twice is nice?

Apparently for some reason I have posted the recipe twice.   Suzanne Hailey must be rubbing off on me, since you posted a "nothing, nada, Zip," on her blog this past week.   Sorry Susan.   I found the name of the recipe, Pineapple Lush, not my made up name of Pineapple Tower, both of which do no justice to the recipe.   For something so heavenly and low calorie, low fat, it needs a better name. 

I have since deleted the other and listed its real name.

Pineapple Lush

I found this recipe in with the Sunday coupons a few weeks back and thought it would be perfect for the baby shower.  it was an instant hit.   Some had intended to decline dessert until this was being passed around.   It is so simple to make and does not wreck your diet.

I cannot remember the name so i call it pineapple tower.

1 angel food cake

1 can of Dole packed in own juice crushed pineapple (DO NOT DRAIN)

1 regular package of instant vanilla pudding

1 cup of Cool Whip -  I use the light

Mix the crushed pineapple and instant vanilla pudding together, then fold in the Cool Whip.

Split the angel food cake into 3 layers using a long serrated knife or a string.  i like the knife better.  Set aside.  

Now add some of the pineapple/pudding/coolwhip mixture on the bottom layer.  Spread but  DO NOT frost sides.  Then add another layer, and repeat process and then the final layer and spread remaining mixture.  Then top with fresh strawberries, raspberries or blueberries or a combo.   then refrigerate for 1 hour.   This is an instant hit in our family. 

Cake mix cookies

These cookies are great, you can "doctor" them up to suit your fancy with m & m's, coconut, whatever.    Although this is not a depression recipe, it is a thrifty recipe

1 pkg supermoist cake mix(any flavor) - buy on sale when $1 a box,

1/3 cup shortening, 1/3 cup butter, 1/2 tsp vanilla, and 1 egg.

Mix 1/2 of the cake mix with last four ingredients.  Then add the rest of the cake mix.  Bake at 375 degrees for 9 - 11 minutes.  Cool on pan for 2-3 minutes.   Frost if you like. 

Creamed chicken

1 recipe homemade chicken stock

Melt 6 tbsp butter and blend in 6 tbsp flour, 1 tsp light slat, and 1/8 to 1/4 tsp pepper.  Cook over low heat until bubbly. 

Using a wire whisk to avoid lumps, slowly stir in 1  1/2 cups seasoned chicken stock.  Add 1/2 cup of cooked cut up chicken.  Serve over mashed potatoes, biscuits, or slices of bread.

Chicken and Dumplings

These dumplings are substantial, not fluffy

One recipe chicken stock - scroll down (canned/packaged not the same)

Dumplings:  3 eggs beaten, 1/2 tsp salt, enough flour to mix in thoroughly. 

Beat eggs in a 2 qt bowl, and then gradually add the flower, beating with a fork (works better) until it loses its stickiness.  Have chicken stock at a full rolling boil.  Using a teaspoon, scoop up the dough, twirl in stock until it releasees, and repeat until done.  Thes dumplings do not get fluffy.  Cook for 20 minutes and serve. 

Chicken Stock:

Save all your odds and end pieces of chicken you don't use for chicken stock.  It doesn't take many, a couple legs and thighs plus backs, necks from cut up chicken.  Make sure to save the yellow fat of the chicken, do not throw away.    That is what gives the yummy flavor.  Place all of these in a 3 qut saucepan and add enough water to cover, then bring to boil.  Salt sparingly or use light salt. Let simmer on medium low heat for 2-3 hours until chicken is cooked thorugh.   Skim the "stuff" - sort of a gray color, which accumulates on the top, several times and discard.   This is natural, and nothing to be alarmed about.   Place in refrigerator to cool, or use immediately for Creamed Chicken, Chicken and Dumplings, or Chicken and homemade noodles

Biscuits and Syrup

Here is another way to stretch the budget. 

I grew up with this - it filled your stomach but did not blow the budget.   However, you must remove the mindset that breakfast foods are only for breakfast. 

1 can refrigerated biscuits, bottle of your favorite syrup, and 1/2 to 1 doz eggs.

Use whatever brand of canned biscuits located in the dairy section of your local grocer, or if you like, make them yourself.  In this recipe you are not going to butter the biscuit and use in place of bread.

Bake the biscuits according to package directions.   Split the biscuits in two, and place on a plate, and then pour your favorite warm syrup over the biscuits.  Serve with scrambled eggs on the side.    This fills you up and it will only cost a family of four about $3.  This price does not include the syrup, since most families have this on hand anyway. 

Eat Well on a tight budget

It takes ingenuity to set a proper meal for your family, but these recipes help.   They date back to the depression era when families knew how to stretch a meal. 

Macaroni and Hamburger

1 pound of hamburger, the best you can afford

1/2 box of macaroni - use wheels, or shells, something different, your kids will love the change from elbow 

1 large can of diced tomatoes, salt and pepper to taste.

Brown the ground beef in a large skillet- you can add chopped onion if you like while it is cooking.  Drain off any grease.   At the same time that you are browing the ground beef cook the macaroni in a 2 qt pan to al dente style which is slightly firm (do not overcook, macaroni should be slightly firm not large and soft when it is finished - check package directions). Drain the macaroni.   Mix the macaroni into the skillet.  Add the can of tomatoes and serve.  This recipe can be adjusted according to your needs.   This recipe heats up well in the microwave. 

Your New Section