Frugal Bites » frugalbites http://frugalbites.com Eating Well on a Budget Mon, 24 Feb 2014 23:19:31 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=3.7.41 Low-Carb Protein Bar Recipe http://frugalbites.com/low-carb-protein-bar-recipe/ http://frugalbites.com/low-carb-protein-bar-recipe/#respond Mon, 24 Feb 2014 23:19:31 +0000 http://frugalbites.com/?p=1607 If you’re trying to tone up, lose fat and gain muscle, you’re likely swapping carbs for protein. However, store-bought power bars and protein bars are expensive. This version is much more frugal… and just as delicious! Tweak the ingredients according to your taste. Low-Carb Protein Bar Recipe These low-carb protein bars are quick and easy to make. Ingredients ½ C. skim milk 1 C. peanut butter 3 Tbsp. honey 1½ C. whey protein powder 2 C. oats (regular, not quick-cook) {Read More}

The post Low-Carb Protein Bar Recipe appeared first on Frugal Bites.

]]> Low-Carb Protein Bars

If you’re trying to tone up, lose fat and gain muscle, you’re likely swapping carbs for protein. However, store-bought power bars and protein bars are expensive. This version is much more frugal… and just as delicious! Tweak the ingredients according to your taste.

Print
Low-Carb Protein Bar Recipe
 
These low-carb protein bars are quick and easy to make.
Ingredients
  • ½ C. skim milk
  • 1 C. peanut butter
  • 3 Tbsp. honey
  • 1½ C. whey protein powder
  • 2 C. oats (regular, not quick-cook)
Instructions
  1. On medium heat, combine milk, peanut butter and honey. Stir until well-combined. Remove from heat. Stir in protein powder and oats. Pat into a 9×13 cake pan. Cool completely, then cut into rectangles.

 

Source:  Homemade Protein Bars

The post Low-Carb Protein Bar Recipe appeared first on Frugal Bites.

]]> http://frugalbites.com/low-carb-protein-bar-recipe/feed/ 0 Bacon Jam http://frugalbites.com/bacon-jam/ http://frugalbites.com/bacon-jam/#respond Wed, 29 Jan 2014 13:07:37 +0000 http://frugalbites.com/?p=1600 Have you ever heard of Bacon Jam? I hadn’t until we tried it recently at our local Brew Fest.  We had it on top of hot dogs and it was delicious. Bacon jam will keep in your refrigerator for at least 2-3 weeks.  Try it on bagels, burgers, eggs, and so on.  I want to try it on top of crostini as an appetizer. Bacon Jam This savory jam tastes great on hot dogs, hamburgers, bagels and more Ingredients 1½ {Read More}

The post Bacon Jam appeared first on Frugal Bites.

]]> Bacon Jam with Coffee and Maple Syrup

Have you ever heard of Bacon Jam? I hadn’t until we tried it recently at our local Brew Fest.  We had it on top of hot dogs and it was delicious. Bacon jam will keep in your refrigerator for at least 2-3 weeks.  Try it on bagels, burgers, eggs, and so on.  I want to try it on top of crostini as an appetizer.

Print
Bacon Jam
 
This savory jam tastes great on hot dogs, hamburgers, bagels and more
Ingredients
  • 1½ lb. bacon, cooked and crumbled (save about half of the drippings to use in the mix too)
  • 2 medium yellow onions, diced
  • 3 garlic cloves, finely minced
  • ½ C. apple cider vinegar
  • ½ C. brown sugar
  • ¼ C. maple syrup
  • ¾ C. coffee
Instructions
  1. Place all ingredients in a slow cooker on low for 6-8 hours until sauce turns to a nice syrupy consistency. Chop to desired consistency before serving.

 

I first posted this recipe here:  Bacon Jam in the Crock Pot

The post Bacon Jam appeared first on Frugal Bites.

]]> http://frugalbites.com/bacon-jam/feed/ 0 Chicken Gnocchi Soup Recipe http://frugalbites.com/chicken-gnocchi-soup-recipe/ http://frugalbites.com/chicken-gnocchi-soup-recipe/#respond Sat, 25 Jan 2014 15:22:02 +0000 http://frugalbites.com/?p=1595 This is our go-to recipe for Chicken Gnocchi Soup.  I sometimes make homemade gnocchi, but when I’m in a hurry I buy the gnocchi at ALDI for just $1.99.   I’m not a huge fan of the Olive Garden, but this recipe tastes like the Chicken Gnocchi Soup on their menu that my daughter loves.  Plus, it’s super-easy to make at home. Chicken Gnocchi Recipe Similar to the Chicken Gnocchi Soup at Olive Garden Ingredients Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup {Read More}

The post Chicken Gnocchi Soup Recipe appeared first on Frugal Bites.

]]> chicken gnocchi soup

This is our go-to recipe for Chicken Gnocchi Soup.  I sometimes make homemade gnocchi, but when I’m in a hurry I buy the gnocchi at ALDI for just $1.99.   I’m not a huge fan of the Olive Garden, but this recipe tastes like the Chicken Gnocchi Soup on their menu that my daughter loves.  Plus, it’s super-easy to make at home.

Print
Chicken Gnocchi Recipe
 
Similar to the Chicken Gnocchi Soup at Olive Garden
Ingredients
  • Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup Recipe
  • 4 chicken breasts, cooked and diced into ½″ pieces
  • 1 Tbsp. olive oil
  • 4 Tbsp. butter
  • 2 stalks celery, diced
  • 2 garlic cloves, chopped
  • 1 carrot, shredded
  • ½ onion, diced
  • 3 Tbsp. flour
  • 1 quart half and half
  • 4-5 C. chicken stock
  • 1 cup fresh spinach, chopped
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon thyme
  • salt and pepper
  • 16 ounces potato gnocchi (I get mine at ALDI)
Instructions
  1. Saute the onion, celery, and garlic in olive oil and butter over medium heat until onion is translucent. Add flour and coat veggies. Add chicken stock and half and half, heat to boiling and allow to thicken slightly. Add cooked chicken, salt and pepper, thyme, carrot and gnocchi. Gently boil for 4 minutes, then turn down to a simmer for 10 minutes. Add spinach and cook for another 1-2 minutes until spinach is wilted.

IMG_3466 ALDI Potato Gnocchi

chicken gnocchi soup chicken gnocchi soup

Source: Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Recipe

The post Chicken Gnocchi Soup Recipe appeared first on Frugal Bites.

]]> http://frugalbites.com/chicken-gnocchi-soup-recipe/feed/ 0 Cornish Pasties http://frugalbites.com/cornish-pasties/ http://frugalbites.com/cornish-pasties/#comments Wed, 08 Jan 2014 13:27:53 +0000 http://frugalbites.com/?p=1571 Cornish Pasties I grew up eating Cornish Pasties.  My grandmother’s ancestors came from Cornwall, England, where pasties are thought to have originated.  She also grew up on the Minnesota Iron Range, where they were also a common meal.  Pasties were a hearty and satisfying lunch for wives to send with their miner husbands.  The crust acted as an insulator and kept the insides warm, and he could eat it by holding it in his hands.  Nearly 100 years later, I’m {Read More}

The post Cornish Pasties appeared first on Frugal Bites.

]]> cornish pasties

Cornish Pasties

I grew up eating Cornish Pasties.  My grandmother’s ancestors came from Cornwall, England, where pasties are thought to have originated.  She also grew up on the Minnesota Iron Range, where they were also a common meal.  Pasties were a hearty and satisfying lunch for wives to send with their miner husbands.  The crust acted as an insulator and kept the insides warm, and he could eat it by holding it in his hands.  Nearly 100 years later, I’m still making them for my family.

Making pasties is not a quick process.  The chopping of the veggies and dough preparation can turn it into an all-afternoon project.  However, you can make many of them at once.  I make a double or triple batch so I can enjoy pasties all winter long.  Cook them partially (about halfway) and freeze for later.

4.0 from 1 reviews

Print
Cornish Pasties
 
Ingredients
  • Cornish Pasty Crust Recipe
  • 2 C. flour
  • 1 tsp. salt
  • ⅔ C. lard or vegetable shortening*
  • 2 Tbsp. butter
  • 6-8 Tbsp. ice water
  • Cornish Pasty Fillings
  • 1½ C. minced onion
  • 3 C. diced potato
  • 1½ C. sliced carrots**
  • 1-1/2 lb. beef steak, cubed (sirloin or round)***
  • 1-1/2 lb. pork steak, cubed***
  • Parsley, chopped (fresh)
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Butter wedges
Instructions
  1. For Crust: Mix dry ingredients together, then add shortening bit by bit until mixture becomes mealy. Add ice water one tablespoon at a time until a dough has been formed. This makes enough dough for three large pasties or four medium-sized pasties. Form dough into a ball and cut into three or four equal sizes. Roll out each ball and then add pasty fillings below.
  2. For Filling: On top of the dough that you’ve just rolled out, layer minced onion, potatoes, carrots, beef steak, pork steak, parsley. Add a couple butter wedges and season with salt and pepper.
  3. Fold the top of the pasty dough over the filling ingredients and seal the edges (mine was not fancy, but if you’re a skilled pastry chef you can do fluted edges).
  4. Bake your pasties at 425 degrees for 15 minutes, then turn the heat down to 375 degrees and cook one hour more. If you’re going to be freezing them to eat later, cook for 45 minutes instead of an hour. When ready to cook, heat them for about a half hour at 375 degrees.
  5. *The original recipe that my grandmother used called for lard, but I substitute Crisco.
  6. **Many other traditional pasty recipes call for rutabaga or turnip, but we’ve never used that. It was a recipe that my grandmother handed down to my mom, and now to me.
  7. ***For me, packs of beef and pork sirloin came in 1-1½ lb. packages. That was enough for a double recipe of pasties, or save half and freeze to use later.

 cornish pasties cornish pasties cornish pasties cornish pasties

I originally posted this recipe here:  Homemade Cornish Pasty Recipe

The post Cornish Pasties appeared first on Frugal Bites.

]]> http://frugalbites.com/cornish-pasties/feed/ 1 French Almond Cakes http://frugalbites.com/french-almond-cakes/ http://frugalbites.com/french-almond-cakes/#respond Fri, 03 Jan 2014 02:54:12 +0000 http://frugalbites.com/?p=1567 These little French Almond Cakes are also known as Financiers because the French businessmen in the financial district of Paris helped make them popular.  They’re easy, but taste rich and moist. French Almond Cakes “Financiers” Ingredients 1 tsp. almond extract 6 large egg whites ½ C. flour ½ tsp. salt 1 C. finely chopped or ground almonds (I used whole almonds and ran them through my coffee grinder) 1½ C. powdered sugar 1½ sticks butter Instructions Preheat oven to 450 {Read More}

The post French Almond Cakes appeared first on Frugal Bites.

]]> French Almond Cakes - Financiers

These little French Almond Cakes are also known as Financiers because the French businessmen in the financial district of Paris helped make them popular.  They’re easy, but taste rich and moist.

Print
French Almond Cakes “Financiers”
 
Ingredients
  • 1 tsp. almond extract
  • 6 large egg whites
  • ½ C. flour
  • ½ tsp. salt
  • 1 C. finely chopped or ground almonds (I used whole almonds and ran them through my coffee grinder)
  • 1½ C. powdered sugar
  • 1½ sticks butter
Instructions
  1. Preheat oven to 450 degrees.
  2. Butter 18 muffin tins (traditionally, you’d use a Financier Mold but if you don’t have one the muffin tins you have at home already work well too).
  3. In a medium bowl, combine egg whites and almond extract. Meanwhile, combine dry ingredients in a separate bowl. Add egg whites to the dry ingredients and give a quick stir until a light batter is formed. Pour into muffin tins.
  4. Bake 6 minutes at 450 degrees then lower heat to 400. Bake an additional 5-6 minutes until golden brown. Baking it first in a super-hot oven will crisp up the outside, while reducing the baking temperature to finish keeps the inside nice and moist. Allow the cakes to cool slightly then remove from the tins.
  5. When I first made French Almond Financier Cakes I used muffin tins. However, I found these cute petit fours molds at TJ Maxx for just $6.99 and thought they were cute.

Thanks, Kim Cooks the World!

 

The post French Almond Cakes appeared first on Frugal Bites.

]]> http://frugalbites.com/french-almond-cakes/feed/ 0 Nutter Butter Turkey Cupcakes for Thanksgiving http://frugalbites.com/nutter-butter-turkey-cupcakes-thanksgiving/ http://frugalbites.com/nutter-butter-turkey-cupcakes-thanksgiving/#comments Sun, 24 Nov 2013 19:29:38 +0000 http://frugalbites.com/?p=1559 Nutter Butter Turkey Cupcakes for Thanksgiving These adorable Nutter Butter Turkey Cupcakes will not only taste great for Thanksgiving, they’ll serve as a cute table decoration! You’ll need: One box cake mix (I chose chocolate) Chocolate frosting Candy corn Nutter Butter cookies M&Ms, Reese’s Pieces, Dots, Tic-Tacs or other Orange Candy Wilton Candy Eyes Red licorice Step #1 – Bake cupcakes per instructions on the box. Step #2 - Allow your cupcakes to cool, then frost with chocolate frosting. Step #3- Meanwhile, {Read More}

The post Nutter Butter Turkey Cupcakes for Thanksgiving appeared first on Frugal Bites.

]]> nutter butter cupcakes for thanksgiving

Nutter Butter Turkey Cupcakes for Thanksgiving

These adorable Nutter Butter Turkey Cupcakes will not only taste great for Thanksgiving, they’ll serve as a cute table decoration!

You’ll need:

  • One box cake mix (I chose chocolate)
  • Chocolate frosting
  • Candy corn
  • Nutter Butter cookies
  • M&Ms, Reese’s Pieces, Dots, Tic-Tacs or other Orange Candy
  • Wilton Candy Eyes
  • Red licorice

Step #1 – Bake cupcakes per instructions on the box.

500x1000px-LL-1bd7e4e5_IMG_1434

Step #2 - Allow your cupcakes to cool, then frost with chocolate frosting.

Step #3- Meanwhile, assemble the Nutter Butter turkeys.  Use a little white frosting to attach the Wilton Candy Eyes, orange candy nose, and red licorice wattle to the turkey.

Nutter Butter Turkey Cupcakes

Step #4 – Press about six candy corn candies into the back of the cupcake for the turkey’s feathers.

Nutter Butter Turkey Cupcakes

Step #5 – Next, gently press the Nutter Butter cookie into the cupcake as well.  Enjoy!

Thanksgiving Resources:

I first posted these Nutter Butter Turkey Cupcakes on Mommysavers.com.

The post Nutter Butter Turkey Cupcakes for Thanksgiving appeared first on Frugal Bites.

]]> http://frugalbites.com/nutter-butter-turkey-cupcakes-thanksgiving/feed/ 3 Pumpkin “Better than Sex” Cake http://frugalbites.com/pumpkin-better-than-sex-cake/ http://frugalbites.com/pumpkin-better-than-sex-cake/#comments Sat, 23 Nov 2013 17:23:10 +0000 http://frugalbites.com/?p=1554 Also known as Pumpkin Poke Cake, this pumpkin recipe is a crowd-pleaser.  It’s easy because you start with a boxed cake mix.  It’s decadent because of the caramel and Heath Bits you sprinkle on top.  No matter how you slice it, it’s a delicious fall cake to serve at any party. Frugal Tips:  Get your pumpkin puree at ALDI food stores.  It ranges from $.89-$.99 per can.  However, it’s a seasonal item so stock up when you see it!  It {Read More}

The post Pumpkin “Better than Sex” Cake appeared first on Frugal Bites.

]]> pumpkin better than sex cake

Also known as Pumpkin Poke Cake, this pumpkin recipe is a crowd-pleaser.  It’s easy because you start with a boxed cake mix.  It’s decadent because of the caramel and Heath Bits you sprinkle on top.  No matter how you slice it, it’s a delicious fall cake to serve at any party.

Frugal Tips:  Get your pumpkin puree at ALDI food stores.  It ranges from $.89-$.99 per can.  However, it’s a seasonal item so stock up when you see it!  It won’t be on the shelves after the holidays.

Print
Pumpkin “Better than Sex” Cake
 
Also known as pumpkin poke cake, this pumpkin cake recipe is easy and sinful.
Ingredients
  • 1 box yellow cake mix
  • 1 15-oz. can pumpkin puree
  • 1 can sweetened condensed milk
  • 1 8-oz. tub whipped topping
  • ½ package Heath Toffee Bits
  • Caramel topping
Instructions
  1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Mix the package of yellow cake mix with pumpkin puree (no water, eggs or oil are necessary). Pour into a greased 9×13 pan. Bake according to package directions (about 25-28 minutes). Remove and cool for ten minutes. Using a wooden spoon handle, poke holes about an inch apart in the cake. Pour the can of sweetened condensed milk over the cake, using a spatula to make sure it gets into the holes somewhat evenly. Refrigerate an hour, minimum. Top with whipped topping and Heath Toffee Bits. Drizzle caramel topping on top of it all.

 

The post Pumpkin “Better than Sex” Cake appeared first on Frugal Bites.

]]> http://frugalbites.com/pumpkin-better-than-sex-cake/feed/ 4 Easy Ham Sliders Recipe http://frugalbites.com/ham-sliders-recipe/ http://frugalbites.com/ham-sliders-recipe/#respond Thu, 21 Nov 2013 22:53:37 +0000 http://frugalbites.com/?p=1533 This Easy Ham Sliders Recipe is so simple, but it tastes like a million bucks!   It’s perfect for parties or tailgating.  Your guests will think you spent much longer in the kitchen that you actually did. Plus, it’s a great make-ahead meal since all the prep work can be done the night before. Easy Ham Sliders Recipe One dozen Hawaiian sweet rolls Swiss Cheese Sliced ham 1/2 C. (one stick) butter 1 Tbsp. Worcestershire sauce 1/4 C. brown sugar {Read More}

The post Easy Ham Sliders Recipe appeared first on Frugal Bites.

]]> easy ham sliders

This Easy Ham Sliders Recipe is so simple, but it tastes like a million bucks!   It’s perfect for parties or tailgating.  Your guests will think you spent much longer in the kitchen that you actually did. Plus, it’s a great make-ahead meal since all the prep work can be done the night before.

Easy Ham Sliders Recipe

  • One dozen Hawaiian sweet rolls
  • Swiss Cheese
  • Sliced ham
  • 1/2 C. (one stick) butter
  • 1 Tbsp. Worcestershire sauce
  • 1/4 C. brown sugar
  • 1 Tbsp. prepared mustard
  • Poppy seeds (optional)

In a saucepan, bring the butter, Worcestershire sauce, mustard and brown sugar to a boil over medium-high heat. Cool. Meanwhile, add sliced ham and cheese to your buns. Place in a glass Pyrex baking dish. Pour the cooled sauce over buns. Sprinkle with poppy seeds if desired. Cover with aluminum foil and place in the refrigerator. Let soak a few hours or overnight.

Preheat oven to 325. Bake for 20 minutes covered, then remove foil and bake an additional 5 minutes.

Makes 12.

Frugal Tips: The main ingredients for this recipe (the Ham, Swiss cheese, and Hawaiian sweet rolls) can all be found at ALDI. Shopping there will save you tons of money!

ham sliders recipe

easy ham sliders recipe easy ham sliders recipe easy ham sliders recipe easy ham sliders recipe

easy ham sliders easy ham sliders easy ham sliders

I originally posted a variation of this recipe (Ham and Swiss Sliders) on Mommysavers.com.

The post Easy Ham Sliders Recipe appeared first on Frugal Bites.

]]> http://frugalbites.com/ham-sliders-recipe/feed/ 0 Oreo Brownies http://frugalbites.com/oreo-brownies/ http://frugalbites.com/oreo-brownies/#respond Tue, 19 Nov 2013 11:59:39 +0000 http://frugalbites.com/?p=1525 These Oreo brownies couldn’t be easier!  They call for three layers of chocolatey goodness:  for which you can use prepackaged goodies.  Nobody will be the wiser!  I used ingredients from ALDI to save even more money. Oreo Brownies Prep time:  20 mins Cook time:  30 mins Total time:  50 mins Serves: 12-16 Don’t let the ease of this recipe fool you. Your guests will think you slaved in the kitchen for hours! Ingredients 1 package chocolate chip cookie mix 1 box {Read More}

The post Oreo Brownies appeared first on Frugal Bites.

]]> oreo brownies

These Oreo brownies couldn’t be easier!  They call for three layers of chocolatey goodness:  for which you can use prepackaged goodies.  Nobody will be the wiser!  I used ingredients from ALDI to save even more money.

Print
Oreo Brownies
Prep time: 
Cook time: 
Total time: 
Serves: 12-16
 
Don’t let the ease of this recipe fool you. Your guests will think you slaved in the kitchen for hours!
Ingredients
  • 1 package chocolate chip cookie mix
  • 1 box brownie mix
  • Eggs (according to package instructions)
  • Vegetable oil (according to package instructions)
  • 1 package Oreo cookies
Instructions
  1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Prepare the cookie batter according to package instructions. Press on the bottom of a 9×13 pan lined with parchment paper. Meanwhile, make brownie batter according to instructions and set aside. Layer your Oreo cookies on top of the cookie layer. Pour the brownie batter on top and bake for 30-33 minutes.

oreo brownie recipe oreo brownie recipe oreo brownie recipe oreo brownie recipe

I originally posted this Slutty Brownie Recipe (named so because they’re easy and quite sinful) on Mommysavers.com.

The post Oreo Brownies appeared first on Frugal Bites.

]]> http://frugalbites.com/oreo-brownies/feed/ 0 Chocolate Buckeye Balls http://frugalbites.com/chocolate-buckeye-balls/ http://frugalbites.com/chocolate-buckeye-balls/#respond Sat, 16 Nov 2013 17:49:09 +0000 http://frugalbites.com/?p=1521 Chocolate Buckeye Balls Recipe 1/2 C. (one stick) butter, softened 1 2/3 C. creamy peanut butter 1 tsp. vanilla 4 C. powdered sugar Chocolate almond bark In a large bowl, combine the softened butter, peanut butter, vanilla, and powdered sugar. It’s ready when it forms a sticky dough.  Roll into 3/4″ balls and refrigerate one hour, or longer.  Remove refrigerated balls and heat chocolate almond bark according to package instructions.  Roll Buckeye Balls in chocolate and place on waxed paper {Read More}

The post Chocolate Buckeye Balls appeared first on Frugal Bites.

]]> buckeye recipe - Chocolate Buckeye Balls

Chocolate Buckeye Balls Recipe

1/2 C. (one stick) butter, softened
1 2/3 C. creamy peanut butter
1 tsp. vanilla
4 C. powdered sugar
Chocolate almond bark

In a large bowl, combine the softened butter, peanut butter, vanilla, and powdered sugar. It’s ready when it forms a sticky dough.  Roll into 3/4″ balls and refrigerate one hour, or longer.  Remove refrigerated balls and heat chocolate almond bark according to package instructions.  Roll Buckeye Balls in chocolate and place on waxed paper to cool.

I originally posted this Buckeye Recipe on Mommysavers.com

The post Chocolate Buckeye Balls appeared first on Frugal Bites.

]]> http://frugalbites.com/chocolate-buckeye-balls/feed/ 0