Zucchini & Bacon Dish

12 ounces zucchini, shredded ($0)
1 large onion, chopped finely ($.50)
6 -8 ounces lean bacon, in 1/2-inch dice ($.50)
1 cup cheddar cheese, grated ($1)
1 cup self-raising flour ($.25)
1/4 cup oil (olive oil is tasty) ($.25)
5 eggs, slightly beaten with black pepper (see next item) ($.40)
1/4 teaspoon black pepper


1 You can use a food processor to grate the cheese and zucchini, and chop the onion.

2 Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.

3 In a large bowl, combine all ingredients -- in the order listed. Mix well after each addition.

4 Put everything in an 11" x 7" pan. A 9" x 13" pan works, too.

5 Bake for 40-45 minutes (may take up to an hour), or until golden brown.

6 Check the bottom. It sometimes browns faster

Serve with breadsticks and a salad.

*if you don't have self-rising flour, just use 1 cup all purpose flour, 1/2 T baking powder and 1/2 tsp salt.

Total Cost: $3.00

Make-A-Meal Plan Monday

Monday, Aug. 30
Breakfast: Oatmeal with Raisins ($.50)
Lunch: PB & J Tortillas Swirls ($.50)
Snack: Muffins ($.25)
Dinner: Taco Soup? ($2)

*Whole Wheat Bread & Can Tomatoes

Tuesday, Aug. 31
Breakfast: Breakfast Burritos ($1)
Lunch: Tuna Fish Sandwiches ($.75)
Snack: Bread, freshly made ($.10)
Dinner: Broccoli & Rice Casserole ($1.86)

Wednesday, Sept 1
Breakfast: Cereal ($1)
Lunch: Turkey Sandwiches ($1)
Snack: Cookies ($0)
Dinner: Spaghetti with Grated Yellow Squash, Bread, Salad, Watermelon ($2.50)

Thursday, Sept 2
Breakfast: Oatmeal ($.50)
Lunch: PB&J Sandwiches ($.25)
Snack: Popcorn ($.10)
Dinner: Zucchini & Bacon Bake ($3)

Friday, Sept 3
Breakfast: Cereal ($1)
Lunch: Tuna Fish Sandwiches ($1)
Snack: Chocolate Milk and Pretzels ($1)
Dinner: Hamburgers, Potatoes, etc. ($4.50)

Saturday, Sept 4
Breakfast: Pancakes ($.50)
Lunch: Tomato Sandwiches ($.50)
Snack: Leftovers
Dinner: Pizza & Salad ($2)

Sunday, Sept 5
Breakfast: Sugared Cereals ($1)
Lunch: Quesadillas ($1)
Snack: Pretzels ($.25)
Dinner: Ribs, Baked Potatoes, Broccoli, Jello ($3.50)
Dessert: Homemade Peach Ice Cream ($2.50)

TOTAL COST: <$35

Smiths's Rounding to $1

Dial hand or bar soap, $1.00
Use .35/1 from 8/15 RP
Final price: FREE

Campbells Cream of Chicken or Cream of Mushroom, 1.02
Use .50/2 coupon here
Final Price: .52

Carnation Evaporated Milk, .79, 12 oz
Use: .50/2 coupon here
Final Price: .29 ea

Challenge butter 1-lb bricks, $2.00
Use .55/1 coupon here and here
Final price: .50- $1.00

Clorox bleach, $1.74
Use .25/1 coupon from 8/22 SS
Final price

Weber Grill seasoning packets, .89
Use .50/1 coupon from 6/27 SS
Final Price: FREE

Dole Canned Pineapple Chunks $.79
Use the $.50 off 2 Dole Coupon from the 06-27-10 SS (double to $1.00)
Total cost $.29 a can!

Trix 10.7 oz $1.67
Use the $.55 off Trix Coupon (Double to $1.00)
Total cost $.67!

Cocoa Puffs (Small box) $1.67
Use the $.55 off Cocoa Puffs Coupon (doubles to $1.00)
Total cost $.67!


Yoplait Greek Yogurt, 6 oz 1.00
Yoplait Greek Yogurt Cups, .30/1 (active) Group A (Print Twice)
Free

Yoplait Greek Yogurt, 6 oz 1.00
Yoplait Greek Yogurt cups, any flavor .30/1 (10-02-10) GeneralMills-8/8 AND (09-04-10) SS-7/11 slc
FREE

Hunts Snack Pack Pudding, 4 pk 1.00
Hunts Snack Pack Pudding, any .30/2 (09-12-10) SS-8/1
.50 ea

Monday Make-A-Meal Plan

Monday, August 23rd

Breakfast: Oatmeal & Raisins ($.50)
Lunch: Tunafish Sandwiches, Applesauce, Carrots, Pretzels, and Fruit Gushers ($.50)
Snack: Zucchini Pizza ($.70)
Dinner: Spaghetti with Homemade Sauce ($2) & rest of pizza
Dessert: Caramel Corn ($.50)

Tuesday, August 24th

Breakfast: Cold Cereal ($1.00)
Lunch: PB & J, Apple Slices, Carrots, Pretzels ($.25)
Snack: Muffins ($.50)
Dinner: Taco Salad

***Make Bread***

Wednesday, August 25th

Breakfast: Smoothies & Muffins ($2.50)
Lunch: PB & J, Pears/Applesauce, Zucchini/Beans, Go-Gurt ($.75)
Snack: Cookies ($.50)
Dinner: Cabbage & Hot Dogs, Carrots from Garden ($.50)

Thursday, August 26th
Breakfast: Oatmea & Raisins ($.25)
Lunch: Tunafish, Applesauce/Pears, Beans, Go-Gurt, Cookie ($.85)
Snack: Popcorn ($.10)
Dinner: Zucchini Boats ($1)

***Make Rolls***
***Make Chicken***

Friday, August 27th
Breakfast: Cold Cereal ($1)
Lunch: PB&J, Applesauce, Beans, Fruit Gushers, Pretzels ($.60)
Snack: Chocolate Milk and snack leftovers ($.25)
Dinner: Hamburgers, Grilled Potatoes, Green Beans, Rootbeer ($3.50)

Saturday, August 28th
Breakfast: Scout Breakfast ($30)
Lunch: Cheese Sandwiches on the road ($1)
Snacks: Pretzels & Popcorn ($.50)
Dinner: Chicken, Salad, Rolls, Dessert

Sunday, August 29th
Breakfast: Leftovers or Mtn Man Bfast ($0)
Lunch: Quesadillas ($1)
Snacks: Trail Mix ($1)
Dinner: BBQ Chicken, Potatoes, Jello, Broccoli or Broccoli Salad ($2-3)
Dessert: Apple Something ($1)

Total Cost: ~$25

Happy Rite Aid/Diaper Purchase

I went to Rite Aid last week to use my last free coupon for diapers from my "raid" a couple of months ago when Rite Aid had the buy 5 packages of Huggies and get a 6th package free. We have used all those diapers and were in need of new ones. I was nervous because diapers were not on a very good sale, but I did have $15 in gift cards from another rebate purchase. Here's how it went down.

Transaction #1

Pampers Baby Dry Diapers (box size - 96 diapers) - Priced at $19.99
Pampers 3 pack of wipes for $5.99

Used
$5/$25 purchase RITE AID VV Q
$2 off Q wyb both Pampers Diapers and wipes
$15 Gift Cards

Total before Q = $27.80
Total OOP = $5.07 and $2 +UP Wellness

Transaction #2

1 Huggies Snug & Dry Jumbo Size (36 count) $11.99
1 Huggies Pure & Natural Jumbo Size (26 count) $11.99
2 Glue Sticks (discounted at $.29 each, but rang up at $.99 with 10% discount $.89) - not happy, but will survive
2 Oral B Toothbrushes on Clearance so 50% off (hope to use on Oral Care Rebate still) $1.49 each (from $3.00 each)

Used
$5/$25 purchase RA VV Q
10% off regular priced items from previous purchase (Tx #1)
$2 +UP from previous purchase (Tx #1)
1 FREE Huggies coupon from previous rebate
1 $2.50 Huggies Pure & Natural Diapers
1 B1G1 free coupon for Oral B toothbrushes

Total before Q = $30.97
Total OOP = $2.48 (and should have been about $1.25 if glue sticks were priced right

So the total is:

Before deals = $58.76, After deals = $7.55
Saved $51.21 or 87% savings
Average of $.94 per item and now have

168 diapers & 3 packs of wipes (a month's supply and some other items for less than $8)!!!

Yee-haw! I like it when it works that way.

(don't notice that I won't be detailing out my Costco run directly afterwards. I did save, but nothing like this :)

Zucchini Pizza Snack

Another pizza variation that is so yummy (and uses up extra garden zucchini)

*To save time & money later, I usually double this recipe and freeze a few for later, then I'll be more likely to use this instead of something else and only have to invest the time 1 out of every 3-4 times*

1 Tbsp yeast ($.05)
1 1/2 cups warm water
3 cups flour ($.15)
2 Tbsp vegetable oil ($.10)
1 tsp salt ($.01)
2 Tbsp olive oil ($.20)
1/8-1/4 tsp garlic powder ($.01)
1 zucchini, thinly sliced (FREE)
Parmesan Cheese ($.20)

Roast sliced zucchini in 425 degrees F oven for 10 minutes while making dough.

Mix yeast with flour and salt in Bosch. Add water and oil. Mix 8 minutes with the dough hook.
Roll half into desired pizza shape and place on baking sheet or pizza pan. Brush with olive oil (I mixed in garlic powder and then used a pastry brush). Then top with roasted zucchinis all over the pizza and a little (just a taste, don't overcover) parmesan cheese. Bake about 15 minutes at 425 degrees F or until slightly browned. Bring it out, slice it up, and serve! YUMMY!

Total Cost = $0.70

Homemade Stuffed Pizza

I'm still learning to take pictures - I wish I had cut a piece because this kind of looks gross, but it was yummy!

I've tried forever to make homemade pizza, but it is always runny and hard to pick up. Today we found the solution - make it stuffed! I made the bottom of the pizza, put on tomato sauce, oregano, pineapple tidbits and ham and cheese, then I rolled out the other half of the dough, put it over the top, rolled the edges together and brushed it all with egg whites and popped it in the oven and it was delicious with the perfect consistency. I think it will be a new family favorite.

Here's the dough recipe

(From Sandra G.)

1 Tbsp yeast ($.10)

1 1/2 cups warm water

3 cups flour ($.25)

2 Tbsp vegetable oil ($.25)

1 tsp salt

Mix yeast with flour and salt in Bosch. Add water and oil. Mix 8 minutes with the dough hook.

Roll half into desired pizza shape, brush with tomato sauce (about 4-6 oz.) ($.50) , sprinkle with oregano or Italian seasoning. Put on desired toppings ($1-$2) with cheese ($1-2) last.

Then roll out 2nd half into same shape and place on top. Roll edges together. Can brush with 1 egg white, if desired for shiny look.

Bake at 375 - 400 degrees F for 20+ minutes. Makes 1 stuffed pizza or 2 pizza crusts.

Total Cost: VARIES Pizza Crust $.60 (tops)

Pizza ($1.50 - 4.50) (and that's a stuffed pizza - can't find for under $5 at a restaurant!)

Savings for This Week

Walgreens 8/15-8/21

Clearasil Prices starting at $5.49
MQ: $2/1 here & InAd: $3/1
Total: $.49**Qualifies for Glam Bag Rebate! (need $10 worth)

Buy 2 Aussie products for $2.99, Get $1 Register Rewards
Use BOGO Q from 8/1 P&G
Spend $2.99, get $1 RR back
Final price: $0.99 each after Q & RR
**Plus, submit your Aussie receipt for a free Rachel Ray brush set
(Thanks, Maven of Savin’!)

Right Guard or Dry Idea Deodorant (2-4 oz) $4.99 B1G1
-B1G1 RP 7/25
=2 FREE; (or two $1.50 MFQ's HERE )


Pilot Frixion Erasable Gel Pens (2 pack) $1.99
-$1/1 printable
-$1/1 Walgreens coupon booklet
=FREE
**Plus, look for specially-marked packages with a mail-in rebate for $1.25 when you buy 1, $2.75 when you buy 2, or $4.50 when you buy 3.

2 Pocket Folder with Prongs 6/$1 (with in-ad coupon)
Use Walgreens in-ad coupon to get sale price
Final price: $0.17 after coupon**
**Because this item is low-priced but doesn’t require manufacturer coupons, it’s a great “filler” item to bring the number of items in your transaction up to the number of manufacturer’s coupons (including Register Rewards) you’re using. Learn how Walgreens’ system works if that doesn’t make sense to you.

Select School Supplies – $0.50 Off (with in-ad coupon) (Limit 20 total, Limit 4 each)
Participating items include (price shown is after coupon discount):
Corner Office Legal Pad $0.29
Penway Index Card or Pencil Case $0.29
Penway Washable Glue Sticks (3-pack) or Jumbo $0.39
It’s Academic Sharpener and Eraser or Penway Dual Hole Sharpener $0.49
Paper Mate Mechanical Pencils (10-pack) $0.49
Splash Poly Portfolio or Penway Poly or 3-Ring Binder $0.49
Penway Eraser Set (8-pack) or Crazerasers (4-pack) $0.69
Inc. Side Cliques Mechanical Pencils (4-pack) $0.79
It’s Academic Scissors 5” Pointed or Blunt $0.79
Penway Fabric Carry All Pouch $0.79
Penway No. 2 Pencils (24-pack) or Corner Office 5 Tab Dividers $0.79
Liquid Paper $0.99

Mead Envelopes $0.59 (Limit 3)

Mead binders
B1G1 free-$2 from 8/8 RP, use two

Mead notebooks and portfolios
B1G1 free-$1/2 from 8/8 RP

Construction Paper, Sketch Pad, Penway Markers $0.99 (with in-ad coupon) (Limit 3)
Use Walgreens in-ad coupon to get sale price
Final price: $0.99 after coupon

Filler Paper (280 sheets) $0.99

Penway 3-Subject Notebook $0.99

School Box or Crayola Crayons $0.99 (with in-ad coupon) (Limit 6)
Use Walgreens in-ad coupon to get sale price
Final price: $0.99 after coupon


Lindsay Olives (5 or 6 oz) $.99 w/ in-ad coupon
-$1/2 printable or -$1/2 from 5/2 RP
=$.49 each

Humphrey's Teething Strips $7.49
-$1.50/1 Walgreens coupon booklet
-"Try Me Free" Mail-in Rebate on box
=$1.50 MM

Oscar Mayer Deli Fresh lunchmeat
2/$5-$1 printable HERE
Final Price: $1.50

Mars M&M's $.49
-$.75/2 RP 8/8
=2 for $.23

Stride Gum (14 ct) $1.29 B1G1
-B1G1 SS 5/16
=2 FREE

Pringles 2/$3-$1/4 from 8/1 PGFinal Price: $1.25

TRUEresult Blood Glucose Monitor $12.99
-Mail-in Rebate in box
=FREE

Penway Glue Sticks 3 pack or Jumbo $.89
-$.50 in-ad coupon
=$.39

Penway Eraser Set (8 pack) $1.19
-$.50 in-ad coupon
=$.69

Expo Dry Erase markers (4 pack) $1.99 (Printable does not work - for a different variety)

2/$8 Head & Shoulders Haircare
-BOGO MFQ (SS 7/11)
-$1 MFQ (RP 8/15)
-$2 RR
= $1.00/2

$5.99 Touch of Gray Hair Color (with in-ad coupon)
-$2 MFQ HERE (at Just For Men)
-$5.99 Mail-in-Rebate HERE
= $2 profit!

Monthly Deals

$4.29 Benadryl Allergy, Dye-free Liquigel, 24 ct x 2
-$5 RR wyb 2
-$1 MFQ (RP 8/8) x 2
= $0.79 each wyb 2

$7.99 Schick Hydro Razor
-$5 MFQ (SS 8/8)
-$7.99 Mail-In Rebate HERE
-$2 RR
= $7 profit!

$4.99 Rolaids Soft Chews, 36 ct x 2
-$4/2 MFQ (RP 6/6)
-$5 RR wyb 2
= $0.49 each wyb 2


Royal Gelatin $0.20 (with in-ad coupon)
Use Walgreens in-ad coupon to get sale price
Final price: $0.20 after coupon**

Thanks Slave to Save and Pocket Your Dollars and A Thrifty Mom

Rite Aid 8/15-8/21

Mead notebooks and portfolios
B1G1 free-$1/2 from 8/8 RP or $2 from 8/8 RP
*This purchase can be applied to the SCR #105. (Buy $15.00 Mead products, get $2.00 back, buy $25.00 get $4.00!)

Centrum Vitamins $6.99
Use the $1.00 off Centrum Vitamins August RAV coupon
Plus, use the $1.00 off Centrum Vitamins coupon from the 8-15-10 RP
Total cost $4.99*!
*This purchase can be applied to the Vitamin 2010 Rebate! (spend $30.00 on select vitamins, get $5.00 Rite Aid gift card!)

Cheer Clean Bright Laundry Detergent $4.99
Use the $2.00 off Cheer Laundry coupon from the 7-25-10 RP
You pay $2.99, but get $1.00 +Up Reward to use on next purchase!
Total cost $1.99!
Complete Contact Solution (12 oz) $7.99

Scrubbing Bubbles Mega Shower Foamer $2.99
Use the $1.00 off Scrubbing Bubbles Mega Shower Foamer coupon from the 8-1-10 SS
You pay $1.99, but get $1.00 +Up Reward to use on next purchase!
Total cost $.99!!

AMO Complete Multi Purpose Solution 12 oz. $7.99
Use the $1.00 off AMO Complete Multi Purpose Solution coupon from the 8-15-10 SS
You pay $6.99, but submit for the $7.99 SCR#51 (Valid this week only!)
Total cost FREE! Plus, $1.00 Money Maker!
-$7.99 SCR -$1/1 RP 8/15 =$1.00 MM

Rolaids (18 ct) $1.00
-$1/1 RP 7/6
=FREE

Revlon Cosmetics and Beauty Tools B1G1 50% off
Revlong Dual Sided Compact Emery Boards (10 pack) $1.25
-$1/1 SS 7/18
=2 FREE

2 Nuetrogena Smoothing Stick Concealers@ $5.83 (20% off 7.29) = $11.66
- (2) $3 Nuetrogena in-ad Q
- (2) $2/1 insert Q
Total = $1.66

1 Lysol Hand Soap System Kit $11.99 (20% off $14.99)
-$5 Lysol in-ad q-$3 Lysol insert q
TOTAL = 3.99

cbooth tea tree spray x2 6.39
-$6 cbooth in-ad Q
= .39 each

cbooth shea bath cream 4.79
-$6 cbooth in-ad Q
=1.21 MM

cbooth dry oil 5.59
-$6 cbooth in-ad Q
=.41 MM

cbooth body scrub 4.79
-$6 cbooth in-ad Q
= 1.21 MM

cbooth bath oil 4.79
-$6 cbooth in-ad Q
=1.21 MM

Post-It Notes B1G1 50% off
Buy 4 Post-It Super Sticky Notes 3 pack $10.47 ($3.49 each, 2 50% off)
Use the $1.00 off 3 Post-It Notes August RAV coupon & Plus, use 4 $1/ 8-15-10 SS
You pay $5.47, but get $1.00 +Up Reward (when you spend $5) to use on next purchase!
=$4.47 or $1.11 each

Pert Shampoo or Conditioner B1G1
Buy 1 Pert Shampoo $3.99 Buy 1 Pert Conditioner Free
Use 2 $1/1 8-8-10 SS
=$1.00 each

Purex 3 in 1 Laundry Sheets $5.99
Use the $3.00 off Purex 3 in 1 Laundry Sheets coupon from the 8-15-10 SS
You pay $2.99, but get $1.00 +Up Reward to use on next purchase!
Total cost $1.99!

Glade Lasting Impressions or Sense & Spray Kits $6.99
Use the $3.00 off Glade Lasting Impressions printable coupon
OR use the $3.00 off Glade Sense & Spray Kits printable coupon
You pay $3.99, but get $1.00 +Up Reward to use on next purchase!
Total cost $2.99!

Finesse Shampoo or Conditioner B1G1
Buy 1 Finesse Shampoo $3.99 Buy 1 Finesse Conditioner Free
Use 2 of the $1/1 5-16-10 SS
=$1.00 each

Scrubbing Bubbles Mega Shower Foamer $2.99
Use the $1.00 off Scrubbing Bubbles Mega Shower Foamer coupon from the 8-1-10 SS
You pay $1.99, but get $1.00 +Up Reward to use on next purchase!
Total cost $.99!!
Cadbury Candy Bars 2 for $3.00 (make good stocking stuffers!)
You pay $3.00, but get $1.00 +Up Reward to use on next purchase!
Total cost $2.00 for 2!

Crest Toothpaste, Crest 3D Rinse, Oral B CrossAction Manual Toothbrush, Oral B Floss $2.99
Buy 1, Receive a $1.50 +Up Reward
$0.75/1 Crest Toothpaste, any 4 oz. or larger or liquid gel excluding Crest Cavity, Baking Soda, Tartar from PG 8/1
B1G1 FREE Oral B Manual Brush single pack, any from RP 8/15
$0.75/1 Oral B Pulsar, CrossAction, Advantage,
any .75/ from PG 8/1
Pay $2.24, Receive a $1.50 Reward Final Price: $0.74 (and applies to ORAL CARE REBATE)

Complete contact solution, $7.99
Use $1/1 coupon from 8/15 RP
Submit for $7.99 SCR
Final price: FREE + $1 money maker!

Oral-B Cross Action manual toothbrushes $2.99
Use BOGO coupon from 8/15 RP
Receive a $1.50 UpReward upon purchase
Final price: .75 each
Also qualifies for the Oral Care rebate!

Pantene hair products, $3.50 each
Use $1/1 hair spray or styler coupon from 8/1 PG
Buy 2 and receive a $3 UpReward upon purchase
Final price: $1 each

Halls cough drops, $1.00
Buy 3 and use $2/3 coupon from 8/8 SS {coupon is for a variety of items}
Buy 6 and use $4/6 coupon from 8/8 SS
Final price: .33 each bag



Utah Deal Diva's Scenario:
{1} Complete Contact solution, $7.99
{2} Oral-B Cross Action manual toothbrushes $2.99 each
{1} Purex 3 in 1 laundry sheets, $5.99
{2} Pantene hair stylers, $3.50 each
Subtotal: $26.96
Use $5/$25 coupon
Use $8.99 in coupons detailed above
Pay $12.97 OOP
Receive $5.50 in Up Rewards, to use on a future transaction
Submit for $7.99 in SCR
Final price: all for FREE + small money maker!
You can save the $5.50 in UpRewards and cross your fingers there are good sales next week. Remember, they expire!

OR use immediately with this purchase (or something similar)
Charmin bath tissue, $6.49
Use .25/1 from 8/1 PG
Use $5.50 in UpRewards
Pay around .74 OOP
Receive $1 in UpRewards to use on a future transaction
Final cost: FREE


Freebies 2 Deals Proposed SCENARIO: (I liked it so much, I copied it)
Buy 1 Cheer Laundry Detergent $4.99
Buy 1 Purex 3 in 1 Laundry Sheets $5.99
Buy 1 AMO Complete Multi Purpose Solution $7.99
Buy 1 Scrubbing Bubbles Mega Shower Foam $2.99
Buy 1 Glade Sense & Spray Starter Kit $6.99
Use the $5.00 off $25.00 August RAV coupon
Plus, use the $2.00 off Cheer Laundry Detergent coupon from the 7-25-10 RP
Plus, use the $3.00 off Purex 3 in 1 Laundry Sheets coupon from the 8-15-10 SS
Plus, use the $1.00 off AMO Complete Multi Purpose Solution coupon 8-15-10 SS
Plus, use the $1.00 off Scrubbing Bubbles Mega Shower Foam coupon from the 8-1-10 SS
Plus, use the $3.00 off Glade Sense & Spray Starter Kit printable coupon
You pay $13.95, but get $4.00 +Up Rewards to use on next purchase! Plus, submit for the $7.99 SCR # 51 (valid this week only!)!
Total cost $1.96!


Thanks Freebies 2 Deals & Utah Deal Diva & We Use Coupons & I am That Lady

Leftover Chicken Casserole

Leftover Chicken Casserole

2-4 breasts cooked chicken (we used fried - unhealthy, but mmm....mmmm....good) ($2-4)
1 can cream of mushroom soup ($.38)
1-2 cups stuffing mix ($.50)
1 can milk ($.25)
2 Tbsp oil ($.25)

Break up chicken into bite-size pieces and put in bottom of 9x13 casserole. Top with stuffing. Sprinkle some oil on dressing. Mix soup and milk together and pour on top.

*Can top with grated cheese - we used about 2-4 Tbsp Parmesan Cheese - it wasn't pretty, but it was delicious!

Serves 6

Total Cost $5.38 (at top dollar chicken) - today it was $1.38 because the chicken was free from a family party!

Chicken with Basil Recipe

Chicken with Basil (Serves 4)

This only requires 15 minutes cooking time with just 10 minutes to prepare.

Ingredients

Vegetable oil ($.10)

8 skinless, boneless chicken thighs or 4 skinless, boneless chicken breasts ($2-4)

1/2 -1 onion (red) ($.50)

1/2 cup (125 mL) orange juice or substitute mango juice ($.25)

1 tsp (5 mL) dried basil leaves ($.01)

1 tsp (5mL) ground cumin ($.01)

1/2 tsp (2 mL) salt ($.01)

1/2 lime ($.05)

1/4 cup (50 mL) chopped basil -Garden

2 green onions, thinly sliced ($.20)

Directions

Oil a large frying pan and over medium heat. When hot, add chicken and cook until slightly browned approx. 4-5 minutes per side. Thinly slice the red onion. Once the chicken is cooked, add the onion to the meat. Add the orange or mango juice. Coat lightly with the dried basil, cumin and salt to taste. With a large wooden spoon, stir in any of the ingredients that may have stuck to the bottom of the pan. Allow to boil, and then reduce heat to medium-low. Cover and simmer, halfway through, turn the chicken, until chicken is spongy when touched, approx. 7 to 9 minutes. Squeeze lime juice on top of the chicken. Remove chicken from the pan and place on serving platter. Increase heat to high. Boil remaining juices, stirring constantly, until thickened, aprox.1- 2 minutes. Add in the fresh basil. Pour juice over the chicken. Serve with rice and orange or mango slices.

Per serving • 22.6 g protein • 7.2 g fat • 7.3 g carbohydrates • 0.8 g fibre • 1.7 mg iron • 30 mg calcium • 388 mg sodium • 187 calories

TOTAL COST = $3.50

Steak Pizzaiola

2 lbs top round steak, cut into pieces ($2)
1 bag frozen stir-fry peppers & onions (16 oz) ($1)
1 jar mushroom pasta sauce (26 oz) ($.50-$1)
1 bag fettuccine pasta ($.25)

Cook steak over medium-high heat in nonstick skillet about 10 minutes or until browned. Transfer steak to slow cooker. Add stir fry veggies to skillet and cook until partially thawed (about 2 minutes). Stir in pasta sauce. Pour over steak in slow cooker. Cover and cook on high for 4 hours or low for 8 hours. Cook noodles according to directions. Drain, rinse, and serve with sauce. (I have also cooked this as a skillet meal and it is delicious)

TOTAL COST = $3.75 - 4.25

Weekly Menu Plan

Monday, 8/16 -
BREAKFAST - Cereal ($1)
LUNCH - PB Sandwiches, Fruit ($.50)
(Swimming Night) - Oriental Chicken Salad ($1.50)

Tuesday, 8/17 -
BREAKFAST - Oatmeal & Raisins (<$1)
LUNCH - Picnic - TunaFish Sandwiches, Garden Vegetables, Fruit Roll-ups, Cookies ($1.50) (Soccer Night) - Pasta Alfredo & Grilled Zucchini ($1)

Wednesday, 8/18 -
BREAKFAST - Smoothies & Muffins ($1)
LUNCH - Tuna Fish Sandwiches, Veggies & Kiwi ($1.50)
Chicken with Basil, Leftover Potatoes & Zucchini, Garden Tomatoes ($1.50 - mostly leftovers from garden or party last week)

Thursday, 8/19 -
BREAKFAST - Egg Sandwiches ($1.50)
LUNCH - Turkey/Pulled Chicken Sandwiches, Veggies, Apples, Cookies ($1)
(Soccer Night) Steak Pizzaiola, Salad, Bread ($3.75)

Friday, 8/20 -
BREAKFAST - Cereal ($1)
LUNCH - Mac & Cheese or Spaghettios, Fruit ($.50)
(Work Night) Zucchini Boats, Salad, Grape Juice? ($1)

Saturday, 8/21 -
BREAKFAST - (Long Run) Pancakes or Scrambled Eggs ($1)
LUNCH - Tomato Sandwiches, Veggies, Fruit ($1)
Hamburgers, Cheesy Potatoes & Zucchini, Green Beans ($3)

Sunday, 8/22-
BREAKFAST - Sugared Cereals ($1)
LUNCH - Grilled Cheese Sandwiches or Quesadillas, Fruit ($1.50)
Pot Roast Pork and Veggies, Salad, Jello, Rolls ($2.50)
DESSERT: ??? ($1)

*Need OJ, Cereal, Eggs, Cheese, Shower Cleaner, Pledge, Fruits & Veggies

WEEKLY COST = $30

Zucchini Boats

Anything that is called a "boat" can disguise the taste to a 3-year-old - so mine loved this meal and got the other kids excited about EATING THEIR BOAT! :) Love it.

2-3 medium-sized zucchini (home-grown = free)

2 tomatoes (home-grown = free)

6 eggs ($.50)

1/4- 1/2 cup milk ($.10)

Salt & Pepper to taste

Cheese for top ($.30)

Cut off ends of zucchini, then slice in half lengthwise. Clean out the inside of the zucchini (but keep enough so the "boat" doesn't fall apart), keep the insides in a separate bowl. Cut zucchini's into about 4-6 inch sections, then place face down in a greased fry pan and fill with 1/4 inch water and cook to soften while preparing inside of "boat" about 5-10 minutes - careful not to burn.

Dice the zucchini innards. Dice the tomatoes. Remove the boats from heat and cook the zucchini & tomatoes. Cook about 5 minutes. Beat eggs and milk together, then add to the zucchini mixture. Add salt and pepper. Cook until eggs are scrambled. Then scoop into boats. Top with a slice of cheese and warm boats in pan again until cheese is melted. Then serve and enjoy.

Serves: Depends on # of zucchini and how big they are.

Total Cost = $0.90

Menu Plan Monday

Life is back to normal, so I'm back to scheduling my weekly meals. Here's the plan:

Monday, August 2nd:
BREAKFAST: Yogurt & Homemade Granola ($1.75)
SNACK: Bananas ($1)
LUNCH: Spaghettios & Applesauce ($1)
SNACK: Dry Cereal ($.25) & Popcorn ($.05)
DINNER: Oriental Chinese Chicken Salad (with my OWN garden-grown cabbage) $2
Banana Muffins ($.75)
Green Beans or Zucchini from the garden
DESSERT: Cherry Cheesecake ($1.50)
TOTAL = $8.05

**Make Wheat Bread

Tuesday, August 3rd:
BREAKFAST: Muffins & Boiled Eggs & Peaches ($1.25)
SNACK: Pretzels ($.25)
LUNCH: PICNIC - PB Sandwiches, Carrot Sticks, Banana Chips, Water & Cookies ($1.50)
SNACK: Canned Pears & Homegrown Beans ($.25)
DINNER: Egg-Stuffed Zucchini Boats $1
Grapes ($1)
Green Beans ($0 - home grown)
TOTAL: $5.25

Homemade Granola Bars

Wednesday, August 4th:
BREAKFAST: Pancakes & Fruit ($.75)
SNACK: Homemade Granola Bars ($.50)
LUNCH: Tuna Sandwiches, Applesauce, Beans/Carrots/Zucchini ($.75)
SNACK: Popcorn or Trail Mix ($.10 or $.50)
DINNER: Big Reuben Sandwich (Grilled?) ($1.25)
Green Beans - home grown
Watermelon ($1)
Grape Juice (home canned) $0
Grilled Corn ($.50)
TOTAL = $4.35

*Jello Jigglers

Thursday, August 5th:
BREAKFAST: Cold Cereal, Fruit ($1.25)
SNACK: Ants on a Log ($.30)
LUNCH: PB & J ($.70)
NACK: Jello Jigglers with Juice ($.75)
DINNER: Cafe Rio Pork with Beans, Rice, etc. for Grandpa ($3)
Watermelon ($1)
Corn on the Cob ($1)
Individual Fruit Pizzas ($1)
TOTAL = $9

Friday, August 6th:
BREAKFAST: Breakfast Burritos($1.50)
SNACK: Dry Cereal ($.25)
LUNCH: Mac and Cheese, Fruit, Chocolate Milk ($1.25)
SNACK: Cookies! ($1)
DINNER: Hamburgers ($2)
Watermelon ($1)
Rootbeer ($1)
More Grilled Home-Grown Zucchini & Potatoes ($.25)
TOTAL = $8.25

Saturday, August 7th:
BREAKFAST: Pancakes or Scrambled Eggs ($1.50)
SNACK: Dry Cereal ($.25)
LUNCH: Tuna Sandwiches, etc. ($1.25)
SNACK: Popcorn ($.10)
DINNER: Waffles ($1)
Bacon ($1)
Peaches ($.25)
TOTAL = $5.35

Sunday, August 8th:
BREAKFAST: Sugar Cereals and Fruit ($1.25)
LUNCH: Quesadillas ($1.50)
SNACK: Trail Mix ($.75)
DINNER: At Someone's Home
SALAD ($2.00)
Fruit Pizza ($2.50)
TOTAL: $8

WEEK's TOTAL: $39-$40 for ALL FOOD NEEDED

*Need cream cheese, fruit, tinfoil, top ramen, watermelon, saurkraut, apples, spinach?


**Next week - Tamales, Oriental Chicken Salad, Cafe Rio (if enough left), Zucchini Boats