Too Busy to Be Unprepared
by Holly
16 oz. box brown sugar (we like dark the best)
2/3 c. water
1/8 t. salt
1/4 stick butter
1/2 lb. pecan halves
1 t. vanilla
Boil sugar, water salt and butter in a medium sauce pan over medium high heat to a soft ball stage (236 degrees). Ad pecans and vanilla. Beat until a good consistency and drop by tablespoonful onto waxed paper, with newspaper underneath for easy removal. Let cool before serving.
Grocery List:
brown sugar
salt
butter
pecan halves
vanilla
waxed paper
Approximate Cost: $7.29
by Holly
1 lb. imitation crab meat
1 bar cream cheese, softened
6 green onions, finely minced
1 t. garlic powder
2 t. sugar
1/2 t. salt
1/8 t. pepper, freshly ground
1 pkg wonton wrappers
2 T. olive oil
butter flavored non-stick cooking spray
Combine crab meat, cream cheese, green onions, garlic, sugar, salt and pepper.
Spray two muffin pans with non-stick spray. Place one wonton wrapper over a well.
Using the tart shaper or fingers, gently push one wonton wrapper per cup. Spoon 2-3 T. of crab meat mixture into each wrapper. Brush edges of wontons with olive oil.
Bake filled wontons in 350 degree oven for 7-10 minutes or until golden brown. Can sprinkle cayenne pepper or ground chipotle on top for spicier appetizers.
Grocery List:
1 lb. imitation crab meat
1 bar cream cheese, softened
6 green onions, finely minced
1 t. garlic powder
2 t. sugar
1/2 t. salt
1/8 t. pepper, freshly ground
1 pkg wonton wrappers
2 T. olive oil
butter flavored non-stick cooking spray
Approximate Cost: $8.97
by Holly
2/3 c. canola oil
2 small pkgs. Hidden Valley Ranch dressing mix
1 t. dill weed
1/2 t. lemon pepper
1/2 t. garlic powder
1 lg. pkg. oyster crackers (what are they?)
Mix together oil, dressing mix, lemon pepper, dill and garlic powder. Place crackers in large baking dish. Pour mixture over top and stir until they are completely coated.
Cook in 200 degree oven for 20 minutes. Keep in an airtight container. Stays fresh for weeks. Goes wonderfully with a fresh soup or just as a snack!
Grocery List:
canola oil
Hidden Valley Ranch dressing mix
dill weed
lemon pepper
garlic powder
oyster crackers
Approximate Cost: $3.47
by Holly
1 lb. hamburger, I prefer ground chuck
1 T. milk
1 t. salt
1/8 t. pepper
1/4 c. crushed saltines
1 egg white
1/2 c. Vidalia onion, chopped finely
1 jar Heinz Homestyle Savory Beef gravy
4 T. canola oil
Mix together uncooked hamburger, milk, salt, pepper, saltines, egg white and onions. Blend thoroughly. Heat oil in a large skillet over medium high heat. While the oil heats, make small patties about 2-3 inches in diameter and 1/2 inch thick. Place patties about 4 at a time, until brown on both sides.
Placed browned patties singly on the bottom of a 9 x 13 inch baking dish. Pour gravy over the top. Place uncovered dish in preheated oven at 350 degrees for one hour.
Grocery List:
hamburger
milk
salt
pepper
saltines
egg
Vidalia onion
Heinz Homestyle Savory Beef gravy
canola oil
Approximate Cost: $6.89
by Holly
1 1/2 c. bran (or bran cereal, even raisin bran is fine)
1 1/4 c. whole wheat flour
1/2 c. honey
1/3 c. oil
1 egg
3 t. baking powder
1 1/2 c. milk
butter-flavored, non-stick cooking spray
Mix all together thoroughly. Spoon 1/2 full into muffin pan that has been well-coated with non-stick spray.
Bake at 375 for 30 minutes.
Grocery List:
bran
whole wheat flour
honey
oil
egg
baking powder
milk
non-stick cooking spray
Approximate Cost: $4.78