Turkey Leftover's Menu Plan Cyber Monday 11/30

What to do with all that turkey? Besides eat it with stuffing, cranberry sauce and all the other trimmings, there has to be a little more variety, right? I am sure my husband would disagree.

Turkey Taco's
Turkey Pot Pie
Turkey and Noodles (Shredded turkey, chicken broth or turkey broth, cream of chicken soup cup of soup packet, egg noodles and cornstarch to thicken it - passed down from MIL (mother-in-law).
Turkey Quesadilla's, Refried Beans (shredded turkey mixed with taco seasoning, and cheese on toasted tortilla's - use leftover turkey taco mix)
Turkey Sandwiches, bread, mayo and turkey slices

Our menu this week is not going to have much turkey, because honestly, we are turkeyed out. I froze what is left of our 20 pound bird and we will eat it later on this month or pull it out during Christmas. 

• Monday ~ Chicken Pot Pie
• Tuesday ~ Crock Pot Split Pea Soup (Ham Hock, Split Peas, Water, Can Broth, Salt and pepper - cook on low for 4 hours, stirring and adding water occasionally. Blend until smooth and keep on warm. Add 1 small can evaporated milk or 1/2 cup regular milk)
• Wednesday ~ Lipton Spinach Parmesan Noodles with Canned Chicken Breast and brocolli
• Thursday ~ Meat Loaf, Mashed Potatoes and Green Beans
• Friday ~ Easiest Potato Soup 
• Saturday ~ Holiday Party
• Sunday ~ Hamburgers and German Potato Salad

Pumpkin Spice Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting - I think I will make these for my Bible study on Wednesday. I will let you know how they turn out.

Pumpkin Cream Cupcakes - It's a toss up between this one and the first one. Knowing me, I will combine the two and come up with a new recipe.

Weis 11/26 - 12/2

There are a few deals worth mentioning at Weis this week. I may even head over myself. It has been a while since I have been in a Weis, since their sales have not been that great and they also stopped sending me the circular.


$1.79 lb Boneless Skinless Chicken Breast


General Mills Cereal $2
~$1/2 General Mills Cereals, Basic 4, Cheerios (any), Chex (any), Cinnamon Toast Crunch, Cocoa Puffs, Cocoa Puffs Combos, Cookie Crisp (any), Dora the Explorer, Fiber One (any), Golden Grahams, Honey Nut Clusters, Kix, Lucky Charms (any), Oatmeal Crisp (any), Raisin Nut Bran, Reese's Puffs, Total (any), Trix, or Wheaties - 11-08-09 SS; Final Cost $1.50 each


Pepsi 2 liters $1


Heluva Good Cheese Blocks $2
~use $1/2 coupon 11/15 Redplum; Final price $1.50 each


Gum Crayola 2 pk Toothbrushes $1; Final price .25 for 2 toothbrushes
~ use $.75/1 G.U.M (Gum) Toothbrush, Any - 09-13-09 RP

Thanksgiving Menu Plan

Thanksgiving Menu

I love Thanksgiving! It is like Christmas without all the stress of buying presents, well except I tend to stress myself out trying to buy the kids presents early, so I can be done shopping. Even though Thanksgiving is tomorrow, I am hoping I can get back online today to post a few more recipes like the Chess Pie and Dressing. Happy Thanksgiving everyone!

Brined and Roast Turkey
Cornbread Stuffing
Green Bean Casserolle
Mashed Potatoes
Roasted Sweet Potatoes
Linda Sue's Yeast Rolls
Chess Pie
Fresh Pumpkin Pie

Check out other great menu plans at orgjunkie.com.

Giant Food 11/20 - 11/26 * Cream Cheese * Mrs Smith's Pie* Butter Deals

Hurry over to Giant Food if you have one close by and pick up the following deals.

Philidelphia Cream Cheese is BOGO @ $1.79
~ use 2 * $1/3 coupon 11/15 Redplum
~ or use 2 * 1.25/3 tearpad coupon located in the store on display (i think it was ziploc)
Final price for 6 pkg; 2.87 - 3.37; about .50 each!

Mrs Smith's Pies are $2.50
~use $1/1 coupon 11/15 Smartsource
Final price $1.50 each (this is cheaper than buying 2 cans of cherries to make the cherry pie!)

I Can't Believe Its Not Butter is 2.50 each and you receive a $2 OYNO when you buy 2.
~use $1/1 coupon 1/18 Redplum
Final cost $3 and receive $2 cat

Santa Fe Chicken (Fabulous Marinade)

This is one of my favorite marinades for chicken. It came from Oprah's old personal chef,  Rosie Daley and is wonderful. I have revised it a little, but the original can be seen here. I like to serve it with rice or mango salsa. I use this to make my chicken in advance and freeze in ziploc bags to use on salads. It is also perfect for these Chicken Lentil Rice Bowls.


Marinade for 3-4 lbs of chicken breasts

• Juice from 3 limes, or 3 Tbsp lime juice
• 1/4 cup soy sauce
• 2 Tbsp olive oil
• pinch salt and pepper or 1.5 tsp of house seasoning
• 1 1/2 teaspoons chili powder
• 1 1/2 teaspoons cumin seed or  ground cumin
• 1 teaspoons ground coriander, optional
• 6 cloves garlic ,grated or chopped
• 1 Tbsp teaspoons honey

Marinate for 1 to 2 hours. DO NOT marinate overnight. It will taste grainy. Grill chicken on grill pan or outside bbq grill.

Menu Plan Monday 11/16

Thanksgiving is on the horizon, and closing in quickly. I am beginning to stress about all of the upcoming events that seem to take me on a whirlwind adventure during the holidays. Next week is my daughters 12th birthday, which I have nothing planned for - I know what a bad mom. And then Thanksgiving, and Christmas then everything in between. Do you manage to get it all done? Are you one of those mom's that other moms secretly despise because you have it all together? I would love some insider tips on how to get organized and make the holidays run smoother.

My weekly menu is pretty basic and kid friendly, since the hubby is away on business right now and I am also trying to clear my freezers. I almost could not get the turkey in my deep freeze - now that is bad!

• Pasta with Oven Roasted Garlic Tomato Sauce (previously frozen sauce)
• Santa Fe Chicken, Rice, Squash
• Tuscana Soup (making it with evaporated milk this time) 
• Chicken Nuggets, Mixed Veggies and Fries
• Delish Tortilla Soup *
• leftovers
• Crock-Pot Corn Chowder
• Butternut Squash Soup
• Brownie Bites (super easy! I made them without the ganache frosting)

*Boil chicken, debone, and shred; store in freezer bag for later use in dishes like Tortilla Soup and Enchiladas. Strain the broth and freeze in storage containers.

My menu plan is linked to orgjunkie.com. Check it out to see more menu plans and recipes.

Safeway Deals Through 11/17

There's a few deals worth stoping by Safeway if its on your normal route, but nothing I would go out of my way for. Check out Coupon Cravings here to see more matchups.

Saturday and Sunday Only

Tostito's Chips 1.69

Quaker Instant Oatmeal: Buy 2 at $1.50 each

Use $1.25/2 coupon from 8/30 Red Plum insert
Final Price = $.88 each

Yellow Onions 3lb bag 1.49

Deals good all week
I Can’t Believe it’s Not Butter Baking Sticks: Buy 2 at $1.99-$2.99

Use 2 $1/1 printable coupons or .75/1 here (not sure if this one is for sticks or a tub)
Receive $2 Catalina coupons
Final Price = FREE to $.99 each

Lucerne Butter 1.99

Nabisco Ritz Crackers BOGO (est price 3.99)
~ Use 2 - $1/1 Nabisco Cracker 11/08 Smartsource for cheap Ritz; final cost .99 each

2 Liter Pepsi or 7-up products .88

Green Giant Canned Vegetables .39

Giant Food 11/13 Cereal Deal!

Head over to Giant if you have one nearby and pick up a few boxes of CHEAP Cheerios. Select Cheerios will be on sale 6 boxes for only $4 (must buy 6) - Cereal as low as .25 a box depending on your coupons.

Use the following printable coupons to get a stellar deal:

• .75/1 Multigrain Cheerios
• $1/1 Banana Nut Cheerios (Bricks coupon link)
• .55/1 Cheerios
• .75/1 Honey Nut Cheerios

RiteAid Free Herbal Essences through 11/14

If you have coupons from the 10/11 P and G insert, head over to RiteAid to pick up FREE Herbal Essence Shampoo, Conditioner and Styling products.
~ Use the BOGO coupon in the insert in combination with the BOGO sale they are having on Herbal Essence products, and pay only sales tax.

Today I scored 3 shampoos and 3 stylers for only .81! AWESOME!

Giant Eagle 11/12 - 11/18 ~ Cheap BROTH

I ran over to Giant Eagle to pick up 20 cans of broth and veggetables today for only $4! No seriosly, I did not run, or I would be really tired and the cans are pretty heavy...:)

The deal includes College Inn Broth (includes vegetable, beef, and chicken) and Del Monte Canned Vegetables. They are $20 for $10 when you buy 20; $.50 each.

Use the following coupons:

~ $1/2 College Inn Broth 11/15 Redplum

~ $1/5 Del Monte Canned Fruit or Vegetables 9/20 Red Plum

~1/8 Del Monte Canned Fruit or Vegetables 11/15 Red Plum

Scenario1: Buy 15 College Inn Broth - mix and match & 5 Del Monte Canned Vegetables

Use 5 - $1/2 College Inn Broth Coupons & 1- $1/5 Del Monte Vegetables

Final cost after coupons; $4

Scenario2: Buy 21 College Inn Broth (last broth will be .75)

Use 7 - $1/3 College Inn Broth Coupons

Final Cost after coupons; $3.75

Also shown in the photo: Smart Balance Butter Sticks $3 & Tub of Spread (FREE with coupon)

~ $1/1 Smart Balance Butter Sticks 10/18 Red Plum

~ Free Buttery Spread WYB Smart Balance Sticks up to 2.69, 11/08 Red Plum

Lastly, they are price matching turkeys at GE, so you can pick up a cheap turkey while doing this broth deal, (you just need a min of $25 before coupons to qualify)

Menu Plan Monday 11/9

This menu plan thing is actually making life a little easier. My only issue is making myself stick to the menu and to not get side tracked making other dishes. Sometimes I notice things in the fridge that may go bad, so I change up the menu a bit. Head over to orgjunkie.com to view more recipes and menu plans.

• This is wonderful! Enchilada Casser-ole! Easy layered tortilla and black bean casserolle
• Grilled Chicken Strip Salad, soup for the kids, and bread
• Wednesday ~ Leftovers
• Bean and Cheese Burrito's (Refried beans, and mexican blend cheese in a toasty tortilla - yes, it's that simple and very tasty!)
•  Crock-Pot Swiss Steak, onions and peppers, rice, and acorn squash
•  Hot wings, Smashed Figerling Potatoes or small pototoes, pumpkin squash, and candied beets.
• Hamburgers, Sweet Potato Oven Fries, and Pasta Salad

My menu is linked to the following sites:



Beauty And Bedlam's Tasty Tuesday

The Best Banana Chocolate Chip Bread

(photo credit: allrecipes.com)

I was looking for a recipe for Banana Bread and came across this recipe on Allrecipes.com for Banana Chip Bread. It is possibly the best banana bread I have ever had. I am sure the loads of choc chips makes is taste better! The only changes I did was double the recipe to make 2 loaves and added the zest of half a lemon.

$1 Scarves At Old Navy Saturday November 7th

Moneywise moms explains how you can pick up scarves for only $1 at Old Navy tomorrow, Saturday, November 7th. Call first to make sure your store is participating. Read about the deal here!

Heirloom Tomato Pasta - Light and full of flavor!

I recently posted another version of this sauce, and when I made this the other night I had to share it with you. It was simply delicious; light and full of flavor. Well maybe it was not light - I am sure the olive oil is not exactly low fat, but at least its heart healthy, right? If you do not have a red chili pepper, a red bell pepper can be substituted. If you are not a fan of spicy foods, omit the red pepper flakes, but leave the chili pepper - it gives it a sweetness, not heat which is what I originally thought.

• olive oil
• 1/2 red onion, chopped
• red chili pepper, chopped
• 1 tbsp prepared garlic, or 3 cloves garlic chopped
• 1 pint Heirloom tomatoes, sliced in half
• pinch red pepper flakes
• aldente cooked pasta noodles (undercook them by 1 minute)
• Parmesean Cheese

Heat about 4 Tbsp olive oil in large sauce pan; add onion and red chili pepper and saute until opaque. Add garlic and cook 1-2 minutes. Add tomatoes, red pepper flakes, salt and pepper. Add 2-4 more tablespoons of olive oil and simmer for about 10 minutes. Place aldente cooked noodles into sauce pan; stir and cook for 1 minute. Add 1 handfull of parmesean cheese; stir. Serve topped with parmesean cheese.

Cream of Asparagus Soup

The photo looks appetizing doesn't it? I think it looks more like something that was already digested, but thankfully it tastes excellent. My kids thought it was delicious and as usual my husband loved it too. It was fairly simple to make. The potatoes can be omitted if desired. I have made it both ways - with and without and both taste nice. 

Cream of Asparagus Soup

4 tbsp margarine or butter

1 onion, chopped OR 1 scallion, chopped

3 celery stalks, chopped

1 tbsp prepared garlic or 2 cloves minced

1 1/2 Cups Half and Half

2 Cups Chicken Stock (reduce salt if using canned broth)

1 Tbsp Lemon juice (optional)

1/2 - 1 tsp salt (use less if using canned broth)

10 twists fresh pepper or 1/4 tsp pepper

1 large or 2 medium potatoes, peeled and cubed (optional)

1 lb asparagus spears, cut off the ends or soup will be stringy

1/8 tsp crushed red pepper flakes

Heat butter in heavy pot. Saute onions and celery until opaque. Add garlic and cook for a few more minutes. Add chicken broth, lemon juice, salt, pepper, red pepper flakes, potato, and asparagus. Simmer, stirring occasionally for 10 - 20 minutes; depending on the thickness of the spears. Stir in 1/2 and 1/2. Simmer 5 minutes longer. Using an immersion blender, or food processor, puree the soup; Taste and add salt if needed. Serve with bread or rolls.

*For a fancier presentation, reserve about 3 inches of half the spears. Microwave covered for 3 minutes with a few tablespoons of water. Top soup with steamed spears and crushed red pepper flakes.

Trip to Harris Teeter Triples Today OOP $10.59

Today went pretty well. I wish we had a HT closer to us, but I will have to settle for driving 30 minutes to enjoy my triple fix. It's a nice drive into Virginia since all the trees are turning colors right now. I was able to do 2 transactions after begging the manager to let me use more than 20 coupons in one day (the limit is 20 per card per day). He finally agreed. I wish I had picked up more items, but this week has been pretty hectic and I only had time to gather select coupons. So, here is what I picked up at HT...hope this helps someone else who may be going to check out the sales.

• Carnation Evaporated Milk @ .89 -should have been .79 but they overcharged me $1.40 :(
• Harris Teeter Eggs .99
• Pillsbury Flour .99
• Scrubbing Bubbles $2.50 ~ use .75/1; final cost .25
• Dial Soap $1.99 ~ use .35/1; final cost .94
• Minute Brown Rice 2.69 ~ tag in front said $1 off when you buy 2 & use .50/1; final cost .69 each
• Yeast .99 ~ use .40/1; FREE + get 0.50 OYNO when you buy 2
•  Zone Bars~ use .55/1; FREE
•  9 Lives Cat Food 3lb bag BOGO @ 4.99 ~ use .75/1; final cost .25 each
• 6 - Starkist Tuna Salad Pouches 1.99; use .75/1; FREE
• Purex Fabric Softener 2.99 ~ use .55/1; final cost 1.34
• Betty Crocker Pouch Potatoes 1.05 ~ use .40/1; FREE
• Ortega Green Chili's $1.34 ~ use .75/2; final cost .22 each
• Ortega Taco Seasoning and Guacamole Seasoning .80 each ~ use .75/1; free possible overage * coupon beeps

I guess my total would have been much better without the $1.40 that they overcharged me. I know, how silly to fret about a few dollars, but every penny counts to me. Have you been overcharged? Coupons not scanned? I would love to hear about your experiences. Feel free to complain and moan. :)

Favorite Scalloped Potatoes

This is one of my all time favorite recipes adapted from the Better Homes and Gardens Red Cookbook. I always make a big batch because it gets gobbled up!

Favorite Scalloped Potatoes

1 onion, chopped
2 cloves garlic, chopped (or 1 tbsp prepared garlic)
4 Tbsp butter or margerine
4 Tbsp flour
1 tsp salt
1/2 tsp pepper
2 1/2 cups milk
2 sprigs of thyme
6 medium potatoes, peeled and sliced thinly

Preheat oven to *350. Spray 9 * 9 square baking dish with baking spray or 9 * 13. Layer half of the potatoes in the dish. For the sauce, combine the butter and onions and saute for a few minutes. Add garlic and cook a few more minutes. Add flour and cook for a few minutes. Add milk and thyme sprigs; Stir until thickened. Pour half of the sauce over the potatoes in the dish. Add remaining pototoes. Pour remaining mixture over the top. Cover the dish with foil and bake for 40 minutes. Uncover and cook 15 to 20 more minutes.

Menu Plan Monday 11/2

Our freezer is overflowing now thanks to my wonderful CSA program. What's in my freezer you ask? Chopped kale galore, greens, frozen herbs, green onions, mashed bananas, tortillas, bread, meat, etc. Our CSA lady picks up expired items from Trader Joe's every 2 weeks or so and we end up with loads of bread, tortillas, and other items. They are in perfect condition, so I simply freeze them for later use. The only problem is not using them up quick enough, so I guess we will have to eat bread more. To view more Menu Plan's  and recipes check out orgjunkie.com.

Meatless Monday – Cream of Asparagus Soup

Tuesday – Pepperoni and Swiss Hoagies

Wednesday – Spaghetti Pomodoro Fresca or Fresh Tomato Pasta using Heirloom tiny tomatoes

Thursday – Soft Taco's*, Refried Beans, Rice

Friday – Lovin' the Leftovers

Saturday – Homemade pepperoni pizza using fresh pizza sauce, Neopolitana pizza dough

Sunday - Pesto Pasta, Salad and bread

*Save time and make this master meat mix ahead for taco's, enchiladas, spaghetti, lasagna, taco salad, taco dip, etc. Brown several pounds (4-6) of ground beef in a large pot; Drain fat. Add in chopped onions, and garlic; saute until onions are opaque. Add salt and pepper. Cool mixture, place in freezer bags, label and store in freezer until ready to use.

Menu Plan Monday is also linked to the following sites; Check them out to get more dinner ideas.

Beauty and Bedlam's Tasty Tuesday

Pesto Pasta

About 4 large handfuls of basil

2 cloves of garlic

A handful of parmesean cheese (optional)

1 tsp salt

¼ tsp pepper

Olive Oil

 

Place basil in food processor with garlic, salt and pepper. Drizzle in about 4 tablespoons of olive oil and pulse. If mixture is coming together then continue blending together until pureed. Add more olive oil if mixture needs more liquid. End result should be somewhat like a creamy spread.

Tortilla Chip Taco Salad

Tortilla Chip Taco Salad

I know the photo is less than appealing, but dont let it fool you. This is one of my families favorite family dinners. It came from my deceased stepdad's mom and its super easy. If you prefer to use this recipe as a dip, place cooked ground beef mixture, seasonings, velveta and rotel into a slow cooker and serve with chips.

1 1/2 lb ground beef or 4 cups prepared meat mix*

1 onion

1 clove garlic

1 packet of taco seasoning or use chili powder, cumin, salt and pepper

1 lb velveeta, cut into cubes

1 can rotel (substitutions: 1/2 jar salsa, 1 can chopped tomatoes, or stewed tomatoes)

Iceberg lettuce, chopped

Tortilla Chips

Brown ground beef, onion and garlic; drain. Add taco seasonings; cook a few more minutes. Add Velveeta cubes and melt on low heat, stirring occasionally. Once melted, assemble bowls for serving. Place lettuce in bowl, top with chips and meat and cheese mixture. Serve hot. This is even better the next day!

*Save time using this master meat mix. Brown and freeze ground beef with onions and garlic for taco's, enchiladas, spaghetti, lasagna, taco salad, taco dip, to have mixture on hand when you need it. 

HOW TO?

Brown several pounds (4-6) of ground beef in a large pot; Drain fat. Add in 2 chopped onions, and 4 cloves of garlic; saute until onions are opaque. Add salt and pepper. Cool mixture, place in freezer bags, label and store in freezer until ready to use. 

Harris Teeter Excitement

I am so excited about triples coming up this Wednesday at Harris Teeter. I think I am going to have to break out into song or something. It has been so long since we have had triples here; consequently, I am undergoing triples withdrawal. My poor coupons have been so neglected; even my coupon folder leaves much to be desired. I have lots to do to get ready for this Wednesday. I think if I find out its not happening, it will be the end of me...no just kidding...but I will be very sad. I am sure there will be tons of coupon competition, so I have to be on my game. I am hoping to get out really early. The worst part of it is, HT is about 30 minutes away from me, so I really want to make sure its worth while to go.

Anyone else excited about HT triples? What are you doing to get ready?