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Ramblings From Budget Smart Girl

In Uncategorized on September 13, 2011 at 2:52 pm

I’ve given the weekly blog post a new name, Ramblings from Budget Smart Girl!

I finally held the garage sale on Friday and Saturday and have to say it wasn’t much of a success. Despite the gorgeous weather and signs posted everywhere the turnout was poor and what few people did show up were in a browsing and not buying mood. Can’t say that there was much a trend in what people did buy. Books and CDs and kitchen items mostly. And I’d say 95% of them made much lower offers on the sale price. On the plus side got to chat with the neighbors and even met some new people in the neighborhood.

Last week I reached a milestone…used a coupon for every single item I purchased at the grocery store. I matched manufacturer’s coupons with store coupons too, and shopped on double coupon day. Yes, it took some extra effort but it felt good looking at the receipt and seeing the savings.

Here’s one of my finds combining store and brand coupon that was doubled, each of these packs of soap cost just 50 cents a piece.

If you like me you’re a cat owner you might want to check out www.buythebesttrial.com where you can download a rebate form for a free bag of kitty litter.

Also, if you want to read up about organic farming and then test your knowledge visit http://www.ebfarm.com/WhyOrganic/OrganicQuiz.aspx If you get 100% correct you’re eligible for a $1 coupon.

I found this on the Yahoo UK site, seems it’s National Cupcake Week and check out these mouthwatering recipes. You can even make savory cupcakes which I think are perfect for using up leftovers for a cheap meal.

http://uk.lifestyle.yahoo.com/sweet-and-savory-cupcake-recipes.html

Thought this was an interesting article about ways to cut cable TV

http://finance.yahoo.com/family-home/article/113459/cable-tv-budget-friendly-alternatives-kiplinger

And read this one after you get your energy bill-

http://finance.yahoo.com/family-home/article/113465/top-energy-consuming-items-forbes

And if food prices weren’t high enough already-

http://financiallyfit.yahoo.com/finance/article-113449-10939-1-4-rising-food-costs-that-will-hurt-your-wallet?ywaad=ad0035

I heard coffee prices are set to drop but peanut butter is about to go up in price.

This week, another busy one for me so just the one article about low cost healthy snacks for afterschool or anytime the hunger pains strike.

Have a good week.

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The Blog-Saving the Foods of Summer

In Uncategorized on June 20, 2011 at 7:10 pm

One item on my list of things to do this summer is buy extra produce and can or preserve it. Last week while I was shopping I found something to give me a gentle reminder, a book/magazine titled Canning and Preserving. Here’s a link if you want to check it out http://www.hobbyfarms.com/popular-kitchen-series/canning-preserving.aspx

It costs $10.99 and if you’re new to canning or all the other methods of perserving foods (even if you’re not), it’s a great resource. After browsing through it I got the incentive to dry four pounds of strawberries and three pounds of nectarines which I hope to enjoy during winter. Next up for me, making strawberry and raspberry jams.

I’m planning to expand Budget Smart Girl this fall and one way I hoping to do that is to invite experts to offer advice. People who will blog or write an article at least once a month. I’m teaching three writing workshops this fall so I hope they can write something for the blog on the weeks when I’m busy.

I’m in the process of trying to find these people and thought I’d put the call out to you first. If  you know someone who’s an expert  in any of the following areas, fashion, make-up, couponing, decorating, feel free to have them contact me. As the site and blog doesn’t make any money, sorry to say it would have to be done on a volunteer basis but in return they’d get a link to their own site and buy link to any book they’ve authored.

This week on Budget Smart Girl-how you can afford organic and natural products on a budget and another recipe to try.

Have a good week.

Correct Link for Aveeno Free Sample

In Uncategorized on May 5, 2011 at 9:36 pm

Sorry about the wrong link for the Aveeno sample, here’s the correct one-http://www.aveeno.com/1005/haircare-free-sample

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April is Soyfoods Month

In Budget Smart Cook, Uncategorized on April 13, 2011 at 4:41 pm

You know I often promote things like tofu as a low cost ingredient for meals. April is soyfoods month and the perfect time to give at least one soy food a try. The Soy Foods Council of America sent some information to pass along to you and also a couple of recipes to try. Before I get to that here are some of my favorite ways to incorporate soy food into meals and tips for using them-

Tofu

 

Just in case you missed my tips for using tofu (which I know all by itself doesn’t look or taste that appetizing) is to freeze it for a few days. And then let it thaw for a few days before you intend to use it. Drain it well and either break it up into bite size pieces or cubes…in fact, some tofu is already cubed for you. The next trick is to marinade it for a few hours, longer if you can. The freezing gives it more texture and the marinade gives it lots of flavor. I use soy sauce, pepper and chopped garlic for most recipes.

Silk Soy Milk

 

I’m not a big fan of regular soy milk but the Silk brand…the vanilla is really good, is a favorite of mine. I’ve found it’s always on sale, has a long shelf life and makes desserts like rice and bread puddings that much creamier and richer tasting.

Ready Made Veggie Burgers

Another thing most of you already know is I always keep a package of veggie burgers…yes, they’re really soy burgers in the freezer for a quick meal. Some of my favorites are made by Morningstar Farms and Boco http://www.bocaburger.com/ (there’s a $1 coupon on this site)

Web Site to Check Out

If you want to learn more about soyfoods, visit this site-

www.soyfoodsmonth.org

Tips and Recipes from The Fitness Gourmet

Here is some information and recipes I thought I’d pass along to you-

Soyfoods can be found in any grocery store and are an easy substitute for dairy or meat in favorite dishes. The Fitness Gourmet and certified nutritionist, Patricia Greenberg, suggests incorporating easy soyfoods into family meals for excellent nutrition and taste:

  • Healthier:  Children and adults across the US are selecting soyfoods daily to get high quality protein and numerous nutrients.  Soyfoods are not only low in fat and cholesterol and lactose-free but are also a great source of iron, calcium, fiber, vitamin B-12, magnesium and zinc.  
  • Quicker: Soy meat substitutes, such as soy ground and soy sausages cook up in a fraction of the time it takes for traditional meats.. They’re also ideal for pre-made meals and can be stored in the freezer or refrigerator for quick and easy meals later in the week.
  • Tastier: Soyfoods can easily replace or compliment traditional ingredients to make great tasting recipes

Shelled Edamame Chicken Stir Fry

  •         1 1/2 lbs chicken breast
  •         1 egg white
  •         1 tsp cornstarch
  •         1 tsp soy sauce
  •         Dash white pepper
  •         1 1/2 cups Sunrich Naturals Shelled Edamame
  •         1 medium onion
  •         3 cloves pressed garlic 
  •         1 sweet red pepper
  •         1 cup carrots – sliced
  •         1 tbsp cornstarch
  •         1 tbsp vegetable oil 
  •         2 tbsp Hoisin sauce
  •         2 tsp sesame oil 
  •         1/4 cup chicken broth
  •  

REMOVE bones from chicken, cut into small pieces. Mix egg white, 1 tsp soy sauce and white pepper in bowl. Stir in chicken. Marinate for 20 to 30 minutes.

CUT onion into small pieces. Cut up pepper and carrots.

HEAT wok. Add 2 tbsp vegetable oil, stir fry chicken until it turns white. Remove chicken. Add onions and garlic, stir-fry until light brown. Add chicken, Hoisin sauce and sesame oil; stir for one minute. Add chicken broth and bring to boil. Add cornstarch and stir until thickened. Stir in Shelled Edamame, carrots and peppers. Steam for 3 minutes.

Serve over rice. Makes 4 servings.

Macaroni Casserole

  •      1 cup chopped onion 
  •      1/4 cup chopped celery 
  •      1/3 carton (10 oz) Imagine® Natural Creamy Portobello Mushroom Soup 
  •      1/4 cup SOY DREAM® Enriched Original 
  •      1 tbsp dried parsley 
  •      1/4 tsp pepper 
  •      1 can (15 oz) soybeans, rinsed, drained & ground 
  •      2 cups dry macaroni, cooked 
  •      4 oz cheddar-style soy cheese, grated 

PREHEAT the oven to 350° F. Sauté onion and celery in a non-stick pan (add a little water if needed to prevent sticking). 

ADD soup, SOY DREAM, parsley and pepper. Mix well.

STIR in ground soybeans, cooked macaroni and half the soy cheese. Place in a lightly oiled 2-quart casserole dish and top with remaining cheese.

BAKE at 350° F for about 20 minutes, until cheese is melted and casserole is bubbly.

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Cutting Down on Ready Made Foods

In Budget Smart Cook, Uncategorized on March 16, 2011 at 4:56 pm

March means St. Patrick’s Day which always makes me think of my grandmother who was from County Cork. I’ve been paging through cookbooks figuring out what I’m going to make this St. Patrick’s Day to celebrate my Irish heritage. I’ve found recipes for dishes like colcannon and Irish soda bread. Aside from trying to recreate the foods my grandma grew up eating, I’ve been thinking about the approach her generation took toward preparing a meal.  Nothing came prepackaged and they shopped for fresh local produce every day. Besides being healthier, my grandmother’s generation probably saved a whole bunch of money too. It seems supermarkets aren’t just about food any more but places we go to buy convenience. Here are some foods I say pass by every time you see them-

Ready Prepared Produce

One thing that always amazes me is the individually wrapped potatoes and onions you find the produce department. I’ve seen price tags of $1.50 stamped on them. Today I bought a 3 pound bag of onions for $2.99 (seven onions) so there’s a big markup for having someone do the little work of peeling an onion for you. The same goes for the stew packs I often see, potatoes, celery, onions and carrots, vacuum packed and double the cost than if you put them together yourself.

Cheeses
Yes, I’m guilty of this one. I’ve been tempted to buy the bags of shredded cheese and  cheese squares. And really how long does shredding cheese take us? It’s probably one of the quickest chores. I’m a big fan of those soft cheeses flavored with garlic and onion and packaged in tubs. In fact, I had a holiday recipe that called for two tubs and got a bad case of sticker shock when I saw they were almost $5 each. It’s basically whipped cream cheese and a little milk to thin it down with chopped garlic, green  onions and black pepper. Next time you’re thinking of buying something like that check your cookbooks or even the Internet and I’m betting you can find a replica recipe. (In fact, check out the Web site below)

Juice and Jell-O

I never buy pre-made is juice and Jell-O unless they’re on sale or I have a coupon because making your own is a lot cheaper. And if these are items you regularly eat, invest in small plastic containers and juice boxes and fill them yourself.

Mixes

It took me a long time to get out the habit of buying packaged taco and gravy mixes but there are so many recipes on the Internet that it’s much cheaper to make your own. Plus, you always have a supply on hand and they’re preservative free too. One site I really like is this one-http://www.copykat.com/2009/03/27/homemade-taco-seasoning-mix/

Salad Dressings

Salad dressings are another food item that I used to buy ready-made but then decided to make my own. It all started when I had a recipe for a dressing I just couldn’t find and ended up making my own. Now I like making them not only for the money saving aspect but I can put my own spin on things like Thousand Island and blue cheese dressings. http://www.recipetips.com/recipes-collections/salad_dressing_recipes.asp

My Thousand Island Dressing Recipe (makes about 1 ½ cups)

 

 

1 cup mayonnaise

1/3 cup chili sauce

2 tablespoons lemon juice

½ teaspoon onion powder

1 tablespoon sweet pickle relish

1 ½ tablespoons Dijon mustard

Pinch of salt and pepper

Mix everything together and this keeps for weeks in the refrigerator. It’s also a good dipping sauce for fish sticks too!

The Blog-It’s Cyber Monday

In The Blog, Uncategorized on November 29, 2010 at 5:35 pm

Hope everyone had a wonderful Thanksgiving and found some bargains on Black Friday. If your e-mail inbox is anything like mine, right now it’s being flooded with deals for Cyber Monday. Seems like everyone I’ve bought something from or signed up for their newsletter has something special to tell me about. And if you haven’t heard this tip before, if you do sign up to receive coupons and/or company newsletters create a separate e-mail account for them.

I have taken advantage of a couple of the deals today. Mostly free shipping on items I was intending to buy anyway. If you’re going to stock up on things, today’s the day to do just that.

And what’s the deal with some sites that have discounted prices but can’t show you them until the item’s in your cart? I never seen that before.

This last week I also renewed two things that I feel are so worth the money. First one was my membership to the AAA. I’ve been a member for a year, it costs me $62 and I think I’ve saved a lot more than that this last year. Three call outs last winter when the car wouldn’t start or one of the tires was looking too flat to drive. Discounts on oil changes, meals at local restaurants and tickets to the cinema. Plus, I have the peace of mind knowing if I get stuck out someplace with a flat tire, help is just a phone call away. At a little over $5 per month, it’s a good buy.

Second renewal; my subscription to All You Magazine. $19.99 for 12 issues. The magazine is not only full of good money saving advice, it’s loaded with coupons that have saved me money (especially on double coupon day) everytime I’ve shopped.

Don’t forget you still have another day to enter the giveway. I’ll announce the winners on Wednesday.

Some articles to check out this week-

One of the keys of being budget smart is being patient-

http://shine.yahoo.com/event/financiallyfit/6-things-to-buy-after-christmas-2409870/

I love it when you buy something and get money back in return-

http://finance.yahoo.com/family-home/article/111419/how-to-get-cash-back-on-every-purchase

This week on Budget Smart Girl-The Annual Stocking Stuffing Gift Guide and it’s the first week of the month which means the December newsletter.

Have a good week.

Budget Smart Girl Newsletter for October 2010

In Budget Smart Girl's Newsletter, Uncategorized on October 1, 2010 at 1:49 pm

It’s officially fall and October means Halloween, and both pizza and pasta month. While on the subject of food, let’s start this month’s newsletter with some of the best buys for the month-

Be sure to enjoy these while they’re still around and in top condition – green beans, sweet peppers and tomatoes.

Just about at their peak of goodness – pumpkin, winter squash and apples.

Just coming into peak season – beets, Bosc and Comice pears, rutabaga, broccoli, Brussels sprouts and spinach

Apples
Apples are in abundance now and even if you don’t want to eat them day after day until you’re sick of them, there are plenty of ways to use them throughout the winter months. You can make desserts, apple butter, and even dry them for snacks. Here’s one recipe I came up with. I started with a basic apple crumble and added things like raisins, pecans and yes, coconut.

Fall Apple Crumble

(Serves 6)
•1 cup flour
•½ stick margarine or butter
•¼ cup brown sugar
•1/3 cup shredded coconut, lightly toasted
•1/3 cup chopped pecans, lightly toasted
•3 apples, peeled, cored and cubed
•¼- ½ cup apple juice (amount depends on what type of apples you use, some seem to release more juice than others)
•1/3 cup golden Thompson raisins (regular raisins will work too)
•1 teaspoon cinnamon
•½ teaspoon allspice

1.Pre-heat oven to 350 degrees.

2.An easy way to toast the pecans and coconut is to put them in a skillet together and heat them until they’re lightly browned.

3.Spray a casserole dish with cooking spray, and place apples, raisins, and spices, and apple juice together in there and stir until everything is evenly coated. Depending on what type of apples you use, you might need to add some apple juice so they don’t dry out during cooking.

4.Sift the flour into a medium sized bowl and stir in the brown sugar, cut the margarine into cubes and add to the mixture. Rub the butter into the flour/sugar mixture until the mixture resembles fine breadcrumbs.

5.Stir in the toasted coconut and pecans.

6.Place on top of the apple mixture and make for 30 minutes or until the apples are soft and the mixture is bubbling.

Helping You Stick to A Budget

I saw this budget calculator on the Internet the other day and thought what a great idea to help keep track of how much we spend. Experts say many of us run into money problems simply because we don’t know where our money goes…no more excuses now http://finance.yahoo.com/calculator/family-home/bud02

Pumpkins
October means it’s time for pumpkins. Remember last year’s shortage and higher prices? Things have changed this year http://www.usatoday.com/money/industries/food/2010-09-27-pumpkin-shortage-over_N.htm So with pumpkins in abundance again just how can you use this great tasting and good for you food?

Decorating
Pumpkins aren’t just for eating and if you can extend their life into November they make a cheap and cheerful doorstep display to welcome guests on Thanksgiving. They also make a budget friendly table display. Use the smaller varieties, some twigs and branches from the yard and it looks like you took a class in floral design.

Dinnerware
One year I served soup in a carved out pumpkin. It was lots of work cleaning it and removing all the seeds so the following year, I opted for the mini pumpkins. A lot less work and in fact, got more compliments than the big soup filled pumpkin sitting in the middle of the table.

Place Settings
If you can find the really minute pumpkins, they’re great for placing on each guest’s plate. You can even write each person’s name on them too.

They’re Eco-Friendly
Many times I end up throwing away temporary table decorations and displays, but pumpkins are eco friendly and can be put outside for a month or two after you’re done using them. After that, toss them on the compost heap.

Even The Seeds are Great
I remember one of my former roommates at university was hooked on both sunflower and pumpkin seeds. If you don’t just like eating them plain try heating them and stir in some taco seasonings, even some soy sauce or curry powder.

More Than Pumpkin Pie
I get bored with the same pumpkin recipes year after year so sometimes I make a pumpkin mousse and serve it in the carved out mini pumpkins. Sometimes I add canned pumpkin to brownie mixes. This makes a really good Halloween treat for everyone. And add some to cream cheese with some pumpkin pie spices and it’s a wonderful spread on muffins and bagels. And the new in thing is to add canned pumpkin to pancake batter. I haven’t tried it but probably adding some spices like cinnamon and allspice would be a great addition too. You could even add the spices to the maple syrup or whipped cream to serve with the pancakes.

Reader’s Tips
I had lots of e-mails about the guide to fall fashions and a couple of you even sent some of your own tips. I thought I’d share them with you. Be sure to send your tips for the newsletter. I know readers would love to know how you save money.

‘I have found that most things that say “dry clean only” on them can be either hand washed or machine washed on gentle. If I’m worried about things stretching out of shape or getting twisted around the part in middle of machine, I put the item in a zippered pillowcase.’-RH

‘Save money by hosting a clothing and footwear exchange party. Have everyone bring over items they may be thinking of tossing out or donating. Have everyone bring one snack or beverage and have a blast exchanging items. Even old jewelry. Keep in mind this is more suitable to crowds of the same age group. Doesn’t cost a thing and it is a great night out. Do this seasonally.’-MR

Contest
Someone set me information about this contest and thought I’d share it with you.
Create inspiring Herbal Water and food pairings for a chance to win $500 plus year’s supply of the product

Beginning Sept. 20 and running through Oct. 17, entrants can visit HerbalWater.com to share their suggestions for the best food to pair with Ayala’s Herbal Water’s still or sparkling lines. Each week, a winner will be randomly selected to receive a $50 cash card. At the end of the sweepstakes period, a randomly selected grand prizewinner will receive a $500 cash card and a year’s supply of Herbal Water.

About Herbal Water:
Herbal Water has zero calories, zero artificial additives and preservatives and is available in six deliciously original varieties. For more information please visit www.herbalwater.com. and you can also visit http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZVwxX05MIKw.

Go To The Tofu University
I know some people absolutely hate tofu but it’s got lots of good points too. It’s inexpensive, good for you and is packed with calcium. One of its downsides is actually a bonus, yes, it’s bland but that makes it perfect for flavoring it with whatever you want. I make everything from burgers to pot pies with it and Nasoya, company who produces tofu is currently running a promotion. Check out www.Nasoya.com and click on tofu university. Sign up, get a coupon and then check out the recipes.

Is There a Cheaper Alternative?
When I had a membership to Costco one of my must buys on every trip was a jar of sundried tomatoes. I love them on salads, garlic bread, pasta, you name it. I was able to buy a large jar for under $7 and it would last a long time. However, now I don’t have a membership, I’ve found it hard to get good deals. In fact, a jar a lot smaller than the one I’d buy at Costco is over $5. My reaction is I’m not paying that price. However, my love of these tomatoes was getting the better of me. One day while checking out the bulk bin sections I saw sun dried tomatoes. Now I buy them, soak them in hot water until they’re plump and then marinade them in olive oil, a splash of vinegar, some chopped garlic and Italian herbs.

Best Budget Articles on the Web-
Once again there wasn’t a shortage of budget related articles on the Web, here’s what I thought were the best-

Who doesn’t love free things?
http://shopping.yahoo.com/articles/yshoppingarticles/425/fabulous-freebies-2010/

Extend the life of your jeans-http://www.shine.yahoo.com/channel/beauty/5-tricks-for-longer-lasting-jeans-2392345/

Shopping Habits-
http://www.mediapost.com/publications/?fa=Articles.showArticle&art_aid=135582

And finally
I’m always looking for new products that are either just worth having or a good buy, here are two I found this month-

Who says green cleaning has to be expensive. This Bon Ami cleaner was just 99 cents and

I found this Worcestershire sauce flavored black pepper from McCormicks. It really does smell and taste like the famous sauce. I’ve been using it in stews and soups and it gives budget foods a little extra pizzazz, cost $2.49

Have a wonderful October.

Popcorn Winners

In Uncategorized on August 31, 2010 at 2:52 pm

Thanks for entering the popcorn contest, the two winners are
M Corder and Patty W.

More contests soon.

Earn $50 Writing for DailyWorth

In Uncategorized on August 25, 2010 at 3:40 pm

I subscribe to the newsletter at DailyWorth and saw this in yesterday’s e-mail. I thought I would share with you because I’m sure many of you will want to apply. They gave me permission to post this for you here. Sounds like a wonderful opportunity. And to apply go to www.dailyworth.com You’ll see a link right on the front page. I’d love to see some Budget Smart Girl readers selected for this one. Oh, and I’ll be featuring more about DailyWorth on BSG.

We are looking for women who are willing to:

1. Make a substantive financial change for the better, and…

2. Blog about their experiences here on DailyWorth.
Apply now for consideration. Between three and five candidates will be selected for the fall.

That’s right – we want to pay you
If you have been planning to embark on a major financial change, this could be the moment you’ve been waiting for. We will pay you $50 per post, for up to three posts that chronicle your financial progress in the coming months.

AND we’ll provide a coach who will work with you to answer questions, provide guidance and, of course, the occasional… you know.

For example, let’s say you’re planning to get married and you want to combine your finances with your beloved. Or you’re job hunting and you want to land the best salary possible. How do you go about it?

We provide the advice of a qualified pro who can walk you through the steps; you blog about your experience, in three installments, paying $50 each.

Bring on the ideas
We’re open to almost any goal or project (buying life insurance; starting a 529; saving for a house; starting your business, etc.).

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More Ways to Stretch Your Food Dollar (and some recipes)

In Budget Smart Cook, Uncategorized on June 11, 2010 at 2:28 pm

Entering the Grocery Challenge contest? Here are some more ways to help stretch your food dollar along with some recipes.

Shop at the Drug Stores
Don’t just think of the supermarket when you’re buying groceries. Sometimes you can get better deals at places like Walgreens and CVS Pharmacy.

Friends with Memberships
You might not want to pay $50 for a membership to a warehouse club but for this challenge ask if friends, family or co-workers if they do and stock up some pantry essentials. When I had a membership to Costco I found things olives, sun dried tomatoes and most cheeses were great deals. And if you want to make some ready to eat meals, these stores have excellent prices on essentials like eggs and milk.

Low Cost Snacks
I’m assuming that the price of snacks is included in the challenge and one of my favorites that’s both healthy and low cost is cheese and crackers. Visit most coupon sites and some manufacturer always seems to offer a cheese coupon. Yogurt is another item that is often on sale and most times has a matching coupon. With produce in abundance, fruit kabobs are another quick and easy snack. And you can turn berries and peaches into smoothies.

National Dairy Month
Speaking of all these dairy products. June is National Dairy Month which means a lot of in store specials and coupons on the Internet.

Products with Coupons
While I was shopping this week, I couldn’t help notice how many products have coupons attached to them these days. Even if it’s not a brand you were thinking of buying, if it’s double coupon day it can save more money.

Buy Supermarket Brands
This goes without saying, most of the time you can save money by choosing supermarket brands over the major brand names. I’ve found there’s little difference in taste or quality.

Look High and Low
And I probably don’t have to tell you the most expensive items in the store are placed at eye level. Yep, they know we’re a lazy bunch of shoppers. Most bargains are placed on the top and bottom shelves and that’s the places to look first.

Substitute Ingredients
I sometimes make tuna instead of chicken pot pies not because of cost but just for some variety. Substituting a lower cost item can help stretch your dollar too.

Here are some of my favorite low cost recipes. The first one I came up with when I thought about the wonderful deep fried stuffed poblano peppers at a local restaurant. Delicious but I didn’t want to go to all the trouble of making the recipe myself so this was a quick and easy alternative.

Chile Rellano Casserole (Serves 4-6)•2 4 ½ ounce cans of chopped green chiles
•2 cups, shredded sharp cheddar cheese
•3 eggs, beaten
•3 tablespoons flour
•1 cup of salsa, your choice of mild or spicy
•1 small can (7 ½ ounces) evaporated milk
•To serve…more shredded cheese, salsa and sour cream

Heat oven to 350 degrees. Spray a large casserole dish with cooking spray.
Place the chopped green chiles on the bottom of the dish, top with the cheese.
Mix together the eggs, milk and flour and pour over the cheese.
Pour the salsa on top
(Don’t Mix any of these layers together)
Bake for about 30 minutes or until the center is set and the top lightly golden brown

Blue Cheese Roasted Potatoes
This one I like because it can really add some pizzazz to plain hamburgers or it’s great just by itself.
(Serves 4 or 8 as an appetizer)

•2 pounds of potatoes Yukon Golds are great
•¼ cup oil, olive or vegetable
•salt and pepper
•½ cup of crumbled blue cheese

1.Wash and scrub the potatoes well, but don’t peel them. Cut them into wedges and place in a bowl. Add the oil and a generous sprinkling of salt and pepper. I sometimes use some Mrs. Dash seasoning too. Make sure all the potatoes get coated with the oil and seasonings.
2.Place the coated potatoes on a baking sheet and cook in a 350 degree oven until they’re golden brown…usually about 30-40 minutes. While they’re cooking tear off pieces of foil and make squares about 8 by 8 inches.
3.Take the potatoes out of the oven and place a serving size on each piece of foil and sprinkle them with blue cheese. Wrap them so they look like packages. Serve immediately.

I’ve also added herbs like oregano and substituted feta cheese for the blue cheese for a really Mediterranean flavor. And if you’re a vegetarian, they’re great all by themselves or pair perfectly with veggie burgers.

Vegetable Stuffed Poblano Peppers
A few years ago I was asked to write an article on low fat Mexican cooking and had to come up with three recipes, this was one of them. It makes the most of inexpensive beans and vegetables. If you can’t find poblano peppers, green peppers work too.
(Serves 4)

•4 poblano peppers, small to medium size
•1 tablespoon oil
•1 cup of chopped onion
•1 medium size carrot, grated
•2 small zucchini, cut into bite sized cubes
•1 15.5. can pinto beans
•1 10 oz can enchilada sauce, mild or spicy to your liking
•1 teaspoon chili powder
•1 teaspoon oregano
•1 teaspoon cumin
•Salt to taste
•1 cup shredded cheese, divided. I use a sharp cheddar because it has a strong flavor and you end up having to use less cheese.

1.Wash and cut open one side of the peppers, leave the stalk intact, but remove all the seeds and membranes, rinse and place in a large saucepan filled with water. Cook the peppers for about five minutes until they turn a deeper green color. *Make sure you put a lid on as I’ve found although poblano peppers aren’t that spicy, you can get some ‘pepper fumes’ that fill the kitchen. Drain and set aside.

2.Heat the oil in a medium size saucepan, add the onion and cook for about 2-3 minutes.

3.Add the zucchini and carrots and cook for about ten minutes, stirring occasionally. Add the chili powder, oregano and cumin and make sure all the vegetables are coated.

4.Add the pinto beans, stir and remove from the heat.

5.Add ½ cup of shredded cheese and stir until it’s melted.

6.Pour about half the can of enchilada sauce into a casserole dish.

7.Stuff each pepper with the vegetable mixture and place on top of the sauce. Pour the rest of the sauce over the peppers and cover the casserole dish with foil.

8.Place in a 375-degree oven for about 15 minutes. Remove the foil and sprinkle the rest of the cheese over the pepper and return them to the oven until the cheese has melted.

Serve with salsa and sour cream, or for a more substantial meal, you can serve them on top a bed of rice and warmed tortillas.

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