Homemade pizza, $6.12 two pizzas

 

We are pizza people, for sure. We have homemade pizza at least once a week. Pizza is great because you can customize it for your family and what you have on hand. In the picture above, I had some leftover turkey ham and turkey bacon that I used as a topping on one pizza. The other I left plain cheese, a homage to Kevin from Home Alone. (Guess what we watched today?) Here's how I make our pizza crust and sauce. YUM!

Homemade Pizza

Crust:

•  1 1/2 cups of warm water
• 1 pk yeast (or 2 1/4 teaspoons yeast)
• 1 TBS oil
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 3 cups all-purpose flour, plus more if needed

Dissolve yeast in warm water in your stand mixer bowl. Stir in oil and salt. Add 3 cups of flour. Don't mix, but attach the bowl to the mixer. Mix with the stand's kneading hook until dough pulls away from the sides of the bowl, adding more flour in needed. Pull dough off the hook and form into a ball in the bowl. Drizzle with some oil and turn to coat dough and bowl. Cover and place in a draft-free, warm area until dough is doubled, about an hour.

Punch dough down; divide it into two pieces and press onto two greased, round 12 inch pizza pans.

Lazy-gal's Pizza Sauce:

• 8 oz can tomato sauce
• garlic powder
• oregano

Pour half of tomato sauce on each pizza crust. Sprinkle each with garlic powder and oregano and then spread the sauce evenly over dough with the back of a spoon.

Toppings

• 3 cups shredded reduced-fat mozzarella
• Turkey Pepperoni (or toppings of your choice)

Sprinkle 1 1/2 cups of cheese on each pizza, then top with pepperonis or other toppings you have chosen.

Bake in preheated 425 degree oven on lowest shelf for 13-15 minutes or until cheese is melted and crust is lightly browned. Makes two 12 inch pizzas.

Total: $6.12 two pizzas,  $.38 per slice (calculated at Aldi's prices)

Nutrition Info
1 slice, CALORIES 179, FAT 5.3g, SODIUM 372, CARBS 21g, FIBER 1, PROTIEN 11g, Weight Watch points plus 5

 

Dieting on a Budget

At a recent doctor visit, my blood pressure was high. I've never had blood pressure other than when I was pregnant. It was definitely a wake up call. I'm too young to have high blood pressure! I need to loose weight. For a few weeks I looked up healthy recipes and had a ball finding delicious recipes with low calories and fat. But my grocery bill increased every week. It can be really expensive too eat healthily.

At this point in our lives, it is very necessary for us to reduce our grocery bill. Other bills will not get paid if we don't. It's serious. I am going to have to try to eat healthily and save money.

So here's my current diet plan. I will fix my regular frugal meals and improvise as I go along. You'll notice that most of the recipes on my blog use ground turkey instead of ground beef. Turkey is much healthier and in my area it is actually less expensive. I try to use reduced fat cheese and sour cream when I can get it for a good price. All of this helps.

There are some meals that I can skip the starchy side dish, too. For example, my oldest daughter loves mac and cheese so I make it for her about once a week. Those nights, I'll eat the meat and veggie and skip the mac and cheese. It's usually plenty of food and I save on calories and carbs.

I try to keep fruits and veggies stocked as snacks. We are able to get WIC which helps us buy some fresh fruit and veggies.

So far I've lost 10 pounds, which is the first weight loss goal my doctor recommended. Yay! I'll keep my eyes and ears open for more budget friendly dieting tips and share them here.

Ham and Cheese Soft Pretzel Bites

I found this yummy recipe on Pinterest. I had to try it. There's a little work involved, but its delicious, filling and so frugal!

Click here for the recipe with tutorial. NOTE: I did do one thing differently. Instead of cutting the rolls into bites and then boiling them. I boiled the rolls, baked them and then cut them. This saves time and keeps the filling inside. YUM! Also, I used Turkey Ham and Reduced Fat Cheddar Cheese.

Total: $2.15, serves 8, $.27 per serving

Nutrition Facts
1/8 of recipe, CALORIES 177, FAT 2.4g, PROTEIN 9.4g, CARBS 30g, FIBER 1.25g,
SODIUM 218mg, WW Points Plus 5 points

 

Menu Plan: Week of Thanksgiving, $93 at Aldi

Dinners

• Knefla* (German potato soup with dumplings), homemade rolls
• Baked Chicken, buttered noodles with Parmesan, corn
• Spaghetti (trying with 1/2 the meat), salad
• Homemade corn dogs*, Herb and Parmesan Potato Slices *
• Parmesan Baked Fish*, noodle side
• Venison Tenderlion Sandwiches*, baked potatoes
• Homemade Pizza*, salad

Note: I had hot dogs, fish, chicken and venison in the freezer. I had the noodle side in the pantry from a previous coupon deal.

Lunches

• Pizzadilla*
• Ham and Cheese Soft Pretzel Bites*
• Breakfast Burritos*
• Ramen noodles
• grilled cheese
• PBJ
• Leftovers

Breakfast

• Pull Apart Pumpkin Bread*
• Cereal
• Toast
• Waffles
• Eggs
• French Toast

Snacks

• Homemade granola bars
• Tortilla Chips and salsa (salsa leftover from last week)
• Pumpkin bread*

Thanksgiving Day (bring sides to in-law's)

• Pistachio Fluff
• Broccoli Salad
• Pecan Pie Bars 

Shopping list and price list coming soon.

Price Breakdown: Spaghetti, $3.69 or less

We had spaghetti tonight. I knew it was a frugal meal, but I was curious about the bottom line. Let's break it down.

1 lb ground turkey, $1.69, Aldi (in the frozen section)
26 oz can Hunt's spaghetti sauce, $1.00, Walmart or Dollar Tree
12 oz whole wheat spaghetti, about $1.00 (see note below)
serves 6

Total: $3.69 or less! $.62 per serving

Note: Pasta is an item that often goes on sale and can be a good coupon deal. I bought the spaghetti we had tonight for $.39, making our meal $3.08 or $.51 per serving.

This is weird, but only two of the Picky Kids Quad will eat spaghetti. Don't ask; I don't know.

Awesome price on Milk: $1.99 gallon!

I went shopping at Aldi today and milk was $1.99 a gallon. I had to share. I haven't seen milk this cheap in a long while!

No Bake Granola Bars

I've been on the look out for a good granola bar recipe. I knew that making our own bars would be cheaper and better for us. How knows what all they put in the ones you buy from the store. After a few fails, I found a no-bake recipe and modified it a little. The results are super yummy and the Picky Kids Quad begged for more.

Quick and Easy Chewy Peanut Butter Granola Bars

• 2 cups quick oats
• 1 1/2 cups Rice Krispies cereal
• 1 cup chunky peanut butter
• 1/2 cup corn syrup
• 1/4 cup brown sugar
• 1/8 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp vanilla extract 

 Line an 8 by 8-inch baking dish with aluminum foil leaving a 2-inch overhang. In a large mixing bowl, toss together oats and Rice Krispies, set aside. In a separate microwave safe mixing bowl, combine peanut butter, corn syrup, brown sugar and salt. Heat mixture on HIGH power for 1 minute, remove and stir. Return to microwave and heat on HIGH power 1 minute longer. Remove from microwave, pour in vanilla and whisk mixture for 30 seconds. Pour peanut butter mixture over oat mixture and toss well to evenly coat. Pour mixture into prepared baking dish, firmly press mixture into an even layer. Cover with plastic wrap and freeze 10 - 15 minutes to make it easier to cut. Lift bars from dish using foil overhang and cut into bars. Store in an airtight container.



Total: $1.84, $.12 a bar

Compare to Quaker Chewy Granola Bars, which are about $.22 a bar at Walmart.com. (maybe more in stores, I'll check it out.)

Cheesy Pepperoni Pasta Bake

This started out as an idea for a meatless meal until I realized that I would have pepperoni leftover from pizza this week. The Picky Kid Quad liked this because it reminded them of pizza.

 

Cheesy Pepperoni Pasta Bake

16 oz whole wheat rontini or penne pasta, cooked according to package directions
24 or 28 oz jar spaghetti sauce
4 oz turkey pepperoni (1/2 bag, save the other half for homemade pizza)
2 cups shredded mozzarella

Stir the pasta and sauce together and pout into a 13 x 9 inch pan. Lay pepperonis over pasta and top with cheese. Bake for 20 minutes or until heated through and cheese is melted. Simple and delicious. Serves 8.

Total: $4.53, $.57 per serving

Nutrition Facts
1/8 of recipe, CALORIES 235, FAT 9.3g, PROTEIN 16g, CARBS 25g, FIBER 3.4g,
SODIUM 786mg, WW Points Plus 6 points

Price Breakdown: Tacos $4.92 for six servings

Tacos are not something you really need a recipe for, but I thought I would break down the cost to aid in menu planning and budgeting.

Hard shell tacos with salsa and lettuce

Taco shells $.99, Aldi
1lb ground turkey, $1.58, Save a Lot
Packet taco seasoning, $.68, my best guess
1 cup cheddar cheese, shredded, $1.00, Aldi
Salsa, 1/4 jar, $.42
Lettuce, 1/4 head, $.25
serves 6

Total $4.92 for 12 tacos, $.41 a taco

Make it even cheaper by making your own taco seasoning!

The Picky Kid Quad approves of this meal. :)

This Week's Shopping List: Save-A-Lot's prices compared to Aldi's

I was trying to save gas money today. Instead of going to Aldi, I shopped at a local store called Save-A-Lot. I don't think I "saved a lot." The prices were higher than Aldi, but for the most part lower than Walmart. Here's what I bought and the prices (store brand, unless noted.) I've also included the Aldi prices for some items:

Produce

4 pack tomatoes                           $1.49
Bananas     .49/lb                           1.37
Kale (big bag, chopped)                1.50
Head of lettuce                              1.49
Tangerines, 3 lbs                           2.00            

Dairy

American cheese singles            $2.49
Imperial stick margarine                 .79  ($.75 at Aldi)
Milk 1%, gallon                           2.99 x 3 ($2.49 at Aldi)
Shredded mozzarella 3 cups        3.19 x 2
Shredded cheddar, 3 cups            3.19 ($2.99 at Aldi)

Crackers, Bread, Chips, Pasta

Brownies (treat for kids)           $1.19
Cheese puffs                                1.49
White bread                                   .99 x 2 ($.85 at Aldi)
Honey bun (hubby's lunch)        1.00

Condiments

PB 18 oz                                      $1.99
Grape jelly, 32 oz                          1.69
Salsa, 16 oz                                   1.69 x 2

Meat

Ground turkey 12 oz                   $1.19 x 2
Lean Ground beef 3.39/lb             7.75 ($4.28 at Aldi)
Buddig Ham lunch meat, 14 oz     2.99 ($2.49 at Aldi)
Sugardale Pepperoni, 8 oz             2.69 ($1.99 at Aldi)
Sausage roll, 16 oz                        2.39
Jennie o, Turkey bacon, 12 oz       2.49 ($2.19 for 16 oz at Aldi)                          

Baking

5 lbs flour                                   1.79 x 2 ($1.29 at Aldi)
Baking powder 10 oz                   .99
Evaporated milk                           .95 ($.65 at Aldi)

Breakfast

Crispy rice cereal 12 oz               $1.99
Syrup, 24 oz                                   1.99 ($1.79 at Aldi)
Oats 42 oz                                      2.49 ($2.29 at Aldi)

Canned

Mixed fruit bowls                         $1.79 ($1.69 at Aldi)
Green beans                                      .49 x 2 ($.49 at Aldi)
Hunts pasta sauce 24oz                    .99
Libby Pineapple chunks 20 oz         .99 x 2
Pumpkin, 29 oz                               1.99
Peaches, 29 oz                                 1.69 x 2
corn, 15.25 oz                                    .49 x 2 ($.49 at Aldi)

Beverages

Drink mix, 12 pk.                           $1.19 ($.99 at Aldi)
Frozen oj, 12oz                                 1.69 x 2 ($1.29 at Aldi)
Sprite type pop                                  2.29 ($2.29 at Aldi)

Non Food

Diapers, size 5, 27 count               $5.99 ($4.99 at Aldi)
Baby powder 15 oz                         1.49
Paper towels 1 roll                            .50 x 2
TP, 4 rolls                                       1.99 ($2.49 at Aldi)

Unknown from my recipt: U/T BTR RND 15.1Z  $1.99

Total: 109.45

Aldi definitely has better prices. Maybe I should have driven up there....

Beef Stroganoff

Beef Stroganoff

1 lb lean ground beef

1 can reduced fat cream of mushroom soup

1/4 cup milk

1 cup light sour cream

8 oz egg noodles, prepared

Brown beef in skillet. Drain. Add soup and milk. Stir well. Stir in sour cream and cook until heated through. Serve over hot egg noodles. Serves 6.

Total: $6.21, $1.04 per serving

Nutrition Facts

1/6 of recipe, CALORIES 279, FAT 10.6g, PROTEIN 20.5g, CARBS 16.3g, FIBER .8g,
SODIUM 410mg, WW Points Plus 6 points

This Week's Menu Plan

I just don't know if it will be worth the gas money to travel the 20-some miles to Aldi this week. I think I'll shop a little more locally, at a store called Save-A-Lot. It's similar to Aldi in that it's small and they have mainly store band items. BUT you don't have to pack your own groceries, they provide bags and you don't have to use a quarter to use a cart. It will be interesting to see how the prices compare.

DINNERS
Sausage gravy and biscuits, fruit
Navajo Tacos, corn
Knefla and rolls
Rotini Pasta Bake, salad
Tacos
Christina's Salsa Chicken, rice, green beans
Homemade Pizza, salad

LUNCHES

Cheeseburger Sliders with homemade buns

Quiche (trying to use up the chicken's eggs, we have so many)

Pbj

Ramen Noodles

Breadsticks

Leftovers

BREAKFAST

Pumpkin Pancakes

Cereal

Toast

Bacon, Egg and Cheese Biscuits from freezer

Leftover Quiche

SNACKS

Homemade Granola Bars

Cajun Popcorn

Fruit

Home fries

Creamsicle Smoothies

Stay tuned for the shopping list, complete with prices. Will I spend under $100?
Also I'll list what coupon deals I got! :)

Update I ended up spending $109. This included a few treats for the kids.
Click here to see the shopping list complete with prices.

Easy Buttery Potatoes

It's hard to believe these simple potatoes are so delicious. Plus they are super cheap to make.

Easy Buttery Potatoes

2 large potatoes, peeled and cubed

Salt and pepper

1/2 stick ( 1/4 cup) margarine

Place potatoes In a sauce pan. Add water until potatoes are just covered. Add salt and pepper. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat. Simmer for 20 minutes or until potatoes are tender. Add margarine and stir until melted. Serves 6.

Total: $.86, $.14 per serving

Nutrition Facts
1/6 recipe, CALORIES 209, FAT 9, SODIUM 117.5, CARBS 30, FIBER 2.7, PROTIEN 2.6, Weight Watchers Points + 6 points

Parmesan Crusted Pork Chops

Our Kroger region regularly has boneless pork chop buy one get one free. I usually take advantage of this sale and make these chops. Freeze leftovers to use in other dishes.

Parmesan Crusted Pork Chops

1 cup dry bread crumbs

3/4 cups grated Parmesan 

Salt and pepper to taste

1/2 cup milk

2 lbs boneless pork loin chops

Oil

 Mix bread crumbs, Parmesan, salt and pepper in a small. Pour milk in another bowl. Dip pork in milk and then in crumb mixture, coating both sides. Heat oil in pan. Add pork chops and cook turning to cook both sides.  Serves 8.

Total: $5.13, $.64 per serving

Nutrition Facts
1 chop, CALORIES 276, FAT 13, SODIUM 428, CARBS 9.7, FIBER .625, PROTIEN 28.8, Weight Watchers Points + 7 points

Creamsicle Smoothies

 

My family loves these drinks. When all four of the Picky Kids Quad like something, I take note. Creamsicle Shakes are awesome for a snack or with breakfast. We've even made them for dessert. At a serving, it's easy to make room for them in the grocery budget. 

 

Creamsicle Smoothies

1/2 can frozen orange juice concentrate, undiluted

1 cup water

1 cup milk

1/2 cup sugar

1 teaspoon vanilla

10-12 ice cubes

In a blender mix all ingredients except the ice cubes until mixed. Add ices cubes two at a time until thickened. Enjoy! Makes 4 servings.

Total: $.87, $.22 per serving!

Perfect Pumpkin Pancakes

These pancakes are so good! The Picky Kid Quad gobbled them up and asked for more. Of course they are perfect for breakfast, but we had them for dinner! Why not? :) Don't skimp of the whipped topping. It puts these over the top.

Perfect Pumpkin Pancakes

2 cups flour
3/4 cup sugar
1/2 teaspoon salt
2 teaspoons baking powder
2 teaspoons baking soda
1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon vanilla
3 eggs
1 cup light sour cream
3/4 cup milk
1 cup canned pumpkin

In a large bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, salt, baking powder, baking soda and cinnamon. In a separate bowl beat the eggs adding sour cream, milk, and pumpkin. Mix well. Pour egg mixture intto the flour mixture and stir until just blended. Spoon batter onto preheated, oiled griddle, using 1/4 cup batter for each pancake. Cook pancakes slowly over low-medium heat for approximately 4-6 minutes, flipping after 3 minutes. Makes 16 pancakes, 2 pancakes per serving.

 Total with syrup: $2.90, $.36 per serving

Nutrition Facts
Two pancakes without syrup, CALORIES 250.8, FAT 4.9g, PROTEIN 8.6g, CARBS 25.4g, FIBER 1.7g, SODIUM 62.1mg, WW Points Plus points

 

Cheesy Ham Rotini Casserole

Casseroles are an awesome way to use meat efficiently. One pound of meat in a casserole goes twice as far as one pound of meat as a main dish. I lightened up a recipe I found to make it a healthier choice. Plus The crumb topping is optional, and you could also use whole wheat pasta instead of regular. My family really liked this recipe. I may even get them to eat the leftovers! That's saying something.

 

Cheesy Ham Rotini Casserole

1 lb turkey ham
12 oz tricolor rotini pasta (or 16 oz if that's what your store carries)
2 cups shredded reduced fat cheddar cheese
1 cup light sour cream
1 can reduced fat cream of mushroom soup
1/4 cup butter or margarine, melted (optional)
1 cup dry bread crumbs (optional)

 Heat oven to 400 degrees. Bring 2 quarts of water and ham to boil in a large pot. Remove ham when water begins to boil; set aside. Add pasta to pot and cook according to package directions. Chop ham.

Drain pasta and return to pot. Add ham, cheese, sour cream and soup. Scrape into a 13 x 9 inch baking dish. If desired sprinkly top of casserole with bread crumbs and then pour butter over the top. Bake for 30 minutes or until heated through.

Serves 8

Total: $6.12, $.77 per serving

Nutrition Facts
1/8 of recipe, without crumb topping, CALORIES 356, FAT 13g, PROTEIN 25g, CARBS 37g, FIBER 2g, SODIUM 945mg, WW Points Plus 9 points 

Heat oven to 400 degrees. Bring 4 quarts water and ham to boiling in large pot. Once water begins to boil, remove ham to a plate. Add macaroni to pot. Return water to boiling; cook 8 minutes, stirring occasionally. Coarsely chop ham, discarding any fat.
Drain macaroni and return to pot. Add ham, cheese, sour cream and soup. Scrape into a 13x9x2 baking dish. Pour melted butter over top. Sprinkle with bread crumbs. Bake in heated 400º oven 30 minutes or until heated through and top is golden brown. Let stand 5 minutes before serving.

Note: Prepare in two 8x8 casserole dishes, bake one and freeze one (unbaked) for another day this month. If freezing, top with crumbs and margarine right before baking.
Read more at http://www.momadvice.com/food/aldi_meal_plan_fall4.aspx#i5WqDS5LSF2XGRiX.99

Country Ham and Macaroni Casserole

Ingredients

1 lb country ham slices or regular smoked ham in one piece
1 lb elbow macaroni
2 cups shredded extra sharp cheddar cheese (8 oz)
1 cup sour cream
1 can cream of chicken soup
1/4 cup (1/2 stick) butter, melted
1 cup dry plain bread crumbs

Heat oven to 400 degrees. Bring 4 quarts water and ham to boiling in large pot. Once water begins to boil, remove ham to a plate. Add macaroni to pot. Return water to boiling; cook 8 minutes, stirring occasionally. Coarsely chop ham, discarding any fat.
Drain macaroni and return to pot. Add ham, cheese, sour cream and soup. Scrape into a 13x9x2 baking dish. Pour melted butter over top. Sprinkle with bread crumbs. Bake in heated 400º oven 30 minutes or until heated through and top is golden brown. Let stand 5 minutes before serving.

Note: Prepare in two 8x8 casserole dishes, bake one and freeze one (unbaked) for another day this month. If freezing, top with crumbs and margarine right before baking.

Read more at http://www.momadvice.com/food/aldi_meal_plan_fall4.aspx#PzSL7L1BWJUpYvcR.99

Country Ham and Macaroni Casserole

Ingredients

1 lb country ham slices or regular smoked ham in one piece
1 lb elbow macaroni
2 cups shredded extra sharp cheddar cheese (8 oz)
1 cup sour cream
1 can cream of chicken soup
1/4 cup (1/2 stick) butter, melted
1 cup dry plain bread crumbs

Heat oven to 400 degrees. Bring 4 quarts water and ham to boiling in large pot. Once water begins to boil, remove ham to a plate. Add macaroni to pot. Return water to boiling; cook 8 minutes, stirring occasionally. Coarsely chop ham, discarding any fat.
Drain macaroni and return to pot. Add ham, cheese, sour cream and soup. Scrape into a 13x9x2 baking dish. Pour melted butter over top. Sprinkle with bread crumbs. Bake in heated 400º oven 30 minutes or until heated through and top is golden brown. Let stand 5 minutes before serving.

Note: Prepare in two 8x8 casserole dishes, bake one and freeze one (unbaked) for another day this month. If freezing, top with crumbs and margarine right before baking.

Read more at http://www.momadvice.com/food/aldi_meal_plan_fall4.aspx#PzSL7L1BWJUpYvcR.99

Country Ham and Macaroni Casserole

Ingredients

1 lb country ham slices or regular smoked ham in one piece
1 lb elbow macaroni
2 cups shredded extra sharp cheddar cheese (8 oz)
1 cup sour cream
1 can cream of chicken soup
1/4 cup (1/2 stick) butter, melted
1 cup dry plain bread crumbs

Heat oven to 400 degrees. Bring 4 quarts water and ham to boiling in large pot. Once water begins to boil, remove ham to a plate. Add macaroni to pot. Return water to boiling; cook 8 minutes, stirring occasionally. Coarsely chop ham, discarding any fat.
Drain macaroni and return to pot. Add ham, cheese, sour cream and soup. Scrape into a 13x9x2 baking dish. Pour melted butter over top. Sprinkle with bread crumbs. Bake in heated 400º oven 30 minutes or until heated through and top is golden brown. Let stand 5 minutes before serving.

Note: Prepare in two 8x8 casserole dishes, bake one and freeze one (unbaked) for another day this month. If freezing, top with crumbs and margarine right before baking.

Read more at http://www.momadvice.com/food/aldi_meal_plan_fall4.aspx#PzSL7L1BWJUpYvcR.99

Boiled Cookies: A Family Favorite

Theses yummy cookies are known as Chocolate No-Bakes to most of the population, but for some reason my family called them Boiled Cookies when I was growing up. Doesn't sound too appetizing, does it? But they are quite the opposite. Yumo! And they only cost $2.27 a batch to make.

Boiled Cookies (Chocolate No-Bakes)

2 cups sugar                             ($.24, Aldi, $1.89 4lbs)
1 stick of margarine                 ($.19, Aldi, $.75 box)
4TBS  baking cocoa                 ($.28, Kroger, $3.19 canister)
1/2 cup milk                             ($.08, Aldi, $2.49 gallon)
1cup peanut butter                   ($.95, Aldi, $1.89 18oz jar)
1 teaspoon vanilla
3 1/2 cups quick oats                ($.53, Aldi, $2.29 42 oz canister)

In a heavy saucepan combine sugar, margarine, cocoa, and milk; bring to a rolling boil. Boil for one minute and then add peanut butter, vanilla and oats. Drop by teaspoonfuls onto wax paper and allow to cool and set up. Makes approximately 44 cookies.

Total cost: $2.27 a batch
 

Mandy's Chicken Rice Casserole

Mandy's Chicken Rice Casserole

3 cups cooked brown rice                                      ($.75, Aldi, $1.49 full box)
1 pound chicken breast, cooked and chopped      ($2.16, Aldi, $6.99 3 lb bag)
1 can reduced fat cream of mushroom soup         ($.59, Aldi)
1 1/2 cups reduced fat shredded cheddar cheese, divided    ($1.50, Aldi, $2.99-3 cups)
1 cup light sour cream                                           ($.65, Aldi, $1.29- 16 oz container)
garlic powder
oregano
salt and pepper, to taste

Combine all ingredients, except 1/2 cup cheese. Place in a greased 13 x 9 inch baking dish. Cover and cook for 25 minutes at 350 F. Add remaining cheese and cook, uncevered, an additional 5 minutes or until cheese is melted.

Serves 6-8

Total cost: $5.65, $.71 per serving

 

Nutrition Facts
1/8 of recipe, CALORIES 336, FAT 11g, PROTEIN 29g, CARBS 32g, FIBER 2g,
SODIUM 458mg, WW Points Plus 9 points


 

Shopping List, Two Week Aldi Meal Plan

All items are store brand unless noted. Shopping Trip totaled $169.

Produce

2 pack tomatoes                           $1.79
10 lbs russet potatoes                    1.99
Bagged salad                                   .99
Red grapes                                    1.78
3 lb Gala apples                            1.99
3 pack Summer squash                 1.49

Dairy

Kraft American Cheese Singles   $2.79
Imperial margarine sticks                .75
Shredded cheddar, 3 cups              2.99  x 3
Light sour cream, 16 oz                 1.29  x 3
2% milk, gallon                             2.49  x 3
Shredded mozzarella, 4 cups         3.29
Yogurt, 6 oz                                      .39  x 6

Crackers, Bread, Chips, Pasta

White bread                                   $.85
Nacho tortilla chips                       1.19
Restaurant style tortilla chips        1.19
Cheese Crackers                            1.89
Graham Crackers 14.4 oz              1.39
Entertainment crackers                  1.49
Taco Shells                                       .99
Egg Noodles                                   1.29
Rotini pasta, 16 oz                            .89
Instant brown rice                           1.49
Mac and cheese                                 .39  x 3

Meat

Frozen chicken breast, 3 lb           $6.49 x 2
Tub lunch meat                               2.49
93% Lean ground beef, 1 lb           4.28
Jennio turkey ham                          4.00  x 2
Ground turkey, 19.2 oz                  2.99  x 2
Turkey bacon                                 2.19
Bacon, 16 oz                                  3.89
Pepperoni                                       1.99
Frozen salmon,  lbs                        7.99

Drinks

Pop, 12 pk                                     2.29
Frozen OJ concentrate                  1.29
Drink mix, 12 packets                    .99

 Baking

Bread crumbs                               $.99
Evaporated milk                             .65
Canned pumpkin, 15 oz                 .89  x 2
4 lb sugar                                      1.89  x 2
Flour, 5 lbs                                    1.29
Vegetable oil                                 2.39
Cumin                                            .99

Breakfast

Generic Reese Puffs Cereal, 13oz       $2.19
Generic Frosted Flakes, 17 oz               1.79
Syrup, 24 oz                                           1.79
Oats, 42 oz                                             2.29

Canned

Green beans                                $.49  x 2
Crushed tomatoes, 28 oz              .99
Kidney beans                               .59
Tomato sauce, 4 oz                      .25
Corn                                             .49  x 2
Fruit bowls, 4 pk.                       1.69
Spaghetti sauce, 24 oz                1.19
Salsa, 24 oz                                 1.69

Soup

12 pk ramen                                 $2.19
Cream of mushroom soup               .59  x 3
Family size Chicken noodle         1.39

Swiss rolls                                  $1.19
Taco Seasoning                              .35

Non Food

Diapers, size 5                               $4.99
Toilet paper, four rolls                     2.49

Aldi Two Week Menu Plan

After reading about discount grocery store Aldi on several blogs, I decided to try shopping there this week to see for myself if I could save money. My goal is to get my spending down to $100 a week for my family of six. I spent $169 at Aldi for two weeks worth of groceries. BUT I made make a trip milk and items for my husbands lunches the weekend between the two weeks. And I had a roast and pork chops in the freezer and didn't have to buy them. I ended up spending about $120 a week. Better than the $150 I had been spending, but I think the budget still needs work.

I found a lot of these recipes on momadvice.com.

DINNERS

1. Roast, mashed potatoes and gravy, canned corn
2. Parmesan Crusted Pork Chops, wild rice, green beans
3. Ravioli, salad
4. Baked salmon, boiled potatoes, corn
5. Christina's Salsa Chicken, rice, refried beans
6. Poor Man's Parmesan Chicken, salad
7. Cheesy Ham Rotini Casserole, green beans
8. Stroganoff, rice, corn
9. Tacos
10. BBQ smoked sausage, mac and cheese, salad
11. Chicken rice casserole, kale
12. Simple Delicious Chili, crackers
13. Pizza, salad
14. Blacken Salmon, pasta side dish mix, summer squash

LUNCHES

• Pumpkin pancakes
• Turkey bacon quiche
• Baked Potato Soup
• PBJs
• Ramen noodle
• Chicken noodle soup
• Leftovers

SNACKS

• Apples
• Mandarin Oranges
• Yogurt
• Boiled Cookies
• Pumpkin pie
• Graham crackers and pb
• Creamsicle Smoothies 

Click here to see the shopping list complete with prices.

Out of This World Waffles: $.14 a serving

Love me some waffles. How could I not? My very picky kids eat them, and they are only $.14 a serving! Plus these waffles are only 6 Weight Watcher Points Plus points if eaten with sugar free syrup! I've even been known to make waffles for dinner. Why not? :)

Out of this World Waffles
 Taken from Country Living Cookbook 2001

2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour         ($.16, Aldi, $1.29 five pound bag)
1 TBS plus 1 tea. baking power   (price not calculated)
3/4 tea. salt                                (price not calculated)
1 1/2 TBS sugar                         (price not calculated)
2 large eggs, beaten                  ($0, we have chickens)
2 1/2 cups of milk                      ($.39, Aldi, $2.49 gallon) 
3/4 cuo vegetable oil                  ($.30, Aldi, $2.39 bottle)
Sugar-free syrup                        ($.09 for 1/8 cup, Walmart brand, $2.14)

Combine first four ingredients in a large bowl.

Combine eggs, milk, and oil; add to flour mixture, stirring with a wire wisk just until moistened.

Cook in preheated, oiled waffle iron until golden. Yield: 16 (4-inch) waffles.

Total: $2.29, just $.14 per serving

Nutrition Facts
1 waffle, CALORIES 203, FAT 11.5g, PROTEIN 4g, CARBS 24g, FIBER 2g,
SODIUM 163mg, WW Points Plus 6 points

Budget tip: Make this even cheaper to make by using milk made from powdered milk Save the "real" milk to drink with the waffles.

Leftover Tip:  Throw any leftover waffles in a freezer bag and store them in the freezer for up to one month. Reheat them in the toaster. So easy!