Mexican Corn Bread

1 - 17 oz. can cream style corn
1 c. buttermilk
2/3 c. canola oil
2 eggs
1 c. Jiffy cornbread mix
1 - 4 oz. can chopped jalapeño peppers, drained
1 1/2 c. sharp cheddar cheese, grated

Combine corn, buttermilk, oil and eggs. Mix well. Stir in cornbread mix.

Pour half of the batter in a 9 inch square pan. Sprinkle with peppers and half of the cheese. Pour rest of the batter on top. Sprinkle with the rest of the cheese. Bake at 350 degrees for 50 minutes.


Grocery List:
17 oz. can cream style corn
buttermilk
canola oil
2 eggs
1 box Jiffy cornbread mix
4 oz. can chopped jalapeño peppers
sharp cheddar cheese

Approximate cost: $4.26

Gumbo

2 T. bacon drippings (from 3 slices bacon, cooked)
1 green pepper, minced
2 stalks celery, finely chopped
1 minced white onion
2 T. flour
1 large can tomatoes, crushed or puréed
frozen bag of okra
1 1/2 t. salt
1/8 t. pepper
1 clove garlic, minced
2 c. shrimp, cooked (can be the frozen, pre-cooked kind, thawed)
8 T. gumbo file' (I like this brand the best.)
2 c. Minute Rice (cooked according to package)

Warm bacon drippings in a large stock pot. Sauté green peppers, onion, garlic and celery over low heat for five minutes. Stir in flour and cook for 1 minute more. Add okra, tomatoes, salt and pepper. Bring to a simmer on medium high heat. Add shrimp and continue to simmer for ten minutes. Remove from heat and add gumbo file'. Serve over fluffy rice and top with bits of bacon.


Grocery List:
bacon
green pepper
celery
white onion
flour
large can tomatoes
frozen bag of okra
salt
pepper
garlic
shrimp
gumbo file'
minute rice

Approximate cost: $11.89

Broccoli Salad

2 bunches broccoli, chopped
1 t. vinegar
8 slices bacon, cooked crisply
1/2 vidalia onion, chopped finely
1/2 c. sunflower seeds, shelled
1/2 c. raisins
1/2 c. Miracle Whip
1/3 c. sugar

Mix all together thoroughly and refrigerate 2 hours before serving.


Grocery List:
broccoli
vinegar
bacon
vidalia onion
raisins
Miracle Whip
sugar
sunflower seeds

Approximate cost: $5.43

Mama Ora's Fried Pies

3 c. flour
3 t. baking powder
1/2 t. salt
2 eggs
1 c. evaporated milk
1/2 c. shortening
12 oz. dried apricots (or apples, plums, pineapples, etc)
1 1/2 c. water (plus 3 T. for moistening edges)
1 T corn starch
2 c. sugar (plus 1/2 c. for sprinkling on the pies at the end)
1 stick butter
3 c. canola oil

In large mixing bowl, combine flour, baking powder and salt. Cut shortening into the size of peas. Beat eggs in a 2-cup Pyrex container and add milk to it. Pour in the center of the flour and mix until it forms a ball. Put in refrigerator until ready to use.

In a medium sauce pan, put in dried fruit and cover with water. Bring to a boil on medium high heat and cook slowly until tender. Mix 1 T. corn starch with 2 c. sugar. Add to fruit. Cook slowly on medium low heat until thick. Then stir in one 1 stick butter until it melts. Remove from heat.

Roll out flour pastry to about 1/4 inch thick and cut with a saucer or circle cutter (about 8 inches in diameter). Put about 3 tablespoons of fruit in the center of each pastry. Moisten edges with water and fold edges together to make a half-circle, mashing them together with the tine of a fork to completely seal all around.

Slip pie into hot oil (375 degrees) in large pot (or Fry Daddy). Turn the pie, when golden brown. Remove with a slotted spoon and place on a paper towel lined cookie sheet. Sprinkle each one evenly with sugar.


Grocery List:
flour
baking powder
salt
2 eggs
1 can evaporated milk
shortening (Crisco)
12 oz. dried apricots (or apples, plums, pineapples, etc)
corn starch
sugar
butter
canola oil

Approximate cost: $7.78

Fried Green Tomatoes

3 large green tomatoes
2 c. yellow cornmeal
1 t. salt
1/2 t. pepper
1/2 t. paprika
1 T. flour
1 T. butter
1/2 c. bacon fat (from 1/2 lb. cooked bacon)
1/4 c. Crisco

Slice tomatoes about 1/4 inch thick. Mix together cornmeal, 3/4 t. salt, pepper, paprika, and flour in a large mixing bowl. Dip each tomato in flour mixture on both sides and set aside on a large plate.

Heat butter, bacon fat and Crisco in a large frying pan on medium high heat for five minutes. Gently place two tomatoes at a time in the pan. Cook for about five minutes on each side or until golden brown. Remove to a plate with a paper towel to soak up grease. Sprinkle 1/4 salt evenly on top of the finished tomatoes.


Grocery List:
3 large green tomatoes
yellow cornmeal
salt
pepper
paprika
flour
butter
1/2 lb. bacon
Crisco

Approximate cost: $3.48

Southern Fried Chicken

3 lbs. thawed, chicken breasts with skin (can use a fryer, thighs, legs or wings, too)
1 c. heavy cream
2 T. water
2 eggs
2 c. flour
1 t. salt
1/4 t. pepper
1/2 t. paprika
1 c. bacon fat (from about 1 lb. cooked bacon--great with fresh green beans)
1 c. Crisco
1 T. butter

Shake 1/2 t. salt and 1/8 t. pepper evenly over chicken in a 13 X 9 inch baking dish. Let sit for about 20 minutes. In a large bowl, mix cream, eggs, and water--mix thoroughly. Pour mixture over chicken. Refrigerate for one hour. In a large bowl, mix flour, paprika, 1/2 t. salt and 1/8 t. pepper Roll chicken in flour, covering completely. Set aside in another 13 X 9 inch baking dish.

On medium high heat in a large frying pan, melt butter, Crisco and bacon fat. Let heat for about 5 minutes. Place chicken, two at a time, in the hot oil. Turn after about 7 1/2 minutes on each side. Chicken should be golden brown and cooked through until it is white and flaky.


Grocery List:
3 lbs. chicken breasts with skin
heavy cream
2 eggs
flour
salt
pepper
paprika
1 lb. bacon
Crisco
butter

Approximate cost: $7.76

Zucchini Bread

1/3 c. margarine
2 eggs
1 1/2 c. sugar
1 t. cinnamon (This is my favorite!)
2 t. vanilla (This is my favorite brand.)
1/2 t. salt
1/4 t. baking soda
1 t. baking powder
1 t. grated lemon rind (zest of lemon--Here's a good zester.)
3 c. flour
3 c. shredded zucchini
1/4 c. chopped walnuts (optional)
cooking spray

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Combine margarine, eggs, and sugar until smooth. Add vanilla and lemon rind. Slowly add dry ingredients, salt, baking soda, baking powder, and flour, stirring continuously. Thoroughly mix in shredded zucchini and walnuts (if desired).

Spray the bottom of two loaf pans with cooking spray. Spread batter evenly, filling each pan 3/4. Bake for one hour.


Grocery List:
margarine
eggs
sugar
cinnamon
vanilla
salt
baking soda
baking powder
grated lemon rind
flour
zucchini
walnuts (optional)

Approximate cost: $4.62
cooking spray

Breakfast Casserole

8 eggs
6 sliced bread, cubed
1 c. sharp cheddar
2 c. milk
1 t. salt
1 t. mustard
1/2 bar cream cheese
1-2 cans green chilies
1 pound sausage, cooked (We like Jimmy Dean's maple sausage)

Beat eggs, milk, 1/2 cheddar, salt, mustard, cream cheese and chilies together. Mix well. Add cooked sausage. Put cubes of bread in 13X9" baking dish. Pour mixture on top. Cover with rest of cheese. Can refrigerate over night before cooking. Bake at 350 degrees for 30 minutes. Wonderful!!


Grocery List:
8 eggs
bread
sharp cheddar
milk
salt
mustard
cream cheese
1-2 cans green chilies
1 pound Jimmy Dean's maple sausage

Approximate cost: $6.92

Wonderful Broccoli Cheese Soup

1 c. chopped onion
2 garlic cloves (about 1 t. minced)
2 T. butter
3 c. chicken stock (3 c. water and 3 chicken bouillon cubes)
16 oz. frozen chopped broccoli
1/3 c. flour
2 1/2 c. milk
1/4 t. pepper
8 oz. cubed Velveeta
8 oz. shredded pepper jack cheese

Sauté 1 c. chopped onion 2 garlic cloves (about 1 t. minced) in 2 T. butter until the onions are translucent. Add 3 c. chicken stock (3 c. water and 3 chicken bouillon cubes), 16 oz. frozen chopped broccoli. Bring to a boil, then reduce to medium heat for 10 minutes. Mix 1/3 c. flour blended with 2 1/2 c. milk. and stir into pot. Cook for 5 minutes more on medium heat. Add 1/4 t. pepper. Reduce heat to low and add 8 oz. cubed Velveeta and 8 oz. shredded pepper jack cheese. Puree about 1/3 of the soup.


Grocery List:
onion
garlic
butter
chicken bouillon cubes
frozen chopped broccoli
flour
milk
pepper
Velveeta
pepper jack cheese

Approximate cost: $7.33

Wonderful Cajun Rice

1 bunch green onions and tops, chopped
1 lg. green pepper, chopped
3 ribs celery, chopped
1 T. canola (or olive) oil
1 lb smoked sausage link, thinly sliced
1/2 lb. ground beef (or turkey)
1/2 c. shrimp, peeled and cooked (or 2 cans chicken of the sea shrimp)
1 can Rotel diced tomatoes
2 boxes of Uncle Ben's original long grain/ wild rice mixes
1 t. Worcestershire sauce

Sauté vegetables in oil. Brown sausage and beef. In large covered stock pot, combine all ingredients using Rotel as part of the water called for on both rice mixes (Rotel and water should equal about 2 2/3 cups). For thinner more soupy mixture, add another 2 cups of water. Cover and simmer approximately 25 minutes.


Grocery List:
green onions
green pepper
celery
canola oil
smoked sausage link
ground beef (or turkey)
shrimp
Rotel diced tomatoes
2 boxes of Uncle Ben's original long grain/ wild rice mixes
Worcestershire sauce

Approximate cost: $8.49

Banana Berry Pie

1 small box banana cream pudding

1 graham cracker pie crust

2 c. milk

1 small tub Cool Whip

5 strawberries, sliced

25 raspberries (or blueberries)

2 bananas, sliced

1 Hershey bar, divided

Prepare pudding according to package directions, using 2 c. milk. Mix thoroughly. Pour into pie shell. Cover with whipped topping. Then place berries in a nice pattern with Hershey bars around the entire pie. Chill for 15 minutes before serving.

Grocery List:

banana cream pudding

milk

graham cracker pie crust

small tub Cool Whip

strawberries

raspberries (or blueberries)

bananas

1 Hershey bar

Approximate cost: $4.25

Blackberry Cream Pie

1 c. plus 2 T. sugar, divided
1 8 oz carton plain creamy yogurt
4 T. flour, divided
1/8 t. salt
4 c. fresh blackberries (or blueberries or raspberries)
9 inch graham cracker pie crust
1/2 c. oats
1 T. butter

Combine 1 cup sugar, yogurt, 1 T. flour and salt. Stir well. Sprinkle 1 T. flour on the pie shell and then cover with berries. Sprinkle 1 T. sugar over berries. Evenly distribute yogurt mixture over berries. Combine oats, 1 T. sugar and melted butter. Sprinkle over yogurt and berries. Bake at 375 degrees for 45-50 minutes or until the center of the pie is firm.


Grocery List:
sugar
plain creamy yogurt
flour
salt
4 c. blackberries (can substitute blueberries or raspberries)
1 unbaked graham cracker pie crust
oats
butter

Approximate cost: $5.65

Homemade Vanilla or Chocolate Ice Cream

Frozen Ice Cream Maker (This one requires no ice or rock salt--cool!!)

Vanilla:
1 1/2 c. sweetened condensed milk
3 1/2 c. homogenized milk
1/2 c. sugar
2 2/3 c. heavy whipping cream
1 T. vanilla extract

Stir the condensed milk into the homogenized milk. Scrape well from the sides and mix thoroughly. Dissolved sugar in the milk and add cream. Cool the mix in the refrigerator for one hour. Add vanilla and begin to follow the instructions for freezing with your ice cream maker.

Chocolate:
1 1/2 c. sweetened condensed milk
3 1/2 c. homogenized milk
1/2 c. sugar
2 2/3 c. heavy whipping cream
1 1/3 c. unsweetened cocoa powder (I like the Dutch process kind by Penzey's.)
1/2 c. sugar
1 c. water

Stir the condensed milk into the homogenized milk. Scrape well from the sides and mix thoroughly. Dissolved sugar in the milk and add cream. Cool the mix in the refrigerator for one hour. Blend the cocoa and sugar together. While heating water to 180 degrees, add in the cocoa-sugar mixture. Mix slowly and stir constantly. Allow the mix to cool to refrigerator temperature for one hour longer. Follow the instructions for freezing with your ice cream maker.

** These recipes are from the 1997 April/ May issue of Compressed Air magazine and formulated by Penn State's, Dr. Philip Keeney. Their practices are public knowledge--and their ice cream is SO GOOD!


Grocery List (Vanilla):
3 cans sweetened condensed milk
1 gallon homogenized milk
sugar
3 pints heavy whipping cream
vanilla extract

Approximate cost: $8.55

Grocery List: (Chocolate):
3 cans sweetened condensed milk
1 gallon homogenized milk
sugar
3 pints heavy whipping cream
cocoa

Approximate cost: $10.96

Blueberry or Raspberry Syrup

2 c. juice from blueberries (or raspberries), extracted through a sieve or whole/crushed
2 c. sugar
2 c. white corn syrup

Heat juice or berries to boiling on medium high heat. Add sugar, stir until dissolved. Add corn syrup, heat to boiling and simmer about 5 minutes. Seal in hot, sterilized jars. Use in ice cream, pancakes and waffles (my favorite waffle iron). Give as gifts!


Grocery List:
blueberries or raspberries (2 pints for syrup with berries in it, 4 pints for just the juice)
sugar
white corn syrup

Approximate cost: $7.50 (Raspberries are on sale at our store right now for $1.00 per half pint.)

Salsa

2 28 ounce cans whole peeled tomatoes
1 jalapeños (can add one extra for more heat)
3 cloves garlic
2 t. Accent seasoning
2 t. salt
1/4 c. fresh cilantro

Drain 1/2 c. juice from the tomatoes into blender. Add garlic, jalapeños, Accent, salt and cilantro. Blend thoroughly.

Drain rest of juice from tomatoes into sink, then add tomatoes to blender. Pulse gently about three or four times for chunky salsa. May blend thoroughly for smooth salsa. Great with these, Tostitos Sensations Red Chile & Lime Tortilla Chips.


Grocery List:
2 cans whole, peeled tomatoes (28 oz)
2-3 jalapeños
Accent seasoning
salt
cilantro
garlic

Approximate cost: $3.65

Lemon Mint Tea

10 individual serving tea bags
4 lemons, sliced or quartered
3 T. crushed fresh mint leaves
2 c. boiling water
1 1/4 c. fresh orange juice
16 oz can frozen lemonade concentrate
1/2 c. sugar
8 1/4 c. water

Place tea bags and mint leaves in bottom of a large pitcher (I like this one). Add boiling water. Cover and steep for 5 minutes. Strain out tea bags and mint leaves. Stir in orange juice, lemonade concentrate, sugar and rest of water. Cover and chill 4 hours. If desired, strain mixture. Add lemons to pitcher. Serve over ice. Yields 3 qts.


Grocery List:
tea bags (I like Louisiane the best.)
4 lemons
3 sprigs mint
Fresh orange juice
frozen lemonade concentrate
sugar

Approximate cost: $4.99

Fresh Raspberry Soup

7 c. raspberries, rinsed and drained

1/3 c. sugar

2 T. cornstarch

1/2 t. zest of orange (orange rind, grated finely)

2 c. orange juice

2/3 c. water

1 c. extra creamy vanilla yogurt

Process raspberries in blender. Strain and discard seeds. Combine with sugar, cornstarch, orange zest, orange juice and water. Cook in a large stock pot over medium heat. Stir until it boils. Reduce heat to low and simmer for one minute. Remove and cook. Cover and chill for 1 hour. Then gently fold in 2/3 c. yogurt. Top with remaining yogurt. Can serve in these and use this to make the vanilla topping pretty. Makes 8 servings.

Grocery List:

7 c. raspberries

sugar
cornstarch
1 orange

orange juice
water
extra creamy vanilla yogurt

Approximate cost: $17.01

Roasted Rosemary Potatoes

24 small red potatoes, cut in half
1 T. olive oil
cooking spray
1 1/4 t. crushed rosemary
1/4 t. thyme
1/2 t. salt
1/8 t. pepper

Brush halved potatoes with olive oil. Place in a single layer on a 13 X 9 inch baking dish, sprayed with cooking spray. Combine spices and sprinkle evenly on top. Cook at 375 degrees for 60 minutes.


Grocery List:
Bag of red potatoes
olive oil
cooking spray
rosemary
thyme
salt
pepper

Approximate cost: $4.75

Chicken Spaghetti

4 frozen, boneless, skinless chicken breasts (save broth)
1 can cream of chicken
1 can cream of mushroom
4 T. butter
2 stalks celery, sliced
1 medium vidalia onion, diced
1 medium red bell pepper, chopped
16 oz. spaghetti noodles (note a difference from package directions)
1 small jar pimentos
1 lb. Velveeta cheese, cubed
1/2 c. freshly grated Parmesan

This is how I cook the chicken--cook it first.

In a large stock pot, pour in all the chicken broth minus one cup to set aside for the recipe. Heat on high until boiling rapidly. Add spaghetti noodles and cook for the time on the package. Set aside and drain, gently stirring in 2 T. butter.

In a medium sauce pan melt butter and sauté celery, onions and red bell pepper on medium heat until onions are translucent. Slowly add in 1 c. hot chicken broth (after the chicken is completely cooked) and the cream of mushroom and cream of chicken soups (undiluted). Add in Velveeta cubes and melt slowly on medium low heat, stirring often. When melted, add in pimentos. Cube the chicken and slowly stir into mixture.

Layer in a 9 X 13 inch baking dish noodles, then sauce and top with Parmesan. Bake in oven at 350 degrees for 15-20 minutes, until bubbly. Great for company. Serves 8-10.


Grocery List:
boneless, skinless chicken breasts
1 can cream of chicken
1 can cream of mushroom
butter
celery
1 medium vidalia onion
1 medium red bell pepper
16 oz. spaghetti noodles
1 small jar pimentoes
Velveeta cheese
fresh Parmesan cheese

Approximate cost: $13.06

Funnel Cake

2 c. flour
1 t. baking powder
1/2 t. salt
2 eggs
2 c. milk (may need to add a tablespoon or two more based on the consistency of the batter)
1 c. canola or sunflower oil
Mix all ingredients together thoroughly. Heat oil in a large frying pan on medium high heat for 5 minutes. Put batter into a funnel, holding your thumb over the hole until ready to pour. Pour batter into oil in a criss-cross motion, covering the bottom of the pan. If the batter is too thick to go through the funnel hole, add a tablespoon or two more milk. Cook to a light brown on both sides. Then remove from oil and drain on a paper towel. Sprinkle with powdered sugar and cinnamon. I like these shakers. Serve while hot. (Picture from Wikipedia.)



Grocery List:
flour
baking powder
salt
2 eggs
milk
canola or sunflower oil

Approximate cost: $3.74

Chocolate Four-layer Delight

This recipe is from Meredith's blog. Go check her out at her blog or recipe blog!

This is John's favorite dessert. So very yummy.

1 cup flour
1 stick butter, melted
1/2 cup chopped pecans
12 oz. carton Cool Whip (divided)
8 oz. cream cheese, softened
1 cup powdered sugar
2 small boxes Jello chocolate pudding
3 cups cold milk

First layer: Mix flour, butter and pecans and pat into bottom of 9x13 Pyrex dish. Bake 15 minutes at 375. Cool completely.

Second layer: Mix 1 cup Cool Whip, cream cheese, and powdered sugar with electric mixer until fluffy. Spread on cooled crust.

Third layer: Mix the pudding and milk for 2 minutes. Spread on top of previous layer.

Fourth layer: Spread with remaining Cool Whip.Refrigerate at least 4 hours.

Meredith recommends making this with crockpot lasagna and Greek salad.


Grocery List:
flour
butter
pecans
12 oz carton Cool Whip
1 bar cream cheese
powdered sugar
2 small boxes Jello chocolate pudding
milk

Approximate cost: $5.91

Greek Salad

This recipe is from Meredith's blog. Go check her out at her blog or recipe blog!

1 head romaine lettuce (washed, dried, and torn in pieces)
1 pint cherry tomatoes, halved
thinly sliced rings of medium red onion
crumbled feta cheese
kalamata olives
cucumber slices

I don't know that I measure the above ingredients. We like tomatoes, olives, and feta, so we use lots. Only a few onions though and I can't stand cucumbers, so I omit them.

Dressing:

3 Tbsp. olive oil
3 Tbsp. lemon juice
1 clove garlic, minced or crushed
1 tsp. lemon pepper
1/2 tsp. salt
1/2 tsp. dried basil
1/2 tsp. dried oregano

Whisk together and pour over salad. Toss well and serve. It's best if you toss about 15 minutes prior to serving. Don't make and toss ahead of time. Your salad will seriously wilt if you do.

Meredith recommends this to go with the crockpot lasagna and chocolate four-layer delight that I'm about to post.


Grocery List:
1 head romaine lettuce
1 pint cherry tomatoes
medium red onion
crumbled feta cheese
kalamata olives
cucumber
olive oil
lemon juice
1 clove garlic
lemon pepper
salt
sweet basil
oregano

Approximate cost: $5.69

Crockpot Lasagna

This recipe is from Meredith's blog. Go check her out at her blog or recipe blog!

1 pound ground beef, browned
4-5 cups spaghetti sauce
24 oz. cottage cheese
1 egg
12-13 lasagna noodles, uncooked overlapping
3+ cups mozzarella cheese

1. Combine ground beef and spaghetti sauce. I add a some Italian seasonings to the sauce. 2. Combine egg and cottage cheese.3. Layer half of the ground beef mixture, the dry noodles, the cottage cheese mixture and the mozzarella cheese in the slow cooker. Repeat layers.4. Cover. Cook on high 4-5 hours or on low 6 hours.

Meredith recommends the Greek salad, which I'm about to post, and chocolate four-layer delight to go with this.


Grocery List:
1 lb. ground beef
spaghetti sauce
cottage cheese
1 egg
lasagna noodles
large block mozzarella cheese

Approximate cost: $9.23

Simple Apple Bake

This recipe is from Meredith's blog. Go check her out at her blog or recipe blog!

Sometimes in the evenings when I want something sweet, but don't want to bake something (cause I'll end up eating all of it.) I make this sweet snack. I feel like it's sorta healthy too, because of the apple and the oats.

1 apple, fuji is my fave!
1-2 Tbsp butter
1-2 Tbsp brown sugar
1/2 cup oats
cinnamon
walnuts (optional)

Cut the apple into wedges, and then into smaller pieces. In oven proof dish, add apples, butter, brown sugar, and oats. Sprinkle with cinnamon and walnuts. Bake at 400 for 20-30 minutes. Stir well, and enjoy. It's good with ice cream on top too! You can also microwave this, which is much faster, and is how I make it in the summer when I don't want to turn the oven on! I like the way it smells though when it's baking in the oven. Heavenly!


Grocery List:
1 fuji apple
butter
brown sugar
oats
cinnamon
walnuts (optional)

Approximate cost: $1.93

Hawaiian Rice

2 c. water
2 c. minute rice
3 T. butter
3 green onions, sliced
8 mushrooms, sliced
1 can cream of chicken
1/2 can frozen Dole pineapple juice (not diluted with water)
1/2 bag honey roasted Almond Accents (optional)
1 t. salt

Cook 2 cups rice according to package, using 2 cups water, in a medium sauce pan. After it sets, stir in soup, pineapple juice (not diluted with water), almonds and salt.

In a separate small frying pan, melt butter. Sauté mushrooms and onions for 4 minutes on medium heat. Mix this into the mixture in the sauce pan. Cook on medium low for 5 minutes more. Makes 6-8 servings. Serve with chicken or Crusty Fried Pork Chops.


Grocery List:
minute rice
butter
bunch green onions
small container fresh mushrooms
1 can cream of chicken soup
1 can frozen Dole pineapple juice
1 bag honey roasted Almond Accents (in the produce section)
salt

Approximate cost: $4.86

Crusty Fried Pork Chops

6-8 medium sized pork chops
1 c. buttermilk
1 c. flour
1 t. salt
1/8 t. pepper
1/2 t. garlic powder
1/2 t. Tony Chachere's original creole seasoning (optional)
1 1/2 c. vegetable oil (can substitute olive or canola)
2 T. bacon grease

Thaw chops, if frozen. Heat oil and bacon grease (if you don't keep bacon grease on hand, just fry up two pieces and use the oil--you can save the bacon and crush it into bits for a great salad topper) in a large frying pan on medium high. Mix together in a medium sized bowl flour, salt, pepper, Tony Chachere's and garlic powder. In a separate medium bowl pour in all the buttermilk.

One by one submerge the pork chop in buttermilk then in the flour mixture. Press mixture into pork chop on both sides. Set on a plate. Let sit for at least two minutes before frying one or two at a time on both sides until golden brown--about 8 minutes. I cover the frying pan with the lid for at least five minutes per pork chop. Drain each one on a plate with a napkin. Test to make sure each one is cooked through, showing no pink or red, just white.


Grocery List:
6-8 medium pork chops
buttermilk
flour
salt
pepper
garlic powder
Tony Chachere's (optional)
vegetable oil
2 slices bacon (for grease)

Approximate cost: $4.64

Eleanor's Blueberry Muffins

2 c. flour
1 c. sugar
1 T. baking powder
1/2 t. salt
1 egg
1 c. milk
1/4 c. canola or olive oil
1 c. rinsed and dried, de-stemmed blueberries,

The night before, mix together in a batter bowl the flour, sugar, and milk, stir well. Cover and refrigerate overnight.

The next morning, preheat oven to 400 degrees. Spray muffin pans with cooking oil spray (large or small). Then add the egg, baking powder, salt and oil. Stir thoroughly. Gently mix in blueberries, trying not to crush them.

Fill each muffin cup 1/2 full and cook in oven for 20-25 minutes, when golden brown. Makes 18 regular sized muffins or 36 mini muffins. This is my grandmother's recipe. Yummy!


Grocery List:
flour
sugar
1 egg
salt
baking powder
milk
canola oil (olive oil is good, too, but more expensive)
pint of blue berries

Approximate cost: $6.53