Coupons

Okay so it was only a matter of time that I began more seriously clipping coupons and trying to obtain better deals. As many of the intelligent women's blogs I read do on a regular basis, I'm a n00b (newbie) in video game terms. But I have been reading and gotten a few good deals here and there, and been slowing cutting down our grocery bill by planning with the sales and using coupons.

Coupon organizer evolution

I began using coupons years ago but it was a short lived phase, mostly because I didn't know what I was doing, like most consumers used the coupons to buy something new that sounded good. Not to actually save any money, unbeknown to me. So my first coupon organizer wasn't practical in many ways, probably part of the reason I didn't stick with the system initially. Because it wasn't really a system, it was an attempt. I was young and living in an area with no double coupons made it less intriguing.

Binder with roomy front pocket 

Fast forward to now, I had an accordion style organizer for awhile, but it was getting to cramped and I was "missing" things since I couldn't find them inside. Even if I pulled everything I needed before shopping, and kept the rest in my purse. I was frustrated. So I decided to take the plunge and make a binder, when I first saw these binders people created for coupons I was amazed in some ways. And didn't think I'd want to take a binder out in public (which I have yet to do). But so far I'm happy with the organization and ability to find things.

File Folders

So I created a binder after reading about a few different people's variations. I went to Target not wanting to spend much money, but realized the importance of a zippered binder being a klutz. This was the only one on the shelf as it's not back to school time, but I think it is a perfect fit. The front has a mesh pocket that's fairly roomy, I put my cell phone in there and my keys just to test it out.

The other cool feature is the built in file pockets, there are 4 pockets with dividers on the front of the binder. I've been keeping unclipped coupons and store advertisements in here so far. This is secured by that elastic string and circle on the front of the binder.

Inside the binder

When you open the binder there are a lot of "built ins" on the left side. Two card holders, a small zippered mesh pocket (with pennies for the picture), two pen holders, a larger zippered pocket, and an old school cell phone holder (that I placed a small fold up reusable bag). That area makes it easier to keep things together and maybe in the future use a pencil pouch for loose coupons.

It's organized with dividers, the sections are Food, Health, Home, Store Specific, and Restaurants. I bought baseball card holders to hold the coupons, folding when necessary. Within the large sections the coupons are organized alphabetically, the other sections are less than one page each but I will alphabetize those should the need arise. In the back I have a folder to place over sized ad's or other items.

The rest of the pictures can be found on my picasa album. I'll update how this goes in terms of saving $$$ and time. ^.^

Crock pot chili

So I made some chili the other day, as planned. I didn't quite realize, or well think about the fact that 6 quarts is a gallon and a half of anything. So in the end I created 1/5 gallons of yummy chili...that consisted of 3.5 lbs of beef. :-)

I read some basic recopies to remind myself of ratios and get an idea of quantity for the crock pot, as I'd never attempted chili in the crock pot.

Crock Pot Chili

Ingredients:

1 lb ground beef
2.5 lbs stew meat
1 can diced tomatoes
2 cans spicy V-8
1 can chili beans
1 can red kidney beans (drained and rinsed)
1 medium onion chopped
2-3 cloves garlic chopped/minced (depending on taste)
1/4 cup chopped jalapeños (to taste)
ground cumin
chili powder
cayenne pepper
oregano
salt
pepper
hot sauce

Directions:
First, I chopped all things that needed to be chopped or diced. Then I put some mined garlic paste (jalapeño* liquid from jar) in a pan and turned on the heat, then I added the ground beef. Began to brown beef, and added stew meat. After all meat was in pan I added the onions and some of the garlic I had chopped reserving some to go straight into the Crockpot (we like garlic).

Served with a few Fritos and Cheddar on top

While meat was browning I added the canned tomatoes, V-8, and beans to crock pot and stirred together.

Once the meat was browned on the outside, I drained the fat and added it to the crock pot. Mixed all items together then added all the seasonings. I knew basic measurements and just eyeballed everything, so I can't post the amounts that I put into the crock pot. The hot sauce I used was called After Death and I only added 3-4 drops, that was enough. But we like things super spicy most of the time.

Then turned the Crockpot onto low for 7-8 hours, I stirred it a few times throughout the day, just to insure no meat dried out from stick out at the top. It was a little soupy in the end, but for leftovers I added a table spoon of cornstarch (mixed with water) and that thickened it up really well and made it a more traditional chili consistency.

*Whenever we brown beef we typically add some jalapeño liquid from the jar and a 6 pepper blend to add some flavor to the meat, no matter what dish we are creating.

When menu planning doesn't happen...

Okay so I slacked this week, last week we never made the meatloaf or tilapia (if you haven't figure it out the fish is frozen). I mentioned on Monday I could make the meatloaf, but I was easily swayed into venturing out. So we went out on Monday, Tuesday I went impulse grocery shopping with my mom. She needed a few things so I went with her, as we'd been out shopping most of the day. In the end I picked up a few things I knew we needed and a few things we did not. Impulse shopping is too easy sometimes. So Tuesday night's dinner was a store made quiche which are really tasty and something I have not attempted to make myself, yet. Tonight was hamburger helper, because it was easy and here.

Recap:

• Monday - Fast Food
• Tuesday - HEB Jalapeno and Cheese quiche
• Wednesday - Cheeseburger Macaroni Hamburger Helper

The plan for the rest of the week:

• Thursday - Chili - probably in the crockpot, haven't decided
• Friday - Dinner with my Mom
• Saturday - we'll have company, so it's kinda up in the air, possible going out might make something. Going to leave it up in the air
• Sunday - leftovers or something simple

BBQ Chicken Pizza

BBQ Chicken Pizza, this was something quick and easy and we love BBQ and Garlic Chicken pizza's so much.

We used Pillsbury ready crust we used the classic tonight which was as easy to use as expected. It puffed up good too, but I spread it out decently thin. Next time we'll try the thin crust.

Then just tossed some BBQ sauce on there, a little garlic powder on the crust, chopped onion, shredded cheese, chicken tossed in BBQ sauce, and more cheese. We put jalapeños on half the pizza for my man.

The shredded cheese we used is Kraft with a little Philadelphia to help it melt better, and I must say the cheese was super melty and ooey gooey too. So I say grab some if you like your Kraft products.

Freebies

Okay what's better than getting something for free, well there are a lot of things. But it's still pretty awesome when trying to be budget conscious and save money. So I've been reading some money saving blogs for tips and tricks. I came across some freebie opportunities also, and have already received some things in the mail.

So first I had a small box (the Que Rica Vida is the box) which is from that magazine. Lucky for me living in San Antonio translating the Spanish form wasn't too difficult. What I received in the mail was a full size box of Hamburger helper, and the two small boxes of cereal pictured.

The second "free" thing I received is this coupon booklet from P&G which I believe is still available to request. Lots of coupons if you use Proctor and Gamble products.

Sweet and Spicy

Okay crock pot cooking has many, many advantages. Such as the obvious "fix and forget" mentality. Something I need to pay closer attention to though is the amount of prep that is involved prior to putting it all in the pot and forgetting about it, but we live and learn.

Some of the finished ribs

Fortunately for me this time at least, all the "extra" hard work was well worth it, I made some Sweet Spicy ribs and beans, as I saw ribs were on sale at HEB last week. To say these were a small hit would be lying, these went over huge.

Pinto Beans w/ onions cooked with ribs

Some of our neighbors were having a bbq outside and invited us to join, and I felt even less intrusive being able to offer some of our ribs. Luckily for me as I made 5lbs of ribs in the crockpot, and it's just me and my man here typically I was more than happy to share.

These were a huge hit, the meat fell right off the bone, and I must say my neighbors homemade potato salad was awesome too. They were also BBQing chicken, sausage and steaks, so just tons of food.

I now have to pass the recipe along to both households, but I don't mind sharing my find from food.com with them as they were awesome. I followed the recipe exactly, cooking on low for 9-10 hours except added a lot more hot sauce than the 1 teaspoon called for, and we here in San Antonio feel that next time I should add more, but that's our taste. ^.^

Taco Lasagna

Okay so making my first lasagna, although it was a Taco Fiesta Chicken variation was a little more time consuming that I initially expected. Granted I was watching TV during portions of the prep work, and I started pretty late at night as we didn't get home till about 9pm after our class (Dave Ramsey's FPU).

some ingredients

So I gathered up most of the ingredients, and I believe next time I make this or another lasagna that it will go much faster. I say next time because my man really enjoyed it, I thought it was tasty too. I did use Spicy refried beans, and Hot rotel (which contains habanero peppers) so it was a little spicy. But we live in San Antonio, Texas so our taste buds are a little different.

I didn't take pictures of assembly as I was trying to keep up with it all in our itty bitty kitchen. I think that was my biggest issue was finding a place to put things during the process. But I made due and hopefully sooner than later we'll have a place with a bigger kitchen. But until then, we have what we have. ^.^

Fresh out of the oven

Definitely will make this again as I said it was a huge hit with the man, and our friend that was over. Good food, and good friends.

Bourbon Chicken, hold the Bourbon

Chicken after step 1, and rice cooker

I saw chicken was on sale this week at the grocery store so I decided to take advantage and look up a recipe to make it a little more interesting than my standby's. I'm so glad I did, I used food.com to search for chicken dishes and selected highest rated. This version of Bourbon Chicken was number one, and for good reason I think.

Add the chicken to the sauce

My man was surprised that there was no actual bourbon in this dish, as it's name implies. But I don't think it lacked any flavor, although I don't know if I have ever tasted straight bourbon for that matter.

I took pictures during the process but forgot to take a picture of the food plated. We had company, so I was feeding four hungry gentleman. Whom all cleaned their plates I might add. ^.^

Veggies, chicken simmering away

Here are a few more pictures, the differences from the recipe and what I did. I added some frozen veggies, it was a blend of peas, snap peas, carrots, and mini corn overall a stir-fry mix I also added some cornstarch in the last 2-3 minutes of simmering to thicken the sauce up some after reading the comments.

I'm going to take this opportunity to talk about one of my most favorite pans in my kitchen. This was part of the bigger Calphalon Contemporary cookset I received years ago as a gift. But this is the pan I use more than any other. It's larger pan but a cross between a frying pan and a sauce pan which is what makes it so awesome. This is also the pan featured most in my posts I've realized here recently.

All that remained

So I thought it was fair to share what exactly it was. It is pricey especially on the actual website, I'm sure through Amazon or other means it could be found for a discounted price. Here's the link again in case it was missed above 3 quart saute pan.

Meal planning 10.11.2010

I'm feel adventurous this week, as I'm trying something new almost every night. Now these are not necessarily tough recipes or things that seems more labor intense. I just tried to shop the sales a little more, and get a good variation. Now some night were probably going out to dinner with my Mom, but not sure which night so I planned something for every night, and might move the crock pot meal or the make the night before lasagna accordingly.

Mon: Bourbon chicken with noodles OR rice (probably will throw in some stir fry veggies too)

Tue: Beef Flank Steak pinwheel filled with spinach, bacon and Parmesan cheese spread (HEB store bought) and salad

Wed: Taco Fiesta Chicken lasagna (I know I'm going to omit the cilantro, because we don't care for it)

Thurs: Sweet Spicy ribs and beans (crock pot) with rice

Fri: Garlic Chicken pizza (no tomatoes will be on mine)

Sat: Meatloaf (ground turkey/beef combo) with twice baked potatoes

Sun: Asian grilled tilapia with salad, maybe some rice or Asian noodles

I'll try to take pictures and post reviews of the recipes that I try this week, the meatloaf will by my own recipe I just make it without much thought at this point. So I'll try and pay attention and write things down, I alter it in minor ways each time too.

This post is linked to: http://orgjunkie.com/2010/10/menu-plan-monday-oct-11th.html

Shepard's Pie - recipe from my friend

Shepard's Pie out of the oven

So I read this recipe my friend posted online, it sounded good and easy to prepare. My boyfriend originally compared it to a KFC mashed potato bowl. We followed her recipe to the letter except we used a combo cheese as it was what we had on hand, and I accidentally purchased home style instead of brown gravy. All the same it was good, and we've enjoyed eating on the leftovers too.

Here's a link to the recipe and my friends blog: http://fieldsofwildflowers-saleta.blogspot.com/2010/09/shepherds-pie.html

Ready to eat with salad

 

Pan Burritos

Pan burritos, this recipe sounded easy and like it might eliminate a few trips to Las Palapas or Taco Cabana. I think I was right.

Day after, the layers are visible

So basically it's like a lasagna with tortillas, refried beans, enchilada sauce, cheese, and beef. There are many ways this could be customized and altered to fill tastes. I didn't like the beans I used but it wasn't the brand I normally buy but otherwise no complaints.

I put some salsa ranch on top which just enhanced the flavor, with a little guacamole too. On the side I had a lettuce salad.

Before going into the oven

Right out of the oven, after serving

Meal planning

Due to an impromptu camping trip last week a few things were moved again. I think I realized why I got frustrated with menu planning previously. Anyways, I also thought is share my version of a menu I keep in my kitchen.

I originally saw something similar online somewhere using a picture frame. This is just a page protector that's smooth. :) I changed the menu a bit after I took this picture. But I keep this posted on the fridge to remind me of my plan and to let my Man know what the plan is, sometimes things might change around still but I'm working on trying to maintain the schedule.

I must say that the crock pot pork currently cooking smells AMAZING, it's been in there a few hours now but the aroma is intoxicating. ^.^

So this week:

Mon: Jambalaya (Zatarain's mix, with ground chicken and beef/ cheddar sausage)

Tue: Crock Pot pork (sauce I put in with pork; I used 1/2 c. crushed pineapple, and added a dash of Worcestershire sauce and dash of teriyaki to the mix) sandwiches

Wed: Shepard's Pie (I will make this, this week)

Thurs: Grilled Tilapia

Fri: Simple something

Sat: out, maybe?

Sun: Leftovers