The first pantry challenge recipe for this month...banana muffins. With whole wheat flour. Honey. Really, really brown bananas. And of course, chocolate chips! Whole Wheat Banana Chocolate Chip Muffins Banana muffins with whole wheat flour, honey, really ripe bananas and of course, chocolate chips! 1 1/2 cup whole wheat flour1 tsp baking … [Read more...]
Baked Zucchini Sticks
I do believe I have a new favorite snack. And I do believe that the boys have a new favorite snack! And what perfect timing...it's about to be high season for zucchinis...when the farmers will practically be giving them away at the markets. Next time I pick up one of the monster zucchinis for $1, I'll be sure to grab two...so I can make a couple batches of these … [Read more...]
Homemade Onion Soup Mix
Make Your Own Onion Soup Mix Instead of paying for a couple of envelopes of onion soup mix, why not mix up some yourself and save some money? Oh, and did I mention, a you'll be making an even better tasting version of the soup mix , too? Only Costs Pennies to Make If you're like me, you buy your spices in bulk. After all, they last for years. Why not buy large … [Read more...]
The Adventures of Berry Canning
So we hit the berry patch...and I really didn't intend to get some many lbs of berries...but I just couldn't help how perfectly ripe they were...and to be quite honest...there's nothing better than jam that was made with berries that were picked less than 2 or 3 hours before being processed. Nothing better. Especially in the dead of winter! Note: This is not meant … [Read more...]
Fresh Squeezed Lemonade with Raspberry Ice Cubes
Need something cool and refreshing to sip on this weekend?! This fresh squeezed lemonade with raspberry ice cubes is just for you then. I have been drinking glass after glass...and this is a great way to use up those cheap raspberries we've been seeing! Lemon and raspberry flavors are much like peanut butter and jelly. Mint and chocolate. Vanilla and … [Read more...]
Maple Almond Scone Bites with Vanilla Bean Glaze
Ever since treating myself to one of the petite little scones at Starbucks on a recent publicity trip, I've been dying to make them. Because I know without a shadow of a doubt that I could make them for 90% less than what I paid for at the 'bucks. Before we get to the recipe, I'd like to have a pronunciation lesson. I have a friend who has lived in England and she told me … [Read more...]
5 Ways to Make Quesadillas
I love the versatility of quesadillas. I love the different filling options and the different cooking options. If you're in the mood for a smokey quesadilla, you can make one on the grill. If you prefer to use a skillet or griddle to get that perfectly browned and crispy tortilla, then go with that option. Or you could always just put one into a sandwich/panini/quesadilla … [Read more...]
Fruit Smoothie Popsicles
Whenever we have fruit that doesn't get eaten before it starts to droop we store it in the freezer until we can use it at a later date. Bananas are super easy to freeze right in their own peel and we store strawberries, blueberries, cantaloupe and other leftover fruit in plastic freezer bags for use in breads, pancakes, smoothies and these fabulous popsicles. They taste like … [Read more...]
Easy Homemade Ranch Dressing Mix Recipe
Whisk up these homemade spice blends to save money, starting with this easy Homemade Ranch Dressing mix recipe! I love, love, love my homemade taco seasoning mix. It's convenient, cheap and oh-so-tasty. And I'm mixing up a new homemade seasoning mix today...this time for ranch dressing! This past weekend I planted some lettuce and other cold weather veggies. I … [Read more...]
Spicy Cilantro Pesto
So last week I found myself wondering what to do with the giant bunch of cilantro that I bought at Jungle Jim's for just $.60. I used some of a dinner I made last weekend. But didn't want the rest to go to waste. I knew immediately that I wanted to make a pesto, and a spicy one...as I had about 30 jalapenos staring at my from the middle shelf of the fridge! This … [Read more...]