Crescent Rolled Sausages

Yes... all from Aldi - this breakfast runs $2.39 for 10 "pig in a blanket" breakfast surprises - and about "$1,000,000" in happiness from the kids because it's super easy for them to make, and super easy for them to eat - and really, eating a "pig in a blanket" is pretty funny sounding.

Now, the health aspects of this aren't great - and that's not something I'm proud of, but on occasion, this is one of those "all things in moderation" type of meals.  That said, buy turkey sausages and reduced fat crescent rolls and you're modifying in the right direction!

1 package of 10 turkey sausage links-refrigerated precooked or cooked and cooled traditional links. 

1 package of reduced fat crescent rolls (still yummy butter flavored!)

lay the crescent rolls out per the package - and roll them up as directed (wide end to skinny point), but put a sausage in the middle and wrap around it. 

Bake per directions on crescent roll - I believe it's about 10 minutes at 400 degrees.

(Picture note:  USUALLY I don't photograph half eaten plates of food - it just doesn't seem right.  But, for two reasons, I've done so here - a) you can't see the meat if the blanket isn't opened b) the kids jumped on these before I could stop them.  Guess that's a good thing!)

Here's a picture of the one that didn't get bitten into before I could get the camera out  --  and see you'd never know there was a pig in there were it not for the bite!

Stuffed Baked Apples - serve with porkchops!

This title takes on a WHOLE new meaning for me now that the most devistating of fires has taken place in Richland Center, WI where the Oakwood Fruit Farm retail store and cold storage building (and all 40,000 bushel - that's 1,600,000 pounds - of apples in their cold storage burnt to the ground on 10-10-10.  It is the apple orchard that I grew up shopping at - and actually where these apples were bought as my Mom and I and the kids went there on 10-8-10. 

You can see the devistating pictures on their facebook page or at http://www.channel3000.com/.  It's a horrible thing!  Hopefully insurance will assist this family owned fruit farm - and since their trees were not harmed, they will be back next season with a beautiful new facility.  Hopefully they will find ways to incorporate the "small town family feel" into their new facility.  As it always is with these types of family owned business, part of what makes it so amazing and memorable is the people and the history and the silly little things that they have on the wall - and the pictures of the hundred of thousands of kids that have toured their facility over the years!

ANYWAY, on to more positive things, this apple dish is SO AMAZING!  I can't wait to make it, it's something I make at least once per fall, and could probably make about 10 times each fall!  It's got apples, oats, nuts, raisins, cinnamon - all GOOD things for you!  And we love the way it makes the house smell too! 

4 apples - red, green, yellow - with skins ON!

1/4 cup brown sugar

1/4 cup oats

1/4 cup walnut or pecan pieces

1/4 cup raisins

1/4 tsp ground nutmeg

1/2 tsp ground cinnamon

4 tsp butter

1/2 cup apple juice

Cut into the stem side of the apple.  Remove as much of the stem area as you can WITHOUT CUTTING THRU THE APPLE!  You are creating a cavern, a bowl, a place to put your goodies.  You CANNOT cut through the apple or the goodness will fall out the bottom!  I use a knife to "loosen" the stem, then a grapefruit knife to dig the "ick" out.  (if you do cut through the apple you can cut the apple completely in half and do a similar dish, but with lay the apples on their skin sides down and pile the goodies on top of the apple in the core hole that you created).

Combine oats, sugar, nuts, raisins, and spices in a bowl.  Mix well, then put these things into the "caverns" that you made in the apples. Pack the stuff in pretty tight so that it all fits - it's ok if it sort of rests on top of the apple.

Place the apples, goodies side up, in a baking dish.  Pour the apple juice along side the apples.  Put a tsp of butter on top of the goodies.

Put in a hot oven - anywhere from 350 to 450 degrees if you are baking something else - just adjust the time accordingly.  Bake until the apples are really soft - about 40 minutes at 400 degrees. (Less time if you've halved the apples and have them laying down).   Remove from oven and allow to cool at least 30 minutes before serving.  Awesome with a scoop of ice cream, but the ice cream isn't necessary...

This makes a great kid breakfast too!

Taffy Apple Pancakes

I love making these for the kids (I also love the Finding Nemo plate this is served upon!) - and since apples are typically so plentiful and relatively inexpensive these are something I can make at any time of the year.  Taffy Apple Pancakes add apples and fun to breakfast while adding some fruit fiber and healthy fat/protein to the typical pancake. Depending on how much caramel versus how much syrup you use you may be saving on sugar and calories.  Regardless, you're uping the fun a great deal by calling these Taffy Apple Pancakes!

2 cups complete pancake mix
1 cup apple juice
1 regular sized apple, diced into small pieces

              or

2 cups regular pancake mix
1 egg
1 cup apple juice

1 tbsp oil

1 regular sized apple, diced into small pieces

caramel ice cream topping

chopped peanuts

mix (but don't overmix) pancake flour thru diced apple.  Let sit for about 3 minutes before pouring onto hot griddle over med-low heat.  flip once after all of the bubbles pop.

remove from pan, wait 30 seconds or more, top with 1 tablespoon or so of caramel then 1 tablespoon or so of peanuts.  Serve immediately!  Enjoy!

 

Egg McJoe Sandwich - a microwave meal in 3 minutes $ 1.55

Few among us can say they’ve never partaken in a McMuffin sandwich. They are sort of a staple in the breakfasting world for those on the go. Here’s the homemade version you can - before you leave. In fact, making yourself one of these McJoe sandwiches (which even your average Joe can do, by the way) will more than likely save you time over even the drive thru. The whole sandwich comes together in just over three minutes. You will feel so good about this sandwich: You made it yourself, it’s wholesome, It’s inexpensive, and when you make your own coffee to go with it instead of ordering up one of those mega-expensive super calorie-laden drinks, you’ve really impacted your budget in a great way.

I thank my husband regularly for making me one of these when I'm scurrying off to the bus with the kids. It's a great warm pick-me-up that Joe makes me - and his is not just average - he's a pro at making this sandwich.


Egg McJoe Sandwich

(for one)

1 egg .15
1 egg white .15
Dash Black Pepper .02
2 strips bacon or 2 slices deli meat .60
1 slice cheese .45
1 english muffin, bagel, or 2 slices toast .20

Begin toasting your “bread”
Cook bacon between two sheets of paper towel on a microwave safe plate on medium high setting for 1 -2 minutes depending on desired crispiness.
Break open both the egg and the egg white into a small, microwavable bowl/cup (we use custard cups). Season to taste with pepper.
When the microwave is available, put the bowl of eggs into it. Cook on high for 30-40 seconds, remove the egg, “jiggle it” to move the liquid egg from the center to the edges. (you may flip it in the bowl if desired, not necessary). Continue to heat another 30 seconds.
Remove English Muffin from toaster, put slice of cheese on bottom piece of muffin, then bacon, then slide egg from bowl straight onto bacon. Top with upper bun, and Enjoy! It will be hot, so indulge with caution.

Pizza Quiche (yeap, really!) $2.07-yeap, really cheap!

Crustless Pizza topping Quiche

1 medium onion, diced .20
4 oz mushrooms .70
10 black olives .10
4 oz sausage (4 links - cut into small pieces) OR 2 oz turkey pepperoni, cut coins into wedges
2 large eggs .15
1/2 cup egg whites (4 egg whites?).30
1/2 cup flour .20
1/2 tsp baking powder.05
1/4 tsp salt.02
pinch cayenne pepper
1 1/3 cup non-fat or 1% milk.30
1 tsp pizza spice or italian seasoning .05

1/2 cup mozzarella .50
1 tbsp grated parmesan .10

1/4 cup pizza sauce

Preheat oven to 400 degrees

Lightly spray a 10 inch pie plate (or quiche pan)

in a medium frying pan, cook diced onion with a bit of cooking spray over medium high heat until transparent and tender. Add in olives, mushrooms and meat heat thoroughly. Set aside

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together eggs, flour, baking powder and salt. Whisk in milk, then meat/veg mixture.

Pour quiche into prepared pan, top with mozzarella cheese.

Bake 20 minutes, or until center is almost set and the outside edge is golden brown - sprinkle with parm and bake another 5 minutes.

Remove from oven and allow to set for 5 minutes, slice, and serve with 1 tbsp of pizza sauce on top.

good luck!

Swedish Pancakes

This recipe comes from one of my BFFs who makes these regularly for her family. Since getting the recipe from her about 6 years ago, I've become a frequent maker as well! They are time consuming, and you don't necessarily get to sit down for that real homey meal feel - BUT, if your family takes pride in making their own meal, and eating it better because of it - then this is a GREAT breakfast for dinner type of meal!

Swedish Pancakes
3 eggs (I usually use 1 egg and 3 egg whites)
1 3/4 cup milk
1 cup flour (sometimes I do 1/2 whole wheat, 1/2 white flour)
1 tsp salt
2 Tbsp sugar
1 tbsp oil

in a blender, mix eggs and milk. Add flour and salt, sugan arn oil, then blend until smooth. Pour about 2 tbsp in preheated pan 7 inch frying pan and cook over medium heat.

Basically, you're making crepes - I use two small 7 or so inch frying pans and cook multiple pancakes at a time

I fill, wait for the pancake to be totally set, then use a silicone scraper to gently loosen the pancake, then flip the pancake in the air (yet another reason my kids LOVE these! flying food!).
We fill our pancakes with the following:
Blueberries and/or Strawberries
Lingonberry Jam and/or Triple berry Jam
Coconut
Whip Cream
Vanilla Yogurt
I've made other fillings, and the kids have enjoyed, but this is our "basic, go to fillings" list. I have the kids fill theirs, then we cut them - much as they might like to pick them up and eat them "taco style", that isn't happening, so it's cut up breakfast for them!

You can see that I have both rolled them (crepe style) and folded them (Swedish Restaurant style). Suite yourself - it kinda depends on what you're serving with them - the Swedish Restaurant style is easier, and goes best with just syrup and a small pile of lingonberry jam (we get our Lingonberry Jam at IKEA).

Cinnamon Raisin Walnut pancakes $6.43

Nothing brings out the best in my young t-ball player better than cinnamon raisin walnut pancakes with a side of sausage! MMM. That is pretty sure to bring about at least one home run - or at least this t-ball Mom is sure hopin' so!

Pancake flour has made our world just so easy it's kinda cheating. Then, they made it easier by introducing "complete" brands. I don't like the complete brand as much, and homemade is best yet - but use what you got, and roll with it! Another day I'll give you a great recipe for easy homemade pancakes, but this morning, it's pancakes from a box made better with raisins, cinnamon, and walnuts!

enough pancake mix, per box, for your hungry family $1.99
egg, oil, water, etc. per box .16 (eggs) .10(oil)
about 1 tsp cinnamon .05
about 1/2 cup raisins .50
about 1/2 cup walnuts, finely chopped ,80

syrup (at least 1/4 cup per person) $1.00

sausages, cooked per package. $1.99

serve with OJ, Milk, Apple Juice, or coffee. Relax, enjoy the process of planning the rest of the day, and watch 'em ask for more!

Cinnamon Steusel Coffee Cake $2.92

My Aunt Mary, who is an excellent baker, made this coffee cake for a party at my parents a few months ago. It was awesome... AND, you can get everything to make this fairly healthy, as coffee cakes go, for less than you can buy a whole ready made coffee cake at pretty much any store. and the kids will feel great that they helped make it. or the in-laws will be impressed with your ability to bake something cool like this! It's Grandmotherly too.

Cinnamon Streusel Coffee Cake
Combine in large bowl
2 c. flour .39
1 1/2 cup Sugar .45
1 tsp baking powder .05
1/2 tsp salt .02
1/2 tsp cinnamon.05

Combine is separate bowl:
2 eggs beaten (1/2 cup egg substitute) .16
1 c reduced fat sour cream .45
1/2 c vanilla yogurt .45
1/2 c butter, melted .30
1 tsp vanilla .10

Stir dry ingredients into the wet ingredients until just moistened

Spoon one half the batter into a sprayed 9X13 pan. Sprinkle with one half the streusel, top with remainig batter then rest of streusel.

Streusel Topping
1/2 c packed brown sugar .15
1/3 c flour .10
2 T butter, melter .20
1 t cinnamon .05

Bake at 350 for 30-35 minutes.

Breakfast Burrito $2.27

a SUPER easy dinner that is oh so healthy... and yummy.  Really, the only part that gives this the "breakfast burrito" title is a) the recipe book (Eating For Life) that I borrowed it from, and B) the views of Americans that Eggs are for Breakfast...get over that misnomer and ENJOY!

4 Breakfast Burrito
4 (8 inch) tortillas .40
4 whole eggs .32
8 egg whites.40
some lettuce .10
8 Tbsp (1/2cup) black beans (can be "refried").30
4 Tbsp cheddar cheese shredded .35
1 cup Salsa.40
$2.27

Whisk the egg and egg whites together - pour into a large warm (med-low heat) skillet sprayed with olive oil cooking spray - stir gently and occasionally until "set".

While the eggs are cooking, place lettuce on the tortillas, followed by 2 Tbsp black beans, then, when finished, top with cooked eggs, shredded cheddar and 2 Tbsp of salsa on each tortilla.  Roll up, top with a small amount of sour cream if desired and share the rest of the salsa amongst your family.

try some of that left over cilantro you have from Sunday night too!  See you next time!

Saturday's French Toast, bacon & Fruit Smoothie $5.06

Oh, if I could only have french toast every day ... I love french toast.  French toast with thick texas toast, with white bread, with dense whole grain bread, with homemade bread, with a loaf of french bread or baguettes ... what ever the bread, it matters not to me, I LOVE FRENCH TOAST!  Now, if only the rest of my family felt the same.. they're more like once a month folks - and frankly, since we're trying hard to not repeat our entrees during this project, the family is actually quite pleased that French Toast is being served now...they're naively thinking that just because it's off the dinner menu, it's off their menus entirely - oh well...

French Toast (for four)
4 egg whites .36
2 whole eggs .18
1/3 cup water
1/3 cup skim milk .10
1 tsp vanilla extract .15
1 tsp cinnamon.05
1 tsp sugar (or sugar replacement of choice).05
8 to 12 slices of bread - depending on what kind it iscooking spray .40
1 cup syrup .30
Total: $1.59


combine the eggwhites, eggs, cinnamon, sugar, water and milk.  whisk to combine (cinnamon will float, it's ok!).  heat pan to medium low heat ... remove from heat, spray with cooking spray, and return to stove top.  Dip bread into egg mixture one piece at a time, and put bread into frying pan.  Cook for about 90 seconds to 2 minutes, flip.  Cook another 90 seconds to two minutes.  Remove from pan and place on a piece of paper towel lined platter.  Invert a serving bowl over platter to store heat... repeat the dipping and frying pattern until you're done.  mmm.

Bacon .99
Cook.  -- oh, you were hoping for more...
option one - place bacon in a room temp pan, turn on heat to medium low, and cook until it needs to be flipped - probably about 4 minutes depending on thickness of pan and type of stove and desired doneness of bacon.  Flip, and cook second side - another 3 or so minutes.
option two - microwave.  Place four or six strips of bacon at a time between two layers of good papertowel on a microwave safe plate.  Cook about 3 minutes until the paper towel is saturated with bacon fat.  Bacon will crisp once you remove the paper towel.

(I must admit I NEVER cook bacon in the microwave, but I'm trying to remember how I watched my good friend Cathy make it... I was really impressed by how good her microwaved bacon turned out.)

Fruit Smoothie

In a blender container, combine the following:


1 container (6 oz) yogurt of choice .49
1/2 of a 16 ounce package frozen fruit of choice (mixed fruit is best!)$1.49
1 cup liquid - apple juice, milk, water, white soda,  or some combination there of  (we don't recommend vodka at this time of the morning).50

10-12 ice cubes.
total $2.48
put yogurt in the blender first, then frozen fruit and some of the liquid - cover tightly and turn on blender to whatever medium is on your blender... blend for 20 to 30 seconds, shut it off, remove cover and stir.  Replace blender cover and repeat process until your smoothie is as smooth as you like it.  Serve.

Total $5.06