Dine on a Dollar

FunBites Giveaway: Kids Eat Healthy (Win 1 of 2)

noreply@blogger.com (The Coupon Centsation) — Thu, 06 Sep 2012 02:05:00 +0000

With the kids back in school, I thought it would be awesome to make school lunches FUN! Nothing gets better than a back to school giveaway for the kids! I am super excited that FunBites has sponsored 2 AWESOME giveaways for us! Through this giveaway, we'll have 2 prize packs, which means a BETTER chance of WINNING! As this is the first year that my kids have taken their lunch to school, I am always looking for "FUN LUNCHES". Ready to WIN??????
Make sure your name is in the hat for this one!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Weight Watchers Jell-o Pie: Great for Summer

noreply@blogger.com (The Coupon Centsation) — Mon, 19 Mar 2012 14:25:00 +0000

Here is another great recipe that I use all the time when doing the Weight Watchers program. Even though, you have to watch what you are eating, it does not mean you have to give up great desserts~
Be sure and print this recipe as its so versatile with any flavor you can think of!

Weight Watchers Yogurt Pie:
* See the linked coupons to SAVE MORE
Serving size: 8 (Weight Watchers points: 3 per slice)

What will you need to make it:

1 Graham Cracker Pie Crust (fat FREE)
$.50 cents off 2 Keebler Pie Crust

1/4 cup Boiling Water

8 ounces of Fat FREE Whipped Topping

2 Containers of Flavored Yogurt
* Just be sure that your yogurt is similar to your jello flavor
$0.40/6 Yoplait Yogurts
$0.50/8 Yoplait Yogurts
$0.30/1 Yoplait Lactose Free Yogurt

1 small box of Jell-O Mix (Choose Your Flavor, I like Key Lime)

Directions:
When using a large bowl, be sure to dissolve gelatin into boiling water. Use a whisk to add yogurt to the bowl. Then, fold the mixture into the whipped cream. Add to the pie crust. Then, refrigerate for a minimum of four hours~

TOTAL: $3 for the whole pie

BBQ Tacos

noreply@blogger.com (The Coupon Centsation) — Mon, 12 Mar 2012 18:45:00 +0000

Here is a twist to a classic. If you love tacos and you love BBQ then you will love this recipe. It gives you that summer time BBQ taste without having to fire up the grill.

Ingredients

1/2 cup BBQ Sauce ($0.50/1 KC Masterpiece BBQ Sauce)
2 cups Hamburger, browned and drained
Hot Sauce of Choice, optional
(6) Taco Shells or Flour Tortillas, prepared per packaging
Shredded Cheese
Shredded Lettuce
Tomatoes

Directions

In a skillet mix together hamburger and BBQ sauce and heat through
Add in hot sauce if you choose to provide the amount of heat you desire
Take hamburger mixture and fill taco shells
Top with lettuce, cheese and tomatoes

Total cost when purchasing ingredients on sale and using coupons: $4.00

Carolina Cole Slaw

noreply@blogger.com (The Coupon Centsation) — Thu, 08 Mar 2012 19:39:00 +0000

If you think of BBQ in the South you have to also think off coleslaw. Here is a great recipe handed down to me for Carolina Cole Slaw

Ingredients
(1) Head of Cabbage shredded
(1) Sweet Green Pepper minced
(1) Medium Onion
1/2 cup Sugar
1 tsp. Salt
1 tsp. Dry Mustard
1 tsp. Celery Seed
1/3 cup Oil
1/2 cup Vinegar

Directions

Boil sugar, salt, mustard, celery seed, oil and vinegar
Allow to cool
While sugar mixture cools, shred cabbage and mix with onion and pepper
Pour sugar mixture into cabbage and incorporate well
Chill until use

Barbecue Week: Succulent Pork Steaks & Secret Rub Recipe

noreply@blogger.com (The Coupon Centsation) — Mon, 05 Mar 2012 20:49:00 +0000

With March comes the turning of the season from winter to spring and the firing up of BBQ grills! This week I am going to provide recipes that will help spice up your barbecues this year with some new recipes for rubs to use on meats and some great side dishes, too. Hope you enjoy them. I know this first recipe is one I have previously posted but many of you may have missed it. This is on of my favorite items to grill up and so I wanted to share it again and thought it was perfect to start of "Barbecue Week"

Alright, my Midwestern roots are showing now as I am ready to tell you how I make the most tender and awesome pork steaks. I know many of you may be asking, “Pork steaks what are those?” These are quite common from my hometown of St. Louis and throughout the Midwest but for those not familiar with them they are usually ½” slices of a Boston butt. They have perfect marbling and a great for the grill!

Here is my secret to making the best pork steaks. I smoke mine but even if you don’t have a smoker you can make these and have them just as tasty but you do need a charcoal grill. I have tried grilling pork steaks on a gas grill and even though they turn out they just are not the same. The key is to cook them SLOWLY!

First, though, you need to prepare you pork steaks. I use a dry rub for this and it is the same dry rub I use for all of my pork grilli’n. Most guys hold their rub recipes tight to the vest but I will let you in on mine.

Dry Rub Recipe (Great for all Pork)

½ cup Brown Sugar
¼ cup Paprika
1 Tablespoon Black Pepper
1 Tablespoon Salt
1 Tablespoon Chili Powder
1 Tablespoon Garlic Powder
1 Tablespoon Onion Powder
1 teaspoon Cayenne Pepper

Mix all of the dry spices together in a gallon Ziploc bag

Then place your pork steaks into a separate Ziploc bag one at times and add a tablespoon or two to the bag and shake well.

Make sure all of the pork steak is coated with the dry rub.

Take the pork steak out of the bag and place on a plate or cookie sheet lined with parchment paper

Repeat the process for all your pork steaks

Now depending on your time, I like to let my rubbed steaks sit in the refrigerator for at least one hour. Around 24-hours is perfect but I will admit I usually am not thinking enough in advance or get side tracked taking care of the kiddos to accomplish this feat.

Time to Grill!

Ok, I must repeat, the key to perfect pork steaks is to grill them SLOWLY! Nothing is worse than a dried out pork steak and I have had enough of these over the years. As a result, I use to hate pork steaks. I wasn’t until I had them cooked perfectly that I fell in love with them.

Charcoal Grill

Alright, time to head out to the grill or smoker. If you are going to use a charcoal grill try to have the heat situated over on to one side of the grill allowing you to initially start cooking your meat indirectly. You will want to do this for about 30 minutes. After which time, you can evenly spread out the heat and begin to slowly cook the steaks for another 30 minutes or until a meat thermometer reaches 160; however, if you are going to let the meat rest for a few minutes before serving I recommended pulling the meat off the heat when the internal temperature reaches 155.

Smoker (My Preferred Method)

I have basically gotten away from using anything but my smoker anymore when I grill. My family, friends and I just love the added flavor the smoke adds to any meat. When I grill pork I tend to use either hickory or a fruit wood for the smoke flavor. This is dependent on your specific taste. For pork steaks, specifically, I use a mixture of Cherry and Apple woods.

If you are scared about smoking, don’t be! I just began using mine within the last year and have found it very easy. You need to make sure you start off with a heaping amount of charcoal and let it heat to hot coals, about 30 minutes after lighting, before you continue. Once I have a good hot fire, I add about two handfuls each of apple chips and cherry chips and I apply them directly to the hot coals. I DO NOT premoisten the chips. I have found this to be s step that causes my smoking process to step backwards. The added moisture of the chips, when you soak them, cools the fire down and adds additional time to the cooking process. Just after applying the wood chips I add the meat.

Important, close your smoker lid and leave alone for 1-hour! This keeps the smoke in and keeps your smoker temperature up. Also very important, make sure you watch your smoker’s temperature and keep in the ideal range. You don’t want it to be too hot and sear the meat and too cool that your entire day is waiting on your food to be done.

After one hour, I peak in on things. I will flip the steaks over, add a few additional pieces of charcoal and a handful of each wood type. Then I close the lid and let it go for another hour.

Pork steaks can be quite affordable. I typically pay no more than $1.99 a pound for either a Boston Butt or already cut pork steaks. If I have a Walgreen’s Register Reward available I will use it towards the cost of the meat bringing my cost down even further. No, I am not purchasing my meat at Walgreen’s. Don’t be fooled by the wording on a Walgreen’s Register Reward that says, “Redeemable at Walgreens”. This simply means you can use it at Walgreens but it doesn’t mean you can only use it at Walgreens. Look at the top of the Register Reward and you will see it says “Manufacturers Coupon”. This opens your door to savings! Use the Register Reward where Manufacturers Coupons are expected like your local grocery store. The only location I am aware of that has it strictly mentioned in their coupon policy that they don’t except Register Rewards is Wal-Mart

Another tip to help keep the cost down on this is regarding the rub. I usually double or triple the rub recipe and put the mixture in an empty shaken container for future use. This way, I can buy several of the seasonings cheaply at Costco or Sams and I have enough rub to last me an entire grilling season!

Easy Chicken Tortilla Soupon

noreply@blogger.com (The Coupon Centsation) — Thu, 01 Mar 2012 17:12:00 +0000

Knorr

I was looking at some of the available coupons out there and there is one for the new Knorr Homestyle Stocks (Save $0.65/1) and I thought I would find a recipe that uses it and here is one I found. I hope you enjoy.

Ingredients

1 1/2 cups Shredded Cooked Chicken

1 tub Knorr Homestyle Stock (Chicken) ($0.65/1 Printable)

2 Tablespoons Vegetable Oil ($0.55/1 LouAna Oil 01/15/2012 SS)

1 medium Onion, chopped

1 Tablespoon Chili Powder

1 can (14.5 oz) Diced Tomatoes (undrained) ($1/4 Hunt's Canned Tomatoes 01/22/2012 SS, $0.50/2 Furmano Tomatoes 01/29/2012 RP)

2 cups Water

12 crumbled tortilla chips

Directions

Heat oil over medium heat in a 2-qt saucepan

Add onion and cook until transparent and tender, about 4 minutes

Stir in Chili Powder, Chicken, Tomatoes and Water

Increase temperature to high and bring to boil

Reduce heat to low and simmer for 10 minutes

Stir occasionally

Add in Chicken Stock and stir until melted

Serve with tortilla chips

Can garnish with some shredded cheese on top

Serves 4

Total cost for meal when buying ingredients on sales and/or using coupons: $4.00

Weight Watcher's Point Plus: 6 points per serving

Tilapia Tacos

noreply@blogger.com (The Coupon Centsation) — Sat, 25 Feb 2012 02:35:00 +0000

Kraft Foods

Today is the first Friday of Lent and for many that means eating fish. As a result, I thought I would provide a fish recipe and decided to do this one because I have a new coupon for the new Kraft Fresh Take Cheese and Bread Crumb mixture product. So I had come across this recipe from Kraft earlier this week when checking out this product and this sounded easy and good, too.

Ingredients

1 Package Kraft Fresh Take Chili Lime & Panko Mix (Save $1/1 Printable)

6 Fresh Tilapia Fillets (about 1 1/2 lbs)

2 cups shredded Red Cabbage

1/2 cup Pineapple salsa (see separate recipe below)

12 6" Corn Tortillas, warmed ($0.45/1 Azteca Ultragrain Tortillas 01/22/2012 SS, $1/2 Chi-Chi's Tortillas 01/08/2012 SS)

1/2 Fresh Pinapple, diced (about 2 cups)

1/2 cup chopped Cilantro

1/4 cup chopped Red Onion

1 Hot Pepper of Your Choice, seeded and finely chopped

Juice from (1) Lime

1/8 teaspoon Salt

Directions

Preheat Oven to 375

While oven is preheating make your pineapple salsa

Spray a baking sheet with non-stick spray

Empty Fresh Take Mix into a Ziploc back

Moisten fish with water and place one fillet at a time in Ziploc and evenly coat with mixture

Place all fillets on baking sheet

Top fillets with remaining mixture

Bake 12 to 15 minutes or until fish flakes easily

While fish is baking combine pineapple salsa with cabbage

Cut fillets in half and place on tortillas and top with salsa mixture

Pineapple Salsa Recipe

Combine Pineapple, Cilantro, onion, pepper, juice, and salt in a bowl

Cover and chill until ready to use

Can be made a day in advance. Longer it sits to more flavor it has

Serves 6 (2 tacos)

Total cost for the meal based on purchasing items on sale and with coupons = $28

Weight Watcher's Point Plus: 9

Crispy Baked Bananas

noreply@blogger.com (The Coupon Centsation) — Thu, 23 Feb 2012 16:36:00 +0000

Honey Bunches of Oats

With the recent coupons being available for Honey Bunches of Oats cereal and current deals, such as the one ongoing this week at Publix , we have stocked up and so I have searched for some recipes I can do and use the cereal in new ways. Here is one I came across and I am going to try out. Sounds delicious and I know my kids are going to love it because they are HUGE banana eaters.

Ingredients

1 1/2 cups Honey Bunches of Oats with Almonds cereal, crushed ($1/1 Printable, $1/1 Target Printable)

1/2 teaspoon ground Cinnamon

2 Tablespoons Honey

4 Bananas cut in half crosswise

Whipped Cream or Whipped Topping (optional)

Directions

Preheat oven to 375

Line a 15x10x1 baking pan with foil

Mix cereal and cinnamon on a large plate

Pour honey on a second plate

Roll each banana half in honey and then cereal until evenly coated

Place in baking pan

Bake 15 minutes or until bananas are soft

Top with whipped topping if desired

Makes 4 Servings (2 pieces)

Total cost for entire recipe using coupons and sales = $1.50

Weight Watcher's Points Plus: 6 per serving

Cranberry-Orange Spiced Greenbeans

noreply@blogger.com (The Coupon Centsation) — Wed, 22 Feb 2012 16:46:00 +0000

With Country Crock Pumpkin Spice spread as low as FREE right now with available coupons thought I would do a recipe that would fit for both the low cost and also Weight Watchers friendly. Here is one I came across from Country Crock themselves.

Ingredients

3 Tablespoons Country Crock Pumpkin Spice Spread ($1/1 Printable=as low as FREE)

1 small onion, chopped

1/4 cup orange juice ($1/1 Market Pantry OJ Target Printable)($0.50/2 Hiland OJ 01/22/2012 SS)($0.45/1 Prairie Farms OJ 01/29/2012 RP)

1/4 cup dried cranberries

1 lb Green Beans, cooked (Fresh or Frozen)

Directions

Melt spread in skillet over medium heat

Cook onion until transparent, about 5 minutes

Stir in orange juice and cranberries and simmer for about 1 minute

Add in green beans and mix

Total cost for meal when purchasing items on sale and using coupons = $3.50

Serves: 6

Weight Watchers Points Plus: 2 per serving

Yon Mazzeta

noreply@blogger.com (The Coupon Centsation) — Fri, 14 Oct 2011 15:05:00 +0000

Here is a casserole recipe handed down to my wife from her grandmother and now a real hit with my children and it is easy to make. Just a few readily available ingredients and about 45 minutes and you have dinner ready to go.

Ingredients

1 Pound Hamburger
1 Can of Tomato Soup (Save $0.40 on 3 Campbell's Soups, use zipcode 63010) (Save $0.40 on 4 Campbell's Tomato Soups SS 10/2/2011, SS 9/11/2011)
1 Can Cream of Mushroom Soup (Save $0.40 on 3 Campbell's Soups, use zipcode 63010) (Save $0.30 on 4 Campbell's Condensed Soups SS 10/9/2011, SS 9/18/2011)
8oz Shredded Cheddar Cheese
1 Large Bag of Egg Noodles (BOGO No Yolks Noodles)(Save $0.55 on 1 Bag of Pennsylvania Dutch Egg Noodles)

Directions

Cook Noodles per package directions and Drain
Brown Hamburger and Drain
Add soups and cheese to hamburger and combine well
Mix hamburger mixture into cooked noodles
Place casserole into a dish and bake at 350 for 30 minutes

Estimated total cost of meal when purchasing ingredients on sale and using coupons: $6.00

NEW Gerber Graduates Coupons & Walmart Deals

noreply@blogger.com (The Coupon Centsation) — Tue, 04 Oct 2011 15:11:00 +0000

For those of you headed out to Walmart this week, you will NOT want to pass up these amazing deals on Gerber Graduates itesm! There are several NEW Gerber printable coupons that you can use to score some GREAT DEALS!

Gerber Graduates Ravioli — $1.28
Use $1/1 Gerber Graduates Little Entrees
Total: $0.28

Gerber Yogurt Melts — $2.48
Use $1/2 Gerber Graduates Yogurt Melt
Total: $1.98

Gerber Graduates Veggie Puffs — $2.48
Use $1/2 Gerber Graduate Puffs
Total: $1.98

Gerber Pasta Pick Ups — $1.25
Use $0.55/1 Gerber Graduates Pick Ups
Total: $0.70

Thanks Couponing to Disney

Sante Fe Apple & Pumpkin Soup

noreply@blogger.com (The Coupon Centsation) — Tue, 04 Oct 2011 14:30:00 +0000

I am going to continue the theme week theme for this week with the theme being pumpkin recipes. Most of the time when you think of using pumpkin you think of pumpkin pie but pumpkin can be used in so many more ways. Since last week was apple week I thought it would be unique to start off this Pumpkin Week with a recipe that uses both apples and pumpkin and here it is courtesy of the Libby Pumpkin website.

FYI, even though this recipe doesn't use it, if you plan on making pumpkin pie or many other baked goods this fall/winter season you will likely need evaporated milk. Here is a $.50 off 2 coupon for Carnation Evaporated Milk. Print it and take it to Publix today as they have it as a BOGO and it makes the cost per can just $0.13. If you have the 9/25/2011 RP a $0.50 off 2 coupon, too.

Ingredients

1 can (11.5 oz) Apple Nectar (You can substitute cider or juice if you can't find Apple Nectar)
1 can (14.5 oz) Chicken Broth (Save $0.40 on Progresso Broth)
1 cup Heavy Whipping Cream
1 can (15oz) Pumpkin
1/4 cup packed brown sugar (Save $0.50 on Dixie Crystals Brown Sugar)
1 teaspoon ground Cumin
1/2 teaspoon Chili Powder
1/2 teaspoon ground Coriander (Save $1.00 off 2 Simply Organic Spices)
1/8 teaspoon ground Nutmeg
1/2 cup Shredded Cheddar Cheese

Directions

Combine Apple Nectar, broth and cream in a medium saucepan
Bring to a boil
Add Pumpkin, sugar and spices
Reduce heat to low and cook for 10 to 15 minutes
Season with salt and pepper
Garnish with cheese

Total estimated cost of the meal when purchasing on sale and using coupons: $6.50

Serves 4

Sweet Spiced Baked Apples

noreply@blogger.com (The Coupon Centsation) — Sun, 02 Oct 2011 20:35:00 +0000

Here is the finally recipe to this week's Apple Week. Hope you have enjoyed this week dedicated to the apple.

Ingredients

4 Baking Apples
1 Cup Brown Sugar
2 teaspoons Cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon Ground Cloves
1/4 teaspoon Ground Nutmeg
Melted Butter

Directions

Preheat Broiler to High
Peel and Core your Apples
Slice into 1/2" Slices
Spread Apples Slices unto a baking sheet
Mix the brown sugar, cinnamon, cloves and nutmeg in a bowl
Brush apple slices with melted butter
Sprinkle sugar mixture evenly over apple slices
Broil for 2 to 3 minutes (just long enough for the sugar to melt)
Serve Immediately (great with vanilla ice cream)

Crescent Roll Turnovers

noreply@blogger.com (The Coupon Centsation) — Sun, 02 Oct 2011 00:27:00 +0000

Here is another desert to enjoy using apples and this one is super easy and using those refrigerated crescent rolls you have in your refrigerator.

Ingredients

2 cups peeled, and finely chopped apples
1/3 cup sugar
2 Tablespoons Flour
1/2 teaspoon Cinnamon
Dash Nutmeg
2 8oz cans refrigerated crescent rolls
Sweet Glaze

-1/2 cup Powdered Sugar
- 2 to 3 teaspoons Water

Directions

Preheat Oven to 350
Mix together, apples, sugar, flour, cinnamon and nutmeg
Make sure apples are well coated
Seperate crescent rolls into individual triangles
Spoon about 1 Tablespoon of apple mixture unto the center of each crescent roll
Fold 3 corners of each crescent roll over the filling
Place onto a baking sheet
Bake for 20-25 minutes
Remove and cool
Combine glaze ingredients and mix until smooth
Drizzle over warm turnovers

Estimated cost of this dish when purchasing ingredients on sale and using coupons: $4.00

Tyler Florence's Apple Cider Chicken

noreply@blogger.com (The Coupon Centsation) — Sat, 01 Oct 2011 22:49:00 +0000

Sorry about missing yesterday but got caught up in things and never was able to put out a post to continue Apple Week so I will make it up with two apple recipes tonight. This is the first, Apple Cider Chicken presented by Tyler Florence from the Food Network.

Ingredients

2 Tablespoons Vegetable Oil
4 Boneless Chicken Breast halves
2 teaspoons Salt
Fresh Ground Pepper
3 Tablespoons Butter
1 Tablespoon Apple Cider Vinegar: $.40 off coupon
3/4 Cup Apple Cider
1/2 Cup Chicken Broth
1 Tablespoon Lemon Juice
1 teaspoon Thyme

Directions

Preheat a skillet over medium-high heat
Add Oil and heat
Pat Chicken Breasts dry and season with salt and pepper
Place chicken in skillet and brown, about 4 minutes
Lower heat and add 1 Tablespoon Butter
Cook until firm to the touch, about 4 to 6 minutes longer
Remove chicken and let rest
Pour off any remaining fat in the skillet
Add vinegar to deglaze
Add cider and broth
Bring to a boil and cook until it thickens into a sauce, about 6 minutes
Whisk in remaining butter, lemon juice and thyme
Return chicken to skillet
Serve

Total estimated cost of the dish based on purchasing ingredients on sale and using coupons: $3.50

Caramel Apple Crepes

noreply@blogger.com (The Coupon Centsation) — Fri, 30 Sep 2011 02:50:00 +0000

Tonight, as we continue Apple Week we head in for breakfast with some crepes. Crepes are a thin pancake stuffed with a filling and simply delicious. Here is my recipe for Caramel Apple Crepes.

Ingredients

Caramel Apple Sauce
1 1/2 cups Thinly Sliced, Peeled Apples
1 Teaspoon Butter
1/2 cup packed brown sugar
2 teaspoons cornstarch
1/2 cup whipping cream
1 Tablespoon Apple Brandy or Apple Juice or Apple Cider
4 teaspoons cooking oil
3/4 cup Flour
1/3 cup Water
1/3 cup Milk
2 eggs
2 Tablespoons Sugar

Crepe Directions

Combine flour, water, milk, eggs, sugar and oil
Stir until smooth
Preheat and lightly grease a skillet over medium heat
Remove skillet prior to adding crepe mixture
Spoon 2T batter into hot skillet
Tilt skillet around to get a nice even spread of the batter along the bottom of the skillet
Return skillet to the heat
Brown on one side only
Invert pan and remove crepe unto paper towels
Repeat process for all remaining crepe batter (makes aprox 12)
To serve: fold the crepe in half, browned side out
Fold in half again to form a triangle
Pour warm caramel apple sauce over the top of the crepe
Serve with whip cream or vanilla ice cream and garnish with slivered almonds

Caramel Apple Sauce Directions

Melt butter in a sauce pan
Add apples
Cook until tender, about 5 minutes
Add in brown sugar and cornstarch
Stir in whipping cream and apple brandy/juice/cider
Cook and stir over medium heat until thickened and bubbly
Then cook for 2 minutes more

Total estimated cost of the meal using coupons and purchasing on sale: $5.50

Hot Wassail

noreply@blogger.com (The Coupon Centsation) — Wed, 28 Sep 2011 20:38:00 +0000

As apple week continues tonight's recipe is a drink that is made often throughout the fall months and through the Holidays at our house, Wassail. This recipe uses apple cider and can be made in your crock-pot to simmer and stay warm all day long

Ingredients

2 qts Apple Cider
1/3 cup brown sugar
1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
1/4 teaspoon all-spice
3 Cinnamon Sticks
1 orange with some whole cloves stuffed into it

Directions

Combine all ingredients in your slow cooker
Cook on low for 2-3 hours, stir occasionally
Serve in mugs and enjoy

Advice: I have found the lest expensive apple cider is found at Sams Wholesale Clubs and Costco Clubs where a gallon of cider is around $3.50

Total cost of this recipe based on purchasing on sale and using coupons where available: $4.00

Cooking with Apples: Tips, Tricks and Buying Guide

noreply@blogger.com (The Coupon Centsation) — Wed, 28 Sep 2011 02:39:00 +0000

Apples are definitively the in thing when it comes to Autumn and they add a great additional flavor to many meals and are simply delicious in deserts. Here are some tips on how to get the best apples for your recipes and some tricks, too.

Buying Guide
When you purchase or pick your apples look for ones that are firm to the touch and are bright and shiny. A duller apple is traditionally not as crisp. Make sure to also watch out for soft spots or bruises, worm holes and bird pecks.

Keep those Apples Crisp
To keep apples as crisp as they were when they were picked off the tree make sure to refrigerate them. Store them in a ziploc back and in your refrigerator's crisper drawer. The ziploc bag helps the apple to retain its moisture and not wrinkle. Also, beware not to mix in already soft or bruised apples as they can cause other apples to begin to spoil.

Keep those Apples White, Not Brown
While your slicing your apples some may have to a wait a bit before being used further and while they sit they can become brown. To avoid them from browning dip them into a bowl with a 3:1 mixture water and lemon juice.

The Right Apple for Your Recipe
Each variety of apple has a different sweetness, tartness and firmness or texture and this will have an influence on your recipe. When making many deserts requiring apples it is best to mix tart and sweet ones to obtain the perfect blended taste; however, some recipes call for specific types or flavors of apples. For example, pies should use a firmer apple like a Granny Smith. If you plan on making apple sauce or apple butter red delicious and McIntosh varieties are great choices, although any softer, sweet apple works well. Here is a guide, obtained from the U.S. Apple Association, on the different types of apples and specifics related to each:

Braeburn
This apple originated in New Zealand in the early 1950s, as a chance seedling with Lady Hamilton and Granny Smith as possible parents. Now grown in the United States, Braeburn is a multipurpose apple good for all types of apple uses. Its color varies from orange to red over a yellow background. This crisp, juicy apple has a rich, spicy-sweet flavor. U.S. Braeburns are available beginning in October through July.

Cortland
This variety originated in the late 1890s in New York state, a cross between McIntosh and Ben Davis developed at the New York State Agricultural Experiment Station. Sweeter than its McIntosh parent, with only a hint of tartness. Cortland has tender, snow white flesh that resists browning, making it an excellent choice for salads, kabobs and garnishes. The Cortland is available September through April.

Empire
Empires premiered in 1966 in the Empire State of New York, a cross between Red Delicious and McIntosh developed by the New York State Agricultural Experiment Station. This crisp, juicy apple has a delightful sweet-tart flavor and creamy white flesh, making it a good all-purpose apple. Stake out your Empire between September and July.

Fuji
Originally developed in Japan in the late 1930s and named after the famous Mt. Fuji, U.S.-grown Fujis began appearing in markets in the 1980s. Fuji is a cross between Ralls Janet and Red Delicious. This variety´s popularity is skyrocketing, thanks to its sweet flavor and firmness. Fuji apples are bi-colored, typically striped with yellow and red. They are available year round, beginning in September.

Gala
This variety originated in New Zealand, a cross between Kidd´s Orange Red and Golden Delicious. The Royal Gala strain was named in honor of Queen Elizabeth II, who deemed it her favorite during a visit to New Zealand. It was brought to the United States in the early 1970s, and is now one of the country´s most popular apples. This crispy, juicy, very sweet apple is ideal for snacking. Galas can vary in color, from cream to red- and yellow-striped. U.S.-grown Galas are harvested beginning in mid-July, and are typically available year-round.

Ginger Gold
A Virginia grower discovered this apple sprouting amid the ruins of a hurricane-devastated orchard in the late 1960s, and named this greenish-gold, sweet-tart apple after his sweetheart. Its parentage includes Albemarle Pippin, a favorite apple of Thomas Jefferson. This early-season Eastern apple is great for salads, and cooks well too. Available in limited but growing supplies starting in mid-October.

Golden Delicious
This old favorite was discovered as a chance seedling in 1890 in Clay County, W.Va., and was originally named Mullin´s Yellow Seedling. Renamed in 1916, its parents are thought to be Golden Reinette and Grimes Golden. Goldens have a pale yellow skin, sometimes with a red blush. Mellow and sweet, all-purpose Goldens are great for eating out of hand, baking and salads. Golden´s crisp, pale yellow flesh resists browning, making it a good choice for salads and other dishes. Goldens appear on the market in September, and are available year-round. Cooks, note that you can reduce the amount of added sugar when making pies with Goldens.

Granny Smith
This Australian native was discovered in 1868 as a chance seedling by “Granny” Anne Smith of Ryde, New South Wales. One parent might have been a French Crab Apple. Grannys are known for their distinctive green flesh, which sometimes bears a red blush, and their very tart flavor. An all-purpose apple, Grannys work equally well as a snack or in pies and sauce. U.S. Grannys are harvested beginning in August, and are available year-round.

Honeycrisp
This honey of an apple has a honeyed, mild flavor and a crispness deemed explosive. Crispy, juicy and sweet, this popular newcomer is a cross between a Macoun and a Honeygold. Honeycrisp´s skin is a distinctive mottled red over a yellow background, with coarse flesh. This apple is good for snacking, salads and sauce-making, and stores well. Honeycrisp is college educated, developed by the University of Minnesota. Harvested beginning in September, supplies are limited but growing.

Idared
Introduced in 1942, this Idaho Agricultural Experiment Station product is a cross between the Jonathan and Wagener apples. It has a tangy flavor like the Jonathan, but is much larger. It has a bright red skin, and firm texture. This apple is good for snacking and holds its shape ideally for baking. Available from September through June.

Jonagold
A blend of Jonathan and Golden Delicious apples, New York native Jonagold offers a unique honey-tart flavor, and crispy, juicy nearly yellow flesh. It debuted in 1968, a product of the New York State Agricultural Experiment Station. With a yellow-green base skin color and a red-orange blush, it is excellent both for eating fresh and for cooking. Jonagold is typically available October through July.

Jonathan
This variety of apples was discovered in Woodstock, N.Y., in the 1920s and is known for its use in pies and applesauce. This crimson apple with occasional touches of green has a spicy tang that blends well with other varieties in sauces and cider. Jonathan is typically available from September through April.

McIntosh
This is old, well-known variety, was discovered as a chance seedling by John McIntosh in 1811. Its deep red finish sometimes carries a green blush. Juicy, tangy tart McIntosh has a tender, white flesh. It is best used for snacking and applesauce, but some people enjoy its tart flavor in pies as well. (Cook´s hints: McIntosh´s flesh cooks down easily; if pie making, cut your slices thick or add a thickener). This apple is typically available from September through May.

Red Delicious
This most widely recognized of all U.S. apple varieties originated in Iowa in the 1870s. This sweet, crispy, juicy apple varies in color from striped red to solid midnight red. Western Red Delicious are elongated in shape, with pronounced “feet”; Eastern-grown Delicious are more round. This apple is best eaten fresh or in salads. Red Delicious apples are available year round, starting in September.

Rome Beauty
Referred to as the “baker´s buddy,” this apple was discovered as a chance seedling in the early 1800s on a farm near Rome Township, Ohio. Famed for its storage qualities, this mildly tart apple is primarily used for cooking and is especially good baked or sautéed. The Rome apple is typically available beginning in September.

Additionally, here is a great chart to use to help determine the right apple for your recipe. This chart was obtained form recipetips.com.

Variety of Apple	Fresh	Salad	Bake	Cook	Pie	Dried	Other
Ambrosia	X	X
Baldwin			X	X			Cider
Braeburn	X	X	X	X	X		Sauce
Cameo	X	X	X
Connell Red	X				X	X	Sauce
Cortland	X	X	X	X	X		Sauce
Crab Apples							Jelly & WineButter
Criterion	X	X	X		X		Sauce
Elstar	X	X	X		X		Sauce
Empire	X	X	X	X	X	X
Fireside	X	X	X	X		X
Fuji	X	X	X		X		Sauce
Gala	X	X	X		X	X	Sauce
Ginger Gold	X	X	X				Sauce
Golden Delicious	X	X	X	X	X		Sauce
Golden Russet	X		X			X	Cider
Golden Supreme			X			X	Cider
Granny Smith	X	X	X	X	X
Gravenstein	X		X	X	X		Sauce
Haralson	X		X	X	X	X	Sauce
Honeycrisp	X	X	X	X	X	X	Sauce
Honeygold	X	X	X		X		Sauce
Idared	X		X	X	X	X	Sauce
Jonagold	X	X	X	X	X		Sauce
Jonamac	X		X	X
Jonathan	X	X	X	X	X	X	Sauce
Keepsake	X		X
Lady	X						Sauce
Macoun	X				X
McIntosh	X	X		X	X*		Sauce
Melrose	X	X	X		X
Mutsu	X		X	X	X		Sauce
Newton Pippin	X	X	X		X		Sauce
Northern Spy			X		X		Sauce
Northwest Greening			X	X	X		Sauce
Pacific Queen	X	X
Pacific Rose	X	X
Paula Red	X	X	X	X	X		Sauce**
Pink Fir		X		X
Pink Lady	X	X	X		X
Prairie Spy	X	X	X		X
Red Delicious	X	X
Redfree	X				X	X
Regent	X	X	X	X	X		Sauce
Rhode Island Greening	X		X	X	X		Sauce
Rome	X	X	X	X	X		Sauce
Sierra Beauty	X			X
Southern Rose	X	X
Spartan	X	X	X		X	X	Sauce
Splendor	X						Dessert
Stayman	X	X	X	X	X
Sunrise	X		X		X
Sweet 16	X		X				Sauce
Wealthy	X		X	X	X		Sauce
Winesap	X	X	X		X		Sauce
Wolf River	X		X	X		X	Sauce
York Imperial			X	X	X		Sauce
Zestar	X		X				Sauce

Crock-Pot Apple Glazed Pork Chops

noreply@blogger.com (The Coupon Centsation) — Tue, 27 Sep 2011 18:32:00 +0000

I know its Tuesday but beginning today and continuing through the remainder of the week we will honor the fruit of the month, the apple. As orchards begin winding down their harvest, fresh apples are easily found across much of the nation and lets use them in several different ways from breakfast to dinner and also those important deserts. Tonight we begin with a dinner entree that can be made before you leave for work in your crock-pot and be ready for you when you get home, Apple Glazed Pork Chops

Ingredients

4-6 Pork Chops (I prefer boneless or loin chops)
6 Granny Smith (or other baking/cooking apple), cored, peeled and sliced
1/4 to 1/2 c Apple Cider (or Apple Juice)
3 Tablespoons Quick Cook Tapioca
3 Tablespoons Packed Brown Sugar
1 Teaspoon All-Spice
1/2 to 1 Teaspoon Cinnamon
Salt & Pepper to Taste

Directions

In your crock-pot, layer the apple slices
Place pork chops on top of the apples
Mix tapioca, salt and pepper and sprinkle over pork chops
Mix together cider, brown sugar, all-spice and cinnamon and pour over chops
Cook on low for 7 to 8 hours

Total cost of the meal based on sale pricing and coupons: $6.00

Dinner Tonight: Hillshire Farms Sausage, Mashed Potatoes & Roasted Itaian Herb Spaghetti Squash

noreply@blogger.com (The Coupon Centsation) — Tue, 20 Sep 2011 23:41:00 +0000

Tonight, we had an awesome dinner! Check out how we made a tasty meal frugal for our family. After coupons, this meal cost our family $5.75 for a family of 5~

Hillshire Farms Smoked Sausage: Looking for a coupon? Head over to Shop at Home.com and print a $1 off coupon for Smoked Sausage Links:
$2.25

Mashed Potatoes
(For quick and easy preparation we really enjoy the Idahoan Instant Potatoes, Save $0.75)
FREE

Frozen Corn: FREE

Saurkraut: $2

Spaghetti Squash (Roasted Italian Herb): $1.50

Spaghetti Squash Recipe:
Ingrideients:
1.5 pound Spaghetti Squash to feed a couple
3-4 pounds will serve a family of 4
Olive Oil
1/3 cup Grated Parmesan/Romano Cheese
1 tablespoon oregano
2 Tablespoon parsley
1/2 Tablespoon Basil
Teaspoon of Dill
Teaspoon of Italian mixed seasoning
1 Tablespoon Brown Sugar
1/2 Teaspoon Salt
1/4 teaspoon Pepper

Directions: Cut Squash in half along the vertical. Scrape out the seeds and discard.
Next, brush the cut sides with olive oil. Then, sprinkle with brown sugar, salt, and pepper.
Bake at 400 degrees for 50 minutes. After 50 minutes, remove and let sit for 5 minutes.
While squash is sitting, mix the cheese and remaining seasonings. Next, with a fork, shred the squash into the fine threads and place into mixing bowl. Add just a hint of olive oil to moisten. Finally, mix in cheese and seasoning blend.

Captain D's FREE Butterfly Shrimp Coupon

noreply@blogger.com (The Coupon Centsation) — Mon, 19 Sep 2011 15:46:00 +0000

If you are like me and enjoy shrimp you wont want to pass this up, FREE Butterfly Shrimp at Captain D's. Click here and click "Shop Now" and the coupon is on the main page.

Thanks CouponCentsation

BBQ Macaroni and Cheese

noreply@blogger.com (The Coupon Centsation) — Mon, 19 Sep 2011 15:08:00 +0000

Here is something I have been craving for a while and last night my wife was kind enough to make it. Now, it is not hard and yes I could have made it anytime but for some reason she has this one down and she was the first to make it several years ago so I enjoy when she makes it. What I am referring to is BBQ Mac and Cheese using Kraft's Shells and Cheese. Its creamy and tangy and just plain good. It is easy to make and through the 24th of September there is an active coupon out there to help reduce the cost.

Ingredients

1 Box Shells and Cheese (Save $0.50 off 1 Kraft Macaroni and Cheese Dinners or Velveeta Shells and Cheese, SS 8/28/2011)
1 lb Hamburger
1/2 cup Barbeque Sauce (I enjoy using a sweet and smokey one)

Directions
Brown Hamburger and Drain
Prepare Shells and Cheese per box instructions
Add Hamburger and Barbeque Sauce and Mix

That is it! We enjoy this so much as a family that we double this recipe to serve the hungry five of us.

Total cost of this meal when purchasing products on sale and using coupons $3.50

Pasta e Fagioli Soup

noreply@blogger.com (The Coupon Centsation) — Fri, 16 Sep 2011 14:36:00 +0000

Tastes A Lot Like the Same From Olive Garden

Made this last evening and wow was it good and very easy! Made a ton, too. I have enough left-over for two more meals so I used my food saver and froze to meals worth.

Ingredients

2 lbs Ground Hamburger
1 Medium Onion (chopped)
3 Carrots (chopped)
2 Celery Stalks (chopped)
56 oz Diced Tomatoes (undrained) (Save $100 on 4 Red Gold Tomatoes) (Save $0.75 off 2 Red Pack Tomatoes)
16 oz Red Kidney Beans (drained) (Save $0.60 on 2 Goya Beans)
16 oz White Kidney Beans (drained) (Save $0.50 on 2 S & W Beans, RP 9/11/2011)
30 oz Beef Stock
3 teaspoons Oregano
6 teaspoons Parsley
2 teaspoons Pepper
20 oz Spaghetti Sauce
8 oz uncooked pasta (mini shells, wheels or pipette)

Directions
Brown and drain the hamburger
In your crock pot, add all ingredients, except pasta.
Cook on low 7 to 8 hours (high 4 to 5 hours)
If cooking on low during the last hour of cooking add the uncooked pasta (cooking on high add in last 30 minutes)

Serves 12+

Total estimated cost of the meal using coupons and purchasing items on sale: $12.00

Steak 'N Shake Chili Mac

noreply@blogger.com (The Coupon Centsation) — Wed, 14 Sep 2011 16:01:00 +0000

A Great Way to Use those Chili Left-Overs

My wife has mastered the art of mimicking the taste of Steak 'N Shake's famous Chili Mac and I thought it would be great for me to share her recipe. This is perfect for the fall and winter when you are making chili and end up with left overs. This is what just happened to us as we made our first large pot of chili last week and had chili mac last night. Since we used the left-overs the cost of the meal was FREE! This included the pasta, ketchup and Worcestershire sauce!

To make this all you need is some chili, whether it be from a can or homemade is your choice, and three additional ingredients.This recipe is based on our left-overs from last night where we had about 2 quarts of chili left from earlier. You will have to tweak the recipe to fit the amount of chili and taste you are striving for.

Ingredients

Chili (Make sure it is good and meaty. If it is more beans then make sure to brown and add additional hamburger)
2 cups Ketchup
1 Tablespoon Worcestershire Sauce
Pasta of your Choice, cooked and drained (we like to use cork-screw as it catches all of the chili and sauce)

Directions
Reheat chili, if using left-overs
Mix in the ketchup and Worcestershire sauce
Ladle over cooked pasta

That is it and it is yummy and FREE when using coupons and sales for Ketchup, Worcestershire Sauce and Pasta and left-over chili.

It's Soup Week!, We Begin with Taco Soup

noreply@blogger.com (The Coupon Centsation) — Tue, 06 Sep 2011 23:57:00 +0000

With the unofficial beginning of Fall taking place today, I figured it would be a good idea to get you ready for those cool, crisp Autumn days with some warming soups. For this reason, I am dedicating the remainder of this week as "Soup Week". All of these recipes will be inexpensive and crockpot friendly. I hope you enjoy!

Today's we begin this week dedicated to soups with a taste of the Southwest with Taco Soup. This is a great soup to serve with tortilla chips and topped with cheese and a dollop of sour cream.

Ingredients
1 1/2 lbs Ground Beef
1/2 cup chopped Onion
1 package Taco Seasoning
1 package Ranch Dressing
2 cans Pinto Beans
1 can Kidney Beans
1 cam Black Beams
1 can Corn
1 can Stewed Tomatoes ($1 off 4 Red Gold Tomatoes)
1 can Rotel
1 cup Water

Directions
Brown Ground Beef and Onion
Drain Fat
Add to Crockpot
Combine remaining ingredients
Cook on Low 6 to 8 hours

Total Cost of Meal based on purchasing on sale and using coupons: $6.50

Dine on a Dollar

FunBites Giveaway: Kids Eat Healthy (Win 1 of 2)

Weight Watchers Jell-o Pie: Great for Summer

BBQ Tacos

Carolina Cole Slaw

Barbecue Week: Succulent Pork Steaks & Secret Rub Recipe

Easy Chicken Tortilla Soupon

Tilapia Tacos

Crispy Baked Bananas

Cranberry-Orange Spiced Greenbeans

Yon Mazzeta

*NEW* Gerber Graduates Coupons & Walmart Deals

Sante Fe Apple & Pumpkin Soup

Sweet Spiced Baked Apples

Crescent Roll Turnovers

Tyler Florence's Apple Cider Chicken

Caramel Apple Crepes

Hot Wassail

Cooking with Apples: Tips, Tricks and Buying Guide

Crock-Pot Apple Glazed Pork Chops

Dinner Tonight: Hillshire Farms Sausage, Mashed Potatoes & Roasted Itaian Herb Spaghetti Squash

Captain D's FREE Butterfly Shrimp Coupon

BBQ Macaroni and Cheese

Pasta e Fagioli Soup

Steak 'N Shake Chili Mac

It's Soup Week!, We Begin with Taco Soup

NEW Gerber Graduates Coupons & Walmart Deals