Moneyless Momma's (With Limited Time!)

Quick-n-Easy Breakfast Pizzas (make-ahead freezer meal!)

noreply@blogger.com (Jessica) — Mon, 23 Jan 2012 12:43:00 +0000

These little breakfast pizzas are easy to put together, bake and put into the freezer. The kids can pop them out into the toaster oven for a bit or into the microwave for 30-60 seconds. Easy....and kid approved!

I must admit though - when I made ours, we ate some for lunch and put the rest in the freezer....but the kids were already asking about them for supper, "can't we please have them again?"

As with many of my recipes, these are mix-n-match. Meaning: This is the way that we made it in our house, but feel free to add or take out ingredients according to your family's likings. This time, I asked the kids what they wanted and it was sausage only - you could easily put a sausage gravy on before the sausage, scrambled eggs or even onions or peppers (or, just plain cheese!).

Quick-n-Easy Breakfast Pizzas
1 pound ground sausage (plain)
1 pound ground sausage (Italian)
12 english muffins, halved
2 + cups of cheese (to your liking)
1-2 T. garlic salt

Fry sausages together. Drain and rinse. Lay english muffins out on a cookie sheet (I like to wrap mine in tinfoil so there's no clean up). Add sausage on top. Mix cheese and garlic salt together. Sprinkle over top of sausage. Bake at 400 degrees or until cheese is melted. Cool. Place into freezer safe container and freeze.
Yield: 24 pizzas

~Jessica

Sunday Reflections

noreply@blogger.com (Jessica) — Sun, 22 Jan 2012 14:41:00 +0000

"I am not a saint, unless you think of a saint as a sinner who keeps on trying"
~ Nelson Mandela

No-Bake Healthy Snack Bites

noreply@blogger.com (Jessica) — Fri, 20 Jan 2012 12:58:00 +0000

I recently took a few of my favorite granola recipes and turned them (mostly) healthy. I was pleasantly surprised with the results. The kids loved them as do the grownups!

I made them two ways: scooped out into balls and pressed into a wax paper lined pan which I then froze and cut. Either way, these make ALOT of snacks - and making them bite sized allows you to say "yes" when the kids ask for two (or three!).

While I still like our regular granola recipe, I like these because there's no baking involved!

No-Bake Healthy Snack Bites

4 cups oatmeal
4 cups coconut flakes
1 (18 oz) container of peanut butter
2 cups toasted wheat germ or ground flaxseed
1 bag chocolate chips (or whatever flavor you like!)
1 1/2 cups honey
1 T. vanilla

Mix all ingredients thoroughly. Roll into bite-size balls OR press into wax-paper lined pan, freeze and cut! Store in refrigerator.

~Jessica

Crock pot Buffalo Chicken Chili

noreply@blogger.com (Jessica) — Mon, 16 Jan 2012 10:20:00 +0000

This weekend we made another new chili. With the cold weather, I have been making a lot of soups - and chili is often on the list! This recipe can be tailored to suit your families tastes, so don't be daunted to give it a try!

Crock pot buffalo chicken chili
2-3 cups of chicken
1 large onion, chopped

1 1/2 cups chopped celery

1 1/2 cups chopped carrots
1-2 cups corn

2 cans diced tomatoes, undrained
2 cans black beans, drained, rinsed

2 cups chicken broth

2 T. chili powder

1 T. cumin

1 T. garlic powder

Buffalo wing sauce (to taste)

Cheese
Sour cream

Spray large crock pot with cooking spray. Mix all ingredients except buffalo wing sauce, sour cream and cheese.

Cover. Cook on Low heat setting 8 to 10 hours.

Stir in buffalo wing sauce to taste.
Serve sprinkled cheese of choice and sour cream.

~Jessica

Sunday Reflections

noreply@blogger.com (Jessica) — Sun, 15 Jan 2012 10:00:00 +0000

"When you row another person across the river, you get there yourself."
~Anonymous

Crock pot honey sesame chicken

noreply@blogger.com (Jessica) — Mon, 09 Jan 2012 12:10:00 +0000

I can't say enough about this dish! It was easy and so yummy - restaurant quality with at home prices. If you don't have the sesame seeds at home, they can be skipped.

When prepping for this - I mixed the sauce ingredients the night before. So the morning that I made it, I only had to dump the sauce over the chicken and turn on the crock - easy, peasy!

1 1/2 pound boneless/skinless chicken breasts
1/2 cup honey
1/4 cup soy sauce
2 tablespoons dried onion
2 tablespoons ketchup
1 tablespoon oil
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder

2 teaspoons cornstarch dissolved in 3 Tablespoons water
Sesame seeds

Put chicken into crock pot. Combine honey, soy sauce, onion, ketchup, oil, and garlic. Pour over chicken. Cook on low for 3-4 hours or on high 1 1/2 – 2 1/2 hours, or just until chicken is cooked through. Remove chicken from crock pot, leave sauce. Dissolve 2 teaspoons of cornstarch in 3 tablespoons of water and pour into crock pot. Stir to combine with sauce. Replace lid and cook sauce on high for ten more minutes or until slightly thickened. Cut chicken into bite size pieces and return to crock pot - can leave chicken in and simmer on low or serve. Sprinkle with sesame seeds and serve over rice. Feeds about 4 people, doubles GREAT!!

Sunday Reflections

noreply@blogger.com (Jessica) — Sun, 08 Jan 2012 10:00:00 +0000

"Take the first step in faith. You don't have to see the whole staircase. Just take the first step."

~ Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.

Blog update

noreply@blogger.com (Jessica) — Fri, 06 Jan 2012 13:51:00 +0000

Hey all! Jessica here! I just wanted to send out a little blog update.

For the past 6 months I have tried to post on Wednesdays and Fridays - in addition to Thursday Thought's and Sunday Reflections. Due to my nursing school obligations (two days a week in a town that is an hour drive away as well as clinicals two days a week) I will only be posting Sunday Reflections and then another post on Mondays as well.

I also have a few guest posts in the works - if you read and would like to contribute, please let me know!

~Jessica

Sunday Reflections

noreply@blogger.com (Jessica) — Sun, 01 Jan 2012 10:00:00 +0000

"Yesterday is gone. Tomorrow has not yet come. We have only today. Let us begin" - Mother Teresa

Non-Traditional Green Bean Casserole

noreply@blogger.com (Jessica) — Wed, 28 Dec 2011 13:19:00 +0000

I'm so sorry that I don't have pictures for this - but I just HAD to share! At my nephew's birthday party a few weeks ago, my sister-in-law made an awesome alternative to the traditional green bean casserole. In my opinion this easily replaces the traditional version and is a new family favorite!

INGREDIENTS:

2 tablespoons butter

1 cup sour cream

2 tablespoons all-purpose flour

3 cans French style green beans, drained

1 teaspoon salt

2 cups shredded Cheddar cheese

1 teaspoon white sugar

1/4 cup onion, diced

1/2 cup crumbled butter round crackers

1 tablespoon butter, melted

DIRECTIONS:

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

2. Melt 2 tablespoons butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Stir in flour until smooth , and cook for one minute. Stir in the salt, sugar, onion, and sour cream. Add green beans, and stir to coat.

3. Transfer the mixture to a 2 1/2 quart casserole dish. Spread shredded cheese over the top. In a small bowl, toss together cracker crumbs and remaining butter, and sprinkle over the cheese.

4. Bake for 30 minutes in the preheated oven, or until the top is golden and cheese is bubbly.

Sit back and enjoy the compliments!

~Jessica

The Money $aving Mom's Budget

noreply@blogger.com (Jessica) — Fri, 23 Dec 2011 13:51:00 +0000

I've had the pleasure to preview Crystal Paine's new book, "The Money $aving Mom's Budget."

This book is great for people that are new to saving as well as those who are used to saving/being frugal. Crystal gives you step-by-step instructions on how to save on spending, pay down your debt and save a boat load of money. Not only does she draw from her own experiences, but she gives other's examples as well.

I also liked the worksheets in the back - they are there and ready so you can get started saving today!!

The only drawback?? How fast can Crystal write another book? :)

Carmelized Onion Crock-pot Chili Soup

noreply@blogger.com (Jessica) — Fri, 23 Dec 2011 13:23:00 +0000

I first found this recipe over at Hellogiggles - but of course, I don't leave recipes alone - so here's my version:

2 T. butter
1 onion, sliced
2 pounds ground beef or turkey
1 can chili beans
1 cans black beans
2 cans diced tomatoes
1 can of corn
1 cup vegetable broth
1 T. chili powder
1 T. chopped garlic
2 t. cumin
Shake or two of cinnamon
Water: add to make soup as thick or thin as you'd like

Melt 2 T. butter in a frying pan. Add onion. Fry until golden brown. Remove onion and add ground beef (or turkey). Fry until done.

Add all ingredients to crock pot. This can be served as soon as it's heated through, but the longer you leave it, the more chance the flavors have to blend.

~Jessica

Handmade Christmas: Lots of ideas!

noreply@blogger.com (Jessica) — Wed, 21 Dec 2011 14:00:00 +0000

Today I've posted lots of gift ideas that I've been working on here....look around and feel free to ask questions! :)

Stethoscope cover

Personalized gift bags

Up-close view of applique

Hats and neck warmers

Dolls w/ sleepwear and eye covers - thanks grandma!! Excuse the funny
faces and hiding behind dolls!

~Jessica

BBQ Chicken Wings

noreply@blogger.com (Jessica) — Fri, 16 Dec 2011 13:01:00 +0000

These wings turned out fantastic!! Kid approved and not too spicy.

BBQ Chicken Wings
1/2 cup corn syrup
3/4 cup ketchup
2 T. sugar
1/4 cup cider vinegar
1/4 cup Worcestershire sauce
1/4 cup Dijon mustard
1 small onion, chopped
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 T. chili powder
15 chicken wings (3 pounds)

Combine all ingredients except wings. Pour over wings. Cook on low for 6 hours or until done.

~Jessica

Easy Peppermint Pieces

noreply@blogger.com (Jessica) — Thu, 15 Dec 2011 12:43:00 +0000

Easy peppermint pieces are a favorite (and requested!) christmas treat at our house. This is a treat that comes together quickly and cheaply!

Simply take a bag (or two) of white chocolate chips (almond bark works too) and melt them: in the microwave or double broiler over the stove, it doesn't matter! Once melted, add 1-2 tsp of Peppermint Extract. Stir. Add crushed candy canes. Spread on wax paper. Sprinkle extra candy cane bits on top. Cool. Break apart and enjoy!

These freeze well....and will last longer in the freezer because they are hidden!! :)

~Jessica

Holiday CROCK POT Meatballs

noreply@blogger.com (Jessica) — Wed, 14 Dec 2011 12:00:00 +0000

First off: Sorry, for those of you that are still with us, for not posting more consistently! The last two days I have been taking finals, so the last few weeks I've been doing lots and lots of studying. BUT....we still need to eat - so I have a lot of food related posts ready! :)

Today's post is holiday crock pot meatballs. I first had these a few years ago and they instantly became a hit. There are many different variations out there, but this one has a few special ingredients. Word to the wise though: don't let people know you put sauerkraut in it - even those who DON'T like sauerkraut will like -maybe even love - this dish!

Crock pot meatballs
1 pkg meatballs (or make your own....any flavor works, Italian is GREAT!)
1 jar chili sauce
1 can whole cranberries
1 can sauerkraut
1 cup brown sugar

Mix last four ingredients together and pour over meatballs. Cook in crock until done (can be left on low all day).

Enjoy!!

I call these holiday meatballs because they are super easy to whip together for any holiday get together....plus, what says holidays more than cranberries?

The meatballs are great by themselves - but don't forget to make potatoes, rice or noodles to put the rest of the sauce over! YUM!!

~Jessica
Linked with WFMW

Sunday Reflections

noreply@blogger.com (Jessica) — Sun, 11 Dec 2011 11:30:00 +0000

Life is a gift, and it offers us the privilege, opportunity, and responsibility to give something back by becoming more.

~Anthony Robbins

Thursday thoughts

noreply@blogger.com (Jessica) — Thu, 08 Dec 2011 11:27:00 +0000

Getting what you want is not nearly as important as giving what you have.

~Tom Krause

Minty Oreo Balls

noreply@blogger.com (Jessica) — Wed, 07 Dec 2011 13:12:00 +0000

We LOVE cake balls - so when I saw many different Oreo cake balls around, I knew I had to try them!

This is a combination of a few different recipes, as I can never leave a recipe as is! :)

Minty Oreo Balls
1 package Oreo Mint cookies, chopped fine
6 oz sour cream (room temp)
1-2 tsp peppermint oil
1-2 drops green food coloring
1 block white almond bark
4 candy canes, chopped fine

Combine Oreos and sour cream. Mix well. Roll into balls and place into freezer for an hour or two (sometimes, I leave them overnight).

Melt almond bark, add oil and food coloring. Dip balls to coat (I use two forks) and place on wax paper. Sprinkle candy canes on top.

Present to all your friends and take in the compliments!!

~Jessica

Linked with WFMW

Sunday Reflections

noreply@blogger.com (Jessica) — Sun, 04 Dec 2011 11:20:00 +0000

You give but little when you give of your possessions. It is when you give of yourself that you truly give.

~Kahili Gibran

Thursday thoughts

noreply@blogger.com (Jessica) — Thu, 01 Dec 2011 11:23:00 +0000

The value of a man resides in what he gives and not in what he is capable of receiving.

~Albert Einstein

Handmade Christmas: Snowmen!!

noreply@blogger.com (Jessica) — Wed, 30 Nov 2011 12:37:00 +0000

I must admit - I have the worlds best hubby. He's really stuck by me with all of my crazy ideas this year to have a "Homemade Christmas!"

Today's post is 2 x 4 snowmen. I found them on Keeping it Simple last year, but by then it was too late to make them - but I KNEW we'd be making them this year!!

This project cost us a total of $1.04!! We had ALL supplies on hand and only had to buy the orange paint for the noses. Even the 2 x 4's were given to us: my mom and dad had new steps made and my hubby tore apart the old ones to use for projects.

Alright - wait....I guess they cost us closer to $4 - the cute scarf was actually a table cloth that I had found on clearance last year for $2 - down from $20 or $30. I had no clue what I was going to do with it - but couldn't pass up the price!

Of course, we changed things up a bit.

When hubby was constructing these, he screwed the 2 x 4's together rather than using the glue/staple method mentioned. We painted on the nose (we don't own a cricut, as the original instructions suggested using) and I didn't sew the thumbs on the gloves - tucking them in worked really well.

I can't wait for Christmas - and to see the surprise on the people's faces that will receive all of our gifts!

Our whole gang - DONE!!

Make sure to check out other Handmade Christmas ideas:
Personalized towels
Aprons
Rubberband guns
Car roll

~Jessica

Linked with WFMW

Sunday Reflections

noreply@blogger.com (Jessica) — Sun, 27 Nov 2011 11:07:00 +0000

Two traveling angels stopped to spend the night in the home of a wealthy family. The family was rude and refused to let the angels stay in the mansion's guest room. Instead, the angels were given a small space in the cold basement. As they made their bed on the hard floor, the older angel saw a hole in the wall and repaired it. When the younger angel asked why, the older angel replied, "Things aren't always what they seem."

The next night the pair came to rest at the house of a very poor, but very hospitable farmer and his wife. After sharing what little food they had, the couple let the angels sleep in their bed where they could have a good night's rest. When the sun came up the next morning, the angels found the farmer and his wife in tears. Their only cow, whose milk had been their sole income, lay dead in the field.

The younger angel was infuriated and asked the older angel how he could have let this happen? The first man had everything, yet you helped him, he accused. The second family had little, but was willing to share everything, and you let the cow die.

"Things aren't always what they seem," the older angel replied. "When we stayed in the basement of the mansion, I noticed there was gold stored in that hole in the wall. Since the owner was so obsessed with greed and unwilling to share his good fortune, I sealed the wall so he wouldn't find it. "Then last night, as we slept in the farmer's bed, the angel of death came for the farmer's wife. I gave him the cow instead."

"Things aren't always what they seem."

--Author Unknown--

Thursday Thoughts

noreply@blogger.com (Jessica) — Thu, 24 Nov 2011 10:37:00 +0000

What we're really talking about is a wonderful day set aside on the fourth Thursday of November when no one diets. I mean, why else would they call it Thanksgiving?

~Erma Bombeck, "No One Diets on Thanksgiving," 26 November 1981

Reese's Cookie Bites

noreply@blogger.com (Jessica) — Wed, 23 Nov 2011 13:45:00 +0000

These little cookies were super easy to make! Grab a bag of Reese's candies and unwrap - cut in half.

Make (or buy) pie crust. Roll out and cut into circles.

Place 1/2 a Reese's in each circle. Fold as shown. Brush with egg white and sprinkle with a little sugar. Bake until browned.

*You could also substitute any one of the flavored holiday kisses ... yum!