Did I really eat that many?!

I have shared this recipe in the past, but it is so good--I thought I would "re-share".

My mother-in-law gave me the recipe, and I did not try it for a long time because I had a.....well.....a fear of using yeast. But I finally overcame it, tried out the recipe, the rolls turned out perfectly, and yeast and I have been friends ever since.

I have tried them with icing and with cream cheese frosting. Both are heavenly! Enjoy.....


~~Cinnamon Rolls~~

1 pkg. yeast
1/4 cup warm water
1/4 cup sugar
3 T. butter
1 t. salt
3/4 cup scalded milk (just below boiling)
1 egg
2 1/2-3 cups flour

1) Soften yeast in warm water. In mixing bowl, combine sugar, butter, salt, and milk. Cool to lukewarm. Stir in egg and yeast mixture. Gradually, add flour to form a stiff dough. Knead until smooth and elastic.
2) Put dough in greased bowl--turn so dough is greased. Cover, let rise 1-1 1/2 hrs. or until doubled in size.
3) Roll out in rectangle shape--put melted butter over dough. Sprinkle with cinnamon-sugar mixture. Roll up, cut and bake at 375 for 15-20 minutes.

To make icing:
1 cup powdered sugar
2 T. milk
Mix together and drizzle over rolls. Mmmmm......

Bargain Meal of the Week: February 10-16, 2010

Nothin' says I love you like a good meal. Can I get an "amen"? Seriously.....when someone cooks something good for you, you know they at least LIKE you. ;-)

My girls and I are making a Valentine meal for "our boys". It was fun to plan the menu with them, and have them help me shop for the ingredients. I will post pictures of our gourmet event next week....we are even breaking out the candlesticks for it!

If you are staying home and eating dinner with your sweetie, this meal is delicious and so easy to prepare.....and it serves two!

Bacon-wrapped Asparagus Bundles,
Greek Cucumber Salad
and Brownies Ala Mode

Fresh Tender Asparagus--$1.39/lb. ($2.10 for 1.5 lbs.)
Tyson Sliced Bacon--$2.99 ($1.00 for 4 slices)

Greek Cucumber Salad--$5.49/lb. ($1.83 for 2 servings)

Betty Crocker Brownie Mix--$1.69 ($0.32 for 2 big brownies)
Breyers Ice Cream--$2.48 ($0.42 for 2 scoops)

Est. Cost: $5.67

(Remember to check out the Grocery Gathering
for your local deals!)

Bargain Meal of the Week: Feb.3-9, 2010

I'm sure there are many Super Bowl snack recipes that I could post this week.....but since I am a bit of rebel, I am choosing not to. ;-) This recipe could be eaten at a Super Bowl party though. It makes my mouth water just typing it (although I cannot actually make it for myself because I ALLERGIC TO AVOCADO! I know--terrible, isn't it?)

So, enjoy the game.....enjoy the fellowship.....and maybe enjoy a juicy burger. Mmmm.....

Avocado Bacon Burgers

King Soopers Hamburger Buns--10/$10 (need 4)
93% Lean Ground Beef--$1.99/lb. (use 1 1/2 lbs.)
Kroger Cheese (cheddar)--2/$5 (need 4 slices)
Bar S Sliced Bacon--B1G1Free (need 4 slices)
Private Selection Organic Romaine Hearts--$2.99/3 ct. (need 4 leaves)
Large Avocados--2/$1

Est. Cost: $5.58

(And stop by the Grocery Gathering for your local store's deals.)

Flapjacks gone granola....or something like that

I told you I would share a different pancake recipe with you......just forgot to do it THE NEXT DAY like I promised. Sorry.

This recipe is for my more health-conscious readers. We got it when we were honeymooning in Jackson Hole, WY, at a wonderful bed-n-breakfast there. They served some yummy breakfasts, and this was one of the top menu items. (Some of the other menu items were a little less appetizing....the salmon scrambled eggs, for example. blah....)

So if you are looking to add more heart-healthy ingredients to your menu, this recipe will help with that.....

Wildflower Inn's Oatmeal Pancakes

1/2 cup all purpose flour (I used whole wheat flour to make it even healthier!)
1 T. sugar
1 t. baking powder
1 t. baking soda
1/4 t. salt
2 cups old fashioned oatmeal
2 cups buttermilk
2 eggs, lightly beaten
1/4 cup butter or margarine, melted and cooled

1. Combine oats and buttermilk for about 15 minutes. Add eggs and butter. Stir well.
2. Add flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda and salt. Stir gently.
3. Cook on medium hot grill. (I use a 1/4 cup measure to ladle onto the grill.)

Serve with maple syrup (or applesauce, for a healthier topping).

What's a flapjack anyways?

I think I have mentioned that I have some big eaters in my house. Seriously, we appear to be training for some competitive eating, based on the amounts of food consumed around here.

Because of that, I need some good hearty breakfast foods......to keep them satisfied for a few hours at least.

This recipe is a huge hit around here. And it doesn't have a warm and fuzzy story about being passed down through generations or anything. I actually got it from the wife of our Walmart manager, when I was working at Curves before our wedding. Yes--it IS an odd place to get a recipe from. But I am not about to complain or even question.

Because my family adores it.

Without further rambling, here it is.....

Favorite Pancakes
(aka: Pancakes Fed To The Local Walmart Manager and His Family)

2 1/2 cups flour (I use 1 cup wheat flour, 1 1/2 white)
4 t. baking powder
1 T. sugar
1 t. salt
2 beaten eggs
2 cups milk
2 T. oil

Combine egg, milk, and salad oil. Add dry ingredients, stirring until smooth. Bake on hot griddle. Makes about 18 pancakes. (I used a 1/4 measuring cup to pour batter onto griddle.)

P.S Those aren't really the pancakes in that picture up there. lol.
I will post the recipe for THOSE pancakes tomorrow.

Bargain Meal of the Week: January 20-26, 2010

It's cold out.....I needed some comfort food this week. :-) Plus, it is always nice to serve up some food that the kids will hug you for, right?

Sloppy Joes, Chips and Apple Slices

80% Lean Ground Beef--$1.79/lb (cook 1 lb.)
Hunt's Manwich--10/$10 (use 1 can)
King Soopers Hamburger Buns--10/$10

Doritos--$1.88 (use 1/2 bag)

Jazz Apples--10/$10 (cut up 2-3)

Est. Cost: $5.73

(Make sure you buy the Doritos over the weekend--they are only on a 3-day sale!)

Check out the Grocery Gathering for local deals, as well as sign up
at King Soopers.com for coupons and specials!

Bargain Meal of the Week: January 13-19, 2010

It's time for the National Western Stock Show here in Denver, and that means sales on meat. :-)

But the beef is not cheap enough for me, so I am going for the pork this week.

Enjoy yourself some ribs, and remember the bib and wipes! ;)

Crockpot Sesame Ribs and Steamed Veggies
(I reduced the recipe to 4 servings, and used a pre-made marinade rather than make my own.)

Country Style Pork Ribs--$1.69/lb. (need 2 lbs.)
Kroger Marinades--10/$10 (use Sesame Ginger flavor)
Red, White or Yellow Peeled Onions--10 lbs/$10 (use 1)

Bird's Eye or Kroger Vegetables--10/$10 (make 1 pkg.)

Est. Cost: $5.88

And if you are in the Denver area during January, make sure you take in a rodeo for me. I will be too busy cooking.....
Oh, and remember to check out the Grocery Gathering for your local deals!