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Archive for December, 2011|Monthly archive page

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The Budget Smart Girl Newsletter-December 2011

In Budget Smart Girl's Newsletter, Uncategorized on December 6, 2011 at 6:25 pm

Another year almost over and the last newsletter of 2011. This one is holiday focused-

Bargain Wines

Some of you who followed my column over at Garden and Hearth might remember Natalie MacLean who is a wine expert. She’ just written another book, this one’s titled Unquenchable and devoted to bargain wines. I asked her to share with us some of her suggestions for great wines for the holidays and here they are. Be sure to check out her Web site at http://www.nataliemaclean.com/

2010 Peter Zemmer Pinot Grigio, D.O.C., Alto Adige, Italy: Fresh and alive like spring white linens blowing in the breeze. Lime and lemon zest. Mouth-watering and medium-bodied. Pair with: seafood chowder. $15.95  Score: 88/100.

2010 Konrad Sauvignon Blanc, Marlborough, New Zealand: One of my favourite Sauvignon Blancs, and it’s incredibly well priced. Herbal and zippy but not too grassy. Terrific acidity for food. Love it! Pair with: sea bass in a citrus sauce, pan seared chicken with a creamy tarragon sauce. $17.95  Score: 90/100.

2009 Montes Carmenère Alpha, Colchagua Valley, Chile: Yes, yes, yes! I am referring to the wine: this is simply amazing for the price. The total package. Packed with gorgeously layered fruit yet there’s acidity and elegance. Pair with: Korean ribs, herbed steak. $19.95  Score: 92/100.

2009 Château Rochecolombe , A.C., Côtes Du Rhône, France: Tremendous quality and taste for the money. Black raspberries and cherries with smoky cedar notes. Full-bodied and smooth. Gold Medal at the 2010 Concours Général Agricole in Paris. Decant for 1-2 hours. Drink: 2011-2015.  $14.95  Score: 89/100.

2007 Terre Nere Rosso Di Montalcino Campigli Vallone Pierina, D.O.C., Tuscany, Italy: Satin smooth and enticing. Juicy with black cherry. Pair with: beef stew, lamb stew, dishes featuring grilled portobello mushrooms. $17.95  Score: 89/100.

Gloria Ferrer Brut Sparkling Wineméthode Champenoise, Sonoma County, California: I’ve been a fan of this bubbly for years: It’s beautifully made and so refreshing. The price is an absolute steal. Get a case for the holidays. $21.95  Score: 90/100.

Chocolate Event and Giveaway on Twitter

I just received information about this event which takes places on Twitter to night-

 (Tuesday, 12/6) Scharffen Berger Chocolate Maker will be giving away 5 Everything Basic Baking Gift Sets as part of our Holiday Recipe Exchange, on Twitter, from 7-8 PM EST. With all the baking products you need to whip up this holiday season’s masterpiece, the baking set is perfect to use during the holidays or as a great hostess gift. Please feel free to invite your readers to participate for a chance to win.
Cohosting with Scharffen Berger Chocolate @ScharffenBerger  will be our panel of baking experts: Babette Pepaj of @bakespace, Matt Armendariz of Matt Bites @mattarmendariz, Jamie of My Baking Addiction @bakingaddiction and Susan Whetzel of @doughmesstic.
 
It should be an excellent opportunity to exchange holiday recipes, gain inspiration and useful tips, and chat with baking aficionados and dessert lovers.

A Snack and Gift

I forgot to include this one in last week’s gift guide. Great for the holidays and for gift giving too-

·Need a hostess gift in a snap? Bring a box of Nonni’s Biscotti with you. Nonni’s traditional recipe use real eggs, butter and gourmet bittersweet chocolate to give each biscotti a light, crunchy texture that is delicately sweet. They make the perfect complement to any desert table, when served with coffee, or a special treat the host can save just for herself in eight delicious flavors including Orginali, Caramel Latte, Cioccolati, Decadence, Limone, Toffee Almond, Triple Milke Chocolate and Turtle Pecan.

Unexpected guests? No problem! set out a plate of Nonni’s Biscotti Bites for guests to nibble on. These mini-versions of the beloved classic provide a unique eating experience crafted with the finest, all natural ingredients available in three delectable flavors: Almond dark Chocolate, Caramel Milk Chocolate and Classic Almond. 

Need a delicious snack on the run? Each Nonni’s Biscotti is individually wrapped making it a great treat to throw into your purse for a delicious treat as you run errands before hosting or attending a holiday event. Baked with high quality, natural ingredients and half the amount of sugar compared to other cookies, they’re also a guilt-free snack.

http://www.amazon.com/Nonnis-Toffee-Almond-Biscotti-Cookies/dp/B0055N4JPY/ref=pd_sim_sbs_gro_4

More Pies and Turkey

And if you didn’t get enough pie and Turkey at Thanksgiving, I received these two recipes last week that I thought I’d share with you courtesy of Thai Kitchen http://www.thaikitchen.com/

Thai Kitchen® Coconut Pumpkin Pie
 
Prep Time:  5 minutes
Cook Time: 1 hour and 10 minutes
  
   1 frozen unbaked deep dish pie crust (9-inch)
   3 eggs, beaten
3/4 cup packed brown sugar
   1 tablespoon pumpkin pie spice
1/2 teaspoon salt
   1 can (15 ounces) pumpkin 
   1 can (14 ounces) Thai Kitchen® Coconut Milk
 

Place frozen pie crust on foil-lined baking sheet.

Mix eggs, sugar, pumpkin pie spice and salt in large bowl until smooth.  Stir in pumpkin.  Gradually add coconut milk, mixing well.  Pour into pie crust. 

Bake in preheated 425°F oven 15 minutes.  Reduce oven temperature to 350°F.  Bake 55 minutes longer or until knife inserted in center comes out clean.  Cool on wire rack.
 
Serve warm or refrigerate until ready to serve.  Garnish with whipped cream and sprinkle with additional pumpkin pie spice, if desired.  Store leftover pie in refrigerator. 
 
Makes 8 servings.
 
Thai Kitchen® Red Curry Turkey Pot Pie
 
Prep Time:  10 minutes 
Cook Time: 40 minutes 
Makes 8 servings.
 
   1 can (14 ounces) Thai Kitchen® Coconut Milk
1/2 cup water
   2 pkgs. (.87 oz. each) turkey gravy mix, such as McCormick® Turkey Gravy Mix
   1 tbsp Thai Kitchen® Red Curry Paste
   3 cups cubed cooked turkey 
   2 cups frozen mixed vegetables  
   1 refrigerated pie crust (from 15-ounce package)
 
MIX Coconut Milk and water in large saucepan. Add gravy mix and Red Curry Paste; stir until well blended. Bring to boil on medium heat, stirring frequently. Stir in turkey and vegetables. Return to boil. Reduce heat to low; simmer 5 minutes. 
 
SPOON into 9-inch deep-dish pie plate or 2-quart baking dish. Top with pie crust. Seal edges and cut several slits on top. 
 
BAKE in preheated 425°F oven 25 minutes or until crust is golden brown. Let stand 5 minutes before serving.   
 
And finally
Here are some articles I found on the Web-
 
Jewels for the Holidays
Jewelry under $100
 
How to Make Perfect Pie Crust
 
Do It Yourself Home Energy Checks
 
Party Dresses Under $50
 
The Best Instant Mashed Potatoes…so glad my favorite brand was the winner, it’s the only one I’ll buy-
 
Buy It or Make It…I often ask the same question and here’s the response about mayonnaise-
 
Happy Holidays.

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It’s Meatless Monday-Greek Inspired Pasta

In Meatless Mondays on December 5, 2011 at 6:50 pm

Here’s a recipe I often make on Christmas Eve. It’s quick and easy to put together and I think pasta is a great change from all the holiday fare. And it’s vegetarian too. Serves 6

  • One box jumbo pasta shells
  • 1 26 oz. jar Classico Spicy Tomato and Pesto…any of your other favorite pasta sauces will work too.
  • 1 15 oz. container ricotta cheese
  • ½ cup crumbled feta cheese
  • 1 16 oz. package frozen spinach, defrosted, drained
  • ½ cup chopped Kalamata olives
  • 1 cup shredded Parmesan cheese
  1. Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Coat a 10 X 13 lasagna pan with cooking spray.
  2. Cook the shells in boiling water until al dente…don’t overcook them as they’re easier to stuff when they’re still firm and they’ll continue to cook in the oven.
  3. While the shells cook, mix together the spinach, ricotta cheese, chopped olives and feta cheese.
  4. Drain the shells and place on a plate.
  5. Pour just enough pasta sauce into the pan to coat it.
  6. Fill each shell with the ricotta mixture and place them, mixture side up, on the pasta sauce.
  7. Cover the shells with the rest of the sauce and top with the Parmesan cheese.
  8. Cover the pan with foil and place in the oven for about 15-20 minutes or until everything is bubbling and the cheese has melted.

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Budget Smart Girl Gift Ideas

In Budget Smart Girl's Guide, Uncategorized on December 2, 2011 at 3:48 pm

Here are some more ideas for budget friendly gift ideas-

Greeting Cards

I saw this one yesterday and it’s a greeting card you can send featuring your pet. Best thing is it’s free-

http://www.tailsinc.com/2011/11/send-a-singing-greeting-card-starring-your-pet/

And if you’re looking for inexpensive cards this year check out Vistaprint, they’re offering 20 customized holiday cards for $1.99, www.vistaprint.com/igloo

Georgine Saves Tip Book

Our own Georgine has just published her own tip book so be sure to check it you either for yourself or as a holiday gift- http://georginesaves.com/book/

Free Online Game For the Kids

Here’s a link to a free game for children

http://tocaboca.com/games/

Eco Friendly Gifts

I always like to include one company selling eco friendly gifts so here is this year’s pick http://www.ethicalocean.com/shopping

Tea

Here’s something that caught my eye as soon as I saw the e-mail about it. Chocolate tea. Can’t think of a better combination. http://www.tisano.com/

Something For the Stocking

We all love to snack and I thought this one made the perfect stocking stuffer-

http://www.somersaultsnackco.com/?event=shop.products

Check Out the Deals

And I was e-mailed information about this site www.dealradar.com that is a handy reference when you’re looking for deals for the holidays.

Coffee Gifts

Seems everyone I know drinks coffee and one way to save money is to brew your own so this might be a welcome gift for someone on your list

http://sognocoffee.com/

Something For Everyone

I have my eye on a few items at this store where you’re sure to find something and the prices are budget friendly too-

http://www.mud-pie.com/

For Those Aching Feet

And finally after you’ve done all that shopping your feet might need a rest and here are some bendable ballet slippers that cost just $15.

http://usadawgs.com/Bendable-Ballet-Flats.html

Next week ideas for homemade gifts and maybe another gift guide.

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More Budget Smart Girl Gift Ideas

In Budget Smart Girl's Guide on December 1, 2011 at 7:26 pm

Here are another batch of gift ideas, some were suggested by others, some are my own-

ELF

You know I”m a big fan of this company. Most items are still a dollar and if you sign up for their newsletter and e-mail alerts you’re sure to find a deal almost every day. The other day I shopped their 50% off sale and stocked up on things like lip gloss for just 50 cents. Just about everything they sell is great and I’ve always been happy with the items. Great for stocking stuffer ideas too!

www.eyeslipsface.com

Kindle

E-books are the thing of the future and reading devices are one of the few things that seem to be going down in price instead of up. Amazon now sells the basic Kindle for $79. Best thing is you download lots of books and take it just about anywhere without carrying heavy books around. www.amazon.com

For the Furry Friends

I know some people think it’s crazy to buy your furry companion a holiday gift but I’ve never skipped a year without buying my cat something no matter how small. Last year it was a blanket from Petco. On Monday I shopped at their online store and found the same thing but in another color and two dollars cheaper than the previous year. If you’re looking for something pet related this is a great buy for $3.49. My cat is probably the best endorsement for this product. He loves it all year long but especially in the winter as a lining for his bed.   (I ordered this on Monday and it arrived yesterday morning  so great service too).http://www.petco.com/product/112237/Petco-Fleece-Cat-Throw-in-Chocolate.aspx

A Gift Under a Dollar

I can’t think of too many things costing less than a dollar these days but I found this one just yesterday, a letter from Santa for 99 cents. http://www.santa-times.com/

Jewelry

I saw this company listed in the catalog of Our Milk Money and the jewelry looks beautiful and the prices are budget friendly too.http://zarstardesigns.com/default.aspx

Added Gift

Information about this one was sent to me last month and thought I’d bookmark it to include here. Book and DVD, bookmark etc. for $10. And you get three added gifts too. http://noteproject.com/kit

More gift ideas tomorrow and some ideas for homemade gifts next week.

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