Help for your holiday and grocery budget

Check out Angel Food Ministries to help your food budget this Holiday season (or any season). There is no income level required, anyone can order, too many of us are effected by todays economy. You can even order food to bless another family this season. There are many sites nationwide. Check out the site to find a pick-up and order location near you.

They have a monthly menu. This month their signature box provides food for one week for a family of four for only $30 (You can order multiple boxes. (Box includes 2 lbs NY Strip Steak, 1.5 lb boneless pork roast, 1 lb chicken breast fajita strips, 1 lb lean ground beef, 1.5 lb all white meat chicken tenders, 1 lb bake or fry fish sticks (32 count), 1 lb hickory smoked center cut ham, 1 lb frozen baby lima beans, 1 lb frozen green beans, 2 lbs frozen french fries, 2 lb bag fresh apples, 10 ct flour tortillas, 2% shelf stable milk, one dozen eggs and a dessert, pretty good for $30!)

They also have a senior/convenience box for $28 which provides prepared meals for seniors or people on the go (this months includes meals like...roasted chicken with red potatoes sugar snap peas and carrots, swedish meatballs with sides, meatloaf with sides etc. check the site for a full listing.)

On the December menu is also an allergen free food box, a 6lb assorted grill meat box, a special 2" 4.5 lb steak combo, a 10 lb IQF assorted poultry box, meat and cheese Christmas gift box, premium fruit and veggie box, and an assorted Christmas fruit box.

Hurry to place your order for December - my local site's orders are due today.

Please use me as a referal (janinenfleming@gmail.com)

2 Meals for a little Steal

I got these two recipes from Rachel Ray's Meals for a Steal only I didn't find them to be quite a steal, but since it was Christmas week I went for it:) It was very helpful to have just a tiny bit of prep for the second night though.

I made Braised (Chuck) Roast Beef the first night and Beef and Barley Stoup the second night. (Click to see recipes)

Half the veggies (sauteed with pancetta) and the meat were saved for the second meal.

I love this pick right from the oven, the meat which was marinated in red wine and bay leaves gets added to the veggies along with the red wine which added such a nice flavor.

"Smashed" red potatoes with butter, plain yogurt (instead of sour cream) and chives.

I didn't puree the veggies for gravy to keep some substance and also cause I didn't feel like cleaning the blender:)


Night Two -

Sauteed crimini mushrooms in Olive oil and butter, then added the leftover veggies and barley.

Added beef stock and simmered, adding the leftover meat towards the end.

Served with grilled cheese and the kids liked it!

Looking to Save money?

For all of you looking to save money on groceries here's a link to Rachel Ray's Meals for a Steal, check it out, I'll be adding quite a few to my next meal plan.