Baked Potato Chowder | Freezer Friendly

by Briana Carter on May 13, 2013

Baked Potato Chowder

I was able to pick up a 10 pound bag of Russet Potatoes at ALDI recently for just $1.29. This is such a rare and incredible price. I’m happy to find them for $1.99 or less but the $1.29 was just completely irresistible.  It was a great opportunity to whip up a huge batch of this delicious baked potato chowder to freeze. ALDI also has dried parsley and basil, which makes it easy to make this recipe if you don’t want to purchase fresh herbs.

This recipe is based on on the Baked Potato Chowder recipe from the Fix, Freeze, Feast, which I’m loving! This huge batch makes 4 gallon freezer bag portions, which feeds about 4 people.

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Baked Potato Chowder | Freezer Friendly

Baked Potato Chowder | Freezer Friendly

Ingredients

  • 10 pounds russet potatoes, baked
  • 2 sticks of butter (1 cup)
  • 1/4 cup dried parsley
  • 1 tablespoon dried basil
  • 2 tablespoons vegetable bouillon granules
  • 1 tablespoon minced garlic
  • 2 teaspoons salt
  • 2 teaspoons black pepper
  • 2 cups flour
  • 12 cups water
  • 4 cups half and half
  • 16 ounces sharp cheddar cheese

Instructions

  1. Bake potatoes and cool.
  2. Scoop out flesh in the potatoes and set aside. You can discard the skins or save them for another use like potato skins with cheese and green onion.
  3. In a large pot, melt butter over medium heat. Add parsley, basil, bouillon, garlic, salt, and pepper. Cook for 2-3 minutes. Add flour and cook 2-3 minutes longer.
  4. Gradually add water, half and half, and potato.
  5. Stir often for around 30 minutes.
  6. Fold in cheese until melted.
http://bargainbriana.com/baked-potato-chowder-freezer-friendly/

View the Recipe Index for a complete list of recipes. For the most recent vegetarian recipes posted on the blog, go here. To view all the recipes post on the blog, go here.

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Tasty Spicy Red Pepper Rice Pilaf Recipe

by Briana Carter on May 9, 2013

Spicy Red Pepper Pilaf Ingredient List

This is a great way to spice up your rice side dish. Add more or less red pepper flakes to taste. My husband thought I should have added more to my dish as it wasn’t very spicy at all. I’ve over spiced recipes before so I didn’t want to take that risk again and decided to just sprinkle the red pepper flakes  in the dish instead of measuring it out. Next time I will add a little more red pepper flakes. I also already had all the pantry ingredients and was looking for a way to use my Priano Marinated Red Peppers from Aldi.

Actually, my entire recipe was made from Aldi ingredients, which helps me save money without sacrificing quality. Read more about the Top 10 Reasons I Love to Shop at Aldi. I also love this recipe because it took very little additional time to make. I omitted the onion due to my family’s taste preference (which is the nice way to say they are picky eaters!) I really love that Aldi has instant brown rice because I can whip up a rice dish in 5 minutes! This one did take about 10 minutes because I cooked a few things before adding in the rice. Also, I used Aldi’s vegetable stock but you can easily use your own homemade version to save even more.

Tasty Red Pepper Rice Pilaf Recipe

 

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Tasty Spicy Red Pepper Rice Pilaf Recipe

Tasty Spicy Red Pepper Rice Pilaf Recipe

Ingredients

  • 2 tablespoons butter
  • 1 roasted red pepper, diced (or use 1/2 jar of Priano Marinated Red Pepper, diced)
  • 1 teaspoon minced garlic from jar
  • 2 cups uncooked instant brown rice
  • 3 cups vegetable broth
  • 2 teaspoons red pepper flakes
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

Instructions

  1. Melt butter in pot.
  2. Add garlic and cook for 1-2 minutes.
  3. Add red pepper and baby spinach.
  4. Cook for additional 5-7 minutes until tender.
  5. Stir in rice.
  6. Add vegetable stock, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper.
  7. Cover and boil under liquid is absorbed, which is 8-10 minutes
http://bargainbriana.com/tasty-spicy-red-pepper-rice-pilaf-recipe/

I would have been happy for this one as my entire meal. I had already planned the other parts of the meal which include asparagus and Gardein Crispy Tender. They look like read chicken tenders, don’t they? My daughter also made us Homemade Honey Mustard. I’ll be sharing her recipe soon!

rice pilaf dinner

View the Recipe Index for a complete list of recipes. For the most recent vegetarian recipes posted on the blog, go here. To view all the recipes post on the blog, go here.

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Cherry Coconut Squares Recipe

by Briana Carter on May 3, 2013

Cherry Coconut Squares Ingredients

Lucky Leaf sent over a fun package including several different canned fillings including the Lucky Leaf Cherry Filling. We all know you can use these fillings for pies but I wanted to do something a little different! Luckily (haha Lucky Leaf), they sent me a few recipe cards with easy recipes for delicious baked goods. If I can do it, then you know it’s easy!

Lucky Leaf Cherry Coconut Squares Recipe Card

Yum, yum! Guess what, I also had a package of shredded coconut in my pantry! Yay for cleaning out an item on my pantry challenge list too!

Cream and Sugar

Cream the butter and the sugar. I absolutely LOVE my KitchenAid Stand mixer for this! Since I’ve purchased it, I’ve baked so much more!

Briana Cooking LOL

Uh, awkward. No make-up, hair undid, pajama shirt. I’m intent on my baking, though. My oldest son thought it would be hilarious to take my photo while I was baking. Hilarious as he had his evil laugh on the entire time. He also got photos of Aunt Pat and his cousin Kelsey too. All of this was super hysterical. Ironic considering the kid runs when I try to take his photo. Middle school boys. {shrugs}

Cherry Coconut Squares Flaky Crust

Then you sift the flour and salt together. I don’t know what sift really means so I just used my handy dandy wooden spoon. Then you add it to the creamed mixture. After that is mixed, add in your coconut.

Longaberger Baking Dish

Grease your favorite 9” square dish. Mine is a Longberger baking dish we have had since we got married or maybe longer.

Bottom Layer Pressed in Pan Cherry Coconut Squares

Press half of the crumb mixture on the bottom of the pan.

Cherry Coconut Squares Lucky Leaf Filling Recipe

Add a can of Lucky Leaf Cherry Filling.

Top Flaky Layer

Press remaining crumb mixture on top.

Cherry Coconut Flaky Recipe

Bake at 350 degrees for 25-30 minutes.

Cherry Coconut Square Recipe from Lucky Leaf

Then devour. It was a hit at our household!

Find the easy to print recipe below:

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Cherry Coconut Squares

Ingredients

  • 1/3 cup sugar
  • 1/4 cup butter
  • 1 1/2 cups all purpose flour
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1 8 ounce can of flaked coconut
  • 1 can Lucky Leaf Regular or Premium Cherry Pie Filling (21 ounce)

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
  2. Cream sugar and butter. Sift flour and salt together.
  3. Add flour to creamed mixture. Mix in coconut.
  4. Pack 1/2 of the mixture into a greased 9 inch square pan. Spread Lucky Leaf Cherry Pie Filling on top.
  5. Layer the remaining crumb mixture on top of pie filling. Pat down firmly.
  6. Bake for 25 - 30 minutes.
http://bargainbriana.com/cherry-coconut-squares-recipe/

**Disclosure: Materials were provided to me by Lucky Leaf in order to facilitate this post. This Post was written by me and was not edited by the sponsor.  Read more on my Disclosure Policy.**

View the Recipe Index for a complete list of recipes. For the most recent vegetarian recipes posted on the blog, go here. To view all the recipes post on the blog, go here.

Cherry Coconut Squares #luckyleafluckyme

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Homemade Chocolate Frosting

by Briana Carter on May 1, 2013

homemade frosting ingredients

Awhile back my son asked me to bring something to their 6th grade incentive party. Wanting to make something at least somewhat homemade, I decided to make brownies. I had a boxed mix I used for the brownies but I wanted to add a personal touch to it so I decided to make my own frosting using ingredients I already had in my pantry.

It turned out fantastic and it was so super easy to make. I don’t think I will ever go back to the the pre-made stuf. Don’t tell me how many calories are in this, though! ;)

All you need is a 1 cup of chocolate chips. I used a combination of dark chocolate and semi-sweet, which is what I had in my cabinet, 1 can of sweetened condensed milk, and 1 teaspoon of vanilla. Combine all the ingredients in a saucepan and cook on low until completely melted.

Homemade Chocolate Icing for Brownies or Cupcakes or Cakes

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Homemade Chocolate Frosting

Homemade Chocolate Frosting

Ingredients

  • 8 ounce chocolate chips
  • 1 can condensed sweet milk
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla

Instructions

  1. Cook on low in a saucepan until completely melted.
http://bargainbriana.com/homemade-chocolate-frosting/

He didn’t bring home any leftovers so I’m guessing they were a success!

View the Recipe Index for a complete list of recipes. For the most recent vegetarian recipes posted on the blog, go here. To view all the recipes post on the blog, go here.

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Meal Plan Monday 4/29/2013

by Briana Carter on April 29, 2013

mealplanmonday_v2

As part of the 2013 goals and resolutions, I’m working on cooking with ingredients we already have on hand in our pantry and freezer.  However, instead of telling you what we are going to eat for the week, I’m going to tell you what I cooked last week. Otherwise, it’s just a little much when people we personally know tell the kids what we are having for dinner and it’s too much pressure to stick to that schedule!

THINGS have been insanely busy around so I skipped a week of posting about this! My husband was gone for several days for business and we’ve had so many practices, games, meets, etc! I’m trying to stay on track but it is so easy some of those nights to say let’s just get take-out!

Here’s our meal plan from the last couple of weeks using items from our pantry:

Monday: 

  • Alfredo & Noodles
  • Brown Rice
  • Steamed Vegetables
  • Gardein Mandarin Orange Crispy “Chick’n”
  • Barbecue Chicken Sandwiches (made from leftover crockpot chicken from last week made with my homemade bourbon barbecue sauce.)
  • Croissants

Tuesday:

  • Hamburger, Salmon Burgers, Salmon Chipotle Honey Fillet
  • Green Beans
  • Macaroni & Tomato Dish

Wednesday:

  • Alfredo & Noodles

Thursday:

Friday:

  • At ballpark from 5 p.m. – 11 p.m. so we ate out! :)

Saturday:

  • Another ball park day – leftovers & ballpark food!

Sunday: 

  • Out to lunch for birthday & another birthday party for dinner!

I made way too many meals to make everyone happy on Monday! Luckily, we will have leftovers so they can eat their favorite meals again. haha! The weekend kind of went to the dogs with all the outside activities we had going on!

This is how we did this week! How did you do? 

View the Recipe Index for a complete list of recipes. For the most recent vegetarian recipes posted on the blog, go here. To view all the recipes post on the blog, go here. This post is part of OrgJunkie.com Meal Plan Monday linky.

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Homemade Honey Oatmeal Bread

by Briana Carter on April 27, 2013

Honey Oatmeal Bread Ingredients

I’ve been borrowing my friend’s breadmaker and she’s probably wanting it back by now! We LOVED the Honey Oatmeal Bread that is almost straight out of the instruction booklet. Freshly homemade bread is the absolute best. It’s so simple to make but I’m still on the fence if I want to spend the money for one. I’ve had several offers from family to give me their breadmakers so I may just keep borrowing them! I really just wish I had more space on my kitchen counters for all the appliances I love using!

The recipe below makes a a 1 1/2 pound loaf.

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Homemade Honey Oatmeal Bread

Ingredients

  • 8 ounces water (80-90 degrees F)
  • 3 tablespoons honey
  • 2 1/4 cups bread flour (I like the King Arthur's Unbleached Bread Flour)
  • 1 cup oats, quick or old fashioned
  • 1 1/2 tablespoons dry milk
  • 1 1/4 teaspoons salt
  • 1 1/2 tablespoon butter
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons fast rise yeast (or use 2 teaspoons of active dry yeast)

Instructions

  1. Add liquid ingredients to bread pan.
  2. Add dry ingredients except yeast.
  3. Tap pan.
  4. Place butter in the corners.
  5. Add yeast in the center of the dry ingredients.
  6. Start breadmaker!

Enjoy this bread for sandwiches or enjoy with dinner!

http://bargainbriana.com/homemade-honey-oatmeal-bread/

View the Recipe Index for a complete list of recipes. For the most recent vegetarian recipes posted on the blog, go here. To view all the recipes post on the blog, go here.

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How to Make Your Own Cooking Spray

by Briana Carter on April 24, 2013

 DIY Cooking Spray

 Cut the chemicals and save money by making your own cooking spray. I have a Misto Spray bottle for my olive oil but you don’t even have to spend $9.99 on that container to do it yourself at home with a simple spray bottle. Just be sure to label it properly so you don’t confuse your homemade cleaners with your homemade cooking spray! :)

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How to Make Your Own Cooking Spray

How to Make Your Own Cooking Spray

Ingredients

  • 1 part oil
  • 5 parts water
  • 1 spray bottle (misting type)

Instructions

  1. Combine in bottle. Shake well. Done.
http://bargainbriana.com/how-to-make-your-own-cooking-spray/

View the Recipe Index for a complete list of recipes. For the most recent vegetarian recipes posted on the blog, go here. To view all the recipes post on the blog, go here.

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Slow Cooker Creamy Velveeta Macaroni and Cheese

by Briana Carter on April 23, 2013


Slow-Cooker-Mac-and-Cheese-Final

My kids all love macaroni and cheese and one of my favorite comfort foods is also creamy macaroni and cheese. Lately, I’ve been making it in the slow cooker so I don’t burn it and the cheese melts so nicely in the slow cooker. Use slow cooker liners to make it super simple clean up!

I think the sharp cheddar and smoked swiss give this mac and cheese a delicious flavor but you can adjust this based on your family’s preference. The block Velveeta cheese adds creaminess to this recipe. My two younger children aren’t huge fans of the smokey flavor but everyone else enjoys it so when I know they will be eating too I will replace with another cheese. This is also a great recipe to make when you have a variety of cheeses in your refrigerator that you need to clear out. I totally got busted on trick this the first time I made this recipe.

Velveeta Logo

If you have a large family, double this batch and cook in a larger slow cooker as a single batch is basically a side dish for our family of six instead of a main meal. Otherwise, you may have a fight on your hands on the distribution of the amount of mac & cheese! I don’t know this from personal experience or anything! ;)

The printable recipe is below but you will need to cook your macaroni per package directions, then layer the macaroni and your cheeses in your slow cooker. Cook on low for around 2 hours or until cheese is creamy and delicious!

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Slow Cooker Creamy Velveeta Macaroni and Cheese

Slow Cooker Creamy Velveeta Macaroni and Cheese

Ingredients

  • 2 cups uncooked macaroni, cooked per directions
  • 1/2 pound (8 ounce) Velveeta Cheese, cubed
  • 1 cups Sharp Cheddar cheese, shredded
  • Approximately 8-10 slices Smoked Swiss (approximately 1.5 cups)
  • 1/2 cup milk

Instructions

  1. Layer half of the cooked macaroni in slow cooker.
  2. Layer 1/2 Sharp Cheddar cheese.
  3. Layer 1/2 Veleeta Cheese
  4. Repeat layers.
  5. Cover with milk.
  6. Cook on low for 2-2.5 hours until cheese is creamy and delicious.
http://bargainbriana.com/slow-cooker-creamy-velveeta-macaroni-and-cheese/

Velveeta asked me if I knew any Liquid Gold Diggers. I’ll know more soon once they taste these dishes! Why? Because Liquid Gold Diggers love the Liquid Gold of Velveeta.

Disclosure: Compensation was provided by Velveeta via Glam Media. The opinions expressed herein are those of the author and are not indicative of the opinions or positions of Velveeta”

View the Recipe Index for a complete list of recipes. For the most recent vegetarian recipes posted on the blog, go here. To view all the recipes post on the blog, go here.

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