Rachel Ray's "Moo Shu Noodles"

Another one of Rachel's (recipe here) and it was a big family hit. I cut some corners to save some pennies on this one. All the veggies were bought from produce junction and I used button mushrooms instead of shiitake and thin cut pork chops with the bone in instead of boneless (they were cheaper and I got them on manager's special).

The fettuccine was Shoprite's brand, I didn't use egg ones because I couldn't find them.

shredded ginger and scallions

Instead of using hoisin and soy sauce I just used up the rest of my Soyaki from Trader Joes and added a little bit of soy sauce (I don't like things too sweet).

After I browned the meat I sauteed the ginger and scallions and then added the mushrooms, finally the nappa cabbage.

Another note - I've started using bouillon or "better than bouillion" instead of the stock in the box to save money. I've also been looking for the low sodium ones.

The vegetables made a lot of juice so I took some out and whisked in flour to thicken the sauce.

The finished product.

This fed my family of five and had three individual meals leftover for lunches. I find that when I put them away in individual meals the leftover actually get eaten and I can also freeze them for later (who needs Lean Cuisine on Stoufer's:).

Pretzel Crusted Chicken

I had made this a while ago and forgot to post but I just ran across the picture. Anyway, this is one of my absolute favorites (my family's too) so I had to share.

Original recipe is from Rachel Ray but I just ad lib now. Really simple.

Chicken tenderloins (buy frozen, they're so much more affordable) dipped in egg, then ground pretzels (I use the food processor) and a second round of egg and pretzel (keep your cost down and buy the no name store brand pretzel, no one will tell the difference), then simply fry till done.

They're topped with a mustard cheese sauce. Easy route, just melt some shredded cheddar and mix in spicy brown mustard, longer route, but still easy, make a rue with butter and flower, add some chicken broth and milk and then add cheese and mustard.

Then top with chopped dill pickles. To me you can't get any better than that!

BTW - the side is Trader Joe's frozen marinated and grilled eggplant and zucchini.

Traders Joe's 15 Bean and Barley Soup

This is a great fix for a cheap, easy and healthy dinner. I chose to make mine in the crock pot but you can also do this on the stove top like the directions say.

Don't make my mistake, which I've already made too many times, you'd think I'd learn, and use the quick soak method. Let them soak overnight or this will be tomorrow night's dinner.

Simply take your soaked and rinsed beans, add in whatever you like. I think I followed their directions pretty much, but this is pretty hard to mess up.

I added

- 2 containers (32 oz) of vegetable stock

- 2 15 oz. jars diced tomatoes (not drained)

- carrots

- onions

- a bay leaf

- basil

- pepper

We've been trying to go salt free although I occasionally sneak some into my own bowl:)

Look at that steam rising! Mmmm.

Served it with some homemade bread machine bread (my middle child was mad it was not grilled cheese, which would have been great with this, but I did not have time and they needed to do their homework). My five year old daughter finished every last bit so this was a winner and oh so easy.

Shopping Tip - Don't buy individual

I'm sure everyone already knows that you can save money by buying larger portions but here's an example - raviolis, which is favorite lunch of my daughter and her friend when they come home from kindergarten.

I was buying the canned type (I know, not so healthy) but the today I cooked up a half bag (bag is 16 oz) of Trader Joe's dried ravioli's and half a bag of their tortellinis (the girls couldn't make up their mind so we made both) and added a jar of Trader Joe's tomato and basil marinara (cause it was cheapest:) I fed them, sampled some myself and put the rest away.

It should last for a couple more lunches. Not much more prep time, tastes just as good, if not better and saves me money. Good buy all around.

Goodbye Aldi's - Hello Joe!

Although I love Aldi's prices I found myself at Trader Joes this weekend for some healthier meals.

It's quite a challenge to keep your spending down and still serve your families healthy meals.
I did make a meal plan and went with a list so that helped. I ventured to Joe's because we now need to watch the salt intake in my family, I also want my kids eating the best food they can.

Oh Yeah - I did stop at the Farmer's Market for some frsh, local produce. Buying in season produce is a money saver.

I did pretty well spending wise at Joe's and was pleased with the quality of food.

I did incorporate at least one vegetarian meal a week but hope to add more for our health, budget and the envorinment.