Cooking with Janie: My All-Purpose Gluten Free Flour Mix!

As you probably guessed by now, I am 100% gluten free. In fact, my house is a gluten free zone (none of our dishes have ever touched gluten, I don't own a toaster, I live off of Udi's, etc.) Hahaha. It's just a way of life around this House of Janie. But I don't have time to mess with these crazy GF recipes that float around Pinterest and Facebook. If I can't use a regular recipe and sub. my GF flour for wheat flour, or GF pasta for wheat pasta, I'm on to the next thing!

If you're GF too, you'll know that one of the hardest things to do when preparing a meal is substituting an ingredient in a recipe. Why? Most gluten free flours aren't "cup for cup"., That means you can't use one cup of GF flour when a recipe calls for one cup of wheat flour. Sounds crazy, but the reason is quite simple. Many GF flours are quite heavy. Since cooking and baking is essentially chemistry, not only does the portion need to be correct, but so does the weight. When this balance is off, GF recipes simply fail, are dry or extremely heavy.

But who has time to compare weight for weight on a food scale? And what about the portion?

Albertson's: Enter for a Chance to Win $100!

It's National Canned Food Month and Albertsons wants to share some great recipes you can make from a can. Check out these awesome dishes, vote for your favorite and enter for your chance to win a $100 gift card! You have until 2/27 to enter. No purchase necessary to win.

Tip: 5 Fun and Tasty Uses for Nesquik

Mmmm, Nesquik is one of those handy comfort foods to keep for a rainy day. Plus with the great deals we've been finding (especially the powder packs at the 99 Cent Only Stores), now is a great time to stock up! But did you know that you can do more with powdered Nesquik than adding it to milk? Here are some sweet treats that are easy and affordable to make on the fly.

Make a "Better Than Starbucks" Mocha at Home

• Coffee, brewed
• 3 Tbs. extra Coffee-mate extra sweet & creamy creamer
• 1 Tbs Nesquik chocolate powder

Brew coffee to taste. In the bottom of coffee cup, add Coffee-mate extra sweet & creamy creamer and Nesquik. Stir. Add coffee and stir again. Can be served with cool-whip topping!

Easy 2 Ingredient Chocolate "Mousse"

• 1 cup ricotta cheese
• 2 Tbs Nesquik chocolate powder

Carefully fold ingredients together until blended. Makes a sweet chocolate dessert. Serve cold.

Copycat Wendy's Frosty

• ⅓ cup Milk
• 2 tbs. Nesquik Powder
• 2 cups Vanilla Ice Cream

Let your ice cream soften a bit, or place in microwave for 10 seconds. Add Nesquik and milk and stir or mix in blender if the consistency is too thick.

Cooking with Janie: Make it at Home Chipotle Recipe

Chipotle is one of the cheapest places I have found that I can easily eat gluten free and fairly healthy on the go. Granted it's not certified GF, but it's better than a bun-less burger from McDonald's :) Even though my hubby and I can eat Chipotle for about $16, eating out adds up and really cuts into our monthly budget. If I think about it eating the chicken n' rice goodness twice a week can cost up to $200 a month! For a frugalista, that's 2 1/2 weeks of groceries... or more than my cell phone bill! Yikes!

So to cut back, I started cooking my own version of the chicken rice bowl that is mouth-watering-goodness on a plate, lol. It's surprisingly simple and completely customizable (just like Chipotle!).

First off, I make my shredded crock pot chicken. I have 2 versions I make on a regular basis - this is the spicy one I use in fajitas, tacos, chili, etc. This will make lots of extra chicken, but it freezes great and will give you at least 2-3 extra meals that you can thaw later in the week! If you want to cut this recipe down for just this meal, you really only need 1 lb of chicken. Adjust the rest accordingly :)

Here's what you'll need:

Shredded Chicken:

3 lbs chicken breast, boneless, skinless (this is a regular frozen bag from Fry's, WinCo, etc.)
1 Bell pepper - your choice of color
1 Tomato, roma or small
1 Can Chicken Broth
1 Pkg. Taco Seasoning (or half - depending on preference)
 

1. Place chicken in crock pot. Cover with seasoning and broth.
2. Dice bell pepper and tomato. Add to crock pot.
3. Cook on high for 3 - 5 hours or until chicken easily "flakes" apart with a fork.
4. Divide out. Set aside 1/3 or 1/4 for this Chipotle recipe.

As you can see, once the chicken is done, the broth fully absorbs and I'll say it really makes the flavor savory.

Cooking with Janie: 90 Second Microwave GF Bread!

I found these cute Crayola sandwich containers at The 99 Cent Only Store this week while browsing the dinnerware and plasticware aisles. I always thought these were silly. It's a single use product, something a zip-loc bag can do a better, lol. But as any Pinterest user will tell you, nothing is ever silly, or just as it seems, haha.

My mom recently sent me a recipe and she seemed SO excited about sharing it with me. If you haven't dived into the gluten free diet, you may not know GF bread can cost anywhere from $5 - $9 for a half loaf. Not to mention - if you're eating GF by yourself - you may not eat it all before it goes bad. There is a lot of waste or it's always from the freezer and never fresh. So when my mom found this recipe for 90 second Gluten Free microwave bread that cost just pennies, she was over the moon! Yup, you read that right... bread in the microwave!  Sounds crazy, but the reviews online have been awesome. Check this out:

 

Gluten Free Bread In Seconds!

Ingredients

• 1 large egg
• 1 tsp water
• 3 Tablespoons buttermilk - or 3 Tablespoons milk or milk substitute (almond, rice, soy) plus 3/4 tsp vinegar
• 1/3 cup gluten free flour blend OR gluten free baking mix (omit the baking powder)
• 1/4 tsp baking powder
• 1 tsp sugar (1 tsp honey, agave, molasses or 1 Tablespoon applesauce would also work as a sweetener substitute)

Instructions

1. Combine the wet ingredients first and then incorporate the dry ingredients. Stir until well combined.
2. Pour the mixture into a sandwich-shaped storage container (do not put the lid on.)
3. Put the container in your microwave and cook for 85 seconds (cooking times may vary).
4. Transfer the bread onto a rack to cool completely, then cut into two sandwich slices (or just eat it like it is!) 

Read the full step-by-step, see the finished (mouth-watering) product and read the reviews and comments at One Good Thing by Jillee.

Making the Most: Citrus Trees and Recipes

A few days ago I got a call from my mom; she asked if I wanted to go pick citrus with a friend. You see our dear (and sweet) Mrs. C has this beautiful mini orchard in her yard and she had an over abundance this year. It's a common site in Arizona. In fact, many charities will collect your extra citrus and donate it to the hungry if you have too much. Even the Boy Scouts of America will harvest your fruit for you as a service project. It helps them earn hours toward merit badges and reach goals. Citrus is a way of life here in Phoenix.

Isn't that stunning? The trees were just thriving and the aroma was absolutely amazing. It carried all the way to the street! I was more than happy to set a little time aside and "pluck" away. Fresh from the tree is nothing like purchasing from the store.

Cooking with Janie: Spice Tea Recipe

I love hot drinks in the winter. Why? I know Phoenix doesn't offer many "winter things" like snow, but it does get cold -cold enough that hot drink mixes are always in our pantry. Plus running the kettle will warm up your home. Honestly  we have only turned on the heater once this year and only for an hour or so. Baking helps too. Sorry east coasters!

So here's a family favorite and it is simple to make.

What you need:

1 c. instant tea   ($2-$3 just about anywhere)
1 1/2 c. Tang   ($2 @ Winco or $1 @ 99 Only)
1 (3 oz.) Wylers Lemonade pkg.   ($1 @ 99 Only and Walmart)

1 1/4 c. sugar   ($0.50 at 99 Only)
1 tsp. ground cloves   ($1 @ Dollar Tree)

2 tsp. cinnamon   ($0.50 @ Walmart)

Mix all ingredients together carefully. These ingredients can leave a fine powder in the air if you try to stir too vigorously. If you are sensitive to this, instead of a bowl you may want to use a zip-loc bag.  This also makes mixing and pouring into jars easier.  Just snip the bottom corner of the bag with scissors to make a pea-sized hole. Use like a funnel and you are good to go! For each serving, combine two to three spoons of mix with piping hot water and stir.

This mix makes about 2 pint size mason jars. This is great for gifts too! It's easy to dress up and you can make multiple batches in a flash.

Cooking with Janie: Eat Your Veggies!

We all know how hard it is to get our 5 servings in every day. Here's a fun way to eat your veggies and trick your taste buds into wanting more!

What You'll Need:

• Spaghetti Squash
• Spaghetti Sauce
• Ground Beef
• Parmesan Cheese

Putting It All Together:

1. Cut Spaghetti Squash lengthwise. Scoop out and toss seeds.
2. In a microwave save dish, lay Spaghetti Squash cut side down in 1/2 cup water. Cover and cook on high for 10 - 20 until tender (time depends on your microwave).
3. While squash cooks, brown beef. Add sauce and heat. Set aside.
4. When squash is done, remove and let cool for a few minutes. Use a fork to loosen the squash "noodles". Put in bowl.
5. Serve squash, top with sauce. Add Parmesan to taste.

This is one of my favorite gluten free spaghetti options out there. It's low in calories and good for you too!

Pricing it out:

Hunt's Pasta Sauce $1.00 (Fry's Deals 9/8 - 9/14)
$.50/1 Hunt's Spaghetti Sauce Fry's eCoupon
= $.50

Ragu Pasta Sauce $1.67 (Fry's Deals 9/15 - 9/21)
$.30/1 Ragu Pasta Sauce, exp. 10-10-10 (RP 09/12/10)
= $.67

3 lb Spaghetti Squash $.49 lb  (Sprouts Deals 9/22 - 9/29)

Fresh Extra Lean Ground Beef , 85% Lean, 3lb chub 1.97 lb (Fry's Deals 9/22 - 9/28)

Total = $4.67

Cooking with Janie: Fiesta Chicken Melts

Here's another fast and easy dinner for the whole family. Fiesta Chicken Melts are a fun biscuit that can double as the main portion of a meal or appetizer. Here's the skinny:

You'll Need:

• 1 pkg, Pillsbury Grand Biscuits
• 2 box pkg, Cream Cheese, softened
• 1/2 cup, Shredded Cheese
• 1/3 cup, Salsa or Picante sauce
• 1 Can, Chicken

Putting it all Together:

1. Drain water off canned chicken. You can also use shredded or fine, diced chicken from leftovers.
2. In a medium size bowl mix cream cheese, chicken, cheese and salsa. Set aside.
3. Grease a baking sheet and set oven to temperature as indicated on Biscuit packaging.
4. With a fork, create a pocket in the side of a biscuit and fill with cheese filling. Repeat.
5. Bake per Pillsbury instructions.

There you have it!  Easy Fiesta Chicken Melts in about 20 minutes!

To make appetizers, cut biscuits in half before filling to create some nice mini melts. You can also use the filling cold in mini bell peppers, Roma tomatoes, on crackers or whatever you can dream up!

Pricing it out:

Kraft Shredded or Bar Cheese $1.67 (Fry's This Week)
$5/5 Kraft Cheese Product printable
$1/1 Kraft Deli Deluxe or Deli Fresh Sliced Cheese printable
= $.67

Kraft Philly Cream Cheese $2.29 (Fry's This Week)
$5/5 Kraft Cheese Product printable
= $1.29

Herdez Salsa $1.99 (Fry's 9/15 - 9/21)
$.55/1 Herdez Salsa, exp. 10-31-10 (SS 09/12/10)
= $.99

Grands Biscuits $.99 WYB8 ITEMS (Fry's 8/18 - 8/24)
$.50/2 Pillsbury Crescent Dinner Rolls printable
$.40/2 Pillsbury Sweet Rolls or Grands! Sweet Rolls printable
= $.49 WYB2

Frozen Boneless Skinless Chicken 3 lb bag $4.97 (Fry's 8/4-8/10)
*Partial bag*

= $5.50

Putting it all Together: Italian Chicken Salad

I love to cook... or at least make my own culinary inventions, lol. And with the strange, new or just bountiful array of items I bring home each week, it really pays to be *some kind* of creative in the kitchen. So after much trial and discovery, I thought I'd share a few concoctions that have become hits around my house and maybe you'll like them too!

Today's lunch packs some zest, a lot of flavor and only takes a few minutes to make.

Italian Chicken Salad

You'll Need:
Dole Classic Romain Salad Mix
Parmesan Chicken Sausage
Roasted Red Pepper Italian with Parmesan Dressing
Cheese
Diced Fresh Tomato

Pan fry the Chicken Sausage until seared and cooked throughout. Dice thinly and set aside. Rinse bagged salad. Dish out a serving and top with cheese, tomato and sausage. Add dressing as desired.

So easy, lunch in 15 minutes!

And here's where I got the items...

Dole Salad Blends or Kits $1.00 (Fry's Deals 09/01 -09/07)
$1/1 Dole Salad Blends printable
= FREE

Kraft Salad Dressing $1.47 (Fry's Deals 09/01 -09/07)
$.55/1 Kraft Dressing, exp. 10-24-10 (SS 08/29/10)
= $.47

Vine Ripe Tomatoes $.77 lb (Sprouts Deals 9/8 - 9/15)

Parmesan Chicken Sausage, regularly on sale for $2.99 lb. (Sprouts)

Kraft Bar or Shredded Cheese, 16 oz or 2 cup only, $1.99 (Fry's Deals 8/11 - 8/17)
$1/2 Kraft shredded cheese Fry’s in-store blinkie/tearpad
**Also, WYB5 or more select Kraft Cheese and Dairy products between 7/19 and 8/15 you’ll get $5 OYNO printed at register.
= $.49

Total for Lunch = $2.25 for 2 meals!
(with plenty of cheese, tomato and dressing left over)