Reminder to Fill at SA Today!

Have a Speedy Gift Card?

I just filled up at Super America, and went to pay with my Speedy Cash Gift Card, but they wouldn't take it. Good thing I had grabbed my wallet from the diaper bag!

Goodbye Speedy Rewards, Hello My SA Rewards

After a lawsuit about the name of their rewards system (Speedy), SA has come out with My SA Rewards. It works very much the same way that the Speedy Rewards works, but there are a few you might like to know.

Cooking the Deals of Oct 9-15

So I was on a breakfast recipe kick this morning... they all sure sounded better than the bowl of cereal I ate!

Zucchini Pizza Casserole

4 c shredded unpeeled zucchini
1/2 tsp salt
2 eggs
1/2 c grated Parmesan cheese
3 c shredded cheese (mozzarella & cheddar are a great pick!)
1 lb ground beef
1 can (15 oz) tomato sauce
Optional:

     green pepper, chopped
     chopped onion
     diced tomato

Place zucchini in strainer and sprinkle with salt. Let stand for 10 minutes, then squeeze out moisture. Combine the zucchini with eggs, Parmesan and half of the shredded cheese. Press into greased 9x13 baking dish. Bake, uncovered, at 400 degrees for 20 minutes. Meanwhile, cook beef and onion until meat is no longer pink and  drain the grease. Add the tomato sauce to the beef and spoon over zucchini mixture. Top with remaining shredded cheese, green pepper, and tomato. Bake 20 minutes longer or until heated through.

Breakfast Casserole

1/2 loaf of bread (Texas style or thicker sliced bread is best), cubed
3 eggs
1/2 c. milk
1 c. sausage, cooked (ground or links that are cut up) or bacon (cut up)
1 c. shredded cheese
Optional:
     fresh basil, salt & pepper, onions, green peppers, tomatoes

In a greased baking pan, place bread and spread out evenly. In a separate bowl, beat the eggs, milk, basil, salt & pepper, then pour over the bread. Top with cheese and sausage. Bake at 350 degrees for about 25 minutes until top is golden and the eggs in the center are cooked.

Baked Apple Pancake

French Toast Chocolate Sandwich

I made these for brunch and took 3 different pictures of how delicious they looked. But, somebody, now I don't want to name names *me* or point fingers *at me,* forgot to put the memory card back in my camera, and unfortunately my camera has zero internal memory... Well here's the recipe anyway!

3 eggs
1 c. milk
1 tsp. vanilla
1 tsp. sugar
pinch of salt
12 slices old bread (that doesn't mean moldy!)
chocolate chips or chocolate bars
powdered sugar

Whisk together eggs, milk, vanilla, sugar, and salt. Dip one side of 6 pieces of bread in mixture. (You may not want to do all 6 right away if they won't all fit in your skillet.) Place egg side down in skillet sprayed with cooking spray. Sprinkle chocolate chips or lay chocolate bars on top of each piece. Again, dip one side of remaining 6 pieces of bread in egg mixture. Place egg side up on each piece already in the skillet. Cook until egg is cooked and bread is golden brown. Flip and do the same on the other side. Serve buttered and sprinkled with powdered sugar. *We didn't butter ours, as we were all out of butter (that wasn't frozen anyway!), and they still tasted great!*

In-Season Produce

Everyone heads to the apple orchard in the fall... why? Because that's when there are apples on the trees. Pretty much all produce has a season or month that it is harvested, which makes it cheaper in the grocery store since there is more of it to go around. Of course, it's fresher then too! Here's a list of most of the produce you would get in the grocery store and when it's "in season." With a lot of the produce you can buy it when it's cheap and freeze or can it by itself or making it into something yummy and freeze or can that. Since apples are in season now, mom and I made some delicious apple crisp with apples from a friend's trees (watch for the recipe coming in next week's Cooking the Deals post!). We baked one for dinner that night, and sent two with my brother, two with us, and mom kept three (since we eat over there a lot!)

Plum District: Meals by the Week for Free

Image Credit

Right now Plum District is offering Meals by the Week for $8 for 13 weeks of meal plans, making it free when you sign up and get a $10 credit.

"Buy" Prices for Diapers

A friend of mine is expecting, and asked on my Facebook wall what a good deal is for diapers. Personally, as soon as Baby E starts fitting into the cloth diapers I have, I will be switching her to those. (If you missed my post about cloth vs. disposable, you can check out the price comparisons in this post.) But, until then, I am using my stockpile of diapers.

Cooking the Deals of Oct 2-8

All the recipes this week come from my mom... just ask the hubbs... she's a great cook!

Fruit Dip

½ cup raspberry or strawberry cream cheese – softened

½ cup marshmallow cream

1 - 6 oz. container of lemon yogurt

Blend all ingredients together till smooth and creamy. Serve with your favorite apple slices or fruit of choice.

Keep refrigerated.

Caramel Dip for Apples

8 oz cream cheese

¾ cup brown sugar

¼ cup white sugar

1 tsp vanilla

Beat all ingredients together until smooth and creamy. Serve with your favorite apple slices.

Keep refrigerated.

Sesame Russian Baked Chicken

1-2 1/2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts

1 – 8oz bottle of Russian dressing

½ cup lemon juice

1 ½ tbsp. sesame seeds

Rinse the chicken breasts and pat dry. Mix the dressing and lemon juice in a bowl. Add the chicken and marinate in the refrigerator for 2 – 8 hours. (Over night is best.) Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Place chicken breasts in baking pan cover with foil, bake for 20 minutes. Remove from oven and baste with the marinade and return to oven for 10 minutes covered with the foil. Remove from oven and baste again with the marinade and sprinkle with the sesame seeds. Return to the oven and bake uncovered till chicken is done and the juices run clear.

*This works well with other salad dressings as well. Use what you have or what your family prefers.

Creamy Potato Soup

8 slices of bacon slices into strips or 1 cup finely cubed ham

1 cup chopped onion

2 cups cubed potatoes

1 can cream of (your choice) celery/chicken or mushroom soup

8 oz sour cream

2 cups milk

To taste: salt, pepper and parsley

Fry bacon and onion until bacon is crisp and onions translucent. Drain grease add potatoes and enough water to just cover the potatoes. Bring to a boil and cook until potatoes are tender. Reduce heat and stir in soup, milk and sour cream and heat until hot. (Do not bring to a boil again.) Add salt, pepper and parsley to taste.

This recipe doubles well and is ready in under an hour.

Pairs well with warm sour dough bread. 

Beef Buckaroo Popover

o     2 pounds ground beef

o     1 medium onion diced

o     1 package taco seasoning

o     1 can chili beans

o     1- 10 oz frozen mixed vegetables or canned

o     1 cup sour cream

o     2 cups mozzarella or cheddar cheese

Topping:

o     2 eggs

o     1 cup milk

o     1 cup flour

o     ½ tsp salt

o     ½ tsp garlic powder

Preheat oven to 350 degrees

Brown ground beef and onion until onions are translucent and beef is browned. Add taco seasoning, chili beans, mixed vegetables and sour cream. Simmer for 10 minutes. Spread beef mixture into a deep casserole or 9x13 pan, top with cheese and place in preheated oven while making the topping.

Topping: beat until smooth the eggs, flour, milk, salt and garlic powder. Pour over the meat mixture and return to oven and bake till golden brown, about ½ hour

Baked Bean Hotdish

1 pound ground beef
1 medium onion, chopped
1/3 cup sugar
1/3 cup packed brown sugar
1/4 cup ketchup
1/4 cup barbecue sauce
1 tablespoon prepared mustard
1/2 teaspoon pepper
1/2 teaspoon chili powder
1 (16 ounce) can chili beans, undrained
1 (16 ounce) can butter beans, rinsed and drained
1 (16 ounce) can great northern beans, rinsed and drained
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese

In a large skillet, cook beef and onion until meat is done and onion is tender. Drain any fat. Combine all remaining ingredients except beans. Add to meat mixture; mix well. Stir in beans. Place in a greased casserole top with 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese. Bake uncovered, at 350 degrees F for 1/2 hour or until heated through.

*This dish pairs well with biscuits or garlic bread/toast and a side salad.

Serves: 6

Black Bean Salsa Soup

Black bean salsa soup with fried flour tortilla chips and queso cheese.

2 (15 ounce) cans black beans, drained and rinsed
1 1/2 cups vegetable, chicken or beef broth
1 cup chunky salsa
1 teaspoon ground cumin
Toppings:
     sour cream
     thinly sliced green onion
     avocado
     cheddar cheese
     diced fresh tomatoes
     fried or baked flour tortilla strips.

In an electric food processor or blender, combine beans, broth, salsa, and cumin. Blend until fairly smooth.
Heat the bean mixture in a saucepan over medium heat until thoroughly heated.
Ladle soup into individual bowls, and top each bowl as desired with assorted toppings.

*I USUALLY COMBINE ALL INGREDIENTS IN THE STOCK POT AND USE MY IMERSION BLENDER AND THEN HEAT.

*I ALSO WILL VARY IT BY ADDING CHORIZO SAUSAGE (COOKED) OR THINLY SLICED AND SAUTED CHICKEN AFTER BLENDING THE SOUP.

*I WILL ALSO ADD 1 ADDITIONAL CUP OF SALASA FOR TEXTURE. I LIKE TO VARY IT BY USING DIFFERENT TYPES LIKE RASBERRY CHIPOLTE OR GREEN CHILE SALSA.

*If you double this recipe you can put the leftovers in the freezer! (Cook once eat twice!)

Makes 4 servings

We're on Facebook!

Head over to Facebook and "Like" the Cooking the Deal Facebook page to stay updated on all the latest posts and deals!

Free Breast Cancer Ribbon Pin

Photo Credit

My Target Buys 9/29/11

My CVS Buys 9/29/11

Free $2 to CVS

Take their pledge and they will email you a coupon for $2 off your next transaction. You must have a CVS Rewards card to get this.

Free Boxelder Bug Killer

This week at Rainbow you can get free Dawn or Gain dish soap. Grab that and an old empty spray bottle, and water and you have free Boxelder bug killer!

Rolling Deal on Nesquik at Rainbow

My Rainbow Buys 9/28/11

 

My Taystee Outlet Buys 9/21/11

My Rainbow Buys 9/21/11

Good Deal on Gain at Rainbow

The Coupon Network is advertising a deal on Gain from 9/11/11 - 9/24/11.

Terrific Tuesday at SA!

My Rainbow Buys 9/14/11

No Cooking the Deals this Week

This weekend was crazy-busy for us, and I still have so much to do! Next week we should be back to our regularly scheduled posts!

Free Brow Wax or Mini Makeover + More

The Village in Mendota Heights is having their 1st Annual Crazy Days Friday, September 9th.

Free Cheese Quesadilla at Denny's

Check out Denny's Facebook page to get a free cheese quesadilla for you and a friend when you send them a "Cheesy E-card."

My Taystee Outlet Buys 9/7/11

My Rainbow Buys 9/7/11

My Target Buys 9/6/11

My CVS Buys 9/6/11

Fill at Super America Today!

Just a reminder post to fill at Super America today with your printable coupons!

Cooking the Deals of September 4-10

I had more fun coming up with treats this week, and had trouble coming up with actual meals. But, I have them!

Chicken Tacos

1 lb chicken breasts

1 packet taco seasoning

Taco fixin's of your choosing:

     tortilla or taco shells (or crumbled tortilla chips for chicken taco salad)

     sour cream

     shredded cheese

     lettuce

     tomatoes

     salsa

     ...whatever else you use!

Cook chicken and shred (check out this crock pot recipe for shredded chicken!). Add taco seasoning & water according to package directions. Serve in a tortilla or taco shell and top however you see fit!

We are actually going to have this as a salad, because we have so much garden lettuce that I want to use before it goes bad. So instead of using tortillas or taco shells, we're going to put it over lettuce and crumble tortilla chips over it!

Apple-Chicken Salad

This kind of reminds me of the Grape Chicken Salad I posted a while ago. You can use it in a wrap or a sandwich, or add pasta to make it a pasta salad

Peanut Butter Cocoa Pebbles Treats

I made these for a Labor Day Picnic and they were a hit (along with Fruity Pebbles Treats)! I love peanut butter and chocolate together!

Fruity Pebbles Treats

I made these and some Peanut Butter Cocoa Pebbles Treats for a Labor Day picnic. The hubbs doesn't like Fruity Pebbles, but I didn't know that until after I had bought them. So I made them into treats, and then he'll eat them! Silly guy!

Free Sample of Downy Unstopables

If you remember a while back I wrote a review of Downy Unstopables after getting a free product. Now they are offering a free sample on their Facebook page. Check it out and get yours today!

Thanks Freebies4Mom!

Recycle Bank: 110 Points for Green Your School

Earn up to 110 points from Recyclebank with Green Your School!

Free Makeup from TeenFreeway

TeenFreeway is offering a couple freebies right now...

Free Nursing Cover, Breast Pads, & Baby Sling

This is the nursing cover I ordered with the last promo code they had. I use it all the time and love it! Now here's another if you didn't get a chance last time, or if you want breast pads this time. (They weren't included in the last promo code!)

Free Stuff at the Fair

Make sure you stop by one of the information booths and grab a "Deals, Drawings, & Giveaways" pamphlet to see a greater list of freebies at the Fair, but here are some of my favorites!

It's Terrific Tuesday!

Remember to fill at Super America today and print your coupons before you go!

Check out the coupons and ways to save at the pump!

My Cub Foods Buys 8/29/11

Cooking the Deals of August 28 - September 3

Five new recipes to try out, including one dessert! I love smoothies! 

White Chicken Chili

1 1/2 lbs boneless skinless chicken breasts
3-4 cans of beans (kidney, great northern, your choice)
1 packet taco seasoning
1 can cream of chicken soup
Optional:
     1 can diced green chilies
     chopped onion

     shredded cheese

     sour cream

Place chicken in sprayed or lined crock pot. Pour beans, taco seasoning, green chilies, and soup on top. Cover and cook on low for 8-10 hours. Top each serving with onions and sour cream

Cream Cheese Stuffed Chicken

4 chicken boneless skinless breasts, butterflied
1 package cream cheese
2 tbsp dried chives or oregano
1 clove minced garlic
4 slices bacon
2 tbsp butter, melted

Mix cream cheese, chives or oregano, and garlic in a small bowl. Divide into 4 balls. Place one ball in the middle of each opened chicken breast. Fold chicken over, wrap a piece of bacon around, and secure with a toothpick. Place in a baking dish, and pour melted butter over. Bake 30 minutes (or until chicken juices run clear) at 350 degrees F.

Chocolate Banana Smoothie

2 c. milk
3 tbsp. chocolate syrup
3 frozen bananas, pealed
2 tbsp. peanut butter

Toss everything in the blender or use an immersion blender, and blend until smooth.

Salsa Chicken

This is about the easiest recipe you'll ever make!

Peanut Butter Noodles & Chicken

Peanut Butter Noodles:
8-10 oz noodles (my mom usually uses fettuccini, but any will work!)
green onions, sliced (reserve about 2 tbsp sliced green tops for garnishing)
broccoli, carrots, peppers (really, any veggies you choose)
2 tbsp sesame oil (if you don't have it vegetable oil works)
1 tsp minced fresh ginger root
1/3 c peanut butter
1/4 c soy sauce
1/4 c hot water
1 tbsp cider vinegar
1 tsp white sugar
1/4 tsp crushed red pepper flakes

Cook pasta according to package directions and drain. While they're boiling, in a non-stick skillet, add oil, onions, and other veggies and saute over low heat until tender. Add the ginger and cook, stirring, for 1-2 minutes. Mix in peanut butter, soy sauce, water, vinegar, sugar, and red pepper flakes. In your serving bowl, mix the sauce and the noodles. Garnish with green tops.

Peanut Butter Chicken:
Stephanie at Crockpot365 has a great recipe for Peanut Butter Chicken made in a slow cooker.

Laundry on the Cheap

I love finding new ways to save money, even if its not something I can see at a register when I'm checking out. Laundry is one household chore I have learned a few tricks to bring down my cost per load. Keep reading to find out how!

My Rainbow Buys 8/24/11

My Walgreens Buys 8/23/11

Pioneer Press Deal: $1 for a Year! (Ends 8/30/11)

Photo Credit

I got a flyer in the mail the other day offering the Pioneer Press for $1 for the Wednesday, Thursday, & Sunday edition of the paper for one year (or $2 for 2 years).

New Coupon for SA Plus Even More Savings!

 

Just a reminder to fill up today at Super America to get the cheapest gas prices around! Keep reading to get your coupons!

Cooking the Deals of August 21-27

We had a busy first weekend home with our little girl, so I didn't have time to write up this post until today. Sorry to those who look forward to it on Sunday. I hope next weekend is a little more tame so I can get this posted earlier!

Basic Burger Patties

This is a great idea to make when ground beef is on sale and freeze for later use.

Mexican Shepherd's Pie

We helped my brother- and sister-in-law move this weekend, and of course they fed us! My sister-in-law, Jacque, made these for dinner and it was excellent! She made them in individual ramekins and customized the hubbs' (he doesn't like cilantro), but you can make it in a casserole dish too.

Apple Glaze & Pork Chops

4 bone-in pork chops
2 tbsp. oil
1 c. apple juice
2 tbsp. brown sugar
1 tbsp. corn starch
1 tbsp. cold water
2 sliced apples
1/2 c. sliced onions
2 tbsp. butter
1 tsp. salt
1/4 tsp. rosemary
1/4 tsp. thyme

Brown pork chops in oil in a skillet. Add juice, 1 tbsp. brown sugar, salt, rosemary, thyme and cook 7-8 minutes (meat juices should be clear). Mix water & corn starch, then add to skillet. Boil for 1-2 minutes, until sauce thickens. In a separate skillet, cook the apples, butter, brown sugar, and onions on medium heat for 3-4 minutes, until apples are soft. Place pork chops and apples on each person's plate and pour sauce over all.

Beer Butt Chicken

My mom & dad make this every summer on the grill!

Baby E is Here!

Cooking the Deals of Aug 14-20

Well I hope that I can live up to my daughters meal planning cooking and couponing expectations. She and my favorite son-in-law blessed our family with a beautiful baby girl, Eleanor Elisabeth (granted I may be biased) and they are spending some time together getting to know each other. Thus my 'I never write down my recipes and use whatever I have on hand' cooking methods had to be recorded and adapted for this weeks sales.

Alfredo Shrimp with Bacon

1 Jar Prego or Barilla Alfredo Sauce 16 oz

1 cup milk

1 16 oz pkg of Angel Hair Pasta

1 Bag Arctic Shores Medium Raw Shrimp

51 - 60 count peeled and deveined and rinsed

1/2 lb bacon (6-8 slices) sliced in strips or diced

1 Small onion finely choipped

2 Cloves garlic (put through garlic press or finely chopped)

1/2 tsp ground cumin (optional)

1 Bag frozen peas

Fresh Basil and Parmesan Cheese for Garnish (optional)

Cook pasta as directed on package.

In a non stick skillet fry bacon till crisp. Remove from pan and set aside. Retain 1 tbsp of bacon fat and saute the onion till tender and translucent, add the garlic, cumin and continue to saute for 5 minutes till fragrant. Add the rinsed shrimp and continue to saute till they just begin to turn pink. Add the peas, milk and Alfredo sauce and heat through. When the sauce starts to bubble add the cooked pasta and bacon and gently toss till coated. Top with freshly slivered basil and cheese before serving if desired.

This is pairs well with the fresh express salads and Peppperidge Farms Garlic Toast

Easy Chicken Cordon Blu

4 Chicken Breasts or thighs

2 Eggs whisked with 1 Tbsp milk

1/2-3/4 cup flour

4 Cups Salted Role Gold Pretzels (aprox. 1 cup whole per chicken breast)

1-2 pieces Oscar Meyer deli fresh smoked ham per chicken breast or thigh

4 Slices Kraft deli fresh Swiss cheese

2 Tbsp olive or canola oil

Toothpicks

Rinse chicken and pat dry with paper towel. In 3 separate bowls place: flour, egg wash and finely crushed pretzels (I like to put them in a zip loc or recycled plastic cereal bag and crush with a rolling pin or soup can)

Place 1 chicken breast or thigh in a zip loc or recycled cereal bag and pound with meat mallet or soup can till 1/4 inch thickness. In center of each piece of chicken place 1 slice of swiss cheese and 1-2 pieces of smoked ham. Fold in top and bottom of chicken towards the center, then bring in the sides overlapping if possible. Then secure with a toothpick or two if necessary. Coat each piece of chicken in flour, egg wash and then in the pretzels. Place on platter to rest in refrigerator for 15 minutes. This helps the pretzel coating to 'cement' to the chicken.

In non stick skillet add the oil, when hot add the chicken and fry uncovered till golden brown on medium heat. ( If you cover the chicken it will create moisture that will prevent the chicken crust from staying crispy.) Gently turn the chicken and continue cooking till chicken is done. (juices should run clear and internal temperature should be no less than 165 degrees)

Pairs well with pasta, vegetables and mixed green salad.

Hint: if you have the time and extra chicken, this recipe freezes well. Place completely assembled Cordon Blu Chicken on a wax paper covered cookie sheet in the freezer over night. Next day they can be put in freezer zip loc bags. Remember to label and date the bag first with the contents and even simple cooking directions; fry...bake at ... etc.

Tater Tot Hot Dish

1 Lbs ground turkey or hamburger

1 tbsp olive or canola oil

2-3 stalks dice celery (to taste)

1 small diced sweet onion

2 cloves garlic (put through a garlic press or finely dice)

1 can cream soup ( chicken, celery or mushroom)

1 Cup milk

Spices as desired: Parsley, salt & pepper, basil, red pepper flakes

1 Bag Ore Ida Tater tots

1 Bag frozen peas

1 Cup grated cheddar cheese

Bake Tater Tots as directed on the package in the oven.

In a non stick skillet saute the celery and onion in oil on low till tender. Add the garlic and ground turkey or hamburger till browned and juices are clear. Add the cream soup and milk to the mixture along with the frozen peas and heat through till peas are tender. (The peas or vegetable of choice can also be done on the side if desired.) Toss the cooked and crispy tater tots with the meat/vege mixture and top with the cheddar cheese and serve when nice and melted. *If you would like this to be more creamy you can add an additional can of cream soup.

Roasted-Grilled Potatoes and Sweet Onions

1 Potato per person scrubbed clean( do not peel)

1 Sweet onion peeled and cut into wedges (secure wedges with tooth pick to retain shape and brush with olive oil)

Chopped fresh parsley or dried from the pantry

Salt and Pepper to taste

2-4 tbsp olive oil (or spray Pam)

Pierce each cleaned, whole potato with fork, put on microwave safe plate cover with a damp paper towel. Microwave using preset setting for 'baked' potato, or on high till potato is tender and can be pierced thru with fork easily.

Cut each potato in half or quarters if very large, brush cut side(s) with olive oil. Take prepared onions and potatoes and place cut sides down on hot grill and cook till potatoes are golden and onions are tender crisp.

Remove from grill and toss potatoes and onions (tooth picks removed) with fresh parsley, salt and pepper to taste. May be drizzled with additional olive oil or topped with sour cream or ranch flavored sour cream dip.

Pretzel Chicken with Strawberry Peach Salsa

4 Boneless skinless chicken breasts or thighs

2 Eggs whisked with 1 Tbsp milk

1/2-3/4 cup flour

4 Cups Rold Gold Salted Pretzels (aprox. 1 cup whole per chicken breast)

2 Tbsp olive or canola oil

Salsa:

Mix all ingredients together and refrigerate till ready to serve.

1Cup cleaned chopped strawberries

1 Cup Fresh diced peaches may used canned

1/4 cup finely diced red or sweet onions

2 tbsp. chopped fresh cilantro

1/2-1 seeded, finely diced jalapeno pepper (to taste)

2 tbsp. lime or lemon juice

Rinse chicken and pat dry with paper towel. In 3 separate bowls place: flour, egg wash and finely crushed pretzels (I like to put them in a zip loc or recycled plastic cereal bag and crush with a rolling pin or soup can)

Place 1 chicken breast or thigh in a zip loc or recycled cereal bag and pound with meat mallet or soup can till 1/2 inch thickness. Coat each piece of chicken in flour, egg wash and then in the pretzels. Place on platter to rest in refrigerator while making the salsa. This helps the pretzel coating to 'cement' to the chicken.

In non stick skillet add the oil, when hot add the chicken and fry uncovered till golden brown on medium heat. ( If you cover the chicken it will create moisture that will prevent the chicken crust from staying crispy.) Gently turn the chicken and continue cooking till chicken is done. (juices should run clear and internal temperature should be no less than 165 degrees)

Top with Strawberry Peach Salsa. Serve with rice or pasta of choice or is great with a nice mixed green salad with a raspberry vinaigrette dressing.

Hints:

Feel free to substitute salsa ingredients with what you may have on hand. Red or green bell peppers for the jalapeno. Pineapple, apples or even avocado for the peaches. It's all good!

Cooking the Deals of August 7-13

As my due date approaches (August 13th), I wanted to let you rest assured that I have asked my wonderful mother to post some ways to cook the deals. She has agreed, and let me tell you (cause the hubbs tells me!) that she is a much better cook that I. So I'm sure you're in for some great meals and recipes! 

Chicken Spaghetti

6 chicken breasts
1 cans cream of chicken soup
1/2 c. milk
1/2 stick butter
1 package spaghetti noodles
parmesan cheese
Optional: mushrooms

In a lined crock pot, put chicken, soup, milk, and butter in and cook on low for 6-8 hours. Cook noodles according to the package. Serve noodles topped with chicken mixture and parmesan.

How to Avoid Freezer Burn

Having freezer meals on hand can save you time and money. But if you pull out your meal, and find it has freezer burn, well then, it tastes funny and is a waste of your time and money. Keep reading to find out how you can best avoid freezer burn...

Today's Mail 8/4/11

Free Nursing Cover & Baby Sling

Alright, so you have to pay shipping, but it's still cheaper than buying one elsewhere.

Make Your Own Breast Pumping Bra

With our first daughter, Danielle, I would not be able to breastfeed her until after her first heart surgery, so I decided I would pump until I was able to feed her myself. I knew I didn't want to waste time sitting around holding the pump to my breast while I could be doing something else (like eating lunch, or updating people on her progress, or even sleeping... yeah, that happened once!), so I checked out what I could do to hold the pumps in place. On Amazon, the cheapest hands-free breast pump bra I could find was around $30. Well, they looked simple enough that I figured I could probably rig one up on my own.

My Rainbow Buys 8/3/11

The first transaction may not look that impressive, but my overall savings rate for the day was 80.1%!

My CVS Buys 8/2/11

Addi-Kin Grey Designs Giveaway (Ends 8/15/11)

Mommy's Peanut Gallery is giving away two super cute headbands from Addi-Kin Grey Designs. Check it out and enter her giveaway!

Printing Coupons Cheaper

How can these "junk" papers help you save money?

Cooking the Deals of July 31 - Aug 6

As my due date approaches (August 13th), I wanted to let you rest assured that I have asked my wonderful mother to post some ways to cook the deals. She has agreed, and let me tell you (cause the hubbs tells me!) that she is a much better cook that I. So I'm sure you're in for some great meals and recipes! 

Chinese Chicken with Nuts

about 2-3 lbs chicken
2 celery ribs
1/4 c. soy sauce
1/4 tsp. ginger
1/2 c. chicken broth
2 tbsp. cornstarch
2 tbsp. water
cooked rice
To top the rice (can mix & match to your taste preferences):

     1/2 c. nuts (peanuts or cashews are best)

     1 - 8 oz. can bamboo shoots, sliced & drained

     1/2 c. edible pea pods

     1/2 c. broccoli

Place chicken, and celery in a lined or sprayed crock pot. Add in soy sauce, ginger, and chicken broth. Cook on low for 4-5 hours. Mix cornstarch  with water in a bowl, then slowly stir into the crock pot to thicken the sauce. Add in nuts, bamboo shoots, pea pods, and broccoli. Cook on high for another 1/2 hour (until sauce is thickened). Serve over cooked rice. 

Today's Mail 7/29/11

July 28: National Milk Chocolate Day

Photo Credit

In honor of National Milk Chocolate Day, I wanted to share with you one of my favorite reward programs.