Bargain Meal of the Week 11/20/10: Sausage Sweet Potato Casserole

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 week 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.

This would make a great Thanksgiving dish!

Items on sale that can be used in this meal:

Sweet Potatoes, 39¢ lb.

Jones Sausage Patties or Links 7 oz, $2.49 BOGO
- $1/1 Jones Dairy Farm All Natural Sausage 12 oz Winter Family Savings Publix Coupon (exp 12/31/2010)
-$2/2 (or $1/2) Jones Dairy Farm All Natural Sausage peelie (exp 4/1/12)
-FREE Eggs wyb 2 Jones All Natural Sausage peelie (exp 9/1/2011)
-Free Eco-Friendly Tote bag wyb 2 Jones All Natural Sausage mail-in offer peelie
Final Price: Use 2 Publix Qs and peelie for free and possible free eggs and tote bag

Dole Pineapple 20 oz can, $1.59 BOGO
-$.55/2 Dole Pineapple, any two cans (exp 12/31/2010)
-$1/2 Dole Fruit Tearpad
Final Price: .29 - .52

I Can’t Believe It’s Not Butter, 10-16 oz. spread or 8 oz. spray, $2.89 BOGO
-.75/2 I Can’t Believe It’s Not Butter product, (Target coupon) printable
-.75/2 I Can’t Believe It’s Not Butter product, RP 11/14
Final Price: .69 - $1.07

Sausage Sweet Potato Casserole
from Southernfood

Ingredients:

• 1 can (20 ounces) pineapple chunks in juice
• 1 can (about 18 ounces) sweet potatoes, sliced 1-inch thick
• 12 to 16 ounces smoked sausage, links or sliced in serving-size pieces
• 3 tablespoons brown sugar
• 2 tablespoons cornstarch
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1 tablespoon butter

Directions:

Drain pineapple, reserving juice in a 2-cup measure. Add water to juice to make 1 1/2 cups.

Arrange pineapple chunks, sliced sweet potatoes, and sausage in a lightly greased shallow baking dish. In a small saucepan over low heat, combine brown sugar, cornstarch, and salt. Gradually stir in reserved pineapple juice.

Cook, stirring constantly, until thickened and bubbly; cook and stir for 1 minute longer. Remove from heat; stir in butter. Pour mixture over sausage and sweet potato mixture. Cover and bake at 350° for 30 to 40 minutes, until sweet potato casserole is heated through.

(If beginning with raw sweet potatoes, you may need to pre-cook in microwave after chopping.)

Bargain Meal of the Week: Fettuccine with Parmesan Garlic Sauce

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 week 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.

This is easy and quick! It is perfect to serve with a salad.

Items on sale that can be used in this meal:

Heluva Good! Sour Cream Dip,12 oz., at $2 BOGO
-.50/1 Heluva Good product printable
Final Price: Free

Ronzoni Pasta, 12-16 oz., $1.39 BOGO
(excl. Lasagna, Manicotti, Jumbo Shells, Healthy Harvest & Garden Delight)
-$1 off Ronzoni Smart Taste pasta, Nov. Good Housekeeping or Martha Stewart Living
-$1 off Ronzoni Smart Taste pasta, Nov. Parents magazine
-.50/1 Ronzoni, quick cook pasta printable
-.55/1 Ronzoni Quick Cook pasta, SS 10/3
-.75/1 Ronzoni Smart Taste printable
Final Price: Free - .14

Dreamfields Pasta, 13.25 oz., $1.67
-$1 off Dreamfields pasta product printable or printable
-.55/1 Dreamfields Pasta, SS 9/12
Final Price: .67¢ - 1.14

Publix Salad Blends $2

Fettuccine with Parmesan Garlic Sauce
From Heluvagood.com

Ingredients:

12 oz. fettuccine
1 Tbsp olive oil
1/2 tsp salt
12 oz. Heluva Good!® Garlic & Parmesan Dip
4 slices Prosciutto, cut into thin strips
2 scallions, chopped
1 Tbsp parsley, minced
Fresh ground white pepper

Directions:

Cook fettuccine according to directions until al dente, then drain. While noodles are cooking, mix together the dip with the Prosciutto, scallions and parsley in a small bowl. In a large skillet, heat the sauce until warm and add the noodles, tossing the noodles until well coated. Serve immediately with fresh pepper.

Bargain Meal of the Week: Southwest Black Bean Soup

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 week 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.

This is a great soup for the fall! And for you busy moms out there, this is super quick to make!

Items on sale that can be used in this meal:

Bush’s Best Baked Beans or Grillin Beans 21-28 oz $1.67
-$1 off Bush’s Grillin’ Beans 21-oz Black Bean Fiesta or Texas Ranchero SS 10/3
Final Price: .67¢

Hunt's Tomatoes, price unknown
-$1/3 Hunt's, Whole, Diced or Crushed Can Tomatoes - 10-10-10 SS
Final Price: Cheaper

Johnsonville Brats 13.5-16 oz., $2.99
-.55/1 Johnsnoville Brats printable
Final Price: $2.44

Nabisco Premium Saltine Crackers, 11-16.5 oz., $1.99
-$1/2 Nabisco crackers (Target coupon), excl snack size printable
-$1 off Nabisco Premium Saltine crackers 9 oz + AND canned soup or chili, tearpad
-.75/1 Nabisco crackers, The Secrets of Flavor booklet
-$1/2 Nabisco cookies or crackers, 4.04-26 oz, SS 9/26 (EXP 11/07)
Final Price: use $1/2 Target and $1/2 manufacturer’s, makes it 99¢


Southwest Black Bean Soup
from Johnsonville.com

Ingredients:

2 cans (15 oz.) black beans
1 pkg. (16 oz.) Johnsonville® Smoked Brats, coin-sliced
1 can (14.5 oz.) tomatoes, diced
3 cloves garlic, minced
2 tsp lime juice
1/4 tsp red pepper flakes
1/4 c sweet yellow pepper, diced

sour cream, lime wedges, Jalapeno peppers (optional)

Directions:

In large saucepan, combine black beans, brats, tomatoes, garlic, lime juice and red pepper flakes.

Bring to a boil, lower heat and simmer 10-15 minutes.

Garnish with yellow pepper. If desired, serve topped with sour cream, lime wedges and/or jalapeno peppers.

Bargain Meal of the Week: Crispy Chinese Chicken Salad

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 week 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.

Here's a grown-up dish using a common kid food! A little something for everyone in the family! The nice thing is, most of the ingredients you probably have in your stock pile.

Items on sale that can be used in this meal:

Perdue Chicken Breast Nuggets or Tenders, 12 oz., $4.39 BOGO
-$1 off Perdue Fully Cooked Chicken products printable
Final Price: $1.19

Planter's Peanuts, price unknown
-$1/2 Planters Nuts, Any 5.75 - 21.25 Oz. - 09-26-10 SS

Dole Mandarin Oranges, price unknown
-.50/2 Dole Canned Mandarin Oranges, Any - All You, November 2010

Heinz Vinegar, price unknown
-.50/1 Heinz Vinegar printable

Crispy Chinese Chicken Salad
from Perdue.com

Ingredients:

• 1 package PERDUE® Breaded Chicken
  
• 1 package (16 ounces) broccoli slaw or cabbage coleslaw mix
• 2 packages (3 ounces) Ramen noodles, crushed, seasoning packets reserved
• 3 tablespoons finely chopped green onions
• 1/2 cup dry roasted peanuts
• 1/4 cup sesame oil
• 1/4 cup vegetable oil
• 1/3 cup rice vinegar
• 1/3 cup sugar
• 1 can (11 ounces) mandarin oranges, drained

Directions:

1. Heat chicken according to package directions. Cool slightly then cut into 1/2 inch slices. Combine slaw mix, crushed Ramen noodles and green onions and peanuts, if desired, in a large bowl.
2. For dressing, whisk together oils, rice vinegar, sugar and reserved Ramen seasoning mix in a small bowl.
3. Gently mix chicken slices and oranges just before serving. Drizzle dressing.

Bargain Meal of the Week: Crab Alfredo

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 week 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.

As a busy working mom, I love when a recipe is super easy and takes very little time to prepare!

Items on sale that can be used in this meal:

Ronzoni Pasta, 12-16 oz., $1.39 BOGO
-.55/1 Ronzoni pasta printable
Final Price: .14

Buitoni Pasta 9 oz., at $2.19 BOGO
-$1 off Buitoni Refrigerated Pasta or Sauce printable
Final Price: .09

SeaPak Shrimp Co. Shrimp, Salmon, Tilapia, Flounder, or Crab Cakes, 8-28 oz., $7.59 BOGO
Final Price: $3.79

Classico Pasta Sauce, 8.1-24 oz., $2.69 BOGO
Final Price: $1.34

Crab Alfredo
from Seapak.com

Ingredients:
1 (8 oz) package SeaPak® Maryland Style Crab Cakes, thawed
1 jar (16 oz) Alfredo sauce
8 oz dry linguine
1 Tablespoon butter

Directions:

THAW crab cakes according to package directions (either in the refrigerator over night or under running cool or tepid water).

PLACE a pot of water on high heat and bring to a rolling boil. Add salt to water according to taste preference. Cook pasta according to package directions, drain pasta and return to pot. Set pot aside (do not return pot to the heat).

PLACE butter into a medium skillet on medium high heat. Once butter is melted, use fingers to crumble crab cakes into butter. Cook for 2 minutes, stirring frequently.

POUR alfredo sauce into pan with crab meat. Stir to incorporate. Bring mixture to a low rolling boil, stirring occasionally.

POUR crab and alfredo sauce mixture over pasta and toss together. Serve immediately.

Bargain Meal of the Week 9/24/2010: Quiche Cups

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 week 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.

This recipe has the option of many variations!

Items on sale that can be used in this meal:

Pillsbury Grands! Biscuits 16.3-17.3 oz., at $1.25
-$1/2 Pillsbury Refrigerated Grands Biscuits printable
-.30/2 Pillsbury Grands! Biscuits SS 8/08 or printable or printable
-.40/3 Pillsbury Refrigerated Grands or Grands Jr Biscuits, SS 9/12
Final Price: .75 - .98

Egg Beaters 15-16 oz., $1.66
-$1 off Egg Beaters product, 15 oz +, Conagra Home Mailer
-.35/1 Egg Beaters Original or Flavors, SS 8/15
-.35/1 Egg Beaters Whites, SS 8/15
-.50/1 Egg Beaters product printable or printable
-.75/1 Egg Beaters product printable
Final Price: .66 - .96¢

Sargento Shredded Cheese 5-8 oz., $2
-.50/1 Sargento Shreds or Sliced Cheese, Kroger Home mailer
Final Price: $1.00

Oscar Mayer Deli Fresh Shaved Meats 7-9 oz., $3
-$1 off Publix bread WYB Oscar Mayer Deli Fresh Meat printable
-$1 off Oscar Mayer Deli Shaved Product printable
-.55/1 Oscar Mayer Deli Fresh Cuts, 7 oz +, tearpad
Final Price: $2.00 - 2.45 plus nearly free bread

Quiche Cups

The ingredients are not exact as you can add or subtract items depending on taste.

Ingredients:

Eggs or Egg Substitute
Cheese
Biscuit Tube
Diced meat of choice
Diced vegetables of choice

Directions:

Heat oven to 375F. Grease muffin cups.

Separate biscuits and roll with a rolling pin to expand slightly. Press into muffin cups, forming 1/4 inch rim. Place diced meat and/or vegetables in the bottom of the dough-lined muffin cups. Spoon about 2 tablespoons of the egg mixture over and top with cheese.

Bake for 20 to 25 minutes or until filling is set and edges of biscuits are golden brown.

Bargain Meal of the Week 9/17/10: Ground Turkey Casserole

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 week 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.

This definitely a comfort food!

Items on sale that can be used in this meal:

Publix Fresh Ground Turkey, $2.49 lb.

Kraft Philadelphia Cream Cheese 8 oz, $1.25
-$5/5 Kraft Cheese or Dairy products printable
Final Price: .25¢ ea

Kraft Shredded Cheese, price unknown
-$5/5 Kraft Cheese or Dairy products printable
Final Price: Cheaper

Ronzoni Pasta 12-16 oz., at $1.39 (69¢)
(I don’t know if Smart Taste and Healthy Harvest are included)
-$1 off Ronzoni Smart Taste Pasta, May Better Homes and Gardens Magazine
-$1 off Ronzoni Smart Taste Pasta, May Family Circle Magazine
-$1 off Ronzoni Smart Taste Pasta, May Family Fun Magazine
-$1 off Ronzoni Smart Taste Pasta, May First Magazine
-$1/2 Ronzoni Healthy Harvest printable
-.55/1 Ronzoni Pasta printable
-.75/1 Ronzoni Smart Taste printable
Final Price: possibly Free - .14 if types of pasta are included

Daisy Sour Cream 8 oz., 99¢

Del Monte Tomatoes 14.5 oz. canned, $1.49 BOGO
-$1/5 Del Monte Canned Fruits, Vegetables, Tomatoes RP 9/19
Final Price: .54¢

Muir Glen Tomato Sauce, usually under $1
-$1/1 Any flavor/variety Muir Glen product (when you sign up for connossieurs' club)
Final Price: Free


Ground Turkey Casserole
from allrecipes.com

Ingredients

• 1 pound ground turkey
• 1 (15 ounce) can tomato sauce
• 1 teaspoon white sugar
• 1 (8 ounce) container sour cream
• 1 (8 ounce) package cream cheese
• 1 (12 ounce) package uncooked egg noodles
• 2 cups shredded Cheddar cheese
  

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).
2. In a large skillet over medium-high heat, saute the ground turkey for 5 to 10 minutes, or until browned. Drain the turkey, stir in the tomato sauce and sugar, and set aside. In a medium bowl, combine the sour cream and cream cheese. Mix well and set aside.
3. Cook noodles according to package directions. Place them into a 9x13-inch baking dish, then layer the turkey mixture over the noodles. Then layer the sour cream mixture over the turkey, and top with cheese.
4. Bake at 350 degrees F (175 degrees C) for 20 to 35 minutes, or until cheese is melted and bubbly.

Bargain Meal of the Week 9/12/10: Spaghetti a la Philly

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 week 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.

This is a new twist to an old standby!

Items on sale that can be used in this meal:

Kraft Philadelphia Cream Cheese 8 oz tub $1.50
-$5 off (5) Kraft Dairy or Cheese products printable
Final price: .50¢

Barilla Pasta Sauce, 24 oz., $2.69 BOGO
-.75/1 Barilla Pasta Sauce, SS 8/29
Final Price: .59¢

Ground Sirloin $3.69 lb


Spaghetti a la Philly
from Kraftrecipes.com

Ingredients:

1/2 lb. spaghetti, uncooked

1 lb. extra-lean ground beef

1 jar (24 oz.) spaghetti sauce

4 oz. (1/2 of 8-oz. pkg.) cream cheese, cubed

2 Tbsp. grated Parmesan cheese

Directions:

COOK spaghetti as directed on package.

MEANWHILE, brown meat in large skillet. Stir in sauce and cream cheese; cook on low heat 3 to 5 min. or until sauce is well blended and heated through, stirring frequently.

DRAIN spaghetti. Add to sauce; mix lightly. Place on platter; top with Parmesan.

Bargain Meal of the Week: Beef Stuffed Zucchini

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 week 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.

It is that time of year when most people have Zucchini producing like crazy in their gardens. So if you grow your own, this recipe is even cheaper!

Items on sale that can be used in this meal:

Yellow or Zucchini Squash, 99¢

Ground Chuck $2.99 lb.

Cabot Vermont Chedder Cheese Bar 8 oz., $2


Beef Stuffed Zucchini
by Taste of Home

Ingredients:

• 4 medium zucchini
• 1 pound ground beef
• 1/2 cup chopped onion
• 1 egg
• 3/4 cup marinara or spaghetti sauce
• 1/4 cup seasoned bread crumbs
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon pepper
• 1 cup (4 ounces) shredded Monterey Jack cheese, divided
• Additional marinara or spaghetti sauce

Directions:

• Cut zucchini in half lengthwise; cut a thin slice from the bottom of each with a sharp knife to allow zucchini to sit flat. Scoop out pulp, leaving 1/4-in. shells.
• Place shells in an ungreased 3-qt. microwave-safe dish. Cover and microwave on high for 3 minutes or until crisp-tender; drain and set aside.
• Meanwhile, in a large skillet, cook beef and onion over medium heat until meat is no longer pink; drain. Remove from the heat; stir in the egg, marinara sauce, bread crumbs, salt, pepper and 1/2 cup cheese.
• Spoon about 1/4 cup into each shell. Microwave, uncovered, on high for 4 minutes. Sprinkle with remaining cheese. Microwave 3-4 minutes longer or until a thermometer inserted into filling reads 160° and zucchini are tender. Serve with additional marinara sauce.
  

Bargain Meal of the Week: Bleu Alfredo

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 week 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.

I am a sucker for pasta and for blue cheese...this one has both! Yumm!

Items on sale that can be used in this meal:

Stella Crumbled Blue Cheese or Gorgonzola 10 oz., $4.69
-.30/1 Stella Cheese printable
Final Price: 4.09

Ronzoni Pasta, 12-16 oz., at $1.39 BOGO
Final Price: .69¢

Organic Valley Heavy Whipping Cream, price unknown
-$1/1 Organic Valley Heavy Whipping Cream, Any (Organic Valley Website)
Final Price: Cheaper

Honest Kids Thirst Quenchers, 8 ct. 6.75 oz., at $3.49 BOGO
-$1 off Honest Kids product, (Whole Foods coupon) printable
-.75/1 Honest Kids Organic Drink pouches printable (makes it 99¢)
Final Price: if Whole Foods is a competitor at your store, use both makes it free

Bleu Alfredo
from Recipegoldmine.com

Ingredients:

1 (16 ounce) package fettuccini pasta
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 clove garlic, sliced
4 ounces blue cheese, crumbled
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
2 cups heavy cream
1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
Salt and pepper to taste

Directions:

Bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a boil. Cook pasta in boiling water for 8 to 10 minutes, or until al dente; drain.

Heat olive oil in a small skillet over medium heat. Sauté garlic in olive oil until golden. Remove garlic, and reserve oil.

In a medium saucepan over medium-low heat, combine blue cheese, Parmesan cheese, and cream. Stir until cheeses are melted. Stir in the oil from the garlic pan. Season with Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.

Toss sauce with hot pasta, and let stand 5 minutes before serving.

Serve with organic fruit juice!

Bargain Meal of the Week 8/6/10: Chicken with Fresh Cherry Salsa

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 week 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.

I tried this recipe at Whole Foods and fell in love! I altered it slightly to use split chicken breasts.

Items on sale that can be used in this meal:

Cherries, $2.49 lb

Split Chicken Breasts, $1.69 lb

Success Rice 14 oz., $1.99
-.50/1 Success Rice product, SS 6/27
Final Price: .99¢

Chicken with Fresh Cherry Salsa
from Whole Foods

Instead of chicken, you could spoon this family-friendly salsa over pork chops or baked tofu, or serve it with tortilla chips in place of standard tomato salsa. Stir in chopped jalapeños, if you like.

Ingredients:

1/2 pound cherries (about 2 cups), pitted
1/2 cup chopped white onion
1 large ripe tomato, cored and roughly chopped
3/4 teaspoon salt, divided
1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper, divided
2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro
3/4 cup whole wheat breadcrumbs
4 split chicken breasts

Directions:

Preheat oven to 375.

Put cherries, onion, tomato, 1/4 teaspoon salt and 1/4 teaspoon pepper into a food processor and pulse to make a chunky salsa. (Or, finely chop all of the ingredients and toss together in a bowl.) Stir in cilantro and set aside.

Put breadcrumbs into a wide, shallow dish. Season chicken all over with 1/2 teaspoon salt and 1/4 teaspoon pepper, dredge in breadcrumbs to coat, shake off and discard any excess crumbs and transfer coated chicken to baking pan.

Bake chicken in oven for 40-45 minutes until juices run clear. Transfer to plates and spoon salsa over the top.

Serve with rice.

Bargain Meal of the Week: Cheddar Cheese Baked Potato Soup

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 week 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.

Items on sale that can be used in this meal:

Russet Baking Potatoes, 5 lb., $2.99

Smithfield Naturally Hickory Smoked Bacon, 16 oz., $3

Campbells Cooking Soups, price unknown
-.50/2 Campbells Cooking Soups printable

Breakstone Sour Cream, price unknown
-.55/1 Breakstone's Sour Cream, Any Package 16 Oz. Or Larger - Bricks

Cheddar Cheese Baked Potato Soup
from foodnetwork.com

Ingredients:

1 baking potato
2 (10-ounce) cans Cheddar cheese soup
2 1/2 cups low-sodium chicken stock
1/4 cup real bacon pieces
Sour cream, for garnish
Green onion, finely chopped, optional for garnish

Directions:

Microwave the baking potato for 7 to 8 minutes on high. Carefully remove from microwave using oven mitts. It will be HOT! Set aside until cool enough to touch.

When potato is cool, cut into 1/2-inch cubes.

Add Cheese soup, chicken stock, and bacon pieces to a medium pan. Bring to a simmer, stirring occasionally over medium high heat. Add potato and continue to heat soup for 5 minutes.

Ladle soup into bowls and garnish with a dollop of sour cream and a few chopped green onions.

Bargain Meal of the Week: 4th of July Version

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 week 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.

In honor of the 4th of July, here is a barbecue plan! It will cost a little more than normal since I included drinks and desert (around $11 for a family of 4) but it is a holiday!

Items on sale that can be used in this meal:

Sweet Baby Ray’s Barbecue Sauce, 18 oz., $2.39 BOGO
Final Price: $1.19

Georgia Sweet Corn, 14¢ ea

Split Chicken Breast, $1.69 lb.

Canada Dry, 7-Up, A&W, or Diet Rite, 2 ltr, $1.45 BOGO
Final Price: .72¢

Lay’s Potato Chips, 10.5-13.25 oz., $3.99 BOGO
Final Price: $1.99

Georgia Seedless Watermelon, $3.99

Grilled Barbecue Chicken
adapted from Martha Stewart

Ingredients:

4 chicken breast halves

Coarse salt and ground pepper

1/3 cup

Read more at Marthastewart.com: Grilled Chicken Breasts with Barbecue Sauce and more delicious recipes, smart cooking tips, and video demonstrations on marthastewart.com

4 Split Chicken Breasts
Coarse salt and ground pepper
1/3 cup barbecue sauce

Directions:

Heat grill to medium-high. Season chicken breast halves with coarse salt and ground pepper. Clean and lightly oil hot grates. Place chicken on grill (if using skin-on chicken, place skin side down on grill).

Grill chicken, without turning, 10 to 14 minutes. Flip and grill until cooked through, or a thermometer inserted in the thickest part of meat (avoiding bone) registers 160 degrees, 8 to 10 minutes more.

About 1 minute before chicken is done, brush with barbecue sauce.

Serve with Grilled Corn in Husks, potato chips & soda. Have watermelon for desert!

Bargain Meal of the Week 6/24/10 Shrimp Skewers & Mango Sauce

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 week 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.

Okay, it's hot enough to cook on the sidewalk around here. It's the kind of sticky hot that leaves you breathless and not wanting to even move, much less cook. To avoid heating up the house any more than you have to, here's a great recipe for the grill! My advice to you is for your husband to do the hot outside stuff and you do the easy inside blending!

Items on sale that can be used in this meal:

Large White Shrimp, 31-35 lb., $4.99

Mangos, 67¢ ea

Georgia Sweet Corn, 15¢ ea

Persian Limes, 20¢ ea

Minute Rice, price unknown
-.50/1 Printable
Final Price: Cheap

Shrimp Skewers with Curried Mango Sauce
from Coastal Living, MAY 2000

Ingredients:

• 30 unpeeled large fresh shrimp
  
• 2 to 3 teaspoons chili powder
• 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• Curried Mango Sauce (recipe below)
  
• Garnish: lime wedges

Directions:

Peel shrimp, leaving tails intact. Devein shrimp, if desired.

Toss together shrimp, chili powder, salt, and olive oil in a large bowl. Thread 5 shrimp onto each skewer, bending each shrimp to pass through skewer twice.

Grill, without grill lid, over high heat (400° to 500°) 4 to 5 minutes or just until shrimp turn pink, turning once. Serve warm with Curried Mango Sauce. Garnish with lime wedges.

Curried Mango Sauce

Ingredients:

• 1 medium mango, chopped
• 1/3 cup peeled and chopped English cucumber
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 tablespoon fresh lime juice
• 1 teaspoon balsamic vinegar
• 1/4 teaspoon curry powder
• 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
• 1/8 teaspoon freshly ground pepper

Directions:

Process all ingredients in a blender until smooth, stopping once to scrape down sides.

Serve the above recipes with corn on the grill and/or rice.

Bargain Meal of the Week 6/18/2010: Classic Italian Pasta Salad

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 week 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.

This is a great recipe on those super hot days of summer. I went to college in Florida and used to live off of this!

Items on sale that can be used in this meal:

Wish-Bone Dressing, 16 oz., $2.73 BOGO
-$1.50/2 Wish-Bone Wish-Bone or Western Dressing, RP 5/23, (exp 6/20)
-.75/1 Wish-Bone Dressing, 7 oz., Salad Spritzers, 16 oz., RP 4/25
-.50/1 Wish-Bone Dressing printable
Final Price: .36 - .61¢

Dreamfields Pasta 13.25 oz, $1.67

-$1.00/1 Printable

Final Price:l $0.67

Cabot Vermont Cheddar Cheese Bar, 8 oz., $2
-$1/2 Cabot Products, Yellow Adv. Flyer (store coupon)
Final Price: $1.50

Premium Tomatoes, 79¢ lb.

Backyard Grilling Vegetables, 99¢ lb.

Lindsey Olives, price unknown
-$1/2 Lindsay Olives products, Any (DND 5) - 05-02-10 RP
-$1/2 Lindsay Olives, Any (Sign Up Required, Bricks Coupon)

Classic Italian Pasta Salad
from Wish-bone.com

Ingredients:

8 ounces rotelle or spiral pasta, cooked and drained
2-1/2 cups assorted cut-up fresh vegetables (broccoli, carrots, tomatoes, bell peppers, cauliflower, onions and mushrooms)
1/2 cup cubed mozzarella or cheddar cheese
1/3 cup sliced pitted ripe olives (optional)
1 cup Wish-Bone® Italian Dressing

Directions:

Combine all ingredients except Wish-Bone® Italian Dressing in large bowl. Add Dressing; toss well. Serve chilled or at room temperature.

NOTE: If preparing a day ahead, refrigerate, then stir in 1/4 cup additional Wish-Bone Dressing before serving.

Bargain Meal of the Week 6/12/10: Tasty Tuna Burgers

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 week 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.

Items on sale that can be used in this meal:

Mt. Olive Sweet Relish or Pickles, 16 oz., $2.19 BOGO
-.55/1 Mt Olive Pickles, Relish or Peppers, any, in store dispenser
Final Price: .54¢

Hellmann’s Easy Out! Mayonnaise, 22 oz, $4.69 BOGO
-.25/1 Hellman’s product 16.5 oz.+ RP 5/23
-.25/1 Hellmann’s Product, 16.5 oz. +, RP 5/16 -1/2 Best Foods or Hellmann’s Mayonnaise Products, 15 oz. + RP 4/25 (Target Coupon)
Final Price: 1.84

StarKist Chunk Light Tuna, 4 pk. 5 oz., $3.71 BOGO
Final Price: 1.85

Arnold Select Sandwich Thins, 12 oz. pk., $2.99 BOGO
Final Price: 1.49

Florida Premium or Plum Tomatoes, 99¢ lb.

Tasty Tuna Burgers
from Allrecipes.com

Ingredients:

1 (6 ounce) can tuna, drained
1 egg
1/2 cup Italian seasoned bread crumbs
1/3 cup minced onion
1/4 cup minced celery
1/4 cup minced red bell pepper
1/4 cup mayonnaise
2 tablespoons chili sauce
1/2 teaspoon dried dill weed
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/8 teaspoon ground black pepper
1 dash hot pepper sauce
1 dash Worcestershire sauce
4 hamburger buns
1 tomato, sliced
4 leaves of lettuce (optional)

Directions:

Combine tuna, egg, bread crumbs, onion, celery, red bell pepper, mayonnaise, hot chili sauce, chili sauce, dill, salt, pepper, hot pepper sauce and Worcestershire sauce. Mix well. Shape into 4 patties (mixture will be very soft and delicate). Refrigerate for 30 minutes to make the patties easier to handle, if desired.

Coat a non-stick skillet with cooking spray; fry tuna patties for about 3 to 4 minutes per side, or until cooked through. These are fragile, so be careful when turning them.

Serve on buns with tomato slices and lettuce leaves, if desired.

Bargain Meal of the Week: Grandma Flo's Shipwreck

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 week 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.

A good old meat and potatoes dish for a family dinner (with a really cool name). The smell of this simple recipe cooking will make your mouth water!

Items on sale that can be used in this meal:

Russet Potatoes 5 lb bag, $2.49
Sweet Vidalia Onions, 99¢ lb.
Ground Sirloin, $3.69 lb.

Grandma Flo's Shipwreck
From Allrecipes.com

Ingredients:

4 potatoes, peeled and sliced
1 pound ground beef
1 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
1 onion, thinly sliced
1 (15 ounce) can kidney beans, drained
1 (10.75 ounce) can condensed tomato soup

Directions:

Preheat oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C). Grease a 2 quart casserole dish.

Arrange potatoes in the bottom of the casserole dish. Crumble ground beef over potatoes, and sprinkle with 1/2 teaspoon salt and ground black pepper. Spread onions over meat, and then beans. Pour undiluted soup over everything. Sprinkle with remaining 1/2 teaspoon salt. Cover.

Bake for 30 minutes. Remove cover, and continue baking for 1 hour.

Bargain Meal of the Week: Cheesy Baked Ziti

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 week 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.

This is total comfort food!

Items on sale that can be used in this meal:

Ronzoni Healthy Harvest Pasta, 12-13.25 oz. pk., $1.79 BOGO
-.75/1 Ronzoni Healthy Harvest, SS 4/11
-.50/1 Ronzoni Pasta Product, Tearpad
-$1/2 Ronzoni Healthy Harvest, printable
Final Price: Free - .39

Sargento Shredded Cheese or Sunburst, 5-8 oz., $2
-.50/1 Sargento Reduced Sodium Natural Cheeses, 5 oz.+, SS 4/18
-$1 off Sargento Reduced Sodium Natural Cheeses, 5 oz.+, SS 4/18
-.75/1 Sargento Reduced Sodium Natural Cheeses, 5 oz.+, SS 4/18
Final Price: $1.00 - 1.25

Newman’s Own Pasta Sauce 24 oz $1.99
-.50/1 Newman’s Own Pasta Product RP 3/21 or printable
Final Price: .99¢

Green Giant Valley Fresh Steamers, 12 oz. bag, $2.39 BOGO (for side dish)
-.40/1 Green Giant Valley Fresh Steamers SS 3/28
-.50/1 Green Giant Valley Fresh Steamers, printable
-$1/2 Green Giant Valley Fresh Steamers SS 3/28
Final Price: .19 - .69

Cheesy Baked Ziti
by Newman's Own

Ingredients:

1 box ziti or rigatoni pasta
1 carton whole milk ricotta cheese
1 pound shredded part skim mozzarella cheese
1 cup grated Parmesan/Romano cheese mixture plus extra for topping
1 egg
1 tsp each dried basil
1 tsp dried oregano
dash dried thyme
fresh ground pepper and salt to taste
3-4 cups Newman's Own® Marinara Sauce, plus extra for passing

Directions:

• Boil pasta until just barely al dente. Drain and rinse. In a large bowl, mix cheeses, egg and herbs. Stir in pasta and enough sauce to bind it all together (about 2 cups or more according to your taste).


• In a 13 x 9 baking dish, spoon 1/2 cup pasta sauce in bottom and spread to coat bottom of pan. Scoop pasta and cheese mixture into prepared pan, top with another 1/2 cup sauce and parmesan cheese.


• Cover and bake at 350 for 20 minutes till heated through, remove cover and heat another 10 minutes or until bubbly around edges. Remove and let sit 10 minutes.


• Serve with additional sauce, steamed vegetables, salad or garlic breadsticks.

Bargain Meal of the Week 5/14/10

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 week 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.

This is one of our family's favorites! It is especially good for camping, traveling and when there is a flood! It is a perfect stockpile recipe. It also takes no time at all to make and tastes homemade.

Items on sale that can be used in this meal:

Green Giant Canned Vegetables, 11-15.25 oz., 79¢

Doritos Tortilla Chips, 11.5-12.5 oz., at $3.99 BOGO
Final Price: 1.99

Del Monte Tomatoes, 14.5 oz. can, $1.49 BOGO
-$1/8 Del Monte canned fruit or vegetables, or tomatoes RP 3/21 (exp 5/16)
Final Price: .62¢ ea

Bumble Bee Premium Chunk White Chicken, 10 oz. can, $3.49 BOGO
-$1/2 Bumble Bee Chicken, In Store Dispenser (exp 5/31)
Final Price: $1.24

Bush's Best Beans, price unknown (for black beans)
-.55/2 MF Q Blinkie (was there this week)

Campbell's Cream of Chicken Soup, price unknown
-$1/2 printable

Swanson Broth, price unknown
-$1/2 printable


Six Can Chicken Tortilla Soup
originally from allrecipes.com

Description: "Delicious and EASY zesty soup recipe that uses only 6 canned ingredients! Serve over tortilla chips, and top with shredded Cheddar cheese. Throw away the cans and no one will know that it is not from scratch!"

Ingredients:
1 (15 ounce) can whole kernel corn, drained
1 (14.5 ounce) can chicken broth
1 can cream of chicken soup
1 (10 ounce) can chunk chicken
1 (15 ounce) can black beans (rinse)
1 (10 ounce) can diced tomatoes with green chile peppers, drained

Directions: Open the cans of corn, chicken broth, soup, chunk chicken, black beans (rinse), and diced tomatoes with green chilies. Pour everything into a large saucepan or stock pot. Simmer over medium heat until chicken is heated through.