Mexican Spoon Bread

Mexican Spoon Bread Recipe  | Frugalbites.com

In honor of Cinco de Mayo, I present to you my recipe for Mexican Spoon Bread.  This custard-like corn dessert is yummy enough to satisfy any sweet tooth.  It’s the perfect ending or side dish for a savory Mexican meal.  I prepare it in a casserole dish, then scoop into ramekins for individual servings.

Mexican Spoon Bread
Prep time: 
Cook time: 
Total time: 
Serves: 6
 
A delicious Mexican dessert that will satisfy any sweet tooth
Ingredients
  • 1 C. sour cream
  • 1 box Jiffy cornbread mix
  • ⅓ C. corn meal
  • 1 15-oz. can creamed corn
  • ½ C. white sugar
  • 1 egg
  • ½ stick butter, softened
  • ¼ C. milk

Instructions
  1. Preheat oven to 400 degrees.
  2. Mix all ingredients well.
  3. Spray a 1½-qt. casserole dish with nonstick cooking spray. Pour batter into the casserole dish.
  4. Bake for 55-60 minutes or until golden brown on top. If desired, drizzle with honey.

 

I originally posted this in the Mommysavers forum:  Don Pablo’s Mexican Spoon Bread Recipe

(Better Than) Applebee’s Spinach and Artichoke Dip

applebee's spinach and artichoke dip

(Better Than) Applebee’s Spinach and Artichoke Dip

I’ve heard people say they’re nuts about the Applebee’s Spinach and Artichoke Dip.  I’m really not much of a fan of chain restaurants.  We have an Applebee’s in our town and I think I’ve only been there a few times (only because someone else chose the location).  I have nothing against Applebee’s.  We just choose to frequent mom and pop restaurants (see our road trip family rules).

Forget the chains.  I have a Spinach and Artichoke Dip recipe that I would put up against any restaurant recipe.  Honestly, I’ve never come across a better version.  Yes, I’m bragging.

Frugal Tip:  Instead of going out to eat, invite another couple over this weekend.  This is the perfect thing to serve at a casual party.  In my opinion, it’s so much more fun (and frugal) to invite people over to your home instead of going out to a restaurant.

(Better Than) Applebee’s Spinach and Artichoke Dip
 
Do you love Applebee’s Spinach and Artichoke dip? This version is even better!
Ingredients
  • 1 14-oz. can artichokes, drained and chopped
  • ½ of a 10-oz. package frozen spinach, thawed and drained (re-freeze the remainder to use the next time)
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • ½ C. sour cream
  • ¼ C. mayonnaise
  • ¼ C. cream cheese, softened
  • ¼ C. Romano cheese, grated
  • ¼ C. Parmesan cheese, grated
  • Panko bread crumbs (optional)
Instructions
  1. Preheat oven to 375 degrees.
  2. Combine all ingredients except for the Parmesan cheese and mix well.
  3. Spread the dip in a baking dish and top with Parmesan cheese. Next, sprinkle Panko bread crumbs on top with a little pat of butter here and there.
  4. Bake until completely heated through and the cheese begins to bubble and brown.
  5. Serve with crackers, cocktail rye, pita, tortilla chips or even veggies.

 

Copycat Orange Julius Recipe

copycat orange julius recipe

 

Orange Julius has been around ever since I can remember.  They were always one of my favorite mall treats as a teen, and I still enjoy them today.  My mom has been making this copycat version for years and years.  It’s pretty close to the original, and a great way to enjoy this yummy mall treat at home for less.

Copycat Orange Julius Recipe

6 oz. frozen orange juice concentrate
1 C. milk
1 C. water
1/2 C. sugar
1 tsp. vanilla
6-8 ice cubes (about 1 1/2 C. ice)

Combine ingredients in a blender. Blend until frothy. This makes enough for about 4 large glasses or 6 small ones.

Note:  I originally posted this Copycat Orange Julius Recipe and photo on Mommysavers.com.

Copycat Recipe: Carrabba’s Italian Grill Salad Dressing

Carraba's Italian Grill House Dressing Copycat Recipe

This copycat version of the creamy Parmesan dressing from Carrabba’s Italian Grill is my new favorite. Not only is it delicious, it’s incredibly easy to make.

Frugal Tips:  This recipe only calls for a little bit of buttermilk, so don’t let the leftovers go to waste.  Did you know you could freeze buttermilk?  Here are some great ideas to use up buttermilk after making this dressing.

Copycat Recipe: Carrabba’s Italian Grill Salad Dressing
Serves: 4
 
Ingredients
  • ½ C. mayonnaise
  • ¼ C. grated Parmesan cheese
  • ¼ C. buttermilk
  • 1½ tsp. minced garlic
  • ½ tsp. minced fresh parsley
  • ½ tsp. lemon juice
Instructions
  1. Combine all ingredients and serve with romaine lettuce, croutons, fresh black pepper and any of your other favorite salad ingredients.

 

carrabbas-salad-dressing

See how simple the ingredient list is?  Much of this is in your refrigerator already.


carrabbas-salad-dressing

 

Mix the dressing well.

carrabbas-salad-dressing

Serve with romaine and croutons.

 

Crock Pot Orange Chicken

Crock Pot Orange Chicken

Orange Chicken is what my kids usually order when we eat at Chinese restaurants.  By making it at home, we can get our takeout “fix” for less.   Plus, by making it in the crock pot it’s even easier.

If I were to make it again (or if I were cooking for a larger group) I’d probably double the batch.  This version served our family of four with no leftovers.   Now what am I going to eat for lunch today?!

Frugal Tips:  Learn how to make copycat versions of your favorite restaurant foods at home.  It really does help you fight the temptation of blowing your budget by eating out too often!

Crock Pot Orange Chicken
Cook time: 
Total time: 
 
A crock pot version of your favorite Chinese takeout food! Easy for the busy cook, and easy on the budget.
Ingredients
  • 4 boneless chicken breasts, cut into 1″ pieces
  • ½ C. flour
  • 2 Tbsp. olive oil
  • 1 tsp. salt
  • 1 tsp. balsamic vinegar
  • 3 Tbsp. ketchup
  • 6 oz. frozen orange juice concentrate (half the can), thawed
  • 4 Tbsp. brown sugar
Instructions
  1. Coat the chicken pieces in flour and salt mixture. Brown in olive oil over medium-high heat.
  2. Meanwhile, combine orange juice, vinegar, ketchup and brown sugar. Place browned chicken in bottom of crock pot, then pour orange mixture over it. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 4 hours. Serve over rice.

  Crock Pot Orange Chicken

Just mix the ketchup, vinegar, orange juice and brown sugar to create the coating/sauce for your orange chicken.

Crock Pot Orange Chicken

Coat all your chicken pieces in flour

Crock Pot Orange Chicken

Brown the chicken in a little bit of olive oil

Crock Pot Orange Chicken

Place the chicken in the crock pot and pour sauce on top