makes it FREE plus overage

Eat Smart Broccoli Florets, Vegetable Medley, Cauliflower Florets, Broccoli and Cauliflower, Broccoli and Carrots, or Vegetable Stir Fry, 10 or 12-oz pkg. in Produce Section, 3 for $5
-$1/1 Supertarget IP Q printable
Final Price: .67 each