Easy Peasy Lo=Carb Shrimp Alfredo

Shopping day today, joy.  Everything worked out fine food wise.  I always sweat having enough money to get through to the next week and getting everything on my list.  I just want to feel like I am being a good steward of our money for food and buying good food - not junk.  Making that coincide with staying on budget isn't as easy as it used to be.  People who tell you that healthy food is just as affordable as junk food are in denial, and I am not talking Egypt!  I am blessed to be able to make many healthy items from scratch (such as crackers and tortillas, lo-carb of course) to lower our cost and have found a local source for the BEST farm eggs ever!  Whew, got that off my chest.  It's pay/shopping day, thanks for letting me vent - LOL

Here is the recipe I mentioned last night.  I made this for a quick and delicious lunch yesterday.  It is quit flexible too.

Easy Peasy Lo-Carb Shrimp Alfredo

1 lb. bag frozen broccoli, steamed and drained
3 TBS. real butter
3 cloves garlic, crushed
2 cups small frozen shrimp, cooked and shelled
1/4 cup real cream
8 oz. grated Parmesan cheese

Melt butter in heavy skillet and stir in garlic.  Add broccoli and shrimp and sir to coat with garlic butter.  Stir in cream and Parmesan cheese.  Heat to a simmer and serve.

Serves 4

You can add heat to this as you please, red pepper flakes, curry, anything you please!

You can sub stir=fry veg. if you like or serve over 'cauli=rice'.  See, flexible!


Wow, blogger is working much better now!  You will be hearing more from me soon.
Blessings, Beth Ann

Amazing Asian Pepper Steak for the slow cooker

Happy New Year all!  Hope it is off to a great start ; )  I have made a couple changes to my format to make reading easier, I hope - LOL  Believe it or not I don't read my own blog and didn't know there were issues with pulling up my full story page until yesterday when a friend mentioned it over coffee.  So, hope this helps.  Now on to the recipe, I had a FB friend request this last week.


Amazing Asian Pepper Steak for the slow cooker

2 lb. beef round steak
3 stop=light peppers (red, yellow,green)
2 onions, halved and sliced
1 can rotel tomatoes
2 tsp. minced garlic
10 oz. can beef broth
1/4 c. tamari or light soy sauce
2 Tbs. rice  wine vinegar
1 tsp. sugar
2 1/2 Tbs. cornstarch
8 oz. can bamboo shoots, drained

                   Cut round steak into serving size pieces or strips and place in sprayed large slow cooker.  Top with bell peppers, onions. tomatoes and garlic.

Wisk beef broth, soy sauce, vinegar, cornstarch and sugar in bowl and pour over steak and vegetables.  Sprinkly bamboo shoots over the top.

 Cover and cook on High for  4 hours or on low  for 7 hours.  Serve over your favorite rice!

                              Serves 6 - 8


This was great and I sprinkled a little crushed red pepper flakes over the top - yummy!  I hope you enjoy adding some spice to your night - LOL

Blessings, Beth Ann

Curry in a hurry ~

Whats for dinner?  The ten million dollar question, every night!  LOL  Tonight I am making one of my hubby's fave's, since he is feeling so poorly; curry.  Thought I would share the recipe, let me know what you think.

Beef Curry:
1 lb. beef sirloin or roast, diced
1 c. beef broth
1 Tbs. curry powder
1 Granny Smith apple, peeled and diced
1 cup dried cranberries
1/2 tsp.. ground allspice
Quick cooking brown rice
frozen broccoli

First; start steaming the frozen broccoli for 20 min.  Next, In large skillet add beef, broth, apple and curry powder, allspice and cranberries.  Bring to boil and then simmer for 10 minutes. 

Now make rice per package directions.

Just before serving; fluff rice and drain broccoli.

Serve Beef Curry over rice and broccoli.  You may garnish with shredded coconut, sour cream or plain yogurt.

Blessings, Beth Ann

Menu Monday's

Greetings and Happy Valentines day all.  Hubby and I celebrated last night.  Dinner out, money from a different account than groceries.  This morning I put one of those little heart shaped boxes of chocolate next to each childes bowl of oatmeal, with a box of conversation hearts (money from grocery account).  That's it, the big hurrah, oh; except for a hart shaped cake I baked this morning, for dessert tonight : )

I wanted to post a new menu for this week and update the great grocery receipt challenge.  To recap, $125 a week and that includes pretty much everything but our utilities.  Last month I went a hundred over, but the difference came from oldest son who helps pay the animal food bill (he has an animal ministry).  We ate out 3 times, two were covered by husbands car jobs, one was a birthday dinner/gift.  This month I have was over by $50 the first week and $25 the second week.  This past week I was right on target and made up the difference when ds paid me some money he owed me : )  A friend from church gifted us some 'gourment' items that she said she would never use, so that will help finish out the month.  It included such items as a beef brisket, lamb tips, holendaise sauce and whole grain pizza dough - 12/1lb. balls.  I am planning on making some calzones with the pizza dough and the holendaise sauce will be great in home made Alfredo sauce! 

Here is a look at our menu this week:

Monday ~  Shepherds pie w/green beans

Tuesday ~  Chicken Verde and Spanish rice w/ broccoli

Wednesday ~  church pot luck/Beef minestrone soup

Thursday ~  Taco's with home made guacamole' and chips

Friday ~  Tortellini in Alfredo sauce w/ tossed salad

Saturday ~  Fish stew over salt and vinegar mashed potatoes w/veggie sticks

Sunday ~  Pimiento mac & cheese w/ grilled chicken and green beans

Other cooking around the house: Heart shaped cake for Valentines day, home made chicken broth made from leftover bones in my slow cooker and home made croutons made from the left over bread from last Wed. when I made crust less round cheese sandwiches for church.  I am sure other things will pop up and I will keep you posted with new ideas and recipes. 

Blessings, Beth Ann

Happy President's Day!

I know I am a bit early with my glad tidings, but our home school group decided to tackle this early.  I am proud to say that after much prayer and effort that our county is just now in the processes of uniting a new group of home school families and this was our first function.  It was a huge success!   There was plenty of food, friends, fellowship and kids!  LOL I am proud to say our church sponsored this worthy group and we were blesses with an absolutely gorgeous day! (all the better to send the kids out to play in)

Z didn't do a presentation, but he was in charge of video and sound, something he does for the church on Sundays already.  B did do a pres. and she picked Teddy Roosevelt.  Dig her board and the use of all my metallic blue paint on her flag!  Guess it add panach'.

She was a bit nervous getting up in front of a large, mostly unknown group, but I told her we had paid $5K for her smile . . . so . . .  Once she was up there it was fine and she did a great job on her research.  Also good experience for public speaking.

Twin son E didn't get the whole big deal, and twin daughter E just wanted to make a pretty flag like her big sister : )   Oh to be six again with no pressure to be in the know politically.

Here is the flag I helped E make, she picked the stick out herself.  When she saw people were going up front to give little presentations she wasn't sure she was in to that, but when the mic came out . . . LOL  Anyone who knows E, knows that she has never met a mic she didn't like!  Matter of fact, she received a stage mic complete with flashing strobe light and clapping sound for Christmas and a matching guitar.  She was also a smash the Sunday before, at the super bowl party.  The kids did some karaoke, and once E got a hold of the mic that was it. 

There was lots of good eats as well.  Most brought cookies and desserts.  I didn't want to go that route and wanted something more high protein, lo-carb/healthy.  I came up with these tasty little kabobs.

These are pepperoni, string cheese and bologna.

Then I mad a dessert kabob:

These are seedless green grapes, mini marshmallows and cantaloupe.

They were a huge hit and not one was left, much to my husbands disappointment.  I think I only ate one of each, for a taste test : )

Next month we are having an ice cream social and there will be more photo's.

Blessings, Beth Ann

Saturday Shopping

I prefer to do my shopping on Friday mornings, it's the best time for mark down food at the local market (and I did get some), but today was the only day for the $5 coupon at the $GM.  On top of that the store was packed as there was mention of possible snow flurries tonight (oh my).  So braved the hordes and loaded up a cart for me and a cart for hubby (don't tell).  We were able to use two of the $5 coupons and I also had two 1cent egg coupons to redeem : )    I prefer farm eggs but these are good for making hard boiled eggs (farm eggs are not).

First week total for Jan. ended up being $78 as of last Thursday the 6th.  Second weeks total started Friday the 7th and is currently at $145.  I would like to do better than this, but it does include pet food.  I am also proud to say that all food choices and purchases were with high protein/low carb in mind and was successful.  I almost caved yesterday as I had been battling a flu bug and didn't feel like cooking but decided the cost of prepared food/frozen for all of us was not much cheaper than a nice piece of corn beef I found and plopped into my slow cooker with a bunch of veggies.  Much more satisfying and tasted delish!  Today sees a nice roast with low starch veggies in my crock pot and a wonderful smell in my kitchen.  I also whipped up a batch of bread machine hot dog buns made with spelt flour (have you seen what is in the commercial pack). 

I do have a couple of recipes to share but want to point out that sometimes there are other benefits besides financial.  I will share a recipe for toothpaste and deodorant.  Besides being cost effective they are extremely earth and health friendly.  There is no fluoride, and you don't need it, in the toothpaste and  no aluminum (why do they put it in there) in the deodorant.    Just trying to be the best me I can be.  If you would like the book info on where I get my information just drop me a line.

Toothpaste:
1/4 cup baking soda
1 teaspoon salt.

Mix and store in an air tight container.  You may also add a couple drops of any natural oil you prefer for taste.



Deodorant:
1/4 cup baking soda
1/4 cup cornstarch

Mix it up.  Store in air tight container.  Use powder puff to apply.



Whats next for us?  Well I am officially giving up soda.  Eventually coffee too I hope, but baby steps for now.  I will drink ice tea and half/calf Folgers.  When my tea bags run out I will then switch to decaf. green tea.  I am also only buying brown sugar and using local honey to sweeten.  Eventually only the honey .  Just some small steps for us to look forward to : )  Will keep you posted as the month progresses and so does our money spent on groceries.

Blessings, Beth Ann

Getting Started

Today is the first day of a new year and a whole bunch of new possibility's!  I usually do my grocery shopping on Friday, but with the holiday decided to hold off a day.  Another motive was my $5 off coupon at $GM and starting with a clean shopping/budgeting slate for the new year.  Starting with today's trip, I will keep all grocery receipts for the year, in order to get a better grip on our spending habits, in hopes of it helping our budget bottom line.  I was real worried as hubby had just shared with me that food cost in 2011 would go up 3% and gas 6% (his pay only went up 2% - that's a major corp. for you).  Anyway, my goal was higher protein, low carb and more veggies (a-la-Leptin diet).  This being a tight after holiday week (real budget will start with first pay day in Jan., which is next week).  So with $40 (cash - always use cash) and my coupon to pay for tax, I went to the $GM.  I was so happy when I left and felt goals had been met!  I ended up spending$37.64

Here is what I found:

2 bags Romaine- marked half off - $1.50

2 bags 1lb. carrots-$.85 each (we share these and the romaine with bunny)

2lb. bag popcorn kernels - 1.85 (great snack in our air popper)

1lb. Mexican chorizo sausage- $2.25

2c. shred. cheese - $1.85

pkg. sliced provolone cheese - $2.00

4-1lb. ground turkey chubs- $5

green onions - $1

creamy peanut butter - $1

celery - $1

head of cauliflower - $2

3lb. bag sweet potato - $2.25

cinnamon broom marked half price - $2 (total splurge)

pantyliner - $1

pretzel sticks - $1

wheat bread - $1.05

15oz. tomato sauce - $.55

season salt - $1.65

4% cottage cheese/16oz. - $2

3lb. bag frozen chix tenders - $4

2 - pint size bottle 2% milk, marked half off - $.75 (will be used in morning coffee)

2 dozen eggs - $3

The chicken tenders were only $1 more than hot dogs for lunch and wayyyyyyyy more protein!  They will be great cooked on our table top grill with a little season salt.  Great price on those.  I probably should have skipped the broom, but I do enjoy the smell.  I try to get one every year and hang it on our pantry door.  Besides, it's right across from the ferret cage if you get my drift . . . LOL  Unfortunately I will have to pick up a few more items during the week, such as rabbit and dog food and maybe t.p. for us.  I will keep those receipts too.  Not sure how I will sub categorize them at the end of the year i.e. pets, paper products, food, ect.  But I feel this is a step in the right direction in reclaiming our pocket books and getting a handle on being a good steward of the blessings God brings us.

Here is twin dd E.  She went out with me today and wanted to spend some of her Christmas money.  She did well also, she got these two fairy dolls for only $2 each!

Not sure why I am tossing in this pic, but here is where a ton of our money goes!  Tina, the narcoleptic cat.  She has junk in her trunk, as the kids say : )  Here she is passed out next to our coffee cups on the hutch in the dinning room, on a pile of Christmas stockings awaiting to be put away.  Can we say precarious?

So here's to you and yours and hoping we all have a healthy and happy new year!

Blessings, Beth Ann

Pumpkins, pumpkins; we like pumpkins . . .

Tomorrow is the big day, Turkey day that is and with that, the coming of the holiday season.  So pumpkins are done, and time to be cooked down and froze for a future yummy recipe this winter.   The kids were sad to see their Halloween pumpkin patch finds "killed" as they so eloquently put it, but will rejoice in the delish food to follow.

To start: smuggle in before mentioned p's without drawing attention to  yourself, put on some good Christmas music and stab the buggers - LOL  Seriously, cut them in half, gut them and scrap clean.  Save seeds for roasting latter if your into that.  We are, but no pic to show since they got gobbled up (pun intended) ASAP!  Just remember to soak your seeds in salt water overnight (I used pickling salt) before roasting.

There are two ways to cook/steam your squash.  You can put them on a jelly roll pan with 1/4 cup water, cover with foil and bake at 400 for 1 1/2 hrs.   Much like cooking a spaghetti squash.

I prefer the crock pot method.  Chop up your cleaned pumpkin and toss in your largest crock

with 1/4 cup water.  Cover and cook on low 5 hours.  

Either way you choose to cook it, make sure to let it cool completely before scraping cooked flesh from shell. 

I package my cooked pumpkin up in 15 - 16 oz. size freezer bag, even though canned pumpkin is sold in either 15 oz. or 29 oz. cans. 

I turned mine into home made pumpkin pie for Thanksgiving.  I made spelt pie crust for these beauties.

Perfect!  Bake at 425 for 15 minutes, then turn down to 350 for 50 minutes, works every time.  Now I just have to fend the kids, husband and animals off until tomorrow  : )

Blessings, Beth Ann