Tuesday, July 28, 2009

Meijer Bargain recipe of the week- Savory Pork Chops!

Bargain Meal of the Week

This week Pork Loin is on sale at Meijers. I like to take mine to the in-store butcher and have them cut half of it into pork chops. The other half I use as a roast. This way I get two meals with one meat purchase! Happy Eating Y'all!

I will not expense spices/oils since most of us have them on hand.

Savory Pork Supper


4 (4 ounce) boneless pork loin chops (On sale $1.69/lb) $1.69
2 tablespoons vegetable oil
1 tablespoon butter
1 1/2 cups sliced fresh mushrooms (On sale $1) $1
1/2 pound fresh green beans, cut into 2 inch pieces (On sale $.77/lb) $.39
1/4 teaspoon fresh rosemary(or 1/8 dried)
1 (10.75 ounce) can condensed cream of mushroom soup, undiluted .89

2 tablespoons water
1/8 teaspoon pepper
8 ounces uncooked fettuccine ( Creamette on sale $.79) $.56


In a large skillet, brown pork chops in oil and butter on each side; drain. Remove and keep warm. In the same skillet, saute the mushrooms, beans and rosemary for 2-3 minutes or until vegetables are tender. Stir in the soup, water and pepper; bring to a boil.

Top with pork chops. Reduce heat; cover and simmer for 10-15 minutes until pork juices run clear, stirring occasionally. Meanwhile, cook fettuccine according to package directions; drain. Serve with pork chops and top with sauce.

Total Cost of Meal: $4.53

Add corn (Meijer frozen veggies on sale $1) Total Cost of Meal: $5.53

For more great bargain recipes click on the icon above!

Kroger bargain recipe of the week: Chicken and Summer Squash

Bargain Meal of the Week


I love this recipe because it once again uses all the things from my garden. (Minus the chicken...the only things walking around my backyard are my kids and they get mad when I throw seed at them :) ) No garden? no problem! Most stores have all these ingredients on sale this week!! Happy Eating Y'all!

I will not expense spices/oils since most of us have them on hand

Chicken and Summer Squash

4 skinless, boneless chicken breast halves (On sale $1.78/lb) $1.78
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
1 tablespoon butter
1 tablespoon vegetable oil
3/4 pound yellow squash, sliced (On sale $.77/lb) $.57
3/4 pound zucchinis, sliced (On sale $.77/lb) $.57
1 medium tomato - peeled, seeded and chopped .50


In a large nonstick skillet, melt butter in the oil over medium high heat. Season chicken with half of the salt and half of the pepper, and add it to skillet. Cook until lightly browned, about 2 minutes per side. Transfer to large plate or platter, and cover to keep warm.


Pour off fat from skillet, and add squash, zucchini, and tomato. Season with remaining salt and pepper. Cook and stir over medium-high heat until squash is slightly softened, about 3 minutes. Reduce heat, and return chicken to skillet. Cover partially. Cook until squash is soft, and chicken is white throughout but still juicy, about 5 minutes longer.


Transfer chicken to platter, and cover with foil to keep warm. Raise heat to high. Cook vegetable mixture, stirring often, until almost all of the liquid has evaporated, about 2 minutes. Arrange vegetables around chicken, and serve.


Total Cost of Meal: $3.42


Add Salad (Dole on sale $.98) Total Cost of Meal: $4.14



For more great bargain recipes click on the icon above!

Monday, July 27, 2009

A Teachers View: Bubbles!!


I am blessed to live next to a elementary school teacher who loves my kids and we love her!! She has multiple education degrees and is the first person I run to when I am worried about speech, development or anything learning related!! She has agreed to write a weekly post for me on some common concerns involving little ones and just great ideas! If you have a topic that you would like to see addressed, please e-mail me at everythingmom@live.com


Bubbles!

Here in Columbus we are fortunate to have COSI, our local science/hands-on/more fun than a barrel of monkeys museum. One of the biggest draws at COSI has always been their bubbles. It was always one of the first stops we made when I was little and my students and baby-sitting kiddos love them too. COSI’s bubbles are super strong so they last forever when you’re playing with them. Even better, they are made with things you probably already have at home!

COSI Bubble Recipe

1 gallon water (use a clean plastic milk jug and fill almost to top, leaving a little room)
¼ cup glycerin (available at your pharmacy – you may have to ask for it at the counter)
½ cup Dawn dishwashing liquid (yup…straight up Dawn)

Combine all ingredients and let sit for at least 24 hours. The longer it sits, the better it gets. Enjoy with the bubble toys that are scattered around your garage (I’m not the only one, right?).

Menu Plan Monday - Pantry challenge



I have a confession to make...... I have not been to the grocery store in 2 weeks!!! I have sent my hubby for fruit and milk but that is it. I have been living on my stockpile and my pantry and I must say its refreshing!!! I love to see my shelves get more and more bare. ( I know I am a weirdo.... I am good with it ) To me it means that things are not going bad, we are using what we have and it forces me to get creative! This week I am getting into our freezer which means a whole chicken that will give us 3 meals!! Now that's stretching a dollar... Happy Eating Y'all!!

Monday: Roasted Whole Chicken, mashed potatoes, fresh green beans, crescent rolls

Tuesday: Shredded chicken casadeas, re fried beans, Spanish Rice

Wednesday: Zesty chicken and potatoes, grilled asparagus

Thursday: Homemade chicken noodle soup, grilled cheese

Friday: Pizza Night!

Saturday: Fried Corn with smoked sausage, salad, rolls

Sunday: Church BBQ- Mama is not cookin!!

Reminder: Get your free Mocha today!!


I am not sure about you, but on Monday's I need a little extra umph in my energy level !!

McDonald's is going to help us all out by giving away 7-8 oz iced or hot mocha's from 7 am to 7 pm. They will be running the promotion through August 3'rd.

Stop by and get yours today!! ( I will be posting a reminder every Monday so that you can cruise through the drive-through on your way to work or your playdate :) )

YEAH McDonald's !!!
Thanks Stretching a Buck !!