Budget Meal Plans

By Rachel Cotler

WHAT'S FOR DINNER?

For most Americans, juggling life can be very difficult. First you have to contend with long hours at work, endless laundry, dishes,paying bills and of course your children who ask the popular question, "What's for dinner?". Grocery shopping, planning meals, and the preparation of meals take a lot of time, and usually by the end of the week you are so burnt out you end up feeding your dear family hot dogs and mac-n-cheese. Did you know that 63% of Americans are overweight and many people suffer severe health problems because of the food that they eat? There are several ways to cut back on the time spent cooking and preparing food for your family without denting your budget or preparing less than nutritious meals.

THE PLAN

The first important step in starting anything new is to have a plan. First things first, decide how much money you can invest every month on groceries. Make sure you take in account all of the extra items you need for breakfast, and lunch. The plan I have in place is simple. The basic ingredients you should always have in your kitchen should be purchased from a bulk retailer like Cosco, or Sam's Club, where you can purchase large amounts of certain ingredients for a fraction of the price.

For all of your fruits and veggies, try shopping at your local farmer's market. You will save a ton of money and you are supporting your local economy. Now take a look at all the meals you would normally make in a month and find all of the common ingredients. You will probably see, to list a few, Chicken, Pork, Beef, Olive Oil, Garlic, Rice, Pasta, Corn, Green Beans, Cheese, Eggs and Milk. Then you must decide which items will store for a long period of time, that can be bought in bulk, that you can save money on. Shop once a month for these items. Why go to the store several times a month for groceries.

THE EXECUTION

Write your recipes in chronological order. I'm sure you are wondering " What does that mean?". I mean write your recipes down in an order in which one recipe could flow into another recipe. If your going to have Sausage and Peppers over Rice tonight, you should make 3 x the amount your family would consume. When everyone is finished eating dinner you simply throw your Sausage and Peppers into a blender and turn it into a sauce, then split it 2 ways. The first portion left over can be frozen for a quick pasta dinner some other time when your in a hurry, and the second portion can be saved for chicken Parmesan for another meal.

Now for the rice, save the first portion for a chicken and rice dinner and the second left over portion for a quick soup made with left overs. Did you notice the mention to the chicken? This is where time is your friend. When you prepare the chicken for your "chicken and rice dinner", you can prepare the chicken for your chicken Parmesan as well. Then you can just freeze your preparation for a different night. There are so many ideas you can come up with by making a simple list and finding common trends. With a little time and effort you can be feeding your family homemade, quick dinners, that are healthy, every night of the week.

Rachel, is a single mother who writes recipes and meal planning on a budget. You can learn more by visiting my website at http://www.budgetmealplans.com

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Rachel_Cotler
http://EzineArticles.com/?Budget-Meal-Plans&id=1228271

400 Best-Ever Budget Recipes: How to create fuss-free, economical and delicious dishes, with fabulous recipes shown step-by-step in 1300 beautiful photographs; ... low-cost dishes for all the family that

Two Techniques to Grill Whole Chicken

By Paul Yates

Chicken is my nations most popular meat however when it comes to the barbecue it's probably less popular because people are more concerned to ensure that the meat is properly cooked. I've known some even to pre-cook chicken in the microwave first but this really isn't necessary if you follow the basic rules that I've set out before.

Just to re-iterate one point when using a charcoal barbecue grill, always give the coals time to settle before starting to cook (about 45 minutes) because despite chicken being described as a lean meat, the fat that is under the skin mobilizes very quickly and makes for serious flames. You don't get beautiful barbecue chicken with a crispy skin but raw chicken with what looks like an dirty oily coating, best described as a health hazard.

So when it comes to how to barbecue chicken there are essentially four different styles, rotisserie, spatchcock, smoker or roast, the fist two are the ones I'm going to concentrate on being specifically for the grill. Hopefully smoked chicken is self explanatory and roast chicken is great in a kamado ceramic BBQ but maybe that's for another day.

Rotisserie

Rotisserie is when you barbecue chicken on a spit roaster and rotate it over the heat so effectively grilling and continually turning to ensure that the chicken is cooked evenly all over. Rotisserie is probably the most difficult way to barbecue chicken because it's not so easy to tell when the chicken is done and it's important to ensure that the inner cavity is cooked. This means that it needs to be cooked well and for longer than if you were roasting the bird but that doesn't mean that it's going to be dry. The secret is to ensure that your barbecue chicken is basted every 15 minutes with the juices in the drip tray. Check for good cooking either by using a BBQ thermometer or simply stabbing the thigh with a skewer and when the juices run clear (no blood) then it's done. If using a barbecue thermometer then you're looking for a breast temp of 165°F and 180°F in the thigh and wing.

Spatchcock

This is my preferred way of how to barbecue chicken because it's relatively quick (about 45 - 50 minutes) and because the cavity is exposed, you're guaranteed to have the inside well cooked. The challenge is in the preparation because you've got to cut the chicken down either the backbone or the breast bone and this is best done with shears or a sharp knife. When using a knife I tend to cut the breast bone because it's easier. When you finished cutting, flatten the bird and place it in a BBQ basket and then you're ready for the grill, 25 minutes each side and then your done. TIP - less fat drips from the inside of the chicken so cook this side first.

Both the above are essentially grill techniques and to simply turn these into full blown barbecue chicken recipes then simply season with salt and pepper. This will add flavor but most importantly the salt will help crisp up the skin - not the most healthy part of the chicken but certainly tasty. If you then want to enhance the recipe then break out your favorite homemade barbecue sauce.

Resources:

Homemade Barbecue Sauce - Great easy recipes.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Paul_Yates
http://EzineArticles.com/?Two-Techniques-to-Grill-Whole-Chicken&id=1216906

Baked Chicken Parmesan

By Laura Fleenor

Baked Chicken Parmesan is a very tasty main entree for any cook to add to their recipe book. How can you go wrong with chicken, mozzarella cheese, and spaghetti sauce. This recipe is super easy to make, and takes about 10 minutes to prepare, and another 30 minutes to bake. You can actually prepare this entree, and get some things done while your oven does most of the work. Come back after 20 minutes, sprinkle the mozzarella cheese on top of it, and pop it back into the oven. Now you have time to set the table, and the entree is ready after 10 more minutes. You do not have to be a chef to make this entree, it is a very simple recipe to follow. My family truly loves this recipe, and I hope that you and your family love it too.

Ingredients Needed To Prepare This Entree:

4 boneless chicken breasts (1-1 ½ pounds)

1 beaten egg

¾ cup Italian seasoned bread crumbs

1 jar of your favorite spaghetti sauce (26-28 oz.)

1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese (more or less if desired)

**This should serve four**

Directions For Baking This Entree:

1.Preheat oven to 400 degrees F. Dip chicken in beaten egg, then into the bread crumbs, and make sure they are coated well.

2.Arrange chicken in a 9 x 13 glass baking dish (or equivalent) and bake uncovered for about
20 minutes.

3.Pour the spaghetti sauce over the chicken and then spread the cheese on top. Bake another 10 minutes or until the chicken is cooked thoroughly(no longer pink). Serve.

Enjoy your Meal!

Article written by: Laura Fleenor - owner and webmaster of Articles 4 Me And U.com and Particle Articles.com. Laura is also webmaster of K.A.G.E.D. Band.com. Laura holds an AAS in Computer Programming, an AS in Information Technology, and a Certificate of Program Completion in Web Page Design/Publishing.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Laura_Fleenor
http://EzineArticles.com/?Baked-Chicken-Parmesan&id=455194

What's for Dinner? Robin's Fried Chicken, Greens and Elita's Mac n Cheese

By Shannon W.

This is the fried chicken recipe passed on by my sister Robin (with a few slight alterations by me). The collard greens were pre-seasoned, and I just slow cooked them for a few hours for even better flavor. The macaroni and cheese recipe belongs to Gather's own Elita K. It is the best one I have ever found for mac n cheese, and I use it almost every time I make it.

Ingredients

1 cup buttermilk
2 cloves garlic, chopped
season salt
1 whole chicken, cut up
1 cup flour
1 T. salt
2 T. white pepper
1 t cayenne pepper
2 t paprika
vegetable oil for frying

Directions

Mix buttermilk, garlic and season salt. Pour over chicken and marinate overnight. Drain.

Mix flour and remaining seasonings. Add to a large Ziploc type bag. Toss in chicken pieces and coat well. Set coated chicken on a plate and let sit til a "doughy" look forms.

Heat oil in a large cast iron skillet. When nice and hot, add chicken and fry til golden brown and cooked through. Drain on paper bags.

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Super Bowl Recipe - Barbecue Wing Special

It's that time year again when two rivalry's bash helmets to become Super Bowl heroes. The Super Bowl is one of Americas favorite events. Friends and family get together to party and watch their favorite football team play in the Super Bowl. Are you ready for some Super Bowl recipes? I am a huge fan of barbecue wings! While surfing on the internet I came across one of Brandy SummersSpecial Barbecue Wing Recipe. Get your printer ready for this tangy recipe and enjoy!

Recipes for Superbowl Party - Tangy Barbecue Wings
By Brandy Summers

These savory chicken wings are so lip smacking good and will be gone before halftime.

25 (5 pounds) whole chicken wings
2-1/2 cups hot and spicy ketchup
2/3 cup white vinegar
1/2 cup plus 5 tablespoons honey
1/2 cup molasses
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
1/2 teaspoon onion powder
1/2 teaspoon chili powder
1/2 to 1 teaspoon Liquid Smoke, optional

Directions

Preheat oven to 375 degrees.
Prepare two 15x10-inch baking pans with nonstick cooking spray. Cut up the chicken wings into three sections. Discard the wing tips.

Place the chicken wings into the prepared baking pans. Bake, uncovered, for 30 minutes; drain. Turn the wings over and bake for another 20 to 25 minutes, or until chicken juices run clear.

Meanwhile, in a large saucepan, combine the ketchup, vinegar, honey, molasses, salt, Worcestershire sauce, onion powder and chili powder. Add in the Liquid Smoke, if desired. Bring to a boil.

Reduce heat and simmer, uncovered, for 25 to 30 minutes. Drain wings; place 1/3 of wings into a 5-quart slow cooker. Top with 1 cup of sauce. Repeat this two times with remaining wings and sauce.

Cover and cook on low heat for 3 to 4 hours. Stir before serving.

=> Recipes for Superbowl Party: Crab Football Spread

The perfect cheese spread for any football party.

1 (8 oz.) pkg. cream cheese, softened
2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
1 cup provolone cheese, shredded
1 cup crabmeat, drained, flaked and cartilage removed
1 cup cottage cheese
2 tespoons seafood seasoning
2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce
1 teaspoon prepared mustard
Pretzel sticks
Assorted crackers

Directions

In a large mixing bowl, beat the cream cheese until smooth. Add in the cheddar cheese, provolone cheese, crab, cottage cheese, seafood seasoning, Worcestershire sauce and the mustard. Mix well. Cover and refrigerate overnight.

Form the cheese mixture into a football shape with your hands. Arrange pretzel sticks on top to make football laces. Serve with crackers.

=> Recipes for Superbowl Party: Party Pizza Bites

A great party finger food made with pita bread, provolone cheese and salsa.

2 (6-inch) pita pockets
2 large cloves garlic, minced
3 tablespoons olive oil
1 tablespoon butter
1/4 teaspoon oregano
1/4 teaspoon sea salt
1/4 teaspoon pepper
16 slices pepperoni
4 round slices provolone cheese, cut into wedge shapes
1/3 cup medium chunky salsa

Directions

Preheat oven to 375 degrees.
In a heatproof bowl, combine the olive oil, oregano, salt and pepper. Microwave on high heat for 40 seconds. Remove from microwave and stir in the butter; set aside.

Cut each pita pocket into 4 pizza shaped wedges. Cutting along the curved outer edge of each wedge, separate again into 2 pieces. Brush both sides of wedges liberally with the warm olive oil mixture.

Place the wedges, crust side down, onto a baking sheet. Top each wedge with salsa, a slice of provolone cheese and a slice of pepperoni. Drizzle with remaining olive oil and sprinkle with sea salt.

Bake for 15 minutes or until cheese is bubbly. Serve warm.

When you need to make a quick meal, there's nothing like a hot, bubbly homemade casserole to make mouths water and have 'em lining up for seconds. Go here for instant free recipes => http://www.best-casserole-recipes.com

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Brandy_Summers
http://EzineArticles.com/?Recipes-for-Superbowl-Party---Tangy-Barbecue-Wings&id=908788

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Watch movie trailers for up coming movies!

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